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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
Eye on Concord
May 25, 2018
Rent increases, evictions dominate May Day rally GEORGE FULMORE Correspondent
It was a beautiful May 1st at Meadow Homes Park, where about 100 people attended an Immigration Rally put on by Tenants Together, Monument Impact, First 5 Regional Group, the Interfaith Coalition and others. The lively program featured speakers, a drumming group from Oakland and musical entertainment. Betty Gabaldon, vice president of the Monument Club, gave a dynamic speech – telling of her struggles with rent increases on Virginia Lane and the group’s successes
organizing to fight against unjust rent increases. It is difficult to stage such an event, so those involved deserve credit. At the same time, I wonder what effect the event would have on rents and the availability of affordable rental units in Concord. The implementation of the Concord Residential Rent Review Program marks the most progress on rent issues in the city over the past several years. The City Council passed it 5-0 about a year ago, after a great deal of behind-the-scenes discussions and work by city staff with Tenants Together and others. But speakers point-
ed out at the rally that there are currently no controls in the program to stop unjust evictions in Concord. As for the availability of affordable housing, it is important that there be more affordable rental complexes in Concord to provide subsidized rents so that individuals and families on limited incomes can continue to live here. Free-market rental housing has seen sharp increases in the past five years, yet some complexes and owners of condos/townhouses have not sought unreasonable increases. But the number of reasonably priced rental units in the free-
market segment – $1,400$1,600 per month for a two bedroom – are diminishing. Any new rental housing, by definition, will be relatively expensive: $3,500 per month or more for a two bedroom. These will not be any help to lowincome individuals or families. The city has about $14 million in affordable housing funds to be distributed to or for affordable housing complexes. There is a proposed new affordable development on Galindo near Laguna, and there are several non-profits looking for other opportunities to build new, subsidized, affordable Residents gathered to protest high rents and evictions at housing in Concord. Meadow Homes Park on May Day.
ly when surrounded by black micro bark for instant contrast. Once spring begins to warm, Moonshine Yarrow’s growth surges. Foliage expands, forming clumps that allow flower stalks to form. These stalks can reach 18-24 inches tall. Clusters of tiny, buttery-yellow flowers lay flat atop each stem. These flat flowers are alluring to both bees and butterflies. Moonshine Yarrow is relatively carefree to grow. It thrives in full, hot sun and is very drought-tolerant. Spent flowers will need to be deadheaded, and the entire plant should have a severe pruning in early summer to promote another glorious wave of flowers. This perennial is deer-resistant and makes a great cut flower. Unlike other yarrow,
Moonshine has sterile flowers. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about it running crazily throughout the garden. The Contra Costa Water Department has approved Moonshine Yarrow for waterwise plant installations. For those craving spring through summer color in a lawn replacement project, Moonshine Yarrow may just the perennial to consider. It is easy to find companion plants to accent Moonshine Yarrow. Planted together, Salvia Hot Lips and Moonshine Yarrow make a stunning floral display. Hot Lips has a tiny, two-lipped flower of red and white. It is also wildly attractive to hummingbirds. Add some dark purple from Penstemon Cha Cha Lavender, with its trumpet-
Set your garden ablaze with Moonshine and Hot Lips
MOONSHINE YARROW
Moonshine Yarrow has been a favorite perennial of garden lovers for many years. This classic is tried and true. Moonshine Yarrow is a former Perennial of the Year and has all the attributes that
Credit: plantmaster.com
one desires when gardening and landscaping in our Clayton Valley climate. Moonshine’s aromatic, fern-like, silvery-gray foliage is intriguing. The color adds a pop to any landscape, especial-
niCOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL
shaped flower, or Lavender Hidcote, a dwarf English selection, to cool down the display. Evergreen companion plants to consider with Moonshine Yarrow would be Rhaphiolepis Rubra Compacta and Grevillea Low Form. Rhaphiolepis Rubra Compacta has a dark pink, simply shaped flower and
bronze new growth. Grevillea Low Form is an excellent groundcover that blooms fall through winter. Its flower has a unique shape, and the hummingbirds can’t resist it. Moonshine Yarrow isn’t picky about how it’s installed. Make sure your hole is double the width of the container that the plant was purchased in, add a handful of planting mix to the hole, loosen roots of the plant before placing in the hole and cover with more planting mix. You will have to water to establish, but keep in mind that drought-tolerant plants need less water after they are established. Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. You can contact her with questions or comments by email at Gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
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