MAY 19 The Pioneer 2023

Major upgrades planned for Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center

The Mount Diablo Interpretive Association (MDIA) has kicked off fundraising for an ambitious project to revamp the Mitchell Canyon entrance to Mount Diablo.

With a price tag of $3 million, the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center will create space for community gatherings, school field trips, education and connecting with nature.

The Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center is currently a small trailer that opens on weekends to greet hikers. To turn it into a sprawling public space, MDIA has set a goal to raise $1 million in 2023. The organization has announced a donor matching campaign, where every dollar donated up to $80,000 will be matched and doubled. MDIA plans to start the project in phases, breaking ground before they’ve raised all the money.

See Center, page 7

Creating Clayton’s Memory Café a labor of love

Founder understood dementia’s effects first-hand with mom

The slow robbing of a loved one’s mind and memories due to dementia and the painful reality that her own mother didn’t recognize her served as the impetus for Dori DeCommer to pursue establishing a Memory Café at Clayton’s library.

The Memory Café provides a variety of activities designed with the singular goal of sparking memories with its visitors from 10 to 11:30 a.m. each third

Public to comment on Pleasant Hill’s district mapping

The wall of the community room at City Hall resembled a kindergarten art show, with blown-up pictures scribbled with bright colors, some outside the lines. But these pieces of “art” won’t end up on anyone’s refrigerator – but instead pave the way to the city’s future.

The artwork was five maps of Pleasant Hill representing the new way residents will choose their city representatives: through district elections. Each color denoted a different district from which residents will select their City Council representatives.

UPHOLDING VOTER RIGHTS

The city is following in the steps of neighbors Martinez, Concord, Walnut Creek and San Ramon, mid- to largesized municipalities who don’t have adequate representation of the demographic makeup of their community on the council dais, according to a decades-old voting rights law.

Saturday in Hoyer Hall.

DeCommer, Clayton’s adult/teen services librarian, noted that the idea of organizing a program for individuals experiencing cognitive decline had always been in the back of her mind. When she learned there were funds available, she pressed ahead with researching online and reading up to learn what was essential for a Memory Café.

Six months later, Clayton’s was ready to welcome patrons to its April grand opening.

ACTIVITIES THAT MAKE YOU THINK

As popular music from the 1950s and 1960s played in the background, the library offered

activities like painting, playing cards and games like UNO, worksheets and puzzles of varying difficulty, along with embedded assistance.

The puzzles, for example, might include the illustration of a classic car from the 1950s. “What was your favorite car?” is a question to ask a Memory Café visitor to stir memories and begin a conversation.

DeCommer created an environment with a good mix of activities as the result of online resources available through the Dementia Society of America on its website memorycafedirectory.com and

Cities up and down California are responding – some very grudgingly – to a potential lawsuit from Shenkman & Hughes. The law firm has taken on the issue of at-large elections in cities where the council is in violation of the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA), insisting the cities transition to by-district elections.

In many communities it makes sense, according to local advocates of fair voting rights. Even the League of Women Voters is taking strong positions to ensure that cities take action for “representative democracy,” and local committee members recommended that Pleasant Hill adopt by-district elections.

See Memory, page 7 See Districts, page 7

No debate about it – these students know their stuff

If you’re looking for an argument, Brenna Seiersen and Tristan Keene will be happy to oblige. But you will almost certainly lose.

The two former Diablo Valley College debate students, present and future UC Berkeley undergraduates, won national debate championships last year at competitions in Stockton and Pleasant Hill both as partners and as individuals. That makes them the best parliamentary debaters in the country.

Seiersen and Keene displayed the hardware they took home from those competitions at the DVC Spring Speech and

Debate Showcase, attended by 150 people in the school’s Performing Arts Center on April 19.

The victories continue a tradition of success for the DVC program at both the state and national levels. Professor Paul Villa, director of debate and head debate coach at the school, credits the “ton of material support” the program gets from the college.

Student speech and debate competitors do not have to pay their own way to competitions, as students at other schools often do, Villa noted. The school provides coaches to help them prepare, with five coaches expected to be on board for the coming semester.

Villa also points to the efforts of Robert Hawkins, the director of forensics and incoming chair of the communications department.

STEPPINGSTONE TO COLLEGIATESUCCESS

Both Seiersen and Keene showed up to help the DVC competitors this year.

“When those students realize they are getting assistance from national champions who are their contemporaries, it produces a bit more enthusiasm and confidence,” Villa said.

Villa also successfully competed at the national level for DVC during his time as a student 13 years ago. His ongoing enthusiasm for the program, and his own refined speaking skills, were evident during a telephone interview.

Student successes in speech and debate pay excellent dividends for them in terms of fouryear college scholarship offers and acceptances, Villa said. In addition to UC Berkeley, DVC debaters and speakers have gone on to collegiate careers at

UCLA, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, Western Kentucky University (a national force in speech and debate), San Diego State, San Jose State and Sacramento State.

Villa got both his bachelor’s degree in communications and his master’s in communications education from the University of the Pacific in Stockton after successfully transferring from DVC.

DEVELOPING A WORK ETHIC

In parliamentary debate, a two-person team gets 30 minutes after being given a topic to prepare to face another team. Seiersen and Keene won 17 out of 18 rounds as partners at the two competitions. Seiersen took top individual honors at the National Parliamentary Debate Association (NPDA) event in Stockton.

“I want to thank the DVC team and administration for

starting our speech and debate careers and providing the institutional support necessary to build the foundation for us to be here today,” said Seiersen, who plans to study computer science and philosophy at Cal.

Keene came in first individually at the National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence in Pleasant Hill. She will finish up her Cal career with a varied

See Debate, page 2

Photo illustration

The Mount Diablo Interpretive Association envisions educational displays inside the new Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center. MDIA plans to build the facility in phases.

DVC debate coach Paul Villa is flanked by national debate winners Brenna Seiersen, left, and Tristan Keene.

VINCE MARTELLACCI Correspondent

DAVID SCHOLZ Correspondent

David Scholz

Steve Gray (left) and neighbor, Ray Bauer, visit as they tackle one of the worksheets, one of a variety of activities put out on April 15 for the grand opening of Clayton Community Library's Memory Cafe.

NORM HALLQUIST Correspondent

Choice in Aging aims to change the way we support older aduts

As we age, most of us hope to be able to live independently in an environment that supports our changing needs. Often, however, the systems in place can push lower- and middle-income seniors toward nursing homes, a place most people don’t want to be.

These facilities also cost more than offering services to seniors who can stay at home.

The mission of Pleasant Hill-based nonprofit Choice in Aging is to provide opportunities for aging independently and prevent institutionalization of our elderly population. They have been doing this work for 74 years with a wide breadth of services in four counties: Contra Costa, Sacramento, Solano and Napa.

“The spirit of our organization is responding to community needs,” says president and CEO Debbie Toth. “I love that we can do this work and offer alternatives to skilled nursing.”

VARIETY OF HELPFUL SERVICES

One of the services is an Adult Day Health Care program, where seniors can go during the day to participate in activities similar to those at a senior center – like bingo, exercise classes, lectures, as well as to access professional services like nurses, therapists and social workers. These centers provide a safe and engaging place during the day and a respite for caregivers.

Choice in Aging also supports people with late-stage dementia and Alzheimer’s, assists with meals, chores and

debut real estate column in The Pioneer.

I am honored to have this opportunity to share my thoughts and insights about real estate with readers. I grew up in the Clay-

ton/Concord area, attending Highlands Elementary, Pine Hollow Middle and Clayton Valley High (before it became a charter). I currently live in Clayton with my husband and three children and am the broker/owner of Better Homes Realty located in downtown Clayton near The Grove park. Writing a column on real estate trends, tips and more will allow me to share my expertise with readers who are interested in buying or selling a home or are just curious about what’s happening in the

Contributed photo

A senior enjoys pet therapy, one of the services provided by Pleasant Hill’s Choice in Aging.

transportation and has a program that helps those already in nursing homes get back home. “A very small percentage of those in nursing homes really need that level of care,”

Toth notes.

The goal of the California Community Transitions is to

get people back home who are able. “For example, something as simple as a lost car key can lead an older adult to lose access to doctor’s appointments, food and socialization, and they might end up in a

See Aging, page 10

local real estate market.

The local market is heating up, with limited inventory and an influx of eager buyers searching for their dream homes. In this highly competitive market, properties that are priced right and look good are receiving multiple offers within days of hitting the market.

As of this writing, there were 17 single-family homes for sale in Clayton, with 62 such homes available in Concord and 26 in Pleasant Hill. This is roughly a third of the inventory we typically see this

time of year. For homebuyers, this means it’s essential to be prepared and strategic in order to obtain the home of your dreams. Hiring an experienced Realtor who understands the local market is crucial. A good Realtor will not only help you navigate the complex process of buying a home but will also help you craft a strong and competitive offer.

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

JENNIFER STOJANOVICH CLOSE TO HOME

As one of the first 10 female aviators in the Marine Corps, Lt. Col. Jenifer Matheson understands her place in history. That’s why the Women Marines Association (WMA) is so “near and dear to the heart” of the helicopter pilot.

“They were the trailblazers to allow women like me the chance to become a Naval aviator and fly in combat,” says Matheson, noting that her twin daughters both received scholarships from the charitable group.

Established in Denver in 1960, WMA is committed to remembering and appreciating all women who have worn the uniform and to influence the next generation of female Marines. Matheson, a life member of WMA, told fellow Marine and Clayton resident Janet Johnson about the group.

“I was flabbergasted. I

DEFYINGEXPECTATIONS

Matheson began her journey to the Marines after graduating with a business degree and paralegal certificate from Marymount University in the early ’90s. She applied to law school but didn’t get in. Instead, she became a flight attendant and later obtained her private pilot’s license.

“I started dating a guy who was in the F-14 Tom Cat fighter squadron – you know, when ‘Top Gun’ was big. I started hanging out with his squadron. I knew I wanted to fly,” she recalls.

for women lifted from aviation positions in 1993, it was a different Marine Corps for Matheson.

At the Replacement Air Group in New River, N.C., she trained on the CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter. Then, she “hit the fleet” with shipboard operations aboard the USS Saipan.

had no idea this organization existed,” says Johnson.

After joining, Johnson was overwhelmed with emotion at the Las Vegas conference in 2021. “Walking into a huge meeting room full of women Marines was beyond amazing –it was glorious.”

“He told me: ‘You’re a girl; you’re never going to get a military flight contract.’ And I said:

‘You have no idea who I am –watch me.’ ”

“My first helicopter squadron was the HMM-264 Black Knights,” she says. “I was extremely excited because it was the first squadron with two female pilots ever in the history of the Marine Corps.”

LOOKINGFOR DIRECTION

Johnson had a somewhat less altruistic reasons for joining the Marines – she thought the recruiter was cute.

JENIFER MATHESON JANET JOHNSON Then and Now

The Marine Corps was Matheson’s first choice. “But they only accepted women very occasionally into their officer program,” she notes. “So, I took a Navy commission and I got ‘winged’ in the Navy.”

While in officer candidate school in Pensacola, Fla., she admired her Marine drill instructors for their “absolute professionalism, excellent leadership and attention to detail.” She realized she had to be a part of that group and applied for an interservice transfer. She was sworn in as a Marine first lieutenant in November 1997.

“What I really wanted to do was flirt with him, but he was dead-pan serious – he wasn’t having any of that. He gave me all this literature,” says Johnson, who was struggling in college and decided that very day to join the Marines.

She says it was the most rewarding experience of her aviation career. “You’re flying with night vision goggles. You’re flying tactical missions, inserting Marines into tactical zones. It’s pretty cool,” says Matheson, who was promoted to captain while in the squadron. She continued her career in non-flying support roles, giving

She served 1965-’66, when female Marines – and the jobs for them – were limited. After “growing up really fast” in boot camp, she started as a clerk-typist at Camp Pendleton. Turns out she wasn’t particularly suited for the job, but her boss, Staff Sgt. Peeples, intervened.

“He saw some of my drawings and got me transferred over to the Training Aids Library. Not that I did a lot of drawing, but it was a better job for me,” she recalls, noting that she made signs and distributed equipment like projectors.

She moved up the ranks from private, to private first class to lance corporal. But after that year, her focus turned to marriage and family.

“It was a very unique and different thing to do,” says the Vietnam War vet. “I was very proud to serve.”

MAKINGHISTORY

With the combat exclusion

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birth to her twins while on active duty in 2003 and then transitioning to the Marine Reserves.

Women Marines 1000 Mariposa Circle, Clayton JUST SOLD Curry Canyon Road, Clayton COMING SOON 1646 N California Blvd, Suite 101 Walnut Creek, CA 94596

See Marines, page 4

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Is On the Bit Arabian horse farm your happy place?

When Daniel Costa was just 16 years old, he knew exactly what he would be doing at 35. And he’s doing it … in the company of his wife Liana and their 18 Arabian horses.

The couple owns and operates On the Bit Arabian Horses, a boutique training facility on Morgan Territory Road. Along with head trainer Leigha Perry, the Costas offer lessons, training, access to trails and plenty of encouragement to the novice as well as the more experienced rider headed for the winner’s circle.

In equestrian terminology, when a horse is “on the bit” he is relaxed, focused and carrying the bit comfortably in his mouth. This is the happy place for every horse and rider, and the goal of good horsemanship.

At On the Bit training specializes in the showy, exciting high-stepping English saddle seat style in addition to hunter pleasure and ranch riding. The farm offers family-oriented fun on one of their carefully chosen Arabians or Half-Arabians in their immaculate barns at the foot of Mt. Diablo’s North Peak. Head trainer Perry teaches basic horsemanship including the care and maintenance of the mount. Once the basics are down, the possibilities are many, from local and regional competitions to leasing and owner-

InLoving Memory

ship, all under the expert guidance of Perry and the Costas.

Daniel Costa’s love affair with horses began in the third grade with a visit to an Arabian horse farm in Moraga. He pestered his parents until they agreed to a riding lesson. One lesson led to more lessons, and for the next 10 years he was a fixture at either the stables in Moraga or at Castle Rock Arabians in Walnut Creek with well-known trainer Nancy DuPont.

By his mid-twenties, Costa was financially solid enough to begin building his own stable.

Daniel and Liana were dating when he acquired his first Arabian.

When Daniel told her he wanted to go down to San Marcos (Calif.) to look at a horse named Mikey, Liana said, “I didn’t know horses, but I do know puppies. And I’ve never gone to look at a puppy that I didn’t bring home.”

Although new to the horse

Theresa Behdjet

Dec 23,1968 -

June 9. 2022

It is still hard to believe you are gone. We have you in our hearts all the time. We think of you constantly and fondly remembering all the great memories we shared. You may be gone from our sight but never from our hearts

Your loving family

world, Liana knew if she wanted a life with Daniel,horses would be part of the deal.

“I knew I had to get with the program or get off the train,” she laughed. She signed up for lessons and quickly became an accomplished rider. Not long after, the two eloped to Reno and the partnership was born.

Last year, they moved into their beautiful facility at 3141Morgan Territory Rd. They currently have 18 horses in their barn with capacity for 39.

On the Bit is open 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Daniel and Liane cordially invite you to visit. Whether you have yet to snuggle a velvety muzzle or are ready to move to the next level in your training, you will find a warm welcome.

For more information, visit Onthebit.com, email onthebitinc@gmail.com or call (925) 515-1009.

Marines, from page 3

Cpl. Jason Dunham, who was posthumously awarded the medal of honor at that ceremony,” Matheson says. “He basically put his helmet over a grenade to protect his Marines. He died eight days later.”

ENJOYING THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Matheson retired from the military in 2018 and now works as a contractor conducting background investigations for the federal government. She married Clayton resident Peter Matheson in 2020, and they live in his grandparents’ 1930s farmhouse.

“I call Clayton ‘Mayberry.’ I love the small-town feel,” she says. “I love Mt. Diablo. I hike three to five times a week with my dog. I’m very outdoorsy. I like to shoot, hunt and fish.”

And once a month, she heads to San Leandro to enjoy

the camaraderie at a WMA meeting.

When Johnson joined the WMA, she learned about another female Marine in Clayton. Now 103, Alice Engle has since moved to Elk Grove.

“She served during World War II in the motor pool,” Johnson reports. “She was very interesting – and what a pip.”

Johnson notes that if there were three female Marines in “itty-bitty” Clayton, just think of how many are in the greater East Bay. “I just want to reach out about the WMA to let them know that we’re here – and we’re here for them.”

For more information about the Women Marines Association, visit www.womenmarines.org. Find out about the local chapter at www.wmaca3.org.

on the market and 12% above the asking price. Should you be in the market for high powered professional real estate person, I suggest you give Leigh Klock a call and let her work her magic for you!”

Liana and Daniel Costa on Emma and Dotz opened On the Bit Arabians on Morgan Territory in spring of 2022. The facility at the foot of Mt. Diablo offers lessons for beginners as well as advanced training for the show horse.

TAMARA STEINER The Pioneer

CVCHS student’s novel has cultural backdrop

KARA NAVOLIO Correspondent

Clayton Valley Charter High School senior Nardeen

Mourad’s new book, “Make It Right,” is about a young woman seeking to discover her roots and finding much more.

Mourad describes the young adult novel as mixed genre, including elements of culture, romance and religion as Davina, the main character, navigates through selfdiscovery.

Mourad came to America in the eighth grade from Egypt, where her family, as Christians, faced discrimination in the mostly Muslim country. Parts of the story reflect aspects of her life, but it is not autobiographical.

The song “Alone, Part II” by Ava Max and Alan Walker

sparked the idea for the book. It was December 2020, when the Concord resident felt that many things were beyond her control – just as many young people also experienced.

She was stuck at home, doing school online, and the story emerged in her mind. She thought, “Why not write it down?” It was something she could control. “The story kind of wrote itself,” she added.

Mourad had never written a story before or even thought of being an author. It was just something she needed to tell. The novel takes place in Germany, Norway and America, and Mourad had to do research on Germany and Norway to get the setting right.

Orion Academy’s new home just part of improved experience

City of Concord streets teaching life lessons, too

DAVID SCHOLZ Correspondent

Students with unique needs now have the space to spread their wings and pursue their educational dreams much like their school’s mythological namesake, Orion – a Boeotian giant famed as a great hunter.

And, the learning isn’t just limited to the larger and brighter classrooms. The downtown Concord streets surrounding Orion Academy’s new home are providing life lessons no textbook or instructor could ever teach.

School officials, staff, students and alumni celebrated the new location along Clayton Road with an open house on April 1. Previously located in Moraga, Orion Academy is regarded as a national model as a college-prep high school for the autistic community.

The vision is that access to Orion’s program will now be more available to students via public transportation, since the school is within walking distance of the downtown BART station.

“We have a location to reach even more people who would benefit from our programs and resources,” said founder Dr. Kathryn Stewart, a leading autism expert and author.

“We want to educate and support this community throughout their lives. Now we can do that,” she continued.

THE SPACE

DOUBLING

Orion, founded in 2000, serves a niche of gifted students who possess great potential that the area’s mainstream public school education environment neither is equipped to serve nor able to give full focus. It began with just eight students and four teachers, with the support of parents who saw a great need. It was the first school in the

country to offer a tailored program for college-bound students on the autism spectrum. Families have traveled from as far as New Mexico, Oregon and Washington to attend Orion Academy, as well as throughout the Bay Area.

School officials purchased the 16,000-plus sq. ft. property from Church of the Nazarene three years ago for about $3 million. They invested about a half a million dollars, and counting as fundraising continues, to obtain better technology and security, along with clean and quiet, sound-absorbing floors and interior walls ready for occupancy a year ago.

Whereas Moraga offered more outdoor space for the students, it’s the great indoors of the Concord site – double the size of the previous home – that has made it a welcome upgrade for students and teachers alike.

In addition, the Concord facility offers an art room for students and better accommodations for staff, including a lounge and kitchen. More offices, work areas, rooms for meetings and storage are further benefits of the new location. Future plans include an Autistic Center of Excellence.

“Things are fresh and new. You feel more appreciated to

NATHALIE

MONTIJO NEW WAVE NIGHTINGALE

The National Institute of Health defines cognitive health as the “ability to clearly think, learn and remember.”

While simple enough to define, maintaining cognitive health can become increasingly challenging over time.

Cognitive health is but one

She also took a creative writing class during her junior year and got feedback from her teacher, Nick Hansen.

The writing took about two years, and she published it as an e-book on the Kobo platform. It is available for download for $6.50.

Mourad is president of the Clayton Valley Culture Club, whose mission is to welcome and accept the cultures from which we all come.

“America is a pool of different ethnicities,” said Mourad. “We need to embrace where we come from, so we understand who we are. My ancestors have shed blood for my family and my religion, and I would not be honoring them if I didn’t embrace my culture.”

She is also a singer and artist, singing in the school choir and volunteering at her church to teach children to sing. She plans on studying

nursing next year at San Francisco State.

“I want to help people. This seems like a career where I can help people the most,” Mourad noted.

Patrick Lefiti Jr., a counselor at CVCHS, has worked with Mourad over the past two years. “She has been through a lot in her life, and she has a bright future,” Lefiti said. “To write a book at her age is a unique accomplishment.”

“While I miss the open air of the old Moraga campus, Concord has helped me adapt to more independent traveling,” said Adrian, an Orion senior. “The shorter distances between the classrooms make it easier to navigate the school, and the city of Concord itself has a lot to offer.”

LOOKING TO EXPANDSERVICES

The Moraga location reached a peak of 60 students, but the COVID-fueled changes that literally re-wrote the game plan for all educators overnight proved a hardship. Enrollment dipped to 54 students, eventually bottoming out at 45.

Scratching the surface of thoughts about the homeless

have a nice classroom and office,” said Stewart. “Having access to exceptional technology and connections in a state-ofthe-art facility makes a huge difference.”

The perk of owning the school site also provides the school with a new sense of financial security vs. the everlooming concern of rent hikes.

TACKLINGBIG-CITY

PROBLEMS

Concord’s busier setting represents a far different experience and more challenges for the students compared to the sleepy town of Moraga.

The new surroundings are both a blessing and curse as the students are encountering trash and homelessness. But Stewart is hardly bothered by the realities, warts and all, that her students now face on a daily basis.

“It was not part of the reasons we chose Concord, but it has been a silver lining,” she noted, adding that “being able to function in that busier environment” will prepare students for experiences that come with colleges in large cities.

Stewart appreciates the support that the city and Police Department have extended to Orion in adjusting to their new surroundings.

Since emerging from this period of uncertainty, Steward said there has been an uptick in enrollment. Her optimism is underscored by a full ninth grade of 12 students in place for the 2023-’24 school year.

Orion acquired two buildings in the purchase. Classrooms occupy the rear building on the property, and administrative offices are in the other just off Clayton Road. It is Stewart’s hope that the upstairs of the administrative building can eventually be leased out as a center that offers a safe and secure space for providers of essential services like tutoring and speech therapy for students when the school day ends, as well as professional services like attorneys who specialize in wills for individuals with special needs.

As Orion Academy’s involvement in the community grows, the next goal is forging more and new relationships with businesses and organizations in the Concord area.

When located in Moraga, for example, officials made a connection with the athletic department at St. Mary’s College for an Orion student interested in athletics. Stewart hopes to develop similar pathways for potential internships to further expand the learning experiences beyond the classrooms.

You’ve got a good head on your shoulders – keep it that way

aspect of overall brain health, which encompasses several indicators including motor, emotional and tactile functioning.

Motor functioning involves initiating and controlling movement while maintaining balance.

Emotional functioning relates to interpreting and responding to a wide range of emotions.

Tactile functioning is centered around the perception of touch, including temperature, pain and pressure.

A stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), substance abuse and mood disorders can acutely affect overall brain health, but the passage of time does take at

least some toll on the brain.

The name of the game becomes preserving maximal cognitive health as we age, and research supports some relatively simple and mostly intuitive practices. (A writer incapable of resisting a cheap shot might refer to them as “no brainers.” Luckily, I am not that writer.)

According to two longitudinal studies, the Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP) and the Memory and Aging Project (MAP), there are five healthy lifestyle factors linked to a decreased risk of cognitive decline: •No fewer than 150 minutes

per week of moderate to vigorous physical activity, such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming. Move it or lose it.

•Refrain from smoking. There is no ambiguity in the literature: Smoking has no redeeming value.

•Limit alcohol consumption. While small amounts do not appear to be terribly harmful, significant consumption does nothing good for cognitive health.

•Consume a nutrient-rich, plant-based diet such as the

See New Wave, page 6

The Pulse of Concord is asking about some aspects related to the homeless/unsheltered as well as how people are feeling in general.

Here is a short summary of a few of the results so far.

Q. Do you support people living in vehicles (cars/RVs/vans) to park in a church-type facility nearest to you?

26%, Yes, as many as the facility wants.

5%, Yes, up to 12.

12%, Yes, not more than 6.

18%, Not sure.

17%, No.

17%, No way.

0%, Do not care.

6%, Too complicated as everything is unique.

That makes 43% OK with the basic concept, which is not what one might have thought. There have been attempts to encourage religious locations to get involved with this in Concord, but so far only nibbling around the idea.

The Homeless Strategic Plan Working Group may be looking at this aspect. They meet at 6 p.m. the fourth Monday at the Senior Center at Baldwin Park. Would be interesting to hear from people involved with such facilities to talk to their fellow parishioners and preachers about it.

Q. Should homeless people who refuse to accept emergency shelter or placement be allowed to camp out in the parks or any public space?

4%, Strongly agree.

3%, Agree.

3%, Neither agree nor disagree.

23%, Disagree.

54%, Strongly disagree.

9%, Too complex of a question.

5 %, Other, echoing too complex or trying to approach resources for rehab and mental health.

There is a growing argument that the highest visible homeless to the average resident in Concord is in this category. There is a much larger group of unsheltered who are not seen when simply driving around the major roadways. Visibility is a major factor that underlines the frustration residents feel in dealing with the homeless. Like many social issues, invisibility can hide the shortcomings of our world view.

Q. How much should the city government spend on average on the homeless in Concord?

3%, $50,000 or more a year per person.

4%, $36,000 to $49,999.

3%, $25,000 to $35,999.

8%, $10,000 to 24,000.

3%, $5,000 to 9,999.

15%, Less than $5,000.

14%, None.

20%, Too complicated.

32%, Wish it were that simple.

Even if money was easily printed in Concord, it really is simply too complicated.

Q. Do you believe things will be better next year in your city than this year?

4%, Strongly agree.

18%, Agree.

45%, Maybe.

14%, Disagree.

6%, Strongly disagree.

13%, My crystal ball and spirit animal are broken. No clue.

When asked the same thing but about the whole Bay Area, the results showed a shift of about 10% from “maybe” to “disagree” and “strongly disagree.” So, while uncertainty seems to be the trend after going through the shock of a pandemic, the view appears to be more negative toward the outside than the home city. One for the home team? Maybe not:

Q. Do I and those in my household feel less safe than last year?

14%, Strongly agree.

29%, Agree.

25%, Neither agree nor disagree.

15%, Disagree.

9%, Strongly disagree.

8%, Toss-up between conflicting feelings.

Edi Birsan is a member of the Concord City Council. However, opinions expressed in this column are his alone and do not reflect those of the city. If you want more information, write to EdiBirsan@gmail.com. Take the

Author Nardeen Mourad is also a singer and artist.

EDI BIRSAN PULSEOF CONCORD

David Scholz

Dylan Polugar-Laub teaches math at Orion Academy’s new Concord location. To facilitate greater focus from autistic students, Orion designed the classrooms to be free of distractions – like colorful posters with motivating messages that are common in other school environments.

Winning artwork heading to U.S. Capitol

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord) awarded Campolindo High School student Jazlyn Xiao the top prize for her pencil work, “The Future in My Hands.”

As the winner of the 2023 Congressional Art Competition for California’s 10th Congressional District, Xiao will have her work displayed at the U.S. Capitol.

The runners-up were Chloe Rong of Dougherty Valley High School for her oil paint-

ing, “American Dream,” and Carondolet’s Alexandra Macri for her pencil sketch, “Face of Time.”

Bethany Leung, now a student at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, also entered with her digital work titled “Hope.”

“I am proud of the students across Contra Costa and Alameda Counties who participated in this year’s competition, submitting creative, skilled pieces that prove just how important arts in education is,” DeSaulnier said.

The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.

DeSaulnier hosted a show at

top of their intellectual game.

New Wave, from page 5

Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet. This fusion of the Mediterranean diet and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) is referred to as the MIND diet due to its focus on the prevention of cognitive decline. •Engage intellectually. The mind is built to learn and solve problems. Doing Sudoku, Wordle or any number of thought-provoking puzzles assists in keeping the brain intellectually limber and toned. Learning a new skill or increasing competency in

an existing skill are also excellent brain-boosting activities.

While some of the above may sound prescriptive at best and Puritanical at worst, there are plenty of older brains out there having the time of their lives.

For the past several years, I have had the privilege of performing with our local theatrical ensemble, Clayton Theatre Company, alongside a cadre of stellar older actors.

Theater is an example of a creative pursuit that forces participants to function at the

Developing characters and memorizing lines challenges the brain. It is the cerebral equivalent of two months of a daily, brutal boot camp.

This holds true for a brain of any age – ask anyone in a high school production or in college pursuing a BFA or MFA. The septuagenarian and octogenarian actors with whom I’ve performed are among the sharpest, wittiest and most vibrant individuals I know.

Taking on a challenge for no other reason than the doing of it can be liberating. Most younger people simply don’t have the time or energy

the Moraga Art Gallery to announce this

left after work, young children and strategizing on the best next move in life. Older folks who have “been there, done that” have space in their world to cultivate long-held desires and indulge curiosity. Theater is only one example; there are as many outlets as there are brains to dream them up. The idea is to embrace the gifts of time and space and use that brain. Learn, play, remain engaged and keep that head in good working order for as long as it rests on your shoulders. Please send comments and question to Nathalie at newwavenightingale@gmail.com.

year’s winners, join with students and community members to celebrate the students’ hard work, and showcase this year’s 27 submissions. This year’s local judges were Eric Sanchez and John Schall of Los Medanos College, Dana Davis of Contra Costa College and Christopher Marker of Diablo Valley College.

Contributed photos

Campolindo High’s Jazlyn Xiao displays her winning work, “The Future in My Hands,” alongside Congressman Mark DeSaulnier.

Diablo Valley College student Bethany Leung submitted her digital work titled “Hope” for a second place win.

Center, from page 1

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As it stands now, wheelchairs cannot manage the terrain around the parking lot, bathrooms or the trailer. However, the new center will be completely ADA accessible.

“It’s just not a friendly place for them to come as a destination, and we think we can change that,” says Mike Brandy of MDIA.

Spanning 1,500 sq. ft. and including an outdoor plaza and indoor space, the center will have elements of a museum. MDIA says it will host “in-depth interpretive displays for all visitors on the natural and cultural world of this 22,000-acre ‘island in the sky’ state park.”

Meg Hanna says the new

facility has climate sustainability in mind. “The structure is going to be taking advantage of natural climate control,” says the Clayton resident long aware of the project. The center will use a combination of natural light and natural airflow to keep the indoor space comfortable. “They are designing everything (so) it becomes a part of keeping the environment and the climate safe,” Hanna adds.

The other major purpose of the revamped visitor center is to create an always-open gathering spot. According to Brandy, the current center attracts hikers and bikers from all over the East Bay who lack a place to meet up before taking on the mountain. “When they’re trying to meet up,

Memory, from page 1

“The Alzheimer’s and Memory Café: How to Start and Succeed with Your Own Café’” by Jyette Fogh Lokvig PhD.

Zohreh Verjdani of Concord was among grand opening visitors enjoying what was offered. Verjdani liked the mental challenges that different activities provided to keep one’s mind sharp, like filling in one of the Sudoku worksheets.

She also tried out Wander, a virtual reality device. The Wander App enables participants to use a virtual reality headset, like the Oculus Go, and travel to any place in the world. Recalling her globe-traveling days, Verjdani desired a visit to China – and for a few minutes she was virtually transported to Beijing.

As DeCommer finished assisting Verjdani, she told her she would bring in a second Wander in May so she can just enjoy going along for the ride next time. And leave the driving to the staff.

“Next month, we all can go around the world,” DeCommer said.

FINDING A NEWCHALLENGE

Ray Bauer, 89, who battles significant hearing loss, also appreciated the goal of Memory Café. If he hadn’t made the trip out with his neighbor, Steve Gray, through the urging

of his wife, Diana, he’d be at home alone.

“I keep my brain stimulated” by still reading financial reports and managing their financials, Bauer said.

Knowing it gets tough as they get older, “we are trying to keep as much brain activity going as we can,” he continued.

Working a word search on offer at the café, Bauer notes: “This was a new challenge for me.”

Gray, 75, was also interested in seeing what the county is doing for individuals like himself through the new Memory Café.

“I may not need it right now,” he said.

Still, venturing out to the library was a pleasant diversion to the yardwork he otherwise would have been doing. With a wry smile, though, Gray remembered, “those are still going to be there when I get home.”

A BOOST FOR CAREGIVERS

While April’s turnout in Clayton was slim, DeCommer is hardly discouraged. She noted that library visitors have been taking photos of fliers promoting the Memory Café. Also, there have been discussions with the activity director of a Clayton senior living facility about bringing residents to the Memory Café for a day out.

Districts, from page 1

REPRESENTINGVARIED DEMOGRAPHICS

Jennifer

Restaurants , Theater and Events

Clayton Business & Community Assoc. . .ClaytonCBCA.org Clayton Pride Parade .

.ClaytonPride.com Concord Music & Market

Vinnie's Bar and Grill

Walnut Creek Art & Wine

Senior Services & Hospice Care

for Elders Independence

TreVista Senior Living

Longtime Pleasant Hill resident Karen Yapp can see the value of the change. The Woodside Meadows resident was a former campaign manager and volunteer for City Council candidates.

“Three of our City Council members right now live in Poet’s Corner,” she says. “Two are even next-door neighbors. We’ve had that before, even in my neighborhood, and the council members socialize together and see each other often. They do reflect a very similar demographic.”

The lawsuit alleges that there are many underrepresented minorities – in ethnicity, age and wealth – who are not getting adequate representation at a city government level, which is why the city is scrambling to meet a June deadline to change to district elections or face millions of dollars in state fines.

And that’s where the colorful maps come in.

“I’m in favor of district elections, as long as the maps are drawn right” says 22-year resident Marian Shostrom.

She attended the May 6 special City Council meeting soliciting public input on several maps. A demographer drew two maps, after the city hired the consultant to use 2020 Census data and different algorithms to determine the districts.

“They were terrible,” Shostrom says. “One split the College Park and Poet’s Corner

the meet-up place that everyone gathers is in the middle of the parking lot,” he notes.

Clayton City Councilmember Kim Trupiano was surprised to learn that 30,000-40,000 people come through that entrance yearly. “(Mitchell Canyon) is sort of our entrance to Mount Diablo State Park,” she says.

The Clayton council heard a presentation on the plans at the April 18 meeting. The city does not have plans to support the project monetarily, but multiple councilmembers have expressed that they are in favor of the overhaul.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

One of the major functions of the visitor center will be expanded educational offerings.

Councilmember Holly Tillman, who has school-aged children,

DeCommer hopes that interest in the Memory Café will continue growing, with the potential that it could become a weekly experience for those certain to benefit from it.

The Jewish Family & Community Services East offers the area’s other Memory Café. Also free, it meets 1-2 p.m. the fourth Monday of each month at the art room of the Pleasant Hill Senior Center.

“The group is social in structure and includes a person with mild cognitive impairment and their loved one in the caregiver role,” said café coordinator Dee Madnick. “We are not a ‘support group,’ but it is supportive naturally.”

“We should have more (Memory Cafés) in Contra Costa County, and hopefully this will prompt more,” DeCommer said of the Clayton program. “There

sees a need for the new center and an educational outpost.

Tillman is glad future generations will be able to use the visitor center for field trips. “Just knowing that they have that natural resource in their backyard, that they can actually sit in the classroom and learn about it while onsite – I think it’s great.”

Brandy believes that the new center could lead to partnerships with schools. He said they could handle two classes of kids at one time in the indoor facility alone.

Hanna echoes Tillman and Brandy’s educational sentiments. “I think what’s important is the education of those who are using the trails around how to really take a look at the beauty of nature and the ecosystem that is created by Mount Diablo.”

For more information, visit www.mdia.org.

are advancements being made.” DeCommer’s efforts are now something of a memorial to those in her family, like her grandfather’s sister who suffered the debilitating effects of the disease, and seeing the onset of it first-hand with her own mother.

“My mother in the end didn’t even recognize me,” said DeCommer. “It runs in my family, and it’s sure to get me, too.”

This program not only serves as a resource for the elderly but for the caregivers who get worn down serving loved ones with dementia. This is a place for caregivers to come and talk about it, showing them “they are not alone.”

“It’s hard for loved ones to deal with the pain. They get upset,” said DeCommer. “It gives them a break.”

Debate, from page 1

course of study, including political science, international relations and geography.

“DVC gave me the advocacy skills and work ethic to make it to the final stage,” Keene said. “I am eternally grateful to every single faculty member at the school who took time out of their day to mentor me and facilitate my success.”

First-year competitors Emily Hitomi and Jason Sabbadini took home novice honors at the NPDA events. Speech students Manahil Syeda and Eden Ozeri competed at the American Forensic Association National Speech Tournament. Syeda reached the elimination rounds, the second DVC student to accomplish that feat.

neighborhoods into two different districts, and Gregory Gardens into three.”

She says that while diversity is “vitally important,” so is maintaining the character of long-established neighborhoods.

Maps drawn by residents were also displayed at the public meeting, which was sparsely attended by only about 25 residents. In information provided to the Pioneer, Mayor Tim Flaherty said the council has 11 maps identifying either a fivedistrict council or a four-district council with a citywide direct-elect mayor.

“At the last public meeting on May 6, the focus was on a five-district map but no substantive discussion occurred on a four-district map. This is primarily because the four-district maps had yet been vetted by the demographer to assure compliance,” Flaherty wrote.

He said the four-district maps should be available for discussion at the May 22 meeting.

QUESTIONING LAWSUITTACTICS

One person who did express his dismay at the idea of district elections was former Concord Councilmember Tim McGallian, who was unseated in his district by Laura Nakamura in last November’s elections.

“It’s not sour grapes,” McGallian said. “I think district elections are devastating to a community. When I was on the council, even though I represented my district, I was involved in other things as well,

such as transportation and economic development. I didn’t say, ‘That’s not in my district, I don’t care.’ I represented my district, but also the whole of Concord. That’s a council member’s responsibility.”

He says the Shenkman & Hughes lawsuit should only be directed at larger cities of 250,000, where many areas are disenfranchised, and neighborhood advocacy and political groups are stronger. “There are people who are electable in those types of districts and should be on a City Council.”

Still, the laws aren’t working that way now. Besides the five maps featured on the wall on May 6, seven more have been submitted for review by the demographer – to make sure of the population makeup – and run through the city attorney’s office, says Geoff Gillette, Pleasant Hill’s community relations manager.

Once they have been vetted, the 17- by 11-inch maps will be put in packets available at City

Hall, the library and on the city of Pleasant Hill’s website.

He expressed frustration about his efforts to get the word out about the advent of district elections, as not many people seemed interested to comment.

“We sent out information to residents, put it on social media and on a sign by the library, and still not many people have shown up to the public meetings.”

He said residents could also email the council about their map preferences and/or concerns.

The city held one community meeting at an April council meeting, and the third and possibly final opportunity for input will be the May 22 meeting held only for feedback on the district maps, he said. The meeting will either be in the council chambers or a community room, with Zoom opportunities as well.

For more information on attending via Zoom or in person, visit www.pleasanthill.org/districts.

Now Hiring

From the desk of...

Concord again seeks Master Developer for Weapons Station

The city of Concord needs to complete a Specific Plan and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to create entitlements for the approximately 2,300 acres of the Concord Naval Weapons Station (CNWS) it expects to obtain from the Navy after agreeing to terms and a price.

To complete the negotiations, the Navy has requested that the city select a Master Developer to help prepare a financial analysis of the approved project. The Master

Developer will pay for the costs of the Specific Plan, environmental studies, the property purchase and invest significant resources to bring required infrastructure (roads, water, sewer, electricity) to the CNWS site. The Master Developer will be required to spend tens of millions of dollars on project and land use planning and hundreds of millions of dollars on critical infrastructure and related improvements over the course of the 30- to 40-year project.

The city has twice sought a Master Developer and did not come to a successful conclusion for different reasons. We want an experienced Master Developer who can incorporate lessons learned from the previous efforts and prepare a responsive and financially feasible strategy for development of the CNWS Reuse Project. At our May 9 public meeting, the City Council unanimously directed staff to use lessons learned from the two earlier attempts into this

process through a new Request for Qualification (RFQ).

The RFQ will allow us to select whom we identify as the most qualified to undertake preparation of a Specific Plan and environmental studies, and to design and install infrastructure needed for the planned development and undertake future development. It does not involve the preparation of future plan drawings – that would be at the later Specific Plan stage.

Clayton welcomes new city manager, Bret Prebula

I’m happy to announce that the Clayton City Council has hired a new full-time city manager, Bret Prebula.

He has a master’s degree in business administration and started his career in government 15 years ago as a department analyst with Napa County. Prebula advanced quickly in his career, taking roles as the administrative manager for the Napa County Department of

Corrections, a principal management analyst in the Napa County Executive Office, the assistant treasurer-tax collector for Napa County, and managing a $700 million investment portfolio before moving on to become the finance and IT director for the city of Napa, finance director for the city of Benicia and most recently the assistant city manager for the city of Benicia.

This concludes a hiring exercise that occurred over the last several months and is critical in the efficient operations of the city. I want to thank Ron Bernal for stepping up on an interim basis while we conducted our search, and I look forward to working with

Prebula and the new ideas and energy he will bring to the city.

I’d like to give everyone a friendly reminder to watch your speed as you drive through town. Enhancing pedestrian and traffic safety has long been an area of focus for me, and with our new police chief, I’ve emphasized the desire to maintain safe roads for our residents.

In an effort to address excessive speeding and overall traffic enforcement, the Police Department created a new traffic safety officer assignment. The primary function of this officer will be to enforce traffic laws in an effort to educate the motoring

It’s fire season, folks. Have you cleared your defensible space?

Our lush, beautiful hillsides will turn brown in a month or so, and all the beautiful greenery will become dry. The change in the hillsides marks the telltale signs of fire season.

Every property owner and homeowner has a responsibility to prepare their property for fire season. Much like Smokey Bear says, “Only you can prevent wildfires.” And that includes slowing down fires, too. There are two important steps you can take – weed abatement and creating defensible space on your property.

The California Fire Code considers “weeds” to be all wild plants growing on streets or private property. These include sagebrush, chaparral, dry grass, brush or other flammable materials capable of being ignited and endangering public safety by creating a fire hazard.

For parcels less than 5 acres, all weeds must have a height of no more than 3 inches. Starting on June 4, Contra Costa Fire

Protection District’s (ConFire) Fire Prevention Bureau will have the ability to cite owners of properties that are out of compliance.

Defensible space is an area around a building or structure in which vegetation, debris and other types of combustible fuels have been treated, cleared or reduced to slow the spread of fire to and from the building.

ConFire provides some tools and programs that that can assist you in preparation for fire season. Please visit https:/www.cccfpd.org/wildfire-prep to find tips and information like a defensible space guidebook and an equipment safety flier for when you are working on your property.

ConFire, in partnership with the Crockett Carquinez, El Cerrito, Kensington, Moraga Orinda, Pinole, Richmond, RodeoHercules and San Ramon Valley fire departments, is launching the Contra Costa County Wildfire Mitigation Program. Con-

Fire is managing this innovative program that offers Contra Costa residents the opportunity to work together to complete a neighborhood project that will reduce the wildfire risks. This program is funded through the county’s half-cent sales tax, Measure X, and offers financial assistance for larger projects.

First, find a few neighbors to combine efforts in preparing your properties for fire season and identify the best project that can benefit everyone. Visit https://tinyurl.com/FireMitigat ionInfo to check out what types of community projects may qualify. Examples include a community chipping day, removal of dead trees or vegetation management.

Once you identify a project, reach out to your local fire district, which will evaluate the project and provide guidance. Then you can apply for the program at https://tinyurl.com/FireMitigat ionApp.

public and reduce speeds. In addition to speeding, all moving violations will be addressed. The traffic officer also will deploy the police decoy vehicle and radar trailers in an effort to maximize visibility.

In other exciting news, the summer Concerts in The Grove started May 13 and will continue every other Saturday through Sept. 16. See the city of Clayton’s website at claytonca.gov to learn more or go to https://claytonca.gov/fc/Con certs-In-The-Grove-2023.pdf.

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

The city has an approved general Community Area Plan as the starting point for the next step of planning. We did the Community Area Plan done 10 years ago, and updates may be needed that would include public input sessions by the future Master Developer as they prepare a Specific Plan.

The RFQ seeks a Master Developer for the entire area assuming negotiated performance milestones are met. It provides extensive background information on the Reuse Project and its history, establishes our expectations for a successful project, identifies the qualifications we seek in a Master Developer and asks them to answer key questions about their approach to the project.

The Council reviewed the RFQ document, made some modifications and unanimously directed staff to move forward with the following tentative timeline:

May 15 issuance of the RFQ.

July 14 deadline for Master Developer candidate submittals.

Mid-late August public meeting for the City Council to review developers submittals (with confidential information removed). Council will select developers to interview, which could be all or some.

KEN CARLSON COUNTY SUPERVISOR

The Wildfire Mitigation Program will evaluate and rank all projects. The program aims to select projects across the county. Let’s work together to make everyone a little safer this fire season.

If you have questions about the Wildfire Mitigation Program or other ConFire programs, please reach out to my office for assistance at 925-655-2350.

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

Walnut Creek project one example of supporting affordable housing

The housing situation in California is undeniably dire for renters, homeowners and prospective buyers alike.

The top five most common occupations in California pay less than the wage needed to afford a home, and according to a 2019 report, a record 5.2 million households are spending at least 30% of their household income on housing costs. The cost-burdened rate is even higher amongst renters, at more than 53%.

In a healthy housing market, these renters would eventually be able to “climb the housing ladder” to become

first-time homebuyers, in turn opening up additional rental units for others. However, housing fees, litigation and an

ever-growing web of regulations continue to drive the cost of construction up to the point that low- or middleincome projects simply do not get built.

This disproportionately impacts first-time homebuyers, communities of color and the working class. It has effectively barred a generation of Californians from one of the most reliable forms of wealth generation available: owning a home.

Last year, I led a broad coalition of legislators and supporters to secure $350 million in the state budget to

support the construction of new affordable homes and to fund existing down payment assistance programs. Specifically, this funding was directed to CalHome, a grant program that provides money to local public agencies and non-profit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, to assist in affordable development projects.

I’ve been proud to support the work of Habitat for Humanity in the Legislature and to join our local chapter to volunteer on-site at their

See Grayson, page 9

Late August/early September public meeting for developer interviews with City Council and final selection.

The goal is to select a Master Developer before the end of 2023. This will allow them the ability to start the Specific Plan and EIR in early 2024, leading to land-use entitlements, a Disposition & Development Agreement and an Economic Development Conveyance Agreement with the U.S. Navy in 2026.

More information can be found at https://www.concordreuseproject.org/DocumentCenter/Index/481.

Direct your questions and comments to the mayor at 925-6713158 or Laura.Hoffmeister@cityofconcord.org.

Pleasant Hill focusing on district elections, Housing Element

Pleasant Hill is moving to a by-district City Council election starting with the November 2024 election cycle.

Over the past three months, we held a number of public meetings to discuss the concept of district-based elections, the reasons for districting and proposed electoral district maps. Through the course of our public meetings, we have received valuable feedback from members of the community. There will be another meeting on May 22.

For more on the process, see the front-page article of this issue of the Pioneer or visit www.pleasanthillca.org/district s. Printed packets of the maps are also available at both City Hall and the Pleasant Hill Library.

Meanwhile, the city continues to work with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to obtain approval of its Housing Element as part of the General Plan 2040 update.

HCD is requiring Pleasant Hill to zone vacant lots of at least one-half acre in size for designation as low-income high-density housing. This process has been a challenging one as HCD has chosen not to accept our designation of more appropriate parcels in the city for such development – ones where transportation and support amenities exist.

HCD is forcing Pleasant Hill to designate vacant space in a rural sector of the city for which there is no public transportation, a non-existent walkability score and no commercial amenities. While I support the development of high-density, low-cost housing in appropriate areas of the city, achieving that goal must be reached through an intelligent and thoughtful process. Under the current designations, developers would have no incentive to build where the necessary infrastructure and amenities don’t exist and it’s

FLAHERTY PLEASANT HILL MAYOR

unlikely they would be able to see a return on their investment. The City Council continued discussion of the Housing Element on May 18.

On a lighter note, the Pleasant Hill Art Jazz & Wine Festival will be May 20 and 21 along Crescent Drive in the downtown. More information about this event can be found at https://pleasanthillchamberevents.org.

The approaching Memorial Day weekend signals the kickoff of the Pleasant Hill Summer Concert series at the City Hall lawn. The first concert will be 6 p.m. Sunday, May 28, featuring the country band Crossmann Connection. Watch out Nashville! To see the entire schedule for the season, go to www.pleasanthillca.org/summerconcerts.

And finally, the city’s Diversity Commission is presenting a Juneteenth celebration 4:30-7:30 p.m. June 18 on the City Hall lawn. Stop by for food, fun and music. Families will enjoy the performance of Unique Derique, the Clown Prince of Fools. Kids (and grownups too) will get a chance to take photos with Princess Tiana from Disney’s “Princess and the Frog.” Satisfy your appetite with great food truck cuisine and dance along to the joyous high energy music of the West African Highlife Band.

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

LAURA HOFFMEISTER CONCORD MAYOR

JEFF WAN CLAYTON MAYOR

TIM

TIM GRAYSON 15TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT

Opportunity Junction offers students a path forward

Clayton resident Matt Tillman gains a sense of accomplishment by helping others achieve long-term employment and financial security through the non-profit Opportunity Junction.

“Individuals can go into hourly fast-food jobs, but it’s not necessarily a career for them. The objective of the organization is to be able to provide individuals with the ability to create long-term, sustainable careers,” says Tillman, who chairs the board of directors. “The night of the graduation, we have employers in the lobby ready to hire these graduates.”

Founded in 2000, Opportunity Junction began by providing free computer skills training mostly for single mothers. Recruitment is currently underway for the 71st Administrative Careers Training class out of the Antioch office.

In 2018, the John Muir Community Health Fund approached the group about expanding into health-care training. So, they partnered with Empowered Aging and Mt. Diablo Adult Education to launch a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program –with classes now offered in Concord and Antioch.

Now, thanks to a $470,000

grant from Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord), Opportunity Junction is planning to start a Medical Assistant (MA) track next spring.

“It’s a different career for people who aren’t interested in the intense patient contact of a CNA,” says new CEO Brianna Robinson. “It’s also a more traditional schedule, say 9-4, when doctors’ offices are open.”

CREATINGNEW OPPORTUNITIES

Applicants for any of the training programs must be age 18 or over, residents of Contra Costa County and meet an income requirement. “It’s pretty high; it’s not a federal poverty number,” Robinson says.

“For example, a single mom with two kids – or any threeperson household – needs to

make less than $95,000 to qualify.”

The goal is to help people who want a full-time career but never thought formal education was obtainable.

“We’re looking for our folks to enter employment and make a difference in their lives, their families’ lives and the lives of the people they are touching through their work,” says Robinson.

“Our model is special because it’s full-time intensive training coupled with wraparound support: career skills, professional skills, hot lunch, groceries on the weekend, mental health services, job placement assistance and lifetime alumni services,” she adds.

New administrative classes begin May 30, and the next CNA training starts Sept. 11. Those interested in the pro-

Keep your liver happy with healthy food choices

Everything you swallow eventually passes through the liver – whether it’s food, alcohol or medicine. So, think about what you put in your mouth.

The liver is a busy place. Its functions include:

•Digestion.

•Filtration.

•Storage of vitamins and minerals.

•Metabolism detoxification.

•Protein synthesis.

The liver filters the blood coming from the digestive tract, before passing it to the rest of the body. When the liver doesn’t work properly, toxins build up in the blood and the liver. These toxins can travel to the brain and affect brain function.

You can protect your liver through healthy food and, in particular, eating fiber-rich meals. If you eat real or artificial sugar, processed or fast foods, or drink large amounts of alcohol, you can wind up with a fatty liver, diabetes, cognitive impairment, diverticulitis, metabolic syndrome, cirrhosis or cancer. Eating high-fiber foods helps the liver function efficiently, increasing its ability to detox the blood.

Fiber is a dietary substance that includes cellulose, lignin and pectin. Fiber carries food through the intestine faster, generating a signal that you are full, as explained by my friend and colleague, Dr. Robert H. Lustig, author of the 2021 book “Metabolical.”

Some high-fiber foods are whole grains, fruits and veg-

etables, and beans and legumes. The recommended daily value for dietary fiber is 25 grams.

When you remove the fiber from any food, for example, by converting whole fruit into juice, it can spike blood sugar levels in the body. Fiber protects the liver and ensures your brain can be sharp, so you can say goodbye to brain fog.

Everything you consume should protect the liver and feed the gut. Fiber helps to flush the liver of waste while delivering nutrients. Taking responsibility for what you eat is like a good basketball coach who knows how to direct the team, seeing who needs rest and what defense will stop the other team.

It is possible to manage your blood sugar without relying on pills for diabetes. I have seen many people reverse their reliance on medications after a few weeks of shifting to a healthy diet. You can do this, always in partnership with your doctor.

Grayson, from page 8

builds, including just earlier this month. I was honored to again join Habitat for Humanity of East Bay/Silicon Valley for its Women’s Leadership Build event. About 100 women and allies from throughout our community, Habitat homeowners and staff, and other volunteers put in a week’s worth of work in a single day at Esperanza Place. This 2-acre infill lot in Walnut Creek will be a future neigh-

borhood of 42 affordable homes.

Esperanza Place is Habitat East Bay/Silicon Valley’s first Zero Net Energy development, designed to produce more energy than it will consume. It’s the most recent evolution in the organization’s 20year history of climate-smart green building.

The high-density, transitoriented, 100% affordable development will include

grams are encouraged to apply early. “We reach capacity each cycle, but we’re always looking for more people who are the right fit,” Robinson says.

Most graduates of the 12week courses find immediate employment. Administrative opportunities include program coordinator, eligibility worker or property manager, while many CNAs work at skillednursing facilities in Central Contra Costa County. “CNAs are in high demand, and employers are begging,” Robinson notes.

Hector Sanchez, facility manager at San Miguel Villa in Concord, says he has hired at least 30 Opportunity Junction grads in just the last two years. The 190-bed skilled nursing facility also provides onsite clinical training for the students.

“If they like the environment, we can offer opportunities for a job at the end of the class,” Sanchez says. “It’s been amazing. This program has not only helped out our communities, but our skilled nursing facilities.”

NEW PROGRAMFOR CONTRA COSTA

The CNA training is so well-regarded that Gov. Gavin Newsom pointed to it as a model for statewide use. Meanwhile, the pending MA program will be the first such offering in Contra Costa. It will require an externship, so the training will take six to seven months.

“The job is not so much patient care as front- and backoffice work, although they might take blood pressure or do injections. The medical

assistant is the one who weighs you and asks questions as you’re waiting for the doctor,” Robinson says. The federal grant will pay for a new class site, equipment, textbooks and other things necessary for one year – or three class cycles. After that, the non-profit will look to Tillman to assist in gathering new funding.

“What I brought to the organization is finding other individuals who become donors and supporters of Opportunity Junction,” says Tillman, noting that April’s Imagine Gala raised more than $200,000.

For more information or to donate, visit the website www.opportunityjunction.org.

Try this recipe for a healthy dinner:

ITALIAN CHICKENWITH POLENTA, ZUCCHINIAND BELL PEPPERS

Polenta:

1 c. polenta

5 c. water

2 tsp. salt

2 T avocado oil

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Combine ingredients and place in a 9-by-13-inch glass pan. Bake 20 minutes.

Chicken:

28-oz. can crushed tomatoes

2 zucchini, cut into twoinch pieces

2 bell peppers, cut lengthwise into slices

1½ lbs. skinless chicken thigh meat

2 T avocado oil

2 T Italian seasoning*

1 T chopped fresh garlic

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Mix tomatoes, zucchini and bell peppers and place in 9-by-13-inch pan. Cover with chicken pieces. Top with oil, seasoning and garlic. Cook one hour.

*Make this recipe yours by using whatever spices you like.

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.

townhomes ranging from one to four bedrooms surrounding a central community space for neighbors to gather and children to play. These homes will be sold through stable, affordable mortgages to families earning low to moderate incomes, and those mortgages will in turn be reinvested by Habitat to further their work of helping families achieve homeownership and economic stability.

Projects like Esperanza Place bring immense value to our community, providing per-

In light of the millions of dollars paid to players and the billions that individuals and ownership groups are doling out to own profession sports teams, the Martinez Sturgeon baseball club is a refreshing throwback to a simpler, bygone era of town teams.

Baseball movie afficionados might recall Kevin Costner’s reference to them in “Field of Dreams” in the scene where his character pulled the van over along a country road and in hopped a young man who was carrying little more than his glove and knapsack.

Archie, aka Archibald “Moonlight” Graham, had heard of small towns with baseball teams and was looking to find one to play on. Smiling, Costner shares he knows of just such a place, to which Archie showed a huge satisfying grin.

Martinez is among a handful of teams playing in likesized communities such as Garden City, Kan., Blackwell, Okla., and Trinidad, Texas, that dot the seven-state landscape of the 16-team independent Pecos League of Professional Baseball.

VARIETY OF FUNDRAISING OPTIONS

With the exception of salaries, the centralized Pecos League covers all expenses for the teams, including facility fees, paying the field manager and other permits. The league makes money from ticket sales, sponsorship, league merchandise and the snack bar.

“It is a costly endeavor and has small margins,” said Sturgeon general manager Eric Halverson. He serves in a volunteer capacity for the team, recognized as a 501c nonprofit.

Pecos League commissioner Andrew Dunn said the structure makes it a unique situation, because each community is guaranteed a team without investing millions of dollars. While “the team is not

manently affordable housing and the positive health, financial and generational outcomes that often come with homeownership. This year, I’m authoring a number of bills to lower the cost of housing and reduce the barriers to construction.

If you would like to learn more about my work on affordable home ownership or other bills I’m carrying to address our housing crisis, please contact me at my Concord District Office at 925521-1511.

guaranteed to make money, they are able to provide a good production for the people” to watch.

Community support drives the success of each club. Player salaries are paid through 50-to-50 fundraisers held at the team’s games, with additional financial incentives earned from “passing the hat” when someone hits a home run or the pitcher strikes out the side.

Other revenue streams for assisting the players on the Sturgeon roster include sales of team merchandise and holding nine, two-day baseball camps for kids, up from three last year, where the players contribute their time and talents.

HOSTFAMILIESHELPOUT

An important element of these community teams is the role of host families, who open their homes and hearts to the players.

“They come a long way on their own dime to play,” said Dennis Freeman, whose family hosted multiple players the past two seasons. During two different stretches last season, a pair of Sturgeons occupied a bedroom in Freeman’s home.

Serving in a volunteer

capacity this season, Freeman couldn’t say enough about the help families extend for even a few months to make it as comfortable as possible for players. These young men come from as far away as North Carolina and even foreign lands, like Columbia, for the chance to play a game they love and maybe get noticed to play at the next level.

“The basics are all we ask to be provided,” Halverson said, echoing the essential role of host families, which includes supplying a room and bed, a bathroom to use and kitchen access for the player to prepare their meals.

“The players are very busy through the season, between games, camps, practice and community involvement; they don’t have much time for anything else,” he continued. “Most of these guys are right out of college and are trying to continue their playing career with the hopes to make the big leagues.”

FIRSTGAME THIS WEEKEND Expectations for the players extend to involvement in community activities over the summer, which Halverson

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, center, obtained funding for Opportunity Junction’s new medical assistant training program. CEO Brianna Robinson and board chair Matt Tillman are helping hold the giant check.

Photo courtesy of the Martinez Sturgeon Baseball Club

Martinez Sturgeon catcher Jimmy Portillo, filling in as a pitcher, winds and delivers a pitch during a 2022 game against the Bakersfield Train Robbers.

DAVID SCHOLZ Correspondent

Pleasant Hill moves Beyond store closings to new opportunities

A glass half full mindset is the prevailing attitude in the wake of the announced closure of Bed Bath & Beyond’s downtown store, with city officials turning attention to those tenants who are or will soon be opening for business in smaller spaces along Crescent Drive.

But the proverbial elephants in the downtown – two big-box empties representing 78,253 sq. ft. of commercial real estate – are hard to ignore.

Mayor Tim Flaherty, a real estate attorney by day, remains optimistic that the actions the city is taking to control what it can in the current economic environment will position the community well going forward.

“We can be an influencer but not the decision-maker, and that makes it frustrating,” he said.

Post-pandemic, as the retail market moved into a new cycle, the city took steps to streamline the permitting process to they can get the right tenant mix. The down-

town corridor is also being rejuvenated with the replacement of trees along Crescent Drive and developing a greater common area for the public to congregate.

LOOKINGFOR A ‘

VIBRANT’ MIX

Creating “a town square environment” is the strategy behind these collective efforts to draw visitors downtown.

“If you have the right mix, that can be quite vibrant,” Flaherty said.

With shopping malls seemingly on the way out, he believes the city’s efforts provide “good opportunities.” But he is not ready to shut the door on the shelf life of big-box entities. He pointed to Burlington taking over the former Toys R Us location along Contra Costa Boulevard.

On Pleasant Hill’s wish list of large potential tenants is another supermarket operator, such as a Trader’s Joes, with Safeway the predominant chain in town. The soon-to-be-available Bed Bath & Beyond space would seemingly be a great location

Aging, from page 2

additional programming. Another benefit, Toth explains, is that “it stops ageism before it takes root,” as the children learn early about the special bonds they can have with older people.

SPECIALCAMPUS IN THEWORKS

nursing home,” Toth says, adding that access to transportation services might allow the senior to move back home.

Choice in Aging also runs a multi-generational preschool called Choice in Learning Montessori Preschool. Research has supported what Toth says they discovered quite by accident many years ago: “When you put young children and older adults together, something magical happens.”

The children benefit from the attention and storytelling of the older adults, and the seniors gain joy and purpose and bonds. The Montessori Schools have found that the methods can be adapted for Alzheimer’s patients, and the director at Choice in Learning has been trained to offer

Choice in Aging has plans for an Aging in Place Campus. Last year, the California Legislature set aside $10 million to help finance this unique community that would include affordable housing, services for older adults, Adult Day Health Care, social interaction and a Montessori pre-school with intergenerational programming. They are working toward raising an additional $10 million.

Choice in Aging’s next fundraiser takes place Oct. 7 and will support the Antioch Adult Day Health Care Center. The Bedford Block Party will feature music by Frankie G, a taco truck and a bocce tournament.

Toth has been working with older adults since high school and has been with Choice in Aging since 2002. She believes that as we age, we deserve to continue to experience full lives and that we are still capable of joy.

To help support this mission, visit choiceinaging.org.

for another food store, said Flaherty.

UBS owns both large property footprints in the downtown, the former OSH site and Bed Bath & Beyond. Vestar manages the properties, according to Zach Seal, Pleasant Hill’s economic development manager.

“Vestar’s real estate team has strong relationships with retailers and retail brokers, so they have the wherewithal and the contacts to find tenants for these two spaces.

The city and UBS/Vestar work in partnership to maintain and improve downtown’s infrastructure, and the city always helps when we can, as we do with any property owner, to assist with planning reviews and building permits to help facilitate new tenants moving in,” Seal said.

Flaherty noted that for years, USB/Vestar could not do anything to draw prospective tenants to the OSH site because OSH did the minimum and paid the rent to hold the site. It’s only been recently that the parties got out from under OSH’s thumb, so they could move forward to find new suitors for that site.

In fact, Vestar was recently in extended negotiations with Target for that site – only to see things end without a deal.

WELCOMING

NEWBUSINESSES

The city’s efforts to stimulate development of 270 units of housing along Cleaveland Road, set to open in early 2024 in close proximity to the downtown, is further in line with the goal of bringing people to the existing and future tenants that dot the retail corridor around Crescent Drive.

“It’s kind of a chicken and egg thing,” Flaherty said regarding what is needed first –

the people or the businesses.

Brandi Hardy, marketing director for Downtown Pleasant Hill, lamented the departure of Bed Bath & Beyond, but she’s raising an optimistic glass to toast the future.

“While we are sorry to see them go, the loss of any retailer provides us with the opportunity to assess new offerings that may better match the changing wants and needs of our shoppers,” she said.

This year alone, the organi-

Our young people need us to show up for them this Pride

This May, Mental Health Awareness Month, I’ve often found my mind on the queer and trans youth we serve at Rainbow Community Center.

Every year, we hold an annual Transgender Day of Visibility event. One of our youth speakers, a graduating high school senior, said something this year that really stuck with me.

He shared his experiences of contending with the normal teen stressors related to getting into colleges and figuring out who he is. And then he talked about what it is like being a trans teenager – and how witnessing the recent explosion of anti-trans public sentiment and legislation has negatively impacted his mental health.

I can only imagine what it would be like to be a trans teenager in this day and age. You open social media apps on your phone or turn on the TV only to see your very existence and rights as a person being debated on a national stage. Hearing and seeing

hateful commentary every day takes a real toll on LGBTQ+ youths’ mental health. The statistics affirming this are staggering.

The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Mental Health Survey found that 56% of LGBTQ young people reported that their mental health was poor most of the time, or always. It showed that 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in that year, with more than half of trans and non-binary youth considering suicide.

And yet, this report also shows that there is hope. The Trevor Project found that LGBTQ youth who report having at least one accepting adult or affirming space in their life are 40% less likely to attempt suicide. The evidence is clear: Providing safe spaces and being trusted adults for youth – people who affirm young people’s sexual orientation and gender identity –saves lives.

So how do we do this?

On Saturday, June 17, we

are bringing back our annual Pride in the Plaza event at Todos Santos Plaza for the first time since 2019. The pandemic has been a time when queer and trans youth in particular have felt isolated and disconnected. Pride is a time to come together in person, to celebrate and center queer and trans joy, to refer folks to vital services and programming, to offer visibility and representation, and for the entire community to rally behind LGBTQIA+ folks. This years’ theme for Pride in the Plaza is mental health.

Our young people are informed by the possibilities and the signals they observe around them. It is more imperative than ever that we as adults use the power at our disposal to create the conditions in Contra Costa County that LGBTQIA+ kids need to thrive.

Let’s lead with love and foster a sense of belonging and self-worth for LGBTQIA+ youth to counter

zation has welcomed several new tenants. Paris Baguette recently opened, and Smallcakes Cupcakery is projected to open in June. The former Sweet Tomatoes restaurant was subdivided to accommodate three more tenants, including Restore Hyper Wellness, which is now open; Cantina Jack’s, with the same owner as Jack’s Restaurant around the corner; and Morgan Territory Brewing, which projects to open a tasting room by early June.

In addition, Citibank is expected to open in short order.

All of Morgan Territory Brewing’s offerings are generated out of a Tracy plant, but COO Michael LaCross sees the future moving full speed ahead after the pandemic put the brakes on the brewery’s retail plans. The changes in the Pleasant Hill downtown business landscape in recent years “gave us an opportunity to be in Pleasant Hill,” he noted.

LaCross is no stranger to the area, as his family lives “just down the street” in Lafayette.

“Pleasant Hill has a really nice vibe and energy,” he said, pointing to the concerts and Off the Grid. “We will just add to that energy in a positive way.”

harmful messages of homophobia and transphobia. Let’s show these kids the bright futures and possibilities that lie ahead of them.

Thank you for being a part of this work. Together we can make our community a place that is welcoming, inclusive and safe for LGBTQIA+ folks and our allies, and especially for our youth. Happy (almost) Pride month; we’ll see you on June 17. For more about Pride in the Plaza, visit www.bit.ly/prideintheplaza.

Kelly Ferguson (she/her) is the director of development at Rainbow Community Center. As a biracial femme lesbian, Kelly has spent her career working in the nonprofit sector Please direct any questions or comments to kelly@rainbowcc.org.

Concord’s Mahoney Field steeped in aviation history

Back in the early 1920s, Concord had an airport named Mahoney Field in the Mahoney tract off Clayton Road.

The Concord Chamber of Commerce leased it with investors from the First National Bank of Concord.

The California Aerial Transportation Co. of Stockton used it. For $100 plus war tax, you could fly to Los Angeles with four stops.

The Avion had two pilots and six passengers. Its first flight was on June 7, 1920, however, the Avion crashed in L.A. on its return trip on June 26, 1920, and the service ceased.

In 1924, the airfield opened again to carry mail as an alternative to flying to Crissy Field at the San Francisco Presidio because of fog, which was an ever-present hazard. Planes flew in and out of Concord as the

weather in San Francisco dictated.

Boeing Air Transport started flying the mail in 1927 and took over the airport. The western terminus was moved to Livermore, with Concord as an auxiliary landing field. A movie called “Hell’s Angels” was also filmed at Concord airport sometime in the next six years. This was not about a tough gang of motorcyclists, but a tough

gang of flying aces in World War I. The German terrain looked a lot like the terrain around Mount Diablo.

By the way, this is the reason we have the Vietnam memorial on a hill in Newhall Park. The vets thought it looked just like the hillsides in Vietnam.

On Sept. 1, 1927, a Boeing 40-B2 took off and headed east, while hundreds of Concord citizens and Californians along the route watched. The plane flew 150 mph. With two passengers, mail and other cargo, it landed in New York 32 hours later. This was the first coast to coast commercial passenger flight.

Soon after giving Concord a special place in aviation history, Boeing moved its operations to a larger metropolitan airport. Boeing Air Transport later became United Airlines.

Private pilots used the small field in Concord in the ’30s. It fell into disuse in the 1940s after the opening of Sherman Field in Pleasant Hill and Buchanan Field in the Concord area.

The abandoned airport area was turned into tomato plants and eventually housing. The old DH-4 engines that were used in the mail planes were given to Alhambra High School to help train mechanics until World War II, when their practice engines became obsolete.

There were hopes that there would be a marker, statue or plaque commemorating the historic flight, but nothing ever materialized.

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

Pleasant Hill is among cities nationwide affected by the closure of Bed Bath & Beyond.

Photo illustration

A Boeing 40-B2 left Concord’s Mahoney Field on Sept. 1, 1927, carrying mail and two passengers on the first coast to coast commercial flight.

KELLY FERGUSON ALLTHE COLORS

CAROL LONGSHORE YESTERYEAR

DEBBIE TOTH

DAVID SCHOLZ Correspondent

Carondelet, De La Salle swim teams sweep NCS titles

The Class of 2023 high school swimmers missed competing in league, section and state championships their freshman and sophomore seasons. However, swimmers at Carondelet and De La Salle certainly didn’t let those disappointments impact a memorable senior year.

Both parochial schools claimed North Coast Section swimming championships this month in their local Concord Community Pool. For the Spartans it is back-to-back NCS titles and both times in an epic head-to-head battle with nearby Northgate.

Carondelet reversed the order of finish this year as the Cougars outscored 2022 cham-

pions Campolindo to claim their first NCS swim crown since 2013.

De La Salle came out of the pandemic era by dominating the pool with NCS championships in consecutive years for both Spartan water polo and swim teams. Several boys competed for both teams and racked up a haul of winner’s medals.

De La Salle and Northgate showed dominance by outscoring the rest of the field of 37 schools by over 100 points, a similar result to last spring.

The neighboring schools battled throughout the meet. In the third to last event Scott Iannaccone took third in the 100 backstroke and got 11 more points in the event than the top Bronco finisher. It proved decisive as Northgate outpointed De La Salle 60-51

in the final two events but came up short with the Spartans totaling 284 to Northgate’s 274.

On the girls side, Campo edged Carondelet by 14 points last year but the Cougars were 41 better this time over their Moraga rivals. Carondelet now has 10 NCS team swim championships and De La Salle seven.

Getting much of the plaudits for Carondelet at NCS was senior Bailey Hartman who has already turned her attention to training for the USA Swimming National Championships beginning June 27 in Indianapolis. She’ll be competing there in four events hoping to land a spot on an American national or junior national team.

In the fall she’ll be at

defending NCAA champion Virginia starting her collegiate career. At NCS she told coach Roque Santos to use her in the best manner to ensure team success and that meant going in back-to-back 100 and 500 freestyle races, both of which she won. She sacrificed a chance to set meet records in order to accumulate team points.

Carondelet ended its 10year drought of NCS titles and Hartman couldn’t be happier. She told SportStars magazine, “Carondelet is such a good school to be a part of,” Hartman said. “We say it a lot. It’s like a sisterhood. And it really is. We really support each other and we’re all part of this big family. It’s really cool to be a part of something that big.”

Photo courtesy Carondelet Athletics

Carondelet dominates the North Coast Section swimming record book, holding 10 of the section’s 12 all-time records, but the Cougars went from 2013 until this month without a team championship. That streak came to an end at Concord Community Pool when the all-girls school claimed its 10th NCS team championship.

De La Salle has come out of the pandemic era with a dominate aquatics program winning the last two North Coast Section boys water polo and swimming championships. The Spartans swim team, including many members of the championship water polo squad of last fall, waged another epic battle with nearby Northgate to get its second successive NCS title and seventh overall.

Presented by Kelly McDougall

Country setting with Mt. Diablo views

Clayton

1101 Whispering Pines Rd. $1,485,000

Beautiful single story ranch style home on one flat completely usable acre. Recently updated throughout with a showstopping country kitchen with stainless steel appliances, Zline professional series six burner stove/oven, deep farm sink, sueded finish quartz counters, extensive storage and counter space, wall of windows looking out to the backyard.

Informal eat in kitchen area with slider to back deck,

perfect for entertaining. Wonderful large family room with vaulted beamed ceiling, cozy gas fireplace with raised hearth. Formal dining room. four bedrooms.

Primary suite has two closets (one is walk in) and separate cozy sitting area with gas fireplace. Slider to covered deck area and pool. Updated en suite bathroom with bidet, large shower, double sinks and barn door for privacy.

The grounds are sensational. Float in your pebble tech pool while enjoying the mountain view and listening to the waterfall features from the raised hot tub. Plenty of room for play, animals, storage and toys. Court location. City water. Country setting minutes from town.

Photo courtesy De La Salle Athletics

JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Baseball, track and field highlight NCS spring sports post-season competitions

Athlete Spotlight

Hannah Annison

School: Clayton Valley Charter High

Grade: Senior

Sports: Stunt and Cheer

Known for her kind personality and enthusiastic attitude, student-athlete Annison has participated on Clayton Valley Charter’s varsity stunt team for the past three years. She has also been a dedicated cheerleader for the CVCHS sideline cheer program for her entire high school career. Annison’s leadership skills earned her Stunt Captain as a junior and senior. She says that her favorite part about being an Ugly Eagle athlete is representing a program that builds athletes with strong character. Growing up, she participated in a variety of sports such as soccer, basketball, rhythmic gymnastics and synchronized swimming. Annison eventually fell in love with stunt and cheer. During her time off the mats, Annison has maintained a 4.33 GPA and is an avid member of many clubs at Clayton Valley, including CSF, NHS, Senior Women and Link Crew. She plans to attend the University of California San Diego in the fall, majoring in Cognitive Science with a specialization in Machine Learning and Neural Computation. Annison has always found the sport of stunt to be an escape from the stress of her everyday life. She is very grateful to her coaches Kate Panos and Nichole Schumann, as well as the rest of her team, for giving her an amazing three years.

CVCHS student journalist Katherine Pugh wrote this Spotlight.

The Pioneer congratulates Hannah 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

Sturgeon, from page 9

noted they do willingly. This includes participating in the Martinez 4th of July Parade, King of the County BBQ and helping at other events.

“They all know that if they are not handling their business, they will be sent home,” he added.

As the season approaches, Halverson noted about 10-12 host families are still needed.

In his GM role, he too wears many hats. Along with hosting the Sturgeon’s new manager this season, that includes being responsible for all off-field activities, being the liaison between the league and the city of Martinez and heading up a team of volunteers that make up the team’s booster board.

But it’s all a labor of love, and he’s confident the team’s organization has put together an amazing program for the upcoming season.

Spring training began in mid-May to ready the squad for a pair of tune-up games before the regular season kicks off later in the month. The Dublin Leprechauns visit Martinez Waterfront Park at 6 p.m. May 20, and the San Rafael Pacifics follow at 2 p.m. May 21.

The Sturgeon’s regular season home opener is Memorial Day weekend, when they host the Leprechauns. First pitch is at 2 p.m. May 28.

All games are at Martinez Waterfront Park, 1204 Joe DiMaggio Dr.

Tickets are available at the games or online at www.martinezsturgeon.com. Visit the team on its booster page on Facebook or go to www.pecosleague.com for more information. Community members with questions are welcome to email Halverson at martinezsturgeon1@gmail.com.

League champions De La Salle and Clayton Valley Charter baseball teams are placed at and near the top of the North Coast Section baseball playoff seedings as action gets underway this week.

The Spartans will seek their six successive Section title as the top seed with the Ugly Eagles, who have also been among the top-ranked Bay Area teams all season, are third seed in a strong Division I field.

De La Salle track and field won last weekend’s Tri-Valley Area Championships boys division in Pleasanton as the top performers now head for the NCS Meet of Champions this Friday and Saturday in Dublin and the CIF State Meet the following weekend in Clovis.

Versatile Chukwunonso Udeh won the 110 hurdles, high jump and long jump at the TriValley Meet as he continued a strong senior season. He also was part of the Spartans second place 4x100 relay team.

BASEBALL, SOFTBALL PLAYOFFS UNDERWAY

De La Salle baseball has been racking up results over the past decade that rank with the

school’s football and wrestling team dominance. The Spartans have won every Section baseball tournament since 2016 and finished first or second annually since 2009 except for 2010. Clayton Valley won its only NCS title in 2009 Division II, but the Ugly Eagles are perennial contenders.

CVCHS (19-5 overall) won the Diablo Athletic League Foothill Division with a 9-1 record, two games over runner up Campolindo. DLS (20-5) won the regular season East Bay Athletic League with a 121 mark but were shutout by Granada 6-0 in the EBAL playoff semi-finals last week.

Five local schools are in the NCS softball playoffs. Clayton Valley Charter is seeded fifth and College Park sixth in Division I. Northgate is No. 9 in DII while Carondelet is 14th seed. Mt. Diablo girls are 14th in Division III.

TRACKANDFIELDREACHES

SEASONCLIMAX

A number of local athletes posted top five results at the Tri-Valley Area Championships last weekend.

De La Salle freshman Jaden Jefferson was second in the 100 and fifth in the 200. Sophomore teammate Anthony Dean won the triple to com-

Sports Shorts

YGNACIO VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC HALL OF FAMEDINNER THIS SATURDAY

The Ygnacio Valley High Athletic Hall of Fame dinner for the Class of 2020 which has turned into the Class of 2023, will finally be installed this Saturday, May 20, at Zio Fraedo’s in Pleasant Hill, three years after the original induction date. The inductees are coaches Jack Biglen (football and golf) and Triss Carter (boys and girls cross country and track) and athletes Oliver Hanf (Class of 1987, wrestling, football, track), Jim Mayo (1975, wrestling), Julie Pitois (1989, basketball, softball, volleyball), Eric Lakin (1982, baseball, football) and Chris Iglesias (1980, baseball, football). The school’s founding principal Dr. Ernie Wutzke will be honored as well. Visit yvathletichof.com for complete information.

CONCORD CUP XXVIII TOURNAMENT FEATURES OVER 125 TEAMS THIS WEEKEND

The area’s largest annual youth soccer tournament, Concord Cup, returns for its 28th edition at a variety of Concord parks May 20-21 with 130 teams from California, Nevada and Oregon taking part. Boys and girls club and AYSO teams from under 10 through U19 are eligible to participate. Diablo Valley Wolves, Mt. Diablo Soccer and Concord AYSO co-sponsor the tournament. Visit concordcup.com to see the schedule.

RED DEVIL GOLF CLASSICSET FOR JUNE 23

The Red Devil Golf Committee announced it is holding its annual fund-raising tournament on Friday, June 23, at Diablo Creek Golf Course in Concord. Registration starts at 11 a.m., followed by lunch, golf, dinner and raffle/silent auction. Proceeds help academic and athletic programs at Mt. Diablo High School. Interested participants should contact Lou Adamo by phone (925) 212-9332 or email louadamo@gmail.com or Rudy Perez (925) 408-6790 or Rudyperezrdc@gmail.com.

TERRAPINS SWIM TEAM OFFERINGSPRING , SUMMER

PROGRAMSFOR BEGINNINGSWIMTEAMMEMBERS

plete a jumps sweep for the Spartans. Soph hurdler Markese King was second in the 330 and fifth in the 110 with Spartan Darrell Cenido fourth in the high hurdles.

CVCHS’s Ryan Christy was third in the 400. The Spartan 4x100 relay was second while Clayton Valley Charter boys relays were first (4x800), fourth (4x400) and eighth (4x100).

Alex Lamoureux of College Park won the 1600 while Clayton Valley Charter’s Alan Solari was fourth in the 800 and DLS’s Trey Caldwell second in the 3200. College Park’s Jessica Chisar finished second in the 800, Carondelet’s Jayla Addison third and CVCHS’s Isabelle Ruff fourth.

Clayton Valley sophomore Santia Ali won the triple jump while Gabriela Luna was third in the 100 hurdles and teammate Kimora McDonald second in the 300. Another Ugly Eagle, Kellsey Ogu was fourth in the long jump.

Carondelet relays were third in the 4x100, fifth in the 4x400 and 4x800. Clayton Valley won the 4x400 race.

DE LA SALLECAPTURES LAX TITLE

Top seed De La Salle’s lacrosse team had three lop-

sided victories enroute to the championship game against second seed Redwood. The teams met early in the season and the Spartans won 11-10 in overtime. In the championship finale De La Salle had a 7-6 halftime lead edged to a 13-10 final score and the title. The Spartans, 21-3 overall, won their third successive NCS championship, fourth in past five years of the playoffs. Overall, DLS has won eight of the 18 lacrosse championships since the sport began NCS competition in 2004.

Northgate boys were eliminated in the Division II quarterfinals. Carondelet was ousted in the girls quarterfinals by top seeded and eventual DI champion San Ramon Valley.

GOLFER, TENNIS

CVCHS

PLAYERMAKE MARK

Nicholas Ashlen made it to the NCS quarterfinals of the singles tennis tournament. Ugly Eagles golfer Nicky Conti shot a 74 for seventh place individually at the Division II Championships to qualify for the NCS Division I championships along with the De La Salle and Northgate teams.

2ND ANNUAL BLUE DEVILS GOLF TOURNAMENT

JUNE 22 IN CONCORD

The second annual Blue Devils Golf Tournament hosted by the Blue Devils Alumni Association is on Thursday, June 22, at Diablo Creek Golf Course. Proceeds benefit Blue Devils B and C Corps. Golfer registration deadline is June 7. The 20-time World Champion Blue Devils are preparing for their 2023 performance season and welcomes individuals and companies interested in supporting the local performing arts organization with a world-wide reputation to become a sponsor with packages ranging from $100 up to title sponsor. Sponsor registration deadline is May 31. For complete information visit bluedevils.org.

CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER FOOTBALL CAMP

JUNE 26-27

Clayton Valley Charter summer football camp is on Monday and Tuesday, June 26-27 for incoming first through eighth graders at the Concord school. The camp sessions from 4:30-7 p.m. are designed to teach the fundamentals of football to young prospective football players. Camp participants will be taught offensive and defensive techniques utilized at Clayton Valley High. Current Clayton Valley players and coaching staff members will tutor campers. SPARQ (Speed-Power-Agility-ReactionQuickness) training will also be conducted to help arm athletes with the tools they need to become a complete athlete. Each camp participant will receive a camp t-shirt. For more information email coach Nick Tisa at nick.tisa@claytonvalley.org.

LOCALRECREATIONSWIMTEAMSEASONS GETTINGUNDERWAY

The summer recreation swim season is getting started for information on the local teams visit their website:

Bishop Estates bishopestates.swimtopia.com

Dana Hills danahillsotters.com

Forest Park forestparkpool.net

Joe Ronco

925-872-3049 Over

Terrapins Swim Club has spring and summer Orange programs for beginner swimmers six years and older who have completed advance swim lessons and are interested in learning about the swim team experience. The spring program runs three days a week at Concord Community Pool through June 8. The Orange program for swimmers 6-11 is June 13 to July 25 at 9:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Swimming must be able to swim the 25-yeard freestyle or backstroke to take part in the program. For more info and to register for Terrapins spring and summer Orange program visit terrapinswim.com.

Gehringer Park teamunify.com/recgpg

Oakhurst Orcas oakhurstorcas.com

Springwood SpringwoodSwim.com

Vista Diablo Dolphins vddst.swimtopia.com

Walnut Country www.teamunify.com/Home.jsp?team=reccawcs Ygnacio Wood teamunify.com/team/reccvywst/page/home

Courtesy De La Salle Athletics

De La Salle defended its 2022 championship and this year’s top seed with a 13-10 win over No. 2 Redwood in the championship game of the North Coast Section lacrosse playoffs.

JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Mt. Diablo High Jr. ROTC captures 2 trophies at National Fitness meet

Mt. Diablo High Jr. ROTC sent a contingent of 24 students and two teachers to Daytona Beach, Florida this month for the All-Service National Fitness Challenge Championships and the MDHS Raider team came back to Concord with two first-place trophies.

Ronnie Mcgee heads the JROTC program and his squad this year racked up wins in local, state and regional competitions to be selected for the Nationals from over 3000 JROTC high school programs around the country.

The squad did fund-raising and got support from the Mt Diablo High Site Council in order to send the team of 10 competitors and 14 additional cadets for four days to Florida. Only one of the students had ever been to Florida before.

The Red Devil Raider team of six boys and three girl cadets won the Co-Ed division for the 3K Run holding a 20pound PVC pipe in a winning time of 9:49. The other firstplace result came in the 900yard obstacle course where a

Mt. Diablo High’s Jr. ROTC made the most of its first-ever trip to the All-Service National Fitness Challenge Championships by winning two events in Daytona Beach, Florida this month. Coach Ronnie McGee’s Mt. Diablo Raider team won the Co-Ed 3K Run and obstacle course events.

team of nine won in 1:50.

McGee, who also is co-athletic director and girls basketball coach at the Concord school, said this was quite an accomplishment. “For this to be the first time Mt. Diablo competes in the National Fitness Competition, the Raider team managed to bring home another victory for the whole battalion. The cadets participating pushed hard and gave it their all.” He noted the 14

Athlete Spotlight

Stephanie and Scott Iannaccone

Grade: Senior Schools: De La Salle High and Carondelet High

Sport: Swimming

additional cadets at the competition supported and cheered for theirfellow peers.

The cadets comprising the Raider team in Florida were seniors Savion Marin and Alex Alcala, juniors Omar Gonzalez, Milton Mejia Lopez and Jenifer Castro, sophomores Diego Romo, Manual Zuniga, Natalie Dance and Stephanie Zuniga and freshman Diego Lopez.

Tim Murphy retires after illustrious coaching career

Tim Murphy, one of the state’s most successful high school football coaches, has announced his retirement after 28 years of coaching. He led the Clayton Valley Charter High School team since it became a charter school in 2012, winning the school’s first-ever Section and CIF State titles during that time.

He retires with 221 wins, a 2019 California State championship, seven section and 20 league championships. His coaching accolades include the 2003 USA Top 25, 2003 State Coach of the Year, and the 2006 ESPY Coach of the Year award.

At each of the three high schools Murphy coached his teams were the first to claim Section football titles under his leadership.

“Coach Murphy’s dedication, passion and outstanding coaching skills have earned him a reputation as one of the best high school football coaches in the state,” said Dave Fehte, Executive Director at Clayton Valley Charter. “He has inspired generations of players and instilled in them the values of team-

work, hard work and sportsmanship.”

A College Park High grad, Murphy began his coaching career in 1996 at Ygnacio Valley, winning three league championships and the 1999 North Coast Section 3A –East championship.

Murphy’s most successful stint came at Clayton Valley Charter, where he spent the past 11 years of his career coinciding with the school’s transition to a charter. He was hired before the 2012 football season by former Executive Director Dave Linzey and athletic director Pat Middendorf after temporarily returning to Ygnacio Valley that spring.

Under his leadership, the team won 10 of 11 league

championships, four NCS championships, three NorCal championships and the 2019 State championship, when Murphy was named NCS Coach of the Year.

In 2014, his Ugly Eagles set a state record while having the No. 1 rushing team in the nation with a record-setting 7,055 yards.

The CVCHS football team was so successful that the NCS had a rocky period trying to find a balance between competitive placement and geography. After winning every DAL game for three fall seasons from 201618—most by lopsided scores—the school’s football team was moved to the East Bay Athletic League.

In their maiden 2019 EBAL season Ugly Eagles football was winless but then turned around its season and swept the NCS Division II playoffs and won Northern California and State 2-AA playoff games.

The irony of that state title win was Clayton Valley defeated Aquinas of San Bernardino in a defensive struggle 10-7. The coach hailed as an offensive guru won the ultimate prize in a low scoring defensive affair.

In July 2012, the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight featured three Iannaccone sibling swimmers on the Dana Hills Swim Team from Concord. This month we are featuring twins who just made their final mark in high school swimming for their North Coast Section championship teams from Carondelet and De La Salle.

Seven-year-old Stephanie Iannaccone was featured 11 years ago with older brothers Erick and Ryan while her twin Scott (then known as Scotty) was mentioned in the story. This month, Stephanie and Scott made their final prep meets memorable ones before heading off this fall to different colleges, Stephanie to Harvard and Scott to Cal Poly SLO. Away from high school the twins swim for Walnut Creek Aquabears in USA Swimming.

Stephanie was named 2022 Pacific Swimming Long Course Outstanding swimmer. She also recently swam for the National Swimming Federation of Guatemala and set national records in the 200 individual medley and 100 and 200 breaststroke. It is likely she will qualify for the 2024 Guatemalan Paris Olympic team. At NCS for Carondelet she earned seconds in the 200 IM and 100 breast. She also anchored the Cougars winning 400 freestyle relay.

Last weekend the twins swam at the CIF State Meet to close out their high school careers. Stephanie placed in the top six in two relays and two individual events.

Not to be outdone by his sister, Scott is a multiple year NISCA All America, integral part of the past two NCS championship Spartan swim teams and NCS finalist past two years and Section relay champion. He’s a DLS school record holder in the 200 medley relay and top five all-time in multiple events as well as being an NCS Scholar Athlete. He finished his final meet at State last weekend winning the B final in 100 backstroke and part of two top six Spartan relays.

The Pioneer congratulates Stephanie and Scott 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

Photo courtesy Mt. Diablo High School JROTC

JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

TIM MURPHY

FIRST BITES

If you are considering senior living for yourself or someone you love, please join us for a special taste of TreVista, featuring fabulous selections from our signature summer menu for you to savor. This complimentary preview will be hosted at TreVista in Concord.

THE ARTS

The Clayton Pride Parade Committee is proud to present the 2nd Annual Clayton Pride Parade

Sunday, June 4, 2023, 10 AM

Main Street, Downtown Clayton

“All the Colors in the Rainbow”

If you enjoy watching the entertaining shows that Clayton Theatre Company produces and have thought about getting involved with the company, now is your chance.

Auditions for the fall show “Working” take place 7-10 p.m. May 22 and 23 at Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton.

Based on the book by Studs Terkel, the musical follows workers in a variety of occupations as they go about their jobs. Clayton Theatre will be using the 2012 revised version. Rehearsals begin Sept. 5, with the show running Oct. 13-28.

Proof of vaccination required to audition. Actors should prepare a two-minute monologue and 32 bars from a Broadway show. Go to www.claytontheatrecompany.co m to download the audition form.

Meanwhile, Walnut Creek’s Center Repertory Company welcomes new artistic director Matt M. Morrow to the Lesher Center for the Arts.

“Matt brings a fresh vision for balancing much-loved traditional works alongside new voices, a wealth of experience in fundraising and organizational leadership, and a track record of meaningful actions to advance diversity, equity and inclusion at theater companies,” said Carolyn Jackson, general manager of the Lesher Center and managing director of Center Rep. “We can’t wait for the Bay Area to get to know Matt.”

Morrow, who has a BFA in drama from Carnegie Mellon University, has developed new work with the Sundance Theatre Institute, the Old Globe, American Conservatory Theater and Lincoln Center, to name just a few.

“The leader of an arts

organization is first and foremost in service of the community in which they live and work,” said Morrow. “My goal as a theater-maker is to bolster a diverse family of artists and arts lovers through the programming of ambitious work that entertains and provokes in equal measures.”

The award-winning Morrow begins his position just as Center Rep readies Lin-Manual Miranda and Quiara Alegria Hudes’ “In the Heights” for a May 27-June 24 run. Miranda wrote the first draft to the musical while attending Wesleyan University, long before he dreamed about “Hamilton.” He even played the role of bodega owner Usnavi de La Vega in the Off-Broadway run.

His portrait of the predominately Dominican American Washington Heights neighborhood in transition went on to Broadway, where it won four Tony Awards and was a finalist

for the Pulitzer Prize for drama.

“In the Heights” follows a diverse cast of characters who dream of a better life as they struggle to make a living in their changing neighborhood. The close-knit community supports one another as economic and societal changes challenge family stability.

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

Pittsburg Theatre Company’s original new musical “It Shoulda Been You” opens June 17 and runs through June 25 at the California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg.

Playwright Brian Hargrove invites you to a wedding day you’ll never forget, where anything that can go wrong does and love pops up in mysterious places.

For tickets, go to www.pittsburgcommunitytheatre.org.

Lots going on at Martinez’s Campbell Theater. Improv Partners in Crime performs at 2:30 p.m. May 21, with Open Mic that evening at 6 p.m. At 6:30 p.m. May 24, it’s the Bob Dylan Birthday Show presented by Martinez Music Mafia. Then at 8 p.m. June 16 and 17, Orinda Theatre

the Window.”

For more information on any of these, go to www.campbelltheater.com.

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

Creating public art brings together artistic community

establishments; balloon animal making; face painting; kiddos kick off the parade on their bikesPRIDE ON WHEELS. Come early to decorate bikes before the parade. Visit one of our 25+ booths.

To learn more about us, become a sponsor, participate: Visit www.claytonpride.com

Email: claytonprideparade@gmail.com

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Youtube

The Concord Utility Box Art Project began in 2019, and Phases I and II are now complete. Phase III began in April 2023 and is well underway, with six painted utility boxes ready for installation and more boxes being painted.

There were some changes in the process from the first two phases. Most notably, all the boxes are being painted in a building – resulting in an environment of mutual admiration, support and artistic community.

Artists painted Phase I utility boxes after installation, which was challenging. They had to paint while sitting on the sidewalk or in the gutter and deal with weather conditions. Thea Jue, one utility box artist, recalled a day that hit more than 100 degrees: “The paint was

drying too fast, and we were melting in the heat.”

For Phase II, artists painted utility boxes near the City Council building. Though this location did not alleviate the weather aspect, artists found it gratifying because of the easy access to the boxes and the positive interaction with pedestrian passersby.

For Phase III, we are using a city-owned maintenance shed. The “shed” is actually a big enough workspace for six utility boxes and artists, and it has a kitchen and a restroom, which is handy for breaks.

On the down side, the space has no insulation, so artists have

had to cope with cold days –making it difficult to mix paint and requiring portable heaters to keep warm. Despite this challenge, most artists appreciate the protected area to keep them and their work dry.

Some artists especially enjoyed the solitude of the location. “It was quiet, and we were out of the public eye and could concentrate on our work,” shares Deena Sheranko. On the flip side, the area also provided camaraderie. “Being together with other artists in the maintenance facility meant that we could

owner Derek Zemrak performs his one-man show about Alzheimer’s, “Looking Out

Photo courtesy Ben Krantz Studio

Center Repertory Company presents the hit Broadway musical “In the Heights” May 27-June 24 at the Lesher Center. From left, actors Noel Anthony, Laura LeBron and Míchel Alejandro Castillo with director Nicholas C. Avila.

Photo courtesy Simpatika Award-winning theatermaker Matt M. Morrow is the new artistic director for Center Rep.

Picnic in the park; dine at one of our fine downtown

John Nakanishi

Completed utility boxes leaving the shed for downtown

SALLY HOGARTY STAGE STRUCK

Time to get ‘Working’ for Clayton auditions, or head over to ‘The Heights’

JOHN NAKANISHI ARTSIN MOTION

DAVE HUGHES THE BEAT OF DIABLO

The familiar guitar riffs and catchy beats of traditional surf rock don’t exactly conjure up images of Stinson Beach or Ocean Beach, but a good amount of local bands and musicians are keeping the popular 1960s genre alive and well in the Bay Area.

With the warm weather returning, it’s a good time to explore some current regional acts offering that classic surf rock sound.

The Greasy Gills are a trio from Oakland who describe themselves as “three creatures

Surf’s up – it’s time to check out these beach tunes

playing high octwang (sic) instrumental rock ’n’ roll music.” Attendees of Concord’s Music and Market series may recall their performance last year on the Todos Santos Plaza stage ahead of Mitch Polzack and the Royal Deuces. Like Polzack’s group, the young trio’s catalog includes high-energy originals and covers of both surf rock and western twang.

Further embracing the throwback motif, the band released their 2019 EP on vinyl as a 45 RPM. More recently, the band released a 14-song “Greatest Hits” exclusively on CD, which incidentally is made to look like a vinyl record. The rest of their catalog is available on most streaming platforms and online retailers. The Greasy Gills also play routinely across the Bay Area.

Hailing from Martinez, Brian Walker released his album “The Last Wave” in

late 2020, both digitally and on CD. Citing Brian Wilson and Dick Dale as major influences, Walker describes the sound on his debut album as “retro-modern surf music.”

Half of the tracks on “The Last Wave” are traditional instrumental surf rock tunes, driven by his twangy lead guitar, including one Joe Meek cover called “Telstar (Twist).” The other half are original songs with beach vibes about girls, waves and last chances. Walker will perform with his band the Killbillies on June 3 at Greenery Sports Bar & Grill at Diablo Hills Golf Course in Concord.

San Francisco-based band Frankie and the Pool Boys have been putting out surf rock albums and singles since 2008. The band released a 27-track collection of songs called “The Wet Season” in 2021. Since then, they’ve had a handful of singles – the most recent being

“The

a surf rock interpretation of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” that dropped last month.

Frankie and the Pool Boys say they are committed to the traditional instrumental sound of the first wave of Southern California beach music because they want to emphasize melody, grooves and fun, arguing “who

needs a bunch of dumb lyrics?”

The Mermen, also from San Francisco, have been playing surf rock-rooted instrumental jams since 1989. With 12 albums now under their belt, the group has enjoyed an illustrious career. They have extensively toured the United States and shared the stage with

countless world-renowned artists, including surf rock titans

Dick Dale and the Ventures.

Now in their 34th year as a band, their overall sound has branched out a bit but remains rooted in the primary elements of surf rock. The Mermen continue to perform live all across the greater Bay Area, and occasionally beyond.

To hear some offerings from the aforementioned artists, as well as more surf rock artists, tune into KVHS on Memorial Day weekend. A special surf rock episode of “The Beat of Diablo” will air at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 28, on 90.5 FM and stream at KVHS.com.

Links to social media accounts for all local artists mentioned in this column can be found by clicking “artists” at TheBeatofDiablo.com.

Contact Dave Hughes at MrDaveHughes@gmail.com.

Winter showers are about to bring a whole lot of flowers

Nepeta is a family of plants that resembles lavender. This herbaceous perennial has gray foliage and two-lip shaped periwinkle blossoms. Nepeta thrives in full sun, is water-wise and bee-friendly. Because Nepeta takes a winter rest, it will live in the garden for decades.

Thanks to all the rain, spring planting is once again fun.

Folks have been flocking to the nursery in search of everything fresh and floral. The plants look incredible, and everyone is excited to get back into the garden.

There are a few great plants for sun and for shade that can almost guarantee successful growing.

Popular Nepeta family members include Six Hills Giant, which reaches 30 inches tall and 24 inches wide, and Walker’s Low, which grows to 12 inches tall by 2 feet wide. This perennial is absolutely tough as nails and will pop in any border, dry creek bed or terraced slope.

Gaillardia is another family of perennials that has been available for the past 25 plus years. This old-fashioned plant is commonly called the blanket flower. It has large daisy-shaped flowers. As the petals fall, the

center of the plant becomes a decorative sphere.

Most Gaillardia will be 1214 inches tall and about 20 inches wide. The colors are always hot. You’ll find reds, SpinTop, oranges, Goblin and Mesa Yellow. These perennials

love full sun, are water-wise and the bees and butterflies cannot get enough of them.

NOT YOUR GRANDMA’S GERANIUM

Tiny Monster Geranium is one of those plants you must

see to appreciate. Folks seem to scoff at the idea of adding a geranium to their garden, but Tiny Monster is a cranesbill geranium that doesn’t resemble grandma’s geranium at all.

This pillowy herbaceous perennial makes a great frontrow plant, with scalloped leaves and magenta flowers. I describe its growth as that of a king-size pillow on the ground. It looks best planted in a bed with companion plants like Salvia May Night, Abelia Kaleidoscope and Kniphofia Papaya Popsicle. Tiny Monster tolerates almost six hours of sun.

Phlomis Fruticosa, or Jerusalem sage, is a stunner. This evergreen has fragrant, large gray leaves that support tall spikes of butter yellow whirls of two-lip shaped flowers. You can find Jerusalem sage planted at Clayton’s gateway to

downtown, with yellow flowers May through June.

This plant is more of a bush, so expect it to grow 4 feet tall and wide. They’re great on a hill, or used as an evergreen companion for crepe myrtles, since they bloom in the late summer. It’ll extend the bloom period of the landscape.

ON THE SHADYSIDE

There are great plants to consider for those who don’t garden in full sun. Salvia Love and Wishes prefers shelter from the afternoon sun. This salvia is perennial and looks tired in the winter months. Expect Love and Wishes to reach about 30 inches tall and wide. The leaves are broad, and the flower is a long, twolip shaped medium pink. Love

See Garden, page 16

POOL, DARTS, LIVE MUSIC and GOOD FOOD

Mon - Sat 11 am to 1:30 am

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

May/June Line-Up

Fri, May 19 . . . . PTK Band

Sat, May 20 . . . Rok Ko FolBalkan Rock Band

Sun, May 21 . . . 1/8th Annual Slap Frost Tour with Total Devastation

Fri, May 26 . . . . Last Planet, StereoTongue and The Bad Ones

Sat, May 27 . . . MountainVibe Decompression show with Joey Nunes

Sun, May 28 . . Mr. Crowley, Ozzy Tribute band with Whitesnake Tribute

Fri, June 2 . . . . UnchainedVan Halen Tribute with Whole Lotts Rosies - all female ACDC Tribute

Sat, June 3 . . . . Garageland Rodeo

Regular Weekly Schedule

Sunday - Corn Toss Open Tournament 1:30 p.m. ($10 to play). Indie Rock Bands at 7pm (no cover)

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

Sign-up by 8:30

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

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

Fri, June 9 . . . . TBA

Sat, June 10 . . . Latin DJ Dance Night

Fri, June 16 . . . WOMP - A Night of Techno and Dance Music

Sat, June 17 . . . TBA

Fri, June 23 . . . R50 - a Tribute to RUSH

Sat, June 24 . . . Metallachi, Blind Illusion, & Points North

Fri, June 30 . . . Midnight Flyer - Tribute to the Eagles

StereoTongue - May 26

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

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

Downtown Concord, 2045 Mt. Diablo St. between Salvio and Pacheco Ample free parking is available in the Salvio Street garage.

925-685-9515 www.vinniesbar.com

Last Wave” from Martinez resident Brian Walker features classic surf rock instrumentals and beach-themed songs about surfing, nature, love and last chances.

Gaillardia Arizona Sun one of many “hot” full sun loving colors that the bees and butterflies love.

NICOLE HACKETT GARDEN GIRL

To sample unique cuisine, opt for small plates – and a drink

Local chefs like to be creative in putting out their signature dishes in smaller amounts.

Rather than providing a full meal, they are more a preview of coming attractions. These tapas are often intended to accompany alcoholic beverages. Enter the premises of Residual Sugar wine bar, which offers an enticing scent for arriving guests. This unique business at Concord’s Veranda is ideally suited for those seeking a break or in transit to several nearby upscale restaurants.

Instead of offering the customary full menu, Residual Sugar serves small plates to accompany their wide selection of premium wines and draft beers. General manager and co-owner Nate Bouse pairs sliders, cheese platters and other delicacies with adult beverages.

Residual Sugar’s small plates are an ideal niche for

shoppers. You can also enjoy the offerings in a picturesque patio setting.

As a registered wine sommelier, Bouse is more than qualified to assist in selecting wine pairings to match his customers’ tastes. He has come a long way since graduating from Clayton Valley High School, having entered the restaurant trade at age 14 working at Togo’s sandwich shop. The small plate concept can be found throughout

nearby communities, especially in restaurants that have bars connected to them. One such place is Molli Restaurant & Lounge in Concord, Located in the complex that houses the Brenden Theater, the same ownership previously operated the Agave Grill and Latino nightclub. The current, scaleddown restaurant is one of the many places to dine in the socalled “gourmet ghetto” surrounding Todos Santos Square.

As part of the culinary experience, Molli offers a wide selection of small plates geared toward those enjoying a margarita or one of their other tropical concoctions.

Chef Peter Hernandez deftly executes the unique California-Latin fusion.

On a recent visit, I tried the Chicharrones de Pato (duck breast cracklings with pickled onion) and the Barriarron de Patio (the equivalent of a Mexican-style egg roll. Both dishes were delicious. I

box will be installed on the corner of Olivera Road and Port Chicago Highway.

look forward to returning to Molli to experience their full menu.

Small plates are also very much in evidence at renowned Wence’s Restaurant on Oak Park Boulevard in Pleasant Hill. A smaller portion of their truffle mac and cheese is always a good choice while waiting for table service over the weekend.

As Wence’s specializes in fresh seafood, the scallops dipped in a mango-habanero sauce are an excellent choice for an appetizer. Also note-

bento box.

Sipping a Sapporo draft beer while my friend enjoyed a virgin daiquiri, we eagerly consumed the spicy braised beef lettuce wrap. We followed it with stir-fried garlic edamame and Hamachi Kama (grilled yellowtail collar). At this point, we had to quit ordering small plates for fear of losing our appetites.

share ideas, opinions and art techniques, since there was a variety of artistic styles, themes and techniques used,” notes Fiona M. Hughes.

Artist Renaye Johnson adds: “Everyone has different styles, and they are beautiful.”

This distinct opportunity for artists to work side by side and support each other’s work has been an unexpected benefit.

Most artists have worked alone or in pairs on each box, but four artists painted one utility box – each completing one side. Janice Davis, Karen Giorgianni, Renaye Johnson and Thea Jue teamed up for the project. They entitled their box appropriately “Birds of a Feather Paint Together.” They each cleverly added a common

“Where’s Waldo?”-type element, with a paintbrush surreptitiously painted somewhere on each side.

Phase III of the Utility Box Art Project includes 14 boxes and involves the work of 16 talented artists. Much work had to be done before any painting could occur, with many meetings between CAA and the city of Concord to ensure everything was coordinated, from the delivery and prep work on the boxes to the scheduling of the artists.

“I am appreciative of the organizing committee who has gone above and beyond to make sure the artist had access to the space and felt supported every step of the way,” says Laurie Mansur, whose utility

“It was a very rewarding experience,” states Lori Rutledge. “I was both happy and sad to see it finished. I look forward to future opportunities of this type.”

Phase IV will be coming soon, with an additional six boxes scheduled to be painted. Watch for announcements for a call for artists.

For more information, visit concordartassociation.org and subscribe to our social media, Facebook: /concordartassociation and Instagram: @weheartconcordart.

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

worthy are the Monterey calamari and Prince Edward Island mussels served in a rich peppery broth.

Kobe Japan restaurant can be found next door to Wence’s. Each time I’ve entered what is considered one of the best Japanese eateries in the area, I have gazed in wonderment at the chalkboard displaying daily specials offered in the bar between 4 and 6 p.m. each day. I wasn’t disappointed when I tried some prior to ordering my customary

Garden, from page 15

and Wishes is hummingbird friendly.

Mahonia Soft Caress caught our attention a few years ago, and we have been thrilled with it. Described as a fern bush, this evergreen has dark green leaves that weep toward the ground. It’ll grow to 30 inches tall and almost 4 feet wide. Yellow flowers appear in late fall. This shrub is Australian. It does well with low water and mostly shade to morning sun. Through the heat of summer and the frost of winter, Maho-

nia Soft Caress has yet to skip a beat.

Hydrangea quercifolia Jetstream is commonly called an oakleaf hydrangea. All oakleaf hydrangeas are awesome and are far more water-wise than their relatives.

They have an oak-shaped leaf of matte green that is covered with a slight pile (fuzz) and orangish stems. The pile gives the leaf an extra layer that helps with foliar moisture evaporation.

Panicle-shaped flowers start off as cream and eventually age

A similar predicament is especially true at Jack’s in Pleasant Hill. Their small plate of lamb meatballs served in a marinara sauce is difficult to resist. Along with an order of made from scratch onion rings, this can comprise a meal in itself.

At all of these restaurants, except for Residual Sugar, it’s a major advantage to order from Happy Hours menus at reduced prices. This allows folks to enjoy cuisine they might not always be able to afford. Sounds like a win-win situation for consumers on a quest to further their gourmet experiences.

Rich Eber is a local journalist and long time resident of Concord. Contact him at rjerje@pacbell.net

to ruby. This type of hydrangea also boasts incredible fall color.

Whether you’re gardening in the sun or the shade, always prepare your soil for your installations. If your soil looks good, your plants will be happier. Loosen the roots of all perennials and shrubs you plant, cutting away any compacted roots. Always add a planting mix with your installations, and remember that flowers want to be fertilized.

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

Richard Eber

Nate Bouse, general manager and co-owner of Residual Sugar displays his pork sliders

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RICHARD EBER TASTE & TELL