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Weapons Station Explosion
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February 26, 2016
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LAuRA HoFFMeiSTeR
MAYOR
City embarks on bumpy road to street repair
You’re driving along and you hit a pothole or section of bad pavement that rumbles and jostles you and your car around. You ask, “don’t my elected officials and the mayor see these and drive the same streets?” The answer is yes we do. We are very aware and working hard to improve the city’s aging infrastructure. Until the great recession the City of Concord was able to keep up with needed street repairs. The recession significantly reduced federal, state and local funds that were available for such activities. As a result, the city’s streets have been deteriorating faster than funds have been available to catch up even with the improving economy. Beginning to fix our streets is one of my priorities as mayor,
Now facing possible lawsuits, the Concord City Council tries to right the ship in its disastrous Master Developer selection process.
the road in this process,” said Valerie Barone. The distrust grew after the Mayor Laura Hoffmeister. “Now it’s up to us to regain that release of an independent report by Michael Jenkins of Jenkins & It wasn’t exactly a Shake- trust of the city. Hogin LLP, tapped by interim spearean tragedy, but the recent TRUST AND INTEGRITY city attorney Brian Libow to events in the selection of Master That trust in the city and a investigate the allegations. The Developer for Concord’s Naval Weapons Station had at least one sense of integrity of the Master report claimed that four donaobserver, County Democratic Developer selection process tions to Grayson’s Assembly bid Chair Jeff Koertzen noting that came under fire often at the were solicited by Lennar for the “there’s something rotten in the meeting, exploding in a swell of sake of “lobbying” in its favor, public disgust — aired in news- which it deemed was prohibited city of Concord.” And the Concord City paper editorials and on local in the agreement. While several Council tried to quell that stench blogs —after news of campaign speakers at the meeting called on Tuesday as it responded to an contributions to then-Mayor Lennar’s disqualification, the independent investigator’s Tim Grayson’s Assembly Cam- council ultimately decided not report that found one Master paign by groups affiliated with to, arguing that the city needed Developer at fault for lobbying developer finalist Lennar Corp. the two developers for the public and the council itself responsi- and the removal of other finalist benefit of comparison and makCatellus Corp. from the final ing a thoughtful decision. ble for Brown Act violations. See Mayor, page 8 As Councilman Dan Helix “We’ve hit some bumps in staff report by City Manager PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
Concord addresses homeless issues
pointed out — and was noted in the Jenkins report — Grayson was unaware of the four companies’ ties to Lennar, and when he did find out, he quickly gave back the money. He also recused himself from voting on any issues that dealt with the Master Developer selection.
Photo courtesy City of Concord
That leaves the deciding number of council members on the important vote at three, as Vice Mayor Ron Leone can’t vote on the CNWS development because he lives within a close enough distance to the
See CNWS, page 11
Hot Rod Himsls both now in the Hall of Fame
PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
Photo courtesy City of Concord
THIS HOMELESS ENCAMPMENT NEAR PORT CHICAGO HWY. AND BATES AVE. IN CONCORD is one of several encampments Concord Police cleaned up recently. Concord Police say there are about 450 homeless people in the city of Concord.
Nestled behind the Artists Den on Salvio Street is a tiny covered enclave that provides shelter to several homeless individuals in Concord. Unfortunately, the trash and waste that is left behind has become an issue for Michelle Morey of Futures Explored, who runs the collective that offers art classes to developmentally disabled adults. “We have to clean up human waste almost daily, and that’s become a real nuisance,” she says. Morey was one of almost 50 people from the business, social services and law enforcement communities who attended a
Photos courtesy Himsl family
CONCORD BROTHERS ART (LEFT) AND MICKEY HIMSL are now both in the Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame after younger brother Mickey was inducted this year at the 67th annual show in Ponoma. The two Mt. Diablo High grads have been involved in customizing cars since their teen years in Concord. Mickey’s younger daughter Katy was on hand for the Hall of Fame induction. JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
Growing up in 1950s Concord, Art Himsl would take younger brother Mickey with him to car shows. “Cars were important. It was in See Homeless, page 7 your blood and that’s where I got my love of cars,” the
What to do with your bottles and cans now? JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
rePlanet, an Ontario, CAbased company, suddenly shutdown 191 recycling centers in the state at the end of January including its two remaining local locations in Concord. Then last Friday Garaventa Enterprises, which includes Concord Disposal, shuttered its local buy-back center in Pittsburg Signs on the locked doors of the rePlanet recycling center on Clayton Rd. behind Food Maxx and at the Concord
Service Center on Concord Ave. said, “due to the decline in commodity prices and reduction of state subsidies this recycling center is now closed.” The company’s website said the 191 closures included the layoff of 278 employees. A press release added, “Following the most recent reduction in State fees on Jan. 1 and after enduring 12 months of unprecedented declines in commodities pricing of aluminum and PET plastic, coupled with the mandated rise in operating costs as a result of
minimum wage increases and required health and workers compensation insurance, the company has concluded that operation of these recycling centers is no longer sustainable.” The release said the closures will allow rePlanet to continue operating 350 centers with its remaining 800 employees “as long as current conditions remain unchanged.” The company says they have participated in numerous meetings with CalRecycle “to
See Recycle, page 3
younger Himsl says today. Last month Mickey Himsl was inducted into the Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame, joining his internationallyrenowned car painter brother Art, who was given a similar honor in 1992. The two Mt. Diablo High School grads both still live in their hometown and cars are still very much in their blood. Mickey, now 71, typically spends one day at the Grand National, which moved from Oakland to Pomona 14 years ago. When he was told he had been elected to the Hall he gathered family and friends for a weekend celebration at the 67th edition of the world’s longest
See Roadster, page 3
Inside
CONCORD SERVICE CENTER on Concord Ave. is one of two local recycle centers operated by rePlanet abruptly closed Jan. 31. The center behind Food Maxx on Clayton Rd. was also shuttered.
Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . .19
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From the desk of . . . . . .8 School News . . . . . . . .10 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Performing Arts . . . . . .20
COMMUNITY
Page 2
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Rotary donations benefit local schools
The Clayton Valley Concord Sunrise Rotary Club presented two donations to the community from their Charita-
ble Fund this month. Funds Rich Lueck, Rotary, prefor the donations came from sented a check for $1,900 for Rotary’s Clunkers 4 Charity the purchase and installation program. of coat hooks to Mountain View Elementary School on Feb. 4. The school’s support staff and teachers wanted to eliminate clothing and backpacks from 400 students strewn all over the grounds and hallways of the school. The solution was to install hooks along the walls outside the classrooms. The school quickly discovered the cost was prohibitive, so they appealed to the Rotary Club’s Charitable Fund board for help. NorthCreek Academy’s 400 students and their teachers were presented with a $3,169 Rotary member Rich Lueck presented a check for $1,900 for the purchase and installation of coat hooks to Mountain check at a special ceremony on Feb. 9 at the Concord campus. View elementary School’s PFC President, Cindy Gillmore; Principal Greg Steele told his PFC Treasurer, Christine Hernandez and principal, Brent students the funds were from Brinkerhoff. the sale of a 1967 Cadillac Viking Deville that was anony-
mously donated to the school. The school asked Rotary President Dave Kemnitz to sell the car for them through the Clunkers 4 Charity program. Steele encouraged the students to follow Rotary’s rule of putting “Service Above Self ” because it is important for them to do good deeds throughout their lives. Kemnitz, owner of D & H Enterprises, started the Clunkers 4 Charity program to accept all types of donated vehicles, working or not, put them into working order, sell them and turn over the proceeds to the Rotary Club’s Charitable Fund. The Clayton Valley Concord Sunrise Rotary Club meets at 7 a.m. each Thursday at the Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. For more information, go to the website claytonvalleyrotary.org.
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Rotary members Joan D’onofrio, Fred Nelson, Clayton Worsdell and Rich Lueck stand by Rotary President Dave Kemnitz as he presents a donation check to NorthCreek Academy’s principal Greg Steele from the sale of a car donated to the school. Rotarian Steve Weir is on the far right.
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PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
Concord’s Mark DeCredico had to chew on it awhile. A talent firm had asked him if he would be in a real life Extra gum commercial about love — and propose to his longtime girlfriend on camera. It’s not that he didn’t want to marry Jessica Langevin, also of Concord. Being somewhat shy and humble, DeCredico was hesitant to dive in to that “reality show” situation, reminiscent of the Kardashians. In the end, though, love won out — as did the chance to give Langevin the proposal of a lifetime. According to his friend and talent agency employee, Clayton’s Christy Ottoboni, DeCredico went “all in.” After all, the couple has known each other since Kindergarten. He picked out a ring for Langevin and decided to propose at Grizzly Peak in Berkeley with the cameras rolling. Langevin was told by the producers that this was a commercial about travel and love. About serious couples and their relationships. She had no idea her boyfriend was about to pop the question. “I had no clue he was going to propose,” Langevin told the Huffington Post. “I honestly thought we were doing a travel documentary and that the scavenger hunt was for the kids. I only started to wonder when I saw the sketch of my mom and our love letters hung on the trees.” And she said yes.
32 Essex Court – Alamo
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505 Raven Place – Clayton
Windmill Canyon at Oakhurst Country Club! Stunning single story “Keller” model! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, approximately 2053sf. Gleaming hardwood floors. Gorgeous updated kitchen with top of the line stainless steel appliances including wine fridge & slab granite counters. Private lot on a tranquil court! $729,000
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5065 Valley Crest Dr. – Concord
Updated Valley Terrace Unit! 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, approximately 1100sf with inside laundry! Kitchen features granite counters & tile floors. Both baths are updated. Central location walk to shopping & dining! $285,000
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1235 Pine Creek Way #E. . . 283,000 . . . . . .1089 3121 Athene Ct . . . . . . . . . . $465,000 . . . . .1226 964 Alla Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . $515,000 . . . . .1247 4877 Cherokee Dr . . . . . . . . $474,000 . . . . .1313 4342 Saint Charles Pl . . . . . $370,000 . . . . .1253 3041 Cowell Rd . . . . . . . . . . $725,000 . . . . .2880 2925 Kobio Dr . . . . . . . . . . . $600,000 . . . . .1861
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BED/BATH SALE DATE ADDRESS
. . . . . .2/1/5 . . . . .2/16/16 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . .2/12/16 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . .2/11/16 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . .2/10/16 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . .2/10/16 . . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . .2/10/16 . . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . .2/9/16
Roundhill Country Club! Spacious executive home on an approximate ½ acre lot. 5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 2741 sf!
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Courtesy of Christy ottoboni
NEWLY ENGAGED MARCUS DECREDICO AND JESSICA LANGEVIN gather for a family photo with daughters Zoe, 8, Alyvia, 8 and Malory, 7. All three girls attend Mt. Diablo elementary School.
While that might be sweet, what is extra special is that this is not the first go-around for this couple. DeCredico is a single dad, and Langevin is a widow — her husband was killed in combat in Afghanistan when she was months away from giving birth to their first daughter Zoey. Zoey now attends Clayton’s Mt. Diablo Elementary School. And she is suddenly famous, thanks to a romantic stepfather-to-be, a willing bride-to-be, and chewing gum. Champagne corks won’t be the only thing popping at this wedding.
1050 Pebble Beach Dr. – Clayton
Roundhill Country Club! Exceptional and exquisite single level custom estate of highest quality Craftsman style construction & design built in 2004! 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, approx. 4501sf! Separate cabana with additional full bath. Resort style .57 acre lot backs to golf course with pool, spa, sport court, outdoor kitchen & 3-tier pond. Sensational gourmet kitchen. Wine cellar. Lavish master suite!
18 Saratoga Court – Alamo
Diane and Bill Hayes
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Concord couple gets engaged on TV
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Peacock Creek at Oakhurst Country Club! Elegant & sprawling singles story “Bainbridge” model tucked away at the top of a tranquil court! 4 bedrooms plus a den, 3 full baths, approximately 3030sf, 2 fireplaces & 3 car garage! Private lot featuring a custom outdoor BBQ island & in ground spa
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4706 Curletto Dr. – Concord
Stunning Updated home with first floor master suite! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 updated baths. Striking modern kitchen with custom cabinets, ss appliances & granite counters. Large backyard! $679,000
121 Mt. Shasta Ct. – Clayton
Fantastic Dana Hills Rancher! In a great court location! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approximately 2619sf! Updated kitchen. RV/Boat parking. In-ground pool with separate spa. Access to greenbelt at the end of the court. COMING SOON!
795 Silver Hills Dr. – Brentwood
Exceptional Custom Built Estate in Exclusive Gated Silver Hills Community! Gentleman’s ranch on 11.40 acres! 4 bedrooms, library, bonus room, 4.5 baths, approx. 4816sf & 6 car garage. A must see to believe! $1,699,000
708 Anizumne Ct. – Clayton
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3070 Joan Ave . . . . . . . . . . . $430,000 1890 Ashdale Dr . . . . . . . . . $460,000 5757 Reynolds Pl. . . . . . . . . $925,000 1780 Granada Dr . . . . . . . . . $735,000 4275 Machado Dr . . . . . . . . $380,000 1889 Camino Estrada . . . . . $645,000
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Black Diamond at Oakhurst Country Club! Extremely Rare “Grove” model! with desirable downstairs master suite! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 1666sf & 2 car garage! $555,000
BED/BATH SALE DATE
. . . . .1564 . . . . . .3/1.5 . . . . . .2/9/16 . . . . .1091 . . . . . .3/1.5 . . . . . .2/9/16 . . . . .3668 . . . . . .5/3.5 . . . . . .2/8/16 . . . . .3527 . . . . . .4/3.5 . . . . . .2/8/16 . . . . .973 . . . . . . .2/2 . . . . . . . .2/5/16 . . . . .2260 . . . . . .3/3 . . . . . . . .2/3/16
February 26, 2016
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 3
Jr. Eagles Cheer soar at JAMZ Nationals Forty local girls and their coaches traveled to Las Vegas last month representing Clayton Valley Athletic Association Jr. Eagles football and cheer program at the JAMZ Youth Nationals in the Orleans Arena. Like a few lucky gamblers, the Jr. Eagles came home from Vegas with more silverware than they came with. The Jr. Eagles level 3 Team Soar for ages 13 and under was crowned a national champion for the third straight year, winning show cheer and also taking second in performance
Recycle, from page 1
cheer. To make their championship even sweeter Team Soar received the highest score at Nationals, according to cheer director Leah Rose. Team Flight (level 2 ages 13 and under) won its second consecutive title in performance cheer and was sixth in show cheer. The youngest Jr. Eagles group, Team Blast, made its first trip to nationals a success with third- and fourth-place finishes. Sign-ups for the Jr. Eagles 2016 season will start on-line March 1 for cheer in ages 5-14 and football ages 7-14.
try and resolve issues surrounding the Beverage Container Recycling Fund, which is critical to the overall success of this program.” They say they welcome the opportunity to reopen as many recycling centers as possible if and when the State makes necessary changes that will allow the company to operate profitably. Mt. Diablo Recycling cited similar concerns in closing because “the recycling market is incredibly low and the company can’t sustain operating the center.” CalRecycle, officially known as the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, administers the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act. Beverage containers covered under the act are subject to California Redemption Value, which is 5 cents for containers less than 24 ounces and 10 cents for containers 24 ounces or larger. The CRV cash incentive (which consumers pay at the checkout counter) has helped account for more than 300 billion aluminum, glass and plastic beverage containers to be recycled since the program began in 1987. The only locally-based recycle center continuing to operate, Pleasant Hill Paper Recycling, accepts all CRV plastic, aluminum and glass as well as cardboard, paper, bi-metal and many other materials.
Send Community News items to Editor@ConcordPioneer.com
Photo courtesy CVAA Jr. eagles
Roadster, from page 1
running indoor car show. His daughters Holly and Katy, two grandchildren, daughter-in-law Ali, brothers-in-law Mike and Pat Oswald and long-time girlfriend Susan Petty were all part of the entourage. And, of course, so was big brother Art. Topping off the festivities Mickey Himsl participated in the event by showing his 1929 Ford Pickup “Mickey’s Mouse” and came away with five awards—Outstanding Detail and Outstanding use of Color Design (the metal flake green is the handiwork of Art), Outstanding Engine, First-in-Class and West Coast Customs Outstanding Nostalgia Rod or Custom Award. ALL IN THE FAMILY Art Himsl gave his 14-yearold brother the stock Model A Ford pickup in 1960. “It was my first car. I was just thrilled,” Mickey says. The truck wasn’t
drivable but he went about rectifying that. At Mt. Diablo he “majored in shop” and he used his time in metal, wood, auto and machine shops to restore the truck. It was displayed at open house one year. During his junior year at MDHS Mickey started working summers for the city of Concord in the parks department and began full-time employment there after his graduation. That seemed to work out well as he logged 41 years’ service with the City by the time he retired in 2002. That wasn’t his first work experience however. When he was 10-years-old he would take a Greyhound bus from Concord to Walnut Creek and sweep out the El Rey Theatre between movies (“I was making $17 a week” and he used some of it to start his baseball card collection). He would also change the letters on the mar-
quee. “I’d use the movie posters to get the spelling correct.” After getting “Mickey’s Mouse” restored he showed the truck at the 1962 Oakland roadster show and then sold it for $700. Part of his nostalgia for the truck was that he took Joy Oswald to Mel’s Drive-in for their first date in the truck. The couple was married for 31 years until she died after a long battle with cancer. WORLD’S BEST Over the years Mickey has shown vehicles nearly a dozen times at the Grand Nationals including award winners “Paddy Wagon” and “The Mantis,” a three-wheeled motorcycle. The Himsl brothers won 1969 “World’s Most Beautiful Roadster” award for “The Alien.” About a decade ago he saw many of the parts from “Mickey’s Mouse” at a Pleasanton swap meet, snatched them up and put them away for another day. Last year Mickey made headlines with his 1926 T road-
Include write up and high-resolution photo.
ster “Moonshiner” taking first place at the Pomona and Sacramento roadster shows and was then sold at the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction in Las Vegas. It was then that a new “Mickey’s Mouse” project began. It included input from
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Carriage Square – Fantastic updated 4/2 rancher on large flat lot. Gorgeous custom kitchen, gleaming wood & tile floors and “serious” green features like solar power, instant hot water heater, dual pane windows/slider and more. Beautiful xeriscape front & back plus basketball pad & hot tub in tranquil back yard. Inge Yarborough, (925) 766-6896 www.IngeYarborough.withwre.com Cal BRE# 01309306
Lynne & Sylvia offer free staging on ALL LISTINGS
PH Paper Recycling is at 1320 Galaxy Way in Concord. Their buyback program is open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekdays and until 2 p.m. Saturday. For complete information visit co.contra-costa.ca.us/depart/ cd/recycle/options/v6363.htm
MICKEY HIMSL CAPPED HIS INDUCTION into the Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame this year by winning Best Detail, outstanding use of Color, First in Class outstanding engine and West Coast Customs outstanding Nostalgia Rod or Custom awards at the 67th annual show in Pomona for his “Mickey Mouse” 1929 Ford pickup.
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Willow Walk – Gorgeous 3 bedroom + office & 2.5 bath townhome built in 2004. Open and light with plantation shutters and hardwood flooring. Kitchen with granite countertops, inside laundry and designer, gas fireplace in living room. Great complex centrally located near freeway, transportation, and shopping.
several local men including brother Art Himsl, Freddie Diaz of Concord Auto Upholstery, East Bay Speed & Custom’s Brandon Flaner and Aaron Groesbeck. “I won’t be getting rid of the truck again. I hope to pass on to my grandchildren,” Mickey says.
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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
Candid and clever, Supervisor Karen Mitchoff takes on county issues [Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of interviews with Concord/Clayton regional leaders.] PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
Karen Mitchoff might like to put purple streaks in her hair for the next Board of Supervisor’s meeting, but then again, it might send the wrong message. “I love purple, that’s who I am,” she says. “But I also have to look the part.” “The part” is that of District IV Supervisor, reelected to her second term in 2014 following a long career in county service and as a Pleasant Hill City Council member and mayor of that city in 2010. This is perhaps the culmination of her political aspirations, which began in first grade with an election made up of felt elephants for Nixon and felt donkeys for Kennedy. “Politics always seemed fascinating to me,” she says from her sunny corner conference room at her district office, tucked away in Todos Santos Plaza. “I came of age during Watergate,” she says with a smile. But never in her wildest dreams did she expect to become a policymaker herself. LOCAL GIRL Born in Portland Oregon, Mitchoff moved to California in 1962 when her father — not a very political man — had a job transfer, and the family landed in Pleasant Hill. She attended Gregory Gardens Elementary School, Valley View Middle School, College Park High School and then attended Diablo Valley College, earning an AA in Business. She returned to college in
SUPERVISOR KAREN MITCHOFF (seated) and District Representative, Lisa Chow, confer in Mitchoff’s District office on items for an upcoming board meeting. Chow is one of four District office staff members.
2000 while working full-time, and graduated from Cal State East Bay on the day of her 30th high school class reunion. She says that college was an eye-opening experience. “When you go back to school in your 40s, you have learned certain life lessons that some professors didn’t appreciate. Yes, I had a few run-ins.” Her first job for the county was with the office of former Sherriff-Coroner Richard Rainey. She also worked as a fiscal and administrative analyst for the county’s Employment and Human Services Department, and as Chief of Staff for former Supervisors Sunne Wright McPeak and Mark DeSaulnier. Moving into civic service was a natural next step, she says. She was appointed to the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District Board of Directors in 2003 and was elected to that board in 2004 and 2006. She served as Chair in 2005 and 2006, and served on a variety of committees during her
tenure there. She was elected to the Pleasant Hill City Council in 2008, and the rest, she says, is history. “I hit the ground running,” she says of her job as supervisor. “Unlike serving on a city council, you can’t really have another job.” The job is considered part-time, despite the 50-60 hours per week she spends on it. “You don’t go into this business for the money,” she says, which leads her to discuss last year’s highly contentious decision for the board to give themselves a 30 percent raise, from $97,500 to $129,200 per year — a move they later scaled back to 7 percent. “If I had to do it over, I’d do it differently,” she says. “I did not correctly gauge the reaction of the public employees.” She said she would instead have a special commission study the best way to give Supervisors cost of living and other increases. Still, it underscores her guiding principle in governing:
“I try to be fair to all concerned,” she says. “I listen, I take into perspective all sides, and I decide what is best for the majority of the people. “We can disagree — that’s part of my job. But I will always listen to all sides of an issue.” That’s apparent to her colleagues on the board. “Karen serves with passion,” says District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen. “She is forthright and doesn’t hesitate to say whatever she is thinking. You don’t ever have to wonder what her thoughts are on an issue! She is always well prepared and her years as a County employee before becoming a Supervisor provide her with great institutional knowledge. I enjoy working with her. She has been a thoughtful and helpful colleague.” It hasn’t always been easy. Mitchoff remembers one of her hardest votes, when she was the swing vote against the redistricting proposal a couple of years ago. “If it had gone through, it would have divided Concord, and I didn’t think that was a good idea,” she says. “I didn’t think it was good for my constituents, or the county, to break up Contra Costa’s largest city. But it was hard to go against my friends on the board.” APPROACHABLE, FAIR AND PURPLE
Mitchoff is a no-nonsense, what-you-see-is-what-you-get person, and she will have to use all her talents in dealing with what she says are the three major issues facing Con-
See Mitchoff, page 6
February 26, 2016
Longtime arts supporter Robert Rezak dies at 83 PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
The local arts community is mourning the loss of Robert R. Rezak, whose keen enthusiasm for theater, music and visual arts propelled him to one of the pillars of the arts local scene. A longtime employee at Pacific Bell in corporate communications, he maintained an avid interest in the arts, volunteering in the arts community in a variety of ways. After his retirement he served as publicist for such organizations as the Diablo Symphony, Eugene O’Neill Foundation, Contra Costa Wind Symphony and others. He was a founding commissioner and chairman of the Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County, and he served on the boards of Diablo Light Opera Company, the Willows Theatre and Contra Costa Children’s Chorus, among others. Rezak also acted as a trustee for the Diablo Regional Arts Association, and served for 22 years on the executive committee of the Concord Pavilion Associates, a volunteer support group for the outdoor concert venue. One of the projects he worked on was the Pavilion’s “Walk of Fame,” of which local jazz superstar Dave Brubeck was the first honoree. His impact was not lost on those he worked with in the media. “I hope our local arts groups appreciate how
Photo courtesy of the Rezak family
ROBERT REZAK is shown here with daughter Sharon Vanni and grandson Nick Stirm. Rezak died Feb. 12 after a long career supporting arts organizations in the east Bay.
effective he was working behind the scenes, steering us to good stories, helping arts institutions understand what their local paper could [and sometimes could not] do for them. He will be missed” says Lisa Wrenn, Features Editor for Bay Area News Group. He was also a beloved husband, father and grandfather. “I am so lucky to be the daughter of this special man,” says daughter Sharon Vanni of Concord. “He has left quite a legacy. He instilled in me the values of family, education, hard work, doing the right thing, good stewardship, enjoying arts and culture, eating well and most of all, finding humor every day.” A memorial service will be held next month.
Mayor Hoffmeister hails ‘reinvented’ Concord February 26, 2016
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 5
cord Alehouse, Epidemic Ales, Hop Grenade and Hop Heavy, set to open soon on Pacheco street downtown. This is being buoyed by a Downtown Specific Plan that is making the area safer for bikers and pedestrians, she said. Hoffmeister also cited the resurgence of the Concord Pavilion as a go-to venue as a reason for the city’s economic growth. Despite a minor drop in attendance, 2015 saw a 15 percent increase in performances over 2014 — and a 43 percent increase over 2012. There are also major new residential projects planned, including Phase II of the Renaissance Luxury Apartments on Concord Ave. at Mira Vista, and Concord Village, 230 units bordered by Willow Pass Road, East Street, Salvio Street and Port Chicago Highway. The biggest addition to Concord will undoubtedly be the development of the Concord Naval Weapons Station,
for which the city will pick a Master Developer next month. Besides housing and businesses clustered near the North Concord BART station, 70 percent of the property will be parkland and open space. Already it is being used as a test location for GoMentum automated cars.
BUDGET STRUGGLES Despite all the economic advancement in the city and the extension of Measure Q, Concord still must find ways to deal with ongoing budget woes, Hoffmeister said. There are still unfunded maintenance and infrastructure needs for roads, parks, facilities and street signs and lights. There is still unfunded long-term liability for retiree medical benefits, and the city faces increased CalPERS pension costs and future changes. That means that the general fund still relies on Measure Q, extended to 2025, to cover revenue gaps leftover from the
recession. The loss of redevelopment funds hurts future improvements and economic development programs, updating older shopping areas may not get the help they need, and the state may make more demands on city monies. One example of the challenge the city faces is that although it plans to spend $22.4 million on road repairs over the next five years, at least $90 million is needed to bring all the streets up to where they should be. And in the ensuing years, “bad” streets will only get worse. Despite all of it, Hoffmeister closed her presentation with these hopeful words: “It’s been a bumpy road, but the bumps are smoothing out. The economic road we are on now is new and different — we are in different times, and a more global and interconnected economy.” Concord isn’t a sleepy little suburb anymore.
On a recent walk at Black Other regional parks that flower displays include MorDiamond Mines Regional have especially good wild- gan Territory east of Mt. Preserve in Antioch, I saw lots of poppies along the River View, Lark and Old Homestead Loop trails. Fiddleneck, shooting star and redmaids were blooming as well. The Chaparral Loop Trail at Black Diamond Mines is another good bet for wildflower viewing. Magenta-colored Indian warrior and paintbrush both blossom in the chaparral.
Diablo (check out the Prairie Falcon Trail), parts of Briones Regional Park (especially the north end of Old Briones Road Trail), and Sunol Regional Wilderness in southern Alameda County. One of the best wildflower displays requires some effort. It’s on Rocky Ridge along the Ohlone Wilderness Trail. From the Lichen Bark picnic area at Del Valle Regional Park south of Livermore, it’s a two-mile climb up the Wilderness Trail to the
ridge. But the payoff is a spectacular display of goldfields and other wildflowers, plus panoramic views of the Livermore Valley. Because the Ohlone Wilderness Trail passes through San Francisco Water District lands, you need a permit to hike it. For permit information, visit the East Bay Regional Park District web site at www.ebparks.org. Ned McKay is Public InformationSupervisor for EBRPD. Email him at nedmackay@comcast.net
ple the city’s finances just a few years ago. “We’re about rethinking, Concord is a thriving, repositioning and reinventing vibrant city, on the brink of its Concord,” she said. largest land acquisition in its A FIRST CITY history, and with a revitalized She cited how the city was economy leading the way. “first” in many categories: That’s the message Mayor First in the number of jobs in Laura Hoffmeister gave in the Contra Costa County, first in State of the City address, a total sales in the county and sort of annual civics lesson first in sales tax collected in sponsored by the Greater the county. She also pointed Concord Chamber of Commerce and attended by busi- out that Concord was first in ness leaders, government offi- the nation in growth, accordcials and interested residents ing to U-Haul International. Hoffmeister also highlightlast month. ed the emerging retail growth However, the mayor didn’t with the addition of Lazy Dog shy away from looking at Restaurant, Lucille’s Smokesome of the budget struggles house and Capriotti’s Sandfacing the city, despite the wich Shop as the first of their extension of the Measure Q chains to locate in Northern one-cent sales tax. Still, the theme of California, and pointed to the Hoffmeister’s address was opening of Jimmy John’s about the revitalization of a Sandwich shop and Eureka! city hit hard by the Great Restaurant as firsts in the DiaRecession and the loss of blo Valley. There are other major retail redevelopment funds, two plans that will help the sales tax events that threatened to cripPEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
coffers, including the building of The Veranda, a new 30acre retail center at the former Chevron site on Diamond Blvd., “reconfirming Concord as a retail destination.” She also cited improvements at Sunvalley Mall, the Willows Shopping Center and new additions at the Park n’ Shop Center. And sports lovers can’t wait until the opening of a new Buffalo Wild Wings at the former Marie Calendar’s location on Diamond Blvd, opening in late March or early April, she said. Hoffmeister also pointed to the downtown area around Todos Santos Plaza, now lit by tree lights year-round, and home to a variety of new eateries. It will be an “ice cream mecca” when Cream and Loard’s ice cream shops join Baskin & Robbins. And Concord is quickly becoming the craft beer capitol of the county, with such places as Black Diamond Brewing, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, E.J. Phair Con-
Early season wildflowers on display in local parks
NeD MCKAy
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Encouraged by rainfall and recent warm weather, spring wildflowers are making their appearance throughout the East Bay Regional Park District.
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Lottery time again at CVCHS
Page 6
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
The Clayton Valley Charter multi-use room was packed to standing room on the first day of February for the annual lottery drawing to determine priority for acceptance of new and transfer students for 201617 high school year enrollment at the area’s only public charter high school. Nearly 1100 students applied for admission to the incoming freshman class or openings in the other three grades. All freshman applicants from the old Clayton Valley High enrollment area in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District plus siblings of current CVCHS students and children of CVCHS employees were admitted with the remaining slots prioritized by the lottery. As names were drawn and called out by executive director Dave Linzey or governing board vice chairperson Megan Kommer there was clapping and, in a few cases, loud cheers much like you’d
hear at a school commencement ceremony. There are about 2000 students at the school so each class has approximately 500 students. As the freshman drawing passed the 200 number mark there was less enthusiasm as students and parents wondered if their number would gain them a place at the four-year-old charter after the priority acceptances were factored in. CVCHS is open to all California residents of legal age. There are no requirements for admission to the charter. The school’s charter and the education code require that a random drawing be held to determine admissions and priority on a waitlist. Enrollment offers will be finalized soon once Clayton Valley has determined the exact number of student openings in each grade. Enrollment from wait lists begins in March. After receiving notice of acceptance, students have five days to return the commitment letter to Clayton Valley to
guarantee their admission. When those five days are up, CVCHS will offer the opening to the next student on the wait list.
Typically over the summer students move away or change their choice of schools so that more people on the waitlist are offered places.
As of Feb. 3, Contra Costa County Animals Services Department (CCCASD) temporarily quit accepting ownersurrendered animals at their shelters in Martinez and Pinole due to the volume of animals at both facilities. Certain exceptions to this temporary freeze will be made for animals that are injured, unhealthy, under 12 weeks of age, or as otherwise required by law. The agency has also indefinitely closed its night deposit boxes for animals that are surrendered during hours that the department is closed
to the public. “Surrendering an animal to the shelter should be a last resort,” says Beth Ward, Contra Costa County Animal Services’ Director. “High owner-surrender rates leads to overpopulation in our shelters, which increases the possibilities that animals will get disease and/or experience behavior problems. Properly managing shelter inventory and the health of the pets in our care improves the chances of finding homes for the animals in our care.” CCCASD expects this temporary freeze on accepting
owner surrendered animals to be in effect for roughly a month, during which time the department will be developing an intervention program to help support families in keeping their animals in their homes. During this period, CCCASD will continue to receive and impound animals that are sick, injured or abandoned, as well as strays and animals that are confiscated as a result of active investigations or impounded by other law enforcement agencies in Contra Costa County. Families in need can email asdweb@asd.cccounty.us or call
925-335-8300 to determine if CCCASD can accept their pet. There is a fee of $50.00 for unlicensed animals surrendered by their owners. The fee for surrendering a licensed animal is $30. County residents can visit www.ccasd.org to view a list of online resources to support them in keeping their pets.
Need for civic-minded citizens to help throughout the county in June and November Kelly Davis and her fellow Contra Costa volunteers have an early wake-up call on Election Day, but most of them don’t mind the long hours. Each of them has their own unique reasons for being poll workers. And the Contra Costa County Elections Division is looking for civic-minded men and women to consider joining them. Davis, of Orinda, is motivated to get out of bed on Election Day and stay energized during the day to raise money for foster children. Monnie Segelke of Danville
and Maude DeVictor of Richmond both find fulfillment in helping voters and enjoy seeing neighbors and familiar faces at their polling places. No prior experience is necessary and training is provided. Poll workers receive a stipend for their service, which includes attending mandatory training and being present from 6 am to 9 pm on Election Day. In an effort to make it as easy
as possible for Contra Costans to volunteer, the Elections Division now allows applicants to email eo@vote.cccounty.us or send a text message if they are interested. No cumbersome, time-consuming hand-written forms. There are two chances for Contra Costa residents to work in 2016: June 7 and November 8. This is an historic year, as a new President and U.S. Senator will
be elected. Participants are awarded special election pin denoting their service. Bilingual citizens are strongly encouraged to volunteer. County and State employees, as well as high school students who are at least 16, should also consider applying. For more information, visit www.cocovote.us.
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EIGHTH GRADER NEO PAOLUCCI and his mother Geisha Paolucci (holding laptop) react to the No. 3 selection for another student at the Clayton Valley Charter High School annual lottery. Bob Chyr (third from left in front row) enjoyed his son’s single-digit lottery number that would seem to give the eagle Peak Montessori eighth grader a strong chance for a place in the Class of 2020. The Paoluccis had to wait until No. 185 to hear their name called so the Sequoia Middle School student will be waiting to hear if he makes the “cut.”
County Animal Shelter taking a break
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tra Costa residents. First is fighting the Delta Tunnels proposed by Gov. Brown; second would be recovering from the recent recession so that the county could provide services where they were cut; third would be focusing on transportation as the county continues to grow. “There are still a few people who aren’t convinced a sales tax measure to increase transportation funds is the right way to go,” she says. She says that many residents still aren’t aware of the scope of services covered by the county, including fire services, libraries, the agriculture department, animal services, the sheriff ’s office, jails, crime lab and public and private land use. “We are also the ‘city’ for the unincorporated areas,” Mitchoff says. She explains one such decision that did not make her a lot of friends — allowing left turns from Treat Blvd. onto Cherry Lane to provide easier access to the John Muir facility
located at the corner there, against the wishes of neighbors. “There were some people that were sure I was out to kill little kids,” she said. “But it had to be done.” Her dedication to her job is not lost on other local and regional leaders. “Karen’s inspiring dedication to her constituents is one of her greatest strengths,” says Clayton Councilwoman Julie Pierce, President of the Association of Bay Area Governments. “Working with her for over 20 years in various capacities, I can attest to her passion, energy and commitment to serving our county and the Bay Area. As colleagues on the Contra Costa Transportation Authority and at the ABAG, Karen’s insight and creativity shine. We can always count on Karen’s informed and stimulating discussion points.” With the stress of the job, it’s important that a politician have some down time to relax. As a single woman with no kids, Mitchoff winds down by
visiting with girlfriends, seeing movies and remaining active in Pleasant Hill’s Faith Lutheran Church. And ruminating about dying her hair purple. Mitchoff is adamant that this is the end of her personal political ladder. “I have no aspirations to go to Sacramento,” she says. “Everything is so partisan up there. Here, 95 percent of the time, we [the Board of Supervisors] are in accord, voting 5-0 on most issues.” She says her best friends would call her a very caring person, one who is approachable and always sees both sides of an argument. She is very warm, engaging, but nobody’s fool. “That means a lot to me,” she says. “One time, after a meeting, a member of the public came up to me and thanked me because he said I always looked him in the eye and paid attention to what he was saying. It made my day. But then again, that’s who I am.” After all, she says, “My job is to listen to you.” It’s clear she takes her job very seriously, but not herself.
February 26, 2016
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Trail race, grants help explore Mt. Diablo Save Mount Diablo has two important events coming up this spring. The Diablo Trails Challenge on April 21 is a run for everyone, from those hitting the trail for the first time to experienced ultra-runners with a 5k, 10k, Half- marathon and 50K. Hosted by Brazen Racing, this fundraising run for
SMD showcases just a fraction of the Diablo wildernesses’ beauty and helps SMD to preserve, defend and restore more land for residents, wildlife and future generations to enjoy. The 5K, 10K and Halfmarathon will all begin and end at Castle Rock Recreation Area in Diablo Foothills, Walnut Creek. The 50K, traditionally a
point-to-point run, will this year be a loop from Castle Rock Recreation Area, including both of Diablo’s peaks and a stretch of one of Save Mount Diablo’s grandest protected lands which is not yet open to the public. All races will be professionally timed. The 50K starts at 6:30 a.m. and all other races
Ayers and Silverwood set as Rocketship landing pads PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
Rocketship Charter School will experience a bumpy reentry into Concord if the State Board of education approves its request in March. Already, the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and the County Board of Education have denied the request for a charter, but by law, the local school district must provide a suitable location if the state okays the charter. MDUSD targeted sites at Silverwood and Ayers Elementary School, angering parents, teachers and staff. According to a report by the MDUSD Board of Education, the two schools provided the best sites because they could put up portable classrooms with separate entrances and exits from the existing schools. Also, the cost would be significantly lower than opening up space at either Holbrook or Glenbrook Elementary schools, the two sites
that were closed in 2011. Despite that, the move has ignited opposition not only from the schools, but also the Stakeholders for Transparency, the group that vehemently opposed the administration at Clayton Valley Charter High School last year. In a statement, SFT posted on their website that they oppose Rocketship in general because of its “intense drill and kill” curriculum, in which it relies heavily on standardized testing for its students. “Rocketship charter has targeted students in the Monument Corridor, promising their families better schools,” the statement reads. “Rocketship’s main reason for targeting the Monument community is purely financial. With the new LCAP school funding, students who qualify as English Language Learners, and for free or reduced lunch are worth more money than students who do not. The current oversight of charter schools in California is abysmal, at best.
Homeless, from page 1
will take off at 8:30 a.m. All runners receive medals and Tshirts after the race. For more information, visit http:// brazenracing.com/r/diablo registration.html At the same time, SMD, in association with the Mary Bowerman Science and Research (MBSR) Program, is providing small grants, especially to students, for research projects on SMD properties and the network of protected lands in the Mt. Diablo region. Grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded to applicants who are conducting studies that will enhance the ecological understanding of the region and inform land management and conservation practices. In addition to research on the mountain, the goal of the MBSR program is to share data with the general public. SMD, in partnership with UC Berkeley, hosts an annual Mary Bowerman Science and Research Colloquium in which grant recipients and other researchers working on the mountain present their findings. This event informs other scientists, researchers and interested public attendees about discoveries on the mountain. It is SMD’s hope that the stories and findings emanating from the MBSR Grant Program will reach new audiences, spark interest in the community, and inspire more visitors and researchers to the Mount Diablo Region.
There is no guarantee that the additional funding would be spent on ELL programs.” The statement also says that by housing Rocketship students at the two elementary schools, it will “divide our communities.” “Our school district is zoned for neighborhood schools,” the statement reads. “Children and families need the support of their communities, and in turn, work to better their own schools. Rocketship has not been able to secure a site for their school, so MDUSD is forced to offer them equitable space. MDUSD has approved a resolution to place Rocketship at Ayers Elementary, and Silverwood Elementary. Both of these schools have major traffic issues already. Adding an additional 125 students, if not more, will make the traffic in these areas For more information on subcompletely unmanageable, and mitting proposals, visit www.saveunsafe.” mountdiablo.org/downloads/MBS The state is set to rule on RGrant2016.pdf. Deadline for the the Rocketship charter on grant proposals is March 31. March 9.
• Limit overhangs that may make it easier for homeless to camp. • Don’t have outside water recent Chamber of Commerce tion to harder drugs that are that can be accessed. forum on homelessness in Con- cheaper and easier to get, such as When you see a homeless cord — and what the city and its black tar heroin. “These people person camped out, call the businesses can do about it. are very hard to deal with,” police, especially if it is a “repeat To some people, it may look Smith says. “They want a quick offender.” “We will assess, not like Contra Costa’s largest city is fix and will resort to theft to get necessarily arrest,” he says. “An suffering from a homelessness what they need to pay for officer will guide you to who you epidemic, but the numbers belie drugs.” can arrest, “ adding that all busithat, says Provisional Sergeant Then he says there are menness owners have a legal right to Jason Smith of the Concord tal health patients who have lost a citizen’s arrest. Police Department and leader of housing for some reason, or left “I need to know about the department’s Task Force on voluntarily. They are usually off repeat offenders,” he says. “We Homelessness. prescribed medication, which in are getting better, but we have a Concord, he says, has rough- turn leads them to seek out ways to go.” ly 450 homeless people, com- street drugs. He says that many homeless pared to 1,000 in Antioch and Finally, he says there are “the can deny services that are 1,400 in Richmond. San Francis- people you can’t see” — the offered, and in some instances, co, he says, is a “real epidemic,” working homeless, who have the only recourse is arrest. “But with more than 8,000 homeless fallen on hard times and may sadly, that doesn’t help the people. resort to showering in gyms, underlying problem. They’ll be sleeping in cars, but still managback on the street in a couple of FOUR TYPES OF HOMELESS ing to hold down jobs. “They days.” Smith characterizes the never ask for help,” he says. Smith says that in his opinhomeless in Concord in four With the variety of types of ion, the worst thing a person can ways. First, there are alcoholics, homelessness in Concord, do is give food or money to a people who have fallen on hard “there is no overall fix,” Smith homeless person, especially times or who are suffering from says. “They must each be treated those who are on street medians PTSD, and who may have suf- individually.” and street corners. fered the loss of jobs and their That’s what he tries to do, TIPS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS “When you see that, call the family. armed with a small cadre of Smith also has some impor- police, and we will respond and Then there are what he char- other officers and community tant tips for business owners to try and find the right shelter or acterizes as “tweakers,” meth advocates. Some people are help stop illegal “camping” on situation for them,” he says. “I and/or heroin addicts who have served by moving to one of the their sites: don’t want to say ‘don’t feed the “graduated” from opiate and area’s homeless shelters, or to • Don’t offer free outside bears,’ but instead, give money to other prescription drug addic- the hospital for detox, he says. electricity. the shelters and groups that are available to helping the homeless.” One of the most important people in Concord’s fight against the homeless is Doug Homeless Shelter Hotline — 800Swords to Plowshares (Veterans servStewart of the Central County 808-6444 ices) —510-844-7500 Homeless Outreach Services, Countywide Services information Department of Veterans someone Concord City CouncilLine — 211 Affairs/Homeless Team — 925man Edi Birsan calls “Concord’s Central County Homeless outreach 372-2061 nighttime angel.” Stewart himServices/Doug Stewart — Concord VA Center — 925-680-4526 self reaches out to homeless 925-812-3511 VA Martinez outpatient Clinic — 150 people and helps them find shelMulti-Service Center — 925-685Muir Road, Martinez/Drop-in ters or hospitals. 7613 Healthcare for the Homeless — 925“What we have to realize,” Project Hope — 925-435-3650 313-6166 Birsan said at the forum,” is that Nor-Cal Transition Services/Rudy — Winter Nights Shelter — 925-435the homeless are us. They are a 925-478-9068 2074 Mt. Diablo graduate from 1976, Contra Costa Continuum of Services Contra Costa interfaith Council — or an Ygnacio Valley High for Runaway or Homeless youth 925-933-6030 School Graduate of ‘82. They — 800-610-9400 Bay Area Crisis Nursery — 925-685are homeless here because they Family Shelter, Shelter inc. — 9258052 (0-5 years); 925-685-3695 are part of us. 338-1038 (6-11 years) “This problem is our probVeterans Services, Shelter inc. — lem,” he says. 925-335-0698 —Compiled by Sgt. Jason Smith, Smith can be contacted at 925Concord Police Dept. 671-3311 ext. 4403. Others are arrested “because that’s all we can do for them.” Each fix comes individually.” The 17-year veteran with the CPD — who grew up here in Concord — says the perception of an increased homeless population locally is due to the fact that his team has dismantled several camps in North Concord. Still, Smith says it is his job, “his priority,” to know as many of the homeless population as possible, and to understand what their needs are. “The police are kind of like a triage,” he says. “We are not about just getting them shelter, but finding out what their needs are and how to fix them.” That’s where he says community awareness and advocacy can help, in knowing where to go. “If your life or property is threatened, call 911,” he says. “If you want to report suspicious behavior, call the non emergency police line at 925-671-3333.” For a list of emergency resources, including suicide prevention, call 211, he says.
Resources for the Homeless
Page 7
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Obituary or Memoriam
$190 for 200 words; $50 for photo; 90 cents/word over 200. Example: A 350 word obituary with a photo is $385 ($200 basic plus $135 for 150 words extra and $50 for photo. Send text and photo to
editor@concordpioneer.com Or call (925) 672-0500
F r om the desk o f . . . Page 8
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
February 26, 2016
Commission to help boost housing stock
CARLyN oBRiNGeR
PLANNING COMMISSION
Bianca was recently shocked to learn that her monthly rent will soon increase by $300. She is not alone. Renters Veronica and Bill are
having difficulty finding a new place to live on the $1,200 that they are currently paying, now that their one-bedroom condo is being sold. Louise is ready to relinquish the burden of maintaining the house and quarteracre lot where she raised her family and would like to move in with her son and his family, while maintaining her independence. While these stories are not uncommon in San Francisco or Oakland, Bianca, Veronica, Bill, and Louise (I’ve changed
their names) all live in Concord and are struggling to remain here. Fortunately, some help could be on the way in the form of a two-year pilot program for Small Secondary Living Units the City of Concord Planning Commission recommended for the city council’s approval on Feb. 3. The city’s Municipal Code describes a secondary living unit as “an independent dwelling located on the same lot as an existing single-family residence.” The two-year pilot program
would revise Concord’s Master Fee Schedule for new small secondary living units, which are defined as 640 square feet or less. Although the sewer fee would remain the same, existing Parkland and Off-Site Street Improvement Program (traffic) fees would be reduced by 50 percent, decreasing total city fees by $4,985. Over the past year, planning department staff had also followed Commission Chair Ernesto Avila’s suggestion of revisiting a reduction in service connection fees for new small secondary living units with the Contra Costa Water District. This conversation resulted in a $5,600 reduction to be included as part of the pilot program. The two-year pilot program aims to increase the number of We will have at least one new affordable housing units within member as Supervisor Piepho Concord and help meet the has decided to not run for re- growing demand for housing election. Mary and I have been strong “water warriors,” and the person elected to represent District III will need the background and commitment to carry forward in that representation. Cities in District IV will be electing (or re-electing) council members. Whether I do or don’t agree with a candidate’s position(s), I respect each one of them for their willingness to want to serve in Guy SWANGeR a policy making role. POLICE CHIEF While campaigns may turn negative, they don’t have to On March 19, 2015, the — especially at the local level. Central County Family Justice And I’m saying that to any Center in Concord opened its person reading this who has doors in Todos Santos Plaza. an interest in serving on a city This wraparound service for council: Campaigns can be victims of family violence is an positive. So if the negativity innovative approach to deliverat the state and national level ing assistance to a variety of may cause you concern, clients. It took nearly two years please reconsider through the and commitment from numerprism of our democracy ous public and private agendepends on the diversity of cies, private donors, grants, and opinions. the energy of Executive DirecAnd I will conclude with tor Susun Kim to make this a my standard comment on vot- reality. ing: it matters that you vote In the first eight months of no matter who you vote for. operation, the center saw 516 clients. The most common reaKaren Mitchoff is Contra Costa son for seeking services County District IV supervisor. Email involved domestic violence. questions or comments to Seventy-nine percent of the karen.mitchoff@bos.cccounty.us clients were victims of domes-
Local elections matter
As I’m sure you’ve all noticed, it’s an election year. Although California doesn’t have its primary until June, the nightly news reminds us that we will be electing a president in November. Some call it “the silly season,” and I understand the thought behind that; but I’d ask you to look at each election cycle as a very serious process, especially at local elections. There are three seats on the Board of Supervisors that will be on the June primary: the second, third and fifth districts. Respectively, these seats are currently held by Supervisor Candace Andersen, Mary Piepho, and Federal
KAReN MiTCHoFF
COUNTY
SUPERVISOR
Glover. While you reside in the fourth district, where I represent you, I wanted you to be aware of the consequences of those elections.
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Mayor, from page 1
and was supported by you, the residents, with the extension of Measure Q, the half-cent sales tax measure. The Concord City Council approved a plan to borrow $22.4 million for street repairs over the next five years, and repay the loan with Measure Q sales tax dollars. The approved funds will begin although not completely address the issue. The spending plan includes $4.7 million for
various pavement projects, equipment and materials. One equipment piece is the Zipper, a new pothole pavement machine. This machine will make repairs faster and more efficient than our current equipment. I was able to see a demonstration at a recent conference in San Jose, and was very impressed and know that it will be welcomed by city staff. Additionally $6.7 million has been allocated for reconstruction and resurfacing or arterial, collector and residential streets; $7 million for residential pavement maintenance and rehabilitation; $1.9 million for base repair for arterial, collector and some residential
citywide. It’s not just renters who could benefit. In recent years, many adult children have expressed an interest in moving their parents onto their property when applying to build a secondary unit. The pilot program would be open to all Concord property owners, and would eliminate the current requirement that one of the two units be owneroccupied. By creating the flexibility to rent out both units, the hope is that this proposal will encourage owners to re-invest in their properties and bring non-confirming secondary units into legal compliance, thereby increasing property values and reducing neighborhood blight. If approved by the city council, the two-year pilot program would begin on March 31, 2016, and extend through March 31, 2018. After six months, the Plan-
ning Commission will review the program’s effectiveness and determine if it should be extended to secondary units larger than 640 square feet, as two members of the public requested at the Feb. 3 commission meeting. All commissioners agreed on the importance of weighing the merits of such a program expansion. “It’s not only elderly parents we’re faced with,” says Avila. “It’s children growing up on us and not being able to afford housing in this area. It’s just staggering what they are facing. We need to be able to meet these growing needs.”
tic violence. This was followed by elder abuse (6 percent) and sexual assault (5 percent). And the vast majority of the clients claim Concord as home. The most alarming number involves children. Ninety-one percent of the victims seeking services in those first eight months of operation have been children. Study after study finds that children exposed to violence in the home suffer from a variety of severe effects. Their exposure to this violence manifests itself for long periods of time. It impacts them socially and especially in school. Children in domestic violence cases were generally treated as witnesses for the past 25 years. Recently, these children are finally being recognized as victims themselves. The number of children exposed to domestic violence
that are being interviewed by specially trained counselors at the Children Interview Center has been increasing in the past few years. And if you believe the experts that the most critical time in the development of a child’s brain is between birth and two years, which I fully support, family violence exposure to these infants is criminal. Absolutely criminal. The Central County Family Justice Center will be celebrating their first year anniversary on April 7, 2016. It will be held at the Pleasant Hill Community Center. There is more information on this celebration and how you can assist at cocofamilyjustice.org. The theme for this year is, “Hope for the Future: Healing our Children.” Guy Swanger is Concord’s Chief of Police. Send questions or comments to ContactCPD@cityofconcord.org.
streets; and $2 million set aside for local match funds for grant opportunities that may arise from regional, state or federal sources. Over the next two years pothole and base repairs will be made at various locations citywide as well as repairs to sections of Hillsborough Drive, East Olivera Road, Solano Way, Sixth Street, Wren Avenue, Walters Way and the intersection of Monument and Detroit. With $2 million for matching grants we hope to be able to leverage another $10 million in funds. I will be strongly advocating the need for state and federal grant funds for street repairs in upcoming meetings I have with our state and federal officials. While the $22.4 million
begins to make a dent in the city’s streets repair needs, it’s only a start. Streets are rated on a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) and Concord has a PCI rating of 61, which is considered “at risk.” However by 2021, it’s projected to slip to 51 even with the $22.4 million in resurfacing and reconstruction projects. To maintain the 61 rating the city needs to spend $15 million each year; to improve the rating, spend $20 million annually. These additional funds are not going to be available unless new sources of funds are identified – a challenge that we are actively working on.
Carlyn Obringer is a member of the City of Concord Planning Commission. Professionally, she focuses on California education issues as an Education Policy Analyst. Carlyn resides in Concord with her husband, Justin, and dog Crystal. Contact her by email at carlyno@yahoo.com.
Children vast majority of those served by Family Justice Center
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Should we make our home ‘pet-friendly’?
Q. Our dogs are our fur babies. We are attracted to dog-friendly amenities for our next purchase. What can we do to make our home pet-friendly to attract pet owners. Is this even a good idea? A. You are right on target with the latest trend. This trend took off as real estate recovered from the great recession. The American Pet Products Association says that 65 percent of Americans own pets. Also Americans have spent $55 billion in a year on their Fur Kids. So they do care about this. Basically, catteries and dog runs are two more common pet amenities lately. Some of the builders of new housing are offering pet rooms as an option. Some of the trendy upscale apartment buildings
LyNNe FReNCH
REAL ANSWERS
in the United States have a whole Dog City, including a full service daycare and spa amenity. Some even have designated outdoor areas and dog-washing stations. These are ideas that some pet-home owners might want to incorporate in their houses. Q. Should I sell my home first or wait until I
have bought another home? A. Your answer depends quite a bit on your personal, and especially your financial, situation. If you can afford to qualify for your replacement home without selling your current home you are in the best position. Few buyers ever have to pay two mortgage payments in this fast moving market, because during the escrow period on your home purchase you probably will have time to sell your current home. Your new mortgage usually gives you an additional 30 days before your first payment is due. Buying a home contingent on you selling your home doesn’t fly in this market. There is usually a buyer competing who doesn’t have to sell a house. If you have to or want to
February, the month of love; But, make it last all year being kind to others increases our own sense of happiness as well as theirs. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation has some great ideas along these lines such as: encourage someone; try smiling at five strangers (they might think you’re nuts but you’ll feel great); renew a friendship (this may involve eating a little crow to open the door but it will be well worth it); help someone load or unload their groceries (just assure them that you’re not trying to steal their Bran Flakes); write a thank you note; let someone go in front of you in line (unless you’re buying a lottery ticket); or mow a neighbor’s lawn if your able to do so. Start with the small kindnesses and you may find it feels so good you’ll want to do more.
Love also includes aiding people who are no longer able to take care of themselves. However, caring for another can be tiring and stressful. Elder abuse refers to any intentional or neglectful act by a caregiver or trusted individual. If you suspect a relative, friend or neighbor is in immediate danger please report it to the authorities by contacting the Adult Protection Services in the state where the victim resides. When you call be ready to provide the elder’s name, address, contact information and the reasons for your concern. Have you seen or heard incidents of yelling, hitting, or other abusive behavior? Research conducted by The National Center on Elder Abuse indicates more than one in 10 elders may experi-
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.
CHRiSTiNe KoGuT
SAVVY SENIOR
ence some type of abuse. One thing is certain — elder abuse can happen to anyone, even to you. I can’t think of a better way to show loving kindness than to protect each other. Counseling services are available for the overwhelmed caregiver as well.
Christine Kogut is a marketing director for the Concord Senior Citizens Club. She has lived in the area for 40 years and formerly worked for the Contra Costa Times. To find out more about the Concord Senior Center, call (925) 6713320 or see the city’s website at concord.ca.us
Free Age Strong, Live Long Health Expo at Concord Senior Center Feb. 26
Promoting good health awareness and encouraging participants to assume responsibility for their own health are the goals of the Age Strong, Live Long Healthy Lifestyle Expo, a free one-day event set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fri., Feb. 26 at the Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle in Concord. The free event, sponsored by the Concord Commission on Aging and Concord Senior Center provides information
about services, resources and products that benefit older adults, their families and caregivers. A free tote bag is distributed to the first 500 attendees. Over 40 vendors and service providers provide valuable information to seniors and family members. Sessions offer participants the opportunity to sample juiced fruits and vegetables from Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts nursing students. Informative presenta-
tions by Dr. Leonard Chuck on healthy aging: “Better, Stronger, Younger: Don’t Get Old,” and “Make Room For Sugar: What is Diabetes” are scheduled at 10 and 11:30 a.m. Visit the Mobile Vet Center from the Department of Veterans Affairs at the expo and learn how they service veterans who need help transitioning to civilian life. Walgreen pharmacists are available to answer questions
about medications and possible interactions. Bring medications or a list including dosage. Learn about the classes, activities and programs the Concord Senior Center offers. Various health screenings and services are offered by Diablo Clinical Research, Senior Helpers and Gurnick. For more information, call the Concord Senior Center at 6713320, ext. 1 or go to cityofconcord.org/healthfair.
P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517 TAMARA AND R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers TAMARA S TEINER , Editor P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design P EGGY S PEAR , Copy Editor J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports Editor PAMELA W IESENDANGER , Administration, Calendar Editor S TAFF W RITERS : Peggy Spear, Pamela Wiesendanger, Jay Bedecarré
C ORRESPONDENTS : Cynthia Gregory, Patricia Romero, Kara Navolio, John Jackson, John T. Miller
PIONEER INFO CONTACT US
Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580
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The Clayton Pioneer and the Concord Pioneer are monthly publications delivered free to homes and businesses in 94517, 94518, 94519 and 94521. ZIP code 94520 is currently served by drop site distribution. The papers are published by Clayton Pioneer, Inc., Tamara and Robert Steiner, PO 1246, Clayton, CA 94517. The offices are located at 6200 Center St. Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517
LET US KNOW Weddings, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a resident in our home delivery area. Submit on our website and be sure to attach a JPG photo that is at least 3 MB. Also on the website are forms for calendar items, events & press releases.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Both Pioneer newspapers welcome letters from our readers.
As a general rule, letters should be 175 words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print anonymous letters. E-mail your letter to editor@concordpioneer.com. Letters must be submitted via E-mail. CIRCULATION The Concord Pioneer is delivered monthly to 30,000 homes and businesses in 94518, 94519 and 94521. Papers are delivered by carriers for ABC Direct around the last Friday of the month. To stop delivery for any reason, call the office at (925) 672-0500 . If you are NOT receiving the Pioneer, please check the distribution map on the website. If you live in the shaded area and are not receiving the paper, please let us know. If you are not in the shaded area, please be patient. We will come to your neighborhood soon. The Clayton Pioneer is delivered by US Mail to 5,500 homes and businesses in 94517 around the second Friday of the month. SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe to either the Clayton Pioneer or the Concord Pioneer, call the office at (925) 672-0500. Subscriptions are $35/year for each paper, $60/year for both.
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Valentine’s Day was this month so I just want to write I think John Lennon was correct when he penned “all we need is love.” Wouldn’t the world be a wonderful place if all people had love in their hearts for each other? I believe we are all capable of loving something. The ability to love is created within us. We are either taught from childhood to embrace love or we’re taught to repel it. Albert Schweitzer said, “Seek always to do some good somewhere. Every man has to seek in his own way to realize his own worth. You must give some time to your fellow man. For remember, you don’t live in a world all your own. Your brothers are here too.” Love, by its very nature, must be shared to grow. Research has shown that
sell your home before you make an offer on a replacement house, one thing some sellers do is have the acceptance of an offer on your house contingent on you getting an offer accepted on a house you want to buy. Buyers aren’t crazy about this option but in a low inventory market as we are in many are willing to wait for a period of time. The other option is to sell first then rent or stay with family until you have found the perfect home for you. You probably don’t like the idea of moving twice but sometimes it is worth it so you can take your time finding the right home.
Page 9
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February 26, 2016
Monte Gardens Elementary Max Henley
MONTE GARDENS ELEMENTARY
Super Science in Action
On Feb. 11, the 4th and 5th graders at Monte Gardens Elementary School wowed the judges with their Science Fair Projects. Topics ranged from “How to Mum-
mify a Hot Dog” to “Are Chemicals Really Necessary in Glass Cleaner.” The science fair has been an annual event at Monte Gardens for over 10 years.
Concord High Aasim Yahya
CONCORD HIGH CORRESPONDENT
Music brings HOPE to less fortunate
As spring approaches, the Concord High School music program will be teaming up with the Mt. Diablo Homeless Outreach Program (Mt. Diablo HOPE), for its annual Dinner Dance and Auction. This exciting event is organized and run by the CHS instrumental music program’s band boosters. The program is coming off a successful event last year, where they were able to donate $5,000 of their proceeds to HOPE. The Mt. Diablo Unified School District Homeless Outreach Program serves and provides for students K-12 dealing with poverty stricken and homeless situations throughout our school district community. HOPE’s main goal is to improve the educational experience of less fortunate youth and address their unique situations and needs. The Dinner Dance and Auction is an exciting night for the program where CHS families, students and community members come together to raise money for HOPE and support
Rianne Pfaltzgraff CONCORD HIGH PRINCIPAL
the program. The night includes dancing, live music from Concord’s award winning jazz and stage band, a sit-down dinner, a raffle for $500, and of course an auction. This year the auction will include Disneyland tickets, ski tickets, symphony tickets and much more. Third-year Booster President Theresa Dow, believes that “Students benefit enormously from music education. The students in the CHS instrumental music program excel academically and are leaders in their community. Our Dinner Dance allows us to raise money to support our program and gift the students with amazing life experiences an opportunities.” If you are interested in attending the Dinner Dance and Auction, tickets start at $35 a person. Please contact Theresa Dowd, 925-586-0889 or trephone@gmail.com.
nity with a half a century of history and tradition. Now, as the very first Prom theme possibly predicted 50 years prior, it is time to reflect “Through the Looking Glass” at where we have been and where we will go. In an effort to celebrate the history, the accomplishments, the programs, teachers, students and the thousands of alumni that have passed through the front doors, we are calling all alumni of Concord High School to email concordhighalum@yahoo. com with the following information: Name (including maiden name) Year Graduated Mailing Address Phone Number Email Address Programs/Sports Participated in (if any) Hail, Concord, Hail to thee!
Send comments and questions to editor@concordpioneer.com
year was a Grand Prize category which appeared to be all about salt. The 4th grade Grand Prize went to Katie Dargani for her project titled “Salt Power.” Her objective was to determine which salt water conducted the best light. The 5th grade Grand Prize winner was Sofia Viramontes for her project on Brine Shrimp. Her objective was to determine how much salinity is needed to hatch brine shrimp. All of the winning projects will be on display at the Mount Diablo School District Science Fair on Feb. 27 at the Willow Creek Center, 1026 Mohr Lane, Concord.
Max Henley is a 5th grader at Fourth and fifth graders at Monte Gardens exhibited a wide Monte Gardens Elementary variety of projects at the annual Science Fair, including this one on ‘How to Mummify a Hot Dog.’
Ygnacio Valley High Claire Rader
YGNACIO VALLEY CORRESPONDENT
Warrior alumni honored at Super Bowl
There is excitement running through many football fans with the Super Bowl just finishing up, especially with it happening in our very own Levi’s Stadium. However, the Ygnacio Valley Warriors have
one impressive reason to be excited. With this being Super Bowl 50, the NFL honored high schools with alumni who have played in the Super Bowl. Ninety-nine coaches and players were
Mt. Diablo High
Aasim Yahya is a sophomore and student body vice president. He has a passion for basketball and plays on the school team. Send comments to editor@concordpioneer.com
CHS seeks alumni to mark 50th anniversary
Concord High alumni can be found in all corners of the Bay Area. Most share great stories of pride and commitment to the Home of the Minuteman. Next year represents the 50th anniversary of Concord High School. As we reflect on these years and research its history, we stumbled on the first edition yearbook, titled “Spirit of 67.” The simple production shows the wealth of pride that began even from the very beginnings. With three administrators, eight guidance counselors and 50 teachers, CHS began its path to greatness as the namesake of the City of Concord. The students quickly embraced the green and gold and represented the school in boys basketball, wrestling, football, baseball, track, swimming and golf. The girls participated in basketball, bowling, gymnastics, swimming and softball. Concord High School has provided the Concord commu-
This year the contest was expanded to include Engineering Design in addition to Life, Earth and Physical Science. “The science fair is a time when students can showcase their knowledge about designing experiments using the scientific process,” said Principal Susan Peters. She also pointed out that it is a great time to engage families with the student learning, as these projects are all completed outside of school time. A panel of judges including three retired Monte Gardens teachers, and five volunteers from Chevron Corporation judged the projects. Ribbons were awarded to First, Second, Third Places and Honorable Mention for each grade level. New this
Liane Cismowski MDHS PRINCIPAL
Academy Showcase Night shines spotlight on MDHS
Mount Diablo High School is looking forward to Academy Showcase Night — an evening of information and entertainment for our current students and families, eighth grade students and families, and community members who are interested in finding out more about the wonderful programs offered here on our 44- acre campus. Academy Showcase Night will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, in the multi-use room and library. We’ll start out with a light dinner and performances from our JROTC, band, drama department and various clubs. Each academy will give a short presentation to the audience with simultaneous Spanish translation provided on headsets by our parent liaison. Then guests will be free to examine academy displays which will be staffed by student ambassadors. This is the third year of our wall-to-wall academy structure. All of our students are members of one of four CTE (Career Technical Education) academies: ACME (Architecture, Construction, Manufacturing, and Engineering), DSA (Digital Safari Academy), IHTA (International Hospitality and
Tourism Academy, MBTA (Medical Bio-Technical Academy). Our World Academy specifically serves students new to the U.S. Each academy has dedicated, highly-qualified subject area and CTE (Career Technical Education) teachers and has an administrator devoted to that academy. The January 2016 “Study of Public Higher Education in California” from the League of Women Voters noted, “Linked Learning or building career technical education pathways from high school to post-secondary education is another approach that has proven successful in increasing attendance, motivating students, reducing dropout rates, and increasing academic achievement.” Our school is committed to the academy structure and the involvement of every student in a rigorous and relevant 21st Century curriculum. Academy Showcase Night is an excellent opportunity to come and experience what we are all about. Please consider coming to see the great things that are happening at Mount Diablo High School.
honored throughout the Bay Area and Ygnacio Valley High School graduated four amazing players. These outstanding former Warriors are Gordon Gravelle, Rich Martini, Dave Tollefson. Chris Walsh is also an alum who went to the Super Bowl (in 1992 with the Buffalo Bills, but was for some reason not as of yet recognized by the NFL.) Of these four players, two of them have been in the Super Bowl more than once. Also, three of them were on the winning team, and one of those players won it twice. In their honor, YVHS was given commemorative gold footballs that are now proudly displayed in the main office. The NFL and War-
Send comments and questions to editor@concordpioneer.com
Northgate High Mick Ucciferri
NORTHGATE CORRESPONDENT
Festival honors memory of outstanding student
On Wednesday, Feb. 24, students at Northgate once again participated in the Trevor Tonsing Blanket Making Festival, one of the school’s most valued and heartwarming memorials to an outstanding young man. In 2009, when Trevor Tonsing was only a sophomore at Northgate, the 16-year-old suffered a heart attack during school. He was subject to a devastating heart condition, and had outlived his life expectancy by a number of years. Trevor was unable to recover from the heart attack and died later at the Oakland Children’s Hospital. In his lifetime, Trevor was extremely active in Boy Scouts. He was even planning his Eagle Scout project at the time of his death. He was going to make dozens of tieknot blankets and donate them to kids at the Oakland Children’s Hospital. His friends were so extremely touched by this sentiment that they decided to start the Trevor Tonsing Blanket Making Festival tradition at Send comments and questions to Northgate to honor their
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rior alumni were able to come back to their alma mater and present these awards to Principal Efa Huckaby at the homecoming game. All coaches and players in the Bay Area on the “NFL Honor Roll’ were also honored with a plaque that can be seen near the stadium. YVHS is the only high school in the Mount Diablo Unified School District to receive these awards. The closest school in the area to also receive the award was De La Salle High School. This unique honor is one like no other and the YVHS Warriors are very proud of their celebrated alumni.
friend. The blanket making event itself started off very small. A few of Trevor’s close friends and family brought fabric to Northgate and stayed after school to make the blankets and eventually donate the results. Over the years, however, the school has joined in making the event an amazing experience. A couple hundred students come out and grab fabric with their friends and get to work. In the end, dozens of blankets are made and donated to the Children’s Hospital. It is such a gratifying experience to be a part of because not only are we helping children in need, but we are doing so to remember and honor a boy who lost his life too soon. I personally did not know Trevor Tonsing, but I do know that his memory will live on through this event, and it will be highly treasured for years to come.
Mick Ucciferri is a senior at Northgate High School. Send questions and comments to editor@concordpioneer.com
February 26, 2016
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Clayton Valley Charter High Celine Herrera
CVCHS CORRESPONDENT
‘Bots fight it out at CVCHS tourney
This time, it’s not BB-8 or R2-D2 fighting to save a galaxy in peril; it was Clayton Valley Charter High School’s Robotics Team battling their bots in this year’s VEX Robotics Tournament held on Saturday, Feb. 6. Every year, students are invited to design and compete their robots in “an engineering style challenge in the form of a game.” For this year’s theme, “Nothing but Net,” participants raced against the clock to utilize their robots to net a higher score by scoring balls into various goals and elevating their robots on a 12-foot by 12-foot square field. The two playing fields were named after Star Wars robots BB-8 and R2D2. Middle school and high school students from the Bay Area were allowed to compete in this year’s competition. Previous competitions have been held at Modesto Junior College and Northgate High School. Last Saturday’s event was the first time CVCHS has hosted a tournament. Twenty different schools competed in “Duel with Diablo,” the name of the competition. After a tiebreaker with
Jeff Eben CVCHS PRINCIPAL
Gael Force from Dublin High School in Dublin, the Eagle Bots from the Harker School in Santa Clara won this year’s competition. CVCHS’s Robotics Club, also known as Mecha Eagles, finished in 17th and 24th place. CVCHS alumni Jonathan Jayaprakash hosted the event, providing commentary for each round. Many students were happy to see Jayaprakash’s return on campus. Even though these students aren’t athletically competing, their hard-work, dedication, and talent shouldn’t be overlooked. Like any other sports team, the Robotics Club meets on a regular basis to improve their skills. With competitions like VEX, students are being encouraged to find their voice and make a difference with the opportunities the STEM field has to offer. “I hope to make this year more enjoyable for other members since other years have been pretty uptight while teaching them the better ways [of] building a robot,” says Robotics Club President and senior Trenton Suddaby. Sponsor Steven Malley says,
Arts critical to student success
Here at Clayton Valley, we believe every student deserves an exceptional and comprehensive education – one that includes visual and performing arts. Decades of research demonstrates that an arts curriculum is closely linked to delivering a world-class education with great importance placed on academic achieve-
ment, social development, civic engagement and equitable opportunities. There’s frankly no debate that an arts education is key to ensuring a student’s success in school, work and life. That’s why we place so much emphasis on getting our students excited about the arts. For students who are arts-
CNWS, from page 1 property that it would be construed a conflict of interest. The other major controversy stemmed from what Jenkins called a “serial meeting” conducted via email between Barone and three council members — Grayson, Hoffmeister and Edi Birsan — about pulling the staff recommendation for Catellus, leading some to wonder if Grayson and others were being pressured by Lennar. Barone had told this newspaper and others that the decision to pull the recommendation was hers alone, but the Jenkins report called that into question, and the information Barone shared via email with the other council candidates constituted a Brown Act violation. In the end, the council unanimously approved all eight staff recommendations resulting from the Jenkins report, with Grayson recusing himself only from the disqualification question of Lennar. The remaining issues, it was determined, did not demand his recusal.
GOING FORWARD The council decided to inform both Master Developer candidates that the City would apply the meaning of the word
lobbying as set forth in the agreement, as opposed to the state’s definition, which says campaign contributions are not lobbying and which Lennar lawyers had vehemently argued for. As a council it would approach the Master developer selection dispassionately, disregarding previous history and proceed impartially, consider all public testimony and adhere to a merit-based evaluation of the two proposals and schedule a public meeting to select the Master Developer—which sources have said would be as early as March 22. The council would have advanced Brown Act training in an open and public meeting and Barone was directed to provide advanced Brown Act training for the executive team and key staff who support the City’s boards and commissions. The council directed the staff to provide at least quarterly updates to the council on the status of CNWS project, once a Master Developer is chosen. The situation was summed up eloquently by Helix, who served on Governor Schwarzenegger’s Military Council and participated in the process that facilitated the Base Realignment and Closure
Matt Nelson
STUDENTS FROM ACALANES HIGH SCHOOL go against Robot 98103 in an attempt to throw balls into their respective net at the R2D2 field.
“[Events like VEX] are important because it gives our club members a sense of pride, because it’s their event.” Teachers Scott Farquhar and John Ouimet worked around the clock to make sure that this event would be successful. Parents and students from ASB Leadership, Robotics, and other clubs on campus were there on that Saturday to volunteer. Farquhar’s favorite part about the competition was having STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) being displayed as a team sport. “[Robotics programs] help you think outside of the box,” says sophomore and Robotics Club member Zachary Jordan. “Instead of physically working out, you’re working out your brain.”
Honorary specialty awards were given to teams at the event. The Harker School Dublin High School received the Robot Skills Award and the Design Award. In upcoming years, students are looking forward to future freshmen holding and passing on the torch and tradition of competing their robots. If you would like to join the CVCHS Robotics Club, visit S-4 to find out more information. Official results of the tournament can be found online, http://www.robotevents.com/robot-competitions/vex-robotics-competition/re-vrc-16-3624.html.
focused, there’s the Clayton Arts Academy, a three-course integrated academic program. It provides an artistic avenue for students to fulfill their academic requirements and an intensive, in-depth training in their area of artistic interest. We also inspire Broadway’s next heralded performers. Last week, our student actors and musicians delivered an outstanding performance of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” a musical comedy depicting socially awkward youngsters finding joy, heartache and a purpose in competing at the regional spelling bee. Bravo to everyone involved. And finally, we have hundreds of students who simply attend an individual instruc-
tion such as art history, ceramics, digital media, choir, instrumental music, photography and video production. These stand-alone subjects often spark an initial interest allowing our students to explore their passion for arts further. As principal, I’m proud CVCHS has made great strides towards emphasizing an arts curriculum and showcasing our students’ outstanding talents. But as a community, it’s our responsibility to ensure all students benefit from the opportunity to experience the arts as an essential part of achieving success in school, work and life.
Commission, and who returned to the council in 2011 to “finish the job.” “The Weapons Station property is our best chance to obtain significant revenue for Concord’s future… A meticulously developed plan was designed to select a Master Developer solely on the basis of merit. We were concerned that politics would rear its ugly head. And, tragically, it did in the form of a verified illegal campaign contribution solicited by Mr. Bonner of the Lennar organization. I find it passing strange that three other friends of Lennar, who never met Mayor Grayson, were moved to make the maximum contribution allowable to his campaign.” He harshly criticized Lennar’s alleged solicitation of campaign contributions, and stated he was opposed to removing the staff recommendation of Catellus. “I do not need anyone to explain what course of action my personal judgment tells me is best for the city,” he said. JENKINS OMISSIONS One of the issues that Helix has with the Jenkins report was who did not participate. Lennar President Kofi Bonner did not agree to be interviewed by Jenkins, but instead answered via
Send comments and questions to editor@concordpioneer.com
Send comments and questions to editor@concordpioneer.com
attorney, as did Grayson’s campaign consultant Mary Jo Rossi, who inexplicably showed up at three site visits the council took to see different projects by the developers. Former San Francisco Mayor and Lennar lobbyist Willie Brown, who met with Grayson to discuss his assembly race, refused to answer questions. And an unfinished report by the late Mark Coon, whose suicide coincided with his investigation of the Lennar contributions and its impact on the Master Developer selection, was not included in the report. In fact, the report contained no mention of the questionable timing of Coon’s death at all, a tragedy that Birsan called a “coincidence.” Former Concord council member and mayor Steve Weir, the retired county’s clerkrecorder, delivered perhaps the most scathing assessment of the council’s actions. “I believe most of you [the council] owe this community an apology by admitting your mistakes… Your ability to regain the trust of your constituents has been severely shaken. When you act with such callous disregard for the public’s right to know, you cast a pall upon the whole mechanism of government.”
Page 11
LMC named in nation’s Top 150 community colleges Highlighting the critical importance of improving student success in America’s community colleges, the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program recently named Los Medanos College in Pittsburg as one of the nation’s top 150 community colleges, eligible to compete for the 2017 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence and $1 million in prize funds, as well as Siemens Technical Scholars Program student scholarships. “It is an incredible honor to be nationally recognized by the Aspen Institute,” said LMC President Bob Kratochvil. “Los Medanos College is committed to providing access, equitable outcomes, and success for all of our students, and that is reflected in the dedication and passion of our faculty, staff and managers. I am very proud of the work that LMC does, and am thrilled that our College community has been acknowledged for increasing opportunities and improving outcomes for students.” The Aspen Prize, awarded every two years, is the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges and recognizes institutions for exceptional student outcomes in four areas: student learning, certificate and degree completion, employment and earnings, and access
and success for minority and low-income students. Nearly half of America’s college students attend community college, with more than seven million students – youth and adult learners – working toward certificates and degrees in these institutions across the country. “There are exceptional community colleges across our country providing students with a high-quality, affordable education that leads to good careers and strong economic opportunity,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “Through this competition, we’re working to inspire community colleges and help them understand how to ensure that more students succeed.” The top 150 community colleges named, including Los Medanos College, represent 35 states in urban, rural and suburban areas, serving as few as 300 students and as many as 60,000 students. This year, California saw the largest increase among states in the number of colleges eligible for the Prize – tripling from seven to 21 since last year. Most states saw only small changes in the number of eligible institutions. A full list of the selected colleges and details on the selection process are available at www.aspenprize.org.
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
February 26, 2016
Basketball, soccer NCS playoffs climax season JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
The final season of Diablo Valley Athletic League winter sports is in the books with Clayton Valley Charter winning both soccer titles and Concord ruling the regular season on the basketball courts. And now, North Coast Section basketball is underway this week while the NCS soccer champions will be determined this Saturday night.
GIRLS BASKETBALL Carondelet and Concord claimed the East Bay Athletic League and DVAL titles, respectively. The Cougars this season ran their EBAL unbeaten streak to 53 games. They have lost one league game since 2008-2009 with six undefeated seasons in seven years and were seeded No. 1 in NCS Division II, receiving a bye to Friday’s quarterfinals. Concord is No. 5 in NCS DII and hosts Livermore in the first round. Concord defeated
Clayton Valley Charter 62- 50 in the Saturday finals of the DVAL playoffs at Diablo Valley College, giving them three wins over the league runner-up Eagles. Concord beat Berean Christian and CVCHS defeated Northgate in the DVAL playoff semi-finals. Northgate is the 14th seeded in DII visiting Newark Memorial in their first game. Berean is the 15th seed in Division IV. Clayton Valley Charter was moved up to Division I a year ago after a fantastic DII run in recent years. The Eagles are seeded 16th, forcing a firstround game at top seed Castro Valley Tuesday. BOYS BASKETBALL De La Salle (20-2) won all 14 EBAL games while being ranked No. 1 in the Bay Area. The Spartans two losses have come in prestigious tournaments against Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas and Centennial of Corona so it was no surprise they were seeded first in Division I. This set DLS up for a first-
Justin Mashore, CV Hot Stove dinner heat up fans for baseball
Photo by Colleen Ralston, courtesy CVCHS baseball
CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL HALL OF FAMER JUSTIN MASHORE (second from left) was the featured speaker at the fourth annual Clayton Valley Hot Stove dinner. Over 250 were in attendance as the ex-Eagle and now one of two Texas Rangers hitting coaches gave an insightful, funny talk and then answered questions for 20 minutes from the audience of alumni, current players, parents and team supporters. Mashore, who last month lost his father, ex-major leaguer Clyde Mashore, also worked with over 50 current CVCHS players on their hitting approach and swing at two practice sessions in the days before the Hot Stove. At the dinner he thanked his Clayton Valley coaches—Bob Johnson and George Smylie—as well as a number of current and former staff members. After being drafted out of CVHS in 1991 it’s taken him 25 years to reach the big leagues, something both his dad and brother Damon accomplished as players. His high school teammates, from left, Andrew Grant, Daniel Talmadge, Mike Coakley and Steve Pisano were at the dinner.
Jason Rogers photo
CONCORD HIGH CAPTURED BOTH DIABLO VALLEY ATHLETIC LEAGUE REGULAR-SEASON BASKETBALL TITLES. The boys swept their season series with Clayton Valley Charter. Deandre Morgan scored over three Eagles in a 54-41 victory at Dan Della Gym on the CVCHS campus. Minuteman captain Pat O’Shea (15) waited for a rebound that never came. Eagles Nick Klaman (12), Andrew Abbett (32) and Matt Osterkamp (4) weren’t able to stop Morgan.
round game Tuesday against DVAL playoff champion College Park. The Falcons were 10-2 in the DVAL regular season, finishing a game behind Concord. College Park turned the tables on the Minutemen in the DVAL playoff championship game 72-67 last Saturday night. In 2013 College Park played for the State Division II championship but, like the CVCHS girls, were moved up to DI last year.
GIRLS SOCCER Carondelet won its first EBAL title since back-to-back championships in 2010 and 2011 and that gave the unbeaten Cougars the top seed in NCS Division 1. The Concord school
moved into Wednesday’s semifinals with 3-0 shutouts of Deer Valley from Antioch and Clayton Valley Charter, the DVAL champions and #9 seed. The undefeated Cougars had six draws along with eight league wins in the section’s toughest girls soccer league, witness four EBAL schools in the top five seeds. Carondelet has four players moving on to Division 1 college soccer programs in the fall. Clayton Valley had an out-
standing season that included a 10-0-2 DVAL record. The Eagles won their first NCS game under inclement weather conditions at Gonsalves Stadium 1-0 over Castro Valley before running into Carondelet, which scored five minutes into the game and led 2-0 at halftime. College Park (seeded 13th) lost 2-0 to Liberty in its NCS opener. No. 4 Liberty meets
liminar, finished with 83.4333 points in Sunday’s final. Mexico’s Nuria Diosdado and Karem Achach were first and France’s Margaux Chretien and Laura Auge were second at 85.5667. The American duo also won bronze medals at the German Open the previous week. They were in Europe for a month, having trained in Italy with the Italian National Team in Rome and with a club in Genoa, before competing at the German and
French events. “We are so happy and not just because we won another medal, but because we ended our European trip with a good swim,” Koroleva, a 2012 Olympian and member of Walnut Creeks Aquanuts said. “This is giving us a great positive push toward our last few weeks before the Olympic qualifier. We can’t wait to get back home and get back to work.” Koroleva and Alvarez will
compete at the Olympic Qualification Tournament in Rio de Janeiro Mar. 2-6 to ensure the USA a spot in the Rio Games. “Although they are incredibly tired, they swam their best and put everything they had left into this final,” U.S. Senior National Team Coach Lolli Montico said. “I’m very proud of them. They worked hard with professionalism and dedication.”
heavily favored to keep the team title but NCS is really a combination of individual stories as athletes in 14 weight classes from 106 pounds to 285 will also be competing to earn a place it the state meet Mar. 4-5 at Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield. De La Salle was sixth at State last year topping NCS schools there too.
DVAL NCS QUALIFIERS (1ST THROUGH 3RD PLACE):
Concord, 11-1 in the DVAL regular season, is the fourth seed in DII and hosted Ukiah on Tuesday. Northgate is No. 15 and met second seed Mt. Eden in the first round.
See Playoffs, page 15
Concord Olympian Mariya Koroleva, partner end European trip with two bronze medals JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
U.S. national team members Mariya Koroleva of Concord and Anita Alvarez ended their strong European swing with more medals earlier this month, winning bronze in the duet free final of the French Open Make Up Forever. Alvarez and Koroleva, who were third in the duet free pre-
USA Synchro contributed to story.
De La Salle seeks to sweep NCS wrestling team titles JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
The North Coast Section added a dual team championship in 2005 and since that time the school that wins that competition has won the traditional NCS Championship team trophy every time but once. That should be a good omen for coach Mark Halvorson’s De La Salle Spartans as they prep for this weekend’s NCS finals at James Logan High in Union City. DLS won its seventh NCS Dual Team championship in the past eight years and each time they also won the team title at the NCS Championships. The host school this weekend interrupted the Spartans’ perfect record when they won the 2014 dual meet crown 34-22 over the Concord school in the finals but lost the NCS team championship by 1.5 points to Windsor High from Sonoma County. The Spartans rolled through three opponents at the dual meet championship while giving up three points in two matches and none in the other.
Jason Rogers photo
THE DVAL WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS LAST WEEK at Clayton Valley Charter High crowned 14 champions who are leading the way for the league this weekend at North Coast Section where the top three in each weight class earn a ticket to the State meet in Bakersfield. DVAL champs are, front row from left, Gus Petreske (College Park), Nathan Sutton (Northgate), Noah Quinchocho (Mt. Diablo), Josia Monjares (CP), Cole Penneck (NG), Johnny O’Shea (Concord), Jacob Coppa (Clayton Valley Charter); back row, Gabe Lomas (CP), Evan Carter (NG), Ian Morford (NG), Joey Rondondi (CP), Jack Chillemi (Berean Christian), Ryan Fischer (CVC) and Andy DeLira (CVC).
The finale was a 55-3 win over Liberty of Brentwood, who team Logan in the semi-finals. Last week De La Salle won 10 individual titles at the East Bay Athletic League meet and
will be sending 11 wrestlers to NCS. Senior Donovin Guerrero won his fourth straight league title, only the third Spartan to ever accomplish that. His brother Dwayne Guerrero
won at 132. This weekend the best of the best in NCS wrestling descends on the Logan campus Friday and Saturday for the NCS finals. The Spartans are
4 REPEAT DVAL CHAMPS Four repeat champions were crowned at last week’s Diablo Valley Athletic League meet hosted by Clayton Valley Charter. Gabe Lomas (147) of College Park and Evan Carter (162) from Northgate each took their third titles while Ian Morford (172) from NG and Jack Chillemi (197) of Berean Christian were repeat winners. All four moved up one weight class from last year’s winning division. League champ Northgate advances 11 wrestlers while runner-up College Park sends nine, Clayton Valley Charter eight, Mt. Diablo six, Concord five and Berean Christian three.
108- Gus Petreske CP, Gabe Mettler NG, Jack Giddings Berean; 115- Nathan Sutton NG, Anthony Revetta CP, Chris Palacios CVC; 122- Noah Quinchocho MD, Nate Prado CP, Cormick Hamilton NG; 128- Josia Monjares CP, Christian Utne CVC, Mark DeGuzman Con; 134- Jacob Coppa CVC, Ben Scheve BC, Elijah Blake MD; 140- Cole Penneck NG, Christian Jimenez CVC, Joaquin Acuna MD; 147Lomas CP, Angel Lease-Marney NG, Alex Portillo MD. 154- Johnny O’Shea Con, Jack Fulp NG, Tyler Blazer CVC; 162- Carter NG, Hunter Cantrell CP, Dominic Jenevein Con; 172- Morford NG, Razvian Mihalache CP, Ben Acebo CVC; 184- Joey Rondondi CP, Grant Chachere NG, Ethan Cruz Con; 197- Chillemi BC, Mark Baros Con, Steven Garcia CP; 222- Ryan Fischer CVC, Rudy Perez MD, Skyler Morford NG; 287- Andy DeLira CVC, David Maake NG, Jarreck Leafa MD.
February 26, 2016
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com ond trip at 220. He’s finished in the top three at DVAL meet each year in order to qualify for NCS and this year was second. A year ago Mietz says his wrestler was one win away from placing at NCS as he racked up four victories in six matches. He’s won a match or more every year at NCS and this year Perez looks to cap his career with a Section medal. He’s been on the MDHS football team the past two years and wants to play football next fall at Diablo Valley College, which discontinued its vaunted wrestling program around the turn of the millennium.
Athlete Spotlight
Rudy Perez
Grade: Senior School: Mt. Diablo High Sports: Football, Wrestling Mt. Diablo High School wrestling coach Shawn Mietz says of his senior Rudy Perez, “Rudy has been preparing the last four years to be one of the best wrestlers in the NCS as well as the State. He will have a chance to prove that on Feb. 26.” That’s the first day of the North Coast Section wrestling
championships in Union City at James Logan High. The NCS tournament is nothing new to Perez, who will be competing at 220 pounds. The Red Devils athlete will be going to his fourth straight Section meet. As a freshman he made the meet at 182 pounds, then 195 as a sophomore and this will be his sec-
The Concord Pioneer congratulates Rudy and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for 25 years at Family Vision Care Optometry. www.laceyandruzicka.com Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@concordpioneer.com.
Page 13
Concord’s Section football champs set 2016 schedules JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
North Coast Section football champions Clayton Valley Charter and De La Salle high schools are putting the finishing touches on their 2016 schedules and their respective non-league lineups include interesting matchups. Clayton Valley Charter with a junior-laden roster went all the way to the State Bowl championship game for the second straight year before losing 28-14 to Narbonne in the new Division I-A. De La Salle won its seventh State Bowl Championship in the 10 years of the series with a 28-21 victory over the nation’s No. 1 ranked team Centennial of Corona. That victory propelled the Spartans
to the mythical national championship by MaxPreps Freeman. This fall both teams face schedules packed with playoffs teams from 2015 and DLS also will be facing at least two highly-rated college recruits for the class of 2017. The Ugly Eagles have racked up four consecutive Diablo Valley Athletic League titles, three NCS crowns and two Northern California Bowl game wins. In four years coach Tim Murphy’s teams have compiled a 51-7 record. This fall they will be in the new Diablo Athletic League along with the rest of the DVAL teams plus five schools from the Diablo Football Athletic League. Organizers have
See Schedules, page 14
Local athletes make college commitments JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
A number of seniors with local connections formalized their college commitments Feb. 3 on National Letter of Intent signing day. A pair of highly-touted football linemen from De La Salle High School, Devin Asiasi and Boss Tagaloa, announced their decisions to a national television audience on ESPNU from the Spartans gym in front of an overflowing bleacher full of students and family members. Ceremonies were also held in Concord at Carondelet, Concord and Clayton Valley Charter high schools that day to honor seniors who will be continuing their academic and athletic careers starting in the fall at four-year schools. The signing was a little bittersweet for CVCHS’s Marjan
Jay Bedecarre photos
FIVE PLAYERS FROM DE LA SALLE’S NO. 1 RANKED FOOTBALL TEAM were NLI signees earlier this month and two of them made their selections known on national TV. Principal Brother Robert Wickman (standing) MC’d the ceremony. Signing their national letters of intent were, from left, runningback Antoine Custer (Eastern Washington), defensive backs Brooklyn Hardiman and Miles Johnston (Southern Oregon University), Spartan lacrosse player Jackson Thuma (Denison) and national football recruits Devin Asiasi (Michigan) and Boss Tagaloa (UCLA). This group brought to 15 the number of DLS seniors who signed in the fall or spring NLI periods.
Haydaree as she had suffered an ACL tear that cut short her senior season and she faced surgery that will knock her out of action for most of 2016. Her high school coach Cristina Ballard said it was great that Long Beach State kept their commitment to Haydaree who will redshirt this coming fall during her rehab that could last up to nine months. The Eagles’ senior played four seasons on varsity, was the team’s leading soccer twice and also earned all-Diablo Valley Athletic League honors the last two years. She will be joining a Long Beach team that tied for LONG BEACH STATE SOCCER will first in the Big West Conferbe the home of Marjan Hayence last fall and has made the daree during the next five NCAA tournament five of the years. The Clayton Valley past eight years. Charter four-year varsity At the Carondelet NLI player had her senior season cut short with an ACL in- lunchtime ceremony soccer jury that will require surgery players Jade Rafallo (Portland Feb. 23 and force her to use State), Kaylie Collins (USC), Brooke Cilley (Michigan) and a redshirt year at Long Beach next fall while she re- Maddy Duncan (Purdue) were cuperates.
feted along with tennis player Nicole Hitomi (US Riverside tennis) of Concord. Hitomi was a four-year Carondelet tennis MVP, No. 1 singles player for the Cougars and ranked among the top 100 girls 18 and under in NorCal USTA rankings. She is a United States Marine Corps Distin-
CARONDELET’S NOONTIME NLI LUNCHTIME CEREMONY in front of the majority of the student body was for, from left, tennis player Nicole Hitomi of Concord (UC Riverside) and soccer players Kaylie Collins (USC), Brooke Cilley (Michigan), Jade Rafallo (Portland State) and Maddy Duncan (Purdue).
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guished Athlete Award winner, which recognizes a student athlete who exhibits the personal traits of courage, poise, self-confidence, and leadership while performing as a varsity athlete. She is most interested in Riverside’s medical program. Five players from De La Salle’s No. 1 nationally-ranked
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football team were NLI signees—Asiasi (Michigan), Tagaloa (UCLA), defensive backs Miles Johnston and Brooklyn Hardiman (Southern Oregon University) and runningback Antoine Custer (Eastern Washington). Spartan lacrosse player Jackson Thuma (Denison) brought to 15 the number of DLS seniors who signed in the fall or spring NLI periods. Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh put a call into local producer and Concord native Rob McWilliams, who was arranging the audio and video feed to ESPNU, minutes before the live telecast to make sure the setup allowed Asiasi’s family to get in the picture behind him. At Concord High senior Marqel McCoy signed on the
dotted line for UC Davis football. The 6-3 wide receiver and defensive back transferred to Concord this year from Berean Christian and helped the Minutemen reach the North Coast Section championship game. He’s also a basketball player and outstanding sprinter in track. Diablo FC had seven players from the competitive youth soccer club commit to college. Abraham Rosales will be going to Sacramento State University. A half dozen Diablo FC girls announced their colleges including, Isabella Ivy (UC San Diego), Lexi Robbins and Alyssa Schneider (Rocky Mountain College), Emma Spears (Chaminade University), Emily Thompson (Sonoma State University) and Rafallo.
MARQEL MCCOY (seated) is enjoying his senior year at Concord High and was surrounded by family, coaches, teachers and fellow students when he signed his National Letter of Intent for UC Davis. The Minuteman football wide receiver was joined by his dad Marques McCoy, mom Rachel McCoy and younger sister Mariah at the ceremony in the school library. His parents are both Cal Bear alums and proud of their son for staying in the UC system. He’s a Diablo Valley Athletic League Lifetime Scholar-Athlete with an overall 3.6 GPA that included a 4.0 this fall as his football team reached the NCS finals.
Page 14
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Diablo FC 04 girls win State Cup Elite title
49ers need help in 2016 NFL draft
Last year was a disaster for the San Francisco 49ers. They finished the year with an abysmal 5-11 record and then fired head coach Jim Tomsula after only one season. The 49ers announced Chip Kelly as their new head coach last month and are now turning their attention to improving their roster. General manager Trent Baalke will have his hands full reloading San Francisco’s roster with talent, but with the seventh
overall pick in the 2016 draft plus 11 other picks he has a great chance to pick an elite player and fill needed holes for the Niners. Here are three players the 49ers can target with their first-round pick on draft day: Laquon Treadwell WR Mississippi – Treadwell is the consensus best receiver in the draft. He has tremendous size at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds and has a knack for high pointing the football in the end zone. For Mississippi last season, he caught 11 touchdown passes and had over 1,100 yards receiving. The 49ers have Torrey Smith, but desperately need another receiver to help open up the passing game. Tread-
well would be an ideal fit in Chip Kelly’s offense, giving the 49ers some much needed firepower in the red zone. Myles Jack LB UCLA – If the 49ers decide to go defense with their first pick, there is a good chance that Jack falls into their lap. He is an athletic freak who played three years for the Bruins. Not only did he play linebacker at UCLA, but he also played some runningback. Jack has great sideline to sideline speed for a linebacker. He fits the mold of a 3-down linebacker who can cover on passing downs and stuff the run. Pairing the 6-foot-1, 225 pound Jack with Navarro
Sports, Murphy announced. Their other non-league games are with Canyon Springs of North Las Vegas, James Logan in Union City, Deer Valley in Antioch and Monte Vista at Danville. The local team has only three of 10 games in Gonsalves Stadium. Their annual clash with Concord is Oct. 14. DLS ‘s non-league schedule includes a game against Antioch, which features 2015 Cali-
fornia Mr. Football Najee Harris, the No. 1 ranked running back recruit who verbally committed as a sophomore to national champion Alabama. The Panthers visit the Spartans Sept. 23. Games against nonNCS foes are Utah state champion East of Salt Lake City, Serra of San Mateo and Servite, with top-rated quarterback Tyler Lytle which host DLS in Anaheim. Six of the 12 teams in the
D-I NCS playoffs from last fall are on this year’s Spartans schedule, including losing finalist Foothill when De La Salle won its 24th consecutive section championship. Justin Alumbaugh’s three years as head coach have yielded a 41-2 record and two State titles. Last year’s senior-packed team included top national recruits Devin Asiasi (Michigan) and Boss Tagaloa (UCLA).
TYLER LEHMAN SPORTS TALK
Photo courtesy Diablo FC
DIABLO FC 04G PREMIER TEAM finished their successful 2015-16 season last month. Head coach Miguel Gonzalez (top left) has continued to develop this team over the past few years, concluding this season with a U11 girls NorCal State Cup Premier Elite 1 Championship. Their campaign also included championships at the Diablo FC Kick or Treat Classic, SF Evolution Cup, Folsom Summer Girls Invitational and NorCal Premier League Spring Season - Premier 2 Region 2-3-4. The team includes, front row from left, Liliana Bailey, Ananda Walker, Alyssa Pringle, Grace Dausses, Gigi Betti, Erika Upson, Helena Ban, Jules Colchico-Greeley, Courtney Wagner, Amanda Monahan, Indigo Whiteley; back row, Gonzalez, Sherman Dausses and Kris Colchico.
Schedules, from page 13
used the past two year’s results to align each sport into two DAL divisions to increase competitive equity. CVCHS and long-time crosstown rival Concord will join DFAL teams Miramonte, Acalanes, Las Lomas and twotime Division III State finalist Campolindo in the top sixteam DAL football group.
Berean Christian, College Park, Ygnacio Valley, Mt. Diablo and Northgate from the DVAL will match up with Alhambra in the other DAL football division. The first DAL football game on Oct. 7 in Orinda will feature the Eagles visiting Miramonte. The Matadors are the only team to beat Clayton Valley in the past four NCS
S ports Shorts
playoffs, winning a 44-38 thriller in the 2013 semi-finals en route to a NCS title. CVCHS won the 2012, 2014 and 2015 Division II crowns. Concord was the 2010 NCS DII champ and a three-time Section finalist in 2011, 2014 and 2015. Clayton Valley Charter will be playing in the Honor Bowl Sept. 3 against Helix High of La Mesa. The game may be televised nationally on Fox
CONCORD CUP XXIII COMING MAY 14-15
The area’s largest annual youth soccer tournament, Concord Cup, returns for its 23rd season at a variety of local parks. Boys and girls club and recreation teams from under 10 through U19 WALNUT COUNTRY SWIM TEAM REGISTRATION are eligible to participate. Visit concordcup.com for complete OPENS THIS WEEKEND Walnut Country Stingrays recreational swim team is hosting information and to register a team or referee to participate. an Ice Cream Social this Saturday at 6 p.m. in the Walnut CounSPRINGWOOD SWIM TEAM REGISTRATION MAR. 20 try Clubhouse for potential new team members. Walnut Country Registration for the Springwood Swim Team is Sunday, Mar. is a community-based, competitive, summer recreational swim 20, from 4-6 p.m. at Nor Cal Swim on Treat Blvd. at Bancroft. team in Concord. The team hosts the Crossings Challenge InviThe team offers a Mini-Sprinter program for young kids 4-6 tational, the premier swim meet in Contra Costa for “B” swimyears-old who are learning how to swim. The summer recremers. Visit www.wcstingrays.com for details on Stingrays events ational team is open to girls and boys 4-18. Practice starts Monand online registration. day, April 18 and the season runs through Aug. 7. For more info go to Springwoodswim.com. YGNACIO VALLEY HIGH ATHLETIC
BOOSTERS DINNER MAR. 12
The year’s biggest fundraiser for the Ygnacio Valley High School Athletic Boosters is Saturday, Mar. 12 starting at 6:30 p.m. This is an adult only event with dinner, auction and raffle including tickets to Disneyland. The dinner is catered by Kinder’s BBQ with a no-host beer and wine bar. Reservations must be made by this weekend. Visit yvhs.mdusd.org and click on Athletic Boosters.
VISTA DIABLO DOLPHINS TAKING SWIM SIGNUPS NOW
The Vista Diablo Dolphins are accepting swimmers’ online registration now. Girls and boys ages 3-18 years (as of June 15) can join the VDD recreation swim team. They offer a mini dolphins program (for those who cannot swim unassisted) in addition to Dolphin swimmers. Afternoon practice starts April 25. For more information and two register visit vistadiablodolphins.com.
CONCORD HIGH SCHOOL HAS 2016 FALL COACHING POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Concord High School is seeking a boys varsity head water polo coach and girls varsity and JV volleyball coaches. All three positions come with a stipend. Coaching requirements include MDUSD fingerprint, current TB and First Aid/CPR, coaching principles course, concussion course and sudden cardiac arrest course. Interested coaches can send resume to CHS athletic director Megan Coddington at coddingtonm@mdusd.org.
Tryouts for Mt Diablo Elite teams
Coming up in February and March for the following groups: Boys born in 2006/2007 Boys born in 2001/2002/2003 Girls born in 1999/2000/2001/2002
If you have what it takes to play soccer at a high level, sign up for Elite tryouts at
www.mdsoccer.org
February 26, 2016
See 49ers’, page 15
ST. BONAVENTURE CYO TRACK SIGN UPS CONTINUE
St. Bonaventure CYO spring track and field is open to boys and girls in second through eighth grades. Practices are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 5-6:15 p.m. at Newhall Park. Saturday meets begin Mar. 5 and the season runs through May 7 culminating with the Oakland Diocese championships. For more information call (925) 969-0207, email coach Matt Tillman at matttillman@gmail.com or go to stbonaventurecyo.com.
OAKHURST ORCAS SET MEET AND GREET DATES
Head coach Jasmine Castillo is back for her fifth season in charge of the Oakhurst swim team and has announced that the Orcas are accepting mail or drop off registrations for the summer rec swim team season now at Oakhurst Country Club. Meet and greet registration is on Thursday, Mar. 24, and Tuesday, April 19, from 6:30-8 p.m. Early registration discounts are available 22ND CVCHS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS CRAB FEED until Mar. 24. Visit oakhurstorcas.com for more information or you can send e-mail to head coach Jasmine Millan at & AUCTION MAR. 12 Limited tickets are available for the Clayton Valley Charter swimcoach@oakhurstcc.com High School Athletic Boosters 22nd annual Crab Feed and AucHAILEY PASCOE ENJOYING FIRST SEASON tion on Saturday, Mar. 12. Tickets are sold on a first come, first OF COLLEGE BASKETBALL AT LEHIGH served basis. Must be 21 or older to attend. For more info email Hailey Pascoe has transitioned from Clayton Valley Charter athleticboosters@claytonvalley.org or go to cvchsboosters.com to order tickets online for a night of food, drink, dancing, auc- High to college basketball at Lehigh and is helping the Mountain tions and raffle prizes. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner Hawks to a strong season to date as they seek a berth in the NCAA Tournament come March. The freshman recently sank a served at 7. trio of three-point shots as her team made their most threeDEB HARRISON INTENSE PICKLEBALL WORKSHOP pointers in a game (12) since 2010. The former Eagle has started all but one game this season (15-10, 8-6 in Patriot League). IN CONCORD APR. 14-17 Pickleball gold medalist Deb Harrison is visiting the East Bay YGNACIO WOOD SWIM TEAM TAKING from Florida and offering a series of her Intense Pickleball 2016 REGISTRATIONS Camp Workshops in Concord April 14-17 on the Willow Pass The Ygnacio Wood Swim Team has a registration day on Park tennis courts. Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America and Harrison’s workshops are for tournament and Sunday, Mar. 20, at Sport Basement in Walnut Creek from 1-3 recreational (intermediate and advanced) players. The daily p.m. The team for girls and boys 4-18 years of age begins pracworkshops are limited to 24 players. The city of Concord is co- tice April 11. For more info and online registration visit ywst.org. sponsoring the workshops. Email cathytaruskin@yahoo.com for JR. EAGLES SIGNUPS START MAR. 1 more information on the workshops.
DIABLO FC U12-U14 USSDA, U15-U19
FOR YOUTH FOOTBALL, CHEER
CVAA Jr. opens registration for its 2016 football and cheer PREMIER TEAMS HOLDING FREE OPEN TRAINING squads Mar. 1. Two of their cheer teams won national championships in January at the JAMZ Nationals in Las Vegas. Visit THIS SUNDAY AT CVCHS The area’s competitive soccer club, Diablo FC, will hold their website cvaajreagles.com for more information and to regopening training at Clayton Valley Charter High School this Sun- ister. day for its United States Development Academy under 12-14 boys teams and its U15-U19 premier girls and boys teams. All DANA HILLS SWIM TEAM REGISTRATION THIS FRIDAY Dana Hills Swim Team kicks off the summer swim season players are invited to attend the free session. Diablo FC Premier with Registration Night this Friday from 6-9 p.m. at Clayton teams compete in the National Premier League of US Club SocCommunity Library. Registration and swim season volunteer job cer and participate at several college showcase tournaments each preferences will be taken. Some of the DHST coaching staff will year. Tryouts for all U15-U19 teams will be held in May. For meet attendees and discuss the Otter program. Online registramore information on the club, USSDA and premier teams and tion opens this Saturday, Feb. 27. For additional info please visit tryouts contact director of coaching Zach Sullivan at zachsullidanahillsotters.com. van@gmail.com.
YGNACIO VALLEY HIGH HOSTING ALL-COMERS TRACK & FIELD MEET MAR. 5
Ygnacio Valley High is hosting its annual all-comers track and field meet on Saturday, Mar. 5, from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on the allweather track at the Concord school. There will be eight individual events (shot put, high jump, long jump and 100-200-400-800-1600 meter runs) and two relays for boys and girls from preschool through high school and senior classifications. YVHS is using the meet as a team fund raiser for a finish line timing system. Contact coach George Francis at coachfrancisyvhs@hotmail.com for details.
BISHOP ESTATES SWIM TEAM SIGNUPS BEGIN MARCH 19 AT POOL
The Bishop Estates Swim Team offers competitive and noncompetitive learning as well as private lessons in a family setting. In person registration days are Saturday, Mar. 19, and Sunday, April 10, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Bishop Estates Swim Club cabana. Online registration opens Mar. 11 at bestswimteam.com. Practice begins April 11 and first meet is May 21. For more information email info@bestswimteam.com.
CONCORD ADULT SOFTBALL AND PICKLEBALL TEAM REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Adults looking for exercise in a fun environment should consider signing up for one of Concord’s adult sports leagues – softball or pickleball. The city offers one of the largest adult softball leagues in the Bay Area for all skill levels. Registration packets are available for the 12-game summer season that runs from April through mid-August. One of the nation’s fastest growing sports is pickleball. The game combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong. Played on a badminton-sized court with a lower net, large wooden or composite paddles are used with a plastic whiffle ball. The sport is easy to learn and suited for all athletic abilities. There are drop-in hours at Willow Pass Tennis Courts six days a week. Introductory and intermediate morning and evening pickleball classes begin in April. For more information on all Concord Rec adult sports programs, call (925) 671-3423. For all Concord Parks & Recreation classes now taking registration, visit concordreg.org.
February 26, 2016
Playoffs, from page 10
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Bike Concord is paving way for safer streets
KENJI YAMADA
BIKE CONCORD
Jason Rogers photo
JUNIOR MIDFIELDER KACI TRUJILLO was a top playmaker for Clayton Valley Charter as the Eagles won the DVAL girls soccer championship with a 10-0-2 league mark. The Eagles won their first NCS game under inclement weather conditions at Gonsalves Stadium 1-0 over Castro Valley before running into top seed Carondelet, which ended the CVCHS season 3-0.
Carondelet in the semis. In DII Northgate beat Pinole Valley 3-0 in the first round before falling to top seed Livermore 2-1 after the Broncos scored first. Concord fell to No. 3 Las Lomas 7-1. No. 11 Ygnacio Valley blanked Piedmont 2-0 in the first round but fell to Miramonte 2-0 in the DIII quarterfinals. Berean Christian lost its opener 1-0 to St. Mary’s. BOYS SOCCER De La Salle won six consecutive North Coast Section Division I soccer championships from 2009-2014 before losing to San Ramon Valley on penalty kicks in last year’s finale. This year’s Spartans also fell out of the tournament on penalty kicks but it was in the opening round to Heritage of Brentwood after a scoreless draw through regulation and overtime. DLS ended with a losing record and were out of NCS at the first hurdle for the first time in memory. Clayton Valley Charter won
its first league title since back-toback championships in 2010 and 2011, earning the Eagles a sixth seed. They prevailed over California of San Ramon 4-3 on penalty kicks in miserable weather last week but lost to defending champ DI San Ramon Valley 3-0 in the quarterfinals for just their second loss of the season. Concord High was seeded 10th in DII but the Minutemen beat Bishop O’Dowd 3-0 and followed that up by shocking No. 2 Rancho Cotate on PKs in the quarterfinals after a 1-1 draw. Concord met its third higher seeded team, Campolindo, in the semi-finals Wednesday. Northgate lost to third seed Montgomery in the first round 1-0. Ygnacio Valley, runner-up in league, was the No. 1 seed for Division III. The Warriors drew a first-round bye and shut out St. Mary’s 2-0 in the quarter-finals. They hosted #4 Drake of San Anselmo in the semis. Berean fell in its first game 3-0 to Branson of Ross.
49ers, from page 14
Bowman and Aaron Lynch could culminate into the best core of linebackers in the league. Carson Wentz QB North Dakota State – It is a complete mystery what the 49ers plan to do with their quarterback situation. Will Colin Kaepernick be starting again? Will they sign a free agent like Sam Bradford? Or maybe they decide to draft a young prospect like Wentz. Wentz had a tremendous week of practice at the Senior Bowl. He impressed scouts with his measurables, accuracy and arm-strength. He doesn’t come from a big-time football school but Wentz can play. When he started a full season for North Dakota State in 2014, Wentz threw for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns. He is still raw and
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needs some coaching but given enough time he could be a potential long-term answer for the 49ers at quarterback. The NFL draft April 2830 is still awhile away and player’s draft stock will fluctuate within that time frame. The 49ers could trade up and snag a guy like quarterback Jared Goff from Cal or they could trade down and acquire more draft picks. No matter what they decide to do on draft day, the clock is ticking for Baalke. If this draft doesn’t produce for the 49ers, it will most likely be Baalke’s last.
Tyler Lehman is a senior at San Francisco State University and a 2012 CVHS graduate. He is majoring in print/online journalism and wants to be a sports writer. Email your comments or questions to tyler@claytonpioneer.com.
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Would you like the option of being able to get around your town without burning gas? Would you like to go for a bike ride this spring, perhaps run some errands along the way but stop short because outside of the immediate neighborhood or street where you live, the thought of traversing Concord is just too intimidating? So have others. Since its inception a little over two years ago, Bike Concord has grown into a grassroots advocacy team that is beginning to have successful outcomes in advocating for safe, convenient, enjoyable travel in Concord — travel that doesn’t require a car. So far they have:
Been successful in saving the green paint treatments at bike-car conflict zones in the 2015 improvements on Detroit Ave., thanks to strong turnout at a meeting of the Infrastructure & Franchise Committee. Influenced the community input process for the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Safe Routes to Transit Master Plan to prioritize safety of non-motorized users. Initiated efforts to secure good bike connections to the upcoming shopping center development in the former Chevron property on Diamond Blvd. Cultivated strong relationships with partner organizations such as Monument Impact, Central County Regional Group and First Five Contra Costa. Bike Concord members come from various backgrounds and histories into riding bikes — and walking and using public transit. From experienced, former bike messen-
gers to everyday commuters to parents taking their kids to school, members have a variety of reasons for biking and various skill levels, but are united in the conviction that Concord’s streets need to be safe for nonmotor transportation. To that end, members work for improved cycling and pedestrian infrastructure in a variety of ways. From April to October, Bike Concord hosts a tent at the Thursday evening Farmers’ Market at Todos Santos Plaza featuring free bike repair and consultations. A common refrain heard from last year’s tent patrons was “I’d like to ride my bike more, but it’s just not safe.” By organizing these voices into a coherent message, Bike Concord is working to shape the city’s first-ever Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan into a vigorous document that will translate into real, substantive change for all residents. But it’s not all work. Bike Concord also holds a number
Page 15
of social rides. Sometimes the goal is to try a route that has only been travelled in a car, but with the added impetus and protection of other riders going out together. Other times, the focus is to enjoy the scenery and get some exercise. Whatever the reason, a shared enjoyment of cycling keeps riders together, as well as designated leads and “sweeps” — no one is left behind. And not to be forgotten: rides usually entail a stop at a cafe or restaurant for fuel — and to remind merchants that bikes mean business. Unlike cars that may only use infrastructure to transport motorists through and out of a city, cyclists are uniquely rooted in the cities they live, and tend to spend their dollars locally. 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 hajenso@gmail.com
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benign prostate enlargement. He is an expert at kidney stone treatment, female urology and reconstructive surgery and has performed over 2,000 vasectomies. Dr. Sethi is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and completed his Urology residency at Ohio State University and trained at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Dr. Sethi is one of a few urologists who specialize in the use of advanced technology to treat incontinence and overactive bladder and was instrumental in developing Pacific Urology’s Continence Center. His special interests include treatment for incontinence, erectile dysfunction and enlarged prostate, as well as bladder reconstructive surgery and minimally invasive kidney stone surgeries. Dr. Brandeis and Dr. Sethi are physicians with Pacific Urology, the surgical division of Diablo Valley Oncology and Hematology Medical Group. Together these groups have developed the first Prostate Cancer Center of Excellence in the East Bay. Their team of highly experienced prostate cancer specialists, including daVinci-trained robotic surgeons, provide patients with a level of care equal to top-tier academic centers. For more information please call 925-937-7740 or visit www.PacificUrology.com.
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Prune and fertilize your roses for fuller, longer bloom Page 16
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL
Rose pruning is easy. An annually pruned rose should take five minutes to prune. As I approach a rose to prune, I always look right to the bottom
of the plant. I don’t worry about all the buds, blooms or leaves still left on the bush, I look towards the bottom and begin there. A well-pruned hybrid tea, grandiflora or floribunda rose should have 3-5 nice, straight, clean canes without any leaves once you’ve finished. The object of pruning is to remove most of the past year’s growth and all the crossing canes and lateral branches. Remove all gray canes. You may have to use a cordless saw to get through thick wood. Don’t worry about how thick the canes are, you won’t hurt the rose at all. Make all your cuts at a slight
Cut too high
Cut too low
Gail Trimble
angle, right before a swelling of growth. If you look closely at a rose cane before you make the cut, you’ll see a seam with a swell. This is where the rose wants to grow from. I don’t tell people how many inches of
JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
• INTERIOR: plumbing, drywall, electrical, trim, tile. Lic. 979406
cane to leave. It really depends on the amount of room you have for your rose to grow. If you have limited space, then cut further down. If you like your roses tall, then don’t cut down as far. Rose trees should be pruned the same way as the floribunda, hybrid tea or grandiflora. Remove old canes, crossing branches and lateral branches. With rose trees, leave more canes on the plant so they’ll look fuller. Groundcover roses don’t get the same amount of attention. I reshape the groundcover roses, bringing them down and in. If
the groundcover roses that I am pruning have grown crazy, it’ll be severely pruned. For a newer installation the pruning will be lighter. Fertilizing roses is very important. We have been sharing this recipe for more than a decade. This recipe is for established ground grown hybrid tea, grandiflora, floribunda or tree shaped roses. Each rose is to receive: ½ cup 16-16-16 Fertilizer ½ cup Bone Meal ½ cup Granular Iron ½ cup Alfalfa Meal 2T Epsom Salt Work into soil along drip line and top-dress with an inch of chicken manure and water in. This may sound like a lot of products, but imagine how deep the roots of your rose are. Don’t premix a batch of products. There is a reason for each ingredient and the quantity. The 1616-16 is a multi-purpose fertilizer. The bone meal is a source of phosphorus and will encourage
Gritty heroine stars in tale of true love Jay Bedecarre
THE KIRKER PASS RD. LOCATION OF NAVLET’S GARDEN CENTER opened in spring 2004 with nearly 70,000 square feet of plants and gardening supplies. The 130-year-old company closed its four Contra Costa stores at the end of January and reopened Feb. 12 under the new ownership of Sloat Garden Centers.
130 years of serving local gardeners, Navlet’s Garden Centers are closing its doors. We truly appreciate your support over the years and will always be grateful. We are fortunate to be able to pass the torch to Sloat Garden Centers, another highly respected, locally owned and operated garden center. We are confident that you will enjoy your shopping and gardening experience with Sloat as
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Sloat Garden Center takes over 130-year-old Navlet’s nurseries A business that traces its roots back to the 19th century closed its doors late last month when Navlet’s announced its four East Bay stores had been sold to Sloat Garden Center. The new owners reopened the stores Feb. 12, including the Concord location on Kirker Pass Rd. Navlet’s, founded by Charles Navlet, began operating in 1885. His nephew Arthur Navlet took over in 1923. The company kept a high profile with Bert Bertolero and now his son Buzz Bertolero giving nursey tips to millions of Bay Area residents for decades at their stores and in the media. Buzz Bertolero will continue giving his “Dirt Gardener” seminars as part of the Sloat staff. The Kirker Pass location opened in spring 2004 with nearly 70,000 square feet of every plant, flower and garden accessory imaginable from the common azalea to the not-socommon perennial. At the time of the closures a message from “The Navlet’s Team” was posted on the company’s website and on the door of each store. It read, “After
February 26, 2016
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much as you did with Navlet’s.” In announcing the purchase Sloat said they offered jobs to all the Navlet’s employees at the four East Bay locations. Besides Concord, Navlet’s were in Danville, Pleasant Hill and Martinez. It’s understood that the entire Concord staff is now with Sloat. Sloat opened its first store in San Francisco in 1958 and had a single East Bay location in Danville to go with eight more stores in San Francisco and Marin. Company president and CEO Dave Stoner says the many years of drought in California have taken a toll on the gardening business. The company said, “We are proud to continue their [Navlet’s] tradition of expert gardening know-how. Both Sloat and Navlet’s were built through a passion for gardening, a commitment to community, a responsibility for sustainable gardening and a desire to offer the highest quality plants, pottery and products.”
The next best thing to riding in a time capsule is to periodically return to the first novel of an author you’ve followed, loved and watched evolve. By returning to the genesis of an author’s creative arc, you have a chance to savor that kernel of genius anew and with fresh appreciation. You can see the promise, taste the potential of a writer’s stamina. Plus, you get to go back in time. You get to smack up against what are now cultural references when they were just current events. On Jan. 1, 1993, author Joanne Mapson published her first novel, “Hank & Chloe” (HarperCollins e-books; Reprint edition October, 2009). Last weekend, I jumped back 23 years and savored every salty phrase Chloe uttered and shed more than a few tears at the utter heartbreak Mapson so masterfully delivers in the course of delivering a flawless narrative. Think Orange County, circa 1988. Think vanishing wild places, think an exploding housing market and tract homes for miles. On the one hand, we have orphaned, flinty, horse-and-dog-loving Chloe, living in a shack in one of the last unincorporated pieces of dirt in Orange County, where the geography is as much a character in this
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CYNTHIA GREGORY
FOR
THE
BOOKS
how lucky he’s had it all his life until he encounters this ill-tempered angel in mud-covered boots, and she isn’t about to let him forget just how mismatched they are. The thing is, she has as much trouble convincing herself as Hank that their star-crossed match is only another bad deal waiting to happen. Mapson is more than just a master of tracing the rutted roads that lead to love. She understands pain and loss and the thousand ways that one good love can make up for all that dross. And she does it with kitchen table wisdom, a poet’s eye for language. “Answer the door after midnight and you might as well set a place at the table for trouble.” “Hank and Chloe” is a luscious and gritty tale of all the ways love can shake you to your core. And it’s worth every minute of it. Cynthia Gregory is a North Bay nonprofit leader, writer of short fiction, and author of a blog. Email comments and questions to Editor@ConcordPioneer.com
Top-notch performances highlight Oscar faves
JEFF MELLINGER
Easter Sunday is March 27
tale as Chloe herself. “The Wedler Brothers Café was a cult hangout that served more than one master. In the early mornings they fed truckers and fishermen, regulars Chloe knew by name and menu preference. A little later, frustrated telemarketing salesmen fed on farmhand’s breakfasts, the poor man’s Valium.” On the other hand, we have kind, sober, straight-as-a-BoyScout Hank, community college teacher of mythology. There couldn’t be a more unlikely pair than these two, and yet before the book is over, you’re betting they are the ones who may just redeem romantic attraction. “He watched her firm behind strain against the denim skirt as she measured out fresh coffee into the tall coffee urn. She wiped her hand on the dish towel tucked into her skirt and turned to face him. ‘I’m telling you, sit quiet in this place you you’ll go hungry. You should have thrown your napkin at me or something. What’ll you have?’” Of course, what he wants is her, though he’s too polite to say. Chloe was handed a dirty deal from the start, but she learned to survive. She understands horses, gives lessons to rich suburban kids to get by, and that’s enough for her. Hank doesn’t actually realize
bloom. Granular iron is applied to keep your rose leaves green and free of chlorosis. Alfalfa meal will stimulate new cane growth. Epsom salts are used to intensify flower color. Container roses get half a dose of each product. Groundcover roses are only given the multi-purpose fertilizer and iron. Apply this rose recipe now and again in July. Those that rely on drip-system watering will have to hand water twice a week after their July application to make sure the rose recipe gets soaked well into the ground. Do not use systemic rose 31 fertilizers. Aphids are a part of spring, and if you have aphids your garden will attract the beneficial insects to eat them up. No aphids, no beneficial insects.
The quantity of great films in 2015 may be lower than in previous years, but the quality of the ones at the top are, for the most part, well-represented in the Best Picture category. “Room” – Brie Larson plays Joy, a young mother raising her 5-year-old son Jack (a marvelous Jacob Tremblay) in a tiny garden shack. Kidnapped at 17, Joy has spent seven years as a prisoner. Joy pretends for Jack’s sake that there is no outside world. Jack believes everything on TV is make-believe: trees, cars, dogs and other people. It is only
when Joy spies an opportunity to escape that she sees hope for Jack. Director Lenny Abrahamson handles the material with a gentle touch, creating one of the most beautiful, moving films in years. “Spotlight” – In 2001, the Spotlight division of the Boston Globe uncovered the massive sexual abuse scandal involving the Catholic Church. Using every reporting trick in the book, the team carefully unravels something everyone wants to bury and no one wants to believe. Director Tom McCarthy shines his “Spotlight” on a true journalistic endeavor, harkening back to the grand exposé days of the newspaper industry. “The Big Short” – Adam McKay expertly explains the 2008 housing crisis while tip-
toeing the line between tragedy and comedy. The film never makes light of those who suffered and never gets so dark as to be outright depressing. Steve Carell and Christian Bale are hedge fund managers who “short” the banks when they realize all the terrible housing mortgages will fail. “Brooklyn” – Saorsie Ronan delivers a career performance as Eilis, a recent Irish arrival in 1950s New York. After many painful adjustments, she finds love and builds a life. When incidents across the ocean call her home, her past and her future collide, forcing her to choose. “Bridge of Spies” – Steven Spielberg directs Tom Hanks in a Cold War spy tale.
See Movies, page 18
February 26, 2016
B USINESS
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 17
Chamber recognizes Concord’s top businesses
MARILYN FOWLER
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
LEFT: CONCORD CHEVROLET, A MAJOR SALES TAX REVENUE PRODUCER, was honored by the Chamber.and Mayor Hoffmeister with General Manager, Tom Young (center) accepting the award; Middle: Entysis Solutions was recognized as one of the city’s fastest growing companies. CTO and Co-owner, Matt GenFive Concord businesses eral accepted the award accompanied by his staff; Right: Also honored for fast growth was Vapore LLC with CEO Lars Barfod accepting the award.
shared honors at the Chamber of Commerce State of the City luncheon in January. The companies were singled out for sales tax generation, fast growth and longevity.
Four years ago, the company underwent major improvements to the façade. During the past year, their sales increased 23 percent over the prior year. They are in the Top 25 for Electric Car Volt sales out of over 3,000 dealerships nationally. Concord Chevrolet has also earned the General Motors Mark of Excellence Award. Concord Chevrolet was recognized as a major tax generator and significant employer.
HIGH SALES VOLUME Slakey Brothers, a wholesale distributor for plumbing and HVAC was honored for being a significant sales tax generator. Established in 1939, Slakey Brothers has grown from a small family-owned company in Sacramento to an employee-owned corporation with eight employees in ConFASTEST GROWING cord. They are consistently Three companies shared among the city’s top 100 sales honors for being among Contax producers. cord’s Fastest Growing ComConcord Chevrolet has panies. been in operation since 2009. Entisys Solutions, Inc. was
P ETS
founded in 1988 and has been operating in Concord since 1996. The company provides state-of-the-art methodologies and broad solutions with a focus on disaster recovery and business continuity. Their revenue has grown over forty five percent from revenue of $58.11 million in 2012 to over $84.75 million in 2014. Entisys is the 36th fastest growing company in the East Bay. Zero Waste Solutions has been operating in Concord since 2014. Founded in 2002, Zero Waste Solutions is a privately held California corporation that delivers best practices through an integrated resource management approach, including education, training and sus-
tainable technologies. Their program helps customers reduce their landfill costs and environmental footprint while building their corporate standing in community. Zero Waste Solutions is the 8th fastest growing company in the East Bay and 32nd in the entire Bay Area. Their revenue has grown over 207 seven percent with 2012 sales of $6.63 million to over $302 million in 2014. Vapore LLC is the fastest growing company in the East Bay and the 2nd fastest growing in the entire Bay Area. Vapore designs and manufactures medical and consumer products using its patented capillary force vaporizer technology. The company offers
Fearful felines don’t have to face frights ELENA BICKER
PAUSE
FOR
PETS
Cats are beautifully sensitive animals and display a full range of emotions, including happiness, silly playfulness, indifference and much more. That sensitivity can also trigger fearful behavior, which can be perfectly normal. Cats often feel insecure or frightened in a new environment, and will sometimes hide for a day or two when first brought home. Even a stressful experience, such as a trip to the vet or introducing a new family member to the household, can send Fluffy
under the bed for a few days. Fearful behavior can be caused by a variety of situations, such as strangers, children, other animals or frightening noises. When a cat feels threatened, they usually respond in three ways: fight, flee or freeze. They also might present other behaviors, like hiding, loss of control of their bladder and/or bowels, and aggression (such as spitting, hissing, growling, swatting, biting or scratching). If your cat is showing aggressive or threatening behavior to another person or animal, immediately seek advice from an animal behavior specialist, and confine her to a safe area of the house, supervised by a responsible person and keeping all interactions to a minimum. When we see our feline friends in distress, it’s normal to want to comfort them, but doing so might not always be what they need at the time. Do not punish your cat for
fearful behavior, as it will only confuse her and cause her to become more fearful, and don’t force her to confront the object or situation that is triggering her, such as having a person she fears hold her. These strategies will only cause her fearful behavior to continue.
Instead, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for a thorough physical exam to rule out any medical causes for Fluffy’s behavior. Cats have great “poker faces” and don’t always act sick, even when they are. If she is healthy, but still hiding, do not force her out. Make sure she has easy
access to food, water and her litter box, and change all items daily to keep track if Fluffy has been eating or drinking. Keep her contact with the fear stimulus to a minimum, and make the effort to keep her routine as regular as possible to increase her confidence. If you’d like to attempt to desensitize her to the fear stimulus, first determine what distance Fluffy can be from the stimulus without responding fearfully. Introduce the fear stimulus at this distance while feeding lots of tasty treats and heaping on praise. Keep the treats and praise going as you slowly bring the stimulus closer. If Fluffy exhibits fearful behavior at any time in this process, start over from the beginning and go even slower, keeping sessions short.
school dance, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, tumbling and yoga. D’Ann’s Academy, owned and operated by D’Ann Harvey, is a supporter of Concord’s community events and a long time downtown business. The Concord Chamber and City of Concord Business Award Program was established in 1997 to honor successful Concord businesses STAYING POWER that have contributed in a Recognized for its staying unique way to the economic power in a fast moving world vitality and well-being of our of constant change, D’Ann’s community. Academy of Dance & Music is For more information on becomhonored for its longevity. D’Ann’s has been continuously ing a member of the Concord operating in Concord for 37 Chamber of Commerce, please visit years, teaching over 20,000 stu- www.concordchamber.com or call dents ballet, tap, hip hop, pre- (925) 685-1181.
MyPurMist, a portable and handheld instant steam vaporizer device for sinus and allergy relief. The device is also used for the relief of sore throat, cough, croup, common colds and dry mucous membranes of the mouth or nose. Their revenues have grown over 1,542 percent, from $427,000 in 2012 to $15 million in 2015.
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Elena Bicker is the Executive Director of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. She can be reached at (925) 2561ARF (1273)
Meet ARF stars Milky Way & Sheba
MILKY WAY
One-year-old Milky Way is a smart, active fellow who needs an equally outgoing adopter. Milky Way loves to explore and put his nose to work smelling every bush and tree he find. He is goofy and playful, but he will need more
than average exercise and enrichment to keep him happy and healthy. We recommend he does not go into a home that has cats or small animals. We recommend Milky Way take a Basic Manners class where he can learn polite ways of seek-
geous kitty with a beautiful smoke coat. She likes gentle petting and attention. She is best in a home without other cats. The adoption fee for adult cats is $75. Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 6 pm Wednesday & Thursday, Noon to 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6 pm Saturday & Sunday. The primary caretaker must be present to adopt. ARF also SHEBA encourages kids 16 and younger and canine family ing creature comforts in life. members (dog adoptions only) He currently weighs 47 to be present during the adoption process. pounds. The adoption fee for adult ARF volunteers are making a dogs is $250 and includes a disdifference! For more information see count on an ARF U Manners our website, www.arflife.org, or call class. (925) 256-1ARF. Sheba, 1 1/2, is a gor-
Offering All-Season
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w Youth to Adult w Birthday Parties w Camp
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3141 Morgan Territory Rd., Clayton
www.EarthquakeArabians.com
Anna’s hummingbirds come home to nest Page 18
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Photo: Richard Weber/realgardensgrownatives.com/
TWO ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRD NESTLINGS hang out at home about a week before leaving the nest.
There’s so much bad news out there about the natural world — habitat loss, endangered species, outright extinctions — that you have to go in search for good news sometimes to keep your spirits up. But every once in a while, the good news comes to you instead. This happened to me in early January when a female Anna’s hummingbird began building a nest in the open-air atrium at the center of my house. Three of the atrium “walls” are floor to ceiling glass; the female chose a
tall camellia bush under a wide eave in one of the glass corners, tucking the nest in just two feet from the windows and at eye level, making it easy for me to keep an eye on her progress. If you’ve got a hummingbird feeder hanging in your yard, you’ve seen Anna’s hummingbirds. They’re the most plentiful of West Coast hummers, but it wasn’t always this way. Up until the 1930s they nested only in northern Baja California and north to our area, mainly in dry chaparral. But now, in the sum-
mer, you can see them in the cities and suburbs as far north as Vancouver Island and as far east as West Texas. Your hummer feeder is one reason. Your garden is another. North America’s ardent love affair with birds and bird feeders correlates with its love for gardens and flowers; and unlike most other hummers, Anna’s is quite ready to live among us. My first reaction to the nest-building was wary. It was really cold in early January, too cold — so I thought — for a hummer to nest and lay eggs. I mean, these birds weigh four grams. At four grams, you’d need a hundred of them to make a pound. But this tiny mom persisted, and over the space of a week, working parttime, she built a perfect, tiny bowl the size of a half walnut, using moss, lichen, feathers and what looks like the polyester stuffing in pillows. Then two eggs appeared, 48 hours apart, almost exactly the size and shape of a coffee bean. Then the waiting began. The mother sat on the nest day and night with only short flights out for nectar and insects. I began
STACI HOBBET
ON THE MOUNTAIN
counting the days. A little research had told me that 14 days was the average incubation period, with 16 as the outlier. Sixteen days passed, then 17. I concluded that the eggs were either infertile or had chilled fatally during the cold snap. On day 18, the mother was gone for long periods of time, which I interpreted as an abandonment of the nest. Downhearted, I checked the nest and saw, deep inside, two little black, slug-sized driblets of panting life. Soon the babies will be standing on the edge of the nest, buzzing their wings, and one day soon — and I hope I’m watching — they’ll take flight into that dangerous world out there. Good luck, little ones. Staci Hobbet is a docent with the Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association. You can send email to her at anastasiahobbet@gmail.com
History, it’s all in the name
February 26, 2016
Contra Costa seeks Grand Jury applicants
The Contra Costa County Superior Court is accepting applications for Civil Grand Jury Service for the Fiscal Year 2016-2017 term. The Civil Grand Jury is made up of 19 members who serve for one year, July through June, to monitor, review and report on city and county governments, special districts and school districts. Every effort is made to ensure that the Grand Jury reflects the makeup of the residents of the county. Approximately 75 applicants will be selected to be interviewed by the Grand Jury Selection Committee, which is made up of Superior Court Judges. After interviews, the judges will nominate approximately 30 applicants to constitute a grand jury pool from which the final panel of 19 will be selected by random drawing. The drawing is scheduled to be held on Friday, June 17, 2016, with the members of the 2016-2017 Grand Jury officially being sworn in on the same day. Individuals selected for service will be expected to be available during the last two weeks of June to meet with outgoing jurors, tour county facilities, meet with department heads, become familiar with their colleagues, learn about juror responsibilities and procedures, and select
committees on which they will serve. Grand jurors must be a United States citizen, 18 years of age or older, who have been a resident of Contra Costa County for at least one year prior to selection. They cannot currently hold any elected position within the county. Applicants should have reliable transportation to Martinez, and must be prepared to devote at least 20 hours per week to Civil Grand Jury service. Citizens who work should apply only if they can be released from their jobs to perform the jury duties. Applicants selected as one of the 30 nominees will be fingerprinted before the drawing. Jurors receive a stipend for attending full jury and committee meetings and are reimbursed 54 cents per mile for allowable jury travel. Parking permits may be provided to park in the City of Martinez while performing Grand Jury duties. Persons interested in applying may contact the Office of the Civil Grand Jury at 925957-5638, or visit the website at www.cc-courts.org/grandjury to receive additional information regarding service on the Civil Grand Jury and to obtain an application. The application deadline is Friday, March 25, 2016.
Movies, from page 16
CAROL LONGSHORE
YESTERYEAR
I came across these newspaper announcements, pictured here, from 1886 and found them very interesting. Here’s the story: Don Salvio Pacheco, his son Fernando Pacheco and his son-inlaw, Francisco Galindo, arranged for a town plan to be surveyed for them on the bluffs near Don Salvio Pacheco’s adobe. They called their new town Todos Santos and they offered lots for free to the merchants and residence of Pacheco, which was the booming town at the time — until the rains kept washing out their docks and businesses along the water. The new Todos Santos connected to Clayton and its busy coal fields to the docks at Pacheco. The new town would cover 20 acres and was divided into
RICHARD LITTORNO INSIGHT ON
ESTATE PLANNING
In the not-so-distant past, you were likely to keep a copy of vital estate planning documents locked in a fire-resistant vault or file cabinet, with copies in your attorney’s office. You also probably kept all your bank statements and other financial records filed away in your home. These paper documents weren’t always easy to access, but were generally secure.
19 blocks and a public plaza. It was marked by Bonifacio Street, East Street, Contra Costa Street (formerly Sunset and now Clayton Road) and Galindo Street. Original street names in Todos Santos reflected the founding family’s pride, patriotism and a sense of place. Bonifacio Street was more than likely named after Don Salvio’s deceased son, Bonifacio Antonio Pacheco. Lincoln Street (later changed to Concord Blvd.) was named after the assassination of President Lincoln. Grant Street honored the newly elected U.S. president, Colfax Street honored the name of President Grant’s Vice President, Schuyler Colfax, and Diablo Street was taken from the Rancho’s title used for the great mountain
that overshadowed the town. This Todos Santos name would not last long. Within months after being recorded as the official name, the new settlers decided and it was announced in the Contra Costa Gazette that the town was actually named Concord and praised and congratulated the residents of Concord for adopting such a meaningful name for their new little village. As you can see from the picture, Fernando Pacheco was furious and five months later placed his own announcement. For awhile the Gazette called it Concord in the town of Todos Santos, but as we know that slowly faded away and Concord grew on its own with Todos Santos Plaza as its hub.
As you can tell by this story and Clayton’s town name story (if you recall it was named by a flip of a coin) towns back in the day were named in a very simplistic way
However, in this digital age, it’s more likely that you’re storing legal documents and financial statements in online ledgers, including email transmissions from banks and other financial institutions. This reduces paper clutter, but raises a host of other pre- and post-mortem issues. There are numerous questions to answer concerning your digital documents and social media accounts, such as: How will your electronic records be handled after your death? Can family members obtain passwords and access to your accounts? Will the bills you’re automatically paying online continue to be paid? What happens to other information you consider to be confidential?
Unfortunately, with the laws in this area still evolving, the answers often aren’t clear. For example, a power of attorney may be thwarted by restrictive user agreements for social media sites. Another complication is that legal remedies vary from state to state, while many jurisdictions haven’t enacted any legislation for these critical issues.
ney authority to access the digital assets of a deceased person. For this purpose, “digital assets” include domain names, web pages, online accounts and electronic communications, such as email and social media messages. While attorney organizations and AARP support UFADAA, it faces staunch opposition from social media giants like Yahoo and Facebook, as well as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). At this point, enactment of the law in most states appears remote.
Carol Longshore has been a Concord resident since 1950. She is a community leader and current president of the Concord Historical Society. Send comments and suggestions for future topics to editor@concordpioneer.com.
The Concord Historical Society is hosting its annual Membership Dinner Thursday, March 17, at Oakhurst Country Club. Social hour at 5:30 p.m., dinner is at 7 p.m. The public is invited. Tickets are $45 per person. For reservations, call 925-827-3380.
Hanks defends a Soviet spy in court and subsequently travels to Germany to facilitate an exchange for an American pilot. Hanks is great as always and Spielberg deftly captures the atmosphere, right down to the sub-zero temperatures. “The Martian” – The best parts of Ridley Scott’s film take place on Mars. The cinematography and visual effects are stunning and Matt Damon is at the top of his game as an astronaut in need of saving. The scenes back at NASA, however, are mostly dreary and uneven. “Mad Max: Fury Road” – George Miller revives his franchise with a wall-to-wall action extravaganza that never lets up. The story and characters are more or less onedimensional but the set pieces are phenomenal. “The Revenant” – As trapper Hugh Glass, Leonardo DiCaprio grunts and grimaces
his way to vengeance against Fitzgerald (an intense Tom Hardy). While beautifully shot with all natural lighting, the story is too thin to stretch out over its 156-minute run time. The ending is predictable and the journey to get there is a painful effort. JEFF’S PERSONAL TOP 10 OF 2015: 1. “Inside Out” 2. “Room” 3. “Spotlight” 4. “The Big Short” 5. “The Hateful Eight” 6. “Creed” 7. “Brooklyn” 8. “Black Mass” 9. “Sicario” 10. “The Gift”
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.
Bring estate planning into the 21st Century
UFADDA AT AN IMPASSE The Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act puts responsibility for handling most matters in the hands of the fiduciaries. This proposed law, which culminated a twoyear process by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (NCCUSL), gives executors, administrators, trustees, conservators/guardians and agents acting under a power of attor-
5 PRACTICAL STEPS TO TAKE NOW
While lawmakers hash out the details of UFADAA, you can take steps today to help your family access your digital accounts after your death:
Compile a list of accounts and passwords. Provide email addresses, usernames and passwords to one or more relatives. Update the list periodically. Rely on a password manager. As an alternative to a list of passwords, you might use a password manager to handle accounts. You’ll find this particularly useful when you can’t remember the latest password change or where you jotted down the information. With this method, a single password grants access to all identified accounts. Review social media agreements. Read the fine print about your participation in social media sites and other online accounts. If you’re not satisfied with the terms upon closer inspection, you might terminate your account. Be especially wary of restrictions
on the use of a power of attorney. Coordinate estate planning documents. Legal documents like a will and durable power of attorney will be strengthened if they’re revised, where necessary, to accommodate digital assets. If these documents aren’t already in place, now is a good time to have them drafted.
BRING YOUR ESTATE PLAN INTO THE 21ST CENTURY Even though you can’t physically touch digital assets, they’re just as important to include in your estate plan as your material assets. Richard A. Littorno is an attorney specializing in estate planning. He has offices in Walnut Creek and Pittsburg. Send your questions by email to Richard at Richard@LittornoLaw.com.
February 26, 2016
CALENDAR Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. MARCH 16 FOR THE MARCH 25 Mondays Off the Grid
IN CONCORD
Rotating lineup of food trucks. 5 – 8 p.m. 2151 Salvio Street, Concord. offthegridsf.com.
Tuesdays Farmers’ Market
Tuesdays year round. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org.
On Sale Now Concerts
The Concord Pavilion is located at 2000 Kirker Pass Road, Concord. livenationcom. Concert schedule for 2016: Apr. 29, Luke Bryan, 7 p.m. May 19, Janet Jackson, 8 p.m. July 9, Bryan Adams, 8 p.m. Sept. 18, Daryl Hall and John Oates, 7 p.m.
Feb. 27, Mar. 5 English Tutor Training
Diablo Valley Literacy Council teaches volunteers how to be English tutor. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4000 Clayton Road, Concord. Nominal fee; must attend both workshops. dvlc.tripod.com. To register, call (925) 685-3881 or email dvlc4esl@gmail.com.
Feb. 28 Chili Cook-Off
IN CLAYTON
Contestants must register. Public enjoys samples after judging is complete. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Prizes awarded at 1 p.m. Clayton Club Saloon, 6096 Main St., Clayton. claytonclubsaloon.com. 673-0440.
ON AND AROUND THE MOUNTAIN
Mount Diablo Interpretive Association programs listed are free with the exception of park entrance fee. Go to mdia.org and click on Event Calendar for more information.
Feb. 26 Moses Rock Hike
Explore the western slope of the mountain. 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Meet at Diablo Ranch Trailhead.
Feb. 27, Mar. 6 Creeks and Pond Hike
Learn about local amphibians and aquatic life. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center.
Feb. 28 Frog Pond and Green Ranch Hike
Hike to secluded Frog Pond. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Meet at Curry Point Trailhead.
Feb. 28 Mount Diablo’s Hidden Waterfalls
Trek to explore Mount Diablo’s winter wonders. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Meet at Regency Gate. Reservations required: mtdiablohiker@gmail.com.
Mar. 6 Pine Canyon and Wall Ridge Hike
See Little Yosemite, Castle Rock, Wall Point and fine views. 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Meet at Macedo Ranch Trailhead.
Mar. 13 A Jeweled Island in Suburbia
Learn about the plants and animals encountered on Mount Diablo. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Summit Museum.
Mar. 19 Butterfly Walk
Walk up Mitchell Canyon Road to Red Road looking for butterflies and flowers. 10 a.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Trailhead.
Mar. 20 Diablo Falls and Donner Canyon Hike
Enjoy wildflowers and water on the rugged north side of Mount Diablo. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Trailhead.
Mar. 25 Riggs Canyon Hike
Hike Riggs Canyon and up to Highland Ridge. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Meet at Morgan Territory Road parking lot. Reservations required: jvanakkeren@comcast.net by Mar. 23.
Save Mount Diablo programs listed are free unless otherwise noted. Go to savemountdiablo.org and click on Activities/Guided Hikes for more information. 947-3535.
Feb. 27 Pine Canyon Family Hike
Nature walk and learn about plants and animals in Castle Rock Park. 9 a.m. Meet at Orchard Staging Area. Reservations required.
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Thru Mar. 6 “Pageant”
lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO
Mar. 4 – 5 “The Computer Kid’s Magic Night”
Magical characters convince Mikey to use the computer to learn. Presented by Solo Opera. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $25-$35. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Mar. 4 - 13 “Once Upon a Mattress”
Rollicking spin on a familiar classic. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $10-$25. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611.
Mar. 6 “A Live Tribute to The Carpenters”
Featuring Michelle Whited. 3 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $25-$27. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Mar. 6 “Knoxville: Summer of 1915”
Thru Mar. 12 “Hair”
Musical about Vietnam-era youths creating their own rite of passage through the confusion around them. Victoria Theatre, 2961 16th St., San Francisco. victoriatheatre.org.
Feb. 27 “Broadway at the Movies”
Mar. 7 - 8 Spring Auditions
Auditions for performances at California Theatre. 7 – 9 p.m. See website for details. pittsburgcommunitytheatre.org.
Mar. 8 “Tales of Fantasy and Adventure”
Presented by Walnut Creek Concert Band. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $17. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Mar. 10 – 13 “Once Upon a Time”
Little Red Riding Hood and Goldilocks change places for a day. Presented by Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Mar. 11 “In the Mood”
A look at America’s swing era. Presented by Artbeat, Inc. 2 and 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $52-$64. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Mar. 12 Beatles Tribute
Presented by The Sun Kings. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $25-$27. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Mar. 12 “The Pink Floyd Concert Experience”
Presented by West Coast Performing Arts Presenters. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Mar. 13 Sarah Chang in Recital
Mar. 18 – Apr. 10 “Almost, Maine”
Delightful midwinter-night’s dream. Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. $16-$21. dvcdrama.net.
CHURCHES AND RELIGION
Mar. 12 Craft and Vendor Fair
Browse vendors, book parties, order and buy products; raffle. Lunch for sale. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Faith Missionary Baptist Church Gym, 4266 Thompson Drive, Concord. Free admission. fmbcevents@yahoo.com.
Mar. 16 The Bible and Human Sexuality Mar. 19 Concert
A night of Scottish and Irish music by professional Celtic duo Men of Worth. 7:30 p.m. Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. $15 at the door. cvpresby.org. 6724848.
Mar. 19 Family Movie Night
Movie and popcorn. Folding chairs provided or bring lawn chairs or blankets. Doors open 5:30; movie at 5:45 p.m. Faith Missionary Baptist Church Gym, 4266 Thompson Drive, Concord. Free admission. fmbcevents@yahoo.com.
FUNDRAISERS
2nd and 4th Sundays Pancake Breakfast
Veterans of Foreign Wars serve breakfast to the public: Eggs, pancakes, sausage, beverage. 8 – 11 a.m. VFW Post 1525, 2290 Willow Pass Road, Concord. $5, $3 children under 12. vfwpost1525.org.
Feb. 27 Sadie Hawkins Dinner Dance
Dance to The Spare Change Band. Proceeds benefit charities supported by Concord Moose Lodge. 6:30 p.m. #567 Family Center, 1805 Broadway St., Concord. $13. 798-0887.
Mar. 5 Rock the CASA
Charity concert presented by Dan Ashley and featuring REO Speedwagon to benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates and Friends of Camp Concord. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40-$250. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Mar. 6 “Jazz in the Afternoon”
Smashing spectacle of drums, cowbells, chairs and more by Ken Bergmann. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $9-$14. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Plant sale and succulent discussion. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Markham Regional Arboretum Society Nursery. 1202 La Vista Ave., Concord. Free admission. markhamarboretum.org.
Presented by Diablo Ballet. 6:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $52-$54. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Corned beef and cabbage, raffle, Irish entertainment. Benefits parish outreach programs. 5:30 p.m. Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 2925 Bonifacio St., Concord. $30. Tickets and information at brownpapertickets.com or 212-9680.
Mar. 15 – 19 “Percussion Discussion”
Mar. 17 22nd Season Celebration Mar. 20 “On Borrowed Time”
A tender, wistful comedy presented by The Vagabond Players. 2 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $10-$15. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Mar. 20 “Pirates of Penzance” Singalong
Presented by Lamplighters. 4 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $35. lesherartscenter.org. 9437469.
Mar. 20 “Textbook Classics”
Presented by the California Symphony. 4 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $42-$72. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469. Presented by The Saklan School. 4:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Free. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Mar. 25 – Apr. 3 “I Love a Piano”
A celebration of the music and lyrics of America’s beloved Irving Berlin. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $35. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Mar. 26 “A Tribute to the Music of Patsy Cline”
Presented by West Coast Performing Arts Presenters. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Presented by Chamber Music San Francisco. 2:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $51. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Performed by Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra. 2 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10-$30. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Presented by West Coast Performing Arts Presenters. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Performed by Diablo Wind Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10.
License training starts. Held by Salvation Army and Mt. Diablo Amateur Radio Club. 6:30 p.m. Salvation Army, 3950 Clayton
Feb. 28 Concert
SCHOOLS
Presented by Chamber Music San Francisco. 2 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40-$65. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Presented by Joni Morris. 2 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $25-$27. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Feb. 28 “Broadway at the Movies”
Road, Concord. Registration required. hamradioclass@gmail.com.
Foothill Middle School Jazz Band performs. Benefits high school students in alternative education programs in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. 2 – 4 p.m. Garden Room, Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. $10-$25. brownpapertickets.com.
Performed by Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra. 2 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $7-$15. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Feb. 27 “Come Together: The Beatles Concert Experience”
newsandcalendar@concordpioneer.com
With speaker Pastor Sungho Lee; fellowship, lunch. 11 a.m. ConPresented by Contra Costa Wind Symphony. 2 p.m. Lesher Center cord United Methodist Church, 1645 West St., Concord. Free. for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $17. concordumc.org. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Mar. 24 Spring Concert Who will win the title of Miss Glamouresse? Performed by OMG, I Love That Show! Productions. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $39. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
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Mar. 26 Corey Cerovsek Trio
Mar. 26 “Zep Live! The Led Zeppelin Concert Experience” Mar. 31 Ham Radio General Class
Mar. 12 Plant Sale
Mar. 12 St. Patrick’s Day Dinner
Mar. 12 Treasures and Treats
Rummage and bake sales. Proceeds go towards Clayton Valley Charter High School Travel Club trip costs. 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. CVCHS, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord. For more information, contact Katie at katie.nolan@claytonvalley.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 6465455. Thru Apr. 15: Tax Help, Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Feb. 29: Penguin Random House, 6 – 8 p.m. Mar. 3: Origami, 4 – 5:30 p.m. Mar. 7: Dr. Seuss and STEM activities, 7 – 8 p.m. Registration required. Mar. 8: Arts and Crafts, 4 – 5:30 p.m. Registration required. Mar. 22: LEGO creations, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at claytonlibrary.org or call 673-0659.
Thru Feb. 29: Winter Reading Program, kindergarten thru third grade Thru Mar. 15: St. Patrick’s Limerick Contest Mar. 2: Social Security, 6:30 p.m. Registration required. Mar. 3: Dr. Seuss’ Birthday, 4 p.m. Registration required. Mar. 5: SAT Practice, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Registration required. Mar. 14: Mount Diablo Astronomical Society, 7 – 9 p.m. Mar. 14, 28: Clayton Knits, 1:30 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.
Meeting dates and times for local clubs and organizations are listed at concordpioneer.com. Click on ‘Links’
T HE ARTS Page 20
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
February 26, 2016
Comic fairytale is kids’ fantasy
SALLY HOGARTY
STAGE STRUCK Younger theater lovers have quite a treat in store. The phenomenal Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble presents “Once Upon a Time,” a cleverly tuneful combination of two favorites when Little Red Riding Hood and Goldilocks change places for a day. The nationally-recognized company is itself a family affair. Founded by Scott Denison, who directs most of the short plays, the original music was composed by his mother, the very creative Florence Denison. The acting company includes his wife, the wonderful Kerri Shawn, and often one or both of their adult daughters. I’m not sure any of the granddaughters have appeared in a Fantasy Forum production but, if not, it’s only a matter of time. One of my favorite parts of a Fantasy Forum production is when the various characters come into the audience prior to the show. The children love interacting with these clever performers and some lucky children even sit on the stage during the hour-long show. “Once Upon a Time” plays
Photo: Alicia Nicole Andreatta-Jaques
STACEY MATTHES-WINN plays Winifred and Jason Best is Dauntless in Pittsburg Community Theatre’s “Once Upon a Mattress.”
of the one-hour comic opera, they convince Mickey to use the computer and his time more wisely. “The Computer Kid’s Magic Night” plays at 7:30 p.m. March 4 and at 2 p.m. March 5. Tickets are $25-35. Call 925-943-SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org for tickets. Lafayette’s Town Hall Theatre continues Tony Kushner’s Pultizer Prize-winning epic “Angels in America” through March 19. The company produced the powerful “Millennium approaches” last season and now offers the sequel, “Perestroika.” Joel Roster directed both with the dynamite cast from last season returning to complete Kushner’s heart-wrenching saga of the early days of the AIDS epidemic. While “Angels” certainly deals with a serious topic, it also shows the resiliency of the human spirit and the power of love. For tickets, call 510-2831557 or go to www.townhalltheatre.com. OMG, I Love that Show Productions continues its hilarious send-up of beauty contests with “Pageant” through March 6 at the Lesher
multiple times during the day and evening from March 10 through 13 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts. Call 925-943-SHOW or go to JENNY WEHRMEISTER is The Angel in ‘Angels in America’ at the Lafayette Town Hall through www.lesherartscenter.org for March 19. tickets priced at $14. Discounted Group Tickets are also Center for the Arts. Seven heels but also deftly execute town Pittsburg. available by calling 925-934multi-talented performers (all Bobby Bryce and Leslie WagSong and dance perform2133. men) take on the MC role goner’s clever choreography. ers, get ready for the craziest Pittsburg Community (Mark Farrell) and the six con- It’s a hoot and with judges musical revue ever. “Beach Theatre presents the hilarious testants, who manage to not selected from the audience, the Blanket Babylon,” featuring up-side-down fairy tale musical only walk in those three-inch winner changes every perform- the biggest, craziest hats imag“Once Upon a Mattress,” ance. Call 925-943-SHOW or inable, will hold auditions at 2 March 4 through 13 at Pittsgo to the website for more p.m. on March 5 at Club burg’s gorgeous California info: www.lesherartscenter.org. Fugazi, 678 Beach Blanket Theatre. Come see this fun For those of you who pre- Babylon Boulevard, in San musical and learn what really fer to be on the stage rather Francisco. Those auditioning kept the princess awake – it than in the audience, Pitts- must have a strong singing wasn’t a pea. A large cast of burg Community Theatre voice and appear 35 years of talented local performers will will hold auditions for the age or younger. Bring resume, bring you a fairytale like you’ve powerful drama “The Normal photo and sheet music in your never imagined. Call 925-427Heart.” This story of one key. Be prepared to sing one 1611 or go to www.pittsman’s lonely fight to awaken up-tempo and one ballad. burgcommunitytheatre.org. the world to the AIDS crisis Comic timing, acting skills, Continuing its mission of auditions from 7 to 9 p.m. on love of glitter and ability to presenting opera for children March 7 and 8, with callbacks imitate pop culture icons a and families, Solo Opera presMarch 10. The award-winning plus. For more information, ents “The Computer Kid’s show runs May 13 through 15. email auditions@beachblanketMagic Night” March 4 and 5 at Auditions are by appointment babylon.com or go to the Lesher Center in Walnut only at Hillview Jr. High www.beachblanketbabylon.com. Creek. School, Room 50, 333 The story tells of a little Yosemite Ave, in Pittsburg. boy who spends all his time Visit www.pittsburgcommuniSally Hogarty is well known playing computer games while tytheatre.org or call 925-439- around the Bay Area as a newspaneglecting his studies and PLAY for more information per columnist, theatre critic and Photo: John Buyer other activities. When he acci- MEGAN STETSON AS MRS. PETETIC AND MICHAEL ORLINSKY AS and to set up an appointment. working actress. She is the editor of GOLDILOCKS AND LITTLE RED dentally types magic words MR. PATETIC appear in Solo Opera’s ‘The Computer Kid’s All performances held at the the Orinda News. Send comments RIDING HOOD change places into the computer and several California Theatre in down- to sallyhogarty@gmail.com Magic Night’ at the Lesher Mar. 4 and 5 for a day in Fantasy Forum’s characters pop out, a fun-filled “Once Upon a Time.” ride ensues. During the course
It’s a Vampire Valentine…
Blood Tango
Piedmont Oakland Repertory Theatre presents
The vampire myth with a new twist. An original musical by John McMullen, Tal Ariel, and Elizabeth Jane Dunne. Directed by John McMullen.
Through March 13.
Fridays, Saturdays Sundays. All performances at 7:30 pm. Tickets $19-29.
www.PiedmontOaklandRep.org
or call Brown Paper Tickets 800-838-3006.
Pacific Boychoir Academy 215 Ridgeway Ave Oakland, just off Piedmont Ave.
Vagabond Players present ‘On Borrowed Time’ The Vagabond Players, an East Bay arts group dedicated to making theater more accessible to older artists and audiences, is presenting “On Borrowed Time” March 20 at Antioch’s at El Campanil Theatre. The 1939 play and film, once performed by Lionel Barrymore, is about a grandfather and his orphaned grandson,
Pud. Pud tells Gramps that when he does a good deed, he will be able to make a wish. Because his apples are constantly being stolen, Gramps wishes that anyone who climbs up his apple tree will have to stay there until he permits them to climb down. So when death comes in the form of debonair Mr. Brink, Gramps tricks him into climbing his
magic apple tree, from which no one can escape. Gramps is delighted, but realizes that sooner or later he will have to let Brink down. This tender and wistful play is a perfect fit for the Vagabond Players, whose mission is to contribute to the arts and the community and to educate the community by bringing a positive image of
aging. They are dedicated to improving the quality of life for older adults by reaching across the barriers of age and fostering an understanding of community through participation on the arts.
For tickets and more information, visit www.vagabondplayersinc.com.
3rd Annual
WEDDING SHOW WEEKEND
March 13, 2016
Oakhurst Country Club Hosted by Country Club Receptions
12-3 p.m.
Call (925) 672-9737, Ext. 217 Text WSW26 to 7272
February 26, 2016
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 21
Dekker returns to Diablo Ballet for anniversary performance On March 17, Diablo Ballet sary with a special perform- the Arts in Walnut Creek. Feawill celebrate its 22nd Anniver- ance at the Lesher Center for turing stunning works from the Ballet’s 22-year history, the celebration includes “Tears from Above” by renowned dance maker Val Caniparoli, the solo from Gary Master’s “Diablo Opus,” “Sérénade pour Cordes et Corps” by dynamic awardwinning Canadian choreographer Sonya Delwaide, the romantic pas de deux and finale from “La Fille Mal Gardée,” and a new breathtaking “Film” by Robert Dekkers in collaboration with filmmaker, Walter Yamazaki and composer Jacob Wolkenhauer. The evening will also feature “Pitch Bérenger Zyla
DANCERS AMANDA FARRIS AND CHRISTIAN SQUIRES are among the featured performers at the Diablo Ballet’s special Anniversary performance on March 17 at the Lesher Center.
Mark Jezierny at Concord’s aRt Cottage through March 26
BAY AREA ARTIST AND TEACHER, MARK JEZIERNY, will be featured at aRt Cottage for the month of March. The exhibit includes this painting of the Diablo Foothills as well as the works of many of his students. The exhibit opens March 1 and runs through March 26 at the aRt Cottage, 2238 Mt. Diablo St. in Concord. The aRt Cottage is open Tues. - Fri. from 11 to 5 p.m. and on Sat., 1 to 5 p.m. There will be a free artists reception on March 5 between 1 and 5 p.m. We hope the public will take advantage of this fun and free event. Refreshments will be served.
w e i V o l b Dia truction Cons
Pause Please,” created and danced by Dekkers, marking his return to the stage. Following the performance will be a Gala reception, wine tasting by Las Positas Vineyards, a silent auction and dinner with the dancers at Scott’s Garden, walking distance from the Lesher Center.
Remodeling Specialist
Kitchens Bathrooms Windows Mouldings Decks Siding Painting interior & exterior
Performance is Thurs., March 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. For tickets call (925) 9437469 or purchase online at lesherartscenter.org. For Gala information, call (925) 943-1775 or go to diabloballet.org.
w Kevin Schmidt, Clayton Resident w Family Owned and Operated license 962284
Delta Film Festival brings student artists together
The 16th annual Delta Moon Student Film Festival, featuring the best of student work from around the world, will be held at the Dean Lesher Center for the Arts on March 4. The festival was co-founded in 2001 by Frank Pappas, a Liberty High School video/media instructor, and Gary Wickman, a performing arts teacher with Contra Costa County Special Education. From modest beginnings, with four east county schools submitting videos, the festival has grown every year and invited international competition in 2014. Student groups can enter in five different categories: Drama, Comedy, PSA/Documentary, Animation and Experimental.
738 Bloching Circle, Clayton
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Last year’s festival included over 500 entries from 55 countries on six continents. The large quantity of entries showcased exceptional quality and thoughtfulness of these young filmmakers from around the globe. Finalists for this year’s event include groups from the Bay Area, across the United States, and from Brazil, Thailand, Iran, France, Columbia, and the U.K.
The public screening of the best of the prejudged films of 2016 will take place from 7:00-9:00 pm on March 4 in the Hoffman Theater, the largest hall at the Lesher Center in downtown Walnut Creek. Tickets can be purchased for $12 (adults) and $7 (students and seniors) at the door or by calling (925) 943-7469.
925-822-5144
Reliable, top quality house cleaning
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The Happiest Place on Dirt
Family Camp Dates
June 24 – July 17 and August 1 – 14
Camp Concord is a high quality, affordable family vacation in one of California’s most beautiful locations – South Lake Tahoe.
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Our Family Camp allows you and your family to unplug from technology, appreciate nature and spend quality time with each other. From meals and transportation to programming and activities, camp is all inclusive.
*Offers and fares are subject to change on 3/31/16. Visit OceaniaCruises.com for current pricing. All fares are per person in U.S. dollars, valid for residents of United States and Canada, based on double occupancy (unless otherwise noted), for new bookings only and may be withdrawn at any time. 50% Off Deposits apply to voyages that are not within final payment. Any noted Shipboard Credits are per person, based on double occupancy. Free Internet is one per stateroom. OLife Choice amenities are subject to change. OLife Choice free shore excursions vary by voyage and exclude Oceania Choice, Oceania Exclusive and Executive Collection. Voyages up to 9 days receive 3 free shore excursions; 10-12 days receive 4 free shore excursions; 14+ days receive 5 free shore excursions. OLife Choice beverage package amenity is House Select. Guests in the same stateroom must choose the same OLife Choice amenity. Not all promotions are combinable. 2 for 1 and Special Offer Fares are based on published Full Brochure Fares; such fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all suite and stateroom categories and do not include optional charges as detailed in the Guest Ticket Contract, which may be viewed, along with additional terms, at OceaniaCruises.com. “Free Airfare” promotion does not include ground transfers and applies to coach, roundtrip flights only from the following airports: ATL, BOS, CLT, DCA, DEN, DFW, DTW, EWR, HNL, IAH, IAD, JFK, LAX, LGA, MCO, MDW, MIA, ORD, PHL, PHX, SAN, SAV, SEA, SFO, TPA, YOW, YUL, YVR, YYC, YYZ. Oceania Cruises reserves the right to assign gateways based on availability for JFK, LGA and MIA. “Free Airfare” gateways are subject to change at any time. Airfare is available from all other U.S. and Canadian gateways for an additional charge. Any advertised fares that include the “Free Airfare” promotion include all airline fees, surcharges and government taxes. Airline-imposed personal charges such as baggage fees may apply. For details, visit exploreflightfees.com. Oceania Cruises reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees, promotions and surcharges at any time. Ships’ Registry: Marshall Islands. JAN16161
Awesome avocados are a versatile fruit
Page 22
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
LINDA WYNER
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
I have a confession. I was among the hordes of people who ate more than 50 million pounds of guacamole served up on Super Bowl Sunday this year. In case that number doesn’t astound you, imagine a football field covered in 20 feet of guacamole. It’s not avocado season in California yet, but there are tons of fresh, delicious avocados at great prices in the market right now. There are more than 500 varieties of avocados worldwide, but my favorite is the world-famous Hass, patented in 1935 by a Southern California postman. Its dense, rich flesh is the best. First introduced in 1871, California is the world’s second largest producer of avocados, which thrive in coastal areas from San Luis Obispo south, with San Diego County having the most groves. Mexico is the world’s top producer of avocados. It’s also the source of its original name, aguacate, which is a derivation
from the ancient Aztec language, ahuacatl (meaning, um, well, testicle tree). With its leathe r y , sometime pebbly dark green skin, avocados are also known as alligator pears. Avocados must mature on the tree, but they won’t actually ripen until they are picked. You’re looking for avocados that yield to gentle pressure, but if you can only get a hard one put it in a bag with a banana and it’ll ripen in just a day or two. Avocados are fruits, not vegetables, so they pair really well with mangos, peaches and pears. (Combine diced avocado with mango, a little tomato and jalapeño for a refreshing salsa to serve with grilled Mahi Mahi or salmon.) They have a respectable amount of protein and more than 20 vitamins and minerals. They also contain hearthealthy monounsaturated fats that help boost good cholesterol and lower the bad stuff and contain only 50 calories a serving (about 2 Tbsp.
remaining ingredients and taste. Adjust seasoning if desired. NOTE: If you’re not using the guacamole right away, tuck the pits into the guacamole and cover the mixture with plastic wrap, pressing down to eliminate air pockets. Refrigerate. The guacamole should remain green for one day. Aside from guacamole, I mashed) like to substitute part or all of — not even close to my the butter called for in recipes Super Bowl serving, I might with avocado. Try this cookie add. recipe and see if you don’t Here’s my go-to guacamole agree. recipe. I keep mine as chunky as possible, but you might preSURPRISE OATMEAL fer it almost like a purée. CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES 1 Hass avocado (about 4-5 oz) OAXACAN GUACAMOLE ½ cup unsalted butter, room 2 ripe avocados (preferably temperature Hass) 1 ½ cup dark brown sugar 2 Tbsp. minced red onion, to 2 large eggs, room temperataste ture Juice of half a lime 2 tsp. vanilla extract 1/4 cup chopped tomato 2 cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp. minced cilantro 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. finely minced jalapeño 1 tsp. Kosher salt or to taste ½ tsp. baking powder 1/8 tsp. ancho or chili powder 1 ½ cup old-fashioned rolled ½ tsp. salt oats 1 ¾ cup semisweet chocolate Halve each avocado and chips remove the pits. Use a spoon to scoop out the pulp and Preheat oven to 325 place it in a bowl. Using a fork, degrees and line two baking partially mash the meat of the sheets with parchment paper. avocado, leaving chunks. Stir in Cut the avocado in half
February 26, 2016
starting at the stem, twist apart, remove the pit and spoon out the avocado from the skin and into a mixing bowl. Add the softened butter and brown sugar and beat with a mixer for 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients (not the chips or oatmeal) and add these ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until combined. Lastly, stir in the oatmeal and chocolate chips. Divide into roughly 24 one-
inch balls of dough and arrange on baking sheet with two inches between. Flatten the dough with the bottom of a glass or your fingers then bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the middle is just set (so the cookie is nice and chewy). If you make larger cookies, they may need up to 20 minutes to set up. Linda Wyner owns Pans on Fire, a gourmet cookware store and cooking school in Pleasanton. Send suggestions or questions to lwyner@pansonfire.com
Lesser known blood orange is beautiful and delicious
oranges offer a delicious change of pace from regular navel or Valencia oranges in cooking. It’s the time of year for cit- They have a beautiful rus, glorious sweet citrus. And reddish/orange tinged peel and the arrival of gorgeous blood red flesh that varies from deep pink to burgundy red and are quite lovely on a serving platter. The two most popular varieties are the dark-fleshed Moro and the delicately flavored Tarocco. The former is available from December to March, and the latter from January to May. Here are some tasty ways to use blood oranges: 1. Salads: Toss blood orange sections and cooked red beets with winter greens, red onion, and a Dijon vinaigrette. 2. Sangria: Mix your favorite fruity red wine with blood orange juice, apple juice, a bit of real sugar, and slices of lemons, This FREE, one-hour doctor presentation on what you can do to limes, blood oranges, and strawberries. Chill. reestablish normal blood glucose levels NATURALLY, will be hosted at the 3. Marmalade: Get out the Harvest House Health Food Store, Saturday afternoon @ 1 p.m. canning jars and make some blood orange marmalade. 4. Muffins/Quick Bread: Take your favorite spiced orange muffin or quick bread recipe and replace regular orange juice with blood orange juice. It adds a nice sweetness. Don't forget to include some orange peel. 5. Holiday Cocktails: This time of year, blood oranges can add holiday color to your average alcoholic beverage. Of note, the cara cara orange, which also has a pinkish red flesh, is not categorized as a blood orange. It is a variety and mutation of the navel orange. DEBRA MORRIS Pacific Coast Farmers Market
Saturday March 5, 1 p.m. Harvest House Health Food Store
2395 Monument Blvd., Concord
925-407-0888
You must reserve a seat to attend
BLOOD ORANGE OLIVE SALAD 1 large head of cauliflower 1 cup of almonds ½ cup of cured castelvetrano olives 2 blood oranges or any citrus 1 bunch of parsley 1-2 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Flip cauliflower head upside down so the top is resting on the table and the stem is pointing up. To separate the stem from the florets, use the tip of a kitchen knife to go around where the main stem connects to the offshoot floret stems. Carefully use the point of the knife to follow along where those two join until all the offshoots are separated from the main stem. Save stem for soup stalk or compost. Take separated florets and shave thinly with a knife or mandolin. Dice almonds with a knife, grinder or mortar and pestle. Pit and dice olives. Remove the skin of the oranges with knife or by hand, and cut the citrus into thin horizontal strips. Dice parsley. Combine all ingredients, add olive oil, salt and pepper, and garnish with shaved almonds. Recipe: Chef Mario Hernandez, PCFMA. The Concord Farmers Market is in Todos Santos Plaza Tuesdays & Thursdays.
February 26, 2016
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 23
Change design with the seasons
JENNIFER LEISCHER
DESIGN & DÉCOR
I love the big box decoration stores that sell everything from faux bouquets to door mats for every season. I’ve secretly signed up for all the email blasts so I don’t miss a single sale, because you never know what you might find hidden in the aisles of never-ending display racks. My secret isn’t really so secret, because I think most of us share the same covert plan: There’s always a fabulous bauble to be found and purchased. Some of our finds will indeed be displayed, but some, sadly, end up in storage because there’s only so much space that can be filled. So, how do you find the chic balance of not only displaying, but really using your decorative finds?
what’s coming up next on the calendar, so why not apply this same principle to the four seasons? For fall and winter, bring out the warm-toned chenille pillow shams for your sofa pillows, your collection of iron candlesticks and mercury vases for your dining room table, and even the black silk lamp shade for your crystal lamp base in your living room. For spring and summer, bring out your cool and brightly colored decorative ceramic pieces, a rocking chair for your front porch, and strings of light for your backyard patio. Maybe the fireplace now holds an array of candles with a mirrored backdrop, as opposed to the black embers you were burning in December and January.
ACCESSORY MUSICAL CHAIRS You know the bookcase you have in your family room? Have you looked at it lately? Really looked at the contents? Even if you’ve dusted lately, you probably have no recollection of what is actually in the bookcase. Books? Framed photos? Maybe that cool bowl you purchased last year? If you can’t remember what’s on your bookcase, it’s time to take everything off the shelves, head to your closets and chest of drawers and pull out the things that have been in hiding. SEASONAL SPARKLE Display what’s been tucked away, It’s easy to decorate for the and store the old…until again, holidays, as most retailers display you find yourself trying to
remember what exactly is sitting ottoman or coffee table” feeling. But, this room can also be quite on your shelves. sophisticated, depending on the MASQUERADE PARTY accessories you place on table If you follow any sort of tops and ambient lighting you design blog, a common discus- create. A casual setting might be sion focuses on “one room or to incorporate big pillows on piece of furniture – designed upholstered pieces, along with several different ways.” This idea baskets of books and magazines of versatile design is very appeal- on the coffee table, and industriing to me, keeping things inter- al, farmhouse lighting. For a esting and fresh by using what more refined look, consider you have, for example, the Great monochromatic pillows and one Room. This room has a more large piece of artwork behind casual, “kick your feet up on the the sofa, instead of a collage. You’ve invested in pieces, big and small, so why use what you have to make decorative statements as the seasons, and your mood, changes.
Suit up to mean business SUSAN SAPPINGTON
CLOTHES UP
We’ve come a long way, baby. Slowly, but surely, women have broken the ice, entering careers once predominately held by men. Women who started early on finding their voice have made a path for us, our daughters, our granddaughters and for generations yet to come. It comes as no surprise that Coco Chanel helped pave the way. She designed pants for women and borrowed silhouettes from menswear, creating boxy jackets with slim skirts— the perfect “uniform” for post WWII women trying to build careers. In the movies, roles became reflective of the upward mobility of women in the workplace, such as Katharine Hepburn as Tess Harding in “Woman of the Year” in 1942. In 1971, Bianca Jagger married Mick in a power suit; a few years later, in 1975, Diane Keaton wore her signature menswear style to the Academy Awards ceremony a year before she played Annie Hall. Tess McGill, played by Melanie Griffith in “Working Girl,” showed us the importance of dressing for the job you want. Tess was taken seriously only after she opted for a power suit instead of the mini skirt. Who can forget that Hillary Clinton told David Letterman, “In my White House, we all know who wears the pantsuits.” It is hard to believe, but women were not allowed to wear pants on the Senate floor until 1993. Today’s modern woman wants neither matchy-matchy pantsuits, nor a man’s business suit. The masculine look has softened and flexibility is key. Today’s professional woman can send the message “I Mean
Business” without being boring or trying to dress like her male counterparts. Power dressing is no longer restricted to a sea of suits, but an abundance of separates. My attorney client’s courtroom clothing is often different from her “meeting-withclients-in-the office” outfits. Business doesn’t have to mean a structured jacket, either. The monochromatic look is as hot as ever, making you look longer, taller and leaner. What’s not to love about that? Classic, beautifully tailored suits in luscious fabric will always be in vogue. The point is, become restricted. Use every piece of your suit in multiple ways, utilizing your wardrobe investment to its fullest potential. Mix it up. The creation of the perfect yin-yang balance of masculine and feminine will always be more exciting than plain white bread. Give a nod to masculinity, but add the power of female
Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design based in Clayton. Contact her with questions, comments and suggestions at jenna@j-designs.com.
925-250-0334 FREE ESTIMATES
Owners Dustin & Kim Waraner Contractors Lic #879423 Arborist Lic WE-7372A
www.waranertreeexperts.com
ACTIVE LISTING
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5216 Valmar Dr, Concord
$495,000 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom Approx. 1100 sq.ft. Listing agent: Matt Mazzei
persuasion. After all, we can mean business and be women all at the same time. Rock on, girlfriends.
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4407 Praire Willow Ct, Concord
4 bedroom, 2 bathroom Approx. 2871 sq.ft.
Photography
4530 Adams Dr, Concord
3 bedroom, 2 bathroom Approx. 1749 sq.ft. Call for info
rochellez@live.com 510-677-4170
OWNER/PHOTOGRAPHER
The world is your stage
PORTRAITS - PARTIES - EVENTS
Digital Enhancements - Custom Creations
www.Rochellezphotography.webs.com
Rula Masannat Sales Agent DRE# 01923757
415-310-2905 rulawithmazzei@yahoo.com
Listing agent: Paula Johnstone l
Rochelle Douglass
Call for info
Listing agent: Rula Masannat l
DRE# 00797857
Paula 925-381-8810 Rod 925-286-5765
heypaula10@gmail.com
COMING SOON
Susan Sappington is the Area Development Manager and Wardrobe Consultant for ETCETERA Clothing of New York. Send comments to susan@etcstyles.com.
Rochellez
•Affordable •Fun •Professional •Quality
Paula and Rod Johnstone Broker Associate
2736 Bonifacio St, Concord
3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, approx. 1286 sq.ft.
Call for info
Listing agent: Paula Johnstone
mazzeirealty.net Clayton residents since 1959
925-693-0757 (Main)
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Matt Mazzei, Jr. Broker/Owner DRE# 01881269
925-766-6745 mazzeirealty@yahoo.com
6160 Center St. Suite #C, Clayton
925-693-0752 (Fax)
‘Spirited’ art gems hidden around town
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
relief of running deer. We used to have a fund from ed by an ‘art fee’ in various zones that could be used for public art. It was frozen
EDI BIRSAN PULSE OF
some time ago and the remaining funds were used for the protective fence and the arches in Todos Santos Plaza. I wonder if there is support for pub-
CONCORD
February 26, 2016
licly financed art once again or has the spirit been driven out of us? I challenge people to identify where each of these are. The
first one to write with the corEdiBirsan@gmail.com with rect answer will be my guest the answers. for lunch with one of their Send comments to EdiBirfriends to any lunch place in san@gmail.com or 510-812-8180 Concord on a weekend. or visit www.PulseOfConcord.com
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The Spirit Poles that lined Concord Avenue downtown from the Brendan Theatre to Chili’s during the 1990s did more harm to public art than a drunken graffiti “artist”. The aluminum poles, set at different angles were constantly vibrating with the passing traffic, adding to the worry about the next earthquake. We all wondered just what those tall pointy things were all about. I remember my wife saying that they needed giant marsh-mellows on top or flags or something. The City actually got into a fight with the artist when they wanted to take them down. The artist resisted and the City pushed back until, one day one suddenly fell down giving the “safety-first brigade” a legal defense to override the artistic control clause in the contract. The poles were removed in 1999.
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TIME FOR A REVIVAL? We may all be familiar with the wall mural downtown by the Salvio parking garage. However, there are some cases where the art is less visible in various places around town. Lurking out there are the Pyramid or Needle Obelisk, the Rincon de Mexico village landscape wall mural, the mysterious giant blocks half buried in a berm, the silver boxes piled on a fountain and a stunningly beautiful wall
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Nancy E. Bennett
Nancy sells more than 8 times as many homes as the average realtor, call today to learn how.
175 Miramonte Dr., Moraga
Thinking about Home Improvements?
Save the Date – March 19
LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! This peaceful townhome features 3 bedrooms, den, and 2 baths in 1,525 sf, steps from the golf course and just a mile from downtown Moraga! Living room has wood-burning fireplace. Den or 4th bedroom off the living room. Laundry and full bath downstairs with updated fixtures. Large patio in the backyard with established trees and plants. OFFERED AT $650,000
A little about the HomeExpo…
HomeExpo showcases excellent East Bay professionals that help homeowners upgrade their homes; contractors, plumbers, landscapers, electricians, roofers, flooring, painters, and many others.
Why Attend?
What projects are you thinking about? Drought resistant lawn? Energy efficient windows? Adding granite? Painting? Updating the bathroom or kitchen? Solar?
WHEN: Sat., March 19, from 9 AM to 1 PM.
WHERE: Oakbrook Court, Concord, Behind The Crossings Community Clubhouse — in a 100 foot tent. WHY You Should Attend the Expo: □ □ □ □
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Coming Soon!
Concord Crossings – 4 beds, 2.5 baths, about 2,000 sq feet – rehab in progress, call for pricing.
Concord Crossings – 5 beds, 2.5 baths and nearly 2,900 sq feet with pool! Pleasant Hill townhouse – 3 beds, 2 baths, over 1,500 sq feet – updated and excellent location to downtown.
Lafayette home – fully updated, large wooded lot, great
Meet skilled home improvement tradesmen (and women) ready to answer your questions Nancy and Greg will be hosting seminars on how to prep your home for a profitable future sale
Clayton home – upper Clayton – 3 beds, 2.5 baths over 2,300 sq feet – way updated $775k
Concord – Crossings home that needs you cosmetic updates. $625k. DIY project? Martinez home – 4 beds, 2 baths, 4 car garage for contractors, extended family – $500k
Pe
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It’s an established event in its 5th year- mix and mingle with your neighbors and vendors FREE Admission
deck for entertaining and fantastic views of valley! Avail beginning of March.
1902 Queens Rd., Concord
Single Story Charmer 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, 1,150 sf on a .16 acre lot. Large backyard is perfect for gardening and outdoor entertaining! Easy freeway access. OFFERED AT $418,000
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4418 Sugar Maple Ct., Concord Updated and Spacious Crossings Home. 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths with 1,991 sq ft of living space on a .12 acre lot. Sliding door opens to backyard with slate hardscaping, OFFERED AT $700,000
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5251 Clearbrook Dr., Concord
Mediterranean Tri-Level Nicely updated and move-in ready. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths in 1,676 sf, with a beautiful backyard and pool. Backyard oasis with a pool. OFFERED AT $565,000
We helped over 90 families buy and sell homes again in 2015. How can we help you and your family today?
Nancy E. Bennett, The Bennett Team #1 Realtor in Concord #1 Team, Keller Williams East Bay Agent Leadership Council, Mentor, Faculty Member and Community Sponsor CalBRE #01399870
Nancy@BennettBetter.com
925.606.8400
BENNETTBETTER.COM