DEC 18 Concord Pioneer 2015 by Pioneer Publishers

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December 18, 2015

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Christmas for Everyone KARA NAVOLIO Correspondent

LAURA HOFFMEISTER

MAYOR

Joyful season is a time to think of others

After serving as Concord’s vice mayor this past year, I am pleased to have been recently selected by my colleagues to serve as Concord’s mayor for the next two years. I want to thank them and the residents of Concord who re-elected me in 2014 to serve them on the Concord city council, even if you did not vote for me I will do my utmost to continue to represent all of the Concord community. The main role of the mayor is to preside, chair or run the city council meetings and to be the spokesperson or representative for the city council and the community. Over the years I have developed positive team working relationships with my Concord colleagues, city staff and many elected officials in our surrounding region, State and Federal level. I also served as mayor when the Concord Weapons Station was closed and the community reuse plan was prepared, working with various federal agencies to undertake a reuse planning process that included the establishment of a base reuse citizens committee. Their work brought forward the adopted community reuse vision plan with 70 percent as open space. This next year we will select a Master Developer that will work further with the community to prepare more specific details of the community reuse plan This background is some of the reasoning my colleagues

Tamara Steiner

WITH HELP FROM HER TWO YOUNG VOLUNTEERS, CHRISTMAS FOR EVERYONE FOUNDER, MARY PEREZ, sorts the new and gently used clothing that will become gifts for those attending the Christmas Day celebration. Pictured with Perez are Carlie Delchim, 16, and her sister Rosie, 8. The organization is still in need of toys and donations to mount the event which serves 3,000 area residents needing a little extra holiday help.

Thirty years ago Mary Perez wanted to do something to help the homeless at Christmas time. She thought, “some day when I get rich I’m going to make a difference.” Then it occurred to her that she didn’t have to be rich to make that difference; she just needed lots of volunteers. She gathered up as many people as she could to put on a one-time event to serve the homeless in Contra Costa County, and it was a success. When volunteers asked if she would do it again next year, she decided that she wanted to reach beyond the homeless, she wanted it to be “Christmas For Everyone”: the lonely seniors, the working poor, and anyone who needed a little extra help during the holidays. Her non-profit, a 100 percent volunteer organization, “Christmas For Everyone” was born. On Christmas Day thousands of people in the county come to a “borrowed” hall at New Hope International Church from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to receive a home-cooked meal, a Christmas gift and clothing. The majority of those helped are the

See Christmas, page 17

Hoffmeister elected mayor; Birsan snubbed PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer

The Concord City Council earlier this month elected Vice Mayor Laura Hoffmeister as the city’s new mayor, and tapped councilman Ron Leone as vice mayor. Yet the peaceful transition of power was anything but peaceful for one councilman, who feels he is being edged out of the leadership mix. Councilman Edi Birsan, elected in 2012, says that in the past four years each of See Mayor, page 6 his fellow council members have served as either vice

mayor or mayor. “There is one name missing from the mix: mine,” he said at the Dec. 1 meeting. Birsan calls himself an “outsider” on the council, and he said he sees the fact that his fellow members passed him over for a leadership position as “a clear display of political retribution.” He even said that Vice Mayor Leone told a gathering of residents earlier this year that “Edi would never be mayor.” “I’ve had no support from the council since I was elected,” he said. “I’ve been put

Traditional tree lighting kicks off holidays

on least-wanted subcommittees, and was even referred to, during my introduction as a councilman, as a ‘gadfly.’” He says his motions are “never” seconded, and often shot down in committee, never reaching the council for a vote. “It was a dramatic power play demonstration…and in addition, it goes against the idea of developing leadership on the council, for all of us.” Hoffmeister said that she Tamara Steiner was “dumbfounded” that Bir- NEW MAYOR LAURA HOFFMEISTER joined outgoing mayor Tim san seemed to think he would Grayson at the Tree Lighting celebration on Dec. 5. This

See Election, page 9

Concord Hills Regional Park really is closer to reality JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer

Tamara Steine

THE SEASON OFFICIALLY GOT UNDERWAY ON DEC. 5 with the traditional Mayor’s Sing Along and Tree Lighting in Todos Santos Plaza. Joining the celebration were dancers from D’Ann’s Academy of Dance Studio in Concord. Leading the line are Clara Sanders and Courtney Martin.

will be Hoffmeister’s fifth time as mayor. Grayson will be on the 2016 ballot for District 14 State Assembly.

It may seem like the process has been going on forever (actually since 1999) but the conversion of the Concord Naval Weapons Station really is moving closer to reality and 2016 will see a final plan for the Concord Hills Regional Park approved with the East Bay Regional Park District moving forward with opening the land to the public. EBRPD expects to have its portion of the project conveyed to them next year from the Navy through the National Park Service.

With that timeline in mind the district held its second public meeting last month at Concord Senior Center which included a report on project background and current status and then a group exercise where six tables of local citizens weighed the attributes of the two alternate design concepts EBRPD has developed. The entire area of the CNWS property which will be turned over from the Navy is 5,046 acres with the EBPRD taking 2,537 of that for the regional park. The property essentially runs from Highway 4 south past Bailey Rd. to just an

acre or so from Kirker Pass Rd. The city of Concord development portion projects as many as 12,000 housing units, 6.1 million square feet

See Park, page 3

Inside

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Community . . . . . . . . . . .2 From the desk of . . . . . .6 School News . . . . . . . . .8 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Performing Arts . . . . . .14

Page 2

PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer

COMMUNITY Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

December 18, 2015

Hot tamales and a cool bike ride

This time of year, Smitty Ardrey has two passions: bikes and tamales. The latter he blames on his youth spent in San Antonio, where tamales were de rigour during the holidays — as they are in Mexico, from where Ardrey’s fellow Bike Concord member Ady Olvera hails. So when the two of them put their heads together to come up with a unique fundraiser for a Bike Concord community bike service shop, the idea came on like a festive light bulb: why not put on a tamale festival, followed by a nighttime bike ride to Todos Santos Plaza? The result was the inaugural Tamale Fest and Bikes, held at the historic Keller House on Dec. 5, a fundraiser for the group’s “Bike

Kitchen” and a way to cele brate the season. It was one of those ideas that required a quick turnaround, and they were helped out by Monument Impact, who donated the space and had volunteers prepare the array of delicious tamales and authentic hot chocolate. “Monument Impact has been a great partner helping with the future of bike travel in Concord,” Ardrey said, eyeing the nearly 100 people milling around the tamale stand and other attractions as he prepared for the bike ride. Bike Concord member Chris Lipetzky, enjoying a dessert tamale, said it was “fantastic” to see so many bike enthusiasts in one place, as some of the Bike Concord members strung lights on their bicycles and decorated Rochelle Douglass/RochellezPhotography.com them for the ride. Monument impact Execu- BIKE CONCORD’S SMITTY “SANTA” ARDREY gives a wave before he leads cyclists on the inaugural Tamale Fest Bike Ride from the Keller House to Todos Santos Plaza.

VOLUNTEERS FROM MONUMENT IMPACT were on hand to support Bike Concord’s Tamale Bike Ride fundraiser on Dec. 5. From left, Ana Villalobos, Miriam Hernandez, Gina Salem, Lupita Zuñiga and City Councilman Edi Birsan.

tive Director Mike Van Hofwegen said the relationship with Bike Concord was “symbiotic,” as the group has been instrumental in helping improve traffic and bike safety in the Monument area, especially on and around Detroit Ave. “It’s wonderful to see this group focus on Concord, and the way they work with the community,” he says. “They reach out to all the communities of the city to get input, and help the city make good decisions where bike safety is concerned. “That is a very valuable attribute of the group, and very much needed,” he said.

“They are proactive — they want to solve problems, not complain about them.” He also noted that the group, along with Bike East Bay, routinely gives out free bike lights to those who don’t have them. The low-key event even brought out some local dignitaries, such as Concord City Councilman Edi Birsan and BART Director Robert Rayburn, who lives in Oakland but via BART, rode his bike to the Concord fest. And active member in Bike East Bay, Rayburn said that he has worked hard to change BART policies on bicycles, and helped to open

up more bike parking at stations. “It’s a good thing,” he said of the bike safety movements supported by Bike East Bay and Bike Concord. “BART isn’t just about the trains, but creating safer ways for people to commute and get around the Bay Area. It’s wonderful to see how Bike Concord has helped bring together vibrant and passionate communities.” After the tamale fest, 30 riders did what many attendees wished they could have done: worked off those holiday calories by hopping on their bikes for a well-lit ride from Keller House to Todos Santos Plaza, where the City of Concord

was holding its annual tree lighting ceremony. And who should be leading the charge? Santa himself.

For more information on Bike Concord, visit www.bikeconcord.org or the group’s Facebook page at www.facebook/Bike Concord.

Send Community News items to Editor@ConcordPioneer.com along with high resolution photo

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December 18, 2015

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Retired with more time for golf

Local Sons in Retirement Branch 19 recently celebrated its 2015 golf champions at an awards luncheon at Guadalajara Grill in Concord. Winners are D Flight Champion Rich Peterson from Concord,

Match Play Champion Gary Kaufmann from Concord, B Flight Champion Bill Boyer from Martinez, C Flight Champion Jerry Burton from Concord and A Flight Champion Jack Duncan from Con-

cord. Each winner received a special monogrammed golf shirt along with the recognition. Qualifying and ongoing golf activities are played at nearby courses. Sons in Retirement is a social organization for retired men. Local Branch 19 meets at 11 a.m. on the first Thursday of the month at Oakhurst Country Club for lunch and a speaker. Guests are welcome. Membership is free. For more information, contact Bruce Persons at brucep@astound.net, the SIR hotline at (925) 338-1996 or go to www.sir19.org.

Take a hike with Claycord 4-H

Claycord 4-H kicked off the first hiking project in its history on Nov. 17 with a short hike in Mount Diablo State Park starting at the

Regency trailhead. Senior member Jack Gallagher says 4-Hers joined the project to get outside, discover new trails and see animals. The

group plans to go on longer hikes, possibly reaching the summit by the end of the year, and experience a night hike.

CLAYCORD 4-H HIKERS (front row from left to right) Catherine Wu, Melody Hollingsworth, Sam Davidson, Amelia Wu, Gary Brockman, Warren Brockman, (middle row) William Wu, Andrew Davidson, Claire Mills, Evie Wu, Mark Brockman, (back row) Jack Gallagher, Shea Gallagher and Clara Brockman

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Page 3

Young artist designs official holiday pin

Each year, young Concord designer at a city council meetartists vie for the chance to ing in November. design the city’s official Holiday Pin. This year, Kennedy Kissack submitted the winning design which incorporated the new arches at Todos Santos Plaza and the Christmas tree on a round white pin with a tiny red blinking light. Kenney, 10, is in the fourth grade at Highlands Elementary School. She was recognized by the mayor as the year’s official

Park, from page 1

of commercial space and 786 acres of parks, greenways and open space. EBPRD principal planner Brian Holt was delighted after the meeting with how receptive the groups were to the two plans and valued their input in moving toward the final plan. The primary goals are for resource preservation, public access and circulation to the park and (largely passive) recreational uses. Additionally, they want to memorialize the cultural and natural history of the land (6000 years living in the area) including the tragic World War II Port Chicago disaster. Ideas raised at the meeting included adding more picnic tables, ensuring plenty of trails, creating some remote camping areas and looking at access from BART to the park. The timetable laid out at the meeting is for the draft park land use plan to be presented early in 2016 followed by an environmental review leading to the adoption of the final land use plan next fall.

process for the regional park is “not tied to city development.” That portion of the project what the city is responsible for has been clouded in controversy since late September when one of two finalists as CNWS master developer, Catellus Development Corp., claimed that the other firm, Lennar Urban, had been engaged in improper lobbying and Brown Act violations. The subsequent suicide of Concord City Attorney Mark Coon led to postponement of the selection of a developer. Concord Interim City Attorney Brian Libow recently announced that Michael Jenkins of the law firm of Jenkins & Hogin will act as special investigator into allegations of improper lobbying and Brown Act violations in the selection process. “I wanted someone with absolutely no connection with Catellus, no connection with Lennar, and no connection with the city of Concord or any potential witnesses,” said Libow. “Mr. Jenkins brings an unquestioned integrity to the investigaPARKS, CITY DEVELOPMENT tive process. He is perhaps the SEPARATE preeminent Brown Act expert in Holt explains that the the State of California.”

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Concord Hills Regional Park is “a working name and as a part of the planning process we are soliciting feedback on names and plan to adopt a name with the final land use plan,” Holt said. The property that EBPRD will manage ranges from 100 to 1000 feet above sea level. Plans call for it to be mostly kept in its current state with native grasslands. They will utilize an existing building as the Visitor Center. There are 80 magazines (bunkers) on the land along with 17.7 miles of paved roads, 25.3 miles of dirt roads and 14.5 miles of railroad tracks plus Contra Costa and Clayton Lateral canals. Holt says the district goal is to make the parkland accessible to the public including critical linkage for trails and regional open space. One of the major benefits of Concord Hills Park will be to connect existing regional trails and open space including the Contra Costa Canal to Delta de Anza Regional Trail, San Juan Bautista de Anza Historic Trail, Black Diamond Mines Regional Park and Mt. Diablo State Park. Numerous reports and resources for Concord Hills Regional Park area are available online at www.ebparks.org/page539.aspx.

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Charming single story home with solar energy. Newer dual pane windows complement this 3 bedroom, and 2-updated-bath home. Grow your own organic produce with a greenhouse equipped with heat lamps for the colder months. Huge side yard for RV/Boat access. Convenient location, minutes to freeway and shopping. Bonnie Manolas, (925) 216-8162 GetRealwithBonnie@outlook.com Cal BRE# 01857217

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Obringer announces run for 2016 city council Page 4

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer

Carlyn Obringer is a Concord planning commissioner, a civic volunteer and a frequent attendee at local events. But, in her own words, one of the strongest attributes she brings to the city is the fact that, “You’ll not find a bigger booster for Concord, inside or outside our community.” That’s one of the main reasons Obringer is throwing her hat into the ring of candidates for Concord City Council in 2016. She joins political newcomer and active Monument Community volunteer Cassie Gonzales as the only declared candidates, but it is wildly assumed that Councilman Edi Birsan will seek a second term. Councilman Dan Helix has said he will not run again, which puts two seats up for grabs on the council. “I am proud to be a Concordian,” Obringer says.

CHRISTINE KOGUT

SAVVY SENIOR

December used to be a hectic month for me. I would seem to wait until the last minute to finish my shopping and ended up rushing around fighting the traffic and crowds. I loved the harried, hurried fun of it all. My house was where the family

December 18, 2015

for Concord City Council because I want to be part of the council team working to bring about that bright future.” Obringer is no stranger to city council races. She first ran in 2010, coming in fifth out of 10 candidates. She was then one of 18 applicants publicly interviewed to fill the vacancy created when Mark Peterson was elected as District Attorney, receiving one council vote from the late Councilman Bill Shinn. Councilmember Helix received the three remaining votes and was appointed to serve on the council. She says she has taken some time to truly understand the issues facing the community, volunteering with local groups like the Concord Historical Society and the Concord Ambassadors, and as an CARLYN OBRINGER active member of the Concord Chamber’s Government “My husband Justin and I diverse city, one with a true Affairs Committee. She curchose to purchase a home here sense of community and a rently serve as Board Chair of because we wanted to live in a vibrant future. I am running Monument Impact, and has

served as past president of Soroptimist International of Diablo Vista, and as Vice President of Program for the American Association of University Women — Concord Branch. “These are all important groups that I am still meaningfully involved with today, so I really have my finger on the pulse of the Concord community,” she says. She has also served on the Design Review Board and is past president of the Planning Commission. Her work has not gone unnoticed by Concord powerbrokers, as she is already endorsed by Councilmember Dan Helix, Assembly member Susan Bonilla, Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, former Concord Mayor Tim Grayson, Mayor Laura Hoffmeister, Vice Mayor Ron Leone, District Attorney Mark Peterson and Concord’s law enforcement community. She says that if elected, her

priorities will be public safety, robust economic development, and attracting a UC/CSU/polytechnic university to be located on the 150 acres of the Concord Naval Weapons Station (CNWS) allocated for a four-year public university/research facility. “My community and city service has given me a solid understanding of how our city works. It’s inspired me to become a bridge helping Concord residents and businesses experience firsthand that government can be a good thing. My service on the Planning Commission has also prepared me for the next big steps in our city’s future, ready to serve as an ambassador for our Concord, helping to attract vibrant retail, new apartment development and new commercial tenants to downtown. “

would congregate to share our Christmas meals, laugh until our sides ached and just love one another. This had been our tradition for 45 Christmases past. I would cook and bake up a storm with my children and then my grandchildren. We’d “don our gay apparel,” eat like we were worried we’d never get another bite of food again then finally collapse on sofas and chairs in a gluttonous stupor. I always assumed my position as “Matriarch of the Holiday Feasts” would last until I died with my Snowman oven mitts on. Alas, now the gauntlet

or sleeping patterns; have difficulty concentrating; have a lack of energy or feel run-down. Keep in mind Contra Costa Health Services offers “Senior Peer Counseling” every Monday and Tuesday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Services are free and confidential. Call the Senior Center at 925-671-3320 for an appointment or for more information between 9 a.m. and noon, press option 1 or email the center at concordsc @cityofconcord.org. What’s most important is to feel excited again about the

coming New Year. It’s a fresh beginning. Another chance to experience this wonderful life. Like George Bailey, think about all the people you’ve been blessed to love, and all the lives you’ve touched on your journey. 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

[Editor’s Note: Obringer is a monthly columnist in the Concord Pioneer.]

Keep the Grinch away these holidays has had to be passed on to one of my sons. He’s a gracious host and wonderful cook. We gather, laugh and love each other as before and precious great grandchildren have been added to the merry mix. As we enter our “golden years” the routines we’re used to performing are bound to change. It’s easy to feel that our sway over situations we used to take for granted are no longer in our control; perhaps it’s due to illness, the loss of a loved one or just feeling too darned tired to do it all yet again. Like Father Time dragging his scythe and hourglass to the last

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day of December, to hand over the duties of time to the Baby New Year, metaphorically speaking so are we. Endings are a part of life; however, they can be tough to accept. If you feel persistent melancholia sneaking up on you this time of year get some help. Dr. Andrew Weil’s “Daily Health Tips” suggests you may want to see a therapist if your sullen; have feelings of hopelessness, guilt or anxiety; if you’ve lost interest in things that used to make you happy; have had a change in appetite

Keep celebrating simple and healthy

It’s the holidays, so the big question many people have is, “How do I stay healthy and still enjoy the season?” Here’s my simple recipe: I eat the same way all year around. I never “diet,” I enjoy. Still, people say, “that’s easy for you, but I am busy and with all the parties and shopping , then there’s Aunt Sarah’s homemade candy, food is everywhere, with loads of sugar…” And it goes on and on. Here are some tips to keep from “going off the rails” when you’re entertaining — or being entertained — this holiday season. The main thing to remember is, don’t stress. Take each day in stride, and try to remember it’s a time of celebration, of enjoying friends and family. Healthy Food: When preparing for guests or when

CINDY GERSHEN

FOOD MATTERS

I’m asked to bring food, I always choose something healthy, like vegetables. I like to roast root vegetables or make a vegetable stew of Swiss chard, broccoli, cauliflower and green beans, steamed till tender, then drained and tossed in garlic-flavored olive oil and topped with parmesan cheese. It’s a crowd

Happy Holidays from Our Team to Your Family!

Holidays are a time for family and reflection. As we finish up the year we would like to thank you for your support and to remind you that we are here to help you meet your goals. Whether you’re a first time home buyer or ready to down size, we can help you get into a home that is right for you! Please call Nancy to find out how. Led by award-winning Realtor Nancy Bennett, The Bennett Team is an experienced, friendly, fun and exceptionally fullservice real estate team with buyer specialists, contract specialists, listing coordinators and an extended team of hand-picked home preparation experts. With 25 years of sales and marketing experience, Nancy brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every real estate transaction. With her tenacious negotiating skills, she is a strong advocate for her clients throughout the entire buying and selling process. Nancy and The Bennett Team sell over 8 times as many homes as the average Realtor, while informing and educating clients about all their options during the course of each transaction. Nancy is a member of the National Association of Realtors, the California Association of Realtors, the Contra Costa Association of Realtors, and Contra Costa Realtors in Motion. She serves on the Keller Williams Agent Leadership Council, as well as being a faculty member and mentor. Nancy is a Fortune 400 Real Estate Mastermind, and she writes the East Bay Real Estate blog for Claycord.com. Nancy is a licensed foster parent in the process of adopting 4 children, and supports Meals on Wheels and Youth Homes in Walnut Creek. With more than 80 homes sold this year, we put another 2 families into their dream homes this week as well. 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

See Food Matters, page 5

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pleaser. If you don’t have time to cook, pick up baby carrots, cherry tomatoes and raw vegetables and hummus , then smash up an avocado and pour a little fresh salsa on it and you are good to go. Another good appetizer is a combination of olives, raw almonds, soft cheese and dried fruit. If you’re feeling more ambitious, try roasting a very large sweet potato with a little olive oil on the skin (350 degrees for 1 hour or until it is oozing the natural sugar). Then place it in a small bowl, smash it open and serve with warm corn tortillas — it’s delicious. The Dessert Issue: When I’m preparing desserts for the holidays — always dangerous

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Mediation fails in CVCHS-MDUSD dispute

December 18, 2015

JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer

The tension between Clayton Valley Charter High School and Mt. Diablo Unified School District over the amount of money the charter school should be paying its landlord district for use of school and facilities on Alberta Way continues to spark. Recent mediation failed to resolve the financial dispute that dates back to the final payment of the 2013-14 school year and is the subject of a district lawsuit filed in April against the school.

AT ODDS FOR YEARS MDUSD and the charter high school have been at odds over a number of issues since CVCHS began operating in the summer of 2012 after the County Board of Education overrode

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

the MDUSD board’s rejection of the charter conversion petition and authorized the first charter high school in the area. Clayton Valley High School originally opened in 1958 as part of MDUSD. The charter school is required each year to pay the district a pro rata share of facility costs as “rent” to utilize the buildings, grounds and furnishings on the CVCHS site. The district’s outside counsel John Yeh says facility use fees are determined through a formula set forth in California Education Code regulations. From the 2013-2014 school year the high school has claimed the district’s calculation for that fee amount is too high and has withheld full payment to MDUSD. For that year there is a difference of about $75,000 between the district’s billing of

Food Matters, from page 4

— I rely on seasonal fresh fruit: persimmons, oranges, pineapple, pears and/or grapes. I always bring a side of plain Greek yogurt and chopped nuts to accent the dish. I also rely on my own special cheesecake: Start with a thin layer of plain shredded wheat on the bottom of a nice Pyrex dish. Top with plain Greek yogurt about one-inch deep, then cover with frozen mixed or fresh berries. Beverages: When I have guest over I always have sparkling water and spa water, accented with either thin-sliced cucumbers, fresh cranberries or grapefruit with lots of ice. I also offer warm cinnamon spice tea, and wine for the grown-ups. Gifts: I buy bottles of nice

olive oil as gifts. I always keep nice olive oil in small bottles in my closet. I grab a wine bag, and who doesn’t love a good olive oil? When I’m celebrating the season, I try to keep it simple and fresh. My guests always love the healthy food I serve. By serving “real food,” I am showing my friends and family that I love, cherish and respect them, and isn’t that what the season is all about? Cindy Gershen is Chef/Founding Owner of Sunrise Bistro & Catering in Walnut Creek, Mount Diablo High School Sustainable Hospitality Pathway teacher, founding board member of the Wellness City Challenge and co-author of “The Fat Chance Cookbook.” Contact her gershenc@mdusd.org

$310,000 and the school’s figure of $235,000 (of which $160,000 has been paid). CVCHS executive director Dave Linzey, MDUSD superintendent Nellie Meyer and their respective legal representatives have been meeting for nearly a year to resolve the matter. In October the two parties entered into non-binding mediation with former judge the Honorable Bonnie Sabraw and came out with a settlement that the district board rejected. CVCHS has now proposed paying MDUSD an annual fee that will

go from $313,118 for 2014-15 to $368,000 for 2018-19. Those amounts are less than what the district calculates it is owed for use of its facilities. Linzey recently issued a statement that said in part, “The District and CVCHS have worked tirelessly with our attorneys to negotiate a fair settlement and CVCHS entered into the mediation process in good faith — only to have the MDSUD Board reject the settlement offer arrived at in mediation.” Yeh told the Pioneer that

JOHN JACKSON Concord Pioneer

cial determination of the cause can be made until electrical engineers look into it further. John Schwartz, the CEO of Sam Clar Office Furniture, announced that loss estimates have not been determined, and that while the damage was extensive, there was some good news. “We were able to restart all of our business systems and our employees are currently working out of their homes and from a temporary warehouse facility to fill orders,” said Schwartz, who estimated that their ability to process and transact business should be fully recovered by mid-December. Schwartz is the fourth generation of the Clar family to run the business, which was founded in 1939 in Oakland by the late Sam Clar. He added that the company is working on finalizing a lease for a temporary location in Concord.

Page 5

matters discussed in mediation administered by the district. Last February the school’s are confidential so he wasn’t able governing board approved using to comment on them. charter funds to construct a $1.3 HOLDING UP IMPROVEMENTS million all-weather turf field to While these fees have been replace grass fields to be used haggled over MDUSD has for school and community halted work on Measure C sports teams as well as physical projects at the school. CVCHS education classes. The district lists the modernization of the needs to approve such construcboys and girls locker rooms, tion and this initiative is also library upgrades, stadium tech- hung up with the dispute. nology improvements and Both the MDUSD board multi-use room and marquee and CVCHS governing board projects as awaiting final meeting agendas have listed approval and construction closed session discussion of the financed by bond funds lawsuit for many months.

No cause yet for Sam Clar blaze

The fire that destroyed the Sam Clar Office Furniture facility on Diamond Way in Concord Thanksgiving night resulted in an estimated $4 million damage. So far, no cause has been found. According to Contra Costa County fire marshal Robert Marshall, there was nothing to indicate the fire was malicious. “We are no longer a part of the investigation, but the insurance company will continue to look into possible causes,” he said. The fire was first reported at 7:10 p.m. Thursday, and crews responded rapidly to bring the blaze under control around 8 p.m. Earlier in the day, a PG&E transformer blew, leading to a power outage in the area. A squirrel chewing through an electrical line apparently triggered the outage, but no offi-

Photo courtesy CCCFPD

A THANKSGIVING DAY BLAZE destroyed the Sam Clar warehouse on Diamond Way. The cause is still under investigation. Arson is not suspected.

About 40 fire personnel helped put out the fire, many of them having to interrupt their Thanksgiving dinners in the fire stations.

“This serves as a good reminder that we’re always there, even on holidays, to help the public and respond to emergencies,” said Marshall.

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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

December 18, 2015

Building a four-year college is smart

CARLYN OBRINGER

PLANNING COMMISSION

Contra Costa is the only California county with more than 1 million people that does not have a full-fledged four-year public university. We do have three community colleges where you can earn an AA degree. We do have several for-profit, private institutions of higher learning. And, Concord is home to the Cal State East Bay Concord Campus. But, you can’t earn a four-year degree there, either. When our students graduate from high school or community college, they have no choice but to leave the county if they want to pursue a four-year degree at a public university. We’re outsourcing our children’s education, sending them out of the area to places like Davis, San

Jose and Santa Cruz. Many of them never return, resulting in brain drain and a loss to our local economy. For this reason, it is critical that the City of Concord, surrounding communities and partners such as the East Bay Leadership Council work together to make a four-year public university a reality for our region. Fortunately, the Concord Reuse Plan for the former Concord Naval Weapons Station (CNWS) allocates 150 acres for a four-year public university/research facility. What are some of the benefits a four-year public university could bring to our Contra Costa community? For one thing, students provide a big boost to a city’s economy. They have money to spend thanks to parental support, personal savings, and student loans, which translates into millions of dollars being poured each year into local businesses, coffee shops, hotels and restaurants. Students are also eager to volunteer in the community and seek opportunities to intern for local companies

and non-profit organizations, to gain real-world experience. Demand for student housing creates a profitable rental market in university towns, too, which pushes up home values and could make neighborhoods like North Concord even more desirable. Public universities also prove their economic worth during recessions. That is partly due to the steady demand for higher public education, even when the economy softens. Plus, spending by the institutions, their employees and students holds up well during economic downturns. While not recession-proof, the economic activity associated with public universities is recession-resistant. Such stability makes the overall economic environment of university towns less volatile, which would benefit Concord, and the entire Diablo Valley, greatly. Public universities focus on turning out graduates with the 21st century skills employers demand. Establishing a campus at the former Concord Naval

Weapons Station with a polytechnic focus could help solve the skilled tech worker shortage facing Bay Area companies, and lay the groundwork for a Silicon Valley North. Coupled with that, a public polytechnic university could also build on the GoMentum Station autonomous vehicle research currently underway at the CNWS, and the presence of a public polytechnic university would make Concord ripe for a permanent research facility and the manufacture of next-generation cars and components. Public universities can also attract the greater community onto campus via amenities like public libraries or performing arts centers. The Concord Reuse Plan calls for both a new performing arts facility and public library to be used jointly by a university and the public. A publicly accessible library on a university campus would signal to Concord’s young people the importance of higher education, and enable seniors to continue lifelong learning. And, a performing arts center with ample

your navigation system or eating food while driving is not safe. Putting on makeup while operating a vehicle? Really? And while distracted driving involves more than just using your cellular phone, it is the one of the more concerning activities. The website www.Distraction.gov contains some of the best educational information on distracted driving. When you use your phone, your eyes, hand and concentration are on the phone. And for the majority of people, the eyes are looking downward. I have seen countless drivers stopped at a light texting as fast as they can before the light turns green. Some will put the phone down when traffic starts to flow but others continue typing as they drive forward with traffic. That’s scary.

Someone forwarded me a video about five years ago. I am not even sure what country the video is from but it was thoughtprovoking. People are sitting in a movie theater watching this person drive a car real fast. It goes for about 20 seconds of this car speeding down the road before everybody in the audience gets a simultaneous text. The majority of the audience looks at their phone and the car crashes into some fixed object. There is a message that reads similar to, “That is how long it takes to crash when you look at your phone.” It was a powerful video. Make this year a safe year for you and for others on the roadway. Guy Swanger is Concord’s Chief of Police. Send questions or comments to ContactCPD@cityofconcord.org.

consider gifts this season that will spread the joy all year long. Consider donating in a friend or family member’s name to such worthy causes as the Contra Costa Food Bank, Christmas for Everyone, Monument Crisis Center, Cambridge Community Center, Diablo Valley Vets Center– or maybe providing a membership to a local organization such as the Concord Historical Society, Concord Friends of the Library, Concord Senior Center, VFW Post 1525, Save Mt Diablo, Friends of Camp Concord, Friends of Concord

Parks, First Tee, or for the music lovers maybe a donation to a local school music program.

Resolve to end distracted driving In a few days, you will more than likely make a few resolutions. Some will give up alcohol and make everyone feel guilty at the next get together. Some will choose to lose weight. The first few weeks of the New Year is the worst time to go to the gym. Don’t you agree? It is packed due to that resolution. And there are others who promise to only post good comments on their Facebook account. I am the last person to question someone’s resolution. They recognize something that requires improvement and use a brand new year as a jump-off point. I am equally impressed with those that make several resolutions. Don’t you love multitaskers? Despite my suspicious nature when it comes it to New

GUY SWANGER

POLICE CHIEF

Year’s Resolutions, I want to challenge everybody out there that drives to make this resolution for 2016: I will not operate my handheld cellular phone while I am driving a vehicle. Distracted driving is one of the most challenging problems today. And there are a lot of driving activities that can be considered distractive. Looking at

Mayor, from page 1 considered in selecting me to serve as mayor. The Christmas season is always a special time. Traditionally, the city’s Tree Lighting in Todos Santos with Santa and the various local music entertainments and the community gathering signals the official start of the holiday season festivities. However, as we count our blessings we need to remember those that are still struggling in

our community. Although the city of Concord is the largest city in the fourth wealthiest county in the world’s eighth largest economy, I’m very aware that the economic recovery is slow and uneven. Concord, like other cities, is still challenged to meet community needs with limited funds. I know that many in our community are just making ends meet or still struggling. I encourage our residents to

Christmas is for all of us, whatever our beliefs. It’s not just a time to relax and count our blessings, but to share goodwill with everyone. Everyone deserves love, kindness, compassion and festive fun. Merry Christmas to all. Spread the joy. Contact the mayor at lmhoff@comcast.net.

gallery space would finally provide Concord artists a place to call home. For all of these reasons, and more, a four-year public university would help secure an even brighter future for Concord and Contra Costa County. That is why I am deeply committed, as a City of Concord Planning Commissioner, to doing whatever it takes to bring this vision to fruition, and have convened regional stakeholders to build

KAREN MITCHOFF

COUNTY

SUPERVISOR

The holidays are not always an easy time for many in our communities. We have many fine organizations in central county who assist those who need help with food, shelter, and gifts. But it is also a time when family violence escalates due to a variety of factors. Keep in mind that family violence crosses all socio-economic and cultural boundaries and often remains hidden from view of families and friends. We are fortunate to have an organizations such as Community Violence Solutions in our community to address these issues. They help victims of sexual assault find a friendly avenue for support and comfort. Community Violence Solutions (CVS) is a California nonprofit that provides services to children, adults, and their families who are victims of sexual assault or family violence in Contra Costa and Marin Counties. The services they provide include: a rape crisis center, a sexual assault response team, a children’s interview center, prevention services, and the Anti-Human Trafficking program. Since CVS’s beginning in 1974, it has developed strong collaborations with law enforcement, Office of the District Attorney, hospitals, therapists, social services providers, and school districts to increase safety in Contra Costa and Marin Counties. The Contra Costa County District Attorneys’ Association (CCCDAA) hosted this year’s 4th Annual Community Violence Solution Fundraiser, and I had the honor and privilege of not only attending, but also speaking. I was able to let everyone know firsthand how important this organization is to the County, not only in the Dis-

support for a CSU or UC campus. I look forward to the day when Concord kids can proudly earn four-year degrees at UC Concord and find well-paying local jobs.

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.

Support is there for families in distress

trict Attorney’s office, but by providing safe places for families to stay, support through the legal process, and education to youth and community groups. It was an amazing fundraiser and a special thanks to everyone who donated to CVS, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Association (CCCDAA), and Paul Graves, who is the President of the CCCDAA. I got to meet JoJo, a Labrador Retriever and a Courthouse Dog. Courthouse Dog is a nonprofit organization that strives to promote justice with compassion through the use of professionally trained dogs. JoJo is the first Courthouse Dog in Contra Costa County and was chosen by Canine Companions for Independence, a nonprofit organization that provides highly-trained dogs. She brings a caring and supportive presence to traumatized children and adults as they go through the criminal justice process. JoJo will accompany them to court, be a companion through a forensic interview, or just sit by their side to lessen anxiety. If you are wanting to learn more about Community Violence Solutions or need to report an assault, please visit their website www.cvsolutions.org If you are interested in finding out more about Courthouse Dog and their mission, then please visit their website courthousedogs.com If are interested in possibly getting a highly trained dog, then visit Canine Companions for Independence www.cci.org Karen Mitchoff is Contra Costa County District IV supervisor. Email questions or comments to karen.mitchoff@bos.cccounty.us

December 18, 2015

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Family Justice Center changes lives PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer

Manju moved to Concord from India in early 2015, the bride of a local resident. She had high hopes for her new life in the U.S., but within a month, her dreams began to look like a nightmare. He husband’s abuse started verbally, but according to official reports, later escalated to emotional, physical and even sexual abuse. Manju was alone — she didn’t speak English. She had no friends or family nearby that she could turn to, and her husband wasn’t letting her communicate with family at home. Then came a day several months ago, when her husband beat her so badly she ran out of the house. Neighbors called the Concord Police. Luckily for Manju, the Concord Police Officer who responded knew of a resource to help, and quickly referred Manju to the new Central County Family Justice Center, located in Todos Santos Plaza.

A local family who spoke her language offered to take Manju in, and through counseling, legal work and even job help provided through the center, Manju is a different woman today. She has spoken with her family in India, received therapy, obtained a permanent restraining order against her husband, started English as a Second Language classes and is planning on taking prenursing exams for a future career in the medical field. Her main concern, she told representatives of the FJC, is “doing whatever it takes to see that my abuser does not do this to another woman.” Manju’s story brought tears to the eyes of many people at the Dec. 8 city council meeting, when FJC executive director Susun Kim gave an update of the work the center has done in just eight months of business. The center opened in March 2015, a collection of in-house and contracted legal and service groups that help individuals like Manju, as well as others suffering from

domestic and child abuse, elder abuse, stalking. and other issues. Its creation was the hallmark of councilman Tim Grayson’s tenure as mayor, as he, Police Chief Guy Swanger, Kim and other leaders of many central county service organizations rallied to make the center come to life. And it has. As of April 1, the FJC had eight clients; on Dec. 1, it has 516, 212 of whom are from Concord. There are 14 on-site “partner” organizations, and an additional 17 off-site partners in law enforcement, legal aid, education, social services, peer and professional counseling, and job training. In describing the make-up of the clients, Kim said that 91 percent have children, 45 percent are employed and 20 percent are disabled. The ethnic make-up is 48 percent Hispanic, 21 percent Asian, 23 percent Caucasian, 5 percent African American, 3 percent “other,” 2 percent Native American, and 1 percent Pacific Islander. In addition to the many services offered by the cen-

ter, it introduced the Wings programs, which teaches financial literacy and helps clients, like Manju, prepare to take off on new lives. “Words can’t express the emotions erupting in me due to the success of the FJC,” Grayson said. He offered to donate $1800 to a Challenge Grant the FJC is working toward, and other council members also offered to donate as well. “This is a lifesaving endeavor,” Grayson said. Councilman Dan Helix said that Manju’s story “illustrated the level of desperation” many of the center’s clients face, and he donated $1,000, — $200 for each of his five grandchildren. “Councilman Edi Birsan said that funding and other support for the center needs to be sustained “in a city where our motto is ‘Where Families Come First.”

Bowl, Hillcrest and other neighborhoods would like historic markers to explain the neighborhood names and short histories before they are lost. About 10 would be a good start. 4. Can you flatten Ellis Lake Park, but keep it above flood stage? 5. A directly elected mayor 6. Can the fence at Galindo and Clayton Blvd. be protected all year round from rampaging cars? 7. Can we get a bathroom at Todos Santos Plaza, please? 8. When they re-do the streets, will someone remember to lift up the man-hole covers to the street level? 9. Can the Mayor of Claycord reveal his true identity? 10. Free public bocce ball courts that are not locked up so people can use them without being a member of a club.

11. Can you make the spray cans of the graffiti vandals backfire and spray their own faces? 12. Affordable housing 13. A spirit of compassion to get the homeless off the streets and for the homeless to have their broken spirits healed so that they can accept and start on a new path. 14. A Free Speech Corner regular event on Sundays at Todos Santos Plaza, much like Speaker’s Corner at Hyde Park in London. 15. Better publicity for the wonderful kids working hard at school in Concord. 16. Finally, may the hope of forgiveness and action in redemption be the best gifts for all to make all things right.

For more information on the FJC, visit www.cocofamilyjustice.org or call 925-521-6366. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE.

Dear Santa...just a few requests Dear Santa, I want to thank you for your understanding over last year’s awkwardness; The Concord Police adjusted Rudolph’s citation for D.U.I. to mean Deer Under Incandescence, and the home invasion issues related to the mass disappearance of milk and cookies … well clearly the mitten fibers that CSI found could not have all come from the same pair. The issue about kissing numerous mommies under Christmas Trees may have been a classic miss-identification when we had a series of husbands (and a few “Uncles”) coming forth under terms of anonymity to confess. So that happily brings us to this year’s collective Santa List from a wide range of residents that were interviewed and/or interrogated this last

EDI BIRSAN PULSE OF

CONCORD

week. 1. Can you make people be nice to one another, no shooting, beating, stabbing, running stop signs or crude gestures? 2. Meadow Homes Park would like a play structure. (Got a handy $295K or a spare set?) 3. The El Monte, Fruit

Send comments to EdiBirsan@gmail.com or 510-812-8180 or visit www.PulseOfConcord.com

Bancroft ‘spread’ still blooms today

Page 7

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CAROL LONGSHORE

YESTERYEAR

The photo featured here was taken in the late 1800s on the corner of Bancroft and Ygnacio Valley Roads. On the same land today, you see houses with a three- acre plot of land and a cactus garden next door. It was in l950 that my family moved onto eight- acres on the corner of Bancroft and Minert Roads. The pear orchards, train tracks and packing shed were across the street from our house, and the Bancrofts were my neighbors. My siblings and I rode the bus to school with Peter and Nina Bancroft. It was Peter and Nina’s great-grandfather, H.H. Bancroft, who was a historian and donor of the renowned Bancroft Library at the University of California in Berkeley, who purchased the land by the creek

The original Bancroft Ranch was at the corner of Bancroft and Ygnacio Valley Roads. The gardens and home remain on the property where 100-year-old Ruth Bancroft still lives.

— Walnut Creek — and across the road at the corner of Ygnacio and Bancroft. He bought it as a vacation retreat back in the late 1800s. He built a log cabin to remind him of the U.S.A., a Swiss chalet to remind him of Europe and an Asian home to remind him of Asia, which you can see in the photograph. Bancroft’s wife fell in love with the area and wanted to raise their son on the “Spread.” Bancroft agreed and Phillip Bancroft, Sr. was raised there. By the 1920s, walnuts and pears had become major crops and although Phil Sr. found politics

more interesting than farming, his son, Phillip Bancroft, Jr., took quite a liking to it. He met and married Ruth and they proceeded to harvest walnuts and box pears with great success. Everything flourished through the 1940s and 50s but by the time the 1960s rolled around, the zoning began changing and the land was slowly sold off. I witnessed pear trees being torn down and houses being built. The last walnut orchard was cut down in 1971. The Bancrofts sold all but three acres, which Phillip Jr. saved for

Ruth’s cactus garden and their home. Although over 100 years old, Ruth still lives in her home and the Ruth Bancroft Gardens are open to the public on weekends. As for the pear orchard and railroad tracks, they’re long gone, but friends live in the houses and BART trains transport people throughout the Bay Area.

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.

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Obituary or Memoriam

$190 for 200 words; $50 for photo; 90 cents/word over 200. Example: A 350 word obituary with a photo is $385 ($200 basic plus $135 for 150 words extra and $50 for photo. Send text and photo to

editor@concordpioneer.com Or call (925) 672-0500

Page 8

Mt. Di ablo High Liane Cismowski MDHS PRINCIPAL

SCHOOLS Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

MDHS teachers kick it home on Challenge Day

The Mount Diablo High School staff meets on the first Wednesday of every month. We gather in the library, have a snack, affirm each other, and learn together. The only exception is the month of Novem-

ber. For the last three years, in lieu of a “regular” staff meeting , our faculty competes in the annual Academy Challenge Day. We do this to have a chance to play and find fun and joy in our work together.

Concord High Aasim Yahya

CONCORD HIGH CORRESPONDENT

Holiday Project: A gift to the community

As the holiday season kicks in, not every family will be able to bear the financial burden it takes to get through this expensive time. Fortunately, four years ago, former Concord leadership student Alia Cortez-Bridges started the Holiday Project. Within these four years the Holiday Project has grown into a Concord community event and has continued to make the holiday season just a bit better for those less fortunate. The Holiday Project is an event organized by Concord leadership, which takes place at several local elementary schools from the district such as Westwood, Sun Terrace, Meadow Holmes and Wren Avenue. At the Holiday Project, these elementary school students get a chance to embrace the holiday spirit through several holidaythemed stations and activities. They get a chance to write let-

Rianne Pfaltzgraff CONCORD HIGH PRINCIPAL

ters to Santa and can get their face painted. In addition they participate in arts and crafts activities such as ornament making and cookie decorating, and to top things all off have a dance party. The evening event also includes appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, and their helpers. Concord leadership might organize the Holiday Project but anyone on campus can be a volunteer. This gives all students a chance to make the holiday season better for others and contribute to the community. This year’s committee chair of the Holiday Project, Mary Toquam, believes, “This event is an amazing opportunity to give back to the community and bring the Holiday spirit to local elementary schools.” 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 Stage to get makeover

Next year, Concord High will celebrate its 50 year anniversary. In many parts of the school, there is strong evidence of this 50 year history, as the scars and weathered walls carry the lingering voices of thousands upon thousands of students. This year, Concord High is proud to embark on the renovation of one of the most weathered elements of our school – the stage. Normally the stage of a school represents the coming together of the community; the talent and the successes of the students. As a school well known for its strong performing arts programs, one would expect a meticulous and well maintained performance space. Unfortunately, with only moderately functioning lights and no sound system, the CHS stage has become a neglected, forgotten and underutilized part of the school. Alas, in a great turn of

events, our stage will be getting a well-deserved face lift and its presence will match the reputation that our programs carry. With high hopes of a March completion, the stage will boast a new high-tech integrated sound system, state of the art stage lighting, a new stage curtain, performance risers and shells, a resurfaced floor and storage, and new seating. Students excitedly watched the old yellowed buzzing overhead lighting in the Multi Use room replaced with new LED lighting, and this week we welcomed the shipment of 200 brand new upholstered chairs to begin the transformation. CHS will begin its 50th year with a new beginning as we will make this stage the cornerstone to our community, where performances, community voices and student names will embed new memories in the walls. Send comments and questions to editor@concordpioneer.com

Teachers compete in their academy teams: ACME (Architecture Construction Manufacturing and Engineering), DSA (Digital Safari Academy), IHTA (International Hospitality and Tourism Academy), and MBTA (Medical BioTechnical Academy). Teachers from our smallest academy, World Academy, join the MBTA Team. When Academy Challenge Day began in 2013, the academies competed on our football field in several different relay and race events. All of the teachers gave their best efforts, and in the final event – the tug-of-war – the MBTA Academy emerged victorious. Last year, the Academy Challenge was held in the gym and teachers competed in five “minute to win it” events. The scores were close but in the final event – red solo cup stacking contest – MBTA again dominated the other teams and for the second year in a row won the coveted Academy Challenge Trophy. In November of 2015, the MDHS Academy Challenge was a Kickball Tournament. The afternoon began with

In the final inning of the MDHS Academy Challenge kickball match, the teachers from the Medical BioTechnical Academy scored the winning run, taking home the trophy for the third year. ACME facing off against DSA and MBTA playing IHTA. Although DSA put up a rousing fight, they were no match for the ACME team. MBTA and IHTA battled hard, thanks to the excellent IHTA coach, Chris Cook. However, in the end, MBTA won round one. In the final match, ACME and MBTA went head to head,

both hoping to take home the Academy Challenge Trophy. MBTA’s Dan Reynolds brought his team’s theme music and provided a bull horn for the officials. ACME opened the first inning with a thrilling in the park home run by p.e. teacher, Marc Kaiser. For two innings, it appeared that ACME would unseat the

Ygnacio Valley High Claire Rader

YGNACIO VALLEY CORRESPONDENT

YVHS students honored at WOW Assembly

Ygnacio Valley High School students left for Thanksgiving break with their heads held high. On Friday, Nov. 20, the Renaissance Leadership class held their Fall WOW Assembly honoring and recognizing students for their achievements in school. Principal lists were posted for those achieving a 4.0 or above and over 200 students with

December 18, 2015

G.P.A. improvements were honored. These students are treated to a special luncheon before the winter break, sponsored by the CARES After School Program. These students were also entered into a drawing for prizes, including gift cards and teeshirts. The Renaissance Scholar, Junior Kaylee Alvarado, who improved her G.P.A. by two

points, received a free class ring from Jostens. More than 175 students with perfect attendance were also honored with a drawing for prizes as well. The WOW Assembly is a long-standing tradition that is all about the students, and alongside academic acknowledgement were games and performances. Students were matched up for turkey bowling and paired with teachers for “Are you Smarter than a Teenager?” Two outstanding freshmen sang and our Dance 3 program worked with our drum-line for a remarkable performance. Students were treated by staff dance performance at the end. Activities are a major highlight for the students because they’re a blast, plus the teachers

two time champions. However, in the final inning MBTA took the lead and eventually scored the winning run, making MBTA the three time Academy Challenge Champions. Congratulations, MBTA! Just wait until next year!

Send comments and questions to editor@concordpioneer.com

and students get to work together. Lastly, the nominees and candidates for the highest award on campus, the Golden Warrior, were announced. Seniors are nominated by teachers and members of the Junior class for serving as shining examples of a true Warrior — being kind, helpful, outstanding leaders, committed to school and community, selfless acts, academics and much more. With all the great recognition and fun rallies at the school, it’s a great time to be a Warrior. For a complete list of the Golden Warrior nominees, visit the school blog at yvwarriornews.blogspot.com. Send comments and questions to editor@concordpioneer.com

Clayton Valley Charter High Parent night soars with Ugly Eagle spirit

found a way to keep the ship dents daily on the cleanliness moving onward and upward. and safety of our campus, and Without question, becoming they rise to the challenge. a charter has provided the CVCHS is an anomaly — autonomy to make site-based entrenched in the simple idea decisions. Still, that alone doesn’t that our students deserve excelpush you to excellence. CVCHS lence in all areas of their high has simply refused to accept the school journey. As a newbie, I’m status quo. a believer and the 1,500 people Jeff Eben Teachers expect high per- in our gym certainly spoke volCVCHS formance in the classroom. umes of the positive differences PRINCIPAL Coaches expect to win and our and high expectations here at After 20 some years at the ply a reflection of today’s poli- music and arts staff expects CVCHS. high school level, I’ve seen my tics in education. Send comments and questions to ediquality entertainment performshare of parent informational Clearly, though, CVCHS has ances. We work with our stu- tor@concordpioneer.com meetings. But nothing prepared me for my first Clayton Valley Open Enrollment Night. First of all, revival is probably more accurate as Executive Director Dave Linzey addressed a crowd of 1,500 in our Large Gym. From the continuous The Elves are busy at The Royal Rooster interruptions of applause, I thought I was at a pep rally • All new holiday theme trees rather than an information • Gifts from favorites: Frasier Fir, Woof & forum. It was a terrific validation Poof, Stonewall Kitchens, Elaine’s Toffee of our school, our athletic teams and our culture and I came away proud of the opportunities that have been created for our students. These parents, on this particular evening, were very clear on their choice for a high school experience: High expectations are alive and well in the land of the Ugly Eagle. We are at a critical juncture in Open on Sundays education across this country. High-stakes testing has caught 925-672-2025 the attention of school district’s everywhere and the fear of per1028 Diablo St. forming poorly on state Visit us on Clayton, CA accountability measures has Facebook crippled many extra-curricular opportunities. Sad, but it’s sim-

B U SINESS December 18, 2015

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

It’s been a very good year…

MARILYN FOWLER

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

As we approach the end of 2015, it is time to look back and review the Concord Chamber’s accomplishments for the year. We have a dedicated staff, board of directors and ambassadors who work to improve the local business climate through programs and activities. This year, we facilitated more than 20 ribbon cuttings to honor new businesses or business anniversaries. We hosted many events including the Mayor’s State of the City Luncheon and the East Bay Senior Resource Expo, attended by hundreds of local residents and business owners. Our Women’s Networking Group and Concord Young Professionals Groups continued to flourish and bring in new members. We sponsored ten Business After Hours Mixers and gave our members a chance to visit these businesses around town. We also gave back to our community at our November Business After Hours Mixer which was held at the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. Our members were able to sort and box over 11,000 pounds of apples for after school care. The Government/Economic Policy Committee hosted Supervisor Karen Mitchoff as a speaker. Throughout the year, we met with business property managers and owners to deter-

Among the new businesses cutting the ribbon in 2015 is STAT MED Urgent Care located 901 Sunvalley Blvd #100, Concord. STAT MED also has an office in Lafayette.

mine ways that encourage new businesses to come to Concord. We recently upgraded our website to be mobile friendly. Now you can easily view www.concordchamber.com, on your cellphone or tablet. We post our members’ photos and flyers on our very active Facebook page, and we recently began using Instagram as well. The Concord Chamber also held many business seminars covering a variety of topics including Credit Card Rules, Contract Law, Human Resource Issues and How to Get You and Your Business to Peak Performance. We held a 2015 Career Pathways Student/Teacher Expo, along with the Pittsburg and Antioch Chambers, highlighting successful career

Election, from page 1

be elected mayor, having never served as vice mayor, and pointed out that he supported Leone’s nomination. When Birsan pointed out to the council that he had not served in a leadership role, his colleague Dan Helix said that when he was first elected back in 1968, he was told no first-term council members would be elected mayor. Birsan later said that was when the city of Concord had a two-year mayor — as they do now — so it was unlikely a new council member would serve. “Don’t worry,” Helix said at the meeting. “Your time will come.” Hoffmeister said that one of the downsides to a twoyear mayor — which Birsan supports — is that it doesn’t allow for all council members to serve in that position quickly. “I was the lone ‘no’ vote” to the two-year mayor term, which was enacted two years ago after nearly 20 years of one-year mayors. “I gave it my best shot then as to some of the downsides but all my colleagues said two years would be better — so here we are now. “The council is a team and if you lose a vote then you work to make the action that was approved by the majority work.” Even Birsan says that he will continue to work with the council. “It’s a sad statement,” he said of not being tapped as vice mayor or mayor, “but I will get over it.” He will, however, continue to work on a petition to have Concord residents

directly elect its mayor, as is done in some neighboring cities such as Martinez. Meanwhile, Hoffmeister is turning her attention in this, her fifth term as mayor, to three main priorities: improving public safety, reinvesting into infrastructure such as repair of aging roads and sewers, and enhancing economic development (businesses and jobs). “And of course, I will be working to services with still limited funds, and continuing the base reuse process, such as the selection of a Master Developer and to work with the community on the details — at the specific plan level — of the community reuse vision plan.” Hoffmeister is seen by her colleagues and residents alike as a detail-oriented and conscientious leader, with a wealth of institutional knowledge about the city. “I served as mayor when the Concord Naval Weapons

pathway programs in our local high schools. We participated in the Innovation Fair, a program of Mt. Diablo High School, in which students develop a “virtual business” and showcase their work for the public to view. We also gave out six scholarships for students entering college. We look forward to continuing our mission and bringing our members more programs in the future. We are your partner in business, and want to help your business grow and be successful in 2016 and beyond.

Station was closed and the community reuse plan was prepared, working with various federal agencies to undertake a reuse planning process that included the establishment of a base reuse citizens committee,” Hoffmeister told the Pioneer. “Their work brought forward the adopted community reuse vision plan with 70 percent as open space. This included working with a wide range of community interests — neighbors, businesses, environmental, park and historic organizations, work force house advocates, veterans advocates, and overall community residents. “This next year we will select a Master Developer that will work further with the community to prepare more specific details of the community reuse plan and what items might be needed/done to address concerns such as traffic,” she says.” My background is some of the reasoning my colleagues considered in selecting me to serve as mayor.”

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The family-owned Concord Locksmith, which has been in business over 68 years, is growing. The business recently added an Access Control/CCTV technician to the staff to serve the growing needs of its clients. Concord Locksmith now offers expanded push-button and cardaccess locks and services, as well as added surveillance cameras sales and services. Recently one of its technicians attended a safe-opening training in Kentucky the business is now official “safe crackers." It has also expanded the showroom to offer a variety of safes for customers' home or business. Concord Locksmith has already established relationships with many local businesses and residents, and its family-oriented atmosphere, along with its reputation built on trust, allows customers to feel comfortable. Concord Locksmith has full in-shop and 24-hour mobile services for customers' entire locksmith and security needs. Concord Locksmith is licensed and bonded and its technicians maintain current locksmith and TWIC card licenses. Visit its website at www.concordlock.com, call 925-689-1534 or visit its downtown location at 1804 Colfax St. for more information.

Know of a business on the move? Moving in? Moving out? Expanding? Hiring? Laying off ? Let us know. Send an email to editor@concordpioneer.com with details. We’ll take it from there.

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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

The Clayton Pioneer and the Concord Pioneer are monthly publications delivered free to homes and businesses in 94517, 94518, 94519 and 94521. ZIP code 94520 is currently served by drop site distribution. The papers are published by Clayton Pioneer, Inc., Tamara and Robert Steiner, PO 1246, Clayton, CA 94517. The offices are located at 6200 Center St. Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517

LET US KNOW Weddings, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a resident in our home delivery area. Submit on our website and be sure to attach a JPG photo that is at least 3 MB. Also on the website are forms for calendar items, events & press releases. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Both Pioneer newspapers welcome letters from our readers.

As a general rule, letters should be 175 words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print anonymous letters. E-mail your letter to editor@concordpioneer.com. Letters must be submitted via E-mail. CIRCULATION The Concord Pioneer is delivered monthly to 30,000 homes and businesses in 94518, 94519 and 94521. Papers are delivered by carriers for ABC Direct around the last Friday of the month. To stop delivery for any reason, call the office at (925) 672-0500 . If you are NOT receiving the Pioneer, please check the distribution map on the website. If you live in the shaded area and are not receiving the paper, please let us know. If you are not in the shaded area, please be patient. We will come to your neighborhood soon. The Clayton Pioneer is delivered by US Mail to 5,500 homes and businesses in 94517 around the second Friday of the month. SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe to either the Clayton Pioneer or the Concord Pioneer, call the office at (925) 672-0500. Subscriptions are $35/year for each paper, $60/year for both.

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SPORTS

Page 10

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

December 18, 2015

Ugly Eagles, Spartans bowling again this Saturday JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer

The California State Bowl games this weekend will again have a decidedly Concord look as Clayton Valley Charter is back for its second year in a row in new Division 1-A while De La Salle maintains its perfect record as the only school in the state to play every year since the CIF football championships were reinstituted in 2006. And both local teams are in mouthwatering finals Saturday at Sacramento State’s Hornet Stadium. Clayton Valley Charter (13-1) traveled to San Jose last Saturday and used a stifling defense to defeat Oak Grove (11-3) 21-3 in the Northern California Regional Bowl Game. The Ugly Eagles meet Southern California champion Narbonne (13-2) of Harbor City at noon Saturday in the finale. DLS (12-1) won its 24th straight North Coast Section crown by blanking previouslyundefeated Foothill (12-1) of Pleasanton 35-0 two weeks ago

and will meet Centennial (14-0) of Corona for the State Open Division championship in the final bowl game at 8 o’clock this Saturday. It will be the fifth time the two teams have battled for the championship in the 10 years of CIF Bowl Games.

EAGLES DEFENSE SHINES Coach Tim Murphy has been in charge of CVCHS football for four years and his winggun offense has racked up historic rushing and scoring numbers for the school, state and even nationally. There’s been a strong dose of offense this year as well but it has been the junior-laden Ugly Eagles defense that has risen up in the two biggest games of the year. Clayton Valley captured its third NCS title in four years in a thrilling battle with city rival Concord High (9-5) at Diablo Valley College. The Eagles rallied from an 8-7 halftime deficit and held off the Minutemen for a 23-22 victory in the closelycontested Division II finale. The Eagles lost starting quarterback Luis Ramos in

Photo courtesy Phillip Walton/SportStars Magazine

SENIOR ANTHONY SWEENEY (12) will try to guide the De La Salle Spartans to a win this Saturday night against the nation’s No. 1 team, Centennial of Corona, in the CIF State Open Division bowl game at Sacramento State. Sweeney has rushed for at least one touchdown in 13 of 14 games this year for DLS. He’s thrown for 15 touchdowns and run for 20 TDs as De La Salle earned its 10th straight state championship game berth.

Christy Murphy, Clayton Valley Charter High School

RUNNINGBACK AKEAL LALAIND LEAPED OVER A PILE that seemingly included every player on the Oak Grove defense to score a second-quarter touchdown as Clayton Valley Charter pulled away to a 21-3 win in the Northern California Regional Bowl Division I-A game. He had opened that scoring taking a 77-yard TD pass from fellow junior Zia Rahmany on the Uglies Eagles second play from scrimmage and they never looked back to earn a return trip to the state championship game.

their first NCS playoff game and turned to inexperienced junior Zia Rahmany and also the wildcat formation since then to keep alive their hopes of getting another shot at the State finals after the heartbreaking loss to Redlands East Valley 34-33 last December. On top of that, top running back Ray Jackson III has been going below full-speed due to injuries. Last Saturday, the Uglies, who were surprisingly named as the visiting team although they were higher ranked (it’s believed the injuries and narrow win over Concord impacted the bowl committee’s decision) and completely stifled the Oak Grove offense and star runningback Rashaan Fontenette. “Our kids came out extremely focused and confident. Our defense, coached by defensive coordinator Ryan Reynolds, held one of the top-rated offense’s to only three points,” Murphy said. “Offense did a good job controlling the game. Despite having three touchdowns called back and several players out or

banged up the entire team showed great composure the entire game,” the head coach added. He lauded the senior leadership of Jake Peralta, Jake King, Jamel Rosales, Angel Quesada, Ramos, Joe Nguenti and Anatol Skyler for helping the younger players perform at top levels in the one-and-done playoff atmosphere. When discussing Narbonne, Murphy says, “We play one of the largest and fastest teams in the state. The offensive and defensive line, average just under 300 pounds [reportedly about 75 pounds per man more than CVCHS] and they have several skills guys who run a 4.5 or lower and many who are being highly recruited. They have 20 returning starters from last year and their only losses are to Long Beach Poly by three and Serra of Gardena by one in overtime. “Dispute being beat on paper we still have a solid chance to win because of the character and heart of this team. Most of the starters on this team are juniors but we have such great senior leader-

ship that we have a chance no matter who we play. These kids have really earned being backto-back NCS and NorCal champions.”

DLS MEETS FAMILIAR FOE The Open Division finale pits De La Salle against offensive juggernaut Centennial, who beat national No. 1 St. John Bosco 62-52 in the Southern Section finals. Centennial has been “held” under 42 points only once this year and that was to Orange Lutheran in a 35-14 victory. De La Salle beat OL 413 a week after the Centennial game. Last December DLS outslugged Centennial 63-42 in a record-breaking State finals, the third time in four championship meetings that the Spartans have defeated coach Matt Logan’s Huskies. DLS has won six state crowns in their first nine finals. Centennial is now ranked No. 1 nationally entering the finals in a classic battle of offense vs defense. Mostly likely with that scenario it will be the more successful of the DLS offense or Centennial defense

that proves pivotal. And don’t forget the special teams on both sides. The Spartans this year have allowed some long kick returns, many times giving up the only points of the game to their opponents. De La Salle has now gone 269 straight games against Northern California schools without a loss since the 1991 NCS finals. Foothill came into this year’s NCS finale against the Spartans off the high of a 5554 semi-final win over Antioch while DLS had swamped longtime playoff rival Pittsburg 7014. Foothill didn’t roll over to the Spartans and was behind only 14-0 at halftime, having shutout the Spartans for most of the first half after giving up two early TDs. Antoine Custer pretty much put the game out of reach by returning the second-half kickoff 86 yards for a DLS touchdown. Once again it was the De La Salle defense that controlled things, recording its fifth shutout of the year. The Spartans have allowed a total of only 40 points in the last 10 games.

Diablo FC teams win major SouCal Showcases JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer

Diablo FC’s four older Academy teams concluded their fall seasons before moving to high school soccer in the San Diego area over the Thanksgiving Weekend and two teams came back with championships at prestigious college showcase events. Coach Zach Sullivan’s under 16 Diablo FC 99 girls won four consecutive games over Southern California opponents to win the championship of the Soccerloco San Diego Surf College Cup Showcase in San Diego, cementing their top 20 national ranking. On the boys side coach Charlie Campbell took his U17 Diablo FC 98 team to Carlsbad and came away with the title in the November Nights Elite College Showcase. They are currently ranked in the top 30 in America. The U17 98 boys went 3-0 versus two SoCal and one South Bay team without surrendering a goal at Carlsbad. The 99 girls faced four straight Southern California teams and recorded three shutouts after giving up a sin-

Photo courtesy Diablo FC

COACH ZACH SULLIVAN’S DIABLO FC 99 GIRLS ARE RANKED 18TH IN THE UNITED STATES among all under 16 teams and the local squad traveled to San Diego over the Thanksgiving Weekend and came away with the championship at Soccerloco San Diego Surf College Cup Showcase. The team includes, bottom row from left, Alexandra Diaz, Sam Gotz, Kari Lewis, Gabby Hair, Kylie Schneider, Susanna Garcia, Sophia Runte; back row, Mackenzie Patterson, Payton Mannie, Steph Neys, Janet Lopez, Carly Agostino, Amanda Zodikoff, Mariana Giovannetti, Kaytlin Brinkman, Cassie Bizicki, Emily Kaleal and Lauren Montgomery. Not pictured, Sophia Jones and Santana Merryfield.

gle goal in their Showcase opener. The defeated the host San Diego Surf Academy team in their final game 1-0. The team is now ranked No. 18 in the USA. The girls are playing for 10 area high schools during the winter.

The U17 Diablo FC 98 girls, also coached by Sullivan, went 0-1-2 against three tough foes in Carlsbad including a 10 loss to the Los Angeles Galaxy Elite team. The girls are ranked in the top 70 nationally. Marquis White’s U16 boys

reached the quarterfinals of the Nomads Nights Thanksgiving Tournament in San Diego. The boys went 2-1-1 against four SoCal teams scoring seven goals and giving up only three. They completed their fall NorCal U16 National

Premier League Premier season and State Cup group play schedule posting an undefeated record of eight wins and four draws. In the last NPL game of the season, the 99 Boys earned a crucial three points by beat-

ing MVLA SC Jaguars 99 Blue 3-1. The team’s tournament season saw the 99 boys take championships at the Diablo FC and Ballistic Boys Cups and semi-finalists at the North Huntington Beach Boys Cup Labor Day Tournament, while just narrowly missing advancing from group play at the Davis College Showcase. In Sunday NPL Boys Showcase game the team defeated Elk Grove 99 Platinum in Modesto 5-0. This brought Diablo FC 99’s season record to 20-3-5. The club’s director of coaching Sullivan noted, “All teams showcased very well to college coaches and many college coaches reached out to recruit our players for their colleges. It was a very successful weekend of soccer for Diablo FC.” Beginning in late February after high school season wraps up with Section playoffs these teams return to Diablo FC Club play for Spring National Premier League and the Players College Showcase in Las Vegas, NV. For more information on how to join Diablo FC contact director of coaching Sullivan at docdiablofc@gmail.com or visit www.DiabloFC.org.

December 18, 2015

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com Super Bowl XXXIV champion St. Louis Rams. All-leaguer Breilein was an integral part of the Eagles (11-2) this fall as they reached the North Coast Section Division V finals for the first time. The coach adds, “They are the school’s best football team ever in its 30 years of playing football. They were picked by most to finish third in their league and they surpassed everyone’s expectations, including my own.” Breilein is legally blind in one eye but that hasn’t limited the three-year starter. And, by the way, he carries a 3.8 GPA in the classroom.

Athlete Spotlight

Hayden Breilein Grade: Senior School: Berean Christian High Sport: Football

“Hayden Breilein is a truly special and unique individual. He is a leader and captain on our team. His other duties are making sure that everyone is laughing at some point during practice,” Berean Christian High football coach James Hodgins says. He goes on to discuss the senior from Concord, “When you have a very discipline-oriented coach such as

myself, I have learned that having a guy like Hayden who can lighten things up once in a while is what makes our team work. Hayden is also very smart, he delivers all our line calls and is basically the QB of the offensive line. Hayden is the heart and soul of our team.” High praise from coach Hodgins, who was a member of the

The Concord Pioneer congratulates Hayden 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.

Giants, A’s active in MLB free agency

Page 11

TYLER LEHMAN SPORTS TALK

By recent standards it was a down year for Bay Area baseball in 2015. The A’s and Giants both missed the postseason and each team is already retooling its rosters to prepare for the upcoming campaign. The A’s first big move of the offseason was a trade with the San Diego Padres for pitcher Marc Rzepczynski and first baseman Yonder Alonso. Oakland sent starting pitcher Drew Pomeranz, minor league pitcher Jose Torres and a player to be named later in exchange

All-DVAL teams honor fall sports athletes JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer

Five Diablo Valley Athletic League schools had athletes earn most valuable player awards as the local high school fall season post-season honors were handed out based on league meet results and coaches vote. Northgate led the way with four MVPS—-Tatum Turetzky (girls water polo), Dymphna Ueda (girls tennis), Renee Lawrence (girls volleyball) and Nicole Markiewicz (girls tennis). Clayton Valley Charter’s three top performers were football players Ray Jackson III (offense) and Jake Peralta (defense) and water polo’s Scott Meylan. Harold Tidwell, Concord’s outstanding runningback, was the DVAL football MVP. Jamie Pitcher of College Park shared the girls water polo co-MVP with Turetzky. League cross country champs Rayna Stanziano of Concord and Jorge Velasquez of Ygnacio Valley rounded out the league’s top performers. Markiewicz and Stanziano are both freshmen while Pitcher and Ueda are sophomores. These four girls set high standards for underclassmen. Ueda has back-to-back medalist performances at the DVAL golf championships. Meylan, Turetzky and Peralta were each first-team all-DVAL as juniors before gaining the MVP designation this fall. Concord High football coach Mark Bywater, who began the year with an “interim” tag after his predecessor Brian Hamilton joined the Cal Bears football staff last summer, says of league MVP Tidwell, “It was great to see the league acknowledge Harold’s ability behind a great offensive line.” Tidwell

Martin (CP), Nobili, Buchholtz (BC), Erin Wardle, Maria Sparvoli (CVC). Second team-Ajero, Anwar (CVC), Kimberly Christiansen, Jasmin Malki, Euna Park, Kimberly Pham (NG), Kate Rodriguez, Tanya Yakoubovsky (BC), Sophie Riker, Rae Perez (CP), Jade Cruz (YV). Honorable Mention-Amarely Almaraz, Livis Munoz, Patricia Navarrete (Con), Tracy Nguyen, Megan Brys (CVC), Olivia Bailey, Dannie Kiel (CP), Paige Oka (YV), Dani Maestri, Jess Galvan (BC), Erika DelaCruz (MD), Hannah Valladolid, Jocy Wirfel (NG).

Girls Volleyball

MVP-Lawrence (NG); First team-Leah Alkanli, Chiara Gatto (NG), Kiyara Burford, Erin Doolittle, Courtney Turner (CP), Jessica Stratton (CVC), Hannah Randolph (BC). Second team-Kinsey Anderson, Jennifer Cheung (NG), Tori Klock, Mia Mudaliar, Shelby Pastorini, Kiana Smith (CVC), Carmen Tocaci (MD), Daisy Manoa (Con), Michaela Charrette (BC). Honorable Mention-Allyza Gutierrez, Karen Valenzuela (MD), Peyton Greene, Rebecca Jones (BC), Serena Vincent, Ali Sylva (NG), Maddie Shughrov, Daniele Logan (CP), Erika Schaefer, Suzy Schofield (CVC), Madison Hunter, Jamese Mosley (Con).

Maddie Potts, Katie Duckworth (PV), Cammie Holian, Rebecca Proctor (NG), Allison Roberts (Con). Boys: MVP-Meylan (CVC); First team-Decklan Cashman, Ivan Korolev, Tanner Armas (NG), Ryan Levy, Ben Robinow (CVC), Alex Johnson (Con), Coleman Carpenter, Cole Hustlar (CP). Second team-Dekker Dalman (con), Diego Gomez (PV), Ryan Henderson, Andrew Joseph (NG), Romeo Mays (SP-SV), Caden Tattenham, Ryan Jones (CP), Anthony Vines (CVC). Honorable Mention-Calan Brown, Cameron Brandt (CVC), Shawn Forer, Hunter Peeff (NG), Everett Porter (Con), Jacob Malaga, David Martinez (PV), Max Laske (CP), Andrew Maichel (SPSV).

Football

MVP-Tidwell (Con); OffenseJackson (CVC); Defense-Peralta FRESHMAN RAYNA STANZIANO (LEFT) of Concord High domi(CVC). nated DVAL cross country this year including winning the First team offense-Angel Quesada, Ryan Fischer, Luis Ramos, league meet by 18 seconds. Northgate High sophomore Anatol Sklyar (CVC), Vaseem Dymphna Ueda from Concord was medalist at the league Shah, Rembert Sison, Leandre golf tournament leading the Broncos to the team title. She Jones (Con), Dylan Alves (NG), also won the Lone Tree Invitational. David Jones, Saul Montoya (CP), Andrew Leonard, Jesse Guzman (YV), Harrison Jones (MD). helped the Minutemen to the cares about his teammates and First team defense-Jose Rivera, North Coast Section finals his team. He puts in the work Brandon Espinosa, Edwin Mundo where they lost a one-point needed to be an elite high school (Con); Darrius McVay (YV), Evan heartbreaker to defending athlete each day. It was a pleasure Barney, Jamel Rosales, Haikoti champ CVCHS. to see him excel.” Vaisima, Bryce Brand (CVC), Chris Leveque, Ian Morford, Jackson Clayton Valley Charter footWater Polo Cross County ball senior stalwarts Jackson and Girls: MVP- Jaime Pitcher Smith (NG), Thomas Garcia (CP). Second team offense-Charlie Boys: MVP-Velasquez (Ygna(CP), Tatum Turetzky (NG); First Peralta earned their league most Alofaki (MD), Jake Linderman, valuable player awards for lead- cio Valley ); First team- Dylan team-Marisa DeMeo, Zoe Ramia Jack Fouts, Mitchell Campos, White, Sayed Opeyany, Michael (NG), Beverly Kurk, Alyssa Mikeing the team to its fourth straight Cox, JJ Perez (Clayton Valley sell, Rebecca Monroe (CP), Bailey Robert Carson (CVC), Donald undefeated DVAL title and their Charter), Omar Kabbani, Lau- Reading (CVC), Karlee Kronquist, Hollars, Marqel McCoy, Nick Nunez, Ebaristo Rios (Con), Chrissecond straight State Bowl rence Seabrook (Northgate). Riley Pearson (Con). tian Ramirez, Antonio Rodriguez Second team-Anthony MaySecond team-Emma Blankley, Game. (YV), Yvan Emalev (CP), Nate Markiewicz defeated senior tum, Branden Busby (CVC), Nick Carlie Polkinghorn (NG), Elisa Greene, David Siale, Edwin Flores Chuman, Kevin Orellana, Hernandez, Ciara O’Kelley (Con), Erica Kemp from College in the Spenser Grinbergs (College Ashley Pera (Hercules), Kaitlin Jef- (NG). Second team defense-Soslan DVAL girls tennis finals. In the Park), Ben Stame (Berean Chris- fus (Pinole Valley), Molly Feirari, Margiyev, Semisi Saluni (NG), league doubles championship tian), Wyatt Abranches (NG). Gabriella Garcia-Roy (CP). Luke Beasley, Wahba Omar, Justin Honorable MentionNikola Honorable Mention Tia Airolmatch, Glennalyn Ajero and Aranzemendez (CP), Deandre Dalia Anwar from Clayton Val- Malinov, Connor Kugler, Will di-Gutierrez, Cyril Carlos (St. Morgan, Mike Davis, Lorenzo Sornberger (NG), Evan Stanziano Patrick-St. Vincent), Christina Braley bested Jodie Buccholtz and (Concord), Jacob Eide, Noah camontes (CP), Skyy Burney, Algood, Alex Cruz (Con), Robie Gianna Nobili from Berean Hurley (CP), Branden Bizicki Rebekah Reynolds (CVC), Thao Le Moore (MD), Jeff Williams, Justin (CVC). Christian. Hoang, Elizabeth Razo (Her), Roper, Joe Nguenti (CVC). Girls: MVP-Stanziano (Con); Meylan gained all-DVAL honors all four years. His coach First team-Jessica Boucher (NG), Kelly Osterkamp, Claire Olson Nick Ballew says, “Scott is a pas- (CVC), Tessa Bolter (BC), Kylie sionate athlete that genuinely Tseng, Emma Swanson (CP). Second team-Anna Reck, Kelsey Blough, Katrina Kohlmeyer, Peggy Lau (NG), Kelly Seto, Emily Orellana (CP), Sarah Verderame (CVC). Honorable Mention- Amanda Lewis, Isabelle Antolin (NG), Allie Griswold (BC), Julia Parks (CP), Natalie Ruzicka, Sofia Villa, Jessica Hevener (CVC). Chris Ruzicka

Photo courtesy Northgate High School

Girls Golf

Jason Rogers photo

MVP-Ueda (NG); First teamSkye Mingming, Serena Billeci, Kylie Tamura (NG), Hailey Salomone, Jessica Caswell (CP), Rebecca Walsh (CVC), Keanna Bozeman (Con). Second team-Lauren Curtis YV), Kelsie Emkjer, Mia Li, Jenna Stefanski, Kendra VanWestrop (CP), Mora Ognian (NG). Honorable MentionStephanie Arentz (Con), Morgan Christensen, Jordan Ray (CVC), Jennifer Lee (NG).

HAROLD TIDWELL (5) WAS VOTED Diablo Valley Athletic League football most valuable player as he helped Concord High School to second place in the league and into the North Coast Section Division II championship game. The senior runningback gained over 2500 yards rushing and receiving while also scoring over 200 points. Teammate Leandre Girls Tennis Jones (18) tried to clear the way for Tidwell in the NCS First team-Nichole Markiewicz, finals against Clayton Valley Charter. Sydney Wu (NG), Kemp, Mary

Rzepczynski is a middle reliever who has bounced around the majors since 2009. For his career, he has a 3.96 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP. Alonso is the more interesting part of the trade. He hasn’t hit over nine home runs in a season—-so he’s not a great power hitter—-but he does get on base a lot. A’s general manager Billy Beane loves players who can get on base and Alonso should be a solid hitter in the middle of the A’s batting order. The A’s also signed Ryan Madson, a reliever who had a great 2015 campaign with the World Champion Kansas City Royals. He was a pivotal member of the deadly Royals bullpen, one of the keys to their World Series title. The A’s bullpen struggled greatly this past season, so Madson and Rzepczynski should come right in and have an impact. Oakland will probably try to sign a power hitter in the next few months, especially after trading third baseman Brett Lawrie to the White Sox in exchange for two minor league pitchers last week.

GIANTS MOVES The Giants have made a couple of important moves this off-season as well. They signed shortstop Brandon Crawford to a six-year, $75 million extension. Crawford won a Gold Glove this past season, and hit a career high 21 home runs with 84 RBIs. His offensive break-out was a revelation and his continued growth as a hitter will be key for the Giants next year. Along with signing Crawford to an extension, the Giants also spent a hefty chunk of change to sign starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija. The Samardzija deal is for five years and $90 million. The former Notre Dame football player can throw some serious heat—-his fastball is in the mid-90’s. When he’s pounding the outsid corners of the plate Samardzija is a top-end pitcher. The major knock on him is locating pitches, but working with Buster Posey and Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti should help him reclaim his 2014 form when he was an allstar and had a 2.99 ERA. He’ll be able to complement Madison Bumgarner nicely as a one-two punch in the Giants rotation. The Giants will be looking for more starting pitching as the off-season progresses and they’ll also try to add some outfield punch. 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.

Page 12

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

December 18, 2015

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IT WAS 13 YEARS SINCE CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL BOYS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM qualified for the CIF State Championships. This fall, coach Anthony Munch’s team was third at North Coast Section to reach State. Celebrating their Section placement were, from left, Munch, Dylan White, Branden Busby, Michael Cox, Branden Bizicki, JJ Perez, Anthony Maytum, Sayed Opeyany, assistant coach Danny Sullivan and assistant coach Shaun Guest. The team had won the Diablo Valley Athletic League championship for the first time in 21 years. Sophomore White was second at league and fifth at NCS to pace the team. Michael Cox, Anthony Maytum, JJ Perez and Branden Busby rounded out the CVCHS scoring five at NCS in Hayward that allowed the Eagles to grab third place, a point ahead of Granada.

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Concord American Little League is holding in-person registration on Thursday, Jan. 8, from 5-8 p.m. at Westwood Elementary, 1748 West St. Boys and girls from 4-14 within the league boundaries can register. Online registration is open through Jan. 9 at callbaseball.org. Tryouts begin Jan. 10.

CRABLESS CRAB FEED JAN. 23 FOR MT. DIABLO HIGH ATHLETICS

The Mt. Diablo High Athletics Hall of Fame annual Crab Feed theme is the “2016 Crab Feed without the Crab” at Zio Fraedo’s in Pleasant Hill on Saturday, Jan. 23. The only difference between this and previous crab feeds is that diners will make a choice between prime rib or calamari steak with lemon sauce and capers since there is a major issue during the crab season. There will be the usual music, dancing, 50/50 drawing and raffle prizes. This is the main fundraiser of the year for MDHS athletics. Tickets are $50 until Dec. 31 and $60 after that date. For questions call Lou Adamo at (925) 212-9332 or email louadamo@gmail.com.

CLAYTON VALLEY HOLIDAY YOUTH BASEBALL PROGRAM DEC . 21-22

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Clayton Valley Charter High School baseball coaching staff and players are offering a holiday baseball clinic next Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 21-22. The program focuses on the skills necessary to be a successful player including batting, fielding, pitching, throwing, catch play and speed/agility drills each day. Sessions are held from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Clayton Valley Varsity Baseball Facility for boys and girls ages 5–14. Contact Eagles head coach Casey Coakley at uglyeaglesbaseball@gmail.com with questions or to register.

CLAYTON VALLEY LITTLE LEAGUE ACCEPTING PLAYER REGISTRATION ONLINE

Registration for Clayton Valley Little League is now open for the spring 2016 season. Baseball programs for players ages four to 14 and softball for girls four to 14 are both open for registration. Tryouts are Jan. 16. The CVLL program includes a Challenger Division for players with physical and mental special needs. Players must reside within the CVLL boundaries. Go to cvll.org for complete information and to register.

DIABLO FC U9-U12 COMPETITIVE SOCCER TRYOUTS BEGIN JAN. 10

Diablo FC tryouts for the 2016 season for under 8 through under 14 boys and girls competitive teams begin Jan 10 at Clayton Valley Charter High School and Diablo Valley College. There is no charge to try out and players can pre-register today at diablofc.org. For more information on the club and tryouts contact director of coaching Zach Sullivan at zachsullivan@gmail.com.

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Clayton Valley Jr. Eagles cheer is raising funds so 40 girls ages 8-13 on three squads can travel to Las Vegas Jan. 22-24 to compete in the JAMZ Nationals. The girls qualified for Nation-

CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER FROSH FOOTBALL UNDEFEATED

The Clayton Valley Charter freshman football team went 100 this fall while playing facing tough non-league opponents James Logan, Folsom and Monte Vista and then winning another DVAL championship. The young Eagles outscored opponents 558-81, averaging 411 yards of total offense per game while defensively holding opponents to 113 yards per outing. Off the field the plyers achieved a team GPA of 3.06, qualifying as a CIF scholar/athlete team.

DE LA SALLE SHOWCASE BRINGS HIGH-LEVEL SOCCER TO CONCORD

De La Salle soccer coach Derricke Brown has his Spartans facing Southern California powers Mater Dei of Santa Ana on Friday, Dec. 18, and Cathedral of Los Angeles the following day at the De La Salle Showcase Dec. 18-19 at Owen Owens field in Concord on the Spartans campus. Twelve teams will be taking part over two days.

BUSY WINTER, SPRING PROGRAMS AT ALL OUT SPORTS LEAGUES

Winter and spring programs in Clayton are filling the calendar offered by All Out Sports Leagues. Youth basketball signups are taking place with the league starting Jan. 9. Christmas break basketball clinic for boys and girls in first through 10th grades is accepting signups. For complete information on All Out Sports programs, visit alloutsportsleague.com. Diablo FC benefit Crab Feed Feb. 5 at Centre Concord The 13th annual Diablo FC benefit crab feed and raffle is set for Friday, Feb. 6, at Centre Concord. Tickets are now on sale for the event that benefits programs for the local competitive youth soccer club affiliated with the San Jose Earthquakes. Visit diablofc.org for more details and to purchase crab feed and raffle tickets.

CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER, DLS HOST BIG WRESTLING EVENTS

Top-flight high school wrestling will be coming to Concord on two January Saturday. De La Salle (No. 6 in the state last year) will be hosting a double dual meet with powerhouses Clovis West and Gilroy on Jan. 2. The Clayton Valley Classic will be hosted by CVCHS on Jan. 16 with up to 20 teams competing.

CONCORD PIONEER WANTS TO PUBLISH YOUR SPORTS NEWS

Please let us know about your sports news, special events, fund raisers, tryouts, and accomplishments. Youth leagues, clubs, schools and adult programs are all welcome to send us a rundown on what you’re doing. Include all the necessary details (too much information is better than too little!) and your contact information. It’s as simple as sending an email to sports@concordpioneer.com.

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als at three competitions during the regular season where they cheer for the Clayton Valley Jr. Eagles youth football teams. One Jr. Eagles squad will be defending their two-time national championships while another team is looking to go back-toback. The girls are raising funds to cover insurance, competition registration fees and other expenses to compete. Anyone interested in donating should mail donations to CVAA Jr. Eagles Cheer, P.O. Box 769, Clayton 94517 or go online to GoFundMe at fundly.com/national-cheer-team.

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I do my fair share of driving during the week. I may even feel inconvenienced behind a slow-pedaling cyclist on my way to work. However, my experience on

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the other side of the windshield provides me a perspective that steadies the gas pedal in these moments. Imagine this: you are pedaling along the outside of the rightmost lane as a car tailgates you. You hear a honk, perhaps some profanities and the car zips past you close enough to leave you wondering how you didn’t get hit.

This is a nightmare for bicyclists. Not only is it scary, but it leaves no room for an evasive maneuver to avoid a pothole, glass or other unexpected hazards in the roadway. The law is straightforward in that cyclists are allowed on the road, and drivers are required to provide at least a three-foot buffer when passing. Drivers may prefer that

New Year’s Resolutions for your pet Resolutions are a great way to start the year off, whether they are a list of things to accomplish or just fun ideas to make 2016 your best year yet. We often think of resolutions not only for ourselves but for our families and pets as well. Here are some top resolutions for happy and healthy pets. Make exercise with your pet a daily routine. Not only is exercise beneficial to keeping your pets happy and active, exercising your pets can also provide the same benefits to you. Take a walk every day with your dog or spend some time playing with your kitty around the house. It will increase your bond while integrating physical activity into both of your lives. Play also keeps your pet’s mind sharp. Even just five minutes a day spent tossing a ball for your dog or dangling a toy mouse for your cat can mentally stimulate them. Schedule a check-up. Just like humans, pets need a medical exam once a year, more frequently for older pets. So while you’re scheduling your doctor visit don’t

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forget to make an appointment with your veterinarian as well. Volunteer. Many people resolve to give back to their community and volunteering with shelter animals can be a very rewarding way to do so. Visit your local shelter to ask about volunteer opportunities. Walking dogs, playing with and socializing cats, and donating much needed items like blankets and food are all great ways to help a shelter. Set up play dates. Hosting play dates for your pup will help keep him socialized and get him used to new faces and other animals and people. Plus they are a lot of fun for animals and people alike. Visit the dog park, take

a walk together or invite your friends and their pets over for a great day indoors or out. Re-examine eating habits. The New Year is a great time to look at your pet’s eating routine and make healthy adjustments as needed. Resolve to feed fewer table scraps? Consider swapping in a healthy treat instead. Maybe something fresh and homemade in place of store-bought treats which often contain ingredients that are less than ideal for our dogs and cats. Take more car rides. Getting your pets used to riding in the car can have lasting benefits beyond just feeling the wind in their furry faces. Car rides are a great way to introduce your pets to new scenery. And next time you take them to the vet, the car ride might not be as frightening. Here’s wishing you and your furry friends a happy and healthy New Year. Debbie DeMello is a dog trainer and owner of Who’s Training Who in Walnut Creek. Contact her at debdemello@aol.com

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people on bikes ride on the sidewalk, but that is dangerous to pedestrians and, in most cases, illegal. Sometimes three feet isn’t available and in that case the driver should wait. Trust me, I know what it is like to be running late and wanting not to be held up by anyone. I simply remind myself that the person riding their bike has somewhere to go as well and we should all get there safely.

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SALLY HOGARTY

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The Christmas season is in full force. People seem to be rushing everywhere to get just one more present for that special someone or to find things to do that will occupy out-of-

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

December 18, 2015

Entertainment makes a spectacular gift

town guests. I have one answer for both dilemmas: give your special person the gift of entertainment, which is also a great way to keep your guests entertained. Local theater companies have decorative gift certificates that have lots of options for holiday performances or a comedy, musical or drama in 2016. You’ll not only make the receiver happy, but you’ll be investing in your community as well.

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Lafayette’s Town Hall Theatre keeps the spirit bright with everyone’s favorite six-foot rabbit “Harvey.” Full of magic and heartwarming characters, Mary Chase’s Pulitzer Prizewinning tale follows the adventures of Elwood P. Dowd and his best friend Harvey, an invisible rabbit who creates chaos for his family. Steve Rhyne plays Dowd with Laurie Strawn as his beleaguered sister Veta and John Blytt as Dr. Chumley. Director Susan Hovey has found a wonderful cast to play the lovable, not to mention very colorful, characters. “Harvey” runs through Dec. 19. Call 925-283-1557 or go to

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www.townhalltheatre.com. For a holiday treat, you still have time to enjoy Center Rep’s magical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” The perennial favorite continues through Dec. 20 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts. Michael Ray Wisely plays Scrooge surrounded by a large cast of local performers, many of whom have done the show for over 10 years. It’s become a tradition for these performers and they can’t imagine the holidays without performing in this holiday extravaganza. In fact, Wisely’s wife Wendy and daughter Olivia have also been a part of the cast for years. Call 925-943-

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EVERYONE’S FAVORITE RABBIT comes to life in ‘Harvey,’ at the Lafayette Town Hall through Dec. 19.

SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org. If you don’t mind traveling into San Francisco, you can also catch the story of Scrooge’s transformation at the American Conservatory Theatre (ACT), 415 Geary Street. ACT’s “A Christmas Carol” runs through Dec. 27. James Carpenter plays the miserly Scrooge with Ken Ruta as the ghost of Jacob Marley. For tickets, call 415-749-228 or go to www.act-sf.org. Did you send your letter to Santa? Did he receive it yet? No letters — no Christmas. Such is the premise of Fantasy Forum’s beloved children’s show “The Biggest Gift,” currently playing to enthusiastic young audiences at the Lesher Center. The story of Tucker the Elf and how he saves Christmas has several shows left: Dec. 18 at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Dec. 19 at 11 a.m., 1 and 4 p.m.; and Dec. 20 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The wonderful story for young children encourages audience participation and even allows some children to sit on the stage. For tickets, priced at $14, call 925943-SHOW or go to www.leshercenter.org. Those with a sweet tooth have quite a treat in store this December. Solo Opera will present Engelbert Humperdincks’ delectable confection “Hansel and Gretel.” The fairytale adventure features a mystical forest, two lost children, an enticing gingerbread house, and, of course, a wicked witch. The company

has pulled many organizations together to make this a special event including the Contra Costa Children’s Chorus and dancers from Lori Buffalow’s The Next Step Dance Studio. Proceeds will benefit the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 19-20 at Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd, in Walnut Creek. Tickets are $25 (youth 17 and under), $35 (seniors) and $40 (adults). For tickets, call 925-943-SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org. Enjoy your favorite holiday tunes as Pittsburg Community Theatre presents “Ringing in the Holidays: A Musical Revue.” Classic songs include “White Christmas, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Frosty the Snowman.” In addition, the Good Shepherd Choir will sing a selection of spiritual songs completing the holiday show everyone in the family will enjoy. The performance takes place Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. at the California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., in Pittsburg. Tickets are $15-23 and can be purchased by calling 925-427-1611 or going to www.pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 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

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Page 15

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IN CONCORD

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.

Tuesdays Farmers’ Market

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

On Sale Now Concerts

The Concord Pavilion is located at 2000 Kirker Pass Road, Concord. theconcordpavilion.com. Concert schedule for 2016: Apr. 29, Luke Bryan, 7 p.m. May 19, Janet Jackson, 8 p.m. July 9, Bryan Adams, 8 p.m.

ON AND AROUND THE MOUNTAIN

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

Jan. 1 Around the Mountain Hike

Start the new year with a fairly strenuous hike around Mount Diablo. 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Meet at Oak Knoll picnic area parking lot. Reservations required.

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve programs are available for registration through ebparks.org. Parking fees may apply. For additional information, contact Black Diamond Visitor Center at (510) 544-2750 or bdvisit@ebparks.org.

Dec. 20 Nature’s Ornaments

See decorative native plants and make your own replica ornament to take home. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Meet at Black Diamond Mines Upper Parking Lot.

Dec. 26 Photography at Morgan Territory

Seek out pleasing images from mountain vistas to orange and green lichen. 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Meet at Morgan Territory Staging Area.

Dec. 27 After the Fire

See how the land is healing from the fire last summer on parts of Black Diamond and Contra Loma. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Meet at Frederickson Lane entrance to Black Diamond Mines.

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Thru Dec. 20 “A Christmas Carol”

Presented by Center REPertory. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $27-$49. centerrep.org. 9437469.

Thru Dec. 20 “The Biggest Gift”

Dec. 22 – 23 “Traditions New and Old”

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Presented by California Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $42-$72. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Dec. 26 Big Fat Year End Kiss Off Comedy Show XXIII

Will Durst and company poke fun at the major news stories of 2015. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $30. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

newsandcalendar@concordpioneer.com

CHURCHES AND RELIGION

Dec. 18 – 19 A Christmas Drive Through Nativity

6:30 – 9 p.m. Bethel Baptist Church, 3578 Clayton Road, Concord. Free. bethelbaptistca.org.

Thru Dec. 21 Toys for Tots

FUNDRAISERS

Jan. 13 “Toying with Science”

Donate at Concord Moose Lodge, #567 Family Center, 1805 Broadway St., Concord. 798-0887.

Jan. 16 37th Annual Shellie Awards

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.

A combination of circus skills, mime, music and audience involvement in the exploration of science principles. 9:30 a.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469. Recognition of outstanding achievement in local performing arts. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $30. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Jan. 22 Winter Concert

Presented by Winds Across the Bay Youth Wind Ensemble. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Jan. 22 – 24 “Thoroughly Modern Millie, Jr.”

Presented by Poison Apple Productions. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Jan. 23 “BoomerAging: From LSD to OMGdays: A Musical Revue”

A tribute to the history, joys and looming terrors of Baby Boomers. 8 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $20-$35. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611.

Jan. 23 “Love for Piano Recital 2016”

2nd and 4th Sundays Pancake Breakfast

Dec. 19 – 20 Mini Boutique and Christmas Bake Sale

Delicious treats and hand-crafted items for sale before and after Saturday and Sunday mass. All proceeds benefit the Saint Bonaventure Food Pantry. 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. stbonaventure.net.

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. Dec. 18 – 20: Book Sale, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fri. and Sat.;

1 – 5 p.m. Sun.

Dec. 21: Bell Choir, 7 p.m. Jan. 4: LEGOs, 7 p.m. Registration required. Jan. 7: Origami, 3:30 p.m. Jan. 7: Author Rashed Chowdhury, 6 p.m. Jan. 11: STEM projects that are cool, 7 p.m.

Registration required.

Jan. 21: Author Rita Joiner Soza, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 25: Movie night, 7 p.m.

The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are Presented by Mina. 1:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at clayCivic Dr., Walnut Creek. $25. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469. tonlibrary.org or call 673-0659.

Jan. 24 “American Roots”

Presented by California Symphony. 4 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $42-$72. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Jan. 29 – Feb. 14 “You Can’t Take It with You”

A comedy that is fun for the whole family. Onstage Theatre at the Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St., Martinez. live@campbelltheater.com. 518-3277.

Jan. 29 – Feb. 27 “Born Yesterday”

Deliriously witty screwball comedy. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $33-$53. centerrep.org. 9437469.

Jan. 31 Winter Concert

Presented by Young People’s Symphony Orchestra. 3 p.m. Tucker the Elf and the toys set out to save Christmas. Presented Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. by Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble. Lesher Center for the Arts, $17.75. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469. 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org. 9437469.

Dec. 19: Holiday movie, 2 p.m. Dec. 28, Jan. 11, 25: Clayton Knits, 1:30 p.m. Jan. 11: Clayton Library Book Club, 7 p.m. Jan. 11: SAT Seminar, 7 p.m. Jan. 27: Yoga with Andrew Allen, 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.

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

Thru Dec. 27 “A Christmas Carol”

A sparking, music-infused production. A.C.T.’s Geary Theater, 415 Geary St., San Francisco. $20-$105. act-sf.org.

Dec. 18 – 20 “Hansel and Gretel”

Presented by Solo Opera. Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. $25-$40. lesherartscenter.org. 9437469.

Dec. 18 – 20 “The Nutcracker”

Presented by The Ballet Company of East County. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $16-$20. elcampaniltheatre.com.

Dec. 20 “Ringing in the Holidays: A Musical Revue”

Wonderful holiday show perfect for the whole family. 2 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $15-$23. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611.

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Page 16

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

December 18, 2015

i r s h t m C a y s and Happy New Year! r r e M Santa’s ‘Elves’ busy in the Workshop at Marsh Creek Detention Facility

HOLIDAY GREETINGS from the Pioneer: Tamara Steiner, Pete Cruz, Peggy Spear, Pamela Wiesendanger, Bob Steiner and Jay Bedecarré

As we approach the close of 2015, a little bit crazy staff. we are mindful of the community we Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, serve and grateful to each and every one Happy Chanukah and Happy New of our readers and advertisers. Year. Our hats are off to our extraordiTamara and Bob Steiner And the Pioneer Staff narily talented, dedicated, and perhaps

Happy Holidays Come visit us at

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DUANE AGAMAU PUTS HIS SKILLS AS A BOAT MECHANIC TO WORK in Santa’s Workshop refurbishing bicycles to distribute to the county’s needy children. The work earns him credit through the CC County Adult Ed program.

Have you ever performed on a “Canjo”? Or played in the water with a balloon-sailed wooden boat? These innovative — and handmade — toys were just some of the inventory available to good little girls and boys that was created this year at the Marsh Creek Detention Facility. It may not be the most conventional of Santa’s workshops, but don’t tell that to the inmates of the facility. For the 24th straight year, these elves have been helping the Big Guy by building more than 400 handcrafted toys and 170 refurbished bicycles that will be enjoyed by children in Contra Costa County. Shortly before Thanksgiving, representatives from many service groups throughout the county, including the Bay Area Rescue Mission, Brighter Beginnings, Contra Costa County Independent Living Skills Program, El Cerrito Fire Department, Shelter Inc., The Salvation Army-Antioch Corps, Ujima Family Recovery Services/La Casa, and VESTIA, took a pre-holiday tour to gather up a “wish list” of toys that will be distributed to needy children in the area.

Sunday, December 20 “Canticle of Joy”

A Christmas Cantata and Service One Service at 10 a.m.

Thursday, December 24 Christmas Eve Services 5 p.m. – Family Service 9 p.m. – Traditional Service

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A small group of Marsh Creek Detention Facility inmates have been working on this project primarily during the past two months of this year – when the workshop re-opened in early October. They have been busy fixing up used bikes to look and ride like new, and crafting colorful wooden toys like ball and cup games, spinning carousels, cars, doll houses, baby cradles, toy tractors, train sets and more. All of the toy makers and/or bike mechanics are students in the Contra Costa Adult School, an accredited school directed by the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE), located within the jail facility. “It feels really good to be giving back instead of taking.” says inmate Duane Agamau. He is a boat mechanic on the outside, so he brings the needed skills to reassemble and repair the bikes. In 30 days, he turned out 164 “like new” bikes. In fact, the bike workshop was big, at least in numbers. The bikes come in from police impounds, lost and founds, and through donations, etc. Agamau says that most of the bikes come into the facility in “pretty bad shape”: in pieces, rusty, no wheels, missing handlebars, among other problems.

But the elves work tirelessly to make them not only rideable, but attractive as well. Inmate “elves” Chris Cavanaugh and Leroyal Southall both have a background in construction, so that made it easy for them to build toys, like the Canjo — a banjo made from wood and a tin can, as well as balloon-powered bathtub boat. Paul Turner, who teaches the adult education class, says that the inmates can reduce their incarceration time by working in the toy shop, but that is not the only reason they participate in the toy building. “Most of them love it,” Turner says. “I’ve had inmates ask if they could come back and volunteer here after they served their time. Unfortunately, the answer is ‘no.’” The class is just one of many offered through the CCCOE. During the 2014-15 school year, approximately 2,343 adult inmates (throughout the three Contra Costa detention facilities) were enrolled in classes ranging from academic programs, including basic literacy and GED preparation, to vocational programs, including woodshop, construction, and state-of-theart computer training.

December 18, 2015

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Christmas, from page 1

working poor and their families. Last year one of Perez’s 250 Christmas Day volunteers spotted a man in line who just the previous week had painted her house. He told the volunteer, “We just don’t have quite enough money. This dinner makes it possible for us to pay our bills this month.” How does Perez fit this huge undertaking into a month that is typically the busiest of the year for moms? “This is my Christmas,” she says. “Everything else must fit in around this.”

A FAMILY AFFAIR It is all about her priorities. At her side on Christmas Day, along with the 250 volunteers, are her 96year-old mother, her son and his girlfriend, her sister from Washington, and her brother and his wife from Arkansas. In addition to her family, Perez has help from many places. Hundreds of volunteers help prior to Christmas sorting gifts and clothes and preparing the food. Clayton Mayor Howard Geller organizes a clothing drive in Clayton. Mayflower Moving donates trucks to deliver supplies to the church, and FarWest Sanitation donates Porta-potties. In the days right before Christmas, Pleasant Hill Rotary and Pleasant Hill Seventh-Day Adventist volunteers chop celery and onions and complete the food prep in the kitchen of Devino’s Pizza and Pasta Restaurant, which closes to be available to the volunteers. Volunteers from the Sheriff ’s Department cook the turkeys. “We make everything fresh and homemade,” states Perez, “nothing comes out of a can.” Christmas For Everyone (CFE) will also dispatch vans to pick up those who have no way to get to the venue. For those not able to leave their homes, like some seniors or those in Hospice, Perez has a group

of Homebound Visitors who deliver the meals and gifts. Families can sign up to be Homebound Visitors and those high school age or older can volunteer to work by signing up at www.christmasforeveryone.com. Perez’s road has not been without its speed bumps. In 2013, the CFE warehouse was broken into for the second time in four years. The thieves stole almost everything, including all the gifts, supplies and equipment needed to serve Christmas dinner. These thieves, however, had no idea who they were up against. Perez enlisted friend and volunteer Diane Heitkam to comb Craigs List and the local flea markets. Their efforts paid off when they discovered some of their stolen items at the Solano Flea Market. The pair detained the “seller” until police arrived. They recovered only a fraction of the stolen goods, but have since been able to recoup with support and donations from the community. This year, however, CFE is running short. “We lost a couple of major donors,” Perez said. “And we need everything, especially toys.” Cash donations are welcomed and groups can drop off gifts and clothing. Northgate High School Wrestling Coach Mike Wenzell will bring his team to CFE to drop off gifts for teens. Wenzell wants to instill in his young athletes the importance of giving back to the community. He has asked each team member to bring a gift for someone their own age. Gifts for teens and adults are a high-need item, according to Perez.

Happy Holidays

MARY PEREZ, FOUNDER CHRISTMAS FOR EVERYONE

around the building. I was surprised because they were drinking coffee and hot chocolate and eating pastries. They were smiling and chatting with each other. When the guests came inside each family received a gift and the children all received toys and even some bicycles. Then they went into the clothing room for tenderly used clothing. By now I knew this is what I will do on Christmas. Outside were hairstylists who gave free dry haircuts and a photographer taking pictures of the families for them to take home. Then the singers started singing Christmas carols with guests joining in. Can you imagine if Christmas For Everyone did not exist? How sad it would be for over 3,000 people not to celebrate?” To donate or volunteer, go to www.christmasforeveryone.com, or call Mary Perez, (925) 228-2233.

‘YOU GIVE UP YOUR CHRISTMAS?’ As Rose Forrest, a 20-year volunteer, says, “A friend said to me: You give up Christmas for volunteering on Christmas? “Here is my answer: When I arrived at CFE there was a line of (volunteer) families that went

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Page 17

Concord residents

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Page 18

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

December 18, 2015

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JEREMY LIEB, MD

Treating women with recurrent bladder infections can be really difficult. Because of the overuse of antibiotics, we have helped to support the so-called super bugs, which are infections that are resistant to multiple antibiotics. For example, a patient pres-

ents mild symptoms of burning or frequent urination and is treated with bactrim for a lowgrade infection. Next month another “infection” is treated with Cipro, then Amoxicillin, then Nitrofurantoin. Guess what? The next infection could be impossible to treat with oral antibiotics because the bacteria are resistant to all of them. I often advocate a natural approach to flush the urinary tract in attempt to lower the bacteria count. (A similar analogy would be using a mouthwash for oral hygiene.) Most patients are aware of the benefits of cranberry. This will help to reduce the bacteria adhering to the bladder wall. It’s important to either use a pure cranberry tablet or pure cranberry juice; sweetened cranberry cocktail juices are not effective. I usually recommend taking one ounce of juice or one

pill three times a day for 10 days upon onset of symptoms. Then continue taking once daily to suppress symptoms. It is essential to supplement with ample water to flush the urinary system. Otherwise this protocol will not be as effective. Another treatment I commonly recommend is D-Mannose. It is a nutritional supplement that is a complex sugar and sticks to the bacteria and reduces their capacity to adhere to the bladder wall. This is commonly used in other countries. I recommend treating with D-Mannose pills twice a day until symptoms improve, then once daily for prevention. D-Mannose is widely available online and at local health food stores. Once again, use this supplement with ample water intake. My recommendation is for antibiotic treatment only if an

infection is proven on urine culture and the symptoms are progressively getting worse. I usually prefer to delay treatment with mild burning and frequency because most healthy women can flush these infections without antibiotics. Obviously, these recommendations are intended as general advice and the decision when to treat with antibiotics should be made with you and your physician. Dr. Lieb is a board certified urologist with Pacific Urology. He treats general urologic conditions with a special focus on treating female and pediatric urology, cancer diagnosis and treatment of the prostate. Pacific Urology has offices in Walnut Creek, Concord, San Ramon, Brentwood, Livermore, Fremont and Antioch. 925-9377740 or visit www.PacificUrology.com.

is the case with the most ubiquitous 2015/2016 fad, fringe. Though fringe may seem a little tricky to pull off, you don’t have to be “living in the 70s,” a Bohemian fan or a western cowgirl to pull it off. No matter your style, fringe can easily be incorporated into your wardrobe. Fringe works really well on ponchos, coats, jackets, dresses and the hems on skirts. It’s also fabulous on accessories such as scarves, handbags and shoes. Needless to say, you can wear this free-spirited look just about anywhere, and it’s easier than you think. I particularly love fringe as an accessory. Whether it’s on a clutch, bucket bag or cross body bag, a fringed handbag can take you from geek to chic in a hurry. You can even try a fringed bag in a bright color to make your street style pop. Fringed jewelry continues to be prevalent. Although Tiffany has popularized the look with its recent Art Deco-based Jazz and Ziegfield collections, beaded tasseled necklaces actually originat-

ed in Edwardian times. You may be bold enough to try a full fringe statement necklace, or a cool pair of wispy earrings. If you just want to add a little fringe to your accessory styling, keep it simple with a colorful tassel necklace. Another easy way to ramp up your style with this trend is to find a fun fringed bootie or heels; it will take a classic outfit and give it just enough edge to make a fashion statement. Though fringe might seem like a trickier trend to pull off, it

works really well on coats, jackets and skirts, as well as on accessories like handbags and shoes. Needless to say, you can wear it just about anywhere. So whether it’s hanging off the hemline of a pencil skirt, showing up as an embellishment on a sweater or it’s completely covering a dress, just put your best fringe forward.

Fringe takes you from geek to chic

SUSAN SAPPINGTON

CLOTHES UP

Every season there are trends on the runway that are touted as ‘the next big thing.’ This season, when I flip through magazines or scroll through blog posts, I can’t help but be drawn to so many of the latest and greatest looks. While some styles are sure to excite, there are a few that just won’t die down fast enough (let’s face it, crop tops aren’t for everyone). Thankfully, the fringe trend is big. While we are often introduced to new trends, some just keep repeating themselves. Such

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DESIGN & DÉCOR

The countdown to the holidays is a crazy time: Searching for the perfect gifts for friends and family, accessorizing your home with baubles and garlands, and overstocking your beverage cooler before the Swarovski covered ball drops in Times Square. Busy is an understatement, but the holidays just wouldn’t be the same without all of the festive to-do’s. We all like to entertain on some level, and the holidays bring out the partying hipster in all of us. Whether you’re hosting an extravaganza of 100 or an intimate gathering of four, on the 12th day, take an inventory of your party supplies from pressed linens to having a surplus of candles in the pantry. The exterior is just as important as the interior of your home, so on the 11th and 10th days, why not spend some time outside…hanging twinkly lights, adorning the front yard trees with oversized baubles, and blowing up the obnoxious, but loved, cartoon characters that sit on your front lawn. Speaking of the great outdoors, when was the last time you had your windows washed? On the ninth day, con-

Susan Sappington is the Area Development Manager and Wardrobe Consultant for ETCETERA Clothing of New York. Send comments to susan@etcstyles.com.

The 12 days of holiday decorating sider hiring a pro, or dragging out the extension ladder, and get those windows cleaned … inside and out. Fluff your drapery, dust off the louvers, and let some natural light to shine through. We wash or dry clean our clothes, shine our shoes and steam out the wrinkles of our suites and cocktail dresses, so on the eighth and seventh days, why not show your furniture and floors some love, too? Consider bringing in the cleaning pros to remove a few lovingly made stains on the sectional and lounge chair, as well as polish the hardwood floors and clean the tiled grout lines. Photos of family and friends throughout your home have always been a wonderful way to remember the good times, a loved one who has passed or a new addition to your family. On the sixth day…and maybe even the fifth and fourth days (as this task can take some time), consider freshening up and adding to your framed photos. Fa la la la la…don’t forget about holiday tunes. Not really an interior design sort of to-do, but music, like great layered lighting, can help set the mood for a rockin’ ruckus or a lovely symphony of relaxation. On the third day, make your holiday play lists or assemble your holiday CD’s and have these music sources ready for planned or

impromptu holiday ambiance. Do you love the scent of apple pie or cinnamon sugar rolls? Or maybe you prefer fresh-cut pine? Whatever your smell of choice may be, don’t fret if you can’t create this smell by actually baking or cutting down a tree. Instead, on the second day, head out and invest in a holiday scent that creates the warmth you’ve created visually with your holiday décor. And on the day of your holiday celebration … just breathe. Relax. Turn on the holiday tunes. Take it all in, and enjoy your warm and cozy home and your family and friends. 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.

December 18, 2015

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Page 19

Go nuts over the holidays LINDA WYNER

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

California walnuts, almonds and pistachios take center stage at farmer’s markets and store bins this time of year and you might like to take notice of these little bundles of nutrition. Walnuts are the oldest cultivated tree food, going back some 9,000 years. Originally

from ancient Persia (today’s Iran), walnuts were traded along the Silk Road between Asia and the Middle East. English merchants sailed around the world with them for trade and they soon became known as “English walnuts,” even though England has never grown them commercially. Black walnuts are a native American species not widely raised commercially (but distinctly delicious). The Franciscans first cultivated English walnuts in California in the late 1700s and commercial production began soon after the mid19th century gold rush. California is the second largest producer of pistachios in the world (behind Iran). Related to the cashew, mango, sumac (and even poison ivy), pistachios are known as the “smiling nut” in Iran and the

“happy nut” in China. U.S producers used to dye pistachios red to disguise imperfections in the shells and to make them stand out in vending machines. With all the press almond growers get, one might think that it’s the only nut grown in California—in fact, the state produces nearly 80 percent of the world’s harvest. The almond is actually the seed of a fruit and a member of the rose family of plants related to cherries, plums and peaches. To the delight of most of us, chocolate manufacturers use about 40 percent of the world’s almonds in their confections. The protein in almonds is most similar to that of breast milk; many nutritionists encourage consumption of almond milk as an alternative to cow’s milk. Nuts are a good source of

French dips are oh la la RICHARD EBER & WHITNEY FLORES

TASTE AND TELL

As legend has it, French Dip sandwiches, or “beef dips,” were originally invented at either Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet or Philippe the Original in Los Angeles almost 100 years ago. Regardless of origin, the only thing that might be considered “French” with this dish might be the bread it’s served on. French Dips are still a specialty at many local eateries. Beef cuts vary from Baron of Beef (pot roast quality) to cross rib, ball tip and sometimes tri tip. Ed’s Mudville Grill in Clayton uses slowly roasted Ball Tip that is moist and full of savory flavor. The thinly sliced meat is placed on a torpedo roll topped with garlic butter. A reduction of balsamic vinegar, red and white onion, sugar and thyme are placed under the meat as the foundation of the sandwich. This is topped with a generous slice of melted Swiss cheese. A tooth pick is used to hold the sandwich together. They serve their French Dip with the traditional small bowl of au jus and a choice of a salad or homemade fries. Our second rendition of the French Dip comes from Barney’s Hickory Pit on Clayton Road in Concord. Started in 1957, this little hole in the wall has been a favorite of residents for several generations. The foundation to Barney’s unique legendary barbecue comes from their special brick oven that to this day utilizes oak to produce their unique flavors. It is unlikely anyone else could replicate this as gaining EPA permits would be impossible to obtain today. Fortunately, Barney’s oven is “grandfathered” in to its grateful patrons delight. Outside of their regular fare of barbecued ribs, chicken, pork and turkey, they also serve one of the best French Dip sandwiches around. Barney’s uses Choice Top Sirloin that they roast for several hours in their brick oven. Because of the smoky wood flavor, Barney’s French Dip has a special taste. For making a French Dip at home, we advise starting with quality meat and taking your time as you make the dish. You

may be tempted to cut corners on the au jus sauce, but trust us when we say it’s worth the extra effort. FRENCH DIP SANDWICHES Ingredients One 4- to 5-pound boneless beef rib loin, tied 1 Tbsp. kosher salt 2 Tbsp. black pepper ½ tsp. ground oregano ½ tsp. dried thyme 2 large onions, halved and thinly sliced 5 garlic cloves, minced One 2-ounce packet French onion soup mix One 10 1/2-ounce can beef consommé 1 cup beef broth ¼ cup dry sherry (or you may use beef broth) 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce 8 to 10 crusty rolls, toasted

Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 475 degrees. 2. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Rub the seasoning mix liberally over the

omega-3 fatty acids (thought to reduce the risk of some cancers) and they provide protein, several essential vitamins and minerals and antioxidants without cholesterol. Sprinkle on a waffle at breakfast, add to brownies for dessert and toss with a green salad for dinner for a little extra crunch. Try this lovely holiday salad adapted from food blogger Chris Scheuer.

ROASTED PEAR AND NUT SALAD WITH CHAMPAGNEHONEY VINAIGRETTE For the dressing, whisk together 1 minced clove garlic, mixed with 1 tsp Dijon mustard, ¼ c Champagne vinegar, ¼ c orange juice, ¼ c rice bran oil, and ¼ c extra virgin olive

oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss 2 medium firm Anjou or Bartlett pears, peeled and cored and cut into ¼” slices with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and 2 tsp sugar. Roast in a 500° oven on a foillined pan sprayed generously with cooking spray for about 15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, and watching carefully not to overbrown. Combine 4 cups each arugula and torn butter lettuce leaves with ½ c dried cranberries, ½ c crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, 3 Tbsp each roasted

Bike Concord, from pg 13

Another scenario that defensive bicycle riders prepare for is a driver entering the bicycle lane at the last minute without signaling. The bike lane is a travel lane and should only be entered when necessary to park or to prepare for a turn. A driver should only enter after signaling for an appropriate amount of time, and even then yield to cyclists. I signal and yield even if I have to stop with other cars behind me. I signal and yield even if beef loin. I think there is room for me 3. Roast on roasting rack to accelerate past the cyclist for about 20-25 minutes for medium-rare, until a meat thermometer registers 125 degrees. Cook longer if you prefer your meat more well-done. 4. Take meat from oven and allow to rest (cover with foil to keep warm). 5. Add pan drippings to a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic; stir until soft and golden. Add beef consommé, broth, sherry, Worcestershire, soy sauce and 1 cup water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn heat to low and simmer 45 minutes. 6. Pour through a finemesh strainer; reserve both the liquid (jus) and the onions for the sandwiches. 7. Slice the beef very thin. Pile beef and onions on the rolls and serve with hot au jus sauce on the side. Rich Eber is a local columnist for the blog Contra Costa Bee and a selfMatt Mazzei, Jr. described “foodie.” He teams up with Broker/Owner daughter, Whitney, a Concord native, DRE# 01881269 student, and avid cook and taster. 925-766-6745 Email comments or questions to mazzeirealty@yahoo.com editor@concordpioneer.com

and coarsely chopped walnuts, pistachios and almonds (or substitute glazed nuts from your local store). Divide the salad among 6 plates and drizzle with half of the salad dressing, passing the rest at the table. Wishing you and yours happy, healthy and well-seasoned holidays. Linda Wyner owns Pans on Fire, a gourmet cookware store and cooking school in Pleasanton. Send suggestions or questions to lwyner@pansonfire.com

help out here by simply double-checking before opening the car door. This is necessary when parking on the right side of the bike lane and also important in the absence of a bike lane as bike traffic may still be riding alongside a row of parked cars. When parking I double check my mirror before I open the door and assume a bike is there. Knowing how to correctly approach a few common scenarios goes a long way to ensure that we all enjoy the roads.

in the bike lane. This prevents nasty blindside accidents or rear-end collisions where the cyclist didn’t have room to stop. A good suggestion is for drivers to “turn from the curb,” whether there is a bike lane or not, to ensure that bike riders don’t try to squeeze through on the right. The last scenario that keeps me up at night is car doors suddenly opening in my path before I have time to react. I keep at least a bicyEmail comments to editor@claycle’s width between myself and parked cars. Drivers can tonpioneer.com.

May Peace, Joy, Hope and Happiness be yours during the Holiday Season and throughout the New Year

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‘Creed’ delivers knock-out punch

Page 20

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

“How much can you know about yourself if you’ve never been in a fight?” asks Brad Pitt’s character in one of the most famous lines from “Fight Club.” This is a question to which, despite engaging in many types of fights in his life, Adonis Johnson does not have the answer. Michael B. Jordan plays Adonis in Ryan Coogler’s new film, “Creed.” Jordan dives head first into the role and is exemplary as the pained son of former champion Apollo Creed. Adonis finds out his true lineage after yet another fight in juvenile hall. Coogler then jumps us ahead to present day. Despite a great job and having been raised by his father’s well-to-do wife, Adonis prefers fighting on the circuit in Mexico. He decides the time is right to seek training help from his father’s best friend, Rocky Balboa. Coogler seamlessly blends the glory of the past “Rocky” films with Ado-

CYNTHIA GREGORY

FOR

THE

BOOKS

For anyone who has watched firestorms devour entire towns; who has watched farmland wither and die for want of water; who has wondered if our current lack of water is not just temporary, but indeed the Mother of All Droughts, Claire Vaye Watkins’ debut novel, “Gold Fame Citrus” ( Riverhead Books; September, 2015) is

JEFF MELLINGER

SCREEN SHOTS

nis’s present day struggle. Rocky Balboa is the quintessential sports movie character in American history. For just about every moviegoer, evoking the name Sylvester Stallone will immediately conjure up memories of Rocky. A fair number of people surely think the character is an actual living human. It may be blasphemous to say, but Stallone might just do a better acting job as Rocky here than in the

previous films. As a broken man, trying to keep the pieces of his life together without anyone left around him that once mattered, Rocky at first spurns Adonis’s training proposal. Rocky does not want to get drawn back into the world he has finally seemed to leave behind. Eventually, after seeing what Adonis can do and having some nostalgic conversations about Apollo, Rocky relents. Stallone’s subtlety here cannot be understated. Every step, every lift of a box, every shadow punch; they all take every ounce of his mental and physical strength. He delivers his dialogue as a man just waiting for the end. It’s refreshing to see Stallone embracing the role of an aged Rocky. His chemistry with Jordan provides the best part of the film. Jordan is one of the finest young actors working today. At 15, he had a minor but very affecting role on HBO’s “The

Wire” and later in NBC’s “Friday Night Lights.” He has been great in films such as “Chronicle” and “Fruitvale Station,” the latter film being Coogler’s fabulous debut in which Jordan played Oscar Grant during his fateful and final day of life. As Adonis, Jordan harnesses his inner Apollo. Jordan hides a fire behind his eyes that suggests he has really studied how it would be to live as the son hiding in a champion’s shadow. Adonis has a lot of deep-down anger that comes out at the worst times. He lives a life of self-sabotage. He knows that only his father’s best friend can direct him down the right path. Rocky and Adonis are both struggling with different aspects of the impact of boxing. As Rocky trains Adonis, they both learn not just about each other, but about themselves in the process. They needed to find each other to discover their

sun blazes and when it does rain the air is so hot the water evaporates before it reaches the ground. The state is dry as death and anyone with any money at all has long since abandoned it. Vaye Watkins’ prose is powerful, and her narrative true. The story is as real as it is terrifying, because in a place where water has become mythic, geography is all that’s left. “They ate crackers and ration cola and told stories about the mountains, the valley, the canyon and the beach. The whole debris scene. Because they’d vowed to never talk about the gone water, they spoke instead of earth that

moved like water.” One night, Luz and Ray go down to the bonfires, a place where the climate refugees gather to drink, dance, forget. Down among the drifters and the druggies, the drinkers and the plain dangerous, Luz finds a strange toddler who whispers in her ear that her name is Ig, and she says “Don’t tell anyone. Don’t tell, okay?” The child appears to belong to a clutch of grafters, or to no one at all. Driven by instinct she doesn’t understand, Luz picks up the child and tells Ray they’re taking her home. Luz and her family escape Los Angeles, heading east, seeking a place more hospitable,

December 18, 2015

Sylvester Stallone and Michael B. Jordon star in ‘Creed,’ the latest in the “Rocky” films

respective places in the world. “Creed” does a fantastic job of hitting all the beats it’s supposed to hit. It does not transcend the sports genre nor does it reinvent the boxing film. What it does is provide us with an underdog from a well-known lineage who’s paired with a former champion looking for his place. While there’s a wish for more than two true fights, both the ones we get are glorious. Specifically there is some exquisite Steadicam work in which the

entire fight unfolds without a single cut. With “Creed,” Coogler has avoided the sophomore slump and established himself as one of the best up-and-coming directors today. For anyone that has loved the “Rocky” saga, this is the perfect bookend. A-

somewhere safer, somewhere with water. Their car breaks down in the midst of a borderless sand dune so vast it spreads and grows with all the desiccated bits of earth and stone and mountain that was once the Central Valley. They join a band of misfits led by an enigmatic leader who is either a visionary or a madman, or both. The collective lives on the edges of the dune, surviving somehow as an outpost of civilization, moving their temporary desert city as the sand shifts and threatens to swallow them alive. “Gold Fame Citrus” is a complex story of connection and belonging, of outcasts and

survivors, of climate change to the extreme, and about the very small scrap of nature that humanity manages to cling to, in the most adverse conditions. Part science-fiction, part cautionary parable, it is a book worth reading if ecology means anything at all in the future of the West. 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

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.

Deadly futuristic drought drowns humanity

familiar territory. In a hazy future, LA-born Luz lives in “Laurelless Canyon” with her boyfriend Ray. They are squatters in a once-famous starlet’s once-elegant house where Luz spends her days dressing up in discarded ball gowns. Ray makes lists, scavenges for gasoline, food, and anything worth trading for something else. “Your people came here looking for something better,” Ray tells Luz. “Gold, fame, citrus. Mirage. They were feckless, yeah? Schemers. That’s why no one wants them now. Mojavs.” In Vaye Watkins’ future, California is a wasteland. The rivers are dry and the underground aquifers are dust. The

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