Dg oct2016 digital

•Rattlesnake Tales •Dan Ashley reflects on Arnold Palmer” •Secret Service Tales •Film Review:“Sully” •Halloween ...and More Great Scary Stuff

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2016 • Page 2 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

from the publisher

by David King

Halloween Wishes and Thanks!

Some of the articles in this edition have expanded versions at diablogazette. com. Plus we’ve added a few additional stories we simply ran out of room for such as “Midnight Munchies”, Richard Eber’s list of favorite restaurants to go to after 10 PM. We will find local candidate information there as well. This edition is

much about Halloween, some fun, some scary. Next month, it’s the Holidays.

Thank you everyone for your stories. As always, they are fun, informative and an enjoyable snapshot of the people we live among. Hope you and your family have a Safe and Happy Halloween. Thanks for reading.

Book Review: Asylum by Madeleine Roux

bookends

by Jill Hedgecock,

Program Coordinator Mount Diablo California Writer’s Club jillhedgecock.com “Asylum” by Madeleine Roux (2013, Harper Collins, paperback, 321 pages, $8.19) is the first young adult novel in the series of the same name. Socially awkward Dan Crawford along with his love interest, Abby, and friend Jordon are glad to be away from their respective homes. These three fast friends, thrown together for an academic program at New Hampshire College become a little too curious about the restricted area of the campus. They explore the forbidden wing, grisly photographs of the asylum staff and the patients start to take on meaning for Dan and Abby. It isn’t long before Dan’s innocent investigation of the facility turns dark and deadly.

The story is told from the point of view of sixteen-year-old Dan and through flashbacks and letters from the warden of the facility. However, when Dad starts to have memory lapses, readers are left wondering what is reality or whether Dan should be under psychiatric care himself.

Perhaps the creepiest part of this book is the genuine photos from asylums: a haunting picture of a young girl with a vacant expression and giant scar across her head, a photo of the warden with his

eyes scribbled out, an empty cementwalled hallway with a single set of footprints in the dusty floor; even an image of the exterior of the building is enough to make a reader shudder. And then there are the sketches: a little girl in a puffy-sleeved dress with her eyes blacked out and a sketch of a theater-like set up in the operating room which ends up being pivotal to the plot. Between the spooky tale and these pictures, “Asylum” provides both a narrative and visual scare-fest.

“Asylum” is a perfect teen read for the Halloween season appropriate for ages 14 years and up. This debut novel landed on the New York Times bestseller list. Two more books in the series are also available, “Sanctum” (#2) released in 2014 and “Catacomb ”#(3) released in 2015 as well as “The Asylum Novellas” released in 2016. Roux is also the author of a two-book zombie series (“Allison Hewitt is Trapped” and “Sadie Walker is Stranded”).

moviemavericks

by Jason Rugaard www.moviemavericks.com

Sully The infamous U.S. Airways water landing into the Hudson River by Capt.

Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger is the basis for the new film directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Tom Hanks.

Anchored by another tremendous performance in a career full of them, “Sully” offers a sobering, eminently worthwhile testament to Tom Hank’s ability to hold the screen. The movie is rigorous, serious and well-crafted, with Hanks employing only his economical emotional reactions and physical presence to craft another memorable role.

A miraculous landing that saved the 155 souls on-board Flight 1549 turns pilot Sullenberger (Tom Hanks) into a National hero. His face appears on newspapers and magazines stands, personal appearances on talk-shows, and an adoring public all propel the somewhat introverted man into a media sensation. That’s until the flight review board brings accusations that Sully and his co-pilot (Aaron Eckhart) could have made it to two nearby air-ports instead of attempting and completing the most difficult water-landing in recorded history.

The film shows us the ‘big event’ four

times, as Sully has nightmares about the horrific possible outcome of the flight had he performed incorrectly. It’s a narrative device that robs the finale of tension because we have already been privy to the experience and terror beforehand. The landing sequence has been accomplished by high-level CGI and numerous other tricks of the craft, but the over-all effect is seamless and ranks amongst similar scenes in “Flight”, “Cast Away”, and “Fight Club”.

Even when the story lags or meanders in filler to make feature-length runningtime, “Sully” benefits from Tom Hanks’ affable charisma and his easy chemistry with a co-star Aaron Eckhardt.

Though predictable and dramatically underwhelming, the movie is essentially about perseverance: playing it smart, doing your job and not giving up.

Director: Clint Eastwood Stars: Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, Laura Linney

What Dell and HP Won’t Tell You

computercorner

by William Claney, Computers USA

They hide the problems. Computer manufactures want you to believe they are building the perfect computer and leading you to believe their product is the best. So, what are they really hiding from you?

All these trustworthy names like Dell, Hewlett Packard, and every other maker, use components like hard drives, motherboards, etc., that they themselves do not make. So, what does their name stand for? Not much really since they all draw their parts from the international marketplace of computer parts. One part is as good as another, right?

These manufacturers will buy whatever is the least expensive without much regard to quality because they are in a “race to the bottom.” Perhaps their attitude is as long as it lasts a day longer than the warranty, who cares? You just want cheap, don’t you?

So, how do you get a great deal on a good computer? Follow this advice “Don’t buy a pig in a poke.” I believe it’s an old Scottish proverb that remains the wisest advice one can have when buying a computer.

Have you ever had a sales rep recite the virtues of the computer on sale? Usually you stare blankly and go along with his presentation. Stop that. The investment helps you attain your goals.

Origin: “A Pig in a poke” is an offer or deal that is foolishly accepted without being examined first.

The advice being given is ‘don’t buy a pig until you have seen it’. This is enshrined in British commercial law as ‘caveat emptor’ - Latin for ‘let the buyer beware’. This remains the guiding principle of commerce in many countries and, in essence, supports the view that if you buy something you take responsibility to make sure it is what you

intended to buy.

A poke is a sack or bag.

It has a French origin as ‘poque’ and, like several other French words, its diminutive is formed by adding ‘ette’ or ‘et’ - hence ‘pocket’ began life with the meaning ‘small bag’. “ Buying Tip: Ask the sales person to OPEN the computer and SHOW you the parts inside. Yes, really have them open the computer and show you the insides.

It’s a computer put together with parts from manufacturers all over the world with names you have never heard, are barely recognizable and in some cases unpronounceable. If the sales person can’t open it then have them describe all the parts used inside. In my opinion, if they can’t do this -- walk away.

Here’s what you DON’T want. First, you don’t want an HP, too many overheating design issues and low quality parts. Second, you don’t want a computer with a Seagate hard disk drive (HD or HDD), choose instead Toshiba or Western Digital or some other brand.

Third you don’t want “value” RAM, you want Samsung or Crucial brands in “matched” sets. A computer that meets these conditions is the one you should select, even if it means a higher price.

Seagate HDs crash more often than others due to a design defect (BSY a firmware defect) that still exists. HPs are plagued with over-heating issues. RAM can be mismatched thereby creating system wide crashes.

Ok, I realize you’re not a computer tech, but you can fake it by opening the chassis (box) and peaking (knowingly) into the bag, err, box. The sales person will think you’re a genius and immediately treat you with respect. You deserve that.

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2016 • Page 3 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990

What Really Matters

by Dan Ashley, ABC-7 News Anchor http://abclocal.go.com

Why I Admired Arnold Palmer A great American and one of my all-time favorite heroes has died at the age of 87. Arnold Palmer lived an extraordinary life of triumph and accomplishment.

He was a fierce and dashing competitor on the golf course and a beloved pitchman off it. He, almost single-handedly, made golf the popular modernday sport it is today. They called him The King – but it was his everyman, common touch, and modest roots that made him popular and made golf seem cool. He also ushered in the era of the sports celebrity-- making huge amounts of money from endorsements.

To this day, he is still one of the highestpaid sports superstars in the country.

He even has a refreshing summer beverage named in his honor.

All of that is inspiring, but what made him a hero to me was the way he conducted himself in competition. A fierce competitor, but a gentleman, win or lose. That is the mark of a true champion.

I didn’t know much, if anything about Arnold Palmer, or golf for that matter, until the summer after I graduated from high school. Golf just wasn’t on my radar screen, my father didn’t play and neither did my friends so I had never been introduced to the sport until the summer of 1981. I was working at Swensen’s Ice Cream Factory in my hometown of Chapel Hill, North Carolina when I met a fellow working there as a shortorder cook named Donnie. Donnie was a friendly guy making ends meet at the restaurant, where his wife also worked, while he was finishing dental school. He was a golfer and, as I would come to find out, a very good one.

Donnie played high school golf, then

Tortured but Painting with Gary Bergren

by Fran Cain

My art teacher at the Lafayette Community Center, Gary Bergren, comes by and reminds me for the third or fourth time today that in order to bring the foreground forward, the darks must be darker, the colors warmer and more saturated, and the details sharper than the background. And the middle ground must be a little darker than the background, but not as dark as the foreground. And the ocean water should reflect the sunlight, but be lighter and more transparent close up than in the distance. I mix more paint because I keep running out. But what did I use the last time, and why doesn’t it match?

With a few swipes, Gary shows me how to get my colors back. “Add

Story continues on page 7...

on his college team. His best friend and former college golf teammate was a caddy on the PGA tour. As we got to know each other that summer during our shifts, he began to tell me a lot about the game and then invited me to hit some balls at the range so he could introduce me to the game. I was immediately hooked. Hooked. In fact, it quickly began to occupy practically every waking thought.

I was fascinated with every aspect of the sport, the physical and mental challenge, but something else made it magical.

The world golfers lived in, especially at the professional level, was utterly fascinating to me. Not because of the wealth and celebrity, not at all.

What captured my attention and my imagination was what golf and golfers represent—a sense of sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct, and a respect for tradition. It was all just thrilling to a young man still trying to define himself.

That first summer as a golfer I began watching and reading everything I could about the game, its history, and the people who play it for a living. Arnold Palmer, the King, was a major part of that education. His skill and swagger on the course was as mesmerizing as his charm and charisma was off it. All very inspirational for me as I readied myself to leave home for college. But What Really Matters is how he conducted himself throughout his life-- with humility and dignity. Something to aspire to.

All of that, and that delicious blend of lemonade and iced tea that bears his name.

A great American.

Dan Ashley is an anchor at ABC-7 News and can be seen weeknights at 5, 6 and 11 p.m. on ABC-7 and at 9 p.m. on KOFY TV20. Contact him at Dan. Ashley@abc.com. Visit http://www.rockwithpush. com for more on the band.

Rattlesnake Tales

by David King

We didn’t want to rehash old local ghost stories, so in the spirit of Halloween, Diablo Gazette reveals three true rattlesnake tales that should give you a scare, especially if you don’t like rattlesnakes.

Baby Rattlesnake vs.

Concord Boy, 8 Brendon Singh, a 3rd grade boy from Concord, age 8, was hospitalized after being bitten by a rattlesnake.

He was playing at his neighbor’s house which sits next to open space off Discovery St. in Concord.

They were in the backyard building a fort.

He was wearing Vans, a low top shoe and socks when Brendon felt what he thought was a sharp pinch on his foot. He looked down and saw the snake. There was no warning.

His friend, O’Neal recognized it as a rattlesnake and immediately called 911 and went inside the house. Paramedics and firefighters were on the scene in moments and found it was indeed a baby rattlesnake. They took Brendon by ambulance to John Muir Medical Center.

The snake was destroyed.

“The bite had the potential to be more dangerous because young rattlesnakes lack the ability to control their venom sacks,” Contra Costa Fire Marshall Marshal Robert told a reporter. “Baby rattlesnakes tend to be a little more aggressive, and so they may or may not give warning before they strike out,” he said.

Once at the hospital, the doctors found four puncture wounds, Brendon had been bitten twice.

“When I got to see him he was completely still, very brave, very calm” she said. “But you know, I’m his mother, so I could see the fear in his eyes,” Debbie Singh said. Brendon’s stayed overnight for observation.

“They gave him four units of antivenin.

He had some swelling around his foot and ankle and it was turning black and blue. So they kept giving more antivenin,” she said.

Brendan said it didn’t really hurt but became uncomfortable once the foot started swelling and turning colors. He said the more painful moments was each time the medical staff would draw blood for testing.

His mother hopes his story will serve as a warning and remind other kids to be aware of their surroundings.

“I couldn’t believe all of the media.”

Debbie stated. “Helicopters, three TV crews, plus Claycord and I’m thinking people get bitten all the time, why so much attention?”

A baby rattlesnake could be a bad sign. Roberto Deleon who lives across the street reported he has killed seven rattlesnakes in his yard. For Brendon, within a week he had fully recovered. It was just a day in the life of a young boy… and a badge of honor.

“I keep telling him to turn off the TV, stop playing video games, and go outside and play… So this is what happens!”

Debbie muses.

Snakes On A Plate.

Steven Zodikoff and his family live in Chrystal Ranch Development in Concord located around open space near the base of Mt. Diablo. It’s a beautiful neighborhood blessed with Mt. Diablo wildlife. Wildlife that must be respected.

Zodikoff decided to raise a few chickens. “We thought it would be fun to have chickens and collect a few eggs each day.” Zodikoff said. So he installed a chicken coop in the backyard against their house.

In the summer, mice were starting to come into the house. “They were attracted by the chickens,” Zokikoff said. He set traps but the rodents kept coming. “We were trapping a mouse every night. Then one Saturday, a small rattlesnake came to

Continues on page 7

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Spooky Halloween Decor on a Budget

FrugElegance

by Carol and Randi

The Frugirls www.frugelegance.com Creating spooky Halloween decor for a table or mantel is as simple as a trip to some local stores and a little creative DIY. Yes, you can “Do It Yourself”, it’s so easy. The Dollar Tree is a fabulous place for bottles, spooky labels, stickers, eyeball candy and so many other Halloween products. The thrift stores are overflowing with used and very worn books - and Beverly’s, our local craft store has the chalkboard paint and chalkboard

markers. Go to their website and sign up to receive their coupons to save even more!

For creating the books, simply paint on the chalkboard paint and let it thoroughly dry before adding any stickers or writing with the marker. Chalkboard paint is thick and goes on a little streaky but it

dries flat so don’t stress about perfect painting. Have fun with the titles: Book of Spells, Broom Flying for Dummies, or Vampire Diaries - some names to get you started.

The creepy bottles can be filled with anything from the pantry: popcorn kernels, beans, salt & pepper, sugar, the list is endless. We love those small round sprinkles that look like spider eggs!

Candles and Dollar Tree Halloween Webbing put the perfect eerie finishing touches for your table or mantel.

We hope you will come on over and visit us on our blog www.frugelegance. com where we have so many more budget friendly home and holiday decor ideas plus some of our favorite recipes. Follow us on social media and be a Fru-Girl (or Guy) too!

Have a Spook-tacular Halloween!

Autumn Abounds Gardenwise

by Jere Peck, Garden Manager The Gardens at Heather Farms

With intense heat and sun, September in the garden can often be a dead zone; but October is a time of transition to fall.

Over the last month, we have witnessed the slow decline (or in some cases, instant) of plants as they dried up, succumbed to disease, or just plain ran out of gas. As temperatures grow cooler, days shorter, and shadows longer, October becomes a more pleasant time to be in the garden.

Whether or not you plan to grow a winter garden, it’s time to prepare for what’s next. Here at The Gardens at Heather Farm, we are hard at work preparing for this transition. That means planning beds, collecting seed, and, of course, repairs.

In the Bay Area, planting perennials in the Fall is a smart move. Perennials, by definition, are plants that live for many years rather than just a single season (those are annuals). Perennials do best when planted as temperatures are cooling down. Unlike spring, fall plantings take advantage of the winter to develop strong root systems which allow the plant to focus on flower and fruit production in the spring. Fall-planted perennials will be bigger, stronger, and better prepared for the hot, dry summer that lies ahead.

When thinking about plants for your garden, keep in mind we’re lucky to live in a climate that allows us to grow plants and flowers for year-round color. Yes,

while some plants thrive during the dog days of summer, there are many fantastic plants that can stand up to our chilly winter temperatures and rain. These plants will supply your garden and your vases with flowers all winter long. And it’s not too late to get them in the ground!

Pick up some tips at The Gardens on Saturday, November 5 from 10am-12pm as Kristin Yanker-Hansen highlights great choices for winter blooming plants.

Kristin is a recognized horticulturist with

a lifetime of experience, particularly in flower gardening. This is a “don’t miss event” if you would like to add some color to your garden in the winter. Register for the class online at gardenshf.org/adultprograms.

In the meantime, take this time of the season to observe your garden transition.

We live in a world where beauty is celebrated and anything past its prime is brushed aside. In gardening, however, we have the opportunity to celebrate aging and death. Allow plants to go to seed.

Crumble dried seed heads in your hand and watch as seed scatters on the ground.

Throw some seed in a corner, add a little water and see what happens. Celebrate nature’s processes.

Dig it. Happy gardening!

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Clayton/Concord Sons In Retirement Just Having Fun, Receives Award The local Clayton/Concord Sons In Retirement branch (SIR) recently received a special SIR State President’s Success Award at their monthly luncheon at Oakhurst Country Club, for their notable 2016 growth and active membership engagement. Most of the 130 members of SIR are active retired men with disposable income. What do they do? They play. Activities are local, ongoing, and typically include golf, bowling, bocce ball, restaurant dine out events and day trips with spouses, plus a monthly member lunch. Always patronizing one of our fine local small businesses in the process. As a result, SIR members continue to actively

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Members of the SIR branch’s Executive Committee.

From left to right: Bernie Theobald, John Carl, Bruce Persons, Jack Barnaba, Ken Peterson, Art Owen

contribute to the economic vitality of the East Bay. Sound like fun? Contact Bruce Persons at brucep@astound.net or go to the website: www.sir19.org.

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2016 • Page 7 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990

Painting continued from page 3

Rattlesnakes continued from page 3

just a touch of yellow,” he advises.

I feel fortunate to be working with Gary Bergren, a local artist who was born in Berkeley and grew up in Moraga and Lafayette. Gary is incredibly patient with his students. He doesn’t seem to mind repeating himself. Even when I’ve been in a classroom filled beyond capacity with students, he stops at each station and tirelessly explains theory—color, composition and perspective--applying it to each student’s unique piece in order to enhance and improve their work. I’ve watched the seemingly simple addition of a highlighted path or tree transform an adequate painting into something stunning.

Gary is a pretty humble guy. He’s embarrassed to tell me, after I insist, that his paintings sell for as much as $15,000 out of a gallery in Bozeman, Montana.

Still, he struggles to be better. Going to art museums, he asks himself “Am I there?” “No,” he answers.

Considering his skill, I’m surprised that he did not attend traditional art school. Instead, he has taken many varied college classes and workshops.

He has studied under, David Hardy, who founded the Atelier School of Classical Realism in Oakland, and Charles H. White, whose influence can be seen in Gary’s work. He is inspired by artists such as Rembrandt and James Bama.

But his father, Ted Bergren, his mentor and idol, influenced him the most. Gary describes his father as a “Renaissance man”, who was a teacher for many years, but also a musician, sculpture, and writer. He taught Gary art basics from an early age, and devoted decades to Gary’s growth as an artist.

Gary’s mother, an interior decorator, had a flair for beautiful color and design work at home. “It rubbed off,” he says.

“She encouraged and cultivated my talent.”

Gary paints portraits and still life compositions as well as landscapes, in representational style. His portraits of a cowboy sitting astride a stallion are

the front door. Zodikoff had it removed. “In past years, we have had a couple of rattlesnakes on the property, so we didn’t think that a snake at the front door was abnormal.”

A few days later, Zodikoff was off running errands. The daughter was working in the kitchen and went to grab Tupperware. She opened the cabinet and screamed.

There were two small rattlesnakes in the cabinet, one was in the Tupperware, the other was caught in the mousetrap. After receiving her frantic call, Zodikoff raced home. He was able to get one of the snakes, but the other got away behind the cabinets down behind the plumbing pipes by the sink. Zodikoff wasn’t taking any chances, he had to protect his family and searched for snake removal company.

He found a specialist in Rocklin called Rattlesnake Removal Company owned

by Sgt. Lou Fraser. They responded the next day. Using a fiber optics plumbing camera, he found two more rattlesnakes hidden in the rock wall. In all, they found five rattlesnakes over the next two weeks.

“They were the lucky ones”, Fraser said. “A mother snake had given birth to 1520 snakes close to the property in the Spring.” Zodikoff had provided an easy food source. The chicken attracted the mice which attracted the snakes. Of course, he immediately got rid of the chickens.

“I’ve tried to get rid of all the small rodents. Knock on wood, we haven’t had any more snakes on the property.” Zodikoff says. “I highly recommend Rattlesnake Removal, they were professional, responsive, and he will find the snakes on your property.”

pristine in their almost photorealistic detail. Looking closely at the blue eyes and mustache of the cowboy in “Plains Drifter,” it’s hard to imagine how this is a painting. In “Duskrider”, the man and the animal are in perfect proportion, and the colors of the sun setting over the mountains behind them have an ephemeral quality, as if any minute the sky will darken into night.

The intensity on his face leads me to contemplate his thoughts, and his finely rendered body adorned with bone and turquoise jewelry is candy for the eyes.

I work hard in Gary’s class. Many of his students are long-time followers.

Suzy Elsworth-Heithcock (August, Diablo Gazette), has been his student for 14 years. Gary advises, “Find subjects that you have the most interest. Be good at drawing. Paint one painting after the next. And enjoy yourself.”

After two years of classes, I begin to understand the term “tortured artist”. The more I learn of art, the more challenging it becomes. But I love that challenge and the familiar feeling of tension and sometimes frustration that I knew from my corporate days -- a stress now relieved with a more satisfying reward of creating works of art in a different, somewhat bohemian environment of like-minded artists.

“Do you have any pthalo blue?” he digs into my paint box. “No? That’s okay, manganese will do nicely.”

In addition to the Lafayette Community Center class, Gary teaches at Shadelands in Walnut Creek (Walnut Creek Recreation) as well as other places in Contra Costa County and around the Bay Area. He was recently shown at art Cottage in Concord and featured in Diablo Gazette in April. Currently, some of his work can be seen at Valley Art Gallery in Walnut Creek and at Gallery Elite in Carmel or online at www. westernpainter.com and www.diablo Gazette.com.

Concord Priorities

by Edi Birsan,

Concord City Councilman Editor’s Note: Concord Councilman Edi Birsan’s column explores the issues facing voters and the future council. The priorities include the topics of political reform, public safety, traffic and roads, economic reform, and social reform. It is quite thorough and much more than we have space to provide. You can read Edi’s entire unedited article on our website www.diablogazette.com.

Local Elections are sometimes beauty contests amongst the status quo candidates and other times about priorities. Local issues are everywhere and if you do not ask or look for what is important to you, then you wind up being told what they are by media hype, and the barrage of glossy mailers that will flood us. Demand answers, demand substance and get involved. In Concord, here are some priorities we are facing.

Political Reform: Directly elected mayor exists in some of our cities such as Martinez, Antioch, Richmond and San Ramon. This brings the political back room into the political front room of an election. Cities where there has been disruption of a traditional rotational system, such as in Concord, when combined with a history of political advancement to higher offices, are the prime candidates for switching to Directly Elected Mayor.

Defined rotation for offices like Vice Mayor is part of the political back room issues. Antioch has a unique system in which the highest vote getter in the Councilmember race is the Vice Mayor. This puts the issue directly in

the hands of the voter.

Empowered oversight committee on the development of the Concord Weapon Station is an issue in Concord in that there is now a process for putting people on a Community Advisory Committee but no one is quite sure what the powers will be and what status will be given it by a future Council. Do we want an appointed board to be able to overrule an elected Council? Do we want a Council able to ignore the recommendation of a citizen board?

Require Councilmembers to have their primary residence in the city was a big issue several years ago in Concord when a Councilwoman had her primary residence in Sacramento and used her sister’s apartment to support ‘domicile’ under state law to be able to hold a seat on the City Council. We have a Federal constitution that allows Congressmen to live anywhere in the state and not restricted to their city so that state legislators could not change their district and throw them out of office. However, a city does not have a variable geographic district and thus what do we want to do with the residences.

There is also the political impact on the costs of an election. Districts of 25-35,000 people become within reach of active candidates without a lot of money for mailings (social media has not hit effectiveness in local elections yet). For example, in Concord to mail to high propensity voters costs about $17,000 for each piece.

Public Safety Opening up of police and city service substations in troubled neighborhoods has an immediate effect of showing Continued at www.DiabloGazette.com

Rattlesnake Wranglers

Sgt. Louis (Lou) Fraser is a retired disabled veteran with a small pension. He is also owner of the Rattlesnake Removal company out of Rocklin and Vallejo. He is one of very few rattlesnake removal specialists in Northern California “I’ve been on the news and in a few papers this year, so I’m happy to talk with Diablo Gazette too,” Lou tells me. I took him up on that and asked him to meet me for a brief interview at my home.

He promptly arrived at 8 a.m. I answered the door barefooted, so after a quick introduction and handshake, he told me to get some shoes on and come outside.

Lou was a stocky, fit, but gentle guy, in a WWF kind of way. I put on my flip flops, uncertain to where we were going. He led me to his truck parked in front where I met his younger brother, Jose, also a snake wrangler, (my term, not theirs) and pulled out a white bucket from its bed and dumped it onto my driveway...FIVE live rattlesnakes! - One was pregnant and maybe 4 feet long, the other four were youngsters.

“I caught all of these around this area,” Lou says. By area, he’s talking about the neighborhoods surrounding open space around Mt. Diablo, including my mine.

These two gents, couldn’t be more cool. The rattlesnakes were crawling between their legs and into my yard. They would pick them up or corral them back to around their feet. Now I understood why he wanted me to put on shoes. I kept my distance, but these two clearly knew snake behavior. Two cars stopped as Lou casually picks one up for a photo op. Jose picked the adult up behind the head to show the fangs. Only then did it become angry and start rattling. When he forced the mouth open, yellow venom squirted onto the lawn. Neither Jose or Lou have ever been bitten in eight years of business.

The venom is hemotoxic, destroying tissue, causing necrosis and coagulopathy (disrupted blood clotting). “Babies can’t control their venom, but they have small venom sacs.” Jose explains. “The large snakes have large sacs and can give you a pretty large and dangerous dosage.”

Most of their work is done March through November. Summer and early fall are the most active. That’s when they have the best chance to find the dens.

“Right now the babies are being born,” Lou warns.

“Rattlesnakes will congregate in two places. Dens and nests. Dens are for hibernating and finding mates.

The best way to find them is as they are going into the den in the Fall or coming out at Spring.”

“I’ve been very active in this area these last two months,” Lou tells me. “There is a huge increase of rattlesnake activity in the Mt. Diablo area. “I’ve been putting in 15-hour days these past couple of months.” The Chrystal Ranch area has had several recent incidents. “ I’ve offered my service to the home owners association. I work with management companies that have me preform a monthly service, such as Stone Valley Oaks in Alamo. They are also backed right up to Mt Diablo.” Lou says.

Rattlesnake Removal practices humane disposal, meaning they catch and release them far away from development. “They are excellent for keeping the rodent population in check. So we won’t kill them,” Jose advises. They leave that up to their natural predators: king snakes, feral cats, skunks, and raptors.

From August into October, the females will gather in nests and give birth to up 30 live babies each. If three females are in the nest, that nest can suddenly be crawling with up to 90 rattlesnakes. Half will go off right away into the wild, the other half may stick around for a month, or die off, or be killed and eaten by predators. In the fall, rattlesnakes will find dens and gather to mate and hibernate during the colder months.

“We install snake fences and remove snakes for homeowners, but with developments, we need to find and remove dens and nests.” That’s something the management company could facilitate and will, but it may take some homeowner nudging.” If they can work a monthly service with HOA’s, “I guarantee a 90% reduction in snake incidents,” Lou says.

If you live in an HOA, contact your management company to explore monthly removal services. When kids and pets are getting bitten, it’s a serious problem, and it is time to take professional action.

Please DO NOT attempt to do rattlesnake removal on your own. Use professionals. Rattlesnake Removal is currently in talks with a production company for a TV Reality show. For more information on Rattlesnake Removal see their ad on the back page.

After the interview, Lou and Jose packed up all the snakes in my yard back into their bucket and drove off into the morning sunrise.

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2016 • Page 8 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

October 2016

The Diablo Gazette’s

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Fundraisers

•Pancake Breakfast - Supporting Veterans of foreign Wars – 2nd and 4th Sundays includes eggs, pancakes, sausage, beverage. 8 – 11 a.m. Willow Pass Road, Concord $5, $3 Children under 12. http:// www.vfwpost1525.org • October 8 - CASA 35th Annual Evening of Promise - Join us for an evening of fine dining, silent auction, live auction, presentation of the Light of Hope Award and an inspiring story of one of our CASA volunteers and her youth. The Clubhouse, Boundary Oak Walnut Creek, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

•October 21- San Francisco Bay Gala -- Enjoy a rock n’ roll evening with sharks, otters, and 20,000 amazing aquatic animals at Aquarium of the Bay. The City’s biggest party, Celebrating the Bay supports bay.org’s mission to protect, restore, and inspire conservation of our b Bay. Guests are encouraged to show off their best rock n’ roll black tie look.

VIP reception on the patio outside with panoramic sunset views and glistening city lights. Inside, illuminating jellies and swirling schools of anchovies act as nature’s disco ball. Live music, dancing, a silent auction, a photo station, and culinary delights from some of San Francisco’s finest restaurants. Hosted bar. After party with DJ until 1 am. Guests can purchase tickets at www.sfbaygala.org.

•Nov 6 - “Johnny Rocket and Candy Wrapper” – Musical revue from Broadway hits of 40’s and 50’s, Elivs and Neil Diamond by Bill and Shirley McQuiston.

Diamond Terrace 6401 Center St. Clayton.

4:00 – 6:30pm. Hosted by GFWC Clayton Valley Woman’s Club. Tickets $25. For reservations call 925-672-9448.

“Johnny Rockit and Candy Wrapper” GFWC Clayton Valley Woman’s Club

On Sunday, November 6, the GFWC Clayton Valley Woman’s Club presents a delightful afternoon of music, appetizers and desserts with Johnny Rockit and Candy Wrapper (Bill and Shirley McQuiston) singing Broadway hits of the 40’s and 50’s plus hits from Elvis and Neil Diamond. This event serves as their GFWC Clayton Valley Woman’s Club annual fall fundraiser with the proceeds going to selected community charities and a scholarship.

Bill has performed with Beach Blanket Babylon in San Francisco and the couple has incorporated their strong background in musical theater to create an outstanding Musical revue. They have been performing together since 1981.

The public is invited and will take place at Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., in Clayton from 4:00 – 6:30 pm. For more information and reservations ($25),

please call Aleta Huck at 925-672-9448 or go to www.claytonvalleywomansclub.org.

High Marks for Todos Santos Music and Science Event Features Music of Dark Side of Moon, Lasers, Planets and More

Outdoors:

•Concord: Todos Santos Park OFF the Grid Mondays. Find the full lineup available at http://offthegridsf.com.

•October 29 - Halloween’s Mysteries Hike, Mount-Diablo Interpretive Association (MDIA) offers a free, guided, family-friendly Halloween Trek Join MDIA naturalist Liz Watson, on this leisurely three-mile night walk to search for creatures that roam the mountain. 5PM- 7PM. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Picnic Area. Reservations required: sweettrails00@gmail.com •Walnut Creek: - Off the Grid Every Tuesday; 1380 N. California Blvd. from 5-9pm; Live music from 6-8 pm featuring, Quinn Deveuax. Enjoy a variety of Off the Grid food trucks, live entertainment, wine and beer garden. Come back every Tuesday with family and friends for this ongoing weekly event. Find the full lineup available at http://offthegridsf.com.

Club/Support Group Events

•October 8 -“Dating Your Character” -- Producer, teacher, and personal manager Marilyn Atlas will conduct a three-hour breakfast workshop of the Mt. Diablo Branch of the California Writers Club (CWC) in a hands-on workshop on creating three-dimensional characters. Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Reservations required.

Contact Robin at cwcrobin.gigoux@yahoo. com, or phone 925-933-9670 http:// cwcmtdiablowriters.wordpress.com/nextprogram/ for details •October 11 - The Clayton Valley Woman’s Club presents guest speaker Chloe Laube. will share a glimpse into her five-star novella, “Dream On, Dancing Queen” that has a touch of Clayton woven into it. 10:00 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 5555 Clayton Road, in Clayton.

New members are always welcome. www. claytonvalleywomansclub.org.

•October 15 - Orchard Show & Sale Diablo View Orchid Society presents “Celebrate the Beauty of Orchids” from 10 AM to 5 PM at the Willow Pass Recreation Center, 2748 E. Olivera Road in Concord.

The event includes: Ribbon Judging, Sale of Orchids and Supplies, Workshops, Repotting Service & Raffle! $5.00 or $3.00 with card available online at www.dvos.org.

Under 12 Years Free.

FAMILY EVENTS

•Galindo Home and Gardens - 1721

You don’t have to know much about science to enjoy the iconic music of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon.

The City of Concord’s idea of a music and science event in Todos Santos Plaza on Thursday, Oct. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. as a pre-Halloween event is brilliant. House of Floyd performs Dark Side of the Moon accompanied by a laser light show.

Integrated into the evening, Steve Howell from NASA’s Kepler Mission speaking about new planetary discoveries, and the Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society and Mark Westwind of Sustainable Contra Costa speaking about sustainable design and the new science of biomimicry. Biomimicry is an approach to innovation that seeks solutions to human challenges by emulating nature’s strategies.

Musicians Jim and Kathy Ocean

will also perform with students from Deanne’s School of Dance. Additionally, the Farmers’ Market is in the plaza from 4 to 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Pink Floyd, Lasers, Planets –City of Concord is bringing back those 70’s college years - reminds me of this scene from the movie “Animal House.”

Larry: [to Jennings, while high] “Okay.

That means that our whole solar system could be, like one tiny atom in the fingernail of some other giant being. [Jennings nods] This is too much! That means one tiny atom in my fingernail could be--” Jennings: “Could be one little tiny universe.”

Larry: “Could I buy some pot from you?”

BUSINESSES Book your

HOLIDAY ISSUE ADS for Nov:Thanksgiving, Dec: Happy Holidays

Diablo Gazette Call (925) 298-9990

Amador Avenue, Concord Visit the fullyrestored 1856 Victorian home of Francisco Galindo, one of Concord’s founding fathers, and his wife, Maria Dolores Manuela (Pacheco) Galindo. This includes the 1875 addition by his son, Juan “John” Galindo.

Tours are Sundays 1pm – 4pm and by appointment. Concord Historical Society www.concordhistorical.org •October 9- Harvest Festival – The Gardens at Heather Farm 11 a.m. – 3 p.m Families can pick pumpkins directly from the pumpkin patch, dance to live music from American Nomad. Enjoy lunch from Taste of the World Market, bringing gourmet cuisines from around the world to local communities. 1540 Marchbanks Dr., Walnut Creek. $6/person; Visit www. gardenshf.org or call (925) 947-1678 •October 21 - Walnut Creek Downtown’s 9th Annual Trick or Treat – Calling all goblins, superheroes, princesses and witches! Creep through downtown WC collecting Halloween treats from participating businesses. Bring ecofriendly candy bag. 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Pick up map at starting point: Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 N. Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. www. walnutcreekdowntown.com •October 28 - “Escape From Alcatraz” New Multimillion dollar drop ride and show located below sea level on Fisherman’s Wharf, SF, debuts the Friday of Halloween Weekend at The San Francisco Dungeon.

The new ride creates a thrilling finale to the sixty-minute Dungeon experience complete with fresh sets, script, characters and costumes that culminates in a heartpounding drop ride simulating a jump from the infamous island prison into the frigid and choppy waters of the San Francisco Bay. The ride opens Friday October at 11 a.m. the first 300 guests to arrive in costume on opening day will ride for free. The San Francisco Dungeon is the first attraction of its kind in North America and brings to life the stories of the Barbary Coast with a full theatrical cast, special effects storytelling, and an underground boat ride. It is the ultimate live action journey through the Bay Area’s murky past. Located on San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf at 145 Jefferson Street. Fully-ADA accessible. Best for ages 10 and up. For more information, visit: www.thedungeons.com/sanfrancisco.

•October 29-Halloween Trek on Mount Diablo - Mount Diablo Interpretive Association celebrates Halloween’s mysteries with a free, guided, family-friendly trek to see what lurks on the mountain as the sun sets. Join MDIA naturalist Liz Watson, on this leisurely three-mile walk to search for creatures that roam the mountain as darkness settles in. 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.. Mitchell Canyon Picnic Area. Hike is free; parking is $6/ car with exact change only. Reservations required: sweettrails00@gmail.com

Home & Garden/Farmers’ Markets

•Concord Tuesdays, 10am to 2pm, yearround, rain or shine, Todos Santos Plaza.

•Concord Thursdays, 4pm to 8pm, Todos Santos Plaza.

•Martinez Sundays, 10am to 2pm, yearround, Main St. and Estudillo.

•Walnut Creek Diablo Valley Farmers Market Saturday 9a.m. - 1 p.m. Shadelands Business Park, N. Wigett Lane and Mitchell Dr. •Contra Costa Certified Farmers Market Sundays 9 am - 1 pm, Year Round, North Locust St between Giamona and Lacassie St. (925) 431-8361 http://www.cccfm.org October 8-9 - Fall Contra Costa Crystal Fair – Civic Park Community Center, Walnut Creek; Rocks & minerals, gems & jewelry, metaphysical arts. Get a massage, a psychic reading, an aura photo.

10a.m.-6 p.m. (Sat., Oct 8th) and 10a.m.-4 p.m. (Sun., Oct 9th) Admission $10 covers both days, free for children. 1375 Civic Drive Walnut Creek. 10 minutes from Bart. For more info call 415-383-7837.

Visual Arts/Theatre Arts

The San Francisco Dungeon -- Live actors in full Barbary Coast period costume and make-up engage make this a one-of-a-kind

Continues on page 15

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2016 • Page 9 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990

Resident Tales

by Ruth Dwyer After God created my great aunt Lizzie Sullivan, he threw away the blueprints.

There has never been another like her.

She was, as she always referred to herself, a spinster.

She lived all her days with her sister, my grandmother, and helped raise her very large family. I never knew my maternal grandmother, as she died before I was born, so Great Aunt Lizzie was my surrogate grandmother.

She stayed on after her sister died, and took care of her ailing brother-in-law until her death.

My mother took my sisters and me each weekend to visit her father, and it was during these visits that Lizzie entertained us with endless stories of Ireland. Her parents had emigrated to San Francisco from there in 1856 and saw to it that their children would be saturated with Irish lore. Lizzie grew up with tales of fairies, little people, banshees and leprechauns.

She would tell us endless stories about the Clancy family in Cork.

Most of the stories were hilarious, but they always had a point to be made at the end of the story. There was always punishment for the poorly behaved Clancy children. I remember, to this day, one stunt she pulled on us which put her into family history.

My grandfather lived in a four story Victorian in the Haight Ashbury section of San Francisco. On the top was a spooky attic where Lizzie would gather us for storytelling. One day, when I was about five years old and my sister, age four, we were joined by two male cousins who were the same age. We sat in a semi-circle on the floor, with our Aunt Lizzie sitting in a chair facing us. The story telling began as usual with a Clancy tale, but all of a sudden Lizzie grabbed her head and cried, “They are coming. Do you see them? Banshees are after me.” We looked all around and saw nothing. She continued screaming. Four bewildered little children wondered what was happening, when Lizzie grabbed her head and bent forward in her chair. We watched as she grappled with these unseen attackers.

After a few moments she raised her head and told us that the banshees had taken her teeth. Sure enough, there were no teeth in her mouth.

We all began to cry for our mother, who never heard us. She asked all of us terrified children to plead with the fairies to put them back, as they would listen to good children. After many entreaties, she bent over again

The Banshees Are Coming and when she sat up her teeth were back in place. She then said goodbye to us and left the attic to four crying

children.

My introduction to dentures made me a most obedient and well

behaved child, always on the lookout for the Irish fairies.

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2016 • Page 10 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

Should You Buy an “Almost Perfect” Home?

Jennifer Stojanovich Realtor

Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases you will ever make in your life (if not the biggest). Chances are, you’ll look at several homes that will feel almost perfect – they’re very close to what you set out to find, but missing one or two of the features you’d really like to have.

So how do you know if you should buy that almost perfect home? Ask yourself these questions.

Can you wait? A time-sensitive move can inform whether or not you need to settle on a home that isn’t quite perfect. If you don’t have much time to spare, you’ll need to decide between the homes that are currently on the market in your price range. If you can wait, then you can hold out to see if a home that’s closer to your dream home becomes available.

Is the missing feature a dealbreaker? You should create a list of what you need to have in a home and a list of what you’d like to have in a home – a kind of “wish list.” It’s important to know the difference between the two.

Maybe you have your heart set on a home with a wood-burning fireplace, but is it really a deal-breaker if you find a home that has everything but that? Decide what you truly need and be willing to compromise on some of your wish-list items. Otherwise, you may be waiting a long time for the perfect home to materialize.

Can you make changes down the line? Maybe you’ve found a home in a great neighborhood with the perfect

number of bedrooms, but it’s a little dated inside. Or perhaps the yard doesn’t look as nice as it could. Or maybe you were really hoping for a swimming pool, but the home you’re considering doesn’t have one. When confronted with these situations, it’s important to think about whether or not these are changes that you can tackle after you move in. Can you do a little re-decorating inside? Is the feature that’s missing something that can be added down the line, like new landscaping or a pool? If the home has good bones, then it may be worth buying the almost perfect house that can be updated after you move in.

Is your “perfect” home affordable? While it’s easy to caught up in the emotions of buying a home, it’s important to remember that this is an investment you’ll be making payments on for years. Have you honestly considered how much you would have to spend to get your perfect dream home, and is it realistically in your budget? If that perfect home is outside of your financial reach, then in the long run you’ll be happier that you found a way to love the almost perfect home that leaves you enough money to take family vacations or send the kids to private school.

Compliments of Virtual Results.

Jennifer Stojanovich is a broker associate at Better Homes Realty in Clayton. Visit my blog for more home tips at www. jenniferstojanovich.com.

See Our Ad on Page 4

from the principal’s desk

by Dr. Patrick Gaffney, CVCHS

Clayton Valley Charter High School prides itself on creating an outstanding academic environment for our students.

To achieve this goal, we recognize that great students are inspired by great teachers. This is the cornerstone of our teaching support system here at Clayton Valley.

Last year, I worked closely with AVID teacher Sarah Lovick to develop a training program to welcome our new teachers to campus.

Prior to the first day of school, new teachers are afforded an opportunity to meet one another socially and bond before the entire staff returns to campus. To support our teachers throughout the academic year, our 1st/2nd-year staff

members are treated to a free catered luncheon on the first Thursday of every month.

During these luncheons, new staff members are provided with details regarding campus activities that veteran teachers would already know or wouldn’t necessarily be addressed at our full staff meetings.

Discussion items include expectations for the upcoming homecoming rally, helpful tips for operating the Online grading system, and student benefits regarding our successful Saturday School program.

It’s also a time to share best practices.

clayton update Howard Geller, Mayor of Clayton

Another year is almost past. They seem to come and go more quickly as I reach the “back nine” of my life. With the recent passing of two friends, my thoughts increasingly turn to my bucket list and things I want to do. It is an everchanging list. However, I note “being with my family and good friends” seemed to top my list more than ever before. I am also realizing the importance of not waiting for tomorrow to do things and to embrace each day and fill them with activities surrounded by loved ones. It seems I am more conscience of others “stealing” my time with negative thoughts and problems.

I am looking forward to my elected official retirement. I will work hard not to get “persuaded” into volunteering for other events to fill the gap. Wish me luck!

The Clayton Library Foundation’s semi-annual Used Book Sale will be on October 25th-26th.

Clayton Valley Village, a group dedicated to helping seniors stay in their homes, will be hosting a fundraiser and a “Meet and Greet” at La Veranda Restaurante on October 23rd. Call 925524-0011 for reservations and time.

Changing Season - Leaves turning red and gold are a true sign summer is coming to an end. I welcome the change.

I like the cooler nights and fall colors.

We will soon be planning who is coming for Thanksgiving dinner and request Christmas Lists from our loved ones.

Concerts in The Grove Park - Our ten-concert season has ended with record attendance and I am happy to report it was a huge success. The word is out and Clayton seems to be getting kudos from residents of cities near and far for being one of the best venues for summer concerts.

This year we started our own Facebook page, “Concerts in The Grove Clayton, CA”. Please “Friend” our page to get notices about our next concert series and other future Clayton events. Taxdeductible donations can be made to The City of Clayton for next year’s concerts.

Clayton Election - I thought I New teachers are provided a list of veteran master teachers and encouraged to visit other classrooms during their prep period. Clayton Valley is fortunate to have a diverse and experienced teaching staff. New teachers are allowed to observe effective methods for classroom management, learning assessments and student interactions.

In addition to the monthly luncheons, Clayton Valley hosts off-campus

would give insight to what is happening in Clayton. I will not be running for re-election to a third term. We do have two incumbents running and two other candidates vying to fill the three seats available on the City Council.

Councilwoman Julie Pierce brings years of experience, not only on local but many regional committees she serves on.

Julie is involved in all Clayton events.

She is a long time member of the Clayton Business and Community Association (CBCA) and is the Co-Chair of Clayton’s 4th Of July Parade. Julie regularly volunteers at Clayton’s “Concerts in The Grove Park” series on Saturdays.

Vice Mayor Jim Diaz has served four years on the City Council. He is a long-time member of the CBCA and is an avid volunteer at all of Clayton’s events.

Jim serves on many local and regional committees. Jim also volunteers for the ten Concerts in The Grove Park series and puts on the five Wednesday night concerts.

Tuija Catalano is currently the Chair of the Clayton Planning Commission, where she has served for over eight years with only a two-year sabbatical when she returned to her home country of Finland. Tuija is an attorney specializing in land use and real estate, a background valuable to help plan Clayton’s future development.

Allen Lampo is vying for a seat after eight years when he ran for City Council in 2008. Though he has not been involved on City committees, he states he has volunteered at several CBCA community events and believes being retired will allow him the time to be a valuable asset on the Council. Lampo has been a Boy Scout Assistant Leader and served for a time on his Homeowners Association Board.

Vote for candidates you feel will do the best job. Not voting allows someone else to make the decision for you.

Direct comments to Howard Geller, Mayor of Clayton at: Hgeller@ci.clayton.ca.us

networking events for our 1st/2nd year teachers for fellowship with administrators, office staff, academic counselors and coaches. Recently, we gathered at Skippolini’s and Guadalajara Grill to enjoy neighborhood favorites prior to home football games. I’m pleased with the camaraderie observed at these events and everyone’s genuine commitment to making Clayton Valley a great school for our students.

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2016 • Page 11 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990

journey-man’s journal Cabo San Lucas, The Best

by John Cooper Family Vacation Ever My family and I, consisting of my wife, teenage son and daughter plus two of their friends just returned from a week at Cabo San Lucas of sun, fun and relaxation. It came from a fundraiser months ago where I was the lucky winner, or to be more precise, the highest bidder.

“Cabo” as the city is commonly known, is located on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula.

Everyone was excited. Even my son said, “Dad, this is going to be the best family vacation ever”, and I could not agree more. I’ve tried before, but this time I had done it - I was providing “the best family vacation… ever!”

Within minutes of hitting the tarmac, we were exploring all the activities we wanted to do for the week.

Now, whenever entering any unfamiliar place, I like to take in the local press so to see what’s what before I make any plans. So I picked up a copy of Gringo Gazette to see what the locals like to do.

When in Rome. Our first group activity on the list was zip-lining. We found the perfect place tucked away deep in the desert and high above the canyons. We’ve been on zip-lines before, but were excited just the same as we flew through the air with each line increasing in height and extending further than the last. Then we finished the first day’s excursion with a tequila tasting (as I said, when in Rome).

Together, the whole family, it was as fun as I had imagined it could be. I couldn’t wait for Day 2.

The most common excursion in Cabo is fishing for Marlin, and the boys all wanted to try their luck at landing “the big one”! The girls, not so much…they preferred to go snorkeling for the day and spend some time on the beautiful “Lover’s Beach”. We had before us a

family vacation conflict, and rather than compromise, we agreed to go our separate ways. (cue audio: loud record scratching).

And just like that, our “perfect family vacation,” the wheels had started to off.

As for the boys, we rented a boat early the following morning and headed toward the open ocean in search of a blue marlin. The sun slowly rose and cast its light on one of Cabo’s most famous landmarks, the Arch, or El Arco de Cabo San Lucas. We fished for many hours and didn’t land “the big one”. However, we did manage to catch a Mahi-Mahi, which made the trip worthwhile.

Meanwhile, the girls enjoyed their time in the water and at Lover’s Beach. Coincidentally, there is a beach adjacent to Lover’s that is aptly named Divorce Beach.

The night life in Cabo really starts to jump just before midnight and the kids couldn’t wait to participate. I’m sure there is an “official” drinking age, but as a practical matter it did not exist. Our first stop on the nightlife tour was the Cabo Wabo Cantina, made famous by the rock musician Sammy Hagar.

As we step foot into the bar, my kids recoiled and sneered, “Everyone in here is old, they’re all like…thirty.” Treading on the backside of fifty, I laughed to myself. I was thinking “the crowd looks a little young.”

Clearly my children had other ideas on what night life should be like in Cabo.

Down the street was the real deal, El Squid Roe, a 3-story, openair bar and dance floor where dancing on the tables is enthusiastical-

ly applauded and the party rages long through the night, or as long as you can hang on. My daughter and her friend, both clad in bikini tops and shorts, headed straight there while a countless number of men whistled and catcalled.

The girls loved every minute of the attention, but I was unamused (as I suppose any father would be). Once inside, the girls were an instant hit as they danced for hours. El Squid Roe is not for the soft or faint of heart types, and as you might expect, it is “the” destination for spring break college students looking to unwind.

The girls couldn’t wait to go again, which they did, while I thought “never again” would be too soon.

There are a lot of reasons why people are drawn to Cabo. The weather is

awesome and the sunsets are beautiful.

We found the locals to be very helpful, pleasant, courteous and respectful. The food is great, there are countless activities to participate, and the night life is second to none. Best of all, you can eat by the side of the road from a cart or dine in the finest restaurants, and the only difference is whether or not you need to wear shoes and a shirt while doing so.

We split off throughout the week enjoying varying activities in different groupings, only to meet up later each day to share the stories. It really did become one of the “best family vacations ever.”

If you’ve not yet traveled to Cabo, I’ll suggest you put it on your list. It’s a city full of excitement and fun.

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2016 • Page 12 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

Pumpkin Cravings farmerfresh

by Debra Morris,Pacific Coast Farmers Market http://www.pcfma.org/concord

It’s time for the seasonal family trip to your local pumpkin patch. Drive east to Brentwood and visit Dwelley Farm or Smith Family Farm; take a day trip to the famous pumpkin patch at Swank Farm in Hollister and hitch a ride on a hay cart; or pile in the car and head west to Half Moon Bay for the Pumpkin Festival in mid-October.

Pumpkins for carving can be found at the farmers’ market at Swank Farms of Hollister, First Generation Farms from Brentwood, Bautista Ranch of Stockton, Ochoa Flowers from Half Moon Bay, and others. Look for the grayish Blue

Hubbard, the white Sweet Meat, or the bumpy Red Wart for some interesting carving!

There’s nothing more fun than wandering through a field of handsome pumpkins, just waiting to be made into scary jack o’ lanterns or cooked into a fresh loaf of pumpkin bread! And there’s nothing more rewarding than cooking with fresh pumpkin – the taste is unbelievably better than canned pumpkin. So forget the cans and make your own fresh and delicious pumpkin purée. It takes a little more time but it’s easy and the kids will enjoy the process.

Cooking with Fresh Pumpkin A medium-sized (4-pound) sugar pumpkin should yield around 1-1/2 cups of mashed pumpkin. This purée can be used in all your recipes calling for canned pumpkin. And while pumpkins are in season, you can bake several pumpkins, purée them, and freeze in containers for later in the season when you get a hankering for pumpkin bread or cookies. Cut pumpkin and bake in the oven on a cookie sheet until softened. Scoop out flesh and puree – simple as that!

1. Pumpkin Bread – choose a favorite family recipe. Add raisins and nuts for texture.

2. Pumpkin Muffins – a great way to enjoy the season with your coffee in the morning – it’s full of antioxidants, too.

3. Pumpkin Soup – Cook pumpkin puree with a bit of vegetable stock, onion, curry powder, salt, pepper, and puree – delish!

4. Pumpkin Pancakes – add pumpkin puree to your pancake mix.

5. Roasted Pumpkin – Cube slightly cooked pumpkin, toss with olive oil, salt and pepper, place on foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes at 400 degrees.

Recipes: PCFMA Staff

Unplanned Field Trip Turns into TOPS Exhibit

aRt Cottage

by FROgard

An unplanned field trip developed into an unplanned art exhibit, a social-skill learning at an artist reception, and then into a TOPS student playing live music, and more.

The Transition Options Program (TOPS) will be having their first art exhibit at aRt Cottage for the month of October. TOPS is a program that addresses the unique needs of post high school adults with Aspergers Syndrome, High Functioning Autism and related disorders. These students are transitioning to higher education, independent living and/or employment.

It all began when participants in this program walked by the aRt Cottage several weeks ago. At that time, I asked Eric Johnson, their instructor, if they would like to come in for a tour and see the art in the gallery, explore the garden, and enjoy some of the flowers and sculptures.

It was the beginning of a fun unplanned field trip.

Several of the students commented on some of the pieces on the wall, and I explained that anyone who wants to show their art at the aRt Cottage is welcome.

Eric Johnson then proceeded to ask his students if they would like to exhibit their work. I had the month of October open and here we are - with an exciting show presented to you by TOPS.

The TOPS program is uniquely designed to address the individual needs of participants as they select their class schedule based on the following four core areas of instruction: Social/Relationship Skills; Career Exploration and Preparation/ College Success; Independent Living Skills; Community Access and Resources.

I saw clearly that aRt Cottage could and should have an impact on these students. They had desire and wanted to show their work, have a fun party, a reception, and invite friends and family for a social time here.

Concord Treasurer Tim McGallian offered to help support this exhibit. aRt Cottage and TOPS are very grateful.

We hope many of you will come to the reception for our TOPS show on October 8th from 2-4 .

Refreshments served and live music by TOPS student. aRt Cottage hours are Tuesday Friday from 11a.m.-5p.m. and Saturday from 1p.m.-5p.m. Call us (925) 9563342 or drop in at 2238 Mt. Diablo Street. Learn more on our website http://www.artcottage.info/

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2016 • Page 13 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990

Secret Service Insider Clinton’s Unscheduled Motorcade Stop Stories from a Former Agent [Editors Note: Most of our understanding of Secret Service work comes from Hollywood.

Few of us have ever met a Secret Service Agent, or maybe you have and don’t know it.

“Inside the Secret Service-A Former Agent’s Stories” is about life as a Secret Service agent.

Our contributor is still a Federal Agent but with a different agency, therefore we have chosen not to reveal his name. These are the real life experiences from a Concord resident who spent several years as a Secret Service agent. This is his story….]

Campaign years are tough on Presidential Candidates and Agents alike. We are away from home at weeks on end, sometimes campaigning in 3 or 4 towns a day, then traveling most of the night, just to do it all over again the next day, next week, next month. The 1991 campaign was no different. Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton who was the front runner for the Democratic Party. As such, he was granted full Secret Service protection 24/7. It was late at night and Governor Clinton was campaigning somewhere in the Deep South. A few hours earlier he had finished his final campaign stop for the day and now his motorcade was making its way through the night destined for some hotel in some town still several hours away.

Somewhere along the way, the Governor had to make a pit stop. Luckily there happened to be a small airport ahead along the motorcade route. When the motorcade arrived at the airport, sheriff’s deputies were already in position and had an arrival area secured, as the motorcade had called ahead and notified local law enforcement of the

Photo by http://www.123rf.com/profile_americanspirit

Governor Bill Clinton embraces a child at a Denver campaign rally in 1992 on his final day of campaigning in Denver, Colorado unscheduled stop. The Governor Clinton and his detail departed the motorcade and made their way into the airport and down the main corridor to the restroom.

Agent Rick was on point and entered the restroom ahead of the governor to ensure everything was clear. He then posted up outside the restroom door as Governor Clinton went inside. The remainder of the agents posted up at various locations along the corridor, ticket area, and airport entrance. Such is the protocol for unscheduled stops, regardless of the reason. Foot traffic was light within the airport at this time of night.

When It’s Time to Move On, Move In

by Richard Eber

Do you remember a few months back when Condé Nast traveler named Concord in a Top 10 list of the Best Places to Retire in the country?

There is a time that most of us dread – it’s when our parents have entered into the elderly stage of their lives. At this juncture, it is getting more difficult to take care of them. Maintaining the family house is too much of a chore.

Driving a car can be problematic. They become accident prone. It’s time to look into a Senior Living facility. There are many diverse options available locally.

They range from facilities where little additional care is needed to assisted living where intense supervision and assistance is required: Aeges, Oakmont of Montecito, the Kensington, Diamond Terrace and Carlton to name a few.

Oakmont of Concord just completed its construction of its 85 room, twostory luxury retirement community at 1401 Civic Court. Rooms have 10-foot high ceilings, oversized double-paned windows, full kitchen or with stove top and convection microwave and granite counters, or kitchenette with refrigerator.

According to Debbie Infield, Executive Director of Oakmont of Concord, “We focus on enhancing the quality of life of each of our residents through a number of different avenues.

Our activities focuses on engaging the “whole” person which include stimulating the mind, stimulating the body, creative pursuits, lifelong learning, socializing, excursions, contributing, and connecting.”

The food is also top notch at Oakmont of Concord as indicated at the at the VIP Reception which celebrated the opening of the new facility. Were Oakmont of Concord to be a standalone restaurant, it could compete with any high end competitor in the region. “Our Chef prepares delicious homemade meals for our residents for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We even have a pizza oven for artisan pizzas and flatbreads, as well

as a rotisserie for wonderful, moist and flavorful chicken,” Infield states.

The community also includes a fitness center, massage room, beauty salon, and concierge services. Outside, residents can enjoy a flower and vegetable garden, walking paths, a pet park and chauffeured transportation if needed.

The 31 memory care apartments serve Alzheimer patients and those with memory problems. This part of the facility tries to create an environment where residents have familiar objects such as pictures, memento’s, and other aspects from their lives to help give them comfort.

“The staff absolutely sets the tone of the building,” Infield says. “For me, it is the most important task to get right prior to opening.

Each employee needs to not only have experience in their position, but also a proven track record of success in providing exceptional care with compassion and kindness. The staff members we have selected have an instinct to protect seniors. “ Does Concord belong in a Top 10 list of the Best Places to Retire?

Take stock in it. Our area is beautiful and this region has much to offer for our fast graying population with places such as the new luxury senior living at Oakmont of Concord. Seniors, it’s time to move in.

A young family of three were noticed walking down the corridor towards the restroom. They had come from the ticket counter and were now making their way to the airline gates. The father and mother appeared to be fairly young and were dressed in tattered clothing (it didn’t look like they had a dime to their name). And the child, he was young, maybe 6 or 7 years old, small, and appeared to be frail. It was hard to guess his age because the little guy, who was carrying a worn little brown suitcase, was bald. Presumably from chemotherapy treatments.

Just as the young family got close to the restroom, Governor Clinton stepped out. When he saw the little boy, he immediately approached him and said, “Hey, where you goin’?” The little boy, now smiling, shouted back, “Disneyland!” Clinton dropped to a knee so that he was now eye level with the little guy and said, “I’ve got a daughter who’s about your age and we just took her to Disneyland. She even got to meet Mickey Mouse. You gonna meet Mickey Mouse?” The frail but excited and smiling little guy shouted back, “Yeah, I’m gonna meet Mickey Mouse!”

Clinton stood and said, “Alright, you have fun at Disneyland” and said goodby. The boy shouted back, “By!” The young family then proceeded down the corridor to their gate. Governor Clinton and the agents went down the corridor in the other direction, loaded into the motorcade and drove off into the night.

On to another hotel in another town, somewhere.

I’ll bet to this day, that family has no Idea who that man was who spoke to their little boy. There was no press and no cameras following Clinton in the airport that night, and no political agenda. Just a man, who would soon be the 42nd President of the United States, talking to a frail little boy who would soon be meeting Mickey Mouse.If you have questions you would like to ask the agent, please send them to info@ diablogazette.com. Select questions will be answered in a Q and A format in future editions.

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2016 • Page 14 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2016 • Page 15 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990

CALENDAR CONTINUED attraction on Fisherman’s Wharf. (No, it’s not a sex club.) The San Francisco Dungeon is a 60-minute walkthrough experience that explores San Francisco’s dark and sinful past from the pre-Gold Rush era to Alcatraz (1849-1907). Full of laughs and screams. The stories are based on real San Francisco history and legends. Shows run continuously from Sunday - Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fisherman’s Wharf at 145 Jefferson Street, San Francisco. Admission starts at $22 for adults, with lower rates for SF Bay Area residents, youth, seniors, students, teachers and the disabled. For more information, visit: www.thedungeons. com/sanfrancisco.

•October 9 - Fall Pops Concert - The Diablo Regional Concert Band. This concert is open to the public and admission is free.

Donations will be gratefully accepted at the door. A reception with light refreshments will be in the Parish Hall following the concert. Enjoy a concert of beautiful music including: ”Air Mobility March”, “A Crazy Mixed-up Opera”, “An American Celebration”, “Music from the Incredibles”, “A Tribute to Henry Mancini”, “Themes Like Old Times” and many more. Sunday, at 2:00 p.m. in Grace Episcopal Church, 130 Muir Station Road, Martinez.

•October 13-29 - “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” Clayton Theatre Company Directed by-Roxanne Pardi Asst. Director-La Tonya Watts featuring an incredible cast and crew. An ordinary day in the life of Charlie Brown. A musical that will tug at your heartstrings.

Production dates Oct. 13th-29th Endeavor Hall 6008 Center St., Clayton. For ticket info please visit claytontheatrecompany. com or brownpapertickets.com . This is a wonderful musical for the whole family to enjoy.

•October 20 - House of Floyd performs Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon accompanied by a laser light show.

City of Concord’s pre-Halloween music and science event in Todos Santos Plaza on Thursday 6 to 8 p.m. Scientist Steve Howell from NASA’s Kepler Mission unveils recent planetary discoveries, and the Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society and Mark Westwind of Sustainable Contra Costa discuss the new science of biomimicry.

Musicians Jim and Kathy Ocean will also perform with students from Deanne’s School of Dance. Additionally, the Farmers’ Market is in the plaza from 4 to 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

•November 11-13 - Diablo Ballet kicks off the holidays and its 23rd season featuring Lew Christensen’s Airs de Ballet -- Begin your holidays in style as Diablo Ballet presents the opening program of its 2016-2017 season with A Swingin’ Holiday and More. Set to the music of the 30’s and 40’s, audiences will enjoy their favorite holiday tunes by legends Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Nat “King” Cole, and Wynton Marsalis, as well as jazzy renditions of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker Suite”, which will be performed by the sixteenpiece Diablo Ballet Swing Orchestra. The program also features the Diablo Ballet Premiere of Lew Christensen’s classical Airs de Ballet. Following each performance, ticket holders are invited to meet and mingle with the costumed dancers at a postperformance reception.

A Swingin’ Holiday and More performs November 11-13 at the Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd. in Walnut Creek. Times and Tickets info call 925-943-SHOW (7469) or visit www. lesherartscenter.org or www.diabloballet. org.

Government

•Concord City Council, 1st, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 6:30 pm, Council Chambers, 1950 Parkside Dr, Concord. Or watch online at http://www.ci.concord.ca.us/citygov/ agendas/council •Clayton City Council, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 7pm. Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Rd, Clayton. ci.clayton.ca.us •Martinez City Council, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. City Hall, 7 pm, 525 Henrietta Street, Martinez. , http://www. cityofmartinez.org •Walnut Creek City Council, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 7 pm. Or watch online at http:// www.walnut-creek.org/services/citizen/ granicus.asp •Pleasant Hill City Council, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 7:30 pm, Council Chambers of the Pleasant Hill City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Or follow online at http://www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us/media/

Election Rhetoric Reveals India’s Past

by Dr. Harmesh Kumar

I watched the Republican and Democratic conventions, and the debates. One notion that we can all agree, “this is not a normal contest.” There is so much disrespect with incessant trash talking, special interests, sexism, cronyism, racism, and demonizing in headlines daily. This from a country founded on such principles as “all men are created equal”. It reminds me of my native roots, and the historical social decay of India’s past.

Ancient Bharat (India), whose name Bha-ra-t was created based on Bha (emotion), ra (ragas or rhythms based on nature) and Taal (beat) meaning a balanced and harmonious living in nature without fear or suffering. It was based on the universal principles of wisdom enshrined in our Ancient Vedas. Vedas were written to codify those human behaviors which lead to happiness, good health, and a functional social system without value judgements.

People were categorized into four classes (Brahmin, an educated class, Kshatriyas, a ruling class, Vaishya, a business class and Shudras, a working class). Based on one’s deeds one can move between these four categories. A Brahmin could become Shudras and Shudra could become Brahmin. Women became rulers and goddesses based on those principles as the focus was on merits, deeds and not on the gender or origin of the family. I am happy that we had a woman president and prime minister in India within a few years after India became Independent from the British. I am surprised that it has taken 240 years for a woman to become the first woman nominee for president in America.

However, over time some rulers wanted to keep their power without having the real capacities or leadership traits for governance, against the advice of those real Brahmins or Pundits who would not allow the coronation of incompetent rulers. So the selfish rulers created their own intellectual class by giving them gifts of land, diamonds, gold, and in some cases beautiful women to award them for their loyalty.

The loyal intellectuals were hired by those rulers to distort the real meaning of the codes and principles from the Ancient Vedas, i.e. they rewrote those principles to satisfy the rulers. (A modern example of this may be how the definition of “torture” was changed by psychiatrists and psychologists employed by the CIA during the Iraq war.)

Over the centuries these distortions became so ingrained into the psyche of South Asians that they became a way of life.

This led to the creation of the caste system which is based on one’s birth rather than on one’s worth (deeds).

The Ramayana which was written by Rishi Valmik Ji, (described as untouchable by modern Brahmins, educated class in India) provided guidance about duties, rights, devotion, creation of trust, respect for elders, depiction and meaning of pure and impure relationships, the role of a true life partner in happiness, sickness and bad times, as well as mechanisms of creating distrust and division by flattery and gossip.

The rulers hired Tulsi Dass, who created the new Ramayana with lots of distortions such as “Dogs, women, shudras and pigs” always needed to be rebuked or scolded, beaten and should not be respected or trusted. We see these things still shown in today’s Bollywood movies and in the songs.

The original Ramayana by Rishi Valmiki was portrayed disrespectfully by demonizing Rishi Valmiki who they called a dacoit, untouchable, or Shudra. The rulers declared that his Ramayana was not “pure or real”. But Tulsi Dass’s Ramayana was written by a “real Brahmin” and was promoted to be superior work than Rishi Valmiki and should be respected more.

It took thousands of years to create those demons of hatred.

Many invaders of India, including the British, then used those tools of hatred to divide the masses to win over them and rob them of their resources.

During the Bhakti (Saints) Movement, some strong voices rose against the prevalent discrimination of those times. Sikh Gurus and other saints practiced Langar - eating food while seating together without consideration to one’s lower or higher social status or caste. It was approximately the same time period when the torch of American Independence was lit in 1776 with the principled slogan of “liberty and justice for all” -- treat everybody equally with dignity and respect. Sikh Gurus or enlightened souls wrote and re-codified loving, and caring principles in “Guru Granth Sahib” to where no one was supposed to be treated with disrespect. ‘’All men are created equal”.

The principles enshrined in the Ancient Vedas and American Constitution are parallel. The unbiased principles created by the founding fathers delineate that love for America is not of religion, race, caste, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, etc. but rather for your deeds, respect for others, and sacrifice for others, so that they can live without fear.

Today we have pharmaceutical companies, political parties and corporations with the financial resources to hire the best brains for their own agendas. We need to remember that it was self-centered leaders who divided India into India and Pakistan. We are brothers and sisters who lived and fought together. Let’s embrace that unity and work on creating a movement for our “Karam Bhoomi”, meaning a land of good deeds. America, where our children are born, where we are able to spread our wings due to infinite opportunities to enjoy

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alifetimeofsmiles

by Dr. Robert Waldman

Open Insurance Enrollment And Your Dental Health There’s no way to sugarcoat it: many households across America are suffering the effects of the current insurance changes. Many people have either lost their dental insurance or their plans have changed from a PPO plan where they can choose their own dentist to a HMO-clinic type plan where they are assigned a dentist. We have also seen plans that are still a PPO plan but they have reduced the benefits.

October is typically the time to sign up for your insurance plans for the following year.

Please pay close attention to the details of your plan. Don’t assume that it is the same as last year even if the insurance carrier is the same. If you are unsure if there are any changes please ask your HR department and also your dental office may be able answer your questions as well.

Regardless Of How Your

Dental Insurance Has Changed Remember: • Putting off going to your dentist because you think it will be too expensive can lead to potenially bigger dental health problems and a lot more out of pocket expenses.

• If your dentist has told you that you have problem areas remember, left untreated, they are only going to get worse and be more expensive to treat.

Please, talk to your dental office if you are unsure how your dental benefits for the coming year may affect your coverage and care.

Wishing you a bright and healthy smile, and as always don’t forget to swish, floss, brush and swish again at least twice a day.

Please visit my website at roberthwaldmandds.com to find out more about my practice.

-Dr Rob-www.

RobertHWaldmanDDS.com

the riches of this land.

Let’s celebrate the resiliency of the spirit of our founding fathers as well as the human spirit, and our freedom by lighting lamps for others so that they can come out of the darkness of exploitation to enjoy dignity and respect without discrimination of race, caste, religion, gender, national origin, disability and sexual orientation.

Diablo Gazette • OCTOBER 2016 • Page 16 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

Nothing Ugly About Clayton Valley

Photo Credit: Berry Evans III/SportStars Magazine

Senior Jalen McKenzie stands out among his teammates and most of the high school players with whom he shares a field. Whether it’s his 6 foot-7, 280-pound frame, or his ability to dominate opposing defensive lineman, No. 55 jumps out almost immediately.

To say nothing of his last name.

Playing at center for his first time in high school he wasn’t not standing out at all.

A snap to QB Zia Rahmany in the shotgun formation is taken just inches above the ground. The next snap bounces. The next one comes ankle high.

To repeat, this was McKenzie’s first start —with two broken fingers and later slightly sprains an ankle.

“It’s hard, but our team needs me to do it. I’ll be fine.” Mckenzie says.

Perhaps such relentless selfconfidence is to be expected when one is gifted with size, great footwork, smarts and instinct. Oh yeah, and that name.

Jalen’s father, Reggie, is the Oakland Raiders’ general manager and a former NFL lineman. His uncle, Reggie’s twin brother, Raleigh, starred for the famed Hogs of NFL offensive line lore, and won two Super Bowls with the Washington Redskins.

His brother, Khalil, was a fivestar recruit and is playing football at Tennessee. He has a sister who teaches at Duke University, and another who works at Google.

Big success, it seems, comes with the name, and Jalen McKenzie fully expects to be the next in line.

“The kid,”“is top notch in every way,” Clayton Valley head coach Tim Murphy said.

McKenzie’s likely future is at offensive tackle, a position in which he ranks 48th in the country according to Rivals.com. He has not decided where he’ll go to college, but he says Pac-12 schools have shown the most interest.

Those expectations, not to mention that name, might be a burden for some. McKenzie doesn’t see it that way.

“It’s mostly good,” McKenzie said of the success that surrounds him. “It adds a lot to my motivation to do well,

makes me want to work hard and get better. At the same time, I have to be who I am, and not who anyone thinks I am.”

Who he will be is anybody’s guess.

His father became a linebacker and started in 40 of the 60 NFL games he played from 1985-92. Raleigh McKenzie started at left guard in Super Bowl XXVI for the Redskins, and was an All-Pro in 1991. He played 16 seasons in the NFL. Khalil McKenzie was an All-American as an eighth grader.

Jalen McKenzie, for the time being, is a relative novice at his best position, never mind one that he’s just learning how to play. But the bloodlines help.

“From a coach’s standpoint, his dad is kind of the perfect dad,” Murphy said. “I’ve never heard a single word from him. He goes to the dinners.

He’s there. But it’s not about him, and everything is team. Team, team, team.

You see that in Jalen.”

So how it is that McKenzie wound up with his hands on the ball.?

“My dad told me the same thing happened to him in high school,” he said. “His team was playing (late NFL Hall of Fame defensive lineman) Reggie White, so they moved him there. He handled it - I’ll handle it.”

The athletic promise has been there since Jalen McKenzie arrived at Clayton Valley, fully in Khalil McKenzie’s shadow.

Unfortunately, he immediately suffered an injury that required surgery on his right tibia. He did not return until the eighth game of his sophomore season.

McKenzie’s junior year was wiped out on his second play, when he suffered a torn ACL in his knee after his foot stuck in the turf.

“If you think about it, this is a kid who basically went from eighth-grade football straight

Standout Jalen McKenzie

to varsity,” Murphy said. “And then, in that first varsity year, he ends up starting in the (CIF State Bowl) championship game. So if that doesn’t give you an idea about the natural ability the kid has, nothing will. He’s making great use of his gene pool.”

The intangibles seem to stick out more than anything else, his coach added.

“He’s in love with the idea of helping his team,” Murphy said. “He wants the team to get better. He wants teammates to get better.

Whatever he can do to help that process, he does.”

And playing as a team, they routinely open gaping holes between the tackles, with backs Thomas Alatini and James Teofilo running for big gains behind

McKenzie, who sometimes occupies two lineman.

One play after an errant snap, McKenzie is so fazed that he destroys a lineman, a hole opens, and Alatini goes 62 yards for a score. Intangibles mixing with tangibles. Nothing ugly about that.