The Concordian • MAY 2013 • Page 2 • www.MyConcordian.com • (800) 606-6448 what Really Family-Friendly Matters KidFest Returns to by Dan Ashley ABC-7 News Anchor Concord Memorial The Worst and the Best Day Weekend Once again, America and Americans people rise to do great things. The have been shaken by terror. moment those bombs went off at the One of Northern Obviously, while nowhere near the finish line, ordinary people rushed into California’s favorite scale of the nine-eleven attacks, what the carnage without concern for their annual family happened in Boston is, in some respects, own safety to begin helping the wounded. institutions, Bay just as worrisome. This outrageous act They were joined by paramedics, police Area KidFest, reminds us that we are still vulnerable to officers, and others working the event. returns to Concord the misguided, malevolent, or just plain We have heard so many powerful stories on Memorial Day evil intentions of those who would do of people literally taking the shirts off Weekend for its us harm. The Boston Marathon is what their backs to use as tourniquets, people 24th year with the military terms a “soft target “which holding the wounded and offering more attractions is an unarmored and undefended area. comfort until help could arrive. Can you than ever. KidFest The Boston bombing, the movie theater imagine the horrible things those brave brings three days of attack in Colorado, the Oikos University and decent people saw on Boylston Street family fun Saturday, shooting here in the Bay Area are all that Monday afternoon? Bostonians Sunday and examples of targets that are extremely rushed to donate blood and Americans Monday, May 25-27 difficult if not impossible to protect everywhere rushed to their checkbooks from 10 a.m. to 6 completely. Every single city and town to help the wounded with the coming p.m. each day at Mt. KidFest presents its annual Memorial in this country has dozens, hundreds, medical bills. In New York, the Yankees Diablo High School, 2450 Grant Street in Day Program with the United States even thousands of similar targets that displayed their logo alongside that of Downtown Concord. Marines Color Guard, Mt. Diablo High leave us vulnerable to a lunatic with a their arch-rival The Red Sox on the giant Wild About Monkeys, the most popular School Jr. ROTC and patriotic songs. gun or a home-made bomb. The tragedy video board outside the stadium with KidFest attraction ever, is back by KidFest is more than just three fun- in Boston exposes the frightening reality the words “United We Stand”. Inside popular demand with three shows daily at filled days. It is also a fundraiser for that we are at risk from small-scale the stadium, the Yankees held a moment 12 noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. local nonprofits in education, health and terror plots much more so than we are of silence then played the Fenway Park New this year is the Zip Line ride that youth sports. The festival producer, Bay from larger ones. These days, it is hard traditional song, “Sweet Caroline,” lets festival-goers zoom three stories Area Festivals, Inc., has donated almost to imagine anyone being able to pull following the third inning, all in a show above the action below. $60,000 to such organizations over the off a major attack at the Super Bowl or of solidarity. Also new is SportStars Field of Dreams past three years. another massive event where security is But we need not be in Yankee Stadium with sports activities, games and clinics. Tickets: $5 per person with the so incredibly tight. Which brings us back to feel the same sadness for the families Can’t get enough monkeys? Velocity donation of a canned good for the Food to Boston. and to feel the same pride in our country Circus debuts at KidFest, presenting Bank of Contra Costa & Solano. $6 The sight of the two young suspects, and its people. Monkeys in Space, a spectacle sure without a can donation. Babies under 24 26-year-old Tamerlan Tsarnaev and his In Boston, we were reminded yet again to please kids of all ages. Three months and seniors over 64 are free. 19-year old brother Dzhokhar, a college that we can be hurt, but also that we are performances daily on the main stage at Where: Mt. Diablo High School, 2450 student, apparently planting bombs often strongest where we’ve been hurt the 1, 3 and 5 p.m. Grant St. in Concord. in a crowd of women and children is most. Crowd favorites Clayton Bikes BMX When: Saturday, Sunday and Monday, chilling. If they are, in fact, responsible What Really Matters is that, even Stunt Team and Radio Disney Crewser May 25-27, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each as the evidence clearly suggests, it is in the face of so many terrible things are back. day. hard to fathom how a fellow human that happen, that we take strength in the And kids can have their photos taken Parking: On-site parking available being could walk through a crowd filled knowledge that we will always survive, with Dora and Diego, stars of Dora the through the Grant St. entrance at Bacon with innocents knowing that they were that good ultimately triumphs over bad, Explorer. St. for $5. Free on-street parking and at about to kill and maim so many of them and that the worst in some always brings Free entertainment includes sports, the city parking garage on Salvio St. for no reason whatsoever. While we are out the best in others. games, arts and crafts, bounces and Benefit: Benefits local non-profit beginning to get a handle on the reasons Those may seem to be trite cliché’s, but crawls that have been KidFest staples for educational, health and youth sports authorities allege that these two young they just happen to be absolutely true. more than two decades. organizations. men committed this senseless crime, it Again, the Main Stage will feature free KidFest is alcohol-free and smoke-free. will be all but impossible for most of us to Dan Ashley is an anchor at ABC-7 News and nonstop entertainment with music, Sorry, no pets. Complete information ever truly comprehend how anyone could can be seen weeknights at 5, 6 and 11 p.m. on dance, gymnastics, martial arts and more. at www.KidFestConcord.com or (925) do such a thing. ABC-7 and at 9 p.m. on KOFY TV20. Contact him at [email protected]. At Noon on Memorial Day Monday, 671-3287. Sadly, some people do. Visit http://www.rockwithpush.com for more But as we have seen countless times on the band. before, when tragedy happens, good Books You Can Trust, Writing Contest Winners from Concord and Pittsburg What’s On Friday, April 19, two local writers card. All winners will have their stories were selected as First and Third place included in the upcoming Books You in downtown winners in the Books You Can Trust Can Trust publication “The Book of “Awesome Moms” Writing Contest. Mom: Reflections of Motherhood” UP?Martinez First Prize went to Kelly Dudziak of available May 1 from their site and April - Oct Downtown Ghost Walks Pittsburg for her story titled: “Cherry Amazon.com in both print and digital May 4 Spring Downtown Wine Stroll Flavored Life Saver.” Her prize format. The winners, and all authors in included a new Kindle Paperwhite the publication also receive an ongoing May 18 Vintage & Antiques Fair Reader and an Amazon Kindle Gift royalty from book sales. July 4 4th of July Parade Card valued at $25. Congratulations to everyone who Second Prize was awarded to Boise, entered the contest. Aug. 3 Vintage & Antiques Fair Idaho resident, Maureen Kamarales for Books You Can Trust is a publishing Sept. 28/29 Italian Street Painting Fest her story titled: “I Know Your Name is company offering new and established Carol.” authors a new way to get published Main Street Martinez Third Prize winner was Janet with an extended marketing program. PO Box 776 Martinez, CA 94553 Mackenzie Ely of Concord for her For more information visit the website www.MainStreetMartinez.org story titled: “This was Someday.” at www.BooksYouCanTrust.com. [SEE (925) 228-3577 Both second and third prize winners OUR AD ON PAGE 16] facebook.com/downtownmartinez received a $25 Amazon Kindle gift The Concordian • MAY 2013 • Page 3 • www.MyConcordian.com • (800) 606-6448

Happy Mother’s Day from The Concordian Read our FULL COLOR issue online www.MyConcordian.com The Concordian • MAY 2013 • Page 4 • www.MyConcordian.com • (800) 606-6448 city & county news

Concord Mother’s Day Celebration Includes Concord Selects New Finance Director Karan Reid has been selected as the Finance Director for the City of Benicia. All Area Music Festival new Finance Director for the City of Prior to working in Benicia, she spent 14 Concord. Her first day will be April 29. years with the City of Emeryville serving Concord celebrates Mother’s Day on Highlands Elementary, Mt. Diablo High Reid replaces Peggy Lefebvre who retired in a number of finance management Saturday, May 11 in Todos Santos Plaza. School Vocal Ensemble, Pine Hollow last year. positions, leaving as Chief Financial The event includes the Mount Diablo Middle, Sequoia Middle, Shore Acres “We are very pleased to welcome Karan Officer. She also worked for the City of Music Education Foundation’s 4th annual Elementary, Silverwood Elementary 5th to Concord,” said City Manager Valerie Napa for seven years and for several All Area Music Festival, featuring music Grade Choir, Walnut Acres and Woodside Barone. “Her skill set and experience private sector companies. students from Mt. Diablo elementary, 3rd Grade Song Flutes, and Westwood make her a great fit.” Reid holds a BS degree in Business middle and high schools. Elementary. Reid will oversee a department of 18 Administration from the University of The musical performances will take The Mount Diablo Music Education full-time employees. She is currently the Arizona and is a registered CPA.. place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission Foundation was formed to raise is free. At 1 p.m., Concord Mayor Dan awareness of the cuts that have hit school Award-Winning Spray Park Reopens May 4 Helix and Channel 5 news anchor Ann music programs, and to solicit donations Notarangelo will announce the three to support music education. The Concord’s popular Meadow Homes facility is special. The spray park received winners of the Mother’s Day Essay organization holds various fundraisers to Spray Park, at 1351 Detroit Ave., will open an Agency Showcase Award from the Contest. The winners and their moms support music in the schools. Learn more for its second season on May 4. Hours are California Park & Recreation Society, will receive gift baskets from the Todos by visiting www.mdmusicfoundation.org. 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and District 3, in the category of Outstanding Santos Business Association. Vendor Todos Santos Plaza is located in 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends while school Facility/Park and the American Public booths, featuring representatives from downtown Concord on Willow Pass Road is in session. After school recesses for the Works Association (Northern California) music shops and camps, will be on the between Mt. Diablo and Grant streets. summer in June, hours will be 10 a.m. to Public Works Project of the Year Award plaza. Free parking is available in two municipal 6 p.m., seven days a week. in the Structures Category. The groups scheduled to perform garages. For a complete listing of In its first year, more than 8,000 For more information, call the spray include: Ayers Elementary 3rd Grade upcoming events in Todos Santos Plaza, youngsters visited the park. Residents park hotline, (925) 671-3366. Recorders, Bel Air Elementary, Delta visit www.concordfirst.org. For more are not the only ones who think the new ~Leslye Asera, CRM, City of Concord View Elementary, El Monte Elementary information, call the downtown hotline at Glee Club and Flute/Recorder Ensemble, (925) 671-3464. Music and Market Returns May 23, Celebrates 25Years

Public Invited to Concord Budget Workshop May 7 Free music concerts in Todos Santos Major corporate sponsors responsible Plaza, threated with cancellation the for saving the music program include The Concord City Council will hold a at the May 7 workshop. last two years due to a lack of funding, Concord Disposal, Humana, Pacific budget workshop at its regular meeting While Measure Q revenue has preserved are back to celebrate a 25th anniversary Service Credit Union, Pacific Coast on Tuesday evening, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. the current level of City services for the this year. With the demise of California Farmers’ Market, Tesoro Golden Eagle in the City Council Chambers at the Civic next several years, the City still faces a redevelopment agencies, Concord’s Refinery, Chevron, Dolan’s Lumber and Center, 1950 Parkside Dr. The public is $5.5 million structural deficit, which will much-loved summer concert series lost The Brewing Network. Contributing in- invited to attend. need to be addressed before the sunset of its funding in 2011. Residents and the kind support are KKDV radio, Comcast, The City’s budget picture has stabilized the Measure Q half-cent sales tax in 2016. business community have come together Astound, the Bay Area News Group, and thanks to passage of Measure Q, the half- The budget workshop and hearings and saved the summer events through Cole Print and Marketing. cent sales tax increase approved by voters will be televised on Cable TV channel 28 fundraisers and sponsorships. This summer’s special events will go in November 2010. The City Council (Comcast), channel 29 (Astound) and The 2013 Thursday Night Music and forward with the help of partnerships appointed a seven-member Measure Q channel 99 (AT&T U-verse) and are also Market series debuts May 23, featuring between the City and community Oversight Committee to make annual available online at www.cityofconcord. the award-winning Concord High School organizations: recommendations to the City Council org. For more information, contact the Jazz Band in a tribute to Concord native MomDay Celebration: Saturday, May on the use of Measure Q revenue. The City Clerk’s Office, (925) 671-3495. son and jazz great Dave Brubeck, who 11, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring the All committee will present its annual report passed away in December 2012. On May Area Music Festival with local student 30, it’s the Steely Dan tribute band Aja musicians. The winners of the 2013 Vu. Mother’s Day essay contest will be County Fair Promises Squeals, Other highlights of the season include announced performances by audience-favorites DadDay in the Plaza: Sunday, June 16 at Deals, Fun on Wheels Foreverland (Michael Jackson), Evolution noon, featuring fourth annual Chili Cook- (Journey) and Hotel California (Eagles). off and the band PUSH with Dan Ashley. Don’t miss the Contra The series will continue through Sept. Todos Santos Plaza is located in Costa County Fair, May 30 – 12 with a wide variety of musical styles downtown Concord on Willow Pass Road June 2. This year’s theme is including country, rock, blues, zydeco between Mt. Diablo and Grant streets. “Squeals, Deals, and Fun on and jazz. Free parking is available in two municipal Wheels,” with four days of fun The Farmers’ Market is in the park from garages. For a complete listing of musical planned for Fair-goers of all 4 to 8 p.m., with music from 6:30 to 8 guests and event information, visit www. ages. p.m. concordfirst.org. The Fair’s 2013 concert Blues lovers can look forward to For more information, call the series features Tennessee Tuesday nights in July when a different downtown hotline at (925) 671-3464. River (a tribute to Alabama) band will perform each week from 6:30 to ~Leslye Asera, CRM, City of Concord and the Chris Gardner band 8 p.m. on the Todos Santos stage. on Thursday; All 4 One and Big Bad Boogie Rock on Pulse of Concord Survey Available Online Friday; Aerorocks (Aerosmith Tribute), Hot for Teacher, and “The Spring questions come from a group of folks with diverse interests from the Flock of 80z on with FRESH, issues in schools to how are we doing,” writes Edi Birsan, founder of the popular Pulse and also find a Hispanic dren 6 to 12, and children five and under of Concord Survey. Have your voice heard on a variety of topics. Musical Celebration. All the concerts are are free. Take advantage of discounts FREE with admission to the Fair. and pre-sales on tickets by purchasing www.PulseOfConcord.com Other highlights include Circus Imag- your tickets early. Advanced ticket sales ination, Tyzen the Master Hypnotist, begin May 1 and end May 29. Visit www. Jeremy the Juggler, and Skip Banks the ContraCostaFair.com for discounts on Balloon Man, Wild About Monkeys, the daily admission tickets and carnival wrist MD Recycling Buy Back Center Now Open Saturdays only traveling animal exhibition that bands. For even bigger savings, we’re Mt. Diablo Recycling Buy-Back Center, Extrusions & EXT/PTD, Irony Al Sheet & features trained baboons! offering a Family Fun Pass, which is four located at 1300 Loveridge Road, in Irony Cast Aluminum, Aluminum Ext./ This year’s exciting arena events include 1-day admission tickets for only $20. The Pittsburg is now open on Saturdays from Cont., Clean & Unclean Auto Wheels, #1 the crashing and demolition at the Boat Family Fun Pass MUST be purchased at 8 am to 4 pm. Mt. Diablo Recycling will & #2 Copper, Yellow & Red Brass, Irony Trailer Races and the Roll Over Compe- the Fair Office in Antioch before May 29. buy-back your CA Redemption items for Yellow Brass, Clean & Unclean Stainless tition, Stock Car Racing at the Speedway, The Contra Costa County Fairgrounds is the best price in East County! Steel, Insulated Copper Wire & ICW and the demolition derby! located at 1201 West 10th Street in An- Mt. Diablo Recycling accepts all CRV House Wire #1. Gates open at noon on Thursday and tioch. For more information, visit www. Materials, Aluminum Cans, Bi-Metal, Visit MtDiabloRecycling.com for more Friday, and at 11 am on Saturday and ContraCostaFair.com or call the Fair Cardboard (no wax), Glass Bottles, information or call them at (925) 682- Sunday. Admission is $8 for adults (13 Office at (925) 757-4400. Plastic-PET #1 & HDPE #2, Aluminum 4518. and older), $5 for seniors, $5 for chil- Sheet/PTD, Cast Aluminum, Aluminum The Concordian • MAY 2013 • Page 5 • www.MyConcordian.com • (800) 606-6448 Arts & Entertainment Calendar

sport games, 100 arts & crafts and Concord High Instrumental EVENTS BY CITY: exhibitor booths, food court,

rides and more. Memorial Day Weekend, May 25-26-27, Music Program in Concert Concord 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mt. Diablo High •Second Semi-Annual School, 2450 Grant St., Concord. with Gordon Goodwin at the “Hand Crafters’ Boutique” $5 per person with the donation of Supports Non-Profit Concord a canned good for the Food Bank of Family Moose Lodge. Sat. Contra Costa & Solano. $6 without a Lesher Center, May 14 May 4th, 10am - 4pm, More can donation. Babies and seniors 65+ The Concord than 25 Local Vendors with Beautiful are FREE. Benefits local non-profits. High Band Handmade Items and Gifts for www.KidFestConcord.com [SEE AD Boosters (CHBB) Sale, just in time for “Mother’s Day AND STORY ON PAGE 2 & 3 THIS ISSUE] is presenting the admission is FREE to the public, All students in the CHS Instrumental monies received help support charities •PUSH, Dan Ashley’s band, June 16, Father’s Day Todos Music program, such as The American Cancer Society, and the Concord Santos Plaza, Concord. [SEE DETAILS Stand, Muscular Dystrophy, Bay Area High Jazz En- Crisis Nursery, We Care, Monumental NEXT ISSUE] ------semble in concert Crisis Center and more. Concord with Gordon Family Moose Lodge, 1805 Broadway Goodwin, a Gram- Street, Concord (behind Park & Shop Martinez my award-win- ning artist, at the / Fry’s). •Buy Bling For Mom at CHS Instrumental Music Anaheim trip March 2013 Lesher Center for •Buy Bling For Mom at Hospice Thrift Shoppes Jewelry Event! Saturday, the Arts in Walnut the two winning tickets will be held at the Hospice Thrift Shoppes Creek. May 14th concert. You need not be pres- May 4th, 10 am ~ 6 pm, 550 Jewelry Event! Saturday, The CHS Music students are excited ent to win. Proceeds from the concert Morello Ave, Martinez May 4th, 10 am ~ 6 pm, about being on stage with a renowned and raffle will benefit CHS Music and the artist, but they are doubly excited about 5350 Clayton Rd, Concord •Poison Apple Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. Productions Presents the prospect of performing for a worthy Concert tickets, go to www.lesher- •13th Annual Small Business cause - nourish the community through artscenter.org or call (925) 943-7469 Awards Luncheon, Fri. May “Follow Another Brick their music. Raffle tickets, email momopco@as- 10th, 11:00 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. Road” May 10th 7:30pm, To help defray production cost, CHBB tound.net Emcee Dan Ashley ABC7/KGO- 11th 2:30pm & 7:30pm is raffling off 2 Apple iPads. Drawing of -Andrea Legault TV Hilton Concord, 1970 Diamond and 12th 2:30pm. Our 9th Blvd. Concord, Members- $50 Non- Annual Young Writer and Director Members-$60 For more information Project based off the books by L. please call or email Frank Balm! Poison Apple Playhouse, The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 835 Arnold Drive #6, Martinez legal briefs of Contra Costa County office. Ca. 94553 Admission $10.00. (925) 933-2337 or email us at info@ For more information see www. by Jason W. Mauck h5c.org poisonappleproductions.com Eicksen Arbuthnot, Attorneys At Law •The All Area Music Festival, or call 925-957-0773 The Mount Diablo Music ------Education Foundation, Saturday, May 11, from 12 Pleasant Hill The Law Is Going noon to 6 pm at Todos Santos •The Young Writers Contest Plaza in Concord. Admission is free. Award Winners will be honored Celebrate Mothers while we feature at the next meeting of the Mt. Diablo Through Changes music groups from Elementary, Branch of the California Writers Club (CWC) on Saturday, May 11, Contrary to what many people may days before the sale of the home. The law Middle and High School students. believe, the law does change and grow also requires that the notice state that 2013 at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, Please visit our website at www. on occasion. For example, over the last the new owner can renew the prior lease, mdmusicfoundation.org for more 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. year or two the California legislature has or serve the tenant with a 60 day notice information. Sign-in is from 11:00 am to 11:30 passed a number of new laws which could to terminate the tenancy. Please bear in •Kops for Kids Walk/ am, with presentations and affect the average landlord. Such as: mind that Federal law provides for 90 day Wheelchair Race, May 18 luncheon from 11:30 pm to AB 1953 – The “AB” stands for assembly notice of termination after foreclosure— 1:30 pm. Registration is $20 for bill, in case you were curious—modifies or even continued residence by a tenant— at the Willows Shopping Center in CWC members, $25 for guests. civil code §1962 and requires that a under certain circumstances (i.e. if the Concord. For more information please Reservations are required, and must purchaser landlord provide existing foreclosed mortgage was “federally visit www.contracostakopsforkids.org be received no later than noon on tenants a notice of where to send the rent related” – which includes most loans). or call (925) 827-1998. check within 15 days of an ownership Wednesday, May 8. Contact Robin [SEE STORY ON PAGE 12] change. It also prevents a landlord from Finally, AB 1925 adds civil code •Swedish Pancake Gigoux at [email protected]. or by using the non-payment during this time §1947.9 which sets the living expenses Breakfast, Saturday, May phone at (925) 933-9670. http:// period as a basis for eviction, unless for a displaced tenant in San Francisco cwcmtdiablowriters.wordpress.com/ 18, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. notice was properly served and the tenant at $275. If you have to relocate a San ------did not bring their rent current. Francisco tenant for a term of less than Includes thin pancakes, lingonberries 20 days, you have to pay the tenant etc., ham, fresh strawberries, coffee SB 1191 – that’s “Senate Bill” 1191— $275 a day and cover moving expenses. and orange juice. $8 ($3 children 10 Walnut Creek •Robin Hood,Fantasy Forum requires that a landlord seeking to rent However, the tenant is still obligated to and under). Odd Fellows Hall, 4349 to a prospective tenant must provide pay rent. Cowell Rd., Concord. Contact: 925- Actors Ensemble May 2-5, notice of default and pending foreclosure 279-4301 Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic actions before a lease is signed. It is Many of these laws went into effect •Bay Area Kidfest, May 25, Dr. Walnut Creek. actually surprising how many times we on January 1, 2013, and are currently www.lesherartscenter.org have run into this situation. applicable to many property owners in 26 10:00am. Dozens of activities the Concord area. for kids, tweens and parents. Nonstop AB 2610 was codified as Civil Code If you have any questions regarding your activities - face painting, balloon art, §2924.8, and it requires that the trustee role as a landlord, feel free to call our bounces and crawls, Wild About Calendar Listings for a home in the process of foreclosure office at 510-832-7770. Next month I’ll Monkeys, Zip Line Ride, BMX Bike continue on page 10 provide written notice to a tenant that discuss changes in employment law. Stunt Team, Kids’ Town America, the dwelling is in foreclosure at least 20 [SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 14] The Concordian • MAY 2013 • Page 6 • www.MyConcordian.com • (800) 606-6448

Art and Wine Walk in Concord: May 11 Join us for Con- Final details, cord’s First Art and including the Wine Walk Satur- starting point, day, May 11, 2013, will also be 1:00 to 4:00 pm posted on Participants will that site. All stroll around Todos attendees Santos Plaza and must begin at Salvio Square while the starting enjoying fine wines, location to viewing beautiful art, and meeting local receive a wine glass, wristband, & map of artists, all happening concurrently with participating locations. For questions call the high school jazz band performances (925) 363-4438 Event Sponsored By the taking place on the Todos Santos stage. Concord Branch of AAUW. Proceeds will Tickets are $15 per person; participants be used to send local 7th grade girls to must be 21 or older and will be available Tech Trek Math and Science Camp. through May 10 at concord-ca.aauw.net. The Concordian • MAY 2013 • Page 7 • www.MyConcordian.com • (800) 606-6448

family, and everybody else living on time, and that time was 1974. An era that Earth, the moon, or maybe even Mars) is on the cusp of becoming 40 years past. exist in actual time. This turns the not too distant futures Actual time moves at of the both the subjective and A Tale to Tell to A Tale book ends a far slower rate than actual times of the novel into an the soldier’s “faster than alternate history of the previous by Chadwick H Saxelid light speed” subjective two decades. While some of time does. To the Haldeman’s futurism missed soldier, it will seem that its predictive mark, there are The Forever War s/he has been away quite a few things that he did by Joe Haldeman for only six to twelve get right. months. Back on earth, But even if he had gotten all I have read enough war stories to fully How Haldeman manages to achieve this though, it has been of the futurism wrong, he still understand just how much of a hell on result is as fascinating as it is terrifying. decades. The world that did an excellent job of getting earth the battlefield is. Elite fighting units are trained and sent the soldiers return to across the stranger in a strange What has not been quite as effectively off into deep space, via wormholes that seems far stranger, more land feeling that plagues communicated, however, is just how allow for “faster than light speed” travel, threatening, and just as everyone returning home after strange and surreal the home front can to fight a brutal war. Their method of incomprehensible as the a prolonged and life changing be for a battle-fatigued soldier, when said travel creates a warp in space and time, alien battlefield they have absence. soldier returns home. however. managed to survive. And that is what makes The Forever The Forever War, Joe Haldeman’s For the traveler it will seem that only a For some of today’s readers, the “future War a classic science fiction novel well classic science-fiction novel, gets across matter of months, perhaps a year, or two, world” of The Forever War might seem worth reading. that strange and surreal feeling, though. have passed. This is called subjective equal parts silly and similar. This is due And it does so with a clarity that is both time. But for those that do not make the to the novel, like every other work of visceral and painful. trip through the wormhole (i.e. friends, Read more of Chad’’s reviews at speculative fiction, being very much of its http://www.chadwicksaxelid.typepad.com the movie maverick farmer fresh by Jason Ruugard by Debra Morris Pacific Coast Farmers Market www.pcfma.com/concord The Croods Asparagus Season is Here

How about picking up some wonderful fresh asparagus from Cecchini & Cecchini? It’s only here for a short The Croods are a prehistoric time (March through May) so gather up family that lives a life of several bunches of these tasty spears to routine, darkness and terror. add taste and nutrition to your meals. Green up your dishes with sautéed They are the last remaining of asparagus, pickled asparagus, baked the cavemen, their neighbors asparagus, and steamed asparagus. Add have all be eviscerated by to your omelets and frittatas, parboil and predatory creatures or viruses, add to salads and pastas, or just enjoy leaving the family Crood cold wrapped with prosciutto! Bright turning back one corner to vent steam. green stalks will be available trimmed Microwave at high (100%) power for 2 to as the lone survivors of our and untrimmed, from small to jumbo, 3 minutes. Let stand 3 minutes. species. They have flourished and lined up on the tables just waiting for Stir-fry: Cut asparagus spears into 1/4 by regarding the rules you to take home. inch diagonal slices, keeping tips whole. scribbled on the cave walls, Asparagus, called the “King of In a large skillet heat 1 to 2 tablespoons Vegetables,” comes from the fertile soils vegetable oil; add asparagus pieces and stay inside and avoid anything of the San Joaquin Delta region and all stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes. dangerous-most importantly the way from the irrigated Southern Asparagus Frittata curiosity leads to death. California desert. California leads the 4 large eggs Everyone adheres to this nation in asparagus production with 4 egg whites scripture except their feisty more than 50,000 metric tons harvested 1 lb asparagus annually. Most of this is marketed as 1 large baking potato, peeled and thinly daughter Eep (Emma Stone), fresh green asparagus. Asparagus was sliced a rebellious free-spirit who first planted in California during the 1 onion, chopped stumbles upon a boy fending 1850’s. The moderate climate, together 1/2 cup nonfat milk for himself, alone in the wild. with a variety of fertile soil, contributes 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided to the outstanding quality of asparagus 1/4 teaspoon baking powder This is no ordinary boy, grown in California. Asparagus is packed Guy (Ryan Reynolds) holds 1/2 teaspoon salt The Croods doesn’t have the with nutrients and easy to make ahead Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the the secret to making fire and leads sweeping beauty or depth of Pixar’s for a crowd. One serving of asparagus is potato in saucepan and cover with water the Croods to a new land in search low in calories and sodium. It is a fairly Brave, even though both feature a by 3 inches. Cover the pan and bring of a better cave. Along this journey significant source of vitamin C, thiamin, to boil over high heat; boil for about 5 ginger haired female protagonist. Eep becomes increasingly infatuated and potassium, and many micronutrients. minutes. Add the asparagus and boil for Then again Dreamworks has never Here are some easy ways to prepare with Guy. Much to the chagrin of her 2 more minutes. Drain and set aside to been in that league, however asparagus: cool. In a bowl, combine the whole eggs father, Grug (Nicolas Cage) The Croods is their sharpest Boil: Place whole trimmed asparagus in and egg whites, three tablespoons of the Cage having worn-out his onscreen a large skillet with 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inches of Parmesan cheese, milk, baking powder entertainment since the original welcome after a series of continually water. Boil and start timing; reduce heat and salt. Mix in the potato and asparagus. Madagascar. I prefer this over How and briskly simmer, uncovered, for 3 to 4 worsening movies, appears in vocal Heat an oven-proof nonstick pan, spray to Train Your Dragon and I liked minutes. with nonstick spray and add the chopped format as the father. His odd speech that a lot too. The elements are there Steam: Place asparagus on a steamer onion. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring pattern and vocal range are ideally rack in a large saucepot over rapidly for a successful new franchise if the occasionally. Add the egg mixture and suited for voice-over animation and boiling water (water should come up to reduce the heat to medium. Cover and writing and voice talent stay this his line readings are the best in the the rack but not over it). Cover saucepot cook for about 10 minutes (until almost focused. and start timing. Steam for 4 to 5 set). Uncover the skillet and sprinkle the film. Emma Stone also shines as the minutes. remaining Parmesan cheese. Transfer visually similar Eep, surprisingly it Jason Rugaard is a graduate ofBrooks Institute Microwave: Arrange asparagus in a to the oven to cook for about 5 minutes is Ryan Reynolds who comes off flat of Photography. He holds a degree in Motion glass baking dish, with tips overlapping (until browned). Invert onto a plate and Picture Science. Jason also is cofounder and in center. Cover dish with plastic wrap, cut into wedges prior to serving. and bland. head writer for Movie Mavericks. The Concordian • MAY 2013 • Page 8 • www.MyConcordian.com • (800) 606-6448

Subscribe to the Books You Can Trust FREE e-Newsletter. Get news about new authors, books, discounts, FREEBIES, interviews and much more... and ENTER TO WIN $100 CASH Happy Mother’s Day in our monthly Sunday, May 12, 2013 drawing from The Concordian [no purchase necessary] Read our FULL COLOR issue online www. BOOKSYOUCANTRUST.com www.MyConcordian.com Resident Tales Sponsored by the Diamond Terrace 55+ Retirement Community Ah Youth, Ah Spring! by Marge Crawford The year when my beloved husband went: out of the garage, off of the airport At the first place along the road where sensed where it was! And off she flew to died, the winter was grey and cold property, onto the road which would Jennie felt she could pull over, she did her little nestling’s house in the crotch of and stormy both weather wise and access a large highway. . .our way to my so. She hopped out of the car, forcefully the tree. emotionally. I was slowly adjusting to home in Hamilton, Ohio. Mama Robin yanked the nest from the car, ran to a The remainder of our trip home was widowhood, meantime keeping busy flew after us for miles until she could no little tree near the road, placed the nest uneventful. Our good humor and calm getting my finances rejiggered, beginning longer keep up with our pace. At first she in the crotch of the tree and ran back to were restored again plus we had some to downsize possessions and getting my had circled around the car attacking it the car and hopped in. Just then Mama wild, adventure stories to tell our loved condo ready for sale. It was a surreal from every angle as if to kill the monster Robin arrived on the scene and renewed ones for years to come. time in my life! which was stealing her nest and its her attacked on the car. But she seemed The moral of this little story would So, when my daughter, Jennie, precious cargo. Eventually we left Mama utterly confused when she saw that the seem to me to be: Never mess with granddaughter, Anna (15 years old), and Robin behind. nest was no longer there. She soon Robins’ nests. Anna’s friend invited me to accompany them on a jaunt to Florida, I jumped at the chance! What a welcome break that would be in the dreary winter. So, off we went. Jennie parked her car in the Cincinnati Airport garage and we flew to St. Petersburg, rented a car and drove to the hotel where Jennie had made reservations. Almost as soon as we arrived at the hotel it became obvious that all of the other guests were college-age boys and girls deep in to partying their way through Spring Break. They were a rowdy, noisy, unruly bunch of people getting sick in the parking lot, etc.! A total disaster! We checked out immediately after we checked in and fled the whole area. We spent several hectic, fruitless hours searching for some place to stay, but none was available. Finally, a desk clerk/manager where we sought a room noticed our fatigue and general sorry state. She phoned ahead to a facility nearby. She found us a place to stay! After some more bumbling around in the gathering darkness we found our perfect little cabin on a quiet, short road facing the Gulf waters. There were several similar cabins neighboring it. It was clean and beautifully decorated, with all the comforts of home. It even had a basket of fresh fruit and a bouquet of flowers to greet us! Our relaxing retreat from our humdrum lives had begun. We spent the week playing in the sun, sand and water and generally doing as we pleased. By the end of our stay we were a really refreshed and satisfied little band of people. We had enough soothing, silly and beautiful memories to sustain us through the rest of the winter. We flew back to Cincinnati Airport and headed over to the parking garage. Of course, Jennie’s car was there waiting for our return. We piled our luggage in it and jumped in ourselves. But here was a strange anomaly. . . At the base of the windshield and intertwined with the windshield wipers was a perfect little bird’s next. Jennie got back out of the car to investigate and found four little robins-egg-blue eggs nestled in there. She tried to remove the nest so as to leave it near our parking place on the half-wall. However, the nest was so firmly anchored to the windshield wipers and the glass of the windshield itself, she couldn’t budge it. Then came the attack! Mama Robin had returned to her nest to find this terrible being tampering with it! She flew at Jennie in a rage. Jennie scrambled into the car and slammed the door. We sat there discussing: “What next?” Finally, we decided that we had to leave the parking garage. So, off we The Concordian • MAY 2013 • Page 10 • www.MyConcordian.com • (800) 606-6448 Calendar continued from page 5 financially savvy •California Symphony, Tell them you read it in The Concordian Trevino and the Fantastique, •Clayton Relay for Life May 4 and 5, Lesher Center Cancer walk August 3rd to by Kristin Peterson for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr. Walnut 4th - Team sign up at Pacific Credit Union Creek. www.lesherartscenter.org www.relayforlife.org/claytonca •Pilgrims Musa and Sheri in ------the New World. CenterRep, Buying a Car - Top 6 Savvy thru May 12. Times vary. An Other Events Egyptian cab driver who’s been in •Northern California Busi- Car Buying Tips America less than a year, falls for ness Expo, Thursday, May Sheri, a sassy American waitress, his 16, 1:00pm to 4:00pm, Vet- Car shopping has a reputation for being notes. Write down any details or special life takes unexpected and delightfully erans Memorial Building, Lafayette. overwhelming and confusing. Here are offers the salesperson or manager has complicated turns. Lesher Center for Franchisors who are expanding in six tips to use at the dealership to help offered you to avoid confusion. the Arts, Hofmann Theatre,1601 Civic Northern California are coming to make your car buying experience a simple 4. Know when to be flexible. If one. getting the best deal is your goal, you may Dr., Walnut Creek. (925) 943-SHOW meet with you. This is a must-attend 1. Know before you go. An educated have to be flexible with accepting on-site event for anyone who wants to be (7469) www.lesherartscenter.org. consumer generally gets the best inventory which means you might not get •Celebrate Mother’s Day your own boss and explore business deal. Use the Member Showroom tool at the color or options you want. at The Gardens at Heather ownership. You will have the opportu- www.pacificservice.org to simplify your 5. Know when to walk away. You’re nity to meet face-to-face with franchi- Farm is excited to host a next car buying experience and see what the customer and if things aren’t going sors, funding specialists and other other consumers actually paid for the your way, it’s okay to take your business free Mother’s Day event resources. Cost: FREE car you want. You can build a new car or somewhere else. Don’t get flustered, May 12th from 1:00 pm http://www.ncalbusinessexpo. shop thousands of used cars and receive angry or emotional. Let them know you to 4:00 pm. Our six acres of eventbrite.com [See our ad and upfront pricing before you go to the need more time to make a decision and gardens is the perfect place to info on page 14 & 15 this issue] dealership. politely walk out. Try again at another 2. Negotiate the best price for the time, another dealership or with another enjoy a self-guided stroll that winds ------through 24 unique demonstration car you want to buy first. Don’t talk salesperson. about your trade-in, cash deposits, down 6. Get pre-approved before you go gardens in full bloom. Bring a picnic Farmers Markets payments or financing options. Save shopping! For an instant loan decision, . There will be craft activities for Pacific Coast Farmers Market those details for later. Also, don’t start loan payment calculation or for more children to create a special gift for Association negotiating until you’re ready to buy. information, call Pacific Service Credit mom. Artist’s Fair displaying nature •Concord Tuesdays, 10am to 2pm, Serious buyers get the most attention and Union’s Loan By Phone center at (888) inspired art and gift items for sale. year-round, rain or shine, Todos the best deals. 858-6878. Even if you are not a member All proceeds will directly benefit The Santos Plaza. 3. Be professional, level headed of Pacific Service CU, we will give you an Garden’s educational programs and •Concord Thursdays, 4pm to 8pm, and informed. You want to know auto loan decision in 4 minutes or less! you’re getting a good deal. Don’t be Good luck! [SEE OUR AD NEXT PAGE] gardens. The Gardens located on beginning May 23, Todos Santos afraid to ask a lot of questions and take 1540 Marchbanks Drive in Walnut Plaza. Creek. For more information, visit our •Martinez, Sundays, 10am to 2pm, website: www.gardenshf.org year-round, rain or shine, Main St. •Sweet Charity, Center and Estudillo. For more information Repertory Company, May visit http://www.pcfma.org 17-June 22, Lesher Center for the Contra Costa Certified Farmers something to smile about Arts, 1601 Civic Dr. Walnut Creek. Market www.lesherartscenter.org •Contra Costa Certified Farmers’ by Robert H. Waldman, D.D.S. •The Little Mermaid, Civic Markets, Sundays 9 am - 1 pm, May Arts Education’s Youth 5 - Sept. 29. Concord High School. Theatre Company, May 17 (925) 431-8361 www.cccfm.org ------Old Wives’ Tales at 7 p.m. and May 18 at 11 a.m., 2 and 7 p.m. Del When my wife became pregnant one Again it is very important to work closely Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Clubs •American Association of University of the books she read listed many old with the woman’s physician in order to Blvd., Walnut Creek. Tickets:$12-15 Women - Concord Branch www. wives tales one being, “lose a tooth with minimize risks that may include the need every birth”! It seems that women used to take antibiotics, potent pain relievers Call (925)943-SHOW or www. aauw-concord.org lesherartscenter.org. to be told not to go to the dentist while as well as an invasive procedure which •American Legion Post 171 - 5 p.m. •Robert Dekkers’ Alice in pregnant! Hard to believe in this day may cause excessive bleeding and spread third Tuesdays, Veterans Memorial and age but knowing no one ever likes infection. Wonderland, Contra Costa Hall, Concord. 687-1427. going to the dentist, I can see why women I will leave you with a story which brings Ballet Foundation. Friday, •B2F Business Networking Group - would avoid going. light to that old wives tale. Many years May 17th at 7:30pm, noon first and third Thursdays. 998- It is very important during pregnancy is ago I treated a young woman who had Saturday, May 18th at 8844. to avoid fever and since dental infection not been to see me in 9 months. It turned 2:00pm, Saturday, May •Beachcomber Singles - Social and can cause body temperature to rise it can out she was 9 months pregnant and had service activities for active adults age be a very serious problem. a terrible toothache from a badly decayed 18th at 7:30pm, Lesher Center There is no reason a woman should wisdom tooth. As the story goes I called 45 and above. For more information for the Arts, Hofmann Theatre,1601 avoid dental care, in fact many dental her physician and we both agreed that Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. call (510) 799-2207, Or visit our insurance companies allow an extra her wisdom tooth needed to come out but ------website: www.beachcombersingles. cleaning during your pregnancy, at this stage of her pregnancy it was best org/ however, the best advise is to discuss to refer her to and Oral Surgeon. I made Clayton •British Club - 11:30 a.m. first your needs with your physician 1st. a few more calls and got her scheduled •Clayton Valley Garden Wednesdays, Zio Fraedo’s, Pleasant As always prevention is top priority. in a office closer to her home. I put her Hill. 682-7978. Almost all women experience increased in a cab to send her right over. In the Club - 7p.m. May 8, •Circle of Friends - second Mondays, gingivitis during pregnancy so keeping up cab on the way to the oral surgeon with Diamond Terrace 6401 Center St., Walnut Country Club, Concord. 998- prevention is key. a toothache she went into labor and took Clayton. Rose, owner of Morning Most of the time women are advised the cab to the hospital where she had her 8844. Sun Herb Farm in Vacaville, will that any dental procedure is safest when baby and both mom and baby were just •Clayton Valley Garden Club- 7p.m. speak on Growing Herbs. www. done in the 2nd trimester including using fine. Two weeks later she had her wisdom second Wednesdays, February- claytonvalleygardenclub.org any necessary anesthetics. All elective tooth removed! November. Diamond Terrace, 6401 care such as fillings, crowns and cosmetic Remember prevention is key! Rinse, •Classic Cars & Classic Rock Center St., Clayton. Contact: http:// bonding is perfectly safe to do. Floss, Brush and Rinse again!!! and Roll music.April 10 - www.claytonvalleygardenclub.org How about the need for root canal Happy Mother’s Day October 30, Wed.6pm-8pm, therapy or extraction during pregnancy? Ask Robert H. Waldman, D.D.S. your Main and Diablo Streets downtown. Due to a lack of space, Clubs and Support Unfortunately I have had to preform questions at 925-682-6940, DrRob@ Groups are listed on our website these necessary procedures at times that RobertHWaldmanDDS.com or http://www. (925) 672-1111 roberthwaldmandds.com. 3042 Clayton Rd. www.MyConcordian.com were not the appropriate time because Concord (corner of 5th and Clayton Rd.) dental disease does not follow “the rules”. [SEE OUR AD PAGE 14]

The Concordian • MAY 2013 • Page 12 • www.MyConcordian.com • (800) 606-6448 in tune with the arts a little bit 0ff! by Deborah Ashley the humor of Cathy Turney

100th Anniversary of Life At the Dog Park “The Rite of Spring” Imagine being at the premier 1911 made Stravinsky I used to work with a man who said Louie and I filled it up and lugged it of a ballet performance excited internationally famous. that women and poodles have the same over to the “foyer,” where I unleashed with the anticipation of elegant “The Rite of Spring” in 1913 problem—they both think they’re human. him so he could take off in pursuit of dancing and exquisite music. sealed his place in history as He became a lawyer. Poodles resemble his paramour du jour. My radar was up Instead, you are shaken by a a musical revolutionary. The dogs, but they’re not. Offer a dog a piece in anticipation of being slammed by a disturbing story about pagan 1913 ballet score changed the of cheese and he’ll grovel at your feet. gaggle of dogs, but faster than a whippet, sacrifices, awkward dancing way subsequent composers Ask my Louie, and he’ll politely decline a woman approached me, saying, “You and dissonant music. The handled rhythm and the the Swiss, indicating that he prefers the need to remove that bucket.” audience, so outraged by the essence and construction of smoked Gouda you’re eating. “Why?” I asked. performance, begins hissing musical design. To listen to Big guys, like Louie, need physical “Because that’s how I control my dog!” and booing so loudly that the musicians “The Rite of Spring”, follow this link: activity, and that’s how we ended up at “Really?” I replied. (And this is my can’t hear themselves well enough to http://www.youtube.com/ the dog park; because I will not spend problem?) “Tell you what—I won’t let stay together. That was the scene in 1913 watch?v=aGFRwKQqbk4 more on my dog’s entertainment ($40/ your dog have any of our water.” And when Igor Stravinsky’s score for the Igor Stravinsky was born in 1882 in the day at Club Pooch) than my own. I breezed past her to the far end of the ballet “The Right of Spring” premiered Russian town of Oranienbaum and was For purposes of this discussion, I’ll park, where her dog, crawling on its belly at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees in raised in St. Petersburg. His parents were refer to owners by like a parched camel, begged Paris on May 29th. Everything about the both singers and they started Stravinsky the less controversial for a drink. I apologized ballet was an assault to the senses from with piano lessons as a young boy. term, “humans.” Our profusely to this poor guy, the bizarre costumes to the contorted, Despite Stravinsky’s interest in music, his favorite park is the who was watching with envy angular movements of the dancers to the father wanted him to pursue legal studies, downtown Concord as all the other dogs partook difficult-to-listen-to music. The premier, so the young Stravinsky enrolled at the one—off Bonifacio of our water. But not for which was a scandalous affair at the University of St. Petersburg Law School. Street. long, because his inhuman time, secured Stravinsky’s status as one His passion for music however, led him retrieved him. of the most important composers of the to spend more time on composing than Its pluses include: Undaunted, we brought our twentieth century. Today, Stravinsky’s on studying the law. During this time Plentiful shade which bucket to the park again the score for “The Rite of Spring” is regarded he became acquainted with the leading gives residence to following weekend. This time as one that has changed the course of Russian composer at the time, Nikolai many squirrels. I was ready. If approached, I music forever. Rimsky-Korsakov who recommended Pretty dependable “open for operation” had my dialogue prepared. Sure enough, This month marks the 100th anniversary that Stravinsky study composition hours (as compared to Newell Park, the water police were there. since Stravinsky’s ground-breaking score with private lessons. That same year, which closes in anticipation of rain and “Would you please remove your premiered in Paris. Stravinsky was bold Stravinsky’s father died of cancer, stays closed indefinitely.) bucket?” and daring and tested the limits of what and Rimsksy-Korsakov became his Generally laid-back humans and dogs, At times like that, I have to step back the audience would be willing to accept. mentor and music teacher. Stravinsky’s most of which are not “well-bred” and remind myself to be the person my In the introduction to the ballet, the private lessons continued until Rimsky- dog thinks I am. So I said, bassoon was called on to play higher than Korsakov’s death in 1908. Its minuses include: “I bring this bucket to share with all the it ever had before and it was virtually Stravinsky continued to compose a Smaller play area; your dog cannot dogs. They get thirsty.” unrecognizable as a bassoon. The music variety of music including cantatas, escape Louie’s advances. “That’s how disease is spread. You need in general was also extremely dissonant operas, and symphonies. He is known to remove it.” and erratic and was accompanied by as a composer, but also a pianist and a Bring Your Own Bucket. And then I thought, Louie cares more dance movements that were jarring and conductor. He died in New York City in How do I say this tactfully: neurotic about a drink than my living up to his unnatural to the human body. 1921. women who have a phobia about water! expectations, so I smiled and said, “I’m “The Rite of Spring” was one of three Deborah Ashley is an artist, pianist and violin- Louie is big and black and overheats not going to debate this with you,” and ballets that Stravinsky collaborated on ist living in the Bay Area. She has a degree in quickly. On our second visit to this park, marched my bucket into the throng of with Sergi Diaghilev, the founder of Fine Art as well as in music with a concentra- we discovered the water buckets were applauding humans. the Ballet Russes. The first two, “The tion in ViolinPerformance. She has spent her gone. I brought one next time and was Next edition: Newhall Park, Concord. Firebird” in 1910 and “Petrushka” in career working as an advocate for the arts. informed that it’s not healthy for dogs to drink out of a communal trough, and Cathy Turney, author of “Tales of a “please remove your bucket.” Somebody Codependent Pet Owner,” captures the 7th annual Kops for Kids Run must not have informed the City of humor in coping with technology and social this health hazard, because they put a media, her left/brain right brain marriage to fountain for dogs just outside the play My Husband The Engineer and her Walk/Wheelchair Race codependency on dogs. Contact, comment area. I thought this was an isolated and follow Cathy’s blog at Contra Costa Kops for Kids will hold its instance of humans behaving badly, so I www.AlittleBitOff.net. or her web at 7th annual Run Walk/Wheelchair Race brought our bucket again next time. www.CodependentPetOwner.com. on May 18, 2013 at the Willows Shopping Center located at 1975 Diamond Blvd. in Concord at 8:00 a.m. The Run/Walk/ Wheelchair Race is being held on Armed Diablo Symphony Offers Spring Program Forces Day and the Last Day of National Police Week. Including Contra Costa Children’s Chorus Registration begins at 6:45 a.m. on race day. The Diablo Dream. The Run/Walk/Wheelchair Symphony Featured vocal soloists are Betany Race features 1 mile, 5K and 10K races. Orchestra, under Coffland, Heidi Moss, Christopher There will be wheelchair races held in the baton of Matilda Bengochea, and Zachary Gordin, and each category in addition to the run. Discounts are available for families with Hofman, will the renowned Contra Costa Children’s This is the first year the event will feature multiple runners. feature highlights Chorus. a live band, East Bay’s own M.T. Kace. To register for the race, please from Bizet’s A special treat will be the Ritual Fire They will play classic Rock and Roll and a visit www.active.com. For more informa- Carmen! as the Dance by De Falla, guest conducted by medley of military songs. tion please visit www.contracostakops- orchestra completes Patricia Kriletich. Pre-registered racers can pick up forkids.org or call (925) 827-1998. its 50th Season. Concerts are in the Rossmoor Fireside their t-shirts, race number and partici- Proceeds from the race will go to Also included in Room at 8:00pm, Friday, 17 May 2013, pant bags at Roadrunner Sports located Contra Costa Kops for Kids, an organiza- the program are Brahms’ Hungarian and at the Lesher Arts Center, Civic in the Willows Shopping Center on Fri- tion of active and retired law enforcement Dance no.5, the Witches Chorus from Drive, Walnut Creek, Sunday May 19, 2 day, May 17, 2013 between 11:00 a.m. and officials whose mission is to help prevent Macbeth, Erriam sotto La Luna from p.m. Lesher Tickets are $25 adults and 2:00 p.m. Registration will also be avail- drug abuse, gangs, violence and juvenile Falstaff by Verdi, and Mendelssohn’s $10 children. (925) 943-7469. able then. The cost is $25.00 per runner. delinquency in Contra Costa County. Fairies’ song from A Midsummer Night’s The Concordian • MAY 2013 • Page 13 • www.MyConcordian.com • (800) 606-6448 Concord Alice in Wonderland, Contra from the chamber Costa Ballet’s Production with a New By Ken Dami, Score Designed to Mesmerize. Government Affairs Committee Chairperson Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce Contra Costa Ballet Foundation is proud to announce the en- core presentation of Advocating for Robert Dekkers’ Alice in Wonderland. An imaginative collabora- Our Members tion featuring an original score by critically-ac- In the last quarter of 2012, the Greater participate in a GAC meeting where we claimed composer Daniel Concord Chamber re- formed its discuss current public policy issues that Berkman, breathtaking Government Committee to include a nine affect our membership. At our meeting costumes by Marlowe person standing group to meet monthly on April 17, 2013, one of the discussion Bassett and Jan Berletti, to address local public policy matters. The items was an update on the Downtown larger-than-life lighting Government Affairs Committee (GAC) is Specific Plan from Vice Mayor Tim by David Robertson, and focused on public policy that may impact Grayson. The Concord Chamber has a stunning sets by Jane the Chamber membership and works representative, Ken Dami, on the Steering George, this hour-long with responsible parties in support of its Committee for the downtown plan, and adaptation of Lewis membership. at our meeting we heard feedback from Carroll’s timeless story The committee is led by Chair Ken our members on important issues that is filled with fantasy and Dami, Tesoro Golden Eagle Refinery they would like to see incorporated into explores a variety of Car- and Co-Chair Ken Mintz, AT&T. The the plan. We discussed development of roll’s original thematic nine-member committee includes land use alternatives, senior housing, elements, including Al- representatives from small business pedestrian-friendly design standards, ice’s search for her own (Al Viceral, Diablo Valley Signs; Jenny connectivity to other parts of town, identity. Lind, Senior Helpers; Dan Chase, Waters infrastructure and the branding of the Lewis Carroll was also Moving & Storage), non-profits (Carlyn city. We will continue to get feedback an esteemed mathemati- Obringer, CA Charter Schools; Larry Sly, from our members as the Steering cian, and so the original Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano; Committee continues to come up with the story is filled with hidden Sandra Scherer, Monument Crisis Center) plan in the ensuing months. references to mathemat- and large businesses (Ken Dami, Tesoro; Please contact the Concord Chamber ical concepts. Dekkers Ken Mintz, AT&T; Nathan Rearick, at 925-685-1181 or visit our website at and Berkman explored Chevron.) Members were chosen from www.concordchamber.com to learn more these mathematical applications received from the chamber about how you can stay connected with themes in a variety of membership. government affairs in your community. ways as they built the At least once a quarter, the membership [SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 11] Jackie McConnell, Tian Tan and Robert choreography and new score for Alice in and local business leaders are invited to Dekkers. Friday, May 17th at 7:30pm, Wonderland. Victorian-inspired costumes Saturday, May 18th at 2:00pm, Saturday, by Bassett, including her unique version May 18th at 7:30pm, Lesher Center for of “steampunk” fashion for the Wonder- the Arts, Hofmann Theatre,1601 Civic land scenes, bring the diverse characters Dr., Walnut Creek. (925) 943-SHOW of this production to life. The production (7469) www.lesherartscenter.org features the dancers of Contra Costa Ballet as well as professional guest artists Pilgrims Musa and Sheri in the New World A quirky modern romantic comedy celebrating the pilgrim in all of us. When Musa, an Egyptian cab driver who’s been in America less than a year, falls for Sheri, a sassy American waitress, his life takes unexpected and delightfully complicated turns. Seattle playwright Yussef El Guindi is full of unabashed sweetness and goofy charm, and reminds us that we are all “immigrants” with far more connecting than separating us. Playing thru May 12, CenterRep, Lesher Center for the Arts, Hofmann Theatre,1601 Pictured: Carl Lumbly, Dorian Lockett, Lena Hart, Rebecca Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. (925) Schweitzer, Gabriel Marin 943-SHOW (7469) www. lesherartscenter.org Second Semi-Annual “Hand Crafters’ Boutique” Supports Non-Profit Concord Family Moose More than 25 Local Vendors with beau- directly to the “Moose Charity Fund tiful handmade items and gifts for sale, which helps supports charities such as just in time for “Mothers Day! The American Cancer Society, Stand, Admission is FREE to the public, Raffles Muscular Dystrophy, Bay Area Crisis every hour, snack bar available. A repre- Nursery, We Care, Monumental Crisis sentative of the American Cancer Society Center and more. “Relay For Life” will be present to give Sat. May 4th, 10am - 4pm, Concord out information, and answer any ques- Family Moose Lodge, 1805 Broadway tions you might have. Street, Concord (behind Park & Shop / All monies received by the Moose goes Fry’s). The Concordian • MAY 2013 • Page 14 • www.MyConcordian.com • (800) 606-6448 The Concordian • MAY 2013 • Page 15 • www.MyConcordian.com • (800) 606-6448 business decisions Emerging Entrepreneurs Business Competition by Mary Eastwood Ten semi-finalists in the Emerging Entrepreneurs Business Competition pre- Don’t Miss This Event sented their business plans at JFK University’s Institute of Entrepreneurial Leader- ship (IEL) on April 9th from May 16th is the Northern 6:00-8:30 pm. The event was open to the public and was held at the IEL offices at California Business Expo 2151 Salvio Street, Suite 350, in Concord. The top three in Lafayette. competitors are moving on Area,” stated Lauren Lyon, Specialist for to the final stage and will be awarded Global Partnerships and Programs for prizes up to $3,000, along with free office Chevron Corporation. The Expo will be held on Thursday, ·Access free business counseling space and free expert mentoring for their Dr. Raul Deju, Director of the IEL ex- May 16, 1:00 pm to 4:00pm at the companies. plained, “This competition is the perfect Veterans Memorial Building, 3780 You will have the opportunity to meet The semi-finalist’s business plans were way to identify prospective entrepreneurs Mount Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette. face-to-face with franchisors, funding diverse, including plans from a construc- who need help to get to the next level, It is FREE to attend, however we ask specialists and other resources to help tion management firm, a sustainable whether it’s through funding, marketing that you register online: http://www. determine if franchising is right for you. farming non-profit, social media applica- or other types of assistance. Through the ncalbusinessexpo.eventbrite.com tions, jewelry companies, personal care IEL we can provide direction, mentoring, TO REGISTER visit: companies, and truck owners. and contacts for them.” Take Control of Your Future www.ncalbusinessexpo.eventbrite.com In its first year, the competition was cre- Competitors are students in Bay Area Franchisors who are expanding in ated to celebrate and support innovation academic institutions, companies that Northern California are coming to meet Mary Eastwood is a franchise specialist at and entrepreneurship in small Bay Area have been hosted by an incubator or with you. FranNet San Francisco East Bay. FranNet startups. Chevron is sponsoring both the business accelerator, or those who This is a must-attend event for anyone provides no-charge, no obligation advice and coaching to individuals interested in franchise competition and a number of other IEL have individually launched a for-profit who wants to: business ownership. For more information, functions to encourage new business business within the past 18 months. Ap- ·Be your own boss contact Mary Eastwood at: (925) 566-7665, growth in the community. plications were due February 11, 2013; ·Build long term equity [email protected] or visit www. “Chevron is pleased to be the lead spon- semi-finalists were announced March 8; ·Hear about financing options frannet.com to take your Personal Franchise sor of this program recognizing innova- and semi-finalists competed for one of ·Enjoy career independence Assessment. tors in a variety of fields and encouraging three finalist spots on April 9. A panel ·Start a business and keep your job [SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 13] small business job creation in the Bay of five entrepreneurs, business execu- tives, and lenders judged the semi-final competition. Scenes from The three finalists, Sphynx Security, ExpertiGo, and Origins and Routes, will the Society historical present their pitches on May 17 at the IEL’s Entrepreneur of the Year Awards by Carol Lonshore, Luncheon at Crow Canyon Country Club Concord Historical Society in Danville. At that event, the audience will vote on the best business pitch to award the first, second, and third prizes. At the luncheon on May 17, IEL’s Entre- preneur of the Year Awards will recognize A Woman of Substance: Sunne Wright McPeak the following business leaders: Chuck H. Smith Entrepreneurial Lead- You’ll never guess who I ran into the the time were astonished! She had ership Award Winners other day. Since this is Mother’s Day petitioned and won that he be taken off Steve Jurvetson, Managing Director of month, I thought how appropriate the KGO air during his campaign and Draper Fisher Jurvetson, one of the lead- to write about someone I’ve known her strength and sense of fair play help ing venture capital firms in the Bay Area. for most of my adult life and I have with her victory. Randy Haykin, Chairman of Haykin admired as a woman, leader, wife and She served four terms and in 1993 Capital, Managing Director of Outlook mother…….Sunne Wright McPeak. was hired (just in time because her son Ventures, and a leader in the Gratitude I’m sure you remember the young fresh was entering college) by the Bay Area Network. faced Supervisor who ran against and Economic Forum; then the Bay Area Sigma Nu Tau Entrepreneur of the Year beat Warren Boggess; a well known local Council came in 1996. Award Winner TV man and long time supervisor back Governor Schwartzenegger Marty Reed, a Principal with the Roda in 1978. recommended that she then serve Group and a graduate of JFK University’s Sunne Wright met John McPeak in on the Cabinet of the Secretary of MBA program. 1969. A couple years after becoming Business, Transportation and Housing, Sigma Nu Tau Leadership Award Win- Mrs. McPeak she volunteered for the which she did, and in 2006 she was ner Cluster Housing Committee for the City recruited to the California Emerging Mary Huss, Publisher of the San Fran- Jerry Waldie’s campaign for Governor of Pleasant Hill it was 1971. Technology Fund where she is now, cisco Business Times. where she met Marcella Colarih, who she She had graduated with her degree in happily, running up and down this state To purchase tickets to the luncheon, feels is her Political Godmother, guiding Public Health from UC Berkeley and that she loves, helping people and sharing contact [email protected] or call Sunne with her career. She ran Eric had always been interested in serving her fairness and sense of workmanship 925/671-3166. Proceeds from the event Hasseltine’s campaign and he was elected her community. After her volunteering with every project she handles. will support scholarships for IEL stu- for Board of Supervisor in the year 1976. she was asked to be on the Planning What a woman; she makes me tired just dents. She began realizing that men were getting Commission which she turned down thinking about it -- her boys are 38 and The Institute of Entrepreneurial Lead- paid more for the same job women were to take a job operating the Community 39 and she has 4 grandchildren and one ership (IEL) is an initiative of John F. doing. Health Center in Pittsburg. happy life with her husband, John. Kennedy University that is designed to In 1975, the United Nations established After three years she had her first son stimulate and scale entrepreneurship and the International Year of the Woman, and took a hiatus. She was then asked to Don’t forget the moving of the Masonic job creation in the Bay Area. Underscored which inspired her strength of fair pay come back to help organize the program Temple across Clayton Road. It will by a robust cross-sector partnership, IEL – meanwhile, she was witnessing men she had started. She agreed but slowly happen this month so look for when it strives to improve our local economic, voting no on raising women’s salaries. got frustrated with how long it was taking will occur and come witness this historic environmental, and social well-being one She ran for Supervisor in 1978 against to get anything done and how little was move. student-entrepreneur and one business Warren Boggess, as I mentioned above, actually getting done. We’re having our Summer Social at the at a time. Since its inception in January and three other men, in the Primary This is key because it started Sunne with Galindo Home and Gardens on Sunday, 2011, student entrepreneurs have devel- Election. She won a run-off by only her passion for less is best. Her husband June 24 from 12 noon to 4 pm. oped new companies that have received two votes and to this day is thankful for simply said she had to get political if she Come join us and celebrate the success or are in the process of raising nearly $20 how important those two votes were. really wanted to make a difference and of the move. million in equity investments. She won 53% to 48% against Boggess. that she did. Starting with working on ~ Joyce Davidson Seitz Those of us around and interested at Clayton Historical Society’s 21st Annual Clayton Gardens Tour The Clayton Historical Society’s 21st garden elements. A landscape design their gardens and landscapes to support Annual Clayton Gardens Tour will be held that was conceived for the maturing the ClaytonHistorical Museum. All on May 18th & 19th from 10am to 4pm garden-lover will be shown. Wide proceeds from the Clayton Gardens Tour This year five gardens representing stained concrete pathways wrap around go directly to the museum. various gardening and landscape styles a flourishing garden layered with You can purchase tickets for $25 in are represented. Tour-goers will stroll evergreens and perennials to provide year advance. Buy 4 and get one free. For more through pathways surrounded by round interest. There is a hillside garden information visit the www.claytonhistory. majestic oak trees, lined with an eclectic that will give tour-goers inspiration with org website or call (925) 672-0240. mixes of perennials and ornamental its thriving plant installations. shrubs overlooking a creek side garden in Excellent garden and landscape design a relaxed country setting. ideas will found at every home. Creative They will enjoy natural stone water pathway materials, secret gardens, features in a meandering garden lush outdoor rooms and kitchens that with distinctive plantings and buzzing extend the outdoor living theme that with life. A traditional smallish landscape many embrace. You will see a country and garden that was created with love style chicken coup, compost areas, and and attention to detail will dazzle the contained vegetable gardens. tour-goer who appreciates meticulous Homeowners have graciously opened

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