May 20, 2022
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Medals move out of the shadows and into a place of distinction Veterans displaying honors with pride in memory boxes
CCWD residential users facing 15% cut this summer BEV BRITTON The Pioneer
DAVID SCHOLZ Correspondent
Medals, pins, badges and ribbons bestowed on those who served this nation with valor are emerging after decades of being tucked away in the shadows. Rather than stuffed into shoe boxes or the corners of dresser drawers, these priceless heirlooms are finding new homes in shadow boxes. Proudly displayed for others to see, they hold the memories of brothers and sisters in arms that remain foremost in the minds of their holders. These recollections, some unbearably painful, are the reality for some veterans whose honors have been long David Scholz forgotten and, worse yet, sadly Veterans Bill Green, left, Steve Burchik and Jim Hill, far right, show off their military shadow boxes, with discarded. Dennis Giacovelli, president of the Viet Nam Veterans of Diablo Valley.
See Veterans, page 4
KidFest finally returning to Concord May 28-30
Photo courtesy Bugs Galore and Bay Area KidFest
Bugs Galore and More is open all day during Bay Area KidFest in Concord on May 28-30. The exhibit includes inserts, reptile and more that attendees of all ages can get up close and personal with. Bugs Galore also has an area to dig for dinosaur bones.
It will have been just over three years when Bay Area KidFest opens its door next Saturday for the 31st version of the Bay Area’s longest-running family event on the Memorial Day Weekend. A full lineup of attractions, arts and sports activities, jam-packed entertainment, rides, food and fun will be available at Mt. Diablo High School in Downtown Concord. In a spacious outdoor setting, the low KidFest admission price includes Meet and Greets all day with children’s favorites Chase and Skye of PAW Patrol plus Curious
George, free non-stop entertainment on the Main Stage, traveling attractions Nerveless Nocks Legendary All American Classic Thrill and Stunt Show direct from Florida, Bugs Galore and More, and Kid’s Town America. There are dozens of other free kid’s activities including balloon hats, spin art, keepsake handprints, inflatable slides and crawls, kiddie golf, soccer and much more included for the low admission price. For the 11th year, KidFest presents a special Memorial Day Ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 30, with the 19-
time World Champion Concord Blue Devils C Drum and Bugle Corps and Mt. Diablo High School Jr. ROTC color guard honoring America’s service people past and present. On Sunday afternoon, Bike East Bay will once again present the free Bike Rodeo from 1-4 p.m. The spine-tingling Nerveless Nocks Legendary All American Classic Thrill and Stunt Show comes from Florida with some amazing feats of daring. There are free shows
See KidFest, page 6
April’s showers may have brought May flowers, but June’s heat will bring water restrictions – and increased fees – come July. On April 20, the Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) board approved a plan for a 15 percent reduction in water use as the state faces its third year of drought. CCWD’s service area includes Concord, Clayton and portions of Pleasant Hill. The cuts are in response to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s March Executive Order requiring urban water suppliers to implement a minimum of Stage 2 drought response action. On July 1, CCWD’s residential and municipal retail customers must reduce use by 15%, with commercial/industrial customers facing a 5% cut and irrigation/agricultural customers required to use 25% less. Because the district implemented a voluntary 10 percent reduction in 2021, the 2020 billing period will be used to determine water usage. “We know that further reductions can be a challenge, but our customers are conscientious water users who step up for their community,” board President Lisa Borba said in a press release. Borba, whose Division 1 includes parts of Concord, had previously announced that she would resign effective April 22. The board decided to fill the vacancy by appointment, with applications accepted until 5 p.m. May 19. The post will then be up for election next November.
See Water, page 7
The concerts are back so get your summer on AARON BAKER Correspondent
return to pre-pandemic conditions and guidelines.
After years of reduced, virtual or canceled events, Concord, Clayton and Pleasant Hill are all slated for a summer full of live music. Signaling a much-needed return to normal life, concerts at the plaza, the park and the lake offer everything from classical to blues and Rolling Stones cover bands. While city officials ask that anyone with a fever or other COVID-19 symptoms stay home, each concert series is expecting a full turnout and a
CONCERTS IN THE GROVE Clayton kicked off the festivities May 7 with The Fundamentals and looks forward to Concerts in The Grove 6-8:30 p.m. every other Saturday through Sept. 10. With the first full season since 2019, turnout is expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels. “Bring the kiddos, blankets, picnic supplies and anything else you need to enjoy wonderful live music under a beautiful sunset and views of the mountain,” says Julie Pierce of the Clayton Concerts Committee. For more information, visit claytonconcerts.com.
Next issue, June 17, Deadline, June 6
MUSIC AND MARKET/ TUESDAY NIGHT BLUES In Concord, the 33rd annual Music and Market series in Todos Santos Plaza will run June 2-Sept. 29, starting at 6:30 p.m. every Thursday. In addition, Tuesday Night Blues will return for the first time since 2019, 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays in July. Booking manager Jim Ocean encourages residents to enjoy charming Todos Santos with a wonderful, family-friendly lineup set amongst many restaurants, food vendors and a play structure for the kids. For a full schedule, visit cityofconcord.org/downtownevents.
SUNSET BY THE LAKE Pleasant Hill’s Sunset by the Lake Summer Concert Series returns Sunday, May 29, and will run 6-8 p.m. every other Sunday until Sept. 4. Featuring bands like East Bay Mudd, The Unauthorized Rolling Stones and The Big Jangle, this year’s lineup promises opportunities for dancing, singing along or just relaxing with a picnic on the grass. “We have a great lineup for the coming season, and we hope to see an excellent turnout,” says Geoff Gillette, Pleasant Hill community relations manager. For details, visit pleasanthillca.org and click on “Festivals and Events.” Despite many false starts, life in the East Bay seems to
City of Pleasant Hill
The Big Jangle, a Tom Petty cover band, will have concertgoers dancing when they return to Pleasant Hill on Sept. 4.
finally be returning to normal for most residents. There are few better ways to celebrate than coming together for live music and a picnic with your friends and neighbors.
Aaron Baker is a creative writer, educator, and musician in the East Bay. If he isn't reading or writing, he's probably practicing with his band Box of Matches, or playing pick-up basketball at the park.
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