SEP 18 Concord Pioneer 2018

Re-Elect

Laura

Hoffmeister Experienced Leadership

City Council District 1

IT’S YOUR PAPER

Fall brings new concert series

www.concordpioneer.com

From the desk of...

September 21, 2018

925.672.0500

TAMARA STEINER Concord Pioneer

EDi BiRSAn

MAYOR

The debate on cannabis comes home

On Saturday Sept. 8, I experienced a forum on cannabis. There were expert speakers and presentation on the various aspects of the products including a political panel with the Mayor of Walnut Creek, three candidates for the Concord and Walnut Creek city councils as well as myself, Mayor of Concord.

They presented facts and ideas around all the objections in allowing dispensaries,

See Mayor, page 9

Tamara Steiner/Concord Pioneer

Bay Area party band Pride and Joy headlined the second Vibes at the Veranda fall concert Sept. 12. The series continues every Wednesday through Oct. 24 and includes popular Bay Area bands.

If you think the free concert season ended with the close of the Music and Market series at Todos Santos last week, think again. This fall, the beat goes on with a new eightconcert series at The Veranda in Concord.

The concerts, sponsored by Andeavor Refinery and Visit Concord, are drawing big audiences. The bands were selected for their large local following.

The concerts are held in the fountain plaza area, which includes ample space for dancing. At the Sept. 12 concert, the high-octane soul and funk band Pride and Joy had dancers on their feet from the opening bars.

Veranda General Manager, Ashton Simmons, chose the fall for the free concerts so as

See Concert, page 4

Changes in store for Blue Devils’ 2019 season JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer

Just a month after finishing second at the DCI World Championships in both the World and Open classes, the Concord Blue Devils announced two major changes for the organization as it begins preparations for the 2019 drum corps season.

First, came an announcement with their friendly rivals, Santa Clara Vanguard, that the two powerhouse Bay Area corps, who have won 10 of the last 11 Open Class World Championships, will not be competing at the 2019 Worlds.

Instead, both groups will restrict their B Corps season to California competitions.

Then last week, Blue Devils

CEO Justin Heimbecker announced that he and his wife Kelly are moving back to the East Coast where they have lived most of their lives. Heimbecker joined the Blue Devils in early 2016 from Pennsylvania, replacing long-time CEO Dave Gibbs, who became a senior advisor.

Heimbecker posted on Facebook, “I’ll continue to work and support the BD organization remotely in a variety of ways. I’ll continue most immediately as the Western Bands Association executive director.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work so closely with and learn from David Gibbs over the past several years; it is clear why this organization is the very best in the world, and his leadership for the organization and activity are

unparalleled.”

Blue Devils board president Rosa Lee Harden told the Pioneer last weekend, “We are deeply grateful to Dave for stepping back in [as CEO] to help us while we take some time to sort out the next iteration of leadership for our organization.”

Harden has been board president of the 18-time world champion Blue Devils for three years. Reflecting membership of the world-renowned Blue Devils A Corps, the board includes members from Southern California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina (Harden) and Dubai, besides local members.

The Blue Devils B Corps (comprised mainly of high school age performers) has toured the US and competed at

the World Championships annually since 2006, finishing first or second for the past 11 years.

Prior to 2005, BDB were at the Open Class Worlds five times.

Last week, the local organization announced, “Each year BD Performing Arts evaluates all aspects of our organization in order to meet our standards of excellence and vision. The objectives of the Blue Devils B Corps are to provide a positive member experience, quality student education, a healthy and safe environment, and strong community involvement.

“In order to achieve these objectives, we have decided to travel and compete only in California for the 2019 season.

This is a very difficult decision and we make it with much deliberation and careful

thought.” Santa Clara issued a similar statement the same day.

In 2018, Blue Devils B, including recent Clayton Valley Charter High School grads Steve

Yamada. Tim McGallian is running unopposed in District 5.

In response to questions from the Pioneer, the candidates in the two contested races dig deeper into some of city’s top issues.

position conflicts with the needs of the whole city?

Herman: From talking to voters, housing is a top priority. We need to look at expanding the availability of affordable and workforce housing in Concord. The whole city needs housing solutions, not just District 1. Concord, like the rest of the Bay Area, has fallen behind in addressing housing availability and affordability. I plan to bring

more voices to the table to solve this problem in both the short and long-term.

Hoffmeister: Adding police officers and improving 911 response times, increasing services for victims of domestic violence, maintaining streets and repairing potholes, revitalizing older commercial areas and reducing cutthrough traffic in neighborhoods are top priorities. I have an excellent working relationship with my fellow council members. While I will be a strong advocate for the citizens of District 1, I have and will continue to develop solutions for all of Concord.

Leone: 1. Public safety 2.

Economic development (jobs) 3. Development of the Concord Naval Weapons Station.

4. Bringing a four-year public university to Concord. A city council member should only do what is best for the city as a whole.

Aliano: Top priorities for District 3 are renter protections and parking within the Monument neighborhoods. I

support rent control and just cause eviction and believe that ensuring every renter in Concord is protected from unexpected, extreme rent increases or sudden eviction is needed regardless of where you live in Concord. As a planning commissioner and member of several non-profit boards, I have proven to be a consensus builder and am able to work with colleagues to find solutions to common problems.

Yamada: The top priority is housing. It is a citywide need. Coming to an agreement with a majority of council members will require a combination of good-faith reasoning and political organizing. I have experience with both.

Potter and Ethan Puckett, competed in late July and early August in Ohio, Michigan, Maryland and Iowa in preparation for Worlds in Indiana.

Ryan Cross photo courtesy Blue Devils

Blue Devils B Corps toured this summer performing “The Other Side” program.

Council candidates share positions on city issues PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer

The housing crisis, sales taxes and a vital business community are among the top priorities for most candidates running for the Concord City Council.

District 1 has three candidates, Judith Herman, Laura Hoffmeister and Ron Leone, while District 3 has two: Dominic Aliano and Kenji

Q: What do you see as the top priority in your district and how will you address it? What if other council members feel your

Two council candidates forums planned Concord residents will have a chance to check out who will next run their city at two candidates’ forums planned in the next two weeks.

Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, Candidates’ Forum Monday, Sept. 24 6-8 p.m.

City Council Chambers Concord Civic Center 1950 Parkside, Dr., Concord

Monument Impact District 3 Forum Wednesday, Oct. 10 First Presbyterian Church 1965 Colfax St., Concord

REGISTER NOW. A link to the registration form is posted on The Concord Pioneer Facebook page.

Register in advance. Space is limited.

Q: Some city residents and officials are concerned with urban blight in the city. Are there areas in your district that would be considered blighted? If so, how do you propose dealing with this issue?

Herman: While I don’t see blight in District 1, I see areas in which people have unmet needs. There are some homeless camps and some rental properties that need renewal. Throughout Concord, some retail areas need revitalization and reinvestment. The best way to address unmet needs is to look to the business owners and residents for answers. An ordinance fines commercial properties not adequately maintained.

The fines should be balanced with recognition for properties that are well maintained.

See Candidates, page 6

Inside

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Community . . . . . . . . . . .4 From the desk of . . . . . .9 Hearts and Hands . . . . .2 Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Senior Living . . . . . . . .19 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 The Arts . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Page 2

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

September 21, 2018

Renovation on the menu for restaurant program

FAiTH BARniDGE

HEARTS & HANDS

Photo courtesy of Cindy Gershen

in the MDHS international Hospitality and Tourism AcadMount Diablo High emy, students learn firsthand about the science, math, economics and employment opportunities in the hospiSchool brings remarkable tality industry.

ingredients together to form a banquet of possibilities for the future, especially at Serendipity – the public restaurant, bakery and catering business at the Concord school.

The classroom for all of this learning is the Serendipity kitchen, currently undergoing renovation and due to open next spring. The site will be more visible thanks to a series of building-sized murals facing East Street that tell the story of food from “Farm to Taste,” created by local artist Alex Sodari.

The recipe for success is a collaboration of visionary school administrators, teachers, staff and students inspired by chef Cindy Gershen, owner of Sunrise Bistro in Walnut Creek and the school’s culinary instructor.

Gershen’s vision is: “If you can change the food, you can change everything.” She believes healthy people are more likely to be successful in all their endeavors because what we choose to nourish our bodies also affects our behavior and health.

This positive approach to food empowers Gershen’s

team to bring all their skills to the table at Mount Diablo High School. Students are encouraged to see themselves at the center of the food chain, responsible for selecting, growing, preparing, serving and promoting healthy and sustainable nourishment to their bodies and minds to keep them on the path to success.

Students can participate in all aspects of learning to appreciate the science of growing and cooking food.

They explore the mathematics of creating recipes and menu’s for groups of varying sizes, the economy of food production and distribution, and environmental effects on food production, recycling and waste. Students also train for employment opportunities in the hospitality and service sectors, along with understanding the benefits of collaboration for a common purpose in the wider world.

The hub of Serendipity is the International Hospitality and Tourism Academy, under the administration of Principal Loren Barbosa. The academy partners with Diablo

Valley College, the city of Concord, local businesses in the hospitality industry, the county’s Regional Occupational Program, county foster youth services, the Mt. Diablo school district’s food and nutrition department and the Wellness City Challenge.

also may visit with homebound seniors while their family caregiver takes a few hours to run errands or just relax.

The next trainings will be 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Friday, Sept.

28, at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek or 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, at John Muir Medical Center in Concord. To learn more or apply for training, contact volunteer coordinator Stacy Appel at Stacy.Appel@johnPhoto courtesy Loretta Morrison muirhealth.com or 925-9522999.

Or visit john- The Diablo Valley Literacy Council recently celebrated 40 muirhealth.com/caringhands. years of providing English tutors in Concord and Clayton.

Volunteer Ed Chambers, left, congratulated Chancey HenAutumn at the Adobe: neman and Alice Foster for their many years of service, The Concord Historical Soci- joined by volunteers Kris Torske and Loretta Morrison.

ety’s 8th annual Autumn at the Adobe will be 1-4 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 7, in the Salvio Pacheco Adobe and garden terrace, a beautifully renovated National Historic Place at 1870 Adobe St., Concord.

Local wines, hors d’oeuvres and other refreshments will be served, accompanied by Spanish guitar music. Historians will present a lively discussion of the Adobe, and the Pacheco and Galindo

families.

Tickets are $40 in advance or $45 at the door. Mail your names, number of tickets and a check to Concord Historical Society, PO Box 404, Concord CA 94522 or contact Lloyd Crenna at 415-7227100 or lloydcrenna@comcast.net.

cord Historical Society Dance Party held the second Friday of each month at the Concord Heritage Center.

The next event will be 7-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12, with music from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s at the Betty Martin Barnes Hall,1928 Clayton Road, Concord. Tickets are $10. Visit their website, Dance party: Everyone concordhistorical.org or call has a great time at the Con- 925-827-3380 for details.

Caring Hands and generous hearts: Concord volunteers Bob and Bernadette Van Slambrook and son Damian have enjoyed being matched with local seniors in the Caring Hands Caregivers Program since 2005. They have contributed more than 2,000 hours as one-on-one matches to help aging adults in Contra Costa County remain independent in their own homes as long as safely possible.

Caring Hands helps break the cycle of isolation and despair that may make health problems worse for seniors.

Volunteers are urgently needed time to offer 1-3 hours a week in their own neighborWilliam Clough/Captivating Photos hood providing services such as reading mail, letter-writing Caring Hands volunteers Bernadette Van Slambrook, left, and outings to the store, doc- and her son Damian shared a cup of tea and good cheer tor or pharmacy. Volunteers with care receiver Bette Mayo at a recent event.

Sharing literacy for 40 years: The Diablo Valley Literacy Council offers personal training for people willing to share a few hours a week to help our Concord and Clayton neighbors improve their English language skills.

Adults who want to learn English can request a free one-on-one tutor. In the last 40 years, the group has trained more than 1,300 tutors and taught English to more than 4,000 students from 95 countries around the world.

See Barnidge, page 3

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Concord Market Update ADDRESS

PRICE

3375 Northwood Dr #F . . . . . . . $382,000 3155 Wildwood Dr. . . . . . . . . . . $520,000 4376 Lynn Dr . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,030,000 1124 Discovery Way . . . . . . . . . $748,165 1273 Detroit Ave #D . . . . . . . . . $359,800 3567 Esperanza Dr . . . . . . . . . . $527,000

provided by Better Homes Realty SF BED/BATH DATE

. .1240 . .1072 . .3085 . .1633 . .1089 . .1260

. .3/1.5 .9/12/18 . .3/1.5 .9/12/18 . .4/3 . . .9/12/18 . .3/2 . . .9/11/18 . .3/1.5 .9/11/18 . .3/2 . . .9/10/18

ADDRESS

181 Brandywine Pl. – Clayton

Fantastic Nantucket Model in Peacock Creek at Oakhurst Country Club on a prime level view lot at the end of a cul-de-sac with awe inspiring views of Mt Diablo. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, large den, spacious loft, approx 3820sf with a finished 3 car garage.

Gleaming “Acacia” wood floors, crown moulding, designer paint colors & more. $1,149,000

5689 Lewis Way – Concord

Gorgeous Dana Farms Rancher. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths IS T O V ER L approx 1763sf with an attached 2 car garage.

Updated & Upgraded throughout. Kitchen remodel. Updated baths. Expansive .37 acre private level lot features a beautiful covered outdoor BBQ/expanded living space with ample square footage to entertain or quietly lounge, lush lawn area,and bocci court. $810,000

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8 Malibu Court – Clayton

Charming Single Story Rancher in Regency Woods. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths approx 2010 sf with a 2 car garage plus covered sideyard for Boat/Small Vehicle parking. Updated kitchen, baths, designer paint colors, recessed lighting, crown moulding. Approx .24 acre park like lot on a court with drought resistant landscape & “Heavenly Greens” lawn in backyard. $850,000

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PRICE

1370 Canterbury Dr. . . . . . . . . . $611,000 1774 Thornwood Dr . . . . . . . . . $550,000 1546 Schenone Ct #A. . . . . . . . $430,000 1242 McEwing Ct . . . . . . . . . . . $677,000 2438 Upland Dr . . . . . . . . . . . . . $535,000

SF BED/BATH DATE

. .1191 . .1560 . .1250 . .1568 . .1426

. .4/2 . . . .9/7/18 . .4/2 . . . .9/6/18 . .3/1.5 . .9/5/18 . .4/2 . . . .9/5/18 . .4/2 . . . .9/4/18

September 21, 2018

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Barnidge, from page 2

Volunteer tutors also help residents acclimate into our community, provide verbal support to their children in our public schools and help increase job opportunities.

No teaching experience is required, and English need not be your first language.

The next training workshop will be 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 6 and 13, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4000 Clayton Road, Concord.

Continental brunch is included. Workshop fees are $20, and trainees must attend both sessions. Call 925-685-3881 for more information or register at www.dvlc4esl.org.

Music and Margaritas: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and learn about the great things Monument Impact is doing for our community 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, at the Concord Heritage Center, 1928 Clayton Road. Tickets are $50. Call 925-682-8248 or email info@monumentimpact.org for ticket information, or visit www.monumentimpact.org to purchase tickets online.

Wellness Fair: September marks National Recovery Month, and Support4Recovery and John Muir Behavioral Health will present the free Wellness 4 Recovery Fair 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept.

22, at New Hope Church, 2120 Olivera Court, Concord. The fair will feature informative speakers and multiple recovery, wellness and health-related vendors.

The Support4Recovery organization educates the community on topics of addiction and recovery, hoping to increase community acceptance and support for

people recovering from addiction. If you would like to volunteer, request a booth or learn more, email Amber a t AmberB.Recovery@gmail.co m. For more information, visit Support4Recovery.org.

out the county with the Art in a Suitcase program.

Volunteering at Bedford Gallery is fun and provides an opportunity to make friends, learn about art and help foster the arts in our community. No prior knowledge of art is required. Contact Carmen Kelly at 925295-1416 or Kelly@bedfordgallery.org.

Supporting survivors of domestic violence: STAND! for Families Free of Violence is the Contra Costa agency dedicated to providing support, counseling, emergency shelter and transitional housing for survivors of domestic abuse. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the STAND! Rebuilding Lives Luncheon raising awareness and funds will begin at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at the Concord Hilton, 1970 Diamond Blvd.

Speaker Jennifer Jost will share the story of rebuilding her life after her abusive husband took their children hostage, then killed them and himself. Now a local, successful career woman, remarried with two children, Jost is a role model for women who have survived domestic violence.

Tickets are $100; tables seat 10. Visit www.standffov.org or call 925-676-2845 to purchase tickets for the lunch or for more information on volunteer training.

Author to talk about ‘Stone House’ mystery: Dan Hanel, author of “In The Shadow of Diablo: Mystery of the Great Stone House,” will share his experience and research in writing this book at the Concord Heritage Center at 2 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 23.

Hanel calls it “a contemporary whodunnit that moves between the present and the past, interweaving historical narrative about the murder of 19th century pioneer John Marsh with the adventures of a Brentwood science teacher who sets out to investigate the suicide of one of his students.” The free event includes snacks and books for sale at1928 Clayton Road, Concord.

Friends of the Concord Library: The Concord Library will hold a used book, CD and DVD sale 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 21-22, and 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23, at 2900 Salvio St. The group is also looking for new members.

Email Change Richardson at Art docent training: The friendsoftheconcordliBedford Gallery in the Leshbrary@gmail.com. er Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek will train new Hearts and Hands shares news, docents on Wednesdays, events and opportunities for all of us Sept. 26-Oct. 24. Docents to learn more about our community, learn about art history and have some fun, and combine our effective techniques to proresources and talents to help others. vide tours to school groups Send items to faithbarnidge@piovisiting the gallery. Docents neerpublishers.com. can also volunteer to take art programs to schools through-

Page 3

Wildfires causing summer’s bad air

WOODY WHITLATCH WEATHER WORDS

Smoke generated by the numerous state wildfires resulted in milky gray skies above the Bay Area nearly every day this summer.

Closer to the ground, the increased concentration of tiny air particles associated with the smoke create unhealthy air quality levels.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District

(BAAQMD) issues air quality warnings to residents when it observes or forecasts hazardous conditions. The district uses six subjective categories, or levels of concern, to describe air quality.

They base these categories on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Index (AQI) values. The index was designed more than 50 years ago to standardize the reporting of health issues that arise when pollution levels increase. Over time, the number of pollutants considered in AQI calculations has increased and calculation methodologies have improved.

BAAQMD AQI Index (0-50)

Good No health impacts are expected when air quality is in this range.

(51-100) Moderate Unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.

(101-150)

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit outdoor exertion.

(151-200)

Unhealthy Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion; everyone else, especially children, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

(201-300) Very Unhealthy

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The Lakes — Beautiful home with gated courtyard leading to front entry. Spacious kitchen with granite counters, large island, gas stove, built in oven, microwave and pantry.

Large master bath, walk in closets. tub and shower. 4 bed, 3 bath single story. Private backyard with no rear neighbors, covered patio area.

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San Marco — Spectacular Genoa model, over 4,200 sq. ft. and elegantly appointed. Chefs kitchen with gas stove, granite slab counters, and island. 5 bedrooms + office and bonus room. 4.5 baths, including a bed and 1.5 baths on first floor. Backyard that backs to open space & 3 car garage.

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Bridge Towne — Great opportunity for a gorgeous retirement home. Premium lot with access to canal in private setting. 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home including a master suite with walk in closet. Spacious kitchen with breakfast nook and large island. Inviting patio with breathtaking sunsets.

Carol vanVaerenbergh, (925) 683-2568

Cal BRE#01329100

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Dana Farms — Situated on a quiet court, this gorgeous home offers 3 spacious beds, 2 full baths, a family room with fireplace, and living room with beautiful hardwood floors. The property features an updated kitchen w/ granite counters, stainless steel appliances, double oven & a skylight. An entertainers backyard including a pool, spa and RV parking.

$619,980

Dana Ridge — Gorgeous remodeled single-story Duet attached only at garage wall. Lots of upgrades: Bamboo floors, crown molding, ceiling fans, gas fireplace, Granite kitchen w/gas range, and slider to courtyard patio. Approx. 1442 sq.ft. including 3 bedrooms & 2 remodeled baths.

Heather Gray (925) 765-3822

The current AQI list of five potentially dangerous air pollutants includes four chemical components: ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). These chemical pollutants are largely the result of tailpipe and smokestack emissions.

The fifth pollutant is fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5).

That is about 3 percent of the width of a human hair and can only be measured by an electron microscope. Fine particles comes from various sources, including wildfires and residential wood burning.

Due to their minute size, PM2.5 particles are able to penetrate deep into the lungs. Medical studies indicate that exposure to fine particles can trigger or worsen chronic diseases such as asthma and bronchitis.

The AQI scale ranges from 0 to 500. Measured and forecast values of each pollutant are weighted so that the federal standard for each is assigned a value of 100. Air quality alerts are issued when any one pollutant is forecast to exceed 100. AQI values seldom exceed 200 in our area, so the local index ranges from 0 to 300.

Based on the AQI scale, BAAQMD level of health concerns are: Good. 0-50. No health impacts are expected when air quality is in this range.

Moderate. 51-100. Unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG). 101-150. Active

$510,000

Easy Freeway Access — This beautiful home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, a living room with wood-burning fireplace and has been recently updated throughout. The light and bright eat-in kitchen features new cabinets, granite counter tops, laminate flooring, and stainless steel appliances.

This home is complete with new flooring throughout and a new furnace.

Concord

$439,000

Oak Glen — Charming townhome in desirable complex. Light and bright living room, eat-in kitchen with breakfast bar and indoor laundry room. 3 spacious bedrooms with beautiful laminate flooring, central heat and air, and a two car garage.

Approx 1,468 square foot unit complete with private patio for entertaining.

Clayton

$550,000

Dana Ridge — Handyman special! This pricedto-sell duplex boasts 1,310 square feet including 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Attached 2-car garage and deck. Desirable neighborhood with greenbelt, views of Mt Diablo and easy access to walking trails. This one wont last.

Assisting More Buyers & Sellers than Anyone Else* Lynne offers free staging on ALL LISTINGS

*Statistics based on Clayton/Concord and Contra Costa County Closed sales by volume (1/2014-12/31/2014). Data by Maxebrdi

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COMMUNITY

Page 4

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

September 21, 2018

Murugan Festival a feast for the eyes and more

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Concord’s second annual Murugan Festival, held Sept. 1 and 2, was a well-organized event and drew people from as far away as Sacramento and San Jose. The Indian style carnival had many and varied booths, ethnic fashion boutiques offering imported clothing and accessories, henna painting, Ganesha idol painting, organic food stalls, realtors, mortgage brokers and lenders, educational services and mathnasium classes and games. But what was most popular were the street food vendors offering Sri Lankan, Malaysian, North Indian and South Indian food and flavored drinks to cool you down during the hot summer day.

The photo opportunities drew crowds eager to post their pictures on social media.

The horse rides were fun, not only for the kids, but also for local officers from the Concord Police Department. The fancy dress competition on Sunday drew more than 65 families eager to showcase their talented kids.

There were music and dance performances that drew their inspiration from the Indian sub-continent all weekend

From left to right: Chetan Hayer, Mayor Edi Birsan, Assemblyman Ash Kalra, Contra Costa County EOC Chair Ajit Kaushal, Councilman Ron Leone, Vice Mayor Carlyn Obringer, Sharad Lal and Meena Annamalai of Shiva Murugan Temple.

long, and a concert offered by popular Bay Area Indo American artists on Saturday evening.

The crowd of visitors were happy and thrilled when Mayor Edi Birsan, Vice Mayor Carlyn Obringer, Councilmember Ron Leone, and California State Assembly members Tim Grayson and Ash Kalra addressed them and took pictures later. The organizers of the festival were very happy with the success of the festival and look forward to hosting it every year.

“I enjoyed participating in

the recent festival held at Shiva Murugan Temple on Second Street in Concord—the oldest Hindu Temple in North America,” Obringer later posted on her Facebook page. “When I served as chair of the City of Concord, California Planning Commission, we unanimously approved the construction of a new temple that will be built by artisan craftspeople from India. I look forward to the temple groundbreaking event, which will hopefully take place in the near future.”

Race for the Blue Star Moms on Veterans Day

Starters in the 2017 Concord 5000 Run/Walk. This year’s Veterans Day event benefits the Blue Star Moms.

Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union will host its second annual Concord 5000 Run/Walk on Sunday, Nov. 11. The race will take place in and around Newhall Park in Concord. The proceeds benefit the Blue Star Moms of Contra Costa County.

The Blue Star Moms send care packages to American troops stationed far from home.

Contra Costa Blue Star Moms, California Chapter 20, is a nonpartisan, non-political, non-discriminatory organization. Its mission is to provide

Concert, from page 1 not to compete with the Todos Santos series.

“Everyone does a summer series. We wanted something different.”

The “something different’ includes a five-minute spot at the beginning of each concert for a local non-profit to address the audience.

The non-profits are select-

ed by Andeavor Refinery from their recent grantees, said Nichol Carranza, Lead Government and Public Affairs Specialist. “The first week, EMC Seafood donated proceeds from their wine sales to Monument Impact,” she said.

The series, which opened Sept. 5, will continue every Wednesday through October.

support for members of the United States Armed Forces and its veterans. Its motto is, “We strive to honor our troops, our veterans and our fallen heroes in our words and in our deeds. Reach the organization at www.ccbluestarmoms.org Chartered in 1961, DVFCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative. Anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in central Contra Costa County is eligible to open an account. Contact DVFCU at the website www.diablovalleyfcu.org.

The race website is www.concord5000.com. Registration is $30 until Oct. 31, then $35 until Nov. 10. If not already sold out, the cost to register on race morning is $40.

The free concerts start at 6 p.m. and there is plenty of free parking.

Coming up

Sept. 28, Caravanserai, Santana tribute band Oct. 3, the Funky Latin orchestra Oct. 10, Diablo Road Oct. 17, David Martin’s House Party Oct. 24, Foreverland, tribute to Michael Jackson

September 21, 2018

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Page 5

Tree champion Chris Llata receives prestigious Helix Award

Known to colleagues as Concord’s “Tree Champion,” Chris Llata was honored recently with the Daniel C. Helix Award of Excellence.

A senior maintenance team leader in the city’s Parks Maintenance Division, Llata has worked for the City of Concord for more than 20 years.

He was nominated for this award by his peers for his leadership, hard work and dedication.

“Chris has been an integral part of growing the city’s urban forest,” said Director of Public Works Justin Ezell.

“The city has been given the prestigious Tree City USA designation for 37 years in a row, and many of those years have been under Chris’ leadership.”

Llata recently transitioned into a new role with Parks Maintenance, which will allow him to provide the same level of high care for Concord’s parks as he did for

We specialize in education to improve and maintain your wellness From left: Justin Ezell, director of Public Works; Chris Llata and Mayor Edi Birsan.

the city’s trees.

The Daniel C. Helix Award of Excellence is presented quarterly to a Public Works Department employee who stands out among their peers by showing initiative and creativity, by providing excellent customer service to city departments and the commu-

nity, or by demonstrating leadership. The Helix Award is named for former Concord City Councilmember Dan Helix, who served on the council for 14 years between 1968 and 2016.

For more information, contact Public Works Director Justin Ezell at 925-671-3231.

BART to the Concord station and walk four blocks to the event.

The beer tent will be the meeting point for craft brew fans with German-style lagers from 20 breweries near and far.

Presented by The Brewing Network, Visit Concord, and the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, Concord Oktoberfest will take place over two gatherings, one from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 12t and one from noon to 6 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 13.

The event is free but if you want to enter the beer garden, you must be 21 and over.

Admission tickets for the beer garden are available for purchase at www.ConcordOktoberfest.com: $25 gets you a commemorative glass and two half-litre pours. Additional drink tickets will be available for purchase.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Bike Concord. For more information, please visit ConcordOktoberfest.com.

Todos Santos Plaza turns German on Oct. 12 and 13 For one weekend in October, Concord’s Todos Santos Plaza will turn into a miniMunich, hosting an authentic German Oktoberfest with a beer tent, live music, singing and dancing, strongman contests, food truck fare, a kid’s area, and more.

This is a free, familyfriendly, community event with food, drink, and activities available for purchase. Limited free parking is available throughout Downtown Concord, or patrons can take

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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Sponsored Content

Dr. Christine Chung

Mrs. E is a 75-year-old woman who had been treated with Mohs microsurgery for skin cancer on her nose many years ago but is looking for another option after a new diagnosis.

She recently developed a pink bump on her foot, and a biopsy showed basal cell carci-

Looking at skin cancer treatment options noma (BCC) on the skin of her foot. She told me: “I hated going under the knife for my other skin cancer. Is there another option?”

BCC of the skin is one of the most common malignancies diagnosed in the United States each year. It occurs most frequently on sun-exposed skin in fair-skinned individuals, though it also may develop in people with darker skin.

BCC of the skin is associated with exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun (UVA and UVB) and the use of tanning beds. Patients who have undergone organ transplantation and require chronic immunosuppression are also at greater

Candidates, from page 1

Hoffmeister: Yes, there are older strip malls and commercial areas that need improvement. I have supported additional code enforcement officers to develop outreach and enforcement and to identify leasing opportunities in dilapidated areas. We need to do more to attract retail businesses and small businesses to these areas. I would develop specific plans, so an updated vision can be established to achieve economic rehabilitation and leasing opportunities.

Leone: Yes, there are issues of blight in our city. We have been looking for ways to combat this. The best way to resolve these are through economic development. We need to continue to make our city more business friendly.

Aliano: Concord is currently working on a retail revitalization program and none of the retail centers in District 3 were initially targeted as blighted. There were two retail centers targeted in District 4 that are right on the border of District 3, and those retails centers were 1500 Monument Blvd.

and 2060 Monument Blvd.

The city is still currently discussing this matter, and some of their targeted retail centers might change. I do believe that the city needs to provide incentives for property owners to update their properties, yet at the same time needs to be prepared to penalize property owners if they decide not to work with us.

Yamada: The best approaches to the types of blight found in the Monument are community-oriented and non-punitive. The neighborhood cleanup events in which I have participated have been productive and fun, and I would love to organize more of these.

Q: What are the best methods for attracting new businesses to Concord?

Herman: Businesses will come to Concord with an educated and prepared workforce.

Also, we need to have adequate infrastructure, a tax structure that is in line with other cities in Contra Costa County and purposeful development for a sustainable customer base.

risk of developing skin cancer.

This type of cancer can take many forms, including flat red spots, painless bumps or scaly patches on the skin. A doctor may biopsy the skin to confirm the diagnosis of cancer.

More than 90 percent of skin BCC cases are cured with local therapy alone, such as surgical excision with Mohs microsurgery. An advantage of Mohs microsurgery is that the surgeon can look at the cells as they are being removed to ensure that all of the cancer has been fully excised.

Low-risk BCC may also be treated with electrodessication and curettage, or a topical cream such as Aldara. Some

patients may need radiation after surgical excision if the cancer cells have aggressive features, such as invasion into the local nerves, or if the cancer could not be fully excised.

Radiation therapy alone is another non-invasive way to treat skin cancers. High-energy X-rays can be directed at the tumor to kill the cancer cells.

Using radiation to treat skin cancer is a reasonable option for patients who cannot tolerate surgery or those who have problems with wound healing after surgery. It is also used for skin cancer in sensitive regions where surgery could be potentially disfiguring, such as at the tip of the nose or the ears.

With radiation therapy alone, the cure rate for early stage skin cancer is more than 95 percent.

It can be delivered in several different ways, including superficial electron radiation or electronic brachytherapy.

With the XOFT system, electronic brachytherapy uses a miniaturized X-ray source to deliver radiation to the skin cancer. Patients receive treatment twice a week for four weeks, and each treatment lasts about five minutes.

A study in the Journal of Contemporary Brachytherapy in 2017 showed equivalent outcomes between electronic brachytherapy and Mohs

microsurgery for patients with non-melanoma skin cancer.

Side effects can include skin irritation and redness, hair loss in the treatment area, and blistering and peeling of the skin. The treatment is not ideal for all skin cancers but may be a convenient option for some patients.

Hoffmeister: Direct outreach to businesses looking to relocate is the most effective method. As your council member, I’m proud of the work we’ve done to attract new businesses and local jobs. I’m on the board and executive committee of the East Bay Economic Development Alliance, which connects new business to the area.

Leone: We have created a more robust economic development department. We have advertised, attended business fairs and worked with current businesses in our city. Plus, we are making our city a more business friendly environment through improving our permitting process, with less red tape.

Aliano: The best method is having a City Council and an economic development team that is out there continually working to market our city to work with potential new businesses. At the same time, it is important for our tourism district, Visit Concord, to continue promoting Concord as a great destination for people to visit and live.

Yamada: I would rather focus not only on attracting businesses to Concord but also on facilitating new business ventures by Concord residents, rooted here. Supporting low-cost business locations like co-working spaces is one way. Reducing unnecessary code and permitting obstacles to new businesses is another.

whole city on the maintained needs and plans.

Hoffmeister: Any such consideration must be done in consultation with the community, and the issue must be put to the voters. Funds are needed for additional road repairs and improvements. The funds should be prioritized to the needs of the public infrastructure, such as road and traffic improvements.

Leone: I did not support another half-cent sales tax on Aug. 7. We are just coming out of a recession; sales taxes are increasing and unemployment in the city is down to 2.8 percent. The city currently has $33 million in reserve. We should look to trim our budget before asking the taxpayers for a permanent increase.

Aliano: I do support a half-cent sales tax to improve our infrastructure, yet I do not support a half-cent sales tax to directly fund unfunded liabilities. I would support a halfcent sales tax to support public safety. It is expensive to repair roads and to retain and attract police officers. The half-cent sales tax will allow Concord to keep our streets in good condition and our neighborhoods safe.

Yamada: Yes. I have closely followed the city’s efforts to cut costs, including the Budget Stabilization Workshop on Feb 24. I am convinced there is no way to fulfill contractual obligations, and maintain services that residents expect, without more revenue.

and the overall planning of the Concord Naval Weapons Station has been an inclusive and transparent process, with much input from community members. As we move forward, the council and the master developer must continue to engage the public to address concerns and ensure decisions are transparent.

Yamada: Lennar has given reason for wariness in its past dealings with Mare Island, as well as its repeated walk-backs of assurances given in various stages of the CNWS Land Use Plan. I am open to removing Lennar and seeking a new master developer but not yet convinced.

Q: It’s estimated that 10,000-15,000 adults use pot in Concord on a monthly basis. Do you support a dispensary for adult recreational use? What about a medical marijuana dispensary? If so, where should it/they be located?

Herman: I favor providing adults in Concord with the opportunity to purchase a legal product here in Concord.

However, I believe it needs to be supported by the community. Concord residents did vote to legalize adult use cannabis; I have found they would favor regulated and responsible dispensaries. I would want to hear more from them directly on cannabis dispensaries and appropriate placement of them.

Hoffmeister: I supported the city establishing medical delivery services. There may be places for medical cannabis dispensaries that are not near residents, schools or other sensitive uses. I am less supportive of recreational cannabis at this time as more discussion is needed, and I would want input from residents in my district.

Leone: The council has already voted to allow deliveries and medicinal cannabis manufacturing. A medical cannabis dispensary will more likely be supported by the council than a recreational dispensary. As far as a location, I will weigh heavily upon the recommendation of our police chief.

Aliano: I support a dispensary for medical use, because I do believe that cannabis can be used as medicine. I am more cautious when it comes the recreational cannabis. I have experience working with alcohol and drug addicts on achieving a successful recovery, and every addict that I have worked with has informed me that cannabis was one of the first drugs that they started using. Also, I do not want the city to absorb the cost of implementing recreational cannabis. There would need to be an approved tax measure for the city to collect revenue from cannabis before we approve anything.

Yamada: Cannabis dispensaries should be regulated similarly to businesses that sell alcohol and tobacco, with similar restrictions on their location and operations. Beyond these restrictions, the free market should determine how many and in what areas of town.

Q: Do you support an additional half-cent sales tax to help improve infrastructure and unfunded liabilities in the city?

Herman: I support putting the question before the voters. While we need to be careful not to price the city out of the market, another half-cent sales tax would give the city the additional funds to address the traffic and road maintenance problems that many District 1 voters have concerns about. Since we lost the opportunity to place the tax on November ballot, we need to look at it for 2020.

The effort needs to include extensive outreach to the

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Q: There are some who feel that the city should remove Lennar-5Point as master developer of Phase 1 of the Concord Naval Weapons Station. Why do you think they think that way and do you agree?

Herman: Before we move ahead with any developer, my voters are concerned about the environmental impact.

Local developers have filed suit against the Navy for failing to adequately address the site cleanup before turning over the facility to the city and Lennar. My district wants the cleanup process to be transparent and provide for a safe environment.

Hoffmeister: Most all public input received has been positive in nature, with only a few naysayers. The decision has been and continues to be supported by neighborhoods, environmental groups, businesses and labor organizations. The city controls the planning process, which will remain transparent, and will result in a world class project.

Leone: Because Lennar-5 Point is a large corporation, they are an easy target. If the city were to break their agreement with Lennar-5 Point after they have already spent millions of dollars, it will face a large financial obligation and be sued. What we need to do instead is work with Lennar-5 Point to make the base project world class.

Aliano: The process for choosing the master developer

Q: How do you think your district/the city should address the housing crisis? Do you favor rent control and why?

Herman: I favor rent stabilization that addresses the needs of tenants to have a dependable rent and landlords to maintain their property and allow these property owners a reasonable return. The housing crisis requires a creative solution from increasing both market rate and affordable housing, with an eye toward preventing homelessness.

Hoffmeister: Affordable housing is a local, state and nationwide problem. I support infill housing near BART to help with this shortage. I supported the new Rent Stabilization Board that addresses excessive rent increases. Rent control won’t encourage new housing and isn’t the ultimate solution to our housing crisis.

Cities that have rent control still have high rents and supply issues.

Leone: Rent control actually increases rents in the city.

Every Bay Area city that has rent control has higher rents.

The newer renters in an apartment complex must subsidize the renters who have been there longer by paying higher rents. The real answer is to build more housing to lessen the demand on the housing crisis. I took the lead in the city to create a Renter’s Mediation Board, which is a non-binding way to address excessive rent increases.

Aliano: The majority of District 3 is built out, but the rest of Concord has some vacant parcels for potential homes and the Concord Naval Weapons Station. The city needs to continue to build homes and do so by having a healthy mix of affordable and market-rate housing. The Concord Planning Commission has done a good job of approving entitlements for homes to be built, and we have approved a mix of single-family homes and multifamily housing.

Yamada: We need to build more housing and stabilize rents in the meantime. I favor rent control because new housing stock takes years or even decades to bring down prices, and Concord residents who rent can’t wait that long.

Chung is a board certified radiation oncologist with Diablo Valley Oncology & Hematology Medical Group in Pleasant Hill. She has a special interest in treating skin and breast cancer. Chung sees patients in Pleasant Hill and Berkeley. For more information, call 925-677-5041.

CORRECTION

In the Aug. 24 issue of the Concord Pioneer, we misstated the manner in which Tim McGallian was selected to the Concord City Council. McGallian was appointed to fill out Tim Grayson’s term when Grayson was elected to the State Assembly. Dan Helix did not resign, but finished out his term. We apologize for this error.

September 21, 2018

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Letter to the Editor

P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517

TAMARA AND R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers TAMARA S TEINER , Editor P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design B EV B RITTON , Copy Editor J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports Editor PAMELA W IESENDANGER , Administration, Calendar Editor S TAFF W RITERS : Pamela Wiesendanger, Jay Bedecarré, Bev Britton

C ORRESPONDENTS : Kara Navolio, John T. Miller

PIONEER INFO CONTACT US

Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580

Tamara Steiner editor@concordpioneer.com Send Ads to ads@concordpioneer.com Send Sports News to sports@concordpioneer.com Send School, Club and Calendar Items to

newsandcalendar@concordpioneer.com

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

LET US KNOW Weddings, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events.

We ask only that the announcement be for a resident in our home delivery area. Submit on our website and be sure to attach a JPG photo that is at least 3 MB. Also on the website are forms for calendar items, events & press releases.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Both Pioneer newspapers welcome letters from our readers.

Doug Van Wyck

CLU ChFC, Agent Insurance Lic. # 0586396

6200 Center St. Ste. A Clayton, CA 94517

925-672-2300

www.dougvanwyck.com

As a general rule, letters should be 175 words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion.

Please include name, address and daytime telephone number.

We will not print anonymous letters. E-mail your letter to editor@concordpioneer.com.

Letters must be submitted via E-mail.

CIRCULATION The Concord Pioneer is delivered monthly to 30,000 homes and businesses in 94518, 94519 and 94521. Papers are delivered by carriers for ABC Direct around the last Friday of the month. To stop delivery for any reason, call the office at (925) 672-0500 .

If you are NOT receiving the Pioneer, please check the distribution map on the website. If you live in the shaded area and are not receiving the paper, please let us know. If you are not in the shaded area, please be patient.

We will come to your neighborhood soon.

The Clayton Pioneer is delivered by US Mail to 5,500 homes and businesses in 94517 around the second Friday of the month.

SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe to either the Clayton Pioneer or the Concord Pioneer, call the office at (925) 672-0500. Subscriptions are $35/year for each paper, $60/year for both.

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Schools under-equipped

I am responding to MDUSD Superintendent, Dr. Nellie Meyers’ article titled “Imagination Remains Integral to Education” in the Aug. 24 Pioneer.

Yes, imagination does remain integral to education at MDUSD because that is all the students have. You talk of students using 3-D printers to create musical instruments. I would love to know how many schools in the district own those 3-D printers.

You have seen awesome mazes containing recycled items. What kind of supplies

do these children actually have access to?

Where are these noteworthy STEM labs? Wren Ave is the new Visual and Performing Arts school. They have an outdated computer lab, and their roaming art teacher was cut. It’s no wonder it’s a struggle to get my kids to school every morning. The district is too large and overwhelmed to make such an impact. You really do have to use your imagination if your kids attend schools in the MDUSD district, Pretend you’re in a different district!

Stephanie Brophy

Committee to seek college or university for base reuse plan

The Concord City Council has launched a Campus District Visioning Project to evaluate development options for 120 acres that will be set aside at the former Concord Naval Weapons Station as part of the Base Reuse Project. Consistent with the 2012 Area Plan, this land is intended to support a campus “capable of accommodating a variety of education, research and cultural uses such as a university or research and development center.”

To assist with determining how best to leverage the campus district for the benefit of not only Concord, but the region as a whole, the council appointed 14 members to a Blue Ribbon Committee.

These members represent a broad cross section of regional expertise in the areas of education, workforce development, campus operations, economic development and major industries in the Bay Area.

“This committee will play a critical role in evaluating campus trends in higher public education, research and development parks, and innovation

districts as well as funding and financing mechanisms,” said Vice Mayor Obringer, who has been an outspoken advocate of including an institution of higher learning on the Base.

“The city is fortunate to have so many experienced thought leaders who are willing to volunteer their time to this effort and who are committed to bringing a much needed campus for higher learning to our community.”

The committee will issue a final report for council consideration that will include a statement of guiding principles and programmatic priorities for the campus district, outline potential investors and financing, and map out next steps to achieve the vision contained within the report.

The committee will meet monthly through April 2019.

All meetings are open to the public and will be facilitated in a workshop setting. For more information or a meeting schedule, please contact Assistant City Manager Kathleen Trepa at Kathleen.Trepa@cityofconcord.org.

Concord Police Dept. warrant sweep coming Some think if they just don’t show up for a court hearing, the police won’t have the manpower to come find them.

If your violation is a DUI, don’t count on it. Concord Police Department Officers with dozens of outstanding arrest warrants will be fanning out into neighborhoods in search of high risk DUI offenders. Officers will be serving warrants and arresting those who either failed to show up for a court date or violated terms of their probation in an outstanding DUI case.

“The best bet for anyone with a missed DUI court date is to go to court on their own now,” said Sgt. Robert Garcia.

“If you don’t, that warrant isn’t going away. We’re going to come find you and take you to jail.”

Those caught often face additional jail time for failing to

appear in court or for violating probation. When family, friends and co-workers find out, violators can also face personal embarrassment as they are lead away in handcuffs, as well as missing work while sitting in jail.

Special DUI Warrant Service Operations along with regularly scheduled ‘High Visibility’ DUI enforcement has a deterrent effect on those who disregard driving safety and abuse alcohol and drugs. Concord PD places a high priority on lowering deaths and injury with the goal of removing impaired drivers and heightening awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Funding for the operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Report Drunk Drivers; Call 9-1-1!

Obituary or Memoriam

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Example: A 350 word obituary with a photo is $385 ($200 basic plus $135 for 150 words extra and $50 for photo.

Send text and photo to

editor@concordpioneer.com Or call (925) 672-0500

Page 7

Directory of Advertisers All phone numbers 925 area code unless otherwise noted

Business Services/Employment O.C. Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(916) 215-9309 Rising Moon Marketing & Public Relations . . . .672-8717

Construction and Trades Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700 Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .822-5144 Gary’s Home Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .787-2500 J.A. Ronco Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .872-3049 Straight Line Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .335-9801

Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 Clayton Theatre Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.claytontheatrecompany.com

Election Grayson, Tim . . . . . . . . . .www.graysonforassembly.com Hoffmeister, Laura . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Events Dark Side of the Moon Night . . . .www.cityofconcord.org Oktoberfest - CBCA . . . . . .www.claytonoktoberfest.com Pacific Coast Farmers Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . .949-3276 Financial, Insurance and Legal Services Chee, David – High Tech Lending . . . . . .(800) 967-3575 O’Sullivan & Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .691-6520 Travis Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 877-8328 Van Wyck, Doug – State Farm Insurance . . . . .672-2300 Funerals Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242

Health and Wellness Harvest House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-2305

Home and Garden Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Interiors Panache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7920 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 Skim ‘n’ Dip – Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .348-5609 Waraner Bros. Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .831-2323 Waraner Tree Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-0334

Mailing Services The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Real Estate and Mortgage Services Bennett, Nancy – Keller Williams . . . . . . . . . . .606-8400 Clayton Fair Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-0324 French, Lynne – Windermere Real Estate . . . .672-8787 Germain, Julie – Rossmoor Realty . . . . . . . . . .849-2884 Lopez, Stephanie – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . .305-9099 Mazzei, Matt – Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757 Pacific Gateway Properties – Kevin Sakimoto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(408) 278-7700 Stojanovich, Jennifer – Better Homes Realty . .567-6170 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . .672-4433 Senior Services Carlton Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 227-5866 Diamond Terrace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-5100 ResCare HomeCare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-5577

Services, Other Altum Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .482-6030 ComputersUSA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.mtdiabloresourcerecovery.com Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029

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Weather, from page 3

children and adults, and people with respiratory disease such as asthma, should limit outdoor exertion.

Unhealthy. 151-200. Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease such as asthma, should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion. Everyone else, especially children, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

Very Unhealthy. 201-300.

For air pollution reporting purposes, the air district divides the Bay Area into five geographic zones. The Concord/Clayton area is in the Eastern Zone, which includes most of Central Contra Costa County.

Ozone and fine particulates are the pollutants of greatest concern in the Bay Area. Typically, summer air alerts are caused by high ozone concentrations during stagnant air condi-

tions. During wildfires, PM2.5 concentrations can trigger adverse health alerts.

BAAQMD posts five-day AQI forecasts for all zones at www.baaqmd.gov/researchand-data/forecasting-and-dataanalysis. Residents can also find links to hourly AQI values for ozone and PM2.5 at the district’s Concord air monitoring station.

In non-technical terms, it’s been a yucky summer for air quality. Ozone is usually the culprit for poor air quality during our warmest months. This summer, it’s the fine particulate matter associated with wildfire smoke that has triggered unhealthy AQI episodes.

Woody Whitlatch is a meteorologist retired from PG&E. Email your questions or comments to clayton_909@yahoo.com

Page 8

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

SCHOOLS B U S I N E S S

Social media can be hazardous to your health

RAynA STAnziAnO

TEENSPEAK

The hashtag #chschooseskindness initiated a lesson in morality as the first day of my senior year swept across campus. Genuine compassion would be the major focus over the next nine months.

Several activities are aimed to instill this value, including writing friendly notes to put on lockers as well as engaging in discussions about the domino effect of altruism. An underlying element of the refresher on empathy was bullying, not just of others but also of oneself.

The ease with which social media can accomplish both types of harassment is why I maintain an adverse attitude towards it. I resigned to downloading Snapchat and Instagram nearly a year ago, and the experiences I have gathered since fuels my belief that the cons accompanied by these recreational apps are far more prevalent than the pros.

After first noticing the possibility that social media is not all it’s cracked up to be, downsides became increasingly apparent. I unexpectedly learned that several negative impacts on health can occur with the frequent use of these frivolous virtual words during a doctor’s appointment this summer.

At my annual physical I discovered that I had an unusually high blood pressure; consequently, I was referred to a specialist. My visit to a pediatric nephrologist confirmed that I needed to have my blood pressure tracked at home for 24 hours, in order to ensure that my kidneys were functioning properly.

The doctor, an evidently

insightful woman, discussed with me why other young adult patientswho needed the test done had experienced high blood pressure. She explained that using social media, whether it be to check comments on photos, send messages to friends or view the activities of others, causes multiple harmful physical responses, one of which is an increased heart rate. Likewise, the fast-paced network is reducing average attention span. I listened intently as she told me, “The goldfish is laughing at us.”

People my age are forming a reliance on this virtual reward system. Regardless of the health consequences, we crave the gratification of seeing the number of “likes” increase or reading the comments that tell us someone we hardly know appreciates us.

Fortunately, my blood pressure screening was deemed normal. Yet, whenever I feel the urge to open an app that carries its own intangible world, I can’t help but question whether doing so would demonstrate kindness to myself. As I try to break my own detrimental habit, I am forming a clear vision of who my true friends are. Social media cheapens the meaning of friendship. It occurred to me that the people in my life whom I identify as important are those I see almost every day. I’m sure there are many advocates for the idea that social media creates connections that couldn’t exist otherwise. As much as they might be right, I can’t agree that this type of communication produces strong bonds. The intrigue of having hundreds of virtual friends is hollow, and merely creates fragile interactions that distract from demonstrating kindness in all facets of the tangible world.

Rayna Stanziano is a senior at Concord High and editor-in-chief of the school yearbook. She is a varsity athlete on the cross country, track and field and swim teams. Send comments to editor@concordpioneer.com

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September 21, 2018

New businesses from doughnuts to high fashion

MARiLyn FOWLER

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce celebrates new members and welcomes them to our community. Here are a few new businesses that joined the Concord business community in the past month.

Signal 88 Security is a veteran-owned new franchise serving Contra Costa County.

They provide a full spectrum of patrol and static security services and cater to businesses, apartment complexes, construction sites and homeowner associations. Owners Roger Estrada and Ramiro Rodriguez are proud to be serving their local community.

Along with their families, they celebrated with a ribbon cutting at the chamber office.

You can reach them at 925494-9000.

Cantrell’s Computer Sales & Service recently moved from Pleasant Hill to a Concord location next door to the chamber office. Cantrell’s provides IT services for busi-

More than 30 city officials, Chamber members and community members turned out for the opening and ribbon cutting for Dunkin’s new concept store Aug. 28.

nesses and individuals and also sells new and refurbished computers. They help with data security and backup, upgrading computing equipment and improving your system’s performance. They are now at 2280 Diamond Blvd, Suite 150, Concord. Contact owner Wade Cantrell at 925827-1200.

Macy’s recently opened Macy’s Backstage, a fashion-forward addition to Macy’s at Sunvalley Shopping Center. Macy’s Backstage is targeted toward savvy shop-

pers who are also on the hunt for a good bargain. Visit Macy’s Backstage at the Macy’s home store at Sunvalley for your next fashion deal.

Dunkin’ is a next-generation concept store on Clayton Road featuring specialty coffees and their famous Dunkin’ doughnuts. The new store is focused on making the experience quick and increasing mobile ordering with curbside delivery. This is the first new concept Dunkin’ in Northern California. More than 30 chamber members joined

together to cut the ribbon and celebrate the grand opening.

Pick out your favorite coffee and doughnuts at 4383 Clayton Road, Concord.

The Concord Chamber would like to help you celebrate your grand opening or anniversary. Give us a call at the number below for more information.

Marilyn Fowler is the president/CEO of the Concord Chamber of Commerce. For more information on chamber programs, call 925-685-1181 or email mfowler@concordchamber.com.

Local business offers high-tech sports fundraising ADAM PINGATORE Pioneer Staff Intern

Fundraising has a tremendously positive impact on school athletic programs. However, student-athletes often cringe at the thought of hand-addressing countless envelopes or going door-to-door for hours on end.

The founders of eTeamSponsor, based in Concord, are intimately familiar with this arduous process and have made it their goal to streamline the endeavor by harnessing technology that is already in their clients’ hands.

Founded in 2010 by Sean Connors and Randy Coddington, formerly a quarterbackcenter duo at Clayton Valley High, the company seeks to give students the benefits that they once reaped from sports.

“Knowing what those experiences meant and the people that I was able to meet along the way, helped shape me to who I am today...I want others to be able to experience the same thing,” said Connors, the company’s CEO. As high school football coaches later in life, Connors and Coddington quickly grew tired of a fundraising industry that wasn’t changing with the times.

“We just saw ourselves doing a number of different

fundraising activities throughout the course of the year to raise a total dollar amount when we said, ‘Look, we can leverage the three mediums that people communicate with the most now, which is email, social media and text,’ ” Connors explained.

The platform they devised is simple and user-friendly. First, a high school or college establishes an account with eTeamSponsor. Next, marketing representatives come to the school and train tech-savvy student-athletes on how to input contact information of potential donors into the company website through their smartphones.

The staff at eTeamSponsor then uses the information to send out emails and texts that are personalized with the student’s name and a link to a donation page. On that page is a summary of how the funds will be used and video made by the team to express their gratitude.

When a donation is made, a “thank you” message is automatically sent to the donor on behalf of the student.

Since the process is almost entirely managed by eTeamSponsor, students and coaches are able to focus on their program rather than paperwork.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the product that they give. As a coach, it’s stress free, it’s seam-

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Sean Connors, a former football player at Clayton Valley, is CEO and co-founder of eTeamSponsor.

less,” remarked Justin Alumbaugh, head football coach at De La Salle.

With over $620,000 raised for his team alone, such an endorsement leaves little room for skepticism. Any remaining doubt surrounding the company’s efficacy can easily be dispelled by impressive analytics.

“The initial campaign email that goes out has a 50 percent open rate and over 20 percent click-through,” noted John Davis, vice president of product development. “It’s exceptional because of the personalization.”

“Ninety-nine percent of text messages are opened and read,” Connors said of the program.

“Over $100 per donation every time somebody opens a text.”

These generous contributions are due in part to their far-reaching, web-based system, which takes the financial strain off smaller pools of local donors. “Eighty percent of that income comes from outside the area with our programs,” said Davis.

The company also has another incentive in their arsenal: tax-deductible receipts.

“Seventy-five, 80 percent wanted a tax deduction,” Connors said. “We said, ‘OK, then we have to create the platform technically to support making

online donations – not an online gift.’”

Because eTeamSponsor routes all money through the nonprofit partner eSponsor Now, contributions become taxdeductible donations in the eyes of the IRS. Other Bay Areabased crowd-funding websites, like GoFundMe and IndieGoGo, lack this benefit.

The company’s business model extends beyond technology, amiable emails and tax writeoffs. Through the Fund Raker program, teams are able to keep at least 75 percent of the funds they raise, with no extraneous fees paid to eTeamSponsor.

“I always feel bad for groups like the Girl Scouts and those types of programs where...their troop may only see 15 percent of that,” Through strategic marketing partnerships with the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) and Junior NCAA, eTeamSponsor has raised $43 million for more than 4,000 schools across the country – $20 million within California. And the 23-employee company forecasts it will work with 12,000 schools by the end of the year.

For more information about eTeamSponsor, visit www.eteamsponsor.com.

September 21, 2018

F r om the desk o f . . .

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Page 9

State and local elections critical to daily life

KAREn MiTCHOFF

COUNTY

SUPERVISOR

As we approach fall, I wanted to share about the important responsibility that every adult age 18 and older has in our county, and that is to vote this November.

As an elected official, I fully understand the responsibility of representing the interest of voters who gave me the opportunity to serve them. I write to encourage each of-age person in our County to register and vote. You’ve heard the saying before, “Every vote counts” and I truly believe it does. I will be at the voting booth on Nov.

6 and you should be, too.

Many of us were taught at a young age that our vote is important to elect the President and Congress. While that is true, voting does so much more than this.

Voting affects your daily life. This November will present the opportunity to vote for the individuals who can improve our roads, clean our air, preserve our environment, ensure the accuracy and safety of elections and more.

This November, voters will go to the ballot box and have an opportunity to vote for many propositions, local measures and every statewide constitutional office including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner and Superintendent of Public Instruction. In addition, every member of the State Assembly will be up for

election, too.

If that wasn’t enough reason, Californians will be electing a U.S. Senator and a member of Congress.

All 19 cities in Contra Costa have at least one if not multiple city council seats up for election, as well as our school districts and other special districts - water, fire, parks and recreation boards, and community service districts.

You may be thinking, ‘Big whoop. What do they do for me?’

In California, our state government makes many decisions that impact our daily lives. The California budget funds things like Covered California and K12 education. If you have kids in school, every year the budget directly impacts the quality of the education your children receive.

Local government can have some of the most direct

impacts on your daily life. You will be able to vote directly on local measures. Local measures can change how a community develops. For instance, in November 2016, I voted for Measure K in Pleasant Hill.

Measure K is a sales tax that generates revenue for the City of Pleasant Hill to use on city services and to construct a new library. This measure improved the streets where I live and allowed Pleasant Hill to solve the problem of the aging current library.

The streets in your neighborhood and their safety is managed by the county or cities. The clean air that you breathe is regulated by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD). The roads, freeways and other forms of transportation are managed by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA). If you commute

through the Caldecott Tunnel or travel along the widened area of Highway 4, both projects were driven by CCTA. Both CCTA and BAAQMD are comprised of city council and Board of Supervisor members from across the Bay Area who are all elected in their cities/county, and then appointed to these regional boards by their local governing body.

If you have children in school, have asked to have a pothole filled on your street, drank clean water, had the fire department put out a fire near your house, then elected officials on the local level have impacted your life in some way.

If you want to have a say in what your neighborhood looks like and how your community is taken care of, now is your time... now is your right.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 6. There are several ways

to vote: go to the polls on election day, vote by mail or participate at an early voting site.

If you are interested in registering to vote or need to update your residence information, please visit the Contra Costa County Elections at https://www.cocovote.us/.

Your registration must be postmarked or submitted electronically no later than Oct. 22.

To find out more information about what’s on the ballot this November or ways to vote please visit the Contra Costa County Elections at www.cocovote.us.

This is part one of a twopart series. Next month I will discuss the importance of thoroughly reviewing propositions on the ballot.

the Policy Development and Internal Operations (PDIO) Committee because it was a code enforcement case.

PDIO then directed it the Planning Commission. This home-based business is a tutoring service in a residential neighborhood. It became a code enforcement case because the city received a complaint that more than one student was being tutored at a time.

The Concord Development Code describes the home-based business as a business that can produce income within a residence, but the business can only be conducted by the inhabitants of the building so that the character of the neighborhood does not start to change. In regard to a home-

based tutoring service, the Development Code specifically states that only one student can be tutored at a time and no more than six students per day. The code enforcement complaint that came before the Planning Commission reported that the home-based tutoring service was operating as a school by tutoring up to four students at a time.

Staff directed the Planning Commission to analysis the matter and determine whether to make a Development Code amendment to allow this business to continue operating or to maintain the current home-based business regulations. With a 3-0 vote, we decided to maintain the current home-based regulations. Two planning com-

missioners were not present at the meeting. If you would like to find out more about this matter, please feel free to reach out to me at dominicaliano863@gmail.com.

The other item discussed in August was the ARCO gas station and am/pm convenience store. The proposed site is the vacant parcel next to Scandinavian Design on Arnold Industrial Place. The Highway 4 on- and off-ramp is next to the property and it is across from the Solano

Drive-In Theater. ARCO proposed six dispensers under a canopy, with both gas and diesel. The project includes an unattended rollover carwash and the am/pm, which will offer sandwiches, coffee, salads, automotive items, tobacco products and beverages including beer and wine. The gas station and convenience store will both operate 24 hours/seven days a week.

This site is zoned regional commercial, and the pro-

posed project is consistent with the policies within the General Plan. Even with these consistencies, the Planning Commission had traffic concerns in regard to the onand off-ramp and the queuing area for the pumps. The Planning Commission was able to get the questions answered and approved the project 5-0.

Karen Mitchoff is Contra Costa County District IV supervisor. Email questions or comments to karen.mitchoff@bos.cccounty.us

Planners review home tutoring, approves ARCO DOMiniC ALiAnO

PLANNING COMMISSION

During two meetings in August, the Concord Planning Commission discussed home-based business regulations and a proposed ARCO gas station and am/pm convenience store.

The home-based business regulations first went before

Mayor, from page 1

production and assorted related cannabis facilities.

Unfortunately, it was not attended by those who opposed cannabis in the in the six- hour long meeting in June where there were about 20 speakers that touched on the negative or opposition the topic of cannabis. At that time, I was struck by the scope of the arguments and the depth of commitment to each side’s cause. The top issues on non-medical use fell into these topics where there were some back up attached, including crime, addiction or non-contagion based on geographic location to different people, impact on youth, health, cost and traffic accidents.

For the first time the scope of the use in Concord was addressed with the concept of about 10,000 to 18,000 people taking deliveries and more getting from other sources. Think about the fears and put it in perspective that for decades about one in seven of your neighbors have been using cannabis.

If the “facts” as presented were proven to be false, there would have been NO change in people’s position. If crime was shown to actually go down it would not make a difference and when confronted the people would refuse to either accept even

What we put in them is our business.

2. I do not want anyone in my city going to another city to buy a legal commercial consumer product.

About 30 years ago the people of this city, with the backing of the political establishment including the thenmayor, voted in an election to directly allow discrimination against gays. The arguments were: 1. It was immoral.

2. It would lead to crime as pedophiles would be haunting the parks.

3. It was a safety issue because everyone knew that AIDS was epidemic in ‘those people.”

4. It would destroy the image of Concord as family friendly place if we allowed gays here, after all do we want men walking down our streets holding hands?

On June 1, the Rainbow Flag was raised at City Hall, as a reminder that we need to live in concordance with one another with respect, and neighborliness. We start our council meetings with the reminder that we are to be “...indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” It took us 30 years to live up to it on that issue. This issue started in the last century. Is it not time to face it now? If not, what will it take for you to change your mind?

the POSSIBILITY of such a thing and would knee jerk attack the source and the individual. The same thing would happen with teen use.

Recently the East Bay Times local edition had a story that data showed that since the passage of Prop 64 to legalize sale and adult use, teenage use was going DOWN. When it comes to what is basically an emotional not factual based position, there is no point in go over facts.

What is best done is simply ask the person who thinks cannabis is immoral, what would it take to change their position and then not to fall for the trap line of: “Like what?” You cannot enter into their mind and only they can provide the path to change.

For the Mayor of Walnut Creek who, like his council, was opposed to Prop 64 (the only city council to take a negative stand on legalization), the fact that every precinct in the city voted for legalization and all over 60 percent, made him change his mind and say, “give the people what they want.” He now is in support of dispensaries but is a minority on the council that is still opposed.

The two basic arguments that I like best and are at the core of my likewise emotional position so far is: Email questions and com1. We should have domin- ments to Mayor Birsan at EdiBirion over our own bodies. san@gmail.com

Advertise in the Concord Pioneer Call 925-672-0500

Dominic Aliano currently serves as chair of the Concord Planning Commission.

SPORTS

Page 10

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

September 21, 2018

Football at halfway point: DLS gets revenge, CVCHS upended JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer

With the expanded Diablo Athletic League Valley Division now underway and DAL Foothill teams ready to faceoff a week from now, the school’s non-league results weigh heavily in the team’s chances for making the North Coast Section playoffs and where they might be seeded for post-season play.

De La Salle (5-0) is looking to four East Bay Athletic League games next month after completing a daunting non-league schedule this Friday in Clovis.

In bygone days, high school football began with a couple of non-league games in early September before teams moved into all-important league play where champions were determined. First-place teams would qualify for a post-season bowl game or section playoffs.

In this new era with playoffs for a myriad of competitive and enrollment categories leading to 13 California state championship games in December, non-league conDAL TEAMS WITH tests—beginning weeks before MIxED RESULTS Labor Day Weekend—often Concord High (2-3) lost factor much more into seedings for post-season than do three of four games to start traditional league matchup play this season but the Minutemen rebounded in their league against neighboring schools.

Photo courtesy CVCHS football

Makhi Gervais (21) leads Clayton Valley Charter football in all-purpose yards with 477 yards rushing and five touchdowns. He was helped on this play against Pittsburg in the team’s biggest win of the year by Cade young (10) and Jason Cannedy (52). The Eagles won the showdown at Pittsburg 38-31 in double overtime. They host Canyon Springs of north Las Vegas this Friday evening.

Dennis Lee/SportStars photo

Jhasi Wilson (10) is a key component of the De La Salle defense that is most responsible for the Spartans no. 10 national ranking halfway through the regular season. Like many of his DLS defensive teammates, the senior linebacker is attracting college recruiters.

opener for a 19-13 win over College Park (2-3) to join undefeated Valley Division favorite Las Lomas (5-0) and league newcomer Benicia (3-2) with opening week DAL victories.

Mt. Diablo (0-5) lost its league opener to Las Lomas, which was apparently misplaced in the Valley Division this year in a minor DAL football realignment. The Knights have scored 233 points in their last four games, including 1440 the past two weeks.

Diablo has several sopho-

mores and juniors playing key roles. Senior wide receiver Jalen Brown racked up three touchdowns and soph Jden Kennedy rushed for 250 yards on offense and made seven tackles against John Swett.

Ygnacio Valley (1-2) had a bye last week and the Warriors visit Mt. Diablo this Friday night in the Red Devils homecoming game. MDHS coach Donald James has invited alums to the game Friday at 7 o’clock with the school able to use its newly-renovated home bleachers for the first time

2 Diablo FC teams win summer tournaments

Diablo FC 02 Premier girls won four consecutive games at the 13th annual Magic Cup Summer Classic premier tournament to take the U17 Diamond flight championship.

They defeated Santa Clara Sporting 02 Green, San Francisco Elite Academy, Albany Berkeley Lightning Stryke and Central California Soccer Alliance while allowing only two goals. Coach Scott Alexander’s team includes, front row from left, Adelle Senneca, Julia Betti, Jorydn Bingaman, Maddy Barangan, Cydney Walker, Alexis Canas, Renny Buchanan; back row, Gianni Roof, Ava Gerber, Jade Robinette, Liliana Ruiz, Miranda Fedrizzi-McGlasson, Caleigh Olgeirson, Olivia Kreamer, Ariana Chavez, Molly Maxwell and Grace Brown. not pictured, Sarina Regis.

Photos courtesy Diablo FC

Diablo FC 09 girls took a first and a second in two August tournaments for the under 10 team coached by Daniel Rednic. The team won four consecutive games while scoring 18 goals at the 13th annual Soccer By The Bay to come away with the championship. At the Stanford Summer Classic the local team won three lopsided games before losing in the finals. Diablo FC 09 Blue includes, from left, isabella ibanez, Peyton Whitwam, Maya Barrett, Taylor Turner, Charlotte Malone, Kelsey Collins, Genevienne Perry, Olga Luna, Brooklyn Hall and Delaney Fraser.

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The game at Hart Fairclough Stadium this Friday night will also mark the return of new YVHS coach Bryan Shaw to Diablo, where he was head coach for three seasons.

Shaw’s final Red Devils team in 2014 was the school’s last to make the NCS playoffs.

Foothill Division play starts next week. Clayton Valley Charter (3-1) has its final nonleague game this Friday when the Ugly Eagles host Canyon Springs of North Las Vegas.

It’s the third straight year the teams have met with CVCHS 2-0 in the series.

ANTIOCH UPENDS EAGLES Clayton Valley Charter revels in its Ugly Eagles nickname.

However, in its most recent outing, a 35-34 home loss two weeks ago to Antioch, seventhyear head coach Tim Murphy says the game at Gonsalves Stadium in Concord put a different spin on Ugly Eagles.

“Worst 1st half since I’ve been at CV. Three turnovers, four dropped passes, five penalties, missed PAT and two coverage breakdowns. We’ve gone half seasons without that many mistakes.

“Overall, the loss will make us a better team. As far as league I think we have learned not to overlook anyone. Good news is we are also getting healthier from all the week one injuries [in victory at Pittsburg].”

The Eagles were ranked second in the Bay Area until the loss to Antioch but are now likely on the outside looking in for one of the coveted four Open Division NCS placings.

In spite of the ugly first

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half for Clayton Valley, MaxPreps writer Mitch Stephens called it “Maybe the Bay Area game of the year.”

Since CVCHS hasn’t lost a league game in six years of undefeated championships it will take results elsewhere for the local team to not only secure its third straight Open playoff spot and also get them out of the dreaded fourth seed

See Football, page 12

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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com absolute joy to coach.” The Minutemen won their second game last Friday, so a playoff berth is looking iffy, but Williams is putting up team-leading rushing and all-purpose yards (nearly 175 yards per game). His uniform number is appropriately No. 1. He’s been just as busy on defense, forcing fumbles and making tackles from his safety position. Williams his hoping to play college football after graduating next spring.

Athlete Spotlight

The Concord Pioneer congratulates Austin and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for 25 years at Family Vision Care Optometry. www.laceyandruzicka.com

Austin Williams Grade: Senior School: Concord High Sports: Football

Senior Williams has been on the Concord High varsity football team for the three years Paul Reynaud has been in charge and his head coach couldn’t be happier about his “team leader,”

who is a strong safety on defense and runningback on offense. “Austin is also one of the hardest workers on and off the field. His attitude and effort make everyone around him better. [He’s an]

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

Page 11

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Rayna Stanziano wins 2 cross country titles as fall sports enter league schedules before NCS JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer

Senior Rayna Stanziano has served noticed she is looking to make her final cross country season one for the books. The Concord High runner posted back-to-back victories the past two Saturdays at the Ed Sias and De La Salle Nike invitationals with the top girl’s time at both meets.

Stanziano has been a top performer since she burst on the scene in 2015 as a freshman. She has qualified for the CIF State Meet in Fresno three times with her placements progressing from 65th to 29th and then 11th last fall. She hopes to get on the podium Nov. 24 at Woodward Park in Fresno at the final cross country meet of the year.

Last spring, she was third in the 800-meter finals at the CIF track and field meet, which may have been her breakthrough to the highest level among state runners.

At the Sias Invitational in Hidden Valley Park Martinez two weeks ago she won the girls small schools two-mile in 11:36.2, over a half minute ahead of the second-place runner. Her time was the best among all girls in the meet.

Northgate was seventh, Concord ninth and Ygnacio Valley 11th in the small schools girls team standings.

Sophomore Samantha Schauman took 10th in the large schools race, helping her Clayton Valley Charter team to seventh place. The CVCHS boys were also seventh in large schools and Northgate seventh in small schools Sias Invitational boys races.

This past Saturday at Newhall Park in Concord, Stanziano beat a field of 183

Concord High runner Rayna Stanziano (Right) got her senior cross country season off to a great start winning the Ed Sias invitational run in Martinez and followed that up last Saturday at newhall Park in Concord with another victory in the De La Salle nike invitational. She posted the fastest overall time for girls at both local meets. She will be looking to qualify for the CiF State Meet for the fourth straight time at the north Coast Section meet in november.

girls to win the three-mile DLS Nike Invitational in 18:07.3.

Her winning time was 14 seconds better than the runnerup. Schauman was 13th and her Eagles team took 12th in the team standings.

Host De La Salle was third in its invitational behind champion Amador Valley and Jesuit of Sacramento. Senior Connor Livingston was second in the boys race for the Spartans. Junior Derek Connor and a trio of sophomores helped DLS to the third-place team finish.

The Diablo Athletic League moved Clayton Valley Charter up to the Foothill Division this fall. The league has two Wednesday center meets next Wednesday, Sept. 26 (Hidden Valley Park) and Oct. 24 (Newhall Park). The teams in each division will be scored against each other at the center meets. The DAL Championships are on Saturday, Nov. 3, at Hidden Valley Park.

The NCS Meet of Champions is Nov. 17 at Hayward High School before the CIF State Meet.

Girls Golf – The DAL tournament for each division is Oct. 15. The NCS Division I qualifier and D-II championships are Oct. 22 and the DI championship Oct. 29, one week before the NorCal championships on Nov 5. The State meet concludes the season Nov 13. Carondelet won the NCS championship last year and in 2015. The Cougars lost a tiebreaker for third place at NorCals, ending two consecutive State championship appearances.

Water Polo – DAL moved Northgate to the Valley Division in water polo after two years on the Foothill Division while Benicia will also be in that division. Valley teams are playing a single round-robin weekly schedule that runs this

Wednesday through Oct. 17.

The Foothill Division has a double round-robin ending one week later.

NCS tournaments for boys and girls begin Oct. 31 and ends Nov. 10. NorCal Championships are Nov. 13-17. Carondelet was runner-up in NCS Division II girls while Miramonte won the 2017 DI girls championship.

Girls Volleyball – DAL moved Alhambra to the Foothill and College Park to Valley for this year and next.

The seven-team Valley Division has a double round-robin schedule including a bye in each round for one team. The schedule runs until Oct. 18.

The six-school Foothill’s double round-robin begins this Tuesday and ends Oct. 18.

North Coast runs Oct. 23 through Nov. 13 with the NorCal Championships Nov. 6-13 and the CIF State finals Nov. 16-17.

Carondelet (Division II) and Berean Christian (Division V) each reached the 2017 semifinals at NCS before losing to their respective division’s Section champs. The Cougars then went all the way to the NorCal Regional Division IV championship match before losing to top seed Presentation. Berean got to the NorCal Regional Div. V semi-finals.

Girls Tennis – DAL tennis matches for seven Valley Division schools are in a double round-robin format until Oct. 18 while the Foothill Division is this Tuesday until Oct. 18 for six schools. The DAL division championships are Oct. 25-27.

The NCS team championships are Nov. 6-10 with the singles and doubles tournament Nov. 12-13. The NorCal team tournament is Nov. 16-17.

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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

September 21, 2018

Kohler .9 of a second from world championship medal JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer

Clayton Valley High and Cal Berkeley grad Kara Kohler reached her first World Rowing Championships single sculls finals last Sunday and missed a medal by just .9 of a second in a race that took seven and half minutes in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

The local athlete began competing in single sculls less than two years ago as she looks ahead to the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, hoping to better or equal her London Olympics bronze medal.

Last year, she competed at Worlds in the women’s quadruple sculls after taking second at the US Trials in single sculls.

This year, she was named the

American entrant in the event and she had quite the meet with her parents Caryl and Mike Kohler cheering her on.

She won her heat to qualify for the semi-finals and was second in her semi to undefeated defending world champion Jeannine Gmelin of Switzerland. This put her in the sixboat finals Sunday where she missed a medal by less than one second, finishing fourth.

Ireland’s Sanita Puspure dominated the race with Gmelin coming on for second.

The American sculler got off the line last, slowly working her way into fourth position with 500 meters to go.

The American and Austria’s Magdalena Lobnig continued to close the gap on a fading Fie

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pretty terrifying experience to know the final is on the line.

(You) need to be able to trust the physical and mental training you’ve put in; just stay calm throughout the race. Moving forward to the final on Sunday, same thing – some rest, fueling, training for the big show. I feel like my learning curve has been pretty steep this summer, and there’s a lot to learn with each race – how to pace and build.”

This was Kohler’s fourth senior World Rowing Championships appearance. She won gold in the four at the 2011 Worlds in a class not part of the Olympic program. Her Olympic bronze medal was in the quadruple sculls.

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Clayton Valley High grad and 2012 Olympic bronze medalist Kara Kohler (left) barely missed a medal at last Sunday’s World Rowing Championships in Bulgaria in the single sculls. it was her first-ever single sculls World Championship finals and her time of 7:30.41 was just .9 of a second behind bronze medalist Magdalena Lobnig of Austria (right).

Football, from page 10

they have had the past two years which translates into a first-round game against DLS. Antioch jumped on Clayton Valley 27-6 in the first half.

The Eagles got back into the game with Steven Henry taking the second-half kickoff all the way back, sparking a 22-point rally for CVCHS to take a 2827 lead a minute into the fourth quarter. Antioch retook the lead 35-28 before the Eagles responded again with four minutes left to pull within a point. Murphy said his players wanted to go for a twopoint PAT to retake the lead.

The play failed and a lastminute drive fell short.

Campolindo (3-1) and Miramonte (4-1) figure to be the Eagles toughest league opponents and they come back-to-back at the beginning of October. CVCHS will be seeking its seventh straight unbeaten league title while

keeping an eye on other results in the area for their post-season fate.

SPARTANS GET REDEMPTION De La Salle travels to Clovis this Friday for its final nonleague game against another powerful opponent. The Spartans visit undefeated Buchanan, putting their No. 10 national ranking on the line.

Clovis brings up some bad memories for DLS. In 2004, a week after their national record 151-game winning streak was snapped, the Spartans lost at home to Clovis West 30-12. The next year they lost their season opener 7-0 at Clovis West, the last time they were shutout, a streak of 185 games.

The Spartans exorcised another demon last Friday in a nationally-televised game against Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas. Gorman won a pair of

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Udby Erichsen from Denmark for bronze, but the Austrian was able to push her bow ahead of Kohler at the finish.

Lobnig won bronze, 0.9 seconds ahead of Kohler’s time of 7:30.41.

In the semi-finals, with a spot in the finals beckoning for the top three finishers, Kohler sat in fourth just off the pace before making her move as the scullers entered the third quarter of the race. She passed two competitors with about 750 meters to go. Kohler continued to track Gmelin into the final quarter of the race. At the line, Gmelin won in 7:23.93 with Kohler finishing in a 7:25.47.

“I was trying to stay as calm and relaxed as possible,” Kohler said. “The semifinal is a

SENz WINS KIWANIS SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD Concord High senior golfer John Scott Senz was presented with the 2017-2018 Kiwanis Special Olympics K Team Athlete of the Year last month at the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa in Hawaii, as part of the organization’s 98th Annual District Convention. Senz won the 2017 Special Olympics of Northern California Regional Golf Championship. Senz was born with cerebral palsy but The First Tee of Contra Costa alumnus has become Concord High’s No. 1 golfer and is a two-time, firstteam all-Diablo Athletic League Valley Division selection.

CLAYTON VALLEY ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME 2019 NOMINEES DEADLINE OCT. 15 Clayton Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame will induct its sixth class on Friday, May 3, 2019 at the Shadelands Art Center in Walnut Creek. The Hall of Fame committee is seeking nominees for that 2019 induction class. Nominees must be a CVHS grad or coach from 1959-2009. Nomination forms can be picked up at the high school office during business hours.

Contact Herc Pardi herc_pardi@hotmail.com with any questions. The committee will accept completed application forms until Oct. 15.

ST. BONAVENTURE CYO BASKETBALL TAKING LATE SIGNUPS New St. Bonaventure CYO basketball athletic director Ferd Santos has announced signups for boys and girls in second through eighth grades living within St. Bonaventure parish boundaries or attending Catholic education classes. Signups are being taken online at stbonaventurecyo.com. The program is offering multi-family discounts and has volunteer coaching positions open. Late registrants will be waitlisted. For more information visit the program’s website stbonaventurecyo.com or call 270-9390.

ADRIAN TODOROV CONCORD HIGH

recent National Championships in the midst of a 55game unbeaten streak that ended last September. Last year, the Gaels fell behind visiting DLS at the end of one quarter 7-0 but then rolled the Spartans for 34 straight points.

The game was so disconcerting to DLS coach Justin Alumbaugh that he resorted to using a Game of Thrones Shame gong for motivational

fuel at practices leading up to last week’s game at Owen Owens Field. Although Gorman twice had the lead and was driving for a potential winning touchdown as time ran out, the Spartans did get revenge 27-21 to stay unbeaten.

Senior Henry To’oto’o was again the key figure for the Concord school. The highlyrated senior linebacker not only led the Spartans defense but scored TDs on runs of 52 and 55 yards. Sophomore quarterback Dorian Hale is still growing into his role running the Spartans offense but his TD pass to tight end Richard Fahiua in the fourth quarter proved to be the game winner.

A spate of late-game penalties almost handed the game back to Gorman but De La Salle held on and Spartan coaches and players showed an unusual amount of post-game excitement, taking a year’s worth of weight off their collective shoulders.

10TH ANNUAL MDSA WORLD CUP SOCCER SCHEDULED FOR 3 OCTOBER WEEKENDS

The ninth annual MDSA World Cup runs over three weekends—Oct. 13, 20 and 27-28—with 35 boys and girls teams taking part. The competition wraps up the fall rec season for under 10, U12 and U14 teams in AYSO Region 223. For complete World Cup schedule and more information visit mdsoccer.org.

The annual Area 2C Cup Tournament will take place Nov. 10-11 with top finishing teams from the World Cup competing.

FOREST PARK FALL CLINICS OFFER 2-3-4-DAY SWIM PROGRAMS Forest Park Swim Team coach Jeff Mellinger is holding fall swim clinics starting through Thanksgiving. Swimmers can choose from two-, three- and four-day weekly options. Coach Mellinger has been with Forest Park for 19 years. For complete clinic information email jeff.mellinger@gmail.com.

DIABLO FC OFFERS COMPETITIVE TEAM SOCCER EVALUATIONS

Diablo FC 8 under through under 19 competitive soccer teams (birth years 2000-2011) have held formal tryouts for the 2018-19 season. Players interested in joining Diablo FC should email director of coaching Zach Sullivan at docdiablofc@gmail.com with any questions about the club or to arrange a player evaluation for players in birth years 2000-2011.

Visit diablofc.org to get more information on the area’s premier youth soccer club.

CHECK WITH ALL OUT SPORTS LEAGUES FOR FALL PROGRAMS

Youth leagues, clinics and tournaments are scheduled by All Out Sports Leagues in Clayton this fall and winter. Fall youth basketball and adult softball leagues are currently taking signups.

For complete information on All Out Sports programs, visit alloutsportsleague.com.

ST. AGNES CYO BASKETBALL LATE REGISTRATION ONLINE

Registration for St. Agnes CYO basketball is being accepted online. Girls and boys in second through eighth grades who live within the St. Agnes boundaries are eligible to play. Visit stagnescyo.com for complete fees and online registration.

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WALNUT COUNTRY FALL PROGRAM TRIGGERFISH AQUATICS OPEN Walnut Country coach Adrian Lohse is offering his newlynamed Triggerfish Aquatics as a supplement to summer recreational swimming. The programs are intended to offer summer recreational swimmers of all abilities a chance to improve within the sport while maintaining summer eligibility. This year the fall program will be swimming under the new United States Swimming team name. Lohse has over 30 years of swim experience and this fall’s program will be at Springwood and Ygnacio Wood through Nov. 16. Information and registration are available at walnutcountryeaglerays.com.

September 21, 2018

Steps to help your garden ease into fall Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

green. The first step to revitalizing your lawn is to take a heavytined rake and vigorously scrape the soil beneath the lawn. This will loosen the undergrowth, allowing fertilizer and water to get closer to the roots. Then niCOLE HACKETT spread an inch of premium soil GARDEN GIRL conditioner throughout the lawn. This will amend the soil, September can be a busy adding nutrients naturally. Finalmonth in the garden, with plenty of chores.

We must help our landscape recover from the heat and dry winds, prepare the fall and winter blooming plants for the upcoming displays, green up the lawn and install cool season veggies.

This summer was hot, so many plants need extra love.

Prune summer-blooming perennials and shrubs to remove fried foliage and faded flowers.

Always look for signs of new growth when pruning and cut just above the growth.

Replenish the nutrients in ELEnA BiCKER your landscape by feeding young ARF NOTES shrubs, flowering ornamentals and perennials with water-soluble fertilizer. Use something It’s not uncommon to see with low nitrogen. Fish emulsion dogs, as well as students, heading is smelly, yet very beneficial. It into schools these days. will help plants grow, flower and Therapy animals offer stress green up. Assist your water-solu- reduction along with educational ble fertilizer by mixing Perc-O- opportunities. HABRI – the Late directly into the water. This Human-Animal Bond Research soil surfactant will help guide the Institute – cites research indicatfertilizer and water through our ing that pet interaction can not clay soil. only lead to higher social integraCitrus, azaleas, camellias and tion and increased empathy, but loropetalum need attention as also decreased aggression. they prepare for blooms and Some pet owners may wonfruit. Fertilize citrus, azaleas and der if their dogs would make camellias with a formula perfect candidates to offer comdesigned for bloom. Use a fort and compassion in schools, water-soluble 2-10-10 or 3-20-20 hospitals and more. Therapy aniand follow with a dose of chelat- mal teams such as ARF’s Pet ed-iron. Loropetalum should be Hug Pack require that applicants fertilized with a water-soluble earn a Canine Good Citizen Cermulti-purpose fertilizer or acid tification (CGC), the gold stanformula. Loropetalum uses a lot dard of behavior for dogs, of its energy to stay lush, and it’s before interviewing as a therapy up to us to replenish what was animal. used so it has some energy Sponsored by the American stored for the spring.

Kennel Club, the CGC consists September is also the perfect of 10 test items that demontime to get your lawn back to strate the dog has good manners

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ly, spread lawn fertilizer and water. As always, follow package direction. Don’t fertilize the lawn on a hot day and make sure the lawn in properly hydrated prior to feeding.

Early September is the time to prep the vegetable beds for cool season vegetables. The goal is to have plants installed by the end of September.

Meanwhile, summer vegetable plants that are slowing down their yields are ready to be removed. Zucchini plants are always early to go, as well as some cucumber plants.

Keep your eye on the garden as its enter this transition period.

As you remove summer vegetables, amend the soil with a premium soil conditioner. Veg-

Page 13

etable soils need to be rich. Look for ingredients such as chicken manure, earthworm castings, bat guano and mycorrhizae fungi.

These will really jump-start your vegetable garden.

This is the time of year to install leafy greens, chard, kale, and spinach. Broccoli and cauliflower are usually successful installations, although their

heads never get as large as they are in the store. Sugar snap peas can be planted now, and cabbage is an easy fall crop to grow.

Onion and garlic starts can be installed in September, too.

Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden.

You can contact her with questions or comments by email at Gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com

Back to school is for the dogs in public with both the owner and with friendly strangers. This includes accepting a friendly stranger, sitting politely for petting and walking politely on leash in public amid common distractions.

One of the most challenging aspects is a three-minute separation test that shows that a dog can be left with a trusted person.

All of this must be done without toys or treats, making it difficult

for even the best-mannered dog.

Those who pass have proof that they are indeed the “good boy” or “good girl” that you always tell them.

Many owners prepare dogs for the CGC exam by attending training programs that focus on each of the required skills. ARF offers a six-week CGC prep class on Fridays, ending with the test on the last week of class.

After earning the CGC, own-

ers can look at careers for their dogs as therapy animals. Most programs have a specific process for application and assessments based on the type of work the animals may perform.

Made up of more than 200 qualified pets and volunteer handlers, ARF’s Pet Hug Pack visits children, seniors and veterans at more than 50 facilities. They also participate in the All Ears Reading programs at local libraries,

humane education curriculums, and outreach events as ambassadors and symbols of unconditional love.

To find out more about the Pet Hug Pack or to see the schedule of upcoming CGC tests, visit www.arflife.org.

Elena Bicker is the Executive Director of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. She can be reached at (925) 2561ARF (1273)

Meet Hanson and Tommy, ARF Adoption Stars

HANSON

Five-year-old Hanson is a mature gentleman who loves to be outdoors. This handsome guy is looking for a family who will take him on long walks or a nice hike. He loves treats and will do any-

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thing for them.

The adoption fee for puppies under months is $300, for adult dogs is $250, and includes a discount on the first six-week session of a manners class.

Two-year-old Tommy is an animated boy with dashing tabby markings and an equally striking purrsonality. This social butterfly is full of life and will jump right into your lap for a cuddle session. He is quite the talker too, and will tell you all about his day of adventures. He enjoys playing with fun toys and would do best in a home with lots of space to run around and enrichment to keep him entertained.

The adoption fee for kittens under 6 months $125 and for adult cats is $75.

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Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 6 pm Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6 pm Saturday and Sunday.

Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www.arflife.org, or call (925) 2561ARF.

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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

September 21, 2018

New Year’s Eve walk brings past and present together Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk

Author: Kathleen Rooney Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Most everyone who has read and commented on “Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk” uses the word charming at least once. Lillian is an eighty-fiveyear-old widow living alone with her cat Phoebe in Manhattan in the mid-1980s. Lillian loves at least two things passionately: New York City and walking. She also loves her exhusband (deceased) and her son.

No matter our ages, many of us have learned the pleasures of walking even if we all walk for different reasons. Lil-

SUnny SOLOMOn

BOOKIN’ WITH SUNNY

lian walks for her life. The novel takes place on New Year’s Eve day, 1984. It begins about midday after a telephone conversation with her son who again laments that she will not move out of the city. She hangs up, then realizes she’s

absent-mindedly consumed the better part of an entire package of Oreo cookies. She doesn’t even remember buying the cookies, but buying almost anything is a key to this story.

Lillian knows how to sell.

Lillian Boxfish became, while working for R. H. Macy’s, the highest paid female advertising copywriter in the world. In her day, she was bright, witty, outrageously independent and the darling of New York City. In addition to advertising, she published some wildly popular books of light verse.

She arrived at these heights on the tails of her father’s much-maligned sister who lived as a single woman, a nurse, in Manhattan and was happily independent until she

Put the brakes on bike theft

MARYAM ROBERTS BIKE CONCORD Bike theft is a pervasive issue in our Bay Area communities. Thankfully, there are things you can do to keep your bike safe and secure.

The first is to register your bike with a free non-profit service called Bike Index, a database used by individuals, police departments, bike shops and community groups. Once you register your bike at bikeindex.org, you have a greater chance at recovering it, should it ever go missing. Write down your bike’s serial number, physical description and take photos so you can describe it to authorities in a police report.

The second step is to use a quality lock. Avoid using only cable locks, as those can be easily cut. You definitely want to have a U-lock with a key (not a combination) as your

primary lock. I use two Ulocks, one to lock my bike frame and rear wheel to a stationary, solid metal object, and the other U-lock to secure my front wheel to the frame.

Next, consider where you are locking up your bike. Never ever lock your bike outside overnight. I have a rule about not taking my bike to the movies, unless there is a bike rack in a highly populated, visible area. If I can, I lock my bike where I can see the bike or bike rack area through the windows of the business I’m visiting. If a business does not provide bike racks in visible, high traffic areas, I usually take the time to request that the manager look into making visible, accessible bike racks available.

At BART stations around the Bay Area, there are secure Bike Link lockers or rooms where you can lock your bike inside a locker or secure room for the day for an affordable price mere pennies per hour. Learn more at bikelink.org.

Then there’s how you lock your bike. Basically, you want

to make sure that the lock goes through the triangle frame of the bike, at the very least, and then attaches to the bike rack or parking meter pole. Ever seen a lonely front wheel Ulocked to the bike rack with no bike attached? Someone forgot to lock the bike frame to the rack.

If your bike is ever stolen, first make a police report and then search flea markets right away, while the trail is still hot.

Post stolen bike alerts on social media, get the word out, and report it stolen on the Bike Index registry.

Of course one of the best ways to keep your bike secure is with Bike Concord’s free Bike Valet. No locks needed!

Our next Bike Valet will be at the Concord Oktoberfest on Oct. 12 and 13 in Todos Santos Plaza. Ride down and let us valet your bike, while you enjoy the event.

Visit BikeEastBay.org/theft for more resources to keep your bike secure.

died of the flu in 1919. While alive, she would regale her young and very bright niece living in D.C. with railroad postcards containing a picture and a stanza of light verse about a glamorous fictional woman who rode the cleanrunning Anthracite railroad. To be single in New York City and to write light verse became Lillian’s goal.

The reader already knows quite a bit about Lillian by the time she leaves her flat with the expectation she will arrive at a favorite restaurant around five.

We are enamored by her humor, her tenacity, her very longevity. Lillian sets off, wear-

JEFF MELLinGER

SCREEN SHOTS

Over the course of his career, Mark Wahlberg has played a few characters for whom we are not supposed to root. Yet, these characters are always interesting and even likeable.

Now comes James Silva in “Mile 22,” another collaboration with Peter Berg. Their previous partnerships include the better-than-expected “Deepwater Horizon” and “Patriot’s Day.” In those films, Wahlberg’s characters were heroes who saved the day. In “Mile 22,” his Silva is immediately unlikeable and uninteresting.

The film starts with a highly suspenseful infiltration of a safehouse by Silva and his team, which includes Lauren Cohan of “The Walking Dead” and MMA star Rounda Rousey.

Following this, we move to the made-up country of Indocarr. There is a lot of arguing between team members and Roberts is a volunteer with Bike higher-ups about what happened and where some missing Concord.

If you ignore the issue, the hackers will find you

WiLL CLAnEy

TECH TALK

If you were hacked, how much would you pay to get back your company, municipality or customer data?

Perhaps a better question would be, what would you pay to prevent the hacking in the first place?

From what I can see, it appears most people would rather pay big bucks to recover from a hack than pay for protection.

A longtime, mid-sized business customer in Contra Costa was just hacked and his data was encrypted. The ransom request was more than $19,000. He is likely to pay because his business depends on customer data, forms developed over periods of years, contracts, court documents and the like. Yet this could have been prevented for about $81 a month.

If you are hacked and your data is encrypted, you cannot get it back without the encryption key. This is a unique password with only one word or phrase that will unlock the data. And the hacker holds the key.

You must have the key to unscramble your data. There isn’t a single product or procedure in the world that will circumvent the key, nor is there any professional or service that can recover the data.

For the techie types who don’t believe in absolutes, the only exception may be the fastest computer in the world performing more than 200 quadrillion calculations per second. And it would take years to break the encryption.

Imagine the cost of that, likely in the billions of dollars.

By the way, your PC will do about 350,000 calculations a second – so your computer isn’t going to help you.

You could start over with new servers and workstations, connect them to a new network, get all your software reinstalled and begin the laborious process of recreating your documents.

If you want to pay the ransom, you take your chances that you know how and where to buy a Bitcoin and that once

paid, you’ll actually get the key.

Or prevent the issue in the first place and have a backup and recovery plan.

Hacking occurs because it is profitable to hackers, and you are an easy target. There are no laws to prevent hacking.

In a few minutes, hackers break into your computer and scramble it with encryption.

Payday comes in the form of Bitcoin, the untraceable currency of the underworld.

In less than five minutes, they score $1,000 – the average ransom for a simple PC hack.

If you fail to protect yourself again, the process repeats.

Hacking has grown 8,500 percent since 2017.

This is happening right now, right here in Contra Costa County. Wake up. This is not hype to sell you something worthless like a fry pan covered in magical coating. This is is your life, and it is getting harder to fight.

Join our army of good guys to fight this crime. We’re talking less than 10 bucks for protection that actually works.

William Claney is an independent tech writer and former owner of Computers USA in the Clayton Station.

Email questions or comments to willclaney@gmail.com.

ing a favorite mink coat but worrying if she will, after eating so many Oreos, even be hungry for a New Year’s Eve meal.

That question is the first hint that things might not go as planned. For those of you who are familiar with NYC, Lillian’s walk will be engaging. For everyone else, Google a map, her journey will amaze you. My fear that this novel would be sickly sweet was quashed before seven that evening. She is a full-bodied character, gifted, but human and flawed. We are with her every step of the way, and some of those steps are scary.

I found it hard to believe that such a young Kathleen Rooney could capture so perfectly big city America from 1900 to 1984. So, please do not miss her Notes and Sources at the end of the book. Then, look up Margaret Fishback and wonder who will play her part when they make a movie of her life. Let’s hope Kathleen Rooney writes the screenplay.

cesium went. Wahlberg’s voice raises a few octaves and stays that way for what seems like 10 minutes of screen time.

Eventually things calm down, and the film pushes forward with a plan. A defector (Iko Uwais of “The Raid” franchise) from Indocarr has the locations of the cesium but wants asylum in America before he gives up the information. The locations are included on a hard drive that will self-destruct in eight hours. Silva has to get the defector to an airplane that is located … wait for it … 22 miles away.

First-time screenwriter Lea Carpenter provides motivations for all her characters, giving us a reason to invest in them. Cohan is a mom trying to complete this mission and get back to her daughter. The defector wants to start a new life, willing to sell out his country to do it. Even the nefarious Indocarr security advisor has what seems to be an ax to grind with Silva.

The way Carpenter sets things up made me feel like I had a video game controller in my hand. It would seem she and Berg have a lot of firstperson shooter hours under

their belts.

Berg keeps the action tight with lots of fighting and shootouts down narrow hallways and streets. The hand-tohand combat is particularly bone-crunching. There’s no shortage of guys for Silva and friends to spar with as it appears the Indocarr government has an innumerable number of faceless goons that pop up out of nowhere.

John Malkovich makes a small appearance as head of Overwatch, the eye-in-the-sky group shepherding Silva and gang through the city. An actor like Malkovich is wasted standing amongst computers and speaking to Wahlberg only via a headset.

Despite some good action along the way and a suspenseful, albeit clichéd climax, the film does not live up to Berg’s better efforts. An unexpected resolution improved the taste in my mouth as I left the theater. Yet, it’s the taste of reheated leftovers I will ultimately remember.

C

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.’

It’s only 22 miles, but movie stalls out

Jeff Mellinger is a screen writer and film buff. He holds a BA in Film Studies and an MFA in film production. He lives in Concord.

Email comments to editor@concordpioneer.com.

They came, they saw, they Concord CAROL LOnGSHORE

YESTERYEAR

Rob Morrison has lived in Concord, Massachusetts for 28 years and works at the Fenn School, where he teaches history and English to boys from sixth to ninth grades. He became interested in going beyond the battle of Lexington, the first battle of the American revolution, and the home of author Henry Theroux. So, he decided to try something new: traveling around the United States to visit all the different Concords in the country.

His son, Tom, a student at Oberlin college, is studying film, so he joined his dad with his video camera to record the history of their visits.

In 1635 the original Concord, in Massachusetts, was founded. It was the first place on the East Coast not to be connected to water and was known as the “wild west” although it was only 10 miles from the ocean.

I met Tom Morrison in the parking lot at City Hall when

Rob Morrison and Mayor Edi Birsan, show off the T-shirt Rob is giving the mayors of the 48 out of 85 Concords he’s visited in the USA.

they were coming to talk to Mayor Edi Birsan. Then, being president of the Concord Historical Society, I was invited to meet Rob. He had already been to more than 40 Concords.

“There are seven Concords in Ohio and 12 in Texas,” he said.

The name itself means in concordance, unity, togetherness and community. Rob figures that’s why there are so

many in America.

As he travels around America and visits the different cities named Concord, he has found that our Concord right here in California is one of the most progressive, interesting, historical, and caring that he’s come across.

There is a Concord in Texas that had eight people and he met them all. What’s been so rewarding to Rob is meeting so many different people and hear their stories, from Concord, Arkansas to Concord, Vermont to Concord, Idaho, where he learned there is a huge gold rush.

I think about the creativity in the blender and the greatness of this teacher. He’s not sure what the final product will fully define but he finds it fascinating with the research that he’s doing.

I look forward to what his final conclusions are and some of the interesting stories he has to tell.

Carol Longshore has been a Concord resident since 1950. She is a community leader and past president of the Concord Historical Society. Send comments and suggestions for future topics to editor@concordpioneer.com.

September 21, 2018

CALENDAR Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. OCT. 14 FOR THE OCT. 23

IN CONCORD

Tuesdays and Thursdays Farmers’ Market

Tuesdays year round, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 25. 4 – 8 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. pcfma.org.

3rd Sundays Antique Faire

Antiques, collectibles, handmade arts and crafts. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Free admission. concordantiquefaire.com.

September Concerts

The Concord Pavilion is located at 2000 Kirker Pass Road. See full concert schedule for 2018 at livenation.com.

Sept. 28: Rise Against, 7 p.m.

Oct. 4 “Dark Side of the Moon” Night

House of Floyd performs the music of Pink Floyd to laser light show. 6 – 8:30 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord.

Free. cityofconcord.org.

Oct. 11 Advance Health Care Directives

Legal clinic to prepare and notarize advance health care directives for seniors 60 and older in Contra Costa County. 9:15 11:30 a.m. Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle. Free.

Call for appointment (925) 671-3320.

Oct. 12 – 13 Oktoberfest

Family friendly; beer, food, entertainment. 6 – 9 p.m. Fri.; 12 – 6 p.m. Sat. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Free admission. concordoktoberfest.com.

IN CLAYTON

Saturdays thru Sept. 22 Farmers’ Market

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 6095 Main St. pcfma.org.

Oct. 5 - 7 Oktoberfest

Sponsored by the Clayton Business and Community Association.

Music by The Internationals, biergarten, food, arts and crafts, carnival. 6 – 10 p.m. Fri., carnival only; 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sat.; 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sun. Downtown Clayton. Free admission. claytonoktoberfest.com.

Oct. 19 “Remembering the Great War: A Community Event”

New exhibit opening and reception. 5 – 7 p.m. Clayton Museum, 6101 Main St. Free. Contact Renee Wing for more information at reneewing@sbcglobal.net or (925) 212-0940.

ON AND AROUND THE MOUNTAIN

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve programs are available for registration through ebparks.org. Parking fees may apply. For additional information, contact Black Diamond Visitor Center at (510) 544-2750 or bdvisit@ebparks.org.

Sept. 23 Tiny Nature

Examine the wondrous bits of nature around us. 12 – 2 p.m.

Meet at Black Diamond Mines.

Sept. 29 Round Valley Picnic Walk

Bring lunch and explore this peaceful valley. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Meet at Round Valley Staging Area.

Sept. 29 Spider Senses

See what true spider senses are about. 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Meet at Black Diamond Mines.

Sept. 30 Tarantula Tales

Meet Harry, our resident tarantula, and discover why he and his brothers are roaming the hills this season. 1 – 3 p.m. Meet at Black Diamond Mines.

Mount Diablo Interpretive Association programs listed are free with the exception of park entrance fee. Go to mdia.org and click on Event Calendar for more information.

September, October Tarantula Hikes

Hike Mitchell Canyon in search of Mount Diablo’s famous spiders. Dates and times vary. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center. Registration required.

Sept. 23, Oct. 14 The California Tarantula

Drop in to learn about Mount Diablo’s gentle giant. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Summit Museum.

Save Mount Diablo’s Discover Diablo is a free public hike series.

Go to discover-diablo.eventbrite.com for more information.

Sept. 22 Nature Sketching Family Walk

Record your impressions of the plants and terrain on this easy hike. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meet at Regency Gate Trailhead. Reservations required.

Oct. 14 Shell Ridge

Hike on established trails in the Open Space. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Meet at entrance to Shell Ridge Open Space. Reservations required.

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Thru Oct. 7 “Mamma Mia!”

Presented by Center Rep. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $39-$83. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 9437469.

Sept. 21 – 22 “Dance Series 01”

Presented by Smuin Contemporary Ballet. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $58-$75. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Sept. 22 The Best Intentions

Singing Motown classics. 8 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $30-$35. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611.

ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO

Sept. 23 “An Evening of Evidential Mediumship”

Presented by Angel Anne Psychic Medium. 7:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $30. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Sept. 23 “Beethoven and Bernstein”

Presented by California Symphony. 4 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $42-$72. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Sept. 28 Creedence Revelation

A tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $39-$49. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Sept. 28 “Improv for Good”

Presented by Funny Bone Productions. 7:45 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Sept. 28 – Oct. 13 “Canyon Road”

Presented by Onstage Repertory Theatre. Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St., Martinez. $15-$20. canyonroad.brownpapertickets.com.

Sept. 28 – Oct. 14 “Spamalot”

An irreverent parody of the Arthurian legend. $20-$25. Sept. 28 – Oct. 7: California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. Oct. 13 – 14: El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. pittsburgcommunitytheatre.org.

Sept. 29 “A Tribute to Jimmy Buffet”

Presented by West Coast Performing Arts Presenters. 7:30 p.m.

Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Sept. 29 Martinez Archives Crawl

Family-friendly scavenger hunt involving local history. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Veterans Memorial Hall, 930 Ward St., Martinez. Free. martinezarchivescrawl.com.

Sept. 29 – 30 “How to Make It in America”

Presented by The Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra. 2 p.m. Sept.

29: El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $7-$20.

Sept. 30: Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $30. contracostachamberorchestra.org.

Sept. 30 Top Shelf

Performing Motown classics. 3 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $12-$29. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.

Oct. 6 “In the Spirit of Lennon”

Performed by Drew Harrison. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $12-$25. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.

Oct. 11 – 13 “Legend of Banbury Cross”

Presented by Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org.

(925) 943-7469.

Oct. 12 – 14 “The Fox on the Fairway”

Hilarious madcap adventure. Shadow Lakes Event Center, 401 Lakeview Drive, Brentwood. ghostlightte.org.

Oct. 12 – Nov. 10 “Thoroughly Modern Millie”

Presented by Contra Costa Musical Theatre. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $49-$53. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Oct. 13 “Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre”

Family-friendly show featuring legendary circus entertainer and his furry friends. 7 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $26-$31. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 4271611.

Oct. 14 “A Dark and Stormy Night”

Presented by Contra Costa Wind Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $17. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Oct. 14 “Lili Boulanger and Her World”

Presented by Diablo Symphony Orchestra. 2 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. lesherartscenter.org.

(925) 943-7469.

Oct. 16 “A Night with Janis Joplin”

Presented by Turnaround Artists. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $52.50-$62.50. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Oct. 18 – 21 “The Improvised Adventures of Sherlock Holmes”

Presented by Synergy Theater. Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Oct. 19 – Nov. 17 “Dancing Lessons”

Quirky romantic comedy. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $34-$56. centerrep.org.

Oct. 20 “At Last”

The songs of Etta James performed by Terrie Odabi. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $12-$29. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.

Oct. 21 Bay Area Kids’ Book Fair

Authors, illustrators, publishers, educational programs, vendors, meet and greet characters, activities. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Pine Valley Middle School, 3000 Pine Valley Road, San Ramon. Free admission. bayareakidsbookfair.com.

Oct. 27 Forejour

Tribute to Foreigner and Journey. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre,

Page 15

newsandcalendar@concordpioneer.com

602 W. Second St., Antioch. $12-$29. elcampaniltheatre.com.

(925) 757-9500.

Oct. 28 An Afternoon with Cristiani Rebada and Leandra Ramm Presented by FGB Productions Company. 2 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $25-$30. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611.

SCHOOLS

Oct. 19 – Nov. 4 “Footloose, The Musical”

Energetic and fun. Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. $16-$21. dvcdrama.net.

CHURCHES

Sept. 22 Concert

Matt Zebley’s B3 Organ Trio performs. 7:30 p.m. Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. $15. cvpresby.org.

FUNDRAISERS

2nd and 4th Sundays Pancake Breakfast

Veterans of Foreign Wars serve breakfast to the public: Eggs, pancakes, sausage, beverage. 8 – 11 a.m. VFW Post 1525, 2290 Willow Pass Road, Concord. $5, $3 children under 12. vfwpost1525.org.

Sept. 29 Annual March-a-thon

The Marching Band and Auxiliary march 6.2 miles through Concord for donations. Proceeds benefit Concord High School Instrumental Music Program. For more information, go to chsminutemenmusic.org.

Oct. 20 Plant Sale

Buy native and naturally drought-tolerant plants for fall. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Markham Regional Arboretum Society Nursery. 1202 La Vista Ave., Concord. Free admission. markhamarboretum.org.

AT THE LIBRARY

The Concord Library is at 2900 Salvio St. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at ccclib.org or (925) 646-5455.

Sept. 21 – 23: Book Sale Sept. 24: Taking Control of Your Finances, 6 p.m.

Registration required.

Sept. 26: Hispanic Heritage Month Crafts and Celebration, 4 p.m.

Sept. 27: Concord Candidate Forum, 6 p.m.

Oct. 1: Loteria Family Game Night, 7 p.m.

The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at claytonlibrary.org or call (925) 673-0659.

Sept. 24: Clayton City Council Candidates Forum, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 24; Oct. 1, 22: Clayton Knits, 1:30 p.m.

Sept. 27: B is for Bubbles, 4 p.m.

Sept. 29 – Oct. 25: Guess the Weight of the Library Pumpkin Oct. 1: Clayton Library Book Club, 7 p.m.

Oct. 1 – Nov. 8: Clayton Reads, “The Underground Railroad” Oct. 14: “Underground Railroad: The William Still Story,” 2 p.m.

Oct. 23: Medicare 2019, What You Need to Know, 2 p.m.

GOVERNMENT

1st, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays Concord City Council

6:30 p.m., Council Chamber, Concord Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Dr. cityofconcord.org.

1st and 3rd Wednesdays Concord Planning Commission

7 p.m. Council Chamber, Concord Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Dr. cityofconcord.org.

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T H E ARTS

Page 16

KATHy MCCARTy

ON

THE

MARQUEE

Prepare yourself for an evening of silly entertainment to lift your spirits and make you howl with laughter in Pittsburg Community Theatre’s production of Monty Python’s “Spamalot,” the legendary tale of King Arthur’s quest to find the Holy Grail.

Lovingly ripped from the classic comedy film, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” the Tony Award winning musi-

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

September 21, 2018

‘Spamalot’ may be hogwash, but it’s a hoot

cal diverts a bit from more traditional versions of the legend and is an irreverent parody of the Arthurian legend.

“The audience probably knows the sketches better than most of the actors,” said director Dianna Schepers. “Python fans will not be disappointed.”

Kevin Burns, (a three-time Shellie Award winning actor) stars as King Arthur with his trusty servant Patsy, Mariah Heath.

“Spamalot” runs Sept. 28 through Oct. 7 at the California Theatre in Old Town Pittsburg, and Oct. 13 and 14 at the El Campanil in Antioch. For tickets to the Pittsburg performance, call 925-427-1611 or visit PittsburgCaliforniaTheatre.com. For tickets to

the Antioch performances, call 925-757-9500 or visit www.ElCampanilTheatre.com.

I had the pleasure of seeing the Vagabond Players’ absolutely delightful production of “Sylvia” last month and met with Concord resident Bill Dietz, who has performed with the Vagabonds since 2006. The group performs at many East Bay senior living facilities including Montecito Senior Living and Courtyard at Pine Creek in Concord.

After a two-year grant from the Lesher Foundation ran out this year, founder and Artistic Director Sharon Redman said the troupe has “struggled to make it” and is appealing to the public for help.

I can’t think of a more

charitable act than to help the company bring live theater to these facilities. To donate, visit the company’s website, www.vagabondplayersinc.com.

Lauren Gunderson’s explosive comedy “The Revolutionists” opens the new season at Lafayette’s Town Hall Theatre. Directed by Susan E. Evans, the Bay Area premiere is a bold and irreverent comedy about four real-life, badass women during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror who might have lost their heads, but gained a voice through award winning Gunderson, one of the most produced playwrights in America. The play runs Sept. 27 through Oct. 20 at 3535 School Street in Lafayette. For tickets call 925283-1557 or go online at www.TownHallTheatre.com.

PG-13.

After appearing at

Vicki Victoria Photography

Christina Boothman stars as The Lady of the Lake in “Spamalot,” at the El Campanil Oct. 13 and 14.

Danville’s Eugene O’Neill Festival at Danville’s Tao House, the Role Players Ensemble Theatre production of “Hughie,” directed by Eric Fraser Hayes radically reimag-

Stu Selland

(front): Sarah Mitchell; (rear, l-r) Heather Kellogg, Kimberly Ridgeway, and Suzie Shepard in “The Revolutionists”, running Sept. 27 – Oct. 20, at Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette.

ines the O’Neill play by shedding new light on the characters and their playwright. The show sets sail for the Ireland festival and tour after its Sept.

23 through Oct. 2 run in the Old Barn at the Tao House, on the Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site. Transportation to the historic site is provided from downtown Danville. For more info, visit www.Villagetheatreshows.com.

The musical team of Linda Gregg and Gretchen Givens partner again for the World Premiere of “Canyon Road,” directed by Mark Hinds in the Onstage Theatre production at the Martinez Campbell Theatre.

Beneath a starlit sky in colorful Santa Fe, anything is possible on “Canyon Road,” where a well-kept secret forces a long-standing estrangement between artist Chloe and her daughter June. There’s one last chance for redemption for mother and daughter when Chloe’s long lost-lover William

See Marquee, page 17

“Dark Side of the Moon” Night Concord’s 3rd Annual

The City of Concord presents

A Family Friendly Music and Science Extravaganza

October 4

6 – 8:30 p.m.

Todos Santos Plaza Free to the public

Featuring

“Singing for Science” A fun and educational audience participation science quiz House of Floyd concert with spectacular laser light show.

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And to all attendees and their generous donations.

September 21, 2018

Marquee, from page 16

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Allard Farms: three generations bring more than 100 varieties of fruit to market DEBRA MORRIS Pacific Coast Farmers Market

Jamie Jobb

Composer Linda Gregg and playwright Gretchen Givens collaborate on “Canyon Road.” The musical runs Sept. 28Oct. 13.

appears. With his help and that of her spunky 10-year-old granddaughter, Chloe sets out to paint a different picture to define her legacy.

“Canyon Road” runs Sept.

28 through Oct. 13 at 636 Ward St, Martinez. For tickets: www.campbelltheater.com or call 925-350-9770.

P.G. Wodehouse’s 1927 romantic comedy “Good Morning, Bill” is next up for Orinda Starlight Theatre. It’s directed by Edwin Peabody, who also stars as Bill Paradene, a man who meets an attractive woman while on holiday, then the falls for her doctor. Running through Sept. 27 at the outdoor theatre, 28 Orinda Way, Orinda. For tickets visit

www.orsvp.org.

There are only two more weekends to take a chance on “Mama Mia,” Center Repertory Theatre’s opening show of its 51st season. In a quest to learn who her father is, Sophie invites three men from her mother’s past, hoping one of them will walk her down the aisle. Audiences will enjoy familiar tunes and the funny tale inspired by the music of ABBA. Through Oct. 7. For tickets, call 925-943-SHOW or visit www.lesherartscenter.org.

Kathryn G. McCarty is wellknown around the Bay Area as an educator, playwright and journalist.

Send comments to KGMcCarty@gmail.com.

Page 17

Need a bushel of peaches or nectarines for canning some fresh peach jam or nectarine chutney? Want to enjoy some really good fruit salad or homemade apple pie? Allard Farms is the place to visit for all your seasonal fruits and nuts, jams and jellies.

The Allard Family has been farming for three generations. Glen and Alma Allard moved from Iowa to California in 1909 and started farming in Westley, quickly adding acreage and growing their business. Their orchards thrived as they expanded their selection from just almonds and cherries, to walnuts, pomegranates, pears, and stone fruit. Vines of figs and grapes also began to grow alongside the orchards.

They now have over 100 varieties of fruit trees and other produce on 100 acres of land in several locations.

You’ll find today’s generation, Guy and Alice Allard, at one of nine farmers’ markets they attend in the Bay Area.

The next generation Allard kids, Guy and Reagan, have become the official taste testers of the family, a very important job. Guy Sr. says, “Living in the country and working outdoors are what we love about farming. Producing delicious fruit to pass on to customers is our way of sharing the bounty.”

The Allards grow a large variety of stone fruit, from peaches and nectarines, to plums, apricots, apriums, as well as a delicious hybrid called a peacotum, a combination of peaches, apricots, and plums.

These fill the tables during the summer months, while pomegranates, pears, apples, figs and persimmons appear in the fall.

Almonds and walnuts are available year-round.

The Allards truly love participating in farmers markets and sharing their farming wisdom, talking to customers about how they grow their produce and why they do what they do. They have delicious hybrid fruits that you won’t find at the supermarket – a good reason to shop your farmers’ market for variety

it’s fall and here come the apples. Allard Farms will bring the first of the season to Concord’s Farmers Market.

and freshness. Stop by and Add to pot with water and say hello and pick up some of lemon juice. Cover and cook 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occatheir farm-fresh fruits. sionally, until tender. Add cinCHUNKY CINNAMON namon and sugar. Cook until APPLESAUCE sugar dissolves. Fill sterilized 18 cups chopped peeled jars, add lids and rings; process apples 20 minutes for pints, 30 min1/2 cup water utes for quarts.

2 tablespoons lemon juice —Recipe: Debra Morris, 1 cup sugar, more or less to PCFMA. taste (1-2/4 cups for 2 batches) 3 teaspoons cinnamon The Concord Farmers Market is in Todos Santos Plaza Tues. & Peel, core and chop apples. Thurs. See ad page 11 for hours.

It’s not too early to think about

YOUR VOTE In the General Elections, November 6, 2018

Keep Democracy Strong – VOTE! A reminder from John Carter

Aaron Murphy, Dorian Lockett and Clive Worsley perform in “Hughie.” Eugene O’neill’s play tours from the Tao House to ireland this fall.

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Page 18

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

September 21, 2018

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• FHA-Insured Program for Seniors

HighTechLending, Inc., Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. #4130937 NMLS #7147. Equal HousingLender. NMLS Consumer Access: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. This material is not from HUD for FHA, and was not approved by HUD, FHA or any other government agency.

You only have one opportunity to make a first impression, and this statement couldn’t be more fitting for a front porch. It’s a personal and welcoming first impression of your home, the first hello guests receive and the first designed living space that welcomes guests into your home.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or editing an existing space, consider focusing on lighting, the door and the decor. Of course, there are other important factors that play into this scenario, like the overall design of your home and how your front porch is incorporated into this design, exterior building materials and the property itself. But for now, let’s focus on decorative elements.

Lighting is a crucial design element in any living space.

Inside your residence, the combination of task and ambient lighting makes for an inviting and functional setting. You can follow this same recipe outside. For example, if you’re

JEnniFER LEiSCHER

DESIGN & DÉCOR

If you’ve been out and about, you’ve probably noticed that retailers are beginning to mingle holiday decor in with regular merchandise.

My first holiday sighting included a friendly looking pumpkin topiary and sparkly black and purple witches on broomsticks. I flinched, realizing that the holidays are in our very near future.

Then it made me think: Is my front porch holiday ready for cheerful goblins and ghosts, spry turkeys with top hats and spats, and holiday wreaths bursting with mini sparkle lights?

in need of task lighting, consider adding recessed cans to the underside of your porch roof. To add ambient lighting, try a pair of outdoor wall sconces on either side of your door or a decorative outdoor pendant or chandelier.

Working with your trusted contractor is the best way to determine what is feasible for your front porch, and brainstorming together will help you come to a unique design plan that fits your porch best.

The front door is a great design opportunity to add a stylish element to your porch and entry. If you have a dark entry, consider a door that incorporates glass that takes up a quarter, half or most of the door. If you have the space, add a pair of side windows to not only create an interesting exterior, but also take care of a functional, natural light issue on the inside.

The front door should be a functional design statement

See Design, page 20

6160 Center St. Suite #C, Clayton

925-693-0757 (main) Clayton residents since 1959

ACTIVE • 955 Snow Dr., Martinez

4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, approx. 2562 sq.ft.

$798,000

Listing agent: Matt Mazzei

• 1355 Kenwal Rd., Concord 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, approx. 1008 sq.ft.

$400,000

Listing agent: Rula Masannat

PENDING • 214 Falcon Pl., Clayton

3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, approx. 1493 sq.ft.

$689,000

Listing agent: Matt Mazzei

• 25 Mozden Lane, Pleasant Hill

3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, approx. 1488 sq. ft.

$550,000

Listing agent: Matt Mazzei

SOLD • 501 Suisun Ct., Clayton

3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, approx. 1904 sq.ft.

$710,000

Listing agent: Matt Mazzei

mazzeirealty.net

Matt Mazzei, Jr.,

Paula & Rod Johnstone

Rula Masannat

BRE# 01881269

DRE# 00797857

DRE# 01923757

Broker/Owner 925-766-6745 matt@mazzeirealty.net

Broker Associate Paula 925-381-8810 Rod 925-286-5765

heypaula10@gmail.com

Sales Agent 415-310-2905 rulawithmazzei@yahoo.com

September 21, 2018

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Senior Living

“When the world is so complicated, the simple gift of friendship is within all of our hands.”

– Maria Shriver

n this life, we learn early on that acquiring knowledge is the best way to keep ourselves informed.

When someone we love receives a diagnosis of a health-related ailment, most people instinctually begin to enlighten themselves on what potentially could happen, what might have caused this diagnosis and, ultimately, how best to proceed forward with treatment.

There are 327,178,060 Americans in the United States, and 5.7 million of them have been diagnosed and are living with Alzheimer’s. The devastation of Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t permit them to expand their knowledge. The disease is entirety selfish. It robs the person of memories from years past and sabotages their ability to gain

I

insight on the situation, thus hindering them from making new memories.

Alzheimer’s is the most recognized cause of dementia. Symptoms progress and impede the ability to maintain memory, think and engage appropriately in social situations. Although we have become aware of the progression of this disease and the potential for what it can create, we have yet to find a cure. The treatments that exist slow the development of dementia-related symptoms, creating a slightly higher quality of life.

During the initial time of diagnosis, it is imperative to seek support that can strive to uplift our spirits, help maintain our strength and ultimately give us something greater than ourselves to believe in and be a part of.

This need for support is why the Alzheimer’s Association exists. It is the leading voluntary health organization in care, support and research of Alzheimer’s.

According to www.alz,org, the mission is “to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research;

to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.”

In the East Bay Area and Silicon Valley, we join together in October to take a step forward.The commitment to unite on either Saturday, Oct. 13, or Saturday, Oct. 20, will symbolize not only that we intend to spread the power of awareness but that we share in the hope for a cure. Therefore, we walk and we remember their love when they can no longer remember themselves.

In a world that becomes extremely complicated as the mind begins to deteriorate, we are reminded that a smile can provoke a smile, a handshake can trigger a response and a hug is still the kindest gift that one person can give another. Maria Shriver said it best: The simple gift of friendship is truly within all of our hands to be extended out and received by one another.

—Carlton Senior Living

Advertise in our Senior Living section: 672-0500

Page 19

Affordable care you can trust

ResCare is committed to finding innovative solutions to help seniors and individuals with disabilities stay in their own homes.

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ResCare Home Care 1850 Gateway Blvd., Suite 280, Concord Johana Seminario, LVN, Branch Manager 925.685.5577 jlseminario@rescare.com

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6401 Center St. Clayton, CA 94517 (925) 524-5100

www.DiamondTerrace.net

Page 20

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

September 21, 2018

Take a driving tour around breathtaking Yellowstone

KEVin PARKER

HIT

THE

TRAIL

The 830-mile loop through greater Montana and into Wyoming set the stage for a five-day battery recharge that went beyond all our expectations.

It all began at a family ranch outside of Kalispell as my trusty co-pilot and I dropped the kiddos, loaded up the truck and headed on a road to nowhere. Miles of open highway took us through Missoula, Butte and dozens of other towns and finally a stop for lunch in Bozeman, a hipster college town.

Driving through the Absaroka and Gallatin Ranges was breathtaking, and our goal was to make Chico Hot Springs in Pray by sundown.

Chico is a cool and funky natural hot spring resort 35 miles outside the north entrance to Yellowstone. A mix-up accidentally put us in the honeymoon suite, an auspicious start.

The focal point of our trip was to maximize our visit inside Yellowstone National Park, a long-time bucket list entry. The park fee is $35 and is good for 6 days – what a deal.

We began at Mammoth Hot Springs Visitor Center to devise a plan. We had two days, and to really see this park, you probably need 5-7.

There are two large loops

Kevin Parker

Emerald Spring in norris Geyser Back Basin is ringed with yellow sulphur deposits giving the 27-foot deep pool its vibrant emerald green color.

that cover Yellowstone with five separate entrances. We made a quick stroll through Upper, Lower and Main Terraces, living travertine sculptures with temperatures topping 163 degrees. The boardwalk-type trail was userfriendly to those of all abilities, much is the theme in the park for major areas of interest.

The compass pointed east toward Tower-Roosevelt, eventually landing in Canyon Village. Every turn had us asking each other: Should we stop?

The Gardiner River, Petrified Tree, Calcite Springs and Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls are not to be missed. If you have time, visit Lookout Point, South Rim Drive and Artist Point.

But let’s get back to Yellowstone Falls, because never in my life have I witnessed such a raw display of power in such

close proximity. Upper falls is 109 feet, but the 308-feet lower falls had us both frozen with a true sense of respect for Mother Nature. When the ranger says to stay out of all rivers, you certainly understand why.

For those with more time, continue south to Lake Village, West Thumb, Yellowstone Lake and Old Faithful.

As short-timers, we headed due west on a crash course to Norris Geyser Basin. This basin is like nothing I have ever seen in this world. There are miles of geothermal pools and vents with two distinct hiking loops, Back and Porcelain Basins. Make sure you take them both.

The Norris Basin is among the hottest, oldest and most dynamic within Yellowstone, with the highest temperature recorded at 459. Steamboat and Echinus Geysers are the

most popular. And folks, this area is without the crowds, which cannot be said for all areas of Yellowstone in the summer.

The beautiful Gibbon and Madison rivers, along with numerous sightings of bison, bear, elk, bald eagles and foxes,

provided scenery throughout the rest of our trip.

We trucked out of Yellowstone along the Gallatin River and Highway 191 until we reached Big Sky Montana, a world-class ski and summer resort. Mountain biking, hiking and outdoor adventure are common themes here. We hiked Ousel Falls Park Trail, an easy out and back hike along the Gallatin River to Ousel Falls – another trip high point.

We headed out of Big Sky toward Helena and eventually up the Swan Valley on Highway 83. This was easily our favorite section of highway, with 13 lakes in 56 miles. We wanted to stop at every one, but we had reservations at Laughing Horse Lodge on Swan Lake.

Laughing Horse delivered world-class eats along with mountain home lodging and utopic gardens just a stone’s throw from Swan Lake. Early morning paddle boarding let us enjoy the lake without another sign of life – truly a gift on a cloudy morning.

We spent half a day touring Big Fork, had a lazy day in

Design, from page 18

that adds interest to your front porch and provides you with the right amount of privacy.

Options include French doors with decorative solid and glass panels, doors with modern horizontal or vertical stripes or a traditional door with rivets and swirls.

You can accessorize your front porch with ceramic pots with lime green fluffy foliage, a

doormat with your scrolled monogram or a white swinging park bench with colorful throw pillows. Make it welcoming with weather-resistant accessories that won’t wilt or tarnish the moment you place them outside.

Be conscientious of scale when accessorizing your front porch. Even the largest porches have a limit on how many

town and then drove south along Flathead Lake and made our way back to the start point.

Honorable mentions: rafting on Flathead River, the Bison Range, Wilcoxson’s Ice Cream, bear spray and binoculars.

Our trip just touched the tip of adventure, and we are already planning our next route through more open country. Get out there and enjoy America.

Contact Kevin Parker with comments or questions by email at LukeHollywood@gmail.com In the July 20 “Take a Hike” column, readers were incorrectly directed to use a “secret passageway” at the top of Mt. Dell Dr. to access the Water Tower Road. This “passageway” is private property and is posted.

This is not a public access trail. We apologize for the error.

treasures can fit in one space.

When designing your front porch, think welcoming and inviting, decorative and functional – designed with your personal aesthetic in mind. It’s an opportunity to make a first impression of what’s to come inside.

Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design based in Clayton. Contact her with questions, comments and suggestions at jenna@j-designs.com.

Nancy E. Bennett 936 Avondale Ct. – Walnut Creek

Spacious living and beautiful finishes abound in this Rudgear Estates Mediterranean style home with 3-car garage. 6 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2604 sq ft on a .21 acre lot. Beautifully updated kitchen and gorgeous engineered hardwood flooring anchor this impeccable home along with new interior doors, hardware and light fixtures. Situated on a quiet court, close to pool. Great commute location.

Offered at $1,300,000

COMING SOON

4460 Pinon Ct. – Concord

SALE

PEN

DING

Beautifully updated single-story home in the Crossings. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1917 sq ft, .17 acre lot, freshly painted.

New carpet, interior doors and dual paned windows. Spacious living room includes a vaulted ceiling, gas fireplace and formal dining area. Openconcept kitchen/family room combo features lots of prep space, breakfast bar, gas cooktop and double oven.

• Concord – 3 beds, 2 baths, 1308 sq ft single story charmer • Walnut Creek – 1 bed, 1 bath, 723 sq ft turn key condo • Walnut Creek – 5 beds, 3.5 baths, 3166 sq ft on .43 acre lot with 3-car garage

Charming Single Story with RV Parking and More. This home is light, bright and move-in ready. Situated in the heart of Concord with access to canal trail, and a quick hop to freeways, BART and downtown. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths 1824 sq ft, .25 acre lot. Meticulously maintained original hardwood flooring and updated lighting throughout.

Offered at $760,000

Offered at $640,000

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