IT’S YOUR PAPER www.concordpioneer.com
From the desk of...
March 27, 2015
925.672.0500
Bicyclists, pedestrians at heart of revisions to BART
Nominated by colleagues, Giordano, Beleche named MDUSD Teachers of the Year JOHN T. MILLER Correspondent
TIM GRAYSON
This year’s Mt. Diablo Unified School District two top teachers enjoy finding unique ways to challenge students to do their best. “I strive to provide an environment where each student can flourish,” says Lourdes Beleche, a fifth-grade teacher at Cambridge Elementary. “Not all students learn the same way, so that means find-
MAYOR
Street repairs, upgrades on the way Many people do not fully realize the extent that local government plays in their lives. The tendency, because of the media, is to focus on national and international issues, and to a lesser extent on what is happening legislatively in Sacramento. But the municipal level touches our lives on a daily basis. Public safety is like a net covering the entire city. Recreational programs, parks, soccer and softball fields, swim meets are used regularly. The way we move about the city is involved even though we tend not to think about roads and streets, unless they are in dire need of repair and upgrading, which sadly is becoming more of a problem than was previously the case. That is a huge concern to me and the reason why I want to spend some time discussing this subject which normally is not exciting or glamorous. The fancy word for this subject is infrastructure. This word includes much more than streets or roadways, but today this is what I want to discuss. I also know it is an area of interest to you as a resident of Concord. In November, 2014, when you approved an extension of
See Mayor, page 12
See Teacher, page 5 Illustration courtesy of BART
THE NEW PLAN FOR THE DOWNTOWN CONCORD BART STATION aims to bring pedestrians to the forefront, while also adding an enclosed bike parking facility. Construction is expected to begin in early summer. PEGGY SPEAR
Concord Pioneer
Concord Vice Mayor Laura Hoffmeister remembers back in the day — about 1994-’95 — when she served on the city’s Redevelopment Advisory Committee. One of the priorities was making a strong connection for pedestrians between the downtown BART station and Todos Santos Plaza. It took 20 or so years, but now that is becoming a reality as BART is making plans to redesign the downtown station to create a strong link between the busy transit hub and the heart of downtown Concord. “The BART improvements will be welcome and positive,” Hoffmeister said of the 42-yearold station. “This is a major part of our new downtown plan.” The plans features the redesign of the northern plaza area, an enclosed bike parking
facility and upgrades to modernize the entire station. The project is funded through Measure J, the Contra Costa transit tax. Some of the redesign elements include : • Straightening and enlarging the plaza leading from Grant Street to the entrance of the station. • Installing new lighting and benches. • Installing a new raised crosswalk leading from the plaza to the station. • Relocating the drop-off and taxi areas. • Planting drought-tolerant landscaping. • Adding new trash and recycling receptacles. • Restriping Grant Street with bike lanes. • Installing new signage pointing the way downtown, as well as additional lighting along the way.
The development of a secure bike parking facility may become a prototype for other stations in the system. With space for 126 bikes, the parking will have key card access and surveillance cameras, said BART Senior Planner Sarah Graham. “We have similar facilities at the Ashby and Civic Center station,” she said. “We want to encourage more non-vehicular transit, and people will need to know that their bikes, if they choose to park them at BART, will be safe.”
City leaders and residents greeted the plan with enthusiasm. “Thank you for the upgrades; it’s been a long time coming,” said Councilman Dan Helix, who served on the BART board of directors in the 1970s. “I think it is a great step forward to have the upgrade at the Concord BART,” said Councilman Edi Birsan. “I look forward to the continued cooperation of
See BART, page 5
John T. Miller
CAMBRIDGE ELEMENTARY teacher Lourdes Beleche named MDUSD Teacher of the Year
Triumphant grand opening for Justice Center partnership TAMARA STEINER
Concord Pioneer
Concord American Little League is golden in 2015
Photo Juan Mariaca
CONCORD AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE BEGAN IN 1955 and is celebrating its Golden Anniversary season this spring. Kids being kids, three CALL players were sidetracked during opening ceremonies looking at baseball cards. Little leaguers on the Mud Cats, from left, Gino DaSilveira, Malekai Sammartino and Luke Chilson checked out their big league heroes. The league’s 400 players can be found at fields behind Mt. Diablo High School football stadium and next to Pixieland Amusement Park on East Olivera Rd. (See page 7 for story)
For Concord Councilman Dan Helix, the triumphant opening of the Central County Family Justice Center last week was more than just another ribbon cutting. Raised by an abusive, alcoholic father who nearly beat his mother to death before she could escape, Helix was deeply committed to the Family Justice Center from the minute Police Chief Guy Swanger brought the idea to the City Council one year ago. Swanger had previously worked with the San Diego Family Justice Center when he was a captain on the police force there. A collaboration of county agencies, law enforcement and non-profit services, the FJC provides a “one-stop shop” for victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, child abuse, elder abuse and human trafficking. Victims seeking assistance will find help with the legal system, child care, counseling, shelter and other critical needs all under one roof. “Empowerment,” said Helix.
Tamara Steiner/Concord Pioneer
LAST YEAR CONCORD POLICE CHIEF GUY SWANGER brought the idea of a “one stop shop” for victims of domestic violence to the city council. One year later, the Central County Justice Center opened downtown and Swanger speaks to KTVU camerman about the partnerships that made it happen.
“That’s what the FJC gives women. My mother had no power. There wasn’t anywhere for her to go for help. Now, for these women, there is a place to go.” Until the FJC opened, victims would have to travel across the county from agency to agency,
(916) 798-3819
Concordantiquefaire.com
Vendors, mention this ad & your first booth rental will be only $60.
April
See Justice, page 4
Inside Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Sund
Todos Santos Plaza, Downtown Concord
mired in confusing and complicated processes all with different sets of rules and requirements. At the FJC, those seeking help
ay
Community . . . . . . . . . . .2
19
School News . . . . . . . . .10
9 am -4p m
From the desk of . . . . . . .7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Performing Arts . . . . . . .22
Page 2
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
March 27, 2015
COMMUNITY
In Brief... Bike and pedestrian workshop planned The City of Concord is asking residents to share their experiences to help create a more "walkable" and "bikeable" community. The City of Concord's Bicycle, Pedestrian and Safe Routes to Transit Master Plan workshop will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8 at the Willow Pass Community Center. A light dinner, childcare and Spanish translation services will be provided. Representatives from BART, Bike Concord, the Monument Impact Center and Contra Costa Health Services will be on hand. For more information or to take a survey, visit www.cittyofconcord.org/bikeandped. Paper surveys will be available in Spanish and English. The Willow Pass Center is located at 2748 East Olivera Road in Concord.
Peace and Justice Center Writing Challenge Mount Diablo Peace and Justice Center is holding its 18th Annual Art and Writing Challenge for Contra Costa County middle and high school students and is encouraging all students to participate. This year's topic is "We Who Believe In Freedom Cannot Rest Until It Comes." Submission deadline is April 3. Monetary awards will be presented to the winners and their families at an awards dinner on May 9. For detailed information on the topic, contest rules and award amounts, go to: creatingpeacefulschools.weebly.com or call the Center office at (925) 933-7850.
Continued next page
Arts Alive! at aRt Cottage VIP reception
The story of Concord’s ‘Stonehenge’ In the triangle where Port Chicago Highway begins, 23 odd-shaped boulders are scattered between Clayton Road and Sunset Ave. In the last issue of the Concord Pioneer we asked readers to submit their best guess (tongue-in-cheek, of course) of how the boulders came to be scattered in just this spot. We think Lucy S. Hart gives the best explanation of Concord’s “Stonehenge.”
Lisa Fulmer, Sylvia Nuzzo Philis, Carlyn Obringer, and aRt Cottage owner, FROgard greeted guests and mingled at a VIP reception introducing the Concord Arts Association’s new exhibit, Concord Arts Alive – Emerge! Works by local artists and CVCHS art students will be on display through March 28 at the aRt Cottage, 2238 Mt. Diablo St., downtown Concord. See Lisa Fulmer’s new column, Spotlight on Art, on page 23 of this issue.
According to local Indian legend, Concord’s mystery boulders, excavated during the construction of BART, contain symbols from the ancient Miwok tribe. These symbols were used to communicate the tribe’s history and culture from one generation to the next. The Indians believed that their creator was a mythological animal spirit, known as Coyote, who lived on Mt. Diablo. Coyote was a god who had an ability to change himself into
objects or other animals at will. This he did frequently in a “trickster” spirit, causing confusion and chaos to make the natives more discerning in their thinking. One day the natives gathered at a monolith, called the Rock—the site of which is the present day triangle of Port Chicago Highway and Sunset and Clayton roads. These natives considered the Rock a god and worshipped it. They carved symbols into it of their heritage, weapons, totem poles, star chart, horses, medicinal plants, and foods. They gave homage to it, thanking it for their hunting success. They also prayed for healing of tribal sickness. They sang and wailed all day but the Rock was unresponsive. Coyote heard their pleas and was angry to be overlooked. He transformed himself into a bolt of light-
ning and crashed into the Rock, splitting it into twenty-three oddshaped boulders. The natives were terrified and cried out to Coyote. He just said, “How could you believe in that rock? You can’t always trust how things appear.” He then changed himself into a bird and flew off. Thank you, Lucy S. Hart, for being a good sport Is there another spot in Concord that needs a good description for our time capsule? Send your suggestion to edibirsan@gmail.com.
Council honors Soroptimists during Womens History Month
Local Knights support women’s services Queen of All Saints Respect Life Committee Coordinator Bill DeSmet presents a $3,300 check to Gabriel Project’s Marianne Pinto and Queen of All Saints pastor Michael Cunningham. The Knights also gave $3,300 to Options for Women. The two faith-based nonprofits provide free services and counseling to underserved women. The organizations offer spiritual support as well as practical help such as baby supplies, car seats and information.
In honor of Women’s History Month, the Concord City Council recognized the Soroptimist International of Diablo Vista for past and present contributions to advancing women’s interests and causes. Soroptimist International of Diablo Vista Secretary Mary Anne Van Buren, President Carlyn Obringer, City of Concord Vice Mayor Laura Hoffmeister, Vice President Karen Jameson, Treasurer Ginger Marsh and Sue Manning. For more information on Diablo Vista Soroptimists go to www.sidiablovista.org.
Helping friends, neighbors and newcomers buy and sell since 1979 Better Homes BRE#00933393
Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.
George Vujnovich,
Broker, Clayton Resident
(925) 672-4433
cell: (925) 348-5700 georgevujnovich@sbcglobal.net
Expanded Single Story Rancher in an established Concord neighborhood! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1746sf with owned solar! Huge lot with workshop and possible RV parking. Close to BART, easy commute location, walking distance to John Muir Concord Campus, schools & downtown! COMING SOON
1105 Northridge Court, Concord
www.georgevujnovich.com Cal BRE #00933393
SO L D
Jennifer Stojanovich Broker-Associate,
Downtown Concord
Lifelong Clayton/Concord Resident
1007 Feather Circle, Clayton
Oak Hollow at Oakhurst Counrty Club! Desirable “Santa Fe” model!! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 1886sf. Well maintained open floor plan with designer paint colors. Private backyard with covered patio. Walk to community pool and downtown Clayton! COMING SOON
5549 Wisconsin Court, Concord
(925) 567-6170, jenstojanovich@yahoo.com
SO LD
www.jenniferstojanovich.com Cal BRE #01446062
Don and Emily Howard,
Father/daughter team
Don, Realtor-Associate, Clayton Resident Emily, Realtor-Associate
(925) 408-3184
(925) 408-1871
Donald.kent.howard@gmail.com
howard.emily05@gmail.com
howardhomeseastbay.com Cal BRE #01846446 & Cal BRE#01938441
Diane and Bill Hayes Realtor-Associate, Clayton Residents,
(925) 890-4701, Dianemariehayes25@yahoo.com
homesbydianehayes.com
Exceptional Estate Property in Concord’s Premier Neighborhood Single story custom home on approximately 1.08 acres nestled on a hilltop and backing to Lime Ridge open space! Unobstructed panoramic, city, wooded and mountain views abound! 3 spacious bedrooms including a gracious master suite, 2.5 baths, approx. 3,539sf, oversized 3 car garage, covered RV parking + additional ample parking. Elegant formal dining and living rooms plus a large family or bonus room. Gourmet kitchen & casual dining area with magnificent views. Spectacular grounds feature a sparkling pool, extensive patios and decks designed to take advantage of every view! $1,167,500
Cal BRE #01222762
Concord Market Update provided by Better Homes Realty
ADDRESS 5549 3731 2161 2170 1917 4962
PRICE
Wisconsin Ct . . . . . . . . . $569,700 Northpark Ct . . . . . . . . . . $475,000 N 6th St . . . . . . . . . . . . . $452,000 Holbrook Drive . . . . . . . . $415,000 Keswick Ln . . . . . . . . . . . $385,000 Murchio Dr . . . . . . . . . . . $617,000
SF . . . . .1568 . . . . .1911 . . . . .1115 . . . . .1229 . . . . .1180 . . . . .1659
BED/BATH SALE DATE . . . . . .4/2 . . . . . .4/3 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . .3/2
. . . . . . . . .3/13/15 . . . . . . . . .3/13/15 . . . . . . . . .3/13/15 . . . . . . . . .3/13/15 . . . . . . . . .3/12/15 . . . . . . . . .3/11/15
ADDRESS
Sensational Single Story in a court location! 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1568sf. Beautifully updated kitchen boasts slab counters, cherry cabinets & black appliances with adjacent casual dining area. Spacious living room features a distinctive custom stacked stone fireplace with raised hearth & ceramic log insert. Updating: Crown moulding, dual panes, flooring & light fixtures. Large approx. .17 acre lot features extensive flagstone patio, rambling lawn area & side yard with shed. Walk to park, shopping center & schools! $569,700
PRICE
SF
1105 Northridge Ct . . . . . . . . . $1,167,500 . . .3539 4483 Sweet Shrub Ct . . . . . . . $690,000 . . . . .2271 3207 Meadowbrook Cr . . . . . . $406,000 . . . . .1171 2975 Salvio St . . . . . . . . . . . . . $370,000 . . . . .1490 1163 Discovery Way . . . . . . . . $488,000 . . . . .1593 1842 Landana Dr . . . . . . . . . . $505,000 . . . . .1716
BED/BATH SALE DATE . . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . . .3/11/15 . . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . . . .3/6/15 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . . . . .3/5/15 . . . . . .4/2 . . . . . . . . .2/27/15 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . . . .2/27/15 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . . . .2/20/15
March 27, 2015
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 3
Concord churches pitch in to help homeless families Winter Nights shelter program gives families a fighting chance PATRICIA ROMERO Correspondent
In an era when differences regularly tear communities apart, the Winter Nights Rotating Shelter Program is uniting disparate groups in an impressive display of compassion and community responsibility. The program brings together people of different ages, faiths and backgrounds to help children stay with their families, while proving support for the families as they regain a solid social foothold. The Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County launched the program 10 years ago. Congregations throughout the county take turns providing volunteers, a large space (where each family has its own tent) and meals for a two-week period. Concord’s United Methodist Church just wrapped up its annual service. This year, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church cohosted the endeavor. United Methodist committed to the program from the beginning, adding a shower facility to ensure active participation. Delores Loague, who coordinates the church’s efforts, expected more than 70 volunteers to help out this year. Loague likes the two-week framework of the program. “It gives the families some stability, even if it’s two weeks at a time,” she says.
CREATING STRUCTURE OUT OF CHAOS
The program is thoroughly structured. No one is allowed to remain in the immediate vicinity
of the shelter during the day. Adults are required to work or to search for work in earnest at the day oasis center. They must also actively look for a permanent housing solution. Children attend school wherever they were last registered. Volunteers offer on-site homework assistance and tutoring in the evenings. The goal is to help families regain control of seemingly ungovernable situations. “This effort grows out of a belief in the basic dignity of all,” reads Winter Nights’ executive summary. “We believe that all who live in a society are connected to one another by our common
humanity, and that a society works best when all its members share in its resources.” It is often easier to understand human rights violations in history’s rear view mirror rather than in the present, when they may challenge our perceptions of justice. Many of the issues that confront our homeless fall squarely in this category. The Human Rights Council of the United Nations has declared that access to safe drinking water and restroom facilities are a basic human right. The majority of us have the privilege of not having to think twice about gaining access to facilities or drinking water. We may not even realize how quickly our entire lives could unravel if that one key element were blocked.
When the program started, Winter Nights provided shelter for senior citizens as well. But organizers quickly discovered
the two populations incompatible.
were
See Winter Nights, pg 12
Tamara Steiner/Concord Pioneer
VOLUNTEERS FROM ST. BONAVENTURE’S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Concord prepare and serve dinner to Winter Nights guests. The shelter program was hosted by Concord United Methodist Church for two weeks in March to serve families actively seeking employment and shelter.
Run, walk or glide to support Kops for Kids
Photo courtesy of Kops for Kids
THE KOPS FOR KIDS 5K/1-MILE RACE on May 2 is a major fundraiser for the organization that serves at-risk teens.
The 9th annual Contra Costa Kops for Kids run/walk/wheelchair race is a fun event for the whole family. Co-sponsored by Pacific Service Credit Union, the Run,
Walk and Roll features a 10K, 5K and 1-mile race on Saturday, May 2, at the Willows Shopping Center in Concord. The event benefits Kops for Kids, a nonprofit organization of active and
JUST LISTED!
Clayton
retired peace officers who mentor at-risk teens through job training, sports programs, positive mental attitude seminars and more. New this year is professional chip timing by Brazen Racing and music and announcing by KKDV radio DJ Steve Fox. There is a better course layout and start/finish line, plus a new race shirt logo, goody bags, post-race food and drink and prize drawings for participants. Roadrunner Sports and Sports Basement will provide agegroup medals and top finisher awards. The race start and ends at Lazy Dog restaurant and will go onto the Iron Horse Trail. Entry fee begins at $25. Residents can participate in the 1-mile and
either the 5K or 10K. Wheelchairs, strollers and wellbehaved dogs on leashes are welcome. Registration begins at 7 a.m., with races starting at 8 a.m. Pre-registered racers can pick up T-shirts, race numbers and participant bags at Roadrunner Sports in the Willows 37 p.m. Friday, May 1. Registration will also be available then. More sponsors are needed, starting at $300. The Willows is at 1975 Diamond Blvd., Concord. Register at active.com/concord-ca/running/ races/contra-costa-kops-for-kids-runwalk-wheelchair-races-2015 or contracostakopsforkids.org. For more information, call 925-827-1998.
COMING SOON!
$1,100,000
In Brief... Sign up for family vacation at Camp Concord Camp Concord at South Lake Tahoe is taking reservations for family and youth camp this summer. Some dates are already full so director Laura Bryan encourages people to register now before your preferred dates are gone. Bryan says, “Family Camp at Camp Concord is nature on a silver platter. Family camp is your traditional vacationing in nature and campfires without the hassle of pitching a tent and cooking. It brings the comfort of home into the great outdoors.” Camp Concord family camp runs June 26 – July 18 and Aug. 3 – 15. The fee includes three meals a day, comfortable private cabin for each family and activities designed for all ages. Youth Camp is July 13 – 18 put on by the non-profit Friends of Camp Concord. It’s a traditional week of camp – canoeing, crafts, campfires, arts/crafts, hiking, beach and a special trip to Tree Top Adventures (a ropes course) —for boys and girls 9-13 years old. Visit friendsofcamp.com for more info. Registration is open to all. Call (925) 671-3404 for more information or to sign up for family camp.
Send short local news items of interest to our readers to editor@concordpioneer.com
JUST LISTED!
Concord
Clayton
Peacock Creek – Luminous 4BD/2.5BA 3,307 sq.ft. boasts charm and elegance on a picturesque setting. Gourmet Garden view kitchen with Family Room. Back yard is Entertainers delight with outdoor kitchen/BBQ grill, Built-in Spa and breath taking panoramic views
Canterbury Gardens – Amazing Cape Cod 4BD/2BA 1,689 sq.ft. home with Detached Cottage with 1BD/1BA and kitchenette in rear yard. This fantastic home has been updated to include newer kitchen, new neutral paint throughout, new laminate and new carpets. solar heat, French drains.
Windmill Canyon – 3BD/2.5 BA 1,877 sq.ft. on Premium Golf Course location. Stunning Kitchen with Granite counters, hardwood flooring. Vaulted ceilings, Granite countertop wet bar. Huge Master Suite with Vaulted ceilings. Panoramic Golf Course and Mt Diablo Views
9+ ACRES
JUST LISTED!
NEW PRICE
Brentwood
$939,000
Spectacular single story 3BD/2.5 BA 2,604 sq.ft. in highly sought after area on over 9 acres. Park-like setting with sweeping views of Mt Diablo and surrounding hills. New Paint & Carpeting throughout. Gourmet Light & Bright kitchen with granite tile counters, 6 burner gas stove top.
Brentwood
$639,000
Portofino Estates – Stunning 4BD/2.5BA 2,745 sq.ft. single story home on 14,100 sq.ft. lot. Gourmet Chef Kitchen with granite counters, tile floors, built in appliances and a pantry. Master Bathroom has tile floors, granite counters, granite tile shower stall, sunken tub. Too much to list.
$679,000
Clayton
$1,225,000
Morgan Territory – 4BD/3.5BA 3,689 sq.ft. Custom Showcase Home. This spectacular home has a Chef's Dream Gourmet kitchen with cherrywood cabinets, granite/quartz counters & Wolf range. Porcelain floors throughout main level. Panoramic views of Mt Diablo and surrounding hills. 5 Car Garage and Wine Cellar.
Lynne & Stacy offer free staging on ALL LISTINGS
Assisting More Buyers & Sellers than Anyone Else* *Statistics based on Clayton/Concord and Contra Costa County Closed sales by volume (1/2014-12/31/2014). Data by Maxebrdi
"Like" us on
- Windermere Clayton!
Two offices to serve the community
Cal BRE#01122025
Page 4
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Justice, from page 1 are immediately assigned a “Navigator” who steers them through court appearances and coordinates legal needs, shelter, child care and counseling.
Although not “officially” open for business until the ribbon cutting, the center had already served three families who came for help in early February.
Tamara Steiner/Concord Pioneer
JUSTICE CENTER LEADERS, Police chief Guy Swanger and Chamber of Commerce representatives join the City Council in cutting the symbolic red ribbon, officially declaring the new facility in downtown Concord open.
“We didn’t even have the phones in yet,” said Mayor Tim Grayson. Funded by private donations and a $250,000 grant from the city, the FJC in Concord is the second such center in the county. West County has operated a similar center in Richmond for the past four years. In time, organizers hope a similar center can open in East County that gets the help directly to those who need it more economically and efficiently. “With a strong county-wide network, we’re more efficient. We aren’t all competing for the same funds,” said County Supervisor Karen Mitchoff.
March 27, 2015
Ipsen finishes heralded collegiate diving career this month in Iowa
The FJC occupies 7,200 square feet on the second floor of the Don Salvio Pacheco building, 2151 Salvio St., Ste. 201, in Concord. For information or assistance, call 925-5216366 or go to cocofamilyjustice.org
Photo courtesy of Steve Clay
SENIOR KRISTIAN IPSEN had his best-ever conference meet at the Pacific 12 Championships in Washington when he swept all three events for Stanford in the same pool where he qualified for the 2012 London Olympics. He was almost as good at the NCAA Zone E meet in Colorado earlier this month with two titles and a third. The four-time Stanford All-America, who prepped at De La Salle High, won six Pac 12 titles in his career and will close out his collegiate diving competition for the Cardinal this weekend in Iowa at the NCAA Championships. JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
De La Salle High School grad Kristian Ipsen is in Iowa City, Iowa, this week representing Stanford for the final time at the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships. He hopes to continue recent hot performances that have netted him titles in five of six competitions at the Pacific 12 and Zone E meets. “I love NCAA diving,” Ipsen told The Pioneer before the NCAA Zone meet. He added that he’ll miss being part of the Stanford team, which is
seeking its ninth NCAA team title this week. He’ll finish up his academic career at Stanford in the fall after “walking” with his class at commencement ceremonies this June. Ipsen went into the NCAA Zone qualifying meet at the Air Force Academy on a high after sweeping the one-meter, threemeter and platform events at his last Pacific 12 conference meet at the end of February in Federal Way, Wash. At the Zone E meet, Ipsen took first in the one- and three-meter springboard and third off the platform, easily qualifying for NCAAs in each event.
LEIGH KLOCK
The Clayton diver ended his four years at Stanford with nine Zone championships, including a sweep of all three competitions as a sophomore. He won both 1M and 3M all four years, plus a single platform title in 2013. Winning three Pacific 12 titles this year doubled his total from 2013 and 2014. He didn’t compete as a freshman while he trained for the Olympic Trials. The Washington site of the Pac 12 meet holds a special place for the senior as it was
See Ipsen, page 17
STEPHANIE LOPEZ
Realtor®, DRE#01874255
Realtor®, DRE#01370548
925.212.5593
925.932.7329 1342ElCaminoDr.cbrb.com Don't miss this Custom 1960’s Clayton Rancher in a private, tucked away lot! This sprawling home retains original charm and provides stylish updates throughout. There are 5 generous bedrooms and 3 full baths. The Master boasts stunning new en suite and walk in closet. Updated open concept kitchen sparkles with granite counters and stainless appliances. The 5th bedroom with separate entrance is perfect for home office or au pair. The detached workshop/man cave provides extra space for work or play! Lush landscaping and several outdoor entertaining areas make for perfect California living. Offered at $735,000
The beautiful new home community of Laurel Ranch announces an exciting Release of new homes on premium cul–de-sac lots of over 1/3 acre. These luxurious Single Story homes are minutes to charming downtown Clayton and a multitude of city conveniences, dining, shopping, yet situated in a quiet country neighborhood setting. These distinctive new homes offer 4-5 bedroom, 3 bath and 3 car garage with approximately 2,958 – 3,047 square feet with sophisticated designer finishes.
Residents of this desirable neighborhood are privileged to be within the Clayton Charter High school district boundaries. Lenox Homes is proud to extend a congratulations to Clayton Charter High for earning a top rating for academic achievement from GreatSchools.org. The timeless traditional style of Laurel Ranch is presented in two plans which reflect comfort, impressive standard finishes and open living spaces. Each home offers rich architectural features including soaring 10-foot ceiling heights, inviting front porches, 8' interior doors, spacious kitchen with stone slab
countertops and chef ’s island, stainless steel Bosch® appliances and rich stain cabinetry. Luxurious master suites include a large shower and soaking tub, spacious walk-in closets and so much more. These new single story homes contain new energy efficient components which qualify for PG&E’s Energy Star designation. “These single-story homes and large flat lots are a rarity in Diablo Valley at these prices,” said Steve Martin, sales consultant for Lenox Homes. “Most comparable communities offer smaller lots and mostly two story houses. Our homes have been created for families or empty nesters that are looking for living space and large yards. These homes offer the rare indoor/outdoor living where you can enjoy your private pool, patio and room for kids to play. There is space to include play structures and parking for your boat or recreational vehicle.” The Laurel Ranch homes are priced from the mid $900,000’s and are available for a 45 day move in. The furnished Model and sales office is located at 1870 Laurel Place, Concord, CA. (For navigation use 4911 Laurel Dr. and follow signs).
www.115OakCourt.com Rarely available – Exquisite Tuscan Inspired Estate in Downtown Clayton! Signature single story residence Custom built w/masterful detail – 5 extra generous Bedrooms, Master with en-suite & fireplace, 3 luxe Full Baths, open concept Great Room, Bonus Recreation Room and Top Chef Kitchen! 1/2 acre stunning landscape – pool, spa, gazebo, lawns, gardens, hobby vines, and more. Additional 1,900 s.f. downstairs, level space ready for build out (Construction bid available).
SOLD Over asking
Excl u Estasive te
144 Mt. Etna Drive Wonderful and spacious 4 bedroom 2.5 bath home with spectacular views of Mt. Diablo! Every inch is sparkling and updated with gorgeous kitchen, floors, bathrooms, windows, fixtures, paint, landscape and so much more! Walk to downtown, parks, and schools! Offered at $515,000
955 Shadybrook Lane This special 4 bedroom 3 bath PLUS large Bonus Room has one of the best views in all of Crystyl Ranch! Large formal rooms, great open family room, spacious bedrooms, and huge master suite with large private balcony! Built-in BBQ, wide side yards, garden, and huge outdoor storage room
SOLD
I N S P I R E D R E A L E S TAT E To learn more or set an appointment, visit www.LiveLenox.com, or call our Concierge (877) 678-3370 or Steve Martin at (925) 8768877. Open weekends 12-noon to 5 pm. Broker cooperation is welcome. Marketing and Sales by PresGroup, BRE#01870326. This is an equal housing opportunity.
www.myDynamicRealtors.com
March 27, 2015
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
BART, from page 1 BART in the revisions in the plan as suggested by the community and anxiously await the start of the project.” While some bike and pedestrian advocates welcome the plan, Bike Concord representative Adam Foster says it doesn’t go far enough. “It’s exciting that downtown Concord BART is on a short list of stations that will undergo modifications to enhance access for people walking and biking,” he said. “The plans propose
some minor tweaks to a station that would greatly benefit from a complete redesign. While the huge parking lots that surround downtown Concord BART provide access for people driving, a balance should be struck between accommodating parked cars and inviting people walking and biking to utilize the station.” Foster, who ran unsuccessfully for City Council in 2014, said that the station is designed now with automobile drivers as its primary users. He believes
pedestrians and bikers are an “afterthought.” “The result is a high-crime environment and a headscratching disconnect from our downtown,” Foster said. “From a planning standpoint, the proposed design is politically feasible but very lackluster. Imagine if there were shops, offices and housing where the BART parking lot is. What if the land immediately surrounding the station was a regional attraction in itself that offered opportunities to shop and live local, while drawing in visitors at the same time? That’s entirely possible. “But we’re instead reserving
some of the most valuable land in the city for parked cars,” he noted. The new design calls for a net loss of five of the station’s 2,278 parking spaces due to the rerouting of the drop-off areas and taxi stands, along with some places that will be used for the plaza renovation on the north side. Graham said that on the east side of the station, a pedestrian track that crosses through the lot will be readjusted to make it safer for pedestrians. The city has proposed adding twinkling lights to the trees and new light posts along
Page 5
Grant Street. While Graham said BART could probably provide the electricity for such improvements, the city would have to pay maintenance costs. Graham stresses that the design is only about 35 percent finished. The city will be involved in more negotiations before the project launches in late 2016 or early 2017. In the meantime, Graham said crews thoroughly cleaned the downtown BART station two weeks ago. “So it should
look better than it has in awhile.” The safety improvements are good news to rider John Keane, a San Francisco police officer who takes BART daily from the downtown Concord station. “I feel relatively safe at this station,” he said, “but I have seen plenty of criminal activity there, including vehicles broken into, drug use, vandalism, fighting and vagrancy. Improved lighting should definitely help some of that.”
Teacher, from page 1 ing different ways for them to demonstrate proficiency.” Olympic High School teacher David Giordano’s goal is to allow students to express themselves. “For many,” he says, “my class may be the place where they read their first novel, write their first essay or tell their story for the first time through poetry, speeches, essays or other media.” Colleagues nominated Giordano and Beleche for the award. Each filled out a lengthy questionnaire, wrote numerous essays on educational topics and interviewed in front of a panel of five people. Next up is a similar process for county teacher of the year. When asked about their accomplishments, the co-winners were quick to praise their colleagues and say they could not have achieved the award without working in environments that support their commitments.
A BORN LEADER Beleche’s Cambridge Elementary sweatshirt reads: “Dream. Challenge. Lead.” Her excellence in all three categories – along with a dedication that goes far beyond the call of duty – led to her selection. Beleche’s dream began in fourth grade, when she knew she would be a teacher. The daughter of Spanish-speaking immigrants graduated from UC Berkeley and earned her credential from Chapman University. The 18-year veteran admits she has a reputation for being intimidating due to her high expectations and strict standards. “I won’t take anything less than what each student is capable of,” she says. Her capacity for leadership is legendary. She is on the school’s leadership team and a gradelevel math committee, functions as the liaison to the PTA, translates for the school newsletter and mentors new teachers. Lunch for Beleche is more than carrot sticks and a sandwich. Other teachers meet in her
room daily to compare notes and help each other. “Lourdes is Cambridge,” says fourth-grade teacher Suleyma Moss. “I am proud to have this teacher of the year at our site.” Beleche routinely puts in 10hour days, arriving at 6:30 a.m. to plan and organize. Then she keeps her room open until at least 4:30 p.m. for tutoring help. Theresa Stratton, Beleche’s former student teacher who teaches fifth grade at Cambridge, nominated Beleche for the award. According to Beleche, major influences included her mother, her sixth-grade teacher and her high school biology teacher and volleyball coach, Steven Lizarraga. “Mr. Lizarraga nurtured his students and held high expectations. He brought science to life for me,” Beleche says. “When I found out I won this award, he was the first person I contacted.” Beleche’s family moved to San Diego from Tijuana when she was 2 months old. Now bilingual, Beleche learned English from “Mr. Rogers,” “Sesame Street” and “Romper Room.” Beleche also teaches English Language Development for newcomers, which involves 14 students from around the globe.
GUIDING AT-RISK KIDS Giordano, a strong proponent of alternative education, jumped at the chance to teach English at Olympic. It has been the only school he has taught at in his 11-year career. “I worked at a group home while I was getting my credential,” Giordano explains. “I found my niche working with atrisk kids.” After realizing he wasn’t “cut out” for business, he earned his teaching credential from St. Mary’s in 2004 and received a master’s in teaching leadership in 2009. “We have a phenomenal, creative staff of people who choose to work here,” he says of
Olympic High School’s David Giordano was named one of MDUSD’s two top teachers this year.
Olympic. “They are all passionate about getting students to achieve and succeed.” Vice Principal Sandra Spaulding nominated Giordano for the honor, citing his ability to work well with all the stakeholders: students, teachers, parents and school personnel. “He respects and reaches the at-risk students and helps them reach their own goals,” she says. “These students come with their own set of circumstances,” Giordano notes. “It may be drugs, poverty, gangs, severe trauma or many other factors leading to failure in the normal school setting.” Giordano is also proud of
his Service Learning program, where students are placed as teacher assistants in elementary school settings. One of his many success stories involves a student who came in as a junior with credits of a freshman. “She did well, went on to junior college and is currently at UC Berkeley and is an editor for the Daily Californian,” he reports. In written evaluations, students praise his skills in teaching them to write and speak. Senior Haley Smith says it goes beyond that: “I’ve learned quite a few life lessons in here. It’s nice to know a teacher who actually cares.”
Schaefer’s PAINTING
Interior & Exterior Popcorn Ceilings
Rea a ne dy for w lo ok?
Sheetrock, Texture Cabinet Refinishing
Bryan Schaefer Clayton Resident License #708321
(925) 260-6065
Family Trade since 1936
We’ve traveled far and wide to bring you new merchandise. Expanded jewelry, accessories, & clothing area.
Baby are expande a d Sunday, April 5 • Two Seatings at 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. If you’re looking for place to go for a delicious Easter Sunday Brunch, come celebrate the holiday with your friends and family at Oakhurst Country Club. Ring in springtime with a delectable selection of food, drink, and beautiful surroundings.
There will also be a Petting Zoo, an Easter Egg hunt, and pictures with the Easter Bunny for the kids.
925-672-2025 1028 Diablo St., Clayton, CA
$48.99++ Adults • $27.99++ Children (ages 4-12) For reservations, please contact (925) 672-9737 ext. 217 | eventdirector@oakhurstcc.com
1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton, CA | www.oakhurstcc.com Visit us on Facebook
Page 6
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
March 27, 2015
Still more questions for three Weapons Station finalists PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
Another large crowd packed the Concord City Council chambers on March 14 for a follow-up presentation from the three finalists selected to compete for the Master Developer job of the Concord Naval Weapons Station. The council — acting as the Local Reuse Authority, residents and other interested parties heard slightly revised presenta-
tions from Master Developer candidates Catellus, Lennar Urban and SunCal. The three firms were named finalists in the land development sweepstakes earlier this year, and their February presentations focused on the first phase of development surrounding the North Concord BART station. The March meeting was in response to questions that arose at the Feb. 10 and 11 presentations. While some questions were answered, more arose,
underscoring that the process of selecting two finalists may take longer than anticipated, said Vice Mayor Laura Hoffmeister. “We have three really strong candidates,” Hoffmeister said. “They all offered interesting, strong presentations. Now it goes back to city staff to see if all of the financials ‘pencil out’ to make sense for us.” Councilman Edi Birsan agreed that the six-hour meeting was productive. “The presentations did as they were designed
PG&E to use helicopters to install new major line Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) will be working in Concord and Clayton this spring to upgrade a major electric power line. The project will help improve service reliability and ensure the East Bay has the power it needs as demand for electricity in the area grows. The project, which started early this year in Antioch, will result in the upgrade of approximately 27 miles of power line and electric transmission towers between Antioch and Moraga. “Electric reliability is among our top priorities at PG&E, and we’re pleased to see this significant project underway. The East Bay is a growing region, and the work being done this year will ensure we have the capacity to meet future demand. For local residents wondering what PG&E may be doing in their community, this is a visible and
— to further the understanding of the developers of the needs of the city.” Reuse Director Michael Wright said that while the earlier meetings were designed to showcase the firms’ vision and how to configure the land, this latest meeting was to review the plans from a more financial perspective. Wright said that because of time constraints, some questions from the council and public didn’t get distributed until late the Friday before the meeting. He noted that another meeting could be scheduled to address more questions before the April 14 council meeting, at which the council was to whittle
important project,” said Victor Baker, senior manager of PG&E’s Diablo Division. The utility is using helicopters to modify the existing towers and to pull the new wire across the top of the towers. PG&E uses helicopters for select projects to complete the work in a safe and efficient
manner. Using helicopters reduces the need for heavy trucks and equipment on the ground, lessening the project’s environmental impacts in the area. Construction started this year in Antioch, and is scheduled to be complete in summer 2016.
three presentations.” Wright underscored that there was still a lot of detail work after a Master Developer is selected. “A lot of the specific questions raised by the public — like height of buildings and specific land use — will be worked out in a specific plan, after the Master Developer we choose gets more input from the community.” A report with the questions raised by the city and residents at the February meetings, along with the developers’ responses, is available on the city website at www.cityofconcord.org. A webcast of the March 14 meeting — as well as the earlier meetings — can be viewed on the website.
Survey says – 30 mph TAMARA STEINER Concord Pioneer
POWER LINES IN THE CRYSTYL RANCH, MONTECITO AREAS of south Concord will be replaced this spring. For construction schedule, call 877-207-1245.
the candidates to two. “If we have to push that date later into April, we can do that,” he said. Before the meeting, all three developers met with some or all of the stakeholders in the projects — from residents to labor representatives to park and open space advocates. Hoffmeister and Birsan said they were impressed by the “thoughtfulness” of the public responses to the presentations. “I was happy to see that the audience members — the community — weighed in with a lot of thoughtful and insightful comments,” Hoffmeister said. “Like the council, they saw pros and cons with all
Drivers on Farm Bureau Road will need to keep their eyes on the speedometer next month when the speed limit drops to 30 mph from 35. Once a designated truck route, the 1.2-mile stretch between Clayton and Willow Pass Roads is largely residential with few sidewalks and considerable pedestrian and bicycle use. Wren Avenue Elementary and St. Agnes schools use Farm Bureau Rd. for access. The city removed the truck route designation from Farm Bureau in April 2014.
Cars, however, still use the stretch as a cut-through, often speeding. Since January 2010, there have been 47 traffic collisions on that stretch, six involving a bicycle or pedestrian and 14 resulting in injuries. In December, the city conducted an Engineering and Traffic Survey. The survey is required by the California Vehicle Code before a change in the speed limit. The survey results showed that 85 percent of the traffic on Farm Bureau Rd. is moving at a speed of 34 mph. The California Vehicle Code uses this 85th percentile measurement to set speed limit, and allows
the city to round down to 30 mph if conditions warrant. The change met with no resistance from the council or the handful of neighbors attending the meeting. “This is amazing Councilwoman Laura Hoffmeister said. “We’re going down.” The change to 30 mph after the ETS survey will give police an “enforceable speed limit” Hoffmeister noted. The speed limit change was introduced at the March 10 City Council meeting and was expected to be approved at the March 24 meeting. The change will be effective April 24.
Safety improvements to Detroit Ave. push forward this summer Sidewalks, lights among features of new project PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
A community effort to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety on heavily traveled Detroit Avenue will become a reality with better sidewalks, improved lighting, and new stop signs and stoplights. The Concord City Council earlier this month heard a presentation on the Detroit Avenue Complete Streets project, between Monument Boulevard and Clayton Road and the streets intersecting Detroit. The project was hailed as a victory for a consortium of city leaders and neighborhood groups, including the Monument Impact Center, Contra Costa Health Services, the Contra Costa Regional Group (part of First 5), Bike Concord and homeowners associations. It was also a victory for Councilman Edi Birsan, who helped lead efforts to improve the safety of the stretch of road, which is home to many residences, apartments, a park and Meadow Homes Elementary School. “One of the reasons I ran for City Council was to help listen to the community and that is what exactly happened in the Detroit Avenue Project,” Birsan said. “I am so proud of the united effort and adjustments that led to a consensus between city and neighborhoods. This is what drove me to be on the council.” LONG LIST OF PROJECTS The improvements include: • Installing a four-way stop at Walters Way. • Installing a fourth crosswalk and extending the curbs at the intersection of Sunshine Drive and Detroit Avenue. • Painting a buffer to separate
•
• •
•
bike lanes from the traffic lanes. If funding is available, the city also will paint the pavement bright green to make cyclists more visible in turn pockets and other areas where vehicles and bikes may conflict. This is used in many cities throughout the Bay Area. Trimming trees that have obscured some streetlights on Detroit Avenue and installing 13 new lights — 12 on existing poles and one new pole at Walters Way. Installing three new sidewalks and extended curbs on Walters Way. Working with a local used car dealership to move cars back from the road so a new sidewalk can be installed on Detroit near Vista Del Monte. At Pine Creek Way, the city will repaint the red curbs leading up to the intersection to deter drivers from parking too close to the corner, which reduces visibility.
The $2.7 million project will begin this summer using Measure J Funds — the regional transit tax, a Federal Highway Administration grant and Measure Q sales tax. The largest share of the budget will go to pavement rehabilitation, new curbs, gutter and sidewalks and striping and signs for bike lanes, according to city traffic engineer Robert Ovadia. “Congratulations to the city,” said CCRG chair Alex Chavez, who participated in the two community workshops on the project and has worked behind the scenes on safety and health improvements around the Monument Corridor. MIXED REACTION
is an exemplary complete streets effort that will put Concord on the map as a city that is willing to prioritize the safety and health of its residents,” he said. “I commend staff and the City Council for bringing a progressive — for Contra Costa County at least — project to our city.” Some community members, however, think the improvements didn’t go far enough. Resident Roylen Stack said the project doesn’t address the problem of people parking cars they’re trying to sell along Detroit Avenue between Pine Creek and Sunshine Drive. “I didn’t think our streets were supposed to be used for a used car lot,” Stack said. George Fulmore, who also participated in the community meetings, is concerned that there is no traffic signal at Sunshine Drive and Detroit, which was in the original project. “Sunshine Drive and Detroit will remain a relatively unsafe intersection,” he wrote in a letter to the Pioneer. “Much of the year, it is pitch dark when kids and parents flow across Detroit in the morning to Meadow Homes Elementary School.” He said it’s especially difficult to see pedestrians at dusk, with the setting sun in drivers’ eyes. “It is easy to miss folks in or entering the crosswalk. And at night, a stoplight system would add much-improved lighting there, an intersection that is now poorly lit at night,” Fulmore added. Meanwhile, in other Bicycle, Pedestrian and Safe Routes news, the city will host a community meeting 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at the Willow Pass Center to discuss the city’s Transit Master Plan.
FROM RESIDENTS
The project was also hailed by bike enthusiasts, including former City Council candidate and Bike Concord member Adam Foster. “The Detroit Avenue project
To learn more and take a survey on how the city can improve walking and biking conditions, visit www.cityofconcord.org/bikesand ped.
March 27, 2015
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
From the desk of ...
Page 7
Directory of Advertisers Beauty and Pampering
Concord American Little League kicks off another season of lifelong learning
CARLYN OBRINGER
PLANNING COMMISSION Concord American Little League (CALL) kicked off its 60th season at Galindo Field on a warm, sunny day in early March. More than 400 current ballplayers, CALL alums and supporters attended, including league president Liz Berg, and coach/board members Sterling Caban and Danny Wallace. It was not the first time around those bases for Caban and Wallace. They played in the league as children and as rivals on opposing teams long before coaching teams for their own sons and daughters. “When kids become part of a Little League team, they learn how to communicate with adults and each other, how to deal with adversity, how to be a good sport and a good winner, how to be friends with everyone,” Wallace reflects. “It helps them to be healthier since they are out playing, not just sitting inside playing video games. It helps build them
into good citizens and get ready for the real world.” Berg agrees. “Little League gives kids great life lessons, teaches them to be courteous and kind, how to compete and try their best,” she says. “It’s like Scouts and school all wrapped into one.” Caban emphasizes the strong sense of community and lifelong friendships that develop as a result of a child’s participation in Little League. “Involvement with CALL brings people together and breaks down the six degrees of separation between individuals across the generations. For example, my dad played CALL ball and so did my father-in-law,” Caban says. “The league is a big family,” Berg notes. “My best friends are all CALL alumni, including fellow team moms and scorekeepers. Some are even on the board with me because I recruited them.” A robust Little League can also be an economic development tool for a community. “We try to support local businesses,” explains Caban. “Legends Sports Bar and Grill is where our board meetings are held, and we do fundraisers with Yogurt Shack and the Old Spaghetti Factory. We also strongly encourage CALL parents and their networks to patronize team sponsors to show thanks and support to those businesses.” In addition, any post-season
GUY SWANGER
POLICE CHIEF things are much safer in a bank safety deposit box. We average a little more than 800 residential and business burglaries a year in Concord. The number has been consistent for the past few years. This does not include car burglaries, theft from front or rear porches, or identity theft that originated with mail theft. As I was speaking with the neighbor, I thought back to the
Business Services Rising Moon Marketing & Public Relations . . . . .672-8717 Construction and Trades Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700 Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1519 Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .822-5144 Gary’s Home Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .787-2500 J.A. Ronco Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .872-3049 Schaefer’s Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-6065 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Dining and Entertainment
Juan Mariaca
BASEBALL REACHES ACROSS GENERATIONS with two coaches who played as kids and now coach their own. The two coaches flanking CALL president, Liz Berg, are Sterling Caban and Danny Wallace who was coached by his father as a kid and now coaches his son.
games that the league hosts for Division 4, such as the annual Tournament of Champions and the All Star Tournament for ages 9-12, brings people into the Concord community from out of town – generating additional revenue at local businesses. Berg encourages residents of Concord to support the league. “Public participation is welcome in the league’s annual Field Clean Up Day to get the Galindo and Olivera fields ready for the season by pulling weeds, raking leaves and painting fences and fields,” she says. Wallace adds: “With CALL being a non-profit organization, we are especially grateful for donations of baseballs, catcher’s gear, old gloves and shoes since there are a lot of kids who need the equipment. Donations also
help us purchase prizes for Player of the Game.” Caban is quick to note that the league is grateful for its current level of community support. “There are a lot of activity options available,” he says. “But Little League is a lot of fun, and we’re glad to be able to educate kids, not only in the game of baseball, but also in the game of life.”
first burglary reports I responded to as a young officer. I had a Field Training Officer that taught me to ask: “Why this house and not the one next to it?” I looked at my neighbor’s home and the others up and down the street. I thought about the early morning timeframe of the crime and what was taking place: People going to work, others staying home. Most driveways empty of cars. All told, not a lot of activity. I realized that I had never spoken with my neighbors about crime in our neighborhood. I am not even sure if that discussion ever took place in my own family. It was always about crime in Concord. It has been several years since I took a burglary report, but not as many years since I last read one. As I watched the officer calmly talk to my neighbors, I could see their pain growing as they came to realize what they had lost. I watched as
Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737 Scousers Fish’n Chips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .521-1962 Events AAUW Wine Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .324-9595 Concord Antique Faire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .916-798-3819 Contra Costa Home and Garden Show . . . . . . .www.capitalshowcase.com Financial, Insurance and Legal Services Archvest Wealth Advisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .215-5600 DuRee, Daniel – The Law Office of . . . . . . . . . . .210-1400 Littorno, Richard – The Law Office of . . . . . . . . .432-4211 Van Wyck, Doug – State Farm Insurance . . . . . .672-2300 Funerals Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242
For more information, visit callbaseball.org. Carlyn Obringer chairs the City of Concord Planning Commission. Professionally, she focuses on California education issues as an Education Policy Analyst. Carlyn resides in Concord with her husband, Justin, and dog Crystal. Contact her at carlyno@yahoo.com.
Burglary on a neighborhood scale A few weeks back, burglars hit my neighbor’s house. These thieves forced entry meaning the house was locked tight, so they had to break in. The burglars went through the house, taking valuables that they could carry. I felt guilty, since I was the chief of police and could not stop this crime. I realized my perspective of crime changed as it got closer to me. I tried my best to comfort my neighbors. I also tried to redirect their shock into helping the police solve this crime. That starts with a detailed description of what was taken. Think about the valuables in your home: where they are, what they are and what method you have in place to show police their uniqueness and value. Are the Rolex watches engraved? Do you have photos of your rare coins? And speaking of rare items, some
Bella Mia Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-7792
the officer went door-to-door, identifying witnesses and getting descriptions on possible suspect cars. I kept looking around the neighborhood, trying to answer the question: “Why them?” For the next few days, I shared this story with a lot of local friends. Each one told a similar story about actions they took to reduce the chances of getting burglarized. They bought a dog for the yard, installed a wireless security system with streaming cameras, left a vehicle in the driveway during the day, staggered departure times in the morning and, most importantly, talked to their neighbors about crime in their neighborhood, joined NextDoor.com (www.nextdoor.com) or started a Neighborhood Watch program. Let’s get started there. Guy Swanger is Concord’s Chief of Police. Send questions or comments to ContactCPD@cityofconcord.org.
Groceries Doorstep Farmers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .349-4568 Health Erdell, Dr. - Orthodontics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .946-1951 Home and Garden Clayton Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-2299 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Interiors Panache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7920 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 R & M Pool, Patio, Gifts & Gardens . . . . . . . . . . .672-0207 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 The Royal Rooster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2025 Waraner Bros. Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .831-2323 Waraner Tree Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-0334 Mailing Services The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Pet Services Pittsburg Pet Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-7387 Real Estate and Mortgage Services French, Lynne – Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787 Hayes, Diane and Bill – Better Homes Realty . . .890-4701 Howard, Don – Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . .408-3184 Howard, Emily – Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . .408-1871 Klock, Leigh – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593 Laurence, Pete – RE/MAX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .890-6004 Lenox Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(877) 678-3370 Lopez, Stephanie – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . .932-7329 Mazzei, Matt – Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757 O’Brien, Michael – O’Brien Real Estate . . . . . . . .680-5478 Stojanovich, Jennifer – Better Homes Realty . . .567-6170 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . . .672-4433 Recreation and Fitness Diablo Yoga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .304-2127
Mandatory Burn Ban exemption may change
Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454 Senior Services Courtyards at Pine Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-3900
KAREN MITCHOFF
COUNTY SUPERVISOR WOOD BURNING REGS As one of two Board of Supervisors’ representatives appointed to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD). I wanted to bring to your attention a public workshop that will be held in our area on April 20 from 6-8 p.m. at the Walnut Creek City Hall Chambers.
The workshop is an opportunity for the public to comment on a proposed change to Regulation 6, Rule 3 regarding wood burning devices. This change is not about backyard barbeques. It’s about further clarifying the conditions of “only sole source of heat” exemptions from the Mandatory Burn Ban that is already in place when certain atmospheric conditions arise. Basically, a home can be exempted from the Mandatory Burn Ban if it meets certain criteria, and the “only sole source of heat” exemption is being considered for change. JUSTICE CENTER OPENS There was excitement yesterday in Concord as the Central County Family Justice Center held a ribbon cutting for its offices right here in Todos Santos Plaza.
This event, and the important work of the FJC is highlighted elsewhere in this newspaper, and I commend it to your reading. Big thanks to all the partners (public, private, and non-profit agencies), staff and volunteers for making the event happen and the FJC a reality. FEDERAL GLOVER As you may have read a few weeks back, my colleague – Supervisor Federal Glover – is in the hospital awaiting a heart and kidney transplant. I had the opportunity to visit with Federal recently, and I am so happy to let you all know he is doing well (considering the circumstances), in high spirits, engaged and talkative, and working with county and his district staff to continue doing his job. I was so happy to see him as I miss him tremendously at
Board meetings, but I know the road ahead is full of promise and optimism. This gives me the opportunity to advocate that each of you consider becoming an organ donor. It’s a deeply personal decision, and I respect those who have other beliefs on this topic, but I have been blessed with five additional years (and counting!) of friendship and love by/from a dear friend, and I want the same for Federal. As always, I welcome your thoughts and comments on items of interest to you in and around Pioneer country. My office number is 925-521-7100, and we can make either a telephone or in-person appointment. Karen Mitchoff is Contra Costa County District IV supervisor. Email questions or comments to karen.mitchoff@bos.cccounty.us
Services, Other A Floral Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .705-3088 ComputersUSA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029 Rochellez Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .510-677-4170 Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . . . .682-4518 Travel Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9840 Worship Concord United Methodist Church . . . . . . . . . . . .685-5260 Eternal Life Lutheran Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0295
Advertise in the
Concord Pioneer Call (925) 672-0500
Page 8
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Mayor Glazer, Assemblywoman Bonilla to duke it out for Senate seat
authentic
Fish ’n Chips
PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
Tues – Sat: 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Closed Sunday & Monday
Early Bird Special 2:30-4:30 pm
20%
4375 G, Clayton Road, Concord Clayton Center by Starbucks
Now
March 27, 2015
OFF
(925) 521-1962
with this ad
o
ls ke ay o a r Ka onda s on M to 11 pm 8 pm
For a primary election in an off-year, the race for state Senate in District 7 was anything but quiet. During the expensive and fiercely contested race, it seemed like a day didn’t go by without a heated hit piece scorching local mailboxes. When the dust cleared, one of the subjects of the many negative mailers — Orinda Mayor Steve Glazer — finished first, with 32 percent of the votes. Since no one received more than the required 50 percent of the votes, Glazer will square off against Assembly-
woman Susan Bonilla of Concord in a runoff election May 19. Bonilla received 27 percent of the votes. Former Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan finished third, with 21 percent of the votes, while Republican Michaela Hertle finished fourth with 16 percent of the votes. Hertle withdrew from the race and endorsed Glazer, though it was too late to remove her name from the ballot. Democrat Terry Kremin, a former Concord City Council candidate who ran a relatively quiet race for Senate, finished fifth with 3 percent of the votes. It was a low turnout, with just 22 percent of registered voters
casting ballots. The race was for the seat vacated by Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, who was elected to fill George Miller’s 11th Congressional seat last November after Miller retired. Glazer was seen as a maverick, angering labor unions because of his stance against transit strikes. He was endorsed by the San Francisco Chronicle and the Contra Costa Times. He told the Pioneer before the election that he appealed to people who wanted change in Sacramento. “I’m confident the voters will want a centrist, someone like me, to represent them,” Glazer said. “I can represent all the voters, not just those with special interests.”
Bonilla, a former Concord mayor and county supervisor, was endorsed by many labor organizations, which may make the May 19 election especially contentious. “Labor is not the issue, although I think Mr. Glazer will try to make it the issue,” Bonilla told the Pioneer in a telephone interview after the primary. “The distinguishing factor is level of experience. Voters are hopefully going to see the difference between rhetoric and substance.” Senate District 7 district includes most East and Central Contra Costa County and the Tri-Valley region of Alameda County.
6096 Main Street, Clayton, 673-0440 Entertainment from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Mar. 27, 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Barefoot Country Apr. 3, 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bollinger Station Apr. 10, 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Crossman Country Apr. 17, 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .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. 4/23/15
It’s time to get away $
RELAX & UNWIND:
49
3/4 hour Swedish Massage or Express Facial
Tips to ease the stress of moving Q. We are almost ready to move into our new house. What are some moving tips? A. It is never too soon to start planning the move. To-do lists are great so you don’t forget something critical. This is a great time to sort and get rid of things that you really don’t need. It feels good to start fresh with a lighter load. When packing, put heavy items in smaller boxes. Try to keep boxes less than 40 pounds. Color-code boxes for each room and label them on all sides. Wrap each fragile item separately and use a packing material such as bubble wrap. Back up your computer files before moving the computer. Decide what you are going to move on your own. You might want to carry valuables, breakables and items with senti-
your phone book. Try to make other arrangements for your children and pets on moving day to spare them stress. When the shipment arrives, inspect all boxes and furniture right away.
LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ANSWERS mental value with you as well as items that the movers won’t take, like plants. Bring a bag with you that has necessities for that day such as snacks, tissue, medications. Keep all documents pertaining to the move with you - including the mover’s name and contact information and
Q. I just closed escrow on my new home, and I have a huge stack of paperwork. What documents should I file? How long should I keep them? A. You should keep the following: Insurance policies to show proof of coverage. And keep a record of any claims for at least five-seven years. The Settlement Statement (HUD-1) for the following year’s taxes, to show all fees paid. Keep it for as long as you own the home. When you sell,
you can add some of the fees to the base price to lessen capital gains. The mortgage and note that spell out the terms of the loan and the Truth in Lending statement, which details the annual percentage rate. Keep this for as long as you carry the mortgage loan. The deed which transfers ownership to you should be kept as long as you own the home. Any riders or affidavits from the sellers or you should be kept for five-seven years. 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 672-878 7or stop in at 6200 Center St., Clayton.
some restrictions apply
5439 E. Clayton Rd., Clayton
•
925-680-7792
Residents can help shape Concord’s bike/pedestrian future
www .t h e b e l l a m i a d a y s p a . c o m
CYNTHIA ARMOUR BIKE CONCORD
•Private Riding Lessons • Western & English • Beginner to Advanced • Youth to Adult Summer Camps June 15-19 & June 22-26
925.360.7454 3141 Morgan Territory Rd., Clayton
The city’s new designs for Detroit Avenue include buffered bike lanes – a first for Concord. The plan also features green paint in conflict zones, added safety measures for crosswalks and widened crosswalks. The plan aligns with the needs of the community and is a great start toward creating a city that encourages people to walk and
bike to school, work and play. It’s exciting to see Detroit Avenue poised to become the first real “complete” street in Concord. It’s even more exciting to know that there are many more to come. With the city starting the process for a Bicycle, Pedestrian and Safe Routes to Transit Plan this spring, residents are invited to shape the plan to fit their needs as well as the needs of future residents. Residents can become involved in several ways, including a city-wide community meeting, 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 8 at Willow Pass Center, 2748 East Olivera Road. Attendees
will learn about the city’s goals and plans for the downtown Concord BART station. Officials will solicit feedback and direction. A light dinner, child care and Spanish translation will be provided. Residents can also visit www.cityofconcord.org/bikeandped to fill out a survey to help the city define residents’ walking, bicycling and transit access needs. Join the conversation even earlier by meeting other residents at this weekend’s first big Bike Concord ride of the year. The ride on the Iron Horse Trail celebrates Opening Day for Trails.
There are two ride options: one to Walnut Creek and back, the other continuing to Danville. The main stop will be at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley by 1:30 p.m., when a docent will give a short history of the Iron Horse Trail. This is a family-friendly ride set at a leisurely pace. Ride leaders and sweepers ensure no one is left behind. Meet at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 28, at downtown Concord BART. Cynthia Armour is a project manager with Bike East Bay, working to make Concord and Contra Costa a better place for bicyclists through education, community events and advocacy.
www.EarthquakeArabians.com
Avoid common IRA pitfalls FREE estimates Specializing in Bathrooms and Kitchens Remodeling Windows/Doors Crown Molding Overhangs Decks Siding Trim
JOHN WENZEL, CFP FINANCIAL SENSE
Declan Woods 925.216.2679 Clayton Resident
Tipperary Construction Inc. General Contractor,
license# 783799, B, HIC
TipperaryConstruction.com
Now accepting major credit cards
Over the years, I have had the pleasure of working with many people in planning for retirement. While getting to know a client, I often review tax returns. In light of tax season, I want to share a few common pitfalls to watch out for regarding an
Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA). Depending on the level of inflation, and as the IRS deems necessary, the annual IRA contribution limits will increase typically in increments of $500. For tax years 2014 and ’15, the limit remained the same: $5,500. The IRS last raised the limit in 2013, up from $5,000. For those older than 50, the “catch-up” provision allows people to contribute an additional $1,000 to an IRA account. People often forget they can contribute to a spouse’s IRA, whether the spouse is working or not. This could mean an
additional $5,500 (up to $6,500 for those older than 50) in taxdeferred savings, depending on the person’s income. People can withdraw from an IRA without penalty when they turn 59½. For those who don’t need to withdraw much or any from the account, keep in mind the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). The tax fine for not taking the RMD is 50 percent on the amount not withdrawn. This tax penalty also applies to inherited IRA accounts when the appropriate withdrawal is not taken. It is always important to name a beneficiary or benefici-
aries for an IRA. Naming a beneficiary will direct the brokerage firm to where proceeds go should something happen to you. It also avoids the public and potentially expensive estate process known as probate. Be sure to be diligent to update the beneficiary information for life events such as marriage, divorce or new family members. Speak with a tax professional or certified financial planner to confirm you are taking the best steps for your IRA account. John Wenzel is an investment advisor with Archvest Wealth Advisers. Send questions and comments to john@archvestwa.com
March 27, 2015
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 9
BUSINESS
Park & Shop hitting a sweet spot GEORGE FULMORE Correspondent
Concord’s Park & Shop is thriving, mainly because of a blend of restaurants and stores that have become destinations. Of course, there is Fry’s Electronics – the only Fry’s between Fremont and Sacramento. There are also specialty stores, such as the Jo-Ann Superstore and Burlington Coat Factory. Ethnic shops draw customers from the Asian, Latino and other communities. Las Montañas Super Market, 99 Ranch Market and the Mediterranean Restaurant are examples of the more than 20 such markets or restaurants in the center. And then there are franchises, Starbucks, Subway or McDonald’s, combined with places that have been draws for years – such as Chick’s Donuts (circa 1955). The center, built during the post-WWII, suburban-expansion boom, has a “crossover” aspect.
Concord’s emerging Latino middle-class families – many of them living within walking distance – have discovered one of the busiest places, China Wall Buffet. The 99 Ranch Market, draws a blend of customers in addition to the base of Asian regulars. “Right now, Park & Shop as a retail center is wildly successful,” says Paul Sinz, president of Contra Costa Properties, which manages the surrounding infrastructure for most of the buildings north of Willow Pass Road. With nearly 30 years on the job, he remembers when 40 percent of the property was vacant and the remaining stores were “barely making it.” Now, only one store is vacant in a string of 75 retail sites more than a third of a mile long. Sinz attributes the eclectic mix to the fact that there are 21 different owners of the 25 buildings involved. It’s a combination of elements that simply works, as
S TAFF W RITERS : Peggy Spear, Pamela Wiesendanger, Jay Bedecarré
C ORRESPONDENTS : Cynthia Gregory, Patricia Romero, John Jackson, John T. Miller
PIONEER INFO CONTACT US
CONCORD’S PARK & SHOP CENTER on Willow Pass Rd. once had a 40 percent vacancy rate. Today, only one store is vacant.
if the whole were greater than the sum of its parts. “Ever since 99 Ranch Market moved in, the place has gone crazy,” notes seamstress Suzan Avakian. The long-time Concord resident has been with Parkside Cleaners (formerly One-Hour Cleaners) for nearly 35 years. “It seems like we are always busy,” she adds. Coming soon to join the fun is the 4,000 sq. ft. Rockin’ Crawfish, which manager Jennifer Le describes as “Asian fusion.”
In a sense, Park & Shop is a victim of its own success. Parking can be a challenge, especially on weekends or during the noon rush. The center opened in the mid-’50s on former swampland. The first major tenants – Penny’s, Rhodes and W.T. Grant – are long gone. But one thing still stands strong: the 120-foot Park & Shop tower. It has been there since the start, originally topped by a giant “C.”
Oakmont center adopts new parking plan JOHN T. MILLER Correspondent
The city of Concord and the new Oakmont Senior Living Center planned for Waterworld Parkway, negotiated an agreement over perceived parking issues on the 2.42-acre site at the Feb. 24 City Council meeting. Oakmont adopted a Transportation Management Plan to address parking concerns at the
two-story, 76-unit senior assisted living facility to be built at the corner of Waterworld Parkway and Civic Court. In addition to the 31 on-site parking spaces, the Santa Rosabased Oakmont Management Group would lease 20 spaces at the nearby parking garage. The group also will post information about public transportation, carpooling for employees and how to lodge a complaint if
P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517 TAMARA AND R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers TAMARA S TEINER , Editor P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design P EGGY S PEAR , Copy Editor J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports Editor PAMELA W IESENDANGER , Administration, Calendar Editor
problems occur. Ongoing monitoring of parking could result in the implementation of other measures, including valet parking for special events, on-call car service for residents, on-call shuttle service to and from BART and other transit centers, and an employee shuttle to Oakmont’s facility on Montecito. Some street parking is available near the site, but the Coun-
ty Connection bus system plans to install a stop there, red-zoning those places. Concord Mayor Tim Grayson praised the work of the Design Review Board and the Planning Commission, calling the plan a “win for Concord and for our aging community.” The agreement is restricted to the current builder, and the issue could be reopened if the building is sold.
Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580 Tamara Steiner editor@concordpioneer.com Send Ads to ads@concordpioneer.com Send Sports News to sports@concordpioneer.com Send School, Club and Calendar Items to newsandcalendar@concordpioneer.com
The Clayton Pioneer and the Concord Pioneer are monthly publications delivered free to homes and businesses in 94517, 94518, 94519 and 94521. ZIP code 94520 is currently served by drop site distribution. The papers are published by Clayton Pioneer, Inc., Tamara and Robert Steiner, PO 1246, Clayton, CA 94517. The offices are located at 6200 Center St. Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517 LET US KNOW Weddings, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a resident in our home delivery area. Submit on our website and be sure to attach a JPG photo that is at least 3 MB. Also on the website are forms for calendar items, events & press releases. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Both Pioneer newspapers welcome letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 175
words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print anonymous letters. E-mail your letter to editor@concordpioneer.com. Letters must be submitted via Email. CIRCULATION as of Sept. 2014 The Concord Pioneer is delivered monthly to 30,000 homes and businesses Papers are delivered by carriers for ABC Direct around the last Friday of the month. To stop delivery for any reason, call the office at (925) 672-0500 . If you are NOT receiving the Pioneer, please check the distribution map on the website. If you live in the shaded area and are not receiving the paper, please let us know. If you are not in the shaded area, please be patient. We will come to your neighborhood soon. The Clayton Pioneer is delivered by US Mail to 5,500 homes and businesses in 94517 around the second Friday of the month. SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe to either the Clayton Pioneer or the Concord Pioneer, call the office at (925) 672-0500. Subscriptions are $35/year for each paper, $60/year for both.
Neighborhood Spotlight Concord Park neighborhood always has an eye on improvements
WHEN CONCORD PARK OPENED in 1950, this ad for the new homes appeared in the Oakland Tribune.
The Concord Park neighborhood has come a long way since its days as a cow pasture. The neighborhood is one block at the center of Detroit Avenue. It consists of Todd, Lynn and Cross Way streets, opposite from Meadow Homes park and elementary school. Before World War II, there was only Galindo Creek meandering and one giant oak tree. A subdivision of 64 homes arrived in 1950. It was one of only a few subdivisions in southern Concord at the time, along with Tree Heaven and Meadow Homes. “The first thing I liked about the neighborhood was the mature Modesto ash trees along the street with their canopy spreading over,” recalls Concord Park resident
David Pitman. “When I bought my house, what I liked about it was that it reminded me of the home I grew up in – also built after the war. Both houses have a big picture window at the front porch, a built-in ironing board, French doors opening to the patio, and a backyard big enough for both a lawn to play on and a little orchard of fruit trees.” In the 1990s, Tom Marcellis organized the Concord Park Neighborhood Association and a Neighborhood Watch program to help solve the area’s problems – which included the safety of children walking to the elementary school. “We didn’t have the curb, gutter and sidewalk infrastructure on our side of Detroit Avenue, so the
children had to walk in the traffic lane to get around parked cars,” Pitman says. The city engineer suggested the neighborhood association apply for a Community Development Block Grant in collaboration with Concord’s engineering department. The sidewalk on Detroit’s east side, from Lynn Avenue to Walters Way, was constructed in 2002 as a result of those efforts. In 2000, Marcellis asked Pitman to chair the association. “Here is where I had my introduction into community leadership,” Pitman notes. Pitman applied for another grant, which completed gaps in the sidewalk on the east side of Detroit from Walters Way down to the corner at Monument Boulevard in 2004. In 2012, Pitman went on a “walk audit” with people from Monument Impact and First 5 Central County Regional Group. “We walked the length of Detroit Avenue and noted many conditions unsafe for pedestrians,” Pitman says. The Detroit Avenue Complete Streets grant referenced the audit report. The improvement project
will address sidewalk gaps that remain on the west side of the street. Patricia Taylor, the neighborhood association chair in 2004, got the group involved in emergency preparedness. Board members took training classes and became part of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). By 2009, the neighborhood had its own weekly network on Family Radio Service (FRS) twoway radios. Also that year, the local CERT team conducted an activation drill with the Great California Shake-Out Earthquake Drill. In 2013, Pitman and current association chair Nik Broman helped plan the city’s CERT activation and mobilization drill in the Concord Park neighborhood. Pitman recruited Spanish speakers to volunteer to play earthquake victims at the drill. The enthusiasm of the Latino community at the drill led to the development of the Listos program for training Spanish speakers for emergency preparedness. To spotlight your Concord neighborhood in the April issue, please email editor@concordpioneer.com.
Where to go for LOCAL news For fast, on-the-spot coverage of the latest police action, traffic jams, emergency information and chat, social media and local blogs, like CLAYCORD.com are often good sources of breaking news. For more complete, in-depth coverage of local news, readers turn to their independently owned community newspapers. With news that people care about – local politics, schools, sports, events and stories about their friends and neighbors, the community newspaper is social media the old fashioned way. To find out what is happening in neighboring cities, check out these Contra Costa Community News Group newspapers Clayton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clayton Pioneer claytonpioneer.com Concord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Concord Pioneer concordpioneer.com Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Walnut Creek .Community Focus ourcommunityfocus.com Lafayette, Orinda and Moraga . . . . .Lamorinda Weekly lamorindaweekly.com San Ramon, Danville, and Alamo . . . . . .Valley Sentinel valleysentinel.com The Contra Costa Community Newspaper Group is a consortium of independent, locally owned newspapers with a combined circulation of more than 150,000. To advertise in all five papers with just one phone call, go to cccommunitynewsgroup.com or call 844.457.7665
Ad Rep Needed The Concord Pioneer is seeking an ADVERTISING SALES REP. This is a great opportunity with a growing newspaper serving the largest city in Contra Costa County. Our ad rep will excel at business to business, relationship sales and be passionate about helping businesses grow. Requires previous sales experience, preferably in media sales. Generous commissions.
Email brief of your qualifications to editor@concordpioneer.com.
Be a COMMUNITY AD REP for the Concord Pioneer. Help our paper grow. Refer a business that advertises with us and we’ll pay you 10% commission on the sale. No restrictions. Refer your own business and get the commission. Call the office, (925) 672-0500 or email editor@concordpioneer.com
Page 10
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
March 27, 2015
SCHOOLS NCS realignment proposal places all DVAL schools in new super league JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
The mystery of where Clayton Valley Charter High School sports teams will belong starting in 2016 will finally be settled April 28 when the North Coast Section Board of Governors makes its final decision on the setup of Valley Conference leagues, culminating a quadrennial process that began last May and will place schools in leagues from 2016-2020. The latest twist in the tale might reunite Eagles sports teams with the other six current Diablo Valley Athletic League schools in a new 12-team super league. CVCHS is the only school still in flux after the NCS Alignment Committee met at the end of February and changed its recommendation from last fall following an appeal by Heritage High of Brentwood.
Heritage is one of six East Contra Costa schools in the Bay Valley Athletic League. They appealed the realignment setup that moved Clayton Valley Charter to the BVAL. Heritage principal Larry Oshodi based his appeal on longer travel times to the Concord school which would increase transportation costs and cause a loss of instructional time for the East County schools. By accepting the appeal BVAL commissioner Bud Beemer said, “The alignment committee applied the [alignment] criteria appropriately and correctly. The criteria were written so that schools and their student athletes would not be disadvantaged by losing instructional time due to travel, traveling long distances with long travel times, suffering high travel costs and being placed in leagues that would be inequitable in terms of competition.”
The committee eventually went back to an alignment proposal submitted by Clayton Valley Charter executive director Dave Linzey last October that has been termed “Clayton Valley Charter #2 Proposal.” In that setup the BVAL would remain with six teams while CVCHS would join the rest of the current DVAL schools along with five Diablo Football Athletic League teams (Acalanes, Alhambra, Campolindo, Las Lomas and Miramonte) to form a super league of 12 schools. “The basis for the granting of the appeal came down to the belief that the Valley Conference as a whole did not properly consider the alignment criteria geographical proximity, which includes travel distance, travel time, time out of class and travel costs,” NCS Commissioner Gil Lemmon said after the appeal hearing.
Linzey says, “This was the super league proposal where we believe CVCHS belongs, so we are pleased with this decision. These schools in the DFAL have more sports and levels of athletics similar to CVCHS as opposed to the BVAL schools.” In a super league setup each sport for boys and girls would be aligned separately to get as much competitive equity as possible. It’s understood that some DFAL schools (Campolindo and Miramonte in particular) are concerned about this new alignment since they anticipate 26-35 minute drives to Concord for games against Clayton Valley. This compares to Heritage’s estimated travel times of 26-45 minutes for BVAL schools from Antioch, Brentwood and Oakley schools to CVCHS. DVAL commissioner Craig Lee explains, “The main reason the alignment committee agreed
with the appeal request was travel time. However, the times used for comparison were from CVC to all the other schools during the afternoon rush hour. Those of us who drive Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Treat Blvd. know there is a big difference traveling westbound on those roads vs. eastbound during rush hour. “That said, many of the current DVAL schools are fine with CVC in the new league, should it turn out that way. As a league, however, we believe the BVAL is a better fit [for CVCHS] in most sports and the time out of class difference between the two leagues is negligible or favors the BVAL. The current DFAL schools are very opposed to hav-
Concord High
CVCHS Clayton Valley dishes up gourmet Kara Navolio CORRESPONDENT
When it’s meal time at Clayton Valley Charter High School you will not find ladies in white dresses and hair nets dishing up soggy green beans and mystery meat or pizza the texture of cardboard. At CVCHS Chef Wayne Wells is creating a mini food revolution. All the food is prepared on-site, from scratch, and served up by Wells himself, dressed in his official chef ’s jacket or his young, red-jacket wearing assistants. From 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. students, staff, and even some parents line up for their madeto-order omelets. Choosing from 15 fresh ingredients including spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms, students watch while Wells sautés all the ingredients together. He then adds the eggs and flips the omelets over like the expert chef that he is. Wells insists that if students choose ham, shrimp or other meats to add to their omelets, they must also choose at least one vegetable. He gets no resistance on this
point; in fact, Wells goes through almost five pounds of spinach every day. Jesse Madrid, a CVCHS parent, comes in every week on his day off for his omelet. He says, “the food is so good and reasonably priced.” At $2.25 for a restaurant quality, made-toorder omelet, fresh fruit, milk, and a choice of hash browns or whole wheat biscuit, he’s right. Director of Student Services Miguel Romo adds, “The omelets are amazing. I’ve never seen fresh made omelets at a school before. The kids love it.” KIDS EATING HEALTHY Wells has been cooking gourmet meals for 40 years. He hails from the Midwest and originally learned to cook from his grandmother. He later trained professionally, worked as an Officer’s Chef in the Navy, a corporate chef, and an Executive Chef. But nothing has given Wells greater joy than his current gig. “It’s all about having a good time and getting the kids to eat healthy. If they start school with a full stomach, their day’s going to go bet-
Cheering for our talent
David Linzey CVCHS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
There is so much to be proud of at Clayton Valley Charter. And while the focus of any great school tends to be on academic success, individual student accomplishments, high graduation rates, athletic team success and college acceptance letters for our seniors, there is one group of students that focuses upon celebrating everybody else’s accomplishments: our cheerleaders. We should all stop, notice and cheer for them. Our competition cheer program travelled to Las Vegas and
took home the Small Varsity CoEd National Championship. So let’s hear a loud crowd roar for them. Our great cheerleaders bring much enthusiasm and entertainment to our athletic competitions, school assemblies and general school spirit. Coaches Mary Ann Quinn and Alicia Farr have created a high caliber program which benefits our cheerleaders and our school. We are so grateful for them and, of course, for our squad who put in as much or more time to practice than any other athletic team.
ing them in the new league due to the fact that the increased travel time affects them the most.” The NCS Alignment will also forward their “Las Lomas Proposal” from last October that is identical to the one they supported in February with the exception of placing CVCHS in a seven-team BVAL and creating the new super league of 11 DFAL and DVAL schools. Under both proposals Dublin and Dougherty Valley would move from the DFAL to the East Bay Athletic League to form a second 10-team super league that includes Carondelet and De La Salle of Concord with nine schools from the TriValley area.
Azeema Yahya
Club empowers young women to achieve
CONCORD HIGH CORRESPONDENT
Kara Navolio
to grab a gourmet meal from “The Hungry Eagle”, the school’s new food truck. Chef Wayne Wells brings healthy and delicious options to the school daily, reinventing the school lunch. STUDENTS LINE UP AT LUNCH TIME
ter,” Wells explains. Between breakfast, brunch and lunch, he serves about 600-700 meals per day. All the food is prepared on-site, not in a district kitchen which is often preparing food for thousands and then eaten miles away. Wells sources as much food as he can locally and must meet both the federal and state School Lunch Program guidelines. “But,” he emphasizes, “that does not mean the food can’t taste good. It’s all about the quality of the ingredients, cooking from scratch, and the food not made ahead of time.” LITTLE RED TRUCK The newest addition to Wells’ food program is a little red food truck that he parks in the quad at lunch, bringing selected items to the kids who would rather be outdoors.
I would also like to point out the other significant accomplishments taking place on campus. The Clayton Arts Academy just completed their spring showcase where the students demonstrated their incredible artistic projects related to the inspirational musical artists of the past generation which have had an impact upon our society. The creativity and talent demonstrated in these projects were stellar. Finally, I want to congratulate the talented actors who participated in our spring play, The Little Shop of Horrors. I, along with hundreds of others in the audience was mesmerized by the talent level of our students. Special thanks goes out to the Director, Elizabeth Emigh. Great job thespians.
School administration encouraged the truck as a way to serve more students by bringing both hot and cold food anywhere on campus. It has proved to be a good idea, as Wells is serving about 100 students from the food truck each day, after only three weeks on campus. A contest to name the charming vehicle elicited 164 entries from students. The winning entry “The Hungry Eagle” is fitting, as the CVCHS mascot is the Eagles. It was submitted by Lauryn Randolph, who received free movie tickets, $20 and the prestige of having her name, along with the truck’s new moniker, added to the truck’s logo. Kids line up for BBQ chicken sandwiches on whole grain buns, fajitas or Grandma’s Meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes. The menu changes daily, but Wells always offers teen favorites: pizza (made with whole wheat crust and low-fat cheese) and smoothies (made with real fruit and yogurt). As students wait in line they can listen to Wells’ music selection, ranging from disco to classic rock. Freshman Nathan Stratton says, “I love the food. I like the burgers and the chili dogs. The food has more taste than typical cafeteria food.” As Stratton makes his way to the front of the line, Wells is there to hand him his lunch accompanied by a few cheerful words. Thanks to Wells and his crew, the students at CVCHS are eating healthier and there is a whole new meaning to school lunch. As freshman Brooke Warner sums it up, “The food is great. It’s cool to have a real chef at our school.” Robbie Parker is a senior at CVCHS. Send your comments to editor@concordpioneer.com
The Little Girl, Big Dreams club at Concord High School is raising funds to help support local and international scholarships. The non-profit Little Girl, Big Dreams organization fosters scholarships and leadership while empowering young women. Its goal is to aid in the education of girls in impoverished countries by helping fund their educations and creating an environment for them to learn and excel. The club also encourages local young women to pursue their dreams. The Concord High club organized an online silent auction in hopes of raising enough money to give multiple scholarships to seniors and send money overseas to those who cannot
Rianne Pfaltzgraff CONCORD HIGH PRINCIPAL
afford further schooling. Through the gifts of generous donors, they have more than $13,000 worth of items up for bidding. The auction includes gift cards, spa visits, dining certificates, museums, parks, hotel stays, wine tours and tastings and even TV show tapings. The silent auction ends March 31. To support the cause and find out more information, visit http://www.biddingowl.com/T heLittleGirlBigDrea. Or like the Little Girl, Big Dreams organization on Facebook and click on the link provided. Azeema Yahya is a senior and Codrum Major. She loves music and plans to attend UC Davis in the fall. Send comments to editor@concordpioneer.com.
Students compete at Model UN
The students are at it again at Concord High, competing at the UC-Berkeley International Model UN Conference. This conference is one of the largest and more respected competitions in the country. The competition is focused on foreign policy debate and conflict resolution and requires rigorous knowledge and study of topics that have included environmentalism, food security, nuclear disarmament, human rights conflicts, and global economic stability. The students are also asked to respond to these topics in writing and in simulated crisis committees, where students must think on their feet, as the situations are unplanned and spontaneous. The students are tested on their knowledge of both their country and topic and they must represent their country, while also resolving the conflicts that are presented. Concord High was proud to send Austin Fiene, Zack Johnson, Zach Ruiz, Rembert Sison,
Nathan Billeter, Priscilla Robles, Renz Caceres, Lauren Reagan, Sienna Todd, Cameron Popino, and Jana Mosley to the competition. They have participated in other similar competitions this year and will compete one more time in May at the Regional UC Davis conference. These groups wouldn’t be possible without the commitment and support of great teachers who take the time to help students prepare and show their passion in their love for the topic. We thank Ms. Karna Cruz, our teacher advisor, for inspiring passion for this program. Send comments and questions to editor@concordpioneer.com
March 27, 2015
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Ygnacio Valley High
Northgate
Academies invest in students’ futures Stephen Brady YGNACIO VALLEY PRINCIPAL
Ygnacio Valley High School offers several programs to meet the students where they are and take them in directions they want – or will want – to go. Three programs are flourishing: Puente, Health Science Academy and Education Academy. Project Lead the Way, an engineering sequence of courses, is in its infancy. In addition, the school has applied to become the Mt. Diablo Unified School District’s International Baccalaureate school. The Puente program prepares
the educationally underrepresented students who enroll as their families’ first-generation college students, specifically in four-year colleges and universities. Puente students earn degrees and return to their communities as leaders and mentors. Parents and students also learn about opportunities, including multiple college campus visits. Students in the Education Academy help in local elementary schools in the mornings and create their own school – including policy, curriculum, school colors, mascots, school building and grounds. The Health Science Academy is a rigorous academic program that integrates academics and health career-themed experiences. As juniors, students are able to become first responders and volunteer at John Muir Hos-
pital. They may also job shadow health-care professionals and ementor with those in specialized careers. The school’s engineering courses form the essential strand of what will become a full engineering pathway. Project Lead the Way links the initial two engineering courses with science, technology, mathematics and art. The goal is to create the kind of student Leonardo da Vinci would have appreciated: a genuinely Renaissance individual. The International Baccalaureate program in one of the school’s greatest long-term instructional designs. IB also seeks to foster Renaissance scholars who are interested in the world and all it has to offer. Send comments and questions to editor@concordpioneer.com
Emily Wright
Blankets for Trevor a school tradition
NORTHGATE CORRESPONDENT
In honor of former student Trevor Tonsing, Northgate High students and parent volunteers gather in the cafeteria once each year to cut and tie baby blankets. The tradition began after Tonsing died at age 16 due to heart problems. It is based on Tonsing’s Eagle Scout project, which he never got a chance to complete. Now in its sixth year, the project drew more than 100 students for the Feb. 26 Trevor Tonsing Blanket Making Festival. This year, students wore Disney clothing to school in
MDHS PRINCIPAL
World Academy ELD I teacher, Jean Malanasky in class.
Alberto Ruiz MDHS CORRESPONDENT
school aged students who test as a beginning or early intermediate English learner attend the World Academy. The highly qualified and experienced teachers provide intense, targeted instruction in English for students in English, math, science and social science. The teachers focus on accelerating the students’ acquisition of academic vocabulary. The World Academy also provides students with a gradual easing into the cultural and social patterns of a U.S. high
Students offer DeSaulnier a glimpse of campus life
Mt. Diablo High School students and faculty gave U.S. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier the royal treatment when he visited the campus last month. Although the visit was announced only a few days ear-
lier, it was a pleasant surprise. Superintendent Nellie Meyer and other Mt. Diablo Unified School District officials accompanied DeSaulnier, who spent most of the day on campus plus a bit of time after school.
Emily Wright is a senior at Northgate High School. She is currently the news editor for the Northgate Sentinel newspaper and is in her second year of ROP Journalism II. Email comments or questions to editor@concordpioneer.com
Campus springs into action NORTHGATE PRINCIPAL
World Academy gives students special guidance
Mt. Diablo High School is honored to host the World Academy for the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. The World Academy is a specialized academy for district students who are newcomers to the United States. The district’s English Learner Intake Center determines who participates in the academy. The intake center gives students the California English Language Development Test, a combination of reading, writing, listening and speaking. High-
honor of the day. After volunteers cut and tie the blankets, sewers complete the project so the blankets are ready to be donated. This year, volunteers made about 150 blankets in one afternoon. Tonsing planned to make
200 blankets for his Eagle Scout project. The annual festival has far exceeded his expectations. Friends, family and other volunteers have made about 4,000 blankets for Trevor’s Eagle Blanket Foundation. The group plans to continue making many more blankets, which are donated to Oakland’s Children’s Hospital.
Michael McAlister
Mt. Diablo High
Liane Cismowski
Page 11
school. In return, the World Academy students provide the school community with a vibrant and diverse mix of languages, cultural perspectives and world views. The World Academy is slightly different from the four other Mt. Diablo High School academies because it does not have funding from Career Partnership Academy grants or Career and Technical Education sources. However, it has been “adopted” by some generous benefactors, who have provided
beautiful classroom upgrades, World Academy lanyards and Tshirts and even Christmas gifts for each World Academy student. The staff is grateful for the kindness, support and generosity of the community partners. For more information about the World Academy or how to help support World Academy students, call 925682-4030.
The Congressman visited the Serendipity Restaurant, which is part of the school’s International Hospitality and Tourism Academy. Students prepared a delicious meal for DeSaulnier, who learned about the IHTA and all the other academies at MDHS. After school, he attended all the academy meetings for a short time. During the meetings, teachers from the respective academies got together to discuss, plan and collaborate. The teachers gave him short and simple presentations about each academy. Student representatives from each grade level added their thoughts about each
academy. DeSaulnier represents the state’s 11th Congressional District, which includes most of Contra Costa County. He said he was pleased to hear what was going on at MDHS. At the same time, many teachers were happy to tell him their appreciations and concerns. With the visit deemed a success, the students and faculty wait in anticipation for the return visit that DeSaulnier promised.
Northgate High continues its march into spring with a successful Junior Prom this past weekend. The USS Hornet provided picturesque views of the world’s most beautiful city and a historical backdrop for the celebration. Students are transitioning into spring sports from a successful winter season. All of the winter teams advanced to the North Coast Section, with the underdog wrestling team winning league for the first time in quite a while. The campus is alive with the spring sports of lacrosse, track, boys volleyball, swimming, boys tennis, softball and baseball. There is nothing like the sound of a bat hitting a ball to remind everyone that the weather is warming up and that summer isn’t far off. If all goes according to plan, we’ll also hear the sounds of
splashing by mid-April when the pool opens. Follow us on Twitter @NorthgateHS to see pictures of the progress. On another front, 10 teachers recently attended a technology conference in San Diego where they learned how to best integrate iPads into classrooms. Northgate is moving toward a 1:1 device integration with the students. This means that each student should soon enjoy the use of networked devices throughout the academic day. This effort requires both time and commitment from the entire community. Teachers at the leading edge of this effort who attended the conference were noticeably inspired. They used what they’d learned in classrooms immediately upon their return. Send comments and questions to editor@concordpioneer.com
Send comments and questions to editor@concordpioneer.com
Alberto Ruiz is a senior at Mt. Diablo High where he is student body secretary and a member of the Medical Biotechnology Academy. Send questions and comments to editor@concordpioneer.com.
Congratulate your grad With a special message in the Concord Pioneer May 22 and Your Grad’s June 26 Name Graduations and Promotions from
Pine Hollow
Rayna Stanziano PINE HOLLOW CORRESPONDENT
Educational ‘March Madness’ at Pine Hollow
Pine Hollow students dived into a month full of educational entertainment this March. The first black shirts of 2015 emerged, as students began
completing the five-part process required to earn the last shirt color. Meanwhile, music students have been preparing for the Area Band Festival and Area
Orchestra Festival. The sixth-graders are occupied with all sorts of events and activities. Annual math day was held March 6, and the youngest middle schoolers rotated to different classrooms for mathrelated activities. Students learned origami, played domino and dice games, made coordinate plane graphing pictures and tie-dyed T-shirts. They wore their new shirts on a field trip to the California Academy of Sciences, where they learned indepth about ecosystems. Sixthgraders also attended a Spring Fling Dance, which included games and food. The seventh- and eightgrade classes discovered an interactive environment when
the Lawrence Hall of Science came to Pine Hollow for an Engineer and Invent Science Festival. Students became honorary engineers as they tweaked the blades on wind turbines, constructed working hydraulic arms, explored circuits, and built bridges and towers. Many students played in the lunchtime basketball tournaments, which were a big success. And leadership organized several Friday spirits days, including super hero day and crazy sock day. Rayna Stanziano is in the eighth grade at Pine Hollow. She has a passion for writing and loves English and swimming. She lives in Concord. Send comments to editor@concordpioneer.com
• Pre-school • Elementary • Middle School, • High School College
Congratulations on an outstanding four years. You’ve been a joy and an inspiration to all who know you. We love you and can’t wait to see the next chapter. Love, Mom and Dad
50 word message and photo . . . . . . . .$ Message only
65 . . . . .$45
We will call you for payment information after you submit your order.
Send text and photo with your contact information to editor@concordpioneer.com by May 11 and June 15.
Page 12
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Variety of cuisines benefit from the exotic flavors of curry
Joe Ronco/Owner 925-872-3049 jaroncoconstruction.com
35 years Clayton/ Concord resident Lic#844344
Bruce & Zoey
We repair all major appliances, most major brands, and we’re local
March 27, 2015
Over 35 years Experience Bruce & Holly Linsenmeyer Clayton residents Office: (925) 672-2700 Cell: (925) 956-8605 State of California B.E.A.R
l
license #A44842
http://ApplianceRepairsbyBruce.com
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 Call Mark 925.672.6029 or to minimize info@netsolutions-ca.com IT problems
A diverse variety of curry flavors flourish in the downtown Concord culinary scene. Curry is a combination of ingredients that varies from culture to culture. While especially associated with Indian food, curry has been a mainstay of the cook’s arsenal back to prehistoric times. Woung Luang Thai Cuisine features yellow, green, red and pineapple curry dishes. Under the guidance of owner Jeff Inyavong and his wife, chef Khamsing, the recipes exude the flavors of Siam. The restaurant has been at 1915 Mt. Diablo St., facing the town square adjacent to Todos Santos Plaza, for 17 years. Woung Luang makes its signature golden curry one order at a time, starting with a paste of red chili, onion, garlic, galangal root (a spicy root similar to ginger), lemon grass, kefir leaves and cumin. Then the chef adds a light coconut milk and heats the mixture in a hot cast iron pan until it cooks down to a roux. In a separate pot, the chef simmers carrots, potatoes and onions in coconut milk. Small pieces of chicken, meat or shrimp can be included as well. Finally, they combine the two pots and cook on high heat for about five minutes. The thickened sauce is a zesty culinary masterpiece. Around the corner at 2068 Salvio St., Naan ‘n’ Curry treats curry dishes in a much different fashion. The recipes originated in North India-Pakistan and showcase Punjab cuisine. Owner Muhammad Akbar reports that many customers like his curry better than what can be found in India or Pakistan. He believes that is due to a dedication to fresh, healthy ingredients.
Curry is sold in different forms, such as a paste or a premade curry powder, but Akbar’s restaurant combines different dry spices to make its own curry powder. Turmeric, chili powder, coriander, black pepper and garam masala mix together to make it unique. The chef also adds nutmeg and green cardamom. Chicken curry is one of Naan’s popular dishes. The sauce features garlic, ginger, onion, tomato and yogurt. It’s used as a base in other dishes as well. Served with a side of aromatic Basmati rice with saffron and warm, soft naan flat bread, the dish is a hit with the many Concord locals who love this establishment. The featured recipe this month took root on the Marine Corp base in Okinawa,
A Lifetime of Smiles We create beautiful, lasting smiles by providing the highest quality orthodontic care in a fun and family-friendly environment.
Call 925-946-1951 to schedule your free exam, x-rays and photos. 2021 Ygnacio Valley Rd./ Bldg. C, Suite #205 Walnut Creek, CA 94598 (border of Concord & Clayton)
WCOrtho.com
GRANDMA MICHI’S JAPANESE CURRY 6 T. vegetable oil 6+ T. S&B Oriental Curry Powder* (found at most Asian markets) 1 large yellow onion, diced 2-3 lbs. boneless pork shoulder, cubed 4 c. peeled Russet potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces 1 lb. bag frozen peas and carrots ¼ c. flour mixed with 1 c. water (to thicken) Salt and more curry powder to taste In a large stock pot, warm the vegetable oil and then add the curry powder. This will “awaken” the curry powder spices and lend a bolder flavor.
RICHARD EBER & WHITNEY FLORES TASTE AND TELL Add onions and cook till translucent. Add meat and cook until browned. Add water, filling pot to 3-4 inches above the meat. Add potatoes and simmer 10-15 minutes, until potatoes are tender. Add frozen vegetables, along with flour mixture to thicken. Simmer about 5 minutes. Add salt to taste. Add more curry powder if desired. The curry should be the consistency of a chowder. If it’s not thick enough, add more flour/water mixture until you reach the desired consistency. Serve warm curry over steamed Calrose rice. *Our family uses roughly half the 85 gram can of curry powder each time we make it. Start with 6 tablespoons, but feel free to add more later in the cooking process.
Rich Eber is a local columnist for the blog Halfway to Concord and a selfdescribed “foodie.” He teams up with daughter, Whitney, a student, avid cook and taster and mother. Email comments to editor@concordpioneer.com
Winter Nights, from page 3 “The seniors wanted it quiet, and the children needed something different,” says Will McGarvey, executive director of the Interfaith Council. After much research, Winter Nights opted to serve the population with the greatest need: families, especially those with boys older than 12.
MOVING BEYOND POLITICS Through Winter Nights, the Interfaith Council presents us with a model to both grasp and respond to an issue that can easily overwhelm or get bogged down in politics. Winter Nights keeps families together, safe and warm in a disciplined environment that is designed to move
Mayor, from page 1 Measure Q you indicated an interest in the maintenance of our infrastructure, roads and sewers, we promised to improve and rehabilitate these facilities. In March, 2015, we approved an allocation of $2.5 million annu-
Japan, during the late 1950s. Whitney’s Grandma Michi hooked up with Sam Patrick, a tough “Leatherneck” from Blackfoot, Idaho. The Japanese curry recipe she brought from the old country became a staple at family gatherings. Curry can be made to suit everyone’s tastes. If you’re unfamiliar with this type of dish, try it as listed here first. Feel free to add more meat and/or vegetables next time. Japanese curry can have a kick to it, so take note of how much powder you add.
ally for this purpose. The total amount we approved is $21 million to address the City’s most critical needs. This will enable us to escalate the street rehabilitation program during the next 3 to 5 years. Not as soon as I would like, but as quickly as we can accomplish this goal in a businesslike manner, and definitely slow the deterioration of the City’s streets. Please note that when I assert that streets and roads are a priority, I am not forgetting or forsaking the responsibility and flexibility to fund other infrastructure projects. It’s just that today I am emphasizing our street program. What follows, therefore, are some actual projects we have approved and are either currently working on or will work on in the near future: Project No. 2144: Clayton Rd, Treat Blvd Intersection Capacity Improvements. Project No. 2239: Central Concord Pedestrian Improvements & Streetscape. Project No. 2251: Farm
people forward. Winter Nights is independently funded. By not taking any government subsidies, the program invites us all to redefine the validity of social justice. Nevertheless, executive director Judith Stillman says funding remains the Winter Nights’ biggest challenge. Its success not withstanding, project organizers must engage in vigorous fundraising. The budget is funded by local foundations, individuals and faith congregations. Four years ago, the United Nations took several U.S. cities to task in a scathing report. The Human Rights Council declared that homelessness in the United
States, and the ensuing criminalization of people attempting to cope by improvising solutions, are violations of human rights. Only last month, UC Berkeley’s Policy Advocacy Clinic released a report showing increasing criminalization of the homeless is on the rise in California Someone on the Interfaith Council was clearly listening 25 years ago when Nelson Mandela told a joint session of Congress: “To deny any person their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.” Winter Nights aims to restore some of that dignity. To donate or for more information on the program, go to www.cccwinternights.org.
Bureau Road Safe Route to School Improvements. Project No. 2276: Detroit Avenue Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements. Project No. 2277: Downtown Concord Bicycle Land Improvements. Project No. 2280: Citywide Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan. Project No. 2283: Install Traffic Signal at Oak Grove Rd & Smith Lane. Project No. 2286: Concord Blvd.—Sixth St.—Farm Bureau Road—Clayton Way, and West St. Traffic Signal Upgrades. Project No. 2292: City of Concord Pavement Rehabilitation (This project will construct pavement rehabilitation on Concord Blvd. from Port Chicago Hwy to 6th Street, and on Arnold Industrial Way from Port Chicago Hwy to Pike Land, including sidewalk, and curb ramp upgrades. Project No. 2293: Install Traffic Signal at Oak Grove Road/Sierra Road. Project No. 2314: Cowell Road Safety Enhancements. Project No. 2321: Galindo St. Multi—Modal Design—to improve traffic flow. Project No. 2329 FY14-15
Pavement Maintenance. Project No. 2331: FY Pavement Rehabilitation. Project: 2332: FY15-16 Pavement Maintenance. This project is next fiscal year’s annual “spin-off ” for pavement maintenance and includes the slurry and/or cape seal of residential streets within Zone 4. Staff plans to begin the selection of streets and begin preparation of design package later this fiscal year, with construction during FY15-16. These are some, but not all of the projects that have been approved. If you have an onerous situation on the street where you live, let me know so that I can direct staff to include your problem in the list of streets that need upgrading. I want to make sure that we do not miss an opportunity to upgrade a street which may have been overlooked. Your input is like the suggestion, “There ought to be a law!” Sometimes some of the best ideas we get are from our constituents. Your input is important and we do listen. That’s our job. Thanks. Email comments and questions to tim@timgrayson.us
March 27, 2015
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 13
Can cloud seeding work in California? WOODY WHITLATCH WEATHER WORDS Earlier this month I flew to New York to visit my son. A late winter snowstorm developed and I spent an entire afternoon looking out the window of his Brooklyn apartment watching millions of snowflakes dance by. The tourist part of me said “What a stupid time to visit this part of the country.”The meteorologist part of me thought “What a perfect winter storm for cloud seeding!” Cloud seeding is a form of weather engineering, but on a
very small scale. Several public and private agencies in California conduct cloud seeding operations during winter, mostly to enhance snowfall in mountain watersheds. Snowflakes form in winter storm clouds as water vapor coagulates around small ice crystals. These ice crystals are technically called condensation nuclei. It turns out that only a small percentage of a winter storm cloud’s water vapor is converted into snowflakes. About a century ago scientists discovered that silver iodide, an inert insoluble chemical compound, has nearly the same crystalline structure as ice. Further studies indicated that when infused in a cloud, silver iodide becomes an effective condensation nuclei capable of
attracting water vapor and producing snowflakes. Scientists developed two effective ways of delivering silver iodide into clouds. Direct dispersion into a storm using an airplane is one method. The other method involves heating silver iodide with propane in ground-based seeders. The buoyant plume then rises into the cloud and disperses the silver iodide. Not every cloud or storm is a candidate for cloud seeding. Atmospheric variables that have to be considered include temperature and wind conditions in the lower atmosphere. Weather balloons can be launched in the target watershed area as a storm approaches to provide meteorologists with atmospheric data to determine if
Enean Theatre has rich –and brazen–history Many long-time residents had their first dates at the Enean Theatre. Some of us held hands there. Some even had their first kiss, if they were lucky enough to sit in the back row. The Enean Theatre was built in 1938 by the Enea brothers, who had owned three drive-ins around the valley. The 673-seat venue featured all the class of a big city theater, including a huge screen with custom curtains to
be drawn when necessary. Moviegoers felt classy as they entered through the swinging doors. In 1948, Blumenfeld theaters leased it for 20 years. By 1968, Concord experienced aggressive growth. The Enea brothers took the theater back and remodeled it, renaming it the Showcase theater. However, in the early ’70s, the theater resorted to second-
Photo courtesy of Concord Historical Society
BUILT BY THE ENEA BROTHERS OF PITTSBURG in 1938, the Enean traveled a checkered path to arrive at its present use as the Vineyard Community Center
historical site the Concord Museum and Event Center. Board members are grateful for all who have helped the Concord Historical Society make an imprint in the community. In order to thrive, the notfor-profit organization needs support at events throughout 2015. The society held its annual Membership Dinner on March 19. On May 1-3, the group will serve tea to guests in the dinning room and parlors at the Galindo Home. The Summer Social is back on June 21. An Oct. 17 auction/dinner spectacular is new this year at
storm results can vary. The snowstorm I watched in Brooklyn seemed ideally suited for cloud seeding. California’s drought-stricken mountains would benefit from several storms like this one. Meteorologists have been successful in small-scale climate engineering efforts that enhance
snowfall amounts in winter storms. What they can’t do is change the jet stream and direct more winter storms into our area. Woody Whitlatch is a meteorologist retired from PG&E. Email your questions or comments to clayton_909@yahoo.com
What are people saying about the CONCORD PIONEER? What a surprise to receive such a great paper dedicated to Concord. Thank you. - Ann Williams Found something newsworthy on every page. This is what a newspaper should look like... - Dan Helix, Concord City Council It’s a breath of fresh air. Thank you. Keep it up. -Ron Leone, Concord Vice Mayor It’s a good balance of reporting – about the community and of the community... - Laura Hoffmeister, Concord City Council
To advertise, call us at 926-672-0500
The time is NOW CAROL LONGSHORE
YESTERYEAR run movies due to theater competition popping up all over the valley. By 1975, the Mitchell brothers of San Francisco and the Pussycat chain argued to the city to let them show pornographic movies. The community became enraged, especially members of the adjacent First Presbyterian Church. The Mitchell brothers dropped out, and the Pussycat started showing films. While the porn movies showed, the City Council argued with the state Legislature to try to stop the theater from showing these movies. People signed petitions and there was much public uproar. In the early 1980s, the First Presbyterian Church purchased the theater from the Enea brothers with plans to remodel it for a community center, only to learn that the Pussycat had an iron-clad lease. Much to th chagrin and embarrasment of First Presbyterian, the Pussycat continued showing porn in the church-owned building until 1985 when the Pussycat closed. The building now houses the Vineyard Community Center––much to the delight of the community.
CLAYTON CUSTOM HOME ON 6+ ACRES!
Call Pete today to sell your home
Enjoy this 5-bedroom, 4-bath, beautifully remodeled home of 3,846 sq. ft. with Granite everything, 2 master suites, 2 family rooms, a 4-car garage, and decks with spectacular views of Mt. Diablo! Almost 7 acres of oaks & forests but also a grand setting, RV parking and on CCWD Water! $1,149,000
Pete Laurence Broker, Realtor, GRI DRE#00344166. ReMax Real Estate Walnut Creek office Selling Clayton & all Contra Costa
(925) 890-6004 KNOWLEDGE
Call Pete for more Info! 890-6004
SERVICE
INTEGRITY
Serving Northern California for Over 30 Years
24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE
FREE ESTIMATES
RESULTS
Residential & Commercial
Specializing in Large Hazardous Trees & Heritage Oak trees Crane Service Tree & Stump Removal Arborist Consulting Arborist Reports Pruning/Cabling Fire Abatement Custom Milled Lumber Firewood
Ed Waraner
(925) 831-2323
8861 Marsh Creek Rd, Clayton
Bonded and Fully Insured
Lic. #642272 Certified Arborist WE-3386A
Major Credit Cards Accepted
Carol Longshore has been a Concord resident since 1950. She is a community leader and current president of the Concord Historical Society. Send comments and suggestions for future topics to editor@concordpioneer.com.
www.waranerbrostree.com
CCC Certified Fire Abatement
Richard A. Littorno
Masonic Hall helps bring Historical Society into the future The Concord Historical Society is on a new mission: “Building a future that preserves the past.” Opening the Galindo Home to the public in 2012 was a symbol of the society’s commitment to save, restore and share Concord’s heritage. Now, the 1927 Masonic Hall is in the midst of a renovation. The huge undertaking will house a museum, rental space including a professional kitchen and the eventual location for the Concord Historical Society. Once open, the Masonic Hall will celebrate by renaming this
a seeding operation is viable. Data from an additional weather balloon launched during the storm can be used to verify the seeding decision. Warm winter storms are excluded from seeding consideration since snowfall is unlikely even at the highest portions of a watershed. On the other side of the temperature spectrum, storms that are too cold are not seeding candidates since snowflake production is inefficient in extreme cold air. Wind speed is also important. If winds are too strong the infused condensation nuclei will be blown out of the watershed before snowflake formation can occur. One obvious question arises: is operational cloud seeding an effective way of increasing snowpack? Studies have shown that an overall increase of 5 to 10 percent in precipitation can be expected, although individual
the Concord Senior Center in Baldwin Park. The year wraps up with the festive annual Christmas in December at the Galindo Home and Gardens. The Galindo Home periodically hosts special exhibits, starting with the Tesoro exhibit last summer. Guests can visit the Galindo House 1-4 pm. Sundays all year at 1721 Amador Ave. To book group tours of Galindo House or for more information, call 925-827-3380. For events, visit concordhistorical.org and click on calendar.
LITTORNO LAW GROUP Assisted over 4,000 Families since 1979
Living Trusts and Wills Estate & Tax Planning, LLM (Tax) Probate & Trust Administration IRA Beneficiary Trusts Medi-Cal & VA Benefit Planning VA Accredited Attorney, Member of Academy of VA Pension Planners, ElderCounsel and CANHR
Walnut Creek Office:
Pittsburg Office:
3100 Oak Road, #100 Walnut Creek CA 94597 Phone: (925) 937-4211 Richard@LittornoLaw.com
2211 Railroad Ave. Pittsburg CA 94565 Phone: (925) 432-4211 www.LittornoLaw.com
Page 14
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
The UPS Store
March 27, 2015
Sons in Retirement seeks new members
Independently owned and operated
We shred your past to protect your future. Stop by and try our new document shredding service. Notary, Packaging, Fax and Copy Services are available too!
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
Installations – Repairs Toilets Faucets Water heaters Garbage disposals Clogged drains
Belfast Plumbing Credit Cards accepted: Visa, MasterCard, Discover
(925) 457-5423
www.belfastplumbing.com License. 906211
Clayton Furniture, Inc. ade Custom-m nals ectio Sofas & S
Family Business Since 1988
Lowest Prices Guaranteed
Authorized Ashley Dealer
Suat Atkin 925-686-2299 3400/3410 Clayton Rd., Concord
10%meOntiFoFn with of this ad
Mon. – Sat. 10 – 7, Sun. 12 - 6
claytonfurnitureinc.com
As part of its membership drive, Branch 19 of the Sons in Retirement (SIR) is looking for guests who will become members. SIR is a non-profit public benefit corporation for retired men. The club assists men in renewing old friendships and making new friends through SIR activities. Having fun is the goal. Those who join must be retired, or semi-retired, and be able to attend monthly lunch-
eons. Membership is open to men regardless of age, race, color or religion. Active members sponsor new recruits, and the group will find a sponsor if a prospective member needs one. “Our founders chose the rooster as the official SIR logo to represent the freedom he displays around the barnyard,” says SIR officer Bruce Persons. “We have paid our dues to the business world and now is the time for us to strut and crow a little.”
At the monthly luncheons, invited speakers discuss subjects of general interest. Most branches have summer and winter luncheons where wives, partners and guests are invited. The club doesn’t support any outside cause or interest. Rules prohibit discussions of politics and religion or the selling of anything to any member. SIR has more than 20,000 members in 150 branches throughout Northern California. Member volunteers staff,
administer and govern all branch activities. Local activities include golf, bowling, bocce, fishing, computers, RVs, investing and genealogy. Travel opportunities for members and guests vary from one-day local excursions to trips of several weeks’ duration to destinations throughout the world. For more information, call 925338-1996 or visit sir19.org.
‘Light’ weighs heavy on the soul Certain professions lend themselves to intrigue, and lighthouse keeper is undeniably one of them. What kind of person chooses a life in isolation, protecting the well-being of entire generations of strangers they will never know? In his daring debut novel, “Light Between Oceans,” ML Stedman creates a narrative that endears readers, and then as surely, breaks their hearts. It is just after World War II, and Tom Sherbourne returns to his native Australia seeking solace and normalcy after enduring the horrors experienced as a soldier on the We s t e r n Fr o n t . Kind, thoughtful and meticulous Tom lands a job as lighthouse keeper on the island of Janus. It’s lonely work, but Tom enjoys the routine and quiet accountability of helping assure the safety of passengers and cargo off Australia’s coast. He sets about making repairs to the Light, keeping strict and
meticulous records of all activity on Janus, as is his responsibility. Tom can be trusted to do a job well, and he takes great pride in being a man to be counted upon to do the right thing. To his good fortune, if not his great surprise, Tom meets Isabel Graysmark while on leave from Janus. Isabel is everything Tom is not: gregarious, creative, outgoing. Isabel doesn’t so much seduce Tom as declare that their match is right and inescapable. An epistolary courtship follows and, on his next leave from the island, Tom married Isabel. They return to Janus to start their life together in their own little island world. Isabel suffers a series of miscarriages, each one stealing a little more of her light. Then one day a rowboat washes up on the island, carrying a dead man and a live baby. Of course, Tom is inclined to report the incident, as is his natural and assigned responsibil-
CYNTHIA GREGORY
FOR
THE
BOOKS
ity. But Isabel, having lost three babies and one only recently, has been delivered an infant in need of a mother. She convinces Tom to delay reporting the body and the baby. Eventually all lines blur. Isabel names the baby Lucy and insists she is their own. As much as he loves her, Tom cannot reconcile baby Lucy as his. He argues that she belongs to someone, somewhere, who surely grieves her loss. Isabel has no such qualms. She considers Lucy a gift from God, and being mother to the little girl in all ways feels as natural to her as breathing. Like all secrets, Tom and Isabel’s slowly unravels. On a trip to the mainland, Tom encounters a woman whose child was lost at the same time that Lucy was found. Tom is
devoured by guilt. On the night before the Sherbourne family is to return from the mainland to Janus, an anonymous note is found in the grieving mother’s mailbox. A cryptic hand-written message assures the woman that her daughter is loved. A second trip to the mainland, a second hand-written message, and the Sherbourne’s story dissolves like paper in water. Baby Lucy is reunited with her birth mother, while Tom claims all responsibility for the deceit to protect Isabel. Following her betrayal, Isabel suffers an emotional breakdown and rejects Tom. Lucy is torn from the loving embrace of the only mother she’s ever known and is inconsolable, rebuffing this stranger who now possesses. “The Light Between Oceans” is about finding one’s way in uncertain waters. It is a book that deftly examines the choices we make and living with the inevitable outcomes. It is about love and courage and doing the right thing. It is a book not to be missed. Cynthia Gregory is a North Bay nonprofit leader, writer of short fiction, and author of a blog. Email comments and questions to Editor@ConcordPioneer.com
Costner’s track record shines in ‘McFarland, USA’ JEFF MELLINGER
SCREEN SHOTS Kevin Costner might be the best sports movie actor of all time. His proclivity to star in sports-themed films has provided us with gems such as “Field of Dreams,” “Bull Durham” and “Tin Cup.” His latest, “McFarland, USA” may not belong in the same stratosphere as his previous efforts, but it tells a fascinating true story, and does it well. In 1987, Jim White had hit rock bottom of coaching. He had been let go from yet another coaching job due to questionable treatment of an athlete. McFarland High, in Kern County, gave White his last chance to continue his teaching and coaching career. As White, Costner not only looks the part of the aging high school coach, he also gives an authentic performance. At this point in his acting career, it’s almost believable to think that Costner just might be coaching at a high school down the street. Costner is right at home as a fish-out-ofwater training kids in a sport about which he knows nothing
and raising a family in a town whose residents live a completely different lifestyle than his own. The overwhelming majority of the townspeople are Latinos who pick crops for a living and struggle to make ends meet. Director Niki Caro (“Whale Rider”) sets a fine mood with numerous shots of dilapidated homes and storefronts, as well as the orchards and fields in which the characters toil. While teaching at McFarland, White catches some of his students running in class and through the town. He suggests to the principal that they start a cross country team. It’s only after their first race when the hills prove devastating that White begins some unorthodox practice methods. Although the wins the team piled up truly happened, it doesn’t make for a less predictable story arc. It’s when Caro focuses on White’s relationship with the townspeople and their families that the movie truly shines. White’s fastest runner is Thomas Valles (Carlos Pratts). He is an angry, rebellious teen with a very troubled family life. Costner and Pratts are excellent in a scene in which White must calm down a conflicted Thomas. The three Diaz boys have to fit
Ron Phillips / Disney
KEVIN COSTNER PLAYS CROSS-COUNTRY COACH JIM WHITE in the movie “McFarland, USA” about a small Central Valley farm town’s rise to dominance in the sport, winning nine state titles in 14 years.
in practice around their early morning and after school picking duties. Their mother (Diana Maria Riva) is a no-nonsense head of the family who helps the town get to know White, and vice versa. These are the relationships that cause White to finally understand the familial strength of McFarland. At the quinceañera of White’s oldest daughter, Julie (Morgan Saylor), an incident sets in motion the film’s final act. While the team prepares for the first California cross country state meet, they won-
der if Coach White will take the safer, higher-paying job at Palo Alto. As the movie builds to its satisfying crescendo, Caro and Costner have done their job getting us to believe in the underdogs. Much like running, it is not always about the end result, but the journey that takes you there. Grade 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@concordpioneer.com.
March 27, 2015
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 15
SMD plans student photo contest
Photo courtesy of Save Mount Diablo
LAST YEAR’S SMD PHOTO CONTEST grand prize winner, Allen Abbott will join the judging team this year.
More than 900 different plants and animals make their home on Mount Diablo and in its surrounding parks. Local non-profit Save Mount Diablo works to protect this biodiversi-
ty hotspot in the midst of seven million people but is often surprised at how many people live in the shadow of the mountain and don’t realize that it needs help. So, it’s enlisting the help of
talented local youth to submit their photos and show the community what’s at stake. Alameda and Contra Costa County students in grades kindergarten through 12th can submit original photos from one of the Diablo parks, listed on the contest website. The photos must showcase why he or she enjoys Mount Diablo’s lands and think they should be protected. There will be prizes, including a $1,000 Apple gift card and a chance for the students’ art to be displayed in Diablo magazine. This year a student judge, last year’s grand prize winner Allen Abbott, will join the three photography judges to help pick the winners. “Save Mount Diablo’s Scholastic Photo Contest, combined with the jaw dropping wildlife that Mount Diablo encompasses, led to a pastime that I’ll hold onto for the rest of
my life,” Abbott said. Allen will be judging with photographer and Save Mount Diablo’s Board of Directors President Scott Hein, Robert Picton, an award-winning photographer with Jessamyn Photography, and Hank Perry, a photographer and the contest creator, and President of Empire Realty Associates in Danville. All photography needs to be submitted no later than April 15 in order to be considered. Winners will be announced May 2. For info and to enter the contest visit www.savemountdiablo.org/photocontest. The contest is free to enter. For more information, contact Save Mount Diablo at 925-947-3535, fax 925-947-0642, visit www.SaveMountDiablo.org, or stop by the offices at 1901 Olympic Blvd., Suite 320, in Walnut Creek.
May 28 June 14 July 15 July 21 Aug. 4 Aug. 7 Aug. 14 Aug. 26
Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga Spirit West Coast Festival Chicago / Earth, Wind & Fire 5 Seconds of Summer The Boys of Zummer Idina Menzel The Pink Print Tour Slipknot
The Concord Pavilion is located at 2000 Kirker Pass Road, Concord. All concerts start at 7 p.m.
theconcordpavilion.com
Do your homework for hidden gems Residential Electric Car Charger Installation
Re-purpose and re-use: Old wooden doors can be salvaged and turned into an elegant headboard.
-
Call for details
Serving Contra Costa since 1991 More than 35 years experience
JENNIFER LEISCHER
DESIGN & DÉCOR A fabulous deal, or a oneof-a-kind find, is a major game changer for any design project. That may be a perfect remnant carpet piece that finishes off your petite dressing room, the last box of tile that totals exactly the 50 square feet you needed to add a little sparkle to your powder room vanity backsplash, or the amazing reclaimed solid walnut entry door you found at an architectural salvage yard. These deals, or one-of-akind finds, transform a design project from “updated” to “unique and fabulous.” With a little patience, there is more than one way to achieve a beautiful and functional design. So, do your design homework, source great ideas and put your ideas to work. The “Do It Yourself ” category is a great way to get what you want with a budget you determine. From modular Ikea pieces turned into fine furniture to getting handy with your sewing machine and recreating a custom window treatment you saw on online or a home design magazine, sometimes the only way to get a good deal is to fabricate something yourself. And lucky for all of us adventuresome design enthusiasts, there is a plethora of information available from online sources, television shows and all sort of design books to help us achieve exactly what we are envisioning.
Residential
“ Let Us Light All Work Done by Owner Bonded & Insured Up Your Life” Lic.#C10-631523 Commercial Industrial
James Burkin Sole Proprietor
www.BurkinElectric.net
Everything from home repair & maintenance to construction Spec deferred m ializing in ainte home for sa nance, prepping le, repairs from home insp ections
• EXTERIOR: painting, windows, doors, decks, outdoor structures.
• INTERIOR: plumbing, drywall, electrical, trim, tile.
REMNANTS AND ORPHANS Remnants, orphan slabs, discontinued and limited stock can be the most romantic words ever. Yes, all of these words mean that a deal is lurking somewhere and patience is required. Many carpet warehouses and stone yards have remnants. For carpet, a remnant is a significant piece left over from a bolt that was not entirely used, typically not a few square feet but more like several square yards. For stone, this means that a fabricator has a decent size portion of a slab remaining from a previous project that was not used. An orphan slab is a single slab that remains after all of the other slabs in its sequence
have been sold. More often than not, two to three slabs, or more, are purchased for a kitchen or bathroom project. A single slab is typically sold at a discount as most customers can not use just one single slab. Discontinued and limited stock can be the most frustrating words you can hear when in the middle of a design project, but if you’re just looking for a small amount of tile, a few yards of fabric or one sconce, these words may be music to your ears.
budget breaking and gratifying all at the same time. Check out antique fairs, garage sales, salvage yards, reclaimed lumber and consignment stores. All of these wonderful venues have treasures, it’s just a matter of being at the right venue at the right time to find this treasure. Seeing something for what it can be is the trick here. Let your inner designer help you make the call on a special find that perhaps needs some work, but once completed, will be a jewel.
ONE - OF-A-KIND FINDS The game of finding the right piece of furniture or building material for your living space can be an amazingly difficult, wonderfully fun, sometimes
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.
Now Open in the Clayton Valley Shopping Center
Gary Romano
787-2500 Reliable & Professional Service Owner operated Over 35 years of experience
Lic. 979406
Clayton Valley Village presents
“A Taste of Spring” Art, Wine Tasting, Appetizers Oakhurst Country Club 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton
Sunday, April 12, 4 - 8 pm $35/per person in advance or at door No host bar - Raffle Baskets!
For more information: Sonja Wilkin 925-672-2689 or Bonnie Slatkin 925-788-2035
claytonvalleyvillage.org
The Law Office
Discover the practice of yoga in our beautiful, welcoming studio with some of the Bay Area’s best yoga teachers. You Belong Here.
of
Daniel L. DuRee
Two Weeks of Unlimited Yoga for $30 Over 25 classes a week: • • • •
True Beginner Yoga Vinyasa Flow Yoga for Teens and Kids Workshops, Special Events, Sacred Circle Book Club
See website for full schedule and rates
DiabloYoga.com 925-304-2127
Design • Installation • Maintenance
License # 958849
Estate Planning Attorney
Commercial & Residential • 925-381-3757
Please call today for a complimentary consultation
(925) 210-1400 1535 N. Main St., Walnut Creek
• Wills • Trusts • Healthcare Directives • Powers of Attorney • Probate
Page 16
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
March 27, 2015
SPORTS NorCal basketball playoffs end too soon for locals JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
De La Salle High School once again capped a strong winter sports season with top North Coast Section performances in basketball, wrestling and soccer. The Spartans were also one of three local teams--along with the Clayton Valley Charter and Carondelet girls teams—to advance again to the Northern California Basketball Championships, where each school’s season ended abruptly. GIRLS BASKETBALL Carondelet and Clayton Valley Charter won their respective league championships and moved onto the North Coast Section playoffs with high expectations before each of their seasons finished with two successive defeats. The Cougars had a coaching change this year but sailed through the schedule with 27 wins in their first 29 games. During NCS Division II, Carondelet won three games by 53, 39 and 50 points setting up the finale against Dublin, which lost to the Concord girls school 92-44 in last year’s NCS semi-finals. This time the Gaels and Cougars waged a close game that Dublin won 57-55 to grab its first NCS championship since 1988. Carondelet had won 10 of the past 12 Division
II titles prior to this season. Coach Elgin Leslie’s Carondelet team was then seeded second to Dublin in the Northern California playoffs. The Cougars were upset by Presentation of San Jose 55-51 to close out the year with a pair of disappointing losses. Dublin went all the way to NorCals finals before falling to Archbishop Mitty, also of San Jose. Clayton Valley Charter defeated San Ramon Valley 5935 and Santa Rosa 67-63 in its opening two NCS games as the No. 3 seed. Then coach Paul Kommer’s team visited No. 2 Berkeley and the Yellowjackets eliminated the Eagles 61-42. Berkeley went on to win its incredible 22nd NCS title over Pittsburg. By reaching the NCS semifinals Clayton Valley Charter got in the NorCal playoffs for the fourth time in five years. The Lady Eagles were seeded ninth in DI and lost to host No. 8 Davis 52-36 in their opening game. Berkeley lost to McClatchy of Sacramento in the NorCal finals. BOYS BASKETBALL De La Salle was a Division I semi-final NCS loser last year to Monte Vista and the Mustangs went on to win section, NorCal and state championships. This time the East Bay Athletic League rivals met in the section finals and once
again the Mustangs edged DLS 50-49 when the Spartans missed two free throws with .5 seconds left. The loss kept coach Frank Allocco’s team in Division I at NorCals as the top seed while Monte Vista was moved up to the Open Division where they were second seed to national power Bishop O’Dowd. The Spartans drew a firstround bye and beat McClymonds of Oakland 5037 at NorCals. They lost in the semi-finals to Woodcreek of Roseville 43-39 while another EBAL team from Danville, San Ramon Valley, won NorCal 49-45 over Woodcreek. Monte Vista lost in the first round of the Open Division playoffs to Modesto Christian 47-44. O’Dowd ended up winning the title over Modesto. WRESTLING De La Salle wrestling has been the dominant team in NCS since 2006, finishing in the top three every year. They had a streak of five team championships in a row broken while dropping to third in 2014. Coach Mark Halvorson’s wrestlers went from 2009 to 2013 winning both the dual team and NCS championships before being derailed last year. That setback inspired the team this year and they romped to championships in
See NorCal , page 17
Two teams earn soccer tournament hardware
Scott Anderson
HAILEY PASCOE (23) was noted for her offensive exploits but she was equally intense on defense and that two-way play earned her the Diablo Valley Athletic League most valuable player award for the second season as she helped the Lady Eagles to their third straight league championship and another berth in the NorCal championships. Pascoe received all-league honors all four years.
Quartet of league MVPs come from Concord schools JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
Photo courtesy Concord AYSO
CONCORD REVOLUTION UNDER 14 BOYS have played in two recent tournaments and reached the championship game each time. At the Pleasant Hill Soccerfest Revolution lost 3-1 to Mountain View in the finals after beating host PHMSA in a semi-final overtime match. At the earlier Area 2C tournament Davis avenged an earlier loss to Concord by beating the Revolution 2-1 in overtime of the championship game. The team includes, front row from left, Nick Ratto, Lorenzo Ormeno, Adrian Ortega, Edgar Camacho, Jamison Spyrow, Martin Romero, Ricky Montecinos; back row, assistant coach Martin Romero, Jimmy Hernandez, Ezra Lara, Lorenzo Castro, Adrian Romo, Julien Rivera, Miguel Martinez, Fernando Munoz, Aiden Guzman and head coach Juan Rivera.
Photo courtesy MDSA
THE MDSA DESTRUCTORS entered their first tournament of the season with high expectations and came away with the under 10 boys championship at the fourth annual San Jose President’s Cup. In the semi-finals Destructors edged clubmates MDSA Velocity 1-0 to advance to the finals against San Jose Blue Dragons. The two teams tied 1-1 in regulation and then MDSA won a penalty kick shootout for the title. The Destructors are, front row from left, Zack Claunch, Ethan Liming, Cooper Whiten, Ryan Christy, Nick Kelly; back row, coach Jason Bishop, Titus Bishop, Jimmy Albert, Max Anum, Marques Wirth and coach Laura Kelly.
Senior soccer player Karla Ramos of Ygnacio Valley High School and Clayton Valley Charter’s basketball standout Hailey Pascoe were named Diablo Valley Athletic League most valuable players this winter while Marcella Hughes of Carondelet and Jordan Ratinho of De La Salle were basketball MVPs in the East Bay Athletic League. Pascoe was basketball MVP for the second year in a row and thus earned all-DVAL honors every season of her high school career. The senior broke CVCHS single season and career scoring records. Pascoe, Hughes and Ratinho each led their teams to the Northern California Championship tournament. Pascoe’s two league MVP awards match those of CVCHS’s Ashley Allen in 2011 and 2013. The Lady Eagles won their third consecutive DVAL championship this year and advanced to the NorCal tournament for the fourth time in five seasons, an unprecedented run of form for the CVCHS girls basketball program. Carondelet and De La Salle are both perennial post-season participants. Ramos received all-DVAL honors three times. As a sophomore she was first-team allleague and then was honorable mention as a junior before taking the league’s player of the year award this season. She was again playing up top leading her Warriors team to the North Coast Section Division II playoffs by scoring goals in 19 of 21 games, totaling 35 this season and 71 in her career. Wrestlers Mustafa Sherdil of Clayton Valley, Floyd Armenta of Northgate and Danny Croff of College Park are each three-time all-DVAL first-team selection. Other DVAL athletes from local schools,
KARLA RAMOS, Ygnacio Valley High School DVAL Soccer Player of the Year
Carondelet and De La Salle getting winter allleague MVP and first team honors: GIRLS SOCCER DVAL: Offensive MVP- Jackie Scharff (College Park); Defensive MVP- Deiziana Dargan (Concord); 1st team- Rebecca Dong, Megan Shone (Northgate), Marjan Haydaree, Korissa Lewis, Lindsay Mondloch (Clayton Valley Charter), April Frantz (Con), Emily Hernandez (Mt. Diablo), Ariana Whitmarsh (Ygnacio Valley), Madi Nortune (Berean Christian)
See League MVPs, page 17
March 27, 2015
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
having cheered his parents on at many events as well as participating in several runs himself. Last fall he joined the Eagles cross country team and set a goal to run his first ultramarathon. He trained with his dad, Steve McCluhan, in the hills of Mt. Diablo and accomplished another goal to run the five major peaks of Mt. Diablo in one day. The younger McCluhan is on the high school track team and plans to participate in the Save Mt. Diablo run April 19. When he’s not running he enjoys playing guitar and speedcubing.
Athlete Spotlight Floyd McCluhan Class: Freshman School: CVCHS Sport: Ultramarathon, Track and Cross Country Floyd McCluhan completed his first ultramarathon earlier this month in the Way Too Cool 50k trail race in El Dorado County. At 15, he was the youngest runner to cross the finish line and finished in the top third overall (371 out of 978).
McCluhan’s run covered 31 miles of rugged trail, crossing creeks and climbing up hills to accumulate 5,000 feet of elevation gain in five hours 43 minutes. The freshman in the CVCHS Arts Academy has grown up in the running community
The Concord Pioneer congratulates Floyd 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.
Concord synchronized swimmers competing at U.S. National Championships in Moraga JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
Six members of the Walnut Creek Aquanuts who call Concord or Clayton home will be competing April 1-4 in Moraga when the United States Synchronized Swimming National Championships return to the Bay Area for the first time in 20 years with 30 teams from all over the country plus the national teams of Canada and Puerto Rico taking part. Mariya Koroleva of Concord heads the list of local competitors. Koroleva was a 2012 Olympian who is on the US Senior National team hoping to make it to the 2016 Rio Olympics. The 24-year-old coaches the WCA 11/12 B Team. She just came back from Paris where she placed sixth with duet partner Anita Alvarez of New York at the Make Up For Ever French Open. “Anita and I were happy that we improved our free duet swim from prelims and increased our overall score,” said Koroleva. “This was our first competition as a duet pair and we have just written two new programs, so we are pleased with where we are at, at this point in the season. “We know we have a lot of work to do when we get home, but we’re excited to share our experience here with the rest of
NATALIE FLETCHER, Walnut Creek Aquanuts Jr. A team
the team and to get back to work.” Three Concord girls are looking to make their mark in Moraga. Natalie Fletcher, 16, is on the WCA Junior A team and considered an “up and comer” for the Aquanuts. Eva Eleftheriadis, 13, and Mira Miller, 15, are on the 13A team. A pair of 16-year-old live with local families while competing for WCA. Mandie Stanton, Junior B team, is from Henderson, Nevada, and Rachel Jager, Junior A, hails Williamsville, NY. The U.S. National Synchronized Swimming Championships are considered the most prestigious synchronized swimming event in the nation. The meet will include solo, duet, team and combination events. The championships will feature the 2015 U.S. Senior National Team. The U.S. National Team, who is training for the 2015 Pan American Games and the 2015 World Championships, calls SODA Aquatic Center its training home. The Nationals afford local fans an opportunity to see the best synchronized swimmers in the nation just 16 months before the Rio Olympics. Tickets are $10 and will be on sale at the door of the SODA Aquatic Center in Moraga at Campolindo High School. For more info on USA Synchro or to find a schedule for the event, visit USASynchro.org. You can also find more info at Aquanuts.org. LACURSIA WINS PCA AWARD Walnut Creek Aquanuts coach Laura LaCursia is a winner in the 2015 Positive Coaching Alliance Double Goal Award. PCA is a national nonprofit developing “Better Athletes, Better People” by working to provide all youth and high school athletes a positive, character-building youth experience. Since its inception in 1998, the organization has impacted over
NorCal, from page 16 both competitions. They won the NCS championship by nearly 100 points over runnerup Liberty. At the NCS tournament De La Salle placed wrestlers in 12 of 14 weight classes including four titles by Donovin Guerrero (113 pounds), Nathan Cervantez (126), Gavin Hummel (170) and Darryl Aiello (220). The team kept the momentum going at the State Meet in
Bakersfield where Cervantez defied the seedings (he was ranked ninth entering the meet) by reaching the championship match before losing 3-1 in the final seconds of overtime to Anthony Hernandez of Vacaville. Both finalists used to wrestle at the Community Youth Center in Concord and remain friends. Cervantez was a sensation on the meet’s first day when he upset two-time state champion
Photos courtesy Walnut Creek Aquanuts
AMERICAN SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING DUET of Anita Alvarez (left) and Mariya Koroleva of Concord and the Walnut Creek Aquanuts posted a sixth-place finish this month at the Make Up For Ever French Open in Paris. The duet was in their first meet together and are looking to earn spots on the 2016 US Olympic team. They will be at the national championships April 1-4 in Moraga.
7.5 million youth via partnerships with sports clubs, high schools, coaches and parents. Through the Double Goal Award, the organization annually honors coaches who pursue winning, while also pursuing the more important goal of teaching life lessons through sports. LaCursia is among 25 winners who stood out over the more than 2,100 nominations, covering a range of sports, from throughout the United States. She is the first synchronized swimming coach to have received the award. She was a synchronized swimmer as a young girl and has been a coach for over 40 years. She came to WCA in 1990 and has served the club in nearly every capacity from head coach to club presi-
dent, coaching athletes at every level from novice to elite. LaCursia is currently the coach of the 10 and under WCA team. “Our 10/U program is the best in the nation because, thanks to coach Laura, we are able to offer our athletes elite coaching and positive guidance right from the start of their athletic journey & introduction to the sport,” said WCA head coach Kim Probst. Over its 45-year history WCA has produced over 30 Olympic athletes and garnered more than 200 national and world competition titles. WCA is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization, with a roster of over 100 athletes ranging in age from 6 - 21 and in ability from novice to Olympic hopeful.
Israel Saavedra of Modesto in the quarterfinals. Sophomore Aiello was third at 220, notching seven pins in eight matches, and Guerrero was fourth at 113. DLS took sixth in the team standings.
Ramon Valley, looking for their seventh six straight section championship and ninth since 2001. There was no lucky seven for the Spartans as SRV and DLS drew 1-1 after regulation and overtime before San Ramon won a penalty kick shootout 5-4 to deprive the Spartans of another title. It was especially satisfying for the Wolves who lost in overtime to DLS in both the 2009 and 2013 section championship games.
BOYS SOCCER Coach Derricke Brown’s De La Salle team defeated Irvington 7-0 and then edged both San Leandro and Freedom by identical 2-1 scorelines to reach the Division I boys finals against league rival San
Page 17
Clayton Valley Charter pair takes dip in 40° Lake Tahoe On the last day of February Clayton Valley Charter High School senior Kayla Conger (right) and freshman Tyler Ellis won 250yard swim races. That’s not so unusual but it wasn’t in 80 degree Concord Community Pool where most of the major high school events are held. Instead it was in frigid Lake Tahoe where the water was 40 degrees (swimmers wear wetsuits) and the air temp a brisk 27° for the 26th annual Gar Woods Polar Bear Swim. Conger is a senior captain for the Eagles swim team as a freestyle and butterfly swimmer. Ellis is a backstroker. His face was so cold when he got into Lake Tahoe off the frozen shores
Photo courtesy Conger family
of Carnelian Bay that he swam the race on his back yet still won as the competitors swam from shore to a buoy and back under the watchful eyes of Coast Guard personnel.
Ipsen,from page 4 there in 2012 that he qualified for the U.S. Olympic team at the London Games. At the Olympics, he teamed with Troy Dumais for the bronze medal in the 3M synchronized event. It was the first diving medal for the USA since 2000. He’s won three NCAA championships and has three more runner-up finishes. His 3M championship as a freshman in 2012 was the first by a Stanford male diver in 82 years. He was shut out of firstplace national championship finishes last year. His NCAA schedule this week includes the 1M on Thursday, 3M on Friday and platform on Saturday. He might be a slight underdog on the platform but should be at or near the top of the podium for both springboard events. Ipsen’s first conference platform title at the end of February made him the fourth tower diving champion from Stanford.
He is also only the second Stanford performer ever to sweep all three events at conference, joining Matt Frawley (1988). Ipsen is working under a new coach at Stanford this year. Patrick Jeffrey took over last spring when Rick Schavone retired after coaching divers for 36 years. That included Ipsen’s first three seasons on The Farm as well as his dives in London. In 1988, Jeffrey became the only diver to sweep all 3 NCAA events in one year for Ohio State. “Patrick is great, especially at competitions,” Ipsen said. “He knows what I’m going through at meets and can keep things lighthearted when that’s needed.” Jeffrey represented the USA at two Olympics, 1988 in Seoul and 1996 in Atlanta, so he has a good feel for how Ipsen balances school with diving both for Stanford and the country.
League MVPs, from page 16 EBAL: Carondelet Brooke Cilley, Amanda Plumer, Jade Rafallo BOYS SOCCER DVAL: Player of the YearDylan Yasutake (CP); Offensive MVP- Justin Bedig (CP); Defensive MVP- Enrique Loza-Vega (Con); 1st teamJon Bellesorte (CVC), Connor Antonson (BC), George Burrows, Michael Hathaway (NG), Jonathon Perez (MD), Diego Renteria, Antonio Zumaya (YV), Freddy Velasquez (Con) EBAL: De La Salle – Stephen Dougherty GIRLS BASKETBALL DVAL: Morgan Giacobazzi (CVC), Aicha Brou (MD), Madison Casten (NG), Mariah Gonzales (Con)
EBAL: Car – Katie Rathbun BOYS BASKETBALL DVAL: MVP- Stephen Daily (CP); 1st team- Jon Allen, Jacob Lunsford (CVC), Erohn Aaron (YV), Jeremy Moniz (NG), TJ Quezon (Con) WRESTLING DVAL: Sherdil, Christian Jimenez (CVC), Peter Herschelman, Nick Ramos, Jack Chillemi (BC), Evan Carter, Ian Morford, Armenta (NG), Jose Martinez (Con) EBAL: DLS - Edward Bond, Donovin Guerrero, Patrick Ramirez, Nathan Cervantez, Adrian Gomez, Conrad Perez, Peyton Omania, Drew Cervantes, Gavin Hummel, Marshall Huberty, Darryl Aiello
The Concord Pioneer wants to publish your sports news 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) and your contact information. It’s simple. Send an email to sports@concordpioneer.com.
Page 18
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
March 27, 2015
Boys CYO basketball wrapped up this month Can Giants, Athletics
overcome question marks to make post-season?
TYLER LEHMAN SPORTS TALK
Photo courtesy St. Bonaventure CYO
ST. BONAVENTURE 7TH
GRADERS DO IT AGAIN.
The St. Bonaventure 7th grade boys A team won their fourth consecutive East Diablo league championship, advancing to the Oakland Diocese AA tournament as the team overcame a number of injuries. The Bulldogs included, front row from left, coach Dave Gwynn, Tyler Darr, Eric Zimmer, Seth Gwynn; back row, coach Kevin Zimmer, Tristen Daly, Mikey Mann, Jayson Downs, Derek Luedtke and coach Kevin Daly. Not pictured, Clayton Seastrand and Luke Westemeyer.
Photo courtesy St. Agnes CYO
ST. AGNES IRISH 7TH
GRADERS
NATIONAL
CHAMPS.
St. Agnes’ seventh grade boys finished an undefeated 12-0 season by edging Good Shepard in a barn burner championship game 38-37 to capture the East Diablo CYO National title. The team includes, bottom from left, Dawson McDonald, Johnny Pauline, Jordan Cuenco, Nathan Butterfield, Vincent Cuenco, Sammy Von Felden; back row, coach John Saylor, Jack Saylor, Riley Christiansen, Kavika Baumgartner, Corey Baker, Cauley Schulz, Tyler Shelly, Adrian Poon and coach Jake Pauline.
Photo courtesy St. Bonaventure CYO
6TH
GRADE
ST. BONAVENTURE
BOYS CONQUER
DIOCESE. The
Bulldogs sixth grade team won the 2015 Oakland Diocese CYO A Division championship with three straight victories in the 52nd annual event. The team was 14-4 on the season including winning the East Diablo regular season. Our Lady of Rosary from Union City fell to St. Bonnies in the Dionese championship game 36-20. The champions included, front row from left, Jordan Taqi-Eddin, Jake Enos, Clayton Mahloch, Nicky Pellegrino, Jake Kern, Alec Beach, Joey Hawk, Quinton Mahloch; back row, coaches John Mahloch and Mike Macpherson. Not pictured, coach Alec Sarlich.
Sports Shorts OPENING DAY FOR CC YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE Contra Costa Youth Soccer League celebrates opening day this Sunday at 9 a.m. at Glenbrook School in Concord. All CCYL teams and coaches will be in the annual Parade of Teams. For more information call league president Gerardo Martinez 852-1721 or George Fulmore 348-3763. The league website is contracostaysl.org
SPRINGWOOD SWIM TEAM SIGN-UPS ONLINE For more info, email team director Dori Freitas at dorifreitas@att.net. Practice for the summer rec season begins April 20.
DIABLO FC SPRING REC LEAGUE SIGNUPS UNDERWAY Diablo FC is offering a spring rec program for girls and boys in the U5 and U7 age groups. The six-week program runs April 7-May 16 for all interested players using a less formal league schedule since players are involved with other spring sports. Weekly training and Saturday morning games are conducted by Diablo FC professional coaches. Visit diablofc.org for more info and to find out about orientation night April 7.
NEW NAME, NEW SEASON FOR YOUTH FOOTBALL, CHEER CLUB
Clayton Valley youth football and cheer teams are now known as CVAA Jr. Eagles after being called the Falcons since 1988. Along with a new name the players and cheer teams will be outfitted in red, white and blue uniforms which are the colors of the Clayton Valley Charter High School Eagles. Two of their cheer teams won national championships in January at the JAMZ Nationals in Las Vegas. Online registration for the upcoming fall football and cheer teams opens April 1 with the first in-person registration day Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Clayton Community Park. Visit cvaajreagles.com for more information.
CONCORD CUP XXII SOCCER COMING MAY 16-17 The area’s largest annual youth soccer tournament, Concord Cup, returns for its 22nd season at a variety of local parks. Boys and girls club and recreation teams from under 10 through U19 are eligible to participate. Visit concordcup.com for info and to register a team or referee.
SARAH NELSON, ALL-PAC WEST DEFENDER OF THE YEAR Dominican University of California senior center Sarah Nelson was named PacWest defender of the year and the Clayton Valley High grad was also All-PacWest second team. Nelson led the nation in blocks (4.96 bpg), recording at least three blocks in 20 of her 25 games. She was also third in the PacWest in rebounding (11.0 rpg) and defensive rebounds (7.4 rpg), fifth in field goal percentage (.473) and 13th in scoring (14.0 ppg). She was the only player in the nation
Photo courtesy Queen of All Saints CYO
QUEEN OF ALL SAINTS TAKES 6TH GRADE NATIONAL CROWN. Queen of All Saints took the championship of the East Diablo CYO basketball league National division. Coach Calvin Hudson’s team included, from left, Armando Lopez, James Santos, Justin Gacula, Devin Bush and Jeremiah Jack.
to register two triple-doubles on the season. Nelson finished her Dominican career as the all-time blocks leader. She is also the school’s all-time leader in the Division II era with 861 points, 752 rebounds and 388 field goals.
DANA HILLS SWIM TEAM ANNOUNCES COACHING STAFF, TAKING ONLINE REGISTRATIONS
Chris Horner has been named head coach of the Dana Hills Otters Swim Team which has won 22 of the past 23 Concord City Championships. He set Diablo Valley College school records in the 50 and 100 freestyle before moving on to Cal State Bakersfield where he contributed to the team’s national championship. He continued swimming through 2008, competing in the 50-meter free at the US Olympic Trials that year. He is currently coaching the US Swimming Aquabear Viking Club, which he co-founded in 2012. Online registration is now open at danahillsotters.com for the 2015 summer season.
FORMER CVCHS STAR KAYLA TAYLOR 2ND TEAM ALL-STATE Freshman Kayla Taylor was named second team All-State for DVC as the Vikings advanced through the CCCAA state playoffs this month. The 2014 Clayton Valley Charter High School grad was also selected first team All-Big 8 Conference as she averaged 13.7 points and 8.8 rebounds a game while shooting 53.4% from the field. DVC coach Ramaundo Vaughn was tabbed as Big 8 coach of the year. The team beat Chabot in the fourth round of the CCCAA state playoffs last Saturday. Taylor was a two-time all-league first team player for the Eagles.
DIABLO FC U15-U18 HOLDING OPEN TRAINING SESSIONS
Professional Bay Area baseball teams have been dominant over the past five years. The San Francisco Giants have won three World Series since 2010 and the Oakland Athletics have made it to the playoffs the past three years. With the start of baseball season right around the corner on April 6, how will the Giants and A’s fare this year? Can the Giants break the odd-year curse of not making it to the playoffs after winning the 2010 and 2012 World Series? Can the A’s make it to the playoffs a fourth consecutive time after trading away four all-stars? Here is an overview of both teams to try and answer these questions. Giants—The San Francisco Giants were rather quiet during the off-season since winning the Series in Kansas City last October. They were aggressive but unsuccessful in trying to sign starting pitchers Jon Lester and James Shields. Along with missing out on those two, the Giants also lost long-time fan favorite Pablo Sandoval to the Boston Red Sox via free agency. The departure of free agents Sandoval and Michael Morse seem to leave a major power void in the lineup. Sandoval’s replacement, Casey McGehee, is a solid veteran player who can hit for a good average and drive in runs. Power is certainly not McGehee’s forte though as he hit only four homers last year. Continuity is the Giants greatest strength among the players, manager and front office. It will
be up to Madison Bumgarner and Buster Posey to be the cornerstones of the Giants and lead their team into the playoffs breaking the odd-year curse. Health will also be key to the Giants success this year. If players like Matt Cain, Angel Pagan and Brandon Belt can stay healthy, the Giants will be in a great position in the NL West. Pagan’s recent back pain after the earlier broken forearm of Hunter Pence send a chill down the back of all Giants fans and executives. Athletics—The A’s are not even close to the same team they were last season. GM Billy Beane traded away all-stars Josh Donaldson, Brandon Moss, Jeff Samardzija and Derek Norris for more depth and youth. On paper, the A’s lineup doesn’t look nearly as threatening as it was last year. But knowing the A’s, they will find a way to milk every ounce of talent out of the guys they got in trade. Brett Lawrie is the main player the A’s must maximize value from. Lawrie was traded from the Toronto Blue Jays in the Donaldson deal. His main issue is staying healthy, as he has been injuryplagued his whole career. Pitching is also going to be a question mark for the East Bay MLB team heading into the season. Sonny Gray and Scott Kazmir will be 1-2 starters in the rotation. After them though, it is a toss-up as to the other starters with Jesse Hahn and Kendall Graveman two to watch. Overview—The A’s and Giants each have some major question marks coming into the season, but both teams should be successful. The Giants have too much experience to not be competitive this year while the A’s need to find team continuity and chemistry fast. Tyler Lehman is a junior at San Francisco State University and a 2012 CVHS graduate. He is majoring in print/online journalism and wants to be a sports writer. Email your comments or questions to tyler@concordpioneer.com.
CLAYTON VALLEY ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME DINNER MAY 16 CVHS Athletic Hall of Fame will induct its fourth class on Saturday, May 16, at Centre Concord. The dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. after a 5 o’clock social hour. Tickets are now on sale through the school’s website claytonvalley.org. Inductees are coach Gary Gardner, community supporter Matt Mazzei, championship 1967 wrestling and 1977 girls volleyball teams and athletes John Mahloch, Tom McCarty, Mike Wojciechowski, Paul Belluomini, Derrell Hoschouer, Tiffany Edwards Panfili, Lori Hokerson, Lindsay Kiyama, Kara Kohler and Erin Dobratz McGregor.
YGNACIO WOOD SWIMMING SIGNUPS ONLINE For online swim team registration and details about YWST team, club and activities visit ywst.org. Pre-season training begins April 14.
CONCORD AYSO FALL LEAGUE REGISTRATION NIGHTS
Registration for fall league is being held at Concord High School on Thursday, April 23, 7-8:30 p.m. and Thursday, May 21, 6-8 p.m. at Bambino’s Restaurant on Farm Bureau Rd. in Concord. Girls and boys 4-18 can register. Visit concordayso.org or email rec@concordayso.org.
WALNUT COUNTRY TAKING REGISTRATIONS Walnut Country Swim Team in now open at walnutcountryeaglerays.com. Questions on WCST can be directed to Julie Sandy at julsands@gmail.com.
Diablo FC is holding open training sessions for boys and girls U15-U18 players for 2015-16 season. The club’s U15-U18 premier teams all compete in the highest level of Nor Cal Premier in the National Premier League. Open training sessions are an opportunity for players to train with teams and be evaluated for initial player placement. For more information and schedule visit diablofc.org.
The Forest Park Swim Team is inviting swimmers 4-18 years to spend their summer learning stroke technique and sportsmanship. Contact Eve Crow for more info at membership@forestparkswimteam.com or visit forestparkswimteam.com.
ADULT CO-ED SOCCER LEAGUE BEGINS SEASON APRIL 12
CONCORD ADULT SOFTBALL, KICKBALL AND PICKLEBALL
The adult co-ed Contra Costa Mixed Soccer League begins April 12 and players can still sign up. CCMSL plays all its 90-minute games at Newhall Park on Sundays at either 9 or 11 a.m. To participate men must be 30 or older and women at least 18. Visit eteamz.com/ccmsl.
OAKHURST ORCAS SET MEET AND GREET APRIL 23 Oakhurst Orcas are accepting mail or drop off registrations for the summer rec swim team season at Oakhurst Country Club. Meet and greet registration at the pool is on Thursday, April 23, from 6:308 p.m. Early registration discounts are available until mid-March. Visit oakhurstorcas.com for more information or e-mail head coach Jasmine Millan at swimcoach@oakhurstcc.com.
FOREST PARK FLYERS PREPPING FOR 2015 SWIM SEASON
TEAM REGISTRATION OPEN
Adults looking for exercise in a fun environment can sign up for one of Concord’s adult sports leagues – softball, coed kickball or pickleball. The city offers one of the largest adult softball leagues in the Bay Area for all skill levels. Registration packets are available for the four-game spring tune-up league and 12-game summer season. The summer season starts April 12 and runs through July. New this year is a Tuesday night Wooden Bat League. For more information on all Concord Rec adult sports programs contact Kathryn Monroy at 671-3074. For all Concord Parks & Recreation classes now taking registration, visit concordreg.org.
March 27, 2015
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 19
CALENDAR PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. APRIL 15 FOR THE APRIL 24
IN CONCORD Apr. 11 – 12 Quilt Show Quilts, demos, vendors, boutique, youth activities, opportunity quilt. Sponsored by the Guild of Quilters of Contra Costa County. Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sun. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road, Concord. $10; good for both days. gqccc.org.
IN CLAYTON Mar. 27 - 29 Creekside Arts Arts, entertainment, environmental education. This year’s theme, “The Future Belongs to Those Who Believe in the Beauty of Their Dreams.” Fri. 6 – 8:30 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sun. 12 – 5 p.m. Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. Free admission. claytonlibrary.org.
Apr. 15 – 19, 22 – 25 “Arsenic and Old Lace” Classic comedy about two lovable ladies who poison lonely old men and bury them in their basement. Apr. 15 preview is a fundraiser for Relay For Life. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. $16-$22. brownpapertickets.com. claytontheatrecompany.org. 222-9106.
Apr. 24 – 25 “Death and Disloyalty” Murder mystery with local celebrity cast members. Revolves around the California 100 who fought during the Civil War. Period costumes, props, music. Refreshments available. 7 – 9 p.m. Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. $15. Tickets available at library. For more information, contact Arlene at akiksen@aol.com or 6739777.
Apr. 25 Clayton Cleans Up Honor Earth Day with a town spring cleaning. 9 a.m., rain or shine. Clayton City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail. Call Clayton Pioneer with questions at 672-0500.
Apr. 25 - 26 Clayton Gardens Tour Five beautiful gardens on self-guided tour in Clayton and Concord. Benefits Clayton Historical Society. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Rain or shine. Starts at Clayton Museum, 6101 Main St. $30. Tickets at R & M Pool, Patio and Gardens or Clayton Historical Society at museum@claytonhistory.org. 672-0240.
ON THE MOUNTAIN Mount Diablo Interpretive Association programs listed are free with the exception of park entrance fee. Go to mdia.org and click on Events Calendar for more information.
Mar. 28, Apr. 18 Butterfly Walk Walk up Mitchell Canyon Road to Red Road looking for butterflies and flowers. 10 a.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Trailhead.
Mar. 29 Round the Mountain Hike Views in all directions as you circle the park’s dominant peak via Deer Flat, Prospector’s Gap and Oak Knoll. 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Meet at Juniper Camp Trailhead.
Apr. 4 Wildflower Hike Walk up Mitchell Canyon looking for spring wildflowers. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon garden behind Visitor Center. Reservations required.
Apr. 9 Wildflower Hike Hike around upper Summit and Mary Bowerman trails looking for wildflowers. 10 a.m. Meet at Lower Summit Picnic Area.
April 10 Riggs Canyon Hike Explore the hills framing Riggs Canyon in the southeastern reaches of Mount Diablo. 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Meet at parking lot on Morgan Territory Road.
Apr. 12 Frog Pond Hike Hike to secluded Frog Pond, then make a steep ascent to the Green Ranch site before returning downhill to Curry Point. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Meet at Curry Point Trailhead.
Apr. 19 Mattson Walk or Ride Guided walk or trail ride from the Concord Mt. Diablo Trail Ride Association grounds to the Waterfall Trail of Mount Diablo. MDIA guides call out points of interest. Barbecue after. Proceeds benefit both organizations. 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. 1600 Trail Ride Road, Clayton. $15-$30. cmdtra.org.
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT Thru Apr. 19 “The Music Man” Funny, warm, romantic and touching. Presented by Contra Costa Musical Theatre. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $44-$54. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Mar. 27 – 29 “Bee-Luther-Hatchee” A drama that will keep you engaged and talking about it for weeks to come. Performed by Woman of Words Productions. Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St., Martinez. $12-$20. womenofwords.brownpapertickets.com.
Mar. 28 Pacifica Quartet Presented by Chamber Music SF. 2:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $47-$51. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Mar. 29 “Easter Parade: In Concert” A celebration of one of Irving Berlin’s most memorable film scores. 3 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $25. elcampaniltheatre.com.
ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO
newsandcalendar@concordpioneer.com
Starting Apr. 1 Ham Radio Courses
Apr. 18 Community Hero Event
Auxiliary training courses and General Class course. Held by Salvation Army and Mt. Diablo Amateur Radio Club at The Salvation Army, 3950 Clayton Road, Concord. Go to mdarc.org for full schedule, fee and sign up information.
Counseling Options and Parent Education holds its second annual fundraiser and honors Kris Gery, foster parent. 5:30 – 8 p.m. Contra Costa Country Club, 801 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. $50. cathy.botello@copefamilysupport.org or 689-5811.
Apr. 1 – 2 “Passion”
Apr. 18 NorCal Poodle Rescue Corral
Music celebrating life. Performed by San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. 8 p.m. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. $25-$90. sfgmc.org.
Wear your western gear and enjoy barbecue, live music and casino entertainment. 5 – 9 p.m. Pacheco Community Center, 5800 Pacheco Blvd., Pacheco. $75. norcalpoodlerescue.net.
Apr. 2 – 4 “Seussical”
Apr. 19 No Warrior Left Behind
Presented by Diablo Youth Theatre. Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Boulevard, Walnut Creek. $19-$21. diablotheatre.org.
Apr. 3 – May 2 “Mirandolina! Mistress of a Tuscan Inn” A rapturous and hilarious 18th century battle of the sexes comedic caper. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $39-$60. centerrep.org.
Apr. 10 – 19 “Seussical the Musical” Presented by Crosslight Theater. Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Boulevard, Walnut Creek. $25-$28. lesherartscenter.org.
Apr. 11 Artemis Quartet Presented by Chamber Music SF. 2:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $47-$51. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Apr. 11 “The Best Intentions: Motown Tribute”
Student artist artwork, silent auction, CVCHS Jazz Band, appetizers, no host bar. Senior student project benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project. 5 – 10 p.m. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. $30; $35 at the door. payitsquare.com/collectpage/60868. nowarriorleftbehind19@gmail.com.
Apr. 25 Poker Tournament Fundraiser by Soroptimist of Diablo Vista. 6:30 p.m. Concord Moose Family Center Lodge #567, 1805 Broadway St., Concord. $60. Call Sue Manning 672-2727.
May 2 Run/Walk One mile, 5K and 10K event to raise funds for Kops for Kids. Volunteers needed also. Medals, food, drink, music. 8 a.m. Willows Shopping Center, Iron Horse Trail, 1975 Diamond Blvd., Concord. $25-$35. contracostakopsforkids.org.
May 9 Art and Wine Walk
Unforgettable experience of great Motown acts. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $25-$27. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Fine wine, beer, appetizers and art. Concord Branch American Association of University Women donates all proceeds to educational scholarships for local girls and women. 1 – 4 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. $20. concord-ca.aauw.net.
Apr. 12 “Mads Men”
May 9 Festival of Tables and Fashion
Mads Tolling, violinist, performs instrumental hits from the 1960s “Mad Men” era. 3 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $10-$25. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Proceeds from the luncheon and fashion show go to charities and scholarships selected by the Clayton Valley Woman’s Club. 11 a.m. Concord United Methodist Church, 1645 West St., Concord. $40. Call Rosemary Harwood at 672-3490.
Apr. 17 – May 3 “Forbidden Broadway” Hit musical revue performed by OMG, I Love that Show! Productions. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $35-$39. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
AT THE LIBRARY The Concord Library is at 2900 Salvio St. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at ccclib.org or 6465455.
Apr. 25 Rosie the Riveters
Apr. 18 “3 Still Standing” Film screening, comedy and commentary by Larry “Bubbles” Brown, Will Durst and Johnny Steele. 8 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $25. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 4271611.
Meet four of the women who worked in shipyards in Richmond and Oakland during WWII. 1 p.m.
Apr. 19 “Leading Ladies”
Consumers are eligible to apply for health coverage during special enrollment until April 30 by attesting that they did not realize there was a tax penalty for being uninsured during 2014. Apr. 25: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Apr. 30: 5 – 8 p.m.
Comedy presented by The Vagabond Players. 2 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $10-$15. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Apr. 23 – 26 “Barefoot in the Park” Neil Simon’s romantic comedy. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $10-$25. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611.
Apr. 24 “An Evening of Pink Floyd” Starring House of Floyd and presented by West Coast Performing Arts Presenters. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40-$45. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Apr. 24 – 25 “Once On This Island” Presented by Arts Education, Teen Theatre. Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. $16.75. lesherartscenter.org.
Apr. 25, 30 Covered California Special Enrollment
Apr. 30 ID Theft How to protect yourself from fraud and what to do if you become a victim. Presented by Travis Credit Union. 6 p.m. English; 7:30 p.m. Spanish. Registration required. The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at claytonlibrary.org or call 673-0659.
Apr. 1 The Factory Farming Awareness Coalition Presentation by a nonprofit organization about the practices of modern food production and their effects on the environment. 6:30 p.m.
Apr. 11 Memoir and Biography Through Poetry and Prose
Apr. 25 “Come Together: The Beatles Concert Experience”
A workshop with Aline Soules, published writer and poet. 10:30 a.m.
Presented by West Coast Performing Arts Presenters. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40-$45. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Apr. 13 Clayton Knits
Apr. 26 “Ol’ Blue Eyes is Back” A salute to Sinatra presented by West Coast Performing Arts Presenters. 3 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40-$45. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
May 3 Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour A variety of gardens containing 60 percent or more native plants are featured in two counties. Plant sales, workshops. Volunteers needed. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Donations requested. Registration required at bringbackthenatives.net.
SCHOOLS Thru Mar. 29 “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” Absurdist comedy placing Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein in a Parisian café in 1904. Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. $16-$21. dvcdrama.net.
FUNDRAISERS Mar. 28 Spring for the Symphony Lunch, fashion show, raffle. Benefits California Symphony. 11 a.m. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. $65. californiasymphony.org.
Bring patterns, tips and tales to share. Long-time knitter Mindy Keys leads the meeting. 1:30 – 4 p.m.
Apr. 13 Clayton Library Book Club Sunny Solomon leads the discussion of “Doc” by Mary Doria Russell. Open to anyone who wants to join. 7 p.m.
Apr. 17 - 19 Used Book Sale Most books $1. Most children’s books $.50. Fri. 4 – 7 p.m. members preview. Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sun. 12 – 4 p.m. half price. 2 – 4 p.m. $3/bag; bag provided.
Apr. 22 Urban Farming Learn how Kelli Barram, garden education specialist, grows her own food in her backyard. 7 p.m.
GOVERNMENT 1st, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays Concord City Council 6:30 p.m., Council Chamber, Concord Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Dr. cityofconcord.org.
1st and 3rd Wednesdays Concord Planning Commission 7 p.m., Council Chamber, Concord Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Dr. cityofconcord.org.
Apr. 12 A Taste of Spring Art, wine tasting, appetizers, raffle, no host bar. Proceeds benefit Clayton Valley Village. 4 – 8 p.m. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. $35. Call Sonja at 672-2689 or Bonnie at 788-2035.
Meeting dates and times for local clubs and organizations are listed at concordpioneer.com. Click on ‘Links’
Page 20
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Christ has indeed been raised from the dead. Join us this Easter
PETS
Foster families keep cats safe – even for a short time
Good Friday April 3 Worship 7 PM
Easter Sunday, April 5
5554 Clayton Rd., Concord
Breakfast 9:30 AM Festival worship 11:15 PM
(in the CC Farm Bureau building)
(925) 524-0295 For more information, go to EternalLifeLutheranChurch.org
March 27, 2015
ELENA BICKER
PET PALS Our feline friends are becoming more active with the warmer temperatures. And that means one thing — it’s kitten season. From March through September, shelters have a difficult time finding space to accommo-
date the flood of cats and kittens in need of homes, and the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) is no exception. Fostering is the key to saving even more lives. Fostering not only frees up shelter space for another lucky animal, but it’s also an easy way to get a “kitten fix” without the lifelong commitment. Foster animals come with all the essentials: food, blankets, toys, treats — everything down to the litter scoop. All foster families need
to provide is time, attention, love and a little bit of space for the cat to call its own. Fostering is an excellent way for first-time pet owners to see if an animal is right for their homes and lifestyles. For folks looking to add another furry member to the family, a shortterm foster will quickly tell you if a new addition will mesh with the existing crew. Fostering also provides children with a handson opportunity to learn about the responsibilities associated
with animal care. Foster homes have shown to be an excellent way to socialize kittens, decrease the level of stress associated with life in a shelter and limit pets’ exposure to illnesses. Whether you have a free month or only a week to spare, you can make a difference in the life of a shelter kitten. Register at arflife.org/foster. Elena Bicker is the Executive Director of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. She can be reached at (925) 256-1ARF (1273)
Manchu and Downey are ARF’s adoption stars
MANCHU
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER WORSHIP Concord United Methodist Church
11-month-old Manchu is a bubbly and outgoing little dude who is curious and friendly with people. Manchu loves to go for walks and would love to partake in the next adventures in life that you might have planned. We rec-
DOWNEY
ommend Manchu take a Small Dog or Basic Manners class where he can start a new life with you with the best paw forward. He currently weighs 9 pounds. The adoption fee for adult dogs is $225 and includes 50%
Asparagus, mixed greens bring spring to life DEBRA MORRIS Pacific Coast Farmers Market
HOLY WEEK Palm Sunday, March 29 Three Services—8, 9 & 10:30 am Children’s Processional at 10:30 am Free Infant Care at 9 & 10:30 am Maundy Thursday, April 2 6 pm – 7:30 pm in Oglesby-Close Hall Supper, Communion, & Special Program Good Friday, April 3 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary Choir & Tenebrae Service
EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 5 6:30 am—Sunrise Service in the Rose Garden 7:30 until 9:30 am—Breakfast for all in Oglesby-Close Hall
off one 7-week dog training session. 8-month-old Downey is a cute young fellow who loves attention and playtime with interactive wand toys! He will be a fun addition to your home! He
is suitable for a first time cat guardian. Downey’s adoption fee has been prepaid by a generous donor. Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 6 pm Wednesday & Thursday, Noon to 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6 pm Saturday & Sunday. The primary caretaker must be present to adopt. ARF also encourages kids 16 and younger and canine family members (dog adoptions only) to be present during the adoption process. 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) 256-1ARF.
California’s tremendous variety of lettuce comes from several locations. Salinas, Watsonville and Santa Maria are the three primary production areas for lettuce in California, with winter production in the desert. The Central Valley is known as the “Salad Bowl of the World.” The Salinas Valley produces more than 75 percent of the iceberg lettuce and 85 percent of the leaf lettuce for the entire country April-October. The coastal counties of Monterey, San Benito, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz also account for a high percentage of production. Monterey County is the largest producing county in the state. There are five types of lettuce: leaf (also called loose-leaf lettuce), cos or Romaine, crisphead, butterhead and stem (also called asparagus or Chinese lettuce). Leaf lettuce, the most widely adapted type, produces crisp leaves loosely arranged on the stalk. Nearly every garden has at least a short row of leaf lettuce, making it the most widely planted salad vegetable. Cos or Romaine forms an upright, elon-
gated head and is an excellent addition to salads and sandwiches. The butterhead varieties are generally small, loose-headed types that have tender, soft leaves with a delicate sweet flavor. Stem lettuce forms an enlarged seed stalk that is used mainly in stewed, creamed and Chinese dishes. Crisphead varieties, the iceberg types common all over the country, are adapted to northern conditions. ASPARAGUS AND SPRING GREENS SALAD WITH GORGONZOLA VINAIGRETTE 1 lb. green and white asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces 1 c. fresh peas 2 ¼ tsp. salt, divided 2 T minced red onion 2 T white balsamic vinegar 2 T extra-virgin olive oil ½ tsp. grated lemon rind ¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper ½ c. (2 oz.) crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, divided 5 oz. mixed salad greens
Combine remaining ¼ tsp. salt and the next five ingredients in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Stir in ¼ c. cheese. Combine asparagus, peas and greens in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing; toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with remaining ¼ cup cheese. Recipe adapted by PCFMA staff from myrecipes.com.
Cook asparagus, peas and 2 tsp. salt in boiling water for two minutes or until crisptender. Drain and rinse under cold water.
The Concord Farmers Market in Todos Santos Plaza is open year around; Tues 10 a.m.2 p.m.; Thurs. 4-8 p.m.
10 am—Easter Service in the Sanctuary Free Infant Care Free Children’s Easter Egg Hunt After 10 am Service Resort, Spa, Salon
Extraordinary Care for your Pet
Taxi service available
Open 7 days a week
Fully staffed & monitored 24/7
10% off Boarding & Grooming services with this ad (Not valid on major holidays)
Concord United Methodist Church 1645 West Street, Concord 925-685-5260
concordumc.org
Exotic Pets Welcome!
Josie Van Fleet, Owner & Operator (925) 432-PETS (7387) 671 Willow Pass Road #6, Pittsburg
PittsburgPetResort.com
March 27, 2015
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 21
Concord garden featured on Clayton Gardens Tour Docents are on hand at each site to answer questions regarding the plants and their care.
NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL Spring is upon us. The flowers are blooming, and the hills are green. It is the time of year for folks to venture back into their landscapes and gardens, and get their hands dirty. They plant color spots and prepare vegetable beds. And some go on garden tours. Such tours are a great way to see what others are growing in similar soil and exposure conditions. It is an excellent opportunity to find inspiration for what can be done to your landscape. For 23 years, the Clayton Gardens Tour has featured gardens and landscapes in both Concord and Clayton. Tour-goers are always delighted. This year’s tour includes the well-designed garden of Robb and Karen [name witheld at owner’s request] of Concord. It is just one of five motivating landscapes that tour-goers will visit during the 23rd annual Clayton Gardens Tour, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 25-26. Robb and Karen’s appealing lawn-less front yard greets visitors as they approach the residence. Multi-trunk crape myrtle trees provide good separation from the street, almost concealing the meandering stone focal point and distinct plantings of Japanese maple, birds of paradise and cordyline. Walking into the backyard, visitors find alluring outdoor living spaces scattered throughout the property. Robb and Karen designed the garden with various vignettes for sit-
Tickets to the Clayton Gardens Tour are available online at www.claytonhistory.org, in advance at R&M Pool, Patio, and Gardens at 6780 Marsh Creek Road in Clayton, or sold the days of the tour at the Clayton Historical Museum, 6101 Main St., Clayton. Tickets are $30 each. The tour is April 25 and 26, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Tour begins at the Clayton Museum, 6101 Main St., Clayton.
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
Nicole Hackett is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. Contact her with questions or comments at Gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
A Floral nce Experie
Flowers for all occasions
925-250-0334
Nicole Hackett
AN EXTENSIVE SUCCULENT COLLECTION is just one of the highlights of the Clayton Gardens Tour, April 25-26, that includes five gardens in Clayton and Concord.
ting, resting, reading and dining. Splashes of color and whimsy complete the rear landscape and garden borders. Karen has an extensive collection of succulents. They nestle in coffee mugs, planters and rock walls. Many of Karen’s succulents are cuttings from friends and neighbors. Visitors can’t help but feel the love, time and devotion the homeowners have put into the space. Karen has the ideas, and Robb creates her visions. A handful of recirculating
water features add refreshing elements to Robb and Karen’s landscape. The sound of babbling water enhances the serenity of the garden. Local wild birds also appreciate the fountains. They drink and bathe in the water throughout the day. The Clayton Gardens Tour is the largest fundraiser for the Clayton Historical Society and Museum. The self-guided gardens tour is a favored community event. Visitors can peruse each garden at their own pace.
FREE ESTIMATES
Mitzie Richardson Richardson Mitzie
925-705-3088
Owners Dustin & Kim Waraner Contractors Lic #879423 Arborist Lic WE-7372A
flowersbymitzie@gmail.com flowersbymitzie@gmail.com Facebook/afloralexperience.biz Facebook/afloralexperience.biz
Family Owned Business for more than 25 years
We’ve got Spring fever
All s Veggie Start $ 1.99 each R&M is the place for:
Sales, repairs & supplies of all pool equipment
Fine outdoor furniture & fire pits
Fountains & statuary
A quality plant nursery
Experienced, knowledgeable staff
Closed Mondays
Pool, Patio, Gifts & Gardens Family owned and operated since 1983
6780 Marsh Creek Road, Clayton
672-0207 randmpool.com
4918 Clayton Road • Concord
Page 22
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
March 27, 2015
THE ARTS
‘Arsenic,’ ‘Barefoot, ‘Music Man’ among April’s local theatre offerings
SALLY HOGARTY
STAGE STRUCK Taking a fresh look at an American classic, Contra Costa Musical Theatre presents “The Music Man,” through April 19 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for
the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr. Set in the summer of 1912 in River City, Iowa, Meredith Willson’s warmhearted tale features Noel Anthony as the flim-flam Harold Hill, whose “think system” transforms a town and wins the heart of Marian, the librarian, richly played by Kelly Britt (Maria in CCMT’s 2013 production of “The Sound of Music.”) Audiences will remember Anthony for his Shelly-winning performance last year as Jean ValJean in CCMT’s “Les Miserables.” Tickets are available at www.lesherartscenter.org or you can call the theatre at 925-943-SHOW
KELLY BRITT AND NOEL ANTHONY bring Meredith Willson’s Marian, the Librarian and Harold Hill to the Lesher stage in CCMT’s “The Music Man,” playing through April 19.
Clayton Theatre Company begins its season in style with a special fundraiser to benefit Relay for Life of Clayton. The fundraiser takes place at the preview performance for “Arsenic and Old Lace” at 7:30 p.m. April 15, with 50 percent of the ticket price going to fight cancer. “It’s an inspiring event that funds research and patient care for all types of cancer,” says Pat Middendorf of Relay for Life. “Arsenic and Old Lace” continues through April 25 at Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. The popular comedy revolves around two elderly sisters who believe it is their Christian duty to alleviate the suffering of lonely old men. Their slightly unorthodox method involves lacing elderberry wine with just a pinch of arsenic. Add in their brother who thinks he’s President Teddy Roosevelt and a distant cousin with nefarious connections, and you have a delightfully deadly comedy.
JARUSHA ARIEL
Clayton Theatre Company opens their 2015 season with the dark and hysterically funny “Arsenic and Old Lace,” the tale of two crazy old sisters who find a poisonious solution for lonely old men. The show opens April 17 at Endeavor Hall in Clayton.
The cast includes Clayton resident Jarusha Ariel as Elaine, the love interest of the sisters’ favorite nephew. Ariel recently completed a two-year contract performing at the Tokyo Disney Resort. “Performing at Tokyo Disney Resort was such a joy,” says Ariel. “I completely fell in love with the country, the people and the food during my time there. The whole experience really was magical.” Prior to working in Japan, Ariel spent 10 years as an actor in New York City. For tickets, call 925-222-9106 or go to www.claytontheatrecompany.org. Pittsburg California Theatre has two comedic events in April. Three well-known local comedians tell the inside story of the rocky road to fame and fortune in “Three Still Standing” on April 18. Will Durst, Larry “Bubbles” Brown and Johnny Steele take audiences on a 30-year journey that is both hilarious and moving as they scramble to survive during comedy’s boom and bust years.
Then Neil Simon’s crazy comedy “Barefoot in the Park” runs April 23-26 at the 351 Railroad Ave. Theater. It’s a wild trip with two newlyweds, the bride’s uberconservative mother, a wacky neighbor who lives in the attic and a charming telephone repairman. Guaranteed to have you laughing in the aisles. For either show, call 925-4271611 or visit their website at pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com.
MIRANDOLINA! MISTRESS OF A TUSCAN INN” OPENS ON APRIL 3 AT CENTER REP.
Bill Chessman presents oldfashioned radio dramas at the Martinez Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St., in Martinez. The plays include “Woman on the Pedestal” and “Space-capades.” The performances are 8 p.m. April 3, and 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. April 4. For more information, you can send Email to Chessman at guitarwebguy@yahoo.com. Center Rep’s mainstage season opens with a battle-of-the-sexes 18th-century style as “Mirandolina! Mistress of a Tuscan Inn” opens April 3 at the Lesher Center. The crazy tale features Center Rep artistic director Michael Butler and local favorites Lynda DiVito, Gabriel Marin and Mark Anderson Phillips. Timothy Near directs. Call 925-943-SHOW or visit www.lesherartscenter.org. Sally Hogarty is well known around the Bay Area as a newspaper columnist, theatre critic and working actress. She is also the editor of the Orinda News. Send comments to sallyhogarty@aol.com.
A.C.T.’s ‘Love’ welcomes possibilities Continuing its 2014–15 season, American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) will present “Let There Be Love,” an intimate and disarmingly honest play from Kwame KweiArmah, one of England’s most distinguished contemporary playwrights. “Let There Be Love” tells the story of Alfred, a cantankerous and aging West Indian immigrant living in London, who has managed to alienate all those around him — including
his equally headstrong daughter, with whom he rarely sees eye to eye. When an idealistic young Polish caregiver, new to the country, is assigned to look after him, he experiences a powerful reckoning with his past. Filled with the sumptuous jazz standards that pour forth from Alfred’s beloved gramophone and featuring a tour-deforce performance from stage and screen star Carl Lumbly, “Let There Be Love” explores the unrelenting grip of memory,
regret and forgiveness — and what can happen when we let go of old prejudices and welcome new possibilities. The play will be performed April 8 through May 3 at A.C.T.’s Geary Theater, 415 Geary St., in San Francisco. The performance schedule is as follows: 8 p.m. Tuesdays–Saturdays and 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Tickets (ranging from $20–$105) are available at the A.C.T. box office at 415-749-2228 or online at www.act-sf.org.
Celebrated Masters presents classical, contemporary works Diablo Ballet’s 21st season continues with Celebrated Masters May 8-9 at the Del Valle Theatre in Walnut Creek. The performance, which places the audience in close proximity of the stage, features live music and an interactive Q&A with the dancers hosted by local celebrity moderators. A reception of dessert delicacies and Peet’s Coffee offers audience members the opportunity to get up close and personal with the artists. The series features a wide range of classical and contemporary works, including the Diablo Ballet premiere of “Just” by renowned choreographer Trey McIntyre. The Oregon press praised it as “drop-dead gor-
geous.” Another element is the electrifying duet from “Book of Alleged Dances” by Val Caniparoli, which Ballet West premiered in 1998.
A new spellbinding work, “Do Be: Double Happiness,” by Robert Dekkers, is set to an original score by Brooklyn-based composer Chris Cerrone – a 2014 Pulitzer Prize finalist in music. It will be performed live by a guitarist and percussion duo, the Living Earth Show. The roman-
What: Celebrated Masters by Diablo Ballet When: 8 p.m. Friday, May 8, and 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9 Where: Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek Tickets: lesherartscenter.org or 925-943-7469
tic wedding pas de deux from “Coppelia” rounds out the program. For 21 years, Diablo Ballet has been the award-winning, professional dance company for Contra Costa County. Presenting acclaimed classical and contemporary works, the company is committed to exposing youth to the arts through the renowned PEEK Youth Outreach Program.
T h e troupe brings arts education to more than 5,000 elementary school students in underserved Alameda and Contra Costa counties each year. For more information on Diablo Ballet, send e-mail to diablo@diabloballet.org or call 925-943-1775.
March 27, 2015
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 23
Music, dance, paintings, ponies all part of Creekside Festival PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
George Curtis Van Liew was just 10 when he started taking painting classes at Diamond Terrace retirement community, but the fact that he was the only child in the class didn’t stop the budding artist from practicing his craft. Now Van Liew, 18, actually teaches painting in the same room he practiced in, and, after years of volunteering at the event, this year will be a featured artist at Creekside Arts 2015, the annual three-day Clayton arts festival to be held March 27, 28 and 29 in and around the Clayton Library. Although perhaps best known as being part of the musical Clayton family, Van Liew also nursed his love of watercolor painting, and he is thrilled to be part of the arts celebration, which is part of the 20th anniversary celebration of the Clayton Library. “We need an arts presence in Clayton, and the Creekside Arts Guild has been that,” he says, referring to the arts group that supports the festival. “It’s exciting to see it grow year after year.” The free event has grown
GEORGE CURTIS VAN LIEW, with his watercolor “Looking over the Water” will join dozens of artists and performers at the Clayton Library Mar. 27-29 for the Creekside Arts Celebration
over the years, and includes not only painters but storytellers, musicians, writers, naturalists and more. “We have a free wonderful weekend of live animal
friends, eco groups, nature speakers and tours, arts and crafts, workshops, authors book signing, music, culture and more,” says organizer Arlene
Nielsen, of the Clayton Community Library. The event, the theme this year being “the Future Belongs to Those Who Believe in the Beauty of their Dreams,” kicks off from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, March 27 with an opening reception. Highlights of the evening will be a sampling of art for sale, plus one of the most unusual arts events in the Bay Area. A live Eurasian Eagle Owl — which will be painted by the artists — may actually sing along with some musical performances by Vintage, a Clayton singing group. There will also be juried arts awards. Saturday, March 28, brings ongoing art sales, as well interactive art demonstrations, storytelling, a nature tour, face painting, crafts and a silent auction. Some of the highlights include a real “dog and pony show,” called “Annie & Friends,” provided by Faith Taylor’s Snowfire Ranch, as well as “Joy’s Quilt,” a Clayton Civil War tale told by Joy Koonin, a storyteller dressed in character as a young girl living on a farm on Mt. Diablo during the Civil War period. There will also be plein air painting, Mother Goose storytelling and a Hypertufa workshop, teaching the art of plant pottery. There
Artists bring their memories and stories to life on canvas LISA FULMER
SPOTLIGHT
ON
ART
Catherine Hensiek and Mary Frances Crabtree have diverse artistic styles and visions, but both treasure the memories stored in their paintings.
I love meeting creative people and sharing their stories — how they were introduced to art, where they find inspiration and what drives them to create. The fact that remote emptiness still exists in many parts of our heavily populated state is fascinating to Hensiek. “From border to border, our state contains miles of open territory where the only sounds are sagebrush rustling in the wind and crows cawing
CANYON 2 BY CATHERINE HENSIEK is a combination of gouache and acrylic.
Organic produce
overhead,” she notes. Death Valley inspires her imagination. “Hiking through canyons, one can see eons of time crushed into layers of multi-colored rock. Sand, drifting downward from the continual erosion of the canyon walls, cushions the uncertain trail. Weird rocky shapes, sculpted by water in the distant past, bestow thin shade in the late afternoon,” Hensiek says. The artist attempts to capture her memories of the hidden canyons, vast desert and immense sky. “At the same time, my intention is to express the inner experience that these spaces create for me,” she says. “The most intensely spiritual moments of my life have occurred in places of austere beauty, where the landscape reveals the ancient forces that shaped our world.” For Crabtree, her paintings tell stories. “But unlike a story told in words, my paintings tell their story in color. I use the rich, deep, intense fluidity of oils and the vibrant, sparkling brightness of gouache to create the mood, tone and emotion,” she says. “I want the
delivered to your doorstep straight from local farms Use coupon code pioneer15 to receive
a FREE bottle of local olive oil
925.349.4568
www.doorstepfarmers.com Sign up now
For more information on the Creekside Arts Festival, email creeksideartsfest@gmail.com, or stop by the Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Rd., Clayton, or visit www.claytonlibrary.org. Besides the Creekside Arts Festival, the Clayton Community Library will be celebrating its 20th birthday with a special display on “Women in History,” as well as a special murder mystery, “Death and Disloyalty,” to be presented on April 24 and 25.
f f O % 0 1 eer for Pion only s r reade
Remodeling Specialist Kitchens Bathrooms Windows Mouldings Decks Siding Painting interior & exterior Family Owned and Operated
925-822-5144 738 Bloching Circle, Clayton
license 962284
Like us on Facebook
See Memories, page 24
COMING SOON
5502 Nebraska Dr, Concord
3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1511 sq. ft. Listing agent: Matt Mazzei
ACTIVE LISTING
2415 Deer Tree Ct. Martinez $479,000 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1749 sq.ft. Listing agent: Rula Masannat
Rula Masannat Sales Agent DRE# 01923757
415-310-2905 rulawithmazzei@yahoo.com
PENDING
3984 Royal Arch Dr. Concord
$400,000
3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1646 sq.ft. Listing agent: Matt Mazzei
40 Carquinez Scenic Dr. Martinez
Paula Johnstone Broker Associate DRE# 00797857
925-381-8810 heypaula10@gmail.com
$780,000
2 bedroom, 1 bathroom fourplex Listing agent: Paula Johnstone
50 Carquinez Scenic Dr. Martinez
$780,000
2 bedroom, 1 bathroom fourplex Listing agent: Paula Johnstone
SOLD
with your first order.
rhythm and blues performance by Azeeta Nikoui and the announcement of the coveted People’s Choice Award for favorite artist.
L SPECIA
Kevin Schmidt, Clayton Resident
viewer to experience something from the color I use in my landscapes and from the
in-season, local And farm fresh eggs
will also be talks by a naturalist and interactive workshops with California writers. The day concludes with a question-andanswer time with some of the exhibiting artists. Sunday, March 29, begins again with ongoing arts sales and interactive nature walks, including one on nature and journaling with Patricia Hanlon. There will be more storytelling for the younger set, as well as a Ukulele Jam and Hula exhibition by Ehu Alidon. People are encouraged to bring their ukulele and join in. There will also be an exhibition by Diablo Taiko on this powerful form of Japanese drumming. The festival concludes with a “Last Minute”
Matt Mazzei, Jr.
965 Oak St, Clayton
$650,000
5 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2491 sq. ft. Listing agent: Matt Mazzei
mazzeirealty.net Clayton residents since 1959
925-693-0757 (Main)
Broker/Owner DRE# 01881269
925-766-6745 mazzeirealty@yahoo.com
6160 Center St. Suite #C, Clayton
925-693-0752 (Fax)
Page 24
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
March 27, 2015
Magic ‘illusions’ help define your style SUSAN SAPPINGTON
CLOTHES-UP How many times have you heard body types referred to as pear, apple, banana and such? Personally, I do not think we are a fruit salad. Geometric shapes are more my speed. However, if you like fruit, go for it. Speaking of shape, do you know yours? Knowing if you
are a triangle, inverted triangle, rectangle, oval or hourglass is very helpful when selecting clothes that can work best for your body. Once you understand your body shape, add a few more tools to your toolbox regarding lines, proportion and scale – in other words, using optical illusions to create the most flattering looks for you. The goal is always to create the illusion of balance. Optical illusions can be created to trick the eye into conveying the appearance of a more balanced figure. The eye will see what you want it to see and
camouflaging what you do not. This is the first in a threepart series on the best “illusions” that I’m calling “Wave the Magic Wand.” First up: lines. It is important to understand that all patterns on any garment have geometry, not just horizontal and vertical lines. There is always either a horizontal or vertical flow to any pattern. The idea is to use this geometry in ways that flatter and compliments. The place to start a discussion is with the lines found in a pattern. All lines create an optical illusion, especially out-
side and inside lines. Lines that are on the outside of a garment appear to follow the shape of the body and help with the optical illusion of length. Inside pattern lines move the eye up, down and across the body.
Vertical lines will narrow and lengthen, horizontal lines will widen and shorten. Diagonal lines and curved lines will lead the eye across the body, while not allowing it to focus in one specific area. Optical illusions are a great way to camouflage. Use these optical illusions to your advantage. Do you love stripes but think you cannot wear them? Be creative. For example, try wearing stripes under a solid
colored jacket. Remember, for the best camouflage results use both outside/inside lines. Here are a couple of optical illusion tricks: Wear a long necklace. This creates a slenderizing line. No half-calf. Skirts and dresses need to stop around your knees or down to the floor. Stopping half way makes you look shorter. Next up in the “Wave the Magic Wand Series” will be all about proportion and how to choose clothes that will flatter your body whether you have a long waist, a short waist, or are short or tall. Susan Sappington is a wardrobe consultantant the area development manager for EtCetera Styles. Send comments, questions and suggested topics to susan@etcstyles.com.
Memories, from page 23 Time for an update? Call Interiors Panache! Full-Service Design Firm mail for Call or e intment an appo ay tod
• Remodels, Kitchens & Baths • Design consultations • Hunter Douglas Priority Dealer • 21 years of design experience – model homes, commercial • Major furniture brands & residential at a discount • Clayton resident for 15 years • Licensed general contractor
925-672-7920
6160 Center St, Clayton CA carol@interiorspanache.com
www.interiorspanache.com
Follow us on Facebook
figures that emerge in my painting.” While she considers color the most important part of her story, she says the plot is also visually told on the canvas. “It’s a painted canvas that is a keeper of my memories, of fleeting glimpses seen from a moving train, of remembered moments waking from a dream and of imagined passages from a novel,” Crabtree says. “My paintings invite viewers to create their own plot — their own story from what they see inside the four corners of my painted canvas. No longer are they just viewers; they are now
artists.” The two women recently exhibited some of their work in a show with the Concord Community of Artists. Visit ConcordArtsAlive.blogspot.co m to see more of their work, as well as links and images from several other members. Lisa Fulmer is an artist, crafter, blogger and author of two craft project books (Fox Chapel Publishing). Lisa is an active member of the Concord Art Association and the Concord Community of Artists. See more of her creative pursuits on her website – LisaLizaLou.com
• Independent Living with meals included, starting at $1,800 • Assisted Living starting at $2,200
• Memory Care starting at $3,700
Ourr servicess andd amenitiess include:
Private and Semi-private Studios Restaurant-style Dining Sun-filled Courtyards and Private Patios Professional and Caring Staff 24 hours a day
Scheduled Transportation and Concierge Service Life Enriching Activities Housekeeping and Laundry Services Full time nurse on staff
Calll todayy forr detailss on n thiss exceptionall offerr andd learn n aboutt ourr new w administration n andd new w priices..
(925) 798-3900
1081 Mohr Lane Concord www.courtyardsatpinecreek.com
Lic #075601529
Travel To Go, Inc. Ph: 925.672.9840
travel-2-go.com Clayton Station Shopping Center 5439 Clayton Road (Suite F) - Clayton, CA * Sample price is per person, based on double occupancy in a Club category room on select weeks at Ixtapa Pacific, Mexico and Sandpiper Bay, Florida. Prices on other dates and/or at other resorts may vary. Blackout dates apply, including holidays and other dates. Offer requires a 3- night minimum stay (7-night minimum for Columbus Isle). Available at select resorts. Does not include airfare. Valid for new individual bookings only for select travel dates through October 30, 2015 and must be booked by May 5, 2015. Offer is subject to capacity control and may increase at any time. † Children aged under 4 years stay for free at our family destinations. Children aged 4-11 years stay at up to 50% off adult price at select family resorts. Children aged 12-15 years stay at up to 40% off adult price at select family resorts. For flights that are booked through Club Med, tickets for children must be paid for by the client. Children who are eligible to stay for free must be lodged in the same room as the adults who are paying for their stay, or in a connecting room. Blackout dates may apply. Costs associated with Baby & Petit Club Med are at full day rate during entire stay booked. General Conditions: Blackout dates apply, including holidays and other dates. For Turkoise all guests must be 18 and older. Guests at Columbus Isle must be 2 and older. Club Med Membership fees of $60 per adult and $30 per child are additional. Other restrictions apply including brochure terms and cancellation/change fees. Not responsible for errors or omissions. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. CST#: 2020955-50.
CST #2033054-40