AUG 28 Concord Pioneer 2015 by Pioneer Publishers

IT’S YOUR PAPER www.concordpioneer.com

From the desk of...

August 28, 2015

925.672.0500

Blue Devils come from behind to take 17th World in fairytale ending JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer

TIM GRAYSON

MAYOR

Drum and Bugle Corps brings it home Reporting to the Citizens of Concord via a newspaper column is a great opportunity to share ideas, observations and good news that reflects the expanding role of Concord in a variety of venues and locations. I recently witnessed our International Champion Concord Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps adding to their astounding and historic record of World Championship performances. The three-day Drum Corps International Competition, 2015, was held at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Now that you know the final result, permit me to give you what newscaster Paul Harvey used to call, “the rest of the story.” Our Concord Blue Devils were the first team to win the title after placing fourth in the first round. They have garnered 17 world titles; this year they entered the competition as the defending champions. Last year they set a record when they received the highest score ever given by the judges. This year they received awards for the best Percussion Performance, Visual Performance and Color Guard. The teams of young people come from throughout the world and must compete throughout the summer season in order to qualify for the international competition. Finally, our Concord Blue Devils have three different groups: A, B, and C. Now you know why I am so proud of these young people, their adult supervisors and the marvelously supportive parental group. Our Concord Blue Devils are very special. Autonomous Cars. Recently two of my council colleagues

Concord’s Blue Devils did something they’ve never done before in their illustrious history at the Drum Corp International World Class finals earlier this month in Indianapolis. The renowned drum and bugle corps won their 17th World Championship but did it in unprecedented, come-from-behind fashion. The Blue Devils placed fourth in the preliminary round of the World Class three-day finals. The next day they moved up to second and then in Saturday evening’s finals at Lucas Oil Stadium before a record crowd of 22,085 the Blue Devils overcame Carolina Crown and the 10 other finalists to take home the championship. Executive Director Dave Gibbs was a member of the Blue Devils when they won their first four DCI titles between 1976 and 1980. He assumed his director’s role in 1991 and says the Blue Devils have been overtaken by other corps after winning prelims and semis but never before had they been successful being the hunter rather than the hunted. Parker Staten “This year the top five corps FOR THE FIRST-TIME IN THEIR ILLUSTRIOUS HISTORY THE BLUE DEVILS RALLIED FROM BEHIND over the three days of the Drum Corps were the most competitive” he International Championships in Indianapolis earlier this month to claim the Concord team’s 17th World Championship. can remember. The Blue Devils Mellophone player Sena Narottama is one of the 150 members of the Blue Devils A Corps who wooed the judges and a record 22,085 spectators at Lucas Oil Stadium with their “Ink” storybook performance. See Blue Devils, page 6

PG&E ‘nerve center’ opens in Concord TAMARA STEINER Concord Pioneer

Last week PG&E cut the ribbon to its new $40 million, 38,000 sf. electric distribution center in Concord. The center is the second of three that will manage and control the 140,000 miles of electricity lines that deliver power to its 16 million customers. The first of the three opened in Fresno in 2014, Concord is the second and a third center in Rocklin will be online by fall of 2016. The center uses state-of-the art technology that will give operators an “unprecedented visibility” of the grid, said Geisha Williams, the newly appointed president of PG&E Electric Operations. The new See Mayor, page 6 centers replace the outdated

control centers built in the 1980s where, Williams said “operators relied on paper maps, push pins and magic markers” to manage maintenance, outages and emergencies. The 38,000 sf. center on Detroit Avenue is laid out in “pods”. Each pod is a defined work area with the “leadership” pod in the center. The walls are lined with big flat screened televisions which display in real time what is happening everywhere in the center’s Bay Area jurisdiction. The technology is redundant and the centers are networked. Operators in each center have immediate access to what the other centers are controlling. Any image can be shared on any screen or wall. In the event of a disaster or major storm, any center can shift control to another center, if needed.

Photo courtesy of PG&E

THE NEW PG&E CONTROL CENTER IN CONCORD utilizes cutting-edge technology to give operators real time control over its 140,000 miles of electricity lines in California.

Outages and repairs are crew workloads. managed in real time, allowing The redundancy and stanmanagers to balance the field dardization of technology will

See PG&E, page 5

Swanger: Involvement, education help curb crime 2015

PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer

2014

Crime Statistics These represent “raw” numbers of local crime in Concord from 2014 and 2015. The 2015 numbers have not been verified by the Unified Crime Reporting website, and won’t be until 2016.

cid

i om

ll)

eft

d lt ry ry h (a ate sau rgla be v b s oT ny a u t o r A e u B g R rc A Ag La

*The “Rape” numbers only include rape between a man and a woman, and do not include sodomy, etc. That definition is in the process of being changed.

After 32 years in the law enforcement business, Concord Police Chief Guy Swanger says he has learned a few things. One of the main things, he told the Pioneer in a recent interview, is educating the public about how his police force addresses crime, which is why his unprecedented presentation to the city council on crime statistics earlier this month was so important. “We’re trying to raise awareness on how we cover crime, and why it’s happening,” he says, in part addressing recent criticism of increasing crimes in Concord, especially in burglaries and auto thefts. “There is crime, and there is disorderly conduct, such as speeding, homelessness activities,

and mischief in parks. How we deal with those is very different.” While “hard crimes” like robberies jumped from 77 in 2014 to 91 in 2015, he says he is heartened by more recent numbers on other fronts: July 2015 statistics show a drop in burglaries from 77 a year ago to just 40 this year. The same drop can be seen in larceny, which dropped from 335 in July 2014 to 240 last month. Car break-ins have also dropped, from 143 a year ago to 103 last month. Most of these have to do with what Swanger calls “good community awareness,” everything from educating residents not to leave valuables in cars to Neighborhood Watch groups and even social media. (See Chief Swanger’s column, page 7.) Still, the raw crime statistics

concerned Mayor Tim Grayson and other council members enough to ask for Swanger’s presentation. But Swanger and other city officials said many issues could be blamed on simple demographics and location. One such area is car thefts. City Councilman Edi Birsan said, “Most of the stolen vehicles are more than 10 years old, and Concord has a lot of residents with older cars, more so than in neighboring cities like Walnut Creek.” Another concern for Concord residents was a perceived uptick in gang activity, but Swanger, Grayson and Birsan all said that was largely a case of gangs from outlying areas like East and West County converging on Concord,

Inside Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Community . . . . . . . . . . .2 From the desk of . . . . . .7 School News . . . . . . . .14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

See Crime, page 5

Performing Arts . . . . . .19

Page 2

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

August 28, 2015

COMMUNITY

In Brief... Lupus Foundation Support the Lupus Foundation of America, Team JMJ. Attend their Third Annual Fundraising Fish Fry from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 3441 Thunderbird Drive, Concord. Admission is $20 for the meal and raffle ticket. Shop at their Second Annual Garage Sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19 at the same location. Team JMJ also participates each year in the Walk to End Lupus Now event in San Francisco. The walk is on Oct. 25 this year. Team JMJ is going strong and continuing efforts to spread awareness about lupus and raising funds for the Lupus Foundation of America to find a cure. Make a donation directly to their team page by going to: http://lupus.donorpages.co m/SanFranciscoWalk2015/ TeamJMJ/. Contact Arnetta at 676-8356 for more information.

Want to teach something? The City of Concord is looking for new offerings to add to its program of classes available to the community. Those who offer classes through the City are private contractors. The City offers space for the class and lists classes in the Activity Guide. Instructors submit a proposal form, help to market their class, and teach their class at the designated time. The class fee is determined during the proposal process. Instructors are needed for classes not currently offered, such as photography, carpentry and automotive. If you have

Continued next page

Clayton Valley church welcomes new pastor

59th Japanese Summer Festival draws large crowds this month

Jay Bedecarre

Concord veteran honored by French president Moose Lodge member Lynn Clanin recently was named a Chevalier (Knight) of the National Order of the Legion of Honor by decree Francois Hollande, President of the Republic of France. In July, Clanin received a letter from the Consulat general de France of Los Angeles conferring the medal in appreciation for his role in the liberation of France during World War II. Clanin was a pilot flying B-29 bombers for the United States Air Force. Clanin has been a member of the Concord Moose Lodge 567 since 1987.

Helping friends, neighbors and newcomers buy and sell since 1979 Better Homes BRE#00933393

George Vujnovich,

Broker, Clayton Resident

(925) 672-4433

cell: (925) 348-5700 georgevujnovich@sbcglobal.net

www.georgevujnovich.com Cal BRE #00933393

Jennifer Stojanovich Broker-Associate,

DR. BARBARA BARKELY

Clayton Valley Presbyterian church is welcoming the Rev. Dr. Barbara Barkley to the congregation. Rev. Barkley has worked for the last 19 years as both a pastor and a musician. She has a strong commitment and pas-

Lifelong Clayton/Concord Resident

Making art is not the only priority for the Concord Community of Artists. In fact, one of the main tenets of the group to engage with community organizations in ways that enliven civic programs and enhance the vitality within our

city and among our residents and visitors. One way the group has been doing that is by working with the Concord Library on various projects. “Libraries have become so much more than books,” says Lynne Noone, Adult Services

Librarian for the Concord Library. She says that people still come to the library to get books, but once they get there, they realize how much is going on. “Working with the Concord Community of Artists is a great example of community in action. When I asked the group if someone was interested in creating a ‘NEW BOOKS’ sign for the Concord Library, artist Emily Stepp generously donated her time and talent to this project and the result was spectacular. “Working together, we spark imagination, fuel potential and connect people with ideas and each other.”

8036 Kelok Way – Clayton

795 Silver Hills Dr. – Brentwood

Falcon Ridge at Oakhurst Country Club! Stunning “Serenade” model on Premium View Lot! Unobstructed views city lights-golf course-valley to Suisun Bay! 4 bedrooms, den, 3 full baths, approx. 3079sf & 3 car garage. Extensive upgrades throughout! $899,000

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

5799 Pepperridge Way– Concord

1856 Eagle Peak Ave. – Clayton

Spectacular Custom Home in an irreplaceable setting backing to open space at the top of Davis Ridge in one of Concord’s Premier Neighborhoods! 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, home gym, approx. 3305sf. $1,095,000

Windmill Canyon at Oakhurst Country Club! Exquisite “Kirker” model on a premium golf course lot! Extensively updated! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 2313sf. Gourmet kitchen featuring granite counters. Rare oversized master suite with updated bath! $784,900

12 Clark Creek Circle – Clayton

(925) 567-6170, jenstojanovich@yahoo.com

Sensational & Rare single story in Marsh Creek Villas! Extensively Updated throughout! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1113sf & 2 car attached garage! $419,000

www.jenniferstojanovich.com Cal BRE #01446062

Don and Emily Howard,

sion for social justice and has done peace and assistance work in Brazil, Alabama, North Carolina, New Mexico and with immigrants, women and the homeless population in the San Francisco Bay Area. She values and appreciates different kinds of worship and has started several Praise services and Taize services within different congregations as well as enjoying traditional worship styles. Rev. Barkley loves working with children and often uses her music, dance, drama and sign language skills to engage them. She is a parent to three children, ages 15, 12 and 10. While spending most of her life in the San Francisco Bay Area, she has also served churches in Arizona and Ohio.

Artists add new chapters to libraries

EMILY STEPP AND LYNNE NOONE

LYNN CLANIN

Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.

Food and entertainment were plentiful for the large crowds at the 59th annual Japanese Summer Festival in Concord earlier this month. The spacious covered eating area was full both of the event days with attendees enjoying teriyaki, tempura, sushi and other offerings. The Diablo Japanese American Club sponsored the free event. There were cultural displays and demonstrations of Ikenobo (flower arranging), calligraphy and bonsai. Entertainment on stage featured kendo, judo, Taiko Japanese drums, folk singing and dancing, both classical and folk. Sonoma Taiko (left) began Sunday’s stage performances.

Father/daughter team

409 Chupcan Place – Clayton Terrific “Pioneer” model on a court! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 1904sf, fireplace, 2 car garage. Gourmet kitchen

Don, Realtor-Associate, Clayton Resident Emily, Realtor-Associate

(925) 408-3184

(925) 408-1871

Donald.kent.howard@gmail.com

howard.emily05@gmail.com

3503 Coyote Circle – Clayton

P E ND I NG

howardhomeseastbay.com Cal BRE #01846446 & Cal BRE#01938441

Diane and Bill Hayes Realtor-Associate, Clayton Residents,

22 Long Creek Circle – Clayton

(925) 890-4701, Dianemariehayes25@yahoo.com

G P E ND IN

homesbydianehayes.com

Marsh Creek Villas! Great updated unit.

$439,000

Cal BRE #01222762

Concord Market Update provided by Better Homes Realty

ADDRESS

PRICE

2317 Upland Drive . . . . . . . . $305,000 4498 Deerberry Ct . . . . . . . . $575,000 1178 Court Lane . . . . . . . . . $715,000 2073 Olivera Road #B . . . . . $210,000 980 Autumn Oak Cir . . . . . . $815,000 4081 Clayton Rd #121 . . . . . $175,000 1974 Holly Creek Pl . . . . . . . $951,500

BED/BATH SALE DATE ADDRESS

. . . . .896 . . . . . . .2/1 . . . . . . .8/17/15 . . . . .1364 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . .8/13/15 . . . . .2457 . . . . . .4/3 . . . . . . .8/11/15 . . . . .975 . . . . . . .2/1 . . . . . . .8/07/15 . . . . .3447 . . . . . .5/3.5 . . . . .8/04/15 . . . . .646 . . . . . . .1/1 . . . . . . .7/31/15 . . . . .3118 . . . . . .5/3.5 . . . . .7/29/15

with slab granite counters. $599,000

Diablo Ridge at Oakhurst Country Club! Pristine “Summer” model! $365,000

$599,000

11 Mt. Teton Place – Clayton Desirable Dana Hills Single Story Rancher! On a large corner lot. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1740sf & 2 car garage! Updated bathrooms. Walk to community pool, playground & green belt. COMING SOON

PRICE

1033 Mohr Lane #B . . . . . . . $219,000 5230 Concord Blvd A . . . . . . $775,000 1191 Douglas Court . . . . . . . $438,000 2655 Blarney Court . . . . . . . $579,000 850 Clarewood Court. . . . . . $670,000 4626 Brenda Circle . . . . . . . $565,000

BED/BATH SALE DATE

. . . . .877 . . . . . . .2/1.5 . . . . .7/28/15 . . . . .2470 . . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . .7/23/15 . . . . .1596 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . .7/22/15 . . . . .1482 . . . . . .4/2 . . . . . . .7/17/15 . . . . .1870 . . . . . .4/2 . . . . . . .7/17/15 . . . . .2000 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . .7/15/15

August 28, 2015

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Page 3

In Brief...

Arches give Plaza a new finished look Centre Concord shuts

down for improvement bathrooms in the lobby, replacing the front doors and parking stall modifications. J-Walt Construction from Woodland was awarded the contract on the project. The final large public event before the closure is Concord Con Toy & Collectibles Show on Saturday, Sept. 5. The City converted a roller skating rink into Centre Concord, opening in 1991 as its largest indoor facility with a dining capacity of up to 400 when the entire ballroom is utilized. There is a full industrial kitchen to serve the ballroom and other Centre events. Centre Concord program manager Marla Parada explains that the facility takes rentals for the ballroom one year in advance. Over a year ago City staff began informing groups who hold annual events at Centre Concord of the closure so that they would be able to find an alternate site for their events, especially during the busy holiday season. Parada adds that preschool and other recreation classes will continue during construction in other parts of the building.

JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer

Centre Concord’s large ballroom, which is generally booked every weekend day, will be quiet during the final four months this year as improvements are made to the facility. The city venue on Clayton Rd. adjacent to Clayton Valley Bowl will have upgrades totaling nearly $650,000 made while the Centre will be closed to all rentals of its ballroom from Sept. 7 through the beginning of 2016. The major project will replace the two floor-to-ceiling moveable walls which can divide the 8,176 square foot ballroom Tamara Steiner/Concord Pioneer into one, two or three separate Two new arches mark the Willow Pass entrances to Todos Santos Plaza, giving the park a rooms. The replacement walls will utilize new technology. All very finished look. The arches are set in stone columns and join the wrought iron fence installed two years ago. Wrought iron letters spell out Todos Santos Plaza. The letters are the wall coverings in the ballroom will be changed as well. backlit at night. The gateways were funded by developer fees “back when we used to The 23,000 square foot have such development,” says Councilwoman Laura Hoffmeister. The money is used specifically for Art in Public Places and the projects are decided on by the City Council. facility also includes a 2,500 Cost of the two arches was $125,000. activity room adjacent to the ballroom as well as a classroom at the front entrance side of the building. The construction triggers upgrades for Americans with ized by Concord activist, Disabilities Act compliance Kathy Gleason. The back- which include renovation to the packs and school supplies were donated by friends, neighbors and community members. “These kids often don’t have new things for school,” Gleason explained. “I’m fortunate to have friends to donate.” Even the toddlers got in the game. The little ones received a tote bag, coloring book, crayons and a story book. “They want to be like the big Jay Bedecarré kids and go to school,” GleaCENTRE CONCORD’S LARGE BALLROOM will be closed from Sept. son said. Despite the triple-digit 7 through December for renovations. The floor-to-ceiling Kids in the Marclair neigh- school backpack shopping temps, the volunteers handed moveable walls are being replaced with new technology borhood off Clayton Road spree last week. and all the wall coverings changed in the ballroom. There were in for a free back-toThe annual event is organ- out over 70 backpacks.

Marclair kids pack up for back-to-school

will also be a number of ADA upgrades.

an idea for a class, please contact Christopher Roke at (925) 671-3319.

Disaster Prep Fair Are you and your family prepared for an earthquake or other natural disaster? Come to Concord’s Emergency Preparedness Fair on Thursday, Sept. 3, 4 to 8 p.m. for useful information and free giveaways from local emergency service organizations. The fair is in conjunction with Concord’s Thursday Music and Market program in Todos Santos Plaza. The Farmers’ Market is in the plaza from 4 to 8 p.m.; The Raveups, performing music made popular in the ‘60s by the Yardbirds, perform on the Todos Santos stage beginning at 6:30 p.m. Demonstrations and information will be available on fire extinguishers, hands-only CPR, 911 Dispatchers, radio communications, CERT volunteers and hazmat.For more information, contact Emergency Services & Volunteer Manager Margaret Romiti, (925) 671-3184.

New Bicycle Racks Downtown Six new bicycle racks have been installed in the downtown parking garages, three in the Todos Santos Parking Structure and three in the Salvio Street Parking Structure. Each of the racks can accommodate two bicycles and were funded by a grant from 511 Contra Costa. To find a map of city bicycle racks, visit www.cityofconcord.org/bike

Continued next page

Clayton

$799,800

Peaceful Paradise — Breathtaking views. 5 bedroom, 3 bath home on lushly landscaped, half acre lot. Open floor plan w/fresh paint in & out. Updated kitchen with granite counters, Formal dining & inside laundry Rm. Backyard features patio w/brick BBQ, deluxe redwood fencing and RV parking.

Concord

$649,980

Garaventa Oaks Beauty — Pleasant 2 story open space home offering 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and 2,098 sq. ft. Within walking distance to Newell Park and great proximity to shopping, restaurants and schools.

Pri

Concord

$509,980

Bursting with Potential — Cozy single story 3 bedroom 2 bath home with beautiful hardwood flooring throughout. Kitchen has electric stovetop stove. Built-in tile fireplace in the living room. 2-Pane windows and 2 car garage. Large backyard comes with enclosed covered patio. Conveniently located home to shopping, restaurants & schools.

Bay Point Clayton

$1,050,000

Peacock Creak — Luminous 4BD/2.5BA 3,307sq.ft. boasts charm and elegance on a picturesque setting. Gourmet, garden-view kitchen with family room. Back yard is entertainers delight with outdoor kitchen/BBQ grill, built-in spa and breathtaking panoramic views.

Lynne & Stacy offer free staging on ALL LISTINGS

Concord

$599,880

St. Francis Park — Good looking single story home with great location with views of the hills. Don’t miss this 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom that is close to the community park. Hardwood flooring throughout with spacious living room. Family room features built in brick fireplace. Large private backyard with a covered patio. 2 car garage with work bench.

$499,999

Clayton

$1,185,000

Morgan Territory — 4BD/3.5BA 3,689 sq. ft. custom showcase home featuring a wine cellar and a 5-car garage. This spectacular home has a Chef ’s Dream Gourmet kitchen with cherry-wood cabinets, granite/ quartz counters, wolfe range. Porcelain floors throughout main level. Panoramic views of Mt. Diablo & surrounding hills.

Walnut Creek

$719,500

Desirable Bay Point Neighborhood — Lovely well maintained 4 bedroom, 2 bath home with wall to wall carpeting. Updated kitchen with Granite counters. Family room with beautiful woods floors & fireplace. Formal living & dining rooms. New carpet throughout. Large master suite with private bathroom. Close to Highway 4. Nancy D’Onofrio, (925) 998-7705

Country Living in the City— Adorable 3 bedroom/ 2 bath “country” Rancher on huge, flat lot. Home is freshly painted, move-in ready and has hardwood floors throughout. Strategically located on quiet court near schools, downtown amenities, Larkey Park, and about 1.2 miles to BART. Inge Yarborough, (925) 766-6896

ndonofrio@windermere.com

www.IngeYarborough.withwre.com

Cal BRE# 01353299

Cal BRE# 01309306

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

"Like" us on

- Windermere Clayton!

Two offices to serve the community

Cal BRE#01122025

Page 4

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

In Brief... Save the Date for the Clayton Valley Woman’s Club Fall Fundraiser Mike Spellman and Ella Wolfe take the audience on a musical excursion making them laugh, reflect and imagine from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Diamond Terrace in Clayton for the Clayton Valley Woman’s Club annual fall fundraiser. The club presents a delightful afternoon of music, appetizers and desserts. Diamond Terrace is at 6401 Center St., Clayton. Admission is $25. Reservations are required as seats are limited. For reservation information, call Aleta Huck at (925) 672-9448. The Clayton Valley Woman’s Club meets at 10 a.m. on the second Tuesday of the month, except July and August, at Saint John’s Episcopal Church, 5555 Clayton Road, Clayton. Guests are welcome to attend meetings and social events. For more information, go to claytonvalleywomansclub.org.

August 28, 2015

Off the Grid rolls into Todos Santos JENNIFER LEISCHER Correspondent

Trucks are on the streets around Todos Santos Plaza, but rather than icky exhaust fumes, these trucks emit an amazing bouquet of mouthwatering delights, smells tied to culinary treats worthy of extraordinary Zagat reviews. Off the Grid has arrived. From now until early October, OTG will be serving the residents of Concord every Monday night. The food trucks feature festive décor and thought-provoking menus. These trucks offer big meals and small bites, enticing you to try a little or try a lot. They have gourmet personalities so friendly and inviting, you feel as if you’ve just been invited to a super hip neighborhood BBQ where the music is static free, the vibe is laid back, and everyone has happily found that “something” they’ve been craving. From San Jose to San Anselmo, San Francisco to Concord, and everywhere in between, OTG has a very impressive schedule creating inventive meal-time destinations.

If you happen to see a gathering of OTG trucks, it’s not by chance. These destinations are thoughtfully selected, as OTG’s Senior Director and In-House Counsel Rob Kwant says. OTG has a few basic principles: search out underutilized community spaces that can be transformed into festive dining settings, help foster economic vitality for local businesses, and above all, create an enthusiastic environment that’s focused on good eats and a sense of community for individuals to be together. The chefs inside these petite eateries are as unique as the menu items they offer. Amber Menge, of the Go Streatery food truck, has a background that truly gave her the tools she needed to manage a four-wheeled dining establishment. After operating military trucks for six years and working in a Turkish restaurant in Redwood City, Menge partnered with DanVy Vu almost five years ago to create specialized peasant food that Go Streatery is known for. Menge finds herself and the truck “somewhere new daily,” but wouldn’t change her schedule one bit. “Oxtail and Grits” is

Jennifer Leischer

FROM NOW UNTIL FALL, EVERY MONDAY NIGHT TODOS SANTOS PLAZA WILL HOST OFF THE GRID, the eclectic food truck lineup that draws big crowds and hefty appetites. The trucks were recently parked at the Willows Shopping Center where construction and declining customer base prompted the move to downtown.

one of their most popular dishes, and from the line that formed shortly after OTG opened its imaginary doors, it’s plain to see that Go Streatery has a serious following. Jack Nugent, chef and proprietor of Pelican Poboys, is Swim into Fall originally from Louisiana, The giant inflatable obstawhere he draws inspiration for cle courses at Concord his unique dishes. Nugent has Community Pool, 3501 more than 30 years of experiCowell Rd., are now availence in the restaurant industry. able only on weekends. From time spent in New Concord Community Orleans and France, to The Pool is open for Rec Swim Restaurant at Wente Vineyards, from 1 to 4 p.m. Oliveto’s in Oakland, and Paula Monday-Friday, and 1 to 5 p.m. on the weekends LeDuc Fine Catering based in through Labor Day weekEmeryville, Nugent has a wide end. Rec Swim will conrange of experience that he’s tinue on the weekends thrilled to share. through the end of “I’m really happy to be a September. part of the food truck commuFor more info, contact nity, bringing quality food and Concord Community Pool top ingredients to my patrons.” AT PELICAN PO’BOY, proprietor and chef Jack Nugent brings at (925) 671-3480. Nugent’s gulf shrimp poboy is a Louisiana-inspired cuisine that is lighter and more cona favorite, not deep fried and Continued next page temporary than the traditional southern deep-fried fare.

INSPIRED REAL ESTATE www.LeighKlock.com

www.HousesbyStephanie.com

Stunnin Entertainer's g Dream Home in Keller Ridge located at the end of a quiet court and adjacent to open space. This 4 bedroom 2 1/2 bath home boasts volume ceilings, open floor plan, gleaming oak hard wood floors, plantation shutters throughout and a fabulous 11,000 sq ft private lot with sparkling pool, spa and patios to relax and enjoy! Offered at $798,000 www.118CrowPlace.com

Estate Call for a private tour of this stunning 7,000 sq. ft. Mediterranean Estate! 4 private suites, each with their own retreat rooms, grand living spaces, Chef designed kitchen, 800+bottle wine room! LaBella Palazzo at 1155 Redfern Court. Offered at $2,475,000

Great Locatio n

SOLD This beautiful Willow model in Chaparral Springs Oakhurst offers 3 bedrooms, 3 baths with 1709 sq ft of living space. Community pool and spa and located just steps to downtown Clayton. Offered at $529,000. www.1375ShellLn.com

SOLD Don't miss Custom this Custom 1960's Clayton Rancher in a private, tucked away lot! This sprawling home retains original charm and provides stylish updates throughout. Lush landscaping and several outdoor entertaining areas make for perfect California living. Offered at $699,000. 1342ElCaminoDr.cbrb.com

Views

SOLD

Stunning views from this lovely 4 bed, 2 bath home ideally located at the end of a cul de sac and backing up to Mt. Diablo St. Park trail. Volume ceilings, fresh interior paint, new carpet, updated baths. Private deck off the master bedroom. Offered at $669,000 www.218MtWilsonPlace.com

LEIGH KLOCK

Completely Clayton remodeled Regency Woods beauty with gorgeous newer kitchen and baths! Hardwood floors, new paint, crown, base, lighting, roof, HVAC, and spectacular Private Parklike Grounds! 808 Eberhardt Court. Offered at $785,000

Brand A designer's thoughtful New touch is in every aspect of this gorgeous 4 bedroom 2 bath residence. Radiating quality, elegance, and true upscale amenities and materials, the residence at 554 Mount Olivet Place is a SINGLE LEVEL Clayton home not to miss! Offered at $799,000 Live in Walnut Walnut Creek and Creek enjoy all of the spectacular amenities right outside your front door! The fabulous Residence at 1964 Pomar Way offers 2 master style bedrooms, 2.5 baths and gorgeous remodeled kitchen! Offered at $495,000 www.810OakGroveRoad.com Walnut Creek Border! Walk to new Whole Foods & more — Offered at $235,000

STEPHANIE LOPEZ

heavy like traditional poboys that you would find in New Orleans, but a lighter, cleaner style that has become his trademark. And what do the foodie groupies have to say about OTG? Roxanne, who lives on the border of Concord and Clayton, says that “Bacon Mania sounded too good to pass up!” Dana, mother of Ashlyn and Preston, is pondering her selections, trying to decide where to eat. “Everything looks so good…we’re not really sure where we should start.” And Lillian, an Alameda resident, says that she “wants to order everything off the ADOruBOwl menu.” This is not the first time that OTG has served Concord, as it recently operated out of the parking lot at the Willows Shopping Center, but a declin-

ing customer based likely caused it to move, says Concord Vice Mayor Laura Hoffmeister. The new OTG gathering at Todos Santos Plaza is a joint, temporary project between the city and the Todos Santos Business Association, Hoffmeister says. “I think there is a lot of interest at first for food trucks, but sometimes people find that they’re not as convenient as going to a restaurant, where you can pay the same price for a sit-down meal,” she says. “We’ll just have to see how Off the Grid works downtown.” OTG trucks will be at Todos Santos on Grant Street Mondays between 5 and 9 p.m. For more information, and a complete schedule of where you can find OTG marketplaces, visit www.offthegridsf.com.

NANCY E. BENNETT 972 4TH ST., LAFAYETTE

Gorgeous, updated court location Wonderful Lafayette home in the Trail Neighborhood with fabulous outside patio overlooking wooded area. Peaceful, private and fantastic location. Newly updated 2-story home with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1,636 square feet on 8,900 square foot lot! Traditional style home with formal dining and separate living room. Updated kitchen with granite/subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances. Breakfast bar as well as eat-in kitchen. Hardwood floors in kitchen and dining room. Wood burning fireplace in family room. Plantation shutters throughout. Jacuzzi tub in master bath, and large walk-in closet complete with closet system. Quiet and peaceful backyard! Acalanes School District. Great location, less than 1 block from Lafayette Moraga Regional Trail. Walking distance to shops and restaurants. Offered at $988,000

Other Homes For Sale — Call me for more information

COMING SOON Barberry Ct., Concord 4 beds, 2 baths, 1805 sq feet single story.

4493 Sweet Shrub Ct., Concord

77 Sandy Ln., Walnut Creek

Spacious, updated & well maintained 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,805 sqft singlestory home. Fully updated kitchen with granite counters & backsplash, recessed & pendant lighting, stainless steel appliances, & breakfast bar opening to family room.

Newly updated 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2,295 square foot, ranch home on corner lot! Spacious living room with open floor plan, brick fireplace & built-in shelving. Great location—minutes to downtown, shopping & freeway access!

Grapevine Place, Pleasant Hill 2 beds, 2 baths over 1100 sq feet plus extra playroom/office. Plus we have 3 more single story homes coming in Concord next month – call for details!

With more than 50 homes sold this year, we’ve helped another 11 families buy or sell their homes in just the last month too – how can we help you and your family with real estate today?

Nancy E. Bennett, The Bennett Team #1 Realtor in Concord #1 Team, Keller Williams East Bay Agent Leadership Council, Mentor, Faculty Member and Top Producer

925.606.8400 Nancy@BennettBetter.com

Realtor®, DRE#01874255

925.212.5593

Realtor®, DRE#01370548

925.305.9099

BENNETTBETTER.COM

CalBRE #01399870

August 28, 2015

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Page 5

CVCHS begins fourth year amidst more controversy JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer

A long-awaited report to the Contra Costa County Office of Education concerning charges made against Clayton Valley Charter High School’s administration and governing board was released this month and, rather than bringing long-standing issues to a conclusion, the report created more controversy. The report, issued the week before students began the school’s fourth year as a charter

with new principal Jeff Eben in office, had both critics of the school and the CVCHS administration claiming victory. While critics of the school say the report validates their complaints, CVCHS administrators say the report did not fully investigate the allegations and didn’t seek information from the school to rebut the accusations of wrongdoing. It also did not find any violations of the charter or law. Full-service education law firm Dannis Woliver Kelley

was hired in January to investigate myriad charges made against CVCHS, which included conflicts of interest, Brown Act violations, board election procedures, fiscal impropriety, hiring practices and athletic department issues. DWS says in its executive summary that “the report will not make factual findings or determinations regarding the validity of the facts presented” yet then proceeded to make 39 “critical recommendations” based on allegations without determining

ice to the delivery and reliability of our regions.” The center will employ 80 operators. “These are good, high-paying jobs,” Grayson said. As part of the day’s celebration, Williams presented Ygnacio Valley Elementary School with a check for $20,000 to support STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education. “STEM education is critical to training future employees,” said Williams, who is an engiThe PG&E Control Center brings more than 80 “well payneer. “It’s in middle school ing jobs” to Concord, said Mayor Tim Grayson at the ribwhere kids get the ‘spark,’ that bon cutting of the $40 million facility on Detroit Ave. something that gets their interest.” The funds will finance a scigive PGE more flexibility in the “unsung heroes” of the ence camp for fifth graders. responding to “unplanned” out- project. ages or to a major disaster. New In the event of a major programming incorporates earthquake, the center is preadvanced electronic mapping to pared. The servers are all spring allow operators to pinpoint the loaded and moveable and in the exact location of an outage. event of a power outage, two Operators can also remotely back-up generators can keep the control equipment and work center operational for 72 hours smack in the heart of the county and easily accessible by freeways with an automated “self-heal- before needing refueling. and BART. ing” technology that has been Concord mayor Tim “We are the middle of the installed on electric circuits Grayson praised PG&E for county,” Swanger says. “There is throughout the Bay Area. These bringing “exactly the type of a saying, ‘where Concord goes, “smart switches” can reroute the high-tech, cutting-edge facility the county goes.’ In my five flow of electricity to restore out- Concord is encouraging for the years here, we have seen gang ages in a matter of minutes. community. activity go down, and a big part For maximum functionality, “This investment helped cre- of that is education.” the actual operators collaborated ate 250 construction jobs and He attributes that to better on the design from the very other local, good paying jobs education with the schools, and beginning. Williams called them that will provide a strategic serv- in particular the School

PG&E, from page 1

their validity. Both the factions making charges against CVCHS and the school’s executive director David Linzey claimed the report buttressed their position. CVCHS said in a statement after the report was published, “In assuming the validity of each and every complaint made, the report presents CVCHS in the worst possible light and in a fashion of ‘guilty until proven innocent by specific written documentation’ – biasing the investigation and report in the favor of the complainants.” Both sides were well represented at the packed August county school board meeting when the report was discussed with over a dozen speakers for each side including DWK lawyers who did the investigation and attorneys for the charter. Following a prolonged public comment period each county board member made comments that instructed Superintendent Karen Sakata, who commissioned the $138,000 report, to meet with CVCHS administration and governing board to see what the school is going to do about the recommendations. Board members seemed to agree with the report’s conclusion, “At this time and with

Crime, from page 1 Resource Officer program reinstated last year. “It is not illegal to be in a gang,” he says. “But we have been working to curb their illegal activities.” He says that better education and resources for students and communication with the families helps steer kids away from illegal gang activities. “It’s not the schools’ responsibility, it’s the entire community’s.” He said the one of his SRO’s is even starting

CVCHS’s cooperation, the issues appear largely resolvable through additional training, transparency, communication and oversight.” There are no findings that would lead to revocation of the charter, which the board renewed for a maximum five years last November. CVCHS was in the headlines again when someone associating himself with the hacker and activist group Anonymous sent emails and attachments to the county board and Sakata. “We have been made aware of corruption and manipulation of a local high school. We have obtained documents that will shed some light on the truth behind the manipulation and greed surrounding Clayton Valley High School. This needs to stop,” the Anonymous email said. Linzey reported to Concord Police that his school email account had been hacked. The school’s law firm instructed those receiving emails from Anonymous not to open them. Concord police said its preliminary investigation by detectives determined “unknown suspect(s) obtained the email account contents of at least one CVCHS staff member.” The police investigation is ongoing.

a parent education program to help families discourage illegal gang activities. One thing that has been bantered about in law enforcement communities lately has been the use of technology to curb crime, especially body cameras for police officers. “I don’t think we’re at that point yet,” he says. “We aren’t a city that has a lot of mistrust of its officers. If we get to a point where the community and officers want them, I’ll be all for it. But it’s a big expense.” However, he says that the

In Brief... Support the Concord Historical Society The Concord Museum and Event Center (Masonic Temple) is being renovated. With the support and help of the community and members, the Concord Historical Society will be able to make both the Galindo Home Museum and Gardens and the Concord Museum and Event Center selfsupporting. The Betty Barnes Trust is matching monetary donations of $50 or more given for the building of the museum up to $200,000 through the end of 2015. Betty Barnes was a lifetime member and staunch supporter of the Concord Historical Society. The grand opening and dedication of the museum and center is Oct. 17, 2016 featuring Chris Brubeck. Send donations to: Concord Historical Society, P.O. Box 404, Concord, CA 94522. Write CMEC Project on the memo line to qualify for matching funds. Go to concordhistorical.org for more information.

state may ultimately require all officers to wear body cameras. “We’ll deal with that if and when we get there,” he says. One concerning statistic in the numbers he presented to the council was the jump in burglaries. Of the 91 recorded last year, one-third used handguns. Does Swanger believe in gun control? “That’s a national conversation,” he says. “But I’m not a ‘gun guy,’ even though I grew up as a hunter. I see that it’s way too easy for the wrong people to get hold of guns.”

Page 6

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com ucing

Introd

sy ay Ea Sund tening Lismusic 4-7pm

August 28, 2015

Grayson to seek Bonilla’s Assembly seat

Live

PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer

6096 Main Street, Clayton, 673-0440 Entertainment from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Aug 28, 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Blues Healers Sept 4, 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Diamond Ridge Sept 11, 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Southbound Band Sept 18, 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Barrel House Karaoke Mon. & Wed. nights Open Mic Thur. nights, 8-11 pm

Concord Mayor Tim Grayson is hoping to take the next step up the state political ladder, as he announced he will seek the Assembly seat held by Susan Bonilla in the 2016 election. A Democrat, he will face

www.claytonclubsaloon.com

2 for the price of 1

Beer only. Good anytime with original coupon. Exp. 9/24/15

Everything from home repair & maintenance to construction • EXTERIOR: painting, windows, doors, decks, outdoor structures.

Spec deferred m ializing in ainte home for sa nance, prepping le, repairs from home insp ections

• INTERIOR: plumbing, drywall, electrical, trim, tile.

Gary Romano

787-2500 Reliable & Professional Service Owner operated Over 35 years of experience

Lic. 979406

Sponsorship programs available Birthday Parties Camp

sh & Engli nced Western inner to Adva t Beg to Adul us! Youthome ride with C

earthquakearabians.com 925-360-7454

3141 Morgan Territory Rd.

off in the primary against Satinder Malhi, District Director for Bonilla, and Mae Torlakson, board chair of the Ambrose Recreation and Park District in Bay Point and wife of State Superintendent of Schools Tom Torlakson. More candidates may throw their hat into the ring. Since he was elected to the

Concord City Council in 2010, Grayson has made a name for himself not only in his hometown but throughout the region as well, “helping build unanimous consensus for policies that are affecting the entire region,” he said. He was instrumental in bringing about the Daytime Curfew ordinance to Concord, which has been adopted by nearby cities, as well as being a driving force behind the Community Court, which helps many juvenile offenders They called 10-year-old Clara in the county avoid jail time. His primary achievement, Michaels of Walnut Creek, a member of their C Corps dance and color guard, to fly east and join the Blue Devils A Corps as the 150th member for their DCI EYE ON CONCORD . . . 11-minute performances. The latter part of the program included Michaels as a young girl seeing the characters in her imagination. Olivia Hanson of Concord is an A Corps color guard captain. Her group won the caption award as the best color guard at GEORGE FULMORE DCI for the eighth year in a row. Correspondent BD also won caption awards for total visual performance and Unfortunately for a city as percussion. The Blue Devils A diverse as Concord, the demoCorps is primarily comprised of graphics listed on the city's college performers who age out website don't adequately when they turn 22. The B Corps is for high reflect the culture of the comschool members. They took sec- munity. The blame for that can ond at DCI in Open Class while be put squarely on the way the the C Corps is for pre high 2010 Census was conducted. For instance, the census school ages. Celeste Burns and Alyssa Welch are B Corps mem- form did not have a “race” bers from Concord, as are Ricky option for Latinos, so many Liedtke baritone horn and Con- Latinos chose “White” as their “race.” Additionally, they had nor Overfield trumpet. Blue Devils also sent a corps the option of identifying themof aged out performers to selves “ethnically,” as “Latino Europe this summer for per- or Hispanic.” formances and clinics in the Asians did not have that Netherlands, United Kingdom, problem, as “Asian” was listed Italy and Switzerland. as a race, with subgroup options like “Chinese,” or “Japanese.” Here is a breakdown of the current demographic on the city's website:

Blue Devils, from page 1 four most recent titles in 2009-1012-14 all capped undefeated seasons. This year as the Blue Devils toured from California to Buffalo and back to the finals in Indiana they won their share of competitions but not all of them. The Blue Devils have made their mark in the drum and bugle corps world with shows “that are not in the mainstream.” Gibbs says, “We always want to be entertaining and intriguing.” This philosophy has paid off with at least three world championships in each decade since the 1970s. This year’s program was no different. Right after winning the 2014 DCI championship music director-arranger Dave Glyde and program coordinator-choreographer Scott Chandler began formulating ideas and a concept for what would become “Ink.” The music of composers Stephen Sondheim and Gordon Goodwin combined with Chandler’s choreography for the program that featured storybook characters like Snow White and the Mad Hatter and included Sondheim’s iconic ballad “Children Will Listen.” Blue Devils staff continually tweak the program on tour and made a key decision at the beginning of DCI week when they were in Buffalo.

Census skews race options for Concord

Mayor, from page 1 and I visited with a 20-member delegation from Singapore, hosted by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA), to discuss the Connected Cars — Autonomous Cars testing at the Concord Naval Weapons Site. They are testing cars in a limited, live area of Singapore. The delegation expressed interest in the testing efforts of CCTA at the CNWS site, since it is one of the largest secured areas in the United States that is available for this unique kind of Research and Development. Higher Ed. As a follow on, a delegation of Bay Area mayors and entrepreneurs will be traveling to Beijing, China, to meet with officials and investors also interested in partnering for R & D in higher education, which ties in with our desire to have a college/university-level institution on the CNWS property. We will be studying the model of the Chinese University/Duke University. Though Concord’s interest is in retaining ownership of its property, this is a tremen-

he says, has been the establishment of the Family Justice Center in Concord, which helps mediate domestic violence and other such issues. In the three months the FJC has been open, it has already served more than 200 cases, he said. “That not only helps the victims, but it saves the city money in repeat police calls for domestic violence,” Grayson said. In terms of campaign coffers, Grayson has already surpassed his opponents, raising more than $100,000 by June, 2015, he said.

dous opportunity for China to consider being a tenant, partnering with the City of Concord, to provide advanced educational and employment opportunities for our residents. When I gave my first Mayoral report to the citizens of Concord in 2014, I said that Concord may be a dot on the world map, but we were going to upgrade that dot to a star on the globe. I believe that the above three items indicate that we are truly achieving that status. We recently upgraded our Economic Development Department because we are in competition with cities all over the United States. In Contra Costa County more than 50 percent of the retail sales happen in Concord. Why is this important? Let’s put it into a different perspective: Just in case you did not know, Contra Costa County is the fourth wealthiest county in California, and California is the seventh largest economy in the world. Therefore, in my humble opinion, that has to be worth a star.

63.4 percent . . . . . .White 32.2 percent . . . . . .Latino 11.2 percent . . . . . .Asian 3.7 percent . . . . . .Black 0.7 percent . . .American Indian or Alaskan native 0.7 percent . . .Hawaiian native or Pacific Islander But if you add up the percentages, it comes to just under 112 percent. This, of course, reflects the inclusion of many Latinos picking "White" as their “race.” Wikipedia has a different take for Concord demographics: 50.3 percent .White alone 30.6 percent . .Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 10.8 percent .Asian alone 3.8 percent .Two or more races alone 3.3 percent . . . .Black or African American alone 0.6 percent . . . . .Native Hawaiian & Other Pacific Islander alone 0.3 percent . . .American Indian & Alaska Native alone

This adds up to 99.7 percent and seems to make more sense. For the 2020 U.S. Census, many of us hope that it will offer choices based more on “culture” than “race,” plus there will be more ways for folks to identify themselves. There may be five “cultural” buckets: White, Black, Asian, Latino/Hispanic and Other. Under “White,” folks may choose an ethnicity as well, e.g., Irish, German, French, Mixed, etc. Categories of Black, Asian and Latino will also have subcategories of primary identification. For example, Latinos may choose Mexican, Salvadoran, Brazilian, Mixed, etc. The “Other” category would be the one to offer the most new options. Here, people could choose a subcategory, such as, “Jewish,” “Bulgarian,” “Syrian,” “Pakistani,” “Russian,” or any number of other categories that have led them to choose “Other” as their primary choice of culture. Again, in the past they likely chose “white,” due to the lack of alternatives. The result of all this will give a truer picture of the demographics of those in Concord or elsewhere, especially for the percentage of those who consider themselves “White.” Hopefully, this process will not be divisive. Hopefully, it will show that more and more of us are becoming blended versions of our ancestors. For example, my dad was of German extraction; he was second-generation. My mother was born in Canada of parents from England. But my mother chose coffee over tea, and my father did not know a lick of German. I grew up “White,” in an era when things were, culturally, more black or white. I married a Latina. Our son will have decisions to make on the 2020 Census. He may very well make the cultural choice of “Other,” with a subgroup identification of “bicultural.”

August 28, 2015

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

From the desk of ...

Directory of Advertisers

Junior Giants program is a hit

CARLYN OBRINGER PLANNING COMMISSION On Saturday, Aug. 15, the Concord Junior Giants League celebrated the conclusion of another successful season. This free, non-competitive, coed baseball program for underserved youth started in Concord three years ago as a new project sponsored by Monument Impact, a non-profit organization serving the Monument Community and Greater Concord. “We wanted to bring Junior Giants to Concord because it was a real opportunity to share a knowledge and love of baseball with our children and community, while at the same time promoting a healthy life style, via a free to low-cost physical activity,” says Concord Junior Giants Commissioner Ana Villalobos. “We are grateful to Concord Mayor Tim Grayson for helping to support the program this year via a generous donation from

the proceeds of his annual Mayor’s Cup.” The Junior Giants League is about more than baseball, however. Players learn the Junior Giants Four Bases of Character Development: confidence, integrity, leadership and teamwork, as well as the importance of education, health and bullying prevention. “It is about making new friends, building confidence, working as a team, being a leader and modeling integrity and respect, core character building components that the program is based on” says Villalobos. Parents like Ma Yolanda Garcia love these additional components of the program, saying, “The values and sportsmanship it helps to instill in the children is valuable to their everyday life. I love that Junior Giants doesn’t just teach the sport. It’s teaching the players to be community leaders.” As part of the healthy lifestyle education component of the Junior Giants program, a Zero Tolerance Zone was introduced, whereby parents and children choose to avoid soda, other sugary drinks and unhealthy snacks during league practices and games. The Concord Junior Giants League was the first of its kind to implement such a Zero Tolerance Zone and now

THE JR. GIANTS ended another successful season this month. This young Giant swung hard at the ball but came away from the season with more than just a base hit.

more than 90 leagues in three states have adopted this practice. The Concord Junior Giants League has doubled in size since its first year, with approximately 300 boys and girls ages 7-13 participating in 2015. With growth came the need for a new home, so in the off-season, Junior Giants partnered with the Concord American Little League to play at Olivera Field. For those children who don’t want to play baseball, but who still want to be part of the action, the league, in collabora-

tion with the Mt. Diablo Unified School District CARES After School Program, launched a new project this year — the Concord Junior Giants Cheerleaders. Ygnacio Valley High School Cheer CARES Representative Allyn Monzon and Clayton Valley Charter High School freshman Paloma Barajas trained a group of 52 children to cheer on the Junior Giants at this season’s games. The 2016 Junior Giants season will open for enrollment the first week of May next year. In the meantime, supporters can make a tax-deductible donation to the program at www.monumentimpact.org. Volunteer coaches and coaching assistants are also in high demand. Interested parties should contact Commissioner Villalobos at ana@monumentcommunity.org. Many parents and children can’t wait until next year, though. Says Alex Gomez, Junior Giants coach and parent, “Thank you for everything you have done for the children. We will be back next year.” 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.

Crime solving is right Nextdoor

GUY SWANGER

POLICE CHIEF When I first arrived in Concord nearly five years ago, I made a comment about social media. I actually remember making it several times. I said, “No good can come from Facebook.” I made the statement based on a number of people I knew who got themselves in hot water over Facebook postings. I never understood the gamble. Letting somebody know how you felt, what thing you were doing at that time

and place, or posting a picture of a plate of food baffled me. And when one of your postings got people talking, drama followed and somebody consistently had their feelings hurt. Or the picture posted resulted in somebody getting into trouble, because the whole world was now in the know, literally. But during the next few years, I was approached by several members in the police department and the community about the upside of social media. Concord Police had a Nixel account but I don’t believe it was used that much. As time changes, so do people. Nextdoor was introduced a few years back. I sat through their presentations and I could see how social media played a role in crime prevention by connecting neighbors in smaller groups. I immediately began to receive feedback from community members in some Concord

neighborhoods that Nextdoor was a great way to get information out quickly. Some of my closest friends were even telling me about it. I was also watching a few of my peer police chiefs embrace social media. The instant interaction with community members and speed to get crime info out was impressive. Concord Police Captain Garrett Voerge and Lieutenant Tim Runyon put a social media working group together and within a few months, Concord Police had a Facebook account. We also began pushing out information via Nixel, Twitter and Nextdoor. This effort is being led by Corporal Chris Blakely, assisted by Officers Ollie Sansen and Daren Billington. We were recently looking for an assault suspect that was a wanted sex offender. He was taken into custody by a neighboring police department after

an alert citizen connected our Nixel alert and the suspect was apprehended within 24 hours. Nixel is a great tool/resource for law enforcement. It pushes out real time alerts and notifications (wanted persons, road closures, etc.). Community members can sign for Nixel by texting their zip code to 888777 to receive texts, or simply go to www.Nixel.com and sign up for full service. In order to sign up for Nextdoor, go to www.nextdoor.com and follow the prompts. It is the modern day method for neighbors to communicate via social media. I admit that I have been reluctant to embrace the social media craze but I am now a firm believer in its ability to bring positive results to crime fighting. Welcome to the 21st century. Guy Swanger is Concord’s Chief of Police. Send questions or comments to ContactCPD@cityofconcord.org.

Grant for new WCDF fails by one vote

KAREN MITCHOFF

COUNTY SUPERVISOR Why is it important to move 420 beds to the West County Detention Facility (WCDF)? There are two main reasons: 1) the Main Detention Facility (MDF) in downtown Martinez (a maximum security facility) has been overcrowded for many years and 2) vital mental health services can best be provided at the WCDF. The MDF was built in 1978 and was designed as a state-of-the-art facility for the time in that inmates would be housed in a single cell. This

was a safety feature for both the incarcerated individual and the deputy guarding each module. For a variety of reasons, a majority of inmates have been double celled for many years. Because of the unique design of the MDF, there is limited space and square footage available for the provision of services. And a sad state of affairs is that our local jails (and prisons for that matter) have become de facto mental health facilities. When the WCDF was opened over two decades ago, it was designed as a mediumsecurity facility. The terms “maximum” and “medium” by the way describe the security design, not the type of inmate to be housed in either facility. As an example, inmates who are not high security risk are housed at the MDF because their case is in trial at the Martinez courthouses and it makes more sense to keep them close for transport. So the WCDF was always planned, and

Page 7

indeed the infrastructure is already in place, to add space when necessary and appropriate. Opponents of moving inmates from MDF to WCDF have coined this as an “expansion”: the Sheriff is not expanding (increasing) the inmate population … the Sheriff is proposing to move inmates out of the crowded, double-celled MDF to space to be built to accommodate the same population. New construction would provide housing for these inmates, a visiting center for families, and most critically, appropriate and adequate space to provide critical mental health services. Another argument against this construction is the county needs to provide $9 million in matching funds to a grant request for $89 million and that those matching funds need to be used for other needs in the community. Please know that this is a competitive grant proposal available to all counties. The grant

funds will be appropriated, and I strongly believe that Contra Costa should receive one of the grants because we have real needs here. To pass up a funding opportunity is foolhardy. The Board also heard impassioned pleas about social justice and a disproportionate number of people of color in jails. I concur with those concerns, but not building a muchneeded facility will not correct those issues. That is a discussion for another time and another legislative venue. While the grant application received a majority vote, it needed four votes; and Supervisor Gioia did not support the matching county dollar funds. I am extremely disappointed that Contra Costa’s application will not receive the maximum points we could have received because we didn’t attain the required 4/5th’s vote. Karen Mitchoff is Contra Costa County District IV supervisor. Email questions or comments to karen.mitchoff@bos.cccounty.us

Business Services Rising Moon Marketing & Public Relations . . . .672-8717 Construction and Trades Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700 Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1519 Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .822-5144 Gary’s Home Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .787-2500 J.A. Ronco Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .872-3049 Schaefer’s Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-6065 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737 Events Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market . . . . . . . . . .800-949-3276 Financial, Insurance and Legal Services Archvest Wealth Advisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .215-5600 DuRee, Daniel – The Law Office of . . . . . . . . .210-1400 Littorno, Richard – The Law Office of . . . . . . . .432-4211 SAFE Credit Union . . .http://www.safecu.org/homeloans Van Wyck, Doug – State Farm Insurance . . . . .672-2300 Flowers A Floral Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .705-3088 Funerals Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Health Komor, Peter – DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-5055 STAT MED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .234-4447 Home and Garden Clean Cleaner Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .383-1253 DeSousa, Debbie – Professional Organization 672-9598 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Interiors Panache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7920 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 Skim ‘n’ Dip – Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .348-5609 SonBright Window Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .674-9455 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 The Royal Rooster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2025 Waraner Bros. Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .831-2323 Waraner Tree Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-0334 Mailing Services The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Music Lessons Julia Aguilar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .497-1003 Pet Services Pittsburg Pet Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-7387 Photography Rochellez Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .510-677-4170 Real Estate and Mortgage Services Bennett, Nancy – Keller Williams . . . . . . . . . . .606-8400 French, Lynne – Windermere Real Estate . . . .672-8787 Hayes, Diane and Bill – Better Homes Realty .890-4701 Howard, Don – Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . .408-3184 Howard, Emily – Better Homes Realty . . . . . . .408-1871 Klock, Leigh – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593 Landgraf, Linda – Berkshire Hathaway . . . . . . .876-0311 Laurence, Pete – RE/MAX Realty . . . . . . . . . .890-6004 Lopez, Stephanie – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . .932-7329 Mazzei, Matt – Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757 O’Brien, Michael – O’Brien Real Estate . . . . . .680-5478 Stojanovich, Jennifer – Better Homes Realty . .567-6170 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . .672-4433 Recreation and Fitness Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454 East Bay Regional Park District . . . . . . . . .888-327-2757 Schools Clayton Valley Charter High School . . . . . . . . .682-7474 Services, Other ComputersUSA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029 Pulse of Concord Survey http://www.pulseofconcord.com Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . . .682-4518 Travel Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9840 Worship Concord United Methodist Church . . . . . . . . . .685-5260 St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church . . . . . . .676-6967

Please let our advertisers know you saw them in

the Concord Pioneer

Page 8

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

August 28, 2015

Should Concord voters directly elect their mayor?

FREE ESTIMATES

925-250-0334

Owners Dustin & Kim Waraner Contractors Lic #879423 Arborist Lic WE-7372A

www.waranertreeexperts.com

The time has come for the voters of Concord to decide if they want a directly elected mayor. This is an item that can be put on the ballot in November 2016 and, if passed, will take effect November 2018. Concord is the largest city in the county, yet cities much smaller, like San Ramon and Martinez, have directly elected mayors. As a General Law City, our mayor does not only have a certain ceremonial role, but also represents the city on regional bodies. The mayor can put items on the agenda, the only member of the city council that can do that unilaterally. The mayor runs the meetings,

makes assignments of standing committees and regional representation. The mayor does not get paid any more than any other council member and he does not have the ability to vote to break ties. Nevertheless the position is a matter of influence and focus for the residents and should be chosen by the people. At least one city in the county has a defined rotation of the mayors to prevent political backroom dealings. That has been roundly defeated as an idea here in Concord. In fact, while some may propose a whiff of an argument that there is rotation, the reality is that we do not. Look at the last

choice of mayors over this last decade or two and try to determine by reverse engineering what the rotation rules are. I broke with long-standing tradition when, at my inaugural, I spoke about the selection process and said that if there is only one candidate they will have my full support. If there are two candidates then the one who has not been mayor the longest will get my vote. Currently the mayor is chosen for a two-year term by the council members every December. The question may be asked “If it is not broken why fix it.” To this I have always said: “If you wait till it’s broken,

EDI BIRSAN PULSE OF

CONCORD then your leadership has failed.” To me, this system is very flawed. Throughout the summer and fall there is never an item to discuss the selection of mayor. The first Tuesday of December it is on the agenda to vote for mayor after which there will be reception paid for

See Pulse, page 15

Oh, Dell! It’s time to get techie www.PulseOfConcord.com Take two minutes make your voice heard

Weigh in on local issues Find out what people are asking The questions are neutral The summaries are neutral Have a topic or question for a future Pulse? Email EdiBirsan@gmail.com DISCLAIMER: To the extent The Pulse of Concord reflects, suggests or implies a viewpoint, it is not intended or represented to be the viewpoint of the Concord City Council, the City of Concord, or city staff or officials (living, dead or undecided). Nor was this survey or the results created, distributed, tabulated, evaluated or analyzed by the Concord City Council, the City of Concord, or its staff or officials. Finally any placement of shoe leather in one’s mouth is most likely the fault of Edi Ersalesi Birsan – or whatever other variation on that theme may be in vogue, acting as an individual(ist).

Ad paid for by Edi Ersalesi Birsan

As the new school term fast approaches I start to desire, like every other year, to improve my mind. I promise myself every year I’m going to take a class and learn something new. I’m positive there’s more room in my brain even after 67 years of filling it. The truth is I haven’t even touched my brain’s potential. I’m blessed to still have pretty good thought processes. So this year I’m going to become computer savvy because I have no doubt my computer hates me. I can’t understand it. I’ve even decorated it with gold, black and silver stick-on jewels. It’s a beautiful computer, even though it’s an ungrateful wretched thing. The feeling is mutual. I’d be devastated without it. Garbage in, garbage out points out the fact

Family Owned Business for more than 25 years

1525 Heartwood Dr., Concord

4 bedrooms, 2 bath. Sparkling pool. Almost 1900 sq.ft,

ACTIVE $575,000 3790 Valinda Dr., Concord

1600 sq.ft, 3 bedrooms, 2 bath. Pool, large RV area, with large lot.

PENDING

1051 Morello Ave., Martinez

4 bedrooms, 2 bath, 1681 sq. ft.

NEW $550,000

28 Herriman Court, Clayton

4 bedrooms, 2 bath. Pool house with full Kitchen and full bath.

SOLD $960,000 1579 Heartwood Dr., Concord

Home is 4 bedroom 2 bath, 1846 sq. ft. with sparkling pool.

SOLD $605,000

ing Interview ents who soned ag new & sea a successful desire nce. e experie t a t s e l a e r ! Call NOW

4918 Clayton Road • Concord

CHRISTINE KOGUT

SAVVY SENIOR that a computer can do only what it is programmed to do and is only as good as the data it receives and the instructions it is given. If there is a logical error in software or if incorrect data is entered the result will be a wrong answer or a system crash. Hmmmmm. I still hate it.

I remember thinking I was pretty hot stuff in 1960 because I’d just received a transistor radio. It was blue. I loved it almost as much as my pink princess phone. Well, technology has made a few strides since then but I’m still operating on transistor radio mentality. Turn it on, turn it off. Turn the volume up or turn the volume down. Select a station. Put in a 9-volt when the battery dies. My computer is a little more complicated than that. I don’t mean to imply I haven’t acquired some knowledge since 1960 but there is so much more to know. We have a very smart man at our senior center who teaches computer classes. I’m going to pick his brain until it is no longer pickable. I’m tired of viruses sneak-

ing into my system, cherished pictures vanishing and of all the points I’ve earned playing a game disappearing into the ozones. Where the heck are the ozones located anyway? Is that where the other sock always ends up? I’m determined this time. I will not waiver. This machine will not defeat me. I’m going to evolve into the Computernator. It will behave once it realizes who’s really in control...right? 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) 6713320 or see the city’s website at concord.ca.us

August 28, 2015

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Page 9

BUSINESS

Justin Barker tapped for Chamber post

MELISSA REA

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Justin Barker to the staff as the new

Membership Services Coor- outstanding residents throughdinator. out the region. He received his Bachelor of Barker spent the past year Arts in Political Science from UCLA in the summer of 2012. After graduating, Barker moved back to Concord and served as an intern for Congressman John Garamendi in his Walnut Creek district office. Barker then went on to serve as a district representative for State Senator Mark DeSaulnier, primarily handling issues related to small business and state licensing. Barker says he enjoyed working in government as it provided an opportunity to help constituents resolve a JUSTIN BARKER wide range of issues, and meet

working for the City of San Diego and is excited to be back in Concord. He is looking forward to being out in the community as much as possible, and to meet both business owners and residents throughout Concord. In his free time, Barker enjoys reading books on political theory, psychology and history. He can be reached by phone at 925-685-1181 or email at jbarker@concordchamber.com. For more information on becoming a member of the Concord Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.concordchamber.com or call (925) 685-1181.

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 P EGGY S PEAR , Copy Editor J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports Editor PAMELA W IESENDANGER , Administration, Calendar Editor S TAFF W RITERS : Peggy Spear, Pamela Wiesendanger, Jay Bedecarré

C ORRESPONDENTS : Cynthia Gregory, Patricia Romero, Kara Navolio, John Jackson, John T. Miller

PIONEER INFO CONTACT US

Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580 Tamara Steiner editor@concordpioneer.com Send Ads to ads@concordpioneer.com Send Sports News to sports@concordpioneer.com Send School, Club and Calendar Items to newsandcalendar@concordpioneer.com

Hoarder’s home sale poses unique problem Q. I have a close friend who is planning on selling her house. When I went over to help her get it ready for sale and took a good look at it I was shocked. I think my friend is a hoarder. She has collections of what I would consider junk that she won’t even let me touch. For instance, she has stacks of newspapers that are five years old. What do you think I can do to help her? Do you think it would help to get a realtor involved? She is not eager to let one come in. She has to sell her house for financial reasons and she is so delightful otherwise. A. Yes, if you get a realtor involved they have access to a team of professionals that they can call on who specialize in various fields such as deep cleaning. In my business I have had some “hoarders.” It is always a shock. Some hoarders don’t even realize they have a problem. Hoarding is a mental condition that affects two to five percent of the U.S. population in a recent survey. Be compassionate

report) and a home inspection at the least. You never know what you will find under the items that have been sitting in one spot for a very long time. Two more things to remember are that this sale cannot be done quickly. Everything will move along slower than in a normal sale. The other thing, and the most important thing, is that you are dealing with a human LYNNE FRENCH being that has talents and abiliREAL ANSWERS ties just like yours. If getting the house ready for sale is just too when dealing with the hoarder. much for you hand it over to Everything in their home carries another friend who is more emotional attachments. Don’t equipped for the job. treat them as a lesser person. As you work with the hoarder say Q. I am fortunate enough things like “our realtor told me to be a homeowner in the Bay that we’ll need to clean up this Area. I achieved this with a space in order to maximize the lot of help from family. It also sales price.” was easier to do several years If it is possible, clear every- ago. I have several friends thing out of the house, then that want to move here and clean and add back in certain own a home and others who staging items to warm up each would just be happy living room. here and renting. How can Before adding anything back they do it with rental rates so into the home have complete high and it seems they are inspections done, such as a getting higher? structural pest report (termite A. I don’t have a good solu-

tion for your friends. I am sorry about that. I do have an opinion though and some statistics. My opinion is that the rental crisis that we are in can’t sustain itself. I will probably make some enemies but it started with greedy landlords. People need places to live. So it has gone from under a third of income for housing expenses to now over one-half in some places. These are higher payments than if they had a mortgage. The bad thing about that though is the banks keep tightening up their qualifications so people can’t afford to buy. Those struggling most seem to be the middle class families earning between $45,000 and $75,000. I think these rents will work themselves out. As more people can’t afford the rents then the landlords will have to lower their rents. Sort of like a rental housing bubble.

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. Email 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.

SAVE THE DATE

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 672-878 7or stop in at 6200 Center St., Clayton.

8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

New board makes a splash at Gehringer PATRICIA ROMERO Correspondent

Changes are afoot at Concord’s Gehringer Park Recreation Club. This past April a newly expanded board of seven members was elected, and new Board President Kevin Cabral has a vision of family and community that he believes other Concord residents share. Cabral wants to create an integrated recreation hub of swimmers, gardeners and all-around healthy citizens. Cabral, General Manager at Renaissance ClubSport in Walnut Creek, also happens to reside in the Dana Estates neighborhood. When he heard there were plans to sell the community garden lot, he knew he had to do something. “It’s too much of a local treasure for me to sit by and watch it be sold off,” he said. The swimming club, incorporated as a non-profit organization since 1965, has been a sta-

ple in Concord since its inception. The addition of the community garden in 2009 was spear-headed by Michael Guthrie and Tony Spears on the adjacent 2.25 acre lot. Located at 1790 Lynwood Drive, at the heart of the Dana Estates Neighborhood, the recreation club held their Seventh Annual Harvest Festival on Aug. 15. The festival is held as a fund-raising event to maintain the club’s buildings and a portion of the proceeds goes to support E.R.I.C., Early Recognition is Critical, a national non-profit that uses Ultimate Frisbee and clinics to teach youth about body awareness, cancer symptoms, early detection, and the overall importance of healthy living. Approximately 1,000 people attended this year’s festival, held at Gehringer Park and open to the general public. This year’s event was being thrown in hopes of raising enough funds to repair the

facility’s roof. Adult admission wristbands cost $15, and included wine and beer tasting, six bands on two stages , six food trucks, and access to more than 30 local merchants. Children’s admission bands sold for $5 and included lifeguard supervised swimming, a BBQ kids meal and games. Concord resident and Gehringer member Fatma Coban Platt joined in the fun with family and friends. “We had a great time. We hung out with friends, some of whom aren’t members of the club, so that was cool.” Platt added that, “The relaxed atmosphere made it fun to walk around the gardens and check out vendors. The music and food were really good, and the event wasn’t overrun like many wine festivals. We certainly enjoyed it!” Gehringer’s board is all-volunteer, including the unofficial eighth member, an independent accountant whom the club

hopes to be able to start paying within a year. They firmly believe that maintaining independent financial accountability is a crucial part of the club’s veracity. Cabral hopes to unite swimmers and gardeners as one integrated community, possibly by linking club membership to gardening leases in the future. The community garden plots are 20-by-25 ft parcels that have access to an onsite well. The garden has not been too negatively affected by the drought, although they are watering much less than in previous years. Cabral is optimistic about the club’s future. Since he became the board’s president, many new volunteers have come aboard to help get things done. “The Community is jumping up and pitching in,” he says. “It’s been awesome!” For more information, or to join the Gehringer Gators, contact signup4gehringerpool@yahoo.com.

Installations – Repairs

Design • Installation • Maintenance Commercial & Residential • 925-381-3757

License # 958849

Toilets Faucets Water heaters Garbage disposals Clogged drains

Belfast Plumbing Credit Cards accepted: Visa, MasterCard, Discover

(925) 457-5423

www.belfastplumbing.com License. 906211

Stephanie@myDynamicRealtors.com Attention Dana Hills Homeowners! Please contact Stephanie by Aug. 31 to participate in this year’s event.

Carpet Cleaning Services:

• Stretch • Install • Repair • Clean • Oriental, area rugs, upholstery Call for free estimate:

Low, Clean Cleaner Carpet low rate

(925) 383-1253

Page 10

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

August 28, 2015

SPORTS New coaches, high expectations for Concord prep football teams as season kicks off this weekend JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer

nationally on ESPN2. Trinity was 12-2 last year, losing in the state 6A playoffs 30-27 to Allen, eventual state champions and, like DLS, a top five national team in 2014. Third-year coach Justin Alumbaugh has a roster loaded with veterans including 5-Star recruits and pre-season allAmerica selections Devin Asiasi and Boss Tagaloa. In discussing the season opener the Spartans coach told MaxPreps.com, “When you talk about high school football, Texas naturally comes up. It’s exciting.” Alumbaugh has a 28-1 record in his two years at the helm after replacing legendary coach Bob Ladouceur. He has a pair of 1,900-yard rushers in Antoine Custer and Andrew Hernandez to spur the offense that will be quarterbacked by Anthony Sweeney. The Spartans at-large schedule also includes a trio of games against Southern California powerhouses—Servite, Orange Lutheran and Long Beach Poly (reprising their legendary 2001 and 2002 games) —and two versus Sacramento area schools, Del Oro and Granite Bay.

Two Concord high school football teams—-Concord and Mt. Diablo—begin play this week with new coaches while two others—-Clayton Valley Charter and De La Salle—-set out looking to defend their North Coast Section championships against highly-rated opponents on the road. Adding to the local luster, Ygnacio Valley, Northgate and Berean Christian were in the 2014 playoffs as well, the first time all seven local schools have been in NCS football post-season play in the same year.

CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER Clayton Valley Charter’s Ugly Eagles football team has enjoyed unprecedented success the past three years, culminated last December by an appearance in the CIF Division II State championship game in Southern California, losing in bitter fashion 34-33 to Redlands East Valley. They begin this season Friday at state DI champs Folsom and coach Tim Murphy and his staff will be working to blend returning starters with newcomers and 2014 varsity backup players. Murphy’s wing-gun offense has averaged almost 10 yards per carry over the past three years. The running attack, which last year was the most prolific in all of high school football over the past 15 seasons, gained a remarkable 7051 yards rushing last season. By contrast opening game opponent Folsom passed for nearly 6000 yards. A quintet of departing seniors and all-league quarterback Nate Keisel, who has moved with his family to Utah, accounted for over 5000 yards of the Clayton Valley rushing total. The coach expects all-round athlete Louis Ramos, Gavin West who gained nearly 728 yards in limited duty last year as a sophomore (“great vision and power”) and transfer Ray Jackson (who sat out last year after being allleague as a sophomore at College Park) will be backfield factors this fall. Other returning starters include juniors Koti Vaisima and

Jay Bedecarre photos

AFTER COACHING NEARLY THIRTY YEARS, MARK BYWATER was named interim head coach at Concord High this summer when Brian Hamilton was hired on Sonny Dykes staff at Cal Berkeley. Bywater says he’s confident going into the season because the existing staff coordinators—Jon Bell, Randy Coddington and Jon Koven—-remain in place for the Minutemen.

Jalen McKenzie (lineman who has grown one inch and lost 30 pounds), Jamel Rosales, allleague defensive back Jake Peralta, Isaias Padilla and Nate Ewing.

CONCORD Brian Hamilton was hired away from Concord this month as the offensive quality control coach for the California Golden Bears. He was the head coach and director of athletics at Concord for the past 11 years where he led the Minutemen to the Division II NCS title game in three of the past five seasons

including a section crown in 2010. He came to Concord from Clayton Valley High where he began coaching under Herc Pardi. Recently-appointed interim head coach Mark Bywater has been coaching nearly 30 years, including stints at his alma mater Skyline of Oakland, Miramonte, Campolindo, Dublin and last year with Hamilton at CHS. The new coaching staff that includes returning coordinators Jon Bell, Randy Coddington and Jon Koven must make up for the departed trio of quarterback Mitch Daniels, wide receiver

Mason Knight and runningback Malik Blackburn. Bywater counts on seniors Vaseem Shah, Jose Rivera, Brandon Espinoza and Rembert Sison to provide the example for younger teammates including juniors Deandre Morgan, Damaria Capers and Izaiah Austin and sophomore Nick Nunez. Sison, Capers and Rivera earned all-DVAL honors a year ago.

DE LA SALLE Perennial Texas power Trinity is hosting De La Salle this Saturday in a game broadcast

DEREK CLEMENTS

frosh teams in 2016. The Red Devils were 2-3 in non-league games last season but only defeated Ygnacio Valley in five league games. They were in the NCS Division III playoffs for the first time since 2009 but were eliminated in the first round by Las Lomas. Lineman Charlie Alofaki is a returning all-league defender and will be a two-way stalwart on the line with his friend and fellow senior Jarreck Leafa. Tarif Rivers will be starting as a wide receiver and defensive back. Senior Ronnell Hicks and sophomore Fernando Perez are competing for the starting quarterback position in the Red Devils MT. DIABLO The area’s oldest high school spread offense. Clements says played its first football game on both will get an opportunity at Jan. 1, 1910. This season Mt. QB. Diablo will be playing on the allYGNACIO VALLEY new FieldTurf field that was still Philip Puentes begins his being installed this week as part fourth year in charge of the of a $2.9 million project funded Warriors coming off the by Mt. Diablo Unified School school’s first NCS playoff District’s Measure C. appearance since 2010. In addition, leading the Red He lists seniors Jesse GuzDevils on the sidelines will be man, Drew Leonard, Cristian Derek Clements who was Ramirez, Zak Ferris and Hodari named head coach last spring Cooper and juniors replacing athletic director Bryan CJ Garcia and Jovanny Ceballos Shaw. Clements was also an assis- as key returnees. Guzman was a tant under Hamilton at Concord first team all-DVAL runningHigh the last two years after back last fall. Top new varsity players coaching for 16 years at College include a quintet of juniors— Park, so he has a good handle on Tony Rodriguez, Darius McVay, play in the Diablo Valley AthletKionte Zerai, Oscar Solis and ic League. His biggest chalBryce McGuire. lenge—-just as it was for Shaw The Warriors were 3-2 in the and his other recent MDHS pre-season before going winless predecessors—is competing in five DVAL games in 2014. against the other DVAL schools They lost in the opening round with a roster much smaller than of the NCS DIII playoffs to their opponents. Campolindo, who simply went MDHS is fielding varsity and on to win the State Division III frosh-soph teams. Clements Championship last December. promised to have varsity, JV and

6 Diablo FC teams claim Jenna Betti Memorial championships JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer

Diablo FC celebrated its second annual Jenna Betti Memorial Tournament by winning six championships in the all-girls event honoring former club player Betti. The host club

had captured three titles in the inaugural Betti Memorial a year ago and doubled that total this month. The under 12, 13, 14 and 17 Diablo FC Premier NPL Academy teams each won premier division Betti championships. Diablo FC 02 Blue won the

U13 silver division while DFC 99 Blue took the U16 gold crown. Diablo FC 02 Premier NPL Academy team defended its Betti title with a 5-1 victory over Impact 02 in the U13 finals. The team was also second at the Pleasanton Rage

Photos courtesy Diablo FC

COACH SCOTT ALEXANDER’S DIABLO FC 01 NPL ACADEMY under 14 girls won the second annual Jenna Betti Memorial Tournament and the prestigious Pleasanton Rage Showcase Tournament. The team includes, bottom row from left, Kaitlin Niedziejko, Brianna Murray, Serena Connel, Julia Betti, Sarah Smith, Sophia Salimpour; back row, Tori Gray, Kaitlyn Sheffield, Ariana Chavez, Carly Oshel, Darby Dresdow, Sienna Berdan, Alexus ZandonellaArasa, Carissa Capinpin, Cassia Souza, Chloe Taylor, Natalia Leroux and Logan Silva.

Showcase last month. The U13 silver division was claimed by Diablo FC 02 Blue with a 2-1 win over DeAnza Force 02 Yellow. The team had won three games prior to winning the finals. The U12 DFC 03 Premier NPL Academy team blanked Martinez-Pleasant Hill FC Lightning 4-0 in the finals, their fourth consecutive shutout. Diablo FC 01 girls also shut out all four teams at the Betti tournament to take first place in a lightly contested U14 premier division. Earlier the team won the premier division title at the prestigious Pleasanton Rage Showcase Tournament by blanking all four opponents at the end of July. Going into Sunday’s game, the team needed a win or tie to advance to the finals and they did that with a scoreless draw with San Diego Surf Academy. They then won a narrow 1-0 championship mach over host Pleasanton Rage U14 ECNL team. The U16 gold division was another competitive bracket with Diablo FC 99 Blue win-

DIABLO FC 02 PREMIER NPL ACADEMY team won its second consecutive title at the Jenna Betti Memorial this month. The under 13 team includes, front row from left, Megan Gherlone, Alexys Canas, Lauren “LJ” Utne; middle row, Rylie Velez, Molly Maxwell, Andraya Spyrka, Olivia Kreamer, Kylee Gregory, Alexa Avelar; back row, coach JT Thompson, Maddie Thompson, Ryan McNevin, Jenny Linderman, Caleigh Olgeirson, Hailey Fanner, Kali Myers, Miranda Fedrizzi-McGlasson, coach Tafa and Dena Betti, mother of Jenna Betti. Not pictured, Evelyn Martinez.

ning the championship in a three-way tiebreaker. The oldest Diablo FC titlist at the Betti Memorial was DFC 98 NPL Academy in the U17 premier division. The Jenna Betti Memorial Tournament honors Jenna Betti, a

Diablo FC player who tragically passed away in March of 2014. Proceeds benefit #hersmile, an organization established by the Betti family to help people survive and thrive despite life’s harshest circumstances. Visit hersmile.org for details.

August 28, 2015

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

ting a team relay record and making county are other highlights in the pool. Her mom Christy adds, “Springwood is our second home. The kids swim together up to six days a week for almost four months; bonds are formed and lives are changed. The coaches provide a mentorship that is difficult to find in other sports. We love Springwood.” Away from the pool Makena Cooper loves art, dance (jazz, hip hop and tap), shopping and hanging out with her BFF Jaidyn.

Athlete Spotlight Makena Cooper Age: 10 Team: Springwood Swim Team “SPW 4 Life” is the answer Monte Gardens Elementary fifth grader Makena Cooper gave when asked what she enjoys about competing with her younger sister Abbi on the Springwood Swim Team each spring and summer. This month Makena Cooper earned the Concord City Meet B Division 9-10

Photo: CSK Photography

girls high point award for the Sprinters. This is her sixth year on the team and rates the breaststroke and backstroke as her favorite events, which is surprising because those were the two events she did not swim at City Meet because was leaving for camp the day they were scheduled! Cooper was third in both butterfly and freestyle and fifth in the individual medley (a race with all four strokes) to claim high point. This is her sixth year on the team and she says set-

The Concord Pioneer congratulates Makena 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.

Forest Park captures Division II County Swim Meet championship JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer

A record-breaking season came to a close this month with Forest Park Swim Team of Concord winning the Division II championship at the 55th Contra Costa County Swimming Championships one week after the Flyers finished second to perennial winners Dana Hills Swim Team of Clayton at the 49th Concord City Swimming Championships. Dana Hills won its 23rd Concord City Championship in 24 years at Concord Community Pool with Otters and Forest Park swimmers dominating the proceedings. Seven swimmers from each team won high point awards in A Division at City Meet. Dana Hills swept the two outstanding relay awards while DHST swimmers set eight of the 13 meet records and Forest Park establishing the other three.

FLYERS SET BUNDLE OF RECORDS Forest Park coach Jeff Mellinger has been in charge of the team for 16 years. He guided the Flyer A swimmers to second place and the B team to a city championship, just as they’ve done for several years. Topping that excellent performance a week later Forest Park won the County Division II championship, which they also accomplished in 2012 and three times in the 1970s and 80s when it was called Community Division. Forest Park totaled 823 points in Division II to finish ahead of Larkey Sharks and Meadow Swim Team in second and third in the County Meet at Acalanes High in Lafayette. Forest Park’s Vince Della Santina (6 & under) and Arie Vanhoven (13-14) were high point winners at city and county. Other Flyer high-point swimmers at City Meet were Andrew Dawson (7-8), Juliannah Colchico-Greeley and Tommy Martin (910), Airiana Dargan (11-12) and Rayna Stanziano (13-14). Dawson tied for third in county high point. Dargan (100 individual medley and 50 breaststroke), Vanhoven (50 freestyle and 50 breast) and Stanziano (50 breast) set new

Page 11

Ipsen acquires 12th national diving title De La Salle grad Kristian Ipsen took sixth and seventh in his two events at the FINA World Championships in Russia late last month as divers from around the globe began the lead up to the Summer Olympics next August in Rio de Janeiro. He then went directly to Orlando for the USA Diving ATT National Championships and won the three-meter springboard championship. The 3M title was his 12th senior national championship—five individual and seven synchro titles. He also has 16 US junior national gold medals. Ipsen was second after the 3M prelims in Orlando but led through the semi-finals and finals. He combined with his new partner Sam Dorman to take seventh in the World Championship men’s synchronized three-meter final. The American pair scored 405.99 points, while China’s Cao Yuan and Qin Kai took gold after finishing with 471.45 points. Ipsen and Dorman were in sixth place through four rounds, but a miss for just 67.20 points on their reverse 3 ½ tuck in round five dropped them to ninth. “You miss one dive and you’re out, but we had fun. I went over on my gainer. It hap-

pens, but you’ve got to move onto the next dive,” Dorman said. After the miss, the pair came back with 82.95 points on their final dive, a reverse 1 ½ with 3 ½ twists, to move them back up to seventh. They were only 2.67 points behind the fifth-place team from Canada. “(The finals) went pretty well. Our timing feels really good. We just missed one dive and in a contest like this that’ll take you out of it,” said Ipsen, a 2012 Olympic bronze medalist in synchronized 3-meter with Troy Dumais. “I feel like we have a lot more in store for us in the future.” Ipsen finished sixth in the men’s one-meter competition. He was in 10th place with one round to go before finishing with 86.40 points on a reverse 1 ½ with 3 ½ twists to move up to sixth in the final standings. “I’m pretty satisfied, but I did leave a little bit on the table with my fifth dive. I can do that dive (reverse 2 ½ pike) better, and I thought I was going to hit it. I was moving really fast, but I got a little too excited,” Ipsen said. “Overall, I’m really happy with both the prelims and finals on 1-meter, but I could have done USA Diving provided material for this story.

Kelly Kern wins Jr. Olympics pole vault

Jay Bedecarre

FOREST PARK SWIM TEAM HAD A GREAT AUGUST with veteran coach Jeff Mellinger’s Flyers capping the season by winning the Contra Costa County Division II championship. The Concord team also was second in A Division and first in B Division at both the Contra Costa Valley Swim Conference and Concord City Meet. Among the high scorers at these season-ending meets for the Flyers were, from left, were Rayna Stanziano (13-14), Airiana Dargan (11-12), Vince Della Santina (6 & under) and Andrew Dawson (7-8). Arie Vanhoven (13-14) is not pictured but he matched Della Santina as high point at both city & county.

City Meet records. At county Vanhoven broke the 50-yard freestyle record in 21.46 seconds. Forest Park racked up lots of county meet points with high finishes from both 910 girls and 13-14 boys relay teams, 6 & under girls free relay and 15-18 girls free relay. Emily Morgan, Dawson, Vanhoven and Della Santina posted high individual finishes. Jacob Soderlund of Walnut Country set a 29.80 meet record in the 11-12 breast at county while also taking sixth in 50 back to tie for third in high point. Walnut Country’s 6 & under boys relays both finished sixth and Dylan Washmera in that age group was third in 25 free. Local high-point at City Meet B Division were Jayla Kluver (6 & under), Maddy Jarrett (13-14) and Maddie King (15-18) from Ygnacio Wood, Makena Cooper (9-10) of Springwood, Benjamin Rodriguez (6 & under) and Josh Sandy (9-10) for Walnut Country, Brett Huston (15-18) from Bishop Estates and Ralphy Beltran (7-8) and Samuel Wofse (13-14) of Gehringer Park.

er, Justin Ellis. Forest Park: Kaylee Whitmer, Andrew Dawson, Alicia Contreras, Juliannah Colchico-Greeley, Evalinne Vecchio, Elden Huynh, Tommy Martin, Airiana Dargan, Emma Merrill, Rayna Stanziano, Micah Johnson, Arie Vanhoven, Drake Freeman, Carly Spilman, Jacob Hosking, Emily Morgan, Austin Johnson, Zachary Smith, Kameron Borruso, Tyler Shelley, Isabel Ragland, Anthony Viano, Jordan Barnes, Juliana Della Santina, McKenna Gross, Mark Nolan, Conor Halley-McCarty, Danielle Ware, Lars Bergen, Lisa Repetto, Max Freeman, Evan Stanziano, Paige Burns, Lola Medina, Connor Griffin, Zack Stilinovich, Chase Burns, McKenzie Acton, Caitlin Biles, Ben Duran, Jameson Larsen, Kayla Farmer, Mikayla Brown, Cameron

See Forest Park, page 12

Photo courtesy Kern family

SISTERS KELLY AND KATIE KERN competed in the pole vault at the USATF Junior Olympics National Track and Field Championships this month in Jacksonville, FL. St. Agnes School eighth grader Kelly Kern (above) was ranked No. 1 in the country for 13-14 girls and upheld that ranking with a gold medal vault of 11 feet, 2 inches (3.4 meters). Sister Katie Kern, a senior at Carondelet who finished eighth at North Coast Section last spring, was 20th among 40 vaulters in the oldest 17-18 age group for coach Chris Moore.

MDSA Phoenix girls top their division at Soccer By The Bay

CITY MEET TEAM SCORES A Division: Dana Hills Otters 1,720, Forest Park Flyers 1,201.50, Walnut Country Stingrays 651.50, Springwood Sprinters 544.50, Forest Hills Beavers 424, Bishop Estates Barracudas 369, Gehringer Park Gators 358, Ygnacio Wood Seahorses 307, Oakhurst Orcas 287.50, Crockettiles 160, Vista Diablo Dolphins 129. Photo courtesy by Sammy Handler from J & H Media

JACOB SODERLUND of the Walnut Country Swim Team seemed on his way to a new record and the meet’s high-point award for 11-12 boys at the Concord City Swimming Championships when he was properly disqualified in the preliminaries of his specialty, the 50-yard breaststroke. Undeterred he took his other two Concord City Meet gold medals with him to the Contra Costa Swimming Championships a week later and shattered the 50 breast county record in 29.80, two and one-half seconds faster than the runner-up. He also was sixth in the 50 back to finish tied for third in the high point standings.

B Division: Forest Park 525, Dana Hills 417.50, Oakhurst 363, Ygnacio Wood 349.50, Forest Hills 344, Gehringer Park 343, Walnut Country 334.50, Springwood 271.50, Bishop Estates 207, Vista Diablo 128, Crockett-iles 108.

CITY MEET INDIVIDUAL RESULTS Top 3 finishers from Concord teams Bishop Estates: Kyla Joseph, Elizabeth Turner, J.P. Ellis, Leslie Maier, Donovan Ballot, Alexa Huston, Dawson Wood, Luke Ryan, Brett Huston, Leah Gillmore, Nathan Anderson, Spencer Christensen, Gabby Mazzuca, Dillon Knipstein, Anthony Frasi-

Photo courtesy MDSA

MDSA PHOENIX TOOK FIRST PLACE in the White Division at the 10th annual Soccer By The Bay tournament this month. Team Phoenix allowed only one goal in their four games while scoring nine. They won the title game 2-0 over San Francisco Vikings Courage White. MDSA team includes, front from left, Sophia Sinclair, Laine Moraes; standing, coach Chris McNevin, Kaitlyn McNevin, Juju Bellamy (honorary member), Brooke Stanton, Brook Rickenbacher, Katelynn Brown, Melia Fabriquer, Sarandon Kamrud, Hawah Opeyany, Ashlyn Albert, Emily Beeson, Jacklann Bellamy and coach Heidi Brown. Not pictured Mipo Okeowo.

Page 12

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

August 28, 2015

NFL season right around the corner

Terrapins place 3rd at Long Course Far Western Swim Championships

With only two games left in the NFL preseason, both the Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers are making adjustments and scheme tweaks to prepare for their season openers. The Raiders open the season at home against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 13. The 49ers open the season at Levi’s Stadium the next day against the Minnesota Vikings in a Monday night game. Here is a brief outlook on each team: Raiders – The Raiders are finally starting to look like a competitive team. GM Reggie McKenzie has had his ups and downs, but he’s assembled a roster with a lot of young, talented players that he expects will satisfy diehard Raider Nation at O.co and on the road. Derek Carr has been surrounded with weapons in his second season as the Raiders signal caller. Despite a historically bad running game and weak receiving corps last season, Carr still put up respectable numbers with 21 touchdown passes and 3,270 yards through the air. Carr’s growth this year is going to be pivotal. He now has the No. 4 overall draft pick Amari

The Terrapins of Concord earned their highest team placing—-third—-in many years at the Long Course Far Western USA Swimming Championship at the beginning of the month. The host Santa Clara Swim Club and Palo Alto Stanford Aquatics finished 1-2, each with a roster much larger than the Terrapins. Terrapins at Far Westerns set 117 personal lifetime best swims during the meet. TERA swimmers and relays won 25 events set two Far Western and Pacific records in the process led by high point age group swimmers AJ Fong (10 & under boys), Emily Lo (13-14 girls) and Andrew “Arod” Rodriguez (13-14 boys). The 13-14 boys swimmers Robert Mitchell, Cal Brown, Rodriguez, Garrick Coloma, Andrei Minakov and Matt Fetterman combined to win all five relays in their age group. The swimmers broke FWST and Pacific records in both the 400 medley and 400 free relays. The Terrapins last month hosted the Pacific Swimming Long Course Junior Olympic Championships at the Concord Community Pool with over 890 swimmers representing 57 teams from northern California and Reno competing in 106 individual events. The Terrapins were led by two boys who each won

Cooper, Michael Crabtree and rookie tight end Clive Walford as targets. On the defensive side of the ball new coach Jack Del Rio hopes Khalil Mack is a terror for opposing teams after beefing up 20 pounds in the off-season and moving to defensive end. 49ers – The 49ers have a lot to prove coming into this season. The majority of the coaching staff turned over and owner Jed York promised the San Francisco faithful that his changes will equate to a winning team. New head coach Jim Tomsula was given the short end of the stick to start his tenure. The 49ers lost Mike Iupati, Frank Gore, Crabtree, Dan Skuta and Perish Cox in free agency. Linebackers Patrick Willis and Chris Borland retired, as well as offensive tackle Anthony Davis. On top of all this, the 49ers released troubled linebacker Aldon Smith a few weeks ago and then wide receiver was suspended six games by the NFL. If the 49ers are going to have any chance of being competitive this year, Colin Kaepernick has to step up and become a consistent quarterback. Free agent Torrey Smith will be a

The Law Office of

Daniel L. DuRee Estate Planning Attorney

Please call today for a complimentary consultation

(925) 210-1400 1535 N. Main St., Walnut Creek

• Wills • Trusts • Healthcare Directives • Powers of Attorney • Probate

It could be a virus, or it could just need a tune-up. Prevent problems caused by viruses and spyware with regular proactive maintenance.

TOTAL DESKTOP CARE & SERVER WATCH Low cost, fixed fee services that monitor & maintain your network to minimize IT problems

Call Mark 925.672.6029 or info@netsolutions-ca.com

TYLER LEHMAN SPORTS TALK great deep-threat weapon, but it is up to Kap to be more accurate on deep throws. In 2014, Kaepernick completed only 33.3 percent of his passes 20 or more yards downfield. Tyler Lehman is a senior at San Francisco State University and a 2012 CVHS graduate. He is majoring in print/online journalism and wants to be a sports writer. Email your comments or questions to tyler@concordpioneer.com.

Forest Park, from page 11 Popino, Kaylee Whitmer, Cameron Reinig, Vince Della Santina, Koen Vanhoven, Rachel Clark, Gabby Duran. Gehringer Park: Daniel Vale, Austin Fiene, Lilly Weires, Hannah Jacobs, Haylie Jacobs, Kaylee Pond, Damien Donado, Anthony Johnson, Emily Monroe, Quincy Sewell, Samuel Wofse, Elisa Vale, Amelia Chaix, Zay Brisson, Nicole Dodge, Kateri Alvarez, Cameron Pappas, Casey Flores, Ralphy Beltran, Isabella Jimenez, Daniel Butticci, Marina Delaluna, Garland Miller, Andrew Platt, Leilani Mestas. Springwood: Tyler Swenson, Mateo Gonzalez, Shawn Canada, Damik Van Fanos, Grace Pugh, Makena Cooper, Amelia Bascom, Mia Van Fanos, Abbi Cooper, Mary Richard, Dominic York, Ronnie David, Karlee Kronquist, Emily Wagner, Gabriella Caputi, Enric Winters. Vista Diablo: Ryan Stagmier, Diego Montesinos, Nathan Stagmier, Zach Malmstrom. Walnut Country: Anja Perreira, Mason Wendler, Jacob Soderlund, Theodore Wu, Daniel Lewis, Nathaniel Wu, Olivia Wirig, Grace Soderlund, Troy Beckon, Benjamin Rodriguez, Brody McNally, Dylan Washmera, Mason Wendler, Marco Tredinnick, Aiden Huckestein, Joaquin Hernandez, Kai Perreira, Aynsley Byrd, Armando Martinez, Josh Sandy. Ygnacio Wood: Katelyn Smith, Maddie King, Olivia Patterson, Lindsey Tellefsen, Jayla Kluver, Logan Schaefer, Tommy Meriam, Maddy Jarrett, Ariana Davis, Vernon Smith, Kaleigh Diaz, Sophia Castillo, Ainsley Castillo, Marcus Manuel, Kaya Andresen, Robbie O’Sullivan, Becca Marin, Clara Decker, Andrey Pristinsky, Nicole McNab, Michelle House.

Photo courtesy Terrapin Swim Team

THREE MEMBERS OF THE TERRAPINS SWIM TEAM earned highpoint honors in their age group at the Long Course Far Western USA Swimming Championship at the beginning of the month in Santa Clara. TERA high point age swimmers were, from left, Andrew “Arod” Rodriguez (13-14 boys), Emily Lo (13-14 girls) and AJ Fong (10 & under boys). The two boys are from Concord.

seven events, 10-year-old AJ Fong and Adrian Dulay, 12. Other Terrapins winning multiple events were Rodriguez (14), Minakov (13), Mitchell (14) and Fetterman (14). Terrapin Junior Olympic champs in one event were

Michal Zlya (18), Sasha Liu (14), Samantha Coloma (17), Max Bottene (17), Jessica Larson (14), Toshiki Takahashi (17), Emily House (16), Coloma (13) and Devin Masongsong (12).

Sports Shorts DIABLO FC FALL REC SEASON TAKING SIGNUPS

Diablo FC is holding its fall rec league Sept. 1 through Oct. 20 in Concord at Newhall Park. Training for boys and girls under five, U7 and U9 age groups with parent coaches and professional Diablo FC staff is on Tuesdays with games on Saturdays Sept. 12-Oct. 24. For more information and schedule visit diablofc.org.

CONCORD AMERICAN FALL BASEBALL TAKING SIGNUPS

Concord American Little League is taking signups for its fall league programs. There will be four skills clinics for boys and girls 4-7 years of age in Sept. Baseball and softball leagues for boys and girls 8-12 will begin with practice in August and games on Saturday afternoons in Sept. and Oct. For more information email Danny Wallace coachdanny14@gmail.com. Registration is open now at callbaseball.org.

ST. AGNES CYO BASKETBALL SIGNUPS END SEPT. 5 Registration for St. Agnes CYO basketball is now being accepted online and at walk-in registration day on Saturday, Sept. 5, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Cauchi Hall on the school campus in Concord. Girls and boys in second through eighth grades who live within the St. Agnes boundaries are eligible to play. Player evaluations will be held in September. Email Charlie Cunningham at crc22369@gmail.com with questions or visit stagnescyo.com.

CLAYTON VALLEY LITTLE LEAGUE FALL BALL COMING SOON

through Friday. Concord softball’s fall league is a seven-game season with playoffs in September and running through early November. Registration and information packets are available online at teamsideline.com/concord or call 671-3423.

TERRAPINS FALL CLINIC, YEAR-ROUND PROGRAM TAKING SIGNUPS

The renowned Terrapins Swim Team will be hosting its annual Fall Stoke Improvement Program from Sept. 14 to Dec. 11 at Concord Community Pool. The program offers rec swimmers six-year-olds through high school the opportunity to train under the professional Terrapin staff for three months. Limited clinic registration is now being taken online at terrapinswim.com. The Terrapins year-round USA Swimming program is also accepting applications now for its fall season that begins Aug. 31. Call 680-8372 for more info or visit the club website.

ST. BONAVENTURE CYO CROSS COUNTRY NOW TRAINING St. Bonaventure CYO cross country begins its season training Monday. The program is open to boys and girls in 2nd-8th grades in the St. Bonaventure attendance area. Cross country is a short, family-oriented season with practices Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5:30 p.m. Parents are highly encouraged to run too. Meets begin in late September on Friday evenings with the Oakland Diocese meet in mid-October. The team meets at Newhall Park near children’s play area. Signups will be taken at practice or visit stbonaventurecyo.com for more info.

Clayton Valley Little League Fall Ball proSHUFFLE THE CARDS FOR gram is accepting boys and girls for baseball (8CVCHS FOOTBALL BENEFIT OCT. 3 12 years old) and softball (12 and under). The Clayton Valley Charter football is hosting its three-month program starts this month and will fourth annual Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournainclude 11 practices and 13 games with a focus ment and dinner on Saturday, Oct. 3, benefiting on fundamentals. For more information and to Ugly Eagles football program. Prize money of register visit cvll.org. up to $500 for first place will be offered for the tournament. Tickets for poker and dinner or FALL, WINTER PROGRAMS OPEN dinner only are available now. Dinner begins at AT ALL OUT SPORTS LEAGUES Fall and winter programs for youth and 5:30 p.m. with poker tournament at 8 o’clock at adults are now open in Clayton offered by All Shadelands Arts Center in Walnut Creek. DinOut Sports Leagues. Youth basketball and vol- ner is catered by Lisa V and Dee-Licious. Tickleyball begins at the end of September. Thanks- ets available at claytonvalleyfootball.com. Call giving and Christmas break basketball clinics 348-3452 or 260-8304 for more information. for boys and girls in first through 10th grades ST. BONAVENTURE CYO BASKETBALL are accepting signups. There’s a basketball TAKING SIGNUPS UNTIL SEPT. 18 shooting lab every Sunday from 9-10 a.m. at Online registration will be active until Sept. Clayton Community Gym. For complete infor18 for St. Bonaventure CYO basketball for boys mation on All Out Sports programs, visit and girls grades two through eight. Player fees alloutsportsleague.com. go up $10 after Aug. 31. If you have any questions or would like to coach or volunteer, please FINAL CONCORD ADULT SOFTBALL contact Tim O’Hara at 672-5774. The season LEAGUE REGISTRATION OPEN Team registrations are being accepted for runs from September through February with Concord fall adult softball leagues. Men’s, postseason playoffs. All registration is being women’s and co-ed divisions are offered on done online at stbonaventurecyo.com. various nights throughout the week, Sunday

August 28, 2015

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Page 13

Mayor’ Cook Off gives new meaning to ‘fast food’

RICHARD EBER & WHITNEY FLORES TASTE AND TELL The Wellness City Challenge presented a most entertaining Iron Chef-style showdown during the “Music & Market” series in Todos Santos Plaza on July 23. Before an estimated crowd of 3,500 onlookers, six mayors and city council members from Contra Costa County teamed up with a restaurant in their city to compete. The objective of the Mayors’ Healthy Cook-off Challenge is to bring awareness to the importance of healthy eating. By pairing local leaders with popular restaurants, Wellness City Challenge founder Cindy Gershen hopes to demonstrate that good taste and high quality don’t have to be sacrificed in the “health

food” arena. Contestants are asked to create nutrient-dense dishes without any added sugar, utilizing natural spices and herbs found at the farmers market happening just behind them. Each team consisted of three participants. One representative from the city, one from the restaurant, as well as a sous chef from the Mt. Diablo High School Culinary Program. Working with master chefs allowed the culinary students to learn valuable tips and cooking instruction. A “grab bag” of items was provided to each team, which included fresh chicken, oils, and grains from Grocery Outlet of Concord and seasonal produce provided by the Pacific Coast Farmers Market. Judging was based on healthiness, taste, presentation and creativity. Although the same ingredients were provided to all, each restaurant managed to make their own unique dish. A variety of techniques were used to prepare the chicken portion of the meal. Chef Gerardo Wence, owner of Wence’s in Pleasant Hill, prepared a savory blackened chicken, while head chef

peaches, red plums, red beet juice and a touch of coconut oil. By using fresh fruit from the farmers market they were able to rely on the fruit to be the star of the dessert, which it certainly was, requiring no added sugar. The Mayors’ Healthy Cook-off has proven to be both fun and educational for all. Learning that peach cobbler could be made with hemp seed, or that “plain” grapes could be paired with summer fruit to produce a delightful dessert, were among the highlights of this competition, and tasting them was the grand finale.

Scott Wall of Lark Creek in Walnut Creek decided to incorporate flavors of the South by creating Cajunspiced chicken breasts. Antioch’s Lone Tree & Event Center stuffed their bird with quinoa, while Danville’s The Peasant & The Pear prepared a crispy seasoned chicken.

Don’t gripe about early table grapes this season DEBRA MORRIS Pacific Coast Farmers Market

Mounds of colorful table grapes can be seen at your farmers market this month. They arrived early this season, in rapid succession behind apricots. As they sit in the sun next to peaches and plums, we are reminded that the continuing drought is still with us. Many varieties of fruits and vegetables arrived four to six weeks earlier than average. Table grapes, as opposed to wine grapes, are available through December and come in an array of brilliant colors and sweet flavors. The green Thompson seedless and purplish-red Red Flame grapes are the most common varieties, but also try the deep blue Thomcord, a cross between the Thompson seedless and the Concord grape. Look for the blue/black Autumn Royal with a deep rich grape flavor or the Red Globe, a smaller round grape with wonderful sweet flavor. Grapes are harvested only when fully ripe. Use color as a guide to the sweetness of the fruit. Green grapes should have a yellow cast or straw color with a touch of amber, when fully ripe, not an opaque grassy green color. Red grapes should be a deep crimson, not

a milky or pale red. Blue grapes should be darkly hued, almost black, not pale or tinged with green. Grapes should be plump, so avoid any that have lots of underdeveloped, very green fruit. You can always judge the freshness of grapes by the stem. The greener the stem, the fresher the grapes. Grapes should always be firmly attached to their stems. Today, California wine, table grapes and raisins are important agricultural commodities, with approximately 700,000 acres planted in vineyards. In the US, 99 percent of commercially grown table grapes are from California. Here’s one of my favorite late summer grape recipes:

Rich Eber is a local columnist for the blog Halfway to Concord and a self-described “foodie.” He teams up with daughter, Whitney, a Concord native, student, and avid cook and taster. Email comments or questions to win!” She then pointed to her- editor@concordpioneer.com self and two others before laughing, “We are the people!” Antioch presented an impressive dish for the judges and lucky guests from the press, winning the contest for the second year in a row. Their main entrée was stuffed chicken breast with quinoa and leeks Flowers that was served with a smoked for all cherry tomato sauce. Alongoccasions side the chicken they served eggplant stuffed with grilled tofu, goat cheese and creamy Greek yogurt topped with Anaheim chilies and a balsamic reduction drizzle. A roasted red beet salad full of greens from the farmers market rounded out the meal. It was tossed with goat cheese, lemon zest and a fragrant citrus vinaigrette. Saving the best for last, everyone raved about Mitzie Richardson Richardson the grape and peach dessert Mitzie “shooter” – a small clear glass 925-705-3088 filled with a combination of flowersbymitzie@gmail.com flowersbymitzie@gmail.com sliced red and green grapes, Facebook/afloralexperience.biz

TWO-TIME CHAMPS: Once again, Antioch’s Lone Tree Golf and Event Center walked away with the top prize at the Wellness City Challenge Mayor’s Cook Off with a chicken and quinoa dish. From left: Restaurant Manager Abdon Aguilar, Antioch Mayor Wade Harper, MDH Sustained Hospitality student Juan Gutierrez and Chef Juan Aguilar.

Creative juices flowed endlessly as the teams showcased the fruit they were given in a new way, ranging from Lark Creek’s colorful fruit salsa that grew plump in its own sweet juices, to The Peasant and The Pear’s peach cobbler that was made with a healthy twist using ingredients such as hemp seed and almond butter to form the crust. Every participant was a winner in this competition: Concord shared 1st place with Pleasant Hill in Presentation, Clayton and Danville shared 1st place for Creativity, and Walnut Creek and Danville shared 1st place for Healthiness. But there could only be one winner overall, to which Antioch took the prize in both taste and overall winner. Pioneer editor Tamara Steiner said to Antioch’s crew before the winner was announced, “If the people had a vote, you would definitely

A Floral nce Experie

Facebook/afloralexperience.biz

6 oz. grapes 6 oz. cooked prawns 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise Lime slices, fresh dill Line four ramekins with the slices of smoked salmon, leaving the edges hanging over the sides. Cut each grapes in four pieces. Mix the seedless grapes and prawns with the mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Spoon the mixture into the ramekins, and fold the flaps of smoked salmon over the top. Refrigerate for at least one hour. Run a knife round the inside of each ramekin and carefully turn the molds onto individual plates. Garnish with a wedge of lime and a sprig of dill.

SMOKED SALMON WITH GRAPES & PRAWNS

The Concord Farmers Market is in Todos Santos Plaza Tuesdays & 6 oz. smoked salmon Thursdays. See ad page 6 for hours. slices

COMING SOON

For more information please contact

Ph: 925.672.9840

travel-2-go.com

Clayton Station Shopping Center 5439, Clayton Road (Suite F) - Clayton, CA

A wonderful private setting with breathtaking views of the Lafayette hills comes with this level-in 2 bedroom, 1 bath home. With over 1300 sq. ft. of living space, this expanded, open floor plan offers skylights, washer and dryer, a wall of windows that lead to an outdoor common garden and views. This bright, single story unit has no one above or below and is located close to the carport. This is a rare Rossmoor opportunity.

LINDA LANDGRAF

(925) 876-0311 Real Estate Professional lindalandgraf@comcast.net Cal BRE License #01504011

† Free Stateroom Location Upgrade is applicable to voyages and cruise fares advertised in this promotion only, and applies to booking the stateroom location you wish to sail in for the price of the lowest category within that stateroom type during this promotion only. Offer is based on availability in like to like stateroom types (Interior to Interior, Oceanview to Oceanview, Balcony to Balcony). Upgrade offer excludes select categories, including but not limited to premium categories and suites. Offer does not apply to land packages. ^ Free Gratuities are based on the pre-payment by Princess Cruises of the suggested gratuities in the amounts of: $11.50 per person per day for Interior, Oceanview, and Balcony staterooms, $12.00 per person per day for Mini-suite and Suite staterooms. This amount is paid on the behalf of the first and second guest in a stateroom only. Free gratuities do not include gratuities added for bar charges, dining room wine accounts or Lotus Spa services. Offer is not transferable, has no cash value and may not be combinable with other select offers or other onboard credit. ‡ Free Specialty Dining voucher is applicable to voyages and cruise fares advertised in this promotion only, valid only for guests one and two per stateroom for use one night only, and is not applicable during the land portion of Land & Sea Vacations. Voucher will be delivered to the stateroom upon embarkation. Princess Cruises reserves the right to pre-assign Specialty Dining times. Voucher may be used on a single voyage only, is not redeemable for cash and expires at the end of that voyage. Offer is not transferable and may not be combinable with other select offers or other onboard credits. Specialty Dining voucher is quoted in U.S. dollars. ** Free Bottle of Wine is applicable to voyages advertised in this promotion only and applies to mini-suite and suite bookings only. Bottle of wine valued at $50. Offer is not redeemable for cash, not transferable and may not be combinable with other select offers or other onboard credits. * Fares apply to minimum lead-in categories on a space-available basis at time of booking. Fares are per person, non-air, cruise- or cruisetour-only, based on double occupancy and apply to the first two guests in a stateroom. These fares do not apply to singles or third/fourth-berth guests. Offer has limited space regardless of cabin availability. Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses of $65-$1,090 are additional and subject to change. Offer is not combinable with Casino offers and Air promotions, and may not be combinable with any other public, group or past guest discount. Please refer to princess.com for terms, conditions and definitions that apply to all bookings.

Offer valid: August 25 — October 29, 2015. Promo code R8-. Note: For assistance reserving a wheelchair-accessible stateroom, please contact customer service at 1-800-774-6237. © 2015 Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. Ships of Bermudan and British registry.

CST #2033054-40

Page 14

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

August 28, 2015

SCHOOLS MDHS and Northgate start year with new athletic facilities JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer

The oldest and newest high schools in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District each unveiled new multi-million dollar athletic facilities this week as the new school year began Tuesday. Mt. Diablo High, the grand dame of area schools, has a new turf field and allweather running track at Hart Fairclough Stadium in downtown Concord. Northgate High, opened in 1974 the youngest high school in the district, has culminated a long-term drive to have an all-purpose aquatics center in Walnut Creek. The pool at Northgate was used the last couple of weeks of the spring swim season for practice by Bronco swimmers. It was put to good use as the Northgate boys defended their North Coast Section team championships and then a week later won the first-ever CIF State Swimming Championships.

touches this week. New head football coach Derek Clements was biting at his chops to get his team on the field for practice before their opening home game this Friday evening at 7 o’clock against Mt. Eden of Hayward. Large red MDHS letters stretch between the 40-yard lines in the stadium that has been on the campus for nearly 80 years and was dedicated in 1939. Measure C director Tim Cody says the $2.9 million project funded entirely through Measure C also consists of replacing the existing running track with a new allweather track surface, new ADA accessible pathways as well as improvements to existing storm drainage. Cody says, “These projects (and so many others) are not possible without the community support expressed by the 2010 Measure C bond. RED DEVILS’ NEW DIGS Melanie Koslow of MDUSD The new FieldTurf surface was project manager at both for football and soccer at Mt. sites. Diablo were receiving finishing

The pool is 25 yards by 40 meters and will accommodate swimming and diving competition as well as water polo matches. The center also includes new mechanical room, restrooms, 3139 square foot sports medicine building, sport lighting, scoreboard infra-structure, deck equipment and site-required infra-structure improvements necessary to support the new project (bio-swale, electrical, sewer, paving, fencing, etc.). Measure C funds contributed $7.3 million and the Northgate Community Pride Foundation raised over $560,000 to complete funding of the $7.9 million project that was over a decade in the making. The pool will be officially christened with the first home boys and girls water polo matches on Sept. 1 against Benicia.

Jay Bedecarre

MEASURE C FUNDS PAID FOR A NEW ARTIFICIAL TURF FOOTBALL-SOCCER FIELD and an all-weather running track plus areas for field events at Mt. Diablo High School. The project was due to be completed early this week so that the Red Devils can host their first home game of the season in Hart Fairclough Stadium Friday evening against Mt. Eden of Hayward. The $2.9 million project also included new ADA accessible pathways, rails separating the track from the spectator area as well as improvements to existing storm drainage.

Northgate High

Mt. Diablo High

Liane Cismowski MDHS PRINCIPAL

New staff adds to MDHS success

Mount Diablo High School is looking forward to our best year yet. As a Wall-to-Wall Academy comprehensive high school, everyone on our staff is dedicated to providing an exciting, challenging and rewarding learning environment for all of our students. We are delighted to welcome two new vice principals to our administrative team. Jaime Colly comes to us with many years of teaching and administrative experience in a neighboring district. Nichole

focused on academic success, personal and social development, and career and college guidance. Mr. Briscoe will be working with students in our ACME and DSA academies and Ms. Figueroa will be working with students in the IHTA, MBTA, and World Academy. There are many ways for adults to participate as parent leaders and community volunteers at MDHS. Parent Teacher Staff Association meetings, ELAC (English Learner Advisory Committee) meetings, Sports Boosters and Latino Parents Meetings are just a few of our many opportunities. I’m confident that with these amazing new staff members, our excellent existing staff members, and our parent and community partners, our students are going to have a terrific 2015-16 school year.

Hackett is a former Student Services Coordinator and Special Education teacher at College Park High School. Their unique talents and abilities are going to enable us to continue to provide high quality support to our students, parents and teachers. Another positive addition to our staff is the hiring of two academic counselors. Adriel Briscoe and Khany Figueroa will be providing all of our students equitable access to comSend comments and questions to prehensive counseling services editor@concordpioneer.com

Ygnacio Valley High YVHS teaches students the Warrior Way Efa Huckabye YGNACIO VALLEY PRINCIPAL

This school year at Ygnacio Valley High School, we are excited to continue our efforts in building a strong, positive climate and culture. I am honored to be the principal of such a welcoming and diverse high school.

For the second year, we will be facilitating our Week of Welcome, planned and coordinated by our amazing staff. Each day will consist of a variety of activities, workshops and guest speakers that promote our Warrior Way. During

Mick Ucciferri NORTHGATE CORRESPONDENT

I just started my senior year at Northgate High School. Suddenly, I have become the leader of my school. I am now the person that those younger than me aspire to be, the guy they look up to, the role model. After three years, I have made it to the top of the high school food chain. In my time spent at Northgate, I have found my place at the school and discovered ways to get involved — and I am hitting the ground run-

Michael McAlister

our Week of Welcome, staff, students and community members will be learning and implementing our missions to: Be Safe, Be Responsible, Have Integrity, and Build Community. As we finish up registering our students for the school year, we look forward to what this year has to offer. And we open our arms to more opportunities, resources and events that provide our students with life skills that allow them to be empowered, become educated and be positive role models for our community.

Senior year isn’t for slackers

NORTHGATE PRINCIPAL

ning. I am fortunate enough to be one of the school's Head Rally Commissioners this year. Literally speaking, I am the voice of school spirit and involvement on campus. I am helping run my Leadership class as a senior officer, hopefully leading to a successful and student-oriented year. However, there are obvious downsides with being a high Mick Ucciferri is a senior at Northschool senior. To capture it all in one word: college. Senior gate High School. Reach him at year may be the last year of editor@concordpioneer.com.

as well as supporting our teachers with enhanced training opportunities. In addition, parents have helped broaden our offering of cross-curricular classes with both Global Perspectives as well as American Threads courses being teamtaught through social studies and English teacher partnerships. Also, parents have made it possible to not only extend our technological offerings such as iPad and Chromebook integration across the curriculum, but have also supported our ability to both stabilize and expand our WiFi capacity throughout the school. Thanks to this Northgate community, we are making huge strides towards making this great school even better. Thanks to this Northgate community, we are increasingly able to ensure that we can actually see excellence for, and from, all of Northgate’s students.

Parents are Northgate’s unsung heroes

As principal of Northgate High School, I get to see what we could call “excellence” on display each day here at school. But I know that the dedication, the professionalism, the kindness that supports this “excellence” doesn’t happen on its own. It happens because people care. As I start my second year here at Northgate I continue to be impressed with the generosity of spirit from teachers, staff and students. But there is unsung source of generosity that often gets overlooked. I, of Send comments and questions to course, am speaking of our parent community. So much of editor@concordpioneer.com

high school, but it is also the last year to prepare for this next step of our lives, and whether we are planning on going to a four year university, community college, or any other possibility, this year is all about preparation for this next step. Personally, I just see it as a year of anxiety. I am going to spend the fall finishing collegeprep standardized testing and applying to colleges; I am going to spend the winter dealing with financial aid and applying for scholarships for college; I am going to spend the spring worrying about whether or not I got into the schools I wanted to get into. It seems that the only time I'll be able to truly enjoy my senior year is once it's over.

what makes this school special can be directly seen in the ways that committed parents contribute to the betterment of the school facility, the support of our athletic programs and the continual enhancement of what teachers can do in the classroom. For example, consider our new pool. This was an amazing, parent-led effort to finally bring a beautiful pool facility to what has always been a stellar, albeit itinerant, aquatics program. In the classrooms, parent contributions are enhancing our Send comments and questions to curricular integration with the Common Core State Standards editor@concordpioneer.com

The UPS Store Independently owned and operated

Joe Ronco/Owner 925-872-3049 jaroncoconstruction.com

Sending Junior off to college? Bruce & Zoey

35 years Clayton/ Concord resident Lic#844344

We repair all major appliances, most major brands, and we’re local

Over 35 years Experience Bruce & Holly Linsenmeyer Clayton residents Office: (925) 672-2700 Cell: (925) 956-8605 State of California B.E.A.R l license #A44842

http://ApplianceRepairsbyBruce.com

Get 10% off our packaging materials Notary, Packaging, Fax and Copy Services are available too!

Clayton/Concord Location:

Store Hours M-F 8-6:30 Sat 9-4:30

Vineyard Shopping Center

5100 Clayton Road Concord, CA 94523 ph: 925-689-6245

August 28, 2015

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Concord High

Aasim Yahya CONCORD HIGH CORRESPONDENT

New AVID program puts emphasis on excellence

This school year, Concord High is making room for several new academic programs. One such academic program on Concord’s campus is AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination.) This program is all about helping students excel. The mission statement of AVID is ”to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.” Through this program, educators hope to have a strong impact on students’ futures. This program focuses on students in the middle or students who hold a 2.0-3.5 GPA, have academic potential, and are interested in attending college. Concord High’s AVID program is offered to freshmen and sophomores who meet these requirements. AVID is an elective class offered at Concord High. It gives students access to

Rianne Pfaltzgraff CONCORD HIGH PRINCIPAL

resources such as tutors who mentor and help them achieve academic success. AVID also helps students master skills, which they can use in their academic classes and eventually master CCSS or Common Core State Standards. It supports critical thinking and encourages students to accept academic challenges. The program is beneficial to those students who want to strive for better. AVID director at Concord, Leah Darby says, “Teaching AVID means I will have the awesome honor to encourage, instruct, mentor, inspire, praise and guide students to realize their potential and be successful in high school, college and hopefully life”. 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

Concord High takes PRIDE in students

At Concord High, we are rejuvenated by the excitement that the new school year brings. The campus is bursting with change, as it boasts several aesthetic upgrades and approximately 150 more students than last year. Several school facility improvement projects are still in process and the anticipation of a transformed environment is on the minds of students, parents and staff. These changes will help us to provide more opportunities for our students to engage with technology, have pride in their community, and access academic and emotional support. This year Concord High teachers and staff will be focusing on empowering students to believe in their own individual potential as we help them to become collegeand career-ready. All teachers will spend the first two days of school in classroom activities that support our academic and developmental goals (PRIDE), while also laying the foundation for strong stu-

dent-teacher relationships. Students will participate in lessons about optimism, gratitude, responsibility, initiative and self-advocacy (Problem Solver), self-control, honesty and integrity (Responsible Citizens), social intelligence and kindness (Inclusive Leaders), curiosity and grit (Dedicated Learners), and concise, clear communication and collaboration (Effective Communicators). Students will also have the opportunity to listen Hoan Do, a former American Ninja Warrior competitor and now highly sought-after motivational speaker. In the words of Simon Sinek, a motivational speaker inspiring leadership through answering the question “why?”, “Success is when reality catches up to our imagination.” Concord High is on its way to even greater success through teamwork, creativity and always putting students first. Go Minutemen!

Page 15

De La Salle High School STREAM Innovation Center complete Construction was completed on the Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Art and Mathematic (STREAM) Innovation Center on Aug. 1 at De La Salle High School. The school celebrated the grand opening on Aug. 23. “The STREAM Innovation Center is not just about having better place for our current programs,” says school President Mark DeMarco. Brother Robert Wickman, FSC, the school’s principal, says, “A school cannot develop a science program in the twenty-first century without reference to the Next Generation Science Standards. Students

will become competent in these cutting-edge standards and will be able to demonstrate their understanding of core scientific principles through the ability to use the practices of science and engineering.” The three-story building is now the largest building on campus. Crews started preparing the site in June of 2014 and completed the building in just 14 months. Funding for the $20.5 million building was made possible by generous donors and foundations. The building was delivered on time and on budget. DE LA SALLE HIGH SCHOOL completed construction on its For more information, go to 28,000 square foot STREAM Innovation Center this month. dlshs.org.

Rocketship changes course, appeals to county after MDUSD denies charter PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer

Supporters of Rocketship Public Charter Elementary School are refueling their efforts to bring the school to Concord’s Monument Corridor after the Mt. Diablo Unified School District denied the charter. The staff of Rocketship and their supporters said they will file an appeal with the Contra Costa County Board of Education, hoping to gain an approval similar to how Clayton Valley Charter High School obtained theirs after an MDUSD denial. Despite a signature signed

by 1,000 parents and a strong showing of support at the MDUSD board meeting, district officials turned down the request, with board president Cheryl Hansen saying the proposal was “out of date” and did not seem to have been individualized for MDUSD. She also expressed her concern that Rocketship has overstated its students’ success. If approved, the new elementary school would be Rocketship’s first in Concord and Contra Costa County, and comes after extensive advocacy and relationship building in the community with parents and local organizations, said Rocketship spokesperson Zoe

Woodcraft. Many parents expressed their disappointment in the MDUSD decision. “I was saddened by MDUSD’s decision to deny the petition. I know that MDUSD is not doing all they say they are doing in their schools —not for Latinos in the community. They don’t encourage us or prepare us to go to college,” said Maria Barojas, a parent in Concord. “I had a chance to see for myself that Rocketship does just that. Rocketship motivates students to reach for more and helps them succeed. Parents from our community should have the option to send our kids where we want to send

Performing arts charter school charging ahead JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer

The curtain is rising on the East Bay’s newest performing arts charter school. Since receiving its authorization in July, the new Contra Costa School of Performing Arts put a governing board in place and agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding with the Contra Costa County Board of Education. Executive Director Neil McChesney said the search for a temporary home is ongoing for the school that expects to open next August. McChesney is looking at local sites to begin operating next summer while he continues to work with the City of Concord about the possibility of a permanent site for the charter school on the grounds of the Concord Pavilion. The governing board Send comments and questions to editor@concordpioneer.com appointees are Gabriela Row-

land, Alison Bacigalupo, Jim Wickware, Lisa Kingsbury and Sherrie Sarna. They began meeting this month. Bacigalupo worked with McChesney at Clayton Valley High School, was involved in the conversion of CVHS to Clayton Valley Charter and served on its founding governing board. Rowland co-founded with another parent an afterschool enrichment program, DramaMama Productions, which worked with middle school and elementary school children. As a director and owner of the theater program, she worked with the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and City of Concord. Additionally the charter has an advisory council that currently includes Janet Gower, Kristin Avila, Donn K. Harris and Milton Reynolds. A month after receiving a maximum five-year charter

authorization from the county school board, McChesney was back before the board this month to seek approval of a MOU. “This agreement essentially sets forth the conditions for us to open,” McChesney said. He was quizzed by board members about how the school will be funded. McChesney explained that the school is seeking donations and grants but will rely on a factoring loan based on the expected daily attendance funds that will come from the state once the school opens next fall. The expectation is for at least 300 students spread across grades 6-10 in the first year. Ultimately the organizers project 750 students from grades 6-12.

opening to the school year. We look forward to showcasing to the community the great work of our students, teachers and staff at throughout the year. Observations around our campus showcase a number of student groups underway, including the Clayton Valley Charter Marching Band. These talented student performers can be seen – and heard – every day after school. We also encourage the community to join us on Friday nights for Ugly Eagle football as we march toward

another championship season and trip to the California State Title game. And finally, CVCHS will welcome our school community back officially at our Back to School Night at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3. I look forward to meeting each of our students and their families as we collectively work together for an exciting and promising school year.

For more information and to contribute to the school’s fundraising drive visit charthousepublicschools.org.

Clayton Valley Charter High

Jeff Eben CVCHS PRINCIPAL

New chapter for CVCHS principal

Clayton Valley Charter High School welcomes our new and returning students, teachers and staff as the Ugly Eagles are poised for another exciting and promising school

year. For myself, it's a first chapter as CVCHS's new principal. I'm hopeful to bring my knowledge and experience to continue the

fine traditions and academic achievements of this outstanding charter high school. Each school year is unique and 2015-16 is no exception at CVCHS. We welcomed the Class of 2019 with an extremely successful Freshman Transition Program providing our newest students with a weeklong camp designed to prepare them for the high school experience. The following week, our upperclassmen joined the new group of students sharing advice and tips for a smooth and spirited

Send comments and questions to editor@concordpioneer.com

them.” The nonprofit network of elementary schools, founded in 2007 in San Jose, is dedicated to eliminating the achievement gap. Rocketship schools — the nine already open in the South Bay and a 10th scheduled to open in Redwood city — serve primarily low-income students in neighborhoods where access to high-performing schools is limited. Each Rocketship school focuses on a three pillar

See Rocketship, pg 17

Determining the right type of ‘Katherine’

EMILY YORK

TEEN READS Everyone has a “type.” Whether it’s tall and skinny, or muscular with a sharp jawline, everyone has something that suits their fancy. For Colin Singleton, his type is Katherine. In “An Abundance of Katherines” by John Green, Colin has dated 19 girls named Katherine, and with all of them, he found no love and no luck. While of a road trip, Colin tries to prove that with the help of the “Theorem of Underlying Katherine Predictability,” he can predict the outcome of any relationship that the future holds for him and hopefully, help him map out how he is going to obtain the girl of his dreams, whether or not her name is Katherine. It’s a great story; plus, there are so many beautiful quotes woven into this novel. My favorite one is: “…but there was no denying her smile. That smile could end wars and cure cancer.” Even though this book wasn’t my favorite by John Green (that would be “Looking for Alaska”), it still packed quite a punch. I’ve always thoroughly enjoyed reading anything by him and this story surely met my expectations. I can’t wait to see what else Green has in store for us in the future. Emily York is a junior at CVCHS.

Page 16

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

“ Let Us Light Up Your Life” Residential

Commercial

Industrial

Family biking tips and tricks

Serving Contra Costa since 1991 More than 35 years experience

want your kids to be excited about bicycling, start riding today and set the standard. If they’re not old enough to ride beside you, there are easy ways to add seats to your own bike. And as for most things, the more you do it, the easier it’ll get.

All Work Done by Owner Bonded & Insured Lic.#C10-631523

Professional Installation of:

August 28, 2015

Ceiling Fans, Recessed & Track Lighting Kitchen or Bath Remodel Exterior/Security/Landscape Lighting Electrical Service Upgrade Complete Home Wiring - Old & New Spa Installation

they’re riding on their own. Don’t know where to start? Try the great Iron Horse Trail, the Contra Costa Canal Trail, a residential street with little traffic, or a local park. In time you can increase distance, incline, amount of traffic and explore more streets and trails.

HERE’S HOW TO START:

www.BurkinElectric.net

James Burkin Sole Proprietor

Licensed and Bonded

Windows • Gutters Vinyl Siding Power Wash* *pending arrival of El Nino

(925) 674-9455

For pricing & info

sonbrightwindowcleaning.com

FREE ESTIMATES •Retaining Walls

•Paver Patio & Walkway

•Drainage

•Low Voltage Lighting

925-672-9955 www.nicholslandscape.com Boyce Nichols - Owner

Lic. 542812 Fully Insured

Clayton Resident

FREE estimates Specializing in Bathrooms and Kitchens Remodeling Windows/Doors Crown Molding Overhangs Decks Siding Trim

Declan Woods 925.216.2679 Clayton Resident

Tipperary Construction Inc. license# 783799, B, HIC

TipperaryConstruction.com

Kids learn by doing and seeing. Practice basic skills like braking and avoiding potential hazards like potholes before getting started. Make sure they know the rules of the roads and know to respect them to stay safe. Make sure you set the right example and help them learn by experience. If you don’t know where to start, the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition has put together an extensive family guide at www.sfbike.org/family_guide, which suggests kid seats and FIND A ROUTE trailers and addresses the chalFind a safe, flat route to lenges of biking with kids of practice on, whether you’re rid- various ages. ing with kids on your bike or Now that you’re riding

Bike Concord is an organization of local residents working to make bicycling a safe, convenient transportation option in our community. Cynthia Armour is a local resident who works with Bike Concord.

Public asked to help plan two new parks Residents can put their mark on two of the East Bay’s newest parks, a 2,540-acre expanse of grassy hills and oak woodlands at the former Concord Naval Weapons Station, as well as Clayton Ranch, a proposed 4,200-acre regional preserve located between Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve and Mount Diablo State Park. The district is seeking the public’s help in transforming longtime military operation into a regional hub for trails and open space. The property, which comprises about half of the former base, lies south of Highway 4 and straddles the hills between Concord and Pittsburg. It will provide links in several regional trail systems, including the Contra Costa Canal Trail and De Anza National Historic Trail, as well as trails in Mt. Diablo State Park, Black Diamond Mines State Park and beyond. The new park will also include a visitor center focusing on the Port Chicago disas-

name with something more dynamic. A few suggestions so far: Todos Santos, after the original name for Concord; Los Medanos, after the official name of the hills east of Concord; and Rancho del Diablo, after one of the Spanish-era land grants in the area. To learn more about the project and contribute ideas, visit www.ebparks.or g/about/planning/cnws.

CAROLYN JONES PARK IT ter of 1944, in which more than 300 mostly African American sailors died in a munitions explosion while loading ships. The center, a partnership with the National Park Service, will also feature exhibits on the role of the Naval Weapons Station in four wars, the contributions of veterans, and the rich history of Concord and the Diablo Valley. The public’s help is also needed to pick a name for the park. It’s currently called Concord Hills Regional Park, but planners hope to replace the

Pulse, from page 8

General Contractor,

In Concord, families come first. That can be true for biking as well. Biking together can provide some quality family time outside of the car and home and help strengthen ties to each other and our community. Getting started biking with family is easier than it seems, and does not have to be an expensive or time consuming hassle. As schools start up again, ask yourself if you could take your kids to class by bicycle. There are two keys for success: practice and routine. If you

TEACH STREET SAFETY

Serving the East Bay since 1993

Glen Larsen, Owner Call for estimate

•Lawn & Plant Installation

CYNTHIA ARMOUR BIKE CONCORD

Get the Kids on Bikes There are three main ways to accommodate an extra passenger on your bike: seats that mount on your bike, bike trailers and trailer bikes. There is no one “best” method; just your preference and what works best for you. Visit a local bike shop or see the guide referenced below for suggestions. If you have a kid bike that needs some repair, bring it to the Thursday bike tent at the Todos Santos Plaza farmers market and Bike Concord will fix it for free.

together, making the shift to biking to school and work with your kids is easy. The most important part is finding a good safe route to school. The payoff is great quality time out of the car, no cell phones or tech involved, and your kids will arrive happier and ready for a good day at school. Are you already riding, or ready to ride and want to see how other families are riding together? Bike Concord is organizing a Kidical Mass event on Sept. 19. It’s a familycentered ride meeting at Pleasant Hill BART at 11a.m. and finishing at Todos Santos Plaza. It’s also no-drop, which means Bike Concord volunteers will ensure no one is left behind and will provide any basic maintenance needed to get everyone home safely.

and organized by the new mayor. This happens weeks if not months before the vote! When I was elected to the council in November, 2012, it was no different except the planning took place before the election. Are we witnessing some strange act of E.S.P.?

Well if it stands for Extra Special Politics, then maybe we are. All the more the reason the people should decide in an open election who is the mayor. When I introduced the item before the current council at our last Spring Council Work-

PARK DESIGN PLANNING

ing will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Clayton Community Library, Hoyer Hall Meeting Room, 6125 Clayton Road, in Clayton. The public does not need to attend the meeting to participate. Comment letters may also be mailed or e-mailed to Raphael Breines, Park Planner, EBRPD, Planning & GIS Services Dept., 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA 94605, or to rbreines@ebparks.org. Residents can also contact the EBRPD with ideas, questions, comments or to be put on the mailing list for this project at 510-544-2325. This is the first public meeting on this project. In 2016 staff will release a draft plan and other documents for public review. These documents will be presented at a future public meeting and will be available on the EBRPD website under the “Park Planning” link at www.ebparks.org.

Meanwhile, on Sept. 9, EBRPD will present a preliminary park design concept and an update on the planning process for Clayton Ranch. With its natural beauty, stunning views and valuable wildlife habitat, the preserve is a precious resource benefiting surrounding communities and the greater Bay Area. The public is invited to share ideas for the preserve and to help identify issues to address in the land Carolyn Jones is the public informause plan and environmental tion supervisor at EBRPD. Email her at review documents. The meet- cjones@ebparks.org.

shop, it got no support. It is understandable that those who currently decide will not want to give up their power to decide for others. Some see it as their duty to decide who is the mayor and that they know better than anyone who it should be. Another reason to take back the power and give it to the voters. It can be done two ways: The council to pass a motion

to put it on the ballot for the people to decide if they want a directly elected mayor. Or, a petition that has over 5,700 voter signatures can force the matter on to the ballot. So what is it going to be? For more information, or perhaps sign a petition, contact me at EdiBirsan@gmail.com or 510-812-8180 or visit www.PulseOfConcord.com

Now accepting major credit cards

925.348.5609 Nick Eisenbart Owner/Service Provider Concord resident

Full service, chemicals, cleaning, equipment replacement, crack repairs Serving all of Contra Costa County for 15 years Including Marsh Creek, Morgan Territory

August 28, 2015

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Page 17

Ginochio family helped cultivate modern Concord CAROL LONGSHORE

YESTERYEAR The picture you see was taken in 1905 on the land that is now Cowell Road, including the Cowell Pool and St. Francis Park, and Babel Lane. The three men on the left are sons of Antonio and Marcella Ginochio, who had arrived from Italy in l867. John, Luis and Peter are their names and they are pictured with two workers hauling hay. Antonio and Marcella had nine children: five boys and four girls. They lost their youngest son early on but the other four farmed the land. John, Luis and Peter farmed large acreage on Cowell of mostly vegetables and vineyards, eventually enlarging the families holdings and oper-

ations to include cattle-raising, wheat farming and walnut orchards. Soon they owned the Concord Meat Company, a retail butcher shop located in the M.E. Lyon Building on Mt. Diablo Street. Being a trio that knew how to run a business, they opened a second shop in the Foskett and Elworthy Building. Meanwhile David, the fourth brother, farmed independently, cultivating a walnut orchard and poultry farm. The girls, Mary, Lena, Angelina and Azalia, helped the family and they all married. Mary married Anthony Fregulia and her baby sister Azalia married Joseph Fregulia, while Lena married John Bisso and Angelina became Mrs. Victor Guerisoli. The reason this family is so important to the richness of Concord’s history is, as time went by, David’s land

Extraordinary Care for your Pet

TREATED AS EQUALS Adopted children are placed on an equal footing with biological children in most situations for estate planning purposes. Thus, adopted and biological children are treated the same way under a state’s intestate succession laws, which controls who inherits property in the absence of a will. In addition, adopted children generally are treated identically to biological children for purposes of wills or trusts that provide for gifts or distributions to a class of persons, such as “children,” “grandchildren” or “lineal descendants” — even if the child was adopted after the will or trust was executed.

NO INHERITANCE RIGHTS UNLESS ADOPTED

Stepchildren generally don’t have any inheritance rights with respect to their parents’ new spouses unless the spouse legally adopts them. If you have stepchildren and want them to share in your estate, you should either adopt them or amend your estate plan to provide for them expressly. Of course, estate planning

RICHARD LITTORNO INSIGHT ON

ESTATE PLANNING isn’t the only reason to adopt stepchildren. Adoption also gives you all of the legal rights of a parent during your life. Before you adopt stepchildren, however, you and your spouse should consider the potential effect on their ability to inherit from (or through) their other biological parent’s relatives. In most states, when a child is adopted by a stepparent, the adoption decree severs the parent-child relationship with the other biological parent and his or her family. That means the child can’t inherit from that biological parent’s branch of the family — and vice versa — through intestate succession.

approach to closing the achievement gap: excellent teachers and leaders, personalized learning, and engaged parents. For the third year in a row, Rocketship is in the top 5 percent of CA school districts serving low income students, Woodcraft said. While more than 75 percent of students in Contra Costa County are on grade level, seven out of 10 students in the Monument Corridor are behind grade level, Woodcraft said. Only 15 percent of Latino students in the county graduate high school having completed the requisite coursework needed to gain acceptance into a UC university. “This means of the 606 Latino students who

graduated in 2013, only 91 were college ready,” she said. “We’re committed to eliminating the achievement gap in the Monument Corridor

Open 7 days a week

Fully staffed & monitored 24/7

10% off Boarding & Grooming services with this ad (Not valid on major holidays)

Exotic Pets Welcome!

Josie Van Fleet, Owner & Operator (925) 432-PETS (7387) 671 Willow Pass Road #6, Pittsburg

PittsburgPetResort.com Photo from ‘Images of Concord’

Members of the Ginochio Family, early Concord settlers farmed land which is now St. Francis Park and Cowell Pool

was acquired by the City of Concord, and in 1960 the Cowell Community Park was built with it’s Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts, playground, group picnic sites and fields for baseball and softball and soccer. The three other brothers’ parcel that cultivated the vegetables and vineyards became St. Francis Park, which later became on of the more

intestate succession laws may not provide for a child to inherit from the “second parent.” For unmarried couples who can’t obtain a second-parent adoption, or choose not to, estate planning is especially critical — if they want the “nonparent” to have custody of the child should the “parent” die or become incapacitated and if the nonparent wants the child to inherit from him or her. First, the parent should consider using a power of attorney for parental authority and appointing the nonparent as a guardian to ensure that he or she can act on the child’s behalf and has priority over the parent’s blood relatives in the event the parent dies or becomes incapacitated. Second, both partners should amend their wills. The parent’s will should name his or her partner as the child’s guardian, and the nonparent’s will should spell out any property to be inherited by the child.

expensive housing developments to accommodate Concord’s growing population. Construction began in l950s by the DeRosa Land Development Company to develop these hillside homes. This area of Concord is well planned and developed with the citizens of Concord in mind. 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.

The time is NOW

Call Pete today to sell your home

Pete Laurence Broker, Realtor, GRI DRE#00344166. ReMax Real Estate Walnut Creek office Selling Clayton & all Contra Costa

(925) 890-6004 KNOWLEDGE

Pendin g Sold b He ca y Pete!

WALNUT CREEK RANCHER

n sell yours Call hi too m for details . .

Enjoy award winning Northgate Schools and a shorter commute with this 5 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, single-story Rancher! A granite kitchen, dual-pane windows, some hardwood flooring, and on a quiet street but close to schools and shopping! A nicely landscaped yard, and Seller will pay to put a brand new quality roof on the Now priced to sell at only $975,000 home at COE!

Call Pete for more Info! 890-6004

SERVICE

INTEGRITY

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

FREE ESTIMATES

RESULTS

Residential & Commercial

Serving Northern California for Over 30 Years

SPELL OUT YOUR WISHES

If you have adopted children, stepchildren who you haven’t legally adopted or are unmarried but in a long-term relationship and your partner has biological or adopted children, clearly address your intenSECOND-PARENT ADOPTION tions in your will or living trust. CONSIDERATIONS Your estate planning advisor can A growing minority of states help you understand your now permit second-parent options. adoptions, in which an unmarried person adopts his or her Richard A. Littorno is an partner’s biological or adopted attorney specializing in estate children without terminating the planning. He has offices in partner’s parental rights. Howev- Walnut Creek and Pittsburg. er, in states that recognize sec- Send your questions to ond-parent adoptions, their Richard@LittornoLaw.com.

Rocketship, from page 15

Taxi service available

Tips for including stepchildren, adoptees in wills and trusts Families that have adopted children or stepchildren who haven’t been legally adopted face unique estate planning challenges. Additional consideration must be taken when a family includes an unmarried couple in a long-term relationship and one person has biological or adopted children. If your family’s makeup is as such, it’s important to understand your estate planning options.

Resort, Spa, Salon

Specializing in Large Hazardous Trees & Heritage Oak trees Crane Service Tree & Stump Removal Arborist Consulting Arborist Reports Pruning/Cabling Fire Abatement Custom Milled Lumber Firewood

Ed Waraner

(925) 831-2323

8861 Marsh Creek Rd, Clayton Bonded and Fully Insured

Lic. #642272 Certified Arborist WE-3386A

Major Credit Cards Accepted

www.waranerbrostree.com

CCC Certified Fire Abatement

community by building an excellent school for elementary students,” said David Kuizenga, vice president of Rocketship in the Bay Area. “We want the parents and families we’ve been working with to be heard.”

Fall Cleaning? Need help?

Call Debbie DeSousa for help with • Estate Sales • Hoarder House clean ups • Professional organizing • Valuations of collectibles

925-672-9598

A Name to Remember in a Time of Need Michael Nicosia, Managing Partner John & Sharon Ouimet • Don & Bea Ouimet

925.682.4242

• fax 925.682.4281

Dignified Professional Services Complete Funeral Services Cremation & Memorialization Services Worldwide Shipping Arrangements Pre-Need Planning

4125 Clayton Road, Concord, CA 94521 OUIMETBROTHERS.COM

Page 18

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Fall fun is here!

August 28, 2015

Richard A. Littorno LITTORNO LAW GROUP Assisted over 4,000 Families since 1979

925-672-2025 1028 Diablo St. Clayton, CA

Visit us on Facebook

Living Trusts and Wills Estate & Tax Planning, LLM (Tax) Probate & Trust Administration IRA Beneficiary Trusts Medi-Cal & VA Benefit Planning VA Accredited Attorney, Member of Academy of VA Pension Planners, ElderCounsel and CANHR

Walnut Creek Office:

Pittsburg Office:

3100 Oak Road, #100 Walnut Creek CA 94597 Phone: (925) 937-4211 Richard@LittornoLaw.com

2211 Railroad Ave. Pittsburg CA 94565 Phone: (925) 432-4211 www.LittornoLaw.com

CALENDAR PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. SEPT. 16 FOR THE SEPT. 25

IN CONCORD

ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Pavilion Concert Schedule The Concord Pavilion is located at 2000 Kirker Pass Road, Concord. theconcordpavilion.com. Shows start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Sep. 6, KBLX Hot Summer Night, 4 p.m. Sep. 19, Chris Brown Sep. 20, Counting Crows

Thru Sept. 5 “Let Me Hear You Smile”

Aug. 29 Jazz

Rotating lineup of eight food trucks; live music from local musicians. Food trucks 5 – 9 p.m.; music 6 – 8 p.m. Grant Street between Salvio Street and Willow Pass Road, Concord. offthegridsf.com.

Aug. 29, Martin Taylor and Bucky Pizzarelli. 5 and 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Tuesdays Farmers’ Market

Aug. 30 “The Golden Follies 2015”

Tuesdays year round. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org.

Thursdays Music and Market

Performed by the spectacular senior performers, The Golden Follies. 2 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $12-$25. elcampaniltheatre.com.

Sept. 4 – Oct. 10 “Tenderly”

Thursday night live music and farmers’ market. Music: Sept. 3, The RaveUps; Sept. 10, Lafayette Studio Big Band; Sept. 17, The Best Intentions. Market 4 – 8 p.m.; music 6:30 – 8 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org.

Triumphant musical about legendary Rosemary Clooney. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $37-$63. centerrep.org

3rd Sundays Antique Faire

Sept. 11

Antiques, collectibles, handmade arts and crafts. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. “Improv 9-1-1” Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Free admission. concor- Presented by Trapped in a Rumor. 8:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. dantiquefaire.com. 943-7469.

Aug. 29 – 30 Gem and Jewelry Show and Sale

Sept. 12 Gems, jewelry, minerals, fossils, meteorites, tools and equipment. “Improv Comedy Corner” Demonstrations, kids’ activities, door prizes, café. Sponsored by the Contra Costa Mineral and Gem Society. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road, Concord. $6; kids under 16 free with adult. Go to ccmgs.org for more information and discounts; 289-0454.

Sept. 11 Viva Las Vegas Casino Night Vegas games, food, drink, live entertainment. Sponsored by the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce. 6 – 10 p.m. Willow Pass Community Center, 2748 E. Olivera Road, Concord. $40. concordchamber.com.

IN CLAYTON Saturdays thru Sep. 19, except Sept. 5 Farmers’ Market

Presented by Commander Doug Productions. 8:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Sept. 13 “In My Life” A musical theatre tribute to The Beatles. 2 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $39-$90. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Sept. 18 - 19 “Dance Series One” Presented by Smuin Ballet. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $56-$73. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Sept. 18, 20 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Diablo Street between Main and Center streets, “ Pied Piper of Hamelin” downtown Clayton. pcfma.com/clayton. Aug. 29, Sept. 12 Saturday Concerts in the Grove

Presented by El Campanil Children’s Theatre. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $8-$12. elcampaniltheatre.com.

6 – 8:30 p.m. Aug. 29, Forejour and historic marker dedication to The Grove; Sept. 12, East Bay Mudd. The Grove park, downtown Clayton. Free. cityofclayton.org.

Sept. 18 – Oct. 11 The Who’s: “Tommy”

Sept. 3 Thursday Concerts in the Grove

Presented by OMG, I Love That Show! Productions. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $39. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Crossman Country. 7 - 8:30 p.m. The Grove park, downtown Clayton. Free. cityofclayton.org.

Sept. 5 Derby and Car Show Clayton Community Church’s 12th Annual Labor Day event. Kids 7 – 14 race derby cars down Main Street. Car show and parade. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Main Street, Clayton. Free. Register kids at claytoncc.com and cars at claytonderbycarshow.org.

Sept. 11 9/11 Remembrance A flag and information about each firefighter and police officer lost in 9/11 will be placed in the lawn at Clayton Fire Station 11. The public is welcome and encouraged to visit and pay their respects. 6500 Center St., Clayton.

ON THE MOUNTAIN Mount Diablo Interpretive Association programs listed are free with the exception of park entrance fee. Go to mdia.org and click on Events Calendar for more information.

Ongoing Tarantula Hikes

Sept. 19 Comedy Performance by Shang. 8 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $18. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611.

Sept. 19 Delta Blues Festival Music, arts, crafts, gift items, food. 12 – 7:30 p.m. Antioch’s Rivertown District, off 2nd Street between G and I streets. Free admission. deltabluesfestival.net.

Sept. 19, 27 “Around the World in 80 Minutes” Performed by Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra. 2 p.m. Sept. 19, El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $7-$15. elcampaniltheatre.com. Sept. 27, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10-$30. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Sept. 20 “Passport to the World”

Opening night of the California Symphony. 4 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $75. lesherartscenSearch for Mount Diablo’s giant arachnids. Check the website for ter.org. 943-7469. tarantula hike dates and times. Reservations are required and fill up fast. Sept. 21

Sept. 20 The California Tarantula Come have a close encounter with these fascinating and totally harmless spiders. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Summit Museum.

Sept. 27 “Flamingo Court” A slice-of-life comedy presented by The Vagabond Players. 2 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $10-$15. elcampaniltheatre.com.

A comedy revolving around the difficulties of love and marriage through youth, menopause and senility. Onstage Theatre at the Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St., Martinez. $10-$15. onstagethhm@aol.com. 518-3277.

Mondays Off the Grid

newsandcalendar@concordpioneer.com

CHURCHES AND RELIGION Aug. 29 Concert Performance by New Life Band benefiting their school in East Africa. 7 p.m. Concord United Methodist Church, 1645 West St., Concord. Free will offering. concordumc.org. 685-5260.

Sept. 16 Rosies Hear the personal stories of the Rosies who are honored for their contributions to WWII. 11 a.m. Sherrill Hall, Concord United Methodist Church, 1645 West St., Concord. Free. concordumc.org. 685-5260.

Sept. 19 Senior Information Faire Over 20 local agencies provide information on services available to seniors and their families. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. St. Bonaventure, Large Hall, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. Free. For more information, call Carol at 672-4383.

FUNDRAISERS 2nd and 4th Sundays Pancake Breakfast Veterans of Foreign Wars serve breakfast to the public: Eggs, pancakes, sausage, beverage. 8 – 11 a.m. VFW Post 1525, 2290 Willow Pass Road, Concord. $5, $3 children under 12. vfwpost1525.org.

Oct. 3 Poker Tournament Texas Hold’em poker tournament benefiting Clayton Valley Charter High School football. 5:30 p.m. dinner; 8 p.m. tournament. Shadelands, 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. $35 dinner; $75 dinner and gaming. claytonvalleyfootball.com.

AT THE LIBRARY The Concord Library is at 2900 Salvio St. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at ccclib.org or 646-5455. Aug. 28 – 29, 31 – Sept. 5: Book Giveaway, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Library Administration Shipping Parking Lot, 75 Santa Barbara Road, Pleasant Hill. Aug. 29 - 30: Concord Art Association Art Show and Sale. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat; 1 – 3 p.m. Sun. Sept. 3: Origami for kids and teens, 4 – 5 p.m. Registration required. Sept. 8: Art Demonstration, 12 – 3 p.m. Sept. 14: Marshmallow Engineering, 7 p.m. Registration required. Sept. 15: Minecraft, 3:30 – 6 p.m. Registration required. Sept. 18 – 20: Book Sale, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fri. and Sat; 1 – 3 p.m. Sun. Sept. 21: Movie Night, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Sept. 24: The Psychology of Spending, 6 p.m.; 7:30 p.m. in Spanish 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. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept.

12: 13: 14: 28:

Hypertufa Workshop, 10:30 a.m. Stargazing, 7 p.m. Clayton Knits, 1:30 – 4 p.m. Clayton author Gary Carr, 7 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.

Stand Up Comedy Headliners from the Bay Area hosted by Mean Dave. 7:30 p.m. Vinnie’s Bar & Grill, 2045 Mt. Diablo St., Concord. Free. Must be 21 or older. vinniesbar.com. 685-9515.

Meeting dates and times for local clubs and organizations are listed at concordpioneer.com. Click on ‘Links’

August 28, 2015

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Page 19

THE ARTS

Summer brings comedy, Clooney If you love stand-up comedy, check out the local talent at Vinnie’s Bar & Grill, 2045 Mt. Diablo Blvd., in Concord beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 21. Produced by Concord resident Kathryn McCarty, the monthly comedy night has been making local audiences laugh out loud for more than two years. Host Mean Dave has performed with the show for a year and a half. Like many of the other comics he travels “a few hundred miles a week” performing. The show blends local comedians with featured performers. For more informaphotos Sally Hogarty tion, call 925-685-9515 or go Sheilah Morrison with Sal Russo and Wayne McRice run the towww.vinniesbar.com. clock backwards in Onstage’s ‘Let Me Hear You Smile,” at the Campbell in Martinez through Sept. 5.

Mean Dave hosts Concord comedy nights at Vinnie’s.

Onstage Repertory Theatre presents the spirited comedy “Let Me Hear You Smile” through Sept. 5 at the Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St., in Martinez. The play follows Hannah, her husband Neil and her brother Willy as they deal with life from youth to old age but in reverse order. The audience first meets the characters as they prepare for retirement in the 1970s. The play then goes backwards to the 1940s and ends in the early 1900s

when the characters are children. Helen Means directs with Sheilah Morrison as Hannah, Sal Russo as her husband and Wayne McRice as her younger brother. “I knew I wanted to cast older performers who would have to become younger rather than the other way around,” says Means. “It makes for a real challenge for the performers.” Call 925-518-3277 for reservations.

California Shakespeare Theater offers up Charles Ludlam’s campy homage to the horror genre in “The Mystery of Irma Vep.” Directed by Jonathan Moscone in his final production as Cal Shakes’ Artistic Director, the show runs through Sept. 6 and features Danny Scheie and Liam Vincent. With essential splitsecond timing, the two actors play eight different characters as they enact the story of Lord Edgar and his new bride Lady Enid against Douglas Schmidt’s elaborate drawing room set. Right out of a Gothic novel, the elaborate setting includes a secret door in the bookcase and a sinister painting of Lord Edgar’s first wife over the massive fireplace. Equally impressive is the Act II change of locales to an Egyptian tomb. Who knew princesses over 2,000 years old had shoes to rival Imelda Marcus? Beginning on a “Dark and Stormy night,” the satire pokes fun at Hitchcock’s “Rebecca,” “The Mummy’s Curse” and more. “I’m so happy to get some silly on at the Bruns,” says Moscone. “This is an endlessly inventive literary-cinematic-theatrical mash up.” For

more information, call 510548-9666 or visit www.calshakes.org. Here’s a chance to see behind the legend of a remarkable woman and singer in SALLY HOGARTY CenterRep’s “Tenderly: The STAGE STRUCK Rosemary Clooney Musical,” running Sept. 4 – Oct. 10 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center actress and singer charmed for the Arts. The beloved America for almost five decades. This inspiring new musical follows her rise to Hollywood stardom, her struggles with life’s unexpected challenges and the triumphant resurgence that made her a legend. The show features two of my favorite actors, Lynda DiVito as Clooney and Mark Farrell as the doctor. Jenny Sullivan directs with Steve Blum as music director. For tickets, call 925-943-SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

Linda DiVito is Rosemary Clooney in CenterRep’s ‘Tenderly’

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

ReOrient Festival showcases Middle East themes

‘Crazy’ start to A.C.T.’s new season American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) kicks of its 2015-16 season with Stephen Adly Guirgis’ outrageous Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy “Between Riverside and Crazy.” Starring stage and screen star Carl Lumbly, “Between Riverside and Crazy” is a hilarious and timely story that tackles gentrification, recovery, faith, sketchy houseguests and the saving grace of family. It will be performed Sept. 2 through 27 at A.C.T.’s Geary Theater. The winner of the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, “Between Riverside and Crazy” tells the story of excop and recent widower Walter “Pops” Washington (portrayed by Lumbly, last seen on A.C.T.’s Geary Theater stage in “Let There Be Love”), who is desperately trying to hold on to his prime piece of real estate — one of the last great rentstabilized apartments in New York City — while simultaneously battling his inner demons. His landlord wants him and his newly paroled son out; his cop friends are begging him to back down from a lawsuit against City Hall; the local liquor store has closed; and a beautiful, mysterious Santeria practitioner promises salvation in the midst of all the chaos. Tickets go on sale July 27 and are available at the A.C.T. Box Office at 415-749-2228 or online at www.act-sf.org.

San Francisco’s Golden Thread Productions, the country’s first theater company focused on the Middle East, is announcing the fall showing of its popular ReOrient Festival of Short Plays. ReOrient 2015, running Sept. 10–Oct. 4 at Z Below and Z Space, 450 Florida St., San Francisco, will turn the Bay Area into a Mecca for innovative, spirited and thought-provoking theater

lection of plays from and about the Middle East on one stage,” says Founding Artistic Director Torange Yeghiazarian. “But at the end of the day, ReOrient is more about us here in the U.S. than a changing Middle East that is thousands of miles away. Bay Area audiences of all backgrounds will find themselves reflected in these intelligent and warm plays.” ReOrient 2015 is much more than just a festival of short plays. With talkbacks, panels, roundtable conversations, a family show, and a recital for Arabic music lovers, ReOrient 2015 is an artistic celebration and political exploration of this transforming region for curious and engaged theater lovers and those passionate about international themes.

from and about the Middle East. The festival of short plays and the accompanying two-day forum of panels and discussions features performances and artists from Armenia, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the U.S. For a full list of ReOrient “Nowhere else in the U.S., events and to purchase tickets and and certainly not anywhere in passes, visit their website at the Middle East, will you be goldenthread.org/reorient2015. able to see such a diverse col-

New works, classics and the return of favorites mark Diablo Ballet 2016 season

Robert Dekkers in Diablo Ballet’s “Apollo” to return in 2016. Aris Bernales

Diablo Ballet will open its 22nd season of the “Power of Dance” on Nov. 13 at the Del Valle Theatre with a Diablo Ballet premier of the pas de deux from “Tchaikovsky Dances” set to the score from the opera “Eugene Onegin.” The new season features works by George Balanchine, Val Caniparoli, alumna Tina Kay Bohnstedt and a new production of “Carnival of the Animals” by resident choreographer Robert Dekkers. To usher in the holidays, the company will bring a new take on an old favorite with “A Swingin’ Holiday” performed by the Diablo Ballet Swing Orchestra Nov. 13-15. For the full season information go to www.DiabloBallet.org. For season subscription information, call Diablo Ballet, (925) 943-1775 or to purchase tickets to individual performances, go to LesherArtsCenter.org or call (925) 943-7469. The Del Valle Theater is at 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek.

Time for an update? Call Interiors Panache! Full-Service Design Firm Call or n ra email fo ent tm appoin y toda

• Design consultations • Remodels, Kitchens & Baths • Hunter Douglas Priority Dealer • 21 years of design experience – model homes, commercial • Major furniture brands & residential at a discount • Clayton resident for 15 years • Licensed general contractor

925-672-7920

6160 Center St, Clayton CA carol@interiorspanache.com

www.interiorspanache.com

Oakhurst Country Club Celebrate the summer with a new membership at one of the area's best country clubs.

20% Off All Memberships

For a limited time, we're offering 20% off the Initiation Deposits for all memberships, plus, memberships all have affordable monthly dues! Membership Includes:

MONTHLY DUES

FULL GOLF $435 LIMITED WEEKDAY GOLF

$345

SPORTS

$150 • Access to our beautiful clubhouse with amenities such as a fully stocked pro shop with TENNIS special member pricing $75 • Formal and casual dining and a private members' lounge • Yearlong calendar of social activities, dining events, and golf & tennis tournaments • Access to our Junior Olympic-sized swimming pool and state-of-the-art fitness center and childcare facilities. Contact us today to take a private tour of the club and join us for lunch, on us.

Call Susie at (925) 672-9737, ext. 205 or email directorofsales@oakhurstcc.com. 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton

www.oakhurstcc.com

Page 20

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Now available

The Girl Who Founded Nebraska and Other Stories by Gary Carr “A wild and funny trip…”

August 28, 2015

Mix up those grasses for droughttolerant drama all year around

— Pat Craig, Contra Costa Times

“Beautifully written, whimsical work that had me in the aisles.” — Mark Steinberg, former senior adviser at the Motion Picture Association of America

$14 at carrpool@pacbell.net 925-672-8717 or at spdbooks.org Published by EXIT Press, San Francisco

Schaefer’s PAINTING

Interior & Exterior Popcorn Ceilings

Summ er Sp ecial %

10 O any i f exter nterior f ior p

aint ment ion th is ad

or job

Sheetrock, Texture Cabinet Refinishing

Bryan Schaefer Clayton Resident License #708321

(925) 260-6065

Music Lessons • My Clayton studio or your nearby home • Beginning, intermediate, advanced • Kids, Teens, Adults

Family Trade since 1936

Piano Voice Guitar

$110-$135 per month. Lessons focus on students’ goals and field of interest. Two recitals a year

This time of year our summer landscapes surrender themselves to the swaying plums of ornamental grasses. These grasses can be seen throughout our city providing texture, movement and grace where ever planted. Unlike flowers, groundcovers and many trees, the slightest breeze brings an ornamental grass to life. Installing ornamental grasses to a landscape, hillside or container will add much needed interest to the site’s overall look. Red Fountain grass is quite possibly the most popular ornamental grass installation for the entire area. Folks adore the reddish brown foliage and rose-colored plumes. Pennisetum Setaceum “Rubrum” is the botanical name for this fountain-like ornamental. At maturity, you should expect Red Fountain grass to reach five-feet tall and wide. Red Fountain grass dies back during the winter months. The blades become brown and dry. This is part of its cycle. Resist cutting your Red Fountain grass back until the middle of March, if you can. The dry foliage protects the center of the plant from taking on too much winter rain water. Occasionally, extended period of freezing temperatures may kill your Red Fountain grass entirely. It won’t happen every year, and the summer success makes that ornamental almost irresistible and worth the risk.

NICOLE HACKETT

GARDEN GIRL Mexican Feather grass is a trendy ornamental grass with a silky, thread-like texture. This selection provides tons of movement in the landscape. Many use Mexican Feather grass to highlight a walkway, dry river bed, oversized boulders or retaining walls. Stipa tenissima is the botanical name for Mexican Feather grass and you can expect your clumps to grow almost two-feet tall and 12-18-inches wide. It likes full to partial sun and is drought tolerant once established. Karl Foester Calamagrostis is commonly called Feather Reed grass. This selection makes an awesome hedge or screen, reaching six-feet tall while in bloom. The purplish plumes of Karl Foester pairs nicely with its deep green foliage. This ornamental grass is both deer and drought tolerant. Karl Foester Calamagrostis grows from the center out, and will need to be divided every few years to prevent the hole-in-the-doughnut

effect. It may sound like extra work, but the results are worth it. Blue Fescue and several selections of Carex grasses have become quite the rage since many are removing their lawns and opting for waterwise plant material. Blue Fescue is a predictable ornamental grass, depending on the selection you can expect growth from 8-16-inches tall and wide. The color of the foliage is what sells the Blue Fescue. The bluer the better. Look for selections such as Boulder Blue, which has a metallic blue color, or Elijah’s Blue which is a true blue. Carex is available in greens, variegated, bronze and orange. Folks get ornamental grasses and grass-like plants con-

fused. Phormium, also known as New Zealand Flax, and Cordyline, known commonly as Yucca, are not ornamental grasses. Rather they are evergreen plants with grass-like foliage. Ornamental grasses incorporated in a landscape adds a lot of interest to the area. They are readily available, drought tolerant and easy to grow. Read up on mature sizes of your considerations, and also if you should expect and self-sowing, just to make sure you are completely happy with your selections. 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

Fountain and Mexican Feather grasses massed together for maximum effect.

Julia Aguilar, Guild Approved Piano Teacher American College of Musicians

Call or text 925.497.1003 for appointment

L SPECIA

f f O % 0 1 eer for Pion only readers

Remodeling Specialist Kitchens Bathrooms Windows Mouldings Decks Siding Painting interior & exterior Kevin Schmidt, Clayton Resident Family Owned and Operated

925-822-5144 738 Bloching Circle, Clayton

license 962284

Like us on Facebook

Secrets abound ‘In a Dark, Dark Wood’ Ruth Ware’s debut novel, “In a Dark, Dark Wood” (Gallery/Scout Press; August, 2015), possesses all the best elements of a thriller: a remote country estate, a bachelorette party and a group of frenemies that really, really should have scrubbed their email lists and left each other well enough alone after those terrible school days. But then, where’s the pleasure in that? The story is narrated by Nora, an author who specializes in crime thrillers. Back in school, she was called Lee, short for Leonora. Only one person ever called her Leo, and it was her first love, James. But then he broke up with her — via text — and she moved on. Ten years later, Nora is mostly okay, writing novels and living a fine, urban single life. Then one day out of the blue, she receives an invitation to an old friend’s wedding. Surprised, she feels a little sorry for Clare, thinking that maybe she has no other girls to invite, having to dredge back 10 years

for her bachelorette do. Nora is undecided about whether or not to attend the hen, but her invite is followed quickly by an email from Nina, who is also wary of Clare’s motives. “If you go, I will,” she says. Nora agrees and they somehow wind up traveling to the remote English countryside together. Nina hates the country and misses her girlfriend, and Nora is straightway filled with dread by their accommodations: a modern glass box dropped unceremoniously in a meadow at the edge of a dark and menacing wood. The house belongs to Flo’s aunt and feels to Nora like a dangerous cage, though it is only a country estate, complete with a shotgun hung over the living room fireplace. Miles from anywhere, cell reception is sketchy and the revelers are coolly irritable. When Clare announces to Nora that the reason she was invited to the hen and not the wedding is because the groomto-be is the infamous James,

the weekend really takes a turn. It doesn’t help that Flo’s hen party games involve embarrassing details about the bride and groom, shaming and humiliating Nora repeatedly. And then it snows. And then the land lines go out and the hen fete devolves into a churlish clutch of drunken, paranoid hostages. Fun. When the phones go down, Melanie decides to bail, a welcome excuse to return home to her infant son. Flo is alternately weepy and aggressive toward anyone who isn’t into the spirit of the weekend. Tom would rather be home with his husband but stays on, drinking gin and taking well-aimed shots at Nina and Nora. Clare plays referee, keeping anyone from coming to actual blows. After two days of slowly escalating hell, Nora wakes up in a hospital confused, horribly bruised, and under police watch. She is suspected of murder, but she can’t remember what happened. The harder she tries to recall, the more

CYNTHIA GREGORY

FOR

THE

BOOKS

the truth evades her. Novelist Ware has created a deft and ominous page turner in this fabulous thriller, replete with plot twists, red herrings and a truly scary villain. If you’re still looking for provocative poolside reading to finish the summer, this novel should do nicely. 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

Cruise’s Mission: Keep on running

JEFF MELLINGER

SCREEN SHOTS Tom Cruise just keeps on running. The cumulative total of miles run by him in all his films must total over 50. In the fifth installment of his “Mission Impossible” franchise, titled “Rogue Nation,” Cruise is back as IMF Agent Ethan Hunt. As Hunt, Cruise

spends a lot of the film (and the franchise) chasing after bad guys, often on foot. At 53, Cruise has not slowed down; he still does most of his own stunts. At times, it is tough to keep up both with him and the script for “Rogue Nation.” Writer/Director Christopher McQuarrie lets the film bog down occasionally with too much exposition. However, the top-notch action sequences and the chemistry between the veteran actors make the film worth the price of admission. The film opens with Hunt hanging on the door of a giant plane during take-off. His fellow agent, Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg) hides in the brush, trying to get the door open by

At 53, Tom Cruise has lost none of his edge, as he proves in the latest Mission Impossible, ‘Rogue Nation.’

hacking into the plane with an iPad. The sequence is expertly filmed but the banter between Hunt, Dunn and a sidelined Agent Brandt (Jeremy Renner) forms the real backbone of the scene. These three actors

clearly have spent enough time together off-screen to make all their characters’ interactions overcome any

See Mission, page 21

August 28, 2015

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Page 21

Three steps to a sparkling master bath

JENNIFER LEISCHER

DESIGN & DÉCOR

dow with a hand-blown Italian glass chandelier dazzling above. For a little relaxation, a cedar-lined, infrared sauna sits just steps away from a cottage-sized, walk-in closet. Or imagine strategically placed windows covered with natural woven Roman shades, floor-to-ceiling mirrors with hand-carved frames, and fluffy, white organic cotton towels, rolled into happy lollipop shaped swirls, sitting perfectly in thick, hand woven sea grass baskets. Where does this glorious madness end? Whether you have ample square footage to accommodate any amenity you can imagine, or just enough space for the basics, your master bathroom has the potential to be fabulous. Period.

The “master” bathroom: That’s such a fancy name for a bathroom. With a title like this, you would think the plumbing fixtures were gold-plated and Carrera marble covered every visible square inch. The term “master” bathroom might make you think of amenities found in a luxurious spa or five-star resort. Think of a large, open showSTEP ONE: LOOK FOR er with a variety of showering THE POSITIVE heads and body sprays. Or Physically, or mentally, maybe a free-standing clear out your master bathbathing tub placed majestical- room from area rugs to artly in the niche of a bay win- work. Take notice of the pos-

itive aspects and work with them; a bay window calling for a decorative window treatment, an open wall that might hold a decorative or functional piece of furniture, or the space above your vanity that could potentially accommodate a really fantastic mirror. If you’re looking for a bigger bang for your master bathroom, look for additional square footage in a nearby closet that can become a shower, a tub, an extra large vanity…the list goes on.

STEP TWO: REPLACE DATED WITH CLASSIC

If you follow any online design blogs or peruse home design magazines, it’s plain as day what an updated bathroom looks like. Yes, the projects on display may be heavily accessorized with expensive art and antiques, but if you look at the bathroom itself, more often than not, the color scheme is pretty basic: shades of white or natural stone in an array of

textures and sheens with really, really good lighting. If a master bathroom remodel is in your immediate future and you’re not sure about a color scheme, or concerned that a specific color scheme is permanent, consider this same design path, and then add layers of color and personalization.

STEP THREE: SERIOUSLY ACCESSORIZE

Depending on the ambiance you are hoping to create in your master bathroom, your accessories should reflect that specific feeling. For example, if you’re hoping for a spa-like experience, visit your favorite spa and take note of the details, like decorative glass containers and woven baskets filled to the brim with cotton balls and q-tips, and a big, bear hug-looking robe that hangs casually on a shiny chrome hook. Or check out the teak bench sitting in the walk-in shower, while a scent of Lavender lingers. Accessories

Choose statement jewelry for impact

do not need to blow the budget, but they do need to be selected with a thoughtful eye and purpose, and above all, delight and sparkle.

Rochellez Photography rochellez@live.com 510-677-4170

too dainty and delicate. Necklaces should be bold and chunky or multi-strand. Have fun and try different looks. I hope I started your wheels turning and thinking about ways to use beautiful statement pieces to your advantage.

SUSAN SAPPINGTON

CLOTHES UP Logic tells us to be practical and not waste money on fashion trends that are here today and gone tomorrow, particularly when it comes to expensive jewelry. Let me assure you, a colossal cascading necklace, bedazzled choker, chandelier earring or chunky bracelet that will take your Plain-Jane outfit to show-stopping brilliance is indeed available in your price range and is both a sensible and sensational addition to your accessory wardrobe. Statement jewelry is any jewelry that makes a big impact. How do I know that it is here to stay? Stylish women have worn fabulous jewelry, both real and faux, throughout history. Hollywood and the celebrity elite are as close as we in the U.S. come to royalty, and many stars have adorned themselves with precious jewels. As a society, we tend to adopt the trends we see in the media, the movies, magazines, and on the concert stage. Big, bold and beautiful pieces are not just for the runways or red carpets. What could be better than layering a

sparkly necklace over tee-shirt and jeans? Everyday outfits go from dull to brilliant when we mix in a statement necklace. The white button-down shirt is a staple in every woman’s wardrobe. Not only does it go with every skirt, pair of pants or jeans, but also the variety of necklaces we can wear with it is almost endless. Open the collar to expose a peek of your necklace or wear a long pendant outside the collar. The choice is yours. Jewelry can transition your clothes from day to night or PTA to Cocktail Hour in the blink of an eye. If you do not have time to run home between events, take your accessories with you and change on the fly. Rather than remembering rules when it comes to jewelry, a better bet is to think about some great tips. One good rule of thumb to remember is: High neckline, long necklace; low neckline, short necklace. Let’s take a look at necklines. While just about anything goes, if you are conflicted or

Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design based in Clayton. Contact her with questions, comments and suggestions at jenna@j-designs.com.

•Affordable •Fun •Professional •Quality

Rochelle Douglass OWNER/PHOTOGRAPHER

The world is your stage

Susan Sappington is the Area Development Manager and Wardrobe PORTRAITS - PARTIES - EVENTS Consultant for ETCETERA Digital Enhancements - Custom Creations Clothing of New York. Send comnot quite sure, these tried and ments to susan@etcstyles.com. www.Rochellezphotography.webs.com true pairings work: V-Neck: You can select a necklace that fills the space. Shorter pendants will bring the eye to the collarbone and neck area, while longer necklaces and layered strands can emphasize the cleavage. Just make sure your necklace rests above or below the base of the “V”— you will not want the necklace to get caught behind the fabric. Boat: Try long multistrands or pendants almost to the waist. Cowl: No necklace, go for ACTIVE LISTING the statement earrings. 5143 Sutherland Dr. Concord $535,000 Crew: A bib or collar necklace always works. 3 Bed, 2.5 Bath + Den, Halter: Slim pendants look Approx. 2021 sq.ft. best. Listing agent: Paula Johnstone Scoop: Fill the space with Paula Johnstone 40 Carquinez Scenic Dr. Martinez feminine details – pearls, gem$760,000 Broker Associate stones. Fourplex unit, DRE# 00797857 Square: Angular lines are 925-381-8810 2 Bed, 1 Bath your friend, or a short choker. heypaula10@gmail.com Listing agent: Paula Johnstone Strapless: Big and bold necklace, or none at all and go 513 Falling Star Dr. Martinez $519,000 for statement earrings. Turtleneck: Substantial 3 bed, 2.5 bath pendants, chains, beads. Avoid Approx. 1572 sq.ft. looking dated and frumpy with Listing agents: Matt Mazzei/Kyle Garcia

PENDING

Mission, from page 20 shortcomings in the script. They balance the gravity of each situation with equal doses of both seriousness and wit. It’s a shame that Renner spends half of the film on the other side of the world, as his character deals with the C.I.A.’s absorbing of the IMF. After seeing him run around as Hawkeye in the Marvel films, it’s tough watching him sit in courtrooms and offices opposite Alec Baldwin’s C.I.A. director Hunley. Once Renner gets into the game, along with Ving Rhames’ Luther, the film truly picks up. With the IMF disbanded, all the agents are recalled. We assume they have hundreds of agents, but we only see a handful. Of course, Hunt is too wrapped up in a case to return. He has been kid-

napped by members of “The Syndicate,” a shadow organization Hunt believes is responsible for most of the recent calamities across the globe. After an exciting escape sequence, Hunt convinces his fellow agents to come to London to try and help him finally bring down The Syndicate. Hunt and the gang get themselves into, and out of, some very tight spots in some extraordinary ways. Cinematographer Robert Elswit takes full advantage of the latest in camera technology to film several elaborate, hard-tobelieve action pieces. “Rogue Nation” features an assassination attempt at an opera, an underwater escape and a lengthy motorcycle chase. Nothing less should be expected from a “Mission

Impossible” film. As well, the audience should expect any Tom Cruise character to be brought back to life after dying…because, well, he’s Tom Cruise. At least a brief mention is made of how Hunt probably shouldn’t be driving mere minutes after being shocked back to life. Yet, without that questionable decision, we would not have the incredible car chase that follows. Despite a few questionable decisions with the script, “Rogue Nation” is the second best film in the franchise after “Ghost Protocol.” Hopefully, Cruise has many more years of running ahead. 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 questions or comments to Editor@ConcordPioneer.com.

5111 Paul Scarlet Dr. Concord

$620,000

Rula Masannat

Sales Agent 6 Bed, 3 Bath, DRE# 01923757 Approx. 2631 sq.ft. 415-310-2905 Listing agent: Matt Mazzei rulawithmazzei@yahoo.com

50 Carquinez Scenic Dr. Martinez

$760,000

Fourplex unit, 2 Bed, 1 Bath Listing agent: Paula Johnstone

415 Bay Crest Dr. Pittsburg

$295,000

3 bed, 2.5 bath Approx. 1643 sq.ft. Listing agent: Paula Johnstone

3822 Shasta Cir. Pittsburg

$254,900

3 bed, 1.5 bath Approx. 1053 sq.ft. Listing agent: Matt Mazzei

mazzeirealty.net Clayton residents since 1959

925-693-0757 (Main)

Matt Mazzei, Jr. Broker/Owner DRE# 01881269

925-766-6745 mazzeirealty@yahoo.com

6160 Center St. Suite #C, Clayton

925-693-0752 (Fax)

Page 22

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

August 28, 2015

Gad-Zukes! It’s zucchini season LINDA WYNER

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Our hot, dry summer days are perfect for growing zucchini . . . often too many zucchini if you don’t watch it. If you happen to be on a first-name basis with zucchini (singular: “zucchina) you should know that’s only one of its monikers. When I was growing up, we called it green Italian squash. In fact, it was the Italians who developed this variety of squash from the seeds Christopher Columbus brought back to the Mediterranean from his New World journeys. Zucchino, or small squash, is very popular in Italy. It was avoided in France for

centuries until cooks started using the smaller varieties (zucchini as large as seven-feet long, weighing 70 lbs. have been grown). The French courgette is also a term used by British and other European cooks. The actual term “squash” came from a Native American term skutasquash, meaning “green thing eaten green.” A relative of the cucumber and watermelon, zucchini is about 95 percent water. The other 5 percent is pretty remarkable — a standard size (six-inch) zucchini has about 20 to 25 calories, has more potassium than a banana, and is loaded with beta-carotene, lutein and lots of vitamins. I side with the French and believe that smaller zucchini are better and tastier than large ones. And don’t forget the flowers — stuff, batter and deep fry them for an unusual but tasty hors d’ouevre. How-

ever, if you do end up with a baseball bat in your garden, grate it and drain it, which will mask its otherwise watery, insipid flavor.

ZUCCHINI FRITTERS

medium high heat. Add olive oil and add tablespoonfuls of batter, cook until golden brown on the bottom, flip and cook the other side, about 4 minutes total. Drain on paper towels and serve. Zucchini isn’t just a side dish; it’s also delicious in desserts and all manner of baked goods. One of my favorites is chocolate zucchini bread.

Serves 8 4 zucchini, grated or shredded 2 tsp. salt ½ cup flour ½ cup grated Parmesan CHOCOLATE AND YOGURT cheese ZUCCHINI BREAD 4 cloves garlic, minced Makes 2 loaves 2 eggs, beaten 2 eggs 4 Tbsp. olive oil Place grated zucchini in a 1 cup sugar colander over the sink. Add 1/3 cup olive oil salt and gently toss to com- ½ cup yogurt bine; let sit for 10 minutes then 1 ½ cups flour transfer to a clean dish towel or 1/3 cup cocoa powder cheese cloth and squeeze out 1 ½ tsp. baking powder ¼ tsp. salt all moisture. In a large bowl, combine 1 tsp. vanilla extract zucchini, flour, Parmesan, gar- 3 cups grated and squeezed zucchini lic and egg; season with salt (measured after and pepper to taste. squeezing) Heat a large skillet over

Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease two loaf pans (8 ½-inches x 4 ½-inches) and set aside. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, vanilla and sugar. Add in the olive oil and yogurt and mix well. Add cocoa and mix with a spatula. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, salt and baking powder. Sift into the egg mixture and stir until just moistened. Add the prepared zucchini and use a spatula to stir into the batter until just incorporat-

ed. Do not overmix. If using the chocolate, gently fold in ¾ cup of the chips. Split the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. If using, sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the tops of the two loaves. Bake for 65 minutes (until toothpick comes out clean). The loaves must ideally cool completely before slicing and serving. Linda Wyner owns Pans on Fire, a gourmet cookware store and cooking school in Pleasanton. Send suggestions or questions to lwyner@pansonfire.com

Where to go for LOCAL news For fast, on-the-spot coverage of the latest police action, traffic jams, emergency information and chat, social media and local blogs are often good sources of breaking news. For more complete, in-depth coverage of local news, readers turn to their independently owned community newspapers. With news that people care about – local politics, schools, sports, events and stories about their friends and neighbors, the community newspaper is social media the old fashioned way. To find out what is happening in neighboring cities, check out these Contra Costa Community News Group newspapers Clayton Clayton Pioneer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .claytonpioneer.com Concord Concord Pioneer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .concordpioneer.com Pleasant Hill, Martinez Community Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ourcommunityfocus.com Lafayette, Orinda and Moraga Lamorinda Weekly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .lamorindaweekly.com San Ramon, Danville and Alamo Valley Sentinel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .valleysentinel.com

The Contra Costa Community Newspaper Group is a consortium of independent, locally newspapers with a combined circulation of more than 150,000. To advertise in all five papers with just one phone call, go to www.cccommunitynewsgroup.com or call 844.457.7665

• All aspects of general and cosmetic dentistry • Sapphire Cancer detection Concord 2903 Salvio St. Across from the Concord Library

(925) 689-5055 Also in Walnut Creek,

1852 Tice Valley Blvd. (925) 935-2292

Take advantage of this great * offer

$85

Doctor exam, 4 bite wing X-rays and teeth cleaning (New Patients Only)

*In absence of gum disease

•

PPO Provider for Blue Cross

• Blue Shield Dental

• Delta Premier Dentist

Plans offered through Covered California

Where

s r e t t every tooth ma