dec 19 concord pioneer 2014

A year ago this month theConcord City Council surprisedmany observers by entering intoa new 10-year agreement withconcert promoter Live Nationto handle operations at the Con-cord Pavilion. The national pro-duction company had just suf-fered through five down atten-dance years at the Pavilion and itwas thought “fresh blood”might better serve the city’sneeds to re-invigorate the facili-ty on Kirker Pass Rd.

It turns out that city officials

and council members may justhave struck gold in keeping thefaith in Live Nation.

Results from the 2014 con-cert season are now in and in its40th season the Pavilion’s paidattendance (162,514) was itsbest since 2001 and the 18shows were the most since 2008.

The new agreement betweenLive Nation and the city guaran-tees Concord an $800,000 annu-al fee plus, for the first fiveyears, the city receives $3 forevery ticket sold over 100,000.This year that overage translates

The numbers are staggering:In India, more than 50 milliongirls and women have been mur-dered in the last century, due tothat country’s patriarchal mind-set and a preference for sons. By2020 there will be 20 percentmore men than women in India.

While India is thousands ofmiles away from Concord, thatstatistic hits home for local film-maker Nyna Pais Caputi, who isshedding light on the horrificsubject with a new documen-tary, “Petals in the Dust: TheEndangered Indian Girls.”

Mayor Tim Grayson is deter-mined to get the Contra CostaFamily Justice Center built.Even if he has to do it withLego’s.

Luckily, that won’t happen,but it didn’t stop his mates onthe Concord City Council to

give him a “custom” toy set ofthe building blocks as a whimsi-cal gift honoring his first year asMayor.

It is a tradition for the coun-cil to honor outgoing mayorswith fun little trinkets honoringtheir year in service, but asGrayson is in the middle of atwo-year term, fellow councilmember and newly elected Vice

Mayor Laura Hoffmeisterbrought a bag of toys and holi-day ornaments honoring themayor’s first year in office.

It was a fitting end to theupbeat swearing-in ceremony of

A soggy lawn at Todos San-tos Plaza didn’t dampen thespirits of hundreds of revelerswho crowded into a corner ofSalvio and Grant streets tousher in the holiday season inConcord on Dec. 6.

With the sounds of pint-sized carolers and the clip-clopof horse-drawn carriages pro-viding the soundtrack for theevening, Mayor Tim Graysonand other dignitaries andchoirs of carolers counteddown, then with a flip of aswitch, the large pine in theplaza was lit with colorfullights.

The official lighting fol-lowed the Annual Tree Lightingand Mayor’s Sing Along cele-bration, which included per-formances from local schoolbands and choruses, danceacademies and church choirs.From itty-bitty ballerinas to

A sincere thank you to thecitizens of Concord for theiroverwhelming support for therenewal of Measure Q. What thismeans for our City goes farbeyond today. It speaks to ournext generation and beyond andenables us to get past the firstrung on the ladder of success.

The metaphor of climbingthe ladder of success is familiarto most people. I believe it hasapplication to the role of citycouncils charged with the devel-opment of policy that will deter-mine the direction for the futureof their respective cities.

What we know from experi-ence is that there is usually a mobat the bottom of each figurativeladder and the most difficult partof negotiating one’s way to thetop has to do with getting a firmgrasp on the first rung.

Passage of the extension ofMeasure Q guarantees a securefoothold for our future. What wedo with this opportunity is up tous. As your Mayor let me assure Inot only welcome this challenge,I embrace it with enthusiasm.

My first goal is to protect ourcore services and then enhanceour capability for economicdevelopment. I want to ensurethat during my tenure we set inplace the steps needed to ensurewe will not need any future Mea-sure Q type measures.

I will propose a significantincrease in the size, scope, andfunction of our Economic

See Mayor, page 3

See Filmmaker, page 14

See Pavilion, page 14

See Elections, page 14

See Lights, page 3

IT’S YOUR PAPERwww.concordpioneer.com December 19, 2014 925.672.0500

TIM GRAYSON

MAYOR

Ladder of success

PEGGY SPEAR

Concord Pioneer

JAY BEDECARRÉ

Concord Pioneer

PEGGY SPEAR

Concord Pioneer

From the desk of...

Concord lights up with holiday spirit

Rochelle Douglas/Rochellez Photography

LIGHTS, CARRIAGES AND CAROLERS USHERED IN THE OFFICIAL START TO THE HOLIDAY SEASON with the annual Tree Lighting andMayor’s Sing Along in Todos Santos Plaza on Dec. 6.

Local filmmaker sheds light onIndia’s violence towards women

Pavilion performances pay off for city

NYNA PAIS CAPUTI AND HER HUSBAND and co-producer, Gino,met at the New York Film Academy where Nyna was studying.They live in Concord with their two young sons. Check out the

EBRPD ActivityGuide Inside.

Council swears in incumbents;Hoffmeister elected vice-mayor

YOU MIGHT ASK “WHAT’S IN A NAME?” A year ago the Concord City Council concluded negotia-tions on a new 10-year contract with Live Nation to run its concert venue on Kirker Pass Rd.One of the key elements in the agreement was to return the venue’s name to the originalConcord Pavilion after years being called Sleep Train Pavilion. The Pavilion’s 2014 season alsobegan to look like years gone by with the largest attendance since 2001 coming to 18 shows.

PEGGY SPEAR

Concord Pioneer

On a foggy Dec. 7 morning,parishioners of St. Francis ofAssisi Church on Oak Grove,marched from Cambridge Parkto the church on Oak Grove tohonor Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The procession marked theday in 1531 when the VirginMary appeared to a Juan Diego,a young Aztec convert, tellinghim to build a church where hewas standing.

The Parade honors the storyof the apparition, however theLady of Guadalupe has come tosymbolize the commonality offaith between all the Hispanic,native Americans and their mix-tures. The floats and costumeshave Aztec, Indian, Mexican andCentral American themes along

with Catholic imagery. She isnow known as The Patroness ofthe Americas.

“Living in concordance witheach other with a set of sharedvalues of good,” said Council-man Edi Birsan who attendedthe procession. “What betterplace than in a city called Con-cord to hold the parade.”

6160 Center Street, Suite E, Clayton 94517

Each Office IsIndependently

Owned & Operated.Tel: (925) 672-4433

George VujnovichBroker

Clayton Resident

(925) 672-4433cell: (925) 348-5700

[email protected]

www.jenniferstojanovich.com

howardhomeseastbay.com

homesbydianehayes.com

Better Homes

DRE#00933393

Don and Emily HowardFather/daughter team

Don, Realtor-AssociateClayton Resident

(925) [email protected]

Emily, Realtor-Associate(925) 408-1871

[email protected]

Jennifer StojanovichBroker-Associate

Lifelong Clayton/Concord Resident


Cal BRE #01846446 &

Cal BRE#01938441

Cal BRE #01446062

www.georgevujnovich.comCal BRE #00711036

Diane and Bill HayesRealtor-Associate

Clayton Residents


Cal BRE #01222762

Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com December 19, 2014

Concord unveils newcity website design

The City of Concordlaunched a redesigned web-site last month at www.cityof-concord.org. The new designhas a more modern feel,with larger photos, less textand easier navigation.

The previous website waswell-used, with between40,000 and 60,000 uniquevisitors every month. Whilethe new design preserves thecontent popular with users, itmakes information easier tofind. The upgrade projectwas completed in-house,with minimal cost to the city.

Residents are invited totake a brief survey afterexploring the redesignedwebsite to assist the city inunderstanding what userslike about the site and whatcan be improved. The surveyis posted on the home pageat www.cityofconcord.org.

For more information,contact Leslye Asera, 925-671-3272, [email protected].

St. Agnes Schoolgets crabby

St. Agnes School will holdits Annual crab feedfundraiser on Jan. 31, atCarondelet High School'sGaraventa Center.

Sponsored by St. AgnesSchool and the St. AgnesParrish Knights of Columbus,the crab feed supports St.Agnes School in Concord.Tickets are $55 each and areavailable at St. AgnesSchool, St. Agnes Parrish orby calling 925 330-7313.Twelve guests may reservean entire table.

St. Agnes School providestop-quality education rootedin Catholic tradition, whichstrives to foster the develop-ment of each student

CCOOMMMMUUNNIITTYYIn Brief...

Continued next page

Concord bids farewell to Mr. Xmas

There is still time for a visitto Concord’s historic GalindoHouse which has been lovinglydecorated by the ConcordHistorical Society.

Cider and cookies await vis-itors. The gingerbread houseson display are definitely not foreating.

The intricate houses werebaked and crafted by studentsfrom the Serendipity HospitalityProgram at Mt. Diablo HighSchool.

The gracious Victorianhome was built in 1856 for DonFrancisco Galindo and his wife,Maria Delores ManuelaPacheco. The home was in thefamily until Ruth Galindo’sdeath in 1999.

The house will be open Sat. andSun., Dec. 20 and 21, from 1-4 p.m.The Galindo House is at 1721Amador Ave., in Concord just oneblock off Galindo St. Call (925)685-8203 for more information.

A beloved Christmas tradi-tion will come to an end thisyear when Bruce Mertz flips theswitch on his “Mr. Xmas” light

display for the last time.Mertz is not religious and

has called his display Mr. Xmassince the first lights were strung

35 years ago..Every year, he would add

lights and imagination to hisConcord home to create a dis-

play that drew hundreds fromall over the Bay Area andbecame the subject of a shortdocumentary. His home was a“must see” on any family’sChristmas lights tour.

Sadly, declining health hasprevented Mertz from main-taining his display and he wasunsure of how much wouldactually light up this year. At theend of the season, a friend willhelp him dismantle and putaway the 5,000 lights for the lasttime.

To see the award-winningdocumentary, go towww.mrchristmas.com. Or, bet-ter yet, stop by one last time at5208 Olive Dr. in Concord.

Parishioners honor Patroness of the Americas

Gingerbread andhistory partnerup for theholidays at theGalindo House

Development Department. I willbe working with our Council, theCity Manager, and key staff tosurge our economic develop-ment capability.

It begins, of course, with themarvelous opportunities inherentin the development of the for-mer Naval Weapons Stationproperty, but it goes beyond thatunique and exceptional challenge.

We took the first step whenwe re-negotiated our Pavilioncontract with Live Nation. Weare thrilled with the new termsof our agreement and with the

great success enjoyed by LiveNation in upgrading the numberand quality of their live per-formances.

Our Economic DevelopmentDepartment, operating on ashoestring budget, persuadedFresenius USA, to re-locate inConcord. They brought 400 toppaying jobs to our city and, whathas not been fully appreciated, a$32 million medical equipmentmanufacturing operation. I wantmore, much more. Chevron hasdecided to vacate its underuti-lized property in Concord. The

30 acre site can employ 2,000people. What an opportunity!The location, between DiamondBlvd. and Interstate 680, is primefor development. I would love tosee a Bio-Tech Company acquirethis space. Marketing this prop-erty will require a full-court-press. Ensuring this happens isone of my priorities.

In our downtown, Swift Real-ty Partners has a quality buildingof approximately 500,000’ ofClass “A” office property, with asubterranean garage, adjacent toour downtown BART station,that is ready right now. Our Eco-nomic Development manager is

assisting Swift in finding a tenant.Earlier I mentioned the mob

at the base of the ladder, clamor-ing for a grip on the first rung.Please be advised that we knowand appreciate we are not work-ing in a vacuum or without com-petition. John Montagh, our mostcapable economic developmentmanager, recently attended a con-ference sponsored by Wells FargoBank and the Brookings Institute.They are creating an “InnovationsDistrict” encompassing the threemillion people residing in the BayArea. This area is considered oneof the best in the Country foreconomic development and Con-

cord is one of the key cities inthat District.

We must make sure we havesomething of a world-classnature for the Concord ReuseProject. I envision a soccer stadi-um that will seat 10,000 people.This stadium will be part of amajor sports complex with abaseball diamond, softball fields,and a number of soccer fields. Ifyou are a soccer parent you knowhow valuable this will be for Con-cord, to say nothing of the ancil-lary businesses that will spring uparound this facility.

To state the obvious, this willescalate the economic develop-

ment of the portion of the ReuseProject property to be developedby the master developer whichwe will select early next year.

Let me close by saying I amtruly excited about Concord’sfuture, but I am also very mindfulof the promised protection ofour core services, for example,public safety, road and sewerrepairs, and remembering ouryouth and seniors, to name justthree. They will not be forgotten,but I thought you would want toknow your mayor is also focusedon the future, not just business asusual.

“America’s Got Talent”-worthydancers and singers, the two-hour event thrilled residentseager to get into the holidayspirit.

“I just heard about this inthe morning and wanted totake the family out to do some-

thing spe-cial,” saysConcord res-i d e n tR a s h a n d aCalhoun.

With no

disrespect to the mayor, thestar of the evening was the BigMan himself, Santa Claus, whowas on hand to get some ideasfor what to leave to leaveunder Christmas trees on Dec.24. A line of children and theirparents ran the length of theplaza on Salvio Street, waitingfor a chance to see Santa upclose and personal.

Despite the wet grass at theplaza, the mild weather coop-erated, much to the delight ofDarren Walters, president of

the Todos Santos BusinessAssociation, which organizesthe event. “Last year it wasreally cold, and the year beforethat, it was raining,” he said.“We couldn’t ask for a betternight,” he said as he gave outhot chocolate and cookies toyoung revelers.

One of the traditions at theSing-Along is to give out fes-tive blinking holiday pins — ahot commodity, according tovolunteer Liz Cherene of theLions’ Club.

This year’s pin wasdesigned by Highlands Ele-mentary student Sabrina Woo.“They were gone quickly,”

Cherene said. “I think peoplecome year after year just tocollect the pins.”

And of course drink in alittle holiday spirit at the sametime.

LLyynnnnee ooffffeerrss ffrreeee ssttaaggiinngg oonn AALLLL LLIISSTTIINNGGSS!!

Cal BRE#01122025

Start the new year off right.Come join the #1 Office in Clayton & Concord.*

Call for a Confidential Interview! Angelique Booth (925) 673-2183 Cal BRE#01715289

Concord $829,980Crystyl Ranch - Exceptional home has 6BD/3.5 BA. within a 3,477sq.ft. open floor plan. Gourmet Eat-in Kitchen with Granite counters,travertine floors, oak cabinetry, Stainless appliances. Master suite onmain level along with hardwood floors and soaring ceilings. Rear yardoasis with sparkling pool/spa with waterfall.

Clayton $655,000Oakhurst - 3BD/2.5BA This Spectacular home has been upgradedthroughout. Great room has floor to ceiling stone fireplace with built incabinetry and surround sound. Spiral Staircase with electric hoist.Gourmet Kitchen features granite counters, custom cabinets, New JennAir & Viking Appliances.

Clayton $533,980Chaparral Springs - 3BD/3BA Townhome featuring an updatedGourmet kitchen with granite counters,. new cabinets, hardwood floor-ing, stainless appliances. Both upstairs bathrooms have been updatedwith heated stone floors. 1BD/1BA on main level. Private yard withdecks, built-in kitchen island.

Concord $639,000Concord Vista - 4BD/2.5BA Tri-level home with 2,086 sqft. This spec-tacular home has an updated gourmet kitchen with new cabinets, granitecounters. Hardwood floors in kitchen, Dining room and Living room.Family room has redone fireplace and wet bar. Great entertaining rearyard with sparkling pool/spa.

Concord $258,888Roundtree - 3BD/2BA 1130 sqft Condo. Highly desirable end unitwith level entry. Park like views next to greenbelt and pool. Updatedwith new carpeting and new paint. Light and bright kitchen

Concord $690,000Crossings - 4BD/2.5BA Fantastic largest model freshly paintedthroughout. Updated gourmet kitchen with Granite counters. LargeMaster bedroom suite. Formal living and Dining rooms. Private, Sereneend court location with the green belt and trail adjacent. Walnut Creekmiddle and high schools.

December 19, 2014 Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com

Mayor, from page 1

through an environment thatvalues individual self-worth,academic achievement, tal-ents and abilities, culturalawareness, lifelong faith for-mation and local and globalservice to others.

The crab feed begins at5:30 p.m. Carondelet HighSchool is located at 1133Winton Dr. in Concord

New bike racks atCivic Center

A half dozen new bikeracks were recently installedat Concord Civic Center,1950 Parkside Drive, toaccommodate those ridingtheir bikes to city meetings orto conduct business at cityoffices.

The bike racks were paidfor by a grant from 511.organd will also benefit employ-ees who choose to bike towork.

Last year, Concordinstalled new bike racks at 15city parks and facilities andposted a webpage that makesthem easy to find. To accessthe bicycle rack web page,visitwww.cityofconcord.org/bike.For more information, call925-671-3147.

In Brief...Lights, from page 1

Photos, clockwisefrom upper right: 1. 3. The “Can-do Crew”from Boy Scout Troop 364From left: AssistantScoutmaster Dean Cofer, RaceCofer, Yanni Reynolds andGrant Reeg. The Scouts willbe wrapping gifts at theSenior Center on Dec. 20. 2. Concord Rec ballet dancers

3. Performers from D’Ann’sSchool of Dance4. Santa and Florence Weiss,City of Concord DowntownProgram Director 5. Annual Tree Lighting pindesigned by HighlandsElementary student SabrinaWoo

Photos by Rochelle Douglass Rochellez Photography

1

23

4

5

They are as iconic during theholiday season as Santa and hisreindeer: ‘Tis the season for theSalvation Army bell-ringers todon their apron uniforms andhang their pots outside localestablishments to collect moneyfor local charitable work.

The practice began in SanFrancisco in 1891 when Salva-tion Army Captain JosephMcFee set out a kettle at thefoot of Market Street where theOakland Ferry landed in orderto deliver on a promised freeChristmas dinner to the area’spoor. The Salvation Army nowaids more than 4,500,000 atThanksgiving and Christmas.

Locally, the job of organiz-ing and supervising the kettleworkers in Central Contra Costais in the hands of Corps Assis-tant Amy Lewis, now in her sec-ond year at the helm.

The job appeals to Lewis atmany levels. “I like puzzles,” she

says. “Everyday I have to solvesituations and put things togeth-er so they will work.” Lewis jug-gles factors such as personality,location, weather and otherintangibles to get the best resultsfor the erstwhile bell-ringers.

DOUBLE MINISTRYDriving from location to

location with Lewis gives evi-dence of the daily frenzy ofputting her “elves” to work. Herbackseat is filled with spare ket-tles, stands, signs, aprons andmounds of paperwork. Thelocal Salvation Army currently isrunning 25 pots throughout theCentral County area, from Con-cord to Orinda and Martinez toSan Ramon.

Aside from raising moneyfor charitable work — includinga food pantry, “Toy and Joy”gifts for needy clients and afterschool and other youth pro-grams — the bell ringer pro-gram provides a doubleministry.

“The funds raised are allused in our local programs. The

workers can feel good aboutwhat they are doing,” saysLewis. “At the same time, wecan provide needed jobs for

many people in the county.These jobs can supplement theirS.S.I., or provide a reentryopportunity for those who havegone through rehabilitation,spent time in jail for minorcrimes, or have been out ofwork.”

Although seasonal and pay-ing only minimum wage, thosewho work can benefit throughletters of reference or recom-mendation, or can get the need-ed confidence and work habitsto make it to the next step.

Lewis cited one employeenow entering his second year ofwork. He had gone through theAdult Rehab program of theOakland chapter of the Salva-tion Army many years ago, butthen fell off the wagon. “He isrebuilding his life again and hasbeen our most reliable and mostgrateful employee.”

An annual award for thelocal chapter was set up last year

to honor Jay Belcher, betterknown as Cowboy. Dressed infull regalia, with chaps, bootsand a full leather duster, he wasa familiar figure at the ConcordSafeway on Willow Pass or theK-Mart on Clayton for manyyears. He even decorated hisbike as his pony. “He emergedas a leader and encouraged otherworkers to do and be better,”says Lewis.

Cowboy passed away lastyear from cancer, but lived longenough to present the award toits first recipient, David Refoua.He and his mother, Roberta,have been bell ringers for 14years. David dresses as Santaand decorates his stand as aChristmas tree. He says he is“more than grateful to assist,”having been on both sides ofSalvation Army help.

LEIGH KLOCKRealtor®, DRE#01874255

925.212.5593

STEPHANIE LOPEZRealtor®, DRE#01370548

925.932.7329

www.myDynamicRealtors.com

INSPIRED REAL ESTATE

Mid-Century Modern - Think Mad Men.Architecturally stunning single level with sleek modernamenities. Voluminous space with gorgeous hardwoodfloors, open floor plan with immense and impressive greatroom, extra large kitchen, built-in media center, significantmaster suite with generous walk in shower.

Offered at $899,000

www.4377RoseLane.com

This special 4 bedroom 3 bath PLUS large Bonus Room hasone of the best views in all of Crystyl Ranch! Large formalrooms, great open family room, spacious bedrooms, andhuge master suite with large private balcony! Built-in BBQ,wide side yards, garden, and huge outdoor storage room

955 Shadybrook Lane

Rarely available – Exquisite TuscanInspired Estate in Downtown Clayton!Signature single story residence Custombuilt w/masterful detail – 5 extra generousBedrooms, Master with en-suite & fire-place, 3 luxe Full Baths, open conceptGreat Room, Bonus Recreation Room andTop Chef Kitchen! 1/2 acre stunning land-scape – pool, spa, gazebo, lawns, gardens,hobby vines, and more. Additional 1,900s.f. downstairs, level space ready for buildout (Construction bid available).

www.115OakCourt.com

ExclusiveEstate

PENDING

HHaappppyy HHoolliiddaayyss

Thank you to all of our clientsand friends for joining us in the

holiday carriage rides.

SOLD


Detroit Avenue is a verybusy traffic thoroughfare forboth pedestrians and vehicles,especially on weekday mornings.Thousands of Concord resi-dents live on or near DetroitAve., which runs for nearly onemile between Clayton Rd. andMonument Blvd.

Meadow Homes ElementarySchool, at 1371 Detroit Ave., isat the heart of the thoroughfare.The school is at full capacity,with nearly 1,000 students. Mostwalk to and from the schoolalong Detroit Ave., whichaffords numerous pedestrianhazards along the way.

Safety and traffic flow havebeen major concerns for years.And, as a result of multipleefforts over many years, signifi-cant improvements are coming,with the implementation of a$2.2 million project, termed theDetroit Avenue Pedestrian andBicycle Improvements project.

A public workshop on Nov.13 at the school, gave about 50Concord residents an overviewof the project and a chance toask questions.

“We want the community tobe walking and riding bikes,”said Ana Villalobos, managerof the Healthy Communityproject at Monument Impact.“Detroit Avenue can be a beau-tiful street, she added. “And itcan be safe.”

Others said more streetlighting is needed. And many

EYE ON CONCORD . . .

GEORGE FULMORE

Correspondent

Detroit Avenueimprovementsmove forward

See Detroit, page 7

Ringing in the holidays with Salvation Army bell-ringers

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

MANY SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGERS HAVE BEEN ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BUCKET. David Refoua(Santa) and his mother Roberta (in apron) once needed help from the Corps. Now, they areleaders in the program and are among the most hard-working and reliable of the 55 bellringers managed by Salvation Army Corps administrator Amy Lewis.

JOHN T. MILLER

Correspondent

Sometime during thenight of Dec. 11, thievesbroke into the storagecontainers at the ConcordSalvation Army Churchand made off with the

gifts and food donationsfor 15 families in theForgotten Angel program.Burglars cut the locks offone large container, rifledthrough everything, tak-ing 18 bags of gifts andleaving the rest out in therain.

The Corps has put outa call to the community tohelp replace these gifts.Needed are food items,and gifts for children 4-14, evenly divided

between girls and boys.Especially needed arepajamas, toys and games.

If you can help, pleaseleave unwrapped dona-tions at the SalvationArmy Corps, 3950Clayton Rd, Concord,between 8:30 a.m. and 5p.m. until Dec. 22. Formore information, call(925) 676-6180.

If you don’t have timeto shop, money donationswill be gratefully accepted.

Burglars strike Salvation Army Church

Chuck Graham Photo

See Bell Ringers, page 7

MonumentLightsParadeFriday, Dec. 19,

4-8 p.m.

Meet at Costco at 4p.m. for a stroll throughthe Monument, stoppingat participating business-es to visit with Santa andget a photo. The paradeconcludes outside SaporeRestaurant, 1500Monument just in time tostop in for dinner andcatch one last photo atthe “North Pole.”

City of Concord offices willbe closed Wednesday and Thurs-day, Dec. 24 and 25, for theChristmas holiday, and Thursday,Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day. For thepast several years, city offices havebeen closed the week betweenChristmas and New Year’s as acost saving measure, but this yearthe office hours have beenrestored.

The closure includes the CivicCenter complex (1950 ParksideDrive), Public Works and Engi-neering (1455 Gasoline Alley), theConcord Senior Citizens Center

(2727 Parkside Circle), WillowPass Center (2748 East OliveraRd.), Centre Concord (5298 Clay-ton Rd.) and Concord Policeheadquarters (1350 Galindo St.).Police patrol and dispatch opera-tions will not be affected by theclosure.

Even when city offices areclosed, sandbags are available atany time from the self-serve sand-bag station outside the gates ofthe City Corporation Yard, 1455Gasoline Alley off of Bisso Lane.

For more information, contact thecity manager’s office, 925-671-3150, or

visit the City’s website at www.cityofcon-cord.org.

POOL CLOSES FOR REPAIRSThe Concord Community

Pool at Cowell Park will be closedfor maintenance and repairsthrough Dec. 23. The pool willalso be closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1for the Christmas and New Year’sholidays. All other days exceptDec. 24, the pool will be open fornormal lap swim hours.

For more information, contact thepool office, (925) 671-3480.

12 Original Design Theme Treeswith thousands of ornamentsAll of Your Favorite Holiday Brands:• Thymes Frasier Fir • Rosy Ring Candles• Stonewall Kitchens • Jewelry & Handbags• Clayton's Elaine's Toffee • Custom Gift Baskets

Old Western Treewith custom-made ornaments

Complimentary gift wrapping

925-672-2025

1028 Diablo St., Clayton, CA

Details on our Facebook page

Open 7 days a week until ChristmasClosed December 25-26

Let us

decorate

your home or

business

Christmas

Clearance starts

Dec. 27


Tortas-Sándwiches Tacos and BurritosPupusasQuesadillas

Tortas-Sándwiches Tacos and BurritosPupusasQuesadillas

Los Rancheros Taqueria1099 Reganti Drive, ConcordAt the corner of Reganti Dr. and Monument Blvd.

Phone orders welcome: (925) 685-7110Open every day 6 a.m.- 9 p.m.

Family owned and operated Concord residents

All of our food is cooked daily from scratch using high quality ingredientsWe use only the freshest fruits and vegetablesOur tortillas are fresh and homemadeOur breads are freshly baked every morning in our bakery

WORLD FAMOUS TAMALES –

Order now for your holiday dinners• Our traditional recipe• Made with fresh masa • Chicken in green sauce

or pork in red sauce• Sweet corn tamales

Full service catering for holiday eventsIncluding our popular Taco Bar Service

Service with a smile!

Concord holiday office closures

Picture framing withquality, style, designand experience

Clayton Valley Shopping Center5420 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite 50

Concord 925.672.6066

Open Tues.-Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-520%

offAny custom frame

wwiitthh mmeennttiioonn ooff tthhiiss aadd..VVaalliidd tthhrroouugghh 1122//3311//1144

Now through the

en

d of the year, take

Celebrating 36 years

of providing you with all your picture framing needs

www.claytonvalleyframeworks.com

REDUCE HOLIDAY STRESSwith these Wonderful Deals!

REDUCE HOLIDAY STRESSwith these Wonderful Deals!

Cooling Peppermint Facial $$5555

55443399 EE.. CCllaayyttoonn RRdd..,, CCllaayyttoonn •• 992255--668800--77779922 wwwwww..tthheebbeellllaammiiaaddaayyssppaa..ccoomm

SSTTOOCCKKIINNGG SSTTUUFFFFEERRSS::Gift Certificates for three 1/2-hour massages

Sugar and Spice and Everything NICE

Warm, Sweet CandyCane Massage $$5555

$$111144

Mistletoe Foot Retreat $$5555some restrictions apply

Pioneer Photo Album

The Pioneer is proud to spotlight our readers’ photos. Email your photo in a high-resolution format [email protected] with a description of the photo, where and when it was taken and a littleabout why you like it. Include your name and phone number. Then look for it in the next Pioneer.

Pearl Harbor Day Beacon Lighting

Ceremony

Clayton Worsdell ofConcord sent this dramaticphoto of the Beacon lightingon Dec. 7. He writes:

Every year since December 7,1964, Pearl Harbor survivorsand their families have memorial-ized Pearl Harbor Day by relight-ing the historic beacon atop MountDiablo's summit. The “Eye ofDiablo” was extinguished onDecember 8, 1941 just after theattack on Pearl Harbor. In 1964,Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz,Commander in Chief of PacificForces during World War II, relitthe Beacon the first time and sug-gested it be lit every December 7 tohonor those who served and sacri-ficed.

The Beacon is lit at sunset andshines all night on this singleevening each year. This year, itshines brighter than ever since itunderwent an extensive restorationprocess in 2013 to ensure it contin-ues to shine for many more years.

SopasFresh Squeezed JuicesBreakfast PlatesShakes & Smoothies

SopasFresh Squeezed JuicesBreakfast PlatesShakes & Smoothies

Mary Perez is a dreamer. Likemany people, she used to dreamabout getting rich. She alsodreamed about helping homelesspeople. A woman of faith, Perezrecalls the day more than 28years ago when she heard God tospeak to her.

“God told me I don’t have tobe rich to help others. I just needsome volunteers,” she says. Afterspeaking with her pastor andgaining the support of her Con-cord church community, Perez

decided to focus her efforts on a“one-time” project on ChristmasDay, picking up the homeless offthe street, bringing them to thechurch and feeding them ahome-cooked meal. After thisfirst successful year, she decidedto repeat the event, but includechildren and families. “Christmasfor Everyone” was born.

A decade later, “Christmasfor Everyone” settled into itscurrent home at The New HopeInternational Church in NorthConcord. “We take over theirgym and some of their class-rooms. The church’s close prox-imity to Highways 4 and 242make it a convenient location,”says Perez. All this space is need-ed to store the new or gentlyused blankets, coats, gloves, hats,robes, ponchos, sleeping bagsand umbrellas that volunteersand partner organizations collect

and distribute to approximately3,000 adults and children, alongwith a present and a home-cooked meal on Christmas Day.The event also includes volun-teer hair stylists, live entertain-ment, face painting, and abounce house for children. Forhomebound seniors who sign upfor a visit via Meals on Wheels,“Christmas for Everyone” dis-patches a small team to deliver ahome-cooked meal and a pres-ent.

With a small committee tohelp, the planning for “Christ-mas for Everyone” beginsmonths in advance. Monetarydonations are accepted year-round and may be mailed to 6Robinsdale Rd., Martinez, CA94553 or made online atwww.ChristmasforEveryone.com. A vast network is needed tospread the word about the event,

including the local media,211.org, the Food Bank of Con-tra Costa and Solano Counties,Meals on Wheels, the MonumentCrisis Center, and the SalvationArmy. This all-volunteer non-profit organization also reliesheavily on volunteers to unloadtrucks of donations, purchasepresents and food, sort throughdonated clothes, decorate, servemeals on Christmas Day, andclean up on Dec. 26. BeforeChristmas, volunteers can comehelp during one of the scheduledtimes listed at: www.christmas-foreveryone.com or sign upusing the Christmas Day Volun-teer form found online at:http://christmasforeveryone.com/php/volunteer-pre.php

When asked about theemphasis on everyone, includingadults, receiving a present at“Christmas for Everyone,” Perezexplains, “We think that every-one, all ages, should have a pres-ent. As a society, at Christmas-time we do a lot for little ones inneed, but not a lot for our teensand adults. At “Christmas forEveryone” our push has alwaysbeen teenage and adult presents.

We want to make sure that whenour teens go back to school afterthe Christmas break, whensomeone asks them what theygot for Christmas they can saythey got something, that some-one cared. After all, this is Christ-mas and we want to give thebest.”

I was recently at an eventwhere I was asked about polic-ing priorities. This individualwanted, I assume, to know whatI thought were the most impor-tant or pressing crime issues inConcord. But before I couldanswer, this person told mewhat he thought were the mostimportant policing problems inour town. This included speed-ing in the neighborhoods,homelessness, feeling safe atnight downtown, and car bur-glaries.

No question, these are alllegitimate public safety con-cerns. I asked how these madethe top of the list and was told,in some detail, this individual’spersonal experience as a victim,seeing it first hand, or hearingabout it through media or afriend.

We could have spent moretime discussing the merit of hispriority list but it caused me to

reflect on how we, and I meanall of us, make a priority listregarding crime in our commu-nity. Is it a large number ofevents or those that end up onpage one? Does violence rise tothe top of the list? Gangs?Drunk driving? Each one of uscould use a different methodol-ogy to determine a priority list.

My first community meetingI attended as a young beat offi-cer taught me about a communi-ty’s priority regarding crime. Ihad prepared all of these statson burglaries, robberies and carthefts. I had a large map withplastic dots to demonstratewhere the crimes were takingplace and I even researched themost common type of propertytaken in the crime. After a fewminutes of demonstrating my“neighborhood knowledge” ofcrime, one of the residentsasked if I knew about the houseacross the street. They are hav-ing parties all night long on theweekends. Cars are speedingleaving the parties. I said no.Another resident asked if Iknew about the homeless campin the canyon, leaving trash andneedles in the neighborhood. I

said no. And yet another askedabout the juvenile fights occur-ring after school in the localstrip mall parking lot. I said no.

I told one of my fellow offi-cers about my meeting. Helaughed and then asked if a bro-ken leg was an emergency. Ithought about it for a secondand said, “Probably not.” Hesaid, “It is if it is your brokenleg.” My perspective changed.

There are incidents thatoccur in our community thatmay not appear as important tosome as it is to others in thesame town. I believe policingpriorities are flexible, local, andworkable. Some, due to the seri-ousness of street violence, mustbe addressed quickly. Thosecrime and disorder incidentsthat influence our fear in ourtown must also be addressed inan expeditious manner. But as Ilearned in that first communitymeeting, I must also be aware ofthe problems affecting thoseresidents at the neighborhoodlevel.

Pittsburg Office:2211 Railroad Ave.Pittsburg CA 94565Phone: (925) 432-4211www.LittornoLaw.com

Walnut Creek Office:3100 Oak Road, #100Walnut Creek CA 94597Phone: (925) [email protected]

RRiicchhaarrdd AA.. LLiittttoorrnnooLLIITTTTOORRNNOO LLAAWW GGRROOUUPP

�� LLiivviinngg TTrruussttss aanndd WWiillllss�� EEssttaattee && TTaaxx PPllaannnniinngg,, LLLLMM ((TTaaxx))�� PPrroobbaattee && TTrruusstt AAddmmiinniissttrraattiioonn �� IIRRAA BBeenneeffiicciiaarryy TTrruussttss�� MMeeddii--CCaall && VVAA BBeenneeffiitt PPllaannnniinngg�� VVAA AAccccrreeddiitteedd AAttttoorrnneeyy,, MMeemmbbeerr ooff

AAccaaddeemmyy ooff VVAA PPeennssiioonn PPllaannnneerrss,,EEllddeerrCCoouunnsseell aanndd CCAANNHHRR

Assisted over 4,000 Families since 1979

Pete Laurence Broker, Realtor, GRI DRE#00344166.

ReMax Real Estate, Walnut Creek office

Selling Clayton & all Contra Costa

KNOWLEDGE � SERVICE � INTEGRITY � RESULTS

Call Pete today to sell your home

WWiisshhiinngg yyoouu aanndd yyoouurr ffaammiillyy

A Merry, Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year

filled with happiness & good times!

(925) 890-6004

2015 should be a great yearfor us all for real estate!


GUY SWANGER

POLICE CHIEF

From the desk of . . .

Guy Swanger is Concord’s Chief ofPolice. Send questions or comments [email protected].

Police priority is thecrime that hits home

Carlyn Obringer chairs the Cityof Concord Planning Commission.Professionally, she focuses on Cali-fornia education issues as an Educa-tion Policy Analyst. Carlyn residesin Concord with her husband,Justin, and dog Crystal. Contact herat [email protected].

CARLYN OBRINGER

PLANNINGCOMMISSION

From the desk of . . .

LAST YEAR, WHEN THE CHRISTMAS FOR EVERYONE WAREHOUSE washit by burglars, the program lost over $50,000 in supplies andequipment. Undaunted, Mary Perez (above) and her volun-teers regrouped and restocked, and Christmas for Everyonedidn’t miss a beat.

‘Christmas for Everyone’ makes holidays brighter

The open enrollment periodfor 2015 health insurance plansthrough Covered Californiabegan Nov. 15 and ends Feb. 15,2015. The Concord Library isoffering a series of workshops toassist residents in learning abouttheir options. The workshopdates are Saturdays, Dec. 13, Jan.10, Jan. 24 and Feb. 14 (the daybefore the enrollment periodends). Workshops are held in thelibrary meeting room from 10a.m. to 1 p.m.

Concord residents areencouraged to attend one of thefree workshops to find out aboutprogram eligibility, and if theyqualify for free Medi-Cal or

financial assistance. Certifiedenrollment counselors will be onsite to answer questions andassist with sign-ups.

This event is open to thepublic. Assistance will be avail-able on a first-come, first-servedbasis. Some translation serviceswill be available for Spanishspeakers.

Residents should bring thefollowing:

• Proof of identity: CaliforniaID, driver’s license, or U.S.Passport

• Proof of California resi-dency: California ID, driver’slicense, rental/lease agree-

ment, or utility bill • Proof of Income: Past 30

days of pay stubs, income taxreturn, or award letters(unemployment, disabilitybenefits, social security bene-fits, etc.)

• Proof of citizenship: Birthcertificate, Permanent Resi-

dent Card (green card), orCertificate of Naturalization

• Social Security numbers, birthdates and home zip code

The Concord Library is located at2900 Salvio St. For further informa-tion, contact the library at 925-646-5455.

� City of Concord,Dept. of EconomicDevelopment & Plan-ning. Victoria Walker,Victoria.Walker@ cityofconcord.org;

� JFK University:jfku.edu/Programs-and-Courses/Institute-of-Entrepreneurial-Leadership. JoyceSietz;

� Chamber of Com-merce, www.concord-chamber.com. MarilynFowler, [email protected];

� Todos Santos BusinessAssociation www.con-cordtsba.org. DarrinWalters,[email protected];

� Concord Small Busi-ness Association.www.concordSBA.comVirginia Thomas,[email protected];

� Work Force Develop-ment Board,wdbccc.com

Resources forsmall businessesin Concord

In preparing for the articleon small business I walkedaround the city on my usualchoirs and asked the many smallbusiness folks what do theywant?

The subject of the conversa-tions wandered all over theplace, worse than the commentsthread on a local blog but with-out the vitriol. The best answerwas a single word: “Customers.”The business environment forthe small folks here seems to bequite receptive of late, though acommon fear is of increasedcompetition from major chains.

There were those that want-ed the City of Concord to stayout of the way, and grumbled atpast bureaucratic awkwardness,the wounds of which neverhealed. Others rejoiced at whatthey described as how easy itwas to start a business here andthe cooperation from the Permit

and Planning department. Thiswas especially the case withnearly the half dozen new busi-nesses I talked to and a greatsign for the city.

When asked in the recentSurvey at www.PulseOfCon-cord.com if:

The City of Concord is busi-ness friendly.

12.7 percent StronglyAgreed

34.5 percent SomewhatAgreed

18.3 percent SomewhatDisagreed

16.2 percent CompletelyDisagreed

18.3 percent Neither Agreeor Disagree or Don’t Care (4.2)

BIG POTENTIAL FOR BUSINESSBut, the positives outnumber

the negatives. Many may notrealize the large business poten-tial in Concord. First, it’s thebiggest city in the county. Andtwo BART stations and threemajor highways put the city at adistinct geographic advantage.Additionally the city has busi-ness resources outside of thegovernment, which include thesuperlative JFK University Insti-tute of Entrepreneurial Learn-ing which has turned small busi-nesses into major ones in thelast five years.

The city also boasts of oneof the few Small Business Asso-ciations (CSBA) that is focusedon representing small business

to the city government tosmooth out the bumps in theroad and lobby for economicissues, while leaving the moretraditional “Meet andGreet/Business to Business”introductions to the Chamber ofCommerce.

We have two district orient-ed business groups: The TodosSantos Business Associationfocuses on downtown, and theMonument Business Networkis focused on the MonumentCorridor.

The entire city council hasrecently spoken on the need foreconomic development. TheConcord Base Reuse plan —with its anticipated additional28,000 people — looking tostart break ground in a two tothree years, the opportunitiesfor small business are growing.The paths to that developmentare varied and there is constantpressure to make sure that smallbusinesses have a large role.

At the end of the daythough, when it all is all said anddone, what small business wantsis “customers”.

Next month: The Debate onthe Directly Elected Mayor.

Edi Birsan is a current ConcordCity Council member and the viewsexpressed here are his and not present-ed on behalf of the city or any otherorganization. Email comments [email protected]

Automotive

Clayton Valley Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3900

Bakery

Sweet Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0936

Beauty and Pampering

Bella Mia Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-7792

Clayton Mind and Body Connections . . . . . . . . . .673-0686

Business Services

Rising Moon Marketing & Public Relations . . . . .672-8717

Construction and Trades

Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700

Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423

Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1519

Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .822-5144

Gary’s Home Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .787-2500

J.A. Ronco Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .872-3049

Schaefer’s Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-6065

Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679

Dining and Entertainment

Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440

El Molino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .963-7472

Los Rancheros Taqueria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-7110

Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737

Scousers Fish’n Chips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .521-1962

Education

St. Agnes School . . . . . . . . . . . .www.stagnesconcord.com

Events

Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market . . . . . . . . . . .800-949-3276

Financial, Insurance and Legal Services

Archvest Wealth Advisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .215-5600

DuRee, Daniel – The Law Office of . . . . . . . . . . .210-1400

Littorno, Richard – The Law Office of . . . . . . . . .432-4211

Van Wyck, Doug – State Farm Insurance . . . . . .672-2300

Flowers

A Floral Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .705-3088

Funerals

Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242

Groceries

Doorstep Farmers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .349-4568

Health

Foresight Optometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4100

Erdell, Dr. - Orthodontics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .946-1951

Home and Garden

Clayton Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-2299

Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757

Interiors Panache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7920

Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955

Soto HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .497-7426

The Floor Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .969-9890

The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243

The Royal Rooster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2025

Waraner Bros. Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .831-2323

Waraner Tree Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-0334

Mailing Services

The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245

Photography

Rochellez Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .510-677-4170

Real Estate and Mortgage Services

French, Lynne – Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787

Hayes, Diane and Bill – Better Homes Realty . . .890-4701

Howard, Don – Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . .408-3184

Howard, Emily – Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . .408-1871

Klock, Leigh – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593

Laurence, Pete – RE/MAX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .890-6004

Lopez, Stephanie – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . .932-7329

Mazzei, Matt – Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757

Stojanovich, Jennifer – Better Homes Realty . . .567-6170

Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . . .672-4433

Recreation and Fitness

Anytime Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6700

Concord American Little League . . . . . . . .callbaseball.org

Diablo FC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .diablofc.org

Diablo Yoga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .304-2127

Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454

East Bay Regional Park District . . . . . . . . . .888-327-2757

Senior Services

Courtyards at Pine Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-3900

Services, Other

Clayton Valley Frameworks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6066

ComputersUSA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989

Cutting Edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .304-2200

HobbyTown USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-3802

Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029

Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . . . .682-4518

Travel

Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9840

Worship

Concord United Methodist Church . . . . . . . . . . . .685-5260

Directory of Advertisers


EDI BIRSAN

PULSE OF CONCORD

Have you ever wanted to bepart of the city government ofConcord?

The City Council encouragesresidents to apply for openingson the Board of Appeals,Design Review Board, Person-nel Board, and Planning Com-mission. Deadline for applica-tions is Friday, January 9, 2015.

The Board of Appeals iscomprised of up to five mem-bers. This recruitment is for twomembers. The board hearsappeals of decisions made bythe City Building Official. Meet-ings are scheduled on an as-needed basis.

The Design Review Board iscomprised of five members;three design professionals, onepublic member and one mem-ber of the Planning Commis-sion. This recruitment is for twodesign professionals. The boardreviews the design of any devel-opment for which design reviewis required by city ordinance andany matter referred to the boardby the Planning Commission,Zoning Administrator or Plan-ning Manager. Members mustbe residents of Concord. Meet-ings are held the second andfourth Thursday of the monthat 5:30 p.m. in the Permit CenterConference Room located at the

Civic Center, 1950 ParksideDrive.

The Personnel Board iscomprised of five members andis recruiting for three members.The board receives and hearsappeals and grievances and, asdirected by city council, con-ducts hearings on personnelmatters, gathers informationand data, and provides writtenreports of findings. Meetingsare scheduled on an as-neededbasis.

The Planning Commission iscomprised of five members andis recruiting for two openings.Members review developments,tentative subdivision maps, usepermits, and rezoning applica-tions as well as administeringthe City’s General Plan docu-ment. Applicants must be resi-dents of Concord. The commis-sion meets the first and thirdWednesday of the month at 7p.m. in the City Council Cham-ber located at Civic Center, 1950Parkside Drive.

Applications may be obtained atthe city clerk’s offices, 1950 ParksideDrive, or requested by calling 925-671-3495. Application forms arealso available on the City’s website atw w w . c i t y o f c o n c o r d . o r g /BCApplications.

Residents needed forboards and commissions

Library offers free Covered California workshops

The big role of small business

had concerns about the trafficexiting or entering Detroit to orfrom Walters Ave. The projectproposes to add a rapid-flashingbeacon system at that intersec-tion. Some in attendance wereskeptical that such a systemwould be effective there.

Improvements in sidewalks,the removal of used cars forsale, and the installation of bikelanes are part of the project, asis the installation of traffic sig-nal lights at the intersections ofDetroit and Sunshine Drive andat Detroit and Laguna Street.Now, at those intersections,there are stop signs. But at night,the areas are very dark. Newtraffic light installations alsoprovide excellent intersectionlighting.

Currently, the only trafficlights between Monument andClayton Rd on Detroit are atOakmead Drive.

Detroit Ave will remain onelane in each direction for vehic-ular traffic. The new bike pathsare designed to provide a bufferbetween vehicles and pedestri-ans. Current parking alongDetroit Avenue, for the mostpart, will not be affected.

A second workshop will takeplace in early-to-mid December.The project plan with be final-ized in January, with implemen-tation projected forspring/summer of 2015.

Most of the funding for theproject comes from the OneBay Area Grant program. Adesign consultant will providethe civil engineering designservices. The City contributed$25,653, preliminarily, as a localmatch for the project.

For more information, contactMark Migliore, City of ConcordPublic Works, at 925-671-3422.

Detroit, from page 4

VOLUNTEERS HELP, TOOIn addition to the 55

employees on the roster, manyindividual volunteers step in toring the bell. Five differentRotary Clubs joined in on oneweekend, the local chapter’s bas-ketball team and Boy Scouttroop gave a day of service, andon Sundays the Salvation ArmyBand, an integral part of theSalvation Army, plays at Fry’sElectronics in the Park andShop.

“Normally we don’t work onSundays, since that is our day ofworship, but it’s the only time allour band members can gettogether,” says Lewis.

The bell ringers are asked to

stand, establish eye contact, bepleasant, and refrain fromsmoking, cell phone use or anycontrolled substance. They donot actively solicit money and,although they are asked to con-duct themselves in a mannerbefitting the Salvation Army,they are not to proselytize orpreach.

Lewis spends up to fourhours a day matching employeesto locations. Weather, personali-ty, location all play a role in find-ing the right fit.

“Some may not do well inone place, but work out better inanother,” she notes, philosophi-cally. “Everyday is a new set ofcircumstances.”

Bell Ringers, from page 4

The holiday season can be acomplicated time of the year.Emotions run high, extra obli-gations and stressors can makeit easy to slip from nostalgia tomelancholy. Giving to others,specifically children, this time ofyear, makes us feel more con-nected to our communities canhave tremendous health bene-fits for the giver. People whodonate and volunteer are morelikely to live longer, be less sick,feel more optimistic and havemore hope than their Grinch-like counterparts.

Here are some local ToyDrives that can help put thespirit back in the holidays, andhelp many unfortunate childrenhave a brighter season.

TRADITIONAL TOY DRIVESU.S. Marine Corps Reserve

Toys for Tots Program is surelythe biggest, most well-knowntoy drive in the country. It wasfounded in Los Angeles byMajor Bill Hendricks in 1947.

The following year the programwas adopted by the US MarineCorps Reserve, and wentnational with the help of a WaltDisney designed logo. Toys forTots is expected to bring toys tomore than 7 million childrenthis year. New, unwrapped toysand stuffed animals can be takento Contra Costa County FireDistrict Fire Stations for dona-tion. If you’d prefer to send amonetary donation, mail yourcheck to Toys for Tots Program- U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.3225 Willow Pass Road Con-cord, CA 94519.

Concord’s own MonumentalToy Drive (MTD) was started in1997 by the City of Concordalongside the Concord PoliceDepartment. Today, the pro-gram is a standalone non-profitorganization that works to bring

toys to about 2,300 childrenfrom six local elementaryschools. The MTD “helps thepoorest children in Concordenjoy the warmth of the holidayseason and the excitement of agift they would not otherwisereceive.” If you’d like to help, anew, unwrapped toy can betaken to collection barrels locat-ed in the Concord PoliceDepartment or City of Concordoffices. MTD makes it easy tohelp out by volunteering ordonating online with links ontheir home page at monumen-taltoydrive.com.

THE BIGGEST HEARTIN CONCORD

If Concord gave out a MostCompassionate Citizen Award,it would surely go to KathyGleason. Gleason works at theContra Costa and Solano Coun-ty Food Bank, co-founded theall-volunteer Concord NavalWeapons Station NeighborhoodAlliance (CNWSNA), and hername appears on the papers ofincorporation for ARF. She iswell known for her own animalrescue and spay/neuter effortsin the community. As if all ofthis weren’t enough, Gleasonembodies the spirit of givingevery year by bringing Christ-mas to kids on Marclair Drive inConcord. It started one daywhen Gleason drove throughthe neighborhood and “sawpeople who needed a little bit ofhelp.” While that thought would

have been the end of it for mostpeople, it led to three sleeplessnights for Gleason. Realizingthat she knew how to “connectthe dots,” she set about bringingChristmas to kids in Concordand unintentionally created alocal tradition. Gleason gathersthe names of all the children onthe block a few weeks inadvance and then farms out thepresents to friends and family.Once everything is assembled, abig event is made for the kids onChristmas Eve, including amotorcycle convoy deliverydonated by a local club. To sup-port Gleason and her friends intheir remarkable efforts, contacther at [email protected].

MEMORIAL TOY DRIVEFOR FOSTER KIDS

Last year, 21 year old Clay-ton resident Dylan Mitchell hadjust moved to San Francisco tobegin an apprenticeship with theInternational Brotherhood ofElectrical Workers when he waskilled in a collision with a truckwhile riding his bicycle. He was,by all accounts, “a light thatcould brighten the darkestroom.” Coincidentally, his birth-day was Dec. 25.

This year Dylan’s mother,Julie Mitchell, and Dylan’s threesiblings are starting a toy driveof their own. “Dylan lovedChristmas, and kids,” remem-bers Mitchell. Since they becamea foster family just a few monthsago, the Mitchells would liketheir toy drive to both honorDylan’s memory and help localfoster kids. If you’d like to dropoff a toy, you can contact JulieMitchell directly at 925-914-7752.

To make a monetary dona-tion, you can find Dylan’sMemorial Toy Drive for FosterKids online at: www.sleeptrain-fosterkids.org


The Law Office of

Daniel L. DuReeEstate Planning Attorney

Please call today for acomplimentary consultation

(925) 210-14001535 N. Main St., Walnut Creek

• Wills • Trusts • Healthcare Directives• Powers of Attorney • Probate

Design • Installation • Maintenance Lic

en

se

# 9

58

84

9

Commercial & Residential • 925-381-3757

Lic#844344

Joe Ronco/Owner 925-872-3049jaroncoconstruction.com

Joe Ronco/Owner925-872-3049jaroncoconstruction.com

“Let Us LightUp Your Life”

Residential � Commercial � Industrial

www.BurkinElectr ic .net James Burkin

Sole Proprietor

Residential Electric CarCharger Installation

- Call fordetails

Serving Contra Costa since 1991More than 35 years experience

All Work Done by OwnerBonded & Insured

Lic.#C10-631523

Happy Holidays

6096 Main Street, Clayton, 673-0440

Dec. 19, 20 . . . .The Relyks

Dec. 26, 27 . . . . . .Diamond

Ridge

Jan. 2, 3 . . . . .Desert Moon

Jan. 9, 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Plan B

Jan. 16, 17 .Barefoot Country

Jan. 23, 24 . . . . . . . . . .Bollinger

Station

Entertainment from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Now

Karaoke also

on Mondays

8 pm to 11 pm

2 for the price of 1Beer only. Good anytime withoriginal coupon. Exp. 1/29/15

Karaoke Mon. & Wed. nights Open Mic Thur. nights, 8-11 pm

www.claytonclubsaloon.com

Holiday Toy Drives put smiles onkids faces and keep us healthy

PATRICIA ROMERO

Correspondent

KATHY GLEASON WITH JORGE, ONE OF THE DOZENS of kids in theMarclair Drive neighborhood that benefit from her work tobring the Christmas spirit to those needing “a little bit ofhelp.”

Concord resident MicahPierce likes to ride his bikedown Clayton Road to work indowntown Concord each day,but doesn’t really care to take hislife in hands when fighting forroad space with cars.

That’s why he said he was“stoked” when the ConcordCity Council last week tooksteps to establish a Bicycle andPedestrian Advisory Commit-tee, which will guide the city cre-ating a comprehensive plan tomake biking and pedestriansafety a priority in the city.

Under the plan, a committeecomprised of Vice Mayor LauraHoffmeister, a planning com-missioner, a member of theParks, Recreation and OpenCommittee and two at-large res-idents will review city andregional biking and walkingpaths, and propose ways to linkpaths and to avoid “dumping”the trails onto busy streets. Theestablishment of the committeewill also aid in gaining grantfunds necessary to make theimprovements.

While the action was seenas a step forward by many bik-ing and walking enthusiastspacking the council chamber, itwas not without controversy.Many speakers urged the coun-cil to increase the make-up ofthe at-large members of thecommittee.

Both Council members EdiBirsan and Ron Leone favoredincreasing the number of at-large members on the commit-

tee to four, but Councilmem-ber Dan Helix — who serveson the council subcommitteethat recommended the forma-tion of the BPAC — put thebrakes on it.

“I feel we have a strong rep-resentation from the city,” hesaid, adding that the meetings ofthe BPAC will be open andtransparent, and anyone with astake in the issue of bicycle andpedestrian safety will have anopportunity to express theirfeelings at those meetings.

Alex Chavez, Chair of theCentral County Regional ofFirst5, lobbied the council toincrease the at-large number ofthe group to at least three, withone coming directly from theMonument Community. “This isabout the safety of those fami-lies in the area,” he said, addingthan many walk to work, toshop and to drop off their chil-dren at school.

Besides a large contingentfrom the Monument Corridor,the meeting was filled withmany representatives of BikeConcord, the local advocacygroup for bicycle safety.

“It was great to see so manycommunity members attend themeeting and speak passionatelyabout making our streets safer,”said Adam Foster, head of thegroup. “Dozens of letters,numerous public comments anda lot of behind-the-scenes con-versations have been had aboutthis matter. Last night was anopportunity for the city councilto give the community a vote ofconfidence in leading the charge

on making our streets safer. Twocouncil members voiced sup-port for a community-led effort.Two council members clearlydid not want to hand over thatkind of power. It was a powerstruggle. Ultimately, Mayor TimGrayson was the deciding voteand he knew what was at stake.”

After an amendment to theplan put forth by Birsan toincrease the make-up of thecommittee to seven — includingfour at-large members — failed,

Grayson tried to find a consen-sus within the council. But Helixdug in his heels, and ultimatelyhe, Hoffmeister and Graysonvoted for the five-member com-mittee. Birsan and Leoneopposed the vote.

“You hope that your electedofficials will side with a passion-ate, patient, large, rational groupof residents who take the timeto have a voice in their commu-nity,” Foster said. “Last night,that did not happen.”

The Concord City Council encourages residents toapply for openings on the Bicycle, Pedestrian and SafeRoutes to Transit Plan Advisory Committee. The dead-line for applications to be received by the City Clerk isJan. 9, 2015.

The Bicycle, Pedestrian and Safe Routes to TransitPlan Advisory Committee is comprised of one Councilmember, one Planning Commission member, oneParks, Recreation, and Open Space Committee mem-ber, and two at-large members with two alternates.This recruitment is for two at-large members and twoalternates.

This Advisory Committee’s focus will be to provideinput for the development of policies and programsthat support safe alternative modes of transportationthrough the preparation of the Bicycle, Pedestrian andSafe Routes to Transit Master Plan. The AdvisoryCommittee will meet approximately once a month forthe duration of the plan, estimated through mid-2016.

Applications may be obtained from the City Clerk’sOffice, 1950 Parkside Drive, or requested by calling(925) 671-3495. Application forms are also availableon the City’s website atwww.cityofconcord.org/BCApplications.

Two members needed for Bicycle,Pedestrian, Safe Routes Committee

Bumpy start for city’s bicycle advisory groupPEGGY SPEAR

Concord Pioneer

The Diablo ToastmastersClub 598 was chartered in 1948to help people build their confi-dence and suppress fears aboutpresentations and public speak-ing, an essential aspect of creat-ing a successful business, and isone of the oldest chapters inCalifornia. The Toastmastersorganization began 90 years ago,and now spans across 126 coun-tries with 14,000 clubs and300,000 members. The DiabloToastmasters hopes to become a“go to” source for members ofthe community to improve theirpublic speaking and presenta-tions skills through feedbackfrom various Diablo Toastmas-ters members.

Melissa Rea, Chamber Mem-bership Services Coordinatorrecently spoke to the club aboutthe Chamber, detailing events

and mutual benefits the Cham-ber and Toastmasters can share.Sterling Routson-Thomas, anattorney and member of theConcord Young Professionalswith the Concord Chamber, wasalso invited to inform the group

about the Young Professionals,including events held and themission of the group.

The Diablo Toastmastersmeet every Thursday from 7-9p.m.at Sizzler’s Restaurant,located at 1353 Willow Pass

Road in Concord. At the meet-ings, members participate in“Table Topics” designed tobuild extemporaneous speakingskills. Prepared speech presenta-tions are then followed by feed-back from the audience. Tolearn more about the DiabloToastmasters Club, visitwww.diablotoastmasters.org.


P.O. Box 1246

6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517

TAMARA AND ROBERT STEINER, Publishers

TAMARA STEINER, Editor

PETE CRUZ, Graphic Design

PEGGY SPEAR, Copy Editor

JAY BEDECARRÉ, Sports Editor

PAMELA WIESENDANGER, Administration, Calendar Editor

STAFF WRITERS: Peggy Spear, Pamela Wiesendanger, JayBedecarré

CORRESPONDENTS: Cynthia Gregory, Patricia Romero, JohnJackson, John Miller

PPIIOONNEEEERR IINNFFOOCCOONNTTAACCTT UUSS

Tel: (925) 672-0500Fax: (925) 672-6580

TTaammaarraa [email protected]

SSeenndd AAddss [email protected]

SSeenndd SSppoorrttss NNeewwss [email protected]

SSeenndd SScchhooooll,, CClluubb aannddCCaalleennddaarr IItteemmss ttoo

[email protected]

The Clayton Pioneer and theConcord Pioneer are monthly pub-lications delivered free to homesand businesses in 94517, 94518,94519 and 94521. ZIP code94520 is currently served by dropsite distribution. The papers arepublished by Clayton Pioneer, Inc.,Tamara and Robert Steiner, PO1246, Clayton, CA 94517. Theoffices are located at 6200 CenterSt. Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517

LLEETT UUSS KKNNOOWW Weddings, anniversaries, births

and deaths all weave together aspart of the fabric of our community.Please let us know of these impor-tant events. We ask only that theannouncement be for a resident inour home delivery area. Submit onour website and be sure to attach aJPG photo that is at least 3 MB.

Also on the website are formsfor calendar items, events & pressreleases.

LLEETTTTEERRSS TTOO TTHHEE EEDDIITTOORRBoth Pioneer newspapers

welcome letters from our readers. Asa general rule, letters should be 175

words or less and submitted at leastone week prior to publication date.Letters concerning current issues willhave priority. We may edit letters forlength and clarity. All letters will bepublished at the editor’s discretion.Please include name, address anddaytime telephone number. We willnot print anonymous letters. E-mailyour letter to [email protected].

Letters must be submitted via E-mail.

CCIIRRCCUULLAATTIIOONN aass ooff SSeepptt.. 22001144

The Concord Pioneer is deliv-ered monthly to 30,000 homes andbusinesses Papers are delivered bycarriers for ABC Direct around thelast Friday of the month. To stopdelivery for any reason, call theoffice at (925) 672-0500 .

If you are NOT receiving thePioneer, please check the distribu-tion map on the website. If you livein the shaded area and are notreceiving the paper, please let usknow. If you are not in the shadedarea, please be patient. We willcome to your neighborhood soon.

The Clayton Pioneer is deliveredby US Mail to 5,500 homes andbusinesses in 94517 around thesecond Friday of the month.

SSUUBBSSCCRRIIPPTTIIOONNSSTo subscribe to either the Clay-

ton Pioneer or the Concord Pioneer,call the office at (925) 672-0500.Subscriptions are $35/year for eachpaper, $60/year for both.

BUSINESS

Be a COMMUNITY AD REP for the Concord PioneerHelp our paper grow. Refer a business that advertises with us and we’ll pay

you 10% commission on the sale. No restrictions. Refer your own business and get thecommission. CCaallll tthhee ooffffiiccee,, ((992255)) 667722--00550000 oorr eemmaaiill eeddiittoorr@@ccoonnccoorrddppiioonneeeerr..ccoomm

Chamber shines spotlight on the Diablo Toastmasters Club 598

MARILYN FOWLER

CHAMBER OFCOMMERCE

For more information on becominga member of the Concord Chamber ofCommerce, please visit www.concord-chamber.com or call (925) 685-1181.

Doug Van WyckCLU ChFC, AgentInsurance Lic. # 05863966200 Center St. Ste. AClayton, CA 94517925-672-2300www.dougvanwyck.com

May all your days be

merry and bright.

A safe and joyous season

to everyone.

Like a good neighbor,

State Farm is there.®

0901020.1

State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL

The Todos Santos BusinessAssociation is proud to put thismonth’s spotlight on Vinnie’sBar and Grille.

Since 2002 Vinnie’s has beenowned and run by Dalton Park-er and his partner JeanneManny. Manny describes herrole as, “Bar Mother and ChiefPeon.”

Vinnie’s is located in theBacon Block Building at 2045Mt Diablo St. in Concord. Infact, Dalton owns the entirebuilding — which helps if themusic gets too loud.

Vinnie’s is one of Concord’spremier spots for live music anddancing. Starting with Tuesdays,Vinnie’s offers Country musicand line dancing lessons.Wednesdays are Jam nights, soperformers can bring theirinstruments and be ready toplay. Thursday is the very popu-lar Salsa Night. Patrons candress up and be prepared for awork out.

On Friday and Saturdays,Vinnie’s always has live bandsfrom 9 p.m. to 1 p.m. There isClassic Rock, Metal, Pop, R&Band more from some of the bestbands in the East Bay. CheckVinnie’s website calendar forinformation on cover chargesand bands at www.vinnies.com.

Vinnie’s also serves great barfood every day from 11 a.m. to3 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to mid-night. It’s a great place to grab aburger, fish and chips or sharesome of their famous fried zuc-chini and bond with friends overdrinks.

Vinnie’s also offers pooltables, darts and an outside patiowhere smoking is allowed.There are plenty of TV screensfor sports enthusiasts and Vin-nie’s boasts a great staff of bar-tenders and security. Some havebeen working at Vinnie’s since itopened.

Vinnie’s is a safe and funplace to dance, meet friends,enjoy a game of pool or grab abite to eat.

Melissa Rea, Concord Chamber Membership ServicesCoordinator and Sterling Routson-Thomas, Attorney at Law atToastmasters meeting.

TODOS SANTOSBUSINESS

ASSOCIATION

Vinnie’s offers arockin’ good time

When the Chevron officeson Diamond Blvd. close theirdoors for good in 2016, Con-cord will lose more than the 800jobs there; the company hasbeen an iconic business residentsince the late 1960s.

“We are sorry to see them go,”says the city’s Economic Devel-opment and Housing ManagerJohn Montagh. “They’ve been agreat corporate citizen for manyyears. My dad even worked there.”

But the loss doesn’t out-weigh the gains the city hasmade in bringing businesses tocity in the last few years.“Chevron represents only about1 percent of the total workforcein Concord,” Montaghsays.”From an economic per-spective, it’s not a huge impact.”

Chevron will transfer employ-

ees in its finance and informationtechnology departments to thecompany’s Bishop Ranch locationin San Ramon. The companyplans to sell the buildings, andaccording to Montagh, there hasalready been inquiries from otherbusinesses interested in movingto the offices because of its primelocation.

“The property is located nearI-680, across from the ConcordHilton, and near the WillowsShopping Center, which offersgreat shopping and restaurants,”Montagh says. “I don’t know ofanother property that offers asmuch in the central county area.”

Montagh is quick to note thatwhile Chevron has downsizedand prepares to leave, severalother companies have moved into the city in recent years, improv-ing the economic vitality of thecity, which is known as a regional

job center.Those companies include Fre-

senius Medical Care, which leftWalnut Creek, and GenworthFinancial, which relocated fromPleasant Hill. AIG and AmtrustFinancial also moved to Concord,adding in all 200,000 square feetof office space and more than1,000 jobs.

“Concord is a regional jobcenter, offering diverse opportu-nities,” Montagh says. “We’reattracting Fortune 500 companies,Research & Development com-panies, biotechnology, retail andentrepreneurs. We want it all.”

During the swearing-in cere-mony held at the Dec. 2 citycouncil meeting, all the newly-elected members — incumbentsRon Leone and Laura Hoffmeis-ter, as well as Mayor Tim Grayson— said economic developmentwas a priority for the city.

City says Chevron’s lossshouldn’t impact economy

PEGGY SPEAR

Concord Pioneer

Where to go for LOCAL newsFor fast, on-the-spot coverage of the latest police action, traffic jams, emergency information

and chat, social media and local blogs, like CLAYCORD.com are often good sources of break-ing news.

For more complete, in-depth coverage of local news, readers turn to their independentlyowned community newspapers. With news that people care about – local politics, schools, sports,events and stories about their friends and neighbors, the community newspaper is social mediathe old fashioned way.

To find out what is happening in neighboring cities, check out these Contra Costa CommunityNews Group newspapers

Clayton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clayton Pioneer . . . . . . . . . . .claytonpioneer.comConcord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Concord Pioneer . . . . . . . . . . .concordpioneer.com

Pleasant Hill, Martinez . . . . . . . . . . . .Community Focus . . . . . . . . . .ourcommunityfocus.com

Lafayette, Orinda and Moraga . . . . . .Lamorinda Weekly . . . . . . . . .lamorindaweekly.com

San Ramon, Danville, and Alamo . . . .Valley Sentinel . . . . . . . . . . . . .valleysentinel.com

The Contra Costa Community Newspaper Group is a consortium of independent, locally news-papers with a combined circulation of more than 150,000. To advertise in all five papers with just onephone call, go to www.cccommunitynewsgroup.com or call 844.457.7665

December is the month ofgiving for Concord HighSchool. At our school we havesomething called the CHS Hap-piness Campaign. This is wherestudents from Leadership dedi-cate a few weeks to simply mak-ing people happy.

On Dec. 4 we started our “12Days of Wishes.” This is when wetry to make as many wishes as wecan come true. We’ve been able togrant wishes by giving peoplecandy, watching teachers armwrestle, and even having theband, “5 Seconds of Summer”serenade a few people. As one ofthe students in charge of the cam-paign, Vanessa Martinez men-tioned, “It’s the part of making

people happy that makes mehappy. It’s one of best activities atConcord High.”

Furthermore, the week ofDec. 15 was our “HappinessWeek.” Monday was “Hug MeMonday,” where the studentsgave out hugs to everyone. Thenit was “Chocolatte Tuesday”where we gave out free hotchocolate during lunch. Next was“Worry Free Wednesday” wherestudents wrote down all theirworries on balloons and then wereleased them together letting goof all our worries. “ThoughtfulThursday” gave a chance for peo-ple to thank one another publical-ly. And lastly, we ended the weekwith “Feel Good Friday,” where

we covered all the mirrors at ourschool and told our student bodyto celebrate their inner beautybecause true beauty shinesthrough your personality.

All these days were focusedon making our student’s weekbetter.

The Happiness Campaignorganizers are glad that they havethe chance to make such great

things happen around campus.There’s no better feeling thanmaking someone smile, and withthe Happiness Campaign, some-thing as small as a box of a candycan do that.

Concord High is very excitedto present our new AcademicHonor Roll distinctions! Stu-dents with a 3.0 – 3.49 will earntheir place on the MinutemenGreen Honor Roll, a 3.5 – 3.99the Minutemen Silver HonorRoll, and finally a 4.0 or higherthe Minutemen Gold HonorRoll. This quarter proved to besuccessful, as 818 studentsproved their commitment toacademic excellence. Studentswill receive an Honor Roll cer-tificate and their names will beposted outside the office in ourdisplay cases. The Senior classhas proven strong, as 72 stu-dents made the MinutemenGold Honor Roll.

These students are: McKenzieActon, Alejandra Alegria, JowarBasulto, Peter Bergen, VandelindaBeri, Danielle Blake, Deekota Brett-Blunt, Parker Burr, Monica Camare-

na, Yvonne Cao, Kelsey Clark,Nicholas Colarich, Alia Cortez-Bridges, Mitchell Daniels, DevynnDarner, Jessica Daynes, KimberlyDell, Philip Dempster, Tiffany Dinh,Jacob Dowd, Natassja JackleneEsquivel, Ervin Fernandez, Jenna Fitz-patrick, Gabriela Flores Caro, LeahFord, America Frausto, Justin Furta-do, Benjamin Geiser, Terra Gifford,Mariah Gonzalez, Rachel Henry,Cesar Gabriel Higuera Moras, EricHiguera Ramirez, Sequoia Huerta,Kevin Kruse, Amelia Kubik, JenniferLam, Enrique Loza-Vega, Daisy Mar-tinez, Vanessa Martinez, ShelbyMcCarthy, Jacob Meyer, Isabella Mul-ford, Jacob Neef, Biviana Ochoa,James Olesen, Dani Pallas, DylanParisi, Nathan Pass, Nathan Petersen,Jack Pickard, Jonathan Pluth, TaylorRamson, Lisa Repetto, NatalyaReynoso, Trever Rivera, ThomasSalvin, Molly Santa Maria, BrevinSchmidt, Alondra Serrano, JakubSevcik, Brett Shearer, Nicole Slatten-gren, Ebonie Smart, Renessa Sori-ano, Mathew Tara, Faith Veloria,Ernesto Ventura, Brittany von Savoye,Azeeya Yahya and Ning Zheng.

925.360.7454 3141 Morgan Territory Rd., Clayton

Private Riding LessonsBirthday Parties � Camp

www.EarthquakeArabians.com

Offering All-SeasonTraining & RidingInstruction

All Camps 9 am to 3 pm. Enrollment Form On-line

CAMPS INCLUDE� Horseback riding� Horse games� Horse painting

� Horsemanship� Free camp

T-shirt

Sign up forWinter Camp 1

Dec. 22, 23 & 24

Winter Camp 2 Dec. 29-Jan 2

$500.

$300. Limited camp size.

ffoorreessiigghhttooppttoommeettrryy..ccoommDr. Jeanette Hochstatter

FLEX SPENDING??

A member of Network

IInnvveesstt iinn yyoouurr eeyyeehheeaalltthh && vviissiioonn

CALL 925.672.4100

$$5500 ooffff aallll ffrraammeess && ssuunnggllaasssseessthrough Dec. 31

Eyewear & Eyecare qualify*

*With or without Rx lens purchase. Cannot becombined with other offers or insurances

5442 Ygnacio Valley Rd. #180

CLAYTON VALLEY CENTER(Next door to Jamba Juice)

Our premier Art & Scienceteachers are doing excellentwork, presenting professionaldevelopment. Leslie Addiego,Gary Macaluso, Gioia Stark,Nastasha Robinson, StephenBrady, and Andrew Hubbell are“representing”!

Performing Arts outper-formed itself. The music boost-ers stepped up with wonderfulsupport. They are currently work-ing on a trip to New Orleans.Given Kelly Cooper, ThomKwiatkowski, Stephen Brady, andMeasure C’s Charlie Beirgarten,Tim Cody, and Mitchell Stark, thedance studio, formerly a brokenstage floor, is up! Our recentSanta Cruz band trip, guitar con-cert and districtwide music prac-tice (our Honor Jazz Rehearsal)were celebrations.

Our Puente small learningcommunity, facilitated by teach-ers Kara Yu and Samantha Hop-per and administrator SocorroLomas, toured colleges and uni-versities. including UC SantaBarbara and UCLA. Our first-generation college aspirants havebought even more into their edu-cation as a result.

Our football teams put manypoints on the scoreboard andwon a number of games. We arehonored (again) to have CoachPuentes ensuring our athletesgrow as team, have fun, and learnthe game.

Speaking of fun in learning:our Health Academy, headed byShannon Carr, recently took aworking field trip to John MuirMedical. They met with profes-sionals, learned, and fosteredsmiles. Our Education Academy,facilitated by Thatcher Palmer,hosted outstanding speakers,including vice principal ThomKwiatkowski, secondary supportadministrator Bill Morones,Cheryl Hansen of our Board, andsuperintendent Dr. Nellie Meyer.

SF Giants Brandon Craw-ford and Wells Fargo presentedchecks for the KNBR Step Upto the Plate for Educationgrants program. YVHS’s foot-ball team received $5,000.Coach Phillip Puentes, the go-getter in this endeavor, embod-ies the Warrior spirit!

Ygnacio Va l leyCHS offers 12 Days ofHappiness

Azeema Yahya is a senior and Co-drum Major. She loves music and plans toattend UC Davis in the fall. Send com-ments to [email protected].

While academics and athlet-ics are soaring at Clayton ValleyCharter High School, bad bloodand tensions are running high atthe board level, marring the highschool’s success.

Raucous verbal exchangesand protests marked two recentgoverning board meetings in thepast several weeks betweenaudience, board members andstaff, stemming back to anadministrative blowup lastspring, the firing of the ITDirector and this month’s boardelections.

Acrimony first reached a boil-ing point on Thanksgiving eve ata special board meeting called toconsider the termination ofschool IT director Matt Rossodue to his actions following thefiring of administrator and char-ter leader Pat Middendorf.

At the hastily called meeting in

the school library on Thanksgiv-ing eve to deal with the Rossomatter, there were emotional out-bursts by speakers and membersof the audience supportingRosso.

FIRING OF IT DIRECTORThe charges against Rosso, a

10-year classified employee,revolved around his actions fol-lowing the termination of Mid-dendorf last May. Linzey instruct-ed Rosso to secure and archive allof Middendorf ’s emails on theschool system in anticipation ofpotential litigation following hertermination. He was instructed todo this in confidence but eventu-ally told both Middendorf andthen board president TomBranich. Rosso was terminated bythe board after a closed sessionreview of the charges.

At the December meetingthere were about 50 audiencemembers dressed primarily inblack and many carrying signs

from the California TeachersAssociation lining the back of theschool’s small gym behind theaudience of community mem-bers, teachers and students.

During the three and a halfhour session there were a numberof outbursts from audience mem-bers, a couple of standing ova-tions for speakers and cries of“shame on you” when boardactions didn’t meet with audienceapproval.

As he had done at the regularNovember board meeting Execu-tive Director Dave Linzey, atwhom much of the anger wasdirected, made a statementdefending his administration. Hesaid that benefits and salaries haveincreased approximately 20 per-cent for all CVCHS teachers andcertificated staff since turninginto a charter — the largestincrease in the county — andtheir new collective bargainingagreement has significant protec-tions for teachers and staff.

He stated that in the 30months of Clayton Valley Charteran average of 1 percent of thestaff has been disciplined and nota single tenured teacher or perma-nent classified staff member hasbeen terminated by the board.Management staffers Middendorfand Rosso are the only permanentemployees who have been fired.

BOARD ELECTIONSAt that meeting, board mem-

bers Ted Meriam and MeganKommer were each re-elected totwo-year terms by the board withteacher representatives ChristineReimer and Amber Lineweaverdissenting. Diane Bailey wasreturned to the board as the clas-sified staff rep after her only chal-lenger, Rosso, was fired and thusno longer on the ballot.

Chemistry teacher VictoriaCampbell was elected as a teacherrepresentative by her fellow facul-ty members. She replaces Reimerwho chose not to run for the seat

she had been appointed to lastspring. Jim Killoran, a 26-yearChevron employee, was electedfrom a slate of four candidatesfor the one-year communitymember-at-large seat.

But the retired teacher postremained unfilled, due to morecontroversy.

Retired teacher Dick Ellisrecently stepped aside as a can-didate for a new term. The 83-year-old former teacher at theschool faced a challenge fromretired school principal andteacher Bud Beemer, who was astudent while Ellis was teachingat Clayton Valley.

Ellis said he dedicated threeyears to the board for “doingthe right thing” and feels that“because of all of the thingsgoing on, I withdrew my appli-cation to run.” A couple audi-ence members had verbally chal-lenged Ellis at the Thanksgivingeve board meeting.

However, the night before

last week’s meeting, outsidecounsel Paul Minney deter-mined that Beemer was not eli-gible to sit on the board becauseof two apparent conflicts ofinterest. Beemer is the paidcommissioner of the Bay ValleyAthletic League, currently pro-jected as the new home ofCVCHS athletic teams startingin 2016-17.

He also has a “romantic rela-tionship” with MDUSD SchoolBoard member Cheryl Hansen.CVCHS rents its facilities fromMDUSD and thus there is thepotential for a conflict, saidMinney, who concluded “theappointment of BudBeemer…would create animpermissible conflict of inter-est and would constitute anincompatible office with his cur-rent office of Commissioner ofthe BVAL.”

The board put off taking anyaction on the retired teacherposition until January.

Tensions erupt at two recent CVCHS board meetingsJAY BEDECARRÉ

Concord Pioneer

Bond moneylights up Ygnacio Valley

Stephen BradyYGNACIO VALLEY

PRINCIPAL

New facility will serve CHSstudentsRianne

PfalzgraffCHS PRINCIPAL

Azeema YahyaCONCORD HIGHCORRESPONDENT

Concord H igh

Send comments and questions to [email protected]


WEIGHTS TEACHER AND HEAD FOOTBALL COACH BRIAN HAMILTON

(left) and government and psychology teacher Jeff Schieblerarm wrestle for a good cause — granting a student’s wish.

SSCCHHOOOOLLSS

they were participating in anevent called Mock Congress.

Seniors had been sortedinto several “senates” wherethey debated student-writtenbills using the same regulationsas the actual U.S. Senate. Eachyear after that, I was quiteaware of this senior event, andthough I was very interested inparticipating, it seemedextremely far away in thefuture.

Now, however, I’m a senior,and now I have participated in

Mock Congress. I wrote a bill,chose a party, and was put intothe Little Theater Stripes Sen-ate where I debated with otherseniors about which billswould benefit America most.It seemed almost surreal as itoccurred. Now that it’s over, Ikind of feel like I should stillbe waiting for my time inMock Congress. After so muchanticipation, how can the twodays spent debating bills beover?

Not to say that it wasn’t

rewarding. Going into caucus-es, coming up with amend-ments, and stating facts toeither support or put down abill definitely helped showwhat goes into a real con-gressperson’s job. I’ll carrythis knowledge with me. Butjust like everything so far thissenior year, it went by too fast.

• EXTERIOR: painting, windows, doors, decks,

outdoor structures.

• INTERIOR: plumbing, drywall, electrical, trim, tile.

Gary Romano

787-2500Reliable & Professional Service

Owner operated Over 35 years of experience

Everything from home repair &maintenance to construction

Specializing indeferred maintenance, preppinghome for sale, repairs from home inspections

Lic. 979406

Mt. D iab lo H igh

Recently at Pine Hollow,more than 30 students per-formed in the classic tale “AChristmas Carol” by CharlesDickens, helping adults and chil-dren everywhere get into theholiday spirit.

These blooming actors andactresses are part of an after-school drama class called Defy-ing Gravity, which meets Tues-

days and Thursdays in the PineHollow multi-use room. For thepast two months, they have beenworking diligently on their playand Christmas music.

The students’ hard workedwas certainly rewarding forthem; on Friday, Dec. 12 thePine Hollow M.U. was full to thebrim with eager audience mem-bers awaiting the only matinee

the students were offering.Everyone who attended the per-formance was touched by themoral of the story, which nevergets old, and filled with Christ-mas spirit.

The middle-schoolers in theplay did a real service by stand-ing in the spotlight, literally, andshowing the residents of Con-cord, as well as people from outof town, the true meaning ofChristmas. After being visitedby the three ghosts, the onlytime Scrooge might say “Bah,Hum-bug” is if someone wasleft out during the holidays.From Pine Hollow to you,Merry Christmas and HappyNew Year!

We have a multitude of“shining stars” at Clayton Val-ley Charter High School. Withmore than 125 teachers andstaff members, CVCHS hasmany talented and positivestaff members who put thefocus on kids.

I would like to recognize ahandful of the many staffmembers who go above andbeyond to make a real differ-ence in the life of a school orwho demonstrate exceptionaltalent.

HELEN BENDOYRO – ADMISSIONS OFFICER

Helen is truly a difference

maker on campus. Her consis-tently positive, warm, humor-ous approach causes her tostand out as a real joy for oth-ers to associate with. I applaudher tireless efforts to registerstudents, communicate withparents, print transcripts, han-dle report cards, meet dead-lines, and do so much more.

KEO PIERCE – MEDIA ASSISTANT

(LIBRARY)Keo is dedicated to getting

the job done well. Ordering allthe textbooks, schedulingclasses in the library, managingshipments and orders and

working closely with studentsand parents is an endless job.Yet Keo manages all of thiswith class, organization andteamwork.

GARY STOFER – FINANCIAL LITERACY

TEACHERGary has taken the Finan-

cial Literacy program to greatheights, winning awards for hisstudents, bringing in the bank-ing community to hold Finan-cial Literacy Fairs, etc. He isstudent-centered and alwaysgrowing and learning as aneducator, even after his recent74th birthday! He is truly apleasure to have on ourCVCHS team.

It is truly a privilege towork with such a talented andpositive group of educatorswho truly make a difference inmy life and the life of our staffand students!

It’s been an exciting fall atMt. Diablo High School.Although our football team lostto Los Lomas in the very firstround of playoffs, the students,faculty and staff of MDHScould not be any prouder of theteam. It was quite amazing tosee the bleachers packed on thenight of the playoff game, roar-ing with excitement for ourteam.

Now, the school looks with

anticipation towards next yearto see what will happen andhope that the football team cango even farther than this year.

But MDHS is not all aboutsports, as our academics aresoaring as well.

The first quarter of theschool year saw a large increaseof students making honor roll, asubstantial than recent years. Asthe second quarter is coming toan end and Christmas break is

rapidly approaching, many stu-dents are bracing for the much-dreaded week of finals that willoccur in mid-January.

All these good deeds havenot gone unnoticed. TheMDHS administration congrat-ulated all of our students whohave been achieving academicsuccess and who are continuingto do so by hosting a hugeHonor Roll Rally last week. Thisis an annual event at our school,but this year it was bigger thanever.

We head into the secondpart of the school year in hopesthat this success continues.

Rayna Stanziano is in the eighth gradeat Pine Hollow. She has a passion for writ-ing and loves English and swimming. Shelives in Concord. Send comments to [email protected]

Stllar staffhelpsCVCHS soar

PHMS stageswarm-hearted‘ChristmasCarol’

Northgate students debateat Mock Congress

MDHSshines on thefield, in class

Alberto Ruiz is a senior at Mt. Dia-blo High where he is student body secretaryand a member of the Medical BiotechnologyAcademy. Send questions and comments [email protected].

Emily WrightNORTHGATE

CORRESPONDENT

Alberto RuizMDHS

CORRESPONDENT

Rayna StanzianoPINE HOLLOWCORRESPONDENT

Pine Ho l low

CVCHS

Northgate

Send comments and questions to [email protected]


David LinzeyEXECUTIVEDIRECTOR

BBrruuccee && HHoollllyy LLiinnsseennmmeeyyeerrClayton residents

OOffffiiccee:: ((992255)) 667722--22770000Cell: (925) 956-8605

State of California B.E.A.R l license #A44842

http://ApplianceRepairsbyBruce.com

Over 35 years ExperienceWe repair all major appliances, most majorbrands, andwe’re local

OOuurr ffrriieennddllyy ssttaaffff wwiillll hheellpp ggeettyyoouurr ggiiffttss ppaacckkaaggeedd && ddeelliivveerreedd

oonn ttiimmee,, ssaaffee && ssoouunndd..

Notary, Stamps, Postal, Copy

& Fax Services also available.

Clayton/Concord Location:

Vineyard Shopping Center, (next to Lucky)

5100 Clayton Rd, Concord • 925-689-6245

The UPS StoreIndependently owned and operated

TM

Mon. through Fri. 8 - 6:30, Sat. 9 - 4:30

Student senators (from left to right) Senator Krasilnikov,Senator Lam and Senator Law listen to discussion during MockCongress.

Emily Wright is a senior atNorthgate High School. She is cur-rently the news editor for the North-gate Sentinel newspaper and is in hersecond year of ROP Journalism II.Email comments or questions [email protected]

Every school has traditionsand “rites of passage.” When Iwas a freshman at Northgatethere were several senior tradi-tions I noticed. One of theminvolved two days duringwhich seniors disappearedfrom classrooms only to showup at lunch dressed formallyand talking about laws and pol-itics. I soon found out that

More than 200 high schoolstudents from throughout ContraCosta County attended the His-panic Chamber of Commerce ofContra Costa County Founda-tion’s (H5CF) 14th Annual “Nar-rowing the Gap” Education Con-ference at Saint Mary’s College inMoraga last month.

The Conference, whose

theme was “Grow Today, LeadTomorrow,” brought various cor-porate and community leadersfrom the STEAM (Science,Technology, Engineering, Arts,and Math), business/finance,public service and humanresources sectors. Among theparticipants there were repre-sentatives from AT&T, Gold-man Sachs & Co., U.S. SecretService and the Lawrence Liv-ermore Lab, all inspiring ourfuture generations to “Grow

Today, Lead Tomorrow.”As H5CF President Johnny

Huang said, “This Annual Educa-tion Conference brings togetherstakeholders in the community toshow our young Latinos that theyare important and they canachieve great success throughhigher education.”

Throughout the day, studentswere able to hear from many pro-fessionals who shared their storiesand struggles along the way. Con-ference participant Ivan Elizondo,mechanical engineer at DOW,said, “I believe in the youth ofthis community. I believe that thekids that come here believe intheir future and can give back totheir communities in the future.”

Lastly, H5CF presented a$1,000 scholarship to Edgar Her-nandez from College Park HighSchool, courtesy of Las Mon-tañas. “I’m thankful to get thescholarship and I’ll make gooduse of my education wherever Istudy” said the scholarship win-ner, a student at College ParkHigh School in Pleasant Hill.

LAURA MALDONADO

Special to the Pioneer

From left: Dan Walden, Treasurer for H5C, Emanuel Gomez,Las Montanas, Johnny Huang, President of H5C, EdgarHernandez, scholarship recipient, College Park High School,Jesse Tejada, H5C Education Conference ScholarshipCommittee Chair.

Hispanic Chamber’s conferenceinspires future leaders

IN CONCORD

TTuueessddaayyss FFaarrmmeerrss’’ MMaarrkkeettTuesdays year round. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza,downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org.

33rrdd SSuunnddaayyss AAnnttiiqquuee FFaaiirreeAntiques, collectibles, handmade arts and crafts. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Free admission. concor-dantiquefaire.com.

TThhrruu DDeecc.. 2211HHoolliiddaayy HHoommee TToouurrSee the Galindo House decorated in holiday splendor by theConcord Historical Society. Refreshments. Weekends 1 – 4 p.m.Wednesdays 7 – 9 p.m. 1721 Amador Ave., Concord. 685-8203.

OOnn SSaallee NNoowwCCoonncceerrttssThe Concord Pavilion is located at 2000 Kirker Pass Road,Concord. theconcordpavilion.com. Concert schedule for 2015:

May 28, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, 7 p.m. July 21, 5 Seconds of Summer, 7 p.m. Aug. 7, Idina Menzel, 7 p.m.

IN CLAYTON

TThhrruu DDeecc.. 2288AA HHeeaarrtt ffoorr CChhrriissttmmaassWalk-through Christmas musical light show to raise funds forKatie-Grace Groebner fund of the Children’s Organ TransplantAssociation. 1185 Pine Lane, Clayton. Free admission. aheart-forchristmas.com.

JJaann.. 2255 -- 2277AAuuddiittiioonnssClayton Theatre Company is holding auditions for “Arsenic andOld Lace” in April and “Urinetown” in October. No appointmentnecessary. Jan. 25 from 1 – 5 p.m. Jan. 26 and 27 from 7 – 10p.m. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. For more informa-tion, go to claytontheatrecompany.com, audition page.

ON THE MOUNTAIN

Mount Diablo Interpretive Association programs listed are freewith the exception of park entrance fee. Go to mdia.org and clickon Events Calendar for more information.

DDeecc.. 2211WWiinntteerr SSoollssttiiccee HHiikkeeExplore the slopes of Mount Diablo in search of (Santa’s)beard lichen, romantic mistletoe and colorful Christmas berry.9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center.Registration required: [email protected] or [email protected].

JJaann.. 44OOaakk KKnnoollll aanndd SSuummmmiitt LLoooopp HHiikkeeHike and visit to Interpretive Center. 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.Meet at Juniper Camp Trailhead.

JJaann.. 1111CCiirrccllee tthhee MMoouunnttaaiinn HHiikkeeViews in all directions while circling Mt. Diablo peak. 10 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. Meet at Juniper Camp Trailhead.

JJaann.. 1188MMuusshhrroooommss,, FFuunngguuss aanndd LLiicchheennssSee the fascinating colors and shapes of some local fungi. 10a.m. – 2 p.m. Summit Audio Visual Room.

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT

TThhrruu DDeecc.. 2211““AA CChhrriissttmmaass CCaarrooll””Brimming with music and dance, love and laughter and scaryghosts. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek.$41-$49. centerrep.org.

TThhrruu DDeecc.. 2211““TThhee BBiiggggeesstt GGiifftt””Presented by Fantasy Forum Actors. Lesher Center for the Arts,1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

DDeecc.. 1199MMoobbiiuuss TTrriiooPerforms for Walnut Creek Guitar Series. 7:15 p.m. Lesher Centerfor the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $25. lesherartscen-ter.org. 943-7469.

DDeecc.. 1199 –– 2200““HHaannsseell aanndd GGrreetteell””A fairytale adventure of a mystical forest, two lost children, anenticing gingerbread house and a wicked witch. Presented bySolo Opera. Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., WalnutCreek. $25-$40. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

DDeecc.. 1199 –– 2211““TThhee NNuuttccrraacckkeerr””Performed by the Brentwood Children’s Ballet Theater. ElCampanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $16-$20. elcam-paniltheatre.com.

DDeecc.. 2200‘‘TTwwaass tthhee IImmpprroovv BBeeffoorree CChhrriissttmmaassPresented by Trapped in a Rumo Improv. 7:45 p.m. Lesher Centerfor the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12-$15. lesherarts-center.org. 943-7469.

DDeecc.. 2222HHoommee ffoorr tthhee HHoolliiddaayyssConcert performed by Diablo Symphony Orchestra and featuringThe Ashmolean Singers. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts,1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12-$28. lesherartscenter.org.943-7469.

DDeecc.. 2233HHoommee ffoorr tthhee HHoolliiddaayyssConcert performed by California Symphony and The PacificBoychoir. 3 and 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 CivicDr., Walnut Creek. $70. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

DDeecc.. 2244CCoonncceerrttChristmas Eve concert performed by San Francisco Gay Men’sChorus. 5, 7 and 9 p.m. Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St., SanFrancisco. $25-$35. sfgmc.org.

DDeecc.. 2255CChhrriissttmmaass ffoorr EEvveerryyoonneeSing Christmas carols with the ABC (Any Body Can) Singers.Songbooks provided. 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. New HopeInternational Church, 2120 Olivera Court, Concord. Free.Contact Maxine for more information [email protected] or 969-9693.

DDeecc.. 2277CCoommeeddyy SShhooww XXXXIIIIBig Fat Year End Kiss Off comedy show presented by Worst ofDurst. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., WalnutCreek. $22-$25. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

JJaann.. 1100BBuuiilldd aa KKeessttrreell NNeessttiinngg BBooxxLearn through hands-on demo and take home your own nestingbox. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Markham Regional Arboretum Society,1202 La Vista Ave., Concord. Supply fee $20 members; $25non-members. Limit 10 participants. markhamarboretum.org.

BBeeggiinnnniinngg JJaann.. 1155HHaamm RRaaddiioo LLiicceennssiinngg CCoouurrsseeSeven-week course to learn what you need to earn yourTechnician Class FCC Amateur Radio License. Held by SalvationArmy and Mt. Diablo Amateur Radio Club. 6:30 – 9 p.m.Salvation Army, 3950 Clayton Road, Concord. Class is free. $7materials fee plus textbook. Registration required. [email protected].

JJaann.. 1177MMaaggiicciiaann aanndd MMeennttaalliissttPerformance by Jay Alexander. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602W. Second St., Antioch. $25. elcampaniltheatre.com.

JJaann.. 1188WWhhiimmssyy aanndd VViirrttuuoossiittyyPresented by California Symphony. Pre-concert lecture 3 p.m.Concert 4 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., WalnutCreek. $70. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

JJaann.. 2233CCaattttyywwaammppuuss!!Presented by Ready or Not Improv. 8:15 p.m. Lesher Center forthe Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org.943-7469.

JJaann.. 2233CCoonncceerrttPerformed by Winds Across the Bay. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for theArts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12. lesherartscenter.org.943-7469.

JJaann.. 2233 –– 2244““TTeeeenn CCiinnddeerreellllaa””Presented by Civic Arts Education Junior Theatre. Del ValleTheatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. $16.75. lesher-artscenter.org. 943-7469.

JJaann.. 2244 –– 2255““AAnnnniiee JJrr..””Beloved musical about a sunny orphan and her adventures pre-sented by Poison Apple Productions’ newest branch, Apple Teens.Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12.lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

JJaann.. 3300 –– FFeebb.. 2288““TThhee BBooookk CClluubb PPllaayy””A comedy about books and people who love them. Lesher Centerfor the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $39-$58.centerrep.org.

JJaann.. 3311 –– FFeebb.. 11““AAddvveennttuurreess ooff AAlliissaa””Performed in Russian by Russian Drama Club Skazka. 4:45 p.m.Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $17.lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

FFeebb.. 11CCoonncceerrttPerformed by the Young People’s Symphony Orchestra. 3 p.m.Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Freetickets: 943-7469.

FUNDRAISERS

22nndd aanndd 44tthh SSuunnddaayyssPPaannccaakkee BBrreeaakkffaassttVeterans of Foreign Wars serve breakfast to the public: Eggs,pancakes, sausage, beverage. 8 – 11 a.m. VFW Post 1525,2290 Willow Pass Road, Concord. $5, $3 children under 12. vfw-post1525.org.

DDeecc.. 2200HHoolliiddaayy PPaarrttyyA night of dance led by ballerina Rosselyn Ramirez; food, wine,punch. Proceeds benefit Diablo Ballet and its Performing ArtsEducation and Enrichment for Kids Program. 7 – 9 p.m. SteinwayPiano Gallery, 1605 Broadway St., Walnut Creek. $50. diablobal-let.org/events.

DDeecc.. 2200 –– 2211CCoouunnttrryy KKiittcchheennBaked goods for your holiday feast. Some kitchen craft items.Proceeds benefit St. Bonaventure Food Pantry. Open to the publicapproximately one hour after service. Mass times: Sat. 5 p.m.Sun. 7:30, 9 and 11 a.m.; 12:45 and 5 p.m. St. BonaventureFoyer, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. 672-5800.

JJaann.. 99AARRFF CCoommeeddyy NNiigghhttAn evening of laughter benefiting the Animal Rescue Foundation’slifesaving programs. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20, $40, $60. lesherartscenter.org.943-7469.

JJaann.. 1100AARRFF SSttaarrss ttoo tthhee RReessccuuee XXXXIIVVProceeds allow ARF to save dogs and cats that have run out oftime at public shelters and bring people and animals together. 7p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek.$45, $100, $250. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

JJaann.. 2244CCrraabb FFeeeeddCrab feed, music, dancing. Sponsored by Mt. Diablo High SchoolSports Hall of Fame. 6:30 p.m. Zio Fraedo’s, 611 Gregory Lane,Pleasant Hill. $50; $60 after Jan. 1. mdhsshf.org.

JJaann.. 3311CCrraabb FFeeeeddSt. Agnes School and St. Agnes Knights of Columbus host thiscrab feed to raise funds for the Parent Association and programsfor the students. 5:30 p.m. Garaventa Center, Carondelet HighSchool, 1133 Winton Drive, Concord. $55. Tickets available untilJan. 19 at the school or parish offices, 3886 Chestnut Ave.,Concord. For questions or tickets, contact Danielle Grimesey at330-7317 or [email protected].

AT THE LIBRARY

The Concord Library is at 2900 Salvio St. Programs are free unlessotherwise noted. See full schedule of events at ccclib.org or 646-5455.

DDeecc.. 2222HHoolliiddaayy HHoouusseessBuild a graham cracker house for the holiday season. Kids upto age 11. 7 – 8 p.m. Registration required.

JJaann.. 1100,, 2244CCoovveerreedd CCaalliiffoorrnniiaa WWoorrkksshhooppEnrollment and questions/answers. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

JJaann.. 2266FFiinnaanncciiaall EEdduuccaattiioonn WWoorrkksshhooppOrganizing your financial records. First of nine financial work-shops Concord Library is having in partnership with TravisCredit Union. 6 – 7:30 p.m. Registration recommended.

The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are freeunless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at claytonli-brary.org or call 673-0659.

JJaann.. 77WWiinntteerr BBuussiinneessss SSeerriieessCharlie Michelson discusses his experience growing a small shipsupply company to the international level. 6:30 p.m.

JJaann.. 1122CCllaayyttoonn LLiibbrraarryy BBooookk CClluubbSunny Solomon leads book discussion. Book to be announced.Open to anyone who wants to join. 7 p.m.

GOVERNMENT

11sstt,, 22nndd aanndd 44tthh TTuueessddaayyssCCoonnccoorrdd CCiittyy CCoouunncciill6:30 p.m., Council Chamber, Concord Civic Center, 1950Parkside Dr. cityofconcord.org.

11sstt aanndd 33rrdd WWeeddnneessddaayyssCCoonnccoorrdd PPllaannnniinngg CCoommmmiissssiioonn7 p.m., Council Chamber, Concord Civic Center, 1950 ParksideDr. cityofconcord.org.

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. JAN. 21 FOR THE JAN. 30 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO [email protected]

CCAALLEENNDDAARR

Meeting dates and times for local clubs andorganizations are listed atconcordpioneer.com. Click on ‘Links’


CChhrriissttmmaass ffoorr EEvveerryyoonnee,, DDeecc.. 2255

Soto HVACHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING SERVICES

(925) 497-7426www.sotohvac.comLicense #888673

Brace yourself for a dazzling 2015We create beautiful, lasting smilesby providing the highest quality orthodontic care in a fun and family-friendly environment.

CCaallll 992255--994466--11995511 ttoo sscchheedduulleeyyoouurr ffrreeee eexxaamm,, xx--rraayyss aanndd pphhoottooss..

2021 Ygnacio Valley Rd./Bldg. C, Suite #205Walnut Creek, CA 94598 (border of Concord & Clayton)

WCOrtho.com

� Remodeling� Windows/Doors� Crown Molding� Overhangs� Decks � Siding� Trim

FREE estimatesSpecializing in Bathrooms and Kitchens

Tipperary Construction Inc.General Contractor, license# 783799, B, HIC

TipperaryConstruction.comNow accepting

major credit cards

Declan Woods 925.216.2679Clayton Resident

Declan Woods 925.216.2679Clayton Resident

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

Prevent problems caused by viruses and spywarewith regular proactive maintenance.

TTOOTTAALL DDEESSKKTTOOPP CCAARREE && SSEERRVVEERR WWAATTCCHH Low cost, fixed feeservices thatmonitor & maintainyour networkto minimize IT problems

Call Mark 925.672.6029 or

[email protected]

Ed Waraner8861 Marsh Creek Rd, Clayton

Bonded and Fully Insured

Serving Northern California for Over 30 Years

24 HOUREMERGENCY

SERVICE

Residential &Commercial

� Specializing in Large Hazardous Trees &Heritage Oak trees

� Crane Service� Tree & Stump Removal� Arborist Consulting� Arborist Reports� Pruning/Cabling� Fire Abatement� Custom Milled Lumber� Firewood

CCCCCC CCeerrttiiffiieeddFFiirree AAbbaatteemmeenntt

FREEESTIMATES

www.waranerbrostree.com

Lic. #642272 Certified Arborist WE-3386A

Major Credit Cards Accepted

(925) 831-2323

Now Open in the Clayton Valley Shopping Center

Discover the practice ofyoga in our beautiful,welcoming studio withsome of the Bay Area’s best yoga teachers.You Belong Here.

INTRO SPECIAL: Two Weeks of Unlimited Yoga for $30Over 25 classes a week:• True Beginner Yoga• Vinyasa Flow • Yoga for Teens and Kids• Workshops, Special Events,

Sacred Circle Book Club

See website for full schedule and rates

DiabloYoga.com925-304-2127


The holidays can be a stress-ful time for pets. There are par-ties, house guests and the ongo-ing temptation of forbiddenfood. You can keep your petshappy and healthy and safe witha few simple precautions.

Feasting on wonderful treatsis all a part of the fun, but shar-ing your goodies with your dogor cat can be dangerous. Toomuch fatty, rich or even newtypes of food can lead to diges-

tive problems. Bones can tear upyour pets insides and onions candestroy a dog’s red blood cells.

Chocolate, especially bakingchocolate, can actually kill yourdog so keep it well out of reach.

Instead, indulge your dogwith a few teaspoons of peanutbutter in a Kong toy or give yourcat with some healthy natural cattreats or a new catnip toy. Besure all your guests understandthe house rules about feedingtable scraps to pets.

Then there are decorations.Twinkling lights around thehouse mean extra cords andplugs which can look like tempt-ing things to chew on for pets.Taping down or covering cordswill help prevent shocks, burnsand more serious injuries.

Dangling tree ornaments canseem like great toys to both

dogs and cats. Be sure that dan-gerous ornaments like glass ballsand tinsel are hung on highbranches out of the reach of lit-tle paws, and well secured.

Many people like the beauti-ful holiday plants to decoratetheir homes. A number of theseseasonal plants are toxic to petsand can cause digestive upset ifeaten or even just nibbled on.Be sure all plants are kept out ofreach of your pets.

It’s a good idea to knowwhere your closest emergencypet hospital is in case of anymishaps.

Guests coming in and out ofyour home are at a peak duringthe holidays and this increasesthe potential for pets to escapethrough open doors and gates.Keep your pets safely confinedwhen people are coming and

going and always be sure theyare wearing current identifica-tion tags and their microchipinformation is up to date.

Pets can get stressed withincreased guests and the noiseand activity they bring. Makesure your pet has a quiet place togo to escape the commotion.Remember that pets thrive onroutine and increased activityand visitors in the home canupset that routine. Try to keepyour pet on their regular sched-ule for feeding and exercise andbe sure to give them plenty oflove and attention this holidayseason.

5-year-old Beanie is an adorable gentle-man who likes to snuggle and sit on your lap(he does not realize how big he is). Beanie isgood with dogs of all sizes and loves foodand toys so much that he will work to earnthem — and will be a dream to train. Werecommend Beanie take a Basic Mannersclass where he can learn polite ways of seek-

ing creature comforts in life. He currentlyweighs 56 pounds.

The adoption fee for adult dogs is $225and includes 50% off one 7-week dog train-ing session.

6-year-old Sassy is a sweet lady who is abit shy in new environments. She will enjoysoft petting and sweet talk! Sassy likes pet-ting around her cute, chubby cheeks and willmake a great companion. She is suitable fora first time cat guardian. Sassy must be anindoor only cat.

Sassy’s adoption fee has been prepaid bya generous donor.

Meet your forever friend at Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adop-tion hours: Noon to 6 pm Wednesday &Thursday, Noon to 7 pm Friday, and Noonto 6 pm Saturday & Sunday. The primarycaretaker must be present to adopt. ARFalso encourages kids 16 and younger andcanine family members (dog adoptions only)to be present during the adoption process.

Would you like to be part of the heroic teamthat saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Canyou share your talents to connect people and ani-mals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! Formore information see our website, www.arf.net, orcall 925.256.1ARF.

Beanie and Sassy are ARF's adoption stars for December

BEANIE

SASSY

Debbie DeMello is a dog trainerand owner of Who’s Training Whoin Walnut Creek. Contact her [email protected]

DEBBIE DEMELLO

PET PALS

Give pets the gift of safety

This holiday season, yourfamily’s newly adopted pet canbe delivered right to your door.ARF will offer a holiday petdelivery service to those adopt-ing a furry friend, granting wish-es across the community.

For three days leading up toChristmas Day, choose a petfrom ARF for your own familyor another loved one, and signup to have one of ARF’s volun-teer “elves” deliver the adopted

dog or cat on the after-noon of Dec. 24 or untilnoon on Dec. 25, right in timefor Christmas or Hanukkah.

“A home is the best present ashelter pet could wish for, andthere are few gifts as great as theopportunity to share your lifewith an adopted dog or cat,”says Elena Bicker, ARF’s Execu-tive Director. “ARF wants tosave more lives and create one-of-a-kind memories for families

t ocherish.”

ARF hopes touse this service toencourage adoptioninstead of other avenues ofacquiring a pet, and aims toadopt and deliver as many ani-mals as possible over the holi-days. Cheery volunteers will actas Santa’s helpers, delivering petswithin a 20-mile radius of ARF’s

Wal-nut Creek headquar-

ters. Adopters can expect to paya $50 fee for delivery in additionto adoption fees, and go throughARF’s standard adoptionprocess. View pets up for adop-tion at www.arf.net or visit Mon-day, Dec. 22 through Wednesday,Dec. 24, noon to 5 p.m.

ARF delivers petsfor Christmas

PETS

Concord residents Daveand Sheila Rowntree are beingrewarded for their outstandingservice to Boy Scouts and thespecial needs community withthe prestigious San FranciscoBay Area Jefferson Award,which many recognize asAmerica’s highest honor forpublic service.

In short, the JeffersonAward is given to the unsungheroes of our communitieswho share their own talentsand time without expectinganything in return. This wouldcertainly describe the Rown-

trees, who have led a BoyScout Troop for children withspecial needs.

Although their own chil-dren had outgrown Boy Scoutsseveral years earlier, Dave andSheila got wind of a large voidin the program and couldn’thelp but do something aboutit. Their experience in scoutingand desire to help kids drovethem to form Troop 1994nearly 21 years ago, a BoyScout Troop specifically forchildren with special needs.“We have anywhere from non-verbal to extremely verbal,”says Dave. “We have someorthopedic challenges. I wouldsay many of the youth aresomewhere on the spectrum

for autism.”In troop 1994, boys with

special needs find a warmplace where they learn theskills that any Boy Scout wouldlearn. More importantly, theyreceive the acceptance andfriendship that seems to eludemany of them who are misun-derstood in social settings.

“A lot of the young men inour troop really don’t haveclose friends in the traditionalsetting of school,” says Sheila.“When they come to the troop,they start to form a bond and afriendship that doesn’t oftenhappen. They just find ahome.”

Dave says that most newScouts in Troop 1994 arriveand almost immediately findcompanionship. “About 90percent of the time when theywalk through the door, theyimmediately are attracted to

another person who has a sim-ilar special need and they justattract like magnets.”

At the troop, all types ofspecial needs are welcome:autism, learning difficulties,Asperger’s syndrome and any

other troubles that wouldmake life a little more chal-lenging for a child.

“This is a really loving andcaring troop,” says recent 16-year-old Eagle Scout JoshuaHughes. “I feel like I’m with

people that I can trust.”Sheila says that that com-

ment from Joshua means a lot.“The parents are seeing thattheir kids are successful andfeeling good about them-selves.”

Dave is clear to emphasizethat families are encouraged togive the troop a try, even if justto gauge interest. “I oftenreceive calls from folks whoaren’t sure if they will fit it, butthey have a son who may beinterested in Scouts. I alwayssay, ‘Why don’t you just bringhim and we’ll see what hap-pens.’ Then most of the time,they start appreciating theScout program and they stayaround a while.”

For more information on Troop1994, e-mail Dave Rowntree [email protected].

The gift of a book is one ofthe most generous gestures evermade. Books are in themselvesgifts of time and adventure,with the added bonus ofbecoming something entirelynew with each reading. Maybethe best thing about giving abook, is it doesn’t have to beexpensive – or even new –tocarry great value. One Decem-ber years ago when living on avery tight student’s budget, Iwent to the local used bookstore and came away carryingsacks of fiction that made for avery rich Christmas indeed. Italmost goes without saying thatI’ve never found a list of “best”books that I entirely agreedwith. However, this is just ashort list of eight, and a list ofclassics, at that. Like every classic,these are timeless.

“One Hundred Years ofSolitude,” by Gabriel GarciaMarquez. Beginning with whatis quite possibly one of the bestfirst sentences in the history ofliterature, Garcia Marquez spinsa yarn of love, redemption, war,and magic. “Many years later, as hefaced the firing squad, Colonel Aure-liano Buendia was to remember thatdistant afternoon when his father tookhim to discover ice.”

“The Sun Also Rises,” byErnest Hemingway. The poeticlilt of Hemingway’s dialogue issome of the best ever writtenand makes me fall in love withwords every. Single. Time.“Everyone behaves badly – if given achance.”

“The Diary of Adam andEve,” by Mark Twain. One ofTwains lesser known works isnonetheless an enchanting les-son in love. “How I wish I couldmake him understand that a lovinggood heart is riches enough and thatwithout it intellect is poverty.”

“Mrs. Dalloway,” by VirginiaWoolf. Not an easy read but adazzlingly brilliant classic. Woolfdelivers this Valentine of bookin stream-of-consciousnessprose and begins with anotheramazing first line: “Mrs. Dallowaysaid she would buy the flowers her-self.”

“A Good Man is Hard toFind,” by Flannery O’Connor.This is a collection of shortstories that will scare the witsout of you as it nabs you by thecollar and whips you aroundwith a command of languagethat is both naked and forgiv-ing. “She wouldn’t stay at home tobe queen for a day.”

“The Bean Trees,” by Bar-bara Kingsolver. It’s actually dif-ficult to choose just one King-solver novel as a stand-alonebut if you must choose, this is agood start: a story about love,friendship, abandonment, put-ting down roots, and a girlnamed Turtle. “I had decided earlyon that if I couldn’t dress elegant, I’ddress memorable.”

“Housekeeping,” by MarilynRobinson. There is a hauntingquality in Robinson’s work asshe writes about the smalldetails of ordinary life. Herexamination of the glue thatholds our worlds together is atonce pointed and astonishing.“You never know when you will seesomeone for the last time.”

“Last Report on the Miraclesat Little No Horse,” by LouiseErdrich. If you have any tendersensibilities at all, this writer willpierce your heart. Erdrich’ssense of irony, poetry, and socialjustice mingle in a tale that is atonce outrageous and plain inabout a million ways. “To loveanother human in all of her splendorand imperfect perfection, it is a mag-nificent task. . .tremendous and fool-ish and human.”

There you have it: a short listof classics. Enjoy the season,and happy reading!

to $187,542, so the city received atotal of $987,542 — which willbe put towards its bond debtretirement from the Pavilion’s1986 expansion.

Concord Parks and Recre-ation Director Joan Carrico, whooversees Pavilion operations onbehalf of the city, called it “areally great year.” Carrico point-ed to the variety of musicalofferings from long-time Pavil-ion staples like classic rock andR&B concerts to additions ofcountry, Latin and Christianmusic concerts.

Part of the new contractwith Live Nation called on thefirm to invest $3.7 million infacility upgrades within the firstthree contract years. They didall that work (and a little more)

during 2014.Pavilion General Manager

Aaron Hawkins says his firmspent that money for changes thatimpacted both Pavilion attendeesand artists and should pay divi-dends for years to come.

The most dramatic changewas the removal of all the perma-nent seats in the inner circledirectly in front of the Pavilionstage. They were taken out tofacilitate flexible seating arrange-ments, including having a generaladmission pit for some shows,which certain artists prefer. Theformat allows for nearly 500 addi-tional tickets to be sold for thoseevents. For the majority of con-certs, comfortable portablereserved seats fill the inner circlearea.

Most of the capital improve-ments were completed in a con-densed period before the seasonexcept for the re-designedentrance area around the boxoffice. That work has beenongoing since the end of theseason and is slated to be com-pleted shortly.

“The artists have beenextremely happy,” Hawkins said.Not only was the flexible seating ahit but improvements to thedressing rooms and the eating andrest areas for artists’ staff andcrew all met with thumbs up. Fiveof the 18 concerts were near ortotal sellouts.

Trying to carry on themomentum of this season’s suc-cesses, Live Nation hasannounced three shows for thenew year. Tickets for Tony Ben-nett and Lady Gaga (May 28), the

Australian boy band 5 Seconds ofSummer (July 21) and “Frozen”and Broadway star Idina Menzel(Aug. 7) are already on sale.

Carrico says two parts of thenew contract still need to beimplemented. A five-person com-munity advisory committee hasyet to be been formed. Hawkinswill serve on the committee alongwith four Concord residents whowill be selected early next year.Carrico envisions the groupbecoming “evangelists” for thePavilion, helping attract morecommunity events to the venue.

During contract negotiationsLive Nation suggested develop-ing an educational outreach pro-gram. Carrico says the city andpromoter have yet to start this. “Iwould like to see some daytimeperformances where school chil-dren come on a field trip to enjoya live performance.”

Caputi, who directed and co-produced, is wrapping upproduction of the film thismonth, and hopes to screen it atfilm festivals — such as the SanFrancisco International FilmFestival and the Asian AmericanFilm Festival in San Francisco,among other showings —beginning early next year.

Caputi says she is one of thelucky ones. Born in India, shesays she was raised by “anenlightened father,” whofavored both his son and daugh-ter equally. “Even though I grewup in India, I didn’t realize theviolence happening to girlbabies as well as women in myhome country,” she says.

VIOLENCE AT ALLSTAGES OF LIFE

“Petals in the Dust” looks atthe practice of infanticide,where many people — mostfrom the poorer regions — willfind out the sex of their child,and abort girl fetuses becausethey are not seen as “valuable.”In fact, ultrasounds to deter-mine the sex of a child are out-lawed in the country, but thepractice still exists.

The film explores the cultur-al origins of this vast genocidalcrime and includes the voices ofactivists and gender experts; aswell survivors who have strug-gled to build meaningful lives.

During her research on thefilm, she discovered that the vio-lence against females wasn’t justdirected at female infants, butextended all the way into adult-hood. The film also looks at theculture of rape, as well as “bridetrafficking,” where young girlsand women are kidnapped andsold to men — then “shared”among the male members ofone family.

She says that the social stig-ma of having girl babies has tochange. “In the poorer regions,it is not seen as a bad thing toabort a girl baby or even kill thebaby after it is born,’ she says.“That’s how deep-rooted theproblem is.”

She blames a lack of educa-tion on the part of the poorerresidents, as well as the lack ofknowledge about the positiveimpact of modern adoption.

“Many people would ratherkill their daughters than ‘risk’them being raised in a home that

may not have the same culturalor religious beliefs as they have,”she says.

She says that there is vio-lence against girls at every stageof their lives, including gangrapes and abuse that goes unre-ported — and that happens inall classes of society. “If awoman can’t produce an accept-able dowry, it is okay to abuseher, and in some instances, evenkill her so that the husband canmarry someone else.”

LOCAL HELPCaputi, who holds a masters

degree in biotechnology, left herjob in Mumbai and moved tothe U.S. 12 years ago to begin acareer in filmmaking at the NewYork Film Academy. It wasthere she met her husband andthe film’s co-producer anddirector of photographer, direc-tor Gino Caputi, a San Francis-co native who has made a namefor himself working on manyHollywood films such as “ThePursuit of Happyness,” “BeeSeason” and “War of TheWorlds,” among others. Theylive in Concord with their twosons.

In fact, it was talk of the filmon a local website that helpedher gain partners in its produc-

tion. A Walnut Creek womanheard about “Petals in theDust,” and offered to help outwith the film’s editing. A Con-cord woman contributed theartwork on the film’s poster.

Caputi was also assisted onthe film by executive producerMohamed Hamir, a retired fin-ancier who was born and raisedin Tanzania. He and his familyare of Indian origin, and is amember of the Advisory Boardof PRATHAM Los Angeles, thelargest educational non-profitinvolved in child education inIndia.

“He and my father are twoof the enlightened Indian menwho value women in Indiansociety,” Caputi says. “I couldn’thave done the film without himand his and my husband’s sup-port.”

MEN MORE AFFECTEDShe says of the people who

have seen the film — and eventhe trailer on its website — menseem to be more affected by itthan women.

It’s important to talk aboutgender equality in every countryearlier than those discussionsusually arise, says Caputi. “Itshould begin around middleschool. Young men should

know that gender inequalityhappens in every country,among every class level. Enforc-ing laws isn’t changing the waymen think — it has to be a cul-tural change.” She points to therecent slew of domestic vio-lence cases in U.S. sports as anexample.

She says that although shewas depressed while travelingthrough India while researchingthe film — “I’m very patrioticand it was hard to see and hearsome of the victims’ stories —she was inspired by the waymany of the survivors featuredin the film stood up to talkabout their experiences.

“They are courageous,” shesays. “They are the true heroes.”

Caputi says that bringing thisissue out into the open, shehopes to “light the spark ofresistance to this culture of gen-der violence and extermina-tion,” mobilize the Indian andinternational communities intogetting involved in ending this“gendercide” and to encouragea new generation of Indian citi-zens to value and respect theirdaughters, wives and thewomen in the community.

For more information and to see atrailer of “Petals in the Dust,” visitwww.petalsinthedust.com.

the three council incumbentsand city treasurer at the council’sDec. 2 meeting. Grayson,Hoffmeister and Ron Leonewere sworn in for another fouryears, as was incumbent citytreasurer Tom Wentling.Hoffmeister was unanimouslyselected as vice mayor.

Each “new” council memberthanked their supporters fortheir help in their reelection. “Icould think of no better part-ners in my reelection campaign

than my family,” said Grayson,pointing out wife Tammy andhis two children in the audience.

“We have a great opportuni-ty this year as we move forwardwith plans for the ConcordNaval Weapons Station,” hesaid. “Concord is going in anexciting direction.”

Hoffmeister too thanked herparents for their support, andsaid that economic developmentand infrastructure maintenancewould be her top priorities.

“You really can’t have one with-out the other,” she said.

Leone agreed that economicdevelopment was a cornerstoneof Concord’s success.

Wentling accepted his job bysaying that after this term isover, he will have spent 37 yearsin service to the community,including as a past city councilmember.

After the pomp and ceremo-ny of the swearing in,Hoffmeister surprised Graysonwith her “bag of tricks,” whichincluded tree ornaments mark-ing some of the mayor’s

achievements, some meaningful— like a small serviceman mark-ing the city’s Welcome Homeprogram for returning veterans— to a more sporty toy policecar marking the return ofSchool Resource Officers toConcord high schools, a jointproject between the city and theMount Diablo unified SchoolDistrict.

Perhaps the best ornamentwas a large “Q2” that signifiedthe extension of the city’s Mea-sure Q half-cent sales tax, whichvoters overwhelmingly support-ed in November.

Local couple honored with Jefferson Award

SHEILA AND DAVE ROWNTREE, long-time Scouting supportersreceived the prestigious Jefferson Award for their work withTroop 1994, a Boy Scout troop for scouts with special needs.


Pavilion, from page 1

Filmmaker, from page 1

Elections, from page 1

Timeless classicsmake great gifts

CYNTHIA GREGORY

FOR THE BOOKS

JOHN JACKSON

Correspondent

Cynthia Gregory is a North Baynonprofit leader, writer of short fic-tion, and author of a blog. Emailcomments and questions [email protected]

The following story is aboutwhat happens to a small townthat is effected by a big war…

Pearl Harbor was bombedDec. 7, 1941, Dec. 8, l941, theU.S. declared war on Japan andon Dec. 11 of the same year warwas declared on Germany andItaly. It was very traumatic forConcord and Port Chicago, a lit-tle neighboring town with ashipping port. The shippingport in Port Chicago became aloading dock for oil, gasolineand chemicals along with otherwartime supplies produced inthe area.

The Naval AmmunitionDepot on Muir Island expandedand Port Chicago became theNaval Magazine extension onDec.4, 1942. It was the Navy’sonly wartime ammunition ship-

ping point on the West Coast.The Depot employed 1,796civilians and 2,200 military per-sonnel. As the government con-tinued to expand the NavalMagazine by buying the farm-land around it, the landownerswere considered unpatriotic ifthey complained about thevalue they were getting from aChicago land company for theirfarms. It was a sad time forConcord.

On the night of July 17,l944 at 10:17 p.m., to be exact,the towns were startled by asudden and violent lurch. Thetownspeople witnessed brilliantflashes in the sky filling it withred and white light. The PortChicago Theater was showingAlan Ladd’s movie “China” andright as the Japanese werethrowing hand grenades theexplosion went off. A PortCosta resident was at the the-ater that night and was thrownfrom her seat and hit on thehead by the falling ceiling. Thewall collapsed and you couldsee through the wall opening abrilliant display of fireworks.Shrapnel was falling all over the

town of Port Chicago. Theclosed windows in houses andbusinesses of Concord resi-dents had shattered, chimneysrolled down roofs, young Navymen were running down theroad with terror in their eyes, ayoung Pacheco boy was kissinghis girlfriend good night andthought her father was comingafter him with a shot gun whenhe heard the blast.

Two ammunition ships atthe Port had blown up whileexplosives were being trans-ferred from rail cars to the piersto the ships. Three hundredand twenty military personnelwere killed and 390 militarypersonnel and civilians wereinjured.

Reconstruction beganimmediately and by April 1,l945, six new berths at threenew piers were in operation.The war ended and on Jan. 18,l946 it was established as anindependent command as thepeople of Port Chicago healedand rebuilt. On Dec. 23, 1957,it was designated as the UnitedStates Naval AmmunitionDepot. The next change would

come in June 18, l962, when itbecame the United States NavalWeapons Station under theBureau of Naval Weapons.Then again, on May 1, l966, theBureau was taken over by theNaval Sea Systems Commandand changed to simply theNaval Weapons Station.

As you have heard the Sta-tion is now closed and the Cityof Concord is negotiating withthe Navy for the developmentof the land. If you recall, wewent through this once beforeas a community, when MichaelChavez was on the city council.We spent many, many hours andweekends and money on decid-ing the Plan. It was approved byeveryone, as you remember, toonly have the Navy pull the rugout from under our feet andcancel the whole thing. So westart again.

Maybe the farmers that werechased out can come back?

A local service bringing

organic, in-season produce

straight from local farms

to your doorstep.

“Good nutrition brings good health, brings happiness. Thank you, Doorstep Farmers.”

Clayton resident, Leo Schindler

Sign up today.

(925) 457-5423

www.belfastplumbing.comLLiicceennssee.. 990066221111

Installations – RepairsToilets � Faucets � Water heatersGarbage disposals � Clogged drains

�elfast�lumbing

Credit Cards accepted: Visa, MasterCard, Discover

British Owned & OperatedTu – Sat: 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.Sun: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

4375 G, Clayton Road, Concord Clayton Center by Starbucks

Fish ’n Chipsauthentic

Mention this ad for

10%OFF(925) 521-1962

Mon. – Sat. 10 – 7, Sun. 12 - 6

Family Business Since 1988

Suat Atkin 925-686-22993400/3410 Clayton Rd., Concord

claytonfurnitureinc.com

Clayton Furniture, Inc.Lowest Prices Guaranteed

Custom-made

Sofas & Sectionals

Authorized Ashley Dealer

Knife Works

Louie GalvinClayton Resident

925-304-2200

Custom Sharpening Services

1030 Diablo St., Clayton. Next to the Royal Rooster.

The

W – F 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.Sat. 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.Closed Sundays

� Knives – flat rate $5� Scissors, mower blades, garden tools

Knife Sales� Complete line of kitchen, hunting, pocket knives� Boker, Case and other brands

Cutting EdgeReopened in time for the holidays

Most of us learned at an earlyage that when someone calledyou a meatball, it wasn’t necessar-ily a compliment. Culinary-wise a“no respect” designation prettymuch sums up what this roundobject has been given by Ameri-can society. Still, it is an integralpart of our cuisine.

In local restaurants meat-balls can be found on mostmenus in some form. They allutilize different types of meat,spices, breading, size, etc. Gen-erally they are served with somekind of a sauce and starch toaccompany them. Locally, thereare many versions of meatballsavailable for hungry diners.

One of the best can befound at Bambino’s. Located ina small strip mall at the cornerof Willow Pass and FarmBureau Road in Concord, thiseating establishment putsemphasis on “home made.”Everything is freshly preparedon the premises.

Bambino’s co-owner IsmaelPalacio has worked in restau-rants since he was a teenagergrowing up in the Mission dis-trict of San Francisco. Havingput in his time in all phases ofthe business, Palacio took overthe location of the formerAladino’s Pizza seven years ago.He has succeeded with word-of-mouth advertising to bringclientele to this establishmentrather than relying on traditionalmarketing techniques normallyemployed by similar businesses.

The meatballs at Bambino’sreflect his commitment tohome-made. Twice a week uti-lizing ground beef with a 75/25fat ratio, they make up 20 lb.batches. Italian sausage, red

onions, parsley, garlic andparmesan cheese are the mainingredients in their recipe. Afterthese items are mixed, they arehand rolled into their final largegolf ball-sized shape and re-coated with a layer of breadcrumbs. Cooked in a convectionoven at 350, the rest is history.

At Tower Grill located onthe Square at Todos Santos,their meatballs are much differ-ent yet are able to impart afavorable culinary experiencewhich has made this restauranta popular dining destination inConcord’s downtown area.Owner Gordon Clarke has aphilosophy of making a limitednumber of dishes from freshingredients, stressing qualityover a chain restaurant menufeaturing 10 different varietiesof chicken breast.

His meatball recipe, whichfeatures Angus beef, fresh pork,garlic, two varieties of cheese,bread crumbs, eggs, and assort-ed spices, is a compilation fromseveral chefs he has workedwith over the years. It is by farthe most complicated of thosewe tasted.

One major characteristic ofthe Tower Grill’s final productis the juiciness of the meat ballsand the ability of those eatingthis dish to be able to distin-guish between the different fla-vors of the ingredients, whichalso include pine nuts. This din-ing experience is enhancedespecially on their meatballsandwiches where a side ofhigh quality marinara sauce isserved.

In the future he intends tomake new versions using differ-ent meats including lamb tooffer their clientele. Judgingfrom the popularity of TowerGrill’s famous sliders oftendonated to community fundraisers, Clarke’s next generationof meat balls is an event to lookforward to.

Sorrento’s is a restaurant thatseems to have been around for-ever. Established in 1975, it istucked away next to the GenovaDelicatessen on Bancroft andTreat in Walnut Creek. Beingknown for its high-quality pizza,Sorrento’s offers a full servicemenu, of which its meatballscomprise a major component.

Manager Paolo Caturegli,whose family has owned therestaurant for a generation, toldus of the unique ways they pre-pare their impressive baseball-sized meatballs. To start,Caturegli emphasized that all oftheir bread products, includingtheir delicious focaccia, is madeon site each day. They use thesebreads as a staple ingredient intheir meat balls, which are alsoused in various other dishes therestaurant prepares such as theircannelloni and lasagna.

Sorrento’s also utilizes a

combination of three differentmeats (beef, veal and pork), allof which are freshly groundeach day on the premises. Freshherbs and various spices roundout their recipe, which Catureglisays originated in Northern Italywhere his family immigratedfrom.

The attention to detail andquality, along with the authentic-ity of their end products, arewhat makes Sorrento’s, Bambi-no’s, and Tower Grill, nomineesfor the local Meatball Hall ofFame.

Here is one of Whitney’sfavorite meat ball recipes foryou to try at home:

Mix:1 lb. ground beef1 lb. ground Italian pork

sausage1 cup dry bread crumbs½ cup grated parmesan1 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley2 gloves fresh garlic, minced½ cup milk2 eggsSalt and pepper to tasteForm meat mixture into 1.5-

2-inch balls. Line bottom of alarge frying pan with a thin layerof oil or butter and pan fry meatballs with 1 cup of mincedonions. Once cooked through,blend in 2 Tbsp. flour. Add yourfavorite homemade marinarasauce and let simmer for aboutone hour. Serve over angel hairpasta with a slice of warm garlicbread.

Are you ready for some meatballs?

Port Chicago’s history etched into Concord

Guarding the destroyed area after two ammunition ships blewup in Port Chicago in 1944.


CAROL LONGSHORE

OLD NEWS

RICHARD EBER &WHITNEY FLORES

TASTE AND TELL

Carol Longshore has been a Concordresident since 1950. She is a communityleader and current president of the Con-cord Historical Society. Send commentsand suggestions for future topics to [email protected].

Rich Eber is a local columnist forthe blog Halfway to Concord and a self-described “foodie.” He teams up withdaughter, Whitney, a student, avid cookand taster and mother. Email commentsto [email protected]

Why advertise in

the Pioneer?Here’s one reason:

Local painting contractor, Bryan Schaefer, got fourcalls the first two weeks his ad was in the Pioneer.

“The two things I hear most from [new customers] are ‘I wanted to use someone local,’ and ‘Nice ad in the Pioneer.’”- Bryan Schaefer, Schaefer’s Painting

Charter bus services in Con-tra Costa are in high demandthis weekend as three countyhigh school football teams—-De La Salle, Clayton ValleyCharter and Campolindo—-areheaded to Carson in SouthernCalifornia for CIF state bowlgames.

This Saturday, CVCHS willbe making its first-ever appear-

ance in this lofty territory whenthe Eagles (15-0) meet RedlandsEast Valley of Redlands (14-1)at 4 p.m. in the Division II finalsat StubHub Center. Followingthat game De La Salle (13-0) willbe in its ninth consecutive statebowl game against a familiar foe,Centennial (12-2) of Corona, at8 o’clock. It’s the fourth timethe Spartans have faced Centen-nial since 2007.

It’s downright improbablefor two of the 10 teams in statebowls to come from Concordand three overall from ContraCosta. Campo (15-0) plays ElCapitan (14-0) of Lakeside tostart Saturday’s tripleheader atnoon. All three games will betelecast live by Comcast Sport-sNet.

Both Clayton Valley Chartercoach Tim Murphy and his DLScounterpart Justin Alumbaughtargeted the state bowl game astheir team’s goal since the sea-son began.

De La Salle has been toevery CIF bowl game since thestate championships resumed in2006, so this is nothing new forthe Spartans. Campolindo alsoplayed in the 2011 state finals.Clayton Valley won its first-everNorth Coast Section footballtitle in 2012, Murphy’s initialyear in charge of the Eagles, butwas eliminated in the inauguralNorthern California regionalbowl game by Oakdale.

Last Saturday, before 4000fans at expanded Gonsalves Sta-dium, Clayton Valley Charterovercame a slow offensive startto run up a 28-point lead andwon 28-7 over Oakdale, turningthe tables on the Mustangs (13-

2) to earn the Concord schoolits first state bowl berth.

School officials on the fieldSaturday night said they hadreserved buses to take the varsi-ty football team, coaches, train-ers, cheer squad and band toSouthern California for this his-toric event. About 200 peopledirectly connected to the teamwill be bussing down I-5 for thegame.

Once again it was running-back Miles Harrison who led theEagles with 238 yards rushingand the first three touchdownsfor the winners. Clayton Valleydidn’t attempt a pass until thefourth quarter.

The Eagles defense has risenup in the past three weeks tohold powerful Casa Grande,Concord and Oakdale to 16points total. In its five playoffgames CVCHS outscored itsfoes by 202 points.

Their opponent, RedlandsEast Valley, won its first South-ern Section title this year andbeat Ridgeview of Bakersfield59-42 for the Southern Califor-nia DII regional title. Its lastthree section games were alldecided by six points or less.

De La Salle has won two ofthree matchups with Centennialin state bowl games. The Spar-tans have rolled over their 13opponents this fall while postingfive shutouts and winning by anaverage of 41 points a game.The team has overcome severalinjuries that even forced tightend Devin Asiasi to quarterbackthe team to a playoff win afterthe top two Spartan QBs wereboth injured.

The junior RB duo ofAndrew Hernandez andAntoine Custer has each run forover 1600 yards from scrim-

mage and scored over 300points between them.

Their opponent Centennial,a public school, has defeatedfour private schools to comethrough the Southland and earnthe Open Division berth againstDLS. They lost their seasonopener to Mater Dei of SantaAna and later fell 43-42 to Bish-op Gorman of Las Vegas, theNo. 1 team in the nation.

Centennial has offense to sparebut five times has allowed oppo-nents over 40 points. TheHuskies are used to playingclose games as they won theirplayoff games by 4, 3, 1 and 7points including a revenge winover Mater Dei and an upset ofSt. John Bosco in the sectionfinals. De La Salle, on the otherhand, has won every game bythree touchdowns or more.

CONCORD AMERICAN

LITTLE LEAGUE SIGN-UPS

UNDERWAYCelebrating its 60th year pro-

viding youth baseball to theConcord community, ConcordAmerican Little League is hold-ing in-person registration onThursday, Jan. 8, from 5-8 p.m.at Westwood Elementary, 1748West St. Boys and girls from 4-14 within the league boundariescan register. Online registrationis open through Jan. 9 at call-baseball.org. Tryouts begin Jan.10.

WINTER SOCCER ACADEMY

REGISTRATION OPENDiablo FC is now taking reg-

istration for its 14th annualWinter Soccer Academy held onMondays and Thursdays at Wil-low Pass Park in Concord fromJan. 5 – Feb. 19. The program ispart of the San Jose Earth-quakes Regional Development

School and is open to boys andgirls of all skill levels ages 5-11.Players receive an EarthquakesAcademy t-shirt. For moreinformation and to register visitdiablofc.org.

CV HOLIDAY YOUTH BASE-BALL CLINIC DEC. 22-23

Clayton Valley Charter HighSchool baseball coaching staffand players are offering a holi-day baseball clinic Dec. 22-23.The program focuses on theskills necessary to be a success-ful player including batting,fielding, pitching, throwing,catch play and speed/agilitydrills each day. Sessions are heldfrom 9 a.m. – 12 noon at theClayton Valley Varsity BaseballFacility for boys and girls ages5–14. Contact Eagles headcoach Casey Coakley [email protected] questions or to register.

WINTER VOLLEYBALL,SPRING PROGRAMS REGIS-

TRATION OPEN AT ALL

OUT SPORTS LEAGUESWinter youth volleyball

signups are open for the seasonthat runs on Saturdays from Jan.3-Feb. 21. Spring leagues foryouth basketball, tee ball andadult softball are now open. Forcomplete information on AllOut Sports programs, visit all-outsportsleague.com.

CONTINENTAL LITTLE

LEAGUE SIGNUPS OPENContinental Little League,

which encompasses parts ofConcord and Walnut Creek, isopen for online registration forthe 2015 season. CLL is for boysand girls from four to 17 andstarts with an ages 4-5 peanutsprogram. Visit continentalbase-ball.com for complete informa-tion.

SSPPOORRTTSSSpartans, Eagles go for football glory Saturday

JUNIOR JAKE PERALTA’S (32)secure wrap up of anOakdale receiver is demon-strative of Clayton ValleyCharter’s defense in theNorthern California Regionalgame last Saturday atGonsalves Stadium. Peraltaand his defensive mates heldfour of their five playoffopponents to one touchdownor less as the Eagles gainedtheir first-ever state bowlgame berth.

JAY BEDECARRÉ

Concord Pioneer


Sports Shorts

ST. LOUIS, MO. – SarahNelson of Dominican Univer-sity of California was namedthe inaugural U.S. BasketballWriters Association Women’sDivision II National Player ofthe Week for the week endingDec. 7. This is the first seasonthe USBWA will recognizenational players of the weekfrom Division II.

Nelson, a 6-4 senior centerfrom Clayton Valley HighSchool, led Dominican to itsbest Division II start in schoolhistory with two wins by aver-aging 20.5 points, 10.5rebounds and nine blocks pergame. Nelson’s efforts alsoearned her Pacific West Con-ference Player of the Weeklaurels.

In an 85-60 home win overNotre Dame de Namur, Nel-son recorded 22 points, acareer-high 17 rebounds andeight blocked shots. She thenreached that elusive triple-dou-ble with 19 points, 13rebounds and a school-record10 blocked shots in a 66-63road win at Holy Names.

Nelson leads the PacWestConference and NCAA DIIwith 5.5 blocks per game.Dominican is 4-3 overall andmatched its best start inPacWest play at 2-0.

As a senior at Clayton Val-ley Nelson helped the Eaglesto the North Coast SectionDivision II championshipgame and a berth in theNorthern California tourna-ment for the first time since1998. She averaged ninepoints, 7.5 rebounds and 3.4blocked shots per game her

senior year, which included a20-game winning streak andthe Diablo Valley AthleticLeague championship.

Each Tuesday, the USBWAis selecting men’s and women’sDivision II National Players ofthe Week. This is the first sea-son that the USBWA will rec-ognize national players of the

week from Division II.The U.S. Basketball Writers

Association was formed in1956 at the urging of then-NCAA Executive DirectorWalter Byers. With some 900members worldwide, it is oneof the most influential organi-zations in college basketball.

Photo courtesy Dominican University

Senior Sarah Nelson (11), a Clayton Valley High grad, made alittle history earlier this month when she was named the first-ever NCAA Division II women’s basketball national player ofthe week for her Dominican College Penguins by the USBWA.She leads the PacWest and the nation with 5.5 blocks pergame. Nelson was named PacWest Defender of the Week ear-lier in the season.

Sarah Nelson national playerof the week for Dominican

See Sports Shorts, pg 17

Clayton Valley Charter to appealadded year of NCS probation

North Coast Section Commissioner Gil Lemmon issueda four-page letter to CVCHS after the NCS eligibility com-mittee met concerning the denied transfers of three play-ers to Clayton Valley Charter for the 2014-15 school year.The school had earlier been placed on one-year proba-tion for all sports after the football team was adjudged tohave practiced outside the allowed time period last June.

Six football players applied for NCS waivers after trans-ferring to Clayton Valley Charter and three of them weredenied, having been ruled that the transfers violated “CIFand NCS rules, regulations or processes.” Lemmon enu-merated a number of issues surrounding the transfersinvolving contact with player’s families and paperworkmistakes.

School officials said they will be appealing the addi-tional probation period that runs through the end of the2016 spring season.

- Jay Bedecarre

Jason Rogers photos

CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER’S OFFENSE HAS RELIED ON RUNNINGBACK MILES HARRISON (3) to carry the majority of the load and the seniorhasn’t disappointed. He ran for 238 yards and three touchdowns in the Northern California Regional win over Oakdale 28-7 lastFriday. All-DVAL tackle Joe Levine (54) is one of the linemen clearing holes for Harrison and making the wing-gun offense ofcoach Tim Murphy go..

Clayton Valley CharterHigh School football playersJax Carter and Miles Harrisonand runningback Malik Black-burn of Concord were recog-nized for their outstandingfootball seasons as most valu-able players by Diablo ValleyAthletic League coaches.

Harrison was tabbed DVALMVP during his undefeatedsenior year while the Eagleswon their third successiveleague title. He was first-teamall-DVAL as a junior running-back and rushed for over 4000yards over two seasons. “Milesis one of the best runningbacks in the state. He has thatrare combination of speed,vision and power...and just asimportant as all of those, hetakes care of the ball.” Hiscoach Tim Murphy continues,“He is a great kid and I’mgoing to miss coaching him.”

Murphy says of Carter, “Jaxis an outstanding all-aroundplayer. He was linemen of theyear last year in our league andthis year he is the defensiveplayer of the year for his playat linebacker and defensiveline. But his best position mayactually be fullback. He is oneof the best blockers and hardrunning FBs I have ever had.He is actually being recruited[by colleges] more as a full-back/h-back. Bottom line isthe kid is a flat out good foot-ball player.”

Blackburn is a “dynamicplayer who comes out of the

backfield and is elusive in openspace,” says Concord headcoach Brian Hamilton. TheDVAL offensive MVP waspart of the Minutemen’s three-headed offensive monsteralong with quarterback MitchDaniels and wide receiverMason Knight. Blackburnscored 36 touchdowns in 13games and gained over 2500yards in offense.

Daniels and Knight wereboth first-team all-DVALchoices for the second year ina row. Blackburn and Knightboth play both ways for Con-cord, which finished the sea-son with a 12-2 record andreached the North Coast Sec-tion championship game for

the third time in the past fiveyears.

First team offense—Daniels, Knight, Robert Liu,Nolan Breckle, David Valen-zuela (Concord), ShimonRosenblatt, Joe Levine, Chan-dler Wakefield (CVC), FloydArmenta, Mason Mitchell(NG), David Jones, JordanMartinez (CP), Jesse Guzman(YV).

First team defense—Char-lie Alofaki, Davail Jenkins(MD), Jake Peralta, Daniel Fer-rell, Rich Peralta, Sean Vaisima(CVC), Mike Ihejeto (NG),Jose Rivera, Josh Weins (Con-cord), Alex Stevenson,Thomas Garcia, AndrewSabet(CP).

Second team offense—Harrison Boyle, Justin Zapan-ta, Brandon Estrada, NateKeisel (CVC), Yvon Emalea,Jonathan North (CP),Jonathan Krucker (NG),Diego Lopez (YV), AsanteMoore (MD), Alex Vargas, JedGwynn (Concord).

Second team defense—Christian Bates, Rembert Sis-son, Paco Orepeza, DemariaCapers (Concord), OmarWahba, David Jones, JustinAranzamendez (CP), DrewCrabbe, Lucas Ostalaza, ElijahBreon, Ryan Cooper (CVC),Jackson Smith, Nick Makrakis(NG), Taveon Moore (MD).

Who can play:

Every child 4-14 who resides or attends school within our legal boundaries

Clayton Valley Shopping Center

5434 Ygnacio Valley Rd., #130, Concord

[email protected]

925-672-6700

“Get to a healthier place.”

OPEN 24/7

Mention this ad to get started today!

NO MembershipDues Until

Feb. 13, 2015

His coach Brian Hamilton says thatsenior lineman Robert Liu has been a“mainstay” of the Concord High footballprogram for three years. “It’s a tough jobfor a sophomore to start every game butRobert did.” The 6-0, 260-pound lineman

gained 35 pounds since that sophomoreseason and the two-way lineman was first-team all-Diablo Valley Athletic League as ajunior and senior. Liu and his teammateswere 12-2 this season making it to thechampionship game of the North Coast

Section playoffs. He also plays club rugbyfor Danville Oaks and is a member of theleadership program at Concord as rallycommissioner. Leadership teacher LeahDarby says, “He is in charge of schoolspirit and people certainly love and adorehim. I have wanted him to join leadershipsince he was a freshman since I knew hewas a natural leader.”

The Concord Pioneer congratu-lates Robert and thanks Athlete Spot-light sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr.Christopher Ruzicka who have beenserving the Clayton and Concord areafor 25 years at Family Vision CareOptometry. Visit their website atwww.laceyandruzicka.com

Do you know a young athlete who should berecognized? Perhaps he or she has shown excep-tional sportsmanship, remarkable improvementor great heart for the sport. Send your nomina-tion for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today [email protected].

AthleteSpotlightRobert LiuClass: SeniorSchool: Concord HighSport: Football

Jason Rogers photos

Runningback Malik Blackburn (3) is the 2014 DVAL offensive MVP after accounting for over2500 yards of offense for the Concord High Minutemen. Blackburn averaged nearly threetouchdowns a game while also playing defense as his team went all the way to the North CoastSection championship game. Alex Vargas (58) blocks for Blackburn in the NCS finals againstClayton Valley Charter.

Minuteman, Eagles get DVAL footballMost Valuable Player recognition

JAY BEDECARRÉ

Concord Pioneer

The Golden State Warriorsare off to the greatest start infranchise history, finding them-selves among the elite teams inthe NBA while setting numer-ous team records. It is no smalltask to be competitive in theWestern Conference, playingagainst teams like the Spurs,Grizzlies, Rockets and Clippers,let alone the Thunder once theyare fully healthy.

The Warriors’ new coachingstaff so far has been giving theteam the extra push towardsgreatness that it seemed to belacking last year.

Steve Kerr, who signed afive-year, $25 million contractthis year to become the Warriorshead coach, has shown himselfto be up to the task of being aneveryday coach during the earlypart of the schedule.

There were some questionmarks about Kerr coming intothis season. He is a first-timecoach and, although he was along-time player and then televi-sion analyst, not all NBA playersbecome great NBA coaches.Kerr has answered those ques-tions so far, with improveddefense and offense beingshown by the Warriors early on.

A huge problem for the War-riors last year on offense wasball movement. The offensewould tend to stagnate into one-on-one basketball with virtuallyno ball movement between theplayers. This year the ball hasbeen moving for the Warriors,giving Stephen Curry and KlayThompson easy, open shots.

It is great to see the team

play with a crisper, more threat-ening offense, but there is stillroom for improvement. TheWarriors still have some thingsto address before they can seri-ously consider making a run atthe title this year.

The Achilles heel of theWarriors has been turnovers. Itis hard to win basketball gameswhen you turn the ball over 20times a game and once the teambegan trimming that numberthey went on a winning streak.

Turnovers are somethingthat will be constantly addressedas the year goes on and certain-ly Kerr and his excellent staffare working hard to make theWarriors players more conscien-tious about their ball handling.

The Warriors decided tostart Harrison Barnes at smallforward over veteran AndreIguodala, who has been a starterhis whole career. Iguodalaseemed to have a hard timeadjusting to coming off thebench during the early schedule.

In a perfect world Iguodalawould be the leader of the War-riors second unit. He has neverbeen an immense scoring threatin his career but he needs to bemore aggressive on offense. Toomany times he wants to beunselfish and facilitate the ballwhen he should just be takinghis open shots.

The Warriors weathered theinjury to all-star David Lee, par-tially due to the great bench playof Mo Speights who helpedAndrew Bogut hold down themiddle.

Overall the Warriors arelooking great to start the season,capped by a franchise record 15-game winning streak. The teamis definitely better than it waslast year and if they can shoreup a few issues, the sky is thelimit for the Warriors.


TYLER LEHMAN

SPORTS TALK

Tyler Lehman is a junior at SanFrancisco State University and a 2012CVHS graduate. He is majoring inprint/online journalism and wants to bea sports writer. Email your comments orquestions to [email protected].

Warriors sizzling to start the season

DIABLO FC BENEFIT

CRAB FEED FEB. 6 AT

CENTRE CONCORDThe 12th annual Diablo FC

benefit crab feed and raffle is setfor Friday, Feb. 6, at CentreConcord. Tickets are now onsale for the event that benefitsprograms for the local competi-tive youth soccer club affiliatedwith the San Jose Earthquakes.For the second year they are alsohaving a Super Raffle in con-junction with the crab feed fea-turing a four-day shopping tripto New York City as the grandprize. Visit diablofc.org formore details and to purchasecrab feed and raffle tickets.

CLAYTON VALLEY LITTLE

LEAGUE ACCEPTING

REGISTRATION ONLINERegistration for Clayton Val-

ley Little League is now openfor the spring 2015 season.

Baseball programs for playersages four to 14 and softball forgirls four to 14 are both openfor registration. The CVLL pro-gram began in 1964 andincludes a Challenger Divisionfor players with physical andmental special needs. Playersmust reside within the CVLLboundaries. Go to cvll.org forcomplete information and toregister.

DIABLO FC U9-U12 COMPETITIVE SOCCER

TRYOUTS BEGIN JAN. 18Diablo FC tryouts for the

2015 season for under 9 throughunder 11 boys and girls compet-itive teams are Jan. 18, 22 and 25in Concord. Tryouts for U12girls and boys are Jan. 31 andFeb. 4 and 8. Older tryouts forU13-14 players will be held Feb.15, 18 and 21. There is nocharge to try out and players can

pre-register today atdiablofc.org. For more informa-tion on the club and tryoutscontact director of coachingBrian Voltattorni at [email protected].

NORTHGATE AQUATICS

CENTER STILL RAISING

FUNDS FOR 2015 OPENINGFirst conceived in 1974, the

long-awaited Northgate HighSchool aquatics complex andsports medicine center are nowunder construction. Primarilyfunded by MDUSD Measure C,the $8.1 million center is onschedule to be completed thiswinter. It will include a 40-meterx 25-yard, 16-lane pool with adedicated sports medicine train-ing facility and classroom. TheNorthgate Community PrideFoundation is currently raisingthe balance needed to completethe project in time for the springswim season. To get more infor-mation and to donate visitnorthgatepride.org.

Sports Shorts, from page 16

The Concord High and Clay-ton Valley Charter football teamshave established themselvesamong the elite of North CoastSection Division II football pro-grams in recent years and haveengaged in some thrilling gamesthat have determined Diablo Val-ley Athletic League champi-onships.

The two schools are aboutthree miles apart and the rivalry

burns bright. Clayton Valley haswon four league championshipsand Concord two since theDVAL was re-established in 2008.After 2009, 2012 and this fall’sregular season the teams also metin the Section playoffs but thosegames were each decided by atleast 20 points, unlike the leaguegames the past two years.

Coach Tim Murphy’s Eaglesused a stunning defensive displayto defeat Concord 33-6 in theNCS finals two weeks ago atpacked, rain-drenched Diablo

Valley College. It was the 14thstraight win for CVCHS as theycontinued to rack up schoolrecords and remained among thenation’s top high school offenseswith over 7400 total years this sea-son.

The Concord-Clayton ValleyNCS finale was unlike the last twohigh-scoring matchups (49-48 lastyear and 48-40 in October)between the intra-city rivals thatwas each decided on the game’sfinal play with the Eagles defenseholding off the Minutemen fromscoring a winning or tying touch-down.

Brian Hamilton’s Concordteam has been to three NCS titlegames in the past five yearsincluding a 2010 championship.The Eagles won the 2012 Sectiontitle, ending a run of three failedSection finals efforts over theyears for CVCHS. The 2014 titlewas Murphy’s fifth section cham-pionship spread over threeschools since 1999.

League MVP Miles Harrisoncarried the load for the Eaglesoffense, rushing for 287 yards andthree touchdowns against Con-cord. CV raced out to a 27-pointlead before Concord was able toscore just before halftime. Harri-son has run for 2140 yards fromscrimmage leading the Eagles’double-wing offense to 81 rush-ing TDs in 14 games.

It was the CVCHS defense

that stifled the three-prongedMinuteman offense in the NCSfinals. Concord quarterbackMitch Daniels threw the 109thand final TD pass of his prepcareer to DVAL offensive MVPMalik Blackburn in the NCS titlegame. It was Blackburn’s 36thtouchdown of the year. For themost part the Ugly Eagles defensethrottled high-scoring Concord.

A disappointed Hamilton saidhis team came into the seasonwith “high expectations to winNCS. We had a more explosiveoffense [than the 2010 and 2011NCS finalists] and we’re proud ofthe 12 wins but disappointed inthe final outcome.”

The two teams accounted for14 of the 25 first-team all-leagueplayers as well as the three DVALfootball MVPs.

CROSS COUNTRYDVAL champion Parker

Burr took eighth at the NCScross country Division IIIchampionships to qualify as anindividual for the CIF StateMeet. The Concord High sen-iority Volleyball player becamethe first Minuteman runner toqualify for the State Meet twice.At the end of November heimproved his time from last yearby 30 seconds and 20 places,getting 66th with a time of16:22 (5:17 mile pace) in Fresno.

De La Salle dominated the DISection finals with Matt Schu-mann taking first, Austin Sanchezsecond and Roc Johnson fourthat NCS for the Spartans. DLS fin-ished 10th at State with Schu-mann again leading his teammateswith a 16th place finish.

Junior Sayed Opeyany wasthe leading boys runner forClayton Valley as the Eaglestook 13th, one spot ahead ofNorthgate. Laurence Seabrooktook 23rd as the top Broncorunner. College Park was fifth.

Keeley Murphy led Caron-delet to a fifth place NCS Divi-sion II girls placing. Northgatewas one spot behind as MeganCoyle (8th) and Jessie Boucher(16th) led the Broncos. CVCHSfreshman

Kelly Osterkamp paced theEagles to eighth place in theDivision II finals. She was 28thoverall and the seventh frosh.Lindsay Mondloch was the nextCV finisher and the only senioramong the seven Eagle runners.College Park was fourth at NCS.

WATER POLONorthgate’s boys (25-3) lost

the DII NCS finals to top-seedRedwood 13-7 after winningsthe opening two matches. De LaSalle lost in the second round toeventual boys champion Mira-monte in DI.

Carondelet, Concord andNorthgate were all ousted in theopening round of the girls DIItourney as was Clayton ValleyCharter in DI.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALLDVAL champs Northgate

were a losing semi-finalist toMaria Carrillo in five sets.Carondelet lost in the secondround to eventual champ Red-wood. Clayton Valley Charterlost its NCS opening match toLas Lomas.

GIRLS GOLFCarondelet was fourth at the

NCS Tournament of Champi-ons just missing by one strokefrom advancing as a team to the

NorCal tournament. AngelaBagasbas was low scorer andqualified for the NorCal tourna-ment as an individual. AnnikaBorrelli, Sabby Virtusio andKelly Ransom helped theCougars to their high finish.Northgate was led by OymphnaUeda with a 78 that also earnedher a NorCal berth.

DVAL runner-up CVCHSadvanced to the TOC whereRachel DeLong shot 87 for thelow Eagles score to concludeher high school career.


“Whenever anything goes wrongwith my car I know they will take

care of me at Clayton Valley Shell.”- Brenda Johnson

Get Acquainted Offer Customer Appreciation Offer Benefits To You

• QUALITY – Independently owned and operated

• WARRANTY – 24 months/24K miles

• 100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION –

We want to guarantee your satisfaction

• NO SURPRISES – All prices must be

approved by you before any work is done

• PERFORMANCE – ASE technician available

• SAME DAY SERVICE – On most repairs

• CONVENIENCE - Customer shuttle available

on major repairs

With smog check,

$69.88 plus certificate

Lube, oil, filter change

*most cars, plus tax

*Cannot combine with any other offers. Excludes tires and batteries. One time use only for new customers. For a limited time only. Cannot combine with any other offers. For a limited time only.

$10 FREE GAS

TAKE $50 OFFFREE BRAKE INSPECTION$59.50 value. If work done by us

$29.46 Factory scheduled

maintenance

For our loyal customers

1500 Kirker Pass Rd., Concord • Mon–Fri 8am- 5pm, Sat 8am-4:30pm

(925) 672-3900For more great special offers, go to

www.ClaytonValleyShell.com

Photo courtesy Minnesota State Athletics

Former Concord High School quarterback Ricky Lloyd (8)transferred to Minnesota State this year and has helped theundefeated Mavericks (14-0) to the NCAA Division II cham-pionship game in Kansas City this Saturday where they meetColorado State-Pueblo (13-1). Ironically Lloyd’s four touch-down passes led his team over Concord University of WestVirginia last weekend in the semi-finals. Lloyd spent threeyears at Southern Mississippi after taking Concord High tothe 2010 North Coast Section championship while toppingall California preps in passing yards and completions.

Ricky Lloyd leads his college past Concord!

CVCHS defeats archrival to take NCS football crownJAY BEDECARRÉ

Concord Pioneer

Jason Rogers photos

All-DVAL quarterback Mitch Daniels (10) was scrambling muchof the evening at the NCS finals while being chased byCVCHS defenders. Daniels was a two-time all-league quarter-back and threw for nearly 8400 yards and 109 TD passes as athree-year starter. The Minutemen won 30 games over thosethree seasons including a 12-2 mark this fall.

Junior quarterback Nate Keisel (11) has been the field generalfor the undefeated, high-powered Clayton Valley Charter Highfootball team this fall. He has rushed and passed for nearly1500 yards combined while throwing 19 touchdown passes ononly 92 pass attempts. Concord’s Donald Hollars (4) tried tocorral the Ugly Eagles QB during last Friday’s NCS champi-onship game at Diablo Valley College.

Concord’s Sasanqua Camel-lias are in full blossom. Theirpink, red and white flowers canbe seen bursting into bloom allaround town.

Sasanqua Camellias are ever-green shrubs that have a lovely,seasonal flower display. Theyhave dark green, medium-sizedleaves and flowers of many dif-ferent petal counts. Dependingon the selection, your SasanquaCamellia may have a singleflower style, like the popularYuletide variety, semi doubleflowers like the Cleopatra, or afull-peony style flower like theones found on the White Dovevariety.

Sasanqua Camellias are veryeasy to grow. They are one ofthe most sun tolerant, shade-loving shrubs available. Sasan-qua Camellias can thrive in fullmorning sun, or half a day ofafternoon sun exposure, evenduring our Concord summers.Occasionally, you may even spota Sasanqua Camellia planted infull summer sun, although Iwouldn’t recommend you plant-ing one in full sun on purpose.

Take care when planting anyCamellia. Aggressively work theroots loose. Soak the Camellia inwater if you have to. You wouldlike the plant’s roots to look likethey were never in a pot. Lots offolks make mistakes wheninstalling plants by not spread-ing out the plant’s root properly.You won’t hurt your plants,rather you’ll do more harm to

your installations by not work-ing the roots apart.

If you already have SasanquaCamellias in your landscape, car-ing for them is easy. Prune afterflower, at will, wherever neededto achieve the shape you desire.If your Sasanqua Camellia isappearing leggy, cut backstretching branches for a moreupright appearance. Alwaysremove dead wood.

Fertilize all Camellias now.They should be fed with a for-

mula that will feed the flower,and not encourage new leaves.This means you should look fora formula where the labels firstnumber in the series of three issmaller than the second andthird. For example, 0-10-10, 2-10-10 or 3-20-20. If you can’tfind any of these formulas, justget one that is close, as long asthe first number is smaller thanthe second. If your leaves onyour Camellias are light green,or yellow, apply a dose of iron as

well. Be careful and don’t usemore fertilizer than recom-mended. Starting in March,begin feeding your Camelliaswith an acid fertilizer, andalways follow the packageinstructions.

Sasanqua Camellia shrubsmake great additions whenplanted along a fence line oragainst a blank wall of housetrained as an espalier. Shop for aSasanqua Camellia while inbloom, that way you can findthe selections of this type ofCamellia that are fragrant.

Brighten winter with colorful Camellias

For reservations or information call

(925) 672-9840Clayton Station Shopping Ctr., 5439 Clayton Rd., Ste. FCST #2033054-40

EExxppeerriieennccee tthhee ddiiffffeerreennccee!!

The Leisure Travel Experts

Season’s Greetings!Far away or close to home, we enjoy planning your travels.

We appreciate your business and look forward

to sending you wherever your travels take you in 2015.

All the best

in the coming year,

Monica, Pat, Becky,

Sarah and Vicki

MauiOahu

Cancun

Lanai

Cinque Terre

Disney Cruise

NICOLE HACKETT

GARDEN GIRL

Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool,Patio, Gifts and Garden. Contact her withquestions or comments [email protected]


Our services and amenities include:� Independent Living, Assisted Living and

New Exceptional Memory Care Environment� Private and Semi-private Studios� Restaurant-style Dining� Sun-filled Courtyards and Private Patios� Professional and Caring Staff 24 hours a day� Scheduled Transportation and Concierge Service� Life Enriching Activities� Housekeeping and Laundry Services� LVN now on staff

Call today for detailson this exceptional offer and

learn about our new administrationand new prrices.

(925) 798-39001081 Mohr Lane � Concord � www.courtyardsatpinecreek.com

Lic #075601529

Independent Living StudioNow $1,800/month

Our belief is that our residentsdeserve the very best personalized care possible at an affordable rate.

Askabout our

Memory CareSpecials.

FREE ESTIMATES

925-250-0334

OwnersDustin & Kim WaranerContractors Lic #879423

Arborist Lic WE-7372A

Schaefer’sP A I N T I N G

Bryan Schaefer(925) 260-6065 Clayton Resident

License #708321Family Trade since 1936

Interior & ExteriorPopcorn Ceilings

Sheetrock, TextureCabinet Refinishing

Interior & ExteriorPopcorn Ceilings

Sheetrock, TextureCabinet Refinishing

Ready for a new look?

Advertise in the Pioneer

925-672-0500

A FloralExperience

Mitzie Richardson [email protected] Facebook/afloralexperience.biz

Mitzie Richardson [email protected] Facebook/afloralexperience.biz

Flowers for all

occasions

SASANQUA CAMELLIAS

The holidays are always avery busy time of the year.Regardless of whether you cele-brate Hanukkah (Dec. 16-24),Christmas (Dec. 25) or Kwanzaa(Dec. 26 – Jan. 1), there is alwaystoo much to do and too littletime to do it.

But for local actors perform-ing in holiday entertainments,December becomes a whirlwindof activity. I remember per-forming in Center Rep’s “AChristmas Carol” many yearsago as the Ghost of ChristmasPast. That particular year weeven performed on ChristmasEve – what was the producerthinking! It may have been hec-tic, but I think that Christmaswas one of my favorites – one inwhich I felt the spirit of the hol-idays most profoundly.

Although the schedule isn’tquite as daunting, the currentcast of Center Rep’s “A Christ-mas Carol” has retained thatspecial bond forged – unlikeMarley’s chains – of love. Mar-tinez resident Jeanine Perassohas been playing Mrs. Fezziwigin the show since 1997. “I start-

ed doing a scrapbook that firstyear,” says Perasso. “Each yearat our first rehearsal, I alwaysbring the previous year’s book.We all love to see how much thechildren have grown.” Perassoalso makes an opening night giftfor each cast and crewmember.“This production is about thewarmth, sharing and joy peoplefeel with loved ones. I guess theword ‘family,’ even if you’re notrelated, says it all,” she adds. “AChristmas Carol” continuesthrough Dec. 21 at WalnutCreek’s Lesher Center for theArts. Call 925-943-SHOW or goto www.lesherartscenter.org.

To help give your holidays anold-fashioned twist, Bill Chess-man offers two science fictionradio dramas. On Dec. 26 and27 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 28 at 2:30p.m., be prepared to boo, hiss orlaugh out loud as Chessmanpresents “I Want Your Brain”and “The Biggest, Most Horri-blest Monster Ever.” The firstshow deals with a highlyrespected restaurant that servesunusual fare, and the secondtells of a famous scientist whoseresearch on solving worldhunger has gone terribly wrong.The shows are at the MartinezCampbell Theater, 636 WardStreet, in Martinez. Call 925-518-3277 for more information.

For a non-holiday theatricalexperience, try Kenn AdamsSynergy Theater. Taking placeonce a month at LamorindaMusic in Lafayette, the full-length improvised shows rely on

audience members to help cre-ate each show. On Dec. 20 at 8p.m., Synergy presents “Backer’sAudition,” where audience sug-gestions become pivotal scenes.“Then in Act II, we take theaudience’s favorite scene andtransform it into a full play – orat least as much as the cast canremember,” laughs Adams. OnDec. 21 at 3 p.m., the companypresents “Spontaneous Com-bustion,” a comic explosionbased on real-life stories. Ticketscan be purchased online atwww.brownpapertickets.com.For more information, go towww.synergytheater.com.

Maybe it’s not a Christmasplay, but it certainly carries aholiday sentiment as the Mt.Diablo Unitarian Universalist

Church (MDUUC) Uniplayerspresent “A Police Inspector WillCall.” Proceeds from the stagedreading of J.B. Priestley’s TonyAward-winning play will benefitthe Winter Nights program,which provides temporary shel-ter during the winter months forhomeless families. Perfor-mances takes place Jan. 23 at7:30 p.m. and Jan. 25 at 3 p.m. at55 Eckley Lane in Walnut Creek.Call 925-934-3135 or go towww.mduuc.org.

The Diablo SymphonyOrchestra’s annual holiday“Home for the Holidays” con-cert returns with a festiverepertoire featuring the gor-geous “Die Natali” ChristmasPreludes by iconic 20th centuryAmerican composer SamuelBarber. The orchestra will alsoperform several holiday choralfavorites with The Ashmolean

Singers, directed by StevenMullins. “Home for the Holi-days” will be presented onMon. Dec 22 at 7:30 p.m. at theLesher Center for the Arts.Tickets to the Lesher Centerconcert can be ordered at 925-943-SHOW (7469), online atLesherArts.org, or at the Lesh-er Center Box Office

The Ashmoleans were

formed in Rossmoor in thespring of 2005 from a group of16 hand-selected men andwomen singers. Choristers nownumber over sixty.

The Diablo Symphony Orches-tra is a Central Contra-based com-munity orchestra it its 52nd season.For more information about theDSO, go to diablosymphony.org

PERFORMING ARTS

SALLY HOGARTY

STAGE STRUCK

This weekend is the last chance to see CenterREP’s AChristmas Carol’ at the Lesher Center in Walnut Creek.

Celebrate the holidays with cheer, laughs

Sally Hogarty is well knownaround the Bay Area as a newspapercolumnist, theatre critic and workingactress. She is also the editor of theOrinda News. Send comments [email protected].


� Party Trays

� Fresh Pies � Custom Cakes

� Special Princess Cake

� Yule Logs � Sandwiches

� Sandwich Platters

� Mochas & Lattes

� Variety Cakes � Pastries

� Cookies (we can make any shape cookie,including holiday shapes)

HHOOLLIIDDAAYY CCHHEECCKKLLIISSTT

5435 Clayton Rd. Suite Eiinn CCllaayyttoonn

Remember to

pick up a loaf

of our famous

cinnamon

bread

OOppeenn 77 ddaayyss aa wweeeekk55 aamm ttoo 66 ppmmHHoolliiddaayyss66 aamm ttoo 11 ppmm

((992255)) 667722--00993366

iinn CCllaayyttoonn

JJooiinn uuss!! DDoonnaattee!! GGeett iinnvvoollvveedd!!

Helping MembersLive Successfully inTheir Own Homes.

Happy Holidays from

Help us build our infrastructure, so we can launch our

programs & services to serve the Clayton/Southern

Concord community in the coming year.

Clayton Valley Village is a non-profit volunteer organization.All donations are tax deductible.

Info at www.claytonvalleyvillage.orgP. O. Box 683, Clayton, CA 94517

� Kevin Schmidt, Clayton Resident

� Family Owned and Operated 925-822-5144738 Bloching Circle, Clayton

SPECIAL

10% Off for PPiioonneeeerr

readers

Remodeling Specialist

DiabloViewConstruction.com

Kitchens BathroomsWindows MouldingsDecks SidingPainting interior & exterior

license 962284

Rossmoor’s The Ashmoleans join DiabloSymphony Orchestra for special holiday concert

Fresh, QualityMexican Food

Restaurant and Catering

Let us cater your holiday event

Party Trays/Charolas$6.50 per person includes two entrees,rice, beans, fresh tortillas, chips & salsa

Full Service Taco Bar/Taquiza a Domicilio• Fresh homemade tortillas, grilled

steak, marinated pork, fried pork,

chicken, rice, beans and chips.

• Easy set up and cleanup

• No hassles…Just GREAT FOOD

Let us cater your holiday event

Party Trays/Charolas$6.50 per person includes two entrees,rice, beans, fresh tortillas, chips & salsa

Full Service Taco Bar/Taquiza a Domicilio• Fresh homemade tortillas, grilled

steak, marinated pork, fried pork,

chicken, rice, beans and chips.

• Easy set up and cleanup

• No hassles…Just GREAT FOOD

1500 Monument Blvd. Ste. F1 (Monument Plaza)Concord(925) 963-7472(925) 687-7066

NEW LOCATION2228 Oak Grove Road Walnut Creek(925) 295-0266fax (925) 687-7067

“If it isn’t fresh, we don’t sell it”- Santiago MoralesOwner & Concord resident

Mon

umen

t B

lvd.Reganti

Oak Grove

Tamales• Quality, fresh

tamales from our tamale factory

• Or, make your ownusing our fresh masa

Tortillaselmolino.com

Open 7 days a week Mon.-Sat. 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sun 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

[email protected]

Matt Mazzei, Sr.Sales Agent

DRE# 01879806

Clayton residents since 1959

mazzeirealty.net 6160 Center St. Suite #C, Clayton

925-693-0757 (Main) � 925-693-0752 (Fax)

[email protected]

Matt Mazzei, Jr.Broker/Owner

DRE# 01881269

Doug Van RiperSales Agent

DRE# 01883875

[email protected]

Wishing you a Joyous HolidaySeason and a

New Year filled withPeace and Happiness

Paula JohnstoneBroker Associate

DRE# 00797857

[email protected]

Steve IngebretsonRealtor Associate

DRE# 01336115

[email protected]

Rula MasannatSales Agent

DRE# 01923757

[email protected]


• Remodels, Kitchens & Baths• 21 years of design experience

– model homes, commercial & residential

• Clayton resident for 15 years

• Design consultations• Hunter Douglas Priority Dealer• Major furniture brands

at a discount• Licensed general contractor

Full-Service Design Firm

925-672-7920 6160 Center St, Clayton [email protected]

www.interiorspanache.com

Call or email for

an appointment today

Follow us on Facebook

Time for an update? Call Interiors Panache!

Happy Holidays

�� Lawn & Plant Installation �� Paver Patio & Walkway�� Retaining Walls �� Drainage �� Low Voltage Lighting

925-672-9955www.nicholslandscape.com

LLiicc.. 554422881122 FFuullllyy IInnssuurreedd

Boyce Nichols - OwnerClayton Resident

FFRREEEE EESSTTIIMMAATTEESS

Forbidden love, family ten-sions and rival gangs will heat upthe stage at Las Lomas HighSchool this January as Stars 2000presents “West Side Story.”

What better way to portraytwo rival teen gangs than by hav-ing teenagers bring their youthfulexuberance to the roles? “It’s avery emotional journey. Thestakes are so high right from theprologue,” says Anna Barcellos, ajunior at St. Mary’s High School inBerkeley who plays Maria. Theroles of the young lovers are dou-bled with Barcellos and GriffinSilva alternating as Maria andTony with Sydney Chow andChris Aceves.

“The emotions are very chal-lenging,” adds Aceves, whoattended Danville’s Monte VistaHigh School. “Tony and Marianeed to have a deep connection.Luckily, this is the fourth showthat Sydney and I have done

together, andwe’ve becomereally close.”

A modern dayversion of Shake-speare’s “Romeo andJuliet,” the Bernsteinand Sondheim musi-cal takes place on theturbulent streets ofNew York City. It’sthe 1950s and rivalgangs — the Jets and

the Sharks — areabout to rumble.

Of course, Tony is aleader of the Jets while Maria’sPuerto Rican heritage places herwith the Sharks.

“Unfortunately, the racial ten-sion and gang atmosphere is stillrelevant today,” says director andfounder of Stars 2000 DianeKamrin.

“Part of our mission is to edu-cate our young performers, andwhile the storyline can be chal-lenging, it’s also something thekids are familiar with,” says EllenSmith, who is co-producing theshow with Julie Hahn. Set design-er Mark Mendelson adds to thecompany’s educational element byworking with the stagecraft classat Las Lomas High School as theybuild the set.

Concord resident Sean Stover,who plays Riff, a Jet, brings anadded perspective to his role. TheDiablo Valley College sophomoreplayed a Shark in a previous pro-duction. “Sometimes whenrehearsing, I start to fall into myShark persona and have to pullback. But it gives me a look intoboth sides,” he says. “Riff is veryintense and in-your-face, but Ithink that’s because deep downhe’s scared of losing control ofthe only family he knows – theJets.”

Silva, a junior at Walnut

Creek’s Northgate High School,also dug deep for his portrayal ofTony. “I wrote a complete back-story for Tony and even have aplay list of period music thathelps me get into character,” heexplains. Silva says the show’ssong “One Hand, One Heart”has special meaning for his real-life family. “My parents played thesong at their wedding.” Barcellos,Silva’s Maria, translated some ofher lines into Spanish to help herprepare for her role. “But, themusic really helps you find yourcharacter. It’s so beautiful andexciting to sing.”

According to Chow, her roleas Maria was a big change. “I usu-ally do musical comedy and thisshow is about losing everythingyou love. But it’s a good kind ofchallenge,” says the Benicia HighSchool student.

Finding his role a bit lessdaunting is Concord resident

Gerardo Valencia, who playsBernardo. The sophomore at SanFrancisco State says Bernardo isvery paternal towards Maria. “Asthe oldest of three, I can easilyrelate. We also speak Spanish inmy family so Bernardo is a goodfit for me.”

“West Side Story” marks thefirst production for Stars 2000 asan independent company. For 22years, the group fell under DiabloTheatre Company (DTC). DTCsuspended main stage shows atthe Lesher Center for the Arts lastyear. “DTC decided to go in a dif-ferent direction,” says Kamrin. “Itwasn’t a direction we wanted togo in so we decided to form ourown nonprofit.” Thanks to helpfrom the theatrical communityand parents of both current stu-dents and alumni, the fledglingcompany is doing well.

“West Side Story” runs at 8 p.m.Fridays and Saturdays and at 2:30p.m. Sundays from Jan. 16 – 31.Tickets are $20 (general), $15 (stu-dents), $18 (seniors) and $14 (groupsof 15 or more). Call 925-324-7359or visit www.stars2000.org.

General auditions for the Clayton Theatre Company will be Sun-day, Jan. 25 from 1 to 5 p.m. and Monday, Jan. 26 from 7 to 10 p.m.Call backs will be Tuesday, Jan. 27 from 7 to 10 p.m. at EndeavorHall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. No appointment is necessary. Audi-tions are open for actors age 16 and up.

Actors are asked to prepare a two-minute monologue. Thosewho want to be considered for the fall musical should prepare 32bars of a musical theater song that demonstrates vocal strength andrange. Bring sheet music in the appropriate key, and an accompanistwill be provided. No recorded music or a cappella will be allowed.Actors are also asked to provide a head shot and resume. Downloadthe audition form on the audition page atclaytontheatrecompany.com.

Clayton Theatre Company is committed to non-traditional cast-ing. All are encouraged to audition.

Auditions will be in January for the fall 2015 show, “Urinetown.”Rehearsals will begin the last week in August and the show will runin mid-October.

Join the CTC mailing list to stay informed about the company’s specialevents and future auditions. There is also a Facebook for info and specialticket offers.

Photo by Ellen Smith.

Rachel Wirtz stars as Anitaand Oliver Rubey isBernardo in the Stars 2000production of “West SideStory,” opening in January.

A Time for Us: Stars 2000 presents ‘West Side Story’

SALLY HOGARTY

Concord Pioneer

General auditions set for Clayton Theatre Company

It’s really a good thing thatthe holidays come but once ayear because my waistline andbudget get stretched to the max.Of course, one could select the“light” eggnog at the store orbake up some whole grain cook-ies sweetened with stevia, but itjust isn’t the same.

So, what’s on your holidaydinner table? Roast beef andYorkshire pudding? Glazed hamand sweet potatoes? Turkey withall the fixings? How aboutdessert? Unlike the huge arrayof pies expected during Thanks-giving, many Christmastimesweets are little things — truf-fles, fudge, decorated cookiesand so forth. Years ago, weAmericans had an obsessionwith holiday fruitcakes. Unfor-tunately, they are now morepopular as the butt of manyjokes.

In England, however, theholiday tradition remainsfocused on cakes and steamedpuddings. Steamed puddings arereally very moist cakes, oftenbaked in a hot water bath. Earli-er this year the good folks atPans on Fire made individualsticky toffee puddings for a classand I’ve been impatiently wait-ing for Christmas to make theseagain. Enjoy them with a steam-ing cup of “butterbeer” andyou’ll be humming “God RestYou Merry, Gentlemen” inkeeping with the season.

Happy Holidays!

STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING(From Food Network Kitchens)Makes about 7 (one-half

cup) servingsToffee Sauce:

2½ cups heavy cream, divided1 cup sugar ½ cup light corn syrup 1 stick sweet unsalted butter

In a heavy saucepan overmedium heat, combine 1¼cups of the heavy cream, thesugar, corn syrup and butter.

Cook, stirring often, until adark amber color, about 40 min-utes. Be patient; it’s worth everyminute.

Carefully add the remaining1¼ cup heavy cream. It willbubble up and it will be hot.

Cake:½ stick (4 Tbsp.) unsalted butter,

plus more for greasing 6 oz. dates, pitted 1 cup plus 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking powder ¼ tsp. baking soda Pinch salt ¾ cup light brown sugar 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 1 large egg ¼ tsp. orange zest

Whipped cream, for serving Preheat the oven to 350

degrees. Grease seven 1/2-cupramekins and set aside.

Combine the dates and 3/4cup water in a small saucepanand cook until the dates aresoftened, about 15 minutes.Puree in a food processor andcool.

Combine the flour, bakingpowder, baking soda and salt ina small bowl and set aside.

In the bowl of an electricmixer, cream the brown sugarand butter until light and fluffy.Add the vanilla, egg, zest anddate puree.

Stir in the dry ingredients.Divide into the prepared

ramekins and bake about 20minutes. Cool slightly andremove the cakes from theramekins.

You can transfer the cakesfrom the ramekins to individualplates and top with the sauceand a spoonful of whippedcream, or you can slice the cakesin half horizontally. Rinse outthe ramekins. Pour a little toffeesauce in the bottom of theramekins and top with the bot-tom layer of the cake. Add moretoffee sauce, place the top cakelayer on top and cover withmore sauce. Heat slightly beforeserving invert onto plate andcover with more sauce. Servewith whipped cream.

BUTTERBEER FORGROWN-UPS

2 Tbsp. brown sugar2 Tbsp. butter1 cup milk1/2 tsp. vanillaa pinch of cinnamon1 shot (1.5 oz) butterscotch schnapps

Melt butter and sugar in asaucepan to make a caramel.Add milk. Bring to a simmer.Add vanilla, cinnamon, andschnapps. Drink while warm.


A sticky finishfor holiday meals

LINDA WYNER

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Linda Wyner owns Pans on Fire, agourmet cookware store and cookingschool in Pleasanton. Send suggestions orquestions to [email protected]

dec 19 concord pioneer 2014

Documents

year term

year asmayor

city guarantees concord

intoa new

cert season

mayor tim graysonand

new documentary

holiday season inconcord