OCT 27 Concord Pioneer 2017 by Pioneer Publishers

IT’S YOUR PAPER

Park openings double the fun

www.concordpioneer.com

From the desk of...

October 27, 2017

925.672.0500

LAURA HOFFMEISTER

MAYOR

Base reuse planning is progressing

The Base Reuse Community Advisory Committee has been meeting on various aspects of the Master Developers specific plan land use information. The city recently held a third community workshop to gain further input, and the City Council held a public meeting to review the status of the project and respond to various issues. Topics covered by the City Council included confirming Tamara Steiner/Concord Pioneer the buffer area between Bailey The new playground at Ellis Lake Park is a big hit with the local kids. The improvements are part of a $1 milRoad and Willow Pass existing lion project which includes new restrooms at Ellis Lake and a 4900 square-foot playground next to the residences be retained at a minMeadow Homes Spray Park. Officials cut the ribbons on both projects on Oct. 7 imum 275 feet width and a buffer of about 75 feet north

See Mayor, page 6

Carondelet names new aquatics center for Alumna, Olympian Coughlin Hall JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer

Photo courtesy Carondelet High School

Natalie Coughlin was already a competitor on the national and international stage when she swam for the Carondelet High Cougars from 1996-2000.

On Oct. 7, more than four years after a group of determined Monument area residents appeared before the city council asking for playgrounds and improved safety at Meadow Homes and Ellis Lake parks, city officials and representatives from First 5 of Contra Costa and Monument Impact officially cut the ribbons on both. The city council approved $1 million for the parks improvements in June 2015. Funding came from the Measure WW parks bond funds and Measure Q sales tax. A long, wet winter delayed construction and the parks were finally completed this summer. The 4900 square-foot playground at Meadow Homes opened in June adjacent to the Meadow Homes Spray Park on Detroit Ave. The playground includes play structures for tots and older kids. At Ellis Lake, a new large

See Parks, page 5

Community comes together to help North Bay fire evacuees find shelter and support KARA NAVOLIO Correspondent

The spirit of generosity and kindness was alive in Concord in the midst of the tragic fires in the North Bay earlier this month. Oakmont of Montecito on Clayton Road welcomed 75 of the 430 seniors evacuated from Oakmont senior living communities in Santa Rosa as fires chased them from their home early in the morning on Monday, Oct. 9. Many of the seniors arrived in pajamas, without any belongings or medications. Within a few hours after posting a message on Facebook, Montecito had received enough air mattresses, bedding and pillows for all 75 displaced residents. The Concord Police Association brought toiletries, and local dentists dropped off toothbrushes and toothpaste.

They were overwhelmed with clothing donations. “Many people who came to drop off donations stayed to help the evacuees get settled,” said Kurt Knauer, executive director of Montecito. “Some stayed until midnight, including many of our staff, to make sure the seniors felt welcomed. It was miraculous for us to see how people responded.” Two retired nurses volunteered to help the seniors get medications organized and new prescriptions filled. Montecito’s bus driver stayed late to retrieve them from local pharmacies. “It was amazing to see how a crisis brings out the best in people,” added Michaela Olson, marketing director at Montecito. Local businesses brought food, and others in the senior care industry – like Vitas Healthcare, Home Care Assis-

tance of Alamo and Suncrest Hospice – brought over supplies and food. When Carondelet High School’s Jefferson Awards, Students in Action (JA-SIA) Team heard about the evacuated seniors, they wanted to help. Community service coordinator Cindy Lawrence contacted Montecito to find out what items the seniors needed. The JA-SIA Team spent more than half of the club’s award money to buy T-shirts, socks and Chapstick for the residents. They also donated gently used men’s jeans. The students wanted to show the seniors that they care and support them during this difficult time. “My heart immediately went out to all of those who were forced to evacuate their homes from the fire. I could not imagine what they were going through,” said Adriana

Contributed photo

The ballroom and common areas at the Montecito senior community on Clayton Rd. were transformed to dormitorystyle accommodations within hours to shelter 75 seniors evacuated from sister facilities in Santa Rosa.

Conte, Class of ’19. “This service project allowed me and the Jefferson Awards team to make a valuable difference in someone’s life and bring happiness to them despite what they

Concord to add U.S. Coast Guard property to CNWS Reuse Project

Carondelet High School this month announced the naming of its new state-ofthe-art aquatics center for three-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer and 2000 graduate of the school, Natalie Coughlin Hall. The Natalie Coughlin Aquatics Center is a featured part of the school’s new, six-acre Carondelet Athletics Complex, expected to open early next year. “Natalie is an inspiration to countless young women around the globe and a role model to our students past and present,” said Carondelet President Bonnie Cotter. “Natalie is more than a world-class Tamara Steiner/Concord Pioneer swimmer and athlete – she Concord is negotiating with the U.S. Coast Guard to pur-

JOHN T. MILLER Correspondent

The city appears ready to move on negotiating a sale for a valuable piece of U.S. Coast Guard property that borders the former Concord Naval Weapons Station (CNWS) and Olivera Road. The property has been included in the Concord Reuse Specific Planning process. The 58-acre site contains 328 uninhabitable multi-family units that chase 58 acres bordering the Concord Naval Weapons Sta- the Coast Guard used for military personnel. See Coughlin, page 12 tion. The land will be included in the CNWS specific plan The parcel, formerly part of for multi-family affordable housing.

CNWS, was transferred to the Coast Guard in 2007. It housed enlisted personnel who worked on Coast Guard Island in Alameda until 2014, when the buildings were vacated. The existing housing was built in two parts. Both the 1950s-era Quinault Village and the 1980s Victory Village are not up to code, and, due to government exemptions, may not have been built to existing codes at the time. The buildings in the Quinault Village used asbestos and lead paint, while the utility

See CNWS, page 4

had been through. I could never pass up this opportunity.” JA-SIA is a nationally rec-

See Evacuee Aid, page 7

See Inside

East Bay Regional Parks Activity Guide

Inside

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Community . . . . . . . . . . .2

From the desk of . . . . . .6 Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Performing Arts . . . . . .16

COMMUNITY

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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

In Brief... Concord Historical Society’s SpiritsFest celebration will be Oct. 28 from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Galindo Home and Gardens, 1721 Amador Ave., Concord. SpiritsFest features local craft spirits: whiskeys, wines, meads, rums, beers and mocktails; artists and vendors; live entertainment; food and Concord history during a spirited, Halloween-themed evening. The event is sponsored by Rotary Club of Concord, Concord Historical Society, city of Concord, Concord Police Department and Concord Chamber of Commerce. $60. spiritsfest.org.

The San Francisco Foundation has awarded Monument Impact a $50,000 grant as part of the foundation’s People, Place and Power initiative. The funds will help Monument Impact expand its base of community leaders through a training program designed to build leadership skills for residents to effectively advocate for key issues such as safety, displacement, housing and immigrant rights. Monument Impact was one of 140 groups receiving $11.5 million. The initiative’s three interconnected strategies are “expanding access to opportunity by removing systemic barConcord Historical riers to meaningful jobs; Society anchoring communities that reflect people’s culture and The Concord Historical identity; and nurturing equity Society’s Third Annual movements to ensure a strong Dinner-Auction will be political voice for all.” Nov. 11 from 5 to 9 p.m. Monument Impact, a 501 at Centre Concord, 5298 (c)3 organization, is commitClayton Road, Concord. ted to providing training and The theme is “Hail to Our tools for the Monument comVeterans.” Tickets are $60 munity to become economieach, $600 for a table of cally self-sufficient, healthy 10. Buy tickets at concordand safe, civically engaged, connected to each other and historical.org or mail committed to lifelong learncheck to P.O. Box 404, ing. The group operates one Concord, CA 94522. Inof the longest running day clude your name, address, labor programs in the Bay phone, email and the Area and offers intensive number and names of technology classes in Spanish, guests. Donation is tax as well as ESL and other deductible. All proceeds employment development go to the completion of workshops. the Concord Museum and Monument Impact also Event Center. For more inprovides free physical activity formation, call Carol classes in three parks, mental health workshops and a free Longshore at (925) 326shuttle service. Leadership 7848. development and advocacy Continued next page classes started in August.

Contributed photo

Azucena Virgen, standing at left, is part of Monument Impact’s leadership development classes. Standing at right is Lupe Alaniz, community engagement manager at Monument Impact.

Elks welcome 21st Eagle Scout

Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.

Concord’s “Mr. Christmas,” Bruce Mertz, or “Mr. Xxmas” as he spelled it, died on Oct. 8 at the age of 87. Generations of families all over the Bay Area came to see his dazzling, spinning, flashing Christmas light extravaganza at his home in Concord from Thanksgiving to New Year’s for over three decades. After his wife died several years ago, Mertz almost ended the light display. But, it was his own declining health that eventually caused him to stop the show after the holidays in 2014. Mertz served as a first lieutenant in the United States Air Force for 26 years. While in the service, he went to electrician school. That was his first experience with colored lights. He built his

Christopher Ryan Verga is the 21st Eagle Scout from Boy Scout Troop 1994, a special needs troop started in 1993 by the Concord Elks. The Concord High student earned his badge by replacing a planter bed at Markham

Better Homes BRE#00933393

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(925) 672-4433 georgevujnovich@sbcglobal.net

Arboretum in Concord. Members of the Elks attended his Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Chris and the other Scouts in this troop have thrived under the leadership of Scoutmaster Dave Rowntree.

5264 Hiddencrest Ct. – Concord

Spectacular “Palermo” Model in Crystyl Ranch. 5 bedrooms with first floor study or 6th bedroom featuring a private bath and closet plus and upstairs loft, 5.5 bathrooms, approx. 4287sf., & 3 car garage. Gorgeous updated kitchen boasts rare Brazilian slab granite counters & island, new high-end stainless steel appliances & cherry cabinets. 4 ensuite bedrooms and 2 bedrooms with shared bath. Resort style back yard offers your own private oasis with in-ground pool with spa & waterfall features, extensive aggregate patio & hardscape.

795 Silver Hills Dr. – Brentwood

Lifelong Clayton/Concord Resident

(925) 567-6170 jenstojanovich@yahoo.com www.jenniferstojanovich.com

provided by Better Homes Realty

1629 Chestnut Ave. . . . . . . . $622,000 5350 Olive Drive . . . . . . . . . $575,000 1111 Newhaven Place . . . . . !,210,000 1381 Davis Ave . . . . . . . . . . $575,000 1036 Oak Grove4 Rd #112 . $203,000

Charming single story home in an established Concord neighborhood on a large lot. 2 bedrooms, 1 updated bath, approx. 1121sf. Close to downtown, shopping & Concord BART. Updated eat-in kitchen features stainless steel appliances including Refrigerator and slab Caesar Stone counters & tile floors. Spacious living room with new neutral carpet offers a large picture window and brick wood burning fireplace with insert. Large family room with tile floors and built-in cabinet with pass thru opening from kitchen. Huge back yard features an expansive lawn area and lots of mature shade trees, plus a large fenced side yard.

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Broker-Associate

PRICE

3359 Euclid Ave. – Concord

5220 Keller Ridge Dr. – Clayton

Jennifer Stojanovich

ADDRESS

Tamara Steiner/Concord Pioneer

The need to help after this month’s devastating North Bay fires has been almost universal. Peet’s Coffee is among the many local businesses that have stepped up to aid victims. Pictured are Tina and Brendan, employees at Peet’s in the Clayton Valley Center.

www.georgevujnovich.com

Concord Market Update

own Christmas light displays, adding lights each year. Fourteen timers managed lighting up and powering down the over 52,000 bulbs. At Mertz’s request, there are no services.

Peet’s serves up fire aid

$1,195,000

cell: (925) 348-5700

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BRUCE MERTZ

Tony Benedetti, the Elks exalted ruler, gives Christopher Ryan Verga a certificate and American flag during his Eagle Scout ceremony.

Helping friends, neighbors and newcomers buy and sell since 1979

Cal BRE #00933393

Final farewell to Concord tradition

Grant boosts leadership training at Monument Impact

SpiritsFest

October 27, 2017

Exceptional Custom Built Estate in exclusive, gated Silver Hills. Perched on a hilltop overlooking gently rolling hills and offering un-obstructed panoramic views in all directions from Mt. Diablo, Carquinez, Delta & beyond. Exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail throughout. 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, approx. 4816 sf, 6 car garage & on approx. 11.40 acres. One of a kind. $1,450,000

BED/BATH SALE DATE ADDRESS

. . . . .1270 . . . . . .4/2 . . . . . .10/19/17 . . . . .2008 . . . . . .4/3 . . . . . .10/18/17 . . . . .3867 . . . . . .5/4 . . . . . .10/17/17 . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . .1392 . . . .10/16/17 . . . . .671 . . . . . . .1/1 . . . . . .10/13/17

Stunning Single Story in Falcon Ridge at Oakhurst Country Club. 3 bed 2 bath plus a den approx 2250sf with a 3 car garage and amazing views. Incredible remodel with high end kitchen. Crown moulding, thick baseboards, flooring, updated baths & all new windows and more. $869,000

PRICE

5059 Saint Celestine . . . . . . $640,000 334 Wellington Ave . . . . . . . $399,000 4391 Pembroke Drive . . . . . $625,000 1166 Court Lane . . . . . . . . . $873,500 5460 Concord Blv F7 . . . . . . $239,000

BED/BATH SALE DATE

. . . . .1383 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . .10/13/17 . . . . .1728 . . . . . .4/2 . . . . . .10/12/17 . . . . .1250 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . .10/12/17 . . . . .2700 . . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . .10/11/17 . . . . .794 . . . . . . .1/1 . . . . . .10/10/17

October 27, 2017

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

ELAINE CORTEZ SCHROTH

great restaurants and craft breweries, shopping and an abundance of recreational activities on Mount Diablo.” “I really look forward to the opportunity to focus on showcasing the evolving resources and amenities in Concord,” she added. “Her passion and knowledge of the Concord area and businesses make her a perfect liaison to connect with businesses, groups and sports organizations that want to meet and stay in the Concord area,” said Marilyn Fowler, Concord Chamber president and CEO. Visit Concord celebrated four years at its annual meeting on Sept. 20.

Pittsburg

$415,000

After a slow start, the Safeway store on Willow Pass Road has begun implementing improvements to deal with vagrancy, cleanliness and security at the downtown location. John Montagh, Concord’s Economic Development manager, reports that the city has met a couple of times recently with Safeway staff to address building and site issues. “We are working with the city of Concord to make improvements to the store, including painting the exterior, adjusting the parking lot lighting and assessing the landscaping,” said Wendy Gutshall, director of Public and Government Affairs with Safeway. “In addition to placing locks on the store restrooms to deter improper use, we have also increased security coverage and the day porter cleaning service.” Montagh expects Safeway will soon submit further plans for improvements, including lighting in the parking lot and more exterior upgrades. Concord officials first expressed concerns about the situation on June 1, when Councilwoman Carlyn Obringer, Police Chief Guy Swanger, Officer Kenny Trimble and Montagh communicated with Safeway representatives regarding the appearance of the downtown store and issues related to homeless individuals. In a letter nearly two months later to regional vice president Steve Berndt of

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Concord

$549,000

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Tamara Steiner/Concord Pioneer

Albertsons, which runs Safeway stores, Mayor Laura Hoffmeister wrote: “The city’s concerns seem to have fallen on deaf ears and have not resulted in any change.” Hoffmeister pointed out that with plans for about 800 new residential units in the downtown area, “a refreshed storefront would complement the investment taking place by other private parties and the city downtown.” The development of the former Naval Weapons Station, which will bring in about 29,000 new residents, will also create many retail opportunities. “Before that happens,” Hoffmeister urged, “it would be wonderful if our existing grocery stores addressed their quality of life issues.” In a Sept. 15 letter, the supermarket chain confirmed plans to improve the appearance and security at the store. At first, they declined to allow the Concord Police Department authorization to arrest trespassers. But a few days later, they agreed that the police could take people into

Live Oak — Decorator perfect 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath duet with 2 car garage. Remodeled kitchen with granite counters, breakfast bar and recessed lighting. Light & bright with dual pane windows, soaring ceilings. Approx. 1,683 s.f. with designer paint, laminate flooring and newer furnace, Stone patio oasis, perfect for entertaining. Carol vanVaerenbergh, (925) 672-1772

CVanVaeren@aol.com

custody for loitering or creating a public nuisance on private property. According to Provisional Lt. Ken Carlson, the staff at Safeway has partnered well with police to cut down on problems. “They’ve been incredibly cooperative,” Carlson said. “Since we’ve been working together, the calls for service and arrests are down.” Store employees have been working with police to focus on crime prevention through environmental design. Carlson cited examples of removing electrical plugs from the front of buildings to reduce loitering by street people recharging their cell phones, and creating better visibility and sight lines with landscape maintenance. Councilman Edi Birsan has made it a point to shop frequently at the store. “They’ve hired a security guard for the parking lot, and things seem to be better,” he reported. “It may take time for people to realize the improvements, but it appears Safeway is cooperating and is on the right course.”

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Concord

$509,000

Monte Gardens — Right out of Architectural Digest: stunning, updated single story with great curb appeal and open concept floor plan. Modern manufactured wood floors and dual pane windows. White kitchen with subway tile back splash and stainless steel appliances. 3 bedrooms/1 bath home on huge corner lot with potential RV parking. Inge Yarborough (925) 766-6896 www.IngeYarborough.withwre.com

Concord

$569,000

Clayton Valley Highlands — Charming 3 bedroom, 2 updated bath home with numerous upgrades. Restored hardwood floors, dual pane windows and recessed lighting. Living room with brick fireplace and bay window and updated kitchen with new cabinetry, gas stove and undercabinet lighting. Great backyard with 2 sheds, arbors and fruit trees.

Lynne & Kelly offer free staging on ALL LISTINGS

Clayton

$1,399,000

Peacock Creek — Prime, level lot with breathtaking views of rolling hills. Over 3,900 sq ft home boasting 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths and 4 car garage with workshop and RV Access. Numerous upgrades can be found in this elegant home with a backyard for an outdoor enthusiast. Sparkling pool & spa, built in bbq area and raised patio. This is a perfect 10.

Advertise in the Pioneer 925-672-0500

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$549,800

www.IngeYarborough.withwre.com

$549,000

Boy Scout Troop 262 in Clayton invites Clayton and Concord Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts to a recruiting evening on Tues., Nov. 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the Multi-Use Room of Diablo View Middle School, 300 Diablo View Lane, Clayton. The Boy Scout level is open to boys in sixth grade through age 18. The event starts with a demonstration of America's White Table for Veterans Day followed by games and an information meeting about the troop for adults. RSVP by Nov. 3. Contact Ashley Barrows, recruitment chair, at dragonlit4@att.net or (925) 692-2122.

Hollbrook Heights — Lovely, spacious & totally updated 4bd/2ba 1-story home. Serene setting under a canopy of trees yet only a mile from BART and all downtown amenities. Welcoming neighborhood with pool & clubhouse, nearby parks & more. This one is absolutely charming, it won’t last! Inge Yarborough (925) 766-6896

Walnut Lands — Walnut Lands- This charming single-story home in Concord offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, a light and bright kitchen with backyard access, and a cozy living space. The home is complete with a 2 car garage, RV parking, and a large usable backyard with a covered patio and spa.

Boy Scout Recruiting Evening

Concord

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The Concord Library will host a Halloween CrafterNoon celebration from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Tues., Oct. 31 at 2900 Salvio St., Concord. All ages are invited to participate in spooky crafts, games, contests and the library’s first ever scavenger hunt. Kids are welcome to come in costume. For more info go to ccclib.org/locations/concord

After a long history of inattention to vagrancy, cleanliness and security, the Willow Pass Safeway is finally cleaning up its act.

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Desirable Community – Charming 3 bed, 2 bath home with views of the Mt Diablo foothills. Situated on a quiet circle in a well established neighborhood. Tastefully updated with fresh paint, stone counter tops, tile floors and recessed lighting. Dual pane windows, whole house fan and plenty of extra room for storage. Backyard with mature fruit trees & shed Bonnie Manolas, (925) 216-8162

Concord Library

JOHN T. MILLER Correspondent

The Pioneer wants to know about your anniversaries, weddings, engagements, births, awards and milestones. Please send a short description of your event, a high-resolution photo and your contact info to editor@concordpioneer.com

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In Brief...

Downtown Safeway taking steps to address issues

New leader named for Chamber’s Visit Concord Elaine Cortez Schroth has joined the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce as the executive director for Visit Concord, the Tourism Improvement District. Schroth will oversee the marketing and promotional efforts of Visit Concord, aiming to improve economic growth by building awareness and consideration of Concord as a destination for travelers as well as meeting and event planners. With 1,300 rooms and 75,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, Concord’s nine hotels earned $37 million last year. “This is a great opportunity to let meeting planners and associations know about the convenience, comfort and enriched travel experiences that Concord hotels have to offer,” said Concord Hilton general manager Leo Chandler. As executive director for Leadership San Ramon Valley, Schroth leveraged hotels, restaurants and businesses with meeting planners and event organizers. “The growing dynamics of Concord make it an incredible place not only to be a resident and business owner, but to live, visit and return again,” Schroth said. “Concord has something for everyone – music shows, sporting events,

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Cal BRE# 01309306

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$669,000

Garaventa Oaks — Updated 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in desirable neighborhood. Built in 1985, this 1,697 (approx.) square home has a secret entrance to the park through the backyard. Updated kitchen and bathrooms, inside laundry and a 2 car garage are other bonuses of this great property.

Assisting More Buyers & Sellers than Anyone Else* *Statistics based on Clayton/Concord and Contra Costa County Closed sales by volume (1/2014-12/31/2014). Data by Maxebrdi

"Like" us on

- Windermere Clayton!

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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

October 27, 2017

Veranda’s ‘placemaking’ creates a community living room PEGGY SPEAR Contributor

Imagine a place where you can dine, catch an IMAX movie, watch your children play in a cheerful park, work remotely with free Wi-Fi, enjoy a community concert and even ice skate during the holidays. Not to mention shopping. That is the idea of the Veranda, Concord’s new destination shopping center that

reimagines the concept of a mall. It’s the latest in what developer CenterCal Properties calls “placemaking” – offering more than a collection of stores but a true lifestyle experience. The diverse elements create a unique sense of place that will draw in patrons for a variety of experiences. The 375,000 sq. ft. shopping and entertainment complex features innovative architecture and landscaping,

accented by local art. At the Veranda, amenities and activities come first – with retail uses carefully matched to complement the businesses. Patrons find places they want to be, along with activities such as local concerts and special events. That’s the idea of placemaking: create a community hub that offers many reasons for patrons to stop and enjoy what’s offered. “At other shopping centers, you may stop. But you really do not enjoy the experience,” says Veranda general manager Ashton Simmons. “Enjoying the experience that placemaking creates makes the enjoyment habitual. It will create a desire that will make people want to keep coming back to the Veranda.” The face of retail is always evolving, and the expansion of Internet shopping is just the latest change in the direction of the river of commerce that has been flowing for centuries. At its heart, shopping is a social experience. While technology will make Internet sales easier, the social component of the art of selling should not be underestimated, according to CenterCal Properties CEO Fred Bruning. “Retail centers that are still

Rendering courtesy CenterCal Properties

The first stores in the Veranda shopping center are due to open this weekend. The center includes a luxury IMAX theatre. The center is on the old Chevron site on Diamond Blvd.

thriving pay attention to that sense of place that is often missing today,” he says. “Successful locations will provide pleasing public spaces, serving as gathering places for the community. And this sense of place will be enhanced by other complementary activities such as restaurants, entertainment, play spaces, residences and office space that create such a compelling venue that people want to visit several times per week.” He believes that retail sales will continue to thrive in these environments and that even up and coming Internet companies will choose to locate brick and mortar stores in these places as they roll out their multi-channel sales strategies for the future.

CNWS, from page 1

lines in the Victory Village do not follow the streets but run under the houses, making salvage or renovation impractical. According to a report by Economic Development manager John Montagh, discussions concerning the property began in 2014. The Coast Guard contacted city staff about selling the

property and using the proceeds to build military housing elsewhere in the Bay Area. Since the cost of purchasing 58 acres of developable land would be beyond the city’s means, the city contacted four interested development teams to help complete a negotiated sale and design a plan that would be

“In a sense, it’s a new living room for residents to claim as their own,” he says. This sense of placemaking is the core of the Veranda. The central plaza and park will include a show fountain with a music and light show and vertical jets creating a multitude of effects. The atmosphere and landscaping will form the essential backdrop for not only retail stores appealing to four generations of shoppers, but also integrate entertainment, luxury cinemas, a unique grocery store, carefully chosen restaurants, fitness, office and other activities to make this center a gathering place for the community. Their list of retailers is strong, including the only luxury IMAX theater within 25

miles – featuring restaurantquality food and bar service, the first 365 by Whole Foods Market in the Bay Area and other experiential retail new to the East Bay. The choice of dining is diverse as well, including EMC Seafood and Raw Bar, Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, MOD Pizza and Peet’s Coffee. After all, what good is a living room without a kitchen? The Veranda is at 20012003 Diamond Blvd. The first tenants will open to the public Oct. 27, with additional openings and events planned for the remainder of 2017.

a mix of market rate and affordable, multi-family housing. The development teams were Bridge Housing, DeNova Homes/ ROEM, Integral Housing/EAH Housing and USAProperties Fund/Foundation for Affordable Housing/Eden Housing. The government, however, found the price of land in other locations prohibitive and decided to call off the sale in September 2015. In mid-May 2017, the Coast

Guard decided to go ahead with disposing of the property and agreed to a negotiated sale, so long as there would be a clear public benefit and the city would pay fair market value. The city debated two issues on the proposed project: whether to go through with a negotiated sale or turn it over to public auction, and whether to give Request for Proposals (RFP) to the four previous developmental teams or open up the RFP to any interested firms. At the Oct. 3 meeting, the council agreed to follow the recommendations of the Housing Economic Development Committee to use a negotiated sale process with the Coast Guard to transfer ownership to the city. They also decided to limit the competitive proposal process to the four development teams already contacted to construct a mixed-income, multi-family residential project. The U.S. Congress must approve the sale and verify the clear outcome of public benefit, while the city will work with the General Services Administration on appraisal efforts. City staff directed each of the development teams to assume 25 percent of the units would be affordable at low and very low income levels in order to qualify for public benefit. Development of the property will require a Specific Plan and an Environmental Impact Report, which is estimated to take about 12 months.

Huge Plant Sale! Sponsored by:

Crescent Hill Nursery See them at booths 56-59

Annual

Churchbell Bazaar Concord United Methodist Church 1645 West Street, Concord

All New Craft Items Bake Sale...Luncheon...Drawing Jewelry & Collectibles Christmas Store

(Between Clayton Rd. & Concord Blvd.) Ample parking behind church

Fri., Nov. 3, 9am to 4pm Sat., Nov. 4, 9am to 3pm

e-Mail:concordumc@sbcglobal.net Web Page:www.concordumc.org Sponsored by Concord United Methodist Women

For more information and updates on store openings, visit www.shoptheveranda.com.

October 27, 2017

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Parks,

Page 5

from page 1

playground designed for kids ages 2-5 joins an existing playground used by older kids. New restrooms were also installed. The day-long celebration started at 10 a.m. at Meadow Homes Park followed by a parade to the Ellis Lake playground where a community fiesta included lunch provided by Los Rancheros Taqueria, games,arts and crafts, a bike rodeo and folk dancing presentations by Ballet Folklorico Opening festivities included a bike rodeo sponsored by from Oakley. Bike Concord where kids learned bike safety.

We specialize in educating you to improve and maintain your wellness

Mexican folk dancing by Ballet Folklorico added color and tradition to the celebration

5K run/walk for Blue Star Moms Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union is hosting the first Concord 5000 at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12, at Newhall Park. The 5-kilometer run/walk will benefit Contra Costa Blue Star Moms, a non-partisan, non-political, non-discriminatory organization that provides support for members of the

U.S. armed forces and veterans. “What a great way to kick off the holiday season, get some exercise and support a great organization all at the same time,” said John Pamer, CEO of the credit union. Run participants will encounter a variety of terrains: park trails, grass fields, public

• We boast one of the most comprehensive supplement departments in Northern California.

streets, sidewalks and even a lap on a high school running track. The course will be open for 75 minutes. Electronic timing will be provided, and all finishers will receive a T-shirt and medal.

• Our vast bulk foods section includes over 700 items — nuts, grains, spices, herbs, and more.

For more information or to register, go to www.runsignup.com/ concord5000.

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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

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From the desk of ... Study sessions move weapons station specific plan forward DOMINIC ALIANO

PLANNING COMMISSION

The Concord Naval Weapons Station (CNWS) will continue to be a topic of great importance for the city of Concord, its residents and the region. Since 2010, the city of Concord has adopted a Reuse Plan and amended the 2030 General Plan. From a land use perspective, these two steps were important for the forward progression of CNWS. The Local Reuse Authority (LRA), which is the City Council, adopted a Reuse Plan because it is required in the Base Realignment and Closure Act (BRAC) and amended the 2030 General Plan in order to translate the Reuse Plan into the format compatible with a gener-

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As members of the Delta Counties Coalition (DCC), my colleagues and I have met with counterparts in Sacramento and rallied for a unified voice in the Bay Area to dispel the facade of the WaterFix Plan proposed by the state Department of Water Resources (DWR). The WaterFix Plan does not increase a single drop of H20 in our water supply. The plan, often referred to as the tunnels project, seeks to drill two, 35-mile long tunnels under the Delta to drive water to Southern California and is estimated to cost $17 billion. Supporters tout that it will strengthen our water infrastructure. I fully support the notion

al plan document under California law. The document that was produced from the Reuse Plan being amended into the General Plan is the Concord Reuse Project Area Plan. The approval of the Concord Reuse Project Area Plan allowed the city to develop its vision and standards for the geographic area. The city is developing the Specific Plan for CNWS. The Specific Plan is an important component because it provides the systematic implementation of the General Plan. The Concord Planning Commission provided direction and feedback on the Specific Plan during an Oct. 4 study session. Lennar Five Point, the master developer for CNWS, offered their Preferred Land Use Plan for the project. Topics discussed during the study session included the

boundary for the Phase One area, the preliminary grading plan and the degree of grading, affordable housing, the frontage on Willow Pass Road, the primary street network, complete street standards, the campus location, and the green frame between Willow Pass Road and Bailey Road. The commissioners’ remarks provided Lennar Five Point and city staff with direction on how to develop the Specific Plan. The commission didn’t take official action because it was a study session. Due to this article’s limited space, I am not going to provide each commissioner’s comments. If you are interested in learning more from the study session, watch the Oct. 4 meeting video on the city website. Since Oct. 4, the Concord City Council has held several study sessions for the Specific

Plan. Once the City Council finishes the study sessions, the Specific Plan will go to the Community Advisory Committee (CAC). The council established the CAC to provide greater public input into the development of the Specific Plan. Now that general direction has been provided on the Preferred Land Use Plan and related issues, the implementing policies will be drafted into a Specific Plan and numerous studies (traffic, visual, environmental and fiscal) will be conducted. As those studies are completed, topics will return to the CAC for additional public review, before final consideration by the Planning Commission and City Council in late 2018 or early 2019.

that our water infrastructure needs repair, but nature has gifted the Delta with an organic infrastructure and ecosystem that involves land and animals that we as consumers of water need to be grateful for and preserve. Instead of solely investing scarce funding and resources into one single project – that being constructing structures that will only endanger the Delta – DCC has advocated a multipronged, “five buckets” approach that leads to revitalizing our water system, giving us more water and making it sustainable for the future. The state should explore alternatives that would capture and distribute more water throughout every sub-region of California. Alternatives to addressing our aging water infrastructure include these “buckets:” 1. Upgrade our existing water delivery systems and infrastructure.

2. Create surface and groundwater storage. 3. Make system-wide level improvements. 4. Impress upon the public the need for regional selfreliance/reuse, and restore environmental and economic frameworks in critical areas throughout the state based on the best available science. In August, Contra Costa joined other Delta counties, water agencies and water organizations in a lawsuit that challenges DWR over the Environmental Impact Report for the WaterFix because it does not examine the full impacts on our water supply and environment. The timing and volume of the release of water in the Delta in the proposed tunnels plan would endanger the ecosystems of the Delta smelt and decrease the quality of water. In early September, the Inspector General’s office of the U.S. Department of Interior

found that the Bureau of Reclamation spent $84 million planning for the tunnels. The funding was the responsibility of the participating water districts that support the WaterFix and not federal taxpayers. And then the water contractors wonder why we don’t trust them. On Sept. 19, the Westlands Water District (Central Valley) withdraw their participation in the WaterFix – a financial blow to the project. Thankfully, the egregious price tag of the WaterFix, without any addition of new water, is a deal breaker that is finally coming to light. Other water agencies/contractors are voting this month and next. DCC is hopeful that these agencies too will decide that WaterFix just doesn’t pencil out. You can count on me to continue the fight to protect our Delta.

and appropriate ways to tie the existing and new neighborhoods together. (Councilman Ron Leone did not participate on the discussion of the first area since his home is close to the proposed buffer area). The buffer area between Willow Pass Road and Bailey Road will move forward independently in the first part of 2018 from the specific plan process so more focused public meetings can occur to determine allowable uses and open space recreational options. The Phase One development area has slightly changed in shape but still includes a portion adjacent to the North Concord BART Station toward Willow Pass Road. Phase One would take about 10 years to build out with variety of office, retail and residential areas with 25 percent affordable (which is not Section 8), 79 acres of open space, parks and greenways, along with two community centers and one new elementary or middle school site. It also stipulated that a hotel and conference-convention facility and higher education campus site be included near the BART Station. The preliminary grading review noted that the Community Plan had a rough estimate. More grading is needed to address walkway ADA or

handicap requirements, drainage, water and sewer infrastructure, which mostly flows by gravity. Grading near the BART Station is needed to lower the site for accessibility; other areas were considered for less grading to better reflect some natural topography. Major street circulation needs to have sufficient widths for autos, buses or shuttles, bicycles and pedestrians. The initial studies will include four lanes, with dedicated bike lanes and wide pedestrian walks. These aspects are starting points for initial work on an Environmental Impact Report and traffic studies. As this study progresses, there may be further refinement based upon what the studies outcomes show. County Connection and the Mt. Diablo Unified School District are reviewing the plans and will provide input prior to the Environmental Impact Report being done. Environmental studies are planned to be underway in spring 2018. Additional areas that the CAC and City Council will review next year include architectural and development standards.

of Willow Pass between existing residences and the base property. The buffers could have bike and pedestrian access toward the North Concord BART Station.

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Dominic Aliano is a member of the Concord Planning Commission. Email questions and comments to at dominicaliano863@gmail.com

WaterFix won’t fix anything; multi-solution plan needed

Mayor, from page 1

It could be a virus, or it could just need a tune-up.

October 27, 2017

The area could include community gardens, recreation and group picnic areas, ensuring it would be well managed and open to all with appropriate measures to ensure safety

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

Email questions and comments to the Mayor at Laura.Hoffmeister @cityofconcord.org

October 27, 2017

B USINESS

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Page 7

Directory of Advertisers

Chamber welcomes community fire donations

All phone numbers 925 area code unless otherwise noted

Business Services O.C. Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(916) 215-9309

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CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Concord Chamber of Commerce, along with Visit Concord, accepted donations to send to North Bay fire evacuee centers. From the first day, we were amazed by the generosity of our Concord community. People started showing up almost immediately with bottled water, canned food, baby supplies, blankets, toiletries and more. Our staff graciously greeted those dropping items off and helped them unload their cars. We stacked everything in our office until we could ship them off with drivers to the North Bay. We met the most wonderful people: a single mom who came four different times with donations that she picked up from all of her family and friends; students who had the day off due to smoke advisories and wanted to help; Vic Reynov of Elite Motor Cars,

Events Home and Garden Show . . . .www.capitalshowcase.com Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market . . . . . . . . .(800) 949-3276

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who drove flatbed truckloads of items to the Sonoma Marin Fairgrounds; and groups of moms and kids who brought in water bottles, food items and toiletries. Many people dropped things off and then stayed to organize, load the trucks and accept items. We didn’t ask them to – they just did it. We worked with the incredible Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, which made four trips to our office as we filled pallet after pallet with donated items. The food bank

has a relationship with the Redwood Empire and the Napa Valley food banks, so they were able to get the items to those locations immediately. The food bank picked up almost 19,000 pounds of food and items from our office. All of our items have now been delivered and our office is getting back to normal, but I don’t think our staff will ever forget this experience. I think the whole community has learned to appreciate what we have and be thankful for it. The Concord Chamber of

Evacuee aid, from page 1

ognized club that promotes volunteerism. Carondelet’s team was one of the third place winners in the regional competition last year and received a monetary award, which they used to fund these donations to the fire victims. “We want to thank the community at large for the outpouring of support and donations,” Olson said. Meanwhile, the Concord Chamber of Commerce collected donations to be taken to the affected area. They delivered several truckloads of donated food to the Redwood Empire and Napa Valley food banks, with another delivery

unteered their trucks to take the non-food items to evacuation centers. As they loaded the trucks, more donations poured in. They met kindergarten teacher Kathy Kohlmeyer, a 14-year Concord resident who had seen Elite’s post on Facebook. With school closed due to poor air quality, Kohlmeyer had come to help. It took the three of them, plus a few other volunteers, three hours to load the trucks with all the donated supplies. “My niece lives in Santa Rosa. Her building caught on fire, and she lost everything,” Kohlmeyer said. “I had to do something to help. To see the outpouring of love from complete strangers was just awesome.” When the trio arrived at Jameson’s Roaring Donkey in Petaluma, they found a bar turned into a sorting and distribution center for donations. A dozen volunteers were sorting and calling evacuation centers all over the county to find out what was needed and where. Another trio was on their way to Sonoma County from Concord on Oct. 13. Three young women who grew up in Concord and graduated from Sonoma State were similarly compelled to help when they heard about the fires engulfing the place they called home for four years. The 23-year-olds

expected last week as well. Harvest Church on Willow Pass Road is taking cash donations to Convoy of Hope, which is bringing emergency relief to fire evacuees. “The community has really come together. We have met tons of really great people through this process,” said Marilyn Fowler, president and CEO of the chamber. New Concord resident Vic Reynov is a salesperson at Elite Motor Cars, which served as a secondary drop-off location after the chamber was inundated with donations. On Oct. 13, Reynov and Daniel Burkhardt, a friend of Elite’s owner, vol-

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had friends being evacuated from the house they lived in only a year ago. Ashley Becker and Keana Bradley, both 2012 Clayton Valley Charter High School graduates, and Erica Pecho, a 2012 Northgate graduate who now lives in Walnut Creek, posted a call for donations on Facebook and Nextdoor. They too were overwhelmed by the amount of donations they received in only two days from friends and strangers alike. They packed their three SUVs full of toiletries, blankets, baby supplies and food and made their way through the smoky roads to Seneca Family of Agencies in Petaluma, where Bradley worked recently as a mental health therapist. “Many people who donated supplies told us they were so happy to have this opportunity to give to the people who needed it the most, that their donations would get to the right place,” said Bradley. Becker added: “A woman wrote me a note that said ‘Thank you for doing this, for bringing our neighborhood together to help. Because of you, I know the world is good.’ ”

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Mailing Services The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Real Estate and Mortgage Services Bennett, Nancy – Keller Williams . . . . . . . . . . .606-8400 Clayton Fair Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-0324 Dajani, Joe – Berkshire Hathaway Drysdale . . .672-3000 Dudem Real Estate Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . .See page 20 French, Lynne – Windermere Real Estate . . . .672-8787 Klock, Leigh – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593 Lopez, Stephanie – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . .305-9099 Mazzei, Matt – Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757 McDougall, Kelly – Windermere . . . . . . . . . . . .787-0448 Schumacher, Bryce – Pacific Union . . . . . . . . .457-4096 Stojanovich, Jennifer – Better Homes Realty . .567-6170 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . .672-4433 Zacharatos-Reeg, Deborah – Keller Williams . .250-5856 Recreation and Fitness Blaze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.blazetravelball.com East Bay Regional Park District . . . . . . . .(888) 327-2757 Schools Carondelet High School . . . . . . . .www.carondeleths.org Clayton Valley Charter High School . . . . .(925)682-7474

Services, Other ComputersUSA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 MaxSold.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(510) 567-4857 Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.mtdiabloresourcerecovery.com Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029

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Page 8

SCHOOLS Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

October 27, 2017

Schools offering info sessions for 2018-19 JAY BEDECARRÉ SCHOOL NEWS

2018-19 INFORMATION NIGHTS Clayton Valley Charter, De La Salle and Carondelet high schools have scheduled information days to introduce the schools to prospective students for the 2018-19 school year.

CVCHS has its information night scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 7, at 6 p.m. in the school’s Dan Della Gymnasium. Now in its sixth year as a public charter school, Clayton Valley administrators, Governing Board members, academic counselors, Academy teachers plus principal Jeff Anderson and Executive Director Dave Linzey will be on hand to provide enrollment information that night. The school has been holding an annual lottery to prioritize applicants as the number of freshman and other class applicants have exceeded available openings.

is being held from 2-4 p.m. on Nov. 5. More information can be found at carondeleths.org. De La Salle will preview its Lasallian education program Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to noon. The school’s website has information on its programs and fiThe area’s two Catholic nancial assistance at dlshs.org. high schools in Concord, De La Salle and Carondelet will hold their Open Houses on Sunday, Nov. 5. Carondelet High was named “Best Private School” in the East Bay in a 2017 poll of readers of the East Bay Times. The girl’s school Open House Students in the former Clayton Valley High feeder school system of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District get first priority for enrolling in the Charter. For more info on CVCHS visit enrollment.claytonvalley.org.

College admission doesn’t need to be all-consuming As I piece my college applications together, I begin to wonder what is in store for my future. I visualize the moments of my emotional acceptances and discouraging rejections. However, as I think of these moments, I also wonder if they embody anything meaningful. AASIM YAHYA After four years of high school, it all comes down to CONCORD HIGH the moment when your CORRESPONDENT dream school message appears in your inbox. The subject reads: “Check your email and read the first few admissions decision now!” words, which typically tell You nervously click on the you all you need to know.

This is the most important moment in your life. Or is it? Although this decision may guide your next four years, it is a small, meaningless bridge between your past and future. For most seniors, the winter season is a period of high stress and anxiety. This is a result of a mentality pushed upon students by themselves, educators and parents that pressures them to feel that a college acceptance is the only way to validate their hard work. This

See Applications , page 9

SCHOOLS CAASPP TESTING SCORES IMPROVE

the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress Tests (CAASPP). The testing data also show the number of students who met or exceeded the state standards increased, while the num-

MDUSD reports its students continue to make gains on state assessments and remain slightly ahead of their peers at the state level, according to data released by the California Department of Education showing results from See School News, page 9

Three educators vie for county schools top spot

RON LEONE

CHERYL HANSEN

LYNN MACKEY

Three Central County residents with long careers in education are running for county superintendent of schools in June. Concord resident Ron Leone has been on the City Council since 2011, serving as mayor in 2012. “I’ve been in education for

40 years, and everything I’ve done has worked up to this point,” Leone said of the county post. “I feel I can do a good job for the students and teachers in our county.” Meanwhile, Clayton resident Cheryl Hansen is finishing her second term on the Mt. Diablo Unified School District

board and says she has accomplished what she set out to do. “It was important to me to change leadership and the district culture to a positive, forward-thinking organization,” Hansen said. “I also wanted to

See Superintendent, page 9

October 27, 2017

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Celebrate caregivers all year

Page 9

Sponsored Content

Lori Pyegeorge, RN DiabloValley Oncology and Hemotology

In November we recognize family caregivers across the country and honor their dedication and compassion. This includes family caretakers who care for loved ones with a chronic condition, disability, disease or old age. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP data from 2016, approximately 43.5 million caregivers have

provided unpaid care to an adult or child throughout the year. They give their time and energy to food preparation, housekeeping, transportation and medical care. Many of these caregivers have no medical training and surveys from Gallup-Healthways found that caregivers spend around 13 hours per month researching care services, diseases and conditions, and coordinating medical appointments. As an oncology nurse I have had the privilege of getting to know many patients and their caregivers. Caring for a person with cancer is an extraordinarily difficult job, as treatments, side effects and symptoms change over time. In cancer care, there is also an emotional and psychosocial journey that caretakers experience with our patients. One thing I have consistently noticed is that “self-care” is

School News, from page 8

ber of students who nearly met or did not meet the standards went down. Nearly 17,000 students across the district took the computer-adaptive tests. Among Concord schools, Mt. Diablo High increased its ELA scores by 9% and mathematics 3%. Pine Hollow Middle School went up 5% in math. Wren Avenue Elementary, which became an arts magnet school this year, saw its ELA scores increase by 8% while Mountain View Elementary’s mathematics scores increased by 9%. “We are pleased to see improvement and continue to applaud our students for working hard to build their skills and confidence in critical thinking, analytical writing and real-world problem solving as measured in these assessments,” said Superintendent Dr. Nellie Meyer.

“And while there is improvement, we know there is much work to be done. Going into this school year, we built in greater supports and enhanced professional development in the area of mathematics, for example, in order to help students meet these more rigorous standards.” Across the district of 32,000 students at over 50 school sites the percentage of students who met or exceeded English language arts standards rose for the third year in a row, up 1.05% overall but with dramatic gains at specific grade levels with the percentage of sixth graders meeting or exceeding standards up 7%. In mathematics, overall gains went up slightly, with seventh graders seeing the greatest gain of 3%. The CAASPP tests changed from a fill-in-the-bubble approach to a modern, online

Superintendent, from page 8

ensure that the positive changes I worked for were rooted and sustainable.” Concord native Lynn Mackey, who now lives in Martinez, is the senior director for the county Office of Education and works directly with the superintendent. In August, Superintendent Karen Sakata said she would not seek a second term. “Our children deserve a county superintendent who not only knows how to run a large organization, but has current education experience in our county and understands student needs firsthand,” Mackey said. Hansen worked as a county Office of Education administrator for 10 years. She also served as the founding principal of Rodriguez High, Fairfield-Suisun’s third high school.

Hansen was a middle and high school teacher at several schools in the Mt. Diablo district and continues her work as a coach and mentor for school administrators. She says she is eager to bring her leadership skills and experience at all levels of public education to serve the county’s districts and students. “CCCOE needs to have leadership from someone with a breadth of experience who understands that one of the major functions of the county Office of Education is to be a true service provider to school districts, an organization that is responsive, relevant, current and supportive,” Hansen said. “I am confident I can serve effectively and with a focus on equity and excellence.” Leone has taught art, history, government and law, first in

Applications, from page 8

mentality judges the worth of a person based on where they get accepted. It teaches students that SAT and ACT scores are equally important to character. This mentality is toxic and needs to be abandoned. The high stress environment only works against students. By no means am I suggesting that college or the application process shouldn’t be valued. I’m simply saying that it may be time to dissolve this competitive and stressful mentality, which drives the

anxiety of the process. The college application process should be a time to value one’s hard work and accomplishments. It should be a time to reflect on high school and cherish every memory with friends. It should be a time to look forward to the future and think about our goals and aspirations as the leaders, innovators and citizens of the future. It should be a time to think about our character and if it resembles the person we

often put on the backburners for caretakers. I encourage individuals who are caregivers to find ways to refill their emotional and physical cup. Here are a few suggestions:

bond with patients and families. Treating the same patient daily, or weekly, for months or even years, nurses and patients build relationships and genuinely care about each other. It is for this reason that our practice will be hosting an event to celebrate the lives of patients who have recently passed away. It will be an opportunity for staff and family members of patients to come together to remember those we love. Our event will be called “An Evening of Memories” where we will share memories in a celebratory and dignified manner.

• Exercise Regularly – Staying active helps keep your mind and body in top shape and is a huge stress reliever. • Schedule Time Away – Make a date with yourself to do something you enjoy. • Journaling – Take a few minutes every day to write down your thoughts and feelings. • Join a Support Group – Lori Pyegeorge, RN is the Caregiver Action Network is a foundation that has a nursing supervisor at Diablo multitude of resources Valley Oncology & Hematology Medical Group in Pleasavailable. ant Hill. 925-677-5041. She Oncology nurses, many of has been an oncology nurse whom have been working in for over 25 years and considthe field for more than 20 ers it an honor and privilege to years, often form a special care for cancer patients.

testing system that provides results quickly, and includes optional interim tests and a digital library of resources to use throughout the year. CAASPP replaced the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program and encompasses the assessments and alternative assessments for English language arts and literacy, mathematics and science. YGNACIO VALLEY HIGH LAUNCHES PROGRAM

Ygnacio Valley High launched its International Baccalaureate program for 170 students this semester with 17 sections of classes: literature, language and literature, three levels of Spanish, French, visual arts, music performance, history of the Americas, two levels of math at the pre-calculus level and higher, biology and environmental systems and societies. IB program coordinator Carissa Weintraub reports Needles and then at American High School in Fremont. In 1994, he was named teacher of the year at AHS. From 19942008, he worked in different administrative positions, including vice principal of Deer Valley High School, coordinator of Child Welfare and Attendance and director of Student Support Services. He remains involved in education by working as a substitute teacher and administrator. Leone emphasized the importance of the county Office of Education supporting local school districts. “I’m visiting all of the local school board superintendents, listening to their concerns and learning how best we can help them,” he said. He said his chief goals are to “help reduce truancy rate, increase professional development in the county and boost career education in the schools.” want to become. Character is far more important that any college acceptance. We become consumed with receiving validation from schools like UCLA, Cornell and Stanford, and we fail to realize we can find worth by simply asking ourselves: Are we proud of who we are? Are we proud of how we treat others? Are we proud of our work? Students and parents who find this winter especially stressful should take the time to remind themselves that success can be measured in many ways. While that acceptance letter is desirable,

“both students and teachers have embraced the exciting challenge of these rigorous courses and it’s already transforming our school in subtle ways: study hall is packed before school and at lunch, students are reaching out more to teachers to ask for help, and the approach to learning in the classroom is shifting from being grade-based to being more knowledge-based.” There will be an information meeting about the IB program this Thursday evening, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. in the YVHS library for parents and students thinking of attending Ygnacio to be part of this educational opportunity. The intradistrict transfer deadline is Nov. 17. YVHS has a new vice principal in Erika Parlong, who comes Byron where she was an instructional coach for student engagement, access for all and technology.

Mackey began her career teaching in challenging classrooms and schools within county detention facilities. She became principal of the County’s Court and Community Schools and in 2014 was awarded Administrator of the Year for her work transforming the lives of some of our most vulnerable students. She has steadily grown in her responsibilities at the Contra Costa County Office of Education. Mackey says she is “one of our county’s biggest advocates for students with special needs, students who struggle with mental health issues and students who are incarcerated or expelled from their districts.” She advocates for an approach that will provide students the holistic, wraparound support they need to be successful. John T. Miller contributed to this story. it is meaningless if you can’t find worth in yourself. Take the time to appreciate each little moment, accomplishment and person from the last four years. Take the time to realize that if you open your inbox and are smacked in the face with a rejection from that dream school, they didn’t deserve you anyway. Aasim is a senior at Concord High School. He currently serves as the ASB President and a CASL Northern CA Director. Additionally, he is the Journalism Editor-InChief and the captain for the CHS Cross Country Team.

P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517 TAMARA AND R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers TAMARA S TEINER , Editor P ETE C Ruz , Graphic Design B Ev B RITTON , Copy Editor J Ay B EDECARRé, Sports Editor PAMELA W IESENDANGER , Administration, Calendar Editor S TAFF W RITERS : Pamela Wiesendanger, Jay Bedecarré, Bev Britton

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Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

October 27, 2017

Mother Nature impacts football season, playoffs JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer

Early this football season 100+ degree temperatures forced the postponement and cancellation of some games and then the unacceptable air quality caused by the horrific North Bay fires have played havoc with Bay Area high schools completing a 10game schedule over an 11week period for many teams. The issue of unplayed games was the topic of an emergency meeting last Friday of the North Coast Section executive committee to discuss possible solutions. Based on the strong feelings of the teams most affected by the fires from Sonoma, Napa and Marin counties the NCS rejected a proposal to cut the 16-team fields in the NCS football divisions in half in order to add a week to the regular season. Additionally, they voted to waive the “even record” bylaw for fall sports this year only. It requires that a school have an even record, either overall, in league or in their division, in order to qualify for the NCS Championships. This means that all football games must be completed by Nov. 4 in order for NCS to make its playoff pairings as scheduled on Nov. 5 and begin the following week. All brackets other than the four-team Open Division will have up to 16 teams, some of which may not meet the even record standard.

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ALEJANDRO LOPEZ YGNACIO VALLEY

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CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER (6-2, 2-0) The Ugly Eagles are two wins away from a sixth successive league championship with a game this Friday at home against Las Lomas and then the season finale Nov. 3 in Moraga against Campolindo in the likely title decider. CVCHS won its 29th straight league game last Friday with a tough 35-21 victory in Lafayette over previously-undefeated Acalanes. Junior running back Thomas Alatini is the primary ballcarrier but James Teofilo and sophomore Makhi Gervais have each rushed for 100 yards in a game. The trio are approaching 2000 yards rushing and have scored 25 touchdowns. The Ugly Eagles survived an outstanding game by Acalanes quarterback Robby Rowell last week. Head coach Tim Murphy told the press Rowell is the “best quarterback we’ve seen this year”

after he completed 32 of 44 passes for 288 yards and all three Acalanes touchdowns. He also rushed for 46 yards. Clayton Valley countered that aerial onslaught with an incredible drive that took up 11:41 between the third and fourth quarters, culminating in the final touchdown to ensure the win. Acalanes and Campolindo meet this week in a game leading up to the CampoCVCHS rematch of last year’s contentious game in Concord. At this point the Eagles appear to be odd team out of returning to the four-team NCS Open Division playoffs. As of now, De La Salle, San Ramon Valley and Pittsburg appear near locks for three of the four spots with Freedom of Oakley likely to pip CVCHS for the fourth spot. Freedom’s BVAL game against Antioch (which lost in a lopsided non-league game to the Eagles) was canceled

due to the air quality issue. That was a game that could have given the Eagles an avenue into the Open playoffs. Clayton Valley is projected as the top seed in Division I, which most likely will be a dead end for Eagles hopes of returning to the NorCal and State Bowl games.

to hire someone with Dan’s coaching background. With his reputation and success in the East Bay swimming community, he’s a perfect fit to lead Carondelet’s swimming program.” Cottam has nearly 20 years of coaching experience at the USS club, high school and recreational levels. He is currently the senior development group coach and assistant senior group coach for the USA Swimming Terrapins Swim Team of Concord. He was also assistant head coach of the Concord city recreation DAN COTTAM champion Dana Hills Swim Team last summer. “I am honored to lead the to the pool deck,” said Carondelet Director of Athletics Carondelet swimming proCaitlin Main. “We’re thrilled gram into the future. It’s an

exciting, historic time for the school’s athletic programs,” said Cottam. “I am committed and look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence previously established at the school. Go Cougars!” He was co-founder/head coach for the Crow Canyon Country Club Sharks (200515) and Diablo Aquatics Devil Rays (2015). Cottam served as the head coach for the boys and girls swim teams at Acalanes High School from 2005-07, where he helped the Dons to top 10 finishes in North Coast Section all three years. Additionally, Cottam has coached at two US Olympic Trials (2008 and 2012) and had a semi-finalist in each

CONCORD (1-6, 0-2) New coach Paul Reynaud took over a Minuteman program that has been a regular league and NCS contender for most of the past decade. Since winning the 2010 NCS Division II championship Concord has been in the playoffs every year. The new head coach was dealt a blow before the season when two-year starting QB Nick Nunez, an all-league selection, decided not to play. He also realized that the installation of an all-weather turf at the school would deprive his team of any home

Christy Murphy photo courtesy CVCHS football

Thomas Alatini (15) is half of the two-headed CVCHS running attack along with Jr. Teofilo. The duo has accounted for 20 touchdowns and 1500 yards rushing in eight games as the Ugly Eagles have rebounded from an 0-2 start to win six in a row and are two victories away from a sixth straight league title.

games or even satisfactory practice facilities this fall. Concord’s lone victory this season was a 26-12 win over crosstown rival Mt. Diablo, which is winless so far. The fire cancellation cost local fans a 2017 version of the Concord-Clayton Valley Claycord game. The Minutemen have lost a pair of lopsided DAL games to Acalanes and Campolindo with remaining games against Miramonte and Las Lomas. Junior quarterback Bailey Trotter and runningback Austin Williams have been offensive bright spots.

DE LA SALLE (8-1) The Spartans have just one regular season game remaining on Nov. 3 when they host unbeaten San Ramon Valley. It’s déjà vu as last year DLS finished the regular season against an undefeated team from Danville. That time it was Monte Vista, which suffered its only loss of 2016 45-17 to De La Salle before going on to win the NCS DI championship. The Spartans, of course, have their eyes set on returning to the State Bowl Cham-

trial. He guided his teams to top five finishes at the 2011 and 2012 Short Course Junior Nationals, had multiple individual Jr. National champions and coached the Jr. National record-breaking 400-meter medley relay team. A 1996 graduate of Clayton Valley High, Cottam earned a swimming scholarship to the University of California Santa Barbara, where he was a four-year member of the Gauchos swim team. He was Big West Conference champion in the 1,650-yard freestyle as a freshman and was the team’s 2001 Most Inspirational Swimmer. Cottam is taking over a program that currently holds nine of the 11 North Coast

Section women’s swimming records, including all three relay marks. Overall, Carondelet has 10 Section team titles since 1982. During Millan Castillo’s term as coach Carondelet won the 2010 and 2013 NCS championships. In 2010, the Cougars were undefeated NCS champions and Swimming World Magazine’s National High School Team champion. She was 2010 East Bay women’s high school swim coach of the year and 2011 California State women’s swim coach of the year. In 2013 she was again East Bay coach of the year after another Carondelet NCS title season.

See Football, page 12

Dan Cottam named Carondelet swimming and diving coach JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer

Carondelet High School has hired Dan Cottam as its new head swimming and diving coach on the eve of the Cougars move into the new Natalie Coughlin Aquatic Center early next year. The Concord school announced that Cottam has begun his new position after replacing Jasmine Millan Castillo, the Cougars coach from 2007-2013 and 20152017 who is currently on maternity leave from her teaching position. “Dan has been coaching swimming at the youth level for a number of years and brings a wealth of experience

October 27, 2017

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Athlete Spotlight

Megan Wadman Grade: Senior School: Concord High Sports: Water Polo, Swimming

Fifth-year Concord varsity water polo coach Elizabeth Butticci credits Wadman with “working very hard at building her skills these last few years,” to the point where the senior has scored 50 goals and dished 17 assists for the Minutemen so far this fall. “She

has dedicated her last three summers to club polo,” Butticci says while explaining that she encouraged then freshman Wadman to play club polo. Wadman’s mom recently told Butticci she is so happy that the coach did that or her daughter never would have played club

so early in her high school career. “Megan also demonstrates what the true meaning of being a captain really is. Her sportsmanship and leadership exemplifies her ability to give her team direction in and outside of the water. In addition to these accomplishments, she excels academically,” her coach adds. The senior is wrapping up her fourth year on the Concord water polo team and will do the same next spring for Minuteman swimming. After graduation Wadman is now planning to attend Santa Rosa Junior College and play polo before transferring her junior year to UC San Diego or Davis. The Concord Pioneer congratulates Megan and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for 25 years at Family Vision Care Optometry. www.laceyandruzicka.com Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@concordpioneer.com.

Page 11

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Fall sports NCS competition underway JAY BEDECARRÉ Concord Pioneer

North Coast Section competition in fall sports began this week with teams and athletes seeking glory in the season-ending Section, Northern California and CIF State playoffs.

GIRLS TENNIS Northgate finished second to unbeaten Miramonte in the Diablo Athletic League Foothill Division while Alhambra, Clayton Valley Charter and Berean were the top Valley Division teams. The DAL tournament is this Thursday through Saturday. NCS team and individual tennis competitions run between Nov. 4 and 15 before the NorCal team championships Nov. 17-18. CROSS COUNTRY The second DAL cross country center meet is this Wednesday in Concord at Newhall Park. All DAL schools take part in center meets. Campolindo and Las Lomas were 1-2 in both boys and girls varsity divisions at the September league center meet. Clayton Valley Charter was third in boys and girls as the top Valley Division performance. Seniors Dylan White of CVCHS and Michael Wheeler of Northgate were 2-3 in varsity race. Branden Busy of Clayton Valley was seventh. Junior Rayna Stanziano was third sandwiched among seniors in the other top 5 positions of the girls race.

Leigh Ellis photo courtesy CVCHS water polo

Clayton Valley Charter is hoping to repeat as Diablo Athletic League Valley Division water polo champs. The Lady Eagles are undefeated entering this last week of the regular season with two games remaining. The team includes, front row from left, Camille Cline, Brooke Johnson, Jordan Frost, Emma Skow, Madelyn Vines, Michaela Ellis, Rachel Gittleman, Sydney Skow; back row, Leanna Mazzuca, Margaret York, Kaylie Walker, Camylle Callahan and Julia Deely. Not pictured, Jenny Vonnegut and Alyssa Dern.

Freshman Samantha Schauman of CVCHS took seventh and her senior teammate Kelly Osterkamp was ninth at the meet. The DAL championships are on Saturday, Nov. 4, at Hidden Valley Park in Martinez. The NCS Meet of Champions is Nov. 18.

WATER POLO This final week of the DAL season for boys and girls will help determine NCS spots. Clayton Valley Charter was undefeated in girls league play with games against Pinole and Alhambra on Senior Night. Wins would secure a second straight DAL Valley title for the Lady Eagles. College Park, Alhambra and Clayton Valley were compet-

Concord’s Davidka Skov named to 1st team at USA Junior Olympics water polo

Photo courtesy Skov family

Concord 10-year-old Davidka Skov made a big splash at the USA Junior Olympics water polo nation-

als this year by being named first-team 10U all-America. A sprinter and attacker for the 680 Red A 10U team, Skov was one of eight players to make the all-America first team, along with teammate Donovan Swann. The 680 team was second in the 10U mixed tournament bracket, losing their only game out of eight to top seed Newport Beach by one goal in the finals. Skov is a fifth grader at Tabernacle School in Concord. He is a year-round swimmer for the Terrapins in USA Swimming and also enjoys Kung Fu and flag football. His younger brother Gaborka Skov and goalie Tanner Lustig are also Concord teammates on 680 10U Red.

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Photo courtesy Carondelet High School Athletics

Carondelet golfers finished two strokes behind Dougherty Valley at the recent EBAL league tournament after splitting their two dual matches with the Wildcats in the regular season. The Cougar team includes, from left, Courtney Gaoiran, Carissa WU, Angela Bagasbas, Madison Wu, Madelyn Gamble, Isabelle O’Brien and Annika Borrelli.

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GIRLS GOLF Northgate won the DAL Foothill title and figured to dominate the league meet this Monday. Carondelet lost the East Bay Athletic League tournament championship by two strokes to Dougherty Valley after the teams traded wins in their regular season matches. The Cougars competed this year without their outstanding player of the past two years, Yealimi Noh of Concord. Noh is now being home schooled as she concentrates on her development for professional golf. She spent all summer playing major junior golf tournaments nationwide. GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Undefeated Campolindo finished ahead of runner-up Northgate in the Foothill Division while unbeaten Alhambra and Berean Christian topped the Valley Division. DAL volleyball finishes up this week with NCS starting Halloween night, Oct. 31, through Nov. 11.

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Page 12

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Kara Kohler, USA teammates take fifth at World Rowing Championships

Clayton Valley High grad Kara Kohler was back in the World Rowing Championships last month competing with three teammates in the women’s quadruple sculls as the US hosted its first Worlds in 23 years. The Netherlands rallied to win the gold medal in her race with the favored Poles

finishing second. The Americans ended up fifth after winning the repechage earlier in the week to qualify for the finals. London Olympics silver medalist Kohler rowed with Maureen McAuliffe and Elizabeth Sonshine, both in their first World Championships, and Emily

Coughlin, from page 1

personifies values that go beyond sports. We are so proud to be able to honor her and recognize her accomplishments as an athlete and a humanitarian.” Coughlin has earned 12 Olympic medals in her career and her exploits will be featured prominently at the new athletics complex, including a larger-than-life image of her diving into the pool at the 2008 Beijing Olympics on the wall adjacent to the entrance of the aquatics center. Her image and athletic accomplishments will also be displayed in Carondelet’s Hall of Fame to be unveiled next spring. “In her professional career and her personal endeavors, through her passion and determination, Natalie has demonstrated what it means to be a woman of heart, faith, courage and excellence – values that are central to everything we hold dear at Carondelet,” Cotter said. While a student at Carondelet between 1996 and 2000, Coughlin became the first swimmer to qualify for USA Swimming’s summer Nationals

in all 14 events. She broke individual national high school records in the 200-yard individual medley (1:58.45) and 100 backstroke (52.86). Her 100-yard backstroke mark in 1999 is still the North Coast Section record, the oldest mark by 10 years among current NCS boys and girls standards. Coughlin’s connection to Concord began when she was 13 and joined the Terrapins USA Swimming team. She was a member of the Terrapins through the end of her senior year at Carondelet and the 2000 US Olympic Trails where she just missed making the American Olympic team, partially due to an injury that had plagued her for months. She left the Terrapins in an acrimonious breakup when she started at the University of California Berkeley that fall. She continued to set records while attending Cal. In 2002 she became the first woman ever to swim the 100meter backstroke in less than one minute. She was national swimmer of the year as a Golden Bear sophomore. “Carondelet’s new aquatics

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Huelskamp, who matched Kohler with two previous Worlds appearances for the USA. This is the first World Championships in the new quadrennium as Kohler and the other athletes build towards the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. center and athletics complex will provide a place for Carondelet families to come together to celebrate their student athletes like never before,” said Coughlin, who became the first U.S. female athlete in modern Olympic history to win six medals in one Olympiad. “I applaud my alma mater for its commitment to creating greater equity for female athletes by investing in a second campus that will be home to seven teams and all 800 students.”

LACK OF FACILITIES Since its founding in 1965, Carondelet’s small Concord campus has had no room for outdoor athletic fields or competition aquatic facilities. As the number of girls playing sports has increased over the years, students have had to travel up to 35 minutes each way for daily practices and “home” games at fields in other cities. “I’m excited to have our very own pool. It’s a big step toward building our team and our reputation,” said junior competitive swimmer Christy Neufeld. “Natalie Coughlin has always been an inspiration to me. I love her approach to swimming and to life.” Located 2.5 miles from the Carondelet campus, the new athletics complex in Walnut Creek on the site of the former ClubSport Valley Vista tennis and swim club will feature a 10-lane competition pool and diving well, synthetic turf fields for soccer, lacrosse and softball, and six tennis courts. The new campus’ 6,000square-foot student center includes state-of-the-art facilities for strength training and sports medicine, as well as space for Carondelet students to study and socialize. To fund this project, Carondelet launched a capital campaign to raise $38 million, including $14.5 million for the Carondelet Athletics Complex. Other objectives of the campaign are the development of a new STEM Innovation Center to be completed in 2019, as well as a $7.5 million scholarship endowment. Carondelet has so far raised 78% of its $38 million goal, including a $15 million pledge from the Hofmann Family Foundation.

Mt. Diablo High School installs six athletes to Hall of Fame

Photo courtesy Mt. Diablo High School

The 1969 Mt. Diablo High football team featured three junior linemen who would be named to the school’s athletic hall of fame nearly a half century later. Joe DeRosa (89) was honored posthumously last year while Pat Micco (96) and Ted Walsh (69) are inductees this year. Senior center Ron Parker (58) also pictured. Micco (Class of 1971) went from Mt. Diablo to be a starting guard for the Joe Roth and Chuck Muncie-led Cal football team that was 1975 Pac-8 co-champion. He was joined on the Golden Bears offensive line that year by MDHS classmate DeRosa. Three-time baseball league champion Ron Lichti (1959), Lee Grichuhin (1959), Walsh (1971), Trippi Collara (1979) and Joe Fejerang (1975) round out the six outstanding athletes in the class of 2017. To order tickets for the Friday, Nov. 3, Hall of Fame dinner at Zio Fraedo’s Continental Restaurant in Pleasant Hill contact Lou Adamo by phone 212-9332.

Football, from page 10 pionship game for the 12th successive year, an unprecedented feat in California. The team has run off five straight wins since losing to Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas. The Spartans have scored in the 40s all five of those games, including a 1297 cumulative score over the past three weeks. Coach Justin Alumbaugh’s team, as mentioned, is slated to be the No. 1 NCS Open seed and will hope a 26th straight Section championship will again get them a seed directly to the State Open Bowl Game as it has the past three years. MT. DIABLO (0-7, 0-2) Another new local head coach, Vontre Mason, and his Red Devils players have endured a winless season to date. “It’s a marathon not a race. We’ve definitely had some adversity this season. But I’m very excited about our future and the foundation we are laying for the program as a whole, on and off the field, Mason says. “I’ve been very proud of our underclassmen who have stepped in and helped carry the team after multiple senior injuries.” Mason was proud to announce on social media last week about the performance of his players in the classroom. “Junior Gabriel Cadigan

Sports Shorts

9TH ANNUAL MDSA WORLD CUP SOCCER WRAPS UP THIS WEEKEND

The ninth annual MDSA World Cup concludes this weekend. The season-ending tournament began with 41 boys and girls teams wrapping up the fall rec season for under 10, U12 and U14 teams in AYSO Region 223. For complete World Cup schedule and more information visit mdsoccer.org. The annual Area 2C Cup Tournament will take place Nov. 11-12 with top finishing teams from the World Cup competing.

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is definitely the leader of our team. Tenoa Swayne has also stepped up to provide senior leadership,” the coach added. The Red Devils conclude the season over the next two weeks against Ygnacio Valley and Berean Christian.

NORTHGATE (6-1, 2-0) The Broncos have been riding the right arm of junior Jack Fulp to six wins in seven games but the Broncos were in trouble last Friday when they trailed Berean into the fourth quarter before they pulled out a 7-6 win. “With the recent fires and our mid-season bye week, it feels like we were back in summer, just practicing but no games,” Ballard said before the game, which was the Broncos second since Sept 22. “We lost our starting running back (Marcus Dickerson) in week 3 against Bethel with a broken collarbone. So now we have a stable of kids running the ball (Soren Petersen, Blaine Schmidt and Jonathan Campbell). Northgate has Alhambra, which is 5-2 and 2-0 in DAL Valley Division, visiting their Walnut Creek campus this Friday before finishing the season against Mt. Diablo. Northgate figures to be rewarded for their fine season when the NCS brackets come out but Ballard says, “Many good teams with Campo and

Granada ahead of us right now. Really, we just need to finish the regular season strong and see where they put us. Either way you will see some good competition in DII this year.” Semisi Saluni has been excellent this year as Fulp’s key receiver and with over 50 tackles on defense. Fulp is over 1000 yards passing with a strong TD to interception ratio.

YGNACIO VALLEY (4-3, 1-1) The Warriors’ new coach Clyde Byrd says, “I am extremely happy with the team’s progress. We continue to overcome obstacles on and off the field.” Early in the year a paperwork error caused Ygnacio to forfeit its non-league victory over Las Lomas. Later Albany forfeit its game to the Warriors, which meant YV was off for nearly three weeks before its DAL opener against Alhambra. They lost that game but rebounded last Friday with 13 points in the fourth quarter to pull out a win over College Park 34-24. They have homecoming this Friday against Mt. Diablo and then visit Berean Christian Nov. 3 in the DAL finale. The team is hoping to have the school’s first winning record since 2010 when they were 6-5. They have already won more games than any season since 2010. Ygnacio was in NCS football playoffs in 2014 and 2015 but had losing marks each time.

will hold in-person registration at Dick’s Sporting Goods, 2314 Monument Blvd. in Pleasant Hill on Nov. 8 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Anyone registering that day will receive a 20% off coupon to use in the store. Register online anytime at callbaseball.org.

CONCORD HIGH LOOKING FOR 2017-18 BOYS TEAM COACHES

Concord High School is looking for coaches for boys teams in varsity tennis, JV assistant basketball and frosh basketball head coach and assistant. Send resume and references to AD Megan Coddington at coddingtonm@mdusd.org. Stipends available. Coaching requirements include MDUSD Fingerprints, Current TB test, First Aid/CPR, Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Concussion certification through NFHS.

DIABLO FC OFFERING PLAYER EVALUATIONS

Registration for Clayton Valley Little League is now open for Diablo FC under 8 through U19 competitive teams (birth the spring 2018 season. Baseball programs for players ages four years 1999-2011) hold ongoing player evaluations for new to 15 and softball for girls six to 16 are both open for registra- prospective players. Visit diablofc.org to get more information tion. Tryouts are in January. The CVLL program includes a Chal- on the club and signup for the appropriate age group evaluation. lenger Division for players with disabilities and special needs. Players must reside within the CVLL boundaries. who sign up by CONTINENTAL LITTLE LEAGUE TAKING Dec. 2 receive a $40 early bird discount per player. Go to cvll.org ONLINE REGISTRATION STARTING NOV. 1 for complete information and to register. Continental Little League baseball and softball for boys and girls ages 4-16 will be open for online registration starting Nov. CONCORD AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE 1. The 2018 season runs from Feb. 1 - June 1. Cost ranges from OPENS SPRING REGISTRATION $175 - $225, depending on the player’s age. Players must live Receive a $20 early bird discount if you register before Dec. 31 within league boundaries. Online registration and more informafor 2018 Concord American Little League spring baseball. CALL tion is at continentalbaseball.com.

October 27, 2017

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Page 13

This season, voles are taking charge on the mountain

STACI HOBBET

ON THE MOUNTAIN

One of my friends counted 14 on a single morning hike; another saw them stacked like cordwood in the nest of a red-tailed hawk; a third said that he’d trapped 400 over the summer while trying to protect his garden. Voles girdled young trees, wiped out some of the wildflowers, ate up every delicate garden plant they could find – and fed the food chain from the grasses up. Hikers in early and mid-

summer were awestruck by the numbers. The ground sometimes seemed alive with them as they waddled left and right to get out of your way. Last season’s heavy rains may be the reason for the population explosion. The timing was key, because the rains favored the grasses of our meadowlands. The blades grew fast and furiously, shading out competitors. You may have noticed, for instance, that we didn’t have whole fields of poppies this summer. They need sun, and the grasses got there first. In 2016, it was the other way around. The rain was meager and sporadic, and just when the grasses required a good dowsing, the rain gods said no. So it was poppy heaven. You could see the orange slopes on Mount Diablo from Highway 24. Verdant meadowlands provide voles a prosperous life. They love succulent

grass. It acts as excellent cover, and the moisture retained in the soil by the heavy growth makes it easy for voles to burrow … and burrow … and burrow. In some areas, there was so much upheaval of the soil that it was difficult to tell whether wild pigs or voles were responsible. On the western flanks of the mountain, regular hikers pointed out what they came to call “Vole Park.” Furrowed and burrowed and busy with bumper to bumper vole traffic, it was its own grassy little world. Voles make the most of it. Females can manage 10 litters per year, averaging four babies per batch. Those babies mature sexually in about 35 days, so one female can be a great-great-greatgreat-great grandma in a single season. It seems a wonder that we’re not chased out of town altogether by voles. Fortunately, they’re a top

menu item for every sort of meat-eating wildlife, including bobcats, coyotes, foxes, hawks and owls. But predators can only make a dent in a big year like this one, which may be the reason why a boom-and-bust life cycle works to keep voles around. Every year, a few survive to reproduce. And every three to five years, their frenzied numbers keep them well distributed across the landscape. It could also be that predwww.thespruce.com ators just get sick of eating Last winter brought more than heavy rains. Succulent, lush vole during the big years. grasses in the meadowlands and front yards host millions Maybe it’s like eating fast of the seldom-seen before, tiny, mouse-like voles. food three times a day for weeks. At first, it’s not too bad; it’s quick and saves time and energy. But after a while, the nestlings begin complaining, “What? Vole for dinner Computer issues resolved, again?”

Local Tech Support

Hobbet is a docent at the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association; mdia.org. You can send email to her at anastasiahobbet@gmail.com

Heritage apples make a comeback

If it’s November, it must be apples. Now at the Farmers Market in Todos Santos Plaza, Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. DEBRA MORRIS Pacific Coast Farmers Market

After almost disappearing, apple varieties that were popular 30 to 40 years ago have found a new audience. Discerning customers have learned to discriminate between a delightfully sweet or tart heirloom and those that are available in the supermarkets. People are tired of uniformly shaped, waxed, generic, tasteless apples. There are more than 450

P ETS

ers range from the more common heirlooms like Pink Lady, Gala and Fuji apples to the Limbertwig, Jonagold, Chieftain, Heaven Sent, Spitzenberg and Black Amish. These unique names befit the distinct and flavorful apples. This fall, visit your local farmer market for these tasteful fall fruits. We bet you won’t go back to mundane supermarket apples again. These recipe is for a buckle, a dessert that features a traditional, cake-like batter topped with fruit. The cake “buckles” or curls around the fruit as it cooks.

apple growers in the state of California, with many returnPREVEDELLI FARMS ing to producing heirlooms. APPLE BUCKLE Many share their bounty at ½ c. butter, softened local farmers markets. Fruitili½ c. sugar cious and Prevedelli Farms, ¼ c. brown sugar both with orchards in Wat3 eggs sonville, have a wide variety of 1 tsp. vanilla heirloom apples. Rainbow 1½ c. flour Orchards out of Camino ½ tsp. salt offers quite a few varieties, 1 tsp. cinnamon while Lujan Farms from ¼ tsp. baking powder Hughson has a nice selection. 4½ c. sliced apples, such as And Smit Farms near Stockton Mutsu, Gravenstein, Jonagold grows organic apples. or Pink Pearl Varieties from these farmPowdered sugar

Meet ARF stars Rocko and Pez

ROCKO

Three-year-old Rocko is a big bear gentle giant with a heart of gold. His gorgeous marking will turns heads wherever you take him. He has a lot of energy to burn and will benefit from an experienced adopter who can keep up with his active lifestyle. The adoption fee for puppies under 6 months is $300, for adult dogs is $250, and includes a discount on the first six-week session of a manners class.

PEZ

Nine-week-old Pez is an adorable little guy who is very social and outgoing. He likes to be held and cuddled and he’s very enthusiastic about playing. He loves to romp around with his littermates and would be very happy if one joined him in his forever home. The adoption fee for kittens under 6 months $125 and for adult cats is $75. Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell

Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 6 pm Wednesday and Thursday, Noon to 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6 pm Saturday & Sunday. Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www.arflife.org, or call (925) 2561ARF.

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 9-inch cake pan with butter. In a medium bowl, mix the butter, sugar and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time; add vanilla. Whisk until combined. Fold in the flour, salt, cinnamon and baking powder until combined. Place apples on top. Bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 30 minute before serving. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

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Page 14

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

October 27, 2017

Retired Ambassador lauded for career at MDHS reunion

Growing up in 1950s and ‘60s Concord Tony Wayne first became interested in other countries “by collecting stamps and then reading books my mom purchased about countries from around the world.” Now, after four decades as a United States diplomat traversing the globe, the Mt. Diablo High School graduate is generally staying closer to his Mary-

land home since his 2015 retirement from government service. Wayne recently visited Concord 50 years to the month after he started his senior year at Mt. Diablo to attend the joint 50th reunion for the MDHS Classes of 1967 and 1968. During the visit Wayne and his wife Pam had a chance to meet with Concord Mayor Laura Hoffmeister to find out

more about the workings of his boyhood hometown. He began his stint in the State Department in 1975, bringing with him degrees from UC Berkeley, Stanford and Princeton. He also carried with him diplomas from Concord schools Holbrook Elementary, Glenbrook Intermediate and Mt. Diablo High. After joining the Foreign Service, he felt he

wanted to “think through the issues of leadership and policy decision-making” and went to the JFK School of Government at Harvard to polish off is curriculum vitae. During his diplomatic tenure he was Deputy U.S. Ambassador in Afghanistan and American Ambassador to Argentina and Mexico for four years each. His tour of duty also included time in France and Morocco. In 2010 the U.S. Senate confirmed him as a Career Ambassador, the highest rank in the Foreign Service. While working in Washington, D.C. he served three Secretaries of State as Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs. Prior to that position, Wayne was Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Europe and Canada and Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Mission to the European Union in Brussels. Wayne also worked as Director for Western Europe at the National Security Council and Director for Regional Affairs in the State Department’s Counterterrorism Office. Since stepping away from his governmental position Wayne has managed to stay busy. He is a Public Policy Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and a Senior Non-Resident Advisor at the Center for Security and International Studies and the Atlantic Council. In addition, he is treasurer of the American Foreign Service

Association and chairs its PAC. Wayne is an advisor for HSBC Bank on countering illicit finance in Latin America, a position that requires a fair amount of travel to the region. “What a wonderful person who has accomplished so much, having attained the highest rank in the U.S. diplomatic service as a Career Ambassador and his work around the world on behalf of America,” reports Hoffmeister. The Concord City Council prepared a proclamation lauding his career, which was presented to him at the reunion dinner. “He and his wife were very impressed with the way Concord has developed yet still retained the small community feel and stated specifically he is very proud to say he is from Concord and enjoyed the time

he was able spend going around the community while he was visiting.” Wayne says he “learned a lot about city priorities” during his conversation with Mayor Hoffmeister. When Wayne attended his last class reunion in 2012 he was Ambassador to Mexico and MDHS classmate Jennifer Ruscoe was a teacher at the school. She arranged a tour of the campus where Wayne was able to interact with students from his alma mater, many of whose families come from Mexico. He spoke to the students in English and Spanish. Earl Anthony Wayne has been able to see many of the countries pictured on his boyhood stamps and books come to life during his career in government service spanning the globe. —Pioneer staff

When Hurricane Harvey stalled over Texas, the media often compared the extent of the ensuing floods to mapped 100-year flood zones. However, the news reports seldom provided any background that explained how the flood zones are determined. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) develops flood risk maps. These maps are available for nearly every county in the United States, including Contra Costa County. FEMA was created in 1979 and has a dual role relative to emergency situations. Once a devastating event occurs, FEMA coordinates the emergency response program. In preparation for an event, the agency develops programs that identify and quantify risks for events like floods. When FEMA was estab-

lished, flood risk mapping became its responsibility. Over the last decade, most flood maps, including those for Contra Costa County, have been updated and digitized. FEMA identifies a flood hazard zone as a Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA). SFHA’s are defined as the area that will be inundated by a flood event having a 1 percent chance of occurring in any given year. This 1 percent annual chance flood is commonly referred to as a 100-year flood. The term 100-year flood is often incorrectly interpreted to mean “once every 100 years.” The reality is that any SFHA could experience a 100-year flood twice in the same year or multiple times over the course of 100 years. Conversely, an SFHA may not experience a 100-year flood over the course of several hundred years. FEMA evaluates two main flood types to draw SFHA zones. Inland floods occur when rivers overflow due to

excessive rainfall. Coastal floods are caused by ocean or bay water surges. On FEMA maps, inland SFHA areas are marked by the letter A, while a V denotes coastal flood zones. Contra Costa FEMA flood risk maps feature both inland and coastal analyses. Inland, or riverine, flood maps are constructed using the results of hydrological analyses and hydraulic modeling. The hydrological analysis includes rainfall, geological and geographical data to determine the amount of runoff that will reach a stream during a storm event. The hydraulic study determines the flow of floodwaters using a computer model developed by the Army Corps of Engineers. This model analyzes hydrological output from every recorded flood event along any river, stream or creek to determine 100-year events. The determination of flood zones along coastal and bay boundaries requires a somewhat different process. These flood events occur when strong storm winds

cause seawater to surge inland. As with riverine studies, a coastal hydraulic analysis determines how far inland the moving water goes. Model output statistics from both riverine and coastal hydraulic analyses include 100-year flood elevations by FEMA to draw coastal flood risk maps. To create the published FEMA 100-year flood maps, the riverine and coastal maps are merged. These maps are updated on a regular basis as additional data and improved modeling techniques become available. Hurricanes are not an issue here, but Contra Costa County does experience flooding due to excessive rainfall or coastal storm surges. Residents can determine how far their homes are from 100-year flood zones by viewing local FEMA maps at https://msc.fema.gov/portal.

and be able to take independent action to guard your data. Include things like how to keep personal information safe, where it is stored and if it is backed up. Deny right of entry to anyone who doesn’t need access. Be sure employees have read the plan. Next, create a real budget for the IT department. If you don’t have an IT department, hire one. It’s not as expensive as you may think. These days, there are many automated tools to keep the cost of protection reasonable. For example, less than $7 a month per computer keeps them safe, and that safety is monitored 24/7 365.

Most importantly, if you have independent IT services, ensure that they have its own security measures in place. We’ve all heard the old saw, “The cobbler’s children have no shoes.” Pay them a visit and check them out; it’s worth it. You should also do your best to comply with federal and local laws governing such things as security. Keep up to date by subscribing to a news feed such as Google’s news feed about federal cyber regulations. And consider insurance for cyber break-ins. Thacher suggests installing technology “not only for preventing the downloading of malicious software but also for

detecting and alerting the organization to attempted breaches.” As I have chronicled before, most retail versions of antivirus, malware and cyber protection are not enough. Hire an IT company that is a Managed Service Provider (MSP) that has such software. Lastly, I recommend a special place for mom. If mom is a customer, she needs protection just like the rest of your valued customers. So don’t keep customer information sitting around on your laptop or desktop. Protect it with a secure server. A separate piece of equipment that specializes in data security can cost less than $1,000. Or rent

time from an MSP for a cloudbased solution at about $50 a month. Microsoft has many server level software offerings that work great on a server. Here’s a tip: I don’t keep any credit card information on a computer. Our company uses a binder, and it is locked up. Old school, yes. However, no hacking is possible. It’s time for small businesses to fight cyber crime. Call me for more suggestions.

Planning is key factor to maximize storage space

LYNNE FRENCH

REAL ANSWERS

Q. I am planning to put the family house up for sale after 25 years. I need to clear out all my collections of things so it can be staged, so I decided to get a storage unit. Can you give me some tips for packing? A. Maximizing the space in your self-storage unit begins with having a plan in place. Be prepared. Even if it is a short-term solution, it’s important to come up with a plan before you haphazardly shove items into the space. A plan will save time when you clear the unit out, or even put other items in or take something out. Use the space wisely. If you are storing bigger items or things that are awkwardly shaped, take the time to break them down (if possible) to get the most use out of the space. This means disassembling tables, workout equipment, kitchen islands, etc. Take inventory. Good memory or not, you’re bound to forget every last item stored in the unit. Even if it only makes an appearance once every few years, you’ll want to remember where your fine china from Grandma Sue is when she visits. Label everything. If you plan to fill your storage unit with boxes, label them so you can quickly and easily identify what’s inside. It’s also important to make sure all the labels are facing the same way. Map it out. In addition to making note of everything that’s stored in your storage unit, it’s a good idea to map out where everything is located. This way, you can easily grab something when needed. Place items strategically.

Keeping items together or packing things according to which room or family member they belong to is a simple way to add a level of organization to the process. Leave a walkway. For those renting a large self-storage unit, don’t forget to leave a walkway down the middle when filling the space with your belongings. Not only will this make it easy to grab things when you need them, it will keep you from having to climb over boxes and other items when you need to grab something from the back of the unit.

Q. I am looking for a rental for my husband and me. Rents are so high that we are considering buying instead. We didn’t plan on buying our first home so soon. What are your thoughts? A. In today’s market environment of rising rents, the difference in cost between renting and owning is actually narrowing – making this a favorable time to buy a home. However, between down payments and closing costs, buying a home is a big financial commitment that may seem out of reach for those who ultimately choose to rent instead. If you want to know if buying is better than renting for you, ask yourself the following questions: How stable is my employment situation? Lenders will take the length of time you’ve spent at your current job into consideration, so if you’ve jumped around a lot or just started a new position, that may work against you. Are you ready to settle down for a while? Buying a home is an excellent longterm investment, not usually a quick flip. If you’re still testing different cities or interested in seeing the world, renting may be a better option. What shape is your credit in? Your credit score weighs heavily in securing a favorable mortgage loan. If yours is not in the best shape, it may be better to rent while you work at building a better profile.

What is your true financial picture? While your salary may seem more than sufficient to make your projected mortgage payments, keep in mind that homeownership involves many different costs – from property taxes to repairs. Run the numbers carefully before deciding to buy. The best way to decide whether to rent or buy is to consult a local real estate professional. Send your question and look for your answer in a future column. Email Lynne@LynneFrench.com. French is the broker/owner of Windermere Lynne French & Associates. Contact her at 672-8787 or stop in at 6200 Center St., Clayton.

WOODY WHITLATCH WEATHER WORDS

Photo courtesy Mt. Diablo High School

Tony Wayne (center) was presented with a proclamation from the Concord City Council at his Mt. Diablo High School class reunion last month at the Hilton Concord. New Mt. Diablo High principal Lorne Barbosa (right) and Wayne’s high school and college classmate Jay Bedecarré were part of the program.

What do we know about 100-year flood zones?

Woody Whitlatch is a meteorologist retired from PG&E. Email your questions or comments to clayton_909@yahoo.com

You need a plan to prevent data hacks WILL CLANEY

TECH TALK

Even if you’re not a large company with data facilities all over the world, your company data is valuable. It’s important to safeguard your customer data because you can be sued for data breaches and theft of your databases. Not to mention the nasty letters and bad-will that is generated by such a situation.

When home or small business want to protect themselves, I suggest they think globally and act locally. This means being aware of the global cyber security threat and taking action to protect you and your customers from it. I will summarize a CNBC article by Corporate Solutions and Simpson Thacher for the Nasdaq that I thought would be a good guide as to what you can do to protect those you serve. First, it is a good idea to identify someone in your company who is responsible for leadership of your data security. The person should have a written breach response plan in case of attack

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

October 27, 2017

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Page 15

Analyzing issues and emotions in local elections

19.1% strongly agreed 49.2% agreed. 15.3% neither agreed nor disagreed. CONCORD 1.7% disagreed strongly. 12.3% disagreed. Through my summer sur1.7% didn’t know. vey at www.pulseofconcord, I 0.8% didn’t care. wanted to understand more about why people voted – or Then I asked: “In the last didn’t vote – in local elections. two city elections (2016 and With 78 percent overall 2014), do you remember what turnout in 2016, only 65 per- the issues were that made your cent of those cast a vote in the decision on who to vote for?” City Council race – or 50.7 per-

EDI BIRSAN PULSE OF

7.8% said yes, and they have been or are being addressed. 30.3% responded yes, and they have not been addressed. 15.6% neither agreed nor disagreed. 19.5% said no. 15.6% said their decisions are not concrete issue-based. 11.3% did not know.

mayor. Presidential elections bring out the maximum turnout, but that also means that they bring out the most casual voters on a local level. Those 62 percent are the people who do not care about local elections. My survey stated: “Diversity in local elected office holders is more important With only 38 percent than agreement with me on remembering the issues and most of my issues.” quite a few admitting that they are not issue-based, we 5.6% said diversity is their are moving into the emotion- issue. al aspects of a local election. 11.5% strongly agreed. It makes me wonder if the 13.2% agreed. other 62 percent either had 16.2% neither agreed nor no issues to remember and disagree. were simply casual voters or 22.2% strongly disagreed. if they were emotional voters 24.4% disagreed. but not focused on specific 3.4% didn’t know. things like local police sta3.4% didn’t care. tions or a directly elected

Civil War a backdrop for family drama in ‘Hockaday’ Belonging to the Clayton Community Library Book Club has its perks. Members now spread the wealth by bringing in books they’ve read and want to share. That’s how I got a copy of Susan Rivers’ debut novel, “The Second Mrs. Hockaday.” Rivers has written one of the best epistolary novels I’ve ever read. A story told through letters can often be tiring, but Rivers keeps this Civil War narrative moving at an incredible pace. In between the letters are journals, newspaper articles and court documents. The tale is based on a true event involving a married woman who, while her husband is off fighting the war, gives birth to an illegitimate child who dies shortly thereafter. It is a love story, a war story and a morally confusing mystery relating to who fathered the child as well as the infant’s death. It begins with a letter written from a South Carolina courthouse in 1865. The letter is to Mildred, the

beloved cousin of Placidia Fincher. Placidia writes of meeting Major Hockaday, hinting at how taken she was by his manner and bearing. She also shares the fact that her doctor has told her she is not likely to remain in jail for long. She then asks her cousin to send a dress and some writing paper. The reader, so taken with Placidia’s feelings for Major Hockaday, is almost jolted to remember she is in jail. What has she done? Whatever the crime, romance exists and it

does so along with dark family secrets – all fodder for the staunchest mystery lover. After a whirlwind encounter with the much older and widowed Major Hockaday, 17-year-old Placidia agrees to marry him and move to his farm, where his infant son is in the care of a house slave. Placidia, an atypical Southern belle, is animal smart (rides and probably breaks horses), articulate and believably aware of her sexual awakening. Two days into the marriage, her husband is called back to the front and she is left to deal with his infant son and to manage his farm and slaves. The story moves through the early part of her two-year separation from her husband. Her relationships with her sister, her father and her cousins give the reader an indepth look at a cast of characters fighting more than the Civil War. She has few letters from her husband and life on his farm is not easy. Weather, outlaws and family deception and avarice create years of chaos and doubt that she had

SUNNY SOLOMON

BOOKIN’ WITH SUNNY

married well. The reader is left guessing and re-guessing almost to the end. Who was the father of the child? Was the child’s death murder? When Hockaday returns at war’s end to find his wife in jail, will he divorce her? Or will there be a future for their marriage? Rivers writes a tight tale with believable characters and history to back up the depth of her narrative. Enslavement comes in all colors, and war casualties are not always found on the battlefields. 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.’

‘It’ is down-right terrifying

JEFF MELLINGER

SCREEN SHOTS

We get it, adults are terrible. That is one of the underlying themes of Andy Muschietti’s telling of Stephen King’s “It.” In fact, there isn’t a redeemable character over the age of 15. The men, in particular, are at best, crooked, at worst …. well, the main antagonist is an evil clown. Coulrophobia, or fear of clowns, is something that affects millions of people of all ages. As children, all of us suffer from fears, both rational and irrational. Local kidnappings are some of the most terrifying. This story is truly all about kids and what scares them. “It” begins in 1988 with a superbly filmed sequence of

young Georgie and his fateful introduction to Pennywise the Clown (a menacing Bill Skarsgard). Fast forward to 1989, the town and Georgie’s older brother Bill (Jaeden Lieberher) still have not gotten over the abduction. When Bill and his group of self-proclaimed “loser” friends start seeing horrific things that play on their worst fears, they begin to think everything might be connected. Wanting to judge this film on its own merits, I went in without seeing the original miniseries or reading the book. From what I know, this version sticks pretty close to the source material. Films based on Stephen King have been hit or miss, with miss being the usual result. Typically, his short stories – like “Shawshank Redemption,” “The Mist” and “Stand By Me” – are the best. With the spectacular failure of “The Dark Tower” this past summer, hope was in short supply for “It.” No one could have predicted it would become the all-time highest grossing Rrated horror film in the U.S. in just three weeks. The novel takes places in the ’50s, but the film puts us

Bill Skarsgård as the killer clown Pennywise from ‘It.’

square at the end of the go-go ’80s. Cinematographer Chung-hoon Chung (behind the camera for most of South Korean wunderkind Chanwook Park’s films) beautifully captures the look of smalltown Maine in the decade of decadence. A child of the ’80s, Muschietti layers the film with homages. Movie theater marquees tell us exactly what month we are in, T-shirts reflect what was popular and the soundtrack sparkles with forgotten gems. If you are of fan of the ’80s-soaked “Stranger Things,” “The Goonies” and “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” this movie is a good combination of the three. The kids, seven in total, do a fine job. Finn Wolfhard (“Stranger Things”) is the only

recognizable actor in the bunch. There is a bit of a reliance on his vulgar one-liners, but most of them work because yes, kids talk this way. As the only girl in the group, Bev (Sophia Lillis) provides a vulnerable strength. Bullied by the girls at school for perceived promiscuity and horribly mistreated by her dad, Bev unites the boys in their quest against Pennywise. Skarsgard’s performance is darkly funny while doing his best to frighten us. However, the film’s real scares lie in the images Pennywise forces the kids to see. Zombie-lepers, walking headless corpses and creepy paintings coming to life are the true stuff of nightmares. Overcoming our fears is one of the hardest things we face. We root for the kids in “It” to succeed, because if they can conquer the horrific things they encounter, then we can conquer anything. B+

Jeff Mellinger is a screen writer and film buff. He holds a BA in Film Studies and an MFA in film production. He lives in Concord. Email comments to editor@claytonpioneer.com.

Diversity is an emotional issue, and more than 30 percent appear to be placing this as more important than other issues. How does this compare with local election facts? In the November 2016 election for City Council, we had one person in the diversity category who had no ballot statement in the voter booklet, no mail fliers, no social media, no signs, no door-to-door campaign or field workers, no robo calls. They got 4,214 votes out of 33,000 votes, or about 12.7 percent. Remember that 15 percent say they are not concrete issue voters. There were three other candidates in the field of seven that might be put in the diversity category. But by looking at this, I have a good verification that there is a significant emotional component. If democracy depends on an electorate making deci-

sions on representation based on self-interest and perception of the issues before the representatives, then we have a problem. Next, we need to look into the issues that people seem to care about and decide on. How many of these issues are really so general as to be in the emotional and image aspect of a candidate as opposed to something concrete? Write to me about your top three issues by email at EdiBirsan@gmail.com. You can also reach me by phone at 510-812-8180 or visit www.PulseOfConcord.com This column is not affiliated with Concord city government. Opinions are those personally of Birsan. Where shoe leather has been inserted in one’s mouth, then it is the fault of Edi Ersalesi Birsan. Said opinions are subject to change without notice and generally with new information that is better.

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T H E ARTS

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

October 27, 2017

‘Liar’ creates chaos – and laughter

SALLY HOGARTY

STAGE STRUCK What happens when you cannot tell the truth and your servant cannot tell a lie? It brings plenty of confusion and anxiety for the characters but lots of fun for the audience as Center Repertory presents David Ives’ “The Liar.” Set in 17th century Paris, the comedy tells of the charming and charismatic Dorante – who can’t seem to tell the truth – while Cliton, his manservant, cannot lie. Michael Butler directs the modern adaptation of Pierre Corneille’s original comedy. The show runs through Nov. 18 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr. Call 925-943-SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org. Take a step back in time when radio was king as Clayton Theatre Company presents “The 1940’s Radio Hour.” I love this show, which includes songs such as “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” The show follows a live

Jonathan Mercer

Clayton Theatre Company’s “1940’s Radio Hour” opened Oct. 19 at Endeavor Hall in Clayton. The show features such musical favorites as “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.”

radio broadcast, complete with sound effects, that takes place in 1942. It’s a year into the U.S. involvement in World War II, and this broadcast is for the troops overseas. It becomes more interesting with a harassed producer, a leading singer who drinks too much and a trumpet player who chooses a fighter plane over Glenn Miller. “The 1940’s Radio Hour” runs through Nov. 4 at

Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. Director Roxanne Pardi encourages attendees on Friday nights to come “dressed in your best 1940s costume” to receive free popcorn. To purchase tickets, go to the theater’s website claytontheatrecompany.com. There are just three more performances of B8’s “Almost, Maine,” which plays 8 p.m. Oct. 27 and 2 and 8 p.m. Oct. 28 at 2292 Concord Blvd., Concord. The quirky

George Cole and his trio will appear at Del Valle Theatre Nov. 4 for a night of Nat John Carter King Cole’s popular jazz Alan Coyne and Adrian Deane star in Role Players chilling sensations. production of “Angel Street” in Danville through Nov 4.

comedy has residents of the mythical town falling in and out of love as the Northern Lights create havoc. For tickets, call 925-890-8877 or go to www.brownpapertickets.com. It’s “Cole Swings Cole” at the Del Valle Theatre as George Cole and his trio pay homage to jazz great Nat King Cole at 8 p.m. Nov. 4. Virtuoso jazz guitarist and vocalist George Cole promises a vibrant show with all the sophistication and elegance of Nat King Cole. With Sir Richard Nelson on piano and Carla Kaufman on upright bass, George Cole will highlight songs from Nat King Cole’s large repertoire. “I had concentrated on rock ’n’ roll lead guitar, but I became inspired by the love both my parents had for the music of Nat King Cole,” says George. The family-friendly show will recreate such iconic classics as “Unforgettable” and “Mona Lisa.” The theater is at 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. For tickets, call 925943-SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.

Danville’s Role Players Ensemble will send chills up your back as they present the Victorian thriller “Angel Street.” You might remember it as the film “Gaslight,” starring Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer. In Patrick Hamilton’s spine-tingling tale, a young bride fears she is going mad under the influence of her

mysterious new husband. The show runs through Nov. 5 at the Village Theatre, 233 Front St., Danville. Call 925-3143400 or go to www.roleplayersensemble.com. Addams Family aficionados still have time to catch Chanticleers’ production of the musical comedy featuring such favorite characters as Morticia, Gomez, Uncle Fester, Pugsley, Wednesday and Lurch. In this upside-down world of the Addams Family, a grown-up Wednesday has fallen in love with a “normal” young man and the family is in chaos as a family dinner nears. “The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy” runs through Nov. 5 at the Chanticleers Theater, 3683 Quail Ave., Castro Valley. Call 510733-5483 or go to www.chanticleers.org. Pittsburg Theatre will hold auditions for “Next to Normal” on Nov. 13-16 and “Taming of the Shrew” on Nov. 28-29. For information on what to prepare and when shows run, go to www.pittsburgcommunitytheatre.org. 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

See the wacky “Addams Family” in a whole new light at Castro Valley’s Chanticleer Theatre through Nov. 5

An artist who’s not afraid to show her work

LISA FULMER

ARTS

MOTION

Raquel Amaral started her personal adventure with painting just a few years ago. “I actually have very few artistic skills. I just love to paint intuitively, and I feel possessed by creativity ... It’s good for my soul,” she muses. After Amaral visited a few local galleries for inspiration

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ants – she brings plenty of artists out to shine in her spare time. Each month, you’ll see new creative work from Amaral, Concord residents and artists all around the Bay Area. “It was a crazy idea at first,” she recalls. “I didn’t really know any other artists when I started. But I walked around town and introduced myself to people, talked to other gallery owners and joined the Concord Art Association. I went online to find local artists and sent them invitations to submit their work.” Amaral believes it’s important for artists to build confidence in their work. “So many newcomers feel intimidated; they’re afraid their work is not good enough. But who defines what’s good? You do,” she says. “Of course, we want things to sell, and I maintain a nice balance of both new and seasoned artists. But I’m mostly just so happy to give artists this foothold into the business of getting out there and showing your work. I really want to remove some of the perceived elitism of art galleries and make it all much more approachable for the community as well as for the artists.” Her gallery features paint-

Lisa Fulmer

Raquel Amaral stands proudly in her downtown art gallery.

ings, photography, cards and prints, plus handmade soap, jewelry and decorative items. Prices vary from a $5 card to a $25 print to a $200 watercolor to an $800 oil painting. Amaral’s monthly call-forartists is always unjuried, and she occasionally offers to comp an artist who might be experiencing a hardship. CAA members get discounts on gallery fees in exchange for volunteering at the gallery. “Our monthly Artist Receptions are so fun – full of wine and laughter,” she says. “I make sure the artists wear nametags, so they can get to know each other and meet the public. I see their relationships growing. It’s really won-

derful.” The Raquel Amaral Gallery’s current show, “Anything Goes – I’m Not Afraid to Show My Art,” runs through Nov. 4. Located at 1856 Colfax St., No. 6, the gallery is open 12-2 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Amaral will have a prize drawing for an Apple watch during the show’s closing reception, 6-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3. Lisa Fulmer is a mixed media artist, a small business marketing consultant, and president of the Concord Art Association. Visit ConcordArtAssociation.com for inspiration and information.

October 27, 2017

CALENDAR Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

PLEASE SuBMIT yOuR COMMuNITy CALENDAR EvENTS By 5 P.M. NOv. 15 FOR THE NOv. 24 Mondays Off the Grid

IN CONCORD

Rotating lineup of food trucks. 5 – 9 p.m. 2151 Salvio Street. offthegridsf.com.

Tuesdays Farmers’ Market

Year round, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. pcfma.org.

On Sale Now Concerts

The Concord Pavilion is located at 2000 Kirker Pass Road. See full concert schedule for 2017 at livenation.com. Upcoming shows: Oct. 29, Punk in Drublic, 1 p.m. Nov. 2, Luke Bryan, 7 p.m.

Oct. 28 SpiritsFest

Featuring local craft spirits, artists and vendors, live entertainment, food and Concord history during a spirited, Halloweenthemed evening. Sponsored by Rotary Club of Concord. 2 to 8 p.m. Galindo Home and Gardens, 1721 Amador Ave. $60. spiritsfest.org.

Nov. 4 - 5 Gem and Jewelry Show and Sale

Jewelry, gems, minerals, fossils. Sponsored by the Contra Costa Mineral and Gem Society. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road. $6. ccmgsshowcoupon.com. (925) 7790698.

Nov. 9 Advance Health Care Directives

Legal clinic to prepare and notarize advance health care directives for seniors 60 and older in Contra Costa County. 9:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle. Free. Call for appointment (925) 671-3320.

Nov. 11 Veterans Day Celebration

Kicking off the annual Veterans Day Softball Tournament sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1525. 11 a.m. Willow Pass Community Park, 2748 E. Olivera Road. vfwpost1525.org.

Nov. 23 Turkey Trot Concord

5K/10K run/walk sponsored by Calvary Temple Church. Proceeds benefit outreach to local communities.7:45 a.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. $35-$40; $40-$45 after Oct. 31. Kids Dash is free. turkeytrotconcord.org. (925) 643-1207.

IN CLAYTON

Thru Nov. 4 “The 1940’s Radio Hour”

Musical about a live radio broadcast from Dec. 21, 1942. Friday night, dress in 1940s costume and get a free popcorn. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St. $20-$25. claytontheatrecompany.com.

ON AND AROUND THE MOUNTAIN

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve programs are available for registration through ebparks.org. Parking fees may apply. For additional information, contact Black Diamond Visitor Center at (510) 544-2750 or bdvisit@ebparks.org.

Thru November Hazel-Atlas Mine Tours

Learn about the mining history and geology at Black Diamond Mines. Guided, 90-minute tour; Saturdays and Sundays. Must be age 7 or older with parent. $5 in advance online or day of at Sidney Flat Visitor Center.

Oct. 29 Creepy Critters

Learn about snakes, bats, owls and tarantulas and make a fun craft to take home. 12 – 4 p.m. Meet at Black Diamond Mines Upper Parking Lot.

Mount Diablo Interpretive Association programs listed are free with the exception of park entrance fee. Go to mdia.org and click on Event Calendar for more information.

Nov. 8 Bird and Nature Hike

ISSuE. ITEMS MuST BE SuBMITTED By EMAIL TO

Nov. 12 Young Canyon Property Tour

Steep, but short hike up the slopes of North Peak. 9 – 12 p.m. Meet at end of Regency Drive, Clayton. Reservations required.

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Thru Oct. 28 “Almost, Maine”

A delightful, mid-winter night’s dream. B8 Theatre Company, 2292 Concord Blvd., Concord. $15-$25. b8theatre.org. (925) 890-8877.

Thru Nov. 11 “Billy Elliot”

An inspiring celebration of the journey of one boy who hangs up his boxing gloves for ballet shoes. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $49-$65. ccmt.org.

Thru Nov. 11 “Greetings by Tom Dudzick”

Presented by Onstage Repertory Theatre. Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St., Martinez. $12-$18. campbelltheater.com. (925) 5183277.

Thru Nov. 18 “The Liar”

The charming Dorante has but a single flaw: He cannot tell the truth. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $34-$56. centerrep.org.

Oct. 28 “Nunsense”

Presented by Broadway Repertory Theater. 2 and 7:30 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $12-$23. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.

Nov. 3 – 5 “Alice @Wonderland: The Musical”

A present-day Alice encountering the Wonderland. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Nov. 5 Concert

Motown music with Top Shelf. 3 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $10-$27. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.

Nov. 10 - 12 “A Swingin’ Holiday and More”

Nov. 11 Veterans Day Ceremony

Featuring the Walnut Creek Concert Band. 11 a.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Free admission; reservations recommended. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Nov. 12 “Cityscape and Symphony”

Nov. 17 - 18 “The Christmas Ballet”

Presented by Smuin Ballet. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $57-$82. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 9437469.

Nov. 17 - 19 “The Happy Prince”

Performed by El Campanil Children’s Theatre. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $8-$12. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.

Nov. 18 – 19 “Mozart Masterpieces”

Performed by the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra. 2 p.m. Nov. 18: El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $7-$15. elcampaniltheatre.com. Nov. 19: Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10-$30. lesherartscenter.org.

Nov. 24 – 26 “The Nutcracker”

Presented by Contra Costa Ballet. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $38. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Nov. 28 “Holiday Concert”

Enjoy Green Friday instead of Black Friday. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Trailhead.

Save Mount Diablo’s Discover Diablo is a free public hike series. Go to discover-diablo.eventbrite.com for more information.

Nov. 5 Borges Ranch Family Walk

Hike the historic buildings of this operational cattle ranch. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meet at 1035 Castle Rock Road, Walnut Creek. Reservations required.

and dance. Clayton Valley Charter High School, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord. $5-$10. claytonvalley.org.

Oct. 28 Trunk or Treat

CHURCHES

Safe place to trick or treat for kids. Come in costume. 5 – 7 p.m. Concord United Methodist Church, 1645 West St., Concord. Free. concordumc.org.

Oct. 28 Trunk or Treat

Dinner, games and trunk or treating. No scary costumes or weapons. 5 – 7 p.m. The Bridge Church, 2140 Olivera Court, Concord. Free. bridgebayarea.com.

Nov. 4 Boutique and Vendor Fair

Crafts, including artwork, scarves, jewelry; baked goods; vendors. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Faith Missionary Baptist Church Gym, 4266 Thompson Drive, Concord. Free admission. concordfmbc.com.

Nov. 23 Thanksgiving Dinner

For anyone in need. 11:30 – 2 p.m. First Lutheran Church, 4000 Concord Blvd., Concord. Free. flcconcord.org. (925) 483-4913.

FUNDRAISERS

2nd and 4th Sundays Pancake Breakfast

Veterans of Foreign Wars serve breakfast to the public: Eggs, pancakes, sausage, beverage. 8 – 11 a.m. VFW Post 1525, 2290 Willow Pass Road, Concord. $5, $3 children under 12. vfwpost1525.org.

Nov. 3 “Kids: Investing in OUR Future”

County-wide program to keep kids in school. Dinner, auction, speaker Michael Pritchard. Benefits C.O.P.E. Family Support Center. 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 4500 John Glenn Drive, Concord. $75. copebenefit.eventbrite.com.

Nov. 3 – 4 Comedy

Performed by Arsenio Hall to benefit the Pittsburg Arts and Community Foundation. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $30-$40. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611.

Nov. 3 - 4

Art Show and Sale

Showcasing Clayton folk art by Carlene Honeychurch. Wine, appetizers; dressy to formal attire. Proceeds benefit Clayton Historical Society and Museum. 4 – 8 p.m. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St. $5 admission. claytonhistory.org.

Nov. 13 HomeAid LIVE 2017

HomeAid Northern California’s annual benefit show. 8 p.m. Presented by Contra Costa Wind Symphony. 7 p.m. Lesher Center Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $75for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $17. $125. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Presented by Ta’ere Tia’i Polynesian Cultural Arts. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $35$45. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Nov. 24 Three Canyons Hike

newsandcalendar@concordpioneer.com

Diablo Ballet’s season opener. Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Gala and Boutique Blvd., Walnut Creek. $25-$59. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943Friday night “Jingle Bells Boutique,” wine, appetizers, auction, 7469. wine pull, raffle and boutique; 6 – 8 p.m. Saturday Classy Crafters Boutique and Country Kitchen continues; 10 a.m. – 2 Nov. 11 p.m. Proceeds benefit Saint Bonaventure Food Pantry. Saint “1940s Battle of the Big Bands” Bonaventure Large Hall, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. Free adCelebrate Veterans Day at El Campanil Theatre. Parade at 11 mission. 672-5800. a.m. Show at 2 p.m. 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $15-$39. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500. Nov. 9

Nov. 21 “Te Aito, Warrior”

Hike up the canyon in search of bird sights and sounds. 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center.

Page 17

Presented by the Walnut Creek Concert Band. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $17.50. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Nov. 28 – 30 “Elf JR”

Nov. 17 - 18 Comedy

Performed by Pablo Francisco to benefit the Pittsburg Arts and Community Foundation. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $20-$30. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 4271611.

AT THE LIBRARY

The Concord Library is at 2900 Salvio St. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at ccclib.org or (925) 646-5455. Oct. 30: Puppet Show, 7 p.m. Oct. 31: Halloween Crafternoon, 3:30 p.m. Nov. 2: Origami, 4 p.m. Nov. 4: Tai Chi Zen, 11 a.m. Registration required. Nov. 6: Movie Monday, 7 p.m. Nov. 13: Eating Healthy Workshop, 6 p.m. Registration required. Nov. 14: Concord Art Association Meeting and Demo, 1 p.m. Nov. 14: Teens Make’n’Take, 4 p.m. Nov. 20: Thankful Crafts, 7 p.m. Registration required.

The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at claytonlibrary.org or call (925) 673-0659.

Thru Nov. 6: Clayton Reads, “The Art of Racing in the Rain” Oct. 29, Nov. 5: Family Movie Afternoon, 2 p.m. Oct. 30: Halloween Adventure, 4 p.m. Nov. 6: “The Art of Racing in the Rain” discussion, 7 p.m. Nov. 13: Clayton Knits, 1:30 p.m. Nov. 13: Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 13: Clayton Library Book Club, 7 p.m. Nov. 20: Create Picture Book Art, 4 p.m.

GOVERNMENT

Presented by Poison Apple Productions. 7:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

1st, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays Concord City Council

Thru Nov. 5 “The Mystery of Edwin Drood”

1st and 3rd Wednesdays Concord Planning Commission

SCHOOLS

Hilarious, interactive, whodunit mystery musical. Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. $16-$21. dvcdrama.net.

Oct. 27 – 29 “Romeo and Juliet: A Rock and Roll Tragedy”

A hybrid of the original Shakespearean text and modern music

6:30 p.m., Council Chamber, Concord Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Dr. cityofconcord.org. 7 p.m. Council Chamber, Concord Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Dr. cityofconcord.org.

Meeting dates and times for local clubs and organizations are listed at concordpioneer.com. Click on ‘Links’

Page 18

Concord Pioneer â&#x20AC;˘ www.concordpioneer.com

October 27, 2017

Special Section

For Central Contra Costa Homeowners & House Hunters

PHORMIUM JACK SPRATT

Fall plantings to brighten even the cloudiest day

NICOLE HACKETT

GARDEN GIRL

COLEONEMA SUNSET GOLD

TEUCRIUM MAJORICUM

BULBINE FRUTESCENS

Embrace the fall planting season with nine great landscape suggestions that are heat- and frost-hardy. These plants, shrubs and groundcovers would make excellent introductions to any Clayton Valley landscape or garden. Teucrium majoricum is a part of the germander family. The fabulous evergreen groundcover is covered with purple clusters of flowers May through September. Expect the icygray foliage to reach 3 feet tall and spread 18 inches wide. Teucrium majoricum acts like a magnet to honey bees. Coleonema Sunset Gold in an evergreen shrub with fantastic, fernlike, yellow foliage that will dramatically contrast other shrubs in the landscape. Folks tend to underestimate the mature growth of this evergreen, which can be 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide. This shrub prefers being installed in the fall or early spring,

when the weather is cool. Abelia Kaleidoscope has yellow and green variegation during the summer. As autumn begins to chill, the yellow portion of the leaves turn an intense salmon color. Abelia Kaleidoscopeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foliage color lends itself to many companion situations. It looks great with perennials, roses and purple-leafed trees. Some exceptional grass-like selections to consider for a Clayton Valley yard or garden are phormium, lomandra and cordyline. Phormium is a huge family from Australia consisting of many brilliant members. Commonly called flax, this grass-like plant is good for pool sides, containers and borders. Black Rage, Maori Maiden and Jack Spratt are favorites to consider. Read labels and research considerations before installing. Cordyline Electric Pink thrives in our climate. This evergreen is also deer-resistant. Sword-like leaves are bright pink with thin strips of bronze. Expect growth to reach 4-5 feet tall and develop a short trunk. Lomandra longifolia Breeze is an exceptional grass-like evergreen. It has fine textured blades of rich green that create tons of movement in the landscape. Install this selection in a mass planting to cover a large area. It also looks great in kettleshaped containers. Breeze can reach 2-3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Bulbine frutescens was definitely

AGASTACHE KUDOS CORAL

the succulent type perennial of the year. This exceptional plant has been blooming since the early days of spring and is still creating flower stalks. Succulent-like foliage will stand 9-12 inches high and spread 3 feet wide. Flower stalks can be 2 feet tall. The bloom is a candelabra of dime-sized blossoms that line each stem. If patches of Bulbine get too wide, divisions and transplanting are successful. Little John Callistemon is a proven shrub with a unique growth and leaf pattern. This shrub gets lots of attention in the nursery or a landscape, even when not in bloom. During May, feathery clusters of bold red flowers cover the thick stems, beckoning hummingbirds to sample its nectar. Agastache Kudos Coral is a delightful perennial that is tolerant of every bit of the July and August heat. Commonly called mint hyssop, Agastache would make a nice introduction into any full-sun perennial bed. Great companions would be salvia, coreopsis, alstroemeria and dahlia. Autumn is a safe, successful time to install an entire landscape or a few new additions. Nurseries bulk up on stock for the fall, so get planting.

Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. You can contact her with questions or comments by email at Gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com

LITTLE JOHN CALLISTEMON

Leigh Klock, Realtor Senior Real Estate Specialist Accredited Staging Professional

Leigh@LeighKlock.com

373 Blue Oak Lane, Clayton

Coming Soon

This Stunning Eagle Peak home in the Oakhurst Country Club development offers 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths with 2,981 square feet of living space. Enjoy the Chef's kitchen with island, granite counter tops, and open floor plan. The generous master bedroom boasts a fireplace and luxurious spa inspired en suite. Relax and entertain in the lush backyard with views of the Carquinez Strait.

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October 27, 2017

Concord Pioneer â&#x20AC;˘ www.concordpioneer.com

Page 19

September Home Statistics Source: ccartoday.com

CLAYTON Homes New Listings Pending Sales Closed Sales Days on Market Until Sale Average Sales Price Inventory of Homes for Sale

2016 16 10 8 34 $695,125 26

2017 14 12 12 19 $820,895 14

CONCORD Homes New Listings Pending Sales Closed Sales Days on Market Until Sale Average Sales Price Inventory of Homes for Sale

2016 127 107 112 22 $589,407 146

2017 117 113 89 23 $625,097 97

2016 26 27 28 18 $724,804 19

2017 34 25 29 28 $747,215 24

2016 60 49 55 20 $1,081,449 62

2017 64 50 47 22 $1,166,341 47

PLEASANT HILL Homes New Listings Pending Sales Closed Sales Days on Market Until Sale Average Sales Price Inventory of Homes for Sale

WALNUT CREEK Homes New Listings Pending Sales Closed Sales Days on Market Until Sale Average Sales Price Inventory of Homes for Sale

2611 Morgan terr. Rd., Clayton

Morgan Territory Unobstructed views of Mount Diablo Price reduced from this 4 BR, 3 BA $1,149,000 country home set on 1.32 acres in rural Morgan Territory. Completely remodeled throughout. 3,300 sq. ft with bonus room , gourmet kitchen with Wolf stove, griddle and grill and sub-zero refrigerator and wine fridge. Sparkling pool, basketball sports court and room for horses with direct access to Mt. Diablo State Park. City water.

Virtual tour and pictures at www.2611MorganterritoryRd.com

Kelly McDougall CalBRE 01156462

(925) 787-0448 KMcDougall@windermere.com

353 Blue Oak Lane, Clayton

Stunning Home! 3373 sq. ft, beautifully decorated and remodeled 5 bedroom 3 bath with bedroom suite on the first floor. Gleaming hardwood floors, custom built incabinets, granite slab counters, sparkling pebble-surface pool & spa. Only $998,000

4400 Kearsarge Court, Concord

Located in the popular and in-demand Limeridge community with outstanding Walnut Creek schools. Remodeled throughout. 4 bedrooms/2.5 baths, 2157 sq.ft with custom tile floors, new plush carpets, granite slab counters, plantation shutters, 50 yr comp. roof +++. $785,000

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Concord Pioneer â&#x20AC;¢ www.concordpioneer.com

October 27, 2017

Downieville, a mountain bike mecca Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

KEVIN PARKER

HIT

THE

TRAIL

Hall pass, check. Camping gear, check. Bikes that cost more than some cars, check. Ten friends who bailed on reality to disconnect for three days, check. Throw all those ingredients into a pot, stir and you’ve got a recipe to thrill in some of the most pristine wilderness in Northern California. The mission was to jump on shuttles and ride some of the gnarliest and most technical bicycling terrain imaginable over an 18-mile, downhill thrillercoaster. But it goes beyond the trails, which were born from a partnership including Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, the U.S. Forest Service and the Sierra County Land Trust. Founded in 1849 during the Gold Rush, Downieville sits on the Downie and North Fork of the Yuba Rivers. Named for Maj. William Downie, who struck gold here, the town has a current population of 262 – a far cry from the 5,000 people who inhabited the town in 1851. Downieville is surrounded by the Tahoe National Forest and is part of the famed “Lost Sierra,” even though it’s a mere two-hour drive from Sacramento. This article focuses on Downieville, but the entire region – including Quincy, Graeagle and Lakes Basin – would require weeks to properly explore. Lodging choices range from B&Bs to rental cabins to tent camping (my preference). Camp at Indian Valley, which is about 10 miles outside of downtown on Highway 49. Sites 4 and 11 are ideal, putting you right on

SOLD

the river’s edge alongside endless serenity and solitude. The best way to bike Downieville is by using a shuttle service ($20 per trip) from town that drops you at Packer’s Saddle, a 45-minute drive that gains some 4,500 feet of elevation. Using Packer’s Saddle as a jump-off point gives you many trail choices that all lead back to downtown. Yuba Expeditions, a local outfitter, puts all proceeds into maintaining and building trails. Shuttles typically run from Memorial Day through the end of October, weather permitting. Depending on ability level, plan for 2.5-3 hours of downhill ride time. Almost all of these trails are highly technical, require superior bike handling skills and have sections of trail with footbridges, creek crossings and potentially high-consequence falls. All trails are also multi-use for hiking, biking and moto. We rode three shuttles over the course of a weekend and biked the following trails: Sunrise, Butcher Ranch, Pauley Creek, Big Boulder, Third Divide and First Divide. This year we saw a new trail, Gold Valley Rim Trail, which has some of the most beautiful scenery in the area as you climb above Packer and Deer lakes. Time permitting, you can also climb to the Sierra Buttes Lookout Tower, perched on top of the Sierra Buttes. For local eats, check out pizza and brews at Two Rivers Cafe, street tacos at La Cocina De Oro and a double scoop at Smoothieville. The town is rich in history and really blasts you back to a different time. Mountain biking has helped Downieville recreate itself, when otherwise it would have remained a ghost town. It’s hard to believe that Downieville lost out to Sacramento as our state capital by 10 votes.

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No matter what your pleasure, if you love the outdoors and want to get lost in an area of California visited by few, check it out and prepare to be dazzled.

Contact Kevin Parker with comments or questions by email at LukeHollywood@gmail.com

Downieville

Distance from Clayton: 178 miles (3.5 hours) Activities: Mountain biking, hiking, off-road vehicles, fishing, gold panning, river chilling, funky town loving Maps and info: www.yubaexpeditions.com and www.sierratrails.org

Kevin Parker

Deer Lake view from the 18-mile Sierra Buttes Trail near Downieville.

Memories can be wonderful, but banish the regrets CHRISTINE KOGUT

SAVVY SENIOR

I love this time of year, with the leaves changing and Nature in one of her prettiest outfits. When I was a kid, we ran the streets in gloriously giddy packs on All Hallows’ Eve. There were hoards of ghosts, goblins, fairies, witches, princes and pirates. My older sister, older brother and I would leave our house before dark with our empty pillowcases and trick-or-treat until one of our sacks was full. We’d then bring our booty home so our mother would have treats to give

• 440 Powell Dr., Bay Point

out. Afterward, we’d head out a second time for our own candy. It was necessary to improvise to avoid our house being egged or our windows soaped. No tricks here! We would travel for what felt like miles. Until I got older, I’m sure my sister had to carry both me and her satchel the rest of the way home. We’d rarely get back before the witching hour. I remember the year I was sick on Halloween, so my sister took me out a few nights later to each house on our block to ask if I could trick-or-treat. My little 4year-old self was decked out as a gypsy in one of my sister’s old colorful flowing skirts – hiked up underneath my armpits – over which hung a white peasant

blouse. Mother draped me with her gaudiest jewelry and completed the look with dark red lipstick and kohl black eye makeup. I’ve no doubt I must have been a pathetic sight, coupled with my still pale, sickly complexion. Our dear neighbors were gracious, and I was thrilled to return home with a care package of goodies. Many folks our age have only their memories to brighten their days. Reflection can be healthy, unless you’re stuck with feelings of sorrow or guilt. Few of us reach advanced age without acquiring some regrets along the way. If you can’t make amends, then come to terms with any unresolved issues you may be harboring.

We’re human. We make mistakes. It’s time to let them go. Forgiving yourself is every bit as important as forgiving others. If you need some sage advice to accomplish this, the Concord Senior Center offers free and confidential, one-onone, 45-minute counseling sessions for seniors every Monday and Tuesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at 2727 Parkside Circle. Call 925671-3320 for an appointment. Christine Kogut is a marketing director for the Concord Senior Citizens Club. She has lived in the area for 40 years and formerly worked for the Contra Costa Times. To find out more about the Concord Senior Center, call (925) 6713320 or see the city’s website at concord.ca.us

$470,000

3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, approx. 1426 sq. ft.

Listing agent: Matt Mazzei

PEnDInG • 1901 Meredith Ct., Concord $595,000 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, approx. 1548 sq. ft.

Listing agent: Matt Mazzei

• 2562 Walnut Blvd. #79, Walnut Creek

$439,000

2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, approx. 889 sq. ft.

Listing agent: Rula Masannat CST #2033054-40

Happy Halloween Matt Mazzei, Jr.,

Paula & Rod Johnstone

Rula Masannat

BRE# 01881269

DRE# 00797857

DRE# 01923757

Broker Associate

Broker/Owner 925-766-6745 matt@mazzeirealty.net

Paula 925-381-8810 Rod 925-286-5765

heypaula10@gmail.com

mazzeirealty.net Clayton residents since 1959

925-693-0757 (Main)

For more information please contact

Sales Agent 415-310-2905 rulawithmazzei@yahoo.com

6160 Center St. Suite #C, Clayton

925-693-0752 (Fax)

Like us on

Ph: 925.672.9840 travel-2-go.com

Clayton Station Shopping Center, 5439 Clayton Road (Suite F), Clayton * Book a select 2018 Avalon Europe river cruise to qualify for $299/ per person round-trip economy class trans-Atlantic air from ATL, BOS, BWI, CLE, CLT, DFW, DTW, EWR, IAD, IAH, JFK, LAX, MIA, MCO, MSP, ORD, PHL, PIT. Other gateway cities available from $200 to $1,075/person additional (inclusive of taxes/fees). $299 air will be based on the lowest available priced itinerary at the time of air booking. Alternate schedules may be available at an additional cost. Not combinable with any other promotions or benefits except Journeys Club and $1,250 per person promotion (PRMW0554). Quotes available online or by calling a Travel Professional. Limited to new bookings for US originating travelers and economy class Flex air tickets; must be booked & under land and air deposit between June 7 and November 28, 2017 for travel on select cruise departures in 2018. Pre-assigned seating is limited and may not be available on all desired travel dates. Offer does not apply to instant purchase air or Custom Tours. Individual members of groups can qualify, if booking is made and deposits applied within the promo window. Group air contracts are not available with this promotion. Groups of 10 or more passengers flying from the same US gateway will not be booked on same flights and could lose promotion if requesting to match flights. Once ticketed, air reservations subject to change/cancellation penalties of between $300 per ticket and 100% of ticket value. Changes to air reservations (including itineraries involving $299 round-trip transAtlantic air) subject to airfare differentials between originally booked airline fare and re-booked air itinerary. Airline baggage fees may apply; visit www.iflybags.com for details. Air schedules are available approximately 330 days prior to last travel date. Flight schedules, routings and air carriers are at the discretion of Globus family of brands. Pre-assigned seating may not be available on all air segments. Additional restrictions apply; see Travel Terms for details. Air tickets are non-commissionable. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Prices current as of June 7, 2017 and at time of booking, may be higher. For latest prices visit www.avalonwaterways.com or contact a Travel Professional. Offer available from participating GFOB offices only. CST#2017032-20. ** Restrictions apply. See your Travel Agent professional for details. Travel Agents, visit GlobusFamilyPartner.com for details. AF101721

Key Bike Concord advocate broadens scope Page 22

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Grassroots advocacy is only as effective as the people in the movement. Concord is fortunate to have passionate and organized community members who are dedicated to fostering appreciation for bike riding and safer streets for everyone. Promoting the needs of bicyclists is about raising awareness, getting issues prioritized, dialogue and seeing that necessary infrastructure becomes a reality. It is a long, slow, geargrinding effort. A lot of work takes place before any bike lane or “sharrow” appears on our roadways. After research, the advocates educate city officials and

build relationships with city planning and transportation departments. Then there is digging into city and state grants and funding resources. Advocacy and planning discussions

are continuous. Through all this, concrete action items begin to take form and come to fruition. The effort is a collaboration between city officials, Bike Concord and transportation officials – both local and statewide. Advocating for safer streets, bike lanes and green zones benefits our entire community. It boosts Concord residents toward living healthier lives and increases the overall vitality of our community. In this effort, Bike Concord partners with the city and many community organizations sponsoring rides, bike rodeos and free bike repairs.

tions we love to celebrate year after year: pumpkins, gourds and dried corn on the cob; pumpkin spiced coffee drinks, savory pies and cakes; and friendly ghosts and ghouls. It’s a perfect time to play with color, texture and pattern, turning your home into a cozy landscape of loveliness. Out with the sun-shiny colors of summer and in with the deep, earth tone hues that invite you inside for a cup of toasty apple cider, a savory slice of pumpkin bread or an aromatic glass of Cabernet. Some homes are very colorspecific, from classic, traditional color palettes to more trendy, statement colors. Some are shades of white, while others have shades of gray or darker. The trick is knowing how to festively and temporarily introduce fall colors without things looking temporary and festive. The key is

to find colors that either perfectly coordinate, or even match exactly, with existing colors or find a hip, stark contrast. Think of a living room with light gray walls, dark gray sofa, and ivory wool shag area rug, with hints of chrome here and there. To incorporate fall into this chic and quiet space, consider jewel tones. Perhaps a dark, almost wine-colored, purple or a rich mustard color. Maybe even an indigo blue or deep forest green. And of course, there’s always white. Funny enough, there is a difference between a spring/summer white and a fall/winter white. Most times, it has to do with fabric selection, texture and pattern. A spring/summer white is more of a cotton and linen look, while a fall/winter white is a more of a wool and velvet look.

LAURA NAKAMURA BIKE CONCORD

October 27, 2017

For several years, Kenji Yamada spearheaded the Bike Concord advocacy effort. Claire Linder, a long-time member of the Bike Concord leadership council, has transitioned into Bike Concord’s lead advocate position. I met Yamada on Facebook in the spring of 2016. I was looking for bike-minded people who might share their secrets, tips and tricks of bike commuting. At the time, my biggest concern was looking presentable once I arrived at work. But within a week, I found myself attending my first City Council meeting and making my first “public comment” for safer streets in Con-

cord. Yamada was the catalyst for this transition in my thinking. Many others make up Bike Concord’s Advocacy Committee. Yamada marshaled the committee work of drafting letters and public statements, gathering data, developing policy proposals and cultivating relationships with partnering organizations. He worked constantly to inform and engage members on advocacy issues within Concord. “Under your leadership, Bike Concord’s advocacy has really gotten to the next level and you’ve helped build a movement with widespread support and recognition,” Cyn-

thia Armour of Bike Concord’s fiscal sponsor, Bike East Bay, said of Yamada. Bike Concord has fully transitioned to Concord resident leadership partly due to the competence and tenacity of Bike Concord’s Advocacy Committee and involved members. Yamada is leaving Bike Concord to take his advocacy, organizing and policy-making skills to a broader range of city governance issues as an engaged resident and soon as a candidate for City Council. Nakamura is a volunteer with Bike Concord. Contact her at laura@bikeconcord.org.

Decorate fearlessly with the rich colors of fall JENNIFER LEISCHER

DESIGN & DÉCOR

Our pink flip flops and blue cutoffs have been thoughtfully stored away until the long summer days return. Now cozy wool sweaters and leather boots, who have been waiting patiently in storage baskets, get to come out and play in the crunchy leaves that seem to have made piles on front lawns overnight. Fall has returned, and with it come the many autumn tradi-

Contributed photo

Say goodbye to the breezy colors of summer and create a richer, cozier look with deep colors and textures.

A neutral color palette paired with rich jewel tones may sound easy, but other living rooms may be more of a color challenge. Think about pairing with things that are colorful already: a red

Nancy E. Bennett

Recently SOLD by Nancy Bennett

3541 Torino Avenue – Concord

1468 Davis Avenue – Concord

sofa, a multicolored, floral area rug, wheat-colored walls, a brown plaid lounge chair, a blue striped lounge chair … the list and colors go on. To add fall touches, consider

solid colors with unique textures and sizes, interesting glass bowls, baubles, urns or plant containers and eclectic accessories. Sometimes the best designs are those that are eclectic and free – items that look amazing together but were randomly collected. If you can’t seem to find any rhyme or reason to your existing colors, maybe the best direction to head is one where your fall accessories are just as unique as the day to day setting you’ve already created. Regardless of this accessory or that, the goal should always be a design aesthetic that makes you, your family and friends happy and content.

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

Nancy sells more than 8 times as many homes as the average realtor. Call today to learn how.

COMING SOON Call today to be the first to see. Concord

5 bed/3 bath 2538 sq.ft. Charming Turtlecreek 2 story home. Freshly painted with new flooring and updated kitchen. Big backyard with large side yard and pool.

Concord

4 bed/2 bath 1709 sq.ft. Single story Turtlecreek home with hardwood floors, vaulted ceitings and spacious backyard.

Listed at $660k, sold for $41k over asking

1505 Kirker Pass Rd. # 131–Concord

Listed at $569k, sold for $53k over asking

1958 Altura Drive – Concord

Martinez

4 bed/2 bath 1576 sq.ft. Freshly painted bright and sunny single story home with cozy fireplace and big backyard with an outside pool and deck. Also equipped with an electrical car outlet.

Lafayette

6 bed/3.5 bath 3061 sq.ft. gorgeous Lafayette home with vaulted wood beam ceilings. Spacious bedrooms and large dining area.

Last year we helped more than 100 families buy & sell homes. Listed at $242k, sold for $38k over asking

Listed at $542, sold for $18k over asking

Nancy Bennett, Realtor, Keller Williams Realty CEO, The Bennett Team #1 Agent in Concord #1 Team, Keller Williams East Bay #5 Team Nationally (U.S. & Canada) Keller Williams CalBRE #01399870

Nancy@BennettBetter.com

How can we help you and your family today?

925.606.8400 BENNETTBETTER.COM