SEP 18 The Pioneer 2020 by Pioneer Publishers

September 18, 2020

www.PioneerPublishers.com

New MDUSD superintendent starts school year with 29,000 students distance learning JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Kathleen Ingram

Twins Ellie and Eli Ingram are in their “classroom” at home in Clayton where they work on their fifth-grade assignments from Mt. Diablo Elementary School. The Ingram children are two of 29,000 MDUSD students engaged in distance learning this fall due to the continued closure of school campuses.

Dr. Adam Clark has concluded the first two months on his new job as Mt. Diablo Unified School District superintendent and it has certainly been an eventful time. For the first time ever MDUSD and nearly every other district in the state began this term with remote learning. Locally, the 29,000 students from Pre-K to high school resumed the educational journey they suddenly began last March when the coronavirus pandemic first shutdown on campus learning. The difference—and it’s a big one—is that when school began last month teachers were in charge of classes with different students than what happened last spring. Then, students and teachers had been together for seven months and the challenge was to complete the 2019-20 school year with

See Students, page 9

Popular former teacher John Bedecarré Not Mars. Clayton compiles 850-page family history treasure KARA NAVOLIO Correspondent

John Bedecarré never imagined that his interest in his family history would become a journey that would take more than 40 years, leading to an 850-page book. Along the way, he uncovered many stories of the lives that came before him –all while bringing his family closer together. Bedecarré, a San Francisco native, came to Concord in 1955 and opened Park & Shop Cleaners in the newly built Park & Shop Center. Following service in the U.S. Army during World War II, he had returned to UC Berkeley and met Cathy Reid while they both worked on the student newspaper, the Daily Californian. They married in 1948 and began a family two years later.

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HopeJohnsonForConcord.com

TURNING TO TEACHING While in his early 40s, Bedecarré attended a three-day Catholic Cursillo retreat and had

HOPE JOHNSON People Over Profits

District 2

Concord City Council

Tamara Steiner/Pioneer

Corrinne Bedecarré helped her 98-year-old dad John with research for a lengthy family history.

an epiphany: He decided to become a teacher. After convincing his wife that he could do this while keeping the cleaners running and helping raise their six children, he enrolled in the credential program at Cal State

Hayward (now East Bay). He became a well-loved, award-winning teacher and formed long-lasting friendships with students, some of whom he is still in touch with through Facebook and Christmas cards.

He taught kindergarten through high school at some point during his 20 years with the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. He later went on to teach with his wife in the credential program at Saint Mary’s College in Moraga for 10 years. While teaching social studies at Oak Grove Intermediate School in Concord, he met substitute teacher Max Coppage, who was president of the local genealogical society. Coppage, also a WWII veteran, talked about genealogy and Bedecarré, who knew very little about his own family history, became intrigued. He began his own genealogy journey when he was in his 50s. He and Cathy, who became a fourth-grade teacher after John began teaching full-time, combined family vacations

See Bedecarré, page 3

Spencer Sinclair

Californians woke to a weird, dark red and orange world Sept. 9 as heavy smoke and ash from dozens of major wildfires burning in California and Oregon formed an ominous layer over the entire state blocking the sun. It was so dark outside that vehicles needed headlights and streetlights were still on even as midday approached. The photo was taken on Southbrook Dr. in Clayton at 8:30 a.m. By press time, more than two dozen fires had consumed over 3 million acres in California. The death toll had reached 33 with dozens still missing.

Safety, security top pre-Election Day checklist DAVID SCHOLZ Correspondent

For all the dire predictions being voiced ahead of the November general election, it appears it’s all systems go for Contra Costa County election officials as they work to cover all their bases for the big day. Since March, the county has purchased 25 additional secure drop boxes for voteby-mail ballots, bringing the total to 37. Ten of the coun-

ty’s 17 designated Regional Early Voting sites will serve voters in outdoor event tents, and strict adherence to the county’s ordinance requiring masks indoors and in public are elements of the action plan developed to alleviate concerns over the safety of the election process and threats to public health as the coronavirus seems to show no signs of abating. “We are encouraging all voters to cast the ballot that

is mailed to them and to return it via the mail or to a secure drop box,” said Sophie Lehman, Elections Service manager. In the Concord and Clayton areas, the 24/7 drop boxes will be positioned at:

• Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. • Concord City Hall, 1950 Parkside Dr. • Monument Crisis Center, 1990 Market St., Concord.

• First Lutheran Church, 4000 Concord Blvd., Concord.

If voters have reservations about their ballots, they can also sign up for free notifications about the status of their ballot – when it’s mailed, received and counted – at california.ballottrax.net/voter/. Ballots will go out in the mail on Oct. 5. If voters want to vote the old-fashioned way – in person – but can’t wait until Nov. 3, they can cast their

ballots at one of the Regional Early Voting sites. They will be open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31; and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2. The ones in Concord are at the Clarion Hotel, 1050 Burnett Ave.; outdoors at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 1955 Kirker Pass Road; and outdoors at El Rancho Restaurant, 1450 Monument Blvd.

See Voting, page 5

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Traveling nomad finds rest and warm welcome in Clayton Page 2

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

JENNIFER JAY Special to the Pioneer

Jennifer Jay

The Mules spend a quiet afternoon resting in Mt. Diablo State Park.

After walking some 80 miles over 6 days from Petaluma, John Sears, 72, and his two pack mules, Little Girl, 30, and Little Ethel, 11, arrived in Clayton Sept. 2 via the George Cardinet trail. This famous trio is known worldwide as “The Mules.” Sears and his mules began travelling when he was 36. He has lived full-time outside with his mules since retiring from work in 2001 at age 54. He documents their endless journey on his website 3Mules.com, Facebook and Instagram pages, which have over 55,000 followers. People often ask the Mules what their mission is. “Our purpose is to walk and live peacefully taking only what we

September 18, 2020

need,” says Sears. “Seeking balance and harmony with all that surrounds us and bringing the energy of this ages old way of life to all of those who we pass.” “Spiritually, we are unique,” Sears says. “I am experiencing this place in my own unique way. I am not doing anything spectacular. I get up in the morning, fix something to eat, and I walk all day long. I enjoy it. Just walking. Walking is sacred.” On Wednesday morning, Mayor Julie Pierce welcomed The Mules to Clayton. The two chatted about the trail system in the Bay Area. “The system is for use for the homeowners,” Sears explained. Travelers like The Mules don’t have the access they need. “We need a place to stop

in a vacant field to go to sleep for the night, then continue our journey the next morning. That is something we’re not able to do as the rules for the trail system are currently designed.” He presented a copy of his Declaration of Emergency to Mayor Pierce. In the declaration, he says the Natural World is being destroyed by a sprawling Metrolopolis. He has hand delivered this document to over 200 city halls in California. Pierce will share the document and his feedback with the Clayton City Council. After resting in Clayton for two nights, The Mules will continue their journey to the Central Valley over the Black Diamond Way trail to the Black Diamond Mines in Antioch.

Leaders want treatment for all addictions in county jails MELISSA HARTMAN Correspondent

A recovered addict turned grassroots organizer is leading a collaboration to fix an issue that runs deeper than containing coronavirus in Contra Costa County jail facilities – the lack of treatment options for addicts. Support4Recovery cofounder Tom Aswad has drawn together representatives of the county’s Alcohol and Other Drugs Services (AODS), the Sheriff ’s Department, Superior Court and other local officials’ offices. Medically assisted treatment is currently available in county detention centers only for those with opiate addictions.

“We pretty much just need treatment for those seeking it and an engagement process for those who are not ready,” Aswad said. Aswad began the project after hearing Martin Ramirez’s story at a celebration for those who had completed the transition to sobriety last year. Aswad emailed his “go-to” list of supporters: Judge Clare Maier, Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey, Chris Wikler of Supervisor Karen Mitchoff ’s office and Jill Ray of Supervisor Candace Andersen’s office. A month and a half later, the representatives and several other interested parties met to discuss the main goals of the new task force:

treatments such as withdrawal management for those detoxing, education in the jails and warm handoffs. A warm handoff, Maier explained, is having an addict in recovery show up to greet the individual at jail release to drive them to a residential treatment program that fits the individual’s needs. “Providing that ride, that drive to the facility, helps with the checkin process,” Maier said, noting that a large number of releases fail to arrive at their referred housing. “This exponentially increases the likelihood not only of that person getting to the program, but succeeding in it. It’s a commitment to that person’s recovery from an outside party.”

ment program handed to him by an attorney –the only person who had visited him to speak about kicking his addiction to methamphetamine. “One of the problems in this community is that there is not information about the solutions, about (nearby) treatment – especially in Northern California,” Martinez said through a translator. “There is a lot of stuff in English, but let’s say you bring in pamphlets (in other languages) somebody Melissa Hartman can read … that’s another Contra Costa is the only county without treatment options way.” for the incarcerated. County leaders plan to change that. Because Ramirez was jailed before AODS substance abuse ONE PRISONER’S JOURNEY released from the West County counselors were allowed Aswad said he was Detention Center in Rich- behind prison walls in 2019, he “shocked” when he heard mond in September 2017 with See Jails, page 7 about Ramirez, who was a referral to a residential treat-

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September 18, 2020

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Bedecarré, from page 1

newspaper articles, letters, stories written by family members and bits of historical context. with opportunities to do came from Scotland and Ireland. Each chapter begins with an research, stopping at such In 2013, Bedecarré hired introduction of a particular places as the Mormon Church Maestri to help him compile all branch of the family tree. archives in Salt Lake City, of the history into a book. The UNEXPECTED PATHS Ohio’s Belmont County Bedecarré offspring also pitched For Maestri, the most enjoyGenealogical Society and the in with the book, which took Allentown Public Library in about three years to complete. able part of a family history Fort Wayne, Ind. They collect- Daughters Corrinne and Diane project is solving mysteries. You ed photos, documents and sto- helped with research and com- might discover the identity of ries. Bedecarré joined the Cali- piling information, youngest son people in old family photos, or, fornia Genealogical Society, Al and his wife Claire translated as in Bedecarré’s case, a grandfawhich helped him continue his correspondence with French rel- ther who was an inventor and atives, son Bill handled techno- patent attorney with 18 patents. research. logical issues and Tom financed You may find relatives in a forROOTS ALL OVER EUROPE its publication. Eldest son Jay, eign country and get the chance Bedecarré’s grandfather, who writes for the Pioneer, edit- to walk in your ancestors’ footsteps. John Pierre Bedecarrats, immi- ed the book. You could also uncover “It was a fun, family project grated to San Francisco in 1890 and later opened J. Bedecarrats working on this with dad,” said secrets. Bedecarré discovered a French Laundry. John Bedecar- Corrinne, a philosophy profes- story about his beloved grandré’s mother Gladys did not like sor at a Minnesota college. “Our mother Sadie (Ambrose) Grifthe “rats” at the end of the fam- book was a labor of love and a fith that he never could have ily name and changed it to Bede- family project founded in the imagined. “My grandmother raised me great archives Dad and our carré. With the help of John mother collected and organized and my sister. She was like a saint to me, so loving, wise and kind. Maestri, a genealogical re- over the years. “From the days of searching It was fascinating to find a secret searcher and writer that Bedecarré met through the Mt. Dia- graveyards, writing letters to from her past,” he said. “Sadie was kicked out of her blo Genealogical Society, those mentioned in a genealogiBedecarré eventually traced his cal newsletter from Ohio or home at the age of 19 by her grandparent’s families back 400 spending hours at libraries … he mother after being ‘found in a years to small villages in the and Mom embraced computers, compromising position with a Basque region of France, a the internet and photo software young man.’ She found refuge half-hour train ride from Lour- to better search, communicate with family friends in Iowa and, des, a major Catholic pilgrim- and save the histories they fol- soon after, this man (12 years her lowed. They were a team in senior) followed her and married age site. On his mother’s side, he everything they did and in their her.” This man, who became found roots back to Wales. interest in history, family and Bedecarré and his wife eventual- politics they found the journey Bedecarré’s maternal grandfather, was Graves Griffith, the ly researched many branches of fascinating.” The book contains hun- inventor. his family tree as well as her famAfter Bedecarré provided a ily, the Reids and Sloyans, who dreds of photos, documents, copy of the book to the California Genealogical Society & Library, he received a thank you letter calling it “a uniquely beautiful and informative volume that will not only aid in research but will inspire other family historians trying to preserve their own stories.” In addition to facilitating the compilation, printing and hand binding of the Bedecarré Family History book, Maestri also set up a website for the family at johnmaestri.org/bedecarre. Concord resident John Bedecarré discovered information Now 98, Bedecarré has creon many of his ancestors during his four decade involveated a family heirloom for generment with genealogy. He wrote about his cousin Jeannot ations to come. Arnautin who became a World War II hero after escaping

Page 3

Letecia “Holly” Tillman for Clayton City Council

Community Inclusivity Transparency

As a resident of Clayton for 17 years I feel compelled to run for city council because I have a passion for preserving our incredible sense of community, while bringing us into the future through greater inclusivity and transparency. Collaboration is key in addressing the issues affecting our residents such as traffic management & safety, high-density housing, racism, and police & community relations.

Holly’s commitment to Clayton is evident in her service to the community: • • • •

Serving on numerous committees benefiting Mt. Diablo Elementary, such as Site Council and Playfield Committee in addition to serving as the Parent Faculty Club President and Vice President of Education Running the St. Bonaventure Track and Field program with Matt for several years Volunteering at Clayton Business and Community Association (CBCA) events and eventually serving as the board secretary Founding member of Clayton Speaks, a collective formed by Clayton residents to provide a forum for important discussions on race relations.

It’s About Time we work together as one community. With the right leadership, we can capture the spirit of respectful, transparent dialogue to preserve our sense of community and become a more inclusive town. I would be honored to represent you. Follow me on social media: @Holly4ClaytonCityCouncil

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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.

Civic leader’s sudden death stuns Clayton, BBQ communities

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The Clayton community was rocked by the Aug. 22 death of Rory Richmond, whom former Clayton City Councilman Keith Haydon called a “tireless community volunteer” and current Councilman C.W. Wolfe dubbed “one of the pearls of our city.” From members of the Clayton Business & Community Association (CBCA) to representatives of the global Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS), friends were stunned by Richmond’s sudden death at age 67. Although no official cause of death has been reported, it was “heart-related,” according to Rebecca “Becky” Lane, Richmond’s partner of 25 years. The couple moved from Pittsburg to Clayton in 2006, at the “gentle urging” of Wolfe. “Of course, I didn’t need to push them very hard,” Wolfe says. “They saw Clayton and fell in love with the town.” “We just liked the vibe of Clayton,” says Lane. Richmond, who was in the grocery business, had often visited the Safeway on Clayton and Kirker Pass roads, so he was familiar with the idea of Clayton’s strong sense of community.

September 18, 2020

Pittsburg. “Even when he was living in Southern California, he was interested in festivals and events,” she says. “He would volunteer not knowing anyone or anything and just have a great time.” That enthusiasm transferred easily when they moved to Clayton. “What event did Rory not show up early and leave late?” asks CBCA president Steve Pierce. “Whether it was Oktoberfest, the Art and Wine Festival or the barbecue competition, Rory was there.”

FROM HISTORY TO GARDENS Besides CBCA, Richmond was active in the Clayton Historical Society and the Clayton Valley Garden Club. “He always had an interest in the history of Joel Clayton,” says Lane, “so it was natural he would get involved in the historical society. But I’m afraid it was me who pushed him into the garden club.” To no one’s surprise, Richmond took to the garden club like a sunflower to sun, and he enjoyed his volunteer efforts there immensely, Lane says. The experience was the same with the historical society, says first vice president JoAnn Caspar. “Rory never complained, and he helped us out when he knew we needed funds, like giving us free space at the barbecue festival or helping load plants into my car for the garden tour. “I just felt like I was hit in EARLY LIFE Richmond was born May 9, the stomach when I heard he 1953 in Oceanside, the son of a was gone,” she adds. That seems to be a common Marine. He was the second of sentiment, expressed on social eight children, and the family media pages like Clayton moved to Tustin, in Orange County, where Richmond grew Engaged, and especially with his friends, like Haydon. “Our up and attended elementary, hearts are broken with Rory’s middle and high schools. He graduated from UC Riverside as passing. He will be greatly missed by our community.” a geology major. He met Lane while living in BARBECUE MASTER Southern California. He eventuPierce says he became ally moved from his home in Huntington Beach to Northern friends with Richmond while planning the small barbecue California to live with Lane in

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Rory Richmond at the 2014 Clayton BBQ Cook Off, an event he helped expand throughout the years.

competition held behind the Clayton Club over a decade ago. The first years were tight, but soon the CBCA-sponsored event began to make money and draw barbecue teams from throughout the East Bay. But Richmond had bigger ideas. An avid barbecue enthusiast, he wanted to make the festival big enough to be sanctioned by the KCBS, in which teams cook four meats and compete for more prize money. It was a huge undertaking, sparking Richmond’s profile higher in the community. “Rory loved talking barbecue,” says Pierce. “It was his passion.” At his own expense, Richmond traveled throughout California and the country, talking to barbecue teams, judges and businesses about how to create a stronger, larger festival – and coming to Clayton to compete. Meanwhile, he helped organize judging classes in Endeavor Hall, which grew in popularity throughout the years. Then in 2016, Clayton held its first KCBS-sanctioned event. Rather than pack teams into the back of the Clayton Club, Richmond convinced the CBCA to use the spots designated for other major Clayton events, like the Art and Wine Festival. “Rory’s passion for BBQ was behind this, but the motivation was to raise money for the CBCA,” says Clayton barbecue competitor Steve Biggs, noting that the 2019 event raised more than $150,000 for the organization. “The main thing is that Rory got back all he gave,” Lane says. “He loved this community, loved its energy. And he was just a really good guy.” Richmond is survived by Lane, seven siblings and many friends throughout California. Lane says services are pending due to the COVID-19 virus. Haydon and Pierce are working on ways to honor Richmond’s efforts in the community.

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Clayton Valley seniors standing up for racial equality September 18, 2020

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

TIME FOR DIFFERENT

MELISSA HARTMAN Correspondent

As the school year winds back up for Clayton Valley Charter High School (CVCHS), students are talking to board members, administrators, teachers and one another about creating a safe, healthy environment for all demographics coexisting in the space. A large percent of students engaged on social media say they have experienced racism on high school grounds. Senior Nia Williams and two friends manage an Instagram page called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Talk CV,â&#x20AC;? which conducated a poll that revealed feelings of inherent racism on campus. Williams started the page to discuss the realities of discrimination in the area after witnessing â&#x20AC;&#x153;blatant acts of hateâ&#x20AC;? at the June 2 Black Lives Matter protest in Clayton. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There were people standing outside of Canesaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, and it was questionable whether they had weapons,â&#x20AC;? said Williams, who risked a flare-

CONVERSATIONS

Nia Williams (top row, middle) was a panelist on the recent Clayton Speaks webinar, the third in a series on racism sparked by the stories shared at the June 5 Black Lives Matter rally in The Grove.

up of her autoimmune disease to attend the protest because of a sense of responsibility. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One guy kept driving by in his truck yelling hateful

Voting, from page 1 NEW TRAINING FOR POLL WORKERS

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our poll workers,â&#x20AC;? Lehman said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We do extensive preparation beforehand to ensure a successful election, but on Election Day, we turn it over to our poll workers. We have to be able to trust and rely on them to ensure democracy works.â&#x20AC;? The required training for

things trying to incite violence, trying to take advantage of the situation,â&#x20AC;? she added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The protests really awoke something in me.â&#x20AC;?

workers will take place in October and will include an in-person class and a live remote class. The in-person class will be outdoors under canopies and is dedicated to giving poll workers hands-on training with the new electronic poll books. Masks and distancing are required. Procedure training will take place via Zoom sessions. Lehman acknowledged this

Page 5

other,â&#x20AC;? she noted. The page goes into detail about fighting racism, but Williams also seeks to empower her peers with information on issues they could very well be facing in a world plagued by the pandemic. Her ultimate goal is to work with school authorities to add an extension to the CVCHS website with hotlines and program information as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;one-stop shop.â&#x20AC;? Williamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; efforts led to her becoming a panelist in the most recent Clayton Speaks webinar. Clayton City Council candidate Holly Tillman organized Clayton Speaks following remarks she and her family shared at a more peaceful June 5 protest

As a person of color, Williams has always been aware of the prejudices against her community. When she was a child, someone made a racist remark to her at Claytonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dana Hills pool â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an uncomfortable incident in a neighborhood she was otherwise happy in through the association with her grandparentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; loving home. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m generally aware of my skin color and the effect it has on me,â&#x20AC;? Williams said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made a number of friends in this community, but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still that underlying tone that makes people feel unwelcome.â&#x20AC;? Williams uses the Instagram page to talk about things CVCHS students may not have the opportunity to Sponsored Content discuss extensively at school, like the fluidity of their sexual identities or recognizing signs of anxiety or eating disorders. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For the most part, there are no safe environments to have different conversations that need to be had so we can better understand each

in the Grove that jarred attendees. Despite the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement and care for Clayton, Tillman said some Clayton residents remembered only her familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Black skin in everyday interactions. Williams said viewers displayed an â&#x20AC;&#x153;overwhelming amount of positivityâ&#x20AC;? during the YouTube and Facebook livestreams Sept. 4, a contradiction to pain too often inflicted on those like her and Tillman. CHANGING THE CURRICULUM

Williams has been in communication with senior Annika Tuohey, one of a handful of

See Equality, page 7

Beware of strange things hiding under your house

yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s election brings a unique set of challenges for the group of poll workers that has served for many years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Few of our procedures have changed for this elecSCOTT DENSLOW tion; instead itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a matter of SAFE AT HOME contextualizing them for COVID and ensuring we Q: What weird things communicate proper distancing and sanitization protocols have you found hidden in to keep poll workers and vot- crawl spaces? A: Just recently I found not ers safe,â&#x20AC;? she said. one, but two bowling balls partially buried underneath a home. Other notably odd findings are Barbie dolls, baseball card collections, family photo albums and, sadly, myriad dead animals. In all seriousness, many of the secrets of your home hide in your crawl space. For example, there may be active leaks from tubs, sinks, etc. that are weakening your wooden structural supports through mold, mildew and rot. Or, there could be soil movement and

structural instability from prior earthquakes. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also not uncommon to find rodentchewed wires that can wreak havoc on electrical systems. Inspecting a home has a CSI-like forensics aspect to it, and there is a lot to find on this tight and dirty journey. Abnormalities in the crawl space, roof or attic are clues that lead me to investigate elsewhere â&#x20AC;&#x201C; until all of the puzzle pieces come together to reveal the root cause and severity of an issue. In Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fast-paced market, buyers may often waive a home inspection to speed up the escrow process if everything looks â&#x20AC;&#x153;good and new.â&#x20AC;? But my advice is to beware of the hidden issues lurking below.

Scott Denslow is the owner of Safe at Home Inspection Service. He is an InterNACHI and ASHI certified inspector who has 45 fivestar ratings on Yelp. Send your home inspection questions or topics you want to see covered to scott@safeathomellc.com. For more information, visit safeathomellc.com. See Ad, this page.

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RE E-ELECT TU UIJA CAT TA ALANO fo or CLAY C YTON CITY COU UNCIL FIISCALL LY RESPONSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP I am 46-yr old mom of two teenagers, a Clayton, Rege e ncy Meadows, homeowner since 2005, and a land use attorney in na San Franciscco law firm. I am currently serving my first term on Clayton City Council, previously served on the Planningg Commission for over 6 years, and was honored to be your Mayor in 2019. I have been the CBCA Adult Volunteer Co C ordinator for Art & Wine for the past 4 yrs and for Okto oberfest for the past 3 yrs, the Chair i off the Sc S hollarsh hip Committee for 5 years, and Dana Hills Swim Team paren e t for 9 yrs.

KEY PRIORITIES:

I provide leadership that is committed to fiscally responsible decisiions in order to

ensure that Clayton is able to balance itts budget every year, and maintain and pay for the safetty and services we all enjoy, including police. I will NOT sspend taxpayer funds on unnecessary or unwinnable lawsuits. I use my exxperience to help navigate st s ate mandates in order to preserve small town character. c I grew up in a small tow wn in Finland, moved to Clayton because of its size and charm, and want my kids and everyone else to continue to enjoy what small communities like Clayton offer. I support diversity, equality and inclusion, e.g. by having co-sponsorred the rainbow flag and June Pride Month, introduced Council resolution condemniing racism, and been part off orgganizing the recent Race Relations in Clayton webinar series. I will continue to govern with integrity, making educated and inforrmed decisions that are in the best interest of Clayton as a whole.

cilmembers Howard Geller, Keitth Haydon, Pete Laurence, Dave Shuey and Hank Stratford, and current or former Plannin ng Commissioners Bassam Altwal, Dave Bruzzone, A J Chippero and Terri Denslow.

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L e tters to the Edit o r Traffic survey data calls for higher

Page 6

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

MDUSD School Board candidate endorsement I am writing this letter as an enthusiastic endorsement of Keisha Nzewi to represent Area 3 on the MDUSD School Board. Ms. Nzewi has 20 years of experience working as a tireless public and children’s advocate. This wealth of experience, paired with her professionalism and positivity, would be an incredible asset to our district. She would also be the first Black MDUSD school board member, and thus would contribute a refreshing voice and perspective when serving our district. Speaking as an involved MDUSD parent, I believe that Ms. Nzewi would be a true advocate for our students, and would ensure that all students have the opportunity to maximize their potential. I urge all Area 3 constituents to vote YES for Keisha Nzewi! Amy Kumar MDUSD Parent and Librarian

Keep Clayton Clayton This is a campaign slogan for Frank Gavidia who is running for Clayton city council. Confused by its meaning, I reached out to Mr. Gavidia.

No answer, instead my question deleted, followed by a ban to his website. I received the same treatment by current council member, Mr. Wan. Mr. Gavidia has a solution to Unite Clayton and End the Divide. Quote: “It begins with a commitment to be respectful of everyone and each of our different perspectives. This means being willing to engage anyone, at any time.” A Gay or Black person might not see that slogan very welcoming. One would have to question the sincerity of Mr. Gavidia’s attempt to Unite us all. Candidate Mr. Miller says racism isn’t a problem in Clayton. Tell that to the young people who vulnerably shared their experiences of racism in Clayton on the race relations webinar. Candidate Mr. Diaz asked for Spanish Heritage month. This is great. Happy the passing of Pride made you feel more comfortable to ask. Dee Vieira Clayton

The Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. Please submit your letter on our website (under “Let Us Know”) or send an email to Editor@PioneerPublishers.com.

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speed limits in Clayton; council resists DIANE ZERMEÑO Correspondent

The City Council urged residents to slow down on several street segments in town so the city can avoid increasing the current speed limits. After hearing results of a traffic survey in August, the council discussed several speed reduction options at the Sept. 1 meeting. The city’s traffic and transportation engineer conducted the survey as required by the Department of Motor Vehicles for jurisdictions that use radar or LIDAR for speed control. The data collected includes the number of vehicles traveling a segment of road, their speeds and the presence of pedestrians. Cities are required to set speed limits at 85 percent of what the data shows vehicles are actually traveling. Speed limits set lower can be considered a “speed trap” and violations would be unenforceable in court. The survey showed the need for increased speed limits in four areas: Clayton Road from Washington Boulevard to Mitchell Canyon Road. Clayton Road from Mitchell Canyon Road to Oakhurst Drive. Eagle Peak Avenue from Oakhurst Drive (east) to Keller Ridge Drive.

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Mountaire Parkway from Marsh Creek Road (south) to Mountaire Circle. However, the council wants to maintain the current limits and asked staff to provide options to slow traffic speeds.

THE NEED FOR SPEED According to the staff report, drivers overall have been going at higher speeds over the last 10 years – partially due to automobile safety improvements. Also, there have been reports of more speeding during the pandemic due to less traffic on the roads. City engineer Scott Alman and consulting traffic engineer Lynne Filson suggested speed limit signs and road diets – narrowing space for vehicles and opening space for bike lanes, parking slots or a center median – along these segments. The combined cost would be $143,000, an amount not currently in the budget. Another option was changing the timing of the lights on Clayton Road to match the speed limit. The council plans to repeat the survey after implementing some changes, with the hope of achieving lower results.

Tamara Steiner/Pioneer

Clayton council looks at several options for slowing traffic on several city segments to avoid having to raise the speed limits in compliance with DMV survey.

traffic on Clayton Road. He called for a stronger public information effort, and the council agreed that community education was important. “It’s probably an opportunity with the public to say ‘Look, this is the cost of your tax dollars speeding through your neighborhoods. We can pay for a law enforcement officer to write up tickets, or we can just spend money on signs you’re just going to ignore anyway, or we can choke up the roads with road diets,’ ” Little said. Dana Hills resident Dee Viera questioned if the council had reached out to residents about the road changes and was WEIGHING THE PROS concerned about the proposed AND CONS bike lanes and parking on MounClayton resident Harry Little taire Parkway. said narrowing lanes might be a Councilwoman Tuija Catasafety concern, given the truck lano opposed the road diet due

to the amount of change it would make in the Dana Hills neighborhood. She recommended asking the homeowners association to warn motorists to drive slower coming down the hill on Mountaire Parkway. Mayor Julie Pierce suggested that the city should “first start with the static speed limit signs, and then if we think it’s needed, add later the feedback sign” that tells drivers their speed. The council plans to continue implementing static speed limit signs and directed staff to adjust the timing of all lights on Clayton Road throughout the city. Meanwhile, the city will reach out to Dana Hills residents about the potential increased speed limit and informally poll residents about the proposed road diet.

Look at the interesting divide when asked: Would crime go up if the number of police officers in Concord were reduced? 62 percent, yes. 18, no. 20, do not know. Backtracking to see how they answer other questions, there is a clear correlation with those who are most in favor of reducing police, limiting their response to overt criminal actions and the perception of racial bias in the community. Comments indicate that the 18 percent here strongly believe that affordable housing, placing the homeless in homes and mental health help will directly reduce crime, where as a good portion either do not believe it or do not want to wait to reach those impacts. Overall, Black Lives Matters speaks for me. 16 percent, strongly agree. 13, agree. 12, more times agree than disagree. 10, disagree. 5, more times disagree than agree. 35, strongly disagree. I trust the Concord Police to respond appropriately to my 911 calls. 44 percent, strongly agree. 32, agree. 14, neither agree nor disagree. 6, disagree. 4, strongly disagree. Comments: “I am a brown man, resident of Concord and police are set up to harm people like me. They do not protect people of color.” “I am not sure what ‘appropriately’ means.” “People don’t realize how good our police department is.” I believe that the Concord police will treat all people equally. 38 percent, strongly agree. 26, agree. 17, neither agree nor disagree.

tion compare to other communities? 53, is the city safe at the current level? 10, too many things. 36, other comments all over the place. The people of Concord are racist. 15 percent, agree. 53, disagree. 34, neither agree or disagree or do not know. Racism is a serious problem on the Concord City Council. 17 percent, agree. 35, disagree. 48, neither agree or disagree or do not know. I take this as a significant personal issue. Though I have had profound disagreements on a host of issues with the other four members, I am confident they are not racist. I have argued that some decisions have disproportionate impacts on ethnic or racial or even gender segments, but the origin of their disagreement lies not in racism but in other fundamental policy ideology or priorities. An elected white person can never adequately represent non-white people. 13 percent, agree. 70, disagree. 17 percent, unsure. A white Concord police officer can deal with a nonwhite individual fairly. 73 percent, agree. 8, disagree. 18, unsure. This gives me some hope for the American ideal of “We the People.”

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The third independents survey of the year attracted the most ever responses (584) and touched on the hot button recent issues of Black Lives Matter, race and police. I asked about response to 911 calls but later asked about responding to a series of crimes and got some odd results. This was my error in using “respond” rather than “be involved with.” Nevertheless, it seems clear that 50+ percent believe that the police should not respond to the following three: • Noise complaints. • Homeless encampments on private property. • Blocked sidewalks.

It may be interesting to drill down into the differences regarding Black Lives Matter (BLM) and defunding the police. When you hear “defund the police” from Black Lives Matter rallies, what is the first thing that you think they are saying? A combined 45 percent believe that they want to abolish the police (23 percent) and spend money elsewhere or they are mad at the police and their functions (22 percent). Forty-seven percent combined want to significantly reduce the police force size and spend it on other functions. Some have commented that the focus of BLM is associated with anti-racism and police brutality, where as the defund the police movement is going into a different area of general societal change that is not just racism but includes a whole different approach on a scale of many things.

12, disagree. 8, strongly disagree. Have you witnessed the Concord police behaving in a racist manner? 9 percent, yes. 83, no. 6, not sure. 1, do not want to answer. Comments: “Laws and rules are only enforced if you’re white – and it is the City Council’s fault.” “I don’t have to. I and others I know have had bad experiences with other(s) so we expect it.” “No. And my circle of friends and family haven’t either. It is a professional organization with officers that want to help.” Police in schools is a hot button issue actually brought on even more by schools’ fiscal issues. Concord schools cut budgets and eliminated the school police presence before all the May activism. However, the community remains divided. Police should be assigned to high schools in Concord. 44 percent, agree. 32, disagree. 23, do not know. 1, do not care. A community activist commented that it was a divide by age group and that the older members of the community who went through the crime wave of the ’80s and ’90s or recall the school shootings from Columbine and Sandy Hook take a very different view than the younger ones who simply see the police as a repressive force rather than a protective force. When thinking of the police budget, what comes to mind? Check all that apply. 20 percent, too much is always spent on the police budget. 7, existing levels of law enforcement be maintained with fewer officers. 34, how does the number of officers per 1,000 popula-

Edi Birsan is a Concord City Councilmember, but Pulse of Concord has been his personal survey for the last 10 years and is not associated with the city of Concord or any other organization and represents his views and not that of anyone else. Write to him at EdiBirsan@gmail.com or go to his Facebook page, Pulse of Concord. To take part in a future survey, go to www.pulseofconcord.com

September 18, 2020

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Lori Orr DiabloValley Oncology and Hemotology

Cancer doesn’t quit, and neither does the team at Diablo Valley Oncology. As essential workers, we have been here every day since the shelter-in-place orders went into effect – working under an unprecedented level of stress and fear most of us have never experienced before. Each day has been a struggle to deal with the unknown of COVID-19, minute by minute changes to recommendations and policies by

Diablo Valley Oncology team lauded for its workplace

the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization and our governor and limited personal protective equipment. We have implemented stringent measures to keep ourselves and our patients safe so we can continue to provide vital clinical diagnostics and cancer treatments. While I am exceptionally proud that our staff has voted Diablo Valley Oncology a 2019 Top Workplace for the 10th year in a row, here in 2020 I am truly humbled by the strong will and caring hearts of our team. They are literally putting their lives on the line for our patients. A workday here takes courage, compassion, strength, empathy, humor and humility. Multiply a normal day by 10,000 and factor in a global pandemic and you just

Equality, from page 5

individuals working to bring 7the national #DiversifyOurNarrative initiative to CVCHS. #DiversifyOurNarrative demands the inclusion of diverse, anti-racist texts in schools. Through collaboration with students from the Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Tuohey and her fellow students have determined a final list of books written by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and other minorities that they’d like incorporated into class curriculums. “This is going to offer rep-

resentation to people who haven’t felt represented, but also it’s helping educate people not educated because they grew up only learning from a white man’s perspective,” Tuohey said. “A lot of people may not understand how important this is.” Tuohey knows first-hand that it’s essential to present facts of historical events to students. During one of her first years at CVCHS, a white boy in one of her classes openly told those in the classroom that he believed racism died with slavery. Some students

Jails, from page 2

was not assessed for eligibility to take classes about meth and other drugs. He went through withdrawals, cravings and subsequent side effects on his own. AODS counselor Antonia Fernandez highlighted why custody is the perfect time to approach addicts about getting better. “They are already sitting still and have some type of motivation (to recover),” she said. “We can then tap into that willingness, that motivation, and plan with them.” Ramirez considers himself one of the lucky ones; his three-month program at Pueblos Del Sol in Concord is the only recovery home for Spanish speakers in the county. His translator, Pablo Martinez, said the waiting list is always long. On Sept. 21, Ramirez will have been clean for three years. DECRIMINALIZING ADDICTION

After battling his own addiction and beating it in a 28-day program at Mt. Diablo Hospital in 1991, Aswad spent time approaching politicians at state and federal levels about problems like a lack of adolescent treatment funding and limited recovery houses in Contra Costa County. Aswad and colleagues Judy Bastin and Amy Alanes established Support4Recovery in 2007 with the mission of being the voice of the recovery community in Contra Costa County. Through housing arrangements, services for treatment residents and house managers and a post-treatment support group, Support4Recovery’s board and volunteers aim to listen to the needs of alcohol and other drug addicts and their families to “educate and empower our community and thus promote successful longterm recovery,” according to the nonprofit’s website.

Page 7

Meanwhile, the new task force on jail treatment options is still presenting ideas. While the path ahead is long, Maier said the group has made notable progress. The promise of humanizing addicts in detention through meeting them where they are drives the effort beyond roadblocks caused by the unexpected virus or the long-existing lack of county funding. “If you’re sick because you have a headache, they treat you,” AODS chief Fatima Matal Sol said, adding that Contra Costa County is the only county in the region without treatment programming for the incarcerated. “If you have a heart condition, you get fast-tracked. If you go into a jail with a substance abuse disorder, you don’t get the same treatment. … It’s part of the societal concept of criminalizing addictions.”

might begin to understand how extraordinary our team and our workplace truly are. Thank you to the Bay Area News Group for this honor and recognition. Thank you to our patients for trusting us to care for you. And most importantly, thank you to each and every one of our team members for your extreme commitment and selflessness.

Lori Orr is the chief operations officer for Diablo Valley Oncology & Hematology Medical Group, Pacific Urology, West Coast Surgical Associates and the Women’s Cancer Center of the East Bay, with offices in Concord, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Brentwood and San Ramon. For more info, visit dvohmg.com or call 925-677-5041.

also represent this mindset through comments on the local #DiversifyYourNarrative social media channels. Since the school year has already started, Tuohey is aiming to have the texts in front of students as early as the next academic year. She, seven other students and two teachers attended the Sept. 9 CVCHS board meeting to call for a specific agenda item at the October meeting. Because the board cannot respond to

requests during public comment, it is currently unknown whether Tuohey and her colead Kendall Albert will present soon. But they plan to push for their time with the board via email. “We will present a full financial plan, as well as the support we have from Clayton Valley teachers and other members of the community,” Tuohey said. “After that, it’s about holding the board accountable.”

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September 18, 2020

Concord’s Park & Rec creates new style of programs week after 5 p.m. on Wednesdays. Understanding that working families need help during the week, our Parks & Rec team recently launched Explore N’ More, a temporary full-day child-care program. The program, for children in TK-8th grade, is designed to assist families in distance

learning, provide supervision for youth and teens and offer recreational activities during the week. It runs 7:30 a.m.5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Willow Pass Community Center, and spots are still available for the October session. Explore N’ More will also provide an after-school program 2-5 p.m. Monday-Fri-

day. Register at cityofconcord.org/452/Youth-AdultPrograms. While many people (my family included) were bummed to miss family camp at Camp Concord this year, our staff used the opportunity

them in advance to martha@goralka.com. Please note that questions will not be accepted during the forum. Go to the CBCA website JULIE PIERCE at ClaytonCBCA.org to regisCLAYTON MAYOR ter for the Zoom webinar, or to view the recording after the It is election season – webinar. A link to the video could you tell? will be posted following the This is an important elec- forum. The LOWV will also tion, so please learn about the post the recording on Votcandidates. ersEdge.org and on CCTV. At 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. Clayton will have a perma28, there will be an online nent ballot box installed at the forum for the candidates for Clayton Community Library Clayton City Council, who will prior to the Nov. 3 election. meet in an online Zoom webi- The concept is to offer a nar. The Clayton American secure ballot drop-box to Association of University allow voters to deposit official Women (AAUW) and the ballots, 24/7, for all elections Clayton Business & Commu- in Contra Costa County. A nity Association (CBCA) will team from the county elecsponsor the forum, with a tions office will collect them moderator from the League of daily. Women Voters (LOWV) of Be in the know: Do you Diablo Valley. The moderator want to receive information from the nonpartisan group directly from the city about lives in another city and canCity Council and Planning aled on that commitment by not vote in this election. Commission meetings or eliminating the funding for If you have questions for other important activities? new police officers altogether. the candidates, please submit website, our Please go to Worse, these directors support defunding the police to the tune of millions of dollars annually, threatening the successful reforms put in place since the death of Grant — and threatening the very safety of BART riders. DEBORA ALLEN These urban directors BART DIRECTOR recently voted to put the money they shifted from the police budget toward one of The death of George 10 feet away from any structheir favorite pet projects – Floyd while in police custody ture. If you have grass, weeds “ambassadors.” These are in Minnesota brought underor brush on your property, cut standable nationwide focus on civilians who ride trains in an and clear these fuels within K AREN M ITCHOFF police tactics and procedures, effort to “keep the peace,” 30-100 feet of your home. COUNTY particularly when dealing with despite having no enforceMoving indoors, make sure ment or ticket checking minority communities. S UPERVISOR alarms that all your smoke authority, and no law enforceIn the Bay Area, BART have fresh batteries and regupolice have been under simi- ment training. This experilarly check that they are in Fire season has come in mental program should not lar scrutiny for more than a good working order. If you full force – from fast moving decade, following the killing be seen as a replacement for live in a zone at risk for fires, blazes across our state to sworn officers committed to of Oscar Grant by an onit is essential that you pack a record-setting heat and smoke public safety. duty BART officer. go bag with everything that clogging our skies – and it is Not helping matters is the As a result, most of the you would need in the case of more important than ever to fact the San Francisco direcpolice reforms now being an evacuation. If you have be prepared. tors still refuse to adequately discussed nationwide have pets, make sure that you pack The best place to begin address quality-of-life issues already been established at a go bag for them, too, and preparations for wildfire is at on trains that impact the daily BART, which embraced keep kennels or crates close Starting outside, Calhome. commute and lead many peonearly 60 recommendations by in case you need to leave Fire recommends that homemade by an independent out- ple to avoid using BART altohome quickly. owners create defensible space side reform agency following gether. They argued against a Back your car into the around their properties by proposal to restrict panhanGrant’s death. The results driveway to help with quick removing dead and dry vegehave been extremely positive dling on the trains and inside loading of your belongings. tation from roofs, gutters and stations. Meanwhile, home– in 2019, for instance, the Last but not least, consider decks. Cut back trees and Office of Independent See Allen, page 9 limbs so that they are at least collecting memorable items, Police Auditor studied bodycam footage and found no sustained complaints on the use of force by BART police in over 115,000 civilian interactions. Yet more work needs to be done to ensure rider safety. For one thing, studies go away when the current authored, AB 1482, which have found the BART police global health crisis began. provided roughly 8 million department to be severely The need to build more renters with just cause evicunderstaffed. In 2018, prior housing – particularly hous- tion and rent gouging proto the opening of Santa ing that is affordable for tections. It’s become more Clara County’s two new staworking Californians – is important than ever during tions, a transit police and urgent. However, families this pandemic that we work safety expert reported to the should not be forced to suf- to protect people from evicBART Board that 94 more fer while we work toward the tions and help keep a stable sworn patrol officers should roof over their heads – espeultimate goal of increasing be added to trains and stacially when the health and our housing supply and TIM GRAYSON tions to adequately address building our way out of this safety of our communities public safety. At the time, 14TH ASSEMBLY crisis. So we must do more depends on people’s abilities the agency committed to to help those who rent their to stay home. DISTRICT adding 19 new positions a homes. Since the COVID-19 panyear until that new quota was Last year, we made signif- demic began, nearly a million Our state is in the midst of icant strides in helping keep renter households in our met. a housing crisis decades in the Californians in their homes Now, board directors from state have experienced a job making, and this crisis did not by passing a bill I jointSan Francisco have back-pedloss. This makes them them

ci.clayton.ca.us, and an automatic registration box will pop up for easy sign-up. If you’re already signed up, spread the word and share it with fellow community members. The city of Clayton also has a Facebook page that is updated with community information daily. Check it out @CityofClaytonCA to see what’s new. Working to curb speeding: The City Council directed the city engineer to implement traffic calming and speed reduction strategies on some major street segments, including all of Clayton Road, Eagle Peak Avenue and Mountaire Parkway. The City Council has ordered the installation of new speed limit signs and the adjustment of the timing of traffic lights on Clayton Road to match the 40 mph speed limit. The city will be reaching out to the Dana Hills Homeowners Association and neighbors to discuss potential solutions to the speeding observed on Mountaire Parkway. We look forward to collaborating

on a solution. The message here is: Please, slow down and keep everyone safe. COVID update: Contra Costa County health officer Dr. Chris Farnitano was a guest speaker at the City Council meeting on Sept. 1. He provided a COVID-19 update and answered questions from the community. You can view the discussion on the city’s website. A real pig pen: City staff has been working hard to repair damage from wild pigs in several areas of Clayton Community Park. While those little piglets are adorable ... these critters are very destructive.

TIM MCGALLIAN

CONCORD MAYOR

With challenge comes opportunity, and this pandemic has certainly forced many organizations to get creative about how they offer programs and services to our community. One such group that has had to be innovative this year is our city’s Parks & Recreation Department. Developing personal relationships and interacting with community members through classes and activities is what they do best. When COVID-19 forced the city to make the difficult decision to cancel most summer programming, close facilities and shut down Camp Concord for the season, it was devastating not just for our residents, but for our staff as well.

Our dedicated staff did not lose hope, though, and they figured out how to add value to our Concord community given the rules and regulations of our new reality. Staff modified summer day camps at Centre Concord, Markham Nature Park and Willow Pass Park to follow health department guidelines, meeting in small cohorts and eliminating field trips. Knowing that many residents wanted to continue to be active with yoga, Zumba, line dancing and more, we introduced virtual recreation classes through a variety of free pre-recorded videos. Many of our in-person classes have gone virtual with Zoom, featuring dozens of exercise and enrichment classes led by qualified instructors. Fall classes are just getting started, and the new catalog is online at cityofconcord.org/894/Activity-e-Guide. Our parks and open space continue to be well-loved and used for dog walking, hiking, picnics and other same-household activities. Health order restrictions continue to prevent us from allowing large gatherings such as games and tournaments, but some small teams (fewer than 14 kids) can

Defunding BART police is wrong move

request athletic field permits for team practices. In addition, lap swimming in our beautiful, Olympic-size pool is a popular fitness option. Our new online reservation system allows swimmers to reserve a 45-minute time slot. Concord residents and lap swim pass holders can sign up for the upcoming

See Mcgallian, page 9

Online Clayton council candidate forum on Sept. 28

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

Prepare your home for wildfires and evacuations photo albums, hard drives and other important keepsakes in a central, accessible location so that you can evacuate in a hurry. With both the indoors and outdoors prepared, the next phase of preparation is to make a plan should you have to evacuate. Some things to consider: Where would you evacuate to in the event of a fire near your home? What route would you use to leave? If cell reception is disrupted, make sure to have an agreedupon meeting point if members of your family work outside the home and are unable to make it home prior to an evacuation. Lastly, the Contra Costa Community Warning System (CWS) has changed the caller ID used to issue alerts as a

result of new federal rules. The old caller ID was 000000-0000 and has been changed to 925-655-0195. To make sure you answer the phone for a CWS alert, add this number as a new contact in your mobile device and label it “Community Warning System.” Text alerts will continue to come from a five-digit short code. To learn more about how to prepare for wildfires, visit cccfpd.org/ResidentsWildlandFireGuide.

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

Helping protect vulnerable families from eviction especially vulnerable to eviction and, consequently, makes small landlords more likely to struggle with mortgage payments due to missed rent payments. In March, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order that placed a moratorium on evictions. He has subsequently extended it twice. California’s Judicial Council also issued an eviction moratorium until Sept. 1. The expiration of these orders created a looming eviction cliff with the potential to throw millions of families into catastrophe. This is why

I was proud to support and help pass AB 3088, an emergency stop-gap measure to protect tenants. Newsom signed AB 3088, and it has already taken effect to protect renters financially impacted by COVID-19 from evictions through January 2021 as long as they have paid at least a quarter of their rent due. In order to access these protections, renters need to submit a form affirming that they have a COVID-related hardship within the first 15 days

See Grayson, page 9

SCHOOLS September 18, 2020

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

Page 9

3 local parochial schools open campuses to students JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Three Concord parochial schools began instruction on their campuses this month after receiving waivers from state and county agencies to welcome students back to school. Tabernacle School, Ygnacio Valley Christian School and Wood Rose Academy have all resumed instruction on their Concord campuses after each school agreed to strict health and safety regulations for students as well as how classes will be conducted and classrooms cleaned, process for parents dropping off and picking up children, and other aspects of school life. They are among 10 private elementary schools in Contra Costa that received the initial waivers. The Contra Costa County Office of Education issued a 28page guide to schools reopening in light of COVID-19. State regulations call for an instructor to have a maximum of 12-14 students in a classroom. All three local private schools have religious-based curriculum and both Tabernacle and Ygnacio Valley are on church sites. Wood Rose is a Catholic school that is not part of the Oakland Diocese school system, which includes Queen of All Saints,

Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Agnes schools in Concord. The three reopened private schools have tuition in the $6500-$7500 range, all offering discounts for families with multiple children in school. Parents at the schools were required to sign a waiver before their children could return to campus. Wood Rose spokesperson Ana Alday explained that students through sixth grade (seventh and eighth graders are still doing distance learning) wear masks, as do all adults on campus. Faculty and staff were tested for the virus before school started back Sept. 4. Students were not required to be tested. The school had about two dozen students who declined the opportunity to resume on-campus learning and have transferred to other Catholic schools or MDUSD schools which are continuing distance learning. Wood Rose has also enrolled a handful of new students and their “phone is ringing with many families inquiring about enrolling,” Alday said. Tabernacle School requires facemasks for students in third grade and up. Principal Vern Taylor reported that about twothirds of elementary grade students returned to school last Wednesday when the campus reopened. The balance of the 450-member student body,

including all seventh and eighth a strong financial position, with graders, continue with distance an excellent academic reputation and significant enhancements to learning. the school’s facilities.” DE LA SALLE PRESIDENT The school completed a sucDEMARCO STEPPING DOWN cessful fundraising campaign NEXT SPRING that led to the building of a new De La Salle High School Science, Technology, Robotics, Board of Trustees announced Engineering, Arts and Mathethis month that school President matics Innovation Center, the Mark DeMarco will be retiring at Ladouceur Athletic Performthe end of this school year and a ance Center and a new Learning national search has commenced Center. to find his successor. DeMarco During the campaign, the has been in his position since school secured the largest indi2007 when he was named the vidual gift to a high school in the school’s first alumni president. country (at the time of the gift) “I want to thank the parents, $25 million from the late Constudents, the countless volun- cord homebuilder Ken Hofteers and benefactors who have mann, which included a $15 milcontributed to the success of the lion endowment for financial school and will continue to do so aid. in the future”, said DeMarco. “I During his tenure, the school also would like to thank the fac- created the Bishop John Cumulty and staff for their commitment to the mission – the school is successful because we all work together and have a great partnership with parents as the primary educators of their sons.” DeMarco graduated from the Concord school in 1978 and also has taught at his alma mater. De La Salle Board chair Frank Wagner said, “We appreciate all of Mark’s excellent accomplishments, and cherish how he’s placed our students, the school, our community and our Lasallian Catholic mission above MARK DEMARCO himself. He leaves the school in

assimilating. However, for the current circumstances “there’s no roadmap,” Clark said.

ber of teachers this year are instructing online from their school classroom. From his observations in the early weeks of school that number varies greatly from campus to campus.

Students, from page 1

online lessons. Now, students in kindergarten, sixth and ninth grades are at new schools, where they have never taken a class on campus and with teachers they most likely have never met, except on a computer screen. Conversely, teachers are instructing student they don’t know. Clark mentioned how challenging it is for those “transitional students” going into elementary school for the first time and similarly those moving to middle or high school. Clark, his administrative staff and teachers do have the lessons learned last spring and experiences shared since then with others in the educational field as they embark on this new school year. “There’s always going to be hiccups [with the start of school],” Clark said in a socially distanced, in-person interview recently with The Pioneer in his office. He cited usual issues such as summer work projects not being completed and new staff

STUDENTS MISSING OUT “Students feel excitement for a new school year. It breaks my heart for the experiences students are missing out on. Kids need routines.” He called himself “a routine person. You can set your clock by my routine.” He says that cannot be provided now to students without set class schedule, recess or PE, sports, music, drama and all the other extra-curricular activities schools offer. He says those extra-curricular activities often “leads to class work,” especially for many high school students. Clark says he’s “a glass half full type person” and is confident MDUSD staff and teachers will make the best of this challenging situation. The District has purchased thousands of Chromebooks (at $400 to $600 each) to make sure “the most vulnerable” of stu-

McGallian, from page 8

ADAM CLARK

dents and families are able to fully participate in remote learning. He mentioned children who are homeless, from non-English speaking or group homes, foster children and special ed students who are “most vulnerable” and in the most need of technological assistance to make learning in this environment possible. Clark added that the district has tried to address the technological challenges teachers face working from home. That is doubly true of those who have their own children at home doing remote learning. A num-

on a pilot program that will be rolled out before the end of 2020. Stay tuned for more to perform maintenance work, friendsofcampconcord.org/s details. These are just some including building new cabin more/. We continue to be examples of how our harddecks. Although our partner, very grateful for their longworking and creative city the nonprofit Friends of standing support. Camp Concord, had to canLastly, I am excited about staff is keeping life moving in Concord. Please join me cel its annual golf tournathe prospect of bringing ment fundraiser, they came Esports to Concord. Esports in thanking them. up with a creative new way is a competition using video Mayor Tim McGallian can be to connect with supporters games. I pitched this idea to by hosting a virtual campout our Parks & Rec team earlier reached at 925.671.2489 or email on Saturday, Oct. 24. Visit this year, and we are working Tim.McGallian@cityofconcord.org

Allen, from page 8

loss from fare evasion. Now is not the time to turn back the clock and give up on the reforms already put lessness remains a persistent replacement of antiquated in place by BART police. problem, even as overall rid- fare gates that allow scofflaws and fare cheaters to Defunding the BART police ership has plummeted 90% department will only lead to easily jump into the system. during the pandemic. Their more lawlessness and trouble answer is to put more home- BART police believe that on the trains and in stations. less counselors on the trains eliminating fare evasion This November, voters should would go a long way toward and stations and pay homedemand that all BART direcreducing overall crime and less shelters to “reserve” tors commit to improving significantly improving the temporary shelter beds for rider safety at all levels. quality of the daily transit people who agree to leave experience. Additionally, the trains. Contact Debora Allen at These same directors BART could recapture at least Debora@FixOurBARTcom or refuse to prioritize capital a portion of the estimated project funding for the $30-60 million annual revenue visit www.DeboraAllen.com

PARKING LOT WIFI The new superintendent explained that all school parking lots now have internet service as a stopgap place for families without any or adequate internet service in their homes. “It’s an equity issue,” Clark said. “In many family homes, connectivity issues are challenging in regular times.” Now, with all students and, in many cases, one or two parents also working from home, having enough bandwidth and devices to serve a family can be daunting. Clark estimated that 35% of MDUSD students are in the free or reduced meal program. He was encouraged that the federal government had just given MDUSD the greenlight to resume feeding eligible students with daily distribution at most campuses.

mins Scholarship Program in 2007 to ensure students from diverse social, cultural and economic backgrounds have the opportunity to experience a De La Salle education. He transformed the school’s leadership model to one of a collegiate framework when he established the President’s Cabinet in 2016. CARONDELET’S NEW PRESIDENT TAKES REINS

Carondelet High School alumna Annette Richardson Eros began her tenure as the school’s new president last March with a very brief glimpse of normal campus life before the school closed due to the shelter-in-place order that month. The 1985 graduate of the Concord girls parochial school had to quickly adapt to handle the challenges presented to every school in the state. In partnership with Principal Kevin Cushing, faculty and staff the school pivoted to distance learning and transitioned all resources and in-person events online including introducing virtual Town Hall meetings and developing COVID-19 resources to help Carondelet’s 800 students and their families. Eros was appointed after an extensive national search and brings to Carondelet experience

in organizational and not-forprofit leadership. Most recently, Eros served as CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area. “I am a direct beneficiary of Carondelet’s approach to educating the whole student and look forward to continuing efforts to create a modern educational environment and experience that prepares our girls to thrive on campus and beyond.” During Eros’ high school years at Carondelet, she lived in Danville before moving out-ofstate with her family just prior to her senior year. She now lives in San Carlos with her husband and their two daughters, who attend Catholic schools on the Peninsula.

Three local parochial elementary schools began on campus instruction last week. Clark mentioned there are myriad challenges that a large, diverse district face resuming instruction on campus in the current climate. He said it is anticipated a significant number of parents would not allow students to return to campus at this time and, probably not at all until a vaccine is readily available. That would require continued remote instruction for those students. There would be staff and faculty who also feel that way. Then, there are limitations on the number of students per classroom (one teacher for 12 to 14 students, depending on grade level) that might overwhelm the capacity at school sites and exceed the available faculty at each school. Enrollment figures for the 2020-21 school year haven’t been finalized but the pandemic has brought about “a dip in elementary school, especially kindergarten classes.” Clark

explained that since kindergarten is not a requirement for entering first grade and the district is seeing some parents not enrolling students this fall. On the other hand, he sees a “huge increase” in high school enrollment. District staff is reaching out to parents to get feedback on both those trends. The state is using last fall’s enrollment numbers, so these disparities will not immediately impact funding to MDUSD. Clark is also pleased that a settlement was reached with the teacher’s union, ending a stalemate of over two years between contracts. He adds that negotiations will start “pretty soon” as the new agreement expires at the end of this school year. The superintendent credited “parents and families for making all kinds of sacrifices for their most prized possession, their children.” He also lauded teachers and staff for dealing with rules that seem to shift frequently as the government deals with the ebb and flow of the pandemic.

Grayson, from page 8

of each month. The new law also extends foreclosure protections for small landlords who have tenants that are unable to pay rent due. This bill is not a panacea, and I am committed to continuing work on long-term solutions for California’s renters and impacted landlords. This bill was, however, absolutely necessary. According to a study by the Aspen Institute, if the Legislature had not acted when it did, nearly 4 million Californians would have faced eviction by the end of this month. That is a reality I could not let our community face. If you are struggling to pay rent or make your mortgage payments, please do not hesitate to contact my Concord office at 925-521-1511 to learn about what resources may be available to you. Whether it be issues related to eviction, unemployment assistance, or other state programs and agencies, my staff and I are here to help you.

ANNETTE EROS

here as a resource for you. Reach Assemblyman Tim Grayson at (925) 521-1511. Please stay healthy and safe Visit or write the district office 2151 Salvio Street, Suite P, during these difficult times Concord, CA 94520 and know that my office is

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Tracking down a quarry, with questions still unanswered Page 10

Society’s (CCCHS) online database. We found 15 quarries in Contra Costa County The quest for a quarry in CCCHS records. began with a query: “Where Our first supposition, is the quarry for which Old after driving Old Quarry Quarry Road in Pleasant Hill Road, was that it might be is named?” under Diablo Valley College It took a team of volun- (DVC). Our director perused teers to come up with the the CCCHS photograph files answer. and found a picture of DVC With the Contra Costa with a quarry visible to the County History Center north. Information filed with closed because of the the photo revealed that the COVID-19 virus, we have to Serra Brothers’ Slater Quarry rely on computer data – had been on Camelback mostly from the Contra Road near Pacheco. Costa County Historical Our photo file expert MARGORIE NEWTON Special to the Pioneer

Finding joy during difficult times

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

Janet joined the search and came up with more quarry pictures. Positioning these in conjunction with a map of the same area, she concluded that the quarry we were seeking would have been behind today’s Target. Another volunteer suggested that Shadowood Park might be part of the quarry because of its peculiar shape. The park is across Grayson Creek from the rear of Pep Boys, closer to Pacheco. It seemed that the quarry of our quest was probably the one owned and operated by A.E. Slater beginning in 1906. The Serra Brothers later ran the quarry, which is six-tenths of a mile south of Pacheco. More exactly, according to Google, its location was 37 degrees 58’ 31” north, 122 degrees 4’

Those families altogether in one place have had to navigate their existence on stage for one another, oftentimes without an easy escape or no retreat at all. As an introvert by nature, I have learned to locate an “on switch” for genuine joy with public speaking and facilitating groups. Yet I deeply need space and time to reset and replenish KIKU JOHNSON to make sense of the world. CAROL LONGSHORE I have a home and meaningALL THE COLORS YESTERYEAR ful work that provide me this space. By my account, I am It’s time to return to joy. In 1863, Andrew George beyond riches at this time. I But hold on just one Gehringer purchased 750 know this because I have the minute. Have you truly experiacres from Don Salvio luxury to sit and reflect on the enced joy in the first place in Pacheco. After a drought joy I have. order to book a return trip? almost ruined his livelihood, This summer has left us HELPING THE LGBTQI+ he worked hard to buy 250 with canceled vacations and more acres. COMMUNITY families sheltered together, His son Andrew Conrad At Rainbow Community without a library, restaurant, married Andrew George’s best theater, gym or spa in which to Center of Contra Costa friend’s daughter, Marie County, the place in which I escape, connect and release. Denkinger. They farmed the am able to be a part of meanSome of us have been furland and did very well for ther isolated, perhaps not even ingful work, we have an LGBTQI+ Homeless Transi- themselves until the Navy engaging consistently with tried to buy them out in the another human. Instead, we are tional Youth Program. This program, alongside our Supply early ’40s. in prolific dialogue with our The Gehringers and a few Train food pantry home delivpets. other farmers sued the Navy The good ol’ Merriam-Web- ery service, provides direct because they didn’t want to support to our LGBTQI+ ster Dictionary defines joy as settle for what was offered. It community members who are “the emotion evoked by wellmust have been an interesting being, success, or good fortune seeking and managing basic trail, but the jury was from or by the prospect of possess- needs such as housing, food Martinez and did not undering what one desires.” I have a access and safety. See rainstand that the Gehringers bowcc.org/homeless-transifeeling that many of us would were a part of the developnot necessarily define our sum- tional-youth-program. ment of Concord – the first The number of homeless mers as that of the stuff of joy bank, first fire department and youth and young adults is – at least not the joy we had Concord Elementary, to name staggering and has steadily come to know in our lives a few. before being homebound. The lawsuit settled in 1946 See Colors, page 16

Latest McKenna mystery certain to be a ‘Hit’

almost never hesitate to recommend a McKenna mystery, but for me, “Tahoe Hit” is one of the best. Borg’s forte is action read with camera-like eyes. The initial murder of each mystery occurs in the prologue. The first murder in “Tahoe Hit” takes place at an evening party hosted by wealthy SUNNY SOLOMON hedge-fund owner Carston Kraytower at his palatial getBOOKIN’ WITH away at the West Shore of SUNNY Lake Tahoe. The gathering includes investors, friends, Ever since the COVID-19 wannabe millionaires, busipandemic hit, time seems to ness associates and the killer, move at a pace determined to dressed in black, hiding mess with our internal calen- behind giant trees and loaddars. ing a blowgun aimed at a Not until I received my Kraytower associate. copy of Todd Borg’s 18th By the time the killer takes Owen McKenna mystery, aim and successfully commits “Tahoe Hit,” was I certain murder, the reader may be that summer had finally struck with something new. arrived. Well, never mind. This murder was done with According to my wall calenslow deliberation, precision dar, summer is almost over. and perfect timing – stealth, We at Bookin’ with Sunny not thrill. are huge fans of that ex-SF From the moment the cop, now private investigator, local sheriff calls in McKenwho lives in South Lake na to assist in their investigaTahoe with Spot his Harletion of the murder, the readquin Great Dane and, at a er is awash with words. Quesrespectful distance from his tions McKenna asks and cabin, his girlfriend Street questions asked by the people Casey and her dog, Goldie (you can guess the breed). I See Books, page 11

September 18, 2020

the Camelback Townhouses built in 1960 and Choice in Aging, an adult day healthcare program accessed from Golf Club Road. There is still a big question as to why this location was chosen for a quarry. And, it isn’t located on Old Quarry Road. Please share any information you may have on this subject with the History Center at info@cocohistory.org. Photo courtesy Contra Costa History Center We would be happy to hear The most probable location for the quarry that spawned the from you. name Old Quarry Rd. in Pleasant Hill was the A.E. Slater/Serra Brothers quarry .6 miles south of Pacheco.

14” west, give or take 500 meters. Most of the rock that was produced was used for highways. The rock is a very soft, friable sandstone used for macadam, according to the

website Stone Quarries and Beyond, compiled by Pat and Peggy Perrazo. The quarry was intermittently active from 1906 and definitely active 1940-1958. Bordering the locale are

A History Note is presented by the Contra Costa County History Center, 724 Escobar St., Martinez, using materials from the society’s collections. The History Center is currently closed due to the coronavirus. For more information, visit cocohistory.org.

Gehringer family tradition lives on through Concord gardens for less than what was offered before. If you want to read more about the suit and families, look for John Keibel’s book “Behind the Barbed Wire.” Andrew Conrad died two years later. He is buried in Live Oak Cemetery along with his father, mother and wife. The Navy took 800 acres, leaving 200 to be developed into Dana Estates. The Silverwood area was the first finished in 1955. Then came the Elderwood section, Monte Gardens and so on. There was a clause in the proposal for the developer to have a pool and open space around the pool left undeveloped. They actually built four pools: a kiddie pool, a 3-foot pool, the big pool for the swim team, the Gehringer Gators, and a diving pool. It’s been said the residents hand-dug the diving pool on a natural spring. The residences of Dana Estates knew it as Gehringer Park, and there were also baseball fields. The park was fenced off, and in the early 2000s it was decided to turn the baseball fields into a com-

Andrew Conrad Gehringer, his wife Marie and eldest child Linda stand in front of their Concord home. In the Jeffery Rambler, from front to rear, are their children Karl, Hilda, Elaine and Andrew Norbert, commonly know as Norbert. Andrew Conrad built the house next to his father’s, and they kept enlarging it as their family grew. Norbert later lived on Chestnut, and his granddaughter Michelle Sherman will be living there as soon as remodeling is complete.

munity garden. Officially opening in 2009, the garden has 62 plots. They sell for $200 a year, which includes everything: dirt, water and sunshine. The gardens are beautiful and much loved by the community. The Gehringers would be mighty proud of that garden

and the fact that there are still many people who enjoy planting and harvesting their own food, just like they did.

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.

We could use a few of these ‘New Mutants’ to keep things interesting

not nearly as good as the best of the X-movies, but it’s nowhere near as bad as the worst. Dani Moonstar (Blu Hunt) JEFF MELLINGER barely escapes from her reserSCREEN SHOTS vation during a horrific event only to wind up a guest (prisThe drive-in, once dying, oner) at a hospital run by the has been revived as the only ambiguous Dr. Reyes (Alice safe place (other than our Braga). In addition to being a homes) to view movies. doctor, Reyes must be a fanIt’s a great divertissement tastic cook, maid, janitor and if you can ignore the people who turn headlights on every groundskeeper as she is literal10 minutes, the freeway traffic, ly the only employee of the the bright streetlights and the hospital we ever see. With a scant six major far-too-dark screens. characters and just one setting, I visited the drive-in for the second time this year and the film could have used more of both. Keeping the characwas pleasantly entertained by ters locked up in a hospital “The New Mutants.” creates a sense of claustroThe film was completed phobia, but it also limits the almost three years ago. After story. several reshoots and release The four others locked up delays, it planned to open this with Dani: Ilyana summons a past spring. Of course, that did not happen. After several magic sword and baby dragon; Sam can zip around like a more summer dates were warp-speed cannonball; postponed, Fox cut its losses and shoved it into theaters last Roberto can kind of control solar energy; and Rahne turns month. As the black sheep of the into a wolf. Dani bonds with X-men franchise, the film was Rahne, while clashing with the ill-tempered Ilyana. Something thought to be a throwaway – has been triggering frightening the last gasp of Fox’s X-men releases before being absorbed hallucinations, causing newcomer Dani to take the blame. by the ever-growing Disney The film does have a few blob. “The New Mutants” is

New Mutants is playing at the Solano Drive-in in Concord.

good, very scary scenes, although they would be better seen in a dark theater or at home. As a decent addition to the X-films, it’s too bad there will be no chance of improvement with sequels. B-

this highly engrossing tale set in multiple countries during the 1939 German invasion of Poland. Incredible acting and brilliantly weaved plot threads make this miniseries a must watch. Episodes available for purchase on Amazon or the PANDEMIC TV PBS app. DVDs available via “Lovecraft Country.” A Netflix mail. Black family in the 1950s jourThe French Open: Not neys across the country to all the stars are there, but it’s find a relative. Along the way, nice to see high-quality tennis they encounter typical Jim again. Crow racism, along with horrifying things only H.P. LoveJeff Mellinger is a screen writer craft himself could dream up. and film buff. He holds a BA in HBO. Film Studies and an MFA in film “Masterpiece – World on production. He lives in Concord. Fire.” Although it aired in the Email comments to editor@pioneerspring, I finally caught up with publishers.com.

Get creative when adding a classroom to your home January 17, 2020

Many people who work from home have had to create workspaces from scratch. And now, those with children are converting any bit of unused space into tiny classrooms. Some may be ahead of the game, with dedicated home offices or a spare room that can turn into a custom workspace. But others are literally creating something out of nothing to help facilitate virtual learning. A natural first plan of attack would be to rearrange furniture in a child’s bedroom. If space allows, adding a desk to the bedroom might be a great way to create a workspace without altering any other living space in the home. A desk doesn’t have to

LYNNE FRENCH

REAL ANSWERS

Q. We want to sell our house and relocate. Should I wait until spring to put the house on the market because prices could be higher?

A. Fall is typically is a slow time for selling real estate, but this isn’t true in today’s market. We are seeing is a frenzy of buyer activity and multiple offer scenarios driven by a lack of inventory. According to a Realtor.com August housing report, new listings are down 12 percent and available inventory declined 36 percent from August 2019 to this August. That means 500,000 fewer homes on the market overall compared to last year. Though demand is much

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

JENNIFER LEISCHER

DESIGN & DÉCOR

become a major investment. In most cases, a folding table could be a perfect work platform – just big enough for technology, a project space and storage for school supplies. Chairs from the dining room, table lamps from throughout the residence, and baskets, containers and vases

that aren’t regularly used can all be perfect furnishings and accessories when it comes to creating a workspace. Think about what you have before heading out to the stores. Traditionally, living rooms were thought of as fancy spaces for entertaining guests. My grandmother had white crocheted doilies on her sofa back, and her collection of ceramic Lladros on every tabletop were never meant to be touched, only looked at, and preferably from a distance. Even today, living rooms are somewhat of a shrine: perfectly fluffed pillows, window treatments drawn just so and everything in its place. This could be a great space to set up as many folding tables as

Putting a desk area in a bedroom can help students who are distance learning to concentrate on studies.

you have children and create tiny classrooms for everyone. Sticking with the fancy theme, you could drape the folding tables with tablecloths and add acrylic tabletop liners and cardboard divisions between

This fall is good market for buyers, sellers and even renters more intense than it normally is this late in the buying season, the typical home asking price has likely peaked for the year. It’s difficult to imagine that the housing market will be able to sustain the frenzied demand we are currently experiencing, but we have yet to see a sign of slowing. Buyer demand is outpacing the record levels from earlier in the year. A big part of the buyer frenzy are the low interest rates. We have historically low rates that you probably won’t see again. With any good economic news, the rates will start to go up. Smart buyers are taking advantage of the market because of the low payments they will have with these low rates. If you are ready to put your home on the market, I’d say go for it now.

to live, but I need to save more money for a down payment to really get what I want. I would rather rent than get a starter house in a location that isn’t where I want. How is the market for renters?

For instance, you can pay the first month and get the second month or part of it free. These attractive incentives are offered before the landlord decides to lower the rent. Many landlords prefer to offer a concession rather than cut the rent and set a precedent that could stay in place when A. Luckily for you, the the market picks back up. But rental market is softening. as a potential buyer, you or Before the pandemic, rent your realtor might be able to growth was accelerating. It was a challenge for tenants to negotiate the rent instead of the incentives. get into a good affordable Though the pandemic is a rental. Now the landlords are terrible time for many things, trying to attract new tenants. One thing they are doing is it is a good time for real offering concessions. Some of estate. It is good for buyers because of low interest rates. the incentives could be your choice in new décor that they And it is good for sellers are putting in, such as flooring because they can realize more money for their homes. And it or paint color. They also might allow you to pay off the is a good market for renters. deposit over months instead This rarely happens. of having to come up with Lynne French is a Realtor with the whole thing at once. Or, Compass Real Estate and captain of the they might bend on a no-pet Lynne French Team. Contact her at Q. I have been trying to policy. lynne@lynnefrench.com or 925-672The most popular incencompete in this seller’s mar8787. ket in the area where I want tive, though, are free weeks.

Time to clean your computer of dirt, dust – and ash

The raging forest fires around California are dangerous to your computer and can cause failure. Dirt and dust build up over time in your computer, clogging the cooling systems. The results of that are lifethreatening. Laptops, desktops, towers and servers attract dust because of an electrostatic effect of the cooling and exhaust fans spinning, cool air moving across the hot surfaces of the CPU and the air pressure it creates. Now there is also ash in the air to worry about. When the spinning fans that cool and protect your processor, known as a CPU, become clogged, the CPU will overheat. That triggers a protective “circuit breaker” inside

the CPU and the computer shuts down. A symptom of this problem is when the computer runs for a few minutes, then it either locks up or shuts down. If you let the computer cool for a few minutes while it is off, you can restart it. However, it will likely shut down or freeze again. (Funny, we call it freeze when it is actually overheats.) Dust will cause damage to other components inside your computer as well. A condition known as “blown caps” will occur when the temperature inside the computer enclosure (chassis) becomes too hot. A cap is a capacitor, a small component that acts like a short-term battery. The capacitor bursts when it overheats, and that results in

motherboard failure. There is an easy way to prevent this and all you need are your fingers or a Phillips screwdriver and compressed air. First, unplug your computer from the wall. If you have a desktop, remove the case/chassis cover that is held together with thumbscrews or a Phillips screw. The screw looks like it has an “X” on its head. Take the computer outdoors and use compressed air, aiming directly at the cooling fans. As the air hits the fan and metal heat-sink, dust will fly off. Don’t touch the spinning fan as it can shatter. Be sure to get all the dust out and dust other components as well. If you have a laptop, unplug it, turn it off and then turn it upside down. You will

The pace of “Tahoe Hit” accelerates with dialogue, so that the reader must pay careful attention to what is being said. What clues has Borg dropped like Hansel and Gretel crumbs to keep us not guessing, but actively detecting? What to make of history, psychology, science, math, even dog training? All are important. Another Kraytower associ-

ate had been murdered shortly before the story begins, and more will follow. Long-held secrets lead to long-ago Ivy League fraternity days and deaths. Not only is the reader taking mental notes of clues but also noticing how the questioned look while being questioned. How important is body language? “Tahoe Hit” has a surprising and satisfying Shakespearean twist: “How all occasions do inform against me, and spur my dull revenge.”

Books, from page 10

McKenna questions. The characters: Kraytower’s young, teenage and painfully introverted son, a male Tahoe housekeeper and driver, a female housekeeper from San Francisco (Kraytower’s home away from Tahoe), a San Francisco nanny, a charismatic musician friend of Kraytower’s son, a female gardener and an assortment of lesser folks.

Page 11

WILL CLANEY

TECH TALK

see air slots on the bottom and one on the side of the laptop. Blow air into both sections until you are sure all the dust is out. That’s it. But if this technique is beyond your ability, several computer stores, like ours, offer this service for free. Now go do the right thing – and keep it clean.

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

Fathers and sons, husbands and wives, the past and notso-past, and revenge. “Tahoe Hit” is a mystery for the pandemic. No need to leave your home or wear a mask. Grab your deerstalker, sit back in your favorite reading chair and enjoy.

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.’

each desk space so each child can have a private learning space. A much more elaborate plan for a home-based classroom would be to turn an existing exterior shed, sheshed or greenhouse into a school workspace. As long as the exterior structures have plenty of functional space, natural light, and power for lighting and technology, these

areas could be a great option for the much-needed extra space. And just think of the fun you could have with the furnishings. Using a reclaimed door as a desk paired with a modern, ergonomic rolling desk chair. A floor lamp in every corner and an entire wall covered in a roll of cork to hang assignments, artwork and anything else the students may require. A sturdy indooroutdoor area rug, terracotta pots to store school supplies and even a hammock for naptime. Well, maybe the hammock is more for the parents for a midday nap. Either way, exterior structures could be fantastic options for students, or for your work from home needs.

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

With smoky skies, it’s essential to factor air quality

WOODY WHITLATCH WEATHER WORDS

sites, with the highest value applied to the entire region. This year, a new database has emerged online called PurpleAir. (I like to think of it as Purple Haze.) PurpleAir is an internetconnected network of measurements that use relatively inexpensive PM2.5 sensors to calculate site-specific AQI values. To date, private citizens and school facilities have installed several hundred monitors in the East Bay. PurpleAir displays a map view of the real-time data and uses color-coded circles, each color representing one of the six AQI index used by the BAAQMD. The impressive display shows AQI color bands that provide reasonably accurate microclimate analyses of air quality with regard to smoke. I use the term “reasonably accurate,” because there are some cautions one should take when interpreting the data. One concerns the existence of bad data. Some (not too many) sensors wildly overestimate the AQI, while some underestimate. On a very smoky day, there might be a few purple circles (unhealthy AQI) amongst a sea of green (healthy AQI) readings, and vice versa. The user should visually disregard the outliers. Another concern is that due to differing measurement techniques, the AQI numbers generated by PurpleAir PM2.5 monitors tends to overestimate the BAAQMD AQI values. Purple offers a conversion factor based on a Lane (Oregon) Regional Air Pollution Authority study. To visualize the adjusted data, the user needs to change the conversion choice (in a box on the lower left side of the map) from “none” to “LRAPA.” Fire season came early this year, and poor air quality has afflicted Bay Area residents for several weeks with no end in sight. Fortunately, we can track real-time AQI index values on a microclimate basis thanks to enterprises like PurpleAir. COVID and now wildfires. We need a vaccine and rainfall to get out of this mess.

In this most surreal year, Bay Area residents have faced an additional crisis by enduring continuing episodes of unhealthy air due to the recent wildfire activity. A mid-August thunderstorm triggered an outbreak of local fires, some of which are still burning into September. Wildfire-spawning weather conditions returned on Labor Day weekend as triple digit temperatures combined with dry offshore winds to scorch the state. The healthiness of our air is defined in terms of an Air Quality Index (AQI). It is not measured directly but calculated from measurements for each of the six air pollutants the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has deemed potentially unhealthy. EPA regulatory standards serve as a yardstick for the AQI, with the value of 100 serving as a boundary between healthy and unhealthy conditions. When smoke from wildfires spoils our air, the AQI index is based on measurements of PM2.5. These are airborne particles that measure 2.5 microns in diameter, about 100 times thinner than the diameter of a human hair. PM 2.5 pollutants can be especially hazardous to human health, since these small particles penetrate deeply into the lungs. The AQI index is divided into sectors that relate to human health standards. According to Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) guidelines, an AQI value between 100 and 150 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, between 150 and 300 is defined as unhealthy to very unhealthy and values over 300 are considered hazardous. Woody Whitlatch is a meteorolPrior to this fire season, ogist retired from PG&E. Email AQI values in the East Bay your questions or comments to were calculated at one of clayton_909@yahoo.com three BAAQMD monitoring

SPORTS

Page 12

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

September 18, 2020

YVHS honors four at its two main athletic facilities Fourth in a series about athletic facilities at eight local high schools. JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Three coaches and the school’s first principal have been honored with designations of facilities in their names on the Ygnacio Valley High School campus in the gymnasium and stadium. Ygnacio Valley opened in 1962 on the western edge of Concord where two more high schools — De La Salle and Carondelet — adjacent to the campus would also open within three years. In every decade from the 1960s through the beginning of the 2020 decade in February, Warrior teams have earned North Coast Section championships. Dr. Ernest Wutzke was principal for the first 25 years at Ygnacio Valley and upon his retirement in 1986 the school gymnasium was named in his honor. Hall of Fame coach Jim Grace this year was honored when the floor in Wutzke Gym was named Jim Grace Court. Dick Ryan was the football coach at Ygnacio Valley from the time the school opened until 1976, coaching an exciting brand of football and had many of his players go on to success-

Jay Bedecarré

Ygnacio Valley High has named facilities in the stadium and gymnasium on campus after former football coach Richard “Dick” Ryan, basketball coach Jim Grace, track and field coach Bob Giardina and the original principal at the school Dr. Ernest Wutzke, all members of the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

ful careers in college and professional sports. Richard Ryan Stadium is now the home of Warrior football, soccer and lacrosse teams. Ironically, neither soccer nor lacrosse were official high school sports in the area for the majority of his

Joe Silveira joining San Diego Christian Joe Silveira has enrolled at San Diego Christian College where he will play basketball for the Hawks. The 2019 grad of Berean Christian High School played basketball last season for Monterey Peninsula College. “Big Joe” will be a sophomore for coach Dwayne Cosby’s team in the Golden State Athletic Conference when the NAIA makes a decision on the commencement of sports this year. The 6-9, 264-pound forward has lived in Clayton most of his life. He attended Saint Francis School before going to De La Salle as a freshman and sophomore and spent his final two high school years at Berean. The Eagles and Silveira reached the North Coast Section Division V quarterfinals in 2019, losing to eventual champions University.

tenure at Ygnacio. Surrounding the artificial playing surface of Ryan Stadium is the all-weather Bob Giardina Track named in honor of the school’s successful track and field coach. Among Warrior track and field team members to excel in the stadium is two-time United States Olympian Kristin Heaston.

RICHARD RYAN STADIUM Ryan was born in Chicago and played college football for University of North Dakota as a halfback and wide receiver. He graduated with Bachelor and Master’s degrees from the school. He developed Warrior football from the ground up into one of the Bay Area’s top football programs. His legacy includes former Ygnacio Valley football players making their mark in college and pro football as players, coaches and executives. Among his honors was being named the 1973 North coach for the annual North-South Shrine All-Star game that was held each summer in the Los Angeles Coliseum. He also surrounded himself with excellent coaches including Kent Robie (who succeed Ryan at Ygnacio), Bob Burkhart and Jack Biglins. The school named the football stadium in his honor at the first home game of the 2014 season. One of his former players Jack “Scooter” Warren, a 2014 inductee to the school’s hall of fame, wrote the dedication speech, saying “We are honored

tonight to recognize one of the most important figures in the history of Ygnacio Valley High School.” Among the athletes who played for Ryan was Gordon Gravelle, a three-time Super Bowl winner with the Pittsburgh Steelers after an all-America career at BYU. Kiko Garcia, a multi-sport star at YVHS who Ryan successfully converted to quarterback in his senior year, went on to a 10-year Major League Baseball career, including a starring role for the Baltimore Orioles in the 1979 World Series when he batted .400. Garcia succeeded all-Bay Area QB Mike Sullivan for the 1970 season after Sullivan had gone to the University of Oregon where another ex-Warrior, Jim Anderson, was the starting fullback. Sullivan won a Super Bowl 50 ring with the Denver Broncos where he was the director of football administration (aka the Broncos’ cap wizard for a majority of the John Elway front-office era). Another Warrior great who Ryan coached and influenced was Mike Bellotti, the all-time winningest football coach at Oregon, who is also the third alltime winningest coach in the Pac-12 conference. Gravelle, Garcia, Robie and Bellotti were all inducted to the school’s Hall of Fame in its augural 2013 class along with coach Ryan. In 2017, Sullivan was installed in the Hall, joining a host of former Ryan players and coaches including his unde-

Athlete Spotlight

Maci Otaguro and Eleanor Barron Grade: Senior School: Concord High Sport: Volleyball

Coach Jess Mays thought in September his Concord High girls varsity volleyball team would be in the midst of their 2020 season. Instead, he is like every other high school coach in the state, figuring out how he will get his Minuteman team ready for a two-month season that hopefully begins Jan. 12. “Their leadership will dictate our success,” Mays says of senior captains Otaguro and Barron.

“They have played key roles in CHS volleyball the last two years. They are both very hard workers with strong leadership skills. In a season where we may not have the opportunity to build much team chemistry in the preseason, their experience together will be incredibly helpful. Maci has been the starting setter the last two years and is definitely the leader of our team. Eleanor has been the

most stable part of our offense and has become very strong as a blocker as well.” Barron played freshman basketball and volleyball but since then has concentrated on volleyball, including with the Bay Area Volleyball Club. Her freshman year she won the Minuteman Award, was offensive MVP as a sophomore and last year received the Coaches Award. She has earned scholar ath-

feated 1971 Turkey Bowl championship team. Warren’s speech concluded, “We celebrate his victories, we celebrate his successes, but more than anything else we celebrate a gentleman who taught young men how to become real men. We celebrate a gentleman who taught young men the importance of applying themselves in their academic work in the classroom – for treating their teachers and fellow students with respect and dignity. He was much more than a successful football coach; he was a positive role model to many – a man who was more focused on building character and instilling strong personal values than winning football games.”

BOB GIARDINA TRACK At Napa High School, Giardina played football, basketball, baseball and swimming. He played football at Napa Junior College and College of the Pacific (now UOP) as a running back. Following college, he was commissioned a lieutenant in the Marine Corps, serving actively for three years and, remaining in the reserves reaching the rank of colonel. All of his athletes and fellow coaches referred to him as “General.” Giardina taught many future Ygnacio Valley athletes at nearby Oak Grove Intermediate before he came to Ygnacio Valley in 1964. He was head track and field coach for 15 years besides frosh

lete awards and is planning for college to get a business degree and perhaps play volleyball. Barron says, “Not being able to play volleyball and participate in senior events this year has made me realize how much volleyball means to me. Now that I am unable to engage in senior activities and see my friends at school, playing volleyball is not only a way to socialize but a way to relieve my stress and anxiety of how this year is going. I am looking forward to hopefully practicing in December and have hope that the school year will improve.” During Otaguro’s first two years on varsity she has earned all-Diablo Athletic League honors as well as a number of team and scholar athlete awards. Volleyball is her only sport and she plays year-round with Bay Area Volleyball Club. She is also a Link Crew leader at Concord High. “COVID 19 has taught me to not take things for granted and that nothing is ever promised. I am thankful for the years I have been able to play but am hopeful that I will still get to play my senior year vol-

and JV football duties. In 1968 his squad won the DVAL track and field championship and then tied powerhouse Pittsburg for the North Coast Section Valley Division boys title. He was named DVAL coach of the year. Another of his legacies at the school was starting and sponsoring Block Y. It became the most successful club at YV and it was all due to Giardina’s energy tirelessly promoting sports at the school. After his induction to the school Hall of Fame in 2015 it was announced the school track was going to be named in his honor.

WUTZKE GYMNASIUM Another Warrior immortal with North Dakota roots was original principal Wutzke, a native of the state. Ernie served in the Navy and then went to the University of North Dakota, graduating with Bachelor and Master’s degrees. He eventually got his doctorate degree from the University of California. Dr. Wutzke came to Ygnacio Valley to open the school in 1962 and stayed until he retired in 1986. “Smilin’ Ernie,” as he was affectionately called because he always had a great big smile when he greeted you, loved sports. When he left Willows High to come to Ygnacio Valley he brought with him Dick Ryan. It is said Wutzke “was a coach’s

See YVHS, page 15

leyball season.” Otaguro is hopeful she can continue her playing career in college next year. Coach Mays concluded by saying, “Both of these girls set great examples for the program and have it pointed in the right direction. I’m very lucky to have senior captains that are such great young women on and off the court. I can’t wait to see them play their final season at Concord. It’s a great day to be a Minuteman.”

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

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

Kelly Sopak named head basketball coach at Carondelet High School September 18, 2020

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Renowned girls basketball coach Kelly Sopak has been named the head varsity coach at Carondelet High School. Sopak was the club and high school coach for No. 1 WNBA draft pick Sabrina Ionescu, who played for him on Cal Stars and Miramonte High teams before her legendary career at Oregon. Carondelet standout Ali Bamberger, who recently transferred to Saint Mary’s College from Washington after her freshman season, also played for Sopak on the top Cal Stars team during her high school years. Director of Athletics Scott Kennedy said, “Kelly Sopak brings in a healthy resume with an abundance of experiences that we haven’t had before with a good, solid reputation and work ethic. Coach Sopak is not just the best head coach for us right now, he’s the best head coach for us today, tomorrow, this year, and next. Coach Sopak is the future of Carondelet basketball, bringing a skillset and mindset that we need both on and off the court. Kelly Sopak makes us better on Day 1.” Sopak has established a strong reputation as a successful coach over the past decade and a half in the high school and club basketball worlds. Sopak led programs at Miramonte (2009-20) and Northgate (2005-09) high schools. Miramonte won three consecutive North Coast Section Division III titles with Ionescu from 2014-16 and then won the D-II championship the following year. His final game last winter for Miramonte saw them fall to Pinewood in the Northern California Division I semi-finals. His achievements expand into the travel basketball circuit as the founder, director and coach of the signature U-17 team of the Cal Stars Basketball

Athlete Spotlight Kelly Sopak was named the head varsity basketball coach at Carondelet High School last week. Sopak was the club and high school coach for No. 1 WNBA draft pick Sabrina Ionescu, who played for him on Cal Stars and Miramonte High teams before her legendary career at Oregon.

Photo courtesy Carondelet Athletics

Club. Coach Sopak founded the Cal Stars in 2006 and has been serving as the club’s Director and Elite head coach since then. “Carondelet is the pinnacle of girls basketball here in the Bay Area, if not the state of California. Our goal is to put it on the national map, as well,” Sopak said. “I think Carondelet has the resources and the administrative support and community backing that could put our school on the national map as far as women’s basketball.” Sopak has a high school coaching record of 398-45 (.898) and garnered sustained postseason success. His postseason accomplishments include one CIF Open Division NorCal championship (2016), six CIF NorCal Finals appearances and four NCS championships. Ionescu is now one of the most well-regarded athletes in basketball. She set national records (for men or women) while at the University of Oregon and was drafted #1 overall by the New York Liberty in the WNBA. She had been befriended by Kobe Bryant and spoke at his funeral earlier this year. Steph Curry is another big Ionescu fan.

Sopak’s coaching experience is supplemented by club basketball expertise, with more than 1,500 games coached over 14 years at Cal Stars. His teams have made many deep runs in national tournaments, including finishing as National champion three times in 2015 (Nike), 2012 (Adidas) and 2011 (Adidas), National runner-up in 2013 (Nike), final four in 2019 and 2017 (Nike) and elite eight in 2016 (Nike). More than 250 female student-athletes he has coached have moved on to play at the collegiate level. Carondelet Principal Kevin Cushing said, “A couple of the goals of our athletics program are to provide a successful experience, not just in terms of wins and losses, but in being able to participate in a journey that allows for growth and development as part of a team, to become a better athlete and player in their specific sport, and to provide opportunity to compete at the collegiate level if that is a goal for our athletes. Kelly Sopak has a proven track record of providing all those goals for his basketball players and we know that our basketball players will be provided a

wonderful journey and will be provided an environment where their skills will grow and develop as we compete against the best of the best.” “I ask the young ladies to work hard, be disciplined, be fundamental. I do that in my coaching,” Sopak said. “Our coaching staff is going to be prepared. We are really going to put the girls in a position to succeed on and off the court and I think they should feel that, see it, and we should live it every day.” Carondelet basketball has experienced great success in the past two decades. The Cougars won their only State championship in 2004, anchored by Jayne Appel. Carondelet has shown sustained success while winning its NCS division 14 times since 2003 and finished second three times. Sopak replaces Mike Morris, who coached the Cougars the past two years. Carondelet lost to eventual champions San Ramon Valley in the semifinals of the NCS Division I playoffs last February. Sopak said, “It’s an incredible opportunity to get this program to where it’s been in the past. I’m excited to get to work.”

of the continuing coronavirus pandemic. This schedule is predicated on state and local government and health officials allowing competition to take place on the new timetable. No one can state with any certainty what the situation will look like as the Dec. 14 start date for practices approaches. NCS commissioner Pat Cruickshank explains that, “until Dec. 14, the months can be used as we currently use summer months. Of course, they have to adhere to health guidelines from state and county.” What does seem likely now is that until much more progress is made in the

“reopening” protocols around the state related to public assemblies in this time of social distancing, it would appear games, matches and meets will be held with limited or no audiences. The East Bay Athletic League has released its schedules for every sport while the Diablo Athletic League is still to publish schedules for the 11 sports being contested in the spring phase of the schedule. Those sports will start practice beginning Mar. 8 for all sports except soccer, which begins Feb. 22. NCS, Northern California and CIF State championships will be held in May and June.

State competitions for track and field, baseball and softball end June 26. Even more jarring, the final weekend for high school basketball in California is June 18-19. In previous years, top graduating high school senior basketball players have already gone off to their college destination by then.

High school sports still aiming for competition resumption in January JAY BEDECARRÉ The Pioneer

Not much has changed in the past two months since the California Interscholastic Federation and North Coast Section published a revised schedule for 2020-21 high school sports in the state and section. Schools, coaches, athletes and parents are all hopeful that conditions will allow that timetable to be enacted and the games can begin. The schedule calls for practice to begin in December for football, cross country, volleyball and water polo, which begins a condensed competition schedule from January through June 2021 in the midst

Page 13

To see the current sports schedule, turn to page 14

Jay Bedecarré

Clayton Valley Charter High School began preparations for defense of its 2019 CIF State Division 2-AA football championship in mid-June. At that time, the State and North Coast Section had approved summer workouts under strict health and safety guidelines and the Ugly Eagles began workouts on their all-new green turf field at Gonsalves Stadium. Not too long after an uptick in COVID-19 cases caused sports activities to be halted again. On July 20 CIF announced that all high school sports competitions were shut down. NCS has scheduled Dec. 14 as the target date for football practice to resume.

925.348.5609 Nick Eisenbart

Owner/Service Provider Concord resident

Stephanie Ruzicka

School: Clayton Valley Charter High Grade: Senior Sport: Tennis

Clayton Valley Charter girls varsity co-captain Ruzicka began playing tennis in sixth grade and has been awaiting her final high school tennis season since she first made her way onto the team three years ago. Now, due to the revised California high school sports schedule, tennis will be starting seven months later than usual next March. Despite her disappointment and longing for normalcy, Ruzicka is yet another example of a student athlete dedicated to using her COVID-created downtime to get into her best shape ever. Last season, the Ugly Eagles qualified for the North Coast Section playoffs after winning league. Ruzicka, along with head coach Shane Velez and the rest of the team, is expecting to go even further this year. After months of summer conditioning, including daily individual and team workouts, the squad is confident that their upcoming season, although distant, shorter and unprecedented, is going to be more successful than the last. Velez says the unusually late schedule being played at the same time as boys tennis will be “drastically different to any season I have ever coached. The good news is that the girls have more time to prepare. I’m really looking forward to working with the team and getting them as prepared as possible.” He assures that Ruzicka will be a vital component in turning this unusual season into a triumphant one, calling her “a dedicated team member [who] leads by example with her hard work during drills and practice play… and is always focused and competes at a high level.” Last year, Ruzicka excelled in the classroom as well as on the court by maintaining a 4.83 GPA which she hopes will propel her to the college of her choice as she pursues a chemical engineering or architecture degree. On campus she is serving as president of the CVCHS Rotary Club, as well as being a member of California Scholarship Federation and The Women in Science and Engineering Club. CVCHS student journalist Alexa Oldham wrote this Spotlight.

The Pioneer congratulates Stephanie and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsor Family Vision Care Optometry which has been serving the Clayton and Concord area for 25 years.

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forward in watercolor. I also work in mixed media and ceramics.” LISA FULMER Browne’s favorite thing to paint is people. ARTS IN MOTION “It’s probably because I stare at bodies all day as a Michele Browne enjoyed nurse. I try to go toward the two six-month backpacking trips overseas before complet- abstract, but sometimes my art ing her degree in environmen- turns out looking more realistal science from UC Berkeley. tic,” she says. “I’m also motivated by a song or book pasAfter graduation, she taught English in Wuhan, China, for sage. I usually like to have words in my art.” more than a year. As a Certified Wound “I’d say it was clear back Ostomy Continence Nurse then that I had no idea what (CWOCN), she uses her art to do with myself,” Browne skills all the time. “I know it recalls. sounds strange, but when I’m After returning from trying to figure out a patient’s China, Browne went to nursing school at the University of particular complication, I know that my creativity and San Francisco. “Now that was an excellent my sense of shape and color makes a difference and decision,” she says. “At the improves my care. time, I figured I could keep “My art is also my own gallivanting around the world while working as a nurse – so therapy on many levels,” she continues. “It helps me clear I started a family and we my head, like a personal moved to Turkey.” purification ceremony.” When Browne came back Browne joined the Conto the East Bay after about Lisa Fulmer four years abroad, she special- cord Art Association (CAA) ized as an ICU nurse for burn about a year ago and just this Michele Browne painted “Eurydice” after a busy day at the hospital. month became a member of victims. “I’ve completely the board of directors. “I enjoyed nursing for the past about membership benefits CAA encourages visual believe in participation and 30 years,” she says. and upcoming programs. artists of all styles and skill Although she’s always been giving back,” she says. “Just as levels to join, as well as supartistic, “she never considered nursing is an asset to my life Lisa Fulmer is a marketing conbeyond measure, making art is porters of the local arts comherself an artist “in the munity. Visit concordartassosultant, published author and a coma very satisfying asset as well.” strictest sense of the word.” ciation.com to learn more munity arts advocate. “I didn’t really dive into my art until my sons were grown,” says Browne, who moved to Concord four years ago – after her youngest son left for college. “I fell into my first waterWrestling (Boys & Girls) color class by accident. While Dates for high school sports in 2020-21 1st day of practice Mar. 8 school year for Diablo Athletic & East Bay I was staring at the class list Non-league Matches & Tournaments March - May Athletic leagues: trying to make a decision, an DAL League Matches TBA instructor recognized me as EBAL League Matches Apr. 22 – May 12 “FALL” SCHEDULE being her nurse once, so she DAL League Championship Meet TBA Football encouraged me to join her EBAL League Championship Meet May 19 1st day of practice Dec. 14 all fall sports class,” she says. “That was like Non-league Games Jan. 8 – Feb. 13 NCS Dual Meet Team Championships May 22 NCS Meet June 4-5 providence. I’ve kept moving DAL League Games Feb. 19 – Mar. 19 (Fridays)

High School Sports, from page 13

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EBAL League Games Feb. 20 – Mar. 20 (Saturdays) NCS Playoffs Mar. 26-Apr. 10 Regional/State Championships Apr. 16/17

Cross Country (Boys & Girls) Dual & Invitational Meets January - February DAL Championship Meet Mar. 6 (Hidden Valley Park, Martinez) EBAL Championship Meet Mar. 13 (Newhall Park, Concord) NCS Championship Meet Mar. 20 (Hayward High School) CIF State Championship Meet Mar. 27 (Woodward Park, Fresno) Volleyball (Boys & Girls) Non-league Games & Tournaments JanuaryFebruary DAL League Games Jan. 12 – Feb. 25 EBAL League Games Jan. 26 – Feb. 25 NCS Playoffs Mar. 2-13 NorCal Championships Mar. 20

Water Polo (Boys & Girls) Non-league Games & Tournaments JanuaryFebruary DAL League Games Jan. 20 – Feb. 24 EBAL League Games Jan. 26 – Feb. 25 NCS Playoffs Mar. 3-13 NorCal Championships Mar. 16-20

“SPRING” SCHEDULE

Soccer 1st day of practice Feb. 22 Non-league Games & Tournaments February May DAL League Games Mar. 23 – May 13 EBAL League Games Mar. 10 - May 12 NCS Playoffs May 18-29 NorCal Championships June 1-5

Swimming & Diving (Boys & Girls) 1st day of practice Mar. 8 Non-league Meets & Invitationals March - May DAL League Dual Meets Apr. 5 – May 10 EBAL League Dual Meets Apr. 19 - May 17 DAL League Championship Meet TBA EBAL League Championship Meet May 20-22 (Campolindo High, Moraga) NCS Championship Meet May 27-29 (Concord Community Pool) State Championship Meet June 3-5 (Clovis Olympic Swim Complex)

Tennis (Boys & Girls) 1st day of practice Mar. 8 Non-league Matches & Tournaments March - May DAL League Matches TBA EBAL League Matches Mar. 16 – May 11 DAL Tournament TBA EBAL Tournament May 13-17 (Crow Canyon Country Club, Danville) NCS Team Championships May 18-29 NorCal Team Championships June 1-5 NCS Singles/Doubles Championships TBA

State Meet June 10-12 (Mechanics Bank Arena, Bakersfield) Baseball 1st day of practice Mar. 8 Non-league Games & Tournaments March - May DAL League Games TBA EBAL League Games Apr. 30 – June 2 NCS Playoffs June 8-19 NorCal Championships June 22-26 Basketball (Boys & Girls) 1st day of practice Mar. 8 Non-league Games & Tournaments March - May DAL League Games TBA EBAL League Games Apr. 27 - May 27 NCS Playoffs June 1-12 CIF NorCal/State Championships June 15-19 Competitive Cheer (Stunt) 1st day of practice Mar. 8 DAL League Games TBA EBAL League Games Apr. 14 – May 26 NCS Championships June 5 CIF/USA Cheer Invitational June 12

Golf (Boys & Girls) 1st day of practice Mar. 8 Non-league Matches & Tournaments March May DAL League Matches TBA EBAL League Matches Mar. 22 – May 20 DAL League Championship TBA EBAL League Championship May 18 NCS Division II Championship May 31 NCS Division I Championship June 7 NorCal/CIF State Championship June 23

Lacrosse (Boys & Girls) 1st day of practice Mar. 8 Non-league Games & Tournaments March - May DAL League Games TBA EBAL League Games Apr. 27 – May 27 NCS Playoffs June 1-10 Softball 1st day of practice Mar. 8 Non-league Games & Tournaments March - May DAL League Games TBA EBAL League Games Apr. 29 – June 1 NCS Playoffs June 8-19 NorCal Championships June 22-26 Track & Field (Boys & Girls) 1st day of practice Mar. 8 Non-league Meets & Invitationals March - May DAL League Meets TBA EBAL League Dual Meets None scheduled DAL League Championship Meet EBAL League Championship Meet May 29-June 5 (Dublin High School) NCS Tri-Valley Area Meet June 12 NCS Meet of Champions June 18-19 CIF State Meet June 25-26 (Veterans Memorial Stadium, Clovis) For schedule updates visit PioneerPublishers.com

T HE ARTS September 18, 2020

SALLY HOGARTY

STAGE STRUCK If you ready to be frightened or thrilled, the Orinda Starlight Village Players has just the thing to get you in the Halloween spirit. “Halloween Haunts, Jaunts and Murder,” written and directed by Malcolm S. Cowler, runs at 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in October. The interactive Zoom murder mystery is the company’s second endeavor into entertainment online. The company pre-

Michael Butler’s position as Artistic Director at Center Rep was cut due to budget challenges caused by COVID-19.

sented the wildly popular “Night of Creeps, Haunts and Murder” over the summer, with guests trying to solve the mysterious death of the ultra-rich curmudgeon Bartholomew Mugwort. Now participants are invited to the annual Halloween Ball in Castle Caldura. The night of celebration and revelry, however, comes to an abrupt halt

The Pioneer • www.pioneerpublishers.com

Virtual mystery serves up mayhem and murder in time for Halloween when the count is discovered in the chapel with a stake through his heart. Participants find themselves in a series of interrogations and receive a number of puzzling clues as they attempt to solve the count’s unfortunate demise. According to Cowler, the Zoom Halloween murder mystery involves more complicated technical demands than the earlier show, because the actors must take on the physical appearances of the beasts they portray. “There are also many challenges just setting up a Zoom game,” said Cowler. “You have to make sure the participants are muted when required, so random audio doesn’t intrude on the actors. Then there is timing slide and video sharing, so everything is smoothly integrated within the show. Of course, we also worry about lost connections and getting everyone back online quickly.” The idea of hosting online murder mysteries came out of Starlight’s 20-plus year tradition of getting together at someone’s house (an amazing concept nowadays) and welcoming the new year by playing a Clue-like mystery game. To get in on the fun, call Starlight at 925-528-9225 or email info@orsvp.org. In my last column, I mentioned all the wonderful things Center REPertory Company was doing online to keep audiences engaged. Unfortunately, the person who made most of these things possible is no longer with the company. Michael Butler, Center Rep’s energetic, incredibly positive and kind artistic director, took the company to new heights during his 15-year tenure. But due to COVID-19 and the

YVHS, from page 12

dream, as long as you acted correctly on and off the field of play.” He supported the school’s coaches as YVHS became known for outstanding teams in many sports during his tenure. Girls volleyball, swimming and diving, track and field, boys golf and cross country all won NCS championships. Other sports would have taken similar honors had there been NCS competition in the 1960s and 70s. Not only was the school gymnasium named in his honor but also the school’s administrative building. He had a great response to teachers and staff who came into his office to complain about an issue. He

would simply say, “Don’t come in here to complain unless you have a solution!”

JIM GRACE COURT When the school decided to name its basketball court for long-time coach Grace, there was one main stumbling block. He did not want to draw attention to himself and it took athletic director Mark Tran a longtime to get Grace to settle on the place where his name was added this summer when the court surface was refurbished. Grace was inducted in the school’s Hall of Fame twice in 2014. He was honored as a long-time coach but also with his 1987 boys varsity basketball team that reached the State

Page 15

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Malcolm Cowler

The Orinda Starlight Village Players has a beastly assortment of suspects for virtual audience members as they find out who killed the count in “Halloween Haunts, Jaunts and Murder.”

closing of the Lesher Center, the city of Walnut Creek faces significant financial challenges. The City Council recently adopted a budget that eliminated a number of city staff positions, including Center Rep’s artistic director. “It has been one of the greatest joys of my career to serve our patrons and work with so many great theater artists over the past 15 years,” Butler said. The multi-talented Butler is not only an inspired artistic director but a Juilliard-trained performer who is a member of the famed Actors Studio, a published songwriter and talented musician. During several of the productions I attended

over the years at Center Rep, it was not uncommon for Butler to whip out his harmonica following his welcome speech and go into a blues tune. He will be sorely missed. We can only hope that when this crazy world gets back to normal that Butler will be busy working his magic somewhere in the Bay Area – maybe even back at Center Rep.

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

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Division I basketball championship game before losing to Mater Dei. The previous week the Warriors won the Northern California playoffs 56-54 over James Logan in the title game led by school hall of famers Eric Bamberger and Chris Walsh. He was a three-time Contra Costa coach of the year during his 35 years at Ygnacio Valley as a teacher, coach and athletic director. His 1988 team followed up the NorCal championship by winning NCS.

Visit pioneerpublishers.com for more details and photos of Ygnacio Valley High School facilities and some of its most illustrious championship teams of the past six decades. Similar stories for Mt. Diablo, Concord and Clayton Valley Charter high schools are also on the website.

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to move on â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and plant fall vegetables Page 16

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With the heat and weeks of smoke-filled air, the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer veggie gardens have begun to tire. My green veggie leaves have rapidly begun to yellow. The production on my Early Girls is staggered and weak. And the squash and cucumbers have miles of stems with little to no flower production. For me, it is time to pull out my tomatoes, cucumbers and squash, then prep the soil for a cool season veggie garden. Soil prep is important for a fertile, growing situation. We have asked so much of our soil while growing our summer veggies, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to replenish the soilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nutrients to maximize growth this next growing season. However, fall veggie soil prep does not need the same

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jumpstart the roots and top growth. Some of my favorite cool weather veggies to grow are broccoli, heirloom kale, white and red onions, Brussels sprouts, rainbow chard, lettuce and cauliflower. Broccoli is a family favorite. Plants grow fast and can be ready to harvest in about 45 days. Most plants NICOLE HACKETT give one large head and sevGARDEN GIRL eral smaller offshoots. Broccoli is best bought in a sixlevel of nitrogen as in the pack. Space plants 18 inches spring. Amend garden soil to 2 feet apart. Keep your and raised beds with a preeye on your broccoli. Occamium organic soil condition- sionally aphids can become er formulated for vegetables. an issue, so have the neem Look at the labelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ingredioil handy. ents for words like chicken Heirloom kale is leafy, manure, earthworm castings with deep, textured margins. and alfalfa meal. Kale is great sautĂŠed or The trick with a cool sea- chopped in a salad. I prefer son garden is to install the removing most of the stems plants while the days and soil before eating. The great are still warm enough to thing about growing kale is

that you will enjoy repeated yields. It is very frost hardy, and a six-pack will keep you in kale until spring warms. We devote an entire bed to onions, including my favorites of Walla Walla sweet white and Stockton Reds. Some years, I have had to settle for Red Burger onions if the Stocktons were not around. They are a decent substitute. Onion starts will not be ready to enjoy until early spring. Bulb onions can take 100-175 days to mature. Brussels sprouts are challenging. In all honesty, mine have never matured with a tall branch filled with those baby blossoms. But I try each year, because it is one of my favorite vegetables. Many of our customers are successful with Brussels sprouts, so I keep trying.

September 18, 2020

Rainbow chard is as beautiful to grow as it is yummy. Vibrant stalks of orange, gold and red support wide leaves of flavor. SautĂŠ chard with olive oil and garlic, chop and fold into soups or steam and use as the base for a vegetable quesadilla. You will get repeated harvests from chard plants for

months of use. A cool weather garden is simple and most always successful. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s keep growing food.

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yours to do? Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s investigate ways in which we are able to use our power to empower by investing our privilege. It starts with an honest conversation with ourselves. There are several Contra Costa County in place in mid-March. Across all cultures and community groups, partners and organizations communities, homophobia and transphobia have forced young people to leave home after that directly link services and opportunities to our most vulnerable community members, coming out as LGBTQI+ to their families. those that hold multiple marginalized intersecIn the Voices of Youth Count Initiativeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2017 study from Chapin Hall at the University tional identities: â&#x20AC;˘ PFLAG Clayton Concord at of Chicago, Black youth had an 83 percent facebook.com/ClaycordPFLAG/. higher risk for homelessness and LGBT youth â&#x20AC;˘ PFLAG Danville-San Ramon Valley at facehad a 120 percent higher risk for homelessbook.com/PFLAGSanRamonValley. ness. And these statistics reflect our world â&#x20AC;˘ PFLAG Lamorinda at before March 2020. See facebook.com/pflaglamorinda. truecolorsunited.org/2017/11/15/new-studyâ&#x20AC;˘ Rainbow Community Center of Contra reveals-scope-youth-homelessness/. Costa County at rainbowcc.org/. At mid-summer, Rainbowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homeless youth program reflected 78 percent Black youth who â&#x20AC;˘ RYSE Center Richmond at rysecenter.org/blog/june2020. identify as LGBTQI+, while our other proShare your joy. Go big and stay home. gram services, i.e. virtual support groups, clinical services and food pantry program, reflect Kiku Johnson is Rainbow Community Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s less than 5 percent Black folx. executive director. As a man of color and trans experience, Kiku has invested his life engaging and elevating A TIME TO SHARE youth and adult voices of marginalized intersectional Everybody shares a part of themselves to identities. Send questions and comments to create abundance for all. Now is the time to consider how and what you can share. What is kiku@rainbowcc.org.

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