MAR 21 The Pioneer 2025 by Pioneer Publishers

March 21, 2025

Carondelet basketball powers through to second state triumph

hold off the Southern California champions and win their second-ever CIF basketball title, matching the exploits of the 2003-04 team led by future McDonald’s High School and Stanford AllAmerica Jayne Appel, then just a sophomore.

Sophomore Celeste Alvarez had put Carondelet ahead by four with 94 seconds remaining on a three-point basket before Sage Hill retook the lead as Amalia Holguin, the last member of the late Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Five still playing high school ball, drained a three and assisted on a layup to give the

Concord divided over new small landlord eviction rules

Council also OKs rent cap of 5% annually for some units

CONCORD – After a heated meeting, the City Council voted 3-2 to exclude landlords who own no more than two single-family residences or condominiums from the just cause for eviction portion of the Residential Tenant Protection Program.

That means these landlords will no longer have to pay tenants $2,000 plus two months’

rent for a no-fault eviction.

The Feb. 25 decision also set the rent increase at a flat 5% annual cap for multi-family rental complexes of two or more units built before Feb. 1, 1995. When the council adopted the ordinance last year, they used 60% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 3%, whichever was less.

The changes angered many audience members, who shouted: “Shame on you” and unfurled a banner stating: “Don’t betray Concord. Keep families housed.”

Housing advocates say the new rules will make it more difficult for already struggling renters.

“I am horrified that the council is rolling back protections for renters in a time of attacks on immigrant families. Immigrant renters have been on the front lines of this eightyear long struggle for protections from unjust evictions and skyrocketing rents,” Betty Gabaldon of the East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (EBASE) said ahead of a planned Feb. 4 protest that was canceled due to rain. Meanwhile, small landlords urged the council to end the eviction provisions for them. Ellen Ray, who has two single-family rental properties in

Rent Control page 5

Cheers

to art, wine and music as festival season ramps up

As the weather warms, local cities are gearing up for a series of lively festivals celebrating art, music, food, and community. From Clayton to Walnut Creek, residents can enjoy an array of events featuring live entertainment, artisan vendors, delicious food, and, of course, plenty of wine and beer. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:

CBCA Art & Wine Festival:

A Proud Tradition

Continues April 26-27 –Clayton Town Center

For over 30 years, the Clayton Business and Community Association has

brought locals the Clayton Art & Wine Festival, an important staple event drawing crowds eager to enjoy fine wine, craft beer, and handcrafted art. This year’s festival will maintain its beloved format, with artisans selling a wide variety of creations, including metalwork, textiles, jewelry, and photography.

Festivalgoers can enjoy expanded seating and tables near the Corral at the end of Main Street, where wine and beer booths will provide a perfect spot to relax. Live music kicks off at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, featuring bands playing hits from the ‘50s and beyond. Families can explore the kid and teen zone, while food trucks and local vendors

serve a variety of treats. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

SpringFest Returns to Downtown Concord

May 3 – Todos Santos Plaza

Back for its fourth year, Bay Area SpringFest invites the community to celebrate the season in the heart of downtown Concord. Held in the historic Todos Santos Plaza, this free festival offers nonstop live music, an eclectic food court, and over 100 artisan vendors.

Visitors can sip craft beer from local breweries Side Gate and Epidemic Ales, as well as wines from regional vineyards, with proceeds benefiting Sustainable Contra Costa. Music kicks off at 12:30 p.m. with performances by the Blue Devils B Corps followed by The Great Space Coaster, and East Bay Grooveline. Families can enjoy free balloon animals, hands-on activities, and a

chance to win prizes in a special raffle. The first 400 attendees will receive a complimentary SpringFest Goody Bag. The festival runs from noon to 7 p.m., with free admission and parking. For more information, visit www.BayAreaSpringFest.com.

Pleasant Hill Art, Wine & Music Festival Expands

Offerings, May 17-18 –Downtown

A long-standing tradition, the Pleasant Hill Art, Wine & Music Festival continues to grow each year. This year’s event features a Fine Wine and Craft Beer tent at the main intersection, overlooking rows of artisan vendors on Crescent Drive. Families can enjoy the Kid Zone in Jack’s Plaza, while the Business Expo and a diverse lineup of food trucks will be located behind Batter N Icing. New this year, the Pleasant Hill Community Foundation is sponsoring an

Agricultural Area, showcasing animal rescues, local pet stores, and agricultural exhibitors. Live music will play throughout the weekend on multiple stages, with per-

formances by local favorites such as Duo Gadjo, Rusty Giraffe,

Scandals, and The

Festivals, page 2

Sixteen

Floorshakers

Photo by Michael Espinosa courtesy Carondelet Athletics

For the first time in 21 years Carondelet High School has reached the mountaintop and won a California State basketball championship. Last Friday, the Cougars of coach Kelly Sopak proved they were the best Division I girls team with a nail-biting 51-48 victory over Sage Hill-Newport Beach in Sacramento.

CW Wolfe, president of the Clayton Business and Community Association, and AJ Chippero, a dedicated volunteer on the Art and Wine committee are ready to welcome visitors to the 2025 CBCA Art & Wine Festival in downtown Clayton.

Protesters gather to voice their opposition against a recent decision on rent caps and eviction rules applying to landlords with one or two single family residences or condos.

JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

See Basketball, pg B1

BEV BRITTON The Pioneer

JENNIFER STOJANOVICH CLOSE TO HOME

Spring has always been a prime season for real estate, but in 2025, sellers are asking a key question: Is now the right time to list?

With shifting market conditions, mortgage rate fluctuations and ongoing inventory challenges, homeowners need to weigh their options carefully. Here’s what’s happening in today’s market and why this spring could be a great time to sell: Low inventory/high demand. One of the biggest advantages for sellers right now

“He’s prompt, professional and does clean work. He’s as good as it gets.”—Walter K.

Is this spring the right time for selling your home?

is the continued lack of available homes. In many areas, inventory remains tight. That means buyers have fewer options, and well-priced homes are still attracting strong interest. While some hesitant sellers have been holding off due to market uncertainty, those who do list now may face less competition and better offers. Mortgage rates and buyer motivation. Although there has been some recent easing after last year’s highs, mortgage rates have been a wild card. While rates aren’t at the historic lows we saw a few years ago, they have stabilized enough to bring motivated buyers back into the market. Buyers who were waiting on the sidelines may now feel a sense of urgency to lock in rates before they climb again.

For sellers, this means well-prepared homes in desirable locations are likely to move quickly. Spring cleaning with a purpose. Spring is naturally a time for fresh starts, and for homeowners considering a sale, it’s the perfect moment to tackle projects that will enhance their home’s appeal. Decluttering, deep cleaning and small repairs can make a huge difference in how a home is perceived by potential buyers. Curb appeal also plays a major role. Fresh landscaping, a new front door mat and a little exterior touchup can go a long way.

Pricing in a selective market. Although demand is strong, buyers have become more discerning. Overpricing a home can lead to extended days on the market, which can turn

buyers away. A well-priced home that reflects current market conditions will generate the most interest and, in many cases, multiple offers. Sellers should work closely with an experienced real estate professional to determine the right listing price based on local trends and comparable sales. Here come the serious buyers. Many buyers start their home search in the spring with the goal of closing and moving before summer. Families often want to settle into a new home before the next school year begins. Additionally, better weather means more open houses, easier home inspections and an overall smoother transaction process. With more seri-

Festivals,

from page 1

Saturday, and Michelle Lambert, Great Space Coaster, Native Elements, and The Sun Kings on Sunday. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. For more details, visit pleasanthillchamber.com.

Walnut Creek Art & Wine Festival Moves to Civic Park June 7-8 – Civic Park

Now in its 42nd year, the Walnut Creek Art & Wine Festival remains one of the region’s premier summer events. Previously held at Heather Farm Park, this year’s festival will move to Civic Park in the heart of downtown due to ongoing construction at the former location.

Drawing over 40,000 attendees annually, the festival features an impressive array of arts and crafts, wine and beer gardens, festival foods, and continuous live music. Families can enjoy children’s activities, while shoppers browse

and

through a variety of artisan and commercial vendor booths. With free admission, this beloved event promises a fantastic weekend of entertainment and community spirit. As festival season arrives, these local events offer something for everyone— whether it’s fine wine, live music, handcrafted art, or just a fun day out with family and friends. Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate the best of our community.

Sunshine, art, wine,

live music. The Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce Hill Art, Wine & Music Festival is back on May 17-18. Stroll through local artisan booths, sip on fine wines, and enjoy great music.

CONCORD – It hasn’t even been a week since two S&S Fast & Easy Market employees fought back during an attempted armed robbery, resulting in the death of the suspect, 41-year-old Lucas Ray Smith, on Feb. 21.

“The first couple of days, I mean, they were really hard,” shares business owner Gaurav “Gary” Sharma, who asks that the identity of the employees be withheld.

“For the first couple days, there was the disbelief, the shock … a little bit of a guilt factor that this had happened ... but we’ve come to the point of understanding that it was either (the employees’) lives, or his life.”

Police say Smith, armed with a shotgun, forced the first employee he encountered into the back of the store demanding that he open the safe, likely unaware of a second employee behind a closed door. The employee’s attempt to disarm him resulted in a physical altercation.

The second employee walked in on the intense struggle and acted quickly, firing one fatal shot at Smith and immediately calling 911.

While the investigation is ongoing, Concord police said that the preliminary report determined the employee legally obtained the weapon fired. The incident update, posted on the department’s Facebook page, seemed to imply a clear case of selfdefense, stating that “both store employees were cooperative with the investigation and voluntarily provided statements. Neither were placed under arrest.”

COMMUNITY RALLIES AROUND STORE OWNER

While the incident has been an emotional experience for Sharma, so too has the outpouring of community love and support.

“On day one, right away, so many of our customers were checking in on us, calling us to make sure we were OK. They came down here to support us, even people who we don’t know. All the comments online, people saying ‘Oh they’re such nice people, amazing people, we love them’ ... it means a lot. It means people care about us. It makes you want to become an even better person, seeing all this love.” Sharma and his wife are first-generation immigrants from Punjab, India, who’ve called the western United States home since the late ’90s. In 2020, the couple purchased S&S Fast & Easy Market and immediately set out to make positive changes to the hightraffic corner store.

“We wanted to make it family-friendly. It’s not just a liquor store, it’s a convenience store,” Sharma notes. “We want everyone to feel comfortable here –not just adults, but kids. We

wanted to create the kind of environment where people don’t think twice about sending their young kids in if they want to buy a soda or candy from us.”

PART OFTHE NEIGHBORHOOD

After a much-needed facelift, additional exterior lighting and the store’s stateof-the-art surveillance system, Sharma has done everything he can think of to make S&S Fast & Easy Market a safe and secure corner store.

“At this point, I can’t think of anything else outside of hiring a private security guard. If anyone else has any recommendations, I’m open to it.”

Now in their fifth year of ownership, the Sharmas have established themselves as a part of the neighborhood. They seem to be on a firstname basis with most of the store’s regular customers – and even some of their pets.

“That’s Max; he’s a good boy” Sharma says as a regular enters the store with her visibly excited shepherd. “He’s always happy when he’s here because

Store owner Gaurav “Gary” Sharma and his wife give a treat to Max, who frequents the convenience store with his owner.

DAVE HUGHES Special to the Pioneer

The Elena Hood Group Pr

resents

A cup of Joe with Concord PD can be a first step to solutions

CONCORD – Not all the world’s ills will be solved over a cup of coffee, but the Police Department’s monthly Coffee with a Cop is making inroads one sip and one smile at a time to build community and trust through sincere dialogue with the public.

According to Sgt. Eduardo Montero, coordinator of the effort, the only time many residents interact with a police officer is when they have been the victim of a crime or witnessed an incident. These more casual meetups enable conversations to occur under less stressful circumstances.

“Officers enjoy meeting the citizens of Concord and being able to devote the time to hearing from them, their concerns and answering any questions they might have in a safe, friendly environment,” he said.

The next Coffee with a Cop is scheduled for 8-9:30 a.m. Monday, March 24, at the Starbucks at 3373 Port Chicago Highway in the Olivera Crossing Shopping Center.

PUTTING RESIDENTS ATEASE

Last month’s gathering, held at Gratitude Coffee Bar in the Park N Shop along Willow Pass Road, was particularly poignant as it underscored the goal of forging lasting relationships. A group of special needs adults turned out, some who had anxieties about the police.

“The event gave them an opportunity to interact with officers in a more neutral setting and ask questions, which ultimately led them to feel more secure and at ease with officers,” said Montero.

Nicole Emmerichs is program supervisor for Compass Creative Arts, which serves to

empower individuals with diverse abilities to thrive by promoting learning, self-advocacy, and independence through creative self-expression and community engagement. At Gratitude, she envisioned cops sitting around passively drinking coffee and people coming up to them to say hi. Instead, she was impressed with how they connected with her clients.

“It was a thousand times better than I thought it was going to be,” she said, noting that the event bridged a gap with the adults the organization serves.

“They were engaging and answering all the questions,” Emmerichs said of the Concord officers. “They were interested in their lives.”

The encounter was such a hit, her clients are jazzed about going to the next event.

FROM STICKERS TO TACOS

Coffee with a Cop has its roots in the Southern California

town of

and it subsequently caught on with communities

“Coffee with a Cop spread across the country as departments looked for ways to interact with the communities they serve,” Montero said. The Coffee with a Cop program has even taken on an international flair, having expanded around the globe to Canada and countries throughout Europe, Australia, Africa and Latin America.

Concord began the program about five years ago, holding its first event to coincide with National Coffee with a Cop in October. From the familiar faces who have become regulars at the activities to the littlest community members who may not quite ready for a cup of Joe but still get pure joy from receiving stickers, the encounters are having an immediate,

Hawthorne in 2011

in all 50 states.

Photo courtesy Concord PD

Motor Officer Oscar Rodriguez visits with a family during the Concord Police Department’s February Coffee with a Cop event at Gratitude Coffee Bar.

DAVID SCHOLZ Correspondent

Is Concord housing boom just around the corner?

Interest rates, building costs influence growth

DAVID SCHOLZ Correspondent

CONCORD – The interactive map for housing projects around the city mostly shows approved developments that are awaiting their kickoff. If built, they could collectively chip away at the more than 5,000 units that California officials hope the municipality can achieve to address its long-term housing needs.

In 2021, the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development identified 5,073 housing units as the target for Concord – to plan for, not necessarily build, said Aaron Sage, planning manager with Concord’s Community Development Department. The city achieved about 10 percent of the desired objective between July 2022 and the close of 2024.

“The more we get through the process, the more likely we are able to achieve that goal,” Sage said of those that undergo department review.

HECKMANN COMPLETE, JUDD ON ITS WAY

Projects that crossed the city’s Planning Department’s finish line last year include the Heckmann along Whitman Road. The $17 million, 14-unit subdivision, with one designated as affordable, sold out.

Joining it this year is the nearly complete 62-unit Rick Judd Commons, formerly Galindo Terrace. Its units, which are starting to be occupied, are all designated affordable for those earning 30% to 60% of the average median income (AMI). The breakdown is 14 apartments at 30% AMI, 40 at 50% AMI and 7 at 60% AMI.

Home,

Square (formerly The Argent) apartment development will offer 181, 100% affordable units at the intersection of Willow Pass Road and East Street

With proximity to the BART station and access to Todos Santos Plaza, the $64 million development will include a large, outdoor terrace, multipurpose community room with full kitchen, indoor bicycle storage area, on-site property management and supportive services programming.

NEXTUP: BLUE OAK, RMG

Bit by bit, badly needed units serving a cross section of the housing market are becoming available. And still more are well under construction – changing the face of the downtown with the promise of hundreds of units inching toward completion.

The city’s development website shows six projects under construction, including the 100% affordable,181-unit Blue Oak Square, formerly the Argent, on Willow Pass Road. The land is between Port Chicago Highway and East Street in the heart of downtown Concord.

The Meta Housing Corp. behind Blue Oak Square hopes the roughly $116 million construction project wraps up early in the fourth quarter of 2025. Apartment leasing is slated to start in the next couple of

from page 2

ous buyers entering the market, well-prepared sellers are in a great position to attract strong offers. If you’ve been on the fence about selling, this spring market presents an opportunity worth considering. With limited inventory, motivated buyers and the seasonal uptick in activity, homeowners who prepare now may find themselves in a strong position.

Consulting with a real estate professional to assess your home’s market value and develop a strategy could make all the difference in maximizing your sale. Spring 2025 might just be your best opportunity for success.

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

Rent Control, from page 1

Concord, talked about the cost of being a responsible landlord. “This is not a ‘get rich scheme’ in any shape or form,” she said at the Feb. 4 council meeting.

Realtor David Schubb warned the council of government overreach. “Current policies are going to achieve the opposite of what you want them to do. Supply is going to continue to decline, especially in the more affordable price ranges.”

BALANCING THE NEEDS OF TENANTS ANDLANDLORDS

As the council reviewed tenant protections last year, the inclusion of single-family homes and condominiums was the key source of contention.

Resident Jo Sciarroni even started a petition drive to stop the plan, but she was unable to gather enough signatures.

The issue was brought up again at the request of new City Councilmember Pablo Benevente. On Feb. 25, he made a motion advocating the removal of all single-family homes and condos from the just cause for eviction fees –while also asking for an annual rent increase of 5% plus 100%

CPI with a maximum of 7% for units that meet the requirements.

“The current limit is too restrictive and does not allow owners to maintain their properties, cover inflation and make necessary repairs,” Benevente said in Spanish, which was translated to English on the big screen.

“Tenant protections must remain, but they must also be sustainable,” he continued, later adding: “State law still protects tenants from unfair evictions.”

He noted that many singlefamily homes and condo are owned by small landlords rather than large corporations.

“These are working families, immigrants, retirees or individuals who use rental income to pay their mortgages and cover costs such as water, garbage, insurance and electricity.”

REACHING A COMPROMISE

After Benevente’s motion, Vice Mayor Laura Nakamura suggested “some friendly amendments.” Namely, excluding only landlords with less than three single-family homes/condos and allowing a

MORE IN THE PIPELINE

The city is flush with even more projects that have been approved but have yet to break ground, including two behemoths in the immediate downtown corridor.

The Asbury Apartments will have 183 affordable units, amended to 100% affordable for households at or below 80% AMI. The patchwork development dubbed the Concord Village Apartments totals 230 multi-family units – all market rate – bordered by Salvio and East streets, Willow Pass Road and Port Chicago Highway.

well and interest rates are low, you see a lot of housing being built,” he said. Still, there can be inconsistencies year to year in terms of how much new development begins.

Affordable housing advocates haven’t been shy about criticizing the city for what they see as inadequate stock for those living on the margins.

But Megan Nguyen, East Bay

It’s currently on its third master developer since 2016. Guy Bjerke, director of Economic Development and Base Reuse, noted that Brookfield Properties estimates five years before development could commence.

“They are optimistic by the early 2030s that something goes,” Bjerke said, citing a presentation to the City Council in January.

months for the units, broken down as 22 designated for those earning 30% AMI, 22 for those earning 50% AMI, 47 for 60% AMI and 88 for those making 70% AMI.

Units will range from 646 sq. ft. with one bedroom to fourbedroom units averaging 1,575 sq. ft. Amenities include a computer room, fitness center with yoga and spin studio, bike storage facilities, and a courtyard lounge and BBQ area. The facility will have 182 parking spaces, a significant reduction from the 350 slots included in the original 2016 proposal.

Meta officials acknowledge the project will add some traffic but believe it’s far from a major disruption. They see the development’s proximity to public transit as a viable option many residents will use.

Going up nearby is RMG’s 75 apartments along Galindo Street for special needs residents. At least 40% of the units will be affordable to households of Low and Very Low AMI levels.

Another project that will add to the available housing stock is the Villas at Walters Place, a subdivision of 17, three-story townhomes. Upon completion, it will offer a few designated as affordable.

Another approved project is the Walnut Grove subdivision with 14 single-family homes, including two designated affordable for low-income households, on a 1.41-acre parcel tucked in between Bancroft Road, Oak Grove Road and David Avenue.

Still others are just starting a long journey. The Bird subdivision, a 40-home, market rate small lot development, recently completed its application for planners to start reviewing the project. It’s set on an approximately 5-acre parcel along Concord Boulevard.

Meanwhile, the Planning Department is reviewing a Builders’ Remedy Application to rehabilitate 206 multi-family rentals at Concord Crossing, part of the Coast Guard site.

“We have a variety of projects that are at different stages,” said Sage. “A project can be on the books for two or three years, but it can be a few years before it gets permitted.

“Typically, when someone gets a permit, that is a good indicator they are ready to move forward,” he added.

ROADBLOCKS THAT THWART PROGRESS Sage pointed to the economy and interest rates as key factors driving development.

“When the economy is going

Support, from page 3

he knows he’s going to get a treat.”

With patrons watching and smiling as the store owners pause everything to get Max a treat, a momentary sense of normalcy returns to this neighborhood corner store.

As the investigation appears to be winding down ahead of the case going to the Contra Costa County District Attorney, many residents con-

5% rent cap tied to CPI.

Mayor Carlyn Obringer supported the plan to remove the smaller landlords but wanted a flat 5% rent cap.

There was much back and forth, with Benevente facing resistance when he asked to set the limit at four units. Then Councilmember Laura Hoffmeister, who voted against the ordinance last year because it “overburdened” landlords, said she would support Obringer’s proposal to “move this ball downfield.”

Ultimately, Benevente, Hoffmeister and Obringer voted to exempt landlords with no more than two homes/condos from the eviction rules and move to a 5% flat rent cap for the applicable units. Nakamura and Councilmember Dominic Aliano voted no. Under the revisions, all landlords must still apply to the city’s Rent Registry.

OPPOSINGVIEWPOINTS

The Feb. 25 meeting was a continuation of a Feb. 4 session that included four hours of public comment, with Toby Anderson telling the council that rent control does not work. “Concord is on the wrong side of the facts and the wrong side of history.”

Former Councilmember

tinue to vocalize their support in person and online.

“When we hear some of these comments, things like ‘We’ve got your back; we’re with you; whatever you need,’ they’re not your customers anymore, they’re your family,” Sharma says. “I mean, only family members would say stuff like that. It has definitely touched our hearts.”

Tim McGallian concurred. “We have the data. The rent gouging is not occurring. We’ve seen no mass evictions, and Concord has some of the lowest rental rates in the Bay Area.”

Meanwhile, preschool teacher Jima Monson was disheartened that the council wanted to make changes so soon after the ordinance was passed.

“I was so relieved to see my rent actually go down after the rent stabilization was passed. Rent stabilization and just cause have made the difference between keeping a roof over our heads or being unhoused,” she said, adding: “My students’ parents have told me over and over how helpful this policy has been.”

William Colleen also asked the council not to modify the rules. “Let’s give it enough time to work,” he said. “I see Concord as a place where I want to live, where I want to start my family, but in order to do that I need to trust that the protections that we have remain.”

City staff will return to the council with a revised draft ordinance on March 25. After a second reading on April 22, it would go into effect May 22.

Housing Organization’s policy manager, acknowledged that Concord is trying to take steps to incentivize development and streamlining affordable housing production.

“Unfortunately, due to both non-governmental constraints (including land and construction costs) and governmental constraints (such as zoning, land use controls, permit procedures, etc.), it is a difficult time for projects, especially affordable, to be getting started,” she said.

LONG-AWAITED

WEAPONSSTATIONPROJECT

The former Concord Naval Weapons Station is an example of a site that has twisted like a kite over the years and been at the mercy of the ebbs and flows of development winds.

The specific plan accommodates 12,272 units, of which 25% would be affordable for those with incomes 85% AMI or below. Total buildout could reach fruition over the next 30 to 40 years. The grandiose plans for the site harken back to what the city had hoped to commence two decades ago.

Bjerke noted that before any housing gets built, infrastructure is among the first of several steps that must be completed. He cited cleanup and environmental permits as among the goals they are actively working toward achieving in the short term for a site that just sits begging to be developed and finally make a serious dent in the state’s desire for thousands of new affordable homes in the fledgling Concord housing market.

Coffee, from page 4

overwhelmingly positive impact.

Concord has even put its own spin on the concept by organizing Tacos with Cops at Los Rancheros Taqueria on Monument Boulevard.

“The Concord Police Department recognizes the importance of community engagement and has always fostered a positive police-community relationship,” said Montero. “CPD does a fantastic job in many ways, but ultimately without the help of the residents of Concord, it would be difficult to solve a large portion of crimes committed in our community.”

BUSINESSESCAN

JOIN THE PARTY

Felix Martin-Aguilar of Pleasant Hill observed “a good vibe” coming from the coffee shop crowd. “There was lots of energy,” he said. “Lots of

smiles and lots of talk.” Gratitude has been a frequent host for the activity, given its good-sized parking lot. Plus, the officers love the coffee served there.

“CPD tries to move the events around the city to reach as many of the citizens as we can,” Montero noted. “We have hosted them at various Starbucks, Peet’s, Dunkin’ Donuts and King’s Donuts. However, we will hold an event at any coffee shop in the city.”

Businesses interested in hosting Coffee with a Cop can email the Community Impact Unit at CIU@cityofconcord.org.

“This is a simple and easy way for the community and CPD to get together and get to know each other. Getting a cup of coffee is an easy and enjoyable thing that most people do every day,” Montero said.

David Scholz

The Blue Oak

in downtown Concord.

From the desk of...

How Concord contributes to EBRPD’s goals, plus a special tour of Thurgood Marshall park

Participating in Tuesday night meetings three times a month is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the work of an engaged member of the Concord City Council.

Each councilmember serves on at least two subcommittees specific to Concord. Some councilmembers also serve on regional bodies.

One of the external bodies on which I have served since 2019 is the East Bay Regional Park District Park

The city of Pleasant Hill is embarking on its first Climate Action Plan (CAP). This will give us a roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) while promoting sustainable development, resilience and equity throughout the community. The targets of this plan will align with Califor-

Advisory Committee (EBRPD PAC). I am the Contra Costa Mayor’s Conference appointee to the EBRPD PAC, which means that I represent the cities of Contra Costa County on that body. The EBRPD PAC provides community perspectives and advice to staff and the EBRPD elected board on the issues, projects and policies of the park district. The PAC focuses on the following at our monthly meetings:

• Providing community perspectives on the park district’s Second Century District Plan.

• Expanding understanding of the East Bay’s biodiversity and the role the park district serves in protecting

natural and cultural resources.

• Maintaining an understanding of and engagement on the park district’s active capital projects and programs.

• Maintaining an understanding of the park district’s funding programs.

• Providing community oversight of the park district’s local funding measures and initiatives.

• Providing guidance and recommendations on park district policies and practices.

• More information is available at www.ebparks.org/calendar/public-meetings/parkadvisory.

I decided to take on this

additional role and even chair the EBRPD PAC for two years because I am a park lover and wanted to be deeply involved with the development of the new Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50 here in Concord. For those who aren’t familiar, the park is a 2,500-acre site that was formerly part of the Concord Naval Weapons Station and became an East Bay Regional Park in 2019. It is divided into two sections north and south of Bailey Road.

Although the Thurgood Marshall Regional Park –Home of the Port Chicago 50 is not yet open to the public, I wanted to give the community a sneak peek at this gem in our midst. East

Pleasant Hill creating plan to combat climate change

nia’s goal to reduce GHG emissions by 40% from 1990 levels by 2030 and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. These are ambitious goals, and our CAP is a vital tool in working toward these goals. The city kicked off this process by making our new library a net zero facility as well as net zero carbon facility. Pleasant Hill has hired an outside consultant, Blue Strike Environmental, to assist us in creating the CAP. We held two community events in January and February to get feedback from the public, including local nonprofit groups and local and regional agencies. We are

currently asking the public to participate in this process by answering a survey.

You can find the survey and much more information about this project at www.phillca.gov/CAP2025. On this site, the public can not only sign up for regular updates from the project team but also can read about many ways that we as individuals can positively impact our climate goals. Along with these efforts, we invite the public to an Earth Day celebration on April 24, which we will celebrate in conjunction with the weekly Off the Grid food truck event. Please join us

This county department really measures up for consumers

KEN

COUNTY SUPERVISOR

Every time you visit the grocery store, you’ve likely noticed that the prices of everyday items – like eggs, produce and poultry – seem to keep climbing.

As inflation affects our wallets, getting the most value for our hard-earned dollars is more important than ever. When you buy apples and the checker weighs them, you probably don’t think twice about whether the scale is accurate. Thankfully, there’s a county agency that’s got our back: the Contra Costa County Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures.

The department is dedicated to protecting the economic well-being of the community by ensuring the accuracy of

weighing and measuring instruments, product standards and business practices used in commerce. They aim to foster equity in the marketplace and create a level playing field for businesses.

To achieve this, the department runs several key programs: Device Program. This ensures that commercial weighing and measuring devices are properly calibrated. This includes not just grocery store scales but also gasoline pumps, wire meters and more. When a device is accurate, a seal is placed in a visible location – ensuring consumers won’t be overcharged. All devices, along with their locations, are registered with the department, making it easy to track their performance and maintenance.

Registered Service Agency (RSA). If a device fails inspection, it is taken out of service until repaired. All agents who perform repairs are licensed and registered with the department’s RSA, which verifies repairs are done properly. The RSA helps maintain the accuracy and reliability of these devices before they can be

returned to service.

Quantity Control Program. This crucial component ensures that consumers pay for exactly what they’re getting. This program works to maintain price accuracy, protecting both consumers and businesses. For example, customers can be confident they’re not paying extra for ice when purchasing seafood, and they can trust that the net content listed on a product is correct. This program helps avoid issues like overcharging or undercharging, which benefits both buyers and sellers by ensuring a fair transaction every time.

These are just a few of the many ways the county Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures impacts our daily lives. Beyond pricing accuracy, the department also protects us from invasive insects, regulates petroleum products, ensures proper labeling at farmers markets and so much more.

To learn about this small but essential department and how it works to keep things fair, visit www.contracosta.ca.gov/1542 /Agriculture-WeightsMeasures.

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

Bay Regional Park District board director John Mercurio, with whom I served on the Concord Planning Commission, graciously agreed, and so we will be co-hosting a “Walk and Talk” 10 a.m.-

noon April 12, with a tour by supervising naturalist Piu Loft. Please RSVP by April 5 at govaffairs@ebparks.org.

Contact Mayor Obringer at carlyn.obringer@cityofconcord.org

Clayton honors library founders in light of 30 anniversary

for dinner and participate in Earth Day crafts and activities 5-7 p.m. at City Hall.

Other activities related to climate include:

• Earth Day proclamation at the April 21 City Council meeting.

• Tinkers & Thinkers Launch Party, noon-3 p.m. April 26.

• Pleasant Hill Instructional Garden Earth Day Celebration, 12:30-4:30 p.m. April 27.

One of the impacts of climate change has been the increasing number of wildfires. I want to assure the public that we take the safety and emergency preparedness of our community seriously. We do annual emergency operations training, with our most recent one held on Feb. 20, simulating a scenario involving multiple pipeline explosions within the city. Representatives from the city, Rec & Park District, Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill Police and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) participated. Please keep updated on all of these activities through the Outlook, our city’s newsletter, and on the Climate Action Plan website.

Contact Mayor Noack at Snoack@phillca.gov.

Working

Thank you Joyce Atkinson, Jeanne Boyd (posthumously) and Diana Bauer for dreaming big and making the hope of a library in Clayton a reality more than 30 years ago.

These women, with the help of the Clayton branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), decided in 1989 that the Clayton community needed to build a library. They formed a steering committee made up of many organizations across the community. In July of that year, the Clayton Community Library Foundation (CCLF) was created to raise money for the project.

Over the next five years, fundraisers included book sales and crab feeds. A multitude of grant applications resulted in one large grant of $2.8 million from Prop. 85 in 1991. The community held a groundbreaking ceremony on March 12, 1994, and later that year, the city approved $542,000 for a book collection.

After all of the hard work, extraordinary vision and determination, the Clayton Community Library opened its doors on March 4, 1995.

Because of the efforts of these three women and lots of other volunteers and

donors who supported the library then and continue to do so today, we can celebrate 30 years of the Clayton Community Library this month.

Today, thousands visit each year. Besides a vast assortment of books and publications, activities and classes include Tai Chi, chair yoga and meditation, story time for children, art classes, teen events, book clubs and so much more.

To coincide with the 30th anniversary of the library, the city will be embarking on a refresh project later this year that will include new paint, carpeting, improved lighting, furniture and other design elements. CCLF is also hoping to have some celebratory events throughout the year to commemorate the anniversary. Meanwhile, save the date for the next book sale, May 17-18 –and May 16 for members only.

The Clayton Community Library stands as a testament to the strength, commitment and caring that so many of our residents perform day in and day out to make our community a better place. Thank you again Joyce, Jeanne and Diana for being shining examples of that. Each month, the city gives an Unsung Hero Award to someone making a significant difference in our community. We honored Linda Pinder in January and Paul Jordan in February. In March, we will be honoring Joyce Atkinson, Jeanne Boyd (posthumously) and Diana Bauer.

If you have suggestions about future Unsung Heroes, please feel free to contact me at 925-673-7324 or kimt@claytonca.gov.

to protect Californians from scams

In my role as chair of the Senate Banking and Financial Intuitions Committee, I recently held an informational hearing on scams – specifically focusing on how technology

and transnational fraud rings threaten California consumers.

We heard testimony from scam victims, legal experts and advocates, banking industry professionals, and law enforcement, including prosecutors and a special agent in charge with the U.S. Secret Service. The testimony was invaluable in learning more on how these criminals operate, the harm they cause, and where the Legislature can work to better ensure consumers are protected and scammers are prosecuted.

Scams are responsible for taking billions of dollars out of California households each year. The rising frequency and

increasing sophistication of these criminals is alarming, especially as these scammers continue to embrace cuttingedge technologies like Artificial Intelligence in combination with spoofed telephone calls, email phishing, fake texts and other nefarious intrusions into the daily lives of Californians. These scams range from the relatively small, one-off events to the devastating, elaborate schemes transnational criminal networks conduct to target the nest eggs of retirees that can result in losses of more than $1 million per victim.

CARLSON

TIM GRAYSON STATE SENATOR

KIM TRUPIANO CLAYTON MAYOR

CARLYN OBRINGER CONCORD MAYOR

P.O. Box 1246 Clayton, CA 94517

TAMARAAND R OBERT S TEINER Publishers

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CIRCULATION

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ADVERTISING

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Multiple Audit Positions

Maze & Associates Accounting Corporation; Pleasant Hill

Audit Associate: Conduct audits, assess risks, ensure compliance with GAAP/SOX, enhance internal controls, and resolve client issues. BS/BA in accounting or related field. Wage: $75,254/year.

Senior Auditing Associate: Will analyze financial data, develop audit strategies, address risks, prepare reports, & mentor staff. Master deg. Req’d. Wage $96,491/yr.

For both, mail resume: Attn: HR, 3478 Buskirk Ave, Ste 217, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523.

Directory of Advertisers

All phone numbers 925 area code unless otherwise noted

Food and Entertainment

CBCA Clayton Cleans up

Pleasant Hill Art & Wine

Health

Montijo, Mark

Trio Skincare

Home and Garden

Carrasco Construction

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JML Construction Services

Ordaz Marble & Granite

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Sinclair, Christine Dudum

Cracking the Credit Code

What is a credit score?

A credit score, commonly referred to as a FICO® score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, ranging from 300 to 850 Lenders use this number to determine how likely you are to repay your debts on time. The higher the score, the better your chances of securing loans with favorable terms.

What affects your credit score?

Credit scores are calculated based on five key factors:

• Payment history (35%) –

Paying bills on time is the single most important factor. Even one missed payment can significantly lower your score.

Amounts owed (30%) –Your credit utilization, or how much debt you owe compared to your available credit, plays a crucial role. Keeping balances low helps boost your score.

Length of credit history (15%) – The longer your accounts have been open, the better. A lengthy credit history demonstrates responsible borrowing habits.

Preplanning with Oakmont matters more than you think

No one likes to think about death, let alone plan for it – especially when it comes to our own mortality. The idea of walking into a cemetery or funeral home to discuss final arrangements can feel overwhelming. As a result, many people postpone preplanning for years, even decades, despite knowing deep down that preparing for life’s important milestones – college, weddings, starting a family, buying a home – is essential. Yet, there are moments of reflection that bring this reality closer to home. Attending a funeral or memorial service

often prompts us to wonder: What would my family do if something happened to me tomorrow? Would they know whom to call, what decisions to make and what my wishes were?

Now, add the financial burden into the equation. Life insurance can be helpful, but it doesn’t make decisions for your loved ones. And let’s be honest – most of us would rather leave those funds to support our families, not to cover unexpected funeral costs.

When a loved one passes, expenses don’t stop. Mortgages, medical bills and edu-

Grayson, from page 6

Researchers estimate that, factoring in unreported crimes, the financial losses from these high-tech financial scams in the United States is more than $158 billion annually. For individuals, the average reported loss was $14,198 in 2023, according to the FBI. For victims over the age of 60, FBI data show the average reported loss was $33,915.

And beyond the money lost, scams are a public health problem – victims often experience emotional and health issues in the aftermath.

Last session, I worked with my colleagues in the Legislature on a bill to address elder financial abuse that unfortunately did not make it into the law books. We are going back to the drawing board on this important issue this session, and I hope we can make progress.

As we think about policymaking in this area, it is important to understand what we are up against, which is why I hosted this informational hearing. In the meantime, there are some things that are helpful to know to help protect ourselves from these scams.

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Scammers are very skilled criminals with lots of tricks up their sleeves. They capitalize on the news and current events, such as disasters, to pull at your emotions and your heartstrings. It is important to cultivate a security mindset, especially when it comes to any information you provide online or to unsolicited callers. Slow down, don’t be rushed, get a second opinion or verify independently the correct phone number of anyone contacting you – criminals can even alter Caller I.D.

The point of most scams is to get you to provide sensitive personal information, such as bank account numbers, logins and passwords, in order to steal your money or your identity for criminal financial gain. Do not click links sent to you unless you are absolutely certain of the source and never send money to someone you don’t know –

especially by wire or cash transfer app.

If you believe you have been a victim of a scam, it is important to report it to your

cation costs for children or grandchildren remain. Without a plan in place, those left behind may face unnecessary stress and financial strain.

That’s why starting the conversation about preplanning now is one of the most thoughtful and responsible choices you can make. The team at Oakmont Memorial Park and Mortuary is here to provide guidance, answer your questions and walk you through your options – including those you may not have considered.

• Credit mix (10%) – Having a diverse mix of credit types – such as credit cards, auto loans and mortgages – can work in your favor. New credit inquiries (10%) – Applying for too much credit at once can be a red flag for lenders and may temporarily lower your score.

What credit score do you need for a mortgage?

If you’re hoping to buy a home, your credit score will play a critical role in loan

See Finance, page 9

Take the first step today. Call Oakmont Memorial Park and Mortuary at 925-9353311 to schedule a free consultation and receive a complimentary planning guide. Your future peace of mind – and your family’s – is worth it.

financial institution as well as to law enforcement. You can learn more about scam prevention and make a report of a scam crime on the California Attorney General website at oag.ca.gov/consumers.

I hope that anyone who is

struggling right now, or who would like to learn more about fraud prevention, will remember that my office is here to be a resource to them; please connect with me through my offices at 925258-1176 or 916-651-4009.

EDUARDO CERVANTES

The skincare industry is constantly evolving, bringing cutting-edge treatments that deliver powerful results with minimal downtime.

One of the most soughtafter advancements in skin rejuvenation today is RF Microneedling. Trio Skincare and Dr. Bradley Greene are excited to introduce the Cartessa Vybe RF. I’d like to

explain what makes RF Microneedling so effective and why the Vybe is a gamechanger. RF Microneedling is a non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that combines two powerhouse technologies: Microneedling and Radio Frequency energy. Professional Microneedling (also called Collagen Induction Therapy) uses tiny, sterile needles to create controlled micro-channels to the skin. Simultaneously, RF energy is delivered at varying depths. These combined processes stimulate collagen and elastin remodeling, firm and tighten the skin, shape contours and reveal more youthful skin with a radiant complexion. This dynamic duo targets fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, laxity and overall skin texture, making it one of the most versatile treatments

available in skincare today. While RF treatments are vastly available, not all RF Microneedling devices are created equal. The Vybe technology utilizes robotic precision-controlled delivery with insulated needles for RF energy release at the optimal skin depths most suitable to your individual skin needs and concerns.

Treatments have minimal down time and when combined with the Exosome Technology discussed in last month’s article, we can guarantee your experience. Your results will be superior to other RF devices.

Trio Skincare is committed to offering the latest advancements in non-invasive skincare. With the introduction of the Vybe, we are providing clients with the next level of regenerative treatments to achieve more

youthful skin. If you’re ready for a transformation, schedule your consultation today at www.trioskincare.com or by calling 925-609-8746.

Better yet, join us for our next Catch the Vybe event 6-

8 p.m. Thursday, March 27. Enjoy live demos, an opportunity to meet our staff and one-night exclusive offers. Space is limited so please RSVP by March 24. We look forward to welcoming you to Trio Skincare.

For more information about Trio Skincare’s antiaging/acne management clinic in Concord, visit www.trioskincare.com or call 925-609-8746.

For many seniors, home is a place of comfort and independence. It’s where memories are made and routines are familiar. But what if the very place that feels safest is actually filled with hidden dangers? Each year, millions of older adults experience falls and injuries at home—often due to small, overlooked hazards that could have been prevented. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations for seniors, and yet most falls happen in predictable ways. A loose rug, a poorly lit hallway, or a cluttered floor can quickly turn into a serious accident. The good news? With a little awareness and a few small changes, seniors can make their homes much safer.

Common Home Hazards That Put Seniors at Risk

1.Loose Rugs & Slippery Floors

•Area rugs may look nice, but they pose a major tripping hazard. Even non-slip rugs can curl at the edges, leading to unexpected falls.

•Hardwood or tile floors become slippery when wet, making bathrooms and kitchens especially dangerous.

2.Poor Lighting

•As we age, our vision naturally declines, making it harder to see obstacles in dimly lit areas.

•Stairs, hallways, and entryways without adequate lighting can cause missteps that result in falls.

3.Clutter & Obstructed

Pathways

•Stacks of newspapers, electrical cords, or misplaced furniture can turn a simple walk across the room into an obstacle course.

•Many seniors try to carry too many things at once, leading to loss of balance.

4.Unstable Furniture & Lack of Support

•Using a chair or table for balance instead of a proper handrail can cause falls.

•Bathrooms, in particular, need sturdy grab bars near toilets and in showers to prevent slips.

5.Hard-to-Reach Items

•Many seniors climb onto stools or chairs to reach high cabinets, leading to dangerous falls.

•Frequently used items should be kept at waist or shoulder level to reduce unnecessary risk.

The High Cost of Ignoring All These Dangers

A single fall can result in broken bones, long hospital stays, and even permanent mobility loss. Recovery from a serious injury is much harder for seniors, often leading to a loss of independence. For many, the real danger

isn’t just the fall itself, but what comes after—long-term rehabilitation, reliance on others, or even the need to move out of their home.

That’s why prevention is key.

How a Helping Hand Can Make Your Home Safer

Seniors who take proactive steps to remove these hazards are far less likely to experience falls. However, making these changes—and keeping up with daily tasks— can be overwhelming.

Having a helping hand can make all the difference.

A caregiver or companion can:

• Ensure pathways stay clear and remove clutter.

• Help with household tasks to reduce the need for bending, stretching, or climbing.

• Assist with mobility and balance when navigating stairs or getting in and out of bed.

• Encourage safe habits , like wearing proper footwear and keeping rooms well-lit. Provide peace of mind knowing someone is there to help reduces stress and fear of falling.

Make Your Home a Safer Place Today

The best time to address home hazards is before an accident happens. Walk through your home and look for potential risks. Make small adjustments, and if needed, consider getting extra support for daily tasks. A few simple changes can mean the difference between staying safe and independent or facing a preventable injury.

Because at the end of the day, your home should be a place of comfort—not a hidden danger.

John Anthony Mele

Sept. 19, 1952-Feb. 16, 2025, Clayton

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a wonderful man, John Anthony

land area of Ohio and lived in Massachusetts and Vermont, raising his young daughter Tara Mele, before finding his forever home in Northern California.

He then married into the Cota family and had three more wonderful children, son Ross (wife Kenisha), daughter Sierra and daughter Dawn (husband Eddie). John met and began dating the love of his life, Jane, in 1990 and they married in 1997.

Together they started MB Contract Furniture in 1995.

John was a smart and successful businessperson who was a mentor to many. What made him stand out was his warmth,

love, generosity, humility and genuine compassion for everyone he met.

John enjoyed traveling with family and friends, running, hiking, golfing on Sundays with friends and tending to his garden.

In addition to his wife and four children, he is survived by his brothers David (Cheryl) and Paul (Marylou) and sister MaryJean (John). His pride and joy are his three grandchildren, Noah Hill, Caden Marlin and Macie Hill.

Services will be 10 a.m. March 28 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church 1650 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek.

Two Concord teachers named MDUSD 2025-26 Teachers of the Year

Mt. Diablo High School

teacher Dr. David Pintado and Silverwood Elementary’s Elizabeth Swanson were selected last month as the two Mt. Diablo Unified School District 2025-26 Teachers of the Year.

The pair were selected from eight finalists in the District that also included Tabatha Box (teacher at Ygnacio Valley High), Lisa Cattrone (Concord HS), Veronica Leno Garcia (Cambridge Elementary), Katherine Gates (Pleasant Hill Middle), Theresa Gutierrez (Meadow Homes Elementary) and Ernesto “Ernie” Minglana (Sequoia Middle).

The two MDUSD finalists were chosen from more than 200 educators nominated throughout the district.

Pintado and Swanson represent the spectrum of learning in MDUSD, from the littlest learners in TK (Swanson) to high school students (Pintado) ready to graduate and move onto college and careers.

They will represent the district as nominees in the Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year competition, which will announce four finalists next month and its two winners in September.

Pintado teaches the Career Technical Education Patient Care Pathway courses at Mt. Diablo, where he enjoys introducing students to healthcare careers in classes where they can earn college credit and valuable skills including CPR and Community Emergency Response Training through partnerships with Diablo Valley College and the city of Concord. Swanson stresses the importance of joyful learning through play to build students’ literacy, math and social and emotional skills with playful activities and interactions in her transitional kindergarten classroom and on the playground at Silverwood.

Finance, from page 7

approval and interest rates. Here’s how different scores stack up in terms of mortgage eligibility:

• Below 500 – Not eligible for a mortgage.

• 500-599 – Can qualify for an FHA loan , but with a high interest rate.

600-640 – Eligible for FHA loans and some down payment assistance programs

• 641-699 – Greater access to the best down payment assistance programs

• 700-719 – Qualifies for better interest rates

720-779 – Even lower interest rates and better loan terms.

• 780+ – Considered excellent credit, unlocking the best interest rates available

How to improve your credit score

Building and maintaining a high credit score takes strategy and consistency. Here are some proven ways to boost your score:

• Keep at least three active tradelines – These accounts should be open, in good standing and regularly used to show lenders you can manage credit responsibly.

Limit new credit applications – Every hard inquiry lowers your score slightly, so only apply for credit when necessary.

• Don’t close old credit cards – Keeping older accounts open helps maintain your credit history length, which benefits your score.

• Use Experian Boost – This free tool allows you to add utility, phone and streaming service payments to your credit report, potentially increasing your score.

• Become an authorized user – If a family member has a well-maintained credit account, being added as an authorized user can help improve your credit.

• Pay all bills on time – Late payments can cause a drop of 100 points or more and stay on your credit report for seven years.

• Keep credit card balances low – Aim to use less than 50% of your available credit to avoid negatively impacting your score.

• Regularly check your credit report for errors –You’re entitled to a free annual credit report at annualcreditreport.com. Dispute any inaccuracies that could be dragging your score down.

DR. PINTADO BECOMESTEACHER

Pintado is a family practice medical doctor licensed in Mexico, who practiced medicine for 28 years and taught nursing and public health in universities in Mexico for 20 years. He then relocated to the U.S. and became a CTE health career teacher based on his extensive experience, as well as his Master’s and PhD degrees. After teaching adults at Heald College and health sciences in West Contra Costa Unified, he came to Mt. Diablo in 2016. He began teaching

See Teachers, page 10

Protecting your credit from fraud

With identity theft and scams on the rise, safeguarding your credit is more important than ever. Here’s how you can protect yourself:

• Place a fraud alert on your credit file if you suspect identity theft. This lasts for one year.

Freeze your credit with all three major bureaus to prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name.

• Military members can use an Active Duty Alert for added protection while deployed. Opt out of credit offers by visiting optoutprescreen.com to stop unsolicited mailers.

• Register with the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov to reduce telemarketing calls.

The bottom line Your credit score isn’t just a number – it’s a key factor in your financial future. By understanding how it works and taking steps to improve it, you can unlock better borrowing opportunities, lower interest rates and greater financial security. Start making smart credit choices today and your future self will thank you! Anna Kussmaul is a mortgage broker handling multiple loan types. Email her at Anna@StoneCastleMortgage.com.

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Family Justice Center offers resources for survivors

Helping victims of domestic violence just part of the goal

PEGGY SPEAR

CONCORD – One of the city’s most valuable assets started as a small spark of an idea back in 2011.

Then-Chief of Police Guy Swanger was concerned about the number of domestic violence cases in the city – especially ones he felt were underreported – and knew there was a solution. Why not create a one-stop location where victims could get legal, emotional, housing and other support? He brought the idea to former City Councilmember – now state Senator – Tim Grayson. He took the idea and ran with it, and with the help of the late City Councilmember Dan Helix, the Central Contra Costa Family Justice Center (FJC) was born.

Since 2011, the center has

served families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse and human trafficking. Tucked into an adobe building at Todos Santos Plaza, the FJC houses therapists, attorneys, and nonprofit agencies that can assist those affected by family and partner violence in one location.

“It’s like one-stop shopping,” says Natalie Oleas, regional director of the center since 2016.

AN EPIDEMIC OF DOMESTICVIOLENCE

Susun Kim, who runs a thriving center in Richmond, also was instrumental in starting the Concord center. Since 2011, three more centers have opened in Antioch, Danville and Solano County.

“Domestic violence can happen to anyone, regardless of their race, background, education level and financial status,” Oleas says. She also says it’s not just women who come to the FJC for help. “In 2024, roughly 20% of our clients identified as

Teachers, from page 9

courses there in the Medical and Biotechnology Academy, which has now transitioned to the Patient Care Pathway.

In addition, he is a health sciences adjunct professor at Diablo Valley College, coaches tennis at MDHS, teaches sports medicine and advises the sports medicine club that helps athletes at games. Pintado mentors students in the HOSA Future Health Professionals organization. He also operates an East Bay CPR first aid training center business, where he employs MDHS students as interns.

male.”

According to Concord Police Chief Mark Bustillo, about 70% of domestic violence victims are women. He is a big fan of the FJC’s accomplishments.

“I used to work in a city bigger than Concord, and it was so difficult to get victims the help they needed,” he says. Now, all officers in Concord are trained to tell domestic violence victims about the FJC.

“It helps us, as a force, continue to assist the victims and helps prosecutors get more information.”

LEAVING A VIOLENT SITUATION

Despite the success of the FJC, officials believe domestic violence is still underreported in Concord and may be rising. Bustillos says there was a 5 percent increase in reports after the pandemic, but he suspects there were more unreported cases. There are also repeat cases.

Oleas agrees, pointing to national statistics that suggest it takes someone seven

attempts before leaving an abusive relationship.

“There are several factors that explain why someone may return to an abusive relationship,” Oleas says. “One of the most prominent ones we see is it is very difficult financially to exit a relationship in the Bay Area. If you are living in a twoincome household with two children, it’s almost impossible to be financially independent on one income trying to provide for a family of three.”

Abusive relationships are also very complex. “You have families that want the abuse to stop but want the family unit to stay intact,” Oleas adds. “You also need to have a strong enough support system around you to exit an abusive relationship. Often, survivors have been isolated from their families and friends, so they may not have a support system to rely on when they try to leave.”

VARIETY OFSUPPORT SERVICES

That is where the FJC comes in. The center has

lawyers on staff to help with legal questions, financial advisors to answer financial questions and, most importantly, representatives from local nonprofits to assist with getting housing, food vouchers if a victim qualifies and counseling services to deal with the trauma.

Oleas says there are 70 partners altogether, although some aren’t on location. But if they’re not, a volunteer from the FJC will direct or drive the family to the site.

Bustillos sees how the center can do what his staff may not.

“It has interpreters who can explain that it is against the law to hit or strike a person, unlike in some cultures,” he says.

These days, attorneys are also dealing with other issues.

Alexandra Wilson started her career at the FJC and now runs her own practice in an office just steps away from the center.

When she is not working on her own cases, she volunteers with the FJC.

“What’s great about the

center is you can get all the information and support you need in just one spot,” she says. She’s helped with such legal work as writing up temporary restraining orders, but now, she sees many immigrants come through who are “freaking out” about their citizenship status with President Donald Trump’s crackdown on those who are in the country illegally. So, while the FJC is geared toward those suffering domestic violence, it is also a community resource in many ways, says Oleas. The staff has grown from nine to 55 in 14 years, along with many volunteers.

“We’re actually looking for a new home, we’ve grown so much,” Oleas says.

If you or someone you know, adult or child, is suffering from domestic violence, please call the Contra Costa Family Justice Center in Concord at 925-521-6366 or stop by 2151 Salvio St., Suite 201, in Concord. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. If it is after-hours, please call 211.

“I like to teach because we can create change in the youth and change in how we approach conflicts and health and safety hazards. We can change the way we do things. That’s what motivates me to keep doing this because I see the results.

“I like to teach health because I want to teach the future generations to take care

“This is my second home,” Pintado said, during a break in his Concord classroom, which includes a separate training center for CPR, first aid and basic life support authorized by the American Heart Association and the Health Safety Institute for emergency response certification.

of our health. When I’m in my 70s and 80s, they are going to be nurses and doctors, and I want to be sure they are taught properly.”

MDUSD’s Director of College and Career Readiness Heather Fontanilla says the District is lucky to have Pintado as a Career Technical Education teacher. “He is passionate about preparing students for college and career. He makes his classes come alive by connecting his curriculum to skills that are used in the workplace.”

SWANSONIS A 35-YEARVETERAN

Swanson has taught for 35 years, starting at Rio Vista Elementary in Bay Point before moving to Silverwood Elemen-

tary in Concord, where she has taught kindergarten and, for the past 11 years, transitional kindergarten. “I adore it,” she said as she guided children in playbased learning. “I like being able to be child-centered—focused on them and seeing what they need and making lessons that meet their needs.”

Swanson’s instructional assistant Nancy Espino, whose daughter had Swanson as her TK teacher several years ago, nominated her for Teacher of the Year. “I learned so much from the way she taught,” Espino said, adding that her four-year-old daughter began learning to read and learning strategies that would help her succeed in kindergarten. “She is the most patient teacher I

have ever seen with little children. She’s a wonderful teacher that you can trust, and she looks out for all kids. She’s someone you definitely want your children to start with.”

Swanson is keenly aware that she is setting the stage for each child’s educational journey, so she works to ensure her students find joy in coming to school, are willing to take risks, and are building both academic and social and emotional skills in her classroom.

To ensure that her students can move around and socialize with each other, she gives them plenty of time on the playground and in the classroom’s different play areas.

“Children need to get out of their chairs,” she said, adding

that she incorporates three kinds of play into their day: teacher-facilitated, child-centered and collaborative.

Swanson is highly regarded as a leader, mentor and TK expert in the district and county.

“Her love for teaching shines through in her classroom, where she creates a warm, engaging and inspiring learning environment,” said Kimberly Anderson, who brings new teachers to Swanson’s classroom twice a year to observe as part of the District’s Teacher Induction and Support Program. “She is creative, kind and passionate, making a lasting impact on both her students and colleagues.”

MDUSD provided information for this story.

SPORTS & LIFESTYLE

Champion Clayton Valley Charter girls rule NCS wrestling

JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Seniors Abbi Cooper and Savannah Talmadge capped their incredible high school careers by leading Clayton Valley Charter to its first-ever North Coast Section girls wrestling team championship and then put an exclamation point on their legacy with podium finishes at State as the Ugly Eagles were seventh overall.

This singular accomplishment came in a wrestling season that saw the dramatic demise of the De La Salle boys dynasty which had won nine consecutive NCS team championships and 14 of the past 15. This year the Spartans finished fourth at the East Bay Athletic League championships and did not have a single wrestler make an NCS finals.

It was no surprise that senior teammates Cooper and Talmadge of Clayton Valley Charter had high expectations entering the NCS girls meet. Cooper was a three-time NCS champion who took seventh at State in 2024 and Talmadge was a twotime NCS runner-up.

Clayton Valley Charter’s girls wrestling team claimed three individual weight class titles and a third-place medal to edge

This go-round not only did Cooper and Talmadge ascend to the top of the podium at NCS but so did teammate Isabel Leyva in the 140-pound weight class. Cooper at 110 made it four consecutive Section titles while Talmadge broke through for her first at 130. Mele Popua Moeakiola was third at 235 as well for Clayton Valley Charter.

MDUSD installs state of art turf field at Mt. Diablo High school

Jay Bedecarré

Mt. Diablo High School has celebrated the completion of the installation of its second turf field and running track. The area’s oldest high school is the beneficiary of having the Bay Area’s first fully recyclable, PFAS chemical-free and infill free turf field. Mt. Diablo Unified School District and MDHS staff and officials were on hand for this month’s ribbon cutting. Pivot® Performance Turf by TenCate is biomechanically engineered to replicate the performance and feel of natural grass for athletes and provides a 12-year warranty. Mt. Diablo first got turf in 2015. This installation was originally planned for last fall and the football team arranged to play all its home games away from Hart Fairclough Stadium. That schedule was moved back, and the Red Devils were able to play on the Concord campus and won the school’s first football crown since 1972.

At State, Cooper was top seed and eased into the finals before losing to freshman sensa-

Basketball, from page 1

SouCal champs a one-point advantage in the final minute of play. That is when Carondelet’s junior defensive stars Layla Dixon and Olivia Smith each calmly made those four free throws for the final 51-48 score to cap the 30th win of the season for the Concord school.

This year’s team coached by Kelly Sopak won six consecutive games in the playoffs after losing twice to league rival San Ramon Valley in both the East Bay Athletic League conference tournament and then in the semi-finals of the North Coast Section Open Division playoffs. Carondelet rebounded to win the NCS Open thirdplace game and received the second seed in the Northern California D-I playoffs.

The Cougars beat four NorCal opponents to reach the school’s fifth State championship game. Since winning the 2004 finale Carondelet teams fell short of another title in 2006, 2009 and 2010 before breaking back through this year.

Sopak took over the Carondelet program in the spring of 2020. This was his first state championship after losing the State Open finale in 2016 when future collegiate and pro superstar Sabrina Ionescu led his unbeaten Miramonte team to the championship game but were defeated by Chaminade.

Last month Sopak was named one of the 100 Most Impactful People in Women’s College Basketball. His Cal Stars

tion and No. 2 seed Aubree Gutierrez of Marina-Huntington Beach. Talmadge was seeded

fourth at State and finished there after losing the semi-final to the top seed and eventual champion.

Last year’s freshman star Symone Jewel of Northgate was back at it winning DAL and NCS titles before taking third at State. Her Northgate team pushed CVCHS all the way at NCS with the Ugly Eagles shading the Broncos 135.5-130.5 in the final team standings. DAL rivals College Park were fourth behind Pittsburg as Contra Costa schools dominated the girls meet.

Five of the 14 NCS weight class titles were won by Diablo Athletic League wrestlers with Northgate junior Hailey Liu (135) taking the fifth championship along with Jewell and the CVCHS trio.

Other top local finishers were runners up from Concord High, Bernice Lucero (190) and Ayaka Naddy (140),

and Avery Spidenspinner (100) of Northgate.

Northgate’s Keira Sale was third at 120 while fourth-place finishes went to Concord’s Madison Barrett (135) and Elysia Youngblood (155) and College Park wrestlers Annabelle Rodrigez (105) and Madison Barrett (135). As its championship run ended, De La Salle had Alexandee Ortiz (159) take third and Wyatt Ferguson (287) place fourth to help the Spartan boys grab ninth place in the team standings. The top local placement at NCS was by Clayton Valley Charter’s Brady Coddington second at 192. His teammate Fabin Torres was third at 217. Mt. Diablos Chase

(122) took a fifth-place medal at NCS.

AAU program has sent over 250 young women to college programs since its founding in 2006.

He told the media after Friday night’s win in Sacramento, “I feel a lot of relief and it feels great.” Sopak should be especially pleased looking ahead as he only loses three seniors and had a total of five freshmen and sophs on this year’s squad.

Since the high school playoffs returned post-Covid in 2022 the Cougars have been in the NorCal championship game three of the four years, finally going all the way this month.

Their quarter-final win at NorCal over Biship O’Dowd was especially satisfying because the Dragons knocked off Carondelet in last year’s finale on a last-second bucket denying them a state finals berth.

This is the fourth state team championship for Carondelet as Cougar cross country teams won titles 10 years apart in 1996 and 2006 to match the pair of basketball championships.

Clayton Valley Charter girls were top seed in NCS Division I but were eliminated in the semi-finals by California of San Ramon. The Ugly Eagles also lost the third-place game to Redwood-Larkspur, which denied them a spot in the NorCal playoffs.

DE LA SALLESOCLOSE TO JOINING COUGARSAT STATE

De La Salle made it to the Northern California Open Division boys championship game after winning EBAL and NCS playoff titles led by senior Alec Blair. In the NorCal finals Riordan of San Francisco staged a 20-4 run to overtake the Spartans, who last led by one at halftime.

The Spartans finished the season 28-5 after having their six-game win streak in conference and playoff games stopped by Riordan. De La Salle had lost the NCS championship game three consecutive years before dispatching Sale-

sian this year for its first NCS title since back-to-back wins in 2019 and 2020.

Clayton Valley Charter won NCS Division I championships in 2022 and 2023 before being moved up to Open Division a year ago. The Ugly Eagles were back in the D-I playoffs this year and finally had the services of star Elijah Perryman who only played in half of the team’s 36 games, missing extensive time sidelined by injury.

Seeded eighth in NorCal Division II, CVCHS impressively bounced top seeded Rocklin 68-54 in the quarterfinals before falling to Destiny Christian Academy of Sacramento in the semis. Clayton Valley Charter had earlier lost in the NCS semifinals to eventual champion Dougherty Valley.

Ygnacio Valley also was eliminated at NCS by Dougherty Valley a round earlier.

Strand

Photo courtesy Clayton Valley Charter Wrestling

local rivals Northgate for the North Coast Section team championship. The Ugly Eagles were led at NCS by, from left, Isabel Leyva, Mele Popua Moeakiola, Savannah Talmadge and Abbi Cooper. It was the Concord school’s first Section wrestling team championship since the boys won back-to-back in 1977-78.

Photo courtesy De La Salle Athletics

De La Salle’s post season basketball journey of seven games included championships in the East Bay Athletic League and North Coast Section playoffs before falling short of reaching the State championship game with a loss in the Northern California Open Division finals to Riordan of San Francisco.

Eight local athletes named winter sports players of the year

JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Six local soccer players and two basketball standouts were named most valuable players when the Diablo and East Bay athletic leagues recently announced their winter sports all-league teams.

Two-sport star Alec Blair of De La Salle is player of the year for EBAL basketball, an honor he shared a year ago. The Spartans finished second at NCS Open Division the past three years but this time they broke that streak and won the school’s 15th Section championship.

The other basketball winner was junior State champion Layla Dixon of Carondelet, the EBAL

defensive player of the year. Concord High soccer defensive stalwarts junior Shay Caban and senior goalkeeper Leo Tolento are DAL Valley division girls and boys defensive MVPs. Goalies Colin Farley of Clayton Valley Charter and junior Ireland Lewis of Northgate are DAL Foothill Division defensive MVPs. Ronding out the defensive honors for local schools are EBAL defensive players of the year Matthew Rajecki of De La Salle and Madeline Roder of Carondelet.

Diablo Athletic League (local schools), Carondelet and De La Salle EBAL soccer, basketball and wrestling athletes getting all-league honors:

Athlete Spotlight

Eric Van Boekhout

School: Concord High

Grade: Senior Sport: Wrestling

Van Boekhout began wrestling for the Bears (then the Minutemen) as a sophomore and finished this senior season enjoying some highlight moments with his team. Concord earned fourth place at the North Coast Section Division II dual championships where their two losses were to eventual champion Livermore and then to Arroyo in the third-place match. Individually, he won the silver medal at the Diablo Athletic League championships in the 159-pound weight class. Earlier in the season he won the most outstanding wrestler award at the East Bay Invitational. Like many standout wrestlers in the area, he honed his skills at the Community Youth Center in Concord.

Coach Sean King says of his senior stalwart, “Eric possesses all the attributes you would expect in a successful wrestler. He's determined, disciplined, works hard, etc. But my favorite quality about Eric is his passion for the sport. I think all the other positive qualities--physical; mental and technical---he displays come from his passion for the sport of wrestling, and that is something you can't really train. On top of that, he's fearless and ambitious.”

Van Boekhout, who also earned varsity letters in swimming and water polo during his time at Concord High, backs up his coaches’ thoughts. “Wrestling is the greatest sport in the world. There is no other sport that creates discipline like wrestling. Everything you accomplish in wrestling is on you. You can’t blame your losses on your team-

Boys Basketball DAL: 1st team - Antonio Kellogg Jr. (Ygnacio Valley), Zion Grissom (Clayton Valley Charter), David Harris (Northgate); 2nd team- Jett Tran (CVC), Grayson Boustead (NG), Stevie Barnett (College Park); 3rd team – Miles Cooper (CP), Cannon Simpson (CVC), Mateo Ferolino (Concord), EJ Warrick (Mt. Diablo), Jalan Cody (YV)

DLS: Player of the Year – Alec Blair; 1st team – David Balogun; 2nd team – Braddock Kjellesvig, Bryce Patton

Girls Basketball

DAL: 1st team - Ella Scott, Deoujenea Clay (CVC), Maddison Sardelich (NG); 2nd team –Natalie Dance (MD), Hana Neuman (NG), Lamiyah Washington (Con), Sa’rye Starks (YV); 3rd team – Samantha Myhr (NG), Lucy Guitron (CVC)

Carondelet: Defensive Player of the Year - Layla Dixon; 1st team – Sophia Ross; 2nd team –Celeste Alvarez

Girls Soccer

DAL: Foothill - MVP Defense – Ireland Lewis (NG); 1st team –Ava Jara (CVC), Keira Lund, Sarah Burkes (NG), Sophia Voorhies (CP); 2nd team – Tatiana Diaz (CVC), Sophia Fulp, Leah Cooper (NG); Valley- Co-MVP Defense –Shay Caban (Con); 1st teamKim Rubio, Damia Nait Challal, Hirana Chavez (YV), Paola Castro, Jocelyne Nunez (MD), McKenzie Corson, Taylor Corson (Con)

Carondelet: Defensive Player of the Year – Madeline Roder; 1st team – Miranda Goldner, Taylor Juroff, Samantha Walker; 2nd team – Mercy Karson

Boys Soccer DAL: Foothill - MVP Defense - Colin Farley (CVC); 1st team –

Walter Galindo, Giovanni Negrete, Rohman Mahmood, Yeshua Guerrero (CVC), Christopher Arzeta (MD), Blayne Ballad, Joshua Sheehy (NG); 2nd team – Cristian Olvera, Anthony Gil (MD), Brandon Hristov, Enzo Valenzuela, Max Sleptets (CVC), Aiden Cairns, Sahil Patel (NG); Valley – MVP Defense – Leo Tolento (Con); 1st team – Tai Coooke (CP), Ronaldihno Basulto, Osmar Hernandez (Con), Margarito Lazaro, Said Nait Challal, Alan Garcia, Alejandro Avalos (YV); 2nd team – Jake Vensko, Chase Brown (CP), Alexander Villarce, Junior Portillo, Jesus Zaragoza Valencia, Derek Orellana, Mustafa Ahmadi (YV)

De La Salle: Defensive Player of the Year - Matthew Rajecki;

1st team – Ronan Rattigan, Namir Shlah, Rajecki; 2nd team – Flynn Salyapongse, Cian Rattigan

Wrestling

DAL Boys: 1st team – Chase Strand, Mashal Shirzad (MD), Matthew Luk, Fabian Torres, Brady Coddington (CVC), Max Otero, Torin Collins (CP), Pratham Sharma (NG); 2nd team – Tyler Jewell, Cyrus Walker (NG), Eric Van Boekhout, Maddox Platt (Con); 3rd team –Dakota Buelna, Gabriel Northrup, Jack Fitzgerald (CP), Almas Shirzad, Jakorey Robinson (MD), Oscar Najera-Loaiza (YV), Jonathan Noguera, Rahman Shair (CV), Marco Clamucha, Zayyan Hansia, Christian Haro (Con)

DAL Girls: 1st team – Avery Seidenspinner, Anabelle Ro-

mates and nobody else can take credit for your victories. There aren’t any excuses. What you put into wrestling is what you get out of it. Period.

“What really makes wrestling special is the people you meet, though. While it’s an individual sport, the bond you get with your teammates is like no other. You go to battle with them every day at practice, you sweat and bleed with them in the wrestling room, you cut weight together, you cheer each other on at tournaments and bring each other back up after a loss. Working hard together and getting better every single day evokes a certain level of toughness from everyone on the team. The friends you make on the wrestling team are some of the best friends you’ll ever have.”

The senior has a 4.08 GPA and says after graduating this spring he plans on either joining the Marine Corps or wrestling at a community college.”

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

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

De La Salle loses NCS, NorCal championship soccer games 2-1

JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

De La Salle had the deepest runs among the local schools in the post-season but the Spartans came up just short in both the North Coast Section and Northern California championship games.

De La Salle started NCS as the No. 2 seed and had two lopsided wins to open play before meeting third seed and Diablo Athletic League champion Clayton Valley Charter in the semi-finals.

The Spartans gained a little revenge with a 2-1 victory over the Ugly Eagles, who had an historic NCS win over DLS last year to abruptly end the top seeded team’s season in a quarterfinal showdown of Concord powerhouses.

In the Section D-I championship game Dougherty Valley won the rubber match of a trio of games with De La Salle 2-1.

During the EBAL season when DV finished first and DLS second, the teams traded two-goal away victories setting the table for the NCS showdown in San Ramon.

De La Salle then was sixth seed in the D-1 NorCal playoffs. They toppled Edison of Stockton 2-0 and Bellarmine Prep of San Jose 4-3 to reach the finals where unbeaten Everett Alvarez High of Salinas won its 13th game in a row defeating the Spartans 2-1. The Salinas school was 24-0-2 overall.

Northgate lost its opening round NCS D-1 game 1-0 to eventual champions Dougherty Valley.

In boys Division III, College Park had one of the most stunning post-season wins as the 16th seeded Falcons beat No. 1 Livermore in the opening round 1-0. The Pleasant Hill school then lost in the quarterfinals at Napa 9-8 in a

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Please let us know about your sports news, special events, fund raisers, tryouts, signups and accomplishments. Youth leagues, clubs, schools and adult programs are all welcome to send us a rundown on what you’re doing. Include all the necessary details (too much information is better than too little) with your contact information. It’s simple. Send an email to sports@pioneerpublishers.com.

shootout after a 1-1 draw.

Ygnacio Valley was seeded second in D-II but joined Livermore as a first-round loser when the Wolves fell to 15th seed Castro Valley 2-1.

In Division IV, Concord lost a high-scoring 5-3 game to Marin Catholic.

CARONDELETOUTEARLY

Carondelet was the only No. 1 seed among the 10 local girls and boys soccer teams competing at NCS. The Cougars were second last year in the D-I bracket after winning three of the previous four Section championships.

This year’s playoff run was as short as it was unexpected. The Cougars needed to win a 4-3 shootout to defeat visiting 16th seed Ukiah in the opening round and then had their season come to a screeching halt losing a 3-2 home game to No. 9 Acalanes in the quarterfinals, which opened the way for 10th seed Monte Vista to ultimately win the NCS title.

Northgate fell in the first round of D-I to Tamalpais while both Clayton Valley Charter and College Park girls lost 1-0 games in their D-II openers.

driguez (CP), Abbi Cooper, Savannha Talmadge, Alondra Hernandez, Mele Popua Moeakiola (CVC), Symore Jewell, Hailey Liu (NG), Ayaka Naddy, Keirabella Brown, Aaimya Brown (Con), Lea Slander (YV); 2nd team –Danikka Reynoso, Keira Sale (NG), Bernice Lucero (CP), Solei Tello, Isabel Leyva (CVC), Elysia Youngblood, Aleina Sierras (Con); 3rd team – Sabrina Downing, Madison Barrett, Gwen Stroot (CP), Liora Bondon, Joylyn Jayko, Lana Gargenta, Ari Lara, Angelina Petrando (NG) DLS: 1st team – William Gilmore, Alexandee Ortiz; 2nd team – Wyatt Ferguson, Dom Novosel, Weston Coward, Max Munzinger; 3rd team –Cameron Shirazi.

MATTHEW RAJECKI DE LA SALLE SOCCER

SHAY CABAN CONCORD SOCCER

ALEC BLAIR DE LA SALLE BASKETBALL

LEO TOLENTO CONCORD SOCCER

COLIN FARLEY CVCHS SOCCER

IRELAND LEWIS NORTHGATE SOCCER

MADELINE RODER CARONDELET SOCCER

LAYLA DIXON CARONDELET BASKETBALL

Athlete Spotlight

Ruby Bartholomew

Grade: Senior

School: Clayton Valley Charter

Sports: Softball & Flag Football

Accomplished softball player Bartholomew exudes the values of her sport through her dedication and even excursions to other countries to spread her love of softball. A four-year varsity starter for Clayton Valley Charter, she has made an impact not just in Concord, where she was first-team all-Diablo Athletic League last spring, but also in the Dominican Republic. This past summer, Bartholomew traveled to the Caribbean nation on a community service trip to teach younger girls how to play softball and to fundraise to get the girls necessities and equipment. Just as she instilled in these young girls, Bartholomew’s passion for the sport also began as a child.

After trying soccer, dance and gymnastics, she discovered softball and has been playing it ever since. In fact, she has been on a traveling softball team for the past seven years and is currently playing for All American Mizuno 18U Gold out of Sacramento. For her senior season at CVC, Bartholomew hopes to win the league as a lefty pitcher and outfielder. Coach David Cooney reflects, “Over the years I have watched her develop into a solid player and teammate. She is well respected by her teammates and is one of our team leaders. She is the ultimate team player, doing anything she can to help our team win. Ruby has been a great mentor to the younger players as well, always offering tips and advice.”

Cooney also coached Bartholomew in

Sports Shorts

TERRAPINS SHINEAT THE PHOENIX WINTER INVITATIONAL

The Terrapins had 57 swimmers ranging from 8-18 years make the trek to the Phoenix Winter Invitational last month. The swimmers did not disappoint as they came in third overall behind two local teams, host Phoenix and Scottsdale swim clubs, each of which had three or four times as many swimmers. Five Terrapins took home high point awards for their respective age groups: Grace Willis (11-12 girls), Thomas Reed (11-12 boys), Simone Morrison (13-14 girls), Morgan Wendler (13-14 boys) and Diego Castaneda (17-18 boys). Many Terrapin swimmers achieved best times and new cuts (age group champ times, Far Western Times, Sectional times and Futures) in Phoenix.

YV HIGH TO HONOR 6 NEW ATHLETIC HALL OF FAMEINDUCTEES

Ygnacio Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame will honor its Class of 2023 this Saturday, Mar. 22, with a dinner and induction ceremony at Zio Fraedo’s in Pleasant Hill. The newest members are Ryan Carey (Class of 1991), Lara Canders (2008), Tom Prado (1987), Richard Ravreby (1969), Matt Vaughn (1987) and golf coach Greg Williams. For complete information and to obtain tickets to the event visit yvathletichof.com.

CONCORD CUPSOCCERREGISTRATION

OPENFOR HISTORIC 30THTOURNAMENT

Registration is open for Concord Cup XXX youth soccer tournament on May 17-18 for girls and boys 10U through 19U teams from AYSO, US Club Soccer and US Youth Soccer programs. Teams in bronze through silver divisions are invited to participate in this special 30th edition of the area’s largest tournament. The discount entry fee rate offer ends March 31. Team applications are open at concordcup.com.

LOCALRECREATIONSWIMTEAMS TAKINGSIGNUPS

The summer recreation swim season is just around the corner and nine local teams are taking signups. To register for these Concord, Pleasant Hill and Clayton teams visit their website: Bishop Estates bishopestates.swimtopia.com Dana Hills danahillsotters.com Forest Park forestparkpool.net

Gehringer Park gomotionapp.com/team/recgpg/page/home

Oakhurst Orcas gomotionapp.com/team/recdsostca/page/home

Pleasant Hill Aquatics pleasanthillaquatics.com

Pleasant Hill Dolfins

gomotionapp.com/team/reccvphdca/page/home

Walnut Country walnutcountry.swimtopia.com

Ygnacio Wood gomotionapp.com/team/reccvywst/page/home

flag football, where she played on CVCHS’s varsity team for the first two years of its existence. She also earned first team all-DAL in flag football where she played offense and was a team captain.

Bartholomew is also very involved in school, maintaining a 4.13 GPA and holding memberships in the Public Service Academy, Senior Women, National Honor Society and Girls Who Start. Not to mention, she is a senior representative for ASB, the president of Special Olympics Walking Club and the publicity chair for Slime Club. Bartholomew, although undecided on a college, hopes to major in environmental science and continue playing softball this fall.

CVCHS student journalist Corinne Jeandheur wrote this Spotlight.

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

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

WALNUT CREEK AQUANUTATHLETES ,

COACH PART OF GOLDAND BRONZE

MEDAL USA TEAMSAT ARTISTIC

SWIMMING WORLD CUPIN PARIS

Five Aquanut athletes and long-time Aquanut coach Tammy McGregor were part of the gold and bronze medal winning United States National Teams at the recent Artistic Swimming World Cup in Paris. McGregor, a 1996 and 2000 Olympian, is the new head coach for the National Team. She and five WCA athletes moved to Los Angeles to begin centralized training with the National Team last fall. Emileen Moore is a freshman at UCLA and balances college classes with full-time training while Morgan Woelfel of Concord and Karen Xue are finishing their senior years of high school online while training. Both will be attending Stanford in the fall. The youngest Aquanut to make the move is sophomore Ghizal Akbar of Pleasant Hill. At 16, she is the youngest member of the squad. Akbar, Xue and Moore are also all flyers, the athletes on top of the acrobatic lifts that helped bring medals to the USA at this first 2025 World Cup event. Coach McGregor said, “We went after some difficult and risky acrobatics, and I am really proud of how this team went after it. It’s always a transition after an Olympic Games with new staff and new athletes, and I am excited about how much depth the U.S. has going forward.”

Ana Martinez, the fifth Aquanut member of the National Team, and a former Mexican National Team member, expects to be cleared to compete with the U.S. at the World Championships in Singapore this July.

TERRAPINS SWIM TEAM OFFERING SPRING ORANGE PROGRAM

Terrapins Swim Club has a spring Orange program for swimmers six years and older who have completed advanced swim lessons and are interested in learning about the swim team experience. The spring program runs Tuesdays and Thursdays at Concord Community Pool Mar. 25 through May 29. For more info and to register for Terrapins swim programs visit terrapinswim.com.

CLAYTON VALLEY ATHLETIC

HALL OF FAME HOSTING BOCCEBALL

TOURNAMENT APRIL 12

Clayton Valley High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame is holding its third benefit bocce ball tournament in Clayton at the Ipsen Family Courts on Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The tournament is limited to 16 teams ($400 team entry fee) with a $800 cash prize for the champions and $400 and $200 to the next two finishers. For more information and to register please send an email to Herc Pardi at herc_pardi@hotmail.com.

Continuing to evaluate the timing of neutering and spaying

MICKI MCCABE WALLS, DVM PET SMARTS

In my last column, I started a discussion of neutering/spaying dogs and cats and how important it is to do our part to help prevent pet overpopulation. The flip side of that coin brings up the question: When might one want to delay or avoid a spay or neuter in pet dogs and cats?

In my last column, I reviewed the benefits of spay and neuter for several health concerns. From a practical standpoint for your veterinarian, spays are much simpler when the puppies are still immature as compared to after they are reproductively mature – especially in large breed dogs. There are few benefits to leaving cats intact, except if they are intended to become breeding animals, for all the reasons mentioned in January’s column (females yowling on and on until they are bred and cycling in and out of estrus/heat, urine spraying, tomcat smell, cat fights/abscesses, tendency to roam). For a time, we veterinarians thought that later neutering of male cats might lead to less incidence of urinary blockage, but this has been shown not to affect the occurrence of this serious disease.

Incidentally, stray cats who live in colonies should be managed via a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) program to minimize enlargement of the colony. These cats often have an ear flap clipped and sometimes a small tattoo on the belly of females once they are spayed/neutered so as not to have to recapture them in the future.

For a recently adopted puppy or kitten, working with your veterinarian on when to neuter is an important part of the wellness exam and veterinary-client-pet relationship. A spay or neuter can often be performed as early as a few weeks to a month after the pup’s final vaccine visit, and for females, a spay before her first heat cycle almost completely resolves the risk of mammary cancer.

However, your vet might sometimes recommend waiting until a year of maturity, sometimes even longer, since a few canine breeds appear to have health benefits from a delay in spaying and neutering to allow more complete maturation before neutering takes place. Gaining full maturity may help prevent some hormonal, anatomic and orthopedic conditions, as well as certain cancers in some breeds.

Having said that, studies have been mixed and there remain pros and cons.

As one example of a potential benefit, delaying neutering in some large to giant breed dogs may decrease the risk of hip dysplasia or cruciate ligament rupture. Delaying spays and neuters in golden retrievers, German shepherds, boxers and Rottweilers, to name a few, may be beneficial in lessening the risk of certain cancers in addition to orthopedic and hormonal (hypothyroidism, for example) issues.

Each of the breeds mentioned have a higher incidence in certain cancers (lymphoma, mast cell tumors, hemangiosarcoma) that may benefit from a delay in spay or neuter, but these conditions tend to be both breed specific and gender specific, and the data remains somewhat mixed. This is why your veterinarian can be helpful in figuring this all out.

One also must consider behavioral concerns. As males mature, testosterone levels climb, and full maturity can sometimes lead to fighting or other aggressive behavior. The converse to this is if one adopts an adult male dog who has aggression issues, neutering can

sometimes curtail that bad behavior.

It is important to know there are a few unintended consequences of spays and neuters. One example is that urinary incontinence can occur following spay. It doesn’t seem to correlate with early spays specifically and can be suppressed with hormone replacement therapy. Weight gain can occur in the first two years post-spay or neuter, but the data shows weights even out regardless of neutering status and can be mitigated by adjusting feeding plans. Keeping a neutered/spayed dog slender should be a manageable thing, which also helps with orthopedic issues as an added bonus.

Of course, there are some situations in which keeping animals intact is completely appropriate. Knowledgeable people dedicated to preserving and improving blood lines of their beloved breeds will not likely be spaying and neutering animals in their breeding program or those who are being shown. In these dogs, spaying and neutering may be performed for health-related issues such as pyometra, mammary or uterine cancers in females, or prostatitis or testicular tumors in males, when and if these conditions arise.

Well-behaved male dogs who get along with others and are not allowed to roam can lead a full healthy life intact. In females, intact dogs who are well supervised when they are in heat can also be managed as such, though it takes vigilance and knowledge.

In the last two columns, I have explored some of the ins and outs of choosing when and if to spay and neuter. As I said last month, in most situations, I call this a “when” and not an “if” for ease of pet ownership and pet longevity. But having more information allows the pet owner to make an informed and responsible decision for their animals.

Send questions and comments by email to Micki McCabe Walls at drmccabevet@gmail.com.

Catastrophic consequences could follow loss of USAID

President John F. Kennedy founded the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in 1961, because his administration took global citizenship seriously.

For the past six decades, USAID has played a key role in sweeping humanitarian efforts including famine relief, mine clearing, smallpox eradication and important initiatives curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS. This work has saved millions of lives.

With USAID funding abruptly halted, the repercussions will be worldwide and potentially catastrophic. According to the Center for Global Development (CGD): “Of the 26 poorest countries in the world, we identify eight where over a fifth of their assistance comes from USAID – specifically, South Sudan, Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Afghanistan, Sudan, Uganda and Ethiopia. In all but two of these countries, USAID’s focus is categorized as ‘emergency response.’ This suggests aid is being used to address acute needs within these countries.”

Ethiopia, for example, received nearly $1 billion in USAID funding in 2023 to provide direct relief to a population devastated by drought and civil conflict. Most of this money bought grain, medication, highenergy bars to feed malnourished children, and water and tents for people without shelter. USAID funds studies all

over the world – working toward finding cures for a variety of public health issues.

According to Public Citizen, the Trump administration has frozen upwards of 30 enrolled studies, including those testing treatments for malaria, cholera, tuberculosis and HIV. This effectively abandons thousands of participants.

Public Citizen Health Research Group director Dr. Robert Steinbrook placed the unprecedented freeze in sharp focus: “Abandoning ongoing clinical trials for reasons that are not scientifically sound is an egregious violation of clinical research ethics and defies common sense.

“The United States is a signatory to the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki, which sets forth the ethical principles underlying medical research, such as protecting the health and rights of all participants, caring for them throughout the trial and publicly

reporting the results so the information can advance medical knowledge,” he added.

“When a clinical trial is abandoned, the participants are put at risk without justification and trust in all clinical research is shattered.”

Abby Maxman, president/CEO of the U.S. arm of the venerable Oxford Committee for Famine Relief (Oxfam America), unequivocally declared: “There is not a single area of development and humanitarian assistance USAID has not been involved in. People at USAID have been thought leaders implementing ideas at scale, in wide-ranging areas – I don’t think there is a major area of the development system in which USAID did not bring its technical knowhow, research and evidence.

“We have already witnessed the life-threatening, wide-ranging impacts of a temporary disruption to U.S. foreign assistance,” she continued. “This action would expand those disruptions exponentially by punishing the people who are already suffering the most, undermining U.S. credibility and interests, and halting decades of progress toward a safer, more equal world.”

Nathalie Montijo is a registered nurse with advanced training in Traditional Chinese Medicine, adult geriatric care, hospice and palliative care and is a licensed acupuncturist. Send comments to newwavenightingale@gmail.com.

NATHALIE MONTIJO NEW WAVE NIGHTINGALE

Creativity, seasonal ingredients shine at Crescent Bistro

Each week, the popular PBS television show “Check Please Bay Area” profiles three popular restaurants.

Over the years, the show has featured just 13 Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill eateries out of more than 250 selected from the East Bay market. No current Concord restaurant is on this list.

In February, host Leslie Sbrocco brought her viewers to Crescent Bistro in downtown Pleasant Hill. Owner-chef Brad Zeller creates a gourmet dining experience that compares favorably to many upscale rivals on the other side of the Caldecott Tunnel.

Zeller is a graduate of San Ramon High School and the culinary school at Johnson & Wales University in Rhode

Herb gardening is both beautiful and rewarding.

Plant lovers delight in how easy it is to grow the herbs they use in cooking. It is great to be able to walk outside and snip some sage leaves or a sprig of rosemary to incorporate into your favorite dishes.

Herbs are also attractive garden installations. They can be grown in garden beds, borders or containers. Many have interesting looking foliage and some have pretty flowers. Growing your own herbs has surged in popularity over the past years. Yesterday’s herb gardens featured basil, parsley and rosemary. Although those old favorites still rule the herb bed, today’s herb growers are expanding their gardens to include various flavored mints, oregano, thyme, fancy leafed and flavored sages, lemon balm and tarragon.

similar creativity.

All of Crescent’s first courses are sharable and can be enjoyed by the entire table. One can even make a meal of them.

Zeller is dedicated to making all of his dishes from scratch, while still keeping prices down. Seasonal ingredients are crucial in determining what he serves.

Diners will find several affordable dishes at lunch. I normally stay away from vegetarian items, but the portobello mushroom sandwich makes one forget about meat. The BLT with thick bacon, a Cuban and the bistro burger are also first class.

the dish at Casa Orinda.

Crescent’s fried chicken is also an important component in many of the salad and sandwich items.

Other entrees of note include almond-crusted halibut, gnocchi in vodka sauce and butternut squash risotto. I especially enjoyed the red wine braised short ribs, the kind of dish that elevates Crescent to deserve recognition on food shows.

“We are grateful for the restaurant’s success,” Zeller says. “Being on ‘Check Bay Area’ has definitely given us a big boost. One of the hardest parts of being a small restaurant is gaining awareness and getting on people’s radar.”

Zeller, who resides in Concord with his wife Emily and two young children, does not

See Bistro, page B6

Island. He began his career working at Traci Des Jardins iconic Jardinière in San Francisco. He put in time at several other restaurants, including Va de Vi and Walnut Creek Yacht Club, prior to opening his own place.

This sophistication is evident at Crescent Bistro. Diners are greeted with options from a full bar and a creative small plate menu surpassing most restaurants on the 680 corridor.

A must try are the stuffed deviled eggs with house-cured salmon covered with dill crème

fraîche.

The crisp pork belly buns are shaped like tacos and stuffed with a spicy Korean Gochujang glaze and pickled veggies. We also enjoyed the jalapeño cheddar doughnuts and a macaroni and cheese appetizer complemented by a creamy Alfredo sauce.

The salad offerings are notable. My favorite was the pear and spinach with dried cranberries, feta, toasted hazelnuts and radicchio, finished with a maple vinaigrette. The beet and Caesar salads displayed

On weekends, Crescent has a more than respectable brunch menu. In addition to normal omelets and eggs Benedict type fare, they feature ricotta beignets, bananas foster pancakes, along with chicken and waffles. Noteworthy are the breakfast tacos with housemade chorizo sausage.

A major feature of Zeller’s diverse menu is the fried chicken. He brines Mary’s birds overnight in a buttermilk solution. Each meal is cooked to order; thus, it’s never soggy. The end product, served with a cornbread muffin and creamy coleslaw, compares favorably to

Expand your herb garden beyond good old parsley

essence that successfully passes onto your dishes.

Sage is such a large family that I could write columns on this group alone. Cooking sage has that deep, hardy fragrance and should remind you of sausage. Common sage is a great evergreen shrub in the landscape. It has large gray leaves and summer blue flowers.

‘Big Sky’ a fine example of the

Brodie mysteries

SUNNY SOLOMON BOOKIN’ WITH SUNNY

I’m not sure who captures my reader’s heart more, Kate Atkinson, the writer, or Jackson Brodie, Atkinson’s almost not-to-be-believed private detective.

“Big Sky” is the fifth mystery in which ex-cop, now private detective Jackson Brodie saves the day by the skin of his teeth.

wives and ex-wives, sleazy seaside theater and amusement rides. Atkinson’s characters are loved, feared, admired and detested by each other and, yes, by readers, too. First presented, the characters do not always appear to connect with each other, beyond the fact they all live in a British seaside community. And Brodie, while tracking a cheating husband, moves past infidelity into serious criminal behavior as characters, through steps and missteps, bump into one another, including Brodie.

Fertilize herbs monthly with an organic fertilizer.

Flavored mints are all the rage; mojito, lemon and chocolate are some of the most popular. Mint can get out of hand in a garden bed, so install in a container for control.

Oregano is a large family of herbs with members just planted for cooking and some that are so pretty they can be planted just to admire. Greek and Italian oregano are two fabulous

Herb gardens need to be in a mostly sun location. Install plants using a rich soil conditioner. Once established, most herbs are very water wise, requiring little to thrive. Basil, cilantro and parsley are the exceptions –they will need more water and can tolerate less sun.

choices for those who desire fresh oregano for cooking.

You can plant Kent Beauty just for looks, although you can cook with it if you wish. Kent Beauty has a pinkish-purple flower that weeps over the sides of containers and hanging baskets. Try to remember its name because once it is blooming in your landscape, you will be asked over and over, “What is that plant?”

Thyme is another huge selection of herbs. You can find lemon, lime and orange flavored thymes, as well as coconut and oregano. All thymes are edible, but some do not have a flavorful

If you are craving a different look in the landscape or container, seek out variegated sage. This selection has a leaf with a combination of green and yellow. Pineapple sage is a joy to grow. It does not have a traditional flavor, however. It is more for baking and flavored waters and teas. Pineapple sage is also very hummingbird friendly.

Most people include borage in herb gardens for the vivid blue flowers that entice pollinators to the area. Chamomile has dainty foliage and white, daisy-shaped flowers. Dill has two purposes in the herb garden: It’s great in dressings and on fish and is also a host plant for black swallowtail butterflies.

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

When finding a new mystery series to read, most people want to know if the novels need to be read in order. Based on my experience, I’d say that if you are an imaginative and trusting reader, you can read this one out of order – only because Atkinson fills in all the questions you might have about this detective by the time “Big Sky” ends. I do admit that “Case Histories,” the first Brodie novel, does give you the pattern for whatever follows.

Atkinson is a serious British novelist, and if you love cozy mysteries, “Big Sky” may be your chance to broaden your whole approach to the private detective mystery.

Do not expect the murder victim to be found within chapter one. Atkinson’s mysteries are basically literary jigsaw puzzles. By the time all the pieces (characters, living and dead, and events, current and past) are in place, you are halfway through the book with only a hint of the story’s criminal fabric.

“Big Sky” is awash with horrible criminal behavior involving politicians at all levels, respected businessmen,

Atkinson keeps the pieces coming and going with insight, surprising humor and, as we discover when the action turns nonstop, a clear direction of where the story is headed. Pay attention. Each character is important. Brodie is a man who loves his two children. He has sad, haunting childhood secrets and not much luck with the women in and out of his life. He is compassionate, smart (but not too smart) and ultimately righteous when it comes to understanding law and justice.

The criminals in “Big Sky” are imprisoned or die. Some by natural causes, some by gunshots, golf club bludgeoning and drowning. The last chapters put the missing pieces together. We see the big picture and all the smaller details. Nothing is left unresolved or without its possible resolution. And the last chapter, “The Fat Lady Sings,” says it all.

I am already heading to the library to get a copy of Atkinson’s 2024 Jackson Brodie novel, “Death at the Sign of the Rook.” And I’ll be checking out library sales for the three Brodie mysteries I’ve missed.

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.’

Spring is here – embrace the longer days and hit the trail

Daylight Savings Time has officially returned, and I couldn’t be happier. There’s always been some back-and-forth about whether we should keep it or get rid of it altogether, but for me, the arrival of longer evenings brings a sense of excitement. Whether you’re in the garden, at home, or enjoying a local drink and appetizer, this is the perfect time to extend your day just a little bit longer. I tend to get into a bit of a funk during the winter. I can’t quite put my finger on why, but when spring hits, everything changes. The season reinvigorates me, motivating me to clean, get outside more and start new projects. This year, I’m

things from their rooms and the storage shed, and finally parting ways with a few things I’ve hung onto for way too long. Spring also brings the perfect weather for enjoying the outdoors, and one of my favorite places to visit is the Iron Horse Regional Trail. Whether you’re walking, running or biking, this trail is not only an excellent way to get some exercise but also the perfect route to enjoy a local meal.

I love hopping on the trail from Solano Avenue by the bocce court and riding all the way to Eureka for a burger and a beer. The smooth trail runs along Walnut Creek,

offering a chance to spot all sorts of birds and other wildlife.

For me, the Iron Horse and Canal Trails are true gems, not only in Concord but throughout the Bay Area. They’re places we should all seek out.

And let’s not forget the improvements being made to our streets here in Concord. As a biker, I’ve noticed some better sections for walkers, runners and cyclists. It’s great to see the city putting in the effort to make our streets safer and more enjoyable. Of course, there’s always more to be done, but any improvement is a step in the right direction. A big thank

you to Concord for that.

Speaking of bikes, if you’re looking for a gently used bike or have one to donate, think about stopping by the Concord Community Bike Kitchen. This fantastic all-volunteer organization is located at Olympic High School on Salvio Street and is open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. every Thursday. It’s a great spot for those looking for a bike, and if you visit, make sure you ask for Smitty. As we embrace the new season, I encourage everyone to get out there and explore the incredible opportunities right here in our city. And when possible, do your business in Concord – it’s one of

the best ways to support our community and help our businesses thrive. Here’s to a vibrant and exciting spring. For more information about the businesses and organizations that make Concord great or to learn about the benefits of becoming a member, visit the Concord Chamber of Commerce at www.concordchamber.com. Contact the chamber in person at 2280 Diamond Blvd. Suite 200, Concord, or call 925-685-1181. Learn more about what the chamber offers businesses, our events and how we can work together at concordchamber.com.

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

A thriving container garden filled with aromatic herbs proves you don’t need a big backyard to grow your own greens. Perfect for small spaces and beginner gardeners.

Richard Eber

Crescent Bistro offers a variety of sandwiches for lunch with fries or a salad, all for less than $20.

RICHARD EBER TASTE & TELL

NICOLE HACKETT GARDEN GIRL

KEVIN CABRAL CHAMBEROF COMMERCE

THE ARTS

Catch ‘Noises Off’ or opt for ‘Dungeons and Dragons’

If you haven’t seen Clayton Theatre’s hilarious spoof “Noises Off,” you still have time. The comedy continues with performances at 7:30 p.m. March 21 and 22, plus 2 p.m. March 22 and 23.

The play-within-a-play deals with a theater company staging a British sex comedy where the comedic chaos behind the scenes is funnier than what’s happening on stage. For tickets, go to www.claytontheatrecompany.c om/shows.

Who says being single, middle-aged and an empty nester is a bummer? Evidently not Sharon, who, in her mid-50s, finds herself liberated from her child and her

husband.

So begins Center Rep’s “The Roommate,” running March 30-April 20 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Dr. Sharon is in need of a roommate to share her Iowa

home and welcomes Robyn, also in her mid-50s and seeking refuge and chance to reboot. As this odd couple’s friendship deepens, lots of hidden talents and secret desires come out in a show that’s part mystery and part comedy.

Jen Silverman has written a contemporary classic on what it means to be middle aged, middle class and in the middle of America – and how that all changes when you throw caution to the wind.

Vanessa Stalling directs Patty Gallagher as Sharon and Luisa Sermol as Robyn. Audiences have an opportunity to chat with the director at the April 4 performance, with cast chats scheduled April 9 and 13.

For tickets, call 925-9437469 or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

Dungeons and Dragons fans have a chance to experience a whole new adventure with Synergy Theater’s “Improvised Dungeons and Dragons: A Spontaneous Quest!”

“It’s completely improvised and inspired by the famous fantasy-adventure role playing game,” explained artistic director Kenn Adams. “So, there’s a band of heroes that are off to save the world but, all throughout the show, their successes and failures are

determined by audience members rolling the dice to determine their fate.”

Adrián Bosada, who conceived and directed the production, notes that even though the show will be filled with humor, action and adventure, “the real story will be about genuine human emotions, navigating difficult relationships and overcoming the walls that we build around ourselves, which prevent us from connecting with others. The show will be funny, of course, but we want it to have heart.”

The adventure begins April 3 and continues through April

13 at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. For tickets, call 925-943-7469 or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

Laurie Roldan uses her beautiful voice to benefit Hospice East Bay during an April concert. The singer has volunteered at Hospice for the past 12 years, singing for the annual Tree of Lights in Brentwood as well as co-chairing the event.

Now, she hopes to help the organization even more with her evening celebrating the timeless music of Karen Carpenter in this special benefit concert April 10 at Danville

Featured vocalists include Debra Del Mastro and Chris Vettel, as well as a kids’ ensemble. For tickets, go to https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.asp x?name=E87436&id=34.

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

Lifelong exposure to art leads to a focus on Vermeer

Tom Anderson’s fascination with art began in childhood, nurtured by parents who instilled in their children a love for the visual arts.

His father’s career in the Navy meant that Tom moved frequently, attending high school in Italy, Virginia and Rhode Island. But it was during his years in Washington, D.C., between fifth and eighth grade that his deep connection to art took root. His parents regularly took him and his siblings to museums. Their visits were brief but frequent – allowing the young Tom to develop an intimate familiarity with the great works housed in the capital’s galleries.

It was on one of these trips that Tom encountered “Woman Holding a Balance,” a painting by Johannes Vermeer at the National Gallery of Art. While most viewers might focus on the composition’s symbolism –its themes of judgment, wealth and introspection – the 13-yearold Tom was captivated by something far smaller: a nail in the wall. He questioned why

Vermeer had placed it there, an artistic choice so trivial that few others would notice. This curiosity lingered, sparking a lifelong interest in Vermeer’s work.

As a college student at the University of Florida, Tom pursued a degree in biology, seemingly diverging from his artistic inclinations. Yet, in a humanities class, he encountered a remarkable connection – Vermeer’s close friendship with Anthonie van Leeuwenhoek, the Dutch scientist credited as the father of microbiology.

The two men were born in Delft within days of each other, baptized in the same church and later buried within the same city. Van Leeuwenhoek even served as the administrator of Vermeer’s will. The artist also used van Leeuwenhoek as a model in two of his paintings.

The revelation that a master painter and a pioneering scientist were so deeply intertwined resonated with Tom, bridging the divide between science and art. His admiration for Vermeer deepened over time, and in 1995, a pivotal moment arrived. The National Gallery of Art curated an exhibition of 21 Vermeer paintings, the most comprehensive display of the artist’s work ever assembled up until that time. Experiencing them solidified Tom’s ambition: He would see every Vermeer painting in existence.

Over the years, he has done just that – traveling across Europe to immerse himself in Vermeer’s world.

While scholars often emphasize Vermeer’s masterful use of light, Tom is drawn to the stories hidden within the paintings.

of emotional depth often overlooked.

Tom has channeled his passion into a book, “Vermeer Stories,” which delves into the narratives embedded in Vermeer’s paintings rather than focusing on the artist’s biography or technique. Now in the process of seeking a literary agent, the Pleasant Hill resident hopes to bring “Vermeer Stories” to print, offering a fresh perspective on one of history’s most enigmatic painters.

Encouraged to share his insights with a wider audience, he began contributing to Daily Art Magazine, a European publication where his articles gained immediate recognition. One of his first pieces, an excerpt from his book, was ranked among the magazine’s top three articles of the week. Since then, he has published seven articles, five of which explore Vermeer’s storytelling artistry.

connection between creativity and scientific inquiry. His journey reminds us that sometimes, the smallest details –like a tiny nail on a painted wall – can open the door to a

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

One of his most compelling interpretations challenges a widely accepted viewpoint of “Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window.” Long believed to depict a woman receiving a love letter, Tom argues that Vermeer has subtly indicated otherwise. Clues such as an overturned fruit bowl and a partially obscured Cupid painting suggest that this is, in fact, a breakup letter – adding a layer

With a Ph.D. in physiology from UC Berkeley and a career spent building life science companies, his unconventional background may set him apart in the art world. But it is precisely this intersection of science and art – this shared curiosity about light, observation and detail – that makes his approach so compelling.

Through Vermeer’s work, Tom has uncovered not just artistic brilliance but a timeless

Village Theatre, 233 Front St.

Joining Roldan are Ken Bergmann (drums), Aaron Germain (bass) and music director Kenji Harada (piano).

Johannes Vermeer’s “Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window” caught the eye of Tom Anderson, who believes the letter portends a breakup.

Julie Stein

Adrián Bosada, left, is the Elf and Rachel Kumaar the Wizard in Synergy Theater’s “Improvised Dungeons and Dragons” April 3-13 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center.

Cara Bent

Chip Renner, Kevin Coren, Teresa Grosserode and Maya Rath in a scene from Clayton Theatre's "Noises Off.

Photo courtesy of Laurie Roldan Laurie Roldan sings a tribute to Karen Carpenter in an April 10 concert benefiting Hospice East Bay at Danville’s Village Theatre.

HOGARTY STAGE STRUCK

Gallery of

discovered

like

JULIA O’REILLY ARTFUL INSIGHTS

The Bay Area’s music scene isn’t waiting for anyone in 2025. Just a few months in, we’re already drowning in a tidal wave of fantastic new releases, spanning nearly every genre.

If you’re not tuned into my weekly show on 90.5 KVHS (7 p.m. Sundays and Thursday) or digging deep yourself, you’re missing out. This month, I’m sharing a half dozen new, unique albums and EPs from the East Bay for your consideration.

Earlier this month, the new album “Draw Near” dropped from Hayward’s instrumental trio Aux Meadows. Imagine a sun-drenched porch in a quiet valley, the air thick with the gentle twang of dobro and pedal steel. “Draw Near” paints that picture in sound – a slow, delib-

Strong showings from East Bay musicians

erate exploration of ambient country that soothes the soul. Taking their time with one or two chords in most songs, Aux Meadows is in no hurry to get anywhere. The result is a warm, comforting sound that would make for a great soundtrack for your favorite relaxing pastime. “Nature Channel” is another instrumental album released this month, albeit of the jazz variety. It comes from Oakland’s Green Mitchell Trio, led by multireedist and jazz composer Cory Wright. Joining Wright on “Nature Channel” is Jason Levis on drums and Lisa Mezzacappa on acoustic bass. Each musician in this sax-drumbass combination brings a unique styling to the five-track album, and each track offers a different experimental direction for the trio to explore.

Last month, Oakland songwriter Jon Lawton followed up his folky 2024 album “The Good Old Days” with a much bluesier album called “Midnight with the Light On.” Backed by a full band for much of the album, Lawton sings the blues and tells stories of heartache and lessons learned. Expect a

mostly blues rock experience with elements of jazz and country and, of course, Lawton’s heartfelt lyrics delivered with sincerity.

February also saw the release of “Library Music Vol: II” from El Sobrante artist

LakeCube. This instrumental electronica album is a little more upbeat than its lo-fi/chill beats predecessor, leaning further into mellow house music. In fact, one song is literally titled “House Music.” As with the first volume in this series,

“Library Music Vol: lI” is available exclusively on LakeCube’s BandCamp page. Going back to January, the Berkeley-based group Brown Dog gave us “I Thought I was Gonna Dance.” The distinct vocals of Milo Jimenez – some-

what reminiscent of Kurt Vile’s hazy charm – weave through the album, creating a beautifully melancholic atmosphere. The harmonicas sigh, the slide guitars weep and the banjo laments, painting a picture of rainy day contemplation. Oakland garage rockers CuVa Bimö released their first EP earlier this year. Produced by Kevin O’Connell of the Strange Ones, “CB Radio” delivers fast-paced, angsty, rock songs with catchy guitar melodies and anthemic hooks. “The band shared some practice space demos with me, and I got an Arctic Monkeys meets Queens of the Stone Age meets Nirvana vibe,” shared O’Connell. For what it’s worth, vibewise, I personally get some Fugazi meets Motorhead energy. What do you hear? This is just a small taste of the vibrant music scene thriving in our backyard. Find more hidden gems by clicking “New Release” at thebeatofdiablo.com.

Contact Dave Hughes at MrDaveHughes@gmail.com.

I am responsible for what happens to my body.

I’ve had to relearn that lesson recently with a stress fracture of a little bone on top of my foot. It has slowed me down as I clump around with an orthopedic walking boot.

I’ve gradually put on 30 pounds since the COVID pandemic, combined with a high level of exercise: lots of pickleball, golf and walking.

Carrying extra pounds while pounding away at physical pursuits is a recipe for inflammation of joints. When you’re overweight or obese, there’s more stress on your joints and particularly

your ankles and feet, contributing to issues like flat feet or plantar fasciitis.

The pounds start adding up when I nibble a cookie. Suddenly one nibble turns into five cookies wolfed

down. I’ve been eating treats like that despite learning over the decades that my intake of sweetness is best coming from fresh fruit.

The aging process is a contributing factor, too. I’m at the tail end of my 60s. You speed the aging process when you eat sugar and drink alcohol.

As you get older, it’s even more important to keep your weight moderate. If you build muscle by lifting weights, you can support it by consuming more calories – but a healthy portion of those calories should come from fresh fruits and vegetables, not from sugar and

processed food.

With an emphasis on good nutrition, this recipe for Oven-Roasted Tofu and Seasonal Vegetables is low in calories and chock full of vitamins and antioxidants. Plus, it makes the most of fresh, locally available produce.

OVEN-ROASTED TOFU AND SEASONAL VEGETABLES

2 servings

14 oz. firm tofu, drained and cubed

Cornstarch and nutritional yeast (optional)

2 c. mixed seasonal vegetables (Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower)

1 T olive oil

2 T balsamic vinegar (optional)

2 tsp. dried Italian herbs (like oregano and basil) Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Optional: Toss tofu with a little bit of olive oil. Then toss in a little bit of gluten-free cornstarch and nutritional

yeast to coat. In a large bowl, combine the tofu and vegetables.

Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, if using, then sprinkle with dried herbs, salt and pepper. Toss until everything is evenly coated.

Spread the mixture into a large glass baking dish. (Veggies roast well in glass pans –you get better browning and they cook faster.)

Roast 25-30 minutes, stir-

or brown rice.

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

Zeller recommends reservations for brunch and dinner, especially on weekends, online at https://crescentbistro.com/re servations or by calling 925349-9456.

Rich Eber is a local journalist and long time resident of Concord. He covers topics from politics to gourmet food. Contact him at richeber9@gmail.com.

ring halfway through, until the tofu is golden and the vegetables are fork tender. Serve hot as a main dish or alongside a grain like quinoa

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Photo from Vecteezy.com

Oven-Roasted Tofu and Seasonal Vegetables make for a healthy meal.

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