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From the desk of...
EDi BiRSAN
State bill on BART threatens local vote
See Mayor, page 7
925.672.0500
n e p O s ’ l Poo
MAYOR
As I write this, I am leading a Concord delegation to Sacramento to argue against Assembly Bill 2923, which would allow BART to override all city zoning for BART-owned land within a half mile of a BART station. That means BART would decide how high they want to build buildings, what parking allowance are made and what they want to put in their definition of a transit-oriented development. This is a classic case of local control vs. the state.
June 22, 2018
Adam Pingatore/Concord Pioneer
Concord Community Pool was a popular place last week when it opened for the summer. The pool has been closed since mid-December for renovations which included new pool decking and improved lighting.
ADAM PINGATORE Pioneer Staff Intern
Editor’s Note: Adam Pingatore, a 2018 graduate of Clayton Valley Charter High School, discovered a passion for writing in English classes taught by extraordinary teachers at CVCHS. While managing his courses, he devoted a large part of his time to the school’s jazz band as a guitarist and to the marching band as an alto saxophone player. In the fall, he will attend UCLA, where he hopes to study English, participate in marching band and write for an on-campus newspaper. With Bay Area temperatures on the rise, the Concord Community Pool has rejoined the
See Pool, page 15
Blue Devils on journey in search of world championship JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer
More than 200 people in 13 vehicles pulled out of town this week, headed for Madera and the start of a two-month cross country tour that will cover 14,000 miles this summer. This is the first week of the Blue Devils annual trek across America, showcasing the local organization’s unique performance style at 25 drum corps competitions in 18 states. The Blue Devils have won more world championships than the Golden State Warriors, Oakland A’s, San Francisco 49ers and San Francisco Giants – comRyan Carr photo courtesy The Blue Devils bined! The Concord corps has recorded 18 Drum Corps InterThe Blue Devils had their final local rehearsals of the national titles. They have been “Dreams and Nighthawks” program last weekend preparing for Family Day at Diablo Valley College. They departed first or second at the last 11 DCI finals. Since their second year of on their 14,000-mile cross country summer tour Monday for three days of rehearsing in Madera and the first compe- competing in the world champititions of the season this weekend. onships in 1974, they have never
been ranked lower than fifth (once, in 1991). The Blue Devils A Corps features 154 performers and musicians who are attracted by the Blue Devils worldwide reputation for performing excellence. They hold winter auditions for
the corps around the country, attracting outstanding, seasoned drum corps performers from throughout the world. Because of their reputation and unprecedented success, the Blue Devils are the oldest corps in DCI, an international organi-
See Blue Devils, page 3
Mark city’s 150th with a bang – a parade and more FAITH BARNIDGE Concord Pioneer
Concord: From bedroom community to urban center This is the last of a three-part The growing pains caused series leading up to Concord’s by the rapid population 150th birthday celebration. growth during the post-war years caused some residents KARA NAVOLIO to step back and discuss how Correspondent to proceed and how to protect the aspects of Concord The frantic growth of people valued the most. Concord during the 1930s to Concerned residents 1960s slowed somewhat dur- formed the Downtown Proping the 1970s, as Concord erty Owners Association and evolved into a more mature the Concord Historical Socicity. ety. Arts organizations blos-
zation promoting marching music performing arts in competitions for youth 13-22. The Blue Devils A Corps average age is 20.5, and performers age out at 22. This year’s group is about
somed. Concord residents voted to protect historical landmarks and to acquire and preserve open space. Led by former mayor Dan Helix, voters approved a measure to protect Lime Ridge in 1977. In addition to formally naming the city’s center Todos Santos Plaza, the Downtown Property Owner’s To mark Concord’s 150th anniversary, artist Paula Slater
created a bronze statue of Don Salvio Pacheco, the city’s
See Urban Center, page 8 founder. The statue will be unveiled in Todos Santos Plaza on July 4.
Residents can celebrate the 150th birthday of Concord and Independence Day together, thanks to generous participation by community members and partners. Sponsors include the city of Concord, Concord Police Association, Concord Diablo Rotary, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Todos Santos Business Arts Foundation and Andeavor, formerly Tesoro Golden Eagle Refinery in Martinez. The Concord Police Association is sponsoring the Stars and Stripes 5K Walk & Run begin-
See July 4, page 9
Inside
Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Community . . . . . . . . . . .4 From the desk of . . . . . .7 Hearts & Hands . . . . . . .2 Schools . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Performing Arts . . . . . .16