Font ResizeBRENTWOOD
Scarecrow contest set at City Park
Scarecrows in the Park will fill City Park in downtown Brentwood with custom-designed scarecrows from local residents starting on Friday.
This is Brentwood's first Scarecrows in the Park event with ribbons awarded in the two categories of nonprofessional and design professional.
Judging will occur between Oct. 20 and 25 and the winners will be announced before the Movie in the Park on Oct. 26.
-- Paula King
BRENTWOOD
Tarantula Run will return Saturday
The Los Vaqueros Tarantula Run will return on Saturday after a hiatus due to the reservoir's expansion in Brentwood. The trail run will appeal to various athletic abilities, including a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and a children's 1K run.
The courses consist of both hilly dirt and gravel roads and trails along with a variety of wild animals and birds. Located at 100 Walnut Avenue, the reservoir and watershed is made up of 20,000 acres of land, including 55 miles of hiking and running trails.
Check-in and registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. followed by races starting between 8 and 10 a.m. Every participant will receive a commemorative T-shirt, refreshments, snacks and free admission to Los Vaqueros.
Prices range from $15 to $25 registration can be completed online at
-- Paula King
BRENTWOOD
Family Aquatic Complex to close for the winter
The Brentwood Family Aquatic Complex will close for the winter season on Oct. 27. The water park on Balfour Road will reopen in February 2013.
Currently, the pool is open weekdays for lap swimming from 5:30 to 8 a.m., 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. Users must be adults and teens age 13 or older.
-- Paula King
EAST COUNTY
County boards, commissions have openings
There are several openings for Contra Costa County residents represented by Supervisor Federal Glover who would like to sit on a county board or commission.
Openings are available on the Assessment Appeals Board, Clyde Citizens Advisory Committee, Crockett-Carquinez Fire Protection District, Economic Opportunity Council, Emergency Medical Care Committee and the Pachecho Advisory Council.
The vacancies are the result of the expiring terms and resignations of current members.
People who are interested in being considered to fill a vacancy should contact Glover's office at 925-335-8200 to obtain an application or more information. Completed applications must be received by Glover's office no later the close of business Oct. 26.
-- Eve Mitchell
ANTIOCH
'Compy' fishing derby is set for Saturday
Kids ages 3 to 12, and their families, are invited to come out to the Contra Loma Regional Park this Saturday morning to reel in some fishing fun.
The 25th annual Get Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs or Gangs day is being held 9 a.m. to noon at the park, located off Lone Tree Way.
The fishing derby is sponsored by the West Delta Chapter of the California Striped Bass Association, and honors of Uril "Compy" Compomizzo, the derby's original organizer.
"It's a good way to gets kids away from the TV or video games, and enjoy the outdoors. There are some that don't know about fishing," said Roger Lund, the chapter's event organizer.
Participants do not need to bring bait for the fish or fishing poles. The event includes food and beverages and kids leave with a fishing-themed prize.
Adult rods and reels are available for those with current IDs. There is a $5 parking fee.
For more information, call Lund at 925-754-3938.
-- Paul Burgarino
OAKLEY
Essay contest planned in honor of veterans
Do you know a member of the military you admire?
In recognition of Veterans Day, the city of Oakley is holding an art and essay contest for K-12 students who live in the community.
Young people are invited to express their thoughts about a military veteran they know through words or a picture. Entries will be grouped by grade level into three categories: K-5, 6-8, and 9-12.
Students in grades K-5 are to submit a picture with a caption; those in grades 6-12 must compose a typewritten essay of 300 to 500 words.
Entries along with an entry form must be emailed to marquez@ci.oakley.ca.us by 5 p.m. Nov. 2.
Contestants can find the entry form on the city's website at www.ci.oakley.ca.us under the "News & Events" tab.
Winners will be invited to read their essay on Veterans Day during Oakley's observance ceremony at City Hall.
First-place winners also will receive a $50 cash prize and have their essays published in the city's weekly e-newsletter.
-- Rowena Coetsee
OAKLEY
Programs offer a little bit of everything
Oakley's recreation classes this fall range from Argentine tango to zumba and plenty in between.
The city's Fall/Winter Recreation Guide is now available online at www.oakleyinfo.com as well as at City Hall, 3231 Main St.
The catalog features classes and other events that will take place through March 2013.
New classes include Baby Signs for infants through 3-year-olds, rebound basketball for grades K to 5, and a fertility/healthy pregnancy class for would-be parents.
Returning favorites include ballet, tap, aikido, karate, tennis and ballroom dancing.
In addition, another weeklong Lego Camp will take place over the fall school break.
The state Department of Fish and Game will hold a session in hunter safety next spring.
Among the online courses is driver's education and computer skills for the workplace as well as one preparing students to take the SAT and ACT tests.
For more information, call 925-625-7044 or email Coelho@ci.oakley.ca.us.
-- Rowena Coetsee, Staff
ANTIOCH
Two vacancies on economic development commission
The city is looking for a couple of civic-minded residents with a interest in enhancing its economic base to fill two vacancies on its economic development commission.
The empty positions would fill out existing terms, which end June 2013.
The seven-member Economic Development Commission addresses economic development issues within the city and makes recommendations to the City Council and staff regarding policies, regulations, marketing, development strategies and planning activities.
The goal is to enhance Antioch's economic base and create quality jobs.
Commissioners must either be an Antioch resident or own a business in the city. Members must file annual financial disclosure forms.
Meetings are held 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month, once every two months.
Online applications must be completed by 5 p.m. Nov. 9. Applications are available at http://ci.antioch.ca.us/Human-Resources/ by clicking on the "Job Opportunities" link.
-- Paul Burgarino, Staff
