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Photo CourtesyMainStreetMartinez DECEMBER 2017 •Wayward Winemaker –MakingSeedlessWine •Neighbors ThatNeedHelp–GoFund Me&fundraisers •Trump’s Fake ChristmasSongsandFun Zone •From theIronCurtaintoClayton,Part 3 •Auschwitz toAmerica,Part 3 •Holiday Events,Concerts,andCeremonies •Santa’s Not-So-Bad ElvesWorkshop •Goodbye Mr. Christmas

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GUIDE PULLOUT NEW Diablo Gazette • DECEMBER 2017 • Page 2 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990 from the publisher David King Happy Holidays from the Diablo Gazette The Holiday season will be in full full of examples of how, in the end, swing any day now. I just hope everyone despite growing divisions among us, this can find the time to acknowledge those time of year, people work hard to give, people who have become an important donate, volunteer, and help one another. part of their lives. From gifts, to cards, Generosity wins out. We wish all our phone calls to Facebook, it all counts. readers a very safe and happy holiday It is all well received. This edition is season.

theby Edi concordianBirsan, Concord Vice Mayor Email me [email protected]|Add EDI in subject line

District Divisiveness There has been a trending set of Arguments AGAINST Districts? litigious attacks on cities demanding that 1. If your elected council person is a they convert to District elections from dud then you are stuck with them for four the more traditional At Large election years as in an at large situation you can style. Recently the City of Martinez has reasonably call on everyone else on the been targeted and it is expected that council to bitch and moan with. Brentwood would be not far behind. 2. Focused power may become a The basis of the legal attack is the small fiefdom which is internally looking California Voting Rights Act and the without taking the interest of the city as belief that polarized voting in minorities a whole. It also creates and encourages exists based on ethnic, perceived race, specialization in an area that may cause a or language. Unfortunately, the drive growth in ignorance in the other parts of appears to be more a matter of generating the city. billing hours for law firms than true care 3. It can pit one part of the city against about the issues of under representation another. However, in large cities this of minorities. may be mitigated. For example, in However, let us put aside the entire Concord with four districts and a directly concept of the minorities and let us elected mayor, our districts would be look at my favorite group of left handed the equivalent of Clayton, Moraga and blonde Apaches who are Hindu converts Oakley combined. Note that each of those and populate our test municipality cities has a council of five so a total of 15 with 100% of these folks. When the councilmembers compared to one for a municipality has a population of 100 it Concord District. would seem reasonable to have At Large The complication of attempting Elections for the City Council. Likewise, to answer racial polarization has had at 1,000,000 it would seem reasonable interesting affects in cities that were Christmas for Everyone Offers Free to have districts and that is solely based forced to go to districts. There is an on population. The question then overwhelming tendency in the short run Meal and Gifts remains at what point do we make the for the same people or type of people to transition from At Large to Districts in a be elected. There are cases where there by Howard Gellar homogenous community? has been a sudden influx of minorities Christmas for Everyone has to the councils, but to the credit of our helped thousands of people in our Arguments FOR Districts: American electorate the temptation of community celebrate Christmas. 1. Districts bring direct focused racial voting was avoided in case after These are families that do not have representation of a single Councilmember case. the resources for gifts or even a for a specific geographic area. This allows Christmas dinner. Christmas For direct accountability. It also means that So do the valid arguments on each side Everyone (CFE) is a non-profit there is always a go-to person for the cancel each other out or are some more group that for the past 30 years constituents rather than a shotgun blast weighty than others? has sought out financial sponsors at a five-member council to see who For me, in large cities over 100,000, and donations from the public responds. the reduction of cost of entry into the of toys for kids, blankets, jack- 2. Districts are 1/5 or so the size of the political field should, but not always, ets, clothing, appliances sleeping city, so in a city such as Concord, there brings in more competition and better of entertainers, and help with clean up. bags and the like including “gently used are 65,000 registered voters. If divided leadership. However, each city dynamic Check the website or facebook page for clothing”. Each year, they transform a by five districts that means that there is different. Different levels of fear of more information. www.christmasforev- local church center into a “shopping mall” are 13,000 voters who probably live in provincialism prevail, making any shift eryone.com where families can come and choose 7,000 households. To mail a flyer to towards Districts a matter of community “I am now accepting donations at my items for their families, have a complete those households in a district costs about outreach. Now the question remains home for Christmas for Everyone. I will Christmas dinner, listen to live Christmas $3750 where as for the At large candidate if there is an outreach, who will be make weekly or even daily trips to the music, get haircuts, enjoy a play center or representative the cost is five times touched by it and respond, and are they event center to make your donating even created for their kids and feel that they that. representative? We will see. easier. Feel free to drop off any donation and their families have celebrated Christ- 3. Districts allow for local leaders to to me at 252 Mountaire Parkway Clay- mas. Last year, CFE served Christmas come forth and need substantially less ton. You can leave bags on my doorstep,” dinner to over 2,500 people. money to have a viable campaign. We Edi Birsan, while being Vice Mayor says former Clayton Mayor and local Real This year’s Christmas Day meal of tur- know that face to face contact beats mail of Concord, is expressing his personal Estate Broker Howard Gellar who has key, ham and all the traditional sides will and email, and in a six-month campaign a views (as a survivor of 67 Thanksgiving been involved with the organization for be served at 115 Taratino Dr. in Marti- single candidate can hit 6000 doors. That Bouts) and is not to be construed as the past four years. nez at the waterfront from 9:300 A.M. is not enough in an At Large situation either giving a position of the Concord Gellar can be reached by phone at to 2:00 P.M. Transportation will also and hence we see massive amounts of City Council or our dearly departed 925-323-4913 . For those who wish to be available door to door or from local money spent to reach voters. Yaiyia. make a monetary donation, “I do have a pick-up points in Martinez, Concord, and secured mailbox on the side of the house Pittsburg. by my front door. Just let me know you Corporate Sponsors feeling are the left something in that locked mailbox so Reserve Your Ad Space for 2018 Today! “crunch”, making every small donation I look for it,” he states. “I want to thank The Diablo Gazette is Growing! even that much more important. CFE has those that have donated in the past to this Spread your message to readers who CHOOSE to read our paper. lost several corporate sponsors who in great cause and thank those of you that past years have donated $30,000. They will make donations this year.” Call Today for more information need your help! If you have the time, get involved. It If you wish to volunteer, they need help will make this Christmas one that you will (925) 298-9990 in hanging posters, sorting clothes, de- not forget. [email protected] livering food to homeland, and any type Diablo Gazette • DECEMBER 2017 • Page 3 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990 Goodbye Mr. Christmas

Has a Concord tradition ended? Part local newspaper was these past nine Christmas seasons by put- of what we do during the holidays is load helpful but many times ting together this site. I was overwhelmed the car and drive through neighborhoods we would get lost looking at extraordinary holiday lighting. or stumble on a One house on Olive Drive in Concord will “stinker”. So, I cre- no longer be admired; the house of Bruce ated a searchable Mertz. database of con- Bruce Mertz, the Concord man known firmed and verified around Contra Costa County as ‘Mr. Christmas light Christmas’, passed away in October. He displays so that ev- was 87. Mertz owned the home on Olive eryone could avoid Dr. in Concord, and for 36-years during disappointing wild Christmas, he decorated his home with goose chases based thousands of lights and custom-made on bad informa- characters. More than just and extrava- tion.” LightsOfT- gantly decorated lighted home, Mertz’s heValley.com was enthusiasm was so infectious, filmmaker published on Nick Palmer produced a 15-minute docu- December 11, 1999. Due at the kind comments that I have received mentary about him in 2014. to expansion, it’s now from many of you telling me how much “Bruce was such a special guy. His gen- called CaliforniaChrist- this site has helped you, or how it even erosity was certainly no secret to anyone masLights.com. helps ‘shut-ins’ be able to get a virtual who came by his house at Christmastime There you can find tour of the Bay Area’s best Christmas over the years. But while making our the best light display light displays.” movie, I got the opportunity to see some in virtually any city in We will all miss Mr. Mertz and his fan- of the quieter, less public ways he shared California. tastic Christmas lit home. Who knows if that generosity with his friends and fam- “What originally start- there will be another Mr. Christmas, but ily. Whether it was covering the medical ed out as a ‘fun thing Alex Dourov and his website could help bills when one of his friends needed to do’ project became us find one. surgery, or covering breakfast when more spiritual. I received another friend was out of work, Bruce’s rov of Livermore publishes the website hundreds of kindness went well beyond his Christmas CaliforniaChristmaslights.com. (Formerly emails telling me how valuable lights. I feel very lucky to have gotten to Lightsofthevalley.com.). Dourov’s site the site was to them. What know him, and I’m so glad he was able to boasts to be the largest and most accurate really touched my heart were share so much joy with us over the years. and comprehensive collection of the best emails from people who told He will certainly be missed.” Palmer told and brightest light and yard displays from me it was especially mean- Claycord. all of California. ingful to the people that are Across the country various cities have a Dourov states, “When my family unable to get out and enjoy Mr. Christmas, so we don’t know who will moved to Livermore in 1992, we relied the lights, they can just enjoy carry that torch for Concord or Mt. Diablo on newspaper listings to find local homes them at home. Valley next. In the meantime, Alex Dou- decorated with Christmas lights. The “I have truly enjoyed myself

Inmates at Santa’s Workshop Build Toys for Children’s Wish List

For the 26th straight year, many representatives from Contra Costa County non-profit agencies were on hand for the annual Marsh Creek Detention Facility’s Toy Show to fulfill their at-risk children’s Christmas wish lists. The representatives were able to choose from numerous newly handcrafted toys and bicy- cles refurbished by the facility’s inmates. A dedicated group of Marsh Creek Detention Facility inmates have been working on this proj- ect for the past year. They have been extremely busy fixing up used bikes to look and ride like brand new, and crafting colorful and beautiful wooden toys, such as, motorcycle rocking chairs, spinning carousels, cars, doll turned into an elaborate, colorful Santa’s houses, baby cradles, toy tractors, train Workshop. Beautiful bicycles and toys sets, and more. All the toy makers and/ were on display among Holiday deco- or bike mechanics are students in the rations all coordinated by Contra Costa Contra Costa Adult School, an accredit- County Office of Education (CCCOE) ed school directed by the Contra Costa teacher Paul Turner and with the help of County Office of Education (CCCOE), some of his students. located within the jail facility. This year, these organizations were The attendees were absolutely awe- able to choose from more than 1,500 struck when walking into the Detention handcrafted toys and 90 bicycles refur- Center’s wood shop, which had been bished by inmates from the facility. These gifts will then be given to the children who are being served by these agencies during the upcoming holidays. Both Superintendent Sakata and Sheriff Livingston commended the ex- tremely successful partnership utilizing CCCOE’s accredited shop classes to be taught in a Contra Costa County Jail. “We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful agency collaboration that creates such value to our county,” said Superintendent Sakata. “With this project, these adult students will certainly bring a bright- er Holiday Season to many children Continues on page 19 Diablo Gazette • DECEMBER 2017 • Page 4 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

Jennifer Realtor, Better Homes Stojanovich Realty Should You List in Winter? The nights are getting longer, Build a fire in the fireplace and light temperatures are dropping, and the some candles around your home. There’s holidays are approaching. That means nothing quite like the soft glow of the fire you should wait to list your home for to make a home feel and look warm and sale until next year, right? That isn’t appealing. necessarily true. While spring and Curb appeal is easier. You won’t need summer tend to be the hottest seasons to go out of your way to plant flowers in the real estate market, there are and create curb appeal. Just make sure arguments to be made in favor of selling the driveway and walkways are clear and in winter. clean the yard of fallen leaves and other Buyers are motivated. It’s common debris. Consider hanging some twinkle for people to relocate for work at the lights and a simple, tasteful wreath on beginning of the year. That means your front door. those folks will be looking for a place to Timing is better. If you are a seller who live. Since they will need to be in a new will also need to be buying a home in a location by a specific date, they are more new location, the timing can work in your motivated to buy a home. In winter, you’ll favor. By listing and selling in the winter, get fewer people who are “just looking” you are free to begin your home search in and more who are serious about a home early spring without the stress of trying to purchase. sell at the same time. Buyers have more free time. Chances More agent attention. Winter is are the buyers who are looking at homes generally a slower time, even in an active in winter will also have more free time to market. Chances are your real estate browse. Since many people take time off agent won’t be as busy as they are at over the holidays, they’ll often use it to do other times of the year. This means less their home searching. stress for them and more time to focus Less competition. Some home sellers on finding you the right buyers. The aren’t locked into a timeframe. They will same holds true for mortgage brokers be more likely to postpone their listing and anyone else involved in the closing until the holidays are over and schedules process. are less hectic. With fewer homes on the In many circumstances, listing your market, there’s less competition for those house in the winter or during the holiday motivated buyers you’ll see in winter. season can be the perfect time to sell! Your home will look cozy. It’s easier Compliments of Virtual Results at in the colder months to make your home www.virtualresults.net look cozy and inviting to potential buyers. Diablo Gazette • DECEMBER 2017 • Page 5 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990 From Auschwitz to America Escape from Auschwitz, Part 3 of 3

Bernie Rosner 85, retired lives in staying in a refugee camp in Modena, able is that the GI who befriended me San Ramon. He is a holocaust survivor, Italy, alone, ragged, and hungry. Thou- happened to be Charles Merrill Jr., one of the very few remaining in the sands of kids like him were hustling for the son of the founder of the Merrill country. This is the third installment of an extra piece of bread, gum, or candy if Lynch financial empire. how he was captured, survived through they were lucky. The only source for such Rosner went on to prep school, and two concentration camps, escaped, and treats was from the American soldiers eventually earned his law degree and eventually came to America. You can find stationed near the camp. “Naturally, I moved to the Bay Area. Here, his wife the first two installments on our website, spent my time hanging out near where met a friend whose husband’s father diablogazette.com. the Americans were billeted. Then one was a Nazi, Frederic Tubach, (Fritz). To recap, Rosner was rounded up in day a Jeep drove up with four GI’s and Fritz grew up in Germany under Hit- Hungary and sent to Auschwitz con- their duffle bags. I immediately ran up to ler. The two men, became friends and centration camp along with his Father, the Jeep, for the nearest soldier and with wrote a book, “An Uncommon Friend- mother, and younger brother. He never sign language offered my services as a ship” which found strong success here saw them again, presumed killed the first porter.” The soldier smiled and pointed and internationally. day they arrived at camp. He was only 12. to one of the bags which was almost as “My intention was not to send a The Germans felt he might just be strong big as Rosner. moral message. My intention was sim- enough to provide labor and spared him. Rosner delivered the bag to his room, ply to tell my story because I realized If he couldn’t work, he would be put and the soldier rewarded him with a I had some obligations to discharge. to death. After finding him being kept chocolate bar. They tried to make con- First and foremost was an obligation with a group of sick, injured, non-work- versation but discovered that the only to my children.” ing prisoners, he knew his days were means of communicating was through Rosner kept the pain and emo- numbered and attempted an escape by broken German. Rosner recalls, “I told tion out of whatever he told them to sneaking off with a group of workers. He him about my situation, and he was visi- protect them, so he thought. “I realize was caught, but fortunately, the guard let bly moved. For the next five days he spent now that this was not as much to pro- him go join the workers not knowing that all his free time with me, taking me to tect them as it was to protect myself.” he had been separated from them by the the movies and restaurants. These were Rosner also felt he owed a debt to his authorities. that group was transported treats I have never had before.” family he lost. Bernie Rosner and Frederic(Fritz) Tubach, an uncommon to Mauthausen concentration camp in After five days, the soldier was trans- Millions of people died during the friendship. Photo Chris Stewart Austria, where he was beaten, lived in ferred, but they continued to correspond holocaust, and that story has been unconscionable unsanitary conditions, with each other. When the soldier told many times. But where Rosner’s conventional mindset that could easily and nearly starved. But just before the returned to the states, and was demobi- story differs is the bond he developed have made them hate, if not distrust each end, the Allies had won and liberated the lized, he wrote Rosner a letter offering to with Fritz. These two individuals from other for life. Instead, they formed a cadaver-like prisoners. At the age of 13, bring him to America and become part of starkly different beginnings were able friendship. They ignored the labels and Rosner was freed and weighed 52 pounds. his family. to surmount the walls that could have joined forces to tell what is a warm and After the war, in 1945, Rosner was “What makes this even more remark- divided them; and looked beyond the inspiring story relevant to today.

Clayton’s Ingrid Hempell: From East Germany to Clayton Ingrid Hempell is retired and living of East Germans fled to the West every mother convinced her to leave. with no friends, no money, no English, in Clayton. She grew up in Postwar week, approximately 3.5 million people. Leaving East Berlin was considered (speaking Russian was no help). East Germany in East Berlin under the After the 1953 uprising that was crushed a crime deserving of jail or even death. “I don’t know if I was too courageous Russian rule. She was 3 living in Berlin with great and tragic casualties, all In one infamous case, a when the allies bombed it and Germa- borders between East and West Germany young man named Peter ny surrendered. This is part two of 3 were closed and secured by barbed wire Fechter attempted to articles of her life experiences growing fences, watch towers, and armed militia. climb over the Berlin up under communist rule before settling The only window remaining open was in wall. Border guards shot in America -- for which she is forever Berlin because it was still under authority him without warning. He grateful. Part 1, “Bombed, Occupied, of the four Allies. fell back to the Eastern and Isolated” can be read online at www. In 1957, Ingrid worked at the Weis- side, agonizing in pain, diablogazette.com. sensee Children’s Hospital hoping to one crying for help, but no one day become a nurse. In the first year, she would. He bled to death. In 1945, after Germany had fallen, witnessed a baby dying. It affected her In all, approximately 240 Berlin was a wasteland, and Germany deeply and reminded her of stories she people died trying to cross and Berlin had been divided into four heard from her Mothers friend who had the wall to reach freedom. occupation zones, among the Americans, survived in a concentration camp. Ingrid Before the wall was the British, the French, and the Russians. would overhear stories of how the guards built, you could cross Ingrid lived in the zone awarded to Rus- would brutally kill children. Such con- the border by foot, train, sian. Russia installed a communist polit- versations were difficult to keep private or subway. But border ical and economic system. Banks farms, when everyone lived in just one room. guards were fierce. You industries were seized and re-organized. In 1960 Ingrid’s mother defected with had to leave all your be- Natural resources, equipment, scientists her two half-brothers to West Germany longings behind. were taken back to Russia. There was and found a refugee shelter. She had Ingrid planned her no hope of things getting better anytime stayed behind to in the apartment and escape but on May 1960, soon. continued her schooling and hospital her attempt was thwarted. Due to all the hardships, thousands work. Her neighbor’s brother Then the US summit with was a young East German Nikita Khrushchev in Paris soldier. He had discovered collapsed in May of 1960, her plans and felt it was after the Russian shot down his duty to the Vaterland an American spy plane. to stop her. He pulled The Russian enacted Mar- his gun to take her to the tial Law in East Berlin and police station. This meant placed troops everywhere. she would never see her family again. She or just ignorant, or both. But I was 23 For fear that the Russians begged and cried, and fabricated a story years old and wanted a new life. And this may close the Berlin border of a fiancé in West Berlin. She convinced country was very, very good to me. God permanently, her mother him that he would be ruining her life. Bless America!” plead for Ingrid to defect. Fortunately, the very young soldier let her In time, Ingrid met her husband, oper- “I liked my independence, go. And at 17, Ingrid found her mother in ated restaurants, and eventually moved my apartment, my work, a West Berlin refugee camp and was free to Clayton where she and her husband my friends. I was naïve. again at the age of 17. owned and operated La Cocotte, a lovely I thought the Americans From then, she finished nursing school French restaurant until she retired. Clay- would never allow me to in Bavaria in May 1963 and in June 1965 ton adores her. do that.” Fortunately, her she immigrated to America to New York Photos courtesy:WikiCommons Diablo Gazette • DECEMBER 2017 • Page 6 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990 parentfootprints Tech in by Dr. Dan Peters www.DrDanPeters.com computercorner by William Claney, Computers USA English 5 Steps to Managing Stress During the Holidays Santa’s Warranty It’s most wonderful time of the year, season. Is it being together? Is it not Holiday shopping can be The solution is to take it back to the right? Well, maybe it is and maybe it repeating the last miserable holiday nightmarish if you are in hurry, so it’s store you purchased it from, this is isn’t, and maybe it is both. For many, season? Is it about staying home or a good thing the shopping madness the easiest way to get a replacement, the holidays signify stress, unrealistic going away? Is it about giving? Buying starts early. The rush to buy that but now you are stuck with starting expectations, memories (good and bad less stuff? Letting your kids be instead special gift for your over. Maybe that’s ones), commercialism, and thinking of making them do stuff begrudgingly? special person can be okay, but if it’s not, others are happier / more organized / Your goals are your own. Pick one or stressful, but there buy your computer or better bakers than you and your family. a few that are important to you and are some important computer component As a psychologist and the founder of a engage in actions that are aligned with guidelines especially from a store that parenting community focused on making your goal. when picking out supports the product. the world better one parent and one child 4. Don’t believe the hype. It’s fun to computer technology That means they have at a time, I’m here to tell you the truth receive holiday cards from friends and gifts. the technical know today: the holidays are stressful for most see how the kids are growing and what The very first thing how to fix, spot setup people. But no one wants to admit this! everyone is up to, right? It is until you to keep in mind is errors, replace, or Every week I am on Facebook Live video start comparing yourself and your family not to rush when warranty it for you. answering questions from parents and to all those beautiful families visiting picking out a computer or peripheral Believe me, it is worth the few extra caregivers and our most recent session all those beautiful places and doing inspired this post. I created this list of 5 amazing things. We all show the best (components), take your time and dollars to get support. Beware, most tips to help you get through this holiday version of ourselves to others on social learn to understand what is actually third-party computer warranties you season with minimal (or at least a lot media and on our holiday cards. No one inside the box. I know some of you are purchase along with your computer are less!) stress so that you can focus on the is perfect so don’t compare yourself to saying there isn’t any difference – a nearly worthless and won’t perform as good: perfection. Don’t get carried away on computer is a computer, right? Well, the sales person promised. 1. Identify what stresses you out. We Facebook. Instead, stay connected to no, computers are so specialized these So, this holiday season, purchase humans are predictable animals. The your friends in real life. Most of all, stay days a few tips may help you decide. from a company or store that directly adage “The best predictor of future uber-focused on your family, what you One should know who stands supports your computer, one that behavior is past behavior” usually rings have, and how you can be grateful for it. behind the warranty, if they are big you can trust. Ask the sales person true. Think about what stresses you out 5. Be kind to yourself. People, please, or small, have a history of standing to introduce you to the person who every year. Awareness of our triggers please take it easy on yourself. Many behind the things they sell, or do handles such problems; it only takes is key to managing our emotions and of us have crazy high expectations for they just fake it? Some of the largest a minute to determine the sincerity of behaviors. ourselves and for the holiday experience. companies are terrific about the things the warranty. 2. Make an action plan to reduce Be kind to yourself and do not take they sell, others not so much. My best wishes to you and yours your stress. Here’s another true adage. yourself so seriously. Laugh at yourself Consider that you have just spent this holiday, and a happy New Year. “The definition of insanity is doing the if something doesn’t turn out right. the last two days setting up your Oh, by the way, Santa says a set of Bose same thing over and over and expecting Know that what you remember about computer, and the darn thing simply desktop speakers are the best toys the a different outcome.” Once you have the holidays is not necessarily what your quits working. The time you set aside elves have ever made. identified the things that trigger your kids will remember. Just do the best you to complete your stress, plan to do something different can and try to let the rest unfold. Relish setup task has now this year. Maybe you start shopping the nice moments and let the stressful vanished and there earlier or online. Perhaps you ask your and annoying ones go. isn’t time to do it spouse or other family members to The holidays are an opportunity to over. help more. Maybe you don’t go to every pause and be grateful for family and to Now, consider holiday party. Whatever it is, realize you reflect on the past year. By following you must return the don’t have to do everything this year. Do these steps, you will build on what is product. Where something different and get a different most important to you, keep things in do you go to make outcome! Genius! perspective, and be good to yourself and it right? Do you 3. Identify a goal you want for yourself your family. ship it back to the and your family. Think about what is Wishing you all a healthy and happy manufacturer or take most important to you for this holiday holiday season! it back to the store for a replacement? Shipping the Holiday Jazz Concert to Benefit Fire Victims components back to the maker can be Mark your calendar for an extraordi- with Dick Oxtot’s Golden Age Jazz challenging especially nary night of jazz at the Jazz Room in Band, recording with legendary jazz with Chinese Danville on Sunday, December 10. This producer Orrin Keepnews, researching manufacturers. First, will be a benefit concert to help victims lost and obscure material from the Jazz they want it in the of the recent Northern Age, and touring 10 1/2 “original” box, then California fires. Hosted years as singer/percus- they want a return by Eve Marie Shahoian, sionist with Dan Hicks & item authorization Founding/Artistic The Hot Licks. (RMA), then you pay Director and Founder of As a performer, Don- the freight to them, in The Orinda Jazz Festival nay has opened for or China. I don’t think Carol Alban. performed with, George most of you want to Singers Roberta Benson, Bob Dorough, do this. Donnay and Kay Kost- David Grisman, Bela opoulos of Black Olive Fleck, Bruce Foreman, Jazz, and the dynamic John Hammond, Her- Miss Faye Carol with bie Hancock, Dr. John, at you,” -Palo Alto Weekly. “With a with Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles, Albert Joe Warner headline the Christian McBride, sizzling snap of her fingers, Kay Kost- King, Charles Brown, Bobby Hutch- evening. Maria Muldaur, Lewis Nash, Joe Sam- opoulos turned up the heat… brought erson, Ben Vereen, Steve Turre, Billy Now living in the Bay Area, award ple, David Sanborn, Leon Russell, Bon- exotic energy to Duke Ellington’s ‘Car- Higgins and Pharoah Sanders. winning singer-composer-producer Ro- nie Raitt, Rickie Lee Jones, Lee Riten- avan’ and Johnny Mercer’s ‘Out of This Additional artists slated for the berta Donnay’s music and voice can be our, Booker T., Tuck & Patti and more. World’” – Stanford Magazine. evening include CHELLE and friends, heard on film, TV, and all over You- Kay Kostopoulos is equally skilled Miss Carol has appeared at the Mon- and the dynamic Faye Carol with Joe Tube. She just completed her 9th CD, on ballads and uptempo material treal Jazz Fest, Monterey Blues Fest, Warner on keys, Pianist Sam Cady, her tribute to Louis Armstrong which is receiving accolades throughout the DePaul University, Town Hall, UCLA Bassist Marc Levine, Saxophonist being released in Spring 2018 with her music industry. “Her beautiful voice Jazz Fest, Lorraine Hansberry The- Noel Jewkes, and on Trumpet, Dave group, the Prohibition Mob Band. The with wide range makes a strong case ater, Yerba Buena, Napa Valley Opera Bendigkeit. album’s title is: “My Heart Belongs to for her being considered a major jazz House, Bay View Opera House, Denver Auction prizes include tickets for Satchmo”. Her previous record “Bath- singer,”- Jazz critic Scott Yanow. Museum of Natural History, San Fran- the 2018 Jazz Room Series, tickets for tub Gin” made the list of Best Albums “Quintessential San Francisco Jazz,” cisco Blues Festival, the San Francisco Feinstein’s SF to see Eve Marie Sha- in DownBeat Magazine. -Wayne Saroyan of Jazz West. “Won- Jazz Festival, Berkeley Jazz Festival, hoaian with Mads Tolling and John R Donnay wrote the song “One World” derful lyrical imagery that transports and the San Jose Jazz Festival. She has Burr on January 4, selected wines from which became a theme for the United the listener to another environment… also toured throughout Europe and VINE, fine dining restaurant vouchers Nations 50th Anniversary and has been velvety vocal work,” - Billboard. “Kay Canada, Italy, Germany, Midwest w/ and much more. performed the world over, at world is a singer with good technique and Johnny Talbot, Marvin Gaye’s West For more information and tickets peace events on five continents, it also beautiful tone,” -William Sostre, Jazz Coast Tour. call 925-314-3400. www.villagethe- became the theme for South Africa’s Times. “Her love of the text, subtlety Faye Carol has recorded with the atreshows.com. Students $15, Adults World Aids Day. of word, and appreciation for the audi- late drummer Billy Higgins and $25, Door $30. Village Theatres, 233 Donnay’s interest in jazz music was ence promise a performance as deep as bassist Marcus Shelby “The Flow on Front Street in Danville. inspired from the radio, performing those big, dark eyes starring right back World Stage Records” and performed Diablo Gazette • DECEMBER 2017 • Page 7 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990 Your NOVEMBER 2017 Guide to the Bay Area The Diablo Gazette’s ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE FUNDRAISERS at http://offthegridsf.com. down Broadway Plaza Street, Santa Claus will seasonal fun at this outdoor rink. 1375 Civic •Pancake Breakfast - Supporting Veterans of light the center’s promenade Christmas Tree! Drive, Walnut Creek foreign Wars – 2nd and 4th Sundays includes Farmers’ Markets •December 2-Concord’s official Tree-Light- •November 17-26-Holiday Model Train eggs, pancakes, sausage, beverage. 8 – 11 Concord Tuesdays, 10am to 2pm, year-round, ing, Carriage Rides, Mayor’s Sing-Along and Show - The Walnut Creek Model Railroad Soci- a.m . Willow Pass Road, Concord $5, $3 Chil- rain or shine, Thursdays 4P-8P, Todos Santos Santa’s Grand Arrival. Santa’s Arrival: 4 p.m. ety (WCMRS) operates the Diablo Valley Lines dren under 12. http://www.vfwpost1525.org Plaza. On-stage entertainment: 5 p.m. School choirs (DVL) model railroad, one of the most moun- •November 23-3rd-Annual Concord Turkey • Martinez Sundays, 10am to 2pm, year- and community entertainment on stage with tainous and one of the largest exclusively HO Trot at Todos Santos Park in downtown Con- round, Main St. and Estudillo. traditional tree-lighting and holiday sing-along. scale model railroads in the United States. This cord on Thanksgiving morning . The proceeds of Walnut Creek Diablo Valley Farmers Market Todos Santos Plaza is a NO SMOKING and model railroad features standard gauge, nar- this 5K/10K Run & Walk will benefit Compas- Saturday 9a.m. - 1 p.m. Shadelands Business NO DOGS Allowed Environment row gauge, and interurban (overhead electric) sion Outreach. Registration is limited to the Park, N. Wigett Lane and Mitchell Dr. Also, freight and trolley lines. Nov. 17 8P-10P; Nov. first 1500 participants. Each participant will from Contra Costa Certified Farmers Market FAMILY EVENTS 18 11A-6P; Nov 19 11A-6P; Nov 24 2P-10P; receive a race t-shirt and a custom designed - North Locust St between Giamona and •Galindo Home and Gardens Tours - 1721 Nov25 11A-6P; & Nov. 26 11A-6p (weekend Turkey Trot finishers medal. FREE Kids Dash Lacassie St. Sundays 9 am - 1 pm, Year Round, Amador Avenue, Concord. Visit the fully-re- show), Oat Buena vista in Walnut Creek. around Todos Santos Park for kids ages 10 (925) 431-8361 http://www.cccfm.org stored 1856 Victorian home of Francisco •November 25-26-The Christmas in San Fran- and under at 7:45am (just before the 5K/10K •Holiday Ice Skating Galindo, one of Concord’s founding fathers, cisco Crystal Fair. County Fair Bldg. (formerly starts). Presented by Calvary Temple Church. DC Solar downtown Holiday Ice Rink down- and his wife, Maria Dolores Manuela (Pache- the Hall of Flowers), Golden Gate Park •December 10-Fire Benefit Holiday Concert town Martinez open 7 days weather permitting. co) Galindo. This includes the 1875 addition by 9th Ave. & Lincoln Way, San Francisco . Web- and auction. Join Bay Area musicians Roberta Corner of Ferry St. and marina Vista Ave. Open Francisco Galindo’s son, Juan “John” Galindo. site: www.crystalfair.com Hours: Saturday 10- Donnay, Kay Kostopoulos of Black Olive Jazz, Now thorough January 7. www.downtownhol- No reservations needed. Fee $5 for adults and 6; Sunday 10-4 Admission $12.00 (good for and Faye Carol at the Jazz Room at the Village iday ice.com children over 12. One of only a few Victorian 2 days - each in party). Children 12 and under Theatre in Danville among many other talented •Walnut Creek on Ice now through January ranch houses in the country. By 1880, the free. jazz artist. 1-3PM at the Jazz Room, Village 15. 1365 Civic Drive . Prices $12-$15. structure was reconfigured in the Queen Anne •December 7-Pearl Harbor Ceremony at the Theatres, 233 Front st. Danville. For tickets •November 30-Walnut Creek’s Holiday style, with bay windows, sweeping steps, California State University East Bay Campus and more information go to www.villagethe- Parade of Lights, Open House & Tree Light- and a broad porch. Visitors can tour the 10 Oak Room. Begins at 3:45 PM. and will com- atreshows.com or call 925-314-3400. ing. 6:00-9:00 PM. Music and festivity will fill rooms and see 15 original pieces of Eastlake memorate the 76th anniversary of the attack Broadway Plaza with the return of a holiday furniture. For more information go to concord- on Pearl Harbor. The annual Mount Diablo OUTDOORS tradition - The Parade of Lights, Retailer Open historical.org. Beacon Lighting will be at 5:00 PM. Concord: Todos Santos Park OFF the Grid House & Community Tree Lighting! The Retailer •November 2017-January 2018-13th annual •December 9-Resources for Writers: Holiday Mondays. offering cuisine from around the Open House begins at 6pm. A Special Holiday Ice skating in Civic Park brought to you by Seated Luncheon with three of our own: Mi- world from 5 to 9 p.m. Full lineup available Performance begins at 6:30pm. The Parade of the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & chael Banister, Joanna Kraus and Kymberlie In- Lights begins at 7pm. Plus, following the parade Visitors. Grab a pair of skates and join in the galls CALENDAR continues on page 9 Diablo Gazette • DECEMBER 2017 • Page 8 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990 Viewswith Tilly Turnerof the Valley

Concord Chief of Police, Guy Swanger, address- Gail Van Hassle demonstrates the donated cakes es the Todos Santos Business Association at for the Dessert Dash at the 3rd Annual Dinner/Auc- their monthly meeting. Answering questions and tion held to raise money for the Concord Historical reporting on homelessness, crime and growth, The Mt. Diablo High School held their 16th annual Hall of Fame Induction ceremony and there to share Society. “Hail to the Veterans” was the theme he informed to group of what’s happening in the stories and see old friends were from left to right; George Armstrong, retired teacher, Jim McLaughlin, this year and many guests were introduced and City and especially around the Plaza. photo by retired 44-year custodian at Diablo, and Steve Bordi, teacher/Coach and Hall of Fame past inductee. applauded for their service to our country. photo by Tillie Turner photo by Tillie Turner Tilley Turner

There was great turn out at the Holiday Boutique Craft fair at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center. photo by Micah Young performers from the Walnut Creek Performance Academy entertained during the opening of Walnut Creek On Ice at 1365 Civic Dr. photo by Micah

Be Sure to Tell Our Advertisers That You Saw Them in The Diablo Gazette ------ADVERTISERS CALL FOR OUR AD SPECIALS (925) 298-9990 Diablo Gazette • DECEMBER 2017 • Page 9 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990 CALENDAR continued from page 7 Special. Sign-in from 11:00 - 12pm. Members 24 - 4:30 and 7:30pm. Saturday, Novem- The Vintage Harmonic Trio to Perform at display and sell books until our Festive Seated ber 25 - 2:00, 4:30 and 7:30pm. Sunday, Oakhurst Country Club Luncheon 12-12:45pm. Speakers 1 - 2pm at November 26 - 2:00 and 4:30pm at Lesher Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant: 611 Gregory Lane, Center for the Arts Hofmann Theatre The Clayton Valley Woman’s Club will Pleasant Hill. $25 members, $30 guests. 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Tickets, Visit hold their annual Holiday luncheon Reservation deadline: noon, Wednesday the Lesher Center Box Office, call (925) 943- at Oakhurst Country Club, Tuesday, December 6th. To reserve a spot, go to the SHOW (7469), or purchase online at https:// December 12. This gathering will begin CWC Mt. Diablo website at https://cwcmtdi- lesherartscenter.showare.com/eventperfor- at 11:30am and lunch will be served at ablo.org/current-cwc-mt-diablo-meeting/ or mances.asp?evt=874 . Price $28 - $38 12:00. The Vintage Trio will perform at 1:15pm. email: [email protected]. Website: •December 1-Celebration of Tom Petty Leg- The Vintage Trio are members of the St. http://cwcmtdiablowriters.org acy 7:00-10:00PM. featuring The Big Jangle, Bonaventure Catholic Community as well •Jelly Belly Events-November 25 a Tom Petty tribute band. No host bar. Must as active members in the music commu- 18th Annual Tree Lighting 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. be 21. Presale $25, $30 at door . A portion nity teaching lessons and performing in Watch the magic as we light our 32-foot of proceeds go to Sonoma County Resilience local choirs and theater groups. Their Christmas tree. Afterwards, enjoy the character fund. 233 Gregory Lane Pleasant Hill. Present- unique style can accommodate most any parade featuring Mr. Jelly Belly and his friends. ed by Pleasant Hill Parks and Recreation and event, especially during the Holidays. CVWC is a local non-profit organization They have a great affinity for Christmas of women serving our local communities. The night will end with a chance to take photos Park District. music, having released two Christmas They have been active since 1973 giving with Santa and enjoy live entertainment. Santa •December 1-Holiday Gift and Craft Fair, albums. both time and monies to many local orga- photos will be available after the tree lighting Concord Senior Center from 9:30A – 2:30P. If you would like to attend, please nizations plus scholarships. ceremony until 8 p.m. 2727 Parkside Circle in Concord. contact Connie Weimar at 925-689-5415. Oakhurst Country Club, is located at •December 9 -Brunch with Santa Seating •December 1-3-Diablo Choral Artists presents The reservation deadline is Saturday, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive in Clayton. begins at 9:45 a.m. Brunch 10 a.m. to 11:30 “Carols and Lullabies” featuring “Christmas in December 2nd. The cost is $33.00. a.m. Get in the holiday spirit with a tasty brunch the Southwest” by Conrad Susa, with harp, gui- with Mr. Jelly Belly and Santa Claus. Beginning tar, and marimba, three settings of “Ave Maria” at 10 a.m. there will be food and other activities (by Verdi, Victoria, and Biebl), Ola Gjielo’s “A for the entire family to enjoy. This event is by res- Spotless Rose”, Eric Whitacre’s “Alleluia”, and ervation only. Spaces are limited. To purchase more. The evening will also include a carol tickets visit www.jellybelly.​com. sing-along. Mark Tuning, Music Director, John •December 9 -24 -Photos with Santa. The Jol- R. Walko, Accompanist. Friday, December 1, ly Big Man will be in residence throughout the 8:00pm, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, month of December, so come visit him before Pleasant Hill. Sunday, December 3, 4:00pm, he heads back to the North Pole. Check www. Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, Wal- JellyBelly.com for hours. A professional photog- nut Creek. There will be a reception after the rapher will be on site, but feel free to bring your Sunday concert and a drawing for gift basket own camera to capture your holiday season at each concert. Details and ticket purchase on memories. Complimentary candy factory tours website: www.dcachorus.org. General Admis- daily, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at One Jelly Belly sion: adults $25, seniors 60+ $15, students $5, Lane, Fairfield. For more information (800) children 5-12 free. Season Tickets available. 953-5592 or visitwww.JellyBelly.com. •December 9-The “Oakland East Bay Gay •December 19-Eighth Annual Hanukkah Men’s Chorus” will be presenting a fine pro- Wonderland Celebration 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. gram called “A Merry Little Concert,” at 7:00 Gather around our giant Jelly Belly jelly bean- pm. to coincide with our forthcoming album “A filled Menorah followed by live entertainment, Merry Little Album.” Clayton Valley Presbyte- food and activities. For more information on this rian Church concert Series. 1578 Kirker Pass event, visit the Vacaville Chabad event page Rd. Clayton. For more information: at 7:00 at www.jewishsolan​o.com. PM. www.oebgmc.org. •December 12-The Vintage Trio The Clayton Valley Woman’s Club will hold their annual VISUAL ARTS/THEATRE/ Holiday luncheon at Oakhurst Country Club. MUSIC This gathering will begin at 11:30am and lunch •November 24- 26-THE NUTCRACKER pre- will be served at 12:00. The Vintage Trio will sented by Artistic Directors Richard Cammack perform at 1:15pm. Contact Connie Weimar and Emily Borthwick at 925-689-5415. The reservation deadline is and Contra Costa Ballet. Friday, November Saturday, December 2nd. The cost is $33.00. •December 17-Diab- lo Choral Artists pres- ents singing with the Diablo Symphony Cho- rus for “A Christmas Fantasia”, 3:30pm, $35. Details and tick- ets at 925-943-7469.

For a complete list of local clubs and meeting dates, go to diablogazette.com. Annual Mt. Diablo Beacon Lighting for Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony The public is invited to attend the Pearl Harbor Cer- Remembrance Day. emony Thursday, December 7, at the California State Every year since 1964, the Pearl Harbor survivors and University East Bay Campus Oak Room. The ceremony their families have memorialized Pearl Harbor Day by begins at 3:45 PM. and will commemorate the 76th anni- relighting the historic Beacon atop Mount Diablo’s sum- versary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The annual Mount mit. The “Eye of Diablo” as it’s known, was extinguished Diablo Beacon Lighting will be at 5:00 PM. in 1941 just after the attack on Pearl Harbor. In 1964, “The Beacon lighting is a tribute to those individuals Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, Commander in Chief of that lost their lives at Pearl Harbor”, says Earl “Chuck” Pacific Forces during World War II, relit the Beacon the Kohler, one of the few remaining survivors in Contra first time and suggested it be lit every December 7th to Costa County. However, the ceremony is also an opportu- honor those who served and sacrificed. nity to honor the survivors. When those who experienced The Beacon is lit at sunset and shines all night on Pearl Harbor are gone, the history is lost with them. “ this single evening each year. The Beacon now shines The Sons & Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, Chap- brighter than ever since it underwent an extensive resto- ter 5 co-sponsor this ceremony with Save Mount Diablo ration process in 2013. to recognize the 54th Annual National Pearl Harbor Mount Diablo Beacon Light Diablo Gazette • DECEMBER 2017 • Page 10 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

farmerby Debra Morris,Pacific Coastfresh Farmers Market http://www.pcfma.org/concord Delight the Taste Buds with Chinese Broccoli Need something to please the braising. It can also be used in soups or taste buds and impress your guests salads. this holiday season? Need a pungent, Select gai lan that is fresh-looking deliciously bitter addition to your with no mold or yellowing to the leaves. vegetable dish It can be wrapped repertoire? loosely in a plastic Then this leafy bag and refrigerated green will fit for up to 4 or 5 days. the bill. Look for Chinese It is broccoli at most of unknown your local farmers’ where Chinese market’s Asian broccoli (gai produce booths. lan) was first Farmers to visit cultivated, but include, but not it is used in limited to, FT many Asian Fresh Produce of countries, Fresno with a wide particularly assortment of fresh in Vietnam greens, vegetables, and China. A wild form of gai lan was and herbs, or Her Farm, also out of also found growing in California in the Fresno, with lovely Asian specialty 1920’s where Italians recognized it from produce. Many of their products cannot their homeland. They began breeding be found anywhere else except your the plant in the 1930’s. The Hmong local farmers’ market, so stop by and try people who settled in the Central Valley something new! are now among those who grow it. Its popularity has increased as people Garlic Chinese Broccoli discover its lovely, slightly bitter, 1/2 pound Chinese broccoli, ends mustardy flavor and versatility. trimmed Chinese broccoli has 6- to 9-inch 2 cloves garlic, minced stalks with small bunches of tiny yellow 1/2 tablespoon sugar or white buds that look somewhat like 2 teaspoons rice wine or other small broccoli florets. The leaves are cooking wine slightly bitter, but tasty, and the whole Dash of salt stalk can be cooked, as opposed to the Heat oil in skillet over high heat. Add broccoli we are familiar with, where garlic, stir until fragrant. Add Chinese most people remove the thick stem. broccoli, wine, sugar and salt. Mix well It can be cooked in a variety of ways, and cook until stems are slightly soft. including stir-frying, steaming and Recipe: PCFMA Staff

Mrs. Butterbanks, aka Sam Bowerbank, always finds the time in the middle of her busy Mrs Butterbanks schedule to destroy her kitchen one concoction “Eat butter first, and eat it last, and live till a at a time. With the freshest ingredients hundred years be past.” ~Old Dutch proverb gathered from her backyard garden, along with eggs from her chickens, she creates beautiful, tasty dishes and desserts. You’ll find more of her fabulous recipes on her Gingersnaps in a Snap blog butterrequired.wordpress.com.

I love ginger- snaps! They make your house smell like Christmas and they practically melt in your mouth as a great cookie should always do. I like my cookies soft in the inside and a little crunch when you bite into them. This recipe small pieces. You can find it in the pro- took me eight tries to figure out the duce section and on the Asian food isle. perfect combination of ingredients, but I finally conquered the GINGERSNAP. In your mixer bowl, beat the butter I’m munching on them as I type this up. till creamy, add the sugar and mix well. (I may possibly be listening to Christmas Add the eggs and molasses until well music also, but don’t tell anyone). blended. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk all your dry ingredients together. Turn Mrs. Butterbank’s Gingersnaps your mixer on low, slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix 1 1/2 cups butter, softened until well incorporated, add the chopped 2 cups sugar candied ginger and mix again. 2 large eggs Using a medium size cookie scoop, 1/2 cup dark molasses scoop the dough and roll into a ball and roll the ball in course or raw sugar and 4 cups All Purpose flour place on your cookie sheet that has been 2 TBSP ground ginger lined with parchment paper. 4 tsp baking soda Bake at 325 degrees for 10 minutes, 2 tsp cinnamon just until the tops start to crackle a little. 1/2 tsp ground cloves Remove from the oven to cool complete- 1/4 tsp nutmeg ly. Yummo! Trust me, your house will 1 tsp salt smell amazing. 1 package sugared ginger, chopped into Diablo Gazette • DECEMBER 2017 • Page 11 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990 Master Sculptor Paula Slater for Bronze Don Pacheco Statue

Concord will be celebrating its 150th birthday in 2018 with plans that include commis- sioning a bronze statue of one of the city’s founders, Don Salvio Pacheco. This larger- than-life-size statue will be prominently installed inside the Grant Street entrance of Todos Santos Plaza. The installation is targeted for unveiling during Concord’s annual July 4th parade that travels around the plaza. The Concord Sesquicentenni- al Committee, guided by Carol Longshore (Concord Historical Society) and Ron Leone (Con- cord City Council), is oversee- ing the planning and fundrais- ing for this very special public art project. The committee chose master sculptor Paula Slater from the respondents to a Call for Artists earlier this year. As a full-time professional sculptor for over thirty years, Slater is internationally recognized for her work creating bronze monuments. Two of Slater’s sculptures were designated as State Landmark Monuments and she also had the honor of creating a large U.S. National Monument that stands at an air force base in Texas. moral values. He donated the majority of “After visiting the Concord Historical his 18,000 acres of land to flood victims Society records archive, I borrowed a and many others in need and enjoyed copy of History of Concord” to get more opening his adobe home for celebratory background information about Pacheco events, such as Sunday Mass and Fiestas. and the land he was granted, which be- He loved children, had great respect for came Concord in 1868. I found the book education and founded a school. Pacheco so fascinating,” Slater said. also donated a park that he named Todos “I love to sculpt portraits of interesting Santos (all saints). By all accounts, this people whose lives are inspiring. I espe- very honorable and inspiring man should cially love to sculpt historical portraits qualify as one of those saints - it will with detailed period clothing – so having be my great honor and joy to sculpt his this opportunity to sculpt Don Salvio portrait!” Pacheco is right in my wheelhouse. My This project is funded in part by gener- design for this project has Pacheco hold- ous donations from corporate sponsors ing a scroll of the land grant he received and civic organizations. Community in his left hand, while his right hand rests residents and businesses can participate upon a map indicating the boundary in this historical project by purchasing a of that land, which ultimately became brick (engraved with a custom message or Concord,” Slater explains. names) that will be installed in the patio She continues, “I’ve learned so much surrounding the statue. Visit www.Con- about Pacheco’s character, his immense cordHistorical.org for more details. The generosity, his loyalty to family and deadline to order a brick is 12/30/17. friends, his trustworthiness and high

“I look forward to the Diablo Gazette at the beginning of every month, It’s a good community paper. I love the stories. You have good writers.” – Wayne C. Diablo Gazette • DECEMBER 2017 • Page 12 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990 bookends by Jill Hedgecock,Program Coordinator Mount Diablo California Writer’s Club jillhedgecock.com Twelve Days of Christmas If romance novels are your guilty Ten of Debbie Macomber’s novels pleasure and you’re looking for relief have reached #1 on the New York Times Justice League from the stress of shopping and seasonal bestseller lists. She is the author of After a successful Man of festivities, then the “Twelve Days of “Sweet Tomorrows”, “A Girl’s Guide to Steel, followed by a tepid Christmas” by Debbie Batman vs Superman—a Macomber (2017, generally dark and negative Ballantine Books, turn on the comic book alliance paperback, 256 pages between the two giants—and $5.53) is the holiday then, most recently Suicide book for you. Julia Squad and the successful Padden is dissatisfied Wonder Woman movie, Justice with her dead-end League was intended to cement retail job and is on the the future of the DC superhero cusp of embarking on movies. a new career path. But Upcoming stand-alone films to secure a coveted include Aquaman, Flash, and position in the field of The Batman (rumored to be social media, she’s been sans Affleck), as well as Man tasked by her future of Steel 2 and Wonder Woman employer to start a blog 2 (as soon as they can find a director not accused of sexual and entice followers. harassment). After Julia relates an With all the hype and mix unpleasant encounter of super-powers, the promise with Cain Maddox, of a resurrected Kal-El, and a Julia’s grumpy male massive villain, how could this neighbor from across movie possibly be anything but the hall, Julia’s best a huge success. Right? friend suggests that she Without spoiling the plot, kill him with kindness Batman, after realizing the loss of attacks that momentarily revives and blog about the of Superman (Henry Cavill), decides to the film in a confusion that is not easy results until Christmas. gather other superheroes of the world to to follow and masks the overuse of the Julia and Cain, given abundant CGI. It’s too long-winded to form an alliance against an impending the pseudonym explain without telling you the entire super villain. The completed roster “Ebenezer” for the blog, includes, Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), storyline—if you recognize the name Steppenwolf from the comics you pretty both take the elevator Cyborg (Ray Fisher), Flash (Ezra Miller), down to their high-rise Aquaman (Jason Mamoa) and Bats much know what it is. But in the end, the solution to victory building’s ground floor himself (Ben Affleck). Why Green Lantern as they leave for work wasn’t on the team, I don’t know. shows a lack of imagination, more of each day. Moving On”, “Last One Home”, “Silver League maintains the dark, murky, an “oops, it’s time to end the film now” Julia’s bubbly personality annoys Linings”, “Love Letters”, “Blossom Street world of BvS, although enough humor solution that leaves the film flat and void has been added to “lighten” the mood, of a solid audience emotional reaction. him so she’s in for a challenge. But Brides”, “Rose Harbor in Bloom” and despite the mourning for Superman, and If it was that easy to stop, why did it some chance encounters with handsome numerous Christmas-inspired novels. the chaos caused by Steppenwolf and his take almost two hours? And where are Ebenezer in and around their Seattle Five of her beloved Christmas novels army. the people of the world? Aside from hometown provide ample opportunity have been adapted as movies on the More of an introduction to the new the main characters, there are almost for Julia to shower Cain with holiday Hallmark Channel, including “Mrs. group rather than anything of major no other people around. There is a cheer. As her blog presence expands, Miracle” and “Mr. Miracle.” character depth, too much time is spent cameo character from the original 1980 Julia’s followers offer on-line advice The Hallmark Channel has also assembling the band than how they Superman The Movie. You’ll know him. and some start their own kindness produced Debbie Macomber’s “Cedar develop. And if you thought Henry Cavill’s face projects with favorable results. Through Cove”, based on books of the same name. The young Flash steals most of the seemed odd, you’re not alone; they had a serendipitous series of events, Julia Over 200 million copies of her books good scenes, good jokes and Ezra Miller’s to CGI out his real-life mustache for his meets Cain’s grandfather and learns appear in print worldwide. upcoming Mission Impossible 5 role. The portrayal is boyishly charming along the reasons behind the chip on Cain’s If you’re a fan of books that pull at the result was…odd. with his phobias and angst at his power. shoulder. heartstrings, then this light-hearted tale As a Justice League fan in my Lois Lane’s (Amy Adams) mourning Predictably, a romance blossoms youth, this film disappointed me by its will be a delightful and satisfying read. seems irrelevant to the latent knowledge between Julia and Cain. of movie-goers that Supes will be back, commercial focus on action above all especially given Henry Cavill’s name else. With so much potential to develop cropping up first in the opening credits. an interesting movie, both BvS and JL This is not a spoiler—seriously, did dropped the ball. What the Avengers hold anyone have a doubt? At the end of BvS in strength of character seems lacking in we saw the dirt on his grave levitate, after the Justice League. Perhaps it’s time to all. hang up the costumes and focus on the Steppenwolf challenges the group’s characters behind the facade. combined powers in a thrilling sequence

“We had our first CWC meeting after (taking)the summer off and quite a few of our guests say they saw the announcement in the Diablo Gazette. Thanks for supporting our group!” --Jill H. Walnut Creek Diablo Gazette • DECEMBER 2017 • Page 13 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990

20 Politically Charged Holiday Hits by David King The Wayward Winemaker by Bradley Bernard President Trump is proposing a lot of changes. Healthcare, taxes, and trade The Impeachers’ Top 10 Holiday Living in Wine Country has its rewards. of them. We checked with experts who agreements, but the fake news (that I Hits Countdown Wine tours, wine tastings, even wine advised us that we needed special chem- am starting) is he’s trying to change our #10 “Putin for Christmas” – “Nuttin trains. The North Bay is well known icals to kill the natural yeast so that we traditional Holiday songs, too! Can you for Christmas” by Barry Gordon gets a around the world for producing the finest could add better yeast. More chemicals imagine? I did, at least the titles of songs political update. wines. It’s a multibillion dollar part of would be required to stop mold, and then he would likely want. Here they are: #9 “Remember the Missile Code” – sung the Bay Area economy. we needed chemicals to clarify the wine. to the tune “Under the Mistletoe” by However, my relationship with wine Wait, people have been making wine Justin Bieber is a bit less formal. I like the for centuries. Surely the Trumps’s Top Ten Christmas #8 Christmas at Ground Zero – by Al Song Titles Countdown sweet wines such as ice cold ancient Egyptians didn’t Yankovich. Yankovich penned this paro- Blue Nun on a camping trip, or need these chemical addi- #10 “All I Want for Christmas is a Real dy in 1986 during the Reagan years. It’s Ludvig Neuhaus Liebfraumilch tives, did they? Good Tan” by Kenny Cherney. Ironically, certainly prime times for this one to make this is a real song title already. a rebound. in a bota bag at a past Grateful We cleaned the grapes, #9 “Pence On Earth” (Good will to men) #7 “Here Comes Sander’s Cause” – A Dead show. removing stems and - We musn’t neglect our VP. likely Millennial anthem. Not all Demo- We moved to Martinez the smaller grapes. #8 “Silver and Gold” – I wouldn’t be crats were behind Hillary, you know. around 25 years ago, to a We washed them and surprised if President Trump doesn’t own #6 “‘Twas the Night Before Clinton” - house whose rear faces west. pressed them using a this one already. Who can forget that night, right? Hillary Every day our patio door was mesh bag and two large #7 “12 Holes of Christmas “– A tribute won’t. hit with direct sun all after- turkey pans. We squeezed to the dozen US Golf courses owned by #5 “Ivan(a)ka Song” - adding an Ivanka noons and into the evenings. enough grapes to fill a the POTUS. stanza should be easy to do in Adam San- We used blinds, shades, and five-gallon bucket. We #6 “We Wish You a Mar A Lago” - dler’s “Hanukkah Song”. even planted Bamboo in the put a tight lid on the Speaking of golf, I can imagine President #4 “Do You Hate What I Hate?” - A back of the yard to help shield bucket with an airlock. Trump humming this all the way to the beautiful song gone nasty. bank. us from the aggravating heat. Within two days it began #3 “It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Eventually we built a redwood pergola to bubble. I was cooking wine. #5 “Jong-un Calls” - “Jong-un Calls, More Taxes” - “…everywhere you go.” Jong-Un Calls, Kim Jong go away…” An out over that glass door. At the far end I never used the chemical additives, but Well, most of us may be singing this one of this, at each of the three columns that we were careful to sanitize everything annoying earwig to say the least. soon. #4 “O Atom Bomb” - Sung to the tune of #2 “Grandma Got Run Over By a Rein- support it, I planted grapes. I planted that touched the wine. We added sanitiz- O Tannenbaum, a German song, but you deer…So What?” Hey, she knew what she them for shade and beauty. Actual grape er to the water in the airlock to keep out can bet the lyrics would have something was getting into. production was of no interest. any contaminants. to do with North Korea. #1 “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Trump” -- I planted White Thompson Seedless Within a few weeks, primary fermen- #3 “O Christmas Tweet” – Same tune as This one was too easy. table grapes. These are not wine grapes. tation was complete. The wine was clear above, but with English lyrics. Be sure to Yes, all these title suggestions are sure to In time, our patio became covered with a except for an inch or so of sediment at the get the extended version, now with 280 offend those inclined to be offended. But giant canopy of vines and leaves, which bottom. The wine was transferred into a maximum characters. don’t write to the publisher, unless you grew so well that I had to cut them back glass carboy for another couple of weeks. #2 “White Christmas” - lyricists, just be wish to play along and write some lyrics each year. The shade is wonderful. Finally, it was time to taste samples of respectful here. to accompany the song titles. If you do, I Viticultural- #1 “Deck the Wall” “Deck the wall, have may just publish them next edition, at my ists and other Mexico pay for it. Fa la la la la la la la…” discretion. Who knows, maybe there’s a experts say hit to be born. In the meantime, Happy that grape To be equally politically cynical, here Holidays. are a few titles the Democrats and other vines take opponents might suggest. four years to really produce good grapes. They are not kidding. Last fall, I found that I had so many grapes on Bradley and his Thompson Grapes the top of my pergola that a family of opossums had our work. We were all pleasantly sur- moved in, enjoying the easy life above prised and excited. We bought bottles, my back patio, enjoy the shade and our corks, and a corking tool. Then we or- bounty of grapes. Something had to be dered custom labels online honoring our done. evicted opossums. First, we evicted the opossum family. Our five gallons of grape squeezin’s Then my daughter, climbed up there to became 22 bottles of lovely white wine. pick the grapes. We harvested the fattest, Everyone who has tasted it has raved. sweetest grapes you ever saw, over 200 The alcohol content is high, and the wine pounds of them. is very sweet. Knowing we couldn’t possibly eat them Our 2016 “Possum Tail” was a great all, I decided maybe I can make wine out success and I plan to double production in 2017. Be careful though, wine making can become an obsession. I cleared my small apple tree this fall and made nine bottles of very nice hard cider. The most difficult part is wading through the millions of conflicting directions online. Keep it simple, sanitize everything and most of all, have fun! Saluta!

22 Bottles of Wine Diablo Gazette • DECEMBER 2017 • Page 14 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990

frugelegance by Carol and Randi -The Frugirls www.frugelegance.com Christmas Kitchen Decor with Potted Rosemary The holidays are such a special time and we want our holiday decor to look amazing. But we have to stay on budget since there’s lots of spending going on for so many other things. Things like gift giving, family gather- ings, gift giving, special holiday foods and recipes, and... oh, did I mention gift giving? Do you remember when we shared our Christmas Kitchen blog at frugelegance.com that included lots of beautiful and FrugEl- egant style decorating ideas? A super fun pot- ted Rosemary plant in the shape of a Christ- mas tree got quite a bit of attention. It is so easy to make, we would love to share with you how you can create one for your kitchen. First, you will need a few items. into the pot. Christmas tree shaped rosemary plant Now decorate. Write a holiday some- ($8.99 from our local Trader Joe’s). thing in chalk on the painted trim. We Terra Cotta Clay Pot with wide trim wrote Ho! Ho! Ho! Wrap a wide ribbon, top and around the pot, under the trim. If the saucer ribbon slides down, we recommend se- (the wide curing it in place with a little craft glue. trim lip Not only does it look great, it’s also a at top is delicious herb to add to pinch off and import- add to your cooking. Plus it smells so ant). good and makes a great gift too. Chalk- board Happy decorating! Happy entertain- Paint. ing, and a very special Happy Holidays! Paint- er’s tape Carol and Randi, the FruGirls, are Chalk local home stagers and decorators. You or chalk can also find them Blogging about many paint other ways to live an elegant life for less marker. at www.frugelegance.com FrugElegance A little is where Frugal and Elegance come extra soil (for replanting your plant) together. Wide red Christmas ribbon. Craft glue.

Here’s what you do. Make sure clay pot is clean & thor- oughly dry. Apply painter’s tape below the wide trim top part. Paint 1-2 coats of chalkboard paint on the wide top trim area. Don’t worry if any paint goes in the inside, no one will see it when the plant & soil are planted. When the chalkboard paint is thor- oughly dry, replant your rosemary plant Diablo Gazette • DECEMBER 2017 • Page 15 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990 Homes Sold Topping Stephen Wilcox Appointed Chancellor theRIGHT 2016, but Market by Terrylynn Fisher, Brokermove Associate Continues to Tighten for Diocese of Oakland Your Most Recent Market Data (CYO), Communications, Formation and I always pay attention to market statis- with $636,150 (the maximum conforming Evangelization, and Mission Advance- tics. How did we do? For October 2016 loan amount to give the most favorable ment, as well as the Diocesan Review vs. October 2017 for Clayton (94517) and interest rate) with just a half a percent Board and Archives. He will also serve Concord (94521), as of this writing, there increase in interest rates from 4% to 4.5% as Bishop Barber’s liaison for Catholic are eight homes on the market in Clayton, will pay $186 per month more on their schools and Catholic Charities of the East a drop of 68% over last year with sold mortgage payment and $66,960 more Bay, serve on the Bishop’s Administra- homes up 10% (at 11 homes) sold in Octo- over the life of the loan. A one percent tive Council and lead special projects as ber. In Concord’s 94521 area there are 62 increase from 4% to 5% will increase the directed by Bishop Barber. homes on the market, also down from last monthly payments more than $281 and Father Robert Herbst, OFM Conv. year at this time, with 50 sold, up 46% $101,160 over the life of the loan. served as Interim Chancellor and will from last year. Prices in Clayton are up In short, with fewer homes as your continue as judicial vicar and vicar for .06%, almost on par with last year, while competition, perhaps small flaws and/ religious. Concord 94521 is up 5.4% over last year. or deficits that homes were rejected for A retired senior executive of Accenture, Remember there are niches within in busier months may be accepted by the LLP, Wilcox worked for the technology price ranges and neighborhoods that buyer in this market. outsourcing company for 28 years, serv- create specific trends and price increases If you are thinking of selling in winter, ing for several years as the lead execu- based on amenities and schools. there are several things you can do to tive of one of Accenture’s largest global I am often asked whether this is the enhance your appeal. With rain and early accounts. right time to sell. Redfin did a study in sunset making homes darker, light can He volunteered as interim CEO of 2013 noting that sellers netted more eq- be very important in adding a warm glow Catholic Charities of the East Bay (CCEB) uity in December, January and February to your home. Turn on all lights, keep from September 2013 to May 2014, hav- rather than waiting until spring to go on the thermostat at a level that there is an ing served on CCEB’s board since 2006 the market. Some of the reasons make “ahh” when people come in from the cold and as its chair since 2012. sense, if you think about it, for selling this and rain, and stage with seasonal touches He currently serves on several nonprofit time of the year. There are fewer homes that add warmth. Curb appeal, always Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, has boards and committees, including the on the market, and while there may be important, is even more important in named Stephen Wilcox, president of the board of the Red Cloud Indian School in fewer buyers as well, the buyers look- winter. When buyers are waiting at the nonprofit Wilcox Family Foundation and Pine Ridge, S.D.; the Covenant House ing at this time of year may have more front porch to get inside with pouring former interim chief executive officer California; the Cristo Rey De La Salle urgency to complete a sale by the end of rain or dark nights, they are conscious of of Catholic Charities of the East Bay, as East Bay High School; and the board of the year or have more of a deadline. In the ease of opening the door locks, condi- Chancellor for the Diocese of Oakland. Emergency Management Services Inter- addition, with fewer homes on the mar- tion of the paint, porch, door knobs and The Diocese of Oakland serves Alameda national, based in Culpeper, Va. ket, buyers will give you more attention plants on the porch. and Contra Costa counties, and includes Wilcox holds a bachelor’s in political and there may be more of an opportunity Terrylynn Fisher, Real Estate Broker approximately 400,000 Catholics in 84 science from Stonehill College, a Catholic for multiple offers. Another factor for Associate (CalBRE# 01882902) with parishes. school operated by the Congregation of buyers wanting to lock in on good interest Dudum Real Estate Group is a veteran “Steve will bring a passion for the faith the Holy Cross and a master’s degree in rates can also be a motivator; the press of real estate. (925)-876-0966 www. and a commitment to organizational public management and policy analysis has noted that the Feds may be raising in- BuyStageSell.com. effectiveness to our Diocesan services,” from Heinz College at Carnegie Mellon terest rates next year. Buyers purchasing Bishop Barber said. “I am grateful for his University. willingness to serve in this capacity for He and his wife Margaret (Peg) are our local Church.” parishioners of St. Joan of Arc in San In his new role Wilcox will oversee the Ramon and have three adult sons. Best Gift of the Season is Life Itself offices of Catholic Youth Organization by Nik Wojcik For most, the holiday season is about out the rest of the year, according to giving and spending time with loved NHTSA. ones, themes that rise above religious and It takes all of a couple minutes of cultural differences and bond us at the planning and a few extra dollars for core of human nature. As we approach each of us to do our part in bringing the time of year known for beautiful lights that percentage down. It’s simple, either and spirited festivities, we hope you’ll don’t drink if you’re going to drive or take the time to think about others, in the have someone else drive for you. There way that you give and in the choices you are options available that can make all make. the difference. In fleeting moments, decisions are made Put aside some extra cash and pro- that can change the trajectory of count- gram the number for a cab service into less lives forever. Where some tragedies your phone prior to picking up that first are beyond our control, some are wholly drink. Download the Uber or Lyft apps avoidable with a simple commitment: and use them – both of which offer gift don’t drink and drive. cards so you can give loved ones a safe Natalie Davies. Zach Punty. Mark Poss. ride home as well. Nothing destroys a Each name represents a life, and each night of fun like not living to see the of those lives touch families and friends. next year or taking innocent lives as a Unfortunately, each of them has been result of a bad decision. a local and recent victim of suspected The best way to honor the lives of these drunk drivers. three victims is to make better choices On Nov. 5, 21-year-old local Davies and – a little planning and the technology in her boyfriend, Punty, were driving on your pocket can make all the difference. Willow Pass Road when another vehicle Those looking for additional ways crossed into opposing lanes of traffic and to help can do so directly by donating struck the couple in a head-on collision. to help the victims and their families. Davies was pronounced dead at the scene The Mark Poss gofundme page can be and Punty was left in critical condition, found at https://www.gofundme.com/ where he struggles with a traumatic brain markposs, where they are still $66,000 injury. away from their fundraising goal to help Just one week later on Nov. 12, Mark cover his extensive medical expenses. Poss pulled over on Highway 50 in Sac- Juan Carlos (JC) Araujo Orosco, Pun- ramento to help a couple push their car ty’s former Clayton Valley High School stalled in an emergency lane. A suspected soccer coach and family friend, set up drunk driver slammed into Poss, crushing the https://www.gofundme.com/zach- both of his legs. The Good Samaritan is a punty page to help raise $12,000 to help NOW HIRING Clayton Valley High School alumnus and his family manage – that goal is not yet father, and now faces life as an amputee. halfway met. Advertising Sales Both incidents happened in a split sec- These are hard stories to hear about as ond and both could have been prevented. we dig through boxes of decorations and Although National Highway Traffic plan happy family feasts, but they are Immediate Openings Safety Administration statistics show that cautionary tales that we hope will make drunk driving has been on a decline over you think twice about the decisions you Come work for the Diablo Gazette, our communities’ favorite paper! the past three decades, the holiday season make this season. After all, the best gift continues to present the greatest risk. we have is living. Drunk drivers account for forty percent of We wish you a happy and safe holiday traffic-related deaths during the holiday season, with many more to come. CALL TODAY: (925) 298-9990 months, opposed to 28 percent through- Diablo Gazette • DECEMBER 2017 • Page 16 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990 Ruby Dooby Do Animals With Unusual Jobs Bentley by Shereen Motarjemi to the Rescue Some of us like our jobs, but how many of Both Kathy and Jarli have what is called Each month a hard to us can say we feel enthused to go to work? ‘drive’. He is driven to follow his remark- place dog in foster care will Here are three remarkable animals that able sense of smell, to please his human, be featured to give them are actually eager to do their jobs. They and to get his favorite toy. Kathy seems extra exposure to find their show us that when we are driven to serve, driven by a big-hearted desire to be of ser- forever home. work is joy! vice. She knows that even if the missing person isn’t located, the family can find BENTLEY is a 20-pound, SEARCH AND RESCUE DOG some peace because they were supported by “many strangers and search dogs” at a partially blind and deaf, time when they felt most afraid. maltese mix. He may be labeled special needs, but CASTOR THE POLICE DOG this “pawsitively special It is easy to understand why Police dawg” only wants to be a lap Departments use dogs. Their noses are dog. He’s housebroken, uses simply better than human eyes. Recently, a doggie door, and does not when a Pleasant Hill resident with demen- require regular grooming or tia went missing, the family frantically exercise. This six-year-old searched for hours before they called cuddle bug has no interest police. Within minutes, Castor located in other dogs. Bentley is all the missing man. The family had already about his people. Although combed that area many times, but they suitable for almost anyone never saw him sitting in the car! It just who wants a low-mainte- took a mighty nose. nance couch potato compan- Smart and versatile, Castor is both ion, Bentley’s ideal adopter ferocious enough to pin down a suspect, yet gentle with curious children at public would work from home or be events. He is a canine hero and 6-year retired. veteran at the Pleasant Hill Police Dept. Bentley is being fostered His handler, Officer James Woehrman, through Underdog Rescue. says that Castor loves doing police work. Underdog’s mission is to save http://form.jotform.com/underdogca/ When he sees the police uniform, Castor shelter dogs that are out of time or that dog-adoption-application. immediately assumes his working dog require rehabilitation prior to adoption. “Joyful and enthusiastic” is how Kathy personality: focused and eager. Underdog is a non-profit group that op- Gaughan describes her dog, Jarli, when Castor is a German Shepherd, born and erates on donations and maintains a wish Editors Note: Ruby Dooby Do is Concord’s he is working his nose to find lost people. raised in the Czech Republic. As a puppy, list with Amazon: https://www.amazon. Instagram celebrity with more than 49,000 And why wouldn’t he feel joyful? He gets he was trained for European sports -- ones com/gp/registry/wishlist/2R1518QU- followers. Instagram.com/rubydoo- to be out in nature chasing scents, accom- which require hunting skills. In addition, C44OV/ref=cm_sw_su_w. by__Do. Special thanks to Jill Hedgecock, panied by his favorite human. But the real he comes from a long line of quality breed- To meet BENTLEY, submit an applica- Program Coordinator, Mount Diablo Branch excitement for Jarli is that after a search, ing practices which make hip dysplasia tion. His adoption fee has been spon- of the California Writers Club for her help in he is permitted to sored. Underdog Rescue will contact you translating canine for this article. play his favorite to chat more about the dog: www.jillhedgecock.com. game: fetch the toy! While Jarli’s motivation may be about play, Kathy aRt Cottage has more serious by FROgard www.aRtCottage.info reasons why she does this grueling work. “It helps The Power of Artful Giving the victim’s family have closure,” During the Holiday exercises of gift Drew.” Kathy says. giving and receiving, we find ourselves “Steve, She and Jarli rushed to find the right gift, that Amazing are on call 24/7, perfect gift for those we wish to show pieces of art. packed and ready our affection. Are we trying so hard I cannot even for the time that we often overlook some of the imagine what when someone is most thoughtful gestures of love and you guys reported missing. appreciation we could offer? Sometimes, went through Frequently these in our pursuit of graciousness, we so your victims are lost sacrifice sincerity. pictures are truly very touching. To be hikers or people with dementia or autism. less likely. In short, his training and I thought I would share a joyful able to capture such raw, unstaged photos Despondent people can also become sepa- genetics made him an excellent candidate example of how simple an exchange is just amazing. Thank you so much rated, particularly around the holidays. for police work. But he still had so much of heartfelt appreciation can be as I for sharing such real, genuine, uncut, As soon as she gets a call about a missing more to learn once he got to Pleasant Hill. witnessed during last month’s aRt unedited work. Very emotional exhibit. person, Kathy begins strategizing her plan Now eight-years old, he is masterful at Cottage exhibit, “Remembering Vietnam”. Thank you so much. -- Drew” for the search. The skill is in covering the finding drugs and people, no matter how “Remembering Vietnam” was an exhibit “Tim Dallas, Thank you. Thank you area thoroughly, no matter the terrain well hidden. His sense of smell is so keen by three Vietnam Vets for your service. Thank you for or weather, so Kathy must stay alert and that he can pick up the scent, even if drugs whose work depicted the showing us your experiences focused. Using topo maps, GPS and a are vacuum-sealed! And if you are a bad gamut of emotions from and letting us briefly see life compass, searchers often have to navi- guy, don’t even try to run. Officer Woeh- soldiers to civilians during the way you did. You’ve given gate through rugged wilderness in harsh rman says that most suspects become im- this ugly war. me a perspective I’ve never conditions. mediately compliant in the presence of a Each vet received a seen before. You took a tragedy In spite of the difficulties, Kathy and Jarli dog. They know they can’t outrun Castor. letter from two beautiful and were able to show it to us seem called to this work. They are a team. Castor loves fetch and is rewarded with young ladies who came through a layer of hope – even Kathy sees herself as a strategist and sort play whenever he completes a successful to aRt Cottage to view in hard, awful times. The joy of Sherpa for her dog: he has this special search. their work and fulfill a you captured on the faces gift of scent, and her job is to support him. writing assignment for a of these children is heart- humanities class. When wrenching, and beautiful and they were asked to sign powerful. The way war is taught to see how young you guys were and what gratitude was on full display. There is the guest book before is often so different and it is you experienced at such a young age. great hope in the future with young adults leaving, I saw them sitting incredible to see those soldiers Thank you for capturing the moments like these girls. They even came back in the corner of the gallery as babysitters and caregivers, you did and turning them into such to meet the vets in person during their writing. They had each torn out three and nurturers. This has changed my view extraordinary artwork for the world to art opening. Steve Burchik, Tim Dallas, pages from the guest book and wrote a and what I thought I knew. Thank you for see. Your exhibit absolutely touched me and Jim Hardy were honored as all vets note to each of the three vets who had sharing your story. – Olivia” to the core. – Love & Happiness, Drew” should be. their work on display. These letters were “Steve Burchik, Thank you for your “Jim Hardy, I came to this exhibit Consider the power of art and the posted on the wall by their work for them service and for sharing. Your photos because I needed to complete an emotional impact that simple gifts to read when they return. are incredible and gut-wrenching. assignment. I never thought this would can bring when you visit our Holiday I hope you recognize the exchange Your perspective and experience have be something that would change me so Boutique in December. You will find the emotional expressions of gratitude changed the way I think of the war. The profoundly. I walked into your room many handmade items from jewelry to between our guests and the artists as I contrast between the combat shots and of the exhibit and immediately burst paintings and pottery on display through did in reading their letters. the bustling life is crazy. You captured into tears. The way you have given December 23. Come meet the artists on “Tim, Thank you so much for sharing life and people’s stories from so many life and purpose, even to those lost, is Saturday, December. 2nd from 2pm-4pm. these extraordinary pieces of art. The backgrounds and situations. Thanks for incredible and profound. Your sketches Located at 2238 Mt. Diablo Street in amount of joy and true purity you were letting us see your story. – Olivia are beautiful and painful, and I adore Concord. So, Relax. Enjoy your families able to capture in the children in the “Jim, After seeing your exhibit, I am that you let people sign their portraits. and remember to give simple gifts of love, photos is truly amazing. To be able to get amazed at what amazing, touching art Thank you for recording as you did. creativity, and with lots of hugs. so much happiness and positivity in such you were able to produce during such a Thank you for sharing the world and your aRt Cottage wishes all a happy holiday a heart-wrenching time in history has me harsh time in history. Absolutely loved experiences through your eyes. – Olivia” season. awestruck. Much love and Happiness, the statues. Just absolutely, unbelievable The gift of art and the gift of pure Diablo Gazette • DECEMBER 2017 • Page 17 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990

For those who have followed De La Salle football teams over the years, the adage is nearly as much of an annual certainty as filing taxes. Every season around mid-November, the point is made that this is the time of the year when the Spartans seem to reach their full potential. Which, of course, is the intention of any playoff team — but De La Salle has a long history of perfecting the process. It appears the 2017 season will be no different. Clayton Valley Charter can attest to that. Clayton Valley (8-3) was forced to call it a season after its loss. It’s the second time in as many years De La Salle has halted the Ugly Eagles’ season with an Open Division playoff win. Thanks to an extremely lengthy drive and the recovery of a muffed punt, the Ugly Eagles allowed De La Salle just one offensive play for the entirety of the first quarter during the teams’ North Coast Section Open Division semifinal on Nov. 17. They still went into the second quarter trailing 7-0. DLS Jack Powers The Spartans’ lone first quarter play was a 76- yard touchdown run by senior Kairee Robinson, down the right sideline, on the first play of the game. “We put that new play in there this week,” Robinson said of his run that opened the 45-7 victory. “I felt real good about it and told the coaches that. We came out tonight and it worked De La Salle Nears Top Form As beautifully. I had my lead blocker Beaux (Tagaloa) lay some kid out, and that was it. I don’t think I was ever touched.” Playoffs Arrive — Per Usual Clayton Valley’s ensuing 20-play drive ended with a fumble on the first play of the second quarter. Robinson recovered it at the 8-yard line Story By Chace Bryson | Photos by Phillip Walton and returned it 21 yards to the 29. Sophomore Shamar Garrett then promptly scored on a 71- yard touchdown run and the snowball got rolling downhill in a hurry. De La Salle rolled to a running-clock victory and punched its ticket into the Open Div. final on Dec. 2 when it will look to win a 26th consecutive NCS CVCHS Thomas Alatini crown and extend its fabled NorCal unbeaten streak to 290 games. Clayton Valley’s lone score of the night came on an 80-yard run by Kyree Williams with three minutes left in the game. “Offensively we were really crisp,” De La Salle coach Justin Alumbaugh said. “I think we had three touchdowns in our first five plays. It’s hard to get a lot better than that.” That crispness is especially impressive considering it was just the second game in four weeks for the Spartans. De La Salle had their scheduled regular season bye in Week 10, defeated San Ramon Valley in Week 11, had the first of two NCS playoff byes in Week 12 and then dispatched Clayton Valley in Week 13. Week 14 will also be a bye. Should De La Salle (10-1) win on Dec. 2, they could then potentially face yet another bye before playing in the CIF Open Division State Bowl on Dec. 17. “There’s an assumption that you use the bye week to get healthy, or this or that,” Alumbaugh said. “No, it’s football. We’ve still got to practice. … In order be crisp, you’ve got to practice hard and physical. ... Our kids did a great job.” The Spartans have won six of the past nine CIF Open Bowl titles, but will seek redemption on the Sacramento State field this season. Not only did they lose to St. John Bosco-Bellflower in 2016, but the 56-33 final marked the most points De La Salle has surrendered since the 1979 season — that’d be the one that famed coach Bob Ladouceur took over the program. De La Salle as a whole looked really good. Any why not? Tis the season. Diablo Gazette • DECEMBER 2017 • Page 18 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990 The Staff at Diamond Terrace Wishes all of You a Safe and

Happy Holidays. Elizabeth, Ellen & Gwen

Friends and family visit

Tree decorating

Santa and friend Diablo Gazette • DECEMBER 2017 • Page 19 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925)-298-9990 Workshop continued from page 3 throughout our commu- nity.” Readers Rants & Raves “This outstanding event Dear Diablo Gazette: a friend doing a tour in Afghanistan. He always officially kicks off loves law enforcement and hopes to join the holidays for me,” said I Love what you do for me! ~ Jerry T., the CIA or Secret Service at the end of Sheriff Livingston. Then Crystal Fair director, Mill Valley his tour. I thought I would send a care he addressed the inmates package to him who had recently been I wanted to give of all your pub- working on the toys and some “feedback” (pun lished Secret bikes, “I want to thank intended) on Mrs. But- Service tales. I you gentlemen and those terbanks’ recipe for the look forward to before you that have been Pumpkin Butterscotch them. ~Leslie working diligently on this Muffins. I actually made S., Brentwood. year-long program. You’ll them and have decided bring a lot of joy to our the name should be I am a former community’s kids with Disappearing Pumpkin Vietnam Vet, Butterscotch Muffins. stationed in your woodshop skills” What a great seasonal Germany and This is a remarkable treat! It is like dessert in visited Aus- program that served a muffin format. It was chwitz. I read many Contra Costa such an easy recipe and the October County non-profit orga- they are a moist, tasty articles “From struction, and state-of-the-art computer delight. A side benefit is Auschwitz to nizations training. By the end of the school year, the holiday aroma they America” and including 37 student-inmate(s) received their high bring to the house. It is “Life in Postwar Bay Area school equivalency certificate (Hi SET) a recipe to be used again East Germany” Housing and 29 received a high school diploma. and to share. ~Beth and became District, In addition, there were 328 students who McQueen, Pleasant Hill very interest- Bay Area demonstrated learning gains in read- ed in them.. Rescue ing or math, and 317 students earned [Regarding Auschwitz Where can I Mission, a certificate of completion in computer Survivor article:] find November copies of the Brighter applications. Begin- Dear David, the Diablo Gazette nings, mail just delivered the in Concord? I Contra October and November live near down- issues of the Diablo Gazette. I greatly ap- town. ~ Oscar T. Concord Costa County Independent Living Skills preciate your interest and your giving my Program, El Cerrito Rotary, Friends of story such a prestigious exposure. I have [Editor: Thank you all for reading. Oakley, Pittsburg Police Department, also heard from several friends who read Around Todos Santos Plaza you can Shelter Inc., The Salvation Army-Antioch them. [Their] reactions were moving and pick up copies of the Diablo Gazette in Corps, Shepherd’s Gate, La Casa, and gratifying. I enjoyed meeting and talking several locations including Half Price VESTIA, Inc. with you and hope that our paths may Book Store, Capriotti’s, Starbucks, Hot During the 2016-17 school year, over cross again. All the best. ~Bernie Rosner, Dog Palace, House of Bagels, Poke, Hop 3,000 adult inmates (throughout the San Ramon. Grenade, and T4. If they run out, which three Contra Costa detention facilities) they always do, try the Concord Library were enrolled in classes ranging from I would like to send a care package to at Salvio and Parkside.] academic programs, including basic literacy and GED or HiSET high school Got something to say? Send your Rants and Raves to [email protected] by the 20th of the month equivalency preparation, to vocational preceding issue publication. Length should not exceed 300 words. Publisher reserves right of rejection. All programs, including woodshop, con- published letters reflect the opinion of the author only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. We are unable to acknowledge receipt or publication of your letters.

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Come work for the Diablo Gazette, our communities’ favorite paper! www.BooksNPieces.com CALL TODAY: (925) 298-9990 Diablo Gazette • DECEMBER 2017 • Page 20 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette •(925)-298-9990