The second annual event gave guests a peek into the town's achievements over the past year, while also offering a look at the city's plans and progress for the future.
"It is so great to see that as we have diversified and grown, we continue to create a physical presence in the community," said Chamber President David Cirulli.
Town Manager Virgil Koehne confirmed Cirulli's view, citing the new Old River School (on the north side of Discovery Bay), which will be shared by Knightsen, plus two developments being planned that could eventually bring as many as three thousand new homes to the community.
"We've seen a lot of changes in the real estate community, including some foreclosures, and Discovery Bay has certainly not been immune, but we are also seeing a lot of planned growth out here as well.
"There are plans for a 45-acre business park on Baler and Marsh Creek in the not-too-distant future," said Koehne. "Safeway is also expanding to please us, and the Discovery Bay Shopping Center got a new paint job, if you haven't noticed."
But the two biggest news items of the evening were the assurance that the new ZIP code would soon be in full effect, and that water meters will be required for all Discovery Bay residences.
"That's the biggest change I know," said Koehne, "and a bit of a curse, but by 2010, water meters will have to be installed in every home."
Supervisor Mary Piepho also spoke, highlighting the Board of Supervisor's efforts to make the Vasco Road barrier a reality and bring some wineries into the area in order to support and keep local businesses in town.
"We have a great community here with lots of things happening," said Piepho. "It's an exciting time."
State Assemblyman Guy Houston said that he had three priorities for the residents of Discovery Bay: "Number one is that we will get that $25 to $30 million needed for the barrier on Vasco Road … I also think we need more water availability, and third is education … We're working very hard to get those dollars to you."
Byron Union School District Trustee Lisa Hultz had high praise for both the district and its constituents. "The Byron School District is working hard to keep up and we are having great success," said Hultz. "It's no secret that we have great teachers and that our kids are getting a great education. Both of our schools are scoring in the high 800s on their APIs."
In other school news, Hultz said the district was planning to build a joint-use library that would serve both the school and the community. The project would be paid for with school bond dollars.
"Parents and teachers are the core of our foundation," said Hultz. "Children are our priority, and you make this a wonderful community for us all."
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