JUN 21 The Pioneer 2019

See story page B10 June 21, 2019 New Cal State study adds to Concord’s dream of campus at base

www.PioneerPublishers.com

Concord jazz aficionado fitting grand marshal for the Fourth of July parade JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Sports complex also central to city plan BEV BRITTON The Pioneer

Just days after the city’s Blue Ribbon Committee presented ideas for a “multi-versity” in Concord, the city became one of five sites being studied for a possible new state campus.

In an agreement reached June 9, the state will fund a feasibility study of a Cal State campus in Concord, San Mateo, Stockton, Chula Vista or Palm Desert.

“The inclusion of Concord in the study is a huge step toward bringing world-class higher education to the doorstep of Contra Costa residents,” said Assemblyman Tim Grayson, DConcord.

Concord already has a branch of Cal State East Bay, but Grayson noted that Contra Costa is the largest county in the state without its own four-year public university. “Our residents who cannot afford to move elsewhere for college would welcome an option closer to home,” he said.

At the June 4 meeting, the Concord City Council explored concepts for an education campus and a tournament sports complex at the former Concord Naval Weapons Station.

After nine months of research, the Blue Ribbon Committee for the Campus District Visioning Project unveiled its final report. The 120-acre district, located near the North Concord BART station, could include a higher education campus, a research and development facility and cultural venues such as a library and performing arts center.

“Most campus models point the way toward a multi-versity, potential hybrid campus that involves research and development and other job-creating land uses,” assistant city manager Kathleen Trepa told the council.

A time to ‘Aim high’ John Cumbers, founder of SynBioBeta in Pleasant Hill,

See Cal State, page 5

Jay Bedecarré

Ellen Findlay Herdegen helped with the original Concord Jazz Festival in 1969, held in what is now Dave Brubeck Park.

She will be grand marshal of this year’s July 4th parade in her hometown, with the theme “All That Jazz.”

LISA FULMER Special to the Pioneer

The warm breeze was right on point for the LGBTQ Pride flag raising ceremony at Concord City Hall on May 31, as a sizeable crowd gathered to honor the occasion.

The City Council voted last year to fly the rainbow flag for the month of June, known around the country as Pride Month. Mayor Carlyn Obringer

welcomed everyone before asking members of the Rainbow Community Center (RCC) to say a few words.

“This is a beautiful moment for me personally,” said Jack Rednour-Bruckman, executive director of RCC. “I grew up in Concord and went to high school right down the street. I used to think something was wrong with me, but now I’m being invited by the mayor to speak about our LGBTQ com-

munity during Pride.”

Surrounded by RCC colleagues, Rednour-Bruckman described some of the center’s programs and invited the crowd to come to the Pride Festival the next day. “We want to celebrate all the ways we’re different and all the things we have in common,” he said. “It’s about diversity, inclusiveness, tolerance and coming together, especially dur-

See Pride, page 3

The 4th of July offers good old-fashioned fun BEV BRITTON The Pioneer

Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B8 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B7

Next issue, July 19, Deadline, July 8

See Marshal, page 5

Flag, festival bring Pride to Concord

What’s Inside

Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Directory of Advertisers . . . .7 From the Desk of . . . . . . . . .8 Letter to the Editor . . . . . . . .7 Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B1 Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Concord is going all out this summer to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first Concord Jazz Festival and the legacy the music genre and festival established in the city over the ensuing 50 years.

“All That Jazz” is the theme of the 4th of July parade, and Ellen Findlay Herdegen, a woman who has played several roles in establishing that legacy, will be the grand marshal.

Herdegen graduated from Clayton Valley High School in 1969 with the school’s highest honor for a senior, Grand Altair.

Because of her various achievements at the Concord school, she also received a Diablo Scholarship. Lincoln Mercury auto dealer Carl Jefferson and Realtor Conrad Wilke started the scholarship program.

Soon after graduating, she dropped by Jefferson Motors on Willow Pass Road to thank Jefferson. Little did she know that trip to express her gratitude

Kids and dogs usher in Clayton’s old fashioned 4th.

Kiddie parade begins at 10 on Main Street.

The 4th of July celebrations in Clayton and Concord are time-honored traditions filled with memory-making family moments.

Residents gather early in both towns for pancake breakfasts and 10 a.m. parades – with Clayton’s Kiddie Parade always packed with boisterous youngsters. Concord then caps the day with fireworks at Mt. Diablo High School.

The Concord Police Asso-

ciation kicks off the party with the 10th annual Stars & Stripes 5K Run & Walk in Todos Santos Plaza. The event begins at 6:30 a.m. with registration, music and sponsor booths.

The Concord-Diablo Rotary Club will host a $5 pancake breakfast 7:30-11 a.m.

A free Kids Run starts at 8 a.m. in the plaza, with the 5K at 8:15 a.m. Stomper the Elephant from the Oakland A’s will greet kids at the finish line, Photo courtesy of Rainbow Center and Uncle Sam from the Rainbow Center Executive Director Jack Rednour-Bruckman, Board President Dodi Zotigh and Concord Mayor Carlyn

See July 4th, page 3 Obringer raise the Rainbow Flag at City Hall on May 31.

Postal Customer ECRWSS

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA 94517 PERMIT 190

COMMUNITY

Page 2

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

CV Woman’s Club donates to community groups

The Clayton Valley Woman’s Club (CVWC) held its Celebration of Giving at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Clayton on May 14.

This year, the group presented checks to the Concord food pantry SHARE, VESTIA (Volunteers & Emergency Team in Action), the Clayton Community Library and the Clayton and Concord historical societies.

CVWC also provides a Diablo Valley College scholarship for a woman with financial need, excellent grades, community involvement and leadership skills who is transferring to a four-year university. This year’s recipient, Brittany Sartor, completed her

Donation recipients Jeanne Boyd of the Clayton Community Library, left, Joann Caspar of the Clayton Historical Society, Vivian Boyd of the Concord Historical Society, Linda Conlow and Ken Carpoff of SHARE, Anne Smith and Elizabeth Masten of VESTIA and Shari Keller, DVC financial aid officer (receiving for Brittany Sartor).

associate degree with honors and was recently accepted to the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley. She will begin her studies there this summer, with a focus on non-profit management and sustainable business practices.

Throughout the year, club members give time, money and items to various organizations, such as Read Across America, Vision Screening, Blue Star Mom’s, Heifer International and Pennies for Pines. Guests are welcome to attend meetings and social events.

For more information, call Sheila at 925-672-7947 or Linda at 415-652-3503 or visit claytonvalleywomansclub.org.

Kiwanis celebrate firefighter of the year

The Kiwanis Club of Concord honored Capt. Elia Ala’ilima as the firefighter of 2018, and Mayor Carlyn Obringer declared May 31 as Elia Day. Ala’ilima, a 30-year veteran of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, continues to show unbridled enthusiasm for his job. His professionalism and dedication to the community are examples for his peers to follow.

Most recently, Ala’ilima led a diverse group in a Polyne-

sian Haka dance dedicated to fallen firefighters at the International Association of Fire Fighters’ memorial service in Colorado Springs.

This is the second year that the Kiwanis have honored our local heroes. The club’s next major project is the Taste of Concord on Aug. 4.

The group meets for lunch on the first Friday of every month at the Old Spaghetti Factory in Concord.

Call 925-285-2225 for more information about the Kiwanis.

Fire Capt. Elia Ala’ilima, left, is joined by Patti Barsotti, Fire Chief Lewis Broschard and Rocci Barsotti at the luncheon.

June 21, 2019

Concord site of state Apprentice Contest

Apprentices with the United Association learn about new technology for the construction industry.

Concord’s Plumbing and Steamfitting Local 342 hosted this year’s state Apprentice Contest for the United Association (UA).

UA is the international union that encompasses the five piping crafts: sprinkler fitting, plumbing, pipefitting, welding and HVACR tech.

Twenty-three of California’s 28 locals unions participated in the May 22-23 event.

Of the 4,600 apprentices, 63 were chosen to represent their locals in one of the five disciplines at the contest.

The highest scoring apprentice in each craft moved on to the regional competition for the 11 West-

ern states, held in Boise. The winner from that contest will join the national contest in Ann Arbor, Mich., in July.

Building trades apprenticeships are one of the best-kept secrets in higher education.

Apprentices in the piping industry earn college credits while attending their apprenticeship. Once they graduate, they can earn associate degrees from a local community college.

As the construction industry continues to become more complex, the apprentices learn cutting-edge technology to produce a highly trained workforce.

Send news items for the Community section to editor@pioneerpublishers.com. Include a high resolution photo in jpg or pdf format. Go to www.pioneerpublishers.com for a deadline schedule.

A Broker Team Trusted to Deliver Excellence Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.

1109 Peacock Dr. – Clayton

Better Homes BRE#00933393

George Vujnovich Broker

Clayton/Concord Resident Cal BRE #00933393

(925) 672-4433

Charming Single Story in Regency Woods.

3 bedrooms 2 baths approx. 1648 sf with an attached 2car garage on a large approx .19 acre corner lot. Updated with laminate flooring, dual pane windows, plantation shutters & designer paint colors. Property fronts open space with wooded views. $699,000

1104 Oakwood Circle – Clayton

38 El Gavilan Rd. – Orinda

SO LD

georgevujnovich@sbcglobal.net www.georgevujnovich.com

Jennifer Stojanovich Broker-Associate

5614 Bettencourt Dr. – Clayton

Beautifully Updated & Upgraded Home in Desirable ip le Mu l t Silver Creek. 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx 2479sf with an attached 2-car garage. Bedroom & full bath on first level plus office/optional 5th bedroom. Private lot offers an impressive 800 sf redwood deck with custom redwood table & planters, woodsy landscape, lush lawn area, & more. $869,000

Clayton/Concord Resident Cal BRE #01446062

Stunning “Coronado” Model in Peacock Creek at Oakhurst Country Club.

4 bedrooms plus bonus room, 2.5 baths, approx 3307 sf with an attached 3-car garage. Desirable first floor master suite.

Updated kitchen with newer appliances. Granite tile flooring & hardwood flooring throughout first level.

Large & private approx .26 acre lot offers mature landscape & large flagstone patio. $1,099,000 Custom Home in Oakwood Estates.

4 bedrooms, 3 baths plus bonus room, approx. 3466sf with an attached 3-car garage. Open floorplan with updated kitchen and baths. Huge approx .49 acre lot offers mature landscape, bocce court and panoramic views of hills and Mt Diablo.

Buyer representation. $1,300,000

cell: (925) 348-5700

SOL D f fer s le O

(925) 567-6170

jenstojanovich@yahoo.com www.jenniferstojanovich.com

Concord/Clayton Market Update CONCORD

PRICE

4602 Lincoln Dr . . . . . . . . . . . . $733,000 1829 Noemi Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . $550,000 1670 Amhurst Way. . . . . . . . . . $750,000 1381 Shakesphere Dr . . . . . . . $635,000 2398 Walters Way #30. . . . . . . $252,000 4418 Smoke Tree Ct . . . . . . . . $729,000 5417 Paso Del Rio Ct . . . . . . . $800,000

SF

. .1798 . .1028 . .1467 . .1176 . . .720 . .2026 . .2135

21 El Portal Dr. – Clayton

provided by Better Homes Realty

BED/BATH DATE

. .4/2.5 . .6/10/19 . .3/1 . . . .6/7/19 . .3/2 . . . .6/5/19 . .4/2 . . . .6/3/19 . .1/1 . . .5/31/19 . .4/3 . . .5/31/19 . .4/2.5 . .5/28/19

CLAYTON

For Lease. 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx 2700 sf with a 2-car garage. Half acre lot with dramatic views. Updated kitchen and baths.

New hardwood flooring. Private, quiet setting.

Orinda Country Club Area.

Newly Renovated Custom Home.

$6,200 a month

8016 Kelok Way – Clayton

Meticulous Single Story at the top t is O v er L of Falcon e s f r le O f Ridge.

Mul t ip Sweeping unobstructed Views of city to Delta and beyond. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths approx 2237sf with an attached 3-car garage.

Updated kitchen & baths. Private .18 acre lot offers built-in BBQ island with stamped concrete patio area with magnificent views. $880,000

S O LD

PRICE

53 Karkin Pl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $693,000 1296 Easley Dr . . . . . . . . . . . $920,000 1104 Oakwood Circle . . . . . $1,300,000 929 Kenston Dr . . . . . . . . . . . $852,000 8016 Kelok Way . . . . . . . . . . $880,000 25 Nottingham Circle . . . . . . . $875,000 1187 Shell Lane . . . . . . . . . . . $529,500

SF

. .1939 . .2116 . .3466 . .1718 . .2237 . .2277 . .1355

BED/BATH

DATE

. . .3/2.5 . . .6/7/19 . . .4/2.5 . . .6/4/19 . . .4/3 . . . . .6/3/19 . . .4/2 . . . .5/31/19 . . .4/2.5 . .5/28/19 . . .4/2 . . . .5/21/19 . . .3/2.5 . .5/16/19

June 21, 2019

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

Garcia awards help immigrants with career paths

Monument Impact selected Maria Apaza, Jose Llocclla, Leyton Maya and Ernesto Alvarez as this year’s winners of the George Garcia Educational Awards.

Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union sponsors the program, now in its third year.

Apaza, originally from Peru, began taking computer classes at Monument Impact in January. She will use the $600 scholarship to pay her tuition for Monument Impact’s Career Track Program starting in July. She plans to use the skills to land a job in office administration upon graduation in December.

Llocclla, also from Peru, works in construction. When he asked his boss about advancing in the job, he founded out he needed safety certification from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). He will use his $300 scholarship

Page 3

Pride, from page 1

ing these troubling times.

We’ve got each other’s back, and we are stronger together.”

Mayor Obringer echoed the sentiment. “I also want to acknowledge how meaningful this ceremony is to me, because we know that Concord’s history has not always been so supportive of our LGBTQ community. I’m just thrilled that our City Council has now passed a resolution to raise the Pride flag every June.”

Concord’s 12th annual Pride Festival, which followed Photo courtesy of Monument Impact on June 1 in Todos Santos Jose Llocclla, left, Ernesto Alvarez, Maria Apaza and Leyton Plaza, was well-attended and, Maya received scholarships from Monument Impact. by all accounts, a huge success.

The mom huggers were a big to become OHSA certified so co in search of a better life. crowd-pleaser, the drag queens he can advance in his career.

He will use his $300 scholarMaya, from Ecuador, has ship to take basic construction were divine and everyone enthusiastically embraced all been having a hard time land- classes through Loma Vista things rainbow. An urban beat ing a job in commercial conAdult Education to improve made for happy feet, and struction because he lacks his skills and employment dozens of community organiOSHA safety certification. He opportunities. zations and local businesses will also use his $300 scholarjoined the party to show supship to become OSHA certiFor more information about port. fied.

Monument Impact, visit monu“It takes a village to proAlvarez moved from Mexi- mentimpact.org. duce an event like Pride.

Thanks to our volunteers, the city and our generous sponsors and vendors, it gets bigger and better every year,” said Rednour-Bruckman. “Everyone worked so hard to make sure Concord had a fabulous celebration and, thankfully, the weather was perfect.”

He said this year’s focus was providing quality entertainment for all ages. “We worked with an amazing DJ, a talented emcee, and we booked some really great singers, dancers and performers,” he noted.

services.

July 4th, from page 1

Singing Flag will join the festivities. Race proceeds benefit Shelter, Inc. To register, visit starsandstripesrun.com.

Then it’s time to get jazzed for the Concord 4th of July parade at 10 a.m. With the theme “All that Jazz,” it starts at Mt. Diablo High School and heads to the plaza. Visit concordjuly4th.com for a parade entry form, which is due June Adding about 1,000 new fami- 24. lies a year, the center simultaAfter a respite, residents neously guides thousands of can head to Concord’s free fescurrent families on pathways to tival starting at 4 p.m. at Mt. improved health and wellness, Diablo High School. Activities education, safety, shelter, sucinclude a kids’ carnival, food cessful employment, financial and vendor booths and a local stability and independence. artist exhibit. The Air Force Glazer will join in a celeBand and the Big Jangle, a tribbration of the award at 10 ute to Tom Petty, will provide a.m. Wednesday, July 17, at live entertainment before the 9 Monument Crisis Center, 1990 p.m. fireworks.

Market St., Concord.

For event coordinator Tim McGallian, the moment the For more information, call first firework goes off is “sin925-222-6868 or visit monument- gle-handedly” the best part of crisiscenter.org. the day. Being with his family is

Monument Crisis Center receives state award

Monument Crisis Center executive director Sandra Scherer went to Sacramento on June 5 to accept an award as California Nonprofit of the Year for our area.

“We are humbled by this incredible honor and grateful to be part of the special community of California nonprofits,” said Scherer.

State Sen. Steve Glazer, DOrinda, selected the center to receive the award for his district at the 4th annual California Nonprofits Day. “The work of Monument

Crisis Center in Concord is critically important to families in need,” he said. “It is a community-based, non-profit family resource center that directly confronts the root causes of poverty, delivers immediate assistance and provides comprehensive wrap-around, safety net services for Central and East Contra Costa County.”

Celebrating its 16th year of service to the community, Monument Crisis Center has registered and individually assisted more than 22,000 Contra Costa households.

LE

SA

Walnut Creek

$375,000

greenwood — Beautiful 2-bedroom condo with newer windows and air conditioning unit. Updated kitchen includes slab granite counters and stainless steel appliances.

Community boasts swimming pool, spa, clubhouse with billiard tables, exercise facility and laundry area. Located close to downtown W.C. Kelly mcDougall (925) 787-0448 KmcDougall@windermere.com

ce

P

Concord

ce

Pri

$639,000

Rose glen — Charming 4 bedroom, 2 bath ranch-style home.

Large living/dining areas and Eat-in kitchen alcove. Family room with vaulted, wood beam ceiling leading to a large patio & trellis covered in grape vines. Large yards with pond, beautiful roses & fruit trees. Near shopping & schools Carol vanVaerenbergh, (925) 683-2568 CVanVaeren@aol.com

R

d

ce

u ed

Clayton

$799,000

Dana hills — Court location in coveted neighborhood with beautiful greenbelts, community pool and cabana. Split-level home including 4 bedrooms & 2 full baths, with deck and beautiful waterfall feature to relax and unwind. Huge .40 acre lot. Bring your own sense of style and make this house your home.

Amy Callahan (925) 699-1207 AmyCallahan@windermere.com

$tBD

Chaparral Springs — Well maintained townhome close to downtown. 2 bedrooms & 2.5 bathrooms including 2 master suites. Tile entry, laminate flooring, inside laundry and Mt. Diablo views. Approx 1355 square foot unit with large patio and 2 car garage.

LE

Concord

n

Clayton

SA

$969,000

on

Cal BRE#02055854

Cal BRE#01221965

ed

morgan territory — Situated nearly 5 acres this property offers 2 pastures, a barn, a creek running through, a beautiful garden and fruit trees. Approx 2396 square feet with 3 bed and 2 full baths plus a loft and a den on city water. Custom kitchen with pantry and cherry wood cabinets. Separate work shop w/ electricity or easily convert back to large garage.

key for the City Council member, who notes that even his grandmother Bernice pitches in and sells ride tickets for the carnival.

The Clayton Valley Sunrise Rotary launches the day in Clayton with a pancake breakfast starting at 7 a.m. at Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St. Cost is $6-$8. The parade begins at 10 a.m. on Main Street, and this year’s theme is “Many Faces, One Community.” Parade registration is required by June 28 at ci.clayton.ca.us.

No signup is needed for the popular Kiddie Parade. Children in patriotic attire line up along Oak Street and walk, bike, roller skate or use nonmotorized scooters, wagons, strollers or kids’ battery-operated motorized vehicles.

Volunteers are also needed to help on parade day in Clayton. Contact Janet Calderon at 925-673-7304.

o gS

mi

Co

uc

d Re

Clayton

ING

D EN

Cal BRE#01156462

Pri

Sandra Scherer, executive director of Monument Crisis Center, attended the state Nonprofits Day luncheon.

Lisa Fulmer

The Mom Huggers spread Visit rainbowcc.org to see a joy during the June 1 Pride gallery of photos from the day and Festival at Todos Santos learn more about programs and Plaza.

$739,000

Discovery — Beautifully updated home boasting 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Remodeled kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances, living room with fireplace and inside laundry with storage. Upgraded HVAC, hardwood floors and newer carpet are other bonuses. Great backyard for entertaining with gazebo and views.

Concord

$629,000

Cul De Sac Location — Situated on nearly ¼ acre, this 5 bedroom, 2 bath home is located on the Pleasant Hill border, near shopping, dining and easy freeway access. Spacious kitchen with island and granite counters, living room with fireplace dual pane windows and numerous other updates throughout.

ING

D EN

P

Clayton

$849,000

Cardinet glen — 4 bedroom, 2 bath home loaded with potential. Detached garage with workshop through breezeway on approx. .36 acre lot in desirable community. Single story rancher with updated bathrooms, inside laundry, living & family rooms and central heat/air. Detached office/shed with electricity. Priced to sell quickly.

Assisting More Buyers & Sellers than Anyone Else* Lynne offers free staging on ALL LISTINGS

*Statistics based on Clayton/Concord and Contra Costa County Closed sales by volume (1/2014-12/31/2014). Data by Maxebrdi

"Like" us on

- Windermere Clayton!

Call or text anytime

Page 4

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

O B I TU A R I E S

Serving our Local Community since 1977

• Huge selection of quality supplement brands.

• Friendly, knowledgeable staff.

• Wide selection of health and specialty foods.

• Vast bulk foods section includes nuts, grains, spices, and more.

• Locally owned & operated for over 40 years.

Harvest House

2395 Monument Blvd.

Concord (925) 676-2305

Find us on

June 21, 2019

Like us on

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 am-8 pm Saturday 9 am-7 pm Sunday 10 am-7 pm

www.Harvesthouse.com

2395 Monument Blvd., Concord (925) 676-2305 www.Harvesthouse.com

15% off

any Grocery or Bulk Purchase

Harvest House Coupon

Present this coupon in store to receive 15% off your grocery or bulk purchase.

Excludes sale items, books and cosmetics. Offer not to be combined with other coupons or discount offers. Expires July 31, 2019.

2395 Monument Blvd., Concord (925) 676-2305 www.Harvesthouse.com

Fondly remembering the co-founder of R&M pool and garden center Melanie Cooper, the M of R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Gardens in Clayton, entered the garden of heaven while surrounded by her whole family on June 9.

Melanie was born in Pennsylvania in 1947. Her parents moved the family for a work opportunity to Concord when she was 6 years old. Melanie attended local schools and graduated from Mt. Diablo High School in 1965.

Melanie was a remarkably driven woman. She raised her two sons, David and Jonathon Hackett, as a single mother during a time when women didn’t often do that. She provided for her family by constantly working, whether it was as a bank teller, a realtor or a pipe fitter at Chevron.

In 1979, Melanie finished building their home on a fiveacre parcel on Morgan Territory Road. Melanie loved living in the country, where she and the boys could have their fill of dogs, raise pigs and ride dirt bikes.

The property contained a big vinyl pool. One day, the filter needed fixing, so Melanie went into a local pool store, at the site where Clayton Bikes is now. This is where she met Roy, her future partner in life and in business.

You can’t speak of Melanie without speaking about Roy,

shop was closed) planting, amending, putting in irrigation and designing their gardens.

Every evening after work, they would stroll through their gardens with their Corgis, Kimmie, Cooper and Sweet Prince William.

In 1996, Melanie was inspired to purchase an acre of property on Marsh Creek Road. She and Roy decided to move their family business there, creating R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Gardens. the R of R&M. They worked Melanie was able to build a together side by side, seven nursery, surrounding herself days of week, for nearly 38 with the plants she loved. years. They had a partnership As the years passed, built with love: Love for each Melanie became a grandmothother, love for their family, er to Tyler and then Lance. love for their business, love The boys started coming to for their dogs and love for work at R&M with their mom their gardens.

Nicole, Jonathon’s wife, when Melanie and Roy married they were just 8 weeks old. on Easter Sunday in 1983. In Melanie got to watch them September of that year, they grow every day. opened R&M Pool and Patio Melanie was a risk-taker in the Clayton Valley Shopwith a keen entrepreneurial ping Center. With David and sense. She found a way to Jonathon, they built the make things happen. shelves and purchased invenMelanie was always tory. sparkling, with glimmering Roy took care of the pool jewelry and hats. She looked equipment repairs, while great in red and was almost Melanie worked the shop. The never seen without her red lipboys helped after school and stick. with the pool route during All that knew her will miss summers. her beautiful face and spirit.

Melanie was an avid garThe family will honor dener. She and Roy would Melanie in a private memorial spend Mondays (the day the in the weeks to come.

Lillian Mary Holland Fichtenkort April 16, 1930 - May 7, 2019

Surrounded by her family, on the evening of Tuesday, May 7, our loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Lil Fichtenkort, left this world to join our Lord.

Born in Kenosha, Wisconsin on April 16, 1930, to her Irish immigrant parents, Michael and Josephine Holland, Lil grew up during the Great Depression, an only child in a house that hosted many relatives who were just getting their start in America.

This extended family stayed close throughout her life. The first person in her family to attend college, Lil graduated with her nursing degree at twenty years of age and started work in Racine, Wisconsin.

Over the next several years Lil worked as a Registered Nurse in Colorado, New York, Florida, and Michigan before settling in Chicago. There she met Bernard on a blind date

in 1957. They married within the year, moved to California, and raised five children.

Lil and Bernie settled in Clayton in 1962 and immediately became active with St. Bonaventure Catholic Community. Over many years, they worked with other parishioners to help the young church grow into the vibrant place of worship it is today, making lifelong best friends in the process.

In addition to teaching Catechism, leading Bluebirds and Cub Scouts, and supporting countless other activities her children participated in, Lil volunteered for many community and religious organizations. In particular, Lil loved We Care, a day school that teaches severely physically and mentally disabled children.

Over the years she did a bit of everything, from transporting students in the mornings to serving as President. Through-

www.LeighKlockHomes.com G

PENDIN

Brought to you by the The Pioneer.

25% off

any Supplement Purchase

Harvest House Coupon

Present this coupon in store to receive 25% off your supplement purchase.

Excludes sale items, books and cosmetics. Offer not to be combined with other coupons or discount offers. Expires July 31, 2019.

Brought to you by the The Pioneer.

www.homecb.com/140/140elportalplace-clayton

out, Lil never stopped nursing.

She loved Surgery, and Labor and Delivery, where she helped deliver thousands of babies. Lil retired from Mt. Diablo Hospital after a career spanning forty years.

Lil will be remembered by all who knew her for her remarkable love of people.

She befriended anyone who was open to her kindness, caring about their story, and

See Fichtenkort, pg 5

925.212.5593

140 El Portal Place

This beautiful 4 bedroom 2 ½ bath home with vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, kitchen island with pendant lighting and granite counter tops is ideally located on a quiet court. The expansive redwood deck and lush landscaping are perfect for outdoor entertaining.

Offered at $879,000

Leigh Klock Realtor

Senior Real Estate Specialist Accredited Staging Professional

Leigh@LeighKlock.com

CalBRE# 01874255

June 21, 2019

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

Page 5

Concord OKs balanced budget but sees cloudy days ahead BEV BRITTON The Pioneer

The Concord City Council approved a balanced biennial operating budget at the June 11 meeting – but only by dipping further into General Fund reserves and using more Measure Q funds.

In one of his longest statements since being elected last fall, Councilman Dominic Aliano summed up the city’s dire long-term forecast. “It’s not a sexy time to be a council member, because this budget is really scary,” he said. “We’re dipping into reserves and if we do not watch what we’re doing, we could put the city of Concord in a terrible position for the future

financially.”

Expenditures for Fiscal Year 2019-’20 are budgeted at about $108.2 million, with a deficit of $3.8 million. FY 2020-’21 projects a $1.3 million deficit out of $110.8 million. Budget officer

said the city had an “amazing opportunity” to develop a campus combining technology and biology.

“If you aim low and create an institution to train workers, then you will train workers who will go work in companies and they will join us in the rat race on the 680 and the 24,” he said during public comments. “If you aim high and you create a worldclass research institution here, then you will create entrepreneurs and those entrepreneurs will want to build companies –

point,” Trepa said. “We need to retain the flexibility to see who comes forward, who wants to be and some of those companies part of this.” will be here in Concord.”

LooKing to the The council directed staff to futuRe of SpoRtS form an advocacy team to genFlexibility was also key to the erate regional support and research partnerships. Many discussion of the concept plan members of the Blue Ribbon and feasibility report for a tourCommittee, including local and nament sports complex.

Steve Voorhies, director of statewide educators, are interested in continued involvement in Parks and Recreation for Conthe process. Staff will bring an cord, said the group strived to initial implementation plan back create “an aspirational vision” for a sports complex as part of to the council in late summer.

“Our committee was very 850 acres designated for parks strong in saying we don’t want to and open space.

“Concord’s unique position lock it down too tightly at this

City of Concord

Donna Lee said filling the gap reduces reserves to 23 percent.

“The city is maintaining General Fund reserves above the minimum 17 percent threshold set in the city’s budget and fiscal policies,” Lee told the

Cal State, from page 1

Fichtenkort, from page 4

(husband Jay), and daughter Sara Larose of Orinda (husband Jonathan). Lil was also deeply loved and will be looking for ways to connect. by her husband, Bernard She often stayed in contact, (Bernie) Fichtenkort, son John missed by her eleven grandinviting them to meals and Fichtenkort of Modesto (wife children and seven great holidays, and she always Shelly), daughter Mary McFar- grandchildren.

Consistent with Lil’s valoffered care and love when land of Clayton (husband ues, in lieu of flowers, the someone needed a friend.

Kevin), daughter Jean Fichtfamily asks that any gifts be in There was never any doubt Lil enkort of Berkeley (wife the form of donations to your placed love for her family Wendy Heffner), daughter above all else. She is survived Therese Hathaway of Wichita favorite charity.

Marshal, from page 1

would set a direction for her teaching career in Fort Bragg but returned in the summer to Concareer and life. cord and the festival. The Pavilgetting in on the ion marketing department hired gRounD fLooR her in 1977 to write press releasJefferson was a lifelong jazz es, plan press conferences, recruit fan and had convinced city offi- and train employees, take photos cials that hosting a summer and give tours of the Pavilion. music festival in town was a “I would go ‘on the road’ to good idea. The first Concord service clubs and other Summer Festival was scheduled groups” with a Pavilion slide for August 1969. show, Herdegen said. She also “When I dropped by his met and became lifelong office, Jeff said: ‘What are you friends with Pavilion PR coldoing this summer? Wanna help league Jill Cogan, “which out with our first music festival?’ opened a whole new level of That was the start of it all,” goodness in my life.”

Herdegen vividly recalls.

In 1979, she moved across That first Concord Summer the street from her Pavilion Festival and five subsequent fes- office at the City Hall complex tivals through 1974 were held in to the Concord Jazz office. She Concord Blvd. Neighborhood worked in publicity and as Park (now Dave Brubeck Park) national radio promotion next to Concord High School. director for 10 years on the As a jazz devotee, Jefferson record label Jefferson began in programmed the Summer Festi- 1973 when he realized that val to be heavy on jazz but also many of the legendary jazz included country (Chet Atkins musicians who came to the fesand Boots Randolph), comedy tival were unable to get their (Bill Cosby), rock (Carlos San- music recorded and released. tana) and classical pops (conducHer photos were on many tor Arthur Fiedler with the San Concord Jazz albums.

Francisco Symphony). The sucShe took a year’s hiatus in cess of the Summer Festival led 1987 to travel the country with to the construction of the Con- Jerry Herdegen, who had run a cord Pavilion, which opened in local advertising agency that, May 1975 as “The House That among many local clients, did Jazz Built.” the Pavilion advertising. The Herdegen would come home pair hopped in his small RV to Concord each summer and and roamed the country work on the festival while through 48 states covering attending Chico State, where she 40,075 miles. The cramped earned a bachelor’s degree in quarters didn’t deter them, and fine arts and a standard elemen- they married that Dec. 30. tary teaching credential.

Eventually she returned to “I sold tickets, answered teaching, before retiring a few phones, took photos, delivered years ago after teaching kinderseason tickets, drove musicians garten for 20 years. to and from the airport and was She’s maintained her love a hostess in the performer’s hos- of music, which first blospitality trailer.” somed when her parents played music on the family “hiheLping mARKet fi” before she took four years the pAViLion of piano lessons and then clasAfter college, she began her sical guitar when she was 18.

council. “However, the goal is to maintain reserves at 30 percent, and we do have significant funding challenges ahead.”

On June 11, the council unanimously approved an amendment to the Fiscal Sustainability Ordinance to allow the city to use more than $8 million annually from the Measure Q half-cent sales tax to support operations.

At a May 14 budget workshop, the council discussed plans for renewing Measure Q, which expires in 2025. Greg Grassi said the Measure Q Oversight Committee recommends putting a one-cent tax on the November 2020 ballot.

“We commend the City Council for establishing the Sus-

tainability Ordinance. But it’s obvious to all of us that the bigger problem is there isn’t enough money to go around,” he said.

“The economy’s taken much longer to recover than what we would have liked, and Measure Q dollars are still necessary.”

At both the May 14 and June 11 meetings, council members reiterated the need for community outreach about the longterm budget forecast. They asked staff to bring specific ideas back for review.

Meanwhile, the council voted 3-2 to give themselves a raise of 3 percent for each of the next two years, non-compounded, to be effective after the 2020 election. The raises bring compensation to $1,433.12 a month.

At the May 14 workshop, however, council members tabled a proposed to add a parttime council scheduler. Mayor Carlyn Obringer and Councilman Tim McGallian said there has been a huge increase in calls and emails from residents due to the change to council districts.

But the council wasn’t ready to give up on adding a sixth Code Enforcement officer and directed staff to provide more information on options.

Obringer noted that 27 percent of the budget comes from property taxes. “If we want to maintain and increase those property values and property taxes, code enforcement is critical,” she said.

as the largest city in Contra Costa County and ideal central locale near prime transportation corridors result in a strong potential target market for sports tourism,” he said. “This directly taps into the sports economy while benefiting the entire community.”

Working with consultants from LPA, staff recommended studying two options in the Draft Specific Plan for the base site. The council voted to evaluate a 175-acre complex that could accommodate national tournaments as well as a 75-acre one for regional events.

Voorhies noted that new survey information may affect the site sizes and require some design modifications.

The smaller venue is estimated to cost $214 million, with $290 million for the larger site.

LPA projects a 64 percent to 77 percent cost recovery ratio after five years. That assumes the facilities are built, owned and operated by the city, although public-private partnerships may also be explored.

VARiety of uSeS While the report detailed a specific number of fields and indoor facilities for each option, Arash Izadi of LPA said it was still “a conceptual process” with no defined outcome.

Councilwoman Laura Hoffmeister asked about the addition of things like a swimming pool or courts for bocce and pickleball. Guy Bjerke, the city’s Community Reuse director, said the group studied “the maximum potential impact.”

He said uses such as those suggested by Hoffmeister would have less impact and could be considered later.

Residents offered mixed reactions to the sports complex, with some complaining about the larger option. “It’s disingenuous that because there are 600 acres in the rest of the park that is a reason why the sports people should take over a citywide park,” said Hope Johnson.

Last month, the city’s Community Advisory Committee voted 7-1 against considering

the 175-acre tournament complex. However, John Courtney of LPA said that in stakeholder interviews, people wanted to study the bigger site.

“There was a common consensus that there was a shortage of soccer fields and a shortage of tournament facilities and a need for multiple sports to be in the tournament sports park so that it could be operated year-round,” he said.

Courtney said residents also wanted a community park and gathering space with things like an amphitheater, open lawns, picnic areas, gardens and trails, “In the conceptual design, there is space allocated for all those things,” he said.

Kandi Lancaster, a 22-year member of the city’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission, said the city needed to “dream big” with the sports complex.

“Concord is going to change,” she said. “And this can be the change that we really will be known for.”

Herdegen has had four cancer bouts over the past 16 years. In the aftermath of her first battle, she discovered a fascination of the ukulele, which also allows her to spend more time with her banjo and ukulele-playing mom Barbara.

Concord’s 31st Annual

ViSit ConCoRD LeADing JAzz pLAnS

The effervescent Herdegen has been part of the committee that Visit Concord organized to plan and promote the 50th anniversary of the Concord Jazz Festival with events all summer, culminating with an all-star 50th anniversary concert at the Pavilion Aug. 3 and a free jazz concert the next day at Todos Santos Plaza.

“Concord is proud of its history and looks forward to celebrating the 50th anniversary with the community,” said Elaine Schroth, Visit Concord executive director.

“Jazz has been an important part of Concord’s heritage for decades – a connection that is both inspiring and intriguing,” Schroth noted. “The anniversary events give us the opportunity to share original elements of our city with locals and visitors as they join us in celebrating 50 years of jazz in Concord.”

After her duties leading the July 4th parade down Willow Pass Road, Herdegen is the featured speaker on Saturday, July 27, at the second of three Java and Jazz presentations at the Concord Historical Society.

She will share her personal jazz experiences and rare festival memorabilia. Tickets for $5, which include a commemorative coffee mug, are on sale through Eventbrite.com.

After all the jazz excitement this summer, Herdegen completes this 50-year circle of life and music at the Clayton Valley High Class of ’69 50th reunion on Sept. 14.

Downtown

Concord

Tuesday Night Blues

Concerts 6:30-8 p.m.

July 2 . . . . . . . Roy Rogers and The Delta Rhythm Kings July 9 . . . . . . . Frankie G and the Conviction Sponsored by July 16 . . . . . . Delta Wires July 23 . . . . . . The Dylan Black Project July 30 . . . . . . Ms. Taylor P. Collins

Thursdays Music and Market Farmers Market 4-8 p.m. through Oct. 25 Concerts 6:30-8 p.m. through Sept. 26 Free to the community

Coming up

• Festival seating • bring your own chair • Plenty of free parking, City Garages •No alcohol • no smoking • no dogs

July 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cool Concord Cars 5:30-7:30, Todos Santos Plaza July 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pancake breakfast, Parade and Fireworks Aug. 1-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . 50th Anniversary of Concord Jazz Festival, multiple locations For complete listing go to www.visitconcord.com Aug. 15-17 . . . . . . . . . . . 50th Anniversary Tribute to Woodstock

www.concordfirst.org

Page 6

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

Sponsored Content

Dr. My-Linh Nguyen

It’s estimated that one in 12 adults in the United States struggles with symptoms of urinary incontinence, yet it remains low on the list of health concerns for which people seek treatment.

June 21, 2019

New technology for leaky bladder

It takes an average of 6.5 years from the onset of symptoms until a women with incontinence receives a diagnosis.

Incontinence arises due to common factors that are often beyond one’s control, the greatest of which are genetics, childbirth and chronic cough or lifting.

One of the most common types of incontinence is stress urinary incontinence.

This differs from urge incontinence, which is the unintentional loss of urine caused by the bladder mus-

cle contracting – usually associated with a sense of urgency.

Stress urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine during activities such as coughing, laughing, sneezing, lifting or exercising. It occurs when the urethral sphincter, the pelvic floor muscles or both of these structures have weakened. Stress incontinence affects one in five females of all ages.

Fortunately, a variety of therapies exist that can help patients gain better

control over their urinary function and reduce the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. Treatments can include behavioral modifications, pelvic floor strengthening, pelvic floor physical therapy, biofeedback and surgery.

The Emsella Chair is a novel option offering a painless, non-invasive alternative for treating stress urinary incontinence. The Emsella therapy helps strengthen weakened pelvic floor muscles that result in urinary leakage due to cough, sneeze,

laugh, lift or exercise.

The device uses cuttingedge technology called high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy that triggers rapid muscle contractions in the pelvic floor.

These contractions are similar to Kegel exercises but are faster and more intense.

Patients remain fully dressed during the 30-minute treatment sessions. Emsella is the only FDA-cleared device that can help treat symptoms of stress urinary incontinence in a non-invasive fashion.

Pacific Urology’s Women’s Center is the first practice in the East Bay to offer Emsella Chair therapy for patients with stress urinary incontinence.

“Mimi” Nguyen is a urogynecologist with Pacific Urology with a clinical focus in female pelvic medicine and reconstruction. She has offices in Walnut Creek, Concord and San Ramon. To schedule an appointment, call 925-937-7740 or visit pacificurology.com.

Preserving hair a new component to cancer treatment Sponsored Content

One of the most common questions patients ask during our discussion of breast cancer treatment is, “Will I lose my hair?”

For many women who go through chemotherapy, losing their hair is an unwelcome reminder of their diagnosis. It can cause stress and anxiety and negatively affect their self-image and sense of well-being.

However, there is a new treatment option giving hope to many patients. The FDA recently issued a clearance for “scalp-cooling systems” that help prevent c h e m o t h e r a p y- i n d u c e d

Dr. Tiffany Svahn

alopecia (hair loss) for patients with solid tumor cancers.

These scalp-cooling systems provide automated

cooling to the patient’s scalp during chemotherapy treatments. Cooling the cells on the scalp reduces blood flow and cell metabolism to this area, which helps to protect the hair follicles from chemotherapy.

Scalp cooling can significantly minimize hair loss from certain chemotherapy treatments for men and women with solid tumor cancers, such as those associated with breast, prostate, ovarian and uterine.

Diablo Valley Oncology is the first freestanding cancer center in the Bay Area to become certified and

trained to offer the Paxman Scalp Cooling System to patients. We have incorporated this new technology into the services at our Women’s Cancer Center of the East Bay’s Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Clinic.

Patterned after academic centers, the clinic evaluates patients with diagnosed breast cancer in a comprehensive, single-day setting to minimize the time between diagnosis and treatment.

In the initial appointment, women meet with a breast surgeon, medical oncologist and a radiation oncologist. After a

tumor board discussion, each physician consults with the patient and presents the most appropriate course of treatment based on the consensus opinions from the panel of physicians.

This one-day team approach spares patients and their family the anxiety and uncertainty of waiting days or weeks between individual appointments.

One of the main goals of our program is to reduce the anxiety experienced by patients diagnosed with cancer. Because the Paxman Scalp Cooling System addresses the stress of hair

loss, it is a natural addition to our practice.

Reducing the patient’s anxiety and stress allows them to focus their energy on what’s most important: getting well and putting cancer behind them.

garage in tip-top shape with these organizing tips from our local insurance carrier: Free up floor space by nailing angled wooden brackets to the wall. Use the brackets to hang lawn chairs, shovels, sports equipment and other bulky items.

Organize yard tools by rolling up a PVC tube and placing some screws into the spot where the edges meet to create a tool slot.

If small objects like nails and screws are littered throughout the garage, grab some mason jars and labels and start collecting these wayward items in the containers.

If the garage is a sea of roving sports balls, hook a few bungee cords into a secure surface and use it to corral basketballs, soccer balls, beach balls and the like into neat piles.

There’s nothing like a wellplaced magnetic strip for getting

scissors, screwdrivers and other small metal tools out of the way while still keeping them accessible.

If you’ve got picnic and beach gear taking up space in the garage, invest in a big laundry basket to collect umbrellas, scuba gear, sand toys and mini coolers.

Make the process of cleaning up easy moving forward by mounting a paper towel holder to the wall and using it to hold a roll of garbage bags.

Once you have everything cleaned out and organized, consider making the garage more aesthetically pleasing by giving it a coat of fresh paint.

Host a garage sale and try selling anything that’s still in good shape. Otherwise, go online and determine how to safely dispose of things you no longer need. Whatever you do, don’t put unwanted items back in the garage.

Q: my wife and i are considering selling our home, so we are looking into improvements that bring the highest rate of return on our investment.

Redoing the kitchen or bathrooms might be more than we can afford. Should we redo some of the flooring? We have a 30-day window.

A: The latest research shows that home renovations focused on the exterior of a property are most likely to generate a positive cost-to-value ratio.

“However, not all home improvement projects offer a full return on investment. Cost doesn’t necessarily equal value,” noted Stephen Wagner, president of the Appraisal Institute.

According to Remodeling magazine’s most recent cost vs. value report, the projects with the highest expected return on investment are:

Garage door replacement.

A simple paint job won’t do if the garage door looks shabby, so consider a new door.

Manufactured stone veneer and siding replacement. Replacing the siding will completely change the look of your home.

Deck addition. A deck is one of the few additions that bring immediate returns.

Adding another block of indoor living space is much more costly and may not appeal to every buyer.

Entry door replacements.

The entry door is one of the first things people see when they approach your home, and it’s relatively inexpensive to replace.

The convergence of television and computers has been underway for a few years.

TVs seem more like computers and computers more like TVs. The Internet is evolving into an entertainment media similar to TVs. Hundreds of shows, thousands of movies and a zillion bits of news now provide entertainment.

Television, on the other hand, has morphed into some sort of computer with a large picture, lots of visual options and a story from every corner of the world at your fingertips.

The original definition of TV really doesn’t exist any

longer. TV is an expression for tele-vision, or transmitting over the airway a series of pictures we now call movies, or more appropriately, video.

When was the last time you pointed your TV antenna to an on-air TV station? Most of us are connected to a cable of some sort to get TV and a cable or phone wires for Internet.

Computers and televisions are becoming one big media juggernaut, converging into a third entity we could call CETV (computer-enabled TV).

TVs now have a bevy of “apps” that are similar to apps on a computer or smart phone.

You can download an app, set it up and watch a show, sporting event, news program or documentary. Or, should I say that your computer is attached to a large screen display – like a 50inch monitor?

You control a computer with a mouse and keyboard.

With a TV, you use a remote that doubles as a mouse and will display a keyboard if needed. So what’s the difference?

As we march evermore into the future, technology forces previous generations to adapt.

Both the TV age and the computer age had to adapt or die.

Many newspapers have cut back on national coverage –

Svahn is a medical oncologist and breast cancer specialist with Diablo Valley Oncology and Hematology Medical Group in Pleasant Hill. She is also the medical director of the Women’s Cancer Center of the East Bay. For more information, call 925-677-5041or visit wcceastbay.com.

Clear out garage – then clean up with better sale price

Q: my husband and i are preparing to sell our house this year. We have had at least one car in the driveway almost the entire time we have owned the house, but our Realtor wants us to clear out enough items in the garage to park both cars in there because it’s better for curb appeal. Would you give us some tips to clear the garage?

LYNNE FRENCH A: Though research shows REAL ANSWERS that nearly 80 percent of Americans have either a garage or a carport, just 30 percent use the much other stuff taking up all that space. space to actually house a vehiWith a little time and effort, cle. If you’re like the majority, however, you can get your that’s because there’s just too

These days, computers and TVs look pretty similar

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

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

Lic. 979406

Specializin g in deferred m ainten home for sa ance, prepping le, repairs from home insp ections

Gary Romano

787-2500

Reliable & Professional Service Owner operated Over 35 years of experience

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.

WILL CLANEY

TECH TALK

transforming instead to report on local news, events and calendars. All the while, the big TV stations, thousands of independent stations, blogs and mimes dominate CE-TV. The convergence continues, and it is good.

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.

June 21, 2019

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

G U E S T E D I T O R IA L

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, Social Media B Ev B RITTON , Copy Editor, Calendar Editor J Ay B EDECARRé, Sports Editor S TAFF W RITERS : Jay Bedecarré, Bev Britton

C ORRESPONDENTS : Kara Navolio, Peggy Spear

PIONEER INFO CONTACT US

Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580 Tamara Steiner

editor@pioneerpublishers.com (925) 285-8612

Send Ads to ads@pioneerpublishers.com Send Sports News to

sports@pioneerpublishers.com

The Pioneer is a monthly publication delivered free to homes and businesses in 94517, 94518, 94519 and 94521. ZIP code 94520 is currently served by drop site distribution. The papers are published by Clayton Pioneer, Inc., Tamara and Robert Steiner, PO 1246, Clayton, CA 94517. The offices are located at 6200 Center St. Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Both Pioneer newspapers welcome letters from our readers.

As a general rule, letters should be 175 words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion.

sy ay Ea Sundtening Lismusic 4-7pm

Please include name, address and daytime telephone number.

We will not print anonymous letters. E-mail your letter to tamara@pioneerpublishers.com.

Letters must be submitted via E-mail.

CIRCULATION The Pioneer is delivered monthly by the third Friday to 38,500 single-family homes and businesses in 94518, 94519 and 94521. Papers to Clayton are delivered by US mail. Concord zip codes are delivered by commercial carriers for ABC Direct. To stop delivery for any reason, call the office at (925) 672-0500 .

If you are NOT receiving the Pioneer, please check the distribution map on the website. If you live in a single-family home within the shaded area and are not receiving the paper, please let us know. If you are not in the shaded area, please be patient. We will come to your neighborhood soon.

SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe to The Pioneer call the office at (925) 672-0500.

Subscriptions are $60/year.

ADVERTISING Advertising rates and circulation maps arei posted at www.pioneerpublishers.com or call (925) 672-0500.

-7p

m

Live

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

June 21-22 .....................................................Triple Treble June 28-29 .....................................................Delta Deuce July 5-6 ..........................................................Desert Moon July 12-13 .................................................Diamond Ridge

Karaoke Mon. & Wed. nights Open Mic Thur. nights, 8-11 pm

www.claytonclubsaloon.com

2 for the price of 1

Beer only. Good anytime with original coupon. Exp. 7/18/19

The UPS Store

Independently owned and operated

We shred your past to protect your future.

Stop by and try our document shredding service.

Notary, Packaging, Fax and Copy Services

Clayton/Concord Location:

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

Vineyard Shopping Center

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

theupsstorelocal.com/0190

Mayor Carlyn Obringer. Most of the families took the package and relocated. Ramos sucOn May 17, the paper ran a cessfully relocated to Walnut Creek. cover story featuring the May Upon completion of the Day protest march demanding remodeled apartments, tenants that Concord city officials would be allowed to return to enact rent control. their old units at the new marIn my opinion, the article ket rate of $2,100 – a value for was one-sided and biased to a remodeled unit centrally garner public support in favor located in downtown Concord of rent control. compared to the previous rate The third paragraph gave the impression that skyrocket- of $1,200 for an unsafe, dilapiing rents, vast unjust evictions dated building reflecting rents and displacement were facts – not seen since 2005.

The article does not accubut this is not the case. The rately tell the facts, contributstatement should have been in ing to the false premise that quotations, as they are the rent control is an effective polopinion of tenant advocate icy.

A survey of economists groups. showed that 98 percent agree The article recounts the (whether conservative or liberexperience of Nicole Zapata, al) rent control does little to Betty Gabaldon and Dolores improve the supply of affordRamos. Raise the Roof and able housing and actually crethe East Bay Alliance for a ates shortages that further Sustainable Economy have recounted these same stories at compound the situation by numerous City Council meet- driving up costs.

The most expensive cities ings over the past three years. in America are those with rent If there are thousands of control.

While short-term displaced families, as we are gains may help a select few in led to believe, where are they place prior to implementation, and why aren’t their names the long-term effects negativeprovided? ly impact far greater numbers The story shared Ramos’ for decades who can no longer opinion that she was evicted from her residence on Parkside afford to move to these cities.

I encourage you to report Drive so the new owner could the findings from the recent charge more rent. This is inacStanford study analyzing rent curate and misleading. control in San Francisco Where is the reporting that (https://web.stanford.edu/~di the property was bought at a amondr/DMQ.pdf). premium price yet required For further information, I more than $1 million in suggest listening to the April improvements for earthquake 4 podcast

by Stephen Dubner. safety to the second story balThe acclaimed economist, cony, remodeling of all 30 author and host of the units, repairs for the leaking “Freakonomics” radio show pool and new filtration equiptakes a hard look at the effecment, and installation of a tiveness of rent control, with playground? interviews from economists Moreover, the new owners and affordable housing advoacted responsibly by offering cates. temporary housing in other corporate-owned units, as well Blaine Carter is a rental propas providing $5,000 in relocaerty owner in Concord. tion expenses negotiated by BLAINE CARTER Guest Editorial

f

Rib Coo kJu 11 amly 13 of

Article on rent protest doesn’t tell the whole story

Letter to the Editor

Instead, I would like something more aligned with a career day at Diablo Valley As a parent of a child who College and/or Cal State. Giving the students a vision or will be entering kindergarten next year, I too find the tradi- reinforcing one for students who do have plans after high tion of Ditch Day (May 17 school would provide a Teen Speak) is not aligned chance for internships and with what schools teach our employment opportunities students. with local businesses during the summer and beyond.

Having them involved with a community project or volunteering for the day would also give students that extra something for their future college or job applications.

When I was a student in the ’80s, my school district banned Ditch Day two years before I graduated. It is time the Mount Diablo Unified School District do the right thing and provide learning opportunities for our children instead of reasons to goof off.

Parent advocates against Ditch Day

D&H gets Smart You can track a pizza with your smart phone

why not your vehicle health? ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄

A comprehensive vehicle inspection with photos and videos Complete vehicle overview and health score We tell you what services your vehicle needs You decide what to repair now and what can wait Get status updates and inspection results on your smart phone

Michael Schneider

Advertise in the Pioneer 2689 Monument Blvd, Concord

(925) 356-7500

D&H is a donation site for Cars2ndChance.org

925-672-0500

Page 7

Directory of Advertisers All phone numbers 925 area code unless otherwise noted

Automotive D & H Auto Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .356-7500 Business Services/Employment Rising Moon Marketing & Public Relations . . . .672-8717

Construction and Trades Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1519 Gary’s Home Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .787-2500 J.A. Ronco Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .872-3049 Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440

Events Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market . . . . . . . . .www.pcfma.org CBCA Clayton Rib Cook-Off . . . .claytonbbqcookoff.com Concord Summer Music Program .www.concordfirst.org Pacific States Aviation Open House . . . . . . . . .685-4400 TSBA Concord July 4th Festival . . . .concordjuly4th.com Financial, Insurance and Legal Services O’Sullivan & Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .691-6520 Van Wyck, Doug – State Farm Insurance . . . . .672-2300 Funerals Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Payless Cremation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 644-7700

Health and Wellness Harvest House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-2305

Home and Garden Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Interiors Panache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7920 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 R & M Pool, Patio, Gifts & Gardens . . . . . . . . .672-0207 Skim ‘n’ Dip – Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .348-5609 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 Waraner Bros. Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .831-2323 Waraner Tree Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-0334 Mailing Services The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Real Estate and Mortgage Services Bennett, Nancy – Keller Williams . . . . . . . . . . .606-8400 Clayton Fair Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-0324 French, Lynne – Windermere Real Estate . . . .672-8787 Germain, Julie – Rossmoor Realty . . . . . . . . . .849-2884 Klock, Leigh – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593 Lopez, Stephanie – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . .305-9099 Mazzei, Matt – Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757 Stojanovich, Jennifer – Better Homes Realty . .567-6170 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . .672-4433 Recreation and Fitness Diablo FC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.diablofc.org Senior Services Diamond Terrace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-5100

Services, Other ComputersUSA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-9113 Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029

Travel Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9840

Clayton Fair Properties For Lease

Concord – Commercial Offices Active business complex featuring a variety of commercial businesses. Well maintained with friendly atmosphere. Excellent location including ample parking.

Contact Maureen (925)

685-0324

O’Sullivan & Associates Advisory, Tax & QuickBooks Services for Businesses and Individuals Certified Public Accountants Tom O’Sullivan, CPA, CGMA, MBA

Please call us for a free initial consultation

(925) 691-6520 2487 Salvio St., Concord

www.osucpa.com

Page 8

F rom t he desk o f . . .

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

June 21, 2019

Mayor fully engaged in Concord campus development

CARLYN OBRINGER

CONCORD MAYOR

When I announced my candidacy for Concord City Council in this publication in December 2015, I wrote that one of my priorities was “attracting a UC/CSU/polytechnic university to be located on the 120 acres of the Concord Naval Weapons Station (CNWS) allocated for a fouryear public university/research facility.”

The adopted Area Plan for the CNWS includes about 120 acres to support a campus dis-

trict “capable of accommodating a variety of education, research and cultural uses such as a university or research and development center.” The original Community Advisory Committee established this goal since Contra Costa is the only California county with a population exceeding 1 million that does not have a fullfledged CSU or UC campus. I wanted to bring that vision to fruition.

After joining the council in

2016, I participated in a roundtable discussion, convened by Assemblyman Tim Grayson, on the future of higher education at the Concord base site.

In fall 2017, the City Council unanimously voted to relocate the campus district within walking distance of the North Concord BART Station.

In early 2018, the council created an Ad Hoc Committee to focus on the councilapproved work program to establish a public institution of

Fare evasion needs higher priority

BART staff presented the fiscal year 2020 budget in March, and the Board of Directors adopted the $2.3 billion plan this month virtually unchanged – but not before much debate over priorities.

The budget has two parts: a $947 million operating budget and $1.4 billion for capital projects. The budget expects riders to pay for 55 percent of the operating revenue, with taxpayer sources covering most of the balance. The largest tax is from three BART counties, Alameda, Contra Costa and San Francisco.

Since taxpayers fund about 90 percent of the capital budget, they are funding in total about 70 percent of this FY20 budget.

Labor costs are the largest component of projected oper-

public safety, homelessness, compliance, and the modernization, efficiency and financial stability of BART operations and administration.

For public safety, an additional $2.6 million will provide 19 new police officers and four new fare inspectors as midyear additions. For homelessness, the budget commits DEBORA ALLEN $2.1 million for the continuaBART DIRECTOR tion of the homeless outreach teams, the pit-stop attended restroom program in San ating expenditures, at more Francisco stations, and the than 62 percent. That’s a 7 reduction of encampments on percent increase over FY19.

BART property and under The amount of labor costs shifted from operating to capi- trackways. Another $1 million goes to additional fare-evasion tal budget increased 10 percent. Overall, BART added 73 control efforts, in addition to prior year initiatives, while $1.2 full-time positions. million is for station access.

The operating budget Much debate ensued over included new initiatives of the last five months in public $17.3 million to addressed

sessions, as well as in the media, over priorities for this budget. Everything from fare increases, police officers vs. “community ambassadors,” the need for tougher fare-evasion control, fare gate replacement, homeless programs and raising parking rates was on the table.

Each director had different ideas. Two directors have suggested we should not add more police to BART. Four directors want up to $1 million dedicated to a pilot “ambassador” program that would employ community members from San Francisco transitional programs for vulnerable populations to patrol stations and trains wearing BART vests. The goal is that their presence would help deter crime.

Most directors were uneasy about raising fares. In the end, I supported the existing budget, which contained an already approved 5.4 percent fare increase, after unsuccessfully lobbying to remove it before the meeting. Since the $12 million in additional revenue from that increase is dedicated to fund new railcars, which are almost two years behind in just 3 percent between 2018 veterans. Shelter Inc. provides delivery, it seemed logical to and 2019. case management and rental me to reallocate that fare Counties across the Bay assistance to very low-income Area saw similar growth rates, veterans and their families who increase money to station hardening – something that with Alameda County increas- are homeless or at risk of ing 43 percent and Santa Clara becoming homeless through its would have more of an impact County 31 percent.

Supportive Services for Veteran to riders. The motion failed.

So fares will increase on H3 developed a program Families (SSVF) Program. They called Rapid Resolution, which also work with county Veterans Jan. 1, and we are left with the has resulted in more than 30 Services to ensure the veterans original commitments to fareevasion control, which I don’t people avoiding homelessness are receiving their benefits. believe will be sufficient. since March 2019. Rapid ResoFor more information on It really comes down to lution started as a pilot proH3 or if you would like to get gram that will now be implemore involved, reach out to my priorities.

For more information, visit mented systemwide. office at 925-521-7100. fixourbart.com.

Rapid Resolution is an interKaren Mitchoff is Contra Costa vention designed to prevent County District IV supervisor. Email Contact Debora Allen at immediate entry into homeless- questions or comments to Mitchoff at debora@fixourbart.com. ness or immediately resolve a supervisormitchoff@bos.cccounty.us household’s homelessness once they enter a shelter, transitional housing or an unsheltered situation. We now screen people as soon as they touch the system of care, and H3 determines if homelessness can be avoided by the use of the following I recently read a story in services: the Sacramento Bee about a • Coaching and problem solv- single grandmother from ing on an individual basis.

Richmond who found herself • Conflict resolution and in need of $1,000 after her mediation with landlords, car’s transmission broke. family, friends.

Faced with an unexpected • Connection to mainstream but necessary expense, she did services. what many have done during • Housing search assistance tough financial times: She and stabilization planning. took out a loan. With few • After-care and follow-up TIM GRAYSON options available to her, she support. accepted a loan on the sub14TH ASSEMBLY • Limited financial assistance. prime market from a highWhen families and individu- interest lender.

DISTRICT als can remain in their homes, it She was quoted as saying helps stabilize all the facets of cial problems and less hope that she cried when she realtheir lives that support self-suf- ized how much she would be that they will ever live debt ficiency. Jobs are retained, fami- expected to pay on her triple- free. lies are fed, children are safe.

Despite its reputation as a digit APR loan, and she evenH3 also uses the Housing pro-consumer state, Califortually defaulted.

Security Trust Fund, a countyUnfortunately, her story is nia is one of only 12 states wide community fund that where it is legal to charge all too familiar to families covers costs that could pretriple-digit interest rates on throughout our state. Such vent many people, including high-interest rates can quickly consumer loans, with rates seniors, veterans and families, turn a family’s tight financial often exceeding 200 percent. from getting back into housTo pay back a $2,500 loan situation into a full-blown ing. It also protects participat- catastrophe. Each year, more at this rate, a borrower would ing property owners who need to pay nearly $10,000 than 100,000 Californians – offer these screened renters an or one in three people – who over two years. And some opportunity. aren’t even that lucky. Last take out these loans default In addition, H3 works with and end up with more finan- year, the L.A. Times pubShelter Inc. to help house our

Rapid Resolution addresses surge in homelessness

KAREN MITCHOFF

COUNTY

SUPERVISOR

This month, I want to share the latest homeless population numbers, the work we do around homeless prevention services and additional services for connecting with the homeless population.

In my previous two articles, I focused on Contra Costa County’s homeless system of care and the integration of our Health, Housing and Homeless services known as H3.

As I hope I have conveyed, H3 has an extensive array of programs and services. The department has undergone an incredible transformation in the past year to best respond to the needs in our community. The Continuum of Care allows people to access services at different entry points, tailored to meet people where they are.

Although our services have continued to evolve and improve, the number of homeless has expanded in the county due to rapid population growth and the extraordinary high cost of housing.

Results of the 2019 Point in Time Count show that homelessness has grown 43 percent over the past two years. However, the data shows that 90 percent of this growth occurred between 2017 and 2018. Our system of care and services has expanded since then, helping to slow the rising number of people experiencing homelessness in our county to

higher learning on the site. The work program called for retaining a consultant and establishing a Blue Ribbon Committee (BRC) of regional stakeholders to evaluate options for the campus district.

The Ad Hoc Committee, which I chaired, reviewed and revised a proposed Request for Proposal (RFP) for a consulting team to help guide the work of the BRC. We interviewed RFP finalists in May 2018 and selected MIG Con-

sulting.

From May through August 2018, we recruited individuals for the BRC who are familiar with Concord but also have regional and statewide relationships and perspectives in biotech, business, education, health care, labor, life sciences, technology and transportation.

I served on the BRC, first with former Councilman Ron Leone and then with Council-

See Concord, page 9

Clayton Library – and its volunteers – gear up for 25th anniversary

vided money to build new shelves and augment the county library materials budget. To date, CCLF has raised more than $250,000 for books, electronics, furniture and programs.

Leading up to the 25th birthday on March 7, 2020, CCLF will help us celebrate the library’s years of service to the community. CCLF is also TUIJA CATALANO looking to increase its memand to get new people CLAYTON MAYOR bership involved in maintaining and supplementing the wonderful The Clayton Library was programs and services the the first library in Contra library provides.

Costa County that allowed I recently submitted my volunteers to perform many membership application, at a of the necessary tasks. mere $10 per year, and Although the city owns the encourage residents to join library building, it is unlikely CCLF and/or volunteer time we would have a library in our at the Clayton Library.

For town without the original volunteers and community organ- more info, see claytonlibrary.org izers.

Today, volunteers contribute more than 5,000 hours annually and help keep this amazing community asset available to all of us. The minimum age for volunteers is 13, and the library is always looking for additional volunteers of all ages.

The Clayton Community Library Foundation (CCLF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity that is like a parent faculty club in many schools, helping fill funding gaps and organize additional programs. In 2018, CCLF funded 32 additional programs that 800 people attended, and the group pro-

BALAnCeD City BuDget The City Council approved a Fiscal Year 2019-’20 budget and a five-year Capital Improvement Program budget. The city’s operational budget for FY ’19-’20 is about $4.77 million, and the city maintains a healthy reserve of about 1.16 times the proposed General Fund expenditures.

Thank you to city manager Gary Napper and finance manager Kevin Mizuno for their professional leadership in helping the city maintain a balanced General Fund budg-

Predatory loans hurt families lished a story about a Marine Corps veteran who turned to subprime loans after medical bills for a leg amputation and kidney transplant wiped out most of her retirement; the result was she needed to pay nearly $37,000 in interest off a $5,000 loan. This is simply unconscionable.

The state Legislature has attempted many times to place consumer protections on these small dollar loans, but all efforts have failed under strong opposition from the industry. Over the last two years that I have served on the Assembly Banking and Finance Committee, my colleague and I have worked with a group of responsible lenders, consumer advocates, faith leaders and community groups to negotiate a package of strong consumer protections that would maintain a healthy lending market for nonprime borrowers in our state.

The result of those negotiations is Assembly Bill 539,

See Clayton, page 9

the Fair Access to Credit Act, which will cap interest rates on loans of $2,500$10,000 at roughly 36 percent.

Californians deserve real access to capital, not exploitative loans that trap them in perpetual payments and compounding debt. We must do more to protect financially vulnerable, hard-working families from predatory lenders who profit off of their devastation, and that starts with ending the worst kinds of abusive loans in our state and passing AB 539.

I’m proud to be leading this fight and hope you are able to join me. By the time this column is published, AB 539 will have faced a live-ordie vote in the Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee.

To learn more about the status of this bill or others in my legislative package, follow me on Facebook and Twitter or call my Concord office at 925-521-1511.

June 21, 2019

B U SINESS

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

Concord chamber continues on path to success

continues to round up new members and is making quite a dent on retention as well – ensuring that members see the value of chamber membership.

As you may have heard, long-time CEO Marilyn PATTY DEUTSCHE Fowler retired at the end of May. That is a huge loss, but CHAMBER OF it’s also a wonderful opportuCOMMERCE nity. With change comes growth and new ideas.

As my time as chair of the My company has gone Concord Chamber of Comthrough some changes in the merce ends, let me be a little past year as well. We had just Concord Mayor Carlyn Obringer, left, proclaimed May 30 reflective.

“Marilyn Fowler Day” for her 24 years with the Chamber of changed our name from When I came in last July, I Commerce. Fowler started in 1995 as a part-time account- Tesoro to Andeavor when brought the goal to GROW, Marathon Petroleum bought ing supervisor and was later promoted to chief operations which staff and the board took office and then president and chief executive officer before us. on full-force. GROW is an retiring last month.

We all learn to adapt. John acronym for Gain Members, Maxwell said, “Change is Reach Out Beyond our Borinevitable. Growth is optional.” the chamber had its best year Our staff has been amazders, Opportunities (take As the city prepares to ever. Every event was a sell-out, ing. Melissa Rea successfully advantage of partnerships) and expand with the Concord Naval and we actually had to find larg- put on more events and proWhat If (we set huge goals and Weapons Station property, the er venues. We have the most grams than ever before. She achieved them?). chamber’s potential is huge. The active membership in chamber documented all our festivities I think setting lofty goals chamber is poised for that history, and we partnered with in the newsletter and social makes people stretch just a little neighboring chambers on sever- media, really putting the cham- growth. further, and I’m proud to say We’ll weather the changes – al events of regional interest. ber on the map. William Chan

New Barnes & Noble a boon for local readers KARA NAVOLIO The Pioneer

Barnes & Noble opened its doors at the Veranda on May 22 to the joy of book lovers in Concord and the surrounding area.

The store fills a void left with the closing of a Barnes & Noble on Contra Costa Boulevard several years ago and the recent closing of Half Price Books in downtown Concord.

The new store is the 13th prototype nationwide with a more contemporary look and feel. Its booksellers

have tablets to help customers more easily find books or order a title not on the shelves.

The store plans to feature local authors and display the hottest titles in the area. It will host a children’s story time at 11 a.m. Saturdays and have a good selection of books written in Spanish. There is also a large cafe and comfortable seating options with USB/AC outlets.

“Barnes & Noble at the Veranda will offer a clean, contemporary design that is easy to shop and friendly to our customers,” said Frank Morabito, vice

Concord, from page 8

president of stores for Barnes & Noble. “It will feature a full assortment of books at its core, with a curated selection of educational toys and games, family games and puzzles and gift items for avid readers.”

For information on events, call 925-3493500 or follow @BNTheVeranda on social media.

Without the household rate increase, funding the rate increase already approved by the city of Concord for et, without any reductions in years, starting in FY 2020, in public services. order to cover increased oper- increased operational and ational and maintenance costs. maintenance costs would have become the city’s obligation.

SeWeR RAte inCReASe Although the city owns the Given Clayton’s relatively The council recently sewer system, we have consmall budget, it is not possible approved a sewer rate increase tracted the operational and of $45 a year per residential maintenance services with the for the city to absorb such costs without impacting the household for the next four city of Concord since 1966.

public services we provide. mayor’s office hours: Stop by to chat 9-10 a.m. Saturday, June 22, at the Clayton Farmers Market (in the KinderCare parking lot).

Clayton, from page 8

For more information on becoming a member of the Concord Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.concordchamber.com or email board@concordchamber.com.

Come learn to Fly With Us Learn How to Become a Pilot

Free Open House • Airplane Display • Simulator Flights • Free Food

925-685-4400

Sat. June 29 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Buchanan Field Airport 101 John Glenn Dr., Concord

Affordable Simple Dignified

FD 2323

Campus District Launch Team to assist with presentations to regional groups, support meetings with legislators and conduct additional outreach to industry partners. It is heartening that so many BRC members have expressed an interest in serving on this launch team and as ambassadors for the campus concept.

land uses. The full report is available at concordreuseproject.org/183/campus-district.

The committee members quickly identified that state government resources are constrained, so public-private collaborations would likely be necessary. With that said, I am extremely appreciative of Grayson’s recent efforts to help secure $2 million in the

a new chair next month, a new CEO by the end of the year – and we’ll come out a bigger, better chamber that is here to support old businesses and new businesses alike. We’ve got a great future ahead.

Win a free flight over the Bay Area

state budget for a feasibility study for a full-fledged CSU campus in Concord and look forward to positive results.

To keep the momentum going, the BRC presented its final report of the Campus District Visioning Project and next step recommendations to the City Council on June 4.

The council accepted the BRC’s report and supported the recommendation to establish and appoint members to a

man Dominic Aliano.

After meeting for nine months, the BRC produced a final report in May 2019 that envisioned a consortium concept – one that brings multiple academic institutions together, accommodating and embracing research and development – all located within the campus district while being supported by and supportive of surrounding

Page 9

Send questions and comments to Carlyn.Obringer@cityofconcord.org

Contact the Mayor at tcatalano@ci.clayton.ca.us. For more updates, follow her at www.facebook.com/CouncilmemberTuijaCatalano.

(925) 408-9980

www.PaylessCremation.com Download Our Mobile App

3500 Clayton Road, #100, Concord, CA 94521

Owned and operated by a local family

FREE ESTIMATES •Lawn & Plant Installation

•Paver Patio & Walkway

•Retaining Walls •Drainage •Low Voltage Lighting

925-672-9955

www.nicholslandscape.com Lic. 542812 Fully Insured

Boyce Nichols - Owner Clayton Resident

Page 10

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

Arizona Christian University Deanna Canesa

Arizona State University Cade Behmlander Jake Brennan Shane Hopfner Russell Martinez Aubrey Nicole Navarro Sinjin Speer Jessica Verderame

Azusa Pacific University Isayah Burnett Matthew Hintzoglou Christian Seeley

Bentley University Anthony Vizental

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo Calan Brown Leslie Cortes Sanchez Brandon Cuneo Justin Emery Ryan Gregerson Nicholas Harrison Georgia Moraes Sydney Skow

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona Matthew Alcasabas Hayley Davies

California State University, Chico Benjamin Iskin Jordyn Jennings Mary Mitchell Daniel Ward

California State University, East Bay Alaysia Mitchell

California State University, Fresno Nicholas Myers Berkeley City College Alexandra Wegner California State University, Fullerton Chrystina Heuerman Braulio Martin Boise State University Alyssa Dern Michaela Ellis Bonnie LLata

Boston University Trevor Bluth Katrina Chavez

Brigham Young University Alicia Lane

Brigham Young University - Idaho Danielle Cordova

California State University, Long Beach Sarah Kidd Dallin Porter

California State University, Monterey Bay Skylar Aldridge

California State University, Sacramento Alantis Allen Angelee Dubnoff Adeleke Fashola Doris Hernandez Jimenez Emily Kinsey Krysten Lee Zephaniah Moliga Kylee Rinaldi David Tejeda Gallegos Jr. Arcarlin Valerio-Mora

Carrington College, Sacramento Caroleann Gebhardt

Central Washington University Giovanna Gonzalez Kaylie Hartvickson-Krupa

City College of San Francisco Parker Allen Patrick Davis Cade Young

June 21, 2019

Cosumnes River College Andrea Marquez

Fullerton College Christian Flamino Dominican University of California Victor Gonzalez

College of DuPage Sadaf Shekib Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Florida Carlos Orantes

City College, Fort Lauderdale Pauaea Aumua

Fresno City College Jacob Sartorio

Colorado State University Molly Etkin Sean Malley

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide Michael Tranate Jr.

Gonzaga University Gabrielle Duran Kaylie Quesada

Grand Canyon University Justin Dietrich Alle Nichols

Diablo Valley College Sami Abas Hamidi Dylan Abbas Luisa Camille Aguilar Tammim Akrami Cassidy Anderson Connor Anderson Isabella Arredondo Natalie Artiga Jacob Arviola Skye Aven Jacob Bamer Kyle Barry Zahir Bassa Caitlin Biles Sara Blanco Riley Bluth Charles Bornemann Reagan Bowerbank Gabriel Bowman Daniel Brown Lael Burk Haley Callaghan Seydi Camey Gil Lillian Campos Jason Cannedy Oliver Castellanos Padilla Justin Chan Eshaan Chandi Zackary Clemons Lance Jacob Columna Hannah Concepcion Cooper Dadami Madison Dadami Leianna Depe Ernesto Diaz Mariah DiLelio Melvin Doolin Agustin Duenas Cheyanne Eggum Scott Ellison Noah Engineer Analysa Espinoza Kavah Fahim Jacob Faleafine Fady Fargala Christian Fontecha Nicholas Forbes Matthew Gabler Patrick Gamez Giselle Garcia Derrek Gardner

Alyssa Gentry Jarrod Ginette Alexandra Gonzalez Madilyn Greene Kayla Guzman Annecy Hall Kathryn Hangen Levi Hanson Tristan Haynes Jesus Hernandez Jimmy Hernandez Xavier Hernandez Kelsey Hill Hannah Hoffmeister Makenna Holmes-Joseph Kyle Huynh Taylor Ingebretson Stephanie Keeler Chahadi Kemel Kripa Lamichhane Jaiden Lassair Paige Lawson Fiona Leber Olivia Linkhart Logan Littlefield David Llata Sierra Lofgren Logan Loftin Jessie Lopez Nicole Lovos Daniella Lozano Erick Luengas Emily Lyons Quintin Madahar Hamed Mahmoud Kalli Malnick Gabriella Mancini Ashley Martell Gabriel Martin Kalin Mason Tamara Mason Alejandro Mata Espinoza Ian McIntyre Victoria McIntyre David McNulty Maya Michta Zahra Mojaddidi Ava Molina Victoria Mullinax Jack Murphy Mikayla Nackord

Nicholas Norris Nnamdi Nwakor Joshua Orozco Emely Ortiz Perez Jean Oviedo Charles Pesmark Lauryn Pike Jason Prachar Madina Rahimy Mohammad Rahimy Cyrus Rajeski Jon Ritz Hannah Rocheleau Donna Roden Alfredo Rodriguez Byron Rodriguez Javier Rodriguez Raymond Rosales Andres Rubio Bryan Ruiz Taylor Rustrum Isabella Santos-Hutalla Ashlyn Scott Alex Silva Amrita Singh Lindsey Smith Emran Solayman Isaiah Sosa Kyle Sparks Manuel Suarez Cardenas Artemiy Tabankov Massihullah Taufiq Jessica Teach Hannah Tierney Jose Torres Trinity Tourady Romeo Traylor Anthony Trimble Jackson Trimble Carina Twal Kelli Uemura Grecia Urtusuastegui Paulina Vaclav Jayden Van Keppel Anna Velez Elizabeth Waite Miranda Wiggenhauser Allisyn Willer Isabelle Wilson Alexa Woods

Laney College Camden Grant Priest Preston

Lewis & Clark College Annalisa Keneipp

Los Medanos College Adriana Aguilar Omaid Ataie Brian Avila Heredia Dylan Brimmer Hannah Kaye Burton Josue Carranza Marquez Ceballos Kimberly Cerron-Calderon Glorianna Escobar Tyler Ferrara Cooper Gardner Arturo Hernandez Diaz Bradley Hull-Warrenburg Ashley Hunt Alyssa Jecker Ishika Johal Joshua Johansen Tyler Krieg Kimberly Lechuga Ortega Arielle Elizah Lepana Emilie Martin Jackeline Martinez Barron Marcus Martinez Zackry Martinez Ndahiro Mbangukira Daniel McCurdy Romen Merritt Macey Morano Justin Nguyen Thao-Tien Nguyen Cameron Northington Andrew Novinger Shaila Grace Panaligan Erik Rosales Jeryn Williams

A c a d e m i c s • C h a r a c t e r • 2 1 s t C e n t u r y S k i l l s • A r t s & At h l e t i c s

June 21, 2019

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

Page 11

Congratulations to the CVCHS Class of 2019!

Louisiana State University Emma Skow Logan Sumter

Loyola University New Orleans Christopher Clarke

Santa Barbara City College Jake Johnston Leah Nelson

Sonoma State University Rosalie King Austin O’Connor

San Diego Miramar College Jeremy Jusuf St. Paul University - Iloillo Katriel Segovia

Make School Tristan Fossan Diyar Kudrat

Merritt College Brionna Sommers

San Diego State University Abigail Anderson Ronald Bolden III Camille Cline William Greer Samuel Kelete Liam Mason Noah Schipper Logan Sherman

Mills College Sofiya Erlikh

University of California, Berkeley Kaitlyn Chiok Kenneth Guan Texas Christian University Aurora Carlson

Northern Arizona University Eric Blaettler

Oregon State University Thomas Kearney

Portland State University Alicia Todaro

Reedley College Ryan Carrasco

The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, West Natalie Aliano San Francisco State University Mariam Abdiani Salma Blanco Kaila Celestial Monica Flores Huete Antonio Indindoli Khayla McKenzie Shabnam Miry Rebecca Mitchell Madeline Murphy Jerome Andrei Padilla Mia Propersi Alexander Stavrev Jogre Suasin Jr. Arezo Taibzadah Justin Wolfe

San Jose State University Mark Alvarez Melissa Cark Raymond Francisco Elias Haider Natalie Kapfenstein Sophia Kennedy Dylan Lewis Gina Meyer Sanjar Mohammad Ewaz Alexander Price

Robert Morris University, Pennsylvania Torin Neal Santa Clara University Andrew Hevener

Saint Mary’s College of California James Beard Jose Haro Jr. Makayla Prince

Seton Hall University Zachary Cegielski

United States Navy Maci Briscoe

University of California, Santa Barbara Kristina Algas Logan Fong Kyle Gregerson Archana Neupane Kieu Pham Aliyah Sarna

Syracuse University Kristen Wallace

San Francisco Art Institute Angelina Salas

Montserrat College of Art Bailey Suggs

United States Marine Corps Sean Curran Kade Daggs Kegan Martin Reynaldo Rodriguez Abigail Taylor

University of California, San Diego Ryan Diaz Micaela Rodriguez Kristian Shin Uyen Tran

The University of Arizona Annika Ward

Tuskegee University Devell Barner Jr.

United States Air Force Ronald Cataldo III Kalob Chandler Dennis Curran Jr Raymond Ford

United States Air Force Academy Cade Carter

United States Army Jehric Eugene Oblanca Charles Shuey

United States Coast Guard Alberto Lara Jr. Thomas Mann

University of California, Davis Grace Adams Alyssa Arino Juliet Beach Julia Deely Itzel Garcia Gonzalez Megan Hatanaka Jessica Hevener Catherine Wang-McGloin Kaiona Watanabe Zohal Zafari

University of California, Irvine Elizabeth Benavidez Morales Sydney Caulder Kylie Chung Angela Do Kylie Halliday Stefan Jones Luke Paschall Adin Singson Sarah Stahl Poinciana Zhang

University of California, Los Angeles Shayan Asemi Lea Chinn Kyleigh Jai Colchico Anya Holbrook Dustin Mitchell Raydon Padua Cameron Reynolds Brian Tangsombatvisit Rainey Williams

University of the Pacific Trevin Blaylock Imrat Kular Julienne Maxine Paredes Haley Reese-McCoey Reese Romero

University of Utah Brianna Allen Natalie Baptista Thomas Conger Maxwell Cursi Ethan Emoto Jackson Hubbard

University of California, Santa Cruz Erin Levy Jennifer Satow Teresa Skillman Rebecca Snyder Kaylie Walker

University of Washington Patrick Gillespie

University of Hawaii at Manoa Arianna Estrada

Utah State University Jenna Simpkins

University of Maryland, Baltimore County Niklas Weigelt

University of Nevada, Reno Elizebeth Bear Charles Easterly Taylor Foster Taylor Hansen Kody Li

University of Oregon Kaitlyn Bamford Owyn Elento Zachary Storn

Utah Valley University Elizabeth Simmons

Washington State University Daylon Hicks Hannah MaGee Luke Mingham

Wayne State University Nicholas Stelchek

Western Washington University Ingrid Shipstead University of Portland Emillee Jean Rabago

Westmont College Mackenzie Tobin

University of California, Merced Garrett Mak

University of San Francisco Domenic Pallotta

Whitworth University Jacobi Padilla

University of California, Riverside Bianca Haas Nathaniel Nicolas Ashleen Randhawa

University of Southern California Carol Alata

William Jessup University Lorenzo De La O

1 1 0 1 A l b e r t a Way , C o n c o r d , C A • w w w. c l ay t o n va l l e y . o r g

SCHOOLS The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

9 1 ‘ f o s s Cla Vincent Moita

Caps and gowns galore: 2425 get diplomas from area high schools

Katie Villandre

JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Congratulations on your graduation from Hastings Law School in San Francisco and successfully passing the bar exam.

Your family and your community are so terribly proud of you.

Julie, Jim and Joe Moita

Congratulations Katie!

We are so proud of all of your amazing accomplishments, and we can’t wait to see what’s next on your journey. May all your dreams come true.

Love you, Mom, Dad and Josh

Tiffany Cerruti

Liam Mason

Tiffany, we are so proud of what you have accomplished! Congratulations on your degree from UC Berkeley. Keep shining because you have a lot to offer.

Love, Mom & Dad

Congratulations Liam!

We are so proud of all that you have accomplished and can’t wait to see where the next chapter of your life’s journey takes you at SDSU. Love, Mom, Dad & Kiana

Over the past few weeks 2425 local students from the Class of 2019 collected a diploma for completing their high school requirements and now look towards college, the military, trade school, a gap year or getting a job as they begin the next phase of their life.

Carondelet 200 young women graduated at the end of May in a campus ceremony and are headed to 84 different twoand four-year colleges in the fall.

Clayton Valley Charter The area’s largest graduating class—465—comes from CVCHS, which reported a 98% college rate for its senior class at the public charter high school.

Concord 370 CHS seniors walked for their diplomas at the Concord Pavilion, where the majority of commencement exercises were held.

Contra Costa School of performing Arts The small public charter school’s inaugural graduating class was 16 as the school concluded its third year with a senior class that began there in 10th grade. The historic graduation ceremony was held in the Hofmann Theater at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. The school anticipates next year’s graduating class will be about double in size with an annual class of about 100 seniors projected in the years to come.

De La Salle The Concord

6160 Center St. Suite #C, Clayton

925-693-0757 (main) Clayton residents since 1959

ACTIVE

• 230 Hillcrest Ln., Pleasant Hill

$740,000 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, approx. 1884 sq.ft.

Listing agent: Rula Masannat

SOLD

• 1479 Bismarck Lane, Brentwood

$376,000 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, approx. 1022 sq.ft.

Listing agent: Matt Mazzei

• 1036 Oak Grove Rd. #37, Concord

1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, approx. 671 sq.ft.

mazzeirealty.net

$274,000

Listing agent: Rula Masannat

Matt Mazzei, Jr.,

Paula & Rod Johnstone

Rula Masannat

BRE# 01881269

DRE# 00797857

DRE# 01923757

Broker/Owner 925-766-6745 matt@mazzeirealty.net

Broker Associate

Paula 925-381-8810 Rod 925-286-5765

heypaula10@gmail.com

Now Open

all-boys parochial school had 246 graduates at its ceremony at the school. mDuSD Bridge program is for individuals aged 18-22 years with disabilities who have finished high school. The program supports the 26 student grads’ transition to adult living. mDuSD Adult education honored its 37 high school graduates and 31 who earned high school equivalencies at a ceremony at Loma Vista Adult Center. mt. Diablo The area’s oldest high school was the first in the district to hold its commencement ceremony this year for its 236 graduating seniors on May 31. northgate 362 seniors earned their NHS diplomas.

Small Continuation high Schools in MDUSD had a total of 80 graduates from Crossroads (16), Gateway (14) and Summit (50) high schools. olympic had 103 graduates in its Class of 2019. ygnacio Valley awarded 253 YVHS grads their diplomas.

The other MDUSD high school, College Park in Pleasant Hill, had the district’s largest senior class of 442 (not included in the local graduates total).

The district said that 22 of its nearly 1900 graduates were enrolled in the College Now program, enabling MDUSD juniors and seniors to take college classes at Diablo Valley College to meet high school graduation requirements while concurrently earning college credits.

Bergum adds, “But most important was the incredible creative experience that the tournament provided, as they interacted with groups of students from all over the world.”

The local students were one of 900 teams who competed in the three-day competition. Concord’s team, which won San Francisco Bay Region and NorCal State competitions to qualify for Worlds, consisted of senior Aketzali Perez, juniors Neco Tejada and Rolando Manalac and a trio of sophomores, Brian Velasquez, Evie Robello and Laila Navone.

The CHS team plans to begin a new year of problemsolving when they return to school in September with the exception of Perez, who is off to college. mDuSD hoLDS June 24 heARing SeeKing input on DiStRiCt eLeCtionS

MDUSD invites families, students, community and business leaders as well as other stakeholders to attend a public hearing that will provide the public an opportunity to provide input on the composition of trustee areas for by-trustee area elections.

The district is moving to a by-trustee area system in alignment with the California Voting Rights Act, discouraging district-based elections. The city of Concord made the same conversion for city council elections last year.

The 7 p.m. hearing next Monday, June 24, is part of a statutory process for establishing a by-trustee area elections ConCoRD high’S oDySSey system. Under this model, of the minD teAm enJoyS MDUSD will be organized into tRip to WoRLDS five individual trustee areas. PreThe Concord High Odyssey viously, trustees were elected by of the Mind team returned voters of the entire district. In from the World Finals Compe- the new process, trustees will be tition last month at Michigan elected by the voters living State University “with a new within the trustee’s respective outlook on creativity,” says advi- area. sor Sheila Bergum. They Input gathered from the placed 16th in their problem public during hearings will help and division from a field of 55 determine the criteria used by a teams, “an amazing accomplish- demographer in drafting the ment for the team’s first trip to new trustee area maps. the World Finals.”

The meeting is at the Con-

cord district offices at 1936 Carlotta Dr. in the main boardroom. Translations from English to Spanish and American Sign Language will be available upon request.

Information about the process is available at mdusdca.schoolloop.com/boardelections.

KenDALL ALBeRt WinS peACe & JuStiCe CenteR eSSAy ConteSt

Clayton Valley Charter sophomore Kendall Albert was awarded first place in Creative Writing in the high school division of the 21st Art and Writing Challenge Awards hosted by the Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center in Lafayette.

The event is organized to encourage and support local

KENDALL ALBERT

youth to address issues concerning peace and social justice.

This year the center received submissions from 19 high schools and 12 middle schools from throughout Contra Costa County.

Margli Auclair, the center’s executive director, said, “This year’s topic/prompt was ‘Cultivating A Peaceful World: Visions for the Future.’ When you dream of liberation, what does that look like to you?

What are your hopes for a more peaceful future? How do you see communities thriving? How do we get there?”

Albert was the only winner from area schools for her essay “In Our Hands.”

Sales Agent 415-310-2905 rulawithmazzei@yahoo.com

Mazzei Chevrolet

in Vacaville

925.348.5609 Nick Eisenbart

707-448-6226

June 21, 2019

Photo courtesy Carondelet High School

Page 12

MazzeiChevrolet.com

Owner/Service Provider Concord resident

Skimndip.com

Five Stars

on Yelp

Serving all of Contra Costa County for over 15 years Including Marsh Creek, Morgan Territory

SPORTS & LIFESTYLE

The Pioneer

June 21, 2019

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . .B7 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B9 The Arts . . . . . . . . . . .B8

The Pioneer, Section B

www.PioneerPublishers.com

De La Salle, CVCHS win NCS team championships JAY BEDECARRÉ the Pioneer

De La Salle High wrapped up another strong athletic year by winning North Coast Section team championships in baseball, lacrosse and golf this spring while Clayton Valley Charter won the boys NCS Meet of Champions title for the second time in three years.

Several local track and field athletes earned medals at the CIF State Meet as another high school sports calendar drew to a close.

Baseball – De La Salle won its fourth consecutive North Coast Section Division I

Photo courtesy Carondelet HS

Junior Kelly Kern of Carondelet set a new meet and NCS record in the pole vault at 13-4 while winning the Meet of Champions title last month. She has won Section two years in a row.

championship and sixth in eight years with perhaps their most dominate season ever.

The Spartans (29-1 overall) finished the year with a 28-game winning streak and a top 5 national ranking.

DLS had one close call at NCS as they edged league rival Monte Vista 2-1 in the quarterfinals. They played the Mustangs four times this season and three of them were tight games decided by a total of four runs.

Junior pitcher Kyle Harrison, the Northern California player of the year, got three RBIs and pitched DLS to the NCS championship game victory 10-1 over Heritage.

Fellow all-NorCal player Chris Santiago was one of four Spartan regulars who batted .395 or higher. Junior Vince Bianchina, sophomore Blake Burke and Nick Fursari were the others.

Clayton Valley Charter won its first NCS game before losing to Amador Valley in the quarterfinals. golf – De La Salle golf had a great post-season run beginning with victory at the EBAL championships with Jack Gardner as co-medalist.

The Spartans won the NCS Championship at Monarch Bay Golf Club in San Leandro by 14 strokes over their league rivals Amador Valley as all six DLS golfers shot between 72 and 74.

At the CIF Northern California championship DLS fin-

ished second behind Jesuit of Sacramento at El Macero Country Club. Sophomore Mitchell Hoey was low scorer in seventh place among the field of 90 high school golfers.

The season concluded on the Monterey Peninsula at Poppy Hills GC at State where the Concord school was fifth.

Senior Gardner was the top Spartan golfer with a one over par score in 18th place.

The lineup at State also included freshmen Joey Hayden and Ted Davenport, sophomore Justin Hopkins and junior Andrew Bagasbas. Other team members were Josh Fenstermacher, Jack Hazard, Shayad Missaghi and Matt Neufeld.

Lacrosse – De La Salle came into the NCS Division I playoffs as the eighth seed.

Four one-point victories later they were the Section champions, the school’s sixth title since 2007.

The Spartans stunned top seed San Ramon 11-10 in overtime in the NCS quarterfinals, then beat fourth seed Redwood 6-5 in the semi-finals and in the championship game edged No. 3 seed and defending Division II champion Marin Academy 11-10. All three of those wins were with DLS as the visiting team.

Softball – Carondelet won the NCS Division II softball championship last year and moved up to DI this spring.

The Cougar lost to eventual runner-up Heritage in the

Photo courtesy De La Salle

De La Salle won the EBAL and North Coast Section golf championships, took second at NorCal and fifth at State for coach Terry Eidson. The Spartans won NCS by 14 strokes over league rival Amador Valley. The DLS team included, from left, Joey Hayden, Justin Hopkins, Jack Gardner, Andrew Bagasbas, Ted Davenport and Mitchell Hoey.

quarterfinals. Clayton Valley Charter and Concord highs each lost their DI openers while Northgate fell in the opening round of DII. track & field – Clayton Valley Charter’s boys won their second NCS Meet of Championships title in three years after taking second in 2018. The Ugly Eagles were again led by cousins Cameron Reynolds and Justin Lowe.

At a rain-soaked MOC at Diablo Valley College Lowe beat Reynolds in the 400 meters as the seniors finished one-two. Reynolds later won his second straight 200 title.

The two were part of the winning 4x100 and 4x400 Ugly Eagles relay teams.

At the State Meet the CVCHS boys relays both were seventh while Reynolds took second in the 200 and fourth in

the 400. Lowe took 8th in the 400 at State.

Concord middle distance star Rayna Stanziano took third at State in the 800 meters for the second year in a row. It was at the MOC that the senior was part of a remarkable story.

Stanziano looked like she was on her way to a second straight NCS title in the 800 when she

See Spring, page B5

Nancy E. Bennett 5509 Florida Dr. – Concord

Charming 3 bed, 2 bath State Streets home with pool – This Clayton Valley Highlands gem is beautifully updated and conveniently located close to schools, shops, and restaurants.

This nicely landscaped home with pool is ready to be called home.

Offered at $620,000

5450 Concord Blvd. P8 – Concord

SALE

PEN

Offered at $355,000

•Concord Crossings – Lovely 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2130 sq. ft.

•Concord Crossings – Updated 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2053 sq. ft.

•Downtown Martinez – Cute 2 bedroom, 1 bath 1334 sq. ft.

SALE

DING

Beautifully updated and wellmaintained 2 bed, 1 bath unit – Quiet location in a private and peaceful complex with plenty of trees. Remodeled kitchen boasts new cabinets with an abundance of storage space, gorgeous quartz counters and newer stainless steel appliances.

COMING SOON

4484 River Ash Ct. – Concord

PEN

DING

This spacious tri-level gem in the highly desired Crossings community is ready for you and your family. This 3 bedroom, 2.5 Baths, 1784 sq ft. unit sits on a .13 acre lot. Beautiful both inside and out with updated kitchen and baths, and a versatile sport court for outdoor fun.

What our clients say

Offered at $748,000

“We had an excellent experience with Nancy and her team when we sold our house in the Crossings and bought a house in the Northgate neighborhood.

Nancy had an impressively accurate prediction of the proceeds we would get from the sale of our house. Her team made sure our house was ready to be put on the market in no time and showed nicely. The agent for the house we bought was difficult with many demands but Nancy stood up for us and made this deal happen. Nancy and her team are experienced, responsive and well prepared. We feel like we were extremely well represented!” – Concord family

925.606.8400

CEO, The Bennett Team #1 Agent in Concord for the last 6 years combined

CalDRE #01399870

Nancy@BennettBetter.com

BENNETTBETTER.COM

Selling more than 8 times as many homes as the average realtor.

Page B2

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

June 21, 2019

8 local athletes named spring season MVPs JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Spring sports awards were recently handed out for the Diablo and East Bay athletic leagues and eight local high school athletes were named most valuable players in their sport and two juniors were repeat winners.

Lefthander Kyle Harrison of De La Salle was named EBAL MVP for the second year and the junior will have a chance to make it three in a row next season. Northgate’s Miks Ramanis is in the same position as the Bronco junior repeated his DAL Foothill Division volleyball MVP award from last spring.

Also getting MVP recognition in DAL were four Clayton Valley Charter High athletes--freshman Henry Sanchez (Valley Division golf), junior Joey Soberon (Foothill baseball pitcher), senior Torin Neal (lacrosse) and senior Levi Hanson (Valley volleyball). Rounding out the local MVPs were a pair from Northgate, junior Katie Hicks (Valley softball) and senior James Madden (lacrosse).

Harrison once again led the Spartans to the top of the rankings as DLS racked up its fourth successive North Coast Section championship (and sixth in past eight years). The lefty was 10-0 on the mound this year for his 29-1 team that finished in the top five of all national high school rankings.

A year ago, he was 9-1.

He was recently named Northern California player of the year. He has made a verbal commitment to UCLA. He walked 27 batters against 103 strikeouts with 10 K’s each in playoff wins over Monte Vista and Heritage. Harrison also had two six, no-hit inning efforts against Amador Valley and California.

Northgate volleyball coach Leanne De Bella says of her star player, “Miks loves volleyball to his core and you can see this in his dedication and passion for the sport. Every move that he makes is intentional and precise; he strives to be the best through repetition of his movements and by getting as many touches on the ball as he can.”

Ramanis led the Broncos with 226 kills for the season, 362 attempts at kills and over 104 perfect passes. The Broncos have finished second in NCS D-II playoffs the past two years.

Neal concluded a successful high school career leading the Ugly Eagles to their first league championship since 2012. The senior attackman garnered all-league honors all

four years. Neal also was named one of 10 Bay Area players for all-America honors.

He finished this season with 81 goals (school single-season scoring record) and 24 assists for 105 points (another school record). He also was credited with 86 ground balls and 51 caused turnovers.

Local schools all-league honorees in Diablo Athletic League plus Carondelet and De La Salle (East Bay Athletic League):

BASeBALL DAL foothill MVP Pitcher – Joey Soberon (Clayton Valley Charter). First Team- Eddie Curley, Cooper Gardner, Jack Murphy (CVC), Luke Saunders, Cooper Bridwell (Northgate).

Second Team – Brandon Cuneo, Telly Hill, Chase Garves (CVC), Jonathan Gazdar (NG).

Honorable Mention – Luke Mingham (CVC), Eric Prough (NG). Gold Glove- Ryan Pierce (CVC), Danny Shaffer (NG).

Valley First Team – Jonathan Miller, Ryan Murphy (Concord). Second Team – LJ Majarucon (Con), Antonio Vasquez, Nico Campos (Ygnacio Valley). eBAL MVP Pitcher- Kyle Harrison. First Team- Chris Santiago, Charles McAdoo, Vince Bianchina. Second Team – Blake Burke, Jared Amigh, Nick Fursari. Honorable Mention- Cole Silva.

CompetitiVe CheeR DAL Darian Siu, Sofia Moreno (Con), Savannah Sprague, Mylie Gardner, Abby Weeks (CVC), Kassandra Salazar (YV). eBAL Second Team – Czijay Oliveros; Honorable Mention - Vanessa Rea.

BoyS goLf DAL foothill First Team Ryan Gay (NG). Second Team – Jack Vanderbeek. Valley MVP – Henry Sanchez (CVC). First Team – John Scott Senz, AJ Tomasini (Con). Second Team Shane Nelson (CVC). Honorable Mention – Ryan Willsie (Con), Gabe Ptak (YV), Liam Mason (CVC). eBAL First Team - Jack

HENRY SANCHEZ CVCHS GOLF

TORIN NEAL CVCHS LACROSSE

Gardner, Justin Hopkins. Sec- Harvey, Nadia Gomez, Grace ond Team - Mitchell Hoey, Joey Zodikoff (NG), Jackie Alday, Emma Postlethwaite (CVC), Hayden.

Lexi San Filippo, Amber Desena LACRoSSe (Con). Valley First Team – DAL Boys MVP - Torin Melissa Becerra (Mt. Diablo), Neal (CVC), Jason Madden Angela Garcia (YV). Second (NG). First Team - Rylan Team – My’Ari Randall (MD), Lochhead (NG), Gunner Oak- Maribel Carabez (YV). Honorley, Casey Barnes, Connor Law- able Mention – Kat Cottrell, son (CVC). Second Team – Kim Chavez, Shaunda Moreno, Lucas Calica (CVC). Honorable Diana Frayle, Destiny Gonzales, Mention – Connor Barnes, Jack Giselle Cabrera (MD), Miho Garner, Corrie Broadwell, Maci Hirasaki (YV).

Sekander (CVC). eBAL First Team - Jesse eBAL Boys First Team - Juino. Second Team - Gabriella Trenton Wheeler, Gabe Vesnes- Williams, Alexandria Schwenger. ki. Second Team – Shane Honorable Mention – Ella Grimes.

Romero.

DAL Girls First Team – Madison Malakoff, Aubrey SWimming & DiVing DAL Boys First Team Stynes (NG). Second Team – Samantha Romero (CVC), Paige Zach Ledesma, Adrian Dulay, Davis (NG). Honorable Men- Andrew Rodriguez, Kai Welsh tion - Madison Stynes (NG), (NG), Niklas Weigelt, Anthony Brenda Rivas (YV), Kennedy Vizental, John Parker, Cal Brown (CVC).

Murphy, Aliyah Sarna (CVC). eBAL Boys Second Team eBAL Girls First Team – Ellen Jurgens. Second Team – Ryan Iannaccone, Joey GrywGabi Riva, Charlotte Prender- cznski Sean Iritani, Ryan Dicks.

DAL Girls First Team – gast, Grace Sherwood.

Maile Andresen, Caraline Levy, SoftBALL Victoria Stahl, Alyssa Lund DAL Foothill MVP Pitcher (NG).

– Katie Hicks (NG). First Team eBAL Girls First Team – - Haley Randall, Olivia Lee Courtney Klausen, Jessica Davis, (NG), Jordan Woolery (CVC), Emma Sullivan, Sarah Hamilton, Marina Delalluma (Con). Sec- Christy Neufeld. Second Team ond Team – Camille Lohse, Kate Cilley.

Makenzie Stange (Con), Jordyn Williams, Delaney Urban (CVC).

BoyS tenniS DAL foothill Second Team Honorable Mention – Allison Singles – Noah Zakaria (NG).

Honorable Mention – Jakob Taylor (NG). Valley First Team Singles – Vitally Gusenkov, Jeremy Jusuf (CVC). Second Team Ethan Husainali, William Gusman (Con), Brian Thai (MD).

Honorable Mention – Miguel Pacheo (MD), Daniel Nihtianov (CVC), Giovanni Gomez Garcia (Con).

KATIE HICKS NORTHGATE SOFTBALL

tRACK & fieLD DAL Boys First Team – Cameron Reynolds, Justin Lowe, Gabriel Merritt, Christian Seeley, Melvin Brown (CVC), William Sornberger, Christo Malinov, Simon Lee, John Hagedorn,

2 Diablo FC girls teams tournament champs

JOEY SOBERON CVCHS BASEBALL

LEVI HANSON CVCHS VOLLEYBALL

Austin Kresley (NG). Second Team - Andrew McGallian, Daylon Hicks, Izzak Garcia (CVC). Honorable Mention – Hanson Yu (NG), Nicholas Muller (CVC). eBAL Boys First Team Armando Nevarez, Michael Okoye. Second Team - Connor Livingston. Honorable Mention - Zachery Armstrong, Amir Wallace.

DAL Girls First Team – Rayna Stanziano, Airiana Dargan (Con), Amy Christensen, Eliza Cashman, Eden Broussard (NG). Second Team - Mia Murphy, Grace Corringan, Gabriella Anderson (NG). Honorable Mention – Piper Kunesh (YV), Sydney Speer (CVC), Magdalena Soltero (Con). eBAL Girls First Team -

MIKS RAMANIS NORTHGATE VOLLEYBALL

Kelly Kern, Aryel Coats, Jayme Blackard, Journee Harvey, Brooke Phillips. Second Team – Savannah Doran. Honorable Mention – Amaya Berkeley.

BoyS VoLLeyBALL DAL foothill MVP - Miks Ramanis (NG). First Team – Grant McCargar (NG). Second Team – Brendan Walker, Nicolas Whitacre (NG). Honorable Mention – Jason Rupert (NG).

Valley MVP - Levi Hansen.

First Team – Michael Nelson (CVC), Mark Gonzalez (Con).

Second Team – Van Berry (Con), Matt Gabler (CVC).

Honorable Mention – Ken Guan (CVC), James Pangilinan (Con), Mark Catapusan (YV). eBAL Second Team – Erik Lopez Diaz, Mariano Dias.

Elevate 6th graders win gold at Reno AAU basketball

Photo courtesy Elevate basketball

Diablo FC 05 Blue Crew girls culminated a year-long journey through the 2018-19 NorCal under 14 Fall State Premier North League and then the NorCal Spring State Premier Championship League, finishing in first place and landing them in the National Premier League next season for coach Daniel Rednic’s team. The Diablo FC 05 Blue Crew includes, bottom row from left, Jess Kozlowski, Mikka Sopenoff, Abigail Salgado, Sydney Sopenoff, Cassidy Baker, Lizzy Pauline, Lilja Grant; back row, Emily Jimenez, Sasha Coaster, Kira Barrett, Lily De La Torre, Arlise Souza, Erika Salazar, Amanda Monahan, Katie Kavanagh, Abby Gee and Jackie Tamayo.

Photos courtesy Diablo FC

Diablo FC 08 girls swept through four games undefeated to win the inaugural Palo Alto Summer Tall Trees tournament this month. Coach Guillermo Jara’s under 11 team defeated California Thorns Academy II in the semi-finals 3-2 then outscored Burlingame 08 White 6-1 in the championship match. The team includes, front row from left, Amaya Reese, Ava Jara, Daphne van Erp, Talea Bishop, Delainey Brady, Delaney Fraser; back row, Reese Lin, Charlotte Malone, Desiree Britt, Luiza Conceicao, Carissa Penn, Amiah Hathorne and Jara. Not pictured, Josie Townzen.

Elevate Basketball of Concord sent 12 teams (seven boys and 5 girls) to the world’s largest basketball tournament over the Memorial Day Weekend in Reno and three local squads made it to the finals. The tournament featured 820 teams from nine states playing on 60 courts. The Elevate Red sixth grade boys won the 6th Level 3 Blue Silver division with three straight victories. Their closest call was in the semi-finals when they edged Tracy Crossover 47-45 and then took the championship game 52-45 over Jam On it. The Elevate Red team includes, front row from left, Ryan Watson, Jacob Jensen, Reid Lawrence, Nico Martin, Logan Stofer; middle row, Ian Revell, Sacha Cox, Jason Brown, Grayson Boustead; back row, coaches Jason Watson, Dvaun Charles, Jay Martin and Holly Jensen.

Advertise in the Pioneer, 672-0500

June 21, 2019

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

High schools recognize their 2018-19 athletes of the year JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Local schools announced their athletes of the year honoring students who had excelled in their chosen sport this year.

CARonDeLet Student Athlete of the year: emily howie played on the Cougars varsity basketball team for four years. The senior point guard helped Carondelet to its fourth successive North Coast Section basketball championship and the third straight in Division I. Her teams won 99 games while losing only 25 over four years. Howie got all-East Bay Athletic League honors the past two years. She also excelled in the classroom with a 4.45 GPA. She will be attending Johns Hopkins in the fall to begin her studies towards becoming a doctor, while also playing basketball for the Blue Jays in Baltimore.

Athlete of the year: Ali Bamberger has been collecting local, regional and national honors since concluding her final Carondelet basketball season.

She is one of five seniors who played together for four years as the Cougars captured the NCS championship each season and advanced to the Northern California championships. She is going to play in the Pacific-12 Conference for the University of Washington this winter. Bamberger was named all-state this year, matching an honor her dad got 31 years ago.

Athlete of the year: Angie Anderson began making her athletic mark during her senior year about 6500 miles from the Concord campus as captain of the United States under 17 World Cup soccer team. While there she also formalized her commitment to play for Cal Berkeley beginning this fall.

Anderson won the Golden Glove as the top goalkeeper in the CONCACAF championships where the US qualified for the World Cup. She returned to school and helped the Cougars to their first NCS soccer championship since 2011 after several heartbreaking near misses.

CLAyton VALLey ChARteR female Athlete of the year: Sydney Skow earned eight varsity letters at CVCHS Charter, lettering four times each in water polo and swimming. As a senior she was a swim team captain and a leader on the water polo team. She was the leading scorer for the Ugly Eagles this year and a three-time all-Diablo Athletic League player helping her team

CAMERON REYNOLDS CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER

Page B3

Athlete Spotlight

Cal Brown

Grade: Senior School: CVCHS Sports: Water Polo, Swimming

Carondelet Athletes of the year Angie Anderson, Emily Howie and Ali Bamberger

to the NCS tournament each of those years. Away from the pool Skow is active in the charter school’s Public Service Academy, ASB Leadership and Mock Trial team. The Concord native is going to Cal Poly SLO in their honors program. male Athlete of the year: Cameron Reynolds was the catalyst for the outstanding form of the CVCHS boys track and field team the last three spring seasons. The Ugly Eagles won NCS team championships in 2017 and 2019 and were runnersup in 2018. He was first team all-DAL for three years. Headed to UCLA this fall, Reynolds was the 200meter NCS champ this year and a two-time CIF State Meet finalist in the 200 and 400. He was second at State late last month in the 200 and fourth in the 400. He also was part of highly ranked CVCHS 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams, each of which took seventh at State.

ConCoRD female Athlete of the year: Rayna Stanziano has been in the headlines since her freshman year at Concord. She is the only four-year, three-sport varsity athlete that the school in over 15 years. Stanziano was two-time DAL cross country MVP as she qualified for the State Meet all four years, improving her time and place each year. Last fall she finished third in Division III and 10th overall at State. During the spring she was a dual sport athlete in swimming and track.

Stanziano qualified for league swimming finals every year. CHS track coach Trevor Chatterton says, “She is the most accomplished track and field athlete the school has ever had. She is the only person in school history to make it to the State Championships three years in a row. She was first at league in the 800 and 1600 meters for the fourth straight year as well as the 3200 for the second time. She owns the school record in the 400, 800, 1600 and 3200. She was second at CIF State Meet in the 800 the last two years. Stanziano is headed to nearby St. Mary’s College in the fall on an academic (4.33 gpa) and athletic full ride scholarship to run cross country. male Athlete of the year: Cole Arabian was a member of the Minuteman varsity cross country and track teams the past two years, as well as a starter on the CHS basketball squad all four years. Basketball coach Mike Jaime says, “He has shown more work ethic than any other player I have ever coached. He

SYDNEY SKOW CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER

RAYNA STANZIANO CONCORD HIGH

Water nearly runs in the blood of the Brown family. As the third Ugly Eagle alumni from the Brown boys, Cal Brown has proved himself to be a special student athlete. With three years on varsity water polo and four years on varsity swimming, he has accomplished numerous goals in both sports. Throughout his years at CVCHS, he was awarded first team allleague in both water polo and swimming, as well as qualifying in his best events, the 50- and 100-yard freestyle, at North Coast Section multiple seasons. Growing up, Brown was on the Springwood Swim Team and then swam year-round for Terrapins Swim Team and Walnut Creek Aquabears. The Clayton Valley freestyle relays of Brown, Niklas Weigelt, John Parker and Anthony Vizental broke the 200 and 400 school records. In addition, Brown placed in the top 12 at NCS in both the 50 and 100 freestyle and his relays also were both Section finalists as the Ugly Eagles boys took sixth overall. “My favorite part of being an athlete and representing Clayton Valley is the meaning that comes with it. There are many past legends in all of CV’s sports and it’s an honor to be participating in programs that these former Eagles did as well,” Brown says.

He was also very involved at school as a member of CSF, Senior Men and part of ASB Leadership and the yearbook staff.

Brown received the Presidential Education award for maintaining a 4.0 or above GPA throughout his years at CVCHS. He will attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to study kinesiology and swim for the Mustangs.

Brown is “very thankful for these past four years” and wishes “present and future Eagles good luck in their future athletic and academic endeavors.”

CVCHS student journalist Sydney Skow wrote this Spotlight.

the pioneer congratulates Cal and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Concord and Clayton area for 25 years at family Vision Care optometry. www.laceyandruzicka.com Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@pioneerpublishers.com.

The Pioneer wants to publish your sports news PIPER KUNESH YGNACIO VALLEY HIGH

was team captain for two years and has shown great leadership on our team. He led our team in almost every statistical category this season and is well respected by other coaches in our league as is evidenced by the fact that those coaches voted for him to be our League MVP. He has set the bar for our basketball program of how a player should act, practice, be a leader and play the game.” He will be playing hoops at Solano College this winter.

De LA SALLe Athlete of the year: Kyle parco became the second DLS wrestler to win a state championship in two years. The senior followed in the footsteps of his former teammate Peyton Omania to the top of the State Meet podium when he defeated Ryan Franco from Clovis North in the CIF State Meet championship 132-pound match 1-0. Parco survived a perilous final four seconds in the second round to keep the match scoreless and then got an escape in the third round to complete his high school career. He had a 47-2 record this year and 165-19 over four years that included three league and Section titles. He also helped DLS continue its domination of NCS team titles. Parco will be wrestling for the Fresno State Bulldogs next school year.

Athlete of the year: henry to’oto’o came into the 2018 high school football season as one of the most highly-touted players in California. The linebacker and runningback led the Spartans to 12 consecutive victories right into the State championship game last December. His storybook season ended that evening when DLS lost to national champion Mater Dei. The result may have been different had not To’oto’o broken a bone in his foot in his final high school practice session the evening before the game. Coach Justin Alumbaugh and his staff didn’t expect their senior captain

See Athletes, page B4

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

Page B4

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

Athletes, from page B3

and heartbeat of the team to even suit up the next evening.

“That guy showed a lot of guts tonight. He could have packed it in and saved himself for college.

Instead, he was a leader. Imagine the role model he set for younger players.” To’oto’o hobbled through the game as the Spartans hung in until late in fourth quarter. He has already enrolled at Tennessee where he hopes to make a similar mark for the Volunteers.

Athlete Spotlight

Brendan O’Reilly Grade: Senior School: De La Salle High Sport: Baseball

De La Salle baseball reached new heights this year while winning its fourth straight North Coast Section championship and finishing in the top five among all US high school teams. The Spartans set a team record for earned run average of 0.88 this season and coach David Jeans pointed to O’Reilly as the unsung hero behind the pitching staff. As a backup catcher the Clayton senior worked with the Spartans staff all year as they rang up a 291 record and a 28-game winning streak to end the season. “His teammates voted him winner of the Ryan Abele Award this year as the player who contributed the most to team Spartan. They recognized all he did for us while knowing he wasn’t going to get a lot of playing time.” O’Reilly, who began his baseball career in Clayton Valley Little League, played four years at De La

Salle but wasn’t able to crack the varsity roster until this spring. He had a weighted 4.04 GPA and is headed to Fordham University in New York this fall. the pioneer congratulates Brendan and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for 25 years at family Vision Care optometry. www.laceyandruzicka.com Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@concordpioneer.com.

S PORTS SHORTS

SummeR @ CARonDeLet offeRS CAmpS in 12 SpoRtS

Summer @ Carondelet provides a state-of-the-art summer camp experience for children at the campus gymnasium and the new $20 million athletics complex. The Carondelet Cougars offer sports camps with its 12 varsity sports coaching staffs including softball, track and field, basketball, swimming, water polo, cheer/stunt, tennis, golf, cross country, diving, lacrosse and volleyball. Incoming third through ninth graders (girls and coed) are eligible for the camps. Visit carondeleths.org/summer for details.

mt. DiABLo high BASKetBALL CAmp thiS fRi., SAtuRDAy

Mt. Diablo High School boys varsity coach Ejon Felder is holding a basketball camp this Friday and Saturday at the Concord school for boys and girls entering second through eighth grades.

Campers are grouped by age and skill level and each participant gets a camp t-shirt. The two-day “Strive for Greatness” camp runs from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Visit redlinesports.org for more info.

LiBeRty gymnAStiCS LeVeL 6 teAm ShineS

Liberty Gymnastics Training Center's Level 6 gymnasts Brooke Boneberg, Savannah Lewis, Samantha Morimoto and Roz Smithwick capped off a stellar season by shining at the State Championships and Regionals. The Level 6 team from Concord placed fifth out of 35 teams at State in Roseville while earning five individual titles. Boneberg won bars and floor exercise, Smithwick was all-round and floor while Morimoto won bars.

The team then travelled to Reno to compete in the Regionals against the best gymnasts from Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah. The Liberty Gymnastics girls won seven individual championships with Smithwick taking all-around, floor and beam, Boneberg all-around and bars and Lewis all-around and bars. Cocoach Bonnie Schreiner said, “I'm incredibly proud of these girls.

At Regionals they turned it on big time. It was so cool to see everything come together for them at the big meet."

RegiStRAtion open foR ALL out SpoRtS LeAgueS SummeR, fALL pRogRAmS in CLAyton

Summer youth basketball and volleyball leagues begin in July while fall adult softball league starts in September. The Clayton summer break basketball camp has three sessions in July starting July 13 at Clayton Community Gym. AOSL is taking registration online for all programs. For information on All Out Sports leagues, camps, clinics and other programs, visit alloutsportsleague.com.

noRthgAte female eric griffin memorial Award: Katrina Kohlmeyer was on the Broncos varsity cross country and swimming teams for four years each. She was a team captain for multiple seasons. Northgate coaches said, “She would lead practice, stretches, communicate with the coaches about concerns of other swimmers on the team, all while having a smile on her face” and “She is one of the most positive influence on the team.”

Away from school she placed 19th out of 367 women in the Walnut Creek Marathon.

Kohlmeyer also performed well in the classroom with a 3.8 overall GPA while taking a heavy load of four AP and two honors classes. male eric griffin memorial Award: thomas Davies was on varsity swim four years

24th AnnuAL ReD DeViL goLf CLASSiC RetuRnS next fRiDAy

The Mt. Diablo High School Red Devil golf committee is holding its 24th annual golf tournament on Friday, June 28, at Diablo Creek Golf Course in Concord. Registration starts at 11 a.m., followed by lunch, golf, dinner and raffle/silent auction.

Proceeds go to help academic and athletic programs at Mt. Diablo.

Those interested in participating in the golf or dinner should contact Lou Adamo 212-9332 or louadamo@gmail.com or Ralph Vallis 825-7593 or rv76667@aol.com. For more information check reddevilclassic.com.

teRRApinS SWim teAm offeRing SummeR StRoKe AnD RACing CLiniCS, oRAnge SummeR SeSSion

Terrapins coaches Dan Cottam and Doug Reed will be teaching stroke and racing skills for the summer recreational swimmer. The goal is to help all participants improve/refine strokes. In addition, the sessions will enhance racing skills like starts, breakouts, turns and finishes. The session is three weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The session for eight and unders and 11 and overs is July 2-23.

Terrapins Orange Group summer session is now open for registration. Summer session runs through Aug. 3 at Concord Community Pool. This program is for children new to the swim team experience. Swimmers need to be able to swim 25 yards of freestyle with side breathing. For more info on both programs and to register visit terrapinswim.com.

June 21, 2019

and varsity cross country three years. The Griffin award is presented to multi-sport athletes who exhibit excellent leadership, effort, sportsmanship and athleticism in their teams. Davies exemplified that criteria. As a junior and senior he doubled up in the and excelling in the classroom. He maintained a 4.1 GPA while taking seven AP classes at COLE ARABIAN Northgate. He is going to CONCORD HIGH Northeastern University in Boston to study mechanical engineering. race.” She has a 3.53 cumulative GPA. ygnACio VALLey male Athlete of the year: female Athlete of the Alexzander Sandoval was the year: piper Kunesh kept busy starting goalkeeper the past on the cross country, soccer two seasons for the Warriors and track teams during her soccer team. He was a big part sophomore year at YVHS. It is in the late playoff run for YV in track that Kunesh distin- soccer. The Warriors were runguished herself from the other nerup in NCS D-III and Norfemale student athletes at Cal D-IV finals. He was named Ygnacio Valley. She was team second team all-DAL and his MVP and placed third at the team’s defensive player of the DAL championships in both year. Although this was the the 100- and 300-meter hur- first year Sandoval competed dles. She qualified for the NCS in track and field, the senior Tri-Valley championships in was awarded team MVP. Showboth events and then made it ing his versatility, he competed to the NCS Meet of Champi- in the 110m high hurdles, high ons in the 300 by taking sixth jump, long jump and triple at the Tri-Valley meet. Warriors jump. Sandoval had four wistrack coach Mark Tran said, dom teeth pulled two days “Piper was focused and deter- before the DAL champimined all season. Her efforts onships but was still able to paid off during the last month qualify for NCS Tri-Valley in of the season when she seem- the triple jump. ingly ran faster in every single

WALnut CReeK AQuAnutS offeR SpeCiAL SummeR pRogRAmS

Walnut Creek Aquanuts are offering "Try It" days to introduce athletes 4-18-years-old to its synchronized swimming program.

The 90-minute sessions are held July 1, Aug. 5 and 31 and Sept. 1.

Registration is $10 for a session with top WCA coaching staff on hand. The world renowned Aquanuts also offer trainee sessions over the summer and fall, each running 4-5 weeks. The trainee sessions are for ages 4-18 who are new to the sport. Swimmers must be comfortable in deep water and able to swim 25 yards. Registration is open for sessions through September at Clark Memorial Swim Center in Walnut Creek. Registration for both programs can be found at aquanuts.org.

not too LAte to tRy out foR DiABLo fC CompetitiVe teAmS

Formal tryouts for Diablo Futbol Club boys and girls for birth years 2001-2013 have concluded. However, the area’s premier youth school club has openings on teams. Contact director of coaching Zach Sullivan at docdiablofc@gmail.com or visit diablofc.org to arrange a tryout.

CLAyton VALLey JR. eAgLeS tAKing AppLiCAtionS foR footBALL, CheeR

ConCoRD high SenioR goLfeR WinS hiS DiViSion At pARALong DRiVe Cup Competition in neVADA

Boys and girls can register until July 15 for the fall Clayton Valley Jr. Eagles football and cheer programs. Football is open to boys and girls 7-14 years old. Cheer age groups are 6-14. Online registration is underway at cvaajreagles.com or email cvaajreagles@gmail.com.

ConCoRD CoBRAS footBALL, CheeR SignupS

Concord AYSO is accepting registrations for its fall soccer program online. The fall season starts Aug. 3 through midNovember. Programs for boys and girls range from Playground (3-year-olds) through 18U. Practices and games are in Concord parks. Registration fee includes a uniform, ball and insurance. Visit concordayso.org to register and get more information.

Concord High School senior John Scott Senz, who was recently named all-Diablo Athletic League golf first team, battled inclement weather that included gale force winds both days and came up with a 269-yard drive to win his division of the 2019 ParaLong Drive Cup at the Sports and Event Complex in Mesquite, Nevada last month. noW tAKen onLine

Concord Cobras tackle football and cheer programs are taking signups for the fall season online. The football and cheer programs are open to youth six to 14 years of age. For more info on football email concordyouthfootball@yahoo.com or call 917-0785 and for cheer email CYFcobrascheer@gmail.com or call 3831146. Visit concordyouthfootball.com for more info.

ConCoRD AySo ACCepting fALL SoCCeR RegiStRAtionS

CLAyton VALLey SoCCeR CAmp JuLy 8-11

Clayton Valley Charter High School varsity coach Guillermo Jara is presenting a summer soccer camp July 8-11 for incoming third through eighth graders at Gonsalves Stadium on the school campus. Sessions are held from 9 a.m. – noon. The camp is designed to help develop individual player skills plus an understanding of the game. Jara is a former MLS player with a USSF B De LA SALLe hoStS SummeR CAmpS thRough AuguSt license. Campers get a $20 discount by registering by June 15. For De La Salle High School hosts summer camps to provide a more information contact coach Jara by phone 510-517-2230 or fun, skill-building week for boys and girls in June, July and August. email gjara1973@gmail.com.

Appealing to local youth with a variety of athletic interests, De La Salle will offer sessions for championship football camp, basket- fiRSt tee of ContRA CoStA offeRing SummeR CAmpS Registration is still open for many camps offered locally by The ball, track and field, lacrosse, archery, wrestling, volleyball, baseball, water polo, soccer, swimming, rugby, theatre/broadcasting First Tee of Contra Costa at Diablo Creek, Buchanan Fields and and strength and conditioning. DLS Camps are open to K Boundary Oak golf courses. The camps are open to boys and girls through incoming ninth graders run by De La Salle coaches, alum- ages 5-14. The next camp begins Monday with three more weekly ni and current student athletes. For more info email summer- camps in July. Camps include instruction in full swing, chipping, pitching and putting. Equipment can be provided to campers. For camps@dlshs.org or visit dlshs.org/athletics/camps-clinics. more information call 446-6701 or visit ththefirstteecontracosta.org DiABLo fC pReSenting fRee ReCReAtion SoCCeR LeAgue thiS fALL

mDSA fALL ReCReAtionAL SoCCeR pRogRAm Diablo FC is offering a completely free fall recreation soccer tAKing RegiStRAtionS program for boys and girls born in 2005 to 2015. The program at Registration for Mt. Diablo Soccer Association’s fall recreation Newhall Park in Concord runs 10 weeks from mid-August through October. There is one training session each week and Sat- program for boys and girls born 2001-2015 is open. Practice starts urday morning games. Contact coach Chelsea Stewart at cstew- after Aug. 1. Games and practices are held at Concord and Clayton art@diablofc.org or visit diablofc.org for complete information. fields. The region offers discounts for players who register before June 30 deadline. Email fall@mdsoccer.org or visit mdsoccer.org for more info and to register.

ConCoRD high LooKing to fiLL 2019-20 CoAChing VACAnCieS

Athletic director Megan Coddington has listed coaching vacancies for girls varsity and JV basketball, boys JV basketball, girls and boys varsity golf and also a stadium announcer for Minuteman football games. Interested people should submit a cover letter and resume to Coddington at coddingtonm@mdusd.org.

Head football coach Paul Reynaud is also looking to complete his staff. He has openings for JV head and assistant coaches. Football coaching candidates should contact him at coachreynaud84@yahoo.com.

CLAyton VALLey high hALL of fAme inAuguRAL BoCCe funD-RAiSing touRnAment Big SuCCeSS

The Clayton Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame recently held a fund-raising bocce tournament at the Ipsen Family Courts in Clayton and raised over $4000 from the 16 teams.

Organizers expect to make it an annual event. Ed’s Mudville Grill team was first followed by Members Only, Take It and Mike’s Auto Body in the top four. Avengers won the consolation bracket.

June 21, 2019

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

Page B5

Clayton honors eight for boosting local education On June 4, the Clayton City Council handed out the inaugural recognitions under the Making A Difference program for outstanding teachers, mentors and coaches.

The city modeled Making A Difference after the city’s Do the Right Thing program, which two-time Mayor Hank Stratford created to recognize students for six different character traits: responsibility, respect, kindness, self-discipline, integrity and courage.

This year, Councilmen CW Wolfe and I proposed expanding Do the Right Thing to recognize outstanding and exemplary adults who inspire the rest of us to do better.

We based all of the inaugural recognitions on nominations from residents. Although the council was not able to award all nominees, together with Assemblyman Tim Grayson, the city recognized eight individuals: Cristina Ballard, a Spanish

teacher, soccer coach and mentor to many Clayton kids.

She takes teaching to a high level that you have to see to believe.

Renee Culp, former Mount Diablo Elementary School (MDES) Parent Faculty Club president, sub teacher and mentor. Culp has been instrumental in keeping the Odyssey of the Mind program running, spending hours putting together spontaneous practices and instilling a high level of confidence in the kids.

Shay Kornfeld, an 8thgrade science teacher at Diablo View Middle School (DVMS). Kornfeld is recognized as a creative, passionate and inspiring teacher who was one of two Teachers of the Year for the entire Mt. Diablo Unified School District.

Teddy McDavitt, a former coach at Clayton Valley Charter High School (CVCHS), Concord High, Ygnacio Valley High and College Park High.

McDavitt touched the lives of all he encountered. With tremendous passion, he

inspired people to achieve more than they thought they could. The council honored him posthumously.

Aaron Mikuni, a respectful and respected head coach at Dana Hills Swim Team and PE teacher at DVMS. Mikuni has an infectious positive attitude on the pool deck and on campus. He leads by example, showing kindness and inspiring kids to do their best and never give up.

Laurie Parker, a long-time DVMS and a prior MDES teacher. She goes above and beyond for each of her students, bringing out the best in them and helping each feel worthwhile and special. Parker is one of the kindest teachers in Clayton, a true one in a million.

Alexandra Pike, a passionate teacher at MDES. Pike teaches in a unique and engaging way, including forwardthinking uses of technology to further educate her students.

We accompanied Pike’s recognition with a special mention of her husband, Clayton’s Officer Allan Pike, who has

also been involved with her classroom.

Gregory Rosewell, an amazing leadership teacher at CVCHS. People describe Rosewell as kind, caring and someone who loves his job, loves the kids and, most importantly, is highly valued by his students.

The council also highlight-

ed a community business and an organization, and each recipient received a one-year membership to the Clayton Community Library Foundation and a gift certificate to Ed’s Mudville Grill.

The Library Foundation is turning 25 years next spring, and Ed’s recently celebrated its 25th anniversary – making

In the current survey at pulseofconcord.com, a series of questions relate to voting patterns.

If you have not taken it, please do.

This is what is trending at the moment: What is the most common reason that your friends and family give for not voting?

39 percent, their vote does not matter.

18 percent, the candidates and the issue are all the same.

11 percent, cannot be bothered.

Other reasons scattered.

We have seen local elections that have literally turned on a handful of votes. Whom you pick can have a massive

effect on which way your city is going.

There is the greatest ignorance on local elections, but that is exactly where voters could feel the most immediate impact. Do you want police in schools or on the streets, economic development or more parks, more housing or more jobs? Do you want cannabis

available or do you want everyone to go to another city?

Do you know who was in favor of rent restrictions and who was not in the local city elections? Who was in favor of dispensaries and who was not? Who wanted a sales tax and who did not?

Some candidates felt the

an active transportation corridor that will support walking and bicycling.

The study asks for public MARYAM ROBERTS input to identify barriers to BIKE CONCORD access along its entire length, from I-680 at Rudgear Road to Concord Avenue. These Summer is here, school is barriers could include busy out and it’s time to go for a intersections, broken ride. glass/detritus on the trail or a Here are some biking lack of low-stress access opportunities and events for points to the trail. you and your family.

Please go to ihtactive.com to access the public input iRon hoRSe tRAiL ACtiVe map. Be on the lookout for tRAnSpoRtAtion public workshops, tentatively If you live and work along scheduled for the last two the I-680 corridor and are weeks of July, where you can impacted by its traffic, polluspeak to designers and staff tion, noise and delays (and directly on your experiences looking for a way to wedge in using the trail, or what presome exercise), there is hope. vents you from using the trail.

The county Department of Your feedback is needed.

Conservation and Development has engaged consultants peDALfeSt in oAKLAnD at Alta Design to review ways Get ready to celebrate all to enhance the Iron Horse things bicycle at Pedalfest, an Trail to enlarge its capacity to annual celebration at Jack

London Square in Oakland 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Aug. 3.

Sponsored by Bike East Bay, this free festival features vendors, performers, food, stunts, and music (from a pedal-powered stage) as well as information about getting improved bicycle facilities throughout the East Bay. Don’t miss the always-entertaining amphibious bicycle races as they launch from the boat ramps into the Oakland Estuary.

The first thousand people to RSVP get a free ice cream cone from Ben & Jerry’s at Jack London Square. For more information and to register, visit pedalfestjacklondon.com.

Concord, Bike Walnut Creek and the community’s newest addition, Bike Pleasant Hill.

These organizations work to make their communities safe and convenient for active transportation.

Recently, Bike Concord launched an after-school program at Olympic High School to teach students how to repair and maintain bicycles, led by a professional bicycle mechanic. Now that the school year is over, Bike Concord is continuing its partnership with Olympic High through a fellows program that employs youth to work at the regular Bike Tent pop-up at the Thursday night farmers markets in Todos Santos Plaza. This program offers free bike repair and education to the community at large.

same, but not for all issues.

Do you remember?

In local city council races, your friends and family are usually well aware of the differences in local issues?

32 percent, agree.

39 percent, disagree.

26 percent, do not know.

Relate this to the question above and again you can see that there is a good chunk of casual, low information voters out there. Who influences that group?

Looking at your circle of friends, which of the following is the biggest influence on their voting decisions?

17 percent, watching candidate forums.

15 percent, family.

14 percent, your recommendation.

15 percent, friends’ recommendations.

4 percent, threads on Claycord.

3 percent, East Bay Times editorial.

Rest scattered all over.

TUJIJA CATALANO Special to the Pioneer

Mayor Tuija Catalano at the Making a Difference awards, with Cristina Ballard, Renee Culp, Shay Kornfeld and his son, Kathy and Ted McDavitt Sr. (for Teddy McDavitt), Aaron Mikuni, Laurie Parker, Gregory Rosewell, Samantha Yturralde (for Assemblyman Tim Grayson) and Councilman CW Wolfe.

these two community partners excellent matches for the inaugural Making A Difference recognitions.

The next Making A Difference theme is for an exemplary community contributor, giver and/or benefactor. Submit nominations via email to claytonmakingadifference@ gmail.com.

Survey of voters leaves unanswered questions

Get involved in bike events this summer

BReW feSt Benefit Come down to the Walnut Creek Sports Basement 4-8 p.m. Aug. 9 to try locally brewed beers.

Donations benefit Bike

Spring, from page B1

fell to the DVC track with about 100 meters to go.

Sophomore Samantha Wallenstrom of Marin Catholic was in second place and quickly passed Stanziano with clear sailing to victory. Instead, Wallenstrom turned around to help her fallen rival. Stanziano got up on her own and they finished 1-2 and both qualified for State.

Wallenstrom then may have had some extra karma carrying her to the State championship in Clovis a week later.

Stanziano was third there.

Her teammate Airiana Dargan continued her great junior

season at State with fourth place in the triple jump and 11th place in the long jump.

She was one spot behind Carondelet’s Aryel Coats in the LJ. Dargan had swept both jumps at MOC. Carondelet junior Kelly Kern set a meet and section record of 13-4 in the pole vault, winning her second straight MOC crown and then was fourth at State.

De La Salle’s Connor Livingston was the other local State finalist with a ninth-place finish in the 3200. He had finished second at NCS. Daylon Hicks of CVCHS

Roberts is a volunteer with Bike Concord.

EDI BIRSAN PULSE OF

CONCORD

I found this interesting because having been to nearly all the forums in the last 10 years, I know that the number of people who attend is very low. I think the largest was 40 people, outside of campaign volunteers and cheering squads for candidates who try to pack the audience.

There are many more aspects and a few more questions on the subject at pulseofconcord.com, your independent survey for the last nine years.

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

“Let Us Light Up Your Life”

Residential Commercial Industrial l

Serving Contra Costa since 1991 More than 40 years experience

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

l l l

Professional Installation of:

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

l

l

Locally owned & operated

Serving Northern California for Over 30 Years

l l

AIRIANA DARGAN CONCORD HIGH

was second in the high jump at NCS but failed to get a height in the State finals. The senior had been second at State as a junior.

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

(925) 250-0335

l

Call today

James Burkin Sole Proprietor

Residential & Commercial

l

FREE ESTIMATES

l

l l l l l

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

Lic. #642272 Certified Arborist #WC-3386A

www.WaranerBrosTree.com

5444 Clayton Rd, Clayton Bonded and Fully Insured

CCC Certified Fire Abatement

Ed and Patsy Waraner and Wyatt

Page B6

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

June 21, 2019

Portuguese immigrants took to farming in Clayton

DEBBIE EISTETTER

THE WAY WE WERE

In the 18th century, life was especially difficult in the nine volcanic islands of the Archipelago of the Azores.

There were many good reasons to leave the islands, about 800 miles off the coast of Portugal. Volcanic activity, earthquakes, cyclones, crop diseases, overpopulation, famine, widespread poverty and conscription of 16-year-old boys for an 8-year commitment in the Portuguese Army were all factors in the desire to start a new life elsewhere.

Early immigrants from the Azores were young men who stole away to work on New England whaling ships that had come into port. Many settled in East Coast cities and worked in textile factories or fisheries, then sent for family members and friends to join them. Others immigrated to Hawaii on a contract labor basis to work on sugar cane plantations.

Almost 90 percent of Portuguese immigrants who came

father worked on the “haypress circuit,” going from ranch to ranch baling hay.

Prior to her marriage, Maria Cardoza Joaquin earned wages as a domestic servant to support her parents in the Azores. She came to New York in 1896 by steamship and purchased an “immigrant ticket” on a train for Oakland.

Maryanne Duarte worked as a servant to Charles Rhine in 1880, and Mary Bettencourt was his housekeeper in 1900.

The next steps from mere wage earning were renting land and then owning land.

Portuguese immigrants owned many larger ranches in Morgan Territory east of Clayton.

Brothers Antonio and Jose Correa Azevedo eventually purchased many sections of grazing land on the east side of Mt. Diablo.

Manuel Bente Nunez Sr. arrived in 1874 and owned property in the area by 1885.

NUNEZ WEDDING He proudly became a naturalized citizen in 1888. His Morgan Territory holdings were so to California were from the settled around Clayton profitable that in 1902 he was Azores. By 1880, they made up between 1850 and 1915 reflect able to buy an additional 480 20 percent of the population many experiences common to acre parcel and eight Clayton in some Contra Costa commu- Portuguese immigrants who town lots. One of the lots nities. Some came during the came to California at that time. included the house of Charles Gold Rush and became minThe majority listed their occuRhine. Manuel’s great granders; others pursued the tradipations as “farmers” in censusdaughter, Norma Bloching, tional trades of fishing and es. Escaping poverty and says he bought the home so dairy farming. Many Porachieving an elevated standard his children could attend the tuguese who were working on of life were the main driving Clayton School. He and his the East Coast and in Hawaii forces, and new immigrants wife never learned to read or came to California, where they worked primarily as laborers in write, and it is estimated that could realize their dream of local fields and vineyards and 70 percent to 80 percent of owning land. on cattle ranches.

Portuguese immigrants of the The stories of families who Tony Peter Gomez and his

time were illiterate.

With son-in-law William Bloching, Manuel ran the Eagle Saloon on Main Street and sold meat from livestock raised on his Morgan Territory property in his butcher shop.

Other notable Portuguese family names in Clayton history are Silva, Pereira, Galvin, Inez, Viera and Baeta.

A quote from James Guill’s history of the Azores Islands illustrates the farmer’s love for his land. In the early 1900s, Tony Jerome, an immigrant from the Azores living in the San Joaquin Valley, said: “I

while, let me tell you a bit about the derby.

• It is “an unsupported, onestage race.”

• Riding without penalty is between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.

• No wake-up calls.

• Positions are policed by rider satellite trackers.

• No set route.

• At each of the 25 horse changing stations, riders pick their own mounts.

• Map books “with wriggly red lines” are supplied, but not toilet paper and other necessities.

• The derby is filmed for worldwide broadcast.

• Injuries are expected.

• Not everyone will finish.

We know before reading that Lara is the first female and youngest rider to win the race. The “rough” is how the heck she did it, and the “magic” is her writing.

The first day of the race, atop a pony that doesn’t mind being last, Lara “enters a silent tantrum,” wondering why she entered the race when she could be home sharpening pencils. Even with her GPS, she has no idea where she is. She finally dismounts and walks alongside her pony until a mounted Mongolian herder comes along, urging her to ride again and then “whips” her mount back into a trot.

Lara names each of her

ponies by their looks, gaits and stamina. By day three, she finds her “legs are lead.”

About the fifth day, she takes her first fall when her pony stumbles into a marmot hole. On the sixth day, she finds that she is in fifth place. She is one of three women competing, and the rider in the lead is also a young woman. On the seventh day, her mount hears the words “choo choo” – the Mongolian equivalent to giddyup – from another rider and takes off with Lara barely in the saddle.

While riding, sometimes alone and other times in small groups, the author takes us back to her family, her broth-

In 2006, “Deadwood” was one of five drama series on HBO. Critical darling “Six Feet Under” ended the year before with what might be the greatest series finale in TV history.

“The Sopranos” and “The Wire” would finish their runs within the next two years.

“Big Love” was just beginning its five-year run, a long time in HBO land. “Rome” would soon be canceled after two years, because HBO did not like to shell out the money for its costumes. That left “Deadwood,” which while critically acclaimed, had only a quarter the viewers of “The Sopranos.”

This was still five years before “Game of Thrones” began, so that big money had not yet begin to roll in for the network. “Deadwood” averaged about the same number of viewers per episode as early “Game of Thrones,” but these were the days of frequent HBO cancellations. The network chose

not to renew the contracts of the “Deadwood” actors, effectively ending the show a month before the airing of season three.

For 13 years, the season three finale of “Deadwood” had to serve as the series finale. The show’s cancellation took place after filming was complete, thus the writers wrote the finale with big ideas for season four.

If there were to be no season four, the only hope remaining was a made-for-tvmovie to wrap things up.

Fans clamored for the big showdown between major characters Al Swearengen (Ian McShane) and George Hearst (Gerald McRaney), as well as other unresolved plot lines. However, the actors had gone on to other projects, a few died and the sets were torn down. Hope was all but stamped out.

In 2018, news that filming was underway on “Deadwood: The Movie” became as beautiful to the ears of hard-

core fans as the twisted, Shakespearean dialogue for which the series is known.

Series mastermind David Milch kept the hope alive, and the film made its debut on HBO last month. It was worth the wait.

The film picks up a decade after the end of season three, as the town of Deadwood celebrates South Dakota’s recent statehood in 1889. Viewers know that plot point will be pushed aside; the film cares more about reuniting old friends and old enemies. A few characters, such as Hearst and Alma Garrett (Molly Parker), return to town for the celebration. A murder most foul early on sets the stage for revenge as Marshal (formerly Sheriff) Bullock (Timothy Olyphant) knows no boundaries in his search for justice.

As the show was always wont to do, the film ensures that every character has a bone to pick with several others.

For me, the film has two problems. I blame HBO for

Clayton history museum closing for repairs

The Clayton Museum on Main Street will close July 8 through mid-August for renovations.

The project includes sanding, repairing and refinishing floors in the back rooms – the Research Room, Kids’ Korner, kitchen and storeroom.

“The flooring, dating from 1921 and the 1860s, is understandably showing considerable wear,” said curator Renee Wing.

She said the project involves moving every artifact, book, file, piece of furniture and painting into the front rooms of the museum and then sealing off the area.

“It will entail a lot of work, but we will have the satisfaction of knowing that we have preserved a vital part of the Historical Society’s most important artifact, that is, the museum structure itself,” Wing noted.

For more information about the museum, visit claytonhistory.org.

don’t remember making a decision to become a farmer.

It just seemed to be the most natural thing for me to do.

Sometimes when I am working in the fields, I reach down and get a handful of good clean dirt. I let it dribble through my fingers and I feel as if I had just shaken hands with all my ancestors.”

Debbie Eistetter is membership chair of the Clayton Historical Society. Visit claytonhistory.org or come to the museum on Main Street, open 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays.

Admission is free. Call 925-6720240.

‘Rough Magic’ takes readers on a galloping adventure The Mongol Derby is a 1,000-kilometer endurance race across the Mongolian grasslands on the backs of an assortment of wild ponies.

When 18-year-old London resident Lara Prior-Palmer hit the “apply” button on the derby’s website, 30 other contestants had already signed on.

The August application deadline had passed and, if accepted, she’d have only seven weeks before the “start gun.”

Author Lara Prior-Palmer describes herself at that age as “a bundle of urges, a series of plunges.”

I begged the publisher for a review copy of “Rough Magic, Riding the World’s Loneliest

SUNNY SOLOMON

BOOKIN’ WITH SUNNY

Horse Race.” I love horse stories, horse racing, underdogs and amazing finishes.

Before I get into what makes this story so worth-

‘Deadwood’ wrap-up movie is satisfying but not perfect Joe Ronco 925-872-3049

925-381-3757

Design/Build Experts Specializing in

ü Landscape ü Hardscape ü Irrigation

ü Pergolas ü Drainage ü Lighting

Lic.# 958849

Over 35 years Clayton/ Concord resident Lic#844344

ü Retaining Walls ü Outdoor Kitchens ü Grading/Excavating

www.DiabloLawnScape.com

ers, her dad, her Olympic medal-winning equestrian aunt and especially her mum. Her observations of her fellow riders, the wind-blown greenery, the everywhere hamsters and the dangerous rainfalls, along with her insights into why she is even in the race, are breathtakingly honest and often laugh out loud funny.

You will love this book to the last leg of the derby and beyond. I can’t wait to read whatever comes next from this talented young writer.

Sunny Solomon is a freelance writer and head of the Clayton Book Club. Visit her website at bookinwithsunny.com for her latest recommendations or just to ‘talk books.’

JEFF MELLINGER

SCREEN SHOTS

the first because without a season four, the film was forced to sideline some characters in its 110 minutes so many did not get their just due. I am also at fault for not rewatching the series prior to viewing, thus my memory is clouded by other Western shows in the time since, such as “Hell on Wheels.” Plus, I’ve seen so many “Deadwood” actors in different projects.

The series comes highly recommended, and the film is a fine bookend to the likes of a show we will never see again.

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@pioneerpublishers.com.

June 21, 2019

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

Page B7

It could be a virus, or it could just need a tune-up.

Prevent problems caused by viruses and spyware with regular proactive maintenance.

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

CALENDAR

PLEASE SuBMIT yOuR COMMuNITy CALENDAR EvENTS By 5 P.M. JuLy 8 FOR THE JuLy 19

IN CONCORD

Thursdays through Sept. 26 Music and Market

ISSuE. ITEMS MuST BE SuBMITTED By EMAIL TO

HEALTH

June 29 “Hoarding: The Challenge for Caregivers and Loved Ones”

6:30-8 p.m., Todos Santos Plaza, downtown. June 27: East Bay Mudd. July 11: Bell Brothers. July 18: Sun Kings. July 25: Forever- Speakers and a panel of industry professionals focus on this menland. Free. cityofconcord.org. tal health issue. Sponsored by Meals on Wheels/Diablo Region and the Concord Commission on Aging. 10 a.m.-noon, Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle. Free. RSVP at Tuesdays in July eventbrite.com/myevent?eid=61700905068.

Blues Concerts 6:30-8 p.m., Todos Santos Plaza, downtown. July 2: Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings. July 9: Frankie G and the ConvicJuly 23 tion. July 16: Delta Wires. July 23: The Dylan Black Project. July Prostrate Seminar 30: Ms. Taylor P. Collins. Free. cityofconcord.org.

Highlighting newer approaches to treating enlarged prostate without medication or major surgery, plus a discussion about treating incontinence. Hosted by Pacific Urology. 6:30-8:30 p.m., July 4 Oak View Room, Walnut Creek Library, 1644 N. Broadway. Free.

Stars and Stripes 5K and Parade Race registration, 6:30 a.m. Kids Fun Run, 8 a.m., free. 5K, 8:15 RSVP at 925-677-5041, ext. 272. a.m., $35-$44. Proceeds benefit Shelter Inc. Register at starsandstripesrun.com. Concord-Diablo Rotary Club pancake breakfast OUTDOORS 7:30-11 a.m., $5. Parade with the theme “All That Jazz,” 10 a.m.

Todos Santos Plaza, downtown. concordjuly4th.com or 925-695- June 22 7268.

Summer Wildflowers Hike Steep hike for those 10 and older. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Black Diamond Mines, end of Somersville Road, Antioch. Free. $5 per car. RSVP July 4 at 888-327-2757, option 2, program 25070.

Festival and Fireworks Kids’ carnival, food and vendor booths, art exhibit, live entertainJune 22 ment, fireworks. 4-9 p.m., Mt. Diablo High School, 2450 Grant St. Free admission. concordjuly4th.com or 925-695-7268.

Summer Solstice Saunter Hike up Mitchell Canyon to check out the park’s evening shift.

Four miles round-trip with a couple hundred feet elevation gain.

Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:30-9:30 p.m., Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center, 96 Mitchell Farmers Market Canyon Road, Clayton. $6 per car. RSVP at 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays and 4-8 p.m. Thursdays, Todos Santos mtdiablohiker@gmail.com.

Plaza, downtown. pcfma.org.

IN CLAYTON

Saturdays through Sept. 14 Concerts in the Grove

6-8:30 p.m., the Grove Park, downtown. June 22: Boys of Summer. July 6: Pride and Joy. July 20: Club 90. Free. claytonconcerts.com.

July 4 4th of July Celebration

Clayton Valley Sunrise Rotary pancake breakfast, 7 a.m., Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St. $6-$8. Parade on Main Street, 10 a.m. Applications due June 28 for main parade; ci.clayton.ca.us.

No registration required for Kiddie Parade.

July 13 10th annual Clayton BBQ Cook Off

Four meat competitions, People’s Choice tasting, food booths, beer, music. Sponsored by the Clayton Business and Community Association and sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society.

11 a.m.-7 p.m., downtown Clayton. Free admission. claytonbbqcookoff.com.

Saturdays through Sept. 21 Farmers Market

9 a.m.-1 p.m., 10950 Main St., Clayton. No market July 13. pcfma.org.

FUNDRAISERS

July 20 Document Shredding Fundraiser

Bring personal documents to be shred and make a donation to the Cancer Support Community. Sponsored by Diablo Valley Oncology. 10 a.m.-noon, back lot at 400 Taylor Blvd., Pleasant Hill.

925-677-5041, ext. 272.

July 27 “A Royal Tea”

Benefits the Senior Scholarship Fund. Tea, scones and more, with entertainment by Special Blend Singers. Dress as your favorite royal or wear a crown/tiara. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle. $5-$29. To organize a table, call 925-671-3320. Tickets at cityofconcord.org/438/specialevents.

2nd and 4th Sundays Pancake Breakfast

Eggs, pancakes, sausage, beverage. 8-11 a.m. VFW Post 1525, 2290 Willow Pass Road, Concord. $5, $3 children under 12. vfwpost1525.org.

Cars for the Camp Fire

Donate a running vehicle for victims of the fire in Paradise, sponsored by the Clayton Valley Concord Sunrise Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Paradise. 925-326-5868 or cars4paradise.org.

June 23 All About Snakes

Program with naturalist Eddie Willis. 11 a.m.-noon, Black Diamond Mines, Antioch. Meet near the parking lot at the end of Somersville Road. $5 per car. 888-327-2757, ext. 2750.

July 19, Aug. 16 Common Poorwill Bird Walk

Listen for birds and discover interesting wildlife. 7-10:30 p.m., Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center, 96 Mitchell Canyon Road, Clayton. $6 per car. RSVP at blkittiwake@yahoo.com.

July 23 Evening on the Mountain

A Mount Diablo Interpretive Association slide presentation and talk about the critters and evening bloomers that shine brightly as darkness falls in Mitchell Canyon. 6:30 p.m., Pleasant Hill Library, 1750 Oak Park Blvd. Free. RSVP at mtdiablohiker@gmail.com.

ENTERTAINMENT

Through June 23 “Tradition Interrupted”

Exhibit exploring the methods artists use to conflate contemporary ideas with traditional art and craft. Bedford Gallery, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $3-$5. 925-295-1417 or bedfordgallery.org.

Through June 23 “Woody Sez”

The life and music of Woody Guthrie, Center Rep. Lesher Center.

Free hootenanny after Sunday matinees. $39-$79.

Through June 29 “Around and About Diablo”

Call Mark 925.672.6029 or info@netsolutions-ca.com

calendar@pioneerpublishers.com

A comedy written by Pioneer theater columnist Kathryn McCarty, Onstage Theatre. Martinez Campbell Theatre. $19-$22.

July 12-14 “Susannah”

A uniquely American tale of innocence, lust and social consequence, by Festival Opera. Lesher Center. $39-$89. festivalopera.com or 925-944-9610.

July 14-Sept. 15 “Blow Up II”

A second exhibition of inflatable art. Opens 3-5 p.m. July 14, Bedford Gallery, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $3. Children under 12 free. bedfordgallery.org or 925-295-1417.

July 25 “Schoolhouse Rock Live, Jr.”

Based on the 1970s cartoons, Summer Stage by Clayton Theatre Company. 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. claytontheatrecompany.com.

AT THE LIBRARY

Concord Library is at 2900 Salvio St. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. Full schedule at ccclib.org/locations/Concord.html. 925-646-5455.

Baby and Toddler Storytime, 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays.

Preschool Storytime, 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays.

AARP Tax Aide, 10 a.m. June 22, July 13.

Create Your Own Alien, 7 p.m. June 24.

Lunch for Kids, 1 p.m. June 25, 27; July 2, 9, 11, 16, 18.

Solar System Ambassador, 4 p.m. June 25.

Adventures in Coding, 4 p.m. June 27. 7 p.m. July 15.

Registration required.

Movie Night for Adults, “Captain Marvel,” 6:30 p.m. June 27.

Concord Art Association Meeting and Demo, 1:30 p.m.

June 29.

Family Program/Rockets, 6 p.m. July 1.

Summer Crafting for Kids, 2 p.m. July 3, 10, 17.

Knitting & Crochet Group, 1:15 p.m. July 7.

Talkfest, 5:30 p.m. July 11.

Mystery Book Club, “My Friend Maigret,” 1 p.m. July 14.

Healthcare for the Homeless, 1 p.m. July 15.

Coffee and Conversation, 2 p.m. July 15.

Forever Young: Adult Book Club, “I’ll Give You the Sun,” 4 p.m. July 16.

Medicare Information Session, 4 p.m. July 17.

Friends of the Library Book Sale, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 1920; 1-3:30 p.m. July 21.

Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. Full schedule at ccclib.org/locations/Clayton.html. 925-673-0659.

Baby and Toddler Storytime, 11 a.m. Tuesdays.

Preschool Storytime, 11 a.m. Thursdays.

Summer Reading, through Aug. 8.

Clayton Knits, 1:30 pm. June 24, July 8.

The First Martians ... Will Be Us, 7 p.m. July 1.

Library Book Club, “A Prayer for Owen Meany,” 7 pm. July 8.

GOVERNMENT

1st, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays Concord City Council

6:30 p.m., Council Chamber, Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Dr. cityofconcord.org.

1st and 3rd Wednesdays Concord Planning Commission

Juried art show showcasing Devil Mountain and its surroundings, includes Concord resident Ruth Beeve. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays- 7 p.m. Council Chamber, Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Dr. cityofSaturdays, Valley Art Gallery, 1661 Botelho Dr., Suite 110, Walnut concord.org.

Creek. Free. valleyartgallery.org or 925-935-4311.

Through June 29 “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

Females play the traditional male roles, B8 Theatre Company.

Concord Historical Society, 1928 Clayton Road. $15-$25. b8theatre.org.

Through June 30 “The Fitting Room”

Theater Contact Key

1st and 3rd Tuesdays Clayton City Council

7 p.m. Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. ci.clayton.ca.us or 925-673-7304.

2nd and 4th Tuesdays Clayton Planning Commission

7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. ci.clayton.ca.us or 925-673-7304.

California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 925-427-1611.

Del valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. lesherartscenter.org. 925-943-7469.

El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. elcampaniltheatre.com. 925-757-9500.

Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. lesherartscenter.org. 925-943-7469.

Martinez Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St., Martinez. campbelltheater.com. 925-350-9770.

Meeting dates and times for local clubs and organizations are listed at concordpioneer.com.

Click on ‘Links’

Page B8

T H E ARTS

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

June 21, 2019

B8 brings girl power to ‘Midsummer’

versal story. Chris Finetti directs. Visit ghostlightte.org.

Women of Words presents the endearing “Charlotte’s Web,” based on E.B. White’s classic story of the friendship KATHRYN G. MCCARTY between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named ON THE MARQUEE Charlotte. Shows are July 1228 in Martinez. Call 925-350Concord’s B8 theatre 9770 or visit Company artistic director campbelltheater.com.

JanLee Marshall spins a special Children’s educational proB8 twist in “A Midsummer grams are blossoming in the Night’s Dream” by William Bay Area, and our community Shakespeare, sponsored and hosts many fine theatrical performed at the Concord training programs for stuHistorical Society through dents.

June 29.

JanLee Marshall poison Apple producWith all traditionally male Alan Cameron and Beth tions recently received a roles played by females, her Chastain appear in B8’s “A $16,200 Youth Arts grant version of the classic comedy Midsummer Night’s Dream” from the California Arts turns the tables on our world through June 29 at the ConCouncil. Artistic director of male dominance. Also, save cord Historical Society.

Noelle Arms said that in the the date for B8’s annual gala 2019-’20 season. The evening past five years, Bay Area and fundraiser on Sept. 14. features a special presentation schools have downsized perContact b8theatre.org. forming arts programs by 70 onstage Repertory the- honoring PCT founder Betty percent and added money is Brown and many original atre Company peeks into much needed for education. members of the company.

“The Fitting Room,” a Clayton theatre Compavoyeuristic perspective on the The event is at the California ny will host a Summer Stage search for meaning, truth and Theatre in Pittsburg. Call 925production of “Schoolhouse 427-1611 or visit pittsburgcalithe perfect pair of jeans.

Rock Live, Jr.” at Endeavor Helen Means directs the com- forniatheatre.com.

Hall on July 25.

Since it first hatched in edy, which I wrote, at the MarBased on 1970s cartoons, 1993, “Honk!” by Anthony tinez Campbell Theatre the show features catchy Drewe and George Stiles has through June 30. Call 925tunes.

Roxanne Pardi and La 350-9770 or visit campbellthe- winged its way around the Tonya Watts direct the youth world and lands at ghostlight ater.com. company.

Visit claytontheatreIt’s a milestone anniversary theatre in Brentwood July company.com.

12-20. for pittsburg Community This heart-warming tale of theatre, which will host a celebrating the acceptance of 40th Anniversary Gala on what’s different offers a uniJune 29 to kick off of the

LISA FULMER

ARTS

Stu Selland

The musical “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown” ends June 22 at Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette.

Providing Dignified Professional Services

John & Sharon Ouimet • Don & Bea Ouimet

4125 Clayton Road, Concord, CA 94521 925.682.4242 • fax 925.682.4281

IN

MOTION

The Concord Art Association, in collaboration with the city of Concord, selected 11 local artists to paint or vinyl wrap utility boxes around Todos Santos Plaza.

Chris Ball, Janet Brown, Pat Calabro, Melissa Claros, Carissa Fei, Jennifer Granat, Denise Hillman, Renaye Johnson, Thea Jue, Samineh Perryman and Sharon Petersen will participate in this exciting public art project that celebrates Concord’s popular Music & Market series.

Granat and Claros will team up to work on a whimsical design for the trio of utility boxes near the clock tower. A resident of Concord for the last 8 years, Granat met Claros shortly after moving here from San Francisco.

Richard Schwab

Craig Anderson begs Hayley Keenan to marry him in Onstage Theatre’s “The Fitting Room” through June 30 in Martinez.

Registration opens July 1 for Diablo theatre Company’s SingOut, serving students 4-18.

This year’s shows include “Disney’s My Son Pinocchio” and “Rapunzel.” For audition information, email artistic director Chelsea Bardellini at singoutchelsea@gmail.com.

Center Repertory Company’s Young REPertory Theatre, celebrating its 46th year, will host a performance workshop at the end of the

session. The company trains students interested in the theater arts as a vocation. Tickets to the midsummer showcases for musical theater, directing, new works and acting will be available soon. Call 925-943SHOW or visit lesherartscenter.org.

You have one more chance to see “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown” produced by town hall theatre.

The feisty musical is a sexy

romp about female resilience, following a trio of women in 1980s Madrid who serve up comedic chaos with a specially laced gazpacho – paired with an irresistible Spanish beat. It ends June 22 in Lafayette.

Visit townhalltheatre.com.

Kathryn G. McCarty is wellknown around the Bay Area as an educator, playwright and journalist.

Send comments to KGMcCarty@gmail.com.

Winning artists to paint downtown utility boxes “When I saw the call for artists, I immediately thought of working with Melissa because she likes to draw fun characters with bright colors and bold outlines,” Granat recalls. “I thought her animeinspired style would fit with the concept I envisioned of animals playing jazz instruments, which would appeal to both parents and children.”

Claros started drawing comics with her friends in high school. “When Jennifer described her idea of painting a ‘jazz trio’ on these three boxes, I could really see the potential,” she says. “I sketched out some different animals who were actually inspired by my friends and family. One is even an homage to my middle school mascot.”

Granat has been painting since childhood. After several years of successful art gallery exhibits and private commissions, she now considers herself to be a working artist.

Jennifer Granat and Melissa Claros offered this preliminary sketch of an animal jazz musician for their utility box art.

“I’m extremely honored and delighted to be a part of this first-time project. Painting in public will be a wonderful, new opportunity for both Melissa and I to share our respective talents with Concord’s residents and visitors,” she says. “My husband and I have fallen in love with Concord, especially all the

open spaces where we can picnic, walk the dog and enjoy nature. Todos Santos Plaza is wonderful with its farmers markets, restaurants and concerts.”

“Being able to paint something in a place where I’ve always spent time is crazy exciting,” Claros says with enthusiasm. “I’ve lived in Concord more than 20 years, and Todos Santos Plaza has always been a huge part of my everyday life. It’s great to give back to my community for giving me such amazing memories. I hope people will smile, feel happy and think of wonderful music when they pass by our utility boxes.”

Visit ConcordArtAssociation.com to read more about this project and all of the participating artists.

You can learn more at iheartartstudio.co. Lisa Fulmer is a mixed media artist, small business marketing consultant and community arts advocate.

Interiors Panache, Inc.

6160 Center Streeet, Suite F, Clayton, CA

We are a full-service design firm conveniently located in downtown Clayton featuring:

•Design Consultations •Residential & Commercial •Remodels, Kitchens, and Baths

925-250-0334

•Window Coverings •Design and Project Management •Licensed General Contractor •Hunter Douglas Priority Dealer •26 years of Design Experience •Clayton resident for 20 years

FREE ESTIMATES

Owners Dustin & Kim Waraner

Contractors Lic #879423 Arborist Lic WE-7372A

www.waranertreeexperts.com

As seen on the HGTv show “My Lottery Dream Home”

Call today for an appointment!

Office: 925.672.7920 email: carol@interiorspanache.com www.interiorspanache.com

WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CREDIT AND DEBIT CARDS

June 21, 2019

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

Page B9

Ornamental grasses add drama to any landscape

This time of year, our landscapes surrender to the swaying plumes of ornamental grasses.

We can see these grasses throughout the city, providing texture, movement and grace wherever planted. Unlike flowering shrubs, ornamental grass comes to life with the slightest breeze.

Installing ornamental grass

to a landscape, hillside or container will add interest to the overall look. Red Fountain is probably the most popular ornamental grass installation in the area. Folks adore the reddish-brown foliage and rose-colored plumes.

Pennisetum Setaceum ‘Rubrum’ is the botanical name for this fountain-like ornamental grass. At maturity, expect it to reach 5 feet tall and wide. Red Fountain goes dormant during the winter, and its blades become brown and dry. This is part of its cycle, so consider that when placing within your landscape.

Pennisetum has another family member worth mentioning: Pennisetum Hameln.

The dwarf fountain grass has green blades and blonde plumes. Use it along a border, to accent boulders or as a mass planting.

Mexican Feather grass is a super-trendy ornamental with a silky, thread-like texture. This selection provides tons of movement in the landscape. Many use Mexican Feather to highlight walkways, a dry riverbed, oversized boulders or retaining walls. Stipa tenuissima is the botanical name for Mexican Feather grass, and you can expect your clumps to grow almost 2 feet tall and 12-18 inches wide. Mexican Feather grass is invasive and will readily seed throughout the garden, so use caution when installing.

Karl Foerster Calamagrostis is commonly called Feather Reed grass. This selection makes an awesome hedge or screen, reaching 6 feet tall while in bloom. The purplish plumes pair nicely with its deep green foliage. This orna-

mental grass is both deer- and drought-tolerant. Feather Reed grows from the center out and will need to be divided every few years to prevent the hole-in-the-doughnut effect. It may sound like extra work, but the results are worth it.

Blue Fescue and several selections of Carex grasses have become quite the rage as people remove their lawns and opt for water-wise plant material. Blue Fescue is a predictable ornamental grass. Depending on the selection, expect growth of 8-16 inches tall and wide.

The color of the foliage is what sells Blue Fescue, and the bluer the better. Look for selections such as Beyond Blue, which has a metallic blue color, or Elijah’s Blue, which is a true blue. Carex creates a waterfall effect in the

landscape and is available in ations to ensure that you are green, variegated, bronze and happy with your installations. orange.

Ornamental grasses add Nicole is the Garden Girl at interest and texture to a land- R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. scape. They are readily availYou can contact her with questions or able, drought-tolerant and comments by email at easy to grow. Read up on the gardengirl94517@yahoo.com mature sizes of your consider-

One of my favorite pastimes is exploring houses for sale in a few of my favorite destinations.

I love looking at multimillion dollar sprawling estates in wine country, quaint seaside cottages in Carmel by the Sea, high-rise penthouses in San Francisco, family farms tucked away along Highway 5 – and everything in between. It’s dreamy to imagine yourself in these unique dwellings, and even more exciting if you’re actually looking to make a move.

Moving can be a major undertaking, from the selec-

tion of your new residence, to the financial rigmarole and the organization of packing and unpacking. Like with any design project, and this definitely is a design project, breaking down the move will help you feel more in control of this exciting venture.

Although getting your current house packed is a major chore, it’s also a chance to weed through belongings and thin things out – definitely a bonus. If you’re looking for help with this process, consider online a la carte resources like TaskRabbit, care.com and Thumbtack,

The sites will connect you with individuals who can assist with packing, cleaning and organizing.

You can also search online for specialty movers that focus on items like fine art, antiques, pianos and large aquariums.

Once at your new residence, you want to personalize just about everything. There are two directions to consider: Focus on basic decorative items or plan a remodel.

Basic decorative items include upgrading light fixtures, door knobs and hinges, along with paint and flooring.

In some instances, the previous homeowner added a fresh coat of paint or installed new carpet. But if these items still need updating, it’s wise to get a painter and flooring installer into the house before you move in your furniture.

More thought is required for larger projects, like remodeling the kitchen or the bathrooms, moving or opening up a wall, or adding an extra bedroom or bonus room. In a world with no budgetary limits, it would be fantastic to get these projects complete before you move.

But Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your new residence.

Unless your intent is to

demo on day one, take your time and live in your new space. Find out what you like, what needs an adjustment and what needs a whole new look.

Moving doesn’t always mean upgrades and changes are necessary. The move itself might be the upgrade. But we are living in the age of the fixer upper and sometimes, there’s no better satisfaction than personalizing a living space beyond a new door knob.

Whatever your moving goals, be sure to find professionals who will help you make the process smooth and even enjoyable. Create a wellorganized moving plan from your current residence and a

NICOLE HACKETT

GARDEN GIRL

Red fountain grass

Planning is key to a successful move

Meet ARF stars Perry and Panda

PERRY

Eight-year-old perry is a quirky, laid-back older dude who loves to explore. He especially enjoys mellow, meandering walks around town, and when he’s at home, he likes to unwind in a comfy spot with a tasty rawhide chew! Perry has a positive history with other dogs The adoption fee for puppies <6 months is $300, for adult dogs is $250, and

PANDA

includes a discount on the first six-week session of a manners class.

One-and-a-half-year-old panda is a cute and social kitty who is full of life! She is a chatty girl who loves to tell you all about her day, and also happy to hear about yours.

What a sweet and active girl Panda is. She is sure to brighten up your household, and would be best in a home

R&M is the place for

where she has lots to do! She likes laps and attention, and playtime with wand toys.

The adoption fee for kittens <6 months $125 ($200 for 2) and for adult cats is $75 ($100 for 2).

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.

20%ulents off

Pool, Patio, Gifts & Gardens 6780 Marsh Creek Road, Clayton

672-0207

Hours: Tues-Sat 9-5, Sun 10-4, Closed Monday

DESIGN & DÉCOR

thoughtful move-in plan that takes possible upgrades and design projects into consideration. Line up projects in sequence so you aren’t backtracking.

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.

NEW

1782 Indian Wells Way, Clayton

961 Oak Street, Clayton

This single-level golf-course home is absolutely gorgeous. Featuring 2 huge bedrooms and 2 generous bathrooms, a pristine light filled kitchen with beautiful newer appliances, hardwood flooring, and a great room. The 11th fairway and treelined mountain scape is your view from the gorgeous large brick patio yards and crafted wrought iron fencing. Nearly $70k in upgrades. Don’t miss. $599,000

One of Clayton’s preferred addresses, rarely available custom home. Beautiful open floorplan, great room w/hardwood floors throughout. Impressive foyer entrance, fireplace, gorgeous kitchen, very large dining room w/built-in custom cabinetry & wine storage. Enjoy 4 large bedrooms plus mudroom/office and 3 full baths (one full bedroom/bath downstairs) 1/3 acre lot w/2 storage, large outbuilding, lawn, chicken coup, raised beds COUNTRY right DOWNTOWN!

NEW

WOW!

5608 Ohman Place, Clayton

242 Stranahan Circle, Clayton PENDING SALE

Succ

• Sales, repairs and supplies of all pool equipment • Extensive collections of perennials, annuals, trees, shrubs, roses and houseplants • Premium potting soils and conditioners, decorative bark and mulch • Garden décor • Knowledgeable and experienced staff Like us on

Family owned and operated since 1983

NEW

JENNIFER LEISCHER

Wonderful Clayton beauty featuring 4 bedrooms PLUS bonus 5th bedroom/ office. Entertainer’s floorplan brings the light in from beautiful yards and VIEWS of Mt. Diablo. Remodeled kitchen, Viking commercial-style gas range, stone counters and kitchen island. Walk to top schools, trail system, downtown, farmer’s market, concerts in the park, libraries.

COMING SOON

309 Mountaire Pkwy., Clayton

COMPLETELY refreshed, renewed, repainted, and re-imagined. 5 bedrooms / 3 full baths PLUS TWO BONUS rooms! Easily an in-law/nanny suite. Incredible Mountain Views.

Call for details

Dream downtown location on stunning garden end of cul-de-sac lot! 2 masters plus den, open concept with soaring ceilings glaze concrete floors, atrium style dining, fountains +++

94 Liberty Lane — Brentwood’s Somerset II

Beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath with hardwood floors, brand new paint, charming landscaped yards and terrific location in 55+community.

Call for details

STEPHANIE LOPEZ ASP Stager@ / Relocation Specialist

925.305.9099

www.myDynamicRealtors.com Realtor®, BRE#01370548

Page B10

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

June 21, 2019

Have a smokin’ good time at BBQ Cook Off

Downtown Clayton will be transformed into a barbecue lover’s paradise on Saturday, July 13, for the 10th annual Clayton BBQ Cook Off. This Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned event features pro pitmasters and backyard cooks competing for more than $10,000 in cash prizes. Barbecue teams from all over the country will make their way to Clayton. With more than 40 barbecuers

working their magic, strolling down Main Street will be an aromatic treat as you check out the expanded vendor booths.

Don’t miss the People’s Choice Awards, which allows you to sample select competitors’ ribs. Tickets will be available at 1 p.m., with other food options for sale in the food court for the entire event.

After a successful introduction at last year’s event, the

Craft Brew Garden will return to the corral at the end of Main Street – featuring local breweries plus hard cider and wine.

Kids will love to take a trip around town aboard an authentic horse-drawn stagecoach. Cost is $5 per person.

Grab a beer and a plate of food, then head over to the Grove for live music from Mama Luke 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and Eve & the Missing Ribs

3-6 p.m.

The Clayton Business and Community Association sponsor the event, which runs 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

For more information or to join the competition, visit claytonbbqcookoff.com.

tomers pack their farm to pick pumpkins and have a good time. But right now, their focus is bringing fresh organic summer vegetables straight from the farm to local farmers DEBRA MORRIS markets.

They grow a wide variety FARMERS MARKET of vegetables: English peas, Bonnie and Dick Swank of spring greens, summer squash, Swank Farms will be the first bell peppers, corn and tomatoes. Eight kinds of cucumto tell you that they never bers, a mix of eggplant variexpected to have one of the most well-known corn mazes eties, loads of beans, and yearround cauliflower and broccoli in the Hollister area. round out their crop selecEach fall, delighted cus-

tions. Their tomatoes are extremely popular because of the variety, quality and flavor.

Dick’s grandfather, Bill Maggini, purchased the 60acre property in 1928 in the northern part of San Benito County. Dick decided to raise his family on the ranch his grandfather started.

The original plum trees were pulled to grow vegetable row crops. They added some fruit trees, pumpkins, gourds and ornamental corn. Soon the ranch wasn’t big enough to grow all they wanted, so they added 210 acres to the farm.

With the expansion came financial ups and downs, so they decided to go into agritourism and open a corn maze and fall pumpkin patch. They also opted to become organic and received certification from the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) association in 2006.

Between the farmers markets they attend and the agritourism, they find the directto-consumer way of selling their products gives them the

satisfaction of running a successful enterprise.

“We are extremely proud of what we have accomplished over the years,” Dick said. “We want you to have the best produce we can possibly grow, along with an abundance of family fun.”

Truly a family-run enter-

Mouth watering ribs are just one of the meats grilling for top honors at the BBQ cookoff July 13.

Swank Farms offers healthy family fun

Swank Farms brings a variety of organic produce to the Concord farmers market Tuesdays and Thursdays in Todos Santos Plaza.

prise, Swank is a generational farm with many years of learned experience. They know what it means to raise products of the highest quality while having respect for the land.

With organic certification, a wide variety of high-quality produce and an agribusiness

built on fun, they are truly a farm of the future.

Stop by the Concord farmers market and pick up some great organic vegetables.

The Concord Farmers Market is in Todos Santos Plaza Tuesdays & Thursdays. See ad in Section A, page 9, for hours.

Happy 4th of July

CST #2033054-40

For information contact

925.672.9840 Clayton, CA travel-2-go.com

Like us on

†Free Premier Beverage Package applies to guests booked in a balcony stateroom or above. It is valid only for guests 1 & 2 per stateroom who are 21 years or older, and is not applicable during the land portion of cruisetours. The Premier Beverage Package price is $59.99 per guest, per day plus 18% service charge (totaling $70.79 per day). A daily limit on alcoholic beverages will apply. The package may be used on a single voyage only, is not redeemable for cash at any point during the cruise and expires at the end of that voyage. Premier Beverage Package terms differ on all vessels departing from and returning to Australia and New Zealand. Visit princess.com for full terms, inclusions and restrictions. Free Premier Coffee & Soda Package applies to all guests in a stateroom that are not eligible for the Premier Beverage Package, and is also applicable to guests 3 & 4 booked in all staterooms, and is not applicable during the land portion of cruisetours. The Premier Coffee & Soda Package price is $19.99 per guest, per day plus 18% service charge (totaling $23.59 per day). The Premier Coffee & Soda Package excludes all alcoholic items. The package may be used on a single voyage only, is not redeemable for cash at any point during the cruise and expires at the end of that voyage. Premier Coffee & Soda Package terms differ on all vessels departing from and returning to Australia and New Zealand. Visit princess.com for full terms, inclusions and restrictions.

*Fares apply to minimum lead-in categories on a space-available basis at time of booking. *Fares for other categories may vary. Fares are per guest, non-air, cruise- or cruisetour-only, based on double occupancy and apply to the first two guests in a stateroom. These fares do not apply to singles or third/fourth-berth guests. This offer has limited space regardless of cabin availability and may not be combinable with any other public, group or past guest offers, including air discounts and onboard credits. Offer is not transferable. Offer is available to residents of the 50 United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Bermuda and the District of Columbia who are 21 years of age or older and receive this offer. Fares quoted in U.S. dollars. Refer to princess.com/sale for full terms, conditions and definitions that apply to all bookings. Deposit of 10% of cruise fare per guest for bookings made under Sip + Sail is refundable. Note: For assistance reserving a wheelchair-accessible stateroom, please call 1-800-774-6237. Offer valid: June 13 — July 16, 2019.

CST #2033054-40

Like us on