Knightsen News

PG&E's rollout of SmartMeters in the Bay Area has resulted in complaints from consumers of unusual spikes in bills and concern that the meters are malfunctioning and over reading electricity usage.

Julie Kameny and her daughter Emily, 8, enjoy some time with their horse, Shawnell - " a typical scene in bucolic Knightsen, where horses still outnumber people.

The team at Kamps Propane in Oakley is celebrating 40 years of service to the far East County community.

John Garamendi, seen here at the dedication of a park bridge in Oakley several months ago, was elected to represent the 10th Congressional District Tuesday.

East Contra Costa Fire Protection District, seen here fighting a blaze in Oakley last month, will soon be governed by a locally-based board of directors.

Contra Costa County supervisors on Tuesday took the first step to vote themselves out as the governing board of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District in favor of a new nine-member board of East County residents.

These frightening characters are among those you will find at 3975 Harvest Circle in Oakley, one of many venues where you can enjoy All Hallows Eve.

White-shirted members of the Future Farmers of America receive a round of applause from an appreciative crowd for their service at the Brentwood Rotary Cluba s Annual Trade Club Dinner last weekend.

Editor: East Contra Costa Historical Society held its annual Community Barbecue on Sept.

Brentwood Regional Community Chest board members recently dropped by to thank the people at Brentwood's NAPA Auto Parts for their continuing support of fundraisers and toy drives.

The unemployment rate varies depending on where you live in East County - " from the nearly non-recessionary 6.5 percent in Byron to the Great Depression level of nearly 20 percent in Knightsen - " but unemployment has steadily increased this year in all areas.

Democratic Lt. Gov. John Garamendi, above, will face off against Republican candidate David Harmer for the 10th District congressional seat in November.

No dues or fees. All are welcome. Kaiser Permanente Deer Valley, 4501 Sand Creek Road, Classroom 2-B, Antioch.

Work started this week on a project designed to protect an endangered Delta fish and in the process ensure that people and businesses throughout Contra Costa County have a consistent water supply.

Most of the half-dozen school districts from Antioch to Discovery Bay are edging closer to or have met the performance goal the state has set for them, according to the latest round of scores released this week.

Redmen Juniors take county league title: The Oakley-Brentwood Redman Juniors won the county league junior baseball championship Saturday when they defeated the Pittsburg Minnows 8 to 6. The game was played under the lights in the Pittsburg City Park.

Annual Almond Festival this weekend: Ben Toasted is back for his 20th birthday. The unofficial mascot for Oakley's Almond Festival will be one of several attractions at O'Hara Park as the Oakley Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual community event.

Safety fair is sept. 26: The public is invited to a free health and safety fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept.

The council will hear a presentation by eBART project manager Ellen Smith about eBART funding issues.

Cellular devotees might be pleased to hear that T-Mobile has petitioned the Town of Discovery Bay to erect an aesthetically pleasing - " think palm trees or evergreens - " cell phone tower around the Slifer Park area near Timber Point Elementary School .