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May 22, 2015
Concord unveils ‘good news’ budget PEGGY SPEAR
Concord Pioneer
What a difference a year makes. This time last year, the City of Concord was looking at a
TIM GRAYSON
MAYOR
Economic development drives new budget The Budget Workshop held during our recent Concord City Council meeting was an encouraging glimpse at our economic present, but owing to the recent recession concerns are still being raised about our economic future. I want to present some factual material that I hope will allay some of those fears. Once again, thank you to the citizens of Concord for giving us the cushion of Measure Q. You bought us time to develop and enhance our economic development program so that we can recover from the effects of that recession, the dissolution of our Redevelopment Agency, the “creative ways” the
See Mayor, page 14
KidFest marks Silver Anniversary this weekend in downtown TAMARA STEINER Concord Pioneer
The area’s longest-running annual family event, Bay Area KidFest, returns this weekend presenting its Silver Anniversary edition in Downtown Concord as part of the three-day Memorial Day holiday. KidFest has been under the direction of event producer Jay Bedecarré since 2010. Bedecarré has a long history with the City of Concord, who, for 25 years,
Fiscal Year 2014-15 budget that was hanging by a thread, with future threats of huge cuts to services and programs if new revenue streams weren’t found in the next year. Thanks to a resurgent econ-
omy — and especially the voters of Concord, who overwhelmingly extended Measure Q, the half-cent sales tax, in November — the two-year spending plan unveiled last week at the Concord City Council meeting was a
breath of fresh air. “Sometimes, it’s hard to stop and reflect on some good news,” said City Manager Valerie Barone. “This is good news.” While the new bi-annual
FY 2015-16 Preliminary Budget General Fund Revenue by Category Without Measure Q Charges for Services, Licenses & Permits $7.7M 9% Business License $3.1M 4% Transient Occupancy Tax $5.8M $2.7M 3% 7%
Total: $81.3M Other $6.1M 8%
Franchise Fees
Property Tax $22.5M 28%
Total: $93.9M
Including Measure Q Charges for Services, Licenses & Permits Business License Transient Occupancy Tax $2.7M 3%
$7.7M 8%
Other $6.1M 6%
Property Tax $22.5M 24%
$3.1M 4% $5.8M 6%
Franchise Fees Sales Tax $33.4M 41%
This graph outlines the revenue sources streaming into the city of Concord for Fiscal Year 2015-16, without the aid of Measure Q. At $33.4, sales tax is 41 percent of the total. It is slated to increase in coming years as Concord plans to rely more heavily on its economic development.
Measure Q $12.6M 13%
Sales Tax $33.4M 36%
This graph highlights city revenues for Fiscal Year 2015-16 with the addition of Measure Q funds, which will help support the general fund, economic development marketing, park improvements and supplemental improvements for capital projects.
budget is status quo, with 89.1 million in spending in Fiscal Year 2015-16 and 88.5 million in FY 16-17, the budgets reinstate a 30 percent “rainy day” fund, about $29 million or about four months operating costs. Of those budgets, $7.8 million is from Measure Q in FY 15-16, and $7.5 million is from Measure Q in FY 16-17. “We are returning to our prerecession status,” says Barone. “But we still must be conservative, which is why we have a ‘status quo’ budget.” But we will be able to make progress in infrastructure needs and unfunded liabilities, something we haven’t been able to do in the recent past.” The budget workshop was the first of three that the council will hold prior to the state’s deadline of adopting a budget by July 1. The next one is at the council meeting on June 9, and
See Budget, page 7
Source: City of Concord
Source: City of Concord
Simulated disaster drill tests CERT skills If a major disaster had hit Concord last Saturday, the safest place around would have been Todos Santos Plaza where more than 100 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) trainees and graduates gathered to test their skills in various simulated disaster scenarios. The event drew CERT volunteers from Brentwood, Pittsburg, Antioch and Martinez as well as from the Concord CERT. In bright green vests and hardhats, the responders participated in exercises simulating medical triage with search and rescue, fire suppression and communications. At the “cribbing” scenario, volunteers worked to shore up a collapsed building by creating a temporary wooden structure to support the weight while rescuing people trapped underneath. The work is tedious and exact and one
Tamara Steiner/Concord Pioneer
CERT TEAM MEMBERS CHECK ON THE STATUS OF THE THREE “ VICTIMS” they just pulled out from under a collapsed building as part of the multi-city drill last Saturday in Todos Santos Plaza.
mistake could bring the whole structure down on the victims. These are the skills that will be most needed in a major earthquake, the most likely disaster sce-
nario to strike the Bay Area. Concord resident, David Pintado, is a CERT Safety Coordinator and led his team through the communications and damage
assessment exercise. “I want to create a consciousness in my neighborhood of what to do in a bad situation.” Pintado was the safety coordinator for Heald Col-
lege before it closed last month. Many volunteer for the training out of a sense of self preservation. Debbie Martin of Brentwood heard about the CERT training from her Next Door neighborhood website. “My husband and I are concerned. We want to know what to do in a disaster.” CERT training includes 20 hours of instruction and takes six weeks to complete. Volunteers are trained what to do in a major disaster, for example an earthquake, flood or terrorist attack. They learn the techniques of fire safety and fire suppression, light search and rescue and the basics of medical triage. For more information about upcoming CERT training sessions, go to www.cityofconcord.org/CERT, contact the Concord CERT program at Info@ConcordCERT.org or call (925) 603-5933.
‘Grown Women’ celebrate Juneteenth in dance
See KidFest, page 7
Among the many free attractions this weekend at Bay Area KidFest in Concord is the Kent Family Circus, performing at 12 noon, 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
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KARA NAVOLIO Correspondent
Tonya Marie Amos and her father Morris Amos dance in a moving performance to Luther Vandross’ “Dance With My Father.” Alan Kimara Dixon
Tonya Marie Amos is a successful Concord businesswoman, a former professional dancer and a community volunteer. But she is most proud of a show she produces each year that brings people of all ages, races and cultures together to celebrate African American history. Since 2009, Amos’ non-profit Grown Women Dance Collective stages “Fallen Heroes, Rising Stars: A Juneteenth Celebration Through Dance.” The
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show, held June 20-21 at the California Theatre in Pittsburg, is a multi-media celebration of the positive contributions made by black Americans. It brings together former and current professional dancers and music by such influential artists as Luther Vandross, Ray Charles, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson. The dance performances are intermixed with readings of poetry and a slide show of African American history from slave ships to the Civil Rights Movement through current day. Amos’ inspiration for the
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show stems from seeing a lack of Juneteenth Celebrations in the Bay Area, and especially in Contra Costa County. In Texas, where her ancestors were once slaves, it is a state holiday. Juneteenth is known as the day, 150 years ago, that slaves in Texas heard the news that slavery was over. The proclamation was read in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. That was more than two months after the Civil War had ended and two and half
See Juneteenth, page 20
Inside Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Community . . . . . . . . . . .2 From the desk of . . . . . . .8
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School News . . . . . . . . .16
ConcordPioneer.com ClaytonPioneer.com
Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Performing Arts . . . . . . .21
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
May 22, 2015
COMMUNITY
In Brief... Blue Star Moms prepare Care Packages The Contra Costa Blue Star Moms will send 4th of July care packages to troops deployed overseas. They’ll send one to any APO or FPO address. Send your loved one’s address to carepackageaddresses@ ccbluestarmoms.org with endof-deployment date. Best care package items are canned pastas, chili or stew, chewing gum, mints and word game magazines, packing tape and zip-lock bags of all sizes. Donations are requested to cover postage of $15.90 for each care package. Checks may be made payable to Contra Costa Blue Star Moms and mailed to P.O. Box 6379, Concord, CA 94524. Leave donated items at the front office of A-1 Storage, 5296 Concord Blvd., Concord. The deadline for donations is May 23. Anything received after will be used in holiday packages. For info call Loretta Masnada, (925) 686-3944. Donations are tax deductible.
A taste of wine, a sunny day and a sampling of fine local art drew big crowds to the Salvio Square for the Third Annual AAUW-Concord Art and Wine (and Beer!) Walk on
May 7. The event raised over $8,500 to provide educational scholarships to local women who have completed their community college courses and are going on to pursue a 4-
year degree and to send local seventh grade girls to Tech Trek, a summer camp to keep girls interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
Tamara Steiner/Concord Pioneer
CONCORD RESIDENT JULIO GUILLEN, waits while Marlo Villanueva adjusts the brakes on his bike at Bike Concord’s free bike repair tent. Guillen bikes to BART every day for his commute to San Francisco.
Concord Pavilion Committee appointed The Concord City Council completed its five-member Concord Pavilion Community Outreach Committee with the recent appointment of four Concord residents. Appointed to serve two-year terms are LaMar Anderson, Orin Cross III, Elizabeth De La Campa and Mark Weinmann. The committee will provide guidance to Concord Pavilion general manager Aaron Hawkins on efforts to attract applications from local schools, cultural organizations and the community to bring additional community events to the Pavilion, expanding the use of the venue beyond the concert season. This new committee was
‘Bike to Work’ Day ends with celebration at Todos Santos
Art, Wine and Beer mark successful event
Tamara Steiner/Concord Pioneer
CARLYN OBRINGER (LEFT) pours while Lana Hanlon, Gilda Baca, Dave Lasley, Eirena Mayorga and Marisa Baca drink to a successful AAUW Art and Wine Walk on May 7.
Despite intermittent rain showers, Bike Concord closed Bike to Work Day 2015 with a celebration at Todos Santos Plaza where Supervisor Karen Mitchoff kicked things of with an official proclamation. In Bike Concord’s free bike repair tent on the plaza, Marlo Villanueva and other volunteers
New First 5 director Maya Rodriguez puts families first
Continued next page
After graduating from Columbia University in 2012, Maya Rodriguez was eager to return to her hometown of Concord to make a difference. Rodriguez, the new director of the Monument Community First 5 Center, began working at the center in 2008. Her experience with children and families influenced her decision to pursue a master’s degree in human development from Columbia.
MAYA RODRIGUEZ
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Rodriguez has many memories of growing up in Concord. “The thing they all have in common is the time and attention my mom was able to give me during my early childhood,” she notes. “She would take me on walks to the park to feed the ducks, tell me stories of her upbringing in El Salvador and was never afraid to be silly.” These days, Rodriguez enjoys visiting the farmers mar-
1007 Feather Circle – Clayton Oak Hollow at Oakhurst Country Club! Desirable “Santa Fe” model! 4 bedrooms,
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“I believe Contra Costa is a great place for children and hope to start my family here soon,” Rodriguez says. “Contra Costa would be even better if all families could have access to affordable, high quality early education programs, as well as safe and clean parks in their community.” For more information on classes, visit www.firstfivecc.org.
4 Clark Court – Concord Spacious Single Story nestled in a private court! 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1881sf. Large approx. .29 acre lot.
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ket at Todos Santos Plaza in downtown Concord, especially for the free summer concerts. “I bring a blanket to enjoy the show and get to take home fresh fruits, veggies and sometimes a slice of pie,” she says. Each month, the First 5 Center offers dozens of free parent education and child enrichment programs for expecting parents and families with children through age 5.
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Concord Market Update
were busy checking out the bikes of a larger than usual crowd. “Thank you to everyone who went to work on two wheels today,” said Bike Concord activist Kenji Yamada. “For the rest, we are working to make cycling a safer, easier transportation choice in Concord in the near future.
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2310 Crystal Ave . . . . . . . . . . . $441,000 . . . . .1746 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . . . .5/13/15
4006 Chestnut Ave . . . . . . . . . $425,000 . . . . .1340 . . . . . .2/1.5 . . . . . . .4/30/15
1415 Cape Cod Way . . . . . . . . $509,000 . . . . .1188 . . . . . .4/2 . . . . . . . . . .5/8/15
3171 Fitzpatrick Dr . . . . . . . . . $443,900 . . . . .1108 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . . . .4/28/15
1899 Clayton Way . . . . . . . . . . $355,000 . . . . .975 . . . . . . .3/1 . . . . . . . . . .5/6/15
1861 Laurel Pl . . . . . . . . . . . . . $944,950 . . . . .2985 . . . . . .4/3 . . . . . . . . .4/24/15
3502 Wild Flower Way . . . . . . $725,000 . . . . .1979 . . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . . . .5/4/15
1871 Apple Drive. . . . . . . . . . . $425,000 . . . . .1086 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . . . .4/22/15
2148 Bluerock Cir . . . . . . . . . . $535,000 . . . . .1572 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . . . . .5/1/15
1207 Missouri Drive . . . . . . . . $495,000 . . . . .1504 . . . . . .4/2 . . . . . . . . .4/21/15
3108 Athene Ct . . . . . . . . . . . . $375,000 . . . . .1170 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . . . . .5/1/15
4020 Browning Dr . . . . . . . . . . $850,000 . . . . .2881 . . . . . .4/3 . . . . . . . . .4/17/15
May 22, 2015
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Community
Music and Market Series returns to Plaza for 27th year
Concord veteran receives medal certificates
PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
City of Concord
“Staff Sergeant Henderson deserves to be recognized for his courage and sacrifice, and it was a privilege to ensure that he received certification for these medals” said Congressman DeSaulnier. Henderson received the Purple Heart for his heroic actions on July 6, 1965 while serving as advisor to a friendly force in the Republic of Vietnam. Henderson is a veteran of three wars; he was a Merchant Marine in WWII and is a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean and Vietnam War.
Why advertise in the Pioneer? Here’s one reason: “The first Sunday after the paper came out, we had three new customers. They all saw our ad. Today, another first time customer came in. Thank you Concord Pioneer!” - Nicole Hackett R&M Pool, Patio and Garden
In Brief... specified in the most recent contract between the City of Concord and Live Nation as a way to re-connect the Pavilion with the community.
Concord receives ABAG award
The Cajun-infused sounds of the Zydeco Flames flared through Downtown Concord Thursday night as the first Music and Market event of the season got a foot-stompin’, rollicking crowd ready for one of the city’s favorite summer traditions. Now in its 27th year, the popular music series is one of the longest running free civic concert series in the Bay Area, accompanied by the Thursday night Farmers Market. Among first-timers to the series this year is the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir performing June 4. With 55 singers and a full band, this “Celebration of Gospel Music” is sure to be a popular event. Bay Area band and sixties legend It’s a Beautiful Day will perform its international hit “White Bird” and other late ‘60s classics on June 11. On July 2, Fahrenheit 5150 brings funk, R&B and soul in a high energy, choreographed show to its first Todos Santos Plaza audience. Newcomers Patrón will offer its “Shot of Latin Music” on Aug. 8, featuring a 10-piece band with some of the best Latin musicians in the Bay Area performing everything from salsa to Santana. Popular Motown band Best Intentions will bring the series to a close on Sept. 17. The concerts draw as many as 3,000 people to the weekly shows, from as far south as Pleasanton and as far west as Richmond and El Cerrito, and
STAFF SARGEANT RAYMOND HENDERSON (CENTER) COUNCILMAN DAN HELIX (LEFT) AND REP. MARK DESAULNIER
Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, along with Concord City Councilman Dan Helix, presented former Staff Sergeant Raymond Henderson, a U.S. Army veteran, with certification of having received both the Purple Heart medal and the Army Commendation Medal with a “V” device, and paid tribute to Henderson’s service to our country. Like many Vietnam veterans, Henderson did not receive certification of receiving this distinction at the time he received the medals.
Page 3
TODOS SANTOS PARK GRANDSTAND
even San Francisco. “I try never to miss a week,” says Walnut Creek resident Ron Hollander. “It’s a great experience to kick back with a couple of beers and some good friends and hear some really good music.” Concord resident Leticia Aguliera agrees. “We bring a picnic dinner and just enjoy the evening,” she says. “…although my kids enjoy playing on the playground more than listening to the music.” She says her husband Juan enjoys perusing the market for fresh foods. “When everyone is listening to music, the lines aren’t as long,” she says. The series is funded through donations collected from attendees during last year’s concert series and by local sponsors. The 2015 sponsor list is led by Concord Disposal, Pacific Service Credit Union, Tesoro, Dolan’s Lumber, Chevron, Ashby Lumber, Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market, Concord Police Association, Brenden Theatre and the tourism consor-
Photo by Rochelle Douglass
tium Visit Concord with its “Diablo Valley, Defying Expectations, Concord California” campaign. Besides the Thursday night festivities, the popular Tuesday Night Blues Brews and Barbeque series, previously held in July, has been extended into August this year with shows every Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 8 p.m. beginning July 7 and running through Aug. 11. This years’ series opens with venerable Bay Area Blues masters The Delta Wires and closes with Concord’s own Blues diva, Annie Sampson. The series this year is sponsored by Todos Santos Plaza’s craft beer taproom Hop Grenade. Many of the concerts are broadcast live (as well as rebroadcast) over Concord Cable TV on Comcast channel 28, Astound channel 29 and UVerse. For a complete listing of the bands performing both Thursday and Tuesday nights, visit www.cityofconcord.org.
The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) recognized the City of Concord with a Growing Smarter Together Award at ABAG’s General Assembly on April 23 in Oakland. The award recognizes cities, towns and counties for innovative efforts in revitalization, planning, innovation and technology to create sustainable communities and to promote green community efforts. Concord also received the Start it Up Award for the Downtown Concord Specific Plan. Recognized for its commitment to urban design, BAG lavished praise on the city for the expansion of its economic vision for developing its historic downtown & core plaza.
Spray Park reopens later to save water The Meadow Homes Spray Park will open three weeks later this year due to the drought. The park, which usually opens in early May, will open this year on Sat, May 23. To conserve water, hours have also been shortened by two hours a day. Until schools lets out for the summer recess, the park will be open Mon.Fri., 3 to 6 p.m. and noon to 6 p.m. on weekends. After school is in recess, hours will be noon to 6 p.m. daily. The spray park was designed to filter, treat and recycle the water it uses. The later starting time and slightly reduced hours of service will result in the water park using 25 percent less water this year. For more information, call the spray park hotline, (925) 671-3366.
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Rossmoor – 2BD/1BA 1,054 sq.ft. Condo. 55+ community. Exquisite, total remodel. Elegant cabinets w/granite throughout. Stainless appliances, wide island. Recessed lighting, hand-hewn wood floors. Cal BRE#1309306
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Again we will work with the Food Bank & ask you to PLEASE DROP nonperishable FOOD items to our office bin by JUNE 4.
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Page 4
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
May 22, 2015
Ron Brown retires from Save Mount Diablo PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
It makes sense that the guy who helped save Mount Diablo would want to finally get out of his chair and enjoy it. The mountain will lose a beacon when Save Mount Diablo Executive Director Ron Brown retires in December. No, not the beacon that shines every Dec. 7, but the one who worked year-round with local and regional agencies, conservation groups and residents to help expand the mountain’s open space and recreation areas to more than 110,000 acres.
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May 28-31 FREE Daily Exhibits FREE Concerts 3 for FREE Thursday Bring 3 cans of food and receive one FREE admission.
Fun Family Friday Kids 12 and under FREE all day Buy 1 Carnival Red Wristband and get 1 FREE (until 6 p.m.) Visit our website for more Fair Fun information
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1342ElCaminoDr.cbrb.com Don't miss this Custom 1960's Clayton Rancher in a private, tucked away lot! This sprawling home retains original charm and provides stylish updates throughout. There are 5 generous bedrooms and 3 full baths. The Master boasts stunning new en suite and walk in closet. Updated open concept kitchen sparkles with granite counters and stainless appliances. The 5th bedroom with separate entrance is perfect for home office or au pair. The detached workshop/ man cave provides extra space for work or play! Lush landscaping and several outdoor entertaining areas make for perfect California living. Offered at $699,000
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Brown’s retirement after 15 years at the helm of SMD was announced via a letter to SMD members, and in it he reiterated what he said to the Pioneer in an interview: “For 15 years, I have spent a lot of time in meeting rooms, swivel chairs and in front of computer screens to protect the Diablo wilderness. The time has come for me to get outside and enjoy the great lands that we have protected together.” He will be missed by the many local leaders he has worked with over the years, including Clayton City Councilwoman Julie Pierce. “Ron is one of the good guys,” she said. “He has done a wonderful job growing Save Mount Diablo, and become a leader in conservation efforts and environmental groups nationwide. He really set the bar in being collaborative with all the other stakeholders in conservation efforts.” Her sentiment is shared by SMD Board President Scott Hein. “Ron has been an inspiring force for Save Mount Diablo and we will miss him dearly,” Hein said. “We are pleased that he will be working with us towards a smooth transition. A search firm has been engaged and will assist us with a national search for the next leader of Save Mount Diablo. And although Ron will be enjoying the great outdoors, he will stay involved on several key projects.” “I feel fortunate I have worked for 42 years in nonprofit organizations that help enhance people’s lives,” Brown said. From 1974-1988 he worked with the Contra Costa Jewish Community Center, helping put together outreach programs such as camps, preschools, senior activities, ath-
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RON BROWN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SAVE MOUNT DIABLO
letic camps and even worked on two building fund campaigns. He was instrumental in helping build the JCC’s recreational building on Tice Valley Road in Walnut Creek, which recently shut its doors due to budget cuts. He then went on to become the Director of the Diabetic Youth Foundation, and helped establish its summer camp for kids with diabetes and their families. He left there in 1999 and started at SMD in 2000. The Walnut Creek resident, who lives right at the foothills of Shell Ridge, said he was thrilled to have an opportunity to “preserve the beautiful wilderness in our own backyard.” He said he is proud of the real progress that SMD has made in “helping protect the landscape, plants and animals for future generations to enjoy.” When Save Mount Diablo started, there were about 7,000 acres of public land. “Through the work with the state park and other agencies, we now have
110,000 acres of land for permanent protection,” he said. He is proud of all the land he helped preserve, he said, from the small parcels that provide an ecosystem for animals and other species to the large land grants that were made open space. One of the most gratifying projects he worked on, however, was the acquisition of 11,000 acres in Curry Canyon on the Eastern side of the mountain two years ago. “It was a critical component of the mountain and the ecosystem, and it was a project we were working on throughout most of the time I was at SMD.” Now it’s time to hang up the phone, turn off his computer and “get out and enjoy life while I’m still healthy,” he said. That also means he will get time to spend with his grandchildren, who live in Portland. But he knows you may be able to take the man off the mountain, but you can never take the mountain out of the man.
May 22, 2015
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 5
CV Charter tensions spike with MDUSD board president letter, teacher rep resignations JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
Mt. Diablo Unified School District board president Cheryl Hansen thrust herself into the middle of the yearlong Clayton Valley Charter High School controversy when she sent a letter and two emails to the Contra Costa County Office of Education recently urging the county to revoke the charter and immediately return Clayton Valley to MDUSD because of “incompetent, corrupt and dysfunctional” administration and board. Hansen said she was writing as a “long-time public educator and Clayton resident,” yet signed her Feb. 25 letter as President, Mt. Diablo United School Board. Clayton Valley was granted charter school status for the 2012-13 school year after charter leaders went to the county when the MDUSD board refused to approve their charter application. Hansen points out she was the only Mt. Diablo district board member to vote in favor of the CVCHS proposal in 2011. Her letter said the school’s leadership "has become so corrupt and dysfunctional that the only way to end the toxicity and restore a positive educational
system is revocation of the charter." She added, “Mt. Diablo Unified is ready to step in immediateMDUSD BOARD ly to provide PRESIDENT CHERYL HANSEN students with clear, meaningful educational opportunities and to restore trust and functionality to the Clayton Valley school community." Following the discovery of Hansen’s February letter and March emails to the county through a Public Records Act request, attorney Kristopher Carpenter of Young, Minney and Corr said Hansen was breaking MDUSD board policies in sending the letter and emails to the CCCOE, which is in the midst of investigating a series of complaints sent to them by individuals dissatisfied with the charter school’s leadership. Hansen was first pulled into the charter school controversy when her “romantic partner” Bud Beemer, a retired school principal and Clayton Valley alumnus, was ruled as having real and potential conflicts of interest when he was applying for a CVCHS governing board position.
Carpenter says Hansen was using the weight of her office “to support your personal position.” He then outlined in a three-page letter the “legal and ethical boundaries you have crossed in sending communications on behalf of MDUSD to the County Board and Superintendent.” He goes on to say “your attempts to sway the CCCOE’s investigation have violated MDUSD Board policy, and may have even violated law.” The school counsel finished by saying “what is made exceedingly clear by your actions is that detractors of CVCHS are willing to utilize any resource, even those violative of law and policy, to impair the success of the school in furtherance of their own personal agenda.” In a formal statement, the school’s executive director, David Linzey, said “We find this letter, which advocates revocation of our high-performing charter school, very troubling. It certainly demands answers as to why Cheryl Hansen would use her official title as Board President and District resources to influence an on-going investigation and to reassure our authorizer that MDUSD is ‘ready to step in immediately’ to take over our school. We are concerned as to whether MDUSD has taken any official action to actively
take over our school for their own financial gain.” In a statement she read at the May 4 MDUSD board meeting, Hansen insisted she wrote the letter as a private citizen exercising her constitutional right to free speech. In November the county trustees unanimously gave Clayton Valley its maximum charter reauthorization through 2020
SCHISM WIDENS Adding more intensity to the conflict between faculty and administration, both teacher representatives on the CVCHS governing board resigned last week. Amber Lineweaver and Dana Tarantino abruptly quit at the May board meeting the same evening Mike Fine was elected to fill a member-at-large vacancy. Tarantino said that fewer than 40 percent of the teachers who signed the original charter petition several years ago are still on the faculty. Lineweaver’s departure followed a tumultuous year for her. Board members had given her a vote of “no confidence” last fall for her actions in the removal of administrator Pat Middendorf 12 months ago. Then early this year CVCHS executive director David Linzey removed Lineweaver from her position as the school’s athletic director.
also been downloaded to his Concord residence, according to the release. Kasper is well-known in Concord as the emcee of the Concord July 4 celebration at Todos Santos Plaza. He is a past president of the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce and served as president of the Mt. Diablo Health Care District
board in 2012. According to his website, Kasper is a professional public speaker and business consultant. He is free on $20,000 bail. “It’s a shocking thing. Tough to believe,” said Concord Planning Commissioner Tim McGallian, who is also President of the Todos Santos Business Association Arts
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How much do you know about Concord’s streets?
EDI BIRSAN PULSE OF CONCORD Has Concord lost a Fourth Street? How many street names are at the Four Corners? And is there really a grove of Oaks on Oak Grove? In the course of walking through the streets of Concord there are some interesting oddities. Take this short quiz and see how much trivia you know about our local street names.
Answers 1. There is no Fourth Street currently. In fact the 1908 map of the city at City Hall shows Fourth AVENUE just east of Parkside but it was filled in for the housing developments. 2. West Street (which used to be an airport runway) runs north-south. 3. Relative to each other: West Street is EAST of East Street and East Street is WEST of West Street.
6. Willow Pass is a dividing line between Sixth Street and North Sixth Street. Which way does North Fifth Street go from Willow Pass Road? 7. Monument Blvd. was called Monument Blvd. before the World War 1 monument was built in Pleasant Hill. What monument was the street named after? 8. How many different street names are there at the Four Corners? (*Hint: It is in the Monument Corridor) 9. Is there a grove of Oaks on Oak Grove in Concord? 10. Name a street that begins with the word The in Concord? 11. Name a street that does not have Street/Avenue/ D r ive / Ro a d / Ya r d / C o u r t / Place/Boulevard/Way or something equivalent after its
4. Colfax between Clayton Road and Concord Blvd. has the traffic going opposite to American standard. 5. Colfax was the Vice President under President Grant. 6. North Fifth Street goes SOUTH from Willow Pass, opposite thinking from Sixth Street. To make it more weird, there is a South Fifth Street but there is no actual Fifth Street connecting them. Developers’ priorities may have played a role in that.
7. Monument was named after the ground survey monuments that were used for marking out land ownership, none of which remain. 8. There are three names: Monument Blvd, and then Meadow Lane, which turns into Oak Grove as it crosses Monument. 9. There only grove of oaks on Oak Grove is in Walnut Creek as you approach Ygnacio. HOWEVER, on Arbor Day 2013 the City planted two Oak Trees at the Ygnacio Valley Neighborhood Park by
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1. We have Second, Third, and Fifth and Sixth Streets running into Willow Pass Road. Where is Fourth Street? 2. East Street goes east to west. What direction does West Street go? What was it? 3. Relative to each other what is odd about East and West Street? 4. In England they drive on the left side of the street. In America we drive on the right side of the street EXCEPT for one street in Concord where it is done the English way. Where is that? (*Hint: they had to build a low wall to stop people from crashing head on.) 5. Galindo and Pacheco streets were named after founding families of the city. What is the historic relationship between Grant and Colfax streets that are parallel to each other?
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proper name and borders Clayton Road in two different places? (Hint: See question 10) 12. What is the name of a park that has a foreign country in its name? 13. In the States Streets area (South East of Ygnacio Valley Road and Clayton Rd) which of these States are missing: Texas, California, Tennessee, Virginia? 14. North Fifth Street and Fifth Street connect where? 15. What street connects to itself in a three-way intersection with it going off in all three directions? (Hint: It is by Mt. Diablo High School.) The answers are in the gray box below. Send comments to EdiBirsan@astound.net, or visit www.PulseOfConcord.com.
Oak Grove. So maybe in a few more Arbor Days…we can dream. 10. It is named after a racetrack: The Alameda. 11. The Alameda has no designation after Alameda. 12. Brazil Quarry Park has the name of a foreign country in it. 13. All of them are missing. 14. Nowhere. They don’t connect. 15. Grant Street.
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May 22, 2015
Come out and play with ‘kids’ your own age at the Concord Senior Center PATRICIA ROMERO Correspondent
The Concord Senior Citizens Club and Concord’s Senior Citizen Center have a very long and intertwined history, which you might never guess judging by the dearth of information available. Luckily, life-long Concord resident Diane Lorenzetti not only knows the history, she experienced much of it firsthand. Lorenzetti happens to be the first person ever hired by Concord to coordinate the Senior Center. Gregarious and overflowing with stories, Lorenzetti is the definition of a straight shooter. Funny and modest, you might never know that she devoted her career to the center, volunteered with the Senior Club since her retirement, served on Concord’s Commission on Aging, and even received the Mary Shockley Memorial Award for outstanding service by seniors — unless you did a lot of digging. It turns out that a seniors program has existed in Concord since 1952. Those first programs bear little or no resemblance to the current list of activities, classes, services and opportunities available through the Senior Club at the Senior Center. Asked what she loves most about the Senior Club, Lorenzetti doesn’t hesitate before replying, “The people. It’s always been about the people.” In fact, Lorenzetti’s love of fun and passion for community is contagious. So much so, that fun and caring appear to have become the Club’s unofficial motto. Concord resident Christine Kogut not only knows this, she credits the club with changing her life. Feeling isolated after
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moving back to California from Virginia, the vivacious blonde says, “I was getting depressed.” In response, she joined the Senior Club and began volunteering at the center. “The people here really give you a reason to get up in the morning. Now I’m just having a ball!” Annual membership in the Senior Club costs $14. The Club has a list of more than 25 activities for members to participate in, plus events and excursions. There’s quite literally something for everyone, and if you can’t find an activity that appeals to you, they’re open to new suggestions. They have even installed an Idea Box in the lobby of the Senior Center. Other members found or created opportunities for themselves at the center, including Concord resident Fred Christy. “I don’t really do any of the activities they do here,” he said. “But then one day I saw they needed some help with their bulletin boards, and I thought ‘That I can do!’” Christy enjoys spending time with the friends he’s made at the center and says the Club has given him “a place
to do for.” He hopes one day they’ll expand to have more events and more inclusive events, such as LGBT social events, at the center. The Senior Center building itself is a modern facility that’s
easy to access, has plenty of parking and a surplus of natural light. There are three tables in their pool room, and a large room for group activities that can be partitioned off for smaller events. The club hosts Hospitality hours from 9-10:15 am every Monday, Tuesday and Friday mornings. They’ll provide coffee and pastries; you need only bring your affable self. Asked what they find the biggest obstacle is to joining, the club’s board answers almost in unison: “Getting people to admit they’re over 50!” If you’re proud of your age, the Concord Senior Citizens Club invites you to come out and play. For membership information or calendar of activities, call 925-6713320 or go to www.ci.concord.ca.us and click on Residents and Visitors/Residents/Seniors
Furry friends have their day The Concord Senior Center and the Contra Costa Humane Society invite animal lovers of all ages to the Furry Pet Faire and Maddie’s Pet Adoption Day on May 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at John Baldwin Park on Parkside Circle in Concord across from the Baldwin Dog Park. The event is free and family friendly. Nationally, free Maddie’s Pet Adoption Day events are the largest events of their kind in the country. Their purpose is to save the lives of shelter dogs and cats while increasing awareness of shelter animals and the efforts of shelter and rescue organizations. The event will showcase a variety of vendors from many rescue organizations and animal services. There will be K-9 demonstrations and information regarding pet-related services and resources. Last year, over 50 pets were adopted. Great raffle prizes will be available with proceeds benefitting the Concord Senior Center and the Humane Society. For more information or to register as a vendor contact Concord Senior Center Program Aid Dario Sanchez at (925) 671-3017.
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CONCORD . . .
Affordable rental housing a challenge in Concord GEORGE FULMORE Commentary
It’s getting tougher to be a renter in Concord, and things do not look like they will be getting better in the near future. Jose Espinoza, who lives in the Ellis/Laguna area of Concord, knows first-hand about the problems. He works in Oakland but would like to remain living in Concord. “In the last few years, my rent has been increasing 10 percent per year,” he reports. “I have lived in my same apartment complex for eight years. I really like the place. But during that time, I have seen many people come and go, primarily because of the rent increases.” “It’s a landlords’ market right now,” says Angie Watson-Hajjem, fair housing coordinator with ECHO, the Eden Council
for Hope & Opportunity. “At ECHO, we try to do what we can to resolve conflicts between renters and landlords. We encourage people to call us to see if we can help.” While ECHO specializes in education and anti-discrimination issues, the group also can advise landlords. “We try to be impartial,” she says. ECHO does most of its advocacy over the phone, but there is a Concord location for meetings. ACCE, the Alliance for Californians for Community Empowerment, is also available to help renters. Along with Tenants Together, ACCE holds tenants’ rights meeting on the fourth Tuesday of the month. “Some renters are being taken advantage of by their landlords,” says Jovana Fajardo, ACCE community organizer. “Some have never signed a
Budget, from page 1 the third is at the council meeting on June 23. RECENT ECONOMIC UPSWING Barone said there were several factors that have aided Concord’s economic vitality over the past year. Unemployment in the city is down; at 5.4 percent, lower than both the state and national average. Meanwhile, sales tax revenue is up, helped along by continued strong auto sales along auto row and a recovery in non-auto sectors. Concordians are seeing home values rise again after the Great Recession, with the median single family home price at $400,000. That’s up 13 percent over the last year. And there is an enhanced economic vibrancy in the city, she says, which is a lynchpin of the city’s 10-year economic forecast. In addition, hotel occupancies are up, thanks in part to the development of a Concord tourism district. And as progress continues on selecting a Master Developer for the Concord Naval Weapons Station, more economic interest is shifting
Concord’s way. The improving economy and Measure Q have made it possible to keep vital services that were threatened last year, Barone said, such as police services like 911 response, neighborhood patrols, gang prevention and crime investigation, as well as infrastructure maintenance like roads, pothole repair, city street lighting and traffic signal upkeep. Finally, maintenance of parks and playgrounds, recreation programs and support for senior services won’t be cut. STILL
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENTS
The budget is by no means a fix-all for all the budget woes the city faces, especially unfunded liabilities and street repairs that have gone too long neglected, Barone said. But it is a start. Still, it doesn’t address increased CalPERS pension costs and future changes, and long-term liabilities for retiree medical benefits persist. Also, building conversion of the Bank of America building to multi-tenant caused the
rental agreement. Some have bedbug issues. There are all kinds of reasons that renters may want to seek legal advice.” Fajardo notes that many renters wait too long to get help. “They should call me directly and/or come to one of our meetings as soon as they can,” she says. “We can get them free legal advice.” Both Watson-Hajjem and Fajardo say the trend of rising rents and a diminishing availability of rental units is nationwide. One-quarter of all renters may be paying at least 50 percent of their income for rent. There are about 45,000 housing units in Concord, with a 3:2 ratio of homeowners to renters. But that ratio is diminishing and is probably about 1:1 in some areas of the city. In the Monument Corridor, investors have purchased a high percent-
age of single-family homes for rental purposes in recent years. The option of buying a home is simply not for all. Many lost their homes during the recent housing crisis and have been unable to buy again. Others do not have enough savings for a down payment and/or enough income to make payments on a home. “Short-term, we can only see a continuation of a very tight rental market,” says WatsonHajjem, “one that can only get better after more affordable housing has been built.”
overall vacancy rate to rise, but Barone said that is a “blip” and in time vacancy rates will drop in the city. Finally, she said that “the elephant doesn’t change its colors,” meaning that the city has no way of knowing how much money the state may take from the city over the next few years. Already, through the loss of redevelopment funds and other monies, the city has lost more than $78 million from city coffers to the state in the last two decades. According to City Finance Director Karan Reid, without Measure Q, most of the FY 1516 revenue is made up of sales tax revenue, at $33.4 million. The next highest total is property tax at $22.5 million, followed by fines and other revenue at $6.1 million and franchise fees at $5.8 million. Measure Q adds an additional $12.6 million (see graphs on page 1). On the expense front, the majority goes to city salaries, with the police department leading the way at 56 percent. That is typical of a city Concord’s size in a department that operates 24/7, 365 days a year, said Jovan Grogan, the assistant city manager. The city will be adding three
new positions in the next year, including a new economic development manager, to help attract businesses to Concord to strengthen its efforts to continue to grow in that area. Council members were generally pleased with the budget, but cautioned that they keep their focus on keeping unfunded liabilities under control. “This is a good news budget,” said Councilman Dan Helix. “We are very fortunate to have Measure Q.” Councilman Ron Leone was concerned that employee retirement packages — part of the unfunded liabilities — were not funded fully for FY 16-17 like they are for FY 15-16, but Barone said that adjustments could be made at the midyear budget report or end of the first fiscal year to fully fund them for FY 16-17, one of the advantages of a two-year budget cycle. Mayor Tim Grayson closed the budget session by saying while it was good news, the city still faces challenges — but they are not sweeping them under the rug. “We’ll work the first year to fully fund what we can and use the second year to find a way to fully fund our liabilities.”
For more information about ECHO, call 1-855-275-3246. The ACCE tenants’ rights meetings are at 5:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month at JFKU Community Center, 2702 Clayton Road, Concord. For details, call (925) 4379570.
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KidFest, from page 1 marketed and produced events at the Concord Pavilion. When producer Beth Clark retired in 2010 after the 20th Kidfest event, she turned the reins over to Bedecarré, her marketing partner. That same year, the City of Concord withdrew financial support from Kidfest and said that the event had outgrown its Todos Santos Plaza location. At the suggestion of a friend Bedecarré moved KidFest four blocks down Grant St. to Mt. Diablo High School, coincidentally his alma mater, where the festival was able to expand with triple the space. He added a variety of extra free attractions plus 20 carnival rides geared for the core KidFest audience of kids 12 and under. Since that move Bay Area KidFest has been voted “Best Festival” in the area by readers of Claycord.com four consecutive times. The additional space also facilitated bringing in traveling shows from around the world like this year’s Aussie Kingdom, an educational exhibit taking visitors through the Australian outback with a chance to see kangaroos, wallabies and native Australian birds up close. Among the other free attractions included in the low KidFest admission are Kent Family
Circus, SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer and audience participation in scenes from The Wizard of Oz. This year the 12th annual Spring Diversity (Baisakhi) Festival is all day this Saturday, Bay Area PetFest is Sunday and SportStars Field of Dreams on Monday. Costumed TV and movie characters who interact with attendees have been a KidFest staple from the first KidFest in 1990, when Bedecarré brought his two young sons to see Michelangelo of Teenage Mutant Power Rangers. SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer from Nickelodeon have been favorites over the years but this is the first time they have been together at KidFest to meet and have their picture taken with kids of all ages. Kid’s Town America, face painting, balloon art, martial arts, games, KidArt, bounces, crawls and sports activities at KidFest are also free. There’s also the omnipresent Food Court, arts and crafts and exhibitor booths. There is an extra charge for carnival rides. The Main Stage features free nonstop entertainment of primarily local groups with music, dance, cultural and ethnic presentations, martial arts and more from 10:45 each morning.
Pet Services Pittsburg Pet Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-7387 Photography Rochellez Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .510-677-4170
Photo courtesy city of Concord by Leslye Asera
CONCORD MAYOR TIM GRAYSON (RIGHT) PRESENTED Bay Area Festivals president Jay Bedecarré with a proclamation at last week’s City Council meeting congratulating Bay Area KidFest for its Silver Anniversary this weekend at Mt. Diablo High School. The Council congratulated KidFest and Bedecarré, who has produced the festival since 2010 when it moved to the high school location in Downtown Concord, for upholding the city’s motto: “Where Families Come First.”
Another event added since the move is a Memorial Day Monday noon time ceremony with Mt. Diablo High School Jr. ROTC and renowned vocalist Deborah Del Mastro singing the anthems for each of the military branches and other patriotic songs. KidFest is also a fundraiser for local nonprofits in education, health and youth sports. Festival producer Bay Area Festivals has donated over $70,000 to organizations over the past five years. For the 20th year in a row, KidFest is partnering with the Food Bank of Contra Costa
and Solano. Over 100,000 pounds of food have been donated for the needy by KidFest attendees. Every patron donating a can of food gets $1 off the KidFest admission price. Admission is $6 a person for those donating a can of food or $7 without a donation. Babies under 24 months and seniors 65 and over are free. KidFest is open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend and until 5 p.m. on Monday, May 25. For complete KidFest information visit kidfestconcord.com or call (925) 671-3287.
Real Estate and Mortgage Services French, Lynne – Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787 Hayes, Diane and Bill – Better Homes Realty . . .890-4701 Howard, Don – Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . .408-3184 Howard, Emily – Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . .408-1871 Klock, Leigh – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593 Landgraf, Linda – Berkshire Hathaway . . . . . . . .876-0311 Laurence, Pete – RE/MAX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .890-6004 Lopez, Stephanie – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . .932-7329 Mazzei, Matt – Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757 O’Brien, Michael – O’Brien Real Estate . . . . . . . .680-5478 Stojanovich, Jennifer – Better Homes Realty . . .567-6170 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . . .672-4433 Recreation and Fitness Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454 Senior Services Concord Senior Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .671-3320 Services, Other ComputersUSA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029 Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . . . .682-4518 Travel Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9840 Worship St. Bonaventure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5800, x2217
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
May 22, 2015
From the desk of ... Help raise awareness of CalFresh program
KAREN MITCHOFF
COUNTY SUPERVISOR May is CalFresh Awareness Month in Contra Costa County. I believe it is important to help raise visibility and awareness on this issue. There are 117,000 people in Contra Costa County that live in poverty. It is extremely dif-
ficult to find and keep a job, participate in school, become self-sufficient and support a family when you are hungry and don’t have enough food to eat. Helping families meet a most basic need such as food security is a critical component to lifting families out of poverty. Contra Costa County Employment and Human Services Department is working to address this need along with a group of public and private partners. Strategies include increased outreach, streamlining county application processes, working more closely with school districts, increasing community partner agencies that can help people with the application
process and improving technology to support customers. California has one of the lowest rates of CalFresh (food stamps) participation in the nation. In Contra Costa an estimated 58 percent of people eligible for CalFresh receive the benefit. We estimate that there are currently about 7,000 families in our county that are eligible for CalFresh and not currently enrolled. Our goal is to increase the percentage of people receiving the benefit from 58 percent to at least 75 percent (7,000 families) by May 2016. Success will mean fewer children and families struggling to put food on the table and a more robust local economy. Each month more
than $10 million in CalFresh benefits are spent locally. If we reach our enrollment goal, another $25 million will flow into Contra Costa’s economy each year. We need to raise awareness of the availability of the CalFresh Program. If you or anyone you know needs more information or would like to see if you are eligible and how to apply, please visit www.mybenefitscalwin.org. In other news, May 2015 is Older Americans Month in Contra Costa County in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Older Americans Act of 1965. During the past 50 years, the implementation
See CalFresh, page 9
Student achievement high across all subjects Student and school successes have been plentiful this year and I want to highlight a few noteworthy achievements. Concord High and Foothill Middle School were recipients of the prestigious California Gold Ribbon Award this month. This award is given to schools that have shown academic success and have specialized strengths that the state wishes to recognize. The State Superintendent described them as schools that are “academically successful, vibrant, and innovative centers of learning and teaching.” Concord High also had their music program recognized by Mayor of Concord Tim Grayson on May 5, 2015. The City of Concord issued a proclamation declaring May 5 Concord High Choir Day. The
DR. NELLIE MEYER
MDUSD SUPERINTENDENT students were elated as they received this honor and we are proud of our strong partnership with the city of Concord. Northgate High’s Instrumental Music Program received top honors at the Monterrey
Jazz Festival and will perform this month at both Yoshi’s in Oakland and The Lesher Center in Walnut Creek. Many of our students are receiving musical scholarships and plan to pursue their passion for music after they leave high school. Our middle school students have been participating in technology- based programs and have made it to the California State Competition in the Robotics category. Tesoro provided a grant for us this year to fund robotics clubs after school and it has paid off. Our students are engaged in creating projects that tap into their math and science interests. Our middle schools will be showcasing their robots at Riverview Middle School from 5 to 6 p.m. on May 27. If you visit Cambridge Ele-
mentary School you will see the wonderful art that was created and donated by the community to beautify the campus. The Color Corps Organization collaborated with our teachers, administrators and parents to paint beautiful abstract art on the campus. The warm and welcoming environment is evident to everyone. Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank our community partners and families for their support of Mt. Diablo Unified. Mt. Diablo is on the path to success and your support is invaluable.
Dr. Nellie Meyer is Superintendent of Schools for MDUSD. Email questions or comments to meyern@mdusd.org
CARLYN OBRINGER
PLANNING COMMISSION A cyclist straps on his helmet and cautiously turns onto Clayton Road. He has recently moved to Concord from San Francisco where he got around without a car. His bicycle is his only mode of transportation between his apartment off of Ayers Road and the Downtown Concord BART Station, from which he commutes to work. After nearly being sideswiped by an SUV, he realizes that this route has proved more dangerous than he anticipated and makes his way to safety on the sidewalk. At the intersection of Clayton Road and Oakland Avenue, he and a pedestrian attempt to cross the road in the crosswalk, when a car makes a speedy right turn out of the Terminal Shopping Center, nearly hitting them both. This cyclist and pedestrian are the kinds of individuals that the Planning Commission had in mind in October 2012 when it recommended that the Concord City Council approve a General Plan amendment to incorporate Complete Streets policies into the Transportation Element of the City of Concord’s General Plan. The goal is to design Concord’s roadways to meet the needs of all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit patrons and drivers. After the city council adopted a Complete Streets Policy in December 2012, it was determined that the next step was to prepare a Citywide Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Safe Routes to Transit Plan. According to Planning Manager Laura Simpson, “The goal of the plan is to provide a blueprint
Measuring customer satisfaction for policing
GUY SWANGER
POLICE CHIEF Recently, I was standing in line at a large department store in Sun Valley Mall. There was a couple in front of me, and several more of us waiting for the cashier to return.
The couple picked the wrong size shirt and discovered it at the register. The cashier volunteered to walk over and change it. As we were waiting, the couple had a conversation about the great customer service, while the five of us standing in line behind them were probably having different ideas in our heads. I glanced back at the other people, and I wish I had the courage to ask them their thoughts. The situation got me thinking about customer satisfaction for policing. I am not talking
about police-community relations, which has been a hot topic in some police departments across the country. I am talking about public satisfaction and support of the service delivered by the Concord Police Department. Police departments are fairly similar to other businesses. Being efficient, mission-driven and achieving customer approval and/or satisfaction are pillars of our purpose. We want community members to approve of how we deliver pub-
lic safety service. It is similar to how school districts measure customer service. Do the parents, children, neighborhood residents and others support the manner in which public education is delivered? Measuring satisfaction is tricky and is especially challenging in a diverse community. Add in that your job duties and responsibilities may have changed in the past decade due to downsizing and technology. And don’t forget that people
will change their minds about service quite often. It can be difficult to determine customer satisfaction for a business that writes traffic tickets, puts people in jail and makes tough decisions on a daily basis between two warring parties. However, I believe there are methods and signals to measure customer satisfaction. I’ll cover those next month. Guy Swanger is Concord’s Chief of Police. Send questions or comments to ContactCPD@cityofconcord.org.
Concord strengthens its bicycle, pedestrian and street safety for expanding Concord’s bicycle and pedestrian network to promote safe alternative modes of transportation and help position the city for future funding for bicycle projects and roadway improvements benefiting the cycling community.” The plan also seeks to improve access for pedestrians and bicyclists to Concord’s BART stations, guide investments in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, improve connections between the regional trails network and downtown, fill in gaps in existing infrastructure, and improve safe access between schools, jobs, downtown, and eventually the redeveloped area of the former Concord Naval Weapons Station. To help guide the development of the plan, an Advisory Committee was formed in March 2015, on which I serve with Vice Mayor Hoffmeister, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Mark Sinclair, and two community members. Concordians are invited to attend the committee’s meetings, which are held on the last Monday of each month in the City Permit Center’s Garden Conference Room. A community workshop will be held on July 30 to solicit input from Concord residents, particularly about existing locations that are problematic for cyclists and pedestrians. A draft plan is expected to be completed and presented to the city council for adoption and incorporation into Concord’s General Plan in mid-2016. When asked what he thinks of the planning process thus far, Kenji Yamada, an organizer with Bike Concord says, “For years Concord residents have been pursuing a vision of our city in which bicycling and walking are mainstream, safe modes of transportation on our major streets as well as in residential neighborhoods. The Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Safe Routes to Transit Master Plan process is a powerful indicator of the city’s seriousness about achieving this vision, and with strong community involvement it will succeed.” Carlyn Obringer chairs the City of Concord Planning Commission. Professionally, she focuses on California education issues as an Education Policy Analyst. Carlyn resides in Concord with her husband, Justin, and dog Crystal. Contact her at carlyno@yahoo.com.
May 22, 2015
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
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BUSINESS
Concord Chamber honors R-Computer
MELISSA REA
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE In 1986, Ed and Dawn Roth founded R-Computer in their Concord home garage, and have grown to a staff of 15 employees with an office in North Concord. The company emphasizes providing superior products, and providing excellent service and support for their clients. They were one of 14 businesses honored at the East Bay Leadership Council’s 15th
CONCORD CHAMBER CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD ELECT NOMINEE KEVIN HENNESSY, Chamber C.O.O. Marilyn Fowler, Chamber Chairman of the Board Lori Cooper, Award Winner RComputer co-owner Dawn Roth, Chamber Past Chairman of the Board Larry Sly, R-Computer co-owner Ed Roth and Chamber Chairman of the Board Elect Tania Brugger.
Annual Small Business Awards Luncheon on Friday, May 8, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Concord. Chambers of Commerce in Contra Costa County and the Tri-Valley region each selected a
business to honor for their extraordinary entrepreneurial accomplishments and community support. This year, the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce
honored R-Computer, a business that specializes in computer solutions for small to large companies. Along with providing high-quality computer products and services, R-Computer is also very involved with the community, supporting children in foster care and organizations for the elderly. Operation Secret Elves is an organization founded by Dawn Roth that collects and distributes practical gifts worth thousands of dollars to young adults in the foster care system. Their dedication to the community and businesses allows them to grow stronger every day. To learn more about RComputer, visit their website at www.r-computer.com, or call at (925) 798-4884. For more information on becoming a member of the Concord Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.concordchamber.com or call (925) 685-1181.
Brenden Theatres to serve beer and wine PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
If that movie you’re seeing seems a little dry to you, the Brenden Theatres have just the thing to wet your whistle. Beginning next fall, the downtown Concord cineplex will begin selling beer and wine to its patrons through an on-site restaurant. Up to eight premium beers and six local and national wines
are proposed for sale at the theater, in addition to specialty food like Kinder’s sandwiches, pizza by the slice, flat bread sandwiches, burger sliders and a nacho bar. The beer and wine will be limited to two purchases per customer. According to Brenden Vice President of Operations Walt Eichinger, who is overseeing the project, the trend to sell liquor at movie theaters is becoming more popular, and this is a way
Waterworld celebrates 20 years in Concord
WATERWORLD CALIFORNIA WAS HONORED FOR ITS 20 YEARS in Concord with a Proclamation from Mayor Tim Grayson (left) during a recent City Council meeting. The Mayor proclaimed Saturday, May 9 as “Waterworld California Day” in Concord. Pictured with the mayor are Al Garcia (center), Director of Marketing and Sales for Waterworld and Hannah Brown, General Sales Manager.
to compete with theaters in surrounding communities such as San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Livermore, Stockton and Tiburon that already sell beer and wine from their theaters, and neighboring cities of Walnut Creek and Pleasant hill and Walnut Creek that have pending applications to sell alcohol. All restaurant employees who sell the beer and wine will be required to obtain their “Responsible Beverage Seller” certification, which is an online seller/server course run by the Alcohol beverage Control in California. Customers’ identification will be checked at the time of purchase and they can’t purchase more than one drink at a time. The restaurant will be for ticket holders only, Eichinger said, because it’s easier to control. The Planning Commission approved the alcohol sales at a meeting in March. Planning commissioner Robert Hoag was concerned that the new policy would encourage underage drinking, but City of Concord Senior Planner Ryan Lenhardt said that the training of the Brenden theatre’s staff would allow them to deal with those possibilities, and contact police if necessary. Chief of Police Guy Swanger said that he and the Brenden Theatres already had a strong working relationship, and he was not as concerned about alcohol sales as much as the types of movies that might be
showing, that might attract a rowdy crowd. Alcohol sales will not be permitted in G-rated movies, or movies that attract a large teen audience, such as the recent midnight showings of the “Twilight” or “Hunger Games” movies. Planning Commissioner Ernesto Avila had a slightly different concern than Hoag’s — could youthful employees handle rowdy patrons? Swanger put that fear to rest, too, stating that if the police could handle Concerts in Todos Santos Plaza with more than 3000 people with unlimited alcohol, then trained staff at the movie theater — with the help of police if necessary — could handle the limited amount of alcohol being consumed. Planning Commission Chair Carlyn Obringer, who described herself as a “craft beer aficionado,” urged the theater to consider selling many of the brews brewed and/or sold locally here in Concord, such as those from EJ Phair and Ale Industries. The beer and wine will be sold from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. from an existing 1,600 square foot restaurant space, the former Zambar Restaurant. “The operational goal is that our beer and wine sales do not distract from a safe, pleasant and enjoyable movie-going experience for any patron, rather add to a positive experience to those patrons who enjoy a good movie with a premium beer or wine along with it,” Eichinger said.
P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517 TAMARA AND R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers TAMARA S TEINER , Editor P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design P EGGY S PEAR , Copy Editor J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports Editor PAMELA W IESENDANGER , Administration, Calendar Editor S TAFF W RITERS : Peggy Spear, Pamela Wiesendanger, Jay Bedecarré
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Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580 Tamara Steiner editor@concordpioneer.com Send Ads to ads@concordpioneer.com Send Sports News to sports@concordpioneer.com Send School, Club and Calendar Items to newsandcalendar@concordpioneer.com
The Clayton Pioneer and the Concord Pioneer are monthly publications delivered free to homes and businesses in 94517, 94518, 94519 and 94521. ZIP code 94520 is currently served by drop site distribution. The papers are published by Clayton Pioneer, Inc., Tamara and Robert Steiner, PO 1246, Clayton, CA 94517. The offices are located at 6200 Center St. Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517 LET US KNOW Weddings, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a resident in our home delivery area. Submit on our website and be sure to attach a JPG photo that is at least 3 MB. Also on the website are forms for calendar items, events & press releases. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Both Pioneer newspapers welcome letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 175
words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print anonymous letters. E-mail your letter to editor@concordpioneer.com. Letters must be submitted via Email. CIRCULATION The Concord Pioneer is delivered monthly to 30,000 homes and businesses in 94518, 94519 and 94521. Papers are delivered by carriers for ABC Direct around the last Friday of the month. To stop delivery for any reason, call the office at (925) 672-0500 . If you are NOT receiving the Pioneer, please check the distribution map on the website. If you live in the shaded area and are not receiving the paper, please let us know. If you are not in the shaded area, please be patient. We will come to your neighborhood soon. The Clayton Pioneer is delivered by US Mail to 5,500 homes and businesses in 94517 around the second Friday of the month. SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe to either the Clayton Pioneer or the Concord Pioneer, call the office at (925) 672-0500. Subscriptions are $35/year for each paper, $60/year for both.
CalFresh, from page 8 of the Older Americans Act has contributed to the economic well-being of millions of older Americans, and has improved the quality of life for those individuals. The Contra Costa County Area Agency on Aging was established by the Board of Supervisors on October 1, 1975 to implement the Older Americans Act in our community, with the Advisory Council on Aging advising on senior issues and serving as the principal advocacy body for Contra Costa older adults. The Contra Costa County aging services network provides a range of services under the Older Americans Act, including nutrition, caregiving, transportation, falls
prevention, legal services, friendly visiting, employment, and elder abuse prevention to help more than 27,800 older adults annually maintain their independence. Our county and the service providers we partner with are committed to providing opportunities to enrich citizens old and young by emphasizing the value of including older adults in public and family life, and by providing services and support systems that help older adults maintain their independence and achieve a better quality of life. Karen Mitchoff is Contra Costa County District IV supervisor. Email questions or comments to karen.mitchoff@bos.cccounty.us
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Ouimet Bros. Concord Funeral Chapel recently was honored with the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce Legacy Award for their 55 years of membership and service Marilyn Fowler, Concord Chamber executive director, presents the award to Michael Nicosia, managing partner of Ouimet Bros., with John and Sharon Ouimet and Don and Bea Ouimet.
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
May 22, 2015
SPORTS Championship meets highlight spring sports season finales JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
This month has been jampacked with league, section and state championships in the eight spring sports for local high schools. Athletes and teams are geared up for the climax of their seasons and school year as they test their skills at the highest possible levels. SWIMMING & DIVING Northgate repeated as boys North Coast Section Swimming and Diving Champions last weekend at Concord Community Pool. The Broncos won two relays and the 50 freestyle with Mason Tittle for a 32-point win over San Ramon Valley with De La Salle third. This is a special year for high school swimming with the firstever CIF State Swimming Championships slated for the Clovis West Aquatic Complex this weekend. The nation’s largest state has led the way in swimming performances for decades and having a state championship is expected to product a pool full of records. The top three from NCS were automatic qualifiers for the state meet with other swimmers and relays possibilities as atlarge entrants if they met state qualifying times. San Ramon won the girls meet, far outdistancing secondplace Carondelet as the top four teams were all from the East Bay Athletic League. Among the automatic boys qualifiers were Eric VanBrocklin and Max Bottene (NG), Dominic Dalpiaz and Forrest White (DLS) plus two Bronco and one Spartan relays. On the
girls side Carondelet qualified Madelyn Murphy and Samantha Coloma plus both free relays. TRACK & FIELD Northgate outscored Clayton Valley Charter in the boys and girls Diablo Valley Athletic League championships after the Eagle boys had gone undefeated in dual meets. Northgate’s Nick Makrakis won all three jumps while Sonja Chesnutt captured two events, each cementing their DVAL MVP awards. Concord’s Andres Reynoso (200, 400) and College Park’s David Phair (800, 1600) were also double winners at DVALs. Clayton Valley had incredible DVAL results in the shot put and discus. Kahlil McKenzie, Mykelle D’Tiole, Jake King and Jalen McKenzie swept the first four places in the shot put and Jeff Williams, Jalen McKenzie, King and Jack Fouts did likewise in the discus. Their teammates Tisi Alatini and Kiersten Fouts were 1-2 in girls discus. Tri Valley Area Meet is Saturday at Amador Valley in Pleasanton, the NCS Meet of Champions May 29-30 at Cal Berkeley and the CIF State Meet at Clovis Veterans Memorial Stadium June 5-6. BASEBALL College Park’s Joe DeMers, reputed to be in line for the National player of the year award, lost a non-league showdown with De La Salle southpaw Justin Hooper in a recent pitching duel at Cal Berkeley on sold out Evans Diamond. In front of a pack of pro baseball scouts and 2500 fans, DeMers and Hopper hooked up in a pitching matchup that ended with the Spartans scoring three
Junior Giants ready for third season in Concord
Registration is open for two more weeks as the third season of the Concord/Monument Junior Giants League readies to begin in June for youngsters like Fernando Cruz (hitting off the tee). Junior Giants is a free, noncompetitive, coed summer baseball league for youth ages seven-13. Concord’s Junior Giants program got a big boost in January when the World Champion San Francisco Giants brought their three World Series trophies to Todos Santos Plaza for one of its first stops on its Trophy Tour. Together with parents and volunteers, Junior Giants reaches into communities and offers youth a chance to learn the basics of baseball during the summer while also discovering the importance of education, self-esteem, team work and respect. Registration closes Friday, June 5. The league runs from June 13 to Aug. 15, with three practices a week and games on Saturdays. Concord/Monument Junior Giants are still looking for coaches. Head coaches need to be at least 21-years-old and assistant coaches must at least 16. If you would like to register a child or you want to become a coach or assistant coach, please visit sfrgmonument.sportssignup.com/site. In-person registration is on Thursdays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at 2699 Monument Blvd., Ste. G in Concord or call 682-8248 ext. 2300.
BOYS GOLF Northgate took the DVAL championship by 12 strokes over Clayton Valley Charter at Diablo Creek Golf Course. Dominic Salomne was medalist with one over par 73 for College Park. He then took fourth at NCS qualifier to advance to the Tournament of Champions. De La Salle won the NCS Division I qualifier by seven strokes over league rival San Ramon Valley to reach the TOC where the Spartans won at Monarch Bay GC in San Leandro leading a 1-2-3 sweep by EBAL teams with Foothill runner-up and Monte Vista third. The NorCal Championships were this Monday at Corral De Tierra Country Club in Salinas leading to the state finals at Poppy Hills GC in Pebble Beach June 3.
Photo Bob Sansoe
TWO OF THE MOST BALLYHOOED HIGH SCHOOL PITCHERS FROM THE AREA in many a year faced off at Evans Diamond at Cal Berkeley recently with De La Salle lefty Justin Hooper (above) outdueling College Park’s Joe DeMers 3-0. The teams will be in opposite divisions in the North Coast Section playoffs but each figures to take his team a long way.
runs in the bottom of the sixth for a 3-0 victory, handing DeMers his first loss since last March. College Park topped the DVAL regular season standings and must be beat twice this week in the league playoffs to be
denied the season championship. Clayton Valley Charter, Concord and Northgate round out the playoff lineup. The last league games are this week. The Falcons won the Division II NCS championship last year after being eliminated in the semi-
finals in 2012 and 2013. De La Salle has been even a little better winning two of the past three Division I titles (2012 and 2014) plus finishing second in 2011 and 2013 when they weren’t champs. NCS starts Tuesday and runs through finals June 5 and 6.
LACROSSE Ygnacio Valley hosted and won its first-ever NCS girls lacrosse game 7-6 last week over Sonoma Academy before being eliminated in the Division II tournament. In girls DI Northgate and College Park lost their openers while Carondelet fell 64 to league rival California in the quarterfinals. De La Salle is in the semifinals of the Division I boys playoffs after wins over Rancho Cotate and Oak Ridge. The Spartans met Amador Valley of the EBAL Wednesday in the semis with the finals concluding this weekend.
See Spring Sports, pg 11
Reaction mostly positive to final NCS realignment that puts seven DVAL schools in new super league JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
The mystery of where all the local high school sports teams will play starting in 2016 was finally settled last month when the North Coast Section Board of Governors accepted the final proposal presented by its NCS Alignment Committee that combines the Diablo Valley Athletic League’s seven schools with five from the Diablo Foothill Athletic League in a new super league. This decision culminated the quadrennial process that began a year ago and places schools in leagues from the fall of 2016 through spring 2020. NCS undertakes this review every four years to ”balance the needs of geographic proximity, time and cost of travel, loss of instructional time and competitive equity.” The final alignment keeps the seven DVAL schools (Clayton Valley Charter, College Park, Concord, Ygnacio Valley, Northgate, Berean Christian and Mt. Diablo) in the new 12team super league with five Diablo Foothill Athletic League teams (Acalanes, Alhambra, Campolindo, Las Lomas and Miramonte). Clayton Valley Charter was the only school in the Valley Conference still in flux after the NCS Alignment Committee met at the end of February and changed its recommendation from last fall which was to move CVCHS to the East County-based Bay Valley Athletic League following an appeal by Heritage High of Brentwood.
Heritage appealed the realignment setup that moved Clayton Valley to the BVAL based on longer travel times to the Concord school which would increase transportation costs and cause a loss of instructional time for the East County schools. The alignment committee eventually went back to a proposal submitted by Clayton Valley Charter executive director Dave Linzey last October that has been termed “Clayton Valley Charter #2 Proposal.” In that setup the BVAL would remain with its six teams while CVCHS would join the rest of the current DVAL schools along with five from the DFAL in a super league of 12 schools. Linzey said, “This was the super league proposal where we believe CVCHS belongs, so we are pleased with this decision. These schools in the DFAL have more sports and levels of athletics similar to CVCHS as opposed to the BVAL schools.” “Ygnacio Valley is excited about being a part of the new "super-league". The league allows greater flexibility in scheduling opponents based on competitive equity by sport and gender,” YVHS athletic director Mark Tran says. Concord High principal Rianne Pfaltzgraff says, “We are excited at the new competitive opportunities that being a larger league will provide!” CVCHS co-athletic director Eric Bamberger, who is also the school’s boys basketball coach, said, “We are very pleased with the placement and look forward
to competing in our new league in the fall of 2016.” Taking a different view is Concord High football coach and co-athletic director Brian Hamilton: “I don't think the super league is a good idea. I voiced my concerns throughout the process. I think it's an attempt to recreate a paradigm that has been successful elsewhere. When you merely adopt the standards and practices of others without studying why they have been successful you are unlikely to succeed. “I think that our [new super] league is far more diverse in every way possible than most super leagues. We vary in school size, sports offered, levels of sports offered, number of students participating, number of free and reduced lunch students participating, facilities, etc. I think most super leagues that have been "successful" are far more homogenous than ours.” It’s understood that some DFAL schools (Campolindo and Miramonte in particular) were concerned about the new alignment since they anticipate 26-35 minute drives to Concord for games against Clayton Valley and Concord. Generally in a super league setup each sport for boys and girls is aligned separately to get as much competitive equity as possible. DVAL commissioner Craig Lee and his DFAL counterpart Pat Lickiss are already working on the new league. “Next [school] year we will dive into the specifics during what will be a year-long effort that deals with each sport individually.
Lee says the first items on the agenda for setting up the new league are: • League leadership structure – commissioner(s), officers • League structure – divisions, leagues, etc. • League name “Next fall we will meet in sport-specific committees to decide the details. We have to have the fall season sports completed by November so the fall teams can start committing to games for the 2016-17 season,” Lee added. “I have been encouraged by how the principals and athletic directors in both leagues are willing to work together to come up with whatever is best for the students. It will be a very busy but very rewarding year. The new league is very diverse in many ways.” The schools joining with the local DVAL schools have rich athletic histories. Campolindo of Moraga has won the SportStars Cup for overall excellence the past several years. Miramonte of Orinda has also racked up numerous section titles while Alhambra of Martinez, Acalanes of Lafayette and Las Lomas of Walnut Creek also have successful teams in various sports. The latter three schools also have a long history playing Mt. Diablo, Clayton Valley, College Park and other Central Contra Costa schools. Dublin and Dougherty Valley move from the DFAL to the East Bay Athletic League to form a second 10-team super league that combines Carondelet and De La Salle with nine schools from the Tri-Valley area.
May 22, 2015
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
ond in the 400 meters where he was just off his personal best of 50.3, capping his final track season for Ygnacio Valley after also logging three years on the Warriors cross country squad. Head track coach George Francis says, “Jonathon puts it all on the track with his desire to win.” He will be attending Expressions Film School in Emeryville starting in July.
Athlete Spotlight Class: Senior School: Ygnacio Valley High Sports: Track & Field, Cross Country meter relay at the DVAL track and field championships to qualify for NCS. The senior Villegas was sec-
Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@concordpioneer.com.
High school basketball shocker: DLS’s Frank Allocco heads off to college post JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
One of the nation’s most successful high school basketball coaches, Frank Allocco was named associate head coach of the University of San Francisco last week, catching most observers off guard. Allocco had spent the last 18 years as head coach at De La Salle and before that six years at Northgate. He won 17 league championships and two Division I state championships at De La Salle. Allocco amassed a record of 654-99 as head coach at Northgate (167-28) and De La Salle (487-71). He guided three teams to state championships and reached the 600-win plateau faster than any coach in state history. His career winning percentage of .868 ranks second all-time in the state and he is the only prep coach in California history to win a state title at two different schools. USF won back-to-back national championships in 195556 with teams headed by Bill Russell and K. C. Jones. The school remained a strong basketball power on the West Coast through the early ‘80s when a series of disciplinary and legal issues caused the college president to shut down the program until 1985. The Dons have not reached those success levels since. “Great athletic traditions are something that has always resonated with me,” said Allocco. “It’s what drew me to Notre Dame and inspired me to build winning programs at Northgate and De La Salle. The incredible tradition that echoes through the rafters and permeates throughout the USF basketball program has drawn me to the Hilltop. I’m excited for the
Photo: USF Athletic Communications
Long-time local high school basketball coach Frank Allocco accepted the associate head coaching job at University of San Francisco.
opportunity to work with Coach [Rex] Walters in creating a culture of excellence that will carry that tradition to new heights and bring honor to the University and Bay Area.” Allocco flirted with college positions twice before. In 2000 he briefly thought he was getting the Saint Mary’s College head coaching job in Moraga and he also looked into the opening at St. John’s in New York City a few years ago. He reports that the USF situation “just came out of the blue” when Dons coach Walters called him a few weeks ago, the 62-year-old Allocco said. “For the past seven years I’ve watched Frank coach his De La Salle teams and have always been impressed with the way he led, coached, guided and mentored his players and teams,” said Walters. “I wanted to bring that type of influence, knowledge, work ethic and attention to detail to our program here at USF. “There are too many things to list that I know Frank will
Spring Sports, from page 10 SOFTBALL Concord teams have been a major factor in NCS Division II softball this decade. Concord High has won three NCS titles since 2010 while Carondelet was second in 2011 and 2014 and CVCHS was runner-up to its cross-town rival Concord in 2013. DVAL playoffs are this week with the section seeding meeting Sunday. NCS begins Tuesday and concludes June 6. BOY’S VOLLEYBALL Northgate (DII) and De La
NFL draft in the books for Bay Area teams
The Concord Pioneer congratulates Jonathon 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
Jonathon Villegas
Jonathon Villegas combined with Andrew Leonard, CJ Garcia and Jessie Guzman to win the 1600-
Page 11
Salle (DI) were section runnersup last year and both reached this year’s semi-finals, which were played earlier this week. The Spartans beat EBAL rival Foothill to advance to a game against Amador Valley, another league foe. The Don eliminated College Park in the quarter-finals after the Falcons won a five-set thriller over Antioch in the opening round. Northgate met top seed Campolindo in Tuesday’s semis after the Broncos won their opener over Redwood. Concord upset El Cerrito in four sets
bring to our program. We are excited to work with him and continue to build on what has been a very competitive program for the last seven seasons.” In 2014, Allocco was the head coach of the West team in the prestigious McDonald’s AllAmerican High School Game held at the United Center in Chicago. He was also the head coach in the Michael Jordan AllAmerican Game which was played at Madison Square Garden; head coach of the Academic All-American Game in Los Angeles; and head coach of the Nike Hoop Jamboree in St. Louis. In his 18 seasons at De La Salle, Allocco guided the Spartans to 17 league championships, three Northern California titles and state championships in 2000 and 2006. Over 60 players under his tutelage went on to play college basketball. At Northgate he guided the Broncos to a Division III state championship in 1995. His high school teams won 11 North Coast Section titles. Among his many coaching accolades, Allocco was named Cal-Hi Sports State Coach of the Year in 2000, California Coaches’ Association State Coach of the Year in 2010 and MaxPreps.com State Coach of the Year in 2011. A native of New Providence, N.J., Allocco graduated with a degree in sociology in 1976 from Notre Dame, where he played football and basketball. He was a three-year football letter winner and played on the Irish’s 1973 National Championship team under legendary head coach Ara Parseghian. He also played two seasons of basketball for Digger Phelps. De La Salle is now in the process of looking for a new coach. Allocco’s son Frank
before losing to second seed Las Lomas in the quarters. NCS finals are this Friday and Saturday followed by NorCals May 26-30. FOOTBALL De La Salle football will play a Texas team for the first time Aug. 29 when the defending state champion Spartans travel to Mansfield, Texas to face Trinity, a perennial power from the Lone Star State. DLS coach Justin Alumbaugh says, “When you talk about high school football, Texas naturally comes up. It’s exciting. We’ve seen film on them. They’re really good and really physical. We’re really excited about going out there.”
Allocco Jr. has been rumored to be a top candidate to replace his father. De La Salle athletic director Leo Lopoz praised his outgoing coach. “As a teacher, as a mentor, as a basketball coach, it’s hard for me to believe there’s anybody better. ... He will be missed.” The Spartans legendary football coach Bob Ladouceur stepped down in January 2013. The team was second and first in the state in the two years since his retirement as head coach. That time the school stayed in-house to select assistant Justin Alumbaugh.
TYLER LEHMAN SPORTS TALK The 2015 National Football League draft was good overall for the Raiders and 49ers. After the free agency period both teams had numerous holes on their roster and were able to address some of those through the draft. The Raiders filled a major need at wide receiver with their first-round pick Amari Cooper. The 6-1, 203-pound receiver from Alabama was the best collegiate route runner in the country last year. The pick of Cooper shows the Raiders are committed to making Derek Carr their franchise quarterback. USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams, considered by many the best prospect in the draft, was available when the Raiders made the fourth pick and Oakland opted to take Cooper, giving Carr a major weapon. Cooper will be an impact starter to begin the season. The new receiver and Carr are already being dubbed “AC/DC” by the silver and black fan base. The rest of the Raiders draft went reasonably well.
Oakland GM Reggie McKenzie had a few reaches such as second round pick Mario Edwards Jr., a defensive tackle out of Florida State. He is extremely athletic, but the issue for him is work ethic. He ballooned up to 310 pounds last year at Florida State and played uninspired most of the year. He finished the season with only three sacks and 23 tackles. Some scouts had a firstround grade on Edwards Jr., but most had him ranked as a thirdor fourth-round pick. If he can keep his weight around 270 pounds like he was at his pro day, the sky is the limit. He could end up being the steal of the draft or a major bust. The Raiders also drafted tight end Clive Walford from Miami who should be another strong addition to the Oakland offense. Linebacker depth was added in the draft for the Raiders, as well as offensive line depth. Right guard is still an area of concern that the Raiders will need to address by the start of the season. The 49ers draft will be feast or famine. There is a lot of talent among the players they drafted, but their draft picks are raw and will require a lot of coaching. The 49ers first pick, Arik Armstead, is a physical freak, at 6-8, 280 pounds. He only amassed two and a half sacks last year at Oregon and will have to be coached to harness his talents.
See NFL Draft, page 13
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
May 22, 2015
CV Hall of Fame honors special athletes, teams, coaches DERRELL HOSCHOUER (CLASS OF 1967
JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
WRESTLING AND TRACK)
Ten athletes including two Olympic bronze medalists, a coach, two teams and a community supporter were the fourth class inducted into the Clayton Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame last Saturday evening. The Pioneer earlier profiled honorees Community Supporter Matt Mazzei, 1977 girls volleyball team and coach Gary Gardner, 1967 wrestling team and future United States Olympians Erin Dobratz McGregor (2000 swimming) and Kara Kohler (2009 swimming). The other inductees are:
He was 28-1-1 his senior year for the North Coast Section champion wrestling team that took second at North State. The Eagles won the Del Valle and Diablo Valley Athletic League tournaments while Hoschouer won Del Valle, league tourney and dual meet, NCS and North State individual titles and was named East Bay wrestler of the year. As a junior he was part of another strong Eagles team that took fifth at North State and third at NCS. He competed in the pole vault two years as well.
TOM MCCARTY (1972 FOOTBALL & BASEBALL) McCarty captained the CV football and baseball teams in his senior year which he capped as CVHS athlete of the year. After being second team all-DVAL as a junior safety he was a two-way allleague standout his final year including being picked for the Contra Costa Cerebral Palsy AllStar game and scored a two-point conversion in a 14-12 victory. Senior year , he lead CVHS to its first-ever football win over Antioch. He led the league in touchdown passes and in interceptions as a defensive back. He coached at 7 high schools including his alma mater and at UC Davis. See
Hall of Fame, pg 13
3 MDSA girls teams win soccer championships in Nevada
Photo by Rochelle Douglass
THE 2015 CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME CLASS was inducted last Saturday evening at Centre Concord. The Class of 2015 included, front row from left, Matt Mazzei, Paul Belluomini, John Mahloch, coach Gary Gardner; back row, Lindsay Kiyama, Tom McCarty, Tiffany Edwards Panfili, Lori Hokerson, Derrell Hoschouer and Erin Dobratz McGregor.
Sports Shorts CONCORD COBRAS YOUTH FOOTBALL SIGNUPS OPEN ONLINE
Photo courtesy MDSA
MDSA United FC first in Comstock Shootout under 16 girls silver division. The team finished atop their bracket on points, advancing them to the championship match against Davis Reckless. The tough defensive match concluded in a scoreless draw through overtime. United FC won the shootout 6-5 as goalie Rylie Pearson made a save to secure the championship. The team includes, front row from left, Kalina Campos, Sarah Cook; second row, Ana Carabez, Briel Araujo, Sammy Bush, Gianna Maurino, Alison Bergquist, Madison Toma, Desiree Maurino, Megan Bluth; back row, Georgia Moraes, Rylie Pearson, Emily Hockenbery, coach Anthony Campos, coach Jose Soltero Jr., Maggie Soltero, coach JC Araujo, Adelle Meyer and Adriana Gauthier. The team also won Concord Cup XXII last weekend.
Concord Cobras are members of the DYSA NorCal Youth Football and Cheer League. The Cobras football and cheer squads are in a league with Suisun City Titans, Oakland Jr. Raiders, Antioch Spartans, San Francisco Warriors and Pittsburg Jr. Pirates. Registration for fall league is now open to boys and girls 5-14 years for cheer and football at concordyouthfootball.com.
DIABLO FC U15-U18 TEAMS HOLDING OPEN TRAINING SESSIONS Diablo FC is holding open training sessions for boys and girls U15-U18 players for 201516 season. The club’s U15-U18 premier teams all compete in the highest level of Nor Cal Premier in the National Premier League. Open training sessions are an opportunity for players to train with teams and be evaluated for initial player placement. For more information and schedule visit diablofc.org.
CONCORD AYSO FALL LEAGUE REGISTRATION NIGHTS UPCOMING
Photo by CSK Photography
MT. DIABLO U13 HEAT
CLAIM CLUB SILVER DIVISION BRACKET TITLE.
The Heat won their pool bracket, with three convincing victories against teams from Idaho and Nevada. They then met the 11th ranked Idaho Rush Nero in the finals. This championship game also ended scoreless. Behind three goalie saves and four successful penalty kicks MDSA won the PK battle 4-3. MDSA Heat includes, front row from left, Christina Muller, Maddy Hayworth, Tavi Cabezas, Reagan Bowerbank, Alana Young, Kenna Hornsby; back row, coach Ryan Lange, Morgan Pacini, Giselle Lange, Rachel Burnett, Kailee Rice, Micaela Davis, Alaina Lindsey, Jewel Triggs and coach Marvin Davis. Not pictured, Sam Aldrich, Taylor Keys and Annie Patterson.
Registration for Concord AYSO fall league is being held at Bambino’s Restaurant on Farm Bureau Rd. in Concord on Tuesdays May 26 and June 9 from 68 p.m. Girls and boys 4-18 can register. Visit concordayso.org or email rec@concordayso.org.
2 MORE JR. EAGLES FOOTBALL, CHEER ORGANIZATION SIGNUPS
Clayton Valley youth football and cheer teams are now known as CVAA Jr. Eagles. Online registration for the upcoming fall football and cheer teams is open with in-person registration on Sundays June 7 and July 12 at Mountain Mike’s Pizza on Clayton Rd. 12 -3 p.m. Visit their new website cvaajreagles.com for more information.
20TH RED DEVIL GOLF TOURNAMENT JUNE 26
Photo courtesy MDSA
MDSA PHOENIX U10
GIRLS GRAB
COMSTOCK
TITLE.
Team Phoenix won the championship of the U10 silver bracket in Carson City, Nevada. The team went undefeated in four matches against teams from Pleasant Hill and Davis in nearfreezing cold temperatures, sleet, rain, hail and wind. Phoenix includes, front row from left, Katelynn Brown, Ashlyn Albert, Abigail Schauman, Lauren Gherlone, Melia Febriquer; back row, coach Heidi Brown, Hawah Opeyany, Campbell McGee, Jacklann Bellamy, Laine Moraes, Emily Beeson, Kaitlyn McNevin and coach Chris McNevin.
Registration is open for the 20th annual Red Devil Classic golf tournament scheduled for Friday, June 26, at Diablo Creek Golf Course in Concord. Contact Lou Adamo louadamo@gmail.com or Ralph Vallis rv76667@aol.com to become a sponsor, play golf or attend the dinner. The event benefits Mt. Diablo High School student athletes and promotes academic success.
UGLY EAGLES BASKETBALL CAMPS COMING IN JUNE Head coach Eric Bamberger and his Clayton Valley Charter High School coaches and players are offering a pair of Ugly Eagles Basketball Camps in June for boys and girls. The two sessions for incoming third through ninth graders are June 15-19 and 22-26. Sessions run from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. with the gym open an hour before and after the formal camp for pickup play. The camp includes offensive and defensive instruction and games. For more information and to register contact coach Bamberger by phone (925) 726-9999 or email uglyeaglebballcamp@att.net.
BUHAGIAR HONORED FOR 2ND TIME BY NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION San Jose State University linebacker Vince Buhagiar from Clayton Valley High is one of 817 seniors from the 2014 season to be awarded membership into the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame’s Hampshire Honor Society. The Society admits college football players who maintained a cumulative 3.20 or better grade-point average throughout their college career, was a starter or significant contributor in one’s final year of eligibility and met all NCAA requirements towards his degree requirements. A 2013 graduate majoring in psychology, Buhagiar completed his college football career last season as a four-year starting linebacker. He shared the 2014 team lead with a personal singleseason best 96 tackles. In his four active seasons, he started 41 out of 50 games, was 2010 third-team Freshman All-America, 2012 first-team All-Western Athletic Conference choice and finished seventh on the San Jose State list for career tackles with 324. During the 2014 season, Buhagiar was a semifinalist for the NFF’s Campbell Trophy recognizing college football’s premier student-athlete. A fourtime academic all-conference award winner, Buhagiar is pursuing a master’s degree in psychology from SJSU.
FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION SEEKING NEW MEMBERS If you’ve ever thought you might want to learn more about football from the real inside the Contra Costa Football Officials Association can teach you. CCFOA provides officials for
local high school and youth games along the I-680 and Hwy. 4 corridors. They are looking for new members for the upcoming fall season. Training is provided with two new member evening sessions a month starting in mid-June. For more information visit ccfoa.com.
MDSA FALL LEAGUE SIGNUPS ACCEPTED THROUGH JUNE 14
Boys and girls 4-18 years of age wanting to play in Mt. Diablo Soccer Association fall league can register for guaranteed placement until June 14. After that date players will be placed on wait-list. Fall league play begins in August when all registration closes. Families are requested to sign up for volunteer duties to help the organization offer its AYSO program. For complete information visit mdsoccer.org.
FUTURE CHAMPS FOOTBALL JUNE 16-19 State championship finalist and Northern California Bowl winner Clayton Valley Charter High School hosts its Future Champions Youth Football Camp June 16-19 from 5-8 p.m. at the Concord school for players in second through eighth grades. Camp Director Michael Dominquez and Eagles head coach Tim Murphy explain that the camp has individual and group instruction and team competition with fundamentals and techniques of football taught by the CVCHS staff. To register, email coach.dmngz@gmail.com or call (925) 726-1503 for an application.
3 BASEBALL CAMP SESSIONS AT CLAYTON VALLEY THIS SUMMER
Clayton Valley Charter High School coach Casey Coakley has put together a staff of current CVCHS coaches and players as well as Eagle alumni to provide baseball instruction to youngsters 6-13 years of age at the school. The summer baseball camp will consist of instruction in the fundamentals of hitting, throwing, fielding, catch play and other aspects of the game. Summer baseball school sessions will be held June 15-18, June 22-25 and June 29-July 2. Each daily session runs 9 a.m.–12 noon. Fee is $120 for one session with discounts for multiple weeks. To reserve a baseball school spot or to get more information email casey.coakley@claytonvalley.org. Let us know about your sports news and events. sports@concordpioneer.com.
May 22, 2015
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
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PETS
With training, every day can be a ‘crate’ day ELENA BICKER
PET PALS Whether you have a puppy or a newly-adopted adult dog, a crate is an invaluable tool to have in your arsenal. Dogs are “den” animals and instinctively enjoy having a nice, cozy place they can snuggle into and retreat from the world. You can use the crate to limit access to the house while he learns your rules and expectations, such as what is appropri-
ate to chew or where he can or cannot go potty. Any dog can be trained to enjoy spending time in a crate, and if you take the time to properly train and introduce your dog to it he will relish it as his “safe place.” Choosing the right crate is crucial. When choosing a crate, the most important consideration is your dog’s size. The crate should be just big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably. Crates come in a variety of sizes and materials, like wire or plastic, so find one that works best for your lifestyle and your dog. Crate training can take days or weeks, depending on your dog’s temperament and past
experiences. The crate should always be associated with something positive, and training should be broken into small steps and only progress when your dog is comfortable. Trying
to accomplish too much too fast risks your dog having a bad experience which, in turn, will make training more challenging. Encourage your dog to enter and investigate the crate. Toss
Samwell and Papaya are ARF’s adoption stars
SAMWELL
One-year-old Samwell is a boy who can’t stop moving for your affection. He is an active dog, who would love to spend lots of time playing and training. Samwell is looking for a fun job to do, as he is a smarty pants and enjoys working for treats. We rec-
PAPAYA
ommend Samwell take a Small Dog or Basic Manners class where he can start a new life with you with the best paw forward. He currently weighs 18 pounds. The adoption fee for adult dogs is $225 and includes 50 percent off one 7-week dog training
session. Papaya, 3, is sweet as kisses, and beautiful too. She is an easy going girl who loves gentle petting and attention. Papaya needs a low cost daily medication to control her medical condition. She is suitable for a first time cat
guardian. Papaya must be an indoor only cat. Papaya’s adoption fee has been prepaid by a generous donor. Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 6 pm Wednesday & Thursday, Noon to 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6 pm Saturday & Sunday. The primary caretaker must be present to adopt. ARF also encourages kids 16 and younger and canine family members (dog adoptions only) to be present during the adoption process. Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www.arflife.org, or call (925) 256-1ARF.
yummy treats in and allow your dog to retrieve them, making a trail leading in if your dog is hesitant to enter. The idea is to have your dog gradually feel comfortable going further in to retrieve the treats. Begin feeding your dog his regular meals in the crate, positioning the food bowl only as far back as he is comfortable. Once your dog is all the way inside happily eating, you can close the crate door, at first opening it when he is done eating. Each day increase the time he waits for you to open the door by a minute or two, until he stays in the crate for 10 minutes after eating. If he begins to whine in the crate, you may have increased the time too quickly. Next time shave a minute or two off the time and proceed from there. However, it is crucial you do not let your dog out when he whines or he will learn that the way out is to whine and cry.
Once your dog is comfortable taking his meals in the crate, you can begin to train him to spend quiet alone time there. Give him a stuffed Kong or chew toy and leave him for 2030 minutes while you are in the house. Once he can handle 30 minutes of crate time, try leaving him when you leave the house for quick errands. Start with hour-long departures and gradually work up to four hours (the longest a dog can be crated without a potty break). For puppies, less crate time is recommended depending on age. Even after initial training is complete, make sure the crate is a positive place for your dog to settle down. Always leave him with something yummy and safe to chew, and your dog will be loving his crate in no time. Elena Bicker is the Executive Director of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. She can be reached at (925) 256-1ARF (1273)
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Hall of Fame, from page 12 PAUL BELLUOMINI (1974 FOOTBALL, WRESTLING AND TRACK)
He earned six varsity letters—two each in football, wrestling and track. Belluomini helped the Eagles to the DVAL football title as a junior and then the Turkey Bowl championship his senior year when he was a team captain. He was wrestling team MVP as a senior and DVAL champ as a junior. He had the fastest pin of 12 seconds at the Livermore Invitational. He finished his senior year winning two of the school’s most prestigious awards: Grand Altair and athlete of the year. He received an
appointment to the US Military Academy and won other scholar athlete awards. He was the San Francisco 49ers training camp center from 1981-89. JOHN MAHLOCH (1986 BASKETBALL) A four-year varsity basketball standout, Mahloch set nine school records, many of which still stand three decades later. He was a three-year team captain, winning many tournament, league and East Bay honors. He was the DVAL’s top scorer his junior and senior years, unanimous all-league. As a senior Mahloch was second team allNorthern California and led the
NFL Draft, from page 11 Armstead is a defensive lineman, an area of expertise for new head coach Jim Tomsula. The 49ers, with their second pick, drafted Jaquiski Tartt, a hard-hitting safety out of Samford. Tartt looks like he can be a great safety, but like many of GM Trent Baalke’s picks in this draft, “best player available” reigned supreme over need. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing but the 49ers could have used some more cornerback and wide receiver help early in the draft. Safety wasn’t a pressing need with Eric Reid and Antione Bethea already on the roster. The 49ers did draft a wide receiver, DeAndre Smelter, in the fourth round. While talented, he tore his ACL last year at Georgia Tech, and will have to
sit out a year before he is ready to play. The Raiders and 49ers both improved through the draft. The Raiders gave Carr some much-needed weapons on the offensive side of the ball while the 49ers bolstered their defense. There is no exact science behind the NFL draft and there are rarely “sure” picks. Both the Raiders and 49ers drafted some project players, but if coached properly, the 2015 draft could be a boon for each team. Tyler Lehman is a junior at San Francisco State University and a 2012 CVHS graduate. He is majoring in print/online journalism and wants to be a sports writer. Email your comments or questions to tyler@concordpioneer.com.
Eagles to the most wins in school history-25, also still a record. He was recognized as athlete of the year in 1986. He played two years of college basketball at Stanislaus State and helped the Warriors to a league championship. MIKE WOJCIEHOWSKI (1996 CROSS COUNTRY AND TRACK) Middle distance runner Wojciechowski won DVAL track titles three years and was the league cross country titlist twice. As a senior he was Foot Locker National second team all-West after taking second at NCS and helping the Eagles to the runner-up section placement. The team and Woj then replicated those finishes in CIS Division III cross country. After Clayton Valley he was Diablo Valley College MVP and went on to UC Davis as a cross country national qualifier. He still holds the school 1600 meter record from 1996 when he was in the top 30 nationally. TIFFANY EDWARDS PANFILI (1990 SOCCER, TENNIS, SOFTBALL AND TRACK) She came to Clayton Valley as a sophomore after spending her freshman year in England. She played three years of varsity soccer and softball, two years of track and added a fourth sport as a senior part of the No. 1 Eagles tennis doubles team. That earned Edwards athlete of year in 1990. She was an allAmerica softball player as a senior and played on a traveling softball team that made it to the national championship game. She went to Cal Berkeley where she demonstrated her versatility by scoring in the top seven nationally in the heptathlon. She qualified for the 1992 Olympic Trails in the javelin.
LORI HOKERSON (1991 VOLLEYBALL, SOCCER AND TRACK) Hokerson managed to earn 11 varsity letters that led to athlete of the year honors as a senior as well as several scholar athlete awards. Her track exploits included a CIF state meet every year except when injuries sidelined her as a sophomore. Her final year Hokerson won Bay Valley Athletic League, NCS and NCS Meet of Champions in the 300 low hurdles. That earned her a place in the nationallyrenowned Golden West Invitational. Showing she wasn’t all business all the time as a senior she won the track’s Best Escape from Practice Team Award. Her Eagles soccer teams twice were NCS runners-up and another time a semi-finalist. LINDSAY KIYAMA (2005 WATER POLO, BASKETBALL AND SWIMMING) Kiyama, the second youngest member of the CVHS Hall of Fame, won four swimming, three water polo and two basketball varsity letters ending up with 2005 athlete of the year honors. Her sophomore year the water polo team racked up the most wins in school history with 20 and was NCS semi-finalist. The next two years she was firstteam all-BVAL. As a senior she was selected for the Contra Costa County post-season allstar basketball team. She qualified for NCS three years in swimming and was a finalist as a senior when she was team MVP in all three sports. She was UC Davis water polo MVP. The Hall of Fame began in 2008 during the school’s silver anniversary year. Additional classes were added in 2010 and 2013.
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
May 22, 2015
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headed by the City of Concord. That too fell through because of lack of interest by the residents. But the sense of community has always been strong, no matter what. Since all of us moved in to our new homes at roughly the same time, everyone in our area became friends as we built our fences, landscaped our yards and our children played together. We raised four daughters in this neighborhood that they describe as a wonderful, safe place for them to grow up, just enough country so that children could run free with plenty of places to explore. One of those areas was called
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government in Sacramento finds of changing the formulas for revenue sharing with local government to reduce our entitlements, and the competition we face from other cities to attract new investors to Concord. Obviously we are most fortunate to have the former Naval Weapons Station land to develop, but the fruits of that opportunity are probably a decade away. The good news is that we are on the threshold of exciting develop-
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children in the Clayton Valley Highlands are within walking distance of 13 years of great schools —Highlands Elementary, Pine Hollow Intermediate and Clayton Valley High School. As time has passed the Highlands has also kept its promise of maintaining high value and we can still view the majestic Mount Diablo. Many of the homes still have original or long-time residents and new young families are again bringing children and new life back to our community. To shine the spotlight on your Concord neighborhood, send an email to editor@claytonpioneer and tell us a little bit about where you live.
expanded Disney Store has reopened and construction is underway for an entirely new food court on the lower floor, near JC Penny’s. The Willows announced that Eureka! Restaurant, Ike’s sandwich shop and Rick’s Ice Cream will locate along the new interior street near Aaron Brothers. With more than 4 million square feet of Class A (premium) office space, Concord offers a premier business destination for office tenants. The San Francisco economy is soaring and so are their office rates. We offer a quality alternative with reasonable rates and we will upgrade our invi-
tation to firms seeking some rent relief. We have recently witnessed lease signings with AssetMark, AmTrust and AIG. In addition, advanced manufacturing is growing in the Bay Area and we are uniquely positioned to capture businesses using sophisticated manufacturing processes such as biomedical equipment, life sciences and 3D printing. North Concord provides a ready access for businesses seeking a central county location, skilled work force and competitive lease prices. Recently Honda and Mercedes have located their testing facilities for futuristic autonomous cars on the former Naval Weapons Station site. The testing being done, in advance of the full and final development of the property, has brought international attention to this site. In our new budget, expanding our economic development capacity is QED, demonstrated proof, that we intend to have a proactive and robust Economic Development Depar tment, designed to surge this activity and attract office tenants, advanced manufacturers, retailers, and business investors to Concord. This is the answer to those who are already asking, “What is going to happen when Measure Q expires?” The answer: Only that we will continue to fully serve the great citizens of Concord.
When we first saw the advertisement in the paper when we were looking for homes in the East Bay, it stated that Clayton Valley Highlands was among the finest and most beautiful living areas in all of the San Francisco Bay Area, with a view of majestic Mount Diablo. The homes were planned for comfortable, convenient living: homes of built-in quality where true value lies in construction as well as in styling, and throughout the homes were name-brand products and quality materials. A variety of exteriors finishes assured each Clayton Valley Highlands home of individuality and they would maintain a high value for years to come. The newspaper ad didn’t lie. As we drove up two-lane Ygnacio Valley Road back in the 1960s, with no stop lights, we passed the smoke stack that had been part of an old cement factory, and we found our new home. If you tell people that you live in the Clayton Valley Highlands and they ask where that is all you have to say is “the state streets,” since all of the streets in the tract are named after states and people know where that is. The Highlands is divided into two sections. The “old tract” and the “new tract,” which is the part of the Highlands that as county records report is “located in the City of Concord along the easterly line of Pine Hollow Road at New Hampshire Drive … approximately 47 acres divided into 158 lots or parcels.” The new tract is 50 years old where the old tract is about 60 years old. There were also two more sections built about five and 10 years later. The new tract was built in 1965 by Braddock, Logan and Valley. ( I believe that Valley was a former owner of the Oakland Raiders.) There have been some ups and downs living in the Highlands. One of the big promises was that the Highlands would have a clubhouse and swimming pool in the area that is now Highlands Park and part of Highlands Elementary school. Unfortunately that never happened. A number of years ago an attempt was made to form a neighborCourtesy of 680/24 Corridor-Facebook hood association that was spear- Ad for Concord’s first ‘planned community’ from the Contra Costa Gazette Feb 27, 1959
Mayor, from page 1
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“the sticker hill” that was the area that is now more homes and a church. The hill was full of grass and hay that was cut and put into bales and all of the children would play up there and build forts out of the bales of hay. There was also the Horse Trail that is now a State Hiking and Riding trail that was donated to the state by George Cardinet that runs from New Hampshire Avenue through the tract and comes out on Pine Hollow Road. The soccer fields by the college used to be open space where kids could play, run the dog and catch pollywogs in the small stream. What hasn’t changed is that
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ments that will take place this year. We continue to be a five-star retail destination. Concord generates approximately $2.6 billion in retail sales annually, more than any city in Contra Costa County. The Sun Valley Shopping Center and the Willows Shopping Center have made, and will continue to make, significant investments in renovations upgrading and modernizing their respective properties, attracting new retailers and restaurants to Concord. At Sun Valley the popular and newly
May 22, 2015
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 15
Measure J sales tax will speed transportation improvements DAVE CAMPBELL BIKE CONCORD The Downtown Concord Specific Plan was adopted on June 24, 2014, after an extensive 18-month public participation process and already has received an award — the Start it Up Award from the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). ABAG Chair and Clayton Council-member Julie Pierce has it right when she emphasizes the goal of the Award is to “create sustainable communities, protect our Bay Area environment and support social equity while building a strong economy.” We agree that walkable, bikeable neighborhoods help achieve these goals.
But the plan and the award are just paper. To build a sustainable Downtown Concord that will attract new development, Concord needs money to redesign its streets and public amenities to appeal to a broad range of people, particularly companies seeking to hire a younger workforce. For this, Concord needs transportation dollars. Concord needs a new Measure J. The next generation of workers wants shorter commutes and walkable communities — they don’t want to cross a four-lane, one-way, high-speed artery to grab lunch. They do want to hang out in Todos Santos Plaza to enjoy that lunch. Similarly, senior citizens want to age in place, with options for getting around without having to drive. A generation ago, the goal was to move as many commuters through Downtown Concord and onto Highway 242/680 to get to jobs in Oakland, San Francisco and San
Jose. Today, the goal is walkable neighborhoods served by good transit, where companies want to stay and expand and new companies want to relocate. Contra Costa County is considering asking voters in 2016 for permission to augment its Measure J transportation sales tax, and bring in needed monies to repair and expand our transportation system. An expenditure plan is being developed this year to take to voters next year. Your voice needs to be heard, whether you drive, take BART, ride a bus, walk, bike, telecommute or carpool. All areas of the county should be served by high-quality transit, an efficient roadway network, and a regional bike network that connects to more destinations. These improvements will give people an option to leave the car at home for more of their trips — a goal of ours. And more efficient use of the
Are you looking to reconnect with your Catholic Faith? St. Bonaventure parish community invites you to six Awakening Faith sessions, beginning Tuesday, June 16, 7:30-9:00 pm in Classroom A2
existing roadway network will improve the commutes of people who need to drive. In Concord, County Supervisor Karen Mitchoff represents residents on the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, which is the county agency putting together a new Measure J transportation plan. If you want to help Bike East Bay, Bike Concord and our partner organizations improve walking, bicycling and transit through the Measure J reauthorization process, visit www.BikeEastBay.org/ MeasureJ.
June 16 June 23 June 30 July 7 July 14 July 28
Dave Campbell is Bike East Bay’s Advocacy Director. Bike East Bay and Bike Concord are partner organizations working to make Concord and Contra Costa in general a better place for bicyclists through education, community events and advocacy.
Spirituality: What’s the Buzz? Who is Jesus? Do We Need the Spirit? Can I Accept God’s Mercy Can Mass Make My Life Meaningful? The Church and Me
All are Welcome. No cost. If you have questions, please call Eileen at the parish (925) 672-5800 x2217 or email exploringcatholics@stbonaventure.net
St. Bonaventure Catholic Community 5562 Clayton Road, Concord, CA 94521
Ageless Adaline must face her ghosts
JEFF MELLINGER
SCREEN SHOTS In “The Age of Adaline,” the new film from director Lee Toland Krieger, the fountain of youth turns out to be as simple as crashing a car into a frozen lake, dying and then being brought back by a lightning strike. However, because Krieger creates such an enchanting history for his heroine, it’s rather easy to get past the set-up. Adaline Bowman does not look a day older than 29 and has been this way for more than 75 years. As Adaline, Blake Lively gives a graceful yet repressed performance; almost as if playing the
role too hard or too loose would give away the character’s secret. Adaline is raising her daughter alone after her husband dies in the 1930s. After her car crash and subsequent rebirth into immortality, Adaline not only chooses to continue living a normal life, but she almost flaunts the fact that she always looks so young. This catches up to her when FBI agents track her down and just “want to talk.” She escapes and from then on, decides she must constantly move and change her identity at least once a decade. We pick up the story in late 2014, a few weeks before she is about to change into someone else. Living now as Jennifer Larson, Adaline works in San Francisco. Cinematographer David Lanzenberg captures San Francisco beautifully with several sweeping overheads and a nocturnal time-lapse shot. At a New Year’s party, Adaline bumps into tech millionaire Ellis Jones, played by Michael Huisman. Infatuated, Jones keeps after Adaline, while she continues to push him away. Their story begs
to be more interesting, but the emotional wall Adaline has built up frustrates Ellis as much as the viewer. It is not until Adaline meets Ellis’s father that the film takes a turn for the better. Harrison Ford’s appearance as William Jones gives “The Age of Adaline” the boost it really needs. One of the better moments in a film this year is when Ellis and Adaline step into the Jones’ family residence and William recognizes Adaline from his youth. What might otherwise be considered a convenient plot contrivance actually enhances the suspense. As William struggles with all the emotions that have bubbled up, Adaline debates whether she now has an excuse to run away yet again. The Adaline and William storyline is just enough to save the film and justify Krieger’s choice of romance as its backbone. “The Age of Adaline” posits that science is responsible for Adaline’s condition yet the film doesn’t explore it much. It puts all its weight behind the romance aspect. One wonders what the movie
would have been had it swayed more toward the science-fiction genre. Some of the better scenes are between Adaline and her 80year old daughter, played by the always sublime Ellen Burstyn. Adaline’s “lost love” flashbacks also work well but the relationship between her and Ellis just never really clicks. Despite the fact the film loses its nerve in the last 10 minutes, there is still enough about “The Age of Adaline” to recommend a viewing. B-
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Jeff Mellinger is a screen writer and film buff. He holds a BA in Film Studies and an MFA in film production. He lives in Concord. Email comments to editor@concordpioneer.com.
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Seinfeld writer spins messy, but sweet, tale of mid-life angst CYNTHIA GREGORY
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Peter Mehlman’s debut novel, “It Won’t Always Be This Great,” is quite possibly the sweetest, funniest novel orbiting the planet of mid-life crisis well, ever. Though Mehlman is no writing novice, he wrote for the Jerry Seinfeld show and rose to executive producer at one point; this is his first work of full-length fiction. In “It Won’t Always Be This Great,” we meet a 50-year-old Long Island podiatrist who, throughout the book, remains nameless just as he is about to hit stride in a messy patch of mid-life angst. Dr. X is father to two amazing kids - lovely, precocious, 14-year-old Esme and son Charlie, who, while hovering at the cusp of tweenhood, makes adorably naïve pronouncements about how the world appears to work and according to him, how it should work. Dr. X is hopelessly in love with his children and is the poster-guy for fatherhood. As if his examples of parental sensitivity aren’t enough, there’s Alyce, Mrs. Doctor X, whom he adores with fervor. It doesn’t seem cool
anymore for writers to create characters who speak well of their spouses, much less love them with dedication. But our guy totally believes that he married a girl way too good for the likes of him. He spends his life trying to figure out ways to continually impress her. For instance, when he says, “. . .Maybe watching Law and Order with your wife is the meaning of life,” he sincerely means it. He loves Alyce truly, deeply. I adore the fact that Melhman doesn’t resort to cheap cynicism to give the impression of cool. He doesn’t need to. He hooks you and then pulls you in with lines like, “. . .we just sat there together. It was the kind of scene that makes America great: husband and wife cuddled up on the couch, all warm and cozy, with our FBI detail just outside.” How does the Bureau figure into all this? Well, as it turns out, as Dr. X is walking home one very cold night, he steps on a jar of Kosher horseradish and badly twists his ankle. In a fit of pique, he picks up the jar and hurls it through the window of a teen clothing store. Realizing what he’s done, he hobbles quickly away, catches a cab home and inadvertently sets off what turns out to be a very public investigation into what is labeled a hate crime. Throughout the investigation, Dr. X maintains his silence. Okay, so maybe he harbors a low opin-
ion of the nutball who owns the retail store, but it was a victimless crime and he keeps quiet and becomes strangely empowered by his secret. We learn of the crime as Dr. X tells his story to a college buddy who is lying in a coma in a hospital. Our hapless hero tells his comatose pal the sequence of events that leads to his committing a petty crime, how he evades capture, endures a clumsy police investigation and gets involved with a bad-seed cop who makes no secret of a creepy hunger for Alyce and then buddies up with the FBI to bring down a major hate crime syndicate. Did I mention Mehlman wrote for Seinfeld? You can recognize his work in this narrative. Dr. X has a life philosophy worth repeating, “On an objective level, helplessness against bad luck is generally manageable – or, let’s face it, how dead would I be by now? But hopelessness weighs so much. And forget about feeling bad for yourself. By unwritten rule, that’s not allowed.” In the end, the reader is not expected to love or forgive Dr. X for his petty or noteworthy transgressions. Then again, that’s exactly the reason one wants to.
Cynthia Gregory is a North Bay nonprofit leader, writer of short fiction, and author of a blog. Email comments and questions to Editor@ConcordPioneer.com
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
May 22, 2015
SCHOOLS Cambridge School mural project a community experience GEORGE FULMORE Correspondent
about what they would like to see in the way of colors and designs.
In collaboration with an Oakland non-profit and more than 60 community volunteers, Cambridge Elementary School completed a mural/painting project on Lacy Lane in Concord. Third-grade teacher Megan Gemma was the school’s point person for the project. She worked with Project Color Corps of Oakland to design and implement the project, which began last fall with interactions with students
OPTICAL OPTIMISM “We wanted to instill a feeling of ‘optical optimism’ with the project,” Gemma said. “By involving the kids directly in the planning phase, we wanted to let them see that their goals were obtainable. And the result is that the school looks much better than it did before.” Professional artists created the murals and marked out design areas. The volunteer parents, teachers and others from the community painted
George Fulmore
CAMBRIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Principal Jose Espinoza and teacher Megan Gemma brought together students, parents and community members in the ambitious mural project visible from all sides of the school.
Northgate High
Emily Wright NORTHGATE CORRESPONDENT
exams; specifically, on the same days as the rest of the student body, rather than a few days earlier. One thing never changes, though. As June approaches, students are dreaming about summer plans and in the case of seniors, about high school
Pine Hollow
Rayna Stanziano
Guest speaker brings Civil War to life
PINE HOLLOW CORRESPONDENT
On May 1, Roy H. Wells discussed the Civil War in a creative and humorous way with Pine Hollow eighthgraders. The students have been studying the war in U.S. history classes. Wells talked about medicine, combat, drafts and other
aspects of the Civil War. The U.S. Air Force veteran has the full title of Col. Roy H. Wells, PhD, USAF, Ret. “The Vietnam War occurred when I was growing up,” Wells said. “Every boy growing up at the time thought it was interesting, so I got
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was on site as a volunteer. “The appearance of our school has really improved over the past several years,” he said. “We feel very proud of what we are accomplishing here, and we feel that we have a great school.” Gensler Oakland supplied the design work for the murals and other design areas. Project Color Corps believes that the project not only taught students about art, color and design, it also showed all who participated about working together to build something great.
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Graduation, Baccalaureate mark Northgate’s June
The last couple of months of this school year has brought a variety of changes to Northgate High School, including a couple of weeks of unusual class schedules due to a new type of standardized testing for juniors, and a change to how seniors will be taking final
within the design areas surrounded by masking tape. Two giant murals are now visible on the Cambridge Park side of the school, facing the school playground. On one building it reads “Cambridge,” with “Elementary” on the other. Painted design areas include shapes and colors on the playground surface and bang-board structures. Pillars within the school grounds and some of the other schoolbuilding surfaces also got a coat of paint.
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graduation. Each year, Northgate families are invited to a graduation ceremony and also to Baccalaureate, a “pre-graduation” event during which students and faculty members alike will tell stories and give speeches about the past year. Also, music will be presented and there will be refreshments. During this year’s Baccalaureate, which will take place on June 7, families will have the privilege of hearing Professor Randy Schekman, a UC Berkley professor and Nobel Prize winner, speak about life after high school. Schekman won the 2013 Nobel Prize for his work in cell biology. When talking with
interested in learning about wars.” Wells travels to many different schools in the district. He used to be part of several reenactment groups but quit to spend time with his daughter. In the presentation, he showed several different firearms, medical equipment and uniforms that were inherited from relatives. Wells’ great-great-great grandfather was a surgical doctor during the Civil War. He was promoted to a general, to which Wells says, “He probably should have stayed a doctor!” Rayna Stanziano is in the eighth grade at Pine Hollow. She has a passion for writing and loves English and swimming. She lives in Concord. Send comments to editor@concordpioneer.com
some Northgate students who were visiting the science department at UC Berkeley on March 31, Schekman told them that it’s important to choose a college that they think they will enjoy, and not to pick one with greater competition than they feel comfortable with. He plans to give further advice when he visits in June. Northgate community members are looking forward to seeing him. Emily Wright is a senior at Northgate High School. She is currently the news editor for the Northgate Sentinel newspaper and is in her second year of ROP Journalism II. Email comments or questions to editor@concordpioneer.com
Azeema Yahya
‘Guys and Dolls’ swings into Concord High
CONCORD HIGH CORRESPONDENT
As the year wraps up, the Drama Department is putting on its annual musical performance. Every spring, Concord High School’s Drama Department spends months preparing for the big musical. This year, they will bring the timeless classic “Guys and Dolls” to the stage. Bustling with gamblers, gangsters and sassy showgirls, the musical celebrates Broadway’s golden era with one of the greatest scores ever, written by the legendary Frank Loesser. The play features masterfully witty book and lyrics by Joe Swerling and comedy legend Abe Burrows, and the glorious Damon Run-
Rianne Pfaltzgraff CONCORD HIGH PRINCIPAL
yon’s comic book world of 1940s Times Square New York City. “Guys and Dolls” stars long-time CHS drama program actors Devynn Darner, Jave Hernandez, Ryan Ducker and Christina Stach. Come watch the stars bring the magic of love and craps games on May 21-23 and June 4-6. “Guys And Dolls” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are supplied by MTI. Azeema Yahya is a senior and Codrum Major. She loves music and plans to attend UC Davis in the fall. Send comments to editor@concordpioneer.com.
May 5 proclaimed Concord High Choirs Day
Six degrees of separation was not a strong enough phrase to describe the lesson approximately 150 Concord High students learned on May 5. As they packed themselves into the choir room, Concord Mayor Tim Grayson surprised the students with an interesting story. A few weeks prior, the mayor received a phone call from his sister saying she just met a huge group of students from Concord High School on an airplane. The students were returning from a trip to the New Orleans Heritage Music Festival and were proud participants that represented their school and city well. She said that they were an amazing group of students and that he ought to do something about it. The mayor promptly con-
tacted the school and asked to congratulate the students and present them with a proclamation. The room was silent as the mayor congratulated the students and said what a privilege it was to be connected to such a great program and group of students. As he began to read the proclamation, the pride and smiles of the students grew and grew. Finally, as the last statement of the proclamation was read, the room erupted in cheers and tears of joy. May 5 was recognized as Concord High Choirs Day in the city of Concord. The humble students were grateful and honored. The city of Concord embossed a life-long memory into their hearts. Send comments and questions to editor@concordpioneer.com
May 22, 2015
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Congratulate your grad
Clayton Valley Charter High
David Linzey CVCHS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
CVCHS attends Charter Schools Week
Recently, President Obama issued a presidential proclamation to celebrate National Charter Schools Week. The president stated, “In today’s global economy, a high-quality education is one of the best investments we can make in a child’s future, and it is central to the promise that in America, where you start should not determine how far you can go. No matter who they are or where they come from, all children deserve the best education possible. During National Charter Schools Week, we recognize the role public charter schools play in providing America’s daughters and sons with a chance to reach their fullest potential, and we recommit to strengthening our Nation’s classrooms for all.” The California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) celebrated National Charter Schools Week and hosted their
Annual Advocacy Day in Sacramento on May 5. More than 500 charter school leaders, parents, teachers and students attended at the State Capitol, making this
the largest Advocacy Day to date. In recognition of President Obama’s proclamation and National Charter Schools Week, I want to thank all of our stakeholders, teachers, administrators, staff members, parents, students and our community and civic leaders for your continued passion and endless support for Clayton Valley Charter High School. We are reminded to recommit to provide the best educa-
Page 17
tion possible to our deserving children and to provide every student with the chance to reach their fullest potential. I invite you to join me in our mission of academic excellence. I am dedicated to set our students on a path to success… one that “expands horizons, challenges minds, and inspires a new generation of thinkers, doers, and dreamers.” Send comments and questions to editor@concordpioneer.com
With a special message in the Concord Pioneer June 26 Your Grad’s Name
Graduations and Promotions from
Discovering Italy in the East Bay
GRACE GIUS, JOVELLE TORRES, SARAH CONDON, TORI KLOCK, Cameron Martin, Laura Almeida, Caitlin O’Leary, Emma Donley and Cole Carbone are some of the 25 Italian Culture Club members at CVCHS that meet bi-monthly to learn about Italian culture.
Founding members of Clayton Valley Charter High School’s Italian Culture Club, Tori Klock, Sarah Condon and Grace Gius, and seven other members attended complimentary food tastings at Il Fornaio restaurant in Walnut Creek on May 4 where the group experienced the flavors of Italian dishes. The club was formed in February with chemistry teacher Sarah Berger as its advisor. The club currently has 25 members.
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Ygnacio Valley High
Mt. Diablo High
Alberto Ruiz
’15 will make mark across state, nation
MDHS CORRESPONDENT
College applications and registration have come and gone, but the excitement for Mt. Diablo High School’s class of 2015 is far from over. This year’s class saw a large number of students applying for college accompanied with a large number of college accept-
Liane Cismowski MDHS PRINCIPAL
ances. Seniors applied to colleges all throughout the state and nation with many also entering the United States Military. Nearly all students who applied to colleges were accepted to at least two of their choices and now that the deadline to submit their intent to register
Mt. Diablo High cafeteria ‘lunch ladies’ surely make the grade
Under David Kling’s careful and caring supervision, Mt. Diablo High’s “lunch ladies”
and “lunch gentlemen” provide more than 1,100 nutritious and delicious meals for
has passed, it can officially be said that the Red Devil class of 2015 will make its mark across the state, nation and world. The most popular choice for college this year was San Francisco State University as almost 20 seniors will be attending in the fall. Other popular state colleges were CSUs in Sonoma, Humboldt, Long Beach, Chico, East Bay, Monterey, San Diego, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Cal Poly Pomona. Within the UC system, students will be attending UC Davis, Santa Barbara. San Diego, Merced, Los Angeles and Berkeley along with a select group attending St. Mary’s College of California, The University of the Pacific, and Baylor University in Texas. students every day. Kling employs seven wonderful “lunch ladies” and 16 student workers, who are learning real-world work skills and making minimum wage. The dedicated staff is on campus in the wee hours of the morning. Karen is the first to arrive, at 5:15 a.m. She makes the homemade whole wheat, multi-grain bread dough that is the foundation of everyone’s perennial favorite: the cheese zombie. The dough
Nearly 100 seniors will be off to a CSU, UC, or private school in the fall with others planning to attend DVC and Los Medanos College or entering the Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Air Force. It is safe to say that the MDHS class of 2015 was one of the most successful classes in recent years. It will be exciting to see where all of our hard work and success will lead us in our very near future. Congratulations class of 2015! Alberto Ruiz is a senior at Mt. Diablo High where he is student body secretary and a member of the Medical Biotechnology Academy. Send questions and comments to editor@concordpioneer.com.
also is used in many pizza and focaccia creations that the cafeteria staff devises. The cafeteria features 14 entrees every day. Orange chicken with vegetables and brown rice is one of the students’ favorite dishes. Igmer, Juan and Diego also really like the spicy chicken sandwich. Davion loves the fruit, juice and the breakfast choices. Mayte and Cecilia say their favorite is the “torta de pollo” – a chicken sandwich. Maggie and her friends mentioned the cafeteria environment itself. It is a friendly and mellow place to sit with friends and to study in the morning. The improved lighting that the district installed this year makes it a big and bright inviting space. The Mt. Diablo High School cafeteria is also here for teachers and staff; an adult full lunch entree is an economical $4. For more information about visiting the cafeteria or catering information, call Kling at 1-925-682-4030.
THE ‘LADIES AND GENTLEMAN OF THE LUNCH’ ARE ON THE JOB EARLY in the Mt. Diablo High School cafeteria to prepare the 14 different entrees that students, teachers and staff will dine on each day.
Send comments and questions to editor@concordpioneer.com
Stephen Brady YGNACIO VALLEY PRINCIPAL
Principal celebrates YV teaching community
Each Ygnacio Valley educator has contributed in great and small ways to our biggest strength: our profound sense of school community. Here is just a sampling of that community I saw as I toured the school one day. I saw George Streeter, Mandy Hernandez, and Cesar Ortiz all in the stadium and/or in the gym working with our students building sound and healthy constitutions. I heard Zach Pattison and Geoff Carter teach their students the joys that are music and choir. I supported Tina Ralls as she made certain that just those few remaining kids made their respective ways on to their classes. I enjoyed seeing Alejandro Larios show students how to throw clay and all the shape-shifting magic that lies therein. I watched students enter their dance classes with Kelly Cooper full of expectation. I witnessed students enter Veronica Nassrallah’s class, speaking, reading, and thinking in Spanish. I had the pleasure of watching students discuss the building blocks of life in the chemistry classes that Gary Macaluso teaches. I shared students’ joy at learning how those building blocks interact with one another and how that resultant spark
energized life, just the way Mark Tran taught them in biology. I experienced the interchange and debate that is political theory, just as Thatcher Palmer and the Education Academy taught them. I witnessed history unfold, revealed to them in the understandings of Nick Sacco. I walked through the hall housing Leslie Addiego’s class, listening to her teach the youngest of our charges. I saw there too the mysteries of the other language, that mathematical one, the one with its own alphabet and symbols, all of which Erica Huie elegantly shared in just-discernible stages. I then journeyed through the land of art under Ms. Nickerson’s expert tutelage. Then I saw how Nathan Vasarhely loaded his students up along with ceramic shards and had them nail it all down with radiant splinters of glass and the odd curio. Art also belongs to the wordsmiths. Shannon Carr preached this with the quiet delight that is prose to her students; Jonathan McGonagle did so with emphasis on critical writing with his. I am grateful for everyone in our YV community. Send comments and questions to editor@concordpioneer.com
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CAROL LONGSHORE
YESTERYEAR In the picture at right, you’ll see a 7-year old boy who is soon to have his life change in a very drastic way, all for the sake of his country. But first some backstory. His grandfather, Joseph McKean, acquired 390 acres after marrying Christina Gehringer, whose father was Andrew Gehringer. Andrew was granted 780 acres around the hilltops to our east and flatlands known now as the Concord Naval Weapons Station. He split the acreage between his son and daughter, Christina. Joseph and Christina started their family and farm with great gusto. They had five boys and three girls, which meant in those days plenty of help on the farm. There were sheep and cattle grazing on the hills, but it was the flatlands that created the most work and income. They grew and bailed hay and barley
to sell around the area. There were walnuts to harvest and as time passed only one of the sons stayed on the farm, Marshall Joseph McKean. Born in March, 1889, Marshall met and married Evelyn Ruth Frank, who was born in 1901. As some of you remember, she was from a very prominent family in the Clayton area. Marshall took after his father, Joseph, who married a very prominent woman in Concord. Marshall and Evelyn worked very hard to maintain the farm and the workhands. Evelyn would feed them, plus perform all the other chores involved in running a farm. This little boy pictured here was the youngest of the three children; there were sister Florence, 11 years his senior, and sister Elsie, four years his senior. He would follow his father around and help in every way he could. But he day he’ll never forget was in September, l944, when his father got a notice in the mail from the U.S. Government telling him because of the war effort their land was needed for a army base. He had 30 days to relocate. Now, can you imagine, at the age of 55, having to sell everything and find another means for money? Marshall bought an acre on Euclid Avenue and managed to sell or get rid of most everything else. He kept a few
Photo courtesy Joel Harris, Images of America Concord
MARVIN MCKEAN (CENTER) IS FLANKED BY JEFFREY NICKLAS (LEFT) and Beverly Bollman (right) at a birthday party at the Bollman Ranch in the 1940s.
horses and chickens. He worked with local farmers and then secured a job as a custodian at Concord Elementary School where his 8-year-old son attended. It was very sad to see his father go from a homesteader/farmer to a local custodian. However, this little boy went on to marry his high school sweetheart, who was a songleader while he was the quarterback for Mt. Diablo High School class of l954. He went on to graduate from San Jose State and coach and teach at many high schools and col-
leges in the area while raising two sons and one daughter of his own. Thank you, Marv McKean for serving on the Board of Directors of the Concord Historical Society for 21 years and for keeping a piece of Concord history alive. We will miss you, and accept your resignation with a touch of sadness. Carol Longshore has been a Concord resident since 1950. She is a community leader and current president of the Concord Historical Society. Send comments and suggestions for future topics to editor@concordpioneer.com.
Financial tips for travel this summer The summer days of warm evenings and long nights are just around the corner. With summer, comes fun in the sun and oftentimes vacation time away from home. While away, it’s all the more important to stay prudent about your personal finances, which is why I’d like to share with you a few tips to keep in mind while traveling locally or abroad. BE AWARE OF YOUR CREDIT In today’s world, people are carrying less cash on hand, utilizing credit cards more and now paying with their smart devices. Though there are more safeguards in disputing a charge versus losing cash on hand, it’s always a good practice to contact your credit card carrier and let them know of your travel plans. Should you try and use your card while traveling, the company will already be aware,
you may have. Better yet, to play it safe, hold off on posting any photos or updates until you return home.
JOHN WENZEL, CFP FINANCIAL SENSE not declining the charge, but will also be on alert for potential fraudulent purchases. SOCIAL MEDIA SAFEGUARD It’s always fun to post photos while away on vacation, sharing with friends and family your adventures and memories being created. However, be aware of your privacy settings and be sure to turn off any public settings
DELIVERIES AND MAIL With online purchases, mail order or just the delivery of the newspaper, nothing is more obvious that one is away from home than a sun-stained newspaper in the driveway or a few boxes on the doorstep. Be sure to speak with a trusty neighbor or friend and have them pickup and hold the items delivered. In addition you can suspend delivery of certain subscriptions or make a request at your local post office to hold your mail. BE DILIGENT Once you return home, especially from extended travel, it’s wise to check your credit card records to confirm that the expenses incurred during your
trip all add up. In addition, it’s also good to pull your credit report to see if any inquiries have been made on your record post your travel. Keep in mind, inquiries can occur months after your trip took place. You can also sign up for free alerts from websites such as Credit.com and CreditKarama.com and can pull your credit report for free from AnnualCreditReport.com. For a fee, these websites will also offer additional services. Enjoy the summer and travel season that is upon us. Have fun and build memories because that’s what life is about. Lastly, while on the road, be in tune with your horse sense. A great deal today should also be a great deal tomorrow. John Wenzel is an investment advisor with Archvest Wealth Advisers. Send questions and comments to john@archvestwa.com
Will Windows sour Apple’s apps It wasn’t that long ago that Microsoft released Windows 8 for the smartphone, tablet and PC, if you recall that uneventful release in 2012. The biggest drawback to Windows 8 was the lack of apps available to it. Apple, on the other hand, had nearly a quarter million apps in its App Store. Windows had a few thousand in their “beta” app store (aka Marketplace, now just called Store). So, Apple had a big lead in apps. Do they still have a lead? Microsoft always was the programs leader during the heyday of Windows XP and Windows 7. It was the primary reason Windows grew so big so fast, and was loved by so many. There are millions of programs that run on PCs, servers and laptops, even today. Just to be clear, and to try to shed some light on the subject, Microsoft calls executable software “programs” and Apple says “apps.” So what’s the differ-
ence, tomato-tomahto? The difference between an app and a program is how it works. In simple terms, programs contain nearly all the software needed to execute the program, mostly independent of the operating system, whereas apps are smaller and reuse software already part of the operating environment and are more dependent on the operating system. A program can take hours to load, an app in minutes. A program must be uninstalled, an app can be gone in one click. During the Steve Jobs days, as it is today, Apple required developers to get approval of their app before it was offered for sale in the App Store. They did this as a discipline so apps would run as promoted. Apple’s attention to detail is what makes
them great. But, therein lays a problem. For some developers the Apple requirements seemed too strict. They chose the Microsoft environment for development instead, that helped launch the largest trove of programs ever. Fast forward to today. We see a similar theme playing out. This time however, Microsoft has a new advantage; it can utilize both programs and apps. According to some basic research on the subject Apple stands at approximately 1.3 million apps, and apps for Microsoft Windows 8 are approximately 400,000. So the clear winner: Apple. Or is it? With so many legacy applications already in service for Windows XP and 7, Microsoft is busy porting (adapting) them to be apps in the Store for Windows 10, but until then they work as regular programs. Soon the combined Microsoft “programs and apps” or “pro-apps”
WILL CLANEY TECH TALK will rule the market once again. Windows 10 is a game changer but will it be enough to overpower Apple’s lead? My opinion is it will because of the abundance of legacy programs and the desire of users to keep running what they know best. For them it’s tomato. Visit your local computer dealer for a demo. William Claney is a professional computer consultant and technical writer. Will is the CEO of ComputersUSA!. Send comments to Editor@ConcordPioneer.com
May 22, 2015
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Add garden luster with Moonshine Yarrow Moonshine Yarrow has been a favorite perennial of Clayton garden lovers for many years. This classic perennial is tried and true. Moonshine Yarrow has all the attributes that one desires when gardening and landscaping in our Clayton climate. Moonshine yarrow has aromatic, fern-like silvery-gray foliage. The foliage of this yarrow alone is intriguing. The silvery-gray color adds a pop to a landscape area, especially when surrounded by black micro bark, which provides instant contrast. Once spring begins to warm, Moonshine Yarrow’s growth surges. Foliage begins to expand, forming clumps that allow Moonshine’s flower
stalks to form. These stalks can reach anywhere from 18 to 24 inches tall. Above the stems, tiny bright lemon-yellow flowers line flat flower clusters. These flat shaped flowers are very appealing to both bees and butterflies. Moonshine Yarrow is relatively carefree to grow. It thrives in full, hot sun and is very drought tolerant. Spent flowers will need to be deadheaded, and the entire plant should have a severe pruning in the early summer to promote another glorious wave of flowers. This perennial is deer resistant and makes a great cut flower. Unlike other yarrow, Moonshine has sterile flowers, therefore you don’t have to worry about this perennial running crazily throughout the garden. Moonshine Yarrow is an
Fresh herbs make your summer recipes dashing DEBRA MORRIS Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market
Fresh herbs are fantastic this time of year. The fragrance and the taste will make your recipes sing with flavor. From the basics — parsley, basil, thyme, cilantro and rosemary, to the exotic — Asian chives, lemongrass, and chili leaves — you’ll find a wide selection of interesting herbs at the farmers’ market. The farmers who grow these fresh herbs will be glad to share with you their many culinary uses. You can also pick up the “Cooking with Herbs” brochure at the market information booth or visit our website and read about herbs. Cooking with fresh herbs enhances the flavors of any food. There are many varieties of fresh herbs available for the home cook to experiment with, adding flavor without adding fat, salt or calories to the recipes. Herbs fall into two categories: the “fine” herbs, such as basil, chervil, rosemary and thyme, and the “robust” herbs like mint, savory, dill and sage. Generally, all herbs should be added toward the end of cooking. After cooking too long, they give a bitter taste to the food. Here are some “herb facts”: • Herb flavors are best when picked fresh. • Some fresh herbs will keep up to two weeks when refrigerated and sealed in small plastic bags. • Refrigerate basil and dill with
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NICOLE HACKETT
CLASSIC PESTO SAUCE This should be in everyone’s recipe repertoire. Pesto is very easy and ideal for pasta, grilled sourdough bread or roasted summer squash. 4 cups fresh basil leaves (rinsed, patted dry) 1/4 cup pine nuts 2 cloves garlic (crushed) 3/4 cup olive oil 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Salt and pepper (to taste) 1 lb. cooked pasta Place the basil, nuts, and garlic in a blender or food processor and blend or process until the leaves are chopped. Add the oil and blend or process until smooth. You may need to stop the machine, scrape the sides with a spatula, then blend or
process again. Add the cheese, salt and pepper. Scoop the pesto into a large serving bowl and add 1 pound cooked and drained pasta; toss well. This sauce freezes well. HERBED DIPPING OIL This is a good condiment to have around the kitchen as well. Use as a dipping oil for sourdough bread or as an herb salad dressing with the addition of balsamic vinegar. 1 cup olive oil 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar (optional) 1 Tbsp. each basil, oregano, parsley (chopped) 1/2 tsp. salt Dash red pepper flakes (optional) 1 tsp. pepper Mix all the ingredients together and let sit to allow the flavors to meld for at least two to three hours before serving. Serve in a shallow bowl with crusty Italian bread cut into thick slices. Makes 1 cup.
Schaefer’s PAINTING
GARDEN GIRL approved perennial by the Contra Costa Water Department for water-wise plant installations. For those craving summer color in their lawn replacement project, Moonshine Yarrow may just the perennial to consider. It is easy to find companion plants to accent Moonshine Yarrow. Salvia Hot Lips and Moonshine Yarrow planted together make a stunning spring-through-summer display. Add some dark purple from Penstomen Midnight, or Lavender Hidcote to cool down the display. Evergreen companion plants to consider with the Moonshine Yarrow would be Rhaplioepsis Rubrum Compacta and Grevillea low form. Moonshine Yarrow isn’t picky about how it’s installed. Make sure your hole is double the width of the container that the plant purchased in, add a handful of planting mix to the hole, loosen roots of the plant before placing in the hole and cover with more planting mix. You will have to water to establish. Please keep in mind that drought tolerant plants are tolerant of drought after they are established. Nicole Hackett is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. Contact her with questions or comments at Gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
stem or roots in water, covered. · • Wash when you’re ready to use. Keep at room temperature until the leaves dry. • When using herbs for the first time, use small amounts. Add more if necessary.
Page 19
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Juneteenth, from page 1 years after President Lincoln read the Emancipation Proclamation. Spontaneous celebrations erupted with singing and dancing. The party has evolved to include parades, contests, performances and honoring history. RE-INSPIRING A DREAM As a 5-year-old dancer in a ballet academy in San Francisco, Amos was told that all of the kids in her class were going to perform in the “Nutcracker” except for her. She was the only dancer of color. By age 13, she had given up
on dancing after too many rejections based on her appearance, not her skills. While attending UC Berkeley in the ’80s, she was exposed to the Alvin Ailey Dance Company and Bill T. Jones. For the first time in her life, she saw African Americans dancing on stage. She knew then that she would rekindle her dream of dancing. To recruit performers for her show, Amos uses her connections from dancing professionally for 15 years in New York, including training on full scholarship with
the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, dancing with several modern dance companies and in musical theater. When Amos is not planning her show, she is running Aspire Pilates Center in Concord. After training with Nora St. John, a 20year pioneer in Pilates instruction, Amos opened her own studio in 2006 with the aim of helping people recover from injuries and improve their health. She offers private instruction and group classes to dancers, athletes, seniors, people in pain, pregnant women and anyone looking to improve flexibility and strength. “Pilates can meet you wherever you are and improve your
May 22, 2015
health and performance,” says Amos. A FORCE IN THE COMMUNITY The city of Concord awarded Amos the Female Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2010 and the Small Business of the Year in 2013. In addition, the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce in 2009 named Amos one of the top 100 Influential Women, and this year the Community Focus Readers’ Choice named Aspire as Best Pilates Studio. For all the success she has achieved, Amos still sees her calling as giving back to the community and helping bring people together. She often donates her
TONYA MARIE AMOS
time to organizations like Sister To Sister to teach Pilates workshops to single moms or donates
tickets to her show to STAND Against Domestic Violence and Arm of Care, which helps children rescued from sex trafficking. She runs fall prevention clinics free of charge to teach seniors how to improve their balance. Amos knows the power of the arts to tell a story and bring people together. “What I’m most proud of,” states Amos, “is that the Juneteenth show creates an environment for cross-cultural and cross-generational bridges to be built. Every year, we have people of all ages and ethnicities learning and celebrating together.” For tickets to the Juneteenth celebration, visit www.grownwomendance.org.
CALENDAR PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. JUNE 17 FOR THE JUNE 26
IN CONCORD Pavilion Concert Schedule The Concord Pavilion is located at 2000 Kirker Pass Road, Concord. theconcordpavilion.com. Shows start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. May 24 May 28 June 14 July 3 July 7 July 9 July 15 July 18 July 21 Aug. 4 Aug. 7 Aug. 14 Aug. 26 Sep. 20
KBLX Stone Soul Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga Spirit West Coast Festival California Symphony, 8 p.m. Smashing Pumpkins and Marilyn Manson Van Halen and Kenny Wayne Shepherd Chicago and Earth, Wind and Fire Sublime, 6 p.m. 5 Seconds of Summer The Boys of Zummer Idina Menzel The Pink Print Tour Slipknot Counting Crows
ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT Thru June 14 “A Little Night Music” Rapturous & seductive musical. American Conservatory Theater, 415 Geary St., San Francisco. $20-$140. act-sf.org. (415) 749-2228.
May 22 - 24 “Greater Tuna” Hilarious two-man show. Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St., Martinez $10-$25. 439-7529.
May 22 – June 27 “Anything Goes” As the SS American heads out to sea, two unlikely pairs set off on a course to true love. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $37-$63. centerrep.org.
newsandcalendar@concordpioneer.com
June 20 – 21 “Falling Heroes, Rising Stars: A Juneteenth Dance Celebration” Honoring African American musical artists that have died since 2000, but will inspire for generations. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $26-$30. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611.
June 21 Opera in the Park Father’s Day celebration presented by Festival Opera. 3 p.m. Civic Park, 1375 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Free. festivalopera.org.
June 26 – 27 “Elton: The Sing-Along” Presented by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. Nourse Theater, 275 Hayes St., San Francisco. $25-$60. sfgmc.org.
May 23 Age of Improv
CHURCHES AND RELIGION
Presented by Trapped in a Rumor. 8:15 p.m. Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12-$15. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
May 30 Concert
Tuesdays year round. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org.
May 23 Papa Doo Run Run
Pianist Erin Kathleen Downey performs modern works of Biblical classical music. 7:30 p.m. Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. $15. 672-4848.
Thursdays Music and Market
Performing classic rock hits of the 1960s and 1970s and the Beach Boys. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $25$27. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Thursday night live music and farmers’ market. Music: May 28, Concord High Jazz Band; June 4, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir; June 11, It’s a Beautiful Day; June 18, Sun Kings; June 25, Battle of the Bands with PUSH. Market 4 – 8 p.m.; music 6:30 – 8 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org.
May 24 “I’ll be Seeing Youz”
Tuesdays Farmers’ Market
3rd Sundays Antique Faire Antiques, collectibles, handmade arts and crafts. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Free admission. concordantiquefaire.com.
May 23 – 25 KidFest Nonstop activities for kids, tweens and parents; arts and crafts, food court and rides. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 2450 Grant St., downtown Concord. $6 with canned food donation for Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano; $7 without. kidfestconcord.com.
IN CLAYTON
A Bronx boy’s musical perspective of WWII performed by Franc D’Ambrosio. 3 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $25-$27. elcampaniltheatre.com.
May 28 “A Musical Journey”
FUNDRAISERS 2nd and 4th Sundays Pancake Breakfast Veterans of Foreign Wars serve breakfast to the public: 8 – 11 a.m. VFW Post 1525, 2290 Willow Pass Road, Concord. $5, $3 children under 12. vfwpost1525.org.
May 28 Technique Tuesday
Songs from around the world by Festival Opera Lite. 7 p.m. Walnut Creek Marriott, 2355 North Main St., Walnut Creek. 934-2000.
The technique is Tuesday, but the class is Thursday. Card making class to benefit Clayton’s Relay For Life. 6 – 8 p.m. St. John’s Episcopal Parish, 5555 Clayton Road, Clayton. $30. Contact Lorraine at lorraine.henney@comcast.net.
May 29 – 30 “Unlaced: A Study of Control and Chaos”
May 30 Baking for a Cure
Presented by Smuin Ballet. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $54-$73. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
June 5 Jurassic Improv
Bake sale. Benefits Clayton’s Relay For Life. 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Starbucks, Clayton Station. Contact Michelle Treshler at mrtres94@aol.com or Gigi Pishny at gmpishny@mmm.com to donate baked goods.
Presented by Trapped in a Rumor. 8:15 p.m. Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12-$15. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
May 30 Bocce Tournament
8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Diablo Street between Main and Center streets, downtown Clayton. pcfma.com/clayton.
June 6 Comedy
Sponsored by CVCHS Senior Men to renovate the CVCHS Teachers’ Lounge. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Ipsen Family Bocce Park, Main and Oak Streets, Clayton. $35. claytonvalley.org.
May 23, June 6, 20 Saturday Concerts in the Grove
Don Reed, featuring Melissa Villasenor and hosted by Emily Epstein White. 8 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $17$20. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611.
June 2 Eat to Support Relay For Life
May 23, Big Band Beat; June 6, The Boys of Summer; June 20, Mustache Harbor. 6 – 8:30 p.m. Grove Park, downtown Clayton. Free. ci.clayton.ca.us.
June 6 Improv Invasion
May 25 Memorial Day Observance
Presented by Commander Doug Productions. 8:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Program to honor our lost heroes, sponsored by VFW Post 1525. Huey helicopter fly over and Huey on display. 10 a.m. Veterans Memorial flagpole monument, Main and Oak Streets, Clayton. Free.
June 6 “The Show 2015”
Saturdays thru Sep. 19 Farmers’ Market
June 1 Clayton Classic Golf tournament sponsored by CBCA. 12 p.m. shotgun start. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. claytoncbca.org/event/claytonclassic. 672-2272.
June 11 Thursday Concerts in the Grove Featuring local talent: Lafayette Studio Big Band. 7 - 8:30 p.m. Grove Park, downtown Clayton. Free.
ON THE MOUNTAIN Mount Diablo Interpretive Association programs listed are free with the exception of park entrance fee. Go to mdia.org and click on Events Calendar for more information.
June 7 Round the Mountain Hike
Presented by Dance Fusion Company. 7 p.m. Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20-$25. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
June 7 Piano Recital
June 20 Rock the CASA
Presented by The Ballet School. 5:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
June 13 “Don Quixote” Performed by Soo Dance Academy. 6 p.m. Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $23-$28. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
June 13 – 14 “Guys and Dolls Jr.” Performed by Poison Apple Productions. Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $18-$20. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
June 14 “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” Presented by The Vagabond Players. 2 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $10-$15. elcampaniltheatre.com.
June 20 Summer Solstice Saunter
June 19 - 20 “Beyond the Sea Dance Showcase 2015”
June 21 Snakes Alive Meet several local snakes, including the rattlesnake. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Summit Museum.
June 7 Brooklyn Heros for a Cure Canesa’s Brooklyn Heros donates 20 percent of all sales to Clayton’s Relay For Life. Must present flier when order; download at relayforlife.org/claytonca. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Canesa’s, 6026 Main St., Clayton. Contact Lorraine at lorraine.henney@comcast.net.
Views in all directions as you circle the park’s dominant peak via Deer Flat, Prospector’s Gap and Oak Knoll. 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Meet at Juniper Camp Trailhead.
Celebrate the eve of the longest day of the year with a hike on Mount Diablo. 7 – 9:30 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center. Registration required: sweettrails00@gmail.com or mtdiablohiker@gmail.com.
Ed’s Mudville Grill donates 10-20 percent of all sales to Clayton’s Relay For Life. Must present flier when order; download at relayforlife.org/claytonca. 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Ed’s, 6200 Center St., Clayton. Contact Lorraine at lorraine.henney@comcast.net.
Pittsburg Performing Arts Academy’s annual recital featuring dancers and performers ages 3 through adult. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $12. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611.
June 19 – July 19 Sculpture in the Garden Ruth Bancroft Garden transforms into an outdoor art gallery. 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. $8-$10. ruthbancroftgarden.org.
An evening of music for Court Appointed Special Advocates, presented by Dan Ashley and featuring Eddie Money. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $150. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
AT THE LIBRARY The Concord Library is at 2900 Salvio St. Programs are free unless noted. See full schedule of events at ccclib.org or 646-5455. May 28 Financial Planning Workshop, 6 p.m. June 1 Intro to 3D Printing, 7 p.m., registration required June 4 Snakes in the Library! 4 p.m., registration required June 6 Monopoly Tournament, 11 a.m., registration required June 20 Author Rafael Lopez, 9:30 a.m. June 25 Master Gardeners and Saving Water, 6:30 p.m. The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless noted. See schedule at claytonlibrary.org or call 673-0659. June 8 Clayton Library Book Club, 7 p.m.
GOVERNMENT 1st, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays Concord City Council 6:30 p.m., Council Chamber, Concord Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Dr. cityofconcord.org.
1st and 3rd Wednesdays Concord Planning Commission 7 p.m., Council Chamber, Concord Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Dr. cityofconcord.org.
May 22, 2015
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 21
THE ARTS
Local stages glow with summer laughs
SALLY HOGARTY
STAGE STRUCK For two Broadway has-beens, time is running out. Hot stuff in
their time, George and Charlotte Hay now find themselves running a repertory theatre in Buffalo, New York. All hope for stardom has vanished – until legendary director Frank Capra shows up looking for the lead for his new film. If he likes what he sees, the two fading stars may get a second chance – if nothing goes wrong, of course. But in Ken Ludwig’s comedy “Moon Over Buffalo,” anything can happen. Lafayette’s Town Hall Theatre presents the fun comedy through June 15 at their his-
Jay Yamada
CAL SHAKES BRINGS A STELLAR CAST TO SHAKESPEARE’S TALE of mistaken identities in ‘Twelfth Night’ playing at the Bruns Amphitheatre in Orinda May 27 – June 21. Standing: Julie Eccles, Catherine Castellanos, Lisa Anne Porter; Seated: Rami Margron, Domenique
toric theater, 3535 School Street, in Lafayette. Pacheco resident Scott Fryer directs a cast with its own share of “star power,” including Jerry Motta, Beth Chastain (who will be sharing the stage with her son Carter), Heather Kellogg and Ann Kendrick. For tickets to the show, call 925-283-1557 or go to www.townhalltheatre.com. A lovely heiress, a sexy nightclub singer, a crew of singing sailors and Public Enemy #13 are all on board to keep the action hot and heavy in Center Rep’s upcoming production of “Anything Goes.” The wonderful Cole Porter musical, directed by Michael Butler, runs May 22 – June 27 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts. Call 925943-SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org. Only Shakespeare could start with a violent storm at sea and manage to turn it into one of his finest comedies –“Twelfth Night.” This masterpiece of mistaken identities follows shipwrecked twins who must navigate across a strange island to find love – and each other. The comedy runs May 27 – June 21 at the Bruns Amphitheatre, 100 California Shakespeare Theater Way, in Orinda. For more information, go to 510-540-9666 or www.calshakes.org. It may not be a fancy latte that costs $4, but it will be just as satisfying to the senses as the Orinda Village Starlight Players bring Agatha Christie’s “Black
Bona-fide Open Mic nights sizzle
Sally Hogarty is well known around the Bay Area as a newspaper columnist, theatre critic and working actress. She is also the editor of the Orinda News. Send comments to sallyhogarty@gmail.com
Stu Selland
JERRY MOTTA AND HEATHER KELLOGG play two nearly washed-up stars looking for a second chance in ‘Moon Over Buffalo’ at the Lafayette Town through June 15
St. John’s Stage presents
Mark Kenward in
Nantucket Powerful solo drama. Kenward calls up his childhood experiences to expose the light and dark sides of “paradise.”
Friday, May 29
7:30 p.m.
St. John’s Episcopal Church 5555 Clayton Rd., Clayton
Tickets $15:
“Astounding, funny, and breathtaking theatrical creation …Kenward is a master of his craft… a wonder to watch!” (925) 672-8717 CCTimes / Oakland Tribune Not recommended for children under 13.
BrownPaperTickets.com or
Outdoor Living Begins Here
BOB LOOMIS Special to the Pioneer
Bona-fide new sounds are energizing Colfax Street in Concord, as local performers enjoy an acoustic open mic night that hosts a wide variety of artists. Performances at recent Bonafide Open Mic sessions have included country-and-western, Hawaiian slack-key guitar, Brazilian, traditional jazz, Americana and other musical genres. Hosted by Bona-fide, a longstanding musical duo featuring the fiddle of Maria Meza Murillo and the guitar and vocals of Mike Stenberg, the open mic is held at 7 p.m. every other Monday evening at Cue Productions, 1835 Colfax St. Signups begin at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $5 and there are snacks and drinks available at the venue. Participants put their names on slips of paper that are drawn from a hat to determine performing order. All audience members have to do is just enjoy the music. The next open mic night is scheduled for June 8. Both hosts are longtime Contra Costa County residents and musicians. Murillo is a retired teacher and multi-instrumentalist who still gives music lessons privately and at Rockin’ Robbie’s East Bay Music, right next door to Cue. Both often sit in with others at the open mic, if invited. “We want this to become a hub for musicians who are looking to hone their art and make
Coffee” to the Orinda Community Park Amphitheatre, 28 Orinda Way, in Orinda. The little-known mystery will surprise and delight Christie’s many fans as a physicist, who discovered the formula for an atom bomb, is found poisoned. It’s up to the famous Hercule Poirot to solve the case, which, of course, he does after many twists and turns sure to excite even the most diehard murder mystery aficionado. Directed by Concord resident Suzan Lorraine, the show runs June 4 – July 4. Call 925-5289225 or go to www.orsvp.org. Following a successful run of “Arsenic and Old Lace,” the Clayton Theatre Company is preparing for Summer Stage, a theater camp for ages 6 – 16. Artistic director La Tonya Watts and managing director Roxanne Pardi will focus on musical theater training and preparation during the three-week camp, which takes place June 15 – July 1 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. In addition to learning theatrical basics, each performer will have a professional headshot taken, create a sample resume and learn an audition song as well as scenes from “Aladdin, JR.,” “Matilda” and “Newsies.” Performances take place at 1 and 3 p.m. on July 2 at Endeavor Hall in Clayton. For more information, call 925222-9106 or go to www.claytontheatrecompany.com.
Sensatio Succule nal Collecti nt on
R&M is the place for: Closed Mondays MIKE STENBERG AND MARIA MEZA MURILLO are hosts of the Bona-fide Open Mic series at Cue Productions
connections with other musicians and, we hope, club owners and agents looking for acts to book,” says Stenberg. “Beyond that, it’s just plain fun!” It’s a spacious venue with tables and chairs and a stage in addition to the sound system run by Cue Productions owner Carole Davis, a longtime fixture on the local music scene and a sound engineering expert. She handles sound for the Concord Pavilion and Woodminster Theatre, among others. She and Murillo came up with the open mic idea as another way to build a sense of musical community in downtown Concord. The Cue space also becomes a Hawaiian cultural center on weekends and during special events hosted by Davis. “I want to have people in the community who just want to enjoy sharing,” says Davis. Performers say that’s definitely happening.
Doug Wong, a Hawaiian slack-key guitar performer, says “I am not a professional musician by any means, so just the process of getting up on the stage under the bright lights, hearing your guitar and voice amplified so clearly and then performing your songs as cleanly as possible is so nervewracking yet exhilarating. You never know who’s going to show up and there are often impromptu combinations of musicians sitting in with each other. I love the spontaneity and unpredictability, and the fun is infectious.” Peter Sproul, a member of the Concord group Awed Ducks, says it provides a place to test new material, find an audience and connect with other musicians. “And you are always surprised at the variety and high level of many of the acts.” For more information, call Murillo, 925-698-1110 or email maria.mezamurillo@gmail.com
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Phantom’ returns with solo show F r a n c D’Ambrosio, best known for more than 2000 performances as “The Phantom” in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Aw a r d - w i n -
ning musical “The Phantom of the Opera,” returns to the Bay Area for a special Memorial Day weekend presentation at the El Campanil Theatre in Antioch. On Sunday, May 24, D’Ambrosio will perform his popular and critically acclaimed program, “Franc D’Ambrosio: I’ll Be Seeing Youz — A Bronx Boy’s Musi-
cal Perspective of WWII,” which celebrates the music and songs of the World War II era with his distinctive voice and style. It will also include a tribute to “The Phantom of the Opera.” For more information on the performance, go to elcampaniltheatre.com or call 925-757-9500.
925-672-2025 1028 Diablo St, Clayton Visit us on Facebook
Page 22
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
A Floral nce Experie s
Opportunity, experience keep local artist drawing
Flower for all occasions
LISA FULMER
SPOTLIGHT Mitzie Richardson Richardson Mitzie
925-705-3088 flowersbymitzie@gmail.com flowersbymitzie@gmail.com Facebook/afloralexperience.biz Facebook/afloralexperience.biz
ON
ART
Raised in the Diablo Valley, John Finger has been drawing and painting his whole life. He has always been a working artist, but in his early years, he didn’t really think of art as a viable job.
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“I was lucky enough to attend California College of the Arts, which led me to a rewarding career as a commercial artist. These days I’m focusing more of my time on fine art.” The subjects John paints or draws are usually inspired by opportunity. “I learned a lot about the Air Force when I visited military bases to document their activities in paintings as part of their Artist Program.” He recently traveled to Havana, Cuba to paint musicians’ portraits and he sketched scenic vistas while in Hawaii last month. “I enjoy plein air painting, but it forces me to work quickly in a small format. I really love to work in the studio, where time and canvas size are not issues.” There isn’t much that John doesn’t find inspiring. “I love creating and sharing images,” he says. “I try to stay focused, even when I’m going in many different directions. Right now, my interests are small watercolors, ink drawings with a brush and larger oils.”
John says he approaches life through art. “I have done many things and traveled many places – approaching each activity as an artist heightens the experience for myself and others who are with me.” When he goes to a concert, for example, he draws the musicians and then gives them his drawings. “In a way, it makes me part of their performance. Then if they like my work, sometimes they invite me to their next performance where I can draw some more.” John paints or draws every single day. “I treat making art like a job – but in a good way. I start early in the morning and go until the day is over.” As for overcoming creative blocks to stay motivated, he has some sage advice. “You sometimes have to trick yourself. Set up your supplies even if you’re not feeling up to painting. Then a couple hours later, you’re likely to find yourself painting away; you will have passed right by the resistance you made.” As an art teacher and past
CONCORD ARTIST, JOHN FINGER, TOOK FIRST PRIZE for his oil painting, ‘Summer Afternoon,’ in the Slopes of Diablo juried art show at Valley Art Gallery in Walnut Creek. The show runs through June 13.
president of the California Watercolor Association, John enjoys the communal aspects of art. “I’ve met a lot of good people through CWA. I’m always learning and growing, so I have no interest in isolation, even though I think people expect artists to isolate themselves in order to create. I like to talk to people while I paint or draw.”
liers. So, why not add a chandelier over your patio dining table? Whether it’s electrified or has battery operated candles, adding a chandelier will make a very festive and decorative statement. If you have a trellis over your table, or your table sits inside a gazebo, this makes things easy. You already have an “outdoor ceiling” from which to anchor the fixture. If you have an umbrella over your table, consider using fixtures that are typically battery operated or rechargeable and can attach to the umbrella pole. You can also swag a series of string lights inside the umbrella for a bit of sparkle and ambience.
738 Bloching Circle, Clayton
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CARPET…AND PILLOW An outdoor area rug is the perfect way to group your outdoor furniture and create a designated lounge or dining space. Outdoor area rugs come in all sorts of wonderful synthetic fibers, sizes and colors that you can combine with your existing furnishings to create a wellrounded look. And don’t just stop there. In addition to the area rug, collect synthetic outdoor pillows to bring your lounge furniture to life. Maybe an extra-wide bolster pillow for your love seat, a series of coordinating accent pillows for your sectional, or smaller kidney pillows for each of your dining chairs. And the clean-up of these synthetic jewels is so easy: ROLL
Spring is such a beautiful time of year. It’s an invitation to come and play outside and revisit the goodies you tucked away so carefully at the end of last summer. Whether it’s Patio dining and lounge furniture, a cobalt blue market umbrella, glazed pottery to hold your annuals or your beloved hammock, rummaging through your outdoor décor and bringing it out of hiding from the garage or the backyard shed is like Christmas in June. As you thoughtfully reassemble things, dusting and cleaning as you go, you may start to feel like something is missing. Could it be the outdoor pillow
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John is currently working on several major art commissions and his next project is for the U.S. Open Golf Tour. Visit FingerArt.com to see more of his work. Lisa Fulmer is an artist, crafter, blogger and author of two craft project books. See her creative pursuits on her website - LisaLizaLou.com
Take the ‘wow’ factor outdoors
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May 22, 2015
with the embroidered seashells? The pair of rustic lanterns for your dining table? No, you’re not missing an actual “thing,” you’re missing some “oompft.” Every living space, indoors and out, needs some “oompft” now and then. It’s the main ingredient in keeping things looking fresh. So, where can you get some much needed spring “oompft?” SWING FROM THE CHANDELIER Your breakfast nook table has a chandelier, your dining room table has a chandelier, maybe even your master bathroom and foyer have chande-
OUT THE TOSS A
JENNIFER LEISCHER
DESIGN & DÉCOR warm water, mild dish soap, rinse with the hose and air dry. It’s a great summer project for the kids. PANELS WITH SWAG Outdoor drapery can create quite a bit of drama outdoors. Solid colored, big resort-like stripes, floral patterns, or geometric — consider adding panels to an existing gazebo or trellis to help with sun control as you read the Sunday paper, add privacy for an intimate outdoor dinner party, or produce a shaded area for the kids to play. Depending on the design aesthetic you’re after, drapery panels can be anything from a heavy canvas or sheer, gauze-like panels that float and move freely with the breeze. Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design based in Clayton. Contact her with questions, comments and suggestions at jenna@j-designs.com.
May 22, 2015
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 23
Help celebrate more birthdays with Relay for Life Be a part of the 30-year tradition of Relay For Life that is making a tangible impact in communities across the globe and paving the way for a world free of cancer. Concord’s Relay For Life is 24 hours of family-friendly fun and fundraising for an amazing cause. Come for any amount of time between 10 a.m. on July 11 and 10 a.m. on July 12 to Todos Santos Plaza. Bring 10 friends for 10
minutes and spend $10. Or, if everyone in Concord gave just $1, Concord’s Relay could raise $125,880, well over the goal of $41,500. Todos Santos will be “painted” purple for the Relay, in honor of those who have fought cancer. Teams line the track selling all types of gifts and goodies and live entertainment keeps spirits up. At 10 a.m. on July 11, cancer
survivors receive gift bags and purple T-shirts and kick off the event by walking in the celebratory Survivors Lap. At 9 p.m., the track is lined with luminaria bags decorated by the community and illuminated for the emotional Luminaria Ceremony in memory of loved ones lost to cancer. Luminarias are available for purchase on the Relay for Life website for $10.
At 9 a.m. on July 12, the event closes with a powerful Fight Back Ceremony when speakers share their inspirational stories and encourage walkers to become advocates in the fight against cancer. In 2014, Contra Costa County had 5,440 new diagnoses of cancer. Thanks in part to the American Cancer Society, the national death rate from those cases
dropped approximately 20 percent since the 1990s. Every day, the United States celebrates 400 more birthdays because of critical research, education, advocacy and services provided by the American Cancer Society. Be a part of
Someday your prints will come
SUSAN SAPPINGTON
CLOTHES-UP This month’s article is all about “scale.” It is the third of the three-part series, “Creating the Illusion” with our wardrobe. What does scale mean? Scale is all about the prints we choose to wear. Many of us are frightened of prints because we do not know if they should be worn on top or on the bottom. More than not knowing, we especially shy away from wearing any type of print on the bottom because we feel it draws attention to areas we do not want people to notice. Because of our tendency to stay away from prints, many of us often dress completely “monochromatic” (which means one
solid color, head to toe). This article will help you make the decision if prints are right for you and if so, how to determine which print to wear. The size of the print is very important. Larger prints work better on larger women. Conversely, a larger print can overwhelm the smaller frame while the smaller prints can make larger women appear even larger. As discussed in past articles, using inside-outside lines can help with illusion. The same holds true with print. If a print is worn on top, it is best to wear a solid color on the outside. This can be as simple as a cardigan, shrug, jacket, etc. This will give the illusion of length. Wearing prints on the bottom can be tricky. Triangle or oval shaped-people should consider wearing solid colored shirts or slacks as this is really the best choice. Women who are more rectangle, hourglass or an inverted triangle can get away with wearing prints on the bottom. Some women need to wear prints on the bottom to create the illusion of adding more “tush” (for those of us lacking in the bum area).
EACH YEAR, SURVIVORS AND CAREGIVERS TAKE the first lap in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. This year the Relay is set for July 11-12 at Todos Santos Plaza. making sure even more birthdays are celebrated. For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/concordca or contact Kealoha Pomerantz, community manager of Relay For Life, at kealoha.pomerantz@cancer.org.
Hours: M-F 9-6 Sat 9:30-4
Located in the Clayton Station 5433 Clayton Rd. Ste. K Clayton, CA 94517
Ph: 925-673-5246 For most women, wearing print on the top is the safest and usually the most flattering. It is great knowing what looks fabulous on our different body shapes. What about handbags and jewelry? We need to keep the size of our frames in mind when selecting accessories. While today’s oversized handbags and statement necklaces may be popular, it would be a shame if our lasting impression on someone was the gigantic necklace we wore or the handbag we carried, instead of our face. No matter what your shape, no matter whether you wear
prints or solids, remember to forget what the tag size says. It is just a number. What matters is the proper fit. We are excited to bring ETCETERA Clothing to Clayton. Our first show featuring the Spring/Summer collection will be May 8 – May 22. Please contact me for your personal appointment. Next time, “Dressing for Your Age.” Susan Sappington is a wardrobe consultantant the area development manager for EtCetera Styles. Send comments, questions and suggested topics to susan@etcstyles.com.
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Page 24
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Wo FRE E r (60 ksho min p
Everything you wanted to know about…
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“When you take time to understand the underlying causes of dysglycemia (including Type II Diabetes), it becomes quite clear exactly what changes need to be made in order to return the body’s ability to restore and balance normal blood sugar naturally. Most people with diabetes in the United States are only ever offered a pharmaceutical solution for elevated blood sugar. Learning what you can do to restore the ability to balance blood sugar can make the difference between recovering your health vs. having a disease just managed as it progresses over time.” — Dr. Brian E. Thomason, D.C., BCIM, D.PSc.
Discussion Topics • Balancing Your Blood Sugar
• Causes of Elevated Glucose
• How to Reduce Inflammation
• Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
• Foods You Must Avoid
• Glucose Levels and your Brain
• Foods You Must Eat • Why You Aren’t Losing Weight
All hail the Caesar salad cheese and House-made croutons finish up La Sen’s version. High quality croutons are especially important in separating an average Caesar from an ordinary one as there must be a perfect balance for the salad. Chef Nguyrns’ stands out with an evident scent of olive oil and fresh garlic.
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…but your doctor didn’t give you the time to ask in your abbreviated HMO/PPO visit.
May 22, 2015
RICHARD EBER & WHITNEY FLORES TASTE AND TELL Whenever the subject of Caesar salads are mentioned, many remember the version produced by the long -closed restaurant Caesar’s on North Point Blvd. in San Francisco. With the ingredients prominently displayed on small plates of Food Network quality, waiters would deftly crush anchovies, garlic, coddle a raw egg, mix the ingredients together, and perfectly toss the salad so that it stood out as a virtual work of art. Pushing the clock ahead to present times we find Caesar salads to be a staple of virtually every restaurant from Denny’s to the finest four- star dining experience. Two local renditions from the original recipe that were rumored to originate in Tijuana can be found at La Sen in Concord and Walnut Creek-based Rocco’s Ristorante & Pizzeria. At La Sen, located on Salvio Street close to Todos Santos Square, Chef Hai Nguyrn, who received his training at Le Cheval in Oakland, makes his own dressing each day with traditional ingredients including anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, and white vinegar. To this he adds a touch of mayonnaise, as using raw eggs is considered to be too high a risk with the Health Department. After gently placing the dressing on fresh romaine lettuce, a sprinkling of shaved parmesan
Most restaurants can add chicken or shrimp upon request, which can make it into a main course, especially during the lunch hour. These extras can also be added if making this dish at home. Rocco’s is nestled a few miles away at the strip mall located at Ygnacio Valley Road and Oak Grove. Even though pizza and pasta are their mainstays, Rocco’s offers a Caesar salad that is consistently delicious. While La Sen uses large pieces of romaine, Rocco’s chops their lettuce. This allows their salad dressing to coat a larger surface. In addition, if requested, Rocco’s is happy to place anchovies in the salad, rather than just in the dressing. According to Alex H., who prepares Caesar’s and other salads for Rocco’s, “Most people either don’t want anchovies or want extra ones given to them. We are here to please so we do whatever the customers want.” Since there is no one clear way to make Caesar salads, it is up to the individual creativity of a chef to place their own stamp on them. Unfortunately, if just one ingredient is off, the dish just does not work. When Caesar’s (with or without anchovies) are done right, they are a popular part of American
cuisine as it exists today. Below is our take of the dressing, and homemade croutons that make up a crucial part of the dish. CAESAR SALAD DRESSING & HOMEMADE CROUTONS Caesar Salad Dressing 3 cloves garlic, minced ¾ cup mayonnaise 6 anchovy fillets (jar or canned, minced) 8 Tbsp. parmesan cheese, grated 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp. Dijon mustard 1 Tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon Salt & pepper to taste Combine minced garlic, mayonnaise, anchovies, 4 Tbsp. of parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and lemon juice. Whisk together and season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use (at least one hour). Homemade Croutons ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 3 cloves garlic, cut into quarters 4 cups day-old bread, cubed (ciabatta or French bread works well) Salt & pepper to taste Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic to hot oil and cook until brown. Remove garlic from pan; add bread cubes. Cook bread cubes until lightly browned (turn frequently). Remove bread cubes and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss one head Romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces, with salad dressing and croutons. Add remaining 3 Tbsp. parmesan cheese and adjust seasonings if needed. Rich Eber is a local columnist for the blog Halfway to Concord and a selfdescribed “foodie.” He teams up with daughter, Whitney, a Concord native, student, and avid cook and taster. Email comments to editor@concordpioneer.com
• How To Shed Fat
• All aspects of general and cosmetic dentistry • Sapphire Cancer detection Concord 2903 Salvio St. Across from the Concord Library
(925) 689-5055 Also in Walnut Creek,
1852 Tice Valley Blvd. (925) 935-2292
“My fasting blood sugar was 523 and that caused me to lose my job as a commercial driver. Following Dr. Thomason’s program I was able to get my blood sugar down to 114 in just under 12 weeks. I am medication free, have my energy back, sleeping through the night, and I lost 63 pounds in 15 weeks! If you love yourself you will do this program.” — Pam (Moraga, CA)
FREE PRESENTATION Saturday May 30
@ 1 p.m. (60 min.)
Harvest House Health Food Store 2395 Monument Blvd., Concord
Location:
You must call to reserve your seat (925) 407-0888 or visit
www.balancemybloodsugar.com
Take advantage of this great offer *
$85
Doctor exam, 4 bite wing X-rays and teeth cleaning (New Patients Only)
*In absence of gum disease
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