Clayton Pride Parade Sat. June 25, 10am Main St. Downtown Clayton See story page 5
June 17, 2022
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Survey reveals homeless up by 800 over past 3 years KAREN JENKINS Correspondent
Visit Concord
Concord’s much anticipated public arts program kicked off last weekend with an art “jam” in Todos Santos Park. During the two-day community event, local artists created movable 8’x8’ murals while nationally known professional artists, two of which are Concord natives, began creating building-sized works in nine locations around the city. The project was conceived by Visit Concord to encourage pride and a strong sense of community identity. The week-long celebration concludes with the popular outdoor Head West Marketplace June 25 and and a performance by the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps in Todos Santos June 26, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. For a map and self-guided tour of the mural installations downtown and at The Veranda Shopping Center, a schedule of the weeks events and more information on the artists go to VisitConcordCA.com The piano mural pictured was created by local artist Morgen Roloff during the art jam event in Todos Santos and will be donated to a local charitable organization.
Despite hundreds of additional shelter beds, Contra Costa County has nearly 800 more unhoused residents than in 2019 – an increase of about 30% over three years, according to a county survey. Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) released the findings last month from the point-in-time survey, a biennial requirement of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which provides housing funding to the county. “The county’s 2022 pointin-time count estimates that nearly 3,100 people are staying in shelter beds or living outdoors on an average night in Contra Costa, compared to 2,295 in 2019,” said Brittany Goldman, a spokesperson for Contra Costa Health Services. The survey is conducted every two years, but the county skipped it in 2021 due to the pandemic. County officials attribute the three-year rise in homelessness to “collateral impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in the community.”
HELP FROM STATE AND MEASURE X The spike comes despite significant countywide housing efforts. Goldman said that since 2019, Contra Costa Health Services and community partners have increased shelter beds across the county by 30%. “That includes the 172room Delta Landing interim housing center in Pittsburg, one of the first projects completed through the state’s Homekey program,” she noted. California’s 2021 Homekey program provided $600 million to support housing and was an expansion of Project Roomkey, the 2020 state funding bill to provide temporary rooms for the homeless at the height of the pandemic. Local leaders have made homelessness a central focus with efforts to provide shelter, funding and support, including mental health services. To bring more affordable housing to Contra Costa, the Board of Supervisors established the Local Housing Trust Fund
See Unhoused, page 5
Parades, pancakes Incumbents reign in Primary contests; and pyrotechnics Carlson, Allen face off in November are back July 4th
PEGGY SPEAR ELECTION
Flags – and spirits – will be soaring a little higher this July 4th as local residents can once again come together to celebrate our independence. All the usual patriotic activities will be on full display, including parades in Clayton, Concord and Pleasant Hill plus fireworks in Concord and Pleasant Hill. Clayton: Pancake breakfast at Endeavor Hall, 7-10 a.m.
Next issue, July 15, Deadline, July 6
Downtown parade, including Kiddie Parade, 10 a.m. Pleasant Hill: 5K Run beginning on Gregory Lane, 7:45 a.m. Downtown parade, 9:30 a.m. Party in Pleasant Hill Park, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Fireworks at College Park High School, 8:45 p.m. Visit www.phjuly4.com for more information. Concord: Kids Fun Run at Todos Santos Plaza, 8 a.m., followed by 5K Run & Walk, 8:15 a.m. Downtown parade, 10 a.m. Fireworks at Mt. Diablo High School, 9 p.m. Details at www.concordjuly4th.com.
2022
Most of the Contra Costa County’s offices won’t look much different next month than they did the day before the June 7 election, as voters kept four main incumbents in place. There was also another huge win for Democratic Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and a runaway victory for 15th District Assemblyman Tim Grayson. Both are former Concord mayors. Sheriff David Livingston, County Assessor Gus Kramer, District Attorney Diana Becton and auditor Auditor-Controller Robert Campbell all held onto their jobs, despite some fierce battles in the sheriff, assessor and DA races. In the Clerk-Recorder race, Kristin Braun Connelly, with 34 percent of the vote, will face off against Vicki Gordon, 24.5 percent of the vote, in November.
Livingston won with 69.5 percent of the vote after his foe, Benjamin Therriault, accused him of being too harsh on some alleged criminals – especially those with mental health issues. He decried Livingston’s defense of former deputy Andrew Hall, who shot and killed two alleged criminals, both suffering from mental health issues. Kramer’s opponent, Flow Andrews, called the assessor’s office “toxic” following a highly publicized Grand Jury censure case against Kramer, claiming sexism, racism and a sexist work environment. The case ended in a mistrial, and Becton chose not to re-prosecute. Kramer went on to be reelected with 56.5 percent of the vote. Candidate Mary Knox, an assistant prosecutor, said Becton was soft on crime, but the incumbent prevailed with 56 percent of the vote. In her concession speech, Knox offered “her sincere congratulations” to Becton and said she looks forward to serving the community together. “I remain committed to my work to empower victims through my work as president of getVOCAL for Victims and will continue my work as a prosecutor.” Gordon held on to her No. 2 spot the Clerk-Recorder race, beating out Kevin T. Murphy and Nick Spinner, with 22.1
DEBORA ALLEN
KEN CARLSON
and 20.4 percent of the votes, fourth with just 14 percent of the votes, and Concord City respectively. Councilmember Edi Birsan wrapped up the field with 9 OBRINGER CONCEDES IN TIGHT SUPERVISOR RACE percent of the votes. As of the writing of this Once the polls closed on article, votes were still being tal- June 7, it was apparent that lied in the closely watched Dis- Carlson’s “Watch Party” would trict 4 supervisorial race. Pleas- turn into a victory party for the ant Hill City Councilmember former police officer and one Ken Carlson held a slight lead of the few openly gay elected in the pack of five candidates officials in the county. with 27.1 percent of the votes. “This was truly grassroots,” He’ll challenge BART Director he told his supporters. “We didDebora Allen in a November n’t have (support from) labor. runoff. Allen was trailing with We didn’t even have (support 25.6 of the votes. On her tail from) law enforcement. But we was Concord City Coun- had you knocking on doors and cilmember Carlyn Obringer, talking to people.” who had 24.3 percent of the In an official statement votes, but Obringer conceded issued the day after the election, the race on Friday, June 10, as it Carlson said: “I am excited by became clear Allen was inching last night’s results that are the ahead in the tally. culmination of the hard work Roxanne Carillo Garza, and support of so many. As we endorsed by the county DemoSee Election, page 5 cratic Party, came in a distant
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June 17, 2022
Clayton fired up over return of BBQ competition PEGGY SPEAR The Pioneer
It all started in the dusty back parking lot of the Clayton Club Saloon. Scores of rib enthusiasts would set up swim team tents and Weber kettles – or sometimes a strange-looking UFO or two – and enjoy the scents of barbecue sauce, grilled meat and the spicy Bloody Marys the club poured, the best ones this side of the Bay. When the smoke cleared, lucky local officials and members of the Clayton Business & Community Association (CBCA) would taste the ribs and declare winners of the annual Clayton Rib Cook-off. Though not as popular as
other Clayton events like the Art & Wine Festival or Oktoberfest, the Rib Cook-off, first grilled in 2010, became a summer staple for rib lovers and backyard barbecue enthusiasts from throughout the East Bay and beyond. The coveted “People’s Choice” award was fodder for bragging rights throughout the year. “I remember setting up in the parking lot of the Clayton Club, putting my ribs on the cooker and relaxing for a few hours with some Bloody Marys from the bar while I caught up with friends who came to cook or just watch and hang out,” says Clayton’s Steve Biggs, now the proud chef of the competition team Bull Market BBQ. “I was really surprised to
see teams jumping up and down and spending so much time tending to their ribs. Our results were OK, but never good enough for a trophy, so I dove in a little deeper to the sport,” Biggs adds. “Since then, we have traveled all over the country and been invited to compete in some premier BBQ events like the American Royal in Kansas City. However, I still think cooking ribs in the parking lot of the Clayton Club are some of my best BBQ memories.” GOING THE EXTRA MILE The delightful small-town event reflected the community spirit of Clayton – until one man decided it needed to go a few steps further.
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CBCA member Rory Richmond, like Biggs, delved into the world of competitive barbecue and realized there was an entire culture devoted to the sport. If he could convince the CBCA that it would bring prestige and revenue to the town, he would make it happen. Richmond succeeded, traveling throughout California and the Western states to learn about barbecue competitions, organizing judging classes and soliciting teams to come to the event, even getting sanctioned by the prestigious worldwide Kansas City BBQ Society (KCBS). This year, after missing two years due to the pandemic, the CBCA Barbecue Cook-off will again envelop Clayton with its sights and sounds. The tiny little parking lot rib cook-off is now one of the most popular competitive barbecue events in California. Unfortunately, Richmond won’t be there to see it happen, as he died in 2019. But there’s no doubt he would be proud of what he brought to his beloved community. The CBCA BBQ Cook-off will be held Saturday and Sunday, July 9-10, in downtown Clayton. Hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and until 5 p.m. Sunday. This year’s festival will feature a four-meat competition (chicken, pork ribs, pork shoulder and brisket), with more than 40 BBQ Masters and backyard chefs facing off to take home more than $10,000 in prize money. This year’s expanded twoday festival will include more vendors, food booths, a wider beer selection and live music. “How this event gained life is a tribute to Rory’s tenacity,” says longtime CBCA member Bob Steiner. “I was president
AJ Chippero
The late Rory Richmond (left) and CBCA member CW Wolfe announce the winners at the 2019 BBQ Cook Off. Richmond took the small Clayton Rib Cook-off that started in 2010 to being one of the most popular competitive events in Northern California. This year’s contest on July 9 and 10 will pull in more than 40 professional competitors.
when Rory first proposed the idea to the board, and I did not believe the use of volunteers would be worth the reward, as opposed to our other events. “His first year, we barely broke even. I agreed to vote him one more year,” Steiner recalls. “The project did much better and has improved each subsequent year. What it is today is the result of Rory pulling the thing on his back. To see it morph from the rear of the Clayton Club to Main Street is amazing.”
California KCBS representative along with his wife Julie Poe. He notes that Richmond “worked tirelessly” to expand the popular cook-off into a four-meat, professional KCBS BBQ Master Series, plus expanding the backyard contest to include chicken. “Rory made a permanent, positive impact on Northern California barbecue by not only spearheading this event but organizing multiple certified BBQ judge training classes,” Schmidt says. “Many lasting friendships were made at Rory’s events, and the BBQ community is looking forward to not only coming together in Clayton this year but also remembering and honoring Rory and his enthusiasm and passion for not only Clayton, but for barbecue.”
A TIME TO HONOR RICHMOND It’s not just locals who are excited about the return of the barbecue competition. “The Clayton CBCA BBQ Cook-off is an important contest on the California barbecue circuit, often drawing professional barbecue teams not only from all over California, but For more information, visit clayadjoining states – all copeting toncbca.org. for KCBS points,” says Ian Schmidt, who is a Northern
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The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com
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MDHS turns back the clock, honors Class of ‘42 Nisei TAMARA STEINER The Pioneer
Mt. Diablo High School made history this year when the school conferred diplomas retroactively to honor 39 Japanese-American students of the Class of 1942. The students had been forced to leave school when their families were evacuated to Relocation Centers scattered all over the country during World War II. This year marks the 80th anniversary of one of the darkest events in American history. “It’s never too late for restorative justice,” said Kimiyo Tahira Dowell, a 1958 Mt. Diablo alumna who helped students from Laura Valdez’s ethnic studies class identify and locate the Nisei students. Many were on the honor roll, star athletes or, like Sumiko Watanabe, student body officers. Only five are still living and being well into their 90s, they were unable to travel. However, nearly two dozen family members attended to receive diplomas on behalf of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Tamara Steiner
Using the Internet, old yearbooks and Ancestry.com, MDHS graduate Diana Ramos, left, and members of the MDHS Tomodachi Friendship Service aided by MDHS 1958 alumna Kimiyo Tahira Dowell sucessfully located 39 Japanese-American students and families from the Class of 1942 who missed graduation because they were detained in Relocation Camps during WWII. The Nisei students were granted diplomas retroactively at this year’s graduation ceremony.
Valdez said some of the relatives were close to tears when she told them about the school’s efforts on the phone. Many of their elders had never spoken of the incarceration because it was so painful.
UPROOTING FAMILIES President Franklin Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066 in response to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. In a misguided questioning of their loyalty, certain people – mainly those of Japanese descent, regardless of Laura Valdez brought the whether they were citizens or idea of honoring the Nisei to not – were prohibited from students in her Ethnic Studies class which were quickly living on the West Coast. Valdez’s students watched on board.
old propaganda films showing families loaded on busses with only what they could carry in suitcases. The busses were bound for Manzanar in the California desert, others for Gila, Ariz., or camps scattered around the country where the families would remain for the duration of the war. A few were lucky enough to return to their homes after the war ended, but most lost everything: homes, possessions, farms, businesses. Andrew Nakatani’s father, Tohoru Tom Nakatani, was a Bay Area farmer whose family was incarcerated in 1942. His father died in 2020, but Andrew was on hand to receive his diploma.
“He rarely spoke of the camps,” Andrew told the Pioneer at the graduation ceremony. “I think he worked hard to be the best he could be to be sure nothing like that could ever happen again.” HARSH HISTORY LESSON As the students dug deeper into history, they were both energized and enraged. They became committed to restorative justice to counter the current climate of antiAsian discrimination and violence. The need for awareness became even more acute when a school board member said they didn’t know about the Japanese internment until they were in college. With Dowell’s help and their
teacher’s encouragement, the students turned their anger to action. They lobbied the Mt. Diablo Unified School Board to confer the diplomas retroactively based on a 2003 California law that allowed school districts to retroactively grant diplomas to students who had not received them due to their incarceration during World War II, among other provisions. Dowell was just 19 months old when her family was evacuated from their farm at Kirker Pass Road and Concord Boulevard, where they grew tomatoes and strawberries on land leased from the Frank family – early Concord settlers and large landholders in the area. “Mrs. Frank drove us to the railroad station.” Dowell said. Dowell’s grandparents worked on the Bancroft ranch, where her mother was born. Ruth Bancroft stored their belongings until they returned. Her younger brother was born in the camp at Tule Lake. She has some vivid early memories of the camp. “I can remember one time my brother was sucking a bottle of rare fresh orange juice when we had food rationing,” Dowell recalled. “I can still drool at the smell of fresh orange juice.” When released in 1946, the family returned to a home on
Whitman Road in Concord, and Dowell started school at Oak Grove Elementary. She spoke only Japanese. She graduated from Mt. Diablo High School in 1958. RISING ABOVE HATE Dowell and Valdez connected over a post on Facebook. Eager to advance awareness of the relocation effort, Valdez spoke to her class and soon the students took on the project. “My portion was to help locate those students,” Dowell said. “We used old yearbooks, the Internet, military records, rosters of the internees and military intelligence records – even Ancestry.com. “It was such a painful experience, people didn’t talk about it much,” Dowell added. “So, our students had to reach back in history and bring it forward. Now they are aware of people with faces and names.” A few students shared their excitement on social media, only to be faced with negative scapegoating and racist responses on the Claycord.com blog. “It was a real eye-opener for these students when they learned that no good deed goes unpunished,” Dowell said. “But they rose above it. All it did was coalesce the students even more to become emboldened engaged citizens.”
40 Japanese-American students in the Class of ‘42 were uprooted in the middle of their senior year. Among them were student body treasurer Sumiko Watanabe, second from left top row, and her sister Misako, not pictured.
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Page 4
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June 17, 2022
Student calls for more support for LGBTQI+ community
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“I would like to see the district do more to protect the safety of kids like me and to provide a more welcoming environment for all students.” These were the impassioned words of Quinn, a rising sophomore at Alhambra High School in Martinez, at a recent school board meeting on the issue of raising the Pride flag in town. Thanks in part to brave public comments by Quinn and others, including Rainbow Community Center’s board president Robyn Kuslits, the resolution passed. The Martinez Unified School District raised the Progress Pride flag this year for the first time, which is a significant moved toward embracing LGBTQI+ students. Quinn came out as queer in 4th grade, then as transgender in middle school. He/they described the importance of being visibly “out” as queer and transgender, noting that “a lot of my friends also came out.” It wasn’t until sixth grade that Quinn heard the term “non-binary,” and it resonated. “I thought, ‘Hey, that’s me.’ I’ve experienced gender dysphoria before while hearing my (former) name or being associated with girly or feminine things or behaviors.” RALLYING FOR CHANGE Quinn enumerated some of the most urgent issues for LGBTQI+ students, including the need for accessible genderneutral bathrooms to safely use
MDUSD raises Pride flag as sign of solidarity and support for LGBTQI+ students.
the restroom and change for physical education class, as well as the lack of meaningful responsiveness on the part of school faculty and administration when witnessing or hearing student reports of harassment and bullying. In Quinn’s words, oftentimes “it is up to the victim to avoid (the bully) and stand up for themselves,” which is “not always possible.” Quinn shared that “some of my friends in younger grades were harassed to the point where they can no longer go to school.” LGBTQI+ bullying includes peers calling fellow students by their “dead name” as a form of torment. (A dead name is the name given at birth that does not affirm the person’s correct gender identity and expression.) Another example is the insistence of separating students into groups of “girls” and “boys,” which makes participation difficult and uncomfortable for transgender and gender non-conforming youth. Quinn has a vision for a more hospitable Martinez school district: • Gender-neutral and accessible bathrooms and places to change. • More training for teachers and more support from the administration. • Updated health class curriculum that includes genderqueer, transgender and gender non-conforming identities.
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Quinn felt good about speaking at the board meeting. “I hadn’t spoken about my experiences like that in front of people except for people close to me, but it was freeing to get out there and express myself. It was validating to see people listening to me, paying attention and taking my experiences into account. It made me feel that change is possible and made all my anxiety of speaking publicly worth it.” Quinn expressed how valuable it is to have supportive and affirming adults, friends and family. He spoke about the privilege of having a mostly supportive network and gratitude that his moms foster an open and positive environment around LGBTQI+ identity. “They always encouraged me to live according to my authentic self,” said Quinn, whose mother, social worker Sara Tucker, serves on the board at Rainbow. Quinn is looking forward to going to San Francisco Pride, protests and other events with friends this month. This Pride month, please join the work happening locally to support LGBTQI+ individuals and their allies. Together, we can elevate voices and experiences of queer, transgender and gender non-conforming residents like Quinn and create a more expansive and welcoming county. To contribute to the work of Rainbow, you can make a donation toward our Pride fundraising campaign by visiting https://bit.ly/RCCpride2022 or texting pride22 to 44-321. Kelly (she/her) is the director of development at Rainbow Community Center. As a biracial femme lesbian, Kelly has spent her career working in the nonprofit sector Please direct any questions or comments to kelly@rainbowcc.org.
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Community effort brings Pride Parade to Clayton PAMELA MICHAEL Correspondent
On Saturday, June 25, the city will join the growing, worldwide annual celebration of the LGBTQI+ community with its first Pride Parade. Beginning at 10 a.m., the parade will follow the traditional July 4th route downtown and end with a festive event in The Grove that will offer information tables from local groups and businesses, as well as face-painting, a photo booth and other family-friendly activities. Organized by Clayton Pride, a recently formed group of local residents, the parade will feature an impressive array of marchers: elected officials – including mayors and City Council members from Clayton and surrounding communities, county supervisors and school board members – as well as business leaders, veterans’ groups, Girl Scout troops, church groups and the Clayton Valley Charter
SHOWING COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Many parade participants will be marching in support of gay neighbors, family members and other loved ones in their pursuit of acceptance and respect. For Clayton Pride organizing member Dee Viera, the event is personal. “As the mother of a gay son and an ally for the LGBTQI+ community, having a local Pride Parade celebration shows that we want everyone in our community to feel safe and accepted,” she explained. “We are especially concerned about LGBTQI+ youth who are more than four
Election, from page 1 turn our focus to the November General Election, I look forward to getting to work on Day One and fighting for the issues that impact the everyday lives of the people of Contra Costa, fixing the housing and affordability crisis, helping our economy bounce back from the pandemic, fighting climate change, and delivering solutions to wildfires and sea level rise.” Allen commended her opponents in an official statement. “All the candidates for District 4 supervisor should be congratulated for clearly articulating their positions to voters and running strong campaigns,” she said. “It was a diverse field of candidates, and I am truly
the parade possible. “Clayton’s first LBGTQI+ Pride Parade shows that even little towns out in the suburbs have room to celebrate the queer community,” Hartlove told the Pioneer. “This parade symbolizes the growing support and acceptance of queer expression. Clayton’s Pride Parade will create the opportunity for the queer community here to be seen, heard and loved. I couldn’t be happier that Clayton is celebrating Pride this year.”
High School drum line, to name just a few. The theme will be “Every Color in the Rainbow.” Clayton City Councilmember Carl “CW” Wolfe will act as master of ceremonies. Wolfe’s early support of Clayton Pride’s efforts to mount a local parade was crucial to the event’s approval.
honored for the support I received from the voters.” While at the time it seemed that the race was not over, she did say, “I look forward to a fall election focused on solutions to the most prevailing issues facing our communities, which include public safety, affordable housing and effective mental health services.” In her concession speech, Obringer, who will retain her position on the Concord City Council, she said she will “remain committed” to providing more housing and more local jobs, while continuing to make Concord a safe community for families and seniors. “The best is yet to come for
CVCHS student Max Hartlove, shown here at Concord High’s Pride Prom in April, says the Clayton Pride Parade illustrates the growing support for “queer expression.”
times as likely to attempt suicide as their peers.” Max Hartlove, a 17-yearold Clayton Valley student who identifies as “pansexual, gender fluid and nonbinary,” is heartened by the hard-won, grassroots efforts that made
“People are really conContra Costa County and the cerned right now about other city of Concord,” she said. things that directly affect their TINY TURNOUT lives, like the price of gas, the The real dark horse in the cost of groceries and living life June 7 election was the low with the pandemic,” he said. turnout. In Contra Costa “Voting in a primary wasn’t a County, only 186,754 voters priority for them.” cast ballots out of 706,257 regStill, many people had reaistered voters – just over 26 sons for voting in the midterm percent percent. primary. “I hate Biden,” said That was apparent at local Concord resident Judy precincts. “There are many Dyssegaard. “I am just voting people dropping off mail-in red up and down the ballot.” ballots, but not that many peo- She was even wearing red ple voting in person,” said head-to-toe. Debbie LaDue, a poll worker Stephen Sulyma of Conin the Crossings neighborhood cord had a different attitude. of Concord. In fact, the two “I’m voting today because I blue “mail-in” bags were burst- think it’s important to keep my ing at the seams, while the team in power,” he said. “I precinct itself was quiet. wish there were more items on Kramer has some theories the ballot, like gun control.” on why the turnout was so low.
Karen Jenkins
The new point-in-time survey showed a 30 percent rise in the county's homeless population since 2019, fueled in part by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unhoused, from page 1
with $10 million from Measure X, the countywide sales tax that began in 2021. Measure X funds will contribute $12 million annually to support acquisition, construction, preservation and rehabilitation of affordable housing. “Contra Costa is using every available resource to address the need for both interim and permanent housing. But the housing crisis has only gotten worse during the pandemic, both here and across the state,” said Karen Mitchoff, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “We do not need a survey to know that more county residents are living on our streets.” NEW PROGRAMS IN CONCORD According to Mayor Dominic Aliano, Concord has taken numerous measures to address and support the unhoused population.
“Homelessness is one of the most serious issues facing our region,” Aliano said. “The city of Concord continues to prioritize services to our unsheltered residents, which includes direct outreach and concerted efforts to help them get off the streets. “This spring,” he added, “the council determined the need for a strategic plan to address homelessness. The work will be funded in part by the $2.4 million of one-time funds we set aside for this purpose.” Other steps the city has taken include establishing a full-time, three-person county CORE (Coordinated Outreach, Referral & Engagement) team to work and interact with
TRADITION BEGAN IN NEW YORK CITY Clayton first acknowledged June as Pride Month with a proclamation in 2020, displaying three Pride flags in 2021 (one of which was stolen) before approving the parade this year. The Pride Parade tradition began decades ago in New York City in commemoration of what has come to be known as the Stonewall Uprising. In 1969, it was illegal for
unsheltered residents, referring them to supportive services as appropriate and available. The city also funded an additional housing division staff position to help the council and community define homeless service goals, to facilitate relationships among the many non-profit groups providing services within the unsheltered community, and to identify funding opportunities for homeless services and programs. Goldman says the county will share more information from the point-in-time survey at a later date. “CCHS continues to review demographic and geographic information gathered through the 2022 survey.”
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same-sex people to drink and dance together in much of the United States. Most bars refused admittance to openly gay patrons, fearing police raids and fines. The uprising occurred in June 1969 when police raided a Greenwich Village gay bar called The Stonewall Inn. The raid sparked a riot among bar patrons and neighborhood residents as police roughly hauled employees and patrons out of the bar, arresting 13 of them, leading to six days of protests and violent clashes with law enforcement. A WATERSHED MOMENT The following June, thousands of LGBTQI+ people took to the street to demand their civil rights. Now known as the first Pride parades, the marches that took place in
New York and other U.S. cities in June 1970 eventually spread throughout the country and then the world. New York City’s Pride Parade now attracts more than 2 million people annually. In 1978, San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States, commissioned local artist Gilbert Baker to make a flag for the city’s Pride celebrations. The now-ubiquitous Rainbow Flag has been redesigned several times to communicate specific identities within the LGBTQI+ community. And this year, thanks to the efforts and concern of local residents, the flag will fly over a city united in its support of dignity and human rights for all.
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Superintendent reflects on end of another successful school year
ADAM CLARK
MDUSD
SUPERINTENDENT We have concluded the 2021-’22 academic year, and the entire Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) team is thankful that we were able to provide an excellent educational experience for all students. That is not to say that this year was not challenging and difficult. The year definitely stretched all families, students and staff to the limits. It was not easy for our families, with continuous COVID19 protocols and fears that schools could close again. That said, I am proud we were able to keep all of our classrooms and schools open without any closures. We still have lots of work to
do in order to serve all parents, families and community members at the highest levels. I promise we will continue to improve our systems to increase our levels of service. On May 24, MDUSD began issuing high school diplomas or certificates of completion to more than 1,700 students. There were 10 different graduation ceremonies where families, staff and friends could celebrate. The faculty and staff worked extremely hard to support these graduates in reaching their desired goals. We are thankful and grateful to the management as well as
website at https://mdusd.org and read our Friday Letters that highlight the numerous accomplishments of our students and signature programs. Over the next two months, we will host summer school, continue to hire high-quality staff, complete facility projects and plan for the 2022-’23 academic year. We are so thankful for all those who support the students and employees of MDUSD. Have a great summer. Send comments clark@mdhsd.org
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June 17, 2022
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P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite F, Clayton, CA 94517 TAMARA AND R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers TAMARA S TEINER , Editor P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design, Website, Social Media B EV B RITTON , Copy Editor, Calendar Editor J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports Editor, Schools Editor S TAFF W RITERS : Jay Bedecarré C ORRESPONDENTS : Bev Britton, Karen Jenkins, Kara Navolio, Pamela Michaels, David Scholz,
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calendar@pioneerpublishers.com The Pioneer is a monthly publication delivered free to homes and businesses in 94517, 94518, 94519 and 94521. ZIP code 94520 is currently served by drop site distribution. The papers are published by Clayton Pioneer, Inc., Tamara and Robert Steiner, PO 1246, Clayton, CA 94517. The offices are located at 6200 Center St. Suite F, Clayton, CA 94517 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 175 words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues
will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print anonymous letters. E-mail your letter to tamara@pioneerpublishers.com. Letters must be submitted via E-mail. CIRCULATION The Pioneer is delivered monthly by the third Friday to 38,500 single-family homes and businesses in 94518, 94519 and 94521. Papers to Clayton are delivered by US mail. Concord zip codes are delivered by commercial carriers for ABC Direct. To stop delivery for any reason, call the office at (925) 672-0500 . Effective with the June 5, 2020 issue, delivery to homes will rotate between zones. Residents in our delivery area (check website for map),will receive free delivery EVERY OTHER MONTH. To guarantee Pioneer every month, please go to our website and SUBSCRIBE. ADVERTISING Advertising rates and circulation maps are posted at www.pioneerpublishers.com or call (925) 672-0500.
Directory of Advertisers All phone numbers 925 area code Financial, Insurance and Legal Services State-Farm, Tim McGallian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2300 Funerals Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Home and Garden Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Interiors Panache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7920 R&M Pool, Patio, Gift & Garden . . . . . . . . . . . .627-0207 Safe at Home, Inspection Service . . . . . . . . . . .318-1440 Skim ‘n’ Dip – Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .348-5609 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 Whit’s Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .429-2669 Real Estate, Housing and Mortgage Services French, Lynne – Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8787 Klock, Leigh – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593 McDougall, Kelly – Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . .787-0448 Moore, Wendy – Berkshire Hathaway . . . . . . . .570-5187 Stojanovich, Jennifer – Better Homes Realty . .567-6170 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . .672-4433 Restaurants and Events Concord Music and Market . . . . . . . . .CityofConcord.org Groveside Bistro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0310 Pleasant Hill Art and Wine . . .PleasantHillChamber.com Walnut Creek Art & Wine . . . . . .ArtWineFestivalWC.com Schools Clayton Valley Charter High . . . . . . . . .ClaytonValley.org Senior Services & Hospice Care Hope Hospice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .829-8770 Services, Other ComputersUSA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 County Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-7500 Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-9113 Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029 PH Chamber of Commerce . . .PleasantHillChamber.com Shopping Harvest House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-2305 Therapy/ Counseling Montijo, Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .775-9981
Greenbelts, swim team add to Dana Hills’ charm The Dana Hills neighborhood is a distinctive part of Clayton. Built in the 1970s by architect and builder Rahlves, it was in an unincorporated part of the town. In the mid-’70s, residents decided it would be an advantage to be annexed into Clayton. When I learn about a neighborhood, I like to get the opinions of residents. I will say that the majority of the comments were positive. In fact, I had to push to get any negative comments or anything that needed improvement. Most of the negatives were things residents can’t change, such as the distance from the freeway system and lack of public transportation. Of course, this is true for all of Clayton. More than one person commented that as they are getting older and have walkers, etc., they have noticed that the
sidewalks are settling and rolling. Some were hoping that the homeowner’s association would police the residents to keep up their yards, though, it wasn’t a huge issue. The beautiful green belts are the biggest plus that almost everyone mentioned. People love to walk, ride bikes and hike to the entrance to Mt. Diablos, enjoying the weather and the views of the hills. The greenbelts are unique to Dana Hills, for sure. Residents also noted they appreciate the outgoing neighbors and lifelong friends they have made. One widow well in her 90s said she doesn’t feel isolated for a minute because neighbors check on her and include her all day long. People also commented about the wide streets, large yards and the fact that the houses aren’t too close together. Some said that they couldn’t possibly replace the stunning views from their
yards. They love raising their kids there and rave about the schools. Another huge highlight for Dana Hills is the pool and swim team. The Dana Hills Swim Team is a recreational and competitive program designed to provide swimmers of all levels the opportunity to learn stroke technique under the age group format and to apply what they learned in competitive situations. At the same time, the team strives to provide a fun, social environment where children and their parents can enjoy the sport of swimming on a competitive level and where families can interact to promote a sense of community that endures beyond the swim season. The Dana Hills Swim Team formed in 1977 as the Aquaducks. The inaugural swim team consisted of 50 or so swimmers who practiced in a four-lane, 17-yard pool. The
LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ESTATE
team has grown to become the premier recreational swim team in the Clayton/Concord community. During the 1986 season, the team sought a name change to convey a more competitive spirit. The initial vote ended in a dead heat, with Otters tying with Sea Slugs. Eventually, the Otters prevailed. As the team roster swelled to more than 100 swimmers by the end of the 1989 season, a decision was made to build a new pool for the 1990 season. Lynne French is a Realtor with Compass Real Estate and captain of the Lynne French Team. Contact her at lynne@lynnefrench.com or 925-6728787.
Adopt a new best friend at Animal Rescue Foundation in Walnut Creek View available dogs and cats online at arflife.org or visit us in-person noon-6 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Early bird sign-in available beginning at 9 a.m. those days. The ARF team is excited to guide you in choosing a pet, share information about their history and behavior while at ARF and provide helpful resources. This process can take time, so allow 60-90 minutes for inperson appointments. Here are two of our adorable animals looking for love:
ARF Adoption fees: $125 for an adult cat, $175 for a kitten under 6 months, $200 for two adult cats, $300 for two kittens, $75 for a specialneeds cat, $100 for a specialneeds kitten under 6 months, and $75 for a senior cat 7 years and older. Adoption fees are waived for US mili-
PRINCE
KERR
Prince: This 9-year-old dog is a charming and darling busy-bee who knows that he’s cute. He is not very toy-oriented, but loves his people, tasty snacks and playing chase with other doggos. This energetic, social boy is ready to run, play and snuggle with his new forever family. He can’t wait to meet you. Prince has a positive history with other dogs. He weighs 23 pounds. ARF adoption fees: $250 for an adult dog, $350 for a puppy under 6 months, $125 for a special-needs dog, $175 for a special-needs puppy under 6 months, and $125 for a senior dog 7 years and older. Kerr: This 8-year-old cat is a handsome, gentle, sweet boy, with big, pleading eyes tary Veterans. that will play your heart strings like a fiddle. He is a You can visit ARF online at little shy at first, but give https://arflife.org/ him a few pets and chin scratches and he will be making his special toe-bean biscuits in no time, accompanied with a soft purr. He likes to burrow to feel safe and secure and would do well in a peaceful home that provides him plenty of places to cubby up or snuggle into. Kerr is patiently waiting for a loving and patient adopter to call his own forever-person. Once you meet him, you’ll fall in love without hesitation. Kerr is FIV+ and will need to be an indoor kitty. Bonus: His adoption fee has been prepaid by a generous donor.
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The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com
June 17, 2022
From the desk of... Music, fireworks, day camps, swimming – it’s all here this summer Summer is finally here, and the city of Concord has tons of fun activities in store for our community. Music & Market is back with a full season of great music to enjoy at Todos San-
tos Plaza every Thursday evening through September. The series kicked off June 2 with the fun Cajun/zydeco band Gater Nation, and it continues with country, pop, rock, classic, Latin and so
Clayton mayor urges thoughtful dialogue on issues
PETER CLOVEN
CLAYTON MAYOR
areas of most significant visual concern. Due to staffing challenges (medical issues and COVID), the city continues to seek temporary workers and crews to help address these issues within reason and budget. However, it is noteworthy that, like everything else, costs for hourly labor are much higher than in prior years, and finding laborers is challenging. At the initiative of Vice Mayor Holly Tillman, nine newly appointed residents have joined the Trails & Landscape Commission. I am impressed with this committee’s diversity of experience and dedication to addressing our city’s landscaping needs. Committee members have been walking our trails, viewing our medians and communicating landscaping challenges with our public works staff. They are a forwardthinking group that is focusing on developing an asset/sustainability plan for the future of Clayton Lastly, perceived divisions in Clayton are endemic to the national rhetoric that swept across the land in the past six years. The challenge continues to be that people are no longer talking with, but at one another and are accepting “labels” provided by others without ever having gotten to know their neighbors to create real dialogue. While Clayton faces current and future challenges in both finance and housing, your City Council is working diligently to maintain that high level of satisfaction for years to come. Yes, we may disagree on the methodology and solutions, but that civil discourse is an essential part of the dialogue that allows us to come to the best long-term decisions for the future of our city. As always, to all Claytonians, if you have any questions, suggestions or solutions to any of our future challenges, I welcome the opportunity to talk to you. Please stay connected and engaged. Reach out to me anytime via email or telephone, and I will get back to you. It is in respectful, thoughtful dialogue that we can find answers to the challenges that face us.
In a recent city-commissioned, ARPA-funded poll, 94% of Claytonians were satisfied to extremely satisfied with the quality of life in Clayton. Another 5% were neutral, and 1% were dissatisfied. Similarly, 92% were satisfied with our police services, and 88% were satisfied with our parks and recreational amenities. Those results are a testimony to prior City Councils and their efforts over the years to create the city that we live in and love. Recently, some dissatisfied individuals have attempted to create lively discussions about weeds and divisions in an effort to stoke the rhetoric going into the November election. I have learned that you can give some people everything they desire to appease them, but they will still be unhappy. Yes, we should address legitimate concerns, yet it heartens me to know that 94% of residents are very satisfied with our city. There are challenges with weed growth in Clayton every spring. The city maintenance staff is well aware of the weed issues this year (as well as last year due to the pandemic). Excessive weed growth has been especially challenging for the past couple of years, since Clayton has prohibited the use of Roundup (and its primary ingredient, glyphosate). The city’s current replacement for Roundup is an herbicide that is four times the cost and not as effective. Therefore, more effort is required to remove most weeds (e.g., need to be hand-pulled or trimmed), which puts a strain on our small staff. City staff is diligently working on the weed chalContact Mayor Peter Cloven at lenges in city rights-of-way peterc@claytonca.gov or 925-673and parks on a scheduled, 7320. sequential basis to address
much more. You can find the full lineup at www.cityofconcord.org/downtownevents. Of course, the series wouldn’t be complete without blues music, which will be featured at our Tuesday Night Blues in July. All of the concerts run 6:30-8 p.m. and are featured live and rebroadcast on Concord TV (Astound channel 1026, Comcast channel 28 and U-verse channel 99). In addition to the live music and cool vibe, you can pick up seasonal produce at the Thursday Farmers Market and enjoy a tasty meal from
one of the on-site food vendors. New this year, we are partnering with The Makers Boulevard to bring pop-up shops from local artisan makers and small businesses to the market every other week, featuring home décor, custom jewelry and more. Thank you to our concert sponsors for making these shows possible. We appreciate DOMINIC ALIANO your support: Ashby Lumber, the Concord Police Officers’ CONCORD MAYOR Association, Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery, Pacific ation, the Pioneer and Visit Service Credit Union, Concord. Marathon Petroleum, Pacific For the first time since Coast Farmers Market Associ- 2019, all of the annual 4th of
July activities will be happening. Kick off the day with a healthy jog around downtown at the Stars & Stripes 5K fun run, then watch local groups, dancers and patriotic individuals parade through the streets, featuring the Clayton Valley Charter High School Marching Band drumline and the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps. Don’t miss the fireworks, which will be back at Mt. Diablo High School this year. The gates open at 6 p.m., and the show will begin at 9 p.m. Get
See Aliano, page 11
Pleasant Hill gearing up for full day of patriotic events kid from San Francisco, the warm and lush surroundings of Fairfax seemed like Shangri-La. My family, including all my MICHAEL G. HARRIS aunts, uncles and 18 cousins, spent two weeks each summer PLEASANT HILL at this enchanting retreat durMAYOR ing the first two weeks of July. What a treat to celebrate our Thanks to our fantastic country’s independence with Fourth of July Commission, those you love in an environall of the July 4th activities are ment close to nature. back this year – including the After the kids ate an early Firecracker Run, downtown barbecue dinner on the 4th, parade, Party in the Park and we piled into the back of my fireworks. dad’s wood-paneled station Check out wagon to go into town for ice http://www.phjuly4.com for cream. (Those were the days all the details, to volunteer to before seatbelt laws.) help and to support this dayAt sunset, we returned for long event with your donawhat I thought was the most tions. spectacular fireworks show The Fourth of July is one ever. Mind you, as an 8-yearof my favorite holidays. I love old, a couple of bottle rockets the sights, sounds and spirit of and all of us singing “God the celebration of our counBless America” was pretty try’s Declaration of Independ- spectacular. In those days, we ence. My earliest recollections even got to set off our own of celebrating the 4th are firecrackers and run around from family vacations at a with lighted sparklers. Thankwonderful resort called Marin fully, no one ever got hurt. Town & Country Club. For a
These days, we love celebrating the Fourth with friends and neighbors in downtown Pleasant Hill. I still love the marching bands and all the kids parading by, but I do miss the Marching Barbecue Dads. They certainly added a “special flavor” to this marvelous day. After the parade, I follow the crowd to Pleasant Hill Park for fun, food and games. All the activities make this event a delightful celebration for people of all ages. I always struggle deciding what to eat, but if there’s a pizza or pie eating contest, I’m eager to participate. Later, we watch the city’s great fireworks display. Each year, the Fourth of July Commission somehow manages to put on a bigger and better celebration. As I enjoy the various Fourth of July activities, I’m thankful that our founding fathers had the wisdom and courage to make the bold move to take 13 separate
colonies and form one great nation. As I’ve said before about our founding fathers and our veterans, we are “the land of the free because we are the home of the brave.” I love a good old-fashioned American barbecue, with hamburgers and ribs. It would have been a shame if we were still a British colony and had to spend the day eating steak and kidney pie. (By the way, they do have the Fourth of July in England, but they don’t celebrate it as a holiday. I wonder why?) I’m always reminded of what a great hometown Pleasant Hill is. So many people give tirelessly of their time and effort, not just on the Fourth of July, but also on so many other occasions, to make Pleasant Hill a fun place to live and raise a family. Happy Fourth of July everyone. Email questions and comments for Mayor Harris to mharris4ph@gmail.com
On the Path to Zero, Contra Costa offers access to COVID meds and advice line
KAREN MITCHOFF
COUNTY
SUPERVISOR As we enter a new phase of the pandemic, our county Health Department is adopting a strong new initiative: Path to Zero preventable COVID deaths in our community. In this latest wave of cases,
we are seeing the result of widespread vaccinations, boosters and early interventions in our hospital admission rate, which is much lower than in past surges. Central to this strategy is access to Test to Treat locations across the county. These testing sites start with a rapid antigen test. If you test positive and are symptomatic, you are immediately connected to a doctor via video. If the doctor deems it medically appropriate, they will prescribe oral antiviral pills such as Paxlovid or Molnupiravir. The Food & Drug Administration approved oral antiviral medications like Paxlovid for emergency use in December. Clinical trials found that
Paxlovid reduced a patient’s risk of hospitalization and death by nearly 90%. The medications, which require a prescription from a doctor, are free and available to anyone 12 or older regardless of vaccination status. To be effective, infected patients must start taking them within five days of when symptoms began. Many individuals report their symptoms receding within 24 to 48 hours of starting antivirals and experience a faster recovery time. In District 4, a Test-toTreat site is located at the Diablo Valley College overflow parking lot across the street from the campus, at the corner of Golf Club Road and Stubbs Road. You can sched-
ule an appointment at coronavirus.cchealth.org or by calling 833-829-2626. There are two other sites in the county, at the Antioch Community Center, 4703 Lone Tree Way, and at 101 Sand Creek Road, Brentwood. As part of Contra Costa Health’s Path to Zero initiative, the county recently opened its advice nurse line (877-661-6230) to any county resident who tests positive for COVID, regardless of insurance, to improve local access to treatment. Advice nurses screen callers and schedule free telehealth appointments with a provider who can prescribe medication.
See Mitchoff, page 11
Assembly bill would help regulate cryptocurrency
TIM GRAYSON
14TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT
In the Assembly, I have the pleasure of serving as chair of the Committee on Banking and Finance. During my time with the committee, we have passed important consumer-focused legislation to crack down on predatory lenders, bank the unbanked and reduce the cost of business for Californiabased financial institutions. Recently, I introduced AB 2269, a bill that would license cryptocurrency – a financial
product that is not adequately regulated. Cryptocurrency has generated enthusiasm and excitement from people all across California and the world. At its most simple, cryptocurrency is a digital representation of value that is not issued or backed by the government or a central bank. The cryptocurrency sector is rapidly growing. As of last November, crypto assets had surpassed a $3 trillion market
cap. Bitcoin is the most wellknown cryptocurrency, but Ethereum and Ripple are amongst other popular products. Unfortunately, the cryptocurrency market is notoriously volatile and risky. Fraud and other illegal activity remain disturbingly common. According to Chainanalysis, an analytics firm, scammers took more than $7.7 billion of cryptocurrency assets from victims last year.
These issues jeopardize the long-term stability of cryptocurrency and expose Californians to unnecessary financial harm. I believe cryptocurrency can be safer for everyone without jeopardizing innovation or financial inclusion. AB 2269 will establish the Digital Financial Assets Law to license and regulate the activities of cryptocurrency exchanges. If passed, this law will ensure that investors have
some of the same commonsense protections that exist in other financial markets. AB 2269 will help make sure the exchanges work on behalf of their customers, such as new customer service, transparency and disclosure requirements. It includes a requirement that the licensee acts in the best interest of a customer when it recommends a cryptocurrency.
See Grayson, page 11
June 17, 2022
The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com
From the desk of...
In Memoriam
Sandra “Sandi” Jean Watson Robinson
East County Fire eager to move forward with new district ty. It opened one month ahead of the anticipated annexation with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (CCCFPD), scheduled for July 1. Post annexation will bring a second engine company operating out of Station 52 on John Muir Parkway in Brentwood, scheduled for March 1, 2023. Work is underway to rebuild the downtown Station 54 and Station 51, located in Brentwood, with these two stations anticipated to be operational in the next few years. This will eliminate our three-station deficit and lead us into the future to handle growth effectively for the buildout of East County. These are some of the tangible highlights that the community will be able to see post annexation. But the annexation will also bring a plethora of support services
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July 3, 1936– July 19, 2021
and equipment to serve East Contra Costa County, such as dozers, hand crews, fire boats and helicopters that were once a special request when needed. The personnel of ECCFPD has had the honor and pleasure of answering the call when emergencies arose and looks forward to continue to serve the communities as we say goodbye to ECCFPD and become CCCFPD. Post annexation will bring changes and exciting new opportunities that will provide many dividends for East Contra Costa County. For information and updates after July 1, I encourage all of you to follow CCCFPD on social media and to reach out through the website at https://cccfpd.org.
Sandi Watson Robinson died peacefully in her sleep on July 19, 2021. Her loving husband, Robert Carl Robinson, was at her side, in their home in Davis. Sandra Jean Holmquist was born in Cheyenne, Wyo., BRIAN HELMICK, CHIEF on July 3, 1936. Her dad EAST CONTRA COSTA FIRE worked at the maintenance PROTECTION DISTRICT base for United Airlines. She vividly remembered the garI am pleased to provide a den with the giant dahlias. final “State of the District” She loved flowers forever update as we enter into the after and created beautiful last days of the East Contra arrangements. Costa Fire Protection DisThe family moved to trict (ECCFPD). Redwood City in 1947, and The newly staffed Station Sandi was part of the first 55 located on East Cypress class to graduate from Road in Oakley went operaMenlo-Atherton High tional as of June 1. This staSchool. She went to San Jose tion is the first to provide For more information, please State for three years and advanced life support (ALS) visit the Fire Prevention link at graduated from the UC San services in the eastern porFrancisco School of Physical www.eccfpd.org. tion of Contra Costa CounTherapy. During her time in San Jose, she met and married Stanley William “Bill” Watson Jr., who worked at US team. Steel in Pittsburg. They subIf you want to take an sequently moved to Conexcursion with friends, the cord, where they built a new Parks & Rec Trips and Tours home and had their first all of the details at www.con- time fun. program has exciting outings child, David Stanley Watson. cordjuly4th.com. Or, check out the cool planned for adults ages 50+, Three years later, they adoptAlso happening this sum- “splash ground” at the Meadow including day trips to San Franed Elizabeth Ann Watson mer is an artsy initiative called Homes Spray Park, which is cisco, local wineries and casinos. (now Beth Perino). Creative Concord. Designed free and open daily 12-6 p.m. Summer is a time to relax, Busy times followed, with to celebrate the arts and culDemand for Concord’s have fun, enjoy time with many pets, gardening, school ture community, this will fea- Parks & Recreation summer friends and family, and conactivities and travel. For ture the installation of nine programs is strong, but there is nect with your neighbors. I many years, Sandi worked contemporary murals still space available for some of hope you take advantage of throughout the city, including the classes and activities. With all that our great community around Todos Santos Plaza. more than 70 half-day enrichThere will also be special ment camps, including cooking, has to offer. activities throughout the volleyball, dodgeball, tennis, Email questions and month of June. Learn more at LEGO engineering and nature, comments to the mayor at www.creativeconcordca.com. there is something for everyone. Dominic.Aliano@cityofconcord.org We are undoubtedly headed Find out which programs still for some hot weather this sum- have availability and register at mer. Stay cool at the Concord www.concordreg.org. Community Pool. Swim lessons, Summer fun is not just for splash camps and recreational kids. Stop by the Willow Pass swim time is available, and the Center for drop-in cornhole (6ever-popular “inflatables” will 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays) or join be back this year for extra pool- an adult softball or basketball By licensing digital assets to invest, only to find themcompanies under the Departselves victims of financial ment of Financial Innovation scams without any avenue to and Protection (DFPI), the receive financial restitution. industry will receive the necesMy hope is that AB 2269 sary regulatory clarity to innowill be the foundation to crevate responsibly, and consumers ate a safer market for conThese antiviral drugs are a However, the utilization of sumers, while also building powerful tool in ensuring that these drugs is below what they will have established protections. long-term stability in these folks who get sick with could be. The excitement around new digital financial assets. COVID aren’t nearly as If you or a loved one tests cryptocurrency is palpable, and If you are interested in impacted by the virus. In positive for COVID-19, I I’m impressed by the market’s learning more about my work staffing these sites and our strongly encourage you to take ability to help consumers feel on this bill or would like to nurse call line, we are working advantage of this critical new empowered to make financial talk about other matters to provide an accessible and tool we have in our arsenal to investments and participate in a important to you, please conequitable connection to these prevent serious illness and system that has, in many cases, tact my Concord office at 925life-saving medications in death. felt closed off to them. Howev521-1511. some of the hardest-hit areas Reach Assemblyman Tim of our county. Please feel free to call my office er, I’ve heard stories from neighbors in our community – Grayson at (925) 521-1511. Supplies of these medicawith any questions at 925-655mainly young adults – who Visit or write the district office tions are plentiful right now, 2350 or email supervisorwere exposed to social media 2151 Salvio Street, Suite P, Conaccording to Deputy Health mitchoff@bos.cccounty.us. crypto marketing and decided cord, CA 94520 Officer Dr. Sofe Mekuria.
Aliano from page 10
part-time as a physical therapist at a school for physically handicapped children. In 1963, the family built a home in Clayton, where Sandi lived for 44 years. Sandi and Bill worked until retirement and had some amazing trips, including bicycling along the Rhine River in Germany and wine tasting in Italy. After Bill died of esophageal cancer, Sandi filled her time with family, friends, travel and volunteering as a teacher of English as a Second Language and reading, primarily to Spanish-speaking adults, and weekly work at the Clayton Library. She also took up golf and was active in the local American Association of University Women (AAUW) branch. Sandi met and married Robert Carl “Bob” Robinson in 2006. Bob and Sandi moved to the Davis University Retirement Community and spent 15 wonderful years together. They traveled frequently across the United States and stayed in bed and breakfast inns around Northern California on a regular basis. Sandi continued to contribute to the community, including leadership and growth of a program that provided backpacks and school supplies for underprivileged children. She was
an optimistic, pragmatic and sharp-witted woman, and we were fortunate to know her during her time with us on Earth. She will be remembered lovingly and sorely missed.
In Memoriam
Coach Frank Edwards Snyder Dec. 30, 1941 — May 12, 2021 Your loving memory is always in our hearts. Love you, Your loving wife and family
Recycle this paper
Grayson from page 10
Mitchoff from page 10
June is the best time to visit the Concord Farmers’ Market! With the Music & Market season starting up, you now have two chances to get the best stone-fruit, tomatoes, peppers, and other summer favorites each week. At the Thursday evening market you can enjoy awesome musical acts while you shop, and every other week the Makers Boulevard joins us with artisan crafts! For list of farmers attending each week, visit: pcfma.org/Concord Text "concord" to 855-272-3276 to join the Concord Farmers' Market text message club and stay up to date on what's new each week! By texting you agree to receive promotional messages from the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association. This agreement isn’t a condition of any purchase. Message & data rates apply. Approx 1 message a month. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel
USE YOUR CALFRESH/EBT CARD WE'LL MATCH YOUR PURCHASE UP TO $10! Find out more at: pcfma.org/market-match CONCORDFARMERSMARKET
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The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com
June 17, 2022
Chamber strives to help businesses – and community – thrive achieve their missions, whether it be creating new programs to drive money locally or offering a lending hand. The city of Concord’s Music & Market is a wellattended concert series in Todos Santos Plaza every Thursday from June to September. The Concord Chamber will have a booth each MELISSA REA week throughout the series, CHAMBER OF featuring a different nonprofit COMMERCE at every concert. The chamber is happy to partner with these The Concord Chamber of nonprofits to help spread Commerce is here to support awareness of the various our businesses and economic organizations and how the vitality, but also to help create community and businesses can a desirable place to live, work get involved and give back. and play. The chamber believes The chamber team enjoys investing time in our commupartnering with local business- nity comes full circle and es and organizations to help often partners with local
organizations to give back. Over the past few holiday seasons, the chamber has worked with the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano to disperse food donation barrels to more than 40 businesses to collect donations. In 2021, our businesses collected enough food donations to provide more than 3,500 meals to our community. To celebrate Earth Day this year, the chamber hosted a community clean-up with Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery. A group of business leaders got together downtown, putting in some manual labor by walking through the area and picking up trash. The city and the chamber also launched its fifth installment of the Shop Concord program to help local busi-
nesses increase sales while keeping dollars local. The city contributed $10,000 to the program to provide bonus gift cards while funds last. Customers will receive a free $50 Shop Concord Card with every $100 purchase, a free $25 Shop Concord Card with every $50 purchase, or a free $10 Shop Concord Card with every $20 purchase. You can redeem your Shop Concord Card at more than 65 businesses in Concord. Purchase your card at https://app.yiftee.com/giftcard/concord. If you would like more information regarding the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, please Photo courtesy Concord Chamber of Commerce call 925-685-1181, visit www.con- Volunteers from Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery joined the cordchamber.com, or stop by the Concord chamber and business leaders in cleaning up the office at 2280 Diamond Blvd., downtown for Earth Day. Suite 200 in Concord.
Savor the sweet flavors of summer with fresh berries Sweet strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and red and golden raspberries are abundant during the summer months. They are delicious whether you enjoy them in fruit salads, desserts, smoothies or just eaten in hand. With their hefty nutritional value and sweet taste, you can’t lose. Purchasing them from your local farmers market ensures you get that just-picked flavor. The farmers harvest them at the peak of ripeness, rather than those picked under-ripe to ship from outlying sources. If you see strawberries at the grocery store that are still hard and white inside, it means they have been picked too early – rather than allowing them to ripen on the vine to develop their lovely, sweet flavor. The natural sugars appear toward the end of a berry’s ripening, so the later you pick
DEBRA MORRIS
FARMERS MARKET them the sweeter the berries. All berries are fragile and should be eaten as soon after purchase as possible – another reason to get them at your farmers market. Freshness is key. Strawberries: Locally grown strawberries are the cultivated descendants of the original wild varieties. Strawberries thrive along California’s coast because western ocean exposure and Pacific winds insulate the fields
from extreme temperatures and weather, providing ideal conditions for growing them yearround. Varieties you’ll find in local farmers markets include Frontera, Monterey and Albion, each with slightly differing sweetness, season and size. Blueberries: The wonder child of the berry world. Touted as one of nature’s superfoods, they’re filled with vitamin C, dietary fiber, manganese and antioxidants. Substances called polyphenols, specifically anthocyanins, give blueberries their blue hue and are the major contributors to their antioxidant activity. At the farmers market, you’ll find the High Bush variety, which is the kind farmers cultivate, as compared to Low Bush, which are wild. Raspberries: Though they’re the most fragile of all the berries, their tangy sweet taste and health benefits make them
worth every little bite. Varieties are available in red, black, purple and gold hues, with red raspberries remaining the favorite. There are many hybrids within these colors as well. Ask your farmer which is best for your usage. Blackberries: Like raspberries, blackberries are considered brambles. If you grew up in the Bay Area, you’ve driven by many a bush of wild Himalayan blackberries. Most farmers consider these a nuisance because they take over land by spreading their roots and long brambles everywhere. Some of the varieties grown by berry farmers are the Navaho and the Triple Crown. You’ll find sweet summer berries at your Concord Farmers Market from Vasquez Berry Farms in Moss Landing and Rodriguez Farms out of Watsonville.
well. Bring to a boil. Add remaining sugar, stir, bring to a hard boil and boil for 1 minute. Check for jell by “cold spoon method.” (Dip spoon into jam mixture and place in refrigerator for a minute or two to check for jell.) Once jelled, fill sterilized CHERRY BERRY JAM jam jars. Wipe rims, add lids 2½ c. sugar (divided) and rings and tighten. Place 1 package “low or nojars in boiling water bath cansugar needed” pectin 2 c. cherries, pitted, coarse- ner and process 15 minutes. Cool on counter and listen ly chopped 1 c. blackberries, chopped for lids to pop, meaning they 1½ c. strawberries, hulled, have sealed. If you have some that didn’t seal, you can place chopped in the refrigerator for use 3 T lemon juice sooner. ½ c. distilled water Mix ¼ c. sugar with 1 package pectin; set aside. Put berries, juice and water into a non-reactive pot and bring to a boil. Add pectin/sugar mixture and stir
The Concord Farmers Market is in Todos Santos Plaza Tuesdays & Thursdays. See ad page 11 for hours.
YOUR ELITE REAL ESTA ATE TEAM SERVING THEE DIABLO VA LLEY AND B EYOND Christine Gedd des-Sinclaire
Wendy Moore
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410 CHUPCAN PLACE, CL LAY AY TON 3 BEDS | 2.5 BAT ATHS | 1,939 9 SQ. FT Seller Represented by Wendy W
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STICKY
BBQ Q Ch hicken RECIPE
ON MARKET
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2 CLARK COURT, CONC CORD 3 BEDS | 2.5 BAT ATHS | 2,059 9 SQ. FT
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4 BEDS | 2.5 BAT ATHS T | 1,843 SQ. FT
B BBQ SEASONING
INST TRUCTIONS
¼ Cup smoked paprika 2 Tbsp. light brown sugar 2 Tsp. chili powder 2 Tsp. garlic powder 1½ 1 Tsp. cayenne pepper
k paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, and cayenne Whisk in a sm mall bowl to combine. Makes about ½ cup. Do ahea ad: Seasoning can be e made 1 month ahead. Store airtight at room temp perature.
C CHICKEN & ASSEMBL LY Y 1 Ski 12 Skin-on, b bone-in i chicken hi k thighs thi h (~4 lb lb.)) and juice of 2 lemons Zest Z 2½ 2 Tsp. kosher salt 5 Tbsp. barbecue seasoning, divided 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil, plus more for grill 2 Tbsp. light brown sugar ¾ Cup ketchup 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar 2 Tbsp. unsulfured blackstrap molasses 1 Tbsp. dijon mustard 1 Tbsp. Louisiana hot sauce 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire
Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high. Cook onion and ga arlic, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3 minutes. Add brown n sugar; cook, stir constantly, until sugar turns a sha ade darker, about 2 minutes. Add remaining 1 Tbsp. seasoning; cook k, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the ketchup; cook, stirriing, until it is slightl li htly d darkened k d iin color, l about b t 2 minutes. i t Sti Stir iin vinega i ar, molasses, musta ard, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil over high h heat; cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes. T Transfer to a blende er and purée until smooth. Set sauce aside. minute es. Transfer to a blen nder and purée until smooth. Set sauce aside. Prepare a grill for medium-high indirect heat (for a charcoal grill, bank coals on 1 side; for a gas grill, leave 1–2 burners off). Ligh htly oil grate. Grill chicken over direct heat, turning every minute, until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Move chicken over to indirectt heat, cover, positio oning vent over chicken if your grill has one, and grill, turning every 5 minutes or so, until an instant-read thermometerr inserted into the thickest part of thighs registers 140°–145°, 18–25 min nutes. Uncover the grrill and continue to grill, basting with reserved sauce and turning occasionally, until thermometer registers 165°. Remove and a enjoy!
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SPORTS & LIFESTYLE June 17, 2022
Beat of Diablo . . . . . .B5 Lean In with Love . . .B4 Stage Struck . . . . . . .B5
The Pioneer, Section B
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DLS baseball makes history as first ever NorCal champions JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer
in the bottom of the seventh inning to walk off with a 7-6 win over St. Francis. Like the rest of high De La Salle was not new school baseball teams, De La to late inning heroics. A week Salle High missed out on earlier they won the school’s post-season play the past two fifth straight North Costas years during the pandemic Section title scoring three but the Spartans picked up runs in the ninth inning to where they left off in 2019 by defeat East Bay Athletic stretching their undefeated League rival and top seed playoff record to 23 consecu- Foothill of Pleasanton 9-6. tive victories, capped this The Spartans had scored two month by winning the first- runs in the top of the seventh ever CIF Northern California to force extra innings. championship. Clayton Valley Charter, The dramatic final win seeded No. 2 at NCS, was over previous No. 1 ranked upset by Liberty of BrentSt. Francis of Mountain View wood 1-0 in the quarterfinals vaulted De La Salle to the top eliminating an anticipated of the rankings and the Concord matchup with DLS honor of being named Cali- in the semi-finals. fornia’s Team of the Year for DLS won four NCS titles the second time in a row after from 2016 to 2019 before sitPhoto courtesy De La Salle High School Athletics the 2020 and 2021 abbreviat- ting out the last two post seaed seasons went without a sons due to COVID-19. De De La Salle baseball had two big celebrations this spring after the Spartans won the North Coast Section and first-ever post season. La Salle has captured seven CIF Northern California championship. Coach David Jeans team was recently named California high school baseball This season ended with the of the past nine NCS Divi- team of the year. They celebrated their fifth straight NCS title. Spartans rallying for four runs sion I championships. onships was Rickie Fowler, was the lowest Spartan scorer DE LA SALLE GOLF WINS 1ST STATE TITLE SINCE 2006 who has over $30 million in tying for second overall and De La Salle golf also went PGA tour earnings. Kim was eighth. all the way this spring winTeammate Joshua Kim The balanced talent of the ning the school’s first CIF was fifth, Jaden Dumdumaya DLS lineup showed with State championship since tied for sixth, Jack Jerge was Jerge tied for the second low 2006 in dominate fashion. 15th and Colin Keith 20th at score at North Coast and The school won NCS by State. Dumdumaya another shot 32 strokes, NorCal by 14 At NorCals, Dumdumaya back. strokes and finished 11 shots lower than Torrey Pines in the state tournament at San Gabriel Country Club. Joey Hayden was medalist at NCS Please let us know about your sports news, special events, and was the top finisher at fund raisers, tryouts, signups and accomplishments. Youth State, shooting 68 for fourth leagues, clubs, schools and adult programs are all welcome Photo courtesy De La Salle Athletics place overall. to send us a rundown on what you’re doing. Include all the De La Salle went to the top of California’s high school golf mountain when the Spartans of The last time De La Salle necessary details (too much information is better than too litcoach Jim Clark won the State Championship by 11 strokes at the San Gabriel Country was No. 1 in California, the tle) with your contact information. It’s simple. Send an email Club in Southern California last week. It was the Concord school’s first state golf title since medalist at the state champi- to sports@pioneerpublishers.com.
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2006.
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Page B2
The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com
June 17, 2022
High schools honor 2021-22 athletes of the year
GRACE GEISLER CONCORD HIGH
LEIGHTON HELFRICK CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER
TARIQ ADAMS CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER
Athletic League Player of the Year, NorCal Player of the Year and a member of the Cal-Hi Sports All-State Elite girls basketball first team. Lepolo led Carondelet to the North Coast Section Open Division championship before their season ended in the NorCal finals. She signed a National Letter of Intent with Stanford University to continue her basketball career in the legendary Cardinal program. Senior Co-Athlete of the Year Aubrey Newton competed in both water polo and swimming during her four years at Carondelet. She was most notably a member of the
school’s first-ever NCS water polo championship last fall. She also competed at NCS in the 200-yard freestyle. She will be playing water polo this fall for California Baptist University
and North Coast Section championships and advanced to the CIF girls basketball regional final. She will be attending the University of Wisconsin this fall.
Senior Co-Athlete of the Year Megan Dickert was a member of Cougar golf and basketball during her four years. This past school year she was awarded the Jim Capoot Memorial Award for the Elite Division at the 2021 West Coast Jamboree for a player that best exemplified sportsmanship, hard work and courage. She was also named to EBAL firstteam basketball as a member of the team that won the EBAL
Student Athlete of the Year Alison Arndt was a threesport student athlete competing in cross country, soccer and track at Carondelet while maintaining a 4.55 cumulative GPA. In addition to this award, as a senior, Alison also received the Mathematics Department Award and was an AP Scholar with Honor and National Merit Semi-Finalist. She will be attending UCLA in the fall.
ALEX HOCKENBERY CONCORD HIGH
JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer
Local high schools announced their athletes of the year honoring students who had excelled in their chosen sports this 2021-22 school year, the first time since these athletes were freshmen that all three seasons were fully held to completion. CARONDELET Cougar Athlete of the Year Talana Lepolo was a standout on the Cougar basketball team during her one and a half years at Carondelet. As a senior, she was named East Bay
ZEKE BERRY DE LA SALLE HIGH
CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER Female Athlete of the Year Jordan Woolery is rated as one of the best high school softball players in the country and will be playing for UCLA this fall. She leaves Clayton Valley Charter after rewriting the school’s softball record book with batting marks that sound more like a slo-pitch softball player rather than a batter facing fast-pitch offerings. She narrowly missed being the DAL MVP as a freshman in 2019 and after two years without much high school softball Woolery was the unanimous league MVP this spring and will be accumulating more post-season
LAUREN DANG YGNACIO VALLEY HIGH
honors in the weeks ahead. She also was a key member of the CVCHS basketball team including two years as a starter with top three marks in scoring and rebounding. Male Athlete of the Year Leighton Helfrick made his mark on the Ugly Eagles football and baseball teams as both reached the NCS playoffs. He played every game the past two years for CVCHS baseball roaming the outfield. He was awarded with all-league recognition this spring for the league champion baseball team that was briefly ranked No. 1 in the
See Honor, page B4
Spring athletes end two-year drought, earn all-league honors JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer
After missing nearly the entire 2020 season and having an abbreviated 2021 schedule, high school spring sports athletes saw the full-season schedule to conclusion this school year. For the senior class of 2022, it was the first such experience since they were freshmen in 2019. And with a full schedule of competition came the opportunity for coaches to select
all-league teams in the Diablo and East Bay athletic leagues. Earning league most valuable player honors in the DAL were Clayton Valley Charter’s Jacob Krieg (baseball), Elisa Moreno (stunt) and Jordan Woolery (softball), Northgate’s Max Grigoriev (volleyball) and Coco Feliciano (golf) and College Park’s Michael Barnett (baseball pitcher of the year). Sage Madden of Carondelet was softball MVP in the EBAL. Local schools in Diablo Ath-
letic League plus Carondelet and Zach Vasell, Kevwe Ojo, De La Salle (East Bay Athletic Jacob Courtney (CP), Liam Kevill (NG). Honorable MenLeague) all-league honorees: tion – Myles Walton, Leighton BASEBALL Helfrick (CVC), Charlie MalDAL Foothill MVP – ton (CP), Charlie Watson, Jacob Krieg (Clayton Valley Keone Takahashi, Jason Charter), Pitcher of Year – Olvera (NG). Valley First Michael Barnett (College Team – Elijah Scott, LJ MaPark). First Team - Ryder Hel- jarucon, Chase Taylor (Confrick, Jordan Bolden, Jerry cord). Second Team – Skylar Coakley (CVC), Diego Emer- Juarez, Sean Murphy, Matt ling, Xavier Guillen (CP), Dashner (Con). Honorable Matt Campopiano, Ian Wright Mention - Ayden Welch (Northgate). Second Team- (Con). Niko Olson, Carl Rice (CVC), EBAL First Team- Alec Nava, Anthony Martinez, Donovan Chriss. Second Team – Cade Cushing, Cal Randall. Honorable MentionAJ Bianchina, Tyler Wood, Sam Sitzman. BOYS GOLF DAL Foothill MVP Coco Feliciano (NG). Second Team - Bobby Badskhshan (NG). Honorable Mention – Colin Parker (NG). Valley First Team – Henry Sanchez (CVC). Second Team – Anthony Karmann, Pete Campora (CVC), Chris Brown, Dylan Thomas (CP). Honorable Mention – Josh Ochoa (CP), Hudson Freitas (Con), Nick Conti (CVC).
Athlete Spotlight Gregory Bryant Grade: Senior School: Clayton Valley Charter Sport: Volleyball Senior volleyball player Bryant is equally known for his athletic and academic accomplishments, as well as for his humble determination to succeed. As a freshman, Bryant attended De La Salle High, where he was a starter on the junior varsity volleyball team. He then transferred from DLS to Clayton Valley Charter as a sophomore and was on the CVCHS JVs even though he was given the opportunity to play on varsity. Due to high school rules he decided to stick to junior varsity in order to avoid the transfer policy, which wouldn’t allow him to play for half of the season if he was on varsity. Bryant notes how glad he is that he chose to stay back on the junior varsity team due to his junior season being cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. During this just completed senior year he earned second-team allDiablo Athletic League honors for the Ugly Eagles. He believes that his skills in the sport were heightened by his experiences playing club volleyball for Bay Area Volleyball Club as a starter for two years. Bryant received player of the match award in multiple club games and was named best offensive player of the season. Growing up, Bryant was very involved in sports, playing basketball, football, soccer, volleyball and baseball. He joined several travel teams for both baseball and basketball. Bryant believes that his experience playing multiple sports allowed him to become a better athlete because he was able to apply techniques he learned in different
sports to his main sport of volleyball. He chose volleyball because of the adrenaline rush and excitement he got in games. His favorite part of being an athlete is reaching for the goals he sets for himself, looking for new ways to improve in his sport, and never settling for less than his best. Bryant’s hard work on the volleyball court is also reflected in the classroom. He achieved a 3.6 GPA this past school year and plans to attend Los Medanos College in the fall to study fire science to further his career plans of becoming a firefighter. He thanks all of the coaches and friends that stuck with him throughout his life for helping him stay positive and continue working hard no matter the circumstances.
Photo courtesy Northgate Athletics
Max Grigoriev (serving) Northgate High DAL Volleyball MVP
Samantha Frary (CVC). Second Team – Jocelyn Vanderbeek (NG), Isabella Percy (CP). Honorable Mention – Jadyn Martinez (CVC), Hanna Rauschmeier, Alexis Nguyen, Isabella Lopez (CP), Piper Stientjes (NG), Mariela Rios (Ygnacio Valley). EBAL Girls MVP – Sage Madden. First Team – Sophia Van Berkum, Grace Mazolewski. Second Team – Anna Mollahan. Honorable Mention – Emilia Ehrlich, Sophia Bruzzone. SOFTBALL DAL Foothill MVP – Jordan Woolery (CVC). First
Team – Jackie Alday, Soo Jin Berry, Charlie Tang (CVC), Alexis Sealey, Myia Weiler (CP), Lilly Ray (Con). Second Team – Isabella Scolini, Nadia Gomez (CVC), Jessica Elatorre, Emma Wood, Ava Davis (CP), Makenna Choi, Isabella Canfield (NG). Honorable Mention – Jessie Lovett (CVC), Avery Rodriquez, Morgan Bowdish, Isabel Gutierrez (CP), Ariana Rivera, Kylea Chapple, Casey Brenes (Con), Marina Johnsen, Katelyn Takahashi, Savannah Talmadge (NG). Valley First Team – Marisa
See Spring, page B3 LACROSSE DAL Boys First Team – Collin Cabuatan (CVC), Colby Keck (CP). Second Team – Luke Foster, Cooper Brandt, Marc Valeriani (NG). Honorable Mention- Hunter Bock, Henry Morse (CVC), Garrett Vinogradov, Brett Lubeck (CP), Tony Pucci (NG). EBAL Boys First Team Hugh Conrad, Nolan Ohrman, Ryan Sanders, Luke Dermon, Andrei Gran. Second Team – Jackson Barth, Cooper Kennedy. Honorable Mention – Ben Kangas. DAL Girls First Team – Photo courtesy CVCHS Athletics Kelsey Shaffer, Tade Scheid, Jordan Woolery Clayton Valley Charter Softball DAL Foothill Grace Thomack (NG), MVP
CVCHS student journalist Katherine Pugh wrote this Spotlight. The Pioneer congratulates Gregory 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 hthey have shown exceptional sportsmanship, improvement or great heart for the sport. Email your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight to Sports@PioneerPublishers.com
COCO FELICIANO NORTHGATE GOLF DAL FOOTHILL MVP
JACOB KRIEG CVCHS BASEBALL DAL FOOTHILL MVP
ELISA MORENO CVCHS STUNT DAL MVP
June 17, 2022
The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com
worker on the tennis court. He was quick to learn anything that was thrown at him. We quickly learned he was the leader amongst his friends and it was a ‘no brainer’ to make him a captain. I’ve only had the pleasure of coaching him for a few months, but I quickly found out what a fierce competitor he was. With that competitive mindset, I know that he will succeed in whatever he puts his mind to.” Farooq says, “Outside of school, I would go out and play basketball and football with my friends. It wasn’t a club but just for fun. I enjoyed every moment of my four years at Mt. Diablo. Even though I hated the conditioning [for tennis], friends made it fun and coaches provided snacks to keep us energized. I personally enjoyed the competition we had between our friends and we all wanted to be the best versions of ourself.” He plans “to study computer science in college just like my brother. I have always been into computers and I would like to make that into a career and hope for the best.”
Athlete Spotlight Aramish Farooq Grade: Senior School: Mt. Diablo High Sport: Tennis Farooq has a story unlike any other among the Pioneer Athlete Spotlights we’ve done over nearly 20 years. He was part of the Mt. Diablo boys tennis program for four years. He began his freshman year at Concord’s oldest school just a few years after his family immigrated to the United States from Pakistan. “One of the challenges I went through was getting used to the American culture and the English language. I came to America with little knowledge of its culture and I had a hard time explaining things in English to friends and teachers. Over time by talking to friends and family in English, I could see improvement and now I am comfortable communicating.” The family first lived with relatives and then got
their own apartment in Merced, struggling as his father went without a job for nearly two years, exhausting his life savings to keep the family housed and fed. A job opportunity brought them to the Bay Area. “An up I went through is meeting new friends coming to the Bay Area that will be one of the most important things in my life. The down moment would be when I lost some of my friends due to different things we wanted to achieve,” Farooq explained. He missed part of this senior tennis season when he visited family in Pakistan. New MDHS tennis coach Jimmy Huang said, “When I first met Aramish, I couldn’t see his face. He was very tall, quiet and unassuming. As I got to know him, I found out he was the hardest
The Pioneer congratulates Aramish 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@cPioneerPublishers.com
Sp o rt s Shorts SWIMMING SUPERSTAR NATALIE COUGHLIN TO BE INDUCTED TO US OLYMPIC HALL OF FAME
Carondelet and Cal Berkeley graduate Natalie Coughlin will add another honor to her impressive resume this month when she is inducted to the United States Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame on June 24. Among her fellow inductees are Mia Hamm, Billie Jean King, Michael Phelps, Michelle Kwan and Lindsey Vonn. Coughlin won 12 Olympic medals while competing in 12 events in the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Summer Games. No American female athlete has more Olympic medals than Coughlin. The aquatic center at the Carondelet Athletic Complex is named for their famous alumnus.
JUNIOR OPTIMIST TAKING SUMMER, FALL BALL SIGNUPS
Junior Optimist Baseball League is taking registration for boys and girls for its baseball and softball camp that runs on Saturday mornings from July 16 to Aug. 13 for 4–14-year-olds. Fall Ball co-ed program is also taking registration now for a Saturday program running Sept. 10 - Oct. 29. JOBL plays all its games at the JOBL Complex in North Concord. Visit joblconcord.com or email info@joblconcord.com for more information and to register.
HIGH SCHOOL COACHING POSITIONS OPEN
Visit pioneerpublishers.com for a listing of high school MT. DIABLO HIGH RED DEVIL CLASSIC coaching positions that are now open for the 2022-23 school year. Carondelet, Northgate (girls lacrosse), Clayton Valley CharGOLF RETURNS FOR 25TH EDITION The Red Devil Golf Committee is holding its 25th golf tour- ter (athletic trainer, girls and boys water polo, girls golf) and nament on Friday, June 24, at Diablo Creek Golf Course in Con- Concord (girls water polo, boys and girls tennis, girls basketball) cord. And organizers of the Mt. Diablo High fund-raising tour- high schools are among the schools with coaching vacancies. nament hope it is not the last Red Devil Classic. Three former CVCHS FOOTBALL CAMP JULY 11-12 school athletes have run the tournament since its inception but Clayton Valley Charter summer football camp is July 11-12 are stepping away from those duties after this year’s Classic. Doug Schultz, Danny Brown and Ralph Vallis (above from left) for incoming first through eighth graders at the Concord school. are seeking alumni and interested community members to take The camp is designed to teach the fundamentals of football to the reins from them. Registration starts June 24 at 11 a.m., fol- young prospective football players. Camp participants will be lowed by lunch, golf, dinner and raffle/silent auction. Proceeds taught offensive and defensive techniques utilized at Clayton help academic and athletic programs at Mt. Diablo. Interested Valley High. Current Clayton Valley players and coaching staff participants should contact Lou Adamo at 212-9332 or email at members will tutor campers. SPARQ (Speed-Power-Agilitylouadamo@gmail.com or Vallis at 825-7593 or email ralphval- Reaction-Quickness) training will also be conducted to help arm athletes with the tools they need in becoming the complete athlis@hotmail.com. lete. Each camp participant will receive a Camp t-shirt. For more information email coach Nick Tisa at nick.tisa@clayTERRAPINS SWIM TEAM OFFERING tonvalley.org. SUMMER STROKE AND RACING CLINIC THROUGH JULY
21
Terrapins coaches Dan Cottam and Doug Reed will be teaching stroke and racing skills for the summer recreational swimmer through July 21. The Terrapins were recently ranked among the top 2% of the over 3000 US Swimming clubs. The clinics goal is to help participants improve and refine strokes. The sessions are three weeks long on Tuesdays and Thursdays so as not to interfere with rec team Wednesday evening meets. The sessions are split into eight and unders and 11 and overs groups at Concord Community Pool. For more info on Terrapins Summer Swim Clinic and to register visit terrapinswim.com.
AQUANUTS SUMMER CLINICS COMING
Five Walnut Creek Aquanuts earned positions on U.S. National Teams and will train and compete internationally with U.S. teams this summer. The Aquanuts recreational programs for boys and girls are starting up. The boys Ninja Class runs June 28July 21 and focuses on dives, eggbeater and acrobatic activities in the water. The Trainee programs run throughout June, July and August. For more information about the Aquanuts go to aquanuts.org.
CONCORD AYSO ACCEPTING FALL SEASON PLAYER REGISTRATIONS THROUGH JULY 31
Concord AYSO Region 305 is accepting player registrations for its fall soccer program. The season begins Aug. 1 and runs through Oct. 29 with regional and area tournaments following in November. Girls and boys ages 3-18 can register. Concord AYSO also hosts a free VIP program open for kids with special needs. All fields for practice and games are located in Concord. Fall registration closes July 31. Visit concordayso.org to register and for more information.
SUMMER BASKETBALL PROGRAMS GEARING UP AT ALL OUT SPORTS IN CLAYTON
All Out Sports League in Clayton is gearing up for its popular basketball program this summer. Summer Youth Basketball League at Clayton Community Gym begins July 1 and runs through Aug. 27. Evaluations for boys and girls in first through 12th grades is June 24. Summer Basketball Camps also begin next week for girls and boys 6-16 years of age. For complete information visit alloutsportsleague.com.
Send your Sports Shorts entries to Sports@PioneerPublishers.com
GROVESIDE BISTRO
GrovesideClayton.com
Spring,
from page B2 Vazquez (YV). Second Team – Alejandra Garcia (YV). Honorable Mention – Lily Quezada, Jasmine Guadado (Mt. Diablo). EBAL Honorable Mention – Karlie Seastrand, Sydnie DeMartini, Samantha Pera. STUNT DAL MVP – Elisa Moreno (CVC). First Team – Gabby Cherwin (CVC), Ashley Flittie (CP), Nyela Nesbeth (Con), Galilea Valle (YV). Second Team – Maddelyn Brigance, Zoe Morrison (CP), Lila Nikolich (CP), Karyme Mancillas (Con), Teresa Vazquez (YV). Honorable Mention – Mara Hill (CP), Nayely Jimenez, Zafirah Laguide (MD). EBAL Second Team – Haleigh White. Honorable Mention – Ella Reardon. SWIMMING & DIVING DAL Foothill Boys First Team - AJ Fong, Andrew Hallett, Kyle Kegla, Scott McMillan, Jacob Mohrland, Mason Wendler (NG). Valley First Team – Damik Van Fanos, Diego Castaneda, Jack Stack, Shawn Canada, Steven Tanos (CVC), Devin Purewal, Nate Wendling, Soren Stanton, Zac Gartner (CP). Second Team – Carrick Duggan, Devin Kelly, Finn Cleary, Jack Parker, Jeff Ellis, Kevin Hetherton (CVC), Jackson Barnacal, James Mariolle (CP). Honorable Mention – Colin So, Logan Gandrup (CP), Dominic Vines, Logan Meyer, Nico Bushnell, Derek Tizon (CVC). EBAL Boys First Team 200 Medley Relay, 400 Free Relay, Zach Elian, Tonny Roder. Second Team – 200 Free Relay, Scott Iannaccone, Tyler Laymon. Honorable Mention – Brendan Ryan. DAL Foothill Girls First Team – Lily Strumph (NG). Second Team – Cady Chan, Vlada Chekurova, Alyssa Lund (NG). Valley First Team – Abigail Adent, Gianna Kougios, Haylee Wong, Maya Canada (CVC), Amara Martinez, Anna Gornyitzki, Elsa Horciza, Eva Gornyitzki, Lucy Galbraith (CP). Second Team – Audrey Hoover, Madison Branse, Mckenna Gross (CP). Honorable Mention - Amanda Meyerson, Grace Clearly, Molly Boland (CVC). EBAL Girls First Team – Stephanie Iannaconne, Jenna Ravarino. 400 Free Relay. Second Team – 200 Medley Relay, 200 Free Relay. Honorable Mention – Olivia Cunningham, Elisabeth Butler, Madison O’Connell, Stephanie Iannaccone. BOYS TENNIS DAL Foothill First Team Singles – Dibyam Dikhit (CP), Marco Tse (NG). Second Team Singles – Daruish Azarkhish (CP), Ioann Timokhin (NG). Second Team Doubles – Woosup Kim – Colin Sheldon, JJ Mattingly –
SAGE MADDEN CARONDELET LACROSSE EBAL MVP
Nate Qui (NG). Honorable Mention – Max Behr (CP), Jonathan Lee (NG). Valley First Team – Arnav Bhalla (CVC). First Team Doubles – Arthur Ashley – Nick Ashley, Alex Mihaylov – Francis Ortaliz (CVC). Second Team Singles – Nikko Valenvuela, Killian Pollock, Jason Shin (CVC). Second Team Dobules – Zyler Anwar – Bach Nguyen (CVC). Honorable Mention – Arman Mirza, Mauricio Lope (MD), Arslan Adil (YV), Connor emery, Jason Miller (CVC). TRACK & FIELD DAL Boys First Team – Alan Solari, Fernando Perez, Ian Kelly, Matteo Mitchell, Ryan Christy (CVC), Alex Lamoureux (CP), Anthony Billeci (NG). Second Team – Anthony Medina (CP), Evan Leach, John Hagedorn (NG), Micah Avery (CVC), Zachary Smith (MD). Honorable Mention – Bradley Haraguchi, Gage Watts, Justin Faustini (NG), Gabriel Merritt, Rahsaan Woodland (CVC), Tyler Martin (CP). EBAL Boys First Team – Oscar Gomez, Journey McKoy. Second Team – Oscar Gomez, Chukwunonso Udeh. Honorable Mention – Anthony Trucks, Chukwunonso Udeh. DAL Girls First Team – Ashleigh Christy, Kimora McDonald, Sylar Bennet, Zoe Lahanas (CVC), Jessica Chisar (CP). Honorable Mention – Kellsey Ogu, Kimora McDonald, Niya Benjamin (CVC). EBAL Girls Honorable Mention – 4x400 Relay. BOYS VOLLEYBALL DAL Foothill MVP – Max Grigoriev (NG). First Team – Trevor Lau, Peter Berardini, Sami Hieta (CP). Second Team – Luke Steinert (NG), Caden Mays, Logan Gomez (CP). Honorable Mention – Will Badorf (NG), Jordan Segall (CP). Valley First Team- Joey Postlewaite (CVC), Alex Hockenbery (Con), Alejandro Valdez (MD). Second Team – Adrian Salamasidis, Gregory Bryant (CVC), Andrei Mata (MD). Honorable Mention – Zach Berg (CVC), Lucas Ahnen (Con), Emmanuel Busine (MD). EBAL First Team – Noah Deitrick, Brady Cline. Second Team – Cebrian Carter. Honorable Mention – Andrew Pringle.
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June 17, 2022
Adult child wants to move out; parents push back time. I am treated like an adult everywhere but at home. I enjoy my parents, but a significant issue is that I am expected to follow their rules. I have saved a reasonable amount over the last three years and have decided I want to move out with my best DOMINIQUE KING friend in a year. I told my parLEAN IN ents my plan, and they were furious. They say that my WITH LOVE income is a part of the houseQ. I have paid rent and hold budget, and for me to some utilities since my first job move out is inconsiderate at age 16. Over the years, my because of the gap they will parents have increased my have to make up on short financial obligations. I am now notice. a college student and work fullWhen I ask my mother and
stepdad to explain their finances, they tell me to “just trust them.” Am I wrong for asking them? Is it a bad idea for me to move? – Mila A. Hey Mila, it is beautiful that you were able to assist your parents since age 16. It is also impressive that you have saved enough money to afford the cost of living on your own for the last three years. Your parents made it clear that losing your income would be a significant hardship for the household. Therefore, they need to be willing to show you what that loss looks like and
how it would impact them. Parents often find it hard to view their children as adults. Still, with the handing off of grown-up tasks or responsibilities, a parent’s perception of their offspring has to evolve. Taking their word for it on a delicate matter will only raise tensions and bring underlying frustrations to the surface. Asking your parents to produce information so you can make informed decisions on your future is a mature and transparent approach. Being in a financial position to move out in this current economy is no doubt a signifi-
cant accomplishment. I would impress upon you to think about every little detail it will take for you to complete that step. Tally up your current bills outside of what you pay your parents. Factor in your deposit, rent, one-time oversized purchase items, monthly expenses, emergency fund, college costs and job stability. Do not leave your choice up to your emotions. The numbers need to make sense. While living with your parents, you can work, attend school and save money. Will you be able to do this and maintain your current lifestyle?
What are you willing to sacrifice? If moving still feels right, go for it. It’s possible your parents will be upset about your departure, but they are adults who can balance out their responsibilities. My final word of advice. Appreciate what you have now, so it is with gratitude and love that you leave the nest. Be well; you are worthy. Dominique King is a wife, mother, lifestyle blogger and avid long-distance runner. Email questions and comments to her at leaninwiththekings@gmail.com.
‘Clock Dance’ an emotional journey through the ages I cannot think of an Anne Tyler book I have not liked, and although “Clock Dance” threw me off for a bit, Tyler is still a novelist I will never hesitate to read. What I like most about Tyler’s novels are her attention-grabbing characters. They are very ordinary people worthy of novelhood, and “Clock Dance” is no exception. The Drake family is not at all atypical of families of the 1960s. Dad is a high school shop teacher, a pleasant man who will put up with almost
anything to not rock the boat, which includes making excuses for his wife’s most unpleasant and mercurial personality. Theirs is a family with no discernible ground rules for a balanced, healthy life. We meet protagonist Willa Drake, who is anxious to sell candy for a school music program but desperately does not want to do the selling. There is a tussle between her and her best friend. Willa gives in, and it is she who rings the first doorbell. The sale does not go well.
Willa returns home, expecting to see her mother, but instead her father explains that her mother “will not be joining us.” We do not know what caused her to leave and are uncertain as to her return. Mom is smart and pretty but emotionally unreliable, including physical abuse. In 1977, Willa is in her junior year of college. She is pretty and smart, like her mother. She meets and falls in love with Derek, a senior. He wants to marry Willa when he graduates, but Willa wants to
Honors, from page B1 Bay Area. Helfrick will be attending UC Davis this fall. He was also presented the Matt Nolan Scholarship Award. Eagle Leadership Award Tariq Adams was a football and trap shooting standout who excelled in the classroom with a 4.22 GPA that he’ll take to the US Military Academy at West Point this year.
her attention on volleyball after her freshman year. She led the team in almost every statistical category and often played out of position so her teammates could be successful. Geisler was one of the top players in the league as well as one of the best volleyball players to ever play at CHS.
Male Athlete of the Year: Irvine Scholar Male Ath- Alex Hockenbery was on the lete Andre Dargani varsity soccer and volleyball Irvine Scholar Female teams since he was a freshman. Before high school he played Athlete Samantha Frary club soccer but had not played Bruce Iversen Memorial volleyball. He earned the startAward Mason Bamberger ing goalkeeper position on the soccer team his freshman year CONCORD and by his senior year he was Female Athlete of the named DAL Defensive Year Grace Geisler was a four- MVP. He was a starter on the year varsity volleyball team volleyball team as a freshman member. She earned recogni- and his senior year started as an tion as all-Diablo Athletic outside hitter on both offense League twice. She could have and defense. He is a major conbeen a four-year varsity player tributor on the court and a big in multiple sorts but focused influence in the team’s success. He was also chosen as a captain on both soccer and volleyball teams. E.D.D.I.E Award (Outstanding display of Enthusiasm, Dedication, Discipline, Inspiration and Encouragement) Kylea Chapple and Vinny Estrada-Smith Coaches Award Bianca Avila and Kolby Caban. Scholar Athletes Bea Lorraine Cruz (with a weighted GPA of 4.33) and Kolby Caban (weighted GPA of 4.28}. KEVIN CARRANZA YGNACIO VALLEY HIGH
ALISON ARNDT AND TALANA LEPOLO CARONDELET HIGH
DE LA SALLE Athlete of the Year Zeke Berry was pretty much all everything for the Spartans football team that won its 29th successive NCS championship. He was a three-year, two-way starter at safety and wide receiver. He received multiple league, regional and state honors this past season including being named NorCal defensive player of the year. Berry was a Polynesian Bowl All-Star in his senior season. He was selected to play in the All-American Bowl Game and named as an All-American Bowl Defensive Player of the Year. He accepted a scholarship to the University of Michigan where he will be playing for head coach Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines in the Big 10. NORTHGATE Female Eric Griffin Memorial Award Jaley Croy was an outstanding three-sport athlete for the Broncos water polo, basketball and swim teams while also maintaining a 4.2
JALEY CROY AND AIDAN SUNBURY NORTHGATE HIGH
GPA. She had nine varsity seasons, all-league honors this school year in basketball and water polo and was a two-time team captain. Croy also showed a tremendous work ethic in the classroom, and a dedicated leader for her school and teams. Male Eric Griffin Memorial Award Aidan Sunbury was a four-year cross country and track athlete at Northgate. He captained the cross country team for the past two years and sparked the boys team to the state meet for the first time in 18 years. He led by hard work, leading two-hour workouts every day in the summer to get the team the leg strength to perform well in the fall. Sunbury was pivotal as the Broncos won the prestigious Mt. SAC relay Division I race for the first time in school history. He received the track MVP award this past season for contributing the most points for boys varsity track. Sunbury, an Eagle Scout, was a recipient of the National Merit Award and is headed to UC Berkeley.
graduate first. The boy is a fast talker and before the reader knows it, the year is 1997. They are driving to a party that Willa would rather not attend and arguing about their two teenage sons. Derek is speeding, annoyed with a slow-moving vehicle ahead of them. This causes a serious collision. Willa is both injured and now a widow. She does not place the blame on her husband, instead, blames herself for arguing. Another unrocked boat. Flash-forward to 2017. She is remarried and living the life her new husband has chosen for them. A new set of crisis circumstances is front and center and, once again, Willa takes the road most traveled, giving her all for others. She is a good and kind person whom this reader wanted to throttle. Would she never stand up for herself ? Tyler’s writing shines in “Clock Dance” with events and characters we recognize, empathize with and even admire. But it is Willa for whom we root.
SUNNY SOLOMON
BOOKIN’ WITH SUNNY
Not rocking the boat may keep waters calm, but Willa’s life isn’t going any place in still waters. Her boat has been floating for a long, long time. How Tyler ends the story with such finesse is pure genius – second to last page and a reader might even miss it. “Clock Dance,” what a neat novel. 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.’
Upgrading to Windows 11 may be complicated
ning an operating system (OS) older than Windows 10, fuhgeddaboudit. Your computer is not ready for Windows 11; it is time to invest in a new one. Windows 10 support ends Oct. 14, 2025. According to Microsoft, “Windows 11 is officially supported on PCs with Intel’s 8th-gen core CPU, Ryzen WILL CLANEY 2000 series and above. Based on the telemetry data from TECH TALK Windows Insiders, Microsoft New computers bundled has now added support for with Microsoft’s latest operat- select Intel’s 7th-gen chips.” ing system, Windows 11, are According to the updated now working great. However, list, Windows 11 will now there are still some issues to work on the following 7th-gen address if you are considering chips: an upgrade for an older comCore X-series chips. YGNACIO VALLEY puter. Xeon W-series processors. Female Athlete of the The best way to tell if your Core i7-7820HQ (on Year Lauren Dang is a rare computer will upgrade to devices like the Surface Studio junior to be honored by her Windows 11 is to run the 2). school for such an honor. She Microsoft compatibility check The extended support isn’t competed in track, volleyball tool. perfect, but it does help if you and basketball for the Warriors. A number of issues may have one of the listed CPUs. This spring when was unde- disrupt your efforts to The next most important feated in both hurdles events upgrade to Windows 11. The item is the TPM. If you have against league opposition. She two biggest issues are with the an 8th generation Intel CPU helped her basketball team to Central Processing Unit (listed as i3, i5, i7 etc.) or highthe NCS tournament and com- (CPU) and the Trusted Plater, the TPM is built into your peted as an individual at NCS form Module (TPM). The CPU chip. If you do not have track and field. CPU is the brains of your a TPM module, purchase one computer and the TPM is a that is compatible with your Male Athlete of the Year security guard. motherboard. Seek the help of Kevin Carranza was a fourMicrosoft’s latest compati- a professional if you are year varsity member for Ygna- bility tool allows upgrades if unsure as to the status of your cio Valley boys soccer. He you have a 7th generation computer’s compatibility. helped the team to the NCS CPU or higher. Previous tool To check your computer playoffs this winter and was versions restricted upgrades to with the tool, search for named to the all-Diablo Ath- 8th generation CPUs or high- “Windows 11 compatibility letic League first team. Car- er. ranza served as a team captain See Tech, page B6 By the way, if you are run-
June 17, 2022
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T H E ARTS
Music and murder on local stages SALLY HOGARTY
STAGE STRUCK There’s still time to catch the Motown musical “Dreamgirls, which Pittsburg Community Theatre is producing at Antioch’s El Campanil Theatre through June 26. Dianna Schepers and LaTonya Watts co-direct, with Watts also doing the choreography. The cast includes Autumn Carter, Ria Dixon, Vickia Brinkley and Tiana Hester. For tickets, call 925-7579500 or go to www.elcampaniltheatre.com. Agatha Christie’s murdermystery “Towards Zero” opened the Orinda Starlight Village Players 38th season at the Orinda Community Center Park Amphitheater in early June. Published in 1944, Christie and Gerald Verner adapted it into a play in 1956. However, Starlight is producing a lost version written by Christie in 1945 and rediscovered in 2015. This earlier version features the character of Angus McWhirter. Through him, Christie explores questions of mortality, suicide, depression and redemption. The drama takes place outside at Lady Tressilian’s seaside home, where she has invited a group of not exactly compatible guests. Of course, several in the party end up dead.
Ocón as Romeo. They gave nuanced performances that captured both the innocence and passion of their characters. This was especially noteworthy as Rivera took over the role of Juliet just days before opening. The eight-person ensemble did an exceptional job conveying all the various characters, with everyone but Romeo and Juliet playing multiple roles. Tanya Orellana designed the impressive set, and Jessie Amoroso created the gorgeous Jay Yamada costumes. “Romeo y Juliet” continues Sarita Ocón, left, as Romeo and Gianna DiGregorio Rivera through June 19. For tickets, call as Juliet in Cal Shakes’ bilingual production of “Romeo y 510-548-9666 or go to www.calJuliet” running through June 19. shakes.org. Things are rockin’ at Walnut “The characters are so very kept guessing through almost Creek’s Lesher Center with the interesting. Each one has a past two acts.” ’60’s musical “Beehive.” Prothat informs their actions in the “Towards Zero” runs duced by Center Rep, the highplay. Each character is complex through July 2. For more infor- energy retrospective keeps the and nuanced in their relationmation, call 925-528-9225 or go cast on its toes with a plethora ships and needs,” said director to www.orsvp.org. of wigs and costume changes Beth Sheridan Hooper. “The Cal Shakes also opened its that mimic the fast-changing characters seem to sense some- season in Orinda earlier this era. thing will happen to them, but month. “Romeo y Juliet” tells Directed and choreographed they – and the audience – are the well-known Shakespeare by Dawn Monique Williams, tale, but with several twists in Center Rep’s production feathis adaptation by KJ Sanchez and Karen Zacarias. Set in the early 1800s, “Romeo y Juliet” takes place in Alta California when the Golden State was under Mexican rule. The production is bilingual, mixing Spanish and English throughout the show. I recently attended a student matinee, and while my Spanish “es muy mal,” I had no trouble Kevin Berne understanding what was happening. Monique Hafen Adams is The young lovers are both part of the rockin’ cast of “Beehive” through June 26 women. Gianna DiGregorio at the Lesher Center. Rivera plays Juliet, with Sarita
ARTS
IN
MOTION
Those who frequent local art and craft events or popup shows have likely met Deena Sheranko and Donna Langner with their collection of soaps, lotions and bath supplies. With their artistic look and pleasing scents, their products make great gifts or a special treat for yourself. I knew very little about soapmaking until I met Sheranko, but I soon discovered that soapmaking requires not only an artistic sense of design but also an understanding of science. Artisan soaps, for example, are made by mixing oils and butters with sodium hydroxide (lye) to create an exothermic chemical reaction called “saponification.” There are safety considerations as well, including the use of personal protective equipment such as goggles and gloves. SOME LIKE IT HOT Sheranko and Langner offer both “artisan” and “handcrafted” soaps. Artisan soaps can be made by hot-press or cold-press. For the hot-press process (Sheranko’s preference), they heat the soap in a slow cooker through the saponification reaction. They add colors and fragrance after the cook but before the soap cools and hardens in the pot. They then put the batter into molds. Hot-press soaps can take two weeks to cure before they are ready to use. For the cold-press process, they add colors and fragrance
“Beehive” tickets can be purchased by calling 925-943SHOW or going to www.centerrep.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
David Dierks
Peter Atkinson, left, is Angus McWhirter and Venee CallFerrer is Audrey Strange in Orinda Village Starlight Players production of “Towards Zero.”
This musical duo prefers composing over performing
Soap artisans Deena and Donna enjoy the sweet smell of success
JOHN NAKANISHI
tures six uber talented performers – Monique Hafen Adams, Ashley Cowl, Arielle Crosby, Elizabeth Curtis, Constance Jewell Lopez and Erica Richardson. All have plenty of opportunities to shine but especially memorable are Crosby as Tina Turner in a stellar rendition of “Proud Mary” and Curtis channeling Janis Joplin in a dynamite version of “Bobby McGee.” Playing through June 26,
DAVE HUGHES
THE BEAT OF DIABLO
Two years ago in July, hundreds of local music fans watching Concord Couch Concerts discovered an intriguing duo with an unusual name: STARLUNG. Just seconds into the performance of the original song “Old Houses,” the virtual audience erupted with praise: “WOW, who is this?!?” “Love her voice!” “I feel like I’m in an ’80s dance club!” “Stunning sound!” “I’m a new fan!” STARLUNG is comprised of Forrest and Bella Merrill, a young, married couple residing in Pleasant Hill. They Donna Langner, left, and Deena Sheranko sell their soaps grew up in the Bay Area, and other products at local events. attended the same high school in Lafayette and have been began working together in with the oils and then pour making music in some manner 2011, when they did a holiday for most of their lives. the soap into a mold. It may take several days before it can gift project for elementary Their distinct sound carbe cut into bars or unmolded. school students. They decided ries with it a sense of nostalit would be easy for the kids The soaps needs to cure for gia. Much of their original to add fragrance and color to music shares elements with eight to ten weeks so excess liquid soap base. water evaporates, leaving the various genres of the 1980s, a “We actually found our soap harder and milder. True decade that came and went best-selling fragrance, Butt castile soap made with 100% before either of them were olive oil can take up to a year Naked, from this project,” even born. says Sheranko. to cure. “That influence is from my They launched the busiHandcrafted soaps follow a dad,” explains Forrest. “He’s a ness of Deena & Donna in different process, using prebig music guy with sorta like 2012, selling to teachers at made bases. These are called an ’80s post-punk influence. Langner’s school and at local “melt-and-pour” or glycerin His favorite band is the Cure events. In 2014, they began soaps. … and I’m a big fan of synth“The bases I buy are made offering their products in local wave. You put those two retail shops. by SFIC locally in Concord things together, and that’s Their best-selling fraand are considered the best, most of the STARLUNG grances are Butt Naked, Cher- sound – with some trap most natural on the market,” ry Blossom, Oatmeal Milk & Sheranko says. “They have beats.” been making soap bases since Honey and Goji Berry-TarocThe vocal work from Bella co Orange. Deena & Donna 1967. They do not use artifiis another hallmark of their cial detergents or surfactants. I also sells lotions, candles, and well-defined sound. Distinctly other bath and household cut the base into cubes, melt rich in texture and of a lower slowly in my microwave, then items. register than many might To see their product offer- expect from a female vocalist, add color and fragrance before pouring into my molds. ings as well as to learn more Bella’s powerful voice is often about soapmaking, visit It hardens and is ready to be the driving force for STARcut and used in a few hours. I deenaanddonna.com. LUNG’s danceable upbeat let my soaps rest for a day or tunes, as well as their hypnotJohn Nakanishi is an acrylic two before wrapping, assuring ic, melancholy ballads. painter and a ceramic artist. they are fully hardened. No She says she found her Email comments and suggestions additional cure is needed.” voice through the female for future columns to vocalists who inspired her. A HAPPY ACCIDENT phjona@gmail.com. “We’re all just a conglomSheranko and Langner
eration of influences,” shares Bella. “Mine include Kate Bush, Amanda Palmer and my mom.” One reason that STARLUNG was “off the radar” in 2020 is that much of “the scene” is defined by those who routinely perform at or attend live shows, something this duo doesn’t appear to have much interest in after trying out the live band model pre-pandemic. “We used to be called evesrib,” Forrest explains. “We had a bass player and a drummer, and we performed a live set of material at Retro Junkie. But our bass player moved, and we kinda got away from being strictly post-punk. By the time the pandemic hit, we had already kinda stopped performing. “We go to bed early,” he adds with a laugh. “You know, if you’re trying to go to bed at like 10 o’clock … it’s tough, man.” With both working fulltime jobs with differing schedules, the duo prefers to focus on making and sharing music when they can and enjoying the collaborative process. “Often Forrest will start with a set of chords or a guitar melody, and I’ll sing over the track until something fits,” Bella says. “I love finding and tracking harmonies, and For-
Jesse Meada
Bella and Forrest Merrill make up the Pleasant Hill post-punk synthwave duo STARLUNG.
rest helps me to refine them. We’ve slogged through many, many lyric writing sessions together, and it’s a great testament to our relationship.” STARLUNG has a number of singles and a couple EPs available on all streaming services. They released their latest single, “pipe dream,” on June 1. “Honestly, it’s like our favorite song that we’ve released so far,” boasts Forrest. A link to a Spotify playlist of all of STARLUNG’s released work can be found at thebeatofdiablo.com. Visit linktr.ee/starlung for other ways to enjoy their music. Contact Dave Hughes at MrDaveHughes@gmail.com.
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June 17, 2022
Banish your lawn and create a new, water-wise landscape it’s expensive and labor-intensive. Equipment rental and dump fees will cost you, and handling and transporting the heavy sod rolls is hard work. Another approach is to stop watering the grass, letting it dry out and start to die. As the grass dries, spray concentrated herbicide like Remuda to kill the existing turf. Once NICOLE HACKETT it’s dead, use a pick to loosen GARDEN GIRL clumps of grass and thatch. You’ll need to make a trip to There has been another the dump for disposal. After explosion of interest at the spraying an herbicide, wait at nursery from folks considerleast 30 days before planting. ing removing their lawns and Some may be interested in installing water-wise landsheet mulching to get rid of scapes. their lawns. It’s perfect for Many are curious to see those who do not want to drought-tolerant plants, install a new landscape until shrubs and trees. They are late autumn or early winter. also seeking design ideas. Sheet mulching requires layerThere are three approaches ing nitrogen (aged compost to removing your lawn. The and manure) and carbon fastest is by way of sod-cutter. (newspaper and straw) on top This may sound good, but of existing grass. It creates
R&M is the place for
lomandra and phormium can also be considered foundation plants. Or look for desert type foundation plants like hesperaloe, aloe, agave, mangave and yucca. Once you have your founTIME TO GET PLANTING dation plants, it’s time to think There’s a vast selection of about accessory plants and drought-tolerant plants to groundcovers. Drought-tolercontemplate. Consider founant accessory plants to considdation plants such as trees and er are many of the salvias and evergreens first in order to sages, Moonshine Yarrow, support the overall look of dwarf lavender, coreopsis, lanthe landscape. Easy-to-find tana, daylilies and sedum. and drought-tolerant trees to Use accessory plants to think about are crape myrtles, accent foundation installasmoke bushes, Desert Palo tions. For example, if you are Verde, Arbutus Marina, fruit- planting cistus, which blooms less olive and Western redin spring, it would be nice for buds. the landscape to include a Drought-tolerant eversummer-blooming lantana as a green shrubs for your watercompanion installation. wise landscape include ceanGroundcovers are also othus, cistus, Manzanita important in a lawn-less landHoward McMinn, grevillea scape. Some favorite droughtand leucadendron. Ornamen- tolerant groundcovers to contal grass-like plants such as sider are myoporum, manzanita, dymondia, thyme, gazania, correa and grevillea.
wonderful, rich soil for happy plants. Sheet mulching is a forgiving process. Many websites and experts have different recipes options.
in Stock Now
Myoporum is a hardy, rapidly growing, maintenance-free, reasonably drought tolerant, evergreen ground cover with attractive leaves and lovely flowers and a great replacement for thirsty lawns.
property lines. Consider building a mound or berm if your landscape is flat. Layer plant material from small to large depending on how the area appears. Check drip system irrigaDESIGN APPROACHES tion regularly. Delivering water Make sure your landscape to plant material by way of design fulfills the needs of the drip is water-wise, however, area. A blank area of walls plants suffer quickly if drips needs some height planted get clogged or disconnected. nearby. Retaining walls should Go out and say hi to your have cascading plant material. installations. Check on your Gates need walkways. Highplants as new installations will light existing trees and accent need additional water. Keep a
watering can handy to help establish your new installations. When folks change lawns to gardens, the trees within the property often suffer from a lack of water and can die. Please adjust your new watering to include existing trees. 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
Tech, from page B4 Pool, Patio, Gifts & Gardens 6780 Marsh Creek Road, Clayton Hours: Tues-Sat 9-5, Sun 10-4, Closed Monday
672-0207
Family owned and operated since 1983
computing. You need to learn the new applications at some point, and you may as well start now. check tool re-released by supported by the original Go do the right thing, buy Microsoft.” Download the manufacturer, I suggest you software tool and run it. If it do not upgrade unless you can Windows 11 on a new computer or upgrade your existing fails, call your local computer find a suitable substitute one if it qualifies. tech for support. If it sucbrand of software. Professionals are standing ceeds, you are ready to enter a To sum up, I am pleased by, ready to help you. completely new world of to say it is time to upgrade. security, features and fun. Windows 11 is finally William Claney is an independent Some issues may persist ready for prime time. Upgradtech writer and former owner of Comwith older software, so be pre- ing can be a pain, but it is puters USA in the Clayton Station. pared to upgrade your softlikely to offer great benefits Email questions or comments to willware as well. If you are runfor those brave enough to claney@gmail.com. ning software that is no longer venture into a new world of
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T h u r sday e v e nii n g s To d os Sa n tos P l a z a J u N E 2 – s e pte m b e r 2 9 6 :3 0 – 8 p.m . m. ci t yo f c on c or r d.or or g
C NC E RT LIN E U P CO Ju N E 2
AU G U ST 4
Gator Nation
Carlos Reyes
Ju N E 9
AU G U ST 1 1
The Bell Brotherrs
Ju N E 1 6
The KillBillies Quattro with Mel Bearns
Diablo Symphon ny
AU G U ST 1 8
Ju N E 23
Matchbox Twenty Too
Fleetwood Mask
AU G U ST 2 5
Ju N E 3 0
Zepparella
Orquesta Borinq quen
S E P TE M B E R 1
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The New Frantics Garrageland Rodeo
J u LY 1 4
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George! starring Nick Bold
Fast Times
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Mitch Polzak & The Royal Deuces The Greasy Gillss
Steve Snyder’s Big Band
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Midn d ight Sun
David Martin’s House Party
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