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January 23, 2009
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Veggie stands limited to six times a year TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
JULIE PIERCE
MAYOR’S CORNER
Council members casting a wide net In addition to the two regular City Council meeting we have every month, your council members also serve on numerous city and countywide committees and boards. I thought you might want to know more about some of our other responsibilities. As mayor, in consultation with my colleagues Vice Mayor Hank Stratford and Councilmen David Shuey, Joe Medrano and Howard Geller, I made the appointments at the beginning of the year. The complete list of assignments can be reviewed on the city’s Website at www.ci.clayton.ca.us under the City Council tab. Here are some of the subcommittees addressing issues within Clayton:
City Council has approved a change to the municipal code that treats home vegetable stands and garage sales as outdoor personal property sales and allows them up to six times a year. The new code should put an end to Clayton’s veg-
gie stand controversy. The issue heated up last summer when the Lewis family set up a stand in the driveway to sell the produce grown in their home vegetable garden at the corner of Mitchell Canyon and Pine Hollow roads. When a neighbor complained, the city determined that the stand was a
concerns about the quality of life in the neighborhood. While the Lewis family saw their garden as a teaching tool, Van Brusselen, who lives across the street, saw it as “an eyesore.” The Lewises saw their girls as entrepreneurs; Van Brusselen objected to the increased traffic.
See Muni Code, page 4
Locals honored for making a difference DENISEN HARTLOVE Clayton Pioneer
Residents of Concord and Clayton came together on Jan. 13 to honor recipients of the 22nd annual Concord Human Relations Commission awards, given for contributions that have improved the quality of life in the community. Clayton resident Jay Bedecarré was given a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work promoting youth sports. Hans Wiesendanger received the Random Act of Kindness Award for his work on the meditation gardens on the grounds of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church at the Concord-Clayton border. Bedecarré is not the average soccer dad. Since their eldest son started Little League 15 years ago, he and his wife Jill, who died in June 2007, brought volunteering in youth sports to a new level. “I remember the very first time I signed my oldest son up for Little League. I cringed at the idea of telling my wife about it – she just didn’t have a sports orientation,” said Bedecarré, who has a lifelong love of sports. “But the first game we went to for our first child, she turned the corner. The whole family got involved.”
Hank and I work with staff on the budget subcommittee to prepare the draft budget for the next fiscal year. The full council will hold several added meetings for budget review in the spring. Hank is our council liaison to the Citizens Corps Council. This is the group of citizen volunteers who coordinate the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. We now have more than 100 Clayton residents trained (including Hank and me – soon the whole council) and they are working hard to make the training available to all residents who want to participate. Check it out at ClaytonCERT.org. Joe and I will co-chair the “Clayton Counts Down” New Year’s Eve Committee and plan the community party for our families this next year. Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
See Mayor, page 16
business activity prohibited in a residential neighborhood and shut it down, touching off a controversy that would, by fall, make the network news. At odds were Michael and Jennifer Lewis’ efforts to teach their two young girls, Katie and Sabrina, then 11 and 3, where food comes from and how it gets to the table and John Van Brusselen’s
JAY BEDECARRÉ received the Concord Human Relation Commission’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his work with youth sports.
DEVELOPING THE CONCORD CUP For most, volunteering in youth sports means putting together a carpool or working at the snack shack for the hours required to offset registration fees. The Bedecarrés, however, took volunteering much further. Almost immediately, they were involved in putting together the first Concord Cup youth soccer tournament – now in its 15th year. That first year, the Concord Cup hosted 47 soccer teams from leagues
throughout the area in an intra-league tournament. Bedecarré, who has a background in marketing sports events, was given the task of inviting leagues to participate. He described his naiveté at the task at hand: “What I didn’t know was that they generally didn’t get along with one another.” Bern Kurtz, another of the cup’s original committee members, remembers the initial strife amongst the leagues. “Everyone was just so into protecting their own turf and fighting with each other over which kids would play in which program,” he said. Kurtz credits Bedecarré’s unflappability for his success in getting the groups to work together. “He’s low-key, calm, reasonable. He tried to push the common benefits that would come out of this.” Bedecarré’s hard work has paid off for the entire community. Since 1994, participation in the tournament has grown. Some years have had more than 100 teams participating. Teams pay a fee to enter; after expenses are paid, the funds go back to the leagues that sponsored the event. Since 1994, more than $100,000 has been donated to sports leagues in the community. Janis Hoyt, chair of the Human Relations Commission, nominated Bedecarré for the award. She described him as a motivator of others to do good things. “He has so many connections in the community that he rallies people for a good cause,” she said. “It’s something as simple as sending a note that says, ‘Come join us.’ ” SPREADING THE GOOD DEEDS The Dana Hills Swim Team, the
See Honors, page 3
Clayton’s new officer believes in community involvement ANDRÉ GENSBURGER Clayton Pioneer
Officer Alan Pike, Clayton’s newest officer, brings with him a wealth of community experiences from his time as a stockbroker to his role on the Rio Vista police force, a job he compares to his expectations of Clayton. Pike likes the “community-oriented policing issues – partnerships between the community and local law enforcement” and sees that as an integral component in smaller cities like Clayton. As such, he is looking forward to becoming familiar with downtown merchants and residents and getting a solid feel of the town. He considers himself a people person, able to fulfill his law enforcement role when needed, but, as he explains it, “in 11 years I haven’t had to get too aggressive and I like that.”
What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
The community wants to know that the police force is there, he pointed out. “Smaller agencies allow the officers time to respond to calls for service,” Pike explained. “There is a time to educate. We have access to resources and that is a nice feeling to be able to help like that in your community. In Rio Vista, even though I did not live in the community, I felt a part of it.” Pike described that connection with the 50-100 calls he gets each month asking if he is on duty. He joined the Reserve Academy at Los Medanos with the Concord Police Department while he was still a stockbroker in 1996-’97. He worked the early hours on his stocks and then “rolled late in the day.” In July 1999, he joined the Rio Vista Police until the Clayton assignment came along, bringing him closer to family. Married for 23 years, Pike reports that
his wife is thrilled with the new assignment. Their two children are almost grown, with a son in college in Southern California and a daughter attending high school. Fun involves getting away whenever they can, trips to the Santa Barbara coast and Tahoe, where they owned a cabin prior to cashing it out for college funding. “That’s why we bought it,” Pike said. He also has a retired 1999 highway patrol BMW motorcycle with original colors. “It affords me the fun of the mountains and cruising town,” he said. During his first week, Pike has been getting introductions throughout the department before continued orientations with different officers. “This was a pleasant opportunity that presented itself,” he added. “I don’t plan on retiring anytime soon; however, I do plan to finish out my law enforcement career in Clayton.”
Trails and Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Directory of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 School News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 CVHS Student Reporter . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Deal With It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Financial Sense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Police Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Sharing History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
André Gensburger/Clayton Pioneer
NEW
CLAYTON
COP,
Alan Pike, finds off-duty fun on his 1999 CHP motorcycle
Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Tax Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Safety Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Community Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Senior Moments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Church News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Movie Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Food for Thought . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
January 23, 2009
Around Town Madelyn Vines does it again
Debbie Mullins and Howard Geller to marry
For the second time in less than two years, 6-year-old Madelyn Vines got a hair cut. The extraordinary thing about something rather ordinary is that Madelyn donates her hair to Locks of Love, an organization that makes wigs for children suffering from cancer. On Nov. 1, 2007, she donated 10 inches of hair. It took 13 months to grow another 10 inches, which was lopped off for the same charity last month. She plans on doing it again in another 13 months. Madelyn is pictured with friend and haircutter, Stacy Frost.
Friends group makes blankets for the homeless
Howard Geller and Debbie Mullins have announced their engagement. The popular local couple met eight years ago through the Clayton Business and Community Association while working on an Art and Wine Festival committee. On Dec. 20, Howard surprised Debbie with a ring as they were getting ready to leave their Westwood home for a holiday party with friends. “I was not expecting it at all,” says Debbie. “There were tears and screams of joy. He proposed through my tears and I said yes’” Howard is a real estate broker with Better Homes Realty and was elected to the City Council in November. Debbie is a mortgage broker with C.M.G. Mortgage. Each has two grown children. They have not yet set a date for the wedding.
DEBBIE MULLINS AND HOWARD GELLER
New son for the Simkins
What’s happening Around Town?
A few Clayton friends got together on Jan. 2 to make fleece blankets for the Blankets for Kids Project. The purpose of this Bay Area group is to provide a blanket for every child living in a homeless shelter in the Bay Area. The Clayton women donated 10 blankets to the Love A Child Mission in Bay Point. From left, Renee Faine, Shannon Seven, Donna Umperovitch, Susan Fossan, Peggy Casey, Ann Sparks, Carol Chrobak, Sylvia Gall and Mikayla Alcock.
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STEVE AND KRISTIN SIMKINS WELCOMED BRETT PATRICK to the family on Dec. 2. Weighing in at 7 lbs. 11 ozs, Brett joined siblings George 2, Jack 5 and Jenna, 7.
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$899,000 Clayton Peacock Creek – 4BD/2.5BA Coronado model includes a downstairs master suite, master bath w/jetted tub. Stunning pool/waterfall & spa, private, backs to open space. 4-car garage to store your toys! Fireplaces in living & family rooms. Plantation shutters throughout. www.1116PeacockCreekDrive.com
$689,000 Concord Cowell – The charming exterior of this home will fool you! Expansive 5+BD/3BA home impresses with 3,400+ s.f. of updates including granite kitchen w/atrium, HUGE family room & a wonderful master suite on the lower level. Enormous yard & sizeable deck. Trails Limeridge open space for privacy. www.KaskiLane.com
Clayton $529,000 Dana Hills – Single-story 4BD/2BA includes an updated kitchen w/stainless steel appliances and ample counter & cabinet space. Spacious family & living room w/fireplace. Dual pane windows. Private back yard w/covered deck, mature trees, plants & partial Diablo views! www.141MountaireParkway.com
$629,980 Clayton Dana Hills – 4BD+/2BA includes a huge permitted bonus room/game room addition with wet bar & fireplace. Approx. 2,442 s.f. flowing floor plan has living room w/fireplace & step up dining. The kitchen flows into a family area w/slider to back. Master has door to patio area & views. www.369MtWashingtonWay.com
Clayton $549,000 Dana Hills – Big value in this spacious 4BD/2.5BA located on a cul-de-sac w/views of Mt. Diablo. Traditional kitchen w/breakfast bar & family room w/fireplace & wet bar. French doors open out to pool/spa area and an expansive covered deck w/gazebo. This is a great family home in need of TLC. www.312MtSierraPlace.com
Clayton $539,980 Black Diamond Duet – Amazing views from this large, premium lot! You will adore this 2-story duet w/open floorplan. It delivers 3BD/2.5BA, a tasteful dining room, luxurious living room w/a wood-burning fireplace. Charming kitchen w/tile & breakfast area. Master suite w/dual sinks. www.915ArrowheadTerrace.com
We want to know what’s happening in your families and in your neighborhoods. Send your news of births, engagements weddings, anniversaries, celebrations, special recognitions, etc. to info@claytonpioneer.com. Please attach your photos to the email as JPEG files between between 3MB and 6MB and include a caption to identify people in your photos.
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Clayton $449,000 Downtown Clayton – Convenient location! Walk to schools, trails, parks & shopping! 1,650 s.f., 3BD/2.5BA home is warm, with decorator paint, recessed lighting & ample dual pane windows w/custom window coverings. Nicely landscaped w/patio & arbor. www.228StranahanCircle.com
Clayton $315,000 Marsh Creek Villas – Well-maintained 2BD/2BA patio home w/a spacious 2-car garage! Features a dining room, master suite w/walk-in closet, living room w/fireplace & wet bar and a very accessible bright, sunny kitchen. Located on cul-de-sac w/lovely views of surrounding hilltops. www.9DonnerCreekCourt.com
*ASSISTING MORE BUYERS AND SELLERS THAN ANYONE ELSE. * Statistics based on Clayton closed listings by listing/sales agent (1/05-12/05). Data by MaxEBRDI.
Clayton Resident & Broker Owner
January 23, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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Upcoming Events Honors, from page 1 FEB. 8 CLAYTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S CAMELLIA TEA Come to the Clayton Museum on Feb. 8, 1-4 p.m. for a lovely afternoon of tea, camellias of every size and hue and some great conversation. The Clayton Historical Society’s 32nd annual Camellia Tea was originally held to honor the descendants of pioneering families of Clayton and many from those families still attend. The event is free, but donations are appreciated. For more information, visit claytonhistory.org or call 672-0240. The museum, which is in the original Joel Clayton home, is located at 6101 Main Street. MAR. 6-8 CREEKSIDE ARTS CELEBRATION The 6th annual Creekside Arts Celebration is set for Mar. 6-8. Artists, musicians, writers, poets and storytellers will be on hand to help celebrate the Clayton Library’s 14th anniversary with an exploration of “Cultural Legacies…Reflections of Our Past.” The event is free to the public. Funds are raised through exhibitors’ fees and a donation of a percentage of their sales and benefit the environmental education programs in the library’s certified wildlife habitat.
Festivities begin on Fri. from 6-8:30 p.m. and will include an artists “mini-showcase” and sampling of art for sales. Art sales, live demonstrations, environmental and nature tours and presentations continue all day Sat. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun. from 1-5 p.m. For more information, contact Arlene Kikkawa-Nielsen, Event Director, (925) 673-9777, e-mail: akikkawa@ccclib.org
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Concord Rotary Club, the Diablo Futbol Club and the Mt. Diablo Unified School District Measure A Committee are just a few of the many other organizations that have benefited from the Bedecarrés’ energy and civic mindedness. He has also worked behind the scenes toward making sports accessible for children from all walks of life. “He was very instrumental in making sure that the soccer organizations in this community were inclusive of all people from different socio-economic backgrounds,” said Hoyt. “Jay always had a voice that said that we need to have financial scholarship. How can we make this something that all kids who have the talent can participate and not have cost be a roadblock?” Bedecarré remained modest about his achievements at the award ceremony. “Somehow my name percolated to the top,” he said. “But it really is the doing of a lot of people.” He said that both volunteering and playing sports offer countless opportunities for learning. “There’s a lot to be gained about learning that sometimes you lose and get up and try again and maybe succeed next time.” FINDING THAT CALM PLACE Wiesendanger, meanwhile, has elevated the art of gardening to a spiritual calling. Called by some the garden angel, Wiesendanger came to work on the St. Bonaventure gardens in 1992, following his retirement. Bob Cartan, who started the garden, placed a notice in the church bulletin seeking a volunteer to help clean out weeds and finish landscaping the plants
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the Wiesendanger home three times a week to give him time off to take part in the calm afforded by his gardens. Following Elizabeth’s death in late 2007, Navlet’s Garden Center stepped forward as well. “They gave me 600 daffodils in memory of my wife. They were all flowering in spring back there in the garden,” Wiesendanger said. MORE HONOREES Others recognized at the ceremony included the volunteers at the Monument Crisis Center and the Assistance League of Diablo Valley. David Cantando was given the Education and Awareness Award for his work on improving literacy. Gabriela Menchaca,
a 17-year-old who has been volunteering since she was 8, was given the Youth Scholarship Award. Catalina Torres was given the Women Making A Difference Award posthumously for her efforts with victims of domestic violence. Random Act of Kindness awards were also given to the Independent Living Resource for its work helping people living with disabilities and to Marlene Weiss, who has been an advocate for the mentally ill. “When you volunteer, it’s the best thing you can do in life,” said Wiesendanger. “It will make you happy, make you content. Frown at the world and it frowns back. Smile at the world and it smiles back at you.”
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HANS WIESENDANGER was honored by the Concord Human Relations Commission for his tireless work in the St. Bonaventure’s Church Meditation and Memorial Garden.
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and it drew Wiesendanger’s attention. “When I volunteered here, I just couldn’t stop!” Wiesendanger said. While the garden can be busy with strolling parishioners on Sunday afternoons, it is open to the public as well. Parents bring toddlers and students can be seen studying on the garden benches mid-week. Rev. Richard Mangini, a priest at St. Bonaventure, described the garden as “a place of refreshment and spiritual peace.” “We all need calm sometimes,” said Wiesendanger. What started as a hobby blossomed into a full-time task and then into more work than two people could manage. Today, Wiesendanger and Cartan are assisted by 15 volunteers as well as Boy Scout Troop 444. The 1.2-acre oasis boasts magnolia trees, lavender bushes and 267 varieties of roses. A gazebo beckons bridal parties for portraits. A man-made creek is spanned by three bridges. And families have placed countless plaques throughout the gardens in memory of loved ones, including one in memory of Jill Bedecarré and another for Hans’ wife Elizabeth. “In my country, there are cemeteries which are right behind the churches,” Wiesendanger said. “Over here, our cemeteries are maintained 40 miles from the houses. This to me is the next best thing for our parishioners to have a memorial plant in the garden of our church.” Seeing their “angel” in distress while Elizabeth was bedridden, the community gave back to him. Volunteers came to
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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TLC reaches out to arts community Members of Clayton’s Trails and Landscaping Committee (TLC) have always had a strong appreciation for the natural beauty which permeates much of the landscape district. The district includes the roadway landscape, the open space and the Clayton trails system. In essence, the district is Clayton’s canvas. Embedded in that canvas are many beautiful assets which we can enjoy throughout most of the year: a sunset behind a silhouette of an historic oak tree, a wisp of fog encircling an entrance to the Cardinet Trail, fallen autumn leaves floating along Mt. Diablo Creek or a patch of colorful wildflowers that has sprung up in one of the open spaces. This is Clayton’s wallpaper. These images beckon us and set us apart from our other urban neighbors. There are many Websites
CANDACE BASS
TRAILS AND LANDSCAPE that showcase scenic photos of nature. However, Clayton residents are fortunate to experience beautiful scenery by turning to our backyards, neighborhood trails or open space. We can enjoy the beauty which many of us work to preserve beauty which is unique to Clayton. One of the TLC’s latest projects is to impart an appreciation for these resources and to raise local awareness of the
landscape district by enlisting the help of the art community. The committee hopes the partnership will be initiated with a TLC display in the library. JoAnn Caspar, outreach subcommittee member, believes that adding artwork to the display would give newcomers and visitors a visual impression of what Clayton has to offer. “It would advertise how beautiful the city is,” she says. “It could possibly attract people to town. It might even encourage them to eventually shop here one day.” Arlene Kikkawa-Nielsen, director of the Creekside Artists Guild, is supportive of local artists and photographers who might consider contributing their talents to a TLC project. “Visual arts allows for more creative expression,” she notes. “Nature inspires us to do many things. The nature along our trails can be the cre-
ative inspiration behind many expressions, including traditional art and photography as well as the written word and the exploration of science.” She believes the success of the venture will be created by those who “actively share their passions to nurture its growth.” Residents 18 and older who have photographs, renderings or other artwork of the public roadway landscape, open space or the Clayton trails system are invited to submit samples of their work. Initially, artwork will be used to enhance the information displayed in the library lobby. For more information, contact Candace Bass at c_e_bass@yahoo.com. The next TLC meeting will be 7 p.m. March 16 at the library, 6125 Clayton Road. Candace Bass is the chairperson of the City’s Trails and Landscape Committee. Please send comments to c_e_bass@yahoo.com.
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For her senior project at Clayton Valley High School, Justine Galeotti decided to help set up a blood drive. Almost 20 years ago, her mom received 10 units of blood that saved her life. “I wanted to make sure others have the same life-saving blood if they need it,” says
Justine. “I have donated blood four times now, and I plan on donating every eight weeks. I feel good knowing I am helping to save lives each time I donate.” The Clayton Community Blood Drive will be 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 7 at Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock
Creek Dr., Clayton. To be eligible to donate, you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Please bring a photo ID. To sign up, visit www.beadonor.com. Click on “Find a Drive” and enter Clayton925. Or call 1-800-448-3543. Any
local business wishing to donate a product or service for a raffle can call Andy Zyla 1-510-773-2410. “Please come and join us for this worthwhile community event that helps save lives,” Justine urges. “You too can be a hero – or an angel.”
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Artists can partake in creekside celebration The Clayton Community Library Foundation is seeking participants for its 6th annual Creekside Arts Celebration. The theme is “Cultural Legacies … Reflections of Our Past.” This fund-raiser supports environmental education programs in the library’s certified wildlife habitat.
Last year’s successful addition of juried artwork submissions will be repeated, with awards given to artists who creatively interpret this year’s cultural theme. Members from the Creekside Artists Guild will be among the artists selling and demonstrating their art forms. This year’s event will be 6-
Muni Code, from page 1 Following a couple of heated public meetings on the issue, the City Council directed the Planning Commission to come up with a municipal code section that would define and regulate the sale of personal property in residential neighborhoods. The new code section cov-
ers the sale of used items and goods or products produced on the premises and limits them to six times a year between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The Council voted 4-1 in favor of the ordinance. Newly seated Councilman Howard Geller opposed, arguing that garage sales and produce stands
8:30 p.m. Friday, March 6, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. March 7 and 1-5 p.m. March 8. Artists are requested to donate $30 for space to sell their work as well as 20 percent of their profits to benefit the environmental education programs in the library wildlife habitat and related library materials.
The submission deadline is Jan. 31. Applications are available in the library, 6125 Clayton Road, or at www.creeksideartists.org or www.claytonlibrary.org. For more information, contact Arlene Kikkawa-Nielsen at 673-9777 or akikkawa@ccclib.org.
aren’t the same and should be treated separately. “Imagine all your neighbors have a garage sale six times a year,” he said. “It could create a flea-market atmosphere” He recommended garage sales be limited to two per year. He also contended that produce belongs at the farmers market. “You have to sell it when it’s ripe – six days a year isn’t enough.”
Van Brusselen was hoping for a complete prohibition on produce stands in his neighborhood. He is not happy with the six-day rule. Mike Lewis, however, believes six sale days a year is enough for the family venture. “We have lots of neighbors to give the excess vegetables to and we eat a ton every night,” he said with a laugh. “It’s a good compromise for everyone.”
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Experience the difference! CST #2033054-40 *One child per full paying adult for select travel dates. Maximum 2 free children. Must be booked in a connecting or single room only (not more than one room). 7-night minimum stay required. Offer does not include airfare. Promotion is available only for stays at Sandpiper, FL, Cancun Yucatan, Mexico, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Ixtapa Pacific, Mexico & Caravelle, Guadeloupe. Valid for new individual bookings for select travel dates and must be booked by Feb. 28, 2009. Blackouts and restrictions may apply. For travel between 2/14/09 - 10/30/09 (excluding peak and holiday weeks listed), kids age 15 and under stay free. Note special restriction for peak and holiday weeks: Only kids age 3 and under stay free the following weeks: 02/14/09; 03/14Promotion may be withdrawn at any time and is subject to capacity restrictions. Club Med membership fees of $60 per adult and $30 per child are additional. Other restrictions apply including brochure terms and cancellation/change fees. Not responsible for errors or omissions. **Additional cost.
January 23, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Letter to the Editor
Page 5
Directory of Advertisers Auto
P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517 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 , Sales and Administrative Support C HRISTINA S CARLOTT , Administrative Assistant We remember 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.
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.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 300 words or less 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.
A Grateful Thank You Pfc Benjamin Tollefson is our son-in-law. His death on December 31, while serving and fighting for our country, was a tragedy that every relative and friend fears when their loved one and friend is sent into harm's way, and one that you can never prepare yourself for until you are forced to deal with it personally. As the news of Ben's death traveled quickly, and as the events culminating in Ben's funeral and burial approached, our daughter Natalie, grandson Mac, and the Hartley and Tollefson families were bathed in the
overwhelming outpouring of support from family and friends, neighbors, and so many people that we had never met and may never see again. While mere words will never truly express how we feel, we say to the United States Army, which has worked with us to honor Ben with grace and sensitivity; and to all those who spoke to us, posted a message, sent a card, left a voice message, attended one of the services, or showed their support from the side of the road, and to the Patriot Guard, VFW, and Blue Star Moms, a very humble, heartfelt, and grateful thank you. - Edward and Cecilia Hartley
Clayton Valley Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3900 Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 Construction and Trades Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423 Granelli Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .858-3866 Insite Design and Build . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .980-0465 Michael Dwyer & Sons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3980 Olde World Mill & Cabinets . . . . . . . . . . . .1-707-558-0259 S&K Nellis Painting, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .687-2233 Smith & Bernal Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0138 Straight Line Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .335-9801 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 La Veranda .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0011 Financial and Insurance Services Andre-Grimesey Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-3000 Benton, Mureleen - Ameriprise Financial . . . . . .685-4523 Carol Keane and Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .937-5200 CD Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-0900 College Planning Specialists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .627-2648 Doug Van Wyck - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . .672-2300
Classified ADVERTISING SALES REP THE CLAYTON PIONEER AND THE CONCORDIAN
Exciting opportunity for an energetic and motivated rep to call on local businesses. Ad rates are highly competitive and circulation is more than TWICE that of the CC Times/Transcript in Concord and Clayton. The papers sell themselves. Generous commissions. Prefer full time commitment, but will consider part time. Call today and join a winning team. (925) 673-5367 or (925) 672-0500.
Richard Littorno - Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6463 Thomas J. Miller, CPA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354-1385 Travis Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-877-8328 Funerals Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Home and Garden Abbey Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Alise Interiors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .988-9990 Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700 Clear Splash Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6245
RENTALS:
HELP WANTED
Floors to Go Danville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .820-8700
South Lake Tahoe Vacation Rental Great location, sleeps 6 to 8 comfortably. Pictures and home details can be found at www.tahoehansenhouse.com. Still have questions, call Debbie Hansen at (925) 766-8961
Real Estate Agents Be Successful! Lynne French is expanding and interviewing for a few agents. Call her today (925) 672-8787.
Lamorinda Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .284-4440
LOST AND FOUND
Son Bright Window Cleaning Service . . . . . . . . .674-9455
Apartment for Rent In-Law Unit – Morgan Territory Road. 900 square feet, above garage. Rent includes appliances and utilities. Next door to horse boarding. Ideal for 1-2 people. Partially furnished. Call Bob Griffiths $850/month 672-2390
Bunny Found end of Regency Drive. Friendly, missing home. Call to describe 672-6518
Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 Pans on Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .600-7267 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055 Welcome Home House Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . 584-5980 Window Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1930 Mailing and Shipping
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. Pleasant Hill, CA– Make a Difference at a Hospice Thrift Shoppe Volunteer at one of the Hospice Thrift Shoppes located in Alamo, Danville, Walnut Creek, Concord and Antioch. You will have the opportunity to help customers, stock shelves and prepare merchandise for sale. Thrift shops are an inexpensive way to find old treasures or vintage clothing, but for the volunteers in our thrift shops, it's a way to make a difference in a meaningful way." 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.
The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Postal Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-9030 Medical Services Children's Dentistry of Walnut Creek . . . . . . . . . .938-2392 Personal Products and Services Beautique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0405 Betsy’s Hair Affair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-3800 Excel Hair & Nails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-7278 Quit Your Job & Work From Home . .877-336-8369 x 4712 Rosebud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-888-476-7328 The Healing Hut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-6710 Pet Services Aussie Pet Mobile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-738-6624 Cat Hospital of Clayton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2287 Doggie Doo Drain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .286-5564 Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 O’Brien Family Pet Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .899-7354 Peace of Mind Pet Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9781 Rodie’s Feed and Country Store . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600
Hospice of the East Bay Anna's Program, (formerly Hospice and Palliative Care of Contra Costa), 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.
Top Dog, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-9013
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 Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631
Real Estate and Mortgage Services 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 Village Oaks Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .408-371-8770 x 19 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . .672-4433 Recreation Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737 Senior Services Aegis of Concord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .692-5838 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . .524-5100 Services, Other Concord Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .943-0180 Shopping
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. Tutors no prior experience necessary! You determine the grade level and subjects you are comfortable with and the days/times. Requires good communication skills, patience and a desire to help students in the community. Contact: Arlene @ 673-9777 or email: akikkawa@ccclib.org
Cegielski Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-2855 Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Donna's Quilting Loft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0401 Seasonal Reflections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4425 Sonset Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-8200 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
UTOPIC GARDENS
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January 23, 2009
Ouch! Rejection hurts, but there is much to learn from application process Although we prefer to share our successes with others rather than our failures, I believe that valuable lessons can be derived from both. And even though I am reluctant to broadcast the latter of the two, I hope that by doing so I could assist a few of my peers who find themselves in a similar situation. Since I enjoy journalism and want to pursue it as a career, for the past four years I’ve strove to attend Northwestern University’s renowned school of journalism. Because I was so certain that Northwestern was my first choice, I applied early. When admission decisions were released in mid-December, I learned that I did not get accepted. Most people told me that everything would work out how it should in the end and that I was “meant” to go somewhere else and would be happier anyway. But I’ve never been one to believe in fate or any kind of ultimate destiny. So what is there to learn in this kind of a situation and how can students move forward? One of the first things I did after reading the letter, after bawling my eyes out, of course, was read over my other applications to make sure that they were as sound as possible. I realized that I had put so much of my focus throughout high school on one particular university that I neglected to explore other possibilities. One of the
best ways I’ve found to get over the disappointment of not getting into my first choice is to try to get excited about other schools. After getting rejected, I couldn’t help but wonder if I should have done something differently. I thought that maybe I should have taken the ACT one more time, written my essay on something else or perhaps taken this class in lieu of another one, then a better impression would have been left upon the admissions committee. That kind of wonder and regret, however, is toxic. I need to remember that the academic decisions were made for solid, legitimate reasons and there’s no way to know if any of them were erroneous. It’s imperative to remember that these decisions are based upon the whole picture, and one component of an application will not make or break anyone. Another one of my flaws was strongly associating my vision of finding success in journalism with one particular school. Certainly Northwestern is one of the best, if not the best, journalism schools in the country, but I reminded myself that I have the ability to find success in life regardless what school I go to, as do others. Dreams are based on long-term goals, not destinations. Even though not being accepted to Northwestern is one of the biggest heartbreaks I
have yet to experience, I am not sorry that I applied. Life is about putting ourselves out there because, in the end, we never know what we may find. When choosing to have big goals, there certainly is a risk of failure, but the possibility of success also exists. I encourage my peers to not only take risks in the college application process, but in life as well. After all, what’s the worst that could happen? When all else fails, remember that one rejection letter isn’t
MICHELLE TROSCLAIR
STUDENT REPORTER necessarily the end of any goal. I will be applying to Northwestern in four years for graduate school. And if I don’t get in again, I’ll be OK – just like I am now. Michelle Trosclair is a senior at CVHS. Send comments to Michelle@claytonpioneer.com
Lawyers sought for student mock trials Practicing and retired attorneys are needed to assist their future associates at the 28th annual High School Mock Trial Program, held on early evenings in February and early March at the Martinez courthouses. Second- and third-year law students are welcome to participate with the scoring process. Mock Trial is an academic activity for high school students, coordinated by the Contra Costa County Office of Education. The hands-on educational program helps
students acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. Winning teams advance through seven rounds of competition. The county champion goes to the state finals. For more information, visit www.cocoschools.org/edsvcs/events/ mocktrial.htm or contact Jonathan Lance at 942-3429 or jlance@cccoe.k12.ca.us.
School News DIABLO VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL A schoolwide campaign will be running through homeroom classes to promote giving a live gift to other communities through the Heifer Project. The schoolwide goal is $5,000 to purchase an ark. The leadership class will be collecting donations every Friday through May 29 in the students’ homeroom. For more information, contact Jennifer Ruff at 672-0898 or visit www.heifer.org.
DVMS JOINS STATE HONOR BAND Valerie Senavsky has been selected to represent Diablo View Middle School in the AllState Honor Band, hosted by the California Band Directors Association at Cal State Fresno Feb. 19-22. More than 1,600 middle and high school students auditioned for positions in concert, symphonic and jazz bands. Valerie, a seventh-grader, plays French horn in the symphonic band under the direction of Carl Kaiser at Diablo View. She performed Jan. 18 at Davies Symphony Hall with the Oakland Youth Orchestra in the Bay of Hope Concert. On Jan. 27, she will compete in the Khuner Concerto
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Competition for Young Artist, performing the Mozart Horn Concerto in E major.
MT. DIABLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL The school is sponsoring a “Bricks for Technology” fund-raiser. Residents are encouraged to reserve a place in history by buying a personalized brick for the pathway to the flag in front of the school. You may purchase a brick in your name or for a child, a friend, a company or in a loved one’s memory. The cost of a personalized 4x8 brick starts at $55. Keepsake bricks for your home or office also are available. Orders must be received by March 1. For more information, contact Mary Del Monte at 980-2152 or marydm64@yahoo.com.
CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL Plans are underway for the 2009 Grad Night on June 10 at Centre Concord. This event is designed to provide a safe and sober all-night party for graduates. The group is looking for cash contributions, gift certificates and prize items. Contact Stephanie Andrews at 672-3280 or mail your donation to her at P.O. Box 59 Clayton, CA 94517. Anyone interested in donating their time to help organize can contact Trina Brandt at 547-0771 or Trina1010@comcast.net. *** “Follies,” a cabaret-style talent show featuring the CVHS Choral, Band, Drama, Instrumental and Dance classes, will be presented at 7 p.m. Jan. 23 and 24. The $10 admission includes refreshments. Tickets are available at the door. Proceeds help support the Visual and Performing Arts departments. For more information, call Elizabeth Emigh at 682-7474, ext. 2678. COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS Once again, Travis Credit Union will award 20 $1,000 scholarships. Each applicant must be a high school senior with a minimum GPA of 3.0, bound for a two- or four-year college or university and a member of Travis Credit Union in good standing. Students may join the credit union and apply for a scholarship at the same time. Applications are available at any branch location, including 5442 Ygnacio Valley Road, or at www.traviscu.org. Requirements include a 250-word essay, a certified high school transcript and a letter of recommendation from a teacher. Completed applications must be received by March 13.
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January 23, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
What is a recession but a meal without a plate? We’re looking for a few good sales people. By itself, that may well be an ordinary statement with no reason to dwell on it. The thing is that there are so few people out there who want to do sales. For many, the word “sales” holds a connotation not unlike a vampire seeking out dinner. And, in truth, we all hate sales people because they force us to do things we would not normally want to do – spend our money on things we actually want! In the newspaper business, we need sales people to generate advertising sales. This should be easy. We have a great product and we certainly reach a large number of people. In Clayton and Concord, our papers are direct mailed to readers… Free! That is not called sales, surely. “Good morning mister business owner,” I might say. “I have a delivery vehicle that will get your product information into every home in Clayton and 34,000 in Concord. People will read all about what your business offers. That’s what you want, right? New customers?” Good sales people do not come across as sales people; they are ordinary men and
women who are a pleasure to talk with because they are not vampires. They are personable and merely chat about the product they represent. If the need does not exist, then there will be no sale – no matter how much one might wish otherwise. Car dealers are experiencing this right now. It’s a recession. Stocks are down. The housing market is at a record low. People are not buying cars. Business is bad. Huh? Business should be great! When you buy something, you want the best price possible. Now is the time to buy a car. Go negotiate with a hungry dealer. You will never get a better deal on a car than you will now. Houses are out there too, and the prices are great. Interest rates are fantastic. So what’s the problem? A recession is like a meal without a plate; something is missing from that comfortable feeling we have during a stable economy. And yet people are spending money. People are still eating, buying clothes and the malls are hardly empty. We still have our utilities and most of us have our jobs, despite an unfortunate cir-
SOL Large, custom updated 5 bedroom! D
ANDRÉ GENSBURGER
DEAL WITH IT cumstance for many others. In the end, someone will buy a car or a house and slowly the recession will slow as movement takes place once again. Only then people will be complaining: “I should have bought that house while the price was low.” We’re looking for a few good sales people. We need someone nice. We need someone who is not afraid to greet a customer and hold a conversation. If that is you, call us at 672-0500. We need someone who can tell businesses why their word needs to get out there. After all, every business owner needs new business so that they can survive. Every business wants to reach the public so that consumers can once again start using plates with their meals. We can deal with that!
André Gensburger is a staff reporter and feature writer for the Pioneer. His email address is andre@claytonpioneer.com
Consider ‘second-to-die’ policy to pay estate taxes estate tax, your executor may need to sell assets you intended to pass to heirs. If you’re in this situation and you’re married, consider purchasing second-to-die life insurance.
RICHARD LITTORNO FINANCIAL SENSE If a married couple has a substantial estate but illiquid assets, their executor may need additional funds to pay the estate tax due on the surviving spouse’s death. Using a secondto-die life insurance policy to cover the estate tax can be a powerful estate planning strategy. Even armed with a solid estate plan, estate tax likely will be owed on the survivor’s death if your and your spouse’s estate is worth more than your combined lifetime exemptions. The problem will be exacerbated if your and your spouse’s assets are mostly illiquid. To pay the
TWO TIMES THE COVERAGE In essence, second-to-die life insurance is one policy that covers two lives. When you or your spouse dies, the policy continues to cover the surviving spouse and no proceeds are paid until the surviving spouse dies. Because generally no estate tax is due when the first spouse dies (thanks to the unlimited marital deduction), a second-to-die policy can be a perfect instrument to pay estate taxes. Second-to-die policies can be an attractive alternative to individual policies because the insurer spreads the risk over two lives instead of one. Thus, the premiums typically are significantly lower. Or if one spouse is in poor health, a second-to-die policy may be the only way he or she can get coverage. In this
Page 7
case, the premiums will probably not be much different than they’d be for a policy on the healthier spouse’s life. PAYING THE PREMIUMS Before buying a second-todie policy, consider the premium payments. For instance, are payments fixed or interest sensitive? If investment performance will cause premiums to fluctuate, worst-case scenario projections can help gauge your ability to afford the policy. Find out if the premiums are projected for only a limited period of time. In this case, the insurance company assumes that eventually annual dividends, cash value or interest will replace your premium payments. In other words, you won’t need to pay your premiums with out-of-pocket cash. Make sure that assumptions aren’t too aggressive or you could end up paying premiums out-of-pocket longer than expected.
See Financial, page 13
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7 ways to slash college costs Local ‘College Insider’ shares secrets to beat recent Private, UC, & CSU tuition hikes Walnut Creek – Parents of college-bound high school sophomores & juniors across the Bay Area could be facing a financial nightmare, with recent tuition increases across the state. The question now is ‘how will they be able to afford to send their child to college?’ Those questions and many more can be answered this month at a very popular FREE community workshop held at two Contra Costa County locations. The workshop will focus on the little-known ways of getting FREE money for college, regardless of your income level, how much money you have saved for college, or how good of a student you have. “With the cost of attendance increasing for UC & CSU schools 7.4% & 10% respectively and both
campuses slashing enrollment parents need to know this shocking information,” says Sean Connors, CVHS alum (‘97) & founder of College Planning Specialists, CFS Inc in Walnut Creek. The class will include such topics as; how 6-figure income families can double or triple their eligibility for free-grant-money, why 529 plans could be a waste of time, and the absolute, guaranteed most expensive way to send a child to school...and how to avoid it! The workshops will be held on Tuesday January 27th at the Oak Hill Park Community Center off of Stone Valley Road in Danville and Tuesday night February 3rd at the Walnut Creek Library, both from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. Sean Connors and Alexis Alekna, the
nation’s leading experts on paying for college, will teach the workshop. This class will reveal astonishing ways to beat the high cost of college that educated parents across the country are using to pay almost nothing for college. In fact, Connors says, ‘hundreds who have attended our workshops have discovered new secrets and strategies to send their children to schools they never thought they could afford.’ Seating is free, but limited by the size of the room and many families have had to be turned away at the door of recent workshops due to no reservation being made. To reserve your seat, call 888-2102606 or CollegeFundsNow.com to RSVP today.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
When buying a home, allow enough time for possession
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January 23, 2009
Recently a couple heard from their landlord that their lease wasn’t being renewed. They had to find a new place to live within 30 days. In a panic, they started looking for homes to buy. While this is the perfect market in which to do that, it may not be realistic to expect to buy a home in such a short timeframe. The length of time it takes to buy a home varies, depending on supply and demand factors. It also depends on the individual seller’s situation. In a buyer’s market like we have been experiencing, where there are plenty of homes for
sale and relatively few buyers, it’s usually easier for buyers to find a home. In a seller’s market, it can take months to find a home and successfully negotiate a purchase agreement. Even if it doesn’t take long for you to find a home to buy, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to move into your new home quickly. This is because the date the purchase goes through and the date the seller delivers possession of the property to the buyer are not necessarily the same. Your purchase contract will specify a date for closing. This is the date that the home purchase becomes final. It is the date that title to the property passes from the seller to the buyer. Your contract will also specify a date for possession. This is the date that you can move into the property.
When closing and possession occur is negotiable. They can occur on the same day, but this is not always the case. Let’s say the sellers are building a new home, but it won’t be ready for a couple of months. As part of your purchase negotiation, you agree to let the sellers rent back from you for a couple of months. In this case, your closing date will occur two months before you can move into the property. Most sellers find a quick close attractive, but sometimes there’s a reason why a seller can’t close before a certain date. Given the uncontrollable factors connected with finding a home to buy and gaining access to it, it’s best to leave yourself plenty of time. If you’re under a deadline, you may feel pressured to compromise and buy a home
that’s not right for you. This can be expensive if you end up selling that home and buying another one that better suits your needs. There are steps you can take to speed up the process. First, get pre-approved for financing. This will enable you to close quickly when you do find a home you like. Then, pick a diligent and energetic agent who will make your home search a priority. Finally, make sure that you look at every home your agent thinks will work for you. Be patient. Good investments aren’t made in a hurry. 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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An evolution of the copy shop and mail stores, Postal Connections offers an advanced level of service with speed, friendly personalized interaction, access to all mail and transmission services and loads of home-office needs. “Things still need to get from point A to point B, even in tough economic times,” states Matt Barber, owner of the new Postal Connections store in the Clayton Valley Shopping Center. Barber’s interest in the franchise comes from a natural progression of his experience working with his father-in-law for a courier company. He learned of the Postal Connections franchise opportunity from his wife’s uncle who was operating a store in Merced. After doing their homework, the Barbers chose Postal Connections based on initial costs and company support. The clincher for Barber is the freedom within the business. “This franchise allows for us to be inventive within the walls of the business,” he says. “For example, some models supplement merchandising with gifts. I want to be creative in other ways as the business grows.” Once the franchise was chosen, Barber, a San Ramon resident, searched the Bay Area for the perfect locale. Soon he learned of the revitalization project in the Clayton Valley Shopping Center. “We’re in a brand-new center with very convenient parking and we have better prices than our competitors,”
Need a handyman?
Nicci Shipstead/Clayton Pioneer
VILIJA AND ROBERT DEUTSCHMAN OF CLAYTON MAKE THEIR FIRST VISIT INTO POSTAL CONNECTIONS AT THE CLAYTON VALLEY SHOPPING CENTER. Owner Matt Barber helps them select the right size box for their project and reminds them that Postal Connections will safely ship their order anywhere in the world.
Barber says proudly. Barber found the ClaytonConcord area appealing because of the tight-knit community. “I want to support the residents by offering one-stop shopping,” he says. “Over Christmas, a woman visiting from out of town came in and was able to use Postal Connections as her home office. We offer computer access with Internet and email, printing, fax, copies, office supplies and all the mail services including UPS, FedEx and DHL.” In addition, notary public service will be available soon. “I just have to finalize the paperwork,” Barber reports.
Mailbox service is unique in that the client has a street address and can receive packages from all carriers. “You can also call and ask if your package has arrived, or we might call someone to say their mailbox is full. The Post Office doesn’t do that,” Barber says with a smile. “We have extremely competitive pricing on all our services, recognizing that patrons are price sensitive in this economy,” Barber says. “One client came in with a packing and mailing project first priced at a competitor’s. When I figured out our price for all the requirements, he was very satisfied that our price was sig-
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nificantly lower. In a way, our service is like gas in that it’s basically the same from one place to another. But you still want the best price, within a reasonable distance.” An official grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony with the Concord Chamber of Commerce will be Monday, Jan. 26. Sweepstakes entry for an iPod Nano is available now.
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January 23, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
This mom defines giving as ‘sunny days out’ ANDRÉ GENSBURGER Clayton Pioneer
Most people have wanted to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate at some point in their lives, and for many an opportunity has permitted such action. For Anna Chan, a stay-athome mother of a 2-year-old, empathy turned into action when she came across 6-yearold Katie Grace Groebner – who suffers from pulmonary hypertension, ultimately requiring a heart and lung transplant. Katie Grace’s mother, Kathy, had been sending letters to media outlets in an attempt to raise awareness of the condition which, while not common, poses a life-threatening risk. At first, there were no responses. “No one picked up the story,” Anna said. “I was sad and disappointed. I knew how I would feel as a mom.” And so Anna wrote a letter to local blog Claycord.com, which published the story – drawing community attention from the Clayton Pioneer and The Concordian newspapers, as well as other bloggers, television stations and non-profit
André Gensburger/Clayton Pioneer
Anna Chan’s letter writing campaign garnered a long list of gifts and services for Katie Grace Groebner and her family.
groups. “The community was touched by the story,” Anna said. “People expressed an interest in helping but did not
know how to do so.” LOOKING FOR A SENSE OF NORMALCY
Anna’s daughter Ava met
Katie Grace at the Clayton Library and the two became friends. Katie Grace showed off her medical bracelet and the Broviac line that delivers medication directly to her heart. Ava called it an “ouchie” because of the tube that enters through the skin above Katie Grace’s heart. “What people don’t know,” said Anna, “is that Kathy isn’t out to benefit for herself; she keeps trying to get more public awareness for PH.” What struck a chord with Anna was that with all the turmoil, Katie Grace and her sister Savanha were missing out on normal, everyday activities. Anna decided to start writing letters to various groups and businesses to see what she could do to get the girls to attend various functions. “I never asked for a discount,” Anna said. “I never asked for anything for myself.” A few days after the first letter, an envelope arrived with tickets to the Oakland Zoo. Anna has written more than 50 letters and received a response
Page 9
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From the Police Log Teen injured in bike accident A 13-year-old was hit by a car and injured Jan 8 while riding his bike on Marsh Creek Road near Mt. Wilson Way. According to Police Chief Dan Lawrence, the boy suddenly swerved out in front of an oncoming car. He suffered a broken bone in his lower back. The chief credited the boy’s helmet for saving him from more serious injury.
T h e
TWO WEEKS ENDING JAN. 16 Traffic Accidents: Jan. 3, shortly after midnight, a traffic accident with injuries at Clayton Rd. and Washington Blvd. Arrests: Jan. 8, 9:26 a.m., a Scotts Valley woman was stopped at Oakhurst Blvd. and Indianhead Way for speeding and found to have an outstanding warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and taken to the Martinez jail for booking. Jan. 10, 2:40 a.m., Kirker Pass Rd. and Olive Dr. A Pleasant
Clayton History
Hill man, 21, was stopped for a vehicle code violation and expired registration. After failing a field sobriety test, he was arrested and transported to the Concord Police Department for booking. Jan. 10, 11:39, p.m. Kirker Pass and Clayton. San Leandro man, 30, was stopped for a vehicle code violation and found to be driving without a license. There was also an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and transported to the Concord Police Department for booking. Jan 11, 2 a.m., Clayton and Kirker Pass, Concord man, 33,
From the Archives
was stopped for a vehicle code violation and expired registration. After failing a field sobriety test he was arrested and transported to the Concord Police Department for booking. Jan 12, 2:37 p.m., Clayton and Washington Blvd. A Concord man, 19, a passenger in a vehicle stopped for a vehicle code violation, was found to be in possession of marijuana. He was issued a citation and released with his signed promise to appear. Jan 13, 10:41 p.m., Clayton and Delaware Dr. A Clayton man, 25, was stopped for a vehicle code violation and found to be in possession of marijuana. He was issued a citation and released with his signed promise to appear. Burglaries: Residential burglaries Jan. 3, Mt. Olivet Ct. Jan. 6, Mountaire Pl Jan. 7, Mirango Ct. Jan. 8, Mt. Wilson Wy. Thefts: Jan 13, Ahwanee Lane. Burglary Vehicle. Jan. 13, Tuyshtak Ct. Petty Theft Jan 13, Wawona Ln, Petty theft Jan. 14, Brandywine Pl. Grand Theft.
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THIS PHOTO, TAKEN CIRCA 1912, SHOWS THE ORIGINAL LOCATION OF THE JOEL CLAYTON HOME. The Keller House (located behind the library) is visible to the right. The Clayton home was later moved to its present location on Main Street where it houses the Clayton Museum. For more information on Joel Clayton and Clayton history, visit claytonhistory.org. The Clayton Museum is open Wed. and Sun. 24 p.m. and by appointment.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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January 23, 2009
Break the boredom and your cat will keep her cool Kitten season is just around the corner, and Carolyn Goodrich, animal programs director at the Animal Rescue Foundation, has some ideas on how to survive a cat or kitten with “cattitude.” Cats are often described as independent animals known for walking through the eye of chaos without twitching a whisker of concern. Hard as they might try though, cats are susceptible to the stresses and anxieties that are part of our faster-than-fast everyday life. No two cats are alike, and they respond differently to potential stress situations. What you might consider a minor change could be upsetting to your favorite feline. A stressed or bored cat will get her message across very clearly with “cattitude.” When you’re ready to leave
for work, some cats will run to the door –crying, climbing the wall and begging you to stay. Others will deliberately begin leaving you messages “outside” their litter box. Normally friendly cats may become reluctant to allow you to pet them. They can begin to scratch or bite you or start to scratch your furniture. Cats can even stop grooming, while others will begin to pull out patches of fur. If your cat starts continually doing anything out of the ordinary, a trip to your veterinarian is suggested. But the best plan is to prevent problems before they start. Here are some tips for relieving stress and boredom. Make sure your cat has two, 15-minute aerobic workouts – once in the morning and once in the evening. Change your pattern of
departure for work in the morning. Leave from a different door, don’t rattle your keys and don’t do a long, mournful goodbye. Make your cat a special plate of her favorite treats as a distraction, or leave while she is eating. Stimulate your cat while you’re gone with toys that have moving parts and challenges, such as track balls, crinkle balls or balls that contain a cat treat inside. Leave the TV or radio on so she can hear human voices in the house. You might find she soon has her favorite weekly programs! Add a carpeted cat tree to your house. Cats love to sit up high and watch the world go by. Or place a chair near a busy window so your cat can watch the birds, squirrels and folks in the neighborhood.
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Make your home catfriendly. Have lots of places to curl up on blankets, safe warm spots to sit and lots of things to do. Use your patience, understanding and creativity to deal with “cattitude.” Never scold a cat for something wrong after the fact. Be proactive in diverting your cat’s attention and refocusing his energy. Your cat will reward you with a lifetime of companionship, fun and unwavering love. Elena Bicker is the Executive Director of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. She can be reached at (925) 2561ARF (1273)
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ent 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.
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FOUNDATION STEPS IN One letter went to the Taylor Family Foundation, whose motto is “preserving the wellness and enhancing the quality of life for children in Northern California with lifethreatening and chronic illnesses, developmental disabilities and youth at-risk through unique therapeutic experiences and support.” After Anna’s letter, co-founder Elaine Taylor got involved. Anna’s wish list for Katie Grace was comprehensive, ranging from tickets to see Bill Cosby to a ballet class for Katie Grace and a martial arts and jazz/hip-hop class for Savanha. Hoping to just have one item covered, Anna was floored when a $2,300 check promptly arrived from the Taylor Family Foundation to pay for most items on the list. Anna was thrilled. “These are activities that will make memories to last a lifetime,” Anna said. “What a
generous gift for Elaine to work with me to get these grant items approved in less than 24 hours!” After sending the money, the foundation continued to see whether they could get the tickets donated, thus freeing up the money for other purchases. Other gifts that were made include: Chabot Space and Science Theatre, the Jungle, the Lindsay Wildlife Museum, the California Academy of Sciences, the Ruth Bancroft Gardens and Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. EXTENDING THE LOVE Anna wrote the letters while her daughter was napping in the hope that Katie Grace would enjoy “the sunny days out.” “Writing letters has been easy for me,” Anna said. “It is something I enjoy.” One-year-old Kaylee of Concord is another child whom Anna feels the need to help. Ill with leukemia and undergoing chemotherapy, Kaylee also required a Broviac line to be inserted. As with all families who must struggle through the uncertainty of
their child’s future, Kaylee’s family is often left with a sense of being alone. Anna would like to change that. “When I was at Stanford, Anna came,” Kathy Groebner explained. “She brought treats and gave things to the children there. When we came home, we took more gifts to the hospital on Christmas Eve. Anna not only took gifts to the family of Kaylee, but she also drove out of her way to pick up and take the gifts that I had for the children to them.” “Sometimes people are so caught up in their own turmoil, they don’t think about reaching out,” Anna noted. “I only hope to inspire others that one person can make a positive difference in another’s life. Random acts of kindness, compassion and caring should not be so rare.” For more information about Katie Grace Groebner, contact the family at groebs2@live.com. To contact the family of Kaylee, email cgraydon@sbcglobal.net. If you would like to help Anna assist families in the community, contact her through the Clayton Pioneer or email andre@claytonpioneer.com. Additional information on the Taylor Family Foundation may be found at www.ttff.org.
January 23, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Page 11
A healthy attitude about life on the farm be lined up at the plants on either side and tons of people would be milking them by hand. When the machines came, we ended up getting rid
man who would give you anything he had. And so during the Depression, all the people who weren’t working in the area would line up at the dairy,”
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“From Cow to Consumer” was a motto that Clayton resident Dick Nelson, 84, remembers as a young child growing up on a dairy farm in Pittsburg. “My grandfather owned three dairy plants since the late 1800s and we had the largest dairy in all of Northern California,” Dick says. “We were famous for our Pioneer Ice Cream, and dairies from all Photo courtesy of Dick Nelson parts of the USA would come DICK NELSON’S GRANDFATHER started the Pioneer Dairy in the late 1800s. While he has to compete with our products. great memories of growing up on the dairy farm, he did not continue in the family We were tops!” business, preferring people to cows. Originally named Diamond Dairy, the farm eventually became known as the Pioneer of a lot of people because we Dick says. “My grandfather about Ann, his wife of 65 Dairy – where horse and buggy didn’t need them any longer.” would then give away milk and years, and his four children, first delivered milk. “We had He feels he had a blessed ice cream so they could keep eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. old dairy routes and served childhood – liv- their children healthy.” He never did take over the grocery stores His family was doing all ing on the and home Pioneer Dairy right at the time, with his par- dairy from his dad, and the deliveries,” farm surround- ents having a house along with land was bought by PG&E in Dick recalls. ed by love from the dairy house. His grandpar- the late 1950s. “I am a people “ D u r i n g his grandpar- ents had their own house on person and I wanted to get away from the cows,” he says. WWII, we had ents, parents, Leaning back casually in his over 80 percent siblings and chair, he adds with a chuckle: of the Navy other family “During WWII, we “And to be honest, I didn’t contracts and members. He had over 80 percent of want to get my boots dirty.” also served stahas vivid memtions that ories of his the Navy contracts and If you are a senior living in included grandmother Clayton, or know of a senior that also served stations Treasure Island serving three would like to share their life story with that included Treasure and Alameda hot meals for the Clayton Pioneer readers, please Air Force the men who Island and Alameda contact Colleen Elwy at 672-9565 or DICK NELSON Base.” lived in the workat colleensbyline@aol.com. Air Force Base.” Dick remiers’ dormitories. nisces about being on the The dairy got involved in Dick Nelson dairies and milking the cows humanitarian aid during the before they had regular milk Depression. “My grandfather extractors. “As far back as I can was a stern, hard-working per- the farm, too. remember, all the cows would son, but he was also the kindest He believes times are more difficult in the current economic crisis. “We are in a real mess. Compared to what I lived through before, what we have going on now is going to outdo the Great Depression,” Dick states. “Before we wanted for naught and didn’t need much to survive. We could also trade milk for other things we couldn’t get,” he adds. “It’s different for people now.” Dick joined the Navy after graduating from Pittsburg High School. While in the Navy, Dick became a pharmacist mate and graduated from medical school. After returning from the service, he drove a milk route delivery truck for Pioneer Dairy. But he eventual-
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Page 12
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
January 23, 2009
Clayton Sports After career at Kansas, CVHS star looks to NFL RANDY ROWLAND Clayton Pioneer
Former Clayton resident Joe Mortensen, a standout for the Clayton Valley Eagles football team, just completed his senior year of play at Kansas University and is looking to live his dream of playing in the NFL. Mortensen, who graduated from Clayton Valley in 2004, is completing his degree in psychology this spring and played in his final bowl game at the Insight Bowl in Tempe, Ariz., on New Year’s Eve. His Jayhawks beat the Minnesota Golden Gophers 42-21, with Mortensen contributing nine tackles. “It was great to end my college career with a big bowl game, and Kansas has been everything I was hoping for and more,” Mortensen says. He was in Concord visiting family over the holidays, before returning to school to prepare for the NFL combines in Indianapolis next March. EARNING PRAISE AT CVHS Mortensen played a little of everything growing up in the Clayton area. But in the seventh grade, he knew that his future was on the gridiron. As a sophomore at Clayton Valley, he earned a starting spot on both sides of the ball – playing tight end and outside line-
backer. He received all league honors at both positions. Unfortunately, the team struggled that season and the following year. But again Mortensen was all league both ways his junior year, and the letters from colleges began arriving. Following a superlative senior season, where the team finished 10-2, Mortensen won first team honors again both defensively and offensively and was the BVAL MVP. To this day, Mortensen holds the school record for tackles in a season with a mind-boggling 171 his senior year. “He was one of the best football players ever to suit up for CVHS,” says CV coach Herc Pardi. “At that time, both defensive coach Jerry Coakley and I knew Joe would have a great college experience. He had a driving force to play college football and play in the NFL and is a tremendous linebacker.” Before his senior season, Mortensen committed to play football at the University of Nebraska. However after a disappointing season, the Cornhuskers fired coach Frank Solich and brought in Bill Callaghan to coach. Callaghan reneged on the commitment despite Mortensen starring at a Nebraska summer camp. Mortensen’s uncle, Matt Bolender, went to work for his nephew – contacting schools
including Kansas, Arizona State and Marshall. Kansas coach Mark Mangino offered Mortensen an opportunity to
MAKING STRIDES After arriving in Kansas, Mortensen went straight to work in the weight room and
The Clayton Valley Athletic Boosters Club held its biggest fund-raiser of the year on Jan. 10 at Centre Concord. The proceeds go directly to the athletic programs, offsetting the cost of participating in high school programs. This year’s event was especially festive as it occurred during the school’s 50th anniversary celebration. More than 400 people attended the crab feed, and
in this economy, it shows how important high school athletics are to the parents and the surrounding community. According to longtime CVABC president Bob Banks, proceeds will fund the athletic trainer, purchase sports items and complete special projects at the school. The amount raised won’t be known for a few weeks, but with more basket and raffle items than in previous years and the sold-out crowd, it will likely be the largest fundraiser to date.
play ball in Lawrence. “I owe a lot to my mom and Uncle Matt, who always looked out for me and taught me to believe in myself,” Mortensen notes. “Sometimes you have to look at it as if fate brought Joe to Kansas,” Bolender adds.
The evening featured games, raffles and auctions, not to mention dancing to music played by DJ Terry Newberry of Clayton – the voice of CV football. Athletes who volunteered as servers included Nick Cole of the football team; Kelsey Booth, Taylor Price of Clayton and Kelsey French from girls soccer; Clayton resident Jonathan Kim from the boys tennis team; and others representing lacrosse, basketball, wrestling, swimming and track and field.
Will Golden State Warriors turn around and make the playoffs? Each issue, a panel of Clayton sports enthusiasts will air their views on a current topic in the sporting world. If you would like to suggest a topic or question to our panels, email sports@claytonpioneer.com. Can the Golden State Warriors turn their season around when Monta Ellis returns to the team and make the playoffs in NBA’s Western Conference? SNYDER: Unfortunately, the Warriors are in the wrong division, let alone the wrong conference. If they played in the Eastern Conference, I
BIG 12 HONORS His junior year may have been the finest of his career to date. Kansas went 12-1 and was only a loss away (to Missouri) from playing in the national championship game. “And I got a great lick in on Chase Daniels,” Mortensen says of the projected firstround draft pick quarterback. Mortensen earned all Big 12 first team honors as inside linebacker and called plays for the defense. He finished with 102 tackles, a high for a team that had five players drafted. The season culminated in a three-point win against Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl on New Year’s Day 2008,
Photo by Matt Bolender UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS LINEBACKER JOE MORTENSEN plays against the Iowa State Cyclones last fall.
adjusting to life in the Midwest. “It was hard at first,” he recalls, “but I had a great support group.” He noted that his family structure was important to him. In his five years at the school, he has made lifelong friends – including roommate
Fund-raiser boosts athletics program at Clayton Valley RANDY ROWLAND Clayton Pioneer
and fellow linebacker Mike Rivera. He also enjoys the recognition he gets in the small town. After sitting out his freshman year as a red shirt, he made immediate contributions on special teams – including nine tackles with one against Vince Young of Texas. The school had just started to turn things around, and Mortensen was a big part of that. That year he played in his first bowl game, the Fort Worth Bowl in Texas. By his sophomore year as a player, he started as an outside linebacker and was second on the team with 92 tackles as the Jayhawks went 6-6.
would say a .500 record means playoffs and they could make a run. But where they play, the talent level day in and day out is too strong. Ellis should improve the team, but it will be too hard to recover from this terrible start. I don’t see Corey Maguette helping the team effort, and they don’t have the bodies to bang each night. So far, I pick the Colts to win it all and Florida will blow out Oklahoma. I don’t think I will be too far off in predicting the Warriors will not make the playoffs. But keep your fingers crossed that the AFC will win the Super Bowl so the stock market recovers! MERRIGAN: Ellis was expected to be a huge performer with the Warriors this season and his paycheck reflected that. Due to his ankle injury, he’s been sidelined. Unfortunately, this has been a major factor in the not-so-
Rob Helena
a win that was preserved by a blocked field goal by Mortensen. “That was a memorable moment in my career,” he says. In the off season, Mortensen faced adversity in the form of an ACL tear to the right knee and a torn meniscus in his left knee. Following March 2008 surgery, Mortensen underwent a rigorous rehabilitation. Though he did not feel 100 percent throughout this past season, he was able to play every game for the Jayhawks. The team went 8-5, and he recorded 97 tackles. The team played a competitive schedule, including a loss to Oklahoma by 14 points. He was named all league Big 12 honorable mention and was a finalist for the Butkus Award, named for the nation’s top linebacker. Mortensen looks to impress NFL scouts at the combines and hopes a team will take a chance on him. “The injury hurt me in some people’s eye, but I am confident I can play at the next level,” he says. His dream is to play on the West Coast for the 49ers, Raiders, Seahawks or Chargers, so that his family can see him play often. “I would not be where I am today without them.”
Mark Anderson
“How come nobody brings me gatorade when I have a time out?!”
Leigh Kirmsse
great Warriors season so far. The good news is that Ellis is getting ready to return to play. Even though the Warriors recently stopped their recent five game losing streak, I think it’s too late for a chance at the playoffs. STELZNER: The Warriors will be hard-pressed to make any headway against the Western Conference this year, even with a healthy Ellis back. Don Nelson seems to have lost interest with the club and his “matchups” aren’t creating the mismatches they have in past years. He seems to continue to hold out on younger players but doesn’t have the veterans needed to carry the team. While the defense is never top of Nelson’s mind, in the past two years they’ve at least been opportunistic with the steal or slapping at balls coming through the lane. This year, blocks are up, but assists and scoring are down. I see a trade needed before the Warriors will make any noise in this year’s playoff hunt.
Deanna Merrigan
Tina Rafallo
HELENA: It’s a lost season again. Ellis makes no difference because the team doesn’t defend or know how to ride mopeds. The master of this disaster is coach Nellie. Just like 10 years ago, he ruins a young and exciting team. The way he blows it is eerily similar. By trading popular players Mitch Richmond and Jason Richardson for taller, mediocre players in Billy Owens and Brandan Wright, he ruins team chemistry. He nails the team coffin shut by ticking off his star players, Chris Webber and Baron Davis. Fool me once, shame on Nellie, fool me twice, shame on the Warriors! RAFALLO: No way! I’d like to believe Ellis will make that much of a difference, but it’s not going to happen. Granted, the Warriors probably have one of the worst schedules in the league, but that shouldn’t make much of a difference. Maybe the longer home stands along with Monte’s return will help, but they’ll be
Chris Snyder
Ralph Stelzner
lucky to play .500 ball the rest of the season and that’s not going to get them to the playoffs. Too many other injuries and too many young players. Give them another two-three seasons. The only thing that makes it sting a little less is that the Clippers have a worse record than us. Thank you Davis. KIRMSSE: No, no, no, no! The fact is, they have too small of a lineup as it is. Maguette is a shoot first player, and Ronny Turiaf just doesn’t know his range. When Ellis comes back, I think the Warriors will have a much harder time with their no-pass small lineup. I was there to see the Warriors/Celtics miracle, and it will be the only bright spot of an otherwise below mediocre season. Are you a sports junkie? If you are opinionated and interested in becoming a panelist for the Speaking of Sports feature, contact us at sports@claytonpioneer.com.
January 23, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 13
Clayton Sports
Clayton resident, Mike Rose, has been in business for over 36 years and has always provided quality repair with excellent customer service!
Teams continue alumni festivities at CVHS RANDY ROWLAND Clayton Pioneer
Two additional sports, basketball and soccer, continued the year-long celebration of Clayton Valley High School’s 50th anniversary by hosting a large number of returning athletes on the campus on Jan. 3. The first game was the men’s soccer alumni vs. the current varsity, coached by Rory Gentry. Coming to CVHS after six seasons at Concord High, Gentry was instrumental in organizing and recruiting for the event. His son Dan, class of ’05, was the keeper for the alumni team – coached by current assistant coach Loren Davis. “It was great to see all of the kids out there, and we look forward to making this an annual event,” Gentry says. Junior Dale Nelson, in his second year of varsity playing goalkeeper, enjoyed the game. “I thought it was a competitive game, and it was great to see the turnout,” he says, noting that the alumni fielded 30 players. Clayton resident Nick Sharapata, the center halfback or central defender for the Eagles, found the rivalry to be friendly. “It was fun to play in this game, and I would definitely come back again next year.” REVENGE OF THE GRADS Another Clayton resident, Scotty Mores, was among those playing in the alumni game. The ’08 grad is attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He is still playing soccer, but at the intramural level. “It was great to see all the guys again,” he says. “With this being the 50th anniversary of the school, it was special.” Another ’08 graduate, Clayton’s Spencer Rollins, played on the CVHS team for three years. “I really wanted to beat the guys I played with last year, and I’m still friends with a lot of them,” he says. For the record, the alumni
Photo by Jacki Gentry
JOSH OBER, class of ’06, plays in the CVHS alumni soccer game on Jan. 3. came back from a 3-1 deficit with 10 minutes to go to pull out a 4-3 win against their young counterparts. A FAMILIAL FEEL On the girls’ side, athletic director and head coach Pat Middendorf took special pride in the event and noted that she had coached each of the girls playing in the game. This was the 12th alumni game for the girls. “We got a great response from alumni,” she says. “Just look at the enthusiasm out here it is a great day for the school.” “This was a good way to give something back to the program,” adds referee John
Financial, from page 7 It’s also important to plan how premiums will be paid after the first spouse dies. If the deceased spouse earned the income needed to pay premiums, the surviving spouse must be able to continue paying them. One solution is to add a rider to the policy providing money to pay the surviving spouse’s premiums. Or if you buy a policy that builds cash value, that may be sufficient, depending on when the premiums will no
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Antaki. “It was great to see the interest in the game.” As a surprise, Brazilian legends Tafa and Sissi suited up and each played a half, with Tafa adding a long-range outside shot for a goal. Clayton’s Megan Swann, who is a varsity assistant coach, captained the alumni team. Despite her awesome play, her team fell to the current Eagles 2-0. “It was great to see all of the girls again – so many old friends,” Swann says. GOING TO THE HOOP Across the campus in the gym that same evening, the varsity girls basketball team took on the alumni women. The irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT). If you transfer an existing second-to-die policy to an ILIT, be aware that you must make the transfer at least three years before the surviving spouse’s death to realize the estate tax savings. You can fund the premiums by making annual exclusion gifts to the ILIT. With proper planning, you and your spouse can jointly give up to $24,000 (your combined annual exclusion amount) times the number of trust beneficiaries annually and
alumni team included Melanie Turner from the class of ’98, who torched the varsity for 18 points. Audra Menez, class of ’08 and currently playing at Diablo Valley College, contributed 17 points. But the varsity girls took control in the second half, led by Clayton’s Sarah Nelson’s 14 points and 14 each from Gina Del Bene and Sarah Johnathan. Thanks to the clever scoreboard operator, the final score at the horn was CV 74, Alums 76, after Turner hit a three-pointer with seconds left (despite the alumni being down by double digits). Coach Kris Pascoe (Bell), class of ’86, spent a lot of time making contact with former players to make this game a reality. She last played in an alumni game in the early ’90s, but with the 50th anniversary, she thought it was a great opportunity to make it happen. She is also involved with the current Clayton women’s program as the co-head JV coach with Clayton resident Paul Kommer and as an assistant to the varsity. “It was a lot of fun to be on both sides of the game and see people I haven’t seen for a long time,” Pascoe says. She noted that the alumni team fielded 17 players, and six were prior athletes of the year at Clayton. “Everyone played, and everyone had a great time,” she says. After leaving Clayton Valley, Turner played four years at the University of San Francisco and a year professionally in The Netherlands. “I had so many great memories at CVHS and to be back in that gym again with my family and some of my former teammates was wonderful,” she says. She is looking forward to playing in the event again year. “We, the alumni, need to redeem ourselves and get a win so that the girls can’t rub it in our face for another year.”
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Page 14
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Book Review
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“The Vagrants” is Yiyun Li’s first novel. Her earlier book, A Thousand Years of Good Prayers,” is a collection of short stories. The praise and awards garnered by that collection has put Li on the American literary map, no small accomplishment for a recently arrived (1996) Chinese immigrant writing in English. Li’s story begins in Muddy River, an unsophisticated city, in 1979, about 10 years away from the events at Tiananmen Square. The story opens with Teacher Gu waking to the sound of his wife crying into her pillow. It is the spring equinox, “a day of equality,” Teacher Gu thinks to himself. But nothing would be quite equal again for the Gu family because “their daughter’s life would end on this day, when neither the sun nor its shadow reigned.” The author puts that early morning observation under her literary microscope in order for the reader to more clearly see what else is occurring. Shan Gu, a member of
Mao’s Cultural Revolution, becomes a disillusioned and outspoken counterrevolutionary – a criminal act for which she was arrested, tried and convicted. Prior to her execution, Shan was to be put on display at a public “denunciation” ceremony. Li broadens the scope of her story to include the reactions of those in and around the neighborhood of Teacher Gu and his wife. What happens in Muddy River is a microcosm of what is happening throughout China as it comes out from under the oppressive weight of Mao’s Cultural Revolution. For those of us in the West, Li has provided a starkly intimate portrait of a provincial Chinese community poised on the edge of the China we know today. Li takes us in and out of the lives of Bashi, a teen living with his aged grandmother but harboring a desire to marry a child bride. Bashi tries to befriend Tong, a young boy, newly arrived in Muddy River and Tong, in turn, is befriended by Mr. and Mrs. Hua, neighbors who give young Tong smoothed out scraps of paper on which to write his lessons. The Huas have no
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children of their own, other than the discarded girl babies they have found through the years and raised as their own. Nini, crippled by birth, is one
YIYUN LI, author of “The Vagrants”
of six children in a crowded household. The voice of Muddy River is the familiar one of Kai, a radio personality, who is the announcer at the denunciation ceremony. Kai was a classmate of Shan Gu when they were young girls and Shan’s fate touches Kai deeply. We see the Gus’ neighbors as they move about on the day of Shan’s
denunciation and execution. Kwen, the shadowy figure who is secretly hired by the Gus to bury their daughter, engages Bashi to assist him in his task. Bashi has also befriended Nini and she, too, becomes more closely involved in the day’s events. The political fallout from Shan’s death is far reaching. The lives of Mrs. Gu, Kai, Nini, Bashi and the Huas move beyond the death of a counterrevolutionary. Shan’s death beckons an awakening that cannot be halted. There will be more imprisonment and death, but there is also love, bravery and hope. Kai, too, has a denunciation ceremony. As she is led off stage, she remembers the words her father once wrote for her, “A man with a revolutionary dream is never a lonely soul.” The words evoke both finality and beginning in a novel that is epic yet intimate. Sunny Solomon is the BookLady and bookseller emeritus of Clayton Books in the Clayton Station. She holds an MA in English and Creative Writing from San Francisco State University. Sunny is a poet and loves to “talk books.” Reach her with questions or comments at 673-3325.
CERT goals for ’09 include drills and more training In 2008, the Clayton Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) was quite pleased with the results and, perhaps more importantly, the enthusiastic participation of our Clayton neighbors. I would like to outline some of the goals for this year, but first I want to introduce several new members of the City of Clayton Citizen Corp Committee (C5). C5 provides the leadership and coordination of the
Clayton Emergency Response Team. All members of C5 are CERT trained. C5 meets at 5 p.m. the first Monday of the even-numbered months (February, April, etc) at City Hall and anyone can attend. Ron Busch is the new zone coordinator for Zone 2. Ron joined C5 in December, after graduating from CERT in October. Also joining C5 is Sue Eliott, who will be working with Joan Manning and Lynn Christ in handling
Economic rescue plan includes tax breaks
January 23, 2009
The highly publicized res- to $4,000 of qualified expenscue plan passed es paid during by Congress in the year. The October authorizdeduction is es the purchase of reduced to troubled financial $2,000 or elimiassets, increases nated for higherthe limit for income taxpayFDIC insurance ers. and includes other An individual relief measures. can elect to But several tax CAROL KEANE, CPA deduct state and “extenders” local sales tax TAX TIPS added to the instead of claimpackage also are ing deductions significant. for state and local income tax. The alternative minimum This provision is extended tax (AMT) exemption through 2009. amounts for 2008 increased to If you’re 70½ or over, you $69,950 for joint filers and can transfer up to $100,000 $46,200 for single filers. The tax-free from an IRA to a new law also allows individuals charity. The tax exclusion is to claim nonrefundable per- extended through 2009. sonal credits to offset AMT The recent housing law liability. authorized a one-time properThe deduction for higher ty tax deduction for nonitemeducation expenses is extend- izers. The maximum ed through 2009. Under this See Tax Tips, page 17 provision, you may deduct up
administrative duties for CERT. Rich Veal, a member of Zone 3, will work with zone coordinator Rita Freeman of Zone 3. Leif Johansson continues to be our coordinator for Zone 1. Also joining us is Vice Mayor Hank Stratford. He replaces Julie Pierce, who as vice mayor served on C5 after she completed her CERT training. The vice mayor is the liaison between the City Council and C5. If you are not familiar with how Clayton is divided into three zones, visit www.claytoncert.org. There is a considerable amount of information on the Website, including this year’s calendar, minutes of recent C5 meetings and links to other CERT-related sites. Now, for our objectives for this year. We want to train 50 or more Clayton residents in CERT. We will conduct two CERT classes this year. Our first six-week session will begin in April or May and the second session will begin in September. We currently have 100+ Clayton CERT members and we want to increase this by at least 50 percent this year. Training will begin at 6 p.m., most likely on Mondays, at Endeavor Hall. Class sessions are usually two-three hours. The drill at the conclusion of the five classroom sessions is held at the Fire College on Treat Boulevard. If you would like to sign up for our spring session, call 6737355. Five drills are planned for 2009. We are planning drills for the first Saturdays of March, May, July, September and November. Drills will
HERB YONGE
SAFETY ZONE allow CERT members to gain and improve skills learned in the classroom. Drills may include advanced training in triage and cribbing. The drill on March 7 is being coordinated by Ron and Rita. The drill for July 4 will be assisting with traffic control during the Fourth of July Parade and using FRS radios. During 2009, we want to obtain supplies for our cache sites. We need supplies for cribbing, such as 4x4s, 2x4s, etc, FRS radios, triage supplies and other materials. We plan to train two additional instructors for our CERT classes. We have three Clayton residents trained and we would like to increase our training staff. We will be getting information soon from the Consolidated Fire District regarding training dates. If you are CERT trained and would like to become an instructor, call 673-7355. If you are not currently a member of CERT, I encourage you to sign up for our spring class. You will gain valuable information in emergency preparedness, fire safety and light search and rescue skills. Herb Yonge is a volunteer with the Clayton Police Dept. and a member of the city of Clayton Citizen Corp Council, CERT Team. He can be reached at 6737355 or by email at hlyonge@att.net.
The Clayton CERT Website is www.claytoncert.org and the national CERT site is www.citizencorps.gov/cert.
January 23, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 15
Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. JAN. 26 FOR THE FEB. 6 ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
r
Feb. 8 Historical Society Camellia Tea No admission charge, but donations are appreciated. 1-4 p.m., Clayton Museum, 6101 Main St. 672-0240 or claytonhistory.org.
Close by Jan. 26 Diablo Valley Masterworks Chorale Auditions 6 p.m., Diablo Valley College Music Building, M-101, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. info@masterworkschorale.net or 228-3293.
N y p ap
ISSUE.
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS Children’s Hospital Magnolia Branch Meets 7-9 p.m. the first Monday of the month in Concord. New members welcome. Contact Lori at 9988844 or lori@lorihagge.com.
In Clayton
ea Y ew
H
Patty Flannery Your local neighborhood REALTOR since 1986 Call me. Let’s talk REAL ESTATE
Clayton Business and Community Association Meets 6:30 p.m. the fourth Thursday of the month, except holidays, at Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. Call Sue White at 672-7272.
Office: 925.975.5255 home & fax: 925.672.0541
email: granyflany@msn.com,
Clayton Valley Garden Club Meets 7 p.m. the second Wednesdays of the month, February-December, at Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton. The Feb. 11 program will be “Essential Garden Tools” with speaker Neal Richmond. Call Dorothy Bradt at 672-2526.
“I do all work myself. I am the only person that will be in your house.” - Leah Gomez Owner, Clayton Resident
Feb. 2-March 1 “Be My Baby”
Clayton Valley Woman's Club
The West Coast Premiere of Ken Ludwig’s comedy. Willows Theatre, 1975 Diamond Blvd., Concord. $30-40. 798-1300 or www.willowstheatre.org.
Feb. 6-8 “Once Upon This Island” The Civic Arts Education Teen Theatre musical is set in the Caribbean Islands. 7:15 p.m. Feb. 6, 2:15 and 7:15 p.m. Feb. 7 and 2:15 p.m. Feb. 8, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15-$17. 943SHOW.
Through Feb. 7 “Evil Dead: The Musical” This campy take on “slasher” horror films features seating in “the Splatter Zone.” No one under 13 admitted without a parent. Willows Cabaret, 636 Ward St., Martinez. $20-$30. www.willowstheatre.org or 7981300. Feb. 7-8 “Beauty from Darkness” Moving Arts Dance is having a Salon Concert with the band Judgement Day. $10-$25. 8 p.m. Feb. 7 and 2 p.m. Feb. 8, Moving Arts Dance Theater, 1281-C Franquette Ave., Concord. 825-8399 or www.movingartsdance.org.
Through Feb. 22 “Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me” This celebration of life shows how an American doctor, English academic and Irish journalist use humor to survive their ordeal in a cramped Beirut cell. Diablo Actors Ensemble, 1345 Locust St., Walnut Creek. $10-$25. 482-5110 or www.diabloactors.com.
Meets 9:30 a.m. for coffee, 10 a.m. meetings, second and fourth Tuesday of the month, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1090 Alberta Way, Concord. Call Joyce at 672-3850.
Beginners classes start 7 p.m. Feb. 4. $36 for six weeks. Singles welcome; no dancing experience needed. Mt. Diablo Women’s Club, 1700 Farm Bureau Road, Concord. Call Jack at 689-6253 or www.angelfire.com/id/stompers.
Contra Costa Chess Club Meets 7-9:30 p.m. Thursdays, Starbuck’s, 1536 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Contact Mike at 639-1987 or www.uschess.org. Diablo Valley Macintosh Users Group Meets 6:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month. Meetings are free and open to the public. There is Q&A help, followed by programs and demonstrations. www.dvmug.org.
Diablo Valley Democratic Club Meets 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month. 7 p.m. Feb. 18, Ygnacio Valley Library, 2661 Oak Grove Rd., Walnut Creek. 946-0469 or www.dvdems.org.
Rotary Club of Clayton Valley/Concord Sunrise Meets 7 a.m. Thursdays, Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. Meeting includes breakfast and a speaker. Contact Chuck at 689-7640 or www.claytonvalleyrotary.org.
Stroke Support Group of Contra Costa Meets 7-9 p.m. Feb. 9, Ball Auditorium, John Muir Medical Center, 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Kyle Sullivan will discuss WalkAide, an adaptive electrical stimulation device for drop foot. Attendees will then break up into three coping groups. Contact Ann Dzuna at 376-6218. Meets for dinner, brunch, theater, etc. This is not a dating service nor is it a grieving class - just a way to meet other people. Contact Lori at 998-8844 or lori@lorihagge.com.
Jan. 27 County Board of Supervisors 9:30 a.m., County Administration Building, 651 Pine St., Room 107, Martinez. www.co.contra-costa.ca.us or 3351900.
Through March 10 Patty Cakes 11 a.m. Tuesdays. Story time for babies to those 3 years old. Child attends with caregiver.
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Feb. 3, 17 Clayton City Council 7 p.m., Clayton Library Meeting Room, 6125 Clayton Road. 673-7304 or www.ci.clayton.ca.us.
SCHOOLS Mt. Diablo Board of Education 7:30 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays, Board Room, Dent Center, 1936 Carlotta Dr., Concord. 682-8000.
692-2364. Co-Ed Adult Volleyball
Adult men’s 5 on 5 Basketball Through March 12. An eight-week season that meets once a week for a game. A playoff will determine the winner, and members of that team receive championship jerseys. Call Jenn Beck at
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Scrabble Club Meets 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, Carl’s Jr. Restaurant, 1530 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. Players of all ages and skill levels welcome. $3 fee per player. Call Mike at 6391987 or www.scrabble-assoc.com.
The Clayton Community Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. 673-0659 or www.claytonlibrary.org. Artists are invited to participate in the March 6-8 fund-raiser for the library’s certified wildlife habitat. Submission deadline is Jan. 31. Applications are available in the library or at www.creeksideartists.org or www.claytonlibrary.org. Contact Arlene Kikkawa-Nielsen at 673-9777 or akikkawa@ccclib.org.
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Page 16
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
January 23, 2009
Teacher turns the ordinary into the extraordinary For 37 years, Kathy Rogers has inspired students and teachers to lead with compassion ANDRÉ GENSBURGER Clayton Pioneer
Kathy Rogers stands tall with a no-nonsense pose, her energetic eyes noticing everything going on around her. “They’re just short for fourth-graders,” she says of her Mt. Diablo Elementary second-grade class. The students, who visibly adore her, giggle as they continue the task she has assigned. Using one of the new document cameras, a device that replaced the overhead projector of yesteryear, she has a
André Gensburger/Clayton Pioneer
Kathy Rogers surrounded by her fourth-graders
worksheet featuring Martin Luther King in a mathematical path using the sum of two addends totaling 15 for the students to find and highlight in yellow. Hands shoot up for the next volunteer’s chance in the spotlight. At the back of the room, a privilege and not a punishment, a young boy named Noah sits at one of the antique wooden school desks reserved for the
King of the Week. “The desks are over 100 years old,” Rogers says. Noah, complete with cardboard crown, sits on a cushion with his “court” in attendance. “We have to bow to him,” Kaitlyn explains. UPPER-LEVEL VOCAB After Principal Bob Dotson comes in to watch, sitting next to the king, a new activity begins–this one identifying words from a long list with a “tion” ending. “The shun sound,” Rogers reminds them. There are complex words for these short fourth-graders, words like “exclamation” and “reconciliation” that they seem to breeze through as though this level of vocabulary was the standard. In this room, it is. “If we guess wrong, it still helps us because it refreshes our memory,” Rogers says, her voice soft and melodic, nurturing for these little egos and even the larger ones who rustle in their seats. She frequently peppers her explanations with statements like, “That is what is astonishing,” turning the mundane into a marvelous experience that keeps the class captivated until the lunch bell rings to disturb the flow. That she never planned to be a teacher is perhaps the most amazing part of all. The UC Berkeley graduate needed some credits and got a teaching credential. She met then-superintendent Paul Allen, who hired her for second grade. And she was hooked. She’s been at Mt. Diablo Elementary for all 37 years of
Club News
her career. “I did all the grades,” she says, but notes that she “can’t do kindergarten, I don’t have have that kind of energy.”
MT. DIABLO ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY In honor of the International Year of Astronomy theme of “Telescopes and Space Probes: Today’s Starry Messengers,” the group will show two movies. “Eyes on the Skies” tells the 400-year history of the telescope, while “Journey to Palomar” focuses on George Hale and the Palomar Telescope. The event begins at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 5060 Avila Road, Concord. For more information, call 939-6137.
André Gensburger/Clayton Pioneer
SUPPORTIVE STAFF She has the admiration of her co-workers, especially the second-grade team that includes Kelly Mori, a 16-year teacher, and Debbie Howard, a seven-year teacher, the “baby” of the bunch. Even regular substitute teacher Kristy Smith pipes in about Roger’s influ-
I co-chair the Clayton Fourth of July Committee. We always need volunteers for the event, so you’ll be hearing more from me. Howard and I are the Grove Park Activities Committee, coordinating Concerts in the Grove and other plans. David and I serve on the Downtown Revitalization Committee as the liaisons with our commercial retail expert and make recommendations to the council as we work to develop the business base in our downtown. Howard and Joe will work to maximize the usage of our historic building and event center on the Endeavor Hall Marketing Committee. David and Hank are the Fire Safety Committee, dealing primarily with the areas where Clayton interfaces with the state park open space. David and I serve on the
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says. “Her uplifting spirit was always positive. I was a brandnew teacher hired one day before school started.” Mori looks at Rogers, and her eyes well slightly. “A lot of what I have been able to do is because of her. My first year, Kathy, you took me under your wing.”
Mayor, from page 1
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“She makes everyone feel special – students, colleagues,” Howard notes. “I taught Debbie’s granddaughter,” Rogers says with a
MDES TEACHER KATHY ROGERS has been inspiring and motivating elementary school children for 37 years. She is frequently remembered as “the best teacher I ever had” by students across her nearly four decades of in the classroom.
CLAYTON VALLEY WOMAN’S CLUB Wona Miniati, co-author of “Cooking With All Things Trader Joe’s,” will be the guest speaker at the club’s social meeting at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27. The cookbook shows how to make delicious food in minutes using ingredients from Trader Joe’s. Wona will provide sample tastings. The club welcomes guests to all meetings, which are at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1090 Alberta Way, Concord. For more information, call Joyce at 672-3850.
ence and attitude that all the women consider amazing and inspirational. “I worked with her in fourth and third grade,” Mori
“I am proud to call Diamond Terrace Retirement Community my home.” - Juanita Rodenburg
Garbage and Recycling Committee. Howard is the liaison to the Clayton Community Library Foundation. David and Joe are the liaisons to our local schools. Hank is the Trails and Landscaping Committee (TLC) liaison.
In addition to the local committee assignments, we serve on regional committees as well:
Howard is our liaison to the Contra Costa Water District meetings. David is assigned to the Contra Costa Disaster Council and Public Safety Committee. Former Mayor Gregg Manning continues to serve as our delegate to the Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection bus company), where he is chairman of the
smile. “We support each other,” Howard adds. “We talk. We get together and have dinners.” MAKING AN IMPACT In late 2008, Deena Smith wrote to Dodson on behalf of her husband, Randy, who had been one of Roger’s students 30
board this year. Hank is our delegate to the East Bay division of the League of California Cities. Hank is also our delegate to the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy, which works to protect natural resources in eastern Contra Costa County while improving and streamlining the environmental permitting process for impacts on endangered species. I serve as Clayton’s delegate to the Association of Bay Area Governments and also serve on the Executive Board as the representative from the Contra Costa Mayor’s Conference and on its Regional Planning Committee. I serve on TRANSPAC, the central county regional transportation planning committee and as its delegate to the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, which manages the ½ cent
years earlier. “When he talks about his school days,” Smith wrote, “he always mentions that she was the best teacher he ever had. He always talks to our kids about her.” Smith explained that after nine years of marriage and two children, Randy graduated cum laude from Azusa Pacific University and started graduate school to obtain a teaching credential and a master’s degree in special education. “He acknowledges Mrs. Rogers as the one teacher who gave him that extra special touch that led him to be a lifetime learner.” “She is a one in a million teacher,” says Dodson. “In addition to receiving the Who’s Who among American Teachers Award in 1998, Mrs. Rogers has been the supervising teacher of several well-prepared student teachers under her tutelage.” “You know I cry my eyes out every June,” Rogers says. “They’re still my kids, even the old, old ones who still come to see me.” She has no plans to leave. “I get paid for having fun,” she adds. “If I wasn’t really enthusiastic about it, I would choose to leave.” When the Royal Court in her second-grade class returns next week, she will place the king’s subjects’ cards face down and pick one “short fourth-grader,” who for the week will get to feel even more special than usual in Mrs. Roger’s class. And that is what is astonishing.
sales tax for transportation projects in our county. All council members regularly attend the Contra Costa Mayor’s Conference, where we discuss issues common to our respective cities. Clayton’s traditionally strong representation on so many of these important regional committees has given our small city a voice and influence far greater than our population would indicate. Council members report on all of their meetings at the beginning of every council meeting. You can catch our council meetings, which are normally aired on Comcast channel 28 at 6:30 or 7 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. As you can see, your City Council stays busy working for you. If you have questions or suggestions for us or if you have ideas for future columns, please let me know. You can email me at Julie_Pierce@comcast.net or through the city’s Website at ci.clayton.ca.us.
January 23, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 17
Seniors are more likely to suffer from sleep disorders Many older adults don’t get enough sleep, which can increase the risk of serious health problems. Obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes are just a few of the issues, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. While sleep patterns do change as people age, disturbed sleep and waking up tired everyday aren’t a normal part of aging. As we get older, the amount of nightly sleep that we need remains the same as that of what we needed when we were younger. However the ability to get the sleep that we need does change. Older people have a hard time getting the sleep they need because of the interference of medical illness, the medications they take for those illnesses and the changes in
their biological clock. Insomnia affects almost half of adults aged 60 and older. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects almost 40 percent of adults and is more common in older adults. OSA can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and cognitive problems. Restless leg syndrome, which affect more than 20 percent of people aged 80 and older, includes uncomfortable feelings in the legs, such as tingling, or pins and needles. Periodic limb movements cause people to jerk and kick their legs every 20 to 40 seconds during sleep. One study found that about 40 percent of older adults have at least a mild form of this condition. Older adults who don’t get enough sleep are more likely
to feel depressed, have attention and memory problems, excessive daytime sleepiness, more nighttime falls and use more over-the-counter or prescription sleep medications. In order to get a better night’s sleep, older adults should: Establish a routine sleep schedule. Avoid substances that disturb sleep, such as caffeine and alcohol. Avoid napping during the day. If you have to nap, limit it to less than one hour and do it no later than 3 p.m. Develop pre-sleep rituals that help you relax, such as a warm bath, a light snack or a few minutes of reading. Leave worries behind. Bedtime is a time to relax, not replay the stresses of
KELLY FERRO
SENIOR MOMENTS the day. Keep your bedroom dark, quiet and a little cool. If you can’t fall asleep, leave the bedroom and do a quiet activity. Go back to bed only when you’re tired. See a doctor if you continue to have trouble sleeping. If you consistently find yourself feeling tired or not well rested during the day despite spending enough time in bed, you may have a sleep disorder. Your family doctor or a sleep specialist should be able to help you. Kelly Ferro is Marketing Director for Aegis of Concord. Send comments or questions to kelly.ferro@aegisliving.com
Looking at the environment with a global view Jeff Price, an advocate for a spiritual and practical dimension of environmental stewardship, will speak on his philosophies on Feb. 1 in Clayton. “Redefining the Challenge of Climate Change” will begin at 11 a.m. at Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St. The event, sponsored by the Baha’i of Clayton, begins with prayers from various religious traditions, followed by the talk and
ending with Q&A. The session is inspired by a United Nations conference on climate change in Poznan, Poland, in December. The Baha’i international community stressed the importance of addressing the ethical and moral issues that surround global warming and its impact on the world’s peoples. Baha’i representative Peter Adriance spoke in a panel discussion, “Summoning the
Courage: Arising to the Ethical Challenge of Climate Change.” Adriance stressed the importance of embracing the concept of the oneness of humanity as the overriding ethical and moral principle in addressing climate change. “There is a great opportunity for the world to make the transition from operating only with a national perspective to operating with a global perspective,” Adriance said.
Church News THE BAHA’IS OF CLAYTON All are invited to a talk and evening of fellowship on Saturday, Feb. 7. The subject of the talk is “The Promise of World Peace” with speaker Diane Hill. Hill grew up in California but has lived in Zambia, Israel and Canada. She earned a doctoral degree in history from UC Berkeley. She works for UC Berkeley’s Graduate Division and is writing a book on how a campaign promoting an equal rights treaty for women in the late 1920s and 1930s was transitional in establishing human rights norms as a legitimate concern of international law.
The program starts at 7:30 p.m. with a period of interfaith devotions, followed by Hill’s presentation, at the Toloui residence in Clayton. For more information and directions, call 672-6686. CLAYTON COMMUNITY CHURCH The annual Daddy Daughter Dance, also known as the Sweetheart Ball, will be 6:30-9 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, at Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. Cost is $15 for dads and $10 for daughters. A DJ will play songs and desserts will be served. To sign up, call 673-9060.
You nurture the dreams. I’ll nurture the plan. A woman’s list of responsibilities never ends. Thankfully, I’m here to help. It all begins with our unique Dream > Plan > Track >® approach to financial planning. Working with you one-to-one, I’ll help you define your dream, develop your plan and track your progress over time. From estate planning to college savings plans, I’ll design a plan to meet the unique goals of your family. To start a conversation, call (925) 685-4523. Mureleen Benton, CFP®, Financial Advisor 5356 Clayton Rd., Suite 211 Concord, CA 94521 (925) 685-4523 Mureleen.M.Benton@ampf.com CA License #0692378 Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results. Financial planning services and investments available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2008 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.
He said governments must move outside their own limited national interests and look at this problem in terms of its global reach and impact. Baha’i representatives also participated in a daylong seminar organized by the Collaborative Program on the Ethical Dimensions of Climate Change. Price has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and graduate study in project management. Guests to his talk are invited to bring their favorite readings or prayers to share. Music and refreshments will be provided.
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deduction is $1,000 for joint filers and $500 for single filers. This tax break is extended through 2009. The business tax credit for qualified research expenses has been reinstated again and extended through 2009 with certain modifications. Teachers and other educators can deduct up to $250 of unreimbursed classroom expenses. This deduction is extended through 2009. Qualified restaurant and leasehold improvements may be written off over 15 years instead of the usual 39 years. The faster write-off is extended through 2009. Finally, the new law extends through 2009 enhanced deductions for businesses that donate food to charity, as well as books and computers to qualified schools.
Carol Keane is a Certified Public Accountant in Walnut Creek. Email her at carol@carolkeanecpa.com.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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Brothers Bob, John and Chris Hopfner share three area floor stores providing service to Contra Costa County since 1975. Lamorinda Floors in Lafayette was acquired by the Hopfners this past year and continues as the family-owned and operated store it has been since 1989. Along with Just Floors and Pacific Coast Carpet, both in Concord, the businesses complement one another with selection and quality and allow customers to shop locally providing fullservice, competitive pricing and a two- to three-day install on in-stock carpet. “We are the largest stocking carpet dealer in the region,” Bob says. “Home Depot quotes two-three weeks for install, so you can’t beat our timing.” Pacific Coast Carpet in Concord, a favorite of many Claytonians, has served the area since 1975. “Nobody else can say that,” Bob emphasizes. John began in the flooring industry at Pacific Coast, then Chris went to work with him for the previous owners. The brothers took over in the early 1990s. Bob, working in corporate legal services, came to help on the weekends. “One thing led to another,” Bob reminisces. “It’s definitely easier to have an argument with a brother. But we get along pretty well. It’s good to know somebody has your back.” They estimate the companies have been in about 60,000 homes in Contra Costa County. They work mostly with residential customers, but also designers installing flooring for area churches and synagogues, businesses, credit unions, dental offices, hair salons and medical offices.
Nicci Shipstead/Clayton Pioneer
BOB HOPFNER DISCUSSES HARDWOOD FLOORING OPTIONS AT LAMORINDA FLOORS in Lafayette with customer Cynthia Robertson currently of Rossmoor. Robertson (formerly Bednar) raised three sons in Clayton, all graduates of Clayton Valley High.
“Our installers have been working with us for 15 to 20 years on average. Our stores have a customer labor satisfaction policy and strive to make everything just right.” According to Bob, Lamorinda Floors is a Karastan gallery store. “So we have the most carpets and rugs,” he explains. “John sent a customer over here the other day from Pacific Coast for the rug selection.” Pacific Coast has a warehouse-type look, with everything from rental grade carpet, commercial and residential all the way to high-end. Just Floors concentrates on solid surface products such as laminate, hardwood and tile. They have everything from Brazilian cherry and teak to inexpensive
laminate. “All the stores are in the area, so customers can shop locally and see samples of everything they want,” Bob notes.
“All the stores are in the area, so customers can shop locally and see samples of everything they want.” Bob Hopfner, Lamorinda Floors All their products meet indoor air quality industry standards. “Shaw is really taking the lead in recycling,” Bob explains. “They melt the recy-
cled carpet and reformulate it to make new carpet. They have a second industrial site where they generate power from the product that can’t be broken down.” Masland is also recycling carpet and padding. Most bamboo flooring now adds an aluminum oxide component in the coating to make the product more scratchresistant. “In the past, only the high-end bamboo had that feature,” Bob said, “making it a very earth-friendly, sustainable and practical choice for today’s customer.” Lamorinda Floors is at 3344 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, phone 284-4440. Pacific Coast Carpet is at 1081 Detroit Ave., Concord, phone 609-2151. Just Floors is at 1051 Detroit Ave., Concord, phone 681-4747.
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One of the most surprising and a surprising third party, entries into this year’s awards sweet Latika. race is the Indian film The events that unfold “Slumdog make us thankM i l l i o n a i r e .” ful we live in This piece, A m e r i c a . which alterHuman beings, nates between let alone small English and children, should subtitled Hindi never have to and Urdu, is endure the horhelmed by rors that these British director street-wise Danny Boyle, Dodgers underJEANNA ROSS most famous for go. They live by 1 9 9 6 ’ s AT THE MOVIES their wits, impro“Trainspotting.” vising an exisThe premise tence and readis simple: Jamal Malik is one ing people to learn their weakquestion away from winning nesses, a trait that comes in the Indian version of “Who handy once Jamal hits the Wants to Be a Millionaire?” game-show circuit. When doctors, lawyers and colHowever, through it all lege professors cannot get there is a joy. What could have beyond the halfway point, what been a depressing realization could an assistant at a telecom of a culture, ala “Born into company – a chai runner – Brothels,” instead showcases possibly know? Obviously, he an ability to thrive despite must be cheating. whatever obstacles life throws To prove his innocence, at them. These three do what Malik must explain how he they must do to survive, then knew the answers to each spe- choose from the paths life cific question and thus unfolds offers. There is no black and the journey of a lifetime. white – what would seem To the pulsing beats of a wrong in one case is really the soundtrack by A.R. Rahman, only possible solution. we follow the 5-year-old Jamal, Underlying it all is a story of at breakneck pace, through a yearning, lifelong adoration childhood in the festering and the knowledge that love slums of Bombay, accompa- can transcend time and space. nied by his older brother Salim Even Jamal’s audience – a
hardened police sergeant and a puffy beat cop – cannot help but be drawn into the drama. Every moment unfolds with bated breath; the two hours pass in a flash. The only regret at the close of the film is that there isn’t more. The cast is truly an ensem-
took four awards, including best drama. There are many wonderful films out this awards season. I should know – I’ve seen everything. However, the ones that make me want to applaud in the darkened theater are those I didn’t expect.
“Slumdog Millionaire,” directed by Danny Boyle took the Golden Globe Award for Best Drama.
ble. You won’t recognize any of the names and their faces will not jump from the pages of the latest gossip rag, but their anonymity works in our favor. For us, they are truly who they pretend to be. Each child is portrayed, in equal time, by three amazing performers: young, pre-teen and adult. Each will break your heart, and you will fall in love. At the recent Golden Globes, “Slumdog Millionaire”
We weren’t hounded with trailers like with the summer blockbusters. We couldn’t quote half the film on our first viewing. Instead, we went because someone told us to and we saw it with fresh eyes. This film is awesome. Go. Jeanna Ross is an English teacher at Clayton Valley High School and a free lance writer. She regularly contributes to the Pioneer. Send comments to her at movies@claytonpioneer.com.
January 23, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Experience the world’s most expensive spice
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Saffron costs a king’s ransom. To obtain one pound of this spice, you’d have to spend 12 days hand-picking 225,000 stigmas – the three filaments found in the center of 75,000 blossoms of the crocus flower. Retailing for $6 to $15 per gram, that’s $2,700 to more than $6,500 a pound. Fortunately, so little is required to impart flavor and color – a pinch to a cup of hot water. Because of its cost, unethical purveyors have been known to adulterate saffron with dried calendula, marigold, safflower and the white stems of inferior blossoms. This is not a modern trick, even Pliny in ancient Rome remarked on this unfortunate circumstance. In the 15th century, Bavarian merchants caught adulterating saffron were executed. The Crocus sativus plant is native to the Mediterranean. According to Greek myth, Crocus, a mortal, fell in love with a beautiful nymph, Smilax. She rejected him, and he was transformed into a beautiful purple crocus flower. The spice derives its name from the Arabic zafaran, which means yellow. Saffron has an aroma reminiscent of honey with a bitter honey flavor that imparts a mellow earthiness – and lots of color – to food. Probably the world’s best saffron comes from Spain, where Arabs introduced it in the 8th century. Kashmiri saffron is considered excellent, but political turmoil in that region makes it nearly impossible to acquire. Turkey, China, Iran and California are joining the stage
as quality saffron producers. Other than its culinary uses, saffron was used to perfume baths in ancient Greece and Rome. The ancient Assyrians used it for medicinal purposes, and modern medicine is relearning some of its
a yeast cake with dried fruit. There’s no real substitute for saffron, although some cooks use safflower (in Portugal, assafroa), annatto and turmeric. It’s important to purchase saffron from a reputable dealer. Be cautious if
SEAFOOD PAELLA
healing properties. Saffron is used to dye fabrics, particularly in the Hindu and Buddhist religions, and in cosmetics and perfumes. Saffron is used in Moorish, Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. Most often it is used to color rice yellow, such as in risotto Milanese, a famous Italian rice dish. It pairs nicely with fish and seafood. In an interesting twist, the English add it to Cornish saffron buns,
you encounter cheap whole saffron or powdered saffron. Look for brightly colored threads with no powder or white inclusions. For a tasty batch of steamed clams, steep a large pinch of saffron in a cup of hot water. Sauté three cloves of garlic and half an onion in a little olive oil until tender but not brown. Add ½ cup dry white wine, the saffron broth and three dozen littleneck
clams. Cover and steam for 1012 minutes or until the clams have opened. Discard any that have not opened. Serve with a scattering of chopped fresh parsley. EASY PAELLA 2 c. chicken stock 2 c. fish stock 1 c. white wine (or water) Large pinch of saffron 2 T. olive oil ½ lb. chorizo, cut into ¼inch slices ½ onion, chopped ½ red bell pepper, chopped 4 T. chopped fresh garlic 6 cloves garlic, peeled 2 lbs of frozen mixed shellfish, (mussels, shrimp, clams) 2 c. Bomba rice (or 2¼ c. Arborio rice) 1 tomato, seeded and chopped 2 T. chopped fresh parsley Preheat the oven to 350. Place stock, wine (or water) and saffron in a saucepan and heat to just simmering. Shut off the heat and allow saffron to steep. Heat olive oil in a paella pan over medium to high heat. Add the chorizo and sauté for 3 minutes until lightly browned. Add onion, peppers and garlic to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes over medium heat. Add the rice and cook another 5 minutes. Add the mixed seafood still frozen, tomatoes, stock with saffron, and cook for 10 minutes. Bake for 30 minutes or until rice is tender. Remove from the oven, cover and let stand for five minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve. Linda Wyner, a local attorney and foodie, owns Pans on Fire, a gourmet cookware store and cooking school in Pleasanton. Direct your suggestions or questions to lwyner@claytonpioneer.com
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Start kids early on the road to healthy teeth RANDALL E. CHANG, DDS Special to the Pioneer
Busy parents have many things to worry about with regard to childrearing. Tooth decay should not be one of those worries. Recent studies found that tooth decay is the most common chronic illness in children. In
fact, it is four times more common than asthma. Yet it is also almost completely preventable. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child’s first dental visit be scheduled by one year of age. This allows the child to slowly become comfortable with their dentist. When children wait until
age 3 or 4 for their first visit, they often have not had any preventative care. If they have tooth decay (cavities), the visit with the dentist becomes more challenging. Early visits to a pediatric dentist focus on teaching parents and caregivers proper oral hygiene and dietary habits. Baby teeth are important to
maintain the spacing for adult teeth. In fact, some baby teeth last until age 12. Ideally, children should have all of their baby teeth by age 3 or 4. They shouldn’t have any cavities and should be comfortable with dental visits. Randall Chang is a pediatric dental specialist.
homes@helenandstephanie.com
925.932.7375 Helen
925.932.7329 Stephanie
Page 20
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
January 23, 2009
Brighten up winter garden with splashes of color Dramatic foliage keeps the gardener in us alive during the winter months. Some plants shine when the weather cools. Their leaves take on a
NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL color that rivals the prettiest of blossoms. It is amazing to see this fabulous foliage. If you have the right plants, winter doesn’t have to be drab – it can be electrifying. The mirror plant family is a group of stimulating evergreens that we have been praising all spring and summer long. Seeing them in the winter is another reason to install these remarkable shrubs. Rainbow Surprise is a selection of coprosma that will reach 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide. This shrub grows slow and steady. Occasional cool season pruning will keep it tidy and dense. During the spring and summer months, the foliage is an emerald green with a variegated cream edge that appears to have the softest touch of pink. The leaves are small, and this shrub has minimal impact. But as the seasons change and the weather begins to cool, the soft pink turns to a bright magenta. When winter chill sets, the Rainbow Surprise turns to a bold red variegation surrounding olive green. This shrub makes such an impact
in a Clayton Valley landscape that you’ll love it planted with any strappy red grass, such as the Cordyline Festival Grass. The reddish burgundy leaves will add some texture, and the plant’s natural weep will soften the look of the Rainbow Surprise. Several flowering perennials would complement the coprosma. Try Gaillardia Fanfare or Veronica Sunny Border Blue. GO FOR THE GLOW Evening Glow will reach heights as tall as 5 feet, yet it’s pyramidalshaped, so expect it to take up less width. Evening Glow can take half a day’s sun here in the Clayton Valley.
focal point plants. Evening Glow looks great as a background for Crape Myrtle or Rose of Sharon. These ornamentals bloom during the summer and are thrilling. But once the leaves fall off, they are nondescript and boring. Adding a mirror plant to the landscape will give you something to look at in the winter months. Euonymus is another great plant family that thrills during the winter. Emerald and Gold is a stupendous variety. This colorful evergreen shrub will provide bright green foliage with a band of gold during the summer heat. They grow moderately to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Once winter arrives, the colors of
This shrub is great in Clayton Valley landscapes. It tolerates full sun and will need weekly water. Emerald and Gold looks nice bordering the fence side of a lawn. Use some coralcolored carpet roses for flower power, and you have a low maintenance instant landscape. WAITING FOR THE SUNRISE Emerald Gaiety is another Eunoymus that you should consider for dramatic winter foliage. This low and slow grower has deep green leaves edged in sparkling white. The white turns pink as the winter approaches. It is very interesting. Combine with other blooming
EUONYMUS FORTUNEI EMERALD AND GOLD
During the winter months, Evening Glow has incredibly colored, exciting foliage. It is a great landscape basic. Use as an evergreen support for deciduous
evergreens, such as Hebe Veronica Lake or Penstomen Midnight. Emerald Gaiety will inch its way up a short fence post and also looks great planted around a formal mailbox.
this shrub intensify. The gold edges turn pink and then as the weather really begins to chill, the overall plant color looks merlot red. The green variegation becomes dark and rich.
SIENNA SUNRISE HEAVENLY BAMBOO
Nandinas are simple and stupendous, yet are often forgotten about until their colors explode in winter. Siena Sunrise is a patented variety of bamboo that grows 3-4 feet tall and 2 feet wide. When planted in full sun, the winter color is the best. Intense, fiery red leaves are ignited through the early days of spring. You really get lots out of this shrub. Use Siena Sunrise as an accent plant in an urn or container, or plant as a mass for loads of color. Nandina Firepower is a common bamboo with a not so common winter color. This selection starts off spring with lime-green foliage, fresh and new. It will add a crisp touch to your Clayton Valley landscape. As fall approaches, the leaves tinge red. By winter, the leaves of bright red burst on the scene. Firepower is a shrubby, attractive nandina. It is appealing even for those who prejudge the plant family. They are surprised by Firepower’s look. This is not yesterday’s bamboo, with gaps between the leaves and white flowers and berries. This selection produces no flowers or berries. It is neat tidy and fantastic. 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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6160 Center Street, Suite E, Clayton 94517 CLAYTON!
CLAYTON!
Bridlewood! Stunning Single Story! tucked on away in a court setting with views of Mt. Diablo & hills! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 2,665sf, inside laundry & 2 car garage. Upgraded tile flooring & neutral carpet throughout! Large separate formal dining room with slider to courtyard. Living room with plantation shutters & upgraded ceiling fan. Huge gourmet kitchen boasts slab granite counters, center island, prep area & butler’s pantry, stainless steel appliances, upgraded tile floors & dining area. Oversized family room features media recess & gas fireplace. Spacious master suite & lavish master bath with upgraded marble tub surround & separate stall shower. Totally private lot with in-ground “Pebble-Tech” pool with waterfall feature, aggregate patio, palm trees, lawn area & side yard with RV/Boat parking. Irreplaceable! $729,000
Oakhurst Country Club! Oak Hollow! Prime Golf Course Location! Desirable “Santa Fe” model! 3 bedrooms, with loft, 2.5 baths, approx. 1,911sf, inside laundry & 2 car garage. Living room & dining room feature gleaming hardwood floors. Kitchen features marble tile floors, white tile counters & island, nook with views of golf course & hills. Family room with marble tile floors & fireplace. Spacious master with hardwood floors overlooks golf course & hills. Cozy patio backs to golf course with views! $529,000 WALNUT CREEK!
CLAYTON!
Citrus Walk! Super Sharp Townhouse built in 2005! great location at rear of complex and within walking distance
Silvercreek! Beautifully Maintained! spacious home in a quiet court setting with views of Mt. Diablo & surrounding hills! 5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 2,398sf, inside laundry & 2 car attached garage with indoor pet run with exterior access. Step down living room with views! Formal dining room with slider to deck & pool. Eat-in kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances & tile counters overlooks pool area. Downstairs bedroom/den. Huge family room with fireplace, wet bar & slider to deck. Great backyard offers privacy & boasts a sparkling in-ground pool, sep$649,000 arate spa area, extensive decking with built-in benches, workshop, plus a large side yard!
to shopping & dining. Convenient commuter location too! 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, inside laundry, plus a one car garage!
$375,000
Clayton Market Update provided by George Vujnovich of Better Homes Realty ADDRESS
PRICE
SALE DATE
SF
BED/BATH
1/14/09 12/31/08 12/30/08 12/30/08 12/24/08 12/19/08 12/18/08 12/18/08 12/10/08
2017 1663 1145 3454 2966 1457 1919 2206 1877
4/2.5 3/2.5 2/2 5/3.5 4/3 3/2.5 4/2 4/2 3/2.5
CLAYTON!
Sensational Single Story! on a HUGE approximately 17,200 acre lot! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 2041sf. The house for the car enthusiast or hobbiest! Two 2 car garages plus extensive RV/side yard parking with dual gates. Updated kitchen features Corian counters, newer cabinets & appliances. Large family room with brick fireplace & slider to yard. Separate formal dining room with French doors. Large master suite with dual closets. Walk to school & downtown. Fabulous lot offers privacy, mature landscape, lush lawn area & extensive patio areas. A must see! $635,000
250 Jeffry Ranch Pl 260 Stranahan Cir 1183 Shell Lane 379 Blue Oak Lane 320 Ahwanee Lane 2 Donner Creek Ct 10 Mount Rainier Ct 80 Nottingham Cir 1855 Eagle Peak Ave
$564,500 $440,000 $380,000 $853,888 $768,000 $325,000 $559,000 $500,000 $520,000