Mayor looks at how federal funding freeze impacts city
As the new presidential administration takes shape, there has been a flurry of hard-to-follow executive activity. As the mayor of Concord, the recent order to freeze federal funding for programs “inconsistent with the Trump Administration’s policy goals” got my attention.
Yealimi Noh was a standout golfer during her two years at Carondelet High School and recalled by a local golfer as “polite and gracious while a bright young golfer working until sunset with her father coaching her at Oakhurst Country Club.” She now is also a tournament champion on the LPGA Tour after setting a 72-hole record at Bradenton Country Club while winning the Founders Cup this month in Florida. February 21, 2025
President Donald Trump signed executive orders on Jan. 20, 2025, targeting specific funding streams that could impact pending projects the city of Concord was working to deliver for residents. Press reports continue to document that many federal grant-funded projects remain frozen in defiance of court orders.
So, if federal grant funding remains frozen, what could it mean for the residents of Concord? Here is a summary of some of the outstanding projects threatened by the funding freeze:
Funding for affordable housing programs like the city’s Housing Conservation Loan Program (via Community Development Block Grants).
Funding to address slope failure at Holbrook Creek (via FEMA claims).
Citywide bridge repair and the replacement of all city streetlights with high-efficiency, energy-saving LEDs by 2027 (via Highway Planning and Construction funding).
Grants for public safety (via the Department of Justice).
Grants to help promote bicycle, motorcycle and pedestrian safety, and to prevent impaired driving (via the Office of Traffic Safety).
Funding to replace and expand our city’s aging tree canopy (via Inflation Reduction Act Urban & Community Forestry Funding). These projects are critically important to our Concord community, representing $10.5 million in grant funding that has been awarded to our city but not disbursed.
Take the Inflation Reduction Act Urban & Community Forestry Funding. After advocacy from me and Councilmember Dominic
See Freeze, page 7
Concord golfer Yealimi Noh wins her 1st pro golf tournament championship
From dough balls to fine dining, Clayton welcomes Eñye Latin Table
new restaurant
CLAYTON – Excitement filled the air on Jan. 18 as Kent Ipsen opened the doors to Eñye Latin Table and a wildly successful Friends and Family soft opening for 250 eager guests.
Just days earlier, the restaurant was a flurry of last-minute preparations, with chefs perfecting dishes and staff adding final touches to the sleek, modern space. The buzz surrounding the opening was undeniable, and the night exceeded all expectations – setting the stage for Clayton’s newest fine dining destination. Already presiding over a
thriving restaurant empire led by neighboring Skipolini’s Pizza, Ipsen set his sights on something new. Enter Eñye, an upscale Latin American restaurant in Clayton’s Rhine Building at Oak and Center streets.
The building, formerly known as Flora Square, had long struggled to obtain tenants, and the corner space that now houses Eñye had never been occupied. Ipsen saw an opportunity to breathe new life into the space.
FROM ABUELA’S KITCHEN
The inspiration for the name Eñye, a nod to the tilde over the Spanish “ñ,” was a moment with two of his staff
Concord’s homegrown golf star Yealimi Noh was the leader after three rounds of the Founders Cup in Bradenton, Florida earlier this month. However, walking to the 13th tee on the final day, she had less than a 27% probability of winning the tournament after three-time Founders Cup champion Jin Young Ko had overtaken her. After birdies at 13 and 14, the 23-year-old Noh had taken control, fooling the computers and skeptical commentators on The Golf Channel live telecast to card a final round 68 and roll to a four-shot victory and her first-ever LPGA tournament championship while pocketing the $300,000 winner’s check.
“The teenage prodigy has come of age. She is a winner on the PGA Tour,” was the signature line as she capped off her best weekend on the LPGA Tour.
Going into the final day she held a narrow one-shot lead over former World No.1 Ko of South Korea. "Just really, really happy and just really proud of how I kept it together today," Noh said after her victory. "I feel like I've been in this position a couple times now and I feel like I really learned from my past experiences. Really proud I've gotten it done today."
She credited her victory to maintaining control over her tempo, a key focus area she had worked on. "With nerves and excitement, everything gets a little quick for me, and that really translates into my swing. I kept it really calm and good tempo is all I was focusing on today."
Noh added, "Being paired with Jin Young for the last two days, it was my first time playing with her yesterday and it was awesome to watch. I knew she wasn’t going to make any mistakes and be really solid. When I saw my opportunity and I kept it together, I was really proud of myself."
The Founders Cup honors the 13 women who established the professional golf tour. It was the first tournament this year for Noh. “I have been getting my confidence back, especially in
Cracking cold case earns officer top honor
CONCORD – A generation after a heinous crime, Detective David Boucher brought justice for the paraplegic victim who did not live to see her perpetrator answer for it.
The tireless effort that Boucher displayed in bringing closure to the December 2000 assault served as the impetus for bestowing him with the welldeserved accolade as the 2024 Kiwanis Police Officer of the Year.
The tears welling up in his eyes when handed the microphone at the club’s annual award presentation certainly served as a powerful indicator of the sensitivity and concern for justice that Boucher brings to his work with each victim in his duties with the
Concord Police Department Special Victims Unit and as part of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. As part of this task force, he investigates reports of child sexual exploitation including child pornography, online predatory behavior against children and child prostitution.
‘I COULDN’T BEPROUDER’
Holding back tears, Boucher reached out to take the hand of his wife, Elexia. He lauded the unconditional support she has given to him through the years.
Despite the numerous times he has called her to say he would be late getting home, the response has been the same: “OK. I understand. I love you. I will be here when you get home,” said the soft-spoken detective.
“I couldn’t be prouder,” Elexia said, citing the work her husband does for victims and how he cares for them through his role with the department. “I recognize the work you do is important, and it gives me peace.”
Boucher noted the first couple of years had a steep learning curve. He praised Darryl Holcombe, formerly with Concord PD and now a senior inspector with the ICAC Task Force in the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, who took him under his wing to teach him the ropes.
‘NOT A JOB FOREVERYONE’
Lt. Kevin Halm, who put forth the nomination of Boucher, has known the honoree since
See Boucher, page 5
David Scholz
Detective David Boucher holds the Kiwanis Officer of the Year Award for 2024 alongside Rocci Barsotti, president of the Kiwanis Club of Concord.
Christine Sinclair
Kent Ipsen’s
Eñye sits on a previously unused corner of the Rhine Building in downtown Clayton.
CARLYN OBRINGER CONCORD MAYOR
JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer
TAMARA STEINER The Pioneer
DAVID SCHOLZ Correspondent
See Noh, page 5
See Eñye, page 4
Hindus celebrate Thaipusam with walk to Concord temple
CONCORD – More than 15,000 Hindu pilgrims flocked to Shiva Marugun Temple to celebrate Thaipusam on Feb. 8.
The festival commemorates the victory of the Hindu god Murugan over the demon Surapadman, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. In India, devotees mark Thaipusam by walking to the Murugan Temple in the city of Palani. Here, they participated in a 21-mile walk from Bishop Ranch in San Ramon or a seven-mile walk from Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek to the temple at 1803 Second St. in Concord.
Karthig Nagarajn said the journey from Heather Farm took two hours, followed by an hour-long wait to see the idol of Murugan.
“We are all the devotees of the god,” Nagarajn said, indicating the surrounding crowd. “We have been praying and following this god since we were born in India, so this gives us eternal peace and belonging.”
He and his friend Subbu Basuki said the experience was well worth the time spent.
“The wait here was a little bit hard, but it shows people are interested and I am happy about this,” Basuki said.
Priest
Marugun’s spear. The milk represents purity and sustenance, and the act is meant to cleanse and purify devotees’ minds while expressing their love for the god.
Festival organizers spent months coordinating more than 600 volunteers and collaborating with local city and park districts to plan the two walking routes.
Volunteers guided pilgrims arriving at the temple through a series of rooms, gave them fruit blessed by the temple gods and stopped to allow them to view the idols on display. After offering their prayers, they received a meal and transportation back to their starting points.
“This is a very spiritual experience,” said Priest Sathish Gurukka. “We pray for all the people walking and for the world to be at peace.”
Devotees founded the tem-
ple in San Francisco in 1957 and moved to Concord in 1987 to accommodate increased devotion. A new temple has been under construction next door since 2021, with plans for an opening ceremony on May 9. To ensure the building’s authenticity, special artisans and materials arrived from India.
Shiva Murugan Temple board member Sendhil Chidambaram noted that the festival, now in its fourth year, has grown exponentially.
“Last year, we had visitors from 27 states and four countries,” he said. “This year, I already know there will be more. There is nothing else like this here.” For more information on Shiva Marugun Temple, visit www.temple.org.
Dawnmarie Fehr is a dedicated journalist with a deep passion for local news. With almost a decade of experience reporting on the dynamic happenings in the East Bay, she thrives on connecting with the people who shape her community. Email her at dmcp83@yahoo.com.
Dawnmarie Fehr
Balasubramanian Kannan pours milk over Lord
1182 EASLEY DR, CLAYTON
Residents concerned as Diamond Terrace plans to cut meals and services
CLAYTON – Diamond Terrace, the independent living facility that has served the town’s senior community since 2001, announced last week that it will discontinue all amenities – including meals, shuttle services and apartment cleaning –effective April 30.
The decision marks a significant shift in the facility’s operations, sparking concerns among residents.
The Michaels Organization has owned and managed Diamond Terrace for the past 15 years. According to regional vice president Mary Keshishyan, the facility thrived for years, even maintaining stable occupancy levels through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, times have been challenging since then.
“The three years after COVID led us here today,” Keshishyan explained in an interview with the Pioneer. “There has been a continuous decline in residents using services on-site. Vacancy rates have been dismal, running between 25% and 30% every year since the pandemic.”
Efforts to increase participation in the available services proved unsuccessful. “Last year, we bought a beautiful new bus – but no one is using it,” she added.
LOSS OF SOCIAL CONNECTIONS
uncertainty and sadness felt within the community.
NO MORE TAX BREAKS
When Diamond Terrace opened, it qualified for certain state and city tax concessions. These have since expired, and the facility no longer receives any favorable tax treatment, according to Keshisyan.
As for rental rates, she anticipates a 5% to 8% increase when the county releases Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures this spring. Despite economic challenges, she emphasized that affordability remains a priority.
Carrasco Construction
Frank
Going forward, residents can redirect funds previously spent on services toward their personal needs.
However, meals have long served as a key social opportunity for some residents.
Clayton resident Stephanie Cademartori voiced her worries on social media: “This is terrible. Meals are also a way residents socialize and connect with friends. I can’t imagine the stress the current residents are feeling.”
Lisa Valory, whose father resides at Diamond Terrace, was deeply concerned about the change. “My father has dementia and really depends on the meals,” she told the Pioneer in a phone call. Valory immediately began searching for a new facility for him.
A third-party contractor has always provided meals at Diamond Terrace, rather than through an in-house kitchen. With the discontinuation of meal services, residents will need to rely more on their units’ limited kitchens, which
With these amenities gone, residents will no longer be required to pay for services they do not use. The facility’s monthly rates have always been divided into two parts: rent and services. The cost of services has ranged from $1,400 to $1,700 per unit per month, while rent for a studio apartment starts at $1,314.
include a micr owave and small cooktop but no oven.
DINING ROOM STILL
A GATHERINGPLACE
Despite these changes, Diamond Terrace is encouraging residents to continue using communal spaces.
“They can still gather in the dining room for events, and we invite community members to use the conference and meeting rooms,” Keshishyan said.
The facility has long hosted local organizations such as the Garden Club and the Clayton Business & Community Association (CBCA).
In place of traditional amenities, management plans to hire a social services coordinator who will act as an activities director and provide assistance with Medicare and other support programs.
“With the coordinator, we can continue to have a higher level of oversight for households,” Keshishyan noted.
Adding to residents’ angst amid these changes, they recently learned that their executive director died Jan. 30 after a brief illness, deepening the
“Because it’s designated as affordable housing, we will be able to keep 45% to 50% of our units at lower rental rates.” However, she acknowledged that the recession and changing demographics have impacted the number of prospective residents who qualify for housing.
Amidst the concerns, Keshishyan reassured residents and the broader community that the Michaels Organization remains dedicated to Diamond Terrace’s mission.
“I can’t stress this enough – a Diamond Terrace has deep roots in the local community, as does Michaels Management,” she said. “Sometimes change is hard, but I want everyone to know that these recent changes were made with a holistic approach in mind and, more importantly, in the best interest of our community members.”
While the upcoming transition presents challenges, management hopes that the new plan will allow Diamond Terrace to remain a vital part of Clayton’s senior living landscape for years to come.
CONCORD – The City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 11 to spend $20,400 to continue the Downtown Welcome & Cleanliness Program from May 11 to June 30. But, the approval came with the caveat that the Todos Santos Business Association (TSBA) needs to find a more permanent funding stream.
Original money for the program came from a onetime federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant of $458,000 through the city in 2023, along with a $50,000 grant from the Brenden-Mann Foundation. The new money is “gap” funding to get through the end of the city’s fiscal year.
At last week’s meeting, the council heard a mid-year budget update that showed a $1.4 million decrease in anticipated revenue along with a $2.5 million increase in the CalPERS pension liability. Given that information, Councilmembers Pablo Benavente, Dominic Aliano and Laura Hoffmeister all warned that the city may not be able to fund the downtown program going forward.
“We just heard from our budget presentation tonight that things are not as rosy as we thought they were a couple years ago,” Hoffmeister said. “The economy is rough, and it’s gotten rougher. So, I see that the next couple years are going to be pretty choppy waters.
“With our funding streams not being as robust as we
thought they were, I definitely encourage the TSBA to look at self-sustainability … because there is no guarantee that council will support this beyond this short-term funding.”
A DECREASEIN ‘NEGATIVE CONTACTS’ AND GRAFFITI
According to TSBA president Walter Eichinger, the group launched the program in May 2023 with three key priorities:
• A daily security officer to patrol parking garages, Todos Santos Plaza and the downtown business district by foot, bike and vehicle.
• A daily day-porter to pick up trash, clean graffiti, and wipe down park benches, tables and trash cans.
• Monthly pressure washing services.
CLAYTON – From the mid-1860s through 1900, Charles Rhine ran a general store that not only sold a wide variety of goods but was also the town’s civic center and post office.
The Clayton Museum’s
new exhibit, “Clayton’s General Store,” lets visitors discover what it was like to shop, gossip and socialize at the Rhine store – where customers could find just about everything they needed all in one place.
Using sources such as the Contra Costa County Library’s historical newspaper collection and product labels from the California State Archive’s old trademark files, museum co-curator Nancy Niemeyer has created a colorful display about the products and services the Rhine general store offered. In the 1800s, general stores were dimly lit, crowded spaces packed with groceries, hardware, pots and pans, tools, fabric, patent medicines, and more. Customers paid cash when they had it, bartered with the store when they could and bought goods on credit the rest of the time. Instead of picking out their own items, customers had to rely on store clerks to collect and wrap up their choices. Luckily, Charles Rhine had 10 children and 14 nieces and nephews who could help out at the store.
In an interview with the Pioneer last week, Eichinger said “negative contacts” have gone from 80-100 a month to less than 15. He credited much of the success to security guard Israel from AX9, who patrols the area with “nothing but a uniform, a badge and a cell phone” and talks to people who are using drugs, blocking building entrances, camping in elevators or using the plaza as their toilet.
“In the entire program, he has not put hands on anybody – not one time,” Eichinger said. “There has not been one complaint. In fact, it’s nothing but appreciation and compliments. He’s respectful of everybody.”
Eichinger also reported that just having the officer
present has led to a decrease in graffiti. And, he pointed to support from Concord’s Public Works, Engineering and Police departments.
In light of the council’s concerns, Eichinger said the TSBA will launch a new fundraising push with businessowners and landlords. Eichinger, a senior vice president at Brenden Theatres, added that the Brenden-Mann Foundation has already committed $1,000 a month starting in June.
WHY REVENUEESTIMATES FELL SHORT
City manager Valerie Barone pointed to several factors leading to Concord’s revenue decline, which includes a sale tax decrease of $3.5 million over expectations.
“It’s a slowing of car sales. It’s a general softening of consumer spending in the market because of high interest rates,” she told the council.
“We notice car sales because we rely on car sales so heavily, but you see it in every sector of sales – including building construction from our stores. We also have our downtown office buildings with a lot fewer people in them who aren’t going and eating and buying like they might if they were in town.”
Barone noted that the budget was based on estimates from two years ago. “We projected a growth that just hasn’t happened.”
The council will continue discussing city funding at the May 13 Biennial Operating Budget Workshop.
Being Clayton’s community center, the Rhine store was also the place where residents gathered to catch up on the latest news, politics, events and tall tales. It served as Clayton’s bulletin board, where the public could view notices, legal documents, announcements and other information. When the locals got together for a chat on the store’s porch or around its wood-burning stove, the result was the formation of many Clayton clubs, celebrations, political rallies, sports teams and civic projects.
As the local operator for the Western Union Telegraph Co. and the Contra Costa Telephone Co., Rhine had the only telegraph and telephone in town. Anyone who wanted to make or receive a telephone call had to use the “party line” shared by everyone in Clayton, Antioch and the region’s coal mining towns. There was no privacy because all the telephones on the line rang when there was a call, making eavesdropping easy. Calls made outside the local line had to be routed
through one or more telephone exchanges. The line could handle only one call at a time and there was no service at night. For a colorful look at shopping in the 1800s, come see the general store exhibit at the Clayton Historical Society’s Museum, 6101 Main St. The exhibit will run throughout the rest of 2025.
For more information on the exhibit and the Clayton Historical Society, visit https://claytonhistory.org.
members – Victor from Mexico and Tony from Guatemala. Eñye aims to bring a communal, shareable dining experience to Clayton with a full bar, small plates, and entrees for lunch and dinner. The menu, influenced by traditional Latin American flavors, is an homage to “abuela’s kitchen.”
The restaurant features an urban yet warm aesthetic, with taupe, gray and black tones complemented by vibrant and colorful, tropicalstyle wallpaper.
With a staff of about 50, including six kitchen members led by executive chef Mike Fischetti, Eñye is Ipsen’s most ambitious project yet.
“When you’re doing it the right way, it takes a lot of hands,” he said.
Ipsen was mindful of the town’s existing restaurant landscape when planning Eñye. “I didn’t want a restaurant that would disrupt the other restaurants in Clayton – didn’t want to be cannibalizing the other businesses,” he emphasized.
Instead, Eñye fills a void in the market, offering a fine dining experience that showcases Latin American cuisine in a way that had been missing.
“The Latino culture in general is underserved from the perspective of nicer dining,” Ipsen said. “There’s a taqueria on every corner but no dining spot that showcases the flavors of their culture.”
FROM TOYS TO PIZZA
Skipolini’s Pizza has been a staple in Clayton for 50 years. Ipsen’s parents, Skip and Beverly, founded it in 1974 on a mission to provide high-quality food in a family-friendly environment at an affordable price.
Skip was a toy salesman when he announced to his family that he was opening a pizza restaurant. Kent, then a fourth grader at Mt. Diablo Elementary, was puzzled. “We don’t even make pizza at home, Dad – I don’t understand the concept.”
Despite early skepticism, Skip opened Skipolini’s Pizza
Garden, serving pizza and three sandwiches. Kent and his brother grew up making dough rolls in their pool house on Kenston Drive, an early glimpse into the family’s hands-on approach to the business.
When Clayton was just a burg of about 800 people, the restaurant inspired a bumper sticker that became famous all over the Bay Area: “Where the hell is Skipolini’s?”
AN EYE FOR EXPANSION
By 1994, Ipsen took over the family restaurant, expanding it beyond Clayton’s downtown to 11 locations – including eight pizza/Italian restaurants and fine dining establishments in Carmel, Clayton and an upcoming location in Sausalito.
His father was content with a single restaurant, but Kent had a bigger vision. “He could never wrap his head around the idea of more than one restaurant,” Kent recalled.
His journey is a testament to entrepreneurial spirit and deep community roots. In recognition of this milestone, the city honored him with a proclamation on Dec. 17 celebrating Skipolini’s 50 years in business.
During the City Council meeting, Ipsen described the family’s first pizza. “It was loaded with fresh vegetables and six types of meat. The creation weighed over four pounds and could have cured the hunger of several small countries.”
GIVINGBACK TO THECOMMUNITY
Philanthropy has always been at the heart of the Ipsen family business. In 2014, the family spearheaded the creation of the Ipsen Family Bocce Park in collaboration with the Clayton Business & Community Association (CBCA). The Ipsens provided the land on the corner of Oak and Center streets and an initial $125,000, while CBCA contributed another $175,000 to build the facility.
Skipolini’s has also been a long-time supporter of local
youth sports, reinforcing its role as more than just a restaurant but a community cornerstone. Ipsen credits much of his business philosophy to his mentor, Ed Moresi, the former Skipolini’s manager who later opened Ed’s Mudville Grill and Moresi’s Chop House.
“All of the love and grace you guys experience in Clayton was because of him,” Kent told the City Council, his voice thick with emotion. He became visibly moved when reflecting on how much he had learned from Moresi’s leadership and the impact it had on his career.
Ipsen saw the Rhine Building’s potential where others saw an underutilized space. Upstairs, he has replaced office space with six luxury loft apartments, a reflection of an evolving society.
“We had to rethink what the community really wants,” Ipsen explained. “It didn’t need offices anymore.”
DARING TO DREAM Looking out over his newest venture, Ipsen considered the full-circle moment.
“It’s an interesting dynamic –50 years ago, my mom and dad started their little pizza restaurant. Now, 50 years later, this property touches the original property. Our oldest one in the city is sitting on that corner, and the newest one is sitting on this corner.”
As the interview wrapped up and the day drew to a close, Ipsen said he likes to take this time for reflection and a glass of wine as he ponders his latest dream coming to life.
“Dancing inside my dream,” he said with a smile, as Eñye prepared for its grand opening.
From dough balls in a pool house to fine dining in Clayton, Ipsen is creating a story of evolution, resilience and a deep love for the community that shaped him.
Eñye Latin Table is open everyday 4-9:30 p.m. For reservations, call 925.672.5555. Walk-ins welcome.
Nancy Niemeyer
The new exhibit at the Clayton Museum features samples of products that might have been found in Charles Rhine’s store in the late 1800s.
Can L.A. fires happen here? Preparation is key
of 2026.
Imagine it’s a warm, dry day in the East Bay. It hasn’t rained in a while, and the foliage from the top of Mt. Diablo to our front yards is dry and getting crispy.
Then north winds tear down through the Central Valley through our corridor to the Bay and ocean – Devil Winds, as they’re sometimes called.
Now imagine some children playing with popper fireworks on a hillside near the mountain. Or a minor car accident on the winding road up to the top sparking some brittle leaves. A power line flaring. Or, worst of all, an arsonist attempting some mischief.
Before we know it, our mountain has erupted in flames, aided by the dry conditions and that Devil Wind. Firefighters from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection Service (ConFire) quickly call in other agencies and CalFire.
But it’s too late, and soon, fire is racing down toward Clayton’s Dana Hills neighborhood at warp speed, or, on the other side, making its way to Montecito and Crystyl Ranch in Concord. It jumps Ygnacio Valley Road and suddenly, Lime Ridge and Walnut Country neighborhoods are threatened.
The houses catch fire like matchbooks. It’s an inferno.
‘FUEL FORTHEFIRE’
This was the situation in Los Angeles just more than a month ago. Can it really happen here?
“No doubt, yes,” says Marsh Creek resident Sue Thompson, a former member of the East County Fire Protection Services Board and the Clayton/Morgan Territory unofficial safety czar.
“One of the lessons L.A. taught us is that you don’t need to be next to the fire,” Thompson says. “If the conditions are right, the wind can blow embers across highways and into concentrated neighborhoods. Houses are basically fuel for the fire.”
She says that the L.A. fires went 23 blocks into towns in Pacific Palisades and Alta Dana, all because of the urban concentration of homes and businesses that were not prepared or couldn’t prevent fiery embers from showering down on them, aided by the Santa Ana winds.
ConFire Battalion Chief Tom Zurflueh agrees that a fire could and might devastate parts of the Diablo Valley like what happened in Los Angeles.
“It’s the price we pay for living in a beautiful area like California,” he says. “The foliage, unpredictable rainy seasons and urbanization are all a factor. Add in a north wind, and it’s entirely possible we could have a situation like L.A.”
According to the Bay Area News Group, wildfire experts have recently underscored the dangers of wind-driven embers that can travel long distances and ignite foliage and flammable material on and around homes. With climate change and more frequent wildfires, officials have pushed for more “defensible space” around homes and businesses.
far, they have completed 475 acres.
“These efforts are already making a measurable difference in reducing fire hazards and improving the resilience of natural ecosystems,” says EBRPD spokesperson Dave Mason.
children to play with, and find a safe place to stay.”
There is a list of items suggested for a go-bag on ConFire’s website, Thompson says.
2017 and pointed out his diligent work ethic with every case. The 2000 cold case was no exception.
“Every hurdle that was presented to him, he found a way to overcome it and get a successful prosecution,” Halm said.
Halm noted that the difficult crimes the Special Victims Unit handles pose challenges on a mental and emotional level unlike others, and it takes a person with a special skill set.
“It’s certainly not a job for everyone, and people realize, ‘This isn’t for me,’ ” Halm said.
‘DOGGEDDETERMINATION’
Contra Costa County Supervisor Ken Carlson, the recipient of the 2012 Kiwanis honor, echoed this sentiment and praised Boucher for taking on the role.
“To see the children who are victimized,” said Carlson, “I couldn’t do (that job), I couldn’t bring myself to do it.” Halm described the way
BECOMING FIREWISE
But Zurflueh is not an alarmist.
“If people are prepared, then it won’t be as bad, and property and lives may not be lost.”
According to both Thompson and Zurflueh, excess foliage and debris around the perimeters of homes are two of the main culprits.
“Some of these overgrown trees and plants act as kindling and a home – or a neighboring home – can go up in a flash,” Zurflueh says.
They urge communities or neighborhoods to follow the Firewise plan.
“Firewise USA is a program that provides a framework to help neighbors get organized, find direction, and take action to increase the ‘ignition resistance’ of their homes and community, and reduce wildfire risks at the local level,” says Holly Tillman, a Clayton City Council member and coordinator of the city’s Firewise efforts.
The program is part of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and emphasizes community involvement and responsibility for wildfire mitigation.
“I chose to spearhead the formation of Firewise communities in Clayton to fortify wildfire prevention measures,” Tillman notes. “To-date, three neighborhoods or ‘communities’ have been assessed by ConFire and are in varying stages of progress.”
CREATING DEFENSIBLESPACE
Tillman says participation in the program is voluntary, but it requires a commitment to actively engage in risk-reduction practices and create an action plan.
“For example,” she says, “remove anything that can burn from the perimeter of your home, like vegetation, doormats, wooden fences, and work with your neighbors to ensure your neighborhood is as defensible as it can be. What does that look like? Zero to five feet from the structure should be rock or hardscape only. Tree canopies should be at least 6 feet high.”
There are other advantages to Firewise. “It’s an opportunity for neighbors to meet each other, work together and help make their homes safer in a wild-
Boucher looks at the mechanics of a case and then approaches it piece by piece in a very organized fashion.
“He starts identifying the hurdles and how to get over them,” said Halm.
Police Chief Mark Bustillos touted the skills that Boucher put forth to bring closure to the 25- year-old cold case as a reflection of the “dogged determination” Boucher and his peers in the detective bureau bring to the job.
Decades after the crime, Boucher talked with witnesses who had been in contact with the victim at the time of the assault and obtained detailed statements that corroborated the victim’s report.
“You showed extremely good interviewing skills to get them back in that space,” Bustillos said.
OBTAINING A CONFESSION
Initially, the suspect refused to provide a statement.
fire,” Thompson says. “There is a framework set up so no one has to start from scratch.”
With Firewise, neighbors and/or communities can have ConFire – or whoever their fire protection agency is – assess their community and make suggestions on how to be “firewise” by creating defensible spaces around homes, changing the landscaping and/or removing “ladder fuels” that can carry fire up into the canopies of trees.
Once the community –whether a neighborhood or an entire subdivision – comes up with a plan and executes it, ConFire sends the information to CalFire for approval. Once that happens, the plan goes to NFPA for certification.
“Firewise communities get a sign they can hang in their neighborhood. Firefighters can see that this is a community where residents have already been doing the work to reduce their risk,” Thompson says.
“It’s also a great way to meet and work with neighbors,” she adds. “You can also find out that a home that is overgrown with debris might not just be uninterested neighbors, but elderly folks or some with disabilities. You can help them out and get to know their needs.”
According to Thompson, firefighters say that much of their work defending homes during a wildfire is emergency landscaping. “Help them help you – do that work ahead of time.”
NEWSTATEWIDE EFFORT
There is a wealth of information online, including on the ConFire website (www.cccfpd.org), about keeping your yards fire-safe, from tips on trimming trees to suggestions on how to put in a rock garden, Thompson says.
As an added bonus, if you do trim excess trees and bushes, ConFire will come out for free with a woodchipper to help dispose of the foliage.
Even Gov. Gavin Newsom is helping out, as last month he signed an executive order forcing many Californians to create a five-foot “ember-resistant” zone around their houses. Within 45 days, state officials must create a draft of the ember-resistant rule and gather public input, so the law can be enacted by the start
Undeterred, Boucher pressed on, locating an additional witness who provided information that placed the suspect at the location of the assault.
Shortly thereafter, the suspect called and asked to speak to Boucher. This time, the flight to Los Angeles resulted in the suspect’s full confession to the crime.
Based on the confession, DNA evidence and corroborating statements, the District Attorney’s Office filed charges against the suspect, who now faces life in prison.
Such an effort was critical as getting a conviction would otherwise would have been difficult, if practically impossible, the chief said.
In his time with the department, Boucher has authored more than 50 search warrants related to investigations into child sexual exploitation and has been involved in dozens of arrests. He also teaches internet safety to parents at local churches and schools to help prevent child victimization.
“If you have a neighbor with excess foliage and/or debris around their home, and you feel uncomfortable talking to them about it, contact ConFire and we will have a conversation with the resident,” Zurflueh says.
MAKINGPARKLANDSAFER
And we can’t forget about the local wildlands. Zurflueh says that ConFire usually uses the winter months to trim back trees, create fire diversion roads and generally prepare as much as possible on the land on and around Mt. Diablo, such as Shell Ridge, the Marsh Creek areas and Lime Ridge.
Over in Berkeley and Oakland, and in parks around Mt. Diablo it owns, the East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD) is also helping reduce the chances of violent and even smaller wildlands fires.
“The East Bay Regional Park District works year-round to reduce fire fuels to help keep parks and surrounding communities safe,” said EBRPD Fire Chief Aileen Theile. “The goal is to reduce fire intensity to give firefighters a fighting chance when fires do occur.”
That includes increasing staff to cut down on “fuels,” like fallen branches and excess foliage, boosting the budget through grants and voter-approved bonds, and doing such things as continuing the work at Anthony Chabot Regional Park. The district is cleaning a 667-acre space of fuels to thin and remove hazardous trees and vegetation, including eucalyptus trees. So
ConFire is currently training firefighters on fighting wildland blazes and strategically placing equipment like bulldozers around vulnerable spaces so that they will be more easily accessible if a fire breaks out.
GETOUTEARLY
But what if it’s not enough and a fire bleeds down Mt. Diablo into vulnerable neighborhoods? Then it’s time for evacuation.
Both Thompson and Zurflueh can’t stress enough the importance of evacuation, even if it’s just a warning and not an order.
“There’s no shame in being the first one out of the neighborhood,” Thompson says.
“Have your go-bag packed with important items, like copies of documents and medications, pack up items for your pets and
Zurflueh says that early evacuations help in many ways. If someone stays and is injured, firefighters must help them evacuate – losing time that could go toward saving other properties. Plus, if you evacuate early, you miss the sometimes terrifying traffic jams that occur when an order comes down and fire is moving swiftly toward your neighborhood.
Finally, with fewer cars on the streets, it’s easier for emergency vehicles to maneuver and possibly save your house more quickly.
Both Zurflueh and Thompson say to be sure to tune into websites and apps that will help you know about the fire, where it’s headed and any evacuation orders and warnings.
“These apps can be lifesavers,” Thompson says.
Yes, a devastating fire could happen here. But, as Thompson says, “Be prepared, not scared.”
Fire Safety Resources
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Firewise USA. www.cccfpd.org/firewise. A comprehensive sub-site that offers information on how to protect your home, add defensible space, start a neighborhood Firewise group, pack for evacuations and more. Watch Duty. An app where residents can sign up for alerts and information about fires in different areas, plus comprehensive coverage of press conferences and photos.
Community Warning System. cwsalerts.com. One of the most comprehensive emergency warning systems in the state, CWS can alert residents and businesses within Contra Costa County that are impacted by or are in danger of being impacted by an emergency. The CWS message will include basic information about the incident and specific protective actions (shelter-in-place, lockdown, evacuation, etc.) It also offers power shut-off alerts. Sign up and get warnings on your phone, iWatch, landline and email.
Noh, from page 1
the latter part of last season. I was really ready and really confident entering 2025,” she told the media in her post tournament press conference.
“I always knew (a pro tournament win) would happen. I knew I could do it. When was the only question,” Noh explained while saying she doused champagne on several of her contemporaries as they won titles before her. This time Noh was the one getting sprayed as her parents looked on.
She got quite emotional when answering a question about what the first win means. She spoke about her parents (Brian and Kim Noh who formerly owned and ran Happy Roll restaurant at Todos Santos Plaza in Concord) and all the sacrifices they have made and support they have given her to reach this place.
She explained how important it was for them to be on hand for the victory. “They always told me to stay true to myself.”
Noh needed to cut the press briefing short to catch a flight to Dallas (her new home in Irving, Texas) and then another flight to San Francisco to celebrate with family and friends.
A JOURNEY FROM PRODIGY TO PRO AND NOW CHAMPION
Noh began homeschooling at her Concord home and spending more time honing her golf game at Oakhurst Country Club in Clayton in 2016 after two years at Carondelet High where she helped the Cougars to top finishes in North Coast, Northern California and State championships.
Her trajectory was straight up with stunning successes on the elite amateur circuit in 2018 when she was the Rolex Junior Girls Player of the Year after winning four major championships in five weeks. That came
in the summer when Noh should have been getting ready to enroll at UCLA on a full-ride scholarship. She decommitted from a verbal commitment to become a Bruin and instead focused on her professional aspirations.
The San Francisco born Noh played as a non-tour player in two professional tournaments in 2018 and five the following year, nearly winning the Cambia Portland Classic as a Monday qualifier and easily claiming her PGA tour card with a third-place finish at Q School. She joined the LPGA Tour in the COVID-19 interrupted 2020 season and a year later was a member of the USA Solheim Cup team as a captain’s choice, where she won two matches for the Americans. Her rookie year saw her miss the cut only once in
16 starts and won $415,000. She went over the milliondollar mark in official career earnings the following season with 20 made cuts in 23 tournaments plus the Solheim Cup performance. Then the Concord-raised golfer hit a wall. Over the 2022 and 2023 seasons she missed the cut 22 times in 46 tournaments and won only $345,000 in those two years. Putting woes and a loss of confidence were major factors in her slump, forcing her to regain her tour card in the QSeries at the end of 2023. Her turnaround began last year with two top 10 finishes in the first half of the season as she adapted to a long putter while making 10 of 13 cuts. Noh really got back in a groove making 11 of 12 cuts and placing fourth twice during the balance of 2024. She had a career high $826,000 in tour earnings with five top 10 finishes.
Boucher, from page 1
PEGGY SPEAR
The Pioneer
Courtesy of CalFire
Defensible space is key to slowing or stopping wildfire spread and protecting your home from embers, flames, or heat. It also gives firefighters a safer area to defend your property.
From the desk of...
New hires aim to strengthen Clayton’s city services
As we embarked on a new year in the city of Clayton, one of my highest priorities was to ensure that our city administrative team has the support they need to be successful now and in the future.
Many residents may be surprised to know that our entire city staff is made up of just 26.6 employees, 13 of which are employees in the Police Department (11 sworn officers, 2 civilians). That leaves just 13.6 employees to manage the city’s other departments: Human Resources, Finance, Maintenance and Community Development.
We have often supplemented our staffing by the use of consulting firms, which has had a short-term benefit but is not the same as having consistent, year-round, full- and part-time employees.
Back in July, our then interim city manager proposed a reorganization of the duties of the staff and the creation
At our Feb. 3 City Council meeting, I read a resolution passed in 2017 confirming our city’s commitment to be a welcoming and inclusive city.
With all the turmoil happening in our nation, this seemed an appropriate time to reaffirm our dedication to this principle.
After the city adopted this
As I begin my first year in the California Assembly, I want to say how humbled and grateful I am that the people from the community where I grew up and am raising my children in placed their faith and trust in me in last November’s election.
It may be a little old-fashioned, but I still see public service as a noble calling to positively impact the direction of our state. California’s leaders need to lift up working families struggling to reach their share of the American Dream, assist small businesses who are in danger of closing under the weight of overregulation and improve the business climate that is stifling our worldrenowned innovation economy. Putting us on a better path includes working on: Housing . I ran for the Assembly to help move California in a direction that remedies these issues. I’ve spent my career on housing concerns, including serving on the California Housing Finance Authority, so I was pleased to be appointed to the Assembly Housing Committee. I will spend my energy in this post on housing
of new positions, including an assistant city manager/Administrative Services director who would oversee HR and Finance, elevating the positions of city clerk to include assistant to the city manager and promoting our accounting technician to full-time accountant.
The City Council approved those changes, including the outsourcing of our Community Development Services until we could determine exactly what the needs of the department
and community would be.
After an extensive review process by the Budget & Audit Committee and a number of City Council meetings and discussions, the Council unanimously approved the following changes to the city’s staffing lineup on Jan. 21:
• Fill the full-time administrative clerk and parttime/hourly Community Services leader (formerly facilities attendant) positions, both of which are already budgeted in Fiscal Year 2024-’25.
• Reclassify the Community Development director and assistant planner positions with a senior planner.
• Add a management analyst position to support the city manager, assistant city manager, accountant and city clerk as needed.
• Add a Community Development technician to oversee complaint-based code enforcement issues, handle
temporary use permits, special event permits, park and facility rental applications, and aid the senior planner.
Filling these positions will provide our city leadership team with the support they need to be successful and will offer our residents and community the services they require.
KUDOS TO LOCAL OFFICERS
I would also like to recognize the outstanding work done by Officer Wiggins and Sgt. Enea of our Clayton Police Department. On Jan. 25, they responded to a distress call by the husband of a woman who was in her car and had stopped breathing and had no pulse. They administered CPR until ConFire arrived and performed CPR until they could get a pulse. Because of their quick response and efforts, this woman is alive today.
The city honored them with a Certificate of Appreci-
Follow the lead of Pleasant Hill’s Diversity Commission
resolution, the council charged our Civic Action Commission with finding more ways to bring inclusivity into our activities. This resulted in the formation of the Diversity Subcommittee, which later transitioned into a stand-alone Diversity Commission.
Both groups have done an incredible job reaching out to many marginalized groups in our community. They started Community Conversations that continue to discuss the issues facing many of these groups and to give everyone a better understanding of their challenges.
The results have included a broader variety of music at our
affordability and supply, which given a decade of limited construction on housing following the 2007-’08 financial crisis, has been a tremendous drag on workforce housing. I’m also on the Aging and Veterans committees, where I will address the long-term housing needs for both populations.
Cost of Living. Getting our housing market back to an affordable level is hugely important for families and businesses who have felt squeezed. This is the most impactful area for state government’s ability to address costs, though I will press for greater transparency and accountability for utility costs that are the bane of both families and businesses alike.
Concerts in the Park, additional cultures featured in our Light Up the Night and new celebrations such as Juneteenth and the Menorah Lighting.
We have had a tremendous number of people apply for positions on our various city commissions. This is indicative of everyone’s willingness to participate in making this city the best it can be.
The Diversity Commission’s webpage provides a list of how we all can contribute to a culture of belonging:
• Maintain a welcoming, inclusive environment. Communicate that everyone belongs.
• Respect people, build connections across differences
ation for exceptional bravery, quick thinking and unwavering dedication to duty, exhibiting the highest standards of public service resulting in the saving of a life.
Remember, We Are Stronger Together.
Please feel free to contact me at kimt@claytonca.gov or 925-6737324.
and recognize each other’s humanity. Consider your impact on others.
• Examine multiple perspectives and viewpoints outside of your own experience.
• Invest in your community by educating yourself on best practices for diversity and inclusivity. Be open to learning and growing.
• Empower yourself to make changes that embrace the community around you. Communicate the changes you are making within your own environment.
As a community member and mayor of our great city, I ask you to keep these suggestions at the forefront of your minds. We all want to maintain the great small town feel we have grown to love. Following the ideals the commission has set will help us keep Pleasant Hill a place where everyone belongs.
Water policies. Closer to home, my new seat on the Assembly Water, Parks & Wildlife Committee allows me to loudly advocate for our Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta interests. The Delta is vital for the economic and environmental strength of Contra Costa County residents. I will stand up to anyone who tries to steal water from it, no matter how powerful they are or which political party they represent.
Climate disasters. Our state is in the midst of an insurance crisis thanks to climate change and the devastating disasters it’s unleashing. As a member of the Assembly Insurance Committee, I am working with other leaders around the state to fashion new policies that will protect consumers while keeping insurers solvent. There will be tough choices, but we cannot allow this crisis to cause a collapse of the marketplace.
I will continue to report to you on these important issues and others. And, I’d like to invite you to attend my district swearing-in 3-5 p.m. March 6 at Martinez City Hall.
If you need assistance or have difficulty accessing state services, please contact my capitol office at 916-319-2015 or my district office at 925-521-1511.
Contact Mayor Noack at Snoack@phillca.gov.
In 2018, our office launched the Community Academy to offer Contra Costa County residents an opportunity to see firsthand the role a District Attorney plays in ensuring public safety and seeking justice on behalf of the people of California and victims of crime.
As District Attorney, I believe that communication and transparency are cornerstones of a strong community. I am deeply committed to keeping the public informed about how we serve them, and the Community Academy has been a key part of that effort. Through this program, we’ve fostered stronger connections with our community by providing participants a unique and in-depth look at the vital work we do every day.
The Community Academy is an engaging, no-cost, 10week program designed for adults who live or work in Contra Costa County. Participants gain a comprehensive understanding of our justice system and hear directly from the people who work in public safety. Deputy district attorneys, investigators, police chiefs, victim advocates, and others share insights into how cases are investigated, filed,
and prosecuted, as well as the support we provide to victims. But this program isn’t just about sitting in a classroom. Participants have an opportunity to tour the Martinez Detention Facility, meet a Superior Court judge, and ask local government leaders questions about their roles and challenges they face. You’ll also learn about some of our outreach programs designed to support children, parents, and victims of crime. These interactive experiences are designed to help you understand how our office works in protecting our community while seeking justice with integrity and fairness. The Community Academy is open to anyone 18 or older who lives or works in Contra Costa County. If you’re curious about how the justice system works, this program is a great way to learn, ask questions, and engage directly with our office.
I encourage you to take part in this unique experience. Not only will you walk away with a deeper understanding of our work, but you’ll also be helping us build stronger relationships between our office and the communities we serve. Together, we can continue to strengthen trust, increase transparency, and seek, serve, and do justice in Contra Costa County. We look forward to welcoming you!
Applications for the Spring 2025 Community Academy are now open, and the deadline to apply is in early March.
For more information or to apply, visit our website or contact us at DA-CommunityAcademy@contracostada.org.
California continues to face unprecedented wildfires that are burning longer, hotter and more frequently than ever before.
The utterly devastating and fatal wildfires that recently burned across the Los Angeles region only days into the new year underscore that we are no longer dealing with fire seasons, but a yearround fire risk. This escalating crisis stretches firefighters dangerously thin, and wildfires now threaten communities in every corner of the Golden State.
That is why I am proud to be partnering with Senate Pro Tempore Mike McGuire in joint-authoring the Fight for Firefighters Act of 2025.
The bottom line is we need more firefighters on the front lines, and we need more boots on the ground, to battle these fires and create more defensible spaces around our cities and towns. The Fight for Firefighters
Act accomplishes both by transitioning all 3,000 ninemonth seasonal CalFire firefighters to year-round permanent positions. This bipartisan legislation will fully staff all 356 CalFire fire engines and helitack bases 365 days a year while ensuring CalFire wildfire vegetation management crews can do their good work for a full 12 months.
The grueling work of fighting these devastating wildfires takes a toll on phys-
ical and mental health, in ways we don’t yet entirely understand. In 2017, the year of the deadly Tubbs Fire, more firefighters died by suicide than on the front lines. Our firefighters need the training, rest and resources necessary to be ready to respond to emergencies 12 months a year, every year, and to take care of themselves and their loved ones. I’m a longtime supporter of our firefighters and emergency responders’ mental health needs. As a critical response chaplain to our local fire department and as a parent of a firefighter, this is personal to me. In 2019, I was proud to author legislation to increase access to effective mental health services for our firefighters. In 2023, I authored AB 700, which established the California Firefighter Prevention and Research
KIM TRUPIANO CLAYTON MAYOR
DIANA BECTON CONTRA COSTA DA
ANAMARIE AVILA FARIAS STATE ASSEMBLY
TIM GRAYSON 15TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT
Sixty percent of U.S. homeowners have at least $100,000 in tappable equity in their home – the highest level of home equity since 1958.
This is important because about 60% of U.S. homeowners are sitting on mortgage interest rates of 4% or lower. With current interest rates above 6.96%, this leaves 60% of homeowners unwilling to tap that equity due to higher interest payments that lead to higher monthly mortgage payments. But many homeowners
are also struggling with high credit card debt, expensive car loan payments and the cost of needed home repairs. One way to manage these expenses more effectively, without touching that 4% first mortgage, is by leveraging your home equity through a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC).
A HELOC works a lot like a credit card using the equity in your home. It is a recorded second deed of trust against your home, very similar to your first mortgage.
You are given a set credit line and you can borrow as needed, rather than taking it all at once. You only make payments on the money you borrow, not the full equity line. Typically, the interest rate is much lower than credit cards because your house is used as collateral. This is an adjustablerate loan, meaning the interest rate can go up or down depending on if the
Federal Reserve increases or decreases its fund rate.
If you don’t want an adjustable mortgage, another option to tap your equity is through a Closed End Second Mortgage. This mortgage works just like your primary, 30-year loan.
You borrow a lump sum, based on the available equity in your home, and pay it back in the same monthly payments over time – normally 30 years. The interest rate is fixed, so your monthly payment is predictable. If rates go down, you can refinance this loan to lower your monthly payment.
But unlike a HELOC, you have to take all of the funds at once. You can’t pay back a portion of the money and then withdraw it again later.
Both of these types of loans come with several borrowing options and interest rates that are much lower than credit cards and less costly than pulling
Three key ways residents can prepare for wildfires
KEN CARLSON COUNTY SUPERVISOR
Last month, the wildfires in Los Angeles County devastated several communities, claiming lives and forever altering the landscape.
Many of us personally know someone who was directly affected by these disasters, which underscores the urgency of being prepared. As a retired police officer with experience in evacuations, I know firsthand how vital it is to equip our residents with the right tools to stay safe in emergencies.
Emergencies strike without warning and having the right information can make the difference between life and death. Here are three critical steps to stay prepared and act quickly:
Know your evacuation zone. Contra Costa County
uses Genasys Protect, formerly known as Zonehaven Aware, to help residents stay informed. The platform allows users to save their location and receive real-time updates about their designated evacuation zone. It also provides the ability to track incidents, receive updates and make informed decisions during emergencies such as wildfires or chemical spills. To sign up, visit https://protect.genasys.com/s earch.
Sign up for the Community Warning System. CWS (https://cwsalerts.com) is one of the nation’s most advanced and effective all-hazard public warning systems. It alerts residents and businesses at risk of an emergency, providing timely updates via phone, text, email, sirens and social media. These alerts include critical information, such as evacuation instructions or shelter-inplace notices. In the event of an evacuation, authorities usually issue a warning in advance. Those with mobility challenges should leave during the warning phase – waiting for law enforcement to knock on the door is risky. While cell phone warnings can be lifesaving, they’re typically issued
only when there’s a high risk of significant loss of life and after local warnings have already been made. This is why planning is so important. Create a detailed emergency plan. In times of crisis, chaos often makes it hard to stay organized, which is why it’s essential to plan. Develop a family emergency plan that includes communication protocols, meeting points, evacuation routes and a gobag with essential items (e.g., water, medications, important documents). Being prepared helps ensure that everyone knows exactly what to do.
Don’t wait for the next disaster to act. By preparing now, families and communities will be better equipped to handle the unexpected.
I encourage all Contra Costa County residents to sign up for both Genasys Protect and CWS alerts and share this vital information with friends and neighbors. The more people who prepare, the safer our community will be when disaster strikes.
Ken Carlson is Contra Costa County District IV supervisor. Email questions or comments to SupervisorCarlson@bos.cccounty.us or call his office at 925-655-2350.
cash out from your higher interest income generating accounts.
Consolidating your debt into one lower monthly payment will give you
more breathing room in your monthly budget. Reducing your credit utilization could boost your credit score, as well.
To learn more about these types of loans, please reach out today at 925-487-0908 or email Anna@Stonecastlemtg.com for a free evaluation.
Aliano, as well as the completion of a rigorous grant application by city staff, the U.S. Forest Service selected Concord in fall 2023 to receive a $1 million grant to grow our urban forest. The grant is intended to support community efforts to plant and maintain trees, combat extreme heat and climate change, and improve access to nature in cities, towns and suburbs.
While leading regular tree planting efforts, such as my annual September of Service events, I have long advocated for more funding for Concord’s tree canopy, especially in North Concord and the Monument Community, where there are fewer trees than in other parts of our community. With this grant
to plant more trees in Concord, I was looking forward to building a greener community with cooler temperatures, cleaner air and healthier residents. Unfortunately, this funding is now at risk due to the federal grant freeze.
Regardless of whether pausing program funding is upheld as enforceable, the Trump Administration’s policy goals may ultimately change the rules for federal financial assistance, which could affect both new awards as well as existing grants such as those awarded to the city of Concord. So, what can be done? I will be traveling to Washington, D.C., in March, along with Aliano, to represent the city of Concord at the
National League of Cities Conference and meet with our federal elected representatives. Your stories will help us fight to keep funding for various essential programs, including affordable housing, transportation improvements and other initiatives that enhance the quality of life in our community. If you are unhappy with this threat to quality-of-life improvements, or if your business or nonprofit organization is impacted by a federal funding freeze, please make your voice heard. Contact the offices of U.S. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier and Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff to let them know you want them to fight for federal funding promised to the city of Concord.
Contact Mayor Obringer at carlyn.obringer@cityofconcord.org
and our state Senate are rising to meet this moment, and I look forward to announcing soon additional legislation I’ll be co-authoring to respond to the recent fires and prevent future wildfires from occurring. If you would like to discuss California’s wildfire policies and investments to make our state fire safe, or other matters important to you, please connect with me through my offices at 925258-1176 or 916-651-4009. Grayson, from page 6
Program to examine biomarkers of carcinogenic exposure and effect in order to identify the biological mechanisms that cause cancer and to reduce the incidence of cancer among firefighters. Currently, this program is conducting health screenings for California firefighters who were among the first responders to the Jan. 7 fires in L.A. County,
specifically addressing their unique health impacts. Now more than ever, we must continue to support research like this to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our firefighters. While California has made great progress in expanding CalFire’s ranks and resources, our firefighters now need our help again. I’m grateful that McGuire
Decks and Outdoor Living
k The Spring Markeet Is He
Proactive care decisions lead to better outcomes and lower expenses for seniors
living or skilled nursing, which is far more expensive than inhome care.
seniors stay independent longer.
Many seniors and their families delay discussions about home care, believing that help is only needed after a crisis. However, waiting until a fall, hospitalization or sudden health decline forces a decision that can lead to stress, higher costs and fewer choices.
Planning ahead ensures that seniors maintain control over their future while avoiding unnecessary risks.
THE FINANCIALCOST OFDELAYINGCARE
One of the biggest misconceptions about home care is that it’s an expense to be avoided until absolutely necessary. In reality, postponing care often leads to higher long-term costs. Consider this scenario: A senior living independently starts to struggle with daily tasks – cooking, cleaning, remembering medications – but pushes through. Over time, a lack of proper nutrition, forgotten medications or an unnoticed infection leads to a hospital stay. A single hospitalization can cost thousands of dollars, and recovery may require assisted
By introducing home care earlier, seniors get help managing small challenges before they turn into serious health crises. Preventative care is always more affordable than emergency care.
AN EMOTIONALTOLL ONFAMILIES
When families wait too long to arrange care, the burden often falls on adult children or spouses who may already be juggling careers and their own families. Caregiving is physically and emotionally demanding, and when families wait until a loved one is in crisis, the stress multiplies overnight. Last-minute decisions about care can create family conflicts, rushed choices and feelings of guilt. Families who plan ahead have time to explore options, discuss preferences and ensure that their loved one is comfortable with any changes.
THE RISK TO INDEPENDENCE
A common fear among seniors is that accepting help will mean losing independence. Ironically, the opposite is often true: Early intervention helps
For example, a senior who receives a little assistance with cooking, housekeeping or transportation is less likely to suffer from malnutrition, falls or isolation – all of which contribute to the need for full-time care later. By addressing these risks early, seniors can remain safely in their homes for years longer than those who wait until a crisis forces a move.
THE POWEROFCHOICE
Waiting until the last minute often means limited options. If an emergency happens – such as a fall or serious illness – families are forced to make quick decisions, sometimes settling for whatever care is available rather than what is best suited for their loved one.
By planning ahead, seniors have time to research different care options, meet caregivers and choose a plan that fits their lifestyle and budget. Being proactive means having the power to decide what care looks like, rather than having it dictated by circumstances.
TAKECONTROLOFTHEFUTURE
The best time to start thinking about care isn’t after something goes wrong – it’s before. By planning early, seniors can avoid unnecessary health risks, reduce stress for their families and ensure they receive the support they need to live safely and independently. Instead of waiting for a crisis, take small steps today. Have conversations, explore options and embrace care as a way to stay independent longer, not as a loss of freedom.
For more information, contact Home Helpers of Concord –helping seniors stay safe, comfortable and independent at home. Visit our website at homehelpershomecare.com.
LUCAS TRIO SKIN CARE
Remember when our moms used Noxzema and Ponds creams to remove their makeup at night? Or when Oil of Olay’s pink-tinted lotion was the height of skincare innovation?
Times have certainly changed, thanks to advancements in technology. Modern skincare isn’t just about moisturizing and SPF, it’s about regenerating, repairing and reversing the signs of aging at a cellular level.
One of the most promising breakthroughs in skincare to achieve this is stem cell technology.
There are two primary types of stem cells used in skincare today – plant and human.
Plant stem cells offer several benefits due to their high concentration of antioxidants, peptides, amino acids and growth factors that support
The evolution of skincare: stem cells and exosomes
skin health. Plant stem cells are shelf stable and rich in polyphenols, flavonoids and carotenoids, which help protect the skin from free radicals, UV damage and environmental stressors. They contain bioactive compounds that stimulate the skin’s own repair and renewal process, making them beneficial for sensitive skin conditions like rosacea and post-procedure recovery.
Human stem cells have all the benefits of plant stem cells plus they can replicate and signal other cells. The most common source is Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow, adipose (fat) tissue, umbilical cord or placenta.
At Trio Skincare, we work with stem cells ethically sourced from Wharton’s jelly, a gelatinous substance that provides structural support to the umbilical cord and contains a rich source of MSCs. These highly regenerative cells produce exosomes rich in growth factors, peptides and cytokines that aid skin repair, collagen production and pro-
duce anti-inflammatory effects.
Think of exosomes as tiny messengers – like microscopic drones – carrying high-quality building materials from one skin cell to another. Once delivered, they enhance cellto-cell communication, accelerate healing and stimulate collagen production, effectively reversing signs of aging. As stem cell science continues to push the boundaries of skincare, we stand at the forefront of a new era – one where skin rejuvenation is no longer just about maintenance, but true regeneration. Now more than ever, investing in sciencebacked skincare means investing in the future of your skin. Whether through exosome therapy, plant-derived growth factors or our other innovative regenerative treatments, the key to ageless skin is within reach at Trio Skincare.
For more information about Trio Skincare’s anti-aging/acne management clinic in Concord, visit www.trioskincare.com or call 925-609-8746.
RICH EBER
Special to the Pioneer
Last month’s devastating fires in Los Angeles brought attention to the need for California to build needed water storage facilities throughout the state.
Case in point is the proposed expansion of the Los Vaqueros Reservoir, which was halted in November after the Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) withdrew from the plans.
The CCWD board explained: “Beyond the significant cost increase, there were several other significant factors that led to this project –including decreased benefits for partners, increased benefit uncertainty and insufficient guarantees of backup water supplies for CCWD customers while the reservoir is demolished and reconstructed.”
D ECADES LONG EXPANSIONEFFORT
The reservoir was originally financed by a $450 million bond CCWD issued in the 1990s. The reservoir stores water pumped from the Sacra-
CCWD
The Los Vaqueros Reservoir, once slated for expansion, remains unchanged as California grapples with water storage challenges amid climate change and increasing demand across the state.
mento River when non-salty run-off conditions prevail.
Further expansion took place in 2012 funded by CCWD customers. Even most hard-core environmentalists were pleased with the outcome.
Then, federal, state and regional local water agencies hoped to nearly double the capacity of Los Vaqueros with second expansion to provide benefits for regional partners. In today’s regulatory climate, it took nearly a
decade from 2013 to put together a coalition of interested parties. The project’s eight Joint Powers Authority (JPA) members included the nearby East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) and the Alameda County Water District. Red tape, permits, environmental impact reports, engineering seismic studies and additional construction expenses ensued.
See Vaqueros, page 9
P.O. Box 1246 Clayton, CA 94517
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The family of Daniel A. DeSousa announces his sudden passing on Jan. 8 at the age of 78.
Sponsored Content
Daniel will be dearly missed by his wife Debbie of 33 years, his son Tony DeSousa and his sister Lorraine Rich. Daniel was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Maria DeSousa, and his brothers, Richard, Joseph and Edward.
Daniel was born in Kowloon, Hong Kong, on Dec. 3, 1946. In 1954, when Dan was 7, the family immi-
grated to the United States and lived in Richmond, Calif. Dan graduated from Richmond High School. He worked for Jacuzzi for 17 years in Walnut Creek. Dan later started his own architectural design draftsman business. Dan was also an accomplished guitar player. He was a 10-year member of The Boomers and built his own electric guitar. He was quite a
Cemeteries allow us to reconnect with our past
Families visit cemeteries for many reasons. Sometimes, it’s because a loved one has recently passed, and they find comfort or closure in being near them. Other times, it’s an act of love –placing flowers for an anniversary, cleaning a headstone or simply tending to a sacred space. Many visit to reconnect with their family’s legacy, bringing their children or
Vaqueros, from page 8
According to the agenda docket dated Nov. 6, 2024, the board directed General Manager Rachel Murphy “to coordinate and work with CCWD, JPA member agencies and JPA staff to begin JPA dissolution and JPA agreement termination efforts.”
L OOKINGAHEAD TO S ITES R ESERVOIR
In a Jan. 30 exclusive interview with the Pioneer, U.S. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord) expressed disappointment with the expansion being shelved.
“It is a shame, because the project was an excellent regional resource,” DeSaulnier said. “I have offered (U.S. Reps.) Josh Harder, Eric Swalwell and other groups my assistance, but the federal government has no jurisdiction.”
DeSaulnier, a former Concord mayor and Contra Costa County supervisor, has been a strong proponent of increasing water storage. He was a co-sponsor of SB-1, which was intended to spur plans to provide this needed resource for Southern California.
DeSaulnier mentioned the Sites Reservoir Project, which is planned to store 1.5 billion acre-feet of Delta run-off in a land-locked locale some 65 miles southwest of Sacramento. If built, the reservoir would provide much-needed agricultural and residential use for dry areas of Southern California.
grandchildren to share stories of their ancestors and keep their memories alive.
Every year, we see countless families gathering to honor veterans on Memorial Day, celebrate mothers and fathers on their respective days, observe Día de los Muertos, pay homage during Ching Ming and visit on other special holidays. These moments of remembrance are powerful, bringing families together across generations.
I once helped a man in the later years of his life who hadn’t visited his father’s grave in decades. He had moved away long ago, but on that particular day, he felt an undeniable need to return. He made the journey into town simply to reflect and pay his respects one last time. As he stood at his father’s resting place, he recounted stories from his childhood, his father’s wisdom and the lasting impact he had on his life.
Another time, a young woman visited after graduating from college. Her mother had passed away when she was just a baby, and growing up without her, she had never truly experienced closure. That day, she stood at her mother’s gravesite and wept – a release of every emotion, every milestone and every moment in life when she had longed for her mother’s presence.
I’ll never forget the day I helped someone locate a loved one’s grave, only to discover that person was one of my own favorite teachers –someone I hadn’t known was laid to rest here. By sheer coincidence, I was the one guiding him and his wife to visit his sister.
As we stood there, reminiscing about her life and accomplishments, we took a picture together, capturing a moment that felt deeply meaningful.
Cemeteries hold more than headstones; they hold
craftsman. The Clayton resident was also a USTA tennis player, playing twice a week.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 9, at Clayton Community Church, 5555 Clayton Road, Clayton. The band that Dan was a member of will play and lunch will be served.
love, memories and the unbreakable bonds between generations. They hold stories. If you’re considering your cemetery options, I encourage you to start the preplanning process and begin the conversation about your wishes. We’re here to answer your questions and provide the guidance you need every step of the way.
Call Oakmont Memorial Park and Mortuary at 925-935-3311 to schedule a free consultation and receive a complimentary planning guide.
Despite many perceived environmental benefits, optimistic projections list the earliest Sites might be finished is 2033. By that time, California’s allocation of water from the Colorado River, presently stored at Hoover Dam, may be reduced.
Meanwhile, Los Vaqueros expansion remains off the table.
“While this project is not moving forward, CCWD maintains strong working relationships with regional agencies to continue exploring future opportunities for collaboration,” the CCWD board stated.
CAA enjoying sixth decade with unwavering spirit
CONCORD – The Concord Art Association (CAA), the oldest art association in Contra Costa County, is embarking on its 61st year as a formal nonprofit – though its existence extends a bit longer.
And, for all intents and purposes, the “C” in its name could just as well as stand for “community.”
Volunteers have been running it for 65 years, starting as an informal group of folks who had a shared enjoyment of art and creating it. Today, CAA’s 120 members are emerging and established artists who use a wide array of arts disciplines to participate in exhibits. There are two in-person galleries along with an online gallery, public art projects, workshops, meet-ups and community events throughout the year.
CAA currently has a pair of shows on view for the public.
“Hooked on a Feeling” is on display in an intimate space at the Visit Concord office, 2151
Salvio St., near Todos Santos Plaza, while “What in the World” is at Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road. Member work will be also featured in the “Colors of Spring” exhibit in conjunction with the Concord Historical Society’s upcoming tea event.
According to board secretary Renaye Johnson, CAA’s involvement in the community includes fundraising for a teachers’ grant program and a scholarship program.
SEARCHING
FOR NEWLEADER
While the passion of its members has been the driving force through the decades, the organization is at a crossroads as a vacancy remains in its leadership. Still, the organization perseveres through the active involvement of its membership and board to further the group’s mission to cultivate and enrich the creative lives of local artists and Concord area residents through exhibits, education, public art and community giving.
CAA started out 2025 with
Laurence Orme as vice president, Thea Jue as treasurer and Johnson in the secretary role. “We have an additional six board members who have taken on a lot of additional duties in order to continue our CAA mission,” Johnson said.
Outgoing president Catherine Hensiek, who has served at the helm since 2017, said the group is looking for a wellversed leader with a range of abilities.
“The CAA needs a president with experience leading any type of group, good written and oral communication skills and hopefully some background managing projects in any field,” she said.
The group also is hoping for more volunteers with information technology and social media skills. “There are not enough backups for those currently managing the website, social media and member emails,” Hensiek added. “Communication is a vital part of any volunteer organization, so it is important for more members to donate their time in this area.”
David Scholz
Visitors admire paintings in Concord Art Association’s “What in the World” show at Centre Concord during a reception to kick off the exhibit, which runs through April 10.
STRONG TIESWITH THE CITY
Hensiek cited the “very effective working relationship” forged between CAA and the city of Concord, including development and implementation of Gallery CAA at Centre Concord.
“Both the City Council and city staff have been supportive of CAA’s efforts to expand art awareness within our city,” said
Hensiek. “We find that many city employees are art lovers and proud to have more public art in Concord.”
Another notable CAA endeavor is the Utility Box Art Project launched in the summer of 2018.
“The collaboration was congenial and efficient from the beginning. CAA received wholehearted support from at that
time director of Public Works and now assistant city manager Justin Ezell,” said Hensiek. “City manager Valerie Barone was a strong advocate for the project. Many other city employees were key to the successful implementation of the project throughout the years.”
A further reflection of CAA’s support of the community came in the latter half of 2024, when the organization answered the call from the Contra Costa Crisis Center. The center, which offers suicide prevention, grief counseling and other mental health services to all county residents, was seeking artwork to hang in the grief group meeting room and conference room.
CAA delivered, and Crisis Center officials believe the art created an uplifting environment for everyone who spends time at the center. They’ve even asked the arts group to install another show.
For more information about CAA, visit concordartassociation.org.
DeSaulnier ready for ‘bumpy ride’ after federal funding pause
WALNUT CREEK – The unprecedented late January action by President Donald Trump to halt federal funding to programs nationwide prompted hundreds of calls to flood Congressman Mark DeSaulnier district offices from worried constituents.
“It ranged from parents wondering where they could take their kids because they think HeadStart wouldn’t be open,” he said of the anecdotal evidence being collected, “to recipients of Meals on Wheels calling to find out if they would get their food.
“They are older shut-ins, and they count on this for their nutrition. But it is also the relationships with the volunteers who go out and serve them,” DeSaulnier continued.
Other callers worried about providing services,
A court injunction issued in the ensuing hours prompted a pause, which subsequently was upheld. But those swept up in the presidential action felt pain and uncertainty, according to DeSaulnier, a Democrat who represents California’s 10th District.
included entities representing survivors of domestic abuse, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), medical research, cities, public universities, veterans groups, family engagement centers, community centers, county transportation services and workforce development.
DeSaulnier sees the moment as a reminder of the critical partnership that exists between the federal government, the state and the county.
“Most of the funding for the county budget for its two biggest departments – health
and human services – comes from the federal government,” he said.
So when the money stops flowing, “people don’t get those services, including doctors,” he said.
According to DeSaulnier, Trump’s pause in funding was so egregious that it was easy for the courts to act accordingly. But that might not be the case if challenges reach the Supreme Court, given its current makeup.
DeSaulnier expressed hope that Chief Justice John Robets will follow precedent and side with the Democrats should
this be the first of many legal challenges. He cited the opinion that Justice Antonin Scalia wrote against President Richard Nixon, stating “you can’t take all the money that Congress has appropriated and reverse it.”
But DeSaulnier is ready for a bumpy ride.
“The next two years, to be honest, we are going to be in court,” he said.
Not only did the funding freeze prompt concerns about its impact on individuals and their communities, it also led to worries about the powers of the presidency.
“This funding was approved by Congress, and people and organizations depend on it. When they can’t trust that, what can they trust?” DeSaulnier asked.
While grateful that a federal court extended a block on the funding pause, he called on everyone to remain vigilant as the administration ignored two previous court orders on this same matter.
“If people become aware that their funding is being withheld, they should immediately reach out to our office for assistance,” DeSaulnier said.
DAVID SCHOLZ Correspondent
DAVID SCHOLZ Correspondent
SPORTS & LIFESTYLE
Nine local basketball teams in Section playoffs
Clayton Valley Charter’s girls and De La Salle boys headline the nine local teams who were selected last Sunday for the North Coast Section basketball tournament. None of the teams had too much time to celebrate as Section play got underway within 48 hours after the schedule was announced.
There is no bigger surprise top seed based on preseason rankings than the Ugly Eagles girls who went through the Diablo Athletic League schedule and playoffs with only two losses, both to the Section’s top-ranked
Acalanes Dons.
Coach Damian Young’s team is 21-7 overall and were 11-1 in the DAL. The firstyear CVCHS head coach came from the successful Carondelet and Cal Stars programs and is hoping this success will continue as they got a bye into the quarterfinals this Friday in Dan Della Gym when they will host the winner of the opening round game between #8 Dublin and ninth seed Northgate (21-7).
Clayton Valley Charter’s only two losses in its last 16 games were to Acalanes (271). The Lafayette team is the top seed in NCS Open and the ninth ranked team in California. During CVCHS’s
recent stretch the team notched a pair of wins over Northgate.
The Ugly Eagles lost in the first round of the Division I playoffs last year and in 2022, while failing to make the post-season in 2023.
In the girls Open Division, No. 3 Carondelet (23-5) is seeking its first NCS title since winning Open in 2022. The last two years the Cougars fell in the Open semi-finals to the eventual Section winner and then also lost the third-place game.
Last weekend Carondelet lost the East Bay Athletic League tournament championship game to San Ramon Valley. The Cougars only loss
in the EBAL regular season was also to SRV, which is seeded second in NCS and would be Carondelet’s semifinal opponent if they win their opener in Richmond at No. 6 Salesian College Prep. Mt. Diablo (14-12) is making its fourth straight appearance in the playoffs. The Red Devils success in D-5 during the past three years saw them elevated to D-2 this winter. As the 14th seed, they will visit Kentfield to face No. 3 Marin Catholic in the first round. The Devils have also advanced to three straight CIF Northern California playoffs.
See Basketball, pg B3
NCS soccer features 10 area teams seeking Section titles
JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer
Carondelet is the lone top seed in the North Coast Section soccer playoffs from the local area but both Ygnacio Valley and De La Salle boys are second seeds entering this week’s opening round of games with 10 local teams taking part.
The Cougars are no stranger to high expectations entering the post-season. The Concord school has won three of the past five NCS D1 tournaments and seven overall.
This season Carondelet (17-3, 9-0 in EBAL) lost two
of its first three games then ran off a 14-game winning streak including 9-0 in the East Bay Athletic League. That streak ended last Saturday in a 1-0 double overtime loss to Amador Valley in the league tournament finals.
Carondelet surrendered nine goals in the two midDecember losses and nine goals total in their other 18 games, including nine shutouts and the other nine games allowing only one goal each.
The Cougars open the Section playoffs hosting 16th seed Ukiah at their athletic complex in Walnut Creek.
Northgate (8-3-5, 4-1-3 in DAL) is the 12th seed in D-1
and travels to Mill Valley and No. 5 Tamalpais in its opener. Clayton Valley Charter (74-6, 1-3-4 in DAL) hosts Foothill of the EBAL in an 89 Division 2 matchup at Gonsalves Stadium.
College Park (3-7-9, 0-5-3) is 14th in D-1 and visits No. 3 Sonoma Academy, the unbeaten Coastal Mountain Conference champions.
S PARTANS , WOLVES N O. 2 SEEDS
De La Salle (15-3-2, 7-1-1 in EBAL) is on a nine-match unbeaten run entering the playoffs. Most significant was last weekend’s 3-1 tournament championship win over EBAL regular season champs
Dougherty Valley in San Ramon, reversing a 4-2 loss to the Wildcats in the league game.
The Spartans suffered quarterfinals defeats the past two years after last winning NCS in 2022.
Dougherty Valley is top seed over the Spartans in D-1 and they host No. 16 Northgate (10-6-3) to get the playoffs underway.
Clayton Valley Charter (15-2-1, 9-1 in DAL) is third seed and hosts No. 14 Campolindo in the opening round in Concord. The Ugly Eagles hold a pair of DAL wins over
See Soccer, page B3
Photo courtesy CVCHS Athletics
The gigantic electronic scoreboard at Clayton Valley Charter High School flashes images and information while the school’s basketball team plays on the Dan Della Gym floor in the recent Pink Out game. The Ugly Eagles girls are top seeded in the NCS Division I playoffs.
Photo courtesy De La Salle Athletics
Senior Javier Cordova of Concord drives down the left sideline in a win over Alameda last month. De La Salle is 2nd seed in the NCS soccer playoffs underway this week.
JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer
Athlete Spotlight
Eric (Ej) Warrick
School: Mt. Diablo High
Grade: Senior
Sport: Basketball
When you are a senior and your team loses every game, it is difficult to keep a positive attitude, but Mt. Diablo High varsity basketball coach Patrick Lefiti knows he had such a player this year in guard Ej Warrick. The Red Devils coach was quick to nominate Warrick for this spotlight. “I believe Ej deserves to be recognized because he is sticking it out for a program that is in the midst of rebuilding. Our program and team did not reach the level of success we/he was hoping for this year. However, Ej has not wavered in his commitment. He has been our best player by far and, in many games, probably the best player on the court for both teams.”
Warrick averaged nearly 15 points a game this season on a team that scored less than 30 points in 10 games. This was his second varsity season at the Concord school. He spent his freshman year in independent study before enrolling at Mt. Diablo as a sophomore but did not join the basketball program until last year. In his youth he also played football and soccer but concentrated on basketball in high school. He says, “My senior year of basketball was a great experience for me that I wouldn’t take back because, even though we didn’t have the winning season that we wanted and dealt with a lot of people quitting, I didn’t let that stop me from continuing to strive towards my goal for basketball which is to play
at next level, which is collegiate ball.
“This season also helped me build a stronger mindset than last year. I definitely feel like I could’ve performed better for myself and my team if it wasn’t for the injuries.” He adds that he plans to continue playing at a local community college like DVC or Los Medanos, and “continue striving for my basketball dream to be able to play at the highest level of basketball (D1-D3). Also, I want to further my education in college by studying electrical engineering.” Late in the season his coach concurs. “I feel for Ej because we are not winning, but I believe his basketball career does not stop here. He has potential to play at the nextlevel and beyond. This year was tough for him, physically and mentally, but it will help shape him into the player he needs to be to be most successful.”
The Pioneer congratulates Ej and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for over three decades at Family Vision Care Optometry.
Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@pioneerpublishers.com.
10 more senior athletes sign their college commitments for fall 2025
Ten seniors from Clayton Valley Charter, De La Salle and Northgate high schools made their college commitments for the fall at on-campus ceremonies this month, bringing the total to 41 members of the Class of 2025 from local schools who have inked National Letters of Intent. The final NLI day for this senior class is April 16 when more seniors will commit to the college of their choice.
De La Salle wrestling championship streak screeches to end at
NCS duals
De La Salle’s dominance of Northern California sports goes back decades with virtually every sports program at the Concord school claiming North Coast Section or higher championships.
The Spartans football success has prompted books and movies but its wrestling program has not been far behind their football brothers in success in the past decade and a half. That dominance came crashing down the past two weeks, first at the NCS Dual Championships and then the East Bay Athletic League tournament.
The Spartans had won nine consecutive NCS dual meet titles and 16 of the past 17 but this year not only did they not place first but they were fourth after losing
consecutive matches to eventual champion and top seed Liberty 43-36 and then to EBAL foe Amador Valley 3934 in the third-place match.
The results were reflective of this season’s results. DLS was seeded fifth, including behind league foes Amador and Granada, the eventual second- and third-place teams, respectively.
A week later at the league championships only two De La Salle wrestlers made it to the podium.
Although the Spartans won both the dual and team Section championships in 2024 a decline was starting to show as the Concord school placed outside the top 50 at State after multiple top 10 placings over the years.
College Park was also in the Division I dual tournament, but the Falcons ended with one win and losses to Liberty and Amador Valley.
In D-2, both Mt. Diablo and Concord qualified with the Bears seeded 6th and the Red Devils 10th. Each team scored an upset in its first dual match but both Concord schools fell to eventual champion Livermore in their next matches. Concord High eventually lost the third-place match to Arroyo.
GIRLSIN CONTENTION FOR STATE
It is no surprise that senior teammates Abbi Cooper and Savannah Talmadge of Clayton Valley Charter have high expectations entering
the NCS girls meet. Cooper is a three-time NCS champion who took seventh at State in 2024 and is now ranked in the top five at 110 pounds. Talmadge is a two-time NCS runner-up and is currently also ranked fifth in California at 130.
Cooper was recently named overall meet MVP at the Goddess of the Vines tournament hosted by CVCHS for over 400 female wrestlers. Last year’s freshman sensation Symone Jewel of Northgate is ranked No. 4 in California at 155. She took sixth at state a year ago. The NCS Championships are this Friday and Saturday with CIF State a week later in Bakersfield.
Northgate High School wins Cheer championship title at Las Vegas
Nationals
Clayton Valley Charter senior football players, from left, Chase Duarte (San Diego State) Tony Keck (Lafayette University) and Logan Knapp (Oregon State) were introduced by football coach Nick Tisa at their NLI signing.
De La Salle football coach Justin Alumbaugh celebrated with his senior signees, from left, Dominic Kelley (Nevada Reno), Ace Robinson (UNLV) and Niko Baumgartner (Fresno State).
Jay Bedecarré photos
Northgate seniors headed to college to continue their academic and athletic journey are, from left, Sarah Burkes (Soccer, George Fox University), Camille Panuwat (Equestrian, University of Tennessee, Martin), Makenna Choi (Softball, Oregon State) and Addison Baxter (Softball, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs).
Photo courtesy Northgate Cheer
The Northgate High cheerleading squad has been building over the past three years under the guidance of coach Karma Christensen and last month at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas they won the Varsity Sideline Performance Cheer Small School division at the JAMZ School Cheer Nationals. The Broncos squad of 14 girls representing all four classes at the Walnut Creek school outpointed three other California teams to claim their division championship. The victory was especially sweet because the local team had always been outscored by Bishop O’Dowd and Vanden-Fairfield, who had been their nemeses in earlier competitions
lost
highest score ever. For Las Vegas, Christensen made some last minute choreographic and athlete changes, which proved pivotal in their two routines.
Athlete Spotlight
Anjanette (AJ) Taguinod
School: Clayton Valley Charter High Grade: Senior Sports: Basketball and Tennis
Determined player Taguinod uses tactics, defensive skills and jumping to work around her taller opponents and earn her impressive numbers for Ugly Eagles basketball who are again in the North Coast Section playoffs this month. She has been on Clayton Valley Charter’s girls varsity basketball team for the past three years after playing her freshman year on junior varsity. The shooting guard, who occasionally plays at point, hit 27% of three-point shots and 76% of free throws last year, which are close to the averages in the NBA.
At CVCHS she earned the Most Improved Player award and her coach Damian Young notes, “In my short tenure coaching AJ, she has been an absolute joy to coach. She has an amazing attitude and is one of, if not the, hardest worker on our team. She will be extremely missed and her future is incredibly bright!” In her off seasons, Taguinod played two years on the East Bay Sparks AAU team and spent last summer playing for an AAU squad led by Clayton Valley coaches. In addition to basketball, Taguinod has an impressive background in tennis
Basketball, from page B1
D E L A S ALLE TOP SEED
De La Salle (25-4) is top seed in NCS Open in no small measure after winning the EBAL tournament in impressive fashion. That seeding gives the Spartans a first-round bye. Should the seedings play out in the semifinals, the finale will be a rematch with Salesian College Prep, which toppled the Concord school in last year’s NCS championship game.
The Spartans started the
season with 14 straight wins before dropping three of five in January. All-everything senior Alec Blair has been on a hot streak for the Spartans, who have won nine of their last 10 games.
Three of the 16 boys teams in Division I are local with Clayton Valley Charter (18-11), Ygnacio Valley (1710) and Northgate (19-9) all in the field which is headed by No. 1 Dougherty Valley. The Ugly Eagles come
Soccer, from page B1
the Cougars. Should CVCHS and DLS each win their first two games they would meet in the semi-finals in a rematch of their quarter-final game a year ago when Clayton Valley as the eighth seed
eliminated the top seeded Spartans in a historic 4-2 win.
College Park (6-7-7, 4-2-6 in DAL) and Ygnacio Valley (11-4-2, 10-1-1 in DAL) are in D-3 action.
The Wolves host No. 15
Sports Shorts
YGNACIO VALLEY H IGH TO HONOR 6 NEW A THLETIC H ALL OF FAME INDUCTEES M AR . 22
Ygnacio Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame will honors its Class of 2023 on Mar. 22 with a dinner and induction ceremony at Zio Fraedo’s in Pleasant Hill. The newest members are Ryan Carey (Class of 1991), Lara Canders (2008), Tom Prado (1987), Richard Ravreby (1969), Matt Vaughn (1987) and golf coach Greg Williams. For complete information and to obtain tickets to the Mar. 22 event visit yvathletichof.com.
C ONCORD C UPSOCCER REGISTRATIONOPEN F ORHISTORIC 30 THTOURNAMENT
Registration is now open for Concord Cup XXX youth soccer tournament on May 17-18 for girls and boys 10U through 19U teams from AYSO, US Club Soccer and US Youth Soccer programs. Teams in bronze through silver divisions are invited to participate in this special 30th edition of the area’s largest tournament. The discount entry fee rate offer ends March 31. Team applications are open at concordcup.com.
L OCALRECREATIONSWIMTEAMSTAKINGSIGNUPS
The summer recreation swim season is just around the corner and nine local teams are taking signups. To register for these Concord, Pleasant Hill and Concord teams visit their website:
Bishop Estates bishopestates.swimtopia.com
Dana Hills danahillsotters.com
Forest Park forestparkpool.net
Gehringer Park gomotionapp.com/team/recgpg/page/home
at CVC as well. After playing on junior varsity, she moved up to varsity her junior and senior years, earning first-team all-Diablo Athletic League as a junior in doubles and second team all-DAL in singles this past fall. Taguinod earned the Up and Comers, Most Improved Player and Captain awards.
As a kid, she played both basketball and tennis as well as participating in baseball, swimming and track and field shot put and high jump events, all of which helped her gain important skills. Taguinod balances a heavy school workload on top of her athletics with a 4.3 GPA. She is a member of CVCHS’s Engineering and Design Academy along with Cheer the Children, Senior Women and Envelopes for Elderly clubs. Taguinod plans to major in mechanical engineering in college and pursue a career as a mechanical design engineer.
CVCHS student journalist Corinne Jeandheur wrote this Spotlight.
The Pioneer congratulates AJ and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for over three decades at Family Vision Care Optometry.
Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement, or a great heart. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@pioneerpublishers.com.
into the playoffs with the most momentum among the locals after three victories last week to win the Diablo Athletic League playoffs, including a semi-final upset of regular season champion Acalanes in Lafayette, reversing the outcome of their league game two weeks prior. After winning Division 1 titles in 2022 and 2023, CVCHS moved into last year’s Open Division but was 0-2 and this season’s results placed them in D-1, where they host Albany in the opening round.
Castro Valley in the first round on an 11-game unbeaten run. Ygnacio Valley won only one of its first six games but has not lost since.
The Falcons seeded 16th travel to No. 1 Livermore.
In D-4, Concord (7-6-5, 6-3-3 in the DAL) finished second to YV in the DAL
Ygnacio Valley is eighth seeded and meets visiting No. 9 Monte Vista in the first round.
Northgate is 14th seed and travels to No. 3 Campolindo in Moraga. The Broncos won DAL regular season and playoffs games with the Cougars. College Park (16-10) rounds out the local contingent in the boys tournament. The No. 7 Falcons host a Division 3 matchup in Pleasant Hill with No. 10 Santa Rosa.
Valley Division standings. The Bears, seeded 12th, go to Kentfield to meet Marin Catholic, No. 5. The playoffs continue through championship games on Feb. 28-Mar. 1. The Northern California playoffs are Mar. 4-8.
T ERRAPINS S WIM T EAM OFFERING SPRING O RANGEPROGRAM
Terrapins Swim Club has a spring Orange program for swimmers six years and older who have completed advanced swim lessons and are interested in learning about the swim team experience. The spring program runs Tuesdays and Thursdays at Concord Community Pool Mar. 25 through May 29. For more info and to register for Terrapins swim programs visit terrapinswim.com.
C LAYTON VALLEY A THLETIC H ALLOF FAME H OSTING BOCCE BALLTOURNAMENT A PRIL 12
Clayton Valley High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame is holding its 3rd benefit bocce ball tournament in Clayton at the Ipsen Family Courts on Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m. –2 p.m. The tournament is limited to 16 teams ($400 team entry fee) with a $800 cash prize to the champions and $400 and $200 to the next two finishers. For more information and to register email Herc Pardi at herc_pardi@hotmail.com.
P IONEERWANTS TO PUBLISH YOUR SPORTSNEWS
Please let us know about your sports news, special events, fund raisers, tryouts, signups and accomplishments. Youth leagues, clubs, schools and adult programs are all welcome to send us a rundown on what you are doing. Include all the necessary details (too much information is better than too little!) and your contact information. It is as simple as sending an email to sports@pioneerpublishers.com.
The ‘Super Bowl Effect’ hits real estate market
As the Super Bowl celebrations wind down, something remarkable happens in the real estate world: The housing market starts to wake up.
While the start of the year is often slow, with buyers and sellers focused on the holidays and settling into their routines, midFebruary marks a shift.
It’s no coincidence that the spring market unofficially kicks off after the Super Bowl. By this time, the holiday distractions are behind us, tax season is approaching, and longer daylight hours make home shopping more appealing. Historically, more homes hit the market in the weeks following the big game, and buyer activity noticeably increases. Several factors contribute to this trend:
Buyers are ready to move. Many home buyers set New Year’s resolutions to purchase a home, but they often wait until mid-February to begin actively searching and making offers.
Sellers are preparing to list. Homeowners who want to sell often wait until after the holiday season to put their homes on the market. They spend January preparing their homes, and by mid-February, they’re ready to list.
Better weather. While our area enjoys mild winters, spring weather brings more curb appeal, allowing homes to show better. Green lawns, blooming flowers and brighter days make homes look more inviting to potential buyers.
Financial readiness. Many buyers receive year-end bonuses, tax refunds or financial clarity early in the year, making February and March an ideal time to move forward with a purchase.
If you’re looking to purchase a home, expect competition to pick up. More listings will be available, but motivated buyers will be out in force, so be ready with pre-approval and a clear idea of what you want. For sellers, this is a great time to list your home. Buyer demand is strong, and well-prepared homes can attract multiple offers. Pricing strategically and marketing effectively can lead to a successful sale. If you’ve been thinking about buying or selling, now is the time to start planning. The post-Super Bowl market surge is real. Whether you’re searching for your dream home or preparing to sell, the weeks ahead could be your best opportunity to make a move.
Jennifer Stojanovich is an owner/broker with Better Homes Real Estate. Send questions and comments to jennifer@bhrbroker.com
WHO loses without world health group?
The U.S. does
With the news of the United States withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO), I wanted to take a moment to consider the implications.
WHO was founded on April 7, 1948 (World Health Day), after formation of the United Nations (UN). It was comprised of elements of earlier international agencies, including the League of Nations and the Paris-based Office International d’Hygiène Publique. It was designated a specialized agency of the UN intended to focus on world health issues.
The mandate of the organization is to work toward “the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health.” Day to day, that work includes preventing malaria, curbing the rise of obesity, and tracking the effects of global issues such climate change and genetically modified foods on public health.
Certainly, the highest profile work of the organization revolves around global communicable threats but WHO has greater reach. It also focuses on cancer, diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases.
WHO articulates standards for international health, gathers global health data and provides a forum for policy discussions. WHO can provide aid and expertise of a technical nature but has no binding authority on member states. It publishes the World Health Report, which provides review and analysis of
global health topics.
WHO’s undeniable successes include work on the eradication of smallpox, the near eradication of polio and the development of a vaccine to combat Ebola. Its attention is currently focused on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, heart disease and cancer.
Proactively, it is concerned with global promotion of a healthy diet, food security, and the reduction of work-related injury and illness. WHO is also engaged in addressing substance abuse on a global scale. Advocacy for universal health coverage and coordination of global emergency response are other top priorities. For the past several years, WHO has been drafting a “pandemic agreement” to ensure a level of global preparedness and response capabilities to avoid the mistakes made in the handling of the COVID crisis.
The U.S withdrawal will dramatically impact WHO’s See WHO, page B4
NATHALIE MONTIJO NEW WAVE NIGHTINGALE
JENNIFER STOJANOVICH CLOSE TO HOME
EDI BIRSAN PULSEOF CONCORD
Updating a set of questions with about 200 respondents brings out some thoughts that stir up the view of ourselves.
Q. Will things be better next year?
Gaining perspective on local viewpoints
worse and 8% having problems with their crystal ball. Whereas for the larger area: 56% say better, with 36% worse and the same folks having crystal ball problems.
Q. How much should city government spend on homeless per person?
The response is more positive for Concord than for the Bay Area as a whole.
City better: 70%, with 21%
While some 15% said none and 53% said it was too complicated, the single biggest area was 11% responding less than $5,000. All other options received single-digit support. A future question might be: What do people think it costs society to have homeless people in terms of money and social value (if that is the PC term for what used to be called our souls)?
Q. Is a candidate’s position
‘Twice the Family’ explores the adoption of twins
SUNNY SOLOMON BOOKIN’ WITH SUNNY
A successful memoir usually has a hook that draws a reader in, something in an author’s background that strongly resonates.
“Twice the Family, A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Sisterhood” is Julie Ryan McGue’s prequel to “Twice a Daughter,” her award-winning memoir of adoption. And there lies the hook: adoption. What caught my attention was not only adoption, but a story of twin sisters adopted together within weeks of their birth.
McGue sealed the deal for this reader when at the end of chapter one she writes about being adopted with her twin: “She and I belonged to one another before our births and every day since, and even though we never felt the embrace of our birth mother, we were welcomed into the arms of a couple eager to start the family of their dreams.”
I was ready to read a memoir that appeared to offer a story not filled with drugs, molestation or other equally, deeply distressing life experiences. I was not disappointed, but rest assured, life in her adopted family was filled with many difficulties, problems that came in multiples, much like she and her sister.
In fact, the twins became the answer to their childless parents’ dream of having a family. So intense was their desire for a family that, while
stationed in Europe, they visited Lourdes, praying for the miracle of pregnancy. There were miscarriages, and back home, by the time they filled out adoption papers, they even checked the box indicating that they would accept twins.
Their parents’ Catholic background is an important factor in the girls’ childhood, but I think it could have been any other family-centered religious faith.
Problems? You bet. There were more miscarriages, and then the miracle of births. The twins had siblings, but siblings who were not adopted. “Twice the Family” works its way through all the things most children experience, except experienced as a twin.
The girls knew they were adopted, and the author is open about her desire to find out who her birth parents were. This was even more true as she grew older and had issues with her adopted mother.
What I found especially satisfying was understanding what it was like to be both a twin and an adopted child raised in a family with strong expectations. She needed, like all daughters, to know who she is, who she wants to be both within and outside her family. How she manages her way into an adulthood that includes more than a few hurdles is refreshingly honest.
“Twice the Family” examines the adoptive life, the complexity of such a family, the bonds of twins, sisters, siblings, parents, and religion. Growing up takes courage, love and trust in oneself.
McGue’s memoir is worth the read.
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.’
from page B3
funding and access to technical experts. This will make it more difficult for it to function and continue to improve as an organization. As Americans, we would do well to remember that WHO tracks seasonal influenza and provides annual recommendations for the flu vaccine. It further serves as a “first alert system” to provide early warning of new outbreaks of infectious disease anywhere in the world.
Opting to walk away over working in international collaboration for a better WHO will force the United States to either do without or recreate these functions to ensure the health and safety of Americans. A challenging proposition to say the least.
Please send comments and question for Nathalie to newwavenightingale@gmail.com.
on Roe V. Wade a high priority for local, non-partisan elections?
While 46% said pro-choice was important and 7% said pro-life, an interesting 20% said maybe. This has not been an issue in any local race in Central County (Concord, Clayton, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek), but there have been skirmishes over protests at sites in Walnut Creek. There might be a shadow fight if a Planned Parenthood site ever wanted to expand. Not looking forward to that fight.
Q. Would you accept a candidate who disagreed with your issues more than another because you considered their race/ethnicity/gender more desirable for the office?
With 62% saying never and 19% rarely, 11% said sometimes, 6% usually and 2%
always have diversity as their issue.
Considering the last election, this leads to an interesting point: What do you think is the most diverse City Council in the area? Remember the common Progressive measure of diversity is the race/ethnicity/gender/age/orientation of the individual and not what they do. In short, diversity in common politics is all those things that you have no control over.
The answer is Clayton, which may be a shock. They have a Black, a Hispanic and an Asian. But asking if this diversity is representative of the demographics would not be polite.
Do you know what BIPOC is?
Exactly 50% said no. In political lexicon it stands for
Black, Indigenous and People Of Color. What it comes down to is all those who are non-white. So, Egyptians, Indonesians, Chinese and Japanese are all people of color. It is a very sensitive subject. There was an argument at a political club when someone said, “If you do not know anything about a candidate, vote for BIPOC” – which means do not vote for white candidates. Described as prejudice or bigotry, it did not go over well for the one bringing it up. Pointing out prejudice against white people is not a popular thing these days.
There is also the subtle political tone to put all nonwhite folks in a single category. From a political power perspective, this can make sense within the context of Califor-
nia demographics – where we have no majority race or ethnicity. While what are called white folks are the largest minority, they are just that if all the non-whites were to be united.
The political wisdom of this approach and its impact on a community’s views of its neighbors is something that may be explored. As always, to the extent that you want to read into these views and opinions, they are strictly mine, Edi Birsan, and not related in any way to the National Football Referee Association and their performance at the Super Bowl.
Contact me with your screed or additional topics for surveys at EdiBirsan@gmail.com.
Embracing sustainable living and fitness in Concord
fection but focus on actions that make a difference.
For example, I’ve become much more conscious about the packaging that comes with the products I buy. I’m also committed to continuing to shop locally, traveling by bicycle when possible.
thriving membership. Our Government and Economic Policy Committee is packed with individuals who are deeply committed to fostering business growth and tackling issues that support a vibrant Concord.
As we moved into 2025, many of us were filled with the energy of new beginnings, a fresh slate to create positive change.
If you’re like me, you’re eager to leave behind the challenges of the previous year, focusing on what lies ahead –whether it’s adopting new habits or simply making small changes in everyday life. For me, that includes embracing sustainability, improving fitness and supporting local businesses that keep Concord thriving.
I’m all about planting small seeds that, over time, contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. I don’t aim for per-
I’ve given a lot of thought lately to the value of water. Sometimes people take for granted the ready availability of enough safe, good water. Americans underestimate the amount of water they use in their daily lives by 90 percent, according to a 2021 study by the research firm Opinium. The true figure takes into account direct water use as well as indirect use, such as water employed to cook food.
So, you are using more water than you think at a time of more frequent periods of drought in our state.
California was built on the promise of feeding the world through bountiful agriculture, particularly in the Central Valley. The bounty was based on cheap land, cheap water and a cheap labor force. Those three factors are under severe strain in the 21st century.
I am working with ninth graders and their earth science teachers at Las Lomas High School in Walnut Creek to prepare lessons about the value of diet, food and water. We’re trying to set up a trip to the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (Central San),
A major goal this year is reducing waste, and I’ve been particularly focused on proper recycling. For about a year, I have been using the handy countertop food waste bins that the Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery program provided. If you’re already doing the same, kudos to you.
These small actions, when taken together, help create a cleaner, more sustainable environment for all of us. I feel good knowing my efforts contribute to a better environment, and it’s a simple step that makes a big difference.
On the chamber front, 2025 is off to a running start. We’ve had great participation and valuable input from our
If you have a business or job in our community, I encourage you to attend one of our monthly mixer events. These gatherings are a great opportunity to share information with fellow community members and make valuable connections. Trust me, it’s time well spent. Feel free to contact me directly with any questions about the chamber at 925685-1181. I’d love to hear from you.
As we enjoy all that Concord has to offer, it’s important to remember the power of supporting local businesses. When we shop and dine within our community, we’re not just making a transaction, we’re investing in the people who make Concord such a special place.
Whether it’s grabbing a coffee at Gratitude, buying supplies at Ace Hardware or having a great breakfast at the Sugar Plum, supporting a local business makes a big difference.
As we move through this new year, I encourage you to show kindness to those serving you, make small efforts toward sustainability and explore the incredible fitness opportunities that are right here in our city. And whenever possible, shop locally – it’s one of the best ways to strengthen our community and help our businesses thrive. Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, sustainability and strong community connections.
For more information on the businesses and organizations that make Concord great, and to learn more about the benefits of becoming a member, visit www.concordchamber.com.
Water’s running low folks –let’s get smart about it
which collects and cleans more than 13 billion gallons of wastewater annually for almost a half-million residents.
The district offers free recycled water for residents’ lawns and landscaping. Residents bring proper containers to collect the recycled water at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility, 4797 Imhoff Place, Martinez.
Central San provides water that is safe for nondrinking uses through a disinfection treatment with ultraviolet light and chlorine. According to the agency’s website, employees test the water to meet federal, state and regional water quality standards.
Central San also provides agriculture-grade water to local farms, including a Martinez spread operated by the nonprofit AgLantis.
I recently met a woman from Southern California who said that she and her friends don’t use the beaches at the southern tip of the state anymore because they’re wary of sewage overflows when treatment plants get overwhelmed. Untreated sewage flowing into the Pacific from the Tijuana River contains high levels of fecal bacteria, according to San Diego Coastkeeper, a nonprofit advocacy group. Infrastructure is not keeping up with the population growth at the border, particularly the
city of Tijuana, Mexico. Water is life. I often advise people to eat more fresh produce. But we can’t eat more fruit and vegetables if we don’t have reliable sources of water.
B RUSSELS S PROUTSAND C HICKEN S TIR-F RY 1-2 servings
1 T olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 oz. chicken breast, sliced 2 c. Brussels sprouts, halved
1 c. mixed bell peppers, sliced
1 c. spinach
1 T low-sodium soy sauce Salt and pepper to taste
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and saute for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the sliced chicken breast and cook 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Add the Brussels sprouts and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Toss in the spinach and cook another 1-2 minutes, until wilted. Drizzle with soy sauce and season with salt and pepper. Mix well. Serve warm and enjoy.
KEVIN CABRAL CHAMBEROF COMMERCE
CINDY GERSHEN FARM TO TASTE
BRUSSELS SPROUTS AND CHICKEN STIR FRY
THE ARTS
Walnut Creek’s Center Rep presents the world premiere of the graphic novel noir thriller “Froggy.”
It’s a sensory-rich rollercoaster ride as Froggy tries to discover her boyfriend’s whereabouts with clues embedded in a violent, underground video game. Written by a team of groundbreaking theater artists, “Froggy” fuses the styles of graphic novels, film noir and revolutionary virtual media to create a thrilling new theatrical event. It runs through March 2 at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. For tickets, call 925-943-7469 or go to centerrep.org.
“Cake,” a new comedy by Bekah Brunstetter, strains one mother’s deeply held beliefs when asked to do a wedding cake for her best friend’s daughter.
Della’s North Carolina bakery is legendary, and Della couldn’t be more joyful when asked to make a wedding cake for the young woman she helped raise. When she discovers there is not one bride but two, Della is forced to look at her beliefs and her own marriage – which has gone as stale as a three-day-old cake.
Video game the star of ‘Froggy,’ while ‘Cake’ explores religious beliefs
For tickets to both plays, go to www.campbelltheater.com.
Onstage Repertory Theatre performs Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage’s “Intimate Apparel” through Feb. 23 at the Campbell. Scheduled to open Feb. 7, a cast change necessitated a week’s postponement.
Based on the life of Nottage’s great-grandmother, the play explores the effects of racism and classism as well as the bravery, hard work, friendship and love of people often forgotten by history.
Based on a real-life Supreme Court case where a Colorado baker refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, “The Cake” deals with the clash of religious beliefs but without all the controversy stirred up by the court case. In Brunstetter’s story, the sympathetic portrait of Della trying to do right by her unofficial goddaughter and her religious beliefs ensures a more romantic comedy vibe.
Directed by Scott Dana Fryer, the show runs March 723 at the Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St., Martinez.
Also at the Campbell is a stage reading of “The Island of Beyond” at 2:30 p.m. March 8.
Written by Michael McGarty and based on the young adult novel by Elizabeth Atkinson,
the story follows 11-year-old Martin who is sent to live with his great-aunt Lenore for the summer on a tiny island called “Beyond.” Thinking this will be the worst summer ever, Martin soon discovers one adventure after another on this strange island of secrets.
A life of art, sports and reinvention
Terry Hughes’ life is a testament to adaptability, creativity and a deep-rooted connection to the communities he has called home.
Born in Yale, Mich., he spent his formative years in Pleasant Hill, Calif., after his family moved west in the mid’50s. His father’s work for Kaiser Industries during the shipbuilding boom brought them to the Bay Area, where Hughes grew up in a town that lived up to its name. He attended local schools and graduated from Pleasant Hill High School in 1961, balancing academics, sports and a growing passion for art. His talents extended beyond the classroom. He was a standout basketball player, despite his small stature, continuing the sport at Chico State. However, it was at Chico State’s fine arts program – his self-proclaimed “Harvard of Northern California” – that he found his true calling: ceramics. The potter’s wheel became his creative outlet, leading him to earn a degree in fine arts.
After college, Hughes took a detour from art, spending time
in Lake Tahoe as a craps dealer. But his connection to his family’s teaching legacy eventually drew him back to Pleasant Hill, where he earned his teaching credential.
He began a fulfilling career as an art teacher at College Park High School, sharing his love for ceramics and crafts with young artists. His career flourished until a teacher strike in the Mount Diablo Unified School District prompted him to reconsider his future. In his early 30s, he transitioned to financial planning,
Terry Hughes in his Benicia studio, with one of his paintings from a safari to South Africa in 2023.
working with teachers on their retirement plans. This shift provided him with financial stability and the freedom to continue his artistic pursuits. Hughes’ appreciation for art evolved into a passion for collecting. He often stretched his budget to acquire original pieces, deepening his under-
“Which way will the wind blow, mama? Which way will our home go now?”
With these opening lines of “Grab One Toy (The Fire Song),” Concord artist John Paul Hodge wastes no time getting to the heart of this emotional folk ballad about leaving everything behind in pursuit of safety.
Released within a week of the recent Los Angeles wildfires that wiped out entire communities, Hodge dedicates the song to all who have faced such tragedies.
“I have many friends, families and acquaintances who lost their homes and my heart aches for them, as well as every other family who has suffered the same. I’ve had close friends that have literally had to grab their kids and pets and run, and that’s eye-opening to the intensity of that situation. With so many fires over the last decade, I think people on the outside don’t quite grasp the heartbreaking, gut-wrenching, decision-making reality of that moment,” explains Hodge.
Despite the timely release, “Grab One Toy (The Fire Song)” was actually written in the late summer of 2023, as he and his wife were traveling through smoke-filled Northern California.
“This was after multiple years of fire seasons where towns were devastated – like Redwood Valley, Paradise and Santa Rosa – including my own hometown of Upper Lake, where the entire town was evacuated for a week,” shares Hodge.
His well of empathy for these fire victims runs deep, as he too has experienced the trauma.
“I lost my home to a fire when I was in seventh grade, and I lost everything I had. At that moment, it was obvious to me that our lives were more important than our material possessions.”
Joining Hodge on this ten-
It takes place in 1905 where Esther, a Black New York seamstress, lives in a boarding house and sews intimate apparel for clients ranging from wealthy white patrons to black prostitutes.
Directed by Carlene Coury, the show features Toniea Hawkins, Gwen Sampson Brown, Eddie Roberts, Safira McGrew, Ben Pierson and Maya Via.
“I fell in love with this play when I saw it about
seven years ago and knew I wanted to direct it,” said Coury. “So, I just jumped at the opportunity to direct it for Onstage. There are so many different themes going on and colorful characters. There’s a socialite, a prostitute, a guy from the Panama Canal, a Jewish gentleman and our seamstress who can’t read or write but makes beautiful things.” For tickets to this little gem, go to campbelltheater.com.
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
Concord artist releases heartfelt song for fire victims
der ballad is vocalist Hattie Craven, a lifelong musician and performer who comes from a very musical family. Her father is Joe Craven, an international mandolinist who has toured with Jerry Garcia and David Grisman.
Essentially raised on stages, Craven has a natural ability to harmonize. On the new single, her beautiful voice further enriches the song’s melodies and its emotional
weight.
“Hattie is a flourishing singer-songwriter performer who I enjoy collaborating with as much as possible – writing songs for and with, and performing together. Her voice just so happens to blend perfectly with mine.”
Hodge and Craven also made a music video for “Grab One Toy (The Fire Song)” with the help of Donovan Lee at hapafilms.com. Beautifully
shot on a farm in Dixon, it features the duo performing by an evening campfire, with interwoven slow-motion shots of a man and child walking off holding hands; the child’s other hand is holding a toy doll.
“Grab One Toy (The Fire Song)” is available on all streaming platforms and online retailers. Scan the QR to watch the music video on your phone or find a YouTube link at TheBeatofDiablo.com.
Hodge will be performing in Walnut Creek 7-10 p.m. Feb. 21 at Rotator Tap Room and 5-7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at Mike Hess Brewing. Additional dates and venues at jphodgemusic.com.
Contact Dave Hughes at MrDaveHughes@gmail.com.
Hattie Craven joins John Paul Hodge on “Grab One Toy (The Fire Song).”
Kevin Berne
Jamella Cross headlines the world premiere of “Froggy” at Center Rep in Walnut Creek.
Savannah Daniels
Eddie Roberts, standing at left, Safira McGrew, Toniea Hawkins, Ben Pierson, Gwen Sampson Brown and Maya Via star in Onstage’s “Intimate Apparel” at the Campbell Theater.
DAVE HUGHES THE BEAT OF DIABLO
SALLY HOGARTY STAGE STRUCK
JULIA O’REILLY ARTFUL INSIGHTS
From lumpia to barbecue, Filipino food stars at local eateries
On Super Bowl Sunday morning, customers lined up to place orders at Mama’s Lumpia in Pacheco. Although the numbers were not comparable to what might be found at Honey Baked Ham around Easter, business was “brisk.”
Inside this modest facility at 5868 Pacheco Blvd., the Delos Santos family has all hands on deck serving eager patrons their famous lumpia rolls, chicken wings, pork adobo and other Filipino dishes. These snack items have proven to be popular for large gatherings.
Migrating from the Philippines to Concord in 2006, dad Romano earned a green card working as a math teacher. He currently is a long-tenured faculty member at Oak Park Middle School. Raising their two children Simon and Celina, mom Haydee served Filipino food at social functions. Eventually, this led to selling the delicacies at Mama’s Lumpia. Simon, who serves as general manager, finds himself
The bare branches of the trees incorporated in our street meridians, lining our sidewalks and installed in our neighborhoods are beginning to swell with buds. Their displays will have folks excited about the possibility of growing one of these fabulous
busy even though the business is only open Thursday to Saturday and occasionally Sunday.
“Our operations are limited,” he notes. “Preparing lumpia rolls by hand is a very time-consuming process taking several days.”
Lumpia is in the same family as Chinese egg and Vietnamese imperial rolls. At Mama’s, chicken and pork are their most popular varieties. They combine the ground meat with onion, carrots, vinegar and spices. They fry the final product in canola oil and
serve it with a tangy sweet and sour sauce.
Simon, a graduate of Northgate High, says “low overhead” along with large volume allows Mama’s Lumpia to “remain in the black.”
Yet, he would like to see Mama’s offer a higher service level someday. “This is not easy as our culture does not lend itself to white tablecloth dining. For now, we will need to rely on our take-out and catering business.”
For a sit-down dining experience, opt for the Seafood City complex at 2030 Diamond Blvd. in Concord.
Customers of Ima’s Kusina, Grill City and Goldilocks can purchase food from buffet lines and enjoy their meals in a separate dining area.
Together, these restaurants provide a diverse selection of Filipino dishes with flavors in common with American, Chinese, Spanish and Mexican cuisine. The results don’t merit Michelin Stars, but many families find it a quality dining
experience.
Grill City features a large number of barbecued foods. They are best known for chicken and pork skewers and fried pompano fish from a menu of more than 50 items.
Goldilocks is a chain from the Philippines that’s a combination food store, bakery and restaurant. If one desires to enjoy native foods from the island nation, this is a good destination.
Yolanda Teoxon, who manages the Concord restaurant, has worked 36 years for Goldilocks both in Manila and the United States. She credits “time-honored recipes and cleanliness as the keys for our success.”
I sampled a representative portion of their menu. Especially enjoyable were their fried pork belly and chicken empanada rolls dipped in a tangy orange-hued sauce. The
mung bean pasta and Shanghai lumpia were also excellent. Ima’s Kusina offers a large number of hot entrées, from pancit palabok to beef kaldereta. They are especially known for desserts including a delectable halo-halo. This Filipino version of a parfait or English trifle combines fruit, jello cubes, shaved ice, cake, purple sweet potato ice cream (ube), tapioca and various mix-ins. The 1,000-calorie treat is an excellent way to conclude a meal.
Seafood City also houses a huge Asian market, Jollibee (fried chicken), Red Ribbon Bakeshop, Valerie’s Tropical Bakeshop and other assorted businesses.
As they say in the Filipino language Tagalog: “Ito ay isang lugar para sa buong pamilya” – This is a place for the entire family.
Rich Eber is a local journalist and long time resident of Concord. He covers topics from politics to gourmet food. Contact him at richeber9@gmail.com.
Choosing the right ornamental tree for springtime charm
trees in their landscapes. Which spring-blooming ornamental tree should you consider –flowering cherry or plum, redbud or crabapple, perhaps magnolia?
First, you need to understand their preferred growing conditions, disease and pest tolerance and mature sizes. The baby pink blossoms that line our streets and many landscapes are flowering plum trees. Reddish-purple leaves follow the blossoms. Mature heights depend on the variety. Two of the most sought-after selections are Krauter Vesuvius and Purple Pony.
Krauter Vesuvius can grow fairly large, 18-20 feet tall and 10-12 feet wide. Krauter Vesuvius has a single light pink flower and will eventually yield small, edible fruit. Purple Pony is a naturally semi-dwarfed, sterile selection. It will only reach 10-12 feet tall and about half as wide. It seldom yields fruit. This selection has single pink flowers. Either of these flowering ornamental trees will stand out in the landscape. The purplishred foliage is summer hardy and will not green up with the heat.
Flowering cherry trees have showy, fabulous flowers that are
either single or double blossoms of pinks or white. Some of the most popular flowering cherry trees are the weeping selections. Grafted trunks swell with age, and weeping arms can hang close or sprawl wide. Snow Fountains has white blooms and is a garden standout. Prunus pendula Double Weeping is a weeping flowering cherry with a double, rose-pink flower. Standard cherry blossoms trees such as Kwanzan and Yedoensis Akebono are also favorites within our local landscapes.
All ornamental cherry trees are susceptible to scale, which can be difficult to control. It can become an infestation quickly, so keep your eyes open for ant trails.
Flowering pear trees are the most beautiful, yet disappointing trees around. They boast speed of growth, a dramatic spring flower display and awesome fall color … but these trees get blight. It starts at the tip of the branches in the summer, and many think their tree’s limbs are being burned. Quickly, the blight can travel through the tree, getting worse as each new summer progresses. Spraying and pruning infected limbs
Insights, from page B5
standing of artistic expression. In 1977, his love for art and community led him to relocate to Benicia, a town known for its vibrant, creative scene.
He built a life, started a family and immersed himself in the local art culture. Benicia’s mix of galleries, antique shops and artistic spaces provided the perfect backdrop for his evolving creative journey. At the turn of the 21st century, Hughes reconnected with his artistic roots. Friends introduced him to figure drawing classes in Crockett, reigniting his passion for painting. He soon joined Benicia’s plein air community, studying under Jerry Turner and mastering oil painting with a palette knife – a tool he had once dismissed but later embraced. This artistic transformation marked a significant turning point, allowing him to experiment with bold textures and expressive strokes. Hughes became a prominent figure in the local art scene and a founding member of Benicia’s first plein air gallery. He also lent his financial expertise to Arts Benicia during difficult times, offering guidance while choosing to stay behind the scenes rather than take leadership roles.
of pinks or
hasn’t proven to be all that successful, so we advise folks to avoid planting this ornamental. Meanwhile, redbud trees are fantastic. Eastern and Western both do very well. You can find low branch habits, multi-trunk and standard shaped trees. The spring-time white flowering trees in Clayton’s Grove park are a selection of redbud. Western redbuds are native California trees. This selection has been in high demand for the past few years and is nearly impossible for me to find for the nursery. Saucer magnolia trees, aka tulip magnolia trees, mature into stunning specimens. They are one of the first flowers of spring. Its large flowers with heavy petals are a favorite of many. Varieties to look for are Alexandrina and Susan. Flowers are deep pink to light pink-almost white. Install your saucer magnolia away from walkways or drives, because the petal drop can be messy.
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
His influence extended beyond finance, as his paintings began attracting attention. One of his standout pieces, a striking 32- by 48-inch painting of a giraffe, was inspired by a World War II-era story of giraffes transported from Africa to Czechoslovakia. This work further established him as an artist unafraid to tackle ambitious projects. His plein air adventures took him across the Bay Area, including Mount Diablo and Clayton, where he continuously sought new inspirations. As plein air painting grew in popularity, Hughes constantly explored fresh subjects and techniques. His ability to adapt and push creative boundaries solidified his reputation as a
dynamic and imaginative artist. His journey – from ceramics to financial planning and back to painting – reflects his resilience and passion for artistic exploration. His contributions to the Benicia art community have left a lasting impact, enriching the cultural landscape of his adopted hometown. From his childhood in Pleasant Hill to his flourishing career as a painter, Hughes’ life is a testament to the power of reinvention and the enduring influence of creativity.
Julia O’Reilly Is the owner of JOR Fine Art Gallery in Clayton. Email comments to her at joreillyfineartgallery@gmail.com
Flowering cherry trees have showy, fabulous flowers that are either single or double blossoms
white
Richard Eber
Goldilocks general manager Yolanda Teoxon displays empanadas and a combo plate.
This large warthog came out his burrow when Terry Hughes’ group drove by while in South Africa.
