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November 21, 2014
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Families find help with more than food at Monument Crisis Center JOHN MILLER Correspondent
TIM GRAYSON
MAYOR
Honoring the service of our veterans My heart is full of gratitude. For the past few days I’ve been attending Veterans Day activities in Concord. They were wellorganized, wide-ranging in scope and variety. They had one common theme: honor those women and men who have served America in uniform. This year the Blue Star Moms organized the first annual 10K and 5K race at Hillcrest Park. It attracted more than 300 runners, and raised money for their programs. The traditional Veteran’s Day gathering, sponsored by the Korean War Veterans Association, Chapter 264, and co-sponsored by the City of Concord, was held at Hillcrest Community Park. This program concluded with a wreath being laid at the Korean War Memorial at the park, and the playing of Taps. It was an emotional moment. What followed then was an absolutely outstanding event. The young veterans, the ones who won’t attend the traditional speech-filled gatherings, staged their second annual Honor the
See Mayor, page 2
Tamara Steiner/Concord Pioneer
MORE THAN 16,000 FAMILIES ARE REGISTERED WITH THE MONUMENT CRISIS CENTER. Volunteers in the Center’s food room are gearing up to meet the expected increase in needs during the holidays. Teen volunteers Erick Salamanka and Jesus Rodriquez are among the local youth who volunteer at the Center.
PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
Development of the Concord Naval Weapons Station eased one step closer to reality last week when about 75 residents, city leaders and other interested people gathered for a public meeting outlining plans for the massive reuse project. The meeting, held for public comment, was just one of many steps the city of Concord and the Navy are hurdling as the complicated process of transferring the land to the Concord enters what could be its final stages. “It’s a huge check box for us,” Mayor Tim Grayson said. “Both the city and the Navy want to move forward on this and avoid any unnecessary bureaucracy.”
See CNWS, page 13
See Monument, page 2
Golden Era for Concord high school football? Don’t forget the exploits of teams gone by JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
Leaders, stakeholders weigh in on CNWS plans
When Sandra Scherer reported to work on her first day at the Monument Crisis Center in August of 2003, the pantry ran out of food after serving 84 families. It was the first “crisis” that she would weather in her role as executive director of the nowrenowned organization, and she set out to solve the problem. In order to open the next day, her handful of volunteers from Carondelet, De La Salle and Mt. Diablo highs scrounged together donations from friends, family, and a neighbor who worked for Safeway, so that they could feed 30 more families the next day. Helping to solve problems is what the MCC is all about. The organization has now grown to feeding more than 16,000 families a month from their new location on Market Street in Concord behind the Park and Shop center. Feeding the hungry, however, has become just one of many
Three Concord high school football teams are among the elite of the elite in California rankings for their divisions this season and all five schools from the city, plus Northgate and Berean Christian from the Diablo Valley Athletic League, qualified for the North Coast Section football playoffs that continue this weekend.
With De La Salle in its perennial perch atop the Division I seedings and presumed headed towards its ninth straight State CIF Bowl Game appearance and Clayton Valley Charter and Concord High seeded first and second in Division II you’d think things have never been better on the local high school football scene. Ygnacio Valley, Mt. Diablo and Northgate were in the 2014 playoffs as well, the first time all seven local schools have been in NCS football post-season play in the same year. Despite this auspicious accomplishment each of the
Concord schools has had periods of gridiron glory that match or exceed what is unfurling this fall.
CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL Tim Murphy took over the Clayton Valley Charter team in 2012 and brought the school its first-ever NCS football title that fall, just missing a trip to the CIF State Bowl game. Last year CVCHS was a semi-finalist in section and they are No. 1 seed this year. Herc Pardi led the Eagles football program for 16 years through the 2011 season. His
teams three times reached the NCS championship game but fell short each time of winning the title, including an incredible triple overtime 2003 game against Las Lomas that ended 37-36. The Eagles were in the playoffs 12 of
those 16 years. In 2004 Clayton Valley and De La Salle tied 17-17. North Coast Section did not hold football playoffs from 1931 to 1974. Ironically, in ’74 Clayton
See Football, page 17
Voters return all four incumbents to office Measure Q sales tax extension passes overwhelmingly PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
Jason Rogers photo
CONCORD AND CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER HIGH SCHOOLS ARE THE TOP TWO SEEDED TEAMS in the North Coast Section Division II playoffs and seem on a collision course to meet for the section title in early December. They met late last month with the Eagles winning a 48-40 thriller that wasn’t secured until the final play. CVCHS running back Miles Harrison (3 with ball) and his Minuteman counterpart Malik Blackburn (3) accounted for over 600 all-purpose yards in that game.
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Tammy Grayson had a smile on her face at the election night party held at a Concord restaurant, as early returns indicated that her husband, Concord Mayor Tim Grayson, was leading the pack of nine candidates in the city council race. “Well, it looks like we’re in it for another four years,” she said. “It really is a family job.” Tim Grayson would go on to garner the most votes in the election, which saw Concord voters return all three incumbents — Grayson, Laura Hoffmeister and vice Mayor Ron Leone — to the dais by significant margin. It showed that residents seem to feel the city is
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Laura Hoffmeister, one of the three incumbents returned to the City Council on Nov. 4, tallys votes on election night using the same whiteboard she used in 2010 when she, Ron Leone and Tim Grayson were all elected.
on the right track after weathering the economic storm of the Great Recession, laying down plans for the future that includes the revitalization of the downtown area and development of the Concord Naval Weapons Station, as well as improving the economic development of a city that was hit hard by the loss of redevelopment funds.
See Election, page 13
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ON
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Monument, from page 1
Applicants vie for Community Development block grants
services the program provides to people in need in the Central and Eastern County. An emergency food pantry was the original intention of the MCC when it opened, but the glaring needs of at-risk families who showed up pointed Scherer in a multitude of different directions. “It’s different when you see people at the street level — rather than talking to them on the phone —who have already bypassed most of the safety nets designed to help them,” Scherer says. “Our programs grew organically out of these clients needs.” Whether it’s help with
GEORGE FULMORE Correspondent
The good news is that about $900,000 comes to the City of Concord from the U.S. Department of Housing and Development (HUD) each year, primarily to be awarded to organizations that provide services to lower-income residents. The bad news is that the city has to figure out how to divide that Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) money amongst dozens of possible applications, including some from the City of Concord itself. This application and selection process takes place every five years, this time being for the years 2015 through 2020. Concord’s nine-member Community Services Commission oversees the process, by first recommending a subset of categories from a HUD list of about 50 possibilities, such as Senior Services, Food Banks, Handicapped Services, Parks and Recreation Facilities, and Services for Battered/Abused Spouses. The Concord City Council recently met with the commission for two study sessions, once in late October, then again in early November, to give oversight on the commission’s initial list of recommended categories. On Nov. 6, a Funding Kickoff Meeting was held at the Concord Senior Center to interact with non-profit organizations
November 21, 2014
THE CENTER FILLS UP FAST after school. Here, Valentine gets some extra help with schoolwork from teen tutor Madeline Levine.
See Grants, page 5
P.G.&E. bills, dental appointments, or linking clients up with the correct social services, the Monument Crisis Center adapts and grows with each new challenge.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS The MCC has grown by leaps and bounds over its 11 years in existence. Starting in a little 10-by10 room on Monument Blvd. with a handful of high school volunteers, the organization moved closer to the Four Corners area of Monument in 2006 to a 4,600square-foot facility. In the spring of this year they expanded to their current location in a 12,600square foot, two-story building. There are six full-time staff members and volunteers log more than 3,000 hours a month. They are one of the largest pantries in the Contra Costa and Solano area. While touring the new facility, it became obvious just how many needs the center serves. Most of the rooms serve two or more functions. For example, the teenage tutoring center runs upstairs during the afternoon, and then houses parenting programs in the evening along with other family interventions. “Everything is intertwined,”
Mayor, from page 1 Veterans Softball Tournament. The event is the brain-child of Nathan Johnson, the Contra Costa County Veteran’s Service Officer and a combat Marine from the Desert Storm era, who felt that the younger veterans need to have an activity in which they would willingly participate. The softball tournament, cosponsored by the city, attracted 11 teams, as compared to seven teams last year, and is an all-day
event that will grow in popularity. I was proud to be invited to speak to the young veterans, their wives and children. Their reception and enthusiasm was heartwarming. I was proud and grateful to be the mayor and have the opportunity of this special experience. Today, there are 23 million women and men who are veterans of military service, Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast
AT THE MONUMENT CRISIS Center kids get help with homework, work on projects or just hang out. In the crafts room, John Cornejo is makes paper maiche bowls for holiday gifts.
Scherer recalled a young couple with two small boys. The father lost his job and his wife needed surgery. A computer glitch with their unemployment checks compounded their troubles. They were about to lose their car and were on the verge of eviction and called the Concord Chamber of Commerce, who referred them to the police, who told them to go to MCC the following morning. “We were able to feed them and contact EDD to fix the problem with their checks,” says Scherer. “Six months later, I didn’t immediately recognize the young couple with two small boys who showed up the Monday before Thanksgiving. They brought 10 turkeys to donate to show their gratitude.”
says Scherer. “It starts with food, then the children come in for tutoring while Mom goes to a parenting class. Dad might need to use a computer and put together a resume, while Grandma, who’s now home alone, comes to our Senior program.” Scherer says that there are many reasons people come to the center. “They might lose their job, suffer from domestic violence, or seniors on a fixed income may not be able to make ends meet when their rent and food bills go up.” For every glimpse into the ugly side of life, however, there are just as many joyous moments.
One tremendously successful program is the Community Service for Juvenile Offender — commonly called the CSJO. The program exists for minors under the age of 18 who may have traffic violations, face expulsion from school, arrests, or any other reason to do community service. “When these young people sign their contract they must be on time or call in if they can’t make it,” says Josemar Hernandez, one of the full-time staff in charge of the program. “No one
Guard and Merchant Marines. Some came home with debilitating wounds that prevented them from re-entering society. Others, the victims of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, are dealing with issues that keep them from the mainstream of our society. There are 500,000 young women and men from Iraq and Afghanistan burdened with this malady. We lost an entire generation of young people who fought in Vietnam. They came home to a society who did not understand that their only “sin” was to do what
every previous generation of American young people had done —answer the call of their country to serve. We are still dealing with the fallout of that tragic mistake. They need our help. The numbers of homeless veterans is a tragic fact. We need to do more to help these men and women. What can we do? Demand timely medical care from the Veteran’s Administration. It does appear that Washington has finally gotten the word. See that funds are provided for job training. These are talented people who
CSJO PROGRAM
Upcoming events at the Center The Monument Crisis Center is poised for its annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway. Persons willing to donate frozen turkeys should drop them by the center on Nov. 24, 25 and 26. Holiday food collection and distribution will run from Dec. 1-18. More detailed information is available at the website: www.monumentcrisiscenter.org. The annual gala, their main fundraising event, will be held at the Roundhill Country Club on Friday, Feb. 27. need our help to work on a level playing field. We can facilitate and provide affordable housing for veterans and their families. In concert with the Veterans Administration and local building opportunities we have the ability to make a difference. As the Mayor of Concord I pledge to use every opportunity to see that affordable housing is available for veterans. I said at the beginning of this article that my heart is filled with gratitude. I hope I have communicated why this is true.
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else at the center knows what they’ve done. They see people who have it really bad and pretty soon their attitudes improve. They learn valuable on-the-job training and skills.” Toward the end of the interview, David Scherer, MCC’s logistics manager, poked his head in Scherer’s office to inform her that they were out of peanut butter and wouldn’t have any for at least two weeks. Sherer shrugged her shoulders. “Just another crisis, but we’ll manage somehow.”
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Friends of Avila still seek justice GEORGE FULMORE Concord Pioneer
More than 200 friends, family and community leaders joined in for a peaceful march earlier this month to honor the memory of Ignacio “Nacho” Avila, who was tragically killed in a confrontation in the Monument Corridor just six weeks earlier. All dressed in white and with the theme “Justice for Nacho,” the marchers walked down Monument Blvd., beginning at Cambridge Park on Victory Lane and ending at Todos Santos Plaza, more than two miles away. The march was organized by friends and family of Avila, and supported by Mayor Tim Grayson and members of Monument Impact, Isabel Lara of Mount Diablo Unified School District and Monument business
THE FAMILY OF SLAIN 23-YEAR-OLD IGNACIO “NACHO” AVILA led a memorial walk on Nov. 2 to remember the former DVC student slain in a confrontation on Sept. 21. The DA has declined to file charges against the two accused of his murder.
owner Silvia Barajas, along with Cristina Hernandez of CCISCO and Lt. Ivan Menchaca of the Concord Police Dept. “We will have justice for Nacho,” Grayson told the marchers from the band stage at
Todos Santos Plaza, noting that pressure will continue to be applied to Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark Peterson to bring charges against those responsible for Avila’s death. Grayson, who was recently
Sanitary District offers free recycled water for landscaping Concord residents can now get free recycled water from Central Contra Costa Sanitary District to be used for handwatering lawns, gardens and landscaping, including plants such as fruit trees, vegetables and herbs, to help save drinking water supplies. Produce should be washed with drinking water prior to consumption. How to get free recycled water: Before picking up water for the first time, complete a Residential Recycled Water Use Application/Agreement and
receive training on the proper use of recycled water. Applications can be downloaded from www.centralsan.org/recycledwater or obtained at the facility. Visit the water station at 4797 Imhoff Place, Martinez. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Bring containers, which must be a minimum size of one gallon, have water-tight lids, and be secured for safe transport. The maximum fill per trip is 300 gallons. There is no limit on number of trips.
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re-elected to the city council, has often said that public safety is one of his highest priorities. “The Avila Family has experienced a tragic loss,” he told the Pioneer. “The case continues to be in the hands of the District Attorney and both the District Attorney and the Concord Chief of Police are interested in speaking with any witnesses that have yet to come forward. “Although the Avila Family continues to grieve, it was empowering for them and the Monument Community to come forward with a strong voice against violence,” Grayson said. “This kind of community action is needed to combat the violent thugs that terrorize our streets.”
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COMMUNITY
In Brief... Covered California meetings scheduled It's that time of year again; no, not the holidays, but something that might be equally as important to local residents. Open enrollment under the Covered California marketplace/exchange and its website, www.coveredca.com, began Nov. 15, 2014. It continues through Feb. 15, 2015. Information and sign-up sessions have been scheduled at the Concord Library on Saturdays, Dec. 13, Jan. 10, Jan. 24 and Feb. 14, from10 a.m.to 1 p.m. Enrollment Counselors and others who can help answer questions about the program and its benefits will be on hand at each session, and can begin the actual signup process.
Sandbag station open in Concord With the forecast of rainy days ahead, Concord residents can now pick up sandbags at their convenience at the Concord Public Works sandbag station. Bags, sand and shovels are supplied in front of the City Corporation Yard at 1455 Gasoline Alley. The sandbag station is open 24/7. The limit is 25 sandbags per household. Alreadyfilled sandbags for elderly and handicapped residents are available and can be picked up by appointment. For more information, contact Concord Public Works at 925671-3448.
One pass only for trash and recycling Last summer, Concord Disposal Service (CDS) added two new split-body compressed natural gas powered trucks to its fleet. These trucks
Continued next page
November 21, 2014
Concord welcomes new City Clerk
Parents accompany kids on Alcatraz swim JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
Two 13-year-olds from Concord took a cue from their parents this fall and completed the 13th annual Alcatraz Swim with the Centurions from the famous former prison site in San Francisco Bay 1.25 miles to Aquatic Park. Arie Vanhoven, 13, was 13th overall in his first Alcatraz crossing, posting a time of 28:39. He was also the second fastest swimmer under 23 years of age. A fellow member of the Forest Park Flyers summer recreation swim team, Gabby Duran, also 13, made her Centurions debut as well. Paul Vanhoven, Arie’s dad, completed his 20th Alcatraz crossing in the same event while Gabby’s mom, Sophia Duran, made her second Alcatraz swim. To top it off, older brother Sebastian Vanhoven, 26, completed the swim, albeit five minutes behind his younger brother. Arie Vanhoven attends El Dorado Middle School while Gabby Duran is an eighth grader at nearby St. Agnes School. Arie Vanhoven made a name for himself this summer by setting a Concord City Swim Championships meet record in the 100-yard freestyle and was the high point winner among all 13-14 boys. He was runner-up for high point at the county meet. Gabby Duran earned her top honors at that meet in the backstroke. The Durans and Paul Vanhoven all finished in about 51
Photo courtesy of the Duran family
THEIR SMILES ANNOUNCE THE COMPLETION OF THE 13TH ANNUAL ALCATRAZ SWIM with the Centurions from the famous former prison site in San Francisco Bay to Aquatic Park for a quartet of Concord residents. Sophia Duran, left, and daughter Gabby joined Paul Vanhoven and his son Arie in the 1.25 mile swim. Arie Vanhoven, 13, finished 13th overall in his first Alcatraz crossing.
minutes. Paul Vanhoven reports that, “The water was quite warm this year, approximately 66 degrees. As with all of my swims, I did not wear a wet suit.” He will be back in San Francisco Bay for an Alcatraz swim Thanksgiving morning but “without Arie or the Durans”. Gabby Duran did a triathlon this past April at Lake Berryessa and that was her first open water race. Her mom said, “It is one thing to swim from Alcatraz, but to be able to train and swim with my daughter was an amazing experience. She did much better than I did my first time. I am so proud of her. And now she can say, ‘Yeah, I did that.’”
Contra Costa Christian Schools celebrate Grandparents Day Haiely Terwilliger of Concord hosted her grandmother Valerie Usrey at Grandparents Day at Contra Costa Christian Schools in Walnut Creek on Oct. 3. Preschool through eighth grade students served homemade breakfast treats to their grandparents. The students then gave a musical performance, showed their grandparents displays of their work in the classrooms and concluded the event with lunch.
LEIGH KLOCK
The Concord City Council has appointed Joelle Fockler as Concord’s new City Clerk. She replaces JOELLE Mary Rae FOCKLER Lehman, who recently retired after 23 years with the city. Fockler first worked for the City of Concord from 2007 to 2012 as an administrative assistant in the Economic Development/Redevelopment Department. In 2012, she left the city to become the Deputy City Clerk for the City of Walnut Creek, returning to Concord in 2014 as Deputy City Clerk. Fockler is studying for her Bachelor of Applied Science Degree through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks and is scheduled to graduate next year. She has earned the Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation and is working toward the Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) certification. She is also a Notary Public. In 2011, Fockler was selected as Woman of the Year for the City of Martinez. She previously worked as an administrative secretary for the City of Pleasant Hill and as a Transportation and Childcare Program Coordinator for the Contra Costa Centre Transit Village. She holds an A.S. Degree from Heald Business College. Fockler is married with two adult children.
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Rates are based on roundtrip air travel to/from San Francisco (SFO) and San Jose (SJC), CA, and are per person, based on double occupancy. Advertised vacation rate(s) valid for departure 1/12/15. Rates for other travel dates may vary. Rates, terms, conditions and itinerary are subject to availability. Certain restrictions apply. Rates shown include government-imposed fees and taxes. Rates are current as of 11/5/14; at the time you purchase your package, rates may be higher. For current prices, please see http://www. pleasantholidays.com. Airline fees for optional services, including, but not limited to, fees of up to $45 per bag for the first checked bag and up to $100 per bag for a second checked bag, may apply. Baggage fees are current as of 11/3/14. Airline tickets are non-refundable and subject to airline change/cancellation penalties and rules, including pre-flight notification deadlines. Fees and policies vary among airlines and are subject to change without notice. Please contact the airline directly for details and answers to specific questions you may have. Additional restrictions apply. Advertised rates do not include any applicable daily resort or facility fees payable directly to the hotel operator at check-out; such fee amounts will be advised at the time of booking. Holiday Hot Deals $50 Savings Offer: Valid on new bookings made 11/17/14 – 1/4/15 for travel through 10/1/15. Minimum 3-night stay at a participating Hot Deals resort and roundtrip airfare required. Discount is per booking and taken at time of booking. Savings does not apply to Wyndham Cabo San Lucas Resort. Not responsible for errors or omissions. [Pleasant Holidays acts only as an agent for the various travel providers shown above.] CST# 1007939-10. UBI# 601 915 263. TAR# 5308. Copyright © 2014 Pleasant Holidays, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
www.myDynamicRealtors.com
November 21, 2014
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 5
Neighbors to curb unwelcome BART parking at the North Concord/Martinez station has gone up. He and other residents have met more than six times to try and address the neighborhood parking concerns, several times with input from the city and the Concord Police Department. A $1 charge for parking at the North Concord BART station that went into effect this month just exacerbated the problem, Poston said. “Even though there may be spaces available to park in the BART lot, people will choose to park in the neighborhood, clogging our streets, littering and making it difficult for us to park.” Poston said it was especially bad during the recent baseball playoffs, when BART ridership
that might want to apply for funding. Nearly 150 people attended that meeting. Detailed applications, describing proposed-project needs, are due by December 15. Many of the applicants will be asking to have previous funding renewed. Applications then are reviewed by the Community
Services Commission. Not all are approved. Those that are approved go on a list of recommended projects sent to the Concord City Council for its approval, which is due in the spring. Historically, the council has approved the commission’s final recommendations without changes.
was higher than normal and people would leave their cars until late at night. “Sometimes the drivers would use our streets and front lawns as bathrooms, and if they were inebriated, threaten the safety of the neighbors,” Poston said. Most of the neighbors seemed in favor of the parking permits, if it would decrease the number of vehicles jamming up the neighborhood and causing problems like Poston described. “I’m strongly in favor of putting in parking permits,” said resident Mike Dickerson. “I’m tired of people pissing behind my car, or me having to clean up the trash they leave behind.” He said there are even instances of BART riders parking their cars for overnight — or longer —trips. City of Concord Transportation Manager Ray Kuzbari held a community meeting last week to gauge the feelings of the residents, to see if parking permits were indeed a direction they wanted to take. The response was overwhelmingly in favor of issuing the permits, which will cost just over $13 a year. While the permits will at first be put on the back left bumper of the cars, CPD representative
Giving Back
Chapter to help make sure that local children have a happy Christmas. Both the Marines and the H.O.G's will stop by the church on Dec. 6. The motorcycles will "roar in" in the morning to drop off the toys they've collected. The Marines will arrive that evening to receive them. To participate, drop of an unwrapped toy at the church
between now and Dec. 6., 1645 West St., Concord. Please no realistic looking weapons or gifts with food. A&J Fencing will host an open house and fundraiser BBQ on Dec. 13, 11-2 for Toys for Tots, 2336 Bates Ave., Concord The event will include a raffle, petting zoo, live DJ, Jump Houses, games and crafts, food and a visit with Santa. The event
PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
Residents of two north Concord neighborhoods are ready to put the brakes on BART commuters who are using their streets for parking. The Sun Terrace Neighborhood Partnership will ask the City of Concord to institute a permit parking system along their streets, allowing for fourhour parking for non-residents in the Sun Terrace and Sun View neighborhoods, which are located close to the North Concord BART station. The issue has been a problem for longer than a year, said Paul Poston, the spokesperson for the neighborhood group, as ridership
Grants, from page 2
Marines, H.O.G.S. and A and J Fencing collect Toys for Tots Concord United Methodist Church is again partnering with the U.S. Marines "Toys for Tots" program and the Mt. Diablo Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.)
Tamara Steiner/Concord Pioneer
NEW PARKING FEES AT THE NORTH CONCORD BART STATION have made an already bad situation worse for neighbors. Despite a 4hour parking restriction, cars line up early to park on the residential streets, creating traffic jams, litter and occasionally threatening residents. Sun Terrace residents are asking the city to issue parking permits to residents to help control the problem.
Cheryl Owens said that the department is in the process of testing license plate readers that will eliminate the need for the paper permits, which many of the neighbors said were unsightly. Residents can register the license plates of cars they park on the street, and the readers will automatically scan them and recognize them as residents of the neighborhood. However, the scanners will probably not be ready for use until next year, Owens said. Some members of the com-
is free; the only entrance fee is one new unwrapped toy.
Harvest joy and fruit this season This special time of year is an opportunity to share food with others less fortunate. Anna Chan, AKA The Lemon Lady leads a community effort to harvest extra fruit from local backyards and garden trees.
munity group expressed their desire to include more BART parking at the Concord Naval Weapons Station when it is developed, something that Kuzbari said was a possibility. Kuzbari said that there are other neighborhoods in Concord that have successfully used the permit process to curb unwelcome parkers, mainly in school areas such as in the neighborhoods around De La Salle and Carondelet, Clayton Valley Charter, and Ygnacio Valley high schools.
Food banks struggle to keep up with demand, and many families are lost in the shuffle: the working poor, homebound seniors, and disabled. The Lemon Lady delivers fresh fruit baskets to those in need. Volunteers and fruit donors are needed year-round. For fruit pick-up or harvest help, please visit www.thelemonlady.blogspot.com.
In Brief... have two separate compartments on the inside, one for trash and one for recycling. After seeing the new trucks in their neighborhoods, some residents have contacted the City with concerns that their recyclables were no longer being collected separately from their trash. “Trash and recycling compartments stay separated and do not co-mingle,” said Concord Disposal’s Nicole Impagliazzo. “The trash goes to the landfill and the recycling goes to Mt. Diablo Recycling Center, where it is processed.” The new trucks allow CDS to reduce the number of trips through neighborhoods, which in turn reduces road wear and results in lower overall vehicle emissions. Over time, CDS plans to convert the entire truck fleet to the new split body design. For more information, contact Concord Disposal, (925) 682-9113 or www.concorddisposal.com.
Soroptimists seek grant applicants Are you a single woman, the sole support of your family and going to school? Then you may qualify for a “Live Your Dream” grant from the Concord Soroptimist. To find out more, go www.soroptimist.org/awards/apply or call (925) 682-9032.
Light Show to benefit transplant patients Beginning Nov. 28, plan to visit “A Heart for Christmas” free musical light show at a lovely Clayton estate on Marsh Creek Road. Donations will benefit heart/lung transplant patients. For directions and more infomation go www.aheartforchristmas.com
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Now
November 21, 2014
From the desk of . . .
o
ls ke ay o a r Ka onda s on M to 11 pm
De La Salle Academy puts highpotential kids on path to success
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Featuring great handmade and made-to-order items just in time for the holidays: Jewelry, home decor, crochet items, hair bows, purses, seasonal gifts items For more information, contact Shauna: shaunamaffei@gmail.com
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In February 2014, Dennis Costanza of the Hofmann Family Foundation came before the City of Concord Planning Commission requesting support for a Development Code Text Amendment. The purpose of the amendment was to facilitate the operation of the newly created De La Salle Academy, serving fifth through eighth graders , within the West Concord Mixed Use part of Concord. The request was approved unanimously, with each planning commissioner expressing support for more high-quality educational opportunities for Concord’s children. Fast forward to fall 2014, and De La Salle Academy is now serving 34 high-potential fifth and sixth grade boys. These students, nearly 40 percent of whom hail from Concord’s Monument Community, come from challenging socioeconomic backgrounds. The school day begins with a nutritional breakfast at seven in the morning, followed by an all-school assembly at 7:45 a.m. Students receive personalized classroom instruction until 10 a.m. when a snack is served. After more class time, lunch is served at noon, prepared by Chef John Acuna, in partnership with award winning chef and Mt. Diablo High School Healthy Cooking teacher Cindy Gershen. Thirty minutes of recess is followed by more instructional time. Students participate in physical education classes two or three times a week, at the Community Youth Center, which is located a stone’s throw from De La Salle Academy. The academic class time officially ends at 3 p.m., at which point students from De La Salle High School arrive to assist with homework hour and enrichment activities until the 5 p.m. dismissal. After 4 p.m. students in good academic standing may participate in an afterschool sport at the Community Youth Center. When asked how the idea for De La Salle Academy came about, Principal Marilyn Paquette says, “Essentially, Mr. Hofmann, our benefactor, and Mr. De Marco, De La Salle’s President, have long been discussing the fact that reaching out to students in need must
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COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS HAVE CREATED A HIGH-ENERGY learning environment at De La Salle Academy, which includes nutritional breakfast and lunch, personalized instruction, class time and tutoring for kids from socio-economically challenged home environments.
happen earlier than high school. If we only reach them when they are in high school so many other factors and influences have left an imprint and laid heavy influence on their foundations. This school came about because we need to reach high potential students from challenging socioeconomic backgrounds before they get to high school if we
have a shot at helping them truly succeed.” De La Salle Academy works in committed partnership with its students and their families to achieve the ultimate goal of a successful college graduation for each student. This includes mandatory attendance by parents and students at parentteacher-student conferences, monthly parent information
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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.
From the desk of . . .
Be safety savvy this season
GUY SWANGER
POLICE CHIEF The holidays are upon us. It is the season of giving for most of us and for those few troublesome souls, it is their season for taking things that don’t belong to them. Theft has been steadily increasing in our community for the past year. Car burglaries, car thefts, and theft from our front porches are higher now than in the past four years. Any attempt to explain the theft increase is merely antidotal and may not even contribute to the solution. But understanding how some of these crimes take place can help
reduce the number of thefts. Thefts from vehicles range from forced entry (someone breaks the window) to an unlocked car to the removal of items from the back of a truck. Each of these crimes can be categorized differently, especially depending on the amount of item taken. And with Proposition 47 taking effect on Nov. 5, the amount of the theft has to be greater than $950 to be considered a felony in most cases. But most of these car burglaries and thefts from open areas can be prevented. Leaving items in view in your car, locked or not, is too big of an invitation for thieves. Locking your glove compartment, putting items in your truck, and not leaving your cell phone charging in the car while you drop off your laundry are crime prevention techniques that work. It does not stop them all
but it does reduce the opportunity. And please, if you go the gym, bring a lock or leave your valuables at home. I am stunned every time I open a locker and find items. During the holidays is when we are most vulnerable for theft. We are distracted on our phone, carrying a purse or items we just purchased. We spend time at our car fumbling for our keys. And worst, we think putting a jacket or blanket over our new purchased items in the back seat is safe. Once again, most thefts from vehicles are crimes of opportunities. This is one of the best times of the year. And it should be one of the safest. Happy Holidays! Guy Swanger is Concord’s Chief of Police. Send questions or comments to ContactCPD@cityofconcord.org.
Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga to appear at Pavilion in 2015 After a multi-million dollar renovation and a very successful 2014 season, the Concord Pavilion has already announced two exciting shows for the 2015 season. In August, tickets went on sale for the Australian pop rock boy band 5 Seconds of Summer, playing the facility on July 21. Today, a second 2015 show was announced; Tony Bennett
and Lady Gaga will perform together “Cheek to Cheek” on May 28. Tickets go on sale to the general public online or by phone on Nov. 21. Concord residents would ordinarily be able to purchase tickets at the Pavilion box office the day before they go on sale to the general public. Unfortunately, the box office will not be open in
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meetings, and parent service hours for the school each year. “This is an 11 or 12 year partnership we enter into with our students and their families,” says Paquette. Students like fifth grader Ronald have already begun to learn the importance of the De La Salle tenants of citizenship, service and responsibility, and understand that they themselves have an important role to play in their own educational success. When asked why he left his previous school to attend De La Salle Academy, he says, “I wanted to get a better education and a better future.” For more information, please call 925-288-8200 or e-mail dlsacademy@dlshs.org.
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the off season this year due to construction. As an alternative, the Pavilion will hold a limited number of tickets to this concert in each price range for Concord residents. These tickets will go on sale at the newly refurbished box office on Saturday, April 11, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The presale ticket program is one of the benefits for Concord residents included in the new contract between Live Nation and the City of Concord. To participate, residents must bring a utility bill and driver’s license (or other government-issued ID) with matching addresses to the box office, located at the entrance to the facility at 2000 Kirker Pass Road. Pavilion tickets are available to the general public online at Liven a t i o n . c o m andTicketmaster.com, or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at Sunvalley Shopping Center in Concord at the information desk and at select Walmart locations. For general Pavilion information, call (925) 676-8742.
November 21, 2014
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Obituary
Directory of Advertisers
Nancy Lee Jefferson
Automotive Clayton Valley Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3900
July 31, 1929 – Oct. 21, 2014 Nancy Jefferson was “the perfect partner for the mover and shaker Carl Jefferson,” music producer Merrilee Trost said. The long-time Clayton resident died last month and has been lauded for her “classic beauty, known for her graciousness, elegance and style.” As a young career woman living on Russian Hill in San Francisco, the Berkeley native met and married Ens. Donald S. Apple and they moved to Pensacola, Florida, for flight training. He perished in a flight accident and their baby Donald was born seven months later. In 1953 Nancy married Harry Newhart. Their son Talbert was born “on a dark and stormy night,” a story she enjoyed telling. She raised her two sons by herself for a few years while being “The Suit Model” at I. Magnin in San Francisco. Carl Jefferson and baby daughter Stacey entered her life in 1960. They raised their family of five as “Jeff ” opened and grew Jefferson Motors of Concord into one of the country’s leading Lincoln Mercury dealerships. It was always her goal to blend Jefferson’s children from a previous marriage—- Michael, Richard and Anne—into the clan, a goal she ultimately achieved. She shared Jeff ’s love of jazz and was by his side as he founded the Concord Summer Music Festival in 1969. The festival provided the impetus for the construction of the Concord Pavilion in 1975. By 1980 Concord Jazz, the record company he founded eight years earlier became their full time passion. She was an occasional producer and was well known for her after-per-
formance parties at their Clayton home which were enjoyed by such notables as Henry Mancini, Mel Torme, Scott Hamilton, Rosemary Clooney and Arthur Fielder, among many others. Former Concord mayor Dan Helix said, “Nancy was a lovely lady. She and Carl were a great team. Mary Lou and I visited them at their beautiful home on many occasions. Nancy was always good company, provided delicious food and she and Carl always had fascinating stories of key people involved in the Concord Boulevard music series, the development of the Concord Pavilion and the perils of the recording industry. Nancy traveled extensively, but always was happy to return to their castle in Clayton.” Concord Music Group vice president Nick Phillips adds, “When Nancy would come into the Concord Records offices, we used to affectionately joke and say, ‘The boss is here’. That would always garner a laugh from her. But, make no mistake, when it came to planning parties and social events, she was indeed the one in charge.” Saxophonist Mary Fettig, raised in Concord and the first woman in the Stan Kenton Orchestra, said, “Nancy was a beautiful, gracious person, who always gave me a warm welcome whether at the Concord Jazz Festival or in the Jefferson home for an after party. I am particularly fond of our time together at the photo shoot for my first album - she took care of me from head to toe, fixed up wardrobe, hair and makeup, and most importantly, made me feel relaxed in what could be a rather
Beauty and Pampering Bella Mia Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-7792 Business Services Rising Moon Marketing & Public Relations . . . . .672-8717 Construction and Trades Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700 Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1519 Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .822-5144 Gary’s Home Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .787-2500 Schaefer’s Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-6065 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737 Scousers Fish’n Chips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .521-1962 Ellen Findlay Herdegen
NANCY JEFFERSON AND HUSBAND CARL JEFFERSON made a lasting impression on Concord. They provided the impetus for the construction of the Concord Pavilion through the success of the Concord Summer Music Festival that began in 1969. They also founded Diablo Scholarships and Concord Records, now one of the world’s most prominent record labels.
stressful circumstance.” “Nancy Jefferson was an amazing woman, elegant and classy, with great warmth and generosity of spirit. She was and always will be the first lady of Concord Records and the Concord Jazz Festival and all of us at the Concord Music Group will continue to honor and cherish her legacy as such,” record executive John Burk said. “Throughout the 25 years I’ve known her, Nancy always made me feel like I was part of her family and I always felt she was a part of mine. She will be dearly missed and eternally loved.” Trost, who worked 12 years as a publicist at Concord Records, adds, “She planned the parties and welcomed the guests with elegance and style and warmth. She was an inspiration
to us all.” The Jeffersons were founding members of Diablo Scholarships and she enjoyed volunteering at the Terrace Tea Room in Walnut Creek for the benefit of Mt. Diablo Therapy. For the past 20 years, since Carl Jefferson’s death in 1995, she oversaw the growth of the family from her Danville home. She is survived by Sherry Kinchen and Theodore Gray, her sister and brother; by her children, Donald S. Jefferson (Beverly), Talbert Newhart (Berrel), Stacey Shewry (Jamie Wolfe), C. Michael Jefferson, Richard A. Jefferson (Osmat), Ann E. Jefferson; and by grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Memoir depicts love and fear of life in Uganda PATRICIA ROMERO Correspondent
Urmila Patel emits the kind of equilibrium that many people spend a lifetime seeking. Patel has just published her first novel, a non-fiction account of her family’s escape from Uganda in 1972. “Out of Uganda in 90 Days: Her Journey from Kampala to India” is a powerful narrative. Yet meeting Patel in person, one would never guess this saga was part of her past. The surprise comes partly because Patel, of Asian Indian descent, is not someone most of us would expect to find living in Uganda. The other, and more revelatory piece, is Patel’s complete lack of rancor surrounding her experience with one of history’s most nefarious dictatorships. Her honed ability to remain strong amid great flux and her certainty in seeking truth for a higher cause suggest she may be uniquely suited to her new purpose, facilitating healing in others. Patel, the owner of Postal Annex in the Clayton Station Shopping Center in Clayton, is an elegant and serene woman with an easily accessible sense of humor that pleasingly balances her knowledge and seriousness. The mother of two grown children, she is a businesswoman, a notary public, and now a published author. While these accomplishments would be enough to satisfy most, Patel has recently added to her achievements receiving certifications in NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming) and Reiki.
For Patel, publishing her story is not an epilogue, but a first step in opening herself up to a more purposeful life. Her book, dedicated to “all those who are still haunted by
painful memories from Uganda’s upheavals under Idi Amin,” may be her best tool yet to connect with those who would most benefit from her healing and wisdom. PARADISE LOST Patel’s book takes its title from a decree issued by General Idi Amin on Aug. 4, 1972, ordering the expulsion of ethnic Asians from Uganda within 90 days. The Asian Indian community in Uganda, originally brought there under British colonial rule over a century before, had become the backbone of the country’s economy. Not long after Amin’s military coup in January 1971, Asians in Uganda found themselves dwelling in a heavily Indophobic climate where they were accused of milking the economy of its wealth. Amin’s hostilities
Page 7
toward ethnic minorities grew to include the expropriation of property and funds, as well as ethnic cleansing. Patel, whose family had moved from India when she was 18-months old, knew only Uganda as her home. In the book she describes the ordinary events of childhood so vividly they become delightful and enchanting. The richness of the lush equatorial countryside, the structure and responsibilities of family life, the quest for tropical fruits, and interesting local foodstuffs like Nsenene (grasshoppers) all come alive in Patel’s memoir. Until one day when people departing their homes to an ordinary day of work and school suddenly find themselves running for their lives as bodies pile up in the streets. It is difficult to comprehend the depravity Amin’s reign would unleash upon Uganda, although it is well known that he fed his adversaries to crocodiles, buried people alive,
Events Craft and Gift Fair . . . . . . . . . . .shaunamaffei@gmail.com Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market . . . . . . . . . . .800-949-3276 Vintage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.vintagetrio.com Financial, Insurance and Legal Services DuRee, Daniel – The Law Office of . . . . . . . . . . .210-1400 Littorno, Richard – The Law Office of . . . . . . . . .432-4211 SAFE Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . .800-733-7233, ext. 2772 Travis Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .888-698-0000 Van Wyck, Doug – State Farm Insurance . . . . . .672-2300 Flowers A Floral Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .705-3088 Funerals Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Groceries Doorstep Farmers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .349-4568 Health Foresight Optometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4100 Walnut Creek Orthodontics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .946-1951 Home and Garden Clayton Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-2299 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Interiors Panache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7920 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 R & M Pool, Patio, Gifts & Gardens . . . . . . . . . . .672-0207 Soto HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .497-7426 The Floor Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .969-9890 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 Waraner Bros. Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .831-2323 Waraner Tree Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-0334 Job Opportunities Precision Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .bench.com Mailing Services The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Photography Rochellez Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .510-677-4170
URMILA PATEL
‘Out of Uganda in 90 Days’
killed many with his own hands, and even ate his opponents’ flesh. Amin’s regime would eventually claim the lives of between 300,000 – 500,000 people. The fact that Patel’s narrative is never consumed with negative thoughts or emotions makes it all the
See Uganda, page 10
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Page 8
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
November 21, 2014
Tamales!
A Christmas tradition that’s good all year
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A few years ago at a Cinco de Mayo event, President Obama joked about his wife that, “You do not want to be between Michelle and a tamale,” which elicited hoots and cheers from the crowd. Most of us either feel the same way Mrs. Obama does about our tamales, or have at least one friend or relative to whom that depiction applies. Tamales, everyone knows, are the quintessential Mexican food. And Californians are serious about their Mexican food. So serious it certainly surprised no Bay Area resident when a nationwide contest in search of “America’s Best Burrito” was won by a Mission Street taqueria in San Francisco. Still, ever yone knows that if you want to j u d g e Mexican food, it’s t h e tamales SILVIA BARAJAS you have to LOS RANCHEROS check out. TAQUERIA
Californians know this because we’re serious enough to have established a museum called “Museum Tamal,” which has a permanent exhibit entitled, “Tamale Technology.” We’re serious. And with the holiday season fast approaching, everyone knows not to get between that friend or relative, and the tamales you’re certain to encounter during holiday festivities. For those poor souls who have never tried them, tamales are like large dumplings made with corn-based dough (masa). The dough is stuffed with meat or poultry, wrapped in a corn husk to resemble a tiny package, then steamed or boiled until fully cooked. The outer leaf is discarded before the tamale is eaten, unless you’re Gerald Ford. Yes, in San Antonio circa 1976, former president Ford infamously bit into a tamale which was still wrapped. He must have been seriously hungry. That, or he’d never attended a tamalada — the gathering where tamales are made. You can be sure that aforementioned friend or relative, whose path you must not block, will
attend at least one tamalada. Experienced aficionados will strategically plan their entire holiday season so as to attend every one. Because Tamaladas are an enormous amount of work, and many people live far from their extended families, getting the perfect tamale can mean going to the pros. In Concord, we’re lucky enough to have many authentic Mexican food restaurants. Los Rancheros Taqueria, owned and operated by the Barajas family is located at 1099 Reganti Dr., just off Monument Blvd. Los Rancheros makes up to 500 tamales per day during the holiday season. Across the street, Tortilleria El Molino, at 1500 Monument Dr. in the Monument Plaza, has a tortilla factory on site and also makes the masa inhouse. El Molino p r i d e s itself on using only f r e s h ingrediSANTIAGO MORALES e n t s . TORTILLERIA EL MOLINO L u c k i l y ,
this makes it easy for any of us to add tamales to our holiday celebrations. In fact, tamales may be the ideal food to add to any Thanksgiving gathering, since few dishes may be more native to the Americas than tamales, whose history can be traced back to around 7,000 B.C. The Aztecs made tamales to keep their warriors fed on the battle field, and they were famously
consumed by the long-distance messengers in the Empire. Did I mention tamales come in a dessert version, too? Traditional sweet tamales have a little sugar added to the masa and are stuffed with fruit, raisins and nuts. For these, however, you’re going to have to get yourself invited to a tamalada or hold one of your own.
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November 21, 2014
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 9
BUSINESS Chamber Spotlight on KinderCare
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
C ORRESPONDENTS : Cynthia Gregory, Patricia Romero, John Jackson, John Miller
MARILYN FOWLER
PIONEER INFO
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CONTACT US
On Oct. 28, the Chamber of Commerce joined KinderCare Learning Center in celebration of their 30 years in Concord. The center hosted an event for the children and their parents, including face painting, activities for the children, and a live band to enjoy. The activities had the children excited and energized, and the parents happy knowing their child is in good care while at the Learning Center. Danyelle Coach, Center Director, also celebrated her 30 years with KinderCare Learning Center. She has 16 employees who have worked
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
long-term with KinderCare, ranging from 8-30 years. Danyelle and her team strive to create a family-oriented environment for the 92 children who attend KinderCare. KinderCare Learning Center is located at 1551 Bailey Rd., and is open from 6:15
a.m.to 6:15 p,m., Mon.-Fri. Various programs are offered for the different age ranges of the children, six weeks to 12 years old, and transportation is provided to and from a variety of schools in the surrounding area.To learn more about KinderCare Learning Center,
go to www.kindercare.com, and choose the Concord Location, or call (925) 682-9560. For more information on becoming a member of the Concord Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.concordchamber.com or call (925) 685-1181.
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.
...more ribbon cuttings
Absolute Plumbing, 2170 Commerce Avenue, Ste. D, Concord
Pacific Plaza Imports, 3018 Willow Pass Road, Ste. 101, Concord. Pacific Plaza Imports has been a lead importer and distributor of fresh caviar and fine foods since 1989.
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
G and K Sports Lounge, 1907 Salvio St., Concord
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Both Pioneer newspapers welcome letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 175
words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print anonymous letters. E-mail your letter to editor@concordpioneer.com. Letters must be submitted via Email. CIRCULATION as of Sept. 2014 The Concord Pioneer is delivered monthly to 30,000 homes and businesses Papers are delivered by carriers for ABC Direct around the last Friday of the month. To stop delivery for any reason, call the office at (925) 672-0500 . If you are NOT receiving the Pioneer, please check the distribution map on the website. If you live in the shaded area and are not receiving the paper, please let us know. If you are not in the shaded area, please be patient. We will come to your neighborhood soon. The Clayton Pioneer is delivered by US Mail to 5,500 homes and businesses in 94517 around the second Friday of the month. SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe to either the Clayton Pioneer or the Concord Pioneer, call the office at (925) 672-0500. Subscriptions are $35/year for each paper, $60/year for both.
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
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Q. We are going to do a remodel of our home for our enjoyment and for an eventual sale. We might sell within three to seven years. Do you have some tips so we can do the right things? A. If you plan to sell in the near future it makes no sense to do a major renovation. Also, design tastes change over time. For instance a fabulous kitchen today may look dated in seven years. You should ask a local Realtor that you might list with when you do sell. Ask them what would make your home
more marketable and what updates would get you the highest return. With most remodel projects you won't recoup one hundred percent of the expense. Kitchen remodels give you the most bang for your buck. If you do a modest remodel as opposed to a major reconstruction you could recoup 85 to 90 percent. The major redo might get you 75 percent at best. Other rooms would get less, with bathrooms and outdoor landscape getting the second most. Before you begin making
absolute plans talk to a design professional who will charge by the hour as opposed to an architect. The architect will take you down a more expensive road that you shouldn't take if you plan on selling. You should do a feasibility analysis considering several aspects of the project. One of them is checking with the building department to make sure the project is possible. The other that I feel is most important is whether your family can function during the disruption. The project will be stressful and if there is already
LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ANSWERS stress within the household perhaps you should take more time to reconsider. Send your question and look for your answer in a future column. Email Lynne@LynneFrench.com. French is the broker/owner of Windermere Lynne French & Associates. Contact her at 672-878 7or stop in at 6200 Center St., Clayton.
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Tom Hanks, KidFest, Taco Bell share Claycord.com ‘Best Of ’ 2014 poll titles
Louie Galvin Clayton Resident
925-304-2200 Next to the Royal Rooster.
It isn’t a question on the SAT test this year but can you figure out “What do Tom Hanks, Bay Area KidFest and Taco Bell have in common?” The popular local blog Claycord.com just completed its fourth online poll to determine the “Best of Claycord” in its Concord, Clayton, Walnut Creek, Martinez and Pleasant Hill coverage area and those three disparate subjects were all winners. Academy Award winner Hanks was voted Best Celebrity from Claycord. He was born at Mt. Diablo Hospital in 1956 and his films have grossed over $8 billion worldwide. Four Taco Bell locations in Concord and the others throughout Claycord were voted Best Place to Get a Meal for Under $5. KidFest is the annual threeday festival in downtown Concord on Memorial Day Weekend that has won Best Community Event in all four Claycord polls, this year sharing the award with the inaugural 4th of July Fireworks. Concord grabbed over two dozen honors from the thousands of votes cast on Claycord.com.
CONCORD WINNERS WERE: • Best Chain Restaurant: BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse • Best Mexican Food Restaurant: El Tapatio • Best Flower Shop: Clayton Sonset Flowers • Best Auto Repair Shop: Above Car Care • Best Auto Supply Store: AutoZone • Best Pet Supply Store: PetSmart • Best Hiking Trails: Lime Ridge Open Space • Best Place to Take Your Kids for Fun: Jump Sky High (tied with Lindsay Wildlife Museum, Walnut Creek) • Best Place to Get a Donut: King’s Donuts • Best Movie Theatre: Brenden Theatres • Best Hardware Store: The Home Depot, Concord and Martinez • Best Hotel: Crowne Plaza (tied with Renaissance ClubSport Hotel, Walnut Creek) • Best Dentist: tie, Dr. Josh McCormick and Mt. Diablo Family Dentist (tied with Dr. Keith Bradburn, Clayton) • Best Local Book Store: Berkshire Books • Best Thrift Shop: Hospice Thrift Shop
Uganda, from page 7 more inspirational. ‘DESPAIR AND FEAR’ As the crisis in Uganda developed, thousands of families found themselves in the precarious position of being unable to finance their flight while simultaneously facing annihilation should they attempt to stay. Patel tell her readers that they were “living in despair and fear. Fear that at any time someone would come and loot or kill us. The soldiers watched the streets and the main roads like hawks, carrying machine guns to shoot anytime they wanted to.” Patel, never reduced by circumstance, takes strength in both the discipline and traditions of family life. Case in point is the family’s celebration of “Dusshera, the day when we observe that no matter how strong evil may seem, good always prevails.” Since publishing her book, Patel has been contacted by people who have been touched and inspired by her story. That
her act of healing could help mend others is in idea she finds pleasing and she seems humbled that her past could
• Best Community Event: tie, Bay Area KidFest and Concord 4th of July Fireworks • Best Teacher: Tracy Rivas, Silverwood Elementary (tied with Helen Cloverdale, Mt. Diablo Elementary) • Best Place to Get a Meal for Under $5: Taco Bell (all cities) • Best Bakery: Alpine Bakery • Best Pizza Restaurant: Skipolini’s Concord, Clayton and Pleasant Hill
(tied with Melo’s Pizza & Pasta, Pleasant Hill) • Best High School: De La Salle High School • Best Place to Get a Burrito: El Faro Mexican Food • Best Delicatessen: Luigi’s Italian Delicatessen • Best Place for a Haircut: Sport Clips, Concord and Pleasant Hill • Best Celebrity from Claycord: Tom Hanks, born in Concord at Mt. Diablo Hospital Visit claycord.com for complete poll results.
Where to go for LOCAL news For fast, on-the-spot coverage of the latest police action, traffic jams, emergency information and chat, social media and local blogs, like CLAYCORD.com are often good sources of breaking news. For even more coverage of local news, readers turn to their independently owned community newspapers. With news that people care about – local politics, schools, sports, events and stories about their friends and neighbors, the community newspaper is social media the old fashioned way. To find out what is happening in neighboring cities, check out these community newspapers: Clayton . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clayton Pioneer . . . .claytonpioneer.com Concord . . . . . . . . . . . .Concord Pioneer . . . .concordpioneer.com Pleasant Hill, Martinez . .Community Focus . . .ourcommunityfocus.com Lafayette, Orinda and Moraga . . . . . . . .Lamorinda Weekly . .lamorindaweekly.com San Ramon, Danville, and Alamo . . . . . . . . .Valley Sentinel . . . . . .valleysentinel.com
strengthen and give courage to others, especially to other women. Her inner truth-seeker delights in having the opportunity to connect with people in any way that may help free them from the spiritual and
emotional weight they carry. Patel’s own capacity to forgive makes her more than an exemplary person; it makes her a role model. In this day and age, we could certainly use a few more women like her.
Urmila Patel’s father, Bhikhabhai (“Papa”) was headmaster at the Entebbe Primary School until expulsion by Amin in 1972. Patel’s sisters, Bharti and Yugvandana (“Bina” and “Donna”) are to the right of him, Urmila Patel (“Mila”) is seated at far right next to her brother Kavindra (“Kevin”). The other children are students at the school.
November 21, 2014
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 11
Preparation and planning eases new pup’s transition DEBBIE DEMELLO
PET PALS So you’ve decided to get a dog. You drive down to you local shelter and you spot just the one. You meet and fall in love. You fill out an adoption application and before you know it you’re driving home with your new companion. If you’ve had a dog before you know that there are things you’ll need. Dog food, dishes, treats, a bed, a leash and collar with an identification tag and maybe a crate. The key to helping your new dog make a successful adjustment to your home is being prepared and being patient. Moving to a new home is stressful for people and it can be stressful for our canine friends as well. Here are some ways to make
the new situation easier for all. Plan for your dog’s arrival. A weekend is best or when you can be home for a few days. Take your time getting to know each other and spend quality time together. But don’t forget the jealously factor. Make sure you don’t ignore the other pets in your household. Establish house rules in advance. Who will walk the dog each day? Who will fed him? Will he be allowed on the couch? Where will he sleep at night? Are there any rooms that will be off limits? Be prepared for house training. It’s best to assume that your new dog is not housetrained and start from scratch. Read over the house training information given to you when you adopted. Be consistent and maintain a routine. A little extra effort on your part each day will pay off in faster and easier house training. Make sure your new dog is healthy. Shelters take in a wide
variety of animals, some who have not been previously vaccinated. Sometimes despite the best efforts of the shelter workers, viruses can be spread and may occasionally go home with adopted pets. If you already have dogs or cats at home make sure they are all up to date on their shots before introducing your new dog. Use training to create a happy home. Dogs need order and leadership. Sign up for a local obedience class and you will learn what a joy it is to have a well-behaved dog. If you catch your dog doing something he shouldn’t, don’t lose your cool. Let him know in a disapproving voice that you don’t like what he is doing and ask for an alternate behavior. For example if your dog jumps on you ask him to sit and reward him for doing so. Play games with your dog. Dogs need an active life. You should plan plenty of exercise and game time for your canine friend.
We repair all major appliances, most major brands, and we’re local If jogging around the neighborhood is too energetic for you try throwing a ball for your dog to fetch or just going for a long walk together. Finally be reasonable in your expectations. This is a new relationship for both you and your dog. Life with you is a new experience for your dog so give him time to adjust. Be patient and the rewards will be many. You will soon find that you have made a friend for life. Debbie DeMello is a dog trainer and owner of Who’s Training Who in Walnut Creek. Contact her at debdemello@aol.com
SWEET POTATO
Two-year-old Sweet Potato lives up to her name, as she is a darling girl who is as sweet as can be. She is a little shy at first, but once she gets to know you she blossoms into a very loving girl
back to you. Won’t you play catch with this cutie? She is suitable for a first time cat guardian. Lottie’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.arf.net, or call 925.256.1ARF.
LOTTIE
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There is something innately disturbing about the idea of being observed unaware while sleeping. In her debut novel, “The Anatomy of Dreams” (Atria Books September, 2014), Chloe Benjamin captures the creep-factor of sleep-watching perfectly. Benjamin’s novel begins
benignly, as Northern California boarding school classmates Sylvie and Gabriel, two unlikely misfits, meet, mingle and fall in love. Sylvie is well-bred, a “good” and smart girl. Gabe is at school on scholarship, is guarded about this family history and holds a work study job with Professor Keller, a researcher interested in lucid dreaming. Gabe is smart, but less popular boy than a lot of boys at school. Still, he manages to charm Sylvie with his awkward gestures of affection, his earnest interest. Sylvie allows herself to fall a little in love with Gabe one night while star gazing for astronomy class. After all, what is more romantic to a girl than a shy science geek who can name the constellations high up on a hill in the dark? When Gabe disappears suddenly in their senior year, Sylvie is
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shattered. She waits for word from him and when none appears she mends her broken heart and gets on with her life. At UC Berkeley Sylvie is living with her boyfriend, David, and studying psychology, intrigued with the workings of the human brain. One night, half asleep, she looks out the window of her apartment, and thinks she sees Gabe. But how could that be? Gabe had vanished long ago. Then, days later at the beach, she thinks she sees Gabe, swimming out beyond the breakers. Sylvie begins to think she’s dreaming Gabe. But as it turns out, she isn’t. Gabe finally comes clean, admits that he’s tracked her down and explains that he’s working for Professor Keller again, studying dreams, that he sought her out because he never felt right about
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the way he left her and that he wants her to run away with him, to study dreams together with Keller. “You were always a sleep talker,” he tells her. “I loved that about you.” Keller’s work is to study severely abnormal sleep and dream patterns. His work is controversial, yet compelling. He advocates a type of lucid dreaming that trains study participants to recognize when they are dreaming and to wake themselves before they sleepwalk into danger, or do harm to themselves or others. It seems a bit sketchy to Sylvie, but also fascinating. Plus, she and Gabe get to work side-byside and that kind of togetherness suits her..
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Page 12
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
November 21, 2014
CALENDAR PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. DEC. 10 FOR THE DEC. 19
IN CONCORD Tuesdays Farmers’ Market Tuesdays year round. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org.
3rd Sundays Antique Faire
ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO
newsandcalendar@concordpioneer.com
Nov. 22 We are the Nation – A Salute to Veterans
Dec. 17 Student Art Show
Presented by Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra. 7:30 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $7-$15. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Ann Nakatani’s Annual Holiday Student Art Show. Refreshments. 6 – 8 p.m. Concord Senior Center, Room A, 2727 Parkside Drive. Free admission. Contact Ann: 825-2453.
Nov. 23 We are the Nation – A Salute to Veterans
Dec. 18 – 21 “The Biggest Gift” Presented by Fantasy Forum Actors. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Antiques, collectibles, handmade arts and crafts. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Free admission. concordantiquefaire.com.
Presented by Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra. 2 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10-$30. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Dec. 5 Gift and Craft Fair
Nov. 28 – 30 “The Nutcracker”
Handmade crafts, baked goods and holiday decorations. 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Drive. Free admission. 671-3320.
Performed by Contra Costa Ballet. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20-$35. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Performs for Walnut Creek Guitar Series. 7:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $25. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Dec. 2 Concert
Dec. 19 – 20 “Hansel and Gretel”
Dec. 6 Tree Lighting Santa, entertainment, Mayor’s sing along and tree lighting. 4 – 7:30 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, Willow Pass Road between Mt. Diablo and Grant Streets, Concord. concordfirst.org. 671-3464.
Dec. 7 Super Holiday Boutique
Dec. 19 Mobius Trio
The Walnut Creek Concert Band presents “Anna’s Gift.” Includes holiday favorites. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14-$17. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
A fairytale adventure of a mystical forest, two lost children, an enticing gingerbread house and a wicked witch. Presented by Solo Opera. Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. $25-$40. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Dec. 3 – 6 “Rent”
Dec. 19 – 21 “The Nutcracker”
Special one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and stocking stuffers. Holiday arts and crafts, entertainment, Santa photo opportunity. Benefiting Food Bank of Contra Costa and Thankfulness in California. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road. Free admission. superholidayboutique.com.
Inspiring musical about friends and artists struggling with addiction, poverty, AIDS and love. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $12-$18. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611.
Performed by the Brentwood Children’s Ballet Theater. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $16-$20. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Dec. 8 Tree of Lights
Dec. 5 – 6 “Once Upon a Christmas” Presented by The Ballet Joyeux. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20-$25. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Dec. 20 ‘Twas the Improv Before Christmas
For Clayton and Concord by Hospice of the East Bay. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. John Muir Medical Center parking lot, East Street and Almond Avenue, Concord. Donations accepted. 887-5678.
Dec. 13 Santa Crafts and refreshments. Take your own pictures with Santa, music by DJ Lou, photo booth pictures $1. 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Drive. $8 for children over 2 years old; adults are free. Registration required: concordsanta.eventbrite.com.
IN CLAYTON Nov. 28 – Dec. 28 A Heart for Christmas Walk-through Christmas musical light show to raise funds for KatieGrace Groebner fund of the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. 1185 Pine Lane, Clayton. Free admission. aheartforchristmas.com.
Dec. 6 Annual Caroling and Tree Lighting Downtown festivities. Toys for Tots collection. Carriage rides; line up starts at 4:30 p.m. Caroling, followed by Santa, tree lighting and refreshments starting at 6 p.m. Grove Park to Main and Oak Streets, Clayton. Free. Clayton Business and Community Association 6722272.
Dec. 13 Dessert with Mrs. Claus Prizes, party favors. Visit with Santa. Bring camera. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. Donations appreciated. Clayton Business and Community Association 672-2272.
Dec. 14 Christmas Home Tour Self-guided tour of five homes in Clayton beautifully decorated for the holidays. 12 – 7 p.m. Rain or shine. Starts at Clayton Museum, 6101 Main St. $30. Proceeds benefit the Clayton Historical Society. claytonhistory.org. Call 672-7680 or email museum@claytonhistory.org.
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.
Nov. 30 California Chaparral Two-mile hike to learn how this unique ecosystem adapts to long, hot summers and very wet winters. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Meet at Curry Point turnout off of South Gate Road. Registration required: mmarchiano@gmail.com.
Dec. 14 Winter Hike Cool winter hike around Mount Diablo’s summit. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Registration required: mmarchiano@gmail.com. Save Mount Diablo programs listed are free unless otherwise noted. Go to savemountdiablo.org and click on Activities/Guided Hikes for more information. 947-3535.
Nov. 22 Chaparral Spring Hike the golden hills and heritage trees of Chaparral Spring. 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Registration required: smdinfo@savemountdiablo.org.
Dec. 6 Restore Marsh Creek Habitat Weed and water native plants. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Registration required: jcartan@savemountdiablo.org or 947-3535.
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT Nov. 14 – 23 “12 Angry Men” Classic tale directed by Clinton Vidal. Onstage Theatre at Martinez Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St., Martinez. (510) 881- 6463.
Nov. 21, 23 “The Elves and the Shoemaker” This upbeat, whimsical romp of a fantasy also holds a gentle message about the nature of kindness. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $8-$12. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Nov. 21 – 22 “Uncorked: The Christmas Ballet” Presented by Smuin Ballet. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $73. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Dec. 5 – 7, 12 – 14 “The 12 Dates of Christmas” This heartwarming one-woman play offers a hilarious and modern alternative to the old standards of the holiday season. Delta Gallery of the Arts, 2485 Sand Creek Road, 128, Brentwood. $16-$20. thebrentwoodtheater.org.
Dec. 5 – 14 North Pole Revue Presented by Center Stage Theatre of Diablo Valley. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15-$17. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Dec. 6 Hotel California Reproducing the sounds of The Eagles. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $25-$27. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Dec. 6 Walnut Creek Chorus An evening of caroling. 7 p.m. Trinity Lutheran Church, 2317 Buena Vista Ave., Walnut Creek. $10-$12. walnutchorus@gmail.com.
Dec. 6 “Winterglow” Vocal and handbell ensemble performance by Tapestry. 7:30 p.m. Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. Free. tapestryringersandsingers.org.
Dec. 7 “A Very Electric Christmas” Performed by Lightwire Theatre. 3 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $15-$30. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611.
Dec. 11 – 14 Disney’s “Mulan Jr.” Action-packed stage adaption of Disney’s film. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $10-$25. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611.
Dec. 11 – 21 “A Christmas Carol” Brimming with music and dance, love and laughter and scary ghosts. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $41-$49. centerrep.org.
Dec. 12 – 13 Holiday Sweet Diablo Women’s Chorale serves up a delicious show. Mt. Diablo Unitarian Church, 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. $10-$20. diablowomenschorale.com.
Dec. 12 – 13 “Home for the Holidays”
Presented by Trapped in a Rumo Improv. 7:45 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12-$15. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
CHURCHES AND RELIGION Nov. 22 Holiday Craft Fair Handcrafted jewelry, knitted and crocheted gifts, baby blankets and sweater sets, holiday decorations, quilted items and holiday sweets. 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, Senior Activity Center, Fellowship Hall, 1965 Colfax St., Concord. For more information, call (510) 512-4032.
FUNDRAISERS 2nd and 4th Sundays Pancake Breakfast Veterans of Foreign Wars serve breakfast to the public: Eggs, pancakes, sausage, beverage. 8 – 11 a.m. VFW Post 1525, 2290 Willow Pass Road, Concord. $5, $3 children under 12. vfwpost1525.org.
Nov. 22 Thanksgiving Dinner Dinner and dancing. 6:30 p.m. Concord Moose Family Center Lodge #567, 1805 Broadway St., Concord. $13. 798-0887.
Nov. 22 – 23 Boutique and Bake Sale Clayton Valley Woman’s Club’s annual fundraiser. Wide assortment of handmade articles with an emphasis on Christmas; decorations and baked goods. Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sun. 1 - 4 p.m. Proceeds benefit the club’s local charities and scholarships.
Dec. 6 Crab Feed Crab, pasta, salad and French bread. 6:30 p.m. Concord Moose Family Center Lodge #567, 1805 Broadway St., Concord. $40; $10 pasta only. 798-0887.
AT THE LIBRARY The Concord Library is at 2900 Salvio St. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at ccclib.org or 6465455.
Nov. 22 Covered California Information about Covered California. Open enrollment is through Feb. 15, 2015. 10 a.m. The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at claytonlibrary.org or call 673-0659.
Dec. 3 Winter Business Series
Holiday concert performed by San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. Nourse Theatre, 275 Hayes St., San Francisco. $25-$65. sfgmc.org.
Meet Fiona Fletcher Tavernier who started Lollycadoodle and grew the company from concept to nationally respected pet leader. 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 12 – 14 “Christmas at the Biltmore”
Dec. 8 College Financial Planning
Original play by Brentwood author Steve Kinsella. Edna Hill Theater, 140 Birch St., Brentwood. thebrentwoodtheater.org.
Dec. 12 – 14 “Cinderella” Glass slippers are so back. Performance by Diablo Theatre Company. The Village Theatre, 233 Front St., Danville. $15-$20. diablotheatre.org.
Dec. 13 Darren Carter A comedy experience unlike any other. 8 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $17-$20. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611.
Dec. 13 Handel’s “Messiah” With orchestra, community chorus and guest soloists under the direction of Susan Stuart. 7:30 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $12. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Dec. 13 Vintage Concert to celebrate the season. 7:30 p.m. St. Bonaventure, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. Free. vintagetrio.com.
Students and parents learn how to best position students to qualify for grants, scholarships and student loans. Presented by Heartland Institute of Financial Education. 7 p.m.
Dec. 10 So You Want to Write a Book? Three local California Writers Club authors discuss their writing and publishing journeys and offer tips for aspiring writers. Authors: Aline Soules, John Marvin and Judith Ingram. 6:30 p.m.
GOVERNMENT 1st, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays Concord City Council 6:30 p.m., Council Chamber, Concord Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Dr. cityofconcord.org.
1st and 3rd Wednesdays Concord Planning Commission 7 p.m., Council Chamber, Concord Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Dr. cityofconcord.org.
Meeting dates and times for local clubs and organizations are listed at concordpioneer.com. Click on ‘Links’
November 21, 2014
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 13
Book Review,
Masonic Temple has rich history
The Masonic Temple the day after its May 25, 2013 historic move across the street to its present location on Clayton Rd. The building is owned by the Concord Historical Society which is currently raising money to renovate the building with plans to open it as a museum.
Many of you recognize the picture above as the Masonic Temple. I’d like to take you back to the origins of this beautiful, yet simple building. The Mt. Diablo Lodge #448 of the Free and Accepted Masons was constructed in l927 by LV Perry for $31,550. It is 9,600 square feet and had 20 rooms. The second floor has
built in seats — benches along the walls that the members sat in for their ceremonial meetings. The second floor was only used for these meetings, whereas the downstairs was a social hall with a stage and maple floors. It was located at 1765 Galindo Street from the day it was constructed until 2013, some 86 years later. As the story goes, in the late
1990s the Masons sold the building to a developer who couldn’t seem to come up with a plan for the property and soon the City of Concord’s Redevelopment Agency took it over. There were plans to knock it down for new development and when the Concord Historical Society got wind of that they took the city to court, stating that it was a His-
toric Landmark and they couldn’t do that without breaking a law. Now, the Historical Society was formed in the l970s just for that reason. A few of the pioneer families noticed that as the housing and building boom hit Concord in the l960s, the city was destroying many of the historic buildings and thus, the society started its mission to save and preserve Concord’s history. This project was the society’s biggest challenge but they took the bull by the horns and hired a lawyer. As the year 2000 rolled into 2001, and so on, the fight continued. A new developer had purchased the land around the building and was working with a designer to include the temple in his development. But when the economy turned sour in the midto late-2000s, the developer opted out of the commitment altogether. The State of California then disbanded the Redevelopment Agencies and it became apparent that the building had no future with the city. That's when the society started its march for ownership. In 2010, the society began
Election, from page 1 “It’s important that we get key leaders and stakeholders on board to define the direction the city wants to take,” Grayson said. “The economic vitality of the city and the development of the CNWS are my first priorities.Especially I don’t want the weapons station development to get mired in bureaucracy.” Leone, agreed about the direction the city was taking. “The development of the CNWS, the revitalization of downtown and realizing our vision for the Monument Corridor will be key initiatives,” he said. “I’m just glad the people of Concord recognize that, and want to keep us going on the right track.” “I’m very happy,” said Hoffmeister as she watched the early returns that indicated she would be a five-term council member. She even kept tally of the votes on the same white
board that she used to follow the 2010 election, when she, Grayson and Leone were elected. Grayson garnered 21.91 percent of the vote, while Hoffmeister received 21.04 percent. Leone, who was widely seen as the most vulnerable of the incumbents because he didn’t receive some of the key endorsements others did, ended up with 17.62 percent of the vote. Brent Trublood, who was endorsed by the Contra Costa Times and championed by city councilman Edi Birsan, was the closest competitor, coming in with 10.89 percent of the vote. He was followed by Dr. Harmesh Kumar with 8.32 percent, Adam Foster with 7.07 percent, Terry Kremin at 6.22 percent, Patrick Hogoboom at 3.69 percent, and Nick Lynch at 2.96 percent. Even though he didn’t win a
CNWS, from page 1 The public comment period on the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) runs through Nov. 25. Residents could fill out comment cards regarding the plan, which will then be evaluated by the Navy and attached — and responded to — in the final EIS. That document will be finalized this winter and spring — around the same time the city selects a Master developer for the project — and will be available next summer. If all goes on schedule, there will be a public review of the final document in late 2015 and, transfer of lands could begin to take place as early as winter, 2016. KEY ELEMENTS The presentation to the public last week included large displays outlining the “key topics,” including natural resources, land use and socioeconomics of the plan, noise impact, air quality, traffic and transportation, cultural resources, and the hazardous materials removal. There are three proposals for the development : the preferred alternative, an intensified reuse alternative, and no development at all (see sidebar). ACCORDING TO THE DRAFT EIS: Natural resources: Both
Alternatives 1 and 2 would have similar impacts on biological resources, water resources and land resources. Land Use and Socioeconomics — The draft EIS indicates that there would be significant beneficial impacts to include the integration of mixed use development in Concord, public access to previously inaccessible military property, and beneficial impacts on the economy, employment income and tax revenues. Alternative 1, the preferred plan, is consistent with regional and local plans, and would result in $6.3 billion in construction expenses, $88 million increase in taxes and revenues, and 25,594 jobs at the final completion of the project. The higher-density proposal of Alternative 2 would require a General Plan amendment, and would have slightly greater impacts. Noise — The noise impacts of both Alternatives 1 and 2 would be similar and would be reduced by implementation of the city and the developer’s noise control measures, including barriers, special routes for construction vehicles, the hours of operation and adhering to residential construction standards. Air Quality — The daily and annual emissions indicate that
IT WAS A “THREE-PEAT” FOR Laura Hoffmeister, Mayor Tim Grayson and Vice Mayor Ron Leone when voters returned the trio to the City Council for another four years. Grayson will serve one more year as mayor.
seat on the council, Foster said her was “ecstatic” with the election results. “My goal was to build momentum behind establishing a long-range vision for Concord. That happened.”
He said the city council should make street beautification and improvements its top priority for the next two years. “ Updating our streets to be safe and inviting to pedestrians, bike
there would be significant adverse impacts due to the size of the project. The EIS says they will be reduced by “planned mitigation measures.” Traffic and Transportation — Both the alternative plans are based on a transit-oriented development and “Complete Streets” concept, balancing the needs of mass transit, bicycle, pedestrian and motor vehicle users. Still, the EIS concedes that there will be more traffic, but reduced by design strategies based on local and state policies and programs to reduce emissions. Cultural Resources — There are two properties on the land identified as prehistoric archeological sites, and both alternatives would avoid, minimize or mitigate any adverse impacts or effects. Hazardous Materials/Navy Environmental Program — The Draft EIS indicates that there would be no adverse impacts to the public or environment.
was moving forward, but there were certain aspects of the plan that concerned some. “In general I think it’s a good idea,” said Michael Amell, who lives near the base in the Ayers Ranch area. “But I’m just wondering how the city is going to pay for it.” Concord resident Rita Keller seemed more concerned about the environmental aspects of the plan. “It’s so windy up there,” she said. “Plus, I’m concerned about the dust, as well as the water situation when in the middle of a drought. This will make an impact.” Others who attended the public meeting just wanted to “keep their ear to the ground”, like Janice Damstra, who was an administrative secretary for 19 years on the base and wants to see what’s happening “with my base.” “I’ll be happy when they start doing something” she says. “It’s a shambles up there now.” Concord City Councilman Edi Birsan said that he was happy with the “healthy working relationship” between the city, the Navy, and the myriad other agencies, like the water and fire districts, who are cooperating to make the development a reality. Information on the draft EIS, which includes maps, is available on both the city’s Reuse website at www.concor-
PUBLIC RESPONSE While it seems as if the scope of the project is overwhelming, the Navy’s Base Closure Manager for this project, Alan Lee, isn’t fazed. “We’re right on target,” he says. “It’s all coming together, thanks to the work between the Navy and the city.” Residents also seemed generally happy that the development
from page 11
talks with the city. It was decided that the society could own the temple for $1 if it was moved within three years. The society got busy raising money and making plans and on the exact date three years later, May 25, 2013, the massive move happened. If you drive pass the temple and Galindo Home and Gardens on Clayton Road, you will see the project in all its glory. The society is working hard to continue to raise money to complete the transition from the temple to a museum, in an effort to complete this enriching an educational project that is a most important part of Concord’s past, present and future.
Then Sylvie begins to have disturbing dreams. She is able to wake herself from some, but others haunt and shame her and she can’t figure out why. So, at what point does Sylvie discover that she is the subject of Keller’s dream study and that Gabe has been her watcher? It takes a while. It takes time to move beyond her simple justifications for unnatural coincidences. It takes some persistence to ignore how the creepy facts start to add up. Finally when she can ignore the signs any more, she realizes that neither Gabe nor Keller have been entirely honest with her. They try to convince her that the deception was for her own good, but in the end, Sylvie finally wakes up to the chilling truth. Benjamin has wrought a finely crafted mystery in “The Anatomy of Dreams.” Just don’t read it in bed.
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.
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
riders, transit users and drivers alike will help improve safety, deter crime, stimulate our economy and alert residents that we’re a city that puts people first.” He also said that the city needs to create a strong vision that is attractive to Millenials. “ We need to make sure that we give our residents every reason to raise their families in Concord and make our city a desirable retirement location for Baby Boomers,’ he said, echoing a sentiment shared by most of the candidates. MEASURE Q Another issue embraced by seven of the nine candidates was the continuation of Measure Q, the half-cent sales tax that was set to expire in 201516. The extension of Measure Q passed overwhelmingly, averting what could have been another deep financial crisis for the city. Concord resident voted for the tax extension by a
resounding 77.06 percent. “I’m very glad Measure Q passed,” Birsan said. “That will allow us to make some headway into our unfunded liabilities, and still provide essential and valuable services in the city.” He said he was surprised by the large margin of the measure’s win, although conceding there was no real organized opposition to the measure. “We put in language that says the tax would be suspended down the line, before it is scheduled to sunset, if it wasn’t needed,” he said. “That made a huge difference to the more conservative voters.” Measure Q was one of only two local measures endorsed by the Contra Costa Taxpayer’s Association, which usually leans against such levies. In the City Treasurer’s race, incumbent Tom Wentling defeated challenger Louis Mazzarella with 79.90 percent of the vote.
dreuseproject.org, and on the Navy’s website at www.bracpmo.navy.mil. Public comments will be accepted until midnight
on Nov. 25. They can be emailed to Project Manager Erica Spinelli at erica.spinelli@navy.mil.
CAROL LONGSHORE
OLD NEWS
Weapons Station Plans Alternative 1 (The preferred alternative): Consistent with the Concord Reuse Project Area Plan as adopted by the City of Concord; Approximately 70 percent of the surplus property would be maintained as conservation parks or recreational land use; Approximately 30 percent would be mixed-use development within eight development districts; Up to 12,200 housing units and 6.1 million square feet of commercial space; Two major conservation areas proposed including a 2,537-acre regional park.
Alternative 2 (Intensified Reuse): Slightly different land use pattern smaller development footprint than Alternative 1 with increased residential development; Approximately 70 per-
cent would be maintained as conservation, parks or recreational land; Approximately 30 percent would be mixed-use development within seven development districts; Up to 15,872 housing units with 6.1 million square feet of commercial space; Number of housing units would require amendment to the city’s 20130 general Plan.
No Action Alternative No disposal, reuse or redevelopment of surplus property 5.038 acres of surplus Navy land would be retained in caretaker status Any remedial activities currently underway would continue Analysis of No Action Alternative is required by the National Environmental Policy Act.
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
November 21, 2014
SPORTS North Coast Section championship competition heats up JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
Winter sports teams have held tryouts this month and are readying for pre-season play while many high school fall teams and athletes are still in the midst of North Coast Section competition. FOOTBALL NCS play began last weekend and three Diablo Valley Athletic League teams were eliminated in the opening round but four other squads are back on the gridiron this weekend. Northgate, Mt. Diablo and Ygnacio Valley fell at the first hurdle before No. 1 De La Salle begins its bid for a 23rd straight section title in Division I this Friday. Top seeds Concord and Clayton Valley Charter won their first-round DII games as did Berean Christian in the only close contest last week among the local schools. Concord bounced Hayward 60-26 while top seed CVCHS rolled over Newark 61-7 to mark their superiority in Division II. The Minutemen host Granada of Livermore this Friday evening at the same time the Eagles entertain Montgomery of Santa Rosa in quarterfinal games. The two Concord schools hope to win two more games each so they can renew their crosstown rivalry in the NCS finals Dec. 5 or 6. Berean scored a fourthquarter touchdown from sophomore Isaiah Hodgins for a 1514 victory over visiting California School for the Deaf in their Division V opener. A win this week over No. 2 seed St. Bernard’s of Eureka would put the Eagles in uncharted territory since the school has never advanced past the second round of the football playoffs. Undefeated De La Salle earned a first-round bye and hosts East Bay Athletic League’s San Ramon Valley Friday evening. The Spartans beat the Wolves 70-14 earlier in the season. With the new CIF Bowl Game alignment DLS may need just three straight NCS wins to gain their ninth straight state bowl berth as the Northern California representative in the Open Division game. Mt. Diablo returned to NCS football for the first time since 2009 but the Red Devils were outscored 48-6 in Walnut Creek by Las Lomas in a DIII matchup. Their DVAL counterparts Northgate and Ygnacio Valley didn’t fare much better. The Broncos were defeated 55-20 by Granada in DII while YV was eliminated from DIII play by Campolindo 52-14. CROSS COUNTRY Parker Burr of Concord won the DVAL boys race at Hidden Lakes Park in Martinez with a 16:17 time for the threemile course. Dave Phair of CP was second, eight seconds back. Sam Givens in ninth place was the top CVCHS runner. Jamie Busby of College Park defended her girls individual title ahead of Megan Coyle of Northgate. The winner’s time was 19:29. CVCHS had four girls in the top 10 with the freshman duo of Kelly Osterkamp (5th) and Olivia Villa (6th) leading the way. Natalie Ruzicka (9th) and Lindsay Mondloch (10th) also were top 10 at league. The NCS finals are at Hayward High School this Satur-
Jason Rogers photo
Andrew Lyle (19) helped Mt. Diablo High School reach the North Coast Section playoffs for the first time since 2009, although they were eliminated last Saturday by Las Lomas. He’s a three-year varsity starter at linebacker and two-time recipient of the Red Devil Award. Lyle is also a NCS wrestler. Clayton Valley defender Ryan Cooper (2) shadowed Lyle on the play in an October DVAL game.
day, one week before Fresno hosts the state finals Nov. 29. GIRLS TENNIS Redwood defeated DVAL champion Northgate 6-1 in the NCS team tournament first round. The Broncos ended with a 17-6 dual meet record. Northgate’s Kristina Lencesova was an easy straight sets winner over Erica Kemp of College Park in DVAL singles while Berean’s Nobili sisters, Gabby and Gianna, took a three-set match over College Park for the doubles crown. Clayton Valley’s Maria Sparvoli lost to Lencesova in the semifinals while the Eagles senior duo of Preet Nijjar and Ciera Cathcart fell to the Nobilis in the doubles semis. WATER POLO Northgate’s boys (24-2) were in the DII NCS semifinals against Justin-Siena on Wednesday at Acalanes hoping to reach the finals this Saturday in the same pool. After drawing a bye in the first round the No. 2 Broncos beat Marin Academy 13-2 to setup the match with Justin-Siena of Napa. There will be a little bit of added incentive for NG as the Bronco girls were eliminated by Justin-Siena in their NCS debut match. De La Salle lost in the second round to eventual boys champion Miramonte in DI. On the girls DI side, Clayton Valley Charter fell 8-7 to Alameda in the Eagles opener. Girls DII found three local teams all losing in the first round. Northgate lost to JustinSiena 5-4, Concord fell to Miramonte 18-1 and Carondelet lost to Sir Francis Drake 12-7. GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Northgate won the DVAL championship and was in the NCS semifinals Wednesday against Maria Carrillo in DII. The No. 3 seeded Broncos (268) defeated Washington and Santa Rosa to get into the semis with the championship match Saturday beckoning. Carondelet beat College Park in the first round of DII before the Cougars were eliminated by Redwood in four sets.
Concord and Clayton Valley Charter each lost their NCS openers. Northgate raced through the DVAL season undefeated while College Park took second, only losing twice to the Broncos. NorCals follow NCS next week, Nov. 25-29, and then the State finals Dec. 2-6.
GIRLS GOLF Northgate won the DVAL tournament for the first time in four years with a score of 496 at Diablo Creek Golf Course in Concord. Clayton Valley Charter was runner-up at 508. Hailee Espinoza of defending champion Ygnacio Valley edged the Eagles’ Rachel
DeLong by a single stroke for medalist honors in a round that included a hole-in-one by Espinoza. CVCHS advanced to the NCS Tournament of Champions where DeLong shot 87 for the low Eagles score. DeLong was 15th individually shooting 84 at Lone Tree in
Antioch leading the Eagles in the NCS Division I qualifying meet. CVCHS was 15th in team scoring with Walsh, Annie Park, Ana Said and Reyna Khalilieh posting scores for the Eagles to grab the final team spot and advance in section play.
Concord high school athletes make college LOI commitments JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
Clayton Valley Charter High School basketball player Hailey Pascoe heads a list of over a dozen seniors who committed to colleges last week during the
fall National Letter of Intent signing period. Pascoe formalized a commitment she had announced a year ago by signing her national LOI to Lehigh College in Pennsylvania. The Mountain Hawks play in the Patriot League.
HAILEY PASCOE CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER BASKETBALL
CVCHS head coach Paul Kommer speaks glowingly of the player who will be leading his Lady Eagles this winter. “Hailey Pascoe is the first player in my memory at Clayton Valley that will play Division 1 college basketball. There is not a player more deserving. Watching her play since fifth grade, you could see her passion and love for the game. “She just simply tries harder than most players. Each year in high school, she has brought something new to the table, which she has worked at extensively in the off season. Above all, she is a quiet leader, who leads by example. Hailey is one of the best student athletes to have ever attended Clayton Valley.” Pascoe was an all-league volleyball player last year for CVCHS but didn’t play this fall as she prepped for her senior basketball season. Kyle Rodney of De La Salle is headed to Rhode Island and the Bryant University lacrosse program next fall. The Spartan senior will be joining former teammate Cade Bailey. The duo helped DLS to the North Coast Section championship last spring. Four Spartans firming up their college plans from the 2014 NCS champion DLS baseball team were Myles Coston (Fresno State University), Justin Hooper (UCLA), Tyler Lonestar
KYLE RODNEY DE LA SALLE LACROSSE
(Saint Mary’s College) and Michael McAdoo (University of California Santa Barbara). Carondelet led the way with eight athletes from seven different sports signing LOI. The Cougars were Corinne Lafayette (San Diego State lacrosse), Allie Barry (Holy Cross volleyball), Kayla Hohenstein (Sacred Heart University soccer), Lindy Clute (Stanford crew), Marcella Hughes (Loyola Marymount basketball), Amanda Barton (Colorado Mesa University lacrosse), Taylor Blair (Arizona State softball) and Sabrina Virtusio (Academy of Art University golf). Northgate NCS finalist swimmers Mason Tittle (freestyler-butterfly) and Calvin Kirkpatrick (backstroke) will be teammates again next year at UC Santa Barbara.
November 21, 2014
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 15
“Get to a healthier place.” FC director of coaching Brian Voltattorni explains, “Amanda is extremely hard working and a very determined young soccer athlete. Just a year ago, she was cut from the NorCal PDP program for Region 3 & 4 (Eastbay area). Amanda used that as motivation to work even harder and less than one year later she passed almost everyone in the region and was selected to the NorCal State team and now the prestigious id2 program.” The Concord Pioneer congratulates Amanda 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
Athlete Spotlight Amanda Zodikoff Age: 14 Sport: Soccer Team: Diablo FC 99 Earlier this year goalkeeper Amanda Zodikoff of Concord was selected as one of 60 girls from across the United States to take part in the National id2 soccer program at Nike World Headquarters in Oregon and this Thursday she is playing against the Japanese National Team for the
NorCal State Select team. The Clayton Valley Charter High School freshman is the keeper for her State Cup premier division champion Diablo FC 99 under 15 club team led by Merritt College coach Zach Sullivan. Her keeper coach at Diablo FC is Cal Berkeley coach Henry Foulk. Diablo
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.
DVAL fetes athletes from 7 fall sports JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
Diablo Valley Athletic League has awarded its post-season honors to athletes from all the fall sports except football with the naming of 2014 AllDVAL teams and most valuable players. Northgate dominated the MVP awards with Dymphna Ueda (golf), Kristina Lencesova (tennis), Jade Lee (volleyball) and Liam Williams (boys water polo) snagging top honors. Clayton Valley Charter goalie Katie Van Tuyl was the girls water polo MVP while DVAL champ Parker Burr of Concord won the cross country award for boys and College Park’s Jamie Busby for girls. Junior Busby and freshman Ueda were the only non-senior winners. Williams was the only repeat MVP.
Photo courtesy Chris Ruzicka
Parker Burr won the DVAL cross country championships at Hidden Lakes Park in Martinez clocking 16:17 over the threemile course for an eight second victory. The Concord High School senior was also named Diablo Valley Athletic League MVP for that accomplishment.
CROSS COUNTRY Boys: First team-David Phair, Nick Chuman, Kevin Orellano (College Park), Jake Egley, Laurence Seabrook (Northgate), Tobin Bolter (Berean Christian). Second team-Jake Eide, Spenser Grinsbergs (CP), Sam Givens, Sayed Opeyany (Clayton Valley Charter), Levi Nor-
tune (Berean), Peter Master, Isaac Schick (NG). Honorable Mention- Noah Hurley (CP), JJ Perez, Michael Cox, Brandon Clement (CVC), Evan Stanziano (Concord), Michael Wheeler (NG), Ben Stame (Berean). Girls: First team-Megan Coyle, Kelsey Blough, Jessie Boucher (NG), Chloe Beardsley (CP), Kelly Osterkamp, Olivia Villa (CVC). Second team-Emily Dowey, Julia Park (CP), Peggy Lau, Aino Tanaka (NG), Natalie Ruzicka, Lindsay Mondloch, Sarah Verderame (CVC). Honorable Mention- Lynette Cox, Claire Olson (CVC), Julia Drewicke, Lizzy Pintarich, Madi Nortune (Berean), Carrie Hunter (CP), Monique Gomes (Mt. Diablo). GIRLS GOLF First team-Rachel Delong, Rebecca Walsh (CVC), Hailee Espinoza (Ygnacio Valley), Sarena Szantyr, Hannah Walker (Concord), Cara Van Uden (NG). Second team-Catie Heinzmann (YV), Reyna Khalilieh, Annie Park (CVC), Jennifer Lee, Mora Ornian (NG), Kylie Szantyr (Concord).
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Olympians highlight 4th class of inductees to Clayton Valley High Athletic Hall of Fame Summer Olympic bronze medalists Erin Dobratz McGregor and Kara Kohler headline the list of inductees to the Clayton Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame. The Class of 2015 will be honored on Saturday, May 16, at Centre Concord. Dobratz (Class of 2000) and Kohler (2009) were both Eagle swimming standouts who went on to achieve international success in other sports. Dobratz went to Stanford and made the 2004 United States Olympic synchronized swimming team which was third at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Kohler got a scholarship to Cal in crew and finished up her Golden Bear career earlier this year. She was part of the bronze medal USA quad four boat in London 2012. Derrell Hoschouer (Class of 1967 wrestling) , Tom McCarty (1972 football and baseball ), Paul Belluomioni (1974 football, wrestling and track), John Mahloch (1986 basketball), Mike Wojciehowski (1996 cross country and track), Tiffany Edwards (1990 soccer, tennis , softball and track), Lori Hokerson (1991
volleyball, soccer and track) and Lindsay Kiyama (2005 water polo, basketball and swimming). It was previously announced that the 1977 girls volleyball team and its coach, Gary Gardner, are being inducted. The
1967 wrestling team, which won 30 consecutive dual meets and the North Coast Section title and was North State runner-up, is also being feted. The community/leadership honoree is Matt Mazzei, a CVHS alum who has
been a major supporter of the baseball program. 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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Two new members of the Clayton Valley High School Athletic Fame achieved word-wide recognition by winning Summer Olympic bronze medals. Erin Dobratz McGregor (Class of 2000) was a synchronized swimming medalist in 2004 at Athens while Kara Kohler (2009) won her Olympic honors in rowing at London in 2012. Both women were swimming standouts while at the Concord school. They will be honored with the other new inductees next May 16 at Centre Concord.
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Page 16
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
November 21, 2014
Vince Buhagiar named Campbell Trophy semifinalist JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
Clayton Valley High grad Vince Buhagiar, now a graduate student and linebacker on the San Jose State football team, is no stranger to receiving awards and accolades. He’s a three-time Academic All-Western Athletic Conference and four-time SJSU Scholar-Athlete honoree and the exEagle star was a freshman AllAmerica. Recently, Buhagiar was named a semifinalist for the 2014 Campbell Trophy, a prestigious honor awarded by the National Football Foundation recognizing individuals for academic success and outstanding football performance. “That’s a huge honor to me. I take a lot of pride in my academics,” Buhagiar said. “This is kind of taking the next step further and it’s also a testament to the way I play.” His Clayton Valley coach Herc Pardi said, “Vince Buhagiar is one of the best all-around football players I have coached! His strong academics, commitment to excellence, love of his teammates and tenacious football ability are characteristics that we knew would persevere at the collegiate level and perhaps on Sundays. “Coach [Jerry] Coakley basi-
cally taught him to make all the defensive calls prior to the snap, a responsibility rare in high school football. The Campbell Award nomination does not surprise me.” In his senior year he was coMost Valuable Player of the Diablo Valley Athletic League for Pardi as a linebacker and running back. He also excelled in the discus and shot put on the track and field team. Buhagiar attributes his success to having his priorities in order and having the right principles instilled in him from the start. “My mom was a teacher and she always harped on education so that was huge for me,” Buhagiar said. “I knew coming into college that education was the reason for it.” As a graduate student working toward a master’s degree in psychology, 22-year-old Buhagiar values his football experience, but ultimately believes his future will be off the field. “I’m going to put in the work, I’m going to try as hard as I can, but whenever my football career does end, a career in psychology is going to happen,” the 2010 Clayton Valley grad said. Before playing football, Buhagiar tried his hand at other sports, including basketball and baseball. His mom tried to keep him out of football for as long
Kaleigh Finney gets dream soccer invite
as possible because of its reputation as a dangerous sport. “My third-grade year, she put me out for basketball and I was just clumsy,” Buhagiar said. “I fouled out half the games, didn’t make a single basket.” Not his calling, Buhagiar quickly grew bored of baseball too. Buhagiar said he was a brutal child, running around breaking things and laughing about it, so it only made sense for him to sign up for football. In fifth grade, he finally got his chance at the gridiron. “In the first half, I fell in love,” Buhagiar said. He’s excelled ever since on the field, even though there have been a few hiccups along the way. Last season, Buhagiar suffered a preseason injury, a torn labrum in his right shoulder. He’s also no stranger to this injury, having suffered the same affliction during his sophomore year at San Jose State. Doctors told him he could play with the injury – and he did during his sophomore year – but he said because of his experience playing with the shoulder injury he made the decision to sit out last season and get surgery. “Thinking back to my sophomore year, I wasn’t able to perform and I wouldn’t want to let my team down, especially in my senior year,” Buhagiar said. “That would’ve hurt me more
than not playing with them.” Buhagiar jumped from high school into the Spartans starting lineup and began his collegiate career at top-ranked and defending national champion Alabama in front of 102,000 spectators. Fellow sophomore Spartan linebacker Christian Tago said Buhagiar is a leader and brings contagious energy to the field – a welcome side effect of Buhagiar’s return. “He’s one of those guys that after we make a tackle, he’s running over there getting excited and everybody just feeds off that,” Tago said. Spartan head coach Ron Caragher said he was thrilled to have Buhagiar back on the team and missed him on the field last season. “It’s great to see a guy who went through frustration a year ago and had to sit out due to injury come back out and have a really great year,” Caragher said. According to Caragher, Buhagiar is well respected and a great ambassador on the team. His absence was noticeable on the field. “I missed them just as much,” Buhagiar said. “The guys on the team are probably my biggest motivation – them and my parents – I’d do anything for those guys.” The Spartan Daily and San Jose State Athletics Media Relations contributed to this story.
Photo courtesy San Jose State Athletics Media Relations
Senior linebacker Vince Buhagiar (36) is one of the top two tacklers for the San Jose State Spartans football team this fall after he missed all of the 2013 season through injury. The 2010 Clayton Valley High grad was a semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy awarded by the National Football Foundation.
Neil Stratton honored for community service by 49ers with $10,000 grant for Kops For Kids JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
Photo courtesy Walnut Creek Soccer Club
Northgate High School sophomore Kaleigh Finney dreams of attending the United State Naval Academy following high school. The Walnut Creek Soccer Club under 15 defender was invited to a Naval Academy ID soccer camp after coaches from the military academy saw her at a summer club tournament. The Concord resident, who is a cadet with the Clayton Police Department, spent three days this fall training and learning with the Navy coaching staff in Annapolis, Maryland.
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Concord resident and retired Walnut Creek Police captain Neil Stratton received the 2014 Community Quarterback award from the San Francisco 49ers for community service to Contra Costa County through Contra Costa Kops for Kids, a nonprofit organization he helped found in 1995. Stratton, who currently sits on the Contra Costa Kops for Kids board of directors and has served as the group’s volunteer president and executive director, was one of six Bay Area residents awarded for their volunteer efforts. As the overall winner, Stratton received $10,000 payable to Contra Costa Kops for Kids. In both a separate ceremony and a pre-game celebration at Levi Stadium at the game between the 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles, Stratton was awarded as the individual who best exemplifies “leadership, dedication and commitment to bettering the San Francisco Bay Area.” “Over the 19 years of Con-
tra Costa Kops for Kids existence, Neil has not received any salary,” said Jim Alcorn, retired lieutenant from the Concord Police Department who helped found Kops for Kids with Stratton. “The benefit he receives is the reward of knowing that atrisk youth in Contra Costa County are looking at police as positive role models and making the effort to lead productive
lives.” Stratton, Alcorn and others founded Contra Costa Police Athletic Association in order to host the 1998 California Police Summer Games in the county. Once that event took place Stratton suggested using the remaining funds to assist officers in their efforts with at-risk youth. Five years ago the group changed its name to Contra
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Concord resident and retired Walnut Creek Police captain Neil Stratton (right) received the 2014 Community Quarterback award from the San Francisco 49ers for community service. Former 49er quarterback Steve Bono presented the award.
Costa Kops For Kids and continues to help prevent violence, drug abuse, gangs and juvenile delinquency in Contra Costa by reaching out to at-risk youth. Stratton developed the extremely popular Positive Mental Attitudes seminars and sports clinics program, which is offered at no charge to county schools. When the program began, officers hoped to reach a few hundred youth per year. During the 2013-14 school year, active and retired police officers reached 6,242 youth with these seminars—the highest ever. PMA seminars are designed to provide a source of hope and inspiration to all youth. In addition to support for academics, PMA seminars discuss the importance of maintaining healthy relationships with peers and adults, job and interviewing skills, and engaging in activities that bring one a sense of accomplishment. Kops for Kids further provides a Youth Mentoring Program where active and retired police officers are awarded grants for working directly with at-risk youth.
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GIRLS TENNIS First team-Jodie Buchholz, Gabby Nobili (Berean), Anna Ostrovsky, Alexa Tanoto (NG), Maria Sparvoli (CVC), Mary Martin, Erica Kemp (CP). Second team-Suzanne Burns, Maria Krasilnikov, Sydney Wu (NG), Erin Wardle, Preet Nijjar (CVC), Kathryn Coates, Gianna Nobili (Berean), Brittany Jung (CP). Honorable Mention-Camille Ramos, Jasmin Malki (NG), Darlene Tran (MD), Jade Cruz, Lisa Banga (YV), Almarely
Almaraz, Patricia Navarette (Concord), Ciera Cathcart, Dalia Anwar (CYC), Kayla Southwick, Maddie Winterich (CP), Camille Jackson, Leah Marquardt (Berean). GIRLS VOLLEYBALL First team-Jennifer Cheung, Samantha Steiner (NG), MacKenzie Draper (Concord), Emily Sauter (Berean), Monica Keating, Sierra Stratton (CP), Jessica Stratton (CVC). Second team-Rachel Henry (CP), Kalesita Manoa (Concord), Lida Rad, Lacey Reisinger (NG), Erika Scheafer (CVC), Carmen Tocaci (MD), Olivia Zamolo (Berean). Honorable Mention- Liz
Alofaki, Aicha Brou (MD), Mariah Gonzalez, Celeste Madison (Concord), Maddie King, Maria Ruiz (YV), Anne Klotz, Maddie Texeira (CP), Shaina Steinberg, Sarah Williams (CVC), Kayla Nortune (Berean). WATER POLO Boys: First team-Dylan Carroll, Andre Willis (CP), Mason Tittle, Calvin Kirkpatrick, Jace Cropper (NG), Jacob Hosking (Concord), Scott Meylan, Ben Robinson (CVC). Second team-Tanner White (CVC), Caden Tattenhom, Coleman Carpenter (CP), Tate Lloyd, Ryan Henderson (NG), Armando Morfin, Dekker Dalman, Everett Cauthen (Concord). Honorable MentionSpencer Barisof, Conner Riley
(Concord), Ryan Levy, Liam Calkins (CVC), Jack Diggs, Cole Hutslar (CP), Ivan Korolev, Philip Stahl (NG). Girls: First team-Katie Kommer, Kayleigh Rohrbach (CVC), Ciara O’Kelley (Concord), Marisa DeMeo, Tatum Turetzky, Zoe Ramia, Carlie Polkinghorn (NG), Jamie Pitcher (CP). Second team-Madison Blumer, Daniella Sugijanto, Rebecca Proctor, Emma Blankley (NG), Elisa Hernandez (Concord), Bailey Reading, Rebekah Reynolds, Caitlin O’Leary (CVC). Honorable Mention- Lisa Repetto, Taylor Sutton, Emily Morgan (Concord), Bridget Struck, Kassi Mettler (NG).
November 21, 2014
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Football, from page 1
Sports Shorts CONTINENTAL LITTLE LEAGUE SIGNUPS OPEN Continental Little League, which encompasses parts of Concord and Walnut Creek, is open for online registration for the 2015 season. CLL is for boys and girls from four to 17 and starts with an ages 4-5 peanuts program. Visit continentalbaseball.com for complete information.
CLAYTON VALLEY LITTLE LEAGUE ACCEPTING PLAYER REGISTRATION
Registration for Clayton Valley Little League is now open for the spring 2015 season. Baseball programs for players ages four to 14 and softball for girls four to 14 are both open for registration. The CVLL program began in 1964 and includes a Challenger Division for players with physical and mental special needs. Players must reside within the CVLL boundaries. Go to cvll.org for complete information and to register.
WINTER VOLLEYBALL, GIRL POWER REGISTRATION OPEN IN CLAYTON Winter youth basketball camp at Clayton Gym is Nov. 24-28. Winter youth volleyball league signups are open. AOSL founder Casey Copeland is also offering a Girl Power workshop on Sunday, Dec. 7. For complete information on All Out Sports programs including a slate of spring leagues, visit alloutsportsleague.com.
KIM LACKEY WINS PICKLEBALL MEDAL OF EACH COLOR AT WORLDS
Local tennis pro Kim Lackey continued her success in the growing sport of pickleball with a gold, silver and bronze medal at the Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, Utah last month. Seniors competed in near-
Page 17
ly 30 sports over two weeks. Lackey defeated Pam Cecchini in the women’s 55-59 singles finals. The local tennis pro paired with Dee Rochel to take silver in the 55-59 women’s doubles A division and bronze in the 50-64 women’s doubles skill 4.5.
WINTER SOCCER ACADEMY
Valley had one of its best ever football teams that culminated the season by defeating Alhambra of Martinez 14-7 at Diablo Valley College in the final Turkey Bowl. The Eagles led by the school’s Hall of Fame coach Roger Zino were ranked No. 1 in the final East Bay writer’s poll and were 10-1 overall, giving up 42 points all season.
REGISTRATION OPEN
Diablo FC is now taking registration for its 14th annual Winter Soccer Academy held on Mondays and Thursdays at Willow Pass Park in Concord from Jan. 5 – Feb. 19. The program is part of the San Jose Earthquakes Regional Development School and is open to boys and girls of all skill levels ages 5-11. Players receive an Earthquakes Academy t-shirt. For more information and to register visit diablofc.org.
NORTHGATE AQUATICS CENTER FUND RAISING
First conceived in 1974, the long-awaited Northgate High School aquatics complex and sports medicine center are now under construction. Primarily funded by MDUSD Measure C, the $8.1 million center is on schedule to be completed this winter. It will include a 40-meter x 25-yard, 16-lane pool with a dedicated sports medicine training facility and classroom. The Northgate Community Pride Foundation is currently raising the balance needed to complete the project in time for the spring swim season. To get more information and to donate visit northgatepride.org.
CONCORD PIONEER WANTS YOUR SPORTS NEWS
Send us your sports news, special events, fund raisers, tryouts, signups and accomplishments by email to sports@concordpioneer.com.
CONCORD HIGH SCHOOL Coach Brian Hamilton’s Concord Minutemen won the 2010 NCS title and took second a year later. He moved over from his assistant coaching position at Clayton Valley to Concord in 2004 and with a strong offensive bent has developed the Minutemen into a DII power. His teams were league champs three years running from 2009-11. Concord opened in 1966 and Don Lockyer was the first head coach. In 1969 Lockyer’s team won the DVAL championship over Ygnacio Valley. The title was decided in a classic Friday afternoon game at Ygnacio between the two unbeaten teams where a very strong wind played a major factor in the game. Concord had a resurgence of football prominence in the late 1980s. DE LA SALLE HIGH SCHOOL You could fill volumes talking about the Spartans under coach Bob Ladouceur. In fact, two books and then a major motion picture this year based on one of them, “When The Game Stands Tall” have chronicled some of the DLS exploits. Ladouceur stepped down following the 2012 season and turned the reins over to assistant coach Justin Alumbaugh. He took over at DLS in 1979 and by the time he retired from the heading coaching spot he had won 399 games while losing 25. Compare the 25 losses to the team’s 28 section champi-
onships in his 34 seasons for some measure of their success. Of course, the Spartans and their coach are most heralded for their 151-game winning streak that spanned from the beginning of the 1992 season though the end of the 2003 campaign. The streak would have been even longer had not Pittsburg, coached by Pardi, upended DLS in the 1991 NCS finals, the last time De La Salle has lost to a Northern California team. MT. DIABLO HIGH SCHOOL The DVAL was long considered among the very best high school football leagues in the greater Bay Area. Pittsburg and Antioch battled with the Concord and Pleasant Hill schools for league honors year after year. Mt. Diablo High had a series of outstanding coaches including
Rod Franz, Hart Fairclough, Herb Criner and Jerry Coakley. Among the assistant coaches were NFL and Rose Bowl-winning coach John Ralston and Boise State head coach Lyle Setencich. Teams from various eras can claim their title as MDHS’s greatest but the 1952-53 teams had only a tie with Pittsburg in ’52 marring back-to-back perfect records. Future NFL player Dan Colchico was on those Diablo teams. Fairclough’s Red Devils ran off five league titles in six years from 1958-63. YGNACIO VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL Ygnacio Valley won its first NCS title with Murphy at the helm in 1999. They won league championships that year and again in 2001. Coached by Mike Ivankovich the Warriors won the NCS 2A finals against Miramonte in 2005. They shared the DVAL co-championship with Concord in 2009.
The Warriors had two earlier strong eras of football with coaches Dick Ryan and Kent Robie. Ryan was the coach when the school opened in 1960 and was considered one of the top offensive minds in high school football. His 1969 team lost that heartbreaker to Concord but the Warriors won the DVAL title the next two years. His teams featured offensive standouts like Super Bowl winner Gordon Gravelle, all-America quarterback Mike Sullivan, Scooter Warren, Dan Fitzpatrick, Oregon Ducks coach Mike Bellotti and World Series hero Kiko Garcia. YV won the inaugural Turkey Bowl in 1971 32-19 over San Ramon. Robie made his mark at the school later with league titles in 1979-81-83-86-87. Among his top players were future NFL star Chris Walsh, current CVCHS basketball coach Eric Bamberger and Ivankovich.
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
November 21, 2014
SCHOOLS Mt. Diablo High
Northgate
Emily Wright
Northgate’s ‘backbone’ to retire this year
NORTHGATE CORRESPONDENT
Most schools have someone who seems to steer the boat and keep things moving on course. At Northgate High School, that role has been filled by an administrator who oversaw the student conflict management program, fixed class planning mixups, and helped make people ready for graduation. In 2002, Northgate gained a new vice principal and, now 12 years later, beloved school leader Linda Hayes will be retiring in December. When Northgate was without a principal this summer and fall, Hayes stepped up to help keep things organized. In fact, many teachers believe she was responsible for the school year starting off successfully. Hayes sends credit back to staff. “It’s been a team process where a lot of our teacher leaders stepped up,” Hayes remarked early in the school year. “I am agreeably surprised that it has gone smoothly.” Now, Hayes is leaving it all behind. With credentials in teaching, administration, and other humanities, there are many opportunities before her. In fact, she is considering continuing with public service, in some way. Teachers and students alike will miss the person who has been an inspiring figure for the
MDHS CORRESPONDENT
Seniors at Mt. Diablo High School are busy with many things, but a major focus thus far is on college applications. In recent years, MDHS has had increasing numbers of students apply for UC and state colleges. This year is incredibly special because more than half of the graduating class of 2015 is applying to college (not including those wishing to attend community college).
community and made students’ schedules fit just so. I remember walking into Northgate as a freshman and hearing from the school’s long-time vice principal. It’s hard to believe such a strong backbone of the school will soon be gone. Hayes says she will miss the days full of action, but retirement is on the horizon and with it, a chance to rest. 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 emilywright@claytonpioneer.com
Bond money lights up Ygnacio Valley room also received a makeover. Teacher Kelly Cooper instructs this ROP class so that her students excel, practicing skills in the classroom, and taking their knowledge out onto the field during football, tennis and volleyball games. The students will continue their Sports Med rotations into the winter and spring sports seasons at YV. The ceramics classroom has a new kiln for art students. Not only is it a more safe environment, but students can finish more art projects than ever before due to the reliability of the new kiln. Both the weight room and the dance studio also benefitted from upgrades. Many students at YV take weights or dance not just because it will fulfill their P.E. requirement, but because these programs are top-notch at YV. These improvements take already stellar programs and make them even better. Send comments and questions to editor@concordpioneer.com
RED DEVILS FOOTBALL IN NCS For the first time since 2009 the Red Devils football team made it back in the playoffs! The entire school buzzed with excitement as we claimed our position in the NCS playoffs.
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.
Liane Cismowski MDHS PRINCIPAL
The Digital Safari Academy, or DSA, is one of the unique academies at Mount Diablo High School. DSA integrates multimedia design and interactive design with the core curriculum through rigorous project-based learning. Students master skills in graphic design, desktop publishing, animation, sound and video production, web design, game and application development, and presentation software. Through DSA, students become confident, self-sufficient, and creative problem solvers. All DSA courses are designed to prepare every one of their students for post-secondary education and for computer technology-related jobs in
the 21st century. The DSA lead teachers are Josie Kirkland, the academy’s Interactive Design teacher, and Erica Shaw, who teaches American Threads. Natasha Paul, one of the DSA English teachers is serving as Academy Lead while her two colleagues are on leave. DSA is comprised of 292 students and 14 teachers. The Digital Safari Academy integrates many of their classes. The academy also does crosscurricular projects that allow students to experience their individual classroom subjects combining in real-world, reallife applications. Some of our DSA students were interns this summer at the MDUSD District Office., had
Concord High
YGNACIO VALLEY PRINCIPAL
Measure C monies have gone to great use at Ygnacio Valley High School, and the students and staff are very thankful that our communities voted for these bond funds: The stadium lights have created a community atmosphere where families and students attend more games than ever before. Athletes have improved their school GPA by having time to do homework after school, since practice can start later. The Chemistry Lab at YV opened late last spring and the first students are taking classes in the labs this school year. Students are engaged by the teachers’ use of technology, and state-of-the-art laboratory additions. The entire science wing was also upgraded, benefitting all grade levels at YV. Rigorous courses abound, such as Honors chemistry, AP biology, zoology, ROP biotechnology, and engineering courses through Project Lead the Way. The Sports Medicine class-
Many seniors are in the midst of finishing up state applications and beginning the UC process. In between, many are taking SAT and/or ACT tests again to improve their scores. A common question around campus is “How am I going to pay for college?” A vast majority of seniors come from lowincome families and are afraid they can’t afford college. In light of this, many have succeeded in
There was quite a rise in school spirit since it was discovered that we would be in the playoffs and it’s been real exhilarating. After a hard-fought homecoming win against Ygnacio Valley spirits have never been higher, especially on the team. Two years ago, the team was taken over by one of Mt. Diablo’s own teachers, Bryan Shaw, and it has grown tremendously. The team has built a strong determination for a playoff spot and won it this year as the Red Devils were determined to make the school proud. The excitement was buzzing at Mt. Diablo and the team was rooted on every step of the way!
Digital Safari Academy shines at MDHS
LINDA HAYES
Ygnacio Valley
Stephen Brady
Alberto Ruiz
Scholarships aid college-bound seniors
finding scholarships available to them. MDHS has been lucky to be approached by the Horatio Alger Scholarship Program which wants to work directly with the school to make their scholarship readily available to students. Seniors are working hard to attain their aspirations to attend college. Many scholarship programs have recognized this and stepped in to help. It will be exciting to see how these students’ efforts pay off when acceptance letters start to come in.
Azeema Yahya
Blood Drive a success at CHS
CONCORD HIGH CORRESPONDENT
On Oct. 29, the Concord High School Academy put on their bi-annual Blood Drive. The Academy juniors were in charge
Rianne Pfalzgraff CHS PRINCIPAL
of going around to classrooms and talking about how students could participate and what the criteria was. For instance, you
New facility will serve CHS students
Concord High School is excited to be finally breaking ground on a new multi-use facility that will serve many programs and students on campus. The new building will include a full-size basketball court, equip-
ment storage space, new teacher/coach offices and a multiuse room for programs such as choir, dance, aerobics, extra-curricular sports/activities and physical education classes. It will be positioned on the existing black-
this to say about them: “I would like to take a moment to share what a pleasure it has been working with these fine students,” says Josh Wittman, the district’s Director of Technology Support. “They have brought energy to our workplace with their positive attitudes and strong work ethic. Their work included a substantial amount of time building and supporting our new MDUSD website, setting up computer labs, creating logos and artwork
had to reach the weight and height requirement and you had to have a good supply of iron along with visible veins so your blood could be taken. The Blood Drive itself lasted about seven hours and this was the first year that the school had more than 100 participants. The Blood Center of the Pacific came to our school and took the students’ blood. And all the blood that was donated went to people who were in need of it. Whether it was to help someone who was in need of it after a serious injury or someone with leukemia, our students at Concord made a difference by giving up just 30 min-
top behind the auto shop, where athletic and physical education programs have immediate and visible access. The project is a continuation of the Measure C bond program to enhance the educational experience of our students. This endeavor also marks the final large-scale project that Concord High will complete through the Measure C bond. Other major projects that have been completed by Measure C funding include a new science building and significant technology upgrades in all classrooms on campus. This new facility also marks a
for school websites and helping our technicians get ready for the start of school. “I think their readiness could be attributed to their educational experiences in the Digital Safari Academy at Mt. Diablo High School.” MDHS is proud to have our DSA students proving themselves ready for college, career, and civic responsibility. Send comments and questions to editor@concordpioneer.com
utes of their day. Jave Hernandez, someone who has donated blood for the past two years, said, “I give blood because it saves three lives and it’s something I’m able to do that makes a difference.” Many students like Jave believe that it’s important to be giving back because every little thing helps. At Concord High School, our students give back to our community not because we have to, but because we want to. 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.
turning point for Concord High School, as the school has experienced increased enrollment in the past few years and there is a great need for more multi-purpose space. Our goal is to provide access to high-quality programs in 21st century-designed spaces for all students both academically and through extra-curricular involvement. We are very excited at the possibilities this will offer our school and our students and hope to see even greater success in the programs that will make use of it. Send comments and questions to editor@concordpioneer.com
November 21, 2014
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
CVCHS
Robbie Parker
‘Alex from Target’ reflects Internet’s power
Teen Speak The Internet is certainly incredible. And in the last three weeks, the Internet has once again proved to be incredible in every sense of the word. On Sunday, Nov. 2, 16year-old Alex Lee from Texas — or perhaps more well known as #alexfromtarget — became an Internet sensation overnight. Typically, “Internet sensations” are born from viral videos shared on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. Internet stars, like most celebrities, are typically admired for possessing tremendous or unusual talents that set themselves apart from the average-Joe and make their content worth sharing. As of late however, both the occasional browser and the Internet-savvy are asking themselves the same question: Who is this guy Alex, and what’s his gimmick?” The answer: working at Target and, most importantly, being particularly photogenic. On that Sunday, a female
teenager stumbled upon the photo of Alex, a Target store cashier, on the blogging website Tumblr. She promptly tweeted the photo with the caption, “YOOOOOOOOO,” and accompanying it was the hashtag #alexfromtarget. Within minutes, the hashtag was trending on twitter, gaining hundreds of thousands of views, retweets, and comments. By the end of the day, the Target store received a massive influx of customers, particularly teenage girls, requesting to see the “star” himself. After appearing on the Ellen DeGeneres Show only days later, Alex garnered even more attention, and he has since ascended to legendary status on the net. Simply searching Google Images for “Alex from Target” will reveal thousands of articles, parody photos and videos, and memes (commonly recurring insidejokes that circle the Internet with incredible virility). I assume that Alex is an
average teenager like me. Although he may possess a considerably higher degree of physical resemblance to popicon Justin Bieber than I do, he has demonstrated no special ability whatsoever. Just as Alex from Target was once an average guy, I once took pride in defending the often-ridiculous trends of my generation. However, the fact that a random individual — no different from myself — can become an international sensation for literally working a minimum-wage day job and looking pretty is hardly reassuring. Meanwhile, skilled and dedicated people my age are desperately competing for even the slightest opportunity for success in any way, shape or form. Based solely on my observation of his appearances on television, Alex appears to be a down-to-earth, charismatic and polite young person. In many ways, I feel bad for him; in no way does he deserve to receive such fervent amount of hate and criticism as though he asked for celebrity status. Surely, the Alex from Target trend will die out soon as all Internet trends do, but the phenomenon of viral Internet media will surely continue though others like him. Robbie Parker is a senior at CVCHS. Send your comments to editor@concordpioneer.com
Page 19
Pine Hollow
Rayna Stanziano
Thanksgiving is more than ‘Turkey Day’
PINE HOLLOW CORRESPONDENT
During this time of the year, people are thankful for many things, and the students at Pine Hollow Middle School are no exception. Eighth grader Carlos Centurion says, “I am thankful for my friends, family, and everything they do for me…I am also thankful for technology!” Another eighth-grade student, Ryan Hanratty, says, “I am thankful for family, food and freedom.” Seventh-grader Isabela Hernandez says, “I am thankful for teachers, the shirt program, and close friends and family who get me through hard times. I am also thankful for my swim coaches and my ability to swim.” This year, during Pine Hollow’s annual food drive, the
Mustangs set to collect as much food as possible. As of print time, Pine Hollow’s middle schoolers had already exceeded their goal of 1000 pounds and would continue collecting until Nov. 19. The students’ motivation genuinely embraces the true meaning of Thanksgiving and how much historical significance the holiday bears. Have you ever wondered why Thanksgiving seems to mean little or nothing by how much advertising it receives? Why do we skip such an important holiday? Thanksgiving is more than just a excuse to eat a bounteous amount of food; it is
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Clayton Valley Charter High School received unanimous approval for the reauthorization of its charter through 2020 from the Contra Costa Office of Education board trustees but that has done little to quell the internal tumult at the school. In spite of the maximum charter and WASC extensions this year and high achievement by CVCHS students and glowing endorsements by local city officials and school parents a faction of teachers and their supporters continue to raise issues with Executive Director Dave Linzey and his administration. Linzey had his contract extended through 2018 at the school’s governing board meeting last week where he read a spirited 10-point defense of his tenure at the school since the summer of 2012 when the charter school was preparing for its first year. As executive director of CVCHS he serves a hybrid position of superintendent of the charter and school principal. His salary this year is $204,000. Linzey’s statement reviewed the charter’s accomplishments, the turmoil of the past 10 months and he concluded with, “I am not inter-
running for the two-year community at-large slot and Megan Kommer for the parent position. Christine Reimer is not going to continue in the teacher slot she was appointed to earlier this year and that position will be filled by a teacher vote prior to the December board meeting. Parents and community members who applied for the board will also be on the ballot. They are Adrienne Barnes, Jim Killoran, Dave Reynolds, Todd Skow and Holly Tillman. There is still a question about how they will be placed on the ballot among the three open positions (one parent and two community at large). Clayton Valley grad and former high school principal Bud Beemer is challenging Dick Ellis for the retired teacher’s post. Three members of the Clayton City Council—Julie Piece, Dave Shuey and Howard Geller—were at the CCCOE meeting in support of the charter’s renewal. Trustee Pamela Mirabella, who has been on the county board since 1988, raised several questions about the charter application before ultimately voting with her colleagues for unanimous approval. The next CVCHS board meeting and elections are Dec. 10.
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RETIRE TO NEARBY BRENTWOOD
Clayton Valley receives maximum charter renewal but turmoil continues ested in continuing a public battle that does nothing to benefit our school and our students. Rather, I encourage this community—-even those who believe I have somehow wronged them or their colleague—-to use their efforts for good….Ask yourself what you can do to make a positive difference for the students of Clayton Valley, not its adults. And, I will continue to do the same for our children.” A little later in the board meeting teachers union president Kipp Penovich presented statements from 27 teachers voicing “no confidence” in Linzey. The statements steamed from discipline recently meted to a teacher for comments made about the administration in a personal email. The CTA union rep for the school, Rosemary Louissaint, also spoke out against the action. A group of teachers and supporters wore black to the board meeting and nearly got into a shouting match with parent Tim Lunsford when he spoke in favor of the administration. An additional bone of contention arose about the slating of candidates to fill a number of board vacancies in the December elections. Incumbent Ted Meriam is
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
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the celebration of having food to eat, having a warm house to eat in, and having a family to eat with. When the pilgrims came to America in 1621 in search of a better life, they ate because they finally had enough to eat, enough to go around. Americans should know that if the pilgrims had not had enough food at that first harvest in the New World to keep everyone alive, our lives would be very different right now. Thanksgiving represents our upbringing. It is a celebration of the first Americans and their success in striving to create a competent society. It is also a day to be thankful for the things you have that many people do not, and helping those who have less than you. Knowing how very significant Thanksgiving is to American history, I am sure you can see now that the label “Turkey Day” is hardly applicable!
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
November 21, 2014
Turkey Day Redux LINDA WYNER
FOOD
FOR
THOUGHT
Ah, the day after Thanksgiving. Not only are you stuffed like yesterday's bird, but the refrigerator is also still full of food. What will you do with all those plastic-wrapped bowls full of leftovers, not to mention the remains of the magnificent turkey that was the showpiece of the day? First things first — get the meat off that turkey right now before the whole thing becomes
a Petri dish. Use the carcass to make a soup stock. I roast the bones for about 30 minutes in a 400degree oven until they are nicely browned, then immerse the bones in water along with a few celery and carrot sticks and a chopped onion. Simmering for an hour or two will give you a rich turkey-infused stock. Just strain it well and put it to good use. If you just can’t find the energy to do much more cooking this weekend, portion it out in freezer Ziploc bags and use throughout the year for soups and stews. I love the Pilgrim’s Pie (my own seasonal version of Shepherd’s Pie) I make with the leftover turkey, gravy, mashed sweet
potatoes and any steamed, roasted or boiled veggies served with the holiday feast. It’s fast, easy to make yet elegant in its own way. PILGRIM’S PIE Serves 4-6 1 to 1 ½ cup leftover mashed sweet potatoes 1 to 1 ½ cup minced turkey 1 Tbsp. butter ¼ cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped cooked veggies ½ cup turkey gravy Dash each ground cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg Salt and pepper to taste 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat individual serving-
size ramekins with cooking spray and set aside. 2. In a large skillet, sauté the onion until tender, about 46 minutes. Add the veggies, gravy, turkey and spices and heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. 3. Transfer the filling to prepared ramekins and top with a generous ¼ cup of mashed sweet potatoes. 4. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. If your leftovers are slimpickings No leftover sweet potatoes? You could use leftover mashed potatoes but I like the sweet potatoes with this recipe, so
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scrub and pierce one large sweet potato and microwave it on a plate, uncovered, on high for 10-12 minutes or until tender, turning once. When cool enough to handle, cut potato in half; scoop out the pulp and place in a small bowl. Mash with 1 Tbsp. butter, 1-2 Tbsp. milk, and salt and pepper. No leftover turkey? Use ½ lb. ground turkey and brown the meat with the onion. No leftover veggies? Substitute 1 cup frozen mixed veggies (defrosted). No leftover turkey gravy? There are some very good quality packaged turkey gravies available these days. I recently used Pacific brand and really enjoyed the meaty flavor.
Leftover cranberry sauce Here’s a suggestion for all that leftover cranberry sauce/jelly you have. Add an equal amount of a sweet BBQ sauce and use it as a dip for turkey, pork or beef meatballs you might enjoy while watching more football over the weekend. And for those leftover pumpkin, apple or pecan pies, my only advice is to whip up some more cream and indulge in yet another serving, or two, or three. Every year I let my Pans on Fire customers know they can call with questions while they’re working on their meal. The same invitation goes out to you. Let me be your resource if you have any questions on Turkey Day —just call 925-200-6622 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and I’ll do my best to help you solve your dilemma. Please note, however, if you call to tell me you forgot to defrost your turkey, my advice is to quickly make a reservation somewhere or order in pizza. Cheers, and have a blessed holiday. Linda Wyner owns Pans on Fire, a gourmet cookware store and cooking school in Pleasanton. Send suggestions or questions to lwyner@pansonfire.com
November 21, 2014
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 21
Holiday Home Tours Galindo House and Gardens The gracious Victorian home was built in 1856 for Don Francisco Galindo and his wife, Maria Delores Manuela Pacheco. The home was in the family until Ruth Galindo’s death in 1999. The home and gardens have been restored by the Concord Historical Society. The home will be lovingly decorated for the holidays with cookies and cider for visitors. The house will open one weekend before Thanksgiving for tours 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Nov. 15 and 16. Tours will resume after Thanksgiving on weekends and
Wednesdays through Dec. 21. Weekend hours are 1-4 p.m. Sat. and Sun and 7-9 p.m. Wednes-
Clayton five-home tour Five beautifully decorated holiday homes will be on display for the Clayton Historical Society’s fifth annual Christmas Tour on Dec. 14. One of the homes is owned by a Pottery Barn designer, another is designed by a professional decorator for special events such as Halloween and Christmas. Still another homeowner is an artist who designs her own Christmas
days. The Galindo House is at 1721 Amador Ave., in Concord just one block off Galindo St. Call (925) 685-8203 for more information.
cards and will have past years’ cards displayed on her hall walls. The tour runs from noon until 7 p.m. (tickets sold only until 6 p.m.), and takes about two hours. Tickets are $30 and are on sale via PayPal and on the day of the event at the Clayton Museum, 6101 Main St., Clayton. Proceeds benefit the historical society. For additional information call 925-672-7680 or email museum@claytonhisory.org.
Super Holiday Boutique benefits new organization The holiday season’s largest local shopping extravaganza is the fifth annual Super Holiday Boutique in Concord and Pleasant Hill. The free holiday indoor events allow shoppers to get those special one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and stocking stuffers for family, friends and colleagues from a variety of arts and crafts vendors, home-based businesses and commercial exhibitors. The Super Holiday at Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Rd. next to Clayton Valley Bowl, is on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Friday evening, Dec. 5, Boutique is from 5 - 8 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane near City Hall and Bed Bath and Beyond. A raffle at each site benefits
Thankfulness in California, a new organization raising awareness and respect for all military service people “inspiring people to thank active military whenever they see them and send California love to our troops.” Santa will be on hand to hear holiday wishes and pose for free photo opportunities for kids of all ages. There will be free holiday arts and crafts activities allowing kids to make keepsake presents for their family and
friends. Each attendee will receive a free raffle ticket. The donation of each can of food to the Food Bank of Contra Costa will earn the donor another raffle ticket. The first 200 families through the door get a holiday goody bag. Super Holiday Boutique is free to the public with free parking around each venue. Visit www.superholidayboutique.com for more information
Kid-friendly ‘Nutcracker’ coming to Lesher Contra Costa Ballet’s “Nutcracker” will be at the Lesher Thanksgiving weekend, Nov 28-30, only. Join Clara and her beloved nutcrackerturned-prince on a magical journey with giant mice and toy soldiers into the deliciously delightful Candy Kingdom. . This one-hour performance is an elegant introduction to the holiday classic. For performance times and tickets, call or visit the Lesher Center Box Office (925) 943-SHOW (7469).
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Page 22
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
A Floral nce Experie s
Native Manzanita is popular and beautiful
Flower for all occasions
NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL
Mitzie Richardson Richardson Mitzie
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Many Concord residents have been flocking to nurseries and garden centers in search of Manzanita for their water-wise
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landscapes. Manzanita is a group of evergreen groundcovers, shrubs and trees that are native to many parts of California. Native plants have surged in popularity the past 10 years as folks recognize how valuable they are in our landscapes. Native plants need less. They need less fertilizer, less irrigation, and, if planted in the right spot, they need less work. Manzanita is a popular collection of native plants that has a size and shape for almost any application. Their red bark, dark green leaves and seasonal flowers make them very appealing. “Howard McMinn” is a Manzanita that most everyone has a location for. “Howard McMinn” matures anywhere from three- to five-feet tall and about six-feet wide. This selection is useful when installed alongside a property line, supporting deciduous trees, or scattered along a hillside. Be aware if considering this selection of Manzanita of its mature size. As with many native plants, “Howard McMinn” Manzanita doesn’t want to be controlled, pruned into a shape, or hedged. Its natural shape is lovely. “Emerald Carpet” and “Carmel Sur” are both groundcover selections of Manzanita. Either plant can grow four- to six-feet wide. Through the years, “Emerald Carpet” and “Carmel Sur” will mound over itself creating some eventual height, about a foot tall. When considering a location for a groundcover Manzanita, think
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HOWARD MCMINN MANZANITA
about its attributes. It is hard to enjoy the sight of the red bark on groundcover Manzanita when they are installed on the flat ground. There are more angles to appreciate groundcover-type Manzanita if
Shallots, like onions and garlic, are a member of the allium family, but their flavor is richer and sweeter, yet more potent. Like garlic, they grow in clusters, with several bulbs attached at the base. You’ll recognize them by their coppery skins and their off-white flesh, which is usually tinged with magenta. Shallots add a great depth of flavor to pan sautés, soups, sauces, and stews,
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they are planted on a hill. That way you can look up and see the good side. If planting on a flat area, give groundcover Manzanita enough room to grow. Cutting to control makes the variety grow taller. Plants
and pair especially well with chicken and fish. To substitute onion for shallots in recipes, use half the amount of shallot that you would onion. Shallots have a burnished brown skin covering their faded purple crunchy layers inside. As with onions, choose shallots that feel heavy for their size and are firm. Avoid shallots with soft spots or that are sprouting. Shallots keep well if kept in a cool, dark, dry place. Fresh shallots are available into early winter. The following methods work in varying degrees of effectiveness. One may work better for you than another.
Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. Contact her with questions or comments at Gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
CUT ONIONS & WITHOUT TEARS
• An enzyme, a sulfur compound, opens up the waterworks every time you cut into an onion but there are several tricks to avoid tears over the chopping board. Here are a few that might help: • Store onions in the refrigerator 15 minutes prior to cutting. • Use a very sharp knife to avoid mashing and releasing any more of that enzyme than you have to. • Wear goggles - yes, it looks silly, but it works! • Place a fan next to you with air blowing over the onion and away from you.
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SHALLOTS
The Concord Farmers Market in Todos Santos Plaza is open year around; Tues 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Thurs. 4-8 p.m.
Although smaller than an onion, the little shallot packs a powerful flavor punch
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must grow. When you cut the width, they get taller. When you cut their height, they get wider. There is a lovely Manzanita that grows the size of a small multi-trunk tree. It is Manzanita “Dr. Hurd.” This wonderful specimen of Manzanita will grow anywhere from 15- to 1feet tall and be about half that wide. As “Dr. Hurd” matures, the bark turns the darkest mahogany color that you’ll ever see. It is absolutely beautiful, and very hard to find the last few years. It is like the secret is out on natives and some are in too great of demand for the growers to keep up. Those who are considering incorporating native plants into their landscapes should be wary of common mistakes. You need to take care not to care too much. Native plants do not need, nor do they like, to be installed with any rich, fertilizer-laced potting soil. It can kill them. Don’t have their irrigation set to run as often as you water your lawn. Also, consider native plants companion plantings. Hydrangeas and Manzanita shouldn’t be planted side by side.
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November 21, 2014
November 21, 2014
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 23
PERFORMING ARTS
Catch some non-traditional holiday plays SALLY HOGARTY
STAGE STRUCK As the holidays streak towards us faster than Rudolph can fly Santa’s sleigh, local theaters begin to offer tried and true holiday fare as well as a few surprises. While theaters on the other side of the Caldecott Tunnel offer some adult versions of holiday shows, Contra Costa County companies prefer more family-friendly fare. Often a seasonal treat during November and December is a young person’s first experience with live performance – hopefully, an experience that will be repeated throughout the years. El Campanil Children’s Theatre starts things off with “Elves and the Shoemaker” at the El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second Street, in Antioch. This whimsical romp tells of a kindly shoemaker who gives his last pair of shoes to an old beggar woman. Five slightly weird, yet endearing elves, reward the shoemaker’s kindness by producing the most magical shoes every seen. The show runs at
THE VAGABOND PLAYERS’ ‘CEMETERY CLUB’ will be at the Campanil on Nov. 30. From left: Sheilah Morrison, Teresa Grosserode, Peggy Scalise, Norm Gilbert and Teddie Gilbert.
7:30 p.m. Nov. 21 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 23. Tickets are $8 (children), $10 (seniors), and $12 (adults). Call 925-757-9500 or go to www.elcampaniltheatre.com. If you’re not ready to tackle the holidays, try The Vagabond Players endearing comedy “The Cemetery Club.” This amazing troupe of performers presents its shows primarily at senior centers and retirement homes, but every once in a while, they offer a performance for the general public. Such is the case with “The Cemetery Club,” the story of three very different widows who meet once a month for tea. But, when one of the trio begins dating, friendship hangs in the
balance. The show performs , at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, at Antioch’s El Campanil Theatre. Tickets are $10 (youth), $13 (seniors), and $15 (adults). Los Medanos College continues the non-holiday vein with its production of “Rent.” The edgy musical runs at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 through 6 at the California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., in Pittsburg. Tickets are $12-18. Call 925-427-1611 or go to www.pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.c om. Light up your holidays with Lightwire Theater’s “A Very Electric Christmas” performing at 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at Antioch’s California Theatre. Recognized
‘Hansel and Gretel’ a visual delight for young audiences SALLY HOGARTY Clayton Pioneer
It may not be visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads, but youngsters will find Solo Opera’s production of “Hansel and Gretel” just as sweet as the familiar Christmas poem. Especially designed for younger theatergoers, the opera performs at
Chorus performing the Gingerbread Children Chorus and Lori Buffalow’s The Next Step Dancers appearing as the Fourteen Angel Ballet. “We are honored to collaborate with Solo Opera,” says Children’s Chorus artistic director Andrew Brown. “We have 14 young singers playing the role of the children captured by the
Photo by John Buyer
SOLO OPERA’S ‘HANSEL AND GRETEL’ GIVES A NON-TRADITIONAL twist to the famous Grimm’s Fairy Tale. The children's’ opera will be at the Lesher Center Dec. 20.
7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 20 at the Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd, in Walnut Creek. “I’m so excited to put this opera on,” says artistic director Sylvia Amorino. “It was one of the first operas I saw as a child and has always been in my heart,” adds the Concord resident. Amorino has done more than make her dream come true, she has transformed it into a community collaboration with the Contra Costa Children’s
witch and held captive under her spell. They are enthralled by the story and love being a part of this show.” The lucky 14 secured their roles through a summer audition. More than 125 singers currently participate in the chorus with several from Concord and Clayton. The performance not only includes local community members but it also benefits other residents through the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. “We’re asking patrons to
bring non-perishable food items to the show,” says Amorino, whose husband volunteers at the Food Bank. “With the show’s themes of hunger and poverty, it’s a good match. The show also features strong children’s characters who save the town in the end. We thought having children bring canned goods to the show would also empower them. They might not be saving a town, but they are helping and giving back to their community.” Audience members attending “Hansel and Gretel” will receive lots in return, including gorgeous music sung by professional singers, exciting dancing and an elaborate set by awardwinning designer Peter Crompton. “Peter is a phenomenal set designer,” Amorino says. “His design for our show is very colorful and bright, exactly what I wanted. This show is extremely visual. We need to see trees, a gingerbread house and lots more.” Amorino notes that Engelbert Humperdinck’s opera differs greatly from the story found in Grimm’s Fairytales. “Our mother isn’t the awful character in Grimm’s version. She’s a good mother who’s just having a bad day,” Amorino explains. “Our witch isn’t scary either, and we have fun characters like the Sandman and the Dew Fairy.” According to Amorino, children as young as preschool will enjoy the opera, which lasts approximately two hours including a 15-minute intermission. “As long as the children can sit for 45 minutes at a time, they should be fine. And for intermission, Safeway and other stores have donated cookies,” she adds. Tickets to “Hansel and Gretel” are $25 (youth 17 and under), $35 (seniors) and $40 (adults). For reservations, call 925-943-SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.
for its electroluminescent artistry and poignant storytelling, Lightwire tells of a young bird named Max and his family as they begin their journey south for the winter. When Max gets blown off course and ends up at the North Pole, the fun begins. Priced at $15 (child) and $30 (adult), tickets can be reserved by calling 925-4271611 or going to www.pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. The story of a young girl’s courage heralds in the holidays for Pittsburg Community Theatre (PCT) as it presents Disney’s “Mulan, Jr.” Set in China, the heartwarming musical tells of Mulan and her mischievous sidekick Mushu as they battle to save the Emperor. Concord’s
Steen Mergogey-Conti directs more than 40 young performers including Concord residents Taylor Knecht (Zhang) and Brynn Bannan (son/soldier). In addition, PCT presents an original one-act play written by 10-year-old Ricky Tiongson of Pittsburg with contributions from Christina, Faith and Caleb Gella of Antioch. “Operation: Coming Home!” shows how kids deal with a parent being deployed, the excitement of a homecoming, and the despair when a parent doesn’t come back. The shows run at 7 p.m. Dec. 11, at 8 p.m. Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. and at 2 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14 at the California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., in Pittsburg. Tick-
ets are $10 (children), $15 (seniors/students), and $25 (adults). Call 925-427-1611 or go to www.pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.c om. Sally Hogarty is well known around the Bay Area as a newspaper columnist, theatre critic and working actress. She is also the editor of the Orinda News. Send comments to sallyhogarty@aol.com.
Now Playing in Oakland’s Newest Live Theater Piedmont-Oakland Repertory Theatre presents
A. R. Gurney’s
What I Did Last Summer
Scrooge is back in town A boy comes of age in the summer of 1945 …right before The Bomb!
Center REP presents their annual production of ‘A Christmas Carol,’ running in the Hofmann Theatre at the Lesher Center for the Arts Dec. 11-21. Brimming with music and dance, love and laughter, spectacular special effects and scary ghosts, critics have called it “THE Christmas Carol to see in the Bay Area.” All performances are at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94596. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (925)943-SHOW or visit www.centerrep.org.
Through Dec. 13 Saturdays - 8:00 pm Sundays – 2:30 pm & 7:30 pm 4137 Piedmont Ave., Oakland Tickets: $22, $25 at the door
(510) 459-8264 piedmontoaklandrep@gmail.com
Matt Mazzei, Jr.
Happy Thanksgiving
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
November 21, 2014
Hail to the hardwood... Is there anyone who doesn’t love the natural beauty of a real hardwood floor? Apparently there aren’t many: according to the National Wood Flooring Association, Americans buy about 900 million square feet of wood flooring every year. Since that means, statistically, you are likely someday to be one of them, it might be useful for you to have some basic information. Wood flooring comes in dozens, if not hundreds, of styles, colors, species (the kind of tree), and sizes. But they all fall under one of two basic categories: solid and engineered. “Solid” is just what it sounds like: each plank is milled from a single piece of solid wood. “Engineered” means a laminated plank made of three or more pieces of wood glued together (they are both real wood). Which works best for you will depend on several factors, but most important among these is installation (ease of) and the type and condition of your subfloor.
Prefinished floors are also typically available in thinner planks, which facilitates installation.
LARRY FLICK
UNDERFOOT SOLID Solid wood is available in strips (1.5” – 3” wide), planks (3” – 7” wide), and parquet squares, strip flooring being by far the most popular among homeowners. Thicknesses range from 5/16 to 3/4 inch, and all come finished or unfinished. Unfinished means you can choose your own color, but it requires sanding, staining (or it can be left natural), and a topcoat finish. Prefinished wood is more expensive, but for most people this is more than offset by not having to sand, stain, and finish.
Schaefer’s PAINTING
Interior & Exterior Popcorn Ceilings
Rea a ne dy for w lo ok?
Sheetrock, Texture Cabinet Refinishing
Bryan Schaefer Clayton Resident License #708321
(925) 260-6065
Family Trade since 1936
ENGINEERED Engineered wood has been the most popular type of do-ityourself wood floor since its introduction to the market in the mid-eighties. Its laminated construction makes it much more stable than solid wood flooring, so it’s less likely to cup, split, shrink, or warp. Most engineered planks are 3 – 7 inches wide and 7 or 8 feet long, and range in thickness from about 3/8” to 3/4”. Unfinished engineered wood can be found, but it’s rare. The vast majority of engineered flooring comes prefinished. The big reason for its popularity among DIYers is installation: the planks snap together without nailing or gluing, and can be allowed to “float” over most existing floors, as long as the surface is flat and in good condition. One caveat: when shopping for engineered wood flooring, be sure the top veneer is at least 1/8” thick. This allows for sanding and refinishing when and if that becomes necessary for your floor. And one more: wood is by definition a renewable resource, but some species of trees grow so slowly and are being harvested so quickly that they’re no longer considered sustainable. If you want to be sure you’re buying responsibly harvested wood, look for certification by the Forest Stewardship Council or similar environmental agency. Larry Flick is president of the Floor Store. Email your questions or comments to larryf@floorstores.com.