JUL 21 The Pioneer 2023

National Night Out to bring neighbors, police together

Concord’s Dana Estates neighbors got ahead of the curve and held their own National Night Out (NNO) on June 22, in advance of other local events planned for Aug. 1.

Police and firefighters attended the Dana Plaza celebration, along with a K-9 officer and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), a volunteer division of the Concord Police Department.

NNO events have traditionally been held the first Tuesday in August since 1984. Many other Concord neighborhoods are planning their own parties on Tuesday, Aug. 1.

More than just fun neighborhood social gatherings, they are a chance for residents to get to know each other and their local police officers.

According to the Concord Police Department, it’s an opportunity to build important relationships that help keep neighborhoods safe.

Insurance pullback has rural residents worried

Recent announcements by State Farm and Allstate insurance companies that they will no longer write new fire insurance policies in California have residents in Morgan Territory/Marsh Creek and other high fire risk zones worried.

Homeowners now must obtain coverage from the California FAIR PLAN insurance association or from secondary “surplus lines” carriers.

Morgan Territory property owner Lauren Fenner experienced the stress of trying to renew her coverage with major carrier GEICO and struggled to find replacement fire coverage through any of the known carriers in the state.

Concord’s Dana Estates neighborhood celebrated their 21st Night Out last month with snow cones, games and police K9 and first responder demonstrations. While not officially a part of the it, the event is pattererned after the National Night Out event. Other neighborhoods across Concord, Clayton and Pleasant Hill will hold their own NNO events on Aug.1. See story for details.

Pete Cruz/The Pioneer

Not a movie theater or a skating rink; big building on the hill is Seeno private museum

Construction on a private warehouse and museum to showcase a billionaire land developer’s massive collection of antiquities, art and taxidermy is moving along off Highway 4 near Concord.

Albert Seeno Jr.’s plans call for the museum to include artifacts relating to the African jungle, African mountain game, the Ice Age, dinosaurs, Native Americans, Asia, New Zealand and Europe.

The 78-year-old Seeno has long been a big game hunter. His Clayton mansion is filled with stuffed lions, tigers, bears and horned animals along with descriptions of the exotic locations where they were shot and killed.

The outside of the warehouse and museum building will not reflect the taxidermy that’s inside. Instead, the south, north and west sides of the building will be covered with colorful murals of Africa, a frontier in Utah and a mountain scene.

The museum section of the 90,000 sq. ft. building will not likely be open to the public and is not being built with taxpayer money. There will be enough parking for 135 vehicles, according to county reports, but the

project is not expected to create more traffic during peak driving hours in the area. It’s not clear when the project is slated for

completion.

The museum’s curator declined to comment on the operation, but drawings submit-

ted to the county include plans for a sprawling museum lobby, a kitchen, a large multipurpose/dining room and a smaller multi-purpose/dining room. Drawings show the dining rooms set up with banquetstyle tables and chairs, but it doesn’t state whether spaces will be available for weddings or other private events.

The 6.3-acre lot on Evora Road at Willow Pass Road along Highway 4 is across from the former Concord Naval Weapons Station. The former military depot was poised for development by Concord First Partners, a company in which Seeno’s son, Albert Seeno III, holds a 45% interest. But in January, the Concord City Council

Trail advocate strives to add diversity to park district

VINCE MARTELLACCI Correspondent

John Mercurio speaks beautifully about our corner of the East Bay and why he loves serving on the board of directors for the East Bay Regional Park District.

The trail-lover and consummate volunteer has brought his passion for diversity, family and the world’s trails to the role since being elected in November. His Ward 6 spans Clayton, Concord and the surrounding area from San Ramon to Antioch.

Mercurio gave us an overview of our trails, especially the Black Diamond

Trail, in the aftermath of the stormy 2023 winter. He said that damage to Clayton’s trails was “severe” and reached into remote areas that will be hard to clear. The last figure he saw was $13 million in damage for the whole area.

Work is underway in our ward and will be done in phases through the next rainy season. At the time this story was written, the clearing of Black Diamond was on track for the end of July and expected to take just a few days.

LONG LOVE OF TRAILS Mercurio has been involved in the district’s parks and trails

for at least 35 years. “The first thing I ever volunteered with the district for was to build trails,” he recalls.

When his first daughter was 3 days old, he took her out on a trail. Now his adult children love trails as much as he does.

Once a member of the state Trails Commission and of the no-longer active Diablo Road Runners, Mercurio helped plan the latter club’s running routes. His stamp is all over our trails, clubs and our entire community.

“John’s love of trails and hiking and running will only add to his value as park director,” says Joe Sullivan,

voted to cut ties with the developer over its proposed term sheet for the project.

Concord First Partners was seeking approval for a revised deal that would have included nearly 16,500 homes, a 34% hike from the original terms set forth when the developer won the contract nearly two years ago. There was widespread opposition to those plans from environmental groups, residents and community organizations.

It’s not clear if or how the multi-million-dollar museum project would have benefitted Concord First Partners’ development of the former military base. Neither Seeno Jr. nor his daughter, Jackie Seeno, returned calls or emails seeking comment.

“We tried several different companies and they all said they weren’t writing California policies,’’ she said. “We weren’t surprised because it happened before, but we got very worried calling around.”

The reason fire insurance is difficult for Morgan Territory and Marsh Creek is that they there are residential properties and natural areas that are surrounded by high fire fuel areas.

Getting coverage is also problematic when people are trying to buy or sell homes.

Julie Rogers, the owner of Weichert Realtors, said she has heard from other real estate professionals that potential buyers of Morgan Territory properties reconsidered buying in the area because of the uncertainty around homeowner insurance.

Mortgage lenders will not approve loans without fire insurance being in place.

State Farm said that it will continue to service existing policies but will no longer write new fire insurance policies. Other companies reportedly have cancelled existing

Provided photo

Artist rendering shows the front of the private museum and warehouse that will house Albert Seeno Jr’s, big-game trophies. Building also includes dramatic lobby and banquet facilities.

John Mercurio represents Clayton and Concord on the East Bay Regional Park District board.

BEV

Housing market shows resilience amid interest rate hikes

Karen Mangini leaves a profound legacy from her 43-year career in education

Over the past several months, many clients have expressed concerns about an impending housing market crash.

While it’s true that home values have experienced a minor decrease compared to 2022, I assure them this does not indicate a crash. Rather, it suggests that the housing market ebbs and flows. I believe it is currently allowing for stabilization in the real estate market due to higher interest rates, home prices rising more quickly than incomes and lower than normal inventory.

Here are three reasons why the housing market is showing resilience:

Low inventory. Today’s typical homeowner has substantial home equity and a fixed-rate mortgage locked in at a rate well below 5%. A recent study by Redfin reveals that a remarkable 82.4 percent of current homeowners have mortgage rates below 5%. Therefore, most sellers stay put unless they are forced to sell. The persistent shortage of available properties is the primary reason why buyers are compelled to drive prices. Moreover, this scarcity strongly suggests that the cur-

rent supply-and-demand dynamics make a price crash in the near future highly unlikely. Changing demographic patterns. New demographics are giving rise to a fresh wave of potential homebuyers. Amidst the pandemic, numerous existing homeowners in the United States recognized the need for large living spaces, particularly with the surge in remote work. Many Boomers and Millennials have entered the market as well. Stringent lending standards. Lenders require borrowers to have strong credit, employment and income to qualify for a mortgage. This was not the case during the last housing crash. Due to the strength of borrowers, the market is not currently overly impacted by foreclosures or short sales, which is a good indication the housing market remains strong.

It is important to note that the housing market is always subject to various external factors, including economic conditions, government policies and unforeseen events. Vigilance and ongoing analysis of market trends will be crucial to ensuring the continued stability and resilience of the housing market. Nonetheless, the current financial strength of homeowners offers assurance that any potential price declines will be manageable, maintaining a favorable outlook for the housing market in the foreseeable future.

I can tell you without hesitancy there is no substitute for local market knowledge. If you’d like to discuss the sale or purchase of a home, call me at 925-567-6170.

JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Karen Mangini was a fourth generation Contra Costan born March 27, 1943, in Concord Hospital, which was then located on Almond Avenue, the same street as her family home. That was a fitting start for a woman who spent the majority of her life living and working in her hometown.

Mangini died June 17 at the hospital (now John Muir Health, Concord Medical Center) where she was born, just three months after celebrating her 80th birthday at a party with family and friends.

Her brother Richard, pastor of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Concord for 21 years until his retirement in 2017, says his sister had a medical episode at home and never regained consciousness before she died a few days later surrounded by family in the hospital.

The 1940s Mangini family home was located on a lot that is now part of Queen of All Saints Church in downtown Concord. Across the street was a Portuguese lodge, the future site of Queen of All Saints School where Karen Mangini was in the first kindergarten class.

After graduating from Holy Names High School in Oakland (taking the greyhound bus daily to Oakland to attend classes), she entered the Novitiate of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet in Los Angeles, attending college at Mount Saint Mary’s in preparation for becoming a nun.

She left there after three years and completed her BA at Cal State Hayward and began a

43-year career in education at Catholic and public schools in Livermore while also earning her master’s in education and her administrative services credential.

Mangini started the second phase of her career in 1986 as dean of students at Presentation High School in Berkeley and then was principal at St. Cyril’s School in Oakland.

After an uncle living in the Mangini Ranch home off Pine Hollow Road died in the mid1980s, Richard and Karen Mangini inherited the property once owned by their grandparents. They restored the ranch house, which had been rather neglected, and Karen Mangini moved in there in 1989 from Oakland.

In 1990 she became principal of St. Agnes School in Concord where she spent two decades as its first lay principal before retiring in 2010. Her brother said she always looked to help families in need. If a class wasn’t at capacity and there was a student who couldn’t afford the school’s tuition, she would offer that family admission at no charge. “The

chair is empty, why let it sit vacant?” she would say.

“She was a fierce defender of the downtrodden. She always wanted to help people advance themselves educationally and socially,” her brother explained.

Her successor as St. Agnes principal, Jill Lucia, says, “Karen was a legacy; part of a group of legacy principals (at nearby parochial schools) we will never see again. They were steeped in Catholic, faith-centered education.”

Lucia added that Mangini

“was a natural” as principal and that she lived by six words from Micah in the Bible, “Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly.”

Her brother says his sister “was sharing, jovial and happy with a sense of humor and a belly laugh to fill a room and that she gave her all to everything she was a part of.” At the same time “she was most principled and stuck to those principles. She wouldn’t bend the rules but was very compassionate with a heart for people who didn’t have it as good.” Their home is off Pine Hollow Rd. with a Concord zip code but in Contra Costa County. Karen Mangini for decades could be seen walking three to five miles along Pine Hollow and on the “state streets” until a stroke several years ago made that difficult and she stuck closer to home. She was buried at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Lafayette in a plot with her parents, Raymond and Margaret Mangini.

Read more about Karen Mangini in her obituary on Page 9.

Share your photos for new books on Concord history

Joel Harris, author of “Images of America Concord,” is working on two new historical books about the city and is asking residents to help him in the process.

Harris will be writing live 1-5 p.m. July 23 at Berkshire Books, 3480 Clayton Road. Residents can stop by to submit photos, memorabilia or stories for inclusion in “Concord Then & Now” and “Concord After WWII.”

For more information, email Harris at joelharris@aol.com.

CONCORD NATIVE KAREN MANGINI (1943-2023)

Jennifer Stojanovich is an owner/broker with Better Homes Real Estate.

JENNIFER STOJANOVICH CLOSE TO HOME

Concord’s Japanese Festival is back with cultural displays, food and music

The Diablo Japanese American Club’s Summer Festival returns July 29 and 30 after taking a three-year break during the COVID pandemic. People from all over the Bay Area are expected to attend the 64th festival at the Japanese American Religious & Cultural Center on Treat Boulevard.

“Since the pandemic, I think a lot of people have really missed the festival,’’ said Karen Sakata, president of the Diablo Japanese American Club.

The event will include displays and live demonstrations of Japanese culture and heritage, including Bonsai (miniature tree sculptures), calligraphy, Ikenobo (flower arrangements), Taiko (Japanese drums), Judo, folk and classical Japanese dancing, and

Kendo (Japanese swords). Obon, a Japanese tradition honoring ancestors and peo-

Parks, from page 1

Mercurio’s long-time friend and frequent hiking partner. “He’s as dedicated to family as he is to the area and the environment.”

ADVOCATE FOR DIVERSITY

Mercurio is driven by a commitment to diversity, inclusion and shared histories. Informed by his Italian heritage, Mercurio crafts his role around serving a diverse population.

He relates to the frustration many communities experience when people focus on negative stereotypes. Mercurio says that approaching the many cultures of our area in a different way “is attractive to me because I know what it feels like to have

everybody always talking about the Mafia … then they forget about the Renaissance.”

He says negative stereotyping affects every group. “Almost every ethnic group has a similar story to tell, where (people outside the group) focus on the negative stuff that’s sensational. So, I do anything I can to even the playing field.”

Mercurio has already begun incorporating indigenous stories and increasing the visibility of indigenous history and culture on the trails.

“Recently, we added trail markers that have the local tribal names,” he says, noting that the district involves tribes in naming and translating trail information.

ple who have died, will also be a part of the festival.

There will be no shortage

THEIMPORTANCEOFTHE

PORT CHICAGO 50

Mercurio lights up when talking about the park in the works at the former Concord Naval Weapons Station. He tells the story of the Port Chicago 50, who fought back against unsafe working conditions. “Fifty Black sailors refused to go back to work unloading ammunition from the ships after a ship blew up and killed hundreds of workers there during World War II,” he relates. You can tell Mercurio sees this moment of protest as a big part of what makes his ward so special. Struggles like this mean something personal to him. As director, Mercurio sees an imperative to tell stories of racial and class struggle, rippling throughout

Great Mt. Diablo

of food and beverages, with treats such as tempura, udon, gyoza, chicken and beef teriyaki, sushi and sake.

Club officials said thousands usually turn out for the free festival, which is organized and staffed by 400 families who belong to the nearly 100-year-old club.

“It’s our annual fundraiser to continue to keep the building and the club going. Most of our profits come from the food,” said Sakata, who has been a club member for 35 years and took over as president in January.

The festival runs 1-9 p.m. Saturday, July 29, and noon8:30 p.m. Sunday, July 30, at 3165 Treat Blvd.

For more information, visit https://www.diablojaclub.com /summer-festival.

Concord’s history and including everyone.

The new park will be named after Thurgood Marshall, who took on the soldiers’ case. “We’re trying to honor that legacy of Thurgood Marshall, of trying to help,” Mercurio says with a smile.

He believes this was an important moment in the Black history of Concord and loves the idea of preserving stories like this, as stories of his own heritage have been preserved.

Mercurio is ready to connect our parks to our many local cultures’ individual histories and struggles. He leaves us with one short and clear thought: “When we say, ‘Trails for all,’ we really mean it.”

Concord goes Deep Green to reduce greenhouse gas

And just like that: The city has taken 607 cars off the road.

Well, not exactly.

But the City Council’s vote to opt city facilities into MCE’s Deep Green energy plan is expected to eliminate 2,729 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. That’s the equivalent produced by 607 cars.

The June 13 vote authorized spending $63,000 in each of the next two fiscal years for the upgrade from MCE’s 60% renewable Light Green service to 100% renewable Deep Green service on July 1.

Deep Green is currently powered by 50% wind and 50% solar. The cost will be 10% more annually than the current energy bills for the city’s 323 accounts.

“We’re taking bold actions to fight climate change by increasing our commitment to renewable energy,” said Concord Vice Mayor Edi Birsan, who is also an MCE board director. “This is just one of the ways we are moving to deal with climate change, and we look forward to adding more steps to a better future.”

Concord’s other sustainability initiatives include replacing streetlights and traffic signals with energy-efficient lighting and receiving SolSmart Gold designation for solar projects.

For more information, visit www.cityofconcord.org/sustainability or www.mcecleanenergy.org/100-renewable

107 La Encinal Ct., Clayton

Mediterranean style home located on a great court location with views of Mt. Diablo is located in the desirable Regency Meadows subdivision. 4 bdrm, 2.5 bath, updated kitchen features quartz counters, stainless steel appliances with a breakfast nook. Family room with fireplace includes sliding doors that lead to a patio for entertaining. Formal living room with vaulted ceiling, formal dining room. Large primary suite with walk in closet and vaulted ceiling, bathroom with dual sinks, separate tub & shower. Separate laundry room. Close to award winning schools and nearby hiking trails.

Japanese food specialties and Taiko drum performances are among the offerings at the Diablo Japanese American Club’s Summer Festival in Concord.

Tamara Steiner/The Pioneer Hiker surveys the Dec/Jan 2023 storm damage to the Clayton side of the Black Diamond Trail. Damage to the entire EBRPD is estimated to top $13 million.

July 4 PH house fire likely caused by bad lithium battery

A malfunctioning lithiumion battery may be the cause of a fire that destroyed the garage of a Pleasant Hill home late in the evening on July 4.

According to Contra Costa Fire, occupants of the home at 1588 Fieldcrest Dr. heard a large boom and proceeded downstairs to find fire and smoke coming from the garage. The roof later collapsed, leaving the garage destroyed.

“Occupants reported a malfunctioning battery in the garage as well as an electric bike charging,” department investigators reported.

The fire broke out about 11:25 p.m., well after officially sanctioned Fourth of July firework shows in surrounding communities had concluded for the evening – leaving only the sound of sporadic illegal fireworks.

It was then that the silence in

the Ridgeview and surrounding neighborhoods of Pleasant Hill was suddenly shattered, leading many residents to think the large explosion was due to an illegal firework misfiring.

As of July 10, the official cause of the fire remained undetermined. However, fire officials noted no fireworks or other flammables were identified as contributing to the extensive damage to the garage and adja-

cent section of the home. An insurance company will be involved in determining an official cause. A forensic lab also is expected to conduct tests. If it is confirmed that the cause is related to a malfunctioning battery, the manufacturer will be put on notice.

The Pleasant Hill fire is the latest in a spate of lithium-ion incidents that Con Fire has

City maintenance worker enjoys helping the community

As part of the city’s maintenance and facility team, Zac Richardson has a strong dedication to his work and community. You may see Richardson throughout the community tackling irrigation issues and mainline breaks. As one of only five members of the maintenance team handling all the work throughout the city, he believes in always learning new pieces of his trade.

Richardson was born and

raised in Clayton, graduating from Clayton Valley High School. His parents still live in Clayton, and he appreciates having his family close.

He and his wife, Tatiana, share a beautiful dog named Kira. They enjoy playing soccer together on an adult league team. He also likes going to the gym and staying in shape. The couple is excited to travel to Europe to explore – and catch a few soccer games.

Pleasant Hill stays local, promoting Ethan Bindernagel to city manager

Ethan Bindernagel is moving up from assistant city manager to city manager, following the City Council’s June 26 vote. He takes over for June Catalano, who retired on June 16 after a 17-year career with the city.

“I am looking forward to stepping into this vital role as I continue to serve Pleasant Hill in a new capacity,” Bindernagel said. “This is a wonderful, vibrant city, and I am very excited to work with the City Council, the community and city staff to help it continue to

ETHAN BINDERNAGEL PLEASANT HILL CITY MANAGER

grow.”

Bindernagel came to Pleasant Hill in 2021, after spending 14 years working for the city of Walnut Creek. He began his career in government in 2000 at the federal level as a congressional aide in the House of Representatives, before attending graduate school and then transitioning to the field of urban planning in 2005.

He has extensive experience in economic development, housing and land use planning. He is also a member

of the International City/County Management Association and a graduate of the Local Governance Summer Institute at Stanford University.

Mayor Tim Flaherty said he is pleased to announce Bindernagel as the new city manager, following an extensive search process.

“The council interviewed several well-qualified candidates, but Ethan’s skillset and deep knowledge of the issues important to Pleasant Hill set him apart,” Flaherty said. “I am certain the city will be wellserved by Ethan for many years to come.”

Bindernagel resides in Lafayette with his wife Becca, and children Rose and James.

Photo by David Scholz

The garage roof collapsed after a July 4 fire on Fieldcrest Drive in Pleasant Hill, leaving the garage destroyed and causing damage to the adjacent living area.

Zac Richardson handles irrigation repairs and other water issues for the city of Clayton.

See Fire, page 5

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Minutemen mascot headed toward retirement at Concord High School

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At its late June meeting the governing body of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District failed to approve changing the Concord High School mascot from the Minutemen to the Bears due to a tie vote with one board member absent.

But principal Julene MacKinnon has requested the item be placed on the Aug. 16 board agenda when trustee Cherise Khaund, who in the past has spoken of approving such a change, is expected to attend. The school is confident she will join the board’s newest members, Keisha Nzewi and Erin McFerrin, in passing the resolution.

Trustees Linda Mayo and Debra Mason each voted against the change last month.

Should the board approve the mascot change, MacKinnon says it will be implemented immediately with the most public difference being all Concord High fall sports teams will be the Bears, starting Aug. 25 when the football team travels to Salinas for its first game of the season.

CONCORD MINUTEMEN

FROM 1966

By voting to retire the Minutemen mascot, which goes back to the school’s opening in the fall of 1966, the board, which has faced budgetary challenges in recent years, including talk of closing schools, will approve $200,000 in district funds to make the change.

That is the estimated cost to remove all vestiges of the school’s Minutemen mascot name and image, and produce new Bear signage on campus. This includes the gymnasium floor, scoreboards, football/soccer turf field, Concord Boulevard school marquee and staff parking signs.

All school uniforms (P.E. bands, athletic teams, school SWAG) will need to be changed, although that is expected to be

phased in. MacKinnon believes winter and spring sports teams will be able to replace any uniforms that feature Minutemen with Bears this year.

The mascot change will be the second recently at a MDUSD high school after Ygnacio Valley switched from the Warriors to the Wolves a year ago. Warriors had been tied to Ygnacio Valley since the Concord school opened in 1962.

When the subject of changing the two school’s mascots first became public, Khaund was MDUSD board president. She cited AB 30, the 2015 California Racial Mascots Act, which states that “the use of racially derogatory or discriminatory school or athletic team names, mascots, or nicknames in California public schools is antithetical to the California school mission of providing an equal education to all.”

Khaund said, “The Mt. Diablo Unified School District Governing Board is committed to providing equal opportunity for all individuals in education. We as a school district should listen carefully to student concerns, especially if they feel unwelcome or unsafe on our campuses.”

She also cited MDUSD board policy 0410 which states that “District programs and activities shall also be free of any racially derogatory or discriminatory school or athletic team names, mascots, or nicknames.”

HONORS REVOLUTIONARY WARHEROES

At Concord High, the name Minutemen was chosen as the mascot in honor of the men who formed the Minutemen militia in Concord, Massachusetts as the American Revolution was beginning in 1775.

The artwork of a Minuteman on the school marquee and parking lot signs shows him holding a rifle. The gender specificity of the name and having the Minuteman holding a

Insurance, from page 1

policies in the very high-risk areas.

Janet Ruiz, spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute, denied reports that none of the 115 stateapproved fire insurance carriers in the state would write new policies but declined to name any specific companies that are doing so.

Fenner’s experience contradicted this insurance industry claim. After her policy was cancelled because she and her husband live in a what is known as an urban/wildland interface area, she contacted various insurance carriers and independent brokers looking for coverage.

None of them could find any insurer willing to take on the fire insurance risk for the five-acre wooded property.

“When these fires hit now, they burn down whole cities,’ she said. “The further we got

Fire, from page 4

Pioneer answered in Contra Costa County in the past month. In June, fire personnel responded to three incidents in a span of nine days where batteries were linked to fires in homes or garages.

Lithium-ion batteries supply power to many devices, including smart phones, laptops, escooters and e-bikes, smoke alarms, toys and even cars. If not used correctly, or if damaged, these batteries can catch fire or explode.

Fire officials remind the public that they should stop using a battery if any of the following problems are noticed: odor, change in color, too much heat, change in shape, leaking or noises being emitted.

Users should charge an ebike battery in a flat, dry area away from children, direct sunlight, liquids, tripping hazards and in a location where the ebike is not at risk of falling.

into with no results, it got a little scary.”

They lucked out with AAA who got them coverage with the California FAIR PLAN. It included a higher deductible and a little higher premium, she said.

The Cal FAIR PLAN is an association started by property insurance companies to provide fire insurance in high-risk areas where people cannot obtain coverage from other carriers.

Another group financially impacted by the fire insurance crunch is the insurance brokers, Antioch Farmers Insurance agent Curtis Holzer said.

Farmers is also not writing new policies for fire insurance and that is costing agents their commissions on the new policies. It’s also preventing them from collecting their shares when those policies are renewed, Holzer said.

weapon are reportedly what are concerning to those wishing to change the CHS mascot.

Former Concord High principal Rianne Pfaltzgraff during the 2020-21 school year said she had a discussion with some teachers when the idea was brought up that “Minutemen” refers to only one gender and the symbol holding a rifle is not reflective of the school in the 21st Century.

Although former Concord High principal Pfaltzgraff and a new teacher at Ygnacio Valley played the key roles in advocating for the respective mascot changes, each school had current students select new names. From all reliable reports to the Pioneer neither school had much feedback from alumni or the public, although each did some outreach.

When Pfaltzgraff first brought up the Concord High change student votes selected Crocodiles as the new name. With the pandemic still greatly impacting schools in 2021 the subject was placed on the back burner until this January.

Besides campus meetings with administrators, teachers and students, Concord High held a sparsely attended community meeting on Feb. 15.

Student discussions sought the attributes they wanted their new mascot to embody. Strong, spirited, inclusive, cool, perseverance, “one to be proud of” and “creates a community” were cited in a report to the MDUSD board.

CROCODILESMISSEDOUT

THISTIME ARO0UND

After a process of elimination, mascot name suggestions were whittled down to 10 in the first vote and then five during the second. From that second vote the three finalists were Bears, Crocodiles and Chargers (Lightning Bolts like the San Diego Charger NFL team). Bears won the final tally with 38.2% of the 500 votes.

Locally, the University of California has had the Bear as its mascot since 1895. The Chicago Bears are one of the original NFL teams. There are 235 high schools and 32 colleges in America with Bear mascots.

There will be 29 high schools and the University of Massachusetts still carrying the Minutemen nickname if MDSUD does away with it next month.

Interestingly, Warriors is the fifth most popular high school mascot in the US.

NNO, from page 1

Clayton will have a citywide NNO 6-9 p.m. Aug. 1 in the upper lot of Clayton Community Park, 7411 Marsh Creek Road. Police Chief Rich McEachin says the event will include a DJ and food trucks, along with a patrol car and police motorcycle for viewing. Kids can also play in the newly remodeled playground.

“We’re really looking forward to getting the community back together. We haven’t had a National Night Out here in Clayton in a few years,” McEachin told the Pioneer.

“We used to do it more traditionally where each neighbor organized their own and we would just drop in and answer questions, have a hot dog. But it slowly dwindled down to just one neighborhood doing it, and

then it just kind of fizzled out.”

Pleasant Hill is also hosting a NNO celebration 6-8 p.m. Aug. 1 at City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane. The festivities will feature a BBQ, DJ, drone and police K9 demonstrations, tours of a police car, fire truck and ambulance – plus a bouncy house and face painting.

While the key to NNO is community-building, each gathering is unique. A favorite part of Dana Estate’s annual event is the Cake Walk. This year, Mt. Diablo High School students also created balloon animals while collecting donations for Health Occupations Students of America, which promotes careers opportunities in the health-care industry. For more on National Night Out, visit https://natw.org.

City of Concord completes successful budget cycle

One of the most important responsibilities of any governing body is fiscal oversight – the ability to ensure an organization is living within its means and setting itself up for future success.

It is a responsibility that my City Council colleagues and I take seriously. Our guiding principles are: retain fiscal stability, achieve and maintain a 30% reserve and use onetime funds for one-time purposes. Funds above the 30% threshold are used for unfunded maintenance needs or unfunded liabilities.

The city took a very conservative approach to finances when the pandemic first hit. Like many other cities, Concord had been experiencing financial challenges prior to the pandemic. By June 2020, our revenues were down by $7 million. We had to cut budgeted expenditures by $10 million and cut 36 positions. Fortunately, our finances rebounded

in FY22, and the council recently approved a balanced two-year balanced budget and maintains our 30% reserve.

Our $125 million budget is supported by Measure V, a voter-approved, one-cent transaction and use tax that is expected to generate approximately $32.2 million in local funding in FY 2023-’24.

Thank you, Concord voters!

Of this, approximately $14.1 million is for general fund operations; $2.2 million

will support council priorities such as economic development, public safety, the CORE program that assists with homeless services and code enforcement; and $15.9 million of Measure V funding will be directed toward transportation projects, street paving, building and parks maintenance.

Measure V funds were leveraged into a five-year roadway construction and infrastructure plan that you now see in progress throughout the city.

I’m sure you have experienced some traffic headaches recently, and I know it’s not fun, but our roadways are being improved. Learn about the construction timeline and specific projects at cityofconcord.org/CIP.

At our recent budget hearing, we agreed to enhance code compliance by adding a staff person for clerical functions of the community

impact unit, so code enforcement officers can spend more time in the field. We also authorized an additional building inspector who will focus on building code compliance. We use technology to enhance our staffing where possible and feasible. In 2003, prior to the recession, Concord had 529 budgeted fulltime positions citywide; following significant cuts due to the Great Recession, our staffing was at 387 in 2013. As revenues increased and stabilized, we were able to bring that number up to 426, but when COVID hit in 2020, we cut dozens of allocated positions. We are anticipated to be up to 416 as of July 1, 2023 –still well below the pre-recession high.

Recruitment and retention of staff is a challenge most employers have been facing recently. I am pleased to report that with earlier efforts the City Council took along

Pleasant Hill mayor advocates for an involved electorate

public participation – not just in our events where we derive our sense of community, but also in the decision-making processes of the City Council.

from their districts. Residents of Districts 3 and 4 will elect council members from their district in 2026.

nomic foundation remains solid and our quality of life the envy of our neighboring communities.

with recruitment efforts of staff, the citywide vacancy factor of 16% has decreased to 10% over the last year. Police sworn vacancy decreased from 11% in April 2022 to 3% in March 2023, and Public Works decreased from 26% in April 2022 to 16% in March 2023. We also successfully and amicably completed labor negotiations with all our represented staff.

Our council and staff strive to create fiscally responsible budgets and financial policies that reflect the community’s priorities, and we are proud of our work on this budget. To learn more, visit cityofconcord.org/Budget. Direct your questions and comments to the mayor at 925-6713158 or Laura.Hoffmeister@cityofconcord.org.

Clayton to vote on updated fee schedule

Aug. 15

I hope everyone had a happy and safe 4th of July this year. I want to thank city staff and volunteers for putting on a wonderful parade event for the whole town to enjoy.

Speaking of events in town, the Concerts in The Grove series takes place every other Saturday through Sept. 16. Concerts start at 6 p.m.

While our leaders on the national scene may be lacking in collegiality, the same is not true here in Pleasant Hill.

Our five-member City Council is diverse in thought but truly homogeneous in the desire to be smart stewards of the city. Our decisions are informed by the input we receive from city staff and from you, the residents.

Since I began my public service here in Pleasant Hill, I have worked hard to increase

I find it confounding that hundreds of people will provide comment on a neighbor’s non-conforming fence but only a dozen weigh in on a significant change in the way Pleasant Hill will govern itself.

Commencing with the November 2024 General Election, Pleasant Hill will elect council members by electoral districts and no longer citywide (at-large). In response to a request that the city transition to the by-district election system, the council adopted a five-district map. In November 2024, residents of three districts (1, 2 and 5) will be electing new council members

To view the approved district map and see where the district boundary lines are drawn, go to www.pleasanthillca.org/districts and click on Map #5.

This change in how we elect our representatives is expected to result in a more diverse council. My hope is that this new council will continue to follow the common principle that has guided past councils and forms the bedrock unity of our city. The City Council is first and foremost committed to retaining our small town feel while encouraging much-needed housing and measured growth to ensure that the city’s eco-

In addition to changes in the City Council, longtime City Manager June Catalano retired June 16 after nearly 17 years of tireless service. We are grateful to June for her dedication to our city and for the tremendous staff she assembled during her tenure, including Ethan Bindernagel, our former Community Development manager and assistant city manager. The council unanimously selected Ethan from a list of qualified candidates to succeed June, and we know that the city will continue to be well-managed by Ethan. His familiarity with

See Flaherty, page 7

And just around the corner on Aug. 1, the Clayton Police Department is hosting National Night Out. This is an event held across the country to bring together community members and local law enforcement. It is a time to have some food, music and be together with our police, who serve and protect us, and come together as neighbors throughout the community. The event will be 6-9 p.m. in the upper lot at Clayton Community Park.

These city-sponsored community events are wonderful, but the work of the city does not stop. Recently, we held a special meeting to address questions relating to the proposed update to our Master Fee Schedule. Ultimately, the City Council engaged a consultant to assess the adequacy of our Master Fee Schedule and

‘Table Talk’ delves into unique stories

corner.

share these stories, I’ve started a podcast called “Table Talk with Senator Steve Glazer,” where I explore the nooks and crannies of the Bay Area to find fascinating stories about people, places and the world of California politics.

If there’s one thing I love about my job, it’s hearing about people who are doing amazing thing or when something happens that is just plain surprising.

In looking for a way to

When you listen to “Table Talk,” you can expect to learn something new about folks who could be your neighbors, or about hidden jewels and gems in our communities.

Each week, I explore unique stories in our district –like the man who has built thousands of birdhouses and

placed them on stop signs. Have you ever wondered where your recycling goes after you toss it in your blue bins? You’d be amazed to find out what happens to your tin cans and plastic forks. Did you know that a group of high school girls designed and built a tiny home for local farmworkers during their school year?

These are just a few of many previously untold stories, digging below the surface to find the unexpected. As they say, there’s a surprise waiting for you around every

I’ll also chat about current events with newsmakers and experts while providing updates on important bills making their way through the state Legislature. In one episode, for example, I address corruption in local politics – and the lawsuit that’s tried to block a law I authored to clean it up. In another, I have some interesting conversations with key voices on BART.

My main focus is to convey stories that are meaningful to you. As many of you know,

we came together during the pandemic when I held 20 virtual Town Halls with experts answering your questions about the so many unknowns we were facing. This podcast is an opportunity for me to have fun with interesting topics but also to challenge the status quo and ask tough questions that reveal the underbelly of issues important to you. I hope you’ll tune in, lend your ear to “Table Talk” and enjoy the surprises that await you as we continue to tell your stories.

propose changes to do two things:

1. Ensure the fees were based on a full recovery method, including direct costs such as salaries and benefits, and indirect costs such as departmental administration costs and citywide support costs such as accounting, maintenance and insurance.

2. Bring forward a proposal for fees for special events, including a discount for Clayton-based non-profits. The proposed update to the Master Fee Schedule did both of these things. Fees for various services, like a tree removal permit or a building permit, were adjusted to reflect actual costs. In addition, a new category of fees

See Wan, page 7

Thank you for staying connected and engaged with your community. You can subscribe to “Table Talk” on all podcast platforms, like Spotify, Apple and even on your car’s SiriusXM. You can also find all my podcast episodes on my website, https://sd07.senate.ca.gov/lat est-podcasts.

Do you know of a quirky story in your neighborhood? Let me know at senator.glazer@senate.ca.gov.

State budget will aid Family Justice Centers, firefighters

These bills represent months of thoughtful debate, difficult decisions and an agreement between both houses of the Legislature, as well as the administration. I’m thrilled that four priorities that I led advocacy efforts for are included in the budget.

Family Justice Centers are life-saving non-profit organizations that work on the front lines to provide support and healing to victims of domestic violence, child and elder abuse, and human trafficking. More than a decade ago, I co-founded the Contra Costa Family Justice Center in Concord, and since

my election to the Assembly, I’ve continued to work hard to support their mission of serving victims. I am pleased that the budget agreement includes $10 million in grant funding for Family Justice Centers statewide. This new money will go directly to helping victims of crimes access legal services at no cost to them and achieve safety and justice.

I also fought for $7 million to be included for a firefighter cancer research program and $2.5 million to the Contra Costa Fire Protection District for mental health pilot programs. Climate change and an

increased occurrence of recordbreaking, devastating wildfires have only added to the stress and dangers California firefighters face on the job. In 2017, when California experienced some of its deadliest wildfires on record, more firefighters died by suicide than on duty. It is on us to make sure we are supporting the brave women and men who work to keep our communities safe. This funding will help us to examine and ultimately reduce the incidence of cancer among California firefighters, as well as fund the operation of peer support and crisis referral pilot pro-

grams to ensure our firefighters have access to effective mental health services.

Lastly, I was proud to secure $1 million to the city of Concord for the Yellow Roof Foundation. The local non-profit charitable organization works to build new affordable housing opportunities for families and individuals at risk for homelessness in the Bay Area. The foundation works with local jurisdictions, such as the city of Concord, to acquire and develop successor agencies and surplus parcels to provide rental housing at below-market rates.

In order to address Califor-

nia’s rising affordability crisis, it is imperative that the state supports organizations like Yellow Roof Foundation that are creating affordable units for vulnerable families. I’m glad this new funding will help create new below-market rate housing in our community.

These are just a few of the priorities I fought to secure in our state’s budget. If you would like to learn more about the budget or to connect with me on other matters that are important to you, contact my Concord office at 925-5211511.

STEVE GLAZER STATE SENATOR

LAURA HOFFMEISTER CONCORD MAYOR

TIM FLAHERTY PLEASANT HILL MAYOR

JEFF WAN CLAYTON MAYOR

TIM GRAYSON 15TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT

KEN CARLSON COUNTY SUPERVISOR

After the Fourth of July, Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) sees an influx of animals every year. To help our furry friends, I’d like to invite you to consider becoming a foster home with CCAS.

You can foster for as little as five days. The best perk is that if you decide you want to adopt your foster, you get the first opportunity.

The animal shelter can be an overstimulating environment for our four-legged constituents. Welcoming one into your home allows them time to decompress and bring out their personalities. CCAS will provide training, information, supplies, food, medicine (if needed) and resources in the event your animal gets sick.

To be eligible for the Dog Foster Program or the

Cat/Kitten Foster Program, individuals must be Contra Costa County residents and 18 years old or older. Since the goal of our foster program is to find forever homes for these animals, a potential adopter may want to meet your animal, so volunteers must have a form of transportation to bring the animal to the shelter within 24 hours.

CCAS does its best to match the appropriate animal with each foster home. The application process covers things like your experience, breeds you may prefer, type of housing, current pets, etc. If you have a specific animal in mind, be sure to mention that when you register.

All dogs going to foster homes will be vaccinated and microchipped. Dogs of all sizes and ages are considered for the foster program.

Kitten foster responsibilities vary depending on the age

Wan, from page 6

was created for special events. This would be applicable for a large event that would require streets to be closed, such as Oktoberfest or a parade. For those types of events with 100 participants or greater, a daily Special Event Fee was proposed that would be based on the number of participants, with the smallest tier at $700 for up to 499 participants, and $10,000 for events with 5,000 participants or greater. Any discount from stated rates is a policy decision that the council can make. Discounts represent taxpayer subsidies and should be made judiciously. We offer discounts in a variety of ways throughout the fee schedule – typically for those

who reside in Clayton vs. those who do not. Endeavor Hall offers a steep discount as the intent of Endeavor is to be a meeting place of residents and to support the arts. Such uses do not typically generate net income.

Here’s some examples of the magnitude of figures that could be relevant for Special Event Fees. For Art & Wine 2022, BBQ 2022, Oktoberfest 2022 and Art & Wine 2023, the portion of direct staff charges paid to the city were $9,888, $6,676, $10,369 and $9,075, respectively. The fees waived under the Master Use Agreement for each event represented approximately $5,000 to $7,000.

In comparison, the rev-

Flaherty, from page 6

the city and surrounding communities will serve us well as we transition to district elections.

The Pleasant Hill City Council works hard to promote public participation at all ages. We run mock city council meetings for various grade school classes, teaching them the civility of public debate. Some years ago, we initiated a Mayor for the Day program to provide an elementary school student the opportunity to run a city council meeting. Our most recent Mayor for

group. Unweaned kittens need to be bottle-fed every two hours, while older kittens who eat solid foods may need cuddles and socialization as they grow big enough to be made available for adoption. While fostering an animal, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the joys of having a furry companion. This will allow you the chance to share insights with CCAS on what that animal’s needs might be.

Foster programs are a great way to help our community and to explore future pet ownership. If you are interested in fostering, visit www.ccasd.org for more information or to apply.

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

enue for the first three events was $284,000, $95,000 and $281,000. After associated expenses inclusive of the staff time noted above, net incomes were $137,000, $24,000 and $115,000.

Ultimately, the council gave direction to staff to prepare a two-tiered discount methodology, offering a greater discount to Clayton based non-profits at 30% and a smaller discount to nonClayton based non-profits at 15%.

The public hearing to receive comment and vote on the proposed update to the Master Fee Schedule is on Aug. 15 during our regular council meeting.

Send comments and questions for the mayor to jeff.wan@clayton.ci.gov

When I was a child, my Nana’s kitchen was filled with wonderful smells, warmth and love.

She taught me so much in that kitchen that made me who I am today: a grandmother giving – to a child, a teenage daughter, a neighbor – inspiration, collaboration, wise tales, structure and, most of all, a lot of love.

The kitchen has always been the place that I come to with all my joys, woes and hopes. The years that I was at Mt. Diablo High School, I had the honor of working with teenagers not just in the classroom and garden but in the kitchen. It gave me the opportunity to share all that was taught to me by the wonderful wise women from my childhood.

So much gets passed on through the creation of food in the kitchen, feeding yourself and others. Slowing down, chopping, cleaning, swapping stories and sharing solutions to life’s troubles while preparing food – somehow we’ve lost that in our fast-food society.

The kitchen is a place where everyone gathers and you’re safe and not alone. The kitchen has always been the heart and soul of my life. The kitchen satisfies not only your physical hunger but the hunger that you have for connection with others.

My hope is that we all slow down. There is so much to learn and teach. Be a lifelong learner.

Welcome to my kitchen.

the Day was Noah HoytCollins, a 7-year-old and soon to be second-grader at Strandwood Elementary, who delighted the council and city staff with his shy approach to leadership and his excellent reading skills. Noah appreciated the experience and even sent me a hand-written thank you note. A big thank you to his parents Nick and Heather for raising a fine young lad.

I encourage everyone to come to a council or commission meeting. Too often the gallery in the council cham-

bers is empty. We do livestream our meetings so perhaps there is a large at-home audience. Please come to a meeting or join us by Zoom. Weigh in on whatever issue we are reviewing, bring a concern of yours to us or just let the council know how you think we are doing. You need not be an adult to participate. All ages are welcome. We meet at 7 p.m. the first and third Mondays of each month.

Email questions and comments for Mayor Flaherty to tflaherty@pleasanthillca.org

What’s cooking

in Nana’s kitchen?

Feed your soul and your belly.

Salmon is so easy to prepare and can be paired with tasty sauces for a perfect combo. These sauce recipes make use of fresh, seasonal herbs. Rather than buying fresh-cut herbs at the store, purchase the plants and put them in your garden.

BAKED SALMONWITH

SEASONAL SAUCES

Baked Salmon: 1 serving

4½ oz. uncooked salmon (will make a 4-oz. serving) Spritz of avocado oil or hint of butter Sprinkle of salt

Spray salmon with avocado oil or top with a hint of butter; sprinkle with salt. Bake at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes.

Green Goddess Dressing:

Makes about 4 cups

1 bunch each basil, cilantro, dill and parsley

3 T chopped garlic

1 shallot, diced

� c. lemon juice

� c. red vinegar

1 T salt

1½ c. Greek yogurt or mayon-

naise

2 c. extra-virgin olive oil

Tear off and discard stems from herbs. Place herbs in food processor or blender and pulse 15 times.

Add garlic and shallot and pulse to blend.

Add lemon juice, vinegar and mayonnaise or yogurt and pulse 15 times.

Add salt and slowly add olive oil while food processor is on. (If olive oil is not added slowly, the dressing will separate.)

Tomato Basil Salsa:

Makes enough for 4 filets

½ c. cherry tomatoes, chopped

1 T chopped basil leaves

½ T fresh minced garlic

2 T extra-virgin olive oil

Combine ingredients. Spread a small amount on each salmon filet after baking.

Cindy Gershen is a culinary teacher and the chef-owner for 40 years of Sunrise Bistro and Catering in Walnut Creek. Send your questions and comments to cindymgershen@gmail.com.

Top baked salmon with Tomato Basil Salsa.

CINDY GERSHEN FARM TO TASTE

I ran across a cute story about the Omanias, one of the heritage families of Concord. Many of you knew one, two or three of them.

Enar came from the Philippines in 1931, and his wife Paz came from Hawaii. They met in San Luis Obispo, where she worked in a pool hall. He was a farm worker but played music during war time. Paz wanted to be nun until she met Enar. Their oldest daughter was

The Omanias, a legacy of excellence and hard work

born in Stockton, and the family says her operatic voice came from being raised with roosters cock-a-doodle-dooing. They moved to Concord in 1941 with eight of their 11 children. The last were born in Concord.

They moved from Market Street to a three-bedroom brick house on Detroit Avenue in 1954. Enar saved up $11,000 in war bonds to buy the house.

There was a tank house on the property where the boys all slept except for the eldest, Richard. In Filipino tradition, the eldest was spoiled. His sister Sophia said he had his own room. As soon as he finished school, they packed his belongings and he moved out. They never let him come back.

Enar held three jobs to support his family. Everyone loved him and thought he was a

good, hard-working man. He was a machinist at Mare Island during the week and owned his own barber shop called Enar’s. Many prominent politicians and Lions Club members were his clients. He also had his own band that entertained plenty a socialite in the day.

As you can imagine, Paz was just as busy with the home and kids. There was always plenty of traditional food, and friends were always welcome.

After talking to some of their kids, I learned they felt like it was a life filled with fun, love and pride.

The Omania children were educated through the Mt. Diablo School District. Three of the girls were cheerleaders at Mt. Diablo High School.

Take a look at that picture

again and look at the beauty of this family. Now, back to the story.

Louie Omania, the second to the youngest, went to kindergarten at the old Masonic

Temple in the ’50s. His grandson Peyton wrestled for De La Salle and then went on to Michigan with a wrestling scholarship. He has graduated after several winning seasons. His goal now is to win a spot at the Olympics.

From 6 to 8 p.m. July 28, the family is renting the Historical Society hall – the same Masonic Temple where Louie went to kindergarten.

If you’re so inclined, come on down and join the celebration with many old friends and family and help Peyton with his Olympic dreams.

Carol Longshore has been a Concord resident since 1950. She is a community leader and past president of the Concord Historical Society. Send comments and suggestions for future topics to editor@pioneerpublishers.com.

Before you raise a toast, understand the long-term effects of alcohol

Living near one of the world’s premiere sites for viticulture, it’s easy for Bay Area residents to develop an affinity for wine drinking.

Good wine is everywhere, and great wine is nearly as readily available. Visiting wineries is essentially a day at

Disneyland for many adults who enjoy alcohol responsibly. However, before we reach for the corkscrew, research strongly suggests that there is a link between even light to moderate consumption and the development of a whole panoply of pathology.

“Alcohol is harmful to the health starting at very low levels,” reports Dr. Tim Naimi, director of the University of Victoria’s Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research.

When alcohol is consumed, the long-suffering liver metabolizes it into acetaldehyde, a chemical that is toxic to cells. This chemical damages DNA and impairs the body’s ability to repair it. This condition promotes the growth of tumors.

To make matters worse, alcohol creates oxidative stress – which is harmful to the cells lining the blood vessels. Oxidative stress can lead to stiffened arteries, resulting in high blood pressure and coronary artery disease.

“It fundamentally affects DNA, and that’s why it affects so many organ systems,” Naimi says.

One recent study suggests

that consumption of wine with meals is associated with decreased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

“The effects of alcohol consumption on health have been described as a doubleedged sword because of its apparent abilities to cut deeply in either direction –harmful or helpful, depending on how it is consumed,” says study author Hao Ma, a biostatistical analyst at the Tulane University Obesity Research Center.

Ma notes that few studies have focused on other drinking details, such as the timing of alcohol intake. While that may present a glimmer of hope, consider the unambiguous statement released by the World Health Organization earlier this year: “No studies have shown that the potential existence of a protective effect for cardiovascular diseases or Type 2 diabetes also

reduces the risk of cancer for an individual consumer. Evidence does not indicate the existence of a particular threshold at which the carcinogenic effects of alcohol start to manifest in the human body. As such, no safe amount of alcohol consumption for cancers and health can be established.”

So, it is up to each person to decide risk vs. benefit.

Stanford-based neuroscientist Andrew Huberman suggests on his podcast, “The Huberman Lab,” that any degree of chronic, habitual consumption presents the greatest risk of cancer –especially breast and esophageal, although alcohol is linked directly to the development of seven different cancers.

Looked at that way, an occasional glass of wine probably poses little risk to most generally healthy people. However, a habitual pattern, even one glass per day, may significantly increase one’s risk.

Cheers and apologies dear readers for the straight-up, undiluted and thoroughly buzzkill information. Perhaps next we will consider coffee... Please send comments and question to newwavenightingale@gmail.com.

Concord Historical Society

The Omania family stands in front of their three-bedroom brick house on Detroit Avenue in 1954. From left, mom Paz, Richard, Esme, Aurelia, Junior, Loretta, Rudy, Charmaine, Sophia, Irene, Louie, Martha, Uncle Sebastian and dad Enar. Nancy, the eldest, is not shown.

CAROL

Obituaries

Melinda Molloy Moore

Aug. 24, 1957-June

16,

2023

School and Ygnacio Valley High School.

She enjoyed her home in Clayton with views of Mt. Diablo, her Pomeranian dogs, cooking and gardening.

She is survived by her daughters, Marissa Lynn Moore (Scott) and Amanda Marie Moore McInroy (Jeff); and her siblings, Diana Molloy Muhanoff (Alex), Laura Molloy Stiles (Mark) and Michael Daniel Molloy.

Karen Ann Mangini

March 27, 1943-June 17, 2023

Melinda “Mindy” Molloy Moore, age 65, was called to God’s home on June 16, 2023, following a 20-year courageous battle with breast cancer and recurrent metastatic breast cancer.

She was born in El Paso on Aug. 24, 1957, to Barbara Van Voorhis Molloy and Harold Thomas Molloy. Mindy was the youngest of four children.

Growing up in Clayton, she was involved in Morgan Territory 4-H, Campus Life and was an active equestrian, riding her horse, Brandy, all over the foothills of Mt. Diablo. Mindy graduated from Clayton Valley High School in 1975.

She was extremely active in the Clayton community as a volunteer and small business owner of Clayton Valley Mechanical Heating and Air Conditioning. One of Mindy’s greatest joys was being a mother, always engaging in her daughters’ lives and interests. She was a Girl Scouts troop leader and a former president of the Clayton Valley High School Parent Faculty Club.

Her passion for education and children led her to a 15year career with the Mount Diablo Unified School District as an attendance secretary at Oak Grove Middle

A memorial service and reception was held July 15 at Endeavor Hall in Clayton. Memorial contributions may be made to Save Mount Diablo at www.savemountdiablo.org.

Karen Ann Mangini, 80, of Concord died suddenly on June 17, 2023. She lived a noble, generous and illustrious life as family matriarch and a Catholic school educator and administrator. She was born in Concord on March 27, 1943, and was proud to have lived her life there. Karen was also proud of her Italian, Irish and Portuguese heritage. She celebrated her 80th birthday on March 27, 2023, with family and friends.

She leaves behind her brother, the Rev. Richard Mangini; her cousin-sister, Martha Levada; her nephews and nieces, James and Sandy Mangini, and Jared and Michelle Mangini; her grandnieces and their husbands, Elizabeth and Adam Drake, Ashley and Matthew Engle, Alexandra and Harrison Fowler, Holle and Raul Linares and Taylor Mangini; and great-grand nephews, Camden, Walker and Lorenzo. She was predeceased by her parents, Raymond and Margaret Mangini; her brother, Joseph and his wife Sherry; her nephew, Joey; and her grandparents, Andrew and Anna Mangini and Joseph and Catherine Levada.

David James Skuba, Sr.

Jan. 20, 1937-May 9, 2023

20 years old and had a wonderful life together. They were blessed with two children, Dave Jr. and Kathy, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren – with another great grandson on the way in November.

Dave always put his family first and loved spending time at family dinners and having fun at home.

Skuba; his sister, Nancy; and his loving daughter, Kathy. He is survived by his wife, Arlene; son, Dave Jr. (Stephanie); four grandchildren, David Skuba III, Travis Skuba (Cierra), Clint Skuba and Tanya Skuba; and two great grandchildren, Laila Skuba and David Skuba IV.

She will be remembered for her generosity and the wonderful ways that she touched the lives of so many parents, students and friends. Keep her family in your prayers and good thoughts as they imagine new lives without her guiding presence and strong example.

Karen’s family and friends celebrated her life with a vigil service on July 2 and a funeral Mass on July 3 at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church. Burial was at Queen of Heaven in Lafayette, where she will be with her parents, Raymond and Margaret Mangini.

The family requests that you express your sorrow and condolences by honoring Karen’s charities:

The Karen Mangini Memorial Scholarship Fund at St. Agnes School, 3886 Chestnut Ave. Concord, CA 94519.

F.A.C.E. office for Mission Advancement, 2121 Harrison St. Oakland, CA 94612. Operation Smile Train, 633 Third Ave, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10017. St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. St. Bonaventure Church Food Pantry, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord, CA 94521. Remember Karen for her loving, outgoing personality, the personal practice of her Catholic faith, and her heart of gracious and complete love and the wonderful human being that she was.

Charlotte Grace Burgess

Jan. 26, 1941-June 12, 2023

School in Noblesville, Ind., in 1959.

Dave Skuba of Clayton passed away peacefully on May 9, 2023, at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek with his family at his bedside. He was sick for several months but always had a positive attitude and never complained.

Dave was born in Martinez on Jan. 20, 1937, and raised in Port Chicago.

He and Arlene started dating at 19 years old, married at

He played bocce ball at Newhall Park for 14 years with the Ball Busters and was a member of the Concord Druids. He was in the Navy Reserves in Alameda for eight years. Dave loved to fish and hunt with his family.

He and his son, Dave Jr., have owned Skuba Construction Services Inc. in Concord for 32 years. Dave loved going to work with his son.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Eva

Dave had a private viewing and service at Ouimet Bros. Funeral Chapel, followed by a graveside service at Oakmont Memorial Park Cemetery in Lafayette, where he received military honors from the U.S. Navy.

Family and friends also held a celebration of life on July 1 at Back Forty in Pleasant Hill.

Donations may be made to the Heart, Lung or Kidney foundations or charity of your choice.

Charlotte (Sherry) Grace (Hays) Burgess, 82, of Concord died June 12, 2023, at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek. She was born Jan. 26, 1941, in Lisle, Ill., the daughter of John L. and Aleece (Stanley) Hays. Sherry graduated from Noblesville High

She married Jim Burgess and they resided in Concord for many years. Jim died in 1991. She loved to travel and visit friends and family. Music was always a part of her life. Sherry was quite a piano player and enjoyed sharing that with others. Everyone remembers Sherry with a big, warm smile on her face.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a sister, Mary Jane H. Cook, and four brothers, Lowell, William, Deke and Don. Survivors include her sister, Patricia A. (Hays) Mullins, and many nieces and nephews. No service is planned. Burial will be in Lane, Kan.

Concord small businesses can apply for new city grants

by the COVID-19 pandemic. This reimbursement grant aims to provide assistance to businesses with ordinary operating costs such as rent/lease payments, utilities, payroll, inventory, etc.

Funding priority are:

ness Grant Program or Measure V Commercial Rent Relief Program.

• Any remaining funding will be allocated to small businesses that meet the eligibility guidelines.

The city of Concord and the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce are working together to launch the second round of the Small Business Reimbursement Grant, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

This grant provided 176 one-time reimbursements of up to $5,000 in the first round and will provide another 207 grants in the second and final round. The funding was part of $2 million to help businesses impacted

• Retail, restaurants and personal service establishments, specifically hair salons and barber shops, nail salons, day spas and fitness studios that operate in a commercial storefront.

• Family child-care homes licensed by the state.

• Residential cleaning services and residential landscaping/gardening businesses that operate under a homebased business license.

• Businesses that did not receive funding from the city of Concord Small Busi-

To be eligible for the grant, businesses must meet a few requirements such as having a physical location within city limits, an active Concord business license or California Family Child Care home license issued no later than June 30, 2020, and no more than 25 employees as of June 30, 2020.

Applications open 8 a.m. Monday, July 31, and close at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11. The chamber will be hosting open office hours for businesses to come in for assistance, which will also be provided in Spanish.

Open office hours will be 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 2 and 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Aug. 8 at the chamber office, 2280 Diamond Blvd., Unit 200. There will also be open office hours 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 2 and Aug. 9 at the Concord Senior Center Computer Lab, 2727 Parkside Circle. Computers will be available for businesses to apply for the grant online.

The chamber will provide a status update to all businesses who applied by Aug. 31. The businesses who receive the reimbursement grant will have from Sept. 1 to Jan. 5, 2024.

For a complete list of eligibility requirements and activities, visit ConcordFirst.com and click on Reimbursement Grants.

For any questions, contact the chamber at grantprogram@concordchamber.com or 925-685-1181.

Learning to cope after dad’s suicide attempt

Q. My dad was the backbone of our family, my hero until he unsuccessfully tried to commit suicide on Feb. 2, 2023. In my eyes, the man who survived is not my dad. I can’t comprehend how a man with so much pride in caring for his family could fathom permanently checking out on us without warning over finances. Since his recovery and coming home, he openly talked to my mom about why he did what he did. Whenever he tries to speak to me, all I feel is rage. I feel like my dad died in that garage. – Josie

A. Josie, referencing your father as the family backbone and your hero gives me a window into the pedestal you placed him on and the enor-

mous amount of pressure he may have assigned himself to live up to everyone’s expectations.

In a distressing circumstance, you were ripped from a long-held belief that your father was invincible and capable of not only shoulder-

ing his family but keeping himself emotionally in check. His ability to maintain this image gave you an emotional, mental and physical safety net.

As a result of your father’s mental health crisis, it is clear it has brought rise to your own mental health struggle.

Anger is an easily accessible and displayable emotion that can result in behavior detrimental to ourselves and others as we try to overcompensate for deeper feelings of sadness, grief, confusion and loss.

The rage you are feeling right now is absolute. But I strongly advise seeking professional help that can assist you in going deeper and uncovering root emotions and healing healthily.

Here are the facts. Six million men suffer from depression in the United States. Men

are four times more likely to commit suicide. The leading cause is stress from work and finances. Forty percent of men never speak about their mental health.

Men struggle with mental health, but due to societal, cultural and personal pressure, help often comes too late. Your dad may not measure up to your past image, but the man that he is now is worthy of you getting to know.

If you are facing a mental health emergency, dial the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, text HOME to 741741 at the Crisis Text Line, or call 1-800273-8255.

Be well; you are worthy.

Dominique King is a wife, mother, lifestyle blogger and longdistance runner. Email questions leaninwiththekings@gmail.com.

Seven local athletes named spring league MVPS

With spring sports wrapping up the 2022-23 athletic year the East Bay and Diablo athletic leagues announced their final group of all-league and most valuable player awards with many local athletes earning these special honors.

Tabbed for league most valuable player honors in the DAL were Clayton Valley Charter’s Ryder Helfrick (baseball) and Gabby Cherwin (stunt), Northgate’s Makenna Choi (softball pitcher) and Mt. Diablo’s Lily Quezada (softball pitcher). The De La Salle trio of Henry Benner (lacrosse), Jack Jerge (golf) and Bear Harrison (baseball) in the EBAL.

Local schools in Diablo Athletic League plus Carondelet and De La Salle (East Bay Athletic League) all-league honorees:

BASEBALL

DAL Foothill MVP – Helfrick (Clayton Valley Charter).

First Team - Niko Olson, Myles Walton, Isaiah Landry, Ryder Oakley, Kyle Connelly (CVC), ), Zach Vasell, Charlie Malton (CP), Matt Campopiano, Liam Kevill (Northgate).

Second Team- Elliott Webb, Jerry Coakley, Desmond Cobb (CVC), Nate Leffel, Tino Vasell (CP). Honorable Mention - Anthony Pisciotto, Josiah Morris (CVC), Max Carlos, Nate Luehs (NG), Diego Emerling, Sean McGinty (CP). Valley First Team – Elijah Scott, Matt Dashner, Chase Taylor (Concord). Second Team – Skylar Juarez, Sean Murphy, Jared Bennett (Con). Honorable Mention - Ayden

Welch (Con).

EBAL MVP – Harrison.

First Team- RJ Meyn, Kai Smith, Tanner Griffith. Second Team - Alec Blair, Hank Tripaldi, Cal Randall. Honorable Mention- Aaron Hunt, Tim Golden (Con).

BOYS GOLF

DAL Foothill

First TeamCoco Feliciano (NG). Second

Team - Alex Titterton (NG). Honorable Mention – Tyler Stapf (NG). Valley First Team –Nicky Conti, George Simpkin, Peter Campora (CVC). Second Team – Chris Brown, Dylan Thomas, Josh Ochoa (CP). Honorable Mention – JP Barnaba (CP), Ethan Sampanes (Con), Drew Brennani (CVC).

EBAL MVP – Jerge. First

Team- Josh Kim, James Williams, Jack Hayden, Colin Keith. Second Team – Jaden Dumdumaya.

LACROSSE

DAL Boys: First Team –Luke Foster, Tim Fenstermacher (NG). Second Team –Jack Auzenne (CP), Henry Morse, Collin Cabuatan (CVC), Tony Pucci (NG).

Honorable Mention- Jack Jensen, Jack Richardson (NG).

DAL Girls First Team –Giulia Padoan, Tade Scheid (NG), Hana Rauschmeier, Katherine Isherwood (CP).

Second Team – Gianna Canesa (CVC), Kelsey Shaffer, Jocelyn Vanderbeek (NG). Honorable Mention – Allison Pon (CP), Natalia Olds, Grace Thomack (NG).

EBAL Boys MVP – Benner. First Team - Jackson Barth, JC Romo, Andrei Gran, Spencer Biles. Second Team –Mikey Lencioni, Cooper Kennedy.

EBAL Girls Second Team – Anna Mollahan, Gaby Dedes, Jenna Balousek, Abigail Cheun. Honorable Mention –Sophia Bruzzone.

SOFTBALL

DAL Foothill First Team –Soo-Jin Berry, Annika Scheafer, Layla Hernandez (CVC), Alexis Sealey, Emma Wood, Jessica Delatorre (CP).

Second Team – Isabella Scolini, Angelina Vargas, Lola Winningham (CVC), Ava Davis, Maya Davis, Abby Wood, Avery Rodriguez (CP). Honorable Mention – Jessie Lovett, Anja Perreira (CVC), Morgan Bowdish, Keira Pfeiffer (CP). Valley MVP Pitcher - Choi.

First Team – Ariana Rivera, Casey Brenes (Con), Marina Johnsen, Katelyn Takahashi, Taelyn Jriyasetapong (NG).

Second Team – Emmalee Usedom (Con), Ashley Herman, Jillian Neil, Katrina Irvin, Liliana Canfield (NG). Honorable Mention – Shay Caban (Con).

Mountain MVP Pitcher Quezada (Mt. Diablo). First Team - Jasmine Guardado, Dazzelynn Alon, Tori UmanaAlmarza (MD), Samantha Lopez (Ygnacio Valley). Honorable Mention – Sophie Ramos, Linda Ochoa, Fariah Shah (MD), Eva Lopez (YV).

EBAL Second Team –Maia Scholtens. Honorable Mention – Sydnie DeMartini, Gabriella Bush, Mackenzie Hudson.

Concord and County swimming meets climax rec season

The 56th Concord Swimming Championships will not be at its usual home of Concord Community Pool this weekend when 12 teams and nearly 1100 recreation swimmers compete at Northgate High School in Walnut Creek for the third year in a row.

Springwood Swim Club has organized and run the City Meet for decades and had a verbal understanding with the City of Concord to return the Concord Swimming Championships to its long-time home of Concord Community Pool in 2023 before meet director Dori Freitas was informed just days later that there was a date conflict for the July 21-23 meet weekend.

The lineup of teams at this year’s City Meet includes perennial champion Dana Hills of Clayton plus Forest Hills of Martinez, Forest Park, Gehringer Park, Oakhurst, Pleasant Hill Dolfins, host Springwood, Vista Diablo, Walnut Country, Bishop Estates, Crockett and Ygnacio Wood.

DHST will be seeking its 30th Concord City Meet championship since the Otters won its first A Division title in 1992. Ygnacio Wood hopes to repeat as B Division winners.

Last year’s exciting season finale in Lafayette at Acalanes High School saw Dana Hills claim its second straight County Meet championship while Springwood won the Division III county title.

The City Meet schedule at North-

gate includes the individual medley and new 50 freestyle for 15-18 age group on Friday evening starting at 5 p.m. with butterfly, freestyle and medley relays on Saturday. The meet concludes Sunday with breaststroke, backstroke and free relay. Admission is free and the Saturday and Sunday meets start at 8:30 a.m.

DEVIL MOUNTAIN PENTATHLON

WELCOMED 16 TEAMS

The 28th Devil Mountain Pentathlon hosted by Dana Hills Swim Team last month in Clayton featured 16 teams and 900 swimmers with the Sun Valley Rays coming out as the team champion. The host Otters are not included in the team scoring because Dana Hills always has the largest number of swimmers entered at their home pool.

In the unique Pentathlon format, each boy and girl swims five races in a day with their cumulative time accounting for individual placings.

The final team standings after Sun Valley were Martinez Community Otters, Forest Hills Beavers, Ygnacio Wood Seahorses and Rancho Colorados Wahoos in the top five.

There were two pool records set during the meet. Chooch Branich of DHST beat the 25-yard butterfly pool mark for six and under girls. She broke a record previously held by her older sister Charley Branich.

Lucy Kao of Rancho Colorados set a new 50-yard backstroke pool record for 13-14 girls.

The Pentathlon also announced its 2024 edition will be on June 2223.

Diablo and East Bay athletic leagues concluded the spring season by honoring its Most Valuable Players. Seven of the MVPs come from local high schools. Clockwise from top left, Henry Benner (De La Salle, EBAL lacrosse), Gabby Cherwin (Clayton Valley Charter, DAL stunt), Jack Jerge (De La Salle, EBAL golf), Makenna Choi (Northgate, DAL Valley softball pitcher), Ryder Helfrick (Clayton Valley Charter, DAL Foothill baseball), Lily Quezada (Mt. Diablo, DAL Mountain softball pitcher) and Bear Harrison (De La Salle, EBAL baseball).

JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

High schools honor 2022-23 athletes of the year

Local high schools honored their athletes of the year, recognizing students who had excelled in their chosen sports during the 2022-23 school year. This Class of 2023 student athletes finished four years that were unlike anyone could have imagined when they entered high school in the fall of 2019 dreaming of playing sports the next four years wearing their new school’s colors.

CARONDELET

Cougar Athlete of the Year Lizzie Vranesh was a member of Carondelet varsity soccer all four years. She was a leader on the 2022-23 team that won its second consecutive North Coast Section Division I title and took second in the NorCal DI Regional Championships, falling 1-0 to Saint Francis of Mountain View in the season finale. A midfielder, she was named to the EBAL first team all-league

squads the last two years and was second team as a freshman. Vranesh will continue her playing career at Cal this fall.

Scholar Athlete of the Year Sabrina DeAraujo earned this award for maintaining a 3.75 GPA or higher during her rugby season for the Cougars. She was a leader on the Carondelet rugby team in both fall and spring rugby.

DeAraujo scored her 100th point at the spring championships where the Cougars took home the championship at the Rugby NorCal Girls High School 10s Cup.

Athlete Spotlight

Co-Senior Athlete of the Year Shelby Santos was a member of the Carondelet indoor volleyball program all four years, the last three on varsity. This past year she was team captain. Santos, who will be going to UC Davis this fall, was also a member of the Carondelet beach volleyball team and competes regularly in beach tournaments on the club level. In March sheearned her bid to this summer’s Nationals 18U team. Her award announcement said, “Through out her career at Carondelet Shelby has always been a positive role model for other athletes and is always present to support her sisters at various athletics events.”

Damik Van Fanos

Team: Dana Hills Swim Team

School: Clayton Valley Charter High

Sports: Swimming, Water Polo

Outstanding in the swimming pool and classroom, Van Fanos began swimming in meets at the age of seven. After exploring different sports throughout his childhood, he discovered a passion for swimming. He swam every summer for Springwood Swim team from the time he was seven until 17. In his final season he’s on the Dana Hills Swim Team as an 18-year-old. With the help of his first swim coach Brendin Brown, Van Fanos turned his passion for swimming into a talent that carried him throughout high school starting on the De La Salle junior varsity water polo team as a freshman. He transferred to Clayton Valley Charter after one semester and spent the rest of his high school career on the CVCHS varsity swimming and water polo teams.

Van Fanos reflects on his experience as an Ugly Eagle athlete fondly, noting that his “favorite part was the sense of camaraderie that came with being part of a team. The countless hours of practice, along with the collective competitive drive brought [me and my] teammates together, and, in the process, created some lifelong friendships.” Van Fanos was first team all-Diablo Athletic League swimming this spring and throughout his time on the Ugly Eagles teams,he accomplished several goals, including qualifying for CIF State Meet during his junior and senior years of swimming and receiving the “Most Improved” award during his senior water polo season. Van Fanos is appreciative of his Clayton Valley water polo coach Gabe Martin as well as both of his moms for the roles they each played in his success. In his time out of the pool at Clayton Valley he participated in the Engineering and Design Academy, Senior Men and Blue Crew, and maintained a 4.4 GPA. His hard work led him to UC Berkeley as an applied math major in hopes of becoming an actuary. His time as a Cal Bear begins next month.

CVCHS student journalists Corinne Jeandheur and Katherine Pugh wrote this Spotlight.

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

Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or a great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pio-

Co-Senior Athlete of the Year Maddie Buckley has been goalie on the Carondelet varsity soccer team all four seasons. She was the keeper for two EBAL championships teams, the 2020 CIF DI NorCal Regional champions and the past two NCS DI titlists. This past year, Buckley was the club leader of the inaugural Sixth Woman Club. UC Santa Barbara-bound Buckley was a member of the first team allEBAL squad this year after being named second team as a junior.

CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER

Female Athlete of the Year Soo-Jin Berry kept busy all year as a member Ugly Eagles golf, basketball and softball teams. She was selected to the first team all-Diablo Athletic League first team for both basketball and softball during this senior year. As a junior she was second team basketball and first team softball. The all-around athlete is going to the University of Iowa to play softball this fall.

Male Athlete of the Year Ryder Helfrick lived up to all his press clippings this year helping the Clayton Valley Charter baseball team to the top of the Bay Area baseball rankings during the spring season, including winning the Diablo Athletic League Foothill championship as the DAL MVP. In the NCS playoffs the Ugly Eagles lost the championship game to De La Salle. Helfrick was recently named first-team high school all-America by Collegiate Baseball News. He will join the powerhouse Arkansas Razorbacks team this fall. To top it off, Ryder Helfrick wins this school award a year after his brother Leighton won the same honor.

Eagle Leadership Award Ryan Morimoto was a leader for the Ugly Eagles football and soccer teams while also excelling in the classroom.

Irvine Scholar Male Athlete Kyle Hetherton made his mark in the classroom and the

pool for the Ugly Eagles on varsity swimming and water polo. He was second team allDAL in water polo.

Irvine Scholar Female Athlete Gabby Cherwin was DAL Stunt MVP capping her senior year on the CVCHS stunt cheer and sideline cheer teams while also taking care of business in the classroom.

Male Mark of the Year Christian Aguilar for breaking school records in single season passing yards, completion percentage and passing TDs as the Ugly Eagles quarterback who transformed the run-oriented football team’s offense with his passing exploits.

Female Mark of the Year Molly Gray is only a sophomore, but she broke the alltime North Coast Section record for most diving points this spring with 540.6, almost 100 more than the secondplace competitor. She has already made her mark internationally representing the United States in age group competitions.

Bruce Iversen Memorial Award Jake King

Matt Nolan Memorial Award (Baseball) Myles Walton

CONCORD

Female Athlete of the Year Casey Brenes spent four years on Minutemen varsity softball and three seasons on varsity basketball. She was named first team all-DAL softball this season after earning second team honors as a junior. The versatile athlete won multiple scholar athlete and school player of the month awards. She was Minutemen of the year for basketball. She capped her Concord High career this spring with all-Bay Area team honors.

Male Athlete of the Year

Ryan Murphy may have a Brandon Crawford look but his athletic resume reads very old school. In bygone eras, male high school athletes played football, basketball and baseball and that’s exactly what Murphy did this year for the Minutemen. He was the football team’s Defensive MVP as they reached the NCS playoffs. He was a first team all-DAL linebacker and second team allleague tight end. This spring he also received all-DAL honors in baseball.

E.D.D.I.E Award (outstanding display of Enthusiasm, Dedication, Discipline, Inspiration and Encouragement) Keoni Caban and Alana Sevier

Coaches Award Zachary Willsie and Lizeth De La Cruz Vazquez Scholar Athletes Tung (Tommy) Nguyen and (tie)

Hannah Jacobs and Haylie Jacobs

DE LA SALLE

Athlete of the Year

Chukwunonso Udeh was a one-man wrecking crew this spring as he concluded his Spartans career as a state champion. He competed all four years on varsity track, but

his senior year exploits overshadowed a tremendous set of results a year ago as a junior that was capped with a second place in the State Meet high jump. He finished as the school’s all-time leader in five events. At this year’s NCS Meet of Champions he won three events and his relay team was second. Then at the California State Meet he won the long jump at 23-9¾ and was fifth in the 110 hurdles, high jump and relay to almost single-handedly place De La Salle sixth in the boys team standings. Udeh recently accepted an athletic scholarship to UC Berkeley in the fall.

MT. DIABLO

Female Athlete of the Year Natalie Dance helped her Red Devils team to the North Coast Section playoff semi-finals and that earned them a place in the NorCal Regional Division V playoffs. She was first-team all-Diablo Athletic League.

Male Athlete of the Year Ashten Adkins transferred to the Concord school this year and was a second-team allDAL runningback for the Red Devils.

ASHTEN ADKINS MT. DIABLO

CASEY BRENES CONCORD CHUKWUNONSO UDEH DE LA SALLE

JERMAINE PATTON YGNACIO VALLEY

LENIYAH FULSOM YGNACIO VALLEY

NATALIE DANCE MT. DIABLO

TADE SCHEID, KELLY GRIFFIN, COLIN PARKER NORTHGATE

LIZZIE VRANESH CARONDELET SEAN MURPHY CONCORD

SOO-JIN BERRY CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER

JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

High school football has new look with girls flag football

record, has been moved to the Foothill Division.

High school football games

begin the last Friday of August with the first round of nonleague games and right on the heels of that Friday Night Lights tradition a new dawn is coming with the introduction of girls flag football in California high schools.

The state CIF approved 7v7 flag football as a sport beginning this fall. Both the Diablo and East Bay athletic leagues have scheduled a slate of games for all their schools who decide to take part this first year, which will not include any post-season playoffs. Carondelet is the only EBAL school not on the schedule.

DAL commissioner Mark Tran set up a league schedule including all 13 league schools with the understanding that a number of them may ultimately decide against participating this year. He slated a round-robin scrimmage jamboree on Saturday, Aug. 26, to inaugurate the new sport.

On the football side there will be new head coaches on the sidelines at three of the seven local teams—College Park (Casey Moreno), Mt. Diablo (Fetuao Mua) and Clayton Valley Charter (Nick Tisa).

As usual, De La Salle will garner the largest spotlight as coach Justin Alumbaugh’s Spartans look to win their 31st successive North Coast Section championship and get back to contending for a CIF State Bowl game title, something that has eluded the Concord school since 2015.

Last year’s team fell to Lincoln of San Diego in the State 1AA bowl 33-28, a fifth straight loss in a state championship game. That team lost an unprecedented four games but also fielded an unusually large number of underclassmen who got plenty of playing time. You must go back to the 1970s for a De La Salle team losing that many games.

The Spartans again have scheduled a slate of six nonleague games against outstanding competition from throughout the state, including all three teams who defeated DLS during the 2022 regular season—SerraSan Mateo, Folsom and St. Mary’s-Stockton.

Their EBAL end of the regular season matchup with hometown rivals Clayton Valley Charter will end a mini tradition between the Concord powerhouses since the Ugly Eagles will be moving back to the DAL next fall in a NCS alignment decision for 2024-28.

Both the EBAL and DAL have adjusted their divisions as they continue to seek competitive equity among their members. In the DAL, College Park, which won the 2022 Valley Division with an unbeaten 5-0

Because that switch creates uneven divisions with seven schools in the Foothill and five in the Valley there are three interleague games scheduled during the season to minimize bye weeks for league teams. For the Valley Division it also means there is only one league game in Weeks 5 and 10.

In the EBAL, Valley Division champion Foothill was moved up to the Mountain Division, switching places with its fellow Pleasanton school Amador Valley. De La Salle remains an unofficial member of the Mountain Division playing four games against EBAL opponents among its 10-game schedule. With Clayton Valley Charter’s departure for the 2024 season EBAL football will have eight full-time members plus DLS.

LOCALHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULES

Clayton Valley Charter (Open Div./Div. 1) - 8/25 at Salinas, 9/1 Higley-Gilbert, AZ, 9/9 at Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills, 9/15 at Turlock, 9/29 JesuitCarmichael, 10/6 San Ramon Valley, 10/13 Foothill-Pleasanton, 10/20 Monte Vista-Danville, 10/27 at California-San Ramon, 11/3 at De La Salle. College Park (Div. 3) – 8/25 at Fremont-Oakland, 9/8 at Oakmont-Roseville, 9/15 at Antioch, 9/22 Acalanes-Lafayette, 9/29

Miramonte, 10/6 at Campolindo, 10/13 Las Lomas, 10/20 Northgate, 10/27 at Benicia, 11/3 Alhambra. Concord (Div. 4) - 8/25 at Newark Memorial-Newark, 9/1 at Alameda, 9/8 San Lorenzo, 9/9/14 Archie Williams-San Anselmo, 9/22 Mt. Eden-Hayward, 9/29 Alhambra, 10/6 Las Lomas, 10/13 at YVHS, 10/21 at Berean Christian, 10/27 Mt. Diablo. De La Salle (Open Div./Div.

1) – 8/25 Orange LutheranOrange, 9/2 at Serra-San Mateo, 9/8 at Saint Francis-Mountain View, 9/15 St. Mary’s-Stockton, 9/22 at Folsom, 9/29 McClymonds-Oakland, 10/13 San Ramon Valley, 10/20 Foothill-Pleasanton, 10/27 at Monte Vista–Danville, 11/3 Clayton Valley Charter. Mt. Diablo (Div. 4) - 8/25 Deer Valley, 9/1 Mission-San Francisco, 9/8 at Oakland Tech, 9/15 San Lorenzo, 9/22 at Castlemont-Oakland, 10/6 Ygnacio Valley, 10/13 at Alhambra, 10/21 Berean Christian, 10/28 at College Park, 11/4

Concord. Northgate (Div. 3) - 8/25 at Reno, 9/1 Tamalpais-Mill Valley, 9/8 Twelve Bridges-Lincoln, 9/22 at Miramonte, 9/29 at Las Lomas, 10/6 at Acalanes, 10/13 Campolindo, 10/20 at College Park, 10/27 Alhambra, 11/3 Benicia. Ygnacio Valley (Div. 6) –8/26 Alameda, 9/1 at Lower Lake, 9/9 Kennedy-Richmond, 9/15 Washington-San Francisco, 9/23 at Galileo-San Francisco, 9/29 at Pinole Valley, 10/6 at Mt. Diablo, 10/13 Concord, 10/20 at Alhambra, 10/27 Berean Christian.

MVPs, from page B1

STUNT

DAL MVP – Cherwin (CVC). First Team – Cherwin, Violetta Santos (CVC), Coral Phillips, Lila Nikolich (CP), Giselle Vazquez (Con). Second Team – Lizeth De La Cruz (Con), Katie Dargani, Stephanie Castellanos. Honorable Mention – Chyann Valdehueza (CVC), Chloe Mercer, Mara Hill (CP), Natalia Arreola (Con).

EBAL Second Team –Haleigh White. Honorable Mention – Cassie Esco.

SWIMMING & DIVING

DAL Foothill Boys First Team - Andrew Hallett, Kyle Kengla, Scott McMillan, Jacob Mohrland, Mason Wendler, Ryan Lee, Marcus Manuel, Ben

Athlete Spotlight

Jackson Ramirez

Age: 13

Team: St. Bonaventure CYO

Sport: Basketball

Clayton free throw wizard Ramirez recently claimed hissecond Knights of Columbus state free throw championship. And to make it even better, his perfect 25 for 25 performance representing St. Bonaventure CYO also earned him the Knights international championship when compared with results from around the country and

beyond in the 12-year-old age group.

Ramirez keeps busy on the basketball court playing on three teams. He is part of the St. Bonaventure CYO team (his dad Stephen is a coach) and plays on two club teams, Oakland Rebels and Bay Area Lava. The Rebels are headed to a Las Vegas tournament this month.

Having just turned 13 and entering eighth grade, he has the opportunity to rack up one or two more years of trophies in the Knights of Columbus and Elks Hoop Shoot free throw competitions. This winter he won the Elks Norcal/Hawaii free throw championship but was edged for the State title by a Southern California opponent despite making 72 of 75 overall. He was the Elks National 2019-20 Hoop Shoot champion, a competition that did not conclude until 2021 due to the pandemic.

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

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

Schools revving up for new season

JAY BEDECARRÉ

The Pioneer

Local high schools begin the 2023-24 term in less than a month and that means their athletes and teams are gearing up for fall sports with the first official practices on Aug. 7.

The Diablo and East Bay athletic leagues welcome a new sport this fall with the debut of girls flag football. The State CIF approved the sport beginning this fall but there will be no post season play during the inaugural season with several local schools still making a determination if they will have teams this year.

The is the final year of the current North Coast Section four-year alignment cycle with the 2024-28 setup beginning a year from now. The only change taking place locally then is that Clayton Valley Charter football will be back in the DAL after what will have been five years in the EBAL.

During this final year of this alignment cycle DAL commissioner Mark Tran says his league members this winter will be trying soccer and basketball without divisions with the schools playing a single round robin schedule. Each of the 13 schools

will play 12 league games with one bye. The DAL will be adding post-season basketball playoffs patterned after the West Coast Conference tournament that gives byes to teams based on their league record. The EBAL already holds a post-season basketball tournament with similar seeding.

FALL SPORTS

CROSS COUNTRY (BOYS & GIRLS)

DAL Center Meets Sept. 27 and Oct. 18

DAL Championships Nov. 4 (Hidden Valley Park, Martinez)

EBAL Championships Nov. 4 (Newhall Park, Concord)

NCS Championships Nov. 18 (Hayward High School)

CIF State Championships Nov. 25 (Woodward Park, Fresno)

FLAG FOOTBALL

DAL Jamboree Scrimmages

Aug. 26

DAL League Games Sept. 16 – Nov. 1

EBAL League Games Sept.

5 - Oct. 17

DAL Jamboree Nov. 4

FOOTBALL

Non-league Games Aug. 25 – Sept. 29

DAL League Games Sept. 22 – Nov. 3

EBAL League Games Oct. 6 – Nov. 3

NCS Playoffs Nov. 10-25

NorCal Regional Championships Dec. 1-2

CIF State Bowl Games Dec.

8-9

GOLF (GIRLS)

DAL League Matches TBA

EBAL League Matches Aug.

29 – Oct. 12

DAL League Championships TBA

EBAL League Championships

Oct. 16

NCS Division II Championships

Oct. 23

NCS Division I Championships

Oct. 30

NorCal Championships

Nov. 6

CIF State Championships

Nov. 15

onships Oct. 24-26

2-6

EBAL Championships Nov.

NCS Team Championships

Nov. 7-11

NCS Singles/Doubles

Championships Nov. 13-14

NorCal Team Championships Nov. 14-18

VOLLEYBALL (GIRLS)

DAL League Games Sept. 5Oct. 19

EBAL League Games Sept.

5 -Oct. 17

EBAL Championships Oct.

19-21

NCS Playoffs Oct. 24 – Nov. 4

NorCal Championships

Nov. 7-14

CIF State Championships

Nov. 17-18

WATER POLO (BOYS & GIRLS)

DAL League Games Sept. 20 – Oct. 25

EBAL League Games Aug.

31 – Oct. 26

NORTHGATE

Female Eric Griffin Memorial Award Tade Scheid played three years of varsity tennis, basketball and lacrosse, captaining the Broncos basketball and lacrosse team. She scored over 100 lacrosse goals during her career while earning first team all-DAL honors the past two years. She also received all-league recognition in basketball as a junior and senior. Scheid also excelled in the classroom with a 4.4 GPA.

Basketball coach Jim Croy said, “Tade is a coach’s dream and represents Northgate and its athletic program with class, grit, determination and leadership. One of the greatest kids I have had the honor of coaching!”

Male Eric Griffin Memorial Award Colin Parker spent four years on Northgate varsity water polo and swimming and one on varsity golf. He was a twotime all-DAL first team water polo player for the Broncos.

BOYS TENNIS

TENNIS (GIRLS)

DAL League Matches Sept.

5 – Oct. 19

EBAL League Matches Sept.

14 – Oct. 26

DAL Division Champi-

He was part of Northgate NCS championship water polo teams as a freshman and junior. All this was accomplished while also compiling a 4.1 GPA.Water polo coach Taylor Herman says Parker “leads in and out of the water. Exemplifies all the traits that a coach can ask for.”

YGNACIO VALLEY

Female Athlete of the Year Leniyah Fulsom was the focal point of the Wolves basketball team putting up incredible marks including 47 points in her final game in

DAL Division Championships Oct. 26-28

NCS Playoffs Nov. 1-11

NorCal Tournament Nov. 14-18

the NCS Division Iv playoffs. A 5-6 guard, she earned honorable mention all-Bay Area honors. Among her accomplishments this year was a quadruple double in a win over Franklin of Stockton. She was 12th in the nation in steals and was voted co-MVP in the DAL, among her post-season laurels.

Male Athlete of the Year Jermaine Patton was named to the all-Diablo Athletic League basketball first team. He helped the Wolves to the Division IV NCS playoff semi-finals as the third seeds.

Nnonaka (NG). Second Team – Brady Cannon (NG). Valley First Team – Damik Van Fanos, Diego Castaneda (CVC), Devin Purewal, Nate Wendling, Nic Austen, James Mariolle, Jackson Barnacal, Zac Gartner (CP). Second Team – Finn Cleary, Jack Parker, Shawn Canada, Dominic Vines, Kyle Stilinovich, Nico Bushnell, David Giordano (CVC), Jackson Barnacal, James Mariolle (CP). Honorable Mention –Misha Popov (CP), Grant Whittlinger (CVC).

EBAL Boys First Team200 Medley Relay, 400 Free Relay, Zach Elian, Scott Iannaccone. Second Team – Balke Hill, Tyler Laymon. Honorable Mention – 200 Free Relay.

DAL Foothill Girls First Team – Lily Strumph (NG). Second Team – Cady Chan, Vlada Chekurova, Noni Lee (NG). Valley First Team –Allison Fuentes, Madison Bautista, Haylee Wong, Maya Canada (CVC), Amara Martinez, Anna Gornyitzki, Eva Gornyitzki, Lucy Galbraith (CP). Second Team – Grace Cleary (CVC). Honorable Mention - Gianna Kougios, Abigail Adent (CVC), Audrey Hoover, Andrea Garcia, Jess Stauffer, Roxy Tillberg (CP). Honorable Mention – Addison Faulkner (Con).

EBAL Girls First Team –200 Medley Relay, Bailey Hartman, Stephanie Iannaccone. Second Team – Madison O’Connell, 400 Free Relay. Honorable Mention –Claudia Dumais, 200 Free Relay.

DAL Foothill First Team Singles – Dibyam Dikhit (CP), Jon Lee, Ioann Timokhin (NG). Honorable Mention –Dariush Azarkish (CP), Romtin Pourzand (NG). Valley First Team Singles –Nicholas Ashley, Francis Ortaliz (CVC), Maurice Straubhaar (YV). First Team Doubles –Ethan Marquez, Eric Catlano (CVC). Second Team Singles –Sebastian Balmaceda, Alex Mihaylov (CVC), Arman Mirza (MD). Second Team Doubles – Rafael Tolento, Dominic Padilla (MD). Honorable Mention – Isac Rivera (MD), Arslan Adil (YV), Navodit Pillala (CVC), Jared Tumay (Con).

TRACK & FIELD

DAL Boys First Team –Alan Solari, Alex Walker, Daniel Martinez, Daniel Mess-

er, Logan Remington (CVC), Alex Lamoureux (CP). Second Team – Fernando Perez, Ryan Christy (CVC). Honorable Mention – Charles Cox III, Angel Gonzalez, Kai Wilson (CVC), Elias Long (CP).

EBAL Boys First Team –Chukwunonso Udeh, 4x100

Relay, Anthony Dean, Jaden Jefferson. Second Team –Markese King. Honorable Mention – Trey Caldwell III, Toa Faavae, Lucas Funk, Brandon Bajada.

DAL Girls First Team –Shantia Ali, Kimora McDonald (CVC), Jessica Chisar (CP).

Second Team – Katarina

Muellerleile (CP), Kellsey Ogu (CVC). Honorable Mention –Gabriela Luna, Isabelle Ruff, Thea Jeffress (CVC), Ella Kopper, Gabriela Manning, Megan Malloy, Reagan Thomas (NG).

EBAL Girls First Team –

Brianna Meredith, Kiana Kenion. Second Team – Kate Mcdonagh, 4x400 Relay, 4x100 Relay. Honorable Mention –4x800 Relay, Paige David.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL

DAL Foothill – First Team – Caden Mays (CP), Will Badorf (NG). Second Team –Luke Steinert (NG). Honorable Mention – Atilla Yeh (CP), Ingmar Nordberg (NG). Valley First Team - Adrian Salamasidis, Joey Postlewaite (CVC), Evan McKnight (YV). Second Team – Cody Liming (CVC), Jorish Javier (Con). Honorable Mention – Arslan Adil, Hugo Avalos (CVC), Jumaiya Tabayoyong (Con), Nelson Luna, Minamba Sembele (MD).

EBAL Second Team –John Cheshareck. Honorable Mention – Luke, James Lakin.

JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Athletes, from page B2

THE ARTS

Local theater – from ‘It Runs in the Family’ to the ‘Addams Family’

to make theater the fun it should be,” said Suzan Lorraine, who shares directorial duties with Jill Gelster.

“It Runs in the Family” performs July 21-Aug.17 at the Orinda Community Center Park amphitheater, 28 Orinda Way. For more information, go to www.orsvp.com.

leads the shy princess to an enchanted underworld ruled by a giant Frog King (Kirk Eichelberger). She summons her courage and compassion to face a series of mysterious and comic adventures that change her life.

The British farce “It Runs in the Family” is up next for Orinda Starlight Village Players.

Set in a hospital, the show follows Dr. Mortimore as he fends off a paternity suit, an ex-wife, a punkish son and various lunatics while rehearsing his speech for an international conference. That’s one

busy doctor! “There’s nothing quite like a good farce with a great cast

Local operas are in full swing readying expansive shows for local audiences. Festival Opera starts things off at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18 with George Bizet’s powerful “Carmen.” Directed by Michael Mohammed with conductor Robert Mollicone, the story of the strong-willed Carmen also runs 2 p.m. Aug. 20.

Taylor Raven plays Carmen, a fiery woman with an appetite for love and somewhat shady business ventures. She is joined by Dane Suarez (Don Jose) and Hope Briggs (Micaela) in a tempestuous love triangle.

The Festival Opera Orchestra and Chorus and the Pacific Boychoir Academy add to the festivities.

Performances take place at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr. Call 925- 943-7469 or go to www.lesherartscenter.org for tickets.

Also at the Lesher Center, Solo Opera presents its most ambitious opera to date with the West Coast premiere of the full version of Lori Latiman’s “The Three Feathers,” Sept. 8 and 10. The 85-minute opera in English includes 15 in the adult cast, 20 orchestra members and a collaboration with 18-21 singers from the prestigious San Francisco Girls Chorus.

Written in 2013, “The Three Feathers” is based on a Grimm’s fairy tale and follows Princess Dora (Shawnette Sulker) as a magic feather

“We chose this opera not only for its beautiful music and charming libretto, but also for the important messages it shares about the power of women, believing in yourself and finding real treasure in life,” said Solo Opera executive director Sylvia Amorino. For tickets, call 925-9437469 or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

Ghostlight Theatre

Ensemble’s youth program presents “The Addams Family” July 21 and 22 at the Theatre at Edna Hill, 140 Birch St., Brentwood. It’s a comedic romp as Wednesday Addams brings her “normal” young man and his respectable parents to dinner with her anything but normal family.

For more information, go to www.ghostlightte.org.

The Drama Factory is auditioning for “The House on Galloway Street. A Ghost Story.” The original script by John Bellesteros sounds like fun. I love being “slightly” scared by such thrillers and used to enjoy telling them

around the campfire with lots of marshmallows to roast.

Auditions for ages 20+ will be Aug. 7 and 8 at the Nick Rodriguez Theatre, 213 F Street., Antioch. Be prepared to do a cold read and a little improv.

Rehearsals begin Aug. 15, with performances Oct. 13-21. The author promises a “sad, creepy, tragic, unbelievable” tale.

For details, go to www.dramafactory.org.

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

Pat Viera’s colorful collage world

Accomplished artist Pat Viera’s stunning paper-portrait collages have depth, texture and vibrant colors. Especially impressive are torn paper edges that resemble painted borders, and the incredible details of faces and animal portraits using folds and tears.

Beyond her talent in collage and other media, she is also the owner of VieraArt, an art gallery, artist co-op and gift shop in Concord.

From creating classroom bulletin boards in elementary school, her love of art bloomed in high school –where she took many art and art-related classes, including mechanical drawing.

Even with a career as a hairdresser, she never stopped creating art. When Viera opened her own beauty salon, she filled the empty 20-foothigh walls with her own artwork, including pencil drawings of faces with different hairdos. Her salon clients often bought her art right off the walls.

She continued being a hairdresser/artist until she retired and now devotes all her time to artwork.

Viera’s prolific art journey includes mixed media. “I am a very curious person,” she says.

“I call myself more of a dabbler.”

She’s drawn commissioned colored pencil portraits of pets. With a pile of used jeans, she sewed denim handbags. After following a hatmaker on Pinterest, she figured out how to make similar flower petals by experimenting with different materials. She was able to replicate the hat decorations she liked. Viera holds a raffle at her gift shop each month, and that first hat was the prize in a recent raffle.

Whether it’s repurposing used items or being engaged by something on Pinterest, she says she goes with whatever intrigues her at the time.

Her love of paper art began when Viera learned about gel plates – a flexible, paintable, reusable art surface to make reverse prints on paper. With a gel plate as a “canvas,” she paints designed paper, which she uses for all her paper art, from paper bowls and jewelry to origami and collage.

Viera can design 50 sheets of one-of-a-kind paper in a couple hours, often using

kitchen tools, homemade tools and her own stencils to make unique design effects on the gel plate. “I figure, the more you make yourself, the more it is your art.”

Viera doesn’t just make art, she teaches art. When people see her jewelry, bracelets, beads and bowls, all made out of paper, they are amazed and can’t imagine doing anything like that. She tells them: “Come to a class, and I can teach you how to do that.”

Viera and other teaching artists often hold classes at her studio. She will also be teaching a class at Studio 55 Martinez in October.

VieraArt, open since April 2023, is a unique studio space. As a co-op, Viera offers wall space and cubbies that artists can rent. It’s also a space for Viera and other teaching artists to hold classes.

The gallery gift shop is a treasure trove of unique original art and craftwork. Paintings and other fine art by the co-op artists fill the walls; cubby spaces offer gift items from dish towels, plants and jewelry, to crocheted items, Tshirts, handbags and hats.

The public is welcome to visit VieraArt 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 4180 Treat Blvd., Suite G3, Concord. Learn more about VieraArt on Instagram (@vieraarts) and on Facebook (Pat Viera).

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

Pat Viera’s new VieraArt in Concord is an art gallery, artist co-op and gift shop.

Photo by Vero Kherian

Solo Opera’s “The Three Feathers” features Shawnette Sulker as Princess Dora. Based on a Grimm’s fairytale, the opera runs Sept. 8 and 10. In Walnut Creek.

Photo by Charlie Jarrett Bill Chessman performs in Orinda Starlight Village Players’ production of “It Runs in the Family” July 21Aug. 17.

Photo courtesy of Festival Opera Taylor Raven plays the tempestuous Carmen in Festival Opera’s “Carmen” Aug. 18 and 20 at the Lesher Center.

SALLY HOGARTY STAGE STRUCK

JOHN NAKANISHI ARTSIN MOTION

It’s been a few months since I’ve taken a moment to appreciate some current local releases. In that short amount of time, this robust music scene has continued to produce and release a number of singles, EPs and full-length albums.

New local music – from indie rock to alt-country

Here are a handful of recent albums from some East Bay artists:

“Maybe Someday.” The debut album from Martinez singer-songwriter Shelby Helburn is a very well-produced record of mostly upbeat indie rock of the Americana variety.

It’s loaded with references to driving and chasing dreams, and active listeners will find themselves sitting shotgun with Helburn in his 11-song journey to a place of existential acceptance. Expect elements of Tom Petty, Kurt Vile and The Shins. “Maybe Someday” will be released widely on July 21.

“Down to the Fat –

Grease Dealer Live!” This hard-hitting live album of instrumental funk fires off with little warning and relentlessly persists with ferocious energy and remarkable precision. In fact, the Oaklandbased quartet plays so tightly, it can be hard to believe that you’re listening to a live recording. If I didn’t know better, I’d assume that all the instruments were individually tracked in a studio, the best takes of each all spliced together, and then crowd noise added in post-production. However, having seen them live, I can attest that these guys really are just that tight. Shout out to the sound

Bees love showy lantana

NICOLE HACKETT

GARDEN GIRL

Let’s hear it for lantana, one of the Clayton Valley’s most summer hardy families of plants.

Lantana boasts prolific blooms of gold, purple, pink, red, orange and white from early summer through late fall. Lantana plants are easy to grow, water-wise and long-blooming.

The most common lantana sold is the trailing purple groundcover, which has a small oval, dusty green, textured leaf. Woody stems stretch outward 3-4 feet and are covered with nickel-sized, grayish-purple globes of tiny flowers. Trailing purple lantana puts on some height as it matures. You can expect piles to reach more than 2 feet tall eventually. The height occurs more quickly if you have to control the width.

Trailing white Lantana is also popular. This selection grows just as well as the purple, with all the same growth habits. The leaf color and texture are the same, but, of course, the flower color is white. Consider placing one purple and one white lantana in the same hole for a great looking companion planting.

New Gold is an exciting, bold yellow trailing lantana with dark green, small, textured leaves. Its superior yellow really stands out in the landscape. Consider mixing it around red foliage plants for a nice contrast.

The bush lantanas are very desirable, with more

20% off

color selections. They tend to develop slowly into shrubs. Bush lantanas can reach heights of 2-4 feet tall and wide. This will take some time; our cold winters slow the process. Dallas Red, Confetti, Radiation and Irene are the most popular colors of bush lantana. They have been around for years and are predictable and very reliable.

Dallas Red’s color takes a journey. The globe-shaped flower begins as a group of small red flowers with some gold and orange in the mix. As the flowers mature, the gold and orange turn to a bright, yellow-based red.

Confetti is another colorful lantana that starts out as one shade and changes into another. First, the flower is a group of pastel pink and yellow with just a couple of white tiny flowers creating its globe. Within a day, the multi-color pastel blossom changes to nice light pink.

Confetti isn’t the showiest lantana on the shelf, but planted against a dark backdrop, like an old fence, it comes alive.

Irene starts off as a globe of mostly magenta pink with a handful of tiny orange and yellow accent flowers. Eventually, the blossom matures to a solid magenta. This bold

color works well with red foliage and blue flowering plants.

Several collections of dwarf shrublets have emerged in the past few years. The Bandana, Bloomify and Shamrock collections have a series of color combinations that resemble their larger growing relatives, but with sizes that mature to 1216 inches tall and wide. Look for Bandana Lemon Zest, which is a yellow that ages to white, Bloomify Rose or Shamrock Peach.

Colorful lantana thrives in our Clayton Valley landscapes and gardens June through November. During the winter months, lantana can appear dry and dead.

Treat it like a perennial: Enjoy your lantana when it’s beautiful and don’t fret when it rests. In the middle of March, cut back the dry, woody stems to make room for the new season’s growth.

Lantana is very bee and butterfly attractive, and pest and disease tolerant. It is a great installation for anyone needing blasts of bold color in their summer landscape.

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

R&M is the place for

•Sales, repairs & supplies of all pool equipment

•Extensive collections of perennials, annuals, trees, shrubs, roses & houseplants

•Premium potting soils & conditioners, decorative bark & mulch

•Doughboy swimming pool dealer for 30+ years

Hours: Tues-Sat 9-5, Sun 10-4, Closed Monday

guys at Art Boutiki in San Jose – where “Down to the Fat” was recorded – for knowing exactly how to capture this kind of lightning.

“Broken Promiseland.” Since forming in Los Angeles in the late ’80s, The Uninvited have been churning out their blend of alt-country and catchy pop rock on a half dozen albums, before taking a 15-year break. Now based out of Pleasant Hill, the band is back at it with their newest release. Some locals may have recently had the chance to catch the full band perform live at WiseGirl in Pleasant Hill, or perhaps just the core duo – founding brothers Steve and John Taylor – performing at various events and venues around Diablo Valley. The band considers “Broken Promiseland” to be their best work to date and wants everyone to know they’re “Not Dead Yet.”

“What We Watered.”

One of my personal favorites of 2023, “What We Watered” is a must-hear for those who enjoy listening to entire works

front-to-back. Berkeley singersongwriter Maya Elise and her very talented band The Good Dream are clearly having a blast, both on the record and on the road, as they continue to tour parts of the United States in support of her third full-length album. “What We Watered” is beautiful and imaginative, with inviting melodies, rich vocal harmonies, intimate delivery, exquisite production and some fun artistic left-turns. Headphones recommended.

“Hurt.” Released earlier this month on the seventh anniversary of his cancer diagnosis, “Hurt” is the second full-length album from Orinda singer-songwriter Daniel Ray Hilsinger. Like its predecessor “Everlasting,” the new album is a collection of hyper-personal ballads, delivered with

sincere emotion, through DIY low-fi recordings. While his previous work embraces acceptance and hopefulness, much of “Hurt” explores some of the darker elements of the human condition: pain, anger, resentment and grief.

Far from unproductive wallowing, Hilsinger uses these negative emotions as an alternate way to connect to listeners – to remind us that all we have is now, and that we should all do whatever we can to “Fly like a bird with no care in this world … because the end will come sooner than you think.”

Find links to the aforementioned albums and countless other local releases at ConcordRockCity.com.

Contact Dave Hughes at MrDaveHughes@gmail.com.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and now on THREADS at Concord Clayton Pioneer

POOL, DARTS, LIVE MUSIC and GOOD FOOD

Mon - Sat 11 am to 1:30 am

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

July/August

Fri

Fri - Aug 18 . . . The Real Thang Band

Sat - Aug 19 . . . Union Jack and the Rippers and ACDZ plus guest Unearthed

Fri- Aug 25 . . . . Bay Area Grooveline

M jones & the Melee, Orbit 17 and Moraga Volcanics

Fri - Aug 4 . . . . Fuzzbolt

Sat - Aug 5 . . . . Maroon Vibes, Phantom Power & Crayzed

Fri - Aug 11. . . . Zach Waters Band

Sat- Aug 12 . . . Metal Night: KVBrick Stare, Sullen Eyes, The Beauty in Dream, & 4199

Regular Weekly Schedule

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

Indie Rock Bands at 7pm (no cover)

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

Sign-up by 8:30

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

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

Sat Aug 26 . . . . Journey Revisited and Def Leppard Revisited Thurs - Aug 31 . Mariah Angeliq

Moraga Volcanics - July 29

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

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

New artists, returning bands add depth and richness to the local music scene.

DAVE HUGHES THE BEAT OF DIABLO

Canasta Kitchen’s Mexican specialties way more than just tacos

From the perspective of quality, food presentation and creativity, Concord’s Canasta Kitchen is one of the top restaurants in the region.

This is no taqueria, “bun and run” fast food establishment.

Under the guidance of chef/owner Ivan Tellez, this upscale eatery has been around since 2016. At an early age, Tellez worked for familyowned restaurants and butchers shops in his native Chalupas, Mexico.

“From when I was a kid, food has always been my passion,” he recounted.

Since arriving in the United States as a young man, Tellez learned his trade in the San Francisco culinary scene. Among the places he worked were Chevys, Benihana and, most notably, the Waterfront Restaurant at Pier 7. While many learn their craft in culinary school, Tellez’s education consisted of being employed by two or three restaurants at the same time.

Utilizing his job experi-

With “The Honey Jar, An Armenian’s Escape to Freedom,” Joan Schoettler has written a story so captivating that I don’t even know where to begin in recommending it –except to say, “Buy it, read it, no matter how old you are.”

ence, Tellez parlayed savings and borrowed money from friends to purchase his first food truck in 2013. After the fleet expanded to three, he needed to open a stand-alone restaurant with suitable food preparation facilities.

Given the high quality of food, Canasta Kitchen quickly picked up a solid customer base.

Tellez’s culinary expertise can be summarized in his version of Chile Relleno Camaron. Most Mexican eateries stuff a pepper with soft cheese, coat with egg batter, fry and set aside for several hours. Canasta makes each dish to order, adding shrimp, mushrooms and vegetables as requested. Served with a traditional red or green tomatillo

sauce, the end result has the texture of a well-made lasagna.

Tellez’s Green Pozole with hominy is somewhere between a soup and a stew. He serves it with radishes, onions, cilantro and a choice of meats. With house-made tortillas to soak up the delectable broth, the pozole personifies Canasta’s excellence.

Another noteworthy selection is the Empanada Trio, originating from the early food truck days. A generous portion of chicken, beef and pork sits on top of a thick masa-cornmeal dough. Finished with melted Cotija cheese, arugula, fresh pico de gallo and sour cream, this is one of his signature dishes.

Canasta serves its menu selections with house-made pinto or black beans. Rather than using lard to impart taste, they utilize carrots, paprika, cayenne and garlic to create a distinctive flavor profile. The pureed black beans are the best I’ve ever tasted for any cuisine.

The menu includes an

assortment of ceviche, burritos, tacos and quesadillas, all made with fresh ingredients. Also of note is Canasta’s dessert menu, which features a delicate flan and delicious churros.

Food trucks continue to play an important role in Canasta Kitchen’s economic profile.

“During the lean days of COVID, our mobile vehicles and a loyal customer base allowed us to stay in business,” Tellez noted. “Today, we serve meals everywhere from Bishop Ranch to schools.”

As an involved community member, Tellez works with the JA Foundation, started by former Golden State Warriors Juan Toscano-Anderson, and other charitable organizations to help feed the homeless.

A limited Happy Hour menu with discounted drinks is available 3-6 p.m. weekdays. This is an excellent way to sample the Canasta experience. In addition, they offer brunch on Saturday and Sun-

days featuring Chilaquiles and Huevos Rancheros. Tellez also operates a restaurant under the same name in Alameda. Canasta Kitchen, at 2018 Mt. Diablo St., is open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.10 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.

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

This middle reader (10-14 years old) novel is about an 8year-old Armenian boy living in the city of Kars. The year is 1920. Before we know the boy’s name (Bedros) or that his father is a farmer, his mother raises bees and he has three younger sisters, we read, “I gave my sister away. She was two. I was not yet nine.”

If those words don’t move you into diving head-first into this story, nothing will. It is a nonstop read. I could not put it down.

Schoettler has taken many risks in writing this novel. First, the story is in free verse.

Second, as a female author, she writes in the voice of a young boy. That risk is compounded because although Bedros tells his story in the present tense, with words both direct and plain, we sense it is an older Bedros telling us what it was like, remembering back to when he was 8 and had to escape the only home he had ever known because the Turkish army was invading Armenia. Might it be an older narrator, maybe a grandfather, telling his story to children?

To begin with, think of yourself as an 8-year boy liv-

ing in a country invaded by enemy soldiers. His neighbors are already fleeing. His mother is extremely ill. His father instructs Bedros to take his three sisters and grandmother and follow his uncle, who will lead them to safety. Among the things taken is his mother’s favorite honey jar. His father will find them when his mother is better. They will be a family again. Their goal is to reach America. Bedros promises he will especially take care of his youngest, 2-year-old sister. Circumstances overwhelm Bedros. He loses sight of his

uncle; his grandmother falls behind. While looking for his uncle, he leaves his baby sister and the honey jar in the temporary care of a kind stranger. He finally finds his uncle and returns for his baby sister, but the stranger is gone, along with his sister.

Matters worsen when his father returns alone, griefstricken over his wife’s death. Bedros must now tell his father what happened to the baby.

Do they reach America? Is Bedros ever forgiven for giving away his sister? Is she ever found? Is “The Honey Jar” a

true story? Does the story in free verse (no rhyming) work?

I will not answer the first four questions, but I will say that the free verse works unbelievably well. A repetition of phrases gives the text a unique rhythm of depth and character. The Epilogue and Author’s Note will blow you away. Not enough words to recommend “The Honey Jar.”

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

Richard Eber

Canasta Kitchen chef/owner Ivan Tellez proudly displays his Green Pozole.