SEP 20 The Pioneer 2024

This Oktoberfest, raise your glass to 40 years of the CBCA

At the Pioneer, we believe that journalism is a public trust and our role as your community news source comes with a great responsibility.

In a time when information can both enlighten and mislead, our duty to provide reliable news to our readers and community is more important than ever. That’s why we adhere to the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) Code of Ethics.

Accuracy and honesty: We are committed to providing accurate, fact-based reporting. We thoroughly research, verify facts and correct mistakes. When we get it wrong, we own up to it.

Fairness and impartiality: We strive for balanced coverage, presenting diverse perspectives without bias. Our goal is to allow our readers to form their own informed opinions. Editorials and opinion pieces are clearly labeled.

Independence: Our primary allegiance is to the truth and our readers. We avoid conflicts of interest and make decisions independently of outside influences.

Respect and sensitivity: We report with empathy and respect for privacy and dignity, especially on sensitive topics. Our aim is to inform, not exploit.

Transparency and accountability: We believe in being open about our reporting processes and welcome questions from our readers. We hold ourselves accountable to high standards and to the expectations of our community.

We value the trust our community places in us and remain dedicated to upholding these principles. A wellinformed community is a stronger one. We invite our readers to engage with us, hold us accountable, and join us in our commitment to truth, fairness and transparency.

The Internationals will be back on the main stage at this year’s 19th Annual Octoberfest with plenty

polkas to keep things lively. The popular event began in 2004, continuing every year except during

The Clayton Business and Community Association’s (CBCA) 19th Annual Oktoberfest comes as the organization celebrates 40 years of boosting local nonprofits, schools, the police and the city.

Led by a coalition of local businesses and volunteers, the group started under the moniker of the Clayton Business and Professional Association. According to the first fullterm president, Gloria Utley, it began to expand right away.

“We wanted to build a merchants’ association downtown and then found out that we had some of the dentists and doctors and whoever in the 94521 area up the street who wanted to belong to it, too,” says Utley.

“It’s always been geared toward bringing together the city government, the businesses and members of the community – the residents,” she continues.

See CBCA, page 5

Unique rocker Greg Kihn had that ‘it’ factor

Former Clayton resident dies at 75 of Alzheimer’s

Greg Kihn wrote, “They don’t write ’em like that anymore” in his 1981 hit “The Breakup Song.”

So it was fitting that Robert Berry, his friend, songwriting partner and bass player in the rocker’s band, offered this sentiment in talking about Kihn’s death: “They don’t make them like him anymore.”

Berry added: “He had that ‘it’ factor.”

Surrounded by his wife, Jay ArafilesKihn, and his son and daughter, Kihn died on Aug. 13 at the age of 75 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.

Kihn and his wife lived in Clayton from 2000 to 2019. “Greg led an extraordinary life,” she said. “He will be missed.”

ACTIVEIMAGINATION

Berry recounted how, for many years, Kihn would make the drive down to Soundtek Studios in Campbell every Thursday to write new songs and record for a new album.

Kihn usually had some kind of idea rolling around ready to ignite the next song, book or radio show bit. On one of the rare occasions when his friend didn’t have a new idea, Berry recalled asking him to think of an odd sighting along the way, and Kihn

mentioned a trailer park he passes where this woman had pink flamingos everywhere in her yard.

“Yep … that song was on the last album,” Berry said.

He described Kihn as a gentle soul and a kind man.

“Stardom yes, but he would talk to everybody like they were an old friend,” said Berry. “His death has left a huge hole in my heart.”

ILLNESSTAKINGITS TOLL

When the duo got together for their last writing and recording session at the end of 2023, Berry noticed that Kihn’s condition was more pronounced. They were working on a song called “Flying Car,” as it seemed to them that the flying car was coming soon. Kihn would bring in the basic lyrical hook and Berry came up with some chords.

“Usually Greg would break out singing missing verse lyrics, but today he seemed to not be able to remember lines he was coming up with,” Berry said. “Unusual for Greg to not get inspiration right off the top of his head and rattle off something cool. But this day, it was more obvious than a few times before that he was having trouble with focus and memory.”

Albeit a struggle, piece by piece, line by line, that song eventually came together.

“I pushed him and he came through like the trouper he was,” said Berry. At that point, they had finished 18

songs, 10 good ones ready for the next album and eight songs that fell short.

“I just listened to those eight, and I have to say that even with the sadness I’m feeling right now, those songs are better than we thought,” said Berry. “So, we have two albums of new, unreleased Greg Kihn material.”

Along with writing and recording music, the latter years of Kihn’s life saw him behind a radio mic as a DJ at the San Jose classic rock station KUFX-FM (also known as KFOX). Taking a job initially to host a nightly show in 1995 led to him becoming a weekday morning host for 16 years.

In an interview later, Kihn recalled being fired from the station’s new owner, probably because he was making too much money, on the very day he was inducted into the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame.

See Greg Kihn, page 7

Pete Cruz photo

of oompahs and

COVID in 2020.

VINCE MARTELLACCI Correspondent

DAVID SCHOLZ Correspondent

TAMARA STEINER PUBLISHER

Housing hovers over top of controversial issues for Clayton council candidates

This small town prides itself on its pioneer past, an Old West community in the middle of sprawling suburbia. But Joel Clayton probably didn’t expect City Council meetings to become the stuff of a Sergio Leone movie.

Although fistfights have yet to break out, it has seemed like only a matter of time. The 2024 council is a collection of 3-2: Jeff Wan, Kim Trupiano and Mayor Jim Diaz voting one way, and Holly Tillman and Peter Cloven voting the other on most issues.

There have also been three city managers coming through town – the fourth, Kris Lofthus, began Sept. 16. The string of city managers has only added to the dust ups in the city.

Now, three seats are up for election and with Cloven choosing not to run, it leaves Tillman running as a lone wolf on her voting bloc with the other three supported by a local PAC. Diaz’s position is also open, with the mayor running for reelection for a council position. Challenging them are a Clayton city veteran and a political newcomer, Rich Enea and Maria Shulman. All four filled out extensive questionnaires sent by the Pioneer and posted in full at PioneerPublishers.com.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

DEBATE

One of the most critical issues in the community is housing.

Clayton’s Housing Element is on its third try for state approval because it did not

meet state affordable housing standards. Diaz is confident this one will go through, since the city is working with its retained community development firm “who knows how to work with the state to get these done.”

The main issue is that the community is split over highdensity housing development. Given that the state hands down land-use mandates, the Pioneer asked candidates how the council should balance the wishes and needs of the community with the state’s enforcement measures, such as withholding revenues and the threat of civil rights lawsuits.

Currently, the only “affordable” units are the seven planned at the Olivia at Marsh Creek proposed development, which Diaz says may or may not get built as the owner moved to Indiana and is trying to sell the property. Diaz himself is not forcing any affordable housing. “The city approved and complied with state mandates. It is up to the developers to build projects that not only comply with state mandates, but also balance the wishes of the community.”

HONDA CT, CLAYTON

JIM DIAZ

MARIA SHULMAN HOLLY TILLMAN

RICHARD ENEA

Incumbents facing new rivals in Concord district elections

Is 2024 going to mimic 2022, when City Councilmember Tim McGallian lost his bid for reelection to Laura Nakamura in the city’s first district elections?

This November, Mayor Edi Birsan, 74, is trying to keep his District 4 seat in a race against Pablo Benavente, 33, a former parks and recreation commissioner and cochair of Measure V; Myles Burks, 24, of Concord Taphouse fame; and Matthew Dasher, who did not respond to the Pioneer’s questions or to the Concord Chamber of or request for an interview

In what is shaping up as a two-person race, there have been accusations of Birsan taking down Benavente’s signs–alotof thatwas“misunderstanding,” according to Birsan – and placing signs where they weren’t supposed to be.

The fiscal health of the community is on the minds of the candidates for two seats on the Pleasant Hill City Council during the city’s first by-district elections in November.

Two candidates each are vying for the District 1 and 5 spots. The vacant seat in District 2 was settled in August, when the council decided to make an appointment and save the city’s coffers $15,500 for an election involving Andrei Obolenskiy, who was running unopposed. The council voted 3-2 for Obolenskiy, who previously ran unsuccessfully for the council.

Here’s a look at the other candidates:

In District 2, Vice Mayor Carlyn Obringer, 44, is facing a quieter battle against driven political newcomer Eric Antonick, 55.

DISTRICT 1 Marshall Lewis. The funding director’s priority is public safety, with an emphasis on redefining safety holistically and integrating strategies to save lives, improve quality of

BENAVENTE ‘INVESTED’ IN THEFUTURE

It may seem like an uphill battle for Benavente, as Birsan is widely popular in the city and is visible at most major civic events, whether they are put on by the city or not. Still, Benavente has a large following of younger voters – who

also want a Hispanic on the council – and is creeping up on Birsan’s base.

“I want to run for a City Council position because I’m deeply invested in shaping Concord’s future in a way that benefits all residents,” Benavente says.

Having lived in Concord

life and rebuild livelihoods. While maintaining police staffing, training and resources to prevent

severe fiscal crisis in Pleasant Hill that could lead to bankruptcy as early as 2029 is another priority for Lewis, who wants to focus on fiscal stability and sustainability while protecting services residents deserve.

since he was 13, he says he has witnessed the city’s growth and the challenges it faces, including traffic and safety concerns, infrastructure, and the need for more community resources like parks and libraries.

He says he brings a “unique” combination of public service and private sector experience that makes him qualified to make informed and effective decisions for the city.

“We need to fill the gaps until 2032, then we must rebuild our reserves. And we have to accomplish these goals without making cuts, because cuts will most impact public safety,” said Lewis. “By filling

‘My service on the Parks, Recreation and Open Space

local business vacancies, building our tax base and making prudent financial decisions, such as interfund transfers, we can maintain our services for

Hill,

DAVID SCHOLZ Correspondent

PEGGY SPEAR

The first president quit halfway through the first year, leaving vice president Utley to take on the role. The Clayton Business and Professional Association was a 501(c)4 social welfare organization until 2013, when the CBCA became a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

OKTOBERFESTBRINGSOUT

THE CROWDS

Oktoberfest is one of the CBCA’s main events, along with the spring Art & Wine Festival. Set for Oct. 5-6, this year’s Oktoberfest promises to be an especially exciting affair – including German beers, wine, live music and artisan booths.

The Grand Isle Fire Brigade will be the first band to perform on a second stage in the corral area of the Town Center on Saturday and Sunday. “Before the Internationals play on the main stage in the Biergarten on Saturday, the Grand Isle Fire Brigade will roam throughout town entertaining,” notes Oktoberfest organizer Marilyn Schmidt. German beers and IPAs will be offered at the corral, which will transform into a second beer garden. Both bands will lead a procession during the ceremonial “tapping of the keg” at noon on Saturday.

In addition to schnapps and hard cider, there will be nonalcoholic beer for the sober crowd. The German Guys, hailing from a restaurant in Stockton, will serve traditional German food. Schmidt says that they will be stocked with Weinerschnitzel and currywurst in the food court. Giant German pretzels from Pure Grain Bakery in Vacaville will also be available.

CBCA’s own “MarktPlatz” booth will sell smokers, nutcrackers and ornaments made in Germany. Proceeds will be infused back into the community.

ROUNDINGUP THE RESIDENTS

The first fundraiser the CBCA ever threw was the 1984 Clayton Roundup. “It was kind of like a barn dance,” Utley recalls.

The whole community was involved, with the chief of police handling the barbecuing. Boasting a full menu and a bar, the committee pulled out all the stops. “We put together a dance floor with 4-by-8 sheets of one-inch exterior plywood,” Utley reports.

Within two weeks of promoting the event, the organization sold 350 tickets. The Roundup exceeded everyone’s expectations. “The day of the event, 500 people showed up,” says Utley.

The Roundup went on for

years until it gave way to the Art & Wine Festival in 1996. The switch allowed the CBCA to scale up and hold the event over two days instead of one evening.

Everything came full circle for the association when it held its 40th anniversary celebration Roundup this June. Pat Middendorf, the group’s vice president of programs, volunteered to put on the event.

“Our goal was to get 500 people there, and we got 500 people there,” she says. Featuring commemorative slideshows and a band, the celebration raised about $60,000 through sponsorships and an auction.

Middendorf says it was a beautiful night. “It was one of those magical evenings where you’re doing a lot of belly laughing,” she muses. “It was just fun from the first minute on.”

COMMUNITY CAUSESARE FRONT ANDCENTER

The most impressive thing about the CBCA is how much money and time the group has donated to the community over the years.

From their very first year, they have been decorating the Town Center for Christmas with decorations that Utley said were handmade by members. The organization once held Easter egg hunts in the Town Center and offered a “Teenager of the Year” award.

Keith Haydon says the club doesn’t always get credit for its events. “There’s often some confusion that (people) think it’s a chamber of commerce or the city of Clayton putting on those events,” he says, noting that it’s all done by CBCA volunteers. “And all the money raised is donated back into our community.”

The CBCA’s mark is all over the Town Center. Utley says that they provided some of the benches, the visually appealing containers that cover the trash cans and even the gazebo in the park. They also contributed two defibrillators to Town Center businesses, including one at Ed’s Mudville Grill.

Since 1993, the group has donated to the local Christmas

For Everyone program, which offers free Christmas dinners, gently used clothing and Christmas gifts to underprivileged families. “We saw this as a wonderful opportunity to give back at Christmastime to the people that were less fortunate and wouldn’t have had a nice Christmas dinner,” says Haydon.

The CBCA gifted computers to the schools and police department, helped fund upgrades to the schools’ outdoor fields and financially supported school sports teams. They recently sponsored a school drama program, helping them to put on a play, and doled out funds to send Clayton Valley Charter High School’s choir to a national competition.

POST-COVID COMEBACK

Even during the peak of COVID, when the CBCA had to skip its events, president CW Wolfe says they were still able to share with the community. “We wound up being able to tap into some of our reserves and our resources to give some money away.”

After COVID, Wolfe says the CBCA came back stronger than ever with events including Art & Wine, the BBQ CookOff and Oktoberfest. “People just started coming out in droves,” he says – with 2024’s Art & Wine their biggest yet. The CBCA aims to continue to draw people to Clayton and support local businesses. “We want Clayton to be a beacon for people to come spend time, spend their money in our businesses and have some fun in our downtown,” Wolfe says. He says that while Clayton might seem like a “sleepy” community, “we have things to offer here. You don’t just have to drive into Clayton and look around and drive out.”

People certainly won’t be driving straight through town the weekend of Oktoberfest. With 40 years of community service and fundraising under the organization’s belt, this Oktoberfest will mark the beginning of 40 more.

Note: Pioneer publisher, Tamara Steiner, is a member of the CBCA

Pioneer publisher Tamara Steiner with CBCA founder Gloria Utley at the Round Up celebrating the 40th year of the organization.

Pair loves bringing community together at the Kreamery

In a fast-paced world where gathering spaces for families and friends have dwindled, two local women are bringing back the essence of connection at the Kreamery & Bake Shoppe.

After decades of raising six children and juggling the demands of school, sports and corporate life, Michele Iseri and Amparo Sevilla-Merryfield recognized the need for a place where people could slow down, enjoy quality time and share sweet treats. So, they’re reviving the sense of community that once thrived in local diners, skating rinks and ice cream shops.

The Kreamery offers premium ice cream, including unique flavors not currently available in the East Bay, served in glassware for an authentic soda fountain experience. The shop also features homemade baked goods –including small pies and cookies designed for sampling, locally sourced coffee, and nostalgic sodas like New York Egg Creams and Cherry Lime Rickeys.

“There’s nothing like this within 20 miles,” Iseri says. “We want people to come in, sit down and enjoy something special.”

“Sweets make people happy, but more importantly, we want this to be a place where people gather –whether after school, before work or on weekends,” Sevilla-Merryfield adds. “We envision kids stopping in for a treat after class, parents grabbing coffee and families spending quality time together.” Concord City Councilmember Laura Nakamura said she was thrilled to discover the Kreamery.

“With its friendly, womenowned vibe, it’s the perfect

Already, the shop has become a popular stop for kids, parents and anyone hankering for something sweet and some company.

spot to savor delicious ice cream, cookies and pies while enjoying a cup of coffee and great company. Don’t miss out on this wonderful new hangout,” she says.

In addition to welcoming families and friends, the Kreamery will be available as a meeting space for local groups, sports teams and clubs looking for a comfortable, community-oriented venue, further establishing itself as a go-to destination for locals. With a high school nearby and several others within the vicinity, the shop is poised to attract a diverse

crowd – from teens seeking an after-school hangout to families looking for a nostalgic outing.

“We want this to be a place where the entire community feels welcome to host gatherings and events,” Sevilla-Merryfield shares.

“We’ve lived the rushed life, but we’ve always made time to be together,” Iseri says. “We’re excited to create a place where others can do the same.”

The Kreamery & Bake Shoppe is in The Vineyard shopping center at 5100 Clayton Road, A18, Concord.

The Kreamery Shoppe is the new local hangout!

Bite-sized pies, cookies for sampling and premium ice cream — yes, please!

Open Mon-Fri. 7-10.30 a.m.; 3-8 p.m. Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Closed Monday.

The Kreamery Shoppe

In the Vineyard Shopping Center 5100 Clayton Rd., A18 Concord

925.836.5848

“I love that I can get Mitchell’s ice cream without having to drive to the city and wait in a 30 minute line! Even better than their ice cream selection is their ariety of homemade baked goodies. My favorite is the banana cream pie, you can taste the quality and fresh‐ness of the ingredients.”

Kristin Wenger – Local Ayers School Teacher

A taste of the past with a

“Thrilled to discover the new ice cream and bake shop in town! With its friendly, women‐owned vibe, it's the perfect spot to savor delicious ice cream, cookies, and pies while enjoying a cup of coffee and great company. Don't miss out on this wonderful new hangout!”

Laura Nakamura

Amparo Sevilla-Merryfield and Michele Iseri found new joy in their bakery/ice cream shop in the Vineyard.

from page 2

A NEED FOR COMMUNITY INPUT

Enea is no stranger to public service, having served as a Clayton police officer 20 years ago and for 10 years as a councilmember in Crescent City. The planning commissioner says he believes there have been no plans submitted for high-density development.

“In fact, we have gone over the number the state has told the city that they must provide,” he says. “Clayton is 98% built out, so I don’t see high density in our future. (But) state law must be followed, or we will lose revenues.”

Schulman, a 15-year Clayton resident and active volunteer, is a newcomer to city politics but believes community engagement is crucial to future housing plans.

“Community input is not only necessary but also essential. As a small city, Clayton has actively involved the community through surveys and town halls regarding highdensity buildings, and the consensus is clear that they are not wanted.”

She goes on to say that it is important for Clayton’s leadership and planning department representatives to “proactively engage with state representatives to advocate for the city’s interests. Given its size, Clayton needs flexibility within the mandates to meet its goals while respecting local concerns.”

She says this strategic approach should involve advocating for environmental sustainability, meeting with state representatives and housing authorities to negotiate flexibility within the mandates and seeking federal grants for infrastructure improvements.

“The council should provide a unified approach by demonstrating strong leadership and being willing to compromise to ease tensions within the community and foster a collaborative atmosphere.”

LOOKINGFOR A BALANCE

“A collaborative atmosphere” and “easing tensions” on issues is something Tillman has had a lot of experience with in the last four years, as part of the block on the coun-

Hill, from page 3

the long run and work toward a more sustainable future.”

Belle La. The senior financial analyst has called Pleasant Hill home for 12 years, raising her children in Pleasant Hill schools and being involved in local projects, which included establishing the first Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) event in the community to enhance cultural awareness and strengthen community bonds.

Addressing a significant budgetary deficit, reducing expenses, boosting tourism to generate additional revenue, and obtaining affordable housing through reevaluating zoning regulations and repurposing available land or buildings are main issues La noted must be addressed in Pleasant Hill.

“This dual approach –leveraging both our existing resources and expanding our tourism efforts – will be instrumental in addressing our budgetary deficit and fostering long-term financial stability for Pleasant Hill,” La said.

“Elect me, and you’ll have a representative who will advocate for you with a deep understanding of public sector operations and a strong commitment to building a thriving, equitable community for everyone,” she said.

DISTRICT 5 Oliver Greenwood. The estate planning attorney has lived in Pleasant Hill for the past eight years and previously from 1997 to 2002. He brings a well-rounded set of experience.

Budget sustainability and community development are two main issues he sees as priorities for Pleasant Hill.

Ensuring that the city’s financial health remains stable through diversifying revenue streams, a focus on responsible investments in infrastructure and finding ways to make public spending more efficient are goals Greenwood says will maintain long-term fiscal stability.

He also cited enhancing the city’s character and quality of life as important and pledged his commitment to be an advocate for smart development that revitalizes underutilized areas, encourages local businesses and improves public spaces for residents to enjoy.

“I am committed to keeping Pleasant Hill a safe, welcoming and vibrant place to live, and I believe I can contribute positively to the council’s efforts in doing so,” he said.

Amanda Szakats. An educator and resident since 2001, Szakats cites skills nurtured in education, including communication, collaboration, organizational skills, and a willingness to set priorities and adapt. She has also served on four community boards, where she gained experience in budgeting, fundraising and goal setting.

The top two issues Szakats identified facing Pleasant Hill are expanding the tax base and increasing housing options. She specifically pointed to two large blocks of retail space downtown that have stood

cil that has been often overrun by Wan, Trupiano and Diaz. But as a keen councilmember with experience at the state and regional level, Tillman knows how hard it is to balance both sides of the housing issue. Still, she is optimistic.

“The state of California has housing mandates that, like it or not, we as a city must comply with,” she says. “We should work together – (local government) and residents – to figure out how best to do that within our small community.”

She says residents should protect the city’s “unique character” while incorporating required housing in a way that minimizes neighborhood impact.

“In my mind, high-density housing doesn’t mean high rises. It means low-rise townhomes, condos and apartments for our local teachers, nurses, firefighters, police officers and other working people. We can find the right balance.”

Balance is something that’s hard to find on a five-member council, but it may be the magic elixir served in the Clayton Saloon that will bring bickering and divisiveness to an end.

vacant for many months and are impacting city revenue through the loss of sales tax.

“It’s important that the City Council work closely with the agent, the economic development team at the city and the chamber to fill this space. This is especially important given that we have a projected increase in pension liability for retiring city employees in the upcoming years,” Szakats said.

On the housing front, she noted that prices have gone up 110% in the last 10 years, per the city’s Housing Element.

“I would like to promote smart redevelopment of underutilized areas near transportation for workforce housing for early career teachers, police officers and workingclass citizens,” she said.

DISTRICT 2

Andrei Obolenskiy. Stemming petty theft and shoplifting is one priority Obolenskiy voiced as he looks to begin his four-year term on the council.

“There has to be some change there,” said Obolenskiy, who manages two small businesses and owns Main Street Automotive in Walnut Creek, “If we don’t stem this, we are going to lose stores.”

Bridging the divide that I680 creates in separating residents of Pleasant Hill is another objective for Obolenskiy. He noted work to identify two Iron Horse Trail spots that will enable pedestrians and bicyclists to safely transverse that barrier.

“We have the plan in place; we just need to find the money,” he said.

from page 3

Commission has provided me with valuable experience in advocating for and improving our public spaces, ensuring they meet the needs of all residents,” he says. “Additionally, my work with nonprofits such as Monument Impact and as co-chair of the Measure V Committee has given me hands-on experience in advocating for and securing funding for critical infrastructure improvements.”

For Benavente, the main issues facing Concord are roads and public safety, bringing both large and small businesses back to town, addressing the empty spaces and converting them to parks or spaces for small businesses, and opening a new library.

BIRSAN COMMITTED TO A SUCCESSFUL CNWS PROJECT

Birsan takes issue with the library, although he says he agrees that another library would be a great addition to Concord. He has served on the library board for more than 10 years and would like to see the one Concord Library modernized and built out to include more space.

But Birsan is not just about libraries. He received recognition from the city for 15 years of perfect council attendance, which goes back years before he was elected.

He has strong opinions on housing, business, the police, development of the Concord Naval Weapons Station (CNWS), infrastructure and much more. However, it’s his housing vote two years ago that may doom him, as he voted in favor of the unpopular builder Seeno as Master Developer for the CNWS.

“At the time, it was the best option we had,” Birsan says of Seeno, who has since left the project.

There has been talk among residents that CNWS is too big a project for the City Council and that a regional entity should take over. Birsan has strong feelings about that, too.

“No way!” he says. “We already have regional oversight to a degree that is mandated by state law and where we engage in the regular process of projects such as Environmental Impact Reports, etc. No way am I going to further support interference in our city. We do not need to be ordered about by outsiders. When the plan was made by the Community Advisory Committee, we did have regional representatives in the 20-plus members but remember, they were advisors, not deciders.”

BURKS WANTS TO ADDRESS BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Burks agrees with Birsan about regional oversight.

“The City Council should make the right decisions to move forward by working all together, knowing all the qualifications and information that

a developer would need,” he says.

Burks is a newcomer to city politics but says as a small business owner he has his hand on the pulse of the city. He cites homelessness, crime and safety are big issues.

“You don’t have to be a genius or an economist or an expert in government to look around and see something wrong in Concord,” Burks says. “As a small business owner, I make a lot of decisions that can either benefit my business or be detrimental. But before any decision is made, I thoroughly do my research for the best outcome.”

He believes Concord could attract more businesses if it tried.

“As a small business owner of a family eatery, I started looking around and seeing that business all around me, that have been here for years, were starting to close,” he notes.

“New customers and old ones that had been coming for years stopped coming around because Concord had lost its appeal as a destination for entertainment. Why? Because it has developed a bad reputation, with homeless wandering the streets, petty theft, shoplifting, robbery, auto break-ins with smash and grabs.”

“I have worked with the local police department, churches and other businesses to feed the homeless. I was also an applicant for the homeless strategic plan,” he adds.

Burks says the long-term success of a city like Concord depends on development of housing that brings new businesses and increases tax revenues.

A NTONICKFRUSTRATED WITHCURRENTCOUNCIL

Over in District 2, Antonick is not happy.

“Like many with whom I have held conversations, I have grown frustrated with the overall performance of the council, and I believe that there are certain elements that are needed in that body,” he says.

“We need far more accountability; transparency; outreach to, and engagement with, the public; strategic and innovative thinking; and consistent drive toward executing on the myriad projects needing to be undertaken by the city.”

That’s a big agenda for a relative political newcomer, but as a construction project manager, Antonick has a wealth of experience overseeing projects, some overseas, that he says will help him

the

solve the city’s problems. Of the four major issues facing Concord – homelessness, safety, housing, and roads and infrastructure – he is vocal in his criticism of his opponent:

“I believe that it’s a travesty that it has taken nearly eight years for the District 2 incumbent to reach this stage of a plan to address our issue of homelessness in Concord,” he says. “This needed to be Year One. And all we have, at nearly Year Eight (in the case of District 2), is a plan with little idea as to its eventual effectiveness. It is yet to be determined whether it will be executed satisfactorily or whether the design is based upon correct assessments and assumptions.”

OBRINGER RUNNINGON HER RECORD

Even with his passion, he has tough job in unseating Obringer, another popular councilmember who often meets with constituents.

Despite her unsuccessful bid for county supervisor two years ago, many expect Obringer to start climbing the political ladder soon. That is not an issue if you ask her.

In regard to homelessness and the unhoused communities in Concord, Obringer has overseen planning and approval of nearly 1,000 units of new housing at all affordability levels, including approximately 500 new residences affordable to those making $33,000 to $84,000 annually.

But that’s not the only thing on Obringer’s resume. She has allocated more funding and resources for Concord police and public safety personnel, including for two school resource officers at Concord high schools. She has also overseen the investment of $114 million to improve the condition of Concord roads, including Grant/East street, the streets of the Estates, Hillcrest, and West Sun Terrace neighborhoods, and roads around John Muir Hospital, Mt. Diablo High School and Queen of All Saints Catholic Church. And more is on the way.

“Look for construction crews coming soon to the Alameda, Holbrook Heights and Northwood Drive,” she says.

Her extensive experience on the dais, including two stints as mayor, not to mention planning commissioner and design review commission, will make her a tough nut for Antonick to break. But, Concord has seen it before.

and hear them in person at the Concord Chamber of Commerce Council Candidates’ Forum, Oct. 15 at 4

in the Chamber office, 2280 Diamond Blvd., Concord. Note: Matthew Dashner did not respond to the Chamber’s invitation.

P.O. Box 1246

6200 Center Street, Suite F, Clayton, CA 94517

TAMARAAND R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers

TAMARA S TEINER , Editor

P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design, Website, Social Media

B EV B RITTON , Copy Editor, Calendar Editor

J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports Editor, Schools Editor

S TAFF W RITERS : Jay Bedecarré

C ORRESPONDENTS : Bev Britton, Kara Navolio, Vince Martellacci, , David Scholz, Charleen Earley

PIONEER INFO

CONTACT US

Tel: (925) 672-0500

Fax: (925) 672-6580

Tamara Steiner

editor@pioneerpublishers.com (925) 285-8612

Send Ads to ads@pioneerpublishers.com

Send Sports News to sports@pioneerpublishers.com

Send Calendar Items to calendar@pioneerpublishers.com

The Pioneer is a monthly publication delivered free to homes and businesses in 94517, 94518, 94519 and 94521. ZIP code 94520 is currently served by drop site distribution. The papers are published by Clayton Pioneer, Inc., Tamara and Robert Steiner, PO 1246, Clayton, CA 94517. The offices are located at 6200 Center St. Suite F, Clayton, CA 94517

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 175 words or less and submitted at least one

week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print anonymous letters. E-mail your letter to tamara@pioneerpublishers.com. Letters must be submitted via E-mail.

CIRCULATION

The Pioneer is delivered monthly by the third Friday to 38,500 single-family homes and businesses in 94518, 94519 and 94521. Papers to Clayton are delivered by US mail. Concord zip codes are delivered by commercial carriers for ABC Direct. To stop delivery for any reason, call the office at (925) 672-0500 . Effective with the June 5, 2020 issue, delivery to homes will rotate between zones. Residents in our delivery area (check website for map),will receive free delivery EVERY OTHER MONTH.

ADVERTISING

Advertising rates and circulation maps are posted at www.pioneerpublishers.com or call (925) 672-0500.

Obituary

Lillian Passaglia

Lillian Passaglia passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. She left behind a legacy of love, kindness and dedication.

She was born and raised in San Francisco, where she met her lifelong love, Jim Passaglia. They were married for 68 years.

Lillian dedicated her life to her family and friends, always putting others before herself. She was a devoted wife, moth-

er, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She had a beautiful voice and sang her heart out for her church choir and at special events. Her passion and talent for cooking were evident to everyone who enjoyed her homemade meals. She lived a life of faith and service to her church community by actively participating in church activities and singing in the choir. Her volunteer work at local shelters, singing at the

prison and reading to young children touched many lives with her positivity, kindness, compassion and generosity.

She is survived by her loving husband, James Passaglia; daughter, Jeanette (Bob); son, Jim (Annette); grandsons, Michael (Elise) and Steven (Amber); and five great-grandchildren.

A funeral Mass was held Aug. 22 at St. Bonaventure Church.

‘REVOLUTIONARY ROCK’

Born on July 10, 1949, in Baltimore, Kihn had an early baptism into a career in music when he won a talent contest sponsored by a local radio station while in high school. In 1972, he made his way to San Francisco and the next year, the Beserkley label signed him. He released his first album, “Greg Kihn,” in 1976.

“Greg helped write the book on revolutionary West Coast rock and roll,” Skyler Turtle wrote in a eulogy posted on Kihn’s website, www.gregkihn.com.

In a 2108 interview with Music Recall Magazine, Kihn said, “We weren’t like the other SF bands. Our music was derived from the British bands like the Who and the Faces.

“We were always writing new songs, and the fans came back week after week to see what we’d come up with. It was all about the songs, not the jamming,” he noted.

with original work by fellow rockers Ray Davies, Pete Townshend and Joan Jett. In addition, he was passionate about his niche insect hobby, raising rare praying mantises.

On his birthday this past July, Kihn posted on his Facebook page – addressing his fans as Kihnfolk. He thanked them for the birthday wishes and apologized for not posting an update for nearly a year.

“After so many years of touring as well as doing radio shows … it’s finally time I get to chill out,” the post said. “Thank you to each and every one of you for all your love and support now and over the years. Rock on!” In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Kihn’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Elections

Pablo Benevente

Edi Birsan

Carlyn Obringer

Holly Tillman

.pablobenavente.com

.edibirsan.com

.carlynobringer.com

.holly4claytoncitycouncil.com

Entertainment,Events & Food

CBCA Oktoberfest

Clayton Theatre Company

The Kreamery

.ClaytonCBCA.org

Financial, Insurance and Legal Services

State-Farm, Tim McGallian

Sean McCue/Edward Jones

Health

Austin K. Brown DDS

Montijo, Mark

Trio Skincare

Home and Garden

Clean Cleaner Carpet

Interiors Panache

Larry Marleau, Builder

Nelson Atkinson

Safe at Home

Skim ‘n’ Dip – Pool Service

Whit’s Painting

Real Estate, Housing and Mortgage Services

Donovan, Heather – Compass

Klock, Leigh – Coldwell Banker

McDougall, Kelly – Compass

Moore, Wendy – Berkshire Hathaway

Sinclair, Christine Dudum

.334-0880

.836.5848

.672-2300

.906-9395

.307-8378

.775-9981

.609-8746

.383-1253

.672-7920

.676-8713

.318-1440

.348-5609

.429-2669

.765-3822

.212-5593

.787-0448

.570-5187

.286-7539

Stojanovich, Jennifer – Better Homes Realty . .567-6170

Senior Services & Hospice Care

CEI PACE

TreVista Senior Living

Services

Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery

Net Solutions

.844-319-1150

.trevistaseniorliving.com

.682-9113

.672-6029

.676-2305 Pacific Coast Farmers Market

As they say, the rest would be history for Kihn. Hits like “The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ’Em)” in 1981 and 1983’s “Jeopardy” launched him to the stratosphere of 1980s popular music and video icons. This included an additional boost for “Jeopardy” courtesy of Weird Al Yankovic’s parody “I Lost on Jeopardy.” Kihn even had a cameo in Yankovic’s subsequent video.

Years later, Kihn expressed pleasure that “The Breakup Song” was included in the “Grand Theft Auto V” video game, saying the song “is attracting a whole [new] generation of fans.”

Forbes reported that Kihn returned to the Billboard charts posthumously on Aug. 31, with his most famous songs opening at No. 6 and 15, respectively, on spot purchase-focused ranking for the Rock Digital Song Sales chart that week.

Titles of Kihn’s albums, with hits like “Remember” and “Lucky,” often included puns that played off his name – ranging from “RocKihnRoll” to “Kihntinued,” “Kihntagious and “Citizen Kihn,” and 2017’s “Rekihndled.”

His claim to fame even included being the first to record a Bruce Springsteen song. With The Boss being a fan, Kihn proudly took on Springsteen’s “Rendezvous.”

HELPINGOUT VETS

Kihn also lent his support to Operation: Care and Comfort for its work with veterans.

“He didn’t just talk about it – he would purchase trunk loads of care package items from Costco monthly for years,” said Julie DeMaria, OCC’s president and founder, who met Kihn in 2004.

“Greg was so proud of his father Lt. Stanley Kihn’s military service. He would honor his service by reading through letters he wrote while in WWII on the radio,” she said.

Away from the stage, Kihn, a horror buff, nurtured that interest as an author and even forged his own genre: the rock and roll thriller. He published six novels, starting with “Horror Show” in 1996. He also edited a short-story collection

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to St. Jude’s or Seeing Eye Dogs for the Blind.

Acne can be a deeply distressing condition that affects self-esteem and social interactions at any age.

It’s challenging for both adolescents and adults, and the sheer volume of conflicting advice on social media makes it even harder to find effective solutions.

The estheticians at Trio Skincare witness first-hand the impact acne has on a person’s mental and emotional well-

being. It’s a condition that often carries a significant stigma, leading to embarrassment and frustration.

For teenagers, especially, it can affect their confidence and willingness to engage in social activities. Persistent acne can be equally demoralizing for adults, often leading to anxiety and isolation. There is a solution. But acne treatment isn’t one-sizefits-all.

Like most skin conditions, acne is an inflammatory disease. It takes a holistic and comprehensive approach tailoring solutions to fit a person’s lifestyle and specific skincare needs for their grade of acne. This includes assessing diet, stress management, hormonal influences, skincare regimen and hygiene.

Eating a nutritious balanced diet supports overall skin health. You can reduce breakouts by avoiding triggers such as dairy, caffeine (especially from energy drinks) and iodine-rich foods like soy sauce, processed foods and fast food.

Getting quality sleep helps manage stress levels and supports hormonal balance. Hormones are acne aggravators, and while birth control pills have been used to balance hormones, physicians and dermatologists increasingly favor anti-androgen medications for their effectiveness in addressing acne related to excess androgens in women. Minimize exposure to skin irritants and pore-clogging ingredients in detergents, fabric softeners, makeup, and skin and hair products that can aggravate acne. Rinse laundry thoroughly and change towels and pillowcases regularly, especially for those with body acne, to avoid transferring bacteria and oils to the skin.

Seek help from professionals offering personalized care, such as dermatologists and estheticians. Topical drugs for acne have come a long way from the days of Retin A creams and benzoyl peroxides.

Estheticians who specialize in acne care are especially empathetic to the needs of

acne sufferers. Most of them have gone through the same issues and can offer practical advice and professional services to guide clients through their skincare journey. Estheticians also safely perform extractions of blackheads and pustules without causing further damage and scarring. By integrating effective practices into your daily routine and seeking professional acne services, you can address both the physical and lifestyle factors that contribute to acne. This approach not only helps manage and reduce breakouts but also supports overall skin health and well-being. While acne cannot be completely cured, many individuals eventually outgrow it or experience fewer breakouts over time. Even if acne persists, it can be effectively managed with the right tools and strategies – leading to healthier, clearer skin. For more information about Trio Skincare’s anti-aging/acne management clinic in Concord, visit www.trioskincare.com or call 925609-8746.

Jay Bedecarré

re g a e g To r : l a e d at h ew , e h t r

re a s f

s ou h

. ouy k ra p wo D d l to You c e b l l A . s na , n wnto

nev e w d an l a b ew s a erv i le d e

g d bu y rev e — t e “Ih

a ey d

Distric e as v o ser t “I am hon ct 2 our o s y nore Ia Co I a e ag askonceag represent d City doncor ask onc orgainfo e.tativ y Council gain f figh orwhathtfo onti I can c our supp yo g stmatter o inue t t so por

t o y t t mos or wha ht f ou.”yo t ma

From the desk of...

Going forward, we need a return to the spirit of 9/11

Attending memorials in Concord and Clayton relating to the sadness of September 11 23 years ago also brought memories of the unity and purpose of community that we felt after that horror.

For adults, it is one of those days that will be with us forever as prior generations remember the JFK assassination and the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It is amazing that there are now voters who were not even born in 2001, yet the memories are stark and fresh for many of us.

Before coming out to California in 1981, I was a night watchman working through college at the site of the Twin Towers where a 21-story

building was being demolished to make way for them. Then, being in the maritime international container business, I would go to the World Trade Center to call on accounts and occasionally have lunch at the Atrium therein with a great view of the city. My nephew became a cop in Brooklyn and Queens and, like so many, was called downtown to help that day. He would disappear for 24 hours, forgetting to call family to say he was OK – causing high blood pressure on both left and right coasts of the country. Finally checking in, his comment to his grandmother was a simple: “Hey, I was busy.”

One of the things I really love about Pleasant Hill is that our residents care about their city and their neighbors. That fact is never more evident than during the annual Community Service Day.

It’s a rite of passage where the community comes together to take on projects, beautifying, repairing, and cleaning parks, schools and homes. This month’s event is special, as this is the 20th Community Service Day. Back in 2005, then Councilmember Michael Harris and the members of the Civic Action Commission had the idea to bring people together for a day of service. They amassed a list of projects, then sought out volunteers to help. Everyone got together on a sunny day in Pleasant Hill Park and headed out to take on the Day of

Every two years, the California Legislature convenes for a two-year legislative session and gets to work to address issues that matter most to Californians. On Aug. 31, the Legislature dispensed with all pending legislation and adjourned for the final time of this session. I sent 15 bills to the governor’s desk this year, and I’d like to highlight some of the legislation I’m most proud of: Assembly Bill 52. This represents a multi-year effort I’ve led to spur new investment in our manufacturing industry. While spending time in our community, I’m sure you often cross paths with women and men in the manufacturing field. Manufacturing employs 1.3 million people in California, and here in the Bay

Too few years later, he would pass in his 40s from toxins in his liver and elsewhere. Occupational causation?

Many were dealing with more immediate deaths.

Through it all, I also remember the next day and week on Alla Avenue and Rockne Drive in Concord, where residents flew American flags. My next-door neighbor, a retired English “Bobby,” flew a British flag as well in remembrance that many from outside the United States were also murdered that day.

Some 23 years later, the day after another divisive national presidential debate, I

look down the block and only one flag remains. We need to once again remind ourselves that we are “indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” We are one people. And here in Concord, we shall continue to be together in our memories to strengthen our community and rally around each other.

If you would like to meet to discuss this or something else, let me know at edibirsan@gmail.com.

Celebrating two decades of service to the community

Service.

Since that time, this has become a well-loved annual tradition. Thousands of residents have given up their time to work on hundreds of projects that included: repainting the restrooms at Pleasant Hill Park, fixing bicycles to be rehomed to underprivileged families, tending to the plants at the Pleasant Hill Instructional Garden, and removing trash and debris from our area waterways. During the COVID pandemic, when people were being asked to stay home, this event lived on. Rather than projects that involved gathering together, the city organized a mass food drive.

Neighborhood captains helped collect food donations, which were then taken to the Food Bank. We gathered 11 tons of food that year, as residents continued our tradition of service during that once-ina-lifetime pandemic.

This September, we have several events to recognize and honor the 20th anniversary. As a way of giving back, the Civic Action Commission partnered with the American

Red Cross to hold a blood drive at City Hall on Sept. 5.

Then at the Sept. 9 City Council meeting, I had the pleasure to read a proclamation honoring Community Service Day, with former Councilmember Harris and members of the commission in attendance.

Now that we are nearing the day, we intend to celebrate this 20-year milestone in style.

On Friday, Sept. 20, the Civic Action Commission is throwing a Party in the Park. Come join the fun 6-8 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Park, 147 Gregory Lane. There will be food trucks, an exhibit chronicling the history of Community Service Day, lawn games, snow cones, speakers and a DJ. Volunteers can pick up their complimentary T-shirts and meet their project teams.

Then, on Saturday, Sept. 21, Community Service Day starts at 7:30 a.m. at Pleasant Hill Park with a hearty breakfast provided by the Lions Club. After breakfast, teams head out to complete their projects from 9 a.m. to noon.

For those unable to help on Sept. 21, there is still a way

to be part of things. You can donate to a citywide food drive benefiting the Food Bank of Contra Costa/Solano County. The city is partnering with the food bank and the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) to fill a County Connection bus full of food.

You can bring your donation to the bus either during the Party in the Park or during Community Service Day. A team of volunteers will also be driving through the city on Sept. 21 to pick up donations. You can fill out an online form so volunteers know where to pick up your donation. Both the list of food items sought and the online form for donation pickup are on the city’s website at www.phillca.gov/csd.

I hope you’ll come out and join the fun on Sept. 20-21 and help us make this another great celebration of Community Service Day.

Contact Matt Rinn at Mrinn@plesanthillca.org.

Bills would limit bank junk fees, boost manufacturing

Area, manufacturing supports nearly 300,000 jobs with an average salary of $88,500. A unique aspect of this field is that each manufacturing job supports at least 2.5 others in the economy, with some subsectors, such as aerospace, supporting as many as eight or nine more jobs. California is undoubtedly a global hub for innovation and technology, however, from 2020-’22 our state attracted less than 1% of the country’s manufacturing investments. My bill AB 52 incentivizes long-term investments and growth in California’s manufacturing industry by providing qualified entities a state tax credit equal to what they pay in local sales tax for manufacturing equipment. I’m determined to bring manufacturing investment back to California and encourage a “live here, build here” reality, and it is my hope that the governor will sign my bill into law.

AB 2017. Over the last decade, the banking industry has been rife with “fee creep,”

the gradual and growing use of questionable fees often charged to those consumers who least can afford them. These “junk fees” are often disproportionate to the actual cost of providing a service to a consumer, and banks and other financial institutions have increasingly relied on them to increase their profits.

This year, I authored AB 2017 to rein in a particular type of junk fee known as nonsufficient fund (NSF) fees. This fee is assessed on a consumer who has a transaction declined right away, in real time, due to not having enough money in their accounts. Banks should not be charging consumers fees for transactions that are declined right away, and if my bill is signed into law, this practice will be stopped in California and financially vulnerable consumers will be protected from charges that they cannot afford.

AB 2663 and AB 3012. As a licensed general contractor, I know that time is money, and

Lofthus joins Clayton as latest city manager

The Clayton City Council has appointed Kris Lofthus as city manager, beginning Sept. 16.

Lofthus comes from Suisun City, where he served as Recreation, Parks and Marina director/deputy city manager. Prior to Suisun City, Lofthus served with the city of Richmond as Community Services manager and Vacaville as recreation coordinator.

Lofthus has more than 26 years of public service, and he brings a breadth of experience and leadership to Clayton. Please extend a warm Clayton welcome to him.

The city also recognized several individuals who contributed to our wonderful community:

Sandy Johnson: For her exceptional and dedicated leadership in managing and coordinating Clayton’s July 4th Parade and associated activities. The 2024 July 4th events were noteworthy, as Clayton also celebrated its 60th anniversary of incorporation as a city. Well done, Sandy.

Lon Goetsch: Honoring his retirement as assistant fire chief with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District after more than 34 years in public service. Goetsch’s contributions also assisted Clayton in reopening Station 11 after the 2012 economic downturn forced the closure of several fire service facilities. Your City Council established a special committee to address the closing of Station 11, and the fire district appointed him to guide the committee in facilitating its reopening. Congratulations Lon upon your retirement and for your immense assistance to the city of Clayton.

Adam Politzer: For his leadership as Clayton’s interim city manager in returning Clayton to a strong fiscal position. He brought nearly 30 years of public service experience to put Clayton on “sound foot-

ing” and set the stage for our new city manager. Thank you, Adam. And best wishes to you.

The council also proclaimed September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Meanwhile, we granted a one-year extension to the Oak Creek Canyon Project, a planned residential development for six units on the north side of Marsh Creek Road at the intersection of Diablo Parkway. This extension supported the Planning Commission and the Community Development director. Further, the council received an update on our Strategic Plan and its implementation.

As for city events, our 17th Concerts in The Grove season concluded on Aug. 31 with the East Bay Mudd band. The final Classic Car Show is set for Saturday, Sept. 21, and will feature “low rider” cars. We also plan to have a mariachi band perform to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs Sept. 15Oct. 15.

Again, as your mayor, I will continue to work hard to maintain Clayton’s small-town charm and character while running an open and transparent local government. You can reach out to me directly with any questions or concerns at 925-673-7316 or JimD@claytonca.gov.

Contra Costa makes sure your vote counts

that unclear building timelines and fees can stop a construction project before it even begins. As I’ve done each year I’ve served in the Assembly, this year I again authored legislation to help bring more transparency to the home development process.

AB 2663 would require local agencies to annually post the amount that was collected in certain fees and how specifically those fees were later spent in a project. AB 3012 would require a city or county to create a fee estimate tool that the public can use to calculate an estimate of fees for a proposed housing development project.

Increasing transparency helps us to streamline new development and, ultimately, help us achieve our goal of building our way out of California’s housing crisis.

If you would like to learn more about legislation I’ve authored this year or to discuss other matters important to you, please connect with me through my Concord district office at 925-521-1511.

There is a lot of misinformation circulating on social media that can lead residents to question whether their vote will be counted accurately in November’s election.

Democracy is reliant on voter participation, and misinformation weakens that. I want to ensure you have accurate information on how Contra Costa County Elections protects your vote.

First, Elections checks that you are eligible to vote. Only eligible people can register to vote, and they sign under penalty of perjury that they meet eligibility requirements. Registration is validated against DMV or Social Security records and if an applicant cannot be validated, they must provide a government-issued photo identification the first time they vote.

Second, Elections makes sure it is you when you vote. Election officials check every ballot return envelope to compare the signature to the voter’s signature on file before the ballot can be counted. If the signatures do not match or if the signature is missing, election officials contact the voter to “cure” their vote-bymail ballot status. Once the voter’s signature is verified, then the ballot can be counted.

Third, Elections checks that you only vote once. A voter’s activity is logged in the voting history system when they submit their vote-by-mail ballot or vote in person. Safeguards are in place so only one ballot is accepted per voter, and only the first ballot received is counted.

Fourth, Elections checks that your ballot is read and properly counted. The county uses a paper-based, optical scan ballot system that is tested before and after every election to verify votes are counted and recorded properly. Any ballot that cannot be read by

Carlson page 12

JIM DIAZ CLAYTON MAYOR

EDI BIRSAN CONCORD MAYOR

MATT RINN PLEASANT HILL MAYOR

SPORTS & LIFESTYLE

YVHS, De La Salle victories highlight early season football

Mateo at Owen Owens Field. Serra threatened to score as the second quarter wound down but a fumble near the Spartans goalline and then Blanche’s long run followed by Toa Faavae’s touchdown pass gave the home team all the momentum for a dominating second half.

The football season is three weeks old and neighboring De La Salle and Ygnacio Valley high schools have scored the most significant victories among local teams during early non-league play.

The Concord schools share a border slightly longer than a football field and two end zones. In fact, a long homerun over the right centerfield fence at De La Salle would land on the Ygnacio Valley campus.

De la Salle’s results in the past decade or two couldn’t be much more dissimilar from Ygnacio’s but on Friday, Sept. 6, it’s likely even the impressive

and rankings-significant win by the Spartans over rival SerraSan Mateo didn’t generate the joy being felt next door with YV’s 26-20 defeat of Redwood Christian-San Lorenzo that evening.

Ygnacio Valley had not won a football game since late October 2019, before the word Covid was a part of our vocabulary. In fact, the YVHS Wolves had never won a game.

WOLVES NOTCH WIN NO. 1

The school changed its mascot’s name from Warriors to Wolves two years ago and in their 22nd game as the Wolves Ygnacio Valley broke a 35game losing skid, which was the longest ongoing streak in the state. This winless streak from a program that has sent countless players to college and a handful to the NFL. Ygnacio won North Coast Section championships in 1999 and 2005. The last game victory came late in the 2019 season which culminated with a NCS appearance and 7-4 record, the only winning season the school has posted in over a decade.

In fact, there have been media reports that discussions took place in the past year about having the school switch from 11-man to 8-man football. Rae Jackson Sr. took over the Ygnacio Valley football

Fall sports in full gear with league play before post-season

Diablo and East Bay Athletic League teams will be going strong this month as teams all have busy league schedules interspersed with non-league, tournament and invitational meets this fall leading up to post-season playoffs. Cross country runners had a pair of large Invitational meets on the first two Saturdays this month with the Saint Mary’s and Ed Sias invitationals.

Concord High cross country co-hosted their first invitational meet with Saint Mary’s College women’s NCAA Division 1 team. A total of 22 North Coast Section high schools with nearly 800 runners participated in the twomile races on the Moraga campus.

Last Saturday, the annual Ed Sias Invitational at Hidden Lakes Park in Martinez featured College Park senior Jack Rattary taking second in the large school’s boys race with the fifth fastest time in NCS this fall leading the Falcons to the boys title. Clayton Valley Charter and De La Salle were 10th and 11th, respectively.

Northgate boys were eighth in the small schools division.

Natasha Cohen’s fourthplace run helped Northgate to second in the girls small school race while Carondelet was fifth, paced by Jade Kelly’s sixth place. Sophomore Katherine Buechter was 10th and her CVCHS team was sev-

enth in large school girls division. College Park took 11th.

HIGH SCHOOLSPORTS

FALLSCHEDULES

Cross Country (Boys & Girls)

DAL Center Meet #1 Sept. 25

(Hidden Valley Park, Martinez)

DAL Center Meet #2 Oct. 30

(Newhall Park, Concord)

DAL Championships Nov. 9

(Hidden Lakes Park, Martinez)

EBAL Championships Nov. 9

(Newhall Park, Concord)

NCS Championships Nov. 23

(Hayward High School)

CIF State Championships Nov. 30 (Woodward Park, Fresno)

Flag Football (Girls)

DAL League Games Sept. 4 –Oct. 30

DAL Playoffs Nov. 2 (Benicia High)

NCS Playoffs Nov. 12 & 14

See Fall, page B4

Presented by Kelly McDougall

31 Mt. Emory Ct., Clayton

Just steps from the greenbelt, this home has five bedrooms, with the fifth serving as a spacious bedroom but it's truly a bonus room. A bedroom on the ground floor features its own entrance, and a odernized bathroom. The formal living room is accentuated by a soaring vaulted ceiling. The galley-style kitchen is thoughtfully designed with a casual dining area and island, leading into a warm family room with a fireplace. Great yard with sparkling pool, patio for entertaining. The property offers close proximity to community clubhouse, pool, playground, as well as to downtown and two local schools K-8. Offered at $1,195,000

Exceptional value with 4 separate parcels totaling 20+ acres. Primary grand victorian estate has 4435 sq ft. w/ pool, lush gardens, outdoor kitchen, RV storage, playground, huge shop with a 2 bd ADU. 4+ stall barn &

on the 2 other vacant lots. Endless possibilities. Offered at $3,250,000

Pete Cruz

Derricke Blanche breaks away for a huge gain to midfield as a three-day sequence to end the first half propelled De La Salle to a 39-10 victory over rivals Serra-San

Photo courtesy Concord High Athletics

Concord’s girls and boys cross country teams co-hosted the Saint Mary's Invitational for 800 high school runners earlier this month on the Moraga campus. The meet was organized by coach Lanette Stanziano (right) who has a connection with the college. Her daughter Rayna, a former standout runner at Concord, is now a graduate student runner in the Gaels program.

Athlete Spotlight

Anja Perreira

Grade: Senior

School: Clayton Valley Charter High

Sports: Flag Football and Softball

A member of Clayton Valley Charter’s first-ever flag football team last fall, Perreira is a dedicated athlete who helped her team win the Tournament of Champions to cap an historic season. Since an early age, Perreira has been athletic and extremely competitive, whether that be on the soccer field or the softball diamond. She spent her childhood playing both sports competitively, spending five years on the Mt. Diablo and Diablo Valley Wolves soccer teams as well as the past seven years on the Choppers traveling softball team. She played on the Ugly Eagles JV soccer team her freshman year and varsity softball for four years, where she was named firstteam all-Diablo Athletic League last spring as a junior.

Combined, her experience in these sports led to her success on the flag football field where she earned a varsity spot as a linebacker. Her coach David Cooney says, “Anja led [the] team in interceptions last season and was an integral part in [them] winning the championship.” Perreira reflects, “Coming into the season, we had no idea what we were doing but we put in the work and grew so much. By the end of the season, we had good team chemistry which led us to victory.” This success was acknowledged when she received second team all-

DAL honors and earned a spot as team captain. Her coach continued, “I have known Anja for over 10 years. When I was named head coach of the flag football team, Anja was one of the first girls I reached out to. She is a tremendous all-around athlete. She is a student of the game and is always eager to learn. She is one of the hardest working players on the field.”

In the classroom, Perreira maintains a 4.09 GPA, is a member of the CVCHS Public Service Academy and National Honor Society. In the future, Perreira is hopeful for an official NCS title this fall and next year plans to attend college and play softball or possibly flag football.

The Pioneer congratulates Anja 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. laceyandruzicka.com

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

Pleasant Hill fetes first Hall of Fame class 44 years after high school closed

Forty-four years after closing its doors, Pleasant Hill High School introduced its first athletic Hall of Fame last month with a lavish sold out dinner and induction ceremony at Contra Costa Country Club in Pleasant Hill. The inaugural class consisted of the school’s first principal, six coaches, 16 athletes and two teams who were feted before over 225 at the ceremony.

The sports teams were called the Rams at Pleasant Hill High, which opened in 1953 but closed only 27 years later in June 1980 due to declining enrollment. The school site now houses Pleasant Hill Middle School, which kept Rams astheschoolnickname.

Long gone but not forgotten, the honorees in this Hall of Fame class reflect a bygone era. Almost every woman and man in the class was a threesport athlete at Pleasant Hill High, something almost unheard of now.

ATHLETES

Ed Miller, (1971 graduate): Three-sport star in football, basketball, track and field at PHHS who won the 1976 NCAA decathlon title as a senior at Cal. Spent 30 years as associate head coach of track and field for the Golden Bears.

Kathy Costello McGuirk (1975): Cross country, basketball and track teams. Threetime league champ in cross country. Won the North Coast Section cross country title as a senior. Was the national high school recordholder in the 880 and mile as a junior and senior.

Dick Egan (1955): Was all-league in football, basketball and baseball. Pitched four years in the majors with the Detroit Tigers, California Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Jim McMillin (1956): A three-sport star in football, basketball and baseball. Played football at Colorado State, then signed with the Denver Broncos. Started every game at defensive back for the Broncos in his first two seasons. Joined the Raiders in 1963.

Lennis Cowell (1961): One of the greatest wrestlers ever to come from Contra Costa County, also excelled in football and baseball at PHHS. In wrestling, he was a league champion as a junior and senior, won NCS as a senior and also captured a NorCal state title. At Cal Poly he was a two-time NCAA AllAmerica and helped lead Cal Poly to its first NCAA team wrestling championship in 1966. He has been inducted into four wrestling Hall of Fames, including the National Wrestling HOF in 2009 and the California State Wrestling HOF in 2006.

Tom Larscheid (1958): Football, basketball, baseball. Played football in college at Utah State and professionally with the British Columbia Lions in the Canadian Football League.

Roger Leonard (1959): Football, basketball, baseball. Inducted as both an athlete and coach. Captain of the football team, starting guard on basketball and starting outfielder on baseball. Was assistant football coach for many years before leaving in 1974 to become Northgate’s first head football coach.

Roger Foulk (1960): Football, wrestling, track and field. Shot put, discus and 120 high hurdles champion at 1960 DVAL meet. Set school records in all three events.

Tom Foster (1962): Football and wrestling. Picked as an all-America in football as a senior by Wigwam of America. Was DVAL wrestling champion all four years at PHHS. Also won North Coast and NorCal wrestling titles. Gene Hansen (1967): Football, wrestling, track and field. Star football player was named Athlete of the Year as a senior at Fresno State.

Pat Riley (1969): Football, basketball, baseball. DVAL leader in rushing yards. In 1970 at Diablo Valley College broke O.J. Simpson’s Golden Gate Conference single-season rushing record with 1,389 yards and is in DVC Hall of Fame. Played football at Boise State.

Alvin Davis (1969): Football, wrestling, track and field. First-team all-DVAL defensive tackle. Lineman of the Year in

See Pleasant Hill, pg B4

Tim Murphy Field naming honors retired Clayton Valley Charter coach

JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Tim Murphy retired in 2023 after leading Clayton Valley Charter’s football teams to unprecedented heights after his hiring as the Concord school became a charter in 2012 and this month was honored before the season-opening game with the field at Gonsalves Stadium named Tim Murphy Field.

His name is now memorialized on the entry gate to the field in Gonsalves Stadium, home of CVCHS football, soccer, lacrosse and track and field teams and used for school PE classes and community sports organizations.

One of the state’s most successful high school football coaches renowned for his team’s offensive prowess during a 28year career (26 as a head coach after starting as an assistant at Mt. Diablo), led the Ugly Eagles to their first-ever Section and CIF State football titles during his time in charge at CVCHS.

Murphy culminated his career at Clayton Valley Charter, where he spent 11 years coinciding with the school’s transition to a charter. He was hired before the 2012 football season by former Executive Director Dave Linzey and athletic director Pat Middendorf after temporarily returning to Ygnacio Valley that spring.

Under his leadership, the Ugly Eagles won 10 of 11 league championships, four NCS titles, three NorCal crowns and the 2019 State championship, when Murphy was named NCS Coach of the Year. His CVCHS record was 108-30.

He retired with 221 wins overall, that 2019 California State championship, seven section and 20 league championships. His coaching accolades include 2003 USA Top 25, 2003 State Coach of the Year and the 2006 ESPY Coach of the Year award. Murphy was named coach of the year 15 times by multiple organizations.

At each of his three high

school assignments Murphy’s teams were the first to claim Section football titles. Murphycoached teams won 19 league championships, seven CIF Section titles and has finished ranked in the State of California seven times and in the USA three times.

See Murphy, page B4

LENNIS COWELL

ED MILLER

LEFKOW

A College Park High graduate, Murphy began his head coaching career in 1996 at Ygnacio Valley, winning three league championships and the 1999 North Coast Section 3A – East championship.

TIM MURPHY

There will be a distinctive local feel Oct. 26 on the school campus when the De La Salle Athletic Hall of Fame inducts the class of 2024 which includes basketball coach Frank Allocco of Concord and local athletes Matt Biel, Clayton Tanner and Damon Jenkins.

The Concord parochial allboys school has enjoyed unprecedented athletic success among all Northern California high schools and has another star-studded hall of fame class to honor also including athletes Scooter Barry and Rudy Ramirez, coach Scott Hirsch and the 2009 wrestling and 2010 football teams.

2024 ATHLETIC HALL OF FAMEINDUCTEES

Richard “Scooter” Barry (Basketball, Class of 1984) was a two-year varsity basketball player and a senior captain. He earned first-team All-Catholic Athletic League selection helping the Spartans post a 20-7 record his senior year. Barry played at Kansas (1984-89), averaging 15 minutes per game for a team that went to the NCAA Final Four in 1987 and was the Sixth Man on the 1988 NCAA championship team. He was Midwest Regional MVP after scoring 25 points in a win over a Kansas State squad that featured NBA Hall of Famer Mitch Richmond to advance to the Final Four. Son of NBA superstar Rick Barry, he joins brothers Jon and Brent in the DLS Hall. Scotter Barry played professionally for 17 years in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Australia and the United States.

Matt Biel (Swimming, 2004) was De La Salle’s firstever individual North Coast Section swimming champion. In 2004 he won the 200 and 500 freestyle at the NCS Championships. It took 18 years for De La Salle to produce another two-time NCS individual champ. Biel’s high school swimming resume also included being team captain and top individual point scorer at the 2003 and 2004 NCS meets. During his senior year at De La Salle, he represented America in internationally as a member of the US National Junior Team. Later that year, he was recognized as USA Swimming’s Male Pacific Swimmer of the Year. The Clayton native still holds two school records. Two months after graduation, he became the first DLS swimmer in the United States Olympic Trials, competing in the 2004 and 2008 Trials. Biel was a fouryear letter winner at the Uni-

versity of Arizona and was a member of Arizona’s firstever Division 1 2008 national championship swim team.

Damon Jenkins (Football, 2003) was a three-year starter at defensive back helping the Spartans to three consecutive undefeated seasons. In his senior year, Jenkins was rated as one of the best cornerbacks in the country and ranked as 48th best prospect in the West and 19th cornerback in the nation by Rivals.com. A three-star recruit who committed to Fresno State, he was a two-time first-team all-BVAL selection, earned top 100 recognition by the Contra Costa Times and was named All-State Student by Sports Magazine. At Fresno State, he played for the Bulldogs from 2004-07 and in his junior season led the team in interceptions, returning one 56 yards for a touchdown against No. 14 Boise State. Jenkins is in his third season as a teacher and head varsity football coach at Kerman High.

Rudy Ramirez (Wrestling, 2004) was a Bay Valley Athletic League individual champion all four years. He had four top-5 finishes at the NCS Championships, including individual titles in 2003 (112 pounds) and 2004

(119). He qualified for the CIF State Championships three times. As a senior, he finished the year with a fifth-place finish at CIF meet. He competed at the collegiate level at Fresno State. He returned to De La Salle as an assistant coach from 2007-11.

Clayton Tanner (Baseball, 2006) was a two-year allleague starting pitcher in 2005 and 2006, posting a 15-5 overall record with a 1.35 earned run average and 167 strikeouts in 124.1 innings. As a senior, the Concord pitcher had a 1.39 ERA and a 10-2 record with 106 strikeouts. His junior year, Tanner was 5-3 with a 1.31 ERA and 61 strikeouts. Following his senior season, he was first-team all-BVAL, first-team all-State by Cal-High Sports, third-team All-America by Baseball America and ranked as the 99th best prospect nationally by Perfect Game. He turned down a college scholarship after the San Francisco Giants selected him in the third round of the 2006 MLB Draft. He eventually pitched for the Giants in spring training. Born in Australia, Tanner played for Australia in the 2011 World Cup and 2013 World Baseball Classic. He’s the pitching coach for De La Salle.

Frank Allocco (Basketball Coach 1997-2015) spent 18 years as De La Salle’s varsity basketball coach. During that time, he led the Spartans to 17 league titles, nine NCS championships, three NorCal crowns and two State championships. The long-time Concord resident guided De La Salle to a 487-71 record including a 2297 league record. Combined

with his 167 coaching victories at Northgate High (1991-97), he was the 27th coach in state history to win 600 games (65499), reaching that milestone faster than any coach in history. He ended his 24-year high school coaching career with an 87 percent winning percentage, second all-time in California and is the only coach to win state championship at two schools. Over 60 of his players moved on to play college basketball. Allocco serves as the Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Relations at the University of San Francisco.

Scott Hirsch (Water Polo Coach (1993-2013)/Assistant Swim Coach 2022-24) The 1982 gradbecame water polo coach in 1993 and in his first six years the Spartans won four league championships. He guided DLS to three straight Section championships in 2000-02 and another in 2004. He was selected 2006 NCS Honors Coach for boys water polo. In his 21 seasons as De La Salle head coach, he guided the Spartans to 13 league titles and four NCS championships. He also served as an assistant for De La Salle swimming (2022-24). He was Carondelet swim coach in 1986 and again from 1990-99. He guided the Cougars to an NCS Championship in 1998 and was named 1999 NCS Honors Coach for girls swimming he coached future Olympic champion Natalie Coughlin. He has been teaching De La Salle math students for the past 35 years.

2009 Wrestling team had a 10-0 meet record, which included NCS Duals, East Bay Athletic League and NCS Team Championships. The

team won the school’s first NCS wrestling championship, sparking the Spartans to win 14 of the last 15 NCS team titles. NCS champions were Clayton’s Vinny Moita (103), Tyler Sheridan (152) and Luke Sheridan (160). Nick Jansen (171) finished second, Justin Walker (189) and Jordan Felix (215) fifth, Alex Abono (125) sixth and Curtis Seigfried (135) eighth at NCS. Moita, Jansen and the Sheridan brothers advanced to state meet, collecting enough points for De La Salle to finish 17th overall with Moita finishing third and Tyler Sheridan seventh. At the time, Moita’s third-place finish marked the best individual state finish for any De La Salle wrestler.

2010 Football team stands as one of the all-time best the school has seen, posting a 14-0 record and finished as the No. 1 team in the country by MaxPreps. The Spartans outscored their opponents 656-139, winning by an average margin of victory of 46.8 to 9.9 per game. The squad defeated Serra, Saint Mary’s-Stockton, Bishop Gorman-Las Vegas and Servite, which was ranked No. 1 in the country that season. The 48-8 victory over Servite in the state championship game completed the Spartans’ perfect season, marking back-to-back state titles for De La Salle. The team included 16 players who went on to play college football, including future NFL players Austin Hooper and Dylan Wynn. Five others went on to play college rugby and another moved on to track and field in college.

Visit dlshs.org for more information.

JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Photos courtesy De La Salle Athletics

De La Salle 2024 Hall of Fame inductees, clockwise from top left, Damon Jenkins, coach Frank Allocco, Clayton Tanner and Matt Biel.

In 2014, his Ugly Eagles set a state record while having the No. 1 rushing team in the nation with a record-setting 7,055 yards.

The CVCHS football team was so successful that the NCS had a rocky period trying to find a balance between competitive placement and geography. After winning every Diablo Athletic League game for three fall seasons from 2016-18—most by lopsided scores—the school’s football team was moved to the East Bay Athletic League.

In their maiden 2019 EBAL season Ugly Eagles football was 0-5 but then turned around its season and swept the NCS Division II playoffs and won North-

ern California and State 2-AA playoff games.

The irony of that state title win was Clayton Valley defeated Aquinas of San Bernardino in a defensive struggle 10-7. The coach hailed as an offensive guru won the ultimate team prize in a low scoring, defensive affair.

He coached five all-star teams, including the first-ever Under Armor National All-Star game on ESPN featuring AJ Green and Julio Jones.

His teams made the playoffs 24 straight times, and he coached the first Division 1 California team to beat a Division 1 Texas team.

Fall, from page B1

Golf (Girls)

DAL League Matches Aug. 26

– Oct. 16

EBAL League Matches Sept. 3 – Oct. 17 DAL League Championships

EBAL League Championships Oct. 21 NCS Division II Championships Oct. 28

NCS Division I Championships Nov. 4

Championships Nov.

CIF State Championships Nov. 20

DAL League Matches Sept. 10

EBAL League Matches Sept.

Championships Nov. 7-

Team Championships

12-16 NCS Singles/Doubles Championships Nov. 18-19

NorCal Team Championships Nov. 19-23 (Folsom) CIF State Team Championships Nov. 30 (Fresno Pacific University)

Volleyball (Girls)

DAL League Games Sept. 17Oct. 17

EBAL League Games Sept. 10 - Oct. 22

DAL Playoffs Oct. 22-26

EBAL Championships Oct. 24-26

NCS Playoffs Oct. 29 – Nov. 9

NorCal Championships Nov. 12-19

CIF State Championships Nov. 22-23 (Santiago Canyon College, Orange) Water Polo (Boys & Girls)

DAL League Games Sept. 25 – Oct. 30

EBAL League Games Sept. 15 – Oct. 31

DAL Division Championships Oct. 31 - Nov. 2

NCS Playoffs Nov. 6-16

NorCal Tournament Nov. 1923 (Sacred Heart Prep, San Francisco)

Pleasant Hill, from pg B2

Golden Gate Conference at DVC. All-America left tackle at Boise State. Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons.

Vince Ujdur (1970): Football, basketball, baseball. Allleague in all three sports. Excelled as a catcher and signed with the Texas Rangers.

John Raeside (1976): Football, basketball, baseball. AllDVAL in football, Rams’ assist leader in basketball and captain of the baseball team. Played for Rams’ 1976 NCS baseball champs and DVC’s 1977 state champs. Spent two years in New York Mets’ farm system.

Bob Clark (1976): Lefthanded pitcher played on varsity baseball all four years. Was all-league three times. Drafted in the eighth round by the Chicago Cubs.

Cathy Costanza (1980): Basketball, volleyball, track and field, softball. Lettered all four years in basketball. Was first-team all-NorCal selection. Played basketball at Sacramento State.

COACHES

Bob McGuire, cross country, track and field: Coached track and field/cross country at PHHS from 1957-77 before going to Cal State Hayward from 1978-92. His teams (men and women) won numerous titles at both schools.

Hal Briggs, football: Was the head coach when PHHS had its only unbeaten football season in 1968.

Clyde Forrest, wrestling and football: Produced many wrestling champions at Pleasant Hill from the league level all the way up to CIF State.

Charlene Forrest, tennis: First female in Mt. Diablo Unified School District to teach an all-boys PE class.

Roger Leonard (See Athlete inductees above)

Jimmie Timms, football, track and field: Small college all-America center at University of the Pacific. Was PHHS football coach when the school closed. Moved to Ygnacio Valley.

JENNIFER STOJANOVICH CLOSE TO HOME

With recent changes in the real estate industry, driven in part by litigation involving the National Association of Realtors (NAR), many brokerages are adjusting their practices. One key change is the request for buyers to sign in when attending open houses.

One of the terms of the NAR settlement is that

New law asks visitors to sign in at open house

agents working with a buyer must enter into a written agreement with the buyer before the buyer tours any home with that agent. Often times, buyers attend open houses without their agent. Previously, open houses were often a casual affair, where signing in was optional. However, as the industry evolves, most brokerages are now asking potential buyers to provide their contact information and the information for their real estate agent, if the buyer has one, at open house events. This shift helps ensure compli-

ance with new legal standards and protects both buyers and sellers. The open house sign-in form created by the California Association of Realtors states that the agent holding the property open is either the listing agent or has been delegated by the listing agent. It also lets a buyer know that the agent holding the property open is not working with the buyer visiting the property, and that any communication or sharing of information by the agent is in service of the seller and is not intended to

create an agency relationship with the buyer. By requesting sign-ins during an open house, brokerages are better equipped to follow up with interested parties and/or their agents while maintaining clear communication with all parties. So, if you’re planning to attend an open house, expect to be asked to sign in. It’s a small step that plays a big role in protecting transparency in the real estate experience.

Jennifer Stojanovich is an owner/broker with Better Homes Real Estate. Send questions and comments to jennifer@bhrbroker.com

ADMINISTRATOR

Art Bloom: First principal was beloved by faculty and students alike. Agood athlete in his own right, Bloom played baseball at Cal, where he was a successful righthanded pitcher. After graduation, he spent three years playing professional ball, including one season each in the Washington Senators and Cleveland Indians farm systems.

TEAMS

Football, 1968: Only undefeated Rams football team in school history.The Diablo Valley Athletic League champions had a tough, physical offense and a defense that was nearly impossible to score against.

All-leaguers Pat Riley, Claude Tomasini, Bill Cooper, Jim Ryan and Alvin Davis played big roles in the 1968 team’s success.

Girls swim team, 1979: Had swimmers in eight of 11 DVAL finals, won both relays and sent 13 swimmers to the NCSmeet. Recordholders included Mary Blomberg (200 free, 100 fly), Monica Lamb (50 and 100 free), Wendy Rae (100 breast) and the free and medley relay teams. Blomberg was team MVP, Masako Tsubota was most improved and Lamb was team captain. Bruce Capps was the head coach.

The inaugural PHHS Hall of Fame committee included 16 members ranging from former football assistant andgreat all-around athlete Roger Leonard to Ron McClure, who attended PHHS for three years, then transferred to Ygnacio Valley when PHHS closed. Bob Berggren (class of ‘70) is the HOF director. One-time Cal football player Paul James (PHHS ‘71) is his top assistant. Other committee members were Roberta Bruder Chisam, John Buschini, Ned Butler, Lisa Custodio, Charlene Forrest, Gene Hansen, Terry Hughes, Lou Kosta, Ernie Lanzarin, Mike Lefkow, Ed Miller andBill Wamosh.

Football, from page B1

program as the transition to the Wolves took place. The coach constantly talks to his players about the life values sports can instill in a young person beyond the X’s and O’s.

After losing their season opener 73-0 at Alameda, Jackson needed all his motivational powers to get his small roster ready for the home opener. They were to face a motivated Redwood Christian team playing its first-ever varsity football game in the 55th year of the San Lorenzo school.

For that home opener the Wolves switched senior allleague quarterback Fred Fine to wide receiver and put freshman Jalen Fayad at QB. Fine was a major threat receiving and running the ball to help his first-year QB account for 200 yards of total offense.

After racing out to an unaccustomed big lead, the Wolves had to hold on for the win with sophomore Matin Andish’s late interception all but sealing the historic victory for a jubilant group of players and coaches.

consecutive road games. Next Friday they go to El Cerrito and then they really travel for their Oct. 8 game.

That will take place in London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as the Spartans visit England for an international game against NFL Academy.

WINS HARD TO COME BY

As mentioned, unbeaten De La Salle has three wins. The other six local schools have combined for five wins during the opening three weeks and one of those was Clayton Valley Charter defeating College Park.

New Falcons coach Jack Schram is still looking for his first win at the Pleasant Hill school after spending the last 18 years at Miramonte. His team faces a familiar foe for the coach this week when defending 3-AA State champion Acalanes hosts College Park in a Diablo Athletic League interleague affair which doesn’t count in league standings for either team.

Clayton Valley Charter

field has a 12-year guarantee. The schedule calls for Mt. Diablo to host CastlemontOakland Oct. 4, Concord Oct. 18 and Berean Christian Oct. 25. Instead, the Castlemont game will be held at 4 p.m. in Bay Point at Riverview Middle School, which is on the site of former Pacifica High School.

The Friday night game Oct. 18 will be played at Concord

Concord (Div. 5) - 8/30 Newark Memorial-Newark L 15-28, 9/6 Alameda L 14-48, 9/13 at San Lorenzo W 37-7, 9/21 at Archie Williams-San Anselmo, 9/27 at Mt. EdenHayward, 10/4 EncinalAlameda, 10/18 at Mt. Diablo, 10/25 Ygnacio Valley, 11/1 Berean Christian, 11/8 @ Valley opponent TBA.

De La Salle (Div. 2) –8/30 Grant-Sacramento W 42-14, 9/6 Serra-San Mateo W 39-10, 9/13 Saint FrancisMountain View W 42-7, 9/20 at St. Mary’s-Stockton, 9/27 at El Cerrito, 10/8 at NFL Academy, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, 10/18 San Ramon Valley, 10/25 Monte-VistaDanville, 11/1 at CaliforniaSan Ramon, 11/8 at Clayton Valley Charter.

DE LA SALLEBREAKS

STREAK TOO

For all its success unmatched almost anywhere in American high school football, De La Salle broke a negative streak of its own. On Friday the 13th the Spartans posted their third straight impressive result, handily beating St. Francis of Mountain View with the Lancers only score coming on a Pick 6.

De La Salle always schedules a brutal non-league schedule, which partially accounts for the fact the Concord powerhouse had not won its first three games since 2018 (putting aside the truncated 2020 Covid season).

Coach Justin Alumbaugh’s team has used speed, the traditional run-oriented offense and an especially impressive defense to defeat Northern California powers Grant (4214), Serra (39-20) and Saint Francis (42-7) on consecutive weeks.

This Friday the team travels to Stockton to meet a fourth straight undefeated opponent in Saint Mary’s who beat DLS 45-35 the last time the Spartans visited Saint Mary’s in 2022. This is the first of three

hosts Northgate in another DAL interleague game as both teams seek win No. 2 and each coming off a loss in week three action.

A similar slate of DAL interleague games between Foothill and Valley division teams takes place Oct. 4. Concord notched its first win last Friday with a convincing 37-7 victory at San Lorenzo.

NOMADICSEASON FOR MT. DIABLO

Mt. Diablo scored less than 27 points only twice last year but in its past two games the Red Devils have managed only one touchdown each time in losses at Acalanes and Vallejo.

The Red Devils only have three home games on the schedule this year and none of those will be on the Concord campus.

The Mt. Diablo Unified School District has scheduled the removal of the turf field and running track in the coming weeks to install a new turf field in Hart Fairclough Stadium. This field replaces the original all-weather turf installed in 2016. A district spokesperson says the new

High and Oct. 25 vs. Berean will be under the lights at College Park.

HIGH SCHOOLFOOTBALL SCHEDULE & RESULTS

Clayton Valley Charter (Open Div./Div. 1) - 8/30 Spanish Springs-Sparks, NV L 0-17, 9/6 at College Park W 55-7, 9/13 at San Ramon Valley L 15-31, 9/20 Northgate, 9/27 at Liberty-Brentwood, 10/11 at Las Lomas, 10/18 Acalanes, 10/25 Campolindo, 11/1 at Miramonte, 11/8 De La Salle.

College Park (Div. 2) –8/30 San Marin-Novato L 2052, 9/6 Clayton Valley Charter L 7-55, 9/13 Salesian College Preparatory Pride-Richmond L 21-26, 9/20 at Acalanes, 9/27 at Las Lomas, 10/4 at Miramonte, 10/18 Alhambra, 10/25 at Northgate, 11/1 Benicia, 11/8 Mountain opponent TBA.

Please

Mt. Diablo (Div. 3) - 8/30 at Deer Valley-Antioch W 4235, 9/6 at Acalanes L 7-48, 9/13 at Vallejo L 6-7, 9/20 at Alameda, 9/27 at MissionSan Francisco, 10/4 Castlemont-Oakland (@ Riverview MS), 10/18 @ Concord, 10/25 Berean Christian (@ College Park), 11/1 @ Ygnacio Valley, 11/8 @ Valley opponent TBA.

Northgate (Div. 3) - 8/30 Dougherty Valley-San Ramon W 15-7, 9/6 at Campolindo L 23-31, 9/14 @ Bishop DiegoSanta Barbara L 16-35, 9/20 at Clayton Valley Charter, 9/27 Lincoln-San Francisco, 10/4 Las Lomas, 10/18 Benicia, 10/25 College Park, 11/1 at Alhambra, 11/8 Mountain opponent TBA.

Ygnacio Valley (Div. 5) –8/30 at Alameda L 0-73, 9/6 Redwood Christian-San Lorenzo W 26-20, 9/13 at Kennedy-Richmond L 16-28, 9/20 Pinole Valley-Pinole, 9/27 at Richmond, 10/4 San Lorenzo, 10/19 at Berean Christian, 10/25 at Concord, 11/1 Mt. Diablo, 11/8 @ Valley opponent TBA.

Jay Bedecarré

Hart Fairclough Stadium on the Mt. Diablo High School campus will not host any games this season as a new turf field is installed starting next month. The Red Devils football team will play a nomadic schedule away from their home field in 2024.

Pete Cruz

Salesian quarterback Marcus Burke (10) accounted for over 200 yards total offense with his running and passing as Salesian outscored winless College Park in the fourth quarter for a 26-21 win last Friday in Pleasant Hill.

East meets West: An integrative approach to pet care

Despite being a veterinary internist by training, I found myself unexpectedly drawn to learning veterinary acupuncture several years ago. This curiosity led me to what has become a passionate journey into integrative medicine that will always be a work in progress.

Learning Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is somewhat involved. It requires an open mind, excitement to learn new things and a willingness to “get out of your head.” Having said that, it is the single most exciting training I have done in my career.

Without a doubt, adding TCM to my practice has humbled me by what can be accomplished. It has extended the well-being and quality lifespan of many of my patients – and made me a better clinician.

Integrative medicine is garnering a great deal of attention in and out of the medical community. People are looking at their own health from a body-mind-spirit point of view.

Psychosomatic illnesses are

I don’t think there are two more chafing words than “skin care.”

With the staggering number of products available, each promising a greater result, it is easy to become confused.

Aided by relentless advertising, modern cosmetic science has led us to believe that the right product, generally at a high price, will restore tone and a youthful glow while removing all manner of imperfections.

To begin, imperfection is a human quality that cannot be moisturized away. We might do better as a species to focus less on the epidermis and more on the inside. That said, I want my skin to look as gor-

becoming more and more recognized entities. Stressinduced illness plays a role in human health care every day, and likely does in our animal family as well. Even Western practitioners are acknowledging that health often requires a bigger picture vantage point, and this is where TCM shines.

Traditional Chinese Medicine encompasses a five-fold approach to healing that can be adapted for our pets:

Acupuncture: Known to cause endorphin release, oxytocin and other hormone release, blood flow changes, and more.

Herbal medicine: Very

powerful but gentle therapy. Works more slowly than typical Western medications, but often with fewer side effects. This allows the clinician to tailor treatment more directly to each individual patient.

Food therapy: Emphasizing fresh foods. In particular, try to stay away from processed carbohydrates like those found in kibble. This is much like the general trend in people toward less processed, fresher foods and fewer simple carbohydrates.

Tai Chi: Loosely translated into “exercise” for our pet population.

Tui Na: This Chinese therapeutic massage has a place in veterinary care.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has been used for more than two millennia in China and for hundreds of years in many other countries. In the early 1970s, President Richard Nixon was instrumental in its “discovery” by the U.S. public when a reporter traveling with Nixon had an emergency appendectomy performed in China. He had perioperative

acupuncture and was impressed with the pain modulation it provided.

A beautiful nuance of TCM is that the practitioner also considers “unrelated” clinical signs, such as a patient’s demeanor, behavioral issues, digestive issues, tendency toward being too hot or too cold, seasonal changes in symptoms and what makes the patient better or worse. All these seemingly esoteric pieces of information help guide treatment toward the pet to possibly exceed response to therapy, as compared to a patient treated with Western therapy alone.

TCM tends to be more proactive in supporting all systems rather than reactive, oftentimes peeling away at clinical signs and exposing a deeper root to the underlying issue. TCM allows one to support the whole body rather than having to treat one ailing area at the expense of another.

Many medical practitioners are willing to entertain the use of acupuncture or TCM for painful joints but have trouble

Look to ancient Egyptians for skin care advice

geous as possible. The focus on skin care is nothing new – the ancient Egyptians favored topical oils such as almond, Egyptian balsam, castor, moringa, olive and sesame in cosmetic preparations. Natural oils are soothing and nourishing due to biologically active components such as antioxidants and essential fatty acids (EFAs), both key to good health inside and out.

In 1929, George and Mildred Burr investigated the importance of fatty acids by feeding rats a basically fat-free diet. The rats developed skin defects and were unable to sustain skin moisture. Their growth was stunted, as was their ability to reproduce.

When the researchers introduced polyunsaturated oils (corn and linseed) into the diet, the rats recovered well. Interestingly, the inclusion of saturated fats (coconut oil and butter) had no effect. Essential fatty acids are

polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that we cannot synthesize for ourselves and must be consumed in our diet. We can find them in green leafy vegetables, fish, flax and chia seeds as well as some nuts. They play a vital role in the effectiveness of the skin barrier and immune response.

“Our skin reflects what’s happening inside our bodies based, in part, on what we eat and what we expose it to externally, such as smoking and the sun’s dangerous ultraviolent (UV) rays,” says Melissa Keeney, a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and the clinical nutrition manager at St. Vincent’s Medical Center.

She advises the use of sunscreen, good hydration and eating a varied diet rich in fresh, colorful vegetables.

“A variety of foods gives us a variety of nutrients,” she explains. “Look at the colors of vegetables and fruits – the deeper in color, the more

‘Tom Lake’ a loving rendition of ‘Our Town’

Two popular novels today have their roots in classical books. We have “Demon Copperhead,” a retake on Dicken’s “David Copperfield,” and “James,” a retake on Twain’s “Huckleberry Finn.”

Now, we have Ann Patchett’s “Tom Lake,” a novel that has its roots in America’s beloved “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder. A novel morphing into a play? Not quite. What makes “Our Town” so unique is not just the setting of Grover’s Corners, N.H., or the wonderful characters who populate the town, but the stage manager, who becomes a character in the play itself. “Tom Lake” looks to “Our Town” for content, context and construction. Patchett, to my mind, has given her protagonist (Lara Nelson) the additional role of stage manager as she moves the story forward and backward, speaking to characters and readers.

While still in high school, Lara assists with auditions for a community theater’s upcoming production of “Our Town.” Before the day is over, she unexpectedly auditions and gets the part of Emily. Lara tells the reader her performance as Emily in the community theater production was a first step toward her acting career, which included Hollywood. Next, Lara’s daughters enjoy a somewhat grownup talk about their mother’s youth. Lara tells them, “There’s a lot you don’t know.” Lara shares only parts of her story with her girls, other parts with the reader. The daughters have returned to the small farming community in northern Michigan for cherry picking at the family farm at the time of COVID.

From acting to picking cherries? What happened to Lara the actress, who had an affair with a famous movie star, Peter Duke, when she

played Emily at Tom Lake, a summer theater company in Michigan when she was 24?

All will be told, some to the girls and some to the reader (audience?) in scenes that move forward and backward in time and place as directed by Lara.

Daughter Emily was 12 when laughing with her sisters while watching their favorite Duke movie. Their father looks in and casually says, “You know your mother used to date him.”

From that day forward, the girls want to know everything about their mother and her relationship with Duke. What do any of us know about our parents? What do we really want to know? And what are they willing to tell us?

Lara shares what is appropriate with the girls when they are young, but more to the reader. Sometimes when Lara speaks to her daughters, then to the reader, Patchett leaves

extending its use beyond pain management. Though it may be hard to wrap a Western mind around the concept of meridians and acupoints that can have effects on distant parts of the body, acupuncture has been shown to improve pain scores, relieve nausea, decrease edema and effect distinct change in endorphin levels in patients.

Another way in which an integrative approach can be useful is when a patient has side effects from Western medications. Acupuncture and herbal support can help reduce some side effects and sometimes accomplish good results with lower drug doses.

As an internist, herbal medicine was one of the hardest but also one of the most rewarding aspects of TCM for me to embrace. But I came to realize that this ancient modality is becoming cutting edge in our society.

Here are some questions one doesn’t ask in Western medicine that can be answered satisfactorily with TCM: Does my arthritic patient pant excessively at night and appear agitated? Is he/she chilly all the time? Does an older cat yowl at night as if distressed or confused? TCM can support your pet and work in tandem with a Western practice in exciting and rewarding ways. If you have an interest in seeking help for your pet with a veterinary acupuncturist, they will welcome working with you and your primary care veterinarian. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

Micki McCabe, DVM, DACVIM, FAAVA, is a longtime Clayton resident. The recently retired local veterinarian has an interest in internal and integrative medicine. Email questions to drmccabevet@gmail.com

Self-care businesses thriving in Concord

nutrients it contains.”

She favors berries for their antioxidants, watermelon for its Vitamin C, avocados for C and E vitamins and green tea for the flavonoids. These flavonoids may decrease fine lines and mitigate UV-induced damage.

As for topical products, I side with the ancient Egyptians. I love the moisture-rich feel of natural oils – but not everyone does. Lotions are lovely but consider those without an ingredients list that reads like a material safety data sheet. As with all things you are looking to put in or on your body, products with ingredients that are recognizable without a degree in biochemistry are generally safer and more effective.

Please send comments and question to Nathalie by email to newwavenightingale@gmail.com.

the girls on page, much like Wilder’s stage manager speaks to the audience while characters remain on stage. Lara’s conversations with her daughters about their father, Peter Duke and the Nelson cherry farm are spot-on. How much of Grover’s Corner, N.H., can be found in this Michigan cherry farm?

You will love this community and this complex, enchanting family. Patchett’s “Tom Lake” should have a good run.

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.’

As the hustle and bustle of daily life continues, the residents of Concord are increasingly prioritizing selfcare – as reflected in the city’s booming wellness sector.

From pedicures to private gyms, Concord’s diverse range of services highlights a community embracing the small pleasures of life.

While enjoying a routine pedicure at Queens Nails & Spa on Clayton Road last week, I was struck by the abundance of self-care options available in our city. My monthly ritual of treating myself to a pedicure –sometimes accompanied by family or friends, but often just for me – underscores the growing trend of selfcare among Concordians.

Walking around town, it’s evident that Concord is a hub for personal pampering. The array of barbers, salons, nail salons, massage clinics and even pet grooming services showcases a vibrant market dedicated to enhancing well-being. It’s heartening to see such a variety of choices, accommodating different preferences and budgets, allowing everyone to find a service that suits their needs and provides a bit of indulgence.

Queens Nails & Spa stands out as a prime example of what makes a business

thrive in today’s competitive environment. Over the years, my experiences there have been consistently positive –marked by cleanliness, excellent customer service and great value. This consistency is a key factor in their success. In a world where spending decisions are increasingly scrutinized, businesses that excel in these areas often see greater customer loyalty and satisfaction. In today’s economy, where every dollar counts and choices are abundant, the importance of finding value and appreciation in our expenditures cannot be overstated. Whether it’s choosing between a nice meal out or a well-deserved manicure, we weigh our options carefully. Concord’s thriving selfcare scene offers ample opportunities to invest in ourselves, with businesses that are committed to delivering quality and care. And it’s not just about treating oneself; it’s also about supporting local businesses that contribute to our community’s vibrancy. As you indulge in Concord’s wellness offerings, remember to show kindness to those who serve you and consider spending your dollars locally.

For those interested in exploring more about Concord’s thriving business scene or learning about upcoming trips and events, including our exciting trip to Cuba, visit www.concordchamber.com.

If you haven’t yet treated yourself to a pedicure or another form of self-care, now might be the perfect time to give it a try. It might tickle a bit and make you squirm, but the end result is worth it. Your feet (and your spirit) will thank you.

Contact the chamber in person at 2280 Diamond Blvd. Suite 200, Concord, or call 925-685-1181.

MICKI MCCABE BEING PET SMART

SUNNY SOLOMON BOOKIN’ WITH SUNNY

NATHALIE MONTIJO NEW WAVE NIGHTINGALE

KEVIN CABRAL CHAMBEROF COMMERCE

Fall is a perfect time for new garden installations, because the warm soil creates an excellent environment for plant and tree roots to begin to establish. Consider fall planting when the temperatures trend in the 80s. Then it’s time to install foundation shrubs and trees, rehab browning lawns, compost perennial beds, plant winter veggies and spruce up tired container plantings. It’s a lot to do, but the reward of a beautiful landscape is worth it. Trees are the most popular fall installations. Folks seek

Gear up for fall with new trees, shrubs and veggies

Crape myrtles, Chinese pistache, Japanese maples, Palo Verde and fruitless olive trees, which all thrive in our environment.

Osteospermum has daisyshaped flowers and a mounding, sprawling growth habit. It comes in any color combination imaginable. If you’re craving body and foundation in a border, look to azaleas. They are evergreen, blooming late winter through spring, and one can see their large flowers from a distance.

Foundation shrubs are the bushes that define our landscapes. They support our homes, walkways and fence lines. Nandina, abelia, Westringia, Loropetalum and euonymus are all sturdy, basic choices for our landscapes.

Leucadendron, Acacia Cousin Itt, Grevillea superb and Coastal Gem are unique and interesting selections that will also flourish in our landscapes. Evergreen ornamental grasses to consider installing in fall are any of the lomandra, fescue and carex.

Summer is so rough on our lawns. Even with the best care, summer browning can be an issue. Now is the time to get your lawn back in shape

before winter. Get your turf aeriated and dethatched to make the soil penetrable again. Spread a layer of high-nitrogen soil conditioner throughout the grass to add nutrients naturally. Follow up with a dose of lawn food, and you’ll be on your way to a greener, happier lawn.

Our flowering beds and borders gave it their all this spring and summer, so it’s time for you to give back. Rake away the layer of mulch or bark and spread a couple inches of premium compost beneath the drip line of your perennials. Work the new compost into the soil using a cultivator. Prune away spent flowers and pinch back browning leaves.

While the bark is pulled back, it would be a good time to install some fall and winter blooming perennials.

This summer’s veggie beds were a huge success, in spite of the hot sun. Tomatoes, peppers, Japanese eggplants and spaghetti squash gave us high yields. But as the ripening slows, it becomes time to remove the plants, replenish the soil and install cool-season vegetables. Plant lettuce, spinach, chard and kale if you like leafy greens. Or opt for onions, garlic, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts. Cool-season vegetables are generally successful, and many of the available installations are pretty to look at, too. Container plantings almost always need a fall sprucing. Remove petunias and vinca and replace them with violas, pansies and ornamental cabbage. Remember to freshen the potting soil when you’re tending to your containers, using a potting soil geared to high-production plants.

gluten. The gluten in hard wheat can make it more difficult to digest for some people.

European countries use soft, white wheat, which has significantly lower protein/gluten levels, leading to reduced digestive discomfort for consumers.

intestinal damage as celiac disease does. Celiac disease is debilitating, so see your doctor if you’re unclear about your sensitivity.

To understand why the bread in Europe is easier to digest than bread here, let’s look at the flour used to make it.

In the United States, the most common wheats (60% of the total grown) are varieties considered hard and red, according to an article in “The Cookbook for All.” Red wheats are reddish, which not only changes the color of the flour but adds a slightly bitter aftertaste due to the pigment.

Hard wheats are more robust and able to thrive in harsh winter conditions that would kill a soft wheat. Hard wheat has more protection in the form of a hard protein called gluten.

The United States uses hard wheat because it’s cheaper and the flour lasts longer, but it comes at the expense of our health because it’s higher in

People in ancient civilizations made bread by grinding wheat kernels with stones and producing a lumpy flour that retained more healthy fiber than today’s machines, which smooth out the flour. Ancient grains haven’t been refined like white flour.

Processed foods lack fiber and vitamins. Fiber protects the liver and feeds the gut. Many Europeans swear by the ancient grains that are still around centuries later, with the same genetic code. Examples of ancient grains include farro, sorghum, millet and amaranth.

Quinoa, which originated in South America, is also an ancient grain. Though quinoa is naturally gluten-free, it is often harvested with wheat, barley and rye; cross-contact with these grains may make it unsafe for those with extreme gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Gluten sensitivity, also called non-celiac gluten sensitivity, is not an autoimmune disease, and it does not cause

Quinoa is rich in protein and antioxidants; a diet high in antioxidants has been linked with a decreased risk of heart disease. Try the delicious quinoa, edamame and avocado recipe included here. My next article will look at how to identify and avoid the worst food additives.

QUINOA, EDAMAMEAND AVOCADO SALAD

Makes 4-5 servings

2 c. cooked quinoa (frozen available)

2 c. cherry tomatoes, halved

2 avocados, peeled and cut into small cubes

2 c. arugula or baby

spinach

1 c. edamame or chickpeas

¾ c. red onion, diced small

¼ c. extra-virgin olive oil

¼ c. lemon juice

1 T red wine vinegar

1 tsp. pressed or minced garlic

1 tsp. salt

Ground pepper to taste Optional: 4-6 oz. salmon, shrimp or chicken or 2-3 oz. mozzarella, feta or nuts

Combine all ingredients. Store for up to three days.

Send questions and comments to cindymgershen@gmail.com.

Brilliant hues of autumn radiate from this Japanese maple, nature’s vibrant masterpiece in full bloom. For best

THE ARTS

‘9 to 5’ set to music in Clayton; ‘Blithe Spirit’ takes over Martinez

Lots of talented newcomers are making their way to Clayton to appear in “9 to 5 the Musical,” which runs Oct. 18-27. The cast of 14 includes eight in their first performances with Clayton Theatre Company.

“We have actors from near and far, including Kensington and Oakland as well as Clayton and Pittsburg,” said managing director Roxanne Pardi. “And wait until you hear them sing and watch them act and dance.”

You may have seen the 1980 movie “9 to 5” starring Dolly Parton. That same story was reborn when Parton developed a musical version in 2008. She wrote all the music

and lyrics, with dialogue adapted by Patricia Resnick. The musical was a hit, garnering 15 Drama Desk awards and four Tony nominations. This story of friendship and revenge in the office place follows three women – an overworked office manager, a jilted wife and an objectified secretary. The three have finally had enough from their sexist boss and plot their revenge. They kidnap him and make

major changes at the office while he’s gone. But an unexpected visit from the company CEO threatens to bring their schemes crashing down.

The show performs at Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. Get your tickets early for this rousing musical by calling 925-334-0880 or going to www.claytontheatrecompany.com.

If you’re looking for a witty comedy, you can catch

Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit” until Sept. 22 at the Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St., Martinez.

In this fun spoof from Plotline Theatre Company, socialite and novelist Charles Condomine (Gregory Brown) invites the eccentric Madame Arcati (Melynda Kiring) to his house to conduct a séance as research for his next book. The séance backfires when Arcati brings back Charles’ deceased wife Elvira (Shiv Harris).

Only Charles can see the mischievous spirit, who goes out of her way to disrupt her former husband’s marriage to his new wife Ruth (Paige Whitney). Set designer Diane McRice has outdone herself fashioning the Condomines’ upper-class abode, with myriad objects falling seemingly unaided.

Clad in costume designer Jana McDowell’s late 1930’s fashions, the cast is well directed by Dianne Schepers. Kiring is a hoot as Madame Arcati and Becky Doyle a riot as the hard-drinking doctor’s wife. Bill Dietz, as Dr. Brad-

Artist uses trauma as powerful expression

Dave Matthews’s work is deeply influenced by the female form, the dynamics of relationships, religious faith, his everyday observations of nature and, most profoundly, his experience living with a permanent disability.

In his abstract pieces, Matthews strives for balance and symmetry – often highlighting the inherent beauty of his material, namely wood and stone. His assemblages are rich with narrative, created from found and repurposed objects: furniture, wood, metal, building materials, fabric, dolls and photographs. These assemblages are more than just art; they are reflections of his life and the stories he carries with him. Matthews’ love for old furniture, a hallmark of his assemblage work, traces back to his childhood. His mother’s passion for collecting antiques, coupled with his grandmother’s artistic influence, fostered a deep appreciation for the beauty and history of aged objects. This early exposure has left an indelible mark on his art, which echoes the work of artists like Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, Joseph Cornell, Robert Rauschenberg, Bruce Conner (locally) and the lesser-known assemblage artist H.C. Westerman.

In 2020, Matthews’ life took a dramatic turn when he was involved in a hit-and-run accident with a drunk driver, resulting in the loss of both his legs. This traumatic event could have halted his artistic journey, but instead, it became a source of new inspiration.

For nearly two years, Matthews was unable to access his assemblage supplies, which were housed in his attic. During this period, he focused on creating stone abstracts, drawing from the beauty of the world around him.

Once he regained access to his attic, Matthews returned to his assemblage work with renewed vigor, channeling his experiences into powerful

pieces that explore the realities of living in a disabled body.

“Before my accident, when asked what my favorite piece was, I would say, ‘My next piece’ Now I say, ‘My current piece.’ ”

Since 2016, Matthews has exhibited extensively across Northern California and the Central Valley, earning numerous accolades along the way. His work has been featured in prestigious venues, including the Tracy Art League’s Expressions! Show, where he has received significant recognition. In 2016, the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art selected Matthews as one of five emerging artists of Northern California, dedicating a gallery to his assemblage work. Two years later, he was the featured artist at the Blackhawk Gallery in Danville.

Matthews partnered with fellow artist Greg Adams this year for a highly successful assemblage show at the Grand Theatre in Tracy. This sixweek exhibition showcased more than 40 pieces, including an installation and an artist talk, allowing audiences to delve deeply into Matthews’

artistic vision.

He remains an active member of the Marin Society of Artists in San Rafael and Tracy’s Grand Theatre Center for the Arts Co-Op Gallery, continuing to inspire and provoke thought through his work. He is also currently showing his recent post-accident stonework at Blackhawk Gallery, offering another glimpse into his versatile talent. His next show will be at the Haggin Museum in Stockton, where his work will undoubtedly continue to captivate and inspire.

Matthews’ art is more than a reflection of his creative mind; it is a testament to his resilience, his ability to transform personal hardship into powerful artistic expression and his unyielding commitment to exploring the complexities of the human condition.

As he continues to create and exhibit, his work reminds us all of the profound beauty that can arise from even the most challenging circumstances.

man, is the perfect straight man for his wife, with Savannah Daniels a wonder as the ditsy maid Edith. Brown and Whitney show the necessary angst as the Condomines, while Harris brings the playful Elvira to life.

Meanwhile, Dirty Cello will be at the Campbell at 8 p.m. Oct. 5. If you’ve never heard them, you’re in for a treat.

Performing all over the

world, the group plays Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King, Bill Monroe and a lot more. I’ve heard them go from funky to romantic to sexy in a wild show that sometimes even includes a bit of classical music. For tickets to both shows, go to www.campbelltheater.com.

There’s also time to catch Center Rep’s season opener, “Arsenic and Old Lace.” The crazy comedy about two killer old ladies runs through Sept. 29 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Dr. This gender-bending comedy features Michael Patrick Gaffney and Danny Scheie as the two well-meaning elders. For tickets, call 925-9437469 or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

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

Dave Matthews at his Walnut Creek home, surrounded by his assemblage and stonework, proudly holding his piece “Balance,” made of Italian alabaster on a granite base.

Photo by Brian Vandemark

Katie Guilbeaux, left, Jeffrie Givens, James Bradley Jr., Victoria Gregory and Hillary Rogers are featured in “9 to 5 the Musical,” performing Oct. 18- 27 in Clayton.

Photo by Sara Nicole Mindful Photography

Paige Whitney, Gregory Brown and Shiv Harris star in Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit,” running through Sept. 22 at the Campbell Theater in Martinez.

Photo by Cheshire Dave

The Brewster “sisters,” Michael Patrick Gaffney and Danny Scheie, share a toast in Center Rep’s “Arsenic and Old Lace,” running through Sept. 29 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center.

SALLY HOGARTY STAGE STRUCK

JULIA O’REILLY ARTFUL INSIGHTS

Two years ago, Creative Concord’s first Art Jam in the Park took over Todos Santos Plaza. Artists painted on oversized canvases all weekend, while a DJ spun tunes to keep the vibe right and allow the creativity to blossom.

The two-day event returned last year as Art & Music Jam in the Park, with live music performances from local artists on day two. The live music was so well-received that this year’s event will include live music on both Oct. 5 and 6. The majority of this year’s line-up features bands and artists performing original music, further showcasing the creative spirit that makes this event so unique.

Kicking off this year’s live

Creative Concord’s jam celebrates

music is Vallejo artist Nicholas Hasty, who performs under the name “Soul Glitch.” He’s a oneman band who, through livelooping of synthesizers, drum machines and wind instruments, creates a tapestry of sound he calls “epic soultronica.” A return act from last year’s event, Hasty is thrilled to once again partake in this unique experience.

“As a musical artist, I don’t find this anywhere else,” he says. “It’s an uplifting experience to be in the presence of such incredible visual artists creating and sharing their original pieces of art while I get to share my own original music with this community. These are the moments in time that I live for.”

Saturday’s middle act is Skinny Hendrixx and the Earthtones, an eight-piece band that brings a unique flavor of hiphop reminiscent of the early ’90s era, with jazz and soul elements that attendees are sure to find inviting.

“When we began as a band, it was very important to me that we bridge the gap between hip-

hop and other genres due to the stigmas that surround hip-hop and hip-hop culture,” shares Jesse Ray, aka Skinny Hendrixx, who is elated to be playing Concord’s downtown stage.

“Concord has been like a second home to us,” says the Oakland-based lyricist. “The music scene here is quite remarkable for a city of its size, which I attribute to strong leadership as much as the artists themselves. Being invited to play at a community event like this is incredibly gratifying and a

great proof of concept. We look forward to creating wonderful memories with everyone who attends.”

Saturday’s live music will conclude with local Cumbia artist Chika Di. Along with her band, she’ll perform her vibrant original songs with infectious rhythms that are sure to get attendees moving.

“As a Colombian artist who immigrated to Concord 17 years ago, it means the world to be able to show my project to my very own community,”

expressed Diana Trujillo, aka Chika Di. “It’s a blessing to be able to share my roots and music and to bring the Latin swing and colors to Creative Concord.”

Day 2’s live music begins with a performance by Emily Afton, a singer-songwriter who will be on a mini-tour in support of her album “Circaa,” due out Oct. 24. Afton has a distinct voice, rich with texture, that lends itself well to her style of music, which NPR once appropriately described as “wonderful, wonderful electro-pop that’s weary of life, but positive.”

Afton is excited by the “nowness” that Creative Concord expresses and celebrates.

“I love knowing that this moment of experiencing all of this art together at the same time will only ever happen once. It feels very special to be a part of. So much of being a creator these days is digitized and created for future use, but this experience will ground us in the moment knowing that it will probably never happen again exactly as it is happening now.”

Exciting Art & Music Fest Returns to Concord

The highly anticipated third annual Art & Music Jam is just around the corner, promising a one-of-a-kind experience that sets it apart from other art and music festivals. Set against the backdrop of Todos Santos Plaza, known as the ‘Heart of Concord,’ attendees will have the opportunity to witness contemporary artists in action as they create stunning wall murals, large-scale canvases, and engage in experiential events, all accompanied by live music performances.

The Art & Music Jam, scheduled for Oct. 5 and 6, invites the public to immerse

themselves in the creative process as 16 artists craft original works on 5’x6’ canvases within Todos Santos Plaza. Additionally, the event will showcase the unveiling of five new murals in downtown Concord starting Oct. 1 including a mosaic installation at Salvio Pacheco Square. Spectators can look forward to engaging with artists and witnessing the evolution of these vibrant pieces firsthand. Live music will once again take center stage at the Plaza, featuring two days of specially curated acts by local musicians and bands. Saturday’s lineup will include performances by

Guitars Not Guns graduate students, Soul Glitch, Skinny Hendrixx and the Earthtones, and Latin recording artist Chika Di. On Sunday, Diablo Taiko will kick off the day with a captivating presentation, followed by sets from Emily Afton, The Seshen, and Paper Kayak. Special performances by Solo Opera and modern fingerstyle guitarist Janet Noguera will also grace Salvio Pacheco Square. New to this year’s event are interactive and experiential booths where attendees of all ages can engage with artists and participate in hands-on activities. Sage Loring, Cre-

ative Director and CoFounder of Local Edition Creative and Creative Concord, expressed excitement about bringing together art, music, and creativity in Concord, citing the city’s diverse and vibrant community as the perfect backdrop for the celebration.

The Creative Concord Art and Music Jam in the Park will take place from 12 to 6 p.m. on both days at Todos Santos Plaza in Concord. The event is free, offering the public a unique opportunity to connect with art and music in a dynamic and engaging environment.

Sunday’s middle act is the genre-blending Oakland-based group The Seshen. In an effort to describe their sound, the sixpiece act says their music exists “in the space between waking and dreaming, ego and collective consciousness, at that blurred horizon where earth meets sea meets sky.” Less abstractly put, The Seshen weaves atmospheric soundscapes with hypnotic melodies and assertive rhythms, often culminating in intense crescendos that pull you in.

Local reggae group Paper Kayak will close out the event on Sunday as they did last year, with an irie set of islandy renditions of familiar, positive tunes to dance and sing along to as the event winds down.

Additional live music happening off the main stage include performances by Diablo Taiko, Solo Opera, the local graduating class of Guitar Not Guns and modern fingerstyle guitarist katgrüvs. For a full schedule, visit creativeconcordca.com.

Contact Dave Hughes at MrDaveHughes@gmail.com.

Local Cumbia artist Chika Di and her band will perform at 5 p.m. Oct. 5 as part of Art & Music Jam in the Park.