FEB 18 The Pioneer 2022

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February 18, 2022

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Super Bloom turns golden hills yellow DAVID SCHOLZ Correspondent

Once only found in Eurasia, there is now arguably not a single place on the planet where the tiny yellow Brassica rapa L flowers are not found.

There’s even been evidence of them at the North Pole and Greenland.

With this month’s unseasonably warm weather, Super Blooms of black mustard cover virtually all of California’s golden hills. No where are these displays more stunning than right here in Contra Costa County.

This winter annual thrives in nutrient- and lime-rich soil. It grows extensively on the plains and mountains, cultivated fields, roadsides, waste places, pastures, gardens, clearings, shores, riverbanks, railways and orchards. Although it’s an inva-

See Bloom, page 5

BEV BRITTON The Pioneer

David Scholz

A burst of yellow beckons visitors to stroll among the mustard Super Bloom on either side of the Mangini Fruit Stand on Pleasant Hill Road.

Blue Devils co-founder Ann Odello dies at 93 JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Concord has gained national and international notoriety for many things, from the Concord Pavilion and all the spectacular events held there over the past five decades to being the birthplace of Academy Award winner Tom Hanks. And the city even got some unwelcome publicity for its notorious Spirit Poles.

But the city has never had a better ongoing ambassador bringing pride and glory to Concord than the Blue Devils, marching arts organization.

The co-founder of the Blue Devils, Ann Odello died Jan. 30 at the age of 93. She started the Blue Devils with her late husband Tony in late 1957 after a meeting with two dozen interested youngsters and parents in the living room of their Concord home.

From that beginning, three generations of Odello’s have and still are involved with the Blue Devils, the 19-time World Champions considered the New York Yankees of the drum and bugle corps world.

The passing of Ann Odello came as the organization is looking to get back training young people and competing against the best corps around the country. This is the 65th year of the Blue Devils and hopes are high they will be able to train, travel

What’s Inside

Directory of Advertisers . . . .7 Elections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 From the Desk of . . . . . . . . .8 Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B1 The Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B5

Next issue, March 18, Deadline, Mar. 7

Clayton must move fast to get revenue measure on Nov. ballot

ANN ODELLO MARCH 21, 1928 – JANUARY 30, 2022

and compete after two years interrupted by the pandemic.

Ann Odello was born and raised in San Ramon, the youngest of eight brothers and sisters. Shortly after World War II she met Tony Odello, just returned from service in General Patton’s army on the European front. They wed in 1948 and remained married for 61 years until Tony’s passing in 2009.

The marriage brought the births of daughter Annette and sons Rick and Tony Jr. as well as the legacy they created in the Blue Devils.

A young Annette wanted to

twirl baton. Her parents were active in the local VFW, which was sponsoring Concord area twirling groups, and they used that connection and experience to create the Blue Devils. A year after starting in 1957 the Blue Devils added a drum and bell corps, that along with the twirling group, would win nearly every contest and parade entered.

In 1961 there was the addition of a color guard and in 1970 the addition of bugles. Two years after that the Blue Devils had their first out-of-state tour.

They won their first of 19 Drum Corps International World Championships in 1976 and Ann Odello was there each step of the way.

In a newspaper interview in 2009, she reminisced how they started the Blue Devils to give local youth a wholesome activity.

“We used to save scrap metal and deliver to Oakland in the truck to raise money. It was just family and a few friends,” she shared.

“We were never home on weekends! I mean, period. My house was always dirty, and I

never had time to do the dishes.

Beds were never made. I didn’t have time to do that. But it was worth it.” The Odello home was open to all at all times, their swimming pool was constantly packed with Blue Devil members, and they became second parents to many, often taking a group camping with them on a rare weekend off.

The Odello family has remained deeply invested in the Blue Devils. Their daughter Annette has led the Blue Devil C Corps color guard for decades while co-founding and leading the Blue Devils Special Needs Guard. Her influence on the Blue Devil’s legacy of excellence in twirling, color guard and education cannot be overstated.

Son Tony Jr. was a key part of the development of the Blue Devil drum line’s dominance in the late 1960s and 1970s and son Rick was a critical part of the Blue Devils competitive successes and meteoric rise in the 1970s as a member, instructor and designer. He was inducted into the DCI Hall of Fame in 2008.

Rick Odello went on to lead and re-energize the B Corps for

14 years starting in 2004, an era that saw them win five DCI Open Class Championships, at the same time leading the beloved and important Blue Devil C Corps from 2001 to his retirement this year, introducing thousands of young children to music, performance and the Blue Devils.

“Mom was one of a kind and as tough as they come” says Rick. “She would never hesitate to tell it like it is but would always be there for love and support.”

Ann Odello’s legacy goes beyond her three children, as daughter-in-law Debbie (Milina) joined the Blue Devils in 1969, taught the A, B and C corps for years, was at her husband Rick’s side managing the B and C corps throughout the 2000s and worked full-time in the Blue Devils office in a multitude of capacities until her retirement in 2020.

Grandsons Ryan, Adam, Ricky and Andrew were members of the Blue Devil A, B and C corps (and each won a DCI

See Odello, page 7

The City Council is looking to put a parcel tax on the November ballot to stave off a looming $1 million budget deficit predicted by Fiscal Year 2030-31.

“Claytonians need to understand there is no Plan B. We have to do something,” Councilmember CW Wolfe said at the Feb. 1 meeting.

“Otherwise, just take a look at all the red that is on the page.”

To counter the growing gap between revenue and expenses, city manager Reina Schwartz outlined options including a sales tax, a property tax based on assessed value, a parcel tax and an assessment district. She emphasized that the council had a short timeline, with a June 21 deadline to request a consolidated election with the county.

All five council members agree a general parcel tax is the best plan, but they are still finetuning the suggested $400 annual amount. However, they are clearly divided on whether to hire polling and communication consultants.

The ensuing discussion was exemplified by vice-mayor Holly Tillman advocating the importance of sending a unified message to the community regarding the need for a tax, while Councilmember Jeff Wan said he would tell voters whatever he thinks is fit and suggested that children create informational fliers to save money.

MAKING THE MESSAGE MEANINGFUL

Several council members noted that the city could benefit from the expertise of communication consultants.

“I think all five of us understand very clearly what is in front of us and what the challenges are,” Mayor Peter Cloven said. “I’m more wor-

See Parcel Tax, page 9

John Muir Land Trust launches effort to preserve scenic Moraga ranch forever providing a critical buffer between essential wildlife habitat and encroaching residential The recently announced development,” explained Campaign to Save Harvey JMLT executive director Linus Ranch is one of the most Eukel. ambitious undertakings in the IMPORTANT 33-year history of the MarCONSERVATION OPTION tinez-based John Muir Land A land trust is a private, Trust (JMLT). nonprofit organization for The group seeks to raise $4 which the acquisition and promillion by the end of this year to acquire the 143-acre proper- tection of land (at the behest ty, nestled above Saint Mary’s of the property owner) form College Moraga campus, secur- its principal mission. Today, ing it in perpetuity as open this legal tool is used primarily for the protection and stewardspace.

“Protecting the ranch will ship of natural areas.

There are hundreds of land make accessible a heretofore trusts in the United States, the difficult-to-reach trail system Jordan Plotsky first founded in 1891, but the with exceptional views of the Martinez based John Muir Land Trust is well on the way to securing funds to pursurrounding East Bay hills, concept dates back at least as chase the 14e-acre Harvey Ranch which covers the hills above Saint Mary’s ColMount Diablo and the San lege in Moraga.

The acquisition will provide a critical buffer between wildland Leandro Reservoir, as well as See Moraga, page 6 habitat and suburban development.

PAMELA MICHAEL Correspondent

Postal Customer ECRWSS PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA 94517 PERMIT 190

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February 18, 2022

New weapons station developer begins dialogue with community BEV BRITTON The Pioneer

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Promising to be “fully transparent” to residents, Concord First Partners launched a series of community meetings on Jan. 27 to discuss development of the former Concord Naval Weapons Station.

“We really do want this project to be local and that’s what we’re here to be, because we are the local group,” said Jeb Elmore, a managing member of Concord First Partners.

The Concord City Council selected the consortium of Lewis Planned Communities, the Discovery Companies, and California Capital and Investment (CCIG) as the new Master Developer last year. Negotiations with developer Lennar Five Point had fallen apart over the city’s demands for local labor contracts, which Concord First Partners has agreed to uphold.

Elmore, who is also vice president at Lewis, assured residents that Concord First Partners has the wherewithal to finance the development without any city funding.

“But we would only do so, of course, if it was financially feasible and that’s a very important component,” he said, offering a stark reminder of Lennar’s representative plaintively telling Concord officials the project simply wasn’t economically viable under the council’s union constraints.

Elmore said that much of what Lennar and the city had planned will remain moving forward.

“A lot of the vision has already been created before us, and it’s really our job to upgrade, enhance and implement that vision,” Elmore said during the meeting, which was held via Zoom due to COVID concerns.

He also noted that they will need to update the project to reflect the lifestyle changes of how we “shop, work, live and recreate” brought on by the pandemic.

VARIETY OF PROJECT EXPERIENCE

Elmore and Jackie Seeno, a managing member of Concord First Partners and a senior officer of Discovery, extolled the three entities previous public-private partnerships, including: • Lewis’ base reuse projects in Sacramento and Riverside County.

• Discovery’s Schaefer Ranch in Dublin and North Village in Vacaville, which involved working with school and park officials.

• CCIG’s renovation at the Oakland Army Base and restoration of Oakland’s Fox Theater.

The two pointed to the growing list of consultants for key issues, including using Related as the affordable housing partner. Seeno said they have retained Carlson, Barbee & Gibson (engineers) and ENGEO (environmental cleanup/geology), which both worked with Lennar and “have a breadth of understanding on the Concord Naval Weapons Station.”

She also talked about community outreach to

groups such as Greenbelt Alliance, East Bay Housing Organizations and Monument Impact.

“We’d like to certainly highlight our most important partner, which is the city of Concord,” Elmore added. “It is very important that the city and developer work hand in hand on goals to see this development through.”

LOOKING FOR ANSWERS Before turning the meeting over to comments from the 80-member audience, the pair referred residents to the city’s Concord Reuse Project website for answers to frequently asked questions.

At the website Concordreuseproject.org/FAQ.aspx, you can find out, for example, who is responsible for environmental cleanup on the property (the Navy) and how

long development will take (30-35 years). Residents can also ask the developer specific questions by visiting the website concordfirstpartners.com.

The live questions posed were far-reaching, from how the developer will meet the requirement of 25 percent affordable housing to traffic mitigation efforts, the location of services for the homeless, and plans for new schools and parks.

The answers were all similar, in the vein of it’s just too soon to provide such details but that Concord First Partners vows to keep residents informed. They did, however, promise to provide a Spanish translator for the next community meeting – which they hope to conduct in person in the next month or so.

Captain Grammar Pants

The word NONE (Old English, both “not one” and “not any”) is easy enough to understand, but challenging in its flexibility. It can be used in BOTH singular and plural contexts, as in “none of the music was notated,” and “none of us were surprised.” If you seek guidance in the appropriate usage of this word, look to the noun first. “Music,” as a singular noun, needs none to use singular construction, whereas “us,” as a plural pronoun, needs none to use plural construction. Before you allow your eyebrows to knit together in consternation, please note that the dual usage has been in place for centuries. None of my readers need concern themselves.

Sean Williams is a professor of ethnomusicology at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash. She is currently working on a Captain Grammar Pants book. Follow her regular postings on Facebook.

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February 18, 2022

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

Page 3

Coastal expects to open Concord’s first cannabis storefront in August KAREN JENKINS Correspondent

The city will have its first storefront cannabis business this summer, after the City Council voted to transform a vacant 4,100 sq. ft. former restaurant space into a retail store.

The council voted 4-1 on Jan. 25, with Councilmember Laura Hoffmeister opposing, for the administrative permit application, the design and site review plan and the development agreement with Coastal Retail Concord, LLC. Final approved is expected at the Feb. 22 meeting.

Coastal will open as early as August at 1847 Willow Pass Road in Concord’s Park & Shop Center, filling the space previously occupied by STIX Eatery and, before that, McDonald’s The approval caps a process started in May 2020, when Concord amended its municipal code to allow adultuse cannabis licenses for up to three certified businesses.

Coastal is one of 14 businesses that submitted proposals, making it through the review process to the top three applicants and becoming the first approved.

“I congratulate Coastal on becoming Concord’s first retail cannabis store, and I am grateful for their commitment to becoming a good community partner,” Mayor Dominic Aliano said.

The agreement projects city income of 1 percent of

Karen Jenkins

The Concord City Council plans to give final approval to Coastal later this month to become the city’s first storefront cannabis business, to be built in this vacant retail space in Park & Shop.

gross revenue or $20,000, whichever is higher, according to city staff reports. Coastal plans to hire Concord residents for the anticipated 26 full- and part-time positions.

“We always try to hire 100 percent local,” Miles Beck, who operates other cannabis stores, said at the virtual meeting.

Coastal has also pledged volunteer service to Concord – four hours per employee per month, where the business pays employees for this time, plus 12 hours per month for the collective owners.

In voting no, Hoffmeister cited the company’s guaranteed future rights to sell current products regardless of potential (but currently unplanned) city or regional ordinances that might limit or

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ban a product.

“The (cannabis) industry is saying, ‘We want carte blanche to be exempt from that’ and I can’t support it at this time,” she said.

Resident Mike McDermott also was opposed to that part of the plan.

“It ties the hands of the council” if a retail product

“turns out to be harmful,” he said, before criticizing the location. “It is the worst location possible – in a shopping center with busy dining spaces on either side, families coming and going, no control of the parking lot. If we go with this, we really have to be careful about having adequate security in place.”

The managers of the Mediterranean and Rockin’ Crawfish said they welcome the new neighbor in the space between their longtime restaurants.

“I hope it will bring business to everyone around here,” said Hoang Huynh, manager of Rockin’ Crawfish, which is around a corner and behind the space Coastal will renovate.

Out for dinner on Feb. 8, Tommy Boonkeut contemplated the menu ranging from seafood to chicken to Cajun fries. “I don’t see anything wrong with it,” he said of the cannabis store. “I myself used to smoke, medicate. It could be good, especially if it brings business to this restaurant.”

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February 18, 2022

Visit Midtown Concord for some unexpected treats Serving our Community Since 1977 MELISSA REA

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Tamara Steiner/The Pioneer

Locals will recognize the signature eucalyptus in the El Midtown Concord, which Monte shopping center, just one site in Concord’s Midtown runs along Clayton Road, has neighborhood, bustling with new businesses.

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new businesses that are making names for themselves.

Not only is Midtown bustling with a variety of businesses, but many Concord residents also call it home.

Frickin’ Fried is one of Midtown’s newest restaurants offering all things fried, and your tastebuds will not be disappointed. The mac and cheese bites and fried Oreos are a must. Follow them on Instagram @frickin_fried to see specials and pictures of their food.

If you or your kids are looking to keep active and have fun at the same time, One Tribe Martial Arts Academy offers a variety of classes for all ages that combine traditional Kung Fu with modern kickboxing and

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As the weather warms and the flowers bloom, it’s a great opportunity to inspect what damage winter and rains may have wrought.

It’s essential to check for leaks. One weekend day, turn off all water usage in your home, including faucets, toilets, dishwasher and washing machine. Read your water meter immediately, then check again in two hours. If the usage increased noticeably, you have a leak that needs addressing.

Another DIY option is to put a few drops of food coloring into each toilet tank and wait 25 minutes. If there is any

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color in the bowl, there is definitely a leak.

Tree roots and the Bay Area’s fault lines can also wreak havoc this time of year. Check for cracks in the concrete around your home, including the driveway, foundation and siding. Finally, check all interior walls and ceilings for any new signs of cracking.

If you have large trees on your property, you may want to contact an arborist to look for disease, dead branches or heaving roots creeping toward the foundation or uplifting walkways.

I hope everybody is enjoying the warmer weather. It sure is gratifying to see all the wildflowers and butterflies back at the park.

Scott Denslow is the owner of Safe at Home Inspection Service.

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teaching methods. The classes are also a great tool to teach confidence, respect and discipline.

With spring around the corner, many may be considering a backyard makeover to enjoy throughout the year. Atlas Pavers is a Diamond-Certified hardscaping contractor specializing in installing pavers for patios, outdoor kitchens and more. You can visit their showroom on Clayton Road, right at the beginning of Midtown, to choose the perfect pavers for your home.

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February 18, 2022

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Page 5

Concord looks at district boundary changes BEV BRITTON The Pioneer

The City Council got one step closer to finalizing new council district lines as they reviewed eight plans on Feb. 1.

Demographer Michael Wagaman of Wagaman Strategies drafted four plans, based on feedback from the council and the community. Residents developed three other plans, and the eighth option is to retain the map as designed when the council moved to district representation in 2018.

“You’ll notice there are a lot of similarities between the public plans and the draft plans, which is really a testament to the fact that we have been striving for this to be a transparent process,” Wagaman noted.

COUNCIL WANTS KEY CHANGES

The city must consider redrawing district lines every 10 years, based upon Census data.

In this case, the current bound-

aries still meet the legal criteria – so they could stick with the status quo.

“Overall, the current map is a very, very good option,” said Councilmember Tim McGallian. “We have to be very, very careful when it comes to trying to take too much of a scalpel to this. It may not actually be helpful.”

None of the new plans call for wholescale changes, with 88 percent of the city remaining in its current districts under the most far-reaching option. Many of the suggestions are things the council was unable to accomplish in 2018 because of time constraints and a county request to follow precinct boundaries.

“The particular area that was of concern that we all recognized was along Mohr Lane and Reganti Drive,” Councilmember Edi Birsan told the Pioneer after the meeting. “It was a big precinct, so we could not throw it into the Monument at that time because it upset all the numbers that we had. Now, we

have more time. And what the county clerks have said is, ‘Let’s use the Census track.’

“This affects my district the most – putting a chunk of my district into District 3,” added Birsan, who represents District 4. “And I don’t object to it. We have to balance the districts.”

The council also is looking at altering the Cowell Road area, making the road the boundary for District 4 when possible by changing its boundaries with Districts 2 and 5. However, Birsan and Councilmember Carlyn Obringer of District 2 don’t agree on the border change around Galindo Street and the Skate Park, which Obringer considers more consistent with District 2’s community of interest.

WORKING TOWARD A COMPROMISE

Based on comments from the council, Wagaman will rework Public Plan 2 – submitted by Birsan – and Public Plan 3 from Alex Navarro.

Near the end of the meeting, Assistant City Manager Justin Ezell summarized the council’s directions for the next draft: • Keep the downtown intact in District 2.

• Make Cowell Road a clear boundary for District 4, to the extent possible.

• Keep District 3 as currently drawn but add 1500 Monument and the Mohr Lane/Reganti Drive area, currently in District 4.

• Keep the San Vincente Drive area in District 1.

“Some of your direction is probably going to be incompatiPublic Plan 3, submitted by Alex Navarro, is similar to the ble,” Wagaman told the council.

Green Plan by demographer Michael Wagaman. The differ- “I’m going to create some variences are that the northerly boundary of District 3 would ance of Plan 2 and Plan 3, but I extend to Willow Pass Road, leaving out Renaissance and may not be able to make them Park Central apartment complexes. It would also generally do everything you like. There’s follow Peach Place off Oak Grove instead of following not going to be a ‘have your cake Apple Drive, and include an area between the Walnut and eat it too’ plan.”

Creek Channel and Mohr Lane.

Birsan acknowledges that

there are competing requests.

“If we take a section out of District 4 for Mohr Lane and Reganti, which I fully support, it may change the Cowell Road option,” Birsan said. “We’re going to have to see how that works. My priority is the Mohr Lane area. I may not get the logic I want on Cowell, but there you go.”

The council is expected to select a draft map and introduce an ordinance on March 1. The final map and ordinance need to be delivered to the county by April 17.

Public Plan 2, submitted by Councilmember Edi Birsan, uti-

To look at all the draft maps, visit lizes Cowell Road as a boundary for District 4 by swapping cityofconcord.org/951/Redistricting. portions of existing boundaries with Districts 2 and 5.

Bloom, from page 1 sive weed with a big downside, mustard does help to prevent erosion and suppress weeds and soil-born pests.

The plant was brought from Eurasia by the Spanish colonizers as a spice crop, but it spread quickly taking advantage of natural habitats that are constantly disturbed either by fire or by the creation and maintenance of roads, one reason it’s so visible near highways. Experts say it can be combated locally but will probably never be eradicated.

cooked like broccoli. The tender young leaves can be used in place of spinach in recipes.

Wash the greens well and cook them in salted water.

Wild mustard can be sharp when raw and bitter when cooked. Blanching or boiling it for a few minutes will remove the bitterness. The longer you boil, the less bitter it will be.

There is a caveat here: Everything in moderation. Too much of anything may hit the tummy the wrong way, as cattle ranchers have found. They consider it a poisonous plant EDIBLE OPTIONS because cows often get Despite mustard’s downside, extremely sick after eating it. the stunning yellow flowers have several culinary and medicinal POTENTIAL NATURAL REMEDIES uses.

One may take the same preThe leaves, flowers, seed pods and roots are all edible. cautions when considering the The seeds can be pressed to mustard plant for medicinal make mustard oil, and the leaves purposes.

A mustard plaster may help can be served as mustard greens.

Some people eat the flower- alleviate pain and swelling. Crush ing tops just before they open, or grind the seeds and mix them

with a little bit of water to form a paste. Spread the mustard plaster on a cloth and place it on the chest, sore joints or any other areas that hurt.

The plaster will open up blood vessels and enable the system to remove toxins. It also increases blood flow, which eventually reduces swelling and pain. In addition, field mustard may help reduce headaches.

For sinus issues, another home remedy suggests mixing a little ground mustard into a bowl of hot water and inhaling the vapor.

Take care if you experiment with these natural aids because they do not always work like a charm. In fact, people sensitive to the plants may experience eye irritation or skin rashes.

So, enjoy the great outdoors strolling through fields of mustard flowers or those sprouting along roadsides or a hillside. Along the way, stop and pick some to see what you might discover.

Editor Tamara Steiner contributed to this article.

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Page 6

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

February 18, 2022

Simmering local elections may hit the boiling point If you want to be part of that safety net, there’s still time.

The filing deadline for the June election is March 11. Unless one of the candidates bags a majority, the two top vote-getters will face off in November’s general election.

PEGGY SPEAR ELECTION

2022

Most everyone knows how explosive the 2022 mid-year elections will be, with control of Congress up for grabs but leaning right.

However, the Diablo Valley may have its own sparks flying this year, especially when it comes to the Board of Supervisors District 4 open seat.

With Karen Mitchoff retiring, some of the most qualified – and ambitious – local politicians are jumping into the race.

“The Board of Supervisors does not have term limits, so the opportunity to run for an open seat is rare,” says Carlyn Obringer, a Concord City Council member who is one of six who threw their hats into the ring. “So, it’s understandable there’s a lot of interest from many candidates to participate in this unique opportunity to serve on the governing body that is the social safety net for our county.”

A STAR-STUDDED BATTLE So far, the roster reads like the MLB All Star Game.

Popular Concord Councilmember Edi Birsan, a familiar face at community activities, told the Pioneer in July that he ran for council with an eye toward this supervisor’s seat.

However, Birsan’s support of Seeno Companies and Discovery Homes as the master developer for the Concord Naval Weapons Station did not go over well with many in the city.

Obringer initially opposed Seeno but later voted yes as the council unanimously approved the controversial developer.

In Pleasant Hill, one of the most respected local politicians, Ken Carlson, is vying for the seat. A 29-year veteran of the Pleasant Hill Police Department, Carlson was elected to the Pleasant Hill City Council in 2012. Like Obringer and Birsan, he has served as mayor of his city, and has an impressive record, helping build the new library and park, upgrading roads and working on economic development.

If elected, Carlson would be one of only a few openly gay lawmakers in the Bay Area,

something he told the Recorder he would like to see change. “We are underrepresented,” he said of the LGBQT+ community.

WHEN A LINE IS MORE THAN A LINE

Another big-name politician, BART District 1 Director Debora Allen, also recently announced her candidacy to replace Mitchoff. Before the county moved its district lines for supervisors, her residence near Clayton was included in East County’s District 3.

Now BART is redistricting, and one of the maps being bounced around would move Clayton to East County’s BART district. If she loses the supervisor race, Allen would be in the wrong district to run again for her old job.

Allen, a small business owner and strong supporter of public safety, says she wants to see a unified effort between law enforcement, the criminal justice system, the fire department and mental health services. And, she is an advocate for BART police service.

But she is also one to kick the tires and look under the hood, and some of her policies at BART have made her unpopular with some of her colleagues – including pushing for job cuts and conservative spending during the pandemic.

floating out there is mental health professional Dr. Harmesh Kumar who has run unsuccessfully in many local, regional and state contests.

The clinical psychologist’s focus is affordable health care and housing, especially for front-line workers like teachers, police and firefighters. He is also a vocal advocate for stronger mental health facilities.

The final candidate – so far – is Roxanne Garza, a strong community activist who works as a senior director at Healthy Richmond. She is known for organizing community activities on inequity issues, especially public health. Supervisor John Gioia appointed her to a committee that makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on how to spend sales tax revenue.

OTHER KEY COUNTY RACES The supervisor race is extremely hot, but it’s not the only one worth watching.

In the district attorney contest, incumbent Diana Becton faces a challenge from within.

Lead prosecutor Mary Knox has been highly critical of Becton, who recently came under fire from five local mayors citing her lack of leadership. If no one else enters the race by March 11, the winner will be decided in June.

In the race for sheriff, RichTWO WITH HEALTH FOCUSES mond Police Officers AssociaAnother familiar name tion leader Benjamin Therri-

ault will run against incumbent David Livingston.

Watch the Pioneer for more developments in these potentially highly contested races, as well as news on Congressional primaries – although it’s hard to see anyone taking on Democrat Mark DeSaulnier, except Green Party candidate Michael Kerr.

CITIES QUIET, FOR NOW There are eight City Council seats up for grabs locally in the November election. The filing deadline isn’t until midsummer, but it’s bound to get interesting.

In Clayton, it may be open season as the seats held by CW Wolfe and Jeff Wan are up.

Both candidates are holding their intentions close to their chests. The council frenemies have very different support bases.

In Concord, there will be three seats available, including District 1, held by longtime Councilmember Laura Hoffmeister. It would be quite a surprise and an institutional loss if she decided to peel herself away from the dais. It’s hard to see Mayor Dominic Aliano give up his District 3 post after only one term, and Tim McGallian, in District 5, seems to have no opposition except for some rumblings from Laura Nakamura’s camp. That and the Clayton election should get Nextdoor in a frenzy.

Also, should Obringer or Birsan win the supe’s race, the council will have another open seat. The council could appoint a successor or opt for a special election.

In Pleasant Hill, the spots held by mayor Michael Harris and council member Sue Noack will be up. It’s too soon to speculate; check back next month or April.

NEW SCHOOL DISTRICT RULES

There are three spots open on the Mt. Diablo Unified School District board, those held by longtime trustees Linda Mayo and Debra Mason, who is the current board president, as well as immediate past president Cherise Khaund.

This election may be thrown into a frenzy with the development of “trustee areas,” or districts, for school board members. With fewer voters to sway, it may be much more appealing for candidates to throw their names in the pot.

Next month, we’ll check out judiciary races, BART and other regional activities. And, of course, update the Board of Supervisor’s race. As Clayton’s Wolfe says, “They’re gonna have to duke it out.”

Peggy Spear is a journalist and frequent contributor to the Pioneer.

Email questions and comments to peggy.spear@gmail.com

Supervisor candidates wary of SB9 implementation Editor: As part of our Election 2022 coverage, the Pioneer will pose one question a month to local candidates running in the June Primary. This month’s question is directed to those that have announced their intention to run for Contra Costa County Supervisor. Harmesh Kumar declined to answer.

ordinances to ensure the rights of all property owners are respected, and to create objective development criteria to the extent allowed under SB9. I would also work at the county level to enable development in unincorporated areas where appropriate by providing adequate infrastructure and needed resources.

SB 9, also known as the California Housing Opportunity and More Efficiency (HOME) Act, was effective Jan. 1. SB9 requires cities to allow property owners to build one additional residential unit onto parcels zoned for single-dwelling units. Supporters say that SB9 will generate additional housing for California’s undersupplied housing market without requiring localities to re-zone the land—a task that can take years to complete. The bill’s opponents argue that the law circumvents local control of zoning and could lead to overburdened residential infrastructure, a change in neighborhood culture, and a lack of parking.

How do you see the county implementing SB9, and what do you see as the positive and negative impacts for residents who live within the county’s jurisdiction?

EDI BIRSAN SB9 was definitely an attack on Local Control. People who moved into single family homes in similar neighborhoods took the zoning i n t o account.

They also knew that the local city council EDI c o u l d BIRSAN change it and would be directly held accountable for that change. The state disrupted that power dynamic aspect. I think the infrastructure aspect may be much less felt because of the increase of people working at home. However, the parking fights will give us some more Hatefields and McCoys neighbor feuds.

On the positive side they put the hammer to everyone so that we do not have this city doing one thing and the adjacent doing another. We do need more housing and so far, I have seen a few issues coming up but nothing like a wave of new buildings. From the County side we will have to deal with it, but I do not like it.

DEBORA ALLEN Implementation of SB9 is largely the responsibility of the municipalities; the county’s implementation would impact only residential proper ties located in unincorporated areas, most of KEN CARLSON which meet DEBORA The implementation of the exempALLEN SB9 is causing concern across tion criteria the state.

While we clearly under the have a law. While SB9 will spur small h o u s i n g scale residential development shortage and add more housing to the especially available inventory, it may also across the increase neighborhood density moderate and put a strain on existing servand low to ices, such as fire, police, and very lowschools. It also leaves adjacent income property owners with little say ranges, I over neighboring development.

KEN don’t see As supervisor, I would work to CARLSON this as the add design standards to existing

ing insecurity, high rents in units that are not maintained by out of town and corporate landlords and a lack of housing that leads to homelessness or leaving the ROXANNE r e g i o n GARZA because of unaffordable housing. This leads to a leadership and workforce drain adversely affecting our future economy. SB 9 attempts to give individual homeowners a chance to be part of the solution and build an accessory dwelling unit without the costly and prolonged process of rezoning.

However, SB 9 can be misROXANNE GARZA used and hurt communities by Contra Costa County resi- taking out affordable dents are experiencing hous- housing. I would be very

solution to closing the gap.

SB9 speeds the process for residential lot splits allowing for the development of 2 residential and potentially with ADUs and JADUs up to 6 units on a previously singlefamily lot. SB9 ties the hands of the county only allowing them to impose only subjective standards on the development of these projects. It limits our control over design and other standards. Given the language of SB9 these projects are for the property owner to initiate and must occupy one of the units. Most homeowners can’t afford to do these projects. Given the specific language of SB9 our hands are tied in the overall implementation, and we risk the character of our singlefamily neighborhoods.

Moraga, from page 1 far as the Roman Empire. In ancient times, the land trust arrangement was sometimes used to conceal property owners’ identities to avoid military conscription, taxes or other obligations. This model of private land conservation wasn’t widely practiced until the last few decades, with the United States as its driving force.

Land trusts have become a powerful part of the overall conservation movement in the 21st century, though they are not advocacy groups. Rather, land trusts – or conservancies, as they are sometimes called – work with property owners and community partners to conserve land by accepting donations of land, purchasing land, negotiating private, voluntary conservation agreements on land and stewarding conserved land through the generations.

Land trust grand dame the Nature Conservancy, which is more than a century old, has been known to quip, “We save land the old-fashioned way: We buy it.”

JMLT’S MANY SUCCESSES The East Bay’s JMLT is a community-minded (and -supported) part of this U.S.-led movement. Since its 1989 founding by land conservation pioneer Tina Batt, JMLT has protected more than 3,500 acres for recreation and wildlife habitat, including Mount Wanda, Pacheco Marsh and the 1,185acre Fernandez Ranch.

The goal for much of their acquired property is to open it up to the public for low-impact recreation – hiking and nature exploration.

“Providing public access has become a top priority for us,” Eukel told the Pioneer, “partly because of a pandemic-driven, growing need for safe, inspiring, outdoor spaces in close proximity to their homes for folks, especially those with children. It’s not practical to drive to Yosemite for the afternoon.”

CALIFORNIA LEADS THE WAY Today’s land trusts are part of a growing private land conservation movement that has protected more than 61 million

watchful of the implementation and not hesitate to call out for change in the law if it is not fulfilling its intent. I will use my experience with Community Benefits Agreement negotiations to help guarantee protections for workers and housing that is affordable to more residents, along with sustainable policies to protect the environment.

CARLYN OBRINGER SB9 was passed by lawmakers in Sacramento, so local jurisdictions including C o n t r a C o s t a County are required to implement its provisions.

If elected as CARLYN District IV OBRINGER Supervisor,

acres of land – more than all the national parks combined. The over-arching goals of land trusts around the country – and, increasingly, abroad –focus on preserving natural areas, farmland, ranchland, water sources, wildlife habitat and critical wildlife corridors, as well as cultural resources or notable landmarks.

California, along with New York and Montana, leads the nation in the amount of acreage protected by local and regional land trusts.

JMLT board member Dawn Block has spent the last eight years working with the organization, whose emphasis on public access inspired her to join them after a chance meeting with Eukel on a hiking trail.

“I didn’t even realize I was hiking on land trust land,” she recalls. “I grew up in public housing in New York City with views of asphalt and concrete from every window. Moving to the Bay Area awakened me to the profound value of natural, open spaces. Hiking wasn’t anything I even knew people did until I moved here. East Bay residents are so lucky that these chapparal-covered hills and

I would ensure that our county’s Building & Planning Department has the necessary guidelines in place to protect our Urban Limit Line, beloved parks, and open spaces when approving specific projects that meet SB 9 criteria. SB9 is very clear that local cities and counties retain the administrative authority to approve or deny housing projects. For example, under SB9 housing units cannot be built on earthquake fault lines, farmland, in a high fire hazard zone, or within a historic district. We have a serious housing crisis in Contra Costa County and throughout California. I would push to focus development in areas close to transit, while retaining the character of our local neighborhoods, to help keep our residents, especially families, in Contra Costa County.

ridges on Harvey Ranch are being preserved for all time.”

A VIRTUOUS COMMUNITY JMLT’s enthusiastic board of directors, staff and volunteers are part of what Eukel calls the “virtuous circle” of folks dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the places they live.

Harvey Ranch owner Charlene Harvey, whose family has spent summers and weekends on the ranch for decades, is at the center of this particular virtuous circle. A lifelong conservationist, Harvey began exploring ways to protect the ranch from development after her husband, Jim, died in 1996.

Charlene expressed delight that local residents will have easy access through the ranch property to such vast and varied open space. “The trailhead begins practically at the door of the dormitories,” she said, echoing the words of California poet and naturalist Gary Snyder: “Nature isn’t a place to visit; it is home.”

For more information, visit https://jmlt.org/our-places/harvey-ranch/.

February 18, 2022

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

Page 7

Ob i tu a r y

Jerry L. Galvin

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September 30, 1935 – Jan. 13, 2022 ranch, which he lovingly named “Portagee Gulch.”

A long-time cattle rancher in Contra Costa County, he was an active member of Farm Bureau and Operating Engineers, Local 3.

Jerry loved spending time with his family, going hunting, fishing and camping. He was a great mechanic and was on the pit crew of several local racing teams.

He worked hard and played hard. He loved a good joke and was an excellent storyteller, becoming a historian for Clayton and East County. He was a 4-H Jerry Galvin, a life-long resident of member in his youth and later became a Clayton, died Jan. 13. beef leader and mentored his own chilHe was the youngest son of Joe and dren and many others. He loved his famiRose Galvin and was raised on the family ly unconditionally.

Odello, from page 1 Championship during their time in the A corps), were deeply active as instructors for the B and C corps, and to this day still perform and help

While many residents of Clayton love the lifestyle that the Oakhurst subdivision and Oakhurst Country Club have brought, I’ve also spoken to older residents who still prefer the way it was before – with the beautiful hillside views and real country, small town feeling.

At the origins of it all is Albert Seeno, who owned and developed land all over Contra Costa County. As his domain crept over the hill from Pittsburg, he had his eye on the land that was to become the Oakhurst development. He was known for getting his building ideas through in a heavy-handed way, to say the least. And that is how he got what I have heard called his “spite mansion.”

When it came to the Oakhurst development, Seeno fought the city of Clayton

a part of the Blue Devils, carrying on the love of the organization that Ann Odello embodied.

“My Nonna loved completely, spoke strongly and lived independently” says grandson Ryan Odello. “She

was a force of nature without ever trying to be. I will forever miss her care and confidence.”

Those wishing to donate to the Blue Devils in Ann Odello’s memory can do so by visiting bluedevils.org.

Pierce, a former City Council member. “Most of the people who drive into town think that’s the country club building. I tell them, ‘No, the country club’s not as big.’ ” At that time, it became a 1,500-home development.

Later, it grew larger.

After speaking to several residents bordering the Seeno hill, I was surprised that virtuLYNNE FRENCH ally nobody could find anyREAL ANSWERS thing negative to say about living below the hill. The most every step of the way. Finally, common comment was that he agreed to sell the land to when their kids were growing another builder named Presup, they loved looking at the ley. The only catch was that he llamas, turkeys and other aniwould keep the big hill and mals that lived there. build a house smack on top of The other pillar of it. It would eventually become Oakhurst is the country club, his 15,000 sq. ft. mansion. which was initially an exclu“Let’s say that the trade-off sive, private golf club. There allowed us to get the project was a steep membership cost we wanted,” recalled Julie in the tens of thousands, plus

a monthly stipend of $200+.

At that time, it was voted one of the best new courses around and, in my humble experience, one of the most difficult courses around.

They offered family memberships for a lower fee, which included the huge pool and tennis courts. They had a beautiful restaurant, and people would come from all over for events such as weddings, graduations and other parties.

Over the years, there were changes in ownership and direction for the club. Oakhurst Golf LLC bought it in 2018, and members have said they have made it a first-class country club again.

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.

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manage the organization’s BD Entertainment ensembles.

There are seven great-grandchildren and few doubt that they too will someday become

Jerry is survived by his wife of 67 years, Helen; daughters Debbie Nisen (Mike), Diane Duarte and Rhonda McCoy (Ronnie); sons Jerry Jr., Dan and Roger (Lori); grandchildren Angie Avila (John), Jeff Nisen (Mari), Chrissy Duarte, Scott Nisen (Kathleen), Doug Nisen (Kristin), Amy Cano (Rene), Ronnie McCoy III, David McCoy (Kayla), Peter Galvin, Hannah Galvin, Matt McCoy and Gates Galvin; 13 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by son-inlaw Ray Duarte, grandson Joe Duarte and great grandson Joey Matsutani.

WILL CLANEY

TECH TALK

Inflation is everywhere, I suppose, and Microsoft will participate with a price increase of its own.

Microsoft 365 (formally Office 365) announced a modest price bump for its subscription-based service.

On March 1, Microsoft is boosting the price for Word, Excel, PowerPoint and all the other features it provides.

Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based service that provides the popular Office suite that so many people depend upon today. Basic service is increasing a dollar a month, and Business Essentials will increase $2 per month.

Basic service is web-based only, meaning you must be connected to the Internet before launching the Office applications. People can use

Business Essentials includes all the applications (apps) that Basic has and adds the ability to work off-line, meaning you do not need a connection to the Internet.

The charge for all the apps to be “local” is a few bucks more. The benefits, however,

outweigh the price. The subscription versions of software include all upgrades, enhancements, updates and security patches.

Corporate versions of the Office products will experi-

See Tech, page 10

Upcoming events at the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce In-person events

Ribbon Cutting: Wed., Feb. 23, PH1 Technical Innovation Center for Antero, Tormey & Petrin PC Lunch & Learns: Mar. 2 and Mar. 23 Mayor’s Breakfast: Tue., Mar. 8, Contra Costa Country Club Business Mixer: Thur. Mar. 24, Homewood Suites, Hosted by Stay Pleasant Hill

Visit PleasantHillChamber.com for more details

Page 8

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

February 18, 2022

From the Desk of...

Concord seeking input for spending COVID relief funds The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the lives of so many people in our community and around the world, from sickness and death to job loss, housing instability and economic uncertainty.

I am grateful that our state and federal leaders have recognized the need for providing financial assistance to people who are struggling.

The City Council identified “securing federal COVID-19 relief funding” as one of our primary goals for 2021. Fortunately, we have been able to

do this through different state and federal programs, with the most recent being the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which Congress passed last March. It provides $1.9 trillion intended to address the ongoing economic recovery following substantial financial losses suffered during the pandemic, including $130 billion for local governments. This money was divided evenly between counties and local government agencies, with funding for cities based on 2019 populations.

As our staff shared in previ-

Pleasant Hill’s diversity platform continues to aim for social justice

MICHAEL G. HARRIS

PLEASANT HILL MAYOR

In Pleasant Hill, we continue to work and strive to make everyone in our community feel welcomed and included.

As the world changes and evolves, our City Council and commissions continue to make sure everyone is respected and represented.

As mayor in 2017, I signed a proclamation declaring Pleasant Hill an open and welcoming community, one that values all its citizens and the contributions they bring to making the city an outstanding place to live.

Our commissions have continued that mission, striving for equity and inclusion in a number of ways. The Education Commission’s ARISE subcommittee has long worked to celebrate inclusion in our schools. One of the things they have done to help educate our students is create a Heritage Resource Document that is posted to the commission’s webpage www.pleasanthillca.org/educat ion. This document provides resources and links to help the community to learn more about different cultures, their traditions and holidays.

In the wake of the death of George Floyd in 2020, the Pleasant Hill Police Department partnered with the Civic Action Commission’s Diversity Subcommittee to hold an online Town Hall to address issues of social justice at a very turbulent time in our nation’s history. This event continued on, becoming the online Zoom series Community Conversations.

Each session has focused on a different segment of the population, and the issues and challenges they face. Topics discussed have included the uptick in violence against the Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, social justice and the faith community, and the concerns and challenges faced by the Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities.

In 2021, the General Plan Advisory Committee recommended a broader approach to issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. They advocated the creation of a Diversity Commission. At the May 17, 2021, meeting, the City Coun-

cil approved the formation of a nine-member commission.

The Diversity Commission is broadly tasked with making recommendations to the City Council on accessibility, diversity and inclusion, including proposing appropriate diversity, social justice and equity training; proactively planning inclusive and welcoming events; advising the City Council on ways to recognize and reaffirm the mission of the council’s 2017 inclusion resolution; and working with the Civic Action Commission, Education Commission and Commission on Aging and their subcommittees.

In the fall, the Diversity Commission prompted the city’s first United Against Hate Week activities, requesting a proclamation by the mayor, ordering posters, and creating a video with the Commission, City Council and staff proclaiming that Pleasant Hill Stands United Against Hate.

This year, the Diversity Commission will continue to work with the Civic Action Commission, Commission on Aging and Education Commission to foster solid partnerships for new activities and programs.

Moving forward, I feel confident that these passionate and dedicated individuals will continue to find ways to bring the issues of diversity and inclusion to the forefront to make sure that all of our residents feel that their city welcomes and values them.

My goal is for our council, commissions and staff to continue working to ensure that the city of Pleasant Hill not only honors but builds on the proclamation I signed in 2017.

Email questions and comments for Mayor Harris to mharris4ph@gmail.com

ous City News publications and at our Aug. 24, 2021, council meeting, the city of Concord expects to receive $27 million in ARPA recovery funds. We have allocated $8 million to fund the city’s COVID testing program for staff and to provide essential services when revenues fell short during the pandemic.

We are seeking community feedback on how Concord should best utilize the remaining $19 million for the benefit of the city and our residents.

Potential uses of this funding are nearly limitless. However, it is important to note that these are one-time dollars, so we will be looking at opportunities to make one-time investments in projects or programs that have another method of sustainability.

DOMINIC ALIANO

CONCORD MAYOR I encourage you to share your thoughts with us at our community workshop at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 23, via Zoom.

Log-in details are available at cityofconcord.org/ARPA. You can also provide feedback through our surveys. We have created one for residents,

one for Concord businesses and one for nonprofit organizations that serve Concord residents.

These surveys will remain open until March 11, and links to each of them can be found on the ARPA web page listed above.

The council will receive a summary of feedback from the community workshop and surveys this spring, and our next step will be to determine how to allocate the remaining $19 million. The funds must be allocated by Dec. 31, 2024, and spent by Dec. 31, 2026.

My council colleagues and I are committed to ensuring that these funds are invested in ways that will produce the greatest good for Concord.

Since the pandemic began, we have received and allocated

more than $4 million in various recovery-focused state and federal funds to provide residential and commercial rental/tenant assistance and legal services, food distribution, small business grants and rent relief, remote learning assistance to local schools, and COVID testing and personal protective equipment.

Now, with $19 million in currently unallocated federal funding, we have an opportunity to make an even greater investment in the future of our community. I look forward to hearing your ideas and, ultimately, emerging from this pandemic stronger than ever.

Email questions and comments to the mayor at Dominic.Aliano@cityofconcord.org

Mayor wants residents to say where to add 570 more housing units in Clayton amount of vacant or underutilized land in Clayton, finding space will be a challenge for zoning this state-mandated quantity of housing.

The city wants your help to shape the future of Clayton. Initial community outreach has included community meetings and an initial online survey of potential housing sites. The City Council looked PETER CLOVEN at a preliminary map of houslocations on Jan. 4. The CLAYTON MAYOR ing next step is to hone those Clayton has been assigned maps with additional public input.

570 units of housing in the The city of Clayton is 6th Regional Needs Housing launching an assertive camAssessment (RHNA). paign to inform residents of We are not alone, as every the need for their participacity in California is being sadtion in this housing discusdled with similar dilemmas sion.

The campaign will with the requirements to zone include newspaper, up to 20% more housing. No internet/social media, public city desires these mandated billboard and door hanger dischanges, but the Association tribution of literature to of Bay Area Governments homes. We need as many (ABAG) outright denied all the cities’ appeals – including voices as possible to discuss how to meet the requirements Clayton’s.

While we are not required while maintaining our city’s to build the 570 units, we are small-town character and Western charm that we all required to plan and zone their location and make room love.

In late February, the city for the prescribed ratio of will introduce the online simuaffordable housing. Those 570 lation game “Balancing Act” units represent an approxito engage the community in mate 14% increase to the the housing discussion. The existing 4,000 housing units in game will allow residents to our small city. Clayton has litcreate their own “housing eletle remaining vacant land. ment” to plan and place 570 Adding these units will cause housing units (or more if challenges to infrastructure desired) in preliminary and transportation, and envimapped areas of Clayton. The ronmental concerns.

It is understood that many game allows the player to change densities on parcels longtime residents see these new mandates as overbearing, (e.g., 3 to 30 units per acre) and identify other potential while others see zoning this areas for consideration. housing as a need to do our In this manner, residents part in the housing crisis. can indicate which locations in Considering the sparse

Clayton are preferable for higher density. This allows for the serious discussion of future downtown use as well as outlier areas away from downtown.

I personally urge interested residents, friends and family to join in the conversation.

Information on efforts and preparation for the 2023 Housing Element can be

found on the “Housing Element” button on the front page of the city website, www.claytonca.gov. Go to the “Get Involved” tab and sign up for updates, so you don’t miss important upcoming communications.

Contact Mayor Peter Cloven at peterc@claytonca.gov or 925-6737320.

County’s A3 Community Crisis Initiative an evolving process

KAREN MITCHOFF

COUNTY

SUPERVISOR Ever since the tragic death of Miles Hall, our county and community have been exploring alternatives to police response for individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis.

As part of that important work to help improve outcomes for our friends, family members and neighbors with mental health challenges, our Health Services department

launched the A3 initiative – Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime – in fall 2020.

Contra Costa Health Services brought together a multidisciplinary, county-wide team with diverse experiences and created an initial framework to develop a system where anyone in the county can access timely and appropriate behavioral health crisis services anywhere, at anytime.

Under the A3 model, behavioral health crisis calls will be quickly transferred to the Miles Hall Community Crisis Hub, a 24/7 service. An experienced clinician will ascertain an individual’s needs and perform a rapid triage to determine if they can resolve issues by telephone or if a specially trained response team is required to meet the individual in person at their location.

See Mitchoff, page 9

New EBRPD park a key part of recognizing Black history in Contra Costa County February is an important opportunity for acknowledgement, remembrance and celebration of the achievements, experiences and culture of Black individuals.

During Black History Month, it’s important that we recognize that Black history is American history. I’m thankful that here in Contra Costa we continue to make strides to recognize Black history in our community.

Last year, I was proud to support the East Bay Regional Park District in renaming the new regional park at the former Concord Naval Weapons Station “Thurgood Marshall

al park in the county to be named after a Black person and due to the history it’s honoring.

The largest home-front disaster of World War II tragically occurred right here at Port Chicago. On July 17, 1944, a massive explosion occurred when sailors and servicemen were loading heavy TIM GRAYSON munitions onto a cargo vessel, 14TH ASSEMBLY killing more than 300 men.

More than 200 of those killed DISTRICT were African American, as the military was racially segregated Regional Park – Home of the at the time.

Port Chicago 50.” This park In the aftermath of the naming is meaningful both disaster, servicemen at the because this is the first region- port protested the unsafe

working conditions and refused to load more munitions until safer conditions and trainings were established.

The Navy retaliated by convicting 50 of the protestors, known now as the Port Chicago 50, of mutiny and sentencing them to 15 years in prison and hard labor.

Thurgood Marshall, who was at the time the chief counsel of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), appealed the convictions. Marshall’s arguments in the trial and advocacy on behalf of the Port Chicago 50 – who were eventually freed after the

war – ultimately led to the desegregation of the military, a historic step toward racial justice for our country.

Years later, in 1967, Marshall would become the first African American to be confirmed as a Supreme Court justice.

It’s important that we remember the men who died at Port Chicago, the righteous stance against unfair treatment that the surviving servicemen took, and how these events and Marshall’s arguments led to real change. I was proud to author a letter last year to sup-

See Grayson, page 9

February 18, 2022

Parcel Tax

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

Page 9

General Fund Projection Considering Unmet Needs

from page 1

ried about not getting the word out. About not being transparent. About not telling people what our situation is. We can’t afford to fail.”

“It’s easy to say we’ll put an ad in the Pioneer,” Wolfe said.

“But we would need the help of a communications consultant to get to the proper channels – whether it be the Pioneer or a Town Hall meeting or whatever it is.”

Wan dismissed that philosophy.

“Are they going to come up with some new channel that as of yet is undiscovered?” he asked. “I mean, we’re tiny. That isn’t going to happen.”

Wan said any communication could be “workshopped” internally with staff who could “write pretty well” and create “minimal graphics” for fliers.

“You could have a contest at the school and the kids could do it – I don’t think it’s that big of a deal,” he added.

“The presentation is not as important as the content.”

Tillman noted the city is already “short-staffed on our tiny staff.” She also thinks a consultant could provide the council guidance on creating a clear message.

“I think whoever we can bring on board or elicit help from has to be able to construct the message that all of us are going to go out and say,” she said. “And if you look at the history the last few years, it’s been disjointed – right? So you’ve got people going out and saying different things, which has been a huge problem. We can’t afford to do that this year if we’re trying to have this on the ballot.”

Wan told Tillman he wouldn’t listen to a consultant’s advice.

“I’m going to say whatever message I think is appropriate,” he said, adding that he could inform voters in a “oneminute conversation” because

Clayton City Staff

The above table shows what Clayton’s operating budget could look like starting as early as next year without increasing revenue. The red brings into sharp focus the need for a robust public education effort to get a tax measure on the November ballot.

thing we’re going to want to attempt on our own.”

EDUCATE VS. ADVOCATE But Wan said a polling conCity attorney Mala Subra- sultant would only “tell us manian and Schwartz reminded the council that public funds could only be used to inform or educate, not advocate.

“Some of the things I’ve heard council members say they want out there would not be done through use of public funds,” Subramanian said.

“It doesn’t mean that the power of information isn’t incredibly important,” Schwartz noted. “It’s important to be able to explain what we’re doing.”

Given the council’s hesitancy to spend money, Subramanian suggested using a consultant STEPHANIE to poll voters but having staff Z ABLAH -KRUGER work on communication.

“The polling consultant BEYOND THE LEASH really tries to figure out what It’s important to know your community – Clayton – how to keep your pet’s would support,” she said. “It mouth as healthy as possible goes back to what Reina was because dental disease is one saying about how you want to of the most common disput your best foot forward eases for cats, rabbits and because you don’t want to keep dogs. coming back election cycle after Dental disease can start at election cycle if there is a faila young age. At age 3, my cat ure.” needed a dental procedure Schwartz said a polling and had several teeth firm’s help would be essential removed even though he for writing the ballot statement. seemed healthy.

“Trust me, people have an Animals are good at hidentire cottage industry over ing illness because it’s a surhow to write ballot language,” vival tactic. If they show she said. “This is not someweakness, they could get eaten. Cats, dogs and rabbits know how to compensate, park is still several years away, even if they are experiencing my hope is that our communi- pain caused by dental disease. Annual wellness exams ty will be able to visit, learn with your regular veterinarimore about those the park is honoring, and reflect on how an are important because port the park district and Con- we can continue to make our they can point out what your gressman Mark DeSaulnier’s pet may be trying to hide. communities a better and $10 million request to help The sooner it is caught more just place for all. fund a planned visitor center and dealt with, the better. If featuring the historic events left untreated, dental disease Reach Assemblyman Tim associated with the Port can affect other parts of the Grayson at (925) 521-1511.

Chicago Naval Magazine body like the heart, kidneys Visit or write the district office National Memorial.

2151 Salvio Street, Suite P, Con- and liver.

While the opening of the cord, CA 94520 “it’s a story that writes itself.”

P E TS

Grayson from page 8

Mitchoff

acute and serious behavioral health crisis with a suggestion of risk of escalation.

The Hub Pilot to open and operationalize the Miles Specially trained response Hall Community Crisis Hub teams will be available 24 began in August 2021. Initialhours per day, 7 days a week ly, the hub will take calls from at different locations through- across the county during cerout the county. The appropri- tain hours that are currently ate response team will be dis- coming into the mobile crisis patched based on a sophistiteams from family members, cated triage algorithm. individuals and other sources.

Response teams will vary By handling these calls, triagin their composition in order ing and determining the to meet the needs of the indi- appropriate level of response, vidual. Team compositions the existing mobile crisis will include: teams will have more bandLevel 1: Peer support width to respond in the field. worker and emergency medAs this initiative gains ical technician (EMT) dismomentum and reaches patched for individuals identi- toward full implementation, fied by law enforcement or the Board of Supervisors has others as needing a welfare allocated $5 million in onecheck or a response where time and $5 million in ongothere is not a risk of escalaing funding for the A3 Contra tion including addressing Costa Community Crisis Inisocial needs. tiative.

Level 2: Peer support This important work conworker, mental health clinician tinues, and I encourage you to and potentially an EMT or contact my office with any substance use counselor disquestions about our vital new patched for individuals in an program to serve our resiacute and serious behavioral dents. You can reach my health crisis or in need of office at 925-521-7100 or additional assessment. emailing supervisorLevel 3: Peer support mitchoff@bos.cccounty.us. worker, mental health clinician, law enforcement and Karen Mitchoff is Contra potentially an EMT disCosta County District IV patched for individuals in an supervisor.

from page 8

what we already know.” And, Because of a lack of con- more information about costs he said the city could “plagia- sensus on how to move for- for consultants. rize” language from previous ward, Schwartz will return to ballot measures. the council next month with

Train your pets to ‘open wide’ and let you take a look inside force when you can gently cup your hand over their muzzle.

Be careful with their whiskers because this is a sensitive area.

Once this can be accomplished confidently, and your pet seems calm and comfortable, move on to gently retracting the lip.

Then examine the teeth, looking for redness along the gumline, tartar buildup, teeth that may have a cavity, cracked healthy mouth and making it TAKING EXTRA CARE teeth or teeth that are growing WITH RABBITS less intimidating when a veteri- improperly.

In rabbits, some dental narian performs an oral exam.

For rabbits, this is a good problems are more complex For cats and dogs, teaching place to stop as we don’t need and can result in serious condi- them to allow toothbrushing to worry about brushing their tions from which they cannot can save you costly dental teeth as much as with perrecover. Rabbits’ teeth are con- extractions. For rabbits, training forming an oral exam with litstantly growing and they can them to allow an oral exam or tle to no stress. suffer from overgrowth, so it’s have their head handled can With dogs and cats, conimportant to retain the proper help you spot a potential prob- tinue to reinforce steps that length, shape and alignment of lem. lead up to toothbrushing. their teeth.

Here are some basic steps to That way, when you add in the Part of this is maintained help you get started with train- toothbrush or toothpaste, it is with a proper diet, which ing pets to allow having their not as stressful. encourages a rabbit to chew head handled, laying the founand grind so their teeth natural- dation for exams as well as You can contact Stephanie at ly wear down. When tooth wear toothbrushing for dogs and cooperativecaretraining@gmail.com is decreased or abnormal, the cats. or 510-408-7162. Visit the webrisk of dental issues and other First, reach to pet your ani- site cooperativecaretraining.com for problems increase if it’s not mal over the head and reinmore information. addressed by a rabbit-savvy vet.

It’s National Pet Dental Health Month – a good time to examine your pet’s teeth.

TRAINING TIPS Training can help immensely with keeping dental disease at bay. It’s a big step toward a

Meet ARF’s adoption stars Looking for a furry friend during this trying time? Good news — ARF is now offering a by-appointment adoption process! If you see an animal you’re interested in on our website, just fill out an online inquiry form. Once your inquiry has been received, you will be added to our virtual adoption queue.

Five-year-old Watson is an active boy looking for that perfect family that loves to spend plenty of time outside on WATSON adventures such as embarking on long hikes, going to the beach or playing endless games of two-toy fetch. Watson would make the perfect companion for a household that has been looking for a reason to get up off of the couch and out of the house more often.

ARF adoption fees: $250 for an adult dog, $350 for a puppy (<6 months), $125 for

a special-needs dog, $175 for a special-needs puppy (<6 months), and $125 for a senior dog (7+ years).

Nine-year-old Chris is a handsome man looking for a patient guardian with whom he can relax and snuggle with. It may take him some CHRIS time to warm up, but once he does, he is a total love bug. Chris has a positive history with other cats.

Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: noon to 6 p.m Wed. and Thurs., noon to 7 p.m. Fri. and noon6 p.m. Sat. and Sun. Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? For more information see website, www.arflife.org, or call (925) 2561ARF.

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Page 10

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

February 18, 2022

SCHOOLS

Supreme Court refuses MDUSD request to review unfavorable appeals court ruling in CVCHS lawsuit JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Contra Costa Superior Court has had the lawsuit pitting Mt. Diablo Unified School District vs. Clayton Valley Charter High School over the annual fee the District is entitled to charge the charter school land back in its lap following the announcement this month that the State Supreme Court will not hear an appeal submitted by MDUSD. The charter school received a favorable ruling Oct. 1 from the California First District Court of Appeal concerning a 2019 ruling by Superior Court Judge Steven Austin. The Superior Court judge calculated then that the District was due $1.5 million for the 20132017 period in reimbursement to use the Alberta Way facility the charter school leases from MDUSD. MDUSD immediately announced it would appeal that ruling to the California

Supreme Court. This month that request was denied, and the case was returned to the Superior Court.

Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark reacted to the ruling by issuing a brief statement, “MDUSD will continue to work towards resolving this matter with Clayton Valley Charter High School.”

It is unclear the last time District and charter school representatives had an in-person meeting to discuss a resolution to the ongoing financial dispute.

The charter school also commented on the favorable notice: “CVCHS is pleased the California Supreme Court has allowed the Court of Appeal opinion to stand — which resolved in our favor.”

The long running matter concerns the amount MDUSD is to receive as annual reimbursement from CVCHS for the use of the District-owned campus on Alberta Way in Concord.

Tech, from page 7 ence a larger increase of $3-$4 per user per month.

Alternatives exist, such as purchasing a one-time Office license. But the outlay is significantly higher than subscriptions, and you must maintain the security of the software through its lifetime, which is about six years before you need to buy another license. WordPerfect, popular among legal experts, is a one-time purchase as well.

Among the popular onlineonly services that provide

Word-like operations are Google Docs, Zoho Writer and Odoo Documents.

Price increases are part of life. In a way, I am excited to see the increase because I own Microsoft stock. Yippie! Er, I mean, darn price increases.

Now go do the right thing; pay the extra buck or two.

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

Email questions or comments to willclaney@gmail.com.

In October 2019, CVCHS paid the district $925,256 for facility use in the 2013-17 school years. (The charter school says it has paid the District $2.2 million in reimbursement since 2013.) Both sides recognize their dispute on the calculation of fees can have far-reaching effects around the state where many charter schools use facilities from public school districts.

After the favorable Court

of Appeals ruling last fall the charter school reported, “The California First District Court of Appeal issued a unanimous published decision in Clayton Valley Charter High School v.

Mt. Diablo Unified School District that was a decisive victory for CVCHS and charter schools on the issue of how to properly calculate the pro-rata share. The case involved the interpretation of the regulation that defines which school dis-

trict ‘facilities costs’ may be included in the calculation of the pro-rata share to be charged to a charter school.”

The District also issued a statement then which read, in part: “The impact of the court of appeal’s decision on the fees to be paid by the charter school remains to be seen, pending future proceedings before the Superior Court. The case involves interpretation of regulations that are based upon

school district accounting and budgeting conventions from the California School Accounting Manual, and the court of appeal acknowledged that the legal issues were complex and involved interpretation of a regulation that had not yet previously been ruled on by a court.

The court of appeal also stated that CVCHS “shall recover its costs on appeal.”

MDUSD superintendent ready to address enrollment challenges When I was hired in July 2020 to lead the Mt. Diablo Unified School District, the first things that came to my mind were the many amazing students, families and schools that make up the district’s identity.

I also knew there were countless dedicated employees who take care of students and run strong programs. Serving as an educational leader for the past 25 years, I have worked diligently to lead with integrity and conviction. Unfortunately, when there are huge positives, there are also equal challenges.

MDUSD has experienced declining enrollment for at least a decade. There are many reasons, including the price of housing, birth rates, changing demographics, academic data and other educational opportunities – all before the pandemic. During the pandemic, we lost students due to temporary school closures, mask

ADAM CLARK

MDUSD

SUPERINTENDENT mandates, closures of businesses, the high cost of living and many other factors.

I have to address the impacts of declining enrollment so we can continue to serve our students at the highest level.

Aligning resources to meet the needs of students is a difficult challenge. Declining enrollment has a negative

influence on our budget. Without a healthy budget, we cannot fund strong programs, compensate employees at a higher rate or invest in our facilities. Therefore, I have to make unpopular recommendations to the school board.

Although I have a strong administrative team to lean on, we often seek outside assistance from the best organizations. The California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE), Fiscal Crisis Assistance and Management Team (FCMAT), School Services of California (SSC) and the Contra Costa County of Education (CCCOE) are the gold standard in providing academic and financial support.

MDUSD has a structural deficit. Put simply, we spend more than we receive. Each of the above organizations has recommended we reduce that deficit. Those recommendations all are shared with the

school board in public meetings, as well as posted on websites.

There are competing interests that influence our path as a district. Because 85%-94% of our budget is committed to salary and benefits, reducing staff as well as programs is one of the top recommended remedies. Of course, there are operational and systemic changes that need to be made as well.

I am 100% committed to improving the financial outlook of MDUSD. It is not going to be easy, but when MDUSD is serving its students at the highest levels, everyone benefits.

I encourage you to visit our websites, subscribe to our newsletter and support our schools. This is tough work, and our students are worth it.

Send comments by email to editor@pioneerpublishers.com

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The Pioneer

SPORTS & LIFESTYLE February 18, 2022

Taste and Tell . . . . . . . . . .B3 Lean in with Love . . . . . .B4 The Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B5 The Diablo Beat . . . . . . . .B6

The Pioneer, Section B

www.PioneerPublishers.com

Mt. Diablo girls win first-ever league hoops crown JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Mt. Diablo High girls concluded an undefeated 10-0 Diablo Athletic League schedule last Friday defeating Ygnacio Valley 48-42 on Senior Night, securing the Red Devils the top seed in the North Coast Section Division 5 playoffs.

The research done by The Pioneer and local high school sports historian Herc Pardi indi-

cates this is the first-ever girls basketball league championship for Mt. Diablo as coach Ronnie McGee’s team has rolled to a 214 record. The Red Devils ride a 14-game winning streak into the Wednesday opening round of NCS in Kramer Gym against Hoopa.

Carondelet and De La Salle both won East Bay Athletic League playoff championships last Saturday evening to secure high seeds in the NCS Open

Photo courtesy De La Salle basketball

De La Salle had to turn around the momentum in the fourth quarter of the East Bay Athletic League boys basketball championship game last Saturday. That took place with less than six minutes remaining and the Spartans went on a 21-4 run to defeat Granada, clinching the league title and a No. 2 seed in the NCS Open Division playoffs.

Division. The Cougars are No.1 and De La Salle second seed to top-ranked Campolindo, each earning first-round byes.

Among the season finales, De La Salle’s win over Granada was the wildest. The Livermore team came to Concord and held a second half lead through the early going of the fourth quarter.

After having a basketball disallowed for an offensive foul, Granada was still up 40-36 with five and half minutes left in the fourth quarter.

DLS then scored 13 straight points before Granada made two free throws with 1:15 left and the Spartans ended up on a 21-4 run to close out the game with a 57-44 victory. Coach Marcus Schroeder’s team lost its first two EBAL games as part of a three-game losing streak around the turn of the new year but have posted 11 straight victories for a season mark of 21-4, matching their winning surge in the EBAL finals.

Carondelet avenged its only league loss by beating San Ramon Valley 64-49 in the EBAL championship game Saturday bringing their season mark to 21-2 as second-year coach Kelly Sopak’s Cougars rank in

CVCHS, De La Salle claim boys soccer titles as NCS playoffs open this week

Photo courtesy Mt. Diablo High basketball

Girls basketball formally began in this area in the early 1970s. Pioneer research says this season’s edition of the Mt. Diablo High team is the first-ever from the Concord school to win a girls basketball league championship. Coach Ronnie McGee’s Red Devils finished 10-0 in the Diablo Athletic League Valley Division and ride a 14-game winning steak into the North Coast Section playoffs. Last Friday, the team celebrated a 48-42 win over Ygnacio Valley in Kramer Gym capping its undefeated league season.

the state’s top 10.

Clayton Valley Charter boys earned the No. 2 seed in NCS Division 1 after coach Frank Allocco Jr.’s Ugly Eagles fourthplace finish in the super tough DAL Foothill Division topped by undefeated Campolindo followed by Miramonte and Northgate, all three of whom were placed in the Open Division.

The Concord school hosted Heritage of Brentwood in their opening NCS game Tuesday.

Northgate’s boys traveled to EBAL regular-season No. 1 Dublin on Thursday. Coach Michael Shaughnessy’s Broncos were awarded No. 5 seed in Open with Miramonte fourth

and Campo top seed. Add in CVCHS as No. 2 in Division 1 and DAL Foothill boys basketball can stake a claim as one of NorCal’s top leagues this season.

Mt. Diablo boys of coach Ejon Felder was seeded 16th in Division 4 and had to travel to No. 1 Marin Catholic in Kentfield Wednesday in the opening round. Ironically, that is the some seeding and matchup the Red Devils football team faced in the NCS playoffs last fall.

Berean Christian was seeded 13th in D-5 and visited Urban in San Francisco in Tuesday’s Section opener.

With Carondelet getting a bye until Feb. 23, six other local

girls teams began NCS play this week.

Clayton Valley Charter was No. 13 seed in Division 1 and hosted Freedom of Oakley in Dan Della Gym as part of a NCS doubleheader with the Ugly Eagles boys.

Coach Jim Croy’s Northgate girls are second seed in Division 2 and will open NCS on Saturday, meeting the winner of the Redwood-Windsor openinground game. Northgate finished second to Acalanes in the DAL Foothill divisions standings and the Dons have the top seed in the playoffs as well.

See Hoops, page B2

Athlete Spotlight Amaia Perez Photo courtesy CVCHS Athletics

Clayton Valley Charter won its first boys league soccer title since 2017-18 season when coach Guillermo Jara’s team posted a 7-1-1 record in the Diablo Athletic League Foothill Division. The Ugly Eagles are seeded fourth in the North Coast Section D-1 playoffs this week.

JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Clayton Valley Charter is boys champion of the Diablo Athletic League Foothill Division and De La Salle captured the East Bay Athletic League

title as high school soccer moved into the postseason this week with the start of the North Coast Section playoffs.

Finishing second in their respective leagues were the Concord High boys in the DAL Valley Division and

Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery

nationally ranked Carondelet, where the Cougars first loss of the season to arch-rival Monte Vista early this month cost them the EBAL championship and the No. 1 seed at NCS.

See Soccer page B2

Grade: Senior School: Clayton Valley Charter Sport: Wrestling Perez was inspired to join the wrestling team because of her freshman year P.E. class wrestling unit. During the unit, the school’s head coach Kyle Behmlander and several of his athletes demonstrated a variety of wrestling moves to the class. At first, Perez thought wrestling was awkward and embarrassing, but support from her dad motivated her to try it out. And it paid off right away.

She competed on junior varsity that year.

Behmlander says, “As a frosh, she and her practice partner, Mia Tolentino, both won hardest worker trophies.” Now finishing her third year on Ugly Eagles varsity, her coach has nothing but good things to say about the dedicated student athlete. “As a sophomore she wrestled against boys in dual meets and once she fought off her back to reverse and pin her opponent. She gets really good grades and has become a leader as a senior. I expect good things from her at NCS. I also think she’s going to be successful at whatever she becomes because she is such a competitor and works so hard.” Perez was awarded that Grit and Grind award alongside Tolentino, representing their resilience, perseverance and commitment to the sport. She originally had no intention of staying with the sport, but Perez quickly discovered her love for wrestling. Perez recalls that her favorite part about being an athlete and being able to represent Clayton Valley is the amazing people she has met and the strong relationships she has formed with her teammates, including Tolentino, Sofia Lovelace, Melina Boldovino and Andre Dargani, who continuously pushed her to become a better athlete and made practice, tournaments and activities enjoyable. She’s also thankful for her coaches Behmlander and Chris Gonzo, who pushed her to her limits and taught her to believe in herself. They motivated Perez

to want to become a better wrestler, which made her stronger both physically and mentally. She also thanks her mom and dad for coming to every tournament they could, for supporting her always and for standing by her side even through the mental and physical challenges that come with the sport of wrestling. Perez attributes her success on the mat to her background in hula dancing. She was schooled in the art of Hawaiian heritage and dance as well as Hawaiian culture teaching her important life lessons of discipline, balance and dedication. Perez’s determination to succeed is also portrayed by her academic achievements with a 4.2 GPA. She participates in Filipino American Club, Senior Women and CVCHS Arts Academy.

Perez’s college plans include attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where she will major in art and will hopefully pursue a career in photography. She hopes that her photography career takes her across the world, as one of her greatest passions is learning and experiencing all types of cultures.

CVCHS student journalist Katherine Pugh wrote this Spotlight.

The Pioneer congratulates Amaia 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@pioneerpublishers.com.

Page B2

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

February 18, 2022

2022 De La Salle wrestling team carries on winning tradition of its late coach Mark Halvorson with 2 titles with six of the eight teams from the DAL. Locally, Mt. Diablo was felled by Northgate in the opening round before the Broncos lost to crosstown rival Las Lomas in the semis 45-36.

Benicia of the DAL won the championship 47-25 over the Knights. This was the seventh year in a row a current DAL school finished atop the D-II dual meet podium.

At last weekend’s EBAL Championships, De La Salle Photo courtesy De La Salle Athletics won six weight classes and had De La Salle won its seventh successive North Coast Section dual meet championship earsix other finalists while racking lier this month, the Spartans 14th title in the past 15 Division I championships. Last week- up 308 points for the Spartans end they claimed their 13th straight East Bay Athletic League championship and qualified 13th successive EBAL champia wrestler in all 14 weight classes for the North Coast Section Championships. onship since being realigned from the Bay Valley Athletic past 15 Division I title plaques The Spartans defeated League.

JAY BEDECARRÉ headed back to the DLS over- fourth seed Logan in the dual Senior Bobby Cuevas highThe Pioneer stocked trophy case, carrying on meet semifinals 54-10 before lighted the De La Salle league It was last February when the tradition started by Halvor- rolling past third seed Castro the De La Salle wrestling pro- son in 2007 when he guided Valley 61-10 in the finals. It was gram, and the Concord high DLS to the school’s first-ever Logan which defeated DLS in school’s community as a whole, Section wrestling championship. the 2014 dual finals to put the Last Saturday, DLS won only blemish on their title run was rocked by the sudden death another East Bay Athletic since 2007 as Halvorson develof beloved wrestling coach League title as well and the team oped a program that has only a Mark Halvorson. will send a wrestler in all 14 couple peers in Northern and One year later, the Spartans weight classes to this Friday and Central California. honored his legacy by winning Saturday’s NCS championships The Division II dual meet their seventh successive North at James Logan High School in tournament was nearly an allClayton’s 11-year-old JackCoast Section dual meet champiUnion City.

Diablo Athletic League affair son Ramirez had to wait a week onship. This was the 14th of the to see if he qualified for the next round of the Elks Hoop Shoot as the Southern California portion of the California/Hawaii championships was held a week after first Hawaii and then Northern California youngsters competed.

Good news arrived last Saturday when the Ramirez family in Clayton was informed that Jackson had won state and will be headed to Las Vegas for the Region 7 finals on Feb. 26. He made 22 of 25 free throws in Modesto, including 15 of 15 in the second round to post a mark that held up against Southern California’s top score.

Grade: Senior In Nevada, Ramirez will be trying to prevail as No. 1 among School: De La Salle free throw shooters in his age group from Arizona, Nevada, Sport: Basketball Utah, California and Hawaii.

Nationals are April 30 in ChicaFirst-year head coach Marcus Schroeder tude,” coach Schroeder said of his tallest go where America’s top 12 playhas his De La Salle basketball team in the player. In his second varsity season Flanniers in each division compete. midst of post-season play and part of the gan averages seven points and five rebounds Ramirez is defending reason the Spartans are one of the top teams for the defensive-minded team while shootNational champion from the in North Coast Section is the continuing ing 53% from the field including 37% from 2019-20 Hoop Shoot, which development of power forward Flannigan. the three-point line. DLS defeated Granada

effort with his third EBAL title.

The 122-pounder is defending NCS champion from 2020 when he won the 106-pound division as a sophomore. Of course, there was no post-season last year due to the pandemic.

Half of De La Salle’s league finalists were sophomores or juniors, and eight non-seniors will be at NCS for the Concord powerhouse, which shows no sign of dropping off from the high standard set by Halvorson.

League champions besides Cuevas from the Concord school included Caleb Tatad (108), Atri Feizi (134), Mathew Pierce (184), Stefan Bakiev (222) and heavyweight Aiden Roe. Finalists were Manny Martir (115), Carlos Vasquez (128), Gavin Fernandez (154), Colin

Sweeney (162), Fernando Flores (172) and Nick Sherlock (197).

After the Diablo and East Bay Athletic League championships last weekend, five local wrestlers earned No. 1 seeds at NCS. Cuevas, Fiezi and Bakiev from De La Salle plus Andre Dargani of Clayton Valley Charter (147) and Angelo Esposito (172) from Northgate were installed as pre-meet favorites.

At the last NCS meet in 2020 Esposito took third at 160 and Dargani was third at 132.

DLS wrestlers Fernandez, Rose, Sweeney and Pierce all got No. 2 seeds.

Following North Coast Section meet this weekend the CIF State Meet is Feb. 24-26 at Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield.

Clayton sharpshooter a step away from 2nd national finals

Athlete Spotlight

John Flannigan

The senior is following older brothers Ryan (baseball) and Andrew (basketball) in wearing a DLS uniform. The younger Flannigan played CYO basketball from third through eighth grades for St. John Vianney, although he attended St. Francis of Assisi in Concord for his middle school years. Schroeder was a standout on the St. Francis CYO team years ago before he went to De La Salle, winning the 2006 State basketball championship, and then playing four years at Princeton. Flannigan’s St. John Vianney squad won the eighth grade Oakland Diocese CYO championship.

He played baseball his freshman year at De La Salle but has concentrated on basketball since. “John has worked tirelessly to turn himself into a really good high school player.

He has improved his athleticism, has continued to grow his skill, and he has developed into one of the leaders of this team. He brings it every day and has an incredible atti-

925.348.5609 Nick Eisenbart

Owner/Service Provider Concord resident

last Saturday for the East Bay Athletic League playoff championship and began North Coast Section competition this week as the No. 2 seed in the Open Division. The Spartans won four of the last five NCS Division I titles (no playoffs were held last year).

The Pioneer congratulates John 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@pioneerpublishers.com.

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Photo courtesy Elks Hoop Shoot

Clayton 11-year-old Jackson Ramirez is headed to Las Vegas later this month for the Region 7 finals of the Elks Hoop Shoot Championships. He won the District and then California/Hawaii State championships in Modesto to qualify for the Vegas competition.

did not conclude until 2021 due to the pandemic. Ramirez is now in the 11-year-old bracket. He’s started slowly in both the District and State competitions but once he finds his groove it looks like every

shot is automatically going in.

Watching a video of Jackson Ramirez in the competition, he has a no-nonsense routine. As soon as the official hands him the ball he takes one dribble and bends his knees while putting up a high arching shot.

Ramirez, a sixth grader at Diablo View Middle School, passed his first test in the 202122 Hoop Shoot competition when we won the first round sponsored by the Walnut Creek Elks by making 22 of 25 shots.

That was the same mark he posted in Modesto at District last month. There, he missed his first two free throws before finishing with 22 of 23 makes.

In his national championship winning effort last year he made 50 out of 50 attempts in two rounds of 25 shots in the virtual national final. He shot those at Elevate Basketball Performance Training center in Concord. This year he’s competed in Walnut Creek and twice in Modesto with Las Vegas and hopefully Chicago on tap for live, head-tohead competitions.

Hoops, from page B1

Contra Cosa Christian girls round out the local contingent College Park is 14th seed in Ygnacio Valley had the in NCS playoffs as the 12th seed D-2 and traveled to Mont- same seed in D-4, meaning the traveling to Rohnert Park for a gomery in Santa Rosa Wednes- Warriors went to San Francisco match up with No. 5 Credo. day. to play Lick-Wilmerding.

Soccer,

from page B1 Winning its first 10 games propelled Carondelet’s soccer team to the number three ranking in girls soccer across the US and the No. 1 spot in California. The Cougars lost 2-1 to Monte Vista in Danville after the long-time rivals drew their earlier match 1-1. They are now ranked 21st in the US and fourth in the state.

Coach Amy Apodaca’s team hosted Castro Valley at the school athletic complex in Walnut Creek on Wednesday in their Section opener for a spot in the Division 1 quarterfinals.

In Division 2 Benicia hosted Northgate in the opening round in an 8 vs 9 battle Tuesday. Concord, seeded 11th, visited Alameda is another NCS opener.

Mt. Diablo girls went to City College of San Francisco to face Lick-Wilmerding on Wednesday in a D-4 firstround matchup.

Much like the school’s basketball team, De La Salle soccer had big swings in results this year, but coach Derricke Brown’s team comes into its NCS opener hosting James Logan of Union City unbeaten in eight games, including seven victories. The Spartans were

Photo courtesy Carondelet High Athletics

Sophomore Sofia Meyer (right) went for a ball during Carondelet’s season as the Cougars earned the No. 2 seed in the North Coast Section playoffs beginning this week.

10-1-1 in the EBAL and that mark along with a challenging non-league schedule earned the Spartans top seed in Division 1 as they seek first Section championship since 2018.

No. 2 in D-1 is crosstown rival Clayton Valley Charter.

Coach Guillermo Jara’s team was 7-1-1 in DAL Foothill Division and 13-2-2 entering NCS. The Ugly Eagles hosted No. 13 Napa in Gonsalves Stadium on Wednesday. CVCHS had a 10-game COVID-19 isolation interrupt their season last month, but they overcame schedule congestion to win the league title.

Should DLS and CVCHS both win their first two games

they would setup an all-Concord semi-final.

Seeded No. 14, College Park will travel to No. 3 Vintage in Napa in another firstround D-1 game.

Ygnacio Valley is seeded eighth in Division 2 and the Warriors hosted Mt. Eden of Hayward in a Tuesday NCS opener. YV won the 2020 Division 3 championship before being reclassified to D2.

Concord will visit Newark Memorial as an 11th seed underdog.

NCS playoffs wrap up Feb. 25-26 before the NorCal Regionals are Mar. 1-5.

February 18, 2022

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

S p ort s Shorts TERRAPINS OFFERING SPRING TECHNIQUE CLINICS FOR SUMMER RECREATION SWIMMERS

Spring technique swim clinics for summer recreation swimmers offered by the Terrapins Swim Team return after a twoyear absence. The clinics are designed to give the rec swimmer a technique foundation going into this summer’s season. Clinics are held at Concord Community Pool on Sunday afternoons from Mar. 6 through April 24. Terrapin senior coach Dan Cottam and other full-time TERA coaches run the clinics, which are 100% instructional, focusing on all four strokes, turns and starts.

Swimmers are taught specific drills and techniques that they can use for the upcoming summer season. For more information visit terrapinswim.com.

ST. BONAVENTURE CYO TRACK AND FIELD PRACTICE UNDERWAY FOR SPRING SEASON

St. Bonaventure CYO track and field online registration is still open for boys and girls in second through eighth grades.

Practices are on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4-5:15 p.m. at Newhall Park in Concord. Saturday meets begin next month and the season runs through May 7, culminating with the Oakland Diocesan championship meet. For more information visit stbonaventurecyo.com or email head coach Matt Tillman at matttillman@gmail.com.

SPRING SOCCER FOR CONCORD AYSO COMING IN MARCH

Concord AYSO will offer a Spring Soccer Program running from Mar. 26 through May for Playground (3-4 years old), 6U through 14U. Registration is now open. Complete information for all age groups is available on the Concord AYSO website ConcordAYSO.org.

DE LA SALLE LINEMAN MIKE SMALLENBERGER COMMITS TO FORDHAM FOOTBALL

De La Salle senior lineman Michael Smallenberger took to social media this month to announce he is going to Fordham University to play Division I football for the Rams in the Patriot League. The 271-pound lineman is also the senior class president at De La Salle and helped his squad win its 29th successive North Coast Section championship last fall. He is the sixth member of the 2021 team to make a college football commitment.

CONCORD CUP XXVII COMING BACK MAY 14-15

After being canceled the past two years, the area’s largest annual youth soccer tournament, Concord Cup, returns for its 27th edition at a variety of Concord parks May 14-15. Boys and girls club and AYSO teams from under 10 through U19 are eligible to participate. Diablo Valley Wolves, Mt. Diablo Soccer and Concord AYSO co-sponsor the tournament. Visit concordcup.com to register teams now.

JUNIOR OPTIMIST TAKING SPRING BASEBALL SIGNUPS

Junior Optimist Baseball League is taking registration for boys 4-9 and girls 4-10 for its spring season. JOBL started in 1963 and plays all its games at the JOBL Complex in North Concord. Visit their website at joblconcord.com or email info@joblconcord.com for more information and to register.

Page B3

Clayton’s original Village Grocery has its roots in the Eagle Saloon

DEBBIE EISTETTER

THE WAY WE WERE

In keeping with Wild West tradition, the Eagle Saloon sat on Clayton’s Main Street, right next door to the Clayton Club, another drinking establishment.

Erected in 1900 by Portuguese immigrant Manuel Nunez, the Eagle served other purposes in addition to being a saloon. When the original Nunez/Bloching home burned to the ground in the 1920s due to faulty wiring, the saloon became the family’s home until their new residence was completed, where the Frontier Salon is now.

In the 1940s, the Silva family ran a grocery store in the saloon building. But the structure was torn down in 1950 because of its sagging wooden floors and useless septic tank.

For many years, Norman Bloching thought a full-service grocery store would serve the community well.

His parents agreed, and along with wife, Dodie, they constructed the cinder block building that became known as Norm Bloching’s Village Grocery. The sign out front advertised groceries, meats, beer, wine and sundries. Free matchbooks offered at the store’s opening claimed it was “where your pennies

make more cents.”

Norm and Dodie’s children, Norma and Richard Bloching, are still able to picture the store as it once was, beginning with the two Union 76 gas pumps out front. Being able to fill up with gas in town was a welcome service, since the nearest gas station was six miles away in Concord. Most folks filled their own tanks, but either Norm or Dodie was available to pump gas for those who needed assistance.

Sometimes jewelry or wristwatches were acceptable payment when a customer was short on cash.

Inside, the shelves were stocked with brand items – some we would recognize today and others lost to history. To the right of the front door was a large cooler containing glass bottles of soda, with offerings like Coca-Cola, Bubble Up and Nehi orange or lime. Next to the cooler was a freezer filled with containers of ice cream, popsicles, drumsticks and ice cream sandwiches.

On the far left of the store were toiletry items: Prell and Wildroot shampoos, Ivory and Fels-Naptha bar soaps, Ivory Snow laundry soap and Colgate tooth powder. Here, too, were a hanging scale and bins of fresh produce, some from the Clayton farm of Joe Rubino.

The cash register was at the end of the bins, with a selection of chewing tobacco, cigarettes and cigars behind the checkout counter. This was also where the children could find favorite candies like cinnamon red hots, candy cigarettes, licorice vines, bubble gum that came with movie star or baseball cards, Hershey chocolate bars and mysterious

Norm Bloching built Clayton’s Village Grocery. The building now houses TLC Pet Grooming.

little wax bottles that contained a sweet liquid.

To the right of the counter were refrigerated cases with cheeses and bulk meats, sliced according to customer wishes on an electric slicer. Other cases held dairy items and beer, and the many shelves throughout the store contained bread, canned goods and other necessities.

Norm and Dodie kept busy running the Village Grocery, and both held other jobs as well. Norm worked fulltime at the Alameda Naval Air Station as an aircraft welder and metal smith, and Dodie was Clayton’s postmaster – working out of the small office at the rear of the store.

When they retired from the grocery business, they

rented the property to several families, including the Arnolds, Morgans, Sheras and Williamses.

Local rancher Don Williams moved in and operated the store 1971-’76, when he built the “new” Village Market farther down Main Street.

Today, the building appears almost unchanged from the outside and has housed TLC Pet Grooming since 1976.

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.

MDSA SPRING LEAGUE REGISTRATION OPEN

Registration is open for Mt Diablo Soccer Association’s spring season. The program is open to boys and girls ages 4-18.

The 12U and older divisions are co-ed. The season begins Mar. 26 and ends in May. For more details and to register visit mdsoccer.org.

La Fritanquera delivers the fresh and robust flavors of Nicaragua

PIONEER WANTS TO PUBLISH YOUR SPORTS NEWS

Please let us know about your sports news and events by sending an email to sports@pioneerpublishers.com.

RICHARD EBER

TASTE & TELL

Joe Ronco 925-872-3049 Over 35 years Clayton/ Concord resident Lic#844344

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If Guy Fieri brought his popular TV show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” to Concord, the first place he would likely visit is La Fritanquera.

This eclectic, Nicaraguan eatery on Colfax Street serves a unique culinary style, making it stand out as one of the best restaurants in the region.

At the helm is chef-owner Jenn Jimenez, who describes what she serves as LatinCaribbean cuisine. With only six tables for inside dining along with outside seating for larger parties, she has attracted a steady clientele since opening in 2017.

The key to success is her mixture of fresh ingredients, including extensive use of plantains, chilies, garlic, achiote and other spices found in her native land. What makes the restaurant’s popularity more noteworthy is that Jimenez has no formal culinary training or food service experience prior to opening La Fritanguera.

When diners begin their order via cell phone, the Taquitos Nicaraguense are a good place to start. This is a fried flauta (corn tortilla) filled with chicken and topped with cabbage, cheese and sour cream. Another good choice is the Yuca Frita, made from the root of the cassava plant. A low carb alternative to potatoes, it is dipped in a tasty

chimichurri and cream sauce.

For larger parties or a meal for two, La Fritanguera offers a sampler plate that incorporates meats, salads, plantains, beans and rice dishes.

Several meat and seafood options appear on the main lunch and dinner menus. Utilizing primarily skirt steak, they offer several cooked-toorder dishes served with different sauces. I am especially fond of the Baho and Bistec Encebollado topped with buttery sautéed unions. Jimenez also makes entrees using shredded beef marinated with exotic spice blends. The Carne Desmenuzada (Nicaraguan tritip pot roast) is a cold weather treat. They offer their fried shredded beef tacos for special occasions and catering jobs.

When it comes to pork, Jimenez utilizes achiote-marinated loin and pork butt for a number of dishes. The Chancho Frito with bite-sized cubes incorporates many of the flavors of the Nicaraguan taste profile.

Using the same citrus, chimichurri and achiote marinade, La Fritanguera serves flavorful chicken thighs in several menu items. I am also partial to their fried chicken served as a lunch special.

Also noteworthy are the seafood selections. Using large 16-20 shrimp, she avoids overcooking this delicate crustation. Their Camarones a la Jalapeño (in a pepper cream sauce) and the garlic Camarones al Ajillo compare favorably to what can be found in white cloth seafood establishments.

Richard Eber

Despite the COVID challenge, La Fritanquera owner Jenn Jimenez has developed a loyal clientele looking for her unique Latin-Carribbean cuisine.

For the undecided, there is a surf and turf combining grilled shrimp and carne asada steak. For non-meat eaters, La Fritanguera has an El Vegetariano that includes their fried cheese bites and a vegan option for those who don’t consume dairy products. With their unique combination of house-made plantain chips, yuca fries, spicy coleslaw and other assorted treats, their meatless entrees are anything but dull.

Without doubt, the signature dish is the Nacatamal Tamale. It is larger than its Mexican counterpart and can be eaten as a full meal. The tamale consists of garlicinfused masa, potatoes, raisins, olives, chili peppers, mint, onion and pork belly wrapped in banana leaves and cooked for three hours.

La Fritanguera offers a wide variety of Nicaraguan

beverages. Kids especially like the cocoa-rice chocolate drink.

Other concoctions include pineapple, tamarind and dragon fruit lemonade. Also worth tying is the Tona beer from Jimenez’s homeland.

Jimenez has created a wonderful dining spot, which she hopes to expand in the near future. One doesn’t have to be Guy Fieri to experience this unique restaurant.

La Fritanguera, at 1819 Colfax St. in Concord, is open 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.

Wednesday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.8 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, as well as catering special events. For details, visit lafritanguera.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

Page B4

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

February 18, 2022

After affairs, spouses need to move forward together instead of coming clean.

When I try to express why what he did was wrong, all I get is, “We are both wrong. Let’s move on.” Is that fair?

You had three days to process the information you discovered and to make peace with divulging your infidelity.

Your spouse had only the moment you confronted him.

Was your tone the same A: The idea of what is fair airing out your discretion vs. in a situation when both parairing his out? He went from ties are wrong is a complex the odds in his favor to sale. You decided to come defending his actions. You had clean only when you felt safe. the luxury of time to craft Your safety doesn’t dictate his. your story’s delivery instead of You both have been mislead- being caught by surprise. It ing, lying and hiding damaging sounds to me that your hustruths. That behavior is not band’s recourse was to hit the going to right itself overnight. factory reset button and chalk everything up as a loss. He may feel he has reacted to all of this better than you have, and you are trying to shift blame.

I do not know many peo-

Taking pride in making the prom inclusive

be prom king and queen.

KIKU JOHNSON

ALL

THE

COLORS

Pop radio was my religion, my shrine, my own curated soundtrack to my 17-year-old life, especially in my senior year of high school.

I was still aiming to mainstream into this American culture and embracing what was coming through the radio allowed me to be part of that culture. Don’t even get me started with how MTV fed my imagination for interpreting and visioning every powerful lyric of every song that somehow spoke to me.

Connecting and relating to the music of the time provided me a ticket to “fitting in” and not being as different, an outsider or weird. I was fluent in the language of music when my name, family and quickly developing butch persona continued to diverge past the ability of truly fitting in with my peers.

In truth, I also jammed out to my mom’s Cantonese pop cassette tapes at home, behind closed doors, and only with my younger brother, noshing on leftover Chinese BBQ pork and rice, still trying to save the Nintendo princess in the Legend of Zelda.

PROM AND ITS PRESSURES We had entered a new decade, it was officially the ’90s, and my senior year presented the customary rites of passage, including homecoming, senior portraits, class rings, graduation and the evercoveted senior prom.

At its best, prom is an opportunity for friends to gather, celebrate one another, be in community, feel honored and create a beautiful memory.

For me, prom required wearing a dress, having a boy ask me, photo ops and a group of friends that I would also be able to perch alongside for safety in numbers, because remember, I had the music part locked down – and I can surely dance. Besides the music, I had none of these things and did not see prom within my reach.

Though many of our LGBTQI+ youth may be welcome at a traditional prom, they still face the pressure of stereotypical gender norms and are not always affirmed in these long-held school traditions. Still, in 2022, there are these trappings and pressures around the outfit, date, where to go to dinner, and who will

A PROM WITH PRIDE Together with PFLAG ClayCord, Rainbow has imagined something for our queer youth – the county’s first Pride Prom. This affirming space, co-created with youth input, holds freedom of expression and identity at the core of its values. A prom with all the glitz and glamor, and a more affordable ticket price, allowing everyone who wants to attend with a date, on their own or with their friend crew to have an exceptional celebration of this time in their lives. With a community that lifts them up, loves them and centers them.

Who would pass up this opportunity? Not I I will be fulfilling, 31 years later, a rite of passage, alongside our county’s queer youth as a chaperone to the first Pride Prom as a proud trans man, with my found Princess Zelda, and proud community by my side, ready for the photo booth.

Pride Prom will take place 8-11 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at Concord High School, serving all juniors and seniors from the following districts and schools: Mt. Diablo Unified, Martinez Unified, Carondelet, De La Salle and Clayton Valley Charter. Guests of students attending also need to purchase a ticket, can be from any school, and must be between 16 and 19. Homeschoolers are also welcome.

If you’re disappointed that not every Contra Costa County high school is listed, know that we are starting small. We want to centralize a partnership with PFLAG ClayCord and offer an experience that is safe and accessible. The goal is to expand this event throughout the county in future years, and we need support to do that.

In the spirit of my personal senior year anthem, do enjoy a hearty listen to “More Than Words” by Extreme: “Hold me close, don’t ever let me go. More than words is all I ever needed you to show.

Then you wouldn’t have to say that you love me. ’Cause I’d already know.”

Then navigate to the PFLAG ClayCord site to support Contra Costa County’s first Pride Prom by donating a ticket, or two – or 10 at https://pflagclaycord.org/prid e-prom.

Kiku Johnson is Rainbow Community Center’s executive director. As a man of color and trans experience, Kiku has invested his life engaging and elevating youth and adult voices of marginalized intersectional identities. Send questions and comments to kiku@rainbowcc.org.

DOMINIQUE KING

LEAN IN WITH LOVE

ple who voluntarily incriminate themselves. The man had a golden opportunity to sweep his dirt under the rug and move on with you. While it was self-serving, he took

the easy way out.

On the other hand, maybe your husband did not want to end his affair. Your truth vindicated him from any wrongdoing. He could continue his relationship and not feel guilty.

You both are looking for ways to be less wrong, to soften the blows you have inflicted on each other. However, for your marriage to have a chance of not becoming a place where you both miserably reside, some individual work is necessary.

Picking out small pieces that only benefit your version of right and wrong is a recipe for disaster.

Your husband admitting that he should have said, “me

too,” would change nothing.

You both are the villains in this story. Individually, you need to decide if his failure to come clean is your makeor-break moment. If you are jointly choosing to remain together, what kind of marriage do you both want?

Together seek out professional individual and marital help. An opportunity to change the trajectory of your union does exist. It starts with both of you taking accountability.

Be well; you are worthy.

Dominique King is a wife, mother, lifestyle blogger and avid long-distance runner. Email questions and comments to her at leaninwiththekings@gmail.com.

Prepare for summer’s heat by giving your yard a boost now ditioner will benefit our plants by keeping roots cooler and not allowing as much evaporation of moisture from the NICOLE HACKETT sun.

GARDEN GIRL Not all composts and soil conditioners are the same.

This month in the garden, Read product labels or ask for folks should focus on soil care advice. and fertilizer.

Traditional, established It looks like it’s going to be landscaping (bushes and trees another stressful growing seathat exceed 20 years of age) son for our landscapes. But can get by with soil builders with some effort now, we can with chicken manure, earthhelp our plants get through worm castings and fir mulch. whatever comes their way.

Spread two inches on top of Our native soil is already the soil and aim for the showing the type of cracks dripline of plants. you should only see in the Roses and perennials need summer months. Folks, we a soil conditioner with a little need to really give our native more punch. Look for a prodsoil some protection from the heat and the sun. Apply thick uct that has at least 25% manure with beneficial fungi, layers of compost around earthworm castings, bat guano landscape trees and shrubs, and fir mulch. Spread a tworoses, perennial beds, even throughout the lawn. A hardy inch layer beneath the layer of compost or soil con- driplines and throughout the beds.

Lawns need serious help after the dry, cold January. If you haven’t done it in a year, you should aerate your lawn.

By pulling plugs of compacted clay from your lawn, you’ll allow the water that your use, soil conditioners and fertilizers to get down to the roots.

Your soil conditioner should have a large amount of manure. Look for a product heavy in manure, something near 60%.

If you can stand the smell, you can use straight, composted manure on your lawns.

Both steer and chicken manure would be useful choices, applied at half an inch. You are simply trying to color the soil. Before summer begins, we suggest applying another half-inch layer.

Fertilize a week after applying the soil conditioner.

Consider using organic fertilizers because they have less

nitrogen and will gently feed the grass, rather than boosting fast growth – which is more water-demanding. They also contain beneficial fungus and microbes that are valuable nutrients for the lawn.

Your entire landscape will need extra help this year. Fertilize all your plants more often. Strong plants will be better able to fight through the hot summer and early fall months.

Last year at the nursery, we fertilized all the plants ever other week with diluted fish emulsion at half strength. The plants really appreciated the extra hand. It helps sustain leaves and vigor without overgrowing.

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

‘House’ a compelling backdrop to 45-year mystery that Kayla’s husband died just months before in a freak accident in the stairwell of the house they did not yet occupy? The woman leaves Kayla’s office with two warnings: The house should never have been built so close to the end of that street, and Kayla and her toddler daughter should never move into it.

SUNNY SOLOMON Chapter Two: Ellie Hockley, a young college student, is BOOKIN’ WITH home for spring break. The SUNNY Hockley home is the first house on the street of the book’s title.

“The Last House on The The year is 1965; the location is Street” is a most provocative Round Hill, N.C. title for a most provocative Kayla and Ellie tell this mystery 45 years in its resoluintriguing mystery. Author tion.

Diane Chamberlain moves both Is there a first house on story and reader smoothly the street? If so, is there a between those two characters relationship between the two and events taking place in those houses? And does the street years. Both characters are white. simply come to a dead-end?

With its 21st-century technoloYes, and yes, in more ways gy, Kayla’s story would seem to than one. be a far cry from Ellie’s white Chapter One: It’s 2010, culture in the years of the Civil and architect Kayla Carter and Rights Movement. her architect husband Against her family’s strong designed the house of the objections, Ellie becomes novel’s title. A would-be client, involved in the Freedom Riders’ off-putting in appearance and voter registration activities. manner, comes to her office “There are moments in life claiming to have an appointwhen you suddenly see your ment. She wants Kayla to future, and it’s not at all what remodel her home, which has you expected.” And that, dear become oppressive since her readers, is putting it mildly. husband’s death in the house.

To say more of this mystery Before Kayla can respond would be a spoiler. It’s enough to this information, the to praise Chamberlain’s ability woman leans forward, “You to open and close a town’s mysknow how that feels, don’t tery involving racism, death and you? Losing your husband?” families torn apart by what hapHow does the woman know

pened in those 45 years.

I strongly recommend “The Last House on The Street” for teens, who will find Ellie a most compelling character, and for adults, who may remember such events without the backstory the author provides.

Do not miss reading Chamberlain’s notes at the end of the story. They are a clear example of an author’s dedication to getting the story and characters right even and, maybe more importantly, in fiction.

“The Last House on the Street” is a window through which we see what it must have felt like for an 18-year-old girl in 1965 to take that step forward

and for the involved families, and our nation, continuing to struggle with the detritus of those years.

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

925-381-3757

Lic.# 958849

Q. In March, I discovered my spouse was having an affair. I was shocked because, at the time, so was I. I decided I would come clean, with the expectation he would, too. Three days later, I confessed. I asked him if there was anything he wanted to tell me. He said no and proceeded to tell me he forgave me.

Admittedly, I was upset and revealed all the evidence on him I had. Only then did he admit his infidelity. I am hurt. He chose to lie

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February 18, 2022

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Page B5

T H E ARTS

Broadway’s Mitchell brings the glamour to Walnut Creek er Tom Johnson’s “The FourNote Opera.” The hour-long chamber work has four opera singers all trying to “take the stage” at once, but they are only allowed to sing the notes A, B, D and E. Exact dates and the venue have yet to be determined.

The group is also producing “The Three Feathers,” a magical chamber opera for families and children with music by award-winning composer Lori Laitman and libretto by local poet laureate Dana Gioia in 2023. Go to www.soloopera.org for more information.

SALLY HOGARTY

STAGE STRUCK Here’s your chance to hear Broadway legend Brian Stokes Mitchell’s gorgeous baritone up close and personal at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts.

The versatile singer has performed jazz, opera, pop and country as well as musical theater standards in his storied career. He also gained Internet fame during the pandemic for his impromptu performances from the balcony of his fifthfloor Manhattan apartment.

Mitchell performs 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. For tickets, call 925943-SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

Smuin Contemporary Ballet brings its unique interpretation of the legendary Patsy Cline to the Lesher Center Feb. 18-19. “Dear Miss Cline, a suite of lighthearted works

by Amy Seiwert, pays tribute to the celebrated country star, who died at the age of 30 in a plane crash. The company will

STREAMING

TV

So you just feel like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” is not for you? I don’t blame you. I resisted checking it out when it debuted in 2017. Even after a couple of seasons I ignored all the awards and rave reviews it got and passed it by.

I’m not sure why.

I finally gave in around season 3 and much to my surprise found that Mrs. Maisel isn’t just, as her manager Susie Myerson puts it, “a dollop of whipped cream that grew a head.” Rachel Brosnahan’s Mrs. Maisel is indeed marvelous.

The first episode quickly sets up the premise, opening on Miriam Weissman’s 1958 wedding to Joel Maisel (Michael Zegen) in New York City. Her natural charm and ease at the microphone shines during an impromptu speech at the reception.

A few years later, Midge has embraced being the ideal 1950s housewife. She gets up early to do her hair and makeup before pretending to wake up later looking amazing for her husband. She also throws herself fully into supporting Joel’s dream of escaping his dull office job to become a stand-up comic. This includes helping punch up his jokes and bribing club managers with perfect brisket to get him better time slots for his act.

But Joel doesn’t quite have what it takes.

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

Chris Hardy

Cassidy Isaacson, top center, and the Smuin Ballet company appear in “Dear Miss Cline,” a tribute to country singer Patsy Cline, as part of a dance series at the Lesher Center on Feb. 18-19.

also perform Seiwert’s “Been Through Diamonds” as well as Gina Patterson’s moving

Photo credit: James Edward Alexander

Tony Award-winning singer Brian Stokes Mitchell will perform at the Lesher Center on Feb. 25.

work “You Are Here,” set to the music of Italian pianist Ludovico Einaudi.

For more information on “Dance Series 1: Love Smuin,” call 925-943-SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

Get ready to howl as Pittsburg Community Theatre presents the second in its “Hound” series at Steeltown Coffee and Tea’s black-box theater, 695 Railroad Ave, Pittsburg.

From Feb. 25-March 6, the company performs a new adaptation of “The Hounds of the Baskervilles,” which both spoofs and reveres Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most

celebrated mystery.

Dianna Schepers directs the farce with a talented cast of three portraying myriad characters. Phillip Levya is Holmes (plus six other characters), with Brian Moore as Dr. Watson and Bill Chessman as Sir Henry as well as a plethora of other characters. Given the crew is a vital part of making this crazy production work, Schepers has put together nine energetic individuals.

Tickets are available at 925-439-7529 or www.pctca.org/tickets.

Solo Opera, who presented the wonderful “Scalia/Ginsberg” in September, returns in 2022 with minimalist compos-

Still not watching Mrs. Maisel? Stellar scripts & supporting cast justifies the hype

DON PEDRO CRUZ

Friends of performer Jene Bombardier can finally pay their respects to the Shellie Award winner at her longawaited celebration of life.

The tribute takes place noon Feb. 19 at the Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St., Martinez.

Proof of vaccination is mandatory. For more information, call 925-350-9770 or go to www.campbelltheater.com.

bird’s-eye view of a group of ladies exercising with hula hoops, their sinewy shadows dancing across a canvas of bright green grass.

The first three seasons have far too many highlights to describe. Fascinating characters come and go. Many, like Midge, are desperate to reach outside the box society has placed them in.

Jane Lynch shows up as aging (and unhappy) comic Sophie Lennon, balancing Midge’s rising star with her Amazon Prime photo own fading one. Leroy Mrs. Maisel’s story arc featuring singer Shy Baldwin’s colMcClain and Sterling K. laboration with Midge brought a dramatic end to season 3. Brown steal the spotlight for a Expectations are high for Season 4 which begins Feb. 18. while as charismatic singer Shy Baldwin and his manager.

But “Maisel” goes beyond Zachary Levi gives a powerful Then one night, he abruptone woman’s struggle to crely abandons Midge and their performance as Midge’s love two kids. Midge’s perfect life is ate a career at a time when, interest. And an appearance for many women, the only instantly turned upside down.

by Wanda Sykes as iconic options were housewife or She ends up delivering a comic Moms Mabley makes a secretary. The show brings in memorable mark. drunken rant about her lots of endearing characters, predicament at a local open Season 3 ended with a mike, where manager-wannabe fully formed with their own shocker. But we won’t have to struggles and dreams. As Susie Myerson (Alex Borstein wait long to see what happens at her prickly best) recognizes Midge breaks out, others next: Season 4 begins on that Mrs. Maisel has the goods around her also show signs of Amazon Prime Feb. 18. Time wanting more than 1950s to become a star. to start bingeing the first three America offers.

Next, Midge gets arrested now.

Midge’s and Joel’s parents along with comedian Lenny provide lots of comedy gold.

Bruce, and the two have an OTHER FUNNY LADIES enlightening conversation. After Almost every conversation in For a feature-length show her night in jail, Midge decides the show sparkles with quick- about a female comedian in that maybe a career on the stage witted banter. The sharp writ- the ’50s, I highly recommend ing and fast pace ensure the might be for her after all.

“Being the Ricardos” on plot never drags. A pair of Amazon. Nicole Kidman and THE GOAL TAKES SHAPE Season 2 episodes that take Javier Bardem both got best The series follows Midge place during a vacation in the actor noms in this year’s as she tries to break into Catskills stand out, filled with Oscars. If you can’t be bothshowbiz, with Susie’s help, laughs but punctuated by a ered with decades-old morals throwing herself into it with somber meditation on forgive- and constraints, try HBO the same drive and focus that ness by Midge’s ex Joel and Max’s “Hacks” for top-notch had once made her a model new love interest, Benjamin. writing that’s funny and smart. housewife. It does this withBesides the writing and out letting us forget that, yes, acting, the show’s visuals Don Pedro Cruz went to film she’s a privileged rich white stand out as well. The cosschool before becoming a baker. He woman, but in the ’50s, even tumes (notably the hats) and then got into publishing at several that will take her only so far. scenery dazzle throughout. tech magazines in San Francisco Despite constant pressure to The camera work is mesbefore moving to the newspaper find a new man and get back merizing. For example, one eye- world as a graphic designer. He into the kitchen, her stand-up popping shot in the first also writes stuff. Send comments to ambition takes over.

Catskills episode delivers a pedrocruzpioneer@gmail.com

Painter aims to inspire Concord music students

Sabrina Willett hopes her artwork helps Concord High students create the right “mindset and attitude in life.”

the Beatles, accompanied by the quote, “All you need is love.”

A recent graduate of San Diego State, Willett began her creative journey in 2017 as a self-taught special-effects makeup artist. In 2020, she began experimenting with different “canvases,” such as worn vinyl records, jeans, JOHN NAKANISHI leather jackets and basically ARTS IN MOTION “anything that could be painted on.”

She hopes that viewers of Editor’s note: Lisa Fulmer is her art will “find some part of retiring and has turned her column the piece that resonates with over to John Nakanishi, president them … whether that be of the Concord Arts Association. through emotional connection We thank Lisa for her past work or visual satisfaction.” and wish her well in her new Her creative process is endeavors. unique for each piece, starting with a conversation for comAs you enter the music room at Concord High, you’ll missioned works. “The goal is be struck by the eye-catching to gain understanding and find middle ground in regard acrylic paintings by Sabrina to what the piece’s meaning is Willett. and how it can be communi“Sabrina’s artwork has cated in a way that we both brought color, relevance and inspiration to the classroom,” are excited about.”

Willett captures vibrancy says Martin Lejano, director and movement with her of instrumental music and brushstrokes and color chair of the Performing Arts palette.

When I see the music Department. “Existing in this room, I can’t help but think artistic space filled with beauwhat a gift her artwork is to tiful paintings of influential the students. musicians can only lead to In addition to painting more musical inspiration.” with acrylics, Sabrina enjoys Lejano met Willett through making jewelry and using a the United Spirit Association, heat gun to melt vinyl records a summer training camp cominto different shapes, such as pany that teaches band and candleholders.

You can purleadership to middle and high chase some of her artwork at school students. According to her Etsy shop (ArticleCo) and Willett, conversations with view her special-effects makeLejano about helping students create the right “mindset and up art on Instagram (@sabrinawillett). attitude in life” led to the desire to inspire students “to John Nakanishi is an acrylic continue to find and embody painter and a ceramic artist. When love, whether it be through he isn’t creating art, he coaches music, drawing, painting or competitive soccer. Email comments connecting with people.” and suggestions for future columns Willett’s favorite piece at to phjona@gmail.com.

Concord High is a five-piece set of painted silhouettes of

Page B6

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

February 18, 2022

These days, it’s difficult not to judge a band by its covers Others are more openly opposed to our local music stages being dominated by covers.

“I love Tom Petty more than possibly any other songwriter ever, but I’d rather watch somebody play an original song about their cat than hear one more person ever play ‘Mary Jane’s Last Dance,’ ” says Vince DAVE HUGHES Lay, who hosts an Open Mic THE BEAT OF Night at Vinnie’s Bar & Grill at 9 p.m. Mondays.

DIABLO Samantha Hodge While the stage is open to John Paul Hodge, a self-described "Native Folk Songwriter" anyone who wants to perform We’re spoiled in our region from Concord, incorporates a mix of originals and covers in whatever they’d like, Lay his live set. He routinely books gigs at local wineries, bars, by a robust music scene rich strongly encourages original breweries, and bistros. Upcoming dates can be found at with original content from tunes. It’s one of the few JohnPaulHodge.com loads of diverse acts. places where original music Yet, when you find yourstill feels welcomed. through the city of Concord don’t recognize, whether it’s an self within earshot of live Lay also hosted last year’s to curate the wildly popular original or not.” music in our area, chances are Singer-Songwriter Saturday Music & Market series in Todos Hodge doesn’t fault the you’re seldom hearing an origseries in Todos Santos Plaza, Santos Plaza. audience or take it personally, inal tune. In today’s live music “The civic sponsored series adding that he appreciates con- which featured exclusively origimarket, it’s all about the covnal music. The live music show– especially in suburban areas – necting with them however he ers. case will be returning this really lean more and more that can.

“I watched the whole spring, albeit on the first Sunday way,” Ocean adds. “The Clay“Subconsciously, we find scene change over four ton series and others, that’s all comfort in a familiar song and decades from original music they book … and even the its memory connects us to a to – more and more – moving Martinez scene is made up of feeling we had ‘back then,’ so toward covers and tributes,” cover bands – nearly all of now we’re all emotionally consays music promoter Jim them.” nected to the performance.

Ocean, who is contracted The reality is that most peo- Even the performer, who must ple don’t seem to want to listen love it too, right?” to and digest the work of an Tom Davis plays bass and artist they don’t know, especially manages much of the booking when the alternative is being for both of his bands. The entertained by a good perform- UnOriginals is a rock cover ance of familiar material. band, while Radiokeys offers “It’s comfort food,” says mostly original rock music. He Ocean. “People come to a thing generally finds it easier to book like (Music & Market) where gigs for the cover band, and they can all kinda feel together those shows are generally more around songs that they all know. lucrative.

So (audience members) don’t Ultimately, though, Davis have to try really hard. You finds playing original music don’t have to focus too much. more satisfying as an artist.

You kinda just sit there and talk “When a crowd likes a song Martin Garro with your friends.

‘Oh yeah, you wrote, there are few things Jim Ocean curates the linethey’re playing this one …’ ” better,” says Davis, who points up for Concord's annual Music and Market series, “Most times audience mem- out that performing crowdwhich has seen a noticeable bers will sing along with a John- pleasers can be gratifying, too. shift in favor of tribute acts ny Cash song beginning to “It’s fulfilling as an entertainer. and cover bands. The popu- end,” shares John Paul Hodge, The audience tends to know the lar series will return this an outlaw country artist from songs I’m playing when persummer, returning to its 20- Concord, “and then turn away forming with the cover band, week run after a truncated for conversation the moment I and it’s gratifying in a different 2020 season. begin to perform a song they way.”

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Tom Davis, seen here performing original music with the Concord band Radiokeys, also performs with the local cover band The UnOriginals.

Vince Lay hosts a weekly open mic and monthly Singer-Songwriter Sundays.

Vince hopes to keep both showcases tilted in favor of original music.

of the month, and will again feature multiple acts each day– all playing entirely original music.

More information on Singer-Songwriter Sundays can

be found at ConcordCouchConcerts.com or by following on Instagram @ConcordCouchConcerts.

Contact Dave Hughes at MrDaveHughes@gmail.com.

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