www.claytonpioneer.com
June 12, 2009
925.672.0500
Local history comes alive at Clayton Museum’s History Day MAYOR’S CORNER Transportation, solar projects move ahead
See Mayor, page 20
City needs volunteers for July 4 celebration “If you love Clayton’s Fourth of July Parade, you can help make sure our downtown comes alive with red, white and blue by joining the volunteer force,” says City Clerk, Laci Jackson. A highlight of the day is the ever popular Kiddie Parade – a true Norman Rockwell classic featuring Clayton’s children, decked out in red, white and blue, with their decorated wagons, strollers, scooters, bikes and trikes, with the faithful family dog, all marching proudly down Main Street. The main parade with floats, local dignitaries and civic participants follows the Kiddie Parade. The festivities are all emceed by ABC 7 News anchor, Dan Ashley, a former Clayton resident.
JULIE PIERCE
As a City Council member, my regional committee appointments include the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and the Contra Costa Conference of Mayors representative to the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). Both agencies have been busy lately, so here’s an update. CCTA administers the halfcent sales tax for county transportation projects. Among the fully funded marquee projects is the new fourth bore of the Caldecott Tunnel, which will allow two tunnels to be open in each direction all the time. Anyone who has had to sit in the backup going into Oakland or San Francisco knows what a help that will be. The project is environmentally cleared and bids will be opened in August. Construction begins in December, with completion due in 2014. This project remains on-time and under the original budget estimate. CCTA just adopted its 2009 Countywide Transportation Plan. The plan assesses the impacts of projected future growth on the local transportation network and identifies
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190
IT’S YOUR PAPER
See July 4th, page 7
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
THE CLAYTON MUSEUM OBSERVED NATIONAL HISTORY MONTH by hosting a history fair on May 30. Local historian Charmetta Mann sits in one of two vintage WWII jeeps brought in for the event in honor of Memorial Day. TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
Downtown Clayton was “full of it” – history, that is, on May 30 when the Clayton Historical Society hosted History Day in observance of
National History Month. Ten organizations set up outdoor exhibits in the parking lot next to the museum. Docents and volunteers from local historical societies and the East Bay Regional Parks District were eager to share the history of the
area from the San Ramon Valley to the Black Diamond Mines. Did you know that the Penniman Home which houses the Shadelands Museum, was originally supposed to cost $7,000 to build, but went staggeringly over budget by $500?
Clayton girl named CVHS Grand Altair
And, did you know that Clayton would have been Rhinesville except for Joel Clayton’s lucky coin toss? Or that the main crop in Contra Costa County during the last half of the 19th century was wheat.
See History, page 3
Girl Scouts seek donations for backpack drive Casey Leedom LOU FANCHER Special to the Clayton Pioneer
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
ALISON ABELE, LAURA MINORSKY, STEPHANIE TANJI take up the Girl Scouts Silver Award challenge to “make the world a better place” by filling backpacks with school supplies for the Bay Area Crisis Nursery.
What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Church News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Community Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Deal With It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Directory of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Food for Thought . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 From the Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Laura Minorsky, a freshman at Clayton Valley High School, has been a Girl Scout out of habit more than anything else. With a mother and an older sister involved before her, quitting wasn’t an option – but Scouting wasn’t a priority either. That is, until Minorsky joined with Alison Abele and Stephanie Tanji on a project bearing the directive of “making the world a better place” to earn their Silver awards. The three decided they wanted to work with people and when they visited the Bay Area Crisis Nursery, the children won them over. Learning that Mervyn’s, a corporate victim of today’s economy, would no longer donate backpacks and supplies to the center, the team found its purpose – and Minorsky found her passion.
“This is the biggest opportunity I have had and I want to embrace it,” Minorsky says. “I have a chance to make a difference.” As a first step, the Scouts sent letters to Target, Staples and Jansport, requesting backpacks – 10 for each grade K-5 – and enough school supplies like scissors, pencil boxes and glue sticks to fill each pack. Next, they put their heads together, jamming on fundraiser ideas (Cookies, anyone?). Now, these ambitious girls are asking the community to help. They have placed a donation bin at the Clayton Pioneer’s office at 6200 Center St. and are hoping for 60 backpacks and supplies to fill them by Aug. 1. Let’s say you forgo a box or two of Thin Mints and take a backpack to the bin. The Clayton Pioneer is located in the Village Oaks building at 6200 H Center St., on the parking lot side.
Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Movie Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Police Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
DENISEN HARTLOVE Clayton Pioneer
The stars shone brightly as Clayton Valley High School recognized four graduating seniors who achieved exceptional levels in the areas of scholarship, leadership and community service with Altair Awards. “They all have that focus and they have a purpose,” CVHS principal Gary Swanson said. “They just have that inner drive.” Swanson said the name “Altair” derives from one of the brightest stars in the constellation Aquila. The word “aquila” once referred to an eagle used by the Greek god Zeus to carry his thunderbolts. The CVHS mascot is an eagle. Mary Raymond was awarded the Scholarship Altair Award. Raymond, who has the highest
See Altair, page 17
Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 School News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Weather Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 12, 2009
Around Town Community honors the fallen in Memorial Day Service Each year, Americans set aside one special day to remember the armed forces men and women who have lost their lives in service to their country. On May 25, more than 400 gathered at the VFW flagpole downtown as a combined band from Pine Hollow and Diablo View Middle Schools opened the annual Memorial Day services and Patricia Barboza led the audience in the National Anthem. The event, co-sponsored by the VFW Post 1525 and the Korean War Veterans Assoc, Chapter 264, brought both dignitaries and veterans to the podium to honor the fallen Pearl Harbor and Bataan Death March survivors were recognized by Master of Ceremonies, Pete Loechner, Commander of VFW Post 1535. In a moving musical tribute to the armed forces by local choir Yesterday’s Kids, members of each branch of the service stood proudly and applauded as they heard their own anthems. Blue Star Mom, Deborah Burrow, spoke with pride of her son’s service in Iraq. Major
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Brave Soldier Thank you, brave soldier for all you have given. We will still honor you although you are in heaven. I thank you brave soldier for all you have done. Thank you for fighting, but it must not have been fun. You are so brave, vulnerable, and faithful, brave soldier; And I will not forget you as I grow older. Jack Clough 6th grade, DVMS
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Michael Hudson, US Marines, was rewarded with a hug from his mother after his impassioned call for all Americans to public service. Viet Nam veteran, Pete Laurence remembered by name, each of the Claytonians lost in WWII, Korea, Viet Nam and in
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the current conflict in Iraq. Keynote speaker, Korean War veteran David McDonald spoke of America’s “forgotten” war in Korea from 1950-1953. In what was dubbed a “police action” by the US in order to avoid a Congressional declaration of war, nearly 34,000
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Americans were killed in action. McDonald spoke of his own front line experiences as a foot soldier during the bitter cold North Korean winters. The service came to a somber close as the choir sang “Sleep, Soldier Boy,” a World War I song adopted by the VFW, followed by the haunting strains of Taps from School Hill. Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery and is now celebrated in almost every state in the union. The National Holiday Act of 1971 designated the last Monday in May as Memorial Day.
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$429,980 Concord Walnut Creek Border – Everything you want in a home: expanded master suite w/walk-in closet, updated baths and a wonderful kitchen replete with granite, stainless appliances & view to backyard. 3BD/2BA, great room & open dining area great for entertaining. Large yard & patio. 2671MinertRoad.com
Photo credits: 1, 3 and 5, Mike Dunn; 2 and 4, Steve Pierce.
What’s happening around town? 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. The Pioneer publishes these items completely FREE OF CHARGE for Clayton residents.
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$649,000 Clayton Dana Hills – 2,694 s.f., 5BD/2.5BA at the top of Dana Hills has custom features incl. designer tile entry, bathroom upgrades & 5 skylights. Spacious kitchen offers top quality appliances & fixtures. French doors lead out to new redwood deck & yard. Indoor laundry & 3-car garage are perks! 260MountaireParkway.com
Concord $615,000 Cowell – Down a private road, this deceptively simple home has been expanded to nearly 3,500 s.f.! 5+BD/3BA has updates that enhance daily living & offers a HUGE flat lot. Wonderful kitchen with granite & indoor atrium. Large rooms perfect for entertaining. KaskiLane.com
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Photos clockwise from top: 1. Yesterday’s Kids singers Joyce Martinez, Renee Faine and Joyce Krieger; 2. Marines at “parade rest” during services; 3. Korean War Veteran and keynote speaker, David McDonald; 4. Viet Nam MIAs were among those remembered; 5. Maj. Michael Hudson
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Clayton $599,000 Oakhurst Ironwood – Views from prime lot w/blossoming landscaping and gorgeous pool & spa. This 5BD/2.5BA offers 2,532 s.f. & a downstairs B/B. Roomy updated eat-in kitchen & formal dining w/tile floors. French door to yard. Private-backs to open space. 3087WindmillCanyonDr.com
Clayton $509,600 Windmill Canyon – Great Mt. Diablo & golf course views from this 3BD/2.5BA Oakhurst property offering kitchen w/granite, garden window, refinished cabinets. Cathedral ceilings & custom updates make this an elegant home w/a great backyard for entertaining on the green! 1816EaglePeakAve.com
Lynne offers free Professional Staging on her listings Clayton Resident & Broker Owner
June 12, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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Around Town Girl Scouts bridge to Cadettes
Bottom row: Delaney Sunde, Emma Hall, Emily Wright, Monishaa Suresh. Middle: Miranda Hansen, Emily Rabbitt, Top: Casey Mitchell
Tots walk for March of Dimes Kyle, Nicholas and Jenna joined little ones from infant to 5 years old as KinderCare kids took a walk on May 20 to raise more than $1300 for the March of Dimes. Every year KinderCare teams up with the March of Dimes to
raise money. This year, “Animals” was the theme for the walk. Dozens of tots dressed or painted as their favorite critter, walked the parking lot at the center, raising money for healthy babies and learning community service at the same time.
Girl Scout Troop 1895 celebrated their transition from Junior to Cadette Girl Scouts on May 9 by crossing the 1.7 mile Golden Gate Bridge span along with more than 4,400 scouts from six western states and Canada. This was the 28th annual Golden Gate Girl Scout bridging ending with the biggest “friendship circle” ever. More than 8,000 scouts, volunteers, and employees celebrated the spectacular day in an event second in size only to the 50th anniversary of the Bridge. The girls made “I Love Clayton” pins to swap with girls from other participating troops. Clayton Troop 1895 began as a Brownie Troop in 2004 and celebrated bridging to Juniors in June 2005 with a small ceremony at Clayton Town Hall. The troop has most of its original members and celebrated with the Sunde family who returned to Clayton from Georgia for the big event, and the Rabbitts who recently moved back to Concord following two years in Massachusetts.
Jim Long honored at retirement party CVHS Vice Principal, Jim Long will retire at the end of this semester. CVHS teacher Pat Middendorf and her husband Jim hosted a barbeque for the popular administrator at their Clayton home on May 29. Long has served at CVHS for 13 years and has been an educator for 37 years. In his remarks to the 50 friends, co-workers and family attending, an emo-
Volunteers determined to save the downtown flowers
CARIN KAPLAN
History Day,
Garden Club member Carin Kaplan spent a recent Saturday morning tending the flowers in the downtown planters. The Garden Club, local businesses and other volunteers are determined to save the flowers from the ravages of the 45 percent cuts in irrigation water facing the city. “Everyone’s pitching in,” says Carin. Despite their own required 15 percent cuts, local businesses are watering from their own sources and volunteers are carrying in water from homes and nearby wells.
JIM LONG AND PAT MIDDENDORF
tional Long looked forward to “the next chapter in my life,” but choked up when he added “I will miss the kids a lot. I still love going to school every day.” “This school really has defined itself by him,” Pat Middendorf said. “He really is the heartbeat of our campus.” - Mike Dunn
July 1 – July 19
FREE CONCERTS with paid Fair admission
JULY 1 The Charlie Daniels Band 2 Mandisa 3 Night Ranger 4 Bay Area Blues Festival 5 Carmen Jara 6 CLOSED – No Concert 7 Skynnyn Lynnyrd 8 Gregg Rolie Band 9 Salvador 10 Bowling For Soup 11 En Vogue 12 Bucky Covington 13 CLOSED – No Concert 14 Evolution 15 BJ Thomas 16 Ozomatli 17 Solange Knowles 18 Con Funk Shun 19 Aaron Tippin
Live Horse Racing 15 days Wednesdays thru Sundays Starts opening day of Fair!
Concerts at 6pm and 8pm nightly (except 4th of July)
Happenings! “Fiesta Hispaña”
from page 1
museum curator and event coordinator With a list of history questions in hand, the treasure hunters went from booth to booth to seeking the answers in the books, maps, and LAURA HOFFMEISTER IS INTERVIEWED for the museum’s photos on oral history project by Mary Raymond, one of three brochures Girl Scouts working on the project for their Gold display. Awards Flanking the entrance to the These are just a few of the exhibits on each side of the historical facts uncovered dur- parking lot were two WWII vining the event’s History tage jeeps, brought to honor Scavenger Hunt. Originally Memorial Day. designed to encourage the kids Meanwhile, inside the museto participate, the Scavenger um, three Clayton Girl Scouts Hunt was a hit with adults as were interviewing Clayton’s well, said Renee Wing, assistant early descendants and long-time
residents for the oral history project they are developing for the museum. An oral history library has long been a dream of the Clayton Historical Society said Wing, and the scouts have taken on the project for their Gold Award. The three girls, Sarah Agronow, Mary Raymond and Claire Minorsky are CVHS graduating seniors. Agronow serves as the museum’s junior docent. The annual History Day event is produced by the East and Central Contra Costa museum curators’ group and rotates between the organization members. Clayton’s turn won’t come around again for about 7 years. The Clayton Museum is located at 6101 Main Street and is open Wednesdays and Sundays from 2-4 p.m., and by appointment. For more information, visit www.claytonhistory.org.
Celebrate The Spirit of Mexico, July 3 - July 5
“J a z z , G a t o r s a n d G u m b o ” New Orleans Style, July 10 - July 12 Seventh Annual Amateur Rib Cook-Off
"Jai Ho": Bollywood Dhamaka An Indian Celebration of Culture, July 17 - July 19
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Clayton Valley Shell
Obituary
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Jonathan Carl Wright, 55, died peacefully at his Clayton home on May 17 after a valiant battle with liver cancer. Jon was born Aug 11, 1953 in Riverton, Wyoming, and lived most of his growing up years in Hamilton, Montana. He graduated from Hamilton High School in 1971 and from Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho in 1973. He then served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints in Louisiana. He also attended classes at BYU in Provo where he met his wife, Dianna. They were married in 1977 and have four children. Jon loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hiking, biking and camping, and could be seen often on the trails of Mt. Diablo. He was also very involved in the young men’s scouting program. Jon had his own independent pool service and repair business for the past 22 years in the Clayton/Walnut Creek/Concord areas. It was said
of Jon, there wasn’t anything he couldn’t figure out or repair. Jon is survived by his parents, Earle C. and Marjorie K. Wright of Hamilton; his wife Dianna of Clayton; children David, Kaylinn, Tessa and Trenton; brother Douglas Wright; sisters Elizabeth Wright and Lori Mackert. A memorial service was held May 19 followed by a luncheon hosted by the Clayton Valley II Ward LDS church. Funeral services and interment took place May 21 at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. In his own epitaph, Benjamin Franklin writes, “The body of Benjamin Franklin, Printer (like the color of an old book, its contents torn out and stripped of its lettering and gilding), lies here, food for worms, yet the work itself shall not be lost, for it will appear once more in a new and more beautiful edition, corrected and amended by the author.” Jon will be missed by all who knew him
More Around Town Hola, from Puerta Vallarta Our professionals are here to serve you: Amir, Jameson, Gary, Alex and Peter
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Clayton Corpsman honored by Navy and Marines for exemplary service
The Pioneer spent a few days on the beach in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico with the Simpkins family. in Everyone brought back suntans from the May vacation . . .but, thankfully no swine flu. Pictured from left Jenna, Brett, George, Steve, and Jack
Tammy Slezak sings at national choral festival
On May 25, Tammy Slezak (directly above conductor’s hand) joined 150 singers from twentyfive states and three countries in a choral performance in the Bahá’í Temple in Wilmette, Illinois. Nearly 2000 attended the third annual Choral Festival where the choir performed a capella, music ranging from gospel to spirituals and new
sacred music compositions. The choir rehearsed together for only three days prior to their presentation in the national historic building. Slezak has toured Europe, performed in Carnegie Hall, and participated in several conferences and choral competitions with the director and composer, Van Gilmer.
ANTHONY ABEYTA
Anthony Abeyta a Navy Hospital Corpsman, currently stationed with the Marine Expeditionary Forces at Twentynine Palms in Southern California, was named 2008 Blue Jacket Sailor of the Year by the US Navy and Marine Corps. Abeyta was recognized for performing “in an exemplary and highly professional manner.” His accomplishments as a field medical service technician set him apart from his peers. Abeyta served in Iraq from February to September 2008, where he was also awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his ability in applying counterinsurgency principles. Abeyta graduated from Berean Christian High School in Walnut Creek in June 2005. After his military duty is complete he plans to return to his hometown of Clayton and will continue his medical education.
‘Sound of Music’ appeals to all ages Though they span decades of musical theater, Clayton residents Kristina Schoell and Kelly Hansen are both enjoying their roles in “The Sound of Music” at the El Campanil Theatre in Antioch. At 13, Schoell is already a seasoned performer thanks to her roles in school plays. The seventh-grader at Diablo View Middle School is playing Brigitta Von Trapp. Hansen returned to the stage with a seniors’ troupe four years ago. She plays a nun in the classic musical.
“It’s really sweet seeing the youngsters enjoying themselves on stage,” Hansen says. “The play is uplifting despite its ominous aspects.” This will be Hansen’s fifth play since joining the Vagabond Players, a troupe of actors 50 or older who perform at senior centers, assisted living facilities and other places where older adults gather. After the Antioch performances, this show will also take to the road. “The Sound of Music” plays 8 p.m. June 12-13, and 2 p.m. June 14 and 17 at 602 W. 2nd St., Antioch.
KELLY HANSEN AND KRISTINA SCHOELL
Tickets are $10-$20. June 17 features a special rate for senior groups of 10 or more. For more information, visit www.elcampaniltheatre.com or call 757-9500.
June 12, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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Directory of Advertisers 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 P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design B EV B RITTON , Copy Editor R ANDY R OWLAND , Sports B ETH N EUDELL , Advertising Sales C HRISTINA S CARLOTT , Administrative Assistant
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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
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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)
d the gr . own ups who love them
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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.
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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.
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Classified LOST & FOUND Found: Musical Instrument Found 5/25 after the parade. Call to identify 765-3822
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Summer Childcare offered at Clayton Community School Kindergarten – 5th grade, Monday – Friday 7 am to 6 pm. Preschool offered Tuesday and Thursday 9 am to 11:30 pm. Contact (925) 672-0388
RENTALS Office Space for Rent 250 Sq. feet, fully furnished office space in Concord. Call 685-45223 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 Cabin Rental. Pinecrest ~ Rustic cabin, sleeps 11. Near lake, stores, restaurant, post office and movie. Huge deck. $1000/wk. Available June, July and August. Call 925837-2870 Clayton Home. Marsh Creek Park Villas ~ Immaculate 2BD/2BA, 2 car garage. New paint, new carpet, new kitchen and bath floors. Nonsmokers, credit check required. $1595 per month. 925-672-2090
HELP WANTED Real Estate Agents. Be Successful! Lynne French is expanding and interviewing for a few agents. Call her today (925) 672-8787.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED Meals on Wheels Drivers hairbyjim@sbcglobal.net or 673-0300. Anna’s Attic Volunteers Call 674-9072 or (925) 766-5066. Hospice of the East Bay Call Volunteer Dept. at (925) 8875678 or email volunteers@hospiceeastbay.org. Clayton Historical Society Museum Call the museum at 672-0240. Clayton Community Library. 673-9777 or email: akikkawa@ccclib.org
Auto Clayton Valley Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3900 Contra Costa Auto Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-1205 Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 Children’s Services Music Together . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .946-2990 Construction and Trades Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423 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 Dentist Children's Dentistry of Walnut Creek . . . . . . . . . .938-2392 Jason Renner, D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-2800 Richard Rissel, D.M.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-2800 Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 Diablo Light Opera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .944-1565 Johnny’s International Deli & Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . .567-5065 La Veranda .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0011 Willows Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .957-2500 Financial and Insurance Services Benton, Mureleen - Ameriprise Financial . . . . . .685-4523 Carol Keane and Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .937-5200 CD Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-0900 Doug Van Wyck - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . .672-2300 Ferrante Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .674-1755 Real Prosperity Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .472-6808 Richard Littorno - Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6463 Fitness Snap Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0110 Traveling Trainers for Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .890-6931 Funerals Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Home and Garden Abbey Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Clayton Valley Frameworks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6066 Clear Splash Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6245 Floors to Go Danville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .820-8700 Just Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .681-4747 Keenan Heinz Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .288-0159 Lewis & Lewis Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .939-2145 Majestic Pools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-1545 Navlet’s Garden Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .681-0550 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 Pans on Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .600-7267 Persson’s Touch Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .240-1711 Sparkle Pools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-5025 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055 Welcome Home House Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . 584-5980 Mailing and Shipping The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Postal Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-9030 Personal Products and Services Bella Mia Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-7792 Perfect Tan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8261 Roberta Claire Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .625-1123 The Makeup Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .408-8010 The Tanning CO! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2022 Pet Services Aussie Pet Mobile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-738-6624 Cat Hospital of Clayton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2287 Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 O’Brien Family Pet Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .899-7354 Rodies Feed and Country Store . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600 Preschool Walnut Country Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-9686 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 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . .672-4433 Recreation Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Dana Hills Homeowners Assn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-2021 Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737 Senior Services Aegis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .692-5853 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . .524-5100 Services, Other Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700 Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . . . .473-0180 The Cutting Edge Knife Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7892 Shopping Clayton Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-3325 Pacific Coast Farmers Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9090 Seasonal Reflections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4425 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
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a i M a l l e B
THE
SPA
June 12, 2009
Speeding, DUI arrest turns up stolen goods
Police will have their eye on teen parties this summer Summer is usually a time when students take a needed break from studies and partake in recreational activities. One activity that is popular among teens is attending parties and socializing with their peers, especially when the host’s parents are away. In past summer vacation periods, a few of these parties became unreasonably loud, got out of control and included a few teens who possessed alcoholic beverages and/or overflowed into the street. In addition, they arrived in many cars, which were both legally and illegally parked throughout the neighborhood. These conditions negatively impacted the area and, in many cases, were a threat to the public peace, health, safety or general welfare. When this happened, neighbors called the Clayton Police to resolve the problems resulting from the party. When the officers arrived to investigate past teen gatherings, they also discovered that some of the party goers were under 21 years of age and were either in possession of an alcoholic beverage or had been drinking. Officers took the appropriate enforcement actions, which included teens receiving warnings, citations and arrests. At
the very least, the party was shut down. During this year’s summer vacation, Clayton officers expect to again respond to teen parties with similar problems. When officers are requested to investigate a loud or out-ofcontrol teen party (or any party), they usually evaluate the situation in terms of public peace, health, safety or general welfare. If the party appears to be within reasonable noise levels and no alcohol beverages are possessed by people under 21, they leave. If additional reports are received and officers respond a second time and see illegal activity occurring, enforcement actions will more than likely occur. In addition, the party will be shut down. California authorizes cities to recover the costs of the police officer’s time to investigate illegal parties and gatherings when officers respond two or more times, for costs up to $500 for a single event. The Clayton Municipal Code authorizes cost recovery in this regard and is characterized as a “police services fee.” The fee is charged to the person who was responsible for allowing the illegal party or event. If the person is a minor, the fee becomes the obligation of the
DAN LAWRENCE
FROM
THE
CHIEF
minor’s parents. Although most teen parties are lawful, where teens gather to safely socialize and have fun, some can get ugly and are in need of police intervention. A recent teen party in Orinda had a tragic ending. The host of the party invited many friends over while his parents were away, and alcoholic beverages were available. One of the party goers was a 16-year-old Miramonte High student who consumed many alcoholic beverages. This overindulgence apparently led to his death. It is the goal of the Clayton Police Department to ensure the safety of all Clayton residents and visitors by responding to all reports of “out-ofcontrol” parties and taking the appropriate enforcement actions.
Dan Lawrence is Clayton’s Police Chief. Please send your questions, comments or topics you’d like to see covered to DanL@cpd.ci. concord.ca.us, or call him at 6737350 during business hours.
5439 E Clayton Rd., Clayton (across from Blockbuster’s)
Police Log Three weeks ending June 4
ACCIDENTS May 22, 6:45 p.m., Marsh Creek Rd. and Main St. Traffic accident, no injuries
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May 19, 1:10 a.m., Marsh Creek Rd. and Mt. Wilson Wy., a Clayton man, 24, was stopped for bicycle code violations. He was issued a citation after failing a sobriety test. May 23, 1:40 a.m., Keller Ridge and Crow Pl., a Clayton man, 22, was stopped and asked for ID. He was issued a citation for an outstanding warrant. May 25, 11:06 p.m., Kirker Pass Rd, a Pittsburg man, 43, was stopped for making an illegal right turn. He was issued a citation for driving without a license. May 26, 11:14 p.m., Clayton Rd. and Kirker Pass Rd., a Clayton man, 21, was stopped for a vehicle code violation and issued a citation for driving without a license. May 28, 1:37 a.m., Clayton Rd. and Marsh Creek Rd., a Walnut Creek man, 25 was stopped for diving westbound in an eastbound lane. He was arrested and charged with a DUI. May 29, 12:54 a.m., Clayton Rd. and Delaware, a Discovery Bay man, 23 was stopped for speeding and was arrested for vehicle theft, possession of stolen property and a DUI.
May 29, 10:04 p.m., Pebble Beach Dr. and Inverness Wy., a Walnut Creek man, 58, was stopped for driving erratically and arrested for a DUI. May 31, 1:02 a.m., Hamburg Cr., a Clayton man, 27, was arrested on an outstanding warrant. June 1, 7:55 p.m., Clayton Rd and Black Diamond Tr., a Concord woman, 26, was stopped for speeding and issued a citation for driving with a suspended license. June 2, 7:08 p.m., Clayton Rd. and Peacock Creek Dr., a Brentwood man, 21, was stopped for expired tags, and cited for driving with a suspended license. June 3, 3:22 p.m., Alicante Ct. and Concord Blvd., a Clayton man, 40, was stopped for a cell phone violation and issued a citation for driving with a suspended license. June 4, 6:32 p.m., Clayton Rd. and El Camino Dr., a Concord man, 23, was stopped and issued a citation for driving with a suspended license. June 4, 11:37 p.m., Clayton Rd. and Kirker Pass Rd., a Concord man, 26, was stopped for a vehicle code violation and issued a citation for driving with a suspended license.
BURGLARIES /T HEFTS May 19, 5:59 p.m., Casey Glen Ct. Residential burglary May 20, 3:38 p.m., Clayton
Rd. Vehicle burglary May 21, 4:26 p.m., Gamay Dr. Residential burglary May 21, 4:42 p.m., Mt. Dell Dr. Residential burglary May 23, 8:41 a.m., Windmill Canyon Dr. Petty theft May 23, 10:06 a.m., Marsh Creek Cr. Vehicle burglary May 24, 5:39 a.m., Diablo View Ln. School burglary May 25, 11:06 a.m., Tara Ct. Petty theft May 25, 7:01 p.m., Zinfandel Cr. Vehicle theft May 26, 5:29 a.m., Kelok Wy. Vehicle burglary May 26, 8:53 a.m., Joscolo View. Vehicle burglary May 29, 12:54 a.m., Clayton Rd. and Delaware. Residential burglary and vehicle theft May 29, 8:09 a.m., Condor Wy. Vehicle theft May 30, 9:50 a.m., Windmill Canyon Dr. Vehicle burglary May 30, 11:14 a.m., Keller Ridge Dr. Vehicle burglary May 30, 1:40 p.m., Center St. Petty theft May 31, 12:55 p.m., Prospector Pl. Grand theft May 31, 1:26 p.m., Prospector Pl. Petty theft May 31, 12:41 a.m., Chardonnay Cr. Petty theft May 31, 1:43 p.m., Clayton Rd. Attempted burglary
VANDALISM May 24, 10:02 p.m., Marsh Creek Rd. and Mountaire Pkwy. May 30, 1:36 a.m., Shell Circle May 30, 3:03 p.m., Diablo Creek Pl. June 2, 5:17 p.m., Main St.
TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
Clayton police have one to add to the “how dumb can you get?” file. About 1 a.m. on May 29, Clayton officers Richard Enea and Tim Marchute were each parked in the St. John’s Church parking lot exchanging notes when a pickup sped by on Clayton Road heading toward Concord. With Enea in pursuit and Marchute following, the officers chased the truck up Clayton Road, reaching speeds of 90 mph. The officers were about to cancel the pursuit when the truck suddenly slowed down and pulled over at Treat Boulevard. When Enea approached the pickup, he could smell alcohol. The driver, a 24-year old Concord man, was arrested for DUI – but the story doesn’t end there. The truck he was driving was an unreported stolen vehicle out of Discovery Bay. Unreported because the owner, a retired Contra Costa County deputy sheriff, was asleep in his home and didn’t know his truck had been stolen. Nor did he know, until police called him, that his home had been burgled a couple of hours earlier and his stolen stuff was in his stolen truck in Concord. The DUI charge has now expanded to burglary, possession of stolen property, vehicle theft, driving on a suspended license and evading police officers. He was booked on $90,000 bail. “Burglars and criminals are dumb to begin with,” commented Clayton Police Chief Dan Lawrence. “And you can’t control the variables. Little did this guy know that, driving through Clayton at one in the morning at 55 mph, he’d pass two Clayton cops.” In another ironic twist, Lawrence added, “they guy was booked by the victim’s peers at the Martinez Detention Facility.”
Ruminations . . . I had amnesia once...or twice. I am neither for nor against apathy. All I ask is a chance to prove that money can't make me happy. If the world were a logical place, men would be the ones who ride horses sidesaddle. What is a "free" gift? Aren't all gifts free? Teach a child to be polite and courteous in the home, and when he grows up, he'll never be able to merge his car onto the freeway Experience is the thing you have left when everything else is gone.
June 12, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Letters to the Editor Responses to city’s plan to cut irrigation water use I fully support city staff, and understand the tough water conservation choices required by CCWD. But, I have to ask who is advocating for our landscaping? Who is raising the questions that spur debate over direction; that insures all options are fully and publicly vetted? Where is the public outcry one would expect when faced with the potential loss or degradation of one of Clayton’s most valuable assets? This is not our first rodeo with water rationing, nor, I’m afraid, will it be our last. One day the rains will return, reservoirs will overflow and we will return to our comfortable complacency. Sure we’ll have some dead lawns, missing plants and a rather shabby “front yard,” and efforts will be made to get us back to the beauty we once
enjoyed. But I’m concerned there won’t be enough money or manpower, and priorities will be elsewhere, so we’ll accept less. In 2007, after grappling for four years over what direction to take our landscaping, voters passed Measure B, replacing the “can’t do” of the past with a reasonable “can do” for the future. It breaks my heart to think that our recent positive improvements will be thwarted by issues outside our control. …I applaud Clayton’s leadership by reducing our water usage during these difficult drought years, and am confident that our maintenance staff will do all they can to minimize the impacts. But I am not satisfied with only a reactive approach. I look to our leaders for positive proactive steps that will position us more favorably the next time the water runs out. - Dan Richardson
in The G s t r e rove c n o C Saturdays 6-8 p.m.
May 16 through Sept. 19 At the Gazebo in The Grove June 13
Mamaluke Classic Rock
June 27
The Sun Kings Beatles
July 11
Reader disappointed Is Mr. Gensburger kidding? If he doesn’t like those stores, he shouldn’t shop there! He shows a complete lack of understanding for what’s going on in the “real world”. There are more people than ever that would love to have the opportunity to shop at Safeway, for
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July 4 Photo Contest Get your cameras out, buy new batteries and get ready for the Clayton Pioneer’s Seventh Annual 4th of July Celebration Photo Contest. Photos will be judged on overall quality, composition and how well the image captures the spirit of Clayton’s July 4 celebration. CASH PRIZES: Adults: First Place, $100; Second Place, $75; Third Place, $50. Under 12: First Place, $50, Second Place $30; Third Place $20. Winning photos will appear in the July 11 issue of the Clayton Pioneer. Look for full contest details in the next issue of the Pioneer.
Where the artisan meets the craftsman
Mixed Nuts ‘40s to present dance music
July 25
Although Clayton has to cut landscape water use by 45 percent to comply with Contra Costa Water District mandatory rationing, I don’t think that closing the public restrooms at the park makes a lot of sense, especially with the concerts in The Grove. This will only encourage public urination. It may also dissuade people from attending if they know their “needs’ will not be met . . . Please rethink such a drastic measure. - Christine Smits.
enough food for their families. And some would gladly experience a cut finger from store packaging if it meant getting something new! I sincerely hope that he was just having a bad day … Aren’t there more pressing issues Mr. Gensburger? The second article really lit my fuse. I have always read Ms. Trosclair’s articles with tongue in cheek, cutting her the slack that a teenager deserves. However, this time she has crossed the line. I was shocked to read that she is “no thizz virgin” after she condemned the CVHS administration from her soap box! And, Ms. Trosclair, to condone experimenting, IS condoning drug use. I am thoroughly disgusted that this article, from the point of view of an admitted drug “experimenter,” was even printed . . .I always look forward to reading the Pioneer as I think it is a great representation of Clayton. These two columns were a huge disappointment. - Karen Duggan
Page 7
BECCA
July 4th, from page 1
Country Jazz, R&B, Pop Hits
Aug 22
Diamond Dave
Nothing runs by itself, however, and the city needs volunteers. Most of the help is needed the day of the parade in the following areas:
Oldies to today’s top hits
Aug 29
Replica 80s rock tribute band
Sept 19
Harvey & The Wall Bangers Rock, R&B, Country and Oldies
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Local Food To Go Support your local businesses & Restaurants. Takeout or dine in before or after the concert. Moresi’s Chophouse 6115 Main St. 672 - 1333 Ed’s Mudville Grill 6200 Center St. 673 - 0333 * La Veranda Cafe 6201 Center St. 524 - 0011 Skipolini’s Pizza 1035 Diablo St. 672 - 1111 Village Market 6104 Main St. 672 - 0188 * Johnny’s Int’l Deli & Cafe’ 6101 Center St. 672-0188 Cup O’Jo 6054 Main St. 672-5105*
Barricade and street closure set up (early morning). Decorations. Parking control. Crowd control. Parade line up. Parade flow control. Clean up. This is a great community service project for groups and individuals that can help anytime between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. To volunteer, call Jackson at 673-7304 or email ljackson@ci.clayton.ca.us. The Kiddieland activities, always free to the community, need donations to help offset the cost. Make a tax-deductible donation (big or small) to the Clayton 4th of July Parade, City of Clayton, 6000 Heritage Trail, Clayton CA 94517.
Register for the parade The main event is the oldfashioned, hometown parade. Locals celebrate the day on foot and horseback, in trucks, wagons, cars, on floats, in marching bands and on dancing feet; big kids, little kids, dogs and ponies – limited only by the imagination. Participants in the main parade are asked to submit an application by June 19. The city is small so the number of participants may be limited. The July 4 committee will review all applications to ensure a variety of entries. Insurance requirements and parade rules are on the city’s Website at www.cityofclayton.org. Kids in the Kiddie Parade do not need an application. They just need to show up in red, white and blue well before the parade begins at 10 a.m. Start the day with the annual pre-parade Pancake Breakfast at Endeavor Hall. Hosted by the Clayton Valley Sunrise Rotary Club, the breakfast has a nominal cost and begins at 7 a.m.
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These days, it’s not about right and wrong – it’s about confusion It is amazing to me that we make any progress in America, especially in California where change requires a two-thirds majority vote. Everyone has an opinion and every opinion is held to count. In earlier times, there were fewer opinions – not in number but in diversity. Until the ’60s, things were a lot more straight forward. You had black and white issues. There was a clear national consensus of right and wrong. There was democracy and communism. There were clear heroes and clear villains. National pride meant that you were either “for us or against us,” and you would never hear the billion other arguments that pervade our culture today – serving to confuse issues into stagnancy, preventing progress as certainly as it prevents regress. Without passing judgment on the validity of any of these groups, let me say that the average person needs to go to school just to be kept up to date on the myriad “special interest groups” that make up the fabric of our modern times. The same is true in order to understand the legislation that now governs every aspect of an issue. We have to classify everything with a label in order to better understand it, even if we wind up not understanding it at all. Republicans used to be Republicans and Democrats used to be Democrats. And then there was that other group of Independents, which secretly more and more people classify themselves as in order to avoid being labeled a Republican or a Democrat during these conflicted times. We have senators changing sides and we even have a conflict in the ideology. Wasn’t conservatism a Republican attribute; now there are conservative Democrats amidst the moderates and wholly liberal. It was suggested that those middleground types be called “Republocrats” or “Depublicans” as a way to avoid the latent confusion. I’m sure there would be much disagreement over that idea. We have “intellectuals,” “blue-collar workers,” “movers and shakers,” “religious extremists,” “right-wingers,” “left-wingers,” along with all the contemporary “jocks,” “geeks,” “punks,” “goths,” “emos” and more. It can get confusing. We also have multiple sub-categories, groups such as “gay, lesbian and transgender” people who have attained
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a greater public visibility recently. We like our groups. As much as we dislike class differences, we wrap our social groupings around us like a blanket that protects us from our insecurities. Groups allow timid voices to be heard, and groups can demand change. Equally, groups can hide cowardice and prejudice and it is certainly a lot easier to be ignorant within a group. With all the diverse and often contradictory groupings exerting influence over social and political movement, it is surprising that we can find enough consensus to move forward at all on any issue. Everyone is right, has the right to be right or deserves to be right. No one likes compromise anymore as this is a sign of weakness. Every city in America, Clayton being no exception to this rule, has tackled issues that have produced an explosion of commentary and angst – both in favor and against the issue at hand. In every case, much time, endless discussions and public forums have allowed the citizen-
ry to express their views and demand whatever concessions they felt appropriate to their cause. What used to be a simple decision made over the course of a day or a week turns into years, with much division within the community eroding the friendly atmosphere that once existed. A recent trend in America has been to challenge the result of an election through the courts. If doubt can be applied to the issue, especially in the area of affecting minority or special interest rights by claiming a violation of constitutionality, more often than not these issues can ride all the way to the Supreme Court. It never used to be that way. You used to have your day, make your vote and abide by the result. Was that honor, respect or just common decency? Whatever you believe, it was the mark of a simpler time when the expectations of unity were far stronger. In California, we never get anything done because of the two-thirds majority rule needed to change things. Measure D’s
ANDRÉ GENSBURGER
DEAL WITH IT bid for parcel tax funds to aid the local school district failed to get a two-thirds majority, although it would have passed by a popular vote. A move is underway to remove the two-thirds majority rule; unfortunately that will also require a two-thirds majority to pass. It is interesting to note that despite all this, Americans are generally idealists – holding true to the notion of vast ideological unities ... “one nation under God with truth and justice for all.” We just need diverse and oppositional arguments along the way to confuse us, delay us and annoy us to such a degree that we ultimately stay home and don’t vote at all because by then we don’t want to deal with it.
André Gensburger is a staff reporter and feature writer for the Pioneer. His email address is andre@claytonpioneer.com
Contra Costa and Solano Food Banks to benefit from food drive
Photo courtesy of Travis Credit Union
Support the Travis Credit Union food drive for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties. Drop off your donation at the Travis branch in the Clayton Valley Shopping Center.
Beginning this month, Travis Credit Union will support the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano year round by offering food collection barrels at its branches in Solano and Contra Costa County. “When the food bank asked us to be the first business in the county to offer the food barrels for the year, we were more than happy to help,” says Travis Credit Union Patsy Van Ouwerkerk, Travis Credit
Union President and CEO. “One of our strategic priorities is to be an active and supportive community partner in the communities we serve. We also recognize the challenges of this economic climate. We consider ourselves socially responsible corporate citizens and give back to the communities we serve. In other words, we walk the talk.” To support the campaign, Travis Credit Union employees
from all the branches and departments challenged each other to collect more than 212 cans of food. The number 212 is significant because this is the temperature at which water boils, and is a message of action shared with all employees at the last Travis Credit Union staff training day. To support the drive, drop your food donation off at Travis Credit Union in the Clayton Valley Shopping Center.
Add these weather-friendly reads to your summer list
377 Blue Oak Lane ING PEND
June 12, 2009
Although summer can be a busy time, many Clayton residents will find the time to sit down and enjoy a good book. There are many interesting books about weather or weather-related topics. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then “Weather World; Photographing the Global Spectacle” by Gordon Higgins is worth about one million words. At first glance, the book reminds me of a coffee table book, but it is much
more than that. The cover notes say it offers a perspective of weather phenomena from above and below. Besides hundreds of stunning photographs, it provides easy-to-understand descriptions of cloud types, how they form and the weather they produce. This is a book that both young and old will enjoy. There are many novels with storylines centering around severe storm events. One of the more interesting weather stories, “Isaac’s Storm” by Eric Larson, chronicles the events leading up to the greatest natural disaster in American history – the
Galveston hurricane of 1900. Larson tells this tale of human tragedy through the eyes of Isaac Cline, the lead weather forecaster at Galveston when the hurricane struck. It is more than a story of a devastating hurricane, as it describes the politics and turf battles inside the recently created U.S. Weather Bureau at the turn of the last century. Readers may be surprised at how scientific knowledge took a back seat to pride, ego and prejudice. “Isaac’s Storm” is a powerful story and readers who like history and drama will enjoy this book about a historically
tragic weather event. Climate change is a topic that has received enormous publicity over the last several years. Understanding what climate change means, how it is defined and some of the basic science behind this issue can be challenging. A recent book by Robert Henson, “The Rough Guide to Climate Change,” will give readers an easy-to-comprehend background about this politically charged topic. Henson does an excellent job of conveying a clear and concise picture of the state of
See Weather, page 9
June 12, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Page 9
Make the payoff big enough and Spot will come running BARBARA DWYER
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“Spot, come. Spot, come here. Spot … come here right now!” And on it goes. Why doesn’t Spot come? There are many reasons, but the core issue is that coming to you does not pay off as well as whatever he is doing right now. “To come or not to come,” that is Spot’s question. What do I gain vs. what do I lose? Recalls require an instantaneous costbenefit analysis. Let’s say Fido is playing at the dog park. His owner calls him to come. Coming is always followed by leaving the dog park. Or, Mary needs to get to work, so she calls Benji in from chasing squirrels and kennels him for the day. Tramp steals a burger off the grill. Dad yells, “Tramp, get over here!”
What would you do if you were Fido, Benji or Tramp? Probably run in the other direction. Don’t expect a dog to come just because you say so. If your boss didn’t pay you at the end of the week, what would you say when he said, “See you Monday”? For dogs, the word “come” is what trainers call a “poisoned cue.” Bad things occur often enough after coming that Spot learns avoidance. To fix it, you must tip the motivational scale in your favor. What have you got that’s better than a squirrel or a burger? They’re hard to beat. But with a great game, you can teach Spot that coming to you predicts something fabulous. You want Spot to become a slot machine junkie. Instill in him the hope of hitting the jackpot. Try the Cookie Toss Recall. You’ll need two kinds of treats lower value treats that show up on the ground like goldfish
crackers and high value treats to reinforce coming. Create a stash of tennis balls, tug toys and taste tidbits. Mine includes leftover pieces of steak or chicken, kibble, turkey baby food and a squawking, stuffed rooster. You can play in the house, in the backyard (off lead), while walking in the park or schoolyard (on a flexi or long line) or in an enclosed tennis court (off lead). Toss a cookie in any direction and encourage your dog to “Get it.” Help him find it if needed. After he swallows, call his name again and throw a second cookie in another direction. Tell him to “Get it.” Do it several times, building his speed and excitement. Then say, “Spot, come,” but only once. Show him the goodies. If he doesn’t come running, tease him with it, clap or whistle. As soon as he moves toward you, cheer him on. When he reaches you, reward him with an
extra special reinforcer and play again. Stop playing before Spot wants to – it will increase his motivation for the next time. For you couch potatoes out there, you can even do this while sitting in a chair. Remember to play by the rules. Give a big payoff when your dog comes. Don’t call your dog for something unpleasant or he’ll learn avoidance. Only call your dog if you’re sure you can make it happen. If not, use a different word like “here.” Only say “come” once, or he’ll learn to tune you out. If you’re dog doesn’t come on command, go get him and using a cheerful voice take him to where you were when you called him.
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Mutton and Parsley are ARF’s Adoption Stars Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The primary caretaker must be present to adopt. ARF also encourages kids 16 and younger and canine family members (dog adoptions only) to be present during the adoption process. Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www.arf.net, or call 925.256.1ARF.
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Weather, from page 8 climate science without the hype and histrionics that is prevalent in many books, magazines and news articles. The first three chapters explain the basic principles of climate change, the symptoms and the science. The remaining two describe the debates
and possible solutions to climate change as well as offering suggestions concerning what can be done by ordinary people. These three books are just the tip of the iceberg of weather-related reading material. No matter what your
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 12, 2009
Clayton Sports Ugly Eagles fight hard, win first NCS title
CV UGLY EAGLES: BOTTOM ROW: BRANDYN VANDAL, SHANE DUNCAN, VINCE BRUNO, Darrian Matthews, Christian Kaplan, Chaz Meadows, Jeff Doran, Danny Hogan, Cody Duncan, Coach Mark Peterson. Middle Row: Vice-principal Jim Long, Coach Mark Reed, Coach Herc Pardi, Jordan Dyer, Cody Stephens, Darrel Matthews, Andrew Lassen, Johnny Bekakis, Kevin Chirco, Antonio Acosta, Ricky Dunley, Michael Banks, Head Coach Bob Ralston, Coach David Jeans. Top Row: Dom Mazza, Brandon Weller, Salomon Cazares, Wesley Darrow, Julian Thornton. WOODY WHITLATCH Special to the Pioneer
Clayton Valley’s varsity baseball team, the Ugly Eagles, was a thing of beauty as they turned in a nearly flawless performance at the Oakland Coliseum to win the school’s first North Coast Section Division 2 baseball crown. The 3-0 shutout came against long-time nemesis and top-seeded Alameda Hornets. The enthusiasm and camaraderie that led the team to a 24win season was evident immediately after the final out was recorded. Gloves flew high in the
air and before they reached the ground, the entire team was joyously celebrating in a pile of blue and white on the infield grass. Hundreds of parents, students, alumni and friends exchanged high-fives and hugs in the stands. Memories of several unsuccessful attempts to win the NCS championship were trumped by the euphoria of this special moment. Coach Bob Ralston’s 2009 team was led by a core group of seniors, most of whom have been starters since their sophomore year. Beating Alameda was a sweet thing for these players,
since it was semi-final loss to Alameda that denied them a trip to the Coliseum in 2007. This year’s celebration would not have been possible without a gutsy six inning shut-out performance by sophomore pitcher Chaz Meadows. For the third playoff game in a row, Meadows dominated the opposition by working the strike zone with a combination of fastballs and off-speed pitches. The team backed up Chaz with solid defense and timely hitting. The Eagle’s first inning score set the tone for the game and was indicative of the team’s ability to
overcome adversity. The inning started with promise when speedy lead-off hitter Darrel Matthews scorched a line drive to the outfield wall for a triple. It seemed like a sure bet that he would score on a fly ball to right field, but Matthews was called out at home on a perfect throw by the Alameda right fielder. That didn’t stop the Eagle offense. Immediately after the double play, Diablo Valley Athletic League MVP Vince Bruno lined a single and promptly stole second base. After John Bekakis stroked an RBI single into center field, the
champs had a lead they would not relinquish. The defensive play of the game for Clayton Valley came in the third inning. Alameda put a runner in scoring position, and the ensuing batter hit a hard line drive into the outfield. Center fielder Matthews dove for the ball and made a spectacular catch. That play not only ended a scoring threat but also took the wind out of the sails for Alameda. Only one other runner reached base for the rest of the game. The Eagles scored a second
run in the third inning on a sacrifice fly by Bekakis. Cal-bound Matthews, who was 3 for 3, singled in the fifth inning and scored the final run of the game on a wild pitch. Brandon Weller pitched a 1-2-3 seventh inning, inducing a game-ending ground ball that ignited the celebration. The NCS crown capped off a great season for Clayton Valley baseball. Just a few weeks ago, they won the DVAL league title. Joining Matthews, Bekakis and Weller on the All-League first team were Andrew Lassen, Cody Stephens and Michael Banks.
‘Can’t miss’ track star jumps into championship meet ROB HELENA Clayton Pioneer
TRACK COACH DARREN NEWELL believes Ali Roberts has the potential to compete at the state level by her senior year.
As a freshman for Clayton Valley High School’s varsity track team, Ali Roberts would literally freeze before making her high jump approach time and time again. It seems only a matter of time before she freaks out and heads back to the locker room to try another sport. Then, overcoming her fear of injury, Roberts gets that competitive blood flow that drives her. She sprints towards the high bar and sends her body skyward like a surface-to-air missile, easily clearing the bar. The track coach remains motionless as Roberts clears a height that few athletes in the area have done. Just like that, Roberts, now a sophomore, became the “can’t miss” track
star who competed in this year’s prestigious Meet of Champions in Berkeley on June 2, and the linchpin of a promising crop of young CV track athletes. Roberts placed in the top third of the group, barely missing qualifying for the state finals. Since the eighth grade, Roberts has improved her jump by more than 4 inches and now easily clears 5 feet. She won this year’s varsity girls high jump at the Warren Eaton Relays and went undefeated in the Diablo Valley Athletic League (DVAL). Roberts is a multi-sport athlete who also plays volleyball and soccer. With these commitments, she works out seven days a week. “At first, I signed up for track so I could get my five-year varsity letter,” says Roberts. “Now, track is enjoyable.” The athlete went to Mt. Diablo
Elementary and Diablo View Middle schools, ran track for St. Bonaventure’s CYO and played Diablo FC club soccer. While soccer is her true passion, her training regimen in soccer helps her in track. “If I didn’t train in soccer, I would have to work even harder in track,” she notes. Newell, who coined the phrase “can’t miss” in regard to Roberts, raves about her passion for learning, her love of competing and the effort she puts into practice to improve her jumps. “You can learn a lot about an athlete by the way they prepare to compete,” says Newell. “She’s tough. She puts the work in to be prepared and has a lot of natural athletic skill that, frankly, you can’t teach.” Roberts believes in hard work, a good night’s sleep and a sound
breakfast before every event. “Play no matter what,” she advises aspiring athletes. “Stick to your dreams.” She credits her parents and coaches for their ongoing support. “My mom and dad come to all my track meets” she adds. Besides the high jump, Roberts also competes in the triple jump, 400 meters and 4 x 400 meter relay. The relay team placed second in DVAL, made it to the North Coast Section and barely missed out on the Meet of Champions. To cap off this successful year, Roberts received the CVHS Coach’s Award for Jumpers. “Ali has a great chance to compete in the state finals by her senior year,” says Newell, who is in his 20th year of coaching track. “I hope so,” Roberts say of a future state meet. “I think it would be cool.”
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Page 11
Clayton Sports
CVHS’ golden anniversary a year of glory for athletes JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clayton Valley High School has celebrated its golden anniversary with a variety of activities, including inducting the inaugural class into the CVHS Hall of Fame last October. The school year came to a fitting climax when the varsity baseball team won its first North Coast Section championship on May 30. This 50th year for the school was also golden on the fields, courts, diamonds, tracks, courses, mats and pools where Eagle boys and girls athletes competed. Nearly three quarters of the varsity teams from Clayton Valley either qualified for NCS as a team or sent individual athletes to NCS competition. In the most recent NCS league alignment, CVHS was returned to the Diablo Valley Athletic League. It was back to the future as they were again
competing with Mt. Diablo, Concord, Northgate, College Park and Ygnacio Valley high schools from the old DVAL, along with new member Berean Christian of Walnut Creek. This change saw Clayton Valley capture six of the 24 varsity league titles up for grabs in 2008-’09. Athletic director Pat Middendorf has all these statistics at her fingertips, but she is most proud of one number. “Fifty of our 56 varsity, junior varsity and frosh teams earned NCS Distinguished Scholar Athlete Team awards for maintaining a team GPA of 3.0 or higher,” she noted. “That is a real turnaround from just a few years ago.” Out of 1,900 students, almost 800 athletes participate in sports at CVHS. Many play multiple sports. “We are also only one of two schools in the district that has a sports medicine program,” Middendorf added.
TOP HONORS ALL AROUND The year began on a high note when the Eagles football players were undefeated league
champs and went all the way to the NCS championship game before falling short. During the winter, the girls soccer team was
Photo by Mike Dunn
Sports Shorts EAGLE BASEBALL ACADEMY Newly crowned North Coast Section champion Clayton Valley High coaches and players will be presenting the annual Summer Baseball Camp June 15-July 2 at the school. Head coach Bob Ralston says the program is for boys and girls 7-15 years old. The Eagle Baseball Academy provides instruction to players ranging from beginners learning the most basic skills to advanced players who are looking to fine-tune their skills and master advanced baseball techniques. Current college players and student coaches from Clayton Valley provide hands-on instruction in small group settings. To sign up, call 682-7474 ext. 3115 or visit www.eaglebaseballacademy.com. CLAYTON VALLEY YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP The 9th annual Clayton Valley High School Youth Football Camp runs June 22-26 at Gonsalves Stadium on the campus for boys entering fifthninth grades. Sessions are 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Head football coach Herc Pardi, assistant camp director Jerry Coakley and the staff provide fundamental instruction and competition for the participants. Clayton Valley had its
most successful football season ever in 2008, reaching the North Coast Section championship game undefeated. There is a trainer onsite during the camp. Each participant gets a camp shirt and a written evaluation at the conclusion of the week. Cost is $125, plus a refundable $75 equipment fee. For more information, call 6827474 ext. 3115, press 5. CVHS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS GOLF TOURNAMENT The 18th annual Clayton Valley High School Athletic Boosters Club Golf Tournament is Monday, Aug. 17, at Oakhurst Country Club. The tournament benefits the school’s football and golf programs as well as the Athletic Boosters Club. Along with an appearance by the Oakland Raiderettes, golfers will have lunch before teeing off and there are contests on the course. Golf is followed by a dinner banquet with raffle prize drawing and silent auction. Entry fee is $150 by Aug. 1, or $175 after that, which includes green fees, golf cart, raffle ticket, golf shirt, lunch and dinner. Banquet-only tickets are $40. Entry forms and additional information can be found at www.cvhsboosters.org or by contacting Dave Looney at 2859903 or mmdclooney@comcast.net.
EIGHT CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS signed national letters of intent to play college sports starting this fall. In front, Darrel Matthews (baseball) and Samantha Walker (soccer) are both going to Cal Berkeley. Standing, from left, Kara Kohler (crew) Cal, Brendin Brown (swimming) University of Hawaii, Nathanael Litwiller (cross country and track) CSU Sacramento, Nick Cole (football) Oregon and Andrew Lassen (baseball) UC Davis. Not pictured, Amanda Moore (softball) will attend Minnesota State University.
DVAL co-champion. This spring, boys lacrosse, girls track and field and the baseball and softball teams all won DVAL titles. The boys and girls cross country and basketball teams qualified for NCS – along with the baseball, wrestling, softball, football, boys volleyball and lacrosse, and girls soccer, tennis and water polo squads. Athletes wearing the red, white and blue of Clayton Valley were well represented at NCS in boys and girls swimming and track and field too, with 17 of the 24 CVHS varsities earning NCS qualification. When they unfurl the NCS championship baseball banner in Dan Della Memorial Gymnasium, it will be the 20th earned by Clayton Valley – the ninth by a boys team. The baseball team took second in both 2002 and 2003 and was a NCS semi-finalist last year and in 1977. The baseball title is the first NCS crown in any sport this decade for Clayton Valley. According to the NCS Website, previous section titles for Clayton Valley came in wrestling (1967, ’72, ’77, ’78), girls volleyball (1976, ’77, ’79), boys (1999) and girls (1994) swimming, boys (1958, ’59, ’77)
and girls (1993, ’94, ’95, ’96, ’97, ’98) cross country and girls basketball (1998). TRUE TEAM SPIRIT In this anniversary year that celebrated excellence and tradition at the school, the baseball squad had a well-rounded team win the NCS championship. “It was a great team performance,” coach Bob Ralston noted. “It was always someone different coming up with the big hit, pitch or fielding play.” It was the baseball team’s 11th straight trip to the section playoffs. The run began in 1999, the year Ralston came to the school and was co-head coach with Joe Panella. Panella moved to a Central Valley school the following season and Ralston took the sole reins of the team through 2006. Ralston coached at Diablo Valley College the past two seasons, while Casey Coakley ran Eagles baseball. Coakley went to Los Medanos College this year and Ralston returned to the CVHS dugout, coaching some of the same players he had mentored when they were freshmen. “I guess it was our turn,” Ralston said. “If you keep putting yourself in the tournament, good things will happen.”
Dana Hills, Oakhurst swim teams begin season with bigger squads, high hopes JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
With school out, Clayton’s two recreation swim teams, the Dana Hills Otters and Oakhurst Orcas, have begun their busy summer seasons. There are 350 local swimmers in the pool every morning for practice, along with meets around the area through mid-August. The two teams have slightly different focuses. The large Dana Hills team has won the last six Concord City Swim Championships and 16 of the last 17. Head coaches Kelly McCabe and Matt Zachan have an even larger squad this year, with about 220 boys and girls from age 3 to 18. “We have a ton of new 8 and unders. I think our strongest age groups are going to be our 7-8 girls and, surprisingly, our 1518s,” McCabe says. Last year, Dana Hills swept both the A and B divisions at
the City Meet and, in the process, set several meet records and captured many individual high point awards. The team competes in the prestigious Contra Costa Swim League against the Pleasant Hill Dolphins, Walnut Creek Swim Club, LMYA and East County Stingrays. “I think we have a great chance at taking the league meet this year,” McCabe says. “Last year we got second behind Pleasant Hill, but while coaching this pre-season and seeing where the kids are already at, as well as all the newcomers, I have very high expectations for us this year.” “I believe we are going to have a great season,” Zachan adds. “Our strongest age groups are probably 15-18s and 13-14s. Our 7-8s also look great this year. We’ve got a lot of new talented swimmers in the 15-18 age group.” Dana Hills has two new assistant coaches, Ashley
Photo courtesy Joern Weigelt
DANA HILLS SWIM TEAM is seeking its seventh straight Concord City Meet championship this year as part of a challenging summer schedule. The Otters coaches include (from left) Brendan Sullivan, Matt Zachan, Kelly McCabe and Ashley Jennings. Not pictured are assistant coaches Kelsey Brassil and Matt Bishop.
Jennings and Brendan Sullivan, who bring “a lot of knowledge and swimming experience to the staff,” Zachan says, along with
returning coaches Matt Bishop and Kelsey Brassil.
See Swim, page 12
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 12, 2009
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Mt. Diablo Soccer Association Wildcats coach Matt Bolender called this year’s Concord Cup “a great one” – a comment echoed by many of the participants from the 124 youth soccer teams who took part over a hot May weekend. Three young local teams reached championship games at Concord Cup XVI. The MDSA Wildcats in under 12 boys and a pair of under 10 girls teams, Diablo FC 98 Blue and MDSA Vortex, ended up with finalist medals. “This is one of the most fun teams I’ve ever coached, because the girls all get along extremely well and support each other on the field,” Vortex co-
coach Kim Apana enthused. The team scored 20 goals in four games but were nipped 5-4 by the Pleasant Hill-Martinez Soccer Association (PHMSA) Rush in the U10 Red Division finals. “We have had a friendly rivalry with the Rush. The championship was a high-scoring game and our parents said that this was the most exciting game of the season,” Apana added. Jaclyn Aragon and Annika Oledan of Clayton, Emma Wenger and Kaleigh Finney are the top Vortex scorers, with all of the other players adding assists. Briel Araujo, Erin Dietrich, Molly Fitzsimmons of Clayton, Jenna Pouch, Natalie Ruzicka and Tianna Young complete the roster. “They do everything together as a team, which is one of the
reasons why I think they did so well at Concord Cup. These girls are the spirit of AYSO,” the proud coach said of the American Youth Soccer Organization. Coach Eric Hernandez pulled together a new group of players for his Diablo FC 98 Blue team while they competed in the U10 girls Blue Division. Anita McNally’s score in the final minute of the game tied PHMSA United 1-1. Their next game was also a draw with PHMSA Adrenaline as Katie Christman and Danielle Crawford scored. Diablo FC eked out a critical 3-2 win over Davis Heat as McNally and Crawford put in goals. In the finals, the local girls met their third team from PHMSA, and this time the Psychochicks prevailed 3-1
despite Crawford scoring in her third straight game. Jenna Livingston, Melissa Olson, Kate Kirmsse and Sara Verderame of Clayton were key contributors for Diablo FC 98 Blue. After MDSA Wildcats opened the Cup with a 5-0 victory, they played their sister team, MDSA Crew, whom the Wildcats had defeated five previous times. The Crew came back from a 1-0 deficit with good passing and power shots to pull off a 2-1 upset. After Saturday’s action, the Wildcats and Crew met again in the semi-finals. With blistering temperatures, it was a battle of attrition. The Wildcats’ Ryan Hathaway slammed a goal, but the Crew came back with a score to deadlock the game. In the end, Daniel Ferrell headed a high pass for the Wildcats’ winning score. Sweeper Shane Mann and goalkeeper Connor Antonson kept the Crew from scoring again to preserve the 21 Wildcats win. Later that day, the Wildcats met Davis Voodoo for the championship in U12 boys Red Division. Voodoo popped a ball over the keeper’s head for the championship goal late in the game. “It was a great battle between two great, but tired teams,” Bolender said. “After the game, both teams received their medals and the camaraderie was amazing. It was another great Concord Cup. We can’t wait until next year.”
Swim, from page 11 Brassil, McCabe and Zachan all return for their fourth year coaching the Otters. Zachan and Brassil are former long-time Otters swimmers, while McCabe swam for Gehringer Park, Ygnacio Valley High School and Diablo Valley College – where she earned AllAmerica honors in swimming and water polo. The effervescent Jane Robinson is back for a fifth year as head coach at Oakhurst Country Club. Her team of 135 swimmers is young. “The bulk of our swimmers are under 11 years old. We do have strong 11-12 boys and girls and 13-14 girls age groups this summer,” she says. Oakhurst does not participate in a league but swims against most of the Concord and Clayton teams. “We are looking forward to all of our meets this summer, but some of our highlights include the Devil Mountain Pentathlon at Dana
Hills, our first dual meet with the Springwood Sprinters (a very strong team that gets us ready for tough competition) and our dual meets with Oakwood Athletic Club and Bishop Estates Swim Team – teams that are very fun to swim and similar in size to Oakhurst,” Robinson says. The former East County Stingrays coach and swimmer adds: “Our very favorite meet of the summer is the Concord City Swim Championship.” Last year, the Orcas won the coveted Sportsmanship Award at the Concord City meet for all the recreation teams from Concord and Clayton. Joining Robinson, a Cal grad, at Oakhurst are Angie Bradley and Jessie Byers, in her first year as an Orcas assistant coach. Byers swam for Dana Hills from the age of 8 and also swam for Carondelet High. She will be attending the University of Colorado Boulder in the fall.
Jay Bedecarré/Clayton Pioneer
OAKHURST COUNTRY CLUB HAS A YOUNG TEAM THIS YEAR. Fitting some of the youngest Orcas with their fins are (from left) coaches Jessie Byers and Jane Robinson, Grace Smith, Hugh Conrad, Alex Kowalewski, Francesca Brinkerhoff and coach Angie Bradley.
The Orcas have three junior coaches, Kristina Waters, Riley Shaw and Julia Silverberg, who will be swimmers and coaches this year. The Devil Mountain Pentathlon hosted by Dana Hills is the biggest meet in
Clayton each year. The 15th edition is July 11-12. The Concord City Meet is Aug. 7-9 at Concord Community Pool. The season ends the following weekend, Aug. 15-16, with the County Meet at Acalanes High School in Lafayette.
June 12, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Seniors use local resources to demystify the Internet
Page 13
Clayton estate home on 1.26 acres, only $1,499,000 3 fireplaces, a gourmet granite kitchen, beautiful formal dining room, to its Master Suite with his & hers walk-in closets, this home is filled with casual elegance. Located 3 doors from Mt. Diablo state park it has awesome views from there to over Clayton to the Sacramento River & Napa hills beyond. A 9-Hole putting green, it’s own regulation horseshoe pit, granite outdoor kitchen with Bar and BBQ, a 9’x12’ inground Spa, a burning pit, Barn, rose garden, room for a pool, and it’s own
DENISEN HARTLOVE Clayton Pioneer
This is the final installment in our three-part series which examined the impact of the Internet and computer technology on senior citizens. In part three, we look at the learning resources available to local seniors. Elaine Grab sat in the Clayton library on a sunny summer afternoon, working side by side with Sherry Brooks, a local daycare worker. The savvy 66-year-old Grab, who volunteers as a computer docent at the library twice a week, was teaching Brooks to set up an email account. She carefully walked her student step-bystep through the process. “Move the cursor to the little arrow and then click on it,” she instructed patiently. “Good. Now go to the box, click again and type your answer.” Fifteen minutes later, Brooks smiled. “Hi, Granny!” she read triumphantly from the screen, already on the road to reading and checking emails from her grandchildren. Learning to use computers and the Internet no longer requires an advanced degree in computer science and a birth date after 1989. Abby Stokes, who has written two books geared toward seniors using computers and the Internet, said that the key is mastering the mouse. “Once you conquer the mouse, the rest is just learning to do it,” she said. Her pet peeve is the touch pad mouse. Grab agrees and pointed out that a roller ballstyle mouse is more user-friendly for people with shaky hands. The on-screen arrow can be directed via rolling a ball. The “clicker” is separate, which keeps the arrow from slipping, a common source of frustration for Grab’s students. “You can get to where you
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Denisen Hartlove/Clayton Pioneer
SHERRY BROOKS (AT THE COMPUTER) gets some expert tutelage from Elaine Grab, computer resource volunteer at the Clayton Library. Brooks is only minutes away from her first “Hi, Granny” email.
want it and then click,” she said. Grab also suggested that eyeglass wearers ensure they have the correct prescription for using a computer. Reading glasses are generally set for focusing at a distance of 10-12 inches, while most computer monitors sit 17-20 inches from the user. FOUR BASIC STEPS Once the mouse is mastered, Stokes summarized using the Internet in four easy steps: 1. Double click on the doorway that gets you to the Internet (often a blue “e” with a swoosh through it on the screen). 2. Click once in the Website address box at the top of the screen to highlight what’s there. (You’ll probably see a line that says http:// and the name of the Website you’re currently using.) The area will then be highlighted in blue. 3. Type in the name of your website (e.g., www.claytonpioneer.com). 4. Press and release the enter or return key on the right hand side of the keyboard. According to Jacob Nielsen, who lectures and writes books about Website usability, getting onto the Internet is only half the
battle. “We found that current Websites are twice as hard to use for seniors as they are for younger users,” he wrote after conducting of a study on Website usability for seniors. “(Web) pages dance and sing, which is extremely distracting,” said Grab. “You get a person who isn’t used to computers and they can’t see what they need to do because of all the flashing.” FINDING THE RIGHT CLASS Stokes advises against seniors going to local junior colleges to learn to use a computer. “They’re not going to be teaching for your demographic,” she said. Instead, she suggests seniors find a library or local senior center class. The Clayton Library offers a by-appointment class on using computers and the Internet. Seniors – and anyone else for that matter – can call 673-0659 to schedule appointments at 3 and 4 p.m. Tuesdays or 1 and 2 p.m. Wednesdays. Diamond Terrace offers classes at 11 a.m. Wednesdays. Activities director Allison DeAngelis said many of the
See Seniors, page 18
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6/16 7pm . . .MJ Ryan, author of “Adapt Ability: How to Survive Change You Didn’t Ask For.” 6/18 7pm . . . .Lloyd Watts PhD, author of “The Flow of Money.”
Provide info up front to keep sale together LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ESTATE A home seller’s worst nightmare is having a buyer disappear mysteriously at some point during the transaction. The deal never closes, leaving the seller in the lurch just before moving day. As worrisome as this scenario seems, in reality this sort of calamity rarely happens. Occasionally a buyer gets cold feet after his offer is accepted and backs out. This can happen if the buyer gets caught up in the frenzy of multiple offers competition, as with some foreclosure sales. When he realizes that he’s in over his head, he regrets his decision and asks to be released from the contract. Although disappointing, the damage is usually minimal when a transaction collapses early. In a multiple offer situation, the seller may have negotiated a backup contract with another eager buyer. In this case, the seller moves directly from the primary contract to the backup contract without having to market the property again. Usually when a real estate transaction falls apart, it’s for a good reason and not due to the buyer’s whim. Typical problems involve property inspections and financing. But with a good team of real estate professionals on your side, many of the problematic issues that arise during a
transaction can be resolved satisfactorily. The key is to anticipate what could go wrong. By anticipating potential problems, you can often safeguard against them. Buyers can avoid most financing problems by getting pre-approved for the financing they need to complete the purchase before they even make an offer to buy a home. A preapproved buyer has already been approved for a mortgage by the lender. His credit has been checked and his employment and down payment funds have been verified. He’s ready to go. Sellers who receive an offer they like from a buyer who hasn’t been pre-approved should include a provision in the contract for the buyer to be preapproved within a day or two of acceptance of the contract. This way, if the buyer is unable to do so, you haven’t wasted much time. Even with a pre-approved buyer, there’s always a chance that the property won’t appraise for the purchase price. A low appraisal can put a transaction in jeopardy. It’s a good idea for the buyer’s and seller’s agents to meet the appraiser at the property armed with recent comparable sales. This helps to insure that the property does appraise for the sale price. Appraisers are being very conservative with our current declining values. The most common reason that real estate transactions fall apart is inspections. Buyers should include an inspection
contingency in any home purchase contract. A home inspection will almost certainly reveal defects. Even new homes have defects. If defects are discovered that the buyer can’t live with and that the sellers are unwilling or unable to correct, the transaction can collapse. If it is an “as-is” sale (as with many foreclosure and short sales), buyers can back out if the condition is unacceptable. Sellers are wise to disclose any known defects to the buyers before an offer is made. Most states have seller disclosure requirements that require sellers to disclose material facts – which is anything that will affect a buyer’s decision to buy or the price he’d be willing to pay. This, however, is not required by banks on foreclosures. In addition, sellers should consider having pre-inspections done before their home goes on the market. For example, if the roof leaks, disclose it. Then take the next step and find out what it will cost to repair it and make the estimate available to the buyers before they make their offer. The more information the buyers have up front about the property they’re trying to buy, the better. This minimizes the chances of the deal falling apart due to inspections. 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.
6/21 3pm . . . .Kathleen E. Sims, co-author of “Wake-up Women – Be Happy Healthy & Wealthy” and “Wake Up . . . Moments of Inspiration” presents “What’s Essential for our Happiness.” 6/22 7pm . . . .Ayelet Waldman, author of “Bad Mother: A Chronicle of Maternal Crimes, Minor Calamities and Occasional Moments of Grace.” 6/28 3pm . . . .Joel Harris, author of “Images of America: Concord.” 6/30 7pm . . . .Cara Black, author of “Murder In the Latin Quarter.” 07/12 3pm . . .Novella Carpenter, “Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer.” Urban and rural collide in this wry, inspiring memoir of a woman who turned a vacant lot in downtown Oakland into a thriving farm. 07/14 7pm … Bob Adamski, author of “Inheritance Hijackers: Who Wants to Steal Your Inheritance and How to Protect It.”
June 24, 7 p.m., at Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church. Scotty McLennan, author of “Jesus Was a Liberal: Reclaiming Christianity for All.”
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Page 14
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Walnut Country Preschool Now accepting applications for Fall 2009 Programs for ages 3 through Pre-K
June 12, 2009
Our Pantry is stocked! We open with the Farmers Market so make us your first stop. We offer a variety of items to compliment your Farmers Market purchases
Stonewall Kitchens, Sticky Fingers Bakeries, Barefoot Contessa-Ina Garten, Sarabeth’s Legendary Spreadable Fruit What’s in your pantry? Stop by at 1028 Diablo St., Clayton 925-672-2025
4465 S. Larwin Ave., Concord (Near the Crossings) (925) 798-9686 wcpreschool@astound.net
www.walnutcountry.com/preschool
Tues. - Fri.: 10 am - 5 pm Sat.: 8 am - 5 pm
Think Local. Shop Clayton www.theroyalrooster.com
Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. JUNE 15 FOR THE JUNE 27 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
In Clayton June 13, 27 Concerts in the Grove June 13: Mamaluke, electric guitar rock. June 27: Sun Kings, Beatles cover band. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket. Free. 6-8 p.m. The Grove Park in downtown Clayton.
Through June 27 “Prisoner of Second Avenue” Diablo Actors’ Ensemble presents the Neil Simon comedy. 1345 Locust St., Walnut Creek. $10-$25. 482-5110 or visit the website www.diabloactors.com. Clayton resident Barbara Halperin-Jacobs in Diablo Actors Ensemble production of “Prisoner of Second Avenue.”
NATURE
June 17, 24 Classic Cars and Rock & Roll Classic cars on display, plus a DJ. 6-8 p.m. Main and Diablo streets.
June 27 Diablo Trail Endurance Ride Save Mount Diablo offers its first recreational opportunity for equestrians on this 30-mile limited distance and 50-mile endurance ride that starts and finishes at Castle Rock Park in Walnut Creek. www.savemountdiablo.org.
July 4 Clayton Parade Entries Those wanting to be in the Main Parade (not the Kiddie Parade) must submit an application by June 19. All vehicles must have appropriate liability insurance and a licensed driver, and all entrants are restricted from tossing candy or using water squirt devices. Parade begins at 10 a.m. in downtown Clayton. www.cityofclayton.org. July 4 Clayton Parade Volunteers Volunteers needed to help with barricades, decorations, parking control, crowd control, parade line up/flow control and clean up. 6 a.m.-2 p.m. Contact Laci at 673- 7304 or email ljackson@ci.clayton.ca.us. July 4 Clayton Pancake Breakfast Hosted by the Clayton Valley Sunrise Rotary Club. Begins at 7 a.m., Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St. Through October Clayton Farmers Market 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Diablo Street in downtown Clayton. www.pcfma.com or 800-949-3276.
Close by Through June 14 “The Wedding Singer” A musical filled with ’80s nostalgia. Willows Theatre, 1975 Diamond Blvd., Concord. $10-$40. 798-1300 or www.willowstheatre.org. Through June 21 “Pageant” A beauty pageant musical satire. Willows Cabaret at the Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St., Martinez. $22-$32. www.willowstheatre.org or 798-1300. Through June 27 “Cabaret” Award Winning musical with great songs and killer dancing. Center REPertory Co, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14.50-$41. CenterREP.org or 943-7469. Through June 28 “Hello Dolly” Come see one of the greatest American musicals presented by DLOC at the Hofmann Theatre 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Tickets: 943-SHOW or online at www.lesherartscenter.org.
Clayton Community Recreation Register for classes at the Clayton Community Gym, 700 Gym Court. Fax 524-0117 or visit mdrymca.org. Or contact Christine Molale at 692-2360 or cmolale@mdrymca.org. Lego Camp/Pre-Engineering: For kindergarten3rd grade. Instructors from Play-Well TEKnologies will help campers build a town, city or star base with houses, buildings, pyramids, bridges, tunnels, towers and more. 9 a.m.-noon June 15-19 or July 20-24. $195 per week. Lego Camp/Engineering Fundamentals: For 3rd6th grade. Led by instructors from Play-Well TEKnologies, campers will design and build motorized machines and explore concepts in physics, mechanical engineering, structural engineering and architecture. 1-4 p.m. June 15-19 or July 20-24. $195 per week.
Through Aug. 17 Summer Reading Program For kids age 2 through 5th grade or 6th-12th graders. Includes prizes. Parents and caregivers of babies from birth to 2 years can earn prizes in the early literacy-building Baby Reading Program. Readers 18 and up can submit a book review at ccclib.org or at the Clayton library for a chance to win a Booklover’s Bag of goodies.
MEETINGS June 16 Clayton City Council 7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 673-7304 or www.ci.clayton.ca.us.
FUNDRAISERS June 27 Tip-A-Cop The Clayton Police Department is hosting a fundraiser for Special Olympics. Begins at 5 p.m., Ed’s Mudville Grill, 6200 Center St., Clayton. This is in conjunction with the Concert in the Grove. Contact Lynn at 673-7363. June 28, Aug. 8 Clayton Valley High School Car Washes To support the instrumental music program. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Mountain Mike’s, 5358 Clayton Road, Concord. $10. July 3 Muirfest 2009 Gala Fundraiser for the Willows Theatre. 4:30 p.m. cocktails and silent auction, 7 p.m. dinner, 8:30 p.m. theater preview, Kenney/Conco Production Facility, 1115 Tarantino Dr., Martinez (adjacent to John Muir Amphitheatre). $100. 798-1300 or www.willowstheatre.org.
June 23 Clayton Planning Commission 7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 673-7304 or www.ci.clayton.ca.us.
CLUBS Clayton Business and Community Association Meets 6:30 p.m. the last Thursday of the month, except holidays, Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. Call Sue at 672-2272. Clayton Valley Garden Club Meets 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month, Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton. Call Dorothy at 672-2526 or www.claytonvalleygardenclub.org. Clayton Valley Woman’s Club Meets 9:30 a.m. for coffee, 10 a.m. meetings, second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1090 Alberta Way, Concord. Call Joyce at 672-3850.
The Clayton Community Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Most programs are free. 673-0659 or www.claytonlibrary.org.
Contra Costa Blue Star Moms Meets 6 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month, Concord Police Station Community Room, 1350 Galindo St. Members have sons and daughters in uniform. Visit ccbluestarmoms.org or call Becky at 286-1728.
June 17 “Diva's Demise” Perform the drama; solve the mystery. For middle and high school students. 4-5 p.m.
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 welcome. Contact Mike at 639-1987 or www.uschess.org.
June 18 Father’s Day Stories and Craft Hear stories and make a gift for the dad in your life, for ages 3-8. 11 a.m. Registration required.
Contra Costa Mineral and Gem Society Meets 7:30 p.m. second Monday of the month, Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road. 779-0698 or http://ccmgs.org.
AT THE LIBRARY
June 23-Aug. 18 Patty Cakes Story time for babies to 3 year olds; child attends with caregiver. Drop-in at 11 a.m. Tuesdays. June 24 Beading with Yolanda 5 p.m. Registration required. June 25-Aug. 13 Picture Book Time Story time for 3-5 year olds; child may attend without caregiver. Drop-in 11 a.m. Thursdays.
Creekside Artists Guild Meets 7-8:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month, Clayton Library Story Room, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. All artforms and both emerging and experienced are welcome. Contact Arlene at 673-9777 or nielsenjanc@aol.com. Or www.creeksideartists.org. Diablo Valley Macintosh Users Group Meets 6:30-9 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month. Bancroft Elementary School, 2700 Parish Dr., Walnut Creek. 689-1155 or www.dvmug.org. Diablo Valley Democratic Club Meets 7 p.m. June 17, Ygnacio Valley Library, 2661 Oak Grove Road, Walnut Creek. “Saving the Delta/Protecting Our Drinking Water” is the topic. 946-0469 or www.dvdems.org.
July 1 “Insider Tips to Getting a Job” Featuring Julie Youngblood of Dear Jane, a career advisement company. Topics include technology, using professional association meetings, networking and working with recruiters. 7 p.m.
Rotary Club of Clayton Valley/Concord Sunrise Meets 7 a.m. Thursdays, Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. Includes breakfast and a speaker. Contact Chuck at 689-7640 or www.claytonvalleyrotary.org.
July 8 Poetry Slam For middle and high school students. 4-5 p.m.
Scrabble Club Meets 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. second and fourth Saturdays of the month, Carl’s Jr. Restaurant, 1530 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. All ages and skill levels welcome. $3 fee. Call Mike at 639-1987 or www.scrabble-assoc.com.
Through Aug. 1 Student Art Contest Students entering middle or high school in the fall can enter a piece of original artwork based on the theme “free2create,” in conjunction with the Summer Reading Program. Each library will choose two finalists to compete for a $100 gift certificate. Winners will have their artwork posted on the county library Website and on wearefree2.org.
Sons In Retirement (SIR) Meets 11:15 a.m. first Thursday of the month, Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. 429-3777. Widows/Widowers 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.
June 12, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 15
After 50 years, DLOC takes new name
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ou Call ab
Diablo Light Opera Company, celebrating its 50th anniversary of musical theater, is changing its name to the Diablo Theatre Company, effective June 1. “Because we haven’t produced a light opera since 1996, we decided it’s time to select a name that more accurately reflects the type of entertainment we now produce – mainly Broadway musicals,” said president Claudia Nemir. Although DLOC has changed its name, its tagline – “The Music and Magic of Broadway” – will be retained. When the company was formed in June 1959, its repertoire was largely Gilbert and Sullivan shows and operettas such as “The Merry Widow” and “The Vagabond King. “The old name mistakenly led some patrons to think we perform classic opera, which we don’t. What we do produce are first-rate Broadway musicals,” Nemir noted. Diablo Theatre Company maintains offices and rehearsal studios in Pleasant Hill. The company has produced its shows at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Photo courtesy of the Walnut Creek Historical Society Walnut Creek since it opened 19 years ago and, before THE OLD WALNUT GROWERS’ WAREHOUSE at the corner of Civic and N. that, the old Civic Arts Center, a walnut warehouse which California in Walnut Creek was the venue for DLOC productions before it was modified to support DLOC’s performances and that was torn down to make way for the Lesher Center which opened in 1990. became affectionately known as “the Nuthouse.”
“Pageant,” the effervescent musical running at the Willows’ Campbell Theater, brings to mind a Ritz cracker apple pie. Crackers aren’t apples and men are not beauty pageant contestants, but somehow, with the right shoes and enough spice, both manage to become what they are not. The off-Broadway production is directed and choreographed by Steve Edlund and played by an entirely male cast. Served up in true cabaret style – drinks and snacks are available throughout the show – “Pageant” offers a light bite, or a bellyful, depending on your order. Six beauty queens, in the questionable tradition of Miss America, compete for the title of Miss Glamouresse. From swimsuits to evening gowns, from product endorsements to (un)talent demonstrations, the contestants roll out their hot-air silhouettes – complete with breathy declarations of world peace, cancer cures and … (picture a wide-eyed, toothy head toss here and you get the idea,
even if the contestants don’t). The pageant is held together by cheesy TV host Frankie Cavalier, played by understudy Shaun Carroll on this night. The pivotal role requires sarcasm, enthusiasm and countless introductions to keep the production moving. In the final moments, judges from the audience vote - making every performance a chance for a different queen to be crowned. As the MC, Carroll works hard to achieve cruising speed but often allows humorous lines to fade, the words disappearing down his throat just as he reaches the punch line. His portrayal could use darker edges – more granny smiths, fewer crackers. The “ladies,” on the other hand, are hot. Miss Bible Belt, Daniel Ross Noble, has a hallelujah voice and broomstick posture that screams holierthan-thou louder than any verse in the Bible. Miss Industrial Northeast, boisterously played by Sean Murtagh, expands not only her instrument, but the show’s humor and our auditory pain, winning points with an agonizingly funny accordion solo.
Ricardo Rust (Miss Texas) Randy Nazarian (M.C.) and Sean Patrick Murtaugh (Miss Industrial Northeast).from ‘Pageant.’
The slinky, slender fingers of Anthony Jackson as Miss Great Plains reveal wise casting and clever writing as the contestant signs her earnest, dismal messages. Ben Wetzel, Miss Deep South, performs a deceptively tricky ventriloquist act with such ease and charm that one might overlook her dexterity and take for granted her
Willows Theatre previews upcoming season at fundraiser GARY CARR Special to the Pioneer
The Willows Theatre Company previews its 2009-’10 season at the Muirfest 2009 Gala, an annual dinner and auction fundraiser for the 32-yearold company. The gala will be held Friday, July 3, at the Kenney/Conco Production Facility, 1115 Tarantino Dr., Martinez (adjacent to the John Muir Amphitheatre). Festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. with cocktails and a silent auction, followed by a catered banquet at 7 p.m. and a preview of the season featuring stars of past and present
Willows shows at 8:30 p.m. The gala helps sustain Willows’ programs at the main stage in Concord and the Campbell Theatre in Martinez. The event also aids the Willows’ summer and after-school youth training programs for performers 10-18. The preview show will provide a taste of the upcoming season, which will include the musicals “Hair, Little Me” and “Brimstone” and the comedy “Barefoot in the Park.” According to artistic director Richard Elliott, the Willows has relied on the generosity of donors to sustain the theater and its programs since it began
in 1977. “Typical of most not-forprofit theatres, ticket sales account for only 60 percent of the costs of running the company and continuing with our award-winning productions,” Elliott explains. “The rest – for costumes, scenery, lighting, special effects, youth programs and a host of crucial components necessary for a first-rate theater – comes from fundraising programs like the Muirfest Gala,” he says. Tickets are $100, with $50 being tax-deductible. For more information, call 798-1300 or visit www.willowstheatre.org.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 12, 2009
Clayton scholarships reward high achievers
CBCA SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS – Back row: Justin Page (Music and Art); Amanda Moore (Community Service), Matthew Piccolotti (Academic); Center row: Sarah Shaw (Academic), Mary Raymond (Academic), Front Sarah Agronow (Community Service), Jessica Figlioli (Claire Minorsky (Academic)
Hard work and outstanding achievement paid off for several Clayton Valley High School seniors, with scholarships and recognitions awarded by the Clayton Business and Community Association (CBCA), the Clayton Woman’s Club, the Clayton American Association of University Women (AAUW) and local realtor Pete Laurence. The scholarships were presented at the annual CVHS Awards Dessert on May 19. The CBCA presented five scholarships for academic excellence, two in the music and arts and two for community service. The academic and community service scholarships go to Clayton residents with a GPA of 3.0 or better. The music and arts scholarships are for any CVHS student who is part of an arts or music program. The CBCA also offers a vocational scholarship, but there were no applicants this year. Receiving CBCA scholarships for overall academic excellence were Mary Raymond, Claire Minorsky, Sarah Shaw, Jessica Figlioli and Matthew Piccolotti. Raymond, who also was named Scholarship Altair, wants to be a child therapist. She will attend
UCLA in the fall, majoring in psychology. Minorsky will be a freshman at UC Davis in the letters and science department. She has not decided on a major, but her favorite classes at CVHS were math and French. Shaw will attend UCLA, with an undeclared major. Math and history were favorites in high school. Figlioli, who also won the Clayton Valley Woman’s Club scholarship, will attend St. Mary’s College in Moraga for two years, then transfer to Samuel Merritt College for nursing. Her ultimate goal is to be a physician, but she wants to experience patient care at the nursing level before deciding. Piccolotti will attend UC Davis and is “leaning toward” business and math. Music winner Justin Page has played the saxophone for nine years, sings in the choir and is the lead in the school play. He has performed at all four levels of honor band. He will attend CSU Pomona with a major in political science and wants to be a lawyer. He also dreams of playing the sax in a Broadway musical. A second music and arts scholarship went to
Nicholas Perona, who was out of town for the presentation. The CBCA awards for community service went to Sarah Agronow and Amanda Moore. Agronow was recognized for her volunteer work at the Clayton Library, the Clayton Museum and the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF). She will attend UC Santa Barbara as a film studies major. She wants to be a producer or director – “something behind the scenes” in the film industry. Moore received both the CBCA Community Service scholarship and an award from the AAUW. Moore also earned a full softball scholarship to Minnesota State University Moorhead, where she will attend in the speech/language/hearing sciences department. American Sign Language was her favorite high school subject, and she plans a career in audiology. Each year, local Realtor Pete Laurence awards a $2,000 scholarship to an outstanding CVHS wrestler. This year’s award went to Kyle Krause, who will attend Los Medanos College where he will study to be a firefighter. -Photos by Tamara Steiner
PRISCILLA SCHMALZEL AND AMANDA MOORE
KYLE KRAUSE AND PETE LAURENCE
NANCY DOMINGO AND JESSICA FIGLIOLI
CVHS Senior Awards 2009 Agronow, Sarah
Figlioli, Jessica
California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer Clayton Business and Community Association Scholarship
Clayton Woman’s Club Scholarship Clayton Valley Future Teacher’s Scholarship Tosco Environmental Scholarship Italian American Fed. of the East Bay Scholarship Senior Women Silver Scholarship Saint Mary’s Academic Scholarship California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer Clayton Business and Community Association Scholarship President’s Education Award
Alloo, Marya California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer
Bellez, Jacqueline California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer
Bishop, Lauren SERVICE ALTAIR Student Body Vice President California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer Azusa Pacific Academic Scholarship
Bolen, Jennifer
Gallager, Parin
National Merit Commended Student President’s Education Award
Leon, Jeremy Student Body President California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer President’s Education Award University of San Diego Academic Scholarship
Leyden, Caitlin
Snyder, Mikaila
Looney, Caitlyn
Senior Women Silver Scholarship California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer President’s Education Award
President’s Education Award
Osborn, Lauren
Lopez, Yanaki
National Merit Commended Scholar
Senior Class President President’s Education Award University of Oregon Academic Scholarship
Tabdili-Azar, Asya
California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer
Page, Justin
Mack, Laura
Music Dept. Award Clayton Business and Community Association Scholarship
Art Dept. Award Bank of America Award–Mathematics
California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer
Lopez-Lines, Emily
English Dept. Award California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer President’s Education Award
Kearsley, Alex Kim, Paris
Social Science Dept. Award Clayton Valley Interdepartment Award–Science & Math California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer and Scholarship winner National Merit Commended Scholar President’s Education Award Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship
Chaudoir, Jessilyn
Student Body Treasurer California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer
Publications Dept. Award
Bank of America Award–French California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer and Scholarship winner President’s Education Award
Burkin, Emily
Herman, Violet
LEADERSHIP ALTAIR
Bank of America–Clayton/Arts
Burton, Robert
Jacobus, Louis
President’s Education Award
California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer President’s Education Award
Case, Kellie
President’s Education Award
California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer
Martini, Sophia
Perona, Nicholas Clayton Business and Community Association Scholarship
Pfeiffer, Shannon
Chen, Junxing
Klock, Tyler
Markiewith, Kaitlyn
Pho, Stephanie
Science Dept. Award
Physical Education Dept. Award
California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer
Cole, Nicholas
California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer President’s Education Award
Matthews, Darrel
Piccolotti, Matthew
Clayton Valley Athlete of the Year University of Oregon Athletic Scholarship
Kohler, Kara University of California, Berkeley Athletic Scholarship
University of California, Berkeley Athletic Scholarship
California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer Clayton Business and Community Association Scholarship President’s Education Award United States Bowling Congress Scholarship University of California, Davis Academic Scholarship
Medrano, Josslyn
Cole, Rebecca
Kracke, Katherine
Senior Class Vice President
California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer
California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer President’s Education Award
Merchan, Marie California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer
President’s Education Award
Lahti, Alyssa
Mikkelson, Jessica
Current, Victoria
California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer
Multi-Cultural Scholarship
Bank of America Award–Drama
Larwood, John
Millett, Sierra
Darrow, Wesley
Clayton Valley Interdept.al Award–Fine Arts California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer National Merit Commended Student President’s Education Award
Burger King Scholarship
Collins, Brandon
Matt Nolen Memorial Scholarship
DeWitt, Donald Public Service Academy Dept. Award California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer
Dixon, Brittany Independent Living Skills Scholarship
Dudoroff, Kathryn California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer President’s Education Award
Ellison, Brittney California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer President’s Education Award
Lassen, Andrew University of California, Davis Athletic Scholarship
Leedom, Casey GRAND ALTAIR Clayton Valley Scholar Athlete Clayton Valley Bank of America Award–Spanish California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer
Smith, Phyllis
California State University, Sacramento Athletic Award
Brown, Brendin
California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer President’s Education Award
Senior Class Treasurer
Sivok, Emily
Nunn, Kimberly
Hart, Sharon Hartnell, Jason
Mores, Valerie
Litwiller, Nathanael
Bank of America–Music CSU, Humboldt Music Scholarship
Clayton/Arts Dept. Award University of Hawaii Athletic Scholarship
Clayton Valley Scholar Athlete California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer Clayton Business and Community Association Scholarship President’s Education Award
Bank of America Award–Art
President’s Education Award President’s Education Award
Shaw, Sarah
Clayton Business and Community Association Scholarship American Association of University Women Minnesota State University, Moorhead Athletic Scholarship Home Economics Dept. Award California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer
Bank of America Award–Science California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer and Scholarship winner President’s Education Award
Gualtieri, Jared
Moore, Amanda
Minor, Raven California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer
Minorsky, Claire Foreign Language Dept. Award California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer Clayton Business and Community Association Scholarship President’s Education Award Italian Catholic Fed. Scholarship Italian American Fed. of the East Bay University of California, Davis Academic Scholarships
Raymond, Mary SCHOLARSHIP ALTAIR California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer Clayton Business and Community Association Scholarship
Ricks, Thomas California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer President’s Education Award
Roberts, Emily California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer
Robinson, Rachel Drama Dept. Award President’s Education Award Biola University Academic Scholarship
Senior Women Gold Scholarship California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer President’s Education Award
Stelzner, Michael Multi-Cultural Scholarship California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer
Tiffer, Krystal
Tjahadi, Eugenie Bank of America Award–Vocal Music
Trosclair, Michelle Bank of America Award–English California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer
Trowbridge, Tanya Chuck Jordan Memorial Scholarship California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer
Trujillo, Jonathan Clayton Valley Interdept.al Award–Liberal Arts Bank of America Award–Social Science California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer National Merit Hispanic Recognition Program President’s Education Award
Underwood, Christine California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer
Wahlberg, Kellie California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer
Walker, Samantha Clayton Valley Athlete of the Year California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer University of California, Berkeley Athletic Scholarship
Wheaton, Jade Bank of America Award–Public Service Academy
Wiswell, Holly California Scholarship Fed. Sealbearer President’s Education Award Chevron Int’l. Reach Program
Zhai, Yimeng Math Dept. Award President’s Education Award
June 12, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
In the end, budget cuts impact kids’ futures
A night of laughter and suspense as DVMS students debut five films NICCI SHIPSTEAD Clayton Pioneer
Scott Ross’ video production class at Diablo View Middle School put together five films for peer review debuting at show No. 6 on June 3. The students formed five film companies, wrote screenplays, made filming and costume itineraries, then acted, directed and edited their films – putting in more than 100 hours in the second semester.
STUDENTS ENJOY THE SIXTH DVMS FILM FESTIVAL debuting five original films by Mr. Scott Ross’ Video Productions class.
Ross is a resource teacher at DVMS and instructs “Wake Up Diablo View” newsroom and video production electives. Fellow Clayton Valley High School and Sacramento State grad Eric Davis developed a sort of inter-district production program. The two were college roommates in social science and both become middle school teachers. At Walnut Creek Intermediate, Davis was inspired by Ross’ newsroom and established a similar opportunity at his school. Davis’ students will complete his 12th class in six years of film produc-
tion, thus inspiring Ross. “I really appreciate how much time Mr. Ross puts in,” said Davis. “It’s often four to five hours after school for a couple of weeks.” The Walnut Creek School District has funded easier-towork-with Macs and other production material, making things quicker and smoother. DVMS uses PCs purchased through a grant that was in place prior to Ross’ hire. The class now functions solely on personal donations and Film Festival ticket sales. Ross’ class finished film editing at 3:30 p.m., just prior to the event. Students provided a red carpet affair for family and friends – getting dressed up and escorting guests to seats, including VIP seating. Eighth-grader Tia Wilkson worked with team Mission: Impossible Productions filming “Diamond Destiny” about a teen seeking revenge for his father’s murder. An unexpected twist leaves the audience stunned. “Some of my friends the year before said it was a really fun class,” said Wilkson, who took the class even though it likely won’t be part of her career plans as a marine biologist. Ashlynn Adams, a seventhgrader, said she might take a film production class in college. Actdramedy Productions made the film “The Clique” about two hilarious nerds trying to gain popularity for an invitation to a party. To make donations, contact Ross at rosssa@mdusd.k12.ca.us.
ROBBIE PARKER DVMS REPORTER Voters turned down Measure D in May, and the impact is starting to take hold on students in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. At Diablo View Middle School, we are losing some of the best teachers. These people spend their day making sure students are well-prepared for the future. They care about the progress their students make. I am saddened that teachers who make such an impact are losing their jobs because of the state’s economic crisis. The state is already proposing to take another $680 million, for a total of $6 billion, away from schools. If only everyone could take into consideration how the funding cuts are affecting stu-
LAUREN BISHOP
lacrosse team. Burkin’s mother said her daughter’s work as head of the spirit committee is representative of her overall outlook on life. “She saw that they needed to do certain things and get things done and she just jumped in and took charge of it. She
kind of led them through what needed to be done.” Burkin plans to take a year off after graduation and hopes to become a journalist around Santa Cruz. She has no doubt her skills will help her succeed in the future. “Being in leadership, I’ve always had confidence,” she said. “I’ll be able to get myself far with it. I’ll be able to reach my goals and my potential by pushing myself.” For Lauren Bishop, finding success in life is all about helping others reach their goals. The Service Altair Award recipient has worked with City Team Ministries in Oakland, the San Francisco Rescue Mission and Habitat for Humanity. She traveled on missions to Belize and worked with recovery efforts in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. “People lost everything,” she said of New Orleans. “But they’re so amazed that people are coming and helping them. It’s been quite the learning experience.” With a life goal of ending world poverty, Bishop plans to start with a degree in sociology and go to work for non-profit organizations and a group called World Vision. She hopes to spread the word about the value of volunteering. “Helping others just makes you feel better. It shows me that there’s more to life than just what we see here in our day to day life,” she said. Casey Leedom, the Grand Altair Award recipient, was recognized for a combination of leadership skills, community service and scholarship. Leedom overcame adversity to reach her success. Following an 11-year struggle with cancer, her father succumbed just a few years ago. While her mother held things together for the family, Leedom continued to excel.
dents. If you cut school activities, band programs, sports and quality teachers, how do you engage students who normally would not be concerned about education? Teachers who not only care about their students but make school an exciting place to be are losing their jobs. If they are laid off, who will help those kids or take the time to explain complicated concepts? These teachers light the fire in student learning. “I think people, for the large part, did not understand the importance of Measure D,” said Cathy Myers, a parent at both Diablo View Middle and Mt. Diablo Elementary. “They didn’t realize the impact it would have if it didn’t pass.” She also believes people voted no to so many ballot items because “they were apathetic or tired of higher taxes.” The students of today are our leaders of tomorrow. They have unlimited potential and the abili-
ty to change the world. Why are they being subjected to overcrowded classrooms and losing valuable teachers? I hope legislators, school districts and the public understand how their decisions affect students. “The state has put the district in such a bind,” said Karen O’Leary, a parent of both DVMS and Mt. Diablo Elementary. “It is really important for people to contact their legislators to help make a difference. If changes aren’t made, we will be choosing prisons over schools.” Although times are tight, there are ways the community can help. The MDUSD Website, www.mdusd.org, offers individuals the opportunity to provide tax-deductible donations to help offset costs. Check out the Website and be a part of the solution. Robbie Parker is a sixth-grader at Diablo View. Send comments to Robbie@claytonpioneer.com
PerfheAcnnti Tan
School News DIABLO VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL As a school project, the student body chose the Heifer Project as the charitable cause for the 2008-’09 school year. The project provides families all over the world an opportunity to live a sustainable life through the gift of an animal in hopes that it will give them food to eat, milk to drink and income. Each homeroom team set a goal in order to fulfill the schoolwide aim of $5,000. As the homeroom teams accomplished their goal, they received bracelets that read “DVMS gives the gift of hope.” The $5,000 goal was met at the end of May. “This project truly has brought us closer together,” notes Leadership teacher Jennifer Ruff. “This was an amazing experience and a huge accomplishment in these difficult economic times. We look forward to doing more community service projects to show our students the true meaning of what giving back means.”
Altair, from page 1 grade point average in her class at 4.83, said one of the keys to her success is a determination to finish whatever she starts. “I have this thing where I cannot leave something unfinished. I will go without sleep to get something done if I need to,” she said. She plans to attend UCLA in the fall and aspires to be a child therapist. She has found that having a “can do” attitude makes a difference. “Some people say, ‘I’m not smart enough’ or ‘I can’t do it,’” she said. “But really if you say ‘Yes, I can’ and just sit down and do it, it’ll really have an amazing effect on your schoolwork.” Emily Burkin, who was recognized with the Leadership Altair Award, has always had a natural tendency to take charge. She served as chair of the school’s spirit committee. In her senior year, she was promoted to drum major of the marching band and was captain of her
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likes it,” said her mother, Marilyn. “I know what I need to do. I can do it. I can work hard for what I want,” said the awardwinning student. In the 50 years the Altair Awards have been given, the awardees are often students who have gone on to achieve
EMILY BURKIN
She volunteered at the Contra Costa Food Bank, completed an internship at a local architectural firm, played varsity golf and lacrosse and placed sixth in her class. “I just focused on school and sports and put all my efforts into that,” she said. “Some people might go down the wrong path because of hardships. I didn’t. I stayed focused on what I needed to do.” “She’s busy nonstop, but I think that’s kind of how she
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 12, 2009
Memories of D-Day remain vivid WILLEM RIDDER Special to the Pioneer
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On June 6, we honored the 65th anniversary of the largest amphibious operation ever attempted in the history of man. Under the code name Overlord and under the command of Dwight D. Eisenhower, troops from England, Canada and the United States stormed ashore at five beaches in Normandy, France. More than 5,000 ships and 150,000 men of the combined Allied Forces took part in the operation. Included were paratroopers of the U.S. 82nd and 101st Airborne divisions as well as the British 6th Airborne. These brave men dropped behind enemy lines either from the air or by glider and spearheaded the operation from the air. By nightfall on June 6, Hitler’s Atlantic Wall had been breached. Together with the Soviet Union’s success at Stalingrad, it would spell the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany. I was a boy of 14 living in Rotterdam, Holland, at the time. Not a day went by that we, in Holland, did not talk about the invasion and our liberation by the
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computer skills. The closest inperson classes currently are in Oakland and Sacramento. Www.elderhostel.com features travel arrangements and blogs for people 55 and over. Members can browse travel offers by location, interest area and activity levels, or read about other people’s adventures. Www.abbyandme.com is Stokes’ Website, which contains tutorials on how to accomplish various tasks online, such as email and photo sharing, as well as her blog. And don’t forget, www.claytonpioneer.com, where both headline articles and archived issues of the newspaper can be read online. The Internet is as prone to scam artists as any other venue. Use caution when responding to emails or online offers from people you do not know personally and avoid sending anyone you don’t know your personal information, including credit card and Social Security numbers. Using computers and the Internet is a lot like driving a car – best done with eyes wide open. Nevertheless, it’s wise to take advantage of what computers and the Internet have to offer. “The Internet is the world’s largest library and every Website is a book,” Stokes notes.
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Gen. Eisenhower have landed on the beaches of Normandy. The invasion has begun.” The German press made an announcement in a small article that the landing had not succeeded and that the Allies had been forced back into the sea. Naturally, we didn’t believe that although at Omaha beach it almost became a reality. What struck all of us the most was that although few people had heard the news at that time, the scenery outside seemed to change from black and white to Technicolor. Involved in the Normandy invasion were:
1 million allies and 700,000 Germans. 8,000 artillery pieces. 2,546 Allied bombers and 1,731 fighters opposed to 820 German bombers and fighters. 24 allied warships and 35 merchant ships were sunk. 127 allied planes were shot down. 3,500 gliders were in the air behind towing planes. 100 glider pilots died.
By the time the Battle of Normandy ended, 425,000 Allies and Germans were killed or wounded. Today, 77,866 Germans, 9,386 Americans, 17,769 British, 5,002 Canadians and 650 Poles remain in 77 Normandy cemeteries. As a result of this operation, the countries under Nazi control since the German Blitzkrieg in 1940 were eventually liberated and on May 8, 1945, the Germans surrendered unconditionally.
William Ridder is a Clayton resident and the author of “Countdown to Freedom,” an account of the German occupation of the Netherlands during WWII.
This summer, residents have two opportunities to support the instrumental music program at Clayton Valley High School, with the added bonus of saving on your water bills. Many programs in the Mt. Diablo Unified School district are being cut drastically. Band students will be fundraising in the coming months to help support the various off-campus competitions and events that
provide the musicians opportunities to perform outside the classroom. CVHS band and orchestra students will be washing cars 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, June 28, and Saturday, Aug. 8, at Mountain Mike’s, 5358 Clayton Road, Concord. Cost is $10 per car. Band students will be selling tickets in advance. If you don’t know a band student, drop-ins are welcome as well.
Church News CONCORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH The church is hosting a free Summer Bible Camp, 1-4 p.m. June 22-26. Activities include games, music, crafts and food. The church is at 1645 West St, Concord. Register by calling 685-5260. ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH Trish Ross and Chris McManus will present “Midwives on Missions of Service – Saving and Improving the Lives of Women and Children in Sierra Leone” at 4 p.m. Sunday, June 28, at the church, 5555 Clayton Road, Clayton. MOMS is a non-profit, charitable 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to improve maternal health through education and service. Ross retired from a career in adult education, training and organizational development to become a midwife. She is secretary of MOMS and travels to Sierra Leone to help train traditional birth attendants. McManus retired after a career as an executive for PG&E. She is president of the MOMS board and also travels to Sierra Leone to conduct training. Both are also ordained Episcopal deacons. There is no charge for the presentation, but an offering will be taken to support MOMS. For details, call 672-8855. For more information about MOMS, visit www.globalmidwives.org.
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CVHS students will wash cars for music program
Seniors, from page 13
TRAVELING VIA THE WEB A plethora of sites geared specifically for older users are appearing. Here are a few to visit, some useful, some just for fun. Www.aarp.org, the Website for the American Association of Retired Persons, includes links to news items of interest, travel tips and blogs (online journals) written for, by and about the growing population of retirees in America. Www.ssa.gov is the official site of the Social Security Administration. There, visitors can apply for Social Security benefits, request a new Social Security card and request a statement of benefits. Www.senior.gov is a listing of various governmental resources for seniors. Www.seniornet.org offers online classes with topics ranging from digital photography to genealogy to European art, as well as in-person classes on
A Special Invitation for
combined forces of the United States, Britain and its commonwealth, the Free French, the Poles, the Dutch, Norwegian, Danes and others. We knew it would happen; we just did not know when. My brother Henry was in the resistance and listened to the clandestine radio for messages and war news from the BBC. Henry had noticed that from the month of May forward, there was a marked increase in coded messages. He concluded that something was afoot. As long as I live, I will never forget the morning of June 6, 1944. Henry had the headphones on and was taking down the news in his own shorthand to be translated and typed later for distribution. I could tell from his expression that nothing unusual was heard. News was from the Russian front, and Rome had just been liberated. Then I saw a marked change in my brother’s facial expression. With a flushed face and bulging eyes, he turned to me and said: “Bill, they have landed. They have landed!” The announcement was: “This morning at 6 a.m., Allied armies under the command of
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June 12, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Mt. Diablo School Board slashes more than $29 million from next year’s budget ANDRÉ GENSBURGER Clayton Pioneer
Following the May 19 defeat of the state ballot measures and local Measure D, the Mt. Diablo Unified School District board began additional cuts to meet the amount passed down from the state. With everything including the kitchen sink on the potential cut list, two elementary schools were considered for closure. By the end of the lengthy meeting
at which more than 50 speakers pleaded for programs and staff to be spared, the board decided to rescind the K-3 and ninthgrade class ratio reductions effective the 2010-’11 school year as well as eliminating the fifth-grade instrumental music. Previous cuts included high school athletics and fourthgrade music. Also cut were library services. The resulting cuts will likely eliminate 136 teaching positions as well as the teachers of the
music programs. After the $29 million slashed at this meeting, the budget requires an additional $10 million to be cut that will probably be handled through the closure of two elementary schools and staff. With a large amount of the district budget tied up in restricted or categorical funds that do not allow the funding to be allocated elsewhere, trustee Gary Eberhart believes that the millions of dollars tied to textbook adoptions slated for the
next school year should instead be used to offset some of the cuts. “Algebra has not changed since Plato,” he told ABC news reporter Alan Wang at the meeting. The next meeting of the board is scheduled for June 16, where the additional cuts will likely take place. The board meets at 7:30 p.m. at 1936 Carlotta Dr., Concord. For more information, visit www.mdusd.net.
‘Painter from Shanghai’ explores colorful past
CYNTHIA GREGORY
FOR
THE
BOOKS
In Jennifer Cody Epstein’s debut novel, “The Painter from Shanghai,” the reader is invited to inhabit a world that is foreign and exotic. And as summer reading goes, it doesn’t get better than foreign lands and intrigue. “The Painter from Shanghai” is an historical novel, which means that while the bones of the story are based on fact, the skin, texture and pigment are fictional. Epstein has done a masterful job of creating a world where the make-believe and the fact blur, as if studying a painting from a certain distance where lines and colors are distinct but upon closer examina-
tion the only thing left is the impression. The novel begins in Montparnasse in 1957. We enter the world of Pan Yuliang, a painter of high standards, if not necessarily high moral compass. But wait – that depends on whose compass you use. The details of Yuliang’s life haunt her. The choices that she has made, and those that were made for her, create a context of destiny and fate that are seriously epic. Yuliang’s life was heroic. But given the chance to speak, she would probably say what most of us say at any given time: “I made the best decision at the time based on the information at hand.” I doubt she would have called herself heroic, yet the extremes of her life would bring a lesser person to her knees. As a child, Yuliang’s parents fall on hard times and she is sent
to live with her uncle in rural China. The uncle is kindly and educated, and he gives Yuliang as much of an education as a girl might be expected to receive in China of the early 20th century. But by the time Yuliang enters her teens, her uncle h a s become an opium addict. S o o n , pieces of furniture and household treasures begin to disappear to support the habit. After there is nothing left to sell, Yuliang’s uncles barters away the last item of value that he has – he sells Yuliang to a brothel. As a young girl, Yuliang becomes trained in the arts of prostitution and gives up any dream of modesty or respectability. Her fortune has
been forged and her expectations are small. She is a virtual sex slave and the options are few. “It’s just skin,” she tells herself, to hold a part of herself free from the truth of her profession. Then, as if by magic, a client sees that Yuliang is clever and that hers is a spirit worth saving. The story of Pan Yuliang’s journey from Shanghai to Paris is astonishing. She made deals along the way. She gambled and won, then loved and lost. In China, she was revered as a national treasure and then just as quickly was condemned as a whore. Pan Yuliang lived a life of extremes, though at the core of it all was love and art. Her art is what remains.
Cynthia Gregory has won numerous awards for her short fiction. Her work has appeared in Glimmer Train Press, the Red Rock Review, Writer’s Digest, The Sun, The Ear, Santa Barbara Review, Black River Review, Briarcliff Review, Chicago Tribune, Bon Appetit, and the Herb Quarterly. You can write her at ceegregory@aol.com.
Page 19
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The Pioneer congratulates DVMS 8th graders on their promotion to high school Casey Adams Jake Adams Miguel Aguilar-Ferrell Jason Aknin Delaney Albright Mikaella Alegre Michael Anton Tahmena Arghandiwal Mary Ashworth Lindsey Baldwin John Ballard Joshua Ballard Kai Banks Michael Bare Nicholas Bazan Andrea Benitez Jacob Ben-Shmuel Jordan Bergero Kiah Bodin Samantha Boeger Daisy Bonilla Ivan Bonilla Keith Bornemann Jack Brook Adam Bruzza Jacob Bruzza Austin Bufano Alec Butturini Amanda Calimlim William Calkins Conner Campbell Tiffany Campedel Emma Carrico Amber-Lin Carroll Angel Catalan Adrianna Cendejas Danielle Chamberskauffman Sara Chavez Kaitlin Chesnut Natalie Ciapponi Dylan Cook Benjamin Cooper Katilyn Covione Sawyer Crane Mario Cruz Logan Czujko Adam Daniels Amber Daniels Ashley Daniels
Eric De Jesus Mc Kenna De Long Jared Deely Rachel Dennis Krystofer Devia Ashley Dionne Demi Diquattro Alexander Downes Eric Dunkley Sydney Erbez Kris Espanol Joseph Essayan Parker Ewing Kelsey Fagerlin Tarrah Farber Jason Fernandes Jeffrey Ferrell Kayla Fjellbo Allison Flamez Brady Formoso Maya Fortes-Cobby Robert John Franco Michael Fryer Austin Gamm Aaron Gardner Nicolas Gasparro Sally Ann Gaughan Jad Ghannam Shabnam Ghassem Jeremias Gomez Mauricio Gomez Andrea Gonzales Eric Gonzalez Kathryn Goodshaw Megan Goodspeed Kelsie Gould Michael Guerrero Grecia Gutierrez Joevonnie Gutierrez Marcos Guzman Megan Haderer Ryan Haley Nicholas Halladay Yuki Hayashi Zachary Hein-Silva Casey Henggeler Matthew Hennis Angel Hernandez Marie Hertz Lauren Hiller
Melanie Hines Chunning Hu John Huovinen Olga Ivanova Xenia Ivanova Jessica Jaime Natalie Jaime Jason Jauregui Nathaniel Jeans Daniel Jensen Elizabeth Jimenez Travis Johnson Calvin Jones Derek Jones Gabriela Keneipp Michael Kerr Samantha King Elisabeth Kinsey Bryan Kirn Amanda Klekar Travis Kohlmeyer Ashlynn Kovacich Jacob Krieger Benjamin Kung Delaney Kutsal Mallory Landers Alyssa Larson Meghan Lauer Matthew Lewellyn Kelsey Lewis Kristina Leyder Joseph Liddle Mikayla Little Kylie Llacuna Peter Lloyd Ryan Lowery Braeden Malnick Brian Martinez Lauren Mc Carthy Matthew Mc Coy Taylor Mc Cracken Derek Mc Donald Devin Mc Hugh Savannah Mc Killip Michael Mc Murdo Alejandra Medina Jesse Medrano Monica Metrock Jennifer Mikkelson Briana Miller
Blake Minchew Ross Mingham Jacob Monroy Kenneth Montano John Moore Michaela Morrison Timothy Myers Mario Navea Kayla Neer Christine Nelson Andrew Nielsen Zachary Noble Wilfredo Noratto Maddison Nuchols Brody O’Brien Christopher O’Connell Deija O’Connor Dwayne Oliver Alex Orvis Andrew Paiva Stirling Pascal Taryn Pascal Cooper Pettus Sarah Pettus Samantha Pickolick Graham Pimm Brian Pingel Nicholys Porter Samantha Powell Zachary Pratt Deborah Preciado Rachel Preeg Zacarias Price Elizabeth Prieto Breanna Raye Alexander Rheault Tyler Riessen Alexza Roach Amber Roberts Ellen Robley Zachary Rodgers Kyle Roe Mason Rogan Bailey Rogers Matthew Romano Alexa Ronan Brianna Rosales Felicia Roybal Brenda Rubio Julie Ruiz
Taylor Ryle Emily Sachtschale Nicole Santos Christina Saudan Corinne Sawyers Amanda Schiff Lexie Schoonover Erin Schwartz Thomas Seddon Zachary Shaman Hannah Shorr Courtney Shurr Grace Simmons Korina Smith Ryan Snyder Yasmin Solis Landon Sorci Michael Sprague Jeremiah Stielow Carly Sullivan Tyler Sun Michael Tarantino Kelby Taylor Jessica Thielamay Dylan Toy Andrew Trimble Kristen Valles Lauren Valory Kayla Van Heusen Joshua Villandre Nicholas Wagner Andrew Walker Sean Walker Ryan Walz Joshua Warzecha Ashley Watts Patrick Wellsted Alexa Wenrich Devyn Wiesendanger Tia Wilkinson Christopher Wolter Chad Wood Layla Wood Spencer Wraa Yue Zhang John Zuercher
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June 12, 2009
Father’s Day offers more than ties and a Hallmark card ANDRÉ GENSBURGER Clayton Pioneer
Far from the stoic image of dads gone by, today’s fathers happily embrace their role on Father’s Day. Even if it comes
with a goofy-looking tie. Hugh Toloui, with three daughters, a son and six grandchildren, takes pride in the accomplishments they have made as a family. His relationship with his children is made
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more poignant by the fact that his son is a stepson, “whom I consider my own.” Proud Dad notes: “At 14, he spoke five languages fluently. And now he has learned another.” His son, Alim Beveridge, lived in Clayton prior to moving to Ohio to complete his studies. He considers Father’s Day to be meaningful despite the commercialization. “I was born in Austria, so Father’s Day was celebrated,” said Beveridge, 33. “When I lived in Israel, it wasn’t quite so much celebrated.” As a father to sons age 8 and 4, Beveridge enjoys the opportunity to have family over for a barbecue. Although, he confesses, “it is hard to get to California to be with Dad.” Toloui’s three daughters do make it, two from an hour away and one from Portland. The girls give him a total day off. “They come and cook and I get to relax,” he said, “which is nice because usually I am the one doing the work.” Toloui considers it a shame
lenge of trying to stay connected with his children in a meaningful way. That’s not always easy with teenagers,” he said. “It is very gratifying though,” he added, “as mine have gotten older, to see young men now emerging and to get a sense of the kind of adults they will be out in the world. I think I finally get how my father feels.” Toloui also sees the day as a time to recognize and respect your father. “Unfortunately, my own father is deceased,” he noted, “but with my grandchildren, we have fathers and sons to celebrate.” FINDING JUST THE André Gensburger/Clayton Pioneer
HUGH TOLOUI looks for the core value of Father’s Day as the celebration of having been true to his faith
that the intent of the occasion has been lost to over-commercialization. “It is a wonderful idea, though,” he said. REMEMBERING DEAR OLD DAD ABC 7 news anchor Dan Ashley, a former Clayton resi-
dent, sees Father’s Day as an opportunity to reflect on his own childhood. “One of the things I’ve learned about being a father is a new appreciation for my own father. He too juggled the demands of a busy, time-consuming career with the chal-
RIGHT GIFT
Local author Willem Ridder lost his wife, Diny, this year after 50 years of marriage, so Father’s Day holds a special meaning as a bond with those he loves. The Dutch transplant is the father of a son and a daughter. “My children will take me out to dinner for Father’s Day,” Ridder said. “I don’t make it easy.
See Fathers, page 21
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At its core, “Up” is about aging, loss, letting go of the past and moving on – a seemingly unlikely subject for a children’s animated film complete with 3D glasses. Yet Disney/Pixar’s latest release plays to both adults and kids and does not sugarcoat the grownup themes to pander to the younger crowd. Carl Frederickson (voiced by Ed Asner) is 78, has lost his wife and is about to lose his home. Rather than be carted off to a retirement home, he takes action – for perhaps the first time in his life – in a grand attempt to fulfill a promise he made to his wife when they were children. Thus begins the fantastical journey in a flying house. Young wilderness scout Russell (voice of Jordan Nagai) is accidentally taken along for the ride. This mismatched pair quickly bonds and Russell seems to represent Carl’s lost youth, the hopeful, naive boy who still expects the best of people as opposed to Carl’s bitter, disillusioned old man. It will take both sides to overcome the obstacles and challenges that stand in the way of fulfilling Carl’s dream. The animation is the same flawless digital wizardry you can
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count on from Pixar. I did not see the 3D version but didn’t feel like I was really missing anything. The sweeping landscapes and stomach-flipping heights seemed just as wondrous without the 3D gimmick to pump it up. The story and characters of “Up” were strong enough to stand on their own. “Up” is funny and clever and packs some surprises and twists that keep the action clipping along at a fast enough pace to keep the kids from squirming in their seats. As Russell faces the reality that the wilderness is not exactly as he imagined and that people will sometimes let you down, Carl is reminded that friendship and integrity are more important than holding onto material things. The two help each other grow while taking turns rescuing each other from various imaginative perils that could only happen in an animated film where houses can fly and dogs can talk. Kids should enjoy the adven-
Disney/Pixar
Carl (Ed Asner) opens the front door of his flying house to face another peril in Disney/Pixar’s “Up.”
ture and excitement of “Up,” while adults can identify with Carl’s struggles of growing older and looking back at life to examine what we’ve accomplished. There are also several subtle sight gags and one-liners that will slip unnoticed over the kid’s heads but made me laugh out
Mayor, from page 1 actions to mitigate those impacts. Basically, the challenge is to keep us all moving efficiently as more people move to the region. While we can’t add lanes to most of the roadways in Central County, we can make roads more efficient by synchronizing signal timing to balance side street access and through-traffic flow. One of our basic tenets is to encourage interregional travelers to use the freeways and transit network rather than local streets. That’s why we’ve actively supported the completion of Highway 4 and the extension of BART to East County. The more traffic we can keep on the freeway, the less we will have driving through Clayton on Marsh Creek Road or Kirker Pass/Ygnacio Valley. Marsh Creek Road east of Clayton has significant commute traffic now. But when Highway 4 and the Route 4 Bypass are complete, those routes will provide a faster/safer route. Marsh Creek Road is a designated Scenic Route and is not
planned to be widened. The financial cost would be prohibitive and the environmental cost would likely be unacceptable as well. On the legislative front, Assembly Bill 744 (Torrico) would allow the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to convert many of the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes in the Bay Area to High Occupancy/Toll (HOT) lanes. The intent is to raise funds for regional transit and other highpriority regional projects by allowing single occupant vehicles (SOVs) to pay a toll to use the HOV lanes. Among the concerns for CCTA is the impact on the efficiency of the HOV lanes, the equity of allowing some to pay their way into the HOV lanes and whether allowing SOVs to use HOV lanes actually encourages more traffic congestion and degrades air quality. The cost to build the network is high and it might be better to fund transit directly. CCTA will continue to work with the author of the bill to make amendments that include
loud. Clearly writer/director Pete Doctor was aware that parents often have to go to kids movies too and crafted a film that will please and entertain both. Please send comments dpvc2000@yahoo.com.
to
more specificity for funding and to require local collaboration and benefit. I’ll keep you posted on our progress. At ABAG, we are developing a San Francisco Bay Area Solar and Energy Efficiency Program. Senate Bill 279 (Hancock) would enable the creation of a regional financing district to provide loans to individual homeowners to pay for the installation of solar energy panels. ABAG would issue bonds to fund the loan program and would coordinate the federal tax incentives, stimulus funds, etc., to get the lowest possible cost for Bay Area residents to install solar energy on their homes. There are still a lot of details to work out, but it looks promising. With the cost of electricity climbing, I’m hoping we can get this program in place soon. I’d like to know how much interest there is in our community to “go green,” so let me know if you are interested in participating in such a program. My next column will be about Clayton’s budget, so stay tuned. As always, you can reach me at Julie_Pierce@comcast.net. Let me know what you think.
June 12, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 21
Remaining ingredients: 15 oz. can coconut milk 8 oz. cooked chicken breast, cubed 2-4 T. rice bran or other vegetable oil 1 small red bell pepper, cut into strips 1 c. green beans, blanched and cut into 1-inch pieces ½ c. Thai basil (or sweet basil) 1 small red or Yukon gold potato, cubed and parboiled 2 T. minced cilantro
Coriandum sativum: A seed, report a tangy, lemony, grassy a leaf and a root. Coriander, a flavor. Naysayers complain of a member of the parsley family, sharp metallic, soapy or rotten has an unusual distinction for an flavor. There’s a popular belief herb – all parts of the plant are that an enzyme in the saliva is edible and used in a vast array of responsible for the off-flavor, savory and sweet dishes in but no genetic link has been countries spanproven. ning the globe. Coriander Califor nians seeds, both are most familiar whole and as a with cilantro, the ground spice, leaves of the impart a nutty, coriander plant. It citrusy flavor to is widely used in foods. Both Mexican and whole and Chinese cuisine ground seeds are (one of the few often used in herbs found in Indian cooking, LINDA WYNER Chinese cooking) particularly but also found in FOOD FOR THOUGHT paired with Thai, Indian, cumin in garam Moroccan and masala, a spice Turkish dishes. mix. Outside of India, coriander Cilantro is best used fresh is often seen in pickling spices and at the end of cooking, since (as for dill pickles) and sausages. heat destroys much of its flavor. It is even used in some Belgian When dried, it barely resembles wheat beers. The roots of the herb. coriander are popular in Thai Cooks can use the stems of and other South Asian cooking, cilantro as well as the leaves. In particularly in curries and soups. other herbs, the stems are too Scientists have few theories woody or contain too pungent a about where coriander was first flavor so that the resulting dish cultivated, because it tends to is practically inedible. grow wild in so many areas of Ask around and you’ll find the world. Not so in Egypt. It that most people will say they must have been a special crop “love” cilantro, while others for the pharoahs, because vehemently complain. Those coriander seeds are found in who enjoy cilantro are likely to their tombs. Coriander is men-
tioned in Exodus in the Bible and referred to as an aphrodisiac in “The Tales of the Arabian Nights.” The Greeks made perfume from coriander. You might recall a line from “The Night before Christmas” where children were dreaming and “visions of sugarplums danced in their heads.” Those famous sugarplums were originally sugar-coated coriander seeds, a treat that offered a sweet start and then a spicy burst of flavor. The recipe evolved to include small bits of fruit and eventually became the confection we know today. All forms of coriander pair nicely with curries, like this green Thai version. Don’t let the number of ingredients dissuade you – this dish cooks up quickly. THAI GREEN CURRY Sauce: 1 stalk lemongrass, sliced 2 tsp. freshly ground coriander 3 T. fish sauce 1 tsp. brown sugar 1-3 jalapeno or serrano peppers (to taste), chopped 1 small onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1-inch piece of galangal (or ginger), peeled and sliced 2-3 coriander roots, if avail. 2 kaffir lime leaves, cut into strips (or minced zest of one lime)
Place all sauce ingredients in a blender or food processor and add enough coconut milk to develop a thick paste. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and the sauce paste. Stir-fry until fragrant, 2-3 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients (except cilantro) and the rest of the coconut milk. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, or until potatoes and bell pepper are tender. Add a little water as needed to keep sauce from becoming too thick. Taste sauce and add salt, soy sauce or fish sauce as desired. Serve over steamed jasmine rice and top generously with the fresh cilantro. GUACAMOLE 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and mashed 2 T. minced onion 2 tsp. minced jalapeno 2 tsp. minced cilantro 1 clove garlic 2 T. diced tomato Mix together and add salt, lime juice or more cilantro to taste. 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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Fathers, from page 20 I often pay for it because I can afford it and I don’t really need anything in the way of a gift.” The latter is a sentiment expressed by most parents. “I hate it when my dad tells me that,” said Marcus Sliegel of Clayton. “I have to buy him something. It’s not right if I just give him a card. What kind of message is that? I love my dad, but getting him a gift is difficult and he does not help.” Ridder’s daughter Lynette stumbled upon a good idea. Knowing her father was a World War II student and using some walnut shells as a base, she constructed military battle helmets, painted them, encased them in a frame and presented it to her father. Beaming with pride, he brought it out to show off. “One is a general, one a lieutenant and one a private. How
can you not like something like that?” On another occasion, his children introduced Ridder to a war veteran and they had a great conversation. “I feel very indebted to those guys,” he said. “They’re in their 80s now.” Ridder’s son Jeff will often come and fix things for him as a gift. Jeff is now married with three boys himself. “His wife gets things for his boys to give him for Father’s Day,” Ridder explained. “But for me, there is nothing better than an ice cold beer and a barbecue on the deck. SEARCHING FOR TRUE MEANING
Toloui hopes that the days we celebrate will change back into something of meaning. “It has to be an organic change,” he said, noting that many people
share the sentiment of making celebrations authentic and not just a “Hallmark moment.” Father’s Day began in 1909 in Spokane, Wash. Sonora Smart Dodd was listening to a Mother’s Day sermon at her church and decided that there needed to be a special day dedicated to her father, William Jackson Smart, who had raised his children alone after the death of his wife. She chose his birthday on June 19 and in 1910 celebrated the first Father’s Day. Although approved by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 and Calvin Coolidge in 1924, it wasn’t until 1972 that Richard Nixon established the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. “It makes me wonder, looking back, if I have been a good father,” Ridder said before smiling at the memories of his life and children. “They assure me that I was.”
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The Black-eyed Susan packs a powerful color punch
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Summertime gardens are punchy and bold, with colors that can be as hot as the weather. Radiant reds overwhelm lantana, orange sets fire to the top of torch lilies and the gleaming gold of the Glorisa Daisy catches the eye of any flower admirer. Rudbeckia is commonly called Glorisa Daisy or blackeyed Susan, and summer is the season for this tremendous perennial. Both container gardens and landscapes can benefit from the Glorisa Daisy. Her bloom is long – stretching from June through September – and heights vary depending on the chosen selection as well as color. Black-eyed Susan is a needed perennial for any Clayton Valley summer garden, even during periods of cautious water use. Rudbeckia is suitable for areas of xeriscaping, meaning it’s drought-tolerant and needs only occasional summer water once established. It would die if overwatered. The Glorisa Daisy is also deer-resistant. THE EYES HAVE IT Rudbeckia Goldsturm is a former perennial of the year. This selection has golden petals and a cone-shaped, dark chocolate colored center. When you see this plant bloom, you can’t help but call it by the common name of black-eyed Susan. Goldsturm has smooth, basilshaped leaves and reaches 18-24
inches tall. Blossoms are born in masses, reaching 2-3 inches wide. This selection of Rudbeckia satisfies a medium-sized plant for the garden bed or container. Consider installing it with Spanish lavender. Since the lavender blooms only last through early summer, the Goldstrum is a natural to extend the blooms.
Daisy. This plant only reaches 12-18 inches tall, making it a great variety for summer containers. Sonora has several color selections, since it is seedgrown. All have some common traits, such as a large bloom, about 4 inches wide, with a dark center – blackish, mahogany or even a cocoa color. The center bleeds toward the tips of the
petals. Indian Summer is a stand-out plant, making a great addition to the back row of rose beds and vegetable gardens and to accessorize fence lines. Herbstonne is the largest Rudbeckia. This fascinating perennial can grow to 6-7 feet tall. It is astounding. Multiple flowers on each stem add to the interest of the Herbstonne. You can compare the height to a
Photo by David MacManus, espositogardencenter.com
RUDBECKIA
Goldsturm has fuzzy-leafed relatives referred to as Glorisa Daisies. These selections are more commonly found at nurseries and garden centers. When purchasing these plants, consider smaller installations – preferably with little to no bloom. Once the plants begin to bloom, their energy focuses on the bloom rather than the height of the plant. Sonora, Cordoba, Indian Summer and Prairie Sun are among some of the fuzzy-leafed Rudbeckia worthy of your Clayton Valley garden. Sonora is a smaller selection of Glorisa
petals, which always end in gold. Cordoba is next in line in the Rudbeckia family as far as height goes. It will reach 18-24 inches tall and about half as wide. The petals and the center are both golden yellow. If you favor blues in your garden, Cordoba would be an excellent paired with Salvia Indigo Spires or Sunny Border Blue Veronica. REACHING NEW HEIGHTS Indian Summer is a tall, proud Rudbeckia. This perennial will grow 36-48 inches tall and wow any flower lover. It has the familiar dark eye, with golden
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sunflower, but this selection is perennial and will return each spring to thrill again all summer long. The leaves are smooth and finely cut, adding interest to the plant. All of the Rudbeckia plants thrive in full sun. They all attract butterflies and bees. Rudbeckia are simple to grow and provide flower power to any Clayton Valley garden. 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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Dana Hills! Tucked away at the end of the court backing to greenbelt! With great views of Mt. Diablo. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 2,141sf, 2 fireplaces & 2 car garage! Awesome yard perfect for summer fun! Sparkling in-ground pool with water feature. Separate above ground spa & covered gazebo. Large lot with mature landscaping provides privacy! $574,000
Falcon Ridge at Oakhurst Country Club! Fantastic “Serenade” model backs to open space! 5 bedroom, 3 baths + den, approx. 3,079sf, 3 fireplaces & 3 car garage! Private paradise lot features freeform pool with built-in spa & waterfall, custom patio and nature fencing that allows yard to blend into open space! $799,000
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Ironwood/Windmill Canyon at Oakhurst Country Club! Great home in a fantastic quiet court location! across from
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neighborhood park with views! 4 bedrooms, plus loft, 3 baths, approx. 2,481sf. Gourmet kitchen boasts slab granite counters & stainless steel appliances. Downstairs bedroom and full bath. Master suite balcony offering sweeping views! Private lot with custom patio, lush lawn and lots of flowers & ornamentals! $619,000
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Peacock Creek at Oakhurst Country Club! Stunning home on a Premium view lot! overlooking hill, valley & City below. 4 bedrooms, plus loft, 2.5 baths, approx. 3307sf with 3 car garage. Main level master suite. Gourmet granite kitchen. Family room with fireplace & views! Great lot offers gorgeous views, lush lawn, prof. landscape & two patios. $849,000
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Oakhurst Country Club! Diablo Ridge! Highly Desirable End Unit! with 2 car attached garage! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 1,554sf & inside laundry. Living & dining area feature neutral carpet & a Two-way fireplace shared with family room offering slider to patio. Kitchen has tile counters, maple cabinets & upgraded tile floors. Spacious master with walk-in closet & oversized tub/shower. Cozy patio. Walking distance to community pool/spa. $369,000
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Highly Customized Palatial Tuscan Villa on a court backing to open space with tranquil & mesmerizing views! 4 bedroom + bonus room & office, 4 baths, approx. 4,436sf. Prof. Chefs dream kitchen! Unbelievable Master suite & bath! Impeccably maintained .33 acre lot boasts a Grecian pool & spa with waterfall sconces, raised patio with Tuscan pergola & endless views of open space-hills-ridgeline & city $1,047,000 lights!
George Vujnovich of Better Homes Realty ADDRESS 1816 Ohlone Heights 228 Stranahan Circle 1852 Yolanda Circle 2 London Court 369 Mount Washington Wy 15 Long Creek Circle 20 Mount Rainier Ct 1228 Buckeye Terrace 1116 Peacock Creek Drive 502 Mount Dell Drive 1222 Bridlewood Court 236 Mountaire Pkwy 3301 Coyote Cir 5608 Calistoga Way 305 Mount Sierra Pl
PRICE $360,000 $420,000 $595,000 $599,000 $550,000 $268,520 $700,000 $529,000 $790,000 $490,000 $709,500 $500,000 $385,000 $380,000 $737,500
SALE DATE
SF
BED/BATH
5/29/09 5/29/09 5/22/09 5/18/09 5/12/09 5/12/09 5/08/09 5/07/09 4/30/09 4/29/09 4/23/09 4/23/09 4/23/09 4/21/09 4/17/09
1493 1650 2390 2032 2442 1378 2822 1911 3307 1740 2665 2177 1554 1825 3160
3/2 3/2.5 4/2.5 3/2.5 4/2 3/2.5 4/2.5 4/2.5 4/2.5 4/2 3/2.5 4/2.5 3/2.5 4/2 5/3