IT’S YOUR PAPER
Council prepares to select new member www.concordpioneer.com
PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
There has been much talk about the lack of vacancies in Concord lately, but there is one vacancy that is getting a lot of heated attention right now: the open City Council position. Because of Tim Grayson’s
From the desk of...
election to the state Assembly, the council is one person short. They must fill the positon within 60 days of Grayson’s resignation, according to state law. The position run through 2018. The council has three options: appoint the next highest vote getter from the
January 27, 2017
November election, hold a special election at the cost of roughly $5 per registered voter or use an application process. When they found themselves in the same position in 2007 and 2011, the council opted to seek applications. This year, the council again approved the application
process and received 33 submissions – including election runner-up Harmesh Kumar, candidate Hope Johnson and city treasurer Tim McGallian. Since then, three people have dropped out. (See gray box for full list of remaining applicants.) The council was slated to
925.672.0500
interview the applicants at the Jan. 24 meeting, according to Vice Mayor Edi Birsan. They will come up with 8-12 finalists, who will be interviewed on Jan. 31. The council will select the new member at that meeting. Birsan campaigned heavily among his colleagues to do the
selection differently. He wanted the candidate who had at least 70 percent of the next highest vote getter – and winner’s – total votes to be appointed. That was Kumar. Birsan’s motion, made at the first meeting of 2017, was not
See Council, page 8
Young actor finds ‘Neverland’ SALLY HOGARTY Correspondent
LAuRA HoffMeiSTeR
MAYOR
City program helps residents fix sidewalks
Recently a resident asked me when the city was going to repair the sidewalk in front of their house. One section was old and had cracks, while tree roots had lifted up another section. I explained to the resident that the maintenance and repair of sidewalks, curbs and gutters in front of a home is the homeowner’s responsibility. The resident was surprised to learn this.
See Mayor, page 6
Photo courtesy of the Hennessy family
WHEN TYLER HENNESSY LANDED A ROLE IN THE NATIONAL TOURING COMPANY OF "FINDING NEVERLAND," the whole family rallied to support the fourth-grader. During the show's run in December, the Hennessys met in Denver for some family time and to do some caroling at a local hospital with other cast members. Back row, Alison and Sean Hennessy; Middle row, Kacie, Aimee and Shannon. Tyler Hennessy is in front.
While many 9-year-old boys fill their days with school, soccer practice and scouting, one local young man had his world turned upside down after an unexpected call from New York in late September. A fourth-grade student at Concord’s Woodside Elementary at the time, Tyler Hennessy found himself heading to New York to audition for the national touring company of “Finding Neverland.” He had already amassed an impressive local resume. Someone involved with the New York production happened to see Tyler in “The Who’s Tommy” at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center and recommended him when a vacancy occurred in the cast. “We were warned that if they wanted Tyler, he would immediately join the company tour in Buffalo, N.Y.,” says Tyler’s dad Sean, who accompanied him on the trip.
See Neverland, page 8
Design board makes progress on Grant Street complex JOHN T. MILLER Correspondent
The city moved a step closer to approving a massive apartment and retail complex downtown as the Design Review Board praised the overall proposal. The board expects to review a final plan this summer. Browman Development
Co. is proposing a mixed-use, 140-unit apartment complex with retail space and a parking garage. The six-story complex will include two stories of above-ground parking, retail space on the ground floor and outdoor space with a pool and other facilities. With the exception of an existing parking garage, it will occupy an entire city block
bordered by Concord Avenue, Grant Street, Clayton Road and Colfax Street. The rest of the structures on the lot will be demolished. The main retail and pedestrian focus will be on Grant Street as part of the Downtown Specific Plan linking BART to Todos Santos Plaza and other retail and business areas.
Concord Kiwanis Club names Summer Galer Officer of the Year
CPL. SUMMER GALER with Kiwanis Club president Rocci Barsotti at the Concord Police Department prior to being feted at a Jan. 27 luncheon.
An 18-year law enforcement veteran with a commitment to community policing has been named the 2016 Kiwanis Club of Concord Officer of the Year. Corporal Summer Galer was honored at a luncheon on January 27 attended by family, friends and peers. Galer is quickly recognized by many who attend the concerts and other downtown events as the department’s Community Impact Officer. She currently manages the
See Officer, page 8
The apartments will range from 550 to 1,350 sq. ft., with a mix of studios and one- to three-bedroom units. Resorttype amenities will include a 20,000 sq. ft. outdoor community space above the parking lot level, a 6,000 sq. ft. roof deck with a pool, hot tub, fitness center, pet run and dog wash, bike storage and repair room, and a 650 sq. ft. ground floor space with a mailroom and onsite concierge. “We focused on the opportunity to build near public transit within walking distance to retail and basic services and in an appropriate location for increased density,” said Scott Bohrer of Browman. In addition, Bohrer mentioned being able to take advantage of one of Concord’s greatest assets: a view of Mt. Diablo. After hearing from project architect David Johnson of Johnson Lyman Architects, the board complimented the efforts. However, members expressed some concerns and offered recommendations for consideration while the firm develops the formal application. Concerns include traffic patterns, street parking, entry and exit to residential parking, ease of access to retail space
Rendering courtesy of the City of Concord
A SIX-STORY APARTMENT COMPLEX proposed for downtown will include ground floor retail and link to the Concord BART station.
and the effect of shade and shadows on the surrounding environment, due to the height and mass of the development. The Design Review Board encouraged steering away from earth tones at the street level, seeking a more Mediterranean feel to the colors. They also asked the architect to experiment with ways to break up the horizontal and vertical building masses. Bohrer and Johnson expressed appreciation for the board’s input. Bohrer estimated they should be ready to submit the formal proposal by mid-July. The Grant Street apartment complex joins several other large-scale developments
planned for downtown Concord. Four projects could add almost 700 apartments to central downtown within about two years. Argent Concord has proposed a seven-story, 181-unit
See Grant St., page 8
Inside
Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Community . . . . . . . . . . .2
From the desk of . . . . . .7 School News . . . . . . . .18 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Performing Arts . . . . . .16
COMMUNITY
Page 2
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
In Brief... Mock Trial needs judges
B8 Theatre Company joins national Ghostlight observance
Law professionals and third year law students are needed to serve as judges for the Contra Costa County High School Mock Trial program. Students, working in teams, spend months preparing a full criminal case from both prosecution and defense standpoints. This year’s trial is about human trafficking and false imprisonment. Judges score competing teams with the finalists announced on feb. 24. The program takes place at the A.f. Bray Courthouse in Martinez. interested volunteers can learn more by visiting the CCCoe’s Mock Trial Web page, or contacting Jonathan Lance at 925.942.3429.
Artists and supporters of Concord’s B8 Theatre gathered in a spirit of solidarity and inclusion on the night before the Inauguration as part of the national Ghostlight Project. Inspired by the tradition of leaving a “ghost light” on in a darkened theatre to create a “safe space for all who enter,” the artists and supporters pledged to protect the values
of inclusion, participation and compassion for all. “B8 reaffirms its place as a brave space,” Artistic Director Janlee Marshall said addressing the group. “It is safe here to be who you are.”
B8 Theatre is at 2292 Concord Blvd., Concord. For performance schedule and info, go to www.b8theatre.org.
Carondelet dance team off to Vegas
Scouts learn emergency skills
Clothing for homeless program a boost
The White Pony express Cold Weather Clothing Program needs more volunteers and donations to help homeless people in the county so they don’t suffer from the winter cold. The non-profit has already distributed 4,000 items of new or like-new clothing, including free coats, pants, shirts, socks, hats, gloves, scarves, underwear and boots to people without shelter. The Cold Weather Clothing Program originated last winter when two homeless men, John Dulik and Todd Cambra,
Photo courtesy Carondelet High School
Cub Scout Pack 262, Tiger Dens 3 and 4, recently received some help from Concord Police and Contra Costa County fire Protection District in earning their Safe Adventure belt loop. The workshop, hosted by CCCfPD Station 22, focused on learning when to call 911 Continued next page and the importance of knowing your physical location at all times.
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Carondelet High’s varsity dance team will compete in Las Vegas feb. 17-19 at the JAMZ All-Star Cheer National Competition in both the pom and jazz divisions. in a uC Davis qualifier the dance team won the high school jazz dance competition and best choreography award. The Cougars’ score in the jazz competition was the highest in the entire event among 29 teams, which gave Carondelet Grand Champion honors in the high school division. The team includes, front row from left, Alyssa Jensen, erin Schoemann, Karly Knudson, isabellajane Baerlang, Melina Stich, Ava Minolli, middle row, Paulina Lucas, Caitlin Bowen, Lillian Cheeks; back row, emma Cate Neves, Rachel Ross, Lilian Miles, Jen McGregor, Julia Woodbridge, Tiana Couture, Jasmine Scott, Alexandra Anderson and Cate Perino.
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January 27, 2017
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 3
In Brief...
Fires ruin holidays for Concord families NICK MARNELL Correspondent
Two eerily similar fires over a three-week period and less than a quarter of a mile apart displaced more than 50 Concord residents. “I heard a loud boom. Then another. And one more,” said Tonya Marie Amos, a resident and homeowners association president of the Taxco Condominiums in the 1600 block of Laguna Street. “I ran outside, and it was chaos.” “We heard yelling and screaming outside,” said Jennifer Ballard, a resident in Unit F, directly above the unit in which the Dec. 19 fire originated. “My husband opened our front door and smoke started to pour inside.” The couple grabbed their shoes and jackets. Ballards’s husband wrapped their daughter in a wet blanket and
hustled her out. Firefighters rescued the young girl off the balcony, and paramedics transported her to the hospital. Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Mike Eglite said that firefighters fought through heavy smoke that had engulfed the building. Though they were hampered by severed gas lines that kept feeding the fire, crews limited the damage to eight units. But that left eight families homeless less than a week before Christmas. The Red Cross provided each family blankets and funds for two nights in a hotel. California Highway Patrol officers donated toys for the kids. “I can’t believe the outpouring of love and support these families received,” Amos said. “People brought bags of clothes. We had to call off the clothing dona-
Dog parks close for maintenance
Tamara Steiner
The cause the Taxco fire that left 8 families homeless is still under investigation. eight families were left to find new housing just a week before Christmas.
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Apartments complex on Lani Kai Drive. According to ConFire Capt. Lisa Martinez, the fire started in the kitchen of a first floor unit when a pot overheated on a stove. A man watching television in a bedroom heard the detector, saw smoke and alerted a group of teenage girls in an adjacent bedroom. The girls escaped out the bedroom window and suffered minor injuries. Firefighters rescued two residents through heavy smoke from an upstairs balcony. Martinez said the fire caused an estimated $350,000 damage. Employees at the Lakeside Apartments property management office would
not comment on the fire or relief efforts. “The fire was very similar to Laguna,” said recently promoted Battalion Chief Rob Lutzow, supervising his first incident. “It was in a heavily populated complex with tough, narrow access between buildings.” Lutzow noted that both fires destroyed structures built with petroleum products, which burn hotter and spew darker smoke than wood. “And they burn much faster,” he said. ConFire officials said the cause of the Taxco fire has not been determined, while the Lakeside fire is considered accidental.
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Concord’s two dog parks will undergo annual maintenance work in the first few months of 2017. The Newhall Dog Park at 1351 Newhall Parkway will be closed for six weeks from Jan. 17 to feb. 21. The Baldwin Dog Park at 2700 Parkside Circle will be closed from feb. 27 to April 3. During the closures, turf areas will be aerated, seeded, organically fertilized and top-dressed with organic mulch to generate the best possible results in the shortest period of time to limit the inconvenience to the community. for more information, contact the City’s Park Maintenance Division, 925.671.3444.
A firefighter rescued Cesar Ceja, front, from a window during the Taxco fire. Also pictured are three California Highway Patrol officers who helped donate toys to fire victims. from left, officer Martin Lendway, Taxco resident Raul Garcia, officer David Holmberg and officer Daniel Wasson. Taxco homeowners association president Tonya Amos is at right, next to association board member Teresa Riccobuono.
tions. But we’ll take all the disposable diapers we can get.” The building sustained more than $400,000 in damage, and residents will not be able to move back for months. “We have found temporary housing for the seven families who needed it,” Amos said. The homeowners association looks to raise $30,000 through an online GoFundMe account (gofundme.com/taxco-fire), with all donations going to the fire victims. On Jan. 4, nearly 30 people were displaced when a fire ravaged an eight-unit building in the Lakeside
Photo courtesy CCCfPD
died from exposure in Walnut Creek. Donations of new or slightly used clothing can be dropped at 3380 Vincent Road, Pleasant Hill, or a pickup can be arranged for large donations. Monetary donations for the purchase of clothing are also welcome. To volunteer, contact Mandy Nakaya at 925.818.6361 or mandy@whiteponyexpress.org. for more information go to whitepontyexpress.org.
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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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I haven't read a newspaper in 35 years. But this unusual newsletter was very good. The Activity Guide was excellent. A personal thanks to the staff and crew at the Concord Pioneer. Randolph Kent Torres Concord
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January 27, 2017
50 years later, a still grand Civic Center is ready for some updates PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
The city of Concord hit a home run 50 years ago when it turned what was once a baseball field into the Civic Center at 1950 Parkside Dr. In December, the City Council marked the anniversary of the building with a lowkey celebration – complete with cake. It was a far cry from the event of 1966, when dignitaries, residents and employees gathered to celebrate the completion of the new center located between Willow Pass Road and Salvio Street. It was as much a celebration of the city’s growth as it was a building opening. Concord’s rapid expansion from 40,000 residents in 1960 to 85,000 residents by 1970 required additional employees and space to conduct city business. Internationally acclaimed architect Ernest Kump designed the Civic Center. It was named the Farrell A. Stewart Civic Center in 1994, upon the retirement of city manager Farrell (Bud) Stewart – who held the position 19601986 and again 1992-1994. While the center’s 50th birthday bash was low key, it didn’t come without presents.
The Civic Center was designed in the 1960s and featured progressive architectural ideas.
According to Public Works director Justin Ezell, the center will receive new carpeting in one buildings, reactivation of the moat – albeit without lights, restroom improvements in the council chambers and replacement of the children’s playground, among other things during fiscal year 2016’17. But there is one more thing on the wish list: new signage at the entry. “Civic architecture is an expression of a city’s highest ideals and aspirations,” says
City Councilwoman Carlyn Obringer. “Fifty years ago, Concord’s city leaders wanted to build a city hall as grand and bold as Concord’s bright future – a place for citizens to engage with city staff and participate in local government. They succeeded. “They hired a world-class architect to design a campus that would last through the decades,” she adds. “When I walk the city hall corridors and enter the council chambers, I feel like I am entering a church, overcome
with pride, deeply aware of my duty to live up to the example set by my predecessors on the council. I look forward to the renovations planned for city hall this anniversary year, restoring luster to the campus.” Before the Civic Center was built, the city conducted business in a former firehouse (1905-1953), in Veteran’s Hall (1953-1956) and in city hall (1956-1966). That hall was located on the same property where the Civic Center was constructed. In the early 1960s, the city conducted an extensive search throughout Northern California to find an architectural firm to design the center. They eventually hired the firm of Ernest J. Kump and Associates. Kump’s progressive architectural ideas of the day were used in the design of the new complex. A group of one-story, freestanding buildings arranged in a pinwheel configuration are surrounded by a minimally landscaped central courtyard. The buildings are constructed of pre-cast concrete components contrasted with natural materials, such as dark stained redwood siding and shingled roofs with generous overhangs. Early schematic designs show a complex that incorporates a theater, civic auditorium and court hall. “All buildings are a reminder of what was considered important or a focus at the time of design,” says Vice Mayor Edi Birsan. “The council chamber is at the center and the library as well as a children’s play area were incorporated at the same time. We were also much smaller of a city, and the importance of both those two additions still remain as reminders that we are a city where families come first and learning is part of a civic center focus.” In 2000, work began on a project to expand a portion of one wing to serve as a one-stop permit center. The building houses staff from the planning, engineering and building divisions. Applicants seeking a development or home improvement permit are able to consult with appropriate staff at one location instead of having to visit multiple offices. The permit center opened in fall 2001. The former city hall building was converted to serve as Concord’s Police Station when the Civic Center was completed. In 1996, the new police headquarters building opened at 1350 Galindo St., and the former city hall was torn down. The Concord Library is still in operation at the same location. The city hired the firm of Carl James to design the interior of the Civic Center. The interior design concept incorporated office furnishings from Knoll, a company wellknown for innovative, modern furniture design. The furniture collection included noted designer pieces from Mies van der Rohe and Florence Knoll. The city also acquired a large collection of Ansel Adams photographs. In the 1960s, Adams was not as wellknown as he is today. His work still hangs in Civic Center hallways and offices.
January 27, 2017
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 5
The 2016 election in Concord, by the numbers • Total registered Democrats: 31,687. Total Democrats who voted: 24,893, 78.5 percent. • Total registered Republicans: 14,478. Total Republicans who voted: 11,527, 79.6 percent. • Total non-Rep/Dems: 18,272. Total nonRep/Dems who voted: 14,094, 77.1 percent. EDI BIRSAN • Total Clinton votes: 32,006, PULSE OF 63.4 percent. • Total Trump votes: 13,313, CONCORD 26.3 percent. • Total votes for other presiThe November election dential candidates: 5,195, illustrates the strong roots 10.3 percent. Concord has in what is often described as Democratic Party It is interesting to see how positions. close the turnout percentages It further highlights the are for the three groups. In the appeal of those positions from last few elections, we generally those who refused to declare saw a big drop in the nonan association with either Rep/Dems. So good for you party, the self-described folks folks who voted. of “no party preference.” (The Making an estimate of the old label was “declined to ratios of the Democrats and state.”) Republicans vs. their candiDespite a jump in voter dates, I made a reasonable registration, the results also guess of how the nonshow the lack of engagement Rep/Dems voted. It comes to in local politics by the relative roughly 50.5 percent voting participation rates of the Mil- Clinton, 36.8 percent voting lennials vs. the 57-76 folks and for someone other than the ups and downs of the His- Trump or Clinton and 12.7 panic vote as reflected in the percent for Trump. Mexican-born American votIn other words, they voted ers. for Clinton at a rate of almost Looking at the raw num- 4-1 – indicating they probably bers and doing some simple lean far more toward the math, I came up with the fol- Democrats than Republicans. lowing stats (give or take a bit This gives credence to the view for typos and time lag for caf- that most no party preference feine to kick in): voters are actually closet Democrats. • Total registered voters: There was a major increase 64,437. Total who actually in registered voters in Concord voted for something: between 2014 and 2016. The 50,514, a 78.4 percent city was the target of voter regturnout. istration drives by mainly
Democrats and union organizers, which also apparently got a boost from “the Trump effect” on Hispanic voter registration. In 2012, there were 1,195 registered voters born in Mexico. In 2014, there were 1,236 – an increase of 3 percent. In 2016, there were 1,501 – a 21.4 percent increase. Overall in the county, there was a major increase in the number of people who simply refused to vote for president. It went from something like 0.3 percent in 2012 to almost 1.2 percent in 2016, indicating a higher level of disappointment. The intensity of the votes going down the ticket in Concord was interesting. Of those who voted for president, only about 65 percent voted for the City Council – the very bottom of the ticket. When you take into account the turnouts, almost 50 percent of the registered voters did not vote in the City Council race. This was about a 12 percent decrease over the prior races. It could be attributed to a lack of hit pieces or major conflicts among candidates using direct mail. It may also be that the presidential race brought out more casual voters who are not engaged in local campaigns. Here’s an example using the Mexican-born American voters. In the last two presidential elections, they had 74.9 percent and 74.2 percent turnout rates. But in the 2014 governor’s race, they had only a 32.8 percent turnout rate. That’s half of what those born
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It has not been easy for Rocketship Charter School since it decided to set down in Concord. After being denied by both the Mount Diablo Unified School District and the Contra Costa County Board of Education last year, the school appealed to the state Board of Education – amid much protest from Concord residents. The state board ultimately approved the charter. But according to complaints filed by Rocketship, MDUSD has not been a gracious host. The school is temporarily housed in portable units at Ayers Elementary. Citing issues from a lack of service in the school cafeteria to a muddied play area to a hostile environment with other students and school personnel, Rocketship filed a complaint with the district. State law requires the district to provide charter schools space on unused school property for a reasonable fee, if requested. The space must be equivalent to nearby district schools, according to the law. While MDUSD Superintendent Nellie Meyer did not respond to requests for comment for this article, district spokesperson Ursula Leimbach disputed many of Rocketship’s claims. Marie Gil, regional direc-
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the cervix, vulva and vagina in women, penile cancer in men and anal and oral cancer in both men and women. Infection with HPV is common. In most cases, the body is able to clear the infection on its own. Sometimes, however, the infection does not go away and becomes chronic. This that can lead to the development of cancers. All that is needed to pass HPV from one person to another is skin-to-skin contact with an area of the body infected with HPV. While this usually means transmission during intercourse, that is not the only way.
tor of Rocketship’s Bay Area schools, says the district has not allowed employees equal access to the school kitchen to prepare warm and healthy food for its students. Denying them equal access to school facilities is discrimination, she said, since most of the school’s approximately 100 students are either Latino or African-American. Most also are eligible for free or reduced-priced lunch. “We would pay the cost of having warm lunches prepared or brought in, but we were told that the staff couldn’t manage that many more students,” Gil said. “They did offer to bring in cold sandwiches in paper bags.” Leimbach says Rocketship staff is serving warm food to students. She said Rocketship houses all equipment in their main office but has not received approval from the Health Department. This has been an ongoing concern, Leimbach says. She says the district and Rocketship administrators have looked at several scenarios, including shared use of the Ayers kitchen, but the school’s storage and equipment capacity can’t handle the additional Rocketship students’ food. Leimbach says Ayers currently has 115-136 students being served lunch daily, and the lunch times for the two schools overlap. She says there is not the capacity to add 120 more students, nor would there be time to get
students through the lines in a timely manner. In addition, there is not enough space to add the equipment to accommodate Rocketship students. She says the district could install an electric water heater and washable panels behind the equipment Rocketship is currently using, if the Health Department will approve this option. The cost would be about $1,200; district personnel would install it. Another complaint is that Rocketship doesn’t have access to a play area since the portables are located on a gravel and dirt parking lot. Gil said they paid $160,000 to have access to a usable play area, which meant adding pavement by the portables. That never happened. “Now we have kids playing in the mud, especially with the recent rains,” Gil said. She also said Rocketship students were denied access to the Ayers playground for physical education classes. They were using it two days a week but were told they could only use it once. Leimbach says that as part of the Facilities Use Agreement, the principals of the two schools met to establish a schedule that clearly outlines the agreed upon times and days of the week for shared space. The principals signed off on the written agreement after adding handwritten notes. Both parties had been following the agreement regarding the field and playground for PE since the initial sign
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nization Practices recommends that 11- and 12year-olds have the Tdap (required), meningococcal, influenza, chickenpox and HPV vaccines before entering seventh grade. As a medical oncologist, I encourage all parents to view the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine as a requirement – rather than a suggestion. For all cancers, early detection is crucial. HPV is the primary cause of cervical and anal cancer, making it pertinent for both girls and boys to be protected. Furthermore, certain types of HPV are “high-risk types” because they are strongly linked to cancer of
As with all other vaccines, the HPV vaccine has been carefully studied. While there are mild side effects such as fever, dizziness or fainting when given to preteens and teens, serious side effects are rare. Always tell your child’s physician if your child has any severe allergies or is pregnant.
Chen is a medical oncologist and hematologist with Diablo Valley Oncology. She has extensive experience in treating all types of cancer, with a special interest in lung and gynecologic cancers. She sees patients in Pleasant Hill, Rossmoor and San Ramon. To contact Chen, call 925-677-5041 or visit www.dvohmg.com.
Rocketship Charter files complaint against District citing problems with Ayers location PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
The time is NOW
January 27, 2017
$369 Value
Safe, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks contribute to the livability and positive image of the community. Many Concord property owners may not realize that it is their responsibility to keeps sidewalks, curbs and gutters fronting or adjacent to their properties in good repair. In addition, they are liable for any damage or injury resulting from their condition. Since repairing damaged sidewalks, curbs and gutters can be expensive, the City Council recently approved a Sidewalk Repair Program to assist property owners with the cost and process of making repairs. Property owners’ costs will be lower by taking advan-
off. Recently, however, Leimbach says there was a conflict regarding shared space for PE as Rocketship was not adhering to the agreement. Rocketship has now asserted that these handwritten notes have no meaning. “We disagree and expect the school to honor the agreement made by the two principals,” Leimbach said. Perhaps what has upset Rocketship the most, at least from a motivational perspective, is that beautification efforts designed by families – such as flags and symbols of the students’ heritage, as well as a poster with the Rocketship creed – were removed from a chain link fence bordering the school, Gil said. She said parents planted a learning garden and native plants around the school, and they were also removed by the district. Leimbach says Rocketship asked for and received approval to install two small paths. However, additional paths and planters were added that were far above the scope of what was approved. Gil says she is hurt by the troubles the school has faced, but she wants to be good neighbors until the school finds a permanent home within the Monument community. She says Rocketship has been particularly attacked in remarks on the school’s PTA website. She says the district has brought in outside legal counsel to investigate the complaints.
inspection and citizen complaints. The city staff usually provides a courtesy temporary patch, often by ramping or grinding the damaged area. It is the responsibility of the property owner to make a permanent repair. To take advantage of this program, call 925-671-3448 or email publicworks@cityofconcord.org. One of the challenges of writing this column is coming up with topics that the Pioneer has not already covered elsewhere in the issue. This is a good problem to have, as the Pioneer is a great local newspaper that covers a variety of happenings in the city. And, and paper is free.
tage of the program, which benefits from economy-ofscale pricing. They don’t have to worry about selecting a contractor, plus the permit and inspection fees are waived. The city’s authorized sidewalk repair contractor will do the work as part of that company’s larger scope of work on other city projects. City staff calculates the cost of the repair work, and the property owner pays the city directly. City staff schedules and coordinates with the contractor through completion of the work. From time to time, city Email questions and comofficials become aware of ments to Mayor Laura Hoffmeissidewalk, curb and gutter ter at Laura.Hoffmeister@cityofdefects through routine concord.org
January 27, 2017
F r om the desk o f . . .
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Holbrook to repoen as magnet school I am excited about some new educational opportunities for families in Concord. The Board of Education approved a plan to develop a regional magnet at the former Holbrook Elementary School, which will re-open for 2017’18 as a dual language immersion school. Magnet schools are public DR. NeLLie MeyeR schools with a specialized curricular focus, such as MDUSD STEM (Science, Technology, SUPERINTENDENT Engineering and Math), the arts or numerous vocational and career paths. All subjects are taught within the context are aligned to district, state of the school’s theme. Diversity is an important and national standards but
characteristic of a magnet school, which typically draws students from an array of backgrounds. Holbrook’s dual immersion emphasis is the outcome of extensive and thoughtful work of a team of MDUSD educators, community members and families. The group helped create something that will offer a rare opportunity to reopen a school and bring it new life. The investment of resources in the reopening will provide students with tools for the future. With the STEM program at Sun Terrace Elementary and
the visual and performing arts focus at Wren Avenue Elementary, the district will continue to provide the community of Concord strong and engaging schools. Students who live in the area of these three schools will have an opportunity to attend any of the campuses. A principal will be selected within a few months, and a team will be in place when Holbrook reopens in the fall.
Dr. Nellie Meyer is Superintendent of Schools for MDUSD. Email questions or comments to meyern@mdusd.org
Development plans keep Planning Commission busy
DoMiNiC ALiANo
PLANNING COMMISSION
Some of the Planning Commission’s greatest contributions in 2016 were focused on Concord’s crown jewel: the downtown. This includes the Downtown Corridors Plan, the Todos Santos Design Guidelines and Argent Concord. The approved Downtown Corridors Plan implements recommendations from the Downtown Concord Specific
KiMBeRLi BuCKLey
CONCORD LIBRARY
Coloring is now considered to be good for you – and it’s not just for kids anymore. There are many reasons to go get some crayons and start coloring. It keeps your hands busy and your mind focused.
Plan, which the city adopted in 2014. The cornerstone of this measure is the preparation of conceptual streetscape drawings and design guidelines to enhance three designated street segments within downtown Concord. These guidelines were designed with an emphasis on pedestrian and bicycle circulation and improved landscaping. The Downtown Corridors Plan will be a guideline for future policy development and a catalyst for the city to compete for grants for preparation of construction plans and
making improvements. The Planning Commission approved the Todos Santos Design Guidelines in December. The intention of these design guidelines is to connect the architectural and development vision for the downtown while also providing guidance to developers, architects, store and property owners, city staff and commissions. For downtown, design guidelines call for Early California architecture with a reference to a Spanish style. Although the Planning Commission approved this, it
Library’s Coloring Club helps grownups de-stress Researchers from Johns Hopkins University found that coloring is a big stress reliever. The American Art Therapy Association says that coloring is therapeutic and helps people express themselves creatively. The Concord Library staff wants to focus on health and well-being this year, and coloring is a part of that. The Coloring Club will meet 6-7:30 p.m. the second Thursday of
each month. The library will provide colored pencils, crayons, markers and coloring pages. It can be a mellow and creative way to de-stress toward the end of the work week. Kimberli Buckley is the senior community library manager at the Concord branch of the Contra Costa Library. Email questions or comments to KBuckley@ccclib.org
2017 ushers in new board members for regional parks The East Bay Regional Park District will bring on three new board members in 2017. Dee Rosario replaces John Sutter, who retired after 20 years of service. Rosario was Redwood Regional Park supervisor for many years. The ward covers part of Oakland, east to Lafayette and some of Walnut Creek. Former state Senate and Assembly member Ellen Corbett replaces Doug Siden, who retired after 24 years on the board. The ward includes San Leandro, Alameda and part of Oakland. The third new board member is scheduled to be appointed by the end of January to represent the northern tier of Contra Costa County from Richmond to Brentwood. That person will replace Diane Burgis, who won election in November to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors after two years on the park board. The appointee will serve out the remainder of Burgis’ four-year term, and the seat will be up for election in November 2018.
There will be lots of new • The East Bay Regional Park faces on the park district staff, District and the National too. Seventy percent of the disPark Service co-hosted a trict employees have either been celebration of the future promoted or retired. Concord Hills Regional There have been many Park and a commemoration accomplishments in the past of the World War II Port year, including: Chicago ammunition ship disaster. It was Interior Sec• Solar panels were installed retary Sally Jewell’s second at Shadow Cliffs Regional visit to the regional parks. Recreation Area in Pleasan- • The district completed conton. They will generate struction of Phase I of the nearly all the electricity Albany Beach Restoration needed throughout the disand Public Access Project trict. at McLaughlin Eastshore • The district acquired 762 State Park. new acres for future region- • Through the Regional Parks al parks, including expanFoundation, the district sion of Black Diamond raised $1.9 million in supMines in Antioch through port of its projects and acquisition of historic programs – a 12 percent ranching property at the increase over 2015. Somersville Road entrance. • An Economic Impact Study • Tilden Regional Park’s 80th highlights a $500 million anniversary and the Nationannual economic value of al Park Service’s centennial recreation, health care, propwere celebrated with an erties and ecosystem servicunveiling of a restored es. There’s an additional 1932 relief map of the East $191 million annual impact Bay hills. The map can be to the East Bay generated seen at Tilden’s Environthrough visitor spending and mental Education Center. capital investments.
must get final approval from the Concord City Council. This item is projected to go before the council in early 2017. The Planning Commission has also approved Argent Concord, a modern, 181-unit rental residential project. It will be located on a 1.53-acre site with four street frontages: Willow Pass Road, East Street, Port Chicago Highway and Concord Boulevard. The parcel currently houses the old Blockbuster store, across the street from Safeway and walking distance from the Concord BART Station and downtown. These rental units will be available at market rate, with nine units designated as affordable. The complex will have a bicycle workout room and a pool with barbecues and outdoor seating. Projects for the Planning Commission during 2017 include development code updates in transitional housing, the wireless ordinance, the sign ordinance, parking requirements, accessory units and large family daycares. The commission also will review Park & Shop design guidelines and an update on the city’s subdivision ordinance.
Dominic Aliano is a member of the Concord Planning Commission. Email questions and comments to at caliano863@gmail.com
Page 7
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BeVeRLy LANe
EBRPD BOARD PRESIDENT There’s always a lot going on in the regional parks. One of the best seasonal shows is the annual overwintering of monarch butterflies at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont. Programs highlighting the monarchs will continue through February. A good introduction is “Monarchs and Milkweed,” at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Jan. 28 and 29. The farm is on Ardenwood Boulevard just north of Highway 84. For information, call 888.327.2757, ext. 2797. For a schedule of upcoming events, visit the website www.ebparks.org. Beverly Lane president of the board of directors of East Bay Regional Park District.
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Page 8
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Neverland, from page 1
Tyler impressed the director and was offered a sixmonth contract, renewable for another six months, to play Michael Llewelyn Davis in this fascinating story of how Peter became Pan. Based on the Academy Award-winning film of the same name, the show follows playwright J.M. Barrie as he finds the courage to become the writer he yearns to be. His inspiration comes in the form of a beautiful widow and her four young sons. Entranced by the boys’ escapades, Barrie conjures up the magical world of Neverland and Peter Pan.
The touring company employs six young boys who alternate in the four roles, each usually doing three to five of the eight shows per week. In addition to performing, daily rehearsals keep the boys’ dancing and singing skills sharp. “It’s been an emotional rollercoaster,” says Tyler. “I’m sad about not seeing my mom and sisters but excited about touring. Although it’s weird not being with my class and friends at Woodside Elementary.” Tyler isn’t the only one who’s been on a rollercoaster. His dad had to get a last-
apartment complex on a 1.53acre site on Willow Pass Road where the old Blockbuster Video stands between East Street and Port Chicago Highway. Legacy Partners and SyRES Properties acquired Renaissance Square at 1825 Galindo and broke ground on a second
phase of construction, which will add 180 units to the existing 134 units. Also in the planning stage is Nicholson Development Properties’ Concord Village, a proposed 230 units between Salvio Street, East Street, Willow Pass Road and Port Chicago Highway.
Grant St., from page 1
Officer, from page 1
civilian community services desk where volunteers handle many reports over the phone that would otherwise require a patrol officer’s time. She also serves as coordinator for the department’s Peer Support Team, which provides peer assistance for employees that may be going through a personal or professional crisis. Galer’s career covers a broad spectrum of law
enforcement and includes assignments in narcotics and mental health. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services from California State University Long Beach. The Kiwanis Club presents the award each year to an outstanding officer. The nominations are narrowed down to three finalists with the police chief naming the winner.
to travel with Tyler, and his mom Allison must juggle her own demanding job with parenting three teenage girls. “There’s a lot more drama and emotion without the grounding influence of our boys – that was Sean’s job,” says Allison. “But this is such an incredible opportunity for Tyler that we all have to make it work. Luckily, the older girls – Shannon and Kacie – drive, so they’re my errand runners.” Shannon, 18, is a singersongwriter and a student at Diablo Valley College. Kacie, 17, is a senior at Campolindo TYLER HENNESSY High School. Daughter minute leave of absence from Aimee, 13, just opened in Trihis teaching and coaching posi- Valley Rep’s production of tion at Las Lomas High School “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
Council, from page 1
seconded and effectively died on the dais. “It takes the backroom politics out of the selection and lets the people decide,” he told the Pioneer. Fireworks erupted at the Jan. 10 meeting when Birsan said he didn’t want city staff to come up with questions for the applicants, but rather council members themselves. In fact, Birsan wanted to ask his own questions, an idea that Mayor Laura Hoffmeister vehemently opposed. “I want to know who is sitting next to me up here,” Birsan said. Hoffmeister said the council should agree on the questions asked of the applicants. City staff, however, agreed that Birsan could ask his own questions, against Hoffmeister’s objections. Hoffmeister did not respond to requests for comment on this article. Birsan is going a step further: He’s sending a questionnaire to applicants to see how
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they stand on specific issues, such as prayer before public meetings, banning marijuana smoking in apartments and on streets, banning pit bulls and rent control ordinances. “They’re not essay questions, but a simple ‘leaning toward it, leaning against it, no opinion,’ ” he said. “It’s not a beauty contest. I want to know where people stand on real issues. “We are the largest city in the sixth largest county in the state,” Birsan added. “We represent 125,000 people. Our decisions affect generations of families.” He said his questionnaire and the questions he will ask applicants at the meeting will “wake them up to let them know what they have to decide.” Selecting an applicant is not new to the council, which has been through the process twice in the last 10 years. In 2007, after Councilman Michael Chavez died of a heart attack
January 27, 2017 Allison and Sean had to quickly learn about work permits in the various states Tyler travels to and enroll him in a homeschooling program. Fortunately, the Mt. Diablo Unified School District has a homeschooling program that made things a bit easier. Drew Lundquist, a credentialed teacher who travels with the show, makes sure that Tyler and the five other boys on tour meet their “home” school requirements. “Drew is ultra-organized, and I’ve been really impressed with how he handles everything,” says Sean, who gets Tyler to the theater by noon in time for two hours of schooling before his
afternoon rehearsal. “He’s usually done around 4:15 p.m., and we have a break until he needs to be back at the theater by 7 p.m.” After more than three months of touring, Tyler and Sean are pleased at being back in the Bay Area when the show comes to the SHN Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco. “It’s one of our longer runs, Jan. 18-Feb. 12, and I’m really looking forward to being with our entire family and sleeping in my own bed,” Sean says. “Tyler is my baby and my only boy,” Allison adds. “I’m really looking forward to having him home.”
City Council applicants Ronald W. Bennett, Sherill Lee Borg, Erric Castillo, John T. Chapman, Andrew J. Dodd, Robert Fletcher, Michael D. Forsyth, Norman J. Freitas, Colleen Geraghty, Taylor S. Griffith, Jay B. Hann, Hope A. Johnson, David W. Jump, Ajit K. Kaushal, Terry E. Kremin,
at a council meeting, the board of Hoffmeister, Helen Allen, Bill Shinn and Mark Peterson was tasked with selecting an applicant. Ron Leone, who was the runner-up to Allen in the prior election, made an impassioned plea to the council to select him because of his vote status. The council instead chose Guy Bjerke, now the director of community reuse
Harmesh Kumar, Robyn C. Kuslits, Kandi L. Lancaster, Daniel J. Mahoney, Timothy A. McGallian, Justin R. Meisinger, Cora E. Mitchell, Lisa Marie Nelson, Richard A. Petrow, Justin H. Stein, Susan T. Swift, James R. Thomas, Anthony Vierra, John Ward, Kenji Yamada
planning and point-man for the development of the Concord Naval Weapons Station. In 2011, the council had to fill the vacancy left by Peterson when he was elected district attorney. Birsan was the runner-up to newly elected Leone, but the council instead chose Dan Helix for the open position – citing his experience with the CNWS.
January 27, 2017
B U SINESS
MARiLyN foWLeR
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
With the new year, it’s time to think about what you can do this year to be healthy and successful. Concord is filled with fitness centers to encourage residents to stay, or become, healthy. Consider Anytime Fitness Concord/Heritage Square, Aspire Pilates Center, the Big C Athletic Club, CrossFit Redux, Dogo Krav Maga, Orangetheory Fitness Concord-Clayton and UFC Gym. All offer different programs to fit people’s needs. Orangetheory Fitness is the newest one in town. Their heart-rate monitored, high-
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Chamber can help with personal and business goals for 2017
intensity workout is scientifically designed to keep heart rates in a target zone that spikes metabolism and increases energy. UFC Gym’s daily classes include boxing, kickboxing, functional training, youth programs, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and personal training. They also have group training classes like yoga, Zumba and cycling and a full cafe, the Armbar, with nutritional supplements to help maintain fitness goals. If being successful in business is on your list of goals, the Concord Chamber wants to help. Come and network at morning coffee events or evening mixers. Meet new business people and form business relationships that will take your business to the next level. If you are starting a new business, the chamber hosts a SCORE volunteer counselor twice a month to help entre-
preneurs start small businesses and achieve new levels of success in existing businesses. The Small Business Development Center, sponsored by the Workforce Development Board, delivers individualized advising and training in collaboration with community partners to business owners, the self-employed and emerging entrepreneurs seeking assistance in starting, growing or managing operations. These services are free. If you are in need of office space, Regus offers office space for a fraction of the cost of setting up your own space. You only pay for the space you need – short-term, long-term, all on your terms. If you are looking to improve your public speaking skills, Diablo Toastmasters provides a proven way to improve communication skills. By participating in a fun and
supportive Toastmasters group, you’ll become a better speaker and leader and gain confidence to succeed in whatever path you’ve chosen in life. Meanwhile, Robert Huffman Leadership Coaching offers personalized life coaching for leaders and people who wish to move forward in their lives. It helps people understand how to better execute, influence, build relationships and/or process information. The Concord Chamber will help you navigate ways to be more successful in business. Here’s to a healthy and successful 2017. Marilyn Fowler is the president/CEO of the Concord Chamber of Commerce. For more information on chamber programs, call 925-685-1181 or email mfowler@concordchamber.com.
USKS marks 30 years of martial arts in Concord with benefit show Since February 1987, Rona and Joyce Krupa have brought the benefits of martial arts to residents from 4 to 104 years of age at their U.S. Karate Systems family training facility in Concord. To mark their 30th anniversary in the community, they are celebrating with a “Just for Kicks” Martial Arts Benefit Show on Saturday, Feb. 11. The Krupas offer classes in mixed martial arts, using an eclectic approach to learning the best of karate, judo, aikido, jujitsu and taekwondo while showcasing a diversified and multi-faceted curriculum including self-defense, confidence, respect, discipline and exercise. Their USKS studio, or dojo, also includes a full weight room, circuit training and other classes. Prior to the current popularity of martial arts, the Krupas were giving off-site performances to showcase the talents of their students in an effort to educate and entertain those who weren’t familiar with the arts. They have performed for 25 years at Bay Area KidFest on Memorial Day Weekend in Concord, along with performances through the years at other events and local schools to promote the benefits of martial arts training.
Photo courtesy uSKS Martial Arts
uSKS Martial Arts celebrates its 30th anniversary in Concord on feb. 11 with a benefit “Just for Kicks” show at Berean Christian High School in Walnut Creek. Nearly 20 years ago the Krupa family were pictured, front row from left sons Jared and Jason, mother and wife Sensei Joyce; middle, son Josh and back row, father and husband Shihan Ron and son Joel. Their Concord studio opened in 1987 and has been in its Clayton Rd. location for the past 25 years. All six members of the Krupa family are now black belts.
The “Just for Kicks” show at Berean Christian High School in Walnut Creek will feature performances by many students, with proceeds donated to a local charity.
police academy in the early 1970s. He was encouraged to learn how to defend himself without using a weapon and began taking martial arts classes, where Joyce joined him. For the first five years, the Krupas operated USKS at King’s Valley Christian School. The need for a larger space prompted a move to the Dianda Shopping Center on Clayton Road 25 years ago. Shihan Ron (Japanese for “most excellent role model”) is a Martial Arts Hall of Fame master, while Sensei Joyce (“teacher”) is a fifth degree black belt. They have raised four sons, all of whom are black belts. The Krupas are perhaps most fulfilled by the impact they’ve had on their students. “To watch a young person grow up here, go off to college and now make their way in the world is so rewarding,” said Joyce Krupa. “Our USKS black belts have gone on to U.S. military academies and major universities from coast to coast. Earning a black belt is a remarkable achievement that for many springboards them on to even bigger accomplishments. “There are also parents broken down in tears because they’ve said their child was shy and easily bullied and now have seen them grow in confidence and self-belief,” she added. “We are very proud of each one. We are martial arts with a mission; we are training champions of character.”
“These performances show the value of learning a life skill and what the result of respect, discipline, focus and self-control can bring,” said Ron Krupa. “It is also a unique opportunity for younger students to see that if they stay committed and on task what they can achieve. After all, every black belt was a white belt who never gave up.” The Krupas met in high engaged in local politics. That’s school and became engaged For more information about a serious thought for those while attending college. They USKS Martial Arts and the benefit who want to be the Millennial were introduced to martial arts show, call 682-9517 or visit when Ron was attending the www.usksmartialarts.com. candidate. I want to remind people that in this election – as in all presidential elections – those who vote against a candidate are substantially higher than those who vote for one. We as a society need to understand that and work on what we have in common rather than demonize those who • A Full Service Funeral Home offering voted differently. • Cremation and Burial Services Overwhelmingly, people • Celebrations of Life vote hoping that things will • Reception Packages get better but disagree on the • Worldwide Shipping & Pre-Planning details. The path to the future is a single road shared by all of us.
Pulse, from page 5
in New York had for the 2014 election. The Millennial and age issue in the election showed what Bernie Sanders supporters learned the hard way: They do not turn out to vote in numbers either as a percentage or as a large number. Those 27 and younger voted at a 57 percent turnout rate, with a gross vote of 9,228. Yet the equal age grouping of 58-67 had a whopping 93 percent turnout rate and 23,880 gross votes. The turnouts by individual ages seem to indicate that the 22- to 23-year-olds had the worst turnout percentage in the presidential election. We cannot break down the intensity of their votes down the tickSend comments to EdiBiret, but it is popularly believed san@gmail.com or 510-812-8180 that young voters are the least or visit www.PulseOfConcord.com
Page 9
P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517 TAMARA AND R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers TAMARA S TEINER , Editor P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design B EV B RITTON , Copy Editor J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports Editor PAMELA W IESENDANGER , Administration, Calendar Editor S TAFF W RITERS : Peggy Spear, Pamela Wiesendanger, Jay Bedecarré
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SPORTS
Page 10
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
January 27, 2017
Winter sports gearing for NCS playoffs in February JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
The inaugural Diablo Athletic League winter sports seasons are entering the final weeks of action with berths in the North Coast Section post-season beckoning for successful basketball and soccer teams and wrestlers. Teams are hoping to get into the NCS tournaments next month by qualifying through the new DAL two-
conference setup. The league split each sport into the higher seeded Foothill Conference and the lower seeded Valley Conference. The alignments are meant to setup competitive equity among the 12 DAL schools. The top team in each conference automatically earns an NCS berth. UNIQUE DAL BASKETBALL ALIGNMENT
Basketball is the only DAL sport where the boys and girls teams from each school were all placed in the same conference. With six schools in each conference the double-round robin schedule continues on Tuesdays and Fridays through Feb. 17. Clayton Valley Charter boys team was 10-6 in the preseason and coach Eric Bamberger expects his team to finish atop the Valley standings. His veteran squad is led by juniors Garret Pascoe and Nick Klarman who each received all-league honors as sophomores plus a trio of seniors—Jeff Williams, Vince Lontz and Spencer Senior striker Taylor HeuerTamichi. man (12) has helped CVCHS Bamberger projects de boys soccer to an 11-2-3 fending DVAL champion overall record while scoring Concord, Berean Christian a team-high nine goals. The and Alhambra to pose the eagles were blanked 1-0 by biggest challenges to the Campolindo last week for Eagles’ title bid. CVCHS and their first DAL loss. ContinBerean were the only Valley ued league success should Conference schools with winpropel the team into the NCS playoffs. They reached ning non-league records. De La Salle made it all the the quarterfinals a year ago.
Jason Rogers photos
Northgate’s Skyler Morford defeated Clayton Valley Charter 220-pound wrestler Anantvir Grewal in a Diablo Athletic League dual meet. The Broncos won that meet 48-31 but lost their first dual meet in three years to Las Lomas 50-28 in their second DAL match. Las Lomas was last year’s DfAL champion while Northgate is two-time defending DVAL champs. Morford was also 220 champion at the recent San Ramon Valley invitational Wrestling Tournament.
way to the State championship game before losing to the legendary Chino Hills team last March. The Spartans won the Division I NCS and NorCal titles en route to the finals. New coach Justin Argenal’s team is 5-0 in the East Bay Athletic League and
14-4 overall. Three of the four Spartan losses came in the Iolani Classic in Hawaii. CVCHS Eagles girls enjoyed the holiday break by taking second place in the Ruby Division of the West Coast Jamboree losing to Davis in the finals after beat-
ing Calaveras and Immanuel in the first two rounds. Coach Paul Kommer’s team was 10-5 in non-league and he sees defending champ Concord (8-6) and Alhambra, currently 16-2, as the challengers for the DAL crown. CVCHS girls lost in the first
round of the DI playoffs a year ago to eventual champs Castro Valley. Ygnacio Valley won the consolation championship in the Onyx division at the West Coast Jamboree.
NICCI SHIPSTEAD Concord Pioneer
with a trap shooting team. They compete in California Youth State Shooting Association events with other high schools and clubs throughout Northern California. There are no collegiate level shooting teams in California. Winship joined the school’s trap team in 2012, when CV became a charter school. The school team added to her competitive team experience at United Sportsmen Inc. “Our sport is the second safest intramural sport in existence, second only to canoeing,” said trap team coach Keith Baker. “My personal mission is to teach basic firearms safety to as many of our youth as possible.” The CVCHS team has grown from 15 to about 50 shooters this year. Baker, 12 assistant coaches and three team
coordinators manage the team. There is no direct funding from the school district or the school. Grants from the National Rifle Association, the Safari Club and the Clayton Business & Community Association help families offset expenses. According to Baker, the team is 35-40 percent female. “The number of female athletes joining our sport grows every year – especially with the success of female trap shooting Olympians like Kim Rhode, one of the most internationally decorated shooters in the history of the sport,” he said. Winship is impressed with the number of CVCHS women shooters. “Girls are wanted on collegiate teams. It really builds the team,” she said.
See Winter, page 13
CV grad helps trap team aim for more successes
Nicci Shipstead
Returning CVCHS trap shooters ingrid Shipstead and Nick Norris, sophomores, watch as freshman Madeline Lawrance takes aim during practice at Martinez Gun Club with coaching from alumi shooter Quincy Winship. Lawrance is a seasoned duck hunter participating in her first year of clay shooting with the school.
The Clayton Valley Charter High School trap team started the season with alumni shooter Quincy Winship talking about collegiate opportunities in shooting sports. Winship, Class of 2014, encourages high school students to research college opportunities and begin communication with coaches early. The junior at Lindenwood University in Missouri earned a significant scholarship with the clay target shooting team. Lindenwood holds 13 consecutive national championships, and Winship competes alongside teammate Morgan Craft, who took fifth in skeet at the Rio Olympics. CVCHS is the only public high school in the Bay Area
See Shooting, page 12
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Page 11
Tough break should not overshadow Raiders 2017 coming out party
Chaney is a team captain. Coach Pablo Gaytan says, “Mada has great work ethic and is our leader on and off the field.” She is in the school’s Health Academy with a 3.36 gpa and her favorite subject is physiology. That indicates why following graduation this spring she is looking to attended a university to major in the area of health sciences and pursue a career as a pediatric oncologist.
Athlete Spotlight
The Concord Pioneer congratulates Madalina 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
Madalina Chaney Grade: Senior School: Ygnacio Valley High Sport: Soccer
Madalina Chaney has made quite an impression since transferring to Ygnacio Valley High prior to her junior year. She has played nine years of club soccer with Diablo FC 98 on a team currently ranked No. 25 in America so she
was a welcome addition to the Warriors soccer team last school year. Chaney played center forward and ended up as the team’s leading goal scorer while earning all-DVAL honors. This year,
JACOB SAMUELS SPORTS TALK
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.
Football coaching changes coming for 3 Concord high schools in 2017
Running back Kairee Robinson (25) and his De La Salle teammates came up short in the State open Division championship game last month and they will face National Champion Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas next fall as part of challenging schedule. Jalen McKenzie (right) has announced his intention to sign with university of Southern California next month. The Clayton Valley Charter lineman is the first ugly eagles football player to join uSC since Hall of famer Mike Haluchak in 1967.
DLS to face National Champions Gorman in Las Vegas JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
There will be new coaches leading three of Concord’s five high school football teams this fall. In near unprecedented turnover, the Ygnacio Valley, Concord and Mt. Diablo high school varsity football coaches have all resigned since the end of the season. Even before that turnover, Clayton Valley Charter High School head coach Tim Murphy was the senior local coach since taking over the Eagles program in 2012, one year before De La Salle’s Bob Ladouceur stepped down after 34 legendary years in charge of the Spartans. Justin Alumbaugh began his DLS tenure in the fall of 2013 with his Spartans defeating CVCHS in the season opener. Mt. Diablo athletic director Bryan Shaw, who coached the Red Devils football team from 2012-14, announced Concord’s oldest high school is accepting applications after Derek Clements resigned following back-to-back 1-9 seasons. Ygnacio Valley AD Mark Tran says the school is close to naming a new coach to replace Philip Puentes who was in charge of the Warriors for five years. Puentes started with YVHS in 2012 after Murphy briefly had been hired to return to Ygnacio—-which he coached to the 1999 North Coast Section title. Murphy had a change of heart and accepted the CVCHS job
replacing Herc Pardi who left after 16 years in charge of Eagles football. Concord High is also interviewing for a new head coach. Mark Bywater resigned after two winning seasons. “I enjoyed being CHS head coach, but I needed a better schedule for my family,” Bywater told the Pioneer. He had stepped in during the 2015 summer after Brian Hamilton accepted a job with the Cal football program. Hamilton had led the Minutemen for 11 years including to the 2010 NCS championship. SPARTANS RELOAD FACING DAUNTING SCHEDULE
Last weekend De La Salle announced its 2017 schedule that includes a game in the third week of the fall season against Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas. Gorman is riding a 54game winning streak and the Gaels have been mythical national champions the last three years. The teams will meet again in 2018 in Concord. Gorman was 15-0 last year with victories over teams from Texas, Florida, Hawaii and California. The Gaels defeated St. John Bosco 3520 early in the season. Bosco then overwhelmed De La Salle in the CIF open division state championship bowl game last December 56-33. Bosco was second to Gorman in the final 2016 national rankings. Gorman traveled to Owen Owens field in 2010 and lost to DLS 28-14 in a season that ended with the Spartans crowned national champions and Gorman was No. 10. Gorman lost MaxPreps 2016 National Player of the Year, quarterback Tate
Martell, but returns two junior All-Americans, tight end Brevin Jordan and middle linebacker Palaie Gaoteote. Gorman also returns Dorian ThompsonRobinson, rated the No. 4 dual threat quarterback in the country, and leading receiver Jalen Nailor. The Spartans haven’t lost to a team from Northern California since 1991, a steak of 281 games, but they’ve had mixed results against out-ofstate teams. Last season they lost to East of Salt Lake City and in 2015 to Trinity in Texas. They also were beaten twice by Don Bosco of New Jersey, to a pair of Florida teams and famously in 2004 had their record 151-game winning streak broken in the 2004 season opener at Bellevue, Washington. Since 2005 DLS is 4-6 in games against out-of-state teams. This fall the team will host East Coast power St. John’s of Washington, DC in their opener. St. John’s was ranked No. 30 Nationally last year, five places behind DLS. The Spartans will also host Central Coast Section power St. Francis of Mountain View, Central of Fresno and CIF 5AA state champion Bishop O’Dowd of Oakland, renewing their long ago Catholic Athletic League rivalry. Junior runningback Kairee Robinson was the breakout star for DLS last year gaining 2012 yards rushing while missing nearly two full games. He scored 27 touchdowns and was first team all-Metro. He drew comparisons to Spartan legend Maurice Jones-Drew and will be a consensus pre-season allstar in the fall. Leading the Spartans line will be his classmate, all-Metro 305-pound lineman Tuli Letuligasenoa. Also earning plaudits as underclassmen were sophomore tight end Isaiah Foskey and sophomore all-America linebacker Henry To’oto’o. Shamar Garrett got to see rare post-season action as a freshman while soph Andrew Jones saw brief plays as the backup quarterback. UGLY EAGLES NEWS DAL defensive player of the year Koti Vaisima of CVCHS was also a first team all-Metro defensive lineman. His senior linemate Jalen McKenzie was second team offense. Two CVCHS standouts recently announced their college choices. Ugly Eagles senior linebacker Bryce Brand announced that he is going to the Big 10 to play for the Maryland Terrapins while consensus three-star guard McKenzie (6-4, 307 pounds)
— the brother of Tennessee defensive tackle Kahlil McKenzie and son of Oakland Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie — announced his commitment to USC via Twitter. McKenzie received offers from Tennessee, Arizona State, Miami, UCLA and others before making his decision.
Derek Carr had a breakout 2016 season as quarterback of the Oakland Raiders. In his third professional season, he set career highs in completion percentage (63.8%), yards per attempt (7.03) and total QBR (60.6). He also had the fewest interceptions in a season in his career, dropping his total from 12 and 13 in his first two years to a measly six. Carr was a fringe MVP candidate on one of the top teams in the NFL. He was prepared to lead the Raiders as a serious contender into the postseason hoping to make some serious noise. That is, until he injured his leg in week 16 after suffering a break in his pinky finger four games before. Against the Indianapolis Colts in the penultimate game of the regular season he suffered a broken fibula when he was tackled in the backfield. While the Raiders managed to win that game,
they lost their final game against Denver and with it the divisional title and a firstround bye. Some would say it is most definitely disappointing for both players and fans for such a great season to end so bleakly. But that is not a fair assessment. The Raiders had not made the playoffs since 2002, a stretch that included 11 losing seasons. The fact they were able to jump from perennial 21st Century loser directly to Super Bowl contender is incredible. Most teams have a few years of being a fringe playoff team before they contend, but the Raiders went 12-4 after four straight losing seasons. That alone is cause for excitement. Despite losing the Wild Card game in Houston with Carr and All-Pro lineman Donald Penn out injured, the Raiders still had a successful season. There is a lot to look forward to. Khalil Mack is one of the top defensive players in the game. Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree make a dynamic duo at wide receiver. Jack Del Rio is a candidate for coach of the year. And those are only a few of the many great aspects of this excellent young team. Carr will
See Raiders, page 12
U12-U14 Tryouts with Diablo FC U12–U14 Boys and Girls (Born in 2006–2004) February 13 – 18
Feb. 13 - Mt. Diablo High School 2450 Grant St., Concord
5 pm - 6 pm (2006 girls and 2006 boys) 6 pm - 7 pm (2005 girls and 2005 boys) 7 pm - 8 pm (2004 girls and 2004 boys)
Feb. 14 - Ygnacio Valley High School 755 Oak Grove Rd., Concord
6 pm - 7 pm (2006 boys and 2005 boys) 7 pm - 8 pm (2006 girls and 2005 girls) Feb. 15 - Diablo Valley College 201 Viking Dr., Pleasant Hill
7 pm - 8 pm (2005 girls and 2005 boys) 8 pm - 9 pm (2004 boys and 2004 girls)
Feb. 16 - Ygnacio Valley High School 755 Oak Grove Rd., Concord
6 pm - 7 pm (2006 girls and 2004 girls) 7 pm - 8 pm (2006 boys and 2004 boys)
Feb. 18 - Ygnacio Valley High School 755 Oak Grove Rd., Concord
9:15 am - 10:30 am (2004 girls) 10:30 am - 11:45 am (2005 girls) 11:45 am - 1 pm (2006 boys and girls) 1 pm - 2:15 pm (2005 boys) 2:15 pm - 3:30 pm (2004 boys)
For all other age groups, check our website for dates. Go to DFC website for more info and to sign up!
www.diablofc.org
Page 12
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Shooting, from page 10
At the Martinez Gun Club, Winship took the field with a squad of new and returning shooters. She shared pointers on foot positioning, gun positioning and focus points. Alexandra Martell Rumbel, a junior and first-year shooter at CVCHS, plans to attend Humboldt State and participate on the archery team. Second-year shooter Emily Kinsey, a sophomore, applied to coach shooting sports at Camp Wolfboro this summer through Venture Crew, a co-ed program of Boy Scouts. Kinsey recently earned a National Youth Leadership Training Award and enjoys the competitive equality of co-ed shooting sports. Baker said concentration and
discipline are qualities successful clay shooters develop that prepare them for college and life. “Shooting a clay disc flying away from you at 45 mph is no simple task,” he noted. “They learn to shake off a disappointment quickly and re-set their mind on the next challenge.” “It’s really a mental sport,” Winship explained. She turned the anticipation of joining a collegiate team of national title holders and an Olympian into a confidence booster. “The most you can do is impress them – there’s nothing to lose.” Follow the team on Facebook at CVCHS Trap Team or visit www.uglyeaglesathletics.com/boys_ trapshooting.
Raiders, from page 11
be back at 100 percent when the 2017 season begins and he will keep getting better and better. The Raiders will be a popular pick for Super Bowl LII. Now all we have to do is give them a place to play.
Jacob Samuels is a senior at Ygnacio Valley High School where he runs cross country and plays for the varsity baseball team. His goal is to attend UC Berkeley next year and major in communications. Email any comments or questions to sports@concordpioneer.com.
Sports Shorts CONCORD CUP XXIV
ACCEPTING TEAM REGISTRATIONS
The area’s largest annual youth soccer tournament, Concord Cup, returns for its 24th season at a variety of local parks May 20-21. Boys and girls club and recreation teams from under 10 through U19 are eligible to participate. Diablo FC, Mt. Diablo Soccer and Concord AYSO co-sponsor the tournament. Visit concordcup.com for complete information and to register a team to participate.
CLAYTON VALLEY ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME LOOKING FOR PLAYERS
The 2017 class for the Clayton Valley High School Hall of Fame includes five Eagles teams and event organizers are reaching out to locate members of those teams. The honorees will be inducted May 19 at Shadelands Art Center in Walnut Creek. The teams are 1960 baseball of head coach Vic Petreshene, 1972 wrestling of coaches Glen Scrimger and Bill Nelson, 1978 softball and coach Larry Fogelstrom and 1994 girls water polo and 1994 girls swimming of coach Dennis Bledsoe. Players on those teams should send a note with their contact info to Clayton Valley HS Athletic Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 502, Clayton 94517.
USKS PRESENTS 30TH ANNUAL JUST FOR KICKS BENEFIT SHOW FEB. 11
USKS Martial Arts will host its 30th Anniversary showcase, Just For Kicks, on Saturday, Feb. 11, with students from Pee Wee Champs (four years and younger) up through the studio’s black belt instructors. USKS Martial Arts is celebrating 30 years in Concord. Just For Kicks is at Berean Christian High School in Walnut Creek starting at 6 p.m. Advance tickets at $10 can be purchased until Feb. 6 at the Dojo (4483 Clayton Rd. by Bill’s Ace Hardware) or from USKS students. Visit usksmartialarts.com in advance for details.
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MDSA SPRING LEAGUE REGISTRATION GUARANTEED PLACEMENT ENDS FEB. 1
Registration is open for Mt Diablo Soccer Association’s spring season. To ensure guaranteed placement on a team players must register by Feb. 1. Players registering after Feb. 1 will be placed on waitlist. The program is open to boys and girls under 5-U19 divisions. The older divisions are co-ed teams. Games start mid-March. MDSA AYSO Region 223 serves Clayton, Concord and surrounding communities. For more details and to register visit mdsoccer.org.
CVCHS SEEKING COACHES FOR SPRING SPORTS TEAMS
Clayton Valley Charter co-athletic director Eric Bamberger announced several open coaching positions for spring sports teams at the Concord school. Open spots include varsity boys and girls swimming and diving, junior varsity and frosh girls lacrosse, varsity badminton (new sport) and varsity girls rugby. Interested persons should send a resume and cover letter to eric.bamberger@claytonvalley.org. Call Bamberger with any questions at 682-7474 ext. 3162.
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DIABLO FC BENEFIT CRAB FEED FEB. 3 AT CENTRE CONCORD
The 14th annual Diablo FC benefit crab feed and raffle is set for Friday, Feb. 3, at Centre Concord. Tickets are now on sale for the event that benefits programs for the local competitive youth soccer club affiliated with the San Jose Earthquakes. This year’s Super Raffle includes a Las Vegas Trip for two adults including airfare, room at Paris Hotel & Resort and $1000 VISA card. Visit diablofc.org for more details and to purchase crab feed and super raffle tickets.
ST. BONAVENTURE CYO TRACK SIGN UPS ACCEPTED
St. Bonaventure CYO spring track and field is holding registration. The track and field program is open to boys and girls in second through eighth grades. Practices beginning Feb. 6 are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 5-6:15 p.m. at Newhall Park. Saturday meets begin in March and the season runs through May 13, culminating with the Oakland Diocese championships. For more information call 826-7426, email coach Matt Tillman at matttillman@gmail.com or go to stbonaventurecyo.com.
January 27, 2017
Northgate’s Morgan Batesole commits to Pittsburgh softball
Photo courtesy Northgate High School
Northgate High senior Morgan Batesole has signed a national letter of intent to play softball at university of Pittsburgh. Batesole has been all-league for three consecutive years for the Broncos while batting over .400 every season with her senior campaign beckoning when the shortstop has the school record for hits in her sights. She also plays for the travel ball Sorcerer Gold, who were fifth at the PGf Nationals for 16u. “i loved the Panthers coaching staff and the commitment to the academics. i also really liked the city of Pittsburgh” said Batesole of her college choice. She has received academic honors from North Coast Section and plans to pursue sports medicine and physical therapy at Pitt.
DIABLO FC SOCCER TRYOUTS UNDERWAY THROUGH FEBRUARY
Diablo FC will be holding tryouts for its 2017 competitive teams through Feb. 5 for under 8 through under 11 (birth years 2006-2010) age groups. The U12-U14 (birth years 2003-2005) competitive team tryouts will be Feb. 13-27. Under 15 and older team tryouts will be in May after spring league games conclude. Visit diablofc.org to get more information and signup for clinics and tryouts.
MDSA ANNOUNCES TRYOUTS FOR YOUNGER COMPETITIVE ELITE TEAMS
Mt. Diablo Soccer Association is having tryouts this month for its elite competitive teams. Boys born in the years 2003-2007 will try out Jan. 29 at Mt. Diablo High School in Concord. Girls born in 2003 and 2004 will also try out that day at MDHS. Other age groups will try out later. Check mdsoccer.org for full MDSA elite tryout schedule and updates. Tryouts are held rain or shine.
FOREST PARK SPRING SWIM CLINICS START FEB. 27
Forest Park Swim Team coach Jeff Mellinger is offering spring swim clinics starting Feb. 27 and run for five weeks through the end of March. The afternoon and evening session improve strokes for swimmers of all skill levels ages 4-18 before the start of summer rec swimming season. Contact coach Mellinger at jeff.mellinger@gmail.com for details.
JUNIOR OPTIMIST BASEBALL, SOFTBALL SIGNUPS TAKEN ONLINE
Junior Optimist Baseball/Softball League is accepting registration for ages 4-15 for boys JOBL and Babe Ruth baseball and girls 4-14 for softball. There are also year-round travel team opportunities for Patriot baseball and Glory/Lady Liberty softball teams. For more information call Sheryl Dron at 827-0763, Adrienne Warren at 686-0673 or visit joblconcord.com.
ST. FRANCIS CYO TRACK & FIELD SIGNUPS COMING IN FEBRUARY
Sign-ups for St. Francis CYO Track & Field will be accepted online beginning next month. Practices are at Ygnacio Valley High School track each Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Contact coach George Francis at coachfrancisyvhs@hotmail.com for details. Visit St. Francis CYO website at sfacyo.org/track-field for updates.
VISTA DIABLO DOLPHINS SWIM TEAM INFORMATION MEETING FEB. 11
Vista Diablo Dolphins will be opening its online registration for the summer season next month. The team is inviting interested families to their Information/Registration Day Feb. 11. The team is open to boys and girls ages 3 to 18, VDD Swim Club is at 850 Sullivan Ave. in Concord. There will be a Stock Up on Gear/Information/Registration Day Mar. 4 from 12-2 p.m. at Sports Basement, in Walnut Creek. Get more info at vistadiablodolphins.com or email VDDSTmail@gmail.com.
CONCORD COBRAS FOOTBALL SIGNUPS NOW TAKEN ONLINE
Concord Cobras tackle football program is taking signups for its fall season online. The football program is open for youth five to 14 years of age. For more info email concordyouthfootball@yahoo.com or visit concordyouthfootball.com.
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR ALL OUT SPORTS LEAGUES SPRING PROGRAMS
Spring programs including adult softball, co-ed adult volleyball and youth basketball offered by All Out Sports Leagues in Clayton are taking registration now online. For complete information on All Out Sports programs, visit alloutsportsleague.com.
23RD CVCHS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS CRAB FEED & AUCTION MAR. 11
Clayton Valley Charter High School Athletic Boosters hold their 23rd annual Crab Feed and Auction on Saturday, Mar. 11, at Centre Concord. Attendees must be 21 or older. For more info email cvchsboosters@gmail.com or go to cvhsboosters.org for info to order tickets online for a night of food, drink, dancing, auctions and raffle prizes.
January 27, 2017
Winter, from page 10
NCS moved DII champion Carondelet into Division I while DIII girls champion Miramonte is moving up to DII. Carondelet won 11 of the last 14 DII Section titles and were second two other times. The Cougars are 13-3 and a perfect 5-0 in EBAL. The losses have come against teams from Tennessee and Arizona plus California’s topranked team Clovis West. Carondelet is currently ranked No. 1 in NCS. This year’s NCS basketball begins Feb. 21-25, the semifinals are Mar. 1 and the finals Mar. 3-4. NorCal tournament is Mar. 8-14.
girls championship game in overtime last winter to spoil a perfect season but the Cougars are back at No. 1 with a 14-1 record this season. Clayton Valley Charter and College Park have had uneven results and need strong league finishes to qualify for the NCS Division I playoffs. CVCHS was winless during the non-league schedule but is in the mix with a 21-1 league record. The DAL has such a strong girls soccer program that most teams are poised to make NCS. Las Lomas (10-1) is ranked fifth, Northgate (12-2-2) 11th, Alhambra (7-31) 14th and Miramonte 16th SOCCER TEAMS IN in current NCS rankings. As CLOSE RACES many as 10 of the schools are Clayton Valley Charter currently projected to get made it to the NCS quarterfi- into the post-season. nals last season after a threeyear absence from the playWRESTLERS AIM FOR NCS, STATE offs. DVAL offensive MVP DAL wrestling dual meets Pedro Hernandez and fellow senior Taylor Heuerman are are every Wednesday through leading the Eagles attack as Feb. 8. Las Lomas and they have posted an 11-2-3 Northgate appear to be the record and the No. 6 ranking top teams. The Broncos won the last two DVAL titles but in NCS. Defending NCS Division fell to Las Lomas in their III champion Ygnacio Valley league dual match. Northgate was second at is ranked 14th with a 7-4-2 record. Concord (6-2-4) is the recent San Ramon Valley No. 10 and College Park (7-4- Invitational and had four weight class champions in 3) 12th. De La Salle won six con- Cole Sanchez (113 pounds), secutive North Coast Section Cormick Hamilton (138), Division I soccer champi- Grant Chachere (170) and onships from 2009-2014 and Skyler Morford (220). Hamilis looking to get back to the ton was named the tournafinals. Coach Derricke ment’s lightweight outstandBrown’s team is currently ing wrestler. Defending champion De ranked No. 1 in NCS with a 10-1-4 record. The Spartans La Salle has won seven of the have only allowed four goals past eight NCS dual and team in 15 games while scoring 44. titles. The NCS dual team Current projections have championship is Feb.11 while CVCHS, Concord, College the Section championships Park, De La Salle, Northgate are Feb. 24-25 at James and Ygnacio Valley all as Logan in Union City, a week before the State meet. locks for NCS boys berths. Carondelet lost the NCS
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 13
Concord hosting World Racquetball Tour’s West Coast Championship this week at Big C JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
Concord is hosting the World Racquetball Tour’s West Coast Championship this week through Sunday at the Big C Athletic Club, featuring some of the sport’s top-ranked players from across the Western Hemisphere. Over 100 players were signed up two weeks in advance with a large last-minute rush expected. Among those taking part in the professional and amateur competition are Big C members Kris
Dasso, Dave Homer, Bruce Presnick and Dave Sanderson. There are pro players from Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico and Chile joining a large contingent of American pros. “As one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s entertainment destinations, we are proud to host this exciting competition, which attracts the best professional racquetball players from around the world,” said Pedro Garcia, Concord economic development specialist. “For years, the city has been the training ground for Olympians. The WRT is a natu-
ral extension of our city’s strong athletic tradition.” The West Coast Championship provides a platform for those new to racquetball to showcase and grow their skills. The tournament kicked off with a charity pro-am doubles event, where amateurs match up with a WRT pro player in a roundrobin style event. Tournament admission is free for spectators and will include entertainment, giveaways and contests. Fans can view the West Coast Championship through Facebook Live
streaming on the WRT Facebook Page (@WorldRballTour) during the Round of 16s this Friday. The WRT will also have a free, professional broadcast of the tournament beginning with the quarter- and semi- finals Saturday and ending on Sunday with the finals. The WRT broadcast is free to watch at WorldRacquetballTour.com. The WRT is a professional racquetball tour dedicated to growing the sport by providing a world-class platform for players to showcase their talents and develop their careers.
Diablo FC 05 girls win State Cup Gold title
Photo courtesy Diablo fC
Diablo fC 05 Blue girls won the NorCal Premier Gold A under 12 championship in Manteca. The local girls defeated the Roseville Strikers 3-2 in the State Cup finals. The team coach by Miguel Gonzales and Zach Pauline jumped off to a 3-0 lead in the finale capping a strong State Cup run. The girls also won the Soccer by the Bay tournament last summer. Diablo fC 05 Blue includes, front row from left, Joey Kremin, Katie Kavanagh, Cassidy Baker, Arlise Souza, erika Salazar; back row, coach Pauline, Kira Barrett, Lauren Gherlone, Amanda Monahan, Gia Bessolo, Lizzie Pauline, Abby Gee and head coach Gonzales.
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Most “Star Wars” fans think the original three films signify the high point of the series. When George Lucas decided to re-edit the originals and release three vastly inferior prequels, those new to the series got a raw deal. With the current release schedule for new “Star Wars” movies, it is a great time to get involved with the films. “Rogue One” is the first film in
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January 27, 2017
Socialize kitten now for a purr-fectly happy life instant hiding area. This also helps kitty get used to the carrier. Introduce your kitten to a scratching post or pad and encourage use by playing with toys over it. Reward with treats and verbal encouragement when he scratches the appropriate surface. Play with your kitten often, using interactive toys like wands. Never use your hands as toys or allow your kitten to bite or grab at hands, feet or
other body parts. If your kitten nips or swats, immediately stop playtime. Most kittens require a “cool down” period between playtime and petting, so avoid petting while he’s engaged in play. If your kitten shows “bad” behaviors, make a noise loud enough to interrupt, and then divert kitty’s attention with a toy. Never use physical correction like nose-tapping, scruffing or pushing. Using physical punishment with a young kit-
ten can cause him to become afraid of handling – or of you. With a little work, your kitten’s fun and enriching kittenhood will be filled with all sorts of diverse experiences to help him grow into a well-adjusted adult cat whose company you will enjoy for years to come. Elena Bicker is the Executive Director of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. She can be reached at (925) 2561ARF (1273)
Fernando and Mister Coal are this month’s ARF stars
FERNANDO
Three-year-old Fernando lights up with doggy friends and going on walks around the neighborhood. Fernando has an old soul, looking for a peaceful, quiet environment with a gentle adopter that will help him come out of his shell. This sweet boy will blossom with a little patience and lots of love. The adoption fee for dogs is $250 and includes a discount on the first six-week session of a manners class.
MISTER COAL
Three-year-old Mister Coal is a big boy with a big heart and lots of love to give. He’s a tad shy but quickly wants attention and petting and especially neck scratches. Mr. Coal is a big sweetie and will make one great couch companion. The adoption fee for a cat is $75. Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during
adoption hours: Noon to 6 pm Wednesday & Thursday, Noon to 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6 pm Saturday & Sunday.
Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www.arflife.org, or call (925) 2561ARF.
‘Rogue’ deserves a place in ‘Star Wars’ film family
the “Star Wars” universe to be made without an episode number. Yet it finds its place seamlessly within the canon. Director Gareth Edwards (“Godzilla,” 2004) has been a “Star Wars” fan all his life and comes from a visual effects background. Edwards’ fandom shines through as he masterfully blends some of the best elements from the other films in the series. The prequels had some neat effects but often leaned on them heavily. Edwards mixes in just the right amount, and they are eye-popping. The stories of the original films bounced back and forth between silly and dark. Save for some well-timed comedy relief by droid K-2 (Alan Tudyk), Edwards opts for the dark side. As Lucas paid homage to Akira Kurosawa’s “Throne of Blood” with “Episode IV,” Edwards does the same to Kurosawa’s “Seven Samurai.” A rag tag group of people from all walks of life gather together to try to capture the plans (yes, those plans) for the Death Star. Jyn Erso (a fierce, yet lovely Felicity Jones) is the daughter of the Death Star’s creator. With the dual mission of finding her father and stealing the plans, she recruits mysterious Rebel Alliance member Cassian Andor (Diego Luna). Rounding out the crew are exImperial pilot Bodhi (Riz Ahmed), one-with-the-force Imwe (Donnie Yen), his friend, mercenary Baze (Jiang Wen)
Diego Luna and felicity Jones star as leaders a rag tag band of rebels in ‘Rogue one.’
and K-2. For the first hour, “Star Wars” fans may feel an itch to see something or someone familiar to spark the plot. It is a bit hard to follow as the locations frequently shift and the characters and their motivations are all completely new. However, once Edwards reveals how everything ties into “Episode IV,” the film breathes a little better as the destiny of the characters becomes clear. The final act is a blistering battle both in space and on land. X-wings and TIE fighters swoop in and around battlecruisers, AT-ATs methodically plod around on the ground, and a handful of old characters make appearances – including an extremely poignant one at the end. Shot with beautiful exteriors, the film looks fantastic.
Despite almost 40 years between “Rogue One” and “Episode IV,” Edwards makes it look like they could have been filmed simultaneously. The interiors of the battleships, the uniforms and the weaponry all look archaic, yet at the same time, shiny and new. With the death of Carrie Fisher, people may feel the need to revisit Princess Leia and the rest of the beloved characters. “Rogue One” provides a mix of the old and the new that gives us hope that there will always be more stories to tell. B+ Jeff Mellinger is a screen writer and film buff. He holds a BA in Film Studies and an MFA in film production. He lives in Concord. Email comments to editor@claytonpioneer.com.
January 27, 2017
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
San Francisco housing market on fast track Q: Other than if one is super rich and price doesn’t matter, give me one reason that anyone would want to buy in San Francisco at today’s high prices. A: According to Bankrate.com, San Francisco is the best city in the country for wealth building. This is based on factors such as home ownership and debt burden. Homeownership is one of the most reliable paths to wealth, but accumulating it is easier in some areas than others. I was surprised at the diversity of Bankrate’s list. No. 2 is Minneapolis, 3 is Washington, D.C., 4 is St. Louis, Mo., and 5 is Detroit. “Different metro areas affect household abilities to amass wealth in different ways,” says Bankrate.com analyst Claes Bell. “In some metro areas, like San Francisco, homeownership can be prohibitively expensive, but higher than average salaries can help residents stash more money away in tax-advantaged retirement accounts. On the other hand, Minneapolis-area residents don’t earn as much, but the area’s affordable housing and recovering real estate market provide opportunities to build wealth over the long term
than one to get a feel for whether your personalities mesh. Ask for referrals and call them with tough questions if necessary. House hunters should look for agents who are serious about the business.
LyNNe fReNCH
REAL ANSWERS
through home equity.”
Q: I am ready to start the process of buying a home. How do I pick an agent to represent me? A: Since a transaction of this nature will certainly be among your most significant financial commitments, you need to choose the agent who is best suited to handle your specific desires. It pays to partner with the best real estate professional available. You should find an agent with a proven track record. They should work full time in real estate. Check to see who is selling real estate in the area you are looking. Look for a Realtor who seems comfortable and experienced. You can interview more
Q: I am having a hard time finding the perfect property to buy. With a low inventory, how can I improve my chances? A: It is just the beginning of the year. Many people have
CHRiSTiNe KoGuT
SAVVY SENIOR
On top of the general decline in physical and mental functions associated with old age, it isn’t fair that people have to look so goofy, too. My ears are getting bigger. My nose is growing larger. My hips are spreading wider. Maybe capacious ears help me detect commotion sooner
Page 15
plans to sell but were waiting until after the holidays. So more inventory will come on the market. If you are using a local specialist, they can get new listing information to you quickly through networking with other local Realtors. When you find the right property, they can advise you what to offer if you find yourself in competition. Be sure you and your Realtor agree on what you want. If your wish list is too restrictive, you might have to compromise
one thing in order to get another. For instance, you might want a three-car garage but a home in a better location might have a two-car garage. The broader your options, the more listings you’ll see. And the less frustrated you will feel. Suggest that your Realtor look at homes that were formerly on the market in an area you like. These are called expired and withdrawn listings. The property came off the market for one reason or another, but these homeown-
ers might want to sell their homes now. Also let your colleagues and friends know what you desire in a home. They might have heard about someone who plans on selling.
so I can avoid impending danger. Or my considerable nose may help me ferret out delicate nuances of fragrances to compensate for my failing eye sight. It really doesn’t matter that I can’t see well enough to drive at night anymore because the doctor’s office, grocery stores and thrift stores are closed anyway. And perhaps my Rubenesque hips enable me to fit into chairs more comfortably. I might as well be cozy if I’m going to be more sedentary. On the upside, I don’t need
to spend money on blush any longer. Rosacea has that covered. My feet have gotten wider, so I fit into therapeutic shoes better. Still, two of my best assets aren’t anymore, and I’ve developed a wattle and a waddle. Is there some cosmic reason for these disfigurements? Actually, yes. Cartilage is connective tissue found throughout the body. When we age, the cartilage in our ears and noses begins to droop. Cheeks and lips lose volume over time as well.
But take heart. Should you find yourself single in retirement, just stand next to someone older and droopier than you. You’ll turn into the Venus de Milo of the Bingo Hall.
with the Mt. Diablo Elementary site on Clayton Road. The original school opened its doors to students in 1863, situated on the current school’s playing field. In 1890, the two-room wooden building enrolled 111 children and employed two teachers and one headmaster. The school closed in 1947, after 84 years of operation, and was rebuilt in 1955 in its current location. A monument on the school property is dedicated to the memory of former students, teachers, principals and trustees and to town founder Joel Clayton, who gave the land for Clayton’s first “public school.” Morgan Territory and Lime Quarry Schools were open around the same time as Mt Diablo, educating children during the height of Clayton’s mining and agricultural prosperity in the
late 1800s. The Clayton Museum has had a small room dedicated to school life for some time. Many existing pieces will be incorporated into this exhibit, along with newly acquired items. The exhibit features a large framed photo of students in front of the original Mt. Diablo Elementary School taken in 1914, plus student report cards, classroom furnishings, the coat of a headmaster and a desk bell with an antique, but stern-sounding chime. These intimate objects were generously collected from schools and community members, as well as documents and photos from the Contra Costa History Center. Another valuable resource is a group of “old timers” who come together once a month to discuss and
share events, history and memories of yesteryears. “School Days” is the creation of Mike Wendorf, Clayton Historical Society president. “The idea of ‘School Days’ has been a great opportunity to do something new and fun. The history that this exhibit represents, from recognizing street names throughout Clayton that come from the descendants of the pioneering families to possibly recognizing the name of an extended family member in a photo or report card, make this exhibit very special.”
installed, and users are ignoring or don’t know about antimalware or cyber security. Retail versions of anti-virus simply are being outclassed by the professional criminal’s intent to hack into your PC or network. If you know how to install, update and eliminate threats, you’re ahead of most users. According to the Ohio Department of Justice, a couple from Romania are charged with criminal conspiracy for creating and distributing malware by claiming to be a telegram from Western Union, an update notice from Norton Antivirus or the IRS trying to collect taxes. After the malware was surreptitiously installed, it spread to the user’s friends by harvesting the email address. They took more than $4 million from bank accounts. This is just one of more than 35,000
bad companies, and gobs more individual hackers trying to attack you. “The defendants were also able to inject fake pages into legitimate websites, such as eBay, to make victims believe they were receiving and following instructions from legitimate websites, when they were actually following the instructions of the defendants,” the DOJ reported. “When victims with infected computers visited websites such as Facebook, PayPal, eBay or others, the defendants would intercept the request and redirect the computer to a nearly identical website they had created. The defendants would then steal account credentials, (i.e. login user name and passwords),” the DOJ said. “They used the stolen credit card information to fund their criminal infrastructure,
including renting server space, registering domain names using fictitious identities and paying for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which further concealed their identities.” If you are a victim of cyber crime, file a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov/default.aspx. To avoid being hacked, seek out a managed cyber crime specialist known as an MSP, Managed Service Provider, who will monitor suspicious activity and kill it. CUSA-Care Security, promoted by local experts at ComputersUSA, has a superb record protecting customers against cyber criminals with its MSP offering. William Claney is an independent tech writer and former owner of Computers USA in the Clayton Station. Email questions or comments to willclaney@gmail.com.
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.
Mirror, mirror on the wall – I’d rather not age after all
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
Weather changes with ‘School Days’ exhibit at Clayton jet stream shifts Museum takes a page from the past WOODY WHITLATCH WEATHER WORDS
A few days after Christmas, I was concerned about having enough covering for my outdoor plants to protect them from a hard freeze during the first week of 2017. Weather models showed a mass of frigid air headed south into California, with lows in the 20s forecast for the Bay Area. As it turned out, the models changed their tune by New Year’s Eve. The revised forecast included a series of storms for the Bay Area, but minimum temperatures would be 15 to 20 degrees warmer than originally anticipated. The change was due to shifts in jet stream wind currents over the Central Pacific, which forced a shift in the jet stream winds over the western United States. A jet stream is a band, or river, of strong winds in the upper levels of the troposphere – the lowest layer of earth’s atmosphere. The fastest winds in the jet are concentrated 6-10 miles above the surface of the earth. Jet streams form in boundary zones that divide warm and cold air masses. Due to the rotation of the earth, jet streams move west to east. That means California weather is largely affected by winds that cross the Pacific Ocean. Natural factors like the Coriolis force, curvature of the earth and temperature gradients between air masses cause jet streams to vary in strength and location. These forces also lead the jet to travel as a wave in the atmosphere. Wave amplitudes slowly increase and decrease as environmental factors change. There are two distinct jet stream currents above the Northern Hemisphere. The
northern jet branch, called the polar jet, is typically situated north of California – between 40 and 60N latitude. The subtropical jet is usually between 30 and 40N. The polar jet tends to move south during winter. Stormy weather is often associated with troughs in the jet stream waves. Our winter storms result when those troughs move across the Pacific toward the California coast. When a stationary high amplitude polar jet wave develops over the eastern Pacific, northerly winds may deliver a blast of cold dry polar air – often called an “Arctic Express” – to our state. Since temperature contrasts between air masses at southern latitudes are weaker than those separated by the polar jet, the subtropical jet is often weaker than its northern counterpart. Additionally, the wave pattern of the subtropical jet has less amplitude, resulting in longer wavelengths. Occasionally, a semi-stationary subtropical jet stream wave trough forms in the Central Pacific. It provides a pathway for a steady stream of moisture-laden air to reach California and produce periods of heavy rain. This subtropical jet pattern is known as an “Atmospheric River,” but many of us are more familiar with the term “Pineapple Express.” In late December, initial weather models forecast a polar jet stream pattern that would send an Arctic Express to the Bay Area. When the subtropical jet began to develop an atmospheric river pattern in the Pacific, model predictions changed drastically. Forecasts of a hard freeze were replaced by the heavy storms and flooding we saw these past few weeks. Instead of protecting our plants, I cleared the leaves from the storm drain – all because of changes in the jet stream.
JENNIFER LEISCHER Correspondent
A new exhibit at the Clayton Museum provides a well-rounded history of what community schools were like in the late 1800s and early 1900s, “School Days: A Celebration of Historic Schools of the Clayton Area” focuses on three community schools: the original Mt Diablo Elementary School, also known as “the Clayton School,” Morgan Territory School and Lime Quarry School. “I’m so excited to share this exhibit with the community,” says museum curator Renee Wing. “The exhibit will provide a wonderful history about our schools and share a glimpse of what school was like 130 years ago.” Many residents are familiar
WiLL CLANey
TECH TALK
Cyber crime is a huge criminal activity, with an annual take of more than a trillion dollars worldwide. And you can bet it’s happening right here to you or your neighbor. Last year, I talked with seven people in Clayton and Concord who were swindled out of an average of $7,000 each. No one is exempt from the threat, and only a few are protected with managed antivirus, anti-malware with cyber security. Due to the sophistication and resources of the criminals, Woody Whitlatch is a meteor- standard retail anti-virus and ologist retired from PG&E. Email anti-malware are not enough your questions or comments to protection any longer. Many clayton_909@yahoo.com computers only have anti-virus
“School Days” will be open Wednesday, Feb. 15, through Wednesday, June 21. The Clayton Museum, at 6101 Main St., is open 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays. Admission is free. For more information, call 925-672-0240.
Resolve to protect yourself from cyber crime in 2017
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T H E ARTS
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
January 27, 2017
‘Port Chicago 50’ details tragic tale
SALLy HoGARTy
STAGE STRUCK On a cool summer night in 1944, the world changed forever in the East Bay town of Port Chicago. Munitions destined for World War II’s Pacific Theater exploded while being loaded onto a cargo vessel, killing 320 sailors and civilians and injuring 390 others. Of those, 435 were listed as African-American sailors. A month later, unsafe conditions inspired 258 AfricanAmerican servicemen to refuse to load munitions. After being threatened with the death penalty, 208 of these men reluctantly returned to work. The remaining 50, however, were tried and convicted of mutiny and sentenced to 17 years of hard labor as well as dishonorable discharges. Forty-seven were released in January 1946 and given a general discharge, with the remaining three serving additional months in prison. In 1999, President Bill Clinton pardoned Freddie Meeks, the last living sailor. On July 11, 2016, the California Assembly filed Joint Resolution No. 33 to pardon all members of the Port Chicago 50. The story of this disgraceful saga in American history comes to Pittsburg’s California
Jamie Jones, Lynda DiVito and elisabeth Nunziato are best friends in Center ReP’s “Women in Jeopardy,” Jan 27feb.25 at the Lesher Center.
Anika Mcfall and CJ Dickinson star in “Port Chicago 50” in Pittsburg feb. 10-12
Theatre Feb. 10-12. Written by David Shackelford and Dennis Rowe, who also directs, “The Port Chicago 50” features Hal Williams of “227” TV fame as Freddie Meeks. For more information and tickets, call 925-427-1611 or go to www.pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. Onstage Theatre begins 2017 with the story of three
middle-aged men, inseparable as adolescents, reuniting beneath a magical Catfish moon. Everything goes well until one man discovers one of the others is dating his ex-wife. “These three try to recapture their youth while fishing on a favorite boyhood pier,” says director Helen Means. “With everything going on in the world right now, this comedy allows us to focus on friends and family.” “Catfish Moon,” featuring Randall Nott, Siobhan O’Brien, Edwin Peabody and Michael Wedgley, runs Jan. 27Feb. 11 at the Martinez Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St. in Martinez. Call 925- 518-3277 or visit onstagetheatre.homestead.com. It’s “Thelma and Louise” meets “The First Wives Club” Khary Moye (L) and Kimberly Ridgeway battle over the famwhen Center Rep opens the ily’s piano in August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prizing winning play flirtatious new comedy “The Piano Lesson,” at the Village Theatre in Danville. “Women in Jeopardy.” Running Jan. 27-Feb. 25 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts, the story follows Mary and Jo as they try to save their friend Liz from her new weirdo dentist boyfriend. They trade in their wine glasses for Over 100 paintings by Russian spy glasses when the dentist’s artist Ludmila Pawlowska plus hygienist goes missing. traditional icons from Vassilevsky Directed by Michael Butler, Monastery in Russia the cast includes Elisabeth Show shared by St. Michael and All Angels-Concord, Nunziato, Lynda DiVito and 2925 Bonifacio Street and Jamie Jones. Call 925-943St. John’s-Clayton, 5555 Clayton Rd. SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org for tickets. Through Feb. 17, both churches. It’s all about the piano as At St. Michael’s: Fridays 6 pm – 8 pm Role Players Ensemble presSaturdays & Sundays 2 pm – 5 pm ents August Wilson’s “The At St. John’s: Sundays 2 pm – 5 pm Piano Lesson” Feb. 3-19 at the
Icons in Transformation
Other times by appointment by calling 925-890-7839
Village Theatre, 233 Front St., Danville. For Willie, selling the piano means a new start in life while for his sister, it means selling the family’s soul. Winner of the 1990 Pulitzer Prize, Wilson’s thoughtful story asks questions about identity, the value of family and how our histories shape our choices. Eric Fraisher Hayes directs a talented cast featuring Khary Moye and Kimberly Ridgeway as the feuding siblings. For tickets, call 925314-3400 or go to www.roleplayersensemble.com. Following his hit Showtime special “Ask Your Mom,” Don Friesen brings his smart, savvy high-caffeinated comedy to Pittsburg’s California Theatre at 7 p.m. Jan. 28. With a unique style that can best be described as frenetic and engaging, Friesen is a sub-
urban dad who just tries to get through the day with a bit of money in the bank and a scrap of dignity left. Call 925-427-1611 or go to www.pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. New Zealand-born baritone Hadleigh Adams comes to Antioch’s El Campanil Theatre at 3 p.m. Feb. 19 for a concert featuring the classical tunes of Broadway. Recently performing at London’s Royal National Theatre and the Sydney Opera House, the acclaimed opera singer showcases his passion for musical theater in this concert that includes songs from “The Phantom of the Opera,” “South Pacific” and “Les Miserables” as well as other classics from the songbooks of Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber. For tickets, call 925757-9500 or go to www.elcampaniltheatre.com.
Mike Kirwan
Clayton Theatre Company’s Don Stone won the Shellie for Best Lighting for “Rumors”
design for Onstage Theatre’s “Bloody Murder”; Don Stone, best lighting design for Clayton Theatre’s “Rumors”; and Charlotte Kinsella, best supCongratulations to the 23 porting actress for Brentwood recipients of the coveted Shel- Theatre’s “Brighton Beach lie Award, given out Jan. 14 at a Memoirs.” gala awards night at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center. The Sally Hogarty is well known awards celebrate excellence in around the Bay Area as a newspathe performing arts in Central per columnist, theatre critic and Contra Costa County. working actress. She is the editor of Local recipients include the Orinda News. Send comments Diane McRice, best scenic to sallyhogarty@gmail.com
‘Splendid Suns’ debuts at ACT “A Thousand Splendid Suns” is the epic story of three generations of Afghan women who are bound together by marriage, family and a secret past amid the war-torn streets of modern-day Kabul. Based on the best-selling novel by Khaled Hosseini, “Suns” plays Feb. 1-26 at ACT’s Geary Theater in San Francisco. Playwright Ursula
Rani Sarma adapted the book, with original music written and performed by composer and saw player David Coulter (Kronos Quartet and the Black Rider). Strong-willed Laila, unmarried and pregnant, is forced to marry her older neighbor when her family and home are torn apart. In her new home, she forges an extraordinary and
unlikely friendship with Mariam, her husband’s first wife, and together the two women find the hope and strength to raise a new generation. Carey Perloff directs this world premiere, which is a co-production with Theatre Calgary. For tickets, call 415.749.2228 or visit tickets.act-sf.org.
Oakhurst Country Club
Celebrate winter with a new membership at one of the area's best country clubs. Membership Includes:
• Access to our beautiful clubhouse with amenities such as a fully stocked pro shop with special member pricing • Formal and casual dining and a private members' lounge • Yearlong calendar of social activities, dining events, and golf & tennis tournaments • Access to our Junior Olympic-sized swimming pool and state-of-the-art fitness center and childcare facilities.
Contact us today to take a private tour of the club and join us for lunch, on us.
Call Susie at (925) 672-9737, ext. 205 or email ssutton@oakhurstcc.com. 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton
www.oakhurstcc.com
CALENDAR
January 27, 2017
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. FEB. 15 FOR THE FEB. 25 Mondays Off the Grid
IN CONCORD
ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO
Feb. 25 Perkins Canyon Family Walk
Rotating lineup of food trucks. 5 – 8 p.m. 2151 Salvio Street. offthegridsf.com.
Tuesdays Farmers’ Market
See views of Marsh Creek watershed, unique geology and learn about mercury mining at the foot of Mount Diablo. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meet at Morgan Territory Road Parking Lot. Reservations required.
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Tuesdays year round, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org.
Tuesdays Walnut Creek Chorus Rehearsal
Learn how to be a part of statewide movement for quality health care. Speakers include Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and Congressman George Miller, Ret. 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. First Christian Church of Concord, 3039 Willow Pass Road. Free. For more information, contact David Sharples at dsharples@calorganize.org or (510)269-4692.
Jan. 27 Audra McDonald with Will Swenson in Concert
Jan. 28 Health Care Town Hall Meeting
Jan. 29 Super Valentine’s Boutique
Valentine’s gifts, clothing, activities, raffle. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Hilton Concord Hotel, 1970 Diamond Blvd. Free admission. supervalentinesboutique.com.
Feb. 9, Mar. 9 Advance Health Care Directives
Contra Costa Senior Legal Services, the city of Concord and members of AIG’s legal department offer this legal clinic to prepare and notarize advance health care directives for seniors 60 and older who reside in Contra Costa County. 9:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle. Free. Call the Senior Center at (925) 671-3320 to sign up for private appointment and free notarizing.
Jun. 7 Chicago and The Doobie Brothers
Tickets on sale now. 7:30 p.m. Concord Pavilion, 2000 Kirker Pass Road. livenation.com.
Feb. 12 Camellia Tea
IN CLAYTON
Clayton Historical Society’s 40th annual Camellia Tea and Open House with special honoree’s, the museum garden volunteers. Camellia display and refreshments. Children welcome with adults. 1 – 4 p.m. Clayton Museum, 6101 Main St. Free. claytonhistory.org. (925) 672-0240.
Starting Feb. 15 “School Days”
Clayton Museum’s newest exhibit celebrating historic schools in the Clayton area. Museum open Wednesdays and Sundays from 2 – 4 p.m. 6101 Main St. Free admission; donations welcome. claytonhistory.org. (925) 672-0240.
ON AND AROUND THE MOUNTAIN
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve programs are available for registration through ebparks.org. Parking fees may apply. For additional information, contact Black Diamond Visitor Center at (510) 544-2750 or bdvisit@ebparks.org.
Jan. 28 East Side Rocky Ramble
Travel through some of the most scenic and least-visited parts of the park. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Meet at Black Diamond Mines.
Feb. 4 The Morning Side of Mount Diablo
Steep, five-mile hike through green, grassy ridges and forests. 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Meet at Morgan Territory Road Staging Area. John Muir National Historic Site preserves the home, landscapes and gravesite of conservationist and national park advocate John Muir. Go to nps.gov/jomu for more information.
Jan. 28 Roadmap to the Night Sky
Join the park rangers for a stargazing adventure. 6 – 7:30 p.m. John Muir NHS, 4202 Alhambra Ave., Martinez. Free.
Mount Diablo Interpretive Association programs listed are free with the exception of park entrance fee. Go to mdia.org and click on Events Calendar for more information.
Jan. 27 Sycamore Canyon
Hike to Sycamore Canyon and over to Knobcone Point. 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Meet at Curry Point Trailhead.
Feb. 3 Black Point
Hike to the summit of Black Point at elevation 1,791 feet. 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Trailhead.
Feb. 17 Frog Pond
Hike to secluded Frog Pond then up to Green Ranch. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Meet at Curry Point Trailhead.
Feb. 26 Amphibians of Contra Costa County
Drop in and learn about local amphibians with an emphasis on salamanders and newts. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Summit Museum.
Save Mount Diablo’s Discover Diablo is a free public hike series. Go to discover-diablo.eventbrite.com for more information.
Feb. 5 Marsh Creek 8 Property Tour
Experience blue oak woodlands, a meandering creek and beautiful views of Mount Diablo. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meet at 14350 Marsh Creek Road, Clayton. Reservations required.
All voices welcome. 7 – 9 p.m. Trinity Lutheran Church, 2317 Buena Vista Ave., Walnut Creek. walnutcreekchorus.com.
Presented by Feinstein’s Presents. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $75$105. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Jan. 27 – 29 “Fiddler on the Roof JR”
Presented by Poison Apple Productions. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Jan. 27 – Feb. 11 “Catfish Moon”
Presented by Onstage Repertory Theatre. Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St., Martinez. $12-$18. live@campbelltheater.com. (925) 518-3277.
Jan. 27 – Feb. 25 “Women in Jeopardy!”
Fun and flirtatious new comedy presented by Center REPertory. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $33$55. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Jan. 28 Don Friesen
Smart and savvy, highly-caffeinated comedy. 8 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $17-$20. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611.
Feb. 3 “Causing a Scene”
Act II Improv performs. 7:45 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Feb. 3 James Monroe Iglehart in Concert
Presented by Feinstein’s Presents. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $62.50-$92.50. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Feb. 3 – 4 “Body and Soul”
Soulful ballet program featuring romantic duet. Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. $27-$47. diabloballet.org.
Feb. 4 Pre-Super Bowl Bay Area Comedy Jam
A night of laughter and live music performances. 8 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $10-$30. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611.
Feb. 4 “Sinatra Sings The Big Bands”
Presented by West Coast Performing Arts Presenters. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Feb. 4 – 5 “Song and Dance”
Presented by Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra. 2 p.m. Feb. 4: El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $7-$15. elcampaniltheatre.com. Feb. 5: Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10-$30. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 9437469.
Feb. 9 - 25 “Man of Letters: A View of Oscar Wilde”
Original theatrical work by Alan Cameron. B8 Theatre Company, 2292 Concord Blvd., Concord. $20-$25. b8theatre.org. (925) 890-8877.
Feb. 10 – 12 “Patience”
Presented by Lamplighters Musical Theatre. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $50-$55. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Feb. 10 – 12 “Port Chicago 50”
Inspired by true events at the navy shipyard in Port Chicago in 1944. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $20-$35. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611.
Feb. 10 – Mar. 5 “Ghost”
Presented by OMG, I Love That Show! Productions. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $39-$44. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Feb. 11 “Abbacadabra”
Performing 20 of ABBA’s greatest hits. 3 and 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $15-$32. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Feb. 11 Aloe Day Tours and Sweets with Your Sweetie
Guided aloe tours with refreshments at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Guided aloe tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Self-guided tours 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Ruth Bancroft Garden, 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. $8-$10 regular admission. $50-$65/couple Sweets event; registration required. ruthbancroftgarden.org. (925) 9449352.
Feb. 16 “Charlotte’s Web”
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Presented by Theatreworks USA. 11:45 a.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
newsandcalendar@concordpioneer.com
Feb. 17 “Journey Unauthorized: A Live Rock Tribute to Journey”
Presented by West Coast Performing Arts. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Feb. 18 “Come Together: The Beatles Concert Experience”
Presented by West Coast Performing Arts. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Feb. 18 - 19 “Mariachi Meets the Symphony”
Experience an afternoon of music from Mexico and Brazil. 2 p.m. Feb. 18: Concord High School, 4200 Concord Blvd., Concord. Free. Feb. 19: Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $35. diablosymphony.org.
Feb. 19 “Classical Broadway”
Hadleigh Adams performs. 3 pm. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $10-$25. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Feb. 22 – Apr. 23 “John”
A visceral ghost story with a millennial twist. A.C.T.’s Strand Theater, 1127 Market St., San Francisco. $20-$105. act-sf.org. (415)749-2228.
Feb. 24 “Zep Live! The Led Zeppelin Concert Experience” Presented by West Coast Performing Arts. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Feb. 26 Pinchas Zukerman
Presented by Chamber Music San Francisco. 3 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40-$70. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
CHURCHES AND RELIGION
Feb. 11 Annual Daddy-Daughter Dance
Open to the public: girls and dads, uncles, granddads and friends of all ages. Professional portrait, dessert and dancing. Woodland Fairy theme. Sponsored by Clayton Community Church. 6:30 – 9 p.m. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. $25 per couple; $5 each additional guest. Register at claytoncc.com/daddydaughter. For more information, contact Carol Gaiser at cgaiser@pacbell.net or (925) 890-5301.
Feb. 18 Concert
Featuring original music by Durwynne Hsieh along with a variety of chamber music. 7:30 p.m. Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. $15. cvpresby.org.
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.
Mar. 4 Banquet
Dinner, auction, raffle; adults only. Proceeds benefit Ygnacio Valley High Athletics. 6:30 – 10:30 p.m. St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 1601 Mary Drive, Pleasant Hill. $35; $40 after Feb. 10. For tickets and more information, contact Heidi at heidihastings@att.net or (925) 671-6861.
AT THE LIBRARY
The Concord Library is at 2900 Salvio St. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at ccclib.org or (925) 646-5455. Jan. 30: STEAM, 7 p.m. Feb. 1, 8: About Face: Veteran Self-Portrait Painting Workshop, 2:30 p.m. Registration required. Feb. 2: Origami, 4 p.m. Feb. 6: Movie Monday, 7 p.m. Feb. 7: Watercolor texturing techniques, 1 p.m. Feb. 13: Crafts from the Heart, 7 p.m. Registration req. Feb. 21: Teen Tuesday, 4 p.m. Feb. 23: Master Gardeners, 6:30 p.m.
The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at claytonlibrary.org or call (925) 673-0659. Feb. 1 – 28: Catch a Dragon by the Tale; reading program kindergarten through 3rd grade Feb. 2: Valentine Craft, 4 p.m. Feb. 13: Clayton Knits, 1:30 p.m. Feb. 13: Clayton Library Book Club, 7 p.m.
GOVERNMENT
1st, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays Concord City Council
6:30 p.m., Council Chamber, Concord Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Dr. cityofconcord.org.
1st and 3rd Wednesdays Concord Planning Commission
7 p.m. Council Chamber, Concord Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Dr. cityofconcord.org.
Meeting dates and times for local clubs and organizations are listed at concordpioneer.com. Click on ‘Links’
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SCHOOLS Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
January 27, 2017
Digital Safari students go beyond the cutting edge TAMARA STEINER Concord Pioneer
From wristbands that detect a health crisis and call for help to a fabric using nanotechnology that expands and contracts with temperature changes, the students of Mt. Diablo High School’s Digital Safari Academy had it covered at the 12th annual Digital Safari Innovation Fair at Centre Concord Jan. 13. With the goal of “making innovation as cool as music and as exciting as sports,” the fair is the culminating event to a semester-long entrepreneurial training program for seniors. Students in teams of 4-8 work with a mentor and form virtual companies that develop innovative, “beyond the edge” products. Each company prepares a business plan, including financial projections and marketing
the $1,000 scholarship award. FoodGaze is a hand-held scanner that detects the chemical composition of food. A past experience with a close friend who suddenly developed a life-threatening allergy to soy gave Allison the inspiration for the product. The device flips open, and the user drops a bit of food into a slot in the scanner. A small screen on the front of the device displays the chemical composition of the sample and warns of health-threatening bacteria or allergens. Four runner-up companies, also all health-oriented, shared honorable mention. Comfort Cloud is a pillow Charlie Martin Torres, Brandon Alvarez, Allison Wilson and Karen Lopez took top honors that uses EEG technology to at the Digital Safari innovation fair for their foodGaze scanner. help post-traumatic stress patients sleep through the night. strategy. For two hours during can invest their “fair” dollars in consultants and investors. This F.R.E.D is a tiny, surgically the tech expo portion of the the start-up companies. year, the panel chose the implanted chip that continuously event, the teams are available The top five then pitch their FoodGaze team headed by to potential “investors” who ideas to a panel of real business CEO Allison Wilson to receive
monitors the body and alerts the wearer to potential health risks. Nanofiber, a fabric using nanotechnology, expands and contracts with temperature changes. Bliss is a jacket with built-in air pockets that a user can activate to give themselves a sense of calm, like a mother calming a crying child. It was designed for those who deal with Sensory Processing Disorder, which often goes untreated and is incurable. The Innovation Fair is sponsored by the Patrick and Shirley Campbell Foundation, Heritage Bank of Commerce, the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, the city of Concord and JFK University.
To see the full list of the companies competing at this year’s Innovation Fair, visit the website www.innovationfair.org.
AVID brings the future It’s too early to give up on new resolutions one step closer to reality As we head into difficult as breaking 2017, everyone has old ones. However, their heads held high as you become more as they develop new and more engaged goals and resoluin new habits, they tions. However, become easier to within a few months, keep. weeks or even days, According to those new goals and Statistic Brain, the Lauren Curtis wishes slip through YGNACIO VALLEY top three New the fingers of most CORRESPONDENT Year’s resolutions people. are losing weight, As I’ve made my way getting organized and saving through high school, I’ve money. Many people find it learned more about New Year’s easy to successfully work on resolutions and how to accom- their goals for the first week or plish even the hardest ones. two. But once we hit February, Creating new habits is about as everyone slowly starts to fall
off. By the middle of the month, most people have stopped working on their goals. According to Huffington Post, it takes 66 days to develop a habit. If you start on goals and resolutions on Jan. 1, you would have to successfully work on the goal until early March before it could become a habit. So push yourself to make it that far, even if you struggle. Once you get to a certain point, eating healthy, staying organized and spending less money become so much easier in your daily life. If you a miss a day or two
here and there, it’s OK. Learn from the feelings you experienced that day and push yourself to accomplish the goal the next day. Expect rough days. There are going to be days where something unexpected takes place and you are unable to work on your goals. Motivational speaker Les Brown says: “Review your goals twice every day in order to be focused on achieving them.”
Lauren Curtis is a senior at Ygnacio Valley High. Email comments and questions to editor@concordpioneer.com.
YV winter clothing drive a huge success MEMORY WOODARD Special to the Pioneer
Two Ygnacio Valley High classrooms wound up donating the same amount of winter clothing items during YV Interact’s 4th annual Winter Clothing Drive in December. The two winning classrooms – Andrew Hubbel’s 11th grade AP U.S. history class and Maria Filipinia’s special education class – each earned a pizza party from Interact and the Rotary Club of Concord. The two classrooms turned in more than 500 of the 1,500-plus articles of winter clothing collected. Blankets and all types and sizes of clothing for adults and children were donated to local homeless and needy families. Partnering for the fourth year with Anka Behavioral Health in Concord, Interact arranged for the collection to be picked up by the homeless advocacy organization. They
My first article AVID has for the Concord evolved over the Pioneer highlightlast two years, ed a new program cementing its place at Concord High as a stepping stone called AVID. Since for students with the summer of their sights on col2015, AVID has lege. I have seen the blossomed into an positive impact this Aasim Yahya important part of program has had on CONCORD HIGH the school. my peers. They feel CORRESPONDENT AVID, which prepared, excited stands for Advancement Via and optimistic about futures Individual Determination, is that at one point may have not an elective course offered to all felt so concrete. grade levels. It teaches skills The program is a collection such as organization and time of determined and focused management while building a students who are more a family family-like atmosphere. than classmates. “We have Students work with tutors grown over these two years, during class to not only get and CHS is hopeful about the help but to learn how they can progress and future of the use each other to develop program,” says AVID coordiproblem-solving skills. In addi- nator Leah Darby. tion, AVID students use class Aasim is a junior at Concord time to work on developing their futures and creating solid High. He currently serves as ASB plans. This includes conduct- President, Journalism Editor-Ining research on colleges and Chief, and is a member of the CHS preparing for standardized Cross Country team. Send comtests such as the SAT and ACT. ments to editor@concordpioneer.com
Spirit of cooperation shines at basketball game
A magical moment players understood occurred at the the set-up. Mount Diablo Clayton made High School freshboth free throws. man boys’ basketWhen MDHS ball game on Jan. inbounded the ball, 13. one of the MD MDHS was players ran straight down by 40 points to the basket and in the fourth quar- Liane Cismowski scored – right in ter against Clayton front of Alex. With MDHS PRINCIPAL Valley Charter only a few seconds Andrew Hubbel’s AP history class was one of two that earned a pizza party and Rotary High School, so the left in the game, Club recognition for their winter clothing collection drive. clock would only stop for time CVCHS inbounded the ball outs. With only a few minutes and passed the ball straight to delivered it all the same after- cold nights ahead. dents, teachers and staff for to go, Coach Ryan Leuschen Alex. He missed the first shot. noon to those in need of a Congratulations and a this year’s exceptional collec- called his last time out. He told Clayton rebounded, only to warm coat or blanket for the huge thanks to all YV stu- tion effort. the team he wanted Alex, a stu- pass the ball back to Alex. He dent in the life skills class, to get kept shooting, receiving passes a shot. He positioned him on from the other team. the MDHS side of the floor, Even though the clock had close to the basket. run out, CVCHS kept passing MDHS fouled Clayton and Alex the ball until he finally Joe Ronco/Owner 925-872-3049 put them on the free throw made a basket. The whole gym line. The clock was still ticking, erupted in cheers and both jaroncoconstruction.com and the Clayton coach caught teams gave Alex high-fives and on to what Leuschen was try- congratulations. ing to do. With 25.7 seconds This experience is repreleft in the game, CVCHS called sentative of what sports proa time out while the team was grams and sportsmanship can shooting free throws. and should be about: positive, Leuschen told his team to supportive and characterdribble the ball down the court building play for students from to Alex and pass the ball to all schools and of all abilities. him so that he could get a shot Thank you to both coaches before the clock ran out. The and teams. 35 years Clayton/ Clayton coach called back to Concord resident Send comments and questions to Lic#844344 back timeouts to ensure his editor@concordpioneer.com
Arts curriculum expands minds and imaginations January 27, 2017
At Clayton Valley Charter High School, the administration believes every student deserves an exceptional and comprehensive education – including visual and performing arts. Decades of research demonstrates that an arts curriculum is closely linked to student success in academic achievement, social development, civic engagement and equitable opportunities. That’s why the staff places so much emphasis on getting students excited about the arts. The Clayton Arts Academy, a three-course integrated academic program, is for students who are arts-focused. Under the leadership of Elizabeth Abbott, the program provides an artistic avenue for students to fulfill academic requirements along with intensive, in-depth training in their areas of artistic interests. CVCHS also inspires Broad-
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Jordan Steinberg, junior, and Matthew Pruitt, senior, perform in CVCHS mystery farce, “Lucky Stiff.”
way’s next heralded performers, designers and technicians. Last weekend, students delivered an outstanding performance of “Lucky Stiff,” an offbeat, humorous murder mystery farce complete with mistaken identities, $6 million in diamonds, the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn and a corpse in a wheelchair.
Patrick Gaffney, Ed.D. CVCHS PRINCIPAL
Big benefits come with everyday cycling
spark an interest that allows students to further explore their passion for the arts. CVCHS is fortunate to have dedicated visual arts instructors such as Evan Hughes. He’s responsible for furthering students’ passions while also developing curiosity with young enthusiasts through the middle school outreach programs. I’m proud that CVCHS staff has made great strides toward inspiring and showcasing the students’ outstanding talents. As a school community, it’s our responsibility to ensure that all students benefit from the opportunity to experience the arts as an essential part of achieving success in school, work and life.
MARyAM RoBeRTS
BIKE CONCORD
I live close to the Iron Horse Bravo to all of those involved, Trail, and I encounter a few difincluding director Elizabeth ferent types of cyclists riding Emigh and technical director along the path. Sunny Shergill. There are the fast and sleek Hundreds of other students recreational cyclists, decked out participate in individual instrucin their Lycra team kits, matchtion, such as art history, ceraming shoes, helmets, jerseys and ics, electronic media, photograshorts with logos. phy and video production. After school and on weekSend comments and questions to These stand-alone subjects often editor@concordpioneer.com ends, I come alongside the slower-moving family riders. My family counts in this category. We move together, parents book-ending the kids as we shout reminders to stay to the right, stop at intersections and pass on the left. It’s fun to get port and encouragement that friends to be a part of her proj- out and enjoy the fresh air, bike other students do have, to give ect and soon plans to walk into to a park in a neighboring city them the self-confidence that a the quad at lunch and choose a and have a picnic together. lot of kids need nowadays,” student at random to interview. Then there are the everyday explains Yennifer. The project aims to bring cyclists. I see them with their full The Humans of CVCHS the students of Clayton Valley backpacks or saddle bags Instagram account has racked together to begin to try to mounted onto racks hovering up more than 500 followers. understand one another. over their rear wheels. Their It features pictures of Clay- Through these Instagram bikes usually have fenders to ton Valley students, accompa- posts, the followers receive a block debris from hitting the nied by quotes ranging from small piece of a stranger’s life. bikes, themselves or those passphilosophical reflections “You can feel a sort of con- ing by. They ride in work uniabout the difficulties of nection with that person,” forms with slacks neatly tucked growing up to silly details Yennifer says. “Even though into reflective ankle straps, or in about their families. Each you don’t know them, you kind casual jeans, sweatshirts and photo is of a different stu- of have an idea of who they sneakers. These riders condent, typically looking away are – just from that one quote.” tribute a lot to the health of our from the camera lens. They communities. look relaxed and some even Alyssa Arino is a sophomore at I moved to Concord a year smile while showing the CVCHS. She is on the school’s ago from Oakland, where I used world who they are. cross country team. Send comments to biking as transportation to and Yennifer has reached out to editor@concordpioneer.com from my job, to the grocery
Instagram account humanizes CVCHS
store and for fun with friends. Now I have a family and am slowly introducing them to everyday biking. I thought it would be more difficult to bike in Concord, since distances are greater than in urban areas – but it’s not. And I found that car traffic and parking can be just as packed as they were in Oakland. Here are some of the top reasons to make a healthy difference through everyday biking this year: By biking, you slow down and see the community in a new way. Commute to the grocery store or do other personal errands on bike. Of all bike trips in the United States, 42 percent are 30 minutes or less. Most everyday regular trips are within 2-3 miles of home. Biking, and any physical activity, helps relieve stress and anxiety. Imagine sitting in a car in stopped traffic, brake lights ahead, feeling impatient and frustrated. Now imagine riding past all those cars with steady pedal strokes. By the time you get home, all that stress is far behind. Biking saves money. Riding a bike more often will save you gas money, for starters, and you can put those funds to more important things in your budget. Biking also improves the local infrastructure by putting less wear and tear on roads. Not to mention the environmental benefits of keeping exhaust out of the air and moving with the power of our own effort. Everyday cycling in Contra Costa County is getting better. If more people get out there, our communities will be thriving as we get more connected. And we’ll be healthier as a result. Roberts is a member of Bike Concord. Reach her at maryam@bikeconcord.org.
For more information please contact CST #2033054-40
In high school, ASB leadership class who you are as an set a year-long goal individual can be as a project. Yennifer drowned out by the was inspired by the roar of bustling video “Humans of hallways and louder New York,” which personalities. When follows a photograyou’re surrounded pher who takes picAlyssa Arino by thousands of tures of strangers on CVCHS other teenagers the streets of New CORRESPONDENT every day, it’s easy it York and gets a quote feel like your voice isn’t being from them to go with the heard. photo. The photographer Clayton Valley Charter High began posting the pictures School senior Yennifer Molina online, creating a large followcreated @HumansOfCVCHS ing of people essentially learnon Instagram to give the figura- ing about other people. tive microphone to students Yennifer realized she could who may feel like they’ve faded bring “Humans of New York” into the background. to her high school. “My leaderAt the beginning of the ship goal is to extend myself to school year, each student in others who don’t have the sup-
Page 19
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January 27, 2017
Spring calls for flouncy ruffles – and slouchy sweatshirts
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CLOTHESUP
I’m not a mind reader, but thanks to the designers’ Spring 2017 runways, I can paint a pretty clear picture of this year in fashion. These looks set the pace for a new season, which is going to be a little different. Prepare for bolder prints, more frills and some serious wardrobe disruption. While minimalism has ruled, 2017 is poised to bring some big changes. It’s going to be an interesting year in fashion. Here are some of the top trends: • Bright stripes. Spring’s stripes are bold and over the top. Primary colors and exaggerated silhouettes make a standout statement. But when paired with classic black accessories, this look is sophisticated. Try a striped sweater with a black skirt or slacks. • Hello, yellow. A color more associated with Big Bird than big style, yellow made a strong statement on the spring catwalks. It was bright, bold and cheery – much like Mr. Bird. The clothes took tonal cues from the sunshine we’ll all be craving come summer. • Bra tops. Designers embraced the bra this season, showing all manners – from sexy leather to girly florals –
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DESIGN & DÉCOR
At the beginning of every new year, I find myself eagerly scanning online blogs, design magazines, and any other source of interior design journalism that is reporting or forecasting the trends for the new year. The new, amazingly chic paint color for 2017, a style of furniture or accessory that should be included in every household, a brilliant new tile layout for a master bathroom, or a newly designed light bulb that makes us all look 10-15 years younger while saving money on our energy bill. Trends like paint and furni-
ture, and even the magical light bulb, definitely come and go as styles and trends change from year to year, but the one design topic that comes around like clockwork is the discussion of organization. Many home decor sources discuss organization, especially how to store your holiday accoutrements. It’s easy to understand why this is an important focus. You’ve spent so much time collecting, preserving, and maybe newly purchasing holiday decor, you want to make sure your investments and keepsakes continue to sparkle year after year. Bins and boxes can be found at just about every big box store to take care of all your storage needs. Storing your holiday treasures in plastic bins in your
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Lift your spirits in 2017 with flashy flatforms.
as legitimate substitutes for that’s being positioned as the you might as well accept that T-shirts and blouses. The natural follow-up to thigh- doing it right will involve look was equal parts high boots. punky spikes and loud prints. provocative and pretty. When • Enormous earrings. It • Slouchy sweatshirts. paired with a high-waisted seems every piece of jewelry Thanks to the athleisure skirt or pants, it’s surprisingly has received the zoom treat- trend that has been on the wearable. If you dare. ment over the years, from fashion radar for the past few • Layers of ruffles. When it gigantic knuckle-duster rings seasons, designers continue comes to spring, ruffles are to gravity-defying necklaces. to offer stylish takes on comalmost as universal as florals. Shoulder grazing, multi- fort favorites. This spring, But unlike the subtle and tiered and downright scene- play with proportions by laysophisticated ruffles of sea- stealing, earrings are large ering a cool and cozy sweatsons past, this time volume is and in charge for spring. shirt over a swimsuit, mini driving the trend. Layers of Time to start exercising your dress or micro shorts. ruffles on sleek silhouettes lobes. I’m so upset I got rid offer an interesting balance of all of my large earrings. If you can’t figure out what between flounce and fashion. • Flashy flatforms. If you trend is right for you, let me • Over-the-knee socks. Not need a lift, you’ll definitely help you this spring season. I since Cher Horowitz blew find one next season. am giving away closet audits to our minds with her clueless Although footwear trends the first five people to reach observations on political ran the gamut from ladylike out by Jan. 31. affairs have over-the-knee slides to basic white sneakers, Susan Sappington is the Area socks made such a strong souped-up flatforms showing. We can thank the undoubtedly stole the show. Development Manager and Wardrobe ’90s redo (especially preva- They’re like a platform, but Consultant for ETCETERA Clothlent in runway hair and make- completely flat. There’s noth- ing of New York. Send comments to up) for this divisive trend ing subtle about this trend, so susan@etcstyles.com.
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The bra top is the newest sensation (for the brave).
When designing for storage, think outside the boxes
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Sunshine yellow is the 2017 color to wear.
Nothing says “luxury” like a well-designed closet. Whether it’s custom drawers or shoe shelving, make every inch count.
Look for specific storage solutions for your holiday decorations. find bins and boxes in most big stores.
garage or attic is hardly a design feat, so how does organization tie into design? Two words…fancy closets. From showrooms that provide custom closet designs to big box stores that provide modular options, there’s nothing quite like a fancy closet to store your belongings. The key to any closet design, aside from a stylish decor, is utilizing each and every square inch and making sure your belongings are easily accessible. Leave no corner blind, take advantage of the height of your closet with shelves, and consciously create specialty nooks for the items that you need to store. If you have several hat boxes, create a shelf that can accommodate the depth of your boxes. If you own more shoes than clothing, create a storage system that keeps your shoes organized and in plain sight. And if you have several ties, enough to circle the globe at least once around, work with a closet designer to create a system that keeps these silk accessories neatly hung. For example, a master closet vs. a child’s closet. In a master closet, you would typi-
cally have several long and short hanging spaces for different types of clothing, several racks for shoes, and shelves, low and high, for folded items. Yet, in a child’s closet, there might be a little hanging space, but to keep things functional and easy to access, drawers and hooks make life a little easier, and organized. And what does the fancy closet look like? Consider Aluminum wire mesh drawers and shelves with rustic wooden pulls while an industrial looking ceiling mount fixture illuminates the space. Maybe clear coated Cedar shelving and flooring, with an ivory shag rug and a linen drum shade chandelier hovering above. Or maybe, a closet system made of Pine, painted white, with colorful red hooks and knobs and a perforated ceiling mounted star fixture that shines polka dots below. Ahh, the fancy closet. There’s certainly no limit to the decor or functional options. 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.
January 27, 2017
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Artist learns to draw emotions into art
LiSA fuLMeR
ARTS
IN
MOTION
Jim Isham grew up surrounded by art, with a father who was a talented landscape painter. His dad was a successful working artist with regular commissions. He was also deaf, which likely made the visual arts even more precious. His dad’s line of work often took him away from the family for long stretches, as he traveled extensively for art shows. Jim showed little interest in art, although he did enjoy expressing his creative side in high school by playing guitar. Then one day, Jim saw a sunset that was so striking, he was overcome with the urge to paint it – right then and there. His father’s bug finally bit him,
FARMYARD IN WINTER
and he was captivated. Jim’s father introduced him to an artist colleague named Ken, who was 25 years older than Jim. They immediately clicked as kindred spirits, and Ken became Jim’s mentor. Jim left Concord after high school to attend the Chicago Art Institute, but he returned after just three years to share a studio with Ken. Whenever they painted together, Ken always
impressed upon Jim how important it was to infuse his work with emotion. Ken told him his paintings would improve when he poured his heart into them. “I can help you learn new techniques and sharpen your skills, but I can’t teach you how to feel,” he would say. But Jim thinks that Ken actually did help him learn how to feel, in part by talking about their childhoods while they painted. To this day, Jim relies
on his feelings and moods for artistic inspiration. “Landscapes are my favorite to paint,” Jim says. “I visualize a setting based on how I’m feeling, like a seascape or snowcrested mountain. Then I go to my files to find pictures of the elements I see in the scene – a tree here, a hillside there, maybe a bird or a building.” Using a variety of photos for perspective, Jim gradually paints the picture held in his mind’s eye. “Because of the way I work, I like using oils for their versatility and slower dry time,” he notes. Jim just retired from his management career in the plastics industry While working full-time, he could only paint on Saturdays. Now he’s thrilled to have more time for his true passion, which he shares on his Facebook page (Isham Studio) while he works on his new website. Jim recalled a tender moment with his father from his childhood. “When I was about 4 years old, my dad woke me up in the middle of the night to go outside and
Peregrine Patrol helps keep birds safe in Pine Canyon STACi HoBBeT
ON THE MOUNTAIN
A volunteer team of people from several organizations, including the docent crew in Mount Diablo State Park, is gearing up for the peregrine falcon nesting season in the pinnacles of Castle Rock Park. For the last two years, this team has helped keep climbers and hikers out of the closure zone – which encompasses the rocky spines and humped outcrops of this eye-popping formation. The area protects the falcons while they court, mate, nest and raise their young. Peregrine falcons are the fastest animals on earth, capable of diving at more than 200 mph to capture smaller birds – their main prey. It’s quite a sight to see a peregrine dive, especially in light of the drop in peregrine populations when the pesticide DDT was used widely in the United States. It was banned in 1972, but not before the birds disappeared across large parts of the country. Only one nest could be found in California in 1970. Peregrines have recovered slowly but steadily. California now has 400 nesting pairs, helped along by humans. Now they nest every year in one rocky concavity or another at
Dirk Muehlner
This male peregrine will be brought to the Peregrine Patrol on feb. 7.
Castle Rock, sometimes successfully, sometimes not. Last year, the eggs never hatched. It could have been due to infertility, parasites or human disturbance. Whatever the answer, this year takes on deeper significance. The Peregrine Patrol Team will work to reduce human disturbance of the birds, the only potential cause
of last year’s nest failure that the team can hope to alter. Peregrines are sensitive to people. They fly off the nest, fail to feed their young and sometimes abandon the nest altogether. Castle Rock Park, an East Bay Regional Park, offers the main access points to the rock walls, which are in Mount Diablo State Park, just across Pine Creek. The two parks cooperate to protect the falcons, and the closure area is clearly marked. But with close to 100,000 visitors per year in Castle Rock Park, many hikers still scale the rocks. Most don’t know about the birds. This coming season, volunteers will concentrate on talking to hikers. Patrol members will ask them if they realize there are peregrines there and if they’ve seen them. The team will point out the birds when they can. Sometimes it’s pretty easy: Peregrines are really noisy birds. Even when all is well, they
Peregrine Patrol
chatter and screech and scream. And when you see them slice across Pine Canyon on their knife-like wings, you won’t forget it. Staci Hobbet is a docent with the Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association. You can send email to her at anastasiahobbet@gmail.com
watch the snow fall. I was enchanted by it. I can still feel the cold air and see the pure whiteness from that night in my mind. That was probably the first sign of my destiny to become an artist.”
Fulmer is a mixed media artist, a small business marketing consultant and president of the Concord Art Association. Visit the website ConcordArtAssociation.com for more information.
Artists sought for bronze statue of Concord founder
Plans for Concord’s 150th birthday celebration in 2018 include commissioning a bronze statue of Don Salvio Pacheco, one of the city’s founders. The life-size statue will be prominently installed at the center of Todos Santos Plaza, Concord’s downtown home to many popular community events each year. The installation is targeted for the spring of 2018. The city will host a formal unveiling of the statue during the annual July 4th parade that travels around the plaza. A special committee has convened with the guidance of Carol Longshore, president of the Concord Historical Society, and City Councilman Ron Leone. The group will oversee the planning, fundraising and selection of a Northern California sculptor. This artist will be charged with designing Pacheco’s 19th century likeness in action as a California pioneer, when he was granted nearly 18,000 acres of land that became Concord in 1868. The adobe home that served as his ranch headquarters still exists at 1870 Adobe St. in downtown Concord. Northern California artists with experience designing lifesize outdoor sculptures in bronze can submit a proposal
DON SALVIO PACHECO
online to concordhistorical.org. Deadline for submissions is Feb. 15. An artist will be selected in March and will have a year to design the statue and work with a local bronze foundry to produce it. Sesquicentennial Committee members include representatives from the Concord Historical Society, Concord Art Association, city of Concord, Concord Chamber of Commerce, Mt. Diablo Unified School District and local business leaders. Next month, the committee will announce sponsorship opportunities for corporations, small businesses, local organizations and individual residents.
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When: 10 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Feb. 7 Where: Castle Rock Park, 1700 Castle Rock Road, Walnut Creek. Meet in the parking lot where Castle Rock Road dead-ends; in case of rain, meet at Castle Rock Park HQ just outside the parking lot. Leaders: Castle Rock Park supervisor Bridget Calvey and Jenny Papka of Native Birds Connections RSVP: Staci Hobbet at anastasiahobbet@gmail.com
Hikes explore rarely seen properties
Discover Diablo, Save Mount Diablo’s new free public hike series, offers an annual schedule of guided walks, hikes and interpretive tours open to all trail blazers. The program will offer two events per month, one focusing on a Save Mount Diablo property and one designed for families at other public parks. The goal is to build awareness of local land conservation efforts and to convey the importance of protecting open space for habitat and recreation. Discover Diablo aims to reach new audiences, spark a passion for the Diablo range and build the membership base of adventurers, explorers
Page 21
and outdoor enthusiasts. Save Mount Diablo’s property tours will illustrate the importance of preserving wildlife habitat, building corridors between existing parks and, of course, all the beauty that the Diablo range has to offer. The hikes will display Save Mount Diablo’s current property holdings as well as those the group has helped protect over the years. These properties aren’t usually open to the public. To complete the land conservation picture in the Diablo range and pay homage to collaborating agencies, the group will also host monthly outings on Mount Diablo State Park,
East Bay Regional Park District and Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation lands. “It is the goal of the Discover Diablo program to build connections between people and land, helping communities develop a strong sense of place and a deepened appreciation for our collective backyard,” said Ted Clement, executive director of Save Mount Diablo. “Most importantly, we want to cultivate a love of the land in participants so as to grow the land ethic and stewardship for our precious Mount Diablo area.” RSVP is required for the hikes. For the schedule, visit Discover-Diablo.eventbrite.com.
• 102 Glenbridge Dr., Clayton
$489,000
2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, 1121 sq. ft.
Listing agent: Matt Mazzei
PENDING: Buyer Representation
• 955 Snow Dr., Martinez
4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, 2562 sq. ft.
$750,000
Listing agent: Matt Mazzei
Matt Mazzei, Jr.,
Paula & Rod Johnstone
Rula Masannat
BRE# 01881269
DRE# 00797857
DRE# 01923757
Broker Associate
Broker/Owner 925-766-6745 matt@mazzeirealty.net
Paula 925-381-8810 Rod 925-286-5765
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mazzeirealty.net Clayton residents since 1959
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Pruning roses a simple, but necessary, task Page 22
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
NiCoLe HACKeTT
GARDEN GIRL
It’s almost time to prune rose bushes, groundcover roses and rose trees. At the nursery, we prune roses between Super Bowl Sunday and Valentine’s Day. Some folk’s weekly maintenance workers may have already pruned the roses. If that’s the case, check on the job and fine-tune if needed. Rose pruning is easy. An
annually pruned rose should take less than five minutes to prune. As you approach a rose to prune, look first at the bottom of the plant. The object of pruning is to remove most of the past year’s growth, 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 how thick the canes are, you won’t hurt the bush. A well-pruned hybrid tea, grandiflora or floribunda rose should have 3-5 straight, clean canes without any leaves once you’ve finished. Make all cuts at a slight 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. I don’t tell people how many inches of cane to
January 27, 2017
Remove old canes, crossing branches and lateral branches. With rose trees, leave more canes so they’ll look fuller. Groundcover roses don’t get the same amount of attention. Reshape groundcover roses, bringing them down and in. If the groundcover roses have
grown crazy, I’ll severely prune. With a newer installation, the pruning will be lighter. Fertilizing roses is important. The following recipe is for established ground-grown hybrid tea, grandiflora, floribunda or tree-shaped roses. Each rose should receive: ½ c. 16-16-16 fertilizer ½ c. bone meal ½ c. granular iron ½ c. alfalfa meal 2 T. Epsom salt Work into soil along drip line and top-dress with an inch layer of chicken manure and water-in. Don’t premix a batch of products. There is a reason for each ingredient and the quantity. The 16-16-16 is a multi-purpose fertilizer. The bone meal is a source of phosphorus and will encourage bloom. Granular iron keeps rose leaves green
aged and passionate about the program that they volunteered to help. By 1985, Hospice moved to an office on Buskirk Avenue in Pleasant Hill. As they settled in, the volunteers kept coming. In l987, the group opened its first Thrift Store in Walnut Creek, and the first tree lighting service was held in Danville. Many people attend Hospice tree lighting services all over the county. The Tree of Lights at John Muir Concord is lit ceremoniously every Christmas, honoring local community members. Last year, they honored Bill Shinn and Dick Allen. In l989, Hospice received its first Medicare reimbursement. Money, time and volunteers continue to strengthen the pro-
gram. In l992, they began to serve patients with AIDS, lung and heart disease, ALS and other late-stage degenerative conditions – including cancer. In l999, the addition of palliative care brought help for patients on chemotherapy and dialysis. The group was renamed Hospice and Palliative Care of Contra Costa. In 2007, the 30th anniversary, it became what we know it today: Hospice of East Bay. When Hospice services are provided, the patient and family cannot call an ambulance for help or transportation to the hospital. It is a commitment to keep the patient free of pain, comfortable and at home. The group also takes care of details once the patient has died.
Prune and fertilize your roses now for a big spring payoff.
leave. It really depends on the amount of room you have for the rose to grow. If you have limited space, then cut shorter. 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.
With expanded services, Hospice helps families cope The nurses, counselors and clergy of Hospice have comforted many people experiencing the passing of a loved one. Although the service began in England, an all-volunteer service started in Antioch with a grandmother that needed care in l977. The thought of having someone die with dignity at home was new to many. Although given how fast Hospice grew, it seems many wished for such a service for years. Families were so pleased that many donated to Hospice. With great leadership and foresight, John Muir Memorial Hospital signed a contract with Hospice of Contra Costa in 1980 to provide Hospice services to John Muir patients. For the first time, the nursing staff
The Hospice Tree of Lights is lit each Christmas at John Muir Concord.
got paid. However, the on-call evening and weekend nurses still volunteer their time. In l982, the need for
bereavement and patient support volunteers became obvious and training began. Many family members felt so encour-
Nancy E. Bennett Thinking of selling your home this year?
and free of chlorosis. Alfalfa meal will stimulate new cane growth. Epsom salt intensifies flower color. Container roses get half a dose of each product. For groundcover roses, use only the multi-purpose fertilizer and iron. Apply this recipe now and again in July. If you rely on drip-system watering, hand water twice a week after the July application. Do not use systemic rose 31 fertilizers. Aphids are a part of spring. If you have aphids, your garden will attract the beneficial insects to eat them. No aphids, no beneficial insects. Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. You can contact her with questions or comments by email at Gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
CARoL LoNGSHoRe
YESTERYEAR
With all the growth the valley has experienced since the l970s, Hospice now hires 300 people and has 300 more volunteers. All because of the pioneer volunteers in 1977. 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.
Nancy sells more than 8 times as many homes as the average realtor, call today to learn how!
Professionally staged homes sell faster and for more •Allow us to prepare your home to sell with staging, photos and more •We sell more than 8 times as many homes as the average Realtor •Call us now and receive FREE STAGING, a $3,500 value*
*Offer ends February 28, 2017
Charming, sunny, single-story 4279 Thompson Dr., Concord
Pe wit ndin hM gi ult n 6 ipl e o days ffe rs
Ranch-style home, 1,733 sq. ft., with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Lots of great features including hardwood floors, 2 fireplaces, jetted spa bath, dual-pane windows, ceiling fans, and a large backyard with fruit trees. Offered at $510,000
Coming Soon
Market Update*
Ideal Location
Address
2330 Rockne Dr., Concord
SO
LD
Don't miss out on this renovated 3 bed/2 bath home in a convenient location. Features a beautifully updated kitchen, 2 fire places and modern baths. Great curb appeal.
Bay Point
Adorable 3 bed/2 bath bungalow with open layout. Renovations in progress.
Offered at $595,000
Beds/Baths
Sq Feet
Sold
1729 Sapling Ct #A., Concord...............................3/2.5 ..............1288............$399,000 921 Honora Dr., Concord .......................................3/2 .................1650............$615,000 1199 Ridge Park Drive, Concord ...........................3/2 .................1452............$640,000 1919 Ygnacio Valley Rd. #19, Walnut Creek.......2/1.5 ..............820..............$405,000 1457 Cortez Ct., Walnut Creek ..............................4/3 .................2803............$970,000 4248 Gladstone Dr., Concord................................4/2 .................1284............$505,000 4404 Arrowwood Ct., Concord .............................4/2.5 ..............2886............$786,000 2000 North 6th St., Concord ...................................3/1 .................1160............$405,000 4488 Snowberry Ct., Concord................................4/2 .................1805............$708,500 329 Conifer Ct., Walnut Creek ...............................4/2.5 ..............1781............$912,500 23 Fountainhead Ct., Martinez ..............................3/2 .................1158............$395,000 2330 Rockne Dr., Concord .....................................3/2 .................1247............$578,500
Martinez
*Market update provided by Nancy Bennett
Concord
3 bed/2 bath home with HUGE detached 3 beds, 1 bath charmer. Renovations in 4 car garage. Renovations in progress. progress.
How can we help you and your family today? We helped more than 95 families buy and sell homes in 2016.
Nancy Bennett, Realtor @ Keller Williams Realty CEO, The Bennett Team #1 Agent in Concord, #1 Team, Keller Williams East Bay #5 Team Nationally (U.S. & Canada) Keller Williams CalBRE #01399870
Nancy@BennettBetter.com
925.606.8400
BENNETTBETTER.COM