Michael Coach Jerry Shaman and blind golfer Bob Banks play together three to four times a month. JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer See Principals, page 5See Golfer, page 5 See Cameras, page 3
tournament
The Pioneer
The only difference is that the new cameras will be in fixed
national level. That unique relationship allows the visually impaired golfer to line up shots and navigate the course.
locations. Concord already uses such data from other agencies –including neighboring Clayton and Pleasant Hill.
He was diagnosed with Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), an incurable condition that affects about one in every 50,000 people. There are currently about 30,000 LHON sufferers in the United States, mostly men.
along with a partial image of the car and time and place. There will be no photos of people, and nothing can be used for traffic enforcement.“Itqueries license plate
September 16, 2022 www.PioneerPublishers.com PRSRTSTD US 94517POSTAGEPAIDCLAYTON,CAPERMIT190PostalCustomerECRWSS Next Deadline,Octoberissue,21,10/10/22
Blind golf began in the 1920s in Minnesota when a man who’d lost his sight to an exploding tire began playing. To the amazement of family and friends, his scores improved steadily until he shot an 84 in the 1930s.The consequences of two world wars added many new participants to the game. The U.S. Blind Golf Association was founded in 1947, followed in 1997 by the International Blind GolfBlindAssociation.golfis played by the U.S. Golf Association’s Rules of Golf and the Modifications of the Rules of Golf for Golfers with Disabilities. This includes grounding the club in a hazard, plus permitting the coach to stand in the line of play while the golfer is executing the shot.
City of Concord
going from “coached” to “coach” in one generous and life-changing moment for both of them. The pair are now good friends and play golf together three to four times a month.
as well.For someone who went from 20/20 to 20/800 vision almost overnight, the honor was a testament to the hard work and communication with one’s guide required to compete at the
Concord Council gives green light for 65 license plate readers
FROM MENTOR TO MENTEE
THREE CATEGORIES OF PLAY
“About a week from now, we’ll mark 14 years we’ve been using ALPR (advanced license plate recognition) mounted on our cars,” he told the council.
PAMELA MICHAEL Correspondent JULENE
Golfers compete with others within their sight classification. The groups include B-1 no vision, B-2 little usable vision
Seven years ago, Bob Banks began experiencing blurred vision, first in one eye, then both. Within three months, the Kaiser program manager from Concord was legally blind.
MARKELLCONCORDMACKINNONHIGHMCCAINMT.DIABLOHIGH
information against its database, which syncs with federal, local and state hot lists. That means if a car is flagged as stolen, involved in a crime or associated with a missing person, it lets offi-
Concord selected the 65 ALPR camera locations after input from several Concord PD detectives and Flock Safety staff. The license plate information will automatically sync with federal, local and state databases. The solar-operated cameras can be moved if the need arises. departures?principalepidemicreasonCOVIDforofTherehasbeensomuchturnoverofhighschoolprinci-pals,presidentsandexecutivedirectorsthatatnextspring’sgraduationceremoniestherewon’tbeatopadministratoratanyof10localhighschoolshandingoutdiplomastotheClassof2023seniorswhowaspartofthegraduate’sfreshmanyearattheirschool.Lookingbacktowhenthoseseniorsstartedhighschool,everyprincipal,executivedirec-torandpresidentattheirhighschoolsinthefallof2019isnolongerattheschool.Infact,halfofthe10schoolshaveanewchiefadministratorthisterm.OfthesixMt.DiabloUni-fiedSchoolDistricthighschools,three(Concord,Ygna-cioValleyandOlympic)havefirst-yearprincipalsthisyear,YgnacioValley’sprincipalstart-edayearagoandthelongesttenuredprincipalsintheareaatCollegeParkandNorthgatewereappointedinthesummerof2020whenthisyear’sseniorswerestillreelingfromhavingtheirfreshmanyearintheclass-roomcutshortthatMarchbythepandemic.PrivateCatholicschoolsDeLaSalleandCarondelethavehadadministrativeturnoverandthetwopubliccharterhighschools,ContraCostaSchoolofPerformingArtsandClaytonValleyCharter,hadnewexecu-tivedirectorsappointedthiscal-endaryear.Threeofthosefourschoolshavehadtheirtopadministratorservingonaninterimbasisin2022.Perhapsasignificantamountofthisturnoverinhighschoolleadershipcanbeattributedtoblind golf
Pamela
Local player hosts national
GUIDE INTERACTIONISKEYPLAYER
BEV BRITTON
Fast forward to 2022, and Banks is hosting the 76th Blind Golf National Championship in Sacramento next month, still basking in his third-place win in last year’s nationals. He and his sighted “guide” – also called a “coach” – Jerry Shaman were voted Most Improved that year
The cameras will record a still image of each license plate
“I’ve been getting asked about this from people in my district, particularly Sun Terrace, since 2019,” added Councilmember Carlyn Obringer. “I think this is an opportunity to be a force multiplier for our police department and help keep our community safer.”
After receiving his diagnosis, Banks threw his golf clubs in the trash, sad that he would never play the game again. Luckily, he came across an online video about a blind golfer while researching LHON that same day. Inspired and hopeful, he rescued his clubs before the trash was picked up.
“The most difficult adjustment for me in learning to golf while blind was asking the right questions of my guide in order to get all the information I needed to make the shot,” Banks says. “Over time, Jerry and I have developed ways of communicating and playing the game that work for us. It’s a very special bond.”Banks also uses a talking GPS rangefinder, called a Golf Buddy, that clips onto his hat and gives him data on distances to the hole, terrain and other helpful information.
According to provisional Lt. Kevin Halm, the technology is not new to the city.
cers working on the street and dispatch know,” Halm said. “It helps our community be safer by providing officers with real-time
The City Council unanimously approved placing 65 license plate cameras around town, after hearing the impact they could make on missing person cases, sideshows and smashand-grab crimes at the Aug. 23 meeting.“We are close to one of the last in Contra Costa to put in fixed cameras,” noted Councilmember Laura Hoffmeister. “Anything that is an aid to the police force and public safety, I am in support of that.”
Sports have always played a major role in Banks’ life. He played football in high school and college and coached softball for 32 years. He had been coaching Clayton resident Shaman, a retired Contra Costa County deputy sheriff, on a Walnut Creek adult softball team for more than a decade when he lost his sight.Shaman stepped up to the plate, so to speak, when Banks decided to try to continue playing golf despite his disability,
The 24-month agreement with Flock Safety will cover lease and installation of the cameras and associated software services for about $403,900. The council approved the money in June as a Capital Improvement Project (CIP), and the city has an option for a second, 24-month contract.
therefore, meets the legal requirements of a non-commercial radio license transfer as defined by the Federal Communications CommissionDuring(FCC). public comment, KVHS supporters were vocal in their opposition to selling to KLOVE. Several cited contradictions to the MDUSD equity policy, given KLOVE’s reported track record with the LGBT+ community.Theyurged the board not to proceed with negotiations until the public has a chance to offer tangible alternatives that can keep the iconic radio station within the regional community.
District decision leaves uncertain fate for 50-year-old school radio station
The Mount Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) board voted last month to “get out of the radio station business,” as Superintendent Adam Clark put it, marking the end of an era for the seven-decade journey of 90.5 KVHS.
for the Divestiture of Radio License, as a Previously Approved Reduction,” which led to confusion from the board and the public.
Members of the public who spoke in support of KVHS have since been organizing and are said to be in the process of establishing a nonprofit to keep the station in the community. A Facebook group called “Save KVHS 90.5 in Concord CA” can be found at 9418233.book.com/groups/37279353www.face-
6009 Golden Eagle Way. . . . . . $1,350,000 . .2854 . . .5/3 . . . .8/2/2022 539 Mt. Dell Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $750,000 . .1423 . . .3/2 . . . .8/2/2022 4950 Morgan Territory Rd. . . . . $1,024,950 . .1998 . . .4/3 . . . .8/8/2022 1770 Indian Wells Way. . . . . . . . $900,000 . .1904 . . .3/2.5 .8/12/2022 21 Clark Creek Cir. . . . . . . . . . . . $595,000 . . .1113 . . .3/2 . . .8/22/2022 400 Chupcan Pl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $755,000 . .1749 . . .3/2.5 .8/25/2022 1120 Oakwood Cir. . . . . . . . . . $1,750,000 . .4022 . . .5/3 . . .8/29/2022 1870 Risdon Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $950,000 . .1553 . .4/2 . . .8/3/2022 3496 Thunderbird Dr. . . . . . . . . . . $709,000 . .1042 . .3/1.5 . .8/4/2022 3116 Claudia Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $699,000 . . .942 . .3/2 . . .8/8/2022 1556 Alro Ct. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,160,000 . .2253 . .5/3 . .8/12/2022 1235 Traud Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $865,000 . .1496 . .3/2 . .8/18/2022 1505 Kirker Pass Rd #230. . . . . . . $320,000 . . .634 . .1/1 . .8/18/2022 5328 Myrtle Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $930,000 . .1748 . .4/2 . .8/19/2022 Concord/Clayton Market Update provided by Better Homes Realty Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated. Better Homes BRE# 02102698 CONCORD P RICE SF BED/BATH DATE CLAYTON PRICE SF BED/BATH DATE George jenstojanovich@yahoo.comStojanovichJennifer925-672-4433BrokerVujnovichcell:925-348-5700Broker925-567-6170925-672-4433www.jenniferstojanovich.com Cal DRE #01446062 Cal DRE# 00711036 Jennifer & George are Clayton's #1 Agents for Listings & Sales 2020 & 2021* 140 Mt. Shasta Ct. – Clayton 1956 Stratton Circle – Walnut Creek 3660 Morgan Territory Rd. – Clayton Fantastic location in the Gallery Walk community. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1676 sf with laundry closet & attached 2 car garage. Community boasts mature trees and landscaping, pool, spa & clubhouse with quick access to the Contra Costa trail. Conveniently located near parks, restaurants, movies, 680 freeway, BART and shopping. Buyer Representation. $725,000 Fantastic Larson Model in Windmill Canyon at Oakhurst Country Club. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx. 2467sf on an approx. .18 acre lot with an attached 2 car garage. Desirable main level bedroom with fully updated bath. Spacious primary bedroom with double door entry includes semi vaulted ceiling & sitting area with views. Park-like lot boasts a wooded setting with mature trees & large deck. $1,225,000 Charming Dana Hills Single Story Rancher tucked away at the end of the court near greenbelt. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx. 2255sf on an approx. .25 acre lot with inside laundry room & an attached 2 car garage. Expanded family room offers semi vaulted wood beam ceiling & stone gas fireplace. Separate Junior Suite features bedroom & full bath. Backyard includes large patio area, lush lawn, big side yard & more. $995,000 30 Picasso Ct. – Pleasant Hill Custom Built Ranch spectacularonfoothillsnestledhomeintheofDiablo6+acreswithviews. Main house is 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1955sf with updated kitchen & downstairs primary bedroom. Property offers two additional guest houses. Great horse property with big barn offering 3 stalls plus large covered paddock, tack room, & attached workshop/studio. 3 fenced pastures & riding ring. City water. $1,249,000 *Ranking is from CCAR MLS based on sales & listings combined by units & volumes, sales by units and volume and listings by units. Desirable Crystyl Ranch home tucked away on a court location with resort style backyard. 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx. 3583sf on an approx. .37 acre lot with an attached 3 car garage. Downstairs full bedroom & bath. Huge primary bedroom with large walk-in closet, two way fireplace, separate retreat & French doors to balcony overlooking backyard. Backyard oasis features inground freeform pool w/cascading waterfall & slide, outdoor fireplace, BBQ island & much more. $1,565,000 1831 Eagle Peak Ave. – Clayton Terrific Townhome in The communityVillage 3 bedrooms plus den, 2.5 baths, approx. 2010sf with an attached 2 car garage. Centrally located near top rated schools, Heather Farms park, freeway access, BART, shopping & walking trails. 5316 Oakpoint Ct. – Concord ComingSoonComingSoon! PENDINGPENDINGSOLDSOLDSOLDSOLDPENDINGPENDING SOLDSOLD 6160 Center Street, Suite F, Clayton, CAcarol@interiorspanache.com925.672.7920 www.interiorspanache.com •Design •Remodels,ConsultationsKitchens,& Baths •Design & Project Management •3 dimensional elevations & designs We are a full-service design firm and licensed general contractor Follow us @interiorspanacheonCall today for an appointment 30 Clayton20+DesignyearsExperienceyearResident DAVE HUGHES Special to the Pioneer Follow us on Facebook and Instagram Concord Clayton Pioneer
Trustee Cherise Khaund is optimistic that an amicable solution for the district and the public can be obtained.
O KLOVEFFERFROMRADIO
“Thanks to community input and involvement, I am hopeful that this radio station can live on as a communityrun station for years to come, with educational programming for the whole region,” she said. “I look forward to seeing their full proposal.”
Since then, KVHS has been caught in a legal battle between the district and Clayton Valley Charter High School
Per Clark’s request, Alvarado clarified that the referred to “negotiations” were legal negotiations with CVCHS – not sale negotiations with KLOVE, as some hadHowever,interpreted.the confusion didn’t stop there. Before voting, board members continued to ask Clark and Alvarado to help them understand what a “yes” vote would mean.
Ultimately, Clark explained that they don’t know the answers to all hypotheticals pertaining to various aspects of unloading KVHS. “We want to explore all of that, but we want to get out of the radio station business,” he Shortlysaid.thereafter, the board approved the motion with five votes in favor. The student trustee abstained, expressing that she remained unclear on what the vote would authorize.
KLOVE operates as a nonprofit organization and,
The agenda item was titled “Review and Potential Approval of Authorization to Proceed with Negotiations
This year MDUSD parts ways with KVHS leaving a hole in the hearts of generations of students who made the station an important part of their high school experience. Pictured is 1977 Pleasant Hill High graduate Rhonda Ramey at the controls. Ramey passed away a few years ago.
S EEKING CLARIFICATION
The student-built radio station’s fate has been uncertain since 2012, when the Contra Costa County Board of Education gave approval for its home campus, Clayton Valley High School, to become a charter school.
C OMMUNITYEFFORTDRIVEN
Page 2 The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com September 16, 2022
During(CVCHS).theAug. 24 board meeting, MDUSD general counsel Cesar Alvarado said both parties agreed to terms that require MDUSD to relocate the KVHS studio or sell it to an entity willing to pay for relocation, including the safe removal of the dilapidated KVHS tower. Alvarado was not at liberty to discuss details of the ongoing legal negotiations.
The presentation confirmed public speculation that MCH Enterprises had listed the station on the market in an effort to determine its value. There is currently a qualified offer of $520,000 from KLOVE, a contemporary, Christian music radio programming service.
What it does:
The Internationals have been playing together for more than 30 years. Their performances include European dance favorites such as polkas and waltzes.
For more information on the Concord Chamber of Commerce, go to concord-
Jenniffer Jimenez, owner of La Fritanguera was honored with the Chamber Convener Award for her work with forming the Hispanic Business Committee and networking efforts that kept her Nicaraguan restaurant open and supported others in the city.Finally, the Champion Award went to Bay Area Fes-
front door,” she said. “I have neighbors who have Ring cameras. We’ve got security cameras in stores. I don’t have a problem withFlockthis.”will retain each image for 30 days unless Concord PD marks it to be saved.
‘Three C’ volunteers honored by Concord Chamber
“There is no expectation of privacy once you walk out your
Cameras, from page 1
None of this would be pos-
A.J. Chippero
chamber.com, or stop by the office at 2280 Diamond Blvd Suite 200, Concord.
sible without a great team, generous sponsors, and enthusiastic community support, she said.The “Three Cs” awards were created a few years ago to recognize businesses and representatives in the Chamber
tivals’ Jay Bedecarré, producer of Kidfest, holiday boutique shows, Contra Costa Con and a variety of book fairs and gift shows. He has produced over 2000 events since beginning his business career in 1971.
The Concord Chamber of Commerce gathered for breakfast at the Concord Hilton Aug. 11 to install new board members, recognize major sponsors and honor those that kept the organization upright and growing even during a two-year pandemic.Atthe podium was Melissa Rea who was recently named president and CEO of the 85year-old“Withorganization.theonset of the Pandemic, (the Chamber) quickly adapted…we became masters of Zoom, implemented a virtual training program, administered the small business grants on behalf of the city, partnered with the city to create the Shop Concord campaign to keep dollars local and created a Hispanic Business Committee…”
“If it’s involved in an investigation or crime, then we can keep that data for five years,” Halm said.
Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been veriAll verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. fied. All measurements and square footage are approximate. Clayton Compass Team • 925.673.2188 6200 Center St. Ste E, Clayton, CA 94517 Next door to Eds Mudville Grill See what your Clayton Compass Office has to offer This 105 acre property in Castro Valley is permitted for 135 horses. Features include 2 covered arenas, 4 outside arenas, covered eurociser, covered round pen, pastures, trails, beautiful triple wide plus 2 double wides and 2 apartments for full time live-in help. Full facility list upon request. 105 Acres | $7,250,000 | Kelly McDougall 925.787.0448 Kelly.McDougall@compass.com DRE 1156462 10250 Crow Canyon Rd., Castro Valley Top of the world in downtown. Single story home on nearly ¾ an acre with amazing views. Gated and updated 4 bedroom 3 bath home, with one bedroom and bath separated for a possible in law or guest suite. Relaxing patio off the master, turf lawn and beautifully landcaped grounds. 4 Bed | 3Bath | $1,899,000 | Lynne French 925.876.1984 Lynne@LynneFrench.com DRE 01122025 5900 High Street, Clayton 2 Adjacent lots for sale, one or both available. Build your dream house(s) in this peaceful setting with tranquil views. $1,250,000 and $1,100,000 | Heather Donovan 925.765.3822 Heather.Donovan@compass.com DRE 01329100 2 lots on Brionies Valley Road, Brentwood Buyer Represented. This home is extra light & bright with an open floorplan and soaring ceilings. Updated kitchen, recessed lighting, laminate flooring and plantation shutters are just a few features of this property. 3 bed, 2.5 bath home with great backyard incl. turf and fruit trees. 3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | $753,000 | Michelle Gittleman 925.768.0352 Michelle@MichelleGittleman.com DRE 01745325 513 Falling Star Drive, Martinez Approx 25.79 Acres Approx 23.51 Acres Sun. Oct. 23 Pumpkin Carving Party 6200 Center St, Clayton Save the Date! SalePending Guests at the city’s Oktoberfest always know how to party in style, from an authentic Munich biergarten to traditional dance music from The Internationals.
What it doesn’t do: No facial recognition.
Hoffmeister addressed privacy concerns by noting that the cameras are in public.
Stroll down Clayton’s Main Street in Bavarian style at Oktoberfest
Advanced License Plate Recognition (ALPR)
Source: Concord PD
Association (CBCA), the popular event will fill the downtown with the sights and sounds of Bavaria on
who have contributed “above and beyond” to the Chamber’s growth and to creating a business friendly environment in Concord. The Catalyst award for outstanding contribution to business growth went to Marathon Renewable Fuels for their proactive efforts to produce renewable fuels that contribute to the state’s climate goals and lower carbon emissions.Marathon shut down their petroleum refinery in 2020.
In1-2.addition to traditional German music, food and beer, the event features arts and craft vendors selling everything from hot sauces to jewelry. New this year will be a Christmas Market booth of items made in Germany.Afull-size carnival will be open Friday as well as on the two Oktoberfest days. Presale carnival tickets are available at Hair’s the Place, Skipolini’s Pizza and Ed’s Mudville OktoberfestGrill.runs 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Oct. 1 and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 2 on Clayton’s Main Street. The carnival will be open 5-10 p.m. Sept. 30, noon-10 p.m. Oct. 1 and noon-8 p.m. Oct. 2. For more information, visit claytoncbca.org.
“My family moved to Concord and opened a family business in 1955, and we’ve been a part of the Concord business community ever since,” said. “So, I’m very honored to receive this Bedecarrérecognition.”playeda major role in opening the Concord Pavilion and marketing the Concord Jazz Festival, events that Rea noted “are successful in bringing people into our community and creating a place where you can make memories with friends and family, fitting for Concord’s mottos of Where Families Come First.”
September 16, 2022 The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com Page 3
The program will also allow homeowner associations and businesses to purchase cameras to install at their locations and partner with the Concord Police Department to help their members and customers feel safer.
Not tied to personal identifiable information (PII). Not used for traffic enforcement. No video.
Gathers objective evidence about license plates and vehicles.
the Clayton Business &
Alerts police of wanted vehicles. Used to solve crimes. Adheres to all state laws.
Hosted by Community Oct.
JAY BEDECARRÉ
data to quickly locate a vehicle.”
nized the importance of offering business resources in Spanish to ensure the Hispanic community, which makes up about one-third of Concord’s population, was receiving this important information. The Chamber created a COVID-19 Resource page on the Chamber website in both English and Spanish and utilized a translator to assist with questions and with applying for small business grants. Concord Chamber Ambassador, Johana Segura, was interviewed on both Telemundo and Univision to spread awareness of the various programs created by the City of Concord and Chamber.
For more information, call 925685-1181, visit www.concordchamber.com or stop by the office at 2280 Diamond Blvd., Suite 200, Concord.
The committee first surveyed Hispanic owned businesses along the Monument Corridor to see what their needs were before deciding which direction to take. The results from the survey focused on businesses seeking resources, marketing assistance, and safety.
Concord Chamber launches Hispanic business committee
In late 2021, several Chamber members approached the staff expressing interest in starting a group for Hispanic-owned businesses within Concord. Recognizing the importance of uniting the business community further, these members met to discuss how to build the group and gain traction within the community. The Chamber members who have taken the lead in this committee include Fiorella Hardt, Branch Manager of Umpqua Bank, Jenniffer Jimenez, owner of La Fritanguera, and Johana Segura, owner of 24/7 Nightingale Home Care, along with resource partner Edith Guillen, Business Services Coordinator with Monument Impact.
The Negocios Hispanos de Concord now meets once a month on the last Tuesday of the Month at 8:45 am at Los Rancheros Supermarket (weather permitting). Guest speakers and topics of discussion have been focused around the areas of interest from the survey –Visit Concord presented 10 social media tips, Concord Police Chief, Mark Bustillos spoke about safety and the unsheltered, and Concord Mayor Dominic Aliano provided an update on City happenings. Each meeting, new business owners and representatives attend and are able to expand their networks, uniting to create a strong business community.
Follow The Negocios Hispanos de Concord monthlyupdates.@negociosdeconcordInstagramforAndattendoneofthemeetingstolearnmore.
The onset of the pandemic left many businesses in need of assistance, and the Chamber in partnership with various organizations, especially the City of Concord and Visit Concord, sprang into action and began providing as many resources as possible to help them stay open. The Concord Chamber recog-
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Concord Chamber is introducing a new committee – Negocios Hispanos de Concord, also known as Negocios Hispanos for short, or the Hispanic Business Committee. This Chamber committee was created by local entrepreneurs and individuals involved in the community eager to make a difference by assisting local Hispanic businesses in our area.
Page 4 The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com September 16, 2022 Serving our Local Community since 1977 15% off any Grocery or Bulk Purchase Harvest House Coupon Present this coupon in store to receive 15% off your grocery or bulk Excludespurchase.saleitems, books and cosmetics. Offer not to be combined with other coupons or discount offers. Expires Oct. 31, 2022. Brought to you by the The Pioneer •Huge selection of quality supplement brands. •Friendly, knowledgeable •Widestaff. selection of health and specialty foods. •Vast bulk foods section includes nuts, grains, spices, and •Locallymore.owned & operated for over 40 years. 2395 Monument Blvd., Concord (925) www.Harvesthouse.com676-2305 25% off any PurchaseSupplement Harvest House Coupon Present this coupon in store to receive 25% off your supplement purchase. Excludes sale items, books and cosmetics. Offer not to be combined with other coupons or discount offers. Expires Oct. 31, 2022. Brought to you by the The Pioneer 2395 Monument Blvd., Concord (925) www.Harvesthouse.com676-2305 Harvest House 2395 Monument Blvd. Hours:(925)Concord676-2305 Sunday through Saturday 9 am to 6 pm www.Harvesthouse.com Like us onFind us on www.LeighKlockHomes.com925.212.5593 Leigh Klock Realtor Senior Real Estate Specialist Accredited Staging Professional Leigh@LeighKlock.com 01874255CalBRE# Beautiful Rancher on the Clayton/Concord border, 4 beds, 2 baths, 1,515 sq ft of living space and 8,400 sq ft lot. This home has a freshly painted exte rior and interior, updated lighting, updated baths, and an open floor plan with 2 living spaces. The backyard has plenty of room for playing and relaxation. Featured property of the week 1498 Delaware Dr., ConcordCallforPricingListingNew Call for details about other current & upcoming listings. Members of the Hispanic business community and the Concord Chamber of Commerce are meeting regularly to advance and grow the Hispanic owned businesses in the Monument Corridor.MELISSA REA CCONCORDHAMBEROFCOMMERCE
This degree of turnover at the highest levels of local schools seems unprecedented.
All three principals who departed MDUSD last spring had been in charge of their schools for over half a decade. Rianne Pfaltzgraff was principal at Concord High since the fall of 2014 and Lorne Barbosa had been an administrator at Mt. Diablo for 10 years, the last five as principal.
Pamela Michael
Across the street at De La Salle, the all-boys school does not have a principal position. Dr. Heather Alumbaugh, Vice President for Academic Life, is the closest equivalent of a principal
SPA is a free public charter school located in Walnut Creek for grades six through 12. A long-time employee at the school said the pandemic placed tremendous strain on everyone at the school with its unique programming in a large former office building in the Shadelands business park.
Kevin Honey at College Park and Northgate’s Kelly Cooper are the senior members of MDUSD high school principals, both having started two summers ago, the same period when Dr. Adam Clark was appointed as the District’s third superintendent in a Jonathanyear.Pike is starting his
in its administrative model. She started at De La Salle in 2016 which is also when the school last had a principal. She is the sister of football coach Justin Alumbaugh, who has been teaching at the school for 20 years and has been head football coach since 2013.
As a guide, Jerry Shaman helps set up the shot for Bob Banks.
Julene MacKinnon may be the new principal at Concord High but she’s no stranger to the campus. She graduated from CHS in 1991 and later spent nine years as a teacher and eight as vice principal before taking an administrative position close to her Oakley home in 2015.
For this school year, Byers is the interim ED and Brianna Shahvar and Catherine Foster are associate principals.
CHARTERSCHOOLSFACESAMECHALLENGES
Markell McCain worked for the Antioch, West Contra Costa and, most recently, Vallejo school districts before coming to Mt Diablo this summer. Several observers complimented McCain on his early efforts at the district’s oldest high school. One of the main challenges facing him is increasing daily attendance for the 1500 students at MDHS.
NEWSET OF PRINCIPALS
Her successor, Courtney Lyon, had been a vice principal for five years with Barbosa at nearby Mt. Diablo.
David Holquin was named De La Salle High president in July 2021 and is starting his second school year in charge.
September 16, 2022 The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com Page 5 yoSyourroootsyingcontatomaknecteese our d syto nter For Elders’ Ind ealth blos our roo he Ce ependence som os y ause home iss wher g safely and indepe lthcare and hservicethroup you flourisblihhelpeavinec e your roots a ndently at ho s that keep s gh personalizzore.me,eniorsACEAedP h no deductibbles for oenior gym, gr up ac e, pluson car servic ely ods can r n us fo s 55 ant Bay seniorwavineeEassiosit tyou.ivities and m ces like transp or medical, de nd older with e, all eortatorion,ntal,andhealth Eldvisit 833 tofiders.org t3-802-1150 tond ou qualify toforfiPAACE
NEWPRINCIPALS NOT LIMITED TO HIGH SCHOOL
Banks is in the B-2 category. He sees some shapes, like large trees, and can often see the dividing line between sky and ground.“I’m technically classified as a legally blind, Visually-Impaired Person, a VIP,” Bob quips.
the realities of the myriad educational challenges brought about by COVID-19. More than one school official queried for this story spoke of the difficulties on and off campus since the pandemic closed all California classrooms in March 2020.
See more photos and story content on our website at www.PioneerPublishers.com.
ly got the job and is on the Concord Blvd. campus in 2022 for her 22nd school year there.
Brady Byers was principal for the first time in 2021-22 when Robert Chalwell moved into the executive director position. Chalwell was originally hired in February 2020 as principal but took the ED position when school founder Neil McChesney left in the summer of 2021 for a position with Contra Costa County Office of Education overseeing charter schools.
The local parochial high schools are not immune from similar administrative turnover. Kevin Cushing was Carondelet principal since 2015 and Annette Eros, an alumnus of the all-girls school, was president for two years. Both resigned since the end of the spring
and B-3 better usable vision.
PAROCHIALSCHOOLSTURNOVER
The subsequent fallout from remote learning to finish off that term, hybrid teaching models instituted for the 2020-21 school year and then the “return to normalcy” for the recently completed 2021-22 term have taken their toll on students, teachers, staff and, indeed, administrators.
The Blind Golf National Championship runs Oct. 24-26 at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex in Sacramento. The event includes workshops for visually impaired youth. For more information, visit www.usblindgolf.com.
Golfer, from page 1
side and Shore Acres. New middle school principals are at El Dorado, Valley View and OakWhenGrove.asked about the turnover of principals, Superintendent Clark told The Pioneer, “Strong school site leadership is essential to ensuring students have the best experiences for academic and social success. In MDUSD, we provide our site leaders with myriad resources to support staff and students. That said, often there are changes due to promotions or other opportunities. Thankfully MDUSD is a highly desired District that has a reputation of supporting all students in reaching their full potential.”
Anothersemester.Carondelet grad, Jessica Mix, is serving as interim president this year. Two current administrators, Dr. Elizabeth Chaponot and Jennifer Reinwald, are sharing principal responsibilities for 2022-23.
Clayton Valley Charter is in its 11th school year and the public charter now has its third executive director. Dave Fehte was appointed on an interim basis in March 2021 right after the student body mainly returned to campus from remote learning. In fall 2021 he added the interim principal tag to his title. He was appointed permanent ED in March of this year. The ED and principal roles have been officially combined.ContraCosta School of Performing Arts also had recent turnover in administrative roles.
experience can be for those who’ve lost so many of their life experiences and activities along with their Thankssight.”tothe generosity of sighted guides, blind golf has made the game a team sport –one that nurtures and inspires players, guides and spectators alike.
MacKinnon says, “The HR department told me there was a principal’s job opening in MDUSD. I told them I’d only be interested if it was at Concord High. And it was!” She eventual-
Lynsie Castellano was principal at Olympic High School since 2015 before her departure from the District this summer, just a couple months after she was named by the California Continuation Education Association Plus Professional Awards Committee as a 2022 CCEA Plus State Administrator of the Year.
Pike showed The Pioneer around campus where the rebranding has begun with special funding from the district, including a large Wolves graphic painted on the multi-use room wall. Inside and outside the gymnasium Wolves identity is interspersed with plenty of Warriors mentions on banners and walls. PE shirts worn by students exercising inside the gym to avoid last week’s heatwave now have their new mascot symbol.
JONATHAN PIKE YGNACIO VALLEY
second year at Ygnacio Valley. He said his first year was challenging and then he had to fill almost 25% of his school’s teaching positions over this summer. The Concord school also changed its original nickname last term from Warriors to Wolves with implementation taking place more fully this year.
Principals, from page 1
Banks is thankful for Shaman’s commitment and guidance, which allows him to continue to participate in sports and to talk about the game with friends.“Iadmit I enjoy the bragging rights,” Banks says, “but sharing information about the game is my primary reason for playing. I know how transformative the
Principal Courtney Lyon with her first Olympic High graduate Prince.
Since late April, the MDUSD Board has appointed nine new elementary school, three middle school and four high school principals (including Kristi Kaufenberg at small Crossroads High School). That means 29% of the elementary schools, 33% of the middle schools and 50% of the high schools in the district have new leadership.Theelementary schools with new principals are El Monte, Holbrook Language Academy, Monte Gardens, Sequoia, Ygnacio Valley, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Acres, Wood-
None of the previous principals at the six district high schools are still with MDUSD.
demic. Today, we use the lessons learned to better serve the public and to truly reach everyone in our community.
laced public comments during council meetings in 2021.
As always, you can reach me at peterc@claytonca.gov or 925-6737320.
year have successfully made it through the Legislature and now await their final fate on the governor’s desk. I’d like to highlight a couple that I have written about in previous columns:
I continue to push for a citizens’ budgetary advisory committee to review our budget shortfalls, provide perspective to assist with future solutions and communicate with their fellow residents as “trusted advisors.”
With all the new personalities in staff, council and the Planning Commission, change is also bound to occur. As we get into this election season, a couple candidates and a small group of perpetually dissatisfied residents have lofted the topic of “leadership” into the campaign dialogue. Some of these calls for leadership come from those who haven’t been engaged in the public process and haven’t presented solutions.However, strong leadership is occurring. I believe that
Let’s face it, our children are the future we may never see. After working with children from kindergarten through high school, I know the future is bright.
It was inspiring to see the logic of these arguments, as well as the poise and confidence the students showed in speaking before a large audience. These kids know how to think and make important decisions. I’m constantly impressed with the maturity shown by the younger generation.My interaction with all these youngsters has given me great hope for the future. Our city and our country will be in good hands if these children apply the lessons they’ve learned in school to their adult lives.After all, in the words of FDR, “We may not be able to prepare the future for our children, but we can at least prepare our children for the future.”
CCH anticipates new variants of COVID-19 going forward. Residents who are traditionally served by CCH, uninsured individuals, Contra Costa Health Plan members, etc., will continue to have access at CCH facilities. For the communities facing health-care inequities, CCH will continue outreach services through smaller COVID-19 serviceStartingsites.Oct. 1, 2022, CCH will gradually begin to scale back the availability of COVID-19 services and direct county residents back to their regular health-care providers. CCH will work with local health-care providers to ensure the tools to fight COVID-19 – testing, vaccines and treatments – are available to everyone.Thispandemic has been challenging for everyone in our community, and I am very proud of how Contra Costa Health and all county employees worked to maintain our public’s safety. CCH provided an unprecedented level of services to county residents –reaching 700,000 residents in one way or another. This includes contact tracing, outbreak management, testing, vaccinations, treatment, and supplies such as antigen test kits and Beyondmasks.the county’s health-care services, many of our departments pivoted quickly to continue their work with the public. Libraries offered front-door service of books and wi-fi hotspots, departments migrated processes online and many offices became a key touchpoint for distributing updates during the height of the pan-
Email questions and comments for Mayor Harris mharris4ph@gmail.comto
SUPPORTING NEWSTAFF
The process begins again on Dec. 6, when Assembly and Senate members from around the state reconvene in Sacramento for the beginning of the next legislative session.
Contra Costa transitioning to updated COVID plans
Clayton is in transition, and our city has been thrust into change these past four years.A caustic 2018 election caused significant changes in the City Council and city staff. The retirement of long-term city manager Gary Napper gave way to the hiring of four city managers (two of them interim) in the past four years. We have seen three community development directors, three finance managers and two police chiefs.
Page 6 The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com September 16, 2022
The hiring of new personnel has been especially difficult due to a pay scale that is on average 20%-40% less than surrounding communities and corresponding
AB 2269 is an important measure to help consumers by creating basic, common-sense protections for those who invest in cryptocurrency. The bill will help ensure that the exchanges work on behalf of their investors by mandating such things as dedicated customer service, transparency and disclosure requirements. AB 2269 also importantly includes a requirement that the licensee acts in the best interest of a customer when it recommends a cryptocurrency. By licensing digital assets companies under Department of Financial Innovation and Protection (DFPI), the industry will receive the necessary regulatory clarity to inno-
I am hopeful that these significant pieces of legislation –which have the potential to help hundreds of thousands of people throughout the state – earn the governor’s signature. But know that if they don’t, I will continue to fight for these important ideas and reintroduce them in the new legislative session.Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if there are ideas you may have to improve the quality of life in our Assembly district and beyond. Contact my Concord office at 925-521-1511 to discuss any new legislation you think might help your fellow Californians in their daily lives.
The California Legislature gaveled down for the final time about 1 a.m. on Sept. 1, marking the end of the two-year session.After dispensing with nearly 4,500 pieces of legislation over the last two years and passing more than 1,100 bills just this year alone, legislators have returned to their districts. Gov. Gavin Newsom has until Sept. 30 to sign or veto the bills.
From the desk of... Clayton mayor aims to keep city on positive track
AB 1951 was introduced to help jumpstart the state’s economy as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. The measure would give a full sales tax exemption for the purchase of manufacturing equipment, which will allow manufacturers to expand their operations in the state and bring the economic benefits that would accompany this expansion – such as the hiring of new workers and an
to integrate COVID-19 activities into their ongoing work.
TIM GRAYSON 14TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT
I’m often asked what gives me the inspiration to do my work in public service. The answer is simple: It’s the young people who show so much eagerness and potential.
labor shortages in a booming economy.Since2018, we swore in four new council members. During this transition, COVID moved us to virtual meetings – preventing personal interaction.Nationalcivil unrest became local in the form of two Black Lives Matter demonstrations in our city in June 2020. Upon council proclamation, we raised the Pride flag that same month on city flag Throughpoles.these experiences, we learned that Clayton is a microcosm of the polarity that exists in our national politique. The lack of civil discourse gave way to profanity
PETER CLOVEN CLAYTON MAYOR
The enthusiasm and joy I see in young children is contagious. Every time I look into a child’s face, including my three grandsons, I see hope for the future. Kids are innately kind and gentle to each other,
increase in business that increases overall revenue to the state. Prior to the pandemic, California manufacturing had already faced a decline in total employment, but the pandemic has further challenged California’s manufacturing sector. Since March 2020, manufacturing jobs in California have decreased by 4%. Thirty-eight other states have already eliminated the sales tax on manufacturing equipment, and now is the time for California to follow suit. This year, I’m determined to change that and bring manufacturing investment back to California in order to make “design here, build here” a reality for California companies.
Please feel free to call my office with any questions at 925-6552350 or email mitchoff@bos.cccounty.us.supervisor-
Instead of pushing for a tax measure on this November’s ballot as some suggested, the council listened to a poll of the citizens. In June, we passed a budget 4-1 that uses federally granted America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to provide a temporary patch
During my almost 20 years on the Pleasant Hill City Council, I’ve hosted first and second graders to decorate the City Hall Christmas tree and sing carols. Their excitement and energy were palpable. They could hardly wait to put their homemade ornaments on the tree and sing the songs they were practicing at school. The excitement only increased when Santa Claus made a surprise visit.
I only wish adults could feel the same sense of joy and wonder.During my first term as mayor, I started a “Mayor for the Day” program. To help raise money for local schools, I donated the day as an auction item at school fundraisers. The family who won this prize got to have their child act as mayor at one of our City Council meetings. The lucky winner banged the gavel and called the meeting to order, helped with the roll call, led
THE KEYS TO LEADERSHIPSTRONG
We creatively addressed Sacramento’s mandate to zone 570 new units of housing as part of the next Housing Element. It is the council’s leadership that sought transparency to inform interested, engaged residents in this process through numerous polls, meetings, software tools, publications (print and social media) and the delivery of door hangers on every residence in Clayton.
the Pledge of Allegiance and helped guide the first part of the Toagenda.help kids understand how government works, I also established a Mock City Council meeting with third graders. In preparation, I went to the schools and discussed why we need rules and how government functions. I was constantly astonished by the insightful questions these third graders asked.
Two key state bills protect manufacturers, crypto investors
CCH and all county employees have worked to ensure that all county residents have had access to testing, vaccines and treatment since the beginning of the pandemic. In March 2020, none of us could have imagined how much COVID-19 would impact our lives or for howNow,long.more than two years after the start of the pandemic, Contra Costa County has ranked second in the nation to have the lowest death rate of counties with a population of more than 1 million. This would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of CCH, county employees and members of the public.
KAREN MITCHOFF COUNTY SUPERVISOR
CCH anticipates that the Public Health Emergency will end at the federal level in midJanuary 2023, and the Board of Supervisors has allowed American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding through June 30, 2023. Going forward, we must rely upon our own existing health department capabilities as well as the health-care delivery systems in our county
Those in favor pointed out that ice cream contained protein and calcium, which helped make strong bones and bodies. They even noted that the mayor loves ice cream. Those opposed recognized that ice cream is not a health
food. Ice cream contains lots of sugar, and too much ice cream can cause serious health problems. As one student emphatically put it, “Don’t you know, we’re in the middle of a diabetes epidemic?”
I am proud to report that a number of bills I carried this
As a council, it is our responsibility to provide direction to city staff through the city manager. We hired our current city manager in December 2020 after another particularly caustic election cycle. Since then, Clayton has hired new community development and finance directors. New employees immediately dove into arduous, time-intensive tasks (e.g., audit, housing). We have also retained a new city engineer. We appointed a new, nine-person Trails and Landscaping Commission, and our maintenance department is tasked with addressing landscaping concerns.
leadership doesn’t need to be a bellicose, charismatic voice that brings attention to self, but rather the strong rudder that steers the ship in a future direction. Much of Clayton’s character is rooted in our city’s motto “Do The Right Thing” and all the character traits that it embodies.Duringmy past eight months as mayor, I have sought to bring back that civility into city dialogue and encourage others, including current council candidates, to do the Leadershipsame. is listening to and responding to our resident’s needs. Leadership is looking at and planning for the future of Clayton in light of Sacramento’s mandates. Leadership is acknowledging staff expertise and supporting them to provide the best service available to Clayton residents. Leadership is being engaged locally and regionally and choosing a course of action that best serves the majority of Clayton residents.
This month, Contra Costa Health (CCH) is sharing its strategy and plan for responding to COVID-19 over the next 5-10 years.
until our revenue shortfalls and corresponding city expenditures can be addressed.
vate responsibly and consumers will have established protections. My hope is that AB 2269 will be the foundation to create a safer market for consumers, while also building long-term stability in these new digital financial assets.
I’m further amazed by the fantastic job they do at the mock council meeting, where they discuss issues that are important to them. They select their own mayor, council members and city staff. Members of the class then present arguments for or against agenda items they selected.One of my favorite discussions was “Should the school sell ice cream at lunch?”
regardless of race, religion or nationality. It just seems natural that they don’t judge or hate. Our job as parents and grandparents is to make sure they stay that way.
MICHAEL G. HARRIS PLEASANT HILL MAYOR
I, like my fellow council members, am in constant communication with our city manager and appreciate her efforts in meeting our citizen’s needs. I am confident in the leadership that I am providing as mayor, the decisions being made by council and the efforts made by our small, but mightyWhilestaff.there will always be challenges, the future of Clayton remains bright.
Pleasant Hill mayor points to youth as hope for our future
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local restaurant. His love of cooking and preparing food for others is something that he carried with him throughout his life.
State-Farm, Tim McGallian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2300
He is predeceased by his father, Bill, younger brother Spencer and his devoted yellow Labradors, Bailey, Bonnie
ment techniques to improve her physical and behavioral health.Paired with the consistent efforts of our wonderful foster volunteers, Betty has shown significant improvement and now enjoys walking with well-matched canine friends, in addition to the human ones she’s always adored. She has come a long way and is an excellent representation of a dog who needs support and direction to learn how to enjoy life. Despite the great strides she’s made, Betty has been in ARF’s care for more than 365 days – and is still looking for a loving home.
Moore, Wendy – Berkshire Hathaway
tion location. I totally support this project moving forward, especially if it includes affordable senior housing, walking paths to keep us healthy and active, and I love that the location will be close to BART for those of us who have limited driving abilities. It’s also close to John Muir/Mt. Diablo Hospital for those of us with health issues. We need to get this project going right away. I encourage other senior residents to join me in sup-
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of our manufactured products. If China were to take control of Taiwan, there is no question that this would affect their chip production and possibly cause it to cease. Don't wait for this to happen before you alert your state and local political representatives of your concerns. Only they can bring this matter to the appropriate parties.
To protect the puppies, the shelter called Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation for help. ARF’s rescue team brought the entire family back for evaluation and placed them in a loving, volunteer foster home where the puppies could grow up strong and healthy. Once old enough to
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and Basil. Chip is survived by his loving wife, Susan, his devoted dog, Buddy, and a wide circle of family and friends across the US and around the globe.
February 24, 1942 – August 8, 2015
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If a piece of software written by a third party gains popularity, Microsoft is there to copy it and make it better. For example, Microsoft copied VisiCalc (circa Apple II) to make Excel. Microsoft also copied WordPerfect to produce a better Word. A large
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In 1990 Chip moved to Raleigh, NC where he graduated from NC State University and met his wife, Susan, while working a summer job at a
vacation. In 2015, Chip and Susan were fortunate to spend 5 years living abroad in London and Paris. Travels took them all over Europe, to Latin America and on a memorable 20th anniversary trip to the ChipMaldives.was a devoted uncle and spent countless hours throwing his nieces and nephews around in the pool, playing games, building Legos and teaching them various tasks in the kitchen. He had steadfast character and integrity, a generous heart, an infectious dimpled smile and a ready sense of humor that immediately made others want to join in the fun.
When officers from a municipal animal shelter just outside Redding first met Betty, she desperately needed help.The 3-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix had been neglected and was heavily pregnant, yet her soft tail wag indicated she knew she was safe now. Just a few days later, Betty gave birth to four puppies at that shelter’s facility. While it was safer than having them on the street as a stray, crowded shelters put vulnerable, underage puppies at high risk for contracting life-threatening illnesses.
game of fetch. But when she first arrived, she pulled on her leash and overreacted on walks when she saw another dog. ARF’s expert behavior team dedicating time to train Betty, using positive reinforce-
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Chip Stewart, 51, of Clayton, CA passed away peacefully on August 6, 2022 after a brave, two-plus year battle withChipcancer.was born on August 25, 1970 to Bill and Libby Stewart in Charlotte, NC. Growing up, Chip was a talented competitive swimmer who spent many days and weekends at Barclay Downs pool. Chip also loved skiing, hiking, fine wine, music, and any and all games. Chip had a group of incredible friends from Charlotte who he stayed in touch with and remained close to over the years.
Nakamura, Laura
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ARF helps Betty heal – inside and out
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
be adopted, all of Betty’s puppies quickly found loving homes.However, Betty needed extra time to find the right fit. She is intelligent, loves to cuddle and tires out quickly with a
Betty’s puppies have been adopted; now she needs her forever home.
KremenlievConcord
For fans of Chrome, I understand your loyalty because it is a very good web browser. It’s in first place when it comes to the number of users who rely on it daily. But there is a new sheriff in town, and it may have the Edge.According to Cloudwards, a reviewer of web browsers, “Microsoft Edge recently underwent a complete overhaul, and we have to say we like what we see. It has better functionality than before, while remaining just as fast.”
While you may not be a Microsoft fan, it is best to keep in mind that the company, and others, continue to advance technology for the better, most of the time. Even you crazed Apple users can benefit from the advancements of browsers. Safari is always a solid choice, but it doesn’t have the options mod-
“Microsoft Edge is the Chromium-based successor to Internet Explorer. It is the default browser on Windows 10 computers,” Cloudwards states.That means Microsoft has done it again: taken the best from the Chrome browser, made it better, standardized it and added cool new features.
Vicki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
As requested by Chip, there will not be any traditional funeral services. Celebration of life details will be forthcoming and will involve funny stories, good friends, and a beverage or two. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Save Mt. Diablo or the American Cancer Society, two causes that were important to Chip.
porting our city’s moving forward with the Naval Weapons Station project.Greg
. . . .
I think Microsoft is best at improving existing technology.
percentage of users depend on the improvements that Microsoft has made.
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Taiwan chip production in peril
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As most of you could gather from my articles, I like Microsoft and the products it produces. My recent adoration is the latest release of its web browser, Edge.
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To be blunt, they are the best rip-off artist in the tech world.
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If you know someone who may be interested in adopting this sweetheart, please have them reach out to ARF. We know the perfect home for Betty is out there. Please help us find it.
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After graduation, Chip started a career with Target and he and Susan moved from coast to coast with stops in New Jersey, Colorado, Ohio and then to Chicago where Chip started his own business importing wine. Chip and Susan moved to Clayton in 2010 where they frequently hiked, ran and biked in Mt. Diablo State Park and made regular trips to California wine Chipcountry.never met a stranger and could be counted on to find friends everywhere he wentthe local hardware store, the grocery store, or while on
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Will Claney's recent Tech Talk article, "Taiwan's status critical to chip production," is more than a subtle call to action on the part of our government since chip manufacturing is at the heart of many
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I am the first to admit that now and then, Microsoft creates a dud. They made Windows Vista after trying to copy Apple’s cool visuals. Nevertheless, they took the lessons learned and created Windows 8, not perfect but better.It’s too soon to say if Edge will win the browser war or just be a stepping stone to something better.
Check out Edge, use it from time to time, explore its creativity. Someday, you may want to switch to something better.
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requires dedicated land. Where that would be, and how it would be managed, are questions I can’t answer without consultation and cooperation from the community.”
the most complicated, and one that each candidate believes can’t be solved by the city or police department alone.
“I can bring a fresh perspective to the city and the council,” he notes.Anderson says her major involvement in civic affairs has historically been through donations to nonprofits focused on promoting social justice and volunteering for Vote Forward.
Ring thinks people should be more concerned with how Concord residents feel about their own town. “If we bring back Concord to what it once was, and make it even better, we will be a center that everyone wants
“We need to help the homeless by offering transitional (temporary) sober-contingent living, mental health services and drug and alcohol rehabilitation,” Ring says.He adds that it is not just a Concord issue, so the city should work with surrounding communities to help with those priorities.Hoffmeister agrees. “I voted to fund outreach teams and mental health evaluation teams, and a new dedicated coordinator to address these issues. I am currently working on new federal grants to provide for comprehensive outreach, housing and wrap-around services, such as mental health and addiction counseling, in partnership with regional and nonprofit service providers.”Unlike Hoffmeister and Ring, Anderson would consider allowing some camping or campers on public property.
DISTRICT 1 Businessman Robert Ring and tech professional Quinne Anderson, two new faces to local politics, are challenging Laura Hoffmeister – the powerhouse incumbent with 25 years of experience on the council.
PUBLICSAFETYDEBATE
The Pioneer See Concord, page 10
Ring has been active in business organizations, both locally and regionally, and regularly attends Concord City Council meetings, as well as meeting with local officials and residents to understand the nuances of city issues and the role of a council members, he says.
ELECTIONS
TIM MCGALLIAN LAURA NAKAMURA ROBERT RING
PEGGY
For full, unedited questionnaires on the candidates’ positions, visit www.pioneerpublishers.com.
www.facebook.com/councilmemberhoffmeister Laura Hoffmeister for Concord City Council 2022-ID#971181
Ring looks at it from a more financial point of view. “Many people don’t know this but … Concord police officers (have) to pay into Social Security on top of their state retirement fund, CalPERS,” he says. “Surrounding cities don’t have this requirement. On top of that, we don’t pay as much as some surrounding cities do for starting wage, so we lose police officers to these cities. We need excellent men and women protecting us and
I am honored that I have been able to represent and serve you as your Mayor and Councilmember, and want to continue with the hard work that I have been doing.
Hoffmeister says that the city already portrays a positive impression as more people want to stay here and move here for home or business. “We are reasonably affordable and have BART accessibility with two stations,” says Hoffmeister. “The focal point of downtown Concord is Todos Santos Plaza and is known for its farmers market and free summer concerts.”
to visit,” he says. “But that starts by acknowledging the needs and concerns of residents here in our city – not by asking surrounding cities how they feel about
“I find that phrase to be a misnomer, and it’s often misunderstood to mean ‘abolish the police.’ To me, it’s a plea to make more thoughtful investments of taxpayer money into delivering more effective public safety services,” she says.
“Public safety is top importance,” Hoffmeister says. “The police department is the only department that operates 24/7, 365 days a year and includes a dispatch operation. Therefore, it will have the highest amount of the budget. I have worked to bring technology to enhance police operations with license plate readers, cameras and drones, which improve public safety while minimizing costs.”
cannot afford to have the vacancy we currently have, which is around 20% including those out on injury.”Anderson expresses the public’s general confusion over the phrase “defunding.”
She is proud that during her time on the council, Concord has been recognized as the best place in California to raise a family, awarded Best Music Scene by the Livability website, named one of the 10 best places in the world to retire by Condé Nast Traveler and recently called the “Happiest City in the United States” in an Instagram-based study.
Concord to elect 3 council members and treasurer
“No one should have to live without safety, shelter and other basic human needs,” she says. “I would rather try something and fail, than keep the status quo and try nothing. I would be willing to explore piloting a program that
But more needs to be done. My experienced leadership will work to enhance public safety, increase neighborhood patrols; more city street maintenance and pothole repair, improve neighborhood preservation; comprehensive solutions to homelessness; enhance senior and youth programs; improve our older commercial areas, affordable housing, and improve traffic, pedestrian and bicycle safety.
CIVIC INVOLVEMENT
BUILDING A BETTERCITY
When asked what they would do to make Concord a better place, the candidates’ answers vary as much as the city itself.“Sadly, I don’t think the Bay Area holds Concord in the highest esteem,” Anderson says, comparing it to neighboring cities that have bustling downtown business areas.
Heus.”says he is “all for progress,” and that making public safety a top priority, developing the CNWS and other abandoned properties, and addressing the homelessness crisis would be three great ways to start making Concord better.
To a T, all three believe that the unhoused population is one of the top three issues facing Concord. To that, Hoffmeister and Ring add public safety, while Ring notes sustainable development. Hoffmeister and Anderson point to the city’s roads and infrastructure as another key concern. Anderson also lists “disentangling” the issues with the Concord Naval Weapons Station (CNWS) to allow it to progress.The homelessness issue is
“It was a terrible mistake,
and I own it,” she says. “As I’ve said, I accept the consequences.”
QUINNE ANDERSON SPEAR
Page 8 The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com September 16, 2022 Concord •Created•Supported•EstablishedExperiencedneedsLeadershipProvenLeadershipDedicatedtoConcordbalancedbudget;expandedhomelessoutreachandmentalhealthteamsnewcrimepreventioneffortstokeepneighborhoodssafe;andnew120millionstreetrepairprogrameconomicdevelopmentstrategiestoattractandretainbusinessesandjobs,andnewhousingdowntownnearBART
This November, council seats are up for election in Districts 1, 3 and 5. Whoever is elected will work with sitting Councilmembers Carlyn Obringer and Edi Birsan to move Concord forward, keep residents safe and secure, and meet the growth and infrastructure needs of all residents – all with budgetary restrictions, inflation and a looming recession.Mayor Dominic Aliano, who represents much of the Monument Corridor area in District 3, is running unopposed. Here is a rundown of the other two council races, as well as the city treasurer.
Candidates for the City Council are keenly focused on quality of life issues, perhaps fitting for a city recently named the happiest spot in the country.
LAURA HOFFMEISTER
While many of the candidates’ opinions overlap, the major difference is their longevity in the city. Ring, 31, has lived here for seven years, and Anderson, 44, has been a resident for six years. Hoffmeister, 61, was born and raised in the city and has lived in Concord for 60 years. Besides her experience as a council member for 25 years –which includes serving on scores of local and regional committees – she has been active in nonpolitical activities including the Concord Chamber of Commerce, the Concord Historical Society and local branch of the American Association of UniversityTheWomen.onlyblemish on her record is a DUI arrest last spring.
As for public safety, neither Hoffmeister nor Ring – who has support from the Concord Police Officers Association –support defunding police.
How will the city fill this gap? Raise taxes? Cut expenses? Neither option puts residents or candidates in a happy place.
services. “All things may be good, but not all things are as good as everything else.”
Billeter wants to see increased efficiency at City Hall by upgrading systems and bringing more interaction online. “There might be costs in the frontloading,” she notes. “But it would make the city more efficient and accessible. We should be doing more to make it easier for residents to get answers.”
Few things will raise the communal blood pressure faster than a discussion of state-mandated housing requirements. The governor has made housing a state priority, and cities are required to provide for more and denser housing than many in Clayton prefer.InJune, Clayton submitted its most recent Housing Element draft, which, if approved by the state, will require the city to zone for 570 new units in the next 10 years. The city itself is not required to build the units. But if a developer brings a project to the city that meets the state’s requirements, the city has no legal choice but to approve it – to wit, the Olivia, an 81-unit, three-story apartment complex approved for the Town Center.
Fiscal sustainability for a small town with a $6 million general fund budget is the main driver for the four candidates running for two seats on the City Council.
Weir. Join the Campaign at www.VickiGordon.com
The
The Experienced Choice for Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder Steve Glazer Contra Costa’s longest-serving Clerk-Recorder, Steve
VARYINGCOSTOPTIONSCUTTING
Miller says a parcel tax is inherently unfair to newer residents. He says the city should be taking a long-range look at sharing costs and services with other cities or agencies, much as Danville and Orinda do with law enforcement. Both cities contract with the county Sheriff’s Department for their police services.Trupiano says the city should be concentrating more on the economic vitality of the Town Center. She bemoans all the empty storefronts. “Do we have anyone on (city) staff doing economic outreach? Maybe a citizens’ committee could work with staff to help with the research.”
TAMARA STEINER Pioneer
September 16, 2022 The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com Page 9 VOTE NOV.BY8
“People aren’t being heard,” she said. “Perhaps it’s as simple as going out to the people with more town halls. You can’t be in your corner all the time.”
removes land use control from local jurisdictions, as a “done deal,” Miller says the city needs a strategy to change the future. “We’re all tilting at windmills here” he told the Pioneer.
Trupiano, too, calls for more community engagement.
Wan says while significant, the looming deficit is not monumental – but it does need to be addressed now.
“I don’t want to be an alarmist and say the house is burning down, but once you know something, you can’t unknow it,” Wan told the Pioneer. “It requires you to take action immediately.”
Miller says residents are constantly asking if he voted to approve the Olivia when it came before the Planning Commission. “I did, because there was no legal way not to,” he said.Opponents of the project learned this the hard way when they sued the city and the developer to stop the project –andRatherlost. than seeing the current law, which basically
Paid for by Vicki Gordon for Clerk-Recorder 2022 • FPPC #1441628 Endorsed by Senator
During the past two years of global pandemic, lockdowns, supply chain failures, staffing shortages and drought, it seems the only thing that grew with abandon were Clayton’s weeds – a flashpoint leading up to this campaign and further feeding the rancor and division characterizing Clayton politics the last few“Iyears.hear a lot about ‘the divide,’ ” Wan said. “But I don’t agree with that characterization or the nature of the problem.
and
Learn quickly about the ballot propositions in depth and through a non-partisan lens. Become better informed about the background of each proposition, what the costs and benefits would be, and who supports and opposes them.Attendees will be able to write questions for the League of Women Voters to field at the end of the presentations. Based on the number of questions received and the time remaining, similar questions may be combined.
She wants more communication between the city and residents. “Maybe the city should go back to doing a regular newsletter – perhaps a volunteer could do it.”
For more information, visit https://my.lwv.org/california/diablo-valley.
Beginning at 7 p.m. in Hoyer Hall in the Clayton Community Library, the event is co-hosted by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and the Clayton Community Library Foundation (CCLF).
Jeff Wan, 46, a CPA for the California State Automobile Association Insurance Group, is running for a second term. CW Wolfe will step down to move on to other roles in the community.Hoping to unseat Wan and claim the second seat are planning commissioner Ed Miller, 52, a data engineer for what he describes as a “small, lean insurance company,” Bridget Billeter, 50, an assistant district attorney, and marketing consultant Kim Trupiano, 61.
Wan wants the council to sit down with staff and do a line-by-line analysis, then start cutting “low-priority”
tion.“Social media isn’t the place to do this,” she says. “When people are face to face, they are more likely to work out issues.”
Clayton’s budget takes center stage this November
the people, division isn’t bad.”
TACKLINGHOUSINGMANDATES
“Prior to my being elected, the council was virtually unanimous all the time,” he told the Pioneer. “But all the people don’t agree all the time. And if the council truly represents all
Billeter wants to see more compromising and advocates more ad hoc committees to work between residents and the
CONCORD – The Concord Chamber of Commerce will bring the Concord city council and treasurer candidates together for the Chamber Candidate Forum, Sept. 22, 68 p.m. in the Concord City Council Chambers, 1950 Parkside Dr., Concord. The forum is open to the public. The event is live and in person, but will be recorded for future viewing.
BRIDGET BILLETER ED MILLER
Voter Forums on council candidates, propositions
All four candidates point to fiscal and economic sustainability as the key issue this November. With projected expenses increasing at an annual rate of 4% and revenues lagging behind at only 23% growth, Clayton will be in a fiscal hole by next year.
All four agree that raising taxes and cutting staff are last-ditch resorts.
“There is lots of handwringing, but no one is reaching out to state legislators and other coalitions to lobby the state in a different direction,” he notes. “We need to push state and public agencies to move jobs from the dense urban areas to places like Gilroy, Tracy and Brentwood where the land is plentiful and where the cities want to grow.”
OFF IN THE WEEDS
council, because most people won’t sit through a three-hour council meeting to decipher intense, complicated informa-
CLAYTON – The League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley will present the pros and cons of the seven propositions on the November ballot along with a City Council candidate forum on Oct. 10.
KIM TRUPIANO
JEFF WAN
Bridging our past, present, & future
an active member of Bike Concord and has participated in the city’s Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee meetings, as well as helping out with bike rodeos at National Night Out events.
Keeping With Our Town's Character Fiscal IncreasedResponsibilityCommunity billeter4claytoncitycouncil.comEngagement Paid for by the Committee to Elect Bridget Billeter for Clayton City Council - 2022
LONG TERM STRATEGIES
Local hires. It is more than bizarre to question whether they will hire local workers, when Concord First Partners has, as one of its partners, a firm that has for generations been headquartered in Concord, has built here with local workers and was the first company to make a full commitment with local trade unions –when all prior developers were unwilling. They were also the only ones who pro-
As for slashing the police budget, both candidates agree it’s not a good “‘Defundingidea.police’ is a poor phrasing for reforming the criminal justice system,” McGallian says. “We need more resources directed at mental health services and proper response to a mental health call. This includes ongoing training for police in deescalation tactics and anti-bias training.”“‘Defund’ is a poor choice of words and a poor policy frame-
giving the community the benefits of affordable housing, parks and local workers, as these points have been echoed at all our meetings.
regardless of the role they play in the new company.
work,” Nakamura says. “When it comes to policing, the budget and the needs of Concord residents, what is needed is not sound-bite sticks to beat each other with, but rather a good partnership between the police andSheresidents.”advocates data and dialogue – and a “real willingness to listen and learn from each other, and a willingness to be open, transparent and accountable to each other.”
My name is Bridget Billeter, and I am running for Clayton City Council. I am a longtime resident of Clayton and a lifetime member of the Clayton Valley community. I am running for City Council to foster cooperation, increase efficiency, and unify the past, present, and future visions of Clayton.
Bridget Billeter for Clayton City Council DevelopmentIssues
AGREEMENT ON POLICE FUNDING
vided the assurance at the submittal of their summary of qualifications. The other two bidders had to be forced to comply in the last few days before the vote. And, Brookfield had a record of a dispute with New York unions on the very aspect of agreeing to a Project Labor Agreement and then not doing it.
Residents and a local environmental group who refuse to speak with the Concord First Partners development team or participate in their outreach have a lot of concerns.Here is a quick rundown of some of the concerns that I have observed, having been involved with the development of the base:
BARSOTTIPATTI See Pulse, page 12
“I don’t think any other elected official in Concord represents the diversity we have in the city,” he notes.
Traffic mitigation. No project can occur without proper traffic mitigations. This is a given under federal, state and local regulations.
Housing affordability, homelessness and beginning a transformation of the transportation infrastructure top Nakamura’s agenda. She says these three areas offer the greatest opportunities for improving residents’ lives.“The quality of life in my district, in all of Concord, is what is important to me and what drives me,” she says. “Behind these issues loom the realities of the Naval Weapons Station development, the city’s budget, and Concord’s zoning structures.”
Two very different candidates are running for city treasurer: one an experienced incumbent and the other a young, enthusiastic newcomer to politics who says he represents the changing, diverse population of Concord.Five-year incumbent Patti Barsotti says that the treasurer provides an important service to the city. “I want to continue in this job to make sure the right things keep happening for BarsottiConcord.”believes it’s incredibly important to have a financially knowledgeable and experi-
locally react negatively to the name “Seeno” and, thus, the critics will focus on that name
The two candidates running for the District 5 seat, representing areas such as Turtle Creek, Walnut Country and the Crossings, seem Councilmembersimilar.
Commerce board, a member of the Kiwanis Club, a Little League and high school track coach and ran a Boy Scout troop. “I’ve been busy, but I love my community,” McGallian says.
Nakamura contributed to the city’s adoption of voting districts in 2018 and the redistricting in 2022. She was appointed to the city’s Community Services Commission in 2021.
EDI BIRSAN CPULSEOFONCORD
Key
Litigation history. With California companies, litigation is part of the way things are negotiated and why we maintain 20% of all the lawyers in the country. Remember that there is plenty of concern about Brookfield’s record of litigations and payments of fines. Additionally, the actions of Brookfield in pulling out of the North Concord BART Station development reinforce the original
The same can be said for his opponent, Laura Nakamura, a friendly pediatric sonographer who has called Concord home for 30 years. Although she doesn’t have the extensive government experience of McGallian, she has been an active civic volunteer.She co-founded Concord Communities Alliance, an organization “working toward just and equitable conditions for all residents.” In 2018, she participated in the Concord Community Institute, a program that offers a deep introduction to city government and services. She is also a member of Urban Habitat’s 2021 Boards, Commissions and Leadership Institute, which focuses on equitable policy work in land use, transportation and housing.She’s been a participant in Concord council meetings since 2016, when she began advocating for public safety – focusing on roadways and infrastructure for pedestrians and bikers. She’s
CITYTREASURERRACE
The Seeno team. Actually, it is not the Seeno team.
“As a council member, I know that issues like homelessness, housing, public safety and capital improvements can’t be done overnight,” McGallian says. “It takes coordinating with other cities and working with a council that wants the same
Page 10 The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com September 16, 2022 m ilCdCitCsusI’ifd.oronctainableC e, morr,eatsion, and crcompas e andelligencs with inthomelessnes ess, addry,dability and sorhousing aff easeincrorkot. I will wommunityour c erse needs ine about the divbecause I car ouncd CityoroncorI’m running f tability e a healthier council.CyCitdoroncorCFao Paid for by Laura Nakamura for Concord City Council 2022. FPPC #1440552 Laur
Tim McGallian is affable and approachable and will give you all the time you need to discuss an issue. The 18-year Concord resident and local insurance agent has a long history of civic service, both elected and volunteer.McGallian, 41, has been on the council since 2016. Before that, he was city treasurer –another elected position – and a planning commissioner for five years.As a volunteer, he was pastpresident and founder of the Todos Santos Business Association Arts Foundation, ran the city’s 4th of July celebrations, was on the Concord Chamber of
Tackling some concerns about Concord First Partners
From observations, it would appear that the Lewis company, which is stronger, has a major role as indicated that the lead for the project is a Lewis vice president. People
DISTRICT 5
thing. I think we have that and are poised to make great strides in the next few years.”
Concord, from page 8
Initial financials. Like City Ventures that bid for the base project, Concord First Partners is private. Its financials were not made public, but they were made available for a city staff-directed review – and were found satisfactory. First Partners fully cooperated, so they did comply with the requirements.
Base cleanup. The Navy is responsible for the environmental cleanup of the base, not the developer. From the start, I have advocated for an environmental oversite group, which they are willing to cooperate with.
However, their fieriest opponent refuses to even meet with them let alone join such an effort.
Echoing a couple of the District 1 candidates, McGallian says that the three main issues facing Concord are housing and homelessness with the implementation of a new outreach team and creating a homeless strategic plan; public safety in maintaining staffing levels and using technology such as license plate reader cameras; and improving infrastructure and traffic with the most robust Capital Improvement Program laid out over the next five years.
enced person with investment management expertise acting in a neutral position for the city. As the “conduit” between the city staff and the people of Concord, she says she has enjoyed examining what is going on with the city’s financial portfolio. Barsotti says her 40-plus years in financial services “prove my ability to continue in this position for our Challengercity.”D’Marco Anthony says he has the experience to effectively communicate the treasurer’s report since he is familiar with how the council and finances work. He is currently a support/records clerk and has spent time in accounting payroll and as a voter data coordinator. He also participated in the city’s redistricting process.Anthony says he represents the diversity of the city. He identifies with the city’s queer community and is a person of color, with Black descent.
Community benefits. I have no reason to question
Hoffmeister, who had a career as an environmental and city planner, says she will work to provide more resources to decrease crime and ensure that that Concord has housing for all segments of the community “now and into the future.”
Even without iconic smokestack, The Crossings still draws happy homeowners
FEED THEM WELL Next, you’ll need to fertilize your entire landscape. Let your plants know that you love them. We apply fish emulsion to the entire nursery
Cover up any bare dirt with mulch, bark or the top dressing of your choice. For underproductive landscapes,
located between Walnut Creek and Clayton. People who live there can hardly find one thing they don’t like about the neighborhood. One huge reason people want to live in The Crossings is the excellent school choices.Astheir children grew older and eventually left, the empty nesters had such a sense of community they didn’t want to leave. Now it is coming full circle and new families are moving in.
Q. I am going to move to The Crossings in Concord. Do you have any history of this neighborhood?
The smokestack prevented the dust from going into the atmosphere and was built to withstand 90 mph winds and a magnitude 10 earthquake.
when temperatures hover in the low 90s and high 80s. Fish emulsion is water-soluble. Apply early in the morning or toward evening at the bottom of plants to promote root health.Fish emulsion is safe to use this time of year since the nitrogen portion of the formula is so light. If you do not have fish emulsion, fertilize with something water-soluble. Depending on the formula, use at half strength to ensure you do not burn your landscape.Lawns will also need care this time of year. Keep them taller than during the summer and spread a premium soil conditioner a quarterinch thick throughout the lawn. Fertilize once temperatures are back to a normal level. Always follow product directions for lawn food.
The cement company built the landmark smokestack because Cowell lost a lawsuit regarding the dust damaging crops and endangering the health of residents. The 235foot stack replaced eight much smaller ones. It was 16 feet in diameter at the base and 11 feet in diameter at the top.
M ULCH TO SAVEWATER
Time to rescue your yard from heat damage
served no purpose anymore, but what a great landmark it became.Inlater years, chunks of cement began falling off the smokestack. It would have cost $3 million to repair it, so it was demolished in 2009.
There is so much for families to do in The Crossings. It is home to the Stingrays Swim Club. Amenities include three swimming pools, eight tennis courts, a clubhouse, two playgrounds, a basketball courts, a dog park and a preschool. There is also a greenbelt running through the middle of the Residentsneighborhood.saythey love the isolation – if you don’t live
The town included 54 houses, a town hall, school, hospital, company office and firehouse. At its height in 1917, the cement factory employed 217 people. Small trains moved the limestone along a railway from the quarry to the factory.
Mulch mixed with chicken manure will help with moisture loss and add a boost of nitrogen.
Lynne French is a Realtor with Compass Real Estate and captain of the Lynne French Team. Contact her at lynne@lynnefrench.com or 925-6728787.
garden plants and containers, use a mulch mixed with chicken manure. This helps with moisture loss and boosts plants with a touch of nitrogen.Onslopes and hillsides, spread a shredded bark product. For long flat areas with mature trees or shrubs, use a chunkier type of bark. It is almost time to plant fall and winter vegetable gar-
Cool-season vegetables time is almost here, so think about your fall planting needs.The length of the recent heat wave caused lots of
We are recommending that you fertilize, not use a weed-and-feed type product. Our temps are still too warm, so applying weed-andfeeds now will probably burn your lawn.
there, there is really no reason to travel through the neighborhood. The low-crime area has security personnel patrolling the grounds 4 p.m.4 a.m.If I had to find any negatives on the neighborhood, it isn’t much different than most subdivisions in that some residents don’t seem to exhibit pride of ownership and let their landscape go. But I have heard that the current homeowners association keeps that type of thing on its radar.
A. What we know as The Crossings neighborhood was formerly the town called Cowell, built by Henry Cowell. He set up the Cowell Portland Cement Co. in 1908 on the 2,000-acre site. It processed limestone being dug from the hillside that is now behind Walnut Creek.
foliage and blossom damage. Folks need to understand that it takes a plant more energy to drop off damaged leaves or blossoms than it does to create new growth. Walk your landscape and assess your plants. Roses, salvia, geranium, rudbeckia and coneflower may need to be pruned to remove damaged leaves and flowers.
People from all over the Bay Area mourned the loss of the landmark.Thereare 1,062 single-family residences in The Crossings,
Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. You can contact her with questions or comments by email gardengirl94517@yahoo.comat
mid-October.Fallisthe perfect time to put in foundation plants such as trees, shrubs and may other ornamentals. If replacing a lawn area or seeking low-water plant ideas, now is the time to ask questions and get your plan going.
Our gardens and landscapes need care in September, just as they do in the spring.We need to help our plants repair from the dry, hot, windy summer. Prune off crunchy leaves, fertilize, and apply mulch to bare areas of the landscape and on top of soil in containers.
September 16, 2022 The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com Page 11 6780 Marsh Creek Road, Clayton Family owned and operated since 1983 Pool, Patio, Gifts & Gardens Hours: Tues-Sat 9-5, Sun 10-4, Closed Monday 925-672-0207 All Houseplants 20%scapeideashelpstaffKnowledgeablegrasses.shrubslow-watercollectionExtensiveOffoftrees,andavailabletowithdesignandland-solutions.
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Crape myrtle seeds can be deadheaded, and butterfly bushes may need to be cut back. Strip Japanese maple leaves from the stems; the trees know they are damaged and there’s still time to make a new leaf.
dens. As your cucumbers, beans and squash plants tire, replace them with cool-season crops like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, lettuce, chard, beets, onions, garlic and fava beans. Amend your soil to replace nutrients used by your summer crops. Install while the soil is warm, from late September through
The Newhall Land and Farming Co. bought the site in 1959, selling it to the Larwin Co. in 1969. The first phase of The Crossings – known interchangeably as Walnut Country – began construction in 1972. Four phases were built in the nextFirefightersdecade. demolished or burned the old Cowell residences as they practiced firefighting techniques. Only the smokestack and firehouse were retained. The smokestack
expect p
There are some wonderful varieties of heirloom apples offered at your farmers market. Rainbow Orchards from Apple Hill in Camino grows quite a few. J&J Ramos Farm and Lujan Farms from Hughson also have nice options, and Cipponeri Farms from Turlock brings tasty apples as well.The apples range from more common heirlooms like Pink Lady, Gala and Fuji to the delicious Jonagold, Braeburn, Mohawk, Chieftain and Heaven Sent.
the months it is pads in a strong ape off mineral
Please take the Civil and Civic Engagement Survey www.PulseOfConcord.com.at
Your local farmers market has a seemingly endless selection of heirloom apples, with each bringing its own history and interesting name.
The heritage Fuji and Pink Lady apples also have long histories. Local farmers brought these apples, among others, back from near extinction because they desired to save older breeds. These farmers and local farmers markets have been first in line to offer these special apples to customers. Direct to market sales have increased their visibility andBecausedesirability.they hold their shape, thick-skinned apples tend to be good for baking
today if youalleysthebrutaltheandissing,uttersforislosingsureyour central depositslaundryrunning.humidIfnedetewith
whole. Try Fuji, Pink Lady or Gala. You might also find the early harvest Gravenstein apple, good for apple sauce, cider and just plain eating. Tart apples are best for baking. Look for Pippin, Granny Smith, Empire or Rome.
preserving the species. Many apple growers have returned to growing heirlooms.
gr
Look for apples, apples and more apples at Rainbow Orchards in the Concord Farmers Market every Thursday.
by ContactWeWendyus
The Concord Red Men Drum Corps, Wahoo Tribe 194, is part of the Improved Order of Red Men – the oldest order in this country of purely American Theorigin.inception traces back to those patriotic societies whose goals were resistance to British
troop in the Concord area and originating the Pow Wow parade and festival, which they sponsored for seven years. They marched in the pow wow until the end of the ’70s. They also participated in competitions all over America and won.
The woman’s degree of Pocahontas is still very active. In the late ’50s, they had a young auxiliary called the Anonas. When they turned 16, the teens could join their parents with the degree of Pocahontas or Red Man. This young auxiliary only lasted 10 Frankyears.andMadelyn Armstrong and their children, Bill, Jack and Maddy, were very involved in the Improved Order of Red Men Wahoo Tribe 194.
comeback. Discerning farmers market customers can differentiate between a delightfully sweet or tart heirloom apple and the waxed, shiny, almost tasteless varieties available in supermarkets. The heirlooms have distinctive flavor profiles, gorgeous skin colors and crisp bites that are sure to become favorites.Many of the commercial apple varieties we see in grocery stores are hybrids, combining the favorite attributes of various heirlooms – namely, predictable traits of size, color, transportability and storage life. Heirlooms, on the other hand, are open pollinated and have been passed along for generations in their “pure” form.These heirlooms are particularly important for genetic diversity, which is essential for increased disease resistance, temperature hardiness and
The Concord Farmers Market is in Todos Santos Plaza Tuesdays & Thursdays.
Concord Red Men tied to early American societies
Frank was elected head chief of California, otherwise known as
Carol Longshore has been a Concord resident since 1950. She is a community leader and past president of the Concord Historical Society. Send comments and suggestions for future topics to editor@pioneerpublishers.com.
damage to metal flashing in va chimneys. Scan the roof for m ged shingles. Look in your g ranules, a sign that your roof roblems soon. Finally, make normallyy.
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After almost disappearing, apple varieties popular 50-100 years ago have been making a
Russian fur traders introduced Gravenstein apples to Northern California in the 19th century. The Danes named the variety, which means “gray stone.” It is one of most common heirloom apples and grows mostly in the Sebastopol area.
Page 12 The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com September 16, 2022 YOUR ELITE REAL ESTA Wendy Moore REALLTTOR®DRE#01408930925.570.5187 TE TEAM SERVING TH E Christine Gedd REALLTTOR®DRE#01425653925.286.7593 DIABLO VA es-Sinclaire LLEY AND B EYOND ON MARKEwe ON M statesbywendy.comTendy@estatesbywendONMy.comARKET PENDINGchristinegs.bhhsdrychristine@estates95.86.593bsywendy.comdale.com C SOLD WITH S OLDO 45 EL MOLINO DRIVE, CL A4 BEDS | 2.5 BATTHS | 2,32 Seller Represented by Chr FA 212 COMPTON CI R A2 BEDS | 2 BATT Seller Represe AYAY TON 4 SQ. FT istine ALL CLE #C, SAN RAMON HS | 995 SQ. FT nted by Christine 67 SAIN 3 BE Se LL REVIEW At least once a ifhyea TPAPAATTRICKS COURT, DANVILLE ADS | 2 BATTHS | 1,626 SQ. FT ller Represented by Wendy FEATSAFTEY TUURES r,r it s a good idea to do a top ftftY’ Y h ldtthto-bottom CLEA Even if you o tk 1228 OAK KNOLL DRIVE, CO 5 BEDS | 4.5 BATHS | 3,358 Buyer Represented by We 1641 LINDBERGH A3 BEDS | 2 BATTH Buyer Represe N UP YOUR FIREP nly use your fireplace once in thblklik NCORD SQ. FT ndy DRIVE, CONCORD HS | 1,463 SQ. FT ented by Wendy PLACE n a while, check replace them regularly to mak s importanwoodwork, and so on Iton your furniture TCHECKLIS FALL MAINTENANCE REFRESHEN YOUR FILTER Furnace filters trap dust that would otherwise be dep onyourfurniture woodworkandsoonIt simportan review of your hom family together for a checking on the sm This is also a good rid your home of to ADDRESS Inspect your roof fro if necessary. damageLookfordCheck s safety features.e Yoou s ould get the review of your fire prevention plan by oke detectors and fire extinguishers. time to develop a fire escape plan and o many flammable items. ROOF PROBLEMS m top to bottom, using binoculars ridge shingles for cracks and damagetometalflashinginvalleysandwind to make andmysterioussurebcleaned STTAAR Dry winter ai also know it c and your centralhumidhomethere are no blockages like creosote or birds’ nests. Getting the chimney fully inspected by a professional is a good route to take.
tyranny and establishment of freedom for the colonies. Other groups were the Sons of Liberty andTheseTamina.societies were influential throughout the period of the revolution. From them came the Declaration of Independence and the Improved Order of Red Men. Their motto is freedom, friendship and charity. The primary objective of the order is to promote the principles of true benevolence and charity. One of the commendable features was to plan aid for orphans of deceased members.
Our Wahoo Tribe, organized in 1907, was the second largest tribe in California. They were always active in civic affairs and scouting, having sponsored the first Boy Scout
TheStates.RedMen are still going strong in America, with our Concord tribe being transferred to Oakley under the direction of Maddy’s sons, Matthew and Brian Tate, a few years ago. There are 40 active men in the tribe. Frank would be so proud of his grandsons for keeping such a worthy organization going.
CAROL LONGSHORE YESTERYEAR
The aroma of apple pie on a September day, the smooth flavor of homemade apple butter on toast or a tempting square of apple cake signals that fall is on its way.
Visit your local certified farmers market to find a wide range of this tasty fall fruit, with the farmers who grew and harvested them bringing them to you.
Members of the Concord Red Men Drum Corps in front of Veterans Hall on the corner or Colfax and Willow Pass. From left, first row, Steve Lee, Elmer Mortenson, Harold Rodini, Claude Rice Sr., John Bagnaschi, Claude Rice Jr. and George Sandi. Second row, Clyde Mitchell, John Devincenzi, Chester Brunelle, John O’Dello and Walter McAtee. Third row, Joe Santos, Victor Lavignino, Frank Devincenzi, Pete Bacciglieri, Charles Enos, Louis Bisso and Albert Trette.
If you have concerns, talk to them, meet with them. That is what the city staff and the council are doing. If you want to know the history of my vote a year ago, then talk to me. As always, coffee at Peet’s is on me.
Edi Birsan is a member of the Concord City Council. However, opinions expressed in this column are his alone and do not reflect those of the city. Send comments and questions EdiBirsan@gmail.com.to
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Heirloom apples offer a taste of history
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the Great Sachem. Bill followed in his footsteps and was the Great Sachem of California and also the Great Incahonee of the United
decision not to go with them. We still have hurdles to go over, and there has been good progress recently in moving things forward. We are not at the finish line yet, but we are grinding it out.
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fromPulse,page 10
Northgate and Concord are undefeated after the first three rounds of high school football while traditional local powers De La Salle and Clayton Valley Charter each rebounded from losses to win last Friday as the non-league season passed the halfway point for most schools.
De La Salle and Serra hadn’t met in six years, primarily because head coaches Justin Alumbaugh of DLS and Patrick Walsh of Serra are both De La
live nationally on ESPNU. In a game marred by mistakes, turnovers and penalties by both teams, the Spartans had a 21-7 lead in the fourth quarter. Serra, which got the Northern California berth in the State Open Divi-
After defeating Newark Memorial 14-7, Alameda 30-8 and San Lorenzo 37-0, Reynaud will need to keep tabs on his team’s focus. Their next two game are against winless teams Richmond and Arroyo-San Lorenzo.
Salle alums and best friends. They were given high credit for leading the effort to ensure the teams of the 2020-21 school year got a chance to play football, albeit in an abbreviated spring
High school football is headed to its fourth weekend. Fredriko Naranjo (top left) and his Concord Minutemen are 3-0 in the early season. Clayton Valley Charter and Miguel Alvarado (bottom left) finally posted their first victory last Friday when they traveled to Las Vegas and came away with a resounding win. De La Salle’s Cooper Flanagan (right with ball) has been living up to his billing as a premier high school tight end. The 6-6 senior also has been active on defense and last Friday filled in at linebacker for an injured Spartan teammate.
Clayton Valley Charter also experienced late game woes leading to a pair of defeats to open the Ugly Eagles season. They finally got in the win column last Friday in North Las Vegas when they walloped Canyon Springs 42-6.
JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer
See Football, page B3
DE LA SALLE
After losing tough games in the fourth quarter to Salinas 2114 and unbeaten Del OroLoomis 31-27 the Ugly Eagles took it out on traditional nonleague foe Canyon Springs in Las Vegas 42-6 which included the debut of transfer runningback Will StallingsStallings.played for national power Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas last year when he rushed for 714 yards and eight touchdowns. He was ruled eligible to play for last Friday’s game ironically in Vegas and introduced himself with a 55-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. The Tennessee commit ended with 98 yards rushing on seven
game at undefeated Jesuit in Carmichael.
Not to be outdone, Northgate is likewise riding a threegame winning streak to start the season. Coach Ben Ballard’s team has scored 66 points and allowed only 14 in those games.
CVCHS’s other touted transfer senior Christian Aguilar and junior Mason Lovett each had a TD pass in the team’s first win.
Sean Murphy (see Athlete Spotlight on Page B3) has been filling up the stat sheet on offense and defense. Senior quarterback Matt Dashner is leading the run-oriented offense and junior runningback Monte Beam has carried the rushing load.
CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER
Theseason.renewal of the East BayWest Bay rivalry was broadcast
SPORTS & LIFESTYLE The Pioneer The Pioneer, Section BSeptember 16, 2022 www.PioneerPublishers.com All The Colors . . . . . .B4 Lean In with Love . . .B4 The Arts . . . . . . . . . . .B5 Kelly McDougall REALTOR DRE#: 01156462 ® VisitKelly.mcdougall@compass.com925.787.0448KellyonFacebookandInstagram @KellyMcDougallRealEstate 6200 Center Street Suite E, Clayton #1 Agent in Clayton's Compass Office Presented by Kelly McDougall What’s Kelly been up to this summer? SOLD SOLD SOLD $1,050,000 $1,695,000 Castro Valley 10250 Crow Canyon Rd. 1858 Yolanda Circle Clayton $1,150,000 11400 Marsh Creek Rd. Clayton 2977 Morgan Terr. Rd. Clayton This 105 acre property in Castro Valley is permitted for 135 horses. Features include 2 covered arenas, 4 outside arenas, covered eurociser, covered round pen, pastures, trails, beautiful triple wide plus 2 double wides and 2 apartments for full time live-in help. Full facility list upon request. $7,250,000 NowAvalable Concord, Northgate only undefeated high school football teams while De La Salle, Clayton Valley Charter rebound
Concord High has bounced back from two one-win seasons during calendar year 2021 and coach Paul Reynaud’s Minutemen have won three consecutive games to open this season while outscoring their opponents 8115.
De La Salle suffered its third last gasp loss to a NorCal team since last September after going 30 years without such a defeat when Serra of San Mateo kicked a field goal with two seconds remaining two weeks ago for a 24-21 win over the Spartans.
College Park has split its opening two games while Mt. Diablo and Ygnacio Valley are
carries and a pair of TDs.
CONCORD HIGH The Minutemen have looked ready to battle for a North Coast Section playoff berth this year based on early-season results.
each searching for win No. 1 in the young season.
The team has two more games to prepare for the East Bay Athletic League schedule including their final non-league
late game heroics earned him the All-American game’s MVP award.
nals of Division II and Berean Christian in D-V last fall for the top local performances.
Girls Volleyball – Carondelet reached the quarterfi-
NCS tournaments for boys and girls run Nov. 2-12.
DAL Valley Division
The Pioneer
Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@pioneerpublishers.com
Sports:Grade:School:KyleSpotlightAthleteHethertonClaytonValleyCharterSeniorWaterPolo,Swimming
The local high school cross country season got underway last Saturday at the 2022 Ed Sias Invitational at Hidden Valley Lake Park in Martinez. Clayton Valley and College Park boys and Northgate girls finished in the top five teams of their respective races.
JAY BEDECARRÉ
Rosters for the All-American Classic included players from 21 states chosen by a panel of talent evaluators after being scouted and identified through a series of tournaments. Over 250 past Perfect Game All-American Classic participants have gone on to play Major League Baseball, while 31 All-American Classic alums were selected on the first day of the 2022 MLB Amateur Draft.
With the score tied after nine innings, the game’s extra innings rules loaded the bases and put one out on the scoreboard to begin the inning. Hel-
Helfrick helped the West team to its 13th win in the series that features the best of the best high school aged baseball players in America.
Long-time high school coach and Clayton Valley alumnus Herc Pardi calls Helfrick “one of the best we have ever had,” which includes former Ugly Eagles pitcher Chris Mazza (who has been pitching in major league baseball since 2019) and Hall of Fame alums Clyde Mashore and son Damon Mashore, who had MLBShouldcareers.Helfrick continue his upward trend Arkansas baseball may not be in his future. Observers say he could be in for a seven figure offer following next summer’s MLB Draft, much like the San Francisco Giants did to tempt De La Salle pitcher Kyle Harrison away from attending UCLA after the 2020 draft. “He’s that good, great upside as well,” Pardi
began play last week while the Foothill Division including Northgate begins league matches next week. The Cougars EBAL slate started last week. North Coast runs Oct. 25 through Nov. 5 with the NorCal Championships Nov. 8-15 and the CIF State finals Nov. 18-19.
fastball and tripling 400 feet to the warning track in dead center field leading off the inning. He scored later on an RBI grounder. The triple was measured at 104 mph, an example of the scouting reports that say his “strong hands and quick bat speed produce advanced power that plays to the big part of the yard.”
In the seventh inning he broke a hitless streak for the West, turning around a 93 mph
Competition is underway in all the fall sports with tournaments and invitational meets going on during the next two months along with league games and matches, all gearing up for league and North Coast Section championships.
Page B2 The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com September 16, 2022 Nick925.348.5609EisenbartOwner/ServiceProviderConcordresident Serving all of Contra Costa County for over 15 years Including Marsh Creek, Morgan skimndipllc.comTerritoryFive Stars on Yelp
CVCHS catcher Ryder Helfrick named All-American Classic MVP
Clayton Valley Charter senior Ryder Helfrick, who has committed to play college baseball next fall for the University of Arkansas, won the MVP award at the 20th Perfect Game All-American Classic amateur baseball game last month at Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
frick took the first pitch of the inning and smoked it into left field for a two-RBI single to give the West its first lead enroute to a 5-2 victory.
In the next inning the CVCHS catcher threw out a would-be East base stealer.
championship claiming the D-II girls title.
CVCHS senior Hetherton has been a varsity water polo player for his entire high school career and a team captain for the past two years. He has also been part of Ugly Eagles swimming for three years, the last two on varsity. He has filled the past 13 summers on the championship Dana Hills Swim Team in Clayton. Hetherton was most improved water polo player as a freshman and earned most inspirational last year when CVCHS reached the North Coast Section tournament. His favorite part about being a CVCHS student athlete is how the school’s competitive nature pushes him to strive for the best. He also notes that the tight-knit friendships and leadership skills formed from team sports are unique and special.
CVCHS student journalist Katherine Pugh wrote this Spotlight.
The Pioneer congratulates Kyle and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for over three decades at Family Vision Care Optometry.
College Park boys were fifth with sophomore Jack Rattary taking third overall. In the small schools boys race Northgate was led by Robert Benard in sixth and Nicholas Knisley seventh for the Broncos who finished seventh in
Girls Golf - The Diablo and East Bay athletic league championships are both set for Oct. 17 following a busy season of dual matches that began last month in both leagues. The North Coast Section championships are Oct. 24 (Division II) and Oct. 31 (Division I).
Photo courtesy Concord High cross country
JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer
See Fall Sports, pg B3
for the Art & Wine Festival and Octoberfest, Dana Hills Swim Team and interned for the John Muir Young Healers. In order to earn spending money, Hetherton has worked at Mountain Mike’s, Pete’s Trees in Walnut Creek and currently at Moresi’s Chophouse in Clayton. His top college choice is UCLA, where he hopes to major in biology with a pre-med emphasis, which he wants to lead to medical school and eventually a career as an anesthesiologist. Hetherton thanks his mentor John Parker, his water polo coach Gabe Martin and his girlfriend Mikayla Brown for their support.
Photo courtesy Perfect Game All-American Classic
Helfrick’ssaid.
Fall teams battle for league honors, NCS playoff berths
Cross Country - The Ed Sias Invitational began the cross country season in earnest last Saturday in Martinez. Clayton Valley Charter boys took second in the large schools varsity race for the top local performance. Alan Solari was fourth to lead the strong Ugly Eagles placing.
The De La Salle Nike Invitational is this Saturday in Concord at Newhall Park. The Diablo Athletic League has its Center Meets on Sept. 28 and Oct. 19. The DAL league championships are Nov. 5 and EBAL league meet the same day. NCS Meet of Champions is Nov. 19 at Hayward High School with the CIF State Meet Nov. 26 at Woodward Park in Fresno.
Water Polo – Last year was a banner season for local water polo with De La Salle, Northgate boys and Carondelet all winning NCS titles on the same day. The Spartans won their first-ever
Ryder Helfrick was interviewed with his MVP trophy following the 20th annual Perfect Game All-American Classic amateur baseball game last month by home plate at Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Clayton Valley Charter High catcher has caught the attention of college recruiters and professional scouts with his play.
Open Division championship and first of any kind in NCS since 2004, Northgate boys defended their Division II title and Carondelet won its first-ever NCS water polo
As a youngster, Hetherton participated in basketball and baseball as well as swimming. His experience with different coaching styles and teams taught him that hard work pays off, which is reflected in his academics as well as sports achievements. Hetherton’s cumulative unweighted GPA stands at 4.0. His GPA was 4.0, 4.29 and 4.67 in his first three years and his current senior mark is 5.0. He founded the Outdoor Community Service Club at Clayton Valley Charter and participates in Senior Men Club and the Spike Ball Club. Away from school he has volunteered for Contra Costa Food Bank, Diamond Terrace, Salvation Army, CBCA
the team Collegestandings.Parkwas led by Missy LeClaire’s 14th place as the Falcons were sixth in the large school girls race. Clayton Valley Charter girls took eighth as Skylar Bennett led the way in sixth place. Megan Malloy was ninth and Northgate took fourth place in the small schools girls race. Carondelet was close behind in sixth place.
DAL League Games Sept. 21 – Oct. 26
Registration for St. Agnes CYO basketball is being accepted online. Girls and boys in second through eighth grades who live within the St. Agnes boundaries are eligible to play. Player evaluations will be held in September. Visit stagnescyo.com for complete fees and online registration.
Mt. Diablo (Div. 4) - 8/26 Lathrop L 0-56, 9/9 at AmericanFremont, 9/17 at Arroyo-San Lorenzo, 9/24 at San Lorenzo, 9/30 at Richmond, 10/7 at Ygnacio Valley, 10/14 Alhambra, 10/21 Berean Christian, 10/28 at College Park, 11/4 Concord.
ComputerProblems
Northgate (Div. 3) - 8/26 Deer Valley W 29-8, 9/2 at Ukiah W 28-6, 9/9 Fremont-Oakland W 9-0, 9/16 at Bethel-Vallejo, 9/23 College Park, 10/7 Miramonte, 10/14 Las Lomas, 10/21 at Campolindo, 10/28 at Benicia, 11/4 Acalanes.
Opportunities to participate in all sorts of sports and recreation activities are offered in the City of Concord’s Parks & Recreation department Fall Activity Guide listing a lineup of classes, leagues, camps and clinics. There is something for nearly every age. Adults and youth can participate in a wide variety of sports-related activities including basketball, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, pickleball and cornhole. For more information, go to cityofconcord.org/recreation and flip through the interactive digital version of the Fall Guide. The guide is available for pick up in City office lobbies as well as the Senior Center, Willow Pass Center and Centre Concord.
Sports Shorts
Nov.CIF7 State Championships Nov. 16
maintenance.NOINTERNET?SYSTEMSLOW?MISSINGFILES?TOOMANYPOP-UPS?Lowcost,fixed-feeservices
Volleyball (Girls)
EBAL League Games Sept. 1 – Oct. 27
The Broncos began the season with wins over Deer Valley 29-8 and Ukiah 28-6. Last Friday’s game was much tighter
Prevent problems with regular proactive
Football, from page B1
Tennis (Girls)
DAL League Matches Sept. 6 – Oct. 20
DAL Division Championships Oct. 27-29
NORTHGATE
Ygnacio Valley (0-2) at Kennedy-Fremont (1-2)
FINAL FIRST TEE OF CONTRA COSTA
DAL League Games Sept. 6- Oct.
NCS Playoffs Nov. 2-12
Last Friday, the Spartans ran past Saint Francis of Mountain View 35-3, avenging a 31-28 loss to the Lancers last Sept. 10, which ended De La Salle’s 30year, 310-game unbeaten streak against teams north of Fresno that began with the first game of the 1992 season.
SEPT. 16-17 WEEKENDGAMES Hercules (0-2) at College Park (1-1)Northgate (3-0) at BethelVallejoConcord(0-3) (3-0) at Richmond (0-2)Turlock (1-3) at Clayton Valley Charter (1-2)
FALL SPORTS SCHEDULES
Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@pioneerpublishers.com.
See weekly high school football updates in the Sports secition at www.PioneerPublishers.com
DAL League Matches Aug. 29- Oct. 12
5 (Hidden Valley Park, Martinez)EBAL Championships Nov. 5 (Newhall Park, Concord)
It could be a virus, or it could just need a tune-up.
Nov.NorCal5 Championships Nov.CIF8-15State Championships Nov. 18-19
AT ALL OUT SPORTS IN CLAYTON GYM
EBAL20League Games Sept. 8 -Oct.
sion Bowl Game last December that usually goes to De La Salle, rallied for two touchdowns and then parlayed a costly interception by DLS to seal the victory.
EBAL20Championship Oct. 22
Reynaud says, “The best compliment I can give Sean is that he loves football. He is checked in at all times, practice, weight room, film. Sean is a great leader and strives to make everyone around him better.” The two-year team captain says, “I really enjoy going out on the field and getting to play this great game with my friends every day. We have a different atmosphere around the team this season and after a poor outcome last year, we seem really determined to turn this ship around. It’s been a blessing to be a part of this program for the past four years.” Baseball coach Matt Harrod looks forward to having Murphy pitch and roam the outfield next spring after his second-team all-DAL performance last season. Harrod adds about the Concord senior, “Not only does he excel on the field, but also in the classroom with an overall GPA of 4.28!” Murphy says he “doesn’t have any concrete plans after graduation right now” but he’s looking at going to community college for two years and then transferring to a university.
CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER
Theberth.schedule will not be easy once DAL play begins in October with Miramonte, Acalanes, Campolindo, Benicia and Walnut Creek crosstown rival Las Lomas facing the Broncos. All but Las Lomas are undefeated so far this season.
All Out Sports League in Clayton is accepting applications for fall league in Clayton Community Gym. Fall league begins with player evaluations this Friday, Sept 16. Leagues games are on Saturdays from Oct. 8 to Nov. 12. For complete information visit alloutsportsleague.com.
The program is for girls and boys in third to eighth grades. Contact Ferd Santos stbonaventurecyo@gmail.com or 270-9390 or assistant athletic director Ashley Kualii (707) 806-8025. Registration is taken online at stbonaventurecyo.com.
NCS Division II Championships Oct. 24
DAL League Championships Oct. 17 (Contra Costa Country Club, Pleasant Hill)
BASKETBALL PROGRAMSRUNNING
Fall Sports, from page B2
EBAL League Matches Sept. 1 – Nov. 1
Mt. Diablo (0-2)at Arroyo-San Lorenzo (0-2) Season Schedules
Clayton Valley Charter (Open Div./Div. 1) - 8/26 Salinas L 14-21, 9/2 Del Oro-Loomis L 27-31, 9/9 at Canyon SpringsNorth Las Vegas W 42-6, 9/16 Turlock, 10/1 at JesuitCarmichael, 10/7 at Amador Valley-Pleasanton, 10/14 at San Ramon Valley-Danville, 10/21 California-San Ramon, 10/28 at Monte Vista-Danville, 11/4 De La Salle.
GEARINGUP FOR 2022-23 SEASON
EBAL Championships Nov. 3-7NCS Team Championships Nov.NCS8-12 onshipsChampionshipsSingles/DoublesNov.14-15NorCalTeamChampi-Nov.15-19
NCS Championships Nov. 19 (Hayward High School) CIF State Championships Nov. 26 (Woodward Park, Fresno)
For any questions regarding the Induction Dinner to contact Adamo by email louadamo@gmail.com or phone 212-9332. Proceeds from the dinner help fund girls and boys athletic and academic programs at MDHS.
September 16, 2022 The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com Page B3
OPEN FALLREGISTRATION
Ygnacio Valley (Div. 6) –8/27 at Washington-San Francisco L 14-49, 9/9 Justin-Siena –Napa L 0-42, 9/16 at KennedyFremont, 9/23 Bradshaw Christian-Sacramento, 9/30 Stone Ridge Christian-Merced, 10/7 Mt. Diablo, 10/14 at Concord, 10/21 at College Park, 10/28 Alhambra, 11/5 at Berean Christian.
Sports: Football, Baseball
FLAG FOOTBALLPROGRAM STARTS JAN. 22
Cross Country (Boys & Girls)DAL Center Meets Sept. 28 and Oct. 19
Golf (Girls)
Clayton Valley Charter High School hosts its Be Elite Flag Football season on 10 consecutive weekends. The co-ed program is open to kindergarten through eighth grade students. There are no tryouts or draft, and everyone plays offense and defense. No football experience necessary. One-hour weekend practices are followed by 5v5 non-contact environment games the same day Jan. 22 – March 26. Coaching is by student athlete mentors. Fee includes participant’s custom jersey (name and jersey number) and shorts. For registration information contact CVCHS football coach Nick Tisa at nick.tisa@claytonvalley.org or visit BeEliteAthlete.com.
Girls Tennis - DAL tennis matches for seven Valley Division schools in a double round-robin format began last week and run through Oct. 20 while the Foothill Division is underway this week through Oct. 18. EBAL tennis runs all the way to Nov. 1. The DAL division championships are the last week of October. NCS team championships are Nov. 8-12 with the singles and doubles tournament Nov. 14-15. The NorCal team tournament is Nov. 15-19.
EBAL League Championships Oct. 17
The Spartans travel to San Diego this Friday to face Cathedral Catholic and then host Folsom in another revenge game on Sept. 23 to close out their nonleague schedule. Folsom upended DLS in the Northern California Regional Bowl game last December ending the Concord school’s perfect record of qualifying for every state bowl game since the series began in 2006.
College Park (Div. 3) – 9/2 at Foothill-Pleasanton L 12-28, 9/9 Oakmont-Roseville W 21-13, 9/16 Hercules, 9/23 at Northgate, 9/30 at Livermore, 10/7 Concord, 10/15 at Berean Christian, 10/21 Ygnacio Valley, 10/28 Mt. Diablo, 11/4 at Alhambra.
Water Polo (Boys & Girls)
NorCal Tournament Nov. 15-19
Call Mark 925.672.6029 or email info@netsolutions-ca.com
DINNERFINALLY COMING NOV. 12
with Northgate blanking Fremont of Oakland 9-0.
School: Concord High Grade: Senior
Boys and girls from third through eighth grade are invited to sign up for the Queen of All Saints CYO basketball program. For more info on the Concord CYO program contact coach Madie at madie1185@gmail.com.
The Pioneer congratulates Sean and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for over three decades at Family Vision Care Optometry. www.laceyandruzicka.com.
“As a kid I remember going to Concord High football games and wishing that was me out there, so this whole experience has been something of a dream come true and I cannot believe it’s almost coming to an end,” says senior football and baseball player Murphy. And he is living out a dream millions of girls and boys experience growing up and watching the “big kids” play sports at their local high school. For coach Paul Reynaud’s football players, this year might be something special. After enduring back-to-back one-win seasons, the Minutemen are off to a hot start this year with three straight wins. Murphy is the team’s middle linebacker (he was first-team all-Diablo Athletic League as a junior) and tight end. He was called up to varsity for the final two games as a freshman and then in the shortened pandemic-mandated spring football season his sophomore year he was the starting varsity quarterback.
DAL Championships Nov.
St. Bonaventure CYO cross country registration is open to boys and girls in fourth through eighth grades living within the Saint Bonaventure Parish boundaries. Practices are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 4-5 p.m. Call Coach Z 812-3485 or athletic director Joe Sullivan 787-6745 for more details. St. Bonnies CYO basketball is taking registration online now.
Mateo L 21-24, 9/9 Saint FrancisMountain View W 35-3, 9/16 at Cathedral Catholic-San Diego, 9/23 Folsom, 10/7 at St. Mary’sStockton, 10/14 at California-San Ramon, 10/21 Monte Vista–Danville, 10/28 at Amador ValleyPleasanton, 11/4 at Clayton Valley Charter.
NCS Division I Championships Oct. 31 NorCal Championships
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Concord (Div. 4) - 8/26 Newark Memorial-Newark W 147, 9/2 Alameda W 30-8, 9/9 at San Lorenzo W 37-0, 9/16 at Richmond, 9/23 Arroyo-San Lorenzo, 10/7 at College Park, 10/14 Ygnacio Valley, 10/21 at Alhambra, 10/28 Berean Christian, 11/4 at Mt. Diablo.
Athlete Spotlight
Their final two non-league games before Northgate moves into the Foothill Division of the Diablo Athletic League this season are at winless Bethel in Vallejo and then at home hosting former DAL division rival College Park. The Falcons and Broncos met in the final DAL regular-season game last fall to determine the Valley Division title with Northgate prevailing 48-21 and earning an automatic NCS
De La Salle (2-1) at Cathedral Catholic-San Diego (2-2)
FALL PROGRAM TAKINGSIGNUPS
After two years of postponements, the Mt. Diablo High Sports Hall of Fame will finally be able to induct its newest class on Saturday, Nov. 12, at Zio Fraedo’s in Pleasant Hill. Chairman Lou Adamo says, “We can finally honor our very deserving inductees.” The inductees who have now had their ceremony canceled two years in a row are Jim Wharton, John Capas Morales, Tim O’Connor, Sandi Gomes Yoland and Bob Penny.
Sean Murphy
De La Salle (Open Div./Div. 1) – 8/26 at Monterey Trail-Elk Grove W 36-20, 9/2 Serra-San
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The Trevor Project’s national survey found that 45% of LGBTQIA+ youth ages 13-24 seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year.
With school in session, Rainbow Community Center (RCC) trainers are inspiring teachers to create safer environments for our LGBTQIA+ youth.Itis a time of hope and change but still a heavy weight of urgency is upon us acknowledging that September is Suicide Awareness Month.
everyone.Bewell; you are worthy.
Don’t let siblings bully you over dad’s estate
What about the malformation of the horse’s left lateral, lacrimal bone? A blind racehorse? And the attempted theft of Lexington by Confederate outlaws? And the other painting of the same horse and his young Black groom?
had to take on the financial liability of your father’s home. As a result, he saw fit to hand the title over to you. In the 10 years you were there, I have no doubt you invested back into the home itself.Shinn, when they attempt to gaslight you, the conversation needs to end. Creating boundaries and enforcing them will send a clear message that the only thing that will come from abusive statements, gaslighting and guilt trips is the prompt ending of anyYinteraction.ouarestill grieving while at the same time trying to figure out what day-to-day life will look like now that your father is gone. Seek out professional help, make a solid plan and gain your balance. Your father gave you a valuable lesson: Your decisions do not have to satisfy
A. Shinn, what you did for your father is admirable; not many people can take on the responsibility of caring for a loved one. Those who have been caregivers for family members with or without extended support agree that it is hard work physically, men-
SYMPTOMSOFTEN MISSED
Other easily overlooked “tells” include difficulty following conversations with multiple speakers and the inability to hear voices over the phone. Those
mother, lifestyle blogger and avid long-distance runner. Email questions and comments to her leaninwiththekings@gmail.com.at
The data LGBTQIA+aroundyouthand suicide is alarming, but there is something we can do. According to the Trevor LGBTQIA+Project,youth who have spaces that affirm their identity report lower rates of suicide.
My neighbor Frank is rapidly becoming the unofficial muse of my column.
Page B4 The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com September 16, 2022
WAITINGFOR YOUR BRAIN TO CATCHUP
This article is dedicated to David and Grace and all of our LGBTQIA+ youth. If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available. Call the Trevor Project 24-hour crisis line at 1866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678-678.
I am hurt by their words and almost feel like I should give in to prove I did not
animated) conversation measures at roughly 65 dBs. Noisy city traffic weighs in at about 85 dBs and can cause hearing damage after about eight hours of continued exposure. A motorcycle roaring by is about 100 dBs and can precipitate hearing damage within 15 minutes. Sounds measuring over 120 dBs, such as a chainsaw, can cause immediate damage.
has purchased his own freedom. Black trainers and jockeys have deep roots in American horse racing.
Q. I moved in with my father and became his caregiver for 10 years before he passed. My two siblings never held up their promise to pitch in financially. They would take him on holidays and special occasions but were never a part of his daily care.
force my father to make any of his choices. – Shinn
Hearing aids have traditionally been very expensive, but FDA approval of over-thecounter (OTC) options in August is an exciting development. Consumers 18 and older with mild to moderate hearing impairment can now purchase air-conduction hearing aids without an exam or prescription. These should become widely available toward year’s end.
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He recently acquired hearing aids and is working through the often-challenging adjustment period – but more on that later.
Dominique King is a wife,
So, where’s the history if the story begins in 2019? Hold your horses.The third chapter is “Warfield’s Jarret, The Meadows, Lexington, Kentucky, 1850.” The Meadows is a thoroughbred breeding farm owned by Dr. Warfield, widely known for his race-winning thoroughbreds.And Jarret? Remember, this is pre-Civil War south. Warfield not only owns all the thoroughbreds on his farm, but he also owns slaves, and Jarret is the 5year-old slave son of his Black horse trainer, Harry Lewis, who
The story is really a puzzle. Let’s start with the discarded painting of a thoroughbred racehorse. What is the horse’s name, and who is the painter? And who is the famous American racehorse whose bones are being studied before being articulated for display? And the importance of the painter who painted Darley as a foal?
Six years before my father’s medical decline, I became coowner of my father’s home, his will’s trustee and the sole beneficiary of everything except his insurance policy –which he gave to my siblings.
are linked to the stigma, discrimination and bias that LGBTQIA+ communities face and the lack of affirming spaces to uplift them.
books that are inclusive with your children, and use people’s correct pronouns and names. All of these actions are suicide prevention and send a powerful message to youth that they belongTogether,here. we can work to transform our communities and move the realities of LGBTQIA+ youth from surviving to thriving well into adulthood.Andwhen you need support, come visit us at newly relocated RCC, where the stained-glass phoenix hangs proudly in the window.
Like many older adults, Frank has experienced progressive hearing loss and decided it was time to take action. Hearing loss is one of many less than pleasurable manifestations of aging, and Frank wanted to remind his fellow readers that it can be successfully addressed.
Left untreated, hearing loss can contribute to social isolation and clinical depression. It is also linked to increased risk for cognitive impairment and dementia. Luckily, most insurance covers very effective hearing aids when recommended by an audiologist after a diagnostic exam.Modern hearing aids are tiny, battery-powered devices that fit into the ear relatively unobtrusively. Gone are the large brown protuberances announcing to the world that a person is hearing impaired.
ering lost hearing would be a thoroughly joyous occurrence, it is not that simple. The adjustment process can be fraught with frustration and challenges. It is also unique to the Frankindividual.hasstruggled to become accustomed to the sound of his own voice through the hearing aids. The brain needs time to recalibrate and relearn to selectively focus and filter Hearingsounds.aidproviders caution that the brain’s period of adjustment may produce “auditory confusion” due to years of distortion caused by hearing loss. They advise patience, rest and perseverance.Frank is now three months into the experience and reports that things are going very“They’rewell. in the process of changing my life,” he says, beaming. “I no longer have to ask people to repeat themselves two or three times. I’m hearing things I haven’t heard in years – maybe ever.”
Please send comments and question newwavenightingale@gmail.com.to
Now back to Frank. While one might surmise that recov-
I knew Grace from a lesbian community I was part of when I first came out. Grace was not “out” to her conservative family. I mourned with a group of queer friends in the last row at her funeral, nervously staying inconspicuous so as not to “out” her even in death.
experiencing hearing loss often cannot clearly hear the conversational tone of people with higher pitched voices.
In the same chapter, we witness the birth of a foal who will be called Darley. But in one of several ownerships, Darley will be renamed Lexington. Young Jarret will remain with Lexington until the horse’s death in 1875.Brooks moves the Smithsonian side of the story between the years 2019 and 2020, with the backstory of all that research, scientific, historical and social, taking place in the South from1850 all the way to 1875 in New York, N.Y.
Clinically referred to as presbycusis, age-related hearing difficulty begins with barely perceptible hearing loss and continues, inexorably, over a long period of time.
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.’
Presbycusis is insidious –many have no idea it is happening until someone asks why the television volume is so loud.
How did Lexington escape the South to become a worldrenowned stud, who can be found in the pedigree of Aristides, the first winner of the Kentucky“Horse”Derby?isthe continuing story of America’s love of horses, of horse racing and, sadly,Horseracism.racing is still a hugely popular sport. Only now, we do not see any growth from its Black roots. Brooks has written a compelling and fact-based (Lexington’s Historical Connections) novel deserving of its own blanket of red roses.
MEASURINGSOUND WAVES
Laura Cartwright is a Queer educator and oversses the training and currciulum at Rainbow Community Center. Contact Laura at laura@rainbowcc.org
SUNNY SOLOMON
David and I were friends in elementary school. We rode our bikes to each other’s houses, and he gave me a shell necklace in third grade. When I saw him at a gay event a year before he died, we were thrilled to be “out” with each other. I remember him saying playfully, “You are the only girl I ever loved.”Ifyou or someone you love is LGBTQIA+, there is a high chance your life has been impacted by suicide. The causes
I’ve sold the house, and my brothers are furious that I refuse to provide them with any money for it. Their comments include: “You brainwashed our father.” “You are a thief.” “You were not a good caregiver.” And “You are not being a good Christian.”
We measure the frequency of a sound wave in Hertz (Hz). Basically, the higher the number of Hertz, the higher the tone. As we age, high frequencies are the first to go. A tone of 17,400 Hz (very high) is audible only to those 18 or younger. A 15,000 Hz tone is generally inaudible to those over 40, while 12,000 Hz is not often heard after age 50. Things level out at 8,000 Hz, which tends to be audible to people of any age who have not experienced significant hearing loss.
For whatever reason, you
Camp Fierce, which stands for Freedom of Identity and Expression through Rainbow Community Empowerment.
Track down all the mysteries that surround ‘Horse’
Historical fiction doesn’t get much better. The novel begins in 2019 when a young Black man, a writer in a graduate program at Georgetown University, retrieves an old oil painting of a racehorse from his neighbor’s already picked-over curbside “freeWestuff.”alllove a good mystery, and historical mysteries can be as enticing as any fictional murder mystery. In Chapter Two (still in 2019), we meet Jess, a young zoologist whose field is putting ancient bones together (articulating) for museum display purposes. Her present job at the Smithsonian is putting together the newly arrived dismantled bones of a famous American racehorse that had been displayed long ago in a London museum.
tally, emotionally and spiritually. It is often a thankless job and comes with critiques from others who wouldn’t last 48 Deathhours.and money are a messy combination and often bring out the worst in people. Credit to your father for making sure his affairs were in order. You and your siblings may never know why your father divided his assets the way he did. What is known is that he believed his choice in who got what was fair; therefore, you do not owe anyone an explanation or any additional money.
The youth program at RCC understands this urgency. In July, we launched an LGBTQIA+ summer camp for rising 3rd-9th graders, naming it
First, a little review of the science. Sound moves in waves measured in two ways: frequency andAmplitudeamplitude.isthe forcefulness of a sound wave called a decibel (dB). Normal (not too
I am not horsing around when I tell you that this month’s must-read is Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks’ newest novel, “Horse.”
With the support of community partners, we provided a place for youth to fully express themselves and feel empowered in their identities. We believe in the positive impact of LGBTQIA+ teen leadership and trained a group of them to be our beloved camp counselors.The final project culminated into a stained-glass piece that represents the journey of the phoenix, a story with which the campers can relate. After camp, youth said they felt “safe,” “respected” and “free from bullies.”Rainbow represents only one resource in our community. We need all of our allies to come together and create safer environments for our LGBTQIA+ youth. It is time to put up your rainbow flags all year, start an LGBTQIA+ club at your school, stand up to bias in your neighborhood, read
Listen up: New FDA rule on hearing aids opens up options
You are upset by your brothers’ lack of support, their broken promises and their nasty comments – and you should be. What you should not feel is obligated to prove you are a good person by giving in to their demands.
made all the difference.
CLAYTON THEATRE COMPANY presents
The cast features Nathalie Archangel, James Bradley Jr., Kevin Coren, Teresa Grosserode, Russ Kladko, Terese McGregor, Sheilah Morrison, Linda Sciacqua, Michael Wilson and Gina Yetner.Pardi directs and is the vocal coach for “Forbidden Broadway,” with Santiago Martinez as music director and LaTonya Watts as choreographer. For more information, visit Creek’sthroughCline,”tioncatchatrecompany.com.www.claytonthe-YoustillhavetimetoCenterRep’sproduc-of“Always…PatsywhichcontinuesSept.25atWalnutLesherCenterfor
Her first single, “Bailala,” produced by acclaimed New York City record producer Max Perry, has enjoyed considerable commercial success, including being featured on the HBO original series “Generation” and “Euphoria.” Her husband, Michael Costanzo, a.k.a. “Good Bear,” produced
READY TO GOSOLO
In 2020, Trujillo decided to take advantage of the network she built during her 20 years in the music industry to launch her career as a solo artist; thus, Chika Di came to be.
After 2O years of performing Latin music across Colombia and North America, Concord resident Diana Trujillo is enjoying expressing herself as solo artist Chika Di.
Trujillo joined the Corporación Cultural Canchimalos
Clayton Theatre Company takes a brand new look at some old favorites with Michael Wilson as the Phantom, Sheilah Morrison as Carol Channing, Kevin Coren as The Monkey, and Gina Yetner as the witch.
the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr. I’ve seen this heartwarming show, albeit with other performers, many times and never tire of its touching emotion, humor and, of course, toe-tapping tunes.
Repertory Theater, presents Frederick Knott’s classic thriller “Wait Until Dark” Sept. 16-Oct. 2 at Martinez’s Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St. Randy Anger directs.
In 2006, 19-year-old Diana Trujillo moved from Columbia to Pleasant Hill and enrolled in Diablo Valley College.“It was an amazing experience, coming here with no English, then going straight to college. It was a challenge, for sure, but mission accomplished. Not just to be able to do my work and communicate, but also to learn the cultural part – to be able to adapt myself to a new life,” says Trujillo, now known musically as Chika Di
Trujillo was born and raised in Medellin, a city she described as plagued with violence that claimed her father’s life when she was 12. Shortly thereafter, she turned her attention to music.
14 7:30 pm 15 2:00 pm 7:30 pm 16 2:00 pm OCTOBER Friday Saturday Sunday 21 7:30 pm 22 2:00 pm 7:30 pm 23 2:00 pm 28 7:30 pm 29 3:30 pm 7:30 pm
City, CBCA grants help Clayton theater troupe stay on stage
Created and Written by Gerard Alessandrini
2020,” recalls managing director Roxanne Pardi. “I called our set designer and told him not to load in the set on March 13, and I remember him asking if I thought the pandemic would only last a few weeks.”
the cast, though. They know these songs so well, and now they have to relearn slightly different lyrics.”
and toured the country playing traditional Colombian music. After performing with different rock groups as a teenager in Medellin, Trujillo decided to leave Colombia –the only one in her family to do so. She started a new life in America, where she hoped to study to become a nurse. It wasn’t long after her immigration that Trujillo returned to her roots, performing Latin music on stage. She sang with Bay Area salsa groups and ultimately joined La Misa Negra, an Oaklandbased cumbia group that toured North America for the better part of 10 years.
Cayman Ilika, left, confides in her biggest fan, played by Kate Jaeger, performing in Center Rep’s “Always ... Patsy Cline” through Sept. 25 in Walnut Creek.
The show highlights the unlikely friendship between the legendary country star and one of her biggest fans, Louise Seger, a Texas housewife. Seger and Cline meet in a Texas honky-tonk and are soon trading letters full of happiness and heartache until Cline’s tragic death in an airplane crash at the age of 30.Center Rep’s show features Cayman Ilika as Cline and Kate Jaeger as Seger. Call 925-943-SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.PlotlineTheaterCompany, sponsored by Onstage
DAVE HUGHES THE BEAT OF DIABLO
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
Photo courtesy Billion Dreams Memories
Alexandra Myer
CLAYTON THEATRE COMPANY / ENDEAVOR HALL / 6008 CENTER ST. / CLAYTON, CA $29 ADULTS / $25 SENIORS (62+) / $22 YOUTH/STUDENTS Tickets may be purchased by calling 925-334-0880 or online at www.ClaytonTheatreCompany.com Please visit our website for COVID protocols and updates. This production is presented through Theatrical Rights Worldwide, New York.
It’s been a long, difficult three years since Clayton Theatre Company produced live theater, and they are so glad it’s over.
Chika Di has more than 13,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Her music has been featured on HBO multiple times, and she’s shared the stage with famous acts like George Clinton and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
SALLY HOGARTY STAGE STRUCK
The company also just received a $3,000 grant from the Clayton Business & Community Association (CBCA).Clayton Theatre returns to live theater with “Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits” Oct. 14-29 at Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. Pardi said they have enlarged the cast from the original four performers to 10.
Musical Direction by Santiago Martinez
The company’s last show before the pandemic was the musical “Young Frankenstein,” which closed Nov. 2, 2019.“We were all set to do our spring murder mystery comedy show in March of
Photo Courtesy of Eden Espinosa Eden Espinosa, who played Elphaba in “Wicked,” will appear in concert at the Orinda Theatre on Oct. 16.
See Chika Di, page B6
As we all know, that “few weeks” became years, and theater companies everywhere struggled to keep afloat. Fortunately, many succeeded – including Clayton“WeTheatre.areso thankful to the city of Clayton, which really helped us monetarily through Clayton CARES, a nonprofit relief grant program. We didn’t have any revenue coming in, but we still had expenses such as insurance, storage and other little things that add up,” Pardi says, noting that the two grants totaling $10,000
Brian Vandemark
“When we knew we could finally open, we wanted something fun. I feel we all need to laugh and escape into live theater for two hours,” says Pardi.
Directed by Roxanne Pardi Assistant Director and Choreography by LaTonya Watts
September 16, 2022 The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com Page B5 THE ARTS
“The writer, Gerard Alessandrini, takes the lyrics to well-known songs and tweaks them to make them really funny,” she adds “It does cause some trouble for
Latin musician goes solo as Chika Di
If you’ve never seen the play, you might remember the 1966 film version starring Audrey Hepburn and Alan Arkin. Lots of thrills and chills. For tickets, go www.orindamovies.com.ForLosandplayedOrindaEspinosa“Wicked”concertwww.campbelltheater.com.toTheLiveattheOrindaseriesbeginswithstarEdenonOct.16attheTheatre.EspinosaElphabaonBroadwayintheSanFranciscoandAngelesproductions.tickets,goto
STRONG LATIN ROOTS
still having fun, they’re still feeling the vibe.”
instructor at Red Ox.”
“I see the Latin scene merging with American culture more and more. Before, you needed to sing in English in order to do that crossover. Now, I don’t see that as having to be the rule anymore.
With “Guaro,” she really hopes to make a statement.
Whether you are an experienced potter or a newbie wanting to try your hand at pottery making, Red Ox can provide the support needed to learn and improve. In Yee’s own words, “Our studio is a warm and friendly place to begin setting up for a rewarding medium that continues for a lifetime.”Formore information about Red Ox Clay Studio, go to redoxclaystudio.com.
Yee became interested in ceramics as a sophomore at Foothill High School in Pleasanton in the 1980s. He remembers being fascinated
Trujillo is quick to note that they work with a team of sound engineers who have produced Latin Grammy winners, saying their contributions are integral to the Chika Di sound.“We all combine forces, and we make things happen.”
While much of her online audience is international, Trujillo notes that Latin music interest is very much on the rise in the United States.
from page B5
“This time, I talk about acceptance. This time, I kinda put my foot out a little further when it comes to promoting a good message for society in general. Promoting respect.
“Sometimes they don’t understand what the song is saying,” she adds, “but they’re
Trujillo feels “blessed” to be able to make music with such inspired people and to do so in the Bay Area during a time that she recognizes as special for recording artists and performers of all genres.
Several instructors along with Yee teach a variety of classes at Red Ox. Having taken classes at Red Ox, I find the instructors to be experienced, helpful, and friendly. Yee chooses his instructors as much on their personality and teaching ability as on their expertise with clay. “I believe people are attracted to the instructor first as a person, then as a teacher, and last as an artist. But these three qualities are a must to be an
A couple years ago, I heard about an oasis for pottery artists in downtown Concord called Red Ox Clay Studio. I was pleasantly surprised to discover a thriving community of clay artists working in an amazingly well-managed space. I spoke with Roger Yee, owner and founder of Red Ox, to learn more about him and his studio.
Instructor Rosalinda Grejsen describes her studio time as “a rewarding experience on many levels… Red Ox offers an open and friendly ceramic environment with a keen focus on organization, structure, and safety. Its simple and sound expectations keep this facility running efficiently.”
by watching someone at the wheel, who threw a lump of clay and almost magically manipulated it into a symmetrical cylinder. That fascination started Yee on a lifetime journey into clay making. Later, as a teaching assistant at Diablo Valley Community College, Yee learned how to load and fire a kiln and make glazes, spurring on his love of this ancient art form. Yee went on to manage a number of ceramic studios around the Bay Area as well as attain a Master of Fine Arts at San Jose State University. As Yee gained experience managing studios, first with community colleges, then public studios in Walnut Creek, Berkeley, and Mill Valley, he began to see flaws in the way others wanted him to manage their studios and became motivated to start
2,400 ceramic pieces a week. Besides classes and an open studio for members, Red Ox holds several workshops and public events a year.
SENDING A MESSAGE
Chika Di is “Guaro,” released earlier this month. Trujillo is particularly enthused about this one, which she says features “all the elements that can describe me as an artist.”
Promoting the right to choose your path, whatever it is.”
Its four kilns (two gas and two electric) process more than
Roger Yee teaches a class at Red Ox in 2019. The studio survived COVID and currently sees more than 100 students a week at the studio.
Contact Dave Hughes MrDaveHughes@gmail.com.at
his Oneown. thing Yee wanted to address was the big disconnect between the “academic” potter and the hobbyist. The academic potter strives to develop and perfect the technique and artistry of the craft, utilizing historical knowledge and following the age-old practice of master and apprentice. Whereas the hobbyist often has little formal training; yet utilizing the current power of social media and online tutorials can create a profitable business, regardless of the quality of the product. Yee wanted to close that gap and provide an environment where hobbyists and academics could work to improve their craft.Yee opened the doors to Red Ox in September 2017. Walking into the studio today, you can clearly see how Yee has brought his extensive knowledge and experience from years of managing studios to create a safe and inspirational space for creative artists of clay. Currently more than 100 students pass through Red Ox each week.
JOHN NAKANISHI ARTSIN
John Nakanishi is an acrylic painter and a ceramic artist. Email comments and suggestions for future columns phjona@gmail.com.to
Instructor Kathy Kearns adds, “It is by far the cleanest and healthiest ceramics studio I have ever worked in.”
Courtesy Red Ox Studio
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Page B6 The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com September 16, 2022 Get greatservicegreat&rates You know I’m always here with Good Neighbor service. But I’m also here surprisinglywithgreat rates for everyone. Call me for a quote to see how much you can save. You might be surprised. Tim McGallian, Agent Insurance Lic#: 0E43228 6200 Center St Ste A Clayton, CA 94517 Bus: 925-672-2300 Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Individual premiums will vary by customer. All applicants subject to State Farm® underwriting requirements State Farm Bloomington, IL, 2001875
Chika Di,
Find a Spotify list of Chika Di’s catalog at TheBeatofDiablo.com.
subsequent singles at their home studio in Concord.
MOTION
“Overall, I think we’re living in the best music era there is.”
The latest single from
Throw down at Red Ox Studios