NOV 13 The Pioneer 2020 by Pioneer Publishers

Go to our website for these great stories: • County lauds Clayton treatment center’s efforts during fire • Pulse of Concord: On a local level, residents seem to have more in common • Movie Review: ‘Borat 2’ exposes Americans’ stupidity • Making your home warm & cozy starts with the fireplace • Centuries of development led to modern meteorology

From dogs to desks in days November 13, 2020

www.PioneerPublishers.com

Clayton man called ‘an angel’ for outfitting remote learners with free home work spaces DAVID SCHOLZ Correspondent

Tamara Steiner/The Pioneer

Les Reufenacht does all his woodworking from his home garage in Clayton, The 80-year-old grandfather is turning out about 20 small desks per day to donate to kids who need study space in their homes.

Les Ruefenacht didn’t let the coronavirus dampen his creative woodworking juices. The Clayton resident just shifted gears and started building something else that could help someone. His new venture is all about crafting efficient desks for local school children who are learning remotely as the pandemic persists with no end in sight. His endeavor couldn’t have come at a better time for Mt. Diablo Unified School District parents – the target audience – who have quickly flooded him with requests. “I had no idea if people would be interested in this,” Ruefenacht said. It started with a nudge from his wife Sandra, who saw

a story on the ABC national news about a Maryland man and encouraged him to investigate it. “You can build anything. You need to do that,” she said. Within 48 hours of launching this one-man show, Ruefenacht had fashioned a prototype, had 10 desks in various stages of completion and had received more than 100 inquiries for the free desks as word went out on social media. Before this, the 80-year-old had been using his spare time creating hundreds of small wooden “Buddy Dog” toys. These were destined for children with cancer and chronic illnesses receiving care at California hospitals and Ronald McDonald Houses. However, COVID-19 put that project on hold. Instead, Ruefenacht will continue to make the little dogs in honor of first responders. Each dog will have the name of a first responder in place of “Buddy” painted on the side.

See Desks, page 3

Local races settled; Measure V passes pending final count TAMARA STEINER The Pioneer

Reflecting the intensity of the 2020 presidential election, Contra Costa voters turned out at an enthusiastic 72 percent. At press time, all Concord and Clayton precincts had reported results withstill a few votes remaining to be counted. In Clayton, six candidates vied for three open seats on the city council with incumbent Jim Diaz leading the field. After a brutal, high-octane campaign bitterly fought over a high density housing project in the town center (see story this page), just 44 votes separated Diaz and planning commissioner Peter Cloven. “I’m looking to move beyond the huge divide caused by the caustic campaigning of this cycle,” Cloven told the Pioneer. “It has inpacted me and my family personally. We are better than this as a city.”

What’s Inside Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Directory of Advertisers . . . .7 From the Desk of . . . . . . . . .6 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

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Dec. 11, Deadline, Nov. 30

CARLYN OBRINGER

EDI BIRSAN

JIM DIAZ

PETER CLOVEN

HOLLY TILLMAN

Community leader Holly Tillman will fill the third seat. Tillman says she is proud of running a clean campaign and echoed Cloven’s hope for a change in tone. Diaz was waiting for all the official results to be in before commenting beyond saying he was looking forward to working with the new council. Current councilmember and former mayor Tuija Cata-

lano took the brunt of the vitrolic campaign. She ended in fourth and will not be returning to the council. Frank Gavidia and Glenn Miller trailed each with about 14 percent of the vote. In Concord’s District 2 council race. incumbent Carlyn Obringer easily won over Progressive Hope Johnson and perennial candidate Harmesh Kumar who, undaunted by four

previous losses, was making his fifth run at a council seat. Obringer garnered 45 percent of the votes, Johnson 25 percent and Kumar 16 percent in the first District 2 election since the city converted to district elections in 2018. Obringer mounted a well organized, well financed campaign structered around housing, business recovery and a new vision for development of

the Concord Naval Weapons Station. Johnson, who ran an energetic grassroots campaign with an army of committed volunteers was understandbly disappointed in the results. Johnson has continually called Obringer to task over the failure of the CNWS development to move forward last March and the city’s lack of support for the homeless and

tenants facing evictions. Newcomers to city politics Tristan Piper and Paul Wood split the remaining 15 percent. Despite coming in last, Wood plans to stay engaged. “The city council run was just the beginning of getting involved and getting my hands dirty in making Concord a better place,” he told the Pioneer.

development across the street, claims the city was wrong to approve the three-building, three-story complex because it’s too big and intrusive and will impact their privacy and quality of life. The case, which has created bitter division in the community, is a vivid example of what happens when the desires of residents collide with state laws that mandate more housing and bigger projects than locals want. To meet Contra Costa County housing requirements, the City Council rezoned the 3.3 acres at the corner of High Street and Marsh Creek Road in 2011. The move changed it from

of units from 60 to 81 in exchange for designating seven units “affordable.” Jordan was further entitled to several concessions that opponents said would create hazardous traffic and parking issues. The City Council was faced with approving a project that none “liked” but was in full compliance with the law – amid Clayton residents sued the city and the developer hoping to vehement community opposistop the three-building, three-story Olivia project in down- tion. Mayor Julie Pierce and council members Tuija Catalano town Clayton. In his decision rendered Oct. 30, Superior Court judge Edward Weil denied the petitioners and ruled and CW Wolfe could find no 100 percent in the city’s favor. legal grounds to deny the application. They followed the advice But under California’s Densi- of the city attorney and voted to rural/agricultural to multi-family high-density, which calls for 20 ty Bonus Law, Jordan was units per acre. allowed to increase the number See Olivia, page 5

See Election, page 5

State mandated high density housing laws collide with residents desires to maintain local control TAMARA STEINER The Pioneer

A lawsuit by residents opposed to the Olivia, an 81-unit downtown apartment complex hit the rocks Oct. 30, when Contra Costa Superior Court judge Edward Weil ruled the city acted properly in approving the project. Some residents have called the three-acre project “behemoth” and “out of character” for the small town, and Clayton for Responsible Government sued the city and developer William Jordan on April 9. The group, comprised mainly of neighbors in the Stranahan

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Concord OKs COVID-related loan program for renters Page 2

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BEV BRITTON The Pioneer

Working with Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union, the City Council approved a tenant loan program on Oct. 27 to help renters who fell behind on rent because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “This program is really designed for those who have gotten their act together and are just trying to get off this debt from behind them,” said Councilman Edi Birsan, who proposed the concept earlier this year and worked with the credit union to develop it.

Under the Easy Does It Rental Repayment Program, the credit union will make loans of up to $6,000 to tenants who missed rent payments before August 31 and can provide proof of a COVID-19 impact. Applicants also must show the credit union that they have the means to make current rent payments plus the loan payments and agree to the payback terms monthly over five years at 1 percent interest. Payment will be made directly from the credit union to the landlord, who must confirm that the funds will only be used to offset lease rent. Each

landlord must agree to waive all late fees and penalties and must certify a past due amount in agreement with the renter to avoid any disputes. The city will guarantee up to $500,000 to the credit union for any loans that fall more than 90 days into arrears. The council directed that $100,000 of the city’s reserves be allocated to the program now. Councilwoman Laura Hoffmeister wondered why city taxpayers should bear the risk of the program, rather than the credit union’s members.

“If the city doesn’t want to be involved, we would look at a rate of anywhere from 9.9 to 15.9 percent, which I don’t think is going to be as helpful,” credit union CEO John Pamer responded during the virtual meeting. Concord finance director Karen Reid expects it to take 30-90 days to get the program established. “In the short term, it’s going to be pretty unlikely that we’ll see high default rates,” she said. “Now when we start getting further out in the program – three years, four years,

November 13, 2020

five years – that’s probably when we’ll start to see the defaults. And we do have collection methods that we could employ if they were to default to work with them to get the money repaid.” City Manager Valerie Barone said she would bring a progress report back to the council in six months – or sooner if there were relevant issues. George Fulmore of the Monument Democratic Club questions whether the loan program is realistic, noting that few renters will meet the crite-

ria and that the undocumented population would likely not be eligible. Resident Kristi Laughlin applauded the program’s “creativity” but urged the addition of eviction control measures such as those in Assembly Bill 3088. Barone said staff would look at including some eviction provisions in the Memorandum of Understanding with the credit union. “But I don’t know how feasible that will be, because it may complicate the actual loan-making,” she added.

Special honors for Eagle Scout project

Clayton resident Charlie Pesmark, 19, received the 2020 Golden Gate Council Glen A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award during an online ceremony hosted by Las Aguilas de Diablo on Oct. 28. Las Aguilas de Diablo provides an opportunity for successful business people and community leaders to further promote the ideals of Scouting by giving back some of their time, talent and treasure to benefit the young leaders of tomorrow. Pesmark earned his Eagle rank on Jan. 10, 2019, and had his Eagle Court of honor on May 30, 2019. He also graduated from Clayton Valley Charter High School that year. “Pez’s Project” benefited the Concord Mount Diablo Trail Ride Association located on the slopes of Mt. Diablo off Marsh Creek. Assisted by community members, family and Scout Troop 262 of Clayton, Pesmark a created eques-

Charlie Pesmark of Clayton earned his Eagle Scout rank in 2019.

trian viewing bleachers, a hillside retaining wall, drainage and erosion prevention, as well as handicap-accessible packed gravel pathways around the horse arena. Winning at the Golden Gate Council level means that the project can be considered for both regional and national service project recognition.

Boys from Troop 262 helped with Charlie Pesmark’s Eagle Project at the Concord Mount Diablo Trail Ride Association. Front row, Andre Buckman, Ethan Barrows, Jess Fisi and Dan Condon. Back row, Charlie Pesmark, Rob Pesmark and Garrett Mcgee.

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November 13, 2020

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

Desks, from page 1

DESK-MAKING 101 The care he puts into his projects mirrors their belief in metrology, which is the science of measurement. He is a metrologist, and his life-long work with Heusser Neweigh involved the manufacture and calibration of precision scientific instruments such as thermometers, pipettes, balances and gage blocks. They found plans for the desks on DesksbyDads.com, another group active in this growing nationwide project. Determining that the design was too big for the corner of a kid’s bedroom, he tweaked the dimensions. His desks are 20 inches deep, 32 inches long and 28 inches high. Each is equipped with a six-socket power strip, two USB ports, an overhead three-setting LED lamp and a grommet through which to orderly feed the electrical cords below the desks. He anticipates finishing 20 desks by the first weekend of November, then he’ll be off to Lowe’s for more lumber. He acknowledges how vital and instrumental Sandra, also 80, is to the ultimate success of this project. “She is answering all the emails for me on the computer. That is a big help,” he said. “I couldn’t do that and make the desks.

Before the pandemic, Les Ruefenacht created “Buddy Dogs” for sick children. He says he’s now going to name the dogs after first responders.

Page 3

“We have always been alongside each other. She has been working with me since we got married 60 years ago,” he added proudly.

ONLINE FUNDING HELP Ruefenacht’s setup comes in at $65 per desk, compared to $45 for those by DesksbyDads. “I have to be efficient to get the max out of my lumber,” he said, adding: “Lowe’s gave me a nice discount.” Recognizing immediately that this endeavor was not going to be cheap, son Mark acquired the domain name Desks for Kids by Grandpa’s Kindness Workshop. Then he posted photos on a Go Fund Me Campaign he set up. “Thank goodness he did that. If I am going to make these desks, I am going to need the financial help,” said Ruefenacht, who noted that parents have been willing to pay for them and such donations are most welcome. Seeking $15,000, the project generated more than $9,200 in donations in the initial four days. “If you start feeling sorry for yourself, just look around and see how you can help someone,” Ruefenacht said, quoting advice his dad gave him. DESKS ADDRESSING

Yasmin Swingler of Concord was doing her school work on her bed before her mom requested one of Les Ruefenacht’s desks.

community and sharing the opportunity with fellow administrators. Fabiana Swingler of Concord, who learned of Ruefenacht’s project through social media, couldn’t say enough about the couple’s generosity to provide her daughter Yasmin with a high-quality desk that’s a perfect fit for her small bedroom. “He is using his time, talents and money to help others,” said Swingler. “They are great people.”

She described how her 16year-old daughter, an junior at Clayton Valley Charter High School, had developed back problems because she was doing her work sitting on her bed. “They are angels,” she said of the Ruefenachts. “They are just incredibly kind people for doing this.”

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Clayton neighbors incensed over tragic hit and run

Page 4

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November 13, 2020

TAMARA STEINER The Pioneer

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A Clayton man was seriousinjured and his dog killed Oct 25 when the two were struck by a hit and run driver on Kelok Way in the Oakhurst development in Clayton. Jason Smith and Fred, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, were crossing the street just a few feet from their home when the two were struck. Smith was thrown several feet, suffering a broken leg and multiple bruises and abrasions. Fred was killed instantly. The neighborhood has long been a hot spot for teens who congregate in the cul-de-sac at the top of the hill to drink and party, often leaving piles of trash behind. Michael Wagner, who lives a few doors away from the Smiths says complaints to the city and calls to the police fall on deaf ears. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People have moved away because the problem is so bad,â&#x20AC;? Wagner said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This (accident) was long overdue, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to believe something like this didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happen sooner.â&#x20AC;?

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Jason and Carrie Smith spoke to the Pioneer by Zoom Oct. 28, just four days after he and his dog Fred were hit by a car on Kelok Dr in Oakhurst.

Lettie Hernandez who lives on Kelok Way adjacent to the cul-de-sac says her kids are afraid to pay basketball in front of their house. Her daughter, a freshman at Carondelet, says she and her brother â&#x20AC;&#x153;donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel safe.â&#x20AC;? Hernandez recounts one night when she knocked on steamed up windows of one parked car, asking the passionate teens to move along. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They just laughed at me,â&#x20AC;? she said. I call the police and nothing happens,â&#x20AC;? she told the Pioneer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel like Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just wasting their time.â&#x20AC;? It was video from Hernandezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; surveillance camera that caught a partial license plate on the vehicle fleeing the hit and run. The vidoe aided police in identifying the driver, a 16year-old who was arrested for felony hit and run the next day. Elise Warren, Claytonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s police chief, says she and the city are aware of the ongoing issues with teensâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and sometimes adultsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;parking to admire the view.

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Increase in virus cases moves county back to Red Tier

November 13, 2020

DAVID SCHOLZ Correspondent

An increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations prompted Contra Costa County officials to reinstate the more restrictive Red Tier, after a brief experience with life in the Orange Tier. The county entered the orange tier of Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Blueprint for a Safer Economy on Oct. 27. Since then, the county has seen a steady rise in the average daily number of new cases. Emphasizing that the action is being done to protect resi-

The Pioneer â&#x20AC;˘ www.pioneerpublishers.com

dents, officials voiced optimism that the county could move back to Orange Tier status if the trend reverses and declining numbers hold. The tougher restrictions, which took effect Friday, Nov. 6, include: Outdoor bars prohibited (except where allowed under restaurant guidance with drinks as part of a meal). Indoor dining allowed at a maximum of 25 percent occupancy or 100 people, whichever is fewer (down from 50 percent occupancy and 200 people). Indoor movie theaters can

Page 5

operate at a maximum 25 percent of occupancy or 100 people, whichever is fewer (down from 50 percent occupancy or 200 people). Indoor religious services indoors at a maximum 25 percent occupancy or 100 people, whichever is fewer (down from 50 percent occupancy or 200 people). Cardrooms and satellite wagering sites canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t operate indoors (down from 25 percent indoor capacity). Limits on the number of spectators at professional and collegiate sporting events.

How quickly things changed was reflected in the outgoing phone greeting at the California Grand Casino in Pacheco. Callers now hear a blunt â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are closedâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whereas a few days ago it was a far more optimistic message for would-be patrons. The homepage of the casinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website states: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The county issued guidance on Nov. 4 requiring that we move all our games to our outdoor facility.â&#x20AC;? As the county bounces between the two tiers, for some business it makes no difference. Even the initial easing of restrictions was not enough to warrant

reopening their doors. Round One Entertainment, which operates a bowling alley in the Sunvalley Shopping Center, is one example. Manager Susan Cannon explained that they could only use two of the 11 lanes under the Orange Tier limitations. As a result, it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make fiscal sense to reopen â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which continues to leave 50 employees on ice. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are ready for it,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; she said, but just not yet. Citing all the calls she fields on a daily basis from residents asking if they are open, Cannon expressed optimism that they

may be ready by Thanksgiving if the data looks more favorable. Contra Costa would not have originally qualified for the Orange Tier this week had it not tested more residents than the state average. California adjusts the case rates of high-testing counties downward to reflect their work controlling the virus. The county will remain in the Red Tier for at least two weeks. The state could move Contra Costa into the less-restrictive Orange Tier if its metrics qualify. The state updates the official numbers every Tuesday.

come surprises. Consider how you will use it: Waterfront property can vary dramatically and so too can the lifestyle that it delivers. Some homeowners prioritize a sandy beach where they can soak up the sun, while others want a deep water dock to keep a boat or yacht in the backyard or calm, protected waters for kayaking. If you find a home where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll want to add a dock, make sure itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible to get a permit beforehand. Extra costs: Living on the water is expensive. From flood insurance to pricey stormproof windows, there are plenty of extra costs that come with the territory. Although a salty sea breeze is one of the perks of living on the ocean, it also takes a toll on the home and

corrodes materials, which usually means upkeep and maintenance costs. Work with a waterfront specialist: Navigating the complexities of waterfront homes can be daunting. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s certainly important to do your own research, but as you might have heard, â&#x20AC;&#x153;you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know.â&#x20AC;? For this reason, the best resource you can have is a real estate agent who specializes in local waterfront property. Someone who is familiar with both the land and regulations will be the best advocate to have in your corner when searching for the perfect new home on the water. Â

becomes increasingly hard to come up with a down payment. How do people do it? A. Monthly mortgage payments have become more affordable due to the low interest rates. However, down payments still appear to be a roadblock. Saving for a down payment is difficult, especially for first-time buyers. In fact, 40 percent of buyers rely on a gift or loan from friends or family in order to come up with the funds for a down payment. Saving up 20 percent can be frustrating, but there are lower down payment loans. An FHA loan is 3.5 percent down. If either of you are veterans, you can get a loan with no down payment. Or you can ask the seller for a credit for your closing costs,

which can be 1-3 percent. There are also down payment assistance programs especially for first-time buyers. Find a realtor that can recommend a lender that offers them as these can really help. It is worth doing whatever you can to find the money for a down payment as soon as possible. As you might sense, the path to homeownership, and the wealth creation and benefits that come with it, could slip away when interest rates go up. One good bit of news is that the rates are forecast to stay low for most of 2021. Good luck to you.

Buying waterfront property requires special research

Q. After living in Clayton near the mountain, I want to make a lifestyle change. I have a beautiful home here that I am going to sell and move to Southern California on the water. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know much about what it will be like to live on waterfront property. Can you offer some guidance? A. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to understand why waterfront property is so appealing, from breathtaking views to endless activities in your backyard. I came up with a few things that you should keep in mind when looking at property. Do your research: Quite simply, waterfront property is more complicated than your typical piece of land. Elevation is an especially important issue

LYNNE FRENCH

REAL ANSWERS

to take into account to ensure that the house isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t prone to flooding or, for oceanfront property, rising sea levels. Property lines can also be a more complex issue, as some locations consider the shoreline to be public land. This is why itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crucial to do your due diligence in order to avoid any unwel-

Election, from page 1

District 1 BART Director Debora Allen sailed to an easy win with 64 percent against Sponsored Content challengers Jamie Salcido and Emmy Akin. State Assembly District 14 incumbent Tim Grayson, State Senate District 7 Steve Glazer and U.S Representative Mark DeSaulnier were all reelected with more than 65 percent of the votes cast in As I drive around Clayton their jurisdiction. and Concord, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m noticing more houses on the market than usual for this time of year. person race for three seats. In talking with realtors Diaz and planning commisand clients, it seems to be a sioner Frank Gavidia advocated bag of reasons for the mixed taking a â&#x20AC;&#x153;just say noâ&#x20AC;? position to increase in listings. But no the project and vowed to fight matter why youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re moving on, state housing laws. Tillman will I hope you will find the foltake housing issues project by lowing advice helpful. project, she said. As a home inspector, one The city dodged the bullet of my more popular services on legal fees for the Olivia lawis a â&#x20AC;&#x153;pre-listingâ&#x20AC;? inspection. suit because Jordan indemnified the city against legal costs associ- A seller initiates this service ated with defending what he before putting the property calls the â&#x20AC;&#x153;NIMBY (not in my on the market. This can be helpful for a backyard) suit.â&#x20AC;? of reasons: number To cover those costs, he says It gives you an underhe will â&#x20AC;&#x153;change out materials for standing of any major issues a cheaper buildout. The suit will and peace of mind that you be paid for with lesser finishes.â&#x20AC;? wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t encounter surprises He expects to begin construc-

When selling your home, a preinspection can ease the process

In District 4, incumbent Edi Birsan ran unopposed. Concordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Measure V, which will double the citywide sales tax toÂ one cent on the dollar and extend it indefinitely, is currently passing by the barest 1.16 percent margin. Despite his opposition to an open ended increase, Birsan

supports the measure. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Concord desperately needs this to avoid major service cuts over what has already been done.â&#x20AC;? Contra Costaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Measure X had an easier time of it, passing with 59 percent. Measure X imposes a countywide sales tax of a half cent on the dollar.

approve the Olivia. Council members Jeff Wan and Jim Diaz voted no although neither could state what specific legal grounds they had for denial. The project set off a firestorm of controversy and became the flashpoint of a bitterly fought election campaign which sent former mayor Catalano packing. Incumbent Catalano, planning commissioner Peter Cloven and Holly Tillman all ran for the city council essentially as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;trioâ&#x20AC;? bound to keep Clayton in compliance with state laws and protected from expensive lawsuits it

was sure to lose. According to city attorney Mala Subramanian, other cities that have dug in their heels, either settled or lost, costing thousands in legal fees. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Clayton is a very small city with a small budget,â&#x20AC;? Catalano said in a statement immediately following the ruling. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are going to be faced with even more state mandates, especially in housing. We have to be smart. We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t spend money we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have.â&#x20AC;? Catalano, stuck in the crosshairs of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;anti-high densityâ&#x20AC;? opposition, lost her seat since she came in fourth a six- tion next May.

Olivia, from page 1

ES, PRIS R E S T R E H EN USTOMOUSLY. AT D& KE OUR C I ER

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Lynne French is a Realtor with Compass Real Estate and captain of the Lynne French Team. Contact her at lynne@lynnefrench.com or 925-6728787.

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during escrow. Providing a clean home inspection report along with disclosures shows prospective buyers that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done your homework and, thus, they may look to waive the inspection contingency and speed up the escrow process.

Scott Denslow is the owner of Safe at Home Inspection Service. He is an InterNACHI and ASHI certified inspector who has 47 five-star ratings on Yelp. Send your home inspection questions or topics you want to see covered to scott@safeathomellc.com. For more information, visit www.safeathomellc.com. See our ad, page 11.

From the Desk of...

Page 6

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

November 13, 2020

Despite COVID-19, city of Concord continues to look forward like to reflect on some of the city’s accomplishments and some of the opportunities that we have to look forward to in 2021. First, I want to acknowledge and commend our residents for doing their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community. But we still have more work to do. People are taking this situation seriously and following the TIM MCGALLIAN around mask-wearing, CONCORD MAYOR rules social distancing and proper hygiene. Consequently, we’ve As the most bizarre and challenging year in recent mem- been able to open up more sectors of our economy. ory comes to a close, I would

The city’s economic development team has played a big role in helping Concord businesses stay well-informed of the ever-changing operating guidelines as well as the programs and opportunities to support them through this tough economic climate. Looking ahead, our economic development efforts include partnering with the Chamber of Commerce to promote a new “Shop Concord” gift card campaign to encourage people to shop local this holiday season. Also on the horizon for 2021, Concord will be review-

Project Pink Wheels a moving reminder of cancer’s effects

Capt. Chris Leimpeter, whose wife is a cancer survivor, was one of the leads to make this project happen. I encourage you to visit the ConFire YouTube channel to hear the personal stories of our firefighters and their families that have survived and lived through cancer. They shared the challenges, hurt and struggle that anyone who KAREN MITCHOFF has been touched by cancer COUNTY faces. SUPERVISOR ConFire has painted a reserve engine pink, with the Cancer affects so many in pink cancer ribbon decals. While pink ribbons are typical our community. In Contra of breast cancer, this is meant Costa County, there was 27,000 new cancer cases from to bring awareness to all cancers. It is a rolling memorial to 2012 to 2016. bring hope to the community. Because it’s the leading The upgrades on the engine cause of death among active were made possible by I.A.F.F. and retired firefighters, our fire district does annual cancer Local 1230. Cancer survivors will be screenings for fire personnel. able to add names to the Cancer is very personnel to engine, and the family memour community and the fire bers of past cancer fighters service. can add their loved one’s To that end, the Contra Costa Fire Protection District name in memory of their fight. (ConFire) has implemented This engine will be availProject Pink Wheels. More able to take anyone to their than six years in the making, first or last day of cancer the project is meant to be a treatment. It will be also be symbol of hope for cancer used for public health fairs, patients and their families. It community festivals, parades, aims to show cancer patients that they are not alone in this cancer events and other special requests. This access is for fight.

Capt. Chris Leimpeter at the Oct. 21, Project Pink Wheels press conference.

all of Local 1230’s service areas, which is not limited to ConFire, but extends to East County as well has Hercules, Rodeo, Moraga and Orinda. To request Pink Wheels transportation or to add a name, please email Leimpeter at contracostapink@yahoo.com. You can follow Project Pink Wheels on projectpinkwheels Instagram page, Facebook at projectpinkwheels or visit the ConFire YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/us er/CCCFPDTV.

Karen Mitchoff is Contra Costa County District IV supervisor. Email questions or comments to Mitchoff at supervisormitchoff@bos.cccounty.us

invited to apply for licenses, and the first approved businesses are expected to open in Concord in 2021. With respect to development, I am proud to report that the Renaissance II is now leasing apartments, and construction for the Grant – a 228-unit mixed used project – broke ground this year and construction will continue through next year. In just a few weeks, we will also be restarting our project to develop the former Concord Naval Weapons Station. We will host two council meetings in December and January to dis-

cuss next steps in selecting a master developer for the project. As always, we will continue to look ahead to find wonderful opportunities. I would like to thank you, Concord residents, as well as my council colleagues and city staff for enduring through this challenging year. I am hopeful that better days are ahead, and I am so proud to serve as your mayor. Thank you for all you do to make Concord an amazing place to live, work and play. Mayor Tim McGallian can be reached at Tim.McGallian@cityofconcord.org

At no time will traditional hunting measures be deployed in residential areas. Traps will continue to be the method used to catch the feral pigs in resiJULIE PIERCE dential areas. Meanwhile, the maintenance CLAYTON MAYOR department has been busy clearing our creeks and storm Although our trapper has drains of debris in anticipation captured seven pigs, it seems as of winter rains. Please help us if the animals still have the keep them clear by reporting upper hand. debris accumulations to the While at the park last week, maintenance department. When it was shocking for staff to see you clean your yard, please also clear the gutters and drain areas how much more damage the in front of your own home to pigs have caused to the turf. prevent buildups of leaves. City staff continue to explore Get involved. On Oct. 20, all options for us. the City Council directed staff In coordination with the to prepare a Request For Prochief of police, the maintenance supervisor is working posal (RFP) for a consultant to with the pig trapper to utilize conduct community meetings traditional hunting measures and charette sessions regarding (i.e. rifle and bow) to address the opportunities and conthe feral pig issue. These tradi- straints of the downtown proptional hunting measures will erty. Be prepared to engage only be deployed 11 p.m.-4 a.m. with neighbors to come up in Clayton Community Park. with ideas and concepts for the The trapper needs to notify the vision of the property. Use this police department as well as the opportunity to have your voice heard, seen and respected. This dispatch center regarding the is your community. Please exact time within those hours check the city website for he is in the area.

updates and key dates. Meetings will also be announced in future mayor’s columns. Have more to say? Join the Community Development director for a virtual Q&A on Nov. 20 or Dec. 18. Brew a cup of coffee and join him at 8 a.m. for 30 minutes of your questions, comments and discussion. The sessions will be via Zoom using the link on the city website. Congratulations to Peter Cloven, Holly Tillman and Jim Diaz on their election to the Clayton City Council. Tuija Catalano and I will both be retiring in December. Have a happy, and safe, Thanksgiving. Please send me your questions and comments. You may also contact city staff on the city website at ci.clayton.ca.us.

ing and approving cannabis businesses to begin operating within the city. Last May, the City Council adopted cannabis regulations to allow three types of cannabis businesses: three storefront retailers/dispensaries, three non-storefront retailers and two microbusinesses with a storefront retailer component. Applicants will be required to go through a competitive selection process, which is underway. The process is anticipated to culminate in spring 2021 with the selection of applicants following interviews at City Council meetings. Those the council selects will then be

What to do when the pigs are winning

Julie Pierce is mayor of Clayton and chair of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority .She is a past president of the Association of Bay Area Governments and serves on the executive committee where she represents Contra Costa cities. Reach her at 925-673-7320 or Julie.p@ci.clayton.ca.us.

Six months into the job, chief says pandemic a Supporting our firefighters challenge, not an obstacle

Years before I ran for public office, I began serving as a Critical Response Chaplain for the Concord Police Department, working directly with first responders, victims, and their families to help support them through difficult and traumatic situations. Serving my community in this role has been such an honor that I knew I wanted to continue to do so even after my election to the Assembly in 2016. For over a decade now, I’ve been able to witness firsthand the intense physical and mental pressure that first responders endure, and now that my son has begun a career in firefighting, I understand the impact on families even more intimately. This year, California again faced a devastating and record-breaking wildfire season with over 4 million acres burned, nearly 10,500 structures damaged or destroyed, and over 30 lives tragically lost. During wildfire season, many of us rightfully worry about the danger firefighters experience on the frontlines, but I’m afraid we too often forget the trauma they can carry with them even after fires are extinguished. Through the course of their

TIM GRAYSON

14TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT

careers, these brave women and men witness firsthand lives and homes lost and destroyed by flames, and the impact this has on firefighters is clear. In 2017, one of California’s most dangerous years of wildfires, more firefighters died by suicide than on duty. When untreated, the psychological and emotional stress first responders endure can manifest in post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, heart disease, and depression. Last year I was proud to have had Governor Newsom sign into law AB 1116, my bill to provide effective, and accessible mental health services for firefighters through a Peer Support and Crisis Refer-

ral Services Pilot Programs. These programs build off the informal social support that many first responders are receiving from each other, providing them with training and requiring oversight by a licensed clinical professional to guarantee a high standard of care. It took a three year effort to have AB 1116 signed into law, and I’m already looking forward to returning to Sacramento in January so I can continue my work supporting our first responders, however in the meantime, each of us can make a difference for the firefighters in our own communities. One of the biggest ways that we can help firefighters is by making a preparedness plan and evacuating when orders are given. Too often firefighters are put into highrisk situations because they are called in to assist residents who did not respond to local orders to evacuate. Last month I hosted a virtual town hall on emergency preparedness where incredible resources were shared on how you can prepare your family for any emergency, where you can sign up for emergency

See Grayson, page 7

As the city of Concord and Contra Costa County begins to reopen businesses and activities, I want to remind readers that the Concord Police Department never closed. We have had to adapt our day-to-day activities in order to continue to give residents the service they deserve. Our men and women continue to do proactive police work, though it has a different look these days. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the norm in law enforcement for the foreseeable future. We have resumed radar patrols, as evidenced by several tickets for people doing 70 mph on Clayton Road. Even though children are not back in school yet, everyone needs to slow down for the safety of all. Since my arrival in April, we have concluded a long-term investigation named Boulevard Blues. In partnership with the FBI’s Safe Street Task Force, we took numerous illegal firearms off the street. But more importantly, we solved four cold case homicides. As a result of the cooperation of all of our regional partners, four families finally have closure in the deaths of their loved ones. In other news, please check

ing to connect with residents as we would in normal conditions, but now we are doing so on a virtual platform (Zoom). Social media postings have the time and date of the various meetings, as well as how to log in and participate. We really want to get back to hearing directly from you so that we can address some of the issues you are facing on a MARK BUSTILLOS daily basis as well as longer CONCORD CHIEF OF term issues. Additionally, it will POLICE give the community an opportunity to meet some of our out the new app on Concord Community Impact Team Connect. It allows users to pho- (CIT) and Special Enforcement tograph, document and note Team (SET) members who do the location of homeless the direct enforcement work. encampments. This will make it It has been a whirlwind six easier and more systematic in months here, and I look forgetting Community Outreach ward to meeting more of you in Referral Engagement (CORE) person. I’m a regular coffee out to homeless individuals in drinker in Todos Santos Plaza order to offer services. In addi- as well as at the Peet’s on Oak tion, we will be able to better Grove. If you see me there or document our local encamparound town, feel free to say ments and any public safety “hi” and introduce yourself. I issues they may present to the am usually in uniform (with public (fires, human waste, nee- four stars on the collar). dles, etc.). I still have a lot of people to Finally, please look at the meet here, and I look forward Concord Police Department’s to doing so. Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages for notices Reach Concord Chief of Police of upcoming “virtual” Coffee Bustillos at mark.bustillos@cityofwith a Cop events. We are tryconcord.org

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MDUSD targets hybrid start Jan. 11; private, charter schools have returned

and Wood Rose Academy resumed instruction on their Concord campuses last month. Queen of All Saints, Saint Agnes and Saint Francis of Assisi began phased in return to on-campus instruction early this month.

JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Mt. Diablo Unified School District has been formulating tentative plans in the past few weeks for a hybrid learning program combining on-campus and distance learning beginning Jan. 11. This is transpiring after Clayton Valley Charter, Carondelet and De La Salle have already transitioned from all distance learning to various forms of hybrid education for its high school students. New MDUSD superintendent Adam Clark and his staff have been working on plans to bring back some of their 29,000 students soon after the holiday break ends. Implementation of the plan must be agreed to by teachers and other school staff representatives before any change is made to the current all distance learning format. “At the Oct. 26 Governing Board meeting, a date [Jan. 11] was approved to begin phasing students back onto our campuses using a hybrid learning model. Included in my recommendation to the Board was a vague and generic sample hybrid schedule. I received many emails and messages from parents, students and staff requesting a more detailed draft schedule. Also, included in these messages were pleas to keep current teacher and school assignments,” Clark reported last week. “After receiving these messages loud and clear, I am providing an elementary draft schedule and secondary draft schedule. It must be noted that these are challenging times and anxiety levels are running high throughout our community of stakeholders.” [The proposed elementary and secondary schedules are on the MDUSD website and are also linked from The Pioneer website.] Clark also wrote, “It will be a top priority for our students to stay with their teachers and schools. We have heard very clearly that this is a really important factor for our families. When we negotiate to establish a schedule with our union partners, we cannot accept a one-size fits all solution.

order to make a hybrid model work, so that we can maintain the highest amount of consistency for our students, keeping students with their teachers and schools.” The reopening plan implementation starts with small groups of students coming on campus. The plan calls for TK, kindergarten and grades 1, 6 and 9 to begin a hybrid learning model Jan 11. Grades 2, 3, 7 and 10 will start Jan. 19 and grades 4, 5, 8, 11 and 12 will begin their hybrid learning model Jan 25. Key considerations in planning for MDUSD hybrid programming include socioemotional support, pivotability, consistent schedule, access to after school programs, teacher contact daily and students staying with their same teacher. LEARNING UNDERWAY

know from experience that words of support and gratitude can go a long way. To everyone who has been on the frontlines fighting California’s wildfires, and to all of their loved ones who support them, thank you.

Reach Assemblyman Tim Grayson at (925) 521-1511. Visit or write the district office 2151 Salvio Street, Suite P, Concord, CA 94520

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ERIN MCFERRIN

Jay Bedecarré

De La Salle and Carondelet high schools began their on-campus instruction at the end of last month. The first local school to begin on campus instruction was Clayton Valley Charter, which started with a small number of students after Labor Day, so it is now about two months into transitioning students back on campus. CVCHS has groups of students who attend school all day in small, socially distanced cohorts including eating lunch together on campus. They are in the same classroom all day. Other students come on campus for a specific class where they sit in a classroom with their teacher while others in the class are doing distance learning. They have yoga instruction on campus and via the UNION AGREEMENTS NEEDED internet. Clayton Valley Bowl “We are going to need recently re-opened and two flexibility in our agreement in PE classes will be held at the

notifications, and how you can make your homes fire safe. Please contact my Concord District at (925) 521-1511 and we’d be happy to share these resources with you. You can also make a difference by simply checking in on your friends and neighbors who are members of the firefighter family. Hard times can extend far beyond fire season, and I

bowling alley on Clayton Rd. near the campus. De La Salle reopened Oct. 26 with about 50 percent of their students on campus daily. The hybrid leaning model has students in the classroom and online at the same time. Students last names A-L are on campus Monday and Tuesday and virtual on Thursday and Friday. Students with last names K-Z have the opposite schedule. Carondelet’s schedule is similar. The all-girls school has “classrooms” setup inside and outside, as long as the weather permits. There are some classes with a mix of DLS and Carondelet students. Tabernacle School, Ygnacio Valley Christian School

MCFERRIN, NZEWI WIN FIRST-EVER MDUSD BY-TRUSTEE ELECTIONS Erin McFerrin and Keisha Nzewi made history as the first Mt. Diablo Unified School District board members to be elected in the new by-trustee area election format. Incumbents Brian Lawrence and Joanne Durkee both decided not to seek another term. The new trustees will represent Area 3 (Ygnacio Valley High feeder area) and Area 5 (Concord High area), which are both Concord centric. Nzewi, a Pleasant Hill resident, tallied 55% of the vote to finish ahead of Michael Schneider and Dennis Chow in Area 3. McFerrin, who becomes the first Concord resident trustee in several years, got nearly 70% of the vote over her Area 5 opponent Carol Trost. They will be sworn in at the Dec. 14 board meeting, presumably virtually during the Zoom session in a fitting end to 2020.

Mask-wearing social studies teacher Daniel Parker conducts a hybrid class at Clayton Valley Charter High School with the majority of his students doing distance learning and a couple of their classmates in the classroom.

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Page 7

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Poncho a man of many talents, from lumber to bees The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

After graduating from Mount Diablo High School in 1930, Poncho worked in farming for three years. Due to the Depression and “the shortage of dollars,” he headed north in his Model T Ford with a CAROL LONGSHORE blanket and a frying pan. YESTERYEAR In the late summer of 1934, he was employed at the Martinez native, Pompeii Coulee Dam in Washington as Emilio Bacciglieri, “Poncho” a laborer and advanced quickly as most people knew him, was to a journeyman carpenter’s a self-made businessman. pay. Being an ever curious He was born Jan. 10, 1913, soul, he left in 1936 to work at his home in the Vine Hill in Alaska to build mining district. His father died when camps. He then built the first he was five months old, leavfour-story concrete girls doring the family to fend for mitory at the University of themselves. Alaska. Later, he built the

Mount McKinley Hotel. By this time, Poncho had worked in temperatures of 110 to 75 below. While employed by the Alaskan freight lines during World War II, he injured his back slipping on the ice and had to come to San Francisco for a spinal fusion. That brought him home to his neighbor and love of his life, Delma DeMartini. They married in 1944. Their first daughter, Lorraine, was born in 1945, adding daughter Linda in 1949. In 1948, he purchased 3.36 acres off of Clayton Road and started his El Monte lumber-

Clayton Historical Society honors two stalwart volunteers

Clayton Historical Society recently honored Robert “Bob” Hoyer and Richard “Dick” Ellis with the titles Presidents Emeritus as they each received the Clayton Historical Society Stewardship Award recognizing over 45 years of work to create the Clayton Historical Society Museum and to preserve the history of the community for future generations. The awards were presented by CHS President Ted Meriam at the 2020 Annual Membership meeting Nov. 12. Hoyer, Clayton’s first mayor, and Ellis, a long-time teacher at Clayton Valley High School, were both instrumental in the drive for Clayton’s incorporation in 1964. Both were leaders in the establishment of the Clayton Museum

Photo courtesy Clayton Historical Society

Clayton Historical Society honorees, Bob Hoyer receive recognition with President Emeritus titles.

on Main Street in 1976. “Bob and Dick have given unselfishly of their time and energy to the cultivation and preservation of our rich history,” said Concord mayor, Julie

Pierce, a longtime member of the organization. For the complete story on Bob Hoyer and Dick Ellis, go to PioneerPublishers.com and look under ‘Community.’

yard with Bruno Nardi. He added a storage business in the 1960s, with son-in-law Deno Davi running that portion. Poncho was a large man with huge hands, yet he loved carving the smallest of ivory crosses and making woodcrafted cradles and toys for his grandchildren. He was also set on building the sturdiest structures. The astute businessman bought six of his own trucks so that he could cut out the middleman. He would travel to the mills himself and sometimes take one of his daughters to get his lumber. To help you understand the character of this man, there was a time when one of the mills sent him a fairly large check that he didn’t deserve, so he sent it back to them. After his family, his biggest joy in life was his bees. He started beekeeping in 1960 and had so many hives, he had to cut down to the regulated 35. He called them his “little daisies,” and they seemed to love him. The school kids would take field trips to see his bees. Poncho also had an acre of fava beans because he thought it would put nitrogen back in the ground, aside from being a good Italian dish. He loved to garden and

November 13, 2020

Poncho Bacciglieri enjoyed tending bees, calling them his “little daisies.”

share his fruits and vegetables with family and friends. While in Alaska, Poncho’s great friend was Bill Egan. Once Alaska was accepted into the union, Bill ran for governor and won. One of the highlights of Poncho and Del’s life was being invited to the inaugural celebration – twice. Bill won a second term, so back they went to Alaska. As a close family friend once said, Poncho’s passion for the bounties of God’s earth was in his daily life: tilling the soil, driving a tractor, making his wine, caring for his honeybees or nurturing his garden. He would gener-

Clayton museum reopens with Buxworth exhibit

A new curve in the computer game

WILL CLANEY

TECH TALK

Gamers and professionals alike can benefit from the unique construction of the newest curved monitors. These monitors provide a more comfortable, close-up viewing experience and reduced distortion – not to mention they look cool.

lution, you might have missed some advances. So, heads up: Curved monitors are the No. 1 choice for holiday buying. “Overall, curved monitors are preferable for gaming and productivity. Nobody likes to experience blurred version of eye exhaustion while using the computer. Curved ultrawide monitors are a way to combat that phenomenon.” In addition to less eye strain, they offer a more natural viewing experience. And, the extra width creates lots of room to open several windows and avoid overcrowding – a similar result to having multiple monitors. I recommend at least a 2427 inch monitor to get the full effect of the view angles.

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@concordpioneer.com.

Lessons in ‘Pax’ for all ages

fox felt the car slow before the boy did, as he felt everything first.” The boy is Peter; the fox is Pax. Peter’s father is driving the car, headed for the woods. “Through the pads of his paws, along his spine, in the sensitive whiskers at his wrists,” Pax begins to sense danger. Peter already knows SUNNY SOLOMON what is coming. His father is BOOKIN’ WITH going off to war, Peter must now go to his aged grandfaSUNNY ther’s and Pax must be worth in the High Peak in Two things compel me to returned to the wild. Delightful Derbyshire Coun“Pax” is not a fable. War, pick Sara Pennypacker’s kids’ ty.” It includes 12 photos of betrayal and fear of the book “Pax” for my NovemBuxworth donated by the vilfor both Pax and unknown ber review. lage’s favorite art photogra“his boy” make up the heart First, the story and writpher, Mark Lomas, and the of this story. ing make it one of those Association of Buxworth and A brutal conflict over crossover novels that will be Clayton. water occurs near Peter’s treasured by both young Buxworth, the birthplace home, near the river and readers and adults. Secondly, of our town founder Joel woods where Pax is abanbecause of the stress on Clayton, has been twinned doned, and 300 miles from both sides of the political with Clayton since 1997. the grandfather’s house where aisle at this election time, I Come discover the Peter is left. Peter only wants decided we need something delights of the village of to find his way back to the to calm us in these troubled Buxworth and the county of side of the road where he days. Derbyshire and perhaps add a threw a toy for Pax to chase “Pax,” the story of a new “across the pond” destiyoung boy and his pet, a fox before they drove off. Pax nation to your “bucket list.” only wants to get back to the rescued as a kit, is that spePhotographs of Joel Clayton’s home town are part of side of that road and wait for cial book. the Buxworth exhibit at the Clayton Museum. The museum will be open 2-4 Pennypacker has accom- his boy to return. p.m. Sundays at 6101 Main St., Pax was a parentless kit plished the feat of giving The Clayton Historical um 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. Clayton, with COVID-19 protoonly 16 days old when found voice to an animal without Society is pleased to 22. cols of mask requirements, temperand brought home by Peter. announce the reopening of The museum will feature a ature testing and social distancing. words coming from that aniLeft by the side of the road mal. Her writing is superb. the Joel Clayton House Muse- dazzling new exhibit, “BuxThe story opens: “The

“Curved monitors will produce a better image in almost every case,” according to an online source. “This benefit is especially noticeable on widescreen monitors – like ultrawide monitors.” Ultrawide monitors are longer than an ordinary PC monitor, horizontally speaking. When flat panel displays began replacing old CRTs (tube monitors), it took a while for everyone to recycle the old tubes for flat screens. Now, curved monitors are beginning to take the place of flat panels, and ultrawide screens are replacing multiple monitors. If you aren’t deep in the woods of the technology revo-

ously share the gifts of the earth and the talents God gave him with those he loved. Poncho died on March 30, 1994, and last year his daughters sold the lumberyard to an investor who will sell it to a developer who will build housing. It’s sad that another pioneer family is losing their roots and the buzzing of bees will be replaced with the pounding of nails.

Larger is better. But if you go too large, like a 49 inch, it’s kind of like being in an IMAX theater and can be overwhelming. Choose one with a minimum refresh rate of 75 Hz. Resolution will depend on the overall size, but 1080p is the minimum with 4k the optimum for price performance. Nearly anything in between will offer great value. Curved monitors are only a few dollars more than their flat counterparts. What are you waiting for? Go splurge.

William Claney is an independent tech writer and former owner of Computers USA in the Clayton Station. Email questions or comments to willclaney@gmail.com.

six years later, Pax knew nothing of surviving in the wild. Peter, when left with an aloof grandfather, knew nothing more than what his anxiety told him: “Something bad is going to happen because you aren’t where you are supposed to be.” Like Pax, Peter’s mother had died, and now without his father, he, too, was parentless. The fox and his boy had never been separated, and Peter knew where he should be. Peter’s solitary trek to find Pax, and Pax’s search for his boy, lead them both on a journey through an unexpected wildness not only in the woods but also in themselves. What they learn from other animals (for Pax) and people (for Peter) will bring them through the terror of war, the wounding of limbs and the healing of hearts. It will heal your hearts as well, and I suspect you will want to read its sequel due in 2021.

Sunny Solomon is a freelance writer and head of the Clayton Book Club. Visit her website at bookinwithsunny.com for her latest recommendations or just to ‘talk books.’

SPORTS

November 13, 2020

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

Page 9

International superstar, school lacrosse coach have new Carondelet High facilities named for them Seventh in a series about athletic facilities at eight local high schools. JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Carondelet High School is on the smallest land footprint among local high schools but the all-girls Catholic school recently converted a Walnut Creek tennis and swim club site into the state-of-the-art Carondelet Athletic Complex and now has facilities for seven Cougar sports team that are the envy of most. And giving an extra splash of glamour to the site which opened in 2018, Carondelet graduating class of 2000 Olympic champion and international celebrity superstar Natalie Coughlin has her name attached to the aquatic facility. The school’s long-time lacrosse coach Rick Jeffery is honored with Jeffery Field where the Cougar LAX and soccer teams play.

NATALIE COUGHLIN AQUATIC CENTER Coughlin established a national high school record in the 100-yard backstroke as a Carondelet freshman. She won seven individual and three relay gold medals at the North Coast Section championships. Swimmers can compete in two individual events at the end-of-season meet and her only loss was in the finals of the 100 breaststroke as a junior when she finished second, having just competed

Long-time Carondelet High School lacrosse coach Rick Jeffery and his daughter Erin celebrated one of their three consecutive NCS championships from 2011-13 and the Cougar’s soccer and lacrosse field now bears his name. NCAA, Olympic and world champion swimmer Natalie Coughlin is immortalized at the Natalie Coughlin Aquatic Center at the school’s athletic complex, which opened in 2018.

in the previous event, 100 back finals, which she won four consecutive years. To show her high school dominance, her backstroke time from her junior year in 1999 is by 12 years the oldest mark in the NCS record books for boys or girls in 2020. Demonstrating the excellence of Carondelet swimming, 10 of the 12 NCS swimming and diving records for girls are held by the Cougars. Coughlin’s CHS teams won Section championships in 1998 and 2000 and were second in 1999.

In 1998, between her sophomore and junior years, Coughlin became the first swimmer to qualify for the United States Summer Nationals in all 14 events. Coughlin set two individual national high school records in the 200 individual medley (1:58.45) and the 100 backstroke (52.86). She went to the University of California and began an affiliation with coach Teri McKeever that took her to 11 NCAA individual championships and was NCAA swimmer of the year all three

seasons she competed for the Golden Bears. Coughlin was a 12-time Olympic medalist while competing in the 2004 Athens, 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Games. In China she became the first U.S. female athlete in modern Olympic history to win six medals in one Olympiad and the first woman to win the 100-meter backstroke gold in two consecutive Olympics. She won 60 medals in international competitions. Her successful swimming career placed Coughlin on

innumerable magazine covers as well as a Wheaties cereal box and her biography “Golden Girl” was written by fellow Cal alum Michael Silver. She competed in season nine of “Dancing with the Stars.” She is now a mother, authored a cookbook, cofounded a winery and has been a spokesman for various companies. She dedicated the Natalie Coughlin Aquatic Center in February 2018 and was a charter member of the school’s Hall of Fame that same year with soccer and

track star Tiffany Roberts, basketball standout Jayne Appel and the 1996 Carondelet state championship cross country team. She was inducted to the Cal Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.

JEFFERY FIELD Jeffery began coaching at Carondelet in 2007, taking over the fledgling Cougars lacrosse program that was just a few years old. The oldest of his three daughters started there in the fall of

See Carondelet, pg 10

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Page 10

Athlete Spotlight

Rylie Velez

School: Clayton Valley Charter High Grade: Senior Sports: Soccer, Tennis, Swimming

Last year, Velez’s soccer future seemed bright and secure. She started at forward every game of her junior season on the Ugly Eagles varsity which lost only one Diablo Athletic League game and Velez was named DAL Offensive MVP after leading the league with 17 goals. She verbally committed to San Francisco State to play soccer on scholarship. However, the adversity facing student athletes brought on by COVID-19 has turned Velez from being certain of her next steps to simply hoping for the best. Despite participating on varsity tennis her first three years and swimming for 11 years including as a freshman and sophomore on CVCHS varsity, Velez considers soccer her “main sport.” In fact, it’s something her life has revolved around since the age of six. She began playing on AYSO teams and then moved onto higher recreational programs. She joined her competitive year-round club soccer team, Diablo Valley Wolves (formerly Diablo FC), seven years ago and has been a team captain the last four years. This term’s condensed high school sports calendar has soccer and tennis at the same time, which means she will miss the final year on the tennis court with her teammates. Since March, Velez has been substituting her typical soccer season—involving team training with league games or tournaments nearly every weekend all across the state—with regular private strength training, soccer workouts and even non-contact Zoom workouts with her team. Finally, in late October the Wolves travelled to Mesa, Arizona, where they played their first tournament in seven months. Usually at this time of year she wrapped up her club season and attended high school tryouts. Instead, high school coaches are now urging players to stay in shape with their club teams and to continue to look for out-of-state tournament opportunities. Aside from the uncertainty of high school athletic seasons this term, online learning has proved to be another area of challenging, uncharted territory for Velez. She says remote learning “has taken an immense toll” on her life. Along with most other high school students, she assumed her senior year would be “full of football games, senior activities and days in the classroom, but it hasn’t turned out the way I expected. I don’t particularly like online school, but it’s bearable.” While maintaining a 4.5 GPA, she has taken part in the Clayton Valley Charter Engineering and Design Academy for four years and has been a member of ASB Leadership for two. She is also a confirmation youth group leader at St. Bonaventure Church and a swim instructor. Velez still has high hopes to play soccer at SF State next fall, but regardless of where her “play things by ear” plan may take her, she is sure that she will find success in the future on the soccer field and beyond. CVCHS student journalist Alexa Oldham wrote this Spotlight. The Pioneer congratulates Rylie and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for 25 years at Family Vision Care Optometry. www.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.

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Still no clarity if first 4 high school sports can begin practicing in 3 weeks The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

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JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Three weeks from Monday high school sports are slated to return in California. Whether or not that happens isn’t much clearer today than last summer when the state high school federation announced the cancelation of fall sports and set up a schedule of three abbreviated seasons with competitions from January to June. That Dec. 7 timetable has cross country, water polo, football and volleyball beginning official team practices. The caveat to all this is that state and local government and health officials hold the starter’s button in their hand and no one can say with certainly they’ll push that button. And, even more confusing, is that some areas may give the go-ahead and other counties won’t. Just look at what happened last week when local health rules called off the Pac-12 football game in Berkeley between Cal and Washington a day before their season-opening game due to a single positive test.

The news in the past week of the most coronavirus cases in the state since August amid a national increase certainly isn’t giving anyone increased confidence. Contra Costa Board of Supervisors chair Candance Andersen reported last Friday, “With data from the past week showing a marked increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Contra Costa County, health officials are taking steps to protect the community with modest changes to local health orders.” North Coast Section commissioner Pat Cruickshank says the CIF state office has not issued any specific guidelines for how schools must conduct trainings, how many athletes and coaches can be in a confined area (only volleyball among the first four sports getting underway is played indoors) nor are there any testing protocols. Clayton Valley Charter athletic director and former longtime high school and college coach Bob Ralston says, “It’s really frustrating waiting [on word if the school will be able to proceed Dec. 7]. We’re

November 13, 2020

doing everything we can to make it somewhat normal for our student athletes.” He says doing conditioning you can keep six-foot distancing and even wear marks during outdoor meetings and when not doing physical activity. In volleyball, water polo and football the nature of the sports includes close physical contact. He concludes, “I don’t think anyone knows [what’s going to happen].” Long-time prep sports journalist Mitch Stephens of MaxPreps.com shared information from around the United States. Many parts of the country conducted football in the fall, some even with large crowds in the stands. (Something that most definitely won’t be happening anytime soon in California). He cited Utah as the first state to start football this year. “It was looking good for about 5-6 weeks, until we jinxed them. I did a story and it seemed right after a lot more cases.” He mentioned that Alaska canceled all its football state championships. The nation’s No. 12 team, a

26-time Kentucky state champion, canceled its last regularseason game, went into twoweek quarantine and will have one practice before starting the playoffs this Friday. In Clayton, Ohio an undefeated team (No. 6 in the state) had one positive test and dropped out of the playoffs. The Florida state playoffs began with some teams having played two or three regular season games. A showdown in New Jersey between two teams in the National Top 20 was postponed and most likely canceled due to the virus. While the Pac-12 is testing its football players for COVID-19 daily, there is currently no protocol for any testing of California high school athletes. As always, each student is required to get a medical clearance form signed by a physician for clearance to take part in sports. When schools had a temporary greenlight last summer to begin training, schools were taking temperatures of everyone participating before each session and that will presumably continue.

Swim, water polo groups help keep Concord pool open for lap swimmers BEV BRITTON The Pioneer

Drawing from a pool of community resources, the city council approved a plan that will allow residents to stay in the swim of things in Concord Community Pool for the next three months. Due to the budget shortfall brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the city decided in June to close the pool on Cowell Road from November through January to save $67,000. The nationally-recognized Terrapins Swim Team, the main user of the Olympic-size pool during those months, made plans to practice at Northgate High School instead. “However, in August, there was a change in the fall high school sports schedule which delayed the start of all fall sports [including water polo]. As a result, the Terrapins alternate facility was no longer available,” Concord Parks and Recreation program manager Kathie Leavitt told the council during a virtual meeting last month. So, the Terrapins approached the city with a way around the budget shortfall and staff dove in to make it work. Under the agreement, the swim team will pay the city $30,000 – $19,095 more than

its standard fee to cover their practice time in the pool. In addition, the Drivers 680 Water Polo Association will pay Concord $15,000 for three months of pool use. That group has used pools at San Ramon and Las Lomas high schools, but co-founder Matthew Mundelius is excited about the addition of Concord. “We’ve been looking to expand and offer water polo in other communities,” he told The Pioneer. “Our hope is to build up the water polo community in Concord and help get the young going.” To fill in the financial gap, the city will add a 15 percent surcharge to all swim pass and daily lap swim purchases during this period. Leavitt said the fee would be 69 cents to $1 per swim, depending on the type of pass. “There has been significant community interest to find an appropriate way to keep the pool open for lap swimming while realistically addressing the city’s financial challenges,” Leavitt said. She pointed out a change.org petition that generated more than 1,000 responses in favor of keeping the pool open, even if it meant a temporary increase in fees. “From a parks and recreation perspective, this opportunity

presents a win-win scenario for the community,” Leavitt said of the three-tiered approach. Concord Community Pool opened in 1967. In 1974 it and Concord were the center of the swimming world hosting the AAU Senior National Swimming Championships from Aug. 22-25 and then the legendary United States vs. German Democratic Republic dual meet the following weekend. The two meets resulted in 20 world and 35 American swimming records being set.

The Terrapins started training there in 1989, following use earlier by the Concord Swim Club and Concord Pleasant Hill Swim Club competitive programs. The Concord Swimming Championships for the area’s recreation swim teams as well as the high school North Coast Section meet have been fixtures in the pool for many years, although neither was held this year due to the pandemic canceling their swim seasons.

“It is such a relief to have pool time after months of online practice and be able to give the swimmers a small sense of normalcy right now.” WCA has already won a virtual competition put on by USA Artistic Swimming (synchronized swimming is now known as artistic swimming). The National Skills Battle tested strength, power and flexibility on land. The Aquanuts dominated, placing three squads in the top four in the country. The local team will enter another virtual competition later this month, but this time they are back in the water competing with socially distanced routines to music. The National Skills Battle

was a virtual competition USA Artistic Swimming set up during quarantine so that swimmers would still have a competition to train for even if they did not have a pool to swim in. The Aquanuts decided to enter swimmers from all age groups and teams in the three rounds of competition which included tests like how many jump ropes you could do in 60 seconds, arched bridge pushups and handstand hold for time. All events were judged via Zoom by national judges. For the upcoming National Routine competition, teams will submit videos of their solos, duets and teams to USA Artistic Swimming national judges. Local swimmers entering in

the national virtual routine competition included Marlena King (Jr. A team), Reece Revell (Jr. B team) and Morgan Woelfel (13-15 team). The challenge for the Aquanuts now is finding ways to pay pool fees and continue to train athletes at the elite level with the loss of their main fundraiser, Bingo at the Blue Devils Bingo Hall. “Like many other organizations, WCA is facing financial challenges, but we are lucky to have extremely dedicated families and creative thinkers to get through this. The Blue Devils have been a great partner and we hope to get back to bingo soon,” says Kim Probst, WCA head coach and 2008 Olympian.

Photo courtesy City of Concord Parks & Recreation Department

Terrapin Swim Team and lap swimmers from the area will be able to use Concord Community Pool this month through January in a “win-win” arrangement with the city of Concord. Budget shortfalls due to the economic hit of the pandemic caused the city council to close the pool for those three months before a recent deal was struck with the 680 Drivers Water Polo becoming a new tenant along with the Terrapins and a short-term surcharge for community swimmers that will cover the city’s $67,000 costs during the expensive winter time period.

Aquanuts swimmers compete virtually during challenging COVID-19 period JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

This year’s artistic swimming season was cut off almost before it began for the worldrenowned Walnut Creek Aquanuts. It looked like the Olympic year of 2020 was shaping up to bring national championships, gold medals and national team placements to Aquanut teams and swimmers. Despite quarantine and pool closures, Aquanut athletes trained daily over Zoom and the team is optimistic about the 2021 season. Now back in the water, the team is still restricted in what it can do because of social distancing. Even so, junior coach Kristen Smidstra says,

November 13, 2020

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

her junior year. In each of her first three years on cross country she posted a personal record time at the league meet. Her cross country coach Ashley Czyz, a Carondelet alumna, says, “Kate has stepped up into a phenomenal leader in these unprecedented times. As a second-year captain she has created opportunities for connection in ways many don’t think of. I’m proud of her and her ability to see the bigger picture —she’s someone every coach wants on their team.” Away from running, she is a member of the National Honor Society and a junior core member for St. Bonaventure Church teen conformation program.

Athlete Spotlight

Kate Concepcion

Grade: Senior School: Carondelet High Sports: Cross Country, Track

Concepcion is probably like so many high school senior student athletes as their final year of high school has not unveiled itself as they imagined for sports or any other part of school life. “Training for the XC during these times has been strange. Luckily, we’ve been able to meet a few days a week for cohort runs and are all excited for the season to finally start in December. The delayed start allowed to get a lot more mileage under our belts and be that

much better prepared for the season.” The Cougar runners have Dec. 7 circled on their calendars as the day high school sports in California are supposed to return. She is also hoping all goes well and she can end her high school sports career in June on the Cougars track team where she competes in the 800, 1600 and 3200 meters. As a sophomore she made the EBAL league meet finals in the 800, which of course did not take place last spring for

Carondelet, from page 9

2006 and Jeffery applied for the head coaching job. He was hired and has been there ever since with daughters Paige, Erin and Nicole graduating from the school. Not only has Jeffery led his teams to the Section playoffs all but one year but he had a core of seven girls who graduated in 2013 all move on to Division I college programs with a resume that included three consecutive NCS lacrosse championships. Among his players on those teams that won 63 of 70 games over three years was

Page 11

middle daughter Erin, who went on to San Diego State. Jeffery went to college in Stockton at the University of the Pacific. “I didn’t know lacrosse existed when I went to UOP.” The Tigers did not compete in NCAA lacrosse but he was on the school’s club team all four years. He then played 10 years for the Marin LAX Club in a very high-level adult program of former collegiate players from around the country. Jeffery’s Cougars, like other Carondelet teams, had a somewhat vagabond exis-

The Pioneer congratulates Kate Concepcion and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for 25 years at Family Vision Care Optometry. www.laceyandruzicka.com

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tence looking for places to play. Some Carondelet teams use athletic facilities on the more spacious De La Salle campus across the street, but the lacrosse team was not able to train there due to the busy spring sports schedule. They originally practiced and played at nearby Ygnacio Valley Neighborhood Park run by the city of Concord. It is a busy park that was unusable when it rained. At times, the team would practice on the hard surface tennis courts on campus. Starting in 2011 he secured Diablo Vista Middle School in Danville which the team used until the new athletic complex opened in 2018.

Jeffery played a key role in the conversion of the former ClubSport Valley Vista site as his company, R&B Equipment, Inc. donated its services for demolition and land clearing to ready the grounds for construction of softball, lacrosse, soccer and aquatic facilities.

Visit pioneerpublishers.com for more details and photos of Natalie Coughlin’s remarkable career, Carondelet High School facilities and some of its most illustrious alumnae and championship teams. Similar stories for Mt. Diablo, Concord, Ygnacio Valley, Olympic, Northgate and Clayton Valley Charter high schools are also on the website.

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Help Feed Families in Need this Holiday Season by Signing Up for EFT or Recurring Credit Card Billing

925.305.9099

PENDING – 1108 Oakwood Circle

$2 Donated to Local Food Bank for Each New Sign-Up For the 10th year in a row, Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery is strengthening its commitment to the environment and to the local community leading up to the holiday season with the “Give Back” program encouraging the use of EFT & recurring credit cards.

From November 1, 2020 thru December 31, 2020, Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery will donate $2 to the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano for every customer that signs up for EFT or recurring credit card billing to their account.

“This holiday season our customers are looking for new ways to respect the Earth and help our neighbors. This ‘Give Back’ program is our way of thanking our customers and helping our community.” says Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery's Chief Executive Officer Ron Proto.

Current customers can sign up to “Give Back” and get EFT or recurring credit card billing by calling Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery at 925.682.9113 or visit our website at our website:

www.mdrr.com

A once in a lifetime Multiple legacy home is coming Offers to the market. This custom single level residence located in the highly sought after Oakwood Estates is the flagship jewel of the community. The property features private views of the mountain, rolling hills, historic Oaks and everything wonderful about our beloved Mt.Diablo home. With too many amenities to list, this exceptional 4 bedroom/2.5 bath estate offers a unique opportunity for you to live in your dream home! Call for details

651 Mt. Olivet Court, Clayton

SOLD

Featuring 4 generous bedrooms & 3 full baths (1 bed/bath downstairs), and generous living spaces including voluminous living room, dining room, and family room open to kitchen. The location and grounds abutting oak studded open space are perfect for enjoying your own private retreat. SOLD – call for details

596 Mt. Dell Drive, Clayton

4 bedroom / 2.5 bath in terrific location central to Clayton’s fantastic downtown, schools, restaurants, parks and more! Bright Living Room with soaring ceilings, formal dining room, open kitchen and family room combo with fireplace and access to rear yard. Stamped concrete patio with access to open space. SOLD – call for details

Impeccable Elegance - Dana Hills

Beautifully positioned against the majestic backdrop of breathtaking Mt. Diablo State Park, this stunning contemporary styled home features 4 bedrooms, 3 luxurious European spa-inspired baths, 2,739 sq. ft. of highly upgraded interiors with many timeless features, and an approx. .25 acre landscaped lot. SOLD – call for details

Stunning Showcase Home in prestigious Eagle Peak neighborhood

Oakhurst Country Club. This dream single level home has been exquisitely updated and appointed with tasteful design elements throughout. The gorgeous landscapes and serene private yards include, pool, spa, fireplace, and more. This home is a perfect combination of welcoming & luxurious. SOLD – call for details

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Page 12

The Pioneer â&#x20AC;˘ www.pioneerpublishers.com

November 13, 2020

Virtual holiday offerings for theater lovers

this case, I found myself transported to the 1940s, complete with commercials touting the products of the day. Directed by David Bogdonoff, the cast for the curSALLY HOGARTY rent show includes most of those from the stage producSTAGE STRUCK tion: Keith Jefferds as Clarence; Kim Donovan as Ghostlight Theatre Zuzu; Merrill Grant as Mary Ensemble, which just finand Kendall Tieck as Mr. Potished presenting a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vintage ter. Stepping into the role of Murder,â&#x20AC;? an interactive murBailey is Fred Pitts. der mystery event, hopes to In case youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not familiar produce â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Complete with this beloved piece of Works of William Shakespeare holiday fare, it takes place in Abridged,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Festival 10: a the idyllic small town of BedBen Krantz treasury of 10-minute plays, ford Falls, where a young Kim Donovan and Keith Jefferds in a scene from the 2019 â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Wind in the Willowsâ&#x20AC;? George Bailey dreams of production of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Wonderful Lifeâ&#x20AC;? at Contra Costa Civic and â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Pajama Gameâ&#x20AC;? for moving to the big city and Theatre. They reprise their roles in a newly filmed version its 2020-21 season. For more becoming a world-renowned of the radio play. information and when these architect. His dreams, howevshows will be offered, go to er, never come to pass as life Director Marilyn Langbehn, impossible. www.ghostlightte.org. the show was filmed in HD at intervenes. When the show Taking to the challenge is Even COVID-19 canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t opens, Bailey has reached botContra Costa Civic Theatre CCCTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theater and professtop the advance of the holitom, thanks to the conniving (CCCT) who will present a sionally recorded and mixed, day season. Thanksgiving is film version of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Won- utilizing green screens to proj- of the very rich and very evil almost upon us and Christmas Mr. Potter, and contemplates derful Lifeâ&#x20AC;? Nov. 27 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dec. ect various locales. will soon follow. Of course, suicide. Before he can carry I was fortunate to see 20 via Zoom. Adapted from that means local theater comCCCTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2019 stage version of out his intensions, Clarence, a Frank Capraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1946 film by panies will be performing holrather inept guardian angel the show. You remember Joe Landry, the live radio iday entertainment; although, shows up. Clarence, ala those? You enter a theater play features a five-person it may look at bit different this â&#x20AC;&#x153;Christmas Carolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sâ&#x20AC;? Ghost of with hundreds of other peocast playing more than 50 year with masks, physical disChristmas Past/Future, shows ple and settle into your seats characters. tancing and live theater still to enjoy live entertainment. In George the good things heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s According to Artistic

done with his life and what would become of Bedford Falls had he never been born. For tickets and more information, go to www.ccct.org.

Houseplants have been experiencing a renaissance in popularity. Fiddle-leaf figs, Chinese money plants, string of hearts, snake plants, ZZ plants, prayer plants and philodendron are all on trend this year. Houseplants have become social media darlings, and people can appreciate pics on Instagram feeds and Pinterest searches. The houseplant trend has brought a younger group of garden lovers into the nursery with a new regard for indoor gardening. As with any new category of plants, folks want to know how to keep them alive. Indoor gardening is a new concept for many, and no one wants to make a mistake. We must keep in mind that houseplants are actually outdoor plants from other countries, and we try to provide a false environment for their success. Sometimes we win, and other times we fail. There are three important

small container on an end table or positioned on a shelf. Houseplants add life and color to a home. If you have a corner that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how to accessorize, consider a houseplant this year.

additional significance during the pandemic. Returning to the studio earlier this fall, these small â&#x20AC;&#x153;podsâ&#x20AC;? were able to work on duets where physical contact was restricted to dancers within the same Smuin has always been fortunate to have couples and household. Other Smuin roommates among its dancers. dancers have been preparing While adding a further layer to solos. Together these new the various works performed, works, along with Smuin classics, make up the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s these groups have taken on Virtual Fall Dance Series. The series, which began Nov. 4 and continues through Dec. 2, was filmed outdoors at unique settings around the Bay Area, from oceanside at Fort Funston to the Point Reyes Shipwreck. Each weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program includes new works as well as classics from the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Smuin Songbook,â&#x20AC;? which features favorite dances set to music from Sinatra to Willie Nelson to Elvis Presley and the Beatles. For a complete listing of new works and the dancers performing, go to www.smuinballet.org. Sally Hogarty is well known around the Bay Area as a newspaMaggie Carey per columnist, theatre critic and Terez Dean Orr and John working actress. She is the editor of Speed Orr in Smuinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Virtual the Orinda News. Send comments Fall Dance Series. to sallyhogarty@gmail.com

Bring outside inside with a variety of houseplants

Peace Lily

ly pink variegated leaves and cream and green variegated leaves. The trailing pothos will thrive in medium light, as well as schefflera, commonly called dwarf umbrella trees. For those looking for a plant to enjoy in low light, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t beat a peace lily or snake plant. Both houseplants are easy to grow and tolerant of NICOLE HACKETT low to medium exposure. Watering is critical to any GARDEN GIRL houseplantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success. Too elements to consider when much water and they will rot; thinking about adding house- too little and leaves can show plants to your home: expostress patches and defoliation. sure, temperature and hydraHome temperature can tion. also play a large role in your Exposure is as important houseplantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success. Many in the home as it is in the gar- houseplants like a home kept den. Some plants need more in the comfortable 60s during light, while other tolerate less. the winter. Keep your eye on Your houseplant growing suc- houseplants that might be cess starts with finding the exposed to cool drafts or near right location for your chosen large windows while outdoor plant. temperatures are cold. Philodendrons love lots of Fiddle-leaf figs are membright light. Their large leaves bers of the ficus family. They will stretch out of toward the have a large rounded leaf with brightness, so youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll want to heavy veining. Fiddle-leaf figs rotate this type of plant to will grow like small trees. balance the exposure. PhiloThey can be pruned in the dendron are proud plants that spring to control their height. look amazing elevated on a This popular houseplant will stand. defoliate toward the bottom, Rubber plants also need a exposing the trunk. Large bright spot in the home. This specimens are very desirable plant family has come a long and expensive. Fiddle-leaf figs way since Frank Sinatra sang like medium to high light and about them in the â&#x20AC;&#x2122;40s. Now weekly watering. you can enjoy red leaves, nearZZ plants are often called

eternity plants, it is said that they will last for an eternity. They tolerate low to medium light. The easiness of this plant growth makes it a great gift. String of hearts is a succulent-like hanging plant that will grow both indoors and out. Its tiny, heart-shaped leaves perfectly line fragile stems. String of hearts cascades and looks fresh in a

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

Philodendron

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