OCT 20 The Pioneer 2023

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October 20, 2023

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Carondelet’s Cannon Center bringing mental health out of the shadows DAVID SCHOLZ Correspondent

Strong mental health has taken on greater importance within educational circles, especially as the world emerges from the COVID pandemic. The pandemic brought with it increased mental health challenges for schools and their communities.

Wellness has become a buzz word encompassing emotional, social and mental health and is now at the forefront of school communities. Administrators, educators, parents and community members are eager to analyze and address the diverse and evolving needs of student wellbeing.

In the case of Carondelet High, school leadership took on the challenge with great gusto to create a space that elevates the virtues of personal wellness to a new level.

The new Cannon Wellness Center, with its comprehensive offerings, carries on a Carondelet legacy of nurturing the whole person. Forward-thinking Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet set forth to instill a focus on social and emotional wellbeing during their tenure at the school starting with its 1965 founding. Fittingly, the Cannon is located in the convent building on the Concord school’s campus, which had been the Sisters’ communal home.

Carondelet’s counseling team and programs have been in place and developing for more than 40 years to remove the long-held stigma associated with mental health as an issue to be hidden away.

Carondelet President and alumnus Jessica Mix notes, “It’s not just about the physical space that’s been created, but the idea of bringing wellness and the importance of mental health out front—out of the shadows where counseling services were previously tucked away. The Cannon not only provides a place for students to get the care they need during moments of crisis. It’s also a space for students to check in with themselves, make connections with other students, meditate and reset, engage socially during lunch and participate in group activities.”

Director of Wellness Counseling Stacie Besagno says, “It is right in line with our mission.

There was a heightened awareness coming out of COVID that there were increased and different mental health needs.

Our message to students prioritize selfcare and know that you have a community of support around you.”

STAFF The Pioneer

Joseph Alvarico of Ygnacio Valley High School was joined

by Annalouisa Gonzalez-Ortega of Freedom High School in Oakley as the 2023-24 Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year.

The announcement was made last month during the county’s 51st annual Teacher of the Year Celebration at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. The pair are now entered in the California State Teachers of the Year program.

Photo courtesy Carondelet High School

Sarah Alpert (left), Carondelet High School Student Wellness Counselor and an alumnus of the all-girls Concord school, cut the red ribbon at this year’s grand opening of the Cannon Wellness Center with Stacie Besagno, Director of Wellness Counseling. The women are in The Hideout, a cozy designated reset room for students needing short term emotional support.

Sunday in the park with Creative Concord Following the success of the nine public art murals last year, Creative Concord and Local Edition Creative were back last week with a two-day Art and Music Jam. Local artists brought murals, music and spoken poetry to Todos Santos Park.

The creative spirit will continue through Jan. 8 with the temporary installation of giant sculptures in several locations around town.

The dramatic giant giraffe duo arrived at the Concord Historical Society last week. Larger than life Dahlia will face Todos Santos and a Metal Poppy will stand outside the Brenden Theatres.

Pictured, self described “quirky creative explorer,” illustrator Emilie Kirkpatrick cheerfully worked on two colorful pieces while chatting with onlookers Sunday in Todos Santos Park. See more of her work at emilieillustrates.com

JOSEPH ALVARICO

A total of 21 Contra Costa Teachers representing 16 school districts were honored at the recent celebration. Alvarico and Gonzalez-Ortega were selected as winners from four finalists that were announced in the spring.

The other two finalists were Danya Townsend, formerly of Olympic High in Concord and now vice principal at Riverview Middle School, and Patricia Ogura of Hercules Middle and High Schools.

Alvarico is the second Mt. Diablo Unified School District honoree in a row after Mt. Diablo High English teacher Nathasha Paul was similarly awarded for 2022-23.

“Congratulations to the County’s 2023-24 Teachers of the Year,” Contra Costa County Tamara Steiner

See Teacher, page 8

Activists gather to push for tenant rights NORM HALLQUIST Correspondent

Fifty people from various community groups rallied outside City Hall on Sept. 28 to support proposed city protections for renters.

A FAMILY PAYING FORWARD They presented a petition The impetus for making the Center a reality was aided with 1,244 signatures in favor of tenant rights and rent See Cannon, page 10 increase limitations to Deputy City Clerk Stefanie Ananthan.

On Oct. 10, the City Council began evaluating information from staff about creating one or more ordinances to safeguard renters.

Vice Mayor Edi Birsan and Councilmember Laura Nakamura spoke in favor of the changes during the rally.

Birsan noted a personal history of “having lived in 11 different places” when he was young. He said he has been

Next issue, Nov. 10, Deadline, Oct. 30

CC County names YV’s Alvarico Teacher of the Year

working to create tenant ordinances in Concord for seven years, calling them appropriate for a city that promotes itself as where “Families Come First.”

At a Nov. 29, 2016, council meeting, Birsan made four motions that would have resulted in city staff investigating tenant protections and rent increase restrictions.

Each motion died for lack of a second.

When reviewing the Housing Element this year, however, council members said they would address the issues. Nakamura, a newer council member, told The Pioneer she has backed such measures all along in a nonofficial role.

Concord’s current prorenter activity comes as perceived shortages in available housing units have led to a

rent spike throughout the area. At the same time, the landlord community reports spiraling costs of maintaining properties in satisfactory condition due to inflation.

Speakers at the rally included tenant organizer Betty Gabaldon with the East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (EBASE), the Rev. Millie Phillips of the Faith Alliance for a Moral Economy (FAME), attorney Victoria Snyder of Contra Costa Senior Legal Services, the Rev. Leslie Taylor of First Christian Church, Julia Caudillo of Rising Juntos and Jennifer Morales of Monument Impact.

Caudillo spoke of being evicted from her living quarters when she did not have Norm Hallquist renter’s protection.

Vice Mayor Edi Birsan spoke in support of renter safe-

See Rally, page 8 guards, calling on his personal experience with housing instability at a tenant rights rally Sept 28

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For 15 years, Howard Geller has strengthened the community through his volunteer contributions and revitalized the town center with the Saturday night concert series.

The Concerts in The Grove have brought thousands to the town center on warm summer nights. After running the biweekly event since its inaugural show, Geller stepped down at the end of this season.

He launched the concerts and sustained them with the help of former Mayor Julie CBCA Pierce and current Vice Mayor 17 years ago, Howard Geller approached then assistant to Jim Diaz. He says that when the city manager Laura Hoffmeister with an “idear.” Last the concerts began, Clayton month, Geller retired as the city’s concert promoter and had failed to get major chains community builder, turning the popular events over to the like Starbucks to come to the city of Clayton. town center and the area wasn’t as lively on the weekends CREATING A MEETING SPOT square like many other small Geller says that he wanted towns have had,” she says. “It as it is now. the concerts to connect the would be something that “It was like getting a boostClayton community through would pull the community er shot when you could bring sharing live music. together in a way that we in 2,000, 3,000 people on a Sat“What I like to see is 2,000, couldn’t do before that, and it urday night,” Geller explains.

3,000 people having a good proved to be exactly that.”

He says it positively affecttime.

And that’s why they came ed every business in the town A YEAR-ROUND to the concerts: to meet with center.

COMMITMENT their friends, to have a snack or “They come early, they Geller, Pierce and Diaz a lunch or dinner.” need to go to the store. They were never paid for their Part of the fun was that buy food, they have dinner. efforts, putting on the concerts alcohol was allowed at the And it really helped the stores through volunteerism and events, which was a boost to at the beginning.” donations.

It was a massive but businesses on top of creating a These days, he says, you rewarding undertaking, relaxed environment.

“They can’t get a reservation at Moresi’s Chophouse or La Veranda were able to have a good time. according to Pierce.

“Howard and I gave up our We never had any problems,” on concert nights. summer, basically, to run the Geller says.

“Village Market says conconcerts – and it was wonderPierce echoes Geller’s sencert Saturdays are the best days ful,” she says. timents that the event was creof the year for him,” Geller Truth be told, Geller adds. “Ed (owner of Moresi’s ated for the sake of the comworked on the concerts all munity. and Ed’s Mudville Grill) came year.

“I would start right now “We always envisioned that over to thank me for putting (in October) booking the it would be a magnet for the on the concerts. So, I know it bands for next year.” entire community, where we helped him.” could have kind of a town

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“Howard booked the concerts. He was good at that,” Pierce notes. “He found the agents and the bands, and he booked the concerts and acted as the MC.” Geller’s black cowboy hat allowed him to stand out in the crowd every other Saturday for years. He said he felt a true sense of community in those moments. “I had a good connection with everybody.

Everybody knew my name.”

CITY WILL NOW RUN THE SHOW

The city is poised to take over the concerts, led by Councilwoman Kim Trupiano.

However, Trupiano says she is unsure whether they will continue to book bands personally like Geller did or if they will outsource it all to a promotion company.

Trupiano thanked Geller at the final concert of 2023. She looked back on all of Geller’s contributions, which go well beyond the concerts.

“Howard Geller, former councilmember of eight years and former two-time mayor, began the idea for this wonderful concert series 16 years ago,” she says of the consummate volunteer, who also helped launch the Art & Wine Festival and worked on events like Oktoberfest.

Trupiano said his contributions extended to the spirit of community that is alive in the concerts: “It’s been because of Howard’s extraordinary efforts of making sure Clayton has the best mix of music that he knows will resonate with all of you, get you up and dancing, having fun and giving back to the concerts, that has kept this series going for so long.”

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Mosquitoes will linger as long as overnight temps stay above 55 degrees

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Dumping out standing water can be of help DAVID SCHOLZ Correspondent

The calendar may say it’s fall, but as long as overnight temperatures consistently hover above 55 degrees, those millions of nasty, West Nile Virus-spreading mosquitoes will still pose a threat.

Since 1927, the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District has been working to reduce the population of mosquitoes to the extent that they are less likely to put residents at risk of mosquito-borne illness.

The staff of 32 seeks to protect public health by focusing on young mosquitoes as they develop in water, call Larval Mosquito Control (LMC).

“I would estimate 95% of our efforts to control mosquitoes are conducted while mosquitoes are in their larval stage while developing in the water.

The goal is to control mosquitoes before they become biting adults,” said entomologist Steve Schutz, the district’s Scientific Programs manager.

TARGETING THE ADULTS , TOO Another district strategy was September’s Adult Mosquito Control (AMC) spraying operation, whose targets included 12 locations in Concord. AMC is designed to reduce the adult mosquito population in an effort to prevent human illness or to suppress a heavy infestation of mosquitoes.

There is no way to give an absolute number on how many mosquitoes there are or how many mosquitoes the district kills. But trap data for the AMC

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application at the Discovery Bay sewer plant showed 81 Culex tarsalis trapped before the AMC and only six after, which is about a 93% reduction, Schutz said.

While that statistic might sound impressive, Nola Wood, public affairs director for the district, acknowledged that the number of mosquitoes trapped near the areas of the September operation was also very low after the treatment.

“So, the work continues.

Because mosquitoes can develop from egg to adult in as little as five to seven days, we are right back out there looking for potential larval sources to prevent mosquitoes before they develop into biting adults,” Wood said.

The district plans AMC spraying operations when surveillance and testing data reveal an increased vector-borne disease risk to people, or an overpopulation of mosquitoes.

“The decision to conduct Adult Mosquito Control is based on a risk assessment that includes a number of factors,

including dead bird reports, positive test results for birds, mosquito trap counts, positive test results for mosquitoes, weather conditions and proximity to human populations,” Schulz said. “AMC is a method to reduce the immediate risk of disease transmission to people in areas where that risk is currently high; however, AMC is not our primary method of controlling mosquitoes.”

RESIDENTS ON THE ALERT The district also employs Integrated Vector Management (IVM), which is an evidence-based, data-driven, decision-making tool used to suppress vector-borne diseases. It prioritizes surveillance of mosquito populations, removal of breeding sites, public outreach and education campaigns. The various tools to target mosquitoes at different life stages can include chemical control.

Contra Costa County residents can play an important role in the battle against mosquitoes by monitoring the con-

ditions of their properties that might be ripe for the problem at its earliest stages.

The district urges residents to dump out and scrub outdoor containers of water, properly maintain swimming pools and other large water features and report neglected swimming pools. If residents still have mosquito issues after conducting all these prevention efforts, they can request the district’s mosquito service.

Note: A recent Nextdoor post by a Clayton resident offered a good message about handling dead birds, but the phone number to call about a dead bird was incorrect. You can reach the California West Nile Virus Dead Bird Call Center at 1-877-968-2473 (1-877-WNVBIRD).

For more information and to sign up for Mosquito and Vector Control District notifications and a newsletter, visit www.contracostamosquito.com.

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October 20, 2023

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Like the majority of cities in America, Concord and its business community were rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic and struggled to regain footing in its aftermath.

For the small business owners in the historic downtown area around Todos Santos Plaza there were extra challenges in getting customers to return once restaurants and other “non-essential” businesses were able to reopen on a regular basis as they had concerns about the area’s cleanliness and security.

The Todos Santos Business Association is in its 25th year serving the downtown business district. The board took those concerns and ideas for solutions from their members to the City of Concord to see if there were some things that could be implemented.

From that original outreach has spawned the publicprivate pilot Downtown Welcome and Cleanliness Program. If early indications are any indication, this is something that is bearing fruit.

Walter Eichinger is the long-time manager of the Brenden Theatre and is current TSBA president. His board includes small business owners and community leaders with many years’ experience in the downtown corridor.

On the post pandemic challenges Eichinger has “put his money where his mouth is” and secured a $50,000 grant from the Blythe Brenden-Mann Foundation to go along with $458,494 from the City to get the pilot program underway in May for a projected 18-24 months.

The City’s financial contribution comes from the $6.5 million Concord received from the American Rescue Plan Act passed in 2021. Concord also budgeted $304,399 of ARPA funds for new trash receptacles downtown that prevent wind-blown litter and content removal to improve cleanliness.

3-PRONGED PROGRAM The Welcome and Cleanliness program managed by TSBA has a three-pronged approach.

It began in early May with a day porter program which features a person picking up trash from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily circulating over three focused routes in the downtown.

The porter also tries to eliminate graffiti as soon as it appears using chemical supplies. They have found that by

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The new expanded sidewalk on Salvio Street in front of Salvio Pacheco Square is part of the bright new dawn for Downtown Concord.

having garbage cans clean and not overflowing, citizens seem more apt to deposit trash properly.

A month later a uniformed, unarmed security person began a daily 1-9 p.m. shift in the downtown. Since June 9 the security person, with a large focus on the two free public parking garages on Salvio Street, is proving to be a visual deterrent.

The security person has no weapon or handcuffs and has yet to resort to any physical confrontations or making 911 calls to Concord PD. The final part of the cleanliness program is utilizing Welcome Building Maintenance on an on-call basis for any power washing needs in the area.

Eichinger is quick to point out that all three companies contracted for these services are located in Concord.

Israel Leiva is the Thursday to Monday security person who has already established a rapport with downtown business and community members in the past few months. He uses a friendly, non-confrontational approach on his rounds.

One day he was walking by a restaurant and the manager came out to say there were some ongoing issues in their parking lot. Leiva looked into the situation, and it has been resolved to the great satisfaction of the restaurant owner and staff.

CONCORD CONNECT MOBILE APP PLAYS KEY ROLE

Leiva uses the Concord Connect mobile app to send out notices of graffiti or other issues he forwards to the City, which monitors incoming notices daily. Eichinger is also a big fan of the app and will post to it as he walks around the downtown and reports quick responses from the appropriate city department.

Marie Suvansin is the city’s Economic Development Manager and speaks on a

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LOOKING AHEAD FOR EXTENDED PROGRAM

The optimistic Eichinger is already looking ahead to see how the program can be extended beyond this pilot phase with funding projected to last until the end of 2024.

He says “we’re vested” and the company’s foundation may be open to another grant should the program continue to bear visible results.

Eichinger proclaims ”the tide is changing” and one group in the community who have been especially positive are the residents of the senior tower adjacent to the parking garage at Salvio and Grant Streets.

Eichinger also lauded city staff for being “absolutely fantastic and supportive.”

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nearly daily basis with Eichinger. She says the city will get its first six-month report from the TSBA at a January City Council meeting.

Suvansin attends the monthly TSBA meetings and has noticed more small business owners attending the meetings for the first time to join the board members and representatives of other groups and business who are regular attendees. Eichinger gives a full report on the past month’s work.

Suvansin says a mark of progress is that Leiva’s first monthly report included 82 contacts and his September report was 40. Eichinger says that a majority of those contacts were with two unhoused people in the downtown and Leiva said last week he hasn’t seen one of the two individuals recently.

Councilmember Carlyn Obringer, whose District encompasses the downtown area, and Mayor Laura Hoffmeister are frequent attendees at the TSBA monthly meetings.

Concord PD’s Community Impact Unit is made aware of any issues rising to the level of potential police action.

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Lessons from Lahaina

HOLLY TILLMAN CLAYTON COUNCIL MEMBER GUEST EDITORIAL I was vacationing with my family in Maui in August when the fires started. We were on the other side of the island from the fires, but we could tell something was happening with all of the haze we could see on the horizon and smoke we saw when we flew home Aug. 8.

I woke up the next morning to the news of the destruction of the beautiful town of Lahaina, and the tragic loss of life there. My heart goes out to the people of Lahaina and the difficulties they will face in the months and years to come.

For years we have been seeing increasingly destructive wildfires. What the devastation on Maui drove home to me, was that if it can happen to Lahaina, it can happen anywhere – even in Clayton.

Clayton is a classic example of what the fire service calls Wildland Urban Interface, or WUI. Living at the base of Mt. Diablo and being surrounded by our other wonderful parks and open spaces gives us our views and trails, and makes Clayton a beautiful, special place to live that we all treasure.

However, this beauty comes at

a price, and like other WUI communities, Clayton has a heightened risk of wildfire. We all need to recognize this and learn from the recent past. And we need to act.

Many homes lost during these major fire events are not lost because they were immediately adjacent to forested or open areas. They were ignited by wind-blown flaming embers.

When embers ignite homes, the homes become the fuel and the fire becomes an urban conflagration – like Paradise, like Coffey Park in Santa Rosa, and like Lahaina. So, it is not just the homes on the edges of Clayton that are at risk, but our whole community.

It’s time to get smart about fire. It’s time to get Firewise. I am going to be hosting a town hall with local stakeholders on Nov. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Hoyer

Undergrounding power lines necessary to prevent wildfires We at PG&E are deeply committed to doing everything possible to stop wildfires in Bay Area communities.

Burying powerlines is the most effective solution to reducing the risk of wildfire from electrical equipment, reducing the risk of ignitions in areas at the highest risk of wildfire by nearly 98%. Undergrounding also makes power more reliable by reducing outages caused by winter storms, and in some cases eliminates the need for safety shutoffs.

That is why we have proposed moving overhead electric powerlines underground in highest fire-risk areas, including 40 miles in our Bay Area Region (which includes Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco

and San Mateo counties). For these investments, all PG&E customers will benefit from lower expenses for overheadline maintenance; improved air and water quality resulting from fewer wildfires; protection of our wildlands; and, over the long run, improved access to homeowners insurance coverage at lower premiums.

But the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) wants to gut this critical safety program, reducing proposed undergrounding to as little as 200 miles systemwide.

We’ve seen the devastating toll wildfires have taken on Bay Area communities. Our customers and local officials have told us time and again that they want us to underground our

EDI BIRSAN PULSE OF

CONCORD On Oct. 3, District Attorney Diana Becton gave a presentation on the Neighborhood Restorative Partnership rolled out in Central County in the last year and half.

The diversion program for non-violent crimes committed by adults is mostly focused on low-level crimes. But according to Becton, it could be used for a felony theft cases whose threshold is $900+. An example would be a person who went into a store with a younger sibling with intent to steal.

The D.A.’s office reviews individuals to determine if they are suitable for the process. The county then offers them the choice of going before a panel whose focus is to be “restorative” to the community and the criminal or go to court. If they go through this program, they will have no criminal record of the incident. I was surprised to hear that some may elect not to use this option.

The panel includes three individuals who on priority are from the community where the crime was committed. The county trains the volunteer pan-

Le t t e r s t o t h e E d i t or

Not happy with the Olivia?

The City of Clayton has been mandated by the State of CalHall inside the Clayton Comifornia to zone a certain amount of land for high density housmunity Library. Join us for this ing. They don’t actually have to build it, but the city must zone initial community meeting to enough land in this round of their Housing Element to build establish the first Firewise Com- 579 units. If a developer purchases land zoned for high density munity in Clayton. It is my and goes to the city with a development proposal, the city must hope and my vision that every approve the project. It’s state law. neighborhood in Clayton will I want to protect what little open space land Clayton has left. become a Firewise community, I am working to form a nonprofit to raise funds for the purchase and we will all be better and of downtown properties that could potentially be or are already safer together. All it takes is at zoned high density. The goal is to purchase the properties so that least eight residences in a neigh- developers cannot. If you’re interested in more information or borhood to create a Firewise to support the effort, email me Community so speak to your at downtownclaytonsos@gmail.com. Visit us on Facebook at neighbors and friends, other Clayton Downtown SOS-save open space. local stakeholders and people Colleen VanOutrive who have experienced wildfire Clayton Resident firsthand about joining together to make your neighborhood safer from wildfire.

Hotter than she should be In the meantime, in addition How We Can Cool Down the Earth Individually to creating a defensible space Food waste in landfills produces greenhouse gases, as most and zero ignition zone around understand greenhouse gases are a contributing factor to global your home, you also need be warming, auspiciously, as of recently an effort to reduce food sure your entire roof is free waste has gone into effect with the implement of compost bins from combustible debris. in individuals’ houses in California. Specifically, this new state To learn more, register with law SB 1383 went into effect Sept.4, 2023 making it mandatory the following systems using for all residents to recycle their organics weekly. Environmentally these links: this is a good idea, it’s a simple task that would greatly reduce greenhouse gases. For those who have a negative demeanor National Fire Protection Assoc. - towards this new regulation may not realize a benefit they are www.nfpa.org/Publicreceiving. The more food waste that is disposed of in your green Education/Fire-causes-andcart, the more room you have in your garage can; this could risks/Wildfire/Firewise-USA allow for individuals to actually downsize their garbage can size, Community Warning System saving money. It’s hard to argue against saving money, however https://cwsalerts.com/ it’s hoped that the motive is to help cool down our only earth.

Watch Duty - www.watchduty.org/ There is no Planet B. Ella Potts Pulse Point - www.pulsepoint.org/ Concord Resident CalFire- www.fire.ca.gov/prepare

AARON JOHNSON GUEST EDITORIAL

Concord, Clayton stores among 14 Subways hit with orders to pay $1 million and sell or shut down

powerlines. That’s because undergrounding is the safest and most effective tool we have to prevent ignitions in high firerisk areas.

We urge the CPUC to revisit its proposals and accept PG&E’s proposal to underground 2,000 miles through PHIL BARBER 2026. If you agree, please let Press Democrat the commission know by visiting www.cpuc.ca.gov/publicco The U.S. District Court mment. for the Northern District of Aaron Johnson California has ordered the Region Vice President, owners and operators of 14 Bay Area. PG&E Bay Area Subway restaurants in Sonoma, Napa, Solano, and Contra Costa, including Clayton and Concord, to pay employees nearly $1 million in back wages and damages.

In a rare action, the consent order — meaning all parties agree to its directives — also requires the owners to sell or shut down their what cases they have seen, the businesses

by Nov. 27, a term nature of the crimes or the the U.S. Department of compilation of the resolutions, Labor said it insisted upon to but I hope to get that as we go resolve the case. along and see what happens.

The actions against John I strongly urge anyone who Meza and his wife, Jessica is a victim of a crime where Meza, follows a Press Demothere has been an arrest to ask crat investigation that if there is going to be a recomrevealed a long trail of abuses mendation to the Neighborby the Subway franchisees. hood Restorative Partnership Federal investigators conprogram and to get involved firmed much of the reportdirectly in the discussions and ing, finding that the Mezas take an active role in the resoludirected children as young as tion.

14 and 15 to use dangerous This county process is new equipment and assigned and does not have a relevant minors to work hours not track record yet. There is a plan permitted by law; failed to for a three-year review, though pay employees their wages Becton says they are satisfied regularly, including by issuing with what they see so far and have not gotten any push-back them hundreds of bad checks; and illegally kept tips from law enforcement/police. left by customers.

When asked, she said there is “Thanks to some very not a backlog of cases. brave young people who This has the potential to stood up to their employers’ provide a positive outcome all exploitation and attempts to round, and we do not want it to intimidate them, the Departbe an opportunity lost. Over ment of Labor and a federal time, I hope the process is court are holding these busirefined to increase its effectiveness owners accountable,” ness, which will mean keen Ruben Rosalez, the departselection of participant ment’s wage and hour regionarrestees and intense followal administrator in San Franups. We will see. cisco, said in a statement.

They are actively seeking One of those young peomore panelists. Write to Janet ple sounded satisfied to hear Era at DA-NRP@ContraCostathe news.

DA.org.

“Honestly, I’m just gratePlease take my most ful something has actually recent survey at been done,” said Lorenza www.PulseOfConcord.com.

Tapia, one of three students at San Antonio High School Edi Birsan is a member of the in Petaluma who first spoke Concord City Council. However, opinions expressed in this column are to The Press Democrat about their troubling experience his alone and do not reflect those of the city. Send comments and questions working at local Subways.

“People haven’t been paid to EdiBirsan@gmail.com. their money. This feels pretty good.”

Update on county’s restorative justice program elists. Currently, 27 panelists have completed the training.

Eight are Concord residents, and 26 others are in the process.

The demographics of the panelists are diverse in gender and ethnicity, though there is an age bias toward being older than 40-45, according to a participant.

The panel meets by Zoom, and the county doesn’t plan any face-to-face meetings. The meetings are not open to the public. The victim may appear or may write a letter to the panel stating their damages. The panel is not to determine if the crime was committed, as this is not a trial.

The panel spends about two hours with the arrestee, focusing on what drove them to do it and what can be done to redirect them.

In some cases, that may mean writing a letter of apology. In others, it may be job skill training at Diablo Valley College.

Financial restitution is possible, but since many of these crimes are against companies, they tend not to appear. The panel’s focus is on the arrestee in practice.

Once the arrestee agrees with the panel’s recommendation, the D.A.’s office is responsible for enforcement of the agreement and whatever notifications are to be made.

Reviewing the experience of about eight cases, the resolutions were very much about what the arrestee is willing to do to go forward and not wind up back in the system.

I do not have records of

Firewise Town Hall Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m.

Hoyer Hall Clayton Library

Page 5

Credit XXXX

The Clayton Subway is one of 14 stores owned by John and Jessica Meza ordered to shut down for abusive labor practices. Additionally, owners must pay nearly $1 million in back wages and damages to 184 employees, many of them minors.

A year after her last day punching out at Subway, Tapia is still trying to make sense of her treatment there.

She went to work at 15 to help support her single mother and three younger siblings.

“Who wants to take advantage of a kid like that, who is trying to work hard, out there trying to do something?” she asked Friday.

“Studying and working is pretty hard.”

The consent judgment and permanent injunction, signed by U.S. District Court Judge Vince Chhabria, orders the Mezas and their limited liability corporations, Crave Brands and MZS Enterprises, to pay 184 workers a total of $475,000 in minimum wage, overtime and tips, and an equal amount in liquidated damages. The agreement also stipulates they must pay $150,000 in penalties.

Investigators found the employers interfered with the Wage and Hours Division’s review by coercing employees not to cooperate, and by threatening children who raised concerns or tried to exercise their legal rights. The Mezas and their site manager, Hamza “Mike” Ayesh, are ordered to pay $12,000 in punitive damages for threatening at least one employee who had complained about a payroll check bouncing.

As of the date of this story, neither the Mezas nor Mike Ayesh had responded to

requests for comment.

The money owed by the defendants will begin accruing interest at an annual rate of 10% beginning Sept. 27, 2024. Any proceeds for the Mezas from a business sale under the order must be forwarded to the Department of Labor.

How much money eventually winds up in the hands of the affected teenagers and young adults, many of them immigrants or the children of immigrants, remains to be seen.

“Any payments will be subject to my client’s ability to pay, which is quite modest for the foreseeable future,” Arkady Itkin, the defendants’ attorney, said in an email.

It is noted in the judgment that the Mezas and Ayesh have asserted “under penalty of perjury that they, collectively, cannot produce more than $12,000 in cash funds as of September 25, 2023.”

Under the agreement, the Mezas cannot open another Subway franchise or other food franchise for three years.

Three of John Meza’s companies — Crave Brands, MZS Enterprises and Apex Brands — received just under $190,000 in federal pandemic-era loans, according to data from the U.S. Small Business Administration. That money was meant to keep employees

See Subway, page 9

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The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

October 20, 2023

photo by Drew Hays on Unsplash.com

Extra! Extra! Bark all about it!

We’re rolling out the red Pioneer goes all out that’s sure to be a freakishly carpet (or should we say, good time. for costume contest The Pioneer’s Woof-O- the orange carpet?) for the for man’s best friend Ween Halloween Dog Cos- ultimate canine walk-about Get ready for a pawsitively thrilling Halloween event

returns to the church for costume judging at 5:30 p.m. Our esteemed judge, Deb DeMello of Who’s Training Who, will be sniffstarting at 4:30 p.m. at the tume Contest hits the church, 6055 Main St. Take ing around the competition streets on Oct. 28, held in – so make sure your furry cahoots with the Trunk or a leisurely stroll around town so your fur-babies can fashionistas are ready to Treat shenanigans hosted impress. Pet Food Express showcase their boo-tiful

by Clayton Community will be on hand with treats costumes.

Church and the Clayton for the four-legged winners.

The pup cavalcade Business & Community Association.

Tricks and treats galore at local Halloween events

And hey, why not bring the kids, too, so they can grab some candy during Trunk or Treating from 4-6 p.m.

Dress your doggo as a howl-arious werewolf or maybe a “pug”-kin and get ready for a tail-wagging good time.

Paw-rents can dress up

as well. But remember, this is a family-friendly event – so let’s keep it G-rated and save that sexy nurse costume for another day.

‘Morgan Manor’ a haven for Halloween spirits David Scholz

Maybe you’re old school and prefer a simple witch costume and a jack-o-lantern with a jagged smile. Or, you go all out with oozing zombies and ghouls dripping with blood.

Wherever your Halloween spirit takes you, there are plenty of local activities to feed your soul: CYC’s Halloween Night.

The Community Youth Center’s Oct. 27 event includes a haunted house for the little ones and pumpkin painting 4-6 p.m. (bring your own pumpkin), followed by trunk or treat and a scarier haunted house, 6:30-8:30 p.m. The center is at 2241 Galaxy Court, Concord. Purchase tickets at www.eventbrite.com/e/cyc-halloweennight-tickets-729448148047?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Concord Trick or Treat Trail.

Concord Rec offers trick or treating, face painting and a scavenger hunt for ages 2-11, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 27, Baldwin Park, 2727 Parkside Circle, Concord.

Registration required at www.cityofconcord.org/trickortreattrail.

Pleasant Hill Haunted Trick or Treat Trail.

Organizers promise “frightful fun and spine-tingling sights and sounds” at the “not too scary” Halloween-themed stroll, 6-8 p.m. Oct. 27, along the pathway starting at 147 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. The free event is open to all ages. For details, visit https://staypleasanthill.com/events/annual-events/haunted-trail.

Clayton Trunk or Treat and Woof-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest.

For the 17th year, Jeff and Cindi Marsh are welcoming the community to experience their haunted house at 118 Adria Dr. on Halloween night.

Between 1,500 and 1,800 are expected to traipse through the ghoulish display, which they began devilishly planning last December.

As part of the preparations, Jeff Marsh again attended Transworld last May in St. Louis, Mo., for ideas. The gathering is one of the largest Halloween conventions held annually in the United States.

Then in September, work began in earnest on their current display. Visitors will enter through “Morgan Manor” (the Marsh’s garage) that ultimately leads to a backyard maze.

“This is going to be the biggest one yet,” he said. “Every year, I look at what worked and what I want to change.”

Tours are available 5-10 p.m. on Oct. 31. So set your fears aside and enter their den of other-worldly wonders.

Jeff and Cindi Marsh of Pleasant Hill are expecting a crowd to gather at “Morgan Manor” on Oct. 31.

Clayton Community Church and the Clayton Business & Community Association will pass out candy from decorated cars, 4-6 p.m. Oct. 28, 6055 Main St., Clayton. Bring your dog to join the parade and costume contest sponsored by The Pioneer, starting at 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit https://claytoncc.com/upcoming-events.

Pixieland Amusement Park Spooktacular.

Dress in costume and ride the ghost train and other spooky rides, plus kids 1 to 8 years old can collect treats, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 29, 2740 E. Olivera Road, Concord. Learn more at www.pixieland.com/halloween-spooktacular.

Concord PD Trunk or Treat and Safety Fair.

Concord police invite the community to their second annual event, which will include games, face painting, goodie bags, police motorcycles and K9s, 3-7 p.m.

Oct. 29, at the Police Station, 1350 Galindo St., Concord.

Pleasant Hill Halloween Spooktacular.

Family-friendly entertainment plus free goodie bags, 3-5 p.m. Oct. 31, at the plaza near Jack’s Restaurant in downtown Pleasant Hill. For more information, visit https://shopdowntownpleasanthill.com/events.

Grace Church Trunk or Treat.

Kids can trick or treat at decorated car trunks, 5-7:30 p.m. Oct. 31, Grace Church, 2875 The Alameda, Concord. For details, www.gracefwb.com.

David Scholz photos

The front yard display is just a preview of what visitors can expect at Jeff and Cindi Marsh’s haunted house, 118 Adria Dr., Pleasant Hill.

October 20, 2023

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

Page 7

That elusive great pumpkin is waiting – in town or a trek to the countryside DAVID SCHOLZ Correspondent

A trip to an authentic rural pumpkin patch has long been a rite of fall, when the colors of the leaves begin changing with the arrival of crisper air and shorter days.

Even in this digital age, these pastoral experiences provide a feast for all the senses for suburban folks willing to take a drive.

But if venturing to the hinterlands to walk among a farm’s rows upon rows of prospective plump orange gourds isn’t in the cards, corner pumpkin patches have sprouted up – with many known for their carnival atmosphere.

If you are not willing to settle for bargain pumpkins offered in large bins at local supermarkets, here is a roundup of area patches for that traditional October outing: ABC Tree Farms & Pick of the Patch Pumpkins, 1765 Galindo St., Concord. Along with different varieties of pumpkins, there is an array of family-friendly activities – from pumpkin accessories to a seasonally decorated “memory zone” to capture those priceless photos of the little ones. Parking and admission are free, and kids can enjoy different inflatables with a paid wristband. There are also fees for the paintball range and pony rides. The lot is open through Oct. 31, 2-9 p.m.

Monday-Thursday, 2-10 p.m.

Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sunday. The entrance is on Concord Boulevard. Turn

access to the corn mazes and other farm play and adventure areas. Pumpkins are 75 cents per pound, and paid guests get a five-pound credit off the total pumpkin weight. There are more than 40 acres for exploring, and they encourage children (and parents) get as dirty as possible. Wearing closed-toe shoes is recommended – as is keeping a close eye on little ones. There are plenty of wagons and free parking. Ride tickets, including the corn coaster and berry-goround, are $3 each. Those who do not wish to ride out to the patch can buy pumpkins at the farm’s roadside stand. The patch is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.

Smith Family Farm Pumpkin Harvest, 4350 Sellers Ave., Brentwood. A $15 Photo by David Scholz admission price per visitor, 2 Eric Pierson of Concord helps nieces Avery and Ariella Dryer of Fairfield choose pumpkins years old and up, is all-incluat Pick of the Patch Pumpkins in downtown Concord. sive. It entitles the guest to right onto Concord Boulevard from Galindo Street, and the entry is about 100 feet on the left hand side.

Shadelands Ranch Pumpkin Patch, 2660 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Admission is free for families who just want to park and purchase pumpkins.

There is a $4 fee to partake in the array of activities such as puzzle games, connect four, dual basketball hoops, a hay maze, corn hole and nightly, kid-friendly movies.

The lot is open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily through Oct. 31.

Angela’s Pop-Up Pumpkin Patch, Hidden Valley Park, Morello Avenue and Chilpancingo Parkway, Martinez. Admission is free to seek out the perfect pumpkins and enjoy fallthemed activities 2-4:30 p.m.

Oct. 22, but space is limited.

Free e-tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com.

G&S Farms, 2490 Sellers Ave., Brentwood. Visitors can pick pumpkins straight from the field, with prices starting at $2 and going up to $40 for the special jumbos. Parking and admission are free as are activities including lawn games, pumpkin bowling and a corn pit.

There is a charge for the farm’s pumpkin launchers.

The patch is open 2-6 p.m. weekdays through Oct. 27, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends through Oct. 29 and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 30 for the final day.

Three Nunns Farm, 550 Walnut Blvd., Brentwood.

Admission is $12 a person, which includes a tractor ride from the parking lot and

Screamy, scary and guaranteed to terrify

Oh, the horror... and then some from ‘Mr. Halloween’ BEV BRITTON The Pioneer

Rod Glover loves all things creepy and crawly.

He has brought thrills and chills to the community for more than 40 years – starting in his Concord garage, then at the Walnut Country clubhouse and now at Fall Fests at Mt. Diablo Elementary and St. Agnes schools.

Kristin Descalzo, one of the brave volunteers from the Mt. Diablo Parent Faculty Club, fondly calls him “Mr. Halloween.”

“His collection of Halloween decor is quite impressive, ranging from homemade props to talking animatronics.

And every year, it continues to grow,” she says, her eyes wide in wonder. “You can see the excitement on his face as he shares what new fun spooky thing he has added to his collection and where it will be in the haunted house for that year.”

Glover’s new Guitar Reaper will welcome visitors to the Oct. 20 festival in Clayton. His new Hauntress will be lying in wait inside – ready to pop out with her “Scream”like visage and “scare the life out of guests.” If the Spirit store website can be believed, it seems the once-beautiful girl’s soul now “lies in torment between the living and the dead.”

A grisly guillotine tops Glover’s long list of shriekinspiring props. Add to that a

The Grim Reaper hovers over Rod Glover and Kristin Descalzo as they prepare for last year’s Fall Fest at Mt. Diablo Elementary School in Clayton.

creepy coffin, an eerie electric chair, a stark-raving mad dentist, and classic characters including a witch, vampire and werewolf.

In addition to helping concoct the zombie zone at Mt. Diablo, he has loaned some of his cast of misfits to St. Agnes – so they’ll be lurking around corners at the Concord school on Oct. 27.

You can almost hear Glover fiendishly rubbing his hands together as he describes creating intricate scenes and getting the lighting just right to watch the horror unfold. It isn’t a project for the faint of heart.

But his favorite part is seeing – and hearing – the kids’ reactions. “Some kids turn around and go right back out,

Kids can’t help but scream when they see Rod Glover’s guillotine in action.

Tamara Steiner

Leon and Pam Hall’s Clayton Downs front yard is a Halloween Spooktacular again this year. Leon Hall has been collecting, buying and salvaging scary Halloween memorablia, both dead and alive, for more than a decade. He starts planning his display every year at the end of summer. The Halls welcome visitors, but please be considerate of the neighbors on this quiet, narrow street at 720 Tally Ho Court, Clayton

one pumpkin from the patch and partaking in all the activities, including live music, a barnyard animal area, herb garden, game area, pumpkin galleries, photo ops, observation beehive and special events. There are additional charges for food and drinks, country store souvenirs, and arts and crafts items on weekends. A corn cracking station is also available on weekends, when children can help feed the chickens as well as take part in staff-supervised encounters with baby chickens, geese and turkeys. The farm is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Halloween.

Meanwhile, Smith’s roadside fruit stand has a variety of pumpkins in stock, plus mini pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks and other fall decor. It closes an hour after the Pumpkin Harvest, at 6 p.m.

but others are screaming the whole way through,” he says with ghoulish delight.

Glover, a retired San Francisco police lieutenant, has always enjoyed haunted houses and scary movies – naming the early “Alien” and “Friday the 13th” films as his favorites. But the 73-year-old doesn’t have any particular memories of his childhood Halloweens, guessing that he probably wore “the mask of the day” or dressed as someone like Davy Crockett.

Seems he’s traveled a long way to get to the dark side.

And he has dragged his family down that jagged highway, with his kids and then his grandkids joining his Army of Darkness – along with the 300 to 400 “victims” who tromped through his homemade haunted house each year during his Halloween heyday in the 1990s and early 2000s.

The devilish duty continues for Glover, who still masquerades in mayhem at a scaled-down fright fest in his garage on Halloween night.

“He does all this work because he genuinely loves seeing the smiles and the excitement that his haunted house brings to the children and their families,” says Descalzo, calling him “a community treasure.”

“It is people like Rod who give so much, asking for nothing, that make our community great.”

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The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

Fr om the desk o f . . .

Sponsored Content

Concord residents can take part in new FlashVote surveys LAURA HOFFMEISTER

CONCORD MAYOR Public engagement is one of the foundations of democracy. My City Council colleagues and I are elected by the people to serve the people, and we have the public’s interest at heart.

We welcome public participation and encourage it. Some of you send emails or call, and some attend council meetings.

However, this is often reactionary to something of interest to you specifically.

Some topics, such as the Base Reuse Project, garner more interest and attention.

However, our community is better served by really knowing where residents stand on a variety of issues.

To better understand our residents’ views, we conduct a

statistically valid “community satisfaction” survey every two years. It is rich with data, but too infrequent to give us a good check on residents’ thoughts.

We want to hear from you more often, and we want to make sure the data we collect is truly representative of our entire community. To help us do this, we are piloting an online polling tool called FlashVote. Residents can provide anonymous input on a variety of topics, and you can complete the surveys in just one minute.

Residents age 13+ can register to participate. You simply sign up for free online at www.FlashVote.com/ConcordC A. When the city wants your input on a particular topic, those who are registered will receive an alert (email, text or phone call) with a request to take a one-minute survey.

You decide if or how often to participate, but the more input you give, the more you make your voice heard and help

make your community better.

When the survey closes, the city will receive a report with statistically valid community input in 48 hours. Participants will receive the same information so you can see how the rest of the community feels about a particular issue.

Take a look and register if you’re interested. You can expect to see our first FlashVote survey distributed this fall.

Public engagement can definitely make a difference. One example of a topic we received a lot of input on is tobacco sales. We heard from parents, educators and high school students in recent years about their desire to limit access to flavored tobacco and electronic smoking devices, such as vape pens and e-cigarettes.

My council colleagues and I took this issue seriously. Earlier this summer, we passed a resolution updating the city’s ordinance regulating the Tobacco Retailers License Program. The updates have prohibitions on

selling tobacco products, including prohibiting the sale of flavored tobacco products and electronic smoking devices and products.

The ordinance, which went into effect Oct. 11, also says that tobacco retailers may no longer accept coupons or provide free or discounted tobacco products, and they may no longer sell cigarettes in packages less than 20 or cigars in packages of less than 10 (unless cigars cost more than $5 each).

The Concord Police Department will actively enforce the new regulations.

Retailers applying for a license to sell tobacco products are advised to use Concord’s updated business license application. More information is available at www.cityofconcord.org/tobacco.

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

Senator Glazer announces new district office lineup Representative since 2019, Rizzo has represented Senator Glazer at meetings and events, led stakeholder outreach; built relationships with local offiSTEVE GLAZER cials, community groups, STATE SENATOR foundations, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and the Senator Steve Glazer, Dpublic; briefed and advised Contra Costa, announced Senator Glazer on local issues today that he has promoted affecting district residents, senior district representative including housing, transportaJennifer Rizzo to be his new tion, education, and economic District Director and Matthew issues; and planned logistics Boer as field representative. for meetings with elected offi“I’m excited to have Jencials, site visits, Town Halls, nifer lead our District office and public events. and for Matthew to step into “As a field staffer for me his new role,” Senator Glazer since 2019, Jennifer has said. proven to be attentive to the Rizzo and Boer will needs of local constituents assume their new duties and skilled at handling the full immediately. Rizzo replaces spectrum of issues that arise Dominic Aliano, who served in our communities,” Senator under Senator Glazer since Glazer said. “She has been a January. Boer has served as core member of our team and the district executive assistant she brings a vast array of since 2022. work experience to her new Serving as Senior District position.”

Rizzo’s experience includes over 20 years as a public affairs professional at the local, national, and international level. She has worked alongside some of the most influential U.S. political and world leaders, promoting and advocating political issues and causes for Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, U.S. Senator Bill Bradley, and U.S. Representative Jane Harman.

Rizzo serves on the Contra Costa County Commission for Women and Girls and was previously on the Board of the National Association of Commissions for Women. She also volunteers and is active with several East Bay charities.

Before joining Senator Glazer’s staff as executive assistant in June 2022, Boer worked for the California Alumni Association and a handful of other Bay Areabased businesses. Previously,

he interned for a federal lobbying firm and worked on voter mobilization campaigns.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in 2020 in Political Science with a concentration in Global Politics at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

“Matt has been a great asset to our team and has proven himself to be tireless in working for the people of my district,” Senator Glazer said. “I’m very happy to have him in a role where he can be have an even greater impact.”

Boer was active in numerous on-campus organizations including the Political Science Club, Model United Nations, and student government, where he advocated on behalf of students on the local, state, and federal levels.

Steve Glazer is the California State Senator representing the 7th Senate District. You can reach out to him at sd07.senate.ca.gov.

Get registered, get ready and vote As a lifelong public servant, I have a deep appreciation for our election process.

As a Concord police officer, the City Council decided our budget. As a member of the Pleasant Hill City Council, and now a member of the Board of Supervisors, the public’s belief in my ability to govern is a responsibility I take seriously.

With every election comes opportunities that have direct impacts on everyone in our community and nation. Every single vote is counted and matters. Last year, some local races were so close that the winner was decided by less than 10 votes.

Voting expresses our beliefs and fulfills our constitutional duty. The Contra Costa Election Division has made several efforts to raise awareness about registering and maintaining updated voter information. Election Division staff have visited several high schools and the Contra Costa Community College District to make registration and pre-

October 20, 2023

drop box, or by returning it to an in-person voting center or the Clerk-Recorders-Elections’ office in Martinez. If you still prefer to vote in-person, that option is also available on election day.

If you moved recently or aren’t already registered to vote, you can visit contracostavote.gov/elections for KEN CARLSON information. If you are a returning voter, whether you COUNTY voted in the last election or SUPERVISOR not, you can use the “my voting information” tool to find registration available onsite, your current precinct and hoping to energize the next other voting information. generation of voters.

For the upcoming presiI remember voting in my dential primary, the presidenfirst election in 1980 and the tial candidates who appear on importance of making time to your ballot will only be those vote. Today, voting has within the party for which you evolved to be more convenare registered. If you declared ient. Contra Costa County is a “no party preference” and vote-by-mail county, which would like to participate in a means you’ll receive your pres- specific party’s primary, please idential primary ballot in Feb- contact the Election Division. ruary for the March 5, 2024, Otherwise, you will receive a election. primary ballot with no presiThese ballots can be dential candidates listed. returned in several ways – by If you have additional postal mail (postage is paid), questions, visit the Election dropped at a permanent ballot

Division’s website at www.contracostavote.gov or call 925-335-7800.

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

Clayton Valley Village steps up for seniors FIONA M. HUGHES Clayton Valley Village

About 38% of Clayton residents are seniors, yet, unlike Concord and Walnut Creek, the city has no services for our senior community.

For many of us, a lifechanging event, illness or accident can create the need for some assistance. Isolation and lack of companionship (felt especially during the pandemic), driving concerns or difficulties completing household tasks may have become an issue.

Clayton Valley Village (CVV) arose in 2017 to meet these needs of our seniors, enabling members to remain active and independent in their own homes.

By establishing an entirely volunteer-driven non-profit organization, along the lines of the virtual “villages” popping up throughout the country, CVV provides transportation help, social activities such as lunch dates and movie outings, friendly check-ins and assistance with household tasks such as changing light bulbs or resetting a printer.

For info on becoming a member or volunteering, go to www.claytonvalleyvillage.org or call 925-626-0411.

Teacher, from page 1 Superintendent of thrilled that Joseph Schools Lynn Mackey has been recognized said. “Joseph Alvarico for his dedication and and Annalouisa Gonimpact for our school, zalez-Ortega exemplistudents and commufy all the extraordinity at multiple nary public-school schools. He is truly teachers in our coundeserving of this ty. Next stop is the award, and we believe state’s Teacher of the he is only one of Year program, and I ANNALOUISA many teachers at our am delighted to root school that believes in GONZALESfor these two educaour students and ORTEGA tors as the California opens doors of Department of Eduopportunity for them cation decides California’s to achieve their goals.”

Teacher of the Year.”

Alvarico was born into a She added, “All of our teach- family of educators but did not ers deserve to be recognized for set out on a path to become a being excellent educators. We teacher until receiving a full-ride appreciate them for investing college scholarship in his native and believing in the children they Philippines. The scholarship teach; these relationships help required him to work as a shape consistency, confidence, teacher for at least one year. academic achievements, and lifeWith a short-term commitlong goals in scholars through- ment in mind, he became a out our county.” teacher intern in the 1990s and Alvarico has a Bachelor of has been “hooked” on teaching Science degree in Biology and a ever since. After immigrating to Bachelor of Secondary Educa- the United States, Alvarico has tion degree. Prior to immigrating spent multiple years instructing to the United States from the middle school and high school Philippines, he started the students in the MDUSD. process of attaining master’s With his on-the-job experidegrees in both Business ence in the tech industry, he Administration and Biology. weaves real world experiences He has received many awards into his lessons. Teaching and accolades over the years; teenagers, being a lifelong learnhowever, it is the impact he er, and building a community leaves on students that matters with his students is the secret most to him. “Seeing my stu- sauce that has turned his robotdents work toward and achieve ics and yearbook students into their dreams is the biggest design and engineering profesreward I get from teaching,” sionals. While helping underAlvarico said. “The icing on the served students for the past 23 cake is for my students to return years, Alvarico strives to show as professionals and give back to them their potential and the posthis community I serve.” sibilities available when they Ygnacio Valley High Princi- leave high school. pal Jonathan Pike says, “We are

Rally, from page 1 “My daughters suffered a lot when we had to leave our home,” she said. “I don’t want to go through something as traumatic as an eviction ever again.”

Phillips led the group in singing a housing-related version of the protest song “Somebody’s Hurting My Brother.” Those assembled joined in multiple chants including “Si, se puede,” the United Farm Workers saying generally translated as “Yes, it can be done.”

Rally participants support a cap on rent increases at 3 percent annually or 60% of

A network of screened volunteers and seniors work together, using existing resources and talents within our own community, to provide members with services that help them stay active and independent in their own homes.

For seniors who have raised families and made connections in our Clayton Valley area and who want to stay in their own home as long as possible, these member services are invaluable. For volunteers, it’s a wonderful way to help our community, get to know new people and participate in fun events.

the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. They also want to prohibit evictions without just cause for purposes of making a property available for rent at a higher monthly rate.

Speakers focused their verbal attacks on major corporations. The renters’ coalition stated that the top 10% of landlords own 66% of the multi-family units in Concord. Local investors own only 22% of the city’s multifamily units, according to the coalition.

Queried later, Blaine Carter, a local rental unit

owner who has played an active role in opposing city restrictions, said that rent control does not work.

“Artificially affecting the costs of rental units winds up speeding gentrification, because rent control limits inventory,” he said. “In other locations where rent controls have been imposed, city leaders have found that housing costs on properties which have not been subject to controls have gone higher – producing an opposite effect from what they intended.”

The laws of supply and demand apply, he said, so if there are not enough units to meet demand, higher rents are inevitable.

October 20, 2023

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

Page 9

Obituaries P.O. Box 1246 6160 Center Street, Suite F, Clayton, CA 94517 TAMARA AND R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers TAMARA S TEINER , Editor P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design, Website, Social Media B EV B RITTON , Copy Editor, Calendar Editor J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports Editor, Schools Editor S TAFF W RITERS : Jay Bedecarré C ORRESPONDENTS : Bev Britton, Kara Navolio, Vince Martellacci, David Scholz

PIONEER INFO CONTACT US Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580 Tamara Steiner

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calendar@pioneerpublishers.com The Pioneer is a monthly publication delivered free to homes and businesses in 94517, 94518, 94519 and 94521. ZIP code 94520 is currently served by drop site distribution. The papers are published by Clayton Pioneer, Inc., Tamara and Robert Steiner, PO 1246, Clayton, CA 94517. The offices are located at 6160 Center St. Suite F, Clayton, CA 94517 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 175 words or less and submitted at least one

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Letters must be submitted via E-mail.

CIRCULATION The Pioneer is delivered monthly by the third Friday to 38,500 single-family homes and businesses in 94518, 94519 and 94521. Papers to Clayton are delivered by US mail. Concord zip codes are delivered by commercial carriers for ABC Direct. To stop delivery for any reason, call the office at (925) 672-0500 .

Effective with the June 5, 2020 issue, delivery to homes will rotate between zones. Residents in our delivery area (check website for map),will receive free delivery EVERY OTHER MONTH. ADVERTISING Advertising rates and circulation maps are posted at www.pioneerpublishers.com or call (925) 672-0500.

Directory of Advertisers All phone numbers 925 area code unless otherwise noted Financial, Insurance and Legal Services State-Farm, Tim McGallian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2300 Health John Muir Medical Center . . . . . . . .johnmuirhealth.com/ comprehensivebcprogram Montijo, Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .775-9981 Home and Garden Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts & Gardens . . . . . . . . . .672-0207 Skim ‘n’ Dip – Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .348-5609 Whit’s Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .429-2669 Real Estate, Housing and Mortgage Services Donovan, Heather – Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . .765-3822 Klock, Leigh – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593 McDougall, Kelly – Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . .787-0448 Moore, Wendy – Berkshire Hathaway . . . . . . . .570-5187 Stojanovich, Jennifer – Better Homes Realty . .567-6170 Restaurants , Theater and Events Clayton Theatre Company . .claytontheatrecompany.com Vinnie's Bar and Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-9515 Senior Services & Hospice Care Clayton Valley Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .626-0411 Hope Hospice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .HopeHospice.com TreVista Senior Living . . . . . . . .trevistaseniorliving.com Services, Other Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-9113 Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029 Schools Clayton Valley Charter High . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7474 Shopping Harvest House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-2305 JOR Fine Art Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .768-5662 Santa's Smokestack . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.facebook.com/ santassmokestack Studio Dawnatella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .890-2293

Leanore Viola Barbano December 2, 1948–September 4, 2023 Leanore Viola Barbano, Clayton resident, passed away peacefully holding the hand of her husband of 53 years on Sept. 4.

Lea was born in San Francisco on Dec. 2, 1948, to parents Albert and Agnes Piccetti. She grew up in North Beach, attending Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School, where she met the love of her life, Mark Barbano.

Shortly after marrying Mark in 1970, they left San Francisco to start their family and build a life in Clayton.

She raised their three sons, made many lifelong friends and created a home that was welcoming to all. The front door was always both literally and figuratively open.

Lea spent nearly 20 years working at Pine Hollow Middle School, where she cultivated some of her most significant relationships. She had a gift for nurturing young students through her endless creativity. Every child who crossed her path walked away feeling valued and loved.

She retired upon the arrival

of her first grandchild in 2008, allowing her to be active in the daily lives of her greatest treasurers, “the Fabulous Five.”

Lea and Mark’s retirement years allowed them time to spend at their home in Blue Lake Springs in Calaveras County. Lea created wonderful connections in the area and hosted family and friends on countless mountain trips.

Lea’s deep faith and gratitude were profoundly enriched by her dedication and her long history in the 12step recovery movement of AA and Alanon. Her passion transcended onto everyone she encountered, and she will be missed by all who knew her.

She was the cherished mother of Jeffrey (Mary) Barbano, Andrew (Lauren) Barbano and Martin (Sarah) Barbano; the adoring Nonni to Michela, Francesca, Angelina, Marco and Talia; loving sister to Louise (Ken) Fambrini, John (Nicole) Piccetti and James (Marie) Piccetti; and beloved aunt to her nieces and

nephews.

A Memorial Mass was held Oct. 10 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in San Francisco, and a Celebration of Life took place Oct. 11 at Blackhawk Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lea’s honor to the following: The Sisterhood of Sobriety, https://thesisterhoodso-

briety.com.

The San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation, https://www.sffcpf.org.

The Salesian Boys and Girls Club, https://salesianclub.org/give.

Carol Hopkins September 11, 1935–September 8, 2023

Carole Hopkins, beloved wife, devoted mother and dear friend, passed away on Sept. 8, 2023, at the age of 87.

She will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her passion for golf and her infectious zest for life.

Born on Sept. 11, 1935, Carole’s journey began, bringing joy and warmth into the lives she touched. With a heart full of love, she embraced her role as a grandmother, leaving tering a sense of belonging and security in each of their behind a legacy of cherished memories. Her three children, hearts.

Her friends were equally along with her five adoring grandchildren, were the pride blessed to have her in their lives. She was the epitome of and joy of her life. a true friend, always there to For 65 years, she was lend an ear, share a kind word beloved by her high school March 14, 1951–September 30, 2023 or offer a helping hand. sweetheart, Les Hopkins.

Her ability to listen withThey traveled the world his children and grandchildren together, visiting every conti- out judgment and her genuine in their various sports and nent and dozens of countries. interest in others created deep activities.

As a mother, Carole’s love and lasting bonds. Carole’s John had a passion for life was encompassing, providing friendships were built on and vowed to live in the pres- unwavering support and guid- trust, love and shared laughter, ent. He will always be remem- ance that enabled her children truly reflecting the remarkable bered for his kind heart and to flourish into the remarkable person she was. his goofy personality.

The profound impact of individuals they are today. Her John is survived by his lov- grandchildren adored their Carole’s absence will be felt ing wife, Lynn Farizell; his sis- “Grammie,” finding comfort within her close-knit circle ters Margaret Garcia (Patrick); and joy in her nurturing pres- and beyond. But her loved Kathy Farizell, Jannette ones can take solace in the ence and playful spirit.

Wilkinson, and his sister-inCarole’s unconditional love memories and lessons Carole law Vicki Farizell. He is also leaves behind. and unwavering support Clayton resident John survived by his beloved chilserved as a guiding light, fosFarizell, 72, passed away dren John Farizell (Noelle), peacefully in the early mornAshley Sealock (Scott), Jared ing of Sept. 30. He will be Farizell (Kristen); and his remembered as a loving huscherished grandchildren Ella band, father, papa, G-pa, and Vince Farizell, Jackson brother, uncle, cousin, and and Avery Sealock, and Gasfriend to many. ton and Lily Farizell. He was John was born in Clevepreceded in death by his land, Ohio and after a few father, John (Jack), his mother, in their jobs. About $66,000 Security numbers to hide years moved with his family to Genevieve (Jean), his brother of Meza’s Paycheck Protec- earnings.

Martinez, Calif. He loved his Vincent, brother-in-law Ken tion Program debt was forThe Press Democrat first years at the Russian River and and numerous loved family given by the U.S. govern- wrote about these franSonoma County. He lived in and friends. ment. chisees in March.

Oregon for a time before A memorial service and In 2011, Meza was sen- See previous stories at moving back to the Bay Area. celebration of life was held tenced in Contra Costa www.pressdemocrat.com/ You could find John tinOct. 12 at St. Catherine’s of County Superior Court to subwayinvestigation kering on a Morris Minor, a Siena in Martinez with a 120 days in jail and $163,000 VW Bug or maintaining his graveside service immediately in fines for two felony counts You can reach Phil Barber at boat. He always had a project following. related to tax evasion. He and 707-521-5263 or by email at in the works. He spent lots of Martinez Marina Jessica Meza were accused of phil.barber@pressdemocrat.com. time on the open to share a Coors, and all failing to report $800,000 in On Twitter @Skinny_Post. road with his Harley mak- the great stories and memoincome and opening a bank ing new friends everywhere he ries of our beloved John. account using fake Social Reprinted with permission. roamed. Whether on a Toy Run, a pilgrimage to Sturgis or the annual Turkey Run with the boys, John loved the wind on his face and the freedom of the moment.

He started his career at Chevron where he met many longtime friends. He went back to school at 50 and became an X-Ray Technician, from which he eventually retired. John treasured his night shift family at John Muir Medical Center.

Post retirement he loved camping with his family, friends or on his own. His happy place was on the water with a fishing pole in his hands. John also loved spending time with his grandchildren. They brought him so much peace and joy as he was truly a kid at heart.

John was a fan of the Cleveland Browns, the Indians, and the SF Giants. He was a great bowler and bocce ball shooter and could play a mean game of cribbage. He loved games, but more than anything he loved to cheer on

John Joseph Farizell

Subway, from page 5

Make A Dif ference as a hospice volunteer

www.HopeHospice.com/volunteer

Page 10

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

October 20, 2023

Cannon, from page 1

FALL BITES & OPEN HOUSE TreVista Fall Menu Tasting If you are considering senior living for yourself or someone you love, please join us for a special taste of TreVista, featuring fabulous selections from our signature fall menu for you to savor. This complimentary preview will be hosted at TreVista in Concord.

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substantially by generous lead donors Anne and Scott Cannon, parents of a recent Carondelet grad who benefited greatly from the support of the school’s administration and Counseling Center staff.

Carondelet allowed their daughter to take time for herself and focus on her health and academic pursuits. The family is passionate about providing all students the tools and resources to manage their mental health and academic progress, particularly in the face of ever-increasing pressures around higher education, career paths, relationships and independence.

The goal of providing seed funding to ignite this initiative by the family is to ensure all gifts to the Cannon have a multiplier effect and enable current and future students to receive the same kind of support their daughter did.

The multi-use space in the former convent was repurposed with positive, affirming messages dotting the walls and intentionally conceived to serve the needs of the individual and recognize the value of group experience.

The Cannon includes designated reset rooms for students needing short term emotional support, like the cozy Hideout, and areas like the Kitchen Sync where students gather to share meals and express their creativity through art.

“Students’ social and emotional health go hand in hand with their academic and physical development,” said Besagno of the holistic approach that is weaved into the center’s programming and activities. “This is about providing intentional space for positive mental health.”

Students acquire various tools and learn techniques to manage stress and self-regulate

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Photo courtesy Carondelet High School

The Gratitude Garden at Carondelet High School is a tranquil environment that facilitates relaxation and taking in the healing qualities of nature at the new Cannon Wellness Center.

as individuals or in a group setting. Activities like journaling and rock paintings are outlets available for students.

Along with warm and welcoming counseling offices, the design plans incorporate private rooms that allow students to take telehealth appointments with off-site physicians and counselors in a protective space.

“It’s a space that has been welcomed with open arms by the students, and parents have embraced the Cannon, too,” Mix said.

Ahead of this school year starting, efforts were made to get the Center’s Gratitude Garden, an adjacent outdoor space for personal reflection, completed “so it works in tandem with the inside features.”

CENTER GETS HIGH MARKS The safety of the Wellness space—every nook and cranny is designed for the students to seek out—drew 17-year-old senior Anne Medina.

She initially scoped out the center as a junior. It’s only been through the opening days of her senior year, when things got a little crazier, that she really began to appreciate the value of the safe environment. It is a place she can go to feel comfortable and find “my happiness.”

And recognizing that the importance of taking care of her mental health goes hand in hand with her academic pursuits, Medina feels certain that takeaways from the center will mean as much to her as anything she

will gain in a classroom.

Fellow senior Sarah Chisholm, 17, wholeheartedly agrees. She recalled when she first arrived at Carondelet and the support that members of the senior class at that time were providing, absent the comfortable surroundings of the present-day Cannon.

Now a member of the upper class Senior Peer Counseling program, the Cannon has inspired Chisholm to do even more as a guide for those she has been entrusted to help start their journey at Carondelet. “Everyone knows it’s a safe space,” said Chisholm.

The peer counseling program has existed at Carondelet for over 25 years. It is a leadership program where trained seniors serve as mentors for the freshman class. The Cannon Wellness Center now provides a home base for the senior peer counselors to meet with their freshman groups throughout the school year.

To further connect the center’s offerings to the classroom, the Carondelet wellness counselors are available and eager to assist teachers in addressing relevant mental health and wellness topics.

Wellness Counselor Besagno said, “The focus on mental health and wellness is critical to supporting overall student health and success, and will continue to be a priority as we prepare students for a world beyond Carondelet.”

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Have questions or need more information?

Visit www.claytonvalley.org, call (925) 682-7474, or email admissions@claytonvalley.org. RSVP: facebook.com/claytonvvalleychs

October 20, 2023

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

Breast Cancer Treatment and Care.

Our Comprehensive Breast Cancer Program provides a “One Team – Complete Care” approach to women and men newly diagnosed with breast cancer. A dedicated team of specialists including a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, and a breast surgeon reviews every case in a single, same-day visit to discuss treatment options and customize a care plan with you. This coordinated approach can reduce anxiety by not having to wait for individual appointments, and minimizes the time between diagnosis and treatment.

The ongoing collaboration and communication between you and members of your team ensure treatment is coordinated, timely and effective.

Coming Together is What Sets Us Apart.

For more information on how the Comprehensive Breast Cancer Program can make a difference, visit johnmuirhealth.com/comprehensivebcprogram.

Page 11

Page 12

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

The big question– to stage or not In the world of real estate, every listing appointment comes with its unique story, challenges and opportunities.

Recently, I had the privilege of meeting with homeowners who had resided in their beloved home for more than three decades. The prospect of selling a property filled with so many cherished memories was a significant decision for them.

As we sat down to discuss their goals, the topic of staging their home surfaced – revealing a heartfelt attachment to their living space.

The couple had not merely occupied a house; they had woven their lives into every nook and cranny of the home.

Each room was a chapter of their story, with cherished memories and a lifetime of possessions.

Staging involves rearranging a home to make it more appealing to potential buyers.

It often means depersonalizing by temporarily removing personal items and bringing in rented furniture and decor.

In this instance, the homeowners questioned why they should remove some of their

belongings, saying they wanted to showcase their own furniture. They felt that changing their home to appeal to potential buyers seemed like erasing a part of their history – a sentiment that’s entirely understandable.

As their real estate agent, I needed to understand their perspective and respect their attachment to the property.

However, I also wanted to provide them with the best possible chance of selling their home at a competitive price.

I explained that staging didn’t necessarily mean erasing their personal touches. It could involve a compromise where we utilized their furniture and decor strategically. By decluttering, rearranging and enhancing their existing furnishings, we could create a more neutral and appealing environment for potential buyers.

This way, they could retain their connection to the home while still making it attractive to a broader audience.

After discussing the possibilities and seeing examples of successfully staged homes

October 20, 2023

You like potato and I like potahto … let’s head to the farmers market DEBRA MORRIS Pacific Coast Farmers Market

JENNIFER STOJANOVICH

CLOSE TO HOME

using a mix of the homeowners’ belongings and stagers’ items, the sellers agreed to give it a try. They recognized that striking a balance between their attachment to the home and the need to present it in the best possible light was a reasonable compromise.

In the end, we embarked on a journey to prepare their home for sale while preserving its unique character.

The experience was a great reminder of the emotional weight that selling a home can carry. It was also a testament to the power of compromise in the ever-evolving world of real estate, where personal histories and market dynamics often intersect.

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

A member of the Night Shade family, the potato was once thought to be poisonous.

We can thank Sir Walter Raleigh for debunking this superstition by planting them on property he owned in Ireland. The Irish began growing and eating potatoes in large quantities, and today hundreds of varieties grow around the world.

Russet (Burbank): The workhorse of potatoes. It is oblong, russet brown in color with netted or somewhat rough skin. It is primarily used for baking and for French fries because of its high starch content, which makes it fluffy when cooked.

Red potatoes: Round red potatoes have a rosy-red skin with white flesh. Red Norlands, Pontiac, Red Lasoda, Sangre and Larouge are the main varieties. Chiefton, Viking and Red Ruby are less common. Their waxy texture makes them perfect for boiling, but they can be used for any cooking purpose. Cook

them unpeeled and mash, or use in potato salad.

White potatoes: Round whites such as the Superior are light to medium brown in color. They are an all-purpose potato used mostly for boiling and baking. Long whites such as the White Rose grow in California during the spring and summer. They have an oval shape with a thin, light tan, almost translucent skin and are good for boiling and roasting as well as in potato salads.

Yellow potatoes: Yellowfleshed potatoes such as Yukon Gold seem richer and less in need of butter than others. They are best for boiling and in potato salad.

Fingerlings: These small potatoes are about the length of your pinkie finger. They’re wonderful for roasting or tossing together with other vegetables like green beans and root vegetables.

New potatoes: These are a variety of young potatoes that haven’t had time to convert their sugar fully to starch. They have a crisp waxy texture with thin, undeveloped, wispy skins.

Their small size makes them

perfect to cook whole, boil or pan-roast.

Sweet potatoes: Part of the morning glory family, the sweet potato is an enlarged storage root that comes in many different shapes, sizes and colors. California grows both “dry flesh” and “moist flesh” varieties. The “moist flesh” type is sometimes referred to as a yam, and the “dry flesh” as a sweet potato.

They are both sweet potatoes.

Sweet potatoes are native to Central America and Peru. A true yam is native to Africa.

Returning Concord chamber leader ready to help local businesses I am so excited to be back at the Concord Chamber of Commerce, working to strengthen our vibrant business community.

The paramount goal of the chamber is to provide unyielding support to businesses in our area. We aim to fortify the foundations of our community, empowering people to withstand even the most daunting challenges. We firmly believe that by nurturing and

KEVIN CABRAL

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

uplifting local businesses, we create an environment where growth and prosperity are not just possible but inevitable.

The responsibility of supporting local businesses takes on special significance for those living in the community.

Your hard work and hardearned money play a vital role in sustaining the businesses that, in turn, drive our local economy. It’s a virtuous cycle that, when nurtured, can lead

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into the local business landscape.

We are continually exploring fresh and imaginative ways to expose your businesses to new customers, foster valuable relationships and open new opportunities for growth. In a world that is constantly evolving, we understand the importance of staying ahead of the curve. Check out what we have going on at our website: www.concordchamber.com.

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The Pioneer

SPORTS & LIFESTYLE October 20, 2023

The Arts . . . . . . . . . . .B6 Beat of Diablo . . . . . .B7 Taste and Tell . . . . . .B8

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Mt. Diablo, De La Salle play classic Friday the 13th games JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Just mentioning Friday the 13th conjures all kinds of thoughts, not too many pleasant.

Last week when Friday the 13th rolled around on the most pivotal of weeks for local high school football, things were strange indeed in the games involving the area’s top two teams so far this season.

Mt. Diablo had a chance to win its first full season league championship in decades but fell just short in Martinez as Alhambra hung on for a 49-47 victory over the Red Devils. The Bulldogs win virtually assures them of the Diablo Athletic League Valley Division Title with two weeks to go.

Both Diablo and Alhambra will be heavily favored in their final games.

In Danville, the game between undefeated San Ramon Valley and surging De La Salle, winners of four straight against tough opponents, was a defensive struggle entering the fourth quarter with the home team holding a 12-7 lead as they aimed to end the Spartans 32-year undefeated streak against North Coast Section teams.

And then, all kinds of Friday the 13th madness broke out in Martinez and Danville.

RED DEVILS COME SO CLOSE TO KEY VICTORY

The first half in Martinez was a shootout with the halftime whistle showing Alhambra up 35-28 over their Concord foes. Both teams had losing records a year ago but came into Friday’s showdown with only one loss each.

It was touted as a battle between Mt. Diablo runningback Herschel Turner and Alhambra quarterback Beau Blau using his arm and legs.

Well, neither of the senior stars disappointed. Blau scored five touchdowns rushing and threw for a sixth.

Turner gained 299 yards with four first-half TDs on the ground to add to his North Coast Section leading rushing and scoring totals.

Mt. Diablo led 28-21 in the second quarter but did not score again until the Red Devils trailed 49-28 as the Bulldogs tallied 28 unanswered points.

The key may have come at halftime when the Alhambra coaching staff made some alignment adjustments that partially bottled-up Turner, who gained 57 yards in the second half of his 299 total in the game.

After falling three TDs behind, Red Devils quarterback Jakorey Robinson tried to rally his team with a 66yard TD pass and then a fumble recovery and defensive score, bringing Mt. Diablo within 49-40.

A late Robinson touch-

into the end zone for a final 33-27 win. Spartan coach Justin Alumbaugh says he’s never seen a quarter like that in his two and half decades on the sidelines.

Pete Cruz

Herschel Turner was the marked man last Friday as Alhambra barely held off the Mt. Diablo runningback who leads all of the North Coast Section in rushing yards and scoring. Already the marked man in this game and all others, Turner saw the Bulldog coaching staff tweak their defensive plan at halftime and stifled Turner with less than 60 yards carrying the ball after the intermission. He still finished with four touchdowns and 299 yards rushing but his team fell 49-47.

magic was on the other team’s sideline.

De La Salle turned around the 12-7 halftime deficit to pull ahead 27-12 with less than half of the fourth quarter remaining, seemingly headed for a difficult but not nail-biting victory. However, SRV quarterback Luke Baker and all-around standout Marco Jones did not want their unbeaten season to end before a packed stadium on their own field.

A touchdown, recovered onside kick, another TD and then a clutch two-point con-

down throw tightened the score to 49-47 but the Concord school wasn’t able to recover the subsequent onside kick and Alhambra hung on as they continue to enjoy success in their first winning season since 2017.

SPARTANS ALMOST BLOW GAME

Over the 32 years and 266 games against NCS foes since losing the 1991 Section championship game to Pittsburg, De La Salle has had very few close shaves, but the wild fourth quarter last Friday was almost the time the

version by the Wolves tied the game. De La Salle then fumbled in the last minute to give San Ramon a chance to pull off an historic win.

With less than 10 seconds left and after a DLS timeout to freeze the San Ramon kicker and come up with a kick rush plan, the Wolves potential game-winning field goal attempt was no good.

In overtime the home team missed another field goal effort in their first possession and Derrick Blanche took De La Salle’s fourth straight running play in OT

OTHER WEEK 8 SCORES In other action on Friday the 13th, Las Lomas stayed undefeated and handed College Park its fifth straight loss 41-0 and Northgate remained winless losing to Campolindo 35-14.

Concord got back in the win column handing Ygnacio its eighth successive defeat this season 32-6. Clayton Valley Charter also got a needed victory while welcoming Davin Amos back from injury. The all-league wide receiver scored a pair of touchdowns in his first 2023 action and the Ugly Eagles handed Foothill-Pleasanton a 41-29 defeat.

WEEK 9 SCHEDULE – OCT. 20-21 Northgate (0-7) at College Park (2-5) Ygnacio Valley (0-8) at Alhambra (6-1) Benicia (1-6) at Mt. Diablo (5-2) Monte Vista (4-3) at Clayton Valley Charter (3-4) Foothill-Pleasanton (16) at De La Salle (5-2) 10/21 Concord (3-5) at Berean Christian (1-51)

See Football, page B5

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October 20, 2023

De La Salle Athletic Hall of Fame 2023 class has strong local flavor and immortal football coach Bob Ladouceur JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

There was a distinctive local feel last month when the De La Salle Athletic Hall of Fame inducted the class of 2023 topped by legendary head football coach Bob Ladouceur as well as his long-time defensive coach and friend Terry Eidson.

Adding to the local flavor was Clayton diver Kristian Ipsen and football standout Mawuko Tugbegnyoh of Concord.

The two veteran coaches along with four athletes and two teams were feted at the school’s Hofmann Student Center. As part of the Hall of Fame’s nomination process, each honoree is recognized not only for their athletic achievements, but also for academic and professional accolades, as well as their community involvement.

2023 ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES Bob Ladouceur (Football coach) “The De La Salle name rose to prominence in the athletic world precisely because of what Bob Ladouceur was able to achieve,” said Leo Lopoz, Vice President for Athletics. “Yet he gave our school so much more than a national record-winning streak. He was able to connect with our students in a deep way that harnessed their inner strength and fearlessness and turned it into a brotherhood that lives on at our school to this day.

De La Salle’s continued dominance in high school sports is attributable to the foundation that he laid.” During his 34 years at the school Ladouceur established himself as one of America’s most successful high school coaches in any sport. He holds the state record for football victories (399-25-3). That mark

Athlete Spotlight

Ashtyn Hosler

School: Clayton Valley Charter High Grade: Senior Sports: Golf, Trap Shooting, Sporting Clays Shooting, Skeet Shooting, Archery Ashtyn Hosler has her eye on the target in every sport she tees up while managing a complicated student athlete balance. The Clayton Valley Charter High senior juggles golf, three shooting disciplines, archery and academics so well that she will have 13 varsity letters by the time she graduates next spring. Influenced by experiences in several sports as a kid, Hosler has excelled on the CVCHS girl’s golf team during her four years on varsity. As a junior she scored the most points for her team, earning the MVP award. She has been all-Diablo Athletic League the past two years and has made it through North Coast Section competition both years. One of her proudest moments was her NCS junior year performance where she broke 100 on an 18-hole course. In addition to golf, Hosler plays three shooting sports for the Ugly Eagles: trap, sporting clays and skeet.

She has also been a team captain on all her CVCHS teams.

Outside of school, she competes on the Fat Shafts Archery team and she is currently ranked second in the state in her compound archery discipline. Academics are important to Hosler as well. Her golf coach and father Jon Hosler says about her dedication, “Ashtyn leads by example and is a great teammate. Most importantly, she embodies what it means to be a student athlete, regularly having one of the highest GPA’s among her teammates.” She has shown her commitment to education with a 4.40 GPA and participation in the Medical Careers Academy at the charter school.

Hosler hopes to pursue a career as a pediatric nurse specializing in endocrinology, after obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

CVCHS student journalist Corinne Jeandheur wrote this Spotlight.

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

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

included 28 North Coast Section championships, 19 state championships and the longest consecutive game-winning streak (151) in the history of high school football. USA Today voted his De La Salle teams No. 1 in the nation five times and he was national Coach of the Year three times. He was the subject of three books and a Sony Pictures movie. He became the NFL’s first Don Shula High School Coach of the Year in 1995, was inducted into the National Federation of State High School Associations Hall of Fame in 2001 and was part of the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2014. More than 80 of his athletes received college scholarhips, nine of those players going on to play in the National Football League.

Kristian Ipsen (Class of 2011) was a child diving prodigy who may have had the most significant international athletic career for a De La Salle alumnus.

He was a four-time NCS individual diving champion for the Spartans and still holds the Section record for points. As a junior he was named De La Salle Athlete of the Year. At Stanford he won three NCAA championships and was an eight-time Pac-12 champion and remains the diving record holder. Ipsen eventually won 16 junior national championships, 15 senior nationals, two junior world championships and two senior world silver medals. As a member of the US national team the Clayton native competed around the world for a decade, capped by a bronze medal with partner Troy Dumais at the 2012 London Olympics. He also medaled at the world championships and competed for America at the Rio Olympics in 2016, taking fifth in the 3-meter springboard. Today,

Ipsen remains in his sport volunteering his time coaching diving at Southern Methodist University. He resides in Texas with his wife and is the director of business development at Medallion.

Lincoln Gunn (2006) was a two-year varsity basketball letterman and team captain in 2006.

Known for his attention to detail and work ethic, Gunn broke the all-time school scoring record and also holds the school record in free throw percentage in a season. As a senior he earned allleague, Contra Costa Times, and first team all-state honors. He led the Spartans to a 2006 state championship victory 43-40 in Sacramento over Clovis West and was named De La Salle Athlete of the Year. After De La Salle, Gunn continued his academic and athletic career at Princeton University, where he was a two-year starter for the Tigers. He’s been a long-time supporter of De La Salle’s athletics programs and a resource for the school’s basketball staff.

He is Vice President of Partnerships at Fandom, Inc. Johnny De Los Reyes (2011) was a three-year varsity golfer, earning first team all-East Bay Athletic League honors each year. In 2009, he was named Contra Costa Times Golfer of the Year. Following high school, De Los Reyes went on to play golf for Saint Mary’s College, finishing his collegiate career with the lowest scoring average in school history. He led the Gaels to the 2016 West Coast Conference Championship. He was WCC Player of the Year and team MVP in 2015 and a threetime all-WCC selection. He continues to compete around the country and internationally. De Los Reyes holds the course record at Oakdale Country Club (62) and teaches and coaches

Photo courtesy USA Diving

Kristian Ipsen (left) was honored by his alma mater when he was inducted to the De La Salle High School Athletic Hall of Fame last month along with a distinguished group of fellow inductees. The Clayton native won a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics with his synchronized 3-meter springboard partner Troy Dumais. Ipsen was a record-breaking high school and collegiate champion during a career that included a decade of frequent international travel for the United States National Diving team.

He was also fifth at the Rio Olympics in the 3-meter springboard.

golfers at Spring Creek Country Club in Ripon.

Mawuko Tugbegnyoh (1996) was a three-year varsity football player and all-East Bay first team selection in 1995.

Known as one the most dominant defensive players in school history, he also was on track team relays. During his time at De La Salle Mawuko led both his football and track teams to two NCS championships each. He earned a scholarship to UC Berkeley and played four years for the Bears. After Cal, he played professionally in NFL Europe and Canadian Football League. Tugbegnyoh returned to De La Salle to coach football from 2010-20. The Concord resident is now the program director at Community Youth Center.

Terry Eidson (Football, Baseball and Golf Coach) has worn many hats at De La Salle since he began teaching Religious Studies 42 years ago. He has been the Director of Student Activities, the face of Campus Ministry, Assistant Dean of Students, head of the Religious Studies Department and Athletic Director. While the Concord resident is mostly known for his football coaching (he’s returned to help coach the 2023 Spartans), Eidson has also coached Spartans baseball and golf. Eidson’s impact on high school athletics is so prolific he has amassed awards like Aflac AssisPhoto courtesy TriStar Pictures tant Coach of the Year (2002), Veteran De La Salle High School football coach Terry Eidson NCS Athletic Director of the (left) traveled to New Orelans after the end of the 2013 Year (2003), De La Salle Coach school year to observe filming of “When The Game Stands of the Year (1984, 1992), NCS Tall,” a movie that chronicles the story of the record-break- Honor Golf Coach (2019) and ing Spartans football team. Golden Globe® winner Michael CIF Coach of the Year (2020).

Chiklis (right), played Eidson in the film.

Eidson might just feel his great-

est honor was being named Distinguished Lasallian Educator of the Year in 2022 by the District of New Orleans San Francisco.

Over four decades, he has spearheaded several philanthropy initiatives at the school.

1996 Football Team was one of the most dominant teams in school history. Going undefeated and winning the NCS title doesn’t demonstrate their overall dominance. This Spartan team shut out seven of its 12 opponents, allowing less than five points a game. The defense actually outscored opposing offenses. One of the many highlights was defeating highly-ranked Rancho Buena Vista on De La Salle’s first football trip to Southern California.

The Spartans then defeated Pittsburg 35-7 in the NCS 4A championship game to cap off a perfect 12-0 season.

1998 Volleyball Team only had five players returning from the previous year’s roster, yet under the tutelage of new head coach Tea Hieta the team went on to win the first of five straight NCS championships, tied for the longest ever streak in NCS boys volleyball. The team ended the season with a 27-3 record and was characterized by its camaraderie, competitiveness and willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. Captains Dom Uchikura and Sly Yeoman pushed their teammates and helped set a positive culture. The Spartans won three NCS playoff matches in straight sets capping with a victory over local rival Northgate for the championship.

Fall sports heading into final days of league play before post-season arrives JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Jockeying for league championships are taking place as fall sports head towards postseason competition with some familiar names on the top of league standings.

CROSS COUNTRY The second Diablo Athletic League Center Meet is this Wednesday at Newhall Park in Concord. Last month’s first Center Meet found Campolindo taking both the boys and girls varsity races.

In the boys race Campo, Miramonte and College Park were separated by just 11 points while the Campo girls took six of the top eight positions to literally and figuratively outpace the field. Clayton Valley Charter was fourth in boys and fifth in girls while Northgate girls took fourth.

Individually, junior Jack Rat-

tary was second overall and College Park classmate Blake Leung was ninth. Nicholas Knisley of Northgate placed fifth while the Clayton Valley Charter duo of Daniel Martinez and Daniel Messer were 12th and 14th.

On the girls side, Skylar Bennett of CVCHS was ninth and Ella Kopper of Northgate 10th.

The Diablo and East Bay league meets are Nov. 4. DAL championships are at Hidden Valley Park in Martinez and the EBAL meet is at Newhall Park.

North Coast Section championships are Nov. 18 in Hayward, one week before the CIF State Meet in Fresno.

FLAG FOOTBALL The inaugural flag football season is in full swing with Northgate topping the DAL standings entering this week at 7-0 while both College Park and Clayton Valley Charter girls are 4-1. Those league lead-

ers have a big three-way battle this Wednesday in Walnut Creek in the penultimate week of the season.

The DAL regular season ends Nov. 1 with a Jamboree at Clayton Valley Charter Oct 28.

GIRLS GOLF League championships were held this Monday with NCS Division II Championships Oct. 23 and Division I Championships Oct. 30. The NorCal Championships are Nov. 6 at Berkeley Country Club in El Cerrito and the CIF State Championships Nov. 15 at Pebble Beach.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Undefeated Berean Christian is running away with DAL Valley Division at 8-0 with Clayton Valley sitting third at 5-3. Northgate is third in the Foothill Division.

Carondelet is 21-10 overall and fifth heading into the

week’s EBAL Championships.

NCS Playoffs are Oct. 24 – Nov. 4 followed by NorCal Championships Nov. 7-14 and CIF State Championships Nov. 17-18.

WATER POLO Two-time defending NCS Open Division champions De La Salle are 8-0 in EBAL water polo and 12-6 overall with the league season two weeks from finishing. Carondelet is also unbeaten in the girls standings at 7-0 and the Cougars are 125 for the season.

In the DAL, College Park boys are 4-0 and both Northgate and Clayton Valley Charter 3-1 in DAL Valley Division.

Northgate girls are looking to defend their NCS D-2 title and are unbeaten in league.

The DAL Division Championships are Oct. 26-28 with NCS playoffs Nov. 1-11 and the NorCal Tournament Nov. 14-18.

October 20, 2023

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

Page B3

Mt. Diablo honors seven among latest Sports Hall of Fame inductees JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Mt. Diablo High School’s Sports Hall of Fame is honoring a team, a coach and five athletes whose careers spanned four decades at the Concord school during the Class of 2023 induction dinner on Saturday evening Nov 4.

Dave Aldrich (Class of 1967) was a standout pitcher for the Red Devils coached by Steve Bordi. Aldrich and his teammates won Diablo Valley Athletic League championships in 1964 and ’65. As a junior he was honorable mention all-DVAL while posting a 3-0 record and a stingy 1.96 ERA. Aldrich had a 29-4 strikeout to walk ratio. The following season Aldrich was a first team all-league pitcher while winning six of eight decisions, lowering his ERA to 1.43 with 90 strikeouts and 14 walks. Batters hit all of .140 against him. Following Mt. Diablo, he got a full-ride to pitch at Cal and was a threeyear letter winner for the Golden Bears. In 1966 he was drafted by the New York Mets.

Katie Bachman (1987) was a three-sport athlete at Mt. Diablo, racking up team and league honors in each sport. As a four-year varsity softball player, she was all-DVAL two times, was senior team captain and Red Devil Award winner.

In soccer Bachman was two two-year team captain and Red Devil Award honoree and was all-league as a junior and senior. She was team captain and MVP of JV basketball before joining varsity as a junior and senior.

Barry Maynard (1972) had one of the school’s historic basketball performances that local prep sports historian Herc Pardi says might be second only to College Basketball Hall of Famer Todd Lichti in the modern MDHS era. After

BARRY MAYNARD

being all-DVAL honorable mention and the Red Devils top scorer as a junior, Maynard helped the team to post-season glory. The Red Devils were third in the DVAL regular season behind perennial championship contenders Pittsburg and College Park. In the DVAL playoffs Diablo edged College Park in the semi-finals and defeated Pitt 65-59 forcing a final game when Maynard’s 18 points helped the Red Devils shock Pittsburg 63-62 to become co-champions with the Pirates. The post-season magic continued at Sacramento’s Camellia Tournament where they eliminated unbeaten Foothill and took second to Lodi. It was the best finish for Mt. Diablo basketball in over a dozen years. As a senior Maynard and mates were again third in DVAL with him allDVAL and all-East Bay averaging 22 points a game in league and 19.8 overall. After beating second-place Concord in the playoffs the Red Devils lost to Clayton Valley 54-53 in the finals. Maynard played two years at Diablo Valley College as the Vikings top scorer and team MVP.

football, basketball and track.

He was football team MVP and all-DVAL wide receiver as a senior leading to a spot on the summer Contra Costa AllStar team and being voted best opponent by Pittsburg coaches. His track accomplishments included two-time NCS 100meter finalist, 1985 NCS 200 champion and third-place 100meter finisher at State Meet.

After Mt. Diablo he was at DVC for two years with Golden Gate Conference 100 and 200 (twice) track championships and his 1987 marks in each event are still DVC school records. He was also all-GGC wide receiver.

the Red Devils track and field squad. Starting in 1964 he turned Mt. Diablo into a major factor with athletes like school Hall of Fame members Jim Wharton and Mike Isola. In addition, hurdler Bruce Rowell, high jumper Doug Barnett and pole vaulter Steve Berg were successful under Breivik’s tutelage that included more than just training in their individual events. His nominators said the coach instilled individual confidence with his tremendous ability to motivate his athletes to perform at high levels while valuing every member of his teams and also made playing sports fun for his PE students.

Randy Schrader (1976) capped his football career for the Red Devils chosen to play in the Alameda-Contra Costa All-Star game and was named first team all-Northern California. At DVC he was 1978 lineman MVP and two-year allGGC selection earning a scholarship to Boise State. His team was 10-1 going to the NCAA 1AA playoffs beating Grambling and then Eastern Kentucky for the national championship. He was tabbed first team all-Big Sky Conference at center and third-team all-America. His 1980 team was selected to the Boise State Hall of Fame. Schrader spent 13 years as a high school teacher and coach and another 13 years in school administration, including as a superintendent. In 2014 was honored with the Idaho Association of School Administrators Leadership Award.

1957 Baseball Team were outright league champions with an overall 15-5 record, one game ahead of Acalanes.

When the senior class were juniors in 1956 they won Diablo’s first baseball championship in 11 years. The ’57 team, including four-year varsity pitcher Rod Atnip and threeyear players Dave Stafford, Art Pargament and Bordi. The team has had seven players inducted to the school’s Hall of Fame. This squad was the second in a run of 11 straight league baseball titles through 1966. Other players were seniors Lloyd Crenna, Dick Bolcerek, Merle Marshall, Dave Craig and Verle Sidwell. Charlie Jones, Billy Marshall, Dan Barney, Ron Lichti and Jim Leggett were sophomores and juniors who contributed to this title team and those in the next two years.

Howard Breivik (Football, Track and Field Coach) made his mark at the Concord school before his untimely death in 1969. Several of the school’s Hall of Fame members nominated coach Breivik for this honor. He successfully coached freshman and then JV football teams from 1963-69 Marcos Pica (1986) also but made his biggest mark with played three sports at Diablo in

The Sports Hall of Fame dinner is at Zio Fraedo’s in Pleasant Hill. Those interested in purchasing $60 dinner tickets can call Lou Adamo (925) 212-9332 or mail a check to Adamo at 1401 Stonecreek Ct., Martinez 94553. Checks are made payable to MDHSSHOF. The proceeds help fund girls and boys athletic and academic programs at Mt. Diablo.

S p ort s Shorts MAVERICKS BASEBALL SCHEDULES FIRST TRYOUTS NOV. 5-6 IN CLAYTON

The new Mavericks 10U baseball team is holding spring season tryouts at Clayton Community Park Field 1 on Sunday and Monday, Nov. 5-6. The travel baseball team is being developed “from a desire to keep and develop homegrown talent within the Clayton area,” according to director of baseball operations Joel Miner. He is on the team coaching staff with Brandon Herrera and Dan Murphey. The team has an Instagram page at claytonbaseballassociation to get more information.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CUP SOCCER RETURNS OCT. 28-29 Diablo Valley Wolves hosts its annual Halloween time soccer tournament on the Oct. 28-29 weekend for boys and girls gold and premier competitive teams in the 13-19 age groups. The area’s premier youth soccer organization’s tournament will be on

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turf fields in the Concord area. Visit the club website diablovalleyfc.com for registration information and game schedules.

CONCORD AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE REGISTRATION FOR SPRING BALL NOW OPEN

Concord American Little League is accepting registration for its 2024 spring baseball season. The league’s website has complete information for t-ball (ages 4-6) through senior baseball (14). Evaluations will be held early next year for all players seven and older. Visit concordamericanlittleleague.org for details and to register.

The Pioneer wants to publish your sports news

Please let us know about your sports news, special events, fund raisers, tryouts, signups and accomplishments. It’s simple. Send an email to sports@pioneerpublishers.com.

Athlete Spotlight

Loraine Aicel Sotto

School: Mt. Diablo High Grade: Senior Sports: Volleyball, Basketball Loraine Aicel Sotto has displayed an unwavering commitment to both her academics (3.5 GPA) and athletic career (volleyball and basketball) at Mt. Diablo. She started playing volleyball when she was a freshman and basketball in her sophomore year. She’s an outside hitter for the Red Devil volleyball team and a shooting guard who averages 40% from the three-point line for the basketball squad. This fall she’s leading her volleyball team in kills while basketball coach Ronnie McGee says her basketball IQ will definitely benefit the team during her senior season this winter.

McGee adds, “Since her first year in high school, Loraine has been consumed by a deep passion for volleyball. The exhilaration of spiking the ball and scoring a point ignites an unquenchable fire within her, fueling her competitive spirit and driving her to exceed her own limitations.

Her relentless determination and work ethic are evident in every aspect of her game.” For Sotto, volleyball is not a mere pastime; it is a means of self-expression, a way to stay active and a source of pure enjoyment. Through the highs and lows of the sport, she has discovered the immeasurable joy that comes from being part of a team. Her teammates have become her extended family.

Sotto says, "Winners embrace hard work. They love the discipline of it, the trade-off they're making to win. Losers, on the other hand, see it as punishment. And that's the difference." She attributes a great deal of her success to the exceptional mentors who have guided her along the way.

She expresses her deep gratitude to volleyball coach Taylor Thompson and McGee as well as the entire MDHS coaching staff. Her journey would not have been possible without the support of her loved ones. She says their encouragement and presence in the stands have fueled her determination to succeed, even in the face of adversity.

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

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

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Page B4

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

October 20, 2023

The best wedding that wasn’t

There was no description of the “bride’s” dress in the Gazette story, but she was likely dressed in the style of the time. Bridegroom, John Eastcott, was wearing jeans and new brogan shoes typical of farmers and laborers of the time.

Photo from the book, “What People Wore” by Douglas Gorsline.

Was Clayton farmer, John Eastcott, the victim of a marriage scam or did he plan his nuptials as a practical joke?

This intriguing quandary arose when the Contra Costa Gazette published an article on February 02, 1867 relating how Mr. Eastcott, a bachelor in his mid-forties, fell in love with a lady who was visiting from San Francisco, and how he recruited some female friends “to plead his cause with the charmer and negotiate for his future happiness in wedlock’s silken bonds.” The lady said, yes, and the wedding date was set.

The article noted that “a warm and universal interest in the event was manifested in the community,” with residents supplying the food and drink and Joel Clayton offering his home as the venue.

The groom-to-be dressed in “high-colored Kentucky jeans pants, new brogans and standing collar,” however no details of the lady’s attire were mentioned. The wedding supper was a success, “disposed of with the usual relish and attendant pleasantries,” but when the acting

minister announced his readiness to begin the marriage ceremony, the bride-tobe voiced her doubts. She stood to address the gathering, and claimed Mr. Eastcott was not the age he said he was, and she “had doubts of the propriety of consummating the engagement.”

The audience voiced their opinion that he was indeed his stated age, and it was at this time that the lady announced she had been married 3 months previously to another man. She provided a picture of her husband, and one account reports her having said she had had no feast at her wedding and thought this a good opportunity to have one. The partygoers pronounced the whole affair a “sell” or scam with Mr. Eastcott as victim.

An article entitled, “Not a Victim,” was published in the Gazette two weeks later with John Eastcott stating he allowed his “bride-to-be” to use him as an “agent for playing a practical joke on those friends who had volunteered service as matchmakers” and convincing those friends to provide the wedding feast.

Whether animal or plant, protein is essential for life Protein, a basic nutrient, lives in a place of perpetual controversy as the pendulum of popular opinion swings between high- and low-protein diets every few years.

Protein is everywhere: muscle, bone, skin and hair, to name a few. It builds the enzymes that catalyze innumerable chemical reactions necessary for life and makes the hemoglobin in blood.

There are greater than 10,000 different proteins always at work in the body.

Protein is comprised of more than 20 amino acids which cannot be stored.

The body makes most of them as needed, but nine cannot be synthesized and must be consumed. These are known as essential amino acids, which are responsible for “muscle health, liver turnover and the regeneration of proteins within the body,” says Gabrielle Lyon, a doctor of osteopathic medicine and founder of the Institute for Muscle-Centric Medicine.

“Dietary protein has dual

roles,” she continues. “It’s a combination of 20 different amino acids, and those 20 different amino acids all have different roles in the body and are required in different amounts.”

Many protein sources rich in essential aminos involve animal products, such as lean meat (especially poultry), yogurt, lean fish (tilapia and sole) and cottage cheese.

Those who do not consume animal products need not be concerned, as many plant foods – including beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds and soy products – are also full of protein.

According to registered dietician Janet Helm, it’s actually better to vary your protein sources.

“Most Americans get enough protein from meat, poultry and eggs but do not meet recommendations for seafood, nuts, seeds and soy products,” Helm says.

“Increasing your plants, like the eating patterns of the Mediterranean diet or a flexi-

tarian approach, offers multiple benefits – from maintaining a healthier weight to reducing the risk of heart disease, certain cancers and Type 2 diabetes.”

Helm dismisses the traditional concern that plants are an “incomplete” protein that require complex combinations of different proteins.

“Now we know that when you eat a variety of plant foods, the overall mix of amino acids – or the building blocks of protein – is not substantially different from animal protein.”

So, animal or plant, how much protein is necessary?

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or 0.36 grams per pound. This amount is expected to meet basic nutritional requirements.

Another approach is to consume 10%-35% of your calories from protein.

Pregnant women have significantly increased protein needs, and there is some evi-

NATHALIE MONTIJO

NEW WAVE NIGHTINGALE

dence to suggest that otherwise healthy seniors, a group at risk for muscle loss (Sarcopenia), may profit from upping protein consumption in conjunction with a resistance training program.

As increased protein can be taxing to the kidneys, it is best to check with a medical professional before going “whole hog.”

Avoid diets of extreme high protein (Ketogenic).

They can result in rapid weight loss but put one at high risk for Ketoacidosis, a potentially fatal condition.

Moderation is always the best and safest course.

Please send comments and question to newwavenightingale@gmail.com.

DEBBIE EISTETTER

THE WAY WE WERE

He said he would not have had the “pluck” to see the joke through but the lady insisted.

Was he coming clean to be forgiven for his indiscretion or was he a victim trying to save his pride? At any rate the Clayton citizenry was not amused as they had supposed

the event to have been “seriously intended and vow(ed) to avenge themselves for the ‘sell.’”

ADDENDUM: CONTRA COSTA GAZETTE, April 1871: Married in Union Church, Clayton, April 23rd

by Reverend V. Rightmyer.

Mr. John Eastcott to Mrs. M.A. Allen both of Clayton.

Married to a woman who was likely the widow of J.D. Allen, the first settler in the Clayton area. Wedded bliss at last.

Debbie Eistetter is a board member of the Clayton Historical Society. For more information or to become a member, visit claytonhistory.org. The Clayton Museum is open 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays at 6101 Main St..

Admission is free.

The Meaning of LGBTQIA+ History Month When you think of October, what do you think about?

October features the shift into autumn, pumpkin spiced food and drinks, cool, crisp air, and Halloween of course. Did you know that October is also LGBTQIA+ History Month?

You’re probably thinking, “isn’t that in June?” Well, you’d be half right. June is known as Pride Month. There are parades and celebrations that align with the Stonewall Riots, a five day protest against the constant police raids in gay bars that started on June 28, 1969.

LGBTQIA+ History Month, however, aligns with the first and second marches on Washington for LGBTQIA+ rights.

The first march was in 1979 and the second was in 1987, both in the month of October.

LGBTQIA+ History Month is also in October because of National Coming Out Day, held on Oct.11.

National Coming Out Day is a day to celebrate people ``coming out of the closet”, a popular saying meaning someone coming out as LGBTQIA+.

While you don’t need to come out specifically on National Coming Out Day, a lot of people use it as a good starting point. As always, never feel pressured to come out on National Coming Out Day, especially if it is unsafe for you to do so.

JULIEN FROST

ALL THE COLORS But LGBTQIA+ History Month is even more than that.

It’s a feeling. It’s a community.

It’s acceptance and pride. It’s finding out that you are not alone and there are others like you past, present, and future.

It’s finding the words you never knew existed that fit you just perfectly. It’s gay joy. It’s gay beauty. It’s simply having the courage to be you.

I invite you to think of an LGBTQIA+ individual in your life, or yourself, who may be having a rough time right now. Be the person they may have needed, or still need.

Most of all, let them know that they are loved, seen and accepted for who they are and who they may become.

Julien Frost is the Office Coordinator for Rainbow Community Center. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact them at julien@rainbowcc.org.

Banquettes: the ultimate seating and storage solution quette, the focus is creating a comfortable place to sit – whether it’s for your kitchen or dining room, a window seat in your guest bedroom or child’s playroom, or a sophisticated nook on a stair landing or in a home office.

Some banquettes have upholstered seats and backs, like the ones you typically see JENNIFER LEISCHER in restaurants. Residential banDESIGN & DÉCOR quettes usually have an upholstered or cushioned bench Sometimes it’s a casual seat. The back could be wooden bench with seat cush- upholstered, or could be a ions and big fluffy pillows in a window backdrop with pilcozy breakfast nook, or forlows. mal with a metallic leather seat A banquette can seat twice and an upholstered, velvetas many friends and family tufted back in a chic restaumembers around a kitchen rant. dining table or in a breakfast No matter the style, a ban- nook. It’s a comfortable and quette is a highly functional, casual space. distinctly versatile and spaceMany of us have sat at saving seating and storage banquettes at restaurants. solution.

Think of children squished When designing a baninto a pizza parlor celebrating

lifted, the inside is wide open for your storage needs. Drawer storage also works well, but the drawer itself, along with its hardware and any supports, will take up space and minimize your storage options.

Consider the materials needed to fabricate your banquette – and any accessory pillows or cushions – and what storage solution will make the most sense for your needs.

Banquette seating is efficient. It uses just the space required for comfortable seating and storage. If you have a plain wall, a bay window or a space just big enough for a Banquette seating ideas work well in small spaces, because table, but no room for chairs, a banquette might be a perfect they require less depth than a traditional table and chairs space-saving solution. They are made to back up to a wall a birthday or a baseball win, also provide storage. Either to get rid of wasted space. or a group of friends cozied the top of the seat lifts up for Dining chairs take up quite up to a cocktail table, flanked full storage access, or drawers a bit of space as you move by sparkly and velvet pillows, on the face pull out. The best them from under the table happily sipping their cocktails. selling point for a lift-top ban- apron so you can be seated.

A residential banquette can quette is that once the top is

But a banquette is stationary and the clearances between table and bench are just big enough for you to scoot in and out.

Banquettes fill the void when you need to take advantage of space without crowding a general living space.

Not only are banquettes highly functional, providing storage and taking advantage of square footage that may be lost when using traditional furniture, they can also be a pretty focal point within any room where you need to create a unique place to sit and discreetly store your belongings.

Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design based in Clayton. Contact her with questions, comments and suggestions at jenna@j-designs.com.a

October 20, 2023

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

Page B5

Moderation is key to healthy holiday season bad for children and adults.

Make your own goodies when you can, so you can control the ingredients.

CHOCOLATE CHIP OATMEAL COOKIES Makes 32 cookies (8 grams of added sugar per cookie)

Submitted photo

Each one of Cindy Gershen’s homemade chocolate chip oatmeal cookies has about 8 grams of added sugar.

the holidays.

The binge at the holidays is bad for the waistline, and it’s hard on the liver. Remember: Your liver is the filter for your body.

If you’re going to eat desserts, make them yourself.

Offer guests alternatives to store-bought treats. Try plain

yogurt with berries or a drizzle of local fresh honey or maple syrup. Use real butter and organic coconut sugar.

How about baked apples with cinnamon and honey.

Stay away from processed foods and treats that pack a lot of additives to extend their shelf life. The additives are

Mystery master Agatha Christie haunts with ‘Halloween Party’ the facts he will need to solve the crime. She then likens Poirot to a computer. And Poirot’s comment about sexy girls wanting “a pop singer with a raucous voice, expressive eyes and large masses of unruly hair” may take today’s reader back a bit. They may not be specifically named, but when Mrs. Oliver suggests that Poirot should buy more comfortable shoes, shoes “all the hippy-looking boys wear nowadays,” Hush Puppies almost immediately comes to mind. Poirot remarks that girls’ skirts were getting shorter and shorter while boys In response to the request looked like “peacocks or birds for seasonal haunting topics, I of paradise.” Christie’s lanfound myself in the company guage, English for sure, but of Agatha Christie’s “Halvery English indeed, occasionlowe’en Party.” It’s subtitle, “A ally sent this reader to a dicHercule Poirot Mystery” told tionary. I can’t ever remember me that although I could using the word mountebank. count on Christie’s writing, I “Hallowe’en Party” gives would find myself tripping bobbing for apples a whole over Hercule Poirot’s correct new meaning. The party, given pronunciation no matter how by a wealthy widow in a commany times I practiced saying munity not far from London, it. Yes, I know I didn’t have to is an annual event. The charsay it out loud, but for some acters include those who supannoying reason my brain plied the spooky atmospheric insisted that I read it with the special effects (lights, mirrors, correct pronunciation. just the right size bobbing What caught my attention bucket), the cooks, the invited in this 1969 novel, which is children, from youngsters to probably not new to many of teens, the parents of those you, are the things that were children, and miscellaneous part of the 60s, things I had others who would never miss forgotten went back that far. a Hallowe’en party. The guest “Do you know what you of honor is Mrs. Oliver, a sound like?” asks Mrs. Oliver popular murder mystery novof Poirot after he explains all elist (Agatha Christie, maybe?)

SUNNY SOLOMON

BOOKIN’ WITH SUNNY

visiting her friend who is among those at the party.

Let’s cut to the chase.

Sometime shortly before the guests have left, a young girl who bragged of once witnessing a murder, is herself murdered by downing in the bobbing for apples bucket. Mrs. Olivers suspects the girl’s death is not an accident and calls upon her friend Hercule Poirot to help. The mystery is superb. We find out almost all there is to know about almost everybody who attended or helped at the party. They are all suspects. Poirot’s sleuthing goes back generations so that before the novel ends, the number of murders is at least four. The reader continues to guess and re-guess until smartly moustached Hercule Poirot puts us out of our misery.

The answer(s) is fiendishly clever and uncovers witches, jealous lovers, a forged will, faeries, a covered wishing well, and a seductive hidden rock garden.

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.’

¾ c. organic coconut sugar (try Trader Joe’s) or regular brown sugar 4 oz. softened butter or butter alternative 1 egg (or 1 T ground

flaxseed with 2 T water; let set for 2 minutes) 1 c. rolled oats 1 c. plus 2 T flour or gluten-free flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. vanilla 1½ c. dark chocolate chips Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Cream butter and sugar together. Add all other ingredients and mix together; don’t overmix.

Bake 10-12 minutes.

CINDY GERSHEN

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

Navigating family trauma while caring for aging parents Q. Gowing up, my power of attorney and brother and I did not have a advanced health-care direcgood relationship with our tives. Look into estate planmother. Now that she’s ning if there is property. aging and needs more care, Seek support: Connect I find myself in a difficult with caregiver support groups situation. I don’t have the for emotional help and practifinancial means to place her cal advice. in a care facility, and I’m Set limits: Recognize your struggling to have her live boundaries and seek alternawith me. I’ve reached out to tive living arrangements for my brother, asking him to your mother if necessary, prieither contribute to the cost oritizing her safety and your DOMINIQUE KING of in-home care or share well-being.

LEAN IN the caregiving responsibiliNavigating this situation ties equally, but he has involves effective communicaWITH LOVE declined to do either. Any tion, financial exploration and In-home care options: suggestions on what I seeking support while prioriResearch affordable in-home should do? tizing your well-being. Making care services tailored to your arrangements for older loved A. Caring for an aging par- budget and your mother’s ones without established plans needs. Agencies can provide ent, especially when there’s a or safety nets is challenging. I various levels of support. history of trauma within the want to stress the importance Community resources: family, presents emotional and of leaning on an established Look into local programs and support team or encouraging financial challenges. In your organizations that offer caresituation, it’s tough to afford you to begin building one. giver support, respite care or care facilities and living with Be well; you are worthy. subsidies for senior care servyour mother is challenging. ices.

Your brother has refused to Respite care: Prioritize contribute financially or share Dominique King is a wife, your well-being by considering mother, lifestyle blogger and avid caregiving responsibilities.

Here are some suggestions for respite care, allowing you to long-distance runner. Email questake breaks and recharge. addressing this dilemma: tions and comments to her at Legal and financial planEffective communication: Inileaninwiththekings@gmail.com. ning: Consult an attorney to tiate an open and respectful conversation with your broth- handle legal matters like er. Share your concerns and the emotional toll caregiving takes on you. Seek to understand his perspective, as there might be underlying reasons for his refusal, like financial constraints or personal issues.

925-381-3757 Mediation: If communication falters, consider involving a neutral third party, such as a family therapist or mediator, to facilitate discussions and reach a mutually agreeable arrangement.

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Halloween kicks off of the sugar season. It’s a wild ride of sugar high on Halloween — with Thanksgiving and Christmas parties not far behind.

It’s not surprising that afterward, January is statistically the month with the highest incidence of heart attacks and strokes. But there are ways to avoid overdoing it through two months of holiday festivities.

If you want to buy candy to give to trick-or-treaters, make sure they’re mini-sized. I go to Trader Joe’s and get little packs of trail mix or almonds, and small bottled waters. In the excitement of Halloween, kids become dehydrated while haunting the neighborhood.

They always accept the water and thank me for it.

The message for kids is moderation and protection.

Limit sugar to less than 25 added grams daily and only eat one dessert per day over

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Football, from page B1 SEASON SCHEDULES Clayton Valley Charter (Open Div./Div. 1) 8/25 W 17-0 at Salinas, 9/1 L 27-37 Higley-Gilbert, AZ, 9/9 L 0-28 at Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills, 9/15 W 21-14 at Turlock, 9/29 L 0-26 JesuitCarmichael, 10/6 L 7-35 San Ramon Valley, 10/13 W 41-29 Foothill-Pleasanton, 10/20 Monte Vista-Danville, 10/27 at California-San Ramon, 11/3 at De La Salle.

College Park (Div. 3) – 8/25 W 14-0 at FremontOakland, 9/8 W 49-14 at Oakmont-Roseville, 9/15 L 12-38 at Antioch, 9/22 L 056 Acalanes-Lafayette, 9/29 L 12-21 Miramonte, 10/6 L 21-49 at Campolindo, 10/13 L 0-41 Las Lomas, 10/20 Northgate,

land, 10/13 33-27 TO at San Ramon Valley, 10/20 Foothill-Pleasanton, 10/27 10/27 at Benicia, 11/3 at Monte Vista–Danville, Alhambra.

11/3 Clayton Valley Charter.

Concord (Div. 4) - 8/25 L 0-41 at Newark MemoriMt. Diablo (Div. 4) al-Newark, 9/1 L 0-49 at 8/25 W 39-28 Deer Valley, Alameda, 9/8 W 26-21 9/1 W 40-14 Mission-San San Lorenzo, 9/14 L 0-24 Francisco, 9/8 L 27-31 at Archie Williams-San Ansel- Oakland Tech, 9/15 W 53mo, 9/22 W 36-34 Mt. 20 San Lorenzo, 9/22 W Eden-Hayward, 9/29 L 0- 36-33 at Castlemont-Oak43 Alhambra, 10/6 L 12- land, 10/6 W 49-22 Ygna48 Las Lomas, 10/13 W cio Valley, 10/13 L 47-49 32-6 at Ygnacio Valley, at Alhambra, 10/21 Bere10/21 at Berean Christian, an Christian, 10/28 at Col10/27 Mt. Diablo. lege Park, 11/4 Concord.

Valley, 9/8 L 0-40 Twelve Bridges-Lincoln, 9/22 L 2728 at Miramonte, 9/29 L 31-38 at Las Lomas, 10/6 L 13-54 at Acalanes, 10/13 L 14-35 Campolindo, 10/20 at College Park, 10/27 Alhambra, 11/3 Benicia.

Ygnacio Valley (Div. 6) – 8/26 L 6-34 Alameda, 9/1 L 0-38 at Lower Lake, 9/9 L 26-48 Kennedy-Richmond, 9/15 L 8-27 Washington-San Francisco, 9/23 L 8-20 at Galileo-San Francisco, 9/29 L 6-56 at Pinole Valley, 10/6 L 22-49 at Mt. Diablo, 10/13 L 6De La Salle (Open Northgate (Div. 3) - 32 Concord, 10/20 at Div./Div. 1) – 8/25 L 14-35 8/25 L 10-35 at Reno, 9/1 Alhambra, 10/27 Berean Orange Lutheran-Orange, L 42-44 Tamalpais-Mill Christian.

9/2 L 0-28 at Serra-San Mateo, 9/8 W 35-17 at Saint Francis-Mountain View, 9/15 W 24-10 St. Please let our advertisers Mary’s-Stockton, 9/22 W 14-7 at Folsom, 9/29 W know you saw them in the Pioneer.

21-0 McClymonds-Oak-

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Page B6

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

October 20, 2023

TH E ART S Studs Terkel, Fats Waller jazz and zombies – October has it all For tickets, call 925-9437469 or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

Clayton Theatre Company’s “Working” will also entertain appreciative audiences through Oct. 28. This engaging musical, based on Studs Terkel’s interviews with American workers from all lines of work, paints vivid portraits of SALLY HOGARTY them as they go about their jobs. Whether it’s Dolores STAGE STRUCK telling why she loves being a waitress or Tom the firefighter You can still catch Contra becoming emotional about the Costa Musical Theatre’s lives he has saved, they all give swinging production of “Ain’t a slice of Americana and the Misbehavin’,” which continues pride taken in doing a good through Oct. 29 at Walnut day’s work.

Creek’s Lesher Center for the The cast includes Nathalie Arts, 1601 Civic Dr. Archangel, James Bradley Jr., The tribute to the incredi- Kevin Coren, Russ Kladko, ble songwriter Fats Waller is Megan Larsen, Mary Katherfull of tunes from the 1920s ine Patterson, Linda Sciacqua and 1930s. Sometimes sassy and Gina Yetner. and at other times sultry, the “Working” performs at show includes such tunes as Clayton’s Endeavor Hall, 6008 “Honeysuckle Rose,” “This Center St. For tickets, go to Joint is Jumpin’ ” and, of claytontheatrecompany.com. course, “Ain’t Misbehavin’.”

As “Working” closes, the

company prepares for its next show with auditions for “But Why Bump Off Barnaby?”

The comedic mystery auditions Nov. 5-6 and performs March 1-16. Go to www.claytontheatrecompany.com to schedule an audition.

Be careful the next time you travel to Walnut Creek – you might just run into a zombie. OK, maybe not on the street but you certainly will if you attend Synergy Theater’s “Z is for … Zombie: An Improvised Zombie Apocalypse!”

Don’t panic, however, with these zombies you’re more likely to succumb to fits of laughter than anything else.

“Some of the characters are regular townsfolk and others are shape-shifting zombies from space who have killed, eaten and taken the form of their unsuspecting victims,” explained Synergy artistic director Kenn Adams. “When the story begins, nobody knows who is still human and who has been turned into a zombie – not even the cast.

So, all through the show the characters are trying to stay alive when, at any moment, the person they trust the most might suddenly go zombie and suck out their brains.”

The improvised horror spoof runs through Oct. 29 at the Lesher Center. Call 925943-7469 or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

Also helping get us in the mood for Halloween is the Drama Factory production of “The House on Galloway Street, a Ghost Story” through Oct. 21.

The original story by John Ballesteros centers on the

Photo by Arastoo Darakhshan

Justine Moser, left, Arastoo Darakhshan, Adrián Bosada, Shane Walker, Lynn Shields, Ben Piper and Cody B. Morrison improv “Z is for … Zombie” in Walnut Creek through Oct. 29.

Clayton Theatre Company

Directed by Roxanne Pardi Assistant Director & Choreographer La Tonya Watts Musical Director Jess Reyes Tickets: ClaytonTheatreCompany.com or 925-334-0880 Adults: $29 • Seniors: $25 • Students: $22 Endeavor Hall • 6008 Center St. • Clayton, CA

Nick Eisenbart

Owner/Service Provider Concord resident

both events plus scary Halloween movies at the theater at 636 Ward St., Martinez, go to www.campbelltheater.com.

One of my favorite comedies, “You Can’t Take It With You,” is up next for Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble. The Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman comedy about an eccentric but goodhearted family runs Nov. 3-12 at the

Edna Hill Theatre in downtown Brentwood.

For tickets, go to https://ghostlightte.org/youcant-take-it-with-you.

Sally Hogarty is well known around the Bay Area as a newspaper columnist, theatre critic and working actress. She is the editor of the Orinda News. Send comments to sallyhogarty@gmail.com

The bigger the better for this sculptor/teacher

ARTS IN MOTION

October Saturday

Friday 13

14 7:30 pm

20

2:00 pm 7:30 pm 21

7:30 pm 27

Sunday 15 2:00 pm 22

2:00 pm 7:30 pm

2:00 pm

28 7:30 pm

2:00 pm 7:30 pm

Please visit our website for COVID protocols and updates.

Working (2012 Revised Version) is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) www.mtishows.com

925.348.5609

Photo by Linda Carter

Courtney Rhone, left, Rudy Brown, Ashley Fornee, Dedrick Weathersby, Andrea Daniel and Chris Poston are featured in Contra Costa Musical Theatre’s “Ain’t Misbehavin’ ” through Oct. 29 at the Lesher Center.

JOHN NAKANISHI

presents

From the book by Studs Terkel Adapted by Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso

ghost of the Crying Girl told in a high school setting with three flashback vignettes. The website notes the play has “instances of disturbing content that maybe unsettling for some audience members.”

Shows take place at the Nick Rodriguez Theatre, 213 F St., Antioch. For tickets, go to www.dramafactory.org.

And, if you hurry, you can catch one of the final performances of Pittsburg Theatre Company’s “Young Frankenstein.” The Mel Brooks musical runs through Oct. 21 at California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg.

For more information and tickets, go to https://pittsburgcommunitytheatre.org/sh ows/youngfrankenstein.

The Martinez Campbell Theater closes out October with several fun events, including Act II Improv at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21. The improvised pieces are made up from audience suggestions. Look for a stage reading of “Hero,” a new musical by Jim Maher, at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 22.

For more information on

skimndipllc.com

Five Stars on Yelp

Serving all of Contra Costa County for over 15 years Including Marsh Creek, Morgan Territory

If you ever see a giant metal sculpture of a bug, you might be looking at the work of Jake Edwards.

The longtime East Bay artist’s sculptures are impressive and large. Brightly colored finishes, weather-worn steel and metallic alloys capture your eye. Often with the use of recycled items, such as mufflers, his mixed-media sculptures take you into a fantastic, surrealistic world of giant creatures.

Edwards has been teaching art at Liberty High School in Brentwood for 19 years. His students benefit from seeing how he builds his large sculptures as well as getting his help to produce their own. Their collaborative works-in-progress fill the classroom. The grounds hold many student-created mosaic tile sculptures.

There’s a working barbecue dragon, with smoke issuing out of its nostrils when the grill is going.

As part of the high school’s Public Art and Design Academy, Edwards mentors interested seniors on how to apply for public art projects with the city. In early 2024, Edwards and his students plan on building a massive sculpture somewhere in Brentwood.

Edwards had always wanted to show his art. It finally happened after 11 years as a teacher. He started teaching in the Youth Empowerment Program, an after-school program for kids. At the end of that program, the Delta Art Gallery in Brentwood displayed his student’s work, and he realized he could submit some of his own.

His first entry was a giant dragonfly, which opened the

Contributed photo

Jake riding “Reyes Horse.” Taken at Liberty High School, December 21, 2022. Installed at a client’s backyard in the Folsom area

gallery world to the artist.

Since that first exhibit, he has received invitations to show his work in many galleries, from the Bay Area to Southern California.

On a drive to Southern California to deliver a sculpture, he stopped by Ricardo Breceda’s Art Gallery & Sculpture Garden in Aguanga. He met the artist and work crew, and they were impressed by his sculpture.

The encouraging comments from Breceda, his crew, other admiring art lovers and from honking drivers as they noticed his massive sculpture enroute gave him confidence to create more.

“I’m onto something here,” Edwards recalls thinking. “I’m going to keep making crazier stuff.”

Edwards enjoys experimenting with materials and techniques. He sculpted a grasshopper two years ago, but recently remade it with eyes that light up – a student’s suggestion.

“I like trying to figure out new stuff, not do the same thing over and over,” says Edwards.

Even when a design becomes a bestseller, such as the 25 to 30 praying mantis sculptures he has sold in the last two years, he is always making improvements in the paint job and design details.

“When I look back on when I first started them, I’ve totally evolved.”

Edwards prefers to use his time creating rather than

planning a project. “I generally just think about it and start it. Once I start it, I don’t stop,” he notes.

One horse project took him three months to build, working from 4 a.m. until breakfast, then several more hours after school and on weekends. At a certain point into a huge project, he says, “I’m pumped to go work on it. I’ll even dream about it sometimes.”

Edwards is a prolific artist, creating four or five massive sculptures a year. It took him two months to complete a tiger statue for the Primavera Spring Art Show in Danville. Edwards was also a featured artist at the summer’s Sculpture in the Garden exhibit at the Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek.

For now, you can visit his exhibits at the Blackhawk Gallery in Danville and the JOR Fine Art Gallery in Clayton. Coming soon, he will complete his site installation at the Gregangelo Museum, an immersive art experience in San Francisco.

For more information, email edwards174@yahoo.com, call 916-300-6072 or see his work on Instagram @edwards174.

John Nakanishi is an acrylic painter and a ceramic artist.

Email comments and suggestions for future columns to phjona@gmail.com.

October 20, 2023

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

Page B7

Latest new sounds from OakTown “Nowhere,” an introspective journey across 13 songs dealing with personal growth and the complexities of love. As with previous releases, “Nowhere” features the entrancing vocals and hauntDAVE HUGHES ing harmonies over a sonic THE BEAT OF landscape of synthesizers, drumbeats, and live percusDIABLO sion. The Seshen is performing Oct. 20 at the New Parish Every few months, I in Oakland. More information inform readers about new at TheSehsen.com. albums and EPs coming out Attendees of this year’s of the East Bay, with an Spring Brews Fest in Todos emphasis on bands and artists Santos Plaza may recall the from Diablo Valley. This incredible energy that Forrest month, we’re heading to the Day and his genre-blending other side of the Caldecott band brought to the stage.

Tunnel to check out a handful On his latest EP “In Limbo”, of recent releases from Oakthat energy shines across five land, an especially prolific city new inspirational tunes on the in terms of new music as of subjects of love and loss. late.

Forrest Day is performing in The Seshen is back with their signature blend of synth- Half Moon Bay on Oct 21. pop and soulful R&B in their More information at ForrestDay.com. new mesmerizing album

Artemisia is a female trio that has developed their sound from a shared affinity for Appalachian folk music, which is evident on their new album “Catastrophe Darling”.

Expect mostly acoustic instrument – including dulcimer, harp, violin, and ukulele, intelligently layered to create delightfully warm sounds to compliment their brilliant vocal harmonies.

“Queer Glam Goth” is how Pretty Frankenstein describe themselves aesthetically, but I’d describe their overall sound as ranging from punk to experimental rock, often with spooky elements and undertones. Their new EP “Tarantula” adds two more originals to their catalog, plus a fun cover song. They’re playing the Spire Church in Oakland on Oct. 28. More information at PrettyFrankenstein.com

Plenty of new albums and EPs over the last few months have been coming from Oaklandbased musicians. Links to recent releases from all around the East Bay can be found at ConcordRockCity.com

that’s The Hot Takes, basically.

Their new EP “The Hot Takes II” brings us five new, immensely catchy, danceable, upbeat anthems. Check out “Up All Night”, their first single off the new EP, to see what I mean.

FeeFawFum is a fiery rock group with an urgent sound that’s somehow both frantic and restrained. Each of their nine original songs on their debut album “100” demand your attention right out the gate, and then race along with Now is also the time to elements of math rock and add some native plants to your the general “freak out” vibes landscape. Manzanita, monof Zappa and Devo. The key flowers, Ribes, Verbena excitable ride might be too De La Mina, Ceanothus, Rom- abrasive for some, but others neya coulteri, Salvia Bee’s will find it stimulating and Bliss, are just a few of the inspired. For the timid, maybe more commonly enjoyed start with the track “Evernatives for your Clayton Valley green.” garden or landscape.

Locals who attended Day 2 This summer’s veggie beds of Creative Concord’s Art & were a huge success! TomaMusic Jam in the park this toes, cucumbers, spaghetti month may have caught a persquash gave us high yields. formance by the new postBut as the ripening slows, it punk group Diabolical Pool becomes time to remove, Party. Their debut EP “Dripreplenish the soil and install ping Wet” offers five original cool season vegetables. tracks with moody synthesizers, glimmering guitar, moanRemember those classic, unsanctioned house parties in feel-good 80s movies? Usually with a full house of teenagers dancing wildly to some upbeat rock band? Well,

Seize the season: Fall planting for a beautiful landscape NICOLE HACKETT

GARDEN GIRL

The fall planting season is finally upon us. During the early days of fall, our soil is still warm, which is an excellent environment for plant and tree roots to begin to establish. If all goes well, the rains will follow shortly after installation. This is the time of year to install foundation shrubs and trees, rehab browning lawns, add to our perennial beds, install some native plants, plant winter veggies and spruce up tired container plantings. It’s a lot to do, but the reward of a beautiful landscape is worth it.

Many have planned throughout the summer for what they’ll install come fall.

Trees are the most popular fall installations. Folks seek Crape myrtle, Chinese Pistache, Japanese maples, Smoke trees and Fruitless Olive trees, all of which thrive in our environment.

Foundation shrubs are the bushes that define our landscapes. They support our homes, walkways, and fence lines. Dwarf nandina (interesting winter foliage), Abelia (variegated leaves of gold and green), Escallonia (dark green leaves and rosy, red spring flowers) and Euonymus (selection of bushes and groundcovers), are all sturdy, basic choices for our landscapes. They are proven to tolerate our clay soil, hot sun,

Escallonia is an evergreen shrub known for its attractive foliage and clusters of small, tubular flowers. Finely textured, glossy, deep green foliage emits a sweet fragrance.

and have low water needs.

Leucadendron (fabulous foliage and colorful bracts throughout winter), Acacia Cousin Itt (dark green willowy evergreen shrub that grows exactly like the name implies), Grevillea (large group of evergreen plants with unique shaped flowers that hummingbirds can’t resist), are all interesting selections that will flourish in our Clayton Valley gardens.

Summer is so rough on our lawns. Even with the best care, summer browning can be an issue. Now is the time to get your lawn back in shape before winter. Get your turf aerated and dethatched. This makes the soil penetrable again. Spread a layer of high nitrogen soil conditioner throughout the grass to add nutrients naturally. Follow up with a dose of lawn food, and you’ll be on your way to a greener, happier lawn.

Our flowering beds and

R&M is the place for • Sales, repairs & supplies of all pool equipment • Extensive collections of perennials, annuals, trees, shrubs, roses & houseplants • Premium potting soils & conditioners, decorative bark & mulch

borders gave it their all this spring and summer. It is time to give back. Rake away the layer of mulch or bark and spread a couple inches of a premium compost beneath the drip line of your perennials.

Work the new compost into the soil using a cultivator.

Prune away spent flowers and pinch back browning leaves.

While the bark is pulled back, it would be a good time to install some fall and winter blooming perennials.

Osteospermum has daisy shaped flowers, a mounding, sprawling growth habit and comes in any color combination imaginable. Looking for dramatic leaves in your beds to offset your flowers, consider any of the amazing Heuchera. Craving body and foundation in a border, look at the azaleas. Azaleas are evergreen, they’ll bloom late winter through spring and their large flowers can be seen from a distance.

R& M Celebrates

40 Year3 s 1983—202

POOL, DARTS, LIVE MUSIC and GOOD FOOD Mon - Sat 11 am to 1:30 am Sun 10 am to 1:30am (during football season)

Oct./Nov. Line-Up Fri - Oct 13. . . . DJ Bobby Raw Sat - Oct 14 . . . DRI featuring Defiance, Hellbender & Frolic Fri - Oct 20. . . . Metal Night with Viscelator, Vice Versa, The Beauty in Death, Sovereign Suicide Sat - Oct 21 . . . Motorbabe, featuring Immortallica and Unearthed Fri - Oct 27. . . . Lommori Productions Presents:Niviane~Phantom Witch~Jesus Crisis~From Hell

Fri - Nov 3 . . . . Transcending Lawrence and Power Up Sat - Nov 4 . . . . Motley 2 and Power Chord Fri - Nov 10 . . . Dj Bobby Raw Sat - Nov 11 . . . Raggaeton Night Fri - Nov 17 . . . WOMP Night Sat - Nov 18 . . . Unchained and Def Leppard

Sat - Oct 28 . . . Halloween Party with AXIS Weds - Nov 1 . . Comedy night hosted by 925 Thunder

Oct. 28

Regular Weekly Schedule Sunday - Corn Toss Open Tournament 1:30 p.m. ($10 to play).

Indie Rock Bands at 7pm (no cover)

Pool, Patio, Gifts & Gardens 6780 Marsh Creek Road, Clayton Family owned and operated since 1983

See Garden, page B8

ing saxophone, and melancholy vocals. Diabolical Pool Party is sure to find a fan in anyone who enjoys the sounds of ‘80s darkwave.

Ryan Pate is an avant garde jazz guitarist and composer who splits his time between New York and Oakland. His new album “Superbloom” is all electric guitar, with some knob-twisting of various effect pedals, resulting in a visceral sound that’s both relaxing and compelling. As a jazz composer, Pate isn’t shy about embracing “the blue notes” in his writing, which gives this ethereal work an edginess that separates it from other guitar-based ambient works. Lush tones, loops, and layering draw the listener in, while intriguing modal movements throughout the album prevent it from ever falling into the background.

“Superbloom” is due out on Oct. 27.

Links to all of the aforementioned releases and more can be found at ConcordRockCity.com.

Contact Dave Hughes at MrDaveHughes@gmail.com.

Hours: Tues-Sat 9-5, Sun 10-4, Closed Monday

925-672-0207

Thursday - Salsa & Bachata Dance

Monday - Open Mic Night hosted by Joey Nunez and Vince Lay (no cover) Sign-up by 8:30

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

Tuesday - Country Line Dancing with

Saturday - Aces Cracked Poker

DJ Delta Dave (no cover) 8pm

League (free to play) 1pm

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

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

925-685-9515

www.vinniesbar.com

Page B8

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

October 20, 2023

Handmade noodles take center stage at Lanzhou table with scissors to ease picking up noodles with chopsticks.

Lanzhou pairs its selections with sauces comprised of chilis, garlic, black beans, onions, cumin, sesame, scallions and cilantro. The results are spicy dishes that are not too overpowering for most of their diverse clientele.

I found many great choices from a long list of appetizers.

RICHARD EBER Each dish is unique, and I TASTE & TELL highly recommend sharing these delights with others.

Several friends, including We started with seaweed my buddy from Baldwin Dog salad, which was much spicier Park, implored me to try than the Japanese version Impression of Lanzhou – a most of us have tried. new Chinese noodle restauLanzhou’s cucumbers in a garrant. lic-vinegar marinade contrastIt was nice to see that the ed well with other menu selecmenu featured unique, North- tions. Over the course of our ern China style cuisine rather meal, the cucumber evolved than the mediocre fried rice, into the composition of a sweet and sour pork, or beef pickle. with oyster sauce found in We also opted for the popmost Cantonese eateries. ular pig ear appetizer, which Located inland in a cooler reminded me of Italian lunchclimate than the south, the eon meats. area is known for wheat Up next were meat-filled farms. Instead of rice being a pastries that resembled staple of the diet, their go-to piroshkis. This should be no food is handmade noodles. surprise as Northern China Impression of Lanzhou offers borders Russia. The spicy this freshly made product to cumin lamb pita burger was their customers each day. delicious. Lanzhou offers pork Owner Elaine Dai and her and beef versions of this dish partner chef Cheng, who only as well. goes by his last name, produce We also ordered the pork angel hair, thin, thick, small and chive steamed dumplings. flat and wide noodles without My favorite were the spicy the use of machinery. When wontons. The stuffing for stretched, the handmade pasta both items was plentiful and is so long that they equip each paired well with the garlic-

Photo Credit XXX

Lanzhou’s chef Cheng stretches noodles without the help of machinery. The noodles are so long that each table has a pair of scissors.

pepper sauce.

Their cold skin noodles are ideally suited for warm weather dining. Preparing this delicate dish is a time-consuming process, with the chef diluting the pasta dough to separate the gluten, but the end product is well worth it. Because this takes so long, Cheng can fulfill no more than 15 to 20 orders per day.

This brings me to Lanzhou’s soups, with noodles cooked in a rich beef stock.

We tried their signature beef bone soup. It consisted of five layers of broth, meat, noodles, daikon radish and greens. Sea-

Garden, from page B7

sies and ornamental cabbage.

Remember to freshen the potting soil when you’re tending It’s time to plant lettuce, generally successful, and many to your containers. Use a potting soil geared to high prospinach, chard, and kale if you of the available installations duction plants. like leafy greens. Onions, gar- are pretty to look at too.

Nicole is the Garden Girl at lic and beets can also be Container plantings almost R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. installed. Broccoli, caulialways need a fall sprucing. It You can contact her with questions or flower, cabbage and Brussel is time to remove petunias comments by email at sprouts are available too. and vinca and replace them gardengirl94517@yahoo.com Cool season vegetables are with violas, snapdragons, pan-

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sonings that included sesame, red pepper and peanut sauce created a culinary masterpiece.

They offer seven types of soup, including braised pork rib and lamb noodle.

Not to be missed are Lanzhou’s sautéed handmade noodle selections. Most of this part of their menu fea-

tures Chow Mein or Chow Fung style dishes found in more traditional Chinese restaurants. A major difference here is that fresh ingredients impart a unique taste to every bite. There is also a vegetarian egg Chow Mein for those who don’t consume meat.

They cook each item to order, and Dai assured me that they can accommodate different diet requirements for content and spice levels for everything they serve.

“At the present time, we have a small menu for which we concentrate on making each dish a quality experience,” Dai says.

Impression of Lanzhou more than fills these expectations and is a welcome addition to the local culinary scene.

Although Lanzhou has no dessert selections, nearby businesses in Park and Shop can ably fill any sweet tooth needs.

This includes treats from Uji Time Dessert, Quickly, Casa Del Alfajor and 85°C Bakery.

Located at 1657 Willow Pass Road, Impression of Lanzhou is open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily, but closed 2:30-4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Call 925-609-9090.

Rich Eber is a local journalist and long time resident of Concord.

He covers topics from politics to gourmet food. Contact him at rjerje@pacbell.net

Beautiful Zion:

Conquering Angels’ Landing

Angels Landing is one of the most visited destinations in Zion National Park. Parts of the half-mile section of the trail starting at Scout Lookout are less than three-feet wide and have chains to hold. But the views are worth the work and the top is a great place to celebrate a wedding anniversary.

After a long drive, we felt like we’d struck it rich in the high desert of Utah and our bounty wasn’t silver or gold, but rather a coveted hiking permit to Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park.

Visiting ZNP requires a fee to enter and during the busy summer months, park access is via shuttle bus only.

ZNP is under 150,000 acres, small by National Park Standards, but the scenery inside the boundary’s packs quite a visual punch. Vermillion, white and orange rock can be seen in every direction with the speckles of greenery and monuments looking over you as if in a naturistic trance.

Plan in advance to get a permit to Angel’s Landing or take your chances on the day before lottery. Visit recreation.gov and paya nonrefundable fee of $6 to enter the lottery with $3 per person charge if selected – well worth the price of admission.

Trip tips for Angel’s Landing. Plan to leave early to beat the heat and minimize your chances of getting caught in a thunderstorm. Carry ample water and sunscreen, and to avoid summer crowds visit off season and mid-week–no joking here.

We already had plans to hike “The Narrows”, a trek up the North Fork of the Virgin River with 90% of the trail in knee to waste deep water but bagging both of these hikes on a three-day visit was a bonus.

From the Grotto Trailhead at Shuttle Stop 6, take the hiker’s bridge over the Virgin River and follow the West

or a spirit for adventure.

Once up top, we sat in a few spots to enjoy the views in every direction. Be aware the top of Angel’s Landing is very exposed and there are few to no places to escape lightning or heavy rains, not to mention that descending is a slow process.

Once back near the trailKEVIN PARKER head, Zion treated us to flash flood rains that transformed HIT THE TRAIL the entire valley into a series Rim Trail which begins as a of cascading waterfalls comsemi-paved route that slowly ing from the cliffs high above. crawls up the canyon shelf.

As quickly as it came, the Expect a series of steep passing of the rains diminswitchbacks known as “Walished the waterfalls as well, ter’s Wiggles” that propel you but what a treat. up in elevation. The trail has We stayed in Springdale, exposed and shady sections Utah at Flanigan’s Resort, and was busy even during don’t miss the breakfast at mid-week.

Oscars and try the Wild Game At Scout’s Lookout the dif- Meatloaf at the Spotted Dog ficulty factor goes bananas as Café. your first steps begin with metal posts and chain that will Get out there. Kevin Parker accompany you most of the has been sharing his love for the way to the top. Perched on outdoors in the Pioneer for almost exposed rock high above the 20 years. Send comments and quesvalley floor is not for everytions to lukehollywood@gmail.com one, but it sure was for us as we celebrated our 21st Wedding Anniversary. Expect to be climbing up rocks, on top Angel’s Landing of roots, through cracks and (ZNP) along a very windy and fully exposed spine of a trail that Trails: West Rim does nothing to pretend it’s Trail, Angel’s easy. But alas, the slow and Landing Trail sure-footed shall prevail as we Trailhead: The saw all ages and fitness levels Grotto, tackling this trail. You actually cannot appreciate what you Shuttle Stop #6 are really climbing on until Distance: 4.8 miles you view Angel’s Landing Elevation Gain: from a distance. Reminiscent 1,500 feet of a stegosaurus backbone, I Time: 3.5 hours cannot imagine hiking this trail without the aid of chains