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Concord keeps flooding at bay despite record-setting rains
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From the desk of...
February 24, 2017
925.672.0500
JOHN T. MILLER Correspondent
LAurA HOffMeiSTer
MAYOR
Working to find common ground
The mayor provides an annual State of the City speech to interested community members, and I recently did so at a sold-out event on Jan. 25 at the Concord Hilton, hosted by the Concord Chamber of Commerce. I won’t provide details about it, as the Concord Pioneer has done another great job of covering it in this edition. (See page 2). But I do want to thank the Chamber of Commerce and their staff, as well as the Concord city staff who assisted. If you are interested in seeing my State of the City presentation, it is available on the city website at www.cityofTamara Steiner concord.org, THE LOWER WALNUT CREEK FLOOD CHANNEL LOOKS LIKE THE “MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI,” as seen from the bridge on Concord Avenue
See Mayor, page 7
looking toward the Concord Hilton. Once, all that water would spread out over the Concord, Pleasant Hill flood plain instead of flowing into Suisun Bay.The flood control channel, completed in 1965, has largely made major flooding a thing of the past.
Thanks to some tidy housekeeping all year and a series of major projects dating back to the 1960s, Concord escaped major damage and serious flooding during the round of storms that hit the Bay Area in early February. The deluge moved smoothly through the former flood plains of Concord and surrounding areas through Walnut Creek and Grayson Creek and has helped fill the Delta with much-needed fresh water. Justin Ezell, director of Public Works maintenance services for the city, said preparation for winter storms takes place all year. “We clear brush and debris from the creeks and streams and make sure catch basins and storm drain inlets are kept clean,” Ezell said. “These methods help avoid localized flooding when the storms do come.”
See Storms, page 8
McGallian appointed to replace Grayson on City Council PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
There may be fireworks on the Concord City Council in the coming months, and you can blame some of them on Tim McGallian. After all, it was McGallian who stepped in on behalf of the Todos Santos Association in 2014 to save the city’s Fourth of July celebration after it was in threat of being cancelled, and one of the reasons that made him a frontrunner — and ultimately the unanimous choice — to fill the vacant seat on the council. CONCORD CITY TREASURER TIM MCGALLIAN, appointed to fill McGallian, who currently the open city council seat, will be able to hit the ground serves as the city Treasurer, running because of his many community and civic activities. takes over for another Tim,
Tim Grayson, who was elected to the State Assembly in November. McGallian’s term will run through the 2018 election. McGallian ultimately beat out 30 other candidates, and was one of seven final candidates interviewed at the Jan. 31 special council meeting. The other candidates were Andrew J. Dodd, Hope Johnson, Ajit Kaushal, Terry Kremin, Susan Swift, and Dr. Harmesh Kumar, who was the runnerup in the November 2016 election. Each candidate was asked two questions by the sitting council members, one of which was if they felt the runner-up in an election should be
From fitness to firefighter Female engineer finding her way in a man’s world
ing for something to do. She challenged me to apply. She said, ‘If you do, then I will too.’ ‘You’re on!’ I told her.” The sister-in-law never followed through, but JohnsonDavis applied, graduated from the fire academy and was hired by ConFire. She turned 40 years old when she finished her probation.
NICK MARNELL Correspondent
It took a dare from her sister-in-law for Angela JohnsonDavis to become a firefighter. “I was a tomboy,” JohnsonDavis said. “I loved playing outdoors; I loved hanging with the guys; I loved working out.” But the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District engineer never dreamed of a job in fire service. She thought she would carve out a career in the fitness industry, which she did as a young fit-
Nick Marnell
NEITHER AGE NOR GENDER were obstacles when Angela Johnson-Davis set her mind to becoming a CCCWD firefighter.
ness instructor in local gyms. “I saw firefighters working out. They would tell me how great I’d be at their job, but I never took it seriously,” she said. She married and raised a
family. At a Mother’s Day barbecue years later, her sister-inlaw, a paramedic, told her that the fire department was hiring. “In truth, I was getting bored. My son was grown. I was look-
FINDING A NEW MENTOR The crew was tough on her from the outset. “Everything is heavy,” Johnson-Davis said. “‘Let’s see if she can carry that.’ ‘You get that,’ they’d say. They want to make sure you can do the job, but still, I felt eyes were more sharply focused on me.”
See Firefighter, page 8
appointed. McGallian summed up his answer in a way many did, that it may not be the right time for that person to serve. “I ran for council before and lost. Had I won, I would not have been able to do many of the things I did, like work on the Fourth of July event and make the vital
connections with the city agencies I did. It also did allowed me to serve as city treasurer, which allowed me to understand the fiscal workings of the city. It just wasn’t my time back then (when I lost).” Mayor Laura Hoffmeister
See Council, page 8
A winding tale of downtown’s past
EDI BIRSAN PULSE OF
CONCORD
The dark folds of history hide secrets that allow only wisps of rumors to slip out and tantalize the few who glimpsed their spark. Concord is no exception to the hushed tales of the unusual, unexpected and unexplored. A common story involves an underground railroad from the special bunkers off Willow Pass Road extending to the inland base for the transport of iridescent weapons of the Atomic Age. This, however, is quite false. Meanwhile, there lives a persistent story about a hidden
labyrinth and tunnel complex in Todos Santos Plaza’s south side, from the Spaghetti Factory stretching down the block to Skipolini’s. Before Skipolini’s, it was the site of TR’s Restaurant owned by now Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and – more tantalizing – the First Bank of Concord before that. The fragments of the story relate to the era of Prohibition, when the Masonic Temple a few blocks away was hosting the swing and flapper set of the late 1920s – complete with secret handshakes and passwords. Could there have been a sinister side to the down-low street traffic that scurried out of sight? An inquiry into the city’s
See Pulse, page 8
Inside
Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . .17
From the desk of . . . . . .6 Schools . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Performing Arts . . . . . .16
Page 2
In Brief... Concord seeks applicants for City Treasurer
The appointment of Tim McGallian to the City Council has created an opening for City Treasurer. An appointee will fill the remaining term of the office of Treasurer, which expires in December 2018. The elected City Treasurer serves as an advisor provides financial oversight to the City. eligible applicants must be a registered voter, at least 18, a u.S. Citizen, and a resident of Concord. interested applicants must submit an application and a completed fPPC form 700 Statement of economic interest. The application and form 700 are on the City’s website at www.cityofconcord.org/ citytreasurer. for additional information, call the city clerk, 925.671.3495. Applications deadline is March 10 at 5 p.m.
Clayton Valley Woman’s Club
The Clayton Valley Woman’s Club invites will hold the Twelfth Annual festival of Tables and fashion event at 11 a.m. on Sat., April 22 at the Concord united Methodist Church, 1645 West Street, Concord. Proceeds from the luncheon and fashion show go to community charities and scholarships. Seating is limited. for reservations, call rosemary Harwood at 925. 672.3490. for more information, go to claytonvalleywomansclub.org.
Mayor touts city’s economic vitality Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
February 24, 2017
PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
Laura Hoffmeister must be getting used to the spotlight. The Concord mayor recently gave her sixth State of the City address to a packed banquet room full of residents, Chamber of Commerce members and local dignitaries. At the annual luncheon, Chamber of Commerce board chair Kevin Hennessy called Hoffmeister “seasoned” – after terms as mayor in 2001, 2005, 2009, 2011 and 2016. But that doesn’t describe the picture the mayor painted of her town, a 150-year-old city that is experiencing a new economic vitality and many promises for the future. Nowhere is that as apparent as in Concord Vibe, an initiative launched in January that aims to attract young professionals to city. “We offer many of the attributes that are attractive to young people, such as our craft beer scene, global cuisine, fitness centers and designer barber shops – yes, that’s a thing,” Hoffmeister said. “We also have concerts, food trucks and, in the area of housing, we have mid-century Eichler homes, which are popular to that crowd.”
Jeff roush
Business is booming in Concord says Mayor Laura Hoffmeister in an upbeat State of the City report at the Chamber of Commerce Mayors Luncheon Jan. 2.
taking advantage of today’s market advantages, Hoffmeister said. To that end, planning applications have reached a fouryear high – with 542 planning applications reviewed, plus zoning clearance for 435 new business licenses in the city. Hoffmeister also pointed to four former redevelopment properties that are primed for future development: Oak Street West at the corner of Mt. Diablo and Oak streets by the police station; Pine Street at the corner of Clayton Road and Market Street; Concord Center II on Galindo Street between Clayton Road and Concord Boulevard; and 1701 and 1711 Concord Ave. Concord is “realizing possibilities” by seeing the dream of a vibrant downtown come to fruition as a thriving retail and restaurant destination, Hoffmeister said. The down-
STRONG ECONOMIC GOALS Concord Vibe was just one of the many attributes of the city that Hoffmeister touched upon in her hour-long presentation, “The Three P’s: Planning for the Future, Realizing Possibilities and Fulfilling Our Potential.” Planning for the future is actually a guiding document the city put together that sets vision and goals on economic development efforts. It allows Continued next page the city to act long term while
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town is also home to many multi-family residential projects. Meanwhile, the mayor said the city is dedicated to maintaining and improving its other retail residential neighborhoods. Some of the multi-family residential projects include Renaissance Square, Phase II at 1825 Galindo St., with 180 units; Concord Village, with 230 apartments, bordered by Willow Pass Road, East and Salvio streets and Port Chicago Highway; the Grant, with 140 apartments, bordered by Grant Street, Clayton Road, Concord Boulevard and Colfax Street; and the Argent Apartments and Townhomes, with 181 units at the former Blockbuster site, bordered by Willow Pass Road, Port Chicago Highway, Concord Boulevard and East Street. In addition to these major residential projects, Hoffmeis-
ter described plans for the redesign of the Concord BART station, as well as Veranda, a 30-acre mixed-use retail center at the former Chevron site on Diamond Boulevard. “Now that it’s under construction, people can see just how big that project will be,” Hoffmeister said of Veranda, which is visible from I-680. NEW RESTAURANTS, RECREATION
She also talked about multicultural restaurant additions at Todos Santos Plaza, as well as improvements to Sunvalley Shopping Center such as Round 1 Family Center – which includes a bowling alley and arcade. Hoffmeister touted improvements to the Willows Shopping Center, noting the opening of Dos Coyotes restaurant and Daiso Japan along with the continued success of Eure-
ka! and Lazy Dog eateries. Also in the business realm, Hoffmeister highlighted the popular JetSuiteX, which offers flights from Buchanan Field to Burbank and Las Vegas. In the area of sports and recreation opportunities, Hoffmeister pitched the new pickleball courts, new playgrounds at Meadow Homes and Ellis Lake parks and the retention of a World Racquetball Tournament. Finally, Hoffmeister spoke of the continued success of the Concord Pavilion and the city’s partnership with Live Nation and the community in efforts to bring additional shows and community events to the venue. Hoffmeister closed out her presentation by showcasing the areas that Concord is targeting to fulfill its potential, such as places in North Concord that are ripe for research and development or industrial uses. But the major area of potential continues to be the Concord Naval Weapons Station reuse project, which is beginning Phase 1 of development. The city’s master developer, Lennar, is working with city officials, the Navy and other regulatory agencies on the next steps in the development process. Meanwhile, the appointed Community Advisory Committee meets at 6 p.m. every third Tuesday in the City Council cambers. The Mayor’s Luncheon, sponsored annually by the Chamber of Commerce, also celebrates businesses that have made outstanding contributions to the community. This year’s honors went to Luigi’s Gourmet Deli, Fresenius Medical Care, Tower Grille, Epidemic Ales, EJ Phair Brewing Co. and Acro Associates Inc.
1408 El Dorado Ct. – Concord
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Darling single story at the end of a court on a HUGE apx. .31 acre lot! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 1759sf , inside laundry room & 2 car garage! $549,000
Spectacular “Serenade” model in Falcon Ridge at Oakhurst Country Club! 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, plus a den, 2843sf with a 3 car garage! Huge lot! $869,000
5455 Kirkwood Dr. #C2 – Concord
1152 Peacock Creek Dr. – Clayton
Gorgeous Downstairs End Unit backing to tranquil wooded setting! 1 bedroom, 1 bath, approx. 696sf. Updated kitchen with granite & stainless steel appliances & updated bath. $255,000
Meticulous “Belvedere” Model in Peacock Creek at Oakhurst Country Club! 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, approx. 3911sf & rare 4 car garage & desirable downstairs bedroom & full bath! $1,095,000
1055 Feather Circle – Clayton
3601 Coyote Circle – Clayton
(925) 672-4433 cell: (925) 348-5700 georgevujnovich@sbcglobal.net
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(925) 567-6170 jenstojanovich@yahoo.com Cal BRE #01446062
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Diane Hayes
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Realtor-Associate Clayton Residents
(925) 890-4701 Dianemariehayes25@yahoo.com Cal BRE #01222762
Concord Market Update provided by Better Homes Realty
homesbydianehayes.com ADDRESS
PRICE
1715 Denkinger Rd . . . . . . . $725,000 2800 Jefferson Ln . . . . . . . . $585,000 1543 William Way . . . . . . . . $399,000 5442 Roundtree Ct #C . . . . $302,500 1133 Meadow Ln #10. . . . . . $197,000 3031 Justin Way. . . . . . . . . . $350,000
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Fantastic “San Francisco” model in Oak Hollow at Oakhurst Country Club! Prime golf course view lot! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 1638sf! Backs to 13th tee with views of Mt. Diablo! $649,000
BED/BATH SALE DATE ADDRESS
. . . . .2227 . . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . .1/17/17 . . . . .2000 . . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . .2/14/17 . . . . .1089 . . . . . .3/1 . . . . . . .2/13/17 . . . . .925 . . . . . . .2/1 . . . . . . .2/10/17 . . . . .759 . . . . . . .2/1 . . . . . . .2/10/17 . . . . .1161 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . .2/10/17
Stunning “Winter” model in Diablo Ridge at Oakhurst Country Cub! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 1595sf! Beautifully updated! Rear of complex with views of hills and City lights! $599,000
PRICE
1830 Sunshine Dr . . . . . . . . $467,000 1740 Getoun Ct . . . . . . . . . . $735,000 2974 Bella Dr . . . . . . . . . . . . $580,000 1699 Copas Ln. . . . . . . . . . . $820,000 1810 Farm Bureau Rd . . . . . $530,000 2812 Saint Joseph Dt. . . . . . $725,000
SF
. . . . .1154 . . . . .1870 . . . . .1861 . . . . .2793 . . . . .1608 . . . . .2049
BED/BATH SALE DATE
. . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . . .2/9/17 . . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . .2/9/17 . . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . .2/9/17 . . . . . .4/3 . . . . . . . .2/8/17 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . . .2/8/17 . . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . .2/8/17
February 24, 2017
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 3
Leader ready to make an Impact atre companies in multi-cultural and lower income communities – giving them a voice through theater. In 1993, she transitioned to community-based nonprofit work and honed her skills as a non-profit leader with several organizations. Most recently, she consulted with Iridescent, an organization providing STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education to girls and low-income youth. At Monument Impact, her biggest challenge will be funding. She hopes to gain broader financial support from the community and find new funding sources. She also wants to add new board members who have expertise in
KARA NAVOLIO Correspondent
Debra Ballinger Bernstein is ready for her new challenge as the executive director of Monument Impact. Since 2001, Monument Impact has addressed the needs of the 3.8 square mile section of Concord that houses one-third of the city’s population. The non-profit provides workforce programs, healthy communities programs and resident engagement to 37,000 people who are predominantly lowincome, migrant families. Approximately one-third do not speak English. Bernstein, who grew up in Lafayette and now lives in
KeNJi YAMADA
BIKE CONCORD
Bicycle transportation is entering the mainstream, and with that shift come some new road markings and signs. Sharrows are white markings on the road in the shape of a bicycle with a double chevron pointing forward. The word is a portmanteau of “share” and “arrow.” Sharrows are mostly a reminder to drivers that bicycle traffic may be
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DEBRA BALLINGER BERNSTEIN
Concord, comes to Monument Impact after a lifetime of working for social justice through non-profits. She spent 18 years in the performing arts, performing, teaching, producing and founding the-
Clayton
using the same lane. This is allowed under the vehicle code on all streets, whether sharrow markings are present or not. An additional function of sharrows is to recommend to bicyclists the best position to occupy in the lane. In most cases, this will be in the very center if the lane is too narrow for bicycle and motor traffic to travel safely side by side. Vehicle Code section 21202, paragraph (a)(3) specifies this as one of the several exceptions to the rule that bicycle traffic is to stay “as close as practicable” to the right side of the road. Because sharrows mean bicycle and motor traffic share the same space, they are not
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$619,000
Westwood — Charming 4 bedroom home with 3 updated bathrooms. Soaring ceilings, dual pane windows, fresh paint and newer carpet. Living room with beautiful wood laminate flooring and brick fireplace. Sunny kitchen with garden window and stainless steel appliances.
recommended where motor speeds exceed 35 mph. In those cases, bicycle traffic should be in a separate lane. This not only protects bicyclists from motor traffic, but it protects pedestrians by helping keep bicycle traffic off the sidewalk. Many high-traffic streets in Concord lack such separation. Bike Concord is working to change that. Like sharrows, “Share the Road” signs are only a reminder; they do not change the rules of the road. A common misconception is that “Share the Road” means bicycle traffic is to stay to the right side of the road. In fact, it’s a reminder that bicycle traf-
road markings called “sharrows” remind drivers to share the road with bicycles.
fic has a right to use the road. It is usually posted where conditions make it unsafe or impractical for bicycle traffic to stay to the right. Because these signs are frequently misunderstood, many
See Impact, page 13
Live Oak — Priced to sell 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath duet with no rear neighbors. High volume ceilings, fresh paint, dual pane windows and plantation shutters. 1,614 square feet with formal dining area & inside laundry. Fenced backyard with patio. Desirable court location. This one wont last!
Lynne & Kelly offer free staging on ALL LISTINGS
The Clayton Community Library foundation is seeking artists, musicians, authors, poets, storytellers and environmental and cultural groups for the 14th annual Creekside Arts festival, Mar. 24-25 at the Clayton Library. Theme is “Life on Main Street.” Join the library at this fundraising benefit and creatively explore the arts, culture and nature. Select awards for art entries. entry forms available at the Clayton Library or go to claytonlibrary.org. Deadline is March 13. for more infor, contact Arlene Kikkawa-Nielsen, event director, at 673.9777 or akiksen@aol.com or creeksideartsfest@ gmail.com.
Communication apprenticeships open
jurisdictions are phasing them out in favor of clearer “Bicycles May Use Full Lane” signs. Meanwhile, green paint highlights bicycle travel space. Research shows that green paint best reduces collisions when used only in “conflict zones,” spots where motor and bicycle traffic may cross paths. That’s why Concord has added it on Detroit Avenue. More is planned in projects to separate bicycle and motor traffic on other streets in Concord. Kenji Yamada is a Concord resident and works with Bike Concord. He does not own a car and gets around Contra Costa County exclusively by bicycle. Contact him at kenji@bikeconcord.org
residents can apply for sound and communication apprenticeships at the local international Brotherhood of electrical Workers office, 1875 Arnold Dr., Martinez, on the second Tuesday of each month. requires physical fitness, finger dexterity and mechanical ability. Applicants must be 17 years old and 18 at the time of selection and have a high school diploma or GeD. The three-year apprenticeship requires 480 classroom hours and 4,800 hours of on-the-job training to achieve installer status. for more information go to www.electricaltrainingalliance.org or call 925.228.2302.
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Clayton
$859,000
Dana Hills — Completely remodeled rancher with breathtaking views of Mount Diablo. 4 bedroom, 2 bath home with Anderson windows, French doors, Engineered hardwood floors and custom touches throughout. Gourmet kitchen with granite counters, wine fridge, stainless steel app. and breakfast bar.
Clayton
Clayton
$589,980
Diablo Ridge — Gorgeous, setting on golf course w/views of hills & pond! 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath with 2 car garage. Light open floor plan w/vaulted ceilings, 2 way fireplace, sunny kitchen w/breakfast nook, formal LR, formal DR, private patio, master suite w/soaking tub, walk in closet, & more views. Heather Gray (925) 765-3822 RealEstatebyHeather.com Cal BRE#01329100
$1,688,000
Near Downtown — Situated on nearly an acre, this expansive, custom home is perfect for entertaining. It features over 5,000 square feet of living space including 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. Stunning master bedroom with steam shower, fireplace and spacious walk in closet. Gorgeous chefs kitchen, au pair, 3 fireplaces and 2 attached garages. The park-like backyard offers a sparkling pool with beach entry, a built in bbq and a fire pit. Wonderful location, walk to downtown Clayton, walking trails and Mt Diablo.
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$498,000
Creekside Artists Guild
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they are forced to move farther east for lower rents. We have a network of leaders who care about this community.” Van Hofwegen, who served for eight years, is most proud of the organization’s workforce development programs. They provide technology training, job preparedness and day labor connections to help people become economically self-sufficient. “The people in the Monument community offer so much to the city of Concord,” he said. “They are hard-working, family-oriented, community-minded people. This, combined with the organization’s
Decoding bicycle street signs
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fund-raising and communications. Bernstein’s goals include addressing education inequality and adding programs for youth in the Monument area. “Girls and youth of color are not going into technology, and that is where the jobs of the future are,” she said. She also plans to work on finding ways to address affordable housing. She was disappointed by the City Council’s rejection of rent stabilization. “The issue of affordable housing is complex, and the solutions are difficult,” noted outgoing executive director Mike Van Hofwegen. “We don’t want to lose these valuable community members as
In Brief...
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Brentwood
$485,000
Garin Ranch — Entertainers delight in sought-after neighborhood. 3-Bedrooms plus loft/office and 2.5 bathrooms. Approx 2480 square feet with gas burning fireplace. Sunny kitchen with breakfast bar & pantry. Huge back and side yards, walk to downtown. Nancy Donofrio (925) 998-7705 NDonofrio@windermere.com Cal BRE#01353299
Clayton
$989,000
Falcon Ridge — “Serenade” Model! 5 bedrooms + loft & 3 baths. Gorgeous gourmet enthusiast kitchen w/granite. Huge great room/kitchen combo w/ stone fireplace! Generous loft and master w/fireplace, jacuzzi tub, walk-in, large bedrooms, spa, grass play, patio, PRIVATE! 10+ Michelle Gittleman (925) 768-0352 MichelleGittleman.com Cal BRE# 01745325
Assisting More Buyers & Sellers than Anyone Else* *Statistics based on Clayton/Concord and Contra Costa County Closed sales by volume (1/2014-12/31/2014). Data by Maxebrdi
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
February 24, 2017
Carondelet receives $15 million Hofmann donation JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
This is quite a time for Carondelet High School. The Catholic girls school has embarked on a $38 million capital campaign which was given a tremendous boost this month by a $15 million pledge from The Hofmann Family Foundation, announced the same day as the groundbreaking for a state-of-the-art athletic complex in Walnut Creek that will house seven Cougar sports teams starting this summer. After the groundbreaking, benefactor Lisa Hofmann Morgan announced that her family’s foundation is pledging $15 million to Carondelet, half of which will support need-based financial scholarships for students and half which will support the construction of a new Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math center on the Concord campus. The Catholic girls school purchased ClubSport Valley Vista tennis and swim club and is turning the 6.5 acres
into an athletic complex that will include softball, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, swimming, diving and water polo facilities for Cougar sports teams. There is also a 5,000-square foot building which is set for training, meetings and educational programs. Carondelet and De La Salle opened just over 50 years ago on opposite sides of Winton Ave. at Treat Blvd. in Concord. Carondelet president Bonnie Cotter pointed out that the Diocese of Oakland provided the boys school twice as much land on which to build. She said that in the 1960s perhaps that wasn’t questioned but today the inequity had to be rectified. One of the displays at the groundbreaking showed the land-locked footprint of Carondelet High School comparably sized with that of nearby Bancroft Elementary School, about half of De La Salle and a quarter the size of Ygnacio Valley High. “Today is the beginning of a new era for our school,” said
Jay Bedecarré
Carondelet High School held a groundbreaking last week for its new athletic complex on the site of the former ClubSport Valley Vista. using a golden shovel were, from left, Sr. Barbara Anne Stowasser, CSJ, Carondelet Board of Trustees; Ann Magovern, chair Board of Trustees; Carondelet director of athletics Caitlin Lawson; Carondelet president Bonnie Cotter; benefactor Lisa Hofmann Morgan; Walnut Creek Mayor rich Carlston; Jodie and Joe russi, capital campaign co-chairs.
Cotter. “Our girls finally will have facilities that match their amazing drive, spirit and talents and which will help them learn, excel and flourish in today's world.” Director of athletics Caitlin Lawson says the project is projected for completion “weather permitting” before the beginning of the 2017-18 school year in August. ClubSport Valley Vista contained 19 tennis courts and a 7-lane, 25-yard swimming pool that was shared with club members and community groups. Six tennis courts will be retained while the balance of the area they covered are being converted to an L-shaped, all-weather turf field for Carondelet soccer, lacrosse and softball teams. Advanced field lighting will provide extended playing time for the teams. When softball season overlaps with the other two sports a moveable fence will demark either the softball field outfield or the lacrosse/soccer field. The current swimming pool is being redone for a 10lane, 25-yard pool that will also have the necessary depth for diving and water polo. HOFMANN DONATION Ken Hofmann founded a successful homebuilding business that constructed thousands of homes in Northern California as well as commercial buildings, golf course and the Big C Athletic Club. Over the years the Hofmann family and foundation have been generous donors to Saint Mary’s College and De La Salle High School. Hofmann was also an owner of the Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Athletics. He is a member of the California Homebuilding Hall of Fame.
rendering courtesy Carondelet High School
ClubSport Valley Vista in Walnut Creek, adjacent to Boundary Oak Golf Course, was purchased by Carondelet High School and the former tennis-swim club is being converted into a seven-sport athletic complex for the Catholic girls high school. When completed this summer—weather permitting—the venue will include a 10-lane swimming pool for Cougar diving, water polo and swim teams, six tennis courts (retained from the club’s 19 courts) and an all-weather L-shaped field for use by Carondelet softball, soccer and lacrosse teams.
The De La Salle Academy for middle school boys is in the former Hofmann Company headquarters in Concord across from the Big C. “This is an incredible gift and an opportunity for our school,” school president Cotter said. “This gift paves the way for us to complete our athletics complex and take on two other important priorities for the school – need-based student aid and STEAM education for women.” “This really is a historic occasion for my family, my daughters and the Carondelet community at large. It is my hope that our family's philanthropy will inspire others to do more, be more and imagine more for all the young women here at Carondelet and in our
community,” said Ms. Morgan, whose five daughters graduated from Carondelet. The multi-million-dollar gift will allow Carondelet to advance its plans to build a high-tech STEAM Center that will “enable the school to continue innovating its curriculum and preparing young women for careers in these fields.” It will also permanently endow a scholarship fund to help make a Catholic high school education available to more families that would otherwise not be able to afford it. “This campaign represents the most exciting venture undertaken by the school since 1965,” said Sheila Gilchrist, Carondelet Campaign Director. Sr. Joann Heinritz, Caron-
delet High School’s director of spirituality and mission, led a group of dignitaries, government officials and school supporters in a blessing at the groundbreaking. Before Sr. Heinritz could finish, the skies opened up in a downpour that the audience packed into a temporary tent hope is some kind of positive omen. Future generations of young women at Carondelet will play and learn on facilities Olympic Gold Medalist and World Cup soccer champion Tiffany Roberts and 12-time Olympic swimming medalist Natalie Coughlin could only dream of sharing with their Cougar teammates. Over 9,000 Carondelet alumnae from its graduating classes agree.
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June 23 – July 15 and July 31 – Aug. 11
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† Up to 40% off per guest is based on a discount off applicable Launch Fares on a space-available basis at time of booking on select categories and sailings. Launch Fares are offering fares and may not have been in effect for the past 90 days or resulted in actual sales in all categories. Intermediate discounts may have been taken and fares may remain at discounted levels after this promotion. * Fares apply to minimum lead-in categories on a space-available basis at time of booking. Fares for other categories may vary. Fares are per guest, non-air, cruise- or cruisetour-only, based on double occupancy and apply to the first two guests in a stateroom. These fares do not apply to singles or third/fourth-berth guests.This offer has limited space regardless of stateroom availability and may not be combinable with any other public, group or past guest offers, including Air discounts. Fares quoted in U.S. dollars. Deposit of $100 per guest made under Summer on Sale are non-refundable. Offer is not transferable and is available to residents of the 50 United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Bermuda and the District of Columbia who are 21 years of age or older and receive this offer. This offer has limited space regardless of stateroom availability and may not be combinable with any other public, group or past guest offers, including Air discounts. Please refer to princess.com/sale for terms, conditions and definitions that apply to all bookings. Offer valid: March 2 – April 20, 2017. Reference promotion code: Q3-and QVNote: For assistance reserving a wheelchair-accessible stateroom, please call 1-800-774-6237. ©2017, Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. Ships of Bermudan and British registry.
February 24, 2017
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Ask Us
Page 5
City still hopes to purchase Coast Guard housing land Q: What is happening with all those empty buildings on Olivera next to the North Concord Bart Station? Can’t this be used to house the homeless? – John B., Concord A: The property you refer to is owned by the U.S. Coast Guard. According to Victoria Walker, director of Community and Economic Development for Concord, the city would love to buy this 58-acre property, which is contiguous to the Naval Weapons Station. There are two projects on the property, Quinault Village and Victory Village. As they stand, the buildings are unin-
habitable. The units are mostly three- and four-bedrooms built in the 1950s, presumably without building permits. About two years ago, the Coast Guard asked the city if it would be interested in buying the properties at fair market value for development – with the condition that 25 percent of the units be dedicated to affordable and veterans housing. The Coast Guard’s initial plans were to sell the Concord properties and use the proceeds to build military housing elsewhere in the Bay Area. “The city got very excited,” said Walker, noting that there were at least four serious conversations and one meeting.
“We thought the deal was imminent,” she said. But Walker said that talks stopped after the government started pricing land in other locations. “They were unprepared for the price of Bay Area real estate. They put negotiations on ‘pause’ and that’s where they stay,” she said. “It’s sad because we have such a need for affordable housing.” The city continues to check with the government every month, hoping for some forward movement. If you have a question about something you’ve seen or heard around town, send it to editor@ concordpioneer.com and we’ll do our best to answer it.
We specialize in educating you to improve and maintain your wellness
Letter to the Editor The Future of Downtown Concord Parking The January Pioneer included an article by the Concord planning commission explaining plans to build several large apartment buildings downtown. Unfortunately, our planning commission has been encouraging developers to propose plans with fewer on-site parking spaces than have been required in the past. I am concerned this push to reduce on-site parking spaces will cause spill over into the precious
few public parking spaces available around Todos Santos Plaza. Our two public parking structures are already filling up during special events. With hundreds of apartments being planned for the area, it seems obvious the result will be fewer parking spaces available for Concord residents visiting downtown. Eliminating free public parking is a popular idea in urban areas like Oakland and San Francisco,
where good public transit options exist. However in Concord most of us do not have such options. You and I may soon be prevented from enjoying downtown events and amenities if the planning commission allows developers to build apartments with inadequate parking. Please remind them downtown Concord belongs to all of us.
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
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The initial two months of 2017 have been filled with national anxiety and a 100year record rainfall. But before jumping into the new laws, challenges, and hurdles we face in 2017, I want to take a minute to celebrate our community’s crime fighting efforts for 2016. Concord’s overall crime rate saw a reduction of nearly 6 percent in 2016, compared to 2015. Violent crime was reduced by more than 9 percent, and property crimes were down more than 5 percent. There were several significant changes for 2016, starting with homicides going from five in 2015 to one in 2016. The lone homicide victim was killed by her
boyfriend in Newhall Park. He was later arrested in Nevada. The largest drop in violent crime occurred in robberies, which fell 12.6 percent in 2016. Robberies are those instances where an item is taken by force or fear. All types of robberies (street, business, shoplifting that resulted in a robbery, carjacking, residential) dropped except one field: Bank robberies went from one to three. Our bank robberies were part of a Bay Area series, and those suspects were apprehended. I was most impressed with the continued decline of burglaries. Residential burglaries fell another 23 percent. That’s astounding. The credit belongs to a vigilant community – our neighbors, police
officers and improved monitoring capabilities at homes. We did see an increase in break-ins at churches and schools, but most of these burglaries saw little or no loss. The single most important action every one of us can take in preventing and/or reducing theft starts with our cars. I have said this over and over: Most car thefts are crimes of opportunity. There were some cases where the car was broken into and nothing was left in plain view. But for the vast majority, something valuable was sitting right on the seat. The encouraging news is that car break-ins went from 1,007 cases in 2015 to 811 cases in 2016 – a 19 percent
Residents can apply for a vacant Concord seat on the Iron Horse Corridor Advisory Committee. Rosanne Nieto has represented Concord on this committee for many years. She recently resigned to focus on a community advisory group in Concord. I thank her for her service to our community. KAreN MiTCHOff The Iron Horse Corridor COUNTY stretches 18.5 miles from the Alameda County line north SUPERVISOR to Mayette Avenue in Concord. Formerly a Southern Pacific Railroad route, the features a paved, multi-use Iron Horse Corridor now trail for walking, jogging and
bicycling along with adjacent unpaved or soft trails in some areas. The East Bay Regional Park District manages the paved trail, known as the Iron Horse Regional Trail. The corridor also includes a number of underground utility lines, such as water lines, gas pipelines and fiber optic systems, as well as flood control channels, power lines and portions of a few local streets. In 1997, the county Board of Supervisors authorized the Iron Horse Corridor Advisory Committee to assist the county in developing a manage-
GuY SWANGer
POLICE CHIEF
decrease. Let’s get that number below 700 for 2017. Begin today by cleaning the inside of your car, leaving nothing visible. Concord continues to show pride of ownership. I applaud the efforts between community and business members and our department to fight crime. Let’s keep up the good fight in 2017. Guy Swanger is Concord’s Chief of Police. Send questions or comments to ContactCPD@cityofconcord.org.
Opening on Iron Horse board
ment program for the Iron Horse Corridor. The advisory committee includes seats for one representative from each jurisdiction or unincorporated community along the corridor, a District II seat, a District IV seat and a seat for the park district. Residents of Concord interesting in serving on the committee can contact my office at 925.521.7100.
Karen Mitchoff is Contra Costa County District IV supervisor. Email questions or comments to karen.mitchoff@bos.cccounty.us
Spring tours available at popular Vasco Caves
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Vasco Caves Regional Preserve is unusual because it is only accessible by naturalistguided tours through advance reservation. This protects an area that has long been sacred to a number of California Indian tribes from the Bay Area and the Central Valley. For native people, Vasco Caves was a place of prayer and spiritual reflection for specially initiated religious leaders. The preserve contains spectacular rock outcrops, rock art and small caves. It is home to several rare and endangered animals, including fairy shrimp, which inhabit rock pools that fill with water in winter and spring. This area and its unique resources were saved by the combined efforts of the East Bay Regional Park District and Contra Costa Water District, which jointly acquired it. The park district manages the park and works to limit the impact of adjacent wind turbines on the park. Park district biologists have obtained a $122,000 grant from the Federal Bureau of Reclamation to study the fairy shrimp. They will work with scientists from Cal State Sacramento and two local consulting firms to locate and explore rock pools at Vasco Caves and at Brushy Peak Regional Preserve near Livermore in search
of the endangered creatures. Spring is the time to see this park, when the hills are green, pools are full and wildflowers are in bloom. Tours leave from Round Valley Regional Preserve south of Brentwood or Brushy Peak Regional Preserve near Livermore. They last from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tours from Round Valley are March 11, 18, 19, 25 and 26 and April 9, 15 and 28. Those from Brushy Peak are March 5 and 12 and April 29 and 30. These popular tours are restricted to ages 10 and older. The fee is $30, or $34 for non-
KiMBerLi BuCKLeY
CONCORD LIBRARY
February is Library Lover’s Month, and the Concord Library has been celebrating all month long. It’s awesome that libraries get a whole month to celebrate how special they really are. I love that libraries are seen as safe and quiet places to relax and read. The library is also a great place to learn new things, and our amazing website – ccclib.org – brings access to even more books
district residents. For more information and reservations, call 888-327-2757 and select option 2. This is likely to be a really good year for wildflowers. You can get an early start on wildflower viewing by joining the naturalist staff at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 12, for a two- to three-mile stroll through the oaks and chaparral. Meet at Black Diamond Mines’ uppermost parking lot at the end of Somersville Road, 3½ miles south of Highway 4. For information, call
888.327.2757, ext. 2750. And mark your calendar for Sunday, April 9, for the Spring Wildflower Festival 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at SunolOhlone Regional Wilderness in southern Alameda County. Activities will include wildflower hikes, arts and crafts and live entertainment. The park is on Geary Road off Calaveras Road about five miles south of I-680. Parking costs $5 per vehicle; entry to the festival is free.
and information. One of my favorite things about the library is that we offer so many free programs and services. There are story times for young children, homework help given by teen volunteers and even a coloring club for adults. You can always get assistance from librarians on how to find information and, of course, borrowing books and materials is fun. There’s even more to do at the library nowadays. Lots of different groups gather in our meeting room. Just to mention a few, we have a club for knitters, a fibromyalgia support group, a mystery book club
and tax help from February to April 15 every year. Help us celebrate Library Lover’s Month by stopping by the Concord Library. Show your love for this wonderful community meeting place and discover a treasure trove of ideas. We strive to give the community the best customer service and a positive library experience. Hope to see you at the Concord Library.
Beverly Lane president of the board of directors of East Bay Regional Park District.
Library celebrates a month of love
Kimberli Buckley is the senior community library manager at the Concord branch of the Contra Costa Library. Email questions or comments to KBuckley@ccclib.org
February 24, 2017
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
City moves to preserve 3 trees
Page 7
Directory of Advertisers Area code 925 unless otherwise indicated
Business Services/Employment
O.C. Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(916) 215-9309 Rising Moon Marketing & Public Relations . . . .672-8717 Construction and Trades
Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700
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DOMiNiC ALiANO
PLANNING COMMISSION
In February, the Planning Commission designated three trees as heritage trees: a Zelkova serrata, a coast live oak and an olive tree. A heritage tree designation aims to protect a tree from being disturbed. The status is determined by an analysis of the tree’s age, rarity and size, as well as aesthetic, botanical, ecological and historical value. If a tree meets the criteria, a municipality may then make the designation to protect and preserve the tree’s beauty and history. The Zelkova serrata at Concord’s City Hall is planted close to the Human Resources Department building. It is believed that this tree was planted shortly after the Civic Center was constructed. This Zelkova serrata is the tallest in the city. If you are interested in seeing this tree, enter the Civic Center through the parking lot on Salvio Street and make your way
Dr. NeLLie MeYer
MDUSD
SUPERINTENDENT
The Great Kindness Challenge Week was an excellent opportunity for students to demonstrate their amazing capacity for kindness. It’s an important characteristic the district celebrates as part of character education and good citizenship programs, including Positive
Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .822-5144 Gary’s Home Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .787-2500
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Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737 Tamara Steiner/Concord Pioneer
This Coast Live Oak in Todos Santos Plaza is one of three trees recently designated “heritage” trees by the Concord Planning Commission.
to the Human Resources building. The coast live oak is located in the heart of Concord. It is to the right of the stage in Todos Santos Plaza, if you are facing the stage. Back in the 1930s, Todos Santos Plaza was a eucalyptus grove. It is believed this tree was planted with the wisteria pergola when the eucalyptus grove was removed. The olive tree is at another historical landmark in Concord, the Don Fernando Pacheco
virtue of either its location, health, confirmation, age, size or rarity, or any combination of the same.” The tree “must be in a location and in a state of health which indicates a high possibility of survival, given reasonable care, and in a location which would not automatically preclude reasonable future development of the site.” Email Dominic Aliano at dominicaliano863@gmail.com
Showing kindness is not a challenge for MDUSD students
Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) and Soul Shoppe programs that help all students be an active part of compassionate, collaborative and respectful school communities. It’s also part of the Restorative Justice programs, which help students resolve conflicts in a respectful and effective way while building community. The week’s focus on kindness resulted in some extraordinary student activities. Students across the district created posters about kindness, often including a favorite
Mayor, from page 1
Meanwhile, I would like to welcome aboard the newest Concord City Council member. The council unanimously selected Tim McGallian at the Jan. 31 meeting, after an application and interview process to fill out the term of Tim Grayson – who was elected to the state Assembly in November. In mid-March, I will be attending an annual conference in Washington, D.C., to meet with representatives of the new administration on issues that local cities would like their assistance on – especially transportation and infrastructure. Funding for transit and roadway repair is vital to manage traffic and keeping our
Adobe at 3119 Grant St. This tree is believed to be one of Concord’s first plantings, because the adobe was constructed in 1844. We do not know the exact age of the olive tree. The city has the authority to designate heritage trees on public or private property if they meet the Concord development code requirements. The code requires that “the tree must be considered an outstanding specimen (or group) of its species by
economy moving. I will provide highlights on what I learn in a future column. I am also working with the Mt. Diablo Unified School District to set up a joint meeting this spring to discuss common issues. We will learn about what each separately elected body is working on and options for collaboration. It’s important for the city to understand the plans for reopening Holbrook Elementary School, not only from an educational perspective but because traffic and circulation patterns will once again change. We need to work together to make things as smooth as possible.
The UPS Store
quote. A Riverview Middle School student selected a quote by Jennifer Hogan that I like a lot too: “It only takes one person and one act of kindness to inspire others and create change.” Students at Cambridge Elementary created a stunning “Kindness Tree,” with each colorful leaf describing an act of kindness or helpfulness. Older students engaged in thoughtful discussions related to practicing kindness in word and deed on social media. Cyber bullying by students and adults has a nega-
I have been attending meetings to learn about Community Choice Energy (CCE), which allows the pooling of consumer electrical demand within a region for the purpose of buying and selling energy to its customers. PG&E would still be responsible for transmission, distribution and billing. The most common reason for a city to join or establish a CCE is to promote and purchase renewable energy sources. There are pros and cons to this type of program. Although CCEs have typically been able to provide energy at lower costs than PG&E, it is not guaranteed. And with the new federal administration, it is uncertain if changes to solar incentives and other renewables would impact their
tive impact on learning, and on the community as a whole. I am proud of the students for not confining acts of kindness to a single day or week. The practice of civility and respect is a daily, lifelong commitment. Every day, MDUSD students demonstrate that in a world where they can be anything, they choose to be kind. Dr. Nellie Meyer is Superintendent of Schools for MDUSD. Email questions or comments to meyern@mdusd.org
Events
Clayton Theatre Company
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.claytontheatrecompany.com
Financial, Insurance and Legal Services
Van Wyck, Doug – State Farm Insurance . . . . .672-2300 Funerals
Oakmont Mortuary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-3311 Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Health and Wellness
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Waraner Bros. Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .831-2323 Waraner Tree Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-0334 Mailing Services
The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Real Estate and Mortgage Services
Bennett, Nancy – Keller Williams . . . . . . . . . . .606-8400
Clayton Fair Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-0324
French, Lynne – Windermere Real Estate . . . .672-8787 Hayes, Diane – Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . .890-4701
rate structure. Under state law, if the City Council chooses to have their community join such a program, all customers of PG&E will be automatically changed to the CCE. However, customers would be able to opt out. Walnut Creek and Lafayette recently joined an existing program, Marin Clean Energy (MCE), and several West County cities have been in MCE for several years. In addition to the fact that more of the energy comes from renewables such as solar and geothermal, it will help the city meet state-mandated green house gas reduction goals.
Email questions and comments to the Mayor at Laura. Hoffmeister@cityofconcord.org
Lopez, Stephanie – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . .305-9099
Mazzei, Matt – Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757 Stojanovich, Jennifer – Better Homes Realty . .567-6170
Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . .672-4433 Recreation and Fitness
Camp Concord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .671-2267 East Bay Regional Park District . . . . . . . .(888) 327-2757 Senior Services
All About Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .698-1867 Services, Other
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Page 8
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Record rainfall ends drought, fills reservoirs
WOODY WHITLATCH WEATHER WORDS
You can hear the whispers all around the Bay Area. People know they shouldn’t say it, but they can’t hold it in any longer. It’s just that … (shhh) we’re all really sick of the rain. Of course, anyone who dares speak their mind is quickly filled with remorse and adds, emphatically: “But we really needed the rain.” Because California’s Mediterranean-style climate includes a persistently dry late spring to early fall, we look at precipitation totals on a wateryear basis – not a calendar year. We’re currently in the middle of the 2016-’17 water year. Northern California enjoyed a healthy start to this water year in the final months of 2016. During the first few weeks of January and most of February, our area also was the beneficiary of a nearly continuous series of storms. Several of the storms were of the moisture-laden Pineapple Express variety. Winter sports lovers were treated to some cold snow weather fronts delivered by the polar jet stream. At Concord Airport, 8½
Scott Hein
With the winter’s heavy rains signaling an end to California’s five-year drought, creeks in the valley and on the mountain are bursting their banks. Hikers by the hundreds are heading up Mt. Diablo between the storms, eager to brave the mud for view of the rare rushing waterfalls. See more Scott Hein photos at http://photos.heinphoto.com.
inches of rain was recorded in January – more than five inches above normal for the month. In February, Concord Airport recorded rain on 11 of the first 17 days. A total of 32 of the first 48 days of 2017 have been wet. As of midFebruary, Concord Airport has received about 150 percent of normal rainfall to date and is already at 111 percent of the entire water year. In the Northern Sierra, using an eight-station index, precipitation was 218 percent of normal as of Feb. 17. For the water year, this index hit 174 percent of normal.
Storms, from page 1
The city also supplies sandbags around the clock at the Gasoline Alley location off Concord Avenue. Seniors and disabled people can pick up bags already filled, while other residents are provided bags and shovels to prepare their own. “When storms come, we monitor water levels and known hot spots. But otherwise, we just wait and support,” Ezell said. He noted that a few trees came down and roadways needed to be cleared, but there was no major damage. Heavy rains and high tide nearly caused creeks to flood on Tuesday, Feb. 7, but the rain stopped just short of the high tide peak about 10 a.m. “The timing was good,” Ezell said. Prior to the 1960s, however, the whole area from Walnut Creek to Martinez would often
be underwater following heavy rains like the ones we had in January. In 1957, major flooding put the Gregory Gardens, College Park and Sherman Acres subdivisions and much of Concord under as much as 3 feet of water. In the 1960s, the Contra Costa Flood Control and Water Conservation District, along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, took on many projects to reduce flooding. In 1965, the corps designed and built the flood channel through Lower Walnut Creek near where it empties into Suisun Bay, along with many other improvements in the Central County watershed system. While the work helped ease danger, major flooding in 1997 and New Year’s Eve 2005 caused $2 million to $3 million in damage. Planners are look-
Firefighter, from page 1
Her first assignment got off to a rocky start. “They sent me to a station, but they didn’t tell the captain I was coming. He didn’t want me,” JohnsonDavis said. The captain was near retirement and did not want the burden of training a probationary firefighter. Later that day, the engineer walked into the captain’s office and told him that he would train the new kid. “He saved me,” Johnson-Davis said. “He had five daughters. He’d give me things to do, then he’d sit back in his chair, smoke a cigarette and we’d go over everything. He was thrilled to pieces, and I hung on his every word.” In return, Johnson-Davis vowed to assist anyone who asks for her help. “It’s not going to dim my light to share everything that I know,” she said. Negative reaction from the public was minimal. Occasionally people ask if she has to clean or cook. “We all take turns,” satisfies those queries. Johnson-Davis, 52, believes
February 24, 2017
that since she was near the age of their wives, the old timers at the station treated her with respect. “The young guys, I was their mothers’ age. They were used to doing what their mothers told them to do, so I earned that level of respect,” she added.
CARVING A NEW PATH The self-assured JohnsonDavis grew up in Concord, attended Mount Diablo High School and works out of Concord Fire Station 8 on Clayton Road. She said that simply working in Concord provides her the greatest pleasure in her job. “I’d do this for free,” she said. “It feels great to help the community.” According to district records, ConFire employs 11 female firefighters out of 232 – slightly above the national average of 4 percent. She does not know why so few women choose her industry but notes that joining the fire service might have been
Northern California and its mountain watersheds benefitted greatly from the rain and snow. The California Department of Water Resources performs monthly snow core surveys at more than 100 sites in the Sierra. Hydrographers then calculate a value called snow water equivalence (SWE), which is the amount of water that would result if all the snow melted simultaneously. On Jan. 1, the statewide SWE was 64 percent of normal. By Feb. 1, it had increased to 173 percent of normal. To get a sense of how this
ing at further solutions to ease flooding. One option is restoration of Lower Walnut Creek. Restrictions on silt removal that respond to newly listed endangered species and regulatory requirements have resulted in the increased possibility of local flooding in Martinez, Concord and the unincorporated area of Pacheco. Another project proposes raising the levees on both Walnut and Grayson creeks to ensure that the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District’s wastewater treatment plant in Martinez is protected from flooding. Meanwhile, the local flood control district is responsible for maintenance of the flood channel “in perpetuity.” “We are always working on it. People just don’t see it,” said Paul Detjens, a senior civil engineer. “They forget about flood control efforts until they don’t work.”
more difficult had her child been younger. Though hardly coming across as making a political point, Johnson-Davis accepts that her role is groundbreaking. She feels obligated to set a good example by working hard to gain the trust of the public and her comrades. “Angela has always been a great role model for our employees and for all women in the fire service,” said Capt. Shane Kelly. “I’m lucky to have her as my engineer.” Johnson-Davis offers succinct advice to women considering a career in an industry that features sleep deprivation, non-traditional hours, potential life-endangering emergency calls daily and, according to the Center for Fire, Rescue and EMS Health Research, high rates of divorce and alcoholism. “The job is challenging,” said Johnson-Davis, who missed a year rehabbing a shoulder injury after a fire attack. “Don’t be afraid to stand out. Don’t be afraid to work hard. Don’t be afraid to take a risk. You can do anything that you want to do.”
compares to drought years, just two years ago the February SWE was only 23 percent of normal. The prior water year, it was as low as 14 percent. All this bodes well for California’s water supply. Lake levels have risen dramatically over the last month, and major reservoir levels are at about 125 percent of normal capacity. Locally, the Los Vaqueros Reservoir near Brentwood is holding more water than it ever has. Last week, the reservoir’s storage level rose above 133,000 acre-feet, surpassing the high reached in 2013. The Contra Costa Water District will continue to fill
the reservoir while conditions are favorable, depending on Delta water quality and energy costs. Water from the Delta is pumped into the reservoir when water quality is good and is then used to keep water quality high for customers when salinity levels rise in the Delta. So does this mean the California drought is over? The Pacific Institute recently reported that the U.S. Drought Monitor for the northern half of the state has been downgraded from a severe drought classification to either slight drought or drought free. All this good water news is welcome, but there are
caveats. Some effects of the recent drought, like ground subsidence and tree loss, cannot be corrected. Also, it will take years for ground water supplies to return to normal. And, there is always the threat that another long drought cycle is not too far down the road. Still, Northern Californians can breathe a large sigh of relief thanks to the extraordinary rain and snow events of January. We may grow weary of the wet weather, but we really needed the rain. Woody Whitlatch is a meteorologist retired from PG&E. Email your questions or comments to clayton_909@yahoo.com
Pulse,
from page 1
street records and building permits revealed nothing. It might have died there, if not for a casual encounter with a celebrated old timer who was in the steel erection materials and construction work. At a Rotary lunch, he mentioned: “Oh yeah, I remember giving the steel beams for some work down there 40 or 50 years ago.” A call to the Spaghetti Factory confirmed that there is a staircase going down from the street level that ends in a bricked-up doorway. Likewise, Skipolini’s has a stairwell leading down to a storage area on the parking lot side of the building. But going down below street level, the small storage area is blocked by a set of floor to ceiling stainless steel cabinets. No one seems to know what is on the other side. Then I had a breakthrough discussion about the mystery with Capriotti’s owner. Having been a long-time customer of their excellent award-winning turkey sandwich called the Bobby, I had an in. He took me aside, making sure we were not followed. He led me to a secret trap door that led down into the heart of the complex. There I saw various replacement beams from the last century in a series of interwoven darkened passages and rooms. There were bricked-in walls and amazingly dry, though dusty floors. At the end
Secret rooms and dark passages lurk under the sidewalks in Todos Santos Plaza. Solve the mystery in 300 words and Concord’s vice mayor will buy you lunch.
of one door-less way, there was a small room with two very old waist high ... what I could only describe as “body freezers.” Each was about 6 feet long, with a double set of doors on top. It was clearly some sort of machinery that predated modern refrigeration. Asking about it brought no answer, for Truth or Dare had not been played in this room devoid of any reference to use other than the two aluminum coffins. No markings revealed
Council, from page 1
agreed that McGallian’s time is now. “We need someone like him at this time…we need someone who can hit the ground running.” For his part, McGallian is thrilled with his new role. “It’s an honor, but more than anything else it’s a responsibility.” He told the Pioneer last week. “Concord has been a wonderful place for my wife and I to raise our three kids, and I know from my work with the community that this takes a lot of energy and effort. I take this very seriously, and in these first two weeks we really hit the ground running. In terms of what he can bring to the council, he says that a big part of what he does for his day job at State Farm Insurance is to help businesses communicate better with their customers. “I have a very good understanding of social media and two-way communications that can help our city. My background as a Planning Commissioner and city treasurer has given me a great foundation that is vital to this role. I am also very patient, and I have the ability to work with numerous different groups —
even if they disagree with me.” When asked what he will focus on first, McGallian said that he thinks any city’s success starts with being safe. “Right now I’m working with our public safety leaders to figure out what’s needed and what needs to be prioritized.” He also says a city’s ability to provide services depends on its economic health. “I want to make sure we’re providing an environment in our city that is fair and makes it easy for businesses to succeed, so economic downturns don’t leave us with vacant storefronts, blight, and no money to provide city services.” Finally, he says he is seeing more divisiveness in politics than ever before. “I’m not under any illusion that I can fix this at the national level, but I want to do my part to make sure this doesn’t spread to our community,” he says. “I want to spend this year working on different ways our city can have two-way dialogues with members of the public. This won’t be a one year effort, but rather something that is going to constantly evolve and need re-evaluating.” During the interview
a clue, but surely there was something otherworldly here. Carefully I lifted the latch-less cover to reveal ... Now it is your turn to complete the story. Send in 300 words to ed@edbirsan.com and win a lunch for two in Concord with the vice mayor.
Send comments to EdiBirsan@gmail.com or 510.812.8180 or visit www.PulseOfConcord.com process, McGallian touched on other issues important to Concord. He said that what he envisioned a world-class project the redevelopment of the Concord Naval Weapons Station could become, he saw something that encompassed the SmartStreets program already being employed in the city, the attraction of a California State University campus, and mixed-used developments. “”I want something that people will come to Concord to see how it’s done.” When asked about what percent of affordable housing should be required, he said “it really depends on the project.” When looking at the budget — something he routinely does as city treasurer — he said it’s a “balancing act,” but he would like to see an emphasis on infrastructure like roads and sewers, “not sexy stuff, for sure,” he said. We don’t want the first impression of perspective business to be of potholes and failing roadways.” McGallian, a Sacramento State graduate, grew up in the Bay Area and came to Concord 13 years ago with his wife Michelle and their then-baby son. “My wife actually grew up in Concord, and she sold me on how this was a great place to raise our family.”
February 24, 2017
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Understanding Surgical Weight Loss
Page 9
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in the stomach that restricts how much food can be eaten, and reattaches the small intestine so food passes without being broken down and absorbed. Sleeve gastrectomy turns the stomach into a slender tube that limits the amount of food one can eat. Gastric banding places an adjustable, inflatable band around the stomach to limit food consumption. Another option is the gastric balloon which offers a nonsurgical alternative. An inflatable balloon is placed into the stomach and filled with saline. The weight and size of the balloon gives the sensation of feeling full and restricts the amount that can be eaten. Many patients like this alternative because it does not involve surgery. Whichever procedure a patient decides on, results can be profound with lasting weight loss. Most
patients lose weight quickly, maintain healthy body weight and feel comfortable with their new lifestyles. Many patients are able to stop taking medication for obesity-related conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. If you are thinking about bariatric surgery, join Dr. Kwan and other bariatric specialists at an informational seminar about surgical solutions for weight loss. March 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Walnut Creek Library. To register, please call 925-677-5041 x272.
Dr. Diane Kwan is a general and bariatric surgeon with 680Bariatrics, a division of West Coast Surgical Associates in Walnut Creek, Concord and San Ramon. For more information, visit www.680bariatrics.com or call 925-933-0984.
No car? No worries. Seniors have options You have tons of errands to run and no time to dillydally, for guests are arriving at 6 p.m. sharp. Your last stop is the grocery store. After the nice young man loads your purchases, you slide behind the wheel. You slip the key into the ignition – and nothing happens. Not even a click, click, click. This happened to me recently. I was parked kattywampus in front of Lucky’s, because the adorable person who parked in the space beside me was way off-kilter. I couldn’t budge. I prayed, begged, bargained and grumbled, but nothing worked. I called road service, and the operator at AAA informed me someone would be at my location within 40 minutes to give me a jump. It
CHriSTiNe KOGuT
SAVVY SENIOR
was one of the really cold days we had recently, and no power meant no heater. Brrr. Several shoppers started to give me hostile stares because of my cockeyed parking job. One guy even hollered: “Move it, lady!” An hour later, a helpful battery-jumper sadly informed me my alternator
was fini. He had to call the big tow truck to take my poor Betsy. Another hour passed before the big daddy tow truck arrived. But I wasn’t cold any longer because my nerve endings were frozen solid. What an ordeal. But, guess what? I survived. My whole point in relating this universal experience is to show how spoiled we are. I was put out for days because I wasn’t able to jump in my car and go until my alternator was repaired. Wow. This got me thinking about all my friends at the Concord Senior Center who need to avail themselves of public transportation to get around town. If you think you’re stuck at home because you don’t own a car, think again. Many modes of transportation are available for sen-
iors, such as GoGoGrandparent (855-464-6872), Get Around Taxi Program (925671-3419), Mobility Matters (925-284-6161), Link Paratransit (apply at 925-6802066) or the Monument Impact Shuttle (if you live in the Monument area, 925 6828248). Or for information on the County Connection bus service, visit www.countyconnection.com. Don’t sit at home. Get out and enjoy life. 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 925.671.3320 or see the city’s website at concord.ca.us
Microsoft patch takes a step in the right direction
WiLL CLANeY
TECH TALK
“Do. Or do not. There is no try.”
– Yoda
Windows 10 is not perfect, but the people at the Redmond, Wash., campus keep trying. They released KB3216755, called a roll-up patch, to the technical community on Jan. 26. It will be available shortly to the public, so watch for this patch. If you have been having issues with Windows 10 lately, it could be pinned on the last Windows operating system patch (release) – the anniversary update. Microsoft inadvertently introduced some bugs in this KB update, which was designed to correct errors made to the anniversary edition released six months ago. Huge software developers often issue patches to repair and refine their products. Microsoft has been one of the few companies to push the updates by downloading
and installing them automatically, whether you want them or not. I am happy to report this practice will end; you must now manually approve the download and installation. Instead of Microsoft forcing you to install the updates, you can, once again, elect to update your software and determine when it installs. Here is a short list of the improvements and bug fixes released with KB3216755: • Addressed known issue called out in KB3213986 in which users may experience delays while running 3D rendering apps with multiple monitors. • Addressed issue that prevents the conversion of a 24-bit image to 32 bits. • Addressed issue that causes a file download from a webpage to fail in Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge browsers. • Addressed issue that prevents the use of the “Delete Browsing History” feature in Internet Explorer. • Addressed issue that prevents users from connecting to a network. • Addressed issue that prevents user-built keyboard
events from working. • Improved reliability of Internet Explorer, Xbox and Skype • Virtual Machine Management Service (VMMS), Remote Desktop, Task Scheduler, Microphone Wizard, .NET, font cache, system boot and Surface Studio. For a full list of upgrades, use the KB number in your web browser. The biggest issues I have seen are in PC connectivity with websites, local networks and servers whereby the user
is unable to stay attached to the Internet or server. A message such as “Recover Web Page” is a warning that you have the bad software and need to upgrade it. PCs that are in a network often are unable to create a file folder on the server or edit that folder once it is made. So far, it looks as if this fix has helped.
William Claney is an independent tech writer and former owner of Computers USA in the Clayton Station. Email questions or comments to willclaney@gmail.com.
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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
February 24, 2017
Quick exits for many local teams in Section playoffs JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
North Coast Section postseason play began last week and playoffs are in full throttle with Section championships in soccer and wrestling this weekend as the winter sports season concludes. BASKETBALL Clayton Valley Charter boys team was 18-6 riding a 10game winning streak entering the Division I NCS playoffs as the No. 10 seed hosting No. 7 Foothill of Pleasanton. The Eagles ran off to an undefeated 10-0 Diablo Athletic League Foothill Conference championship with Concord trailing in second at 7-3. Coach Eric Bamberger said he expected his team to finish atop the DAL Valley Conference standings and his Eagles have held up that vision with six consecutive wins with the closest victory by 16 points. De La Salle was likewise unbeaten in East Bay Athletic League with a 13-0 record and 23-5 overall mark. The Spartans were defeated last week in the EBAL playoff finals by Dublin 64-60 in overtime. New coach Justin Argenal’s team is seeking to defend its NCS and NorCal championships but will need to do so as the No. 3 seed
hosting Berkeley in the fist round. Concord High is in the Division II playoffs in the unenviable position of traveling to Oakland to meet top seed Bishop O’Dowd on Tuesday. The Minutemen girls basketball team won their second straight league championship with a 9-1 DAL Foothill Conference record, edging runnerup Clayton Valley Charter at 8-2. Concord is No. 5 seed in DII and hosts casa Grande of Petaluma Tuesday in their playoff opener. Carondelet was moved up to Division I this year and the Cougars are the No. 1 seed after going 13-0 in the EBAL and 24-4 during the season. The Cougars host Santa Rosa in their Tuesday first-round game. The Cougars have won 11 NCS Division II championships since 2003 but are now classified as DI and will likely face stiffer competition in winning title No. 12. Clayton Valley Charter is the 13th seed in DI and visits No. 4 California of San Ramon in its section opener. NCS basketball quarterfinals are this Saturday, the semifinals are Mar. 1 and the finals Mar. 3-4. NorCal tournament is Mar. 8-14.
Photo courtesy Ygnacio Valley High School
Ygnacio Valley (6-2-2) won its fourth soccer league championship in six years in the final DAL game of the season in a 1-1 draw with Northgate. Coach Cesar Chavez’s team had to defeat closest challengers Clayton Valley Charter and College Park in the two games before the finale with Northgate. The Warriors had been second the last two years after running off three consecutive championships from 2012-14. Top seed Ygnacio lost its North Coast Section Division ii opener 4-3 in overtime to 16th seed De Anza last week.
SOCCER Local teams generally found the going unfriendly in the NCS soccer playoffs with six of the nine squads elimi-
nated in the first week of the tournament. No. 1 girls seed Carondelet is into the Division I semi-finals after 3-2 over College Park and 1-0 over EBAL rival Granada. The Cougars’ semi-final foe this Wednesday is No. 5 California, which lost two one-goal games to Carondelet in EBAL play. Clayton Valley Charter lost 3-0 to DI No. 2 seed Liberty of Brentwood in the first round. Northgate won its first two Division II games by 2-0 scores over Alameda and Redwood. They were undefeated 8-0-2 in DAL Valley Conference and meet DAL Foothill Conference team Alhambra in the semi-finals Wednesday. Ygnacio Valley’s girls were shutout 4-0 by Drake of San Dalya issa Anselmo in the DIII first Concord and Clayton Valley Charter girls basketball teams had two tight Diablo Athletic round. League games this winter with each winning on their home court. The Minutemen won the De La Salle won six conDAL Valley Conference championship with a 9-1 record, one game ahead of the eagles at secutive North Coast Section 8-2. Concord guard Alyssa Pluth (3) headed upcourt in a 43-42 victory in Don Lockyer Division I soccer champiGymnasium with teammate Krissy Wullenweber (24). Ayanna Munoz (10) and her eagle
onships from 2009-2014 and is in the boys semi-finals Wednesday against second seconded Freedom of Oakley. Coach Derricke Brown racked up his 100th victory as head coach this month and the Spartans have a pair of shutout wins in the Section’s first two rounds. Clayton Valley Charter was an NCS quarter-finalist last year but lost 2-1 to Monte Vista in this year’s first round. Ygnacio Valley won the DIII championship this year and were reclassified to Division II. The Warriors won their fourth league championship in six years with a 6-22 record but then were upset as the No. 1 seed in the higher division 4-3 by 16th seed De Anza. Northgate also lost at the first round of DII 1-0 to Tennyson. No. 4 Concord won its NCS opening-round game 21 over Redwood of Larkspur but then were blanked 2-0 by
Montgomery of Santa Rosa in the DII quarterfinals.
when they won the school’s only Section title. The Minutemen have been to NCS nine consecutive seasons. Reynaud takes over for Mark Bywater who resigned after two winning years in charge. “I enjoyed being CHS head coach, but I needed a better schedule for my family,” Bywater told the Pioneer. He had stepped in during the 2015 summer after Brian Hamilton accepted a job with the Cal football program. Hamilton had led the Minutemen for 11 years, including to the 2010 NCS championship. As a junior and senior at Clayton Valley Reynaud and his Ugly Eagles teammates enjoyed a lot of success. They were NCS semi-finals in his junior year as a tight end and defensive lineman. They were 9-3 overall and 8-1 in the Bay Valley Athletic League. They finished second in BVAL to De La Salle, the last year the Spartans competed for a league championship. Pardi moved Reynaud to tackle as a senior and CVHS was 10-2-1 overall, taking second to Bishop O’Dowd in the 1998 NCS playoff finals. The team was an unbeaten 8-0 in
BVAL with its only other loss in the pre-season to DLS. Clayton Valley team set a number of school records at the time including for wins, points, team rushing yards and total offense. Pardi says, “Paul didn’t miss one practice in three years.” Pardi adds, “Paul will continue the outstanding tradition at Concord HS by utilizing 13 years of assisting three top Northern California programs as a resource. His impeccable work ethic, a positive passion to lead student athletes, great football knowledge throughout the program and, most importantly, loyalty will lead CHS to success.”
coaching while teaching biology at Ygnacio Valley so athletic director Mark Tran didn’t have far to look when arranging Byrd’s interview for the job. Mt. Diablo is looking for a replacement for Derek Clements who was head coach of the Red Devils for two 1-9 seasons. He resigned and is now co-head coach at College Park with Joe Bautista, who took over the Falcons last fall following the retirement of long-time coach Bill Kepler. Clements said, “My time at Mount was awesome. The kids are great with a lot of life challenges.” Even before this turnover, Clayton Valley Charter coach Murphy was the senior local coach since taking over the Eagles program in 2012, one year before De La Salle’s Bob Ladouceur stepped down after 34 legendary years in charge of the Spartans. Justin Alumbaugh began his DLS tenure in the fall of 2013. Puentes started with YVHS in 2012 after Murphy briefly had been hired to return to Ygnacio—which he coached to the 1999 North Coast Section title. Murphy
teammate Gaby Lomeli (right) retreated on defense.
WRESTLING Defending champion De La Salle won its eighth NCS dual meet last championships earlier this month with three straight lopsided wins over American 66-9, Granada 6312 and Liberty 59-9. It was the eighth dual title in nine years. In each of the seven previous years when they won the dual meet title the Spartans also took the NCS team championship, which will be contested this Friday and Saturday at James Logan High in Union City. Last weekend coach Mark Halvorson’s team placed all 14 wrestlers into the EBAL tournament semifinals enroute to the team title prepping them for the NCS tournament. The State Meet is next weekend with the top three in each weight class getting berths at State.
Concord, Ygnacio Valley name new head football coaches JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Ygnacio Valley and Concord high schools have filled their head football coaching vacancies, leaving Mt. Diablo as the lone local school still to select a new coach. Clayton Valley grad Paul Reynaud was named the new head coach at rival Concord and will be one of three new leaders among Concord’s five high school football teams this fall. Ygnacio Valley recently appointed veteran East Bay coach Clyde Byrd as their headman. In near unprecedented turnover, the Ygnacio Valley, Concord and Mt. Diablo high school varsity football coaches all resigned since the end of the 2016 season. Reynaud graduated from Clayton Valley in 1999 and played football at St. Mary’s College, finishing up just before the Gaels ended their football program. He rejoined his high school coach Herc Pardi on the CVHS staff as offensive line and strength and conditioning coach from 2004 through 2011 and then served on Tim Murphy’s first two
Jason rogers
Paul reynaud graduated from Clayton Valley in 1999 and after college returned to his alma mater from 2004-2013 as an assistant football coach. He was recently named head coach at crosstown rival Concord High. The Minutemen’s athletic director Megan Coddington says the school is “excited” to have reynaud take over their football program.
Clayton Valley Charter staffs as assistant head coach. Reynaud spent the last three years as defensive line coach at California High in San Ramon. “I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to take over a program that has a great deal of recent success and tra-
dition. And I want to continue that run of Concord High School football being one of the premier NCS Division II programs,” the new Minuteman coach said. Reynaud inherits a program that has been to four North Coast Section DII championship games since 2010,
WARRIORS TAB BYRD Byrd is taking over for Philip Puentes, who stepped down after five years running the Warriors football program. Byrd has been the head coach at Oakland, Kennedy of Richmond and Castlemont in Oakland. He has also coached on the football staffs of St. Elizabeth and McClymonds of Oakland, San Lorenzo and Richmond highs. He had taken the past two football seasons off from
See Football, page 12
February 24, 2017
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com goes on to say he “carried us to the NCS semi-final game last year with two penalty shootouts in that run” as Concord defeated higher seeded Bishop O’Dowd and No. 2 Rancho Cotate before falling to Campolindo in the semis after a scoreless tie. This year the Minutemen are seeded fourth and beat Redwood 2-1 in their Section opener before hosting Montgomery of Santa Rosa in the quarterfinals. MelendresGomes began playing soccer in Concord AYSO at five-years-old and “became serious about goalkeeping” when he was 12. He followed his sister Hannah and brother Charlie to Concord and is looking to move on next fall to a Cal State University with his glossy 3.667 gpa.
Athlete Spotlight Grade: Senior
School: Concord High Sport: Soccer
Edilsar Melendres-Gomes You can look at almost any high school, college or professional soccer team standing around before a practice or game and immediately pick out the team’s goalkeeper. That’s because keepers are usually the tallest player on the team. That generality doesn’t cut it with the North Coast Section playoff team at Concord High School. At five footsix inches their senior goalkeeper Edilsar Melendres-Gomes is not nearly the
tallest Minuteman. His size in the nets hasn’t been much of an issue as he’s notched nine shutouts this season as Concord accumulated a 13-3-4 record to reach the second round to the NCS tournament after finishing runnerup to Acalanes in the Diablo Athletic League Valley Conference. Coach Alonso Jimenez says of his three-year varsity player, “Edilsar is a short man in stature but a giant wall in the back.” The coach
The Concord Pioneer congratulates Edilsar and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for more than 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.
High school athletes make college commitments for this fall official JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
Over 20 high school seniors with local ties made their college commitments official this month on National Letter of Intent day. Clayton Valley Charter High School led the way with five student athletes signing with a college, including one who graduated early and is already on the University of Maryland campus. The four CVCHS athletes to sign their NLI and celebrate last week at a noontime on campus ceremony were Jalen McKenzie (USC football) Alexis Espitia (Sonoma State soccer), Bill Ralston (Saint Mary’s College baseball) and Nick Becker (Dominican University lacrosse). McKenzie is the first Clayton Valley football player to go to USC since Mike Haluchak in 1967. Ugly Eagles football player Bryce Brand recently enrolled at Maryland after a midyear high school graduation. De La Salle and Carondelet each had three student athletes sign their college commitments while Concord High had one, lineman De’Andre Morgan who is headed for UC Davis. Cougars volleyball player Lauren Barry signed with Williams College, soccer player Erin Ospeck chose Notre Dame and swimmer Holly Williams signed with Azusa Pacific. De La Salle’s North Coast Section football champion standouts Tre White (San Jose State) and Wade Willet (Cal Poly SLO) and classmate Omar Jiron committed to Sacramento State soccer. In addition, the local com-
Page 11
Kristian Ipsen debuts as TV commentator for Pac-12 Network
Two-time Olympic diver Kristian Ipsen made his TV commentating debut at the end of January for the Pac-12 Network. Ipsen was in familiar surroundings for his first assignment as he covered the Pac-12 women’s swimming and diving dual meet with the University of Southern California visiting Stanford. Ipsen, who graduated from Stanford last year, worked with play-by-play announcer Rich Burk. Ipsen has taken a break from diving since the Rio Olympics last summer and is “still deciding about the long term for diving.” Ipsen told the Pioneer he’s currently job hunting in the Bay Area and
Photo courtesy Pac-12 Network
“doing some commentating for fun now and to stay involved in the sport.” His first Pac-12 assignment allowed him to call a victory for his former teammate and good friend Stanford diver Kassidy Cook. De La Salle grad Ipsen is a seven-time member of the US National Team and has been in front of the camera being interviewed countless times during his illustrious career. The Pac-12 Network also added his fellow Olympians, gold medalists Nastia Liukin in gymnastics and basketball player Candace Parker to its announcing crew this winter.
Local player Jenna West picked for Under 15 girls U.S. National Training Camp
Jay Bedecarré
Concord High is sending its second football player in two years onto the uC Davis Aggies after De’Andre Morgan signed his national letter of intent earlier this month. He will join Marqel McCoy on the team of new coach Dan Hawkins in the fall. Standing behind the defensive standout for the signing ceremony in the Concord High Library were his brother Nate, mom Darlene and dad Anthony Morgan.
was selected as the team’s most valuable player and was an All-East Bay Athletic League selection. She led the Cougars with 242 total kills while playing 88 sets as an outside hitter. She also helped her club team earn a bid to the Junior Olympics. “I chose Williams College for its renowned academics and the opportunity for me to thrive on and off the court and in the classroom. I just knew it was the perfect fit for me. I can’t wait to be a Purple Cow,” Williams told a packed Inner Court audience on campus last Wednesday. Ospeck is a team captain for the Carondelet soccer CARONDELET SIGNEES team that has ranked at or Captain of the Carondelet near the top of state and volleyball team last fall, Barry national rankings the past two seasons. She was selected to the Top Drawer Soccer All-America Watch List prior to this season. After suffering a torn ACL last year playing club soccer Ospeck was able to return to the field after nine months and play on the same Cougar team with her sisters Natalie and Ellie. She explains, “My entire family is Irish Catholic, so growing up it (Notre Dame) was a university to aspire to and I wanted to go there since I was eight.” Williams will conclude here Carondelet swimming career as a four-year varsity Jay Bedecarré letter winner. During her junTwo members of De La Salle’s North Coast Section champiior year she qualified for the onship team, Wade Willet (middle) and Tre White (right) Winter Nationals, earning the committed to play college football this fall at Cal Poly SLO rank of national swimmer. and San Jose St., respectively. Their senior classmate Omar She finished third in the 100 Jiron (left) will be playing soccer at Sacramento St. after breaststroke at the 2016 concluding his DLS and Diablo fC 98 careers. petitive youth soccer club, Diablo FC, announced that nine seniors made their college commitments with another expected to sign his NLI this week. Justin Bedig (Sacramento State), Nick Brenes (San Jose State), Jiron, Jack Mortensen (St. Mary’s) and Jacob Wright (Holy Cross) are all members of Diablo FC 98 boys along with their uncommitted teammate Adrian Ortiz. Haley Brown (Cal State Fullerton), Sarah Emigh (Chico State), Espitia and Lauren Montgomery (Midland University) are on the Diablo FC 98/99 girls squad.
EBAL meet and ranked 77th in California. One of Williams’ proudest memories was when she qualified for the Arena Pro Swim Series in the 200 breast, where she completed with Olympians Simone Manuel, Nathan Adrian and Carondelet’s own Natalie Coughlin. She says, “I am taking our Carondelet mascot with me as I will be swimming for the APU Cougars.”
See College, page 13
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future Clayton Valley Charter High School student Jenna West was selected for the first u.S. under 15 girls National Training Camp this month in Carson, California. The camp was led by u.S. Soccer Women’s Development coach Mark Carr who called up 40 players, almost all of whom were born in 2003. West is one of three players from Northern Photo courtesy West family California for the start of a two-year cycle for this age group as u15’s before transitioning to u17s in 2019 when they will form the core of the team that will attempt to qualify for the 2020 fifA u-17 Women’s World Cup. West currently plays for the elite Clubs National League team at Mustang Soccer Club where she is a team co-captain and plays center back. She participates in National Training Center trainings and is also rostered on the 2003 region iV (13 western states) Olympic Development team, the Cal North Olympic Development team and the NorCal Player Development Program. She will be attending Clayton Valley Charter in the fall and also currently participates in CYO track and field for St. Bonaventure CYO where she was 100 meter and high jump champion at the 2016 Oakland Diocese Championships.
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Football, from page 10
had a change of heart and accepted the CVCHS job, replacing Pardi who left after 16 years in charge of Eagles football.
EAGLES SET SCHEDULE Clayton Valley Charter has announced its 2017 football schedule. The Ugly Eagles, who were bumped up to NCS Open Division last year and lost to DLS in the semi-finals, start the season with three straight games against out-ofstate teams. They travel to Reno for a rematch with Reed and in the third week go to Las Vegas for a game against Canyon Springs. They hosted and defeated both those Nevada teams last fall. In the second week of the
season they will entertain Mililani, the 2016 Division I Hawaii state champions. The Ugly Eagles will conclude their non-league schedule at Antioch and hosting Deer Valley before embarking on their second Diablo Athletic League campaign. CVCHS hasn’t lost a league game in the five seasons Murphy has been in charge. They finish the 2017 DAL Foothill Conference schedule at Campolindo, the State 4AA champs. Clayton Valley Charter hosts Concord in the second round of league games. The other local teams— Northgate, Berean Christian, Mt. Diablo and Ygnacio Valley—are in the DAL Valley Conference.
S ports Shorts
February 24, 2017
Diablo FC honors 2016 Coaches of the Year
inducted Friday, May 19, at Shadelands Art Center in Walnut Creek. The teams are 1960 baseball of head coach Vic Petreshene, 1972 wrestling of coaches Glen Scrimger and Bill Nelson, 1978 softball and coach Larry Fogelstrom and 1994 girls water polo CVCHS BASEBALL HOSTS 5TH HOT STOVE DINNER (coach Dave Boland) and 1994 girls swimming (coach Tom APRIL 21 IN WALNUT CREEK The fifth annual CVCHS Hot Stove Dinner is being held on Sparks). Players on those teams should send a note with their conFriday, April 21. Honorees will be members of the 1960 Clayton tact info to Clayton Valley HS Athletic Hall of Fame, P.O. Box Valley baseball team of head coach Vic Petreshene which we be 502, Clayton 94517. inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in May. Current CONCORD AYSO BEGINS FALL SOCCER SEASON baseball coach Casey Coakley says the evening’s festivities celeREGISTRATION IN APRIL brate the National Pastime for baseball fans, Clayton Valley Concord AYSO where “Everyone Plays” is hosting open regalumni and current CVCHS. Door prizes, raffles and steak dinner benefit CVCHS Baseball and its scholarship fund. The event istration for its fall soccer season on Monday, April 3, and Thursis from 6-9 p.m. at Shadelands Civic Arts Center, 111 N. Wiget day, April 20, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. and on Saturday, May 13, Ln. at Ygnacio Valley Rd. in Walnut Creek. For more informa- from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. all at Concord Bible Church, 4975 Contion and to buy tickets at $50 each email coach Coakley at cord Blvd., Concord. Fees for fall season (Aug. 1-Nov. 5) are $175. Register by May 13 for a $50 discount. Visit concorcasey.coakley@claytonvalley.org. dayso.org for more info. CONCORD CUP XXIV ACCEPTING TEAM REGISTRATIONS ST. BONAVENTURE CYO TRACK SIGN UPS ACCEPTED The area’s largest annual youth soccer tournament, Concord St. Bonaventure CYO spring track and field is holding regisCup, returns for its 24th season at a variety of local parks May tration. The track and field program is open to boys and girls in 20-21. Boys and girls club and recreation teams from under 10 second through eighth grades. Practices are held on Monday, through U19 are eligible to participate. Diablo FC, Mt. Diablo Tuesday and Thursday from 5-6:15 p.m. at Newhall Park. SaturSoccer and Concord AYSO co-sponsor the tournament. Visit day meets begin in March and the season runs through May 13, concordcup.com for complete information and to register a culminating with the Oakland Diocese championships. For more team to participate. information call 826-7426, email coach Matt Tillman at matttillman@gmail.com or go to stbonaventurecyo.com. CLAYTON VALLEY ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
Jay Bedecarré
The area’s competitive soccer program, Diablo fC, held its 14th annual benefit Crab feed and Auction earlier this month at Centre Concord and took the occasion to honor its 2016 coaches of the year. Brian Voltattorni (second from left) was named boys coach of the year and Miguel Gonzalez (second from right) was tabbed top girls coach for the second year in a row. One of Gonzalez’ teams won their NorCal Premier State Cup division championship. Director of coaching Zach Sullivan (left) and club president Dan Pauline made the coaching award presentations.
VISTA DIABLO DOLPHINS SWIM TEAM STOCK UP ON GEAR MAR. 4 Vista Diablo Dolphins has opened its online registration for the summer season for boys and girls ages 3-18. There will be a Stock Up on Gear/Information/Registration Day Saturday, Mar. 4, from noon-2 p.m. at Sports Basement in Walnut Creek. Get more information at vistadiablodolphins.com or send an email to VDDSTmail@gmail.com.
3RD ANNUAL JENNA BETTI MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT MAR. 3 The non-profit organization #hersmile was started in honor of 14-year-old Jenna Betti after she was tragically hit and killed by a service train while trying to retrieve cell phone from the train tracks in March 2014. In the three years since Jenna’s passing the organization has contributed to 50 families who have been thrust into similar situations as the Betti family. Jenna Betti was a player in the Diablo FC. The 3rd annual Jenna Betti Memorial Golf Tournament is at Hiddenbrooke Golf Course in American Canyon for a fun-filled day of golf and camaraderie Mar 3. For more information visit hersmile.org. SPRINGWOOD HOSTING SPRING CLINIC , SUMMER TEAM SIGNUPS
License # 958849
Springwood is hosting a spring clinic from Mar. 6-April 7 on Monday through Thursday afternoons. There are two time slots: 3:30-4:30 or 4:30-5:30 p.m. Workouts include 15 minutes of dryland and 45 minutes in the pool. Signups for the summer recreation Springwood team will be held on Sunday, Mar. 19, from 2LOOKING FOR PLAYERS 4 p.m. Sports Basement in Walnut Creek. For more info email IABLO FC WRAPS UP SOCCER TRYOUTS THIS MONTH D The 2017 class for the Clayton Valley High School Hall of springwoodsprinters@gmail.com. Diablo FC is holding tryouts in February for its 2017 comFame includes five Eagles teams and event organizers are reaching petitive teams in under 12 through under 14 age groups (birth out to locate members of those teams. The honorees will be REGISTRATION OPEN FOR ALL OUT SPORTS LEAGUES years 2004-2006). The U8-12 competitive team (birth years SPRING PROGRAMS 2007-2011) tryouts have concluded but coaches are still holding Spring leagues including adult softball, co-ed adult volleyball player evaluations. Under 15 and older team tryouts will be in May after spring league games conclude. Visit diablofc.org to get and youth basketball and volleyball offered by All Out Sports Leagues in Clayton are taking registration now online. For commore information and signup for all tryouts. plete information on All Out Sports programs, visit alloutsportsleague.com. DANA HILLS OTTERS ANNOUNCE COACHING STAFF, SIGNUP DATES TERRAPIN WINTER-SPRING SWIM CLINICS Dana Hills Swim Team head coach Heidi McMillan returns CONTINUE THROUGH APRIL for her second year and Aaron Mikuni, who was Valle Vista head The Terrapins Swim Team is offering winter and spring coach for several years, joins the staff. Also coaching Otter swimmers this summer are USA Swimming veteran Dan Cot- stroke and turn clinics by coach Dan Cottam at their Concord tam, Nikki Palmer and recent DHST alumnus Anthony Vines. facility for summer recreation swimmers ages 7-18 who want to Returning families can now register online and new families can get a jump on the summer season on Sundays through April. start signing up Mar. 4. Back to Swim Parents Night is Friday, The nationally-ranked Terrapins are also taking signups for Mar. 3, at the DHST Cabana on Mountaire Parkway. Practice swimmers ages six and above of all levels for their year-round begins April 10 and the final day for swimmer registration is May swim team. For information visit terrapinswim.com. 12. For more info visit danahillsotters.com. CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER ATHLETIC BOOSTERS Design • Installation • Maintenance CRAB FEED MAR. 11 AT CENTRE CONCORD CONCORD COBRAS FOOTBALL SIGNUPS NOW TAKEN ONLINE Clayton Valley Charter High School Athletic Boosters hold Concord Cobras tackle football program is taking signups for Commercial & Residential • 925-381-3757 their 23rd annual Crab Feed and Auction on Saturday, Mar. 11, its fall season online. The football program is open for youth five at Centre Concord benefitting the 26 sports at the school. Attento 14 years of age. For more information, send an email condees must be 21 or older. For more info email cordyouthfootball@yahoo.com or you can also visit the website cvchsboosters@gmail.com or go to cvchsboosters.org for info at concordyouthfootball.com. to order tickets online for a night of food, drink, dancing, aucJoe Ronco/Owner 925-872-3049 tions and raffle prizes. OAKHURST ORCAS SET MEET AND GREET DATES Head coach Jasmine Castillo is back for her sixth season in jaroncoconstruction.com YGNACIO VALLEY HIGH HOSTING WAR PATH charge of the Oakhurst swim team and has announced that the ALL-COMERS TRACK & FIELD MEET MAR. 11 Orcas are accepting mail or drop off registrations for the sumYgnacio Valley High is hosting its annual War Path all-comers mer rec swim team season now at Oakhurst Country Club. Meet track and field meet on Saturday, Mar. 11, from 9 a.m. – 12:30 and greet registration at the pool is on Wednesday, Mar. 22, and p.m. on the all-weather track at the Concord school. There will Thursday, April 20, from 6:30-8 p.m. Early registration discounts be eight individual events (shot put, high jump, long jump and are available until Mar. 22. Visit oakhurstorcas.com for more 100-200-400-800-1600 meter runs) and two relays for boys and information and registration forms. Spring practice begins April girls from preschool through high school and senior classifica24. tions. YVHS is using the meet as a team fund. There is no preregistration required. Contact coach George Francis at coachSIGN-UPS FOR ST. FRANCIS CYO TRACK & FIELD francisyvhs@hotmail.com for details. ACCEPTED ONLINE 35 years Clayton/ Sign-ups for St. Francis CYO track and field are now being Concord resident CONCORD ADULT SOFTBALL LEAGUE Lic#844344 accepted online. Practices are at Ygnacio Valley High School TEAM SIGNUPS DEADLINE MAR. 3 track on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5:30 - 6:30 Concord adult softball league is one of the largest in the Bay p.m. Contact coach George Francis at coachfrancisyvhs@hotArea for all skill levels. Registration packets are now available for mail.com for details. Visit St. Francis CYO website at the 4-game spring tune-up league and 12-game summer season, sfacyo.org/track-field for updates. which starts April 2 and runs through July. Visit MDSA HOLDING TRYOUTS FOR COMPETITIVE ELITE TEAMS teamsideline.com/concord for registration packet and complete Mt. Diablo Soccer Association is having tryouts for its elite information. Team registrations are due by Mar. 3. Late registracompetitive teams. Check mdsoccer.org for full MDSA elite try- tion is open until Mar. 17. For more info contact Bruce Stanley at 671-3423. To see all Concord Parks & Recreation classes out schedule and updates. Tryouts are held rain or shine. including pickleball now taking registration, visit concordreg.org. Bruce FOREST PARK SPRING SWIM CLINICS START FEB. 27 & Zoey Forest Park Swim Team coach Jeff Mellinger is offering CONCORD PIONEER WANTS TO PUBLISH YOUR SPORTS NEWS We repair Over 35 years Experience Please let us know about your sports news, special events, spring swim clinics starting Feb. 27 and running for five weeks all major fund raisers, tryouts, signups and accomplishments. Youth through the end of March. The afternoon and evening sessions Bruce & Holly Linsenmeyer leagues, clubs, schools and adult programs are all welcome to appliances, improve strokes for swimmers of all skill levels ages 4-18 before Clayton residents send us a rundown on what you’re doing. Include all the necesthe start of summer rec swimming season. The Flyers will be most major Office: (925) 672-2700 sary details (too much information is better than too little!) and holding team signups at their pool on Mar. 9 from 6-8 p.m. and brands, and Cell: (925) 672-2772 Mar. 12 noon-2 p.m. Contact coach Mellinger at your contact information. It’s as simple as sending an email to we’re local State of California B.E.A.R license #A44842 jeff.mellinger@gmail.com for details. sports@concordpioneer.com.
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Page 13
San Jose Sharks primed for another playoff “swim”
JACOB SAMUELS SPORTS TALK
The San Jose Sharks are coming off their best season ever. They won the Western Conference Finals to reach the franchise’s first-ever trip to the Stanley Cup Finals before succumbing to the Pittsburgh Penguins. This season they appear ready to return to the big stage, currently sitting in a tie for first in the Pacific Division. If the season were to end the day I write this col-
College, from page 11
umn the Sharks would play the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the playoffs. This would bring back memories of the Sharks horrific collapse from a 3-0 series lead in 2014 and their revenge last year. While San Jose is towards the top of the league in points, they are probably the NHL’s most underrated team. Pro hockey experts are talking about the Capitals’
consistent regular season dominance, the Penguins’ prospects of repeating as champions and the Oilers’ potential as a dominant young team. On the other hand, San Jose is just “there.” There are only a few whispers about the Sharks going back to the finals. And there is little talk about Brent Burns’ case to be the Hart Trophy winner-- hockey’s MVP. Burns is 13th with 21 goals and fourth in points with 51, all while being a defenseman. The next best “Omar is one of the most defender in hockey has 12 dynamic players that we’ve had goals and 41 points. come through our program. His ability to find goals from the attacking midfield is a gift and I’m sure he will be a success at Sacramento State next year,” says DLS soccer coach Derricke Brown, who recently notched his 100th victory as the Spartans head coach. He notes that Jiron that has scored or assisted on about 25 goals in his three varsity years.
And Patrick Marleau, in his 19th season with the Sharkies, has been among the NHL’s hottest scorers of late while approaching and netting his 500th career goal. Coach Peter DeBoer’s team still has a lot of work to do to set itself up for the playoffs. They are in a tight race with the Anaheim Ducks and Edmonton Oilers for first place in the Pacific. Beyond that, they are chasing the Minnesota Wild for the best record in the Western Conference. They have key games down the stretch run in
March and April. The team from Silicon Valley plays in Minnesota twice and at home against Anaheim in a twoweek span in March. This is followed by two games against Edmonton in the last week of the season. As the weather starts to warm, the beach I will be at the most goes by the name of SAP Center. And whether you hope the Sharks sink or swim, they will most definitely blow your expectations out of the water.
Email any comments or questions to sports@concordpioneer.com.
Clayton Valley Eagles Cheer win 4th straight National Championship
Jay Bedecarré
A trio of Carondelet girls signed their National Letters of intent last week. The Cougar student athletes are, from left, Lauren Barry (Williams College volleyball), Holly Williams (Azusa Pacific university swimming) and erin Ospeck (Notre Dame soccer).
DE LA SALLE COMMITMENTS
Willet anchored a DLS offensive line that helped the offense average 304.2 rushing yards per game last fall as the Spartans were 11-2 overall including a 25th straight NCS championship and a runnerup finish in the state Open Division bowl game. A firstteam all-EBAL offensive lineman and second-team AllBay Area Preps selection by Bay Area News Group, Willet helped open holes for 2,000yard rusher Kairee Robinson. As a Junior, Willets played on the 13-1 Spartan team that claimed the state Open Division championship. The 6-5,260-pound Willet was recruited by several colleges and was designated as a preferred walk-on at Cal, but decided on Cal Poly because “I fell in love with the atmosphere in the locker room and around the players while on my visit. The football program, quality education, weather and location were just unbeatable. I can’t wait to become a Mustang!” Defensive back White is the first De La Salle player to sign with San Jose State on signing day in 24 years — since running back Patrick Walsh and quarterback Alli Abrew in 1993. White was one of very few returning starters for the
Spartans last fall after the 2015 State Champions graduated 32 players and he helped hold together the defense through a rough patch in the early season when DLS had four consecutive games decided by one touchdown or less, including a rare home defeat. An all-EBAL first team choice, White announced his college choice on Twitter when he proclaimed, “Proud to stay a Spartan!” He was ranked No. 23 prep cornerback in the state.
Photo courtesy Clayton Valley Jr. eagles Cheer
Clayton Valley Athletic Association went to the JAMZ Nationals in Las Vegas last month and came away with a fourth consecutive national championship. The Jr. eagles oldest squad, Team Soar for 11-13 year-olds, finished first in both Level 3 performance cheer and show cheer. Level 3 is the highest level for the youth cheer teams. The Jr. eagles Team flight for 9-13 year-olds took first place in Level 2 show cheer and second in performance cheer. Their youngest squad, Team Launch for 8-10 year-olds (front row), were third in both categories out of 10 teams. Head cheer coach Nichole Schumann says beginning April 1 the local youth cheer and football program will be accepting applications for the 2017 season which starts practicing Aug. 1.
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Clayton Valley Charter led the way for local schools with five student athletes firming up their college plans this winter. The ugly eagles who are set to move on include, from left, Alexis espitia (Sonoma State soccer), Nick Becker (Dominican university lacrosse), Bill ralston (Saint Mary’s College baseball) and Jalen McKenzie (uSC football). The fifth CVCHS athlete, Bryce Brand, has already enrolled at the university of Maryland for the Terrapins football program.
Impact, from page 3
ability to collaborate with the city government, businesses and other organizations, means that Monument Impact will continue to do good work. The new leadership under Debra will help move it to its full potential.” The Monument community is also being affected by Trump’s executive order on immigration. Monument Impact staff are waiting to assess all the implications. But for now, they recognize that many are fearful and stressed about family members or friends who are undocumented. The group plans an education campaign to inform people of their rights and the resources available to them. “This organization has made a significant impact in the community before I arrived,” Bernstein noted. “We have a lot of programs that are working well.” For example, the work-
ANOTHER AGGIE FROM CONCORD Morgan signed to join firstyear UC Davis head football coach Dan Hawkins as part of a record 32 Aggie football signees. At 6-3, 240 pounds Morgan is a two-sport standout for the Minutemen in football and basketball. He lettered three years in each varsity sport. He totaled 30.5 career sacks, with 15.5 coming last fall. He added 71 tackles (50 solos, 21 assists) and 23 hurries as a senior. In the fall Morgan will team up again with Concord High grad Marqel McCoy, who will be an Aggie sophomore wide receiver. McCoy joined current Concord High players, coaches, students and Morgan’s family members at a recent ceremonial NLI signing in the school library.
ing and exercise. UC San Francisco also sponsors a program to use promotores to reach out to those suffering from stress and depression. “I hope that all of Concord will embrace this vibrant community,” Bernstein says.
force, health and resident engagement programs are all thriving. Both Kaiser and John Muir Health support programs in which community members are trained to be leaders or To donate or find out about vol“promotores,” who then train unteer opportunities, visit fellow community members monumentimpact.org. on topics related to health like tobacco education, healthy eat-
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February 24, 2017
Northgate group looking to leave MDUSD JOHN T. MILLER Correspondent
Despite jumping over the first hurdle, a Walnut Creek neighborhood group faces enormous obstacles in its effort to secede from the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. Calling itself NorthgateCAPS (Community Advocacy for our Public Schools), the group has gathered more than 6,000 signatures. That enables them to file a petition to create a smaller school dis-
trict that would include Northgate High School and its feeder schools: Foothill Middle School, and Valle Verde, Walnut Acres and Bancroft elementary schools. According to Terry Koehne at the county Office of Education, NCAPS was expected to file a petition this week. The superintendent has 30 days to review the sufficiency of the petition, and then the Board of Education has another 60 days to hold a hearing. In a letter sent to teachers
Politics now part of campus life
Something boring political landunique is occurring scape has become an among teenagers, arena filled with not just at Concord divide and tension. High School but all Because of this split around the nation. in our nation, our Within the last youth is drawn to few weeks, I’ve politics and more observed a positive interested in the Aasim Yahya shift in political function of our CONCORD HIGH engagement among CORRESPONDENT government. my peers. The curThis positive rent tension in our political cli- shift in engagement is vital to mate has led to a relatively new our future. In roughly four interest in our government years, my peers and I will take among teenagers. to the ballot boxes for the first As I work my way from time. Our new interest in policlassroom to classroom, I tics will allow us to make more overhear or find myself informed decisions. trapped in a politically charged As tension-filled as it may discussion with a classmate or be, this political climate is teacher at least once a day. At ensuring that our youth underfirst, I didn’t think much of it. stand the power of their votes. Then I slowly began to realize the impact of our current Aasim is a junior at Concord political climate. He currently serves as ASB High. Whether our society is split Journalism Editor-InPresident, on travel bans or border walls, a member of the CHS is and Chief, we can all agree that an team. Send comCountry Cross unprecedented interest in polieditor@concordpioneer.com to ments tics is occurring. The once-
Event highlight’s MDHS academies
Mount Diablo turing and EngiHigh School is lookneering), DSA (Diging forward to ital Safari AcadeAcademy Showcase my), IHTA (InterNight. It’s an national Hospitality evening of informaand Tourism Acadtion and entertainemy) or MBTA ment for current (Medical Bio-Techstudents and faminical Academy). lies, eighth-grade The World AcadeLiane Cismowski students and famimy specifically MDHS PRINCIPAL lies and any commuserves students new nity members interto the country. ested in finding out more Each academy has dedicated about the wonderful programs subject area teachers and an offered on the 44-acre campus. administrator. Academy Showcase Night A January 2016 Study of will be held 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Public Higher Education in March 2, in the multi-use room California from the League of and library. The evening starts Women Voters noted, “Linked with a light dinner prepared by learning or building career Educatering, a new student- technical education pathways run catering business. There from high school to post-secwill also be performances from ondary education is another JROTC, the band, drama approach that has proven sucdepartment and various clubs. cessful in increasing attenEach academy will give a short dance, motivating students, presentation, with simultane- reducing dropout rates and ous Spanish translation provid- increasing academic achieveed on headsets by a parent liai- ment.” son. Then guests will be free to MDHS is committed to the examine academy displays, academy structure and the which will be staffed by stu- involvement of every student dent ambassadors. in a rigorous and relevant 21st This is the fourth year of century curriculum. Academy the school’s wall-to-wall acade- Showcase Night is an excellent my structure. All students are opportunity to see the great members of one of four things that are happening at Career Technical Education MDHS. Send comments and questions to academies: ACME (Architecture, Construction, Manufac- editor@concordpioneer.com
take into account nine criteria, including racial and ethnic distribution, equitable division of property, costs and continuance of sound educational programs. According to the state Education Code (Sec. 13.102.), a new district may not be created with fewer than 8,000 students. However, Larry Schoenke of the MDUSD legal counsel says NCAPS AIMS TO that any statutory or regulatory RETAIN STAFF criterion may be overridden if MDUSD serves about the circumstances warrant it. 32,000 students and stretches over 150 square miles, encomLACK OF CONFIDENCE IN THE PLAN passing a wide range of ethnic Meg Honey, who teaches diversity and economic levels. The proposed Northgate Uni- Advanced Placement U.S. hisfied School District (NUSD) tory at Northgate, is among would serve about 4,200 stu- those who are against the dents. According to the U.S. change. She is an alumna of Census Bureau, the median the Northgate feeder pattern, income per household in the and both her children will proposed NUSD boundaries is attend the Northgate schools. “People are holding on to nearly $50,000 more than the current household income in past hurts and events that are no longer relevant in the curMDUSD. NCAPS proposes that the rent district,” Honey said. “In district “would be governed by the last few years, the district a five-member elected school has made huge investments in board, with the transition tak- innovation and completely ing place over a year or more, restructured the district office. with the newly elected board We are no longer losing teachhiring a superintendent and ers to surrounding districts, filling a small number of key but instead have become a desdistrict level positions.” They tination district with improved hope to retain all the personnel salaries and benefits.” Honey said an anonymous at the schools, as well as all the survey of Northgate teachers current curriculum offerings. Alisa MacCormac, vice showed that 96 percent said president of the NCAPS they were against the secession board, declined to comment movement and 98 percent on the proposal. Other group indicated they would stay with leaders did not respond to MDUSD. “We are not confident to requests for interviews. Forming a new district leave the current district and requires the approval of the go into an unknown venture,” county and state boards of Honey said. education. The boards would
FUNDING CONCERNS Guy Moore, president of the Mount Diablo Education Association (MDEA) that represents teachers, warns about the problems of running a smaller district. “Many affluent district superintendents complain that the basic level of funding will require them to constantly pass parcel taxes and bond issues,” he wrote on the MDEA website. “And even with those, they will not be able to remain fiscally solvent and will need to make cuts.” Moore points to salary and benefit assurances made by charter school organizers when Clayton Valley High School became a charter. Moore says those teachers “are now solidly behind us in salary, and their benefits are inferior to those offered by MDUSD. NorthgateCAPS will be at a disadvantage because they won’t be able to match our
The second someone somesemester is underthing, they tell way with a flourish someone else and, of excellence at by the end, the story Clayton Valley has completely Charter High changed. Only the School. I am particstudents are not ularly impressed using phones. with the innovation It all started in and inspiration of photography, where John McMorris the teaching staff. students went on a CVCHS PRINCIPAL The Clayton photo shoot and Arts Academy selected 20 photos spring project is in full swing. to showcase to the art students. “Artistic Telephone” is a cre- The artists selected five photos ative concept based on the and set about creating one art childhood game where you tell piece inspired by the photos
they selected. In the next phase, the theater students did a gallery walk of all the art pieces and selected three to use as inspiration for an original scene they would create in small groups. Video students were documenting the entire process to create original videos. On March 1, the entire academy will gather to observe the original dramatic works and see how the photos and art inspired the actors. On March 22, the original films will be showcased to the
school community. This is quite a departure for an all-academy project. Students usually work in large, multi-grade level groups. This time, academy teachers focused the groupings on each art specialty. I can’t wait to see the final works of art and invite the local community to join us.
their safety, behavthe week, being my ior, hygiene and rest. girls’ short-term In all ways but bioguardian created a logical, I was essennovel bond. Less tially the sole parent than 48 hours after of 11 young girls for meeting one anothfour days. er, a homesick, anxI found myself ious girl and I had in a middle ground I quite a meaningful Alyssa Arino hadn’t encountered conversation. CVCHS before as I struggled CORRESPONDENT The swift trust between being discithese children had in plinarian and wanting the kids me, nearly a stranger to them, to like me. I tried not to sound stunned me in the most positoo domineering when our tive way. They didn’t have the group should have been down emotional walls that are always at breakfast five minutes ago and some girls were still in their pajamas – or when someone brought a banana slug into the cabin. As the week went on, my patience declined along with the amount of sleep I got. Despite the often frustrating misadventures throughout
built up around those who are older than them. Fifth-graders are a handful – that is undisputed. But they are also hilarious, enthusiastic and open to new experiences and new people without hesitation. That’s a characteristic that never ceases to inspire both awe and the tiniest bit of wanderlust.
and staff at all five schools in December, NCAPS stated their goal “is to create a smaller district that is more aware of, and responsive to, the needs of our educators and students.” However, the proposal faces opposition from teachers, administration and other stakeholders.
salaries and benefits.” In an open letter to the community, Northgate Principal Michael McAlister referred to Northgate being named a U.S. News and World Report Silver School in 2016. He noted a graduation rate of 98.37 percent, with 98 percent of graduates moving on to two- or four-year colleges. “Northgate is working well. So too is the MDUSD,” McAlister wrote. “Those who disagree should visit the school and see for themselves.” Noting the state’s criteria, McAlister doesn’t see “much chance” of the new district being approved. “But the damage this is doing to the community is disturbing,” he added. John T. Miller is a former Northgate teacher and is a substitute teacher in MDUSD
Graduations moved to DVC
Three high schools that were hoping to hold graduation ceremonies in the Concord Pavilion the week of June 7 this year were surprised to find their dates were already taken—by the Doobie Brothers and Chicago. Ygnacio Valley, College Park and Concord high schools will hold their ceremonies instead at Diablo Valley College on June 6, 7 and 8. “They were offered alternative dates,” said Steve Voorhies, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Concord. “But they opted for DVC.” The City is not involved in booking graduations at the Pavilion, said Voorhies. Dates are negotiated between the concert producers, Live Nation, and the school district.
An artistic game of telephone
For more information, visit claytonvalley.org.
Send comments and questions to editor@concordpioneer.com
Campers not only ones learning at New Horizons Loma Mar event Almost every week, the fifth-graders of an elementary school in Northern California arrive at school early – struggling with suitcases that weigh as much as they do. The students load onto buses, waving goodbye to their smiling, tearyeyed parents as they depart for the Santa Cruz Mountains. The students erupt into shouts of excitement as they pass a sign telling them they’ve finally reached Exploring New Horizons’ Camp Loma Mar. On Jan. 24-27, I was a camp counselor at Loma Mar for Mt. Diablo Elementary’s fifthgrade students. At a stage in my life where my biggest responsibility is school work, it was a shock to suddenly take care of nearly a dozen living, breathing individuals. I was accountable for
Alyssa Arino is a sophomore at CVCHS. She is on the school’s cross country team. Send comments to editor@concordpioneer.com
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February 24, 2017
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YVH expects to begin offering Int’l Baccalaureate program JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
Ygnacio Valley High School staff has gone through a fourplus year process that is coming to a close and which they expect will culminate in the Concord school becoming part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program this fall. The IB program will offer upper classmen at YVHS an opportunity to pursue a rigorous academic path which will increase their chances for college acceptance and possibly earn them up to 30 undergraduate quarter units in the UC system. Science teacher Carissa Weintraub is the IB Coordinator and is enthusiastic when describing the program and the probability of Ygnacio Valley joining 106 other high schools in California and 4000 schools worldwide as an IB World School. Weintraub has taught at the school for 16 years and attended the first IB informational meeting at YVHS several years ago, called by then principal Bill Morones and vice principal
P ETS
Efa Huckaby. Weintraub was especially interested because as a student at Northgate High she was a foreign exchange student in Finland and many of her fellow students had been in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. After that first meeting teachers and staff at Ygnacio Valley began the long process to gain admittance to IB. Things have been especially intense in the past three school years as they submitted a 40page application for candidacy in April 2015 which resulted in their acceptance as an IB candidate school. In April 2016, the school followed up with a 100-page authorization application. Last October IB representatives visited the school. The main sticking point in gaining final acceptance was the status of Ygnacio Valley library services. Mt. Diablo Unified School District schools had their librarians reduced to two days a week in budget cuts a few years ago. IB requires that their schools have the library open every day. Dis-
cussions with MDUSD have resulted in a commitment that the YVHS library will be open daily for students. Ygnacio Valley was also told they have to increase the inventory of books and materials available to students in the library in order to get the initial two-year IB accreditation. The program fee is $10,000 annually. Within the next few weeks Weintraub expects that now principal Huckaby will receive final confirmation from IB that the school will be able to begin the program for the 2017-18 school year. In anticipation of that start date 17 Ygnacio Valley teachers have been training to teach courses using IB methods. Weintraub is most excited to start teaching the IB seminar course Theory of Knowledge. By the end of this week she expects 75 YVHS sophomore and junior students will have signed up to take IB classes in the fall. The Pioneer’s YVHS student correspondent Lauren Curtis says, “Students and teachers are thrilled to be head-
ed in the direction of becoming an International Baccalaureate Diploma School.” Weintraub says the IB curriculum includes courses in English, Spanish, French, science, history, art and mathematics. Each course is offered with standard and advanced levels in order to be available to all students in the diverse YVHS student population where bilingualism is the norm. Ygnacio Valley will not only be the lone MDUSD school accredited by IB but the only Contra Costa high school. Granada High in Livermore, Quarry Lane private school in Dublin, Armijo High in Fairfield and Berkeley High are the nearest World Schools. Skyline High in Oakland has been going through the same process as YVHS and is also hopeful of starting an IB program this fall. Weintraub says, “The program will inspire students to strive for a love of life-long inquiry and learning as well as teach how to question, understand and respect other points of view.”
Claire and Versace are ARF’s March stars would enjoy being your companion, snuggling on the couch with you watching TV or sitting by your side chewing on a bone. The adoption fee for dogs is $250 and includes a discount on the first six-week session of a manners class.
CLAIRE
Seven-year-old Claire is a beautiful, unique-looking lass with gentle brown eyes that will warm your heart. She has
CArOL LONGSHOre
YESTERYEAR
Our first mayor started out in Concord as a town Smitty and carriage maker before moving into politics. Joseph Arthur Boyd was born in Quebec on July 17, 1864. He was one of 11 children. With money he earned as a blacksmith and a loan from his father, he traveled to Chicago and then to California by his 25th birthday. In San Francisco, he saw an ad by Edward Jaquith for a blacksmith and he began his successful career in the small town of Concord. Boyd was the living portrait of a man destined to set an example for Concord’s future
VERSACE
abnormal shaped front wrists that do not bother her. Claire gets around fine. She just won’t be your hiking partner. She
Four-year-old Versace is an elegant looking gentleman, just like his namesake. He has lots of love to give and especially likes chin scratches. He’s quite shy in a new environment, but with a little time and patience, he’ll blossom into one great companion
The adoption fee for a cat is $75. Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 6 pm Wednesday & Thursday, Noon to 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6 pm Saturday & Sunday. Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www.arflife.org, or call (925) 2561ARF.
Recalling YV student’s smile
Page 15
DANIELLE BENOIT Correspondent
Even though many didn’t know Gabriela Cantu personally, most people at Ygnacio Valley High School knew her through the several sports she was dedicated to or through the Education Academy. The 16-year-old, who died suddenly on Nov. 22, was a member of the Education Academy, a varsity volleyball, basketball and softball player and beloved member of the Warrior community. Gabby brought happiness to her friends, teammates, academy members and even to those she had just met. She always had a smile on her face, and I believe that’s why we all tried to keep that same happiness after she died. We needed to be strong for her, celebrating her life and accomplishments. We couldn’t wallow in sadness, because we knew she would not have wanted that. Of course, there were many tears after her passing. We still have many moments of sadness from losing a part of our
GABRIELA CANTU
Warrior family. But we talk about it often and tell stories of good times, which helps. It’s still strange to walk into class and see her empty desk. It’s weird how life is starting to seem normal again, even though we all know it will never have the same vibe. I get a knot in my throat sometimes just thinking about her. We will always remember Gabby for the happiness and light she brought to the people around her. Losing Gabby has been difficult, but she will be in our hearts forever as we remember her for who she was as a person and a friend.
Why advertise in the Pioneer? Since I started advertising in the Clayton and Concord Pioneers, my business has exploded. I can hardly keep up with the calls.
Kevin Schmidt, General Contractor Diablo View Construction
Concord’s first mayor a forward-thinking man
generations. Realizing the moral significance of words stamped in the minds of the young, he insisted that his sons and daughters memorize Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s immortal poem “The Village Blacksmith.” Many of his friends actually saw Boyd as the character in that poem. He was a large man, 6-1 and 240 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He was fine-looking, hard-working, enthusiastic, poised and warm-hearted to family and friends. He became a leader in Concord’s incorporation drive and in politics, thus being elected the first mayor in 1905. He activated policies to make the town safe, clean, prosperous and wholesome. Boyd was president of the area Red Cross, sat on the boards of the Bank of Con-
Concord Historical Society to hold Annual Meeting
Attend Concord Historical Society’s Annual Meeting from 6 – 9 p.m. on Mar. 16 at Oakhurst Country Club. Glenn Anaiscourt talks about Mount Diablo in 1760. Jill McKinnon Endicott discusses Concord Then and Now. Oakhurst Country Club is at 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. $45 per person. Reservations required; contact Louise Turrin at 925.685.2497.
Photo courtesy of Concord Historical Society
Concord’s first mayor, Joseph Arthur Boyd, married the daughter of his boss, ency Jaquith, in 1888.
cord and the high school and was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge. He married Ency, Jaquith’s daughter, in 1888. They raised a family of seven daughters and two sons in an atmosphere of artistic culture, spiritual and mental inspiration, community and social activities and philanthropic interests. The Boyds were known for four “firsts” in Concord. They owned Concord’s first E-M-F four-door automobile, they installed the first hardwood floors and the first gas lights
and were the first to have cement sidewalks around their home. His influence and stature helped Concord down the road of becoming what it is today. Tragedy struck in 1920, when Boyd was killed in an accident in his blacksmith shop at age 56.
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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T H E ARTS Page 16
SALLY HOGArTY
STAGE STRUCK Women from across the East Bay will come together for two special benefit performances of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” this weekend in Walnut Creek. The show, written to empower people to put an end to violence against women, is produced by Galatean Players Ensemble Theatre in association with Our Whole Lives of the Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church. Proceeds benefit Northern California Planned Parenthood and Violence Against Women in the Workplace. “In this current political climate, I wanted to do something positive,” says director Kathryn G. McCarty, who has assembled
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
‘Monologues’ to target local charities 27 actresses to perform the poignant and often humorous piece. “There is a lot of very funny material in the show that both men and women can relate to and learn from,” McCarty adds. “In the 10 years since I first directed this show, the movement has grown from 2,500 productions raising $5 million to last year’s 5,800 performances. Over $120 million has been raised to educate and support efforts to end violence against women, reopen shelters and fund over 13,000 community-based anti-violence programs and safe houses throughout the world.” The shows are at 8 p.m. Feb. 24 and 3 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, 55 Eckley Lane. Call 800-838-3006 or go to v-daywalnutcreek.brownpapertickets.com. Get ready for lots of fun as Pittsburg Community Theatre presents Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit” at the California Theatre in Pittsburg. Running
Saturday workshops join exhibits at aRt Cottage
Steven Mergogey-Conti
Keith Barlow Denise eberle, Martha Luerhmann, Deborah Huaco and Gregory Brown are surprised at who shows up at their séance in Pittsburg Community Theatre’s “Blithe Spirit.”
March 3-5, this other worldly comedy follows novelist Charles Condomine, who has remarried following the untimely death of his first wife Elvira. Everything is going along fine until Charles invites a clairvoyant over to conduct a séance as research for his next book. The clairvoyant manages to bring back Elvira, who is none too happy about the new wife. Pandemonium ensues as Elvira tries to win back Charles. The theater is at 351 Railroad Ave. Call 925-427-1611or go to www.pittsburgcommunitytheatre.org. If you loved Clayton Theatre Company’s (CTC) produc-
ART SCENE
Painted only with a palette knife, this oil was done by Mark Jeziemey’s student Jim Jordan. A versatile teacher, Jezierney’s students’ works vary from this pallet knife portrait to very detailed landscapes and still lifes.
and more. Check the website for updates. Children and adult classes will continue throughout the year on weekdays. The fee for classes is $15 per hour, which includes all the materials we have available.
The gallery is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 1-5 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit www.artcottage.info. FROgard Butler is the the owner of aRt Cottage, 2238 Mt. Diablo St. in Concord. Email her at frogard2000@gmail.com
tion of “Rumors” last season, then you’ll love this season’s opener featuring many of the same performers. “We were so impressed with our cast from ‘Rumors’ that we wanted to find another comedy to feature them and their extraordinary talents for our CTC audience,” says managing director Roxanne Pardi. They certainly found a good one with “Moon Over Buffalo.” LaTonya Watts directs Ken Ludwig’s fast-paced farce about a former Broadway couple performing in a small theater in Buffalo. Film director Frank Capra’s attendance at one of the performances to consider them
for his upcoming film creates havoc made even more so when the wife discovers her husband’s affair with another actress. Add in a crazy mother-inlaw, mistaken identities and more and you have mayhem for the actors and pure enjoyment for the audience. Bringing the zany characters to life are Chip Renner, Teresa Grosserode, Peggy Scalise, Tamara Filener, Bill Dietz, Nathalie Archangel, James Bradley Jr. and Ron Craven. The show runs March 9-25 at Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. Call 925-2229106, go to www.claytontheatrecompany.com or www.brownpapertickets.com. B8 Theatre Company continues its world premiere of “Man of Letters: A View of Oscar Wilde” through Feb. 25 in Concord. Writer/director Alan Cameron has deftly culled Wilde’s prodigious letters to family and friends, mixed in some of his poetry and lines from his other writings to give insight into the controversial writer’s life. Six delightful actors bring Wilde’s insightful words to life: Elinor Bell, Gary Mutz, Dean Engle, Phoebe Jones, Jeanette Sarmiento and Deborah Black.
Cameron nicely moves the performers around on several levels to create graceful pictures while appropriate slides of Wilde, his friends and 19th century architecture and fashion and music add to the ambiance. The ending sequence is particularly effective. The show is at 2292 Concord Blvd. Call 800-838-3006 or go to www.brownpaper tickets.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
elinor Bell plays The reader in B8’s “Man of Letters: A View of Oscar Wilde” in Concord through feb. 25.
From teaching art to making it
frOGArD
“Feel the Love” runs through February at aRt Cottage, and the March exhibit will feature Mark Jezierny and his students. Jezierny is a well-known painter and teacher in these parts. He has had several spring shows at aRt Cottage, and they were all popular and well-attended. Pieces featured in the gallery are for sale and are sold right off the wall. Customers do not have to wait for a show to end to make a purchase. The works shown at aRt Cottage are almost all original pieces. It is rare that aRt Cottage will display a copied print, or what is called a giclee. This year, aRt Cottage is offering new workshops on select Saturdays. Future workshops will feature encaustic (painting with beeswax), ceramic slab work, cigar box collages, spirit boats
February 24, 2017
LiSA fuLMer
ARTS
IN
MOTION
After living in Concord for only two years, artist Joani Share has already seen a difference in her work when compared to what she created in Arizona – where she lived for most of her life. Since moving, Share realized her work often reflects her environment almost on a subconscious level. “Life in California just has a different palette,” she says. “The colors here seem more subdued.” But she loves being here. In addition to living closer to her grandchildren (who love making art with Nana), the move has pushed her art in a different direction. Being an artist has taught her to never be afraid to change course and try something new.
Share grew up around art because her mother was a painter, but she didn’t become an artist herself until college. She studied fiber arts because she found the colors and textures enticing. But after many years working with textiles and fabric, she switched to mixed media and collage. Now, she enjoys the textural beauty of paper and canvas. For most of her career, Share was an art teacher at the high school and college levels. She taught many classes, including painting, drawing, ceramics, woodworking and sewing. “I used to tell all my students’ parents that I’m teaching much more than art. I’m showing their kids how to be better problem solvers and creative thinkers,” Share noted. “Even if they don’t become artists themselves, they will likely become advocates for the arts in some way.” Her courses highlighted artists from different cultures, from the classic European painters to the historic quilters of Gee’s Bend. She helped her students regularly contribute to the local community with art shows, free classes and fundraising efforts. She once put together “The Cutting Edge,” a compilation
“Bookends” is one of 12 mixed media works by Joani Share on display at the Walnut Creek Library through Mar. 12.
book of student work paired with famous quotes about the arts. It illustrated their frustration over how frequently the arts get cut from school or city budgets. After Share decided to retire from teaching, she shifted from being a community arts advocate to focusing on her own art. Twelve of her mixed media works are on display at the Walnut Creek Library through March 12. “I am experiencing creative problem solving myself now – with shapes, lines, texture, movement and color.” She works on her art every day in her converted garage
studio, and she always brings art supplies along when she travels. On a recent wine-tasting trip to Napa, she was inspired by the repeating lines of the vineyards and clustered circles of the grapes. Some of her subsequent work reflects these patterns. “Art is always there, wherever I go,” she says. “It’s what I do … It’s who I am.” Learn more about the artist at joanishare.com. Lisa Fulmer is a mixed media artist, a small business marketing consultant, and president of the Concord Art Association. Visit ConcordArtAssociation.com for inspiration and information.
4th Annual
WEDDING SHOW WEEKEND Oakhurst Country Club
March 12, 2017 | 12 - 3pm
Save The Date Hosted by Country Club Receptions
RSVP Now: www.weddingshowweekend.com/oakhurstcc or Text WSW26 to 63975
February 24, 2017
CALENDAR Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. MAR. 15 FOR THE MAR. 24
IN CONCORD
Concord Pavilion Summer Concerts
The Concord Pavilion is located at 2000 Kirker Pass Road. livenation.com. Concert schedule for 2017: Jun. 7, Chicago and The Doobie Brothers, 7:30 p.m. Jun. 11, Spirit West Coast Concord, 4 p.m. Jun. 23, United We Rock Tour, 7 p.m. Jul. 6, Deftones and Rise Against, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 11, Steve Martin and Martin Short, 8 p.m. Aug. 16, Double Feature: Straight No Chaser/ Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 27, 2017 Honda Civic Tour featuring OneRepublic, 7 p.m.
Feb. 24 Age Strong, Live Long Health Expo
ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Thru Feb. 25 “Man of Letters: A View of Oscar Wilde”
Original theatrical work by Alan Cameron. B8 Theatre Company, 2292 Concord Blvd., Concord. $20-$25. b8theatre.org. (925) 890-8877.
Thru Feb. 25 “Women in Jeopardy!”
Fun and flirtatious new comedy presented by Center REPertory. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $33$55. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Thru Feb. 26 “The Mountaintop”
A fictional depiction of the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.’s last night on earth. Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St., Martinez. $12$20. facebook.com/martinezcampbelltheater.
Resources and information for seniors, families and professionals. Thru Apr. 23 Exhibits, presentations, screenings. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Concord Senior “John” Center, 2727 Parkside Circle. Free. cityofconcord.org/healthfair. A visceral ghost story with a millennial twist. A.C.T.’s Strand Theater, 1127 Market St., San Francisco. $20-$105. act-sf.org. (415) Mar. 4, 11 749-2228. English Tutors Needed Diablo Valley Literacy Council teaches volunteers how to be English tutors. 9 a.m. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4000 Clayton Road, Concord. To register, call (925) 685-3881 or email dvlc4esl@gmail.com. dvlc4esl.org.
Mar. 9 Advance Health Care Directives
Legal clinic to prepare and notarize advance health care directives for seniors 60 and older in Contra Costa County. 9:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle. Free. Call for appointment (925) 671-3320.
IN CLAYTON
Mar. 4 Birthday Celebration
The Clayton Community Library Foundation celebrates its 22nd birthday at their annual meeting. Open to the public. 10 a.m. Clayton Community Library, Hoyer Hall, 6125 Clayton Road. Free. For questions, contact Joyce Atkinson at (925) 672-3850.
Mar. 5 Chili Cook-off
Contestants must register. Public enjoys samples after judging is complete. 10 a.m. Prizes awarded at 1 p.m. Clayton Club Saloon, 6096 Main St., Clayton. claytonclubsaloon.com. (925) 673-0440.
Mar. 9 – 25 “Moon Over Buffalo”
Hilarious comedy with madcap misadventures presented by the Clayton Theatre Company. 7:30 p.m. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St. $15-$25. claytontheatrecompany.com. (925) 222-9106.
Mar. 25 Pancakes and Ponies
Naturalist-guided tour. Ages 10 and up. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. $30; reservations required. Meet at Round Valley Regional Preserve.
Mar. 12 Wildflower Hike
Stroll through oaks and chaparral in search of early season blooms. 1 – 3 p.m. Meet at Black Diamond Mines uppermost parking lot.
Mount Diablo Interpretive Association programs listed are free with the exception of park entrance fee. Go to mdia.org and click on Events Calendar for more information.
Feb. 26 Amphibians of Contra Costa County
Drop in and learn about local amphibians with an emphasis on salamanders and newts. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Summit Museum.
Feb. 26 Eagle Peak
Climb past Mitchell Park via Twin Peaks to Eagle Peak. 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Trailhead.
Mar. 3 Lower Perkins Canyon
Visit the morning side of the mountain. 1 – 3:30 p.m. Meet at Morgan Territory Road Parking Lot.
Mar. 5 Diablo Falls and Donner Canyon
Enjoy wildflowers and water on the rugged north side of Mount Diablo. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Trailhead.
Save Mount Diablo’s Discover Diablo is a free public hike series. Go to discover-diablo.eventbrite.com for more information.
Feb. 25 Family Walk
Perkins Canyon. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meet at Morgan Territory Road Parking Lot. Reservations required.
Mar. 11 Family Walk
Presented by West Coast Performing Arts. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Feb. 26 Contra Costa Camp and School Fair
Information booths for camps, schools, daycare, sports, performing arts and more. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Acalanes High School, 1200 Pleasant Hill Road, Lafayette. Free. contracostacampfair.com.
Feb. 26 Pinchas Zukerman
Presented by Chamber Music San Francisco. 3 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40-$70. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 2 Matthew Morrison in Concert
Presented by Feinstein’s Presents. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $72.50-$102.50. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 3 - 4 “Chicken, Chitlins and Caviar”
Mar. 17 “Green with Envy”
Presented by Funny Bone Productions. 7:45 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 17, 19 “Princess Who?”
Performed by El Campanil Children’s Theatre. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $8-$12. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.
Mar. 17 – 19 “Some Enchanted Evening”
Presented by the Brentwood Theater Company. Mt. Diablo Event Center, Trilogy, 1700 Trilogy Parkway, Brentwood. $9-$26. thebrentwoodtheater.org. (925) 852- 3612.
Mar. 18 Scan-a-thon
724 Escobar St., Martinez. $10 suggested donation. Drop in or register at cocohistory.com.
Mar. 19 “The French Connection”
Presented by California Symphony. 4 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $42$72. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 22 Understanding Weight Loss Through Surgery
Learn more about surgical solutions for weight loss. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Walnut Creek Library, Oak View Room, 1644 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek. Free. Call for reservations (925) 677-5041, ext. 272.
Mar. 23 “23rd Anniversary Celebration”
Presented by Diablo Ballet. 6:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $3359. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
SCHOOLS
Two blithe spirits haunt hapless Charles into perpetuity. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $10-$25. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611.
Mar. 17 – Apr. 2 “You Can’t Take It with You”
Mar. 3 - 5 “Blithe Spirit”
“Trumpet Celebration: Mark Inouye”
A musical farce. Ygnacio Valley High School, Multi-Use Room, 755 Oak Grove Road, Concord. $8-$12. For more information, contact Kelly Cooper at (925) 528-9178. Meet the Sycamores – a madcap clan who sets the bar for eccentricity. Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. $16-$21. dvcdrama.net.
FUNDRAISERS
Feb. 24, 26 “The Vagina Monologues”
Women from the East Bay perform in this benefit for Northern California Planned Parenthood. Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. $20. vdaywalnutcreek.brownpapertickets.com.
Mar. 4 Annual Benefit Concert
Proceeds go towards Delta Blues Festival. 7 – 10 p.m. El CamPresented by Contra Costa Wind Symphony. 2 p.m. Lesher Center panil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $15-$30. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500. for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $17. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 7 “Symphonic Dances”
Presented by Walnut Creek Concert Band. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14-$17. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 9 – 12 “Jack and the Beanstalk”
Presented by Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 10 “College Notes”
An a cappella performance celebrating bright minds and voices. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 11 Comedy
Performed by Scott Capurro. 8 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $18-$21. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611.
Mar. 11 Concert
Performed by United States Air Force Concert Band. 3 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. Free; reserved seating. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.
Mar. 11 ICHSA 2017 Tournament Semifinal
International Championship of High School A Cappella event. 7 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 12 “Hello Gorgeous! A Live Tribute to Barbra Streisand”
Stroll through the lower 200 acres of Curry Canyon Ranch property. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meet at 3500 Curry Canyon Road. Reservations required.
Ken Bergmann is back with his smashing spectacle of drums, cowbells, chairs and more. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Learn the most effective techniques for capturing the beauty of Curry Canyon Ranch. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Meet at 3500 Curry Canyon Road. Reservations required.
Concert led by members of The Kerry Traditional Orchestra. 7 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $25$35.pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611.
Mar. 9, 10, 23 - 25 “Lucky Stiff”
Presented by West Coast Performing Arts. 3 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 26 Landscape Photography Skills Hike
Mar. 16 “St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland: An Irish Hooley!”
Presented by Symphony Enterprises. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Curry Point to Frog Pond. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meet at Curry Point Parking Lot. Reservations required.
Mar. 12 Property Tour
newsandcalendar@concordpioneer.com
Feb. 24 Preserve family documents in digital form. Tour center and “Zep Live! The Led Zeppelin Concert Experience” archives. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Contra Costa County History Center,
Enjoy breakfast, horses and Mount Diablo. Benefits horsemanship education programs. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Concord Mt. Diablo Trail Mar. 5 Ride Association Clubhouse, 1600 Trail Ride Road, Clayton. $8 “Born Yesterday” and up. diabloequestrianheritage.org. A classic American comedy about the power of female persuasion performed by The Vagabond Players. 2 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $10-$15. ON AND AROUND THE MOUNTAIN elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500. Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve programs are available for registration through ebparks.org. Parking fees may apply. For Mar. 5 additional information, contact Black Diamond Visitor Center at March Concert (510) 544-2750 or bdvisit@ebparks.org. Presented by The Diablo Wind Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Lesher CenFeb. 26 ter for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469. Winter Pond Exploration Get a little muddy and discover what’s living in our ponds. 10 – Mar. 5 11:30 a.m. Meet at Black Diamond Mines.
Mar. 11, 18, 19, 25, 26 and Apr. 9, 15, 28 Vasco Caves
Page 17
Mar. 14 – 18 “Percussion Discussion” Mar. 16 Concert
Annual concert by The Saklan School. 4:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Free. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 4 “Rock the CASA”
Dan Ashley presents this charity concert featuring Cheap Trick to benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates and Friends of Camp Concord. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $50-$250. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 5 “Jazz in the Afternoon”
Concord High School Jazz Ensemble performs. Benefits high school students in alternative education programs, Mt. Diablo Unified. 2 – 4 p.m. Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. $10-$25. brownpapertickets.com.
Mar. 18 Plant Sale
A huge selection of beautiful plants to celebrate spring. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Markham Regional Arboretum Society Nursery. 1202 La Vista Ave., Concord. Free admission. markhamarboretum.org.
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 (925) 646-5455. Thru Apr. 15: Tax Help, Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Mar. 13: Meditation, 6:30 p.m. Mar. 23: Master Gardeners, 6:30 p.m. The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at claytonlibrary.org or call (925) 673-0659. Thru Mar. 14: St. Patrick’s Day Limerick Contest Feb. 25: An Afternoon of Rumi, 3:30 p.m. Mar. 1: Star Party, 6:30 p.m. Mar. 2: Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday, 4 p.m. Registration requested. Mar. 8: Tech-Sploration, 5 – 8:30 p.m. Mar. 15: La Di Da Vocal Quartet, 6:30 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.
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
February 24, 2017
Dress for drama in black, blue or brown all over Dressing monochromatically may sound too matchymatchy or boring. But when one color is worn the right way and with the right pieces, it can create an elevated look that’s as sharp and intriguing as a bold pattern. Mixing shades in a specific color palette is the key to the monochromatic look. Here are three examples for men to incorporate the monochromatic trend into a wardrobe for work, date night or a formal occasion. Navy is the easiest color for guys to wear because it’s versatile. It can also be a rich look for the office when you add a monochromatic touch. Start with a navy suit. For the shirt, try a navy chambray. It’s dressy enough to stand up
SuSAN SAPPiNGTON
CLOTHESUP
to the suit and adds dimension with a navy hue just a few shades lighter than the suit. A silk dot navy pocket square adds another layer to the monochromatic look while also adding some texture. A clean black dress shoe like the Exchange Place from Allen Edmonds finishes off
Do I Empathize?
Yes I do. Please call me, Kate Lane, Pre-Arrangement Specialist at Oakmont Memorial Park and Mortuary. Pre-planning is the best thing that you can do for those you love. klane@stonemor.com or (925) 935-3311
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the look. For date night, take more risk with the monochromatic idea and have some fun with it. Opt for a darker shade of charcoal or black. These colors work better in a social setting, and you’ll feel more “with it” when you’re walking into the restaurant. In a suit, go for charcoal herringbone. It has the darker shade you want, and the lightweight herringbone flannel adds some texture and seasonality to the look. Try a deconstructed style for both the sport coat and trousers. For added comfort, try trousers in jogger style. Since it’s not as stiff and formal, it’ll lightens up the look and add a bit more personality. I can help you design a charcoal double vertical stripe custom shirt. Finish the look with a casual black shoe or even a sleek city sneaker in a dark gray or black to keep the look fun. When it’s time for a black tie event, there are other options besides a classic black
tuxedo and black shirt. Consider black velvet or opt for a grosgrain shawl collar and side vents. Pair it with a sharp dress shirt like a charcoal chambray and super black tuxedo trousers. If a tie is required, go for a slimmer tie in the same trim as the lapels. A black velvet loafer would finish this monochromatic look off nicely. But if you’re not feeling that brave, a simple black lace-up shoe will work just fine. I would love to help all the men out there with their wardrobe needs. I come to you, and it takes no more than an hour to fit you and help pick out a custom shirt, sports jacket, suit or whatever you need to complete your closet. Once you wear a custom shirt that’s made just for you, you will never go back to “off the rack.”
Susan Sappington is the area development manager and wardrobe stylist for Etcetera clothing for women and personal stylist for J. Hilburn Custom Clothier for men. The opposite of boring, a monochromatic look creates Contact her at susan@etcstyles.com. excitement and interest in menswear.
Murder just the start of this ‘Requiem’
If you’re reading John Clarkson, it’s not going to matter what else is on your to-do list – you’ll be hooked. From the prologue’s first sentence: “James Beck had about ten seconds before bones broke and blood hit the floor,” to the last sentence on page 388, “It’s finally over,” I’d estimate reading “Bronx Requiem” might only take a couple of hours – even with distractions. So what’s a nice girl like me doing in a book like this? Having one helluva lot of fun, chewing my nails and wondering what my favorite Robin Hood of the hoods is going to do next. Clarkson writes a fast, intricately plotted novel about bad guys vs. sort-of–good/bad guys in and around the darker neighborhoods of New York City boroughs. Beck, tried and jailed for a cop killing he did not commit, owes his sanity and ability to have survived incarceration to
SuNNY SOLOMON
BOOKIN’ WITH SUNNY
fellow inmate Packy Johnson. By the time Packy is paroled, Beck, with his sentence overturned, has been out of prison for some time and is looking forward to helping his friend secure a life on the outside. But within the first 24 hours of Packy’s parole, he is brutally beaten and shot to death. Beck is devastated and vows to avenge what at first appears to be a senseless act of brutality. Appearances can be
deceiving, and in Beck’s life, they usually are. Beck lives in a refurbished bar in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn with his band of ex-cons and others who value Beck’s efforts to make life easier for those who have been incarcerated. “Bronx Requiem” introduces us early on to a possible new member of Beck’s crew. For the uninitiated, “crew” is the underworld’s word for “staff.” Parole officer Walter Ferguson first helps coordinate Packy’s parole. Following Packy’s murder, Ferguson helps Beck uncover what is behind the brutal killing. The “Requiem” characters begin to make sense as each one’s involvement leads to another. Clarkson’s plot is a bit of a shell game – now you see it, now you don’t. Center stage is Packy’s daughter, a young girl he has not seen since she was a child and who is now under the con-
trol of a well-known and brutal Bronx pimp, Derrick, who has his own vile crew planted throughout the Bronx. Prostitute or not, Amelia Johnson, known as Princess, is a most sympathetic character. When she finally finds the courage to leave Derrick, she doubles down by killing him. The multiple killings leave a trail of blood covering a money trail leading to more hoods and eventually to the NYC Police Department. Although the word entrepreneur is thankfully never used, the underground world involved in Packy’s death is basically a business – a very profitable business and one Beck intends to shut down. Sunny Solomon is a freelance writer and head of the Clayton Book Club. Visit her website at bookinwithsunny.com for her latest recommendations or just to ‘talk books.’
This year’s top films all deserving of Oscar nods Jeff MeLLiNGer
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We lost a lot of stars in 2016, but we are lucky that film immortalizes them in perpetuity. This year’s Oscar-nominated films are well-worthy of eternal celluloid memorialization. Here’s quick look: “Hell or High Water.” Jeff Bridges plays a retiring sheriff in a small Texas town on the hunt for a pair of small-time bank robbers (Chris Pine and Ben Foster). Full of snappy banter, beautiful scenery and lived-in roles by the above mentioned actors, the film transcends and redefines the Western genre. “La La Land.” Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone play Hollywood wannabes fighting at falling in love. One of the finest opening scenes in cinematic history showcases the pinnacle of cinematography and choreography with a pristine song and dance perform-
ance. The rest of the film more than lives up to the introductory number. It will even charm the “musical cynic” in the audience. “Arrival.” Amy Adams gives her best performance as linguist Louise Banks in Denis Villeneuve’s excellent alien encounter film. Subtlety and nuance are a major part of Adams’ repertoire, and she fits the shrouded mystery of the story perfectly. If there is an instruction manual for Earth’s first meeting with aliens, “Arrival” should be page one. “Manchester by the Sea.” Kenneth Lonergan’s third feature is a heart-wrenching tale of a New England handyman forced to care for his suddenly orphaned nephew. Casey Affleck turns in a career performance as the uncle with a tragic past that collides with his chaotic present. The cinematography captures all the beauty of the titular city and the script is spot on. Lonergan is a master of detail and it shows. “Lion.” Garth Davis’s “Lion” is two movies in one. The first half follows young
Saroo (a wonderful Sunny Pawar), lost 1,000 miles from home on his search to be reunited with his mom. The second half follows an older Saroo (Dev Patel) on the same search. The film captures all the different colors of India quite strikingly. The first half is excellent. It drags a bit late but regains its momentum in time for a powerful climax. “Hidden Figures.” Three black women with extensive mathematical backgrounds persevere to play pivotal roles in the 1960s space race. “Hidden Figures” hits all the right notes, and the story is made for the big screen. It’s a tale that demands to be heard and is all the better for being brought to light in 2017. “Fences.” As a 1950s man beaten down by life, Denzel Washington gives one of his most emotional and raw performances since “Glory.” Viola Davis nearly steals the show as his loving yet heavily burdened wife. Although the “stage-to-screen” feel does not allow the film to breathe much, there may not have been a finer acting job by the two
leads in a film all year. “Hacksaw Ridge.” Mel Gibson’s fourth war movie is good, it’s just not “Braveheart.” There are fantastic battle scenes and the ridge is a foreboding character unto itself. Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield) is put through hell for his beliefs. If only Gibson could have layered the symbolism a little less thick. “Moonlight.” Yet to see. Now, here are my personal top 10: 1. “Hell or High Water” 2. “La La Land” 3. “Green Room” 4. “Arrival” 5. “Manchester by the Sea” 6. “Zootopia” 7. “Deadpool” 8. “Lion” 9. “Eye in the Sky” 10. “Deepwater Horizon” and “Patriot’s Day” The Academy Awards are Feb. 26 at 5:30 PST.
Jeff Mellinger is a screen writer and film buff. He holds a BA in Film Studies and an MFA in film production. He lives in Concord. Email comments to editor@concordpioneer.com.
February 24, 2017
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 19
LYNNe freNCH
Delve deeper when painting your home
REAL ANSWERS Q: We just closed escrow on our first home. We want to paint as our first decorating upgrade. We will be staying here for several years, if not forever. What is a good way to choose paint colors? A: Congratulations on your new home. Paint colors set the mood and tone of a home. I talked with the paint and color expert at the Paint Quality Institute. She agrees that you should not overlook the psychological impact of color. Studies have shown that different hues create different moods and can even affect behavior. There are lots of good reasons to select a particular paint color, including personal preference and design considerations. But people don’t always consider the psychological power certain colors exert on mood, attitude and outlook. Think about the mood you would like in your surroundings, whether it be relaxing or invigorating. If you want to create a tranquil space, look for a soft green or pale blue. This is great for a family room, bedroom or anywhere you want to relax. Other restful colors include beige, brown and taupe. These shades impart warmth and coziness to a space. At the other end of the psychological spectrum are paint colors that inject energy. Yellow is the best example.
Like a splash of sunshine, yellow walls can lift the spirit and brighten your outlook. It’s great for a kitchen or breakfast area. Shades of orange, like tangerine or apricot, are also energizing and perfect for morning rooms. Reds are an obvious choice for energizing. But they need to be used sparingly, since their bold appearance can literally increase the heartbeat. It makes a good dining room color, because it can actually increase appetite. That is why it is used in so many restaurants. After choosing the perfect color, make sure it continues to look great by using the highest quality paint.
Q: I have owned my home for quite some time, and I am ready to do some improvements. I want to enjoy my home now, but I can see selling it down the road. What are the improvements I should consider? A: I believe it is smart to focus on the most used areas in your home. This is for your enjoyment, functionality and to boost the home’s value come resale. I read a recent survey that listed kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and family or bonus rooms as the most used rooms. Consider the following: 1. Swap appliances and fixtures. Outdated features can cost much more to use than newer models, plus new ones look aesthetically pleasing. Replace old faucets, shower heads and dishwashers with energy-efficient alternatives. 2. Welcome natural light. Letting in more daylight can help reduce the need for artificial
lighting. Adding skylights and solar-powered window coverings are practical ways to bring in more natural light. 3. Freshen the basic looks of the home. As I discussed in the previous question, wall and trim color are fundamental elements in any room. A fresh coat of paint on the
walls and trim, even if it is in the same color, will make the room brighter and newer. 4. Max out storage. Install organizational systems in rooms where clutter typically collects. It is a cost-effective way to improve the function of the room. Closet organizers are a great example.
5. Boost air quality. Ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms carries away excess moisture that can cause mold and mildew. Bathrooms should be equipped with exhaust fans even if there is a window. Kitchen hoods and dryers should vent to the exterior of the home if possi-
ble. Air flow is critical to the health of your home and everyone who lives in it. Send your question and look for your answer in a future column. Email Lynne@LynneFrench.com. French is the broker/owner of Windermere Lynne French & Associates. Contact her at 672-8787 or stop in at 6200 Center St., Clayton.
Coaching concentrates on strengths Sponsored Content
Q. Is there an accurate way to determine my strengths for improved work performance?
Yes, there is. The Gallup Corporation has spent decades studying how people naturally feel, think and behave. It’s centered on the study of “what people do best,” rather than what they do wrong. This is a major paradigm shift since our culture is fixated on improving weaknesses and producing meager results. Leader, manager, and individual strengths are discovered through an “on-line” assessment, called Clifton Strengths. 15+ million people worldwide have taken the assessment. They have realized their unique strengths from 34 instinctive themes. It measures the intensity of most common behaviors – from greatest to least utilized. With the results, managers
ROBERT HUFFMAN LEADERSHIP STRENGTHS COACH
and/or leaders typically meet with a coach to help them understand and apply their strengths for improved work performance. Work outcomes are more significant through investing in strengths than fixing a weakness (or nontalent). There are noticeable benefits based upon two important Gallup stats: 1) People who focus on their strengths, are six times more engaged in their jobs. 2) Teams that focus on strengths everyday
have 12.5 percent greater productivity. Engaged managers and teams are emotionally connected and know they are contributing to something greater than themselves. The coaching of strengths helps develop greater confidence in accomplishing critical work goals. It’s an important component of marketplace excellence. Strengths-based development is instrumental in helping managers and supervisors play to the strengths of their teams for improved service and boosting work product quality. Companies have developed strengthsbased cultures that thrive; boosting employee retention and profitability. Motivation and morale rise to higher sustained levels. The strengths journey is insightful and practical. It helps management and employees understand that personal strengths
diversity is highly valued. Team respect, communication, and collaboration improve. Employee strengths application provides focus and energy for improving the corporate bottom line. Come to a free seminar in Walnut Creek in the Treat Towers Training Room on Fri., Apr. 7 for organizational leaders and managers on how strengths can improve managerial performance. 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Seating is limited. RSVP: 925-459-2982 by Mar. 30 or connect to rhleadershipcoach.com. Please call to learn how to engage in your strengths and thrive.
Robert Huffman is a certified Gallup Strengths Coach, a certified life coach and has 25+ years in corporate leadership positions with hiring, training, and developing hundreds of leaders and managers.
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February welcomes early-blooming plants
Page 20
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
NiCOLe HACKeTT
GARDEN GIRL
February has a couple of fantastic blooming plants: Daphne shrubs and the evergreen perennial Hellebores. These plants are reliable bloomers whose early display helps satisfy a garden lover’s craving for flowers to brighten the gray days of winter. Daphne’s flowers are delightful to the eye. The buds are born in clusters of blush-pink. Once opened, the flower is a simple four-petal blossom of white with a blush-pink backing. It doesn’t have the visual impact
that a camellia or azalea provides, but the fragrance is intoxicating. During February and into March, the citrus and gardenia perfume can be appreciated feet away from the plant. When Daphne is blooming at the nursery, we delight in suggesting to visitors to take a moment and smell the flowers. Folks are amazed at the intensity of the fragrance. Daphne shrubs will reach 4-5 feet tall and wide in a perfect environment. If conditions aren’t ideal, this shrub will die. Overwatering is Daphne’s worst nightmare and can lead to their demise. Those who are enchanted by this evergreen are taking a chance by installing one. Daphne need filtered, morning sun or bright shade. Drainage is important, and with Claycord’s clay soils,
HELLABORUS ICE ‘N ROSES
this can be hard to find. Daphne usually gets overloved in the summer. It doesn’t like too much water, fertilizer or soil that is too rich. Be careful – less is more with this evergreen. If you can grow a Daphne, it will be the prize of your landscape. Hellebores are a family of sturdy, evergreen perennials. They have a long flowering season, from February through May. Hellebores command your attention when blooming. Their
February 24, 2017
flowers of cream, pink, burgundy and green are surprisingly interesting, with subtle freckles and streaks. The leaves are palmate shaped and usually deep green, although you can find a couple slightly variegated selections to drool over. Seek out Helleborus argutifolius (chartreuse flowers), Penny’s Pink (deep pink flowers) and Ice and Roses (dark red flowers). Install Hellebore in bright shade or filtered light. The entire family is remarkably water-wise and can tolerate poor soil. In the autumn, fertilize with a multipurpose formula. Since this perennial blooms so early in the year, a fall fertilizing will help maximize your early display. During the middle of spring, Hellebores can get aphids which are easily controlled with neem oil. Hellebore makes a lovely container installation. Some companion plants to consider are Scaevola New Wonder, which creates an interesting cas-
cade, and Sedum Ogon, with its yellow foliage. No matter the month, you can always have something blooming in your landscape.
Asparagus – the King of Vegetables DEBRA MORRIS Pacific Coast Farmers Market
An ancient vegetable, many poets have sung its praises and artists have painted it. Called the “King of Vegetables,” asparagus is a beautifully designed vegetable from a gardener’s and a farmer’s point of view. Asparagus is literally the growing shoot of a perennial plant raised in furrowed fields. Plantings take two or more years to become established and require much hand labor in all phases. Asparagus is harvested when the spears emerge in the springtime. Individual spears are harvested when they are approximately nine inches long with compact, tight heads and good green color. Each day, workers walk the furrows selecting choice spears and cutting them individually by hand. Over half the asparagus grown in the U.S. is grown right here in the Sacramento River Delta and that’s why Delta asparagus at your farmers’ market is so good. It comes freshly cut to the market within 48 hours. Watch for it from March through May. You’ll find fantastic spring asparagus at your farmers’ market at the booths of Cecchini & Cecchini from Brentwood, L&J
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Nancy E. Bennett Thinking of selling your home this year? FREE STAGING!
Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. You can contact her with questions or comments by email at Gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
Farms of Gonzales, and Buttercup Farms in Clayton. The season is short, only from March through May, so pick some up now.
ROASTED ASPARAGUS 1 bundle asparagus spears 1 to 1-1/2 tablespoon olive oil Pinch of kosher salt and ground black pepper Juice of 1/2 a lemon Shaved Parmesan cheese, if desired Preheat oven to 400°F. Trim or the woody ends off the asparagus, about an inch or so. Line a baking sheet with foil. Place asparagus in a single layer over the sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and squirt of lemon juice. Bake for about 25 minutes until tender but still crisp. Remove from oven, plate, and top with shaved or grated Parmesan cheese. Recipe: PCFMA Staff. The Concord Farmers Market is in Todos Santos Plaza Tuesdays & Thursdays.
Nancy sells more than 8 times as many homes as the average realtor, call today to learn how!
Professionally staged homes sell faster and for more •Allow us to prepare your home to sell with staging, photos and more •We sell more than 8 times as many homes as the average Realtor •Call us now and receive FREE STAGING, a $3,500 value*
*Offer ends February 28, 2017
740 Jane Ct., Martinez
Market Update*
44 Wharf Dr., Bay Point
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2330 Rockne Dr., Concord .....................................3/2 .................1247............$578,500
23 Fountainhead Ct., Martinez ..............................3/2 .................1158............$395,000
329 Conifer Ct., Walnut Creek ...............................4/2.5 ..............1781............$912,500
4488 Snowberry Ct., Concord................................4/2 .................1805............$708,500 2000 North 6th St., Concord ...................................3/1 .................1160............$405,000
4404 Arrowwood Ct., Concord .............................4/2.5 ..............2886............$786,000
4248 Gladstone Dr., Concord................................4/2 .................1284............$505,000
Beautifully updated two story home boasting 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1438 sq. ft. on a large .17 acre lot with a HUGE FOUR CAR GARAGE! Offered at $500,000
Coming Soon
Nicely updated and charming bungalow home boasting 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, 955 sq. ft. on a large .12 acre lot
Concord – 3 bed/1 bath charmer with original hardwood floors, large backyard updates.
Offered at $285,500
1457 Cortez Ct., Walnut Creek ..............................4/3 .................2803............$970,000 1919 Ygnacio Valley Rd. #19, Walnut Creek.......2/1.5 ..............820..............$405,000
1199 Ridge Park Drive, Concord ...........................3/2 .................1452............$640,000
921 Honora Dr., Concord .......................................3/2 .................1650............$615,000
1729 Sapling Ct #A., Concord...............................3/2.5 ..............1288............$399,000
*Market update provided by Nancy Bennett
Concord, Crossings – 4 beds/2.5 baths many renovations in progress. Next to greenbelt.
Concord, States Streets – 3 bed/1 bath single story with lots of updates and new appliances.
How can we help you and your family today? We helped more than 100 families buy and sell homes in 2016.
Nancy Bennett, Realtor @ Keller Williams Realty CEO, The Bennett Team #1 Agent in Concord, #1 Team, Keller Williams East Bay #5 Team Nationally (U.S. & Canada) Keller Williams CalBRE #01399870
Nancy@BennettBetter.com
925.606.8400
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