March 15, 2019
Hiring issues imperil AvalonBay project
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Neto honors six community volunteers as Unsung Heroes
LISA FULMER Special to the Pioneer
BEV BRITTON The Pioneer
The Concord City Council’s commitment to union hires and prevailing wages continues to complicate AvalonBay’s plans for a multifamily, mixed-use project on the so-called “white picket fence property.” The March 5 council meeting was one of many discussions about 310 housing units and 6,500 sq. ft. of commercial/retail space on three cityowned acres at 1765 Galindo St. After trying to hammer out an agreement on labor, the council continued the plan to the April 9 meeting. That could be do or die time for the project, because the city’s Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with the developer expires May 1. “We will either resolve this or we won’t. We don’t want to Unsung Hero winners, from left, Isabel Lara, Dave Pitman, Carlos Marroquin, Father Richard Mangini, Rosalia Ramos de keep dragging this out,” said Palomera and Ronald Berliner. The six were recognized by the organization for their often behind-the-scenes volunteer David Bowlby of AvalonBay. efforts to improve their communities.
OTHER PROJECTS DELAYED The development might not be the only downtown Concord housing project plagued by rising costs. Councilwoman Laura Hoffmeister referred to projects “that don’t pencil out” and may not move forward. “So that’s no jobs in the construction industry,” she noted. The plan for 230 units at Concord Village includes a Project Labor Agreement (PLA), but developer Brent Nicholson said it’s not the reason for the delay. He told the Pioneer he is out to market for a sale or joint venture. He hopes to have an agreement soon and be under construction within a year at Salvio Street and Willow Pass Road. Nicholson called the PLA “a unique situation” for him but says it’s not restricting the development. “The labor agreement just adds to the overall project cost. It’s just one of those things you have to factor in and sort your way through,” he told the Pioneer. According to John Montagh, the city’s Economic Development manager, that
See AvalonBay, page 7
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Communities thrive and families prosper when passionate, dedicated people pitch in behind the scenes – at work, at home and in their neighborhoods. Neto Community Network, a Concord nonprofit, launched the Unsung Heroes Awards to celebrate these people for their efforts. The awards, presented on Feb. 21, acknowledge people who others might not realize have made meaningful commitments to improving our community. “Neto is a Spanish expression meaning ‘exactly equal’ or ‘exactly right,’ ” said Molly Clark, one of Neto’s cofounders. “Neto is about people from all walks of life coming together around a common belief in the Golden Rule – treat others as you wish to be treated – which is the foundation for social and economic equity.”
See Neto awards, page 7
Young Clayton actor keeps rolling up film credits KAHNI HORTON Special to the Pioneer
Six-year-old Mateo Garcia of Clayton was at the center of the excitement during a private showing of “40: The Temptation of Christ” in Concord on March 5. Director/producer Douglas James Vail joined family, friends, neighbors and cast at the Brenden Theatre screening. Mateo and other cast members happily greeted fans and signed autographs for classmates and friends who came
out enthusiastically to support the film’s release. Mateo lives in Dana Hills with parents Christopher and Sarah Garcia and brother Kylie. His career began in 2016, when he and his extended family shared a Christmas vacation in Southern California. Little did they know that they would receive a suggestion from a relative that would lead to Mateo’s first appearance in a Giant’s commercial. Mateo Ray, as he is now known in movie circles, was only 4 when he got his first job. Very
quickly after that, Mateo earned print campaigns and a stand-up comedy gig. He has also had roles in “Lumen,” “And They Lived” and “Designer Genes” for HBO. Recent notable credits include “One Last Cut,” “A Life Passed,” “The Divisible” (currently in production) and “R.I.P.” CUE THE CHARM In addition to building an impressive resume before age 6, Mateo is on a personal
See Matteo Ray, page 3
Contributed photo
In the film, “40: The Temptation of Christ,” Clayton 6-yearold Mateo Ray Garcia portrays Jesus as a child.
Changes at Todos Santos, with closings, new options PEGGY SPEAR The Pioneer
A longtime chapter in downtown Concord closes in May, when Half-Price Books, the popular corner anchor of Todos Santos Plaza, shuts its doors. The bookstore, which sells used and new books, records, cards and more, is looking for another location in Concord, says store manager Jake Hansen, but no new lease has been inked. It’s the latest change in the western block of the plaza since a private Northern California family sold the 40,000 sq. ft. property to a joint venture involving Long Market Property Partners and Paragon Commercial Group. But as some businesses close, new
Half-Price Books is looking for a new location in Concord because its lease was not renewed at Todos Santos Plaza.
ones are on the horizon. Concord Mayor Carlyn Obringer, who represents the downtown district, says the city is actively working with Half-
Price Books to find a new location. “I personally spend my time and dollars there, because it’s one of the few retailers in
our downtown,” Obringer says. “I asked staff to start working with Half-Price Books back in October to help them identify other potential spaces to which to relocate in Concord, when I first heard a rumor that their rent might be increased by the new property owner. Half-Price Books and their property owner could not come to an agreement on their next lease, so Half-Price Books is looking to move elsewhere in Concord.” Although Hansen did not go into detail regarding rent, he said the new owners decided not to renew the lease. However, one longtime tenant, Peter Bumphenboon of Bangkok Kitchen on Galindo Street, said he had to shutter his doors after 25 years due to increased rent. He too is look-
ing for another location in the city. “Rent went from around $5,000 a month to more than $11,000,” said the owner of the popular Thai restaurant. “We just couldn’t do it. In Concord, that price is too high. That’s why I’m leaving.” Representatives from Long Market and Paragon did not respond to repeated requests for comment. NEW RESTAURANTS ON THE WAY
John Montagh, Concord’s director of Economic Development, stresses that the closings on the block will not change the vibrancy of the city. “We will still have Peet’s, the Spaghetti Factory, Capriotti’s, Cream and others,” he said.
See Todos Santos, pg 7
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