FEB 17 The Pioneer 2023

17,

Downtown Concord streets getting more bike lanes, expanded sidewalk

The downtown streets of Concord going in two directions from Todos Santos Plaza will be getting new bike lanes, improved traffic and pedestrian safety measures, an expand sidewalk in front of Salvio Pacheco Square, additional and upgraded streetlights and other enhancements in a $4.2 million project starting early next month..

And all this work in the Downtown Corridors Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Project will be done over 130 working days without daytime street closures anticipated, says Concord associate civil engineer Tianjun Cao, who is spearheading the long-anticipated project.

Cao recently gave The Pioneer a walking tour of the downtown area where some of the most visible changes will take place in the next two months. Those changes will be most conspicuous in the heart of the downtown around Todos Santos Plaza.

See Downtown, page 3

Black business owner breaks barriers

Black business is Black history, and Black Americans have been taking control of their lives through entrepreneurship since the 1800s.

There is no shortage of hubs and articles all over the Internet speaking to the importance of supporting Black businesses and listing businesses to patronize for Black History Month in February.

Black history is tied to Black business and wealthbuilding. Black people owning businesses gives their community a home base, from restaurants to beauty salons and barber shops. In Concord, the Aquarian Era New Age shop personifies the Black imperative to create something for the community and to support that community with what has been created.

At Aquarian Era, you can find items for “sound healing,” walls of incense and no shortage of healing crystals. Owner

Council rejects CNWS term sheet; sets Seeno ‘free’

The Concord City Council is looking for their third Concord Naval Weapons Station master developer after rejecting Concord First Partners’ proposed term sheet at a tedious and contentious 13 hour marathon meeting over two Saturdays in January.

At the Jan. 28 meeting continued from Jan. 7, Councilmembers Laura Nakamura, Laura Hoffmeister and Carlyn Obringer voted to reject the term sheet granting Albert Seeno III’s emotional plea for the council to either approve it or “set us free.”

Melvin Thompson believes in offering his customers and friends the healing items that have helped him. But, he notes, in the Black community, it doesn’t do any good to preach. People can be skeptical, so he shares what he knows and lets them decide.

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

As a Black man trying to start a business, Thompson faced a variety of barriers. What makes Aquarian Era a piece of Concord’s Black history is that he didn’t care and he didn’t give up.

For him, Black history is a history of stigma. “(People) look at me like I should sell drugs or I’m supposed to sell CDs or something like that. So I always get that negative feedback from people.”

And trying to get a landlord to rent a location or a bank to offer a loan? It was a nonstarter for years.

“Every time I tried to open a shop in my neighborhood or in my area where I was living (at the time) in Pittsburg, they would give me a hard time and give me the run around,” says Thompson, whose rags to riches story is about realizing a dream.

See Aquarian, page 4

“You can trash us, you can trash me, you can embarrass me in front of my partners and my union friends,” Seeno told the Council. “Just let us know our destiny so we can move on and deploy our $20 or $30 million somewhere else…”

Seeno holds a 45% interest in the partnership that includes The Lewis Companies and Oakland businessman Phil Tagami.

Councilmembers Dominic Aliano and Edi Birsan voted to approve the term sheet.

“This is the best term sheet we will ever see,” said Aliano who is strongly pro labor. Birsan defended his vote in an impassioned 45-minute “talk fest” that touted the local Seeno company over the publicly held Brookfield Corporation, also a master developer contender— preferring “Main Street over Wall Street,” he said.

In Feb. 2020, the Council’s previous developer, Lennar Five Point, walked away from the $6 billion, 2,225-acre project after failing to reach a wall-to-wall project labor agreement with the building and trades unions. Lennar could not make the deal “pencil out” at their required

See Seeno, page 3

Commitment is eggs-actly what’s needed

Long before the pandemic sparked an interest in raising chickens, it already was a passion for owners from within Pleasant Hill’s city limits to far-flung Morgan Territory outside Clayton.

And, they don’t do it for the money raised from eggs. It’s for the eggs themselves.

The deep yellow, orange and golden yolks bring smiles to their caretakers. There is one constant for success – commitment to the chickens.

“It’s not a set it and forget it hobby,” said Maria Berta of Pleasant Hill, who’s been at it for

14 years. “It can be rich and awarding, but it is very time consuming.

“To be able to make an omelet or do baking with your own eggs – it is amazing. I love that part of it,” she added.

Morgan Territory resident Jane Buyny echoed those sentiments, emphasizing “you cannot ignore them.”

“You have to care for them morning and night. You have to be there to let them out from the roost so they can walk around and feed them, and you need to put them to bed at night.”

INNOVATIONS ANDBRAVERY

Operations like Buyny’s country setting afford greater

freedom, with spacious barns and pastoral grassy conditions for her 25 chickens. But Berta’s quaint setup in the heart of the city, with no neighbors to the rear, seems just right for her. The 50- by 80-foot coop and chicken run caters to 21 chickens.

No matter the size or location, chicken farmers face similar natural challenges – whether it’s coyotes, bobcats, snakes, rats or other unwanted predators. The only way to make a go of it is dealing with them head-on.

For Buyny’s neighbor, Sandy Brooks, she made sure to use a wire mesh and rubber mat below the cement floor of her

See Chickens, page 3

David Scholz photos

Maria Berta, right, and her daughter Giselle care for chickens in their Pleasant Hill backyard.

Aryanna White shows off Aquarian Era’s incense and candles.

TAMARA STEINER The Pioneer

JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

VINCE MARTELLACCI Correspondent

Aquarian Era employee Charhonda Bean says the economy she wants to see is one where all humans work together.

DAVID SCHOLZ Correspondent

Jay Bedecarré

Concord associate civil engineer Tianjun Cao shows the bio retention water drainage and landscaping feature on Salvio St. in downtown Concord that will be part of the expanded sidewalk in front of Salvio Pacheco Square across the street from Todos Santos Plaza that is being installed in March and April as part of a $4.2 million project in downtown Concord adding bike lanes, lighting and other safety measures due for late October completion.

TJ Brassil claims Sports Emmy for his Olympics work with NBC

Long-time Clayton resident and 2012 De La Salle High grad TJ Brassil was awarded a 2021-22 Sports Emmy Award for his work as an associate producer for NBC Sports at the Tokyo Summer Olympic Games.

The award was for Outstanding Interactive Experience - Event Coverage at the Games of the XXXII OLYMPIAD working on a show called Tokyo Gold hosted by Rich Eisen which streamed on Peacock.

He says the Tokyo Games assignment, “Was an intense and hectic 20 days, but it was

one of the most fun and gratifying experiences of my professional life.”

Brassil was on two state championship football teams at De La Salle and also was a thrower on the track and field team. He continued throwing at the University of Oregon where he was on five NCAA championship teams for the Ducks in the shot put and hammer throw. He was a team captain in his final 2017 season.

He graduated from the School of Journalism and

TJ BRASSIL

Communication after being named to four Pac-12 All-Academic teams and was a fourtime Oregon scholar athlete. He also became part of the National College Athlete Honors Society.

After leaving Oregon he got a job at the Pac-12 Networks, working his way up to a producer there. He has been producing a show titled “The IT Factory” the past two years for Pac-12 Networks with lead football analyst Yogi Roth as host.

Pleasant Hill retailers fight back against

rising thefts

A string of thefts in January, including multiple occurrences on a single day at one of the city’s biggest retailers, Dick’s Sporting Goods, served as a further reminder of the persistent challenges that area retailers and the police are combatting.

But Pleasant Hill retail outlets are hardly throwing up the white flag of surrender. Rather, owners and operators are taking advantage of the tools and resources available through local law enforcement to deter new and repeat offenders.

There was a 64.8% increase in reported shoplifting cases from 2021 (318) to 2022 (524), according to the Pleasant Hill Police Department. Lt. Matt Kristic of the agency’s Support Services Division identified two

notable factors that have contributed to the rise: an increase in organized retail theft and businesses recognizing the importance of reporting shoplifting crimes.

“Businesses’ underreporting of any crime does not help us fight crime, so we definitely have more businesses that are proactive in calling the Police Department when they’ve had a theft or are experiencing a theft in progress,” Kristic said.

LEVELINGUP DICK’S STAFF

In the case of Dick’s, Kristic noted that the department has worked closely with the retailer over the past year to develop a system with the store’s staff to report incidents more effectively.

Dick’s has done a good job of training staff about calling when they see a crime in progress and has a robust infor-

mation sharing program, including passing photos between its stores, he added.

The retailer is also heeding a request to redeploy uniformed security guards, which were effective during the holiday season to dissuade would-be thieves.

The department further helps by having multiple units –both marked and unmarked vehicles – patrolling the south end of Pleasant Hill in order to respond in a timely manner. But, there is only so much the authorities can do.

“We have given them good recommendations. Some have been implemented and some they say they can’t,” Kristic said, citing corporate decisions for the store, including use of both entrances and where high-end merchandise is placed.

See Thefts, page 4

DAVID SCHOLZ Correspondent

Downtown, from page 1

On the Salvio Pacheco Square side of Salvio St. between Mt. Diablo and Grant streets all 13 parking spaces will be removed and replaced with an expanded sidewalk to match what currently exists on each end of the block. Cao says this will make it possible for additional outdoor seating for the eateries on that block.

Included in the new sidewalk will be landscaping and bio retention water drainage, matching a similar look on the other side of Salvio between Mt. Diablo and Galindo St.

In front of Peet’s Coffee there is small gravel area that will have brick pavers installed matching nearby sections along with a planter bench for additional seating across from the plaza. More light poles will be installed throughout the project area as well as upgraded light fixtures on existing poles.

A new bike lane will be added running on the plaza side of Grant St. counter to the oneway vehicular traffic which connects Willow Pass Rd. to Salvio St. There will be a buffer zone

Seeno,

from page 1

rate of return with 25% of the planned 12,275 homes affordable, below market rate housing.

To make the project financially feasible CFP proposed adding over 3,300 homes with 879 of them Junior Accessory Dwelling Units attached to single-family homes. They wanted to count the JADUs toward the 25% affordable housing requirement. This proved unacceptable to Hoffmeister, Nakamura and Obringer. Without deed restrictions on the privately owned JADUs, there’s no guarantee they would be available as affordable units, Hoffmeister said. The term sheet also falls

Chickens,

from page 1

chicken enclosure to thwart rats.

Berta’s husband Mike developed a special feeder, so her chickens step on a lever for a metal box that allows them to gain access to the feed. Such are the examples of growing sophistication over the years.

Sometimes issues are internal to the flock, so Berta installed a motion camera to crack the mystery of broken eggs. One chicken was discovered breaking the other chickens’ eggs.

“It was determined that there was a little infighting going on,” Berta said. “That happens as chickens try to move up in the ‘pecking order’ – there is so much truth to that.

“So it was interesting to see how it takes a while to be integrated into the flock,” she added.

between the bike lane and new parallel parking on Grant which reduces the number of parking spaces on the street by six.

That block of Grant St. will be repaved and restriped over a couple days with all the work planned for the evening after business hours.

That bike lane will tie into the one across Willow Pass towards Concord Blvd. and then running on Grant to Oak St.

From there to Galindo St. by the Concord Police Department a new bike path will be added as part of street repaving. That means a bike path loop from Market St. will run through the downtown to Galindo St, with the exception of two blocks on Salvio from Galindo to Grant, which will be a shared route for vehicles and bikes.

The busy intersection on Salvio where Concord Ave. becomes Galindo St. will be getting new left turn signals in each direction off Salvio, matching what already exists off Concord and Galindo in front of the Brenden Theatres.

Added to the safety

short when looking at the neighbors’ desired buffer zones and green space, Hoffmeister said.

Equally distasteful to the three was a bombshell East Bay Times story just two days before the Jan. 7 meeting that revealed interfamily lawsuits and counter suits between Albert Seeno III, sole owner of Discovery Homes, and his father Albert Seeno, Jr., which could prove disruptive to the project.

“We have a world class project at our hands,” Nakamura said. “Therefore, we have an obligation to world class integrity.”

“There is insufficient evidence to evaluate either the fairness or feasibility from a financial perspective…” she said.

Nakamura defeated incumbent Tim McGallian in November 2022, campaigning

Through urban farming classes at Rodgers Ranch, they have learned still more about what is required for a successful hobby. Mike also created a drip water system. And for the darker days of winter, they installed lighting to foster optimal producing conditions.

PROOF’S INSIDE THE EGGS

When the atmospheric river moved through the Bay Area in late December and early January, it tested even the best operations.

With the wet and mushy conditions, Berta said, “We couldn’t keep it dry for them. It was pretty icky.”

During that extended period of darkness and cold, her family had to break down and get storebought eggs. The quality – or the lack thereof – was immediately apparent.

“I was shocked,” said Berta, noting that the Trader Joe’s eggs

improvements in the area will be a crosswalk with light flashers which can be triggered by pedestrians added on Salvio between Adobe St. and the theatre parking garage.

Long-time Concord business leader and Brenden senior vice president Walter Eichinger said, “I am very pleased with the city bike path project and other improvements. It will significantly increase safety for bicyclists, pedestrians and drivers as well throughout the downtown.

“In particular, the new crosswalk at our movie theater along with the new striping and turn lanes have been needed for a long while. I appreciate the city’s efforts to make the downtown more assessable and safer at the same time for visitors and potential customers.”

All the project work is consistent with the 2015 Downtown Corridors Specific Plan and the City’s bike and pedestrian transit plan approved a year later. A major portion of the project is funded by a Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities grant of $3.8 million, which was formally approved last fall.

on a “no to Seeno” platform. McGallian was a strong CFP/Seeno supporter.

Councilmembers Aliano and Edi Birsan held fast to their positions even when it was obvious that Nakamura’s election shifted the political landscape away from CFP.

With a second master developer in their rear-view mirror, the Council directed Economic Development and Base Reuse Director Guy Bjerke to look at options for going forward. Bjerke anticipates bringing these to the Council at the Mar. 14 meeting.

“The Navy has been through this process before on several other bases,” Bjerke told the Pioneer. “They understand the political landscape changes, and they are willing to work with us to make this happen.”

were pale in contrast to the rich coloring of their homegrown eggs.

“You can see with your own eyes the quality of the eggs,” she added.

She attributes it to the rich nutrients that make up the chicken’s diet. “I try to be as green and sustainable as I can,” Berta said.

Rather than killing the undesirable bugs she encounters in her garden, she just feeds them to her chickens. The chickens also get a lot of fresh vegetable trimmings from her garden, which are free of pesticides.

From the composting to feeding the chickens the scraps from their meal preparations and table leftovers, she sees the process going full circle.

“It’s a little mini ecosystem in my backyard,” said Berta.

And, nothing seems to go to waste. She recalled a passerby once noting: “I don’t want the eggs; I want your manure.”

Technology is centerpiece of Concord mayor’s address

In her sixth State of the City address, Mayor Laura Hoffmeister noted that she foresaw the advent of the hand-held computer (otherwise known as the cell phone) – but she hadn’t predicted the growing popularity of pickleball or the advent of retail cannabis sales in the city.

Describing the high-tech environment at the new Coastal and CoCo Farms marijuana dispensaries, she said: “It’s not the old days where you got a dime bag down on the street corner.” But, she quickly added: “Not that I would know anything about that.”

In other technological advances, Hoffmeister pointed to the Police Department’s use of drones and license plate readers to help solve crimes and find missing persons. She also encouraged residents and business owners to join the city’s

Community Camera Registry Program. “It gives us another tool to try to combat crime effectively in our community,” she told the crowd at the Hilton on Feb. 1.

MOREINNOVATIONS AT HAND

At the event hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, Hoffmeister touted the Feb. 22 open house for the Concord Life Science Center. “It’s a privately owned flexible space laboratory suites. It’s going to be home to many cutting-edge life science companies in North Concord,” she said, noting that the city team is providing marketing support and technical assistance.

And while we aren’t quite in the age of flying cars, the mayor said traffic signal improvements should help drivers sail through the city’s roads more quickly.

“We’re trying to upgrade our signal technology, so that we’re

not having to wait at the red light, go to the next light and it’s red,” she said. “If we can improve traffic flow, we’ll improve also, I think, the business community as well because the customers can get to your businesses and deliveries can be made more efficiently.”

IT ALWAYS COME AROUND TO POTHOLES

Speaking of the roadways, Hoffmeister reported that the two-year Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funding is the largest in the city’s history.

“I assure you that fixing our roads is the mantra that we’ve heard from our community. So we’re on it – and we’re working to improve it,” she said.

“And we would not have been able to do this without the passage of Measure V, so I thank the business community and all those in the community who supported that and the voters. That ballot measure was able to

Workplace may not be the place for gender conversations

allow us to create that additional sales tax revenue which has allowed us to leverage funding to get immediate investment that we are now putting back to work.”

LOOKINGFORWARD

Hoffmeister, a lifelong Concord resident, was first elected to the City Council in 1997 and has been reelected six times. Last November’s victory came after her well-publicized arrest for DUI last spring.

In a speech entitled “Rebounding, Rebuilding and Renewing,” she also talked about the city’s recovery from the pandemic. With better than expected tax revenues, Concord has brought back 19 staff positions. Meanwhile, the Police Department has made progress in filling vacancies, thanks in part to a new bonus program.

Among her other top priorities are continued efforts to help the unhoused population, new tobacco sale policies, updating

the Housing Element – including accommodating more affordable housing – and finding yet another developer for the Naval Weapons Station.

“I’m grateful and proud of how our city has rebounded from the pandemic. It’s not been an easy task, and we still have work to do. But we have largely weathered the storm, and we are stronger for it,” she said. “We have much on the horizon, and I’m thankful that you are all a part of our growth and success.”

Mount Diablo Brewery quenched thirsts but drowned in legal obstacles

similar to a pale lager and valued for its dry, refreshing taste and high alcohol content.

Various cream ales are around today in styles reflecting specific locales and having unique flavors based on brewing methods, added ingredients and the use of barley, corn or rice.

DEBBIE EISTETTER THE WAY WE WERE

DOMINIQUE KING LEANIN WITH LOVE

Q. After a conversation with my coworker over lunch, I was “called out” at a work event for being offensive. My coworker, a transwoman, told me that I invalidated their experience as a woman because I refuse to be called cisgender and think that women have a right to use

whatever terms they want in reference to being a mother. I identify as a woman. In my eyes, my coworker is a woman living her own truth. I don’t walk around saying she’s a transwoman; I just say she is a woman. I am at my wit’s end lately, feeling like I have to sacrifice my identity as a woman because it’s not in line with someone else’s beliefs. How am I expected to respect how she identifies, but it’s absurd for her to accept me? – Lashay

A. Lashay, the topic of proper terms regarding how people identify has been boiling for quite some time. Both sides of this argument come with legions of support. I can see your frustration through your writing.

I don’t want to jump into this conversation with blanket statements or create an oppor-

Thefts, from page 2

THWARTING REPEAT OFFENDERS

As the battle rages on for the city’s retailers, the PC 602 Trespass Letter can be a useful weapon. Kristic explained the notice serves as a deterrent to fend off repeat offenders suspected of theft or who are creating a disturbance that is causing problems for a business.

Issuance of the trespass admonition prevents an individual from being at the business for 12 months. If the order is violated, there’s risk of arrest for criminal trespass.

In 2022, more than 40 retail businesses in Pleasant Hill utilized the PC 602 Trespass Letter.

Some of the larger businesses invoking it include Target, Nordstrom Rack, Safeway, Kohl’s and

Dick’s Sporting Goods. Throughout 2022, about 200 trespass letters were served. The police departments in Concord and Pittsburg also use the PC 602 letters.

Kristic explained that in many cases, a business may not seek prosecution for thefts as that means time in court. A more desirable outcome for the business is having the property returned.

“I don’t hear about businesses saying the police are not doing enough,” Kristic said.

RIGHT ON TARGET

Each retailer takes its own approach, and Target at the north end of Pleasant Hill has been more proactive about theft prevention.

Aquarian, from page 1

“I was selling shoes and purses out of the trunk of my car,” he recalls. “I said, ‘You know what, I’m tired of this. I want to do something. I want to spread love.’ ”

Thompson is a spiritual guy with faith in the universe and the world, so he knew he wanted to start a business that would provide healing to the community. He realized he could do anything he wanted, so he did. He says his brand of spirituality can be baffling for Black people in his community, but he found a way to share it with

tunity for individuals to feel invalidated or attacked. Instead, I want to “call you in” on how you can respectfully and professionally co-exist with your coworker.

Keep it professional. It’s only private until it’s not.

I don’t know how you two found your way into such an indepth and personal conversation. Perhaps false comfort led to a very delicate topic in an inappropriate space. Your lack of friendship outside of work and inability to find common ground during your lunch break left one of you offended to the point of publicly airing your private conversation.

Being in an environment with others for long hours can sometimes give a false sense of security about expressing

See Lean In, page 6

Kristic lauded steps such the use of trained uniformed and plainclothes security guards to scrutinize patrons. “They make their presence known that they are there,” Kristic said.

The store also actively shares information about incidents with area Targets. Should a situation arise, employees know to provide info like descriptions of suspects and vehicles and to stay on the line with police dispatch.

Target opted to close a second entrance through the garden department, so there would be only a single entry and exit point to the parking lot off Contra Costa Boulevard.

“Target has always been good and proactive,” said Kristic. “We have not had any issues.”

a part of living Black history through working for a Blackowned business.

Coming down the eastern hills from Black Diamond Mines, hardworking men seeking to slack a thirst had a choice of several Clayton saloons to patronize in the 1860s and ’70s. But George Wall’s brewery and saloon would have been the first establishment that came into view as they crossed the bridge at Mount Diablo Creek. His Mount Diablo Brewery was said to be a “pioneer,” the first of its kind in Contra Costa County. It was located at the east end of Main Street to take advantage of the clear creek water.

Wall’s cream ale was his best seller, described in an 1861 Contra Costa Gazette story as “a first-rate article.” Cream ales were born in America in the 1850s as a response to the desire for a beer that was lighter than the mass-produced German style beers. “Cream” refers not to the dairy product but rather to the ale’s aroma. It was

But many problems plagued the Mount Diablo Brewery during the 12 years of Wall’s tenure: disputes with a partner, the growing temperance movement and the Local Option License.

Richard Westoby joined Wall in 1863 but dissolved the partnership in 1865 due to disagreements over finances. Wall ran the business on his own for the next eight years until 1873, when Westoby won a $3,000 judgment against him. In order to pay his ex-partner, he held a “Sheriff’s Sale” at noon on May 27, 1873, in front of the Martinez Court House. Wall’s Clayton property was sold to the highest bidder.

The temperance movement, advocating restrictions on the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages, was becoming more influential in California, and the Local Option License of 1874 was seen as a means to achieve prohibition. The provision allowed localities to decide their own policies regarding alcoholic beverages, thus avoiding conflicts on the state level. Township #4, comprised of

Had it survived the law, Wall’s saloon would have been the first one miners came to after crossing over the creek.

Clayton and the mining towns of Nortonville and Somersville, was declared “dry” by election, and George Wall was convicted of violating the law. His was the “test case” in August 1874, when the constitutionality of the law was questioned in the state Supreme Court. In October of that same year, the law was declared unconstitutional by a bare majority, but Wall was too broke to celebrate. He had lawyer fees and fines to pay in addition to what he owed Westoby, and his Mount Diablo Winery became history.

Debbie Eistetter is a board member of the Clayton Historical Society. For more information or to become a member, visit claytonhistory.org. The Clayton Museum is open 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays at 6101 Main St.. Admission is free.

Chamber group empowers women to build successful businesses

The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce hosts a variety of monthly networking events to provide a platform for businesses to meet and do business. One of these monthly events is our Women’s Networking Group, or WNG for short.

This group aims to empower women in business and provide them the resources they need. Each meeting includes a variety of topics and sometimes

the entire Concord community through Aquarian Era. Some of those skeptics in his circle have become converts.

After more than five years of working toward the shop, Thomson put it in the universe’s hands and let go of the frustration. He immediately got the call that the Concord location was his to rent. Black history is a history of spirituality and perseverance.

INSPIRINGOTHERS

Charhonda Bean, one of Thompson’s Black employees, reflects on what it means to be

“Having a Black boss in a Black-owned business has given me the opportunity to connect with the community in many walks of life,” Bean says.

She goes on to speak about Black wealth-building: “Black people should create and generate their own wealth. Most people may think of wealth in the form of money. I believe wealth is a mindset.”

Bean says that working for Thompson is a growth opportunity in a great work environment. “Whether this is your first job or you’re a seasoned worker, you get experience, exposure, resources and the opportunity to see what someone else has created for you to enjoy.”

What’s so powerful about Aquarian Era is that it acts as a beacon of hope for other aspiring Black business owners. Thompson is proud to tell us, “I have inspired many to start and open up similar businesses. I show people, especially people like myself, that owning and operating our own business is truly possible.”

He remembers each time his success story motivated another. “On three separate occasions, customers have come to Aquarian Era to thank me for inspiring them and tell me they opened up their own stores.” Aquarian Era is at 2803 Main Ave., Suite A, Concord. For more information, visit https://aquarianera.business.site

features a fun activity to allow attendees to foster relationships.

This month, the women headed to Fondant Cups & Cakes to decorate cupcakes for Valentine’s Day. Located at 3375 Port Chicago Highway, Suite 27, the shop is a womanand black-owned business with “a passion for inspiring creativity in others.”

The WNG participants enjoy learning and supporting local businesses, while showcasing the diversity we have in Concord. The women were able to put on their creativity cap while getting to know each other.

Next month, the chamber is partnering with Visit Concord, our Tourism Improvement District agency, to host a meeting about human sex trafficking. Our goal is to empower, educate and equip our community with tools to protect everyone.

Speakers will include Louise Reeves, an inspector with the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit, who will provide insight of how to be aware of your surroundings, and Andrea Taylor, a certified life coach who helps victims recover and build a successful new life.

This meeting will be 11:30 am-1:30 pm March 9 at the Hilton Concord. If you are

interested in purchasing a ticket, please visit www.concordchamber.com/events.

Other upcoming topics include financial coaching and mental health awareness, along with fun activities like a mixology class hosted by a local restaurant.

If you would like more information about the Concord Chamber of Commerce and the Women’s Networking Group, call 925685-1181, visit www.concordchamber.com, or stop by our office at 2280 Diamond Blvd., Suite 200. Also, follow us on our various social media platforms for features on chamber members.

Rabbit mural brings Lunar New Year spirit to Concord

DAVID SCHOLZ Correspondent

David Scholz

“Riley” Rabbit brightens a wall of the Brenden Theater parking garage in Concord in honor of the Chinese 2023 Year of the Rabbit.

In honor of the Chinese New Year, with 2023 the Year of Rabbit, Oakland artist Emily Ding recently erected a mural in Concord. Four other artists also assisted in the project. The mural adorns an outward facing wall of the Brenden Theater garage. The crew outlined the image January 28 and completed work on the 30th.The artists dubbed the rabbit “Riley” in honor of a

Enough already! Stop with the attacks and verbal abuse

ing in a similar vein: … and that you called this your P L A N!!! Piece of garbage, nothing else. In your email last year you assured me and others, that there is plan to fix Treat Blvd. this year. All of sudden you’re going to fix this street from border with Walnut Creek to San Miguel! Read this in YOUR bulletin! Are you an IDIOT and MORON?

This street needs repairs at least to Oak Grove Rd. no more and no less. See for yourself how badly this section of Treat Blvd. is damaged!

pet rabbit belonging to one of the volunteer artists on the project that recently passed away. Ding was contacted for the mural project after Walnut Creek-based nonprofit 333Arts received approval to move forward with it. Brenden Mann Foundation provided funds to facilitate the mural. The donation covered supplies

and a stipend for the guest artist. It also bought lunch for the team of amateur and aspiring artists who assisted in the project.Volunteers supporting Ding on the project included Concord resident Demaris Brown. Brown belongs to the Concord Arts Association. Kai Newquist, a Concord resident and primarily a digital artist, also assist-

ed. “We have known Emily Ding for many years and have been waiting for the perfect opportunity for her to lead a collaborative mural with our nonprofit,” said Sage Loring, 333Arts’ executive director.You can view the mural for free by entering the garage located between Willow Pass Road and Salvio Street.

glory

We have seen an intense increase in the outrageous attacks on elected officials in the last few years. I have received accusations of being without integrity, corrupt, part of the Mafia, a sleaze ball, a tool of capitalist pigs and a few other descriptives with expletives deleted.

Most of the time I try to restrain my response and simply say, “If you want to talk about it, let me know.”

However, this one came in and I could not resist answer-

I wouldn’t care much if you’re ordinary local guy, but you are an “official” of this city PRETENDING to taking care of the business for us. What a JOKE!

Good work indeed. I hope that if the rope is long enough you will do the damage to yourself, making false promises and serving to your own gains.

Good luck!

Absolutely pissed off local from Treat Blvd. (named withheld to protect the guilty)

In the response, I pointed out in less than a blunt man-

ner that the road was being repaired in two phases and that the first phase from the border to San Miguel actually goes way past the Oak Grove intersection they referenced and, of course, signed it off as “absolutely pissed off local elected from Treat Blvd.” People please, before you launch an attack on someone in office, try to reach out to them to get their side of whatever it is that you do not like. You might be shocked to learn that there are rational reasons for whatever they did, at least as far as the elected is concerned, even if you disagree with their decision.

Further, I do not know anyone who has actually changed their position because they were called an idiot/moron/joke, etc.

Edi Birsan, your friendly vice mayor, will always buy you coffee at Peet’s at Oak Grove and Treat and listen to your rants and raves while trying to explain the reality behind whatever he is up to. Contact him at EdiBirsan@gmail.com.

Q. Why are there different developments within the Oakhurst subdivision?

A. In the late 1980s, local developer Albert Seeno Jr. owned the land that is now the Oakhurst Country Club and the 1,500 home Oakhurst development. He wanted to build a 15,000 sq. ft. mansion on the 60-acre hill atop his land. He also wanted a much larger development than is now there, so large that Clayton fought him every step of the way. He finally agreed to sell to another developer, Presley Homes. The only catch was that he would be able to keep the hill and build his house on top.

The original plan was for

there to be four neighborhoods, the country club and large lots with upscale custom homes above it. When the housing market got tight, Brook Hollow patio homes were added adjacent to the Black Diamond duets. The townhomes are called Chaparral Springs.

Windmill Canyon was the name of the single-family homes beyond the duets and townhomes. An area up Eagle Peak hill above the Eagle Peak neighborhood had condominiums and more detached homes eventually added with the same floor plans as Windmill Canyon. Beyond that, another group of upscale homes called Falcon Ridge was added. They rivaled the Eagle Peak homes in price.

Eventually, outside builders were allowed to build and sell large luxury floor plans in the area above the country club. The country club and the Peacock Creek upscale homes are separate from the rest of Oakhurst. They have lovely floor plans and can be larger than the other luxury subdivisions in the Falcon Ridge

and Eagle Peak neighborhoods.

At the same time that these homes would be completed, the country club was being built on what would become an award-winning 18-hole course. Golfers came from all over to play the Oakhurst Golf Course.

The plan was for the course to eventually go private. At that time, there was a pretty substantial fee to be a member. The membership fee went up and down over the years, depending on the housing market.

Oakhurst Country Club is dedicated to providing members and their guests a superlative private club experience. From the championship golf course and tennis courts to the fitness, dining and pool amenities, it is an oasis for relaxation and socializing.

It all turned out to be a wonderfully designed community.

Lynne French is a Realtor with Compass Real Estate and captain of the Lynne French Team. Contact her at lynne@lynnefrench.com or 925-6728787.

One piece at a time, a scaled down Oakhurst came into

LYNNE FRENCH REAL ANSWERS

EDI BIRSAN PULSEOF CONCORD

Concord using federal funding for community projects

It was my pleasure to deliver the annual State of the City address to our community on Feb. 1. Thank you to the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce for coordinating the event, to the Hilton for hosting, and to the many businesspeople and residents who attended. We had a great turnout.

The City Council recently moved forward with determining how to best utilize federal grant programs, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding that all cities received nationwide. Concord was fortunate to get $27 million in one-time ARPA funds that we are investing in major priorities identified by our community and city staff.

Following community outreach efforts that included surveys, community meetings and correspondence, the council received the feedback and recommendations and then created an ad hoc committee to recommend specific allocations, which

included: $7 million for city projects, infrastructure, public safety and special events; $7 million to support nonprofit organizations via a grant program; $3 million to address the unhoused; and $2 million to support small businesses via a grant program. Our first investment of $8 million was immediately put to use in late 2021 and early 2022 into pandemicrelated recovery efforts.

At our Feb. 7 council meet-

ing, my colleagues and I considered staff’s recommendations for the $7 million that will be invested into city projects, infrastructure, public safety and special events, and approved the following:

In partnership with the Todos Santos Business Association, we will launch a pilot program in public areas around downtown for enhanced janitorial services, pressure washing and private security. Some of the funding will also be used to enhance the cleanliness, safety and security of our two public parking garages, which includes new LED lights and security cameras to prevent and minimize vandalism.

Cameras and lighting will also be added to the Public Works Corp. Yard and several recreation facilities throughout the city. To help keep our downtown area clean, we’ll be installing covered trash and recycling receptacles with increased capacity and the abili-

Clayton OKs Housing Element to meet state regulations

I’m pleased to announce that last month the Clayton City Council approved an updated Housing Element (HE) as required by law.

This is the product of more than a year of effort from our Community Development director, as well as the rest of the city staff. Because of their diligence, outreach and community engagement, the process went smoothly and our Community Development director is to be commended.

While the HE has many required elements, the main point is to provide zoning sufficient to meet our allocated Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) of 570 units across all income levels.

Our updated HE will actually provide for 796 units. The additional units are needed to allow for a buffer should the state Department of Housing & Community Development (HCD) disallow any units, or if future projects come in at a lower density than we anticipated.

This buffer allows the city more flexibility in approving projects and decreases the chance Clayton would have to go back to seek HCD approval all over again.

Details of the updated HE can be found at the city’s website, claytonca.gov. The next

step is gaining HCD approval. While the city was required to approve the HE to remain in compliance with state law, I brought forward a resolution during the same meeting to send the message that while we are approving the HE, Clayton does not agree with the state’s one size fits all approach to housing and zoning requirements. Accordingly, the city adopted a resolution in support of Our Neighborhood Voices, an organization that is trying to advance a ballot measure in 2024 as a constitutional amendment taking back local control over housing matters. This ballot measure advances a straightforward idea – if there is a conflict between state law and local law regarding housing related matters, then local law should prevail. This idea unequivocally supports and cements local control, and I am glad that Clayton is able to join with others in voicing that support. For details, visit www.ourneighborhoodvoices.com.

Earlier this month, the newly formed Concerts in the Park Committee met for the first time. We formed the committee to provide oversight for this city-sponsored program. While the concerts have been a popular community event, overall there has been a lack of clar-

ity in the process, procedures and financial discipline related to how they operate.

Howard Geller has been acting as a lead for these areas, but he is stepping aside this year. In order to ensure the concerts can continue to be an event the whole town can enjoy, I thought it prudent to establish an oversight committee working to promote the sustainability of the concert program. I look forward to the recommendations of the committee.

As we continue to assess what needs to be done to balance the budget at City Hall, work is in flight at the city across a number of different areas. An overall organizational assessment will determine appropriate staffing levels and establish proper roles and responsibilities. An update to the city’s master fee schedule will make sure the city is adequately compensated for the services it provides. An update to our overall investment policy will protect the city asset portfolio and ensure we are achieving appropriate returns on our investments. We are also conducting a review of our utility usage to determine if there are potential savings and efficiencies to gain.

Each of these take time, but in the end should yield either increased revenues to the city or

ty to reduce wind-blown materials.

At Camp Concord in South Lake Tahoe – a destination for young campers, families and organizations – we will improve Internet accessibility for staff and customers by expanding Wi-Fi capabilities.

For continued safety and accountability, the Police Department will upgrade its technology tools, including body-worn cameras, fleet cameras, interview room cameras and the software they require.

In addition, the department will replace its 30-year-old van that is used for rescuing injured or at-risk people or officers during emergency situations.

Other important investments include construction of the Meadow Lane and Market Street paving project, which will feature bike lanes and safe crosswalks, and a stormwater green infrastructure cleaning project at the city’s Civic Center.

Special event funding will

decreased costs for operations. One thing that the city will be doing in the short term is updating the hours of operation at City Hall. In order to provide time when staff can focus without distractions, we will be closing City Hall to the public for at least one day per week. The details are being finalized, and we will share the new operating hours when they are updated.

Often there is work that requires dedicated attention, but because of our small staff, it can disrupt their work and cause inefficiencies when they need to address individuals who come to City Hall. Allowing them dedicated time to focus should allow them to structure their workload to be as efficient as possible while still being available to provide service to the public.

I look forward to offering further updates on the above items and all of the activities of the city as we move forward. Send comments and questions for the mayor to jef f.wan@clayton.ci.gov

New county department to focus on equity and inclusion

co-executive directors.

support our annual 4th of July festivities, Music and Market summer concert series, and the 50th anniversary celebration with our sister city, Kitakami, Japan. All of these events and activities are partnerships with other organizations, which work hard to bring these events to our city. It is a joy to be able to host these events in Concord, and I’m so glad we can support them in this way. These federal dollars were intended to help communities

recover from the devastating impacts of the pandemic, including the lost revenues and economic hardships incurred by local governments, small businesses, nonprofits and individuals. I look forward to announcing details about how the remaining funds will be allocated over the next few months.

Direct your questions and comments to the mayor at 925-6713158 or Laura.Hoffmeister@cityofconcord.org.

Specialty plates would bring some joy back to drivers

In each two-year legislative session, Assemblymembers and state Senators can each author 50 unique pieces of legislation. With 120 members in the Legislature, this allows us to cover a wide range of issues –from some of California’s most challenging matters to technical updates to longstanding, and sometimes outdated, code section.

This year, I’m authoring a package of legislation that touches on big issues such as championing safety in our neighborhoods and working to address our critical housing and homelessness crises. I’m also authoring one measure, AB 378, that I hope will bring some fond memories and joy to Californians.

AB 378 will allow for some of California’s most iconic license plates to return to production for car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. This bill will create a path for the 1950s and 1970s Legacy License Plates to return to California cars.

In 2013, the Legislature unanimously passed a bill by then-Assemblymember Mike Gatto that allowed for the 1960s Legacy License Plate to return to the roads. This 2013 legislation authorized the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to offer motorists the opportunity to apply for each of the three Legacy License Plates: the yellow license plates with black lettering from the 1950s, the black license plates with yellow lettering from the 1960s or the blue license plates with yellow lettering from the 1970s. For any plate to return to circulation, it had to get 7,500 applications within a year of the legislation going into effect.

After the original application window closed, the only design to receive the requisite number of applications was the black license plate from the ’60s. You may have noticed the return of the black plate with yellow lettering, which quickly became

popular in the last few years. Since its reintroduction, the 1960s Legacy License Plate has become the best-selling specialty license plate offered by the DMV. It brings in 10 times more revenue than the second best-selling plate, the kids specialty license plate. Similar to the 1960s plates, revenue collected for the 1950s and 1970s Legacy License Plates would be deposited into the Environmental License Plate fund to benefit environmental projects across our state. The ’60s Legacy License Plate raised $40 million for this environmental fund in just one year alone.

With the black plates back on the roads, car enthusiasts and others have started to realize that they missed a unique opportunity to bring back the ’50s and ’70s plates. AB 378 will offer Californians a second chance to put the remaining two iconic designs back on the road.

With the COVID-19 lockdowns in our rearview window, I think now is the perfect time to celebrate joyous parts of California’s history. If you’re a car enthusiast who would like to learn more about the bill, or if you’d like to learn more about other legislation I’m authoring this year, contact my Concord office at 925-521-1511.

Reach Assemblyman Tim Grayson at 925-521-1511. Visit or write the district office 2151 Salvio Street, Suite P, Concord, CA 94520

Contra Costa County is developing the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice (ORESJ), a new county department.

The ORESJ’s primary function will be to better coordinate, strengthen and expand the county’s existing work on equity and inclusion, create new opportunities to deepen the work, and partner with the community in prioritization and implementation.

The mission of the office is to make a transformational shift within county government to eliminate inequity, harm, dis-

crimination and bias (implicit and explicit) based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, language, immigration status, socio-economic status and for people with disabilities by focusing county efforts on understanding what it takes to achieve equity with a priority focus on racial equity. The Board of Supervisors approved the initial concept and authorized the launch of a Community Planning Process.

We developed a Host Table composed of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) residents, the Board of Supervisors and communitybased organizations that came together to lead Community Listening Sessions to develop the priorities and office structure. We held Listening Sessions across Contra Costa, and many residents, departments and local

nonprofits participated.

The Host Table reported its findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors at the Oct. 25, 2022. The board approved the recommendation of hiring two codirectors to lead the office. One co-director will focus on coordinating and expanding the equity work of county departments, and the other co-director will work directly with community partners.

The ORESJ will be a separate county department that reports to the county administrator with regular oversight by the Board of Supervisors’ Equity Committee. The Equity Committee is currently comprised of Supervisors John Gioia and Federal Glover. Their first meeting was held on Feb. 9, when they discussed the outreach and hiring process for the

Contra Costa County is a large and diverse county. The ORESJ is an exciting step in shaping our county government to be more responsive and inclusive as we provide services and care. It will enable services to reach those who need them the most and address existing barriers. This office will ensure that Contra Costa County officials continue to better reflect every community we serve.

To see the development of the ORESJ, you can follow the Board of Supervisors’ Equity Committee by subscribing to their agendas at https://tinyurl.com/CCCORESJ.

Ken Carlson is Contra Costa County District IV supervisor. Email questions or comments to Carlson at SupervisorCarlson@bos.cccounty.us or call his office at 925-655-2350.

Lean In, from page 4

personal views. A rule of thumb to remember is professional over personal.

If you cannot meet with each other to have a conversation with the hope of finding common ground, a meeting with a third party may be necessary. Work disagreements that become open to other employees are draining and toxic. Without intervention, they may boil over into one of you feeling ostracized, quitting or being fired.

Reach out to your boss, HR or peer support to request a meeting. With a neutral party in the room, it may be easier to express your grievances and resolve how you can coexist

best. This meeting will also be documented and act as a guide if either of you breaches the agreement or things escalate. Accusations were made, feelings were hurt, and you may never be on good terms again.

What you are trying to establish now are clear rules of engagement.

The deeper topic of your question is one that requires many more conversations and work – 500 words wouldn’t even scratch the surface. Be well; you are worthy.

Email questions and comments to Dominique King at leaninwiththekings@gmail.com.

LAURA HOFFMEISTER CONCORD MAYOR

JEFF WAN CLAYTON MAYOR

KEN CARLSON COUNTY SUPERVISOR

TIM GRAYSON 15TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT

Yvonne Cook Dress

May 1, 1935 — Jan. 20, 2023

J AY B EDECARRÉ Sports Editor, Schools Editor

S TAFF W RITERS : Jay Bedecarré

C ORRESPONDENTS : Bev Britton, Karen Jenkins, Kara Navolio, Vince Martellacci, Pamela Michaels, David Scholz

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Yvonne Dress peacefully passed away at age 87 on Jan. 20, 2023.

Yvonne was born on May 1, 1935, at Concord Hospital to Ivan Cook of Kansas and Frances Cook (neé Butelo) of

Spain. She attended Concord Elementary, Mt. Diablo High School and Diablo Valley College and graduated from UC Berkeley.

Yvonne took great pride in her knowledge of Concord landmarks, businesses and family residences as she had known them in her 77 years as a Concord resident. Car rides with family were filled with quizzes on “who lived where.” Yvonne was the self-appointed family genealogist – and for good reason. She loved researching and making notes on her family’s history, which

spans from Spain to the Mayflower.

Yvonne proudly raised her four children in the same community which she grew up in – one full of baseball, block parties, a court full of friends and much more baseball. Her life revolved around her family: She took road trips to Kansas and Iowa with babies and toddlers in tow, and she looked forward to family reunions with the Spanish cousins each year. Her legacy was great, and she will be missed by countless friends and family members.

Alfred Emanuel Hoffmeister

Feb. 13, 1924 — Dec. 9, 2022

After 98 years and 10 months, Al Hoffmeister passed peacefully at home on Dec. 9, 2022. He was a great husband, father and grandfather.

He was born and raised in New York City, the seventh of 11 children to parents Hannah and Charles Hoffmeister dur-

Ida Schwarz Pace died peacefully in her apartment on Jan. 5, 2023, in Concord, Calif. where she resided the last eleven years of her life. She was 101 years young. She is survived by her five children, Antoinette Rockwell, Douglas Pace, Steven Pace, Joseph Pace and Bernadette Norris, her seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Ida also had many nieces, nephews and cousins who survive her.

Ida Schwarz Pace was born on Mar. 16, 1921, in Park, Kansas. She and her twelve siblings grew up in Park where her parents tended a wheat farm. Ida’s mother moved each of her children to Northern California when they finished high school. Ida moved to Marin County, Calif. in 1941. In 1944 she moved to Berkley where she worked for Standard Oil. She met Anthony Pace and they married in 1948. In 1949 they began their family. In 1954 the family moved to Belmont, Calif., where Ida was a mother and homemaker. In 1966 she began to get part-time work outside her home and continued to do secretarial jobs until her retirement at age 70.

In 1978 Ida moved to various bay area locations to be closer to her sisters, who were very important to her. She actively worked with two of

ing the Great Depression. He was named after then-New York Gov. Alfred Emanuel Smith. A Yankees fan, he attended many games and loved big band music – Glenn Miller his favorite. He joined the U.S. Army Air Corps (Air Force-sergeant) in World War II, working with

B-17 in the India/China/Burma Theater. He received a bachelor’s degree in business from St. John’s University.

In 1959, he began at Kaiser Aluminum in Oakland, where his future wife Georgia Belle Davis was working. They married on Nov. 12, 1960. In 1962, they moved to Concord, raised their four children and remained since.

He retired from Kaiser in 1989, and after consulting, completely retired in 1993. He served as a baseball coach and on the Concord American Little League Board, an adult leader in YMCA Indian Guides, Concord High School Marching Band Boosters, Boy and Girl Scouts of America, and an original member of St. Bonaventure Catholic church, serving many years as usher, and on parish advisory councils and committees.

He was kind to all and quiet, but when he spoke, it was with wisdom and experience. He was humble, hardworking and honest. He was steadfast in his faith and to his family. He had battled and survived many accidents and

her siblings to produce the book “Kansas to California” describing their early life and how they came to the Bay Area. After her sister Florence died, Ida settled in Concord. Ida often visited her siblings who had relocated to the Bay Area, celebrating holidays and birthdays with them. She enjoyed the annual large family Octoberfest gathering. In her later years Ida traveled with her children and grandchildren in California and throughout the west. She especially enjoyed a trip to Germany with her brothers and sisters. She also visited Kansas, reconnecting with cousins and friends with whom she grew up. She will be remembered by friends and family as a devout Catholic and a loving, kind and patient person.

¡VAYA CON DÍOS!

Yvonne is survived by her three children, Suzanne Ward, Andrea Anderson and Anthony Dress, 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband Jack Dress, daughter Monica Winters and grandson Jacob Ward. Her memorial service will take place on March 15 at Queen of Heaven in Lafayette. The service begins at 10:30 a.m., with a reception onsite to follow.

illnesses, but the Lord did not call him home until he was past 98 and headed to 99 years. He was loved by so many and holds a deep place in all our hearts. He’s at peace now and with his family in heaven.

Al was preceded in death by his mother Hannah, father Charles, and siblings Edwin, Bud, Frank, Bob, Catherine, Marie, Eileen, Margie and Betty. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Georgia, daughter Laura, sons Stephen, Thomas and Philip, nine grandchildren: Tessa, Hannah, Trent, Hope, Grace, Jacqueline, Johnathan, Matthew and Erik, sister Dorothy of Buffalo, N.Y., and many loving and special nieces and nephews. Services were held.

YVONNE DRESS

ALFRED HOFFMEISTER

IDA SCHWARZ PACE

Clayton Valley Charter boys soccer NCS playoffs top seed

Clayton Valley Charter boys have maintained the top spot in North Coast Section rankings for a good part of the season and the Ugly Eagles have been rewarded with the No. 1 seed in the Division I soccer playoffs beginning this week.

Defending girls Division I champion Carondelet have been given the favorite’s role to repeat as they are No. 1 seed with their perennial East Bay Athletic League rivals from Danville, San Ramon (No. 2) and Monte Vista (No. 4), lurking to challenge the Cougars, who are seeking their third Section title in the last four tournaments.

Boys 2022 Division I champions De La Salle are an unaccustomed sixth seed in Division I.

Eight local teams are in the playoffs, including both Northgate boys and girls squads in Division II.

BOYS Division I – CVCHS (170-3 overall, 9-0-3 in Diablo Athletic League) hosts Heritage-Brentwood (9-8-1). The teams met in December with CVCHS winning 1-0. No. 6 De La Salle (12-8-1, 10-3) hosts EBAL rival No. 11 San Ramon Valley (11-9-3).

Division II – No. 3 Ygnacio Valley (8-4-4, 6-4-2) hosts American-Fremont (7-6-2).

Northgate (7-7, 3-5-3) seeded 13th travels to No. 4 Tamalpais (11-6-4) in Mill Valley. Division IV – 10th seed Mt. Diablo (5-8-3, 2-5-3) is at College of Marin to face No. 7 San Domenico-San Anselmo (6-4-4).

GIRLS Division I – Top seeded Carondelet (16-2-1, 11-1-1) has a first-round bye. No. 7 College Park (9-3-4, 7-3-2) hosts 10th seed Castro Valley (17-7).

Division II – Northgate (5-6-5, 5-4-3) seeded seventh

Athlete Spotlight

Steven Marin

Grade: Junior School: Clayton Valley Charter

Sport: Wrestling

The pride of being an Ugly Eagle and representing Clayton Valley Charter is an attribute that junior wrestler Marin upholds in both his wrestling and academic careers. Marin has been working hard at his wrestling endeavors for six years. His dedication earned him a spot on the CVCHS varsity wrestling team during his freshman year. Marin has participated on the Community Youth Wrestling Center team for six years. For the Ugly Eagles he placed at multiple tournaments this year, including fifth place at the Bay Area 59 and Bill Martell tournaments, fourth at the 22nd Mat Classic and second at the Deets Winslow Invitational.

As a young athlete, Marin played baseball and basketball. He notes that those experiences taught him to be a team player at all times. His dedication to wrestling is reflective of his achievements in the classroom, as he maintains an unweighted 3.3 GPA. Marin looks ahead a year when he hopes to attend college with the intention of majoring in

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travels to No. 10 Ukiah (17-7). Carondelet has not lost since Jan. 3 while maintaining a high national, state and NCS ranking all season. Coach Amy Apodaca’s team will meet the

winner of Fremont-Foothill in the quarterfinals Saturday.

Clayton Valley Charter and Las Lomas both kept undefeat-

ed records for the 2022-23 season when the two Diablo Athletic League squads drew their final league game 1-1 last week in a rare end of the season matchup of unbeaten teams. Now CVCHS is top seed in Division I and Las Lomas is No. 1 in Division II.

Coach Guillermo Zara’s Ugly Eagles will be seeking the school’s first-ever boys NCS soccer championship. They fell in last winter’s semi-finals to eventual champs De La Salle 10. The Concord rivals can only meet in the championship game this year.

De La Salle lost four of six games in a two-week stretch through the beginning of February and need to quickly regain their early January form to progress in this year’s playoffs. The Spartans defeated their opening-round opponents, San Ramon Valley, last week 2-0 in an EBAL game.

9 local basketball teams in Section tournament field

Clayton Valley Charters boys will be after its second successive North Coast Section Division I basketball title as the top seed in Division I while Carondelet will have to win a repeat girls Open Division crown as the fourth seed in the tournament beginning this week.

They are two of the nine local high school teams to qualify for the NCS playoffs this winter.

BOYS

electrics. Marin is very grateful for his wrestling coach at CVCHS, Michael Clemmensen, who continues to push him past his limits. He is also thankful for his club wrestling coaches Stevie Gee and Robbie Smith.

CVCHS student journalist Katherine Pugh wrote this Spotlight.

The Pioneer congratulates Steven and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for over three decades at Family Vision Care Optometry.

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@pioneerpublishers.com.

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Open Division – De La Salle (20-7 overall, 7-2 in EBAL) is the second seed to first-time East Bay Athletic League champion Dougherty Valley. Both teams received a bye to the Open Division semi-finals next Wednesday, Feb. 22.

Division I – CVCHS (224, 10-2) opens defense of its 2022 championship at Mt. Eden (15-11) in Hayward. The Ugly Eagles defeated Mt. Eden 53-45 in December. No. 14 College Park (14-12, 3-9) visits third seeded California (17-10) in San Ramon.

Division IV – Ygnacio Valley (20-5, 8-2) has a firstround bye and will host the winner of McKinleyvilleKelseyville on Saturday.

Pete Cruz photo

Clayton Valley Charter split its two games with Campolindo of Moraga including the Ugly Eagles win that ended the Cougars 36-game Diablo Athletic League winning streak. CVCHS sophomore standout Elijah Perryman (1) soared over Campo’s Logan Robeson (24) in a DAL game.

GIRLS

Open Division – Carondelet (21-5) is seeded fourth and hosts fifth seed Acalanes (20-6).

Division II – Northgate (18-8, 7-5) is seeded seventh and hosts No. 10 Newark Memorial (14-12).

College Park (17-8, 7-3) is No. 9 and travels to eighth seed Ukiah (14-13).

Division IV – No. 13

Ygnacio Valley (18-8, 5-5) is at fourth seed Del Norte (19-8). Division V – Mt. Diablo (15-11, 5-5) seeded No. 8 hosts

Photo courtesy De La Salle Athletics

De La Salle will need big efforts like senior Mateo Marchis’ leaping defensive header for the Spartans to repeat as North Coast Section Division I soccer champions this month. Cocaptain Lucas Pfister (left) also was positioned to stop the shot.

JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

De La Salle wrestling takes dual title, goes for sweep this weekend at NCS

De La Salle wrestling continued its impressive streak of North Coast Section championships when the Spartans of coach Jon Clark won their eighth successive Section Dual Championship Feb. 4.

DLS won the championship match 53-22 over rival Liberty of Brentwood after earlier victories over Pittsburg 81-0 and California 61-6.

Alumnus Clark has stepped into the coaching void after the shocking passing of legendary coach Mark Halvorson in 2021 and just registered the school’s 15th dual title in 16 tries.

This weekend’s NCS Championships at James Logan High in Union City will test the team against the top wrestlers in the Section for not only NCS honors but coveted places in the CIF State Championships in Bakersfield at Mechanics Bank Arena Feb. 23-25.

Based on rankings in each of the 14 weight classes earlier this month in The California Wrestler, it appears De La Salle will be odds-on favorites to grab their eighth successive NCS championship.

Senior Gavin Fernandez finished fourth at State last year and is currently ranked fifth at 152 pounds in California Wrestler projections. He was seeded ninth going into State last year after taking third at NCS. Fernandez was an NCS champ at 132 pounds as a freshman and recently committed to continue his career

next year at Cal Poly SLO. There are 10 other Spartans who are currently ranked in the state including six juniors.

Manuel Martir at 106 pounds is the second highest ranked Spartan at No. 11. He was third at NCS a year ago. Classmate Caleb Tatad is 15th in the next weight class, 113. He also was third at 2022 NCS when Martir wrestled at 113 and Tatad t 106.

Other DLS juniors in the rankings are Carlos Vazquez at

126 rated No 17 in the state, TJ Arvizu 32nd at 160, Giovanni Cuevas 34th at 120 and Franklin Enkhmandakh 35th at 145 pounds.

In the three highest weight classes Roland Sanchez at 195 earned honorable mention state ranking as did 285 class Cooper Cazares. Stefan Bakiev at 220 pounds is a top 15 wrestler just getting back into action after a football injury.

On the girls side, two local

sophomore wrestlers who impressed a year ago as freshmen are back as top NCS contenders.

Northgate’s Savannah Talmadge took fourth at NCS a year ago and is now ranked No. 1 in Northern California at 106 pounds. Abbi Cooper from Clayton Valley Charter won NCS at 111 pounds as a freshman and is currently rated third in NorCal in the same weight class.

Clayton Valley Cheer team wins another national championship

Athlete Spotlight

Clayton Valley Athletic Association’s cheerleading won another national championship last month in Las Vegas at the JAMZ Youth Nationals. Teams had to receive a bid based on previouscompetition to compete at Nationals. Clayton Valley’s Nationals team competed in Division 13 Level 1 Sideline Performance Cheer and Division 13, Level 2 Show Cheer.

Theteam wasawarded first place in Show Cheer with a score of 93.2 The team was also awarded the High Point award which comes with a bid to the YCADA Youth Nationals in Atlantic City, NJ at the end of February for the highest score out of all Division 13 teams.

Basketball, from page 8

They’re 23-5. They won one of the divisions down at Damien. I am pretty sure that’s one of the best teams in this area. Dublin had a great year. Granada was a six seed in our tournament, and they have multiple college players — and not just like (lower level) players. They have Division I players.”

COUGARS OPPONENTS

FROM 8 STATES

Carondelet won the NCS girls Open Division title a year ago and coach Kelly Sopak’s Cougars finished 21-5 in a challenging independent schedule

Jared Gallegos

School: Mt. Diablo High

Grade: Junior

Sport: Soccer

After making a big impression in his sophomore season as a first team all-Diablo Athletic League player, Gallegos carried on this year with another outstanding effort as a captain for Red Devils coach Octavio Guzman. “Jared is a special player on and off the field. He is coachable and doesn’t need reminders to do great things. He is one of our top academic athletes here at Mount by maintaining a 4.0 GPA all three years. He made varsity as a freshman and was a starter. I believe a bright future is ahead of him,” Guzman says of his junior standout. The team had a streaky season that included winning five of seven games in the middle of the schedule with both losses by one goal. That was followed by having only three draws to show for the final seven games, although only being outscored by four goals in their losses during that stretch. The team earned a berth in the NCS Division IV soccer playoffs.

Marin Academy-San Rafael (1212) in a 2022 playoff rematch.

The winner will meet top seed Berean Christian (22-4, 9-1) in the quarterfinals.

Clayton Valley Charter boys were part of a competitive threeway race in the DAL Foothill Division with defending champion Campolindo and Las Lomas. The Concord school split its two league games with both teams. Campo is top seed in Division II and Las Lomas is No. 3.

In Division I, Moreau Catholic of Hayward is seeded second to CVCHS with a number of perennial basketball powers in the flight including Bishop O’Dowd, Pittsburg and Berkeley. If the Ugly Eagles win their opener they will meet the winner of San Leandro-Fremont in the quarterfinals.

Coach Frank Allocco Jr. is surprised that his team was not placed in the six-team Open Division. He points out his team’s big wins over Campolindo, Oakland Tech, Berkeley, San Leandro, Monte Vista, Bishop Manogue of Reno and two good Texas teams as superior to a nine-loss Dublin team.

Then incredibly, the No. 1

seed Ugly Eagles must travel to the lowest Division I seed, Mt. Eden, for the tournament opener because CVCHS was a league co-champion while Mt. Eden won its league outright.

The Ugly Eagles made school history with their Division I championship last year, the first-ever NCS boys basketball crown for the Concord school and this year’s young squad, missing 10 seniors from 2022, has picked up from there highlighted by a win over Campolindo that ended the Cougars 36-game DAL winning streak.

De La Salle missed winning last year’s Open Division title by a point to Campolindo and the Spartans had to survive a brutal EBAL schedule to return to the Open Division bracket this season. The Concord school lost in overtime to Granada in the semi-finals of the EBAL playoffs last week.

The power of the EBAL this season is demonstrated with five of the six teams in the Open flight coming from the league.

“Yeah, 100 percent it’s a testament to our league,” De La Salle coach Marcus Schroeder told the media after Sunday’s NCS draw. “SRV is really, really good.

which included games against teams from seven states besides California. Ygnacio Valley and College Park both qualified their boys and girls teams for the NCS playoffs while the Mt. Diablo girls make a return trip after reaching last season’s semifinals and then garnering a spot in the NorCal playoffs. By being selected for the Open Division, both De La Salle and Carondelet are guaranteed spots in the Northern California playoffs which begin Feb 28.

SPORTS SHORTS

CLAYTON SHARPSHOOTER A SHOT SHORTOF MOVINGON IN ELKS HOOP SHOOT NATIONALS

Jackson Ramirez of Clayton made 72 of his 75 free throw attempts in this year’s Elks Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest but it was not enough to qualify for the Western Regionals this time around for the 2020-21 national champion. Now competing in the 12-13 division, Ramirez started red hot while making a perfect 25 for 25 in the first two competitions this year. He then won his third straight NorCal title in the NorCal/Hawaii competition. The local 12-year-old made eight of 10 in the first round and, needing to make 14 of 15 in the second round, he came through with the pressure on. Ramirez then had to wait until last weekend for the Southern California finals to find out if he’d advance to Las Vegas for the Western Region Finals but was edged out by one shot as the SouCal champion was 23 of 25 to his 22 of 25.

CONCORD AYSO SPRINGPROGRAM STARTS MAR. 18

Concord AYSO Region 305 will be participating in the new Area 2C & 2D Spring Alliance Soccer league for 2023. This program is taking the place of Select. The Alliance program is open to all kids in birth years 2009-2014 in the Concord AYSO geographic area regardless of where they played fall soccer. For more information on the spring program for 6U-14U beginning March 18, visit ConcordAYSO.org website.

JUNIOR OPTIMISTRECREATION SPRING BASEBALL

SEASON POSTPONED DUE TO FIELDDAMAGE

Junior Optimist Baseball League announced that due to water damage from the heavy winter rains, JOBL’s recreational fields have been made unplayable for the spring season. The league said, “Our fields, which were in need of repair prior to the start of the season, have become too dangerous to allow for our young players to play baseball on this spring. The JOBL Board is taking this opportunity to revitalize the complex with improvements on the fields” at the complex in North Concord. Visit joblconcord.com or email President Mark Northrup info@joblconcord.com for more information.

Away from school Gallegos is part of the Diablo Valley Wolves club soccer program after earlier playing for the San Francisco Glens. Guzman says that as one of the top players in the DAL Gallegos has aspirations to continue his soccer career in college and eventually make it to the professional level. “Jared is a hardworking player but also an attack-minded player so we play him as our attacking midfielder or forward.” The Red Devil star says he believes “hard work pays off.”

The Pioneer congratulates Jared and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for over three decades at Family Vision Care Optometry. laceyandruzicka.com

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

YGNACIO VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC HALL OF FAMEDINNERTICKETS ON SALE FOR MAY 20

The Ygnacio Valley High Athletic Hall of Fame dinner for the Class of 2020 has turned into the Class of 2023, which will finally be installed May 20 at Zio Fraedo’s in Pleasant Hill, three years after the original induction date. Visit yvathletichof.com for more details and to reserve tickets now.

MDSA SPRING LEAGUEREGISTRATION OPEN FOR SEASONBEGINNING MAR. 25

Registration is open for Mt Diablo Soccer Association's spring season which begins Mar. 25. The program is open to boys and girls ages 4-18. The 12U and older divisions are co-ed. For more details and to register visit mdsoccer.org.

CLAYTON VALLEY ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

ANNOUNCES CLASS OF 2023

Clayton Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame will host is seventh induction ceremony May 19 at Centre Concord. The Hall of Fame committee announced this year’s honorees recently. They are the Clayton Business and Community Association, Jim Henderson (Class of 1960), Gene Montori (1964), Brian Strock (1977), Kip Yaughn (1988), Jason Nolting (1995), Sean Reilly (2008), Suzanne Boehner (1977), Dana Lawson (1997), Jennifer Coddington (1997), Laura Davis (2002), Coach/Athletic Director Dee Billeter, 1976 and 1977 girl's gymnastics, 1988 baseball, 1985 football and 1996 girl's track. Social hour will begin at 5 p.m. followed by dinner and the presentation of inductees. Ticket info for the induction dinner will be available starting Mar. 6. Check cvhshof.com for more information.

DANA HILLS SWIM TEAMSCHEDULES

SPRING CLINIC , SIGNUPS

Dana Hills Swim Team summer registration is now open. The championship team offers a supportive and inclusive environment for swimmers of all ages and abilities. The Otters Spring Clinic, starting Mar. 1, is designed to help swimmers refine their technique and build their skills in preparation for the summer recreation season. Swimmers of all abilities are welcome to register. For additional information about team registration and the Spring Clinic visit danahillsotters.com.

JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Photo courtesy Mt. Diablo high Athletics Mt. Diablo High girls basketball won the Valley Christian basketball tournament this season enroute to a return trip to the North Coast Section playoffs this month. Coach Ronnie McGee’s young Red Devils earned a home playoff game in Division V.

Photo courtesy CVAA Cheer

THE ARTS

to life at Clayton Theatre in March.

The uber-popular murder mystery features Nathalie Archangel, James Bradley Jr., Kevin Coren, Ron Craven, Bill Dietz, Deborah Huaco, Chip Renner and Peggy Scalise.

Lots of talented performers will be bringing Agatha Christie’s iconic “Mousetrap”

“The more I study my lines, the more I’m loving my

part as Mr. Paravicini,” said Dietz, who plays the mysterious foreigner.

The longest-running show in London’s West End (not to mention the world), “The Mousetrap” takes place at Monkswell Manor where a snowstorm has isolated the proprietors and their guests from the rest of the world. Of course, there is a murderer roaming about and soon everyone becomes a suspect or a victim. Lots of twists and turns to keep everyone guessing.

LaTonya Watts directs the show, which runs March 17April 1 at Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. Call 925-334-0880 or go to claytontheatrecompany.com.

Here’s your chance to see Broadway star David Burnham up close and in person when the star of “Wicked” appears at the Orinda Theatre at 5 p.m. March 5. Burnham’s multi-faceted career began on a high note when he was still in college. Crashing a Broadway audition for “Ragtime,” which he didn’t get, the producers asked him to audition for another show – “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

Donny Osmond, appearing in the title role on the North American tour, was leaving the cast and they needed a replacement. Before he knew it, the young Burnham found himself in Canada taking over for the teen heart throb. Not a bad way to start a career.

Burnham went on to create the roles of Fiyero in

“Wicked” and Fabrizio in “Light in the Piazza” on Broadway. He even played the prince in the animated version of “The King and I” and has the action figure to prove it.

“I’ll pull out the doll during the show,” said Burnham. “I’m really looking forward to coming to Orinda for the concert. The producer, Michael Williams, and myself have been trying to get me up there for a while but our schedules just didn’t work together. We finally made it happen this year.”

In his “Mostly Broadway” show, Burnham will sing many of his hit songs as well as some from his latest album and the Great American Songbook.

“I’ll also tell lots of behind-the-scenes stories about different roles and what it was like working with Stephen Schwartz on ‘Wicked’ and all the changes it went through during the five-year creative process,” Burnham said.

The Live at the Orinda concert series often sells out, so get your tickets early at www.orindamovies.com.

You can still catch Center Rep’s “The Red Bike” running through Feb. 25 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center.

Produced by Center Rep and directed by Jeffrey Lo, playwright Caridad Svich’s story is a wildly imaginative, highly choreographed “ride” on a red bike with an 11-yearold narrator. Riding through his/her small town in America, the youngster shares thoughts and feelings about the town’s transformation as stores close and both the town and the country seem more divided than ever.

“I had never written a play with a child as the main character and thought it would be interesting to have them comment on social and political things when they can’t vote yet,” said Svich.

For tickets, call 925-943SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

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

Studio 55: a room with more than a view

Studio 55, the dreamchild of business owner and artist Jill Landau, is a place for artists to relax, meditate and find inspiration.

In the bright and airy space with natural light, you’ll find easels set up in a semicircle, tables with in-progress art projects laid out and inspiring artwork covering the walls. There is something for everyone at this studio.

As owner of Build-Tek, a building-materials company, Landau moved her growing business into the warehousesize building at 55 Howe St. in Martinez in 2017. Since BuildTek needed only the first floor, she converted the second floor into a working art studio. Since that time, Studio 55 has taken off and become a hangout for artists.

Landau’s lifelong artistic inclination began early. Her mother was a musician, her father a collector and her grandfather a painter. Landau later graduated from the Philadelphia College of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting. Beyond that, she often looks to music, hiking and travel for inspiration.

Plein-air painting is a special focus of interest. She spent years learning the art from teachers such as Tim Horn and Jeanette Le Grue, as well as from workshops in Italy and France. Besides painting, Landau is interested in printmaking, having spent 10 years honing her expertise in the craft. She continues to create art in her favorite media and is working on a show with “Group of Nine” at the San Ramon Community Center.

Landau drew on her artistic background to fulfill her vision for a space for artists. The unique design, layout and mission of Studio 55 appeals to serious artists as well as casual hobbyists who share Landau’s love of the artistic process. Studio 55 holds regularly scheduled classes and one-time workshops run by a number of talented local artists. Colleen Gianatiempo’s workshops and Sefla Joseph’s figurative painting classes are among student favorites at the studio.

For individual work and to create community with other artists, the studio also offers “open work studio,” in which artists can sign up and pay a small fee for a three-hour time slot to use the studio. Artists bring their own supplies. The studio provides the space to work on projects, utility sinks with hot and cold running water, a common-use kitchen area, Wi-Fi, tables and natural light.

There is also the opportunity to become a “resident artist,” selected through an interview process. Studio 55, currently home to seven resident artists, provides the per-

fect space for artists to work without restrictions.

“I no longer have to adapt my living space to work on a project and then convert it back to eat dinner,” says resident artist Jim Jordan. “Most importantly, there are a group of serious artists with whom to share the joy.”

John Nakanishi is an acrylic painter and a ceramic artist. Email comments and suggestions for future columns to phjona@gmail.com.

Happy artists after a mixed media workshop, with Carl Heyward and Akiko Suzuki front and center.

MacKenzie Crane

Amy Lizardo and Adrienne Kaori Walters appear in Center Rep’s “The Red Bike” playing at the Lesher Center through Feb. 25. Studio 55 founder Jill Landau between artist

Rito Kuolas and Pat Prosek in

JOHN NAKANISHI ARTSIN MOTION

David Burnham will sing his Broadway hits as well as offering behind-the-scenes stories at the Orinda Theatre on March 5.

Listening beyond words

our ear’s attention? Our instinctual response to the human voice is a tough competitor.

Outside of music, our efforts to understand each other as humans are often focused on spoken language, with all other forms of communicative expression (tone, body language, vibe) playing second fiddle. Removing that first line of communication forces us to rely on alternate forms of expression to understand one another.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve held an affinity for instrumental music and have always preferred it over music with vocals.

Growing up, I was exposed to very little music beyond whatever soft rock or Muzak I heard in my parent’s car. At the time, I was drawn to instrumental ballads like “Chariots of Fire” and “Love Theme from St. Elmo’s Fire” far more than popular songs of the time with vocals. Even when I was too young to recall, I’m told that while I wasn’t too keen on singing along to nursery rhymes, I’d certainly be quick to get up and dance in my diaper whenever I’d hear the piano intro to the cheesy rock instrumental “Music Box Dancer.”

Four decades later, I’ve developed an eclectic music palate that includes a deep appreciation for great lyrics and vocal work. That said, I still find myself listening to instrumental music more often than not. I sometimes wonder why that is.

Some musicians here in Concord who’ve released both vocal and instrumental music found that their wordless output seems to resonate more with their listeners.

“Our album from last year

was the first I’ve ever put out that was strictly instrumental,” explains Glenn Grubbs of the instrumental synth rock duo the Call of Dusk, “and a lot of folks have told me it’s my best work.”

“If I were to go by what the numbers say – and this is not my normal approach – the listenership of my instrumental work is significantly higher,” observes Xavier Guerrero (a.k.a. Spirit Drive), deducing that “people probably connect with it more than my vocal music.”

The feedback Glenn and Xavier point to is anecdotal and by no means indicates that the average music consumer prefers instrumental music over songs with singing. Still, for those of us who do, what is the connection?

Timothy Garry (a.k.a.

Timmy G), a local musician and music teacher, posits that it might be less about what we’re connecting with and more about how that connection is made:

“If done right, I feel that instrumental music can be even more evocative than music with lyrics. It’s a more primal way to reach people. Lyrics can sometimes tell the listener what they ‘should’ be feeling, whereas instrumental music can guide you to a certain feeling by creating a mood, whether it be excitement, awe, melancholy or what have you.”

A visceral connection can be made from the human response to dissonance and consonance found in melody and harmony, but is it strong enough to compete with another “primal” variable for

Possibilities open up when the clock strikes ‘Midnight’

treated Nora like a mistake, in need of correction.”

Nora’s return to Bedford included taking care of her ill mother and working at the record/music store, String Theory. Did you hear those two clues go kerplop?

Labyrinth and String Theory?

A maze and parallel universe?

SUNNY SOLOMON BOOKIN’ WITH SUNNY

“The Midnight Library” begins, “Nineteen years before she decided to die …” Now that’s an opening hard to ignore.

Some time passes by chapter two, “Twenty-seven hours before she decided to die …” The reader now knows that Nora Seed has not changed her mind. Matt Haig’s book covers those 27 hours.

Nora Seed is a mid-30s college graduate living in the small town where she grew up. In high school, she was a star swimmer with an Olympics’ future, an excellent student, and a musician who sang and played along with her brother’s band, appropriately called Labyrinth. She also loved nature and philosophy. By all appearances, the world should have been her oyster. But appearances can be deceiving.

After graduating from Cambridge with a degree in philosophy, Nora returns home to quiet, dull Bedfordshire (yes, we are in England). She doesn’t become the Olympic swimmer her father had dreamed of, or Labyrinth’s singer or the scientist her school librarian, dear Mrs. Elm, had suggested. The only person she never disappointed was her mother, “who

The library is not your neighborhood library with extremely long hours, although it is a library of sorts. It is where Nora Seed finds herself after following through on her decision to die. Her watch tells her it is midnight as she steps through the library door. It closes, then disappears upon her entry.

Along with endless bookshelves, thousands of books, all shades of green, all sizes, all with no writing on their spines, is the librarian, a now aged Mrs. Elm. Nora’s watch reads 00:00.

Time has stopped.

Nora is not quite dead – not quite alive. The first book opened is “A Book of Regrets,” Nora’s regrets. It is large and heavy. Mrs. Elm explains that

each of the other books contains a story of her life with no regrets. She can choose to step into her life as an Olympic swimmer, an Arctic anthropologist, a musician, a singer, a wife, a mother. Anything. Could Thoreau’s words, “Live the life you’ve imagined” be this simple? But what if that life is no more fulfilling and free of regret than her life in Bedford, which is also one of the green books? This is a novel of discernment. The alternate lives are real. They do not require escape by choosing suicide, only by discovering that such a life is not what Nora thought it would be, thus returning her to the Midnight Library. Will she decide, that indeed, it is time to leave her life of regrets, to take leave of the Midnight Library, where, outside, time and her death will resume?

Sunny Solomon is a freelance writer and head of the Clayton Book Club. Visit bookinwithsunny.com for her latest recommendations or just to ‘talk books.’

When we take language away from music, we sometimes subconsciously strengthen our focus – both as musicians and listeners – to better evoke or interpret what’s being expressed.

“I think instrumental music should be more intriguing than music with vocals,” says Greg Fogg of local rock band My Evergreen Soul. “In general, music behind vocals needs to be simple. You wouldn’t want to listen to just the music that would (otherwise) be behind the vocals. It would probably be repetitive and maybe boring. That’s why it’s fun on a purely instrumental song to go wild and add all these extra changes and riffs into the song, because you don’t have to worry about it competing with the vocals.”

Putting aside all thoughts on human instinct, the subconscious mind and nuances of communicative expressions, I simply often enjoy listening to music without someone singing at me. It’s just that simple … and that complicated.

A Spotify playlist of local instrumental music can be found at TheBeatofDiablo.com.

Contact Dave Hughes at MrDaveHughes@gmail.com.

POOL, DARTS, LIVE MUSIC and GOOD FOOD

Mon - Sat 11 am to 1:30 am

Sun 10 am to 1:30am (during football season)

February/March Line-Up

Fri, Feb 17 . . . . House DJ

Sat, Feb 18 . . . . Journey Unauthorized, Rock the Nation & Phantom Power

Sun,Feb 19

Spring Fling Indie Band

Fri, Feb 24 . . . . House DJ

Sat, Feb 25 Grupo Sabor Tropical Latin Band

Sun, Feb 26 Universe Indie Band

Regular Weekly Schedule

Sunday - Corn Toss Open Tournament 1:30 p.m. ($10 to play).

Indie Rock Bands at 7pm (no cover)

Monday - Open Mic Night hosted by Joey Nunez and Vince Lay (no cover)

Sign-up by 8:30

Tuesday - Country Line Dancing with DJ Delta Dave (no cover) 8pm

7pm

IndieSundays

Fri, Mar 3 . . . . . Crayzed

Sat, Mar 4 Joey Nunez' 40th B-day bash with Local Anthology & The Concordians plus more!

Fri, Mar 10 . . . . House DJ

Sat, Mar 11 Live Latin Salsa Band TBD

Sun, Mar 12 Pacific Bloom Indie Band

Fri, Mar 17 . . . . St. Patrick's Day and Vinnie's Bar 21st Birthday

Sat, Mar 18 . . . . Metal Tribute Night

Fri, Mar 24 . . . . House DJ

Sat,Mar 25 . . . . PTK band

Wednesday - Karaoke With DJ SolRok (no cover) 8pm start time

Thursday - Salsa & Bachata Dance lessons from 7-9 p.m. with instructor Lorans Latin Dance Academy from 9 p.m. on is open dancing with Latin DJ Tonee Salsa/Bachata/Merengue/ Reggaeton ($10 cover after 9pm)

Saturday - Aces Cracked Poker League (free to play) 1pm

Downtown Concord, 2045 Mt. Diablo St. between Salvio and Pacheco Ample free parking is available in the Salvio Street garage.

925-685-9515 www.vinniesbar.com

Greg Fogg playing violin with his band My Evergreen Soul Brian Vandemark

DAVE HUGHES THE BEAT OF DIABLO

Himalayan specialties with just the right spice combination

Nepalese cuisine with the community.

After working several years preparing their native foods in New Hampshire, the two women defied the odds in opening their own place. Sarala learned the trade as a child working in her family’s full-service hotel in Nepal.

While “diversity” can bring controversy in political circles, it’s a point of pride in the local restaurant scene. Over the years, immigrants settling in the Bay Area have opened up eateries that provide new tastes for residents.

One place that fits this description is Himalayan Cuisine, where Sarala Gautam and her sister-in-law Rama share

There are many similarities between dishes served in her land-locked homeland and nearby India. A taste profile that uses less oil and spice, plus fresh, locally grown produce make Nepalese cooking stand out.

Things start with Momo spicy chicken dumplings that reflect influence from nearby Tibet. Stuffed samosa and Pakora onion spinach fritters are among several appetizers that arrive with dipping sauces. Their curried lentil Mulligatawny soup should be sampled as well.

When it comes to main courses, Himalayan offers five basic sauce/gravies served with a choice of chicken, lamb, shrimp, salmon or goat. They can be made with moderate spice levels to reflect the taste of individual diners.

My favorite was the green pistachio-onion-cream with a hint of cashew. It was so delicious that I could not resist extracting every drop by dipping homemade garlic naan bread in the bowl.

I was also fond of their popular red Tikka Masala, often served in Indian restaurants. The Kashmiri Josh Rogan reflected this unique spice coming from the Indian province. I also tried the Makhani Mazza tomato-butter sauce that is ideal for those who prefer moderate spice levels.

Served with these dishes is the Himalayan’s complex basmati rice Biryani. It includes a combination of saffron, cardamom, yogurt, fresh onions, cilantro, mint and other spices. I prefer the vegetable version that separates the taste profile from their meat entries.

Talking about vegetarian, an

entire side of the Himalayan menu offers numerous nonmeat alternatives. While most restaurants feature token entrees made with little thought, Sarala and Rama provide cuisine even non-vegetarians can enjoy. Among this group is a Navratan Korma vegetable medley served with a creamy pineapple sauce. There are also several dishes utilizing lentil beans seasoned with assorted Himalayan spices. Several types of naan bread are available to accompany many dishes, with flavors of

garlic, chili, onion, whole wheat and cheese.

For larger groups, especially those going to the Himalayan for the first time, it is a good idea to share several dishes to appreciate their entire menu. There are many things I plan to sample on future visits.

For exotic drinks, they offer a mango Lassi smoothie that contrasts well with spicy foods. I especially enjoyed the Masala tea, which has a distinct flavor of sweetened milk, ginger and cardamom. It was a great way to finish my meal.

For patrons who desire an alcoholic beverage, the Himalayan lists a modest selection of beer and wine.

As might be expected, homemade items can be found on the dessert menu. Gulab Jamun, Kheer rice pudding and Gajar Halwa with milk, sugar and carrots are all popular sweets from Nepal.

From start to finish, Sarala and Rama have created a special place for those who appreciate fine dining. Their dedication to fresh ingredients, along with their book of unique recipes, makes this restaurant a gourmet destination.

Himalayan Cuisine is open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, closing a half hour later on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is at 2118 Willow Pass Road, Suite 400, Concord. They can be reached at 925-490-4344 or info@Himalyancusine.com.

Rich Eber is a local journalist and long time resident of Concord. He covers topics from politics to gourmet food. Contact him at rjerje@pacbell.net

The sunshine, green hills and moist soil have brought out the “hurry up and get gardening” urge for all those who love to play in the dirt.

It’s too early in the season to find all of the plants at the nursery that you could wish to

install for a summer of color, but it isn’t too soon to get outside and take care of the many garden and landscape chores that this wonderful weather allows.

Japanese maple trees should have a dose of fertilizer at this time. It’s an excellent opportunity to feed the swelling leaf buds. Choose an organic Japanese maple fertilizer. The beneficial bacteria found in organic fertilizers will help your tree get all the nutrients it needs for a successful season.

Lawns can be fertilized at this time, and you can safely overseed if it’s needed. Look for lawn foods with formulas such as 25-6-4, or something close. If your lawn suffers from crabgrass, consider applying a dose of crabgrass and broadleaf weed preemergent. This type of product can be applied every three months. Success is slow, but eventual.

Camellias, azaleas, pieris and rhododendrons all should be fertilized with a 0-10-10 formula to focus energy on the shrub’s flowers. Hydrangeas and gardenias need to be fed with an acid-based fertilizer formula.

Prune winter-blooming pansies, snapdragons, stock, primrose and violas. Give them a trim, fertilizer with a water-soluble 0-10-10 formula and watch them once again surge into bloom. With a little TLC, your winter color should flower through most of April.

Vegetable garden prep can start now, too. It’s time to start your seeds – but keep them warm. Prepare vegetable beds’ soil for future installs. Clear away any leftover, unproductive vegetable plants, layer nitrogenrich manure (chicken, steer, earthworm), compost and some sandy loam if you need to raise the soil level. Add bonemeal and agricultural lime (for calcium) now. Let the layers blend together with the rains.

Keep in mind that most of our summer vegetable crops do not enjoy evening temperatures deep below 50 degrees. But you can get a jumpstart on your herb garden. Cilantro, parsley, culinary sage and rosemary can safely be installed at this time.

There is still time to get some native plants. Manzanita, toyon, ceanothus, monkey plants and California fuchsia like to be installed when the temperatures are cool and the soil is still nice and wet.

Prune back summer-blooming perennials. Nepeta, salvia, rudbeckia, penstemon, aster and kniphofia are just a handful of the hardy perennials commonly planted in our Clayton Valley landscapes. Most of these should be pruned down to the ground – but wait until after St. Patrick’s Day to prune lantana. Ornamental grasses that bloom need to be pruned down, too. These are the red fountain grasses and pink muhly grass, calamagrostis and miscanthus. Weeds are springing up everywhere. Hand-pulling and hula-hoeing is how we handle the weeds in our landscape beds. Weeding often makes less work in the long run.

Happy gardening.

Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. You can contact her with questions or comments by email at gardengirl94517@yahoo.com