See Inside East Bay Regional Parks Activity and Program Guide
May 21, 2021
www.PioneerPublishers.com
Warriors, Minutemen nicknames may be removed at Concord, Ygnacio Valley highs JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer
While the Mt. Diablo Unified School District has grappled with perhaps the most difficult 14 months of its existence due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is now just over a month into having students return to campus on a limited basis two afternoons a week, the district’s new superintendent and governing board is discussing changing the mascots of Ygnacio Valley and Concord high schools. Ygnacio Valley began in the fall of 1962 and the school athletic teams have had Warriors as the mascot since then. Concord High opened four years later with the Minutemen as their nickname. A teacher new to Ygnacio Valley is leading a charge along with some of her students to “get our school’s Native [American] mascot/logo/name changed.” At Concord High, the principal had a discussion with some of her teachers over a year ago when the idea was brought up that “Minutemen” refers to only one gender and the symbol holding a rifle is not reflective of the school in the third decade of the 21st Century. New MDUSD superintendent Dr. Adam Clark included both issues during his report at the April 28 board Zoom meeting. Clark told The Pioneer, “Our primary focus is leading our students through the remainder of this challenging year. The mascot conversation is long overdue, and it is time to ensure that all students, staff and community members feel comfortable with images at our schools.” Board president Cherise Khaund cites AB 30, the 2015 California Racial Mascots Act, which states that “the use of racially derogatory or discriminatory school or athletic team names, mascots, or nicknames in California public schools is antithetical to the California school mission of providing an equal education to all.” She said, “The Mt. Diablo Unified School District Governing Board is committed to providing equal opportunity for all individuals in education. We as a school district should listen carefully to student concerns, especially if they feel unwelcome or unsafe on our campuses.”
See Mascots, page 7
What’s Inside
Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Directory of Advertisers . . . .7 From the Desk of . . . . . . . . .6 Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Next issue, June 18, Deadline, June 7
Concord names three companies to apply for cannabis licenses BEV BRITTON The Pioneer
Pete Cruz/The Pioneer
Concord High’s Minuteman mascot is portrayed on the school marquee on Concord Blvd. and signs in the adjacent parking lot, while the Ygnacio Valley Warriors mascot headdress is on the scoreboard at Richard Ryan Stadium. Discussions have come up during this pandemic-challenged school year to remove the mascots, which have been associated with each Concord school since they opened in the 1960s.
Bike Concord advocate Ardrey honored as two-wheel champion DAVID SCHOLZ Correspondent
If the abundance of ethnic restaurants was the yardstick for a community’s vitality in the 1980s, Smitty Ardrey believes bicycle riding is the barometer today. Concord’s relatively flat topography adds to its appeal among the two-wheeling persuasion, whether it’s for recreation or transportation. To ensure folks keep rolling along, Ardrey offers repair services and education through the Tamara Steiner/The Pioneer Bike Tent and Bike Kitchen Happy to have a permanent location for the Bike Kitchen at backed by Bike Concord. Because of his efforts, the MetOlympic High, Smitty Ardrey, center, shows Diablo Valley College student Circe Wetherington and Olympic High sen- ropolitan Transportation Comior Peter Fajard how to remove the handlebars on a bike mission and other local agencies that needs repair. crowned him this year’s Bike
Champion for Contra Costa County. As the 2021 honoree, Ardrey received a Tailgator brake light and water bottle from Mike’s Bikes, a bicycle-only membership for 24/7 roadside assistance from Better World Club, a laminated set of San Francisco map cards from the Association of Bay Area Governments and a cycling jersey from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. VARIETY OF TWO-WHEELED PURSUITS
Ardrey caught the bug for riding early. Like most youths armed with a Schwinn Stingray and its iconic banana seat and high handlebars, he had a desire
See Ardrey, page 4
The City Council gave the go-ahead for CoCo Farms and Infinity Concord to apply for cannabis microbusinesses licenses at the April 13 meeting. The council also selected Medusa Delivery to be the city’s first non-storefront retailer that’s not part of a microbusiness. Continuing the arduous process, the council will interview candidates for up to three storefront retail business licenses on May 25 and 26. “Some of my colleagues wanted to go faster, but I think it’s very important that we’ve had this very thorough process because we still have some community members that still have concerns about cannabis storefront and non-storefront,” Councilmember Carlyn Obringer said.
TOP RANKING FOR COCO FARMS Senior planner Coleman Frick said 19 of 21 applicants advanced to the evaluation and scoring phase, with five reviewed on April 13. After hearing the four microbusiness presentations, all five council members said CoCo Farms was their top pick. They cited a strong business plan and extensive parking at the 2366 Stanwell Circle location. “CoCo Farms is by far in the best interest of the city,” said Councilmember Edi Birsan. “It seems to have the biggest buck for the city. I think it has the biggest intent, and I think it will have the most positive impact.” CoCo Farms plans a microbusiness with storefront retail, manufacturing and distribution. The company already has facilities in Rio Vista and Antioch and will soon expand to Vallejo. “One thing that’s important for us is that whatever community we’re operating in, it’s a
See Cannabis, page 2
Clayton Community Church home at last TAMARA STEINER The Pioneer
After a 25-year search and two false starts, Clayton Community Church finally found a place to call home when the Clayton Planning Commission unanimously approved their plans for a 13,000 square foot building on 4.4 acres high on the hill adjacent to Mt. Diablo Elementary School at the April 27 meeting. The project had no trouble sailing through the planning commission despite objections from the neighbors. “It was a clean project and met all the requirements of the Clayton zoning codes including setbacks, building heights and parking,” vice-chair Terri Denslow said after the 5-0 vote. There were no significant environmental issues, and the commission adopted a Mitigated
Negative Declaration and a Tree Replacement Program.
NEIGHBORS FEAR TRAFFIC Residents closest to the church fear the increased traffic will cause even greater congestion in their small neighborhood which is already subject to gridlock twice a day during pick up and drop off at the elementary school. “We plan our doctor appointments and trips out around school hours,” Charmetta Mann told the Pioneer after the decision. Mann’s family originally settled the property in 1870. “None of the neighbors want this.” Because school hours are during the week and the church operation will mainly be on Sundays, the traffic patterns won’t collide, commissioner Ed Miller noted prior to the final vote. “Traffic going to the church
The front of the new Clayton Community Church was designed to blend with the ranch style homes in the small neighborhood it faces.
will be heading straight into the church parking lot, not queuing up in a long procession.” The church’s 160 parking spaces will be available for school event overflow and parents can use the church driveway for turnaround which will help move things through a little faster. CCC pastor Shawn Robinson was jubilant. “It’s been 25 long years,” he told the Pioneer
in an interview following the um and theater. However, the meeting. “We just want a perma- high construction cost for two bridges and a run-in with the nent place to do God’s work.” Alameda whipsnake sent that THIRD TIMES A CHARM plan packing. This is the third attempt at The church then turned its finding a permanent home for attention to downtown Clayton. the church. In 2006, when mem- In a surprise move the next year, bership was over 600, the church the church purchased the 1.7made an offer on 19 acres on acre lot adjacent to their adminMarsh Creek Road with plans to build a worship center, gymnasiSee Church, page 9
Postal Customer ECRWSS
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA 94517 PERMIT 190
White Pony serves hundreds at drive-through celebration Page 2
The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com
DAVID SCHOLZ Correspondent
Working as efficiently as a pit crew at the Sonoma Raceway, White Pony Express (WPE) volunteers quickly served hundreds of vehicles that made their way through a Mt. Diablo High School parking lot for a special drivethrough giveaway on May 1. The event marked the nonprofit’s rescue and delivery of 15 million pounds of surplus food. A series of speakers kicked off the celebration, including Dr. Carol Weyland Conner, who founded the organization in 2013. Conner sees a new paradigm playing out in the postpandemic world. “Love knows all, does all,” she said.
At a time when people are being marginalized into have and have nots, “it is the most powerful force in the world,” Conner added. Joining Conner to praise WPE’s efforts were Josh Fryday, California’s chief service officer and head of the state agency California Volunteers, and Rachel Wagoner, director of the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). Fryday noted that the pandemic has shown how a community can come together to solve problems, but he acknowledged that words alone are not enough. “We are putting real skin into the game by including $20 million in the state budget” to support volunteerism and help communities do more to meet
local needs, he said. A by-product of WPE’s work is that less food is going into landfills. Wagoner lauded the organization’s contribution to the “climate changing movement” and methane reduction efforts in California that are translating into 21,000 fewer cars on the roads. Wagoner also spoke of the direct need that WPE’s efforts are meeting every day. “Thanks to you, there are going to be children tonight with full bellies,” she said. At the drive-through giveaway, WPE was prepared to distribute fresh groceries and sized-clothing, even the game Battleship, to about 500 families in need. For the unique clothing distribution, English- and Spanish-speaking volunteers took clothing sizes of guests in each car at the front of the line. A runner would then take this
Volunteers handed out food and clothing during a White Pony Express giveaway at Mt. Diablo High School on May 1.
information to the clothing station. After each driver received allotments of vegetables and non-perishable food, clothing was ready to be placed
in the trunk –bundled by size. The day was made all the more festive by musicians from Concord High School who welcomed one car after anoth-
Chicago Highway. Infinity proposes a vertically integrated microbusiness with cultivation, distribution and retail. “We’ve worked with many top licensed cannabis companies where demand exceeds supply, and we think this is a great opportunity for us to expand in Concord,” said David Kang, director of cultivation. Chris Hester, director of security and facilities, called the site’s 28 parking spaces “ample” and touted the firm’s commitment to hiring 80 percent of its workforce from Concord. “This is going to be the first time where we actually live
in the county we’re serving,” ASHE Concord would be added CEO Miguel Rodriguez. the fourth option, although the council questioned the compaA BACKUP PLAN ny’s ability to procure a site The council gave CoCo because Public is in escrow on Farms and Infinity until June 11 the property ASHE proposed to submit applications for city using. cannabis licenses. Each business must also enter into a RETAIL AND DELIVERY PLAN Medusa pitched a nondevelopment agreement that will determine what contribu- storefront retail delivery service at 5143 Port Chicago Highway. tions it will make to the city. “Medusa’s mission is to Should either company fail to follow through on the city become a leading non-storeprocess, the council selected front retail delivery service of Public as its third option. branded cannabis products, “I thought Public had some with a reputation for quality, good information,” said Coun- reliability and outstanding cuscilmember Laura Hoffmeister. tomer service,” CEO Michael “My concern is the parking sit- Hisaka told the council. uation on Cherry Circle. I just Hisaka said Medusa is comdidn’t feel that was going to be mitted to a goal of hiring 45 a comfortable or safe situation percent Concord residents, for both employee safety and including “vulnerable and underserved populations.” the public’s safety.”
Cannabis, from page 1
Virtual Seminar June 2, 2021 6-7:30 PM Aditi Choudhry, MD Medical Oncologist Diablo Valley Oncology
This informative seminar will include a discussion about treatment updates and the important role immunotherapy plays in the management of melanoma skin cancer. Register at cancersupport.net or call 925.933.0107
substantially positive win – not just for the city, but it has to be a win for the community,” Martin Wesley told the council during a virtual presentation. “And it has to be safe and secure not just for our employees but for our customers as well.” “I feel like they’ve thought through some of the concerns the community may have,” Obringer said. “And I can see the track record they’ve had in other communities.” FROM CULTIVATION TO RETAIL SALES
Although Vice Mayor Dominic Aliano initially cited Public as his second choice, he joined the unanimous vote for Infinity’s plan for 5121 Port
May 21, 2021
er through the designated route, making this particular Saturday afternoon like no other drive-through experience.
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Concord/Clayton Market Update CONCORD
PRICE
1180 Trailside Cir . . . . . . . . . . . $780,000 781 Berkshire Pl . . . . . . . . . . . $880,000 1165 Turtle Rock Ln. . . . . . . . . $960,000 3910 Northwood Dr #D . . . . . . $430,000 1261 Davis Ave. . . . . . . . . . . $1,200,000 1557 Lyric Lane . . . . . . . . . . . . $660,000 1784 Kaywood Dr . . . . . . . . . . $900,000
SF
. .1566 . .2540 . .2268 . .1240 . .2830 . .1037 . .1571
provided by Better Homes Realty
BED/BATH DATE
. .3/2.5 . .4/15/21 . .3/2 . . .4/16/21 . .4/2.5 . .4/19/21 . .3/1.5 . .4/22/21 . .4/2.5 . .4/23/21 . .2/2 . . .4/26/21 . .3/2 . . .4/29/21
CLAYTON
1169 Saint Francis Dr. – Concord
Sprawling Rancher in St Frances Park 3 bedrooms, 2 baths approx. 1671sf on a BIG approx. .39 acre corner lot with an attached 2 car garage. Updated & upgraded throughout. Backyard oasis is an entertainers dream featuring in-ground pool & spa with solar, large covered patio area, lush lawn, HUGE side yard, garden and more. $899,000
5080 Valley Crest Dr. #24 – Concord Desirable Valley Terrace Condo! Single story. 2 bedf fers O le ip l rooms, 2 baths, apt Mu prox. 1080 sf. Inside laundry. Community pool & basketball court. Great location in complex and centrally located near shops, dining & transportation. $395,000
PE ND I NG
5866 Caulfield Dr. – Clayton
Terrific Tri-level in Clayton Greens. 4 bedT OV E R L IS rooms, 2.5 baths r e s le o f f plus bonus room, M u l t ip approx. 2324sf on a large .23 acre lot with an attached 2 car garage. Updated kitchen with newer appliances, new flooring & cozy eating nook. Sprawling lot features in-ground freeform pool! Close to park, elementary school and downtown Clayton. $1,050,000
SO LDIST
PRICE
221 Tumbleweed Ct . . . . . . $1,350,000 4013 Hummingbird Way . . . . $950,000 1360 Yosemite Cir . . . . . . . . . $990,000 5866 Caulfield Dr . . . . . . . . $1,050,000 32 Mountaire Ct . . . . . . . . . $1,245,000 1437 Indianhead Cir. . . . . . . . $675,000 1110 Peacock Creek Dr . . . $1,400,000
SF
. .2532 . .1835 . .2144 . .2324 . .2870 . .1355 . .3819
BED/BATH
DATE
. . .4/3 . . . . .4/2/21 . . .3/2 . . . . .4/9/21 . . .3/2.5 . . .4/9/21 . . .4/2.5 . .4/12/21 . . .4/2.5 . .4/15/21 . . .3/2.5 . .4/22/21 . . .4/2.5 . .4/23/21
Experience Buxworth’s charm at new Clayton exhibit May 21, 2021
The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com
Visitors to the Joel Clayton Historical House Museum can join in the celebration of the village and county in England where town founder Joel Clayton was born and raised. The new exhibit, “Buxworth in the High Peak in Delightful Derbyshire County,” will provide answers to many questions about the village twinned with Clayton, such as: Where in the world is Buxworth? What evidence remains of the region’s long pre-history?
Why did the Romans find the region so attractive? What were Buxworth’s early industries and what was Derbyshire’s role in the Industrial Revolution? What are Well Dressing and Bakewell Pudding? What exquisite and rare mineral is found only in the caverns of Derbyshire? Known as a “shire county” due to its smaller population, Derbyshire encircles the Peak District National Park in all its rugged grandeur, yet it also encompasses gentle, bucolic land-
Page 3
scapes, quaint villages and ancient market towns. The exhibit features information about ancient castles, mansions, fabulous gardens, market towns, spa towns, art galleries and museums, along with famous works of literature and film inspired by Derbyshire. Of special note is a collection of 12 scenes of Buxworth donated by art photographer Mark Lomas and the Association of Buxworth and Clayton, the “ABC-ers.” Perhaps visitors will be inspired to make a trip
“across the pond” to experience it all in person. But watch out for the Bakewell Pudding; it’s a whopping 1,100 calories per serving! If the treat proves irresistible, Derbyshire is crisscrossed with exhilarating walking, cycling and equestrian trails through spectacular countryside to work off those extra calories. The Clayton Museum, at 6101 Main St., is open 2-4 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday. Mark Lomas photo COVID protocols are in place. The Chatsworth House on the River Derwent in Derbyshire For more information, visit clayis a stately mansion dating back to the 1100s with magnifitonhistory.org.
medical reasons, or extent of public contact.
8, not sure. 12, yes – for everyone who 2, other. Most common is not a U.S. citizen. was pro landlord along lines 19, no. of they should have paid their 7, not sure. 4, other. Common answer: rent. Require an instant test. 9. Do you believe that the 7. Do you personally know danger of the COVID someone who has died pandemic was overstatfrom COVID? ed? 20 percent, yes – one. 25 percent, yes. 12, yes – two or three. 64, no. 4, yes – more than three. 7, not sure. 59, no. 4, other. A range from it 3, not sure. was man-made in China to 1, other. Common: Heard not at first, but now it is. of someone but not someone 10. Do you believe that govpersonally known. ernment decisions on COVID restrictions for 8. If the COVID eviction the past year have been restrictions are removed, primarily based on sciwill you (or someone you ence or politics? know) be at risk for evic26 percent, science. tion from their home? 28, politics. 3 percent, yes – me. 1, yes – me plus 1-3 people 42, some of each. I know. 1, neither. 1, yes – me plus more than 2, not sure. 3 people I know. Comments were all over 20, no – but people I the field, including it’s a hoax know will be. to people do not know what 69, not me or anyone I science is. know.
cent gardens and art collections.
High turnout for survey on COVID and the homeless
Setting an 11-year record, 603 people took the survey to date. Thank you, folks, for your interest. The first half of the survey dealt with COVID and vaccines. I will talk about the second part, on homeless issues, in the next edition.
1. Will you get the COVID vaccine when it is EDI BIRSAN available to you? 67 percent, yes – I already PULSE OF got it. CONCORD 16, yes – as soon as I’m allowed. cific job types? 2, yes – but I’ll wait up to 53 percent, yes. three months to see what oth30, no. ers’ reactions are. 11, not sure. 2, yes – but I’ll wait up to 6, other. Most common six months to see what others’ answers: Depends on the job reactions are. 4, maybe – I have to think and is that even legal? some more about it. 3. Should city government 6, no – it’s not for me. require vaccinations for 4, no way – and I would fire/police/public workadvise others not to get it. ers? 62 percent, yes. 2. Should businesses be 28, no. allowed to require vac7, not sure. cines for employees in 3, other. Mixed no for general and/or for spe-
4. Should bus and BART riders be required to wear masks? 77 percent, yes. 15, no. 4, not sure. 4, other. Common answer: Only until herd immunity 5. Do you think proof of vaccination identifications should be a requirement to attend City Council or any government public meetings in the future? 30 percent, yes. 48, no. 15, not sure. 7, other. Most common: No, but people should wear masks. 6. Do you think proof of vaccination identification should be required for international travelers coming to the U.S.? 59 percent, yes – for everyone.
11. Do you think that Gov. Newsom should be recalled? 4 percent, yes – based mostly on his handling of COVID. 25, yes – based on his handling of COVID as well as his other polices. 7, yes – I never wanted him in office. 55, no. 5, not sure. 3, other. For fun, think about the differences or similarities for the 156 people who answered that the pandemic was overstated compared to the 403 who said it was not. We can sort that out.
The questions were originated by a group of people who remain anonymous so they are not accused of witchcraft or association with the overthrow of any school of science or government entity but were channeled through the independent mind of Edi Ersalesi Birsan at EdiBirsan@gmail.com.
It’s a GREAT time to both Buy AND Sell
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3363 Yacht Drive, Discovery Bay ing
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This lovely Discovery Bay home offers 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms. The exterior has been freshly painted. Great location, close to schools, shopping and Hwy 4 access.
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Nancy Donofrio | 4 Bed | 3 Bath | $573,635 925.998.7705 Nancy.Donofrio@compass.com DRE 01353299
3500 G Street, Antioch INGfers D N f
Single story on a corner lot featuring O E 4 bedrooms and 2 P 21 h t i baths. Home has w been updated throughout including a beautiful kitchen with sunny, eat in breakfast nook. Vaulted ceilings in open floor plan. Fireplace and bay window in living room. Private back yard with storage shed, patio and lovely landscaping.
284 Mountaire Parkway, Clayton
2012 Tempranillo Drive, Brentwood
Carol van Vaerenbergh | 5 Bed | 3 Bath | $1,465K
Lynne French | 2 Bed | 2 Bath | $659,000
for 0 D L 00 SO,465, $1
This stunning Clayton home in Dana Hills sits on a .28 acre lot bordered by open space. Remodeled throughout, dual pane Anderson windows, remodeled chefs kitchen, stainless appliances, and dining room with French doors. Office/study unit with separate entrance and bathroom. Backyard pool, patio with deck, man cave with fireplace, sheds and RV Access.
925.683.2568 CVanVaeren@aol.com DRE 01221965
1735 Indian Wells Way, Clayton
Beautiful duet with a gorgeous backyard including a stone patio, redwoods and gardens. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, vaulted ceilings and a living room with fireplace. Light filled 2 story with an attached, 2 car garage. Black Diamond community with pool, views of Mt Diablo and proximity to shopping, restraunts, walking trails and great schools.
Heather Donovan | 4 Bed | 2 Bath | $525,000
Kelly McDougall | 3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | $735,000
DRE 01329100
DRE 01156462
925.765.3822 Heather.Donovan@compass.com
925.787.0448 Kelly.McDougall@compass.com
Charming 2 bed, 2 bath home in Trilogy at the Vineyards, an active 55+ community with amazing amenities. Community pools, spa, restaurant and much more. Model home with over $90k in upgrades. Corner lot with quaint backyard including a covered patio. Call for more information.
925.876.1984 Lynne@LynneFrench.com DRE 01122025
Saturday, May 22 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Shredding Event 6200 Center St, Clayton, CA 94517
Documents will be shredded and recycled free of charge. Come join us! *Up to 2 boxes per household
Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been veriAll verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. fied. All measurements and square footage are approximate.
O b i tu a r y
Page 4
The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com
May 21, 2021
Carolyn Marie Stanoff
Serving our Local Community since 1977
Carolyn (Carrie) Marie Stanoff died May 5, 2020. Carrie had been diagnosed with glioblastoma (brain cancer) in December 2015. Carrie fought bravely and remained positive during her treatment. Initially, medical professionals’ prognosis was 14 months, but she lived 5½ years. Carrie was born in Chicago in 1961. Her family moved to Burbank, where Carrie excelled academically and athletically at Burbank High School. She later graduated with honors from Cal State Northridge with a degree in journalism. After working 10 years as a writer and journalist, Carrie became a marketing manager for several engineering firms.
1961 - 2020
She was an excellent writer and enjoyed collaborating with colleagues on projects. She was known for her bright and positive outlook, and people enjoyed working with her. Carrie passed away with courage and grace, surround-
Ardrey, from page 1
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to do jumps in his driveway. When his family moved to Travis Air Force Base and he enjoyed many a ride around the Solano County countryside on a classic 10 speed. This, in turn, sparked an interest in mountain biking. As an adult, he found his bike useful not just as a means of escape – but as essential transportation. When a two-hour commute to his job in San Francisco became just too dreary, he opted to ride BART and continue on to his office on his bike. “(Cycling would) allow me to recoup some of the time for exercise,” Ardrey said.
MAKING BIKING A PRIORITY “Concord has a lot going for riders,” he said, noting the geography, accessibility to Mt. Diablo and even the benefits of riding over the Carquinez and Benicia bridges. But for all these bright spots, Ardrey laments the city’s lack of full follow-through on Bike Concord’s efforts to make the needs and safety of bicyclists a greater priority. “(The city) does the talk, but when it comes to the walk, it does not happen,” he said. For the record, the city is on track to finalize a Monument Boulevard corridor infrastructure upgrade in early 2022 that will enhance the safety of pedestrians and cyclists alike. Kenji Yamada, who is on Bike Concord’s Advocacy Committee, says Ardrey has been “the core” of Bike Concord from the beginning. “His persistence and constructive work have increased the prominence of bicycling in
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Because of the COVID pandemic, the family plans to have a celebration of life this June. For updates about the celebration of life, contact family at Garysmft@gmail.com.
who fixed up bikes and loaded them up to take to children on Indian reservations in New Mexico, where he was living. She says Ardrey is regarded as an honorary staff member. “He is very self-sufficient and does what he needs to do.”
Concord and helped move the city to take bicycling more seriously in its street design decisions,” Yamada said. “His kindness and dedication have drawn innumerable ConMOTIVATING STUDENTS cord residents into our bicycling ONE BIKE AT A TIME community and have sustained Ardrey estimates 75 students Bike Concord through many have taken part in the afterchallenges,” Yamada continued. school drop-in program that he calls “Wrench Time,” which FINDING A PERMANENT offers “a different perspective HOME Ardrey has been continually and outlook of how things are.” “Our goal is to teach engaged in Bike Concord’s Bike Tent program since its intro- mechanical skills and give each duction at the weekly evening of them another perspective Farmers Markets in Todos San- than what they get in the classtos Plaza seven years ago. room,” he said. Five core volunteers interDespite that location going dark in 2020 due to COVID-19, act with the students in the his commitment has not Bike Kitchen. For example, wavered for those who need a one student wanted to be an quick chain tightening, flat accountant so she was partnered up with a CPA. In the repair or bicycling education. But for Ardrey, the Bike course of those encounters, Tent lacked the permanency of bikes are refurbished so they a community bike shop, or a can be sent back to the comBike Kitchen as he dubbed it, munity so someone can benefit such as is commonplace in from the free transportation. “With a bike and a BART other Bay Area communities. In such a shop, someone could pass, you can get anywhere in begin the process of picking the Bay Area,” Ardrey said. The experience also led to up a frame and the necessary parts and proceed to building some students helping out at their own human-powered the Bike Tent, where Ardrey machine from the ground up. says they learn tabling and peoUsing a holiday tamale sale to ple skills. As a result of the Bike kick off fundraising, Bike Concord worked to fund a shop in Kitchen and the good works Concord. In 2018, the Bike Ardrey has spearheaded with Kitchen launched at Olympic the students, a new message Continuation High School – about Olympic is going out to providing students an invaluable the Concord community. “We have awesome kids, hands-on experience. Principal Lynsie Castellano and it’s a good way to see them called Ardrey “a super ener- connect with the community in getic, dynamic person who a positive light,’’ Castellano said. “This is not only good for belongs in schools.” Ardrey’s concept reminded kids, but for the community.” Castellano of her grandfather,
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ed by her family and friends. She was a woman of strong Christian faith who loved her family, friends and Clayton. She was a very intelligent woman with a wonderful sense of humor. Carrie is survived by her loving husband Gary, devoted son Zachary, mother Violet Bos and sister Laura Younkman. Donations can be made in Carrie’s name to the Cancer Support Community in Walnut Creek.
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May the force(s) be with us
May 21, 2021
The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com
STEPHEN GOURLAY
SCIENCE BITES
Since recorded history and likely before that, humans have been observing the universe and trying to make sense of it. What are things made of and what governs how they interact? These are big questions, so I’ll break it down and focus today on forces. We now know that there are at least four fundamental forces. There may be a fifth force, but that idea is “under development.” The one that everyone is most familiar with is gravity. This is the force of attraction between any two objects: the sun and the earth, you and the earth and even a couple of paper clips. Though there were centuries of alternative ideas, Isaac Newton published a comprehensive theory of gravity about 300 years ago.
In 1665, he moved from London where he was attending Trinity College to his boyhood home 60 miles away to avoid the plague that was ravaging the city. (Sound familiar?) This was the site of the famous falling apple that got him started. It didn’t actually hit him on the head, he just saw it fall. He also invented calculus and the laws of motion and produced important work on optics and the theory of colors. Then just 100 years ago, Albert Einstein published his General Theory of Relativity that described gravity in a more detailed and fundamental way. Another one that we are pretty familiar with is the force between charged particles. The magnetic force acts between
moving charged particles and the electric force between stationary charged particles. They arise from the same fundamental force, called the electromagnetic force. This is the force responsible for holding atoms and molecules together, making motors turn and other everyday phenomena. Electric charges are either positive or negative. Like charges repel each other and unlike charges attract each other with exactly equal strength. This means that matter sticks together in neutral clumps – like us. Though gravity and the electromagnetic force each have an infinite range that reduces with the square of the distance, the electromagnetic force is much, much stronger.
nuclear interactions that power processes lead to the rich varithe sun. The reason that we ety of elements we observe. There you have it. Four fundon’t observe this force directly damental forces; gravitational, is that it operates at a range electromagnetic, strong and about the size of a nucleus. The fourth and final force is weak. All very different and all called the “weak” nuclear force important. since it is weaker than the “strong” force. It is still much Steve Gourlay is a career scienstronger than gravity but about tist with a PhD in experimental 10 trillion times weaker than the particle physics. He recently retired electromagnetic force. after working at the Fermi National Here’s an example. If you It is the only force that Accelerator Laboratory, CERN are standing 3 feet from someallows some particles to change (the European Center for Nuclear one, you won’t feel the gravitainto other particles. Weird, huh? Research) and the Lawrence Berketional attraction. However, if Send An example you might be ley National Laboratory. each of you had an excess elecand comments to him at questions familiar with is radioactivity, tric charge of just 1 percent, the sgpntz@outlook.com. where a neutron becomes a force between you would be proton and vice versa. These about equal to the “weight” of the earth. The last two forces deal with the nuclei of atoms. The See “Ask force that holds a nucleus rt” together is called the “strong” the Expe e nuclear force, well, because it is this pag the strongest force we know about and because physicists are •Same day reports not very good at making up •Flexible scheduling names. Besides doing the job of •Payment options holding nuclei together and •$50 off any inspection providing us with the elements 59+ five-star of which everything is made, it is also responsible for the Yelp reviews
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SCHOOLS
Page 6
The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com
May 21, 2021
Local charter schools undergoing leadership changes tor Dave Fehte for the remainder of this school year and “is currently working with an executive search firm to find a permanent replacement.” Fehte has had a long career in education and has been involved with charter high schools since 2006. He also has been a college basketball coach and NBA scout. He was briefly the interim head coach of Saint Mary’s College Gaels basketball in the 1990-91 season.
JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer
Both Clayton Valley Charter and Contra Costa School of Performing Arts will have new executive directors when the award-winning charters start the new term in August. Both have expectations for full oncampus instruction in the 2021-22 school year under new leadership following the unexpected departures of Jim Scheible at Clayton Valley Charter and founder Neil McChesney at SPA. Scheible was hired in the summer of 2018 after the termination of the first executive director Dave Linzey amid several controversaries. Scheible came from a Sacramento charter school and calmed the waters both on campus and in the community while eventually getting CVCHS a five-year charter renewal and six-year WASC accreditation during the 2019-20 school year. In the wake of those
DR. ROBERT CHALWELL EXEC DIRECTOR CCSPA
PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL
accomplishments, he signed a new two-year contract to remain as executive director last May. Scheible presented his surprise resignation to the board Mar. 1, saying he would be leaving after this school term ended in June. Then, just as the school was preparing to reopen its campus to even more students later that month, he left his post. It has been speculated that Scheible’s desire to end the school’s nearly two-decades old Academy program for the incoming freshman class caused a rift between him and the governing board. Board chairperson Katie Dresdow issued a statement to The Pioneer, which read in part, “Jim Scheible announced his resignation as CVCHS Executive Director on Mar. 1. The Board is grateful for his three years of service to our school and wishes him the best in his future endeavors.” She said the Board has hired interim executive direc-
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McChesney brought the Contra Costa School of Performing Arts to life, gaining charter approval from the Contra Costa County Office of Education in July 2015 after he had resigned earlier that year from CVCHS, where he was a student, teacher, a leader of the charter conversion effort and then an administrator. SPA opened for the 201617 school year with grades 610 and added another class for two years to reach its planned sixth through 12th grade student body in a Walnut Creek Shadelands area building they now own. This summer, McChesney will begin a new position as CCCOE Coordinator, Charter School Oversight, where he will be responsible for the county’s oversight of eight charter schools, including locally Clayton Valley and the School of Performing Arts. He says of his stepping away from the school he founded, “It’s a good time. The school is in a great spot, owning its facility.” School principal Dr. Robert Chalwell got on the Walnut Creek campus two weeks before the pandemic shut everything down last March. He has helped the school navigate through nearly 14 months of little or no on-campus instruction. He will be changing his title to executive direc-
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reader who devours education.” He earned five post graduate degrees (four Masters and a Ph.D.). After graduating from Boston University, he got his first Masters in voice at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, his initial exposure to the Bay Area where he also began his teaching career. Chalwell is excited to fulfill “our commitment to have all of our students back on campus Aug. 12. We know things will be different. It’s not a return to normalcy but rather
responding to the latter part of the pandemic.” A tenor who was born in the US Virgin Islands and split his early years between there and New York City, Chalwell understands that his students have been particularly challenged during the pandemic without the outlet of being able to perform together. He says the school is working with faculty and staff to enable them “to focus learning into a holistic wellness environment as students reacclimate toward on-campus learning.”
have their graduates receive diplomas at the Concord Pavilion, which began hosting graduations in 1976 before the oneyear pandemic interruption. Three schools will have two commencement exercises due to distance seating capacity requirements at the Pavilion. Local high school graduation details: Carondelet 183 young women graduate May 22 at the Pavilion, the first time the Concord all-girls school has held its commencement ceremony off campus. Clayton Valley Charter The area’s largest graduating class—approximately 500—is having 3 and 7 p.m. commencement exercises on June 3. Concord 290 seniors walk for their diplomas at the Pavilion May 29. Contra Costa School of Performing Arts The public charter school’s third graduating class of 24 will celebrate June 2 on campus after their eighth-grade schoolmates have
their promotion ceremony. De La Salle The Concord all-boys parochial school has 258 graduates set for its ceremony at Owen Owens Field on campus May 23. MDUSD Alternate Education High Schools will have about 150 graduates from Crossroads, Prospect, Horizons and Summit on June 1 at the Pavilion. Mt. Diablo The area’s oldest high school has 288 graduating seniors on the evening of May 28. Northgate 355 seniors receive diplomas at two Pavilion ceremonies May 30. Olympic has 125 graduates from its Class of 2021 receiving diplomas the afternoon of May 28. Ygnacio Valley awards 255 grads on May 27. The other MDUSD high school, College Park in Pleasant Hill, has the district’s largest senior class of 475 (not included in the local graduates total) and they have two Pavilion ceremonies June 2.
High school graduations returning to Concord Pavilion JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer
In the next few weeks local 12th grade students from the Class of 2021 will receive a diploma for completing their high school requirements and look towards college, the military, trade school, a gap year or getting a job as they begin the next phase of their life. These 2428 seniors endured two years of unprecedented upheaval to conclude their high school experience. Not only did they have “reading, writing and arithmetic” but they learned about Zoom, distance learning, face masks and pandemic. Athletes had seasons shortened or canceled while young musicians and actors were denied the opportunity to perform. Proms, plays and picnics were something their parents and older siblings did in high school, not them. After having creative drivethrough and walk-through 2020 commencement ceremonies, most local schools will
Northgate High music students selected for two Carnegie Hall National Youth Ensembles
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tor when he takes the reins from McChesney at the end of this term. Beyond the new job title, Chalwell will be able to proudly display the 2021 California Exemplary Arts Education Award the charter was recently presented. SPA is one of only four greater San Francisco Bay Area high schools named among the 33 winners from around the state announced by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. Chalwell credits his mother with making him an “avid
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were selected for the National Youth Orchestra of the USA, NYO2 and NYO Jazz. Baritone saxophone player Zebley will be part in the jazz ensemble while Nordberg will play viola in the National Youth Orchestra USA. The members of the 2021 ensembles have been recognized by Carnegie Hall as being among the finest players in the country following a comprehensive and highly selective audition process. All program INGRID NORDBERG activities this summer are expected to take place in-person in the New York area with played was the ukulele at age strict health protocols in place. seven. She began playing the alto saxophone in fifth grade. ZEBLEY FAMILY “I continue to play alto sax, but IMMERSED IN JAZZ my one true love is the bariZebley is a 16-year-old junior tone saxophone. In eighth enrolled in the Horizons Center grade, my band director needfor Independent Study of the ed a baritone sax for the symMt. Diablo Unified School Dis- phonic band, and I voluntrict, participates in the North- teered. That was one of the gate High music program and best decisions I ever made.” also takes courses at Diablo ValShe adds, “My first private ley College, where her dad Matt music teacher was my dad, but is director of jazz studies. that didn’t last too long, so I “I grew up in a household moved on to the amazing Mary where music was everywhere, all Fettig, a local legend. After of the time. With both my par- Mary, I took a break from prients being musicians, there were vate lessons, until I found instruments everywhere. As a Dann Zinn, who I am currentkid, if I wanted to play the piano ly taking lessons. Dann is pheor drums, I just walked over nomenal and has helped guide played. It was a free and explo- me on an exponential path of rative environment, and that growth.” positive feeling of free exploAt Northgate, Zebley has ration is what keeps me going played in the Concert Band, today,” Noa Zebley explains. Wind Ensemble, Marching The first instrument she Band, Jazz Combo II, Jazz
NOA ZEBLEY
Band II and Jazz Band I. For the past two years she has been playing in the SFJAZZ High School All-Stars. She says SFJAZZ All-Stars “has provided me with so many opportunities, like going to New York to play at the Charles Mingus Jazz Festival or being able to play with Bonnie Raitt.” She also has been a member of the Kyle Athayde Dance Party, a professional big band. She adds, “Jazz is the main genre I play, but I do spend a lot of time writing pop songs.” NORDBERG EXCELS AS MUSICIAN, SCHOLAR Nordberg’s senior year has seen her recognized for her academic achievements as a National Merit Scholarship winner and now as a member of the NYO-USA.
See Carnegie, page 7
BUSINESS
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TAMArA AND r ObErT S TEINEr , Publishers TAMArA S TEINEr , Editor P ETE C rUz , Graphic Design, Social Media b Ev b rITTON , Copy Editor, Calendar Editor J Ay b EDECArré, Sports Editor, Schools Editor S TAFF W RITERS : Jay Bedecarré C ORRESPONDENTS : Bev Britton, Melissa Hartman, Kara
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sports@pioneerpublishers.com The Pioneer is a monthly publication delivered free to homes and businesses in 94517, 94518, 94519 and 94521. ZIP code 94520 is currently served by drop site distribution. The papers are published by Clayton Pioneer, Inc., Tamara and Robert Steiner, PO 1246, Clayton, CA 94517. The offices are located at 6200 Center St. Suite F, Clayton, CA 94517 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Pioneer welcomes 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 let-
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Carnegie, from page 6
The 17-year-old says, “I can’t remember what specifically drew me to music. It feels like music has always been part of my life. I began with violin when I was five, but later switched to viola. I started playing viola because I loved the deep tone of the instrument. My violin teacher at the
time also taught viola, so it was an uncomplicated switch.” Since last March, when the pandemic hit, her current music teacher Hyelim Shin has been giving Nordberg lessons via Zoom. Nordberg joined the orchestra program at Northgate, where she is principal
Page 7
KEVIN CABRAL
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Concord Chamber of Commerce and city of Concord are excited to relaunch the Shop Concord program so residents can continue to support local businesses during this challenging time.
The e-gift card program was developed to help local businesses increase sales while keeping dollars local through a time of economic uncertainty. The city has contributed $10,000 to the program that will provide bonus gift cards while funds last. Customers who purchase the Shop Concord card beginning May 26 will receive a free $25 Shop Concord Card with every $50 purchase, or a free $10 Shop Concord Card with every $20 purchase. We anticipate the bonus gift cards will go fast, so buy early. After the first launched last fall, the program turned the $10,000 contribution into more than $30,000 spent at Concord businesses. The e-gift cards are purchased through Yiftee, an
Mascots, from page 1
Khaund also pointed to MDUSD board policy 0410 which states that “District programs and activities shall also be free of any racially derogatory or discriminatory school or athletic team names, mascots, or nicknames.” Linda Mayo has served on the Board since her 1997 election. Mayo says in 2002 the Board updated all district policies that had last been reviewed in 1989. Then in 2015 and 2017 further updates were made in response to state laws including AB 1266 (Pupil Rights) and the aforementioned AB 30. She does not recall the issue of a specific school’s mascot or imaging ever coming before the board. Both Clark and Khaund said student concerns brought the mascot issues to the fore. Multiple sources to The Pioneer contradict those statements. NEW YVHS TEACHER SPARKS MASCOT CHALLENGE
by Tran and requested by some students that the image be painted over on the scoreboard. For several years, a large W with a spear and feather has been the graphic symbol for Warriors. Of course, the beloved Warriors are the Bay Area’s NBA team. Since 1970, the Golden Gate Bridge, a cable car, Thunder mascot and map of the state have been part of the Golden State Warriors logo instead of an Indian symbol. REVOLUTIONARY WAR HEROES INSPIRED
CONCORD MASCOT At Concord High, the name Minutemen came about in honor of the men who formed the Minutemen militia in Concord, Massachusetts as the American Revolution was beginning in 1775. The artwork of a Minuteman on the school marquee and parking lot signs shows him holding a rifle. The gender specificity of the name and having the Minuteman holding a weapon are reportedly what are concerning to those wishing to change the CHS mascot. Rianne Pfaltzgraff, in her seventh year as principal at Concord, says, “I am starting a discussion committee to look at changing the mascot and have inquired at the District level about the process for changing the mascot.” She said the topic first arose last school year, but she put it on the backburner in light of the challenges of the pandemic.
A politically active, awardwinning teacher at Ygnacio Valley is leading an effort to remove Warriors from her new school. English teacher Rosie Reid, the 2019 California teacher of the year, transferred from Northgate to Ygnacio Valley for the beginning of this school year. She has been the leader of the effort to change the Warrior mascot. Reid endorsed and campaigned for both new MDUSD board members, Erin McFerrin and Keisha Nzewi, in last November’s election. Both new board members have reportedly spoken in favor of the mascot changes, sources at each school have told The Pioneer. They won the first-ever trustee elections by district with Nzewi representing the Ygnacio Valley High feeder area and McFerrin Concord High. Ygnacio Valley originally had an Indian headdress as the visual Warrior mascot symbol and decades ago had a female student mascot dressed in Indian garb at some events. Athletic Director Mark Tran has been at the school for 22 years and says the only place the headdress still appears on campus or is associated with any of the school’s athletic teams is on the scoreboard at Richard Ryan Stadium. It has been suggested
Changing mascot names gives rise to comparisons with the San Francisco Board of Education announcing in January it would change the names of 44 public schools it deemed politically incorrect, including removing the names of public figures such as Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson and U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein from their schools. Last month, the board rescinded its action, at least temporarily, quite apparently due to the public outcry including from Mayor London Breed. A group of MDUSD parents announced earlier this year
viola, for the first time this year. This is her third year as a member of the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra. Away from music she is co-president of the Northgate Math Club, helping lead their weekly meetings. Her favorite subjects are math and history so it is no surprise her college plans are “to study something mathematics-related along with a
humanities discipline such as history or philosophy.” Nordberg is “really looking forward to our month-long residency in New York state. We’ll arrive at Purchase College on June 26. I have attended classical music festivals in the summer before, but I’ve never participated in a summer orchestra program before. NYO will definitely be a oneof-a-kind experience.”
online gift card and promotion platform headquartered in the Bay Area, and can be redeemed at any participating Concord businesses. Joe Fields, owner of Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff at 2980 Treat Blvd., had a great experience with the first launch and looks forward to more opportunities. “Count me as a big fan of the Shop Concord program,” he said. “The Yiftee gift cards give me a good sales tool while also giving a great value to our FlyCo Faithful that buy the gift cards to use at their favorite Concord shops ... like Flying Colors Comics.” More than 60 businesses participated in the first launch, and more will be participating for the upcoming launch. It is free for Concord businesses to
participate, and it’s a great way to advertise and draw customers into the stores. Participating businesses also have an option to share a special promotion for customers. If you are a business in Concord or want your favorite business to participate, go to concordfirst.com/shop-concord to visit the merchant-facing Shop Concord webpage to learn more or fill out the merchant interest form. Gift cards will be available to purchase May 26 at https://app.yiftee.com/giftcard/concord. Contact the chamber in person at 2280 Diamond Blvd. Suite 200, Concord, or call 925-685-1181. Learn more about what the chamber offers businesses, our events and how we can work together at concordchamber.com.
their intention to recall all five MDUSD board members due to their inability to get students back in the classroom. That effort seems to have lost steam since the District resumed limited classroom instruction at the end of March.
May 1 and had a similar Zoom presentation the following Tuesday evening, which was attended by YVHS principal Efa Huckaby (who will be leaving the school for Liberty High in Brentwood this summer), four school board members and student trustee Michelle Alas (a former student of Reid’s at Northgate High) as well as a number of faculty and staff from the school. There were about 50 people on the Zoom, which was led by a group of juniors from YVHS. Pioneer interviews with YVHS staff and faculty plus a review of emails shows Reid to be very dismissive of those challenging any of her assertions concerning the mascot issue. The PowerPoint presentation on the Zoom call said that an unsuccessful effort to change the nickname from Warriors to Bullfrogs was undertaken in 1972. It was further stated that Ygnacio Valley students voted to change the mascot to Wolves (mascot of San Ramon Valley High in Danville) during the 2015-16 school year but at the beginning of the next term Warriors was still used. Tran says that the 2016 vote conducted by the school’s leadership class was to choose another symbol to depict the Warriors mascot. The winning choice was Wolves (Orca was the second top vote getter). There was no follow-up to implement the vote.
YGNACIO VALLEY TEACHER, COACH SHAW SPEAKS OUT Ygnacio Valley alumnus and current ethnic studies teacher and varsity football coach Bryan Shaw says, “We talk about cultural appropriation as part of my class. I agree that the imagery associated with Indigenous Persons should be reimagined, and, for the most part, it has been. I think the mascot of the Warrior, if utilized correctly, could be powerful. Many cultures have their version of the ‘warrior.’ “With the football program and in my classroom, we worked to redefine what a ‘warrior’ is and what a ‘warrior’ was. We focused on the concepts of ‘warrior’ using a quote attributed to Sitting Bull as a starting point: The “warrior,” for us, is one who sacrifices himself, or herself, for the good of others. Their task is to take care of the elderly, the defenseless, those who cannot provide for themselves, and above all, the children - the future of humanity. Reid organized a Zoom rally about the mascot removal on
SCHOOL NAME CHANGES NOT POPULAR DURING PANDEMIC
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From the Desk of...
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The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com
May 21, 2021
Get vaccinated and help Concord return to community events
Have you received your free COVID-19 vaccine yet? If not, it’s time. Together, we have weathered this terrible storm of a pandemic, and we can now see brighter days ahead. But we must continue to support our family and neighbors by doing our part to protect ourselves and others against this deadly disease. Now that a vaccine is widely available, we must take
that step. I am heartened to know that the majority of our residents have already received their vaccine. In Concord, 44.6 percent of our community has been fully vaccinated. Countywide, that number stands at 58.5 percent. And while this is great progress, it’s simply not enough. The CDC has approved a vaccine for kids ages 12-15
May holidays honor veterans, peace officers
CARL “CW” WOLFE
CLAYTON MAYOR
Clayton recognizes several important cultural and commemorative dates, and I have asked Councilmember Jim Diaz to give us perspective regarding our May 2021 celebrations. Hello. It has been four years since I addressed you in this forum while serving as your mayor in 2017, and I’m honored once again to participate in this issue of the Pioneer. May is an important month in history for all to remember. In this column, I reprise three: Memorial Day, Peace Officers Memorial Day and Cinco de Mayo. Memorial Day, May 31: We take time to remember, commemorate and honor all those whose last breath was given in service to the United States. We not only honor the heroes from our community, but the more than 1.3 million U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen/women, Marines and members of the Coast Guard who have fought for this country from the American Revolution until today. As a commitment to our fallen heroes, their families, friends and our fellow veterans, we note the work of such groups as the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW), the Blue Star Moms, Gold Star Moms and every organization that supports and honors our veterans. The price of freedom is steep, personal and painful. And by no means free. Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15, and National Police Week: Observed in the United States, this special day
and week pay tribute to the local, state and federal peace officers who have died, or have been disabled, in the line of duty. The holiday was created on Oct. 1, 1961, when Congress authorized the president to designate May 15 to honor peace officers. President John F. Kennedy signed the bill into law in 1962. Cinco de Mayo, May 5: Observed to commemorate the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza. More popularly celebrated in the United States than in Mexico, the date has become associated with the celebration of Mexican-American culture, which began in California, and observed annually since 1863. Cinco de Mayo is sometimes mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day – which is celebrated on Sept. 16, commemorating the Cry of Dolores in 1810 that initiated the war of Mexican independence from Spain. On June 7, 2005, the U.S. Congress issued a concurrent resolution to the president of the United States to issue a proclamation for the United States to observe Cinco de Mayo with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Thank you for allowing me to reflect on these officially recognized important events for the month of May 2021. In closing, I would like to encourage Clayton citizens to consult with their primary care providers to determine eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine, which is available through the Contra Costa County Health Services. Please be safe, and please follow the current CDC guidelines. Together we can defeat COVID-19. Hope to see each of you again, around town, soon. Send questions and comments to cwolfe@ci.clayton.ca.us, or call (925) 673-7324
that will bring us one step closer. So, parents and guardians: I urge you to consider taking your children for a vaccine (and maybe a scoop of ice cream) as soon as possible. My wife and I are fully vaccinated. Recently, my 18year-old son received his second shot and, my 14-year-old daughter is eager for her turn as well. We, like many others, are doing our part to put this pandemic behind us and return to normal life. I would like to see Concord surpass the 75 percent mark by July 4. Not only do I think we can do it, I know how important it is for bring-
ing back the community events that we all love – including our Independence Day parade and fireworks show, and our Music & Market series. Did you know that you don’t even need an appointment to get vaccinated at more than a dozen county-run sites? All sites take walk-ins, and you do not need health insurance, either. Of course, you can make an appointment if you prefer, and many of the sites are open on evenings and weekends. Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) has made it extremely easy – and free – to receive a vaccine. CCHS is
Spring is in the air, and it is starting to feel like we may be gaining back a sense of normalcy in our community as COVID-19 cases continue to decline. Contra Costa County has made great progress in slowing the unchecked spread of coronavirus, largely as a result of many people in the community getting vaccinated. The county has already reached the milestone of 70 percent of adults receiving at least one dose of COVID vaccine, and this broad immunity throughout the community is a critical tool helping us get back to normal. Despite this progress, we still have more to do. We are starting to see a decline in the number of folks getting vaccinated – a trend that has appeared across the country. It is more important than ever to be vaccinated and gain immunity to this horrible virus, and the
hours opened in Concord’s Monument Boulevard corridor to help residents in a heavily impacted neighborhood access the best protection against COVID-19. The Contra Costa Health Services clinic at 1034 Oak Grove Road can provide as many as 500 safe, effective vaccines daily for patients 16 or older, KAREN MITCHOFF Tuesday through Saturday, at no cost to patients. The new COUNTY clinic hours are noon-7 p.m. SUPERVISOR Tuesday and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. county is making it as easy as Finally, President Joe possible to get your shot. Biden has directed tens of First, all county-run vacthousands of federal pharmacine sites are now accepting cy partners, including national walk-ins without appointand independent pharmacies ments. We encourage you to across the country, to offer bring your friends and family walk-in vaccinations. even if they don’t have an The message is simple: appointment, or even if they Please get vaccinated. don’t live or work in Contra One of the groups with Costa County. the lowest rate of vaccination Second, a new public is folks aged 16-30. This is health clinic with daily drop-in certainly due in part to these
TIM MCGALLIAN
CONCORD MAYOR
even allowing people to choose what kind of vaccine they want: the one-shot Johnson & Johnson, or the twoshot Pfizer or Moderna. For more information
about this or to find a vaccination site, please go to cchealth.org. The bottom line is that we are fortunate to live in a community that takes the health and wellness of its residents seriously. The vaccine that so many of us hoped would arrive quickly is here. It’s effective, and it’s free. Please do your part by getting yourself and your family members vaccinated as soon as possible. I look forward to seeing this community gather in person as soon as we can meet the vaccination goals. Mayor Tim McGallian can be reached at 925.671.2489 or email Tim.McGallian@cityofconcord.org
Contra Costa residents can now get vaccines without appointments
groups being the most recently eligible. But there is good news. We have more than enough room for you to make an appointment and get vaccinated. If you have any questions about the vaccine, give Health Services a call at 844-7298410. The three safe and effective vaccines that are being distributed in the county promise a return to normalcy and safety and to bring immunity to our communities. Getting vaccinated will help keep you, your family, your community, the economy and your country safe and healthy. It’s never been easier or more important than now to get vaccinated. Help us get back to normal by getting your shot today.
Karen Mitchoff is Contra Costa County District IV supervisor. Email questions or comments to Mitchoff at supervisormitchoff@bos.cccounty.us
Assemblyman takes on EDD failure, financing housing
expected. While other counties have struggled with vaccine supply and distribution, an impressive 70 percent of TIM GRAYSON the eligible population in Con14TH ASSEMBLY tra Costa have now received at least one dose of the vaccine DISTRICT – providing us with a clear example of what it looks like At the end of April, just four months after administer- when government works efficiently to leverage resources ing the first COVID-19 vacand deliver on its goals. cine in the county, Contra Unfortunately, during the Costa reached the impressive milestone of one million vac- pandemic, we have become too familiar with how the governcine doses given. Thanks to the residents of ment can fail us and affect our families’ livelihood. An egreour county, local health-care gious example of this is at the providers, pharmacies and county staff, Contra Costa was California Employment Development Department (EDD), able to accomplish this lofty where the state auditor found goal months sooner than
that the department had failed for more than a decade to address key operational issues and failed to fulfill its principal duty of discerning legitimate unemployment claims from billions of dollars’ worth of fraudulent ones. My staff and I continue to personally handle casework for thousands of members of our community who have had their accounts frozen or payments denied, and we will continue to try to pick up the pieces until systemic change is achieved at the EDD. Right now, as we work to reach the light at the end of the tunnel of the pandemic and begin to rebuild our
state’s economy, it is more important than ever that we look to right the wrongs of government ineffectiveness and find ways to better serve Californians and maximize their tax dollars. This is why I have authored Assembly Bill 1135 to address the state’s complex and inefficient housing financing system that is exacerbating our housing and homelessness crises. As residents of the Bay Area, we feel firsthand the impacts of California’s chronic lack of affordable housing. Recent estimates shows that we need to produce about
See Grayson, page 9
Early fire season puts pressure on home owners to prepare
BRIAN HELMICK, CHIEF
EAST CONTRA COSTA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
So far in 2021, we have seen 1,575 fires with a total of 3,531 acres consumed. This is already almost
double compared to last year at this same time, where we had 938 fires with 1,166 acres consumed. Prevention is the only key to protect your property from wildfire threats. We have witnessed those homes that were hardened and had defensible space stand the test to some of California’s worst fires over the past few years. Please visit readyforwildfire.org/prepare-forwildfire/get-ready/defensiblespace/ for valuable information to assist you with prevention efforts and help make our communities a safe place for all.
With the fuel moisture in the vegetation already like what we usually experience in July, the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District has set May 15 as the date for compliance. Defensible space inspectors will be looking at the following items in regard to defensible space and weed abatement. They should be your priority. 0-30 FEET Remove all dead plants, grass and weeds (vegetation). Remove dead or dry leaves and pine needles from yard,
roof and rain gutters. Remove branches that hang over the roof and keep dead branches 10 feet away from chimney. Trim trees regularly to keep branches a minimum of 10 feet from other trees. Relocate wood piles to 30 feet away. Remove or prune flammable plants and shrubs near windows. Remove vegetation and items that could catch fire from around and under decks. Create a separation between trees, shrubs and items that could catch fire, such as patio
furniture, wood piles, swing sets, etc.
Outbuildings and liquid propane gas (LPG) storage tanks shall have 10 feet of clear30-100 FEET ance to bare mineral soil and no Cut or mow annual grass flammable vegetation for an down to a maximum height of additional 10 feet around their 4 inches. exterior. Create horizontal space Address numbers shall be between shrubs and trees. displayed in contrasting colors Create vertical space (4-inch minimum size) and between grass, shrubs and trees. readable from the street or Remove fallen leaves, neeaccess road. dles, twigs, bark, cones and Equip chimney or stovepipe small branches. However, they openings with a metal screen may be permitted to a depth of having openings between 3/8 3 inches. inch and 1/2 inch. Remove logs or stumps For more information, please embedded in the soil or isolate visit the Fire Prevention link at them from other vegetation. www.eccfpd.org.
From the Desk of... May 21, 2021
Understanding the suburban home rush Two years ago, I wrote about the unsustainable cost of housing in the East Bay. I expressed my angst about our children’s ability to afford to stay in the Bay Area after they graduate. Not in my wildest dreams did I expect that just two years later, the median home price in Contra Costa County would soar more than 30 percent higher. In just one year, from March 2020 to March 2021, the median home price has risen from $656,250 to $850,000 – an astonishing 29.5 percent. And this is all happening during a pandemic. While there are strong signs of hope that we’re headed to a world that more closely resembles that of pre-pandemic times, we’re still not out of the woods. Many friends, family and neighbors are out of work or have been forced to change jobs or even industries. So, what is driving the jet-fueled increase in home prices in our community? When will the madness end? The answers to these questions aren’t straightforward. A number of factors are currently driving sales prices higher across the country: very low interest rates, pent-up demand and low supply. Still, the run-up in Contra Costa County is higher than the average across the country and in every other Bay Area county. I think a large part of our increase has to do with a migration away from neighboring urban areas spurred by remote working. Now that some portion of the workforce is working from home, people are looking to move east to more “affordable” areas and get more
sessed value of $147.5 million on 2009 property tax documents. Del Mar beach house, $43 million. Last year, they purLYNNE FRENCH chased a sprawling beach-front REAL ANSWERS home with six bedrooms and four baths outside of San Q. Now that Bill and Diego. It’s one of the most exMelinda Gates are getting a pensive home sales in this part divorce, I wonder what their of California ever. real estate holdings are? Rancho Santa Fe manA. Since they did not have a sion, $18 million. This 229prenuptial agreement, the acre property was once home to process of splitting the couple’s Jenny Craig, founder of the nuassets will be a mammoth task. trition company. Gates purTheir diversified portfolio is chased it in 2014 with hopes worth more than $130 billion. JASON LAUB that their daughter Jennifer Here is an overview of all the could one day train there for her CONCORD property that they owned at the equestrian career. The California time of their divorce. PLANNING property includes horse stables Xanadu 2.0, value unCOMMISSIONER and is close to a racehorse track. known. Their main residence, Indian Wells estate, $12.5 and by far their most impresland for their purchase. million. They bought this masIt’s tough to say when home sive, is a massive compound in sive mansion in the Coachella prices will cool off, but they will Medina, Wash. Nicknamed in a Valley in 1999. The 13,573 sq. reference to “Citizen Kane,” the at some point. I believe we all ft. home has six bedrooms, 11 66,000 sq. ft. home overlooks need to be creative and work bathrooms and more luxury feaLake Washington. Although together to address the cost of tures than you can count. housing in our community, the there is no exact estimate of its Private residence at the current value, it had a total asgreater Bay Area and beyond. An economist I am not, but I do understand the basic principle of supply and demand. Home sales prices and rental rates have been driven to a height that is unreachable for many, with the bottom 25 percent of income earners spending 67 percent of their income If you are the chief mainte- and servers. on housing, according to the nance engineer for your family MSPs do all the mainteLegislative Analyst’s Office. As a planning commission- or business, you know that skip- nance work, software updates, virus scans, hacker blocking and er, I’ll keep this in mind as pro- ping the maintenance leaves your computer open to hacking, the like. MSPs join massive posed developments come computer networks that link loss of data or worse. before us. We cannot just say But you didn’t buy a com- everyone’s computer to a cen“yes” to every project. Howevtral processor. The MSP neter, thoughtful proposals that are puter because you wanted to work monitors and runs your spend time upgrading softmindful of the community, won’t displace existing commu- ware and passwords, patching, anti-virus, malware protection managing, protecting and fix- health and productivity and nity members and will create ing it. So, if you are frustrated reports the findings, or corrects more housing units should be the flaws for you. It automatiwith all the chores related to ushered through the approval cally notifies us of issues such keeping your computer and process without delay. networks in top shape, I have as full or failing drives or netJason Laub is Chief Operating an answer: a managed service work traffic problems, so we Officer at RAD Urban and is a City provider (MSP). can address them before they of Concord Planning Commissioner. become critical. Here at ComputersUSA in Email questions or comments to Clayton, we have a better way to MSP systems “learn” about jlaub.concordplanning@gmail.com new viruses, malicious prokeep your computer running right. Our MSP services address grams and hacks to block them before they reach you. The betall these issues, and we call it ter computer repair/mainteCUSA Care. Many local computer pro- nance service companies use these types of central managefessionals now offer MSP services like ours under their ment services to keep you promake better use of the state’s own labels. This includes serv- tected. Monthly fees are small, affordable housing dollars. ices for smartphones, tablets, and it’s better than trying to fix This is a simple, yet subworkstations, game computers your issues afterward. stantial change that can take us one step closer to achieving our goal of building California out of our housing crisis. At every level of government, we must ask the hard question of if we are doing enough to efficiently and effectively serve people. Whether it be leveraging state resources for vaccine supply, overhauling the my time on the Board of DirecEDD or restructuring our tors after six years, the last 2.3 housing finance systems, I holding the title of president. promise to ask that question DODI ZOTIGH and fight for the only acceptWORKING TO REGAIN TRUST able answer: “Yes.” “Leadership is a series of ALL THE COLORS behaviors If you’d like to learn more rather than a role for about the work I’m doing in heroes” – Margaret Wheatley I am Rainbow. Sacramento or need assistance I took over as president durMy story is both unique and ing a tumultuous and traumatic navigating a state agency, shared. please call my Concord Disperiod, where people’s lives The path has been full of trict Office at 925-521-1511. were impacted and the staff highs and lows, big wins and and community lost trust in the Reach Assemblyman Tim Grayson incredibly painful losses. I have board. at (925) 521-1511. Visit or write the benefited from the privileges There were failures and misdistrict office 2151 Salvio Street, Suite granted to me as a white, neusteps, but the team of people at rotypical, cisgendered, able-bod- Rainbow made it possible for us P, Concord, CA 94520 ied, Ivy League educated person to get through. Knowing the while experiencing disadvanroad wouldn’t be smooth, we tages being at the intersection leaned on our team. We decided of historically marginalized to move at the speed of trust identities as a woman, lesbian and knew we would succeed all school facilities in March and growing up poor. together. My Ivy degree was paved on 2021. Since then, services have Sometimes leadership looks been in the church parking lot. scholarship money, partly like the quiet pause as you listen Robinson estimates con- earned because throughout my and work to reflect back. It’s struction costs to be about $3 high school life I was given the standing in the truth, even if million and says the church has benefit of the doubt many that truth is hard to swallow. It’s raised most of it through their times over – affording me opening to listen to as many capital campaign, Imagine More. opportunity. Luckily, it eventual- voices as possible and ask if If they run short, they can sell ly led me to Rainbow. you’re tuned in to all the freFor a third of my life’s jour- quencies. It’s making hard calls the downtown property, he said. The scaled down hillside ney, the last 12½ years, Rainwith an open heart. It’s putting project is in line with the current bow Community Center has people first. It’s valuing those small congregation. Once over been a guiding light – especially who are on the ground doing 600, fewer than 300 attend serv- on my darkest days. It has been the work, taking their feedback ices regularly now. Robinson an honor and a privilege to into account, giving weight to says he expects the congregation serve this amazing organization. their voice more than those to stay small. “What you see is I’m writing to you today who might be advising from the because June marks the end of outside looking in. It’s leaning what you get,” he said.
Grayson, from page 8
125,000 new affordable units annually through 2029 in order to meet the needs of Californians. But between 2015 and 2019, we produced an average of just 19,000 units. We are an order of magnitude away from the levels of production that we need. Until we address the systemic issues in how California finances the production of affordable housing, homes will continue to be built too slowly and hard-working families will continue to struggle. AB 1135 will help address those systemic issues by consolidating our state’s complex, multi-agency housing finance authority into a single location. Under the direction of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency (BCSH), AB 1135 will create a one-stop-shop for affordable housing finance and reduce redundant processes, create operational efficiencies, and
Church, from page 1
istrative offices on Main St. with plans to build a smaller version of the Marsh Creek plan on the combined parcel. But once more, they ran up against spiraling costs when the city required more environmental studies than the church could afford. They abandoned that project in 2011 and instead bought the 4.4 acres on the hillside. The church owns the old Pioneer Inn on Main St. but the building lacks space for services. The MDUSD gym at Diablo View Middle School served as a solution until temporary COVID-19 restrictions closed
Vast real estate holdings sure to complicate Gates’ divorce
The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com
Page 9
Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Mont., estimated $5 million$25 million. This is one of the Gates’ favorite vacation homes. The private residential area is home to numerous A-list celebrity couples, including Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel. Although the price was never made public, there’s a $300,000 initiation fee and more than $37,000 in annual fees … and you still have to purchase a home within the community. Several properties in Wellington, Fla., $27.2 million. The couple purchased numerous properties in Wellington over the years. They were also a direct result of their daughter’s equestrian career hopes because of the proximity to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Buffalo Bill Cody’s ranch in Cody, Wyo., listed for $8.9 million. The Gates reportedly purchased this 492-acre ranch in 2009, but the sale price was never made public.
Stop working so hard – let MSP maintain your computer
One wonders why governments and large corporations haven’t figured this out, as they still get hit with ransomware attacks. Perhaps bad IT managers? Meanwhile, I’d like to expand on password updates. How many passwords do you have? When did you last change them? Do you reuse them? Is Pa$$worD your idea of a good password? Facebook was just hacked (again), and all the passwords were pilfered. Bad people use the theft to compare your old password to all the other accounts you have ever used, even if closed. They find your bank accounts, credit cards and stock accounts all ripe for picking. The criminals use a simple matching software to processes millions of passwords to discover your weakness. I know keeping track of passwords is an issue. All you need to do is contact your
U.S. farmland worth billions. Although they don’t publicly discuss this topic often, they are the top owners of farmland – with some 242,000 acres. According to the Tri-City Herald, the couple recently bought 14,500 acres of eastern Washington farmland for almost $171 million. That’s nearly $12,000 an acre. If they purchased the rest of their farmland for similar prices, that would put the total value at almost $3 billion. Part of the Four Seasons Holdings hotel chain, about $2 billion estimated purchase price. Through their personal investment firm, they own approximately half of the luxury hotel chain. They share ownership with Saudi Prince AlWaleed bin Talal. The two purchased it in 2007 for $3.8 billion.
Lynne French is a Realtor with Compass Real Estate and captain of the Lynne French Team. Contact her at lynne@lynnefrench.com or 925-6728787.
WILL CLANEY
TECH TALK
MSP and get a good password manager. Image this: You are sitting at your computer and it does not flash a message: “I’m updating, please wait.” Or, upon startup, it does not flash a message that you need to update Windows before you can start your work – it just works. No fuss. Everything that needs fixing is already fixed. What a concept. Now pay the 10 bucks and get back to using your computer for the reason you bought it.
William Claney is an independent tech writer and former owner of Computers USA in the Clayton Station. Email questions or comments to willclaney@gmail.com.
Share the vision and be part of the Rainbow Center work into the collective strength of the team. And thankfully at Rainbow, we have an amazing team of staff, directors and community members. BEING SEEN, HEARD AND HELD
You are Rainbow.
What we see of a rainbow is the visible spectrum of light, hues from red to green to indigo. It is the result of sunlight hitting individual droplets of water, with the light reflected and refracted to
See Rainbow, page 12
SPORTS
Page 10
The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com
May 21, 2021
High school sports wrapping up jam-packed spring JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer
For those who thought the abrupt stoppage last March of sports around the world, including all high school athletics, was a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, you were mistaken. COVID-19 was still to have its greatest impact after school began last August and thus California high school sports remained shut down. An anticipated December resumption of training with competition to start at the New Year also did not happen. Finally, the efforts of De La Salle football coach Justin Alumbaugh and Spartan legend Patrick Walsh, long-time Serra coach, met with state officials to lobby on behalf of student athletes—seniors in particular. Governor Gavin Newsom, who was facing the prospect of a recall because of his pandemic decisions, made an about face, giving the greenlight for all sports to return, even before students could return to campus for class. The calendar was ticking away by that time and the jampacked February to early June schedule to complete what
usually runs from August to June is hopefully something we will never see again. Instead of the traditional fall, winter and spring seasons allowing athletes to train and play in as many as three sports, this year’s schedule dictated athletes choose between sports that were taking place at the same time, or in extreme cases, playing in a baseball game in the afternoon and a basketball game in the evening. All that being said, every sport was able to take place. There were no playoffs, some counties didn’t allow their teams to play against schools from other counties and fans were scarcely allowed at games. But games happened and, on the whole, health protocols were successfully adhered to. The expectations and dreams of teams winning championships and taking part in section and state playoffs were not realized. Records and post-season honors were set aside in 2021. However, the kids got to play games, coaches got to coach and there are memories like no other for seniors who got one last chance to play their sport with classmates for their school.
Visit pioneerpublishers.com for Photo Gallery from the 2021 high school sports seasons
Athlete Spotlight
Christina Noonan Grade: Freshman School: Ygnacio Valley High Sport: Baseball
When the Ygnacio Valley baseball team takes the field for games this spring the starting third baseman is actually a third base person. Freshman Christina Noonan is that rarity in her sport, a female varsity baseball player. Her dad Pat says when she was just three or four yearsold “it made most sense to me to put a smaller baseball into her hand than a huge softball. The baseball was a better size.” The Concord resident began playing organized baseball at age seven in the brand-new Concord Junior Giants program before joining Continental Little League the following season. Many talented girls play baseball in their earliest years before shifting to softball, an all-female sport competed at the highest levels in high school, college and beyond. For Noonan “baseball is and always will be my favorite sport to play or watch.” Ygnacio Valley varsity coach Mark Ferguson
has faced the same challenges as his fellow high school coaches when the past two spring seasons were either started and then stopped (2020) or condensed (2021), but his Warriors have had the added element of not having a home field. Their on-campus ball diamond was deemed unsuitable to play on, so they practice at nearby Oak Grove Middle School. When the Warriors are the home team Noonan says we “play in a white uniform but at our opponents field.” The Diablo Athletic League went to a schedule starting in 2019 of having both baseball and softball games between two schools played in the same week. So, when the Warriors play Berean Christian this week both games will be on the Eagles field in Walnut Creek with Ygnacio batting last as the home team in Tuesday’s game. Ferguson is in the second year of his second stint as Warriors baseball coach after
also coaching at Concord and Acalanes. Noonan is his first female player. He met Noonan and his starting freshman catcher Juan Palacios last year when he would go to Oak Grove when the school was let out early on Wednesdays with bats and balls to meet kids in the After School Program and play ball with them while letting them know about the baseball program at YVHS. The coach says having Noonan on the team has been “very uneventful” as her teammates have “embraced her” and she’s earned her third base starting spot after also playing some on the other side of the diamond at second. Noonan says, “I plan on playing baseball all four years. I have considered playing softball but not for my school.” When her sophomore year begins, she hopes to attend all her classes on campus rather than the two days a week she has been going to for the past month or so. Noonan is definitely planning on playing basketball (winter) and perhaps also volleyball (fall) next term before joining back up with her baseball teammates in the spring. She played basketball since kindergarten until her Oak Grove team’s season was cut short a year ago due to the pandemic. Away from her sports pursuits she “loves photography, hanging with my friends, hiking, fishing and video games.” The Pioneer congratulates Christina 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@pioneerpublishers.com.
Six East Bay Gymnastics girls earn berths in USAG Nationals
East Bay Gymnastics qualified all six of its elite team members for Nationals this month with top performances at the United State Artistic Gymnastics Region 1 Championships in Arizona during April. Team members Aaliyah Campos, Jillian Aarogorin, Sofia Mederios, Sienna Blake, Casey Brown and Claire Dean scored high enough at the Regionals in Chandler, AZ to earn sports at Nationals Director Lisa Terry said, “Their performances drew a lot of attention with Division 1 college scouts and the verbal commitment of D1 scholarship offers for the older athletes.” Dean won all-around and floor exercise at the Regional Championships with the highest score of the Level 10 Division of 38.875. Director Terry added, “With huge obstacles looming, training outside in the cold, shortened training hours, and training and competing in masks, these girls persevered and were able to compete.”
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Athlete Spotlight
JEFF MELLINGER
SCREEN SHOTS
Hailee Lam
School: Clayton Valley Charter High Grade: Senior Sports: Track & Field, Softball Everyone who knows Lam (or even knows of her) is aware that she exhibits nothing but utmost dedication to each and every task she faces. Although she was a softball player for a large part of her life, starting on the Pleasant Hill Panthers travel club at age nine and playing two years for Clayton Valley Charter’s softball program, Lam unexpectedly took a liking of track and field during her sophomore year. Throwing coach Tim McGallian says she originally tried being a runner but he “pulled her over” to his throwing squad. She competed in the shot put and discus and this spring scored personal records in each event with a distance of 29-11.5 for the shot put and 98-11 in the discus. True to her insatiable nature, Lam assures that she could have done much better if it were not for the track season being condensed into a month, along with other COVID-19 protocols that made her typical training process nearly impossible. For example, she was unable to weight lift, a vital component in training for throwing events, due to the closure of gyms. Although she stayed in shape with at-home workouts, she stressed that the short season did not give her the time she needed to improve the things she was struggling with. Regardless, Lam is grateful that her final track season was able to take place at all. For the majority of the 2020-
21 school year, the probability of sports happening at all seemed quite slim, at least from the perspective of students. Coach McGallian loves “her work ethic and great energy” that allowed her to be among the top area performers in both events. Considering that all Clayton Valley Charter athletes were able to enjoy a season, there is a promise of other events whose likelihood of occurring also seemed bleak even a few months ago: senior activities. In large part thanks to Hailee Lam, CVCHS seniors will be able to enjoy most of the normal senior activities that were nearly taken from them by COVID-19. As senior class president, Lam spearheaded planning senior sunrise, senior sunset and senior picnic, among many other events that she has coordinated with PFC and school administrators. Most notably, however, Lam took charge in planning a completely independent Senior Ball for Clayton Valley Charter that has no affiliation with the school. Because CVCHS was unable to take responsibility for such a large event, Lam took matters into her own hands. The completely safe event complies with all country ordinances and tickets are already sold out. In addition to her duties as class president, Lam is president of Senior Women, Link Crew Commissioner, CVC Academic Mentor, member of the Public Service Academy and an independent tutor,
all while maintaining a 4.4 GPA. Lam will attend Cal Poly in the fall, majoring in biological sciences on a premed track with a specialty in Parkinson’s research. Although her achievements in athletics and academics are quite notable on their own, she went above the role of a typical student body officer and planned an entire Senior Class Ball from nothing. This accomplishment alone is sure to bring joy to every senior in attendance and will one day be a memory held fondly by her class that thought they would not have the opportunity to attend a prom or ball. All in all, Lam has made herself the hero of the Class of 2021, rescuing students from disappointment after disappointment brought on by the pandemic. CVCHS student journalist Alexa Oldham wrote this Spotlight.
The Pioneer congratulates Hailee 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
With theaters open for almost two months, I thought this would be a good time to discuss my experience returning to the cineplex. At this point, the majority of films in theaters are older pictures – ones released on the small screen during the pandemic and Oscar nominees. My review for one of the few new movies to open in theaters can be found below. I have seen four movies at three different theaters this spring. All three theaters are doing a very good job following and enforcing social distancing guidelines. If tickets need to be purchased inside the theater, everyone in line is properly spaced apart. I never needed concessions, but I noted that those lines are also kept well-spaced. In some of the restrooms, there is caution tape to close off sinks and stalls. Others, though, just have signs that are easy to miss. But the fact that theaters can only accept a maximum of 25 percent capacity means you are unlikely to encounter a crowded restroom. Inside the theaters, I never found myself less than a dozen feet away from the nearest stranger. Many theaters already have rows that are spaced much farther apart than the times when you could read the tag on the back of the shirt of the person in front of you. So even when a group of us went to a show, there was no one else in our row and those in front and behind were 10 feet away.
‘Mortal Kombat’ reboot brings the gore
Page 11
Now fully vaccinated, I have no problem going to the movies. Even those not yet vaccinated will likely feel comfortably secure upon their return. Once a month in 2021, a big film will release in theaters and on HBO Max at the same time. April’s offering was the reboot of “Mortal Kombat.” Paul W.S. Anderson made two previous MK films. The first, in 1995, was better than a video-game-turned-film had a right to be, while the 1997 sequel was akin to getting a root canal. This time around, firsttime director Simon McQuoid pushes the R rating by bringing in as much of the gore from the original video game series as possible. The effects are mostly well-done; the “fatalities” stay especially true
Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@pioneerpublishers.com.
MDRR is a trusted partner to the communities we serve. We made a promise to support them by participating in events, educating our children, and making our communities a better place to live.
Liberty Gymnastics girls excel at Regionals
Tours Coming Soon
Female gymnasts from Liberty Gymnastics of Concord won four first-place medals at the United States Artistic Gymnastics Region 1 Championships in Chandler, Arizona last month competing against top gymnasts from Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah. The local girls who brought home championship medals were Rozlynn Smithwick of Clayton (Level 8 balance
beam), Savannah Lewis (Level 7 uneven parallel bars and beam), Leila Yabut (Level 7 beam, floor exercise and allaround) and Mollie Adams of Concord (Level 6 bars and floor). That quarter along with Concord’s Samantha Morimoto (Level 8) and Level 6 Noelle Romeo earned spots on the 12person NorCal team that competed in the event. “Having one or two kids named to the
NorCal team would have been great, but six was completely unexpected and a huge accomplishment for Liberty Gymnastics,” said team co-director Bonnie Schreiner. The Liberty Gymnastics team includes, from left, Smithwick, Ryleigh Rossi, Lewis, Adams, Morimoto, Yabut, Olivia Strohmeier and Romeo. Photo courtesy Liberty Gymnastics
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to the source material. The costumes and characterizations are also effective. I’d say 95 percent of those who watch “Mortal Kombat” are doing so for the above reasons. That means most will be able to ignore the flat script, boring settings, thin story and stiff acting (though Josh Lawson is fantastic as the snarky Aussie mercenary Kano). However, if you want to see Kung Lao’s spinning hat eviscerate a vampire bat-lady and then hear him say “flawless victory,” Scorpion would say “get over here” to the theater. C+ Jeff Mellinger is a screen writer and film buff. He holds a BA in Film Studies and an MFA in film production. He lives in Concord. Email comments to editor@pioneerpublishers.com.
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A return to live entertainment – from comedy & ‘Company’ to ‘Scalia/Ginsburg’ Hattiesburg.” Reserve tickets are on sale at $25 for the 8 p.m. Sept. 25 show at elcampaniltheatre.com or 925-757-9500. Solo Opera’s long-delayed (blame the pandemic) production of “Scalia/Ginsburg” by Derrick Wang is scheduled for Sept. 10 and 12 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the SALLY HOGARTY Arts. The opera’s theme of “We STAGE STRUCK are different, we are one” resReady to laugh a bit? onates a clear message of the Stand-up returns to the El importance of diversity and Campanil Theatre in Septem- inclusiveness. ber as comic Todd Barry visits Tickets go on sale June 1 Antioch for the first time on at 925-943-SHOW or lesherhis 2021 Stadium Tour. artscenter.org. “While El Campanil boasts For an update on the origins an impressive 640 seats, this and future of opera in the Unitwas probably the first time in its ed States, try Opera America’s nearly 100-year history that it (OP) virtual road trip featuring has been dubbed a stadium,” our local Festival Opera and noted executive director Joel Solo Opera at 6 p.m. June 30. Roster. “We are very flattered.” The interactive presentation Barry has appeared on “The from OP president/CEO Marc Late Show with Stephen ColA. Scorea will also include the bert,” “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “Conan,” and “Late Night with Seth Meyers.” His acting credits include “The Wrestler,” “Road Trip,” “Flight of the Conchords,” “Chappelle’s Show,” “Spin City” and “Sex and the City.” You may have also heard the busy comedian’s voice on the animated series “Bob’s Burgers,” “Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist” and “Aqua Teen Hunger Force.” And he Mindy Tucker authored the critically Todd Barry will perform at acclaimed 2017 travel memoir Antioch’s El Campanile “Thank You for Coming to Theatre on Sept. 25.
Vero Kherian Photography
Nikki Einfeld and Christopher Bengochea star in Solo Opera’s long-awaited “Scalia/Ginsburg” Sept. 10 and 12 at the Lesher Center.
roles of Festival and Solo Opera in the landscape of American opera. RSVP at go.operaamerica.org/June 30. Live theater returns to Pittsburg in June with the musical “Company.” The show is jointly produced by Pittsburg Community Theatre, Pinole Community Players and Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble of Brentwood as part of its outdoor “Plays in the Park.” The 1970s musical comedy follows confirmed bachelor Robert on his 35th birthday. Over the course of several dinners, drinks and even a wedding, his friends (married and single) explain the pros and cons of taking a spouse. Directed by G.A. Klein with music direction by Mark Dietrich and choreography by Chelsea Bardellini, the production features Ben Ball as Robert. The show is sponsored by
Pittsburg Community Theatre June 11-13 at Church of the Good Shepherd Spiritual Park, 3200 Harbor St., Pittsburg (tickets at 925-439-7529), by Pinole Community Players June 18-20 at Four Fools Winery, 13 Pacific Ave., Rodeo (pinoleplayers.org) and by Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble June 25-27 with the location TBA (ghostlightte.org). Looking for a fun place to get friends together and watch a movie? You could rent the Campbell Theatre in Martinez for the low cost of $75. Bring your own Blu-Ray or DVD and invite up to 25 people. The theater has a 17-foot screen plus access to snacks and cocktails. For more information, call 925350-9770, option 5. Sally Hogarty is well known around the Bay Area as a newspaper columnist, theatre critic and working actress. She is the editor of the Orinda News. Send comments to sallyhogarty@gmail.com
Local artists portray Concord families throughout history
research to learn more about the local area’s tribes and how they lived,” she says. “I made sure to get the right shapes for LISA FULMER their grass huts, and I painted actual basket designs. ARTS IN MOTION their These people were primarily Renaye Johnson and Thea hunters and gatherers, rather Jue have teamed up a second than farmers, so you’ll see fish time to paint a utility box in and acorns in their baskets.” downtown Concord. Jue’s second panel depicts For Concord Art Associathe home of Concord’s tion’s first public art project founder, Don Salvio Pacheco, with the city in 2019, they which was built in the 1840s painted a box with the Music & and still stands downtown at Market theme at the corner of 1870 Adobe St. Grant and Salvio streets. Spon“I used an old black and sored by the Concord Historical white photo for reference,” Society, this time they focused she notes. “I learned there on family within the theme of was a large chicken farming “Celebrate Concord.” industry here at that time, so I Each side of the box tells a painted the children with different family story through- chickens in the yard.” out time. Jue began with the Moving forward through Chupcan tribe of Bay Miwok time, Johnson featured a small Indians, who were here more farmhouse from the early than 300 years ago. 1900s that was once sur“I enjoyed doing the rounded by fruit orchards. “Seasonal workers and their families lived here during harvest time. Eventually this house became the aRt Cottage, our favorite little art gallery in downtown Concord,” she says.
Lisa Fulmer
Renaye Johnson highlighted the Concord Pavilion, local hills and downtown’s aRt Cottage on her latest Concord utility box mural with Thea Jue.
“For the present-day panel of our utility box, I wanted to highlight the Concord Pavilion, nestled in the foothills of Mt. Diablo, where so many families here have enjoyed concerts, community events and even high school graduations for the last several decades.” For their utility box at the corner of Concord Boulevard and Galindo Street, the artists decided to add a crisscross design along all four corners “to show that all of our families are stitched together through
Rainbow, from page 9
history,” Jue says. “We’re so honored and grateful to be part of Concord’s growing landscape of public art,” Johnson adds. Visit ConcordArtAssociation.com to learn more about the organization, its membership benefits and community outreach programs. Lisa Fulmer is a mixed media artist, Concord Art Association board member and founder of MadeinConcord.com. She also consults with local artists on self-promotion and personal branding.
port important and necessary work, think Rainbow. You can support by volunteering, sharing our mission, attending a meet our eye. Each person in ters LGBTQI+ folks and it our organization or served by encompasses allies, too. Center- training or donating at it is that drop of water. ing means putting someone or rainbowcc.org/give. I’m not exaggerating when Unique within the collective. something forward, to lift them I say that Rainbow has saved All with the goal to serve up and hold them, not to the my life many times over the those in our LGBTQI+ com- exclusion of others, but to munity. A spectrum of beauti- shine the light so that what has years, so I plan to spend the rest of my life working to give ful, diverse and worthy people been for so long invisible and back for that immeasurable who deserve to be seen, heard marginalized is seen and supand held. ported. So, when you look, you gift. Won’t you join me? Who knows, you could save someare reflected back. “The size of your dreams must It is an ambitious goal, but one, too – maybe even youralways exceed your current capacity knowing what I know because self. to achieve them. If your dreams do of those who lead, serve and Dodi Zotigh is the board presisupport Rainbow, it is attainnot scare you, they are not big dent of the Rainbow Center serving enough.” – Ellen Johnson Sirleaf able. the LGBTQ community in ConIf you believe in equity, jusWe are Rainbow. tice, compassion and love – you If you’re looking for a way cord. Send questions and comments to Dodi@rainbowcc.org. are Rainbow. Our mission cen- to make a difference, to sup-
Drought-tolerant options for your landscape
May 21, 2021
The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com
spraying an herbicide, wait at least 30 days before planting. Some may be interested in sheet mulching to get rid of NICOLE HACKETT their lawn. This is perfect for GARDEN GIRL those who do not want to install a new landscape until There has been another late autumn or early winter. explosion of interest as the Sheet mulching is layering nursery the past couple weeks, nitrogen (aged compost and as folks consider removing manure) and carbon (newspalawns and installing water-wise per and straw) on top of the landscapes. existing grass. It creates wonMany are curious to see derful, rich soil for happy drought-tolerant plants, plants. Sheet mulching is a shrubs and trees. They are forgiving process, and many also seeking design ideas. websites and experts have difThere are three approaches ferent recipes for sheet to removing your lawn. mulching. The fastest approach is by way of sod-cutter. This may VARIETY OF NEW sound good, but it’s expensive PLANTING OPTIONS and labor-intensive. EquipOnce you’re ready to ment rental and dump fees replant, there’s a vast selection will cost you, and handling of drought-tolerant plants to and transporting the cut sod contemplate. Start with founrolls is hard work. dation plants – the trees and Another approach is to evergreens that are needed to stop watering the grass. As the support the overall look of grass dries, you can spray con- the landscape. centrated herbicide like RemuFoundation trees to think da to kill the existing turf. Use about are crape myrtles, a pick to loosen clumps of smoke bushes, Fremontodendead grass and thatch. You’ll dron, Arbutus Marina, fruitneed to make a trip to the less olive and Western reddump for disposal. After buds. These are easy to find,
drought-tolerant trees. Drought-tolerant evergreens to use in a water-wise landscape include ceanothus, cistus, Manzanita Howard McMinn, phlomis, grevillea and leucadendron. Ornamental grass-like plants such as lomandra and rhormium can also be considered foundation plants. Once you have your foundation plants, it’s time to think about accessory plants and groundcovers. Some drought-tolerant accessory plants are many of the salvias/sages, Moonshine Yarrow, dwarf lavender, coreopsis, lantana, daylilies and sedum. Use accessory plants to accent foundation installations. For example, if you are planting cistus, which blooms in spring, it would be nice for the landscape to plant a summer-blooming lantana as a companion installation. Groundcovers are important to a lawn-less landscape. Some favorite drought-tolerant ground covers to consider are myoporum, manzanita, dymondia, gazania, correa and grevillea.
DESIGN APPROACHES. As you design your landscape, be sure to fulfil the needs of the area. Blank wall areas need some height planted near them. Retaining walls should have cascading plant materials. Property lines need to be accented. Gates need walkways. Highlight existing trees. Consider building a mound or berm if your landscape is flat. Layer plant material from small to large, depending on how the area is looked upon. Drip system irrigation needs to be checked regularly. Delivering water to plant material by way of drip is water-wise, however, if drips get clogged or disconnected, plants suffer quickly. Be sure to watch out for your plants because new installations will need additional water. Keep a watering can handy to help if needed.
poems come alive in their narrative approach. They have beginnings, middles and endings, but Barksdale’s endings SUNNY SOLOMON are often the unexpected – just like real life. BOOKIN’ WITH In “This is it,” she writes SUNNY of her beliefs, her realities. “Figuring someYou do not need an MFA thing out,/whatin English to read the poems ever it may of “Grim Honey.” You need be/This is what I only to be among the living. believe/when I Jessica Barksdale has taken don’t believe/we a belief from William Carlos are here,/and Williams that there “are no then we are not.” ideas but in things.” The “You Always poems in “Grim Honey” may Love the Broken be filled with abstract ideas or Ones” speaks of philosophical meanings, but “The shy, the only after we read of how friendless,” they come from the objects, “Those with the things, that fill our lives. runny noses” and “Those who Things like photographs, can- wear hearing aids.” dies, runny noses, parents, sibI wonder if the poet is lings, foreign cities, apartwriting about herself. Who are ments and homes. those? The poem’s meaning Upon my first reading of comes from its title and last Barksdale’s poems, I felt like I couplet: “You want them all, was reading deeply personal the dripping, staggering mess, poems, maybe a touch of the wretched, the/wrecked, Sylvia Plath. There is nothing your shores awash, empty, wrong with personal poems, waiting.” And each reader can but after a second, third and, fill in the part about who are yes, a fourth reading, I recog- the “those” we choose to love. nized a shared human life. What do we “see” when These poems were about we read poetry? A story? A me, my family, my neighbors, lesson? One reason for rereadpeople I’ve read about, deaths, ing a poem is to make sure we regrets and much more. The
understand what we’ve read the first time. Barksdale’s “Older Woman with Dogs” begins with someone closely observing plants. “You try to ignore the blooms’ companions, the spent crones/crumbling toward death while the youngsters waggle in the breeze.” There is also another plant with parts “inappropriate, misplaced.” The observer can see herself in every “misplaced” part of that plant, and it is “proof that nature supports the different.” It is a poem of unexpected comfort. For many long-time residents of this area, the author’s name should ring several bells. Barksdale is not only the author of more than 15 novels, but she is also a retired professor of English at Diablo Valley College. What a pleasure to encourage you to read her again. Barksdale’s use of language, her keen ability to see what often lies beneath a first viewing and her empathy for our
human condition make her stand out as a poet worth reading.
Page 13
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Poems in ‘Grim Honey’ speak to a shared experience
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Sweet cherries making their way to Farmers Market
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May 21, 2021
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Gotelli Farms offers 10 cherry varieties during the May-June season. DEBRA MORRIS Pacific Coast Farmers Market
June. Once this delicate crop is ready, the family moves quickly to get these cherries out to local farmers market. Stop by and get them while you can. You won’t find better quality, freshness and variety.
ter will begin to foam and sizzle around the edges. Keep stirring until butter turns golden brown, about 5 minutes. The foam will slightly subside and the milk solids on the bottom of the pan will toast. It will smell intensely buttery, nutty and rich. There are only a few seconds between brown butter and burnt butter, so keep your eye on the stove the entire time. Don’t walk away and don’t stop stirring. Once some foam begins to dissolve and you notice the specks on the bottom of the pan have browned, immediately remove the pan from heat and pour the butter into a heat-proof bowl to stop the cooking process. If left in the hot pan, the butter will burn. Set the butter aside to cool. Preheat oven to 375. With an electric mixer, mix the dry ingredients together. Add the egg whites, half at a time, and mix to combine. Add the honey and mix, scraping sides of the bowl to ensure everything is combined. While mixing, slowly add the brown butter until everything is incorporated. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Fill ¾ full and place ½ an apricot and ½ a cherry on the top of each cupcake in a pretty design. Bake for 15 minutes, turn pan around in oven and bake until a knife comes out clean, 15-20 minutes total.
More than 40,000 acres of cherry orchards from Brentwood to Stockton and down through the Central Valley are transforming their lovely pink blossoms into plump sweet cherries. This wonderful seasonal fruit is a highly anticipated treat every year and can be enjoyed May and June at farmers markets. The most common type of sweet cherry grown in California is the Bing, followed by the Lambert and Rainier varieties. They’re large and sweet, best eaten fresh and great for eating out of hand. Gotelli Farms of Acampo brings several varieties of sweet cherries to the Concord Farmers Market. Bing, Burlat, Coral, Lapin and Brooks are some of them. The family emigrated to the United States in the early 1900s from Italy and settled along the Calaveras River in San Joaquin County to start their orchards. The business is family owned and operated and represents three generations of experience in California, with specialization in sweet cherries, blueberries and apricots. The Gotelli family now offers 10 cherry varieties that are all well-adapted to the hot climate of the San Joaquin Valley. Cherries have a very short season, usually May and
10 T butter 1¾ c. plus 1 T almond flour ¾ c. plus 2.5 T sugar 6 T cornstarch Pinch of salt 4 egg whites separated from 4 large eggs (6 fluid ounces) 2 oz. honey 6 apricots, pitted and halved 6 cherries, pitted and halved
We all are familiar with extreme weather events, like tornadoes and hurricanes, which result in injuries and deaths. But we may be less aware of a silent, weatherrelated killer called pediatric vehicular heatstroke (PVH). The victims are children who succumb to extreme hypothermia when left unattended in closed motor vehicles. The physical process that heats up the interior of a vehicle is known as the greenhouse effect. The sun emits shortwave energy. Objects at the earth’s surface absorb shortwave energy and emit long wave energy. Fortunately for greenhouses, but unfortunately for closed vehicles, short wave solar energy easily passes through glass windows but the long wave energy reflected back toward the sky does not. As a result, the interior of closed vehicles heats up quickly when parked. Studies of closed vehicles show that the rate of interior heating is very rapid. With air temperatures at and above 70 degrees, interior temperatures rise by nearly two degrees per minute once a closed vehicle is parked.
reported in the United States alone. That is nearly 40 child fatalities per year. The saddest part of this story is that each death is preventable. Here are some tips on how to avoid these needless tragedies: Always lock your car and ensure children do not have WOODY WHITLATCH access to keys or remote entry WEATHER WORDS devices. Keep a child’s favorite Within one hour, a 70stuffed animal in the front degree car interior temperapassenger seat to remind yourture will climb to more than self of the precious cargo in 110 degrees. On a 90-degree the back. day. the inside temperature Place your purse, briefcase jumps to more than 130 or cell phone in the back seat degrees. You can sadly imag- before starting a journey. ine the consequences for a Remember that pets are young child left in a parked also vulnerable to heatstroke. vehicle. Opening the car windows a Statistics show that nearly few inches does not minithree quarters of PVH fatali- mize the threat of PVH or ties occur because an adult animal heatstroke. Very little caregiver exited a vehicle, leav- air exchange occurs in vehiing a child behind. Sleeping cles with partially open winchildren in rear-facing car dows, and the greenhouse seats are especially at risk effect vastly overwhelms any Most of the remaining slight cooling that does deaths were due to children occur. entering unlocked parked vehicles and accidently locking Woody Whitlatch is a meteorolthemselves inside. ogist retired from PG&E. Email It is not a small problem. your questions or comments to Over the last 23 years, nearly clayton_909@yahoo.com 900 PVH deaths have been
GLUTEN-FREE CHERRY APRICOT FINANCIER CUPCAKES Makes 12 cupcakes.
Financiers are small, buttery almond cakes commonly found in French patisserie.
Take butter out of the refrigerator 20-30 minutes before starting. Brown the butter by cutting it into equal pieces so it cooks evenly. If the butter is frozen or too cold, it will splatter and easily burn. Use a light-colored pan so you can see when the butter has browned. Brown over medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon, silicone whisk or rubber spatula The Concord Farmers Market is in as it melts. Once melted, the but- Todos Santos Plaza every Tuesday.
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