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IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com
July 11, 2008
925.672.0500
Big or small, it’s a grand old flag Lisa Jones takes first in photo contest
GREGG MANNING
MAYOR’S CORNER
Lisa Jones snapped the winning photo in this year’s July 4 photo contest. The little girl waving the flag is Lisa’s daughter, Camille. “I saw all the flags going by and just thought I should get a picture of her waving her flag.” Lisa’s photo wins $100. The photos were judged on overall quality, composition and how well they captured the spirit of the day’s theme: “Freedom, Family and Friends.” Lisa’s photo was one of over 150 photos submitted. A great big “thank you” to all who entered. For the rest of the photo contest winners, turn to page 22.
Mayor has a laundry list of civic issues I have no overriding issue I wish to address today – just a number of small things to bring to your attention. I would think the price of fuel would keep people home and we would see more activity downtown. This has been the case with the concerts in the Grove Park. Attendance has been building with almost every concert and they seem to be a success. Downtown restaurants say they have noted a drop-off in business, which they link to the concerts. I do not know if
See Mayor page 15
Claytonians help Concord break Guinness record ANDRÉ GENSBURGER Clayton Pioneer
Clayton residents helped Concord break a Guinness record for the largest guitar ensemble on July 1. Led by ’60s legend Country Joe McDonald, 2,052 registered
unveiled the guitars.” The event was part of Concord’s celebration of 20 years of music in Todos Santos Plaza, blending art, music and some music history in one neat package. Clayton families attended for the fun of being part of the historic event.
A day to celebrate freedom, family and friends ANDRÉ GENSBURGER TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
DAY STARTS WITH PANCAKES The pancake breakfast hosted at Endeavor Hall by the Concord-Clayton Sunrise Rotarians drew long lines as families gathered in readiness for the midmorning parade. The scent of pancakes and syrup filled the area close by and children in line were restless as the line moved closer. “It’s going gangbusters,” said Fred Nelson at the
entrance to the serving area. “Even though the lines are long they’re moving quite quickly,” said Rich Lueck, taking photographs of the eager diners. The Barnes family was joined by grandparents Dorothy and Dan O’Connor, who had come from Pittsburg to join daughter Patty and her two children Connor, 7 and Casey, 6. “It’s our fifth year coming,” Patty said. “We love it.” “This time I’m on the Cub Scout float,” said Connor with
excitement. Dan O’Connor chimed in, “This is a great community event. We got here early at 8:30 am. The lines weren’t too bad.” At another table, the Valencia family was also enjoying their breakfast. Angelique had just turned 13 the day before and the family was in celebration mode. “This is a great cause,” said father Victor who, sitting next to “little Victor” pointed out that the line moves pretty quickly. As the morning progressed, crowds started to line the
parade route. Ensembles passed by with dogs, ponies, cars and more, all planning to celebrate the day in true Norman Rockwell style. BIG DAY IN CLAYTON COUNTRY Every year, Claytonians turn out by the thousands for the annual Independence Day breakfast and parade. And every year, the scene is comfortingly familiar: the pancake breakfast, kids and dogs in
See July 4, page 21
City planner decides Clayton is good fit ANDRÉ GENSBURGER Clayton Pioneer
Andre Gensburger/Clayton Pioneer
MAX, SUZANNE AND VERONICA RENNER wait for dad Charles to show up as Max practices for the show.
entrants all played “This Land is Your Land,” breaking the record held by Leinfelden, Germany. Included in the action was Laura Hoffmeister, assistant to the Clayton city manager. She had to race back to Clayton following the performance to attend the City Council meeting. “This is good family fun,” Hoffmeister said of the event. “But I forgot to wear my tiedyed shirt that I wore when they
The Renner family sat at on a blanket as son Max, 12, played a few chords while they waited for dad, Charles Renner, to arrive. “Charles and Max play guitar,” said mom Suzanne, who sat next to daughter Veronica, 10. “Max has played for about a year.” “We’ve been coming to the farmers market, so it made
What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Church News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
See Record, page 20
When David Woltering replaced Jeremy Graves, former community development director for Clayton, in March, his expectation was that of any interim hire – the job would be short-term while a permanent replacement was found. He had his future laid out; Woltering planned to go into private consulting for a variety of Bay Area cities. Having come from Windsor, where he had a direct hand in the preparation of its first General Plan as well as downtown development plan, and Cotati, Woltering believed Clayton was a good stopping point for him. It was only after he arrived that his plans began to change and he considered applying for the permanent position. “I hoped it would happen,”
Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Community Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Deal With It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Directory of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . .5 For the Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
he said. “This felt like such a good fit for me and working with the people here seemed to come so naturally.” Woltering was not the only one who felt that connection. “The selection of David was an obvious and natural employment decision,” said city manager Gary Napper. “It was fortuitous he was available for the interim position and we both benefited by the three-month live laboratory test to determine suitability and compatibility with our organization and our community. “He was tops among the candidates interested in the position, brings small town experiences and strengths to the job and is a welcome addition,” Napper added. On June 23, the position became a permanent one as the job was offered to him. “Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive,” Woltering
From the Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Going Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Movie Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
said. “I’m really excited.” With two children in high school, Woltering plans to continue his daily commute from the family home in Santa Rosa, how-
ever, at some point he believes the family will transition toward the community as a new home. “I have a lot to enjoy and to be grateful for,” he said.
Andre Gensburger/Clayton Pioneer
NEW CLAYTON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR DAVID WOLTERING confers with Laura Hoffmeister, assistant to the city manager, over some architectural plans.
Music Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 On the Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
School News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Tea for You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Weather Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 11, 2008
Around Town Lisa York turns 40 with friends
Community Service Day for Lynne French office
Kimberly Lowe on the dean’s list at U of P
Lisa York celebrated her 40th birthday with many friends at La Veranda Italian Restaurant, on Center Street, recently. Pictured clockwise are Mrs. Heurman, the Hellstroms, Todd and Lisa York, Mr. Heurman, the Pishnys, the Alcocks and the Shueys. Everyone had a great time.
Jennifer Wenzel and Jason Salmon engaged Jennifer Wenzel and Jason Salmon of Clayton announced their engagement on February 15. These high school sweet-
LYNNE FRENCH POINTS OUT SOME OF THE MORNING’S SUCCESSES as Windermere Marketing Coordinator Marybeth Cook (left) and Vice Principal Anne Eggleston look on.
Lynne French and staff closed up shop for the day on June 20, donned jeans and sun hats and headed over to Mt. Diablo Elementary for some back breaking yard work in 100 degree heat.
JOHN OTTOBONI OF OLD REPUBLIC TITLE AND CLAYTON RESIDENT DANNY SULLIVAN (on the ladder) put the finishing touches on a newly planted crape myrtle.
The staff was joined by dozens of associates, friends and spouses to help landscape the areas between the new classrooms, pour a concrete walkway and generally spiff up the campus. All of the plants and materials were donated by area businesses. The trees came from OSH in Pinole and the concrete was donated by Jackett Construction. Vice Principal Anne Eggleston was on hand to watch the progress. “This is wonderful,” she said surveying the planting progress. “This area was so hot and dry…we’ve wanted to get some plants out here but just couldn’t make it happen.” Each year, all Windermere offices nationwide close on June 20 for a day of community service. In previous years, the staff has worked on projects outside of Clayton, including a homeless shelter in Pittsburg. “This year,” Lynne said, “we wanted to give back to our own community.”
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Former Clayton resident, Charles “Chip” Gerald, the Senior Network Engineer for the U.S. Supreme Court, won the Court’s Superior Performance Award (employee of the year). Chip and his wife, the former City of Clayton’s finance
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$549,980 Clayton Diablo Ridge – 3BD/2.5BA inc. master bedroom suite on the main level. Large deck w/wet bar looks out onto 4th Fairway at Oakhurst. Soaring ceilings & ample windows keep the living/dining great room sunny & bright. Cul-de-sac location steps away from community pool! www.208CondorWay.com
At right: Charles Gerald stands with Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts
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Clayton $1,299,980 Peacock Creek – Level, prime lot w/major views! Elegant pool and patios for entertaining. This 5BD/3.5BA . 3,911 s.f. has a huge combo family/game room wired for sound, 2-way fireplace & wet bar. Gourmet kitchen w/breakfast bar & nook. 4+ car garage w/shop + RV/Boat parking. A dream home! www.119ForestHillDrive.com
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Concord $529,980 Garaventa Oaks – Updated to delight w/a great location and price! 4BD/2BA w/open, bright living spaces, hardwood floors, new carpet & dual pane windows that bathe freshly painted rooms in light. Kitchen has great flow, a garden window, Oak cabinets and stainless appliances. Walk to nearby parks & shopping. www.5173GaraventaDrive.com
Concord $229,000 Concord Convenient! – Not a drive-by! Charming patio/cluster home has 2BD/2 remodeled baths & Ikea kitchen. Home was totally redone on the inside – very lovely, with living/dining combo with fireplace & 2 sliding doors from living room & master bedroom out to patio & fenced nook in back w/fresh landscaping. Close to shopping, transportation – great commute options.
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Kimberly Lowe made the dean’s list at the University of Portland, completing her freshman year with a 3.62 GPA. Wendy graduated from CVHS in 2005 and was one of the recipients of the CBCA academic scholarships. She also received an academic scholarship from University of Portland and is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, national honor society. Kimberly is the daughter of Wendy and David Lowe of Clayton.
We want to know what’s happening in your families and in your neighborhoods. Send your news of births, engagements weddings, anniversaries, special recognitions, etc. to info@claytonpioneer.com.
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$789,980 Clayton Dana Hills – Remodeled single story 4BD/2.5BA w/2,261 s.f. w/open & bright floor plan has gleaming hardwood floors, 2 fireplaces & wet bar w/temp-controlled wine cellar. Huge master suite has an updated bath w/custom tile! 3-car garage. Yard backs to open space offering sweeping views from pool, spa & patio areas! www.633MtOlivetCourt.com
KIMBERLY LOWE
What’s happening Around Town?
manager, Kristan Tompach Gerald, live on a horse farm in Catlett, VA with their twin daughters Melissa and Morgan. Chip was the trainer when the City of Clayton computerized.
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his proposal and they celebrated their engagement in Sonoma. Both are 2002 graduates of CVHS. The both attended and graduated from San Diego State University—Jennifer in 2007 and Jason in 2008. Jennifer is an English teacher and Jason is a mechanical engineer. The bride’s parents are Robert and Jacqueline Wenzel of Clayton, the groom’s parents, Ronald and Nancy Salmon, also of Clayton, hosted Jennifer and Jason’s engagement party. The couple will be married next month on Aug. 15 at the Rios-Lovell Estate Winery in Livermore.
Former Claytonian in Supreme Court
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$769,980 Clayton Dana Hills – Updates galore in this 4BD/2.5BA home w/stylish backyard pool & spa & plenty of patio to entertain. Stained glass, crown molding & a fabulous wet bar & gas fireplace add accents to the home that are unmatched! A must see!!! Mt. Diablo & greenbelt views are fantastic. 400 s.f. shop in back for the hobby enthusiast. www.222MountaireCircle.com
hearts met at CVHS in 2000 and have been dating ever since. Jason came home from San Diego to surprise Jennifer with
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Concord $464,900 Turtle Creek – Single-story 3BD/2BA w/comfortable family room & living room w/wood burning fireplace. Hunter Douglas window treatments through most living areas. Updated plumbing in kitchen & baths - one bath w/new tub & shower. Beautifully landscaped yards: stonework, deck, fruit trees & magnificent garden. www.4636DeercreekLane.com
Concord $598,000 Pine Hollow – Terrific home w/warmth & style is bright & open w/vaulted ceilings and offers a formal dining room & two living areas for flexible use. Kitchen has wood floors, 3-sided breakfast bar & dining nook. Popular neighborhood on cul-de-sac w/Diablo trails at your door. Plush backyard, Trex deck & patio all back to open space. www.1072DiscoveryWay.com
Lynne offers FREE Professional Staging on her Listings
Clayton Resident & Broker Owner
July 11, 2008
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Around Town Wilkins celebrate golden anniversary Kim and Sonja Wilkin of Clayton recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family and long time friends at their home. Kim and Sonja met while working at a resort at Lake Tahoe during the summer of 1957. They were married a year later in Ithaca, N.Y. Kim was born and raised in Orinda, California and Sonja was born in London, England and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The couple has a son and daughter and five grandchildren.
Pioneer takes an Arkansas holiday with the Snows
Page 3
Sponsored by the City of Clayton and the Clayton Business & Community Association
Saturday's 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Free admission. Gazebo at "The Grove" Park. Downtown Clayton.
THIS WEEKEND, July 12 Silver Spurs: Country Western July 19
Mixed Nuts: 50’s to now, Variety
July 26
Frankie G & the Convictions: Blues and Rock and Roll
Aug. 9
PHDs: Santana and more
Aug. 16
Vintage: Rock and Roll and Oldies 40s-70s
Aug. 23
In Disguise: Light Jazz and Show Tunes
Sept. 6
Diamond Dave Hosley: Variety, Keyboard
Sept. 13
Jambalaya Swing Band: Big Band and Swing
Sept. 20
East Bay Mudd: R & B, Soul, Funk For more information go to www.cityofclayton.org
SONJA AND KIM WILKIN
Pioneer cruises up the Rhine with the Stricklands Sandy Strickland, retired Office Manager of Mt. Diablo Elementary School and her husband, Bob, seen here enjoying their Rhine River Cruise viewing the castles along the Moselle and Rhine Rivers in France, Germany and Switzerland.
What’s happening Around Town?
Gene and Helen Snow of Clayton just returned from a trip to Hot Springs, Ark. to visit his mother. This photo was taken downtown with the Arlington Hotel in the background.
Send your news of births, engagements weddings, anniversaries, special recognitions, etc. to info@claytonpioneer.com.
Obituary
Clark Louis Wollenweber June 7, 1941 – June 12, 2008 A wonderful husband, father, brother and papa, Clark had an open mind and his generous and loving heart made him a friend and role model. Clark worked for Shell Oil for 34 years. He was Group Leader of Pressure Equipment and became Senior Staff Engineer before retiring in 2002 from a career that he loved. Above all he was dedicated to his family. He was the root of strength and support in his family tree. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years,
Marilyn; children Christa, Kirk and Kirsten, son in law Yariv, daughter in law Melanie, and grandchildren Jacinda, Nathan and Noah, and siblings Memory, Polly and Wesley. A memorial celebration was held at the First Presbyterian Church June 21. Donations in his memory may be made to First Presbyterian Church Concord’s Mission Department, 1965 Colfax St., Concord, CA 94520 or to Hospice of the East Bay, 3470 Buskirk Avenue, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Around Town Kylie Halliday cuts it for Locks of Love
We are n o Viking a w a full-line ppliance dealer.
S U M M E R B LO W O U T S A L E
Kylie Halliday, 6, recently donated her long hair to Locks of Love, an organization that makes wigs for children that lose their hair to chemo therapy. She has always had long hair and last year got her first haircut. After seeing a program about Locks of Love a couple years ago, she began planning her own donation. It took about 15 months to grow it long enough to donate. “She was very excited about getting it cut and happy that it was going to help another child,” says her mom, Susan Halliday.
Gourmet Appliance Outlet is THE place to shop in the Bay Area for the BEST PRICES for upscale kitchen appliances, outdoor products, laundry, vacuums, countertop appliances and MUCH MORE! Close Out Prices! VACUUMS
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KYLIE GETTING HER HAIR CUT BY KIM VO, another Clayton resident, at the Beauty Source in Walnut Creek.
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July 11, 2008
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Large, custom updated 5 bedroom! This 2,844 square foot 2-story home has new carpets, pergo and paint, a granite kitchen w/custom cherry cabinets and new microwave, a step-down huge family room with vaulted beam ceiling, wet-bar, fireplace and 2 sliders to yard & patios! 4 bedrooms plus a 5th or Den, 3 full baths, indoor laundry room, mirrored closets, two balconies and a tile roof! Secluded court setting in nearby Concord, parklike yards, a view of Mt. Diablo.
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SERVICE
INTEGRITY
NORM TOMPACH tours for a few weeks every year with the Stan Kenton Alumni Big Band.
Once again, 46 year Clayton resident, Norm Tompach, accompanied by his wife, Faye, went on tour with the Stan Kenton Alumni Big Band. The 19 piece Alumni Band, featuring former members of the Stan Kenton band, has been touring the country
Now is the time to buy. KNOWLEDGE
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for two to four weeks a year since the late 90s. This year the band toured the Midwest, St. Louis to Detroit, for three weeks, performing at major universities, colleges, jazz clubs and high schools, to crowds from 300 to well over 1,000.
Members of the band flew in from all over the country. Young people who attended the concerts said, “We’ve never heard such a big sound.” “It’s fun being on the road again,” says Norm, “when you know that it will be ending in two to four weeks.”
Glasbergen Chuckles
July 11, 2008
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CITY OF CLAYTON ADA ADVISORY COMMITTEE P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517
As an initial step in the implementation of the City of Clayton’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan, approved by the City Council on April 1, 2008, the City seeks to establish an ADA Advisory Committee comprised of representatives from both City government and Clayton residents. Two members of the Maintenance Department will represent the City and we hope to include three members of the citizenry to represent the public. Interested parties are referred to the City’s website, www.ci.clayton.ca.us, for more information about this volunteering opportunity. Please submit your information no later than 4:00 P.M. on Friday, July 18, 2008, to ensure consideration. If you do not have internet access, please call the City Engineering Department at 672 9700 and ask for Chad. We will be happy to mail you a copy of the ADA Transition Plan and additional information regarding this volunteering opportunity.
TAMARA AND R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers TAMARA S TEINER , Editor A NDRÉ G ENSBURGER , Reporter and Feature Writer J EANNA R OSS , Reporter and Feature Writer P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design B EV B RITTON , Copy Editor R ANDY R OWLAND , Sports Writer B ETH N EUDELL , Administrative Assistant Jill Bedecarré, Her spirit is our muse
PIONEER INFO CONTACT US Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580 Tamara Steiner tamara@claytonpioneer.com André Gensburger Andre@claytonpioneer.com Beth Neudell beth@claytonpioneer.com Send ads to ads@claytonpioneer.com Send Sports News to sports@claytonpioneer.com Send Club News to clubnews@claytonpioneer.com Send Church News to churchnews@claytonpioneer.com
Send School News to schoolnews@claytonpioneer.com
CLASSIFIEDS Classified rates per insertion: Non-profit: $12 for first 30 words, $.20 each additional word Individual/non-commercial: $18 for first 30 words, $.30 each additional word Commercial: $48 for first 30 words, $.40 each additional word To place your classified ad over the phone, call the office at (925) 6720500 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Or, you may fax your typewritten ad and credit card information to (925) 672-6580 All classifieds must be paid for in advance by credit card (Master Card or Visa)
We will not accept any ad that discriminates on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, family status or disability. The Clayton Pioneer reserves the right to reject any advertising we believe is unsuitable.
Classified HELP WANTED Pet Groomer Clip n’ Clean has a position available for an experienced part time groomer. Position may become full time in the future. Please call 676-9355.
LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a Clayton resident. You will find the appropriate form for your announcement on our Website. Attach your photo to the form. Make sure the image size you are about to send is at least 3 MB but not bigger than 6MB. The only format we accept is JPG. You can also mail or bring your print to the office and we can scan it for you. Also on our Web site are forms for submitting Community Calendar items and press releases for your organization.
Real Estate Agents Be Successful! Lynne French is expanding and interviewing for a few agents. Call her today (925) 672-8787. Tai-Chi Teacher Seeking teacher to practice Tai-Chi or Qigong in Downtown Park – one morning a week to start. If you are interested in sharing this experience and can lead the practice, please call Stephanie 925-932-7329 or email stephanie@helenandstephanie.com.
LOST AND FOUND Found Cat Young tabby with grey, black and white coloring. Chest and belly are white along with some white on her face. All four of her paws are white as well. She has a small black speck on her left nostril. Her eyes are light green-yellow and her tail is raccoonstriped. Please email Sue Fania suefaina@hotmail.com
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be less than one double spaced page and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print letters from “anonymous.” E-mail your letter in a Word Document to tamara@claytonpioneer.com. Letters MUST be submitted via E-mail.
Found Keys Set of keys found on trail near Samuel Court. Please call (925) 673-3853
SERVICES House Sitter Going away this summer? Don't feel like sending your pets to expensive kennels? Want some green left in your
plants when you get home? Then what you need is a house sitter. Call Megan at 478-9931 or email meganamelia_8806@yahoo.com so you can sit back and relax on your vacation. Flute Lessons Flautist with 45 years of experience available for private flute instruction. Beginner through intermediate students. My home. $25 per half hour session. Contact Wendy Lowe. 672-0284. Senior Assistant Experienced caregiver available to aid seniors with errands and activities. Spouse and friend may accompany for free. References available. $15/hr. Available for up to 4-5 hour shifts Wed. through Friday and every other weekend. Call Terri at 925-330-5090. Pet Sitting Traveling for the summer? Pets staying at home? Daily visits available. Call Linda at Peace of Mind Pet Services. 672-9781. Insured, bonded, licensed and PSI member. References upon request. Childcare/Preschool Clayton Community School Childcare/Preschool. Enroll Now. Fall/Summer Childcare M-F, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. (school age). Fall preschool MF 9 – 11:30 a.m. Located on Mt. Diablo Elementary Campus (925) 6720388. Nancy Haley, Director. Tutor/Educational Coach Experienced classroom teacher. Tutoring for grades 2-5 all subjects. Study skills/ Homework help. Professional, mature, and kind. Will come to your home or the local library. Please call Janet, 925-672-4360.
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5442 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite 10 in the new Clayton Valley Shopping Center
Member Service Center (800) 877-8328
Where You Belong
NCUA–Your savings federally insured to at least $100,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. All offers valid from June 2 to July 31, 2008. The winner of the Free Gas for a Year drawing must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid Social Security or tax ID number. One name will be randomly selected from valid entries to win Free Gas for a Year valued at $2,500. Contest dates: June 2 to July 31, 2008. To enter, visit any Travis Credit Union (TCU) branch. Entry is also available by hand-printing your name, address and phone number on a plain, 3” X 5” card and mailing it to Travis Credit Union, Free Gas for a Year, Attn: Marketing, P.O. Box 2069, Vacaville, CA 95696. Limit one mailed entry per household. No mechanical reproductions will be accepted. Odds of winning are unknown, but based on the total number of entries during the contest period. The winner will be chosen on August 4, 2008 and will be notified by phone or mail. The credit union will report the drawing prize, as required by applicable law. The winner agrees to permit the credit union to use their likeness in credit union materials. Credit union employees, volunteers, board members and their families are not eligible. Not valid where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to enter. *Open a new Checking account with a monthly minimum of $500 Direct Deposit and receive a $50 gas card by mail no later than 45 days after your first direct deposit is received and verified. Member is responsible for applicable tax consequences associated with all above offers. Please consult a tax professional. Cannot be combined with other existing or past qualified promotional offers. This program is subject to change and/or cancellation at any time by TCU without notice. For a complete list of CO-OP Network ATMs, visit www.co-opnetwork.org. Everyone who lives, works, worships or goes to school in Contra Costa county is eligible to join. Certain membership restrictions may apply.
Meals on Wheels Drivers 1 – 1 1/2 per week. Drivers and relief drivers needed for delivery of Meals on Wheels in East County. People are on the waiting list due to lack of drivers. A small amount of your time can make a big difference in someone’s life. If you can help please call Jim at 673-0300 or e-mail hairbyjim@sbcglobal.net. Anna’s Attic Volunteers Volunteers needed at the Hospice of the East Bay thrift store. The address of the store is 5350 Clayton Road. Call store manager, Debbie, at 674-9072 or Lamont Campbell at (925) 766-5066. Hospice of the East Bay Anna's Program, is seeking dedicated, caring volunteers to provide home companionship and practical support for women with recurrent breast cancer. Women served reside in Central or East Contra Costa. To apply for free training, call Hospice of the East Bay at (925) 887-5678 and ask for the Volunteer Department, or email volunteers@hospiceeastbay.org. Anna's Program is generously supported by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Anna's Attic Thrift Shop, and other community donations. Clayton Historical Society Museum The Clayton Historical Society Museum needs a greeter for two hours per month from 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays or Sundays. No experience or extensive knowledge of Clayton history is necessary. All you need is a cheerful smile and a "hello" as our guests come through the door. You'll meet interesting people and learn a lot about our historic town. Call the museum at 672-0240 and leave your name. Clayton Community Library We are seeking to fill the following volunteer positions: (All positions require a minimum age of 13 years and a 6 month commitment. Some training provided). Shelver - to shelve and sensitize library materials. Various days/times. Lead Tutor - to coordinate and match the student’s requests with the appropriate tutor. Tutors - no prior experience necessary! You determine the grade level and subjects you are comfortable with and the days/times. Contact: Arlene @ 673-9777 or email: akikkawa@ccclib.org
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Directory of Advertisers Auto Clayton Valley Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3900 Diablo Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .288-0981 Mazzei Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .757-5600 Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 Construction and Trades Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1519 Butch’s Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(707) 718-5778 Design Dynamics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4978 FS Construction/AFU Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4546 Insite Design and Build . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .980-0465 Ken Mitolo Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2460 Majestic Pools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-1545 Mt.Diablo Window Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-1545 Michael Dwyer & Sons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3980 Pavers by Howard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .766-2574 Schaefer’s Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-6065 Smith & Bernal Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0138 Straight Line Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .335-9801 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Tip Top Kitchen and Bath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .497-5699 Dining and Entertainment AJ’s Sports Pub & Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .459-0574 Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 Cinco de Mayo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0517 La Veranda Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0011 Education Secrets 2 + 2 Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8737 Financial and Insurance Services Benton, Mureleen - Ameriprise Financial . . . . . .685-4523 Carol Keane and Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .937-5200 CD Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-0900 College Planning Specialists, CFS Inc. . . . .888-210-2606 Doug Van Wyck - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . .672-2300 Guaranty Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .808-6720 Richard Littorno - Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6463 Travis Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-877-8328 We the People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246-0370 Funerals Neptune Society of Northern California . . . . . . . .944-5100 Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Home and Garden Abbey Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700 Clayton Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-2299 Clear Splash Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6245 Design Dynamics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4968 Floors to Go Danville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .820-8700 Gourmet Appliance Outlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .510-635-5100 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 Pans on Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .600-7267 RC Clean Air Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1012 Sparkle Pools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-5025 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 Today Hauling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .497-4907 Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055 Mailing and Shipping Postal Annex + . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8900 The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Medical Services Children's Dentistry of Walnut Creek . . . . . . . . . .938-2392 Personal Products and Services Beautique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0405 Clayton Mind and Body Connections . . . . . . . . . .673-0686 Isagenix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .570-5187 Rosebud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-888-476-7328 Weight Watchers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-379-5757 Pet Services Aussie Pet Mobile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-738-6624 Cat Hospital of Clayton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2287 Clip n Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-9355 Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Real Estate and Mortgage Services Calkins, Bill - Charlotte Clifford Realtors . . . . . . .673-9164 Classic Real Estate and Mortgage Services . . . .932-3157 Flannery, Patty - Diablo Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0541 French, Lynne - Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787 Laurence, Pete - RE/MAX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .937-0150 Lopez, Stephanie - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . .932-7329 Morucci, Kim - Intero Real Estate Services . . . . .280-8563 Rahimzadeh, Helen - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . .932-7375 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . .672-4433 Recreation Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Leap of Faith Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .938-9550 Mavericks Sports Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .602-5600 Music Together . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .946-2990 YMCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .889-1600 Senior Services Aegis of Concord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .692-5838 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . .524-5100 Services, Other Allied Waste Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-4711 Hudak, Jim - Pianist and Composer . . . . . . . . . .673-7293 Roberta Claire Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .625-1123 Shell’s Lil’ Angels Family DayCare . . . . . . . . . . .672-4027 Sho Sho’s Daycare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207-1479 Sweet Beginnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .408-7699 Shopping Cegielski Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-2855 Clayton Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-3325 Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Donna's Quilting Loft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0401 Pacific coast Farmers Market . . . . . . . . . . .800-949-FARM Seasonal Reflections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4425 Sonset Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-8200 Sorelle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3500 The Royal Rooster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2025 Travel Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447 Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9840
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 11, 2008
Treasure hunts offer both mental and physical exercise Sponsored by:
Allied Waste Services
Not much mystery to going green. Just use a little common sense ANDRÉ GENSBURGER Clayton Pioneer
There are many things most people are not aware of in the new national “go green” crusade. Household products used for cleaning and sanitizing are hardly green, no matter what the bottle says. To understand that any chemical interaction from a product can have a small, yet tangible affect, raises the question: “How green do you want to be?” Vinegar and baking soda are two natural products with great cleansing potential. Dilute vinegar to wipe down countertops and remove sticky residues, while a baking soda and water combination cleans windows. Likewise, finer cooking oils like extra virgin olive oil serve to shine furniture in a nontoxic way and can also be used to shine shoes and car interiors, as well as performing as a great dirt remover. The fact that chemical cleansers have toxic ingredients means that their safety around children is always in question. “It’s only Windex,” someone might say, as in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” where Windex was one man’s cure-all. Yet Windex contains ammonia, which is hardly a green product. The American love affair with the automobile also produces a massive array of chemicals that represent non-green at its best. Often a bio-degradable container is enough to suggest the green aspect of the product, however, the chemicals that you might spray on your car interior and then, after a hot summer day, inhale unknowingly, can be toxic. Like a drug, it is a chemical dependence that requires training to break. Washing your car on the driveway or sidewalk introduces chemical residues into the storm drains that then run off into the canals and ultimately the Delta and the Bay. A simple solution is to wash your car on the lawn. Allow the runoff to filter through the soil, which traps a lot of the toxic materials. Alternatively, you can block the drain covers with a plastic bag and sweep the collected water into a bucket to drop on your lawn, or onto the street where it will evaporate and not drain. “It’s common sense,” said Laura Hoffmeister, assistant to the Clayton city
manager. “Simple things like that can make a huge difference.” Using biodegradable soap products and recognizing that home water consumption is almost double that of a commercial car wash can also make a difference in the green approach. The terminology, meanwhile, has evolved into new and more direct definitions. Sustainable environments, waste reallocation and waste generation are current industry buzzwords that reflect where the focus lies with regard to a better long-term solution to the problem of toxic waste, especially in high-density urban areas. As a smaller community, Clayton focuses its attention on renewable resources, lowimpact construction practices and sustainable communities. “Recycling was the buzzword a few years back,” Hoffmeister said. “Now the new terms are waste generation, controlling what is produced and how it is produced to minimize the waste.” A push toward plant-based products earns the green label. These cleaning products are biodegradable, toxin-free, plantbased and animal-testing free. Being carbon neutral or balancing your carbon footprint through use with conservation and green processes gives you that carbon neutrality. A survey done through the eco-mall found that the average home harbored 62 toxic chemicals with links to allergies, birth defects and cancer. About 25 gallons of these toxic products are used yearly. Equally green are tips to reduce the amount of CO2 generated by products that are plugged in and on standby. Coffeemakers that are on standby, programmed to make you a morning cup, can use a lot of electricity producing CO2 emissions to the tune of 34 pounds. Add your work coffee carafe always plugged in and you create a further 158 pounds of CO2 produced from the electricity required to run it. It makes more sense to unplug both and save the environment 192 pounds of CO2. “We just have to all do our part,” Hoffmeister said. “It does add up.” Got a tip for Going Green? Send it to tamara@claytonpioneer.com.
GREEN YOUR GADGETS Electronics become “outdated” so much more quickly than 10 or 20 years ago. To insure you are responsible with your gadgets, consider doing the following: Resist the urge to upgrade every time a “newer” or “cooler” gadget comes out. Reduce at the source - you save money and the time (and frustration) to learn how to operate and program the new gadget. Donate working electronics to charities or school programs --resell or refurbish them. Refill or recycle your inkjet or toner cartridges Close the recycling loop and buy recycled, post-consumer content paper for your printer. Most local office supply stores offer a growing selection of environmentally friendly papers. Completely broken? Recycle! Electronics are the new “hot” item being recycled across the country. Rapid Recycle is open for free E-waste drop off Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The Rapid Recycle Collections Facility is located at 110 Second Avenue South B-1 in Pacheco. Call for more information, (925) 671-8008.
Allied Waste Services is a community partner providing solid waste and/or recycling services. Our 200 employees service 120,000 residential customers and 5,000 commercial customers in Contra Costa and Solano Counties.
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GENIE TJAHJADI Special to the Pioneer
With obesity almost an epidemic in America, ensuring that our children exercise is now a No. 1 priority. Combining that with both fun and education is an even better alternative, and this is exactly what Deborah Osteen accomplished when she started Modern Day Treasure Hunters in April 2007. “I just noticed a lack of outdoor community activities,” Deborah explains. “It’s about getting families and kids outdoors and exercising while having fun.” The idea was derived from the Official Global GPS Cache Hunt called Geocaching. Starting a new business is always daunting, especially with a concept that may seem farfetched to some. However, Deborah’s family supported her every step of the way. Her father David and mother Sharon attend many of the events, as does older sister Jennifer. “Deborah ran track during her years at the University of Southern Mississippi. When she finally got home, she just had this idea and wanted to do it,” says Sharon. “We’ve been involved and helping her with it ever since.” Scavenger hunts have been a
These treasure hunters huddle to come up with a team name.
Photos by Genie Tjahjadi
Prior to beginning the hunt, participants must register and pick up their GPS devices if not providing their own.
part of Deborah’s life since she was a little girl, growing up on the Clayton Valley Pumpkin Farm. “Growing up on my parent’s farm, we used to always run around and do scavenger hunts,” Jennifer notes. “It was a part of our childhood.” The treasure hunts are always themed. Families and friends register and form their own groups before embarking on the journey to find the hidden clues, which are actually words needed to fill in the blanks on a small card that asks questions in accordance with the theme. There are three difficulty levels, all taking participants on an outdoor walk. “It’s evolved since we started,” says Deborah. “It’s always changing as we listen to our customers’ suggestions. For example, we’ve started a new series just for adults.”
Spreading the news of Modern Day Treasure Hunters has been an ongoing challenge. “It’s just such a different idea,” Deborah states. Angela Schmidt has attended two Modern Day Treasure Hunters events with her daughter Lauren. “It’s wonderful because it’s exercise,” she explains. “The kids get to run around, learn new technology and explore the outdoors all while still having fun and learning new things.” Deborah makes sure to emphasize the educational aspects of Modern Day Treasure Hunters along with the physical. “When kids are having fun, they’re not so aware that they’re learning,” dad David says with a chuckle. For more information, visit www.moderndaytreasurehunters.com.
A quick check to test your road sense Before heading out on the road this summer, it might be a good idea to review the rules of the road. That’s what some drivers did on an unnamed insurance company’s annual quiz on the California Department of Motor Vehicle’s (DMV) test. Only 16 percent of the test takers passed this simple test. The national average is 78 percent. I thought that it would be a good idea to provide Clayton Valley residents an opportunity to test their knowledge on some basic rules. The following are 10 questions that could be on a typical DMV test. 1. You may make a U-turn in a business district a. only if there is enough room to accommodate your vehicle. b. if there is no traffic to interfere with your turn. c. under no circumstances 2. You may drive off of the paved roadway to pass another vehicle a. if the shoulder is wide enough. b. under no circumstances. c. if the vehicle ahead of you is turning left. 3. When the power is out and the traffic signals are out at a four-way intersection, a. all vehicles must slow down and proceed slowly through the intersection. b. all vehicles must stop and proceed only when safe to do so. c. only the vehicles on the
4.
side street have to stop. When your address changes or you move to a location that is different than the address that appears on your vehicle’s registration, you must notify DMV of your old and new address within a. 5 days. b. 10 days. c. 15 days.
5. When you are merging onto the freeway, you should be driving a. at or near the same speed as the traffic on the freeway. b. 5 to 10 mph slower than the traffic on the freeway. c. the posted speed limit for traffic on the freeway. 6. A school bus ahead of you is stopped in your lane or in the opposite lane with flashing lights. You should a. stop, then proceed when you think all of the children have exited the bus. b. Slow to 25 mph and pass cautiously. c. Stop as long as the red lights are flashing. 7. California’s “Basic Speed Law” says a. you should never drive faster than the posted speed limits. b. you should never drive faster than is safe for current conditions. c. the maximum speed limit in California is 70 mph on certain freeways.
DAN LAWRENCE
FROM
THE
CHIEF
8. You are about to make a left turn. Before the turn, you must signal continuously during the last a. 50 feet before the turn. b. 75 feet before the turn. c. 100 feet before the turn. 9. If you have a green light but traffic is blocking the intersection, you should a. stay out of the intersection until traffic clears. b. enter the intersection and wait until traffic clears. c. merge into another lane and go around the traffic. 10. Roadways are the most slippery a. during a heavy downpour. b. after it has been raining for awhile. c. during the first rain after a dry spell. I hope that you had fun answering the questions. I also hope that you learned something or found this little exercise a useful review of some of California’s rules of the road.
Dan Lawrence is Clayton’s Police Chief. Please send your questions, comments or topics you’d like to see covered to DanL@cpd.ci.concord.ca.us . Answers: 1) c; 2) b; 3) b; 4) b; 5) a; 6) c; 7) b; 8) c; 9) a; 10) c.
July 11, 2008
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
That new car feeling gets old quickly One of the prevailing attitudes of the modern age is that new is better than used. It is certainly easy to understand the connotation that used comes in worn or damaged packages and, in the case of electronics, may be outdated, damaged or even dangerous. Automobiles, however, defy the new/used logic. A new car means one that is clean, shiny on the outside with the unmistakable new car smell inside. In addition, the odometer shows no miles, right? Wrong. If I buy a new car and drive it off the lot, it automatically becomes a used car. I can turn around and sell it back to the dealer having put only a few hundred yards of driving on it and the dealer will offer me a used car price. This is the law of the car lot. It is a screwy law. I can, however, test drive a car off the lot and it miraculously returns still considered a new car. In fact, 30 people could test drive the car and it would still be
ANDRÉ GENSBURGER
DEAL WITH IT new, although some mileage would be showing on the odometer. Unlike the toaster that I buy at the store, where I do not take the show model but get a new, in the box unit that has seen no hands since the day it was boxed, if I purchase the new car from the dealer, I am buying the one that has been sitting out, test driven by everybody. With 30 test drives, it should be illegal to refer to this vehicle as new at all – it has seen a lot of use with drivers of questionable
ability. This is a used vehicle. shield like my computer had The dealership disagrees. over the screen, or that my new Once I buy this new car of toaster had over the chrome siddubious newness, the first thing ing. As if to add insult to injury, that happens is the washing they I am asked what shape I want give it before handing it over to for the new car scent air freshme. During this ener that will hang “used evidence era- “As if to add on the rear view sure period,” I am mirror. This is distracted by at insult to injury, I used to mask the least five dealer am asked what scent of being employees who shape I want for deceived about the insist on shaking newness of my my hand and telling the new car scent rapidly aging vehime how “cherry” air freshener that cle. my new car is. The will hang on the In fact, the finance manager, moment I get in sales manager, lot rear view mirror.” and drive it off the attendant and saleslot, even as I tell person will do their best to keep myself that I have just bought a my mind off the fact that my new car, I am the proud owner brand newly used vehicle, for of a brand-new used vehicle which I paid a new car price, is that will never again hold the really repackaged used goods value it had moments before. sold under the guise of newness And I just have to deal with it. because I possess the insane André Gensburger is a staff American desire to own somereporter and feature writer for the thing new. There will be no peel-off Pioneer. His email address is protective sticker over the windandre@claytonpioneer.com
Upcoming Events Letter to the Editor SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Fire prep article appreciated
The summer Concerts in the Park series is underway. See schedule of performances on page 3. Admission is free. Local restaurants will have special park-side fare or bring your own picnic dinner. Concerts begin at 6 p.m. in the Grove park.
MOONLIGHT MOVIE NIGHTS Clayton Community Church Moonlight Movies Nights starts July 11. These family movies, shown in the church’s parking lot on Main Street, are free. The movies are shown on an extra large screen with surround sound and begin a 8:45 p.m. Bring a lawn chair and a blanket in case it’s chilly and come early because, starting at 7:30, there will be special activities for the children and parents. Movie schedule is: July 11 – Ratatouille; July 18 – National Treasure: July 25 -Book of Secrets; and August 1 – everyone’s favorite alien, E.T.
I thoroughly read the Clayton Pioneer last night (as always, I look forward to it), and paid special attention to the instructions in case of a fire [Safety Zone, June 20, pg. 17]. I want to thank you so much for being the venue to educate Clayton residents. I went to sleep thinking about how we can prepare for such an emergency. I was well prepared when just two hours ago, this morning, the backyard behind our next door neighbor was on fire,
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flames shot above their fence. I knew what to do, and began to scan the backyard to move furniture. The fire department quickly responded and put out the flames. The fire is contained and I am more confident knowing that the safety tips listed in the Clayton Pioneer helped me stay calm and logically think of contingency plans in the case the fire spread to additional backyards and houses. Thank you, Clayton Pioneer, for your timely article! Theresa Azevedo Clayton Resident
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Page 8
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 11, 2008
Clayton business takes dirty air to task JEANNA ROSS Clayton Pioneer
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Dana Hills Garage Sale Saturday, Sept. 20th! Get ready for the best neighborhood sale of the year! Dana Hills Friends and Neighbors – check your mailbox for details coming soon!
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on surfaces in the home, thereby sterilizing food preparation areas. “It ionizes smoke and dust particles, which then immediately fall to the floor instead of floating in the air. You never even see the smoke,” he says. “Construction companies utilize this technology during indoor construction projects because it removes dry wall dust and wood dust from the air almost immediately, so the customer doesn’t have to worry.” The air purification products are so effective that the U.S. government used them to purify
the air in the Pentagon after the Sept. 11 attacks. They also were used after the California wildfires to eradicate smoke and odors in the surrounding homes. Balovich’s involvement with activTek Environmental began when he clicked an online advertisement. “I learned about the products first and became involved with the business afterward – I was impressed with the technology,” he says. “My wife had terrible allergies for years, and once I placed a unit in my home, her allergies went away almost immediately. They put
925.932.7329 Stephanie
TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
The Marsh Creek Detention Facility is poised to launch a new inmate drug treatment program later this summer. Pending approval by the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, the MCDF will begin accepting low-risk, nonviolent inmates for an intensive cognitive behavior modification program consisting of a minimum 40 days in the classroom. The typical referral will be a non-violent offender who has violated parole with a drug offense and would be headed back to state prison except for this program. “This is a prevention strategy,” explains Capt. Michael Newman, commander of the custody services division of the county Sheriff ’s Department. “We already know that the state prison doesn’t work for these
offenders, but we have studies that show the in-custody program can reduce recidivism by up to 20 percent.” The program will be funded by the state and administered by the county Sheriff ’s Department, which will contract with the Contra Costa Department of Education for curriculum development and teaching. The program will be the first of its kind in the county. The nearest “sister” program is in Santa Clara County. Newman expects to house 60 inmates in the program and they will be kept separate from the rest of the population. The facility currently houses 65 prisoners. The capacity of the low to medium security facility is 265. About five weeks ago, they stopped accepting new prisoners in preparation for this program. Last February, the county Board of Supervisors consid-
For more information, visit www.ecotrustenergy.com/rbalovich674 or call 800-972-0354.
Workplace Lingo Language is truly evolutionary as evidenced by these new words in the workplace lexicon
New drug rehab program set for Marsh Creek Detention
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Jeanna Ross/Clayton Pioneer
RICHARD BALOVICH with the fresh air system that cleans smoke and dust from the air, a boon for those suffering from allergies.
ered a proposal to use state funds to build a prison on one of five sites in the county. The property next to the Marsh Creek Detention Facility was one of the proposed sites. That plan is dead, Newman says, and the In-Custody Drug Treatment Program is not connected to the state prison proposal in any way. “The community won’t even know it’s there,” says Newman. “Many of those referred to the drug treatment program would be here anyway.” “This is a good thing and needed,” said Clayton Mayor Gregg Manning, who toured the facility last week. “I see no negative impact on Clayton.” For more information on the InCustody Treatment Program, visit www.cccoe.k12.ca.us/stsvcs/ace.html or call Newman’s office at 510-2624225.
Blamestorming: Sitting around in a group, discussing why a deadline was missed or a project failed, and who was responsible. Cube farm: An office filled with cubicles Mouse potato: The on-line, wired generation's answer to the couch potato. Swipeout: An ATM or credit card that has been rendered useless because the magnetic strip is worn away from extensive use. Xerox subsidy: Euphemism for swiping free photocopies from one's workplace copy machine. Percussive maintenance: The fine art of whacking the crap out of an electronic device to get it to work again. Adminisphere: The rarefied organizational layers beginning just above the rank and file. Decisions that fall from the adminisphere are often profoundly inappropriate or irrelevant to the problems they were designed to solve. Ohnosecond: That minuscule fraction of time in which you realize that you've just made a BIG mistake.
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Imagine a world where irritating clouds of dust, tobacco smoke and odors were only a distant memory. Where viruses like flu, salmonella and e coli were stopped before they could cause disease. Where appliances last longer while using less energy and you could wash clothes without laundry detergent and hot water. Sound like a distant utopia dreamt up by a science fiction writer? Not anymore. Clayton businessman Richard Balovich, owner of RC CleanAir Associates, is a distributor for activTek Environmental. The 21-year-old environmental technology company’s ActivePure technology is responsible for producing products like the Fresh Air air purification system and the LaundryPure clothes washer attachment. “Developed in conjunction with NASA and used to scrub the air in the International Space Station, the ActivePure technology produces purification plasma that contains minute particles of hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals,” says Balovich. “The plasma is distributed throughout the living environment, attacking dust, smoke, odors, mold and mildew. According to Balovich, the Fresh Air system kills 99.99 percent of household bacteria
me in touch with the senior associates and the rest is history.” Owning his own franchise distributorship was an opportunity to escape corporate America. “I was a project manager in IT for Wachovia Bank but then became a casualty of the merger last fall. I was looking for a business opportunity when this came along.” Though “the business doesn’t leave time for a social life,” he is well-supported at home. His wife Carmen is a yard supervisor at Highlands Elementary School in Concord. His daughter Michelle, 27, still works for Wachovia in a job he helped her acquire when he was an employee. Son Jonathan, 19, is a student at Diablo Valley College. As activTek Environmental grows, so too does RC CleanAir Associates. “In addition to their indoor air purification products, they also provide energy conservation and water treatment products and a health line called Infinity2 which is used by professional sports teams like the New York Yankees.”
July 11, 2008
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Page 9
What to do if your deal is falling apart Imagine you’ve sold your home and all the contract contingencies are removed. The buyers’ mortgage is approved and you’re ready to close … almost. When the buyers entered into contract to buy your home, they loved it but thought that the living room was dark. This wasn’t a major obstacle, because the buyers were sure the problem could be corrected
LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ESTATE
Credit union offers journal for children of those deployed Deployments are hard for families and especially for kids. Travis Credit Union, in partnership with Health Net Federal Services, has produced a children’s scrapbook journal aimed at providing additional resources to help Travis Credit Union members’ children successfully navigate the unique challenges military families face. “My Life … A Kid’s Journal” was developed to help children easily express complicated emotions and serve as a way for children and parents to establish important dialogue. The journal encourages children to scribe, create poems, collect photos and draw the things that matter most to them while their family member is deployed. “We are constantly looking for opportunities to respond in a meaningful way to the challenges our brave service men and women along with their
families face,” said Patsy Van Ouwerkerk, president and CEO of Travis Credit Union. In addition to sharing the journal once the family is reunited, the children are encouraged to take a photo and send it to Van Ouwerkerk with their journal and the person the child missed during their deployment. The photo can be sent via email, regular mail or they can drop it at the Travis Air Force Base branch. All photos will be posted on the Kid’s Corner of the credit union’s Website and also in the Travis Air Force Base branch to honor the children and their families for serving our nation. The journal is available at all Travis Credit Union branches, including 5442 Ygnacio Valley Road in the Clayton Valley Shopping Center. For more information, visit www.traviscu.org.
with skylights. With most home purchases, buyers and sellers work first on satisfying major contract contingencies like financing, inspections or selling another home. Then buyers turn their attention to improvements they’d like to make to the new home. In this case, what seemed like a workable situation turned into a nightmare the week before closing. Roofers who visited the property to give bids for skylight retrofitting said the job could be done, but that the roof was at the end of its life. The buyers had contracted to buy a home with a roof that would last for the foreseeable future. Without this guarantee, they weren’t sure they wanted to buy the house at all. At the first sign of a major deal-breaking problem, the buyers, the sellers and their agents should start working on a solution. This often means the agents have to drop whatever else they have on their agenda to glue the deal back together. If you find that your agent isn’t bending over backward to work out a solution, ask to speak with his or her manager and explain your need for immediate assistance. A positive attitude and a good working relationship between the agents involved will help a lot. Also, the more information you can obtain about remedies, the better. You are usually dealing with two issues. The first is: What options are available? Is the roof salvageable? If so, can skylights be satisfactorily installed? The second issue is money. How much will it cost to reach an amiable solution to the problem? If the only reasonable option is to install a new roof, an argu-
ment can be made that the buyer should share some of the cost. After all, the buyers didn’t contract to buy a home with a new roof, and they will benefit from the new roof for years to come. Both buyers and sellers need to evaluate the time, effort and money that will be involved if they are unable to reach a resolution to the dilemma. Money is usually spent on obtaining financing and inspecting the property. By the week before closing, moving plans have been made. To start all over again could be a costly proposition, particularly if there isn’t another suitable house on the market. There are certainly times when it’s best to call it quits. One home buyer literally began losing sleep about several defects which were discovered in the home that he was about to buy. Of particular concern was asbestos underneath the linoleum. While the asbestos could be removed, the buyer’s emotional concerns made it impossible for him to move forward with the deal. Another buyer couldn’t abide the fact that a violent crime had occurred on the property years ago. In both of these cases, the sellers were better off searching for different buyers. Your best defense against a deal falling apart at the last minute is a tightly written purchase contract – one that anticipates and ties up as many loopholes as possible after full disclosures of any defects in the property. Lynne French is the broker/owner of Windermere Lynne French & Associates and a Clayton resident. For any real estate needs or questions, contact her at 672-8787, Lynne@LynneFrench.com or stop in at 6200 Center St. in Clayton.
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his summer get outside with your family and friends to explore the Clayton and Martinez parks and trails! The Mt. Diablo Region YMCA and Modern Day Treasure Hunters have partnered
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Page 10
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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July 11, 2008
Save gas and stay close to home in this Marin County Bed and Breakfast PENNY CANNON Special to the Pioneer
Not only do we live in Contra Costa County’s best-kept secret, but within a few hours drive we can visit some of the best vacation spots in the world. As gas prices threaten to go even higher, this summer is the perfect time to explore some of the world famous spots in our backyard. The first getaway is Tomales Bay, the largest unspoiled bay along the California coast. This area has a long and colorful history. It was home to the Miwoks Indians when Sir Francis Drake discovered it on his voyage around the world in 1579. It would take almost another 200 years before Europeans found the San Francisco Bay. At the turn of the 20th century, the town of Inverness began to fill with the summer homes and cottages of the San Francisco elite. Most of these homes are still there but now are occupied year-round. One or two have been lovingly renovated into world class B&Bs. Such is the case with Ten Inverness Way. Walking up the stone steps, I notice a welcoming garden tucked to the right of the front door. This is just one of several lush gardens throughout the grounds. Teri, the owner of the inn, greets us after we ring the doorbell. The first floor has one large suite that sleeps up to four. With a kitchenette, dining area, private patio and bath, this suite is perfect for families or longer stays. A small office with com-
plementary computer access completes the first floor. The first set of stairs leads to a warm and cozy sitting area with fireplace, overstuffed furniture, inviting window seats and three round breakfast tables. Fresh baked cookies with hot coffee and teas are there for you throughout the day. One more set of stairs takes you to four beautifully furnished guestrooms with private baths. Before dinner, guests are invited to gather in the sitting room for a wine and cheese reception. We met a young couple from Pennsylvania and a couple from Oakland celebrating their 20th anniversary. The couple from Pennsylvania describes a moonlit kayaking trip across Tomales Bay. This requires planning and reservations, so we looked at each other and thought, “Maybe next time.” The inn is steps away from the one-block long town, which has two dining choices. At one end is Priscilla’s, featuring salads, pastas and pizza. At the other end is Vladimir’s, with heavy Czechoslovakian fare. Vladimir’s has been owned and operated by the same family for almost 50 years. We chose the lighter and make our way to Priscilla’s. The smoked salmon Caesar salad and the vegetarian lasagna were more than enough for two to share. Both were fresh and tasty. On our walk back to the inn, we stop at Vladimir’s for an after-dinner drink and check out the apple strudel. I’m glad we did. The conversation with Vladimir and his daughter was
TEN INVERNESS WAY: This rustic B&B on Marin County’s coast is a perfect place for a romantic weekend getaway – close and cozy.
the highlight of our evening. The next day began with a breakfast of Belgian waffles piled high with fresh strawberries. Our host, Brett Poirier, was a great source of information on things to do in the area. We decided to take the Tomales Point Trail, which provides views of the pounding waves of the majestic Pacific Ocean and the calm waters of Tomales Bay. The trail is shared with the peaceful tule elk. Once they see you approaching, they move gracefully out of your way. If you are looking for a lessdemanding hike, try the trail to Abbotts Lagoon. Or drive to Point Reyes Lighthouse and
take the million and one steps down to the old lighthouse. The Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center on Drakes Beach is also a great side trip. Penny Cannon is a life-long resident of Contra Costa County. The author’s most recent book, “Senso Oware,” chronicles the life of her father and his years as a POW during WWII. She and her husband Chuck have traveled throughout North America and Europe. What is your favorite spot to visit in the greater Bay Area? E-mail penny@claytonpioneer.com and tell her about the restaurants, B&Bs and special attractions you recommend.
If You Go Ten Inverness Way, 10 Inverness Way, Inverness. 415-669-1648. www.TenInvernessWay.com. Vladimir’s Czechoslovakian Restaurant, 12785 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Inverness. 415-669-1021. Priscilla’s, 12781 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Inverness. 415-669-1244. www.priscillas-cafe.com.
Writer bids farewell to music column
Music and movement classes for children newborn thru 6 years old, along with the adults who love them. Classes in Hercules, Martinez, Concord and Clayton. 925 946 2990
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10 Myths The Credit Bureaus Want You To Believe
We thank Jim for five years of great columns. He has explored the ins and outs of the music business from the perspective of the professional musician and he never missed a deadline! But, we doubt Jim is gone for good. He’s a writer, and writers have to write. It’s a good bet that we’ll be seeing more of Jim in future Pioneer pages.
This will be my final Music Notes column. After five years of writing about various aspects of music and the music business, it’s time to give it a rest. I will miss writing the column and the nice feedback received over the years from the readers. The goal was to provide some insights about the wonderful artform known as
JIM HUDAK
MUSIC NOTES music and the commerce of it, to both musicians and the common man. It seems fair to say that my objective was achieved. It has been a pleasure to be part of the Clayton Pioneer since Tamara Steiner took over in May 2003. Anyone who lived in Clayton prior to that knows that today’s Pioneer is
-By Kevin Roberts
Myth No. 1 – It is easy to dispute a credit report. Consumer’s can resolve their own issues. To be honest, it IS simple to challenge a credit report. However, as an everyday person, it’s amazingly difficult and frustrating to get results from the credit bureaus. Here’s why. This is a little-known fact. More complaints to the Federal Trade Commission involve credit bureaus than any other type of company. The major credit bureaus have paid fines of $2.5 million over the years due to failure to respond properly to charges. The main objective of credit bureaus is to protect their profits. They are NOT government agencies. They are for profit organizations. Anytime they have to investigate a consumer disputes it eats into those profits. Investigations take up time and energy too. The credit bureaus do everything in their power to make restoring your credit exceedingly difficult, short of sparking more massive lawsuits. Attempting to restore your own credit means you must be willing to spend time learning about the process. This is why it is so difficult when you are inexperienced. It most cases you may be less effective than if you hired a professional. Realize that credit restoration will most likely take longer than you expected. To get the rest of the article, contact Kevin Roberts, president of Classic Mortgage Company. He specializes in helping release his clients from the “credit prison” that too many people find themselves in. When you or one of your friends finds yourself needing real answers and real solutions to credit issues, you can confidentially contact him at 925-932-3157 or LoanGuy@Ymail.com.
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far superior to what we had previously. To be at least a small part of that growth has been rewarding. I’ve gained an appreciation for newspaper columnists who write under a regular deadline. A person with the unique ability to perceive something as newsworthy and then put the entertaining spin of a wordsmith on their story in a timely fashion will always be special in my book. As I look back through five years of columns, it feels bittersweet. Stories included a feature on Greg Kihn, our local celebrity, among a range of other topics. I addressed the effectiveness of diminished and augmented chord changes, digital music technology, home recording studios, songwriting and unique career opportuni-
ties in the music business, while offering an occasional concert review. Perhaps my writing will resurface sometime, in the Pioneer or elsewhere. Writing is something I do daily as part of my artistic expression and discipline, and I don’t plan to stop. Writing the column has been a fun experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. To you readers, I say keep a song in your heart. Whether it’s for personal joy or as a career pursuit, the presence of music in our lives makes the world a little bit better. Contact Jim at jimmydak@pacbell.net. His piano music CD’s are available from his Web site at www.jhudak.com or at amazon.com.
July 11, 2008
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 11
Report broken sprinkler heads fast CANDACE BASS Special to the Pioneer
Clayton’s Landscape District represents about 8 percent of Clayton’s overall city budget. About 20 percent of the Landscape District budget is spent on water. During the hot summer months, the city experiences more irrigation problems. Most of the irrigation problems are due to broken sprinkler heads throughout the district. According to Mark Janney, the maintenance supervisor who oversees the city’s public irrigation system, people break the sprinkler heads about 60 percent of the time. The vast majority of these incidents are inadvertent. Damage can occur from evening joggers or people in golf carts. However, bored kids are frequently responsible for unscrewing the sprinkler heads. Janney estimates that the
remaining 40 percent are broken over time, the result of aging parts or overgrown roots from maturing shrubs and trees. Unfortunately, the consequence of a broken sprinkler head is a wasteful loss of water and expense to the district. If a resident notices a sprinkler running during the day for more than one hour, Janney asks them to call the city at 673-7300 so that maintenance can respond promptly. Residents are also encouraged to report any type of sprinkler malfunction at the city’s Website, www.cityofclayton.org. Using the pull down menu under “Feedback,” click on “Contact Us.” Under “Comments,” describe the problem and exact location, using names of streets and specify landmarks if applicable. One of the Trails and Landscaping Committee’s outreach priorities is to articulate to the Clayton community how
the new funding and Maintenance Department’s efforts have benefited the Landscape District. To that end, the citizen’s committee has decided to communicate with the Clayton community on a monthly basis. Predicated upon the maintenance staff ’s monthly progress, residents may obtain information from three sources. Readers will find a summary entitled “maintenance update” in the Clayton Pioneer. Some maintenance tasks are actual improvements realized because of Measure B funding. Residents will find a copy of the report, “Round the Yard,” posted in the Clayton Community Library lobby. A copy of the report may also be reviewed within each TLC agenda online at www.ci.clayton.ca.us. Click on Trails and Landscaping Committee Meeting.
JUNE MAINTENANCE UPDATE All the lawns were mowed twice in the district. Public landscaping was trimmed in the following areas: Old Marsh Creek Road from Center Street to Marsh Creek Road. Clayton Road eastbound, from the fire station to Peacock Creek Drive.
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Candace Bass is chair of the TLC. The committee is adjourned until Sept. 15. Residents can submit questions to cityinfo@ci.clayton.ca.us.
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Let freedom ring in with Skype
MARK FREEMAN
ON
THE
NET
It’s time to hang up on phone companies that offer calling plans no mere mortal can understand. The real deal is online. I’ve been using Skype, a free Internet phone service, for the past few years. Skype allows me to chat with my friends for hours without racking up expensive phone bills. In addition to free calls to other Skype users, the service offers free conference calls, Webcam compatibility and instant messaging. Voicemail, call forwarding and the ability to call people who don’t have Skype are features available through subscription. Once you download Skype at www.Skype.com and create your account, you can add
friends by searching for their Skype alias, real name or email address. When your contacts sign on, a green checkmark appears next to their name. Skype makes calling simple, with large green and red buttons for managing calls. Green starts a call and red ends it. You will hear ringing until the person answers or get a busy signal if they’re unavailable. A microphone is required to make calls. When someone calls you, a pop-up window gives you the option to answer or ignore the caller. Similarly, you can hold calls and mute yourself using Skype’s easy buttons. Skype’s call waiting system automatically holds the current call when you switch to an incoming one. Unlike phones, you can create a status report that lets your contacts know if you’re available to chat. Likewise, Skype lets you send instant messages to your contacts or talk to them face to face if you have a Webcam. I often use Skype’s free conference calls to chat with multiple friends at once. You can start a conference with just one click and add up to 24 people. You can send Web links or files
to the entire group while in the call. My friends and I frequently conference while playing games over the Internet. For $2.95 a month, you can turn Skype into a personal phone line. This subscription gives you 10,000 calling minutes a month to landlines and cell phones in the United States and Canada, plus access to a voicemail system and call forwarding. Unlike your cell phone plan, Skype subscriptions don’t require a long-term contract or charge connection fees. Your subscription includes an option to rent an “online number” that non-Skype users can call. For $9.95 a month, you can call numbers outside North America. If you don’t want a subscription, Skype offers a pay as you go option called Skype Credit. These credits act like calling cards, where $10 of Skype Credit will give you roughly six hours of call time with nonSkype users. You can also use Skype Credit to buy ringtones, activate the voicemail system or send text messages. Skype can be used for more than just casual chatting. Its business edition can make cor-
porate meetings flow smoothly. The business version of Skype comes with enhanced video conferencing and group chat capable of connecting 100 people at once. While Skype has lots of great features, don’t throw out your old phone just yet. Unless you own a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth phone, you can only use Skype while at your computer. In addition, 911 calls will not work on Skype because emergency services can’t locate you. Be aware that call quality may vary. I’ve experienced dropped calls and occasional static while using Skype. For the best experience, buy a decent microphone with comfortable earpieces. Although we live in the age of Facebook, phone calls are still a better way to communicate. By marrying the phone to the Web, Skype has helped bring people closer together – all for free. Mark Freeman is a student at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, studying economics and English. He enjoys creative writing and is a reporter for the school paper. Questions/comments can be sent to mfreeman543@gmail.com.
Hope springs eternal with a cup of tea Whether enjoyed as a celebration or as a means of comfort, tea has long held a special place in our lives. As the owner of a tea room, I have witnessed the joy of ladies anticipating the upcoming birth of a baby at tea showers, an elderly couple toasting each other with fine china cups on their 60th anniversary and children enjoying their first tea party as they celebrate their friend’s birthday. Recently, I was touched by a mother’s gift to her daughter upon graduating from college. The mom thoughtfully gathered the women who had made an impact on her daughter’s life. A teacher from grammar school, an octogenarian great grandmother, a neighbor from childhood and many more came together to celebrate the young woman’s life and achievement. Each woman stood and presented the girl with a teacup and spoke a dear memory they had shared. The guest of honor left that day with a collection of unique cups, a heart full of memories and tears in her eyes. Tea has also been used as a means of comfort. Read any of Lyn Andrews’ books and you
PAM BARNETT
TEA
FOR YOU
will not only glean a look at early 20th century life in England, but a true feeling that a good cuppa can fix any situation. Whether you’ve had a hard day at work or lost your best friend, if you “put on the kettle and wet the leaves,” every thing will somehow work out. In the movie “All in This Tea” (2007), renowned tea expert James Norwood Pratt says: “One of the joys for me of exploring tea is that we get to have, right here, in this moment, the same experience that Queen Victoria had 150 years ago. Your tongue can share the same taste that a Chinese emperor would have loved ...”
Perhaps that is why we find such comfort and solace in tea knowing that whether a prince or a pauper, the Way of Tea can soothe us when nothing else can. This Mother’s Day, our tea room was overflowing with expressions of love over tea. One table seated four generations enjoying a first flush Darjeeling or a delicate White Peony tea. At another table sat a new mother, holding a 4week-old infant in her arms while she sipped Chamomile and the adoring new daddy looked on. Yet, it was the last table of the day that spoke to my heart. Seated at the window was a woman clutching her cup as she gazed at the framed photograph across from her. This was her first holiday without her mother, and from childhood, they had enjoyed having tea together. Sharing the familiar ritual in spirit gave her comfort like no other. May we always take time to celebrate the joy in our everyday life and may we always find the comfort we need in something as simple as a good cup of tea.
Pam Barnett was an English major in college and a teacher before opening Englund’s Tea Cottage on Salvio St. in Concord. Email her at Pammbarnett@aol.com
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Bling, bling, bling is the theme for summer. Imagine yourself creating rainbow prisms as you enjoy the beauty and radiance of diamond all around toe rings and ankle bracelets. These pieces of jewelry will grace your feet as you stroll down the street or relax in the comfort of a summer barbecue with great friends. You will sparkle! Your diamonds on your ankle and toe will dazzle your own eyes as well as those of your friends and family. Come to
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MEET THE AUTHORS AT CLAYTON BOOKS Schedule of Events July.
If you cannot attend, we are happy to get books signed for you.
Fri. July 11, 7pm . . . . . . . . .Michael Buckley, Author of “The Sisters Grimm” Family book talk and signing - exclusive west coast appearance - Clayton Kids Book Club event!
Sun. July 13, 2pm – 4pm . .BIG BASEBALL DAY #1 Matt Johanson, Author of “San Francisco Giants – Where Have You Gone?” and “Game of my Life – San Francisco Giants” FREE AUTOGRAPHS: Greg Minton & Jim Barr Tom Jones, Author of “Working at the Ballpark” Tues. July 15, 7pm . . . . . . .Nesta Rovina, Author of “Tree Barking” Wed. July 16, 4pm . . . . . . .David Schwartz, Author of “How Much is a Million?” Thur. July 17, 7pm . . . . . . .Mystery Panel with Rhys Bowen, Simon Wood, & Michelle Gagnon Sun. July 20, 3pm . . . . . . . .Anne Homan, “The Morning Side of Mt. Diablo” Tues. July 22, 7pm . . . . . . .Author Tea with Katie Crouch, “Girls in Trucks” Wed. July 23, 7pm . . . . . . .Yuan-Tsung Chen, “Return to the Middle Kingdom” Friday July 25, 7pm . . . . . .James Rollins, Judas Strain, “Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.”
Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily In the Clayton Station joelharris@aol.com
www.claytonbookshop.com
5433 D Clayton Rd., Clayton (925) 673-3325
Page 12
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 11, 2008
Clayton Sports Chambers twins end CV career on high note est level possible if you work hard to get there.” The Clayton Valley team was successful in all four years the sisters were on the team. After their sophomore season, when the Eagles went to the North Coast section playoffs second round, Kelsey was first team all BVAL and Lindsey was second team. Even before their junior softball season began, the girls made an oral commitment to attend the University of Oregon. The girls were in Eugene on an unofficial visit and talked with Coach Kathy Arendsen in her office. In their junior year, the Eagles again made the NCS players and Kelsey was named all league BVAL and listed in the Contra Costa Times’ 100 prep athletes of the year, while Lindsey was second team all BVAL. This year, the Chambers led the team to an unexpected surge to make the playoffs. The team beat Livermore on the road before falling to Foothill of Pleasanton. Both girls were first team all BVAL choices.
RANDY ROWLAND Clayton Pioneer
Clayton residents Lindsey and Kelsey Chambers will be a reminder to future generations of Clayton Valley athletes that it is possible to achieve your dream with hard work and dedication. At the end of this school year, the twins were acknowledged for their outstanding contributions by being named cofemale athletes of the year at Clayton Valley High School. Since they were little, they had a unifying goal to play softball together for the University of Oregon Ducks. Last November, they signed letters of intent to do just that. After meeting Lindsey and Kelsey, it is easy to understand their single-minded dedication to the sport. While laid back and easy going in conversation, the girls’ enthusiasm is contagious when the topic was the Pac 10, players they would be going up against or their tournament season this summer. ‘A QUIET, POSITIVE PRESENCE’ The athlete of the year award is voted on by all of the high school coaches. The Chambers girls were nominated for basketball and softball. They were up against Audra Menez for basketball and lacrosse, Taylor Nichols for soccer and lacrosse and Natalie Jennings for water polo and swimming. “I have a great deal of respect for Lindsey and Kelsey,” said athletic director Pat Middendorf. “They were the type of players who always stayed the course, no matter what was happening on the field or court. They have a quiet, positive presence that endeared them to many people.
Photo by Kim Chambers.
LINDSEY CHAMBERS(LEFT), AND KELSEY CHAMBERS (RIGHT) receive the Clayton Valley female athlete of the year awards from CV Athletic Director Pat Middendorf (middle)at the senior awards night on May 21.
“They each had their separate strengths, and they complemented each other in a way that made them both better and stronger in whatever goal they were striving to reach,” she added. Lindsey and Kelsey played four years of basketball at CV, with three years on varsity. They were both guards who were starters by their sophomore year. The team made the NCS playoffs in two of the three
years they were on varsity. Lindsey was named one of the top 10 players in the BVAL league as a sophomore, when she led the team with 28 three-pointers. By her senior year, she was chosen Best Offensive player. “I like to drive in and score, or kick it out,” she said. “You get to really control the game.” Kelsey says she loves basketball because it helps keep them in shape for softball. “Plus the pressure of a close game is like
softball,” she noted. SOFTBALL STARS Of course, the girls’ legacy at Clayton Valley will forever be imbedded on the softball diamond. Shortstop Lindsey and second baseman Kelsey have been a huge part of the Eagles resurgence in softball over the past four years. Their play up the middle has been a constant for the team, as has their solid work at the plate.
Kelsey credits varsity coach Jennifer Arnold with jumpstarting the team. “She just understood us,” she said. “She was young and taught us the game and about life itself.” For her part, Arnold has enjoyed coaching them. “The thing that I like most about the twins is that they never stop learning,” she said. “They always work hard and give 100 percent. They have shown that it is possible to play at the high-
COLLEGE-BOUND The girls are looking forward to their college experience. “I think I have a decent chance to play shortstop,” Lindsey said, noting that they will begin practice as soon as they enroll in late September. “I am really hoping to play second,” Kelsey added, “but it might be third base or it might be outfield. I am open to any of them. I just want to play.” “They certainly will have every opportunity to play,” said J. Gaudreah, Oregon’s assistant softball coach. “We didn’t bring them in to sit. I think they can contribute right away.”
Coakley named baseball coach at Los Medanos College RANDY ROWLAND Clayton Pioneer
You could say that Clayton’s Casey Coakley was destined to be a baseball coach. His is the story of a local kid making good, growing up in our city and playing and then following in his father’s footsteps into the coaching ranks. After taking the Clayton Valley Eagles high school baseball team to the North Coast Section semi-finals in his two seasons as head coach, Coakley was recently named head coach
CASEY COAKLEY
of the Los Medanos College Mustangs. That is a long ways away from the fields of Clayton Valley Little League, where his dad Jerry taught him the game and where Casey began his love affair with baseball. Los Medanos athletic director Art Alatorre mentioned the many strong references that Coakley had from players, coaches and teachers. “We expect that Casey will bring the same level of competitive program to Los Medanos that he has developed in all of his pre-
vious assignments,” Alatorre says. “He is very dedicated to his teams.” ATHLETIC BACKGROUND Coakley has been a lifelong resident of Clayton and attended local schools. His mother Mary just retired from teaching at Mt. Diablo Elementary, where she educated generations of Clayton children. His dad coached his children’s sports teams in baseball and football and has long been a legend among the coaching ranks in the Concord area.
“My dad inspired me to get into coaching,” says Coakley. “I look up to him like no other, and he is my best friend.” Moving up the ranks from CVLL to Pony League, Clayton Valley High School and American Legion ball, Coakley made a name as a no-nonsense player who played hard and smart. He quickly established himself on the right side of the infield, where he was a four-year starter at Clayton alternating between shortstop and third base. As a senior at Clayton, the
Eagles were league champions of the old Mountain Valley Athletic League and Coakley was named all league. TAKING A NEW DIRECTION Moving on to play two years at Diablo Valley College, Coakley earned all conference honors and a baseball scholarship to St. Mary’s College in Moraga. He was forced to stop playing because of illness but earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1999.
See Coakley, page 17
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July 11, 2008
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 13
Clayton Sports
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Diablo FC U17 boys make USYSA nationals and head to Little Rock RANDY ROWLAND Clayton Pioneer
Move over Bill and Hillary. The U17 Diablo FC ’90 boys teams are going to Little Rock, Ark., July 22-27, after winning the championship game of the U.S. Youth Soccer Association
onships is compromised of each of the section’s State Cup winners, with the winners of each age division, boys and girls, advancing to nationals. Region IV is comprised of 13 “states,” including CYSA North. Diablo FC ’90 advanced to the regionals after winning the Cal North
WSM International of Oregon. WSM knocked out John Badger’s DVSC team in the quarter finals last year. In their second game, DFC defeated the Utah state champions, Impact Black ’91, by a convincing 3-0 score. To remain unbeaten in
Photo courtesy of Mike Biel
THE DIABLO FC U17 BOYS AFTER DEFEATING SAN JUAN SOCCER CLUB in the CYSA State Cup Tournament in May. Bottom row: Edgar Martinez, Dan Mariani, Garrett Biel, Scott White, Anthony Ahedo, George Valente, Adrian Rincon and Arnol Arceta. Top Row: John Badger, Ryan Quigley, Andrew Shapiro, Alex Lopez, Edwin Velasqez, Jaysen Dyal, Omar Ortiz, Jose Cabeza, Jose Martinez, Miguel Perez, Harjan Cheema and Porter Terry.
Region IV finals in Honolulu on June 22. The Diablo FC team, also known as DVSC Black Pearl ’90, is not new to the regionals. But the three-time CYSA North State Cup Champions had not advanced past the quarter finals. Now, they will compete against teams from the other three regions in the country to try to become national champions. The Region IV champi-
State Cup by defeating San Juan Lighting from Sacramento 2-0 in May. With three wild card teams, each division is made up of 16 teams divided into four brackets, with the top two teams advancing to the quarter finals. MOVING UP THE RANKS The Diablo FC boys opened with a 1-1 draw against last year’s U16 regional finalist,
round robin play, Diablo FC defeated Alaska Rush 4-1 to finish the first round with seven points. They were in second place on gold difference, but it was enough to advance to the quarter finals. In the quarter finals, the boys may have played their best game of the tournament – routing Classic FC Red Star of New Mexico. The 3-0 score set up a semi-final match against the
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“home” team, the powerful Honolulu Bulls. To put their accomplishment in perspective, no other boys team in the CYSA North reached the semi-finals in any of the eight age groups. Against Honolulu Bulls SC, the Diablo FC boys stunned the overflow crowd of local supporters with a last-minute goal in regulation play, sending the game to overtime. After an exhausting 30minute overtime did not produce a score for either team, the game, and a spot in the finals, came down to a penalty shoot out. Diablo FC prevailed 5-4 with Andrew Shapiro, Edwin Velasquez, Jaysen Dyal, Jose Cabeza and Clayton’s Garrett Biel successfully converting their kicks from the penalty spot. HEATED FINALE The final was a game for the ages, with Diablo FC against OSC Rage of Southern California. DFC got off to a great start and led 2-0 at the half, with Cabeza and Dyal netting goals. Although OSC pressed the entire second half, the DFC defensive back four of Velasquez, Alex Lopez, Ryan Quigley and Jose Gonzalez, along with goalkeeper Anthony Ahedo, kept their opponents at bay until a late goal made the final score 2-1. DFC finished the tournament scoring 14 goals over six games, while surrendering only four. Coach Badger was taking
Clayton
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See Diablo FC, page 17
Franklin to play football for Portland State RANDY ROWLAND Clayton Pioneer
After publication of the June 20 issue, the Pioneer learned that Keith Franklin, Clayton Valley High School’s male athlete of the year, was offered an athletic scholarship to Portland State University in Oregon. Portland State is a Division One AA school in the Big Sky conference. Conference foes include Montana, Northern Arizona and Sacramento State. The head football coach is Jerry Glanville, who previously
coached in the NFL with the Houston Oilers. Franklin was recruited by wide receiver coach Kevin Strasser. “What I like most about Keith is his speed, his athletic ability and what he can do once he has the ball in his hands,” Strasser said, adding that Franklin may get the opportunity to play as a freshman. Strasser said the team plays the best players and does not necessarily red-shirt freshmen. “If he is among the best, then he will play,’ said Strasser.
In addition to his strength as a wide receiver, Strasser is excited about Franklin’s big play ability. “I think he will play out of the slot and catch short passes and be able to make big yards,” he said, “and we also like that he can return punts and kickoffs.” Franklin is enrolled in summer school and is working out with the quarterbacks and other receivers. He plans to study business at Portland State. Franklin said he has just met a few of his fellow freshmen but is looking forward to work-
ing with his new teammates. He says his biggest challenges will be learning the offensive playbook and getting a grip on the plays and sets the offense runs. “I also need to get bigger and stronger, because the players are going to be faster than in high school,” Franklin added. He is looking forward to playing near home this fall, as the Vikings will come to Northern California to play at UC Davis and Sacramento State. “I can’t wait for all my friends and family to come see me play,’ said Franklin.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 11, 2008
Clayton Sports Year-round athlete a whiz at adapting RANDY ROWLAND Clayton Pioneer
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When Clayton’s Jenelle Stephens is not at play somewhere on an athletic field or in the water, she likes to relax with her friends and watch movies, or read the latest Harry Potter book. Stephens, who just finished her last year at Mt. Diablo Elementary, is moving on to Diablo View Middle School and is looking forward to the academic as well as sporting challenges. Stephens really does not have an off-season. Even during the “down” times for her organized team sports, she spends her time at Lake Shasta boating or water-skiing or on the golf course honing her swing. According to mom Denise Stephens, Jenelle displayed athletic potential as far back as she can remember. “Jenelle always liked to wrestle around with her older brother Kyle, or run, and always had lots of energy,” Denise recalled. “She always picked stuff up really quickly.” Her parents were active athletically as kids in the Bay Area. Denise grew up in the South Bay playing soccer and snow skiing, while dad Vaughn was a football player at Hogan in Vallejo. TEAM-ORIENTED PLAYER Of the many sports Stephens participates in, she loves the team sports of softball or soccer most. “I really like softball, because it is great to play with my friends and sit in the dugout and cheer for them.” She also appreciates the teamwork involved in soccer. “Soccer is fun, because it is great to run and play with your team.” Jenelle is in the midst of her softball season with the Clayton Valley Little League Bandits. She had never played softball prior to this spring but has already been named to the All Star team. “She is one of our fastest players and she steals a lot of bases,” said coach Joe Eisele. “Jenelle plays with a lot of energy and is a good teammate.” Eisele said he has moved Jenelle around to multiple positions and she has done well at each of them defensively. He even moved her to catcher mid-season. “Jenelle is a very good hitter and very fast and she has been great to coach,” said Eisele, who will continue to manage Stephens on the All Star team.
‘TRANSCENDENTAL ATHLETICISM’ Stephens came off a long soccer season, which began last summer and ended in May with the select season. In both the fall and select season with MDSA, Jenelle played for coach Joe Heinzmann. She was always a huge asset to his teams, someone the opponents had to watch closely. “Physically, she was fast and balanced and had the inner talent to always understand her position in the field of play. Because of this transcendental athleticism, I could play her in any position,” Heinzmann said. “Mentally, she had the ability to focus, learn and practice, and her good-natured attitude made her a leader on the team that other players would look to gauge their own level of intensity and sportsmanship.” According to Heinzmann, the fact that Stephens plays so many sports – both team and individual – allows her to develop a unique perspective. Her MDSA select team, the Diablo Devils, made it to the championship games at the Comstock Shootout in Carson City and in the Davis tournament. Before leaving Mt. Diablo, Stephens competed in the Millennium Mile, an annual competition of the fastest runners in each elementary school in the district. Stephens qualified both as a fourth and fifth grader by being the fastest in her class at Mt. Diablo. She came in fourth during the district event. The finals were held at Concord High School this year and Stephens had a great time representing her school. OUT ON THE GREENS Stephens’ parents are avid golfers and have been teaching Jenelle and Kyle, 13, since they were little. In fact, Denise was featured in the Pioneer last summer after nailing a hole in one on the third hole at Oakhurst. The younger Stephens first picked up a club at age 6 and has worked every year to improve her game by watching and learning. She likes golf because it is a sport that she can play with her family and it is challenging to try to beat her previous scores. She said she likes driving the best and can probably hit the ball 160 yards. She has also become an avid snow skier and water skier. She goes up to the Lake Tahoe area many times during the winter and has even been to Austria to ski the Alps.
Sports Shorts CVHS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS GOLF TOURNAMENT The 17th annual CVHS Athletic Boosters Club Golf Tournament is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 18, at Oakhurst Country Club. The tournament benefits the football and golf programs as well as the Athletic Boosters Club. The tournament is a wonderful opportunity to entertain your clients or just relax and golf with friends and business associates from around the community. Along with a special appearance by the Oakland Raiderettes, participants will have lunch before teeing off and there are fun contests on the course during the tournament. Golf is followed by a dinner/banquet, raffle prize drawing and silent auction. Entry fee is $175 if paid by Aug. 1 or $200 after that and includes
Photo courtesy of Denise Stephens.
CLAYTON’S JENELLE STEPHENS TEES IT OFF on the 15th hole at Oakhurst Country club, swinging her driver on a recent outing.
She is becoming skilled on the slopes and now regularly takes on the black diamond runs. But jumps are her favorite. “I really like to jump in the terrain parks,” said Stephens, adding that she likes Sugar Bowl and Squaw Valley. Is there a sport Jenelle won’t try? Probably not, but she really wishes she could play football. She plans to stay active and continue playing year-round and may try her hand at volleyball in high school. If there is competition involved, Stephens is game.
green fees, golf cart, raffle ticket, golf shirt, lunch and dinner. Your significant other can join you at the banquet for $40. Entry forms and additional information can be found at www.cvhsboosters.org or by contacting Dave Looney at 285-9903 or mtunes@sbcglobal.net.
CVHS EAGLES 50TH ANNIVERSARY ALUMNI GAME As part of Clayton Valley High School’s 50th anniversary celebration, the Eagles will host a full-contact alumni game on Oct. 18 at 1 p.m. at CVHS Stadium. Teams will be comprised of ODD years competing against EVEN years. Cost is $50/each which includes coaches, game officials, jerseys, trainer and equipment. Alumni from ODD years should contact Brad Swint at 925-9972691 and EVEN years should contact Les Garaventa at lescpa@pacbell.net. For additional information and to sign-up, please contact Coach Pardi at 925-682-7474 (press 5) or visit www.claytonvalleyhighschool.com for more details.
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July 11, 2008
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Mocha is looking for a home Mocha is a spayed, female shepherd, retriever mix who
was abandoned when her family moved from their home in
MOCHA
Concord. She is currently being fostered but her foster family can no longer keep her and she needs a permanent home. She is very good natured and will thrive on the attention of a loving owner. She is good with children over 5 and should not be placed in a home with cats. She loves going for walks. Since Mocha lived most of her life alone in a yard, she would benefit from basic obedience training and socializing with other dogs. She is ready to be adopted or placed in a foster home through the Contra Costa S.P.C.A. If you can provide a “forever” home for Mocha, please call Naomi at (925) 6802503 or Nadine at (925) 2169927.
Bethany and Lil Bit are ARF’s Stars Bethany is a sweet little gal who wants to be your assistant as you read the paper, do housework, or just sit to enjoy a favorite television show or a good book. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without her! The adoption fee for Bethany is $50. Lil Bit is a pint sized gent, quiet and easy-going, looking for a lap to call his own. He would love to snuggle up with
you and give you all his love. The adoption fee for Lil Bit is $225 and includes the first six training courses. Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The primary caretaker must be
BETHANY
Walk or run for the dogs on Aug. 15 Dogs4Diabetics will hold its first fund raising walk and run Aug. 15, 8 a.m. to noon. Start at The Grove in downtown Clayton and take one of three shady routes between two and six miles in length. The walk is accessible and fun for people of all abilities. Ask friends and family to sponsor your participation in the walk and earn prizes for your fund raising efforts. Snacks and drinks will be provided. For more information or to pre-register, please visit us online at www.dogs4diabetics.com/ news/. Dogs4Diabetics is a nonprofit organization that trains service dogs to detect hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose levels, in their human companions. For more information, call 916-704-7209.
We are now hiring an experienced fulltime groomer Self-service pet wash available
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Professional pet grooming salon for dogs and cats
Diagnosis, treatment and surgery Dental care Dietary planning Emergency services Boarding and Grooming Office Hours M-F 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 2 – 5:30 p.m. Every other Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Dr. Linda M. Miller www.cathospitalofclayton.com 5435 Clayton Road, Ste I, Clayton 925-672-CATS (2287)
We will be closed for vacation July 13 - 20
LIL BIT
Mayor, from page 1 the concerts are the only factor, but I do know that all of our downtown restaurants have takeout menus and they would be more than happy to accommodate you in preparing a meal you could take with you to enjoy as you listen to the concerts in the Grove. The farmers market has not seen the same crowds that the Concerts in the Grove have enjoyed. The initial opening was huge, but the number of clients has not grown since. The success and continuing presence of the weekly farmers market depends on all of you participating. If there are not enough people buying at the farmers market each Saturday, the vendors will no longer attend. There is a good variety of produce presented and the vendors are open to requests. The farmers market is open each Saturday through Oct. 25, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Diablo Street between Center and Main. Sgt. Tim O’Hara’s position in the Clayton Police Department became open when he took a disability retirement. After convening a selection board composed of senior police personnel from the Concord, El Cerrito and Pleasant Hill police departments, five candidates were interviewed. The board selected Officer Tim Marchut, who distinguished himself in the selection process. The chief has recommended him for promotion to sergeant and he will start in his new position July 14. Clayton has representatives on a number of boards and commissions in Contra Costa County. From time to time, these positions are open. The usual course of events has the city advertising for these positions. Sometimes, no one applies. We currently have positions open
present to adopt. ARF also encourages kids 16 and younger and canine family members (dog adoptions only) to be present during the adoption process. Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our Web site, www.arf.net, or call (925) 256-1ARF.
Page 15
for two commissions – the county Commission on Aging and the Contra Costa County Transit Authorities Accessible Services Committee. If you are interested in applying for either or would like additional information, contact me or City Hall. By the time you read this, the Community Park should have reopened. This is the park at the eastern edge of the city, off Regency Drive behind Diablo View Middle School. It is the location of the community play fields. The park has been completely renovated and new children’s play structures have been installed. One of these structures is for the exclusive use of small children, since they are often intimidated by the larger
play structures. There also are new covered picnic areas. One of these is a large structure for large groups. All of these areas can be rented for special events. For additional information concerning rental fees, contact City Hall. The summer has brought a great deal of use in the Grove Park. While I think most of the activity in the park is positive, not all of it has been. We continue to have negative activity in the form of skateboarding and bicycle riding. While these activities may be fun, they can be dangerous to others in the park – especially small children. This is your park. Keep it clean and safe and report to City Hall those who refuse to do the right thing. Feel free to contact me about your concerns on city matters at claytonmayor2008@comcast.net
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 11, 2008
Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. JULY 16 FOR THE JULY 25 ISSUE. FAX TO 672-6580 OR E-MAIL calendar@claytonpioneer.com EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT THROUGH JULY 19 Diablo Actors Ensemble Presents Butterflies Are Free @ Actors Ensemble Theatre, Walnut Creek 2 and 8 p.m. Don, who is blind, has moved into a small apartment to be on his own and pursue a songwriting career. His family wants him to move back home. He is in heaven when he meets his vivacious, not to mention beautiful, next-door neighbor, Jill. Tickets are $10 - $25. 925-482-5110, daeinfo@comcast.net, www.diabloactors.com for details. Diablo Actors Ensemble Theatre, 1345 Locust Street, Walnut Creek. AUGUST 14 Picture Book Time @ Clayton Community Library Thursdays at 11 a.m. Story time for 3 - 5 year olds. Child may attend without caregiver. Drop in for stories, songs, and fun. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, 673-0659.
THROUGH
THROUGH AUGUST 18 Summer Reading 2008 @ Clayton Community Library Catch the reading bug at your library and transform reading into exciting prizes. For readers age two through adult and parents and caregivers of love bugs from birth to two years old can participate. To get started or for prize information please contact your community library or visit us online at ccclib.org. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, 673-0659. THROUGH AUGUST 19 Patty Cakes @ Clayton Community Library Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Story time for babies - 3 yr olds. Child attends with caregiver. Drop in for stories, songs, and fun. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, 673-0659. THROUGH AUG. 31 Local Voice: Defining Community Through Art, @ Bedford Gallery, Walnut Creek 12 - 5 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday, 6 - 8 p.m. Thursday – Saturday. This exhibition offers an overview of the best and most compelling art, in all media and genres being created by artists living in Contra Costa County. For additional information, visit online at www.bedfordgallery.org or call 295-1417. Bedford Gallery, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. THROUGH OCTOBER Clayton Farmers Market, Downtown Clayton Every Saturday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. The Clayton Farmers Market, by Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association. The Clayton Farmers' Market brings the very best of California-grown fruits, vegetables, greens, and nuts to downtown Clayton. Treat right downtown! Diablo Street, Downtown Clayton. JULY 13 Mt. Diablo Summit Trail, Mt. Diablo 8:30 a.m. To the summit via juniper camp/back creek trail. Experienced fit hikers only. Meet at Mitchell Canyon staging area. Bring $3 exact change for parking and plenty of fluids; expect hot dry weather with very little shade. For more information, including directions to where we will meet, or to sign up for our email list to be notified of future hikes, time changes, and cancellations due to bad weather, visit us at http://hiking.bondon.com, or contact John Bondon at (925) 272-4321. JULY 14, 21 Jazz Music @ Diamond Terrace Retirement Community 3 p.m. Join us for a class on the lives and music of jazz greats on two Mondays. 524-5100. Diamond Terrace Retirement Community, 6402 Center Street, Clayton. JULY 14, 21, 28 Once upon a Time @ Clayton Community Library Mondays from 2-3 p.m. Storytelling, creative drama, and reader's theater. Kindergarten through second grade. No registration; drop in and enjoy! Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, 673-0659. JULY 15, 22, 29 Adult Education Music Class @ Diamond Terrace Retirement Community 2:30 p.m. Music in Our Lives Adult Education Class on Tuesdays. 524-5100. Diamond Terrace Retirement Community, 6402 Center Street, Clayton. JULY 22 Graduate School Workshop @ Cal State University East Bay 6 – 8 p.m. Learn how to apply to Graduate School at California State University, East Bay. Topics include admissions, cost of attendance, and financial aid. Attend workshops on applying to graduate school, writing an effective personal statement, and strategizing on how to take the GRE or GMAT. Don't miss this opportunity to get all your questions about Graduate School answered in one place! To register for this Concord event, go to: www.csueastbay.edu/gradevents. For more information, call (510) 885-3286 or e-mail APGSstudentservices@csueastbay.edu. JULY 25 Field Trip to Benicia Capitol with Diamond Terrace Retirement Community 9:30 a.m. Join us on a bus outing to the Benicia Capitol. Please reserve your spot by Wednesday July 23rd. Cost is $2. 524-5100. Diamond Terrace Retirement Community, 6402 Center Street, Clayton.
JULY 30 Insect Discovery Lab @ Clayton Community Library 7 p.m. Exotic bugs; live and up close! See (and maybe touch) some of the most interesting insects of the world. Drop in. For all ages. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, 673-0659.
JULY 15 Kiwanis Club of Walnut Creek 12-1:30 p.m. every Tuesday. All are invited to check us out and be our guest for lunch. Call Sam Totah at 941-1536. Massimo's Ristorante, 1604 Locust St., Walnut Creek.
AUG. 8 Go Buggy in August @ Clayton Community Library 2 p.m. Make bug crafts on Thursday. Best for ages 5-9, please register in advance. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, 673-0659.
JULY 17 Rotary Club of Clayton Valley Concord Sunrise @ Oakhurst 7 a.m. every Thursday. Meeting includes breakfast and usually features a speaker. Visit www. claytonvalleyrotary.org or call Chuck Graham at 6897640. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton.
AUG. 9, 10 Japanese Festival @ Japanese Cultural Center 1 – 9 p.m. on Aug. 9 and 12 – 8 p.m. on Aug. 10. Admission is free and there is free parking available at Ygnacio Valley High School with a free shuttle to the Festival. The festival features Japanese food, bonsai and Japanese flower arrangement exhibits; Judo, Kendo and calligraphy demonstrations; Japanese dance performances and Taiko drum performances by three different Taiko groups. For more information, individuals can email jasummerfestival@yahoo.com or leave a message at 925-682-5299. Japanese Cultural Center, 3165 Treat Boulevard, Concord. AUG. 18 Clayton Valley High School Athletic Boosters Club Golf Tournament @ Oakhurst Country Club The 17th annual golf tournament is sponsored by Clayton Valley High School and benefits the football and golf programs as well as the Athletic Boosters Special appearance by the Oakland Raiderettes, lunch before teeing off, and fun contests are followed by a dinner / banquet, raffle prize drawing and silent auction. Entry forms and additional information can be found at www.cvhsboosters.org or by contacting the Tournament Chairman, Dave Looney at 925-285-9903 or mtunes@sbcglobal.net.
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS JULY 11, 17 Weights Watchers Meeting @ Contra Costa Farm Bureau Building 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Thursdays. Weekly Weight Watchers weigh-in and meetings. Call 800-326-8450, x 2023. Contra Costa Farm Bureau, 5554 Clayton Rd., Concord.
JULY 17 Contra Costa Chess Club @ Starbucks, Clayton 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. every Thursday. The Contra Costa Chess Club welcomes chess players of all ages and skill levels, and we provide instruction and materials for beginners. We are governed by the USCF Rules of Chess, and it's coffeehouse chess at its best. There is no cost to playing in or joining the club. Contra Costs Chess Club meeting at Starbuck's, 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton. JULY 17 Rebekah's @ Mt. Diablo Lodge, Concord. 8 p.m. All are invited to come and be our guest for a meeting and dessert. Rebekahs are actively involved in civic and philanthropic efforts on the local and international levels. Meetings are the first and third Thursday of the month. Come check out our organization. For information call Carmen Frank at 925-672-5045. 4349 Cowell Road, Concord. JULY 17 Veterans of Foreign Wars Meeting @ Concord Veterans Hall 6 p.m., meeting begins at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of the month. All veterans of foreign wars are invited to attend. The VFW is here to support eligible veterans and their families. Wives and daughters of eligible veterans are invited to join the Ladies Auxiliary. Veterans Memorial Hall, corner of Colfax and Willow Pass Road, Concord.
JULY 13 Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting @ Clayton Community Church 7-8 p.m. AA Big Book Study every Sunday night. 673-9060. Clayton Community Church, 6055 Main St., Clayton.
JULY 22 Odd Fellow's Meeting @ Pacheco Lodge #117, Concord 3 p.m. Meets every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Odd Fellow’s are actively involved in civic and philanthropic efforts on the local and international levels. All are invited to come and be our guest for a meeting and dessert. For information call Herb Meeks at (925) 682-7358. Pacheco Lodge #117, 4349 Cowell Road, Concord.
JULY 13 VFW Breakfast @ Concord Veterans Memorial Hall 8 - 11 a.m. Breakfast is held on the second Sunday of each month. The menu includes eggs, pancakes, sausages, coffee, tea and orange juice. $4/adults and $2/children under 12. Concord Veterans Memorial Hall located at 2290 Willow Pass Road, Concord.
JULY 26 Scrabble Club @ Carl's Jr. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Club meets the second and fourth Saturday of the month. All ages and skill levels. Prizes and contests. We have grown from six players to a roster of sixty in a year's time. Just $2 to play for the day. Carl's Jr., 1530 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton.
JULY 13 Concord Mystery Book Club @ Concord Library 2:30-4 p.m. All mystery readers are invited to participate and explore a different genre each month. Group meets the second Sunday of the month. Concord Library, 2900 Salvio Street, Concord, 646-5455.
JULY 28 Blue Star Moms General Meeting @ Fuddruckers, Concord 6:30 p.m. Please come around 6 p.m. if you would like to eat before the meeting. After March, The Contra Costa Blue Star Moms will hold their general business meetings on the 4th Monday of each month at the same time and location. Fuddruckers, 1975 Diamond Blvd, Banquet Room, 2nd floor, Concord.
JULY 14, 21, 28 Al-Anon Family Group Mtg. @ St .Bonaventure's Catholic Church 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Meetings are every Monday. If you are concerned about someone else's drinking, Al-Anon Family Groups can help. For further information, please call (925) 274-6770. St.Bonaventure's Catholic Church, 5562 Clayton Rd., Concord, in portable bldg. #1. JULY 14 Contra Costa Mineral & Gem Society @ Centre Concord 7:30 p.m. Morning Side Geology- The Geology of Eastern Contra Costa & Mt. Diablo by Mary Hicks, CCM&GS President. Guests are always welcome! Monthly meetings the second Monday of the month (except June). Free Parking. Information (925) 429-2748, (925) 779-0698, (925) 674-7055. Please join us for this intriguing program. Website: http://home.comcast.net/~contracostamineralandgem/site/ Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Rd., Concord JULY 14, 21, 28 Toastmasters Club @ Aegis of Concord 7 p.m. Meetings are held every Monday at Aegis of Concord. Visit to see what Toastmasters do that builds confident communicators and leaders. Membership is open to all adults. Bring a friend. Call Carie at 682-7211 or go to www.toastmasters.org. Aegis of Concord, 4756 Clayton Road, Concord. JULY 15 Diablo Valley Macintosh Users Group (DVMUG) Annual Picnic 6:30 p.m. General meetings are the third Tuesday of the month and are open to the public and free of charge. Question and answer help for all things Mac, followed by programs, demonstrations, and fun. Usually we meet at Bancroft Elementary School in Walnut Creek, but this month we celebrate with our annual "Christmas in July" Picnic in Pleasant Hill Park, 147 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Stop by and say hello! Contact: Tom, 925-6891155. Details may be found at http://www.dvmug.org.
JULY 31 Clayton Business & Community Association @ Oakhurst Country Club 6:30 p.m. Monthly dinner meeting the last non-holiday Thursday of the month. This is a great place to meet fellow Claytonites and become involved in some of the ongoing events that CBCA sponsors. Cost of the dinner is $24. RESERVATIONS ARE DUE BY FRIDAY NOON PRIOR, 672-2272. Mike Fossan, President. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr. AUG 5 Knights of Columbus @ St. Agnes Church Hall 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month. We look forward to seeing our brother Knights at the general membership meeting of the Knights of Columbus Concord Council 6038 of Concord and Clayton. St. Agnes Church, 3478 Chestnut St., Concord.
BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT JULY 22 Clayton Planning Commission @ Clayton Community Library 7 p.m. The coommission meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. www.ci.clayton.ca.us or 673-7304. Clayton Library Meeting Room, 6125 Clayton Road. JULY 15, 22, 29 County Board of Supervisors @ County Administration Building 9 a.m. Tuesday mornings. www.co.contra-costa.ca.us or 335-1900. County Administration Building, 651 Pine St., Room 107, Martinez. JULY 15 Clayton City Council @ Clayton Community Library 6 p.m. The council meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. Agendas posted at City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail. Clayton Community Library Meeting Room, 6125 Clayton Road.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Movie Review
JIM BRIGGS
AT
THE
MOVIES
one uncomfortable. You can trace the success and staying power of Judd Apatow’s “Knocked Up” and “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” to
Jim Briggs, has been absent from the Pioneer pages for several weeks while while performing with a jazz band on cruise ships. He’s home on dry land for a few weeks between gigs and couldn’t get to the movies fast enough. Welcome back, Jim. It must be frustrating to be a comedic actor in Hollywood right now. Look at Will Farrell’s recent downward spiral as an example – riding “Anchorman’s” coattails with the occasionally funny “Talladega Nights,” followed by “Blades of Glory” and “SemiPro.” I’m sensing a similar path for Steve Carell, who stars as Maxwell Smart in the sometimes funny but ultimately forgettable “Get Smart,” based on the TV show from the 1960s. “Get Smart” is a strange James Bond/comedy/love story that seems confused about what it is. Smart and Agent 99, played by the lovely Anne Hathaway, are sent to Russia to find the hiding place of some alleged yellow cake uranium and get rid of it. And, of course, there’s the obligatory romantic subplot between Carell and Hathaway, which doesn’t work at all. Hathaway’s foggy-eyed flashbacks were met with a theaterwide sugar high and immediate crash. I think the failure of this
ANNE HATHAWAY stars as Agent 99 and STEVE CARELL stars as Maxwell Smart in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ action comedy “Get Smart.”
lot of “Hollywood” films (can’t wait for “Hellboy 2”). But look at the laugh-free comedies infecting our theaters. These films have no characters, just gag-delivery devices. And when two non-characters start experiencing real human emotions, it just makes every-
Coakley, from page 12 He began his coaching career while still attending college. “I knew that if I couldn’t play anymore, I wanted to stay involved in the sport,” Coakley says. That led him back to Clayton Valley in 1998. In 1999, his father-in-law, Bob Ralston, enticed him to join his coaching staff at St. Patrick’s in Vallejo. Ralston and Coakley then coached the Eagles from 1999 through 2002, at which time a full-time physical education teacher position became open at
Freedom High School in Oakley. Coakley took that job and, at the same time, the baseball coach position. In his only season with the Falcons, Freedom made the NCS playoffs. When a PE position became available at Clayton the next year, Coakley returned to the Eagles. MEMORIES OF CV PLAYERS Coakley admits a sense of sadness as he leaves the program he helped build, but he is
Diablo FC, from page 13 part in his fifth regional as head coach but had never gone past the quarter finals. “I don’t really set expectations before,” Badger said, “but I felt we’d get out of the group. And then if we made the plays in the knockout games, we had a chance.” Since he hasn’t seen their opponents at nationals, he’s not sure what to expect. “I’d like to think we have as good a shot as anybody, if we make the plays.” MEMORABLE GAMES Biel has long been a part of Diablo FC ’90’s success. In fact, he is the lone remaining member of the team that formed as a U10. He plays center halfback and is instrumental in the attack. At regionals, Biel scored two important goals – one against Alaska and one in the penalty shootout against Hawaii. “That game against Hawaii really stands out to me,” he said, “because we persevered, tied it in the last minute and then won it on PKs. Our character really came through in that game.” Biel is going into his senior year at De La Salle High School, where he is on the soccer team
and was also the kicker on De La Salle’s state champion football team last fall. He loves both sports and is having a tough time making a decision on which to play in college. He is still going to play for his Diablo FC U18 team and hopes to make another run at this next year. Another local athlete on the team is Harjan Cheema, who played four years at Clayton Valley High School. The tournament was his first time visiting Hawaii, but Cheema did not let the location distract him. “We had our mind set on winning the regional,” he said, “and we were really focused. It was a total group effort.” For Cheema, an outside midfielder, the Alaska game was the highlight of the trip. He had sprained his ankle in the previous game and was not sure he would be able to play. But he came back and scored the third goal. “That put the game away for us,” he said. Cheema will play soccer at Chico State, but first, he’s looking forward to Little Rock. “I think we will do very well,” he said.
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‘Get Smart’ needs an education, while Shyamalan’s latest is just not happening subplot speaks to why so many modern “comedies” are losing their sense of humor. I don’t mean to sound antiHollywood, because I do like a
Page 17
this. In spite of some extremely raunchy humor, his films are populated with flesh-and-blood characters with whom we empathize. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but maybe TV is the better route for Carell. Meanwhile, in a completely different type of movie, a
confident the program is in excellent shape and will continue to show improvement. “It is tough to leave because you really care about the guys, but I feel that we have left the program in better shape and we have depth in all four grades,” Coakley says. He is happy to have made an impact on every player who has come through the program, and he is pleased to see many of them move onto successful post high school careers. Matt Arruda and Clayton resident Andrew Lassen are two CV baseball players with high praise for having had the privilege of playing for Coakley. Arruda is excited about playing for Coakley next year at LMC. “He will do great at the next level, because he is a competitor and a winner,” Arruda notes. “He pushes you but gets the most out of his players.” Lassen, a senior, is sorry to see Coakley leave but remains confident about the CV program. “He leaves Clayton with a strong foundation, and we should be really good again.” According to Lassen, Coakley’s strengths as a coach
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bizarre epidemic is breaking out all over the East Coast in M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Happening.” Mass groups of people are suddenly committing suicide – and we quickly grow to envy them. Mark Wahlberg and Zooey Deschanel spend the next hour trying to outrun the wind. Literally. “The Happening” seems allegorical of Shyamalan’s apparent decision to commit career suicide. This is his worst film yet and easily the worst film of 2008 … or the 2000s. Lookout, “Gigli.” “The Happening” runs on fumes after the first 20 minutes. The R rated scenes feel like they’re from a Monty Python film and are unintentionally funny. The performances are reminiscent of an Ed Wood picture, which is clearly a choice on Shyamalan’s part. But his motivation is a mystery. A case could be made that this is a cautionary tale about global warming, if anyone could make it through a second viewing without throwing him or herself to the mercy of a lawnmower. I’d like to initiate a “mercy rule” and recommend that the studio skip the DVD release and we can all pretend “The Happening” never happened.
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Jim is a music teacher and freelance musician. He has a B.A. in Jazz Composition from the Berklee College of Music and currently teaches the drumline at Clayton Valley High School.
LOOKING TO RECRUIT For Coakley, new challenges await – the speed of the game, the full nine innings and the intrigue of trying to build a program. Coakley admits that the Mustangs have struggled recently, noting that they have only made the playoffs once in the past 20 years. With the growth of East County, Coakley sees many opportunities to find players. “There are legitimately seven schools we can pull from, and my goal is to keep as many local kids as possible.” Coakley is also watching two current seniors on the CV squad, catcher Chucky Cavestany and outfielder Arruda, hoping they’ll play for him at LMC. Los Medanos plays in the Bay Valley Conference, and Coakley is looking to make a name for himself and for the LMC Mustangs next spring.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 11, 2008
St. Bonaventure’s nears goal for new classrooms, ministry resource center St. Bonaventure’s Catholic Church capital campaign to raise the funds for a new education center is on the homestretch. More than $2 million of the $3.1 million project cost has been pledged, reports Parish Life Director Christa Fairfield The center will house eight classrooms and two large
meeting rooms around an open courtyard. Demolition of the old portable buildings that are beyond repair is set for August. Construction of the new building will begin in the spring of 2009. The church also plans to raise an additional $1.1 million for a new ministry resource center. Any additional funds
pledged will be used to refurbish offices and social halls. The church had originally planned to build a school on the five acre parcel they occupy on Clayton Road. But resistance from the neighbors, sound wall requirements, street modification and signal requirements by the cities of Concord and Clayton, rising
costs and changing demographics caused the church to scrap the school plans last year in favor of the current scaled down version. Since the new plans call only for replacement of existing buildings, not the addition of new ones, the church will not be required to construct a sound wall.
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CONCORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH A Community Mission fund-raiser will be held at 7:30 p.m. July 12 at 902 Danville Blvd, Alamo. The concert will include the a cappella quartet Houseblend, the harmonic trio Vintage and pianist Douglas McKeehan. Houseblend members are Jim McGuire, Kent Parr, Doug Emigh and Bill DeGarmo. Vintage features Roxanne Pardi, Santiago Martinez and Joyce Novicky Martinez. McKeehan started playing the piano at age 5 and first performed at age 12. The concert will benefit hurricane relief and local and medical missions led by Concord, San Ramon Valley, Lynnewood
Club News CLAYTON VALLEY WOMAN’S CLUB The club celebrated its 35th birthday with a luncheon hosted by the executive board members on June 10. Five charter members are still active in the club, and three of them spoke about their memories. Alice Jordan reminisced about some of the fund-raising projects and shared a cookbook published by club members. Della DeCew Kimball entertained the group with recollections of the club’s participation in the snake races in San Francisco on St. Patrick’s Day, and Joan Reed recalled representing the club at district, state and national conventions. She encouraged members to stay involved at all levels of the club. The club had a successful year with fund-raising projects, culminating at the annual Donations Luncheon. Meetings will resume in September, at 10 a.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Alberta Way and Ygnacio Road, Concord.
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and Walnut Creek United Methodist Churches. Cost is $15 per person, $30 for family. For more information, call 685-5260. SAN DAMIANO RETREAT Sister Fran Ferder will lead a Women’s Weekend, Aug. 8-10. The reflection on the mystery of sacred awakenings will include conferences, prayer and times of silence. Ferder will also explore the deeper meaning of inner awakening and holy watchfulness. Father Rusty Shaughnessy and Paula Jenkins invite young adults, 22-39, to a weekend of conferences, sharing, prayer and spiritual direction, Aug. 22-24. Slow down and meet other young adults who wish to spend time with the holy and sacred. The retreat is at 710 Highland Dr., Danville. For more info and registration, call 837-9141, ext. 315, or visit www.sandamiano.org.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Claire Tryon, youth director and poster chair, announced the winners of the Knights annual Substance Abuse Awareness competition: Wood Rose Academy, 8-11 drug category, Ann Crnovich. St Agnes, 8-11 drug, Sarah Ann Padilla; 8-11 alcohol, Meghan Hart; 12-14 drug, Bryan Tsai. St. Bonaventure, 12-14 alcohol, Aleesa Panis. Padilla, Hart, Tsai and Panis advanced to the council competition and the regional competition. Hart and Tsai won at the chapter regional competition and advanced to the state competition. Hart and Tsai were third and fourth, respectively, at the state level. More than 400 posters were submitted to the Concord council, the most in the eight years of the competition. For Mt. Diablo Elementary School, Ilyse Fuller was honored for her poster on drug abuse and Casey Mitchell for her poster on alcohol abuse. Both received plaques and certificates and advanced to the council level competition. Concord Council 6038 presented a check to the Mt. Diablo Bridge Program for the purchase of equipment to start a cooking program for the mentally challenged and physically handicapped students.
School News DIABLO VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL The following students were honored for their 4.0 grade point average: Alison Abele, Zoey Dow, Nicole Dunkley, Hannah Johnson, Garrett Lemos, Laura Minorsky, Kelsey Rondini, Christine Senavsky and Kyle Zukowski. These students received the John Phillip Sousa Band Awards for Merit and Outstanding Contribution to the band program: Thomas Butler, Joanna Fan, Laura Minorsky, Heather Raymond, Christine Senavsky, Stephanie Tanji and Cassidy Wallin.
Residents receive Red Cross shelter training The Clayton Emergency Response Team (CERT) hosted a Red Cross Shelter Management Workshop at Endeavor Hall on June 14 Thirty-one people attended, including 14 Clayton residents. Other participants were from Antioch, Brentwood, Concord, Moraga, Orinda and Pittsburg. Most of those attending
were CERT members. Mayor Gregg Manning and Police Chief Dan Lawrence welcomed the participants to the meeting, which was led by Red Cross staff Paul Whitte and Carol Crawford. Dave Skidmore, the Red Cross representative for Clayton, also was present. Should the need arise for Clayton to set up a shelter,
trained residents can assist in the management and operation of the facility. The training included shelter operation, setting up and closing a shelter, feeding and dormitory responsibilities, health services and communications. The participants had an opportunity to work through several shelter management scenarios: where and how to
set up a shelter and where and how to obtain immediate supplies, such as food and dormitory provisions, should there be a delay in the arrival of Red Cross supplies. Those in attendance agreed that the four-hour training session was a good introduction to shelter management.
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Page 19
Travel to Thailand to do some ‘Fieldwork’
CYNTHIA GREGORY
FOR
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If high gas prices have you glum and rethinking that drive to the Grand Canyon this summer, cheer up! You can go green, help the planet and be an armchair traveler. No matter how hot it gets, there’s nothing finer than diving into a cool pool of fiction. A good choice for an exotic literary getaway is first-time novelist Mischa Berlinski’s “Fieldwork.” Berlinski’s novel is a National Book Award finalist, but this isn’t reason alone to pick up the book. The fact that it’s well-written, chewy and vividly detailed should be enough to make you add it to
your vacation reading list. Summer reading should take you to a new place and introduce you to people you would never meet at the neighborhood block party – people who have secrets. There’s nothing juicier than summer reading packed with secrets. “Fieldwork” is set in Thailand with bits of Berkeley. Perhaps more captivating is the thread of mystery that winds through this novel from the opening pages and which Berlinski manages to suspend throughout. Up front, the reader is informed that there’s been a murder, and we know who done it – but the story, like the devil, is in pursuit of the lurid details. When his girlfriend takes a job as a school teacher in northern Thailand, narrator (as novelist) Berlinski follows her with the intention of soaking up the exotic flavor of the locale, while doing as little actual work as
possible. Lucky for us, Berlinski’s life is quickly complicated when he meets another colorful American ex-pat who takes him out for a drink and spins an intriguing tale – the story of an American anthropologist found dead in a women’s prison up-country in Chang Mai. Martiya van der Leun has swallowed a ball of opium, killing herself 10 years into a life sentence for the murder of Christian missionary David Walker. Berlinski becomes obsessed with finding the truth of the brilliant scientist and delves deeper into the story of van der Leun’s life, excavating her passions as well as her secrets. “Fieldwork” is not a fast read, but it is engaging. Berlinski uncovers the story of van der Leun’s unraveling in the tempo of the tropics, which is to say, as
Dry spring, lightning lead to early fire season WOODY WHITLATCH WEATHER WORDS Earthquakes are usually the phenomenon associated with natural disasters in California. For the past several weeks, however, a multitude of wildfires have made both national and international headlines. Besides the destruction to land and property, smoke from the fires resulted in poor air quality conditions that lasted for weeks. Typically, California’s wildfire season peaks during the late summer and early fall months. Climate records show that lightning storms, a major cause of wildfires, become more prevalent in Northern California during that time. One of the characteristics of our Mediterranean climate is dry summers. Area residents only need to look at the local hillsides and observe the grasses greened by winter and spring rains turn brown and dry once the rains quit. This year has been far from typical. The spring rains we rely on never materialized. At many Northern California weather stations, the three-month period
of March through May was the driest on record – and some of these stations have rainfall records dating back more than 100 years. Unfortunately, an unseasonal lightning storm developed over the state on June 21. More than 8,000 lightning strikes were recorded, and nearly 1,000 fires were ignited. This lightning storm was not confined to a specific area but affected much of the state. Resulting wildfires stretched from north to south along the Coastal Mountain Range and the Sierra Nevada foothills. The storms that triggered all these fires are called “dry” lightning storms. As the name implies, these storms are not accompanied by rainfall. This doesn’t mean that the lightning forms in dry, cloudless skies. Rather, the air below the thunderstorm cloud is so dry that the rain evaporates before it strikes the ground. The fire outlook for the rest of this summer is pretty bleak. Dry conditions will continue, and the threat of lightning will only increase as we near the end of the summer. So far, Contra Costa County has been spared major wildfire episodes this year. Many people have vivid memories of the Oakland Hills firestorm of
1991. Long-time Clayton residents may recall the 1977 Mt. Diablo fire that consumed more than 6,000 acres. The National Weather Service plays an important role in warning residents of fire potential. Red flag alerts and warnings are issued when atmospheric conditions are favorable for wild land fires. A statewide map showing the latest alerts and warnings is available at www.wrh.noaa.gov/sto/cafw/. A Website provided by California’s Office of Emergency Services, www.oes.ca.gov/WebPage/oes website.nsf/InteractiveMap?rea dForm, provides a map showing the locations of current wildfires as well as a description of the latest weather forecasts at each fire. Natural disasters occur in every corner of the world. For Californians, the summer of 2008 will likely be known for its wildfires. We all must take extra precautions to limit the number of human-caused fires, and hope that few, if any, additional lightning episodes develop.
if in a dream. He manages to capture a magical world populated by exuberant missionaries, zealous anthropologists, a mystical tribe of natives, dense forests and thick rains punctuated by bright splashes of bougainvillea, orchids and poppies. Of the three main characters in Berlinski’s narrative, namely van der Leun, the legendary Walker clan and the mythic Dyalo tribe, there are no clear favorites. Each character is as compelling as the next. Van der Leun seemed a rather stern character, but I think she would have liked Berlinski’s rather objective method of storytelling. Cynthia Gregory is a local writer who has won numerous awards for her short fiction. Her work has appeared in Glimmer Train Press, the Red Rock Review, Writer’s Digest, The Sun, The Ear, Santa Barbara Review, Black River Review, Briarcliff Review, Chicago Tribune, Bon Appetit, and the Herb Quarterly. You can write her at ceegregory@aol.com.
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For summer sizzle, look to asters, salvia and Canna lilies
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Colorful beds and borders are possible, even during July’s long days and hot weather. Several perennials thrive in the summer heat, such as coreopsis, asters and penstomen. Beds and borders give our yards personality. Most yards have evergreen shrubs, trees and lawn, but colorful borders help turn yards into gardens. And gardens make people happy. Asters are some of the toughest plants available. They are common enough to be found in a hardware store garden center, yet special enough to be available at independent nurseries. All asters have small to medium, daisy-shaped flowers and small oval leaves. This perennial needs heat and the sun to bloom. Once established, they require little summer water and are drought-tolerant. Moench is a variety of aster with a larger bloom. The flowers are 2 inches wide, light lavender blue with yellow centers. The bloom begins in late June and runs until late September. You will need to cut your asters down at the end of July. This will free up the rest of the stored plant energy for a smaller, yet fabulous blooming session. Clumps of aster should be divided every three or four years. This is the perfect opportunity to replant divisions in a different location, or give extras to a friend. Echinacea is another daisyshaped bloom that loves extreme summers and droughtlike conditions. Big Sky Harvest Moon is exceptional. Its written description holds no candle to the performance this perennial has to offer. Echinacea is the cone flower family. This selection is far from the standard purple, though.
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Creamy yellow petals are tipped with tawny peach. Big Sky Harvest Moon begins to bloom in mid-June and with dead heading will continue well past when the children go back to school. This plant is a tall, narrow selection, reaching heights of 30 inches. Plant multiples to give beds and borders consistency. Harvest Moon is a great butterfly and bee attracter in the garden. Reds are a favorite color during the heat of the summer. This vivid, bold color can really hold up to the heat, unlike some softer shades. Penstomen is a family of simple, easy, colorful plants that are mainstream to our local yards and gardens. Penstomen has come out with a new series called the Phoenix
BIG SKY HARVEST MOON ECHINACEA
Collection. Considering where these plants originated, they most certainly will endure anything the Clayton Valley area has to offer. Phoenix Red is a primary red. The throat of this trumpetshaped bloom is stark white, and the contrast is incredible.
MOENCH ASTER
Penstomen is a great evergreen base for a bed or border. The leaf stays true in temperatures down to 25°. That is quite hardy. The trumpet-shaped blooms are wonderful for the hummingbirds. Salvia are among the most hardy, heat-loving plants available in our area. You can only make a few mistakes with this family, mostly because a couple of them are annuals and a handful are shade lovers. I want to focus on Salvia Mystic Spires. This is the offspring of one of my original favorite perennials, Salvia Indigo Spires. Mystic Spires is compact and outstanding, sturdy and colorful. Reaching 24-30 inches tall and wide, Mystic blooms like an indigo blue candelabra. Winters are tough on the Mystic, but it always comes back with a vengeance. Using
sporadic cooler colors in beds and borders will make the heat seem less offensive. Canna lilies really say summer. This tropical-looking perennial stands solid in any Clayton Valley garden. There are lots of cannas available, and all are cool. The choice is yours. Canna Red King Humbert is a new selection. With its blackish red leaves and bright red flowers, it will be the king of your garden. When planting Canna, keep its eventual height in mind. You will have fall division to do every two to three years to control your clumps. Crowding out other perennials is not good – every plant should have its space. Gaillardia is a group that has been popular throughout my 13 years at the nursery.
See Garden, page 21
Record, from page 1 sense to come,” Clayton resident Chris Harrod said of the trip to the Concord plaza. “I think the record can be beaten, and I wanted to be a part of it.” With so many people in the small park, each with a guitar, some playing in groups, the mood was festive and friendly. One of the cutest players was 6-year-old Cameron Katz, who joined Clayton grandpa Carlos Melara to play along, nonplussed by the activity. “I’m teaching him to play,” said Melara. “He’s a good boy.” Both were having a good time, and Cameron jumped up to hold his guitar in the air as the crowd practiced before the television cameras began filming. Ages at Concordstock ranged from preWoodstock to the stroller set – with everything in between. Former Clayton resident Rachel Norville and Concord resident Don Hudson met at the event. Their meeting had nothing to do with romance; they had identical guitars, purchased at the same swap meet years before. The classic guitars were numbered for identification, Norville’s from 1965 and Hudson’s from 1962. “We didn’t know each other,” said Norville, “but he paid $30 for his. I paid $5 for mine.” With the extensive media coverage, the event drew people from distant cities including Napa,
Clayton
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July 11, 2008
André Gensburger/Clayton Pioneer
CARLOS MELARA OF CLAYTON teaches his grandson, Cameron Katz, 6, a few chords from the song.
San Ramon, even San Francisco, all to be a part of history. “It’s not every day you get to break a record,” said Ruth Tertek. “This is fun.” “This is your town,” Concord Mayor Bill Shinn told the crowd. “I’m proud of Concord.” County Supervisor Susan Bonilla joined the Concord City Council on stage, although she had no guitar. “This is an exciting event,” she told a reporter. “One family of five had one child who played the guitar,” noted Cara Butler, a downtown Concord business owner. “The other family members learned to play so they could all be here. Now that’s cool.”
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Clayton resident
sparkles and flags, crowds five deep lining both sides of Main Street; at least a zillion kids on bikes, trikes, scooters and wagons making what everyone suspected were multiple trips down Main Street; on the grandstand wearing dark glasses and a big grin, Grand Marshal, Dan Ashley, ABC News Anchor and former Clayton resident; and for the second year, seniors from Diamond Terrace were seated under their own tent next to the grandstand. “Look at them, they’re having a great time.” said Mike Williams who set up the tent. “We’re going to do this for them every year.” But, in the midst of all the tradition, there are always a few surprises. This year, the first surprise was 10 year old Madison Simbirdi who, undaunted by the sea of faces staring up at her, sang the National Anthem a capella with heart and confidence that first moved the crowd, then wowed them. And this year a pint sized bike rider hit a reflector in the pavement and went down for a mini crash in front of the grandstand. No injuries, just a few tears. And this year, those gathering for the parade could hear Sousa marches all over downtown, thanks to the sound system in The Grove. And this year, not to be outdone by the network coverage of Concord’s record breaking guitar concert last week, Clayton’s celebration made a nano-second appear-
ance on the ABC 11 o’clock news. We suspect that our grand marshal might have had a little influence here. “Take a look around you,” Ashley said, addressing the crowd. “Is this great? Is this truly American? All the way up and down Main Street, all these people out celebrating the Fourth of July.” The July 4th celebration is sponsored by the city of Clayton, but it’s the volunteers that make it all work. Every year, the call goes out in early June for Claytonians to help with the parade. The calls get ever more frantic as the day approaches with barely a skeleton crew signed on. Then, parade day arrives, and it all comes together. Enough people, more or less, show up to direct traffic, manage the parade entrants and scoop up behind the dogs and horses as they work their way down Main Street. “Clayton is a city of volunteers,” Mayor Gregg Manning has said on many occasions. And never more true than on the Fourth
1 of July. Clayton’s celebration began on an Independence Day back in the early 1970s when a few neighborhood kids decorated their bikes and Big Wheels for an impromptu parade. The celebration grew a little each year as local merchants set up an informal “food court” under the eucalyptus trees in what is now The Grove park with barbeque, appetizers and cold drinks. Now, the impromptu parade of kids on bikes with crepe paper streamers has grown to a full fledged Main
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1. Members of the Clayton Sunrise Rotary prepare the pancake breakfast as part of their annual fundraiser. 2. Clayton Community Church’s float, ‘Picnic, Clayton Style!’ 3. Ava Donaldson, 3, thought the gunfighters made a little too much noise. 4. The Valencia family celebrated July 4 AND Angelique’s 13th birthday. Clockwise from left: Angelique, sister Adriana, 3 (behind syrup), mom Lizette, dad Victor and brother Victor Jr. 5. Parade Grand Marshal, Dan Ashley, ABC News anchor
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Street event with dignitaries waving from convertibles; marching bands big and small; horses and dogs in costume; and floats ranging from decorated pickups and cars to Clayton Community Church’s elaborately assembled flatbed truck “Picnic-Clayton Style.” Now, about 10,000–some years a few more, some years a few less–gather downtown in Clayton Country every Independence Day morning for the annual pancake breakfast and parade. As Claytonian Peggy Bidondo once said, “Is this Clayton Country, or what!”
4
Garden, from page 20 Gaillardia Burgundy has been available the whole time, and it is still a garden winner. This perennial blooms from May to October and sometimes longer, reaching heights of 16-20 inches. The petals are fringed at the ends. Once they fall off, they leave a ball-shaped seed head. Removing the seed balls keeps
the plant blooming. Bees and butterflies are attracted to this and all gaillardia. Thread leaf coreopsis, or Moonbeam coreopsis, has a wispy, thin foliage and a soft, clear pale yellow flower. The look is delicate, yet this perennial is robust. Piles of blooms are held strong all summer long.
3
This is a great medium in a garden bed or border. Moonbeam reaches 2x2, is heat-loving and frost-tolerant. When you buy this plant, it may not look like much, but give it a season to take hold. Some of the best plants are worth the wait. Simply amend and cultivate your soil, install some of these perennial confidently and have an outstanding perennial bed or
Photos 2, 3, 6 by Tamara Steiner. Photos 1& 4 by André Gensburger.
border. These selections will give you piles of color throughout the outdoor season. Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden Contact her with questions, comments or suggestions at gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden Contact her with questions, comments or suggestions at gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
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Page 22
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 11, 2008
July 4 Photo Contest Winners Choosing the winners from the more than 150 photos entered was indeed a challenge. Viewing the day through the eyes of others brings great joy to the Pioneer staff who judged the pictures. Each photo tells its own story of “Freedom, Family and Friends.” We thank everyone for their entry and eagerly look forward to next year’s contest. Here are the winners numbered 1-6 starting with the photo below: 1. Adult second place, taken by Vicky Farnham of the Marine and his daughters, wins $75. 2. Adult third place taken by Tracy West of her daughters Jenna, 5 and Mandy, 1 wins $50. 3. Under 12 first place, of Man’s Best “Friend,” taken by Colby Newton, 7 and wins $50. 4. Under 12 second place, photo of the tractor taken by Jason Lee, 11, wins $30, and 5. Under 12 third place, taken from School Hill by Connor Braun, 11, wins $20. 6. Adult Honorable Mention was taken by Laura Muller with two Clayton police officers.
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NG I D PEN
TURTLE CREEK!
Large open floor plan! 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx. 2,537sf & 3 car garage. Convenient downstairs bedroom with full bath. Upstairs bonus room with built-in wet bar & sink. Spacious living room with soaring ceiling & lighted ceiling fan. Cozy family room off kitchen with slider to patio. Upgrading includes dual panes, crown moulding & marble tile flooring. Backyard features an in-ground pool. Lush community greenbelts. $550,900
D SOL
Tel: (925) 672-4433 6160 Center Street, Suite E, Clayton 94517
IRONWOOD/WINDMILL CANYON!
Great Cypress model! with neutral décor throughout! 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx. 2,311sf, inside laundry & rare 3 car garage! Open floor plan features living room with soaring ceiling. Separate formal dining room off kitchen with crown moulding. Convenient bedroom & full bath downstairs. Family room offers custom built-in maple media center, fireplace with maple mantle, wired for surround sound & soaring ceiling with upgraded fan. Kitchen features tile counters including breakfast bar, neutral flooring, eating nook & pantry. Spacious master suite. Very private low maintenance lot with lots of trees, ornamentals & cozy patio. $649,000
Clayton Market Update provided by George Vujnovich of Better Homes Realty ADDRESS 4 Mount Wilson Way 22 Eagle Peak Ave 1021 Feather Circle 1100 Whispering Pines Rd 1403 Greystone Ln 5478 Tara Drive 1079 Feather Circle 127 Regency Drive 5195 Keller Ridge Drive 1164 Moccasin Court 3085 Windmill Canyon Dr 6025 Golden Eagle Way
PRICE $312,000 $729,000 $507,000 $878,750 $515,000 $520,000 $573,000 $625,000 $670,000 $485,000 $737,500 $649,000
SALE DATE
SF
BED/BATH
06/27/08 06/25/08 06/24/08 06/23/08 06/23/08 06/20/08 06/20/08 06/19/08 06/17/08 06/16/08 06/13/08 06/11/08
966 2467 1886 2581 1474 1739 1886 2010 2542 1343 2854 2311
2/2 4/3 3/2.5 4/3 3/2.5 4/3 3/2.5 4/2.5 4/2.5 3/2 5/3 4/3