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From the desk of...
TIM GRAYSON
October 23, 2015
925.672.0500
Concord swimmer headed for Olympics
MAYOR
Struggling with the aftermath of tragedy
The recent tragic loss of Concord City Attorney Mark Coon has shocked us all. We have struggled to cope with this lesson on the fragility of life. Our recourse is to pray for understanding. I want to express my heartfelt condolences to Mark’s wife, June, and his two beautiful children, Nathan and Lauren. Our loss serves as an appropriate reminder that we need to reach out to our family and friends, especially in times of need. In reference to the past few weeks of turmoil in our city please allow me to turn to Abraham Lincoln, who left behind a treasury of quotations that expressed his dismay about those who deliberately distorted his position on issues facing the country. On one occasion he stated, “I do the very best I can, I mean to keep going. If the end brings me out all right, then
See Mayor, page 9
Questions plague city following attorney’s suicide
CNWS developer choice on hold, while claims of wrongdoing investigated PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
Right now it’s just unused land, but the 2,300 acres on the Concord Naval Weapons Station is at the heart of a controversy MARK COON that has knocked the city back on its heels. The fate of the CNWS land was set to take a huge leap forward with the selection of a Master Developer earlier this month, but those plans were delayed by the suicide of Concord City Attorney Mark Coon on Oct. 6 — right as he was preparing a report looking into alleged wrongdoing by one of the final two developer candidates, Lennar Urban. Concerns had been raised by
See Investigation, page 9
Inside
Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 From the desk of . . . . . . . . . .8 School News . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . .16
Aaron Okayama photo courtesy USA Synchro
CONCORD’S MARIYA KOROLEVA (RIGHT) AND HER DUET PARTNER ANITA ALVAREZ perform a synchronized swimming routine. The pair have been chosen to represent America next August at the Rio Summer Olympics
JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
Mariya Koroleva should be enjoying the afterglow of being recently named to her second United States Olympic team. Instead, last week the 25-year-old was recovering from a concussion (“I got kicked in the head in the pool”) and making fliers to post in her Concord neighborhood for her missing Siberian cat, Yarik, who had been missing from the family home in The Crossings for a couple days. Still, Koroleva can’t help but be thrilled that she will head to Rio next summer with partner Anita Alvarez to compete in the synchronized swimming duet competition. She teamed with Mary Killman at the 2012 London Olympics, taking 11th in the duet finals. For a number of reasons the Concord athlete expects to finish higher next summer. Alvarez and Koroleva were named as the duet team last month during a USA Synchro fundraiser at the Orinda Country Club. The team competed together this past season and now the pair has 11 months to get ready for synchro competition Aug. 15-20 in Rio. They do have one more “easy hurdle” to clear, as they need to finish in the top 24 at the pre-Olympic qualifying meet next March in Rio. GOOD FIT AS A TEAM The 11th place finish still nags at Koroleva. “The conditions were not ideal [in preparation for London],” she said. She and Killman weren’t able to begin working together on their Olympic routines until five months before the Games. “I also had surgery and there were political issues [that impacted the prep].” This go-round Alvarez and Koroleva are already developing fresh programs for 2016. At the
See Swimmer, page 7
Fighting for Freedom
Five local veterans recall their service PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, a day to honor all the men and woman who fought America’s wars. While it is a day to celebrate our freedom and their service, it is all too easy to nod your head to a veteran, say “thanks for your service,” and go about your day off. However, many people who have never served in the military, especially in wartime, understand completely the sacrifices and experiences of these veterans. In this issue of the Pioneer, we introduce you to five different veterans with diverse stories of war and peace, but one common thread runs throughout: their military service impacted, and perhaps defined, the people they are today.
Since he was under age, he needed his father’s permission to enlist. “I was surprised he said okay,” the 92-year-old said in a recent interview. “I was responsible for the day-to-day operations and did most of the heavy lifting, but he was willing to sacrifice for the greater cause.” After Navy basic training, Kohler was assigned to Pearl Harbor. At the time of the Japanese attack, he was composing a letter to his mother on a Remington typewriter. Bomb frag-
ments flew into the back of his head, Kohler ripped out the unfinished letter and crumpled it in the trash before racing outside. “I was afraid I’d get in trouble if somebody found it,” he confessed. Plenty of other trouble awaited him outside. “At first I didn’t realize what was coming. The sound of bullets ricocheting off the buildings didn’t quite register as danger.” An officer outside ordered sailors into an uncovered construction
ditch,but as soon as Kohler hit the bottom he jumped back out and headed to the ammo shelter to put up a defense. “The officer hollered at me to get back in the ditch, threatening to put me on report — a serious offense during war time.” Kohler weighed the consequences but didn’t look back, finding someone with a key to open the ordnance shack. With considerable effort, he
See Freedom, page 20
Earl J. “Chuck” Kohler, Navy Pearl Harbor Survivor, WWII Like many others of his generation, long-time Concord resident Earl Fuhrman photo courtesy of Kohler archives J. “Chuck” Kohler left his family’s ON THE MORNING OF DEC. 7, 2941, CHUCK KOHLER (CIRCLED) WATCHES THE SKY OVER PEARL HARBOR for more atMinnesota farm in 1941 to enlist in tacking places while he places sandbags for machine gun nests on the connect apron near his hangar. The the service to help with the war Pearl Harbor survivor, 92, lives in Concord with his wife of 64 years. effort. He was 17.
COMMUNITY
Page 2
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
In Brief...
Concord residents complete Swim from Alcatraz
Turkey Trot
Start a new Thanksgiving tradition this year at Calvary Temple Church’s Inaugural Turkey Trot 5K/10K Run and Walk and Kids Drumstick Dash at 8 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26, Todos Santos Plaza, Concord. Proceeds support Calvary’s Compassion Outreach, a multifaceted program working to meet practical needs for the underserved in the community. Mostly flat course. Prizes, refreshments, pumpkin pie. Registration limited to first 1000 participants. For registration and more information, go to www.calvarytemple.org/ turkeytrot.
Veterans Day Run
Join the Second Annual Veterans Day 5K/10K Run/Walk starting with a ceremony at 8:15 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7 at Hillcrest Park in Concord. The event is presented by the Contra Costa Blue Star Moms to raise awareness and show support for local veterans and active duty service personnel, promote patriotism, assist veterans’ organizations and assist in homeland volunteer efforts. Flat course route, prizes, refreshments. For registration and more information, go to ccbluestarmoms.org.
Each autumn Concord resident Paul Vanhoven, 51, completes frequent swims from Alcatraz to the San Francisco Bay shoreline. Since 2006, he has made the challenging 1.5mile open water swim 24
4-H Members Visit the Clayton Valley Pumpkin Farm Sophie Brockman 4-H Club Secretary
Claycord 4-H brought their small animals to the Clayton Valley Pumpkin Farm on Oct. 11 to celebrate National 4-H Week. About 18 club members attended the event. Several hundred people came by to pet the chickens, ducks, rabbits, pigeons, guinea pigs and snake. Megan Eberhart, a Bethany O’Connor, local 4H teen leader, shows a little new youth member, says, “I boy how to pet a Pekin duck love telling kids about the using her duck, Nike, during different animals and seeing how the animals react to the a National 4-H Week celepeople.” Likewise, Jack Galbration.
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lagher, a seasoned 4-H-er, says, “I like telling people about my pigeon and seeing what they think of it.” Grownups and kids alike were fascinated by the different animals as visitors learned the animals’ names and were shown how to hold them. Bethany O’Connor, a teen leader, asked one little girl, “Are you a pumpkin person or an animal person?” The little girl answered, “I’m more of a rainbow unicorn person,” but she still enjoyed petting the duck. National 4-H Week is a campaign to promote 4-H to
Don, Realtor-Associate, Clayton Resident
Emily, Realtor-Associate
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Donald.kent.howard@gmail.com howard.emily05@gmail.com
Black Diamond at Oakhurst Country Club! Extremely Rare “Grove” model! with desirable downstairs master suite! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 1666sf & 2 car garage!
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Concord Market Update provided by Better Homes Realty
S OL D
homesbydianehayes.com ADDRESS
PRICE
5272 Clearbrook Drive . . . . . $627,700 2638 Wisteria Way . . . . . . . . $524,000 1560 Adelaide Street #10. . . $167,500 3196 Claydia Drive. . . . . . . . $435,000 5178 Sutherland Drive . . . . . $585,000 1455 LaTour Lane #29 . . . . . $260,000 3579 Kimball Way . . . . . . . . $408,000
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“Corners Concord” Gorgeous First Floor Unit! 2 bedrooms, 1 updated bath, approx. 744sf & inside laundry! Updated kitchen features slab granite counters, maple cabinets & stainless steel appliances. $269,000
Prestigious “Montelena” Subdivision! Sensational & Sprawling single story upgraded from top to bottom! 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, approx. 3785sf. 3 car garage & a sparkling pool!
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Exceptional Custom Built Estate in Exclusive Gated Silver Hills Community! Gentleman’s ranch on 11.40 acres! 4 bedrooms, library, bonus room, 4.5 baths, approx. 4816sf & 6 car garage. A must see to believe! $1,699,000
1070 Deer Oak Place– Concord
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Super “Spring” model at Diablo Ridge! right out of a decorator magazine! 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 1252sf! Stunning updated Slab granite kitchen & sleek updated baths. $439,000
BED/BATH SALE DATE ADDRESS
. . . . .1989 . . . . . .4/3 . . . . . . .10/8/15 . . . . .1740 . . . . . .3/3.5 . . . . .10/2/15 . . . . .1039 . . . . . .2/1.5 . . . . .10/2/15 . . . . .1616 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . .9/30/15 . . . . .1832 . . . . . .4/2 . . . . . . .9/29/15 . . . . .904 . . . . . . .2/1 . . . . . . .9/24/15 . . . . .1372 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . .9/23/15
“Live Oaks” Fantastic Townhome situated in a Desirable Neighborhood! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 1636sf & 2 car attached garage.
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Spectacular Custom Home in an irreplaceable setting backing to open space at the top of Davis Ridge in one of Concord’s Premier Neighborhoods! 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, home gym, approx. 3305sf. $1,095,000
www.jenniferstojanovich.com Father/daughter team
Send Your Community News items to
1505 Kirker Pass Rd #106– Concord
Lifelong Clayton/Concord Resident
Don and Emily Howard,
Claycord 4-H meets at 6:45 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month, September through June, at Farm Bureau Hall, 5554 Clayton Road, Concord. For more information, go to ca4h.org.
5799 Pepperridge Way– Concord
(925) 567-6170, jenstojanovich@yahoo.com Cal BRE #01446062
the public. The program provides an opportunity for kids to learn life skills, public speaking, community service and leadership. It offers hands-on projects in many areas such animal science, technology, home economics and healthy living. Clara Brockman says, about her four years in the program, “4-H has taught me to be a better leader and I’m more confident in my public speaking. I’ve also learned sewing and farming skills.” These practical skills strongly equip 4-H members to succeed in the future.
11 Mt. Teton Place – Clayton
Jennifer Stojanovich Broker-Associate,
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Regional Arts Gala draws local celebs
youths and adults to tackle the life-changing, memorable swim. A chartered vessel drives swimmers to Alcatraz and swimmers jump from the boat into San Francisco Bay. The open water course proves challenging as strong bay currents, at times, pull the swimmers off course which can lengthen the swim to two miles. This year’s group of Concord swimmers to complete the Alcatraz swim were, from left, Arie Vanhoven (14), Koen Vanhoven (17), Dirk Vanhoven (22), Sebastian times. Vanhoven is a former Vanhoven (27), Paul Vanhoven Supervisor Karen Mitchoff and Congressman Mark Navy diver and was inspired as (51), Danielle Ware (14) and DeSaulnier are joined by PR guru David Bowlby at the Diablo a child by fitness guru Jack Jadelen Huynh (13). Regional Arts “On Broadway Gala” on Oct. 3. Broadway perLaLanne who completed the former Alysha Umphress headlined the event which was folAlcatraz swim while handPhoto and story courtesy lowed by dancing to the 80s band, Tainted Love. cuffed or towing a boat. Van- Marina Ware The gala marked the 25th anniversary of the Lesher Center. hoven now encourages local
Helping friends, neighbors and newcomers buy and sell since 1979
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October 23, 2015
35 Calle Este– Walnut Creek
PE N D I NG
PRICE
SF
Walnut Orchards! Large Home on a Huge lot at the end of the court! 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, approx. 1853sf. Downstairs master suite! $685,000
BED/BATH SALE DATE
2170 Belmont Road . . . . . . . $547,000 . . . . .2595 . . . . . .6/3 . . . . . . .9/18/15 5186 Garaventa Drive . . . . . $635,000 . . . . .2098 . . . . . .4/3 . . . . . . .9/18/15 1100 Glenwillow Ln . . . . . . . $960,000 . . . . .3148 . . . . . .4/3 . . . . . . .9/17/15 1175 Krona Lane . . . . . . . . . $750,000 . . . . .2471 . . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . .9/17/15 4520 Melody Drive . . . . . . . . $286,000 . . . . .899 . . . . . . .2/2 . . . . . . .9/16/15 2770 Wilmore Court . . . . . . . 615,000 . . . . . .1482 . . . . . .4/2 . . . . . . .9/16/15
October 23, 2015
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 3
Bill Shinn, former mayor, CC Carnival of Health celebrates 15th Sheriff commander, dead at 74 year at Meadow Homes Park
Photo from The Concordian, June 2008
BILL SHINN in 2008 at Concordstock, the city’s run at
the Guinness Record for the World’s Largest Guitar Ensemble, with 2000 guitars in Todos Santos Plaza. Bill Shinn, a pillar of the Concord community and Diablo Valley, passed away suddenly October 16. He was 74. The oldest of seven children, Shinn moved to Concord with his family in l957. He attended Mt. Diablo High School where he played football and was on the wrestling and track teams. He graduated in 1959 and was inducted into the MDHS Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. He went on to graduate from Diablo Valley College, California State College at Sacramento, Golden Gate University and the FBI National Academy. He served in the U.S. Navy. Shinn’s career in public service was long and fruitful. It began with the Contra Costa County Sheriff's office where he served for 29 years, managing the county detention system and security for the Superior Court judges.
He served as the chair of the Concord Human Relations Commission. Shinn was especially proud of that appointment since Concord was one of the few cities that had such a commission. “Bill had an incredibly big heart,” says Councilwoman Laura Hoffmeister, long-time friend and colleague. “He truly cared about the homeless, about the less fortunate.” After an unsuccessful run at the City Council – he lost to Susan Bonilla by only 300 votes – Shinn served for two years on the Planning Commission. In 2004, he won his second try at the City Council, serving as mayor in 2008. During his term, he initiated the “Open Office” program which opened the mayor’s office one Wednesday a month for residents to schedule an appointment to meet with him. A second term fol-
lowed the first. Described as a “stand up guy,” a “real straight shooter,” Shinn was mentor and supporter to many, encouraging young people to follow their dreams and supporting those seeking public service. “He was the only elected official to support me,” Councilman Edi Birsan said in his Facebook post the night Shinn died. “He was kind to me and always listened. And we had great discussions on policy as well as getting things done. I will miss him.” Shinn’s public service also included serving as the chair to the County Parole Board, Animal Services hearing officer and involvement with the Mental Health Commission and Council for Homelessness, an issue he believed the Concord community had trouble accepting. He served on the board of MDHS Red Devil Classic Golf Tournament from 2000 to 2012 and on the board of the MDHS Sports Hall of Fame until his death. When asked why he was so involved in all the communities activities all his life he simply said “I tend to get into trouble unless I've got a lot of things to do.” He leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Gail Lewis Shinn and two daughters; Terry Hernard and Jaclyn Fratangeio; five grandchildren and 19 nieces and nephews. Services are pending. Time and place will be posted on www.concordpioneer.com when determined.
JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
Children, teens, parents and grandparents walked, biked and drove to Meadow Homes Park in Concord earlier this month for the 15th Carnival of Health presented by Monument Impact. The event included entertainment, food, educational programs, health screenings and giveaways aimed at the estimated 37,000 residents of the Monument community, many of whom who do not have health insurance or information on the various health services available to them. Program chair Claudia Velasco was working on her fifth Carnival of Health (which began in 2000 as the Health Fair). She says all the figures are still being tallied but she estimates about 800 people registered (many more
HULA HOOPS were swishing throughout the day in Carol Longshore Meadow Homes Park at the contributed to this story. Carnival of Health Oct. 3.
Jay Bedecarre
PROGRAM COORDINATOR Juri Sanchez (left) of 18 Reasons gave youngsters at her booth a quiz about food labels during the 15th annual Carnival of Health earlier this month in Concord.
there did not register) and visited the 51 agencies on hand. The American Heart Association, John Muir Health and La Clinica de La Raza provided free health screenings including for blood pressure, diabetes, vision, asthma and bone density. There was hands-on CPR training and Walgreens gave free flu shots. Major sponsor Kaiser Permanente handed out free produce. For the second year the White Pony Express had its Free General Store with over 250 people getting clothes, shoes, books and toys. “This is perhaps the only chance for many residents in and around Monument to be proactive about their health. The Carnival is an excellent way to encourage everyone to be part of a healthier community,” said Velasco. Among the groups with a
booth was 18 Reasons, a nonprofit organization with the mission “to empower our community to eat, cook and buy healthy food.” Program coordinator Juri Sanchez said, “We partner with many organizations around the Bay Area. In collaboration with Monument Impact we provide Cooking Matters series in Concord serving lowincome communities.” Cooking Matters series are sixweek cooking and nutrition classes. Sanchez quizzed children, teens and adults visiting the 18 Reasons table about unit prices and food labels. Music, dance, Zumba lessons, cooking demonstrations, face painting, mini soccer and hula hoop contests were all going on throughout the four-hour event. Bike Concord was on hand to host a Bike Rodeo.
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Bursting with Potential — Cozy single story 3 bedroom 2 bath home with beautiful hardwood flooring throughout. Kitchen has electric stove-top stove. Built-in tile fireplace in the living room. 2Pane windows and 2 car garage. Large backyard comes with enclosed covered patio. Conveniently located home to shopping, restaurants & schools.
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Bishop Estates — Fabulous semiupdated single story with in-law/au pair. 10 min. to BART. 3 bedroom /3bath, 2 master suites, 1 full & 2 mini kitchens, office—1930sf. Elegant dining & living room; spacious kitchen/family room combo with island, gorgeous moldings, and dual pane windows. 1 bedroom/office with mini kitchen, hall bath & outside entrance. 2nd master-suite + kitchen taken off garage. Inge Yarborough, (925) 766-6896
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Morgan Territory — 4BD/3.5BA 3,689 sq. ft. custom showcase home featuring a wine cellar and a 5car garage. This spectacular home has a Chef ’s Dream Gourmet kitchen with cherry-wood cabinets, granite/ quartz counters, wolfe range. Porcelain floors throughout main level. Panoramic views of Mt. Diablo & surrounding hills.
$680,000
Welcome to Paradise! Great opportunity with nearly 18 acres of privacy & all the comforts of country living. 2 bedrooms +LOFT, new carpet & laminate, light & bright w/dual panes. Indoor laundry, wood burning stove. Creek runs through offering swimming hole & views. 2 decks, filtered well water, storage Heather Gray (925) 765-3822 RealEstatebyHeather.com Cal BRE#01329100
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temporary-style home features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and just over 2,000 sq. ft. of open, light, bright living space. The quality formal living room offers a perfect space for entertaining while the family room combo provides a more relaxed environment boasting a cozy gas fireplace. The kitchen combo has stainless steel appliances, large eat-in counter with sink, and abundant cabinet space. This fabulous home is a must see.
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Brittany Hills — Stunning home on cul-de-sac in Brittany Hills. This gorgeous home features over 2,700 sq. ft. of living space including 4 beds and 2.5 baths. Guest bedroom on first floor, soaring ceilings & built in speaker system. Beautifully landscaped backyard w/ stamped concrete, fountain, pergola & built-in BBQ Convenient location near freeway, schools and shopping. Michelle Gittleman, (925) 768-0352 MichelleGittleman.com Cal BRE# 01745325
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Assisting More Buyers & Sellers than Anyone Else* "Like" us on
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Page 4
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
October 23, 2015
Concord high schools active in Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Catch” program. In its inaufrom left, libero Kiana Smith, gural year of 2014 Clayton setter Mia Mudaliar (8), Jess Valley Charter High School Stratton (11) and Kayla Caton and its football team raised (15) battled the Falcons. October is Breast Cancer over $4,000 towards the Awareness Month with the ONCORD HIGH WATER C cause, the highest fundraisannual campaign to increase POLO SUPPORTS ITS ing total of any high school awareness of the disease. This STRICKEN TEAMMATE in California. The Raiders month, Concord and Clayton Rosie Santa Maria is a sophpaid a visit to the Ugly Valley Charter high schools omore who has played water Eagles at a recent practice in have been involved with the polo the past two years for ConGonsalves Stadium. Raiders disease and the cause in very cord High School and Academy two-time Super Bowl winner different ways. Water Polo. The 4.0 student in Morris Bradshaw along with the classroom is an exceptional Wendy Cruz of the AmeriCLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER athlete but more than that she can Cancer Society and two VOLLEYBALL DIG PINK has been the glue that has bondRaiderettes presented the The Eagles volleyball teams ed her team this year. school through its captains were all decked out in pink for Photo courtesy Concord High School Her CHS girls water polo and head coach Tim Murphy their recent freshman, JV and coach Elizabeth Butticci says, with a plaque and a big varsity matches with visiting CONCORD HIGH WATER POLO TEAM supports teammate Rosie Santa Maria. “Rosie embodies for us what it “Thank You.” The presentaCollege Park. In what has means to be an athlete and a tion included, from left, become an annual October true team player. We have all rally by her side. At the Shoot OAKLAND RAIDERS Raiderette Kelly, Jake Peralta mainstay in its schedule AND CVCHS EAGLES come together to support Out tournament in Rocklin the (32), Bradshaw, Jake King CVCHS hosted a Dig Pink RAISE FUNDS Rosie in her battle to beat a team showed their support event, part of a nation-wide The Oakland Raiders (5), Joseph Nguenti (2), Luis malignant brain tumor. She with Rosie’s best friends Ramos (21, Raiderette Janae effort by the Side-Out Foundamade it to practice every day Brooke Sutton on left and partnered with the American and coach Murphy. tion. Side-Out was established and supported her team and Sammi Kotta in front of the Cancer Society to promote in 2004 to unite volleyball playthe High School “A Crucial even played in games (the day banner. ers and coaches and to have before being diagnosed). She them work toward the comhad battled through five mon goal of furthering breast months of illnesses before cancer awareness, education identifying a tumor located on and patient services. Admisher brain stem and spinal cord. sions, raffles and food sales at She underwent 14 hours of the games raised $2442 and extremely high risk neuroover $1300 has already been surgery removing most of the raised in a separate online Tilt tumor and her first vertebrae. effort. Clayton Valley won the “She was our anchor in victory ROSIE SANTA MARIA varsity match in four sets as, (the girls all played with her number 9 on their arms) as we played and prayed for her in our Sierra Shoot Out tournament. Rosie snapped chatted the team during her recovery, giving us encouragement and support, never thinking of herself. Her coach reports that Rosie is home now after 14 days in ICU at Children’s Hospital and already trying to get back in the pool. She still has an incredibly tough year ahead of her with long-term radiaJay Bedecarre/Concord Pioneer tion and chemotherapy but she Jason Rogers O AKLAND R AIDERS honor Clayton Valley Charter High School football. has endeared an entire team to JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
NANCY E. BENNETT
CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER
VOLLEYBALL
Dig Pink.
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Once in a lifetime opportunity
This contemporary home is conveniently located near restaurants, shopping, and the Concord Pavilion. Sitting on nearly one-half acre, this 2,071 s.f. home is spacious and light with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. The yard is like a park—large and private with mature trees complete with a large deck and a hot tub off the Master. Over $40k in updates with new paint, carpet, flooring and lights throughout. The kitchen features new granite counters, subway tile backsplash, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances, freshly painted cabinets, a garden window, and eat-in kitchen. Formal dining and living rooms; vaulted ceilings and so much more. Bathrooms updated with new granite, fixtures, lighting and vanities. Off-street RV/boat parking and plenty of lawn space for parties, puppies and play! Offered at $642,000.
Other Homes For Sale — Call me for more information Pe
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4416 Sugar Maple, Concord Lovely Crossing Home! Singlestory, 1,366 sf ranch home with open floorplan with kitchen/ dining/living rooms adjoined as one. 3 bedrooms/2 baths. Kitchen has $30K in recent upgrades: quartz counters, tile backsplash, recessed lighting, dark wood cabinets, and spacious island. Perfect for entertaining! Call Nancy for price
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Updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath, 2-story, 1,133 s.f. townhome has bonus den/office. New carpet/paint. Updated kitchen has granite counters and subway tile backsplash. Vaulted bedroom ceilings & new balcony in back. Close to Iron Horse trail & shops! Offered at $474,000
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Depression is a struggle against the current
EDI BIRSAN PULSE OF
CONCORD
With the suicide of Mark Coon, our city attorney, people seem to have forgotten about the actual nature of depression and what it is and how it sometimes works. The depth of chronic depression is often never seen or understood by those around the sufferer. It is like going to a beach on a cool day and being overwhelmed at first by a wave of darkness, but unseen to
many is the under-tow pulling you deeper into the oncoming waves. Soon you are no longer standing on the shifting sands and are there floating into the next waves of depression. Your pain is hidden from those around you by the same depression that keeps you from feeling their out-reach or loving light. Within the wave you are isolated, lonely, without a sense of relief. Ahead is
an ocean of waves coming at you and that is an ever-tugging current of despair. To some, things look quite normal as you bob your head in and above the surface, no one seeing the desperate flailing that just keeps you afloat and upright enough to be pounded by the next dark wave. While in the wave, if you catch a glimpse of those around you, it is through a fil-
Despite Brown, Minaj problems, Pavilion season deemed a success PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
Page 5
For many concert-goers, it was “One Hell of a Nite” at the Sept. 19 Chris Brown concert at the Concord Pavilion. Contra Costa Fire and American Medical Response units treated about 12 people at the notorious singer’s concert, raising concern among many Clayton and Concord residents about safety. But according to Concord Police, there were no arrests, and despite the usual traffic woes before and after the concert, it was “a fairly smooth night,” according to Concord Police Lieutenant Nicholas Gartner. The following night’s Counting Crows concert ended the Pavilion’s 2015 season, which saw more concerts than in past years, thanks to a new agreement between the City of Concord and Live Nation. But the medical emergencies at Brown’s concert and a fight at a Nicki Minaj concert on August 14 marred
what some called a great resurgence in the level of top-notch entertainers playing at the Pavilion. However, there were reports on local blogs of closing the nearby shopping centers at Ygnacio/Kirker Pass and Clayton Roads after the Minaj and Brown concerts, but that was due to traffic management more than safety issues, according to Clayton Police Sergeant Richard McEachin. “We didn’t want cars using the parking lots as traffic thruways,” he said. McEachin said that Clayton does not have jurisdiction over the Pavilion, and only responds when mutual aid is necessary, and that was only due to traffic management. Lt. Gartner said that the “fire and brimstone” accounts on local blogs were largely unfounded, and that “all in all, it was good season at the Pavilion.” He says that the police department prepares for traffic and other possible safety issues
in advance, depending on the day of the concert and nature of the show. If additional public resources are needed, like at the Brown concert, it is the responsibility of the promoter, Live Nation, to cover the bill. The medical emergencies at the Brown concert were mainly alcohol-related, and cases of dehydration. “It was a busy night for ConFire and the paramedics, but it was mainly due to irresponsible drinking behavior,” he said. In fact, he said the Concord Police, at the request of Brown’s security team, worked hard to mitigate any violence that has marred many of the singer’s other concerts, including a shooting at a San Jose show and a gang melee at a show in New York. Just recently, it was reported that the singer may not be welcomed in Australia for scheduled concerts there. The celebrity website TMZ reported an immigration official saying, “People
need to understand if you are going to commit domestic violence and then you want to travel around the world, there are going to be countries that say to you, ‘You cannot come in because you are not of the character we expect in Australia.’” In 2009 Brown pled guilty to beating up his then-girlfriend, singer Rhianna, and since then has been a magnet for violent behavior. Meanwhile, Nicki Minaj’s August show ended early as a brawl broke out in the audience that included chair throwing and concert-goers being peppersprayed by security. Despite multiple phone calls and emails, Live Nation representatives did not respond to requests for comments for this story. Still, the events of those two concerts aren’t dampening the enthusiasm for next season, which will open with Janet Jackson’s Unbreakable World Tour on Thursday, May 19, 2016.
ter of that depression where your interactions are seen only in the most negative of ways building up the delusion that all around you will be better off if you were not around. Until the journey’s end when the pain is finally ended in the delusion of self-destructive surrender. As someone very close to me once described, he was standing in a closet trying to replace the light bulb and failing miserably to thread it, until, in the depths of a depressive wave, he collapsed at the bottom of the closet, alone in darkness and concluding that everyone must be better off without him, even the light bulb. For him it was a turning point, but had he succumbed
to a revolver in the house, it would not have been the light bulb’s fault. When we hear of those around us whose dark journey ends in a catastrophic decision of self-destruction, we can search for simple answers and blame, or wallow in the denial of the condition, focusing only on the last scene of the tragedy. The truth is that the currents that carry us along within those depressing illnesses will never be fully understood, but they were certainly a long torturous struggle whose path has come to an end. Send comments to EdiBirsan@gmail.com or 510-812-8180 or visit www.PulseOfConcord.com
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Weigh in on local issues Find out what people are asking The questions are neutral The summaries are neutral Have a topic or question for a future Pulse? Email
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DISCLAIMER: To the extent The Pulse of Concord reflects, suggests or implies a viewpoint, it is not intended or represented to be the viewpoint of the Concord City Council, the City of Concord, or city staff or officials (living, dead or undecided). Nor was this survey or the results created, distributed, tabulated, evaluated or analyzed by the Concord City Council, the City of Concord, or its staff or officials. Finally any placement of shoe leather in one’s mouth is most likely the fault of Edi Ersalesi Birsan – or whatever other variation on that theme may be in vogue, acting as an individual(ist).
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
CERT helps city prepare for disasters
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When a swarm of small earthquakes hit the San Ramon area last week, it was another shaky wake-up call that we live in “earthquake country.” The fact that they occurred the week of the Great Shake Out statewide disaster drill just underscored the fact that Californians need to learn to roll with it. The City of Concord is doing more than learning to roll with earthquakes, fires, floods and other natural disasters, however. It’s comprehensive public safety programs is becoming a model in the state in many areas. Concord Police’s Emergency & Volunteer Services Manager Margaret Romiti told the city council last week that it is already ahead of many cities
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in disaster training, from training new employees to setting up partnerships with residents and local businesses to its efforts to train neighborhoods how to safely manage an earthquake, fire, flood or something else that requires the area to evacuate. Concord also has a system of volunteers on call to help with local communications in case of power outages, the Concord Auxiliary Emergency Radio Service (CARES).
STRONG CERT PROGRAM At the heart of the city’s preparedness, however, is training residents to help others. The main vehicle is through Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), a local program that seems to surge in popularity in the wake of disasters, such as the 2013 Morgan Fire on Mt. Diablo and last year’s earthquake in Napa. Concord’s CERT program is robust, and includes CERT training for the safe evacuation of animals, a teen program that has won national honors, a program called Get Ready Bay Area that helps fourth and fifth grade students in local schools become prepared for disasters, and the LISTOS Program, which gained state recognition earlier this year for training more than 100 Spanish-speaking residents in CERT. The city has also held several disaster drills in local
neighborhoods, including Bishop Estates, the Brookview Park area which focused on assisting the elderly and animals with evacuation drills, and the Concord Park area by Lynne and Todd Avenues for outreach in the city’s Latino population.
PREPARE YOURSELF Despite all the city and neighborhood resources, however, Romiti says that the best thing a resident can do is be prepared themselves. “Personal preparedness is the number-one most important thing our citizens can do,” Romiti told the Pioneer. “Have a [disaster] kit at home, in the car or at work. Since Hurricane Katrina we now know that having essentials for up to 10 days is vital in a disaster. She says she prepares to keep a kit in her car “because nine times out of 10, our car is close by. This is even more important for people with disabilities.” So what do Concord resident have to prepare for the most? Everything, it seems. “Since 9/11, Emergency Management and Homeland Security have adopted an ‘All Hazards’ approach to emergency services practices,” Romiti said. “So our plans and training include an array of scenarios. The worst kind of disaster is one with low probability and sever potential for destruction, like an earthquake. Events like
flooding, hazardous material spills or gas leaks are things we deal with more often and are familiar with. For Concord, the list [of potential disasters] looks something like this: earthquake, imminent and/or actual flooding, a hazardous materials event or mudslides.” She says that the city is already taking steps to prepare for the potential El Nino deluge forecast for this winter. In addition, there are predetermined evacuation routes the city has set up with the Red Cross, but many of them depend on the location of the emergency and neighborhoods affected, Romiti says. Concord’s Information Technology Manager Doug Elloway also gave a presentation on how important city documents will be protected in the event of a disaster and power outage, and includes moving back-up servers to Rocklin, near Sacramento, which would most likely be out of the disaster’s range. To help residents get more information on how to prepare for disasters, Romiti and Elloway said that more information will be posted on the city’s website, and increased social media efforts will be made this winter in preparation for El Nino. For more information on free CERT training, visit www.contracostacert.org. Also, resident can attend American Red Cross trainings for a fee.
Rotary Club pledges $300,000 to fuel CVCHS auto shop JOHN T. MILLER Correspondent
Things are revving up at Clayton Valley Charter High School’s auto shop, thanks to a $300,000 grant from the Rotary Club of Clayton Valley. Club president Dave Kemnitz, who owns D & H Auto Repair with two shops in Concord, recognized that the state of auto repair instruction was broken down at the high school level. “With no new blood coming into the industry, we find ourselves in a position where the average age of a shop owner or journey level technician is 56 years old,” said Kemnitz. “With more than 60,000 jobs available, we see the need to put fire in the bellies of young people. It’s become necessary to grow our own help.” The beneficiary of the upgrade, CVCHS shop teacher John Ouimet, is understandably excited: “There have been very
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
CVCHS students Kaden Niepraschk, Stephanie Derickson, teacher John Ouimet, Allyn Moise and Jerron Miller gear up for new auto shop gear thanks to a Rotary Clib grant.
little updates to the program since the early 1960s,” he said. “For example, we can’t even service many of the tires on newer vehicles.” Ouimet, who came to teach at Clayton 10 years ago after a
career in engineering, sees the upgrades as a way for his students to get a leg up on further training and employment.
See Auto Shop, page 7
B U SINESS October 23, 2015
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
It’s our business to grow success The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce wants your business to succeed. A successful business community creates a vibrant community in which to live. The chamber offers many resources for you to succeed in your business through seminars, business events and networking, and we can also connect you with free or very low-cost services that will benefit you and your business. Here are a few of the local resources that are available: SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. They have been assisting entrepreneurs for more than 50 years. SCORE counselors are available to mentor you as you begin your business endeavor. The Concord Chamber hosts a SCORE counselor in our office two days a month. A SCORE counselor can help you with your business plan, help you to think “outside the box” and go over business basics to get you on the right track. Free
MARYLIN FOWLER
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
and low-cost workshops are also available. You can call the chamber office at 925-685-1181 and we will schedule a one hour appointment for you to meet with a counselor. You can also visit www.score.org for more information. Another great business resource is the Contra Costa Small Business Development Center (SBDC), hosted by the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County. They offer professional consulting and training services to business owners and emerging entrepre-
Auto Shop, from page 6
“Our program, even with older equipment, is still viable, but can only get better,” said Ouimet. “This will give the students a better tool kit to start with and allow them to move up the employment ladder quicker.” Ouimet teaches two intro and one advanced auto shop class, while also teaching Principles of Engineering in the Engineering Academy at CVCHS. One of the real positives from the planned improvements, says Kemnitz, is the issue of sustainability, a major concern for Rotary International.
“Currently, there are only 20 high schools in California who can even qualify for automotive industry grant money. This will put Clayton Valley in the running to be certified to qualify for these grants.” Raising the money was relatively easy for Kemnitz and his wife and business partner, Mary Kemnitz. “Over 90 percent of the money is pledged from phone calls to the business associates we’ve done work with over the years. When we told them what it was for, they opened their checkbooks and
Swimmer, from page 1
Olympics they perform twice. The tech program is about two and one-half minutes in which the duo goes through a series of required elements in a specific order. How they integrate music and tie the routine together with the required moves will set them apart with the judges. Then they have a threeand-one-half minute free program. They are selecting the music and moves at the beginning of the “long process” that will include many edits as they test and refine their programs. “Anita and Mariya have the same way of swimming — they complement each other well,” USA Synchro High Performance Director Myriam Glez says. “Mariya is solid, experienced and reliable, and Anita brings length and lightness to the duet. We hope to see them grow as a duet with new choreography and presentation.” In order to accomplish all this, the swimmers maintain a strict regimen while training seven-to-nine hours a day, six
days a week. “Right now we are doing 60 percent of training in the pool but that will go up to 80 percent as time goes by.” She says they are in “preseason mode now with a good amount of strength and conditioning work.” The American senior synchro team has been training for the past year at the Soda Aquatic Center in Moraga at Campolindo High School and will continue there for Olympic prep. This allows Koroleva to live at home with her parents and younger brother Ivan, a senior swimmer and water polo player at Northgate High School. National team members receive a small stipend that doesn’t begin to cover living expenses. Alvarez is from New York and shares an apartment in Pleasant Hill with three other girls.
SWIMMING HELPED TO ‘FIT IN’ Koroleva was born in Russia. Her father was one of a number of software engineers who came to work in Silicon Valley from Russia in 1999,
Bob and Sandy Strickland
celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary.
A Vow Renewal Ceremony was held in the small Concord church where they were married. Congratulations, Mom and Dad.
We are so proud of you and love you very much — Rob and Anne
neurs who need assistance in growing or operating their businesses. Some of their services include customized training for specific business needs, on-site recruitment events, job order placements, candidate screening for employers and on-the-job training support. They also assist small business owners in Contra Costa County with small business loans, operations/financial management, government contracting/procurement, exporting assistance and more. Free and low-cost workshops and seminars are also offered throughout the area. You can reach the SBDC at 925-602-6806 or online at www.contracostasbdc.org. You may also want to check out Go Biz, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development website. This site has information on starting a business, relocating a business, registering a business and much more. It also lists several different programs which include tax credits and/or tax exemptions. You can find this site online at
www.business.ca.gov. An upcoming resource from the Concord Chamber of Commerce is a seminar on the new EMV chip credit cards from 10 to 11 a.m. on Oct. 27 at the chamber office at 2280 Diamond Blvd., Suite 200. This is an important, timely topic to ensure that your business is in compliance with the new regulations. Learn how to protect your business from possible fraud liability and how to accept this new type of credit card. The seminar will be led by representatives from J.P. Morgan Chase. You can register for this seminar online, or give the chamber a call at 925685-1181. If you need help with your business, give the chamber a call. We will do our best to help you or refer you to a great resource in the community. Your success is important to us, and we look forward to working with you.
jumped in.” Some donors wrote large checks, while others donated computers, monitors, programs and other equipment. One prominent Concord auto dealership offered a car. Many of the donors prefer to remain anonymous. One upgrade the donations will provide is a computer repair order program. Previously, with no computer in class, students had to handwrite repair orders. “Since the advanced students grade is dependent on the work they do during the semester, this will give them a way to understand and learn the process much better, and it will give me a more accurate look at what
they’ve done,” Ouimet says. Another outcome of the upgrades is that Ouimet will find himself in need of more training. “It will make me work harder,” he said, “but I don’t have a problem with that since it will make my job so much more rewarding.” The project will take about a year-and-half to two years for everything to happen, and should increase student interest. Next on the list for the Rotary Club will be to upgrade the program at Concord High School. The current yearly budget for the auto program at Clayton is $700, which amounts to less than $10 per student.
seeking better opportunities. Ivan was just 5months-old and Mariya was nine and in fourth grade. MARIYA She says KOROLEVA her Walnut Creek elementary school was constantly sending home fliers about school and community programs. One day she brought home a notice from the Walnut Creek Aquanuts about a two-week “crash course” in synchronized swimming. Since she had been a swimmer and gymnast in Russia, her mom thought synchro would combine those two sports nicely. Mom and daughter both also felt it would be a great opportunity to get involved with girls her age as she was struggling to learn English and make friends in a foreign land. Now 16 years later she is still a member of the Aquanuts and also coaches a young WCA age group team. During the years, as she rose through the ranks to make National junior and
then senior teams, Koroleva had to make sacrifices while training four hours a day. She never competed in high school sports or clubs at Las Lomas and even missed a month and a half of her senior year as she trained for the Junior World Championships. That same year the family moved to Concord. Koroleva now holds dual citizenship in Russia and America and speaks fluent English and Russian (“we mainly speak Russian at home”). She needs to brush up on her French, she says, which she studied for many years. Sports has not only afforded her the benefits of competition at the highest level but also travel around the world and a Stanford college education on scholarship (where she was a four-time all-America). She is finishing up her masters in sports management at University of San Francisco. When she finally calls a final curtain on her swimming career she wants to remain in sports in some capacity, hopefully as part of an Olympic organization.
For more information on becoming a member of the Concord Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.concordchamber.com or call (925) 685-1181.
The City of Clayton is currently accepting applications for Police Administrative Clerk. Salary Range $3434 - $4173 per month plus benefits. A city application is required to be completed and may be obtained at City Hall. Applications will be accepted until Friday, Nov. 6 at 5 p.m. (postmarks will not be accepted). For more information and an application please call (925) 673-7304 or visit
www.ci.clayton.ca.us
Page 7
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Page 8
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
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From the desk of ...
Residents get ‘Taste’ of Monument Community
Concord residents are invited to come enjoy a “taste” of Concord’s newest international food festival at the second annual Taste of Monument, to be held from 12 to 3 p.m. on Nov. 1 at 1500 Monument Boulevard. Organized by the Monument Business Network, attendees will be able to sample exciting international cui-
sine from Monument Community restaurants, including baklava, burgers, Mexican food, pizza and more. Local service organizations and businesses will also have booths to highlight their offerings. Family-friendly music will be provided by the band Lucid Rays and activities will be available for children, including face painting
Why I support Contra Costa Cares
KAREN MITCHOFF
COUNTY
SUPERVISOR
sider the most important, it is the right thing to do. I have received a few negative telephone calls and emails indicating that tax dollars should not be used to address the needs of undocumented individuals. The situation facing our nation today around immigration must be solved at the federal level. I, however, must deal with real concerns here at the local level. Let me give you a personal example, and I hope you can relate it to your own lives: I have a weak respiratory system and must be careful during flu and cold season. Where someone else may be able to fight off those airborne germs, I am more likely to end up with the sniffles. I can deal with that, but I have a very close friend who has survived a transplant. (Not to mention our own Supervisor Federal Glover, who is also a transplant survivor.) These individuals must be extremely careful not to come in to contact with anyone who could compromise their immune system. All one needs to do is reflect on the recent measles outbreak in Disneyland to see how easily communicable diseases are transmitted without any one of us being aware that it is happening. The reality is there are individuals living in our communities who are undocumented. Some have lived here for years, and many of them perform jobs that help keep our economy going. We can debate the merits of these facts, but the bottom line to me is assuring the public’s health to the extent I can and doing that in the most fiscally-responsible way possible. That is why I voted to support Contra Costa Cares.
The Board of Supervisors has voted four-to-one to support Contra Costa Cares, a one-year pilot program that will help those who are low income but do not qualify for MediCal but can’t afford Covered California, the program under the Affordable Care Act, and undocumented individuals. I wanted to share with you why I support this program. First, the $500,000 share from the county is coming from the $12.5 million rebate from the State of California to repay unfunded mandates. Second, another $500,000 will come from the hospitals in our area; if that money does not become available, the county will not put up its $500,000. Third, the $1 million pilot program will provide preventive health care to 3,000 individuals. This doesn’t cover the population described above, but it’s a start. Fourth, the county must treat any individual who comes into our Emergency Room, and the cost by that time is much more expensive , so I see this as a fiscallysound way to be a good steward of county resources while at the same time providing preventive health care to individuals who otherwise wouldn’t receive it — and thereby possibly become a public Karen Mitchoff is Contra Costa health concern to the rest of County District IV supervisor. Email questions or comments to the population. And fifth, and what I con- karen.mitchoff@bos.cccounty.us
and outdoor bowling. According to Taste CoChair Maribel Delgado, the Taste of Monument came about over two years ago as a result of networking among various businesses lining Monument Boulevard. “They were hoping that they could organize efforts to highlight the Monument Community’s vibrancy and begin changing the perceptions held by those who don’t live and operate businesses here,” she says. Soon after, the Monument Business Network was formed, and the idea of a signature event to showcase businesses and to celebrate the Monument Community’s diversity and various types of cuisine was born. When asked who will benefit from this event, Delgado mentioned the residents of the Monument Community, local businesses and the Concord community at-large. “In addition to being a fun, family-friendly event, the Taste aims to promote and expose attendees to food outside of one’s culture,” she said. “The Taste of Monument serves annually as an enjoyable eye-opener to all of the rich and diverse offerings originating from the various cultures that reside in the Monument Community. We hope that attendees will come back and patronize these restaurants again in the future.” Taste of Monument CoChair Silvia Barajas says that organizing this event each year is important because, “I know that when Monument business owners see the crowd of 300 or more atten-
CARLYN OBRINGER
PLANNING COMMISSION
dees, like we had last year, they will be able to begin dreaming about what the Monument Community could look like in a few years. The Taste is a vehicle for positive change. And, planning this event together has united us as business owners, and helped start developing untapped leadership within the Monument.” The Taste’s sponsors include the City of Concord, Diablo Valley Bowl, Dolan’s Lumber, Mi Oficina Computer Café, Monument Impact, Los Rancheros, and SIMEC. Proceeds will benefit future Monument Business Network activities promoting the cuisine and cultural diversity of the Monument Community, including the annual “Monument Lights Holiday Stroll.”
For more information about this event, which is free to the public and includes free parking, contact Delgado at 925-6828248 (ext. 2240) or Maribel@monumentimpact.org. To join the conversation, visit “Second Annual Taste of Monument” on Facebook or follow @TasteofMonument on Twitter.
Carlyn Obringer is a member of the City of Concord Planning Commission. Professionally, she focuses on California education issues as an Education Policy Analyst. Carlyn resides in Concord with her husband, Justin, and dog Crystal. Contact her by email at carlyno@yahoo.com.
Vibrant neighborhoods a treat for Halloween
GUY SWANGER
POLICE CHIEF
filled. Small shops in the neighborhood joined the celebration with their own form of activities. Coffee and hot cocoa for the parents, treats for the kids, and, of course, flyers for their store’s items. Scott could not believe this neighborhood was the previous site of so much crime. I explained the transition of this area began with residents buying homes. The number of vacant homes began to decrease and the number of people on the blocks started to increase. Patrol officers saw fewer calls for burglaries and fewer calls for drug use but saw more calls for noise, more calls for blocked driveways. The small businesses followed. The residents started a monthly routine called “walk about.” Several businesses were designated stops and residents would walk throughout the neighborhood, visiting the stores. These community members started bringing friends and families not from the area on these “walk abouts.” I told Scott this is how Halloween became this epic special event in this neighborhood; residents inviting friends to trick or treat with them in their community. The residents wanted to show off their neighborhood. So guess what indicator I look for to show me an involved neighborhood this time of year? Happy Halloween!
When I was in college, I took several economics classes. There was a section on industry indicators. These were signs the economy was going up, down, or moving along. I remember one of my professors saying that the Chairman of the Federal Reserve had an interesting indicator. He looked at the purchases/production of cardboard boxes. As they increased, this indicated people were purchasing stuff, buying houses and other positive activities. That indicator stuck with me. Fast forward 20 years and I am a patrol lieutenant. I had a ride along that night and we were driving through a bedroom community. I was telling the ride-along, his name was Scott, that this neighborhood was my beat 20 years earlier. It was filled with drug users, gang members and abandoned homes. A lot of the homes were the Victorian style, built over 100 years earlier. As we were driving around the neighborhood, traffic was a gridlock. It was Halloween. Guy Swanger is Concord’s Chief of There was hundreds of famiPolice. Send questions or comments to lies trick or treating right ContactCPD@cityofconcord.org. around dusk. The streets were
October 23, 2015
DR. NELLIE MEYER
MDUSD
SUPERINTENDENT
Mt. Diablo Unified is very excited about building our Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs. To this end, we want to share some of the new initiatives we are working on to support our students. First, we are thrilled to
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Community partnerships fuel STEM education have the partnership of Tesoro, sponsoring robotics classes at all of our middle schools. Tesoro is a valuable partner in our STEM efforts. This year with their help, we will expand our girls STEM summer camp and our robotics programs. Robotics is taught after school and within the day as electives. We thank Tesoro for their sponsorship of our Tech Education Symposium to be held Feb. 20 at Valley View Middle School. Secondly, our engineering classes at our middle and high
Mayor, from page 1
what is said against me won’t matter. If not, ten thousand angels swearing I was right won’t make a difference.” The business of the City goes on. The final decision on the selection of our Master Developer is currently on hold. The process is delayed because of a variety of administrative functions that need to be completed before we can bring this to a public hearing for a final decision. I expect we will reach this point around the first of the year. I remain excited and optimistic about Concord’s future. Earlier this month I attended the League of Cities Annual Conference. The value of these meeting is that they serve as a kind of group therapy for both our staff and members of the city council. The exchange of ideas, experiences, frustra-
tions and aspirations for our respective cities is of inestimable value. The subject-specific sessions foster collaboration and occasional heated debates over the methodology employed to resolve problems. One quickly learns that problem-solving is not a “one size fits all” proposition. One breakout session dealing with funding for infrastructure improvements, specifically street repairs, was very well attended and the subject of much angst and frustration. I could not help but smile since Concord is apparently well ahead of many of the cities in California. Thanks to you, the voters who approved the extension of Measure Q, and our staff who developed a comprehensive street repair plan, the council has adopted an innovative pol-
Investigation, from page 1
Catellus, the other Master Developer finalist. A meeting was scheduled for Oct. 15 to report on the findings of Catellus’ allegations, but Coon’s death put a halt to that. Last week, City Manager Valerie Barone said the investigation of any wrongdoing would be handled by a neutral “third party” investigation, but won’t happen until the city hires an interim or new city attorney. “I cannot say with certainty when the public selection process [of a Master Developer] will come off this temporary pause, but the earliest it might occur is in December of 2015 or January of 2016,” Barone said. She said she is hoping to bring in candidates for the interim city attorney to the city council by the end of this month or early November. The timing of Coon’s death — during the period he was preparing a report on alleged wrongdoing — jarred the city staff and residents. Coon was remembered as a “wonderful man” by many of his colleagues, who saw no sign he was experiencing anything that would lead to a suicide. “No one knows everything that is in someone’s life,” said Vice Mayor Laura Hoffmeister. “No one has the whole picture. It’s never just one thing that drives someone to suicide. “People are trying to create a causal relationship between this [the Lennar/Catellus investigation] and the act. That’s not what suicide is. It’s never just one thing.” Coon was laid to rest on Oct. 12. He is survived by his wife, June, and two children, Nathan and Lauren.
Page 9
CATELLUS’ ALLEGATIONS The original selection of a Master Developer, set for Sept. 29, was delayed after Catellus sent a letter to city officials raising concerns about improper lobbying by Lennar, including donations to Mayor Tim Grayson’s Assembly campaign by companies associated with Lennar, and meetings between Grayson and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, who has close ties to Lennar. Grayson returned the campaign contributions, stating he did not know their connection to the developer, but Catellus was still concerned that the final staff report to the city council did not include a recommendation for a developer, a rare occurrence for a city known for its thorough vetting of municipal issues.
COON’S REPORT Many in Concord, including Sun Terrace resident Hope Johnson, have asked that the findings of Coon’s report be made available to the public, but Barone said that won’t happen. “Because Mark Coon did not complete his investigative report prior to his death, there aren’t findings to release,” Barone said. “The city is committed to bringing in a neutral third party to investigate from scratch Catellus’ concerns. Once the report is complete, it will be released to the public.” She said the interim city attorney will have the responsibility of identifying a “qualified person or firm to complete the investigation.” Johnson told the city council last week that she and others felt the allegations against the city and Lennar
schools are providing excellent preparation for college and careers. With the support of our partners at Chevron, our Project Lead the Way classes now start at elementary school and go up through our high schools. These courses teach the principals of engineering with hands on projects and industry experiences. Lastly, we are part of a countywide effort to increase computer science with the CODE.org organization. Each year we participate in the week of code but we
want to make this a yearround event. We hope to provide professional development and lessons for interested teachers from K-12 that introduce the skill of coding within math and science classes. Thank you for your support as we work hard to improve our students’ educational experience. Dr. Nellie Meyer is Superintendent of Schools for MDUSD. Email questions or comments to meyern@mdusd.org
icy measure that made possible a $22.4 million bond, enabling us to immediately undertake a seven-year prioritized plan to bring our streets to a high level of repair. This is something you’ve told me should be one of our priorities. We heard you, and action has been taken. Among the other topics discussed at the conference were water, technology, foreign direct investments, tax reform, policing, labor relations, community wellness, affordable housing and transportation. It seemed to me that we are really on the right path, although we can always benefit from some thoughtful fine-tuning. That affirmation is one of the fringe benefits of taking the time to attend these meeting. As your mayor I am committed to working to improve the quality of life in Concord. I am always aware of the voices of dissent, but that’s simply part of the job. Freedom of
speech is one of our inalienable rights. My job is to exercise my best judgment, based on solid preparation for every issue that comes before me for a vote. There are times when I believe my thorough preparation and in-depth knowledge of the issues must prevail over an individual’s uninformed opinion. That also is part of the job and goes along with my quote of President Lincoln at the beginning of this article. I truly enjoy and appreciate the honor of serving the people of Concord. Your support and affirmation, which many of you have personally expressed so often, and in so many ways these past weeks, have meant more than I can express. Thank you your support and affirmation. I will always keep the faith.
had “damaged the trust” the residents have with the process. “The public has a right to know what is going on,” she said, in light of the campaign contributions to Grayson, his meetings with Brown, having a staff report with no recommendations, and the unfortunate timing of Coon’s death. She also disagrees that the portions of Coon’s report that were finished should not be made available to the third party investigators, mainly because he was a member of the board that was evaluating the final two Master Developer candidates. “While some of his work product might be privileged and not able to be disclosed to the public, all of it should be available for review by any independent investigator,” she said. “Because Mark Coon was on the evaluation board, everything he did cannot be classified as attorney-client privileged. He was not acting as that board’s attorney but actually was listed as a member of the board.”
Ted Antenucci told the Pioneer. “We’re very supportive of taking all the time they need to resolve this issue.” While Lennar representatives did not respond to requests from the Pioneer, it’s been reported in other media outlets that they too support the delay. City officials are also taking the delay philosophically. “We’ve been at this for 10 years and we’ve had delays before,” Hoffmeister said. She said there is no link between the selection of a Master Developer and the Navy transferring the property to Concord. “The Navy is not even finished with their environmental paperwork,” she said. “Their tentative timeline was set for 2016, but Navy timelines are often optimistic.”
UNKNOWN DELAY Hoffmeister emphasized later that the investigation will look solely at Catellus’ allegations against the city and Lennar, and not be an investigation into Coon’s death. For now, as Coon’s friends and colleagues mourn his passing, the city again waits to find out the fate of the CNWS land slated for for building up to 12,272 housing units and 6.1 million square feet of commercial space on about 2,300 acres, dramatically changing the cityscape of Concord. Both Master Developer candidates are understanding of the delay. “We’re happy they’re going to look into our concerns,” Catellus President
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
October 23, 2015
Teams, athletes battling for NCS post-season berths all reached NCS girls tournament while Northgate (DII finalists), College Park and De La Salle were in the boys section playoffs.
JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
Post-season action in North Coast Section and beyond is already looming for fall sports teams and athletes in the Diablo Valley and East Bay athletic leagues with league championships in some sports already in the books.
NEW SUPER LEAGUE DVAL Commissioner Craig Lee and his counterpart from the Diablo Foothill Athletic League, Pat Lickiss, report that league principals from the DVAL’s seven schools and the five DFAL schools (Acalanes, Alhambra, Campolindo, Las Lomas and Miramonte) who have been aligned together in a new super league are meeting this week to consider recommendations for the fall sports league setup in 2016. It is expected they will also decide on a name for the new league. This is the first step the commissioners and school principals will take to set up fall, winter and spring alignment for each sport in the new 12-school league. It is anticipated that seeding will be done per sport and gender that will place schools in two divisions to achieve optimal competitive equity. CROSS COUNTRY Freshman Rayna Stanziano set a course record last week at the third DVAL center meet of the season
Photo courtesy Carondelet High School
ALY BAMBERGER (7) HAS HELPED CARONDELET to a pair of water polo tournament championships this fall. The freshman from Concord has been scoring goals for the Cougars while her classmate Alex Brown has been stopping them in goal as Carondelet won Pinole Valley and California Capital Challenge tournament championships.
when she clocked 21:34 at Castle Rock Park in Walnut Creek over a 3.3-mile course. Even with her lack of high school experience she has emerged as the favorite for the league meet on Halloween at Hidden Valley in Pleasant Hill. CVCHS sophomore Kelly Osterkamp and Northgate’s Jessie Boucher are other top contenders. Ygnacio Valley’s Jorge Bernabe-Velazquez and Clayton Valley Charter sophomore Dylan White are among the boys’ favorites, based on center meet results. NCS meet is in Hayward on Nov. 21 and the State finals are one week later on
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL DVAL matches doubleround robin schedule continues until Nov. 3. Clayton Valley was 8-0 including a fiveset win over Northgate last month in Walnut Creek. The rematch was earlier this week with the one-loss Broncos seeking revenge to move into a tie for first in DVAL. Berean Christian and College Park are battling for third place. The NCS championships run Nov. 11-21. Northgate (semi-finals), Carondelet (quarter-finals), Clayton Valley and College Park all advanced to NCS last year.
man medalist Dymphna Ueda and the Broncos figured to repeat with Ueda leading the way. Newcomer College Park and Clayton Valley battled for second place. The league tournament was Monday. Carondelet (14-0) has been paced by freshman Yealimi Noh of Concord, who moved right into the No. 1 spot for the Cougars. She was the CWAC State Junior Champion in 2014 and the medalist and runner-up this year. Northgate, CVCHS and Carondelet all made the NCS Tournament of Champions in Division I last fall. NCS Division I qualifying meet is this coming Monday, Oct. 26, and the DI championships Nov. 2 at Boundary Oak in Walnut Creek followed the next two weeks by the NorCal (Nov. 9 in Salinas) and State (Nov. 16 at Poppy Hills in Pebble Beach) championships.
GIRLS GOLF Northgate won the DVAL Nov. 28 in Fresno over the NCS singles tournament last championship and tournayear as an EBAL semi-finalThanksgiving weekend. ment a year ago led by freshist. GIRLS TENNIS Northgate has been the NCS team (Nov. 10-14) tennis powerhouse in the and singles/doubles (Nov. DVAL for many years and the 17-18) championships are Broncos are undefeated in next month. College Park, DVAL matches and 19-3 CVCHS and Carondelet all overall this fall. College Park made the NCS team tournaand Clayton Valley were ment last year. vying for second place. DVAL dual matches WATER POLO The DVAL added Herended this Thursday with the league meet Oct. 27-29 host- cules, Pinole Valley and St. Patrick/St. Vincent of Valleed by Mt. Diablo. Carondelet’s EBAL sched- jo to College Park, Northule doesn’t end until Nov. 3. gate, Concord and Clayton Nicole Hitomi of Concord is Valley Charter for a sevenagain the No. 1 player for team water polo league. Carondelet after reaching the League champs Northgate should reach the girls DVAL tournament finals with Clayton Valley a pick for the other final spot. The Broncos are undefeated in league matches and finished seventh at the Western States tournament last weekend. Marisa DeMeo and Tatum Turetzky were leading scorers for NG at the 38th annual tournament in Modesto. Northgate boys were second at the De Anza Tournament. DVAL matches for boys and girls water polo wrapped up this Wednesday before the league tournament Oct. 27Nov. 4 in Northgate’s new Photo courtesy Chris Ruzicka pool. NCS tournaments for boys and girls run Nov. 4-14. CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER SOPHOMORE KELLY OSTERKAMP took Last year Carondelet, first in a DVAL tri-meet at Newhall Park with Berean ChrisConcord, College Park, tian and Ygnacio Valley. She was fifth at the league cross Northgate and Clayton Valley country meet a year ago as a freshman.
September tournaments lead to hardware for Mt. Diablo teams
Photos courtesy MDSA
MDSA U13 Earthquakes runners-up at Palo Alto Tall Trees
MDSA Earthquakes under 13 girls placed second at the Palo Alto Tall Trees in the under 13 girls Samba flight, losing 2-1 to San Ramon U13 Copper in the championship game. Earlier the MDSA team had two draws and a 1-0 semi-final win over Corte Madera. The team includes, front row from left, Elena Tung, Nicole Ramirez, Lauren Fong, Sydney Francis, Katie Gavin, Daniela Ramirez; back row, assistant coach Kim Casey, Kendall Albert, Maryam Opeyany, Zahrah Shaghasi, Samantha Mason, Kennedy Walker, Samantha Schauman and head coach Charles Francis. Not pictured, Ava Watts and Robin Caves.
MDSA Arsenal win Ballistic Fall Harvest Classic
MDSA Arsenal under 12 boys allowed only one goal in four games while racking up three wins and a scoreless draw to win the Ballistic United Fall Harvest Classic boys silver and bronze tournament. The local team blanked Livermore Fusion 3-0 in the championship game. The team includes, front row from left, Leandre Pepito, Titus Bishop, Garrett Alton, Kyle Pacak, Anthony Montoya, Cristian Galvan, assistant coach Jorge Calles; back row, Miles Davis, Francisco Ramos, Daniel Calles, Bakari Johnson, Alex Hockenbery, Noah Paschall, Keegan Boustead and Killian Pollock. Not pictured, head coach Jason Bishop.
Diablo FC 02 Blue girls claim Dublin Fall Classic
Photo courtesy Diablo FC
Diablo FC 02 Blue under 13 girls took first at the Dublin Fall Classic with a 1-0 over Mill Valley Rockers Red 03 in the finals. The Diablo FC 02 Blue includes, front row from left, Sara Bettencourt, Gema Haro, Ariyah McGlone, Vanessa Hawley, Lauren Wickham; back row, assistant coach Lyndy Enriquez, Olivia Bolton, Taylor Davis, Emmy Kinney, Clarisa Granados, Kaley Urias, Gianna Lazzarini, Kylie Nielsen, Alexa Harris, Ryanne Boland and coach Brandon Enriquez.
October 23, 2015
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com years ago he joined the cross country and track teams. His sophomore year Cortez was a co-captain of the Minuteman track squad and this year is captain of the cross country team. Coach Lanette Stanziano calls him “a team motivator every day. He is our spirit leader. He takes all the new runners under his wing and is my right hand guy.” Chavez also turned around his academics and has been on honor roll since his freshman year. Outside of school he runs in charity 5K and 10K runs for charity.
Athlete Spotlight
The Concord Pioneer congratulates Nick and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for 25 years at Family Vision Care Optometry. www.laceyandruzicka.com Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@concordpioneer.com.
Nick Chavez
Grade: Junior School: Concord High Sports: Cross Country, Track When Nick Chavez was a student at Sequoia Middle School he wasn’t doing very well in the classroom and also not staying in very good physical shape. Then he was in a dirt bike accident and
Page 11
Odd year curse continues to plague Giants in 2015
TYLER LEHMAN SPORTS TALK
Some habits are hard to shake and for the San Francisco Giants the habit of missing the playoffs every year after a broke his fibula and tibia. As he World Series title is one that rehabbed Chavez began running and he they’d like to get rid of. ended up losing 75 pounds. When he The biggest reason the enrolled at Concord High School three team missed the playoffs this year was injuries. It seemed like the Giants were a team full of walking wounded, practically sending guys out to play with casts still on. Matt Cain, who was supposed to have a bounce back year, injured his elbow early in the season. Cain’s elbow was somewhat of a premonition for the Giants, who saw notable starters Hunter Pence, Joe Panik, Brandon Belt, Nori Aoki and Angel Pagan all miss big chunks of time due to injury, as did starting pitchers Tim Lincecum, Tim Hudson and Jake Peavy. The Pence injury was the most devastating for the 20102012-2014 World Champions. Pence changes the entire dynamic of the Giants batting order by giving Buster Posey some much needed protection in the heart of the lineup. He was only able to play in 52 games this season and the Giants missed him tremendously. Despite the injuries, the Giants still managed a winning record, going 84-78 on the season. The Dodgers won the NL West by eight games, which has to stick in the craw Photos courtesy Phillip Walton/SportStars of the San Francisco Giants DE LA SALLE HAS ALREADY PLAYED ONE TEAM FROM TEXAS, three from Southern Cali- organization. Even worse, the fornia and one from Sacramento area while racking up a 6-1 record and claim- Dodgers beat the Mets to ing their familiar No. 1 ranking as they enter the final three weeks of the advance in the playoffs. regular season. Senior runningbacks/defensive backs Antoine Custer (28) and While the injuries the Andrew Hernandez (32) are again leading the way. They’ve combined for about Giants dealt with were cer-
De La Salle, Clayton Valley football prove they’re Bay Area’s top 2 teams Clayton Valley Charter and De La Salle continue to roll through opponents as they rank 1-2 in Bay Area high school football polls and each team is hoping to win another North Coast Section championship and return to CIF State bowl games in December. The Spartans have three home games against non-league opponents before they will begin seeking their 24th consecutive NCS title. They host Del Oro of Loomis this Friday then James Logan of Union City and California of San Ramon to round out the regular season. The Ugly Eagles look to extend an ongoing 19-game Diablo Valley Athletic League winning streak. That unbeaten run figures to face its toughest 2015 challenge this Friday when rival Concord High visits Gonsalves Stadium at 7 p.m. for the CVCHS homecoming game. Since the DVAL was reinstituted in 2008 Concord and Clayton Valley have finished first every year but 2011 when College Park won the football championship. In 2009 Ygnacio Valley and Concord tied at 4-1 but the Warriors defeated Concord in their head-to-head game. CV won the initial 2008 crown and now have three more championships (2012-14) during their undefeated league streak that began at the tail end of the 2011 season. Concord High (5-2, 2-0) led by interim head coach Mark Bywater has relied on senior runningback Harold Tidwell to carry the load on offense. Tidwell has run for 1202 yards, which is 76% of the Minuteman rushing total and made that payoff with 19 touchdowns and six two-point conversions. The Concord defense has held four of its seven opponents to single-digit scoring. Coach Tim Murphy’s CVCHS team (61, 2-0) navigated its toughest-ever nonleague schedule with four wins in five games. The Eagles lost their opener to returning Division I state champion Folsom 27-26. The Bulldogs now stand 7-0, ranked behind only De La Salle in NorCal rankings. Once again the wing-gun Eagles offense has a featured back. This fall Ray Jackson III is averaging 10.1 yards per carry with 1212 total rushing yardage that includes 10 touchdowns. After giving up 27 points to Folsom the Ugly Eagles defense has allowed a total of 33 points to its next six foes, including three shutouts. The other DVAL games this Friday have College Park (1-6, 1-1), coming off its first win of the year 50-16 over Ygnacio Valley, hosting Northgate (4-3, 1-1) at
1600 total yards and 13 touchdowns plus nearly 50 tackles on defense for the Spartans.
Diablo Valley College and Mt. Diablo (16, 0-2) going to Ygnacio (2-5, 0-2) in a matchup of Concord schools seeking their first league victory this fall. Last year was unprecedented for local high schools as all five Concord schools— Concord, Ygnacio Valley, Mt. Diablo, Clayton Valley Charter and DLS---plus Northgate and Berean Christian were in the five-tiered North Coast Section playoffs in the same year. This year there will be 13 state championship divisions so several local teams may have a shot at postseason play. Berean (6-1, 3-0) looks like a lock to return to NCS Division V playoffs where they reached the quarterfinals in 2014. They are the only undefeated team in TriValley – Stone league play. SPARTANS ROLLING NOW De La Salle (6-1) lost its opener in Texas but the Spartans have run off six consecutive victories to maintain its spot in CalHiSports.com rankings as No. 1 in California Division I and Clayton Valley Charter is first in DII. The Spartans lost the game in Texas due to a number or mistakes and that pattern has continued as their first two drives last Friday in Con-
cord against Long Beach Poly ended in lost fumbles. By halftime in their anticipated renewal of football competition against Poly the Spartans had three turnovers, had two touchdowns called back due to penalties and gave up a kick return TD. They still led 22-6 at the intermission and then scored 30 more quick points in the second half with a running clock much of the way. “They’re talented and they’re good, but our defense was awesome tonight,” De La Salle head coach Justin Alumbaugh told CalHiSports. “All we gave up was that kickoff return so that’s just three points allowed by the defense in the last four games [while the Spartan have outscored their opponents 178-9] against some pretty good offenses. I’m really happy how they’ve come along [since the loss to Trinity of Texas].” Long Beach Poly and DLS met in historic 2001 and 2002 games. The first meeting marked the first time ever that the No. 1 and 2 ranked teams in America played each other. DLS won both those games which were prominently featured in Neil Hayes’ landmark book “When the Game Stands Tall.”
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tainly not ideal, it gave some young players a chance to shine. Starting pitcher Chris Heston and third baseman Matt Duffy both performed well for the Giants in their rookie years. Heston was a relative unknown coming out of spring training but he pitched admirably in his first full season in the majors. Heston started 31 games for the orange and black, winning 12 and compiling a respectable 3.95 ERA. If he hadn’t run out of gas toward the end of the season his numbers would’ve been even better. Heston faltered at the end of the season, showing clear signs of fatigue, but fellow young-gun Duffy performed like a champ from start to finish. Duffy took over the starting third-base position relatively early in the season after Casey McGehee flamed out of the role. Duffy hit 12 home runs with 77 RBIs to go along with an impressive .295 batting average. The third base position was a concern in the off-season after the departure of Pablo Sandoval but Duffy actually looks like an upgrade over the fat panda. The Giants season wasn’t ideal, no team wants to miss the playoffs. When looking back on the season though, it has to be acknowledged that the team was still extremely competitive, even though they had to deal with numerous injuries. If the team gets healthy next season and gets a couple new starting pitchers, there’s a good chance tradition holds true for the Giants of 2016. And of course, that’ll mean another World Series trophy for the orange and black in an even year.
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
October 23, 2015
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Four athletes and one coach will be inducted Nov. 7 into the Mt. Diablo High School Sports Hall of Fame as the Class of 2015. They were elected from a field of 25 nominees and will bring to 77 the number of athletes, coaches, staff and teams since the 2003 inaugural class. Co-chairs Lou Adamo and Al Hagerstrand announced the results of voting that picked Ron Walsh, Mike Connors and James “Buddy” King from the 1960s and Joe Nelms from the 80s as athletes and coach Bruce Iversen to comprise the 12th class of Sports Hall of Fame inductees for the area’s oldest school. Reflective of their eras, all four athletes were multi-sports performers with Connors “only” playing two sports while the others were threesport standouts.
MIKE CONNORS (CLASS OF 1967 FOOTBALL AND SWIMMING) A four-year varsity letter winner in swimming Connors capped his career as DVAL butterfly champion in 1967. He also played two years of varsity football. He went on to get all-Golden Gate Conference honors two years at Diablo Valley College including for the 1968 league football champions. This led to a scholarship at Weber State in 1969 where he played guard, tackle and tight end on the offensive line. He played in 1971 as a senior at Chico State for the Far West Conference champion Wildcats. He was honorable mention all-West Coast and played in the Camellia Bowl against Boise State.
Photos courtesy Mt. Diablo High School
THE LEAGUE CHAMPION MT. DIABLO HIGH BASEBALL TEAM OF 1959 featured a star-studded team and coach Bruce Iversen. Both the team and head coach are now in the Mt. Diablo Sports Hall of Fame. The Red Devils included, front row from left, student manager Ron Churchman, Herb Denton, Paul Chaplick, Bill Stone, Bob Armstrong; middle row, Eddy Johnson, Ron Rose, Lee Grichuhin, Marty Piscovich, Dennis Treadway, Don Barfus; back row, Larry Leimone, Dan Barney, Bud Peebles, Jim Liggett, Ron Lichti, Dwain Adams, Tom Brown and coach Iversen.
Brown, Chuck Midland, Dennis Treadway, Bud Peebles, Bill Stone and Lee Grichuhin the Red Devils were undefeated in DVAL play and 11 players hit over .300 that season. The year before they were league cochamps with Las Lomas but went one step further in ’59. Mt. Diablo won 11 DVAL championships between 1956 and 1966. Iversen was just four years removed from his Stanford undergraduate days when he began coaching at MDHS. His 1959 team was put into the
school’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2010. Liggett, Piscovich, Adams and Brown are also previous MDHS Hall of Fame inductees.
BUDDY KING (1969 FOOTBALL, WRESTLING AND BASEBALL) Buddy King was DVAL lineman of the year as a senior after getting all-league recognition on offense and defense. King was named to both the Contra Costa-Alameda and North-South Shrine All-Star games. The Concord Transcript named him a member of the 1960s All Decade Team. He won the P. J. Kramer Award in 1969. He was a two-year varsity MDHS athlete in football, baseball and wrestling. King attended Clemson University in South Carolina on scholarship and played offensive guard from 1970-72 for Tigers football.
JOE NELMS (1983 FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL AND BASEBALL) BRUCE IVERSEN Nelms was a versatile three(1956-59 BASEBALL COACH) sport athlete for the Red DevLong-time high school ils who went on to Cal Berkesports observers remember the ley where he played three years late Bruce Iversen as the sucfor the Golden Bears, earning cessful Clayton Valley High basketball coach for several JOE NELMS (88) was a three- all-Pacific 10 football honors decades. Before CVHS even sport standout at Mt. Diablo as a senior in 1988. He was opened he was making his before graduating in 1983. drafted in the 11th round by the Chicago Bears and played mark at Mt. Diablo. His 1959 He played football for one in a pre-season NFL game. He baseball team is considered as year at DVC and then letperhaps the greatest in school tered three years for the Cal was a Red Devils three-year lethistory. With standouts such as Bears from 1886-88. Nelms terman in basketball and two Jim Liggett, Ron Lichti, Dwain was drafted by the Chicago years each in football and baseball. He was football defensive Adams, Marty Piscovich, Tom Bears of the NFL.
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Concord High School is looking for head varsity wrestling and boys tennis coaches. Athletic director Megan Coddington says the coaches receive a stipend. Candidates must fulfill MDUSD fingerprinting, have current TB test, be First Aid/CPR certified and complete NFHS or ASEP principles of coaching and NFHS concussion courses. Send resume to Coddington at coddingtonm@mdusd.org.
MT. DIABLO WORLD CUP UNDERWAY FOR 43 TEAMS
The seventh annual Mt. Diablo World Cup tournament for under 10, 12 and 14 boys and girls MDSA divisions concludes pool play this weekend with quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals next weekend, Oct. 31-Nov. 1. The Cup culminates the AYSO fall soccer season with berths in the Area 2C tournament in November at stake for the top finishers. For details on the World Cup visit mdsoccer.org.
DIABLO FC OFFERING FREE SOCCER CLINICS IN DECEMBER
Diablo FC is offering free soccer clinics for ages 5-12 this December. Each clinic will be run by the Diablo FC professional coaching staff. All levels of players are encouraged to come to improve skills while having fun. Visit diablofc.org for dates, times and to register online.
HALLOWEEN KICK OR TREAT CLASSIC THIS WEEKEND
Over 70 teams will be playing in the 17th annual Halloween Kick or Treat Classic hosted by Diablo FC this weekend, Oct. 24-25, in Concord. Boys and girls under 9, 10 and 11 premier, gold, silver and bronze teams will be playing soccer for two days and also participating in the annual Halloween Costume Contest which brings out some very creative, humorous and scary looks. For more information visit diablofc.org.
PICKLEBALL DROP-IN PROGRAM COMING TO CONCORD
Pickleball is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis, table tennis and badminton. It’s played with two to four players on a court about half the size of a tennis court with wooden paddles and a plastic whiffle ball. One of the fastest growing
player of the week and captain of the basketball team his senior year. He garnered all-league honors in all three sports. He was also drafted twice by the Kansas City Royals baseball team.
RON WALSH (1966 FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL AND BASEBALL) The team captain and catcher for the 1966 DVAL championship baseball team under coach Steve Bordi, Walsh was a three-year letter winner in baseball and two each in football and basketball. He was selected to play on the Contra Costa All-Star football team and was all-DVAL in baseball as a senior. He won the P.J. Kramer Award in 1966. He went on to play for the Hall of Fame 1966 Diablo Valley College football team which lost only once, to City College of San Francisco led by O.J. Simpson. His DVC football career was interrupted by service in the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam. The honorees will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Zio Fraedo’s in Pleasant Hill. Tickets at $50 for the dinner are on sale by calling Adamo at (925) 212-9332 or mailing payment to MDHSSHOF c/o Larry Prosper, 3718 Hillsborough Dr., Concord 94520. Proceeds from the event help fund the girls and boys sports programs at Mt. Diablo.
sports among adults of all ages, pickleball is especially popular with young adults and adults nearing or in their retirement years. To receive information on pickleball drop-in programs five days a week (including some evenings and Saturday) at Willow Pass Park tennis courts in Concord visit teamsideline.com/concord or call 671-3423.
CHEERLEADING BEING ADDED AS HIGH SCHOOL SPORT IN 2017-18
Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill that will classify cheerleading as a competitive CIF sport beginning in 2017-18. The state organization will come up with the rules, policies and standards to allow schools to compete. A season for cheerleading will be decided and students will be subject to the same eligibility and transfer rules as other sports. “One of the major goals in this process will be to develop guidelines for competitive cheer programs that our member schools can implement, meet the standards and be compliant with Title IX,” said CIF Executive Director Roger Blake in a statement.
DE LA SALLE PLAYER PICKED FOR ARMY ALL-AMERICAN BOWL
Senior tight end Devin Asiasi of De La Salle has been selected for the prestigious 2016 U.S. Army All-American Bowl Jan. 9 in the San Antonio Alamodome. The game’s website says, “A big and physical presence, Asiasi has been one of the premier players at the tight end position, regardless of class, for the last two seasons. He is the consensus best tight end on the West Coast. He possesses a premier combination of size, athleticism and blocking and catching ability; he is as complete a tight end to come from the West in some time.” The game will be telecast live on NBC. Kahlil McKenzie from Clayton Valley Charter played in the 2015 Bowl. He was Asiasi’s teammate in 2013 at De La Salle.
WINTER PROGRAMS OPEN AT ALL OUT SPORTS LEAGUES
Winter programs are now open for signups in Clayton offered by All Out Sports Leagues. Youth basketball signups are taking place with the league starting Jan. 9. Thanksgiving and Christmas break basketball clinics for boys and girls in first through 10th grades are also accepting signups. Blaze competitive team tryouts for baseball, basketball and girls volleyball are upcoming later this year. For complete information on All Out Sports programs, visit alloutsportsleague.com.
October 23, 2015
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Cake bosses stir up good works JENNIFER LEISCHER Correspondent
“Let them eat cake!” Marie Antoinette supposedly declared during her short reign of France. The Queen’s perspective may not have been the most appropriate at the time, as the French Revolution was in the making, but this historic statement, almost 250 years later, has a much more meaningful, more resounding sentiment that the Contra Costa Cake & Sugar Society has fully embraced. Cake makes everything better.
Sylvia Huerta of Clayton claimed top prize in the gingerbread competition with an imaginative tea setting.
Founded in 2006, CCCSAS is a volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to sharing, promoting, encouraging and spreading the appreciation and practice of the art of cake decorating and all confectionary art forms. Arlene Lewandowski has
been a member of CCCSAS from the beginning. Responsible for the groups’ newsletter, Lewandowski knows the groups’ recipe for success. “From professional to novice, our members are here to develop and refine their craft. We conduct hands-on workshops that take place at each of our monthly meetings, but more importantly, the group is a network of support, morale and fun.” This past weekend, CCCSAS had their eighth annual Cake & Sugar Art competition, where a wide range of participants debuted sweet confectionary treasures. Children, as young as 3-years-old submitted Halloweeninspired cookies. Guests could also admire beautifully embellished wedding cakes, using the latest design techniques. There were also a series of miniature flower pots, a happy seeping teapot and cups, a cake depicting images of Day of the Dead, cupcakes inspired by Tiffany’s, a lovely Mexican gelatin creation with swimming fish, an enchanted castle fit for a queen, and even chicken and waffles. Marla Erojo, owner of “Cakes Made by M.E.,” created the chicken and waffles cake with a miniature “pouring” pitcher of syrup, primarily made of molding chocolate. The project took Erojo about a week to complete. “My daughter and I could eat breakfast all day, so seemed like a perfect project,” she said. Beyond the sprinkles, glitter and sparkles, CCCSAS uses their creativity and unique skill set to support of two local children’s organiza-
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tions; the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Contra Costa County and Calico House of Alameda County. The group provides decorated birthday cakes to children and young people within the foster system to both of these agencies. The thought process behind this act is that if a child sees someone care for them on their special day, they will stay strong throughout their life beyond the foster care years. CCCSAS also provides Calico House with the funds to purchase ginger-
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bread house supplies for their annual holiday party. The members of CCCSAS also volunteer their time and expertise to assist the children in building and decorating these confectionary holiday treasures.
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SCHOOLS Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Mt. Diablo High
Elisa Gomez
MDHS CORRESPONDENT
Clearing up those false impressions
There are many misconceptions about the students and staff at Mount Diablo High School. Many rumors depict students as lazy troublemakers and teachers as less fortunate for teaching here. Despite these beliefs, we prove to ourselves and our community that we do not deserve such a reputation. In fact, MDHS is one of the most accepting and diverse
Liane Cismowski MDHS PRINCIPAL
MDHS also hosts monthly campus clean-ups — our next clean-up is planned for Thursday, Oct. 22. We are also known for the best multicultural rallies, which embrace the different cultures at MDHS. Negative statements regarding teachers are also wrong. Teachers at MDHS provide support in every way they can. Some choose to cut short their personal time and chaperone our events. Many concern themselves with our education, and some even go as far as to host study sessions outside of school or stay after hours to help students on schoolwork. MDHS is a high school that embraces diversity and contributes, as a whole, to the community within our walls and to the community around us.
campus in the district. Thursday, Oct. 15 we celebrated a bully-free environment by wearing purple on a day known as Spirit Day. Our Key Club — a student led service club — has reached an attendance of 86 students. Key Club is very active in our community, and on Sunday, Oct. 17, the club in the Elisa Gomez is a senior at Mount Alzheimer’s Walk in Diablo High School. Email her at Walnut Creek. editor@concordpioneer.com.
résumé, review effective interviewing techniques and identify sources of employment. CTE/ROP is also an excellent way to prepare for college. Internships and hands-on experience provide students the opportunity to “try-out” career choices before investing time and money in college or post-secondary training and helps students develop skills to gain higher paying part-time work to help pay for college expenses. Our guests started their visit in the ROP Biotech class where Mr. Jones’ students were beginning a lab that had them making cheese. Torlakson sat with one of the lab groups and was a valued contributor to their discussion. The group moved on to the woodshop, where students in ROP Advanced Woodworking were preparing to cut a large piece of plywood into smaller pieces for the students in the Introduction to Woodworking classes. Their teacher, Mr. Seaman, insisted on safety glasses all around. The next stop was Serendipity, the restaurant on our campus, where Chefs Debbie and Kevin were working with students in their ROP Culinary Class. Finally, the group ended the tour viewing the new growing towers and the kitchen in the Sustainable Hospitality pathway with Chef Cindy’s ROP Commercial Food Service class. The Mount Diablo High School CTE/ROP classes are doing an excellent job of fulfilling the MDHS vision statement: We graduate students prepared for college, career, and civic responsibility.
Torlakson reviews MDHS’s CTE/ROP classes
STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS TOM TORLAKSON — who attended Mt. Diablo High School — checks out the chopping of bell peppers with County Schools Superintendent Karen Sakata, pictured peeking out from behind students Sarah and Maribel. The two were learning more about MDHS’s CTE/ROP classes.
California State Superintendent of Schools Tom Torlakson and Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Karen Sakata recently visited Mount Diablo High School for a look at our CTE/ROP (Regional Occupational Program) classes. Mount Diablo Unified School District Superintendent Nellie Meyer and Associate Superintendent Chris Holleran also joined the entourage. Torlakson is a former science teacher at MDHS.
Performing Arts Charter starts enrolling students
The curtain is rising on the Contra Costa School of Performing Arts (SPA), a new, tuition-free, public charter school set to open in the fall of 2016 in Concord, serving sixth through 12th graders. Organizers say that the school will combine a “rigorous” academic program with “unparalleled” performing arts conservatory training. “SPA is a unique and exciting educational opportunity for our community,” says SPA founder and principal Neil McChesney. “Finally, Contra Costa can have access to a specialized secondary arts and academic program to meet the needs of our
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diverse and abundant student talent.” SPA will include: College and career preparatory education with a focus on 21st century skills through project-based learning and an arts-integrated curriculum. For example: graduation requirements for SPA are equivalent to the minimum eligibility (“a-g”) for UC and CSU admissions. “This is a higher bar than any high school in our region,” McChesney says. “We believe all students can achieve excellence with the right environment, time and support.” Pre-professional performing arts training in one
Concord High Aasim Yahya
CONCORD HIGH CORRESPONDENT
Concord High ‘Scares Away Hunger’
As Halloween approaches, Concord High School students are preparing to participate in the fifth annual Scare Away Hunger. Every year for the last five years, Concord High has teamed up with the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano and the Tesoro Golden Eagle Refinery to collect can foods/non-perishable items and monetary donations near or on the day of Halloween.
One of the most interesting aspects of Scare Away Hunger is that it’s a competition between different programs on campus. This year band, leadership, choir, baseball, softball, and boys and girls Soccer will be competing against one another to see who can raise the most pounds of food. The winner is determined by which group is able to collect the most pounds of food and money
Big ideas from Tiny House project
The welcome sign by the front door reminded him, “Once a Red Devil, always a Red Rianne Devil!” Pfaltzgraff CTE/ROP is the Contra CONCORD HIGH Costa County Office of EduPRINCIPAL cation’s career training proIf you are an HGTV or gram designed for high school DIY fan, you may have stumjuniors and seniors. The goal bled across the Tiny House of CTE/ROP is to help stumovement. A tiny house is dents gain knowledge and classified as a home less than skills for future careers. In 400 square feet and is typicaladdition to the skills developed ly mounted to a trailer so it Send comments and questions to for specific fields, each class can be moved easily. helps students develop a editor@concordpioneer.com Concord High will be joining this growing trend, as the students in Civil Engineering and Architecture and ROP Construction Tech will work together to Serving Northern California for Over 30 Years & courses design and build their very own Tiny House, consisting of 190 square feet of living Specializing in Large space. Students in ROP ConHazardous Trees & struction Tech will interview Heritage Oak trees for job openings for posiCrane Service tions such as project managTree & Stump Removal er, superintendent, foreman, Arborist Consulting project engineer, etc. based Arborist Reports 24 HOUR on industry standard job FREE EMERGENCY Pruning/Cabling descriptions. These roles will ESTIMATES Fire Abatement SERVICE be put into practice in the Custom Milled Lumber construction tech class as the students build their actual Firewood “Tiny House” project. Ed Waraner Tom Trowbridge, who 8861 Marsh Creek Rd, Clayton teaches both courses along Bonded and Fully Insured with Woodworking and Lic. #642272 Certified Arborist WE-3386A robotics, has led the charge in all respects from design, Major Credit Cards Accepted funding and local business CCC Certified support. CHS has developed
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of four Conservatories: Theater, Dance, Music (vocal and instrumental), and Production & Design, with access to premier performance venues including the Concord Pavilion for exhibiting the student’s talent and engaging the community in an arts culture renaissance. SPA has already begun preliminary enrollment for students. The school will be accepting students in grades 6 through 10 for year one (2016-17). For more information about SPA, including how to enroll your student, visit www.cocospa.org or call 925-690-8600.
donations As Scare Away Hunger enters its fifth year, Concord students have used this event as a great way to learn about those less fortunate in our community. Scare Away Hunger lets students make a huge impact on the one in eight of our neighbors who directly benefit from the services of the food bank. ASB President Karlee Kronquist, says ,“I feel that the friendly competition and opportunity for service drives us to do our very best in the gathering the most we can to benefit the food bank and beyond.” Scare Away Hunger will be on Thursday, Oct. 29 this year, and students will be collecting between the hours of 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Aasim Yahya is a sophomore and student body vice president. He has a passion for basketball and plays on the school team. Send comments to editor@concordpioneer.com
supplying all the framing and sheathing materials, West Coast Windows for the donation of custom windows, and Heieck Supply for providing all plumbing materials and fixtures. We are still looking for community partners who would like to give back to their community, be part of something self-sustaining, and help inspire our future engineering, design and building professionals. Help us build the future.
many great local partnerships, who have committed to helping the project. This includes Tumbleweed Tiny House Company for providSend comments and questions to ing the tiny house design editor@concordpioneer.com plans, Ashby Lumber for
October 23, 2015
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Clayton Valley Charter High
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Jeff Eben CVCHS PRINCIPAL
Many seniors will cast first vote in 2016
level. I am proud of their initiative to accept these leadership roles and undertake new responsibilities on behalf of the entire student body. Currently, the CVCHS student leadership has taken over the multitude of student events on campus for this year. Student leaders from each class are assigned to an administrator who models relationship building. Key student leaders are writing for our local newspaper, serving alongside administration on committees for parent involvement and event management, and mentoring our freshmen class through our Link Crew program. Those attending our home football games will witness
Northgate High
NORTHGATE CORRESPONDENT
Trump and Hillary Clinton are constantly being mentioned in the media. However, there are other candidates that students feel would best represent the country. There is one candidate who is rapidly rising through the polls that is garnering support from students at Clayton Valley, Bernie Sanders. Sanders is the senator from Vermont running for the Democratic nomination. He is cur-
rently leading the assumed Democratic front-runner, Hillary Clinton, in the first two primary states, New Hampshire and Iowa. His platform is receiving the support of many progressives who are frustrated with the current state of the country. His campaign aims to address prevalent issues like corruption of money in politics, college tuition, and police brutality— issues that seem to be left unanswered and unaddressed by
other candidates. While other candidates may run on the platform of stirring up controversy, Bernie supporters argue that the driving force behind his campaign is serving the interest of the American people. According to many progressive Americans, they assert that they “Feel the Bern.” Tommy Vo, 16, is a senior at CVCHS. He hopes to become a published writer and attend UCLA.”
Students leading the charge
When the students of Clayton Valley Charter High School look back on the 201516 school year, they will be able to take great ownership of the positive climate and culture of the school. Under the guidance of Activities Director Greg Rosewell and leadership of Associated Student Body President Hosna Opeyani, CVCHS student leaders are stepping up and re-defining their “student voice.” As the school year approached, I met with ASB senior officers who expressed their desire to have student opinions shared regarding school culture and the planning of campus activities. What has transpired is now taking student voice to a new
Mick Ucciferri
In next year’s presidential election, most students from the Class of 2016 will be able to cast their vote for the President of the United States. As students, they should take advantage of the time they have left to understand their responsibilities and learn how to handle them. With the presidential primaries just around the corner, the process of determining the next president has already begun. Popular names such Donald
Page 15
Homecoming week brings new tradition
It’s Homecoming Week at Northgate High School, and the halls are buzzing with excitement. Not only are students looking forward to the daily dress-up themes throughout the week, but the Homecoming Dance is the hot topic of discussion throughout the student body. This dance is going to be a first in North-
gate history: for the first time ever, the Northgate administration is allowing outside guests to attend the dance itself. Never before have the students of Northgate been able to ask someone from a different school to attend the dance with them. The old administration was afraid to allow guests for
STUDENTS (CLOCKWISE) HOSNA OPEYANI, MICAELA MUZIO, BAND DIRECTOR JOSEPH SCOTT, Celine Just and Ashlyn Hingemihle meet to discuss how students can assume leadership roles in school activities.
a new activity inspired by our student leadership – Friday Night Tailgate Party. It’s a great opportunity for CVCHS students to demonstrate to the community at large our enthusiasm and support for our school’s athletic teams.
The pride at the school is unprecedented and with good reason — our students are making their experience exactly what they want it to be.
Send comments and questions to editor@concordpioneer.com
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liability purposes; they didn’t want an overwhelmingly large amount of students that they would not be able to control. However, there have been several changes in the administration of Northgate in the past year, and the new officials at the school have a different view of the situation. I was attending a meeting for the school’s Site Council when the topic was came up. Principal Michael McAlister told the group that the change was because “administration trusts the students.” They have seen how welcoming our student body has been to outsiders at various sporting events and other activities, and feel confident that we can be just as welcoming to outside
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guests at the dance. That is what is most important to them. In fact, the new principal and vice principals had no idea why we were not allowing guests to the dance to begin with. The student body is thrilled with this new change. Many are excited to have their significant others or good friends who do not attend Northgate accompany them to the dance; others are just excited to meet new people. Whatever the case, this change comes as a breath of fresh air for the Bronco community, and we hope it is a tradition we are able to keep going. Mick Ucciferri is a senior at Northgate High School. Send questions and comments to editor@concordpioneer.com
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Page 16
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
T H E ARTS
October 23, 2015
‘Monty,’ ‘Jekyll,’ ‘Living Dead’ kick off strong fall season
Jekyll, whose recent discovery turns him into a horrifying character. Directed and choreographed by Scott Maraj, the production features Christopher Sanders as Jekyll-Hyde with Morgan Breedveld as his fiancée, Lucy. Gorgeous costumes, an elaborate set and a full orchestra should make this a production a must-see. For tickets, call 925-373-6800 or go to www.trivalleyrep.org.
Robert Sholty and DC Scarpelli
Rebecca Davis, Christopher Sanders, Morgan Breedveld star in lush production of “Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical,” Oct. 24 through Nov. 8 at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore.
SALLY HOGARTY
STAGE STRUCK
Contra Costa Musical Theatre (CCMT) serves up a winner with its current production of Terrence McNally’s “The Full Monty,” running through Nov. 7 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center. Set in Buffalo, New York, the musical tells of six unemployed steelworkers so desperate for cash that they decide to put on a strip show to compete with the Chippendales show that their wives and girlfriends flock to attend. In order to garner audience, they agree to bare it all – the full monty. But this isn’t just a show about men taking off their clothes. McNally has added lots of poignant backstory on
his characters, and all of CCMT’s talented actors do a fine job bringing them to life, especially Noel Anthony (Jerry), R. Martin Newton (the weight-challenged Dave), Taylor Bartolucci (Vicki) and comedian Zoe Conner (Jeanette).
R. Martin Newton as ‘Dave’ and Noel Anthony as ‘Jerry’ are best friends ready to bare it all in ‘The Full Monty,’ now at the Lesher through Nov. 7
Richard Schwab
Edwin Peabody, Michael Wedgley, Anne Baker and Siobhan O'Brien are featured in ‘Cherry Orchard of the Living Dead,’ a parody on the Chekov classic, now at the Campbell in Martinez through Nov. 7.
While David Yazbek’s songs may not be memorable, this production certainly is. For tickets, call 925-943SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.
Onstage Repertory Theatre is having lots of fun with its parody of Anton Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard.” Playwright Troy Heard has taken Chekhov’s characters and put them in his new comedy “Cherry Orchard of the Living Dead,” running Oct. 23 through Nov. 7 at the Campbell Theater, 636 Ward Street, in Martinez. For tickets, call 925-518-3277.
KATHRYN MCCARTY
Next up at Onstage Rep is Concord playwright Kathryn G. McCarty’s adaptation of “(Not) A Christmas Carol,” running Dec. 2 through 13. “I’ve integrated a lot of humor while modernizing the story,” McCarty says. “I wanted to create a comedy that was easily accessible to today’s audiences, yet still held true to Charles Dickens’ story. I kept wondering, how he would incorporate world events if he were writing his story today?” In McCarty’s adaptation, Ebeneezer Scrooge (Mark Hinds), leads the world’s first “Oil and Bank Consortium.” The show runs at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays
and at 2:30 p.m. Sundays. There is a $5 (plus non-perishable food bank donation) preview at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2, Thursday shows are $10 with Friday – Sunday prices $15 general; $12 seniors and $10 students. For tickets, call 925-518-3277 or go to www.Onstagetheatre.homestead.com. Clayton Theatre Company is busy putting the finishing touches on its production of “Urinetown.” Running Oct. 30 through Nov. 15 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center, the musical takes place in a Gotham-like city where private toilets are banned and residents of the 20-year drought have to pay to use public toilets. “With our on-going drought in Northern California, it seemed like the perfect time to do this show,” says Roxanne Pardi, who codirects with Watts. The cast includes Michelle Ianiro (Penelope Pennywise), Burton Thomas (Bobby Strong), Jarusha Ariel (Hope Cladwell) and Max Minton (Caldwell). For tickets to “Urinetown,” call 925-943-SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.
Meanwhile, Center REPertory Company presents “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.” Written by Christopher Durang and directed by Mark Anderson
Pittsburg Community Theatre also has a busy fall planned with something for everyone. Coming Nov. 20 through 22 is the Broadway smash hit “13 The Musical.” This hilarious comingof-age musical features teens from the Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood and Concord areas. Tickets are available now through the California Theatre Box office, 925-427Phillips, the show will run 1611. Oct. 23 through Nov. 21 at Sally Hogarty is well known the Lesher Center for the around the Bay Area as a newspaArts in Walnut Creek. All is well for siblings per columnist, theatre critic and Vanya and Sonia in their working actress. She is the editor of mundane world until they the Orinda News. Send comments receive a surprise visit from to sallyhogarty@gmail.com
Sarah Piane as the Ghost of Christmas Past and Mark Hinds as Scrooge take a new look at the classic in ‘(Not) a Christmas Carol’ at the Campbell Theatre 636 Ward Street, Martinez
their fading movie star sister, Masha, with her new boy toy — and a big announcement. For more information go to www.CenterREP.org or call 925.943.SHOW (7469).
Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre has as treat in store for audiences as it presents a lush production of “Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical,” Oct. 24 through Nov. 8 at the Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Street, in Livermore. The story follows scientist Dr.
The cast of Clayton Theatre Company’s ‘Urinetown’warms up for the rambunctious musical running Oct. 30 through Nov. 15 at the Lesher Center in Walnut Creek.
Piedmont Oakland Repertory Theatre presents
Gigi Benson as
1950s Manhattan witch Gillian Holyroyd, with Simon as Pyewacket, her familiar. In John van Druten’s
“
Bell, Book & Candle”
Fri-Sat-Sun at 7:30 pm, Through Nov. 8
Performing at the Pacific Boychoir Academy 215 Ridgeway (2 blocks off Broadway) in Oakland Tickets $20 at www.PiedmontOaklandRep.org
Diablo Ballet swings into the Holidays
Diablo Ballet will kick off its 22nd season of celebrating the power of dance with “A Swingin’ Holiday and More,” Nov. 13 through 15 at the Del Valle Theatre in Walnut Creek. The 2015 Edition of “A Swingin’ Holiday,” was created in 2012 by Sean Kelly, former resident choreographer for the national tour of the musical “Billy Elliot” and former principal of Houston Ballet. Set to the exhilarating music of the 1930s and 40s, the show includes holiday tunes by legends Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Nat “King” Cole and Wynton Marsalis, as well as jazzy renditions of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite, performed by the Diablo Ballet Swing Orchestra, under the musical direction of Greg Sudmeier. The program also features the Diablo Ballet Premiere of the award-winning, classical “Tchaikovsky Dances” duet by Norbert Vesak, set to Tchaikovsky’s score from the opera, “Eugene Onegin,” which made famous by the internationally renowned duo Cynthia Gregory and Fernando Bujones. For tickets/info go to www.diabloballet.org or call the Diablo Ballet office at 925-9431775.
October 23, 2015
CALENDAR Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. NOV. 9 FOR THE NOV. 20
IN CONCORD
Mondays Off the Grid
Rotating lineup of eight food trucks; live music from local musicians. Food trucks 5 – 9 p.m.; music 6 – 8 p.m. Grant Street between Salvio Street and Willow Pass Road, Concord. offthegridsf.com.
Tuesdays Farmers’ Market
Tuesdays year round. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org.
Nov. 5 Business and Brews
Business expo and mixer, hors d’oeuvres, beer samples. Sponsored by the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce. 4 – 7 p.m. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 45 John Glenn Drive, Concord. Free admission. concordchamber.com. 685-1181.
IN CLAYTON
Oct. 26 Start Smart Program
Elena Noble, Start Smart facilitator for the American Association of University Women, speaks about progress for this program in Contra Costa County. Start Smart grew out of the 2005 nationwide AAUW WAGE Project. Start Smart is designed to enlighten graduating college women about the gender wage gap and salary negotiations for the purpose of receiving equal pay for equal work. 7:30 p.m. Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton. Free. For more information, call Jeanne at 672-3672.
Nov. 5 Rosies
Nov. 8 Concert
ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO
Oct. 31
2nd and 4th Sundays Pancake Breakfast
Nov. 13 – 15 “A Swingin’ Holiday”
Diablo Ballet’s 22nd season opener. Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. $44. diabloballet.org.
Nov. 13 – 15 “November Nocturnes”
Performed by Erik “Awesome” Alston. 9 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $15-$25. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611.
Haunted house, rock wall, air jumpers, pet rides, games, food. Benefits the students and staff at MDES. 4 – 8 p.m. Mt. Diablo Elementary School, 5880 Mt. Zion Drive, Clayton. Free admission. For more information, contact mdemarquee@gmail.com.
Nov. 14 Comedy
Nov. 14 “Waterloo: The ABBA Concert Experience”
Nov. 15 “Too Old for the Chorus…But Not Too Old to be a Star”
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Thru Oct. 25 “Brighton Beach Memoirs”
Nov. 15 “Hello Gorgeous! A Live Tribute to Barbra Streisand”
Presented by West Coast Performing Arts Presenters. 3 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
A musical revue about men and women who find themselves suddenly 50. 2 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $10-$15. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Nov. 20 “The Improv Games: Scuttlebutt – Part 2”
Presented by Trapped in a Rumor Improv. 8:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Nov. 20 – 21 “Dorothy in Wonderland”
Bittersweet memoir that evocatively captures the life of a struggling Jewish household. Resurrection Ministries, 1275 Fairview Ave., Brentwood. $8-$20. thebrentwoodtheater.org.
Presented by El Campanil’s Children’s Theatre. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $8-$12. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Heartwarming, upbeat comedy performed by Contra Costa Musical Theatre. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45-$60. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Presented by Smuin Ballet. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $56-$73. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Exploring the resilience of a community struggling to find a home in the ever-shifting sands of the American dream. Strand Theater, 1127 Market St., San Francisco. $35-$95. act-sf.org.
Hilarious coming-of-age musical about discovering that “cool” is sometimes where we least expect it. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $10-$25. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611.
Presented by Trapped in a Rumor Improv. 8:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Timothy James performs. 2 p.m. Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St., Martinez. campbelltheater.com. 518-3277.
An uproarious horror romp. Onstage Theatre at the Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St., Martinez. $12-$18. live@campbelltheater.com. 518-3277.
Presented by Commander Doug Productions. 8:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Madcap Chekhovian mash up. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $33-$53. centerrep.org.
Starring Jim Curry. 3 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $25-$27. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Thru Nov. 7 “The Full Monty” Thru Nov. 22 “Monstress”
Oct. 23 The Great Pumpkimprov
Oct. 23 – Nov. 7 “Cherry Orchard of the Living Dead”
Oct. 23 – Nov. 21 “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” Oct. 24 Improv Spooktacular
Presented by Ready or Not Improv. 8:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Oct. 24 Tribute to Johnny Cash
Performed by James Garner. 2 and 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $25-$27. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Nov. 20 – 21 Holiday Dance Program Nov. 20 – 22 “13 the Musical”
Nov. 21 Illusionist
Nov. 21 Improv All-Stars
Nov. 22 Tribute to John Denver
Nov. 22 “War of the Romantics”
Performed by the Diablo Symphony Orchestra. 2 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $33. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Nov. 24 - 25 “Giyera – The Musical”
Oct. 27 Awards Breakfast
Story set in a small Filipino village during the Japanese invasion of WWII. Presented by Music Repertoire. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Oct. 30 – Nov. 15
Oct. 23 – Nov. 8 “Into the Woods”
Join community leaders to honor awardees. Sponsored by Monument Impact. 7 – 9 a.m. Pleasant Hill Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. $50. monumentimpact.org. “Urinetown” A side-splitting send up of greed, love and revolution in a time when water is worth its weight in gold. Performed by Clayton Theatre Company. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $35. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Nov. 7 “The Official Blues Brothers Revue”
The only duo in North America sanctioned by Dan Aykroyd and Judith Belushi to don the official hat and sunglasses and walk in the legendary footsteps of Jake and Elwood Blues. 8 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $49. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611.
Nov. 7 - 8 “Russian Riches”
Performed by Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra. 2 p.m. Nov. 7, El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $7-$15. elcampaniltheatre.com. Nov. 8, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10-$30. lesherartscenter.org. 9437469.
Oct. 23 Fall Fest
Games, live entertainment, food, haunted house. 5 – 8 p.m. Sponsored by Parent Faculty Club. Woodside Elementary, 761 San Simeon Drive, Concord. Free admission; food booth tickets for sale. woes-mdusd-ca.schoolloop.com.
Save Mount Diablo programs listed are free unless otherwise noted. Go to savemountdiablo.org and click on Activities/Guided Hikes for more information. 947-3535. A short, steep hike of SMD’s newest property. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meet at Park and Ride lot on Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. To register and for more information, contact smdinfo@savemountdiablo.org.
Veterans of Foreign Wars serve breakfast to the public: Eggs, pancakes, sausage, beverage. 8 – 11 a.m. VFW Post 1525, 2290 Willow Pass Road, Concord. $5, $3 children under 12. vfwpost1525.org.
Performed by Tapestry vocal and handbell ensemble. 7 p.m. Nov. 13, United Methodist Church, 1543 Sunnyvale Ave., Walnut Creek. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14, Clayton Valley Presbyterian, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. 4 p.m. Nov. 15, Saint John’s Parish, 5555 Clayton Road, Clayton. Free. tapestryringersandsingers.org.
Presented by West Coast Performing Arts Presenters. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Oct. 24 Hanson Hills Hike
newsandcalendar@concordpioneer.com
Harvest Festival and Trunk or Treat Brad Hogarth makes his debut as music director and conductor of the Contra Costa Wind Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for Families are invited to join the fun at the Clayton Community the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $25. lesherartscenter.org. Church. Come in costume with a bag for goodies. Games, raffle, refreshments. Prize awarded for best decorated vehicle trunk. 943-7469. 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. 6055 Main St., Clayton. Free. To reserve a spot Nov. 11 for a vehicle in the Trunk or Treat or for more information, send Veteran’s Day Concert email to: monica.stein@claytoncc.com. Presented by the city of Walnut Creek. 11 a.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Free. lesherartscenter.org. FUNDRAISERS 943-7469.
Come hear the personal stories of Rosies, women honored for their contributions to the World War II effort. Sponsored by the Clayton Historical Society. Potluck at 6 p.m.; society members’ annual meeting and election at 6:30 p.m.; program at 7 p.m. Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton. Free admission; donations benefit Clayton Museum. www.claytonhistory.org. 672-0240.
ON THE MOUNTAIN
Page 17
SCHOOLS
Tony Award-winning masterpiece weaving together beloved fairy tales about wishes, family and the choices we make. Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. $11-$21. dvcdrama.net.
Oct. 30 “Trick or Troupe”
A Halloween revue performed by Clayton Arts Academy Advanced Drama Troupe. 8 p.m. Clayton Valley Charter High School, Multi-Use Room, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord. $5 students; $10 general. For more information, email elizabeth.emigh@claytonvalley.org or call 682-7474, ext. 2678. Oct. 31
CHURCHES AND RELIGION
Harvest Festival
Games, face painting, food. All ages and costumes are welcome. 4 – 7 p.m. Faith Missionary Baptist Church, 4266 Thompson Drive, Concord. Free. For more information, email fmbcevents@yahoo.com.
Oct. 23 Fall Festival
Oct. 25 Plant Sale
Fall Native Plant Sale Extravaganza to support annual Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour. Six nurseries. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. For locations and more information, go to bringingbackthenatives.net.
Nov. 6 Dinner and Movie Night
Donations go towards mission trip to Honduras. Tacos and burritos at 5:30 p.m.; “The Chronicles of Narnia” at 6:30 p.m. Faith Missionary Baptist Church Gym, 4266 Thompson Drive, Concord. Free. For more information, email fmbcevents@yahoo.com.
Nov. 6 – 7 Annual Church Bell Bazaar
Crafts, bake sale, jewelry, Christmas store, drawing. Proceeds benefit mission projects. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Fri.; 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sat. Concord United Methodist Church, 1645 West St., Concord. Free admission; lunch available for purchase. concordumc.org. 6855260.
Nov. 13 – 14 Gala and Boutique
Friday night “Singing in the Rain,” wine, appetizers, music, auction, wine pull, raffle and boutique; 6 – 8 p.m. Saturday Classy Crafters Boutique and Country Kitchen continues; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Proceeds benefit Saint Bonaventure Food Pantry. Saint Bonaventure Large Hall, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. Free admission. 672-5800.
Nov. 14 Boutique and Vendor Fair
Shop popular vendor products and handmade boutique items. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Faith Missionary Baptist Church Gym, 4266 Thompson Drive, Concord. Free admission; lunch available for purchase. For more information, email fmbcevents@yahoo.com.
Jan. 9 Surf and Turf
Crab and tri tip dinner. Entertainment by Concord High Ladies First Choir. Proceeds benefit charitable works of Saint Agnes Knights of Columbus. 6 p.m. Saint Agnes, 3966 Chestnut Ave., Concord. Tickets available starting Nov. 14. $40. concord.stagnesparish.net.
AT THE LIBRARY
The Concord Library is at 2900 Salvio St. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at ccclib.org or 646-5455. Oct. 24: Sugar Skulls and Tissue Paper Flower Making, 10:15 a.m. Registration required. Oct. 26: Movie Monday, 7 p.m. Oct. 27: Human Tape Sculpture, 4 p.m. Registration required. Oct. 29, Nov. 19: Financial Education Workshop, 6 p.m.; 7:30 p.m. in Spanish Oct. 31: STEAM activities, 12 p.m. Registration required. Nov. 2: Extreme Science Magic, 7 p.m. Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24: National Novel Writing Month for tweens and teens, 4 p.m. Registration required. Nov. 4, Dec. 2: Art Journaling, 1:30 p.m. Registration required. Nov. 5: College Planning Program, 6:30 p.m. The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at claytonlibrary.org or call 673-0659.
Oct. 26, Nov. 9 and 23: Clayton Knits, 1:30 p.m. Oct. 28: “Maisie Dobbs” book discussion, 7 p.m. Oct. 29: Autumn stories and craft, 11 a.m. Registration required. Nov. 1: World War I feature movie, 2 p.m. Nov. 4: “Sisters in Crime” mystery writers panel, 7 p.m. Nov. 7: Water-Wise Gardening, 3 p.m. Nov. 7, 14, 21: National Picture Book Month, 11 a.m. Nov. 9: Clayton Library Book Club, 7 p.m. Nov. 9: Meditation with Andrew Allen, 7 p.m. Nov. 14: Mystery Program for Teens, 2 p.m.
GOVERNMENT
1st, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays Concord City Council
6:30 p.m., Council Chamber, Concord Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Dr. cityofconcord.org.
1st and 3rd Wednesdays Concord Planning Commission
7 p.m., Council Chamber, Concord Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Dr. cityofconcord.org.
Meeting dates and times for local clubs and organizations are listed at concordpioneer.com. Click on ‘Links’
A birthday party for the ages Page 18
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
tea dance given in her honor by her daughter Debbie Cohen and granddaughter Kristel Cohen, both of Concord. The event was held at the Concord Senior Citizens Club on Parkside Drive. Numerous friends Louise made over her 40-year affiliation with ballroom dancing attended the event. Still very CHRISTINE KOGUT spry, Cohen continues to enjoy dancing and attributes that as SAVVY SENIOR her secret to a long life. Former Senior Citizens Louise Helen Cohen celeClub president Diane Lorenbrated her 100th birthday on zetti shared her memories of Tuesday, Oct.13 at a party and when Louise and her late husband Don started the tea dances at the senior center. They have been a roaring success for literally decades, she said. Concord Mayor Tim s r Flowe Grayson was on hand to presfor all ent Cohen with a plaque from occasions the City of Concord congratulating her on her 100th birthday and thanking her for her tireless volunteer work. Cohen also received letters of recognition and congratulations from President and Mrs. Obama and Gov. Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown, Jr. The highlight of the party was when Grayson and Cohen cut a rug together to her Mitzie Richardson Richardson Mitzie favorite song, “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson. 925-705-3088 Cohen, originally from flowersbymitzie@gmail.com flowersbymitzie@gmail.com Stockett, Montana, and one of Facebook/afloralexperience.biz Facebook/afloralexperience.biz four daughters born to Marian-
A Floral nce Experie
ROBERT PRINZ BIKE CONCORD
MAYOR TIM GRAYSON PRESENTED LOUISE COHEN with a City Proclamation honoring her 100th birthday
na and Louis Catelli, was born October 14, 1915. When Cohen was 8- years old her family moved to Oakland, California. She graduated from Oakland High School and attended business school. She worked for H.C. Capwell department store as an account clerk. Cohen met her husband Don on a blind date, but it was love at first sight. They were married on May 4, 1940, and spent 69 years together. Dan, a truck driver for Dreyer’s Ice Cream, moved
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his family to Lafayette where they resided from 1951 to 1971; the couple then relocated to Concord where Cohen still lives and continues her tireless volunteer work.
Christine Kogut is a marketing director for the Concord Senior Citizens Club. She has lived in the area for 40 years and formerly worked for the Contra Costa Times. To find out more about the Concord Senior Center, call (925) 6713320 or see the city’s website at concord.ca.us
Bicycle theft is a big problem all around the Bay Area, but with a little know-how and a few precautions, reducing your chance of a theft can be as easy as onetwo-three.
STEP 1: REGISTER YOUR BICYCLE
This step is the most often overlooked, but still very important. Having registration info on file means that you will be able to make a police report if your bicycle is stolen, and it also allows the police or anyone else who finds your bike can get it back to you. Registering a bicycle is free, and it takes just a few minutes via the online form at www.BikeEastBay.org/register. You will need to provide your bike’s serial number (usually etched into the metal on the underside of the frame) as well
Tips to avoid bike thefts
as a photo of you and the bicycle, which helps to prove ownership. Or, come to the Bike Tent at the Thursday Todos Santos Farmers Market from 5 p.m. until dark and Bike Concord will help you register your bicycle on the spot, and give it a free tuneup too. STEP 2: USE A QUALITY LOCK Did you know that over 80 percent of all the bicycles reported stolen at BART stations were secured using only a cable? A cable lock by itself can be cut using shears in just a few seconds, and offers almost no protection at all. Upgrading to a hardened metal U-lock will cost $40 or more, but that is much less expensive than replacing your entire bicycle. Visit the website www.BikeEastBay.org/ discount for a list of bike shops
See Bike Theft, page 19
Avoid the howl from Halloween dress-up
Resort, Spa, Salon
l
October 23, 2015
DEBBIE DEMELLO
PAUSE
FOR
PETS
Many pet owners enjoy dressing up their pets for Halloween in cute or funny costumes, but some pets like dressing up more than others. If your dog seems hesitant about getting into the spirit of Halloween, there are things you can do to get a finicky dog to put on a costume and enjoy the holiday. The first step is to pick out a costume that is comfortable. If your dog is unsure about costumes then you probably want something simple — perhaps a lion mane or a jester collar or something like that. If
your dog is more amenable to dressing up you can try a more elaborate costume. Always make sure that the costume does not impede your dog’s mobility or vision. Most importantly, don’t wait until the last minute to put on your dog’s costume. Start training him a couple of weeks before Halloween if possible. Make sure to repeat the following training steps and gradually increase his comfort level by increasing the amount of time he is exposed to the costume: First of all make your dog is as relaxed as possible before bringing out the costume. This can be done easily by showing him the costume and rewarding him with some tasty treats so he will have a positive association with the costume. Once he’s seen the costume you can lay it down near him. If he starts sniffing it or stands on, it that’s a good thing. But that doesn’t necessarily mean he will wear it right away. Give him plenty of time to approach the costume and get
comfortable with it. Once your dog seems comfortable around the costume, drape it over him for just a few seconds while rewarding him with a treat and praise. Don’t strap anything on just yet. Let him get used to the costume just being draped over him. Repeat this several times, putting the costume on and taking it off. Be sure to praise your dog and give treats intermittently as you extend the time the costume is on your dog. Next, try strapping the costume on. Try to distract your with something entertaining like a toy or a treat and use
praise. Make sure the costume fits comfortably so your dog can move about freely. Don’t expect your dog to like the costume the first time you put it on. It might take some time for some dogs to get used to the costume. Keep your training sessions short and simple. Don’t try to fight your dog into wearing a costume because you won’t win. Patience is the key. Make it a positive experience and have a safe and happy Halloween. Debbie DeMello is a dog trainer and owner of Who’s Training Who in Walnut Creek. Contact her at debdemello@aol.com
Kramer and Frida Kahlo are ARF’s adoption stars for October
fee has been prepaid by a generous donor.
KRAMER
Two-year-old Kramer is a confident little guy who will fill your lap and arms with warmth. He loves attention and also loves adventure. He will make a great companion dog. We recommend Kramer take a Small Dog or Basic Manners class where he can start a new life with you with
the best paw forward. If you have small children, we recommend bringing them for a meet and greet before adopting Kramer. He currently weighs 12 pounds. The adoption fee for adult dogs is $250 and includes a discount on the first six-week session of ARF U Manners
FRIDA KAHLO
classes.
Five-year-old Frida Kahlo will dazzle you with her gorgeous green eyes and her sweet personality. She loves to cuddle as well as play and will make a great addition to her new home. Frida Kahlo’s adoption
Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 6 pm Wednesday & Thursday, Noon to 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6 pm Saturday & Sunday. The primary caretaker must be present to adopt. ARF also encourages kids 16 and younger and canine family members (dog adoptions only) to be present during the adoption process. Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www.arflife.org, or call (925) 2561ARF.
October 23, 2015
Warm up with winter squashes Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
LINDA WYNER
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Hard winter squashes (not the tender zucchini and crookneck squashes of summer) are now flooding produce bins. Butternut, acorn, hubbard, spaghetti and kabocha are among the most popular, not to mention pumpkin. Native to the Americas, these “veggies” (technically, they’re fruits) got their name from the Narragansett Indian word askutasquash which means “eaten raw or uncooked.” While some Native Americans perhaps ate squash without cooking, virtually all of the winter squashes these days
are cooked before eating. Winter squashes come in all sizes and shapes but almost all have dense orange flesh. Spaghetti squash differ in that the fibers can be shredded out after cooking to resemble strands of spaghetti. All squashes contain tons of beta carotene and other vitamins and the fact they can be stored in a dark cool
spot for months after harvest while retaining lots of that nutrition is a real bonus. The word “pumpkin” is used in some countries to designate winter squashes, particularly throughout much of the Caribbean. If you’ve ever been to the Great Pumpkin Harvest in Half Moon Bay, you’ve no doubt been astonished by the
huge pumpkins on display. Sorry to burst your bubble, they aren’t true pumpkins, but another squash bred to grow to gargantuan size. If that disclosure isn’t bad enough, it’s likely that the commercially canned “pumpkin” on your grocer’s shelf is probably Delicious, Boston Marrow or a similar squash with much richer flesh — and actually more nutritious than pumpkin. While you could eat even the skin on a winter squash after it’s cooked, I don’t think it’s all that tasty and it has a weird texture. On the other hand, don’t overlook those seeds. Wash them up and brine them in some really salty water for about 30 minutes, pat them dry, drizzle with a little oil or melted butter, season with your choice of kosher salt, garlic powder, cayenne, etc. and roast them in a single layer in a 300degree oven for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Squash is beautifully tender and delicious when roasted and
Page 19
Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the oil and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender. Stir in the broth (start with a cup and add more if needed), squash and curry powder. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the soup from GOLDEN SQUASH BISQUE the heat and stir in the Serves 6 yogurt. Taste, adding salt 1 tsp. rice bran oil and/or white pepper as ¼ cup minced onion desired. Serve in warm bowls, 2 cups mashed cooked win- garnishing with the thyme. ter squash 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken or veggie broth Linda Wyner owns Pans on Fire, 1 tsp. curry powder a gourmet cookware store and cooking ½ cup plain Greek yogurt school in Pleasanton. Send suggestions Salt and white pepper to or questions to taste lwyner@pansonfire.com ½ tsp. snipped fresh thyme (garnish)
caramelized in the oven. But microwaving is a great way to get tender squash on your table in no time at all. For acorn squash, cook for five minutes covered cut-side down in the microwave. Here’s a comforting coolweather soup you can make in under 30 minutes:
Calories not the only answer to weight control “Eat less, exercise more.” “Calories in, calories out. “ “Burn them or store them.” What is wrong with these statements? I will try to explain why a calorie is not a calorie and how the food industry — and I mean industry — is all about making money, not building a healthy, vibrant person. SO LET’S START WITH, WHY DO WE EAT? 1) To fuel our brains and nervous systems so our bodies can function properly, think quickly, respond to life — things like stress and pressure from outside of us. Things we can’t control. 2) To build and repair our bodies so we can work, make love, have fun … you get what I am saying. To give us a good quality of life. 3) Because we like food, it should taste good and give us pleasure. We use food to celebrate, and come on, we eat three times a day. It is at the center of our life, not just for us but for all
CINDY GERSHEN FOOD MATTERS
living creatures. We eat to live. When we eat fresh, real WHOLE food, not juiced food, we thrive. It’s truly the fountain of youth. So why do we get so sick? Doctors know 75 percent of all diseases can be prevented or reversed with a diet change. WHY ARE WE NOT LISTENING? It’s not about cutting down the calories, it’s about changing the food from less processed fiber and sugar to fresh and REAL food.
Fiber is the key. And not added cereal fiber but real whole food. What’s so great about fiber? It slows the absorption of sugar, adds bulk to the diet, which, by the way, helps you feel full longer and feeds the good bacteria in your gut . Carbohydrates are the not the enemy, they are your first line of defense. I struggled with my weight and health for years, from one crazy diet to another, always trying to control the amount I ate and balancing the exercise. Never once did a doctor ask me what I was eating. “Increase exercise, decrease your calories.” Limiting sugar or processed food was considered safe and a way to count calories. In fact, the food industry is our partner as they have made it easy with low-fat, low- calorie meals. But are they the best on the road to health? Remember Metrocal? How about Aides candies? Or, just drink hot water and it fills you up. My doctor told me to try that when I was 16. The diet
industry grew and so did I. I never knew that when your body released insulin it stored the excess blood sugar (glucose) as fat and once it is stored as fat it can never be changed back to glucose. So when I cut calories I always felt tired. Fiber is our friend and helps protect the absorption of sugar into our blood stream. We need glucose to run our body, but it needs to be a slow amount or our blood sugar rises, which causes a chain reaction: Our body releases insulin, which in turn causes our cholesterol to go up. Don’t believe fad diets. Just eat smart.
For more on this, view YouTube UCTV’s “The Skinny on Obesity” by Dr Robert Lustig.
Cindy Gershen is Chef/Founding Owner of Sunrise Bistro & Catering in Walnut Creek, Mount Diablo High School Sustainable Hospitality Pathway teacher, founding board member of the Wellness City Challenge and co-author of “The Fat Chance Cookbook.” Contact her at gershenc@mdusd.org
Stuff your kitchen with sweet Jujubes DEBRA MORRIS Pacific Coast Farmers Market
You’ll probably see mounds of a round yellow fruit with browning skin around the market right now. It’s the jujube. Also called a Chinese date when dried, this fruit is slightly sweet with the texture of an apple. It’s a great snack or can be used in baked goods or candied. Most growers dry this little fruit. It has a thin, edible skin surrounding whitish flesh of sweet, agreeable flavor. The single hard stone contains two seeds. The immature fruit is green in color, but as it ripens it goes through a yellow-green
stage with mahogany-colored spots appearing on the skin as the fruit ripens further. The fully mature fruit is entirely red. Shortly after becoming fully red, the fruit begins to soften and wrinkle. The fruit can be eaten after
Bike Theft, from page 18
around the East Bay that can sell a single U-lock with the front you a quality lock and show you wheel removed. In each case how to use it correctly. the U-lock is used to secure both the rear wheel and frame STEP 3: KNOW HOW AND to the bike rack. Diagrams WHERE TO LOCK illustrating these locking techWhen parking your bicycle niques can be found at it is important to make sure the www.BikeEastBay.org/theft. frame and both wheels are Many bicycles are also each locked, and that whatever stolen when left out overnight, you are locking to is secured to or from backyards or sheds. the ground. This can be Instead, consider using a accomplished using two U- secure bike parking facility locks, a U-lock and a cable, or overnight like BART’s Bike-
it becomes wrinkled, but most people prefer them during the interval between the yellow-green stage and the full red stage. At this stage the flesh is crisp and sweet, reminiscent of an apple. Here are a variety of ways to enjoy this tantalizing fruit: Salads: Enjoy in a salad that uses apples or Asian pears. Toss with some walnuts, sliced jujubes, and a sweet vinaigrette. Breakfast: Slice thin and add to oatmeal or yogurt for added sweetness. Baked: Bake sliced jujubes with pork chops in the oven, just like you would apples.
Stuffing: Chop and add to your favorite poultry stuffing with celery, onion, and spices. Jujube Chips: Slice thinly and place in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 250 degrees until dehydrated.
The Concord Farmers Market is in Todos Santos Plaza Tuesdays & Thursdays. See ad page 6 for hours.
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Link lockers, or lock your bike to an immovable, metal object when stored in a shed or garage at home. Check out this column next month for tips on how to drive safely around people on bikes.
Robert Prinz is the Education Director for Bike East Bay, a partner with Bike Concord at the regional level. Bike East Bay is working to make the East Bay a better place for bicyclists through education, community events and advocacy. Send comments or questions to robert@bikeeastbay.org.
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Page 20
Freedom, from page 1
EARL J. “CHUCK” KOHLER
and a fellow serviceman mounted a machine gun into a PBY-5A, an amphibious aircraft parked against a bunker. At first, Kohler fed the ammo, but he could tell his mate was far off-target, so he manned the gun. “I could hit a jackrabbit on the run on the farm,” he said, “so even though I hadn’t been trained on the gun I began zeroing in on the targets.” Kohler eventually served six years in the Navy and returned to Minnesota in May of 1947. The initial euphoria of the victory had worn off and the returning servicemen put their war experiences behind them. “It was a shock,” he said. “Everything else had grown, but my town was still the same. I tried to make a go of it, but ended up moving to the West Coast.” After stints at Columbia Steel and the paper mill in Pittsburg and Antioch, Kohler went into construction in 1952 and helped build most of the highways in the area, some of which people still travel on. “I’m proud of my contributions,” he says. “My experience in the service taught me to be fiercely independent. With limited education and options I did whatever I could to increase my skills so I’d never have to be dependent on others.” Many decades passed before Kohler spoke about his experiences. In 2010 he went back to Pearl Harbor and, with the help of a naval historian, he was able to stand on the spot where the first bomb hit. “Everything came back. Somewhere on that day, I lost a 17year-old youth and aged about 20 years in one day.” What Chuck Kohler wants most of all, is for people to look to the beacon on Mt. Diablo that commemorates Pearl
Harbor from sunset on Dec. 7 to sunrise on Dec. 8, and remember all the veterans who gave their lives so that we can enjoy our freedoms. Pete Laurence, Army Vietman Green Beret It may have been a generation after WWII, but young people, like Kohler, still felt the call to fight for their country. Pete Laurence, a Clayton resident since 1954, was in Canada in 1964 when he heard President John F. Kennedy’s speech imploring the next generation to do their part for America. The 19-year old returned to the U.S. and enlisted in the Army with hopes of becoming a member of the Special Forces.
PETE LAURENCE
After a year in Korea as a Military Policeman, his tenacity and smarts got him into Special Forces training. This elite group, known as the Green Berets, spent 16 weeks learning the Vietnamese language and culture, as it would be their mission to work directly with the South Vietnamese people. As an A Team Weapons Sergeant with his 12 man team, he was eager to get to Vietnam to help the Vietnamese people fight Communism. His unit was welcomed by the villages they were sent there to help. Laurence says his unit as
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com something like “the Peace Corp with guns.” They helped the villagers get their crops to market safely, delivered medical services, and became part of their community. In fact, Laurence was asked to be in several weddings during his time there. They also trained the villagers to defend themselves against the North Vietnamese Communists. They often found themselves in extreme danger, being fired upon or surrounded by the enemy. On occasion he barely escaped, carrying an injured soldier on his back. Laurence feels grateful for his experience serving but also for making it home. One of his good friends from Clayton Valley High School did not. His buddy Jerry Novakovich was killed in an ambush in 1968. As an only child, Novakovich did not have to go to Vietnam, but he volunteered to go anyway. Both these young men had strong determination to help their country, to do their part as the next generation of Americans, and to fight for freedom. When Laurence returned from his service he talked with high school and college students about Vietnam, correcting misunderstandings about the U.S. role there. He was an adamant defender of freedom because of what he saw with his own eyes – what the communist government of North Vietnam was doing to the people there. When Laurence visited the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. he made rubbings of the names of Novakovich and three other of his friends lost to the war. He keeps those rubbings, framed, above his desk to remind himself every day to make the best life he can because they didn’t get the chance to.
Deanna Ped, Air Force Senior Airman in Afghanistan While it is hard to remember the veterans who didn’t come home, it’s also difficult for veterans to think of those who were left behind at home. When Aiden Ped was a tiny infant in 2009, his grandmother would sing a song to him: “My mommy lies over the ocean, my mommy lies over the sea…” That’s because Aiden’s mom, Air Force Senior Airman Deanna Ped of Concord, was serving in Afghanistan, and missed most of the first year of her son’s life. Her husband, Matthew, a Marine, was also serving overseas, in the heart of the war zone. “Aiden was preemie, born two months early,” Deanna Ped says. “He was in the hospital for two months. Two months after he got out, I got the orders I was to report to training. ‘We need boots on the ground over there,’ I was told.” It was heartbreaking, Ped says, and an example of what many women and families faced in this latest war. Ped was part of an elite 13person team stationed at Kandahar Airfield, and the first
night she arrived, they suffered a rocket attack. “It was a blur. We were trained to fall on our stomachs, cover our heads and cross our legs.” It was the first of many “incoming” incidents she would face in the eight months she was in Afghanistan, and they soon became routine — as did the blistering 120-degree heat. “We had water, but it was always warn,” she says. “To this day I can’t drink cold water.” But Ped was a “queen” over there, earning accolades from the highest echelons of the Air Force. “Little did they know that while I did great things during the day, I would wake up screaming at night, or go off by myself to write poems to my son. I felt so guilty to have had to leave him.”
DEANNA PED
When she returned to the states, she said that at first she was “little more than a glorified babysitter to Aiden. “Then one day, I was holding him in front of a mirror, and he was looking back and forth, then suddenly he smiled and burrowed his head into my chest. He recognized him mom. And I’ve been mommy ever since. Ped and Matthew both retired from the service, and now have two more children: 3-year old Reid and 11-monthold Ailey. But both parents suffer from bouts of PTSD — sometimes severe. “Being in the service gave me strength and a strong work ethic,” Ped says. “But it also taught me I’m never going to leave my kids again.”
Raymond Henderson, U.S. Army Sergeant, World War II (Merchant Marines), Korea, Vietnam Most veterans serve in one war, and will say that’s enough. Others, however, find themselves in throes of two, sometimes three different conflicts. Concord resident Raymond Henderson’s military story begins in the Mission District of San Francisco, and ironically ends up there three wars later.
RAY HENDERSON
October 23, 2015 Not much of student, Henderson, at 15, doctored his birth records in 1944 to gain entry into the Merchant Marines. “I was told by the captain of the ship we’d be gone six weeks, and then I’d better ‘get my ass in school.’” Well, eight months later, he arrived back. He took one look at Mission High School, where he was supposed to attend, turned around and re-upped on a merchant ship. He sailed in wartime and peacetime, until in 1947, he decided he wanted off the ships. So he decided to enlist in the Army, and become a paratrooper. Ironically, he wanted to see if he had any animosity against Japan — “I lost two brothers in the Pacific,” he says — so he chose to be stationed there. “I ended up feeling sorry for the Japanese,” he says. “There’s no glory in war.” He stayed there until 1950, when he joined the Military Police. He was on his way back to the Bay Area to take a leave, when the Korean War broke out. He was part of the 7th Military Police Company, and sent back to Japan. His was one of the last units to leave for the Korean front, protecting supply lines. Eventually the Chinese forced a retreat. From there he headed back to San Francisco’s presidio, but he didn’t connect with the friends he had left behind. So when he had a chance, he took a post as an MP in Austria, where he met his wife. He stayed there for several years as part of an elite, multi-national peacekeeping unit, but returned to the states to Ft. Lewis, Washington, where he was bodyguard for a general. But in 1964 he was called to active duty again, this time in Viet Nam. “I wasn’t so lucky there,” he said. “I was injured in a mortar shell explosion and received the Purple Heart.” He was sent home and this time, decided he would use his training experience to help others. His first assignment? Taking over the “troubled” ROTC program at Mission High School. He loved the job, and ended up staying there until he “graduated” with the class of 1991 — even though he has already completed his GED years before. “The military gave me an education and a love of modern military history,” the 86year-old says. “After all, I lived it.”
Mike Stanley, Navy Radioman Class 1, Vietnam The one thing military service does, as shown in Henderson’s story, is allow people to see the world. That was certainly a benefit for Mike Stanley. Stanley was 19 when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. It made a big impact on him and his friends, many of whom enlisted shortly after that historic event. Stanley joined the Navy, and although his initial intent
was to be a Navy cook, he was persuaded, based on his test scores, to train in radio/radar. In 1967 Stanley was assigned to the USS Enterprise, the Cadillac of ships at the time. This ship, under the command of Admiral McCain (Senator John McCain’s father), did a tour in the Tonkin Gulf supporting the air attacks in Vietnam.
MIKE STANLEY
On his second cruise with the Enterprise a terrible accident occurred during a training run in the seas near Hawaii. Planes and the bombs they were carrying exploded, with fires erupting and taking the lives of 33 of his shipmates and injuring 343. This event was a sad note in an otherwise productive and successful 20 year career in the Navy. Radioman Class 1 Petty Officer Stanley eventually achieved the E6 level and was stationed in many interesting places around the world, including Kodiak, Alaska; Honolulu, Hawaii, The Marshall Islands, The Philippines, Treasure Island, and eventually, the Concord Naval Weapons Station. During his time stationed in Honolulu he took a weekend job at a radio station and became a bit of a local celebrity with the nickname Uncle Steamer, interviewing celebrities and hosting a talk show. He also had a small part in an episode of “Hawaii Five-O.” A Concord resident since 1977, Stanley and his wife of 40 years raised two children here and his advice for young people: “Military service is a great place to start your career. If you apply yourself you might be surprised to see what you can be.” It certainly turned out to be true for Stanley, seeing the world, learning new skills, and having unique experiences. He retired aboard the USS Enterprise in 1983 and enjoys sharing his military experiences with students at Concord High School who are doing research for history classes. These veterans have been fighting for America for a total of eight decades, bringing home memories — some good, many bad — and scars — some visible, some just hiding beneath the surface — and tales of bravery and survival that will never get old. That’s what we truly honor on Veterans Day.
Concord Pioneer writers John Miller, Kara Navolio and Peggy Spear contributed to this article.
Concord native patrolling Middle East waters with U.S. Navy
Kevan Santos, a 2006 De La Salle High School graduate, is serving overseas aboard the U.S. Navy Coastal Patrol Ship USS Squall, living and working at a Navy base in Manama, Bahrain. Petty Officer 2nd Class Santos is an operations specialist on the Bahrainbased ship. Bahrain is a small island country situated near the western shores of the Arabian Gulf. “I love the amount of responsibility I have,” said Concord native Santos. “Nowhere else would someone my age have the opportunity to work in this environment with the amount of responsibility I have. “I like that I get to do a variety of tasks throughout the ship,” adds San-
tos. “No one on board has just one job and that breaks up the monotony of ship life.” As a member of the crew, Santos and other Squall sailors know they are part of a forward-deployed naval forces team that is heavily relied upon to help protect and defend America on the world’s oceans. “I like traveling to places throughout the world,” said Santos. As a sailor with numerous responsibilities, deployed halfway around the world away from friends and family back home, Santos said he is learning about himself as a leader, sailor and a person. “I have become more selfreliant and learned how to be a better team player,” he says.
KEVAN SANTOS
October 23, 2015
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 21
Fashion and books style a creative mystery Who knew publishing was such a dangerous and glamorous profession? Though “A Murder of Magpies” (Minotaur Books; February, 2015) is journalist Judith Flanders first novel, her whip smart bravura and droll sense of humor make this Murder a fun read. “Oh, just kill me now!” I didn’t shriek that out loud, just clenched my teeth more tightly. It was eight thirty, and already the day couldn’t get much worse. I’m always at my desk by eight not because I’m so wonderful, although I am, but because it’s the only time of day when no one asks me anything, when I can actually get on with some work, instead of solving other people’s problems.” Meet snarky book editor, Samantha (Sam) Clair. Sam has managed a fine career in the publishing business, working with a stable of writers, several of whom churn out predictably good bestsellers. San is a sensible kind of gal. She’s the type of no-nonsense person who, when a meeting is disrupted by an unexpected visitor, will deal with it in her own sensible way. “It was probably a friend of
CYNTHIA GREGORY
FOR
THE
BOOKS
a friend, or someone who’d got my name somehow and was trying to flog a manuscript, no doubt about how his mother had abused him, or proving that his great-great-grandfather was Jack the Ripper. We don’t have to deal with real live members of the public often, but every now and again, one sneaks under the radar.” One of Sam’s favorite writers, gorgeous Kit Lovell, is a reliably gorgeous writer. Kit covers fashion and can dish about the great design houses with the best of them. But this time, he’s written a potentially libelous biography of a fashion icon whose death appears to have been murder. While covering the human interest story
about one of the largest and most respected fashion houses in Europe, Kit unintentionally uncovers an international money laundering ring. Big fashion is inextricably linked to big money and neither are pleased with Kit’s revelations. The manuscript proves incendiary. Before long, Sam finds herself embroiled in a hot mess. Kit vanishes, a copy of his manuscript is stolen, a courier is killed, and Sam’s flat is ransacked. This is quite a lot of excitement for a woman who spends her days reading books. After the break-in Sam begins to investigate her good friend and best author’s disappearance. Companions in her quest include her corporate lawyer-mother, Helena –who is astonishingly adept at untangling the kinks of the criminal mind — and a hunky police detective, Jake Field. As a single professional woman, Sam is aware of her options. She’s had relationships, and is currently satisfied with her quiet job, and her quiet flat, with its quiet upstairs neighbor, Mr. Ridigers. She tolerates her young coworkers with a thin layer of patience
while plotting ways to get her authors placed on the best book club lists. A romantic entanglement with a cop isn’t exactly her cup of tea. In the end, Sam and Helena and Jake solve the murder of Kit – and Helena uncovers hard evidence to corroborate Kit’s fashion house money laundering scheme. Sam takes Jake as a lover, much to Helena’s approval. “A Murder of Magpies” is a great, fun, smart read. Don’t miss it. Cynthia Gregory is a North Bay nonprofit leader, writer of short fiction, and author of a blog. Email comments and questions to Editor@ConcordPioneer.com
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Depp’s Whitey shows a ‘Black’ soul
JEFF MELLINGER
SCREEN SHOTS
Sixty seconds into Scott Cooper’s film “Black Mass,” Johnny Depp gives the most frightening close-up in his long movie career. Annoyed at the actions of an associate, Depp sneers and his eyes dart back and forth. Depp plays notorious gangster James “Whitey” Bulger. Beneath the thinning, slicked-back hair, disfigured teeth and ice-blue, “dead eye” contacts, it’s sometimes hard to tell that it really is Johnny. Depp’s transformation into this menacing, larger-than-life figure is amazing. Cooper films the gritty, late 1970s/early80s streets of south Boston in subdued, dark tones. Even when
empty, these streets are scary. The supporting cast is full of well-known actors who do a fine job buoying the film when Bulger is off-screen. “Black Mass” is the best truecrime drama in many years. Besides the dreadful “Pirates of the Caribbean” films, Johnny Depp hasn’t played the starring role in a successful film since 2005’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” With a string of failures including “Mortdecai,” “Transcendence,” “Dark Shadows,” “The Lone Ranger” and “The Tourist,” Depp has starred in one poorly reviewed film after another. “Black Mass” changes that. Depp gives perhaps his best performance. Even friends of the real Whitey Bulger said Depp “is Whitey.” Bulger is a very complex individual. He is fiercely loyal to his neighborhood and his family. Depp
JOHNNY DEPP transformed into gangster, Whitey Bulger
finds the heart in the middle of a black soul during scenes with Bulger and his son. Bulger is somehow able to separate family from his wicked
See Black Mass, pg 22
STAT MED expands to Pleasant Hill/Concord
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3 bed, 2.5 bath Approx. 1572 sq.ft. Listing agents: Matt Mazzei/Kyle Garcia
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Studies show as many as 70 percent of Emergency Room visits are not life-threatening and can be treated in an urgent care setting with appropriately trained physicians, says Dr. Armando Samaniego, an Emergency Medicine specialist. That is one of the reasons Dr. Samaniego founded STAT MED Urgent Care. Following the success of its first location, opened in 2014 in downtown Lafayette, STAT MED is now expanding its communityfocused practice to Pleasant Hill and Concord on the corner of Contra Costa Blvd. and Sunvalley Blvd. “Our goal has been to provide a more advanced level of immediate care along with the outstanding healthcare experience that patients deserve,” says Dr. Samaniego. That is why STAT MED is staffed only by ER-trained professionals, making it uniquely able to handle diverse medical needs: routine care as well as more severe injuries or illnesses, and
everything in between. “Overwhelmingly positive and consistent feedback from our patients has confirmed we are meeting that need for immediate care without having to go to an ER, which can be traumatic in and of itself – regardless of the severity of the injury,” says STAT MED’s Dr. Allan Drabinsky. “I am delighted we can deliver ER-quality care in a calm, comfortable, private environment, where clients can avoid the chaos, crowds, long waits and higher costs of a typical ER visit.”As healthcare reform continues its transformation, Dr. Samaniego notes that ERs will only become more crowded and more expensive. Though not every healthcare need is an emergency, many patients may still require immediate attention. STAT MED is equipped to deliver a full range of medical care with no appointment or referral required. Online registration is
available to expedite your visit, though walk-in wait times are typically minimal. Patients can expect to have one-on-one time with the physician and access to lab tests and X-rays performed on-site, allowing for convenient, well-coordinated care. STAT MED also specializes in sports medicine, providing prompt team physicals and sport injury treatment, as well as travel medicine/immunizations and occupational medicine/work injury requirements. Both STAT MED locations are open 7 days a week/365 days a year; from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends and holidays. Two locations are available: downtown Lafayette at 970 Dewing Ave., and 901 Sunvalley Blvd.
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$495,000 Paula Johnstone Broker Associate DRE# 00797857
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PENDING
3822 Shasta Cir. Pittsburg
$254,900
3 bed, 1.5 bath Approx. 1053 sq.ft. Listing agent: Matt Mazzei
SOLD
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1417 Bel Air Dr. Concord $312,000
2 Bed, 1.5 Bath, Approx. 1122 sq.ft.
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5143 Sutherland Dr. Concord
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50 Carquinez Scenic Dr. Martinez
Listing agent: Rula Masannat
Rula Masannat Sales Agent DRE# 01923757
415-310-2905 rulawithmazzei@yahoo.com
$535,000
3 Bed, 2.5 Bath + Den, Approx. 2021 sq.ft. Listing agent: Paula Johnstone Fourplex unit, 2 Bed, 1 Bath
$748,400 Listing agent: Paula Johnstone
mazzeirealty.net Clayton residents since 1959
925-693-0757 (Main)
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Matt Mazzei, Jr. Broker/Owner DRE# 01881269
925-766-6745 mazzeirealty@yahoo.com
6160 Center St. Suite #C, Clayton
925-693-0752 (Fax)
Page 22
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
October 23, 2015
Let there be lights on landscape NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL
Your yard can be a wonder to behold in the early hours of the morning as the sun begins to rise. Dawn in the garden is peaceful and fragrant. During the afternoon, gardens and landscapes spring to life. You can see lizards darting from spot to spot, and bees, hummingbirds and butterflies searching for nectar and flowers bending towards the sun. As evening approaches and night begins to fall, what is there to see? If your gardens and landscapes aren’t emphasized by outdoor lighting, you may see nothing. Aside from moonlit nights, we must rely on exterior lighting to prolong our garden and landscape enjoyment. Illuminating ornamental trees within the landscape is
desirable. Position either two bullet-style or well- or floodstyle lights within the dripline of an Bloodgood Japanese Maple or multi-trunk Fruitless Bonita Olive, and you’ll create an attractive feature. When uplighting, illuminate some of the trunk, as well as the crown of the ornamental for a pleasing light. Pathway, or walkway lighting, is a both a wanted and necessary landscape or garden element. Spreading beams of light helps visitors navigate through the area, as well as leads one’s eye to a particular feature. There are many styles to consider using for pathway/walkway lighting, and whether you are seeking a traditional, contemporary or casual look, the options are endless. It’s a good idea to place some distance between pathway lights, as they are there to set parameters. Place lights near interesting plants to add color and texture. Uplighting the façade of the home enhances the look
Black Mass, from pg 21
lifestyle. The film is told from the perspective of several of Bulger’s lieutenants, picked up by the FBI and now turning on their former boss. Rory Cochrane, in particular, gives a stellar performance as Bulger’s right-hand man, Steven Flemmi. Besides Bulger, the film focuses on FBI Agent John Connolly (Joel Edgerton), a childhood friend of Whitey’s. Connolly convinces his fellow agents that allowing Bulger to “inform” on
the mafia of north Boston would be a smart move. Whitey sees it as an alliance; he gets protection and is able to operate with impunity while also taking down his rivals. If there is a fault in the film, it is with the portrayal of Connolly. At times, he seems both a genius agent and a star-struck fool. He not only looks the other way, but is sometimes even complicit in Whitey’s crimes. Connolly swears loyalty to Whitey.
of both the home and the landscape. Use bullet-style lights to emphasize the corners of the home, or architectural detail. Fixtures should be installed to frame the entry. Wall space can be highlighted with a soft-wash flood or well-style light. Indirect lighting will accent a sitting area. Consider using overhead lighting, lamps, lanterns or string. The natural light given off by a fire pit is lovely, too. Hardscape lighting are the lights place within the hardscape during new construction. If you are building a retaining wall, consider placing outdoor lighting beneath the top-cap. Outdoor lighting may also be installed into stairways, barbeque islands, and around water features. One rule of outdoor lighting is balance. Outdoor landscape lighting needs to highlight not only the landscape, but the walkways, focal points and the structure itself. The other rule is that less is more — we don’t need to illuminate
However, we never know if it is due to a specific event or if Connolly is just holding on too tight to his childhood hero. He puts his wife in awkward situations and persuades one of his fellow agents that Whitey is too valuable to lock up. Connolly is an intriguing character, but the best parts about “Black Mass” revolve around James “Whitey” Bulger. Cooper’s previous film, “Out of the Furnace,” wasted a terrifically creepy Woody Harrelson by being overly preachy and boring. With “Black Mass,” Cooper
each and every boulder and shrub. Landscape lighting has the ability to catapult a garden or landscape setting from typical to exceptional. Today’s technology regarding outdoor landscape lighting is innovative. Outdoor lighting can now have color changes, and be dimmed or brightened all with the swipe of your figure on your smart phone. It is really remarkable. Many folks are interested in changing the colors of their outdoor landscape lighting. Different shades of color can create different moods in the landscape. This month in Dana Hills, the Holmes-Turner residence is casting a pink light on their new front landscape to show support of Breast Cancer survivors. For Halloween night, their landscape will be orange.
Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. You can contact her with questions or comments by email at Gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
learned from his mistake. He crafted a tight, suspenseful thriller. The film works even if you already know Bulger’s story. Johnny Depp, 30 years into his career, is at the top of his game. Perhaps he has found a renaissance of sorts a la Matthew McConaughey. Let’s hope Depp continues choosing to do films such as this, just without the scary contacts. A-
Jeff Mellinger is a screen writer and film buff. He holds a BA in Film Studies and an MFA in film production. He lives in Concord. Email questions or comments to Editor@ConcordPioneer.com.
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* Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 9/15/15 – 12/7/15 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. A qualifying purchase is defined as a purchase of any of the product models set forth above in the quantities set forth above. If you purchase less than the specified quantity, you will not be entitled to a rebate. Offer excludes Nantucket™ Window Shadings, a collection of Silhouette® Window Shadings. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 7 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. © 2015 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas. HOL15MB5
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