Farmers’ Market Savings Book Inside
JetSuiteX begins commercial flights to Burbank, Vegas from Buchanan IT’S YOUR PAPER
www.concordpioneer.com
From the desk of...
April 22, 2016
925.672.0500
Scheduled charters promise ease for travelers
LAuRA hoffmeiSTeR
PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
mayoR
Maintaining infrastructure key goal for city
The City Council held a workshop a few Saturdays ago to take a close look at the preliminary Capital Budget. Not surprisingly, we learned we have far more capital needs than the resources to meet them. So that’s our challenge going forward. In past years, the City Council passed both the Operational Budget and the Capital Budget in June, before the start of our fiscal year on July 1. PhoTo CouRTeSy of JeTSuiTeX Last year, we started a two-year a new company, JetsuiteX, launched its inauguRal flights fRom concoRd’s Buchanan field this week, with flights between the east Bay and Burbank, CA. There will also be a weekend flight to and from Las Vegas. The company
See Mayor, page 6 hopes to tap into the dense business traveler population in central Contra Costa County.
Contra Costa County is taking off, quite literally, as a new charter jet service is roaring to life at Concord’s Buchanan Field. JetSuiteX, a new venture from private jet company JetSuite, launched their first flights from Concord to Burbank earlier this week. They will offer round-trips up to three times daily, as well as a weekend jaunt to Las Vegas. “This is a long overdue service to the community,” said Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, who helped broker the deal when JetSuiteX approached the county in February. “They said they wanted to launch in April, and I was
See JetSuiteX, page 5
City, Lennar continue CNWS Master Developer talks PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
Guy Bjerke didn’t think it would happen like this. When he was hired on as Concord’s Director of Community Reuse Planning, he was just weeks away from taking over the reins from Michael Wright, who was finishing up the Master Developer process for the city’s Golden Egg, the Concord Naval Weapons Station. The staff had identified a clear leader — Catellus Corp. — of the two candidates, and the city council, in closed session, had agreed with the staff making that recommendation. But now, more than six months later, there is still no master developer, the recommended developer is no longer in the picture, and the remaining candidate, Lennar Urban, is still facing tough negotiations with the city to come up with a term sheet that will allow the city to develop what council member Dan Helix calls ”a gold mine.” “No, this has not gone at all like I expected,” Bjerke said. “But I’ve taken enough bullets in my lifetime,” said the former Concord mayor. “I can handle it.” The Catellus departure was a surprise for many in the city, who say that company’s term sheet was far superior to
Lennar’s. Some say Catellus walked away, others say they were pushed by a sense that they wanted a vote of confidence from the city. Catellus and the City could not come to an agreement on a last-minute change in their term sheet that would have put the city at risk, Bjerke said. The company had asked that, if selected, the City would reimburse the company’s additional $350,000 deposit if it didn’t approve a final contract with Catellus or reach an agreement with the Navy. Catellus also wanted to begin accruing fees 60 days after its selection as master developer, which the city would pay in full if the contract were never finalized. Bjerke said those changes would have shifted up to $700,000 in financial risk from Catellus to Concord and was not financially prudent for Concord. They recommended that the council reject the company’s request and refund the $250,000 deposit. Despite Helix’s plea that the city keep Catellus in the running, Mayor Laura Hoffmeister and Council member Edi Birsan agreed with Bjerke, and reimbursed Catellus the deposit. Council member Tim Grayson has recused himself from the master developer section, and council member Ron Leone lives too close to the reuse proj-
ect that it would be a conflict of interest for him to vote on the matter, according to state law. “In my view, it was a mutual parting of the ways” Bjerke said of Catellus’ departure. But it seems ironic that now
the city is holding up the Catellus CNWS to keep negotiating with term sheet as the one Lennar Lennar to work out a series of concerns they had on the term should emulate. sheet, including funds for BACK TO THE TABLE affordable housing, off-site On April 13, the city council roadway improvements, use of directed the staff working on the binding arbitration, the right to
develop future phases of the project, and the firm’s use of a limited liability corporation structure. They also agreed to add in
See CNWS, page 4
Hot market keeps renters on edge Editor’s Note: This is the first in a three-part series on rental and housing issues in Concord. Next up: The push for rent controls. PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
Steven Scott has been keeping his eye on the Concord real estate market ever since he and husband Pat Hardy moved from Boston a year ago. They knew they wanted to buy a home here. The weather, amenities, restaurants, Baldwin Dog Park and the cute downtown around Todos Santos Plaza were all big draws, as well as the proximity to BART. Problem was, they weren’t the only ones. They bid on and lost three houses in a highly competitive market, finding their new Sun Terrace home only after the first buyer dropped out. “We came in
Tamara Steiner/Concord Pioneer
Rents aRe Rising so quickly in concoRd that some landlords don’t even bother to change the signs—just the amount, as seen here on this apartment building on Robin Lane.
at the right moment,” he says. “We lucked out.” Concord houses are being snatched off the market at a record pace. “It’s hot right
now,” Scott says. But if it’s hot for buyers, it’s blistering for those seeking rentals in Contra Costa’s largest city, city leaders and
real estate agents say. “We just don’t have a lot of inventory, as we are built out,” says Concord City Councilman Dan Helix. “Besides the promise of the Concord Naval Weapons Station development, we are now looking at small islands, or infills, on which to build.” He remembers a very different time in the early 1970s when
See Housing, page 2
inside
Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Community . . . . . . . . . . .3
From the desk of . . . . . .6 School News . . . . . . . .14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Performing Arts . . . . . .20
Page 2
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
City objects to proposed restricted access to Express Lanes from Hwy 242 to WC
In Brief...
camp concord needs volunteers
Volunteer for a Spring Work Weekend at Camp Concord in South Lake Tahoe on may 6-8. meals and lodging for the weekend are provided. Work weekend consists of organizing, cleaning, raking and helping with cabin improvements. The whole family is welcome. Camp staff will be onsite offering activities for children. To register, contact Camp Director, Laura Bryan at laura.bryan@cityofconcord.org or call (925) 671-3006.
kops for kids fundraiser
Run, Walk or Roll next Saturday with Contra Costa Kops for Kids. The 10K, 5K and 1mile races on April 30 start and end at the Lazy Dog Restaurant in the Willows Shopping Center in Concord. entry fee includes a Tshirt, goody bag, food and drink and the chance to win prizes. Race entry fee begins at $25. Wheelchairs, hand bikes, strollers and wellbehaved dogs on leashes are welcome. Races start at 8 a.m. The event benefits Kops for Kids, a non-profit organization of active and retired peace officers who mentor at-risk teens. The Willows is at 1975 Diamond Blvd., Concord. Register at contracostakopsforkids.org. for more info, call (925) 827-1998.
continued next page
assured the city the buffer zone was the result of “significant study and discussions with Caltrans and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.” “It was determined that a buffer zone should be included between the I-680/(SR-4) interchange and the I-680/North Main off-ramp to ensure the overall system provides a safe and reliable travel experience for all users,” he said. Iwasaki cited the difficulties of safely merging vehicles from 242 across multiple lanes of traffic on 680 in order to reach the High-Occupancy Vehicle/ Express Lane (HOV/EL). He said officials considered ramp metering, but it was ruled out in the detailed traffic modeling studies. “Ramp metering would not make a difference
JOHN T. MILLER Correspondent
Concord city officials don’t like the proposed restrictions on a new Express Lane on Interstate 680. In a letter to the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, Concord city manager Valerie Barone questioned the installation of a buffer zone that would restrict access to the I-680 Express Lane from Highway 242 in Concord to North Main Street in Walnut Creek. Barone also asked the CCTA to consider ramp metering on Highways 4 and 242, suggesting this would be a cost-effective way to smooth traffic flow during morning commute hours. In response, CCTA executive director Randy Iwasaki
Housing, from page 1
he served on the council. Developers would complain: “We don’t have enough lots.” The council would approve new building—without discussion, environmental reports or any other zoning issues, Helix says. “Subdivisions were springing up like wildflowers.”
more rentals. That pushes home prices lower, so people start buying again.” With banks tightening borrowing restrictions since the Great Recession, he sees much more demand for rentals, from young people to families. Focusing on single-family homes, townhouses and condos, he has seen a huge leap in rental prices in just the past year. From Jan. 1 to April 1 2015, in Central Contra Costa County —Concord, Clayton, Pleasant Hill, Martinez and Walnut Creek —the average rental on a home was $2,500. The lowest price point registered with the Contra Costa Association of Realtors was $1,350. Just one year later, the aver-
UNUSUALLY HIGH PRICE JUMPS
With 32 years in the real estate business, Rob Baldwin of Century 21 and Baldwin Property Management has seen a lot of “ups and downs” in the local market. But today’s hot real estate market is unprecedented. “Usually it’s a cycle,” he says. “You have people buying, then the prices go up, so there are
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unless the SR-242 connector to I-680 was metered … during the peak travel hours, essentially the same number of vehicles enter the SR-242 and I-680 merge, regardless of whether or not upstream ramp metering is used for individual onramps,” Iwasaki told the city. The plan is part of the development of a 550-mile network of Bay Area Express Lanes that are free for carpools, buses, motorcycles and other eligible vehicles. Solo motorists who choose to pay a toll can also use Express Lanes. The buffer is designated by a double white stripe, which is illegal to cross. The sheer number of onramps in a relatively short distance is another reason CCTA chose the buffer. In addition to 242, traffic enters I-680 on Mon-
ument Boulevard and Contra Costa Boulevard in rapid succession before vehicles will be able to enter the HOV/EL at North Main. “Concord is the largest city in Contra Costa County,” says Concord Vice Mayor Ron Leone. “I don’t understand why they’re denying access from Concord and East County.” Leone spoke against the barrier at a CCTA meeting last month. He says the merge is not dangerous during the morning commute, since traffic is moving so slowly. He disputed CCTA staff who said it is not safe for Highway 242 drivers to weave into the express lane. “All drivers have to weave to get to any HOV or Express Lane,” Leone wrote in a column for the Pioneer. “They said this
situation is different because of where they plan to place the barriers. I said, ‘Then don’t put up the barriers there.’ ” Leone noted that since CCTA isn’t placing any barriers from the Benicia Bridge until Highway 242, they should eliminate the barrier until after Walnut Creek. “That would be more equitable and help traffic flow better.” Iwasaki’s suggests that East County and Concord drivers use Highway 4 to enter 680, enabling them to enter the HOV/EL at that interchange. However, this could create an additional logjam on an already overused and antiquated cloverleaf, Leone said. Motorists can also access the HOV/EL from I-680 at Concord Avenue or Willow Pass Road in Concord.
just 16 rental properties available. In Concord, there were only four. Of course, many renters prefer to rent their properties via Craig’s List or other online sources. He says that in the time he stated, the lowest rental was a two-bedroom, two-bath condo on Kirker Pass Road that ended up renting for $1,750 per month. “It was only 833 sq. ft.,” he says. “A garage is about 400 sq. ft.” He didn’t even look at the apartment rental market, which has come under fire recently by local civic activists who are seeing low-income apartment INVESTIGATING rental rates skyrocket. RENTAL HIKES Concord city staff is lookInventory for rentals is ing into these rental hikes, and extremely low. In the five cities Helix says that some type of Baldwin looked at, there were rent control may be needed.
“We’d need to look at and understand all the ramifications,” he says. “But that’s why it’s so important to get the right developer and development plans on track at the Concord Naval Weapons Station,” he adds. “We need affordable housing mixed in with the other housing—not all highpriced homes in one place, and a low-income ‘ghetto’ in another.” He is a proponent of building multi-housing units clustered around transit, where people don’t necessarily need a car to get around. Baldwin estimates that prices may start going down after the presidential election. “It’s a usual cycle,” he says. “But in this market, who knows?”
age price of a rental is $2,784, with a median price of $2,650. “And this is our slow season,” Baldwin says. “Spring and summer are usually much busier in the real estate business. And while we’ll see inventory go up, we’ll see prices go up as well.” He has a client who lived on Arizona Drive in Concord, near the Clayton border, who had been renting out her three-bedroom, two-bath 1,123 sq. ft. home for $1,700 a month. After her tenants moved out, she rented it again for $2,300 a month. “She could have got a lot more, but she didn’t want to gouge the renters,” he says.
1270 New York Dr. – Concord
lot with boat/rv parking.
Broker, Clayton Resident
cell: (925) 348-5700 georgevujnovich@sbcglobal.net
www.georgevujnovich.com
Lifelong Clayton/Concord Resident
www.jenniferstojanovich.com
Realtor-Associate, Clayton Resident
(925) 408-3184, Donald.kent.howard@gmail.com
Realtor-Associate, Clayton Residents,
(925) 890-4701, Dianemariehayes25@yahoo.com
homesbydianehayes.com
provided by Better Homes Realty
ADDRESS
PRICE
3042 Santa Paula Dr . . . . . . $715,000 1586 Placer Dr . . . . . . . . . . . $460,000 3155 Ameno Rd . . . . . . . . . . $435,000 825 Oak Grove Rd #90 . . . . $410,000 5491 Florida Dr . . . . . . . . . . $575,000 3733 Northridge Dr . . . . . . . $840,000 2827 Monument Blvd #1 . . . $193,000
4706 Curletto Dr. – Concord
PENDING — Stunning Updated home with
SF
$679,000
121 Mt. Shasta Ct. – Clayton
In a great court location! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approximately 2619sf! Updated kitchen. RV/Boat parking. Inground pool with separate spa. Access to greenbelt at the end of the court. $839,000
Diane and Bill Hayes
Concord Market Update
Story in Montelena! Extensively upgraded throughout! 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, approx. 3785sf. Gorgeous gourmet kitchen! Refreshing in-ground pool! $749,000
PENDING — Fantastic Dana Hills Rancher!
howardhomeseastbay.com
Cal BRE #01222762
COMING SOON
first floor master suite! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 updated baths. Striking modern kitchen with custom cabinets, ss appliances & granite counters. Large backyard!
Don Howard
Cal BRE #01846446
granite kitchen! A must see!
Amazing Clayton Valley Highlands Remodel! 3 bedrooms, 2 updated baths! Extensively updated from top to bottom! Gorgeous slab
PENDING — Sensational Sprawling single
(925) 567-6170, jenstojanovich@yahoo.com Cal BRE #01446062
$569,000
1839 St. Michaels Wy.–Brentwood
Jennifer Stojanovich Broker-Associate,
Sensational & Updated Single Story! In desirable Clayton Valley Highlands. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx.. 1437sf on a large
5536 Pennsylvania Blvd. – Concord
(925) 672-4433
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April 22, 2016
18 Saratoga Court – Alamo
PENDING — Roundhill Country Club! Spa-
cious Executive Home on an approximate ½ acre lot. 5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 2741 sf! Downstairs bed/bath. $1,195,000
BED/BATH SALE DATE ADDRESS
. . . . .1459 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . . .4/8/16 . . . . .2069 . . . . . .5/3 . . . . . . . .4/6/16 . . . . .1088 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . . .4/5/16 . . . . .1447 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . . .4/1/16 . . . . .1232 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . .3/31/16 . . . . .2453 . . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . .3/28/16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1/1 . . . . . . .3/25/16
97 Mt. Whitney Way.–Clayton
Terrific Dana Hills Rancher! 4 bedrooms, 3 full updated baths, approx. 2481sf, 2+ car garage, possible RV/Boat parking & an in-ground pebble tech pool with built-in spa. Updated kitchen! Downstairs bedroom with full bath.
$749,000
1189 Shell Lane – Clayton
Chaparral Springs at Oakhurst Country Club! Sought after Willow model with downstairs bedroom and full bath! 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx. 1709sf with inside laundry and 2 car attached garage!
Coming Soon
795 Silver Hills Dr. – Brentwood
Exceptional Custom Built Estate in Exclusive Gated Silver Hills Community! Gentleman’s ranch on 11.40 acres! 4 bedrooms, library, bonus room, 4.5 baths, approx. 4816sf & 6 car garage. A must see to believe! $1,699,000
32 Essex Court – Alamo
Roundhill Country Club! Exceptional & Exquisite Single Level Custom Estate of Highest Quality Craftsman Style Construction & Design built in 2004! 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, approx. 4501sf! Separate Cabana with additional full bath. Resort style .57 acre lot backs to golf course with pool, spa, sport court, outdoor kitchen & 3-tier pond. Sensational gourmet kitchen. Wine cellar. Lavish master suite! $2,525,000
S OL D
PRICE
1831 Elkwood Dr . . . . . . . . . $527,000 1418 Indian Ln . . . . . . . . . . . $304,055 1560 Talisman Wy . . . . . . . . $583,000 4413 Arrowwood Ct . . . . . . . $616,250 1426 Rosal Ln . . . . . . . . . . . $425,000 2148 Bluerock Cir . . . . . . . . $580,000
SF
BED/BATH SALE DATE
. . . . .1681 . . . . . .4/2 . . . . . . .3/23/16 . . . . .966 . . . . . . .2/2 . . . . . . .3/18/16 . . . . .2141 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . .3/17/16 . . . . .2130 . . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . .3/17/16 . . . . .805 . . . . . . .2/1 . . . . . . .3/16/16 . . . . .1572 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . .3/16/16
COMMUNITY
April 22, 2016
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 3
In Brief...
Round up for cancer
Soroptimists honor women for contributions to our community
The Soroptimists of Diablo Vista celebrated this year’s Women of Distinction last month at the Contra Costa Country Club. Emma Walsh received the Violet Richardson award for her non-profit Holding
Concord names new city attorney
susanne meyeR BRown
The City Council has approved the appointment of Susanne Meyer Brown as the new city attorney. She replaces Mark Coon who died last year. Brown has served as Senior Assistant City Attorney since 2012. Prior to joining the City, she was a partner in the law firm of Burke Williams and Sorensen. She has 20 years experience in municipal law. Her annual salary is $218,700.
Hearts, which improves the lives of children here and abroad through monetary donations, supplies or activities. Her first project was a school supplies drive for a school on Little Corn Island, Nicaragua, that she had visited with her family. Locally, she organized and ran a Valentine’s Day party at Monument Crisis Center and has provided shoes for 60 lowincome children in the Concord area. Tatiana Vinzant, the Marie Broman award winner, is a single mom attending Diablo Valley College. She plans to become a preschool teacher and eventually open her own day-care. She wants to help other women so they can have a safe, happy place for their children to learn. “Children are a constant rock in my life,” Vinzant says. “I’ve always been around them and I see the effect I have on them. I can give them that spark that learning is fun.” The Live Your Dream Awards assists women who are the primary source of financial support for their families by giving them resources to improve their education, skills and employment prospects. This year’s winner, Princess Recosana, is enrolled in an accelerated nursing program. As a single mother with a baby who was born with several severe health issues, Recosana had a sense of urgency about completing her vocational education. Once she receives her LVN license, she plans to work for at least six months to gain experience and also focus on planning her daugh-
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Clayton
$599,000
Chaparral Springs – Light & Bright 3 bedroom, 3 bath townhome with a 2 car, attached garage. Beautifully maintained end unit with soaring ceilings, inside laundry & tile fireplace. Entertain on the back patio with gorgeous views overlooking the Oakhurst golf course.
Clayton
$670,000
Dana Hills — Large lot on quiet cul-de-sac with fruit trees, flagstone patio and partial view of Mt Diablo. Single story with 4 bedrooms & 2 baths, dual pane windows, hardwood flooring and stone fireplace in living room. Great courtyard, RV Access and 2 car garage. Michelle Gittleman, (925) 768-0352 MichelleGittleman.com Cal BRE# 01745325
tea for mom Photo: Jo harlow
chRistine caRdin, maRy shepheRd, Princess Recosana, Tatiana Vinzant, Debbie Toth, emma Walsh, Carol Vogl and Karen Jameson were named Women of Distinction by the Diablo Vista Soroptimists.
ter’s next big surgery. She wants to continue her education to get a BSN. Debbie Toth, CEO of Rehabilitation Services of Northern California, make a difference in our community through service to seniors and people with disabilities. The group’s mission is to “promote dignity and independence of people with disabilities and other special needs.” They serve more than 600 people each year in its four programs in Contra Costa County. After moving to the Bay Area in 1999, Karen Jameson joined Soroptimist in Pleasant Hill. She has been club president twice and is always dependable, hardworking and fun-loving. Her people and organizational skills make her an excellent role model and leader. Although she now lives in Vallejo, she enjoys
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Clayton’s American Cancer Society Relay for Life will kick off summer on June 11 with an evening of cowboy fun at the easley Ranch on old marsh Creek Road in Clayton. Generous sponsors have covered the full cost of the event, so 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society. for tickets to the event, go to RoundupforRelay.wix.com or call 925-609-4ACS
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Concord
$779,000
Clayton
$549,000
Ayers Ranch – Completely remodeled 4 bedroom, 3 bath rancher on over a half acre. Gourmet kitchen with Quartz countertops and stainless appliances. Gorgeous laminate flooring, dual pane windows, and crown molding. Separated master retreat w/ walk in closet & a luxurious bathroom. Wonderful grounds, perfect for entertaining with pool, patio and deck.
Chaparrel Springs — Exceptional, remodeled townhouse located in desirable Oakhurst Country Club community. Open floor plan including 3 bedrooms & 2.5 baths, “see through” fireplace, soaring ceilings and skylight. Backs to the golf course with beautiful views. Close enough to walk to town! Michelle Gittleman, (925) 768-0352 MichelleGittleman.com Cal BRE# 01745325
staying involved with her friends “over the bridge.” Since starting Dress A Child Around the World four years ago, Carol Vogl has provided 6,000 dresses for girls in 27 countries as well as 1,000 pairs of shorts for boys. Volunteers gather at Christ the King twice a month to sew the pillowcase dresses and shorts on 15 donated machines. Vogl started volunteering with a national organization but went out on her own so she could do more. Mary Shepherd and Christine Cardin have been working together to improve life in our community for more than 20 years. Quietly, they adopted families in the Monument Corridor in Concord – providing food, clothes and gifts. Originally, their coworkers at the Contra Costa Times shared the expenses.
Lynne & Sylvia offer free staging on ALL LISTINGS
After retirement, they saved their money and shopped all year for bargains. In addition, they worked on holiday adoption programs for Cambridge Community Center and the Monument Crisis Center. They also helped Soroptimist of Concord and Diablo Vista by judging the Women’s Opportunity Awards (now the Live Your Dream Award) for five years.
please send community news items to
editor@concordpioneer.com include write up and high-resolution photo.
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Clayton
$899,000
Antioch
$399,900
Jeffrey Ranch – Picture perfect 3 bedroom, 3 bath home with upgrades galore. Custom cabinetry and lighting systems, high end appliances and gorgeous porcelain tile throughout. 2 Master suites with walk in closets, and one with a separate shoe closet. Built in surround sound system, Italian tile fireplace, & double wine cooler. Pool & Trex decking.
Meadow Brook — Beautiful trilevel home with one bed and bath on first level. 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, formal dining and inside laundry room. Bright and open kitchen with granite counters. Family room with brick fireplace leading to a large, drought tolerant backyard. Denise Powell , (925) 813-1256 DPowell@windermere.com Cal BRE#01954081
Report maintenance problems with new app
A new, free Smartphone app for Android and Apple devices makes it easy to report potholes, graffiti and other eyesores around town. Concord Connect replaces the old Civic hero app that came out in 2014. With the new app, users can mark the location of the problem, check the status of their report and follow up. Download the app from the Apple Store or GooglePlay. Visit the city’s website at cityofconcord.org for more info.
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The Concord historical Society will host their annual Spring Tea at the Don francisco Galindo house located at 1721 Amador Avenue, Concord, on may 6, 7 and 8. There will be two sittings each day, at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Call 925229-0529 reservations. Tickets $35 a person.
Concord
$399,000
Clayton
$549,000
Clayton Valley Highlands – Attention Investors! There are unlimited possibilities with this handyman special. Approximately 1,679 square feet including 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Great neighborhood near shopping and schools.
Diablo Ridge — Spectacular 3 bedroom 2.5 bath townhome including a master suite with soaking tub and walk in closet. Light and bright with gourmet kitchen and 2 way fireplace. Tranquil setting on golf course with gorgeous views of hills. Heather Gray (925) 765-3822 RealEstatebyHeather.com Cal BRE#01329100
Assisting More Buyers & Sellers than Anyone Else* *Statistics based on Clayton/Concord and Contra Costa County Closed sales by volume (1/2014-12/31/2014). Data by Maxebrdi
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Page 4
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Broaden your research before buying a home
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Pete Laurence
Broker, Realtor, GRI DRE#00344166 A ReMax Hall of Fame Realtor
KNOWLEDGE
ReMax Real Estate–Walnut Creek office Selling Clayton & all Contra Costa
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Q: We are about to buy our dream home. This will be our first house, and I get so excited when I see a home that seems to fit our needs. What are some things to consider before we are in a contract to buy? A: I assume that you have answered the large questions before submitting your bid. For instance, number of bedrooms, yard size. Here are a few other things you might also consider: 1. Is there a homeowner’s association? If so, have you studied its rules? Will the association approve your plans to put in a deck, spa or any out buildings you plan to build? 2. How will your furniture fit? Get the measurements of every room and measure your larger pieces of furniture, including the entertainment
center, sofa and beds. Sketch out the new rooms on graph paper so you can see at a glance how and where your furnishings will fit. Most firsttime buyers can’t afford to buy all new furniture. 3. What is the noise level after dark? The neighborhood may seem quiet during the day, but is it near a freeway or busy street? Is there a fire station nearby? Consider a visit at night or during rush hour to check out the noise factor.
April 22, 2016
Paint or restain dull cabinets and/or update the pulls with new hardware. If the room is too boxy, try a portable island. It adds a focal point as well as extra storage and counter space. Any bathroom can benefit from more light. A modern light fixture is one of the least expensive ways to update your bathroom. If you like, paint an accent wall in a vibrant color with contrasting pillows thrown around the living room to add drama. A large mirror will reflect light and color, and silk or real plants add elegance and charm. For kid’s rooms, use a wallpaper border in a pattern chosen by the child. You can add painted furniture and toy storage bins. For the master bedroom, use a plain white comforter with a two-foot wide strip of colorful fabric over the lower third of the bed. Use the same fabric to create a window valance.
Q: We saved for a long time before we were able to buy our first home. Moving in was sweet. We want to make it look and feel like our own style. The problem is that we have little money left. What can we do on a shoestring? A: Plenty, says a friend of mine who is a designer. Start with clean, bare walls. A light and neutral color will give you a fresh palette to start. Next, focus on one room at a time Q: I have worked hard to and think of ways you can get my house ready for sale. bring each to life.
CNWS, from page 1 ideas Helix suggested, including providing information about how Concord could act as its own master developer or form a joint powers authority — perhaps with the Mt. Diablo Unified School District — to develop the former military base if the city, ultimately, is unable to reach an agreement with Lennar. Helix — who said he came back to the council in 2011 and was reelected in 2012 because of his experience working with the state’s Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) — was adamant that this “city jewel” be redeveloped in a way that most benefits Concord. “This is a once in a lifetime, unparalleled, opportunity to deliver a world-class development and to generate revenue for the City,” Helix said. “We must, and I expect will, get 100 percent of what is available for us or chalk up this process to experience and start over.” His main sticking point was his concern about Lennar’s creation of a Limited Liability Corporation to be the legal master developer and hold title to the land. This would put the city at risk should the project run into financial problems. Lennar representatives say this is how they have handled other big projects. “If Lennar wants to have an LLC with other builders and sub-contractors I don’t care,” he said. “But when Lennar contracts with us concerning infrastructure, affordable housing, off-site roadway construction and public benefit projects, I don’t want them to back out
claiming they can’t perform and that their liability is limited.” As Helix told Lennar at last week’s meeting, “To put it in plain English, if you don’t have enough confidence in your ability to guarantee the terms you promise to fulfill in an amended Term Sheet, then why should we have any confidence in you?” Lennar Urban president Kofi Bonnar has said he is willing to accept most of the city’s proposed terms.
REBUILDING TRUST Bonner was put on the hot seat when Birsan brought up the elephant in the room: Donations to Council member Tim Grayson’s Assembly campaign by companies and individuals who work with Lennar. In the Jenkins Report, the independent counsel’s accounting of the situation, Bonner was found to have orchestrated the campaign to get companies to donate to Grayson’s bid, a situation that has eroded the trust in the company in the eyes of many city residents. “You’ve heard the audience here and elsewhere talk about the ‘original sin’ in donating to a council member’s Assembly campaign” Birsan told Bonner. “There is a pitchfork and tar and feather outrage in the community with many people feeling that alone should disqualify you from the process. “How do we go forward with this ‘original sin’?” Birsan said. While Bonner did not apologize for his company’s actions, he did say he regretted what had
happened. “They were wellintentioned,” he said but also stated that had he known that such actions would have been seen in such a light, at least in legal parameters, he would not have done what he did. He said he himself is a “political animal” of sorts and that as a resident of Contra Costa County — he lives in Walnut Creek — he was interested in supporting a man he knew and respected. The $4000 contributions came from companies that are associated with Lennar, but Bonner himself did not make a contribution to Grayson’s campaign. Still, he called the contributions a “personal action” that had nothing to do with Lennar as a company. “Lennar doesn’t give political contributions,” he said, adding that it made charitable donations instead. The contributions, he said “were not a Lennar issue.” Grayson has denied knowing that any of the contributions were associated with Lennar, and quickly gave back all of the funds. But the damage had already been done. “You have caused an innocent person to be unfairly maligned,” Helix said, referring
What is one more thing that I can do to spruce up my curb appeal? A: Your front door is an important place to focus. It is nice to come home to a welcoming front door. 1. Choose a front door that reflects the style and personality of your home. Paint or stain it to make it a focal point. Red, black or a nice stain are good choices. 2. Just like with any room in the house, accessories are the finishing touch. Consider door hardware, house numbers, door knockers, door bells, doormats and lighting. Try to keep the finishes and styles similar. 3. Keep the area neat. Sweeping up and wiping down will usually do. Flowers and plants are a bonus. They brighten up the area and show that you take pride in your home. Send your question and look for your answer in a future column. Email Lynne@LynneFrench.com. French is the broker/owner of Windermere Lynne French & Associates. Contact her at 672-8787 or stop in at 6200 Center St., Clayton.
guy Bjerke, director of community Reuse planning
to Grayson, “and that’s not to your credit.” Mayor Laura Hoffmeister later underscored Helix’s comment. Helix did not mince words in the past month, at both meetings and in interviews with the Pioneer, about his wariness with Lennar following a winter that saw Catellus Corp. leave the selection process, despite what Helix called a far superior term sheet, as well as an independent investigator’s report that found Lennar engaged in inappropriate lobbying with a city council member. The meeting was a continuation of a special meeting held a week before, and between the two sessions nearly 100 people spoke up about their support for Lennar, their concerns with Lennar, and other issues ranging from hiring local labor to ensuring there was enough water available for the project. Now, the process of selecting a Master Developer— which Bjerke and many others expected to be completed last September—will be pushed back to at least May 3, if not later, as city staff and Lennar hammer out the sticking points of the only term sheet they have left.
Cu C O RR e n S nt l tR y u u C n de tIO R n
Closed for a few weeks for repairs, upgrades and redesign. Watch for Grand Re-opening soon! Follow us on Facebook for updates. 925-672-2025
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Main Street Martinez is filled with wonderful shops and restaurants, and is home to fun seasonal events. On Sunday mornings the Martinez Farmers’ Market takes center stage. Fresh fruits and vegetables, hot foods homemade goods, and more fill the tables as you stroll among the booths. Watch for great musicians each week, community events, and other social happenings throughout the year. Bring a coupon or two and say hello to the farmers who bring you the best they have to offer.
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Located in the gorgeous park that surrounds Pleasant Hill City Hall, the Pleasant Hill Farmers’ Market is a choice location to bring family and friends on a Saturday morning. Enjoy strolling through booths filled with locally-grown fruits and vegetables, hot foods, flowers and more, while listening to an eclectic array of musicians each week. Grab a bite to eat from one of the vendors and enjoy it in this pristine setting. The local community comes together on farmers’ market day, so join us! And get some nice discounts with these coupons.
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April 22, 2016
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
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Page 5
from page 1
skeptical that it could happen,” she said. “But it did.” Mitchoff says the “scheduled charters” are a great option for business travelers in the county who usually rely on flights from Oakland, San Francisco or even San Jose airports, fighting rushhour traffic.
LOW PRICES, SHORTER LINES The planes are refurbished American Eagle jets, according to Keith Freitas, director of airports at Buchanan Field and the Byron Airport. They will serve up to 30 passengers at a time. The inaugural price will be $109 one-way and go up to $300 as demand increases and depending on the day of the week, said Gareth Edmondson-Jones, a spokesperson for JetSuiteX. At Buchanan, passengers won’t have to endure long TSA screening lines. “But that doesn’t mean the travel is unsafe,” Edmondson-Jones said. Passengers will be screened to make sure they are not on the “no-fly” list and be checked for any explosive devices. He said there will be other security measures in place, but he was not at liberty to go into detail. “But rest assured, there will be visible and invisible security all around,” Edmondson-Jones said. Freitas and EdmondsonJones downplayed the noise level that the jets will create. “We already have charter jets taking off from Buchanan, so it will only be about four more flights per day,” Freitas said. Edmondson-Jones said the JetSuiteX planes were “some of the quietest” out there. JetSuiteX has plans to refurbish the old PSA terminal at the airport, which was, in essence, a double-wide modular building, Freitas said.
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“My daughter Rose will love this,” said Walnut Creek’s Ruth The decision to begin service Seabrook, whose daughter from Buchanan was a “no-brain- attends school in the Los Angeer,” Edmondson-Jones said. les area. “There’s a sizeable amount of people who fly for business HELPING THE CONCORD ECONOMY between Southern California The plan makes sense to and the Bay Area each day, and Kish Rajan, the former director many come from Contra Costa for the Governor’s Office of County.” Business and Economic DevelHe says that the idea came opment (GO Biz). He sees ecofrom a Jet Blue model, which nomic advantages for both Conlooked at underused airports in tra Costa and Burbank. Rajan, urban areas – specifically Long who lives in Walnut Creek but Beach and JFK in New York – works with the Southern Califorand saw how there were “millions of people who lived near nia Leadership Council, says he these airports and didn’t take will travel on the flights several advantage of them because times a week. “Flying into Burbank is so there weren’t services they needmuch easier,” he said. “LAX is a ed.” monster. Plus, Buchanan is right After Jet Blue started offernear my home, so I don’t have to ing flights, there was a huge revifight traffic coming from Oaktalization in Long Beach. “Jet land or San Francisco.” Blue made a go of Long Beach, He said that these types of and JetSuiteX wants to do the scheduled charters are the wave same thing here, ” Edmondsonof the future. “It’s almost like Jones said. the Uber-ization of air travel,” The weekend trips to Las he said. “We’re repositioning our Vegas, which leave Friday and assets in a new way.” return Sunday, are sure to be But perhaps the biggest popular – attracting those who impact will be on the economy want to get away for a little fun, of Concord and surrounding Edmondson-Jones noted. cities, Mitchoff said. Although JetSuiteX did not “We are much closer to the take students into account, the wine country and other attracPioneer found that college-age tions here at Buchanan,” she people may want to make the said. “It makes sense for the jaunt home from Southern Calitourists who want to come and fornia schools.
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not pay top-dollar San Francisco prices and can enjoy what Contra Costa and the surrounding areas offer.” John Montagh, Concord’s manager of Economic Development, agrees. “This will be a boon for Concord’s own tourist efforts, as we have the hotels, restaurants and other amenities that people can enjoy.” It is also a boost for Buchanan Field, Freitas said. “We do a lot to educate the community about what we offer here,” he said. “This will allow us more visibility and show what a gem we have.” The county operates Buchanan Field as well as the airport in Byron. The Airports Division is self-funded and generates revenue for the county, schools and other communityrelated agencies. The Airports Division works with tenants at both airports to provide the community with a wide range of services, from flight schools to skydiving to private hangar rental, Freitas said. It remains to be seen how consumers will greet the new service, but Edmondson-Jones is positive about the response so far. “We’re in it for the long haul,” he said. For more information, contact Contra Costa Airports by calling 844-Fly-ToUs or visit online at www.ContraCostaAirports.org.
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Page 6
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
April 22, 2016
F r om the desk o f . . . Communicating with victims, families a priority for police A few months back, my staff and I met with the mothers of three homicide victims. They had asked for the meeting to demand answers on their respective cases. They wanted to know why their children’s killers had not been brought to justice. They spoke little, if no English – but there was so much pain on their faces. They had reached out to a community resource specialist with the Mt. Diablo School District and she asked me to meet with them. They were frustrated with the investigative process. They cited a lack of communication and progress in the cases. I know my staff was talking with them and/or other family
DR. neLLie meyeR
mdusd
supeRintendent
The Mt. Diablo Unified School District recognizes the need to provide a worldclass education and to offer experiences that include arts, athletics, languages and community service. We have many career pathways, including engineering, edu-
members, but this situation did not call for factual or legal explanations. Although there were language and some cultural challenges, we were dealing with a larger issue: How do we communicate with victims and their families and not jeopardize the criminal investiga-
tion? And a bigger question: How do we improve this communication process with victims of other crimes, such as burglaries, robberies and domestic violence cases? The criminal justice system is a mammoth of processes. There are legal issues, protocols, procedures, safety concerns and countless other components that can make you dizzy. All of them can be confusing and frustrating for someone outside looking in. But we can significantly improve how this information network goes both ways. We need to make sure the police department embeds this into our operating culture. The topic of sharing information with victims came up in
the last City Council workshop. The City Council meets every spring to discuss priorities. This is critical, as it allows department directors and other management staff to strategize around the issues most important to the council. Public safety is one of their five priorities. The public safety priority had four areas of focus: focus all city departments on public safety; focus on preventative measures that enhance longterm public safety; reduce criminal activity in Concord, paying special attention to homelessrelated and juvenile-related criminal activity; and assure the continued success of the Family Justice Center as part of the county’s regional approach to wrap-around services.
cation, sports medicine and computer engineering. Graduation rates have increased at all of our high schools, ranging from 90 percent to 97 percent. Our college acceptance rates are rising as we partner with universities and community colleges. Part of the reason is the variety of specialized programs we offer, as well as a solid foundation of skills K-12. We believe that offering a wide variety of courses increases engagement and best prepares the students for the variety of challenges in the ever-changing workplace.
Mt. Diablo has created a student profile in collaboration with community and business leaders. We developed a criterion for what we want our seniors to be able to do upon graduation, including important qualities that our business partners said were needed to be successful in careers and college. Those qualities include being an effective contributor, community collaborator, complex thinker, effective and ethical user of technology, self-directed learner, global citizen, responsible worker and health and wellness advocate —
which is a quality that isn’t always listed as an educational goal. These critical skills require students to go beyond memorization and to participate in classes and in the community. Schools have aligned classwork and student projects to our criterion. MDUSD believes that this is a critical part of teaching the skills necessary to achieve balance that will lead to success and a strong, well-rounded life. Dr. Nellie Meyer is Superintendent of Schools for MDUSD. Email questions or comments to meyern@mdusd.org
Council priority areas related to the Capital Budget for infrastructure maintenance: • Maintain existing infrastructure and facilities in a safe and operational condition. • Implement strategies that optimize all modes of travel through the city. • Implement strategies that address sewer and stormwater needs and state mandates. • Implement strategies that address pavement and roadway needs. • Implement strategies that address park infrastructure maintenance needs.
projected needed improvements over 20 years. Of this, $19.7 million is backlogged needs, and only $280,000 is available in this year. The need is $1.3 million annually. • Roads have $10.5 million in needs annually, with only $2.4 million available annually.
Guy SWAnGeR
police chief
MDUSD student profile a key to long-term success
Mayor, from page 1
Operational Budget and this year a two-year Capital Budget. This allows a look two years ahead on alternating years, and we can spend more time examining each budget. We’ve made a start on road repairs, but we need to figure out how to maintain our infrastructure of roads, parks, facilities, sewers and storm drains. I previously reported that we set aside $22 million for future road projects, with $11 million to be spent this summer. We will discuss allocation of another $8.9 million in pavement improvements at the May 24 budget workshop, where we will be working on a two-year Capital Budget that will be passed in June. Some residents have asked how projects are identified and what criteria are used when we choose one capital project over another. Various city depart-
ments identify needs, and we also receive requests from the public. Here are a few of the considerations used in the staff and City Council evaluation: • Does the project address critical health and safety needs? • Is the project needed to satisfy regulatory compliance issues (i.e.: state mandates)? • Is the project primarily funded with grants, enterprise or other restricted funds? • Does the project increase ability to provide service We also obtained informaeffectively? tion regarding our current • Does the project generate identified needs: new resources or add ongo• Facility/building mainteing costs? nance: $6.6 million identi• Does the project implement fied in needs, with only one or more council initiaabout $1.1 million available. tives? The need is about $1.6 million annually. During the workshop, we • Parks have $34.9 million in also reviewed the key City
We carefully weigh the community benefits, seek out every opportunity for grant funding and do our best to match needs with resources. Prioritizing all the competing needs through the evaluation process helps identify what we can do with the funds available, including grant funds – which have restricted uses. I assure you that the City Council takes this challenge seriously and we do all we can to reinvest in and maintain our infrastructure. Please contact the mayor at lmhoff@comcast.net.
This year, the council added a few more focus areas to public safety, including paying special attention to gangs to reduce criminal activity. This is an important move, as Concord experienced a wave of gang violence last fall. The council also discussed improving the communication of information with victims and victim’s families. Procedural communication
for crime victims and/or their families will become an important part of our police culture. As we move forward, my hope is the next meeting with a crime victim or their family regarding their case will revolve around the results – and not the process. Guy Swanger is Concord’s Chief of Police. Send questions or comments to ContactCPD@cityofconcord.org.
Downtown stroll features art, wine...and beer
CARLyn oBRinGeR
planning commission
Residents are invited to stroll around Todos Santos Plaza, Salvio Pacheco Square and downtown Concord while enjoying fine wines, craft beers and appetizers — as well as viewing art for sale produced by two dozen local artists. The Concord branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will host the event 1-4 p.m. Saturday, May 7. Mt. Diablo Unified School District students will perform family-friendly music on the Todos Santos stage, along with live bands on the patio of Vinnie’s Bar and Grill and acoustic musicians visiting participating businesses and restaurants. The idea for the AAUWConcord Art and Wine (and Beer!) Walk crystalized in 2013, as members brainstormed ideas for a signature event to raise money for the scholarship fund. The club realized Concord was one of the few cities in Contra Costa County that did not host an annual art and wine walk. The group thought it would be a great way to showcase downtown Concord, highlight the city’s vibrant craft beer and arts scenes and feature regional wineries – all while raising money for a good cause. The funds raised are used to send seventh-grade girls to Tech Trek, a summer camp geared toward igniting interest in science, technology, engineering and math. The walk also provides scholarships to
local women who have completed their AA degrees and have been accepted to fouryear universities. The AAUW hopes the walk promotes downtown Concord as a destination, with attendees becoming regulars at participating restaurants and businesses. Downtown businesses like Game Time Sports Bar & Pizzeria are looking forward to the walk, noting that past participation generated new business. “We received a lot of repeat customers after they discovered us when we participated in the 2015 walk,” said owner Michael Guy. The walk starts at the corner of Salvio and Grant streets, outside of E.J. Phair Brewing Company-Concord Alehouse. Growing in size and attendance each year, the event now features nine wineries and five breweries, with 20 businesses and restaurants where appetizers, beer and wine and artwork for sale will be available. A complete list of participating breweries, wineries and businesses is at http://concord-ca.aauw.net/ Sponsors include Barton Chiropractic, Claycord, the Clayton/Concord Pioneers, Diablo Valley-Defying Expectations, Pacific Service Credit Union, PG&E, Sunvalley Shopping Center and Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla. Obringer is chair of the AAUW walk committee. For more information, contact carlyno@yahoo.com or (925) 3249595. Tickets are $22 through noon on May 6 at http://concordca.aauw.net/activities/programs/pu rchase-here, $25 at the door. Carlyn Obringer is a member of the City of Concord Planning Commission. Professionally, she focuses on California education issues as an Education Policy Analyst. Carlyn resides in Concord with her husband, Justin, and dog Crystal. Contact her by email at carlyno@yahoo.com.
April 22, 2016
B U SINESS
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Small businesses integral to local and national ecomomy
Miller
PIONEER INFO CONTACT US
Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580
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epidemic ale cRew Jason Lindow, Raina Schally, erin Schally, Akkis manoglou, holly Brown, Brian Wang and goRdon claRke of toweR gRille (right) were recognized by the Chamber during Small Business month.
ful entrepreneur, particularly since 1995. More than 543,000 when things don’t go accord- new businesses are started each month. These days, 52 ing to plan. percent of small businesses are BY THE NUMBERS home-based — a sector that According to Forbes.com, appears to be increasing in there are almost 28 million popularity each year. small businesses in the United It’s difficult to calculate States and more than 50 per- the fastest-growing sectors for cent of the working popula- new small businesses. Per tion in America works in a Inc.com 2015 saw increases in small business. Small business- accounting services, IT supes have generated more than port, consulting, architect 65 percent of the net new jobs firms and specialty food
stores. A few other sites used statistics from sageworks.com and said that the two fastest growing small business sectors were general freight/ trucking companies and building/construction.
LOCAL RECOGNITION The city of Concord and the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce will recognize two Concord small businesses at a City Council meeting in May. Tower Grille, owned by Gordon Clarke, opened in March 2011 in downtown Concord and has become a popular spot. Clarke says he truly loves what he does and that his passion rubs off on his employees and customers, who also love the Tower Grille experience. Epidemic Ales is a new City hopes reducing restrictions and streamlining craft brewery in Concord. The processes will encourage the 30 owners to upgrade joint venture began as a the six-decades-old center on Willow Pass hobby for the six partners. The idea behind a hobby is you have to love it — and they do. They opened the taproom a few months ago and are excited to be a part of the growing craft beer industry in our community. Celebrate small businesses by supporting them in your community. And if you have a passion and want to start your own business, remember to improvements. design guidelines will encour- “Dream Big, Start Small.” “When the tenant or owner age owners to upgrade or renFor more information on becomdecides to remodel or reno- ovate their shops in a uniform ing a member of the Concord vate, then these guidelines manner.” Chamber of Commerce, please visit would help them with the Shelby compared the Park www.concordchamber.com or call process,” he said. and Shop to Walnut Creek’s (925) 685-1181. The Park and Shop center Broadway Shopping Center. was developed in the mid- “Walnut Creek was able to 1950s. It was the go to place come together and adapt to the for shoppers in central county, future. But so many different Please Recycle with stores such as J.C. Penney, types of businesses and ownerRhodes, and Woolworths. ship models in the Park and this paper “After Sunvalley, the big Shop makes it difficult to come stores moved away and Park to agreement,” he said. and Shop developed into a unique shopping center, with many owners having quite an array of different-sized parcels,” said Kirk Shelby, vice chair of the Design Review Board. “The array of owners and tenants have different needs, and a move toward concerted improvement was difficult,” he added. “The city is hoping the
New rules aim to promote Park and Shop facelift In an effort to bring uniformity and a more modern look to one of the oldest shopping centers in the Contra Costa area, the Concord Design Review Board has established guidelines and streamlined procedures to assist tenants and owners in upgrading buildings at the Park and Shop. The guidelines are designed to ease the design approval process, provide conceptual guidance for exterior design and signage and create a more inviting venue for customers and owners. “We’re hoping this will provide incentive for owners and tenants to invest in the Park and Shop in order to keep it vital and provide a much-needed facelift,” said Concord senior planner Afshan Hamid. The guidelines are especially aimed at smaller and medium-sized store owners who would not have to go to the Design Review Board, saving time and money. A store with more than 10,000 sq. ft. would still need approval from the board. Because Park and Shop has about 30 owners and about the same amount of tenants, a complete overhaul could take many years. Hamid noted that there is no timeline for the
S TAFF W RITERS : Peggy Spear, Pamela Wiesendanger,
C ORRESPONDENTS : Cynthia Gregory, Kara Navolio, John T.
chamBeR of commeRce
JOHN T. MILLER Correspondent
P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517 tAMARA And R ObeRt S teIneR , Publishers tAMARA S teIneR , Editor P ete C Ruz , Graphic Design b ev b RIttOn , Copy Editor J Ay b edeCARRé, Sports Editor PAMelA W IeSendAngeR , Administration, Calendar Editor Jay Bedecarré
mARiLyn foWLeR The first week of May is traditionally National Small Business Week, but many places, including Concord, celebrate all month. Every year since 1963, the president of the United States has issued a proclamation recognizing the many contributions of America’s small business owners. The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that this year’s theme is “Dream Big, Start Small.” During National Small Business Week, small businesses across the country are recognized for the contributions they make in their communities by creating jobs, driving innovation and increasing America’s global competitiveness. There are many reasons that entrepreneurs start small businesses, but one common reason is passion for their product or industry. Passion gives them the extra energy that’s required to be a success-
Page 7
The Clayton Pioneer and the Concord Pioneer are monthly publications delivered free to homes and businesses in 94517, 94518, 94519 and 94521. ZIP code 94520 is currently served by drop site distribution. The papers are published by Clayton Pioneer, Inc., Tamara and Robert Steiner, PO 1246, Clayton, CA 94517. The offices are located at 6200 Center St. Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517
LET US KNOW Weddings, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a resident in our home delivery area. Submit on our website and be sure to attach a JPG photo that is at least 3 MB. Also on the website are forms for calendar items, events & press releases.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Both Pioneer newspapers welcome letters from our readers.
As a general rule, letters should be 175 words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print anonymous letters. E-mail your letter to editor@concordpioneer.com. Letters must be submitted via E-mail. CIRCULATION The Concord Pioneer is delivered monthly to 30,000 homes and businesses in 94518, 94519 and 94521. Papers are delivered by carriers for ABC Direct around the last Friday of the month. To stop delivery for any reason, call the office at (925) 672-0500 . If you are NOT receiving the Pioneer, please check the distribution map on the website. If you live in the shaded area and are not receiving the paper, please let us know. If you are not in the shaded area, please be patient. We will come to your neighborhood soon. The Clayton Pioneer is delivered by US Mail to 5,500 homes and businesses in 94517 around the second Friday of the month.
SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe to either the Clayton Pioneer or the Concord Pioneer, call the office at (925) 672-0500. Subscriptions are $35/year for each paper, $60/year for both.
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
April 22, 2016
Ghost hunters seek the spirits at Galindo Home
CARoL LonGShoRe
yesteRyeaR
Although this doesn’t have much to do with history, it has everything to do with history. On a recent Saturday, I was a docent at the Galindo Home with two others while paranormal investigators came to study the house. Laura Johnson led the eight investigators, who are affiliated with Bay Area paranormal and ghost hunter groups. They have visited many historic houses in the Bay Area, however, this was
woody whitlatch weatheR woRds
Spring has arrived and calls to “play ball” echo from little league fields to major league stadiums. With the crack of a bat, a baseball is propelled into the air. The temperature, atmos-
the first time for all of us. They carried K2 meters, used to detect electromagnetic fields by getting the spirits to respond to questions by turning on lights. They also had digital-audio recorders to record pitches that may be higher or lower than the human ear can hear, as well as digital thermometers to detect temperature changes the spirits create. They set their flashlights to be off and on at the same time, so the spirits may turn them on when asked specific yes and no questions. Their experience ranged from Photo courtesy of Concord historical Society two years to 30 years of spirit the don fRancisco galindo house (pre-restoration photo) seeking. was built in 1856 and has been restored by the Concord CONNECTING WITH THE BEYOND
historical Society. Ghost hunters say the spirits of Galindo descendants may still be present in the home.
done to your home?” Sometimes the flashlight would go on and off, or the temperature would fluctuate. But the most interesting part was listening to the recording after each investigator had asked a couple rounds of questions. As they played the tape, the investigators heard things that we hadn’t. Ruth Galindo’s brother Harold was one of the spirits. During questions about the Galindo Home, a voice on the recording whispered “house.” It was replayed several times and everyone heard it. I gasped, because we had discussed at length whether we should call it the Galindo House or Galindo Home. We chose home because it sounded more welcoming.
We gathered in the kitchen and a prayer was said. We were told we must be quiet and still. If we had to say something or our stomachs growled, we had to say out loud “stomach” or “talking” or “moving,” because
the sounds may sound like spirits on the tape. As we moved into the Rose Parlor, they placed their equipment around the room and sat on the floor in the dark. One
by one, they asked questions of the spirits around. “Did you GUESTS WITH enjoy Christmas in this room?” GOOD MANNERS “How many are there of We went to the Green Paryou?” “What’s your name?” lor, dining room and kitchen, “Do you like what has been then upstairs to Harold’s bed-
pheric moisture, air pressure and wind speed at the time the bat contacts the ball all impact how far it will travel. Newton’s laws of motion describe the physics of the trajectory of a batted ball. Once a ball is in motion, it will continue to move unless acted upon by external forces like gravity or friction. The force of gravity is constant near the earth’s surface, but frictional forces vary. Friction is the result of the resistance of the molecules in
the air, commonly referred to as air density. Near the surface of the earth, air density changes are mainly due to variations in weather conditions. Warmer air has a lower density than cooler air, assuming that atmospheric pressure and relative humidity readings remain constant. For example, air density is about 7 percent higher at a cool 50 degree night game than a warm 90 degree afternoon contest. A batted ball stroked hard enough to travel 350 feet at night would
travel about 365 feet during the day. Calculating the effects of increasing relative humidity is a bit trickier. A common assumption is that moist air is heavier than dry air and, therefore, more dense. Actually, the opposite is true. The molecular weights of nitrogen and oxygen, which make up 99 percent of our atmosphere, are 38 and 32 atomic units, respectively. Water vapor (H2O) only has an atomic weight of 18 atomic units. Increasing the humidity,
room, Ruth’s bedroom and the hallway. We spent a half an hour in each place and then talked about what they had heard or seen. We ended in the kitchen once again for prayer and thanks. It ended at 11 p.m., which is early for these investigators. The group members compile results of their house hunts, but there isn’t any formal research published. Paranormal investigators have become sophisticated, and there is a TV show with episodes of investigations. The Galindo Home investigators asked questions and treated the spirits as if they were actually at their home for a visit. I wish we all could be that comfortable around the unknown. Carol Longshore has been a Concord resident since 1950. She is a community leader and current president of the Concord Historical Society. Send comments and suggestions for future topics to editor@concordpioneer.com.
Weather plays into baseball stats which means adding water molecules to replace dry air molecules, actually results in less dense air. Compared to temperature changes, the effect of increased relative humidity is slight. At a constant temperature of 70 degrees, a ball hit 350 feet will travel about one foot farther if the relative humidity is increased by 30 percent. If the air becomes extremely moist, the ball could absorb some of the moisture and gain weight — lessening
the distance it would travel. Change in atmospheric pressure can have a large effect on the flight of a baseball. Air pressure decreases with elevation, so a good example is to compare the distance a ball will travel at a stadium located near sea level to one located in the mountains — assuming similar air temperature and relative humidity levels. A ball hit in Oakland or San Francisco that travels 350 feet would land
See Weather, page 19
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April 22, 2016
edi BiRsan pulse of
concoRd
The Brown Act sits in a haze on most residents’ memories of civic education. Yet it is revered as the cornerstone of open/transparent government and the bulwark against corruption and backroom deals. The act was mostly ignored in small city government for years, until a combination of political and legal changes starting in the ’70s ramped up things. A couple of recent events have put it on steroids in Concord. Like most things in government regulations that are intensely applied, there is room for head scratching
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Who will be my Brownie?
about how it affects the current City Council. A key example is how it applies to council members talking to other members outside of an agendized public meeting of the full council. Two members can have a great conversation on a topic. I have coined the phrase “the designated Brownie.” But three members cannot talk, nor can the two communicate with any of the others. Typically, there will be two sets of two people who can discuss between themselves — and one person is always left out. This causes a narrowing of choices on who to be your designated Brownie. And that choice matrix reveals a pervasive problem: Do you choose to talk to the person you think is most opposed to convince them to flip? Do you choose the person you think is closest to your views and with whom you can cement an alliance?
Do you choose the person somewhat opposed, or the person somewhat in favor? Invariably, a minimax game solution is that you eliminate picking the person opposed or in favor. In one case, the odds of conversion are small. And in the other, the odds are good that you will get their support anyway. The official then measures the probability of success with the two in the “somewhat” category and makes a choice. The effect is that politicians begin to condition themselves to ignore those who have strongly opposed views. I don’t think this is a good long-term solution in a democracy. We need to exchange views with those who oppose us for the simple reason that it helps us hone our perspectives and enhances the choices involved. Instead, we get the opposite camps entrenched so they battle it out in public. We have
a public debate where two sides have no communication beforehand. There is less flexibility in position and less time to work out a consensus. If officials want to be passive-aggressive about the Brown Act’s Brownie provisions, they become the perpetual outsiders. Then when an issue comes up, they immediately engage one of the possible leaders of the issue in a discussion. This takes them out of legally being able to talk to anyone else on the council on the subject. There was a Little Hoover Commission last year that studied this and recommended that people be allowed to “discuss” but not decide. It fell on deaf ears. So we have to deal with an honor system that asks, “Who is your Brownie?” Send comments to EdiBirsan@gmail.com or 510-812-8180 or visit www.PulseOfConcord.com
Join the crowd and ride your bicycle on May 12
Bike to Work Day is the Bay Area’s biggest and most inclusive bicycling event. Anyone can participate, whether you prefer slowrolling on your cruiser, climbing hills on your morning workout or cargo-biking the kids to school. On May 12, bikers can stop by an Energizer Station for a free Bike to Work Day bag. This handy canvas tote is filled with snacks, coupons and information for a bike commute. Station hosts will offer refreshments and high fives to cheer on the morning commuters. Bike Concord is also throwing an after-work celebration in downtown Concord. Stop by Salvio Street along Todos Santos Plaza to meet other local bicyclists, enjoy music, get free bike repairs and
tech talk
“You are being sued,” screams the headline on the email you just received. It continues to say you haven’t paid your bill, so legal action is being taken against you. Being sued usually requires notification from a process server. But you’re
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If you already commute by bike, make this day special for a new bicyclist by getting a coworker, friend or family member in the saddle. Or if you’ve been thinking of riding a bike for errands or trips around town, try it out on May 12. Bike East Bay has a fun video at BikeEastBay.org/ NewBicyclists with easy steps for making your first trip a breeze. Cynthia Armour is Project Manager with Bike East Bay. Email her at cynthia@bikeeastbay.org, or call 510-845-7433, ext 5
It’s a scam – it says so right in this email
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check out a bicycle transporta- • Front of 1371 Detroit tion fair. Visitors can test ride Ave, (Meadow Homes different kinds of bicycles, Elementary School), including e-bikes and cargo 7:30-8:30 a.m., hosted bikes set up for carrying groby Monument Impact. ceries, children or other precious cargo. • Front of 1135 Lacey If you can’t make it May 12, Lane (Cambridge Elecome by the Bike Tent any mentary School), 7:30other Thursday evening at the 8:30 a.m., hosted by Todos Santos Farmers Market Monument Impact. for a free bike tune-up sponsored by John Muir Health. • Outside the Academic There are 130 Energizer Services Lobby at Cal Stations throughout the East State East Bay Concord, Bay; visit BikeEastBay.org/ 7:30-9 a.m. and 4:30-6 Energizer. Here are the Enerp.m., hosted by Cal gizer Stations in Concord: State East Bay Concord.
only human, so you open the email. “Unpaid Invoice No. 81721 for $1,827.32” touts the subject line of your email. You are curious and want to correct the record, so you open it. The message indicates the amount they say you owe; just click the file to view your overdue invoice. You do, all the while thinking which member of the family was dumb enough to run up a bill, not tell anyone and try to skip paying for it. Or how about the one that says: “You’re qualified for a free credit card.” All they need is your approval and you will have a card in three days. Great deal, right? So, you open the email and
Page 9
give them your name. I’m sure you’ve heard the old saw, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Well, right here, right now, I am officially reframing that phrase to be: “If it’s too bad to be true, it is a scam.” We are all prone to give in to our feelings. Scammers know this and take advantage of our feelings by saying outrageous things. Your natural instinct is to react to set the
record straight. My all-time favorite is, “Hi I’m from Microsoft and your computer is infected; just call this number for Microsoft support.” Let me be perfectly clear: Microsoft will not contact you. Ever. They don’t have reps that look for viruses, and they don’t have techs who will remotely access your computer to help you out. If you open one of these outrageous emails and perform any task, like looking at the fake invoice or calling the Microsoft support line for technical assistance, you have just been scammed. Enough! Stop it.
See Tech Talk, page 15
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Page 10
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
April 22, 2016
DVAL’s final season leads into Section competition
until May 3. Clayton Valley Charter boys are second to O’Dowd while College Park Berths in the North Coast is second on the girls side. Section playoffs are at stake NCS tournament runs May as athletes and teams in local 11-21. high school spring sports are SWIMMING & DIVING well into Diablo Valley and Northgate’s boys made East Bay athletic league seahistory a year ago winning sons. the first California State championship after sweeping BASEBALL Defending DVAL and through the DVAL and NCS NCS champion College Park fields. The Bronco girls were was 2-0 in its first league also DVAL champions. In recognition of that action while Northgate accomplishment Northgate jumped off 4-0 and Clayton co-coaches Jeff Mellinger Valley Charter was 3-1 in the and Tommy Ortega have first two weeks of home and been named Northern Caliaway matchups. League fornia Swim Coaches of the games continue until May 19 Year and will be feted in June with a one-game tiebreaker playoff set (if needed) May at the California Coaches Association annual awards 20. Every DVAL school banquet. DVAL dual meets except Mt. Diablo earned a conclude this week. The Section playoff berth last Broncos new aquatic center year. The NCS playoffs begin will host the DVAL champiMay 24-25 with the finals set onships next week, April 29June 3-4. The Falcons 30. Concord Community dethroned De La Salle in the Pool will again host NCS May Photos courtesy Clayton Valley Charter baseball NCS Division I finals last 12-14 with the Clovis West June but this year the Spar- Aquatic Complex site of the clayton valley chaRteR high school BaseBall team played in two tough pReseason touRnaments including the St. francis tans are 4-0 in EBAL and second CIF State meet May elite 8 as they readied for the DVAL season which began home and away weekly series against crosstown rival Concord high. The teams split one-run decisions. Senior Scott meylan (left) is part of a strong pitching staff for coach Casey Coakranked No.1 in the Bay Area. 22-23. JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
LACROSSE Bishop O’Dowd boys and Piedmont girls (again) are both undefeated in DVAL play. League play continues
ley’s team. Junior shortstop Billy Ralston is another returning all-league performer for perennial north Coast Section qualifiers with CVChS seeking its 18th straight post-season berth.
BOYS TENNIS Matches wrap up for DVAL schools this week. The DVAL championships are April 26-28. DVAL singles and doubles are May 6-7 at CVCHS with the Section team championships May 1012-14. College Park was undefeated in DVAL last year to earn the NCS team berth and the Falcons beat Northgate last week 5-2. TRACK & FIELD Northgate won the DVAL boys and girls track meets last year with CVCHS second in both. League dual and trimeets conclude next week. The DVAL championships will be on the all-weather track at
Ygnacio Valley May 5-7 with the top three finishers in each event advancing to the NCS meet May 21 at Foothill HS in Pleasanton. The State Meet is in Clovis June 3-4
BOYS VOLLEYBALL Berean Christian is 5-0, CVCHS 4-1 and defending champ College Park 4-2 in DVAL as the league moves towards the finish of play May 5. CP advanced to the DI quarterfinals (De La Salle was a finalist in DI), Northgate was a semifinalist in DII and Berean made it to the DIII volleyball finals. NCS play runs May 11-21. NorCal championships are May 24-28.
Concord United Extreme 01 bring home hardware from U14 AYSO Western States Championships
Photo courtesy Concord AySo
concoRd united eXtReme 01 undeR 14 giRls coached by Gina Gentry and Anita Luttrell last month traveled to the AySo Western States Championships at the edge of the Colorado River in Bullhead City, AZ. The Concord united girls were among the top teams from four AySo Sections. The local squad took fourth in their division out of teams from oregon, Washington, nevada, Alaska, California and Arizona. in order to qualify for the Western States Championships the girls played the BAfSL u14 Tournament in orinda (3 games) and then single playoff games in Concord, Cupertino and Saratoga. Representing Concord AySo Region 305 the players competed in Arizona against teams from Long Beach and Woodland hills in 90 degree heat. extreme included, front row from left, Christina Adin, Keeley mcCabe, miranda fedrizzi-mcGlasson, Arianah Lopez, Jayme Luttrell, Gisselle Pulido; back row, Kenzie owen, marisol uribe, Jazmine Rojas, myriam mendoza, Devyn Colgan, Jocelyn Villatoro, niya Taseva, Ruth Acevedo and Sydney fedrizzi-mcGlasson.
Concord’s Olympian Koroleva, partner claim China Open gold medal for Team USA JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
United States partners Mariya Koroleva of Concord and Anita Alvarez from New York added to their 2016 medal haul at the China Open Synchronized Swimming Championships last week, winning the gold medal in duet free. The tandem will represent America at the Summer Olympics in Rio. Koroleva and Alvarez won the event with 86.7667 points, followed by Brazil and Malaysia. “We’ve learned a lot from this competition,” Koroleva, also a 2012 Olympian, said. “We have added difficulty to both of our programs, so it was good to test out those changes on the international stage.” The duo also won silver in duet tech earlier at the China Open, finishing second to host China. “They had a great tech swim and we were pleased with their scores,” U.S. Senior National Team coach Lolli Montico said. “We’ve added more difficulty to this program since the Olympic qualifier and it’s been well-received by the judges.” The national team members have won four medals in international competitions this year, including bronze at the German Open and French Open. Koroleva will be one of 15 athlete ambassadors who will lead the charge for the 2016 edition of Team for Tomorrow, a community outreach program born in 2008 that has since featured 59 American athlete ambassadors – along with many of their Olympic and Paralympic teammates – volunteering more than 500 volunteer hours. The Walnut Creek Aquanut swimmer has been with the U.S. Senior National Team since 2007 and has served as the Athletes’ Executive Council President on USA Synchro’s Board of Directors for the past two
Aaron okayama photo courtesy uSA Synchro
BOYS GOLF The DVAL tournament is May 2 hosted by College Park at Contra Costa Country Club. Northgate is the defending league champion but College Park has been undefeated and knocked off CVCHS last week. The NCS Division I qualifier is May 9 at San Ramon Golf Course and DII is same day in Santa Rosa. The DI championship is May 16 in Antioch at Roddy Ranch, one week before the NorCal championships. De La Salle won the NCS team championship a year ago.
SOFTBALL Northgate took advantage of its early-season schedule to jump out to a 4-0 record, matching CVCHS. Concord High won the league title last year by a half-game over College Park. The Minutemen split a pair of one-run games with the Eagles to get their title defense underway. Berean Christian was 3-1 early in the DVAL season. The Minutemen were NCS DII champions in 201012-13. DVAL games continue until May 19 with a one-game tiebreaker playoff set (if needed) May 20. College Park, Berean (DIV semifinalist) and Northgate also were in NCS last year. The NCS playoffs begin May 2425 with the finals June 3-4.
concoRd olympian maRiya koRoleva
years. She is a Stanford graduate currently pursuing a master’s degree at the University of San Francisco. The role of Team for Tomorrow athlete ambassadors is to serve as philanthropic representatives of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams, spreading awareness about the importance of living a healthy and active lifestyle, and leading the way through volunteerism and goodwill. “Even in a Games year, the athletes of Team USA remain dedicated to causes that transcend sport,” said Alan Ashley, USOC chief of sport performance. “Team for Tomorrow provides a vehicle for our athletes to give back to the community by visiting local sport clubs and making donations to inspire the next generation of Olympic and Paralympic athletes.” Similar to the program’s 2014 focus, this class of Team for Tomorrow athletes will work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the YMCA – both multi-sport organizations within the U.S. Olympic family – and other local community and sport organizations to coordinate athlete visits. Sport equipment donations will be made on behalf of the program both leading up to and following the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. USA Synchro contributed to this story.
April 22, 2016
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com says, “Jonny is a very hard-working young athlete. He leads by example. He the first one to practice and last one to leave.” He also plays club soccer for Heritage Cosmos. After high school, Negrete wants to attend college, major in kinesiology and pursue a career in physical therapy. That’s a subject of which he’s familiar. He was injured mid soccer season his freshmen year and then as a sophomore he tore his ACL in club soccer and had to sit out the entire high school season and spent seven months rehabbing the injury.
Athlete Spotlight
Jonathan Negrete Grade: Junior School: Ygnacio Valley High Sports: Soccer, Track
The glow of winning the North Coast Section soccer championship was still surrounding Jonathan Negrete as he took up a new sport this spring: sprinting for the Ygnacio Valley track and field team. Besides running in the 100 meters he’s become a part of the 4x10M and 4x400M relay teams. The junior was an integral part this winter as
the Warriors captured the new Division III NCS soccer title while scoring 22 goals for coach Cesar Chavez. It had been 11 years since the last YVHS Section championship team. He was named first-team all-Diablo Valley Athletic League as the Warriors finished second to Clayton Valley Charter in a close race to the league title. Chavez
Page 11
St. Bonaventure thrower expects to shatter Oakland Diocese track and field record
The Concord Pioneer congratulates Jonathan and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for 25 years at Family Vision Care Optometry. www.laceyandruzicka.com Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@concordpioneer.com.
Ygnacio Valley Hall of Fame Class of ‘16 honoring special athletes, team, coaches mer YVHS standout.
JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
A Super Bowl champion from the Oakland Raiders will be among the five athletes, two coaches and a team celebrated when Ygnacio Valley High School holds its fourth annual Athletic Hall of Fame induction dinner on Saturday, May 14, at The Clubhouse at Boundary Oak Walnut Creek. Dave Tamori (Class of 1967 wrestling) won a pair of North Coast Section championships as a Warrior as a PE teacher at the school encouraged him to try out for the team after he took part in his first wrestling during the class. While his father served in the US Army during World War II in Europe both his parent’s families were interned in the United States. He became a Northern California wrestling champion at Diablo Valley College and then chose to attend Chico State because of its small size. He won two Far West Conference championships, was twice the school’s outstanding wrestler and was inducted into the college’s athletic hall of fame in 2004. He is a veteran of seven years in the U.S. Army Reserves and retired after nearly 40 years in education and was also head wrestling coach at Oroville High School. He was 1992 California Art Education Secondary Art Educator of the Year.
Minet Roach Gunther (1982 volleyball and basketball) began her high school career at Pleasant Hill High before that school closed in 1980. She attended Ygnacio Valley as a junior and senior. She played two years of varsity basketball and volleyball at YVHS. She was first-team volleyball all-league four years. She helped Pleasant Hill to the league championship as a sophomore and the Warriors to DVAL titles the next two years. She was all-North Coast Section volleyball as a junior and senior. Capping her career she led the Warriors to the 1981 NCS championship. Her exploits earned her a scholarship to Oregon State. She was team captain for the Beavers and three-year letter winner. They took second place in NorPac and reached the NCAA Division I tournament in 1983. She’s been teaching health and physical education at Consumes River College since 1997 and is currently department chair.
chuck mcginnis
ball and baseball) was fortunate to play for YVHS Hall of Fame coaches for Dick Ryan, Bob Burkhart and Kent Robie in football and baseball. He was all-league two years in baseball and as a senior in football. He played football at UC Davis for College Football Hall of Fame coach Jim Sochor. Martini also played baseball for the Aggies and was inducted into the college’s hall of fame in 1987. He was the Far West Conference baseball player of the year in 1977 after batting .411 with seven home runs and 26 stolen bases. As a receiver for Aggies football he caught 37 passes for 613 yards and two touchdowns. He was drafted by the Raiders in 1977 in the seventh round ahead of UC Davis teammate Rolf Benirschke and after defensive backs Mike Davis and Lester Hayes. He played two seasons for the Raiders who won Super Bowl XV while he was there catching 23 passes and scoring a couple TDs. He finished his NFL career the next year on the New Orleans Saints.
Jim Anderson (1968 football and track) played football and ran sprints all four years at Ygnacio. He was a three-year all-DVAL running back and a league champion in the 100- and 200yard. The Warriors were Valley Division II NCS co-champions with Pittsburg his senior year. He earned a scholarship to the University of Oregon. There he was a fullback in the backfield with NFL Hall of Famer quarterback Dan Fouts from San Francisco and tailback Bobby Moore (Ahmed Rashad) who was named to the College Football Hall of Fame. Anderson played all 11 games for the Ducks varsity for three years gaining nearly 900 yards and scoring four TDs. Other Oregon Duck backfield teammates were quarterbacks Norval Turner from Alhambra High Rich Martini (1973 foot- and Mike Sullivan, another for-
Chuck McGinnis (1984 football and baseball) played three years of football and baseball, earning all-league honors in both sports each year. As a junior and senior he was first-team all-league strong safety, he also earned senior honors as a runningback. He was the 1984 YVHS athlete of the year in addition to being second-team allNorCal defensive back. HE went on to play baseball at Diablo Valley College leading the Golden Gate Conference in batting with a .420 average as a freshman breaking a 35yeard-old record. As the team MVP he led the Vikings in batting average, hits, doubles, total bases and RBIs. He was second-team all-WAC for San Diego State as a first baseman, lettering for two years and leading the Aztecs drawing walks in 1988.
Rich Mohr attend University of San Francisco and played basketball for the Dons, including two years as a starting guard. He played in Bill Russell’s first college game in 1953. He led Riordan High to the San Francisco school’s first Catholic Athletic League championship. He became Ygnacio Valley’s first basketball coach and was named the league coach of the year. His Warriors were DVAL champions in 1966 and he got Contra Costa Times coach of the year recognition. He coached at YVHS from its opening in 1962 through 1968.
Bob Burkhart is a product of Kellogg, Idaho, and was a standout for Washington State football and signed a contract with the Green Bay Packers as a quarterback and punter despite missing his senior year due to injury. He began his high school coaching career at Mt. Diablo High before moving to Ygnacio Valley when the new school in Concord opened assisting Ryan on the football team until taking over the head reins in 1974 and turned the team over to Robie a few years later. He was at the school or three decades. 1972 Baseball started the season with only one win and a tie in five pre-season games and then lost the league opener to Pittsburg before taking off with 18 consecutive victories to end the season 19-4-1. There were no NCS playoffs in basketball from 1932-75 so the red-hot Warriors didn’t get a chance to culminate their season
with the section champiPhoto courtesy St. Bonaventure Cyo onship. eighth gRadeR gRace Zodikoff has her sights set on shat4TH HALL DINNER The Ygnacio Valley Athletic Hall of Fame began in 2013 with a new class each year since. Social gathering at Boundary Oak May 14 is at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 7 o’clock. People interested in attending should contact Debbie Carlin by phone (925) 518-8455 or email wccarlin@astound.net.
tering the oakland Diocese Cyo softball throw record for St. Bonaventure at the season-ending track and field championships may 6-7. At a preliminary meet last weekend she threw the softball 196 feet, which is about 19 feet over the 1992 Diocese meet record of 177-1 by Kenya ibarra of St. Augustine-oakland. her goal is beat that record at the Diocese Championships at James Logan high in union City (may 6) and Granada high in Livermore (may 7) where over 40 teams will be competing. Besides the softball throw she will run the 800, 200 and be part of the St. Bonnies 4 x100 relay for coaches matt and holly Tillman. She also plays softball for the u18 norCal Storm. Zodikoff is in eighth grade at hope Academy for Dyslexics in Concord.
MDSA Boca Juniors Soccerfest finalists
Photo courtesy mDSA
mdsa select Boca JunioRs won three, lost one and drew one in a busy weekend last month to reach the championship game at the Pleasant hill Soccerfest Tournament. The final against the mountain View earthquakes was a tight affair. Boca Juniors had their chances hitting the crossbar early but eventually fell short 3-1 and settled for second place. The mDSA team includes, front row from left, Charles Covin-Rossi, Joel Cardoso, Christian nomellini, francisco Ramos, Leandre Pepito; standing, coach Robert helena, Colby Grewe, Gabriel Luk, Aidan nolan, marques Wirth, Jason Shin, evan hunter, Jason Zimmer and coach Luano nomellini.
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Page 12
Warriors seek repeat title after breaking single season all-time victory record Buckle-up and enjoy being witness to the best regularseason team in NBA history. What the Golden State Warriors did transcends what mere words can describe. The Dubs finished the NBA regular season with a 73-9 record, the best in league history, much to the chagrin of many NBA greats. All the hate from oldtimers like Isiah Thomas, Oscar Robertson and Charles Barkley is absolutely ridiculous. Pro basketball has certainly evolved and changed, but that doesn’t merit the criticism that the Warriors are a “finesse-only” team that would get bullied by Michael Jordan’s 1995-96 Bulls, who held the previous best regular-season record of 72-10. Granted, the Warriors great run will all be a swept under the rug if they don’t win the NBA Finals again this summer. But who can possibly stop the Warriors run as of now, especially with MVP Steph Curry leading the charge? Curry is the playmaking catalyst of the Warriors and he is impacting the game in a way that hasn’t been seen since Jordan. He finished the season hitting 402 three-pointers, demolishing his own previous record of 286. He averaged over five makes from downtown a game during the regular season, which is practically inhuman (it has neither been confirmed nor denied, but Curry might just be a robot programmed to shoot perfectly from anywhere on the court). He is almost unguardable. If you trap Curry at midcourt, he can pass the ball to a multitude of skilled ball handlers, primarily Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala. If Curry isn’t trapped, then he gets a one-one-one opportunity against some poor soul who will most likely end up on Sports Cen-
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
April 22, 2016
De La Salle finishes second to nation’s No. 1 hoop team at state tyleR lehman spoRts talk
ter’s Not Top Ten, after Curry breaks the defender’s ankles and does a 360, onelegged three-pointer that banks in off the backboard. If you press Curry in a one-on-one situation, he has the speed and agility to drive by almost any defender in the league and he can either finish in the lane with a graceful teardrop or dish the ball to a teammate for an easy corner three. Curry is developing into the most lethal offensive player in NBA history, but credit needs to be given to his supporting cast as well. Green has solidified himself as one of the best power forwards in the game. He can guard any position, shoot the three and handle the ball like a point guard, finishing seventh in the NBA for assists. Klay Thompson has also been instrumental in the Warriors historical run. He started off the year a little shaky, but he’s found his stroke and is lighting it up from behind the arc. He finished second in the league in made 3’s, with 276. The Warriors are so loaded with talent it is almost unfair to the rest of the NBA. They have three AllStars this season in Curry, Green and Thompson. They also have the best bench in basketball, with Iguodala, Shaun Livingston, Mo Speights, Festus Ezeli and Brandon Rush. This Warriors team is destined to go down as one of the greatest of all time. It may be hard to realize now, but down the road in 15 to 20 years all Dubs fans will know “I witnessed something special.”
JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
It wasn’t déjà vu for the De La Salle High School basketball team last month in Sacramento when the Spartans lost 70-50 to Chino Hills in the CIF Open Division State Championship game. Chino Hills won its first CIF state title and cemented its consensus national ratings title in the final USA high school basketball game of the year. Last December De La Salle played for the State Open Division championship against an undefeated Huskies team
from Southern California ranked No. 1 in the United States featuring an offense of epic proportions that had racked up eye-popping statistics. That time the Spartans football team went up against a team with the national high school coach of the year on its sideline. DLS figured out a way to slow down Centennial of Corona’s fast-paced style of play (holding them 35 points under their average) and the Concord school came away with its seventh CIF football crown in the past 10 years, 2821.
Sports Shorts
This time, North Coast Section and NorCal champion De La Salle with a first-year head coach faced another reigning national coach of the year leading a Huskies team that was undefeated in 34 games, beating opponents from eight states as well as the cream of the crop in Southern California and scoring over 100 points 18 times. The Spartans smartly executed their game plan in the first half to hold a 30-28 advantage at the intermission over Chino Hills. New head coach AJ Kuhle looked to slow down national player of the
year Lonzo Ball and his two brothers (all of whom who have committed to UCLA) and the other Huskie stars. After scoring 20 points in the first quarter the Spartans totaled just 15 combined in the next two quarters and only some garbage time scores allowed them to tally 15 in the fourth quarter while Chino Hills broke the game open with a 19-5 third-quarter advantage. De La Salle won state basketball championships in 2000 and 2006 and now has lost four
See De La Salle, pg 13
YGNACIO VALLEY’S FUTURE WARRIORS FREE FOOTBALL CAMP JUNE 6-9
The free Ygnacio Valley Future Warriors football camp is open to students entering fifth through eighth grade. The free camp is geared The Red Devil Golf Committee is holding its 21st annual Red Dev- to help educate and enhance the community with the basic knowledge ils Golf Classic on Friday, June 24, at Diablo Creek Golf Course in to be prepared to be successful. Camp is held at Ygnacio Valley High Concord. Proceeds help athletic and academic programs at Mt. Dia- June 6-9 from 5-7 p.m. and is run by the YVHS football program to blo High School. Registration starts at 11 a.m. followed by lunch, golf, provide a positive experience for all campers. For any questions, condinner and raffle/silent auction. For more information contact Lou tact head coach Phillip Puentes at coachpuentes@gmail.com. Adamo (212-9332 or louadamo@gmail.com) or Ralph Vallis (825DIABLO FC RECREATION LEAGUE UNDERWAY 7593 or rv76667@aol.com). Diablo FC is offering a spring recreation league through June 4 COUNTY SWIM CHAMPIONS FOREST PARK SWIM TEAM for girls and boys born from 2007 to 2012. The program includes practice on Tuesdays at Newhall Park and Saturday morning games at READIES FOR SEASON the same park. The competitive club’s professional coaches will be Last year’s Contra Costa County Division II swimming champi- conducting practices in conjunction with volunteer parent coaches. ons Forest Park have begun practice under the watchful eye of head The program focuses on more touches on the ball and 1v1 offense coach Jeff Mellinger in his 17th year with the Flyers. For more info on and defense. Under 6 teams are co-ed while the U8 and U10 boys the team email jeff.mellinger@gmail.com or call Tina (510) 912- and girls teams are balanced. For more information contact coach 2316. Sign-ups are being accepted online at Brian Voltattorni bvoltattorni@diablofc.org or visit diablofc.org. forestparkswimteam.com or email membership@forestparkswimteam.com. CONCORD CUP XXIII SOCCER COMING MAY 14-15
RED DEVILS GOLF CLASSIC RETURNS JUNE 24
The area’s largest annual youth soccer tournament, Concord Cup, returns for its 23rd season at a variety of local parks. Boys and girls CROSS COUNTRY COACHING POSITIONS OPEN club and recreation teams from under 10 through U19 are eligible to Athletic director Bryan Shaw has announced that Mt. Diablo high participate. Visit concordcup.com for complete information and to School has head varsity coaches opening this fall for its cross country register a team or referee to participate. and girls volleyball teams. If you are interested in either opening conCONCORD HIGH SCHOOL HAS tact Shaw by email shawbd@mdusd.org or phone (925) 682-4030 FALL COACHING POSITIONS AVAILABLE ext. 87428. Concord High School is seeking a boys varsity head water polo coach and girls varsity and JV volleyball coaches. All three positions CLAYTON VALLEY FOOTBALL CAMP JUNE 13-16 Two-time State championship finalist and Northern California come with a stipend. Coaching requirements include MDUSD fingerBowl winner Clayton Valley Charter High School hosts its Future print, current TB and First Aid/CPR, coaching principles course, conChampions Youth Football Non-Contact Camp June 13-16 from 5-8 cussion course and sudden cardiac arrest course. Interested coaches p.m. at Gonsalves Stadium on the Concord school campus for players can send resume to CHS athletic director Megan Coddington at codin second through eighth grades. Camp Director Michael Dominquez dingtonm@mdusd.org. and Eagles head coach Tim Murphy explain that the camp has indiDIABLO FC TEAMS ACCEPTING TRYOUT APPLICATIONS vidual and group instruction (including safer blocking and tackling The area’s competitive soccer club, Diablo FC, is accepting online technique) and team competition with fundamentals and techniques of tryout registration for its United States Development Academy under football taught by the CVCHS staff. To register, email 12-14 boys teams and its U15-U19 girls and boys teams. Diablo FC coach.dmngz@gmail.com or visit claytonvalleyfootball.com. Premier teams compete in the National Premier League of US Club Soccer and participate at several college showcase tournaments each DE LA SALLE CAMPS OFFERED ALL SUMMER De La Salle High School will host athletic camps in football, water year. For more information on the club, USSDA and premier teams polo, baseball, track and field, wrestling, volleyball, basketball, and tryouts for all ages contact director of coaching Zach Sullivan at strength and conditioning, swimming, soccer and lacrosse. The camps zachsullivan@gmail.com or visit diablofc.org.
MT. DIABLO HIGH SCHOOL HAS VOLLEYBALL,
Tyler Lehman is a senior at San Francisco State University and a 2012 CVHS graduate. He is majoring in print/online journalism and are open to boys and girls in fourth through ninth grades. For comCONCORD COBRAS FOOTBALL SIGNUPS SATURDAY plete information call (925) 288-8100 ext. 7090 or email summerwants to be a sports writer. Email your camps@dlshs.org. Registration is open now at dlshs.org (athletic tab). Concord Cobras tackle football program is taking signups for its fall season on Saturdays, April 23 and May 14, at Round Table Pizza, comments or questions to tyler@conPort Chicago Highway at Olivera Rd. in Concord. In-person registracordpioneer.com. 2 BASEBALL CAMP SESSIONS AT CLAYTON VALLEY
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Clayton Valley Charter High School coach Casey Coakley has put together a staff of current CVCHS coaches and players as well as Eagle alumni to provide baseball instruction to youngsters 5-14 years of age. The summer baseball camp will consist of instruction in the fundamentals of hitting, throwing, fielding, catch play and other aspects of the game. Summer baseball school sessions will be held at the school June 13-17 and June 20-24. Each daily session runs 9 a.m.–1 p.m. To reserve a baseball school spot or to get more information email casey.coakley@claytonvalley.org.
tion will be from 12 noon – 3 p.m. both days. The football program is open for youth five to 14 years of age. For more info email concordyouthfootball@yahoo.com or visit concordyouthfootball.com.
WALNUT COUNTRY SWIM TEAM REGISTRATION
STILL OPEN FOR SUMMER PROGRAM Walnut Country is a community-based, competitive summer recreational swim team in Concord. The Stingrays host the Crossings Challenge Invitational, the premier swim meet in Contra Costa for “B” swimmers. Visit wcstingrays.com for details on Stingrays events and online registration.
BEREAN CHRISTIAN SCHEDULES SUMMER CAMPS Berean Christian High School is offering boys basketball, girls socJR. EAGLES SIGNUPS FOR YOUTH FOOTBALL, CHEER cer and softball and FCA football camps featuring NFL and college CVAA Jr. has opened registration for its 2016 football and cheer players and coaches as instructors will be offered in June or July. Bas- squads. Two of their cheer teams won national championships in Janketball, softball and football camps are open to third through ninth uary at the JAMZ Nationals in Las Vegas. Visit their website cvaajreagraders while the soccer camp is for all ages. Registration is taken gles.com for more information and to register. online at bereaneagles.org under athletics/camps. REGISTRATION UNDERWAY FOR ALL OUT SPORTS LEAGUES SUMMER PROGRAMS
SPRINGWOOD SWIM TEAM ACCEPTING APPLICANTS
Springwood Swim Team offers a Mini-Sprinter program for young kids 4-6 years-old who are learning how to swim. The summer recreSummer programs offered by All Out Sports Leagues in Clayton ational team is open to girls and boys 4-18. The season runs through are now taking registrations. The upcoming programs include adult Aug. 7. For more info go to springwoodswim.com. softball and volleyball leagues plus youth basketball and football BISHOP ESTATES SWIM TEAM SIGNUPS camps and youth leagues for volleyball and basketball. For complete The Bishop Estates Swim Team offers competitive and non-competinformation on All Out Sports programs, visit alloutsportsleague.com. itive learning as well as private lessons in a family setting. Online registration is open at bestswimteam.com. The first meet is May 21. For AQUANUTS HOST CELEBRATION OF CHAMPIONS more information email info@bestswimteam.com. AUCTION, FUND FUNDRAISER MAY 21 Walnut Creek Aquanuts are on the Road to Rio during this YGNACIO WOOD SWIM TEAM TAKING REGISTRATIONS Olympic year. They will bring some Olympic flair to their annual synThe Ygnacio Wood Swim Team for girls and boys 4-18 years of chronized swimming exhibition and fundraiser. Their own Aquanut age has begun practice for the summer season. For more info and and coach Mariya Koroleva and her duet partner Anita Alvarez are online registration visit ywst.org. representing America at the XXXI Olympiad in Rio de Janeiro this summer. Koroleva, Alvarez and the entire USA National team will perform CONCORD RECREATION HOSTING at this year’s event on Saturday, May 21, sponsored by BMW of ConVARIETY OF SUMMER SPORTS CAMPS cord and Mini of Concord. The event will include a live auction and Concord Parks & Recreation Department is offering a wide variety world class synchronized swimming from 4-9 p.m. at Clarke Memorial Swim Center in Heather Farm Park, Walnut Creek. For more info and of youth sports camps, clinics and classes this summer including Gymnastics + More, Kidz Love Soccer, Make Me A Pro camps in cheerleadtickets visit aquanuts.org. ing, flag football and basketball, Pee Wee Cheer, Skateboard Camp, many Skyhawk camps, Water Polo Camp and World Cup Soccer. ConGEHRINGER PARK GATORS TAKING SIGNUPS Gehringer Park is accepting online registration through June 13 cord Rec has on-going sports classes like swim lessons, junior tennis, for boys and girls 4-18 years for their summer swim season. For more Taekwondo (Little Dragons) and more. For more information on any info on the Gators email gehringergators@gmail.com or go online of these youth sports programs, visit concordreg.org.
VISTA DIABLO DOLPHINS SWIM SIGNUPS NOW The Vista Diablo Dolphins are accepting swimmers’ online regisCONCORD AYSO FALL REGISTRATION MAY 7 tration now. Girls and boys ages 3-18 years (as of June 15) can join Concord AYSO has an in-person registration day for fall league on the VDD recreation swim team. They offer a mini Dolphins program May 7, at Concord High multi-purpose room from 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (for those who cannot swim unassisted) in addition to Dolphin swimfor boys and girls up to 18 years. For info email info@concordayso.org mers. For information and two register visit vistadiablodolphins.com. or call (925) 603-3861.
eteamz.com/gehringerparkgators.
P ETS Spaying, neutering lead to overall better pet health April 22, 2016
The decision to spay or neuter your pet is an important one. It can be the single best decision you make for your pet’s long-term well being. Getting your pet spayed or neutered will reduce the number of homeless pets being killed, improve your pet’s health, reduce unruly behavior and save money on pet care. There are homeless pets everywhere. In the United States alone, an estimated 6-8 million animals enter animal shelters each year. Barely half are adopted; the rest are killed. These are healthy, sweet pets who would have made great companions. Spay/neuter is the only permanent, 100 percent effective method of birth control for cats and dogs. It is also important for their good health. Part of the shorter lifespan of unaltered pets can be attributed to their increased urge to roam, exposing them to fights with other animals, getting hit by cars and other mishaps. Unspayed female dogs and cats have a far greater chance of developing pyometra (a fatal uterine infection), uterine cancer and other cancers of the reproductive system. Male
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
pets who are neutered eliminate their chances of getting testicular cancer and it is thought to lower the risk of prostate cancer. Spaying and neutering can also curb undesirable behaviors. Unneutered dogs are more assertive and prone to urine marking (lifting his leg)
than neutered dogs. Although marking is generally associated with male dogs, unspayed females may also do it. Spaying or neutering your pet should reduce or eliminate urine marking. The urge to spray is extremely strong in an intact cat, and the simplest solution is
to get your cat neutered or spayed. Neutering solves about 90 percent of the problem, even in cats who have been doing it for awhile. It can also minimize howling, the urge to roam and getting in fights with other males. Please understand that while getting a pet spayed or
neutered will go a long way toward curbing bad behaviors, it will not change your pet’s fundamental personality.
Italy, 3, is a shy but sweet little girl. Once she warms up to you all she wants to do is melt in your lap. She loves to
chew on toys and play with her doggie friends. Italy is looking for a best friend to spend her days with, and she would love
to go on a walk around the block or just go shopping down town! Italy has a positive history with other dogs. We
recommend Italy take a Wallflowers class where she can build confidence and bond with a new guardian. If you have small children, we recommend bringing them for a meet and greet before adopting Italy. She currently weighs 11 pounds. The adoption fee for adult dogs is $250 and includes a discount on the first six-week session of a manners class. 8-month-old Alabaster is a gorgeous boy who loves petting and playtime! He needs lots of playtime with interactive toys, like cat wands, and would do well with someone who wants a busy, loving, playful smart cat!
Debbie DeMello is a dog trainer and owner of Who’s Training Who in Walnut Creek. Contact her at debdemello@aol.com
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DeBBie DemeLLo
pause
foR
pets
Italy and Alabaster are this month’s ARF stars
italy
alaBasteR
The adoption fee for adult cats is $75.
Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 6 pm Wednesday & Thursday, Noon to 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6 pm Saturday & Sunday.
Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www.arflife.org, or call (925) 2561ARF.
De La Salle, from page 12
state finals (1996, 2004, 2011 and 2016). Chino Hills was stunned in the State Division I finals last year by San Ramon Valley High in the Huskies first-ever title game appearance. ALL-EAST BAY AWARDS Kaylie Collins of Carondelet was selected East Bay girls soccer player of the year. The Cougars goalkeeper, who is headed to UCS this fall, had 10 clean sheets and 112 saves while her team went undefeated all the way to overtime of the NCS championship game before they were upset by East Bay Athletic League rival San Ramon Valley. Her teammate Jade Rafallo was a first-team all-East Bay selection as the Cougars captain and centerback. Clayton Valley Charter’s defensive mainstay Savannah Pomeroy was second-team allEast Bay selection. The Eagles blanked half their teams and won their back-to-back Diablo Valley Athletic League title. Carondelet also had Erin Ospeck on first team with Chelsea Bailey and Maddie Duncan on second team. Katie Hoyt, sister of US National team star Chris Wondolowski, was honorable mention for Carondelet. BOYS HONOREES On the boys side, Clayton Valley Charter’s Osbaldo Solis was a first-team selection while teammate Pablo Hernandez was third team for the DVAL champs. NCS DIII champion Ygnacio Valley placed junior Jose Diaz, the DVAL defensive MVP, was second team. In basketball, De La Salle’s Jordan Ratinho was the East Bay player of the year. The 6-5 senior, who is going to USF next year, averaged 18.7 points per game as the point guard and the team’s most versatile defender. During the EBAL season he won his second MVP award. DLS was undefeated against Northern California teams while compiling a 31-3 record. His Spartan teammates Emeka Udenyi and Nikhil Peters were second team allEast Bay. Carondelet won the EBAL and NCS. Vanessa Cruz of the Cougars was third team allEast Bay.
This FREE, one-hour doctor presentation on what you can do to reestablish normal blood glucose levels NATURALLY, will be hosted at the Harvest House Health Food Store, Saturday afternoon @ 1 p.m.
Saturday April 30, 1 p.m. Harvest House Health Food Store
2395 Monument Blvd., Concord
925-407-0888
You must reserve a seat to attend
SCHOOLS
Page 14
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
April 22, 2016
Tips for getting into the college that’s right for you
LiSA SPenCeR college Bound
A college acceptance letter is not as elusive as the media may lead you to believe. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, the average acceptance rate in
the United States is about 67 percent. However, competition is real – especially at more selective colleges – so you do need to play the game correctly to improve your chances. If you follow these guidelines, you should end up at a college or university that is a natural fit for you: Find schools that share your values. Colleges have different personalities and seek out students that will fit in. Spend some time on colleges’ websites, reading brochures and talking to admissions reps at college fairs to find out what they find important in applicants. Do not try to mold your-
Concord High aasim yahya
concoRd high coRRespondent
self to fit in, but instead find schools where you are already a natural fit. Demonstrate interest. Aside from the highly selective schools, colleges are very concerned about their yield – or percentage of accepted students who will actually enroll. On average, about one-third of students will choose to enroll in a particular school. Colleges have determined that students who have made contact with them are more likely to enroll. Therefore, the school is more likely to accept that student in the first place. Show your interest by going on a student-led tour of the school, calling or emailing the
obtaining a first-class college education is a far more reasonable goal. Concord student De’Andre Morgan has proven that the work in the classroom is equally as important as the work on the field. De’Andre is a junior at CHS with a 4.0 GPA. His involvement at CHS goes beyond sports, as he’s the school’s rally commissioner, a leadership student and a member of show choir. De’Andre grabbed the attention of scouts during his junior way to an education at universi- season and has been offered ties across America. four football opportunities, Becoming a professional including at Harvard and Yale. athlete is a long shot, however, Ivy league schools do not hand
Academics and Athletics winning combination for this student
Many high school athletes dream about taking the next step and playing at a collegiate level. It’s a huge honor, but also a gate-
Ygnacio Valley High claire Rader
ygnacio valley
coRRespondent
admissions rep for your area, and what really matters to you. agreeing to do optional interLisa Spencer is an independent views, talking to reps at col- college consultant, career counselor lege fairs and applying Early and owner of Next Phase College Action, if available. Do what you love. Don’t overload yourself with classes and activities designed to impress colleges. Pick activities that mean something to you and then give it your all. Select AP and Honors classes where you will shine, rather than signing up for everything your school offers. Colleges are looking for quality, not quantity. Too many sports, camps, community service projects or college prep summer programs looks inauthentic and doesn’t give the mick ucciferri school a sense of who you are
& Career Advising. You can reach her at lisa@next-phase.net or 925726-1209. For more information, go to www.next-phase.net.
The Northgate community was recently hit with the devastating news of the passing of Mr. Jim Wright. Mr. Wright was known to be a kindhearted and enthusiastic biology and zoology teacher at the school who constantly made people smile with his love of modern slang and Beyoncé impersonations. He was a mentor, a wonderful teacher, and a loyal friend to many and I, along with the rest of Northgate, am devastated by his passing. On Saturday, March 26, Mr. Wright was hit by a BART train and was pronounced dead on the scene. While there has been much speculation behind the incident, it has been confirmed that the death was, in fact, a suicide. The school was extremely disheartened by it, and while we wanted to mourn the death of our dear friend and teacher, our administration felt that it would be good to
also use this occurance as a way to spread suicide awareness and prevent more people from taking their lives. On the Monday that school came back into session after spring break, administration at Northgate set up many ways to help students who were at a low point in their lives. There were many crisis counselors on site to help students who needed to talk, whether about Mr. Wright’s death or about their own personal crises as well. There were comfort pets in the libraries such as service dogs and cats to help cheer up and comfort those in need. The school worked together to not only honor Mr. Wright, but also to make sure no student had to feel the need to take their own life.
Northgate High
noRthgate coRRespondent
out athletic scholarships but rather offer admission to potential collegiate athletes. At CHS, student athletes must have a 2.0 GPA to play in after-school sports. For CHS teachers, staff and coaches, it’s not about meeting the requirements but rather exceeding them to prepare for the future. “All my hard work has finally paid off, and I have the opportunity to make a better life for my family,” De’Andre says.
Aasim Yahya is a sophomore and student body vice president. He has a passion for basketball and plays on the school team. Send comments to editor@concordpioneer.com
A spoonfull of sugar and many hands brings Mary Poppins to YV stage
“Anything can happen if you let ships as well as maintaining it.” — Mary Poppins. grades while learning to tell this story. And everything is happenI personally have the ing at YVHS’s production of opportunity to play the part of Disney and Cameron Mackin- the iconic Mary Poppins. This tosh’s “Mary Poppins,” the will be my fourth musical at East Bay debut by a high YVHS. I have been fortunate school performance company. enough to have the same direcThis is a huge production. Stu- tors every year, and each year I dents, parents and community learn something from them members alike have all stepped that has helped lead me to up to the plate. The sets were where I am now. Geoff Carter all hand designed and built has been the music director for from scratch by parents. The the productions at Ygnacio for costumes are turn of the cen- more than 25 years, and began tury pieces contributed by two collaborating with our director prominent designers in the and choreographer, Kelly theatre community. And Cooper, who began musical Mary’s wig was hand designed theatre as his student many and styled especially for this years ago. production. The show was cast Being Mary Poppins, I have in January, with actors from also had the chance to interact two different middle schools with the cast in a different way and an elementary school join- than I have before. I am a ing the cast, and everyone leader but more importantly a involved has been balancing friend to all the cast. The entire rehearsals, sports and intern- cast is very close knit and we
michael mcalister noRthgate pRincipal
fReshman calan RadeR makes his yVhS stage debut as the lovable Bert when “mary Poppins” opens at yV Apr. 23.
all take care of each other. It’s amazing how this shines through on the stage — chemistry is everything, and we are a family. I have also learned more about Mary Poppins as a woman — her motivations and her influence. I really feel as if I’m walking a mile in someone else’s shoes. There is more to Mary Poppins than meets the eye — yes, even more than magic. Everyone who meets Mary loves her. She holds the interest of others above her own and always has a few fun
tricks up her sleeve. I believe we can all learn from Mary Poppins.
Performance dates are April 23 at 2 p.m. and 7:30; April 29 at 7:30 p.m. and April 30 at 2 p.m. at Ygnacio Valley High School, 750 Oak Grove Rd., Concord. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students for evening shows, and $10 and $5 for matinees. Tickets are available online at yvhs.mdusd.org.
Send comments and questions to editor@concordpioneer.com
Working through our grief
Mick Ucciferri is a senior at Northgate High School. Send questions and comments to editor@concordpioneer.com
Heartaches and blessings at Northgate
It’s been a difficult time at Northgate, with the recent loss of science teacher Jim Wright. As sad as it’s been, many of us have been moved by the way our community has come together. Teachers, students and staff have supported each other with grace and compassion. Our loss has brought us closer. Grief in tow, we are still approaching this year’s home stretch with a mix of grit and anticipation. Students are engaged in project-based learning experiences as well as challenges like the fastapproaching AP tests. In addition, students are readying themselves for our CAASPP testing in the next two weeks. We are hoping this will increase Northgate’s ability to support our students’ ability to
think and reason their way through both English and math curricula. Meanwhile, I’ve traveled to the Google Campus with Northgate Help Desk students to watch them meet and solve design challenges with industry professionals. I’ve also had the pleasure of watching the livestreaming of our jazz band as they won their competition at Monterey’s Next Generation Jazz Festival. It all reminds me how powerful it is to be involved in education. I get to watch amazing personal growth among a community of people that I both admire and respect. It’s a continual reminder that despite life’s heartaches, there are many blessings.
Send comments and questions to editor@concordpioneer.com
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Clayton Valley Charter High
April 22, 2016
tommy vo teen speak
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
CV student leaders ready for the future
For Clayton Valley seniors “I’ve grown as a person, stuwho exercised leadership roles at dent, friend and, most imporschool, being a leader has helped tantly, a leader,” says Hosna prepare them for the future. Opeyany, Clayton Valley’s Asso-
Jeff eben cvchs pRincipal
Soaring towards the future
One of the benefits of being a high school principal is witnessing the excitement of students as they plan their futures. CV students boast an impressive 97 percent graduation rate with 96 percent of them going on to college, into the military or into vocational training. This year marks a special milestone for CV. This year’s graduating seniors were the incoming freshmen for CV’s
inaugural year as a conversion charter high school. We’re proud and excited about the futures for each of these rock star students. It was also the first year that CV sponsored a unique adventure to explore seven universities in four days. Campuses included UC Santa Barbara, Cal Poly, UCLA, USC, CSU San Diego, UC San Diego, and CSU Long Beach. Led by CV teacher, Sarah
Tech Talk, from page 9
If they say they are going to sue you, let them. They threaten your credit rating – OK, bring it on. Fight these scams with intelligence, patience and a great deal of skepticism. Then just ignore it, press delete and eradicate the email bearing such ridiculous information. Don’t open emails from people you don’t know. As a human, I know this is tough to do, but stiffen your resolve. This week has been especially harsh to users opening emails, more than I have ever seen or heard. They range from scams like those above to ransomware. Scammers prey on your feelings of injustice or curiosity. But when you fall for it, you lose money – gobs of it in some cases. Here’s a special alert about getting hit with a crypto locker virus, when all your data is held hostage. But they say you can get it back – just pay the ransom. So now they want your trust.
Like quicksand, they suck you in. They are going to make it better if you just send money for an unlock key. They get your credit card number and give it to a Bitcoin center for (wink-wink) secure processing. Then they say they will send it to the scammer in untraceable currency and request a key. Well, you just got scammed. Your credit card number is now all over the Internet, your data may never be recovered and you’re out 500 bucks. But that’s not the end of it. So what can you do? First, don’t open emails from people you don’t know. Second, get a backup system and use the grandfather, father, son backup scheme (Google it). And, lastly, be suspicious of everything. It’s up to you to be vigilant.
ciated Student Body president. “Leadership has become part of me, and I want to be able to continue being a leader in an educational environment as long as I can.” Many students are planning to attend four-year universities after high school. While some are anxious about adapting to a new environment, others look forward to the opportunity. “I am extremely excited to use the skills I have learned in leadership in college,” says senior class president Andrew
Page 15
Legault. “I even plan to become involved in Associated Students, a leadership program at the UC system.” Gregory Rosewell, ASB teacher, is confident the seniors will continue to be leaders in their future endeavors. “Whether it be at a university, in the community or as part of the workforce, Clayton Valley students will continue to thrive and lead by example,” Rosewell says. Tommy Vo is a senior at CVCHS. Send comments to editor@concordpioneer.com
Military (gI bill – deferral College) 3.5%
Full-time Work/Other 4.0%
trade/tech College 1.8%
2-year College 42.7%
4-year university 48.0%
Last year, 96 percent of CVChS graduating seniors went on to higher education or into the military.
Lovick, and guidance counselor, James Hamilton, the group of AVID, Link Crew and National Honor Society students visited two colleges each day. Examining a combination of private, UC and CSU schools enabled the students to compare and contrast the requirements for eligibility as well as what they “felt” on each campus. Often within the first 30 minutes visiting each campus a student was able to tell if this was a school they were interested in exploring further, or if it just “wasn’t the right fit for them.” Students spent approximately two hours on each campus and participated in guided tours.
Parents were updated two or three times a day via the “Remind” education app that allowed Lovick to mass text all parents and provided updates and highlights. Students will have a chance to express what they learned from the trip at our next school board meeting. Many are already telling their friends about the experience so that they can begin to plan for next year’s trip. I’m grateful for Lovick and Hamilton for providing our students with the opportunity to explore their dreams. Send comments and questions to editor@concordpioneer.com
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William Claney is an independent tech writer and former owner of Computers USA in the Clayton Station. Email questions or comments to willclaney@gmail.com.
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Lush azaleas a natural for Concord gardens
Azalea plants are budding Most garden lovers can rec- shrubs, with spring through early and blooming throughout our ognize an azalea plant. They are summer orchid shaped flowers Clayton Valley landscapes. familiar, dark green leafed of many different colors. Azalea plants need a good beginning. They are best when grown in a light, composted soil. When installing or transplanting azaleas, prepare the soil by adding compost and using a planting mix by the roots. Make sure to give your azalea the proper light. They thrive in bright shade, filtered sun or morning sun. Too much sun will burn the blossoms. With too much shade, your plant won’t bloom. Azaleas need to be fertilized at the right times with the proper mix. This time of year, feed with a product that has more phosphorus than nitrofive clayton gaRdens, showcasing drought tolerant gen. Pay attention to the numplants, perennials, imaginative hardscape and color are bers on the products. Use a 2showcased on this weekend’s Clayton historical Society 10-10, 3-20-20 or a 0-10-10 to Gardens Tour. April 23 and 24, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. feed the bloom and the roots. Purchase ticket at the Clayton museum, 6101 main St. After the flowers have faded, in downtown Clayton. fertilize to encourage growth
clayton gardens tour
niCoLe hACKeTT
gaRden giRl
and green. Use a fertilizer with a formula designed for acidloving plants, applying every 46 weeks. Occasional doses of iron may be needed as well. If you have a drip system, use a water-soluble fertilizer. If you water with sprinklers, get a granular product. It’s important to evaluate the azaleas in your landscape or garden at this time of year. Azalea plants can appear woody; this is natural. Check
the soil around the plants. Cultivate the area to work oxygen into the ground, and add a layer of soil conditioner around the plant’s drip line. This layer will help hold the fertilizer in place while it breaks down. When choosing an azalea for the garden, consider where it was grown. Nursery tags often list the name and city of the grower. Plants grown in hot and dry environments with frost will do much better in our Clayton Valley landscapes than the ones grown in a greenhouse in Southern California or Oregon. The variety also matters. Some azalea plants are stronger than others. Azalea Red Bird is a sturdy, bright pinkish red flower that has double the traditional petals. It survives well here. So does Phoenicia with its lavender bloom, Mistral with its large
April 22, 2016
pink bloom and Happy Days with double purple flowers. Azaleas are staple plants in our Clayton Valley landscapes and gardens. Give them love and reap the rewards. Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. You can contact her with questions or comments by email at Gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
Play it cool with these summer fashion trends Here are some trends for this spring and summer season: Beach Chic. For spring, designers were inspired by the ultimate beach bum. If we can’t actually quit our corporate gigs to bartend in Bali or make jewelry in Maui, we’ll at least look like we did – thanks to the batik, tie-dye, beach-type pullovers, bucket SuSAn SAPPinGTon hats and loose linen coming clothes up down the pike. The Cold Shoulder, also with bare shoulder silhouettes known as the Bare Shoulder. for this spring and summer. More than a few designers The Puffy Shirt. Designshowcased tops and dresses ers may have been catching
up on “Seinfeld” reruns while conceptualizing their spring lines. White ruffled blouses – reminiscent of the show’s infamous “puffy shirt” – made numerous runway appearances. Say Goodnight. Pajama dressing was taken to new, and very literal, level at New York Fashion Week – evidenced by the amount of sleepwear-as-daywear. From crisp PJ-style sets and lingerie-inspired pieces at Givenchy to nightie dresses, we’ll all be sleeping in our clothes this summer.
no need to Be a slave to fads, but a passing nod to the current trends can keep your look fresh and current. This spring the bare shoulder look and the blue and orange color combo are both chic and trendy.
Pump up the Volume. We’re used to seeing overthe-top pieces on runways that often employ laughable proportions. But for spring/summer, designers are managing to fuse structured high-fashion volume with wearability. Big Sur or Bust. The spiritual retreat that played an integral part in the “Mad Men” series finale is a real place in Big Sur, called the Esalen Institute. Throughout the 1970s, it was a haven for post-hippie dwellers. Designers were looking West for spring/summer, creating dozens of looks that capture the prairie-peasant vibe associated with the “spiritual but
not religious” crowd in 1970s California. Ohmmmm. Go Blue (and Orange). These two colors had a strong showing during New York Fashion Week. Bring out your Giants gear for that perfect orange. Wear it proudly, as you are trending this year. Golden Girl. Once upon a time, shiny gold attire might have been too glitzy. However, thanks to an especially strong showing on spring 2016 runways, shiny gold fabric is poised to be a seasonal standout. A gold sequin dress paired with flat sandals accentuates its wearability. Actual Shirt Dressing. Test out the mega-trend of
shirts layered under sleeveless dresses. Fun Fringe. We saw it last spring and again this fall, and it looks like fringe is sticking around for spring and summer 2016. Several designers employed it to trim skirts and dresses. The beauty of fringe lies in its softness. Think of the ends of a velvet scarf or macrame rather than Western-style fringe. Whatever the trend, make it your own. Susan Sappington is the Area Development Manager and Wardrobe Consultant for ETCETERA Clothing of New York. Send comments to susan@etcstyles.com.
April 22, 2016
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 17
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake is our not-so-dangerous neighbor
STACi hoBBeT
on the mountain
Not long ago in a community news blog, a report turned up about a rattlesnake in a local park. One alarmed commenter recommended that visitors show up in the park with a shovel to dispatch it. An update a few days later referred to the local rattlesnakes as “deadly creatures,” and a commenter wrote that we should “kill off every dangerous rattlesnake” and replace them with gopher snakes, which aren’t poisonous. In this same time span, one
of my colleagues on the mountain came across a hiker who was armed with a shovel to kill rattlesnakes in Mt. Diablo State Park – a reserve set aside to protect wildlife. Like other native California critters – bears, mountain lions, wolves, coyotes, even bobcats and foxes, rattlesnakes have been demonized as aggressive, mortally dangerous beasts that we’d be better off without. The truth is almost wholly the opposite, and our local rat-
tlesnake may be the most misunderstood of all. Carl Nielson retired last summer after 25 years spent as a ranger in Mt. Diablo State Park. During his tenure, there were “only two rattlesnake bites in the park that affected people, and both were on the hands when park visitors picked up the snakes.” California is home to eight native rattlesnakes, but only one lives in Northern California: the Northern Pacific rat-
tlesnake. Our rattler is arguably the most passive of the bunch, as Nielson’s long experience shows. A rattlesnake can’t afford to waste its venom – its meal ticket – or to risk injury and death by tangling with you. People are big, unpredictable, inedible and truly dangerous. However, like every other animal (including you), a snake will try to defend itself if threatened. It will almost always warn you before it strikes, giving you a chance to steer clear. To attack you is a last resort, not a first. Hikers will have no problem with these remarkable reptiles if they wear boots, keep hands out of rock crevices and tree roots, don’t try to pick up a snake and use common sense. In turn, the snakes will focus their appetites on rats, mice, rabbits, ground squirrels, frogs, toads, crickets and grasshoppers. Larger predators will, in turn, nab them. If
Have you addressed elderly parents in your estate plan? Typically, an estate plan includes accommodations for your spouse, children, grandchildren and even future generations. But some members of the family can be overlooked, such as your parents or in-laws. Yet the older generation may also need your financial assistance, perhaps even more so than Millennials who are off to successful starts in their careers.
5 STEP ACTION PLAN How can you best handle the financial affairs of parents in the later stages of life? Incorporate their needs into your own estate plan while tweaking, when necessary, the arrangements they’ve already made. Here are five critical steps: Identify key contacts. Just like you’ve done for yourself, compile the names and addresses of professionals important to your parents’ finances and medical conditions. This may include stockbrokers, financial advisors, attorneys, CPAs, insurance agents and physicians. Keep the contact list in a safe place where it can be reached quickly, perhaps in a digital file. List and value their assets. If you’re going to be able to manage the financial affairs of your parents, you must know what they have and how much. List their investment holdings, IRA and retirement plan accounts, and life insurance policies, including current balances and account numbers. Be sure to add in projections for Social
RichaRd littoRno insight on
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Security benefits. When all is said and done, don’t be surprised if their net worth is higher or lower than what you (or they) initially thought. You can use this information to formulate the appropriate planning techniques. Open the lines of communication. Before going any further, have a frank and honest discussion with your elderly relatives, as well as other family members who may be involved, such as your siblings. Make sure you understand your parents’ wishes and explain the objectives you hope to accomplish. Understandably, they may be hesitant or too proud to accept your help, so some arm twisting may be required. Remember that this is a sensitive issue and should be handled delicately. Execute documents. Assuming you can agree on how to move forward, develop a plan incorporating several legal documents. If your parents have already created one or more of these documents, they may
are strings attached to family gifts?
Medicaid is one form of assistance for the elderly that is based on financial thresholds. Therefore, large financial gifts to a Medicaid recipient can have negative implications. For instance, an elderly parent frequently can’t have more than $2,000 in assets to become eligible for Medicaid. Other potential benefits that may be cut if a person has too much income are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments to some elderly, blind and disabled people, Social Security Disability, food stamps, and certain forms of clinical services. Thus, giving large gifts to a relative may increase the value of his or her assets for these purposes. Similarly, the law discourages parents from gifting to other family members so they can squeeze under the threshold for Medicaid. Under a “look-back rule,” gifts made within five years of the application are subject to penalties. Bottom line: consider all the angles when giving gifts.
need to be revised or coordinated with new ones. Some elements commonly included in an estate plan are: Wills. Your parents’ wills control the disposition of their possessions, such as cars and jewelry, and ties up other loose ends. (Of course, jointlyowned property with rights of survivorship automatically passes to the survivor.) Notably, a will also establishes the executor of your parents’ estates. If you’re the one lending financial assistance, you’re probably the optimal choice. Living trusts. A living trust can supplement a will by providing for the disposition of selected assets. Unlike a will, a living trust doesn’t have to go through probate, so this might save time and money, while avoiding public disclosure. Powers of attorney. This document authorizes someone to legally act on behalf of another person. With a durable power of attorney, the most common version, the authorization continues after the person is disabled. This enables you to better handle your parents’ affairs. Living wills or advance medical directives. These documents provide guidance for end-oflife decisions. Make sure that your parents’ physicians have copies so they can act according to their wishes. Beneficiary designations. Undoubtedly, your parents have filled out beneficiary designations for retirement plans, IRAs and life insurance policies. These designations supersede references in a will, so it’s important to keep them up-todate. Spread the wealth. If you decide the best approach for helping out your parents is to give them monetary gifts, it’s relatively easy to avoid gift tax liability. Under the annual gift tax exclusion, you can give each recipient up to $14,000 without paying any gift tax, doubled to $28,000 per recipient if your spouse joins in the gift. Any excess may be sheltered by the generous estate and gift tax exemption of $5.45 million in 2016. Be wary, however, of giving gifts that may affect eligibility for some government benefits. Generally, availability of these benefits varies from state-tostate (see the sidebar “Strings attached to family gifts?”). SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP Estate planning for elderly
parents, which is complex in its own right, is intertwined with your own finances. Contact an estate planning professional to help develop a comprehensive plan that addresses the entire family’s needs.
Richard A. Littorno is an attorney specializing in estate planning. He has offices in Walnut Creek and Pittsburg. Please send your questions or comments to Richard@LittornoLaw.com.
Staci Hobbet is a docent with you’re a regular hiker, it’s a the Mt. Diablo Interpretive Associgood bet you’ve spotted a redation. You can send email to her at tailed hawk in flight with a fat anastasiahobbet@gmail.com rattler squirming in its talons.
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Don’t trip over the ottoman – just use it wisely Page 18
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JennifeR LeiSCheR
design & décoR
I’m thinking of a piece of furniture. It easily endures the wear and tear of kicked-up feet on movie night. This piece of furniture sometimes quietly nestles at the end of a bed or loudly jumps for joy in a rainbow of colors in the kids’ playroom. It’s happy to be the center of attention in a great room or decoratively stored as a pair under a console table. Pouf, cube, bench, stool – its name varies depending on
where it’s placed. Whether tufted in fabric or leather, round, square, rectangular, oval, with castors or feet, ottomans are an all-around essential piece of furniture to incorporate into just about any living space. HERE, THERE … EVERYWHERE
When describing an ottoman, some might think of the coordinating foot rest that occasionally comes with a lounge chair. This typical ottoman is functional and comfortable, but ottomans can be so much more. They can anchor seating arrangements by taking over the job of a traditional coffee table. They can be stylish and functional when placed at the end of a bed or inside a walkin closet and used as a comfortable place to sit and put on shoes, or when they poke out from under a piano for extra seating. Think of them for mini storage solutions in the kids’ playroom, outside on the patio, as extra seating in the living room when the ladies come for cocktails or as a chic accent in the powder room for holding guests’ purses. The ottoman can be placed just about anywhere, inside and out, and provide a functional purpose.
This spring, switch up your cleaning routine Spring is the perfect time to get last year’s dirt out of your home. If you are about to dig into that sometimes dreaded chore, start by making a switch. Or several.
SWITCH … The Mattress. Turn it over, and then switch the top of the mattress to the bottom of the bed. This reduces concave areas and should be repeated every six months. Vacuum mattresses using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Ceiling Fan. Turn the switch on your ceiling fan so the blades are moving counter clockwise, pushing the air downward. Dust the top and sides of the fan blades with a microfiber cloth. Storm Windows. Take out your storm windows and replace with screens. Wash windows inside and out using a drop of liquid dish soap per two gallons of water and a good squeegee. You will get the best results if you wash windows on a cloudy, not sunny, day because sunlight dries the glass quickly, causing it to streak.
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Baking Soda. It’s time to take out the old baking soda from your refrigerator and replace it with a new box. To clean the inside of the fridge, use a cleaning solution of 1/4 cup baking soda to 1 quart of warm water. Don’t forget to wipe down the rubber gasket around the edge of the door. Your Wardrobe. Exchange winter clothes for summer ones. Call your local charity and donate any clean, unwanted clothing. Your Child’s Toys. If the toy box is overflowing, take out several toys that won’t be noticed and store them in the attic or another out-of-theway spot. In the fall or after a birthday, take out the stored box and switch those toys with others in the toy box. Spices. Replace spices that have not been used in more than a year. Spices tend to lose their potency over time. Wipe clean the interior of the cabinets with warm water and a mild detergent. If you find a lot of crumbs or food particles, vacuum cupboards and drawers before cleaning. Air Filter. Change your furnace filter so it is ready for next winter.
SECRET STORAGE Some ottomans have hollow interiors, which make them great little storage units. Larger, coffee table sized ottomans are perfect to store board games or cozy throws in the great room. Or use a bench-sized ottoman at the end of a bed to house extra sheets and pillows. Cube ottomans are usually about 18 inches by 20 inches square. Some are hollow for storage, and some also have reversible tops. One side is like the upholstered body, and one side has a flat table-top surface. These ottomans are great clustered in place of a traditional
coffee table for smaller living shoes, a more durable upholspaces, as they provide a dual stery is best. Leather is always a good function. option for an ottoman that LEATHER OR OUTDOOR will receive a lot of use, as FABRIC well as outdoor fabric made When adding an ottoman of synthetic fibers. Many into your living space, select popular retailers are offering the upholstery based on how outdoor fabrics as upholstery the ottoman will be used – options for outdoor and just like any other piece of indoor use because of the furniture. If the ottoman is wide range of colors and texmore for decorative purpos- tures, resistance to stains and es, you don’t need to be over- durability. ly concerned with the duraJennifer Leischer is the owner of bility of the fabric. But if J. Designs Interior Design based in you’re considering a large Clayton. Contact her with questions, coffee table sized ottoman comments and suggestions at that will probably be near jenna@j-designs.com. food, lounging feet and
‘Zootopia’ blends laughter, life lessons
Jeff meLLinGeR
scReen shots Most animated comedies do not tackle deep, societal issues. They can be typically taken at face value, with characters overcoming some sort of personal struggle. It is difficult to balance laughs with genuine social commentary. But co-directors and co-writers Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-it Ralph”) largely pull off a perfect mix in “Zootopia.” Hiring quality actors to do the voices always helps. Rabbits, while always cute, are often the funniest characters in animated fare. Thumper, Bugs Bunny and Roger Rabbit are some of the most iconic bunnies from cartoons, so Judy Hopps
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(flawlessly voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) has big shoes to fill. All she’s ever dreamed of is becoming the first rabbit police officer in Zootopia. Always told she’s too small and weak to make it as a cop, Judy perseveres. Yes, Judy must surmount the odds in her personal struggle. However, the writers make it not only about an entire species attempting to conquer perceived deficiencies, but about women as well. Throughout her journey, Judy keeps a level head – endeavoring to find the humor among her many trying situations. Upon arriving in Zootopia, she gets grifted by a fox, Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman in another excellent casting choice). In a clever, funny game of one-upsmanship, they both figure out the other isn’t so bad after all. Goodwin and Bateman have a lot of chemistry together, even as animated characters. As the friendship builds between Judy and Nick, they try to solve a case believed to be unsolvable. A visit to the DMV elicits some hearty chuckles. But at this point, the film becomes more of a
a Bunny and a foX (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman) deal with a DmV-working sloth in Disney’s Zootopia.
whodunit than a comedy. It’s not until the third act that the movie delivers its most powerful message. “Zootopia” sacrifices laughs for lessons as the film moves toward its climax. The city has been living in complete harmony. Predators and prey live together in a civilized society. No one tries to eat anyone. When it comes to light that someone is causing a handful of predators to revert to their primal form, protests and chaos ensue. Should an entire species of animals be judged on even
the chance that a scant few of them may return to their primal state? If parents are able to decipher this message for their kids after they leave the theater, the creators have done a great service. “Zootopia” is one of those rare movies that is at once funny, sweet and socially conscious. B+ Jeff Mellinger is a screen writer and film buff. He holds a BA in Film Studies and an MFA in film production. He lives in Concord. Email comments to editor@claytonpioneer.com.
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don haRtsell at the piano, has Been leading the monday singing group at Concord Senior Center for 8 years. The group is open to all, no auditions required.
their lungs and love every minute of it. Newcomers are always welcome to join, and group members don’t give a hoot if you can carry a tune or not. They are there for the friendships that are forged and the joyful noise made. For $14 a year, residents can become a member of the
Concord Senior Citizens Club. The senior singers meet after lunch every Monday at noon. The gifted piano player will transport you to that magical place where only beautiful music can take you.
Parkside Circle.
Christine Kogut is a marketing director for the Concord Senior Citizens Club. She has lived in the area for 40 years and formerly worked for the Contra Costa Times. To find out more about the Concord Senior Center, call (925) 671The group meets at the 3320 or see the city’s website at Concord Senior Center, 2727 concord.ca.us
Few galleries will exhibit nudes, and many artists do not understand why. For the new “Nude Not Naked” exhibit at the aRt Cottage, most of the artists have been painting together for many years in a studio art setting. Most of the works are from the Jody Mattison Group. The artists work from poses done by draped as well as nude models. Some of the models are from the Bay Area
Model Guild and are also used by colleges around the area. Artists have been working with nudes, whether painted in abstract style or lifelike, since the beginning of time. They look at the human body as a beautiful landscape with many interesting shadows, shapes and lines.
May. There will be a reception to meet the artists 1-5 p.m. Saturday, May 7. This is the same day as the Concord Art, Wine and Beer Walk. aRt Cottage is the last stop on the map.
In this story, Marian McAlpine is “The Edible Woman.” She works in the research division of an ad agency. As a “modern girl,” she is college-educated and self-sufficient. What sets Marian apart from “the office virgins” is her steady boyfriend, Peter, and her flatmate, Ainlsey. Even though Marian is a working professional, women and men in her company are segregated. Figuratively and literally, men occupy the floor above. Marian defers to Peter and his assumed superiority, as social conventions require. When Marian and Peter become engaged, she waits to reveal the good news at her office – knowing she will be fired because married women, and those on the cusp of matrimony, “are unreliable.” Sexism exists in ways that seems antiquated today. When Ainlsey decides that she wants a baby and not necessarily a husband, she creates a strategy to find the perfect donor. She plots the seduction of her candidate, Len, by letting him think she’s an innocent teenager. She gets him so roaring drunk that he doesn’t remember the deed. When Ainsley tells Len the good news, he bellows, “This is what happens when you educate women!”
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Marian’s friend Clara has just given birth to a third baby in four years and swears that when it’s over, she’s going on the pill. If feminism wasn’t thriving in 1969, it was beginning to build steam. From the moment Marian accepts Peter’s proposal, her subconscious begins to revolt. She becomes involved with a graduate student she meets in a launderette, making excuses to rendezvous furtively while justifying her fickle behavior to herself. As Peter assumes more authority over her life, she develops an eating disorder, thus physically beginning to fade. At first she finds steak, with its blood and texture, intolerable. Then she finds the relationship to the beaks and feathers of chicken and eggs disgusting. When she is reduced to consuming only coffee and toast, bread becomes inedible when she compares its air pockets to small clusters of lungs. Marion doesn’t quite break it off with Peter as much as display increasingly neurotic behavior, forcing Peter to call off the engagement. This is disappointing, because a reader wants the protagonist to have evolved by the end of a story. But Marian, like the culture in which she existed in 1969, was making the best progress she could.
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Today’s readers can learn a lot from 1960s ‘Woman’
Margaret Atwood’s first novel, “The Edible Woman,” was published in 1969. At 30, Atwood was then hailed as one of the first feministthemed novelists of modern literature. But Atwood denies the claim, saying that a statement on women’s rights was not her intention. Nevertheless, as a product of its time, social themes rise like cream to the top of this edgy fiction debut. To read “The Edible Woman” is to be transported back in time. Forty-plus years ago, “girls” had entered the workforce to stay. They wore binding girdles, deferred to the men in the company and were expected to resign when they became engaged and left maidenhood behind. Still, they were there, earning their way.
Spring is a season for a variety of outdoor activities, including going to a baseball game and watching kids of all ages trying to hit a ball into the air. How well a ball is hit is mainly a function of the batter’s skill, but weather conditions help determine how far the ball will travel.
Introd
Exhibit examines the body as art
fRoGARD
Weather, from page 8
about 25 feet farther in the mile-high city of Denver. All the weather-related effects of baseball flight distances I discussed were calculated in still air. Winds are seldom calm, and the velocity of the wind doesn’t have to be strong to have a significant impact on the distance a ball travels. A 5 mph wind blowing out to center field can add about 10 percent to the distance of a ball hit well enough to travel 350 feet in calm air.
ChRiSTine KoGuT At the insistence of his parents and because of his own budding love of music, Don Hartsell sat down at a piano in 1930, at the tender age of 5, to be taught his first lesson by the grocer’s wife. After extensive musical training, he enjoyed a long career as an organist and music director. He and his wife of 53 years, Nanna, also taught at several schools in Contra Costa County. Don has been volunteering for the past eight years as the pianist for the Monday Sing-aLong Group at the Concord Senior Citizens Club. He plays a mean piano, thrilling his listeners with a variety of popular old tunes – from “Beautiful Dreamer” to “Roll Out the Barrel” and every genre in between. The singing group always begins its sessions with “Hail, Hail the Gang’s All Here” and ends their time together with “God Bless America.” They all sing at the top of
Page 19
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If you are familiar with Atwood’s later work, this novel is a must-read. Ditto, if you are at all curious about 1960s North American culture. Cynthia Gregory is a North Bay nonprofit leader, writer of short fiction, and author of a blog. Email comments and questions to Editor@ConcordPioneer.com
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April 22, 2016
Musical revue features songs from O’Neill plays SALLy hoGARTy
stage stRuck Leave it to the Eugene O’Neill Foundation to find a creative way to present events dealing with O’Neill’s prolific writings. The Foundation and the National Park Service present “O’Neill: The Rhythms of His Soul” April 30-May 15 at the Old Barn at Tao House. Located in Danville, Tao House was O’Neill’s home from 1937-1944 and the place where he wrote many of his most famous plays. It is truly a magical place to watch or perform in one of his works. This event, however, is not one of his masterpieces
but rather a lively musical revue featuring more than 70 songs imbedded in his 51 plays. Written by foundation director emeritus Dan Cawthon, the revue features songs collected by Travis Bogard, a former member of the foundation’s board of directors. It includes early American popular music, sea shanties, songs from Ireland, familiar music hall tunes from the turn of the century and songs about misbegotten love. Directed by Rachel Robinson, the production includes a cast of four singers/ dancers, Billy Raphael, Lisa Woo, Eric Carlson, Kate Metroka, and Brad Crooker as Eugene O’Neill. Tickets may be purchased at www.eugeneoneill.org or by calling 925-820-1818. Pittsburg Community Theatre presents Larry Kramer’s award-winning drama “The Normal Heart” 8 p.m. May 13, 2 and 8 p.m. May 14 and 2 p.m. May 15 at the California Theatre in downtown Pittsburg.
clayton theatRe company BRings neil simon’s “RumoRs” to endeavoR hall in Clayton. Cast in the rowdy romp are (standing) Terese mcGregor, Bill Dietz, Teresa Grosserode, Ron Craven, James Bradley, nathalie Archangel; (Seated) Tamara filener, Terry Tracy, Peggy Scalise
Steven Mergogey-Conti directs the powerful work about public indifference to the AIDS plague and one man’s lonely fight to awaken the world to the impending crisis. Nathan Bogner plays Ned Weeks, the activist who confronts an indifferent press and gay community. The cast includes Clarisse Edwards, Jason Best, Greg Lynch, Giovanni Vidrio, Joseph Saam, Tim Biglow, Keala Freitas, Alex Schepers and Ian Lustre. For tickets, call 925-4271611 or go to www.pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. It’s the last chance to see Clayton Theatre Company’s “Rumors,” which closes April 23 at Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. The Neil Simon comedy is one laugh after another as friends arrive for a 10th anniversary party. But the hostess is nowhere to be found, and her husband is indisposed with a gun shot wound to the ear. Rumors fly as the police arrive to take this hilarious farce up another notch. La Tonya Watts directs, with Roxanne Pardi as assistant director. “We’ve set the show in present-day New York to give it a fresh, modern-day feel,” says Watts, who notes that the couples in the play “bring new meaning to family dysfunction.” The cast includes Teresa Grosserode, Nathalie Archangel, Terry Tracy, Peggy Scalise, Ron Craven, Bill Dietz, James Bradley, Terese McGregor and newcomers to the theater company, Clayton resident Chip Renner and Tamara Cooreman. For tickets, go to Claytontheatrecompany.com or
KevinBerne.com
J. michael flynn, cassidy BRown and liam vincent in Center Rep’s award-winning comedy, “Art,”now playing through April 30.
www.Brownpapertickets.com. with his breathless monologue about his impending There’s still time to catch nuptials. Center Repertory’s “Art” at The story follows the Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center friendship of the three men, for the Arts. Yasmina Reza’s which reaches the breaking award-winning comedy con- point when Serge spends a tinues through April 30. large amount of money for Michael Butler directs a an all-white painting. Neither seamless, fast-paced produc- Yvan nor Marc can fathom tion utilizing the excellent why their friend would do comedic skills of Cassidy such a thing. The comedy Brown (Yvan), J. Michael goes way beyond a discussion Flynn (Marc) and Liam Vin- of art and delves into how cent (Serge). All create fasci- friendships form and the life natingly different characters. choices that people make as Brown is especially effective they mature.
Scenic designer Joshua Lipps creates a very effective white monochromatic color scheme (with a large splash of color in the red-toned carpet), beautifully accented by Kurt Landisman’s colorful light cubicles. Call 925-943SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.
Charles Perrault’s enchanting fairy tale springs to life in “Sleeping Beauty,” an hour-long ballet set to Tchaikovsky’s exhilarating score on May 13-14. The staging and choreography highlights the talents of the Contra Costa Ballet Company, along with fea-
annually at the Lesher Center for the Arts: “Spring Rep” and “The Nutcracker.”
Sally Hogarty is well known around the Bay Area as a newspaper columnist, theatre critic and working actress. She is the editor of the Orinda News. Send comments to sallyhogarty@gmail.com
‘Sleeping Beauty’ is pared Diablo Ballet’s ‘Celebrated Masters’ down version of the classic draws on childlike imagination
Diablo Ballet presents the final program of its 22nd season, honoring the power of dance with “Celebrated Masters” May 6-7 at the Del Valle Theatre in Walnut Creek. The performances include the highly anticipated production of “Carnival of the Imagination,” choreographed by Robert Dekkers and set to Camille Saint-Saëns’s famous “The Carnival of the Animals.” The ballet follows a
young child named Seven on a magical journey through the world of make believe. Filled with dragons and unicorns, pixies and panda bears, a phoenix and a jackalope, this coming-of-age adventure celebrates creativity and inspires imagination. “Celebrated Masters” will be at 8 p.m. May 6 and 2 and 8 p.m. May 7 at 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. Each performance is fol-
lowed by an interactive Q&A with the dancers and choreographers, and includes a complimentary dessert and coffee reception, with an opportunity for the audience members to get up close and personal with the artists. For tickets, call 925-943SHOW or visit www.lesherartscenter.org. For more information, visit www.diabloballet.org.
After 10 years, ‘Wish Upon a Star’ still charms audiences
Performing in her seventh “Wish Upon a Star” show, high school senior Jordan Ben-Shmuel is sentimental about this year’s production. “This year is special for me because I get to play Peter Pan as a graduating senior in the 10th anniversary show,” says Ben-Shmuel, a senior at Clayton Valley Charter High School. The Peter Pan Foundation is performing their signature original musical at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill on Memorial Day weekend. Proceeds benefit Children’s Hospital Oakland. The show follows Peter Pan and friends on an enchanted musical journey through classic stories, featuring beloved fairytale characters with princesses, heroes, villains and more.
President and founder Leslie Noel says the foundation was inspired by its original Peter Pan, the late Steffen Ryge, to encourage children to reach their personal potential and find the best versions of themselves, on and off stage. “They are instilled with confidence, develop strength of character and enhance creativity, all the while engaging in philanthropy,” Noel says. “The Peter Pan Foundation has been a huge part of my family’s life for eight years, and it’s an honor to be a part of this,” Ben-Shmuel notes of the anniversary show. She also participates in the drama department of the ClaytonArts Academy, three choirs and community service groups. Through Clayton Valley, Ben-Shmuel has per-
formed in more than 15 shows, including Audrey in “Little Shop of Horrors” and Olive in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” this year. She plans to attend Portland State University in the fall to study theater art. Noel has a theory about why “Wish Upon a Star” is so endearing. “I think this show touches so many people because everyone has a little Peter Pan inside – a child who never truly grew up, but who has the power to teach the world to fly.” Performances are 2 and 7 p.m. May 28-30 and 10 a.m. May 29 at the Performing Arts Center, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. For tickets, visit peterpanfoundation.org.
tured guest artists Jackie McConnell as Princess Aurora and Christian Squires as Prince Florimund. The company is a regional, pre-professional, youth company. Sponsored by the non-profit Contra Costa Ballet Foundation, it produces two high-quality productions
“Sleeping Beauty” is at the Hofmann Theatre, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. For tickets, call 925-943-SHOW or visit https://lesherartscenter.showare.co m/eventperformances.asp?evt=522.
Play explores marriage in musical style Following the wildly successful concert version at the Geary Theater in spring 2015, American Conservatory Theater (ACT) will present a new, fully staged production of “The Last Five Years” May 11June 5. Jason Robert Brown, the Tony Award–winning composer of “Parade” and “Honeymoon in Vegas,” brings us this powerful and intimate musical about two twentysomething
New Yorkers. Struggling actress Cathy and rising novelist Jamie dive headfirst into a marriage fueled by the optimism that comes from finding “the one.” The musical features a unique structure in which Cathy’s journey is sung from ending to beginning, and Jamie’s from beginning to end. The lovers’ individual accounts reveal that, in a city where professional and personal passions
collide, navigating the waters of love and matrimony can prove daunting. Packed with humor, ravishing romance and an exuberant score, “The Last Five Years” takes an unforgettable look at the hope that love will endure the test of time. The theater is at 415 Geary St., San Francisco. Single tickets range from $20 to $105 and are available at 415-749-2228 or www.actsf.org.
April 22, 2016
CALENDAR Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 21
PleASe SubMIt yOuR COMMunIty CAlendAR eventS by 5 P.M. MAy 18 FOR tHe MAy 27 ISSue. IteMS MuSt be SubMItted by eMAIl tO newsandcalendar@concordpioneer.com Tuesdays Farmers’ Market
in concoRd
Tuesdays year round, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org.
Thursdays Music and Market
Thursday night live music and farmers’ market. Music: May 19, Tom Rigney and Flambeau; May 26, Concord High Jazz Band. Market 4 – 8 p.m.; music 6:30 – 8 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org.
3rd Sundays Antique Faire
Antiques, collectibles, handmade arts and crafts. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Free admission. concordantiquefaire.com.
On Sale Now Concerts
The Concord Pavilion is located at 2000 Kirker Pass Road. livenation.com. Concert schedule for 2016: apr. 29, luke Bryan, 7 p.m. may 17, Bad company, 7 p.m. may 29, kBlX stone soul concert, 12 p.m. June 12, spirit west coast, 4 p.m. June 13, slipknot, 6:30 p.m. July 9, Bryan adams, 8 p.m. July 12, taste of chaos, 6:30 p.m. July 28, sublime, 6:35 p.m. aug. 19, disturbed, 6:30 p.m. aug. 28, snoop dogg, 7 p.m. sept. 18, daryl hall and John oates, 7 p.m.
Apr. 23 Convoy of Hope
events & enteRtainment
Thru April 24 “Jungle Book”
Hear the incredible tale of Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves. El Campanil Children’s Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $8$12. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Apr. 29 – May 1 “The Music Man, Jr.”
Presented by Poison Apple Productions. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20. lesherartscenter.org. 9437469.
Apr. 30 Jazz Ensemble
Performed by The Commanders U.S. Air Force Band. 7 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. Free, but must have a ticket. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611.
Apr. 30 The Ray Charles Project
A tribute to the genius of Ray Charles. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $25-$27. elcampaniltheatre.com.
May 1 “Alice in Wonderland”
Performed by The Ballet Company of East County. 2 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $12-$15. elcampaniltheatre.com.
May 5 – 8 “Wizard of Oz”
Presented by Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
May 6 – 7 Collaborative effort to bring hope to a city through free groceries, “Celebrated Masters” health screenings, job services and more. 10 a.m. Meadow Homes Park, 2199 Sunshine Drive, Concord. Free. convoy.org/concord. 458-9100, ext. 143.
Apr. 23 Earth Day 2016
Join the city of Concord to clean up the community and celebrate the planet. 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Newhall Community Park, 1351 Newhall Parkway, Concord. Register at signupgenius.com/findasignup and search by shannon.griffin@cityofconcord.org.
May 7 MomDay
Celebrate Mom and enjoy the All Area Music Festival. 12 – 5 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org.
Apr. 23 Clayton Cleans Up
in clayton
Honor Earth Day with a town spring cleaning. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Clayton City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail. Register at cityofclayton.org. Call Pioneer with questions at 672-0500.
Apr. 30 – May 1 Art and Wine Festival
Arts, crafts, food, music, wine. Sat. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Main Street. Free admission. claytoncbca.org. 6722272.
May 7, 21 Saturday Concerts in the Grove
May 7, Retromaniax; May 21, Larry Lynch and the Mob. 6 – 8:30 p.m. Grove Park, downtown Clayton. Free. cityofclayton.org.
Saturdays, May 7 thru Sept. 24, except Sept. 3 Farmers’ Market
8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Diablo Street between Main and Center streets, downtown Clayton. pcfma.org.
on and aRound the mountain
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve programs are available for registration through ebparks.org. Parking fees may apply. For additional information, contact Black Diamond Visitor Center at (510) 544-2750 or bdvisit@ebparks.org.
Apr. 22 Full Moon Cemetery Walk
Celebrate Earth Day with moonlit climb to Rose Hill Cemetery. 6 – 8:30 p.m. Meet at Black Diamond Mines Upper Parking Lot.
Apr. 23 Morgan’s Manzanitas
Enjoy some of California’s unique botanical treats. 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Meet at Morgan Territory Road Staging Area.
Apr. 30 Somersville to Stewartville Hike
Walk through once-lively pioneer mining towns. 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Meet at Black Diamond Mines Upper Parking Lot.
Mount Diablo Interpretive Association programs listed are free with the exception of park entrance fee. Go to mdia.org and click on Event Calendar for more information.
Performed by Diablo Ballet. Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. $44. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
May 7 House of Floyd
The music of Pink Floyd. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $25-$27. elcampaniltheatre.com.
May 8 “A Grand Finale”
Performed by California Symphony. 4 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $42-$72. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
May 13 – 14 “Nunsense”
The Little Sisters of Hoboken put on a variety show. Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St., Brentwood. thebrentwoodtheater.org.
May 13 – 15 “The Normal Heart”
Searing drama about AIDS plague. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $10-$25. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611.
May 14 Nelson Freire
Pianist. Presented by Chamber Music San Francisco. 2:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $51. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
May 14 “Royal”
An afternoon of musical adventure that is perfect for your royal family. 2 p.m. Saint Matthew Lutheran Church, 399 Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. $10-$20. diablowomenschorale.org.
May 14 Spring Concert
Presented by Winds Across the Bay Youth Wind Ensemble. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12.lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
May 14 - 15 “Coplandish”
Save Mount Diablo programs listed are free unless otherwise noted. Go to savemountdiablo.org and click on Activities/Guided Hikes for more information. 947-3535.
Apr. 30 Mangini Ranch Family Hike
Four-mile hike with one strenuous climb. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meet at 5318 Crystyl Ranch Drive, Concord. Reservations required.
May 22 “Kindred Spirits”
Presented by Diablo Symphony Orchestra. 2 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $33. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
schools
May 6 – 22 “Clybourne Park”
Unforgettable new story about race, class and real estate in America. Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. $16-$21. dvcdrama.net.
chuRches and Religion
May 19 – 21 Rummage Sale
Proceeds benefit church’s outreach programs. May 19 – 20, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. May 21, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Concord United Methodist Church, 1645 West St., Concord. concordumc.org.
fundRaiseRs
Apr. 23 - 24 Clayton Gardens Tour
Beautiful gardens on self-guided tour in Clayton area. Benefits Clayton Historical Society. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Clayton Museum, 6101 Main St. $30; $35 day of event. claytonhistory.org.
Apr. 27 Spaghetti Feed
Sponsored by the Clayton branch of the American Association of University Women to raise funds to send three students to Tech Trek. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. $10 adults; $5 children. Call 672-1316 for more information.
Apr. 30 Baking for a Cure
Bake sale for Relay For Life Clayton. 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Starbucks, Clayton Station.
Apr. 30 – May 1 Open Studio Sale
May 6, 7, 15 “The Brilliance of Broadway”
Performed by vocal and hand bell ensemble Tapestry. May 6: 7 p.m. Walnut Creek United Methodist Church, 1543 Sunnyvale Ave. May 7: 7:30 p.m. Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton, May 15: 4 p.m. St. John’s Parish, 5555 Clayton Road, Clayton. Free will donation benefiting Swords to Plowshares. tapestryringersandsingers.org.
May 7 Plant Sale
Clayton Valley Garden Club’s annual plant sale. 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. claytonvalleygardenclub.org.
May 7 Rummage Sale
Proceeds benefit Boy Scout Troop 370. 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Salvation Army, 3950 Clayton Road, Concord. To donate items, contact Marina by May 6 at 234-3470 or marinaware@msn.com.
May 7 The Repeatles
Pizza and music. Proceeds benefit Concord Moose outreach programs. 3 – 6 p.m. Concord Moose Lodge #567 Family Center, 1805 Broadway St., Concord. $10. 798-0887.
May 21 The Road to Rio
An evening of music with the Sincerity Girls Ensemble. Presented by Music Repertoire. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $13.lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
The Concord Library is at 2900 Salvio St. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at ccclib.org or 6465455.
May 14 - 15 “Girls Night Out II”
May 15 “In Praise of Music”
Presented by Diablo Wind Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Climb up to Twin Peaks via Mitchell Rock Trail and return via Eagle Peak Trail. 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Trailhead.
Presented by Contra Costa Wind Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $17. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
The Walnut Creek Aquanuts bring Olympic flair to their annual fundraiser. 4 – 9 p.m. Clarke Memorial Swim Center, 1750 Heather Drive, Walnut Creek. $20; $25 at the door. aquanuts.org.
May 8 Mother’s Day Wildflower Walk May 13 Twin Peaks Wildflower Hike
May 22 Danzon and Trombone
A celebration of Aaron Copland’s works presented by Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra. 2 p.m. May 14: El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $7-$15.elcampaniltheatre.com. May 15: Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10-$30. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Performed by the Contra Costa Chorale in celebration of its 50th anniversary. 5 p.m. Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, 1801 Lacassie Ave. $20-$25. brownpapertickets.com.
See many wildflowers on the way to Twin Peaks. 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center. Reservations required: ken_lavin@hotmail.com.
Classic Rock and Roll with today’s attitude. 2 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $25-$27. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Hosted by Generous Nature Pottery. A portion of the proceeds go to the Groebner family to help pay Katie Grace’s medical exMay 13 – 14 penses and to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. 10 “Sleeping Beauty” a.m. – 4 p.m. Ellen Sachtschale’s studio, 17 Eastbrook Court, Presented by Contra Costa Ballet. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Clayton. generousnaturepottery@yahoo.com. Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $35. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Apr. 29 Curry Canyon and Windy Point Hike
This hike features great views of the Diablo Summit and North Peak. 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Meet at Curry Point Trailhead. Reservations required by Apr. 26: jvanakkeren@comcast.net.
May 21 The Diamonds
May 15 May Concert
May 20 – June 5 “Esperanza!”
A pirate romance. Onstage Theatre at the Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St., Martinez. 518-3277.
May 20 – June 25 “Rock of Ages”
Musical featuring big bands, big egos and even bigger hair. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $37$65. centerrep.org. 943-7469.
May 21 “Spring 2016: The Best of the Beatles”
Presented by The Blackhawk Chorus. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $25. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
at the liBRaRy
Thru Apr. 30: Art, Craft and Writing display from local artists Apr. 22 – 24: used Book Sale, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fri. and Sat.; 1 - 3 p.m. Sun. Apr. 30: Spring Art Show, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. may 3: Cinco de mayo, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. Registration req. may 14: Rosie the Riveters, 1 p.m. may 26: Adult Coloring and Storytime, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at claytonlibrary.org or call 673-0659. Apr. 24: Civic Arts Jazz Band, 2 p.m. Apr. 28: Visit firefighters and fire Truck, 11 a.m. Apr. 28: Push, Pull, Crash, 4 p.m. Registration required. may 7: Children’s Book Week Storytime, 10:30 a.m. may 21: ACT Practice Test, 10 a.m. Registration required. may 26: hats! hats! hats! 4 p.m.
goveRnment
1st, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays Concord City Council
6:30 p.m., Council Chamber, Concord Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Dr. cityofconcord.org.
1st and 3rd Wednesdays Concord Planning Commission
7 p.m. Council Chamber, Concord Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Dr. cityofconcord.org.
Celebrate spring’s non-berry berry Page 22
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Local ripe, juicy strawberries have always welcomed spring in my book. Perched on top of ice cream, cooked into a jam, marinated and grilled, chopped into a salsa … oh, yum. But wait. Did somebody say the strawberry isn’t a berry? Yep, it’s true. Part of the rose family, the strawberry is an “accessory aggregate fruit” – one that forms from multiple parts of a flower rather than just one seed. Speaking of seeds, all of them are on the outside of the strawberry. There’s about 200 on average. This fruit is nutritious. Just eight strawberries provide more than 100 percent of the recommended daily Vitamin C and some folic acid, potassium and fiber. A cup of strawber-
LinDA WyneR
food foR thought
ries is only 55 calories. They’re also prolific. An acre of plants will yield about 50,000 pounds of strawberries. With about 6,000 acres under cultivation, Oxnard grows about 300 million strawberries each year. There’s some debate on the
origin of the name. Centuries ago, vendors sold strawberries strung on grass straws. A common planting practice involved placing straw around the base of the plants to protect the strawberries as they ripen. That method has been mostly replaced with plastic-covered raised beds. Another widely held belief is that the fruit is strewn around the plant, making them “strew-berries,” which eventually morphed into strawberries. Fresh strawberries were once used as toothpaste, because the juice can clean discolored teeth. Strawberry juice also can take the sting out of sunburn and other skin inflammations. There’s a centuries-old custom that says if you break a
double strawberry in half and share it with someone, they will fall in love. Strawberries don’t ripen after they are picked. Many people believe you shouldn’t wash strawberries you just purchased because they will break down and get mushy in no time at all. I beg to differ. I pop them into a bowl of water with 2 T. white vinegar. After a minute or so, I take them out and air dry them completely on a towel, then refrigerate in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh upwards of 4-5 days. The vinegar and water remove the mold and mildew spores and “sanitizes” them. Most folks remove the green top and core out or “hull” the white center of the
April 22, 2016
dip them in balsamic vinegar and roll in granulated sugar and grill over high heat for a few seconds a side to caramelize the sugar and you have a real treat. And don’t forget to make some jam to store up spring’s goodness to enjoy all year.
strawberry. If you’re using them in a smoothie, you don’t need to do either. Adding a little sugar to sliced strawberries will deepen their color and give off their juice, a process called maceration. That makes them great Linda Wyner owns Pans on Fire, on ice cream or cereal. I’ll add a gourmet cookware store and cooking some balsamic vinegar rather school in Pleasanton. Send suggestions than sugar to strawberries for a or questions to lwyner@pansonfire.com sweet-tart flavor. Better yet,
Spring squash blossoms a farmers market treat DEBRA MORRIS Pacific Coast Farmers Market
Habitués of farmers markets understand the attraction of interesting and unusual produce that can only be found there. Squash blossoms are one of those wonderful finds. Connoisseurs and home cooks alike look forward each year to their appearance. They take home these edible blossoms to create flavorful recipes. Squash blossoms are extremely perishable, lasting from just a few hours to maybe a day or two, so few supermarkets bother to carry them. The beautiful deep yellow flower grows to form a zucchini, yellow squash or winter
squash. Both male and female blossoms can be picked. They are often harvested with the tiny immature squash still attached. They are such a
delight to look at that you may not want to eat them, but please do because they’re delicious. The flowers have a subtle flavor, reminiscent of
young zucchini, and can be eaten raw or cooked. Look for producers that also offer zucchini and other summer squash to have these delectable blossoms in May and June. Asian specialty growers and other squash growers will carry them in early summer. Visit J&M Farms for organic blossoms, Borba Farms and Oya Organics for zucchini blossoms and myriad other local farmers with blossoms. Talk to the farmers about how to prepare them. They have extensive knowledge of their product and would love to discuss blossoms with you. Here is a recipe from Cookin’ the Market Chef Mario Hernandez.
Nancy E. Bennett THE REHAB CONTINUES!
The transformation is well under way with Nancy and her contractor’s most recent home rehab. Popcorn ceilings? Gone! This home is going to be new from top to bottom in no time. This two-story home has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths in over 2,100 sq ft. The huge backyard is perfect for gatherings with built-in BBQ, pavers, sitting wall, and a grassy knoll for the kids and puppies! Extra bonus space upstairs, formal living/dining rooms, plus a huge open kitchen/family room combo with fireplace. This home has a great layout and will be a fantastic place to entertain all year long! Coming in May.
Call for price.
SQUASH BLOSSOM QUESADILLAS ½ c. Oaxaca-style cheese, shredded Unsalted butter, for cooking 1 c. mushrooms, thinly sliced 1 clove garlic, smashed, but left in the jacket 1 poblano pepper, roasted, peeled, seeded and diced 10 individual fresh squash blossoms, cleaned thoroughly Cilantro, finely chopped Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 4 corn tortillas
pepper for 5 minutes, until the mushrooms are brown and the poblano is soft. Add the squash blossoms and stir. Add cilantro and cook for another minute, until blossoms have wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool. Place two tortillas on a flat surface. Distribute the cheese equally on both tortillas. Then, spread filling over cheese. Cover with the other tortillas, place on heated griddle or nonstick sauté pan with butter and cook for 3 minutes on each side. When golden brown on each side and cheese has melted, remove and cut into quarters.
Heat butter in large sauté The Concord Farmers Market is in pan. Sauté the garlic, mush- Todos Santos Plaza Tuesdays & rooms and the roasted poblano Thursdays.
Nancy sells more than 8 times as many homes as the average realtor, call today to learn how.
15 Southampton Pl, Lafayette
Completely transformed Beauty! Stunning renovations abound in this completely remodeled single story gem. The property offers 4 bedrooms 2.5 baths in 2,465 sf on 0.65 acres. OFFERED AT $1,450,000
175 Miramonte Dr., Moraga Location! Location! Location! This peaceful townhome features 3 bedrooms, den, and 2 baths with newly updated kitchen in 1,525 sf, steps from the golf course and just a mile from downtown Moraga!
Coming Soon!
1919 Ygnacio Valley Road — 2-bed/1.5 bath single story condo on Ygnacio Valley Road – EZ access to downtown, located next to a shopping center and far enough off the street to maintain your privacy and peacefulness. Granite in kitchen, dining area and living room with larger private backyard patio (no rear neighbors). Call for pricing or private showings prior to going on the MLS.
Lovely 3-bedroom home off Oak Grove Road in Concord – Entertainer's delight with awesome backyard, covered entertaining hut, full size kids playhouse, large sparkling pool, organic garden boxes, privacy and more. Pleasant Hill townhouse with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, 1,500+ sf with updated granite kitchen, vaulted ceilings, balcony, excellent commute location and walking distance to downtown.
OFFERED AT $650,000
4487 Leatherwood Ct., Concord Spacious Tri Level Crossings Home 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms in 2,282 sq ft on a 5,520 sq ft lot. Expansive master suite with updated bath & large walk in closet. OFFERED AT $738,000
We helped over 33 families buy and sell homes again so far in 2016. How can we help you and your family today?
Nancy Bennett, Realtor @ Keller Williams Realty #1 Realtor in Concord, #1 Team, Keller Williams East Bay #5 Team Nationally (U.S. & Canada) Keller Williams Agent Leadership Council, Mentor, Faculty Member and Community Sponsor CalBRE #01399870
Nancy@BennettBetter.com
925.606.8400
BENNETTBETTER.COM