JAN 17 The Pioneer 2025

Ladies Night settlement leads to closure of popular Lima restaurant

CONCORD – The last day of 2024 marked a bittersweet end for popular Peruvian restaurant Lima.

“We are closing the business because of the huge expense of spending over $40,000 fighting a lawsuit alleging gender discrimination for half-price Ladies Night drinks we offered on Wednesday nights,” owner-chef John Marquez regretfully declared.

While thanking his loyal customers for their support, he added: “Between dealing with legal proceedings and COVID19, it was not practical to keep the business going any longer.”

Lima admirers filled the restaurant to capacity in its final days. Enjoying an order of empanadas and seafood paella, Ray and Lynn Yates from Antioch expressed regret. “One of our favorite places to dine will no longer be ours to partake in.”

Concord Mayor Carlyn Obringer joined the chorus lamenting Lima’s closure. “I am very, very sorry that a frivolous lawsuit means the end of

Seven high opportunity areas targeted for Concord high-density housing developments

CONCORD – The City Council voted Jan. 7 to study seven areas for higher density housing to meet new state rules.

In an effort to accommodate 1,000 more housing units, the city will analyze these areas for overlay zoning to boost housing numbers:

Site 1: The former Kmart property on Clayton Road and Treat, 7+ acres with a maximum capacity of 471 units.

Site 2: Clayton Faire, 4 acres/248 units. Centre Concord, the gym, bowling alley and parking areas are excluded.

Site 3: Staples/CVS, auto repair and Burger King at Treat Boulevard and Oak Grove Road, 10+ acres/617 units.

Site 6: Dental offices at Treat and Oak Grove, 2 acres/126 units.

Site 8: Infill at the Palm Lake Apartment Homes on Oak Grove at Treat Blvd., 13 acres/480 more units.

Site 16: Vacant land at Kirker Pass Road and Myrtle Drive, 2+ acres/141 units.

Site 18: 1539 Kirker Pass, 1 acre/56 units.

LOOKING AT COMMUNITY IMPACT

The locations could become part of the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) Rezoning Project. The plan would require amendments to the General Plan and Development Code.

“We’re not committing to any of those sites at this moment but going through the process of seeing how they would actually impact the community if they were developed,” noted Councilmember Dominic Aliano. “I’ve heard from a bunch of people that the impacts to our roadways, our schools, those are legit concerns.”

All the sites the council selected were on the staff’s short list except No. 6. Because of that, the council directed

staff to inform business owners and tenants in that area of the city’s plans. Even if the council votes to add overlay zones, it doesn’t necessarily mean that increased development would occur. That would depend on owner interest.

ANALYZING THE HOUSING MARKET

Since April 2024, the city has held numerous meetings with residents and stakeholders and conducted community surveys – creating what they call 3,200 “community touchpoints.”

To come up with the parcels under consideration, Eric Yurkovich said the consulting firm Raimi + Associates looked at “patterns of segregation” and identified factors that contributed to fair housing.

“The analysis showed that Concord had become increasingly diverse, with

CLAYTON – In a decision that critics say centralizes power and reduces public participation, and despite overwhelming opposition from citizens present, the Clayton City Council adopted significant changes to its meeting protocols at the regular Jan. 7 meeting. Led by Mayor Kim Trupiano and Vice Mayor Jeff Wan, the changes are framed as efficiency measures but have sparked considerable pushback from council members and residents alike.

MAYOR GAINS SOLE CONTROL OF AGENDA

In a 4-1 vote with Trupiano, Wan and Council members Jim Diaz and Rich Enea voting yes and Council member Holly Tillman opposing, the most controversial change grants the mayor full authority over setting the agenda. Prior to the change, a council member could request agenda items during the public meeting, ensuring a degree of transparency and accountability. The mayor, vice-mayor and city manager would later discuss proposed items, and the mayor would then decide on “which” future agenda the item would appear. Council members are now required to submit requests in writing to both the mayor and city manager, with the mayor having sole discretion “whether” to agendize them or not. In a puzzling comment, Wan said the change was simply to “clean up the language,” arguing that “which” and “whether” mean the same thing.

The timing of this shift has raised eyebrows. Councilmember Holly Tillman has requested an independent investigation into the city’s senior management turnover at every meeting since October 2023 and has been repeatedly ignored. The city has seen no fewer than two dozen changes at the senior level since 2018, including nine permanent, acting and interim city managers. Tillman worries the new procedure will further silence efforts to tackle critical issues.

“This isn’t about efficiency; it’s about removing checks and balances,” said Tillman. “Important matters, like investigating our management crisis, are now easier to ignore.”

Flowing curtain of dreams draws artist into action

Jayne Tucker’s journey into the world of teabag art began with an unforgettable moment at a traveling gallery in Santa Monica.

Set against the backdrop of the iconic Santa Monica Pier, the gallery was an innovative space crafted from towering stacks of shipping containers – six high, to be exact. Within these containers was an awe-

inspiring exhibition by a photographer whose work, and its stunning presentation, left an indelible mark on Tucker.

At the entrance to the gallery stood a curtain unlike anything Tucker had ever seen. Commissioned by the photographer, this flowing masterpiece was made entirely of recycled teabags, meticulously glued together by skilled women artisans from Thailand. The curtain hung gracefully, swaying gently in the ocean breeze, creating a mesmerizing visual and emotional experience. For Tucker, the sight of

the teabag curtain was nothing short of transformative. “I couldn’t even step into the gallery,” she recalls. “I was so taken aback, so moved by the beauty and ingenuity of it. I stood there, tears in my eyes, completely enthralled.”

In that moment, Tucker knew her life had changed. The teabag curtain awakened a creative spark, setting her on a path to explore the potential of recycled teabags in her own art.

“I realized I had to do something with teabags,” she says. “That curtain wasn’t just

following challenges with a gender discrimination lawsuit and the impact of COVID-19.

Contributed photo

Jayne Tucker displays her tea bag art at Delta Gallery in Brentwood. Her work was recently exhibited at JR Gallery in Clayton

City of Concord

This map shows the seven areas Concord is considering for increased housing. At the Jan. 7 meeting, the council and excluded the warehouses behind Trader Joe’s.

TAMARA STEINER The Pioneer

BEV BRITTON The Pioneer

JULIA O’REILLY ARTFUL INSIGHTS See Council, page 3

See Lima, page 2

RICH EBER Special to the Pioneer

one of the nicest restaurants that downtown Concord has ever enjoyed.”

Obringer went on to say there was nothing the city could do to assist Lima and that Marquez had not requested help from local government.

After rarely leaving the kitchen during the restaurant’s last week in operation, Marquez is considering opening a new restaurant or possibly moving to Texas.

“With my daughter a junior in high school, I would like to stay here but we will see,” he said.

The acclaimed chef worked under Kevin Gin at Bridges in Danville and at Thomas Keller’s three Michelin Star French Laundry in Yountville. He previously opened a restaurant for Keller in New York.

Lima is not the only business to fall victim to court proceedings claiming gender discrimination.

It cost the Oakland A’s a half million dollars to settle a complaint about a Women’s Day promotion the team offered. A court ruling determined the baseball club violat-

ed the Unruh Civil Rights Act of 1959, as Lima allegedly did. Although the case has been settled, Marquez and his legal team are prohibited from discussing the details.

Despite the setbacks, Marquez reflects fondly on the near decade he spent operating Lima. His family, including mom Elizabeth, were onsite on the last day to thank patrons for their loyalty and support.

He summed up his sentiments in a note on Lima’s bill of fare on New Year’s Eve: “We are delighted to present a menu featuring a selection of our most popular dishes. Enjoy the favorites that have made our restaurant special. Buen Provecho!”

art – it was a message about transformation, community and sustainability.”

Today, Tucker thoughtfully repurposes every single part of the bag – paper, string and labels – into tasteful designs, most of them wall hangings. Her creations reflect not only her artistic vision but also her commitment to sustainable practices, turning what many see as waste into intricate works of art.

Art has always played a central role in Tucker’s life, including her 30-year teaching career, primarily in Oxnard schools, where art was a major part of the curriculum. In the 1970s, she took a year off from college and experiment-

ed with large-scale macramé pieces, one of which she sold to Bank of America in San Francisco. “It was an exciting time,” recalls Tucker, who now lives in Martinez.

She later earned a bachelor’s degree in child psychology from UC Santa Barbara, a foundation that has informed her approach to creativity and education.

Tucker’s art has gained recognition in several solo and group exhibitions. Fiber Art Now Magazine featured her work in last spring’s edition. In 2024, her group exhibitions included the Los Medanos College Art Gallery, Grand Gallery in Oakland, Arts Benicia, William D. Cannon Art

“My Little Ballerina” features 900+ reclaimed and used tea bags, cut into feather shapes and attached to muslin and wire mesh.

Gallery in Carlsbad and

JOR Fine

This year, she will be part of the “Citizen Joy” exhibition juried by Jeff Raz at the Sanchez Art Center in Pacifica. Tucker’s work is a reminder of the profound impact of inspiration and creativity. She continues to transform humble materials into captivating pieces, inspiring others to see the extraordinary potential in everyday objects. Through her art, she carries forward the magic of that flowing teabag curtain, making her mark on the art world one teabag at a time.

Julia O’Reilly Is the owner of JOR Fine Art Gallery in Clayton. Email comments to her at joreillyfineartgallery@gmail.com

noticeable integration and rising racial and ethnic diversity across the city,” he said. “This is particularly true in the Monument and North Concord. These areas, however, face some of the higher poverty

rates within the city.

“As home prices have become more expensive, it’s been more complicated for lower income families to find housing,” he added. “So the state law requires that cities take meaningful action to increase housing mobility and opportunity in those high resource areas.”

A key issue in Concord is that existing higher density housing sites are in what are considered “lower opportunity areas.” Therefore, the new housing program aims to increase opportunities by allowing more development in higher resource areas.

“High opportunity areas are known to have better educational and economic outcomes,” Yurkovich said during the joint City Council-Planning Commission meeting at Centre Concord.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS

In 1½ hours of public comment, many residents lamented about increased traffic and the loss of privacy while others adamantly advocated for more affordable housing.

“As I had my third kid, I decided to come back to Concord. Thankfully, I was able to afford it,” said Alex Gude. “My brother, a music teacher, wasn’t able to. My

sister, who works in hospitality, wasn’t able to. Of my three cousins, one lives with his parents and the others have moved out. I look at my three sons and I know that’s their fate if we don’t solve the housing crisis. The only way our city can survive is if young families can afford to put down roots here.”

Steve Johnson had similar sentiments.

“We want our children to be able to afford houses here, as well as the people who work here and teach our children,” he said, before cautioning: “You can’t drive to and from the Clayton Valley today. You know, it’s already full. You’d have to take out houses to make it three lanes in each direction.”

Johnson also wondered about the impact of 400 units Walnut Creek is adding in the Shadelands area. “We would need Walnut Creek’s help to make Ygnacio an expressway or something.”

Michael Dudoroff, who has lived on Myrtle Drive for 36 years, talked about the transformation of his once

quiet neighborhood.

“The two main roads of Laurel and Myrtle have become an unwanted extension of Kirker Pass. Mornings and afternoons, these streets have become the new Concord Boulevard. These roads would be severely impacted by houses on Site 16,” he said.

Because many speakers questioned why the Cal State East Bay site was taken out of consideration, Mayor Carlyn Obringer asked staff for clarification.

“The state does not have a master plan for that campus that includes housing,” said planner Mindy Gentry. “It’s gonna take the state a long time, even if they were to initiate a master plan today, to figure out what that’s gonna look like.”

In that same vein, the former Concord Naval Weapons Station development does not fit the city’s current timeframe.

For more information, visit www.cityofconcord.org/AFFHFAQ.

Clayton’s

Art Gallery.

DAVID SCHOLZ Correspondent

CONCORD – The 2024 sewer upgrade projects that tore up streets across town and frustrated motorists will continue to be center stage in 2025 and beyond.

Expect orange cones, street closures and detour signage as the city completes deferred work and commences still more road construction activity.

Among the big ongoing projects is the $13 million Willow Pass/Landana piece that involves replacing approximately 2.5 miles of sewer main running through downtown Concord. It’s slated to be finished in May 2025.

Then there are smaller, though no less significant, items like the Downtown Sanitary Sewer Upgrade that will complete the remainder of the sewer main and lateral repairs needed as identified in the Concord Downtown Area Sewer Evaluation Report. It will also include dig-outs, pavement overlay and restriping. Weather permitting, city engineer Carlton Thompson

anticipates completion by this March.

“We don’t want them digging holes when it is raining,” said Thompson, citing adjusted schedules and time lost waiting for the ground to dry out.

“You have to work around the weather and stay safe doing it,” he continued. “If it takes a couple of months extra, so be it. That’s life in California.”

Among the funding sources is Measure V, a voter-approved one-cent transaction and use tax intended to preserve city services, address infrastructure back-

Council, from page 1

Trupiano invited Tillman to discuss her concerns in private and assured those present, “You’ll just have to believe the city manager and I will make the right decision.”

HYBRID MEETINGS

DISCONTINUED

The council also voted to end hybrid meetings, which allowed citizens to attend and comment via Zoom—a practice started during the COVID-19 pandemic to encourage greater civic engagement. While meetings will continue to be livestreamed, remote partici-

pants will no longer be able to offer live public comments.

“We’re simply taking a step back to pre-pandemic,” Trupiano explained, prompting sharp criticism.

“Why would we disregard four years of technological advancements that increased public participation?” asked a resident during the meeting.

“This isn’t a step back; it’s a setback for transparency and democracy.”

The council admitted there were no financial savings associated with ending hybrid comments, fueling concerns that the

Looking ahead to Fiscal Year 2027, ’28 and ’29, funding requests total $400,000 for citywide Sewer Lateral Replacement Study and Program costs.

logs, and support community priorities – big and small – that have and will continue to challenge the patience of motorists.

Sewer Enterprise is another funding source for the ongoing work that will be a way of life in the city for the next few years as the deferred projects get completed.

Prior allocations for sewer infrastructure total $22.76 million. The Fiscal Year 2025 funding request for sewer infrastructure projects is $8.96 million. Fiscal Year 2026 brings another $11 million in funding requests.

decision was motivated by a desire to curtail public input rather than operational necessity.

Council also eliminated verbal committee and council reports, which offered insight into council activities and discussions. Critics argue this limits the flow of information between council members and the public, making it harder for residents to stay informed about governance and council priorities.

STREAMLINING OR POWER GRAB

Residents voiced strong opposition to the changes, viewing them as a step away from participatory democracy.

Critics have also flagged the

Plans for 2025 and 2026 include six sewer improvement projects that will assess and repair selective pipe segments within designated neighborhoods. That includes the Concord BART Area Sewer and Street Improvements, Clayton Valley Highlands Sanitary Sewer Repairs, David Avenue Area Sanitary Sewer Repairs and Marsh Creek Sewer Capacity Improvements.

It’s all about trying to catch up on deferred work, and Thompson lauded the public’s patience with inconveniences caused by the road construction.

“It can get frustrating,” he said, noting that the result will be improvements that allow the public to go about their daily lives.

For more information, go to https://ca-concord.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/V iew/4884/CIP-Budget-andPlan-2025—-2029?bidId=.

potential for violations of the Brown Act, which prohibits non-public discussions of agenda items among a quorum of council members. With agenda requests handled privately between the mayor, city manager, and the requesting councilmember, there’s concern this new process could unintentionally breach legal requirements for transparency.

As Clayton adjusts to these new procedures, community members are left questioning whether efficiency has come at too high a cost.

View the full meeting video at www.claytonca.gov.

home care, a crucial support for seniors aging in place

SI

DUONG

HOME HEALTH CARE

As the U.S. elderly population grows, more seniors are seeking services that allow them to age in place—living independently and comfortably in their own homes. With the Baby Boomer generation retiring and life expectancy increasing, many are choosing non-medical home care as an alternative to nursing homes. This shift highlights the growing demand for non-medical home care services, which help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life while staying in familiar surroundings.

WHAT IS NON-MEDICAL HOME CARE?

Non-medical home care encompasses a range of services designed to assist seniors with daily activities and improve their overall well-being. These services include help with personal care (like bathing, dressing, and grooming), light housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, companionship, and assistance with mobility. Unlike medical home care, which focuses on healthcare needs, non-medical care supports seniors in managing everyday tasks and activities that they may struggle with due to age or physical limitations.

WHY NON-MEDICAL HOME CARE WORKS FOR SENIORS

Personalized, One-onOne Support

Non-medical home care offers personalized attention that’s tailored to each senior’s specific needs. Whether it’s helping with chores, providing companionship, or assisting with personal care, caregivers work closely with seniors to ensure they can maintain their routines and stay as independent as possible. This one-onone care is often more flexible and adaptable than the standardized care in nursing homes.

Promotes Independence and Dignity

One of the greatest benefits of non-medical home care is that it allows seniors to preserve their sense of independence.

Many seniors prefer remaining at home rather than moving to a facility, where they may lose control over daily decisions.

Non-medical caregivers offer support that helps seniors manage their activities—like dressing, preparing meals, and enjoying hobbies—while maintaining dignity and a sense of self-sufficiency.

Studies show that seniors who receive non-medical home care experience better mental and emotional well-being. By

remaining in the comfort of their homes and receiving companionship, seniors are less likely to feel isolated or depressed. Additionally, having assistance with daily tasks reduces the stress that often comes with managing a home, allowing seniors to focus on their health, hobbies, and relationships.

Cost-Effective Care

Non-medical home care is often a more affordable option compared to nursing homes or full-time medical care. With services tailored to specific needs, families can choose the level of support required— whether it’s a few hours a week or more frequent visits—helping manage costs effectively without compromising on care.

THE GROWING DEMAND FOR NON-MEDICAL HOME CARE

As more seniors opt to age in place, the demand for nonmedical home care services continues to rise. Many seniors seek help that is both flexible and compassionate, allowing them to stay in their homes while receiving the support they need. Non-medical home care offers a vital solution for families who want to ensure their loved ones are well cared for without the need for institutional care.

CONCLUSION

Non-medical home care is a crucial service that enables seniors to age in place, maintaining independence and improving their quality of life. By offering personalized assistance with daily activities, nonmedical caregivers provide essential support that allows seniors to live comfortably at home. As the senior population grows, non-medical home care will play an increasingly important role in helping seniors maintain autonomy and stay connected to their communities. For more information, visit homehelpershomecare.com.

CHRISTINE LUCAS TRIO SKIN CARE

Dark spots, discoloration, uneven skin tone, scarring. No matter what you call it, hyperpigmentation is a complexion killer.

This condition occurs when your body produces excess melanin, the natural pigment responsible for the color of your skin, hair and eyes, and it is deposited unevenly in the skin. While the most common cause of hyperpigmentation is often associated with sun damage, other factors include hormonal changes, inflammation, certain illnesses and medications.

Melanin serves as the body’s natural defense mechanism to protect against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The irritation caused by UV rays increases melanin production, creating what we recognize as a suntan. When, in fact, this is a wound response to protect against internal injury.

Prolonged and repeated exposure can lead to uneven melanin distribution, resulting in sunspots, freckles and rough patches known as actinic keratosis.

Melasma, often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy,” affects many women, causing patches of pigmentation to appear on the face. This hormonal condition is most frequently seen on the forehead, cheeks, temples and jawline, often forming a symmetric pattern of brown discoloration. It commonly develops during pregnancy or with oral contraceptive use.

Trio Skincare can help your skin’s future look bright

Melasma often fades on its own after pregnancy or when oral contraceptives are discontinued. However, discoloration can persist – especially with ongoing and prolonged heat and sun exposure.

Hyperpigmentation doesn’t always result from sun exposure or hormonal changes. Another common type of discoloration is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), a condition where dark spots appear after the skin experiences inflammation or injury. PIH can develop following a variety of skin issues, such as acne, eczema or psoriasis. These conditions often leave behind darkened marks once the inflammation subsides.

Similarly, skin injuries or surgical scars may also heal with discoloration. This occurs because the skin, in its attempt to repair itself, produces excess melanin as part of the healing process.

Hyperpigmentation remains one of the most challenging skin conditions to treat. Achieving the best possible results requires a multifaceted approach, as pigmentation issues stem from multiple processes that cause cellular damage.

Addressing these processes comprehensively will make all the difference with physician formulated products and professional services that focus on exfoliation, suppression of melanocyte activity, cellular repair, and UV protection with physical sunblock and antioxidants.

At Trio Skincare, we focus on seeking out the newest products and technologies to deliver safe, effective solutions for hyperpigmentation. From innovative treatments like Exosomes, Glutathione Peels and Photofacials to next-generation skincare formulations with retinaldehyde, tranexamic acid and L-arbutin, we are committed to supporting clients on their skincare journey with a blend of science-backed solutions and expert care. Do not let hyperpigmentation hold you back. Book your personalized consultation at Trio Skincare today and take the first step toward radiant, eventoned skin. For more information about Trio Skincare’s anti-aging/acne management clinic in Concord, visit www.trioskincare.com or call 925-609-8746.

Pamper yourself and do all your Valentine’s shopping in a relaxed, indoor & stroller-friendly environment. Shop outfits, pampering services, jewelry, makeup, sweets and so much more from over 50 vendors.

Wine, Cocktail and Coffee Bar now featuring Peet’s Coffee & Tea

Makeup Jewelry Hair Products Health & Wellness

Clothing (Babies, Kids & Women) Accessories Purses & Handbags

Skincare Coffees & Teas Chocolates, Cookies & Candy

Honey, Jams & Jellies Books Candles Oils

Photography Kid’s Books,Games & Toys Greeting Cards

Home Decor Art Psychic Readings

Valentine’s Day comes early at Feb. 2 boutique

Valentine’s Day comes early with the ultimate local shopping experience at the 7th free Super Valentine’s Boutique on Sunday, Feb. 2, in the Hilton Concord ballroom.

Shoppers will be able to pamper themselves and buy gifts for their Valentine sweethearts from more than 50 crafts vendors, home-based businesses and commercial exhibitors.

The boutique is open 11 a.m.-3 p.m., with free admission and free parking at the Hilton, 1970 Diamond Blvd. Clothing for women, teens and kids, jewelry, purses, candles, soaps, candy, fashion accessories, books, candy, coffee and tea, home goods, bath

and body, kitchenware and cooking products, baked goods and so much more will be available.

The Hilton will have a coffee, tea, wine and cocktail bar open for shoppers to relax during and after they shop.

The first 250 women through the door will receive a Valentine’s Gift Bag. Each attendee will receive a free raffle ticket for numerous Valentine-themed prizes. Donation of food to the Monument Crisis Center will earn the donor another raffle ticket for each can donated.

Birsan wants your input on local survey questions

The Pulse of Concord has been an independent survey site since 2009. I will be updating and revising it with new questions this month and report on the results here.

I will make every attempt to have neutral questions so as not to bias the results. For example, I will not be asking:

“Should we raise sales tax on cheap, bad vodka?”

It can be very hard to ask a neutral question, with the classic response being multiple choice. Typically, I like: Strongly Agree, Agree, Do Not Agree or Disagree, Disagree and Strongly Disagree. Sometimes I add Have No Idea or Do Not Care. What you want to be asked is important to me and I encourage you all to write to me at EdiBirsan@gmail.com regarding topics or the actual wording of questions. I am currently trying to find neutral questions on these draft issues:

• What items do you define as inflation that affects you?

• What are your sources for local and national news?

• Do you feel engaged in politics?

• How do your friends and family decide to vote when you know nothing about the candidates?

• Do you think that things are going to be better locally this year?

• Do you think that things are going to be better nationally this year?

I have room for six more questions and then the usual demographic questions. Are you interested in very specific questions like:

You can also pre-register for a free $2 Sweetheart Buck to be used at the boutique and automatic entry in the raffle.

www.supervalentinesboutique.com.

The Ins and Outs of Estate Planning

• Do you want a directly elected mayor?

• Should there be a moratorium on new drive-through fast food restaurants?

• What other ethnic restaurants should we have?

• Should we ban sidewalk food vendors? (Regardless of state law)

Or should I shift to more national or world issues, like tariffs/immigration or the placement of an NFL team in South America? Please let me know what you want to ask or learn about local views.

Send comments and questions to EdiBirsan@gmail.com.

Set real estate goals for the new year

JENNIFER STOJANOVICH CLOSE TO HOME

Whether you’re buying, selling or planning a move, here are resolutions to guide your journey in 2025.

For buyers

• Check your finances. Review your savings, budget and credit score. Automated savings for a down payment and pre-approval for a mortgage will clarify what you can afford.

For decades, veterinarians for decades have been taught and have counseled clients that early spaying and neutering are extremely important for the health of dogs and cats and to minimize pet overpopulation.

In the past few years, however, there have been some indicators of possible benefits of waiting to spay or neuter until a later age in some breeds of dogs. This can be accomplished in a conscientious home with good control of the pet’s activities.

Having said that, if we look at the overall life expectancies of intact vs. neutered/spayed dogs and cats, the overwhelming evidence still supports spaying and neutering. A large U.S. study of client-owned pets looking at more than 2 million dogs and 460,000 cats showed

• Define your needs. Identify must-haves, nice-to-haves and deal-breakers for your future home. Clear goals make house hunting easier.

• Research the market. Winter is ideal for learning about neighborhoods and market trends, so you’re ready when spring listings increase.

For sellers

• Prepare your home. Make a strong first impression with fresh paint, decluttering and minor repairs. A pre-listing inspection can help avoid surprises.

• Consider market timing. Winter offers less competition, attracting serious buyers. Consult your agent to decide the best time to list.

• Price competitively. Work with your agent to evaluate comparable homes and set an attractive price.

General resolutions

• Work with a professional. A knowledgeable real estate agent simplifies the process and offers insights into market dynamics.

• Stay updated. Follow local market reports and information on interest rates and

regulations to make informed decisions.

• Be patient and flexible. Real estate decisions are significant. Adaptability and realistic goals lead to success.

This year, commit to strategic steps that bring your real estate dreams closer to reality. Planning today can make 2025 your year for achieving homeownership or successfully selling your property.

Jennifer Stojanovich is an owner/broker with Better Homes Real Estate. Send questions and comments to jennifer@bhrbroker.com

Despite recent research, spaying and neutering early still a good option

that neutered male dogs live on average 18% longer than intact males, and spayed female dogs 23% longer than intact females. In cats, the difference was 62% longer for neutered male cats and 39% longer for spayed female cats.

This difference at least in part is due to preventing roaming and fighting, keeping the animals safer in the confines of their homes and environments. Other studies have also shown that spays and neuters lead to significantly longer lifespans as compared to unneutered/unspayed dogs and cats.

I would like to highlight the tremendous success accomplished by shelters and rescue groups by implementing spays and neuters before placement of animals in new homes, including via “early spay and neuter” process.

Early spays and neuters –before an animal leaves the shelter and often at a young age – prevent millions of dogs and cats from being euthanized simply because they are “surplus”

and cannot find a loving home to care for them. It also prevents the “oops” factor of forgetting to get your puppy or kitten spayed or neutered before they are sexually mature, which can occur as early as 4-5 months of age. It can also alleviate concerns about demeanor in more aggressive male dogs. Spaying and neutering prevent some major health issues. Early spays, before a first heat cycle, almost completely resolve the risk of mammary (breast) tumors in dogs and cats. Since 50% of canine mammary tumors are malignant and almost 100% of feline mammary tumors are malignant, it is clearly beneficial to avoid this scenario.

Spaying avoids heat cycles: Picture trying to keep your menstruating female dog away from potential breeding males for weeks to avoid unintended pregnancies. Spaying also prevents pyometra, a potentially life-threatening uterine infection, as well as uterine and ovarian cancers. For males, neutering eliminates the concern for

testicular tumors and significantly lowers the risk of prostate infections to nil if performed prior to development of prostatitis, an older male dog disease.

In cats, spraying and “tomcat” odor are typically eliminated. Female cats will go in and out of heat until they are bred and can make quite a ruckus when they are willing to breed. Female dogs come into season typically every 7 months, but when in season, they will need to avoid a male for 3-4 weeks at a time, which can be difficult.

Next month, I will look at the ins and outs of choosing when and if to neuter. I would still call this a “when” and not an “if” in most circumstances. I will walk through this to help you make an informed decision.

Micki McCabe, DVM, DACVIM, FAAVA, is a longtime Clayton resident. The recently retired local veterinarian has an interest in internal and integrative medicine. Send questions and comments by email to McCabe at drmccabevet@gmail.com

Getting your affairs in order goes beyond a simple will.

Probate, the court-mandated process for determining asset distribution after death, is the last thing you’d want your loved ones to endure during their grieving period.

If you die without an estate plan, the state assumes control – making decisions about who inherits your assets, when and how much it will cost. This process can last a year or more and be expensive, incurring 2%-4% of your estate value in attorney’s fees, executor fees and court costs.

It’s also public, leaving no privacy for your loved ones. Moreover, it frequently results in distributions that don’t align with your wishes. And if you have minor children, the court will decide their care, potentially leading to foster care.

To regain control, the most effective course of action is to create your own estate plan.

The safest way to avoid probate is to establish a Revocable Trust and place sufficient assets within it so that the remaining assets outside the trust (i.e. your “estate”) fall below the probate threshold. Currently set at $184,000, it will increase to $300,000 on April 1, 2025.

The court considers all your assets, including the full value of your home, when determining whether this threshold is exceeded. For real estate, there’s an exception starting April 1, 2025, allowing a primary residence valued at or less than $750,000 to be transferred to beneficiaries without probate. However, your loved ones will still need to petition the court, potentially incurring the same or more costs as creating an estate plan while you were alive.

A Revocable Trust offers numerous additional advantages, including memorializing your specific wishes and providing for individuals not included in the state’s plan.

In addition to a Revocable Trust, your comprehensive estate plan should include other essential documents such as a Pour-over Will, a Durable Power of Attorney and an Advance Healthcare Directive.

A will is a set of instructions that outlines how your assets should be distributed after your death. A Pour-Over will instructs the executor to transfer all assets to the trust. It may also include specific wishes, such as “I want my jewelry to go to my daughter.”

A Durable Power of Attorney and an Advance Healthcare Directive address who may act on your behalf in case of incapacity. A Durable Power of Attorney handles financial decisions, while an Advance Healthcare Directive deals with healthcare decisions. Other commonly included documents in an estate plan are a Certification of Trust, which allows banks to open an account in the trust’s name, and one or more Quitclaim Deeds, which transfer real estate into the trust’s name. For DIYers or those opting for cheaper estate planning options, a common pitfall is that these services often fail to prepare and file the Quitclaim Deeds, leading to an unfunded trust. This oversight requires an additional court filing to transfer the real estate into the trust, ultimately resulting in costs that can be as high as or even higher than the entire estate plan. Even if you have an estate plan in place, it’s advisable to review it periodically to ensure it still aligns with your wishes and reflects any changes in the law since its creation. Many older trusts were drafted based on outdated laws, resulting in unnecessary administration fees and adverse tax consequences for your loved ones.

To learn more about estate planning and to discuss your estate plan, reach out today at 925-401-5096 or patrick@elahmadielaw.com for a complimentary 30-minute consultation.

PATRICK ELAHMADIE TRUST MATTERS

Shop for clothing, jewelry, soaps and much more at the Super Valentine’s Boutique Feb. 2 at the Concord Hilton.

EDI BIRSAN PULSE OF CONCORD

MICKI MCCABE , DVM PET SMARTS

Obringer hopes to engage with community as Concord mayor

It was with great pride that I accepted the gavel and the title of mayor of the city of Concord on Dec. 10.

Thank you to my City Council colleagues for the confidence they exhibited in me by unanimously electing me as mayor for 2025. And thank you to the voters of District 2 who re-elected me to the City Council in 2024. As mayor, I will continue to strive each day to serve the people of Concord to the best of my ability.

As we begin 2025, I’m excited to share that roadwork will continue throughout Concord under the ambitious fiveyear pavement improvement plan my fellow Councilmembers and I approved in 2022. You can stay up to date here at www.cityofconcord.org/1195/ Construction-Updates.

CARLYN OBRINGER CONCORD MAYOR

Concord. The adobe is listed by the National Register of Historic Places and the California State Parks Office of Historic Preservation. It is my goal to help raise funds to revitalize this city treasure, in partnership with the Concord Historical Society. Please save the date for Saturday, Oct. 4, for a bowling fundraiser 1-3 p.m. at Clayton Valley Bowl.

related note, I will be continuing my September of Service initiative, whereby residents are invited to participate in a community service project throughout the city.

Clayton mayor hoping for collaborative approach in 2025

Congratulations to all the newly elected and re-elected Clayton City Councilmembers: Jim Diaz, Richard Enea and Holly Tillman. I look forward to working with each of them to achieve our goals this year.

My focus this coming year will be addressing the most pressing needs of the city, including:

Public safety remains a top priority for me as we continue the aggressive recruitment efforts that have stabilized Police Department staffing. Other major priorities include implementing our communityinformed homeless strategic plan, continuing the redevelopment of the former Concord Naval Weapons Station, enhancing economic development so that more people can live and work in Concord and building more housing at all affordability levels. You can learn more when I deliver the annual State of the City address at a luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 6, at the Concord Hilton. (See www.concordchamber.com.)

For Pleasant Hill, the beginning of a new year means some change and some staying the course.

We had our first districtbased elections this past November, which resulted in three members of the City Council terming out and three new people being sworn in. First, let me thank Tim Flaherty, Matt Rinn and Allen Vinson for their service. Their positive impact on this community will be felt for years. Second, let me welcome three new councilmembers: Belle La, Andrei Obolenskiy and

TIM GRAYSON 15TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT

It has been an absolute honor to serve our community in the state Assembly over the last eight years, and I feel incredibly grateful to have received the support to continue being a voice for our community and the East Bay in the state Senate.

As an Assemblymember, I focused on addressing California’s housing and affordability crises, increasing our budget reserves and access to higher education, and supporting victims of crimes, amongst other priorities. I was proud to have authored legislation to help build new homes more affordably and more quickly, to help

As mayor, I also look forward to introducing some new initiatives. The first relates to the historic Don Fernando Pacheco Adobe, located next to Hillcrest Park in North

Another initiative focuses on building a sense of community. I want residents to feel pride in being a Concordian. Neighborhood meetings and community cleanup/beautification events are two excellent ways to build positive relationships and a sense of place. In both instances, residents come together to focus on a common issue impacting their neighborhood and take action to improve the situation.

Over the past eight years, I have helped to convene quarterly neighborhood meetings and cleanup events throughout the city and look forward to expanding these efforts via the Adopt-A-Street and Adopt-A-Spot programs. On a

Finally, I believe it is critical for the mayor to be accessible to the people and available to directly hear their cityrelated questions and concerns. To that end, I will hold office hours at the mayor’s office at 1950 Parkside Dr. from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. most Friday afternoons. Once a month, I will hold “Coffee with the Mayor” or “Beer with the Mayor” at a Concord establishment, to highlight a local business. That way, Concordians can connect with their mayor in a more or less formal setting.

I look forward to working with my City Council colleagues to help make Concord an even better community in which to live, work, raise a family, operate a business and retire. It’s going to be a great year.

Contact Mayor Obringer at carlyn.obringer@cityofconcord.org

Pleasant Hill council ready to focus on development, climate

Amanda Szakats. La is the first Asian-American to be a councilmember and Obolenskiy, I believe, is the first Slavic-American. We look forward to all three of their new perspectives and ideas.

This year, we will be focusing on our first Climate Action Plan. This state-mandated requirement will allow us to explore opportunities to address climate change locally.

Pleasant Hill has already made great strides with its use of recycled water and our new net zero library. Now we will look at ways we can address this issue more broadly. There will be plenty of opportunities for community input, and I hope many of you will participate. We will also be looking to make our zoning align with our recently completed General Plan. We approved the changes that needed to be made to be compliant with

our Housing Element last year, but this year we will complete the process. We will also be reviewing our development standards and design guidelines to ensure that any development that does occur fits best in our community. Again, there will be plenty of opportunity for public input.

Pleasant Hill is known for its community events, and 2025 will be no different. In addition to our Summer Concert Series, Off the Grid and Light Up the Night, we look to add an Earth Day Event, a potential Night Market and more exciting community activities. Our Diversity Commission continues to explore ways to make our community welcoming and inclusive with a third annual Juneteenth celebration and additional Community Conversations.

With that goal of inclusion in mind, as part of the revamping of the city’s web-

site, we have added the Google Translate function. Clicking on a dropdown menu in the top right of the site will allow visitors to view the site in their native language.

We hope that the public will keep up with all the happenings in Pleasant Hill by reading the Outlook, signing up for the city’s Bi-Weekly Updates and agendas for City Council and other commission meetings. The City Council also appreciates emails from our constituents. You can go to the city’s updated website at www.phillca.gov to find emails and other important information.

I’m looking forward to the year ahead and to seeing many of you at our meetings and events.

Contact Mayor Noack at Snoack@phillca.gov.

Grayson sets priorities, outlines goals as new state Senator

protect tenants from unjust evictions, to ensure that out-ofstate students who pay more in tuition are not receiving priority admission to California’s universities over our own in-state students, and to put an end to some of the worst predatory lending practices.

I authored or jointauthored more than 50 bills that were signed into law and secured more than $120 million for projects and nonprofits in the district.

In the Assembly, I also served as chair for the Banking and Finance Committee, and I am proud that the Senate Pro Tempore has placed his confidence in me to chair the Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions in the Senate.

Over the years, the Legislature has worked hard to protect consumers and foster responsible innovation, but

there is, of course, always more that we can do. I’m eager to continue the hard work of developing policies that will serve all Californians and help our economy flourish again.

In addition to the Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee, I will be serving on the committees on Business, Professions and Economic Development, Health, Revenue and Taxation, and Transportation. Right now, I’m working with my staff to assess legislative ideas and craft my bill package for this new two-year session. It is incredibly important to me to continue the work I’ve done in the Assembly to find pathways to grow our economy, create new jobs and support workers, to lead efforts to build more affordable housing faster while protecting renters, and always

fight to make our community better for all who live here. Please know that my staff and I are always available to hear about the issues that matter most to you. Many of you may have visited my staff and me at my previous Assembly District Office in Concord, which my successor, Assemblymember Avila-Farias, now occupies. While it is my hope to open a District Office later this year that is more accessible to all constituents, my current District Office is located at 51 Moraga Way in Orinda, and my staff there is available and ready to help you with any challenges you may have with state agencies or other local matters.

If you would like to discuss matters important to you or need help navigating a state agency, please connect with me through my offices at 925-258-1176 or 916651-4009.

• Long-deferred infrastructure improvements.

• Additional staffing needs.

• Continued strong public safety.

• Bringing the community together.

Naturally, we will have other issues to address throughout the year, including our mid-year budget review, continued review of our investment policy, hiring a permanent police chief and ensuring that our city manager has the additional staffing needed to accomplish the city’s goals.

We plan on finalizing our infrastructure work with our partners at Climatec this year. That includes adding solar array panels and an EV charging station at the library and continuing to improve HVAC and irrigation equipment.

We are also embarking on a library refresh project in conjunction with the library’s 30th anniversary. I’ll be updating the community more on that special project in the future.

I am looking forward to working together with my fel-

low councilmembers, our city staff and the members of our community to achieve these goals, and I am hopeful that our efforts will be respectable and collaborative in manner. We need to do this for the good of the community, for our city staff and for the people who elected us. We are so fortunate to live in a city with a safe environment, natural beauty, great schools, a robust financial reserve and a strong community spirit, evidenced by the number of outstanding events that take place in our city throughout the year. We have a busy year ahead of us, and I look forward to achieving these goals and helping bring the community together because I truly believe that we are “Stronger Together.”

Here’s to a great 2025. Please feel free to contact me at kimt@claytonca.gov or 925-6737324.

Nominate outstanding youth for county Hall of Fame

Every year, the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors celebrates extraordinary youth through the Youth Hall of Fame, established in 1997 by then-Supervisor Mark DeSaulnier.

The Youth Hall of Fame was created to recognize the positive contributions of youth by highlighting the dedication and service of local youth to their peers, schools and communities. Originally tied to the Countywide Youth Commission, the Hall of Fame relied on the commission’s 25 youth members (aged 12 to 18) to manage nominations and selections.

The inaugural Youth Hall of Fame class was inducted during the César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration in 1998, honoring four youth and one adult advocate. Initial award categories included Unsung Heroes, Sports Leadership, School Leadership, Valiant Volunteers and Adult Youth Advocates.

The commission was discontinued in 2010 due to challenges in funding, recruitment and retention. Since then, the county’s César Chávez Celebration Planning Committee assumed responsibility for awarding the Youth Hall of Fame. The categories have since been refined to align

with the values and characteristics exemplified by Chávez while still honoring youth. The current categories are:

• Good Samaritan: Goes out of their way to do for others without seeking recognition.

• Volunteerism: Lends a helping hand for the good of the community; gives their time and energy to a worthy cause or organization.

• Teamwork: Works unselfishly for the good of a team.

• Leadership and Civic Engagement: A natural leader who inspires others and works to make a difference in their school and community.

• Perseverance: Has worked hard to overcome obstacles to achieve success.

• Innovation and Empowerment: Lifts others up and inspires change through creative solutions.

Over the years, dozens of outstanding youth have been honored for achievements such as founding nonprofits to help low-income students learn about investing, conducting disease research and mentoring younger students. Every recipient is recognized during the Board of Supervisors’ Cesar E. Chavez celebration, commemorated on a plaque in the board chambers and receives a board resolution recognizing their contributions.

Nominations for the 2025 Youth Hall of Fame are now open. I invite counselors, teachers, mentors, club leaders, and other community champions to recognize and nominate exceptional youth. Together, let’s celebrate their remarkable contributions and amplify their voices as they

See Carlson, page 7

KIM TRUPIANO CLAYTON MAYOR

SUE NOACK

PLEASANT HILL MAYOR

KEN CARLSON COUNTY SUPERVISOR

P.O. Box 1246

6200 Center Street, Suite F, Clayton, CA 94517

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This January feels more like spring, and we have some timely garden chores that need to be done.

It’s the time of year to focus on your roses, deciduous fruit trees and acid-loving shrubs. Prune your rose bushes, groundcover roses and rose trees now. Rose pruning is easy. An annually pruned rose should take less than five minutes to prune.

As you approach a rose bush to prune, look at the bottom of the plant. Do not worry about all the buds, blooms or leaves still left on the bush –begin at the bottom. A wellpruned hybrid tea, grandiflora or floribunda rose should have three to five nice, straight, clean canes without any leaves. Strip off all leaves from your rose cane.

The object of pruning is to remove most of the past year’s growth, all the crossing canes and lateral branches.

Make all your cuts at a slight angle, right before a swelling of growth. If you look closely at a rose cane before you make the cut, you will see a seam with a

Get out in the garden this month and prune, baby, prune

swell. This is where the rose wants to grow.

I do not tell people how many inches of cane to leave on a rose because it really depends on the amount of room you have for your rose to grow. If you have limited space, then cut each cane further back. If you like your roses to be tall, then do not cut down as far.

Rose trees should be pruned the same way as rose bushes. Remove old canes, crossing branches and lateral branches. But leave more canes on the plant so they will look fuller. And, cut your canes further toward the heart of the head to encourage leafy growth.

Groundcover roses such as drift, carpet roses or mediland style do not need the same amount of attention. Reshape groundcover roses, bringing them down and in. If the groundcover style roses are out of control, prune more severely. With a newer installation, the pruning will be lighter.

Fertilizing roses is especially important. I have been sharing the same recipe for more than a decade. Use it for established ground-grown hybrid tea, grandiflora, floribunda or treeshaped roses.

After your winter prune, give each rose:

½ c. 16-16-16 multi-purpose fertilizer

½ c. bone meal

½ c. granular iron (which will be very hard to find this year)

½ c. alfalfa meal

Work into soil along drip line and top-dress with an inch layer of chicken manure and water in.

Container roses get half a dose of each product. Give groundcover roses only multipurpose fertilizer and iron. This sounds like a lot of products but imagine how deep the roots of your rose are. Do not premix a batch of products. There is a reason for each ingredient and the quantity. The 16-16-16 is a multi-purpose fertilizer, which acts like a balanced meal. The bone meal is a source of phosphorus and will encourage bloom. Granular iron keeps your rose leaves green and free of chlorosis. Alfalfa meal will stimulate new cane growth.

Since 2020, many folks have turned their backyards into orchards. All varieties of stone fruit need to be sprayed now with a copper fungicide and again once the buds swell for peach leaf curl. (Yes, peach leaf curl affects more than just peaches.)

Peach leaf curls make its presence known in the late days of spring; you may notice blistering on your foliage that is red to orange. Peach leaf curl is

Microplastics now detected in blood, organs and breast milk

The 1967 film “The Graduate” has a memorable quote delivered to the title character, Ben, from an older family friend, Mr. McGuire: “I just want to say one word to you. Just one word. Plastics.”

I’d like to update that one word to “microplastics.” These are defined as any particle of plastic measuring between 1 nanometer and 5 millimeters. The infinitesimally tiny menaces have invaded the soil, water, food supply and even hover in the air we breathe.

“Plastics are probably one of the largest exposures we experience as humans, and it’s been ongoing most of our lives and our parents’ lives,” says Douglas Walker, a professor of environmental health at Emory University.

In 1950, the total production of plastic was roughly 2.3 million tons. By 2022, it was a

staggering 600 million. Officials have observed animal exposure, both terrestrial and aquatic, across various ecosystems – prompting the need for further research into potential long-term harm, including inflammatory responses and behavior changes. What happens to animals inevitably happens to humans through the food chain.

In 2022, scientists found microplastics in human blood. New research places them in other organs as well. Due to their ubiquity in the environment, microplastics enter our bodies through ingestion, inhalation and direct skin exposure. Researchers have identified them in a variety of tissues, including the placenta, lungs and liver. They also see them in breast milk, urine and blood. There is evidence to suggest that their presence in blood

places one at greater risk for cardiovascular disease. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine in March 2024 reported that patients with carotid artery plaque in which microplastics were detected had a higher risk of myocardial infarction and stroke.

While there is no end in sight to the production of plastic products until at least 2050, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends “better management of plastics throughout their product life cycle and reducing the use of plastics, when possible, to move toward a more sustainable plastics economy.”

usually mild the first season but can come back strong if left untreated.

The only way to cure peach leaf curl is while the trees are dormant. Apply now and again once your peach, plum, nectarine or apricot has fat buds. Do not spray a tree that’s already in bloom.

January is also a good time to apply a dose of organic fruit tree fertilizer and top dress the soil beneath the drip line of the tree with either manure or earthworm castings. Fertilizer takes six weeks to activate and travels up the body of the tree, so it is OK to apply now. You won’t see results until March. Azaleas and camellias need two types of fertilizer currently. Use fertilizer for blooms such as 0-10-10 and a dose of granular iron to help the plants green back up after the winter. Blue mophead hydrangeas need an application of aluminum sulfate. This product is not a fertilizer, but rather a supplement to help your hydrangeas stay blue. Resist the urge to prune or fertilize your hydrangeas until March. They are summer plants and should look poor this time of year.

According to UC San Francisco professor Tracey Woodruff, who has researched the effects of toxic chemicals, we can make meaningful changes to limit exposure. “I don’t microwave in plastic,” she states. “Heat makes plastic release harmful chemicals like BPA, so I always microwave in ceramic or glass.”

Woodruff recommends using glass or steel water bottles rather than purchasing plastic water bottles. Microplastics are found in household dust, so regular vacuuming with HEPA filters is also beneficial.

“You’re not going to get zero,” Woodruff notes, “but you can reduce your levels.” Send comments and questions to newwavenightingale@gmail.com.

Sustainable food simmers with activism and education

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Carlson, from page 6

make a difference in our world. Candidates should demonstrate excellence in one of the six categories.

Nominees, ages 12-18, must live in Contra Costa County. Nominations must be submitted by Feb. 25. The 2025 Youth Hall of Fame will be honored on April 1 during the board’s César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration in Martinez. To submit a nomination or

find out more information about the César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration, please visit www.contracosta.ca.gov/6039 /Cesar-E-Chavez-Commemorative-Celebration.

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.

Regenerative farming is our best hope for a resilient and sustainable food system.

This means using methods, with minimal pesticides and chemicals, that improve soil health and biodiversity, and resist climate change by sequestering carbon in the soil. Regenerative farming utilizes crop rotation, cover-cropping and composting to restore the ecosystem and produce nutrient-dense food.

Small-scale regenerative farms supply produce for community-based farmers markets that support local growers and bolster the regional economy. Farmers markets reduce the long-distance transport of food practiced by big agricultural conglomerates – and local people enjoy fresher seasonal food. A national system has

grown around big agriculture, which uses economies of scale to dominate food production at relatively low prices. Policymakers have prioritized food security and affordability and accepted the dominance of Big Ag. Subsidies for corn, soy and wheat are designed to stabilize food supply and prices and primarily benefit industrial-scale farms. Large agribusinesses wield significant political influence through lobbying. But there are no enemies for regenerative farming advocates because the goal is better nutrition.

To encourage regenerative farming and farmers markets requires local advocacy to empower consumers to know the origins of their food. And local advocates are busy. I am presenting to the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association in Concord a plan to incorporate food and living science into the freshman biology curriculum at Las Lomas High School in Walnut Creek. Some 400 students will learn about regenerative

farming and take field trips to: Local farms, including a spread that grows produce using recycled, agriculture-grade water from the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (Central San). The nonprofit AgLantis operates the Martinez farm.

White Pony Express, a nonprofit based in Concord that recovers food that might otherwise be wasted and distributes it to food banks and other organizations.

Diablo Valley College and its organic agriculture program, led by Bethallyn Black, a professor of horticulture. The DVC program has active vegetable gardens on campus.

I am making plans for this curriculum, tapping my experience starting a culinary program, including gardens that students tended, at Mt. Diablo High School in Concord from 2014 to 2024. I’m working with educators who hope to build a program to be replicated in other schools.

There are benefits to stu-

dents understanding the need for action to grow our food system and encourage local farmers. Here are ideas for school projects:

• Shop at farmer markets.

• Start a school garden.

• Organize local food days at the school cafeteria.

• Volunteer on a farm.

• Organize farm visits.

• Raise awareness through social media or school clubs. This recipe uses vegetables available in fall gardens in the East Bay.

ROASTED ROOT VEGGIES

2 c. cubed sweet potatoes

1 c. sliced carrots

1 c. cubed beets

2 T avocado oil

1 tsp. rosemary Salt and pepper to taste

Toss veggies with oil, rosemary, salt and pepper. Roast at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

Serve over quinoa with a drizzle of tahini. Send comments to cindymgershen@gmail.com.

NICOLE HACKETT GARDEN GIRL

CINDY GERSHEN FARM TO TASTE

19 local athletes earn fall league MVP honors

Athletes from six local high schools received Diablo and East Bay athletic league most valuable player awards for the fall season with Clayton Valley Charter garnering seven MVP awards.

Sophomore Quinn Arroyo of Carondelet won her second consecutive EBAL water polo MVP and her Cougar team went on to win the North Coast Section title and was runner up at the Northern California CIF championships.

College Park’s Ryland Pierce won his second straight DAL MVP water polo goalie award.

ALL-DIABLO

ATHLETIC LEAGUE

Cross County Boys 1st team – Jack Rattary, Blake Leung (College Park), Daniel Messer; 2nd team – Liam Moore, Noah Tunggpalan (CP); 3rd team – Jake Vensko (CP). Girls 1st team – Olivia Joseph (Northgate); 2nd team –Katherine Buechter (Clayton Valley Charter), Camila Terrazas, Lucy Leininger, Natasha Cohen (NG; 3rd team – Abigail Seman, Maddison Palmer (NG).

Flag Football VALLEY 1st team – Paradise Mahasin, A’Mariah Iglesias, Lamiyah Washington, Shay Caban (Concord), Sa’rye Starks (Ygnacio Valley); Gianna Marcantonio, 2nd team – (Con), London Adams (Mt. Diablo); 3rd team – Kaitlyn Tatom (YV).

FOOTHILL MVP Defense –Taylor Ochoa (CP), MVP OffenseAnja Perreira (CVC); 1st teamStella Beuchotte, Molly Rattary, Maya Davis, Jaice Vickroy (CP), Gianna Marcantonio, Ruby Bartholomew, Mia Forester, Izabella Holt (CVC), Danica Heine, Sadie Hansell, Anjali Huber (NG); 2nd team – Taylor Laton, Amanda West (CVC), Tilda Saelao, Addison Lily Hurd (CP), Brady Luons, Alexis, Rose (CP), Kaya Andresen, Brooklynne Smith, Symone Jewell (NG).

Athlete Spotlight

Brady Coddington

School: Clayton Valley Charter High

Grade: Senior Sports: Wrestling and Golf

“Never say die” is accomplished Clayton Valley Charter wrestler Coddington’s mindset on the mat. His experience on various baseball, basketball and soccer teams as a kid showed him the value of hard work and being reliant on yourself, which is evident in his wrestling. A four-year varsity wrestler for the Ugly Eagles, Coddington took his performance into his own hands after a disappointing match during his sophomore year that cost him North Coast Section qualification. Ever since, he has pushed himself in every aspect of training and it has paid off. In fact, he has placed first at both the Bill Martell Invitational and the Bay Area 61 this season, winning his 190-pound weight class at each. During his junior year, he

was named Clayton Valley’s Most Valuable Wrestler after taking second at the Diablo Athletic League championships. His coach Kyle Behmlander reflects, “Brady is a team captain and that alone shows his character. He works hard every day. He has improved every year. We’ve seen a ton of growth in him this year. He understands this is his final year and he’s not wasting it. He is putting himself into a position to make state.” Coddington is striving to earn himself a top five spot at NCS and a chance at state.

In addition to wrestling, Coddington is a varsity golfer at CVCHS. He began golfing his sophomore year. He is a Blue Belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu and is an umpire for Clayton Valley Little League in the spring. In school, he maintains a 4.4

Football FOOTHILL MVP Offense –Hayezon Jackson (CVC), MVP Defense – Logan Knapp (CVC); 1st team -Tony Keck, Blake Oleski, Brandon Ardds, Nate Underwood, Carson Fife, Logan Remington (CVC); 2nd team –Billy Blackwell, Ryan Clark, Chris Bair, Justin Underwood, Asaike Fatai.

MOUNTAIN MVP Offense –Juan Gonzalez (Con), MVP Defense - Jayden Reger (Con); 1st team – Jeremiah Owens, Antonio Campbell, Armanny Ayala, Sheldon Silas, Kenneth Facen, Kaile Leffel, Jahmonny Derbigny, Manuel Zuniga, Jakorey Robinson (MD), Lynn Mair, Avery Down, Isaiah Singleton, Eric Madayag, Alexis Barba, Jayden Pena, Chris Dunn (Con); 2nd team – Andrew Lopez, Cesar Preciado, Andrew Faynleyb, Jake Foster, Franchesco Cornejo (Con) , Finnie Fiefia, Elijah Molnar, Christian Kuuan (MD), Fred Fine, Dany Castro, Jalen Fayad, Nadjib Hami, Jacari Gibson (YV).

VALLEY MVP Offense –Blayne Ballard (NG), MVP Defense - Trent Lanza (CP); 1st team – James Voorhies, Izaac Jinks, Erik Hornbuckle, Brady Mize, Jonah Lawson, Desmond Cobb, Alex Freitas (CP), Brady

weighted GPA, while also holding memberships in the CVCHS newspaper, the Talon, and Senior Men as well as his vice president position in the Lawn Chair Club. Next year, Coddington hopes to attend Cal Poly SLO and study business administration to become an entrepreneur.

CVCHS student journalist Corinne Jeandheur wrote this Spotlight.

The Pioneer congratulates Brady 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 they have shown exceptional sportsmanship or a great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for Athlete Spotlight today to sports@pioneerpublishers.com.

Willis, Zach Knisley, Ethan Kengla, Owen Fruchtenicht, James Mayse, Brandon Johnson, Deangelo Smith, Charlie Agulles (NG), 2nd team – Dante Nishizawa, Josh Rautenstrauch, Demorian McCray, Jackson Rojas (CP), Jackson Jones, Dax Gordon, Yotam Gayer, Hayden August, Liam Fruchtenicht, Trevor Stapf (NG).

Girls Golf

FOOTHILL 1st team - Audrey Cheng, Armani Starke (NG); 2nd team – Mischa Pena, Cami Barajas (NG).

VALLEY 1st team - Angel Dacasin, Eva Aguba (CVC), Olivia Divers, Athena Alkhoury (CP), Kaitlyn Sakurai (Con); 2nd team – Ciera Alkhoury, Avery Rodriquez, Bella Alkhoury (CP), Madison Raju (Con), Bree Meyer (CVC).

Girls Tennis FOOTHILL 1st team – Emma Golovin, Greer Swanson (NG); 2nd team – Karina Shteyn, Makenna Choi, Emiliana Thompson (NG).

VALLEY 1st team- Kiana Tabones, Samantha Friedman, Monica Mikhavel, Kaya Corbin, Zoe Corbin (CVC); 2nd teamAJ Taguinod, Lily Valdez, Allyna Elner (CVC), Fiona Kremin, Tatiana Razvalioff (Con), Sophia Bernal (YV).

Water Polo VALLEY Boys MVP –Kyle Stillinovich (CVC), MVP Goalie –Scotty Bliss

Hudson Freitas

Maffei, Ville

Girls Volleyball VALLEY MVP - Ava Salamasidis (CVC); 1st team – Nicole Woods, Damia Nait Challal (YV), Holly Hopkins, Rabiya Erken (Con), Carter OwensMcClain, Jade Vu (CVC); 2nd team – Mika David, Emma King (CVC), Lanasia Sipp (YV), Sarai Trevino (MD), Malina Laidley (Con). FOOTHILL MVP - Fea’o Saluni (NG); 1st team – Mina Ismen, Ashlyn Victa (NG), Fabiola Farias, Rylan Maile (CP); 2nd team – Bella Lang (CP), Julia Jensen, Briana Lucchese (NG).

De La Salle football battled No.1 team in America but came up short in California

JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

De La Salle looked to have a shot at ending the stranglehold Southern California powers Mater Dei and Saint John Bosco have had on the CIF State Open Division football championship last month when the Spartans rallied in the third quarter within one score of Mater Dei in the final bowl game of the 2024 season.

It was not to be as the Orange County team, which was No. 1 in national rankings almost from the start of the season, scored a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns to post a 37-15 win. It was the eighth time in a row Mater Dei (five titles) or John Bosco (three) were crowned the top team in the state.

The Spartans of Concord have been on the losing side of five of those games while Serra-San Mateo absorbed the other three defeats from 2021-

Open Bowl Game

23 by a combined 124-7 score. The last time a NorCal Open team won was DLS in 2015. Since then, the Spartans— unquestioned top NorCal football program for over three decades who haven’t lost to a North Coast Section team in 33 years—have dropped seven straight State championship games in Open or Division One.

Prior to this SouCal domination that began in 2016, De La Salle won four straight CIF Open titles from 2009-12 and six of seven overall through 2015. DLS has lost three State finals each to Bosco and MD. Los Angeles Times veteran prep sportswriter Eric Sondheimer penned a pre-game article asking, “Is the state’s Open Division football title game viable for the future?” Post game, DLS coach Justin Alumbaugh praised his senior class saying, “I’ll be honest: they brought us back to national prominence. We

competed with the No. 1 team in the country.” The Spartans finished at 12-1 and ranked 22 in the USA. Undefeated Mater Dei was first and John Bosco fifth in the nation with three other SouCal teams ranked between 13 and 16 nationally. De La Salle won its 12th game to qualify for the Open Bowl Game weeks earlier by edging long-time rival Pittsburg 10-7 for its 32nd straight NCS crown. Pitt went on to win the NorCal Division One title over Folsom but lost 2826 in the State D-1 finals. During its historic 151game winning streak from 1992-2003 prior to the State football playoffs starting in 2006, the Spartans defeated strong Mater Dei teams four times. The Spartans have been in a State Bowl Game every year but 2021, a record unmatched by any school in any division of the state playoffs.

(Con); 1st team –

(Con), Dominic

Erickson, Branden Ruiz (CVC); 2nd team –Shourya Chauhan (CVC), Andrew Cook, Dawson Wood (Con). VALLEY Girls MVP – Tori Mal-

KAI LEIGH HERNANDEZ, CVCHS WATER POLO

JAYDEN REGER, CONCORD FOOTBALL

JUAN GONZALEZ, CONCORD FOOTBALL

HAYEZON JACKSON, CVCHS FOOTBALL LOGAN KNAPP, CVCHS FOOTBALL

QUINN ARROYO, CARONDELET WATER POLO

ANJA PERREIRA, CVCHS FLAG FOOTBALL

AVA SALAMASIDIS, CVCHS VOLLEYBALL

SARAH WRIGHT, CARONDELET WATER POLO

SCOTTY BLISS, CONCORD WATER POLO

TORI MALSOM, CVCHS WATER POLO

BLAYNE BALLARD, NORTHGATE FOOTBALL

FEA’O SALUNI, NORTHGATE VOLLEYBALL

TJ LANZA, COLLEGE PARK FOOTBALL

TAYLOR OCHOA, COLLEGE PARK FLAG FOOTBALL

JAY BEDECARRÉ

Clayton Valley, Ygnacio Valley, De La Salle, Carondelet hoops seek top NCS placements with strong league results

Several local high school basketball programs have begun East Bay and Diablo athletic league schedules on the right note as they seek to burnish their season records and battle for high seeds in the North Coast Section playoffs that begin in a month’s time.

Concord parochial school neighbors Carondelet (13-3) and De La Salle (15-1) have compiled the most impressive non-league results as they get into the heart of their challenging EBAL schedules.

The DAL basketball schedule features all 13 schools playing a single round of games in both the boys and girls divisions, which might cause some headaches at the Feb. 16 NCS seeding meeting when it comes

to placing local teams in seven divisions for the playoffs that run Feb. 18-Mar. 1. The DAL will have its league playoffs for the top six teams Feb. 12-15. De La Salle opened the year with a 14-game winning streak that was ended in the championship game of the Hoophall West tournament in Arizona by Harvard-Westlake, the No. 3 team in MaxPreps national rankings. The Spartans are No. 30 in the national rankings and third in California Division 1 as they get into the meat of their EBAL schedule.

The EBAL dominates NCS boys rankings with DLS 1st, Dublin 3rd, San Ramon Valley 4th, California 6th, Dougherty Valley 9th and Amador Valley 11th. Clayton Valley Charter is 14th and Ygnacio Valley 16th for the other top local boys teams.

In the new base NCS division placements for both girls and boys teams, De La Salle, College Park and Clayton Valley Charter are in Division 1. Mt. Diablo, Northgate and Carondelet in D-2, and Ygnacio Valley and Concord in D-3. When it comes to actual placement in playoff divisions (Open and six divisions), teams will be seeded according to their MaxPreps rankings but can move no more than two divisions higher or lower than their base division.

Carondelet’s non-league schedule included games against teams from Oklahoma, Arizona, Florida and Arkansas. They are currently No. 2 in state Division 2 rankings. Among EBAL teams, San Ramon Valley is 2nd, Carondelet 4th, Dublin 10th and California 11th in NCS overall rat-

Boys 1st team – Trey Caldwell, Tadhg Murray, Heath Salter; Honorable Mention – Dillon Gaber.

Jay Bedecarré

Two-sport star Alec Blair of De La Salle High recently signed his national letter of intent on campus to attend the University of Oklahoma. The lefthander intends to play baseball and basketball for the Sooners. He’s currently on the basketball team of coach Marcus Schroeder (right). This spring he’ll finish his high school career under the tutelage of Spartan baseball coach David Jeans (right).

ings. The Cougars began EBAL play with four straight victories but have yet to play any of the other top teams. Clayton Valley Charter girls are ranked eighth in NCS with

Platzbecker, Wyatt Ferguson.

Girls Golf 1st team – Lily Peng, Kate Keith; 2nd team – Sam Reyes.

Corr; 1st team – Lukas Peters, Davidka Skov, Hayden Tully; 2nd team – Sloan Brown, Tanner Lustig.

and NorCal playoff berth as they sit in the top 10 of D-2 teams.

VETERAN STANDOUTS

PACING BOYS TEAMS Local boys teams vying for top basketball honors have some high-powered players leading the way this season. Alec Blair (De La Salle), Elijah Perryman (Clayton Valley Charter) and Antonio Kellogg Jr. (Ygnacio Valley) were well known off previous season’s exploits, and they have not dis-

som (CVC), MVP Goalie – Kai Leigh Hernandez (CVC); 1st team – Bella Jimenez, Avery Boughton, Lexi Teitsma (CVC), Caroline Swanson, Makena Meyers (CP), Avery Wood (Con); 2nd Team - Meghan Andrade (CVC), Meredith Hom, Keira Smith (CP).

FOOTHILL Boys MVP Goalie

– Ryland Pierce (CP); 1st teamMikhail Popov, Nic Austen (CP); 2nd team - Ethan Lee, Oliver Knoflick (NG).

ALL-EAST BAY ATHLETIC LEAGUE (DLS boys, Carondelet girls) Cross Country

Girls 3rd team -Gretchen Yakatis.

Football 1st team - Matthew Johnson, Derrick Blanche, Dominic Kelley, Ace Robinson, DJ Asiasi, Nico Baumgartner; 2nd team - Toa Fa’avae, Ant Dean, Jaden Jefferson, Mya Telona, Lukas

Girls Volleyball 1st team – Meena Kasirajan, Isabella Ehrlich; 2nd teamSophia Hylen.

Water Polo

Boys Offensive Player of the Year - Breydon Congo, Defensive Player of the Year - Will

Girls Offensive Player of the Year – Quinn Arroyo, Defensive Player of the Year – Sarah Wright; 1st team- Josie Haast; 2nd team - Ainsley Swann, Clara O’Connor, Kayden Page.

Visit pioneerpublishers.com for more photos and information.

the Ugly Eagles 10-5 overall and 2-0 in DAL. Northgate (12-4) is third in NCS D-2 rankings behind top-rated Carondelet.

Mt. Diablo (9-8) is seeking its fourth straight post-pandemic NCS

Carondelet, De La Salle, Clayton Valley standouts among local soccer teams

Concord school’s Clayton Valley Charter, De La Salle and Carondelet have been among the best soccer teams in North Coast Section over the years and this season is no different.

With league schedules now in full force leading up the start of NCS playoffs on Feb. 18, De La Salle and CVCHS are first and third in boys rankings and Carondelet is top ranked on the girls side.

Carondelet has three section championships (201922-23) in recent seasons and is playing exclusively against East Bay Athletic League teams in a round-robin schedule for the rest of the regular season.

That is no easy task since an EBAL team has won all but three NCS soccer championships since they began in 1982. The Cougars are sixtime champions.

This season, the all-girls school is 8-2 overall, leading to its top section ranking.

Northgate is 5-2-1 and the Broncos are fourth in NCS Division 2 rankings. They are part of the nine-team Diablo Athletic League Foothill Division which also includes College Park and Clayton Valley Charter locally. Foothill schedule is a single round-robin concluding Feb. 13.

CVCHS (5-2-2) has the section’s top girls scorer in junior co-captain Ava Jara, who’s netted eight goals and

set up three assists in seven games.

DLS-CVCHS RIVALRY

De La Salle (6-2-1 this season) has ruled the local boys soccer scene for most of the 21st century, including winning 11 NCS championships since 2001.

Last year, Clayton Valley Charter made history when they upset top seeded DLS 42 in the quarterfinals. The afterglow for the Ugly Eagles was extinguished in the next round when they lost in the semi-finals to Dougherty Valley.

CVCHS has returned with a strong team that is 6-1-1 with the DAL Foothill double round-robin schedule filling the balance of its regular-season. Mt. Diablo and Northgate are other local schools in the six team-division. The Broncos (5-2-1) are

Basketball, from page 9

appointed in their senior year. Blair is a 6-7 point guard who has committed to play basketball and baseball at Oklahoma starting next fall. The lefthander is the key man in the Spartans lineup that, as always, stresses defense with a controlled offense that often

chokes off the opponent’s offense while limiting its own players from posting flashy stats.

Perryman was the DAL most valuable player as a junior and first-team all-league as a sophomore when CVCHS won its second straight NCS

SPORTS SHORTS

REGISTRATION

Concord American Little League is accepting registration for its spring baseball season. The league’s website has complete information for t-ball (ages 4-6) through juniors (14). Player evaluations are on Saturdays Jan. 18 and 25 for players 7-13. Players 4-7 can take part in CALL regardless of where they live or attend school.

Practice begins Feb. 10, opening day is Mar. 22 and closing day is May 31. Visit concordamericanlittleleague.org for details and to register.

CLAYTON VALLEY LITTLE LEAGUE

PLAYER REGISTRATION OPEN

Registration for Clayton Valley Little League is open for the spring season for softball and baseball. Baseball and softball programs are offered for boys and girls ages 4 through 14+. Players must reside within CVLL boundaries. Tryouts are in January and the season runs through early June. The CVLL program includes a Challenger Division for players with disabilities and special needs ages 4-18. A new pilot CVLL select program allows chosen players to participate on both a recreational and CVLL travel team during the spring season. Visit claytonvalleylittleleague.org for complete information and to register.

JUNIOR OPTIMIST TAKING SPRING

BASEBALL SIGNUPS

Junior Optimist Baseball League is taking registration for baseball ages 4-12 and girls softball 4-8 for its spring season. JOBL is part of Cal Ripken Baseball. Player evaluations will be on Saturdays Jan. 18 and 25. JOBL started in 1963 and plays all its games at the JOBL Complex in North Concord. Visit joblconcord.com or email info@joblconcord.com for more information and to register.

title. This year, the Ugly Eagles (9-6) have sophomore Zion Grissom joining Perryman in the backcourt and the duo are combining for 27 points, 6.3 assists and three steals a game. Kellogg is filling the stat books with a 20.8 per game scoring average on 60% shooting. His Wolves are No. 5 in state D-3 rankings and 16th overall in NCS.

DIABLO CREEK GOLF LESSONS BEGIN SUNDAY

Lessons begin this Sunday, Jan 19, at Diablo Creek Golf Course in Concord. The five sessions are offered for beginners/intermediate golfers (1-2 p.m. on 5 Sundays) and on course playing (5 Sundays 3:30-5 p.m.). Call Sean Albright at 925-639-0830 or you can visit diablocreekgc.com for details and to register.

FIRST TEE CRAB & TRI-TIP FEED FEB. 7 AT BOUNDARY OAK

First Tee of Contra Costa hosts its annual Crab & Tri-Tip Feed on Friday, Feb. 7, at Boundary Oak Golf Course restaurant supporting its youth program. In 2024 First Tee served over 3,200 youth through on-course programming and in-school programs for families in Contra Costa County, providing opportunities for youth to enjoy the game of golf and become leaders and mentors. Email firstteecontracosta@gmail.com or visit firstteecontracosta.org for more information and to purchase tickets.

CV CHARTER FLAG FOOTBALL PROGRAM LOOKING FOR GIRLS TO REGISTER Clayton Valley Charter High School hosts its fourth Be Elite Flag Football season starting this Sunday, Jan 19, through Mar. 23. The co-ed program is open to kindergarten through eighth grade students. There are no tryouts or draft, and everyone plays offense and defense. No football experience is necessary. High school girls flag football has been a big success in its first two seasons and the 10-week CVC flag season for girls in second through fifth grades is taking registrations. Coaching is by student athlete mentors. For registration information contact CVCHS football coach Nick Tisa at nick.tisa@claytonvalley.org or you can visit BeEliteAthlete.com.

fourth in NCS D-2 boys rankings.

North Coast Section playoffs run Feb. 18-Mar. 1 with NorCal playoffs to follow Mar. 4-8.

Photos courtesy CVCHS Athletics

Clayton Valley Charter has a top three NCS boys soccer team. Ugly Eagles players, from left, Brandon Hristov, Giovanni Martinez-Negrete and Enzo Valenzuela celebrate a recent goal.

AVA JARA CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER

THE ARTS

‘The Gin Game’ brings poignant comedy to the Campbell

One of the most challenging plays for older actors just opened at The Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St., Martinez.

I enjoy a wide array of music styles, but ambient music is the only genre that I consume on a daily basis.

The sedative sounds of William Basinski, Brian Eno and Sigur Rós have been my sleeping medication of choice for years. On my morning commute, when I’m uncertain of what I want to listen to but still need to protect my ears from BART screeches and other unwelcome noises from fellow passengers, relaxing ambient

“The Gin Game” is a pleasure for audiences, a slight frustration for gin rummy aficionados and a nightmare for performers. I speak from experience having done the show at the Altarena Playhouse in 2016. It’s not that the play isn’t well written. It certainly is along with relatable characters and lots of poignant moments as well as a fair bit of humor. It’s the 61 pages of lines revolving around approximately 14 games of gin. This is the Kilimanjaro of scripts for performers of a certain age to memorize.

B8 Theatre Company,

director Dana Anderson and actors Alan Cameron and Pam Drummer-Williams have taken on the dramatic comedy which plays through Jan. 26.

In a slightly second-rate nursing home, Fonsia and Weller meet and get to know each other’s joys and pains over a well-used deck of cards and many games of gin.

For tickets, call 925-3509770 or go to https://www.campbelltheater.com/.

For those obsessed with technology, Center Rep presents “FROGGY,” a graphic

novel noir thriller by Jennifer Haley Feb. 9 – March 2. Nearly a decade in the making, this sensory-rich rollercoaster of a thriller springs theater into a new decade of storytelling. Matt M. Morrow directs a team of groundbreaking theater artists.

Call 925-943-7469 or go to www.centerrep.org/.

Takin’ it easy with local ambient offerings

music comes to my rescue.

I’ve learned of some great local ambient artists, and I’d like to share some of their recent offerings.

Last June, Martinez composer Doug Michael released “Spectral Granulations for Electric Guitar.” This beautiful album is made up entirely of electric guitar. At times, that might not seem evident, as Michael does use a number of effects pedals and processors to create his sound. Other times, you’ll recognize the unmistakable instrument up front, as if it were conducting the symphony of tones, drones, bleeps and bloops behind it. If you connect with “Spectral Granulations,” you might also enjoy Michael’s other three ambient albums released between 2017 and 2020.

Dayfader is the ambient project that Danville songwriter

David Salcheck began during the pandemic. In July, he released “Four,” his fourth EP composed and recorded entirely at home on his keyboard. Rich synthesizer pads allow each chord to unfurl like cumulus clouds drifting in the sky. The familiar major key chord progressions give the music a cathedral-like gloriousness, with a new-age feel.

If you keep a list of “music to breathe to,” be sure to include any of Dayfader’s four EPs.

Last month, Concord’s BJamminSinceBirth released “The Infinite Impossible Possibilities,” a cinematic album that employs elements of jazz, hip hop and R&B. Soundscapes are often met with jazzy basslines, keyboard licks, chill beats and some saxophone. Other times, the instruments pull back, allowing synthesizers to fill the

space, sometimes creating an eerie feel of suspense and mystique.

With 13 unique tracks averaging about 2 minutes, the album’s changes come pretty quickly, thereby limiting the listener’s ability to fall into any kind of trance. “The Infinite Impossible Possibilities” is not music by which to fall asleep.

Released earlier this month, “Unseen Passengers of the Night” from Concord duo Primrose Station offers a variety of different types of ambient music. The first few tracks explore the droney side, playing with sound textures and layering, with little-to-no movement. The next few unnamed tracks are more assertive in demanding the listener’s attention, incorporating melody, chord changes and some sense of rhythm.

Track 11 is essentially intricate white noise, which may stimulate some enthusiasts of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR). The closing

track is perhaps the most traditionally structured song, with a discernible rhythm, tender keyboard chords and soft piano melodies that lullaby the listener to a gentle conclusion.

Catch some of these ambient works played in full on the radio at 8 p.m. Sundays this month as The Beat of Diablo presents “Nightcaps” on 90.5 KVHS. You can find more local ambient music recommendations at pioneerpublishers.com/tag/beat -of-diablo.

Contact Dave Hughes at MrDaveHughes@gmail.com.

Photo by Savannah Daniels

Pam Drummer-Williams and Alan Cameron face off over multiple games of gin rummy in B8 Theatre’s production of “The Gin Game” running through Jan. 26 at the Campbell Theater in Martinez.

At Pinstripes, it’s family fun with higher-end cuisine

Historically in the culinary world, one of the most difficult things to do is deliver quality services for gatherings of 30 plus patrons. Locally, only a limited number of restaurants and hotels can accommodate the needs of this market.

Enter Pinstripes at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek. This 28,000 sq. ft. facility that opened last November is designed to be the venue of business meetings, weddings, birthday parties, special occasions and family gatherings.

“At Pinstripes, we provide a home away from home where people feel like they are

celebrating life while eating the best food, playing the best games and doing it all with the best people,” says director of sales Ben Rodny.

Downstairs has a lounge and restaurant. Upstairs are meeting rooms and a banquet area that accommodates 300 guests. In addition, there are eight bowling lanes, two bocce courts and bar service.

Pinstripes takes pride in its kitchen, offering upscale, made-from-scratch ItalianAmerican cuisine. In sampling the menu, I was pleasantly surprised by the high quality of this new restaurant.

The French dip served on a pretzel bun is accompanied by a delicious horseradish sauce, au jus (not made with soup base) and crispy Parmesan fries. All in my party enjoyed the cooked to perfection tenderloin sliders and goat cheese chicken fusilli pasta.

We also liked the gnocchi in vodka tomato sauce with spinach and the Margherita pizza. All of these items were moderately priced and on par with the quality one might

find at Jack’s in Pleasant Hill.

Trying to please non-meat eaters, Pinstripes features extensive vegetarian options.

For those who enjoy alcoholic beverages, there’s a first-class cocktail and wine list. These items are priced on the high side but can be

found for a discount at Happy Hours 3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday. At those times, games are discounted by 50% along with special priced starters and pizzas. At lunch during the week, they have a value menu with an entree, side and non-alco-

holic drink in the $20 range.

Notable is the Pinstripes Sunday brunch priced at $38 per person. It includes breakfast selections, an extensive buffet, crusted prime rib and a dessert station. The quality is comparable to the Claremont Hotel in Berkeley.

As an additional bonus, kids eat free in an area separate from their parents. There are also youth activities and specials listed on the website.

As an alternative to Chuck E. Cheese, where most adults drop their children off or endure the noisy proceedings, Pinstripes offers an experience the entire family can enjoy. For business meetings, they provide a pleasant atmosphere unlike stuffy hotels.

Pinstripes is a much-needed breath of fresh air in the hospitality-restaurant trade on the 680 corridor.

“With us, everything is about family,” says assistant general manager Brian Curtis. “We want those who visit our business to have a quality experience only we can bring them.”

Pinstripes is at 1115 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek. Make reservations at 925-496-0960. For special events, call 925-496-0955.

Oakmont Memorial Park ready to help with your preplanning

When I make an important purchase, I like to do my homework. I take the time to educate myself so I can make informed decisions.

For example, when I first purchased a home, I didn’t just focus on finding the right property. I also researched mortgage lenders and met with several loan officers before choosing the one I trusted most.

Years later, during my divorce, I needed to refinance the home. I wanted to

approach the process with the same thoroughness, but this time, reality hit me hard. I didn’t have the time or the mental bandwidth to do all the research and make calculated decisions. I needed someone to guide me, someone who could make the process easier during a very stressful time.

By coincidence, a mortgage lender had been reaching out to me for over a year, but their calls never really resonated. Then, just when I needed help the most, Joan, a

Ease the Burden on Yo and decision-making pr

Your Wishes

to specify you your final wishes are respected. kin current prices and protect yourself from With

different loan officer, called. What a difference she made. Joan answered all my questions, walked me through the process, and kept me informed every step of the way. If she didn’t have an answer right away, she found it promptly. Her support was invaluable and exactly what I needed at that moment.

Divorce is life-changing. Losing a loved one is equally, if not more, devastating. Both are among the most stressful experiences a person can

endure. During these times, you need help, a steady, guiding hand to make things just a little easier.

One way to ease the burden of life’s toughest moments is through preplanning. This provides the opportunity to make decisions together, rather than leaving loved ones to navigate those choices alone. It’s a chance to create clarity and reduce stress for the people you care about most.

I encourage everyone to

consider preplanning and begin the conversation about their wishes. At Oakmont Memorial Park and Mortuary, we’re here to answer your questions and provide the guidance you need, every step of the way. Let us be that guiding hand for you and your family.

Call Oakmont Memorial Park and Mortuary at 925-935-3311 to schedule a free consultation and receive a complimentary planning guide.

Rich Eber:

Pinstripes managers Ben Rodny and Brian Curtis display two of the restaurant’s creations.

Rich Eber is a local journalist

Concord.