Re-Elect
Laura
Hoffmeister Experienced Leadership
#9711
81
City Council District 1
IT’S YOUR PAPER
Gemütlichkeit at first Oktoberfest
www.concordpioneer.com
From the desk of...
October 26, 2018
925.672.0500
JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
EDI BIRSAN
MAYOR
Looking at how two state propositions affect Concord
One of the interesting aspects of California democracy is how a plethora of statewide propositions have come to replace what should arguably be the responsibility of the state Legislature. What was originally intended as a way for people to override their elected officials on serious matters has resulted in, to some extent, an abuse of the system for even the most minute of issues – whether reflecting some extreme localized power play or some hilarious public sentiment. It reminds me that politics is the most expensive form of entertainment that our tax dollars are forced to buy. An example of the latter was a proposition in San Francisco that mandated that the chief of police require officers to carry a hand puppet wearing a badge and uniform to assist in community outreach. Of course, it passed. While I will not delve into the fascinating discussion of how big a chicken cage should be (though the question’s appearance on a statewide ballot must certainly warrant such a collective time expenditure by the electorate), I do wish to touch on two issues that I consider important as they affect our city: Prop. 6 and Prop. 10. GAS TAXES AND ROADS Prop. 6 would repeal the Road Repair and Accountability Act, also known as Senate Bill 1 (SB1). Decades ago, the Legislature adopted a measure that placed a tax on gasoline to help pay for road construction and maintenance throughout the state. The amount of the tax was fixed
See Mayor, page 7
Tamara Steiner/Concord Pioneer
Traditional German dance group Nature Friends Schuhplattler dazzled the crowds at the inaugural Concord Oktoberfest at Todos Santos Plaza this month. Large crowds gathered to watch them perform traditional dance, including log cutting and axing to German folk music.
What goes better with beer? How about music, dance, food and activities for the whole family. That was the formula for a successful inaugural Concord Oktoberfest this month in Todos Santos Plaza and the surrounding streets in downtown Concord. The Brewing Network’s Justin Crossley has been hosting the Spring Brews Festival for the past nine years in Todos Santos. With that event drawing a sold-out adult audience every year Crossley looked to host a family-friendly Oktoberfest this fall. From the initial reports the event organizers clicked off all the boxes. Visit Concord and the Greater
See Oktoberfest, page 4
Concord golfer Yealimi Noh helps USA win JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
Yealimi Noh has had a year on the golf course she’ll never forget after winning three consecutive national tournaments, helping the USA to a Junior Ryder Cup championship in France and taking part in her first professional tournaments while mulling making the jump to the LPGA tour. Less than two years ago sophomore Noh was medalist as her Carondelet High School team was second at North Coast Section and third in the Northern California golf championships. Since then the Concord youth has been home schooled while spending an increasing amount of time honing her golf skills that has paid off in the past year with successes around the globe. Her coach of nine years, Erik Stone, says, “I’ve seen many kids who were homeschooled and didn’t work as hard. Yealimi practices harder than any young golfer I know.” When she isn’t working with Stone in Alameda she spends a lot of time at Oakhurst Country Club. This hard work has pro-
Find the ‘Magi’
Somewhere in this issue (hidden in a very unexpected place) is the word “Magi.” Find it for a chance to win two tickets to Solo Opera’s very special Christmas story at the Lesher Center, Dec. 2. When you find the “Magi,” email the page number, location and your contact info to tamara@pioneerpublishers.com. Please see ad on page 16.
pelled Noh as she racked up a number of prestigious tournament titles, starting last December with the Joanne Winter Arizona Silver Belle Championship. This June she tamed the Monterey Peninsula CC course to win the 70th California Junior Girls State Championship, an event she also won in 2014 and was medalist in 2015. But it was in her birthday month of July that her hard worked bore incredible results with championships on three consecutive weekends. Stone says, “She’s not afraid to compete with anyone. She loves competition.” The streak began at the 43rd USGA Junior PGA Championship in Lexington, Ky. where she posted a record 24 under par. The 70th U.S. Girls Junior Championship was closer to home at Poppy Hills in Pebble Beach where Noh played 49 holes of high-stress match play on the final day. After a 3 and 2 win in the semi-final she took the championship 36-hole match 4 and 3 win over Alexa Pano, her Junior Ryder Cup teammate from Florida.
It’s believed to be the most holes ever played on the final day of any USGA championship, dating back to 1895. She said, “Match play hasn’t been one of my strong suits, but I kept advancing. Match play is much more mental than stroke play. I just tried to think of it as stroke play—if you score well, you can win.” At the 105th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship in Vancouver she overcame a one-stroke deficit in the final round to celebrate her 17th birthday a day late with another title. Noh decommitted from UCLA, which had offered her a scholarship a couple years ago. She told her coach that she’s beating college players and thought the time was right to turn pro. Stone told her a few months ago that a free ride to UCLA sounded pretty good. “I wasn’t totally for her turning pro. That may have ticked her off and she’s really gone off this summer.” At the professional CP Women’s Open in Regina, Saskatchewan, she tied for 48th as the low amateur.
Last month, she joined 11 other top American golfers on the US Junior Ryder Cup team in Paris. Noh won her singles match over British Open Girls Amateur champion Emma Spitz of Austria as the US beat Europe by one point. After a very brief stay at home from Paris, she was off to South Korea for an LPGA tournament this month where she tied for 59th. Her parents, Brian
BEV BRITTON Concord Pioneer
Jennifer Ortega, Concord’s community relations manager, said city officials are working on an analysis of Assembly Bill 2923 to understand its impact. The Concord City Council had sent a letter to Gov. Jerry Brown opposing the bill, which Brown signed on Sept. 30. “Land use regulation is a constitutionally granted local government function of cities and counties,” Mayor Edi Birsan said in the letter. “Every community has unique needs and characteristics that are best met by poli-
cies set by its local elected town Concord BART station governing body; in Concord, and almost 4,400 within one that body is the City Council mile,” Birsan wrote. – not the BART Board of Directors in Oakland.” See BART, page 13 The Concord City Council said the bill is trying to “solve a problem that does not Inside exist,” noting the Concord officials have worked “dili- Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . .17 gently” to develop higher- Community . . . . . . . . . . .4 density housing near the city’s From the desk of . . . . . .7 two BART stations. Hearts and Hands . . . . .2 “In the last 10 years, Con- Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 cord has processed, approved Senior Living . . . . . . . .21 and/or is considering over 2,500 housing units within a Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 half-mile radius of the down- The Arts . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images courtesy PGA of America
Yealimi Noh’s magical year on the golf course included the 17-year old Concord golfer’s part in the United States Junior Ryder Cup team’s 12-1/2 - 11-1/2 win over Europe last month at Disneyland Paris.
and Kim, are South Korean immigrants. They own Happy Roll, a Japanese fusion restaurant across the street from Todos Santos Plaza. With the 2018 tournament schedule tapering off, Yealimi Noh has the weighty decision of when she will turn professional. Until she declares, the high school senior will continue to work on her game and her studies.
City looking into new law about BART development
A new law allowing BART to build homes near its stations will likely affect several projects in Concord – including redevelopment of the Naval Weapons Station and around the downtown station. The law puts the city at odds with the perceived needs of the greater Bay Area and those of Assemblyman Tim Grayson of Concord, who co-sponsored the bill with Assemblyman David Chiu of Sacramento.
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
October 26, 2018
Three cheers for Meals on Wheels volunteers
FAITH BARNIDGE
HEARTS & HANDS
The Harvest Festival will honor All Meals on Wheels Diablo Region volunteers for their dedication and service, 13 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. Meals on Wheels volunteers help run programs that enable senior citizens to age in place in their homes. They deliver hot, nutritious meals every weekday to homebound seniors, with a friendly smile and a short conversation that also provides an unofficial health and wellness check with every delivery. Drivers are always needed in your neighborhood. Volunteers may choose individualized delivery schedules. Meals on Wheels Friendly Visitors offer a more long-lasting opportunity to befriend isolated seniors who may not have the comfort of nearby friends or relatives. Each Friendly Visitor is screened, trained and matched with a welcoming senior for a weekly one-hour visit that might include conversation, a game of cards or a ride to the grocery store. There is a waiting list of seniors hoping for a match. The C.C. Cafe provides a hot lunch at 11:30 a.m. every day at the Concord Senior Center, 2737 Parkside, managed by Meals on Wheels Diablo Region. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance at 925-825-1488.
Photo courtesy of Maricel Kinsella
Meals on Wheels Friendly Visitor program Concord client Sandra, left, celebrated her 74th birthday with her Friendly Visitor volunteer turned friend, Carissa.
There is an optional $3 donation for meals for seniors 60 years and over, and the diners can stick around to relax and socialize after lunch. Volunteers are needed to take reservations, welcome guests and arrange tables. Volunteer for all Meals on Wheels programs by calling 925-937-8311. Email info@mowdr.org or visit www.mowdiabloregion.org for more information. The Concord Historical Society’s 150th Concord anniversary celebration continues with a special fundraising dinner for the Concord Historical Society, 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at the beautifully restored Concord Museum and Event Center, 1928 Clayton Road. CHS president Carol Longshore and event co-chair Karen Mangini invite guests to enjoy a delicious dinner followed by a lively auction for fantastic prizes. Tickets are $75, and tables seat 10. Reserve your table or make individual reservations by calling Lind Higgins at 925682-6383 by Oct. 26. Visit www.concordhistorical.org to
reserve with a credit card or PayPal or to learn more. Diablo Valley Foundation for the Aging representative Linda Groobin recently explained how we may choose to manage our health care,
durable power of attorney, estate distribution, conservatorship and other considerations when preparing for the future – especially if we are without family to entrust with these important decisions. Members of Concord Diablo Rotary recently gave her a warm welcome and you can, too. Groobin is available to speak to your organization. Contact her at 925-945-8040. Concord Diablo Rotary meets at 12:15 p.m. the first, third, fourth and fifth Wednesdays for lunch and at 6:15 p.m. each second Wednesday for dinner at the Clarion Hotel, 1050 Burnett Ave., Concord. Cost is $21. This very active service organization promotes leadership programs through the Interact Club at Concord High School and Carondelet High School in Concord. The group also provides free gleaning of
Photo courtesy of Concord Diablo Rotary
Patricia Ramierz, left, Nancy Glenfield, Kathy Lafferty and Concord Diablo Rotary president Edi Birsan welcomed speaker Linda Groobin from Diablo Valley Foundation for the Aging, with member Karen Mahshi at right. The group learned about fiduciary options for seniors to plan estates and end-of-life decisions.
neighborhood fruit trees and delivers tons of fruit to nearby food pantries, supports the Concord Rotocare free clinic, donates dictionaries and books for children and much more. Visit www.cdrotary.org for info. The Concord Elks Lodge will celebrate Veteran’s Day with a pot roast dinner at 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12, at 3565 Clayton Road. The meal is $10, but veterans eat free by showing proof of service. Call 925685-1994 after 4 p.m. for reservations. The Clayton Valley Woman’s Club recent Fall Fundraiser at Diamond Terrace in Clayton featured entertainment by vocal impresario Mark Shaw. Funds raised benefit local organizations and college scholarships for area students. Members also donate items for holiday Care Packages for our troops overseas coordinated by Contra Costa Blue Star Moms. They contribute Sunday newspaper comics and coffee/sugar/cream packets for care packages, sew comforting pillowcases and donate funds for care package postage – now costing $18.90 to mail to each local son or daughter in service. Contra Costa Blue Star Moms accepts individual donations. Call Kathleen Horvath at 925-349-5929 or email carepackages@ccbluestarmoms.org. Thank you to the businesses who have offered to receive and store items for care packages, including A-1 Self Storage in Concord, Perry’s Knife and Tactical in Concord, Accurate Business Services of Clayton, the Clayton Business and Community Association and Lynne French of Windemere Realty of Clayton.
Photo courtesy of Barb Harper
Concord Elk Carl Harper, left, and fellow Elks collected and donated empty metal and plastic coffee cans to hold free mosquitofish for distribution to area residents. Andrew Pierce accepted the donations on behalf of the Mosquito & Vector Control District.
Clayton Valley Woman’s Club will meet again at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 5555 Center St., Clayton. New members are always welcome. Members also enjoy a book club and crafts group. The Bay Area Crisis Nursery is in need of people who are willing to donate three hours once a week for at least six months to play with, hold and read to children placed in the temporary residence by their parents during a family crisis. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Weekend help is especially needed. Call Patti at 925-685-9740 or send an email to volunteer@bayareacrisisnursery.org
See Barnidge, page 3
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Clayton/Concord Resident Cal BRE #00933393
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(925) 672-4433
Fantastic Nantucket Model in Peacock Creek at Oakhurst Country Club on a prime level view lot at the end of a cul-de-sac with awe inspiring views of Mt Diablo. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, large den, spacious loft, approx 3820sf with a finished 3 car garage. Gleaming “Acacia” wood floors, crown moulding, designer paint colors & more. $1,149,000
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Broker-Associate
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(925) 567-6170
jenstojanovich@yahoo.com www.jenniferstojanovich.com
Concord Market Update ADDRESS
PRICE
1900 Lynwood Dr #A. . . . . . . . . $320,000 2776 Wexford Dr . . . . . . . . . . . . $525,000 2936 Esperanza Dr . . . . . . . . . . $570,000 1363 Swallowtail Rd . . . . . . . . . $600,000 2131 Beach St . . . . . . . . . . . . . $465,000
provided by Better Homes Realty SF BED/BATH DATE
. . .979 . .1331 . .1216 . .1462 . .1135
. .2/1.5 10/15/18 . .3/2 . .10/11/18 . .3/2 . .10/10/18 . .3/2 . .10/10/18 . .3/2 . . .10/9/18
ADDRESS
238 Roundhill Pl. – Clayton
Rarely Available Sprawling Single Story Estate on Ov e r Lis t an approx 1.18 acre s r Of f e lot with some of the Mu l t iple finest views in Clayton & just steps from downtown. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths approx 2731 sf with an attached 3 car garage. Premium view lot offers an in-ground pool, multiple decks & lush lawn area. Huge sideyard with RV/boat parking. $1,210,000
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20 Long Creek Cir. – Clayton
Super Cute Single Story in Marsh Creek Villas. 2 Bedrooms, 2 baths approx. 966sf with an attached 2 car garage. Great floor plan features large living room & dining area with semi vaulted ceiling & lots of natural light. Kitchen features newer white appliances & a cozy breakfast nook. Dual pane windows. Walking distance to town. $425,000
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George & Jennifer’s Team includes:
Jenna Leischer,
Staging
Thomas J. Miller, CPA PRICE
5548 Maryland Dr . . . . . . . . . . . $680,000 987 Shadybrook Dr . . . . . . . . . . $965,000 5548 Sepulveda Ct . . . . . . . . . . $657,000 4478 Sheepberry Ct . . . . . . . . . $725,000 1090 DiscoveryWay . . . . . . . . . $749,000
SF BED/BATH DATE
. .1321 . .2981 . .1657 . .1364 . .1833
. .4/2 . .5/3 . .3/2 . .3/2 . .4/2
. . .10/9/18 . . .10/9/18 . . .10/5/18 . . .10/5/18 . . .10/5/18
October 26, 2018
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Barnidge, from page 2
You are invited
y r a t n e m i l p m o C
a t n a S h t i w h c n Lu Photo courtesy of Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Fish biologist and Concord resident Chris Miller harvests mosquitofish at the hatchery in Concord. Residents can use free mosquitofish to control the mosquito population in water areas.
Moms will dedicate a monument to honor two Olympic High graduates that were killed in action in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Army Pfc Scott G. Barnett was killed Jan. 28, 2010 and Army Pfc Benjamin T. Zieske died May 3, 2006. The dedication is Nov. 7 at 4 p.m. at Olympic High. This will be the seventh monument placed on a high school campus to honor fallen graduates. To help contain the spread of the West Nile Virus, the county Mosquito & Vector Control District is offering free mosquitofish to residents for use in water features, neglected ponds, swimming pools and horse troughs. They distribute fish in donated empty metal or plastic coffee cans. Bring your own, or take up a collection in your organization and deliver them to the district office, like Carl Harper of the Concord Elks. Coffee cans are always needed. Mosquitos have infected mammals and birds with viruses and diseases throughout our history. The state Board of Health introduced the Western mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, in 1922 in a lily pond at Sutter’s Fort, Sacramento.
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Pri
Concord
$625,000
Clayton Valley Highlands — Conveniently located 4 bedroom home near schools, shopping, transportation and park. 2 full, updated bathrooms, large eat in kitchen with pantry and inside laundry. Back patio with grass area to play or relax, shed for extra storage and several fruit trees. Amy Callahan (925) 699-1207 AmyCallahan@windermere.com
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RSVP is appreciated. (925) 432-7387 or Email us at pittsburgpetresort@gmail.com
Visit our website to learn about our Expert grooming services Day care and boarding Holidays are approaching. Make your reservations early.
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Lodi
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Bridge Towne — Great opportunity for a gorgeous retirement home. Premium lot with access to canal in private setting. 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home including a master suite with walk in closet. Spacious kitchen with breakfast nook and large island. Inviting patio with breathtaking sunsets. Carol vanVaerenbergh, (925) 683-2568 CVanVaeren@aol.com
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Circle Bay Point
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San Marco — Spectacular Genoa model, over 4,200 sq. ft. and elegantly appointed. Chefs kitchen with gas stove, granite slab counters, and island. 5 bedrooms + office and bonus room. 4.5 baths, including a bed and 1.5 baths on first floor. Backyard that backs to open space & 3 car garage. Kelly McDougall (925) 787-0448 KMcDougall@windermere.com Cal BRE#01156462
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Nov. 3 & 4
Hearts and Hands shares news, events and opportunities for all of us to learn more about our community, have some fun, and combine our resources and talents to help others. Send items to faithbarnidge@pioneerpublishers.com.
The Lakes — Beautiful home with gated courtyard leading to front entry. Spacious kitchen with granite counters, large island, gas stove, built in oven, microwave and pantry. Large master bath, walk in closets. tub and shower. 4 bed, 3 bath single story. Private backyard with no rear neighbors, covered patio area. Nancy Donofrio (925) 998-7705
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Mira Vista Hills — Priced to sell 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in nice neighborhood. Remodeled kitchen with granite counters, new appliances and slow close drawers. Inside laundry, dual pane windows, crown molding and newer HVAC system. Over 1,600 sq. ft home with large backyard including a shed for extra storage.
Twenty-five hatcheries were established for municipal use from Redding to Santa Ana, including Concord in 1927. Fish have been available to residents since the 1970s. Concord resident and fish biologist Chris Miller raises more than one million each year in an onsite hatchery. The fish are 1-2 inches long and feed on mosquito larvae. They will live in water features and reproduce as long as there is water. The fish die if the resident drains the water or adds chlorine or bleach. The number of fish required depends on the water surface area. One fish should handle each 4 sq. ft. surface area. Residents may bring this measurement to the district office 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 155 Mason Circle, Concord. Visit www.contracostamosquito.co m, or call 925-685-9301 for more information.
Discovery Bay
Cal BRE#02055854
Antioch
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$719,000
Dana Farms — Situated on a quiet court, this gorgeous home offers 3 spacious beds, 2 full baths, a family room with fireplace, and living room with beautiful hardwood floors. The property features an updated kitchen w/ granite counters, stainless steel appliances, double oven & a skylight. An entertainers backyard including a pool, spa and RV parking.
Concord
$649,888
Kirkwood — Beautiful patio home with fresh paint and scrapped ceilings. 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, formal dining, living room with cathedral ceiling and family room with fireplace. Newer drainage system and dual pane windows. Several fruit trees, patio, deck and gate for easy access to the greenbelt.
Concord
$879,000
Lime Ridge — Completely updated 4 bedroom + den, 2.5 bath home on corner lot. Remodeled kitchen with granite counters and breakfast bar, inside laundry room, living room with vaulted ceiling and family room with brick fireplace. Beautifully landscaped yards with peaceful patio in the back and RV access.
Assisting More Buyers & Sellers than Anyone Else* Lynne offers free staging on ALL LISTINGS
*Statistics based on Clayton/Concord and Contra Costa County Closed sales by volume (1/2014-12/31/2014). Data by Maxebrdi
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Magi
to sign up for a preliminary tour, a free TB test and fingerprinting. Visit www.bayareacrisisnursery.org for more information. Caring Hands helps break the cycle of isolation and despair that may make health problems worse for seniors. Volunteers are urgently needed to offer 1-3 hours a week in their own neighborhood providing services such as reading mail, letter-writing and outings to the store, doctor or pharmacy. Volunteers also may visit with homebound seniors while a family caregiver takes a few hours to run errands or just relax. The next training will be 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, at John Muir Medical Center in Concord. To learn more or apply for training, contact volunteer coordinator Stacy Appel at Stacy.Appel@johnmuirhealth.com or 925-9522999. Or visit johnmuirhealth.com/caringhands. Contra Costa County Art & Culture Commissioners Elizabeth Wood and LaMar Anderson joined Concord native and artist/author Susan Pace-Koch to meet with local writers, artists and actors to discuss opportunities to collaborate and engage our community to support arts organizations in Clayton, Concord and Pleasant Hill. Representatives from Clayton Theatre Company, East Bay Artist’s Guild, Concord Art Association, Concord Historical Society and Heritage Event Center and many more brainstormed ideas for community events. Email concordartassoiation@yahoo.com for more information. Contra Costa Blue Star
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- Windermere Clayton!
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
October 26, 2018
COMMUNITY
Alice Marshall reaches century mark
Long-time Concord resident Alice Marshall, celebrated her 100th birthday with a City of Concord proclamation which paled by comparison with a proclamation from Pope Francis. “Alice is a remarkable lady whose smile lights up a room,” Vice-mayor Carlyn Obringer said. The youngest of nine siblings, she was born when Woodrow Wilson was president. She put herself
through secretarial school. She worked as secretary to the refinery manager at Shell Oil long before it was customary for women to work outside the home. “She has always kept a sharp eye on what is happening politically, from the local level on up,” Obringer said. In 1945, she married Harold Marshall and they settled in Concord to raise their daughter Nora. Alice Marshall and Carlyn Obringer
Oktoberfest, from page 1
Concord Chamber of Commerce co-hosted the event. There were 20 craft breweries pouring German-style craft lagers and by late Saturday afternoon all of the commemorative glassware was gone. The crowd estimate was 5000 between the Friday evening and Saturday afternoon sessions. A variety of food trucks were kept busy by the crowd of families, millennials and area residents who enjoy the variety of entertainment at Todos Santos during the year. Crossley said one of the highlights of the event was the 28-piece orchestra—SF German Band aka Deutscher Musikverein—that performed on the Todos Santos stage for most of the event. Their program included German folk songs as well as
yodeling and stein-holding contests among attendees. Another hit was the traditional German dance group, Nature Friends Schuhplattler, that dazzled the crowd with their dance routines. Large crowds gathered to watch them perform traditional dance, including log cutting and axing to German folk music. “Concord Oktoberfest was an amazing fun, familyfriendly event with over 5000 attendees embracing their inner Prost! Todos Santos Plaza was the perfect setting for the festival’s giant tent to really embrace the feeling of being in Munich with dancing, live music, singing, even a strongman contest,” said Elaine Schroth, Visit Concord executive director. A kid’s area on Mt. Diablo
St. included face painting, rides, bounces, Funhouse, pony rides and petting zoo. Nearly 50 exhibitors sold a variety of wares in the park’s Vendor Village. “Attendees raved about short lines, great food, an elaborate kid’s area and an abundance of craft beer. They also commented on how well organized the festival was compared to others,” a proud Crossley added. Crossley moved his Brewing Network studio to Concord four years ago in The Hop Grenade on Todos Santos Plaza. His live-streaming radio and podcast network programming educates homebrewers and beer lovers around the globe. Their next event is the 10th annual Spring Brews Festival on Saturday, April 6. Visit thebrewingnetwork.com for updates on their events.
October 26, 2018
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 5
City chooses local firm for Coast Guard development BEV BRITTON Concord Pioneer
Citing the Concord First policy, the City Council voted 50 to select Concord-based DeNova Homes as the preferred master developer for the Coast Guard property that sits directly across East Olivera Road from Willow Pass Community Park next to the North Concord BART station parking lot. Two developments, Victory Village and Quinault Village, were once used for Navy housing, but the property was transferred to the Coast Guard in 2008 and has not been occupied for several years. The property will be developed for housing and included in the specific plan for the Concord Naval Weapons Station Base Reuse and the North Concord BART station. “One of the advantages that DeNova has is the fact that they’re here in Concord,” said Councilman Ron Leone. “They know the city.” “I felt they have gone out and took the time to really understand what the Concord community is looking for,” said Councilwoman Carlyn Obringer. The vote followed 5½ hours of presentations and discussions on Sept. 25 with four developers: DeNova, Bridge Housing, Integral Communities and USA Properties. While all proposed a mix of affordable units and market-rate homes, DeNova’s plan called for 745-800 units – the largest of the four. The number of units was a key factor for Councilwoman Laura Hoffmeister. “This is a really tough competition,” she said. “But at the end of the day, it’s all about trying to accommodate housing in our community.”
We specialize in education to improve and maintain your wellness Tamara Steiner/Concord Pioneer
The 58-acre Coast Guard property includes two developments, Victory Village and Quinault Village. Constructed in the 1950s, the buildings were not built to code and cannot be rehabilitated. They will be razed and the land used for housing.
The Coast Guard is requiring that at least 25 percent of the units be affordable to people at or below 80 percent of the area median income. DeNova targets 25 percent of the units as affordable to those earning 60 percent or below that figure. But in response to a query from Hoffmeister, DeNova CEO Dave Sanson said they would be willing to increase the number of affordable units – possibly by pushing the income qualification from 60 percent to 80 percent. DeNova is partnering with for-profit Pacific Housing as well as Sentinels of Freedom, a non-profit that serves wounded veterans. Five units will be built with Helmets to Hardhats, a national program that connects retired and transitioning military members with career opportunities in the construction industry. Local heavy-hitters came out to support DeNova, including former Concord council members Dan Helix and Tim Grayson. “The goal of the Concord First program is to hire
local skilled individuals who are a part of the Concord community and who hire local employees,” said Grayson, who currently represents Concord in the state Assembly. “We’re all about building a better community,” said Lori Sanson, executive vice president at DeNova. “And I don’t mean better sticks and bricks. A development doesn’t really become a community until families move in. This isn’t just a job for us. It’s absolutely our passion.” To garner more input from neighbors about the project and a potential buffer zone, the city held two community meetings earlier this month as well as conducting door-to-door interviews. Meanwhile, the city is negotiating an Exclusive Negotiating and Financing Agreement with DeNova. Although the property is near the North Concord BART station, city staff determined it would not be impacted by the passage of Assembly Bill 2923 regarding BART land use control.
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Page 6
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
County School Board directs CVCHS audit findings to District Attorney
Let t e r t o t h e E d i t o r
Looking at the candidates for District 3
Concord City Council District 3 is our most disadvantaged district. Located northwest of Monument Boulevard, it has a mix of single-family neighborhoods and apartment buildings. Next month, residents will elect either Kenji Yamada or Dominic Aliano to the council. Both men are interested in helping tenants facing high rent increases or evictions. Both are committed to helping homeowners and tenants improve neighborhood quality of life. Policy-wise, however, the candidates have differences. Yamada has led the Bike Concord organization and advocates for more bike lanes and fewer public parking spaces downtown. He has also
said he supports opening recreational cannabis storefronts in Concord, including the Monument area. Endorsements include a group called Our Revolution Contra Costa and the Diablo Valley Democratic Club. Aliano is the Concord Planning Commission chair and volunteers helping people recover from drug addictions. He opposes opening recreational cannabis storefronts in Concord. Endorsements include the Concord Police Officers Association, numerous local construction unions, local businesses and California Young Democrats. Yamada and Aliano are outstanding young men with somewhat different visions for Concord. Mike McDermott
JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
The Contra Costa County Board of Education responded last week to the forensic audit it ordered of Clayton Valley Charter High School by referring findings concerning the compensation for former executive director Dave Linzey and his wife Eileen Linzey and the hiring of Concord councilman Ron Leone as assistant superintendent for further investigation. Last week’s county school board meeting included a long discussion among the five board members about the audit by Christy White Associates and what should happen in response to the findings. County associate superintendent Bill Clark sent the county board a memo with six recommended actions, forming the basis for the discussion at last week’s session. The board eventually voted 4-1 in favor of approving the audit findings and to refer some of the findings for further investigation, including to the District Attorney. Board member Jeff Belle cast the dissenting vote. New CVCHS executive director Jim Scheible says the school and its governing board has or will be implementing all 22 recommenda-
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After six years of phased construction, new sewer lines are all in place in the downtown area of Concord. Some street work on Concord Boulevard and restriping on Colfax Street and Concord Boulevard will complete the project in the next few weeks. The repairs were necessary to ensure adequate service and capacity in one of the city’s busiest areas. Aging and undersized sewer pipes, many of them clay, had been in use since the ’40s and ’50s. In all, the city laid 17,400 feet of new polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) sewer pipes. The work was not without inconvenience, however. Residents and businesses endured construction on streets and sidewalks, noise and traffic backups throughout the process. At times, businesses on the street were difficult to access. The complaints were
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tions made in the White Associates audit. He added that the school has approved a memorandum of understanding with the new East Bay Tech Academy to reimburse CVCHS $19,000 in legal fees the local charter paid in 2017 and early 2018 as the proposed academy was seeking charter approval from the Antioch Unified School District. Clark’s recommendations primarily concerned the Linzey’s compensation packages and Eileen Linzey’s hiring as the school’s second highest paid administrator, plus the circumstances surrounding Leone’s hiring as CVCHS assistant superintendent at the same time he was running for County Superintendent of Schools. Clark’s memo said there may be a misuse of funds in reference to Eileen Linzey and Leone, which “could be referred to the District Attorney, or other appropriate agency, for the evaluation of possible violations of law.” He also said Dave Linzey’s compensation package information should be sent to the California State Teachers' Retirement System “to determine if benefit spiking has occurred.” Clark’s memo said Dave Linzey was paid more for overseeing one school than all but one superintendent in the county, including
districts with as many as 70 schools. Scheible’s salary of $175,000 is 56% of Linzey’s pay. Clayton Valley Charter hired Van Dermyden Maddux in August to conduct an internal audit, which Clark said should include an audit of “all credit card purchases, legal invoices and the services provided.” Scheible says the school, in an effort to be more transparent to all its stakeholders, is now including the monthly check register with the board meeting packet on its website. Publication of the White Associates audit confirmed long-held concerns of community activists about the leadership style and management of Dave Linzey, who has maintained a low profile since he left the school in May. Linzey recently responded to the White audit with two memos to county board member Belle, disputing several of the key findings. The audit says the Linzeys both resigned in July. A recent email from him said, “I have retired and moved on from Clayton Valley.” Eileen Linzey was appointed chief program officer—a position which paid $17,789 a month—without formal posting of the position or interviews. Dave Linzey had an annual com-
pensation package of $301,212. The audit shows Dave Linzey’s compensation between July 1, 2016 and May 5, 2018 totaled $555,109. His wife was paid $296,047 from February 2017 through May 2018. The Linzeys’ joint income from CVCHS between July 1, 2016 and May 15, 2018 totaled $849,776. Concord councilman Leone, an education veteran, was appointed as assistant superintendent without the job being posted, interviews conducted or board approval. He was paid $618 a day from December 2017 to May 2018 for total pay of $41,709. He resigned in June after finishing third in the superintendent’s election. Addressing another Clark recommendation, Scheible says the charter school’s board is working on amending its bylaws regarding governing board election procedures. Any material revisions to the charter must be approved by the county board and Scheible says that will be done in the coming months. There are no CVCHS board terms ending this year and he says the new procedures will be in place in advance of the 2019 election cycle. The school’s original fiveyear charter authorization ends June 30, 2020.
“typical and expected for any kind of construction project,” said Ali Hatefi, an associate engineer with the city. “The construction manager and city staff took note and addressed complaints as appropriate and in a timely manner,” he added. City staff, the construction manager and the contractor provided notices and updates to businesses and members of the public before and during construction. Originally, the Downtown Sewer and Streetscape Improvements project called for three phases over four years to offset the impact on residents and businesses. In the final analysis, it was completed in six years in three distinct phases. In addition to work on the sewer lines, the city made
ADA upgrades to adjacent sidewalks and streets were repaved where the lines were replaced. The city also coordinated with the Contra Costa Water District to perform scheduled work on water lines to avoid having to dig up the street a second time. Phase 1 of the project began in the fall of 2012 and continued into summer 2013 at a cost of $4.9 million. This included sections of Concord Avenue, Bonifacio Street, Almond Avenue, Bacon Street, East Street and some of the adjoining cross streets. In February 2014, the City Council awarded the construction contract for Phase 2. This focused around the business district bordering Todos Santos Plaza and addressed the sewer lines on sections of Colfax, Grant
and Galindo streets. After spending $1.9 million, budget constraints prohibited completing all the needed replacements in the Phase 2 area. The third phase, labeled 2B, included sections of Salvio Street, Sutter Street, Broadway Street, Concord Boulevard and some cross streets, along with the work left over from the previous phase. The project also involved installing fiber optic conduits and boxes so the city can install fiber optic cables and communication lines. The cost for 2B was $4 million. The city used Sewer Operation funds for the sewer and street work and Public, Educational and Government (PEG) funds for the fiber optic work.
The Concord Police Department has launched a new permit and registration system so residents can apply for and manage permits online. The online system includes video camera registry, residential and guest parking permits, vacation house checks and block party permits. The services are free, except for the existing residential parking permit fee that can now be paid online. The new video camera registry program offers residents and businesses the ability to partner with the police to help solve crimes. The parking permits, vacation house checks and block party permits are existing city serv-
ices that are now also available online. The online system will deliver services in an accessible and streamlined process to decrease the amount of time spent by the public and city staff. However, residents may still apply in person. Parking permits will now be handled by Parking Services at the Police Department. In a few weeks, current permit holders will receive a letter to let them know of the change. The parking permit fee of $11.30 remains the same. Residents can access the system through the city website at www.cityofconcord.org or directly at https://pdpermits.ci.concord.ca.us. The
website has a FAQ section to provide more information, or you may call the Police Department during normal business hours for more information.
Downtown sewer and streetscape improvements near completion
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For general questions regarding the residential or guest parking permits, contact Parking Services at 925671-3259. For general questions regarding vacation house checks, contact the Community Service Desk at 925-6713220.
October 26, 2018
F r om the desk o f . . .
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Take time to understand the ballot
KAREN MITCHOFF
COUNTY
SUPERVISOR
Every election is important, but this one is especially vital. I encourage everyone to educate themselves on the candidates and issues on the Nov. 6 ballot. Our county Elections Division has put great effort toward efficient, user-friendly ways for you to fulfill your right to vote. The goal is to make it as convenient as possible, under-
standing that everyone has different schedules. You can vote by mail, taking your time to analyze the issues and the candidates. You can also vote early with our early voting centers for people who don’t want to mail in their ballots and are unable to go to a polling place on Election Day. There are many commuters in Contra Costa County, and it can be difficult to get to a polling place before 8 p.m. on a weeknight. The Contra Costa Elections Division office is now open for early voting at 555 Escobar St., Martinez. The deadline to register for this election was Oct. 22 deadline. You can review your registration information at www.cocovote.us or text CoCoCheck to 2Vote (28683). One issue I often hear from constituents about is the conditions of local roads. Prop. 6
is a statewide ballot measure that would repeal the SB1 gas tax. SB1 provides targeted transportation grants to help communities address local traffic needs. Over the next decade, this funding would support safer school routes, increase efficiency for commercial transport and provide congestion relief for daily commutes. Contra Costa County stands to lose $21 million in addition to lost grant matching funds opportunities if voters pass Prop. 6. Measures like this directly impact our daily lives – our commutes, the condition of our roads and maintenance of our vehicles. For information on candidates, the county Elections Division, Contra Costa Television, the Contra Costa County Library, the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley and
the League of Women Voters of West Contra Costa have partnered to provide “Election Preview,” televised roundtable discussions and forums to watch on TV and online. Decisions made at the local level have the greatest impact on our daily lives. This is a good opportunity for voters to watch candidates and learn where they stand on key issues. These roundtables and forums can be seen 24/7 on the Contra Costa Television channel on YouTube and are also accessible through our Elections Division website. There are many opportunities to vote. Your input matters. Please, voice your opinion on Nov. 6. Karen Mitchoff is Contra Costa County District IV supervisor. Email questions or comments to karen.mitchoff@bos.cccounty.us
Let’s all make kindness a priority We’ve all heard the adage, laughter is the best medicine. I think there is a very close second: kindness. “One act of kindness toward one human being changes the world. Because to change the world, all we have to do is change one life,” says Leon Logothetis, host of “The Kindness Diaries” on Netflix. NELLIE MEYER Being kind really is the first step to a meaningful human MDUSD connection. It can also SUPERINTENDENT improve your health. Research shows that doing nice things for others can trigger sero- ety, reduce stress and prevent tonin – our “feel good” hor- illness. And by being kind to mone. Kindness can ease anxi- others, we are better able to
Mayor, from page 1
while the price of gas increased over time, so the relative amount of tax revenue compared to the overall price of gas declined. This also resulted in an unavoidable decline over time in the amount of road maintenance and construction possible, due on one hand to inflation in the costs of labor and materials and on the other hand to an increase in miles driven, resulting in an increase in road wear and, consequently, an increase in the amount of new roads and maintenance required on existing roads. Combined with less than prudent oversight and less than stellar accountability, the road funds got diverted and used for assorted hot button issues and crises. For decades, this fact did not sit well with the general public. In April 2017, the state Legislature passed SB1 to raise the tax but, significantly, allowed it to increase with the cost of living. A measure that passed on the June ballot also made it more difficult to divert the funds to things other than transportation projects. As is the case for the state as a whole, the city of Concord is underfunded with respect to our road repair and replacement needs. The Great Recession forced us to seriously fall back on longterm road maintenance needs, and now our roads are deteriorating at an everexpanding rate. With the passage of SB1,
we started to catch up on some of our replacement and repairs needs. Another $3 million that will become available under SB1 would help a lot in terms of dealing with our shortfall in road funds. If Prop. 6 passes, the city’s transportation budget will be another $3 million short, and repairs to roads such as Oak Grove Road and Treat Boulevard will languish. Ironically, if it passes, car drivers will have more dollars in their pockets to pay for the additional car repairs that will become necessary due to the continuing deterioration of the roads (as well as stamps for the many letters they will write to their elected officials regarding the bad condition of the roads). Similarly, there will be a minor reduction in the costs of goods that are delivered by truck due to the reduced cost of gas. However, this cost reduction will again be offset by cost increases due to increased delivery delays due to road congestion and to increasing vehicle breakdowns resulting from the lack of adequate road maintenance. RENTAL REGULATIONS Prop. 10 would remove limits the state Legislature placed on cities regarding rental regulations in the 1995 bill known as the CostaHawkins Rental Housing Act. State law currently only allows cities to regulate rents in multi-family structure built before 1995. For Concord,
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develop strong, meaningful relationships and friendships. Studies also show there are numerous benefits to teaching and practicing kindness in our schools, and the practicing part is essential. Experts say children and adolescents learn about kindness by experiencing it and feeling it. One of my favorite articles on this topic provides eight reasons for teaching kindness in school: www.teachthought.com/pedagogy/8-reasons-for-teaching-kindness-in-schools/. These are the very benefits we are working toward by
making sure we, as a district, are practicing acts of kindness, not randomly, but thoughtfully and purposefully. In Mt. Diablo Unified, we have always worked hard to provide an education supporting the whole child – academically, socially and emotionally. We ask for and appreciate your partnership in nurturing kindness as a priority not just for our schools, but our greater Mt. Diablo community.
Dr. Nellie Meyer is Superintendent of Schools for MDUSD. Email questions or comments to meyern@mdusd.org
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that is about 8,800 units. If Prop. 10 passes, the city will be empowered to address the whole range of possible rental market regulations. Not that the city has shown much willingness to do so in the past, as evidenced by the irregular pattern of skyrocketing rents in the recent past. For example, the current City Council was not even able to agree to discuss the possibility of enacting a temporary ban on rent increases on an owner of more than 28 units who was recently found to be in default of the building code. (You really have to work at it to be in default after multiple notices from code enforcement.) Many city officials across the state like provisions of Prop. 10 because, to some extent, it removes from them the pressure from groups wanting rent reform. It also shields them from the ire and fear of the large number of small and very small landlords who own rental properties as part of their personal livelihood and/or pensions, as opposed to large corporate owners who own their properties for profit only. (I believe in Concord we have 350 small landlords who have fewer
rental units than are owned by the top two or three corporations combined.) Any attempt by a city to balance the interests of all renters, small landlords and large corporate landlords with a stake in the city’s housing stock can be quite a challenge. It also brings with it a heightened concern on the part of all those who are affected, as well as raising sometimes unrealistic expectations – whether of harm or of good. In the recent past, the city of Concord has heard a steadily increasing drumbeat advocating for solutions to these rental issues. The city’s responses (or lack thereof) have not satisfied the drummers, partially due to the limited scope of actions that the city is allowed under CostaHawkins. Opening up the range of possible actions as provided for in Prop. 10 would give the city more flexibility in addressing the needs of all concerned stakeholders. This is your call, folks. It is a democracy, after all.
Email questions and comments to Mayor Birsan at EdiBirsan@gmail.com
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Page 8
SCHOOLS Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
October 26, 2018
Carondelet has ‘earth opening’ for STEM Center JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
Sister Rosheen Glennon set the tone at the recent unveiling of the site for the new Jean Hofmann STEM Innovation
Center on the Carondelet High School campus in Concord. She said the event “was not a groundbreaking, but rather an ‘earth opening’ with Mother Earth opening herself to educational opportunities in the
Clayton Valley math teacher encourages students, gamers JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
Anthony Anderson gets a big smile when he answers the question, “Do you tell your students you’re a rocket scientist?” Although he’s never worked as a rocket scientist, the Clayton Valley Charter High School teacher got his aerospace engineering degree from one of the country’s top
undergraduate AE schools, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida. In his second year in the CVCHS math department, Anderson is building a growing reputation among students for his three computer classes—game design and introduction to computer science. He also teaches two periods of geometry.
See Teacher, page 9
Photo courtesy CVCHS
CVCHS seniors Analysa Espinoza (left) and Stephanie Keeler (middle) are teaming up with fellow students to develop a mobile app called Ride or Die that is geared to deter impaired driving and the resultant accidents that account for one-third of all teen deaths.
years to come.” The Hofmann Family Foundation delivered a check for its lead grant of $15 million to make the new two-story facility in the heart of the Carondelet campus a reality. Jean Hofmann and daughter Lisa Hofmann Morgan, whose five daughters graduated from Carondelet, presented the school with the check they promised would come within six months of family patriarch Ken Hofmann’s passing in April. Half of the $15 million is earmarked for the construction of the STEM Innovation Center and the other half is to endow a scholarship fund to help make a Catholic education available to more families. STEM is the current buzzword in education, encouraging students in America of
See STEM, page 9
Jay Bedecarré
Carondelet High School’s campus in Concord will be the site of the Jean Hofmann STEM Innovation Center to “support a future of transformational learning and discovery for young women.” The Hofmann Family Foundation’s $15 million lead gift kicked off the capital campaign to make the new facility a reality. Putting their symbolic shovels in the ground are, from left, Lisa Hofmann Morgan, Jean Hofmann, Carondelet president Bonnie Cotter, Board of Trustees chairman John D’Amico, senior Sasha Williams and principal Kevin Cushing.
Lessons learned as a high school athlete
In the first week of October, I missed almost four full class periods to cater to my athletic endeavors as a runner. Instead of beginning Monday morning with zero period yearbook, my shortened week started at St. Mary’s College for a recruiting visit. When I normally would be walking the hallways of my high school, I RAYNA STANZIANO was experiencing a completely different campus and briefly TEENSPEAK integrating myself with a community I could envision joining day for a race in Clovis. This being said, I realize the permanently in almost a year. Then, I left school early on Fri- argument that high school
sports are just a distraction from those seven or eight required hours. The invincible tie between sports and school in this country is sometimes viewed as a hindrance to education, because determined student athletes tend to dedicate a vast amount of time and energy to their crafts. In my view, the idea that high school sports harm learning is illogical. I largely identify with the student athlete archetype and am nearly consumed by doing everything in my power to com-
pete well, yet the work I put into sports doesn’t detract from my ability to succeed intellectually. While a certain amount of class time is sacrificed for school sports, I believe this only strengthens diligence and discipline. The work must be made up, and student athletes are required to maintain their grades to be eligible for participation. In this sense, they learn how to juggle several responsibilities.
See TeenSpeak, page 9
October 26, 2018
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
MDUSD Measure J bond proceeds will benefit all district school JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
The Mt. Diablo Unified School District is going to the voters on Nov. 6 seeking approval to issue and sell up to $150 million of bonds to finance repairs and improvements to school facilities, which supporters say will enhance school safety and classroom performance. When the District board on July 23 authorized submitting a measure to voters, the resolution did not include Clayton Valley Charter High School among the schools that would benefit from this funding. The Contra Costa County Voter Information Guide lists CVCHS among the six district high schools included in the ballot measure. Superintendent Dr. Nellie Meyer clarified the discrepancy to the Pioneer: “All of our campuses, including those occupied by charters, will be part of this bond.” In addition to six compre-
hensive high school campuses, MDUSD has 31 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, 18 alternative schools and adult programs and five school support sites. Measure J requires a 55 per cent affirmative vote to be approved. The ballot measure says the best estimate of the average annual tax rate for taxable property owners is $15 per $100,000 of assessed (not market) valuation charged for 15-18 years. The District has successfully gone to the electorate three times in the past three decades. Measure A was a $90 million Mello-Ross parcel tax in 1989 while there were Measure C general obligation bonds approved in 2002 and 2010. The previous bond measures have funded all MDUSD middle schools to add school gymnasiums, energy and money-saving solar panels at every District site, technology and safety equipment (alarms, safety doors) across the District as well as new
TeenSpeak, from page 8
Pre-competition rituals are never a perfect science, but every athlete has some way of subduing nerves. That is not to say that adrenaline negatively affects performance; from what I know, it is normally a considerable benefit. However, as with anything, nerves need to be moderated. Having learned that too
much nervousness causes me to question my abilities, I now go into an academic setting with a calm, clear mind – just as I would before any race. Although I am an advocate for the importance of education, I also believe that not all lessons can be learned in a classroom. In the relatively short amount of time I
STEM, from page 8
both genders to include science, technology, engineering and mathematics in their course choices and career paths. Carondelet senior Sasha Williams spoke emotionally about her own educational journey and interest in technology before and during high school. The school says, “The Jean Hofmann STEM Innovation Center represents a new era of secondary education for young
women – one shaped by breakthrough integration and global capabilities. Carondelet is poised to transform the intellectual and physical landscape of its campus, and the lives of its students, for generations to come. By creating its own future, Carondelet is redefining and advancing its institutional mission in innovative ways.” Carondelet president Bonnie Cotter added, “We are so very grateful to the Hofmann
Teacher, from page 8
During a recent visit to his classroom, Anderson’s introduction to computer science class began with two presentations from students. Their visuals were projected on a large screen at the back of the room with the speakers able to go through their presentation by touching the screen. Both presentations were done by female students. Sophomore Ada Fong went through the elements of the pitch video her team made last year for the mobile app they developed and entered in an international Girls Who Code competition, part of a 90,000 female student movement. The CVCHS team’s app revolved around school safety inspired by the most recent school shooting last year. Before Fong gave her presentation, Anderson instructed the class to put away all devices because not doing that “is the easiest way to fail the course.” For the rest of our visit the students were focused on the speakers and then working on their assignments.
The other all-girl team to present were all first-year coding students developing a mobile app called Ride or Die. Another socially conscious app, they are trying to reduce the number of accidents involving impaired drivers. They said that onethird of all teen deaths are due to drunk driving and are working on a business plan to make the app a reality. Anderson says the hottest part of his computer program revolves around eSports. He has 57 official members and 187 total competitive players (80% male) taking part in eSports on campus. In his classroom he has 10 computers with 22” screens that can be used for playing eSports against their classmates and people around the world. Anderson says, “Colleges are now offering scholarships for ‘eSports athletes.’” This has added interest and legitimacy to playing video games. His CVCHS varsity eSports team will be competing against other schools. He says Fortnite and League of Legends are the most popular games among his eSports students.
classrooms replacing deteriorating portables, playground equipment, painting, heating and air conditioning, sports facilities and asphalt repairs, among other projects. Meyer says, “As we look to the future, we know we cannot rely on the State to provide the funding our schools need to make necessary improvements. Providing a high-quality, 21st century education requires up-to-date science labs, classrooms and school facilities. While we’ve made improvements to our schools, more repairs and upgrades are needed.” The Superintendent, who has been in charge of the 36,000-student district (K through 12th grade) since the summer of 2013, adds, “To support quality education, we need to improve classroom technology, update science labs and expand our vocational and career technical education classrooms so our students have the tools they need to succeed. We must
ensure student safety, and that means repairing leaky roofs, improving outdated plumbing and improving campus security.” There was no argument against Measure C in the voter guide. Also on the Nov. 6 ballot, the County Superintendent of Schools election pits deputy superintendent Lynn Mackey against MDUSD board member Cheryl Hansen, who was the Board president when Meyer was hired. Hansen did not seek re-election with MDUSD to make her run at the top county post. She got 30% of the vote in the June primary while Mackey just fell short of the winning 50% with 46.5%. Three MDUSD board positions are not on the ballot since incumbents Debra Mason and Linda Mayo and newcomer Cherise Khaund were the only people to file papers for November and thus don’t stand for election next month.
have been a high school athlete, I have gained discipline and focus beyond the scope of schoolwork. This has allowed me to apply successful methods from swimming and running to all aspects of my life. I would not be nearly as driven without the opportunities I have gained from high school competition. Each time I race with my Concord uniform on, it reminds me that I
am capable of excelling on and off campus. At the North Coast Section cross country meet during my sophomore year, both of our teams received banners. These awards were in acknowledgement of our academic excellence; our teams’ combined GPAs were the highest.
Rayna Stanziano is senior at Concord High. Send comments to editor@pioneerpublishers.com
family for making a new future possible for young women. Ken [Hofmann] was a person of great vision who was deeply committed to Catholic education.” That commitment also included major support for their sister high school De La Salle and Saint Mary’s College. The Hofmann Family Foundation grant, said Lisa Hofmann Morgan, “is given in the spirit of innovation and a commitment that Carondelet shall remain accessible to all. With that in mind, we have created an endowed, needs-based, scholarship fund to ensure
quality Catholic education and…access for those who could otherwise not afford it. “The second half of our commitment is to make the major, lead gift to build the Jean Hofmann STEM Innovation Center…where young women can stretch their minds and build their ingenuity and creativity. It is indeed Carondelet’s time to shine.” The facility is projected to open during the first semester of the 2019-20 school year. Carondelet’s all-girl’s school enrollment is about 800.
When the student presentations were completed his students quietly and immediately got up and either took a Chromebook off a cart that is shared among CVCHS classes or sat at one of the 10 large screen computer stations to work on their classwork and projects. Anderson obviously has great rapport with his students, fostered from his 14 years teaching. He began as a science teacher in Florida following graduation and has taught in Livermore, Pittsburg and Antioch. He grew up in Los Angeles
USD schools and went across the country for college to “be a creator of technology, not just a user.” He has continued his desire for learning by spending last summer as a research fellow at Stanford’s School of Engineering. He expects to finish up his Master of Education at St. Mary’s College next year. In a male dominated field, it’s refreshing to see the number of females in his class, fully engaged. CVCHS emphasizes the importance of encouraging high school girls towards careers in computer coding and Anderson is leading the way.
Page 9
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
October 26, 2018
DLS, CVCHS await NCS Open Division playoff foes JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
De La Salle and Clayton Valley Charter started this football season at or near the top of Bay Area and North Coast Section ratings and with the regular season ending this weekend the Spartans are firmly entrenched in their usual spot atop the mountain. CVCHS is again awaiting its seed this Sunday in the Open Division playoffs and Concord High is hoping to get a call in D-II. The Spartans (9-0) and Ugly Eagles (8-1) both should earn berths in the four-team NCS Open Division playoffs. In the first two years of the Open Division DLS has eliminated CVCHS in the opening round, twice ending the season of their crosstown foes. Bay Valley Athletic League rivals undefeated Liberty of Brentwood, winner of last year’s NCS Division I championship, and perennial NCS threat Pittsburg figure to be the other two teams in the NCS Open Division with the Concord schools. CVCHS holds a season-opening overtime win over the Pirates that should be a large factor in the seedings. The goal for coach Tim Murphy’s Clayton Valley Charter team this fall was to move up one or two places in the Open Division, so they would avoid a likely showdown with DLS in
ADRIAN TODOROV CONCORD HIGH
was recently named the greatest ever high school football coach by MaxPreps. He stepped down as head coach after the 2012 season with a 399-25 career record and has been an assistant on Alumbaugh’s staff since.
the opening round. The Spartans again will be the top seed and likely a big favorite over the fourth playoff seed at home in Owen Owens Field. The second seed will host a semi-final game and Clayton Valley would love to have an East County opponent come to Gonsalves Stadium. Should the winner of that matchup lose in the finals to De La Salle they will still likely advance to the Northern California Regional Division I bowl game Nov. 30 or Dec. 1 with the NCS Open Division champion—if it’s De La Salle—going directly to the State CIF Open finals. An upset of the Spartans in either Section round completely changes the scenario for all of NorCal.
DLS NO. 1-2 ALL-TIME De La Salle was also honored as having the best two high school teams of all-time. MaxPreps did a comprehensive review of all the top prep teams with a complicated rating system. When all the great teams were compared the Spartans team of 2001 was named No. 1 all-time. That team was in the middle of an unprecedented three-year run of undefeated, unanimous National Champions from 2000-02. The 2003 Spartans were rated No. 2 and DLS ‘98 (19th place) and ‘94 (38th) were also listed in the Top 50.
EAGLES CONTINUE LEAGUE STREAK
Clayton Valley Charter’s likely win over Northgate this Friday will give the Ugly Eagles their seventh straight undefeated league football championship since Murphy arrived with his high-powered wing-T offense in 2012. The Eagles defeated their two toughest league rivals, Campolindo and Miramonte, in recent weeks to effectively wrap up another title. Strong second halves gave each scoreline a lopsided appearance with a 35-7 win over Campo (28-0 in the second half) and 49-14
E.J. REA YGNACIO VALLEY
Christy Murphy photo courtesy CVCHS football
Clayton Valley Charter will wrap up its seventh consecutive undefeated league football championship by winning Friday at Northgate. Known for their offense, the Ugly Eagles have held six of their nine opponents to a touchdown or less this year. Defensive back Seth Gwynn (37) takes down a Miramonte runner this month with teammates Leke Fashola (11) and Christian Seeley (20) in close pursuit. CVCHS appears headed back to the NCS Open Division playoffs for a third straight time.
(21-0 after the intermission) over the Matadors. After a scoreless first quarter Campolindo scored a touchdown on the final play of the second quarter to go into halftime at Gonsalves Stadium tied at seven with CVCHS. The Eagles recovered an attempted Cougars onside kick to start the second half and posted a pair of touchdowns each in the third and fourth quarters for a 35-7 win over their likely toughest challenger in the Diablo Athletic League Foothill Division. Murphy said, “Campo played us tough in first half. They played hard as hell. They’re tough and they’ve got good kids. A couple small
Visit the New Clayton Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame web site
www.cvhshof.com Nominees for the Class of 2019 Induction Ceremony are being considered at this time.
adjustments [at halftime] and our kids’ conditioning and relentlessness took over in the second half.” The Sumter brothers, quarterback Logan and runningback Carson, have been providing many of the offensive fireworks and CVCHS but junior Makhi Gervais ran for 1102 yards in the first eight games with 10 touchdowns on the ground. Cade Carter and Rayshawn Jackson each have five TD receptions.
BACK IN EBAL For the first time in seven years, the Spartans are playing an official EBAL schedule and re-introduced themselves with a 55-0 rout of MV, leading 480 at the half with a running clock limiting the second half action. The game may be most memorable for the sale of Bob Ladouceur bobblehead dolls at SPARTANS CONTINUE ROLL the Spartans homecoming. Knowing their talent level The legendary Spartans coach this year, De La Salle took on an even more challenging than usual non-league schedule this fall and came through it without a loss for the first time since 2014. Even with their 9-0 record DLS has been challenged several times including a season-opening game with State Champion Folsom, National power Bishop Gorman and Buchanan of Clovis. Even games against fellow Bay Area parochial schools St. Francis and Bishop O’Dowd were not easy from start to finish. Coach Justin Alumbaugh and his staff installed sophomore Dorian Hale as the startDennis Lee/SportStars photo ing quarterback and the Sophomore quarterback Dorian Hale (20) has been settling offense has taken some time to in to his role directing the De La Salle High offense this fall. catch up to the college The undefeated Spartans will once again be the number one recruits-laden DLS defense, seed as they seek their 27th consecutive Section title and a which shutout Folsom in its 13th straight berth in the CIF Bowl Game. In December.
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CONCORD ON THE BUBBLE Concord High was a regular participant in the NCS Division II playoffs with nine consecutive appearances from 2008-16 including a 2010 championship and two other finals, both losses to Clayton Valley. Last year coach Paul Reynaud’s team was winless in DAL and didn’t make the playoffs. The coach is hopeful that the playoff-less streak will end at one year. “We are eligible for the playoffs because of our 1-1 record vs Division II opponents (College Park and Benicia). With a win vs Mt. D this week we would also have a .500 or better record in league (3-3), which is another playoff qualifier. Mt. Diablo, Ygnacio Valley and Northgate have each grappled with small rosters and are out of the running for the Section playoffs.
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October 26, 2018
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com narrowing her college choices and eventually hopes to attend law school and work in corporate law. According to her coach, that’s very likely to happen. Sydney has written Athlete Spotlights for the Pioneer since she was a sophomore. This one we kept as a surprise from her!
Athlete Spotlight
Sydney Skow Grade: Senior
School: CVCHS
Two-time all-DAL player Skow and her Eagles teammates are in the DAL water polo tournament this week with a berth in the North Coast Section playoffs on the line. She is a team captain and the leading scorer for the Eagles, who lost only one league game. It’s no wonder Skow took to the water as soon as she enrolled at
Page 11
Sports: Water Polo, Swimming
CVCHS. Her dad, Todd, is a member of the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame as an allAmerica swimmer. First-year head coach Riley Shaw says, “I have had the privilege of getting to know and coach Sydney over this water polo season. She is a leader on this team who not only leads through teaching but by example. Her determination
and work ethic are unmatched. She is someone who will accomplish anything she sets her mind to. Sydney has been a key player in all of our games.” Skow is also a four-year swim team member. Away from the pool Skow is very active in the Public Service Academy, ASB Leadership and Mock Trial team. The Concord native is
New coaches at Carondelet, CV face different challenges to match last year’s hoops success
The Concord Pioneer congratulates Sydney 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, improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@concordpioneer.com.
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Clayton Valley Charter boys and the Carondelet girls each begin basketball tryouts and practices next Monday with a new face in charge. For the perennial powerhouse Cougars, Mike Morris is brand new to the Concord school while the Eagles new head man, Andrew Doss, has had a birds-eye view of the position for the past four years as the varsity assistant coach. The top seeded Eagles reached the North Coast Section Division I championship game last February before losing a heartbreaker to Heritage 71-66. A week later they fell to Menlo in the NorCal Championships opening round in what proved to be coach Eric Bamberger’s last game in charge as he stepped away after leading the Ugly Eagles in an historic 2017-18 season. Doss, 31, was hired when Bamberger decided to take a break from high school coaching to watch his daughter Ali in her senior year at Carondelet and son Mason play his freshman season at De La Salle. Ali Bamberger recently announced that she is accepting a scholarship to the University of Washington. Her dad is continuing as a club coach at the all-girls Cal Stars, where his daughter played for 10 years and he’s coached since 2011. Morris comes to Carondelet from Vacaville Christian High School where he was the girls varsity coach last year (Sierra Delta League coach of the year) after spending the previous two seasons in charge of the Falcons boys varsity. Morris got his teams into the Sac Joaquin Section playoffs all three years. He has run the Morris Elite Basketball Academy in Suisun for eight years. Morris, 48, inherits a senior-laden Carondelet team that is the two-time defending North Coast Section Division I champion. The Cougars have 13 Section titles (11 in Division II) and have been top seed for seven straight years in the NCS playoffs. He replaces Elgin Leslie, the four-year head coach with a 99-24 record, who ended his tenure earlier this year. Last season finished abruptly on a sour note when the Cougars forfeited their first-round game in the Northern California Championships Open Division after team rules violations were discovered from an off campus post-NCS championship game party.
ANDREW DOSS CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER
MIKE MOORE CARONDELET
Bamberger led the Ugly Eagles for five seasons, culminated with the record-setting 26-4 team featuring seniors Garrett Pascoe, Nick Klarman and JD Williams. Pascoe is now at Boston University after setting a slew of season and career records for the Eagles as a four-year all-league performer.
San Jose State. He went back to coaching at Berean, commuting from San Jose State and sometimes spending the night at his parents Clayton home. He stayed in San Jose for a year after graduation but continued to coach at Berean. He got a teaching job at Tabernacle School in Concord and moved back to the area. He started at Clayton Valley as JV coach for three years while Troy Sullivan was head coach. When Bamberger took over in 2012 he was the frosh coach for a year before he moved up to Bamberger’s varsity staff for the past four seasons. His ninth season coaching at CVCHS and third year teaching US and World History there will be quite memorable for the self-described gym rat. “If it’s possible, we’re going to be even faster than last year.”
EAGLES ROSTER CHANGES As Doss he gets his first varsity head coaching opportunity, he inherits a roster that last year included 12 of 15 non-seniors. On the other hand, the three seniors dominated all the teams’ statistical categories (70 percent of the scoring and 75 percent of the rebounding). Doss is getting thumbs up from his former boss. Bamberger says, “Andrew is a hard worker who has been studying basketball for the past five years. He is ready to run his own program. He put in more time than any coach in our program. “He would study film on our players, the opponent and college teams that run the same system to see if we would want to implement any their sets. I am excited to see where he takes Clayton Valley basketball.” Doss has been a basketball junkie for many years after playing CYO from third to eighth grade at St. Bonaventure and four years at Berean Christian High in Walnut Creek. In his senior year the Eagles were second seed in NCS Division V and reached the semi-finals. He attended Diablo Valley College as a freshman and coached the frosh basketball team at Berean because his high school coach Mike Gleisner gave him a key to the gym, so he could play at any hour. He went to the University of Oregon as a sophomore but only lasted a year. “The weather was not what this California boy was used to.” He came back to the Bay Area and finished up college at
MORRIS TAKES OVER Morris takes over the highprofile Carondelet basketball team in the first major coaching hire of new athletic director Tom Williams’ tenure. A parent from his Academy whose daughter was enrolling at Carondelet told Morris about the Cougars coaching vacancy this summer and he contacted the school after further texts and calls from the parent. “It’s an awesome opportunity,” Morris says. The newcomer to the school adds, “This is a whole new year and we’re going forward, not looking back.” The 6-5 Morris grew up in Solano County and played center at Fairfield High before going to Solano College and Dickinson State University in North Dakota. His playing career continued with professional teams in Australia, Austria and finally in the now defunct International Basketball Association when a back injury ended his playing days at 28. In the IBA he played in
See Basketball, page 14
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
October 26, 2018
Clayton Valley Charter athletic director Ralston starts new assignment with his school in NCS realignment bullseye JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
Bob Ralston has 16 year’s work experience at Clayton Valley Charter High School as a teacher, highly-successful baseball coach and recently, school administrator. This fall, he began his new assignment as the first full-time athletic director of a local public high school. And among the very first tasks Ralston is tackling is shepherding the school through the North Coast Section’s quadrennial alignment
cycle for 2020-2024. And just as it was four years ago, CVCHS is in the middle of realignment proposals for the NCS Valley Conference schools. At last week’s meeting of Valley Conference administrators there was a surprising 1515 vote among the remaining two realignment proposals. An alignment committee of noninvolved NCS schools will review those two proposals in early December, pending any appeals. Of the two proposals that remain, one moves Clayton
Valley east to the Bay Valley Athletic League and the other takes Campolindo and Acalanes from the Diablo Athletic League to the East Bay Athletic League. CVCHS’s desire has been to remain part of DAL which began playing in the 2016-17 school year.
tics), Paul Karacia (’70, football, baseball, track), Chuck Midland (’61, baseball) and the 1963 DVAL championship football team. Paul (Dennis) Chase – A four-year gymnast, he was NorCal all-around champion in 1975. He was the conference all-around champion as a senior for coach Walt Gissell. Chase went to Chico State university where he is considered the best gymnast in school history. He won the NCAA vault in 1977 and 78, setting an NCAA record of
9.7 in ’78. He was third in the NCAA Division I in 1978. He earned 13 all-America honors at Chico. The Wildcats were second in the 1980 NCAA championships and he helped the team to three more top six finishes. He was inducted to the Chico State Hall of Fame in 2015. Stan Huggins – Fouryear wrestling, two-year gymnastics letterman. He was 125-6 in his final three years of wrestling. He was undefeated in Diablo Valley Athletic League and North Coast Section as a senior before losing at State with a 104 degree temperature. As a junior he was 43-2. His sophomore year his record was 38-4 with two losses at State. He was team captain two years and voted outstanding wrestler at five tournaments. His GPA of 3.85 was 13th out of 401 graduates. He was a National Merit Scholarship winner. He competed for coaches Al Hagerstrand and Darrel Leckliter. Dan Barney – He was three-year letterwinner on Red Devils baseball teams that won the DVAL title in 1957, were co-champions in ‘58 and the undefeated MDHS Hall of Fame ’59 champs. The two-time allleague catcher hit .333 as a senior and allowed only two stolen bases. He was top 10 academically in his class, earning a scholarship in engineering to Cal Berkeley. He played freshman baseball for the Golden Bears and then starting catcher for three years on the Cal varsity. He later earned a law degree at the University of Oklahoma.
NCS ALIGNMENT UNDERWAY
Four years ago, Clayton Valley Charter was the focal point of NCS realignment discussions based almost solely on the success of its football team. Nothing has changed
from 2014 to 2018. The Eagles became part of the new DAL but have yet to lose a league football game since 2011. Alignment is based on competitive equity and geographical proximity. Enrollment data, keeping traditional rivalries or composing leagues exclusively from one school district or all of private or public schools are not considered in the process. During the coach Tim Murphy era beginning in fall 2012 the Eagles have been a staple in NCS football playoffs and have twice been to CIF State Bowl
Mt. Diablo High School introduces Sports Hall of Fame class of 2018 JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
Mt. Diablo High will honor its 2018 Sports Hall of Fame class on Saturday, Nov. 3 at Zio Fraedo’s in Pleasant Hill with proceeds from the induction dinner helping fund girls and boys athletic and academic programs at the Concord school. This year’s recipients are Dan Barney (Class of 1959, baseball), Paul Chase (’75, gymnastics), Stan Huggins (‘75, wrestling and gymnas-
Photo courtesy MDHS
All-around gymnastics champion Paul Chase entering Mt. Diablo High Sports Hall of Fame.
S ports Shorts
10TH ANNUAL MDSA WORLD CUP SOCCER CONCLUDES THIS WEEKEND
The 10th annual MDSA World Cup wraps up this weekend with the final rounds of boys and girls games Saturday and Sunday. The competition concludes the fall rec season for under 10, U12 and U14 teams in AYSO Region 223. For complete World Cup schedule and more information visit mdsoccer.org. The annual Area 2C Cup Tournament is Nov. 10-11 with top finishing teams from the World Cup competing.
Chuck Midland – One of the school’s greatest baseball players, he capped his career as the starting pitcher at Can-
See Fame, page 14
Games. Many of their league games have been lopsided affairs, making Ugly Eagles football persona non grata among many schools. While racking up 33 straight league wins Clayton Valley has had only three games with winning margins of less than 20 points. Clayton Valley Charter’s league results in the other 24 varsity sports are average. The school is in the Foothill Conference (top competitive division) and Valley Conference for nine sports each, with the other six DAL sports all in one flight. The DAL conferences are set up based on past year’s results. There were seven proposals submitted this fall with suggested new Section alignments to take effect in fall 2020. Six of those had CVCHS moving to another league. The DAL added Benicia as a 13th member school this fall (returning to NCS after an 18year absence), which means there are now an odd number of 29 schools (DLS and Carondelet counting as one) in the NCS Valley Conference, leaving one league with an odd number of members.
BOB RALSTON NEW CVCHS AD
Proposal B from NCS commissioner Gil Lemmon has CVCHS moving to the BVAL. It was supported 19-11 at last week’s meeting. It would keep the EBAL as is with 10 schools (De La Salle and Carondelet counting as one) and remove one team from the DAL to make it a 12-team league as originally formed four years ago. The BVAL would become a seven-team league and would undoubtedly be the strongest football league in NCS. The BVAL’s six geographically
See Ralston, page 14
Fall sports prep playoffs for league, NCS getting underway JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
Some fall sports are already in playoff mode as Diablo and East Bay athletic league competition leads into North Coast section, NorCal and state playoffs. Girls Golf - The NCS Division I tournament is this Monday at Tilden Park in Berkeley. Defending champion Carondelet is in the field along with Northgate. The D-II championships are the same day at Peacock Gap in San Rafael. Kiana Fong of Clayton Valley Charter is competing there as an individual. The NorCal championships are Nov 5 in Lodi and the tournament concludes the season Nov 14 at Victoria Club in Riverside. Water Polo - DAL water polo tournament is this Friday and Saturday at Northgate. The Northgate boys were 5-0 in Valley Division while College Park had the same mark on the girls side with CVCHS
should email director of coaching Zach Sullivan at docdiablofc@gmail.com with any questions about the club or to arrange a player evaluation for players in birth years 20002011. Visit diablofc.org to get more information on the area’s premier youth soccer club. Check with All Out Sports Leagues for winter programs Youth and adult leagues, clinics and tournaments are scheduled by All Out Sports Leagues in Clayton. For complete information on All Out Sports programs, visit alloutsportsleague.com. YGNACIO VALLEY ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME NAMES 2019 INDUCTEES Ygnacio Valley High has announced the inductees for its 2019 Athletic Hall of Fame, who will be feted on May 4. The inductees are Ron Thompson (Class of 1972, football and baseball), Joe Del Bene (’78, football and basketball), Xan Halog (’84, tennis, basketball and softball), Doug King (’72, tennis), Shawn McGarry (’84, football and basketball), Mike Ivankovich (’87, football and track; coach and teacher) and Wes Greenwood (coach and teacher). Details on tickets for the dinner will be announced later. Visit yvathletichof.com for details.
MT. DIABLO HALL OF FAME ADDING 6 NEW INDUCTEES NOV. 3 The Mt. Diablo High School Sports Hall of Fame will be holding its annual induction dinner honoring their six 2018 inductees on Saturday, Nov. 3, at Zio Fraedo’s in Pleasant Hill. This year’s recipients are Dan Barney (Class of 1959 baseball), Paul Chase (’75, gymnastics), Stan Huggins (‘75, wrestling and gymnastics), Paul Karacia (’70, football, baseball, track), Chuck Midland (’61, baseball) and the 1963 DVAL championship football team. For tickets, contact Lou Adamo at 212-9332 or mail at 1401 Stonecreek Ct., Martinez 94553. Tickets for dinner are $55. CONCORD PIONEER WANTS TO PUBLISH YOUR SPORTS NEWS Please let us know about your sports news, special events, Proceeds go to help fund girls’ and boys’ athletic and academic fund raisers, tryouts, signups and accomplishments. Youth programs at MDHS. DH leagues, clubs, schools and adult programs are all welcome to send us a rundown on what you’re doing. Include all the necesDIABLO FC OFFERS COMPETITIVE sary details (too much information is better than too little!) and TEAM SOCCER EVALUATIONS Diablo FC 8 under through under 19 competitive soccer your contact information. It’s as simple as sending an email to teams (birth years 2000-2011) have held formal tryouts for sports@concordpioneer.com. the 2018-19 season. Players interested in joining Diablo FC
CONNOR LIVINGSTON DE LA SALLE
MADDIE GAMBLE CARONDELET
at 4-1. The winners of the league tournament get automatic berths at NCS. DLS is 6-0 in EBAL action while Carondelet is 5-2. NCS tournaments for boys and girls begin Oct. 31 and end Nov. 10. NorCal Championships are Nov. 13-17. Carondelet was runner-up in NCS Division II girls while Miramonte won the 2017 DI girls championship. Cross Country - Senior Rayna Stanziano served noticed early this fall that she is looking to make her final cross country season one for the books. The Concord High runner posted back-to-back victories at the Ed Sias and De La Salle Nike invitationals with the top girl’s time at both meets. The Diablo Athletic League’s second center meet is this Wednesday at Newhall Park. The DAL Championships are on Saturday, Nov. 3, at Hidden Valley Park in Martinez. The EBAL meet is at Shadow Cliffs Park in Pleasanton. This month, Northgate girls were second and the Bronco boys sixth at the Castro Valley Invitational. CVCHS boys were ninth. The same weekend, Stanziano was third in the large
schools 5000-meter run and freshman Olivia Mazolewski of Carondelet was fifth in the small school race at the Rough Rider X-C Invitational at Woodward Park in Fresno, site of the State Meet on Nov. 24. Connor Livingston took fourth in the large school boys run at Rough Rider as his Spartans team finished eighth. The NCS Meet of Champions is Nov. 17 at Hayward High School before the CIF State Meet. Girls Volleyball – Northgate was 7-3 and finished second to Campolindo in the DAL Foothill Division while Benicia was an undefeated 120 in the Valley. CVCHS was the top local finisher in fourth at 75. Carondelet took fourth in the EBAL at 12-6 behind champion Foothill 17-1. The Cougars are 22-9 overall. North Coast begins this week and runs through Nov. 13 with the NorCal Championships Nov. 6-13 and the CIF State finals Nov. 16-17. Girls Tennis - The DAL division championships are this weekend. The NCS team championships are Nov. 6-10 with the singles and doubles tournament Nov. 12-13. The NorCal team tournament is Nov. 16-17.
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October 26, 2018
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
BART,
Page 13
from page 1 The mayor said the city has been working with BART to facilitate development at the North Concord station as part of the weapons station project. “We are very concerned that AB 2923 would allow BART to take control of this now-vacant land through eminent domain …. disregarding the master planning underway for this new community after tens of thousands of community outreach hours.” Grayson noted that the bill had an “amazing” coalition of supporters, including the state Building and Construction Trades Council, the California League of Conservation Voters and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. “By signing this bill into law, the governor is sending a powerful message to residents throughout the Bay Area that the same old ‘Not In My Back Yard’ arguments will no longer be able to drown out their voices and calls for more affordable housing,” Grayson said. Although the BART board took a “neutral” stance on the bill, BART general manager Grace Crunican said its passage addresses “the urgent need to build housing now. At BART, we could not agree more.” AB 2923 could mean more than 20,000 new transit-oriented homes for the Bay Area. BART would have to incorporate local design guidelines into development agreements. “I want to assure community leaders and residents that BART is committed to continuing our collaborative approach,” Crunican said.
Elect Cheryl Hansen County Superintendent of Schools
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AB 2923 may impact several Concord housing projects, amounting to 4,392 units within 1 mile of a BART station. 1. Renaissance I (complete). Under construction: 2. Renaissance II. 3. Oak Terrace. Approved Projects: 4. The Argent. 5. Concord Village. 6. Enclave. 7. Pine Street Town Houses. Under review: 8. Avesta Assisted Living. 9. Grant Apartments. Conceptual projects: 10. Avalon Bay/Town Center II. 11. Little Argent. 12. Abdelnor Duplexes 13. Village Madrid. 14. 1313 Galindo. 15. 1174 San Miguel. 16. 1650 Concord Ave. 17. Terminal Shopping Center redevelopment. 18. Naval Weapons Station redevelopment.
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• Has successfully taught alternative education students and expanded college and career pathways. • Has trained over 1700 school and district administrators throughout Contra Costa County and the State.
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
October 26, 2018
Female problems? There’s a doctor for that.
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By My-Linh “Mimi” Nguyen, MD
Incontinence (urinary or fecal) and pelvic organ prolapse can be bothersome, embarrassing and significantly impact the lives of women who suffer from these conditions. Because these are sensitive topics to discuss, many women do not bring them up with their physicians, forego-
ing treatments that could significantly improve their quality of life. There is a specialized field that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the female pelvic organs, bladder, bowel and pelvic floor. This specialty is known as urogynecology. It is a unique combination of gynecology, urology and reconstructive surgery. Urogynecology is also known as Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery because it addresses a variety of conditions that can affect the female pelvis, particularly in women who are in their reproductive years, menopause and postmenopause. A urogynecologist is a
physician who is trained in the comprehensive management of female pelvic floor conditions that can include the bowel, the bladder and the gynecologic organs. They specialize in treating women with benign, complex pelvic issues, many of which can be managed conservatively, while other conditions may require surgery to correct. Leakage of urine or bulging and/or falling of the bladder or vaginal walls are some of the most common patient complaints. Urogynecologists complete four years of medical school, a four-year residency program in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), and three years of post-residency fellowship training in Urogynecology/
Female Urology/Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. They are doubleboard certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Urogynecologists provide care for women suffering from pelvic floor disorders, the most common of which include: • Overactive bladder syndrome • Urinary incontinence • Pelvic Organ Prolapse • Fecal incontinence • Pelvic Pain • Vaginal atrophy/Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause • Recurrent urinary tract infections
A urogynecologist will work with patients to identify the proper treatment for their conditions. For pelvic organ prolapse, the treatments a urogynecologist may suggest include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, pessaries (intra-vaginal support devices) and surgery. For stress urinary incontinence, the suggested treatments may include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, pessaries, urethral bulking, and urethral or facial slings. For overactive bladder and urge urinary incontinence, a urogynecologist may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, nonsurgical procedures and injections like Botox.
As pelvic medicine specialists, urogynecologists can help women achieve improved pelvic health. Women experiencing pelvic floor disorders should contact their primary care provider to discuss whether a urogynecologist is the appropriate next step.
My-Linh “Mimi” Nguyen, MD is a urogynecologist with Pacific Urology. She is specializes in treating women with complex benign pelvic conditions, pelvic floor dysfunction and lower urinary tract disorders. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Nguyen, call 926937-7740 or visit www.pacificurology.com
Electronic doorbells are cool, but complicated WILL CLANEY
TECH TALK
One of the neat electronic gadgets available to you now is an electronic front doorbell, because you can see and talk to the caller before you answer the door. Even if you are away from home when a person rings your bell, you can still see and hear them and have a conversation. The new electronic doorbells have built-in video and audio so you can monitor who’s at the door before you open it. The quality of the
audio and video is usually adequate to identify the caller, and the audio is good if you need to speak to them or hear what they want to say. Choose a product such as Ring, Door Phone or Smart Wireless DoorBell, and you will be pleased with the results. There are cheaper products available, but they aren’t very good. There is a caveat when you buy one of these doorbells: Don’t expect it to be easy to install. The ads tell you how amazingly simple it is and that it’s done in an instant. For the typical user, setting up a wireless device may not be easy. The setup can be frustrating, and the devices frequently just lose their settings and need to be reinstalled. Doorbell audio/video
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is even more cumbersome, and it requires the right “support” equipment – such as fast Internet and WiFi. Your WiFi network must be strong, at least 3-4 bars at the point of the doorbell device. To test your WiFi signal strength, take your cell phone outside to the front door. Wait a minute or two and then check the number of bars you are getting there. If you have 3+ bars, the install will work. If less than 3+ bars are available where the doorbell is to be installed, you are in for a setup treat. The first thing you will need
to do is boost your WiFi signal with an extender or signal repeater. If your Internet service is 10 megabits (mps) or above, then you will likely have a decent installation. The typical home Internet connection is 3 mps, and that’s simply not enough. At 10 mps, you should expect a frame rate (fps), the speed of video, to be 10-15 fps. It will look choppy but image quality will be OK. A faster Internet, say 50 mps, will give you about 30 fps (normal video), good audio and quality images. To understand frame rate,
Fame, from page 12
dlestick Park (with Joe Morgan behind him at second base) in the high school allstar game with his batterymate Marty Piscovich. He was also selected to the Hearst all-star game at Golden Gate Fields and SF Examiner all-star game at Yankee Stadium. He was first team all-DVAL two years for coaches Bruce Iversen and Ernie Ceccaci. He earned a scholarship as a walk-on at BYU. Paul Karacia – A threesport player in football, baseball and track. He was team captain and MVP runningback as a senior while earning Fitzpatrick and East Bay player of the week awards. He was named first team allDVAL defense and second team offense. He had a 60yard punt return touchdown in the Contra Costa-Alameda all-star game. Also, was a North-South Shrine Game honorable mention honoree. He was Block D president and went on to earn all-conference defense at DVC. 1963 Football Team The team won a DVAL championship for the fifth time in six years for coach Hart Fairclough while outscoring their opponents 197-57. Their record was 7-
think of frames per second (fps). The typical home theater (TV) is 30 fps, also known as full video. The doorbell device takes an image at the front door, sends it over WiFi to your router and then to a central office, which routes it to your phone network, like Verizon, and then it is displayed on your cell phone. That trip can typically be 2-3 seconds, depending on the speed of your Internet and WiFi for both your network and the telephone network service. So some delays in your conversation will occur.
William Claney is an independent tech writer and former owner of Computers USA in the Clayton Station. Email questions or comments to willclaney@gmail.com.
Basketball, from page 11
North Dakota for the Dakota Wizards that were later purchased and became the Golden State Warriors Santa Cruz G League team. “For a California kid you have no idea about the winters there!” Years ago, Morris worked as a sales manager for Concord-based Discovery Builders. Morris understands the challenge he faces. The Cougars were given independent status last year from NCS and the East Bay Athletic League, allowing them to CHUCK MIDLAND schedule top-ranked nonleague foes after racking up a 1-1 overall and 6-0-1 in 66-game league winning streak. “We’re loaded [with top league. Their only loss was 7competition]” is how he 6 to Oakland Tech the second week of the season. They tied College Park 26-26 in what was termed “the greatest high school game in the area.” The Red Devils blanked Pittsburg 13-0, holdclose East Contra Costa ing the vaunted Pirates schools are unanimous—as offense to zero yards gained. they were four years ago—in Seven Red Devils players not wanting a new member. earned all-league status. The from San Ramon ValHall of Fame dinner tickley carried by a narrow 16-14 ets are still available. Contact vote. It would take Acalanes Lou Adamo at 212-9332 or and Campolindo from the mail your check to Lou DAL to a new 12-school roster Adamo, 1401 Stonecreek Ct., for the EBAL. The BVAL Martinez, CA 94553. Make would remain as is and the checks payable to DAL would drop to 11 MDHSSHOF. Tickets are schools. $55 person. The final decision by the Board of Managers will be made Mar. 29.
describes the schedule. To succeed in that environment the Cougars have 5-7 players who will be making college commitments this year. “Carondelet is striving for a national model, and it will take patience, dedication and hard work,” he explains. Morris says he’s a “tactician who likes to break everything down and be strict on fundamentals. My primary focus is keeping the girls motivated.” He says the players will have “freedom to get the ball off the boards and push the pace. You have to be flexible, however, and do what works based on the defense we face.”
Ralston, from page 12
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Just remember that these devices depend upon a host of other services, such as fast Internet, unthrottled phone service and WiFi pumping out 4-5 bars. If you don’t have these things but still want the service, get ready to upgrade. Knock-knock. Who’s there? Wait 3 seconds and I’ll tell you.
685-0324
RALSTON’S DEEP ROOTS AT CLAYTON VALLEY Ralston is heading an athletic department of 28 varsity sports teams, including club programs for rugby, mountain biking and trap shooting. This places the local charter high school at the top of NCS member schools. “Our school supports athletics as part of our extracurricular activities that includes bands, drama and clubs. We estimate that 75% of CVCHS students partici-
pate in at least one of these programs. We have half (over 1000) of the student body taking part in sports,” Ralston says. He adds that students involved in programs outside the classroom statistically are more successful in their academics as well. Ralston was the school’s freshman academic advisor since returning to CVCHS in the summer of 2016 after spending five successful years as head coach of the Cal State East Bay baseball team. He came to Clayton Valley is 1998 as assistant baseball coach before becoming head coach the next year until 2006, when he took a two-year hiatus to be baseball coach at Diablo Valley College. He returned to the Eagles dugout from 20092011 for the final of his 11 years as varsity coach. He was a physical education coach at the school through his years coaching baseball at CV and DVC. His daughter Ellie and son Bill graduated from CVCHS in recent years.
October 26, 2018
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 15
Current real estate market has its opportunities
Lynne FrencH
REAL ANSWERS
Q. I am starting to look for a house to buy. I hear in the news about the possibility of a real estate bubble. Should I wait until prices go down? And a related question: I am thinking of selling my house. Should I wait until the spring or longer for prices to go up? A. Before I talk about the gloom, I want to tell you the good news. The market is
adjusting, for sure. Houses are staying on the market longer, and there are one or more price reductions before a house sells. But the good news is that this is one of the few markets where a buyer and a seller can both get a good deal. Though interest rates have been going up, buyers have the opportunity to buy before they go up more. And they will, according to most economists. It is better to buy with a lower interest rate then a lower price. For every percent that a mortgage rate rises, housing prices will fall roughly 7 percent from the baseline. The median family cannot afford the median home in expensive markets like the Bay Area. The debt to income ratios on new mortgages are high and
rising, increasing the risk that many borrowers will not be able to pay back their loans if the economy slows. New buyers will be unable to buy homes at current prices when interest rates rise, which will create another fall in housing prices. So it is a good time to buy into the current market. Renting isn’t a good option, because if many buyers drop out of the housing market there will be more people renting. This will drive up rent costs. Meanwhile, it is still a great time to sell because if the market is about to recede that means that you are at the top of the market. So it is good to sell high. The actual top of the market was around March to May this year. You don’t know
Netflix’s ‘Hold the Dark’ a confusing character study
JeFF MeLLInGer
SCREEN SHOTS
Jeremy Saulnier has made some of the craziest movies of the past decade: “Murder Party,” “Blue Ruin” and the excellent “Green Room.” He typically uses several of the same actors, giving his films a weird continuity. Each film also shows a marked improvement in his directing and writing. They become tighter, more focused and more grounded in reality. But he upends some of those changes with his new Netflix film, “Hold the Dark.” Saulnier turns over writing duties to William Geraldi, who wrote the book the film is based on, and Macon Blair, one of the familiar faces Saulnier uses in his films. The script for “Hold the Dark” is mildly coherent at best, and character motivations are hard to come by. Several times I found myself asking, “Wait, why did that just happen?” Saulnier loves to tell the solo man’s journey. As in “Murder Party” and “Blue Ruin,” we get men on their own, trying to survive. The difference with “Hold the Dark”
P ETS
is that we get three or four men and never truly get to know any of them. It’s hard to determine just whose story Saulnier is telling. It could be wolf expert Russell Core (a subdued Jeffrey Wright). After the wolf-related deaths of three children in northern Alaska, Core is called in by a mother whose son was also killed. Medora (Riley Keough) is plagued by nightmares of her son, but Core knows something else haunts her. Saulnier might have wanted us to focus on Medora’s husband, Vernon (typically lowkey Alexander Skarsgard), first shown fighting in Iraq. His scenes in the desert immediately tell a story of someone bathed in brutality; he escaped the harshness of the cold, only to get caught up in the harshness of the heat. Injured in a battle, he returns home to find his son dead and wife missing. This would upset anyone, yet Vernon goes completely off the deep end. We just don’t understand enough about Vernon to know if it’s the situation that causes him to go down this violent path, or if his demons are getting the better of him. Local sheriff Marium (James Badge Dale) knows all the major players in his small town. We get the impression Marium feels as if he’d be chasing Vernon no matter the circumstances. Through four movies, Saulnier has shown to be an expert at putting characters in truly uncomfortable situations
David Bukach / courtesy of netflix
riley Keough and Jeffrey Wright in netflix’s Hold the Dark
that they can’t get out of. We want to escape as well but are compelled to sit and watch, vicariously experiencing the horror. The best scene happens midway through the film in an extremely suspenseful, uberviolent shootout that lasts eight minutes but feels like an eternity. I was not expecting anything great at the climax of the film, yet I was still frustrated. Decisions by the characters again left me perplexed. At least the subsequent denouement was unexpected and satisfying enough to leave the film on a slight high note. If you’re looking to spend a depressing couple of hours with great actors and beautiful scenery, you could do worse. Otherwise, just watch “Green Room” again. C+
Jeff Mellinger is a screen writer and film buff. He holds a BA in Film Studies and an MFA in film production. He lives in Concord. Email comments to editor@concordpioneer.com.
you are at the top until it starts going down. In my opinion, an actual bubble burst is dubious. If we can let the air out of the bubble slowly, it will be a normal correction. Another factor is that the experts believe that unwarranted, rising interest rates along with global trade wars could be enough to send markets crashing. The current administration is angry about the Fed’s desire
Five-year-old Dancer is a wiggle worm who is excited about life. This confident little guy will dance right into your heart. He is curious, bouncy and will fit in perfectly with your family.
The adoption fee for puppies <6 months is $300, for adult dogs is $250, and includes a discount on the first six-week session of a manners class.
AUTUMN
Three-year-old Autumn is a strikingly gorgeous girl with a pretty palette of muted shades, just like the season she was named after! This lovely lady is friendly and outgoing, and also quite playful! She most appre-
a few years and look back, you should be happy you did. I personally don’t think we are headed toward a recession at this time. But I will keep you informed of the latest developments in housing. Send your question and look for your answer in a future column. Email Lynne@LynneFrench.com. French is the broker/owner of Windermere Lynne French & Associates. Contact her at 672-8787 or stop in at 6200 Center St., Clayton.
Liberty Gymnastics hosts Olympian Laurie Hernandez DAVID JONAS Special to the Pioneer
More than 40 joyful young gymnasts and their family members gathered at Concord’s Liberty Gymnastics Training Center on Oct. 14 for a day of fun and fundraising with gymnastics and dance superstar Laurie Hernandez. The event culminated four months of fundraising, during which the local gymnasts raised more than $24,000 to help fund gym expansion. Hernandez took home a gold medal at the 2016 summer Olympics, won Dancing With the Stars in 2017, just released her second book and has a Barbie doll created in her likeness – all by the age of 18. At the Liberty event, gymnasts age 5 to 13 participated in clinics, pictures, autographs, Q&A and private meetings with Hernandez. The day’s highlight was when Hernandez danced her iconic 2016 Olympic floor routine.
William Shirley
Laurie Hernandez chats with students at Liberty Gymnastics, including Isabela Morales at left.
Following the event, the top 10 fundraisers joined her for a healthy vegan lunch provided by Pure Juice and Smoothie Lounge in Concord. “We are so privileged to have had the chance to host Laurie at our gym,” said Liberty owner Joe Vangogh. “It was an amazing day for our gymnasts, and we are incredibly grateful for their fundraising
efforts, which will help us complete our much-needed expansion.” Scheduled for completion by the end of 2018, the expansion will increase the gym’s space by about 8,000 sq. ft.
its annual member party and fundraiser Biketopia, 6:30-10 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, at the Ed Roberts Campus at the Ashby Station in Berkeley. There will be good eats, brews, a silent auction and a great time. For tickets and more info, check out www.bikeeastbay.org. Next up is Bike Concord’s annual fundraising event, Tamales & Bikes Fest. We will be hosting this event at Todos Santos Plaza during the Concord Tree Lighting Ceremony on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 1. Please save the date and bring your bikes, family, and friends. Funds from Tamales & Bikes Fest will support the advocacy and community work of Bike Concord. Event details will be updated soon. Keep an eye on www.facebook.com/groups/b ikeconcord/ or www.bikeconcord.org for details and tickets. We have made a lot of progress on one of our central projects, the Community Bike Shop, in the past year. The space is intended to be an educational environment where students and community members can learn how to maintain and fix bicycles – building community and leadership at the same time. We installed a 32-foot shipping container on the Olympic High School campus. The container, custom fit to the site, is fully insulated to hold the equipment and activities of our Community Bike Shop so that community members can
be comfortable in the winter chill and summer heat. The space also houses a workbench and multiple bike stands crucial for bicycle repair. Over the summer, Bike East Bay hosted a successful inaugural bicycle maintenance class in the space. In November, we are on target to start a series of classes called Wrench Time with the Olympic High students. In this after-school program, students will learn bicycle mechanic basics and how to fix and earn donated bikes for their own use, or for the use of other community members who would benefit from bicycle mobility. The Community Bike Shop is ready to receive donations of serviceable bicycles. Students and community members can earn the bicycles by volunteering with Bike Concord, either fixing bicycles or volunteering in other capacities. We look forward to building out our workshop offerings for the community by offering classes for women and organizations like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, who have expressed interest in partnering with us. The Community Bike Shop is open most Friday evenings, so swing by after work with your bicycle and learn some tune-up skills. Or just chat about how to make cycling better in our community. Then bike on down to Todos Santos Plaza for a drink or dinner. We have it all in Concord. Maryam Roberts is a volunteer with Bike Concord.
For more information about Liberty Gymnastics, visit www.libertygymtrainingcenter.com.
Building community one bike at a time
MARYAM ROBERTS BIKE CONCORD Bike Concord has some exciting developments with the Community Bike Shop, along with some upcoming events where we can come together to support this work and celebrate everything bicycle. Bike Concord’s fiscal sponsor, Bike East Bay, is hosting
Say hello to ARF stars Dancer and Autumn
DANCER
to raise rates to cool a hot economy, which may not be that red hot. Some have stated that the Fed may be the ones who start recessions with unreasonable rate increases. In fact, every recession has been aided by rising interest rates. So housing price increases are unsustainable, just like 2008. But it is a good time to buy a personal residence or an investment property, or to sell either. If you go down the road
ciates people who are catsavvy, and want a smart, sociable friend. Autumn will brighten your calm household! The adoption fee for kittens <6 months $125 and for adult cats is $75. 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. 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.
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
T H E ARTS
October 26, 2018
Jazz, dancing and spelling bees – local theater has it all
KATHy MccArTy
ON
THE
MARQUEE
Return to the Jazz Age in New York City, when modern young women bobbed their hair, raised hemlines and entered the workforce, in Contra Costa Musical Theatre’s “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” Samantha Rose Cardenas stars in the title role. Performances continue through Nov. 10 in Walnut Creek. Tickets: 925943-SHOW(7469) or www.leshercenter.org. Get your tickets e-a-r-l-y for Clayton Theatre Company’s “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” by William Finn and Rachel
Kaylamay Paz Saurez is an angel and Brittany Sims is Mary in B-8 Theatre’s “reprorights!” in concord.
Photo by Linda carter
Kamren Mahaney, Samantha rose cardenas and Joshua Marx star in “Thoroughly Modern Millie” in contra costa Music Theatre’s current production through nov 10.
Sheinkin. Directed by Roxanne Pardi, the funny and touching musical includes improvisation by audience participants. The PG-13 musical runs Nov. 1-17 at Endeavor Hall in Clayton. Tickets: claytontheatrecompany.com or 925-222-9106. Concord’s B8 Theatre Company opened its 2018-’19 season with “ReproRights!” directed by Laylah Muran de Assereto. This collection of short plays by 11 playwrights
explores what it means to have (or not have) rights as a woman in America. The show stars Beth Chastain and runs through Oct. 27 in Concord. Tickets: 925-890-8877 or www.b8theatre.org. In “Other Desert Cities,” writer Brooke Wyeth (Emily Keyishian) arrives at her family’s Southern California home with plans to publish a memoir about a painful chapter in her history. A unique blend of
Photo by Marian Bliss
Sally Hogarty, Micah Watterson and emily Keyishian appear in “other Desert cities” by role Players ensemble atDanville’s Village Theater through nov. 4.
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comedy and family drama, the Role Players Ensemble Theatre’s production continues through Nov. 4 at Danville’s Village Theatre. Tickets: www.roleplayersensemble.com or 925-314-3400. Cut loose for “Footloose, The Musical” from the Diablo Valley College Drama Department. Directed by Lisa Drummond, the musical is based on the 1984 movie about young people who fight their small town’s ban on dancing. It closes Nov. 4 in Pleasant Hill. Tickets: 925-969-2358 or www.dvcdrama.net. Bay Area legend Joy Carlin directs Center Repertory Theatre West Coast premiere of “Dancing Lessons,” Mark St. Germain’s heartwarming romantic comedy. It’s the story of a professor with Asperger’s (Craig Marker) who engages a Broadway performer who has a potentially career-ending injury (Sharon Rietkerk) to teach him to dance. “Lessons” runs through Nov. 17 in Walnut Creek. Tickets: 925-943SHOW(7469) or lesherartscenter.org. The Other Other Theatre Company continues its run of “A Few Good Men” through
Sunny SoLoMon
BOOKIN’ WITH SUNNY
“Don’t Skip Out on Me” is the second Willy Vlautin book I’ve read and felt was worth recommending. Vlautin is not your ordinary author; he is also a singer, composer and musician. I haven’t listened to any of his music, but if it is half as interesting and moving as his story writing, I’m up for it. It’s hard to explain how a novel about a sheep-ranching couple in their 70s who have befriended and taken in a nearabandoned young teen can so touch the hearts and imaginations of readers. We meet Horace Hopper, a young man of Piute and Irish heritage, when he is older and wants to leave the ranch to train as a boxer. He has dreams of being a champion prizefighter, a champion human being – somebody who can live past his life of abandonment as a
Photo by Lesly ramirez
Get into the Bomont spirit with Diablo Valley college’s “Footloose,” with Alyssa Fredzess as rusty and Kevin Pack as Willard through nov. 4
Oct. 29 at the Ballet School Performing Arts Studio in Walnut Creek. Artistic director Joel Roster received permission from playwright Aaron Sorkin to reimagine the script to reflect race and gender in our modern military. Tickets: otherothertheatre.com. Onstage Repertory Theatre features the Thornton Wilder classic “The Matchmaker,” Nov. 2-18 at the Martinez Campbell Theatre. Wilder’s comical farce is the inspiration for Broadway’s hit musical “Hello Dolly.” Tickets:
925-350-9770 or www.campbelltheater.com. One impossible situation leads to another in “Don’t Dress for Dinner,” a frenetic case of mistaken identity with more twists than a corkscrew. Directed by Randy Anger, it runs through Nov. 11 at Chanticleers Theatre in Castro Valley. Tickets: chanticleers.org or 510-733-5483. Kathryn G. McCarty is wellknown around the Bay Area as an educator, playwright and journalist. Send comments to KGMcCarty@gmail.com.
Piute Indian. The novel opens as Horace is preparing to saddle up for the last time before leaving the ranch. He is riding out to bring supplies to one of Mr. Reese’s sheepherders who has been up in the mountains for several months. This scene in the barn first captures the quiet respect Horace and Mr. Reese have for each other. And for any reader who has been or worked around horses, the scene is so real you can almost smell the horses. Mr. and Mrs. Reese love Horace as if he were their son, but they also understand his need to find a life beyond sheep ranching. They have grown daughters who have left home and would like their parents to retire and sell the ranch. The Reeses, however, love their ranch and each other and they also believe that Horace will eventually give up his dreams of boxing and return to take over. Horace is a natural with horses and ranching. His dreams of boxing become his way of fighting against a father who left him, then a mother
who gave him to an elderly grandmother to raise, who then gave him to the county. Horace will do anything to find out who he really is. He exchanges his Piute identity to fight as a Mexican, fighting in small venues in the Southwest and Mexico. He is good, but not that good. The punishment he is willing to take is heartbreaking. We never stop rooting for him, as do the Reeses. The readers want him to return to the ranch as much as the Reeses. But as Horace begins to recognize his love for the Reeses and the ranch, we begin to understand that sometimes even love is not enough. “Don’t Skip Out on Me” is a novel of incredible tenderness in the face of a young man’s harsh reality. It is rich in the landscape of both the high desert and the heart.
‘Don’t Skip’ this tender, yet fierce novel
Sunny Solomon is a freelance writer and head of the Clayton Book Club. Visit her website at bookinwithsunny.com for her latest recommendations or just to ‘talk books.’
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Two Lovers ...Two Gifts ...One Selfless Love
Nov. 30- Dec. 2
Lesher Center for the Arts 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek
Tickets: $25-40 (925) 943-7469
A 70-minute holiday opera in English. Music by David Conte and libretto by Nicholas Giardini, based on the short story by O. Henry
October 26, 2018
CALENDAR Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. NOV. 14 FOR THE NOV. 23
IN CONCORD
Tuesdays Farmers’ Market
Year round. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. pcfma.org.
Oct. 27 “Zombie Apocalypse”
ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO
Put on your zombie costume and dance shoes. 6 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $15. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611.
Nov. 11 Veterans Day Celebration
Oct. 27; Nov. 10, 17; Dec. 8 California Native Plant Propagation
Nov. 11 Veterans Dinner
Oct. 28 An Afternoon with Cristiani Rebada and Leandra Ramm
Kicking off the annual Veterans Day Softball Tournament sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1525. 11 a.m. Willow Pass Community Park, 2748 E. Olivera Road. vfwpost1525.org. Pot roast dinner. 5 p.m. Concord Elks Lodge, 3565 Clayton Road. $10; free to Veterans with proof of service. Call after 4 p.m. for reservations: (925) 685-1994.
Nov. 22 Turkey Trot Concord
5K/10K run/walk sponsored by The Bay Church. Proceeds benefit outreach to local communities.7:45 a.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Kids Dash is free. For fees and registration, go to turkeytrotconcord.org.
IN CLAYTON
Nov. 1 -17 “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” Adult actors channel their pre-teen selves in this uproariously funny musical. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St. $20-$25. claytontheatrecompany.com. (925) 222-9106.
Nov. 12 Annual Meeting
The Clayton Historical Society’s annual meeting is open to the public. Refreshments. Guest performance by Laurie Strawn as Eleanor Roosevelt. 6:30 p.m. Hoyer Hall, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road. claytonhistory.org. (925) 672-0240.
ON AND AROUND THE MOUNTAIN
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve programs are available for registration through ebparks.org. Parking fees may apply. For additional information, contact Black Diamond Visitor Center at (510) 544-2750 or bdvisit@ebparks.org.
Oct. 28 Creepy Critters
Learn about creepy critters of the park and make a craft to take home. 12 – 4 p.m. Meet at Black Diamond Mines.
Save Mount Diablo’s Discover Diablo is a free public hike series. Go to discover-diablo.eventbrite.com for more information.
Oct. 27 Halloween Hike
Celebrate Halloween on the trails. Costumes optional, but encouraged. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meet at Somersville Staging Area. Reservations required.
Nov. 11 Irish Canyon Property Tour
World class views very few living people have seen. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meet at Park n’Ride, 1000 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. Reservations required.
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Thru Nov. 10 “Thoroughly Modern Millie”
Presented by Contra Costa Musical Theatre. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $49-$53. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Thru Nov. 17 “Dancing Lessons”
Workshops. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Walnut Creek. $35. bringingbackthenatives.net/workshops.
Presented by FGB Productions Company. 2 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $25-$30. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611.
Nov. 2 – 4 “Pollyanna”
Presented by El Campanil’s Children’s Theatre. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $9-$13. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.
Nov. 3 Concert
Nov. 10 Daryl Lynn and The Klique
A tribute to Marvin Gaye. 7:30 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $32.50. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611.
Nov. 10 “The Trumpet Shall Sound”
Presented by the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra. 2 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $7-$20. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.
Nov. 11 “1940s Battle of the Big Bands”
Two bands perform the music of Harry James and Glenn Miller. 2 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $39-$49. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.
Nov. 11 Veterans Day Ceremony
Featuring the Walnut Creek Concert Band. 11 a.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Free; reservations recommended. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Nov. 15 Recital Series with Betany Coffland
Presented by Festival Opera. 7:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Nov. 16 “Romeo and Juliet”
Presented by The Ballet School. 7:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Nov. 16 “The Wizard of Oz”
Quirky romantic comedy. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $34-$56. centerrep.org. Presented by The Bentley School. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 9437469.
Presented by Smuin Contemporary Ballet. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $58-$84. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Oct. 27 Breast Cancer Seminar
Sponsored by Diablo Valley Oncology. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Response required: sjung@dvohmg.com.
Oct. 27 Forejour
Tribute to Foreigner and Journey. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $12-$29. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.
newsandcalendar@concordpioneer.com
Nov. 23 – 25 “The Nutcracker”
Presented by Contra Costa Ballet. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
SCHOOLS
Thru Nov. 4 “Footloose, The Musical”
Energetic and fun. Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. $16-$21. dvcdrama.net.
Nov. 3 Concert
CHURCHES
Chromatica. 7 p.m. Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. $10-$20. ticketriver.com.
FUNDRAISERS
2nd and 4th Sundays Pancake Breakfast
Veterans of Foreign Wars serve breakfast to the public: Eggs, pancakes, sausage, beverage. 8 – 11 a.m. VFW Post 1525, 2290 Willow Pass Road, Concord. $5, $3 children under 12. vfwpost1525.org.
Chicago the Tribute A tribute to the legendary band. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $12-$29. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) Nov. 3 757-9500. Dinner/Auction Celebrating the 150th anniversary of Concord. Benefits Concord Nov. 9 - 11 Historical Society. 5 p.m. Betty Barnes Hall, Concord Museum “A Swingin’ Holiday and More” and Event Center, 1928 Clayton Road, Concord. $75; reserve by Presented by Diablo Ballet. Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Oct. 26. concordhistorical.org. Blvd., Walnut Creek. $15-$49. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 9437469.
Live organ and a movie. 7:30 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $6.50. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611.
Oct. 26 – 28 “Boxed Out”
Page 17
Nov. 16 – 17 “The Christmas Ballet”
Nov. 17 “Happy 90th, El Campanil!”
A retrospective of shows and stars. 7 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $25-$50. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.
Nov. 23 – 25 “Alice in Wonderland JR”
Presented by Poison Apple Productions. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Nov. 9 – 10 Gala and Boutique
Friday night wine, appetizers, auction, wine pull, raffle and boutique; 6 – 8 p.m. Saturday Classy Crafters Boutique and Country Kitchen continues; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Proceeds benefit Saint Bonaventure Food Pantry. Saint Bonaventure Large Hall, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. Free admission. 672-5800.
Nov. 10 Tee It Up for the Troops
Benefiting local chapters of Blue Star Moms. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Diablo Hills Golf Course, 1551 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. $75. bit.ly/dhcharitygolfreg or (925) 339-8571.
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 (925) 646-5455. Oct. 29: Building with Candy Pumpkins, 7 p.m. Oct. 30: “Hocus Pocus,” 4 p.m. Oct. 31: Halloween Crafternoon, 3:30 p.m. Nov. 6: Medicare Info Session, 2:30 p.m., call (707) 243-8002 Nov. 13: Concord Art Association Meeting and Demo, 1:30 p.m. Nov. 19: “Incredibles 2,” 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 (925) 673-0659. Thru Nov. 8: Clayton Reads, “The Underground Railroad” Oct. 26 – 28: Book Sale Oct. 29: Star Party, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 4: The Massachusetts 54th Colored Infantry, 2 p.m. Nov. 5: Clayton Knits, 1:30 p.m. Nov. 5: “The Underground Railroad” book discussion, 7 p.m. Nov. 7: Taking Control of Your Finances, 7 p.m. Nov. 8: Train Craft for Kids, 4 p.m. Nov. 14: Resumes and Job Search, 7 p.m. Registration req. Nov. 19: Picture Book Month Craft, 4 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.
Page 18
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
October 26, 2018
One of Concord’s oldest businesses celebrates 60 years KARA NAVOLIO Correspondent
Sixty years ago, John and Sharon Ouimet founded a funeral chapel with then-partners Roy and Ardell Lough. Lough-Ouimet Funeral Chapel opened at the downtown corner of Grant Street and Concord Boulevard in 1958, when Concord’s population was a mere 35,000. Beyond the downtown area, “it was just ranches and almond orchards, and the kids could run around all over without any worry,” reflected Sharon. There were just two kinds of religious services available: Catholic and Protestant. And someone had to stay at the business around the clock to take calls from customers. The Loughs left the business in 1971, and John’s brother Don and his wife Bea
joined. They changed the name to Ouimet Bros. Concord Funeral Chapel. When redevelopment of the downtown claimed their block, the partners moved the business to its current location on Clayton Road, and it remains one of the longest operating businesses in Concord. John, who grew up in Quebec and New York, was about to be drafted into the service in 1950. So he enlisted in the Air Force and served as a junior radio operator during the Korean War. After spending some time in Greenland, he was stationed near Cambria to monitor radio signals along California’s coast. It was here that he met Sharon, a high schooler from nearby Templeton. John used the GI Bill to attend mortuary college in San Francisco while Sharon attend-
ed Heald Business College. After they wed in 1956, John’s employer fired him – explaining that they had no need for a married man. They traveled around the Bay Area, stopping in every town that had a mortuary to look for work. It was in San Jose where they got their first break, and John finished his apprenticeship at Darling-Fischer Garden Chapel. By 1958, they were ready for their own business and chose Concord for its friendly community and small-town feel, even as it was continuing to grow. The business has evolved over the years. They now offer services in every religion as well as non-religious services. Cremation is also more popular now, and technology has influenced how they work. “We used to have a night
Please join us to honor
John and Sharon Ouimet
for their 60 years of service to our community
Open House
Wednesday November 7 5 to 7 p.m. Ouimet Bros. Concord Funeral Chapel
4125 Clayton Road Concord 925.682.4242 John & Sharon Ouimet • Don & Bea Ouimet Jim Esenwein, Managing Partner
www.ouimetbrothers.com
man’s room,” explained John, “where someone had to stay on-site 24/7 because you could be needed any time of the day or night to transfer people into our care.” First call-forwarding helped. Now, with cell phones, they can answer calls anywhere. John, Sharon, Don and Bea are all semi-retired now and recently sold to Carriage Services, but the octogenarians are still involved on a part-time basis. “What we are most proud of is the way we have served the families who have come to us and the personalized service we give,” Sharon noted. The community is invited to join Don and Bea and the couple’s three children and eight grandchildren for an open house 5-7 p.m. Nov. 7 to congratulate John and Sharon for their 60 years of service to This Grand opening ad appeared in the Dec. 12, 1958 our community. edition of the Concord Transcript.
Thanking farmers for California’s bounty DEBRA MORRIS Pacific Coast Farmers Market
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, bringing family and friends to tables laden with farm-fresh produce, fall flowers, fresh local honey and much more. It is the time to give thanks for nature’s bounty and also a time to give thanks to the farmers who grow our food and bring it to us fresh from the fields and orchards. One farm with amazing fall produce is Rainbow Orchards, a third-generation family farm based in Camino. Their 278-acre Apple Hill farm has provided the finest mountain-grown fruit for more than 40 years. Sage and West Betty now oversee the farm, which spreads over the hills on two different sites. Assemblyman Frank Bigelow recently named Rainbow Orchards as Small Business of the Year in Assembly District 5. The award honored the owners for their hard work and dedication to the community. Farming at 3,500 feet above sea level gives them the cool mountain nights that really bring out the flavor of fruit. Free trees require cold, or chill, hours to regulate growth. They hand-pick their fruit at the peak of ripeness and rush it to your local farmers market in their refrigerated truck. It’s a little bit of extra work for them,
The fall apple harvest is underway at Apple Hill Farm at rainbow orchards in camino. The farm was recently named Small Business of the year in Assembly District 5.
but the taste makes it all worthwhile. In November they bring to market some of the best apple varieties you’ve ever tasted. Gala, Granny Smith, Fuji, Pink Lady, Braeburn, Roma, Winesap and Arkansas Black are just some of their varieties. Fresh-pressed, unfiltered apple cider is another customer favorite this time of year. During the summer months, they offer wonderful mountain-grown peaches, nectarines and blueberries. Please stop by and say hello and thank them for bringing you some of the best produce you can find.
½ c. brown sugar ½ tsp. cinnamon ¼ tsp. salt ½ c. flour 1/3 c. rolled oats ½ c. cold butter
Preheat oven to 350. Place apple slices in shallow, 1-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with the water and set aside. Combine dry ingredients. Cut the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles small clumps. Do not stir together. Sprinkle topping evenly over the apples. Cover and bake for a half hour, then uncover and bake another half hour. Topping should be crisp over the RAINBOW ORCHARD’S steaming hot apple layer. APPLE CRISP Serve warm with vanilla ice 2 lbs. tart Rainbow Orchard cream or whipped cream. apples, 5-5½ cups, peeled and The Concord Farmers Market is in sliced Todos Santos Plaza Tuesday morn¼ c. water ings. See ad this page for hours. ½ c. sugar
October 26, 2018
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Page 19
Clayton Shell station shifts gears from garage to convenience food PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
Come next month, the popular Shell station on the corner of Kirker Pass and Clayton roads will be swapping out oil cans for Big Gulps. The station, owned by Amir and Gitti Hatambeiki since 2005, is converting its service garage into a 7-Eleven store. It’s a major change for the station that has been servicing vehicles for more than 50 years, when it was Bob Preston Shell. The lot is the only parcel on that corner that is in Concord; the rest of the shopping center is in Clayton. “It was part of Clayton’s incorporation that the Shell station remain in Concord,” Amir Hatambeiki said. The $1.5 million change is bittersweet for Hatambeiki, who is overseeing the construction of the convenience store with an eagle eye. “I’m excited about the new store, but it’s sad to see the service bay close,” he said. One of the main reasons for the change is that drivers are not using gas station mechanical services as much anymore, he said. “With the newer cars, they don’t need service like the older cars used to,” he said, adding that many car dealerships offer free or low-cost
nIcoLe HAcKeTT
GARDEN GIRL
Tamara Steiner/concord Pioneer
Shell gas station assistant manager Gary Taylor and owner Amir Hatambeiki are revving up for a new adventure: running a 7-11 store, as the iconic station on the corner of clayton and Kirker Pass roads is converting its service bay into a convenience store. Pumps are open during construction which is expected to wrap up by mid-november.
service for new cars. Also, many young people aren’t going into industries like car mechanics, he said. “They know they can get better money in the tech industry.” On the plus side, he won’t have to worry about the cold winters and hot summers that invaded the service bay. The new 7-Eleven will be “state of the art,” a 3,000 sq. ft. store, complete with fresh food. “7-Eleven is emphasizing new and healthier food, because 45 percent of its customers are millennials,” Hatambeiki said.
“They want better options.” He and assistant manager Gary Taylor will travel to Dallas for a two-week training on how to run a 7-Eleven. He will be looking to hire five or six more sales associates for three shifts, as well as assistant managers. There will be 10-12 employees in all. There have been some surprises in the conversion, he said, such as finding oil tanks beneath the service bay from the late 1960s and early 1970s that were not regulated and had to be removed. “It added $50,000 to
Consider using landscape lighting to highlight these trees. Escallonia compacta, rhaphiolepis compacta, callistemon Little John, Abelia Kaleidoscope and Little Ollie are all super easy, evergreen, clay-tolerant, sun-loving, water-wise shrubs. Any of these would make a sturdy addition to your Clayton Valley landscape. Escallonia compacta has small, dark green leaves and reddish-pink flowers nearly yearround. Rhaphiolepis compacta is one of the hardiest shrubs available, and it’s perfect curbside or along a property line. Little John grows nearly round and will reach 3 feet tall and wide. The bottle brush-shaped red flowers entice bees and humming birds. Abelia Kaleidoscope’s variegation is beautiful. Yellow leaves edged with green during the
summer give way to coral hues as the weather cools. Little Ollie dwarf olive is lovely incorporated into a Mediterranean landscape. Use along a fence or in large containers. Native plants naturally like to be installed in the autumn. Popular native shrubs include manzanita Howard McMinn and Ceanothus Ray Hartman. Ground cover natives that are successful to install are manzanita Emerald Carpet and Zauschneria Everett’s Choice. Zauschneria is that silver-leafed groundcover with the deep orange flowers that are blooming now. Autumn installations tend to suffer less shock, and they benefit from becoming established during the upcoming rains. Don’t wait until spring to get your foundation plantings in the ground.
the cost, but what can you do? They may have had bad chemicals in them, so we had to take them out.” So far, he says there has been a lot of positive feedback about the conversion, not least of all from his wife, Gitti. “We have two new grandchildren, so she is excited to be able to spend more time with them.” Kiosk employee Amarsh Walaj is looking forward to the changes. “It’s exciting,” she says. Still, there are some longterm service bay customers who will be sad to see it go. “They keep asking why, and I tell them it just makes economic sense,” Hatambeiki said. For gas customers, the conversion will be a boon. Hatambeiki will be updating the pumps at the station to accept credit cards and smart-phone payments, something he’s been wanting to do for a while. Hatambeiki will hold a grand opening when the 7-Eleven opens later this fall, and he will probably be the most excited customer. “It’s been a hard process. It keeps me up at night with everything going on in my head,” he said. But if he gets tired, he can get a 7-Eleven latte to keep him going.
Clayton Valley Shell / 7-ELEVEN 1500 Kirker Pass Rd., Concord
Now hiring motivated customer oriented local individuals for store manager, assistant store manager and sales associates positions.
Minimum 3 years experience in related fields. Send resume to aahatambeiki@foodserviceparadigm.com
Celebrate fall – go plant a tree
October kicks off our fall planting season. The weather is nice, the soil is still warm and it’s the perfect time to install trees, shrubs and native plants. Clayton Valley conditions can be harsh, so installations need to tolerate clay soil, hot summers and drying winds. This week, I will touch on some of the most adaptable trees, shrubs, and native plant considerations for our area. Trees are the most-installed plants during fall. Some folks crave shade, while others are looking for vertical interest in their landscapes. Shade trees fall into two categories: shade that you sit under and shade that blocks setting or rising sun. Elm (Accolade, Drake), Chinese pistache (Keith Davy) and maple (October Glory) are all excellent trees to create the type of shade that you can sit under. They grow large and need to be installed away from a fence line or house. Some situations call for trees that have rounded or U-shape Tamara Steiner/concord Pioneer crowns that are best for blocking The crape myrtles in front of the clayton Post office the sun from hitting the house. provide gorgeous color for a focal point in the landscape. Crape myrtles satisfy this need, as well as Tristania Elegant and Purple Pony flowering plums. These selections grow just large enough to suit their purpose. Vertical interest trees have appealing bark, flowers or shape. Crape myrtles are long-blooming, have dramatic fall leaf color and polished bark. Arbutus Marina’s bark peels to expose a smooth, cinnamon-colored surface, and it offers ornamental fruit that hangs like ornaments FREE through the winter months. TrisESTIMATES tania Elegant’s mahogany bark peels away to reveal contrasting ivory-colored bark. Sango Kaku •Lawn & Plant Installation •Paver Patio & Walkway Japanese maples are gracefully •Retaining Walls •Drainage •Low Voltage Lighting shaped, with golden fall leaf color and bright coral branches and stems. Install trees that provide vertical interest to create a focal situation within a landscape, drawBoyce Nichols - Owner Lic. 542812 Clayton Resident Fully Insured ing our attention to an area.
925-672-9955
www.nicholslandscape.com
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
6160 Center St. Suite #C, Clayton
925-693-0757 (main) Clayton residents since 1959
ACTIVE • 955 Snow Dr., Martinez
4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, approx. 2562 sq.ft.
$750,000
Listing agent: Matt Mazzei
PENDING
• 1355 Kenwal Rd., Concord 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, approx. 1008 sq.ft.
$400,000
Listing agent: Rula Masannat
• 25 Mozden Lane, Pleasant Hill
3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, approx. 1488 sq. ft.
$550,000
Listing agent: Matt Mazzei
SOLD
• 214 Falcon Pl., Clayton
3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, approx. 1493 sq.ft.
$660,000
Listing agent: Matt Mazzei
mazzeirealty.net
Matt Mazzei, Jr.,
Paula & Rod Johnstone
Rula Masannat
BRE# 01881269
DRE# 00797857
DRE# 01923757
Broker/Owner 925-766-6745 matt@mazzeirealty.net
Broker Associate Paula 925-381-8810 Rod 925-286-5765
heypaula10@gmail.com
Sales Agent 415-310-2905 rulawithmazzei@yahoo.com
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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
October 26, 2018
There’s a design style to match your taste JennIFer LeIScHer
DESIGN & DÉCOR
One of the greatest things about interior design is how it can be interpreted. I love how design aficionados mix and match design styles to create their own aesthetic: French farmhouse. Mediterranean modern. Industrial chic. Rustic glam. Design is personal, so why not create something that makes you happy. But before you start mixing and creating, it’s good to know the basic differences between the more well-known styles to find what ultimately speaks to you. Although modern and contemporary styles are dif-
ferent, they’re sometimes used interchangeably. Contemporary design is what’s going on in design at this very moment in time. Modern design, on the other hand, has a unique aesthetic that focuses on crisp lines and warm neutrals. It refers to the specific time period between the early- and mid20th century. Most people feel comfortable with the traditional and transitional styles. Warm, earthy toned fabrics, tailored window treatments, a wellbalanced collection of artwork and accessories and defined living spaces makes up the traditional style. Transitional style is popular because it borrows from both traditional and modern design to create a space that’s not “too much” in terms of one style or another. In contrast, rustic, industrial, minimalist and Scandinavian design styles are very much to the point – with specific and unique aesthetics that make them stand out and easy to interpret. Rustic style is all about natural and unfinished wood or stone elements. Think of an old barn, with its rough beams and high-vaulted ceilings. Barn siding could be used as building materials, with antlers for chandeliers or cowhides for area rugs. Industrial design is just that: a living space that feels more like a warehouse with unfinished or exposed building elements, heavy task-oriented light fixtures and a neutral color scheme. Minimalist design is clean and uncluttered. No frills, no fluff. Furniture is functional yet also used for artistic statements. Colors are calm and accessories are few, if not nonexistent. When it comes to Scandi-
A personal favorite, this French country living room features natural stone, exposed wooden beams and lovely antiques.
navian design, many of us might think of retailers like Ikea or Scandinavian Designs. Both of these stores offer furniture in the Nordic style: highly functional and sculptural furnishings, colorful, form-pressed wood, enameled metals, natural wool and cotton fabrics. When it comes to French Country, Bohemian, shabby chic and Hollywood glam, the styles are hands-on in the sense that they feel collected and curated over time. Some would say that French Country is the original farmhouse style. Think of quiet, muted colors with a European aesthetic, glazed pottery and worn, ornamental wooden furnishings. The feeling is elegant, timeless and classic. Vintage, globally inspired and eclectic furnishings are traits of Bohemian style. You’ll see flea market finds and unusual furnishings found here and there and everywhere. One might say there really aren’t any rules for this style, but the key is to make sure your hodgepodge collection of styles is organized in a freestyle way. Hollywood glam, also know as Hollywood regency,
can be over the top and dramatic. Think of Liberace and his white glossy piano with a chandelier floating above with hundreds of sparkling crystals. It’s all about statement upholstery with tufting, gold leaf details and jewel tone colors. Shabby chic is a vintageinspired style, with crystal baubles and glass, collected dishes, creamy whites and pastels and casual slip-covered furniture. This well lived in setting features wood tones that are often worn down or painted to look worn and gently used, making for a comfortable, cozy setting. Last but not least is coastal style. It reminds one of a fresh ocean breeze, the white sandy beach, light and airy, with beige or blue-green color schemes, kitschy or elegant ocean-themed accessories and driftwood or teak furniture. Painted wood, sometimes with a worn-looking finish, and found pieces along the beach are coastalinspired. Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design based in Clayton. Contact her with questions, comments and suggestions at jenna@j-designs.com.
October 26, 2018
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Give your family the gift of heritage
Retirees across the country are providing their families with an unconventional legacy – knowledge of their family heritage. It’s no surprise that in the age of the Internet, ancestry and genealogy research has become the second-most popular hobby for older Americans (after gardening), according to Time magazine. Building a family tree and sharing personal histories can help unite the generations by creating talking points with children
and grandchildren and making connections with long-lost relatives. Researching family history may seem daunting, but whatever information you can gather will be a gift for later generations. The best place to start is with yourself – your birthdate and birthplace, followed by those of your parents and grandparents. Create a Family Group Sheet, which also can include marriage dates/places and dates/places of burial for deceased family members.
Page 21
Next, add details like the birth of children, schools attended and professions. The smallest personal detail, like your grandmother being a pianist, could be inspirational to a younger member of your family. Painting the most detailed story possible of an individual or family can help bring your ancestors to life. Much can be gleaned from diaries, journals, newspaper articles, family documents, letters or scrapbooks and, of course, the Internet.
Learning about your ancestors’ interests, travels, skills and achievements is fascinating and helps connect their unique stories to your own. For many families, research into their roots will uncover great surprises and can help solidify their sense of identity and selfawareness. It can also be a fun challenge to see how many generations of your family tree you will be able to unearth. About 66 percent of Americans ages 65+ are active on the Internet. And with Internet access becoming a standard Seniors are increasingly turning to the Internet to research amenity at retirement and sen- and document their family history. ior living communities, there’s really no better time to start tree using a website like ances- same: a better understanding compiling your family history. try.com or 23andme.com, and appreciation of your herIt could take a few weeks to which uses DNA to discover itage and a real-life family story put together a simple Family family connections. to pass on to your loved ones. Group Sheet or six months or Regardless of a project’s and fortified milk. Sunlight —Carlton Senior Living also contributes to the body’s more to build a complex family scope, the result will be the production of Vitamin D. Maintain a healthy weight or lose excess weight. Stay active and ask your doctor about bone-strengthening exercises. Smoking weakens bones, so stop. Also limit intake of alcohol because it can increase the risk of falling and getting a fracture. If you’re concerned about your bone health or your risk factors for osteoporosis, including a recent bone fracture, consult your doctor. A bone density test can help gauge your bone density and determine your rate of bone loss. By evaluating this inforResCare is committed to finding innovative solutions to help seniors and mation and your risk factors, individuals with disabilities stay in their own homes. your doctor can assess whether • Drop-in visits you might be a candidate for ResCare Home Care • Overnight care medication to slow down bone 1850 Gateway Blvd., Suite 280, Concord • Medication reminder loss.
No bones about it: Preventions is key CHRISTINE KOGUT Savvy Senior
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become more porous, fragile and brittle. The result is that bones will break more easily, mobility can become more limited and people can lose height as well. This is an elusive disease. Most people won’t have any symptoms until they break a bone. Smaller women are more prone to this condition as they age, and the risk of developing this disease is greater after menopause. In severe cases, compression fractures can occur more easily in the spine. These fractures heal spontaneously but are left collapsed. When height decreases, so does the space where the lungs, stomach and other organs reside. Over time, it can have a negative effect on breathing, eating and perhaps even bowel and bladder function. As we become older, balance and strength decline and
falls are more likely. This can result in decreased mobility, disability, loss of quality of life, depression and significant costs. Like many diseases, osteoporosis it both preventable and treatable. It’s important to be proactive about protecting bone health before you run into trouble. Preventative measures which promote healthy bones include sufficient calcium intake, achieving adequate levels of Vitamin D and performing bone-healthy exercises. The goal should be to maintain existing bone and stop further bone loss. Good sources of calcium include dairy products, almonds, broccoli, kale, canned salmon with bones, sardines and soy products such as tofu. If you find it difficult to get enough calcium from your diet, ask your doctor about Christine Kogut has lived in the supplements. area for more than 40 years and is a Good sources of Vitamin former marketing director for the D include oily fish, such as Concord Senior Citizens Club. tuna and sardines, egg yolks
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Page 22
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
HIT
THE
Rockville Hills Regional Park
Go climb a rock – why not?
KeVIn PArKer
2149 Rockville Road, Bike Stats Fairfield Trails: rockville Trail, Park entrance fee: Lower Lake Loop, Mystic $3/person and $1/dog ridge, Arch, unknown at kiosk via rockville Trail, outside Loop, road only cave, upper Quarry, open year-round, sunrise Quarry, rock Garden, to sunset Jockey Junction, old ranch road, Fern Falls Hike-lights Distance: 10+ miles •Volcanic rock Hills Elevation gain: 1,587 feet •Diverse trails for all levels Time: 2-3 hours (on bike) of hikers/bikers
TRAIL
Kids love rocks. And since I’m a big kid, off I went to Rockville Hills Regional Park to discover the 633 acres of open space tucked into the hills of Fairfield. The parking lot off Rockville Road is small and without amenities like restrooms and trail maps, so print a map before you go. There are restrooms at Lower Lake. Most folks jump on Rockville Trail, which is part of the Bay Area Rim Trail, and make an easy climb to Upper Lake in the heart of the park. But I love solitude, so I chose Quarry Trail – an out of the way sandy rock garden of a trail that skirts the northern
cAroL LonGSHore
YESTERYEAR
Let me tell you a story about two brothers who came to Concord in 1922 and bought Concord Ice and Fuel. Located by the train station on the corner of East Street and Concord Boulevard, it was a favorite place to hang out for the neighborhood kids. Ice was not
October 26, 2018
•Poison oak alert Kevin Parker
Fields of gold and waterways are part of the beauty at rockville Hills regional Park.
most section of Rockville. Intermittent shade provided by a blue oak forest made a hot day noticeably cooler. I looped Upper Quarry and Old Ranch Road into my route and found exactly what I was looking for: the ultimate outdoor experience. Rolling back toward Upper Lake, I jumped on Rock Garden and followed it to Mystic Ridge and Arch Trails. Vista points, picnic areas, benches and switch-
back trails made these tasty morsels of nature all the more to enjoy. Although on the smaller side, this park is definitely not flat. Abrupt elevation gains followed by downhills cut directly through fields of gold were a constant during my ride. Follow Jockey Junction to Unknown Trail and Fern Falls (no waterfalls), and you once again are rewarded with some of
Rockville’s best scenery. Big rocks, small rocks and a healthy number of boulders give this area a unique feel as you make your way through a maze of trails. I didn’t see anyone on this trail except for resident wildlife. Most trails are well-manicured with a combination of dirt and sand, but the rocky sections can be tricky with footings and bike wheels, so navigate carefully.
readily available back then, so the big icemaker at the store was cool to stand around – especially on warm summer days. Jack and George Soares did well during the Roaring ’20s. They were active around town and delivered ice to the local neighbors. Concord Ice and Fuel was the general store of choice. Builders came for building materials, horse owners came for tack and feed and everyone else came for everyday necessities ranging from sewing thread to coal and from hay to cement. Jack died in 1939, and George became the sole owner. In 1958, George sold the land to
Safeway and the business to John Rubiales, John Morat and Raymond Kennerley – who relocated to Market Street. Rubiales and Morat became sole owners in the ’60s. With redevelopment in Concord, the future wasn’t clear when they both retired in 1979. But 23-year-old Tony Akins pulled together money for a down payment to buy the business. The retiring men weren’t real happy about taking payments, but they trusted him and agreed. Akins moved the business to Pleasant Hill. Since icemakers had became fashionable in refrigerators, he got out of the
ice business and changed the name to Concord Feed and Fuel. It now sits in a quaint part of town off Hookston Road, on the site of the old Diamond walnut factory. He has since gotten into the brick masonry business and reigns over four feed stores and three masonry yards, keeping the history of the good old fashioned ice and fuel store alive.
During wet conditions, these mossy rocks and roots are a recipe for hitting the ground hard. I made my final victory lap via Lower Lake Loop and followed Rockville Trail back to my car. I didn’t cover every trail in this part but came darn close. Truth be told, you really can’t see this entire park in a day. The landscape was fairly dry for late summer, no surprise, but be alert for poison oak. I’m extremely allergic (no fair), so after many hours of exploring, I made a desperate trip to the
nearest CVS for Technu and jugs of water. Showering in the CVS parking lot was embarrassing but saved me a cortisone shot and trip to the doctor. Still worth the trip! I’d recommend visiting during the winter and early spring months for hillsides of greenery and creeks and lakes full of water. With shorter days, you’ve got to make the most of daylight, so get out there.
Contact Kevin Parker with comments or questions by email at LukeHollywood@gmail.com
From ice to bricks – the changing face of a local business
Carol Longshore has been a Concord resident since 1950. She is a community leader and past president of the Concord Historical Society. Send comments and suggestions for future topics to editor@concordpioneer.com.
Tony Akins revamped concord Ice and Fuel and moved the business to Pleasant Hill in 1979.
Nancy E. Bennett 1384 Washington Blvd. – Concord
Beautifully updated single story with sunroom and a well-kept yard. Charming and sunny home, conveniently located within walking distance to shops and restaurants. Light and bright kitchen includes freshly painted cabinets with new door hardware, tile counters and flooring. This home boasts 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1144 sq ft on a .14 acre lot. Refinished hardwood floors, updated lighting, crown molding and new paint throughout make this space shine.
Offered at $600,000
COMING SOON
4481 Sheepberry Ct. – Concord
Your chance to own a beautiful home in the crossings. Fantastic opportunity for home ownership in the highly desired Crossings community. Space abounds in this two-story home and yard with tons of potential. Bring your ideas and inspiration. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 1841 sq ft on a .13 acre lot. Expansive living room boasts a fireplace and adjoining formal dining room. Bright and sunny open-concept kitchen/family room combo.
• Walnut Creek – 5 beds, 3.5 baths, 3166 sq ft on .43 acre lot in Joaquin Ranch. • Concord – 3 beds, 2 baths, 1308 sq ft single story charmer • Lafayette – 6 beds, 3.5 baths, 3061 sq ft on .72 acre lot in Sky Hy Ranch
Offered at $728,000
Spacious living and beautiful finishes abound in this Rudgear Estates Mediterranean style home with 3-car garage. 6 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2604 sq ft on a .21 acre lot. Beautifully updated kitchen and gorgeous engineered hardwood flooring anchor this impeccable home along with new interior doors, hardware and light fixtures. Situated on a quiet court, close to pool. Great commute location.
Offered at $1,300,000
What our clients say
Needed house sold quick and the team of Nancy Bennett did it in one week! Would use them again if needed. Answered any questions we had promptly and did not leave us hanging. Everyone who works for her did their job great!
CEO, The Bennett Team #1 Agent in Concord for the last 6 years combined
CalBRE #01399870
936 Avondale Ct. – Walnut Creek
925.606.8400
Nancy@BennettBetter.com
BENNETTBETTER.COM
Selling more than 8 times as many homes as the average realtor.