OCT 21 The Pioneer 2022

High-density projects bringing needed housing soon to downtown Concord

If the rest of the country is in an economic slowdown, it’s not obvious from a mini housing boom currently underway in downtown Concord. The COVID/supply chain logjam has broken with five projects under construction and another four in the pipeline.

The Grant, a two-block mixed used development on Grant St. between Concord Blvd. and Clayton Road, is nearing its December completion date. The South Grant building with 89 studio and one-bedroom apartments is

already about 40% leased at a market rate of around $3800/mo. The North tower, and the main attraction, will open in December with another 139 luxury one- and twobedroom apartments, roof deck with pool, gym, business center, club house, outdoor leisure areas with fire pits, bicycle parking, and a space for dogs.

Indoor garages have spaces for a total of 328 cars. All apartments will rent at market rate.

The North tower includes 4600 sq. ft. of build-to-suit

Valley High alumni rally for their alma mater

Heidi Coffman Shearer is not just celebrating the 50th Anniversary of her 1972 graduation from Ygnacio Valley High School meeting classmates at a reunion dinner, she’s aiming to make a difference for current students and those attending the Concord school in the years to come.

Nearly a decade ago she read an online article “What Happened to Ygnacio Valley High School?” Her question is “What has been done to help in the decline of this school?” and Shearer is rallying fellow alums and the community to join her effort to spread positive news about her school and retore the campus to its former glory.

She recently created a group called Ygnacio Valley Beautification Project and Shearer already has alumni from 1967 to 2001 who have

joined a Facebook group of the same name and are interested in taking the necessary steps to beautify the school campus again.

At the beginning of October they held their first event, a fundraising Alumni Dinner at the school. Among those in attendance were principal Jonathan Pike and Mt. Diablo Unified School District board member Cherise Khaund who represents the Ygnacio Valley area on the board and is a YVHS parent.

Shearer says the group’s initial efforts have been difficult. “Our committee is trying to raise money to help with three initial phases to beautify Ygnacio Valley High

School. I strongly believe in paying it forward to all students no matter what their economic status. Let’s spread positive messages and just maybe students will begin to believe in themselves!“

She says the 50 years since her graduation “flashed by in an instant.” She began reflecting on the appearance of the school after attending a Brunch on the Quad in June this year. “It all came back, and it made me nostalgic, remembering how our school looked and how it looks now.

“I know that a lot of us [alumni] that are feeling the same way. I believe attitudes are shaped to some extent by the structures and possibly

can affect student, teachers and community attitudes.”

The campus opened in the fall of 1962 as Concord’s third high school after Mt. Diablo and Clayton Valley.

The recent fundraiser was the first opportunity to bring interested alumni together with school staff and current students and parents. Shearer was especially touched by volleyball team members who were on hand to serve food at the alumni dinner.

The committee is raising funds to help with three projected phases in “paying it forward” to Ygnacio Valley:

Concord to dole out $7M to social justice, arts groups

Local nonprofits can apply for city grants to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, although some arts advocates are concerned about competing with social justice groups for funding.

“We’ll never win. I mean, the homeless are always going to be more important than art,” Sylvia Amorino of Solo Opera said at the Sept. 27 City Council meeting.

“But,” she added, “we are very valuable to cities.”

A council ad hoc committee

earmarked $7 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to help nonprofits that provide projects or programs benefiting Concord residents. However, Councilmember Carlyn Obringer suggested pulling out $2 million just for arts grants.

“I think it’s extremely difficult because there are so many social needs,” Obringer said, noting that “it’s tricky” to compare a request from Monument Impact regarding guaranteed basic income to the needs of a performing arts troupe.

“But at the end of the day, the arts benefit everyone regardless of your socioeconomic sta-

tus,” she told her fellow council members. “And if we’re going to value that and help support that and grow that, this is the time to do it.”

When her proposal failed, Obringer asked staff to review the grant application to reflect a broader perspective.

“Right now, the way the application reads, it’s all geared toward social service. It’s asking how your project or program will benefit low-income families, chronic homeless, seniors 55 and older, pregnant mothers. So if the same application is going to be used, it really needs to, you know, cross the gamut,” she said.

Justin Ezell, Concord’s assistant city manager, said the application states that the grants are available to all Concord-based nonprofits and includes examples such as youth, arts and culture. He said they added the phrase “delivering arts and culture to the broad Concord community” to the section Obringer cited.

“The questions themselves are all very general and can apply to any type of organization,” Ezell told the Pioneer.

A link to the application can be found on the ARPA page at www.cityofconcord.org. Eligible nonprofits have until 5 p.m. Oct.

28 to apply.

After a review and interview process, the council is expected to award grants between $50,000 and $2 million on Dec. 6.

In total, the council allocated $19 million from ARPA at the meeting. Other funding includes:

$7 million for city projects, public safety and special events.

$3 million to support the unhoused.

$2 million for small business grants, with a November application period.

Tamara Steiner

The Grant, a mixed use project on 2 acres in downtown Concord with 228 apartments and 4,600 square feet of retail space is on target for December completion.

A group of interested alumni have started the Ygnacio Valley Beautification Project as they aim to return the Concord high school’s campus to the condition as they remember it. Among those taking part at a recent gathering to celebrate YVHS were Principal Jonathan Pike, Heidi Coffman Shearer Class of 1972, PTSA member Alex Hernandez and MDUSD board member and YVHS parent Cherise Khaund.

TAMARA STEINER The Pioneer

The Argent, a 100% affordable housing complex on the old “Blockbuster” site will break ground in December and be ready for tenants by the first quarter 2025.

See Housing,

BEV BRITTON

The Pioneer

YVHS,

JAY BEDECARRÉ

Pioneer

Photo courtesy Ygnacio Valley Beautification Project

Pete Buttigieg visits Concord’s autonomous vehicle testing site

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and its partners welcomed several of the nation’s highest-ranking transportation officials including United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg and outgoing National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Administrator Dr. Steven Cliff on a tour of GoMentum Station on the site of the 5000-acre former Concord Naval Weapons Station in Concord, Fri., Sept. 9. The groundbreaking site is one of the country’s largest secure facilities dedicated to testing transportation technology, including connected and automated vehicles.

This unique test bed provides an opportunity for test partners to push their technology to its limits while testing within a controlled environment.

During the visit, Secretary Buttigieg and outgoing Administrator Cliff toured the different test zones and participated in demonstrations. Built on a public/private partnership

model, GoMentum Station allows the private sector space to innovate and test while providing the public sector with access to new technologies as they are being developed. The work being carried out at GoMentum Station facilitates informed policy, regulation, and planning decisions around technology.

“Our vision for the future centers on using emerging technologies and public-private part-

nerships to meet changing and future transportation demands, help our residents safely get where they need to go, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Contra Costa County,” said Chris Kelley, CCTA Board Chair.

In 2019, CCTA was awarded a $7.5 million Automated Driving Systems grant by USDOT to conduct three groundbreaking pilot projects that address current mobility needs while advancing standards for automated driving systems in the United States by gathering essential data on performance and safety measures with CCTA’s partners at GoMentum Station.

The passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and 50% increase to NHTSA’s budget, will enable NHTSA to make its largest investment into vehicle and highway traffic safety. Transportation technology has a role to play in increasing the safety of all road users, and today’s tour highlighted how test beds like GoMentum Station can be an instrumental tool in making that future a reality.

Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, center, toured GoMentum Station, the largest secure Connected Vehicle (CV) and Autonomous Vehicle (AV) proving grounds in the U.S.

zacke, zicke zacke,

hoi

Back after a two year COVID hiatus, this year’s CBCA Octoberfest in Clayton Sept. 29-Oct. 2, drew the largest crowds in the history of the 20-yearold-event. The carnival opened the weekend with rides and games for the kids on Friday night. Thousands of German-at-heart revelers crowded Main Street while beer and sausages in the authentic biergarten kept everyone fed and watered for the two-day event. Oktoberfest is one of three major CBCA festival fundraisers produced each year by the 38-year-old civic club. All funds raised are donated back to the community in the form of scholarships and charitable grants.

Phase One: Promoting student safety with the implementation of a safety lane and walking path on the Northside driveway leading into the Ygnacio Valley campus.

Phase Two: Shade structures on the quad that would replace trees cut down for the installation of solar panels. Additional benches for students to sit on around the campus between the 200 wing, 400 wing and YV Quad.

Phase Three: Murals that promote school pride with positive messaging and public icons that promote qualities that we want our students to aspire to.

The group has created a $1,250 scholarship to be

shared among five students who submit artwork and are selected as winning entries.

The students would create artwork illustrating school pride, inspirations with positive messaging within a mural that would then be implemented and displayed on the school building walls.

“The students, staff and families of the YV community are very grateful for the reenergized support of our Ygnacio Valley High School Alumni. Their partnership to support our current students with campus upgrades in the three identifiedprojects are all moving forward,” says second-year principal Pike.

He explains that the Stu-

dent Pedestrian Safety Lane for the driveway entrance to the school is targeted for volunteers workday on Veterans Day weekend.

“We are working with our District Maintenance Director to install permanent shade structuresin the Quad to replace the trees that were removed with the placement of solarpanels and, lastly, we are starting a campaign for alumni to donate class year sponsored benches in memory of that graduating class to give more access to seating around campus,” Pike adds.

The principal explains, “There are efforts to bring back the Senior Lawn area with a California natives garden and materials support for our art classes to construct murals around the campus. We are excited with the YV alumni support and know their love for our community continues to make YV such an amazing school for the Concord community.”

Those interested in the Ygnacio Valley Beautification Project can contact Shearer by email Shearerpaca@gmail.com.

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Housing,

from page 1

ground floor retail space along the Grant St. side of the building.

AFFORDABLEFOR FAMILIES

While the adult-oriented, luxury Grant is well out of budget range for those families in desperate need of affordable housing, just two blocks away Meta Housing Corporation will break ground in December on the Argent, a multi-family 100% affordable housing project designed specifically for this underserved population.

“This is not Section 8 housing,” Councilmember Tim McGallian told the Pioneer. “All units are income qualified, so tenants must be employed.”

Last week, the Concord City Council gave the green light to Meta Corporation to issue up to $85 million in taxexempt bonds to finance the 181-unit project at 2400 Willow Pass Rd. on the old “Blockbuster” site. Bond repayment is the responsibility of the developer, the city has no liability. The developers must complete construction within 27 months.

The 7-story building will include 80 one-bedroom, 46 two-bedroom, 40 three-bedrooms and 15 four-bedroom units. The average income for the project as a whole is 70% of the area median income (AMI). 12% of the units are for families earning at or below 30% of the AMI. This designation qualifies the project for a state density bonus which

allows for reduced parking requirements—188 spaces for the 181 units.

“We recognize the building is under-parked,” McGallian said. “But this is a transit-oriented development right next to the Concord BART station, and we are at the mercy of state law.”

“While parking may be in short supply, it will be good to have this much family-focused, workforce housing downtown,” he said.

Amenities include a rooftop deck with swimming pool, cabanas, and BBQs, a bocce court, playgrounds, bicycle parking and dog washing stations.

Tenants will be selected by lottery as the project gets closer to completion.

HOUSING FORVETS , SENIORS , SPECIALNEEDS

Other projects either underway now or in the pipeline include the Avesta, a 132-unit assisted living facility at 1335-1338 Galindo St. All units to rent at market rate.

The Galindo Terrace will

provide deeply affordable veteran housing across from the Concord Police Department. There are 39 one-bedroom units, 19 with two bedrooms and four three-bedroom apartments. Twelve units are set aside for homeless vets and one unit for a resident living with HIV/AIDS. On site social services will provide after-school programs, supportive services and health care referrals.

Part of the financing for Galindo Terrace comes from a $7.9 million grant from the city of Concord’s Affordable Housing Fund.

Two more 100% affordable housing applications are currently under review by city staff.

Beacon Development Group is proposing 63 units of senior housing.

Finally, the city is considering 75 residential apartments at 1325 Galindo on the former site of the Nazarene Church— for special needs individuals. The project could potentially house formerly homeless veterans, seniors and the disabled.

The courtyard at the center of South Grant provides tenants with skyline views, an outdoor kitchen and a quiet place to read or work.

Tamara Steiner

Are these the best Halloween decorations ever? You be the judge. Go by Pam and Leon Hall’s home on Tally Ho Ct. in Clayton and be frightfully impressed with the display that takes the whole family may days to assemble. Hall says he thinks about Halloween decorations all year.

Five Pleasant Hill city council candidates look to the future – while maintaining city’s charm

KAREN JENKINS Correspondent

As the five candidates vying for two positions on the City Council shared their views, easing traffic, supporting business and maintaining the fiscal health of the city emerged as key goals.

In the city of about 34,900, two-term Councilmember Sue Noack is on the ballot with Bill Bankert, Andrei Obolenskiy, Zhanna Thompson and Zac Shess. Daniel Rodriguez will appear on the ballot, but he has withdrawn from the race.

Mayor Michael Harris is retiring after 20 years on the council.

Two recent forums provided an opportunity for the candidates to state their views and address issues facing the city. On Sept. 21, the Diablo Valley League of Women’s Voters sponsored a candidates’ night moderated by KTVU’s Claudeen Wong that was livestreamed on YouTube. An Oct. 4 event at the city offices allowed for audience members along with a livestream. Live or online viewers could submit questions to moderator Jack Lack, chair of the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Committee.

All the council hopefuls are parents of former or current Pleasant Hill students, and they have some of the same goals for the city – including maintaining the small community environment while addressing traffic concerns in and around the city, as well as providing planned support for city businesses.

All agree the city should not mandate rent control but plan for housing that meets the needs of economic segments of the community. They unanimously support Measure M to change the city treasurer’s position from an elected to appointed position. Andrew Kalinowski is running unopposed for that slot.

Here is a look at the council candidates, their backgrounds and their visions for Pleasant Hill, in order of the randomized ballot listing as determined by the California secretary of state:

PROMOTINGTHE PLEASANT HILLLIFESTYLE

Bankert is a health industry businessman who has served on several city organizations

during 20 years of volunteer service, including eight years on the Planning Commission as well as on the Civic Action Commission, the Library Task Force and committees for events including the city’s 50th anniversary and Fourth of July celebration.

He would like to see thoughtful economic development, including incentives such as free advertising for new businesses, an annual economic summit and innovative community events such as an indoor farmer market.

He envisions Pleasant Hill as a place where recent college graduates with good jobs want to start “a hip productive life because it is a cool place to live because of the great dining, the shopping, and the entertainment” and a place where service workers want to work because it’s a fun, inclusive environment and people treat them well.

“I believe all of the candidates for this election would agree that we want a safe city, well-planned for growth and maintained, and a financially sound city. But my vision for Pleasant Hill is greater than just that,” said Bankert. “I want to maintain the small town feel and idea that Pleasant Hill is a great place to raise a family.”

‘LOOKING TO THEFUTURE’

Obolenskiy is a former consultant for Fortune 500 businesses. He operates an automotive business and a language school with his wife that supports Ukrainian immigrants.

“My campaign motto is ‘Looking to the future,’ ” he said. “My platform is ‘transparency and fairness.’ ”

A consistent theme in Obolenskiy’s vision for the city is better support for the people who work, including convenient transportation. “Let’s make public transportation safer, work with regional partners,” he said.

Obolenskiy emphasized his diverse experiences and volunteer service, including as a manager of hundreds of people, his work in finance and customer service, and his community involvement and support of local nonprofits, with specific mention of the LGBTQ community.

“I am here to listen, provide input and ensure all of our stakeholders have a place at the table,” he said. “I believe in fiscal health, ensuring we have enough funds to run the city properly and attract the best talent. I also want to ensure we meet our housing needs without changing the character of the city. We also need to meet the needs of our small businesses and attract investment to our city that makes sense.”

HOPING TO CONTINUE HERLEGACY

Noack is seeking a third term on the council, where she has served as vice mayor and mayor. She is a co-founder of the Pleasant Hill Education Foundation started in 2008, on which she serves, and she represents the city on several transportation organizations, including County Connection, Transpac and the Innovate 680 policy advisory committee.

“Pleasant Hill has been my family’s home for 24 years, and it has been my honor to serve on the City Council for the last eight years,” said Noack, whose professional background is in finance. “I’ve worked hard to make sure we keep the small community that makes Pleasant Hill such a great place to live while focusing on the challenges that will ensure a positive future for the city.”

Noack has served on the city’s Budget Committee and on a task force for Pleasant Hill’s new library, which opened nearly three months ago and is drawing up to 1,500 people a day. She noted some of the adaptations starting during the height of the pandemic, including providing grants to businesses to enhance their online presence.

“My experience on the council, my 20-year finance career and seven years on the city’s Budget Committee give me the skills and experience,” she said. “It’s been a pleasure to serve this community for eight years, and I hope to do it for four more.”

BRINGING ‘A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE’

Thompson, a director of quality assurance in mental health and a board-certified behavior analyst, emphasizes goals for the city that include promoting equity and accessibility.

“My focus is on accessibility for all residents to key locations, pedestrian safety, increasing workability, green infrastructure and smart roads

development, public safety, and bringing and supporting small businesses and keeping the community feel we have in Pleasant Hill,” said Thompson.

She lists the experience of her daughter almost getting hit by a car crossing Taylor Boulevard in a crosswalk on the way to school as a catalyst for her campaign and her goals of a more pedestrian- and bikefriendly city.

The mother of two, who is married to a Contra Costa firefighter stationed in Pleasant Hill, offers the answer to a question she’s asked frequently on the campaign trail. “People have assumed that I’m in my early 20s,” she said. For the record, she is 34 – and says she’s ready to represent her community.

“I will uphold the goals of Pleasant Hill to grow a city that is safe, financially sound, wellplanned, maintains and improves the quality of life for its residents, and provides efficient and effective public service,” she said. “I offer new eyes to the same issues and bring a different perspective. I know together we can bring Pleasant Hill to be a leader in environmental policy, green infrastructure, growing communities through smart growth development and ensuring that Pleasant Hill offers top quality of life for all of our residents.”

‘DELIVERINGREALRESULTS’

Shess, who attended Pleasant Hill Elementary in the 1970s, has served community schools where he and his wife were instrumental in years of annual fundraising and the sports community, coaching and as a commissioner for the Pleasant Hill Baseball Association.

“Pleasant Hill has been the backdrop of some of my family’s greatest joys and toughest challenges, and everything in between,” said Shess.

The 19-year resident cites his 10 years on the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District, including three as board president, as some of his most fulfilling city contributions. He touts the creation of an allabilities children’s playground at Pleasant Oak Park, completing a comprehensive parks and facilities master plan, and coauthoring a diversity and equity policy that outlines the district’s approach to ensuring equitable opportunity for staff and the community.

“I believe Pleasant Hill residents are looking for leaders who offer pragmatic problemsolving with innovative solutions to move their community in the right direction. I see my experience leading a public district, listening to those residents, working with staff, and delivering real results makes me uniquely qualified to sit on the Pleasant Hill City Council,” he said.

“I have a proven track record of fiscal responsibility, facility and program expansions. I know how to get things done, and I’m ready to work hard and bring a fresh voice to our City Council to ensure our city remains a safe, economically vibrant and inclusive place to live and own a business.”

The top two vote-getters

will join a council in January that includes current Vice Mayor Timothy M. Flaherty, Ken Carlson and Matthew Rinn. Carlson is also on the November ballot, running for the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. Should he be elected, the Pleasant Hill

council would appointment a replacement.

The candidate forum hosted by the Chamber of Commerce is available at https://www.youtube.com/wa tch?v=pV_exMnBxTk.

Letters to the Editor

Tim McGallian best choice for Dist. 5

Councilmember Tim McGallian and challenger Laura Nakamura. I follow city politics and know both candidates. Both are good people focused on community service.

I am voting for Tim McGallian for three basic reasons: proven leadership, public safety, and his compassion and concern for all residents. Tim was mayor for two years during the pandemic and rallied resources to help those in need. He has supported our police officers, increased road repair funds, and is implementing solutions to housing and homelessness. He works hard on behalf of all Concord residents.

Laura Nakamura shares Tim McGallian’s concern for those in need, but unfortunately, she has also been an outspoken advocate for the Defund Concord Police movement.

While our city council was voting unanimously for needed police financial support and equipment, Laura was speaking out in opposition. Her frequent comments at city council meetings against funds and equipment for our understaffed police department are a matter of public record.

Mike McDermott Concord resident

Is this Leadership We Can Trust?

Jeff Wan’s comments during the League of Women Voters forum are at odds with his votes on The Olivia project.

“I mean ultimately it’s of critical importance that we are in compliance with the laws so to the extent that there’s a law that even if 100% of the community disagreed with it’s not an option to not be in compliance with the law… it is of critical importance that we are in compliance so I would never advocate for anything different.” - Jeff Wan

The Olivia was the exact scenario that Jeff is describing yet voted NO, not once but twice, against this project that was in full compliance of the law. When tested in court by a private lawsuit, the judge ruled that the city acted properly in approving the project. Was this to gain political favor amongst his supporters and to further the divide in our city created by Save Clayton?

This is leadership I cannot trust to make the right decisions for our city.

A.J. Chippero Clayton resident

If integity matters, it’s Billeter and Miller

People have asked me why does the Clayton City Council election matter and thusly argue that as a small town not much can go wrong if wrong candidates chosen. My logical side has to agree with this notion, but my moral side cannot. I’ve been a resident since 2017 and I’ve seen a variety of people come through as City Council members, candidates, appointees for Planning Commission and other committees and I’ve come to one common conclusion. Integrity matters.

As a small town that largely relies on volunteers to run its social and governmental matters, finding those volunteers that are stepping up for the right reasons matters.

Clayton isn’t about political power or a stepping stone to a higher office. It is about integrity and community. And doing the right thing for its people. This is why I will be casting my ballot for Ed Miller and Bridgett Billeter. Two candidates that give tirelessly and model what integrity means to our residents and future residents. If you choose integrity first, please placing your votes for these two quality candidates.

Terri Denslow Clayton resident

Concord Naval Weapons Project

My business, Golie’s Cleaners, has been located in Concord for 30 years. As a business owner, I chose to establish my business in Concord for a number of reasons: the community, location, and because I have experienced that the city leadership supports local and family-owned businesses.

Many small business owners are finding it harder and harder to survive and thrive in our changing world. The health of a community is undergirded by its local economy, of which small businesses are essential. I know of no other project that has the potential to promote and foster economic growth like the Concord Naval Weapons project. We need a project of this magnitude that will foster new jobs, economic opportunities and bolster small businesses over time with an influx of new customers, homebuyers and visitors. I encourage the City of Concord and all residents to support this vital project and move forward on making it a reality.

Golnaz Bakhtiari Concord resident

BILL BANKERT

SUE NOACK

ANDREI OBOLENSKIY

ZAC SHESS ZHANNA THOMPSON

Persimmons add lush flavor to your fall menus

My name is Bridget Billeter, and I am running for Clayton City Council. I am a longtime resident of Clayton and a lifetime member of the Clayton Valley community.

I am running for City Council to foster cooperation, increase efficiency, and unify the past, present, and future visions of Clayton.

Bridging our past, present, & future

DEBRA MORRIS FARMERS MARKET

When the season changes from summer to fall, persimmon trees begin to burst with gorgeous, bright orange fruit. Their autumn colors just shout “Fall is here” as farmers market booths begin to fill with this beautiful and delicious fruit.

Stroll through the market and you’ll see two distinct shapes and varieties of persimmons. Although there are hundreds of varieties, only two principal types are well known here in California: the Hachiya and Fuyu.

Hachiya persimmons are a beautiful fruit about the size of a medium peach. They are acorn-shaped with shiny, bright orange skin and pale green, papery leafy caps. As the fruit ripens, the skin dulls and takes on the texture of a water balloon. The astringent tannin evaporates, and the fruit

becomes sweeter.

Fuyu persimmons are squatter and rounder. The yelloworange color is not as brilliant as the Hachiya. It almost looks like a tiny pumpkin or perhaps a slightly flattened tomato. Unlike the Hachiya, the Fuyu can be consumed immediately. It is crisp, lightly sweet and crunchy, like a Fuji apple.

Both varieties are honey-like, sweet and rich. They have an apricot-like flavor, although some liken the flavor to plums, even pumpkins. The peels are edible.

Store both varieties at room temperature and eat them within a few days. Place them in a

paper bag to ripen them faster.

You’ll find Hachiya and Fuyu persimmons at the farmers market from J&J Ramos Farms out of Hughson. Purchasing them at your local farmers markets assures that they are of the highest quality and flavor. You will also be supporting local farmers and the communities in which they grow their fabulous produce.

Here are some ways to enjoy this lovely fall fruit:

Persimmon cookies or bread. The Hachiya variety is best for this because they soften nicely and are easily incorporated into your recipe.

Persimmon salad. Use sliceable Fuyu persimmons just as you would an apple.

Persimmon jam or butter. Use the Hachiya variety.

Roasted persimmons. For a tasty side dish to roasts, use Fuyu persimmons because they hold up under roasting conditions.

Persimmon crostini. Slice Fuyu persimmons on toasted baguette with brie or goat cheese.

For more information visit www.pcfma.org

Find the Fuyu and Hachiya persimmon varieties at the Concord Farmers Market.

Robert Balcerzak

P.O. Box 1246

6200 Center Street, Suite F, Clayton, CA

Robert “Backhoe Bob” Balcerzak died Sept 17.

Robert was born in Marilla, N.Y., on April 29, 1942, to Walter and Evalyn Balcerzak. He was happy to be 99.6% Polish.

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Robert attended Iroquois Central High School, graduating in June 1961. He was on the varsity wrestling and football teams, making All-Star teams in both.

Robert and his wife, Gloria Bauder, with their first child and another expected, drove cross-county to California. They settled first in Oakland, where he worked for several construction companies. They later moved to Walnut Creek, where their third daughter was born.

In 1970, Robert started his own business, B & B Excavating. He began building his dream home, a log cabin in Clayton surrounded by Mount Diablo State Park, in 1984.

Over almost 40 years, he

Pets

had horses, cows, goats, pigs, chickens, geese, turkeys and two emus on his property. He always had a Queensland heeler: Pumpkin, Harley, Buddy and Binkie.

In July 1989, Robert met Barbara, a dump truck driver, while working on the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. They married in 2005, merging their families.

He semi-retired in 2010 but continued to help friends and neighbors with small projects.

In his spare time, he liked to go trail riding with his dog and have a beer at the Clayton Club.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Evalyn Balcerzak, his brother Walter and sister Janet Engel.

Robert is survived by his wife, Barbara; his children, Valerie Dunn (Jorge Yanez), Laurie Balcerzak (Steve Eakle), Julie Balcerzak, Vin-

cent Ackerman (Sarah) and Amanda Montelongo (Julian); nine grandchildren, Matt Dunn, Nathan Yanez, Elise De Almeida, Mikayla and Michael Ligon, Rylie and Kody Montelongo, Sabrina and Donovan Ackerman; three great-grandchildren, Shelby, Lily and Maddie Dunn; and his brother, Ray-

mond (Jean).

Robert will be deeply missed.

“Aniołowie czekali u jego boku, aby zabrać go do niebiańskiego ojca.”

There will be a celebration of life 1-4 p.m. Oct. 30 at Old Marsh Creek Springs, 12510 Marsh Creek Road.

Learning to help socialize the anti-social rabbit

Rabbits are social creatures who need companionship to thrive. However, some rabbits may be fearful of people or other animals, making it difficult to socialize them.

more scared and less likely to want to interact, etc. Be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly to help your bunny adjust to a new place, person or experience. The whole point of socialization is to make the interaction fun and enjoyable. So, if your rabbit is not enjoying it, it’s time to try something else.

If you have an anti-social rabbit, here are some tips to help your furry friend become more confident and happy:

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Start slowly. Don’t try to force a rabbit to interact with people or other animals if they are not ready. Instead, start by simply petting them and letting them get used to your touch. Once they are comfortable with you, slowly introduce them to other people and animals

Use positive reinforcement. When your rabbit does interact with people or other animals, be sure to praise them and give them a treat. This will help them associate positive experiences with socialization and make it more likely that they will want to continue interacting.

Provide plenty of enrichment. A bored or stressed rabbit is more likely to be anti-social. Be sure to offer enrichment options for your rabbits, such as toys, tunnels and hiding spots. This will help keep them happy and occupied, making them more likely to want to socialize.

Seek professional help. If you are struggling to socialize your rabbit on your own, you may want to consult a veterinarian or animal behaviorist. They can provide you with additional tips and resources to help your furry friend become more confident and outgoing.

Educate your guests on rabbit body language. Be sure to help visitors understand when your rabbit is feeling scared or threatened, and they can adjust their behavior accordingly. When introducing your rabbit to people or other animals, do so in short sessions. This will help minimize any stress or anxiety

they may be feeling and make it more likely that the interaction will be positive.

Be patient. Socializing a fearful or shy rabbit takes time. Don’t get discouraged if your rabbit isn’t making progress as quickly as you’d like. Just keep working slowly and steadily. Eventually, your

furry friend will come around.

Don’t force socialization. If your rabbit is resistant to socialization, whether it be introducing them to new people, trying to take them to new places or experiencing new things, never force it. This will only make them

Socializing your anti-social rabbit takes time, patience and understanding. But using these tips, you can help your furry friend become more confident and outgoing. Just remember to go slowly, use positive reinforcement and provide plenty of enrichment.

You can contact Stephanie at cooperativecaretraining@gmail.com or 510-408-7162. Visit the website cooperativecaretraining.com for more information.

Adopt a new best friend at ARF in Walnut Creek

View available dogs and cats online at arflife.org or visit ARF in-person noon-6 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, with early-bird sign-in available beginning at 9 a.m. weekdays.

ARF’s team is excited to guide people in choosing a pet, share information about their history and behavior, and provide helpful resources. Here are a few adorable animals looking for love:

Radar. This 2-year-old dog is a super-sweet, easy-going, intelligent companion who is happy to greet everyone. Radar is always up for a new adventure. He enjoys going for walks and rides well in the car. Radar loves to receive treats and has mastered sit and stay commands for a yummy reward. He currently weighs 60 pounds.

ARF adoption fees: $250 for an adult dog, $375 for a puppy (<6 months), $150 for a special-needs dog, $200 for a special-needs puppy (<6

months), and $150 for a senior dog (7+ years). Adoption fees waived for U.S. military veterans.

Tommy: This 5-month-old cat is a handsome and sensitive big boy who is patiently awaiting a place he can call home. He’s a bit protective of his siblings and his space, but give him some time to get to know you and he will start slow-blinking at you with his stunning eyes. Tommy would like to go home to a quiet and patient adopter who can give him time to blossom. If available, Tommy would love to go

home with a littermate. Tommy has a positive history with other cats and may do well with cat-friendly dogs.

ARF adoption fees: $125 for an adult cat, $175 for a kitten (<6 months), $200 for two adult cats, $300 for two kittens, $75 for a special-needs cat, $100 for a special-needs kitten (<6 months), and $75 for a senior cat (7+ years).

Adoption fees waived for U.S. military veterans.

Visit ARF online at https://arflife.org/

RADAR

TOMMY

Allow your rabbit to get accustomed to your touch before interacting with other people or animals.

STEPHANIE ZABLAH-KRUGER BEYONDTHE LEASH

Election may foretell scary times ahead

While the little kids prance about as demons and monsters in a general goodwill scare-fest called Halloween, the big “kids” are more engrossed in a less than goodwill time featuring images of the same in what we call local elections.

These are the shadows upon that future Tuesday that will pronounce whether this all has been a trick or a treat.

The ghost of Roe. We will not see a direct battle

against declared pro-choice candidates in the very prochoice Bay Area, but I predict there will be an impact. With the Democrats pushing turnout, especially amongst women, there should be positive support for all female candidates as the sentiment appears to be sustained that women voters will favor women candidates. In Contra Costa, the number of women endorsed by the local Demo-

cratic Central Committee outnumbers their counter gender. This may be more prevalent when there is no incumbent.

The emotional demons. It’s often said that governance is about logic, but elections are about emotions. Look to see the fangs come out in close elections. The sad secret about negative attacks in politics is that if they did not work, they would not have been around for the last 240 years. Some-

times it takes a little finesse to see the more subtle negative ads. The best negative ad I have seen was one that was sent to Democrats that showed the Republican candidate with a backdrop of what was intended to be a Christian family at dinner saying grace and talking about a return to Christian values and prayer in school (even outside of algebra tests). There was not one negative word directly. In fact, it looked like a “rah-rah”

Campbell’s enthusiasm leads to marketing spot at Concord chamber

dedication to the chamber for the past three years. She has gone above and beyond her duties as administrative assistant through the transition between two president/CEO searches and especially through the pandemic.

MELISSA REA CONCORD CHAMBEROF COMMERCE

The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the promotion of Amanda Campbell from administrative assistant to events & marketing coordinator.

Campbell has shown great

Campbell’s creativity and willingness to try new things has resulted in implementing a branding strategy for the chamber, elevating the look while creating consistent messaging, as well as bringing the community together through fun marketing campaigns. She brought Holly the Holiday Elf to life in 2019 as a way to engage the membership. Holly lands in the chamber every Dec. 1 and visits local businesses while promoting them on social media.

The community started recognizing Campbell in pub-

AMANDA CAMPBELL

lic for her infamous TikTok videos across the chamber’s social media platforms. While some videos follow what is trending, Campbell adapts the messaging to reflect the chamber’s mission. Many videos promote chamber members, whether it be a ribbon-cutting

or actively visiting businesses to capture content.

Oftentimes, you will find Campbell around Concord with her husband and son, supporting local businesses and creating new memories in the city where she was born and raised. She graduated from Concord High School in 2009 and has worked in the area since, including Chuck E. Cheese in management and Chevrolet.

The chamber is excited for Campbell to join the team in a full-time capacity to help continue moving us forward.

Learn more about the Concord Chamber of Commerce at info@concordchamber.com. Or stop by the office at 2280 Diamond Blvd., #200, Concord or call 925685-1181. Email Amanda Campbell at acampbell@concordchamber.com.

Johnson & Johnson handbook touted good hygiene – along with its products

The booklet, found in many homes at the time, provided useful information on how best to keep a healthy home – with the aid of Johnson & Johnson products, of course.

DEBBIE EISTETTER THE WAY WE WERE

In the early years of the 20th century, our country was battling numerous outbreaks of influenza, diphtheria, tuberculosis and other communicable diseases.

It was, therefore, of utmost importance to educate citizens about how these diseases were caused by microorganisms, invisible to the naked eye, and how their spread could be slowed or prevented by actions taken in the home.

Johnson & Johnson published a household booklet in 1924 with the very long title, “Suggestions for the Care of the Sick and the Prevention of the Spread of Disease. Hygiene and Sanitation in the Household. Toilet Hints.”

It was said to have been “compiled from the latest and best authorities,” with its aim “to help the reader keep well.”

Part 1 provided a detailed account of the many communicable diseases, how they were spread and how they might be avoided. It advised patient isolation in a well-ventilated room with the floor, walls, linens, food dishes and the patient’s body kept scrupulously clean.

Part 2 dealt with returning the “sick room” to regular use by disinfecting the area with formaldehyde and sulfuric fumigators.

Part 3 covered the care of babies in the summer. Many infant illnesses and deaths occurred in this season because bottles containing milk became warm, allowing the growth of harmful microorganisms. Bottles and nipples needed to be boiled in hot water for five minutes. And, the guided noted: “Keep (baby’s) skin clean and well powdered with Johnson’s Baby Powder.”

Parts 4 and 5 discussed first aid and avoiding accidents. A First Aid Manual with “over 140 pages and over 100 illustrations, some in 2 colors” was available for purchase along with kits to be used for emergencies at home or on the road.

The “Housekit” included

aromatic spirits of ammonia, iodine, gauze, bandages, absorbent cotton and safety pins. The “Travelkit” was ideal for the “Boy Scout, the Autoist and the Sportsman.”

The final portion of the booklet contained “toilet hints,” along with the products needed to keep the teeth and body in excellent working order. Two types of toothpaste were available; both contained essential oils “to make them agreeable to the taste.” The consumer could choose either a chalk or neutral soap base.

The star of Johnson & Johnson’s health product offerings was its Synol Soap, manufactured in 1901 for physicians

requesting a disinfectant. Available in liquid or cake form, it had a strong smell due to a wood tar derivative and was said to be able to clean and disinfect just about anything: hands, baby bottles, pimples, floors, laundry, etc. It was also excellent for removing makeup, treating dandruff and bad breath, preserving shoe leather, removing typewriter ribbon stains and myriad other uses. A wonder product in use until the 1950s.

Debbie Eistetter is a board member of the Clayton Historical Society. For more information or to become a member, visit their web site claytonhistory.org.

for the candidate – except the target was 100% opposite those expected supporters of those views.

The monster under the bed. Fear is a great motivator, lurking in the extremes that are reflected on the various candidates regardless of the reality of what they value or think. Fear is more often tied to what will happen if you elect X rather than what you can avoid by voting for Y, as in: “They are under the influence of a special interest that will take your money.”

So, what’s next? After all the bloodletting and poisoned pen fliers, we will still have to sit down and govern with each other. It is for that reason that I always maintain an open door … or coffee cup at Peet’s Coffee policy and welcome engagement with those who see things differently regardless of how different.

One of the real spooky things going on right now is that people are not talking to one an-

EDI BIRSAN PULSEOF CONCORD

other, literally. We have evolved into the 21st century equivalent of writing on bathroom walls in high school: the internet.

In the current survey at www.pulseofconcord.com, I have questions on positions such as local elections and Roe, or ethnic profiling and the like. Give it a try. After the ballot box settles in November, we can take a look at just what is in our bag of tricks and treats.

The views herein are those of Edi Birsan and not representative of any organized or disorganized group. Want to have coffee? Email EdiBirsan@gmail.com.

Concord’s ‘State Streets’ residents a friendly bunch

Construction of homes in the State Streets began in the 1950s, with the majority in the 1960s and some in the 1970s. From what I can research, Baldocchi built the original homes. The sales company was Argo. One resident has an old flier advertising homes from Argo.

LYNNE FRENCH REAL ANSWERS

Q. Why does the “State Streets” neighborhood seems associated with both Concord and Clayton?

A. Clayton Valley Highlands is affectionately called “the State Streets” because all of the streets have the names of states – Wisconsin, Nebraska, Michigan and so on. The area is part of Concord, but people who live there feel a part of the Clayton community as well. They attend festivities in Clayton such as Concerts in The Grove, the Art & Wine Festival and Oktoberfest. Concord has these types of activities as well, especially near downtown, but residents of the Highlands often head to Clayton instead.

Clayton Valley Highlands is in southeast Concord, just east of the Cal State East Bay campus. When Concord was incorporated on Feb. 5, 1905, the areas in the surrounding Ygnacio Valley and Clayton Valley –where Clayton Valley Highlands now stands – were largely agricultural. Crops included wheat, hay, tomatoes, grapes, walnuts and almonds. During Prohibition, farmers removed many vineyards and replaced them with walnut orchards.

East of that area, where the Concord Naval Weapons Station is now, were a few enormous wheat ranches of more than 5,000 acres. It was all wheat bordering Suisun Bay.

The population of Clayton Valley Highlands is 4,684. I interviewed several residents for this column. One thing they like is that it is a walkable area. It has a walkability score of 74, and some residents do all of their errands on foot. It has a high bikeable score, too. The crime rate is relatively low, and most residents feel safe in this neighborhood.

There are two shopping centers adjacent to the neighborhood. In Clayton Station and the Clayton Valley Shopping Center, you will find Safeway, Walgreens, Peet’s Coffee, numerous restaurants of a variety of cuisines, sandwich shops, nail and hair salons, Ross Dress for Less and more. Residents also like the proximity to the Concord Pavilion for concerts.

There seems to be a real sense of community, with people telling me about long-term friendships. After interviewing many residents of different neighborhoods recently, I found these people to be the most friendly, open and cheerful.

Residents point to the quality of the schools and the fact that there is choice of more than one school and the possibility of a transfer to a school of choice. There are many options for day care, too.

They also like that there are mostly single-story houses. As a real estate professional, I will say that is a great selling point.

Lynne French is a Realtor with Compass Real Estate and captain of the Lynne French Team. Contact her at lynne@lynnefrench.com or 925-6728787.

Today’s tech environment impacts mental health

If you are not feeling at your most emotionally stable, and have not for the past couple of years, rest assured you are in good company.

NATHALIE MONTIJO NEW WAVE

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 21% of Americans age 18 or older met the crite-

ria of having “Any Mental Illness” (AMI) in 2020.

Although later statistics are not yet available, it is a fair bet that things have not improved significantly.

AMI includes any emotional, mental and/or behavioral disorder. The severity of illnesses included in the

AMI definition range from causing negligible difficulty to the individual’s ability to function all the way to crippling impairment.

The prevalence appears greater in females (25.8%) than males (15.8%). There is a staggering disparity in the rate of mental illness among

age groups, with the highest concentration found in Americans 18-25 (30.6%).

The prevalence in those 2649 was 25.3%, and those at the older end of the spectrum (50+) had a rate of 14.5%.

Mental health is determined by many factors,

including genetics, environment, economics, relationships, community support, societal pressure and trauma. While these have always been present, one could argue that the whole picture has never looked anything like it does today.

Photo courtesy Clayton Historial Society

What You Need to Know About Misinformation and Disinformation

The effects of misinformation and disinformation (also called “fake news”) are damaging to public trust in institutions and elections, and pose a threat to democracy itself. Learn how to spot misinformation/disinformation and steps you can take to help stop it.

What Are Misinformation and Disinformation?

Misinformation: Inadvertently sharing false information without the intent to harm.

Example: Your sister says that the latest local bill will raise taxes because that’s what she heard from a trusted friend.

Disinformation: Intentionally sharing false information with the intent to harm.

Example: Your sister lies that the latest local bill will raises taxes because she knows that’s the only way you won’t support it.

How to Spot Misinformation and Disinformation

We’re all susceptible to mis- and disinformation, but these steps will help you spot it:

Consider the source: Who’s sharing this information? Does the URL look strange? (For example, an ".edu" domain followed by ".co" or “lo” is often a fake site.) Check the About page for verifiable information. Is there evidence of partisanship or bias? (See AllSides' bias rating which categorizes news outlets by ideological groups. The Pew Research Center shows trust levels of news sources by Ideological groups.) Is it an ad designed to look like news?

Check the date: It’s easy to get incensed over an article on Twitter...only to realize it was published years ago and no longer applies.

Cross-check: Check trustworthy, reliable news sources to see if they are reporting the same information. Don't rely on social media as your news source - remember that social media and search engine algorithms often present stories that reinforce your current views, rather than a balanced perspective. Seek a variety of sources, from all sides of the political spectrum. (See AllSides Balanced News, which shows the day’s top news stories from the Left, Center and Right sources side-by-side so you can see the full picture.)

Read past the headline: You know how tabloids post scandalous headlines and follow them with articles that are relatively mundane? Unfortunately, political outlets do that too. It’s easy to take a snippet out of context to make an article look like it will be more dramatic than it actually is.

Question emotionally charged content:

If

Is the person or post using emotionally manipulative language? That’s a red flag. Reliable sources let the facts influence your response, not emotional language. Check out some examples of loaded language. How to Stop Misinformation and Disinformation

When you spot inaccurate information, follow these tips to keep it from spreading:

How to Stop Misinformation and Disinformation

Don’t engage: Every like, click, share, and comment contributes to the piece’s rate of engagement, which tells the website that they should show it to more people and tells the search algorithms to show you more content like this. Many outlets take advantage of this, posting headlines that they know will have you firing back a response – because good or bad, that response will promote their piece. (Reader Beware: Some people are paid in either money or political influence to produce and repeat fake news via social media and the internet.)

Don’t repeat bad information. Studies show that repeating bad information, even to debunk it, makes people more likely to remember the bad information and not your accurate information. Find ways to call out the bad information without repeating it.

Do share accurate trustworthy information. Without mentioning the wrong information, set the record straight by sharing the correct messages. (See Resource List.)

Do report and block when needed. Whenever you see disinformation online, report it to ReportDisinfo.org. You can also report most social media posts to the platforms themselves. Block users you don’t know who share mis- or disinformation.

contact them privately if you want to dis-

think the content they’re sharing is true and important, and that can make it tough to talk about. Be respectful and courteous, and use a supportive and positive tone.

See the LWVDV Civil Discourse team page for suggestions on how to have courteous, constructive conversations characterized by mutual respect, openness and attentive listening.

Also see PEN America’s page with tips about How to Talk to Friends and Family Who Share Misinformation.

Resources

Voting and Elections

Fact-finding

From the desk of...

Concord’s VIPs program a shining example of integrity

sions, and through volunteer opportunities.

DOMINIC ALIANO CONCORD MAYOR

The city’s mission is to join with our community to make Concord a city of the highest quality.

“To join with” means that our residents and businesses are at the heart of what we do, and it is our responsibility to respond to our community’s needs.

It also means we partner with our residents in more concrete ways, including through the dedicated service of those who participate on our many boards and commis-

One of our most active and visible partners are our Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS), a program comprised of local volunteers committed to serving the city. As a Concord Police Department workgroup, the VIPS adhere to the same vision and commitment to integrity and service that govern other police department members.

In April 1988, the Concord Police Department initiated a formal police volunteer program. Prior to that, there were only a few community members assisting the department on an informal, limited basis.

However, Police Department staff wanted to provide additional services to the public and improve internal operations beyond the level that paid staffing allowed.

A volunteer program was launched as part of the Community Relations & Crime Prevention Unit, and the VIPS

Review the issues, then don’t forget to vote

inspired Assembly Bill 37 that requires election officials to mail a ballot to every registered, active voter in every election going forward. This allows voters to cast ballots in advance of election day, when it may suit their schedule best.

program was born. By 1989, there were 12 VIPS who performed a variety of tasks directly assisting police operations. This early success laid the foundation for future program expansion.

Today, VIPS has more than 30 active volunteers who assist with public events in Concord, such as the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair, Holiday Tree Lighting and National Night Out.

The program’s highest trained volunteers carry out patrols several times each

week to conduct vacation house checks – a free service to residents who are out of town, report abandoned shopping carts and check the automatic flashing traffic signals throughout the city.

Volunteers assist staff at PD’s public counter, prepare domestic violence resource materials for distribution to victims of abuse, and organize information packets on the city’s security alarm registration requirements, which are mailed to residents.

From January through

Aug. 31, 2022, our VIPS have contributed more than 3,000 hours of volunteer service to the city.

On behalf of our City Council, Police Department and all city staff, I thank them for their dedication to our community and our mission.

Those interested in applying to participate in the VIPS program can find an application online at www.cityofconcord.org/VIPS. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma, and participate in an interview,

background check and orientation.

I encourage anyone who is interested in this program to learn more about it. And I hope that all of our residents will consider what role they want to play in fulfilling our collective mission and joining with us to make Concord a city of the highest quality.

Email questions and comments to the mayor at Dominic.Aliano@cityofconcord.org

Clayton website a key source of information for residents

importance regularly on social media platforms. They also make a concerted effort to present vital information on the front page of the city’s website, www.clayton.ca.gov.

PETER CLOVEN CLAYTON MAYOR

As mayor, a primary goal of mine has been to make transparency a key focus of my term.

My past Pioneer articles have discussed issues that are important to our residents, including housing, budget and maintenance. City staff are encouraged to post items of

Links to City Council and Planning Commission meeting agendas and video are available for review. I encourage all residents to watch the replays for themselves and draw their own conclusions. This is preferable to reading self-promoting summary opinions of council agendas and meetings on social media or blogs.

If you haven’t visited the city webpage recently, check out the “Buttons” on the front page. These allow easy access to “hot topic items” of importance to our community, some of which are discussed below.

Polling data. Information from a city-hired polling company is available at the bottom of the city webpage, “Results of Survey of Clayton Voters

Regarding Potential Tax Measure.” I believe we derived significant value from these results that provided clear direction to the City Council. It prevented wasteful spending of time and effort for a November tax initiative.

Councilmember Jeff Wan once said if we all pitched in a little bit, a November 2022 tax measure would be “an easy argument to make … that would get widespread support.”

At a Feb. 1, 2022, council meeting, there was general unanimity among the council of a need for a parcel tax measure with an “escalator.”

KAREN MITCHOFF COUNTY SUPERVISOR

Every election has a variety of important issues that deserve your attention, and the upcoming Nov. 8 election is no different – from electing school board members to city council members to propositions and measures.

Each item plays a role in our government, both in who is governing and how they govern. I hope you will take the time to familiarize yourself with the candidates and propositions and ultimately cast your ballot on, or before, Nov. 8.

If you aren’t already registered to vote, the deadline to register for this election is Oct. 24. You may register online at https://registertovote.ca.gov or in-person at 555 Escobar St., Martinez. If you are 16 or 17 year olds, you can get a head start and preregister to vote now. Your registration will become valid on your 18th birthday.

In 2021, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the COVID-

Voters can still choose to vote in-person at their polling place or a Regional Early Voting location. There are five Regional Early Voting locations: Alamo, Brentwood, Pittsburg, Richmond and Walnut Creek. These locations are open on Friday, Saturday and Monday immediately prior to election day.

You may return your ballot by mail in its postage-paid envelope or return it to one of the 37 permanent and secure vote-by-mail drop off locations that are available 24/7 across the county. For District 4, there is one in Clayton, two in Concord, three in Pleasant Hill and three in Walnut Creek. These boxes can hold hundreds of ballots. Two-person teams empty them daily to maintain security.

Most importantly, don’t forget to sign your vote by mail ballot. Each signature is verified before it is counted.

For more information on registering to vote, Regional Early Voting locations or to locate your closest drop-box, please visit www.cocovote.us.

Please feel free to call my office with any questions at 925-6552350 or email supervisormitchoff@bos.cccounty.us.

I will be retiring from the Pleasant Hill City Council this December after completing my 20th year on the council and my fifth term as mayor. Before that, I’d like to reflect on what the city has accomplished during my tenure.

Pleasant Hill was not my first rodeo. I got into public service after I graduated from law school in 1985 while a resident of Moraga. I served six years on the Moraga Planning Commission and then was elected to a four-year term on the Moraga City Council. When I moved to Pleasant Hill after my term, I never thought I’d hold public office

The discussion starts at 1:37 in the video replay of that meeting. However, May 2022 polling data clearly showed this year was not the year to do so. The data also showed a “trust” concern in the current council.

To be clear, the council has the collective experience to pass budgets and review cost cutting/revenue generating measures. However, the data suggested it would be prudent to find a “trusted” source to review structural deficits and communicate the need for future tax measures to residents (if necessary).

This finding was the impetus for my request to form a Citizens Financial Advisory Committee, which the council

Cloven,

Reviewing Pleasant Hill’s progress since 1999

again.

But that all changed in 1999 when I was appointed to the Pleasant Hill Planning Commission. What a great opportunity to use my skills and background to help my new hometown. While on the Planning Commission, I was involved in the creation of the new Pleasant Hill downtown. Well, what a change that made to our small city.

Gertrude Stein once said of Oakland, “There is no there there.” Many had said the same thing about Pleasant Hill before the new downtown – but they couldn’t say that now that we had a community gathering place, a large movie complex, and lots of great restaurants and shops in one central location.

More recently, I was involved in redeveloping the out-of-date Ward’s shopping center into the family-friendly Crossroads (Kohl’s) Shopping

Center we have today.

One of earliest experiences as a council member was chairing the city’s General Plan Advisory Committee. A large group of stakeholders was involved in helping determine what our city would look like for the next two decades.

It was a challenging, exciting and important contribution to help our city move forward during the next 20 years. And now, the city is in the process of renewing the General Plan for the next several decades.

At the same time, because of my experience as a professor and policy maker at UC Berkeley, I was asked to serve on the Contra Costa County Managed Care Commission –the organization that runs the county’s health-care system.

There, I chaired another large commission representing various stakeholders in the county. Our goal was to develop a countywide health-care system

that would provide the best health-care possible for county employees and others Contra Costa residents. During my 12 years on that commission, I think we came a long way to meeting that goal.

In 2002, city leaders asked me to run for City Council. I had run an election campaign in Moraga, but running in Pleasant Hill was a whole new experience. The city was more than twice the size of Moraga, with a much more diverse population with significant differences of opinion as to the city’s future direction.

I ran and I won, and so began one of the most significant journeys of my life, serving the residents of this great city. I’ll cover that experience in my next columns.

Email questions and comments for Mayor Harris to mharris4ph@gmail.com

Diablo Canyon will help keep the lights on in California

In years past, our community has been hit particularly hard by Public Safety Power Shutoffs and power outages.

These outages are more than inconvenient – they can be extremely dangerous for seniors, individuals who need refrigerated medicine and electric medical equipment, and anyone without alternate access to cooling during heat waves.

As climate change continues to place additional strains on our electricity grid, it’s

become more important than ever to have reliable zero-carbon energy. That is why I was proud to support a bill from Sen. Bill Dodd to extend the life of Diablo Canyon, California’s only nuclear power facility.

Diablo Canyon sits along the coast near San Luis Obispo and has been in operation since 1985. Every year, the plant produces 18,000 gigawatt-hours of electricity, which is equal to the energy needs of more than 3 million

people. A full history of the power plant can be found on diablocanyonpanel.org.

In June 2016, PG&E, the operator of the plant, announced plans to close Diablo Canyon. The California Public Utilities Commission would later approve the plan. In 2018, it was decided that Diablo Canyon would be fully decommissioned by 2025.

Then in August 2020, California experienced forced rotating electricity outages for

the first time in 20 years.

Nearly half a million customers were caught off-guard by the first outage, which came during the middle of a heat wave affecting most of the western United States and when many Californians were working or staying home to stop the spread of COVID19.

It is simply unacceptable for the fifth largest economy in the world to not have enough electricity to keep the

lights on for its people, and decommissioning Diablo Canyon would exacerbate that problem.

Currently, California is thousands of megawatts short of the electricity we need, and this power plant supplies nearly 10% of the state’s total electricity – and 17% of California’s zero-carbon electricity overall.

At the end of our legisla-

MICHAEL G. HARRIS PLEASANT HILL MAYOR

unanimously approved at the Oct. 4, 2022, meeting. I envision finding a group of “trusted” professionals with government, finance and accounting backgrounds that will act autonomously in their review of past and future city finances. In doing so, this group would inform citizens of their findings, devise possible solutions and advise the council, which will choose future actions based on the information provided. If you are interested in giving back to the city in this capacity, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

Finances/budget. At staff’s request, the council approved Clayton’s use of a new software tool, ClearGov. This migrated the budgeting process from multiple, non-

connected spreadsheets and final hard copy to an online interactive platform. Residents can access Clayton’s 2023 “Digital Budget Book” at the top of the front page of the city website. Residents can now view the intricacies of our city budget, where revenue is generated and how funds are spent.

Development/planning. City staff made tremendous efforts to inform residents and request input for the collaborative preparation of the draft Housing Element to submit to the state this year. After numerous social and print media efforts, select council members and a small group of resident volunteers took it upon themselves to hand deliver city-prepared informational door hangers to

each of the 4,000+ homes of Clayton residents informing them of ways to give input in the planning process for 570 units of housing. Access to Clayton’s draft Housing Element is available on the front page of the city website.

Weekly city manager’s report. Residents can now keep up with the weekly efforts of the different department staff (e.g., community development, maintenance, engineering, police and city manager). I am continually amazed by the amount of work that gets done by our small but mighty staff. At my direction, the weekly report is now available at the bottom of the city website’s front page under “Current Issue: City Manager Report.”

As always, you can reach me at peterc@claytonca.gov or 925-673-7320.

tive session this year, my colleagues and I – led by Dodd –worked with the administration to find a commonsense solution that would keep Diablo Canyon open beyond 2025, protect ratepayer’s pocketbooks and ensure California continues to make progress on reaching net zero carbon emissions. The bill (SB 846), which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law, credits market revenues back to ratepayers and limits the ability for the operator to earn profits.

SB 846 also invests $1 billion to support a Clean Energy Reliability Investment Plan to accelerate California’s procurement of renewable energy and the deployment of clean energy resources. And, importantly, this new law will help improve reliability of energy service.

It is my hope that our action to keep Diablo Canyon operating will help us keep the lights on for California fami-

lies, while minimizing carbon emissions.

But the reality is that until we address the root causes of climate change, we will continue to face problems like power-rationing and service disruptions. That’s why I was proud this year to help pass a landmark plastic pollution

reduction bill, establish a statewide goal of carbon neutrality by no later than 2024, and support a budget investment of nearly $54 billion to fight climate change, including cutting air pollution by 60%.

If you’d like to learn more about my work to protect our environment and energy grid, or other matters important to you, call my Concord office at 925-521-1511.

Valley

Natasha Paul named 2022-23 County Teacher of the Year

Concord teacher Natasha Paul now reigns as one of two Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year during this 202223 school year after she was honored along with Chavonta Edington from the San Ramon Valley Unified School District last month during the County’s 50th annual Teacher of the Year Gala at the Lesher Center in Walnut Creek.

Paul is in her first semester teaching at Concord High after 16 years at her alma mater, Mt. Diablo.

The two county honorees are now in the running for the California State Teachers of the Year program.

“Congratulations to Contra Costa County’s newest Teachers of the Year,” County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey said. “Chavonta and Natasha represent all teaching professionals in the county, and we are cheering for them as they head to the state Teacher of the Year program.

“All of the honored educators deserve our thanks. We appreciate them for their hard work but also for the guidance and relationships they have forged with students, giving them inspiration for college and careers in the future as well as the confidence to take on academic challenges they will face throughout their educational journeys.”

Paul is a 19-year teaching veteran, spending 16 of those years at Mt. Diablo starting in the fall of 2003. From 20172020 Paul worked for the Mount Diablo Unified School District as an instructional mentor for teachers with provisional credentials starting their careers in MDUSD middle and high schools.

Natasha Paul was honored last month at the Lesher Center as one of two Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year for 2022-23. She was joined by husband Jeff Paul at the ceremony. Their daughters Lorelei and Rhiannon along with her colleagues celebrated the victory for the Mt. Diablo Unified School District teacher. She taught for 16 years at her alma mater, Mt. Diablo High, before transferring this fall to Concord High. She shares the County TOY title with Chavonta Edington of Diablo Vista Middle School in San Ramon.

Although she enjoyed the position it was eliminated when the district made cutbacks in 2020 so she returned to Mt. Diablo for the past two years.

While in her mentoring position that took her to various district middle and high school sites, she was impressed with the leadership at Concord High of principal Rianne Pfaltzgraff, which prompted Paul to put in a transfer request to Concord. That transfer came through in May and a month later Pfaltzgraff announced she was taking an administrative position in Oakley, closer to her East County home.

So now Paul is working for new Concord High principal Julene MacKinnon. “I’ve never been anywhere but Mount, so this is a really awesome new experience,” Paul says. She graduated from Mt. Diablo in 1991 and went to Diablo Valley College and Cal Poly SLO before getting her teaching credential through Saint Mary’s College.

She is a member of the National Council of Teachers, California Teachers Association, California Association of Teachers of English and a Board Member of a Curriculum Study Commission where she helps plan and implement an annual conference for English and ELD teachers.

Paul is currently taking courses through Cal State East Bay to earn a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. Her other educational passion is championing equality grading practices which she implemented with colleagues at Mt. Diablo.

Taking on leadership roles in staff development, Paul has served as a WASC Committee Co-Chair, Planning committee member of an Immigration Resources Fair, 9th grade English Lead Teacher, ACME Academy Co-Lead Teacher and in 2022 was part of the Equitable Grading PLC at Mt. Diablo. Additionally, she has served as

Photo courtesy CCCOE

JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

See Teacher,

NICOLE HACKETT GARDEN GIRL

Fall is the season for updating landscape areas and installing foundation plants.

Our temperatures are perfect for planting; warm days and cool nights make for happy installations.

Folks have started to trickle into the nursery seeking shrubs, trees, groundcovers and ornamental grasses that need less water to thrive, and can tolerate heat, occasional drying winds and lots of sun. California natives along with Australian and Mediterranean plants have consistently proven they can take all that our environment has to dish out.

Install these droughttolerant plants this fall

leaves cover this round shrub.

Commonly called Pride of Madeira, echium will reach at least 6 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide. During spring, stalks of purple flowers point toward the sky. The stalks are made up of hundreds of star-shaped flowers, and honeybees love this plant.

Verbena lilacina de la Mina and Salvia Winnifred Gilman are great accessory native installations. They are sturdy, heavy bloomers to consider if you’re planting native. Carex pansa and Carex divulsa are native ornamental grasses that thrive in our local landscapes.

PLANTS FROM DOWN UNDER

Tough as nails in our extremes, Australian plants are interesting and need little to keep them happy. Most people adore Grevillea, which is a huge family of Australian plants. To keep things short, I will mention Grevillea Coastal Gem and Grevillea Long John.

Coastal Gem is an evergreen groundcover. Twisting branches grow from the center out, almost looking like tentacles. Small, grayish-green leaves line the arms, and dark salmon-colored blossoms appear fall through spring.

roo Paws, Correa, Westringia and Mahonia. All excellent.

RETHINKINGOLEANDER

Some of our favorite Mediterranean plants are also superior in Clayton Valley landscapes. It’s surprising how many there are.

Oleander used to be a dirty word in the nursery, but now folks are seeking this evergreen out. Its attributes are that it keeps its leaves, blooms all summer, has dwarf varieties, and is both deer- and gopher-resistant. Aside from being poisonous, it’s relatively perfect.

TRY MANZANITAOR ECHIUM

Manzanita is a recognizable native for our landscapes.

Howard McMinn creates a hardy hedge along a property line, or plant in a series on a hillside. Reaching 3-4 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide, this shrub is exceptional. The bark is dark crimson, and the white flowers of spring contrast nicely along its branches.

Echium is a large, dramatic California native shrub that makes a specimen planting. Palmate style, grayish-green

Long John has a thin leaf that looks like a pine with reddish bark. This evergreen will grow 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide. You’ll find red clusters of flowers sprinkled along this focal planting from mid-fall through late spring.

Acacia Cousin Itt is a patented evergreen that grows just as you’d expect it from its name. This shrub doesn’t bloom, but the foliage is lush and green. It is hard to believe that it needs so little water to be so happy.

Other honorable mentions for Australian plants are Kanga-

Lavender and rosemary both come our way via the Mediterranean. Fruitless olive trees and bushes also make great focal installations in a landscape. Try euphorbia plants for nice sub shrub additions. With so many colors of foliage, there’s a contrast plant for any other installation.

This is the time to get going and make changes in your landscape. There are many fabulous choices that are great for our environment – more than one can mention in a single column.

Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. You can contact her with questions or comments by email at gardengirl94517@yahoo.com

Concord

Proven Leadership

staff available to help with design ideas and land-

GARDEN PRIDE OF MEDIERA

GREVILLEA LONG JOHN FLOWERS

The Experienced Choice for Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder

Nightingale

Basic foundational realities such as one’s physical address and concrete resources (food, money) have the same impact on a young person in 2022 as they did on one in 1922, but there are a lot more “realities” at play.

Technology is such an overarching part of nearly everyone’s life that it is difficult to remember a time before. The cell phone, which is probably within 6 inches of your hand right now, is more powerful than the original huge Big Blue computer kept in a refrigerated room at IBM and discussed in hushed and reverent tones. The information Baby Boomers and Gen Xers drove to the library to look up in card catalogs and hard cover texts is now two clicks away and generally much more extensive.

While the Computer Age has made truly incredible

things simply routine, it has also exacted a terrible price on the young. One of the advantages of being older and less tech savvy is the ability to differentiate between reality and fantasy. Those above a certain age (perhaps 45?) look at Instagram and see play acting –low-level theater.

For those who came of age in the ’70s to ’90s, there was always a fashion magazine to open, flip through and experience immediate feelings of inadequacy in comparison to the images portrayed. However, the lines were clearly drawn, and one had some agency. Looking at fashion magazines was not an inevitable part of daily life for everyone. Being online is, for practical purposes, not optional – especially for Gen Zers who conduct many if not most relationships in the virtual arena.

So how can we help this

Teacher, from page 12

Participating Teacher for Student Teachers affiliated with several local universities and has contributed to numerous professional development conferences and workshops over the course of her career.

Paul recently received the Certificate of Mastery from the 2021-2022 Modern Classrooms Project Mentorship Program.

“My greatest pride has been working with the career academies at Mt. Diablo,” Paul said. “The first 14 years of my career I worked with an incredible, innovative group of teachers in the Digital Safari Academy there. Together, we built the program from a twoyear, 11th and 12th grade multi-

media curriculum focused on project-based learning, to a four-year, 9th-12th dual pathway program, incorporating multimedia, computer science, art, English and social studies.”

“Natasha has developed as a leader who models innovative teaching strategies through reflection and dedication to improving students’ well-being and overall learning outcomes,” MDUSD Instructional Coach Jeanne M. Johnson said. “She exhibits strength in vulnerability when challenged, which is a great model for our students. Natasha works very hard to create a balance between challenging her students and making them feel safe and cared for.”

unprecedented group stay safe and sane?

“The good news is that Gen Z has normalized open conversations about mental health, and they are also prioritizing self-care,” notes psychologist and trauma specialist Mark Montijo.

He believes that the best way concerned families and friends can help is to be present and listen.

“Listening with a genuine and authentic presence is one of the most powerful interventions we can offer. When we listen generously to people, they can hear the truth in themselves.”

Montijo and other mental health professionals stress that it is not necessary to answer with “magic words” aimed at providing a solution. He recommends simply being present, listening generously and withholding judgment.

Please send your comments and question to Nathalie at newwavenightingale@gmail.com.

Paul attended Monte Gardens Elementary and Glenbrook Middle School growing up before going to Mt. Diablo. Her two daughters attend MDUSD schools.

Edington and Paul were selected as winners from four county finalists. The other two finalists were Serina Culleton of Donald Rheem Elementary in Moraga School District and Paula Rathert of Murwood Elementary in Walnut Creek School District.

The finalists were chosen from the 19 district teachers of the year who represented 16 school districts, the county office and community college district. Among those 19 finalists was another Mt. Diablo High teacher and 2007 graduate Katalina Gallo, who was taught by Paul in the Digital Safari Academy.

The Pioneer, Section B

JAY BEDECARRÉ

The word “streak” and De La Salle High School football are going to be inextricably connected until the end of time, or at least until high schools switch entirely to playing flag football.

“The Streak” refers, of course, to the 151-game undefeated run for the Spartans from the beginning of the 1992 season until 2004 when the steak ended. That season De La Salle lost three times and tied once in its first five games before rebounding to win its final six and the North Coast Section championship.

Not only did De La Salle High School of Concord, California gain a national reputation with that fabled, historic achievement, but a major motion picture and multiple books were spawned as well to burnish the story.

In the past two years De La Sale has seen a number of other remarkable steaks come to an end. After losing three of its first six games this year the Spartans had endured six losses in a span of 17 games.

During that time:

• Its 318-game unbeaten run from 1991 against teams from north of Fresno was halted at Saint Francis of Mountain View.

• Folsom defeated DLS in the Northern California Division I-AA Bowl Championship last December that

ended DLS’s perfect mark of appearing in a State Bowl game every year since its inception in 2006

• That was also the first time the Spartans lost to a California public school since 2008 in the State Bowl finals to Centennial-Corona, and the first defeat to a NorCal public school since the 1991 loss to Pittsburg in the NCS finale at the Oakland Coliseum.

• The 2021 and 2022 seasons are the first time DLS has lost at least three games each

in consecutive years since Bob Ladouceur took over the head coaching reins in 1979. And all but one of those six losses the past two seasons were to teams from NorCal.

Before fans of other schools get too excited however, remember that this season’s three losses have come against the only three teams in Northern California ranked higher than De La Salle—Serra-San Mateo, Folsom and Saint Mary’s-Stockton. Those three schools have a combined 22-1

record this year and the lone defeat was when Folsom fell 17-12 to Serra.

De La Salle’s unbeaten streak against North Coast Section teams since 1991 is still intact. The only time they did not defeat a Section foe headto-head in that time was in 2004 when they tied Clayton Valley.

Ancient rivals Pittsburg and CVCHS might have their eyes on a chance to stop the Spartans from winning a 30th successive Section title this season.

Pitt’s only loss in seven

games so far was to Folsom while Clayton Valley’s Ugly Eagles have rebounded from a tough 1-3 start to the season with three straight wins and will host De La Salle in the final game of the regular season.

Clayton Valley has transitioned away from its near total reliance on a ground-oriented attack as this season has progressed. Pittsburg transfer quarterback Christian Aquilar has used his experience running a spread offense with the Ugly Eagles aggressive ground

game to mesh with running backs Micah Avery and Nicholas Khashabi for the three straight wins while the team has scored 159 points in its past four games.

De La Salle and CVCHS have identical 4-3 records entering their eighth round of games and each face a pair of East Bay Athletic League opponents before their battle for Concord supremacy at Gonsalves Stadium Nov. 4.

This might be the year for a new king in North Coast, but high school football observers with long memories caution anyone counting out De La Salle when the post-season rolls around.

DAL CHAMPIONSHIP IN COLLEGE PARK’S GRASP

First place in the Diablo Athletic League Valley División appears to be College Park’s for the taking. The Falcons edged Concord 34-28 two weeks ago in the league opener that also appears to be the league deciding game.

Over the final three weeks of the DAL season College Park (4-3 overall and 2-0 in league) faces three opponents with losing records.

Concord (6-1, 1-1) will be favored in its final three games as well but can do only win all three to enhance its record in anticipation of a positive Division IV seeding for the NCS playoffs, pending a CP upset.

4th) 2.5 bathrooms, 1927 sq.ft. single story on a 8856 sq.ft level lot. Elegantly updated kitchen with slab granite counters, high end SS appliances, gas stove, breakfast bar, kitchen nook for informal meals, open to light filled family room with vaulted ceilings, fireplace and looks out over the pool and yard. Primary bedroom with generous closet space, hardwood floors and sliding door to the backyard and views of the open space.

#1 Agent in Clayton's Compass Office

Photo courtesy Clayton Valley Charter football

Clayton Valley Charter football is turning its season around after a 1-3 start. The Ugly Eagles notched their third straight win last Friday 42-28 over San Ramon Valley and lead the East Bay Athletic League Mountain Division with a 2-0 mark.

Jake Dern made the tackle on SRV’s John Pau Mendoza with teammates Josh Rodriguez and Joey Mourad closing in.

See Football, pg B3

Fall sports starting end of season playoffs to determine champions

JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Diablo and East Bay athlet-

league tournaments have already started and the North Coast Section playoffs for some sports begin next week as the fall high school sports schedule reaches its climax.

Water Polo – Carondelet and De La Salle are both defending North Costa Section champions and the Concord schools each won their first five EBAL games as they aim for high seeds in the Section playoffs that begin Nov. 2. The Cougars are 17-3 overall while DLS is 14-6 with all but one of their losses coming against Southern California teams in tournament play.

The third local defending NCS champions, Northgate boys, are also looking primed for a repeat. The two-time Division II titlist Broncos won 20 of their first 22 games and led the DAL Valley standings with a 4-0 mark.

Dominic Brown is hoping to help his De La Salle Spartans defend their NCS water polo championship when the Section playoffs begin Nov 2. The 6-4, 220-pound lefthander from Concord is committed to UC Santa Barbara next fall to play for the Gauchos water polo team. His dad Dalton Brown was part of historic championship DLS football teams at the onset of The Streak before playing football at the end of the Saint Mary’s Gaels program.

Girls Volleyball – NCS playoffs begin next week with Berean Christian and College Park battling for the DAL Valley title. Berean entered the final week 10-0 while CP is 101. The league leaders meet

Thursday night in Pleasant Hill in the league finale.

Carondelet was ranked in NorCal, but the Cougars (1810) are now out of the top 25.

Athlete Spotlight

Cody DiMartini

Grade: Senior

Clayton Valley Charter

Football

CVCHS senior DeMartini has proven repeatedly that hard work pays off. He has played football for the Ugly Eagles for the entirety of his high school career. He has progressed from the freshman team to JVs as a sophomore and varsity as a junior and senior. DeMartini was a well-rounded athlete growing up, playing baseball, basketball and football. Going into high school, however, he found that football was his true passion. His favorite part about being an athlete for Clayton Valley Charter is the competitiveness of both practices and games, and how his teammates constantly push each other to improve. DeMartini is currently overcoming a fractured fibula, which happened during the second game of the season. Thankfully, he’s looking forward to return to the field very soon and resume his duties as a wide receiver and kick returner.

DeMartini manages to balance his athletics and academics very well, demonstrated by his success in the classroom and contributions to the community. Football coach Tim Murphy has nothing but good things to say about the senior student-athlete. “Cody is the definition of what we want our players to be. He works hard, he is a student of the game, he helps others on the team and is very talented. Off

the field, he has outstanding grades, he treats people right and he rarely ever misses school. Cody has done it right from day one.” DeMartini maintains a cumulative 3.5 GPA at Clayton Valley and works at Ed’s Mudville Grill on the weekends. He hopes to play college football next year. He is very thankful for his family, especially his dad, who challenges him to be the best version of himself. DeMartini is also grateful to Coach Murphy for help in his football career.

CVCHS student journalist Katherine Pugh wrote this Spotlight.

The Pioneer congratulates Cody and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for over three decades at Family Vision Care Optometry.

Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@pioneerpublishers.com.

See Fall Sports, pg B3

Photo courtesy De La Salle water polo

North Coast begins Oct. 25 through Nov. 5 with the NorCal Championships Nov. 8-15 and the CIF State finals Nov. 18-19.

Girls Golf – The Diablo and East Bay athletic league championships were held Monday and the NCS championships are the next two Mondays, Oct. 24 (Division II) and Oct. 31 (Division I).

Cross Country – The second DAL Center Meet is this Wednesday at Newhall Park in Concord. Last month’s meet of all DAL runners at Hidden Valley Park in Martinez was dominated on the girls and boys sides by Campolindo.

The Cougar girls took seven of the top eight places.

Northgate was second, Las Lomas third and College Park fourth, well behind the Moraga school. Among local runners

Megan Malloy of Northgate placed ninth, Isabelle Ruff (Clayton Valley Charter0 10th, Ella Kopper (NG) 11th and Missy LeClaire (CP) 12th.

College Park’s Alex Lamoureux was third in the boys race as CVCHS was second to Campo and College Park third in the team results. Other local runners in the top dozen were CVCHS teammates Alex Walker fourth, Alan Solari seventh and Daniel Messer eighth. Northgate’s Nicholas Knisley was 10th and Robert Brand 12th.

The DAL and EBAL league championships are Nov. 5.

NCS Meet of Champions is Nov. 19 at Hayward High

La

Northgate got off to a 5-0 start, but the Broncos have lost a pair of games to start their return to the DAL Mountain Division and visit highly ranked and undefeated Campolindo in Moraga Friday evening.

Oct. 21 games

Concord (6 1) at Alhambra (3-4)

Berean Christian (4-3) at Mt Diablo (3 4)

California-San Ramon (52) at Clayton Valley Char ter (4 3)

Monte Vista–Danville (2-5) at De La Salle (4 3)

Northgate (5 2) at Campolindo-Moraga (7-0)

Ygnacio Valley (0 7) at College Park (4 3)

2022 Season

Schedules & Results

Clayton Valley Charter (Open Div./Div. 1) - 8/26 Salinas L 14 21, 9/2 Del Oro-Loomis L

School with the CIF State Meet Nov. 26 at Woodward Park in Fresno.

Girls Tennis – The DAL division championships are the last week of October. NCS team championships are Nov. 8-12 with the singles and doubles tournament Nov. 14-15. The NorCal team tournament is Nov. 15-19.

Winter Sports – Tryouts and official practices for the three winter sports—wrestling, soccer and basketball—-will be taking place in early November with schedules beginning with non-league games and tournaments around Thanksgiving.

FALL SPORTS SCHEDULES

Cross Country (Boys & Girls)

DAL Championships Nov. 5 (Hidden Valley Park, Martinez)

EBAL Championships Nov. 5 (Newhall Park, Concord)

NCS Championships Nov. 19 (Hayward High School)

CIF State Championships Nov. 26 (Woodward Park, Fresno)

Golf (Girls)

NCS Division II Championships Oct. 24

NCS Division I Championships Oct. 31 NorCal Championships Nov. 7

CIF State Championships Nov. 16

Tennis (Girls)

DAL League Matches Sept. 6 –Oct. 20

EBAL League Matches Sept. 1 – Nov. 1

DAL Division Championships Oct. 27-28

EBAL Championships Nov. 37

NCS Team Championships Nov. 8-12

NCS Singles/Doubles Championships Nov. 14-15

NorCal Team Championships Nov. 15-19

Volleyball (Girls)

DAL League Games Sept. 6Oct. 20

EBAL League Games Sept. 8Oct. 20

EBAL Championship Oct. 22

NCS Playoffs Oct. 25 – Nov. 5

NorCal Championships Nov. 8-15

CIF State Championships Nov. 18-19

Water Polo (Boys & Girls)

DAL League Games Sept. 21 – Oct. 26

EBAL League Games Sept. 1 –Oct. 27

DAL Division Championships Oct. 27-29

NCS Playoffs Nov. 2-12

NorCal Tournament Nov. 1519

WINTER SPORTS SCHEDULES Basketball

DAL League Jan. 4 – Feb. 9

EBAL League De. 20 – Feb. 7

EBAL Boys Tournament Feb. 6-11

EBAL Girls Tournament Feb. 10-11

NCS Championships Feb. 1425

NorCal Championships Feb. 28 - Mar. 7

CIF State Championships Mar. 10-11 Soccer

DAL Foothill Season Dec. 13Feb. 9

DAL Valley Season Jan. 3Feb. 9

EBAL League Jan. 3 – Feb. 9

NCS Championships Feb. 1425

Norcal Championships Feb. 28 - Mar. 4

Wrestling

DAL Matches Jan. 11 – Feb. 2

EBAL League Matches Jan. 5 –25

NCS Dual Team Championships Feb. 4 DAL Championships Feb. 11 (Clayton Valley Charter)

NCS Championships Feb. 1718

CIF State Championships Feb. 23-25 (Bakersfield)

Athlete Spotlight

27 31, 9/9 at Canyon Springs-North Las Vegas W 42 6, 9/16 Turlock L 35 37 10/1 at Jesuit-Carmichael W 35 21, 10/7 at Amador Valley-Pleasanton W 47 14, 10/14 at San Ramon ValleyDanville W 42 28, 10/21 California-San Ramon, 10/28 at Monte Vista-Danville, 11/4 De La Salle.

College Park (Div. 3) – 9/2 at Foothill-Pleasanton L 12 28, 9/9 Oakmont-Roseville W 21 13, 9/16 Hercules W 44 6, 9/23 at Northgate L 14 28, 9/30 at Livermore L 8 35, 10/7 Concord W 34 28, 10/15 at Berean Christian W 42 25, 10/21 Ygnacio Valley, 10/28 Mt. Diablo, 11/4 at Alhambra.

Concord (Div. 4) - 8/26 Newark Memorial-Newark W 14 7, 9/2 Alameda W 30 8, 9/9 at San Lorenzo W 37 0, 9/16 at Richmond W 2 0, 9/23 Arroyo-San Lorenzo W 28 6, 10/7 at College Park L 28 34, 10/14 Ygnacio Valley W 54 8, 10/21 at Alhambra, 10/28 Berean Christian, 11/4 at Mt. Diablo.

De La Salle (Open Div./Div. 1)

Computer Problems

– 8/26 at Monterey Trail-Elk Grove W 36 20, 9/2 SerraSan Mateo L 21 24, 9/9 Saint Francis-Mountain View W 35 3, 9/16 at Cathedral Catholic-San Diego W 28 20 9/23 Folsom L 20 24, 10/7 at St. Mary’s-Stockton L 35 45, 10/14 at California-San Ramon W 41 7, 10/21 Monte Vista–Danville, 10/28 at Amador Valley-Pleasanton, 11/4 at Clayton Valley Charter.

Mt Diablo (Div. 4) - 8/26 Lathrop L 0 56, 9/9 at American-Fremont L 0 48, 9/17 at Arroyo-San Lorenzo L 0 28, 9/24 at San Lorenzo W 27 6, 9/30 at Richmond W 35 14, 10/7 at Ygnacio Valley W 35 28, 10/14 Alhambra L 0 35, 10/21 Berean Christian, 10/28 at College Park, 11/4 Concord.

Northgate (Div. 3) - 8/26 Deer Valley W 29 8, 9/2 at Ukiah W 28 6, 9/9 FremontOakland W 9 0, 9/16 at Bethel-Vallejo W 38 0, 9/23 College Park W 28 14, 10/7 Miramonte-Orinda L 35 43 10/14 Las Lomas L 7 34, 10/21 at Campolindo-Moraga, 10/28 at Benicia, 11/4 Acalanes-Lafayette.

Ygnacio Valley (Div. 6) – 8/27 at Washington-San Francisco L 14 49, 9/9 Justin-Siena –Napa L 0 42, 9/16 at Kennedy-Fremont L 12 50 9/23 Bradshaw ChristianSacramento L 0 48, 9/30 Stone Ridge Christian-Merced L 6 38, 10/7 Mt. Diablo L 28 35, 10/14 at Concord L 8 54, 10/21 at College Park, 10/28 Alhambra, 11/5 at Berean Christian

Sports Shorts

MT. DIABLO HIGH SPORTS HALL OF FAME DINNERFINALLY COMING NOV. 12

After two years of postponements, the Mt. Diablo High Sports Hall of Fame will finally be able to induct its newest class on Saturday, Nov. 12, at Zio Fraedo’s in Pleasant Hill. Chairman Lou Adamo says, “We can finally honor our very deserving inductees.” The inductees who have now had their ceremony canceled two years in a row are Jim Wharton, John Capas Morales, Tim O’Connor, Sandi Gomes Yoland and Bob Penny. For any questions regarding the Induction Dinner contact Adamo by email louadamo@gmail.com or phone 212-9332. Proceeds from the dinner help fund girls and boys athletic and academic programs at MDHS.

CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER

FLAG FOOTBALLPROGRAM STARTS JAN. 22

Clayton Valley Charter High School hosts its Be Elite Flag Football season on 10 consecutive weekends starting Jan 22. The co-ed program is open to kindergarten through eighth grade students. There are no tryouts or draft, and everyone plays offense and defense. No football experience is necessary. One-hour weekend practices are followed by 5v5 non-contact environment games the same day from Jan. 22 – Mar. 26. Coaching is by student athlete mentors. Fee includes participant’s custom jersey (name and jersey number) and shorts. For registration information contact CVCHS football coach Nick Tisa at nick.tisa@claytonvalley.org or visit BeEliteAthlete.com.

NEWEST YGNACIO VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC HALL OF FAMECLASS TO BE HONORED

The Ygnacio Valley High Athletic Hall of Fame dinner for the Class of 2020 has turned into the Class of 2023, which will finally be installed May 20 at Zio Fraedo’s in Pleasant Hill, three years after the original induction date. The inductees are coaches Jack Biglen (football and golf) and Triss Carter (boys and girls cross country and track) and athletes Oliver Hanf (Class of 1987, wrestling, football, track), Jim Mayo (1975, wrestling), Julie Pitois (1989, basketball, softball, volleyball), Eric Lakin (1982,

Ashten Adkins

School: Mt. Diablo High Grade: Senior Sports: Football, Wrestling, Track & Field

When head football coach Donald James began planning for this fall season Ashten Adkins was not part of the roster Coach DJ envisioned. “Honestly [Ashten] fell into our lap. Not knowing anything about him, we gave him a shot” and the senior wide receiver and defensive back was a key in Diablo winning three in row after losing a trio of games to open the season.

Adkins played on the Dos Palos High School varsity last fall before his family moved to this area and he enrolled at Mt. Diablo, where he plans to graduate next spring and then continue playing football in college.

Adkins wants to study business in college, and he racked up some impressive numbers during the Red Devils three-game winning streak that included their Diablo Athletic League opener over Ygnacio Valley in an offensive shootout. The 5-10, 154 pounder has scored touchdowns this year both on offense and defense.

His coach says the senior likes to say, “we got to get better and just have fun out there.” After football season ends Adkins wants to try wrestling and then in the spring will run sprints and do all the jumps in track and field.

The Pioneer congratulates Ashten and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for more than three decades at Family Vision Care Optometry. laceyandruzicka.com

Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@PioneerPublishers.com.

baseball, football) and Chris Iglesias (1980, baseball, football).

The school’s founding principal Dr. Ernie Wutzke will be honored as well. Visit yvathletichof.com for more details and to reserve tickets when they go on sale after the first of the year. The organizers are looking for additional board members. Email Jim Grace at jpgrace@gmail.com or Dan Hartwig dhartwig1@att.net to learn more about the Athletic Hall of Fame and the board.

CLAYTON VALLEY ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

WILLBEBACKWITHNEWCLASSIN 2023

Clayton Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame will host is seventh induction ceremony May 19 at Centre Concord. Social hour will begin at 5 p.m. followed by dinner and the presentation of inductees. Nomination forms are available at the CVHS Athletic HOF website. Nomination deadline is Nov. 13. Ticket info will also be announced soon. The Hall of Fame committee is delighted that they will finally be able to select another class of honorees after what will be a four-year hiatus since last celebrating its sixth class in May 2019. Community members, alumni and the community are able to nominate athletes for consideration. Check cvhshof.com for more information.

The Pioneer wants to publish your sports news

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

Photo courtesy Concord High cross country

Cross country season reaches a climax Nov. 5 with DAL Championships (Hidden Valley Park, Martinez) and EBAL Meet (Newhall Park, Concord) followed by the NCS Championships Nov. 19 at Hayward High School and the CIF State Championships Nov. 26 in its traditional site of Woodward Park in Fresno.

Meet a musician who doesn’t let blindness thwart her ambitions

val, a moment she cherishes.

“I went with a neighbor of mine to the event in 1999, and I’ve been dreaming about it since,” Robles shares. “I was probably the youngest musician there, the only female trumpeter and the only one that’s blind.”

12 ounces. I had multiple issues going on. I had a hole in my heart. … I’m a living miracle.”

DAVE HUGHES THE BEAT OF DIABLO

Chela Robles and her horn are no strangers to the local music scene.

In recent years, the Concord native has been heard trumpeting with Irish singersongwriter Sin Silver, sitting in with the rock and soul group the New Frantics and collaborating on some original R&B tunes with RiGht Proper. In 2020, she performed solo at the virtual Concord Jazz Festi-

Robles has experienced nearly her entire life without eyesight. She was born prematurely and lost her vision at just 3 months old due to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). She still perceived some color and light until her late 20s, when she ultimately became completely blind.

While she acknowledges blindness is endlessly challenging, she meets her struggles head-on with an appreciation for her life – given its rocky start.

“I’m truly blessed to be given life; I mean, I could’ve died. I weighed just 1 pound,

Robles got into music at age 10 at Holbrook Elementary. Joining the school band was a big deal not just because it introduced Robles to the world of music, but it also offered another opportunity to socialize and make friends – something she says isn’t easy for a blind person of any age.

In 2016, Robles played a fundraiser for the Music Academy for the Blind at Armando’s in Martinez. There, she met some people in both the Martinez and Ozcat Radio music communities. This was the beginning of Robles establishing her local music network and building friendships.

“And just when things started, COVID happened,” laments Robles, who like so many others found herself removed from all social interactions and eventually unemployed.

Wife suspects husband is gay, wonders how to proceed

Q. My husband is gay. He hasn’t said it, but I know. Call it a gut feeling or female intuition. I want my husband to be happy, but, selfishly, I want my family to stay intact. There is this subtle tension, and I wonder if he thinks I know and wants me to say something so he doesn’t have to. The thought of us separating scares me as much as the thought that my husband will live out the rest of his life unfulfilled. I have no clue what to do. – Laurie

A. A woman’s intuition can be a blessing or a curse. Unfortunately, those two extremes are your current reality. What is important to remember is that although you may believe something to be accurate, unsupported by facts or another’s confirmation, it is still a hunch.

The tension you feel isn’t going anywhere until someone acknowledges it. I do not suggest breaking the ice by

announcing, “I know you are gay.” Instead, lead with your feelings and observations. Your intent is not to make a statement. It is to open lines of communication. Use inclusive language. What do you think? Do you mind sharing how you feel?

The conversation may go no deeper than both of you being honest about the existence of

tension. On the other hand, it may unfold into a conversation that scares you or offers a sense of relief. If there isn’t careful consideration of how to start the conversation, it will come from a place of frustration, confusion and fear.

Laurie, you can be utterly petrified of what it would mean for your husband to accept who he is – if he is gay. On the other hand, empathy, compassion and desire for your husband’s happiness can exist. It is hard not to focus on the elephant in the room, but I suggest taking this as an opportunity to do some soul-searching. Enlist the help of a robust support system, talk to a therapist and seek ways to nurture your individuality. Regardless of the outcome, it is time to create a stronger sense of self and a firm belief you are not defined or regulated by another’s actions or choices.

The lifestyle your husband ultimately wants is his choice, and the same option is yours. I hope you will take my two cents on whether you choose to stay or leave: “Never let someone else’s decisions determine your path.”

Be well; you are worthy.

Prior to the pandemic, Robles worked as a Braille transcriber for a San Jose company. Despite commuting six hours a day to work a six-

hour shift, she was grateful for the employment. Robles notes that job opportunities for blind individuals can be limited, and discrimination in the hiring process is not uncommon.

With the pandemic mostly in the past, Robles is working

again, testing websites for screen-reader efficiency. She’s also back playing music with friends, performing most recently with Sin Silver at Concord Crawl 2022.

Robles chooses to share the difficulties of her experiences to help establish a better understanding of how a person moves through life without eyesight. She wants readers to know that October is Meet the Blind Month. Information and a schedule of activities can be found on the website for the National Federation of the Blind at NFB.org.

“It’s people and organizations like that who make life easier to live. I’m here – I’m just trucking on. I’m doing what I do, and I love what I do. It makes me happy. I like to give back to the those who have helped me, to give back to the community, while being a part of society.”

Find Robles’ Concord Jazz Festival performance at thebeatofdiablo.com.

Contact Dave Hughes at MrDaveHughes@gmail.com.

When illness strikes, books cover as comfort food

some of your favorite books, or even books you might be saving for grandchildren, your comfort food is at hand.

stories will bore you into that extra healing sleep you need, and others will take you into environs far from that flu, or whatever.

SUNNY SOLOMON BOOKIN’ WITH SUNNY

While sick with COVID for two weeks, and no one to bring me cups of tea or chicken soup, I realized that my comfort food was all around me. Shelf after shelf of books I treasure, some from my childhood, others more recently purchased.

Right then and there I decided my chicken soup was “Misty of Chincoteague,” “The Black Stallion,” “The Magnificent Barb” and so many more.

Bring out the Hardy Boys, “Old Yeller,” “Where the Red Fern Grows,” anything by or about Agatha Christie, or even your trashiest romances. And don’t pass up your favorite, bloodiest thrillers, or old swords and sorcery or space cowboy pocketbooks.

I have loved horses for as long as I can remember. For all the years my parents would not give into my cries for a horse of my own, I would turn to a single bookshelf in my bedroom –filled with everything Marguerite Henry was writing, a lot of Walter Farley’s best and anything else I could put on a birthday or Christmas gift list.

“That Colt Fireplug,” illustrated by Wesley Dennis, led me to several of W.A. Anderson’s collections of fabulous illustrations. Some books were rereads, others on my to-be-read list. More up to date was Jane Smiley’s “A Year at The Races” and Molly Gloss’ “The Hearts of Horses,” which brought me right back to wonderful Piedmont Stables and to my horse Charlie’s stall with a carrot in one hand and his halter in the other. I could almost smell the hay and feel Charlie’s soft muzzle nuzzling its way to the carrot. What a feel-good memory.

JEFF MELLINGER SCREEN SHOTS

There were not a lot of reasons to get to the theater this September. My lone visit was to see the re-release of “Avatar” in advance of the sequel coming this winter.

I had not seen “Avatar” since its initial release in 2009.

The 3-D version of “Avatar” I saw back then was visually the best film I had ever seen. It has now been topped by the remastered “Avatar” of 2022.

Although I still feel like the opening 30 minutes rush through too many story holes, I won’t rehash what I think of the plot. Simply put, “Avatar” is one of my Top 25 all-time films – along with other James Cameron films such as “Terminator,” “Aliens,” “Terminator 2” and “Titanic.”

Rumors of sequels to “Avatar” have floated around for more than a decade. Many fans cannot understand why the

long delay. Ever the perfectionist, director Cameron waited this long so technology would catch up.

While making parts two and three, Cameron somehow found time to spruce up the original. Thankfully, he did not ruin it like George Lucas a la the original “Star Wars” trilogy.

Cameron took advantage of new technologies like HDR (High-Dynamic Range) that make the colors pop even brighter. The 3-D was already exquisite, but the HDR gives it a beautiful sheen. The film was also remastered in 4K. Most films have always been displayed in 2K; the doubled resolution of the “Avatar” re-release makes the 3-D truly glorious.

Lastly, Cameron took advantage of the ability to change certain scenes to a higher frame rate. Some of the faster moving scenes were upped from 24 frames per second to 48 to make the action smoother.

While both the original and the remastered “Avatar” blow away all other 3-D films, I expect the upcoming sequel, “Avatar: Way of Water,” to top them. A five-minute scene from the sequel was tacked on at the end of the re-release. Judging by the visuals, we are in for an absolute treat this winter.

Dominique King is a wife, mother, lifestyle blogger and avid long-distance runner. Email questions and comments to her at leaninwiththekings@gmail.com.

If you are down with almost anything, forget the grilled cheese sandwich, the cup of cream of tomato soup, or whatever your mother would bring to make you feel better. If you are lucky enough to have saved

I’ve saved those childhood horse stories and have been collecting them ever since. My horse books were my refuge, my escape hatch when young, so it was natural to return to them while fighting COVID.

No matter what your favorite genre is, trust me, those stories will take you away from whatever has laid you low. Some

I made it through COVID, and as much as my desire for food and my tastebuds have wandered off to different pastures, my appetite for books has increased tenfold.

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

Showing your true face – and seeing beyond others’ masks

KADETH POZZESI ALLTHE COLORS

This time of year, I think about how important Halloween was to me growing up.

It was the High Holy Day – when one could wear their true face without terrible fear of condemnation, ridicule and harm.

I am transgender. I am queer. I am other.

When we think of showing one’s true face as a trans person, we often think in the gender binary or the gender nonbinary. I am none and all.

I am trans masculine of center, an individual with a radical identity, gender queer with a non-mainstream presentation. To know me, though, one must ask. Asking is important.

What does radical identity mean? Imagine a self-awareness of other so powerful and pervasive that you cannot hide it. Other may include layers and intersections, some communicable, some not. Leather, queer, radical drag, neurodivergent, inclusive of culture, race, belief and much more. Radical represents resistance, non-normative.

This assigned other identity demands a way of selfdescription of who you are outside of cultural norms, including the norms of the LGBTQIA+ community. You live passing through society both visible and invisible because who you are challenges the systems of normative perception, skirting inclusion and exclusion at every step.

Identity is complex, shifting and expansive. Through it,

we explore new territory of communication and connection.

The LGBTQIA+ community has a history of expansive radical queer people. And a history of resistance. I remember San Francisco Pride 1977. The radical drag queens, the leather dykes, the proud radical Faeries. In that moment, people marched in community, divisions embraced.

Today, we seek self-awareness based upon honoring the true self. Radical inclusivity and unity through the diversity of all bodies and all genders, embracing being exactly who we are in that moment, communicating with the utmost transparency.

Some of you may be asking: Who am I? How do I identify? I am different, but how do I share that truth?

Some of you embrace the gender binary and some embrace the gender nonbinary. Some explore pronouns beyond they, he and she. A few may be embracing a different language where you are using descriptors outside of gender. Perhaps you knew when you were young that the words did not fit nor embrace you. Are you radically queer?

Embrace the language of self and the freedom to explore who you are and manifest as much of your true face as you wish in the real world. This is your history.

Happy Halloween, and may your true face shine.

Kadeth (he/him/sir) is an elder queer, artist, sorcerer, warrior poet, musician, therapist. You can find him in the world and at Rainbow, serving as a clinician. “I am everything and nothing and everything in between.”

Jamie Valladao

Chela Robles, shown here at Concord Crawl 2022, shares her struggles with blindness to help raise awareness.

DOMINIQUE KING LEANIN WITH LOVE

Improv adds even more mystery to Hitchcock show

9500 or go to www.elcampaniltheatre.com.

The Eugene O’Neill Foundation is accepting applications for the Travis Bogard Day-Use Fellowship program at the group’s national historic site in Danville.

Worsley is well-known in Bay Area theater as an actor, educator and administrator.

SALLY HOGARTY STAGE STRUCK

The wonderfully crazy improvisation of Synergy Theater is back with its world-debut of “Spontaneous Hitchcock: An Improvised Thriller in the Style of the Master of Suspense!”

It’s time for murder, madness and mystery with this clever group as they perform through Oct. 30 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Dr.

“This hysterical homage to Sir Alfred Hitchcock –completely improvised and all based on audience suggestions – will keep you in stitches from the first creaking floorboard to the final shovel of dirt,” said artistic director Kenn Adams.

For tickets, call 925-943SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

Get ready to rumble, or rather Rumpelstiltskin, with East Bay Children’s Theatre’s (EBCT) musical spin on this favorite fairytale.

The company launches its 90th season Oct. 23 with this family-friendly musical at Danville’s Village Theatre, 233 Front St. Children of all ages are encouraged to come in costume and have pictures taken on the stage with cast members after the show.

EBCT’s fresh take on the

popular tale includes crazy jokes, physical comedy and surprising twists, as well as Ron Lytle’s infectious, Broadway-style original score.

For tickets, go to www.ebctonline.org.

Time to brush up on your spelling as Contra Costa Musical Theatre (CCMT) presents “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” Nov. 4-20 at the historic El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. 2nd St., Antioch.

Audience participation is a must in this crazy look at a group of eclectic mid-pubescents vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. Be careful where you sit, you may find yourself onstage spelling along with the cast.

Given that COVID is still a reality, and anyone can find themselves testing positive, CCMT has double cast the six quirky spellers and three adults. The cast includes well-known local performers Michael Sally and Paul Plain.

John Maio directs, with

Kerry Leyden as musical director and Justin Sabino as choreographer.

After spending most of its history performing at the Lesher Center, CCMT will now travel to various venues throughout Contra Costa County this season.

For tickets, call 925-757-

The fellowship consists of two five-day increments working in solitude at Tao House, O’Neill’s former home where he wrote many of his masterpieces. Playwrights, creative writers, scholars, critics, set designers, theater directors and visual artists are encouraged to apply.

Applications are due Nov. 1 for the Jan. 18-April 2 fellowship. Go to www.eugeneoneill.org for details.

Lots of changes at Cal Shakes. Managing director Sarah Williams is leaving after three years, with veteran arts leader Clive Worsley coming onboard in the newly created executive director position.

He helmed Town Hall as artistic director 2008-’13 and served as Cal Shakes’ director of artistic learning 2013’21. Most recently, the award-winning actor was the executive director of the Junior Center of Art and Science in Oakland.

Sally Hogarty is well known around the Bay Area as a newspaper columnist, theatre critic and working actress. She is the editor of the Orinda News. Send comments to sallyhogarty@gmail.com

Artist sees the possibilities beyond carpentry skills

Manny Sanchez is a carpenter, woodworker and craftsman. He is also a new artist, creating pieces inspired by the grains, knots and unique patterns he sees in the wood that he works.

His woodworking creations are fun, eye-catching and unusual, but Sanchez did not start out thinking about becoming an artist. His passion has been woodworking since his high school days.

At Ygnacio Valley High School, he signed up for metal shop class for the sole purpose of hanging out with friends. One day, he wandered next door to the woodworking shop and was intrigued with all the machines.

“It was love at first sight,” remembers Sanchez. “The possibilities for projects were endless.”

His metal shop teacher, Terry Toliver, sympathized with Sanchez’s newfound interest and gave him permission to work in the woodshop instead. Toliver also spent time teaching him safety and proper machine usage.

“Mr. Toliver was my first woodworking mentor, and I probably wouldn’t have developed the love for woodworking if it weren’t for him,” notes Sanchez, who received the Industrial

Arts Student of the Year Award that year.

Sanchez went on to college but left woodworking behind until the summer of 2020. With the pandemic shelter-in-place and time on his hands, he rekindled his love for working in wood. He was enjoying his return to traditional carpentry when the art world came upon him unexpectedly.

One day in 2021, Sanchez found an interesting pattern in the knots of a wooden plank. It looked like an ostrich. First, he posted a photo of the plank on a Facebook group page. After many likes and comments from the post, Sanchez “decided to take it to the next level and bring that plank to life.”

Using his wood-crafting

skills, he made a business suit and glasses for the ostrich and named it Gerald. He posted a photo on the group page, and it was a hit. Due to the positive feedback, Sanchez decided to keep going.

Like other artists, Sanchez has discovered the joys of the art-making process.

“I can work for 12 hours straight and totally lose track of time. You end up falling in love with the journey of a project, not just the final product.”

Although his preferred media is wood, he is looking to paint to enhance his art. He recently purchased an airbrush and plans to add more color to his work.

He loves seeing smiles on people’s faces as they view

his artwork. “Many people have told me that they can never see wooden knots the same way after they see my work. I hope my art can encourage people to see the world with a different perspective. Art is all around us.”

Find Sanchez’s artwork on Instagram @mannyscarpentry.

John Nakanishi is an acrylic painter and a ceramic artist. Email comments and suggestions for future columns to phjona@gmail.com.

Manny Sanchez was one of the winners at a recent show at a Concord Art Association meeting.

Resident

Photo courtesy of East Bay Children’s Theatre

Marah Sotelo is the queen in a new twist on “Rumpelstiltskin” Oct. 23 in Danville.

Photo by Arastoo Darakhshan

Eileen Tumlin takes on the intrigue and laughter of Synergy Theatre’s “Spontaneous Hitchcock” through Oct. 30 in Walnut Creek.

Photo courtesy of Cal Shakes Clive Worsley is back at Cal Shakes but this time as executive director.

JOHN NAKANISHI ARTSIN MOTION

Longport sails into Concord with fine seafood dining

RICHARD EBER TASTE & TELL

With the recent closing of Scott’s, Yankee Pier and EMC, local white tablecloth seafood restaurants have found themselves on the endangered species list. Thankfully, the long-standing Walnut Creek Yacht Club has a compatriot with the newly opened Longport Fish Co. in Concord.

Located at 2015 Diamond Blvd. in the Veranda, this eatery is a breath of fresh air in the local culinary scene. Under the guidance of chef/owner Nicholas (Nick) Diarenzo, Longport blends elegant cuisine in a causal atmosphere that makes formal attire unnecessary.

Each day, he can be found greeting customers and making sure the food is prepared to his specifications. He is no stranger to the restaurant trade. Starting in a food truck at age 11 in Philadelphia, the young Diarenzo did everything from bussing tables to cutting up vegetables in the kitchen.

Moving to the West Coast 22 years ago, Diarenzo worked at Chow and Ed Moose’s iconic Washington Square Bar and Grill in San Francisco prior to opening his own place. After founding and still running the Market Tavern and Prime Table Steakhouse in Stockton, Diarenzo decided to enter the upscale fish restaurant market.

Things begin with an appetizer list that takes several trips to sample. I tried the British Columbia sourced Fanny Bay oysters on the half shell. Served with a house-made vinaigrette and red cocktail sauce, this dish

reminds one of Pike Place Market in Seattle. Also noteworthy were the wood-grilled Spanish octopus salad and the Maryland-style crab cakes served with arugula, pickled onions and house-made tartar sauce.

For the next course, our table sampled a Shrimp Louie with blue cheese dressing on the side and a world-class cobb salad made with ultra-fresh ingredients. Not to be missed is Longport’s creamy New England clam chowder – a must for me when dining there.

For the main course, the Italian-inspired cioppino was a real treat. The combination of mussels, clams, shrimp and calamari is served in a rich tomato broth. This dish was enhanced by fresh seafood provided six days a week by ABS Seafood and Allen Brothers.

On another visit, I split an order of spaghetti and clams with a friend. Unlike linguini and clams made elsewhere with canned shellfish in a tired Alfredo sauce, Longport’s dish featured a delicate combination of white wine, garlic, herbed breadcrumbs, a splash of cream and abundant fresh Manila clams. I extended this gourmet experience by dipping bread in the remaining sauce.

In addition to food from the sea, Longport offers land lovers a DemKota skirt steak, Mary’s wood-grilled half chicken, a Kurobuta pork chop and several other choices.

Not to be forgotten are the

fresh lobster selections, flown in live from New England. These prized crustaceans are served whole or in a lobster roll. Someday, when victorious in the lottery, I will spring for this Boston delicacy.

Following in the tradition of utilizing homemade dishes at every opportunity, Longport makes its own desserts. The banana pudding or classic New York cheesecake with raspberry sauce are ideal conclusions to a great meal.

Between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on weekends, they offer traditional brunch – including a kids’ menu. They make several varieties of Benedict using organic eggs, omelets and avocado toast served with Acme bread and breakfast potatoes. From the griddle, the tempting selections include cornbread with Calabrian chili-maple butter, brown butter oatmeal cakes and French toast.

Longport has a full bar and extensive wine list primarily featuring selections from the Napa Valley. They are open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. Reservations are recommended on weekends at 925-483-2053.

Rich Eber is a local journalist and long time resident of Concord. He covers topics from politics to gourmet food. Contact him at rjerje@pacbell.net

TV ROUNDUP

“House of the Dragon.” Those who spent almost a decade watching “Game of Thrones” had a right to be bitter about the last several episodes. Although I can appreciate the arc the creators wanted to finish on, they needed at least another season to properly do so. Now comes “House of the Dragon.” Set almost two centuries prior to “Game of Thrones,” “House of the Dragon” takes place almost solely in one location rather than all over the map. Its focus is the Targaryen dynasty about a hundred

years into its reign of Westeros. King Viserys holds his evergrowing family together by the thinnest of threads. His presence is the only thing keeping his relatives (and their dragons) from tearing each other apart.

Sometimes to his detriment, Viserys is the only morally upstanding character; most of them are colored in shades of gray. The first season takes great care to build a world that will eventually be burnt to the ground. It’s going to be some ride.

“Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power.” Amazon spent bil-

lions on this series … and it shows. Absolutely stunning CGI combined with cinemaquality cinematography makes for possibly the best-looking TV show ever. It would be difficult for the story and characters to be as top notch as the visuals, and they are not. But the show is immensely watchable for the casual and hardcore LOTR fan alike. Those who have read Tolkien’s Middle Earth history tome of sorts, “The Silmarillion,” will be pleased with the reverence the show displays toward the lore. With many more seasons on the horizon, fans will see much more of the Second Age of Middle Earth.

Rich Eber

Fresh, buttery oysters are a tasty way to begin at Lani and Nick Diarenzo’s Longport Fish Company in the Veranda.