JUN 26 Clayton Pioneer 2009.pdf by Pioneer Publishers

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190

IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com

June 26, 2009

925.672.0500

CERT program soon to have 150 citizens trained to respond

Richardson, Meriam appointed to Planning Commission

JULIE PIERCE

MAYOR’S CORNER

TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

City continues fiscal balancing act Thank you! One month ago, I wrote about the state’s latest efforts to steal property tax revenues from local governments and many of you called or wrote our representatives in Sacramento. The good news: They heard you and the Budget Conference Committee unanimously rejected the borrowing of $1.9 billion of Prop. 1A local property taxes. The bad news: I just got a letter from the governor and we can expect this proposal to return. As the massive state deficit continues to grow, they’re also busily grabbing other local funds. Since they started raiding city and county coffers to fund their debt in the early ’90s, the state has taken more than $10 billion in local funds – including $5.4 million from Clayton. We’ll all have to stay engaged and responsive as the challenges change by the minute. As I write this on June 18, my morning email included this “lovely” update: “On Monday, June 15, the Budget Conference Committee adopted trailer-bill language from the Department of Finance that attempts to work around the recent

See Mayor, page 18

Photo by Herb Yonge

Jorg Puhr-Westerheide puts an encouraging hand on the shoulder of Keith Haydon as Haydon demonstrates the fire suppression skills learned during CERT training. CERT training prepares citizens to respond to a major emergency. HERB YONGE Special to the Pioneer

On June 11, 23 Clayton residents participated in the sixth and final class of their six-week training program to learn emergency preparedness skills. The spring session of

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training included 30 graduates – with participants from Clayton, Walnut Creek, Concord and Pittsburg. Five instructors from Clayton taught the classes, along with teachers from Pleasant Hill CERT, Lamorinda CERT and

the Consolidated Fire District. Clayton instructors were Susan Dell’Isola, Russ Eddy, Leif Johansson, Rich Veal and Herb Yonge. The final class, an exercise to practice new skills, was held at the Consolidated Fire District’s Training Facility on Treat

Boulevard in Concord. During the three-hour drill, the students practiced light search and rescue, cribbing (the ability to raise a heavy object off an injured individual) and putting out a small fire using a hand-held extinguisher.

See CERT, page 4

The City Council has appointed a public service veteran and a relative newcomer to the civic scene to fill two seats on the Planning Commission. D a n Richardson has lived in Clayton for 20 years and was the force behind the renewal of the c i t y ’ s Landscape Dan Maintenance Richardson District and headed the Trails and Landscape Committee, the oversight body created by Measure M. He made a bid for the City Council in 2008. Richardson’s career spans more than 30 years in public works. He recently retired from the city of Walnut Creek as director of public services. T h e biggest challenge facing Clayton leadership is the development Ted Miriam of a commercial town center. The city has in place a Town Center Specific Plan that calls for a mixed use of retail and See Commission, page 22

City’s new budget smallest since 2004 TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

Faced with falling revenues and escalating costs, Clayton has had to dig deep, cut sharply and shake the piggy bank to come up

with a balanced budget for the coming fiscal year. At $3.64 million, the city’s 2009-’10 General Fund budget is 3.5 percent less than 2008-’09 and the smallest since 2004. Revenues from property

Photo by Pete Barra

CITY MANAGER GARY NAPPER presented his budget recommendations to the City Council on June 16, warning that more state “borrowing” may seriously impact the city’s ability to deliver services. City Clerk Laci Jackson is on the right.

What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Church News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

taxes and new building permits have taken huge hits as property values continue to plummet in the staggering real estate market. Rental income from city-owned property on Oak Street dried up completely as tenants moved to make way for the pending Rivulet project. Interest income is off more than 50 percent as financial institutions continue to cut savings rates, and vehicle license fees are down nearly 30 percent. Loss of $86,000 in fees from a sewer use agreement with the city of Concord took another swipe at the bottom line. At the same time that the city is expecting losses in general fund revenues of 9.2 percent, expenses continue to climb sharply. Costs for contracted services for law enforcement and animal control are up 70 percent over last year. Police dispatch and jail detention services with the city of

Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Community Calendar . . . . . . . . .14 Deal With It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Directory of Advertisers . . . . . . . .5 DVMS Reporter . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Concord went from $53,000 for 2008-’09 to $120,000, a 126 percent hike as Concord fights its own fiscal demons. County services for animal control and property tax administration jumped 13 percent. A spate of land movement lawsuits by Oakhurst property owners has driven the general liability insurance premiums from $66,000 to $96,000. “In my 25 years as a California city manager, I have never seen a more terrible financial crisis for local governments,” City Manager Gary Napper said in his June 16 budget report to the City Council. Clayton has traditionally maintained a fairly lean budget. “Our city is not guilty of overstaffing its organization during good times,” said Napper. Without a lot of fat in the organization, cuts go straight

Enter the Pioneer’s

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. Cash prizes awarded to best photos.

Turn to page 5 for full contest details.

See Budget, page 22

Financial Sense . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Food for Thought . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . .4 Movie Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 On the Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Police Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Safety Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Senior Moments . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 So Anyway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Tech Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Time to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

June 26, 2009

Around Town Schmalzels

Young horsewoman excels in Peruvian show

celebrate 50th anniversary Friends and relatives all gathered at Priscilla and Jim Schmalzels home on June 13, to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. The Schmalzels have lived in Clayton for 44 years. The party was hosted by daughters-in-law Laurie, Karen and Christie and sons Bill, Steve and Ed. Granddaughters Dana and Andie modeled Priscilla’s wedding dress and grandsons Ryan, Carter Brock and Alex were all part of the festivities. Priscilla met her future husband when she was 4 years old. Her family had moved from Iowa to Benson, Arizona. Living right across the street was 7 year old Jim Schmalzel and his family.

Clayton resident Cassandra Carson is the first American and junior to be invited to show at the national Peruvian Paso Horse Show in Peru. While on a trip to Peru in February, Cassandra and her parents, Michael and Graciela Carson, met friends in Mamacona, Peru. While there, they rode horses and met with some of the breeders and judges for the national show. Cassandra was personally invited to return to Peru in April and show in the junior division. She showed against seven other junior riders, placing fourth. Cassandra continues to ride and show and has been asked to return to Peru to show again next year. Cassandra was born into a life of horses. Her grandparents on her father’s side had a Peruvian horse ranch in Clayton for many years. Her grandfather on her mother’s side was a horse trainer for Peruvian Paso horses for most of his life. The 13-year-old Cassandra currently has two Peruvian Paso horses, Suspiro RLS and Cherokee, both geldings. She will be in the eighth grade at Diablo View Middle School next fall.

Friday, the 13th lucky day for the Leckliters

Photo courtesy of Michael Carson

Cassandra Carson placed fourth in the junior division of the Peruvian Paso Horse Show in April.

Sara Zsenai graduates from Northern Arizona University

Matthew Prato inducted into honor society

Photo courtesy of the Schmalzels

Jim and Pris celebrated their anniversary in Virginia City where this photo was taken.

Matthew Prato, son of Kathleen and Steven Prato of Clayton, was inducted into Upsilon Pi Epsilon, the national Computer Science Honor Society on May 15. Membership in the society is by invitation only and is extended to only a few in a graduating class. Matthew is a senior Sacramento State University and will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in MATTHEW PRATO December.

ST T LI

JUS

Sara Lynn Zsenai, daughter of John and Cindy Zsenai, graduated in May from Northern Arizona University and is currently on a student teaching assignment in Hohenfels, Germany. When she completes her assignment, she will receive a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education and Certification in Early Childhood Education. She was selected as standard bearer for the College of Education and walked with her class at commencement exercises last December. Sara will be attending graduate school in the fall, at NAU. She is a 2005 graduate of Clayton Valley High School.

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Darrell and Lydia Leckliter of Clayton came up the lucky winners when new grandson, Bennet surprised his parents with an early arrival on Friday, February 13. Bennet lives in Manhattan, New York with parents Daniel and Lori and big brother Harrison. Lori is a 1987 graduate of CVHS.

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June 26, 2009

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 3

Upcoming Events JUNE 27

TIP-A-COP Clayton’s finest will be out in force Saturday night, collecting

“tips” for the Special Olympics. The annual “Tip-a-Cop” event begins at 5 p.m. at Ed’s Mudville Grill.

JULY 4 CELEBRATION Clayton will come alive with red, white and blue on July 4 as Clayton celebrates Independence Day with pancakes and a parade. The day begins early with

the Rotary Club pancake breakfast beginning at 7 a.m. at Endeavor Hall. The parade begins at 10 a.m. with the 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 festivities are all emceed by ABC 7 News anchor, Dan Ashley.

JULY 10

MOONLIGHT MOVIES Clayton Community Church free movie nights begin with “Journey to the Center of the Earth” in 3D. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and pillows and set up in the parking lot next to the church on Main Street. Movies begin at 8:45. On July 17, see “Bolt.” July 24 is “Madagascar 2.” July 31 is “Indiana Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” A bonus movie for couples wraps up the summer offerings on Aug. 7 with “Fireproof.”

Library T-shirts perfect for patriotic gatherings The Clayton Community Library Foundation has the perfect T-shirt for your Fourth of July celebration. The shirts are red or blue with a white logo that reads 94517 Clayton Community Library Foundation. Adult shirts are $14 and chil-

dren’s are $10. Adult sizes range from small to extra large, with children’s sized small to large. Now is your opportunity to get into the spirit of the holiday and wear patriotic colors to celebrate the birthday of our country. The library will be closed

Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 3, so come in early and support your local library as you celebrate the Fourth of July. The library is at 6125 Clayton Road. For more information, call 673-0659 or visit the website at www.claytonlibrary.org.

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” 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

Page 4

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

s in The Grove t r e c n o C

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Sponsored by the city of Clayton, CBCA and Allied Waste Services 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

Letters to the Editor Population control answer to budget crunch? …one major issue in California and America is there are too many people and most people believe they are entitled to a lot of things as normal service without any consideration of the costs. This is particularly true of education . . . if one looks at the California budget (and your property taxes), one will find that over 50 percent goes to schools, and that can be directly related to over population. While some children may be our future, not all of them will be. If we really had legislators with courage, they would be proposing population controls (both by birth and by immigration) as a mitigative measure to prevent unnec-

essary impact on all infrastructure and associated operating and maintenance costs. It is not reasonable to expect taxpayers to continue to pay for some of these entitlement programs, particularly for taxpayers who support more sustainable development as a key to life and prosperity. - Tom Stoflet

“Thank you” from the VFW Once again the citizens of Clayton and the adjoining areas have supported two Veterans of Foreign Wars programs held during the month of May The generous donations received during the VFW Buddy

Poppy event will continue to support veterans throughout Contra Costa County and various veteran organization assisting needy veterans throughout America. Special thanks to Safeway in the Clayton Station and at Bancroft and Treat for their continual support by as VFW donation locations. Memorial Day ceremony attendance once again exceeded our expectations. Accolades to our guest speakers, honor guards, joint bands, Yesterday’s Kids choral group, and bugler in honoring America’s fallen heroes. VFW Post 1525 is proud to be a part Clayton. - Richard “Pete” Loechner

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CERT, from page 1 To add realism to the search and rescue, five CERT members and two children played victims. They had burns, broken arms, cuts and bruises or were in a confused mental state. The victims were Dell’Isola, Sue Elliott, John Owen, Julie Kinsey and her two children, Elizabeth and Emily. All of the Clayton residents who participated in the drill rated it “good, very good or excellent.” For each of the six classes, students completed a survey rating the instructors, class content, materials and satisfaction with the class. The ratings were very positive and 100 percent of the participants would recommend the CERT course to others. All of the participants have either started or completed their personal/family cache of emergency supplies. This is one of the most important goals of CERT training. “I took the CERT training to be able to provide emergency assistance to my neighborhood and community in the event of a disaster,” said Keith Haydon. “I am more confident and can help my family, neighbors and community if a disaster such as an

earthquake were to occur. I learned lots of good information about emergency preparedness as well and am now gathering equipment and supplies that would be helpful during and after an emergency.” Haydon encourages all interested Clayton residents to take the CERT training. “The more people we have trained in Clayton, the better chance we have,” he noted. Amy Callaghan has two young children and thought she should be better prepared for an emergency. “I feel that my reactions will be better during an emergency,” she said. “The class certainly opened my eyes to the possibilities for emergency – not only here in Clayton, but also at my place of work and while I’m ‘out and about.’ I feel that I am more vigilant and a lot more aware of my surroundings.” Her husband Christopher was also a participant in the spring class. They have lived in Clayton for nearly seven years. Callaghan’s parents live in Clayton and she has other family nearby, so she says it’s essential that she is ready to take care of her own.

“We’ve taken, just this weekend, so many more steps toward making sure that our home and our family is prepared for an emergency,” she added. “Our next step is to get the rest of our neighborhood involved in the program – and from there, work on the rest of the city.” With this graduating class, there are 141 Clayton residents trained in emergency preparedness. The goal is to have 150 Claytonians trained by year-end. Funding for the CERT program is through Homeland Security, which provides the classroom materials and backpacks that are issued to each graduating resident. The city provides Endeavor Hall for the classes and prints handouts. Donations and contributions are creating a community cache of supplies needed when a disaster strikes. On Saturday, July 25, Clayton CERT will be conducting a drill from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the fire station at the corner of Center Street and Clayton Road. It is recommended that all Clayton CERT members attend. The next CERT training class begins at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 30. If you wish to enroll, call 673-7355 or visit www.claytoncert.org.

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June 26, 2009

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

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 We remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit is our muse

PIONEER INFO CONTACT US Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580 Tamara Steiner tamara@claytonpioneer.com André Gensburger Andre@claytonpioneer.com Beth Neudell beth@claytonpioneer.com Send ads to ads@claytonpioneer.com Send Sports News to sports@claytonpioneer.com Send Club News to clubnews@claytonpioneer.com Send Church News to churchnews@claytonpioneer.com

Send School News to schoolnews@claytonpioneer.com

CLASSIFIEDS Classified rates per insertion: Non-profit: $12 for first 30 words, $.20 each additional word Individual/non-commercial: $18 for first 30 words, $.30 each additional word Commercial: $48 for first 30 words, $.40 each additional word To place your classified ad over the phone, call the office at (925) 6720500 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Or, you may fax your typewritten ad and credit card information to (925) 672-6580. All classifieds must be paid for in advance by credit card (Master Card or Visa)

We will not accept any ad that discriminates on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, family status or disability. The Clayton Pioneer reserves the right to reject any advertising we believe is unsuitable.

LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a Clayton resident. You will find the appropriate form for your announcement on our Website. Attach your photo to the form. Make sure the image size you are about to send is at least 3 MB but not bigger than 6MB. The only format we accept is JPG. You can also mail or bring your print to the office and we can scan it for you. Also on our Web site are forms for submitting Community Calendar items and press releases for your organization.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 300 words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print letters from “anonymous.” E-mail your letter in a Word document to tamara@claytonpioneer.com. Letters MUST be submitted via E-mail.

July 4 Parade Entry Deadline Extended to June 29 Participants in the July 4 parade will need to submit an application by June 29. Entry forms, 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. The city needs volunteers to help on the day of the parade. Volunteering 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.

Clayton Pioneer’s 7th annual

July 4 Photo Contest Contest Rules

It’s pretty simple, really... Each individual may submit up to three photos, but only one of those photos can win a prize. Photos snapshot size prints (3” x 5” or 4” x 6”) or 5” x 7”. Photos must have been taken during this year’s July 4 Celebration in downtown Clayton. On the back of each photo, put your name, address, phone number and whether you are entering as an adult (over 12) or a child (12 and under.) IMPORTANT: Drop off your PRINTS AND A CD at the Clayton Pioneer office by NOON on SUNDAY, July 5. Please do not e-mail photos. Photos will be judged on overall quality, composition and how well the image captures the spirit of Clayton’s small town 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 10 issue of the Clayton Pioneer.

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SUMMER CHILDCARE 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

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HELP WANTED Appointment Setters California Energy ~ The Green Team Is currently hiring Appointment Setters/Telemarketers. Set appointments for energy audits. Work from home. Great pay. 925-339-4904 Real Estate Agents Be Successful! Lynne French is expanding and interviewing for a few agents. Call her today (925) 672-8787.

Page 5

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Page 6

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

June 26, 2009

Plan carefully to maximize tax benefits when selling 6096 Main Street, Clayton, 673-0440

There are a lot of reasons to buy real estate. You can buy with a minimal cash investment. Real estate tends to appreciate in value over time. If you occupy the property, the federal government subsidizes your housing expense with tax write-offs for mortgage interest and property taxes. If that’s not enough incentive, consider the tax benefits you receive when you sell. Homeowners who have owned their homes for at least two years are entitled to a capital gains tax exemption when they sell. For married couples that file jointly, the first $500,000 of gain is tax-free. For single individuals, the exemption is $250,000. In either case, the property must be a primary residence that you occupied for 2of the 5 years before selling. The current capital gains exclusion for primary residences can be taken every two years. So

conceivably you could buy a home, experience two years of appreciation, sell the property, receive tax-free gain, buy another property and repeat the sequence again and again. The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 significantly changed the federal tax laws regarding the sale of a principal residence. Under the current law, you don’t need to invest in another home in order to defer capital gain liability, as was the case before 1997. Even if you sell your home and rent indefinitely, you’re entitled to take the $250,000 (individual) or $500,000 (married couples) capital gain tax exemption. Contractors and renovation specialists are making good use of the current tax law. Some builders are choosing to occupy a home they’ve recently built rather than sell it new. After establishing the two-year minimum residency requirement, they sell the property and are eligible for the $250,000 (individual) or $500,000 (married couples) capital gain tax exemption. Home buyers with fix-up

expertise can use this strategy to help build wealth. First, buy a fixer and move into it. Fix it up and live there at least two years. Then sell, take your tax-free gain and buy another fixer. But don’t even consider this approach unless you like moving a lot and you can live comfortably in a construction zone. You’re only entitled to cash in on tax-free capital gain on the sale of your primary residence. If you own income-producing property, you must pay tax on the gain when you sell unless you complete a tax deferred exchange in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code, Sec. 1031. A Sec. 1031 exchange allows you to roll gain from one income-producing property into another income-producing property. You ultimately have to pay tax on the gain, but a Sec. 1031 exchange permits you to defer capital gain tax payment into future years. Some homeowners are incorporating current tax law into their retirement planning. Recently, a local couple sold an apartment building using a Sec.

When it comes to landing a job, the Web can give you an edge over the competition. In this difficult job market, more employers are seeking only the best candidates. The Web can help you stand out by highlighting skills, identifying personal connections and giving more people access to your resume. LinkedIn.com is one of the largest career enhancement websites, with more than 40 million users. It is useful at showcasing your strengths and building a network of professional contacts. A LinkedIn profile displays a person’s goals, work experience and educational background on a clean, easy to read page. The profile is especially useful for job seekers because LinkedIn acts like an expanded resume. With LinkedIn, you can talk about that successful sales project and describe your academic studies in more detail than you could on a paper application. However, remember to keep your descriptions concise; your profile should not put recruiters to sleep.

Building a thorough LinkedIn profile is a good way to market yourself. The site gives suggestions on how to build a complete profile, like adding a picture and listing your specialties. LinkedIn says that people who follow these instructions are 40 times more likely to receive opportunities through the site. The connections you build on LinkedIn can also help land you a job. While LinkedIn is similar to social networking sites like Facebook, it focuses more on bringing together professionals who know each other. LinkedIn allows your contacts to write recommendations about your work together. These endorsements are critical because they put a human touch to your work or school experience. The site says that profiles with at least three recommendations will stand out to recruiters. Even after you find a job, LinkedIn can be useful. You can find old colleagues who you might have lost touch with after switching jobs. When you connect with them,

you may find people in their network who are worth adding. These connections may come in handy if you are starting a new project or just looking to catch up with old work friends. You can also use LinkedIn to quickly get advice about work issues. LinkedIn offers a service similar to Yahoo Answers, where people can ask and answer a variety of questions. LinkedIn even shows you questions from people in your industry. While LinkedIn can build up your Web presence, it is not a substitute for a normal resume. With ResumeBucket.com, you can ensure that your real resume is available online. ResumeBucket is perfect if you don’t want to carry a resume around. It allows you to upload your paper resume and turn it into a Web page for free. This means you can refer potential employers to your resume even if you’re traveling. You can make edits to this resume at any time, swap it out with a different one or use the site’s tools to make a new

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1031 exchange. With the proceeds, they purchased, or traded into, a home they’ll ultimately occupy when they retire. Until they retire, the property will be rented. So, they traded one rental property for another and deferred paying tax on the gain. At retirement, they will sell their current residence and collect $500,000 of tax-free gain. Then they’ll move into the rental property they acquired in exchange for the apartment building they sold years before. For tax purposes, they’ll convert the rental property to their primary residence and will avoid paying tax on the gain of the investment properties. Federal tax laws are in a continuous state of flux, so be sure to consult a knowledgeable tax advisor before you buy or sell, particularly if income property is involved. State tax laws vary, so consult with an expert in your area. Lynne French is the broker/owner of Windermere Lynne French & Associates and a Clayton resident. Contact her at 672-8787, Lynne@LynneFrench.com or stop in at 6200 Center St. in Clayton.

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resume altogether. Moreover, because your resume now has its own Web page, it will be indexed by search engines like Google. ResumeBucket includes charts that show you who has been looking at your resume. It also sends you email alerts when someone expresses interest in your work. The site offers a button for blogs or personal websites that links to your resume. This way, employers can learn more about your work experience with one click. These Websites will help pique a recruiter’s interest in your abilities and strengths. Just remember to brush up on your interview skills. Mark Freeman is a student at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, studying economics and English. He enjoys creative writing and is a reporter for the school paper. Questions/comments can be sent to mfreeman543@gmail.com.

June 26, 2009

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com

Page 7

MDUSD trustees continue to chop services despite parents’ pleas ANDRÉ GENSBURGER Clayton Pioneer

By now, the routine at the Mt. Diablo Unified School District board meetings has become familiar to those in attendance or watching on the live Podcast at www.mdusd.net. First, a steady stream of people beg and plead with the board to spare teachers, personnel and services prior to the start of the agenda-listed cuts. Then comes a budget review with current information – the state always has new surprises – and a summary of what the district will need to cut in order to reach the new target. After this comes a few more speakers expressing their “disappointment” with the board, as though there were other options left after an excess of $50 million in cuts over the past few years. Any gains in public education have been decimated by the steep drop in revenue and the need to balance the district budget by June 30 or risk state takeover. Finally it comes time for the meat and potatoes part of the evening; the board, resolute, casting their votes to cut programs and people once considered irreplaceable. A GRIM REMINDER During the June 16 meet-

ing, the only brevity was offered by Bryan Richards, director of fiscal services. After presenting the revised version of the state deficit, he

noted. Despite this, the district will have its budget out by June 30. “On time. As always,” he said. Judy Armstrong, president

ABC NEWS CHERYL JENNINGS INTERVIEWED TERESA TORBETT about the MDUSD Giving Campaign that Torbett helped spearhead. The private contributions will help offset some of the massive cuts to school programs.

tallied $5.5 million that would need to be added to the present reduction list just to keep up with the state’s latest revised figures. He concluded his PowerPoint presentation noting that he was always accused of ending grimly. Theme music from a fake soap opera “Look to the Future” resonated to the laughter of those watching. “The state runs out of money on July 28,” Richards

of the Local One CST Unit, described herself as “outraged” by the board’s elimination of the director of classified personnel position. There will be more grievances, she warned. “Not a threat; just a simple fact.” Likewise, special education parent Gina Hale offered “1,500 words in defense of the Board of Education” that focused mostly on the issues inherent in special education

and requiring her near 10minute speech to be cut short by board president Gary Eberhart. “I don’t believe that people understand the gravity of the cuts that have been made yet,” Eberhart explained. “The vast majority of the cuts won’t be realized until the fall, when the kids come back.” FUNDRAISING IN ACTION The only positive news of the evening came from the reports of donations from various people in a “giving campaign” to benefit the General Fund. Using the Ygnacio Valley Community Action Group model, the newly formed MDUSD Giving Campaign kicked off June 2 under the lead of Teresa Torbett. The group urged people to donate the $99 that would have gone to the district had Measure D passed. “We’re creating a positive movement,” said Torbett. “I count as early successes the many people who have responded with expressions of support, donations of money and offers to help coordinate larger outreach efforts.” Donations, along with other revenue, have been made to the amount of $4,369, Richards reported during his

See MDUSD, page 12

Do your homework before you leave home

PEGGY BIDONDO

TIME

Once you decide where you want to go on vacation, whether it’s Italy’s Amalfi Coast or camping in Yellowstone, it’s time to start your research. You don’t want to be disappointed, so get as much information as you can about your destination. You can do a lot on the Web just by Googling your destination or choice of activity. Beware, however, that online photos don’t always tell the whole story. In these days of

Photoshop, you can’t always be sure that what you see is what you will get. The information may also be stale. That resort in Costa Rica with a beautiful pool is actually under renovation and the pool is full of leaves and dirt. A Website that can be helpful is www.traveladvisor.com, where real people tell you of their recent experiences. Travel guidebooks are another resource. Everyone has their favorites, from Fodor’s and Frommer’s to Rick Steves and Lonely Planet. Some are more detailed but all usually give budget, middle and top end options for food, lodging and entertainment. We used a Steves’ guide in Spain and Portugal and found that while he had pages of information on the obscure Selema, Portugal, he had nothing on Marbella, Spain, a major tourist city. We made a stop in

Selema and the place was packed, so there must be a lot of travelers using Steves as their travel guru. Travel magazines are an inexpensive way to keep abreast of developments in the travel industry. Budget Travel and Conde Nast Travel charge $12 for a year subscription. The pictures are beautiful, the ads plentiful and the advice helpful. Another great option is to go to the experts. Colleen and Valerie O’Connell of Cruise Adventures Unlimited and Pat Fraga of Travel to Go are regular advertisers in The Clayton Pioneer and are an excellent local resource for travel advice. They have up-to-the-minute information on all kinds of travel deals. They have likely visited your desired location, so they can help you avoid pitfalls. They can also give you lots of vacation ideas. Do you want adventure, beaches and sun,

family fun, history and culture, romance, shopping or visit a spa? Ask and you will receive information.

Travel Tip: Every time you think of something you want to bring on your trip, toss it in a box. It can be anything from your passport and travel documents to personal and hygiene items, medications and health items, electronic gadgets, items for the plane, car, beach, camping or outdoors activities. If you travel often, make a list of the items you usually bring and leave a copy in your suitcase. This also helps when you are packing to come home, so you don’t leave anything behind. Recently retired, Clayton resident Peggy Bidondo now has the time to indulge her passion in travel planning and writing. Send your questions and column ideas to Peggy Bidondo at timetogo@claytonpioneer.com.

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Page 8

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

June 26, 2009

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Writing about friendship is like eating potato chips. You open the bag, and, just as one chip always leads to another, one idea leads to the next. Before you know it, you’ve gained 10 pounds and exceeded your word count. That’s why this article is No. 1 in a three-part series exploring the super-sized subject “friendship.” Interest in friendships – how they differ according to age and gender, how they are found and lost, how they mold and modulate our lives – is not a recent development. There

are scores of novels, how-to books, films, blogs and even newspapers filled with explorations of the subject. Just like you, I’ve been making and enjoying friends for years, and, as my friends will tell you, I’ve been thinking all the while. Why is it that one stranger makes me cringe, while another causes me to believe I’ve come upon a long lost brother or sister? Why is it that my closest friends are often my opposite: cool, rational, objective. (Yes, that’s me, shrieking without reason in all the wrong places.) And how can people today refer to the digital interactions they have on their computers as “making friends”? I remember college, when I was friends with a group of five guys. Hanging out with them was easier for me – being with women was too much like spending time with a mirror. The guys and I would go to the

zoo, dive off train trestle bridges into a river far below or slide into the cafeteria at night for a clandestine snack. (I was thin enough to slip under the cafeteria gate, returning with a pan of brownies or sheet cake, thus earning the undying devotion of my buddies.) In one of the truly memorable experiences of my life, I was treated to an Oreo cookie salute. Leaving college on the last day after graduation, I discovered my blue Opel carefully adorned with 100 cookie halves. Nabisco blemishes – a meticulous ritual never before performed on a female’s car – melted and slid as I drove away, laughing and silently thanking my friends for the best sendoff ever. Our friends tend to fall into categories marking the phases of life – college friends, cancer friends, friends with kids, friends from work, childhood friends we never outgrow. Are

there common denominators? Is there, indeed, a best, a pinnacle friend? Are male friendships inherently silent affairs? Do women fight more often? Can you tell whether or not a friendship will last by the kind of chips you both enjoy? Although I can’t explain the math, I have learned that there are more friendships in any one community than there are people. Article two will profile a pair of Clayton friendships. Article three will ask the experts to weigh in. If you’d like to tell your story or read more about a specific aspect of friendship, or even if you just want to know the best potato chips to serve at a picnic, send an email to friends@claytonpioneer.com. I’d welcome the input. Maybe you could be featured in article four … oops, you see? When it comes to chips and friends, who can have just one?

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Consider a home server for best data transfers

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It’s become a weird digital life, both in the burbs and in the big city. You move from location to location but stay in touch with your life digitally. Often you’re confronted with the prospect of your digital information spread out over several PCs, even differing types of communications devices like the Palm Pilot, iPhone or Blackberry. The trouble is getting the devices to communicate with one another so information can be shared between them and moved around. There are several ways to move data; you just have to try them to see which is best suited to your situation. You could use a USB flash device and copy data onto it and use the “sneaker-net” approach. That is, copy to a flash drive, then walk over to another device and copy it on to it. Or, you could try emailing the information directly to the computer or device where you want the info. A better way to share data between your competing devices is to create a home server environment and have all your devices send everything there. The home server acts as a clearing house for all your digital info. Input things like photos, documents, work projects and music to the home server. As devices connect to the home server, you have at your fingertips all the data you need to move. It’s all there, just plug in and copy what

Two weeks ending June 18

you want to a PC or phone device. You probably have photos, music and documents scattered over several PCs around your home. Let’s say your kids have homework but they play games on their PC and sometimes it crashes. Well, a home server will protect your stuff. Just like at the office, your files reside on a local server and are backed up, processed and distributed by the server. But unlike the office, there is way less complication to making a home server work for you. In fact, it could make your life easier. Shel Holtz of Holtz Communications, a Clayton social networking group, media and PR company, uses the Microsoft Home Server and finds it “ridiculously easy” to use. He produces a twice-weekly pod cast called For Immediate Release: The Hobson & Holtz Report. He stores and distributes the media files he’ll be using on the next pod cast, images that his wife Michele collects, videos of interviews and documents. From there, he distributes the files to his other PCs. This used to be a real messy process. But now he uses the server to store and distribute information and finds it “dropdead easy.” The home server has saved him time and effort by centralizing all the data and then redistributing it to the necessary PC. His program can be found at

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WILL CLANEY TECH TALK www.forimmediaterelease.biz. Various products exist that allow you to communicate with another PC, such as GoToMyPC and WebEx. They are good for simple communications from one computer to another. However, they can be costly due to monthly maintenance fees. Home servers allow you to connect your PC remotely anytime without any fee and to as many devices as you like. Establish a connection through the Internet anytime you’re near a wireless Hot Spot, have a wired connection or use a wireless broadband card you can connect to your server for free. One can easily set up a home server to do backups of all your important information. Never again worry about losing those precious photos or being unable to find that library of music that costs hundreds of dollars to assemble. It’s “drag and drop.” How easy is that? For more information, Google home server. Or call your local computer expert. Will Claney is the CEO of Computers USA! in the Clayton Station. Contact him at 925-6729989.

Accidents June 8, 2:37. N. Lydia Lane and Whitt Ct. Traffic accident. Minor injuries. June 17, 7:49 a.m. Marsh Creek Rd. and Regency Dr. Traffic accident. No injuries. Arrests June 5, 11:49 p.m., Clayton Rd. and Tara Dr., Walnut Creek man, 53, was stopped for driving without headlights. He was arrested and charged with a DUI. June 10, 6:39 p.m., Oak St., a Clayton man, 51, was arrested and charged with domestic abuse. June 16, 11:47 p.m. Clayton Rd. and Washington Blvd. An Antioch man, 18, was stopped for a vehicle code violation. He was in possession of marijuana. He was cited and released. Burglaries/Thefts June 11, 9:46 a.m., Feather Cr. Vehicle burglary June 14, 5:04 a..m. Tiffin Dr. Grand theft. June 16, 11:39 p.m., Kelok Way. Grand theft June 18, 4:21 p.m. Mt. McKinley Ct. Identity theft. Vandalism June 18, 3:03. Southbrook Dr.

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Pets can bring unexpected health benefits Studies have shown that pets provide a wide variety of physical, emotional and social benefits for their people. In addition to the unconditional love and affection that a pet will bring into your life, consider the added benefits you may experience by sharing your home with an adopted cat or dog. People with pets report a greater sense of well-being and experience less anxiety. Studies show that pet owners are better able to interact with strangers in social settings and are able to relate to others more easily. Pet owners experience more motivation to exercise and are better at fighting depression, too.

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tion, muscular strength and language skills greater than those without pets. Children experience many benefits from living with pets as well. They have higher IQ scores and show increased emotional reciprocity. They also show a higher sense of responsibility, demonstrate increased ability to nurture and care for others and have an easier time interacting with peers. Children exposed to two or more dogs or cats in infancy were half as likely to develop common allergies as children with no pets in the home. Prisoners and individuals with mental impairments show more appropriate social behavior when they have pets or are able to interact with pets. Elderly people who have pets report greater satisfaction with life. Foster children find a sense of consistency with pets that may otherwise be absent in their lives. The Animal Rescue Foundation brings animals to those who cannot have pets so they may experience some of these benefits. ARF’s Pet Hug Pack visits hospitals, rehab centers, schools and adult day care facilities throughout the county. Adopting a pet from an animal shelter or rescue group like ARF will bring you an added sense of satisfaction, knowing that you have saved the life of a homeless pet in need.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

June 26, 2009

Clayton Sports Star pitchers face off in CVLL championship ROBERT HELENA Clayton Pioneer

It didn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that runs were going to be a precious commodity when the Reds and the Cubs faced off in this year’s Clayton Valley Little League Majors championship at Clayton Valley High School. The Reds’ Ryan Freitas and the Cubs’ Riley Smith were clearly the standout pitchers in the league this year. At times, it seemed as if these two Diablo View Middle School students were throwing rockets in this highly anticipated pitching duel. Freitas already had put in a full day when he rocked back and threw a laser beam fastball that whizzed by the batter for the final out. The pride of the Reds had just struck out 11 batters and outdueled Smith by throwing a complete game, onehit shutout in the Reds 1-0 championship victory. Cubs coach Dave Shuey called Freitas “a man among boys.” The Reds will represent CVLL in this year’s Tournament of Champions. Freitas and the Reds spoiled a great pitching performance by Smith, who also went the distance. He gave up only two hits and one run to go with his nine strikeouts. “Riley was a star all year and pitched another great game,” Shuey said. “It’s unfortunate that one of them had to lose. They both pitched a heck of a game.” This game was a rematch of their contest earlier in the sea-

Robert Helena/Clayton Pioneer

DOMINATION: No runs, one hit, 11 strike outs as Ryan Freitas led the CVLL Reds to victory

HARD LUCK. Cubs pitcher, Riley Smith, was up for the show down but came up one run short.

son. In that game, Smith prevailed over Freitas and the Reds 4-1. With both pitchers throwing hard and throwing strikes in the championship game, the game moved briskly and featured only three hits. Smith had the only hit for the Cubs. Freitas and catch-

put together the game’s first rally – fueled by some uncharacteristic wildness by Freitas. Threatened with the bases loaded and one out, Freitas regrouped. Throwing nothing but heat, the tall right hander induced a force out at home plate and struck out the next

er Kenny Cuneo had one hit apiece for the Reds. The game was decided in the middle innings. Jonathan Allen, the Reds fleet-footed center fielder, knocked in the game’s only run on a fielder’s choice in the fourth inning. An inning earlier, the Cubs

batter to preserve the shut out. “Ryan got into his own head a little bit and got out of his own head,” said Reds coach Deborah Meylan. “Ryan has more pressure on him than any other child in Little League because if you get a hit against Ryan, it’s like getting a hit off

the best pitcher anywhere.” Other than that, it was “lights out” pitching by the two CVLL All Star hurlers. Neither of the teams threatened much in the later innings as both pitchers closed out the game in impressive “country hardball” style, accumulating strike out after strike out mixed with a couple of feeble ground balls. Freitas and Smith throw really hard strikes and pitch to spots, something that’s exceptional for players in this age group. Meylan, who’s coached Freitas for five years, also has high marks for rival Smith. “I think that Riley, at this point, is equally as good a pitcher or a tad bit better than Ryan because he throws a lot of different pitches,” she said. “Ryan is primarily fastball pitcher whereas Riley commands many different pitches.” But Meylan quickly adds: “I’ll take Ryan Freitas all the time. He is a package that is an amazing baseball player.” This is the second straight CVLL Majors championship trophy for Meylan, who points out that the team has talent beyond Freitas. The coach credits catcher Cuneo, pitcher and center fielder Allen and her son, pitcher Scott Meylan. But in the end, it was the pitching duel that mattered most. “If you asked the other coaches and other people, they all wanted to see Riley vs. Ryan in this game,” says Shuey. “This was a great game for the league.”

Summertime hoop dreams for Clayton youth ROBERT HELENA Clayton Pioneer

It’s a warm June night at the Laura Alice Gym in North Concord. The seventh-grade Green Team session is underway – with 12 kids running high school level basketball drills under the watchful eye of Frank Allocco Jr., director of Advanced Skills Academy (ASA) Basketball and the JV basketball coach at De La Salle High School. “No middle, no middle” Clayton resident Ryan Kinney screams while crouching in a defensive position – denying a player access to the key. This team will compete in a top-rated summer league, and most of these kids have dreams

of playing high school basketball. ASA is a youth Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball program based in Concord. There are many similar programs in our area like Sports Strong, MVP Flight, East Bay Bulldogs, West Coast Eagles and the Warriors to name a few. Clayton kids with high school basketball aspirations usually play on one of the AAU teams. Clayton resident Derrick Brown of Tice Valley Basketball is a self-proclaimed “hoops junkie” and can be found watching or organizing youth AAU basketball tournaments and leagues around Northern California. Brown runs the Tice Valley Basketball Summer AAU League at Clayton Community Gym on

Saturdays. Brown has many years of AAU basketball experience and has watched the progression of many former Clayton basketball players, like UC Davis point guard Ryan Silva and Denver University bound Jeff Powers. They are both former Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) St. Bonaventure players and played in AAU programs. “Every great De La Salle and Northgate basketball team, the two local high school teams that have won state titles, had at least one Clayton resident” says Brown. “That tells you there is basketball talent in this community.” Brown says summer is a great time for young athletes to practice the sport. “Summer is

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when all the real good athletes are available to play,” he notes. He believes in a time-tested development plan for youth basketball players. It starts in grades K-2 by playing YMCA basketball at the Clayton Community Gym, moves to St. Bonaventure CYO for grades 3-8 and AAU during the summer, with older grades playing AAU and high school basketball. According to Brown, any basketball development program must be complemented with attending basketball camps. He recommends Excel Basketball Camps (www.excelinbasketball.com) run by Frank Allocco, head coach at De La Salle. Excel camps are known for their

intensity, competition and drills. The Clayton YMCA (www.mdrymca.org) is the only basketball program in the area for K-2 kids. “The only issue with the Y is it’s not competitive” says Brown, a former YMCA and Boys and Girls Club administrator. That’s why Brown recommends participating in the competitive CYO programs when kids reach third and fourth grades. Although the YMCA offers basketball for higher grade levels, it remains non-competitive. “For kids to compete at the high school level, they need to know how to compete at an early age” says Brown. St. Bonaventure CYO starts keeping score in the fourth

grade. St. Bonaventure (www.stbonaventurecyo.com) has a strong program that offers different teams for all skill levels. One element that is different from AAU is that CYO has playing time requirements. Since CYO basketball runs through the fall/winter, Brown recommends finding an AAU team for the summer. He doesn’t recommend spring AAU ball for kids before seventh grade because the younger kids play multiple sports like baseball and soccer. To find out more about AAU teams, Brown suggests looking in the local paper, the MVP Flight League Website (www.mvpflight.com) and the Walnut Creek Youth Athletic Association site (www.wcyaa.com).

June 26, 2009

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com

Clayton Sports More than ‘special,’ these Olympics require dedication and teamwork LOU FANCHER Clayton Pioneer

Ask Stephanie Hammond what makes a great athlete and she’ll say “dedication, teamwork and friendship.” Question Betsy Kenner on the same point and she’ll tell you it’s “being well-rounded, focused and shaking people’s hands.” Michelle Daly sums it up in a power-packed sentence: “It’s the unconditional love of the other athletes.” They didn’t mention muscles, lung capacity or arm length, nor point to training programs, state-of-the-art facilities or elite coaches. That’s because it’s camaraderie that helps these athletes rise to excellence. A remarkable gathering of athletes, volunteers, corporate sponsors, families, friends and spectators will participate in a life-altering, community-building festival of physical achievement June 26-28 at UC Davis. The 2009 Special Olympics of Northern California (SONC) Summer Games will feature close to 750 athletes competing in aquatics, bocce, tennis and track and field. LEARNING LIFE LESSONS They athletes range in age and chosen sport, but their stories bring to mind a common theme of acceptance. “We take all levels of performance,” explains Kirsten Cherry, the organization’s VP of public relations and communications. “Winning” may mean earning a medal, or simply putting

STEPHANIE HAMMOND has become a force for the Special Olympics both on the volleyball court and on the board of directors.

enough steps together to complete a race. “Our athletes learn as much about life through sports as anyone,” Cherry notes. SONC’s lofty premise is to make sports, the great divider, an equalizer for adults and children with developmental disabilities. The June games provide the perfect summer blend of bodies in action, sweating to

win the gold and people working together to celebrate the small triumphs of each athlete. While the best link to factual information about SONC is its terrific Website, the link to participation is friendship. “A friend was in it and I watched her compete,” says Clayton resident Hammond, a 29-year-old volleyball player and College Park graduate.

with energy. The 45-year-old Concord swimmer won three firsts in the regional competition, taking a minute off the relay team’s time by going off the block. She’s an athlete high on achievement. The 15-year Safeway employee’s life is made rich with friends, work, sports and future goals. She’s working to learn the necessary skills for

embraced who he is.” Andrew won three gold medals in the regional competition and is ready for the Summer Games. Like all endurance athletes, Andrew finds an ironic comfort in testing the limits of his body and preparing for the challenge of competition. “I don’t want to lose my run,” he tells his mother before joining his father on a 6-mile workout.

Page 11

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TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETE, ANDREW DALY will take his three regional golds to the Special Olympics Summer Games this weekend at UC Davis.

Originally the only girl on the team, Hammond says her experience reflects the games’ emphasis on equality. “Being the only girl was pretty cool – made me feel good,” she says of her first years. Today, Hammond’s involvement extends beyond the volleyball court. As a board member and global messenger for the organization, she trains volunteers and speaks with conviction and eloquence as she recruits participants. Coupled with her work at Trader Joe’s and the training necessary to compete, it makes for a busy schedule. Hammond is proud to carry on the family tradition of sports. “My grandpa coached all over the Bay Area and my brother plays for the Fresno Grizzlies,” she said of the Giants’ triple-A farm club. Her brother Steve comes to her games when he’s not on the road. “I’ve given him a few tips and he’s given me some too,” she says, clearly relishing the exchange. Without SONC, Hammond is certain she’d be lonely – “probably just watching TV.” Instead, she’s training, spending time with friends and passing the baton of fellowship to future participants. Unfortunately, the budget ax fell hard and volleyball wont be part of the Summer Games this year. FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE A Special Olympics participant since age 13, Kenner brims

moving into the floral department at work, she’d like more Mexican restaurants to replace a few of the pizza places in her neighborhood, she’s hoping to shave time off her 100 Free when she goes off the block at Davis this weekend. Kenner is well-focused – her term to describe an outstanding athlete. Focus is one key to accomplishment, but getting involved is what the Daly family is all about. Andrew Daly, who attends Clayton Valley High School, is competing in track and field events this season. It is his first time as an athlete, although the 15-year-old has been raising money for the organization for years. “Angel Rock Run,” the name he gave to an annual family-supported fundraiser, is his sole creation – with proceeds going to SONC. His father, Kevin, a law enforcement officer, will run again in this year’s Torch Run. Andrew’s sister is a coach for the 2009 Games, and his mother, Michelle, is what so many mothers are: spokesperson, advocate, fellow athlete, coach and best promoter of her son and his interests. “He’s ready to go full-throttle,” she says of Andrew, although she could just as easily be describing herself. She treasures the opportunities her son has received. “He’s always done better with adults and it used to bother him a lot. But with these other athletes, he can just be himself,” she says. “In the last couple of years, he’s

Of course, Andrew has already received his prize. His mother puts it candidly: “Now, whatever he chooses to do, he can go out for it with confidence.” MORE FUNDING ALWAYS NEEDED This year’s Special Olympic Games are showing the impact of the economic downturn. Dependent on corporate and individual donations, the organization has had to eliminate a handful of events. Still, hopes are high that the June 22 Torch Run will match or exceed last year’s $850,000 success. Sponsoring an athlete for an entire year is only $500. A Summer Game athlete can be supported for $250. While there’s no denying the powerful influence SONC has on every competitor, the program isn’t special because it builds powerful athletes. And these three local athletes aren’t special because they run far, swim fast or spike the ball to score. The reason the games are special is because they come with a guarantee – evident in the lives of Hammond, Kenner and Daly. “We deliver the goods and you can come out and see it,” says Cherry. For more information on the Special Olympics , visit www.sonc.org. See Upcoming Events on page 3 for Clayton’s annual Tip-a-Cop event on June 27 in support of Special Olympics.

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THE CLAYTON VALLEY LITTLE LEAGUE RACERS. From bottom left are Sophia Enders, Nicole Lyons, Hannah Zodikoff, Madison Downs, Sarah Ralston, Kelly Livingston, Cami Cohen, Brianna Simeone, Tessa Hoffmeister, Emily Lyons, and Jessica Hevener. Coached by Tony Simeone, Brian Cohen, and John Lyons. ROB HELENA Clayton Pioneer

The Clayton Valley Little League Racers started the season with three major objectives: Play as a team, learn softball fundamentals and have fun. The team certainly met those objectives as they played dominating ball throughout the CVLL Minors softball season while streaking to the league title and a Tournament of Champions invitation by posting a 16-0 record. In the CVLL Minors, there is no championship game to decide which team goes to the TOC. The Racers’ road to the undefeated record included two big victories over second place Thunder. “We were also lucky,” says the modest Racers’ skipper, Brian Cohen. When a team dominates a league in this fashion, talent, team cohesiveness and strong parent support are common characteristics. In terms of talent, the Racers obviously had their share. “Nicole Lyons was our

best player,” Cohen notes. “Oftentimes in the games, Nicole would face nine batters and strike out all nine batters.” The ability for a team to throw strikes is always the key to success in softball. “Both Nicole Lyons and Cami Cohen threw strikes,” Cohen adds. Clayton resident Madison Downs was one of the Racers’ major offensive threats. “Madison had multiple hits in multiple games,” says the coach, who credits the whole team for doing the little things right. For example, the team focused on making sure the ball goes back to the pitcher after the play. Being able to do this is crucial at this age level to eliminate the big run inning. Another example is running full speed whenever the ball was hit and running past the first base bag. “Those are the little things that can make a big difference at this age group,” says Cohen. This year, the older girls on the team taught the

MDUSD, from page 7 presentation. Torbett added that some willing donors were waiting for board confirmation that the money would not be used for textbook adoptions and would be applied directly to restore services and staff lost. “I think we have done a good job of hearing our public comments, responding to emails and phone calls,” Eberhart said. “We’re really making sure that people know we are listening. It has been hard, maybe the hardest time that I have ever had as a board member.” THE CUTS KEEP COMING In the end, eliminating positions at the Learning Centers, five program specialists, one of the superintendent’s council members, one superintendent administrative assistant, transferring money from the State Deferred Maintenance Fund, eliminating the senior general maintenance worker and the director of purchasing seemed to bring total reductions closer

to what was needed. Eleven buses catering to the Home and Hospital service were considered for elimination, with an active debate

“We’re really making sure that people know we are listening. It has been hard, maybe the hardest time that I have ever had as a board member.” Gary Eberhart, MDUSD Board President

within the board. “The Home to School program does not pay for itself,” interim superintendent Dick Nicholl said. A motion was passed to increase the ridership fee over the next school year with a review of the ridership to monitor any added declines, rather than eliminating the

younger girls traditional cheers – establishing a sense of camaraderie. Clayton residents Sarah Ralston and Sophia Enders played leadership roles on the team. Whether it was singing traditional softball cheers (“Pump, pump, pump it up”) or cheering on each other, the Racers stuck together. On one occasion, a multi-sport player skipped a swim meet so the Racers would not have to forfeit. Cohen believes that good teams start with strong parent support. “To make a volunteer softball league work, you have to have parents step up,” says the coach, who always had three to four parents help out during practices and volunteers organize team activities and responsibilities. This great run by the Racers didn’t end there. “Not only did we want to play well, our goal was to have the girls want to play again next year” says Cohen. The coach proudly states: “The girls want to play next year.”

program. While the district will receive $4.2 million one-time money as part of the state Fiscal Stabilization Fund over the next two years, trustee Dick Allen cautioned about including it. Because of the board’s “lack of faith” in the state budget process, he suggested holding onto the fund as a “rainy day” amount. The recently formed Unified Mt. Diablo Athletic Foundation was given approval for their plan to make up the $721,000 in high school athletics cuts through fundraising and about $600,000 to be raised through a $300 athletic donation per sport, up to a family cap of $600, not including the cost of transportation. With an added $200,000 to be raised by the foundation’s fundraising, athletics would be resumed in the fall. “Be inclusive, not exclusive,” Torbett told the audience, suggesting that it was time for all stakeholders in the district to have a hand in restoring education services. From the applause, the audience was in full agreement.

June 26, 2009

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 13

Great literature takes rat on adventure of a lifetime Don’t let the “cutesy” cover of “Firmin” fool you. Sam Savage’s first novel is just about everything a serious reader, or a reader with a serious sense of humor, could want. Early on, Firmin tells us, “This is the saddest story I have ever heard. It begins, like all true stories, who knows where.” Fernando Krahn’s almost realistic black and white illustrations add to the whimsical intensity. Firmin is a rat, a runt of a rat, and the 13th of a litter born in the basement of Pembroke Books, a used bookstore in Boston. Mama rat has only 12 teats and when Firmin cannot latch onto a mommy tap, he finds nourishment by ingesting pages torn from nearby

books. It comes as no surprise that Firmin, nurtured and nestled as he was on the shredded texts of Melville and Cervantes, is a most intriguing creature.

When the time comes for mama and his siblings to leave the nest, Firmin does not abandon his birthplace. He is consumed by what he has consumed and his life is lived in an imaginative world, quite outside the realm of rathood. He is in search of his destiny and from all he has learned from the books eaten and read (yes, he reads, could we expect less from a creature who lives in a bookstore), he fears that true destiny is something never to be attained by a lowly rat, gifted or otherwise. Make no mistake, this is not an allegory to be shared with youngsters – at least not until they reach puberty or an age when philosophical discussion

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can be accepted as occasionally enlightening, sometimes depressing and often darkly humorous. Firmin’s lessons come from the stories he reads and loves: “I love the progression of beginning, middle, and end. I love the slow accumulation of meaning.” Savage has peopled Firmin’s story with Kafka, Ford Madox Ford, Stevenson, Joyce, Dickens, Hoagy Carmichael,

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Municipal bonds may be taxsmart choice for investors MURELEEN BENTON FINANCIAL SENSE With speculation growing that tax rates may be heading higher to compensate for increased government spending, investors are looking for ways to cut taxes. Municipal bonds – debt securities issued by cities, counties, school districts, state governments and other public entities – have become increasingly attractive in recent months, not just due to the tax climate but also because of their relative value. These bonds began to be priced at levels that made them quite attractive compared to other fixed-income options like treasury bonds or certificates of deposit. The primary attraction of municipal bonds is the tax benefit, because income taxes are generally not levied on interest generated by the securities though capital gain taxes that may apply on their sale. That is why you often hear them referred to as taxexempt bonds. For individuals and couples in higher tax brackets, comparisons to other types of fixed income investments on an after-tax basis can look quite attractive. In the current market environment, the after-tax advantage with municipal bonds has the potential to be significant, depending on the type of security. NOT ALL MUNICIPAL BONDS ARE ALIKE

When discussing tax-exempt

securities, it is important to point out that there are different bond categories that make up this segment of the market. Among the options: General Obligation Bonds. The principal as well as the income generated by general obligation bonds are backed by the ability of the bond issuer (a school district, for example) to levy taxes in order to pay bondholders. That taxing authority makes these types of bonds a fairly reliable option in most situations. Revenue Bonds. These are backed by revenue generated by the specific public project or enterprise. A city’s water system that charges fees to users would be an example of a project underwritten by revenue bonds. Pre-refunded Bonds. These are bonds that aren’t just backed by the issuing entity, but also by U.S. treasury securities. They tend to have the least amount of risk associated with them in relation to other types of municipal bonds. Investors can also choose to buy individual bonds. It is important to keep in mind that when you purchase individual debt securities, you have to try to determine the risk of the issuer defaulting on principal and interest payments. Another option is to purchase a mutual fund that invests in a diversified portfolio of municipal bonds. These funds

pay exempt-interest dividends but may also pay taxable capital gains. By doing so, the risk is spread out over a wide range of individual securities. MAKING THE RIGHT COMPARISONS

Income generated by municipal bonds is not generally taxable at the federal level. If purchasing a bond from an issuer in your own state, the income will also generally be free of state tax requirements. Income from certain private activity bonds may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax, although bonds issued in 2009 and 2010 may be exempt from this. Because of this, the interest rate on municipal bonds is typically lower than yields on taxable bonds of a comparable nature. To make the comparison, you want to determine the tax-equivalent yield of a municipal bond or bond fund that you may be purchasing. For example, if you are in the 28 percent federal tax bracket, a taxable bond paying 5.2 percent would yield, on an after-tax basis, 3.75 percent. A comparable taxexempt bond that pays a yield of more than 3.75 percent would generate a more favorable return for the investor than the taxable bond. Of course, when comparing options, after-tax yield should be only one consideration in judging the appropriateness of a bond (or bond fund). The higher the individual’s tax bracket, the more valuable the tax-exempt feature of municipal

bonds. When taxes are taken into account, one that generates a 3.75 percent yield would be paying the equivalent to a taxable bond at these different tax rates: 25 percent – 5 percent 28 percent – 5.2 percent 33 percent – 5.6 percent 35 percent – 5.77 percent As this demonstrates, a person in the 28 percent tax bracket would be better off investing in the municipal bond with a tax-free yield of 3.75 percent if bonds in the taxable market did not pay at least 5.2 percent on a pre-tax basis. Yields on U.S. treasury securities have been at historically low levels, meaning that certain comparable municipal bonds and municipal bond funds may offer a significant, after-tax yield advantage and many are choosing that option. Individuals who are retired and living on a combination of income generated from savings and Social Security sometimes consider the benefits of taxexempt income from municipal bonds. However, tax-exempt interest is included in the calculation for the taxation of Social Security benefits. Seniors should keep this in mind before investing in tax-exempt bonds. It is yet another way that municipal bonds provide a means of managing taxes in your investment portfolio.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

June 26, 2009

Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. JUNE 29 FOR THE JULY 10 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT

In Clayton June 27 Diablo Bowmen Archery Club Open House Gate opens at 7:30 a.m., with lessons and tours 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Lessons are $6, which includes lunch. The private range is off Morgan Territory Road. For directions, call Diane at 916-685-4640 or www.diablobowmen-ca.org. June 27; July 11, 25 Concerts in the Grove June 27: Sun Kings, Beatles cover band. July 11: Mixed Nuts, ’50s music to present-day. July 25: Becca, country music. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket. Free. 6-8 p.m. The Grove Park in downtown Clayton. July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Classic Cars and Rock & Roll Classic cars on display, plus a DJ. 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays. Main and Diablo streets, downtown Clayton. July 4 Clayton Parade Volunteers 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. Pancake Breakfast Hosted by the Clayton Valley/Concord Sunrise Rotary Club. 7-10 a.m. $5 adults, $3 12 and under. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St. Clayton Parade 10 a.m., Main Street. Plus Kiddie Parade and Kiddieland. 6737300. Through October Clayton Farmers Market 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Diablo Street in downtown Clayton. No market on July 4. www.pcfma.com or 800-949-3276.

Close by 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 27 “Prisoner of Second Avenue” Diablo Actors’ Ensemble presents the Neil Simon comedy. 1345 Locust St., Walnut Creek. $10-$25. 482-5110 or www.diabloactors.com. Through June 28 “Hello, Dolly!” Diablo Theatre Company presents the classic musical. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. 943-7469 or www.dloc.org. July 2 “Alice in Wonderland” Civic Arts Education’s Summer Theater Camp. 5 and 7 p.m., Shadelands Auditorium, 111 N. Wiget Lane. Walnut Creek. $10$12. 943-5846 or www.youththeatrecompany.org.

July 11-19 “Turandot” The largest and most lavish show in Festival Opera’s 18-year history. Hofmann Theatre, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $39$100. 943-SHOW or www.lesherartscenter.org. July 17-18 “Annie Jr.” Part of the Willows Theatre’s SummerStage youth program. 1975 Diamond Blvd., Concord. $5. 798-1300 or www.willowstheatre.org. July 28-Aug. 2 “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” Part of the Willows Theatre’s SummerStage youth program. 1975 Diamond Blvd., Concord. $10-$15. 798-1300 or www.willowstheatre.org.

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.

AT THE LIBRARY The Clayton Community Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Most programs are free. 673-0659 or www.claytonlibrary.org. Through Aug. 13, Picture Book Time Story time for 3-5 year olds; child may attend without caregiver. Drop-in 11 a.m. Thursdays. Through Aug. 18, Patty Cakes Story time for babies to 3 year olds; child attends with caregiver. Drop-in at 11 a.m. Tuesdays. 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. July 8, Poetry Slam For middle and high school students. 4-5 p.m. July 15, Krafty Crafting For middle and high school students. 4-5 p.m.

Clayton Community Recreation Soccer Camp: 1-4 p.m. July 6-10, for those entering first-eighth grade. Learn foot skills, technical drills and interactive games from British Soccer. $165. 889-1600. Wizard Camp: 1-4 p.m. July 13-17, for those entering third-eighth grade. Working with Mad Science, campers learn about chemistry in fun experiments. $195. 8891600. Basketball Camp: 9 a.m.-noon Aug. 10-14, for those entering first-sixth grade. With Showtime Basketball, campers will learn about the sport, teamwork and improve their skills. $165. 889-1600. The Showtime Basketball team will practice at 7:30 p.m. most Mondays at the Clayton Community Gym, and residents can watch for free.

Summer Day Camp: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with extended care available. Fun activities, crafts, sports and weekly fieldtrips. $115/week for Clayton residents; $125/week for non-residents. Call Jennifer at 692-2364.

NATURE 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 18 Mount Olympia Summit/Bruce Lee Spring Trail Loop Meet at 9 a.m. at the end of Regency Drive, Clayton. Experienced hikers only. About 9 miles, with a 2,500 foot elevation gain. Contact Helene at 415-974-2209 or crowh_8558@yahoo.com.

MEETINGS June 30; July 7, 21 Clayton City Council 7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 673-7304 or www.ci.clayton.ca.us. July 14, 28 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. July 8: Bob Eagle from the Contra Costa Water District will talk about irrigation systems. Call Dorothy at 672-2526 or www.claytonvalleygardenclub.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. 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. 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. 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.

July 22 More Crafting For middle and high school students. 4-5 p.m.

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.

July 22 “Understanding Life Insurance” Licensed insurance agent Betty Lou Moglen will discuss life insurance coverage, plus a Q&A. 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 29 Writers’ Workshop Writing tips from published authors Sarah Wilson and Elizabeth Koehler-Pentacoff. For middle and high school students. 3-5 p.m. Registration required.

July 10-Aug. 2 “Love Letters” A.R. Gurney’s Pulitzer Prize-nominated play about a 50-year love affair. Willows Cabaret at the Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St., Martinez. $30. 798-1300 or www.willowstheatre.org.

Through Aug. 17 Summer Reading Program For kids age 2 to 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.

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.

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. 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 26, 2009

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 15

Theatre

Diablo Theatre Company’s ‘Dolly’ is a true winner–but hurry, only one weekend left LOU FANCHER Clayton Pioneer

You’ll need a thesaurus to find enough ways to say “fantastic” when describing Diablo Theatre Company’s “Hello, Dolly!” And if you haven’t seen it, make a beeline to Walnut

ordered pairs. Dolly sets her sights on the wealthy Horace Vandergelder, a half-a-millionaire hay and feed store owner. Her pursuit is relentless; obstacles are gracefully charmed away or pulverized by a stream of hilarious business cards she pulls from her small,

Photo courtesy of Diablo Theatre Company

TERRY DARCY D’EMIDIO AS DOLLY GALLAGHER LEVI and Curt Denham as Horace Vandergelder in “Hello, Dolly!”

Creek for one of the best performances of the year. The well-known Jerry Herman musical stars Dolly Levi, a matchmaker intent on arranging everyone she meets, including herself, into well-

but seemingly bottomless, purse. Dance teacher, job counselor, lawyer, varicose vein remover – Dolly is a jackof-all-trades when it comes to love and matchmaking. Terry Darcy D’Emidio

Rotating cast takes on ‘Love Letters’ GARY CARR Special to the Pioneer

Ten actors, 24 performances, five sets of personalities and creative interpretations. It’s all in the Willows Theatre Company’s two-character play, “Love Letters,” opening July 10 in Martinez. A.R. Gurney’s Pulitzer Prize-nominated play centers on Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd III. They read the letters they have exchanged over nearly 50 years, discussing the victories and defeats that have passed between them throughout their separated lives. Pairs of players in the Willows’ production are Patricia Silver and Chris Ayles, Cynthia Rogers Baggott and Matthew Purdon, Barbara Grant and Stu Klitsner, Cindy Goldfield and Val Hendrickson, and Lois

ced Redu 0 e c i r P ,00 ,200 3 $ to

Grandi and Pat Craig. “Four of these pairs have played opposite each other before as couples, so it’s a natural to pair them up again,” explains director Rich Elliott. “The other two (Grandi and Craig) have been stalwarts in the East Bay theater community for years.” Grandi is the founder of Playhouse West, while Craig is the theater critic for the Contra Costa Times. Melissa is rich, spoiled and divorced. Andy is square, a Naval officer, lawyer and U.S. senator. But as the play unfolds, we learn that opposites do attract – and that such attraction can last a lifetime. “Love Letters” runs July 10Aug. 2 at the Willows Cabaret at the Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St., Martinez. Call 798-1300 or visit www.willowstheatre.org.

plays the title role with enough flair and vivacity to use up all those luscious adjectives you just found in your thesaurus. Wiping away any recall veteran theatergoers may have of previous Dollys, D’Emidio glows with every song and sweeps across the stage with verve. She has impeccable timing, fabulous clothes and an intelligence actors gain only with experience. The cast is first-rate, too. Curt Denham, playing Vandergelder, shows his versatility. He’s alternately gritty as sandpaper and smooth as cream opposite D’Emidio. Will Giammona, as head clerk Cornelius Hackl, has the broad, gorgeous voice we all dream of when we sing in the shower. The milliner his character falls for, Irene Malloy, played by the stunning Rena Wilson, offers a performance of “Ribbons Down My Back” that makes one wish for an early encore. Andrew WillisWooward as Barnaby Tucker and Meghan Ihle as Minnie Fay capture the physical humor of their roles with noteworthy flair. The theme song, “Hello, Dolly,” is so familiar it could take the spotlight, but it doesn’t. Instead, D’Emidio’s honey-rich rendition of “I Put My Hand

In” and the second act opener “Elegance” lift the show to great musical theater. Marianna Ford’s costumes are intuitive: men in outrageous plaids, three women in the perfect shade of blue to make your eyes flow with the choreography, a collection of hats to beat all hats and Dolly, resplendent in green, navy, gold – with each dress both glamorous and natural. With mobile, handsome sets by Mark Mendelson and a clear, polished performance by music director Cheryl Yee Glass and her 16 member live orchestra (a rarity these days), the show is a visual and auditory delight. The playful choreography by Lawrence Pech, ranging from simple do-si-dos to impressive attempts, often in good humor, at formidable balletic tricks, brings cheers from the audience. Director Dennis Lickteig and his staff deserve credit for bringing a remarkable production to the stage. “Dolly” runs through Sunday and I urge you to get a ticket. To borrow one of Dolly’s best lines: “It’s no use arguing; I’ve made up your mind.” “Hello, Dolly!” plays through June 28, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Call 943-7469 or visit www.dloc.org.

Books, from page 13 Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Had it been longer than 164 pages, it would have had a cast of thousands. We are a far cry from Disney and Stuart Little. The setting is richly Boston. If you can recall Scollay Square just before its demolition or Boston’s other venerable haunts, you will feel right at home when Firmin ventures out from the bookstore into the mean streets of reality. The old Rialto Theater, where movies run 24 hours a day, is a safe but seedy respite for Firmin. He often stays until after midnight when those films featuring his “lovelies” run: “The pull of these tremendous and fascinating creatures was so strong that I found myself sacrificing hours and even days at the bookstore just to behold them.” Savage proffers that the natural limitations of a rat’s existence, just like our own, can be met with courage when we chose a lively coexistence inside the storied world of art, in all its

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venues. The author has wisely allowed Firmin to remain a rat. He cannot speak, sing, sign in lieu of speech or recite poetry. He cannot laugh or cry beyond a range of squeaks. His tap dancing is laughable and his piano playing admirable, given that the miniature piano’s state of repair is sadly lacking. His one act of depravity is never repeated, so that carnal knowledge is reduced to longing and fantasy. But Firmin’s mind, small though a rat’s mind may be, has been touched by greatness. Savage is on to something – the little rat does have a destiny. By the end of the tale, we may come to the conclusion that Firmin’s destiny is, in fact, our own. Sunny Solomon holds a Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing from San Francisco State University. She is a poet and published author. Email her with questions or comments at memorie3@yahoo.com

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

June 26, 2009

Bookstore owner publishes Concord history ANDRÉ GENSBURGER Clayton Pioneer

Clayton Books owner Joel Harris has just published a book on Concord, part of the Arcadia Publishing Images of America series. “People kept coming in and asking for one on Concord,” Harris said, “and were not happy that there wasn’t one.” With cooperation from the Concord Historical Society, which allowed Harris access to more than 300 photographs, Harris undertook the task of identifying each before researching their importance. In all, 216 photos made it into the book. Leah Pels, a Concord photographer, scanned all the images and corrected flaws. “She even removed creases and tears,” Harris noted. The book details in near chronological fashion the rise of Concord from its roots as a Mexican land grant given to Don Salvio Pacheco in 1834

Bob Dodson reads the Pioneer I’m very impressed with your newspaper. It’s not bulky, and it “packs a mean punch’’ . . it’s filled with lots of great articles and information that is relevant to the Clayton/Concord community. I enjoy reading your paper. Thanks a bunch! Bob Dodson Principal, Mt. Diablo Elementary School

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and the transformation by the American settlers during the Gold Rush in the 1840s and 1850s. “There are a lot of familiar names people will recognize – from streets to local landmarks like the smoke stack,” Harris said. “There are interesting facets that people may not know,” he added. “There was such an issue with renaming the town (from Todos Santos) to Concord, against the wishes of the Pacheco family, that it was even suggested that it be called Drunk Indian after a local native American who was always loitering intoxicated and became a fixture.” Harris detailed opposing advertisements in the same issue of the local paper, one announcing the new name and the other rebutting it. “It’s fun and exciting,” he said, launching into a story about one of Concord’s more fascinating characters. “There was a teacher names Charles Bowles who taught for three or four years. What no one knew was that he also went out as Black Bart and robbed the Wells Fargo stagecoaches 28 times over an eight-year period. He would also leave behind poetry verses. Wells Fargo offered him a lifetime pension if he would

leave the country and he did. Concord lost a good teacher.” Adding the stories into the body of the book proved to be a challenge for Harris. Although

André Gensburger/Clayton Pioneer

AFTER YEARS OF HOSTING AUTHORS at his store, Joel Harris gets to revel in the limelight with the release of his book on Concord history.

Arcadia books follow a formula structure, he wanted to inject as many of the stories as he could along with the imagery. “The rest I will share at book talks,” he said. “An interesting side

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were. It was the start of the Gold Rush.” Harris and his wife Christy are big supporter of authors, both established and local, and hold many events at the book-

store in Clayton Station. “When we bought the store in 2007, we started holding events and signings,” Harris said. “Our size and sales have doubled since then and our events schedule has also increased.” There are times when the store holds daily events, not to mention the various book clubs that patronize the store including the Homeschool Book Club and the American Girls Club. The most recent addition was the Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Club, which generated a lot of interest from the community. Harris’ family has been in the area for 30 years, and Christy is a Concord High School graduate. Harris feels “quite a sense of accomplishment” about the book. Despite the many hours he spent researching the imagery, he is concerned about inaccuracies and hopes that the public will let him know if they have additional information. The book will be released June 1 and a book reading and signing is scheduled at the store at 3 p.m. June 28. “It’s nice to offer something that is in demand and I’m happy that our store was instrumental in getting it published,” Harris said. For more information, visit www.claytonbookshop.com.

Club News CLAYTON VALLEY WOMAN’S CLUB More than 165 guests attended fourth annual Festival of Tables and Fashion in April. The event was combined with a fashion show from Macy’s. A silent auction and beautiful gift baskets added to the fundraiser’s proceeds. May’s Donations Luncheon is when the club gives money to many community organizations. For 2009, the club’s philanthropies include the Clayton Library Foundation, the Clayton and Concord historical societies, the Contra Costa/Solano Food Bank, Shelter Inc. and Holy Cross Lutheran Church. In addition, each year the club gives four scholarships to graduates of Clayton Valley High School. With club president Joyce Atkinson’s theme of “CVWC – It’s a Volunteer Thing,” members volunteer for service projects such as KAREN HANSEN-SMITH, left, of the Prevent Blindness, Blue Clayton Library receives a donation Moms, Read from the Clayton Valley Woman’s Club. Star With her are club president Joyce Across America, Atkinson, center, and Jeanne Boyd, Pennies for Pines, right. Heifer International, Toys for Tots and cell phone collections for STAND, victims of domestic violence. In 2008, the club donated 6,488 hours and $33,027. This month, the club celebrates its 36th anniversary. The group meets at 10 a.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord. No meetings in July and August. Guests are welcome to attend meetings and social events. SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF DIABLO VISTA The club presented a $10,000 check to Shelter Inc. on June 11. The check will go toward the Reach Plus Transitional Housing for Homeless Families and Individuals. This program targets victims of domestic violence, people with disabilities and chronic substance

UTOPIC GARDENS

note is that the founder of Concord, Salvio Pacheco, was a soldier in the Mexican Army in Monterey in 1848 and was asked where the local assay offices

abusers. This spring, Soroptimist members held a bathroom shower for the Shelter Inc. Transitional Housing program at Mountain View and donated $700 worth of items for the bathrooms of the units. In addition, the club supports the Monument Crisis Center, the Women’s Opportunity Award program and other community projects. Members gave more than $46,000 in donations and scholarships to local and international projects in 2008 and 2009. Soroptimist is an international organization of business and professional women. For additional information, call Gloria Utley at 890-8255. DIABLO BOWMEN ARCHERY CLUB If you’re interested in learning more about the sport of archery, the club is hosting an open house 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at the private range off Morgan Territory Road. The gate opens at 7:30 a.m., and lessons begin at 9. Lessons are $6, which will include a corn dog lunch. The club is a privately owned, non-profit with 52 acres on Mt. Diablo and has been in existence for more than 50 years. For more information or directions, call Diane Montanez at 916-685-4640 or visit www.diablobowmen-ca.org.

THE DIABLO BOWMEN ARCHERY CLUB will offer lessons at an open house on Saturday.

Church News CLAYTON VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH The last in a series of monthly readings takes place at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 8. Everyone is invited to the free event. “Actors Reading Writers: A Celestial Omnibus” is dedicated to short stories that concentrate on faith traditions. These stories help us consider the many avenues in our day-to-day journey toward understanding and embracing the challenges of faith in today’s world. The July 8 stories are “Good Country People” by Flannery O’Connor and “The Expert on God” by John L’Heureux. The church is at 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. For more information, call 672-4848. THE BAHA’IS OF CLAYTON All are invited to a talk and power point presentation with an evening of fellowship on Friday, July 10. The subject of the talk is “Spiritual Solutions to Economic Problems: Economic Recovery through Baha’i Teachings.” This talk will show the enormous wealth of Baha’i teachings related to economics and how Baha’is around the globe are developing spiritual civilization and tangible benefits for material civilization

that promote sustainable economic recovery. The speaker is Peter Nelson, who was raised a Christian but was eager to learn about other faiths. He later embraced the Baha’i faith. The program starts at 7:30 p.m. with a period of interfaith devotions, followed by Nelson’s presentation, at the Toloui home in Clayton. For more information and directions, call 672-6686. HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH The church is having Vacation Bible School, 9 a.m.-noon July 2024. The church is at 1092 Alberta Way, Concord. For more information or to register, call 686-2000 or e-mail info@holycrossconcord.org. CROSSROADS COVENANT CHURCH The church hosts its annual Day Camp July 27-31. The theme this year is Crocodile Dock. Kids age 3 through sixth grade are welcome for games, Bible stories, music and crafts. The church is at 5353 Concord Blvd., Concord. For more information, call 798-5905.

June 26, 2009

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 17

Junior high dances aren’t any easier now that I’m a dad

JOE ROMANO

SO ANYWAY So, the girl and I attended a father/daughter dance awhile back. To put this into mathematical terms: 13 years old + hanging with your parents ÷ square root of idiot dad = fate

worse than death. Mathematical probabilities aside, the girl was a great sport. Though she denies it, I think she agreed to go to the dance more for me than for her. The unfortunate thing was that not many girls her age were there, and I fear it may have been our last father/daughter dance until her wedding day. Next year, she’ll be in eighth grade. I’m hoping her classmates will realize that it will be their last chance to attend one of these dances and will all decide to get into the spirit of it. But knowing how teens feel about spending time with their parents, I’m certainly not count-

ing on it. So I hugged her as much as she’d let me and danced as dignified as possible. The girl’s one and only condition was that I promise not to embarrass her. So I did my best to be true to my word, though I did manage to do a little stealth boogying. Speaking of dances, I recently agreed to chaperone the eighth-grade dance. Upon arriving at the school, I discovered all the other chaperones were nicely dressed in slacks, buttondown shirts, dress shoes. Me? Cargo shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. Guess I missed the memo. In order to hide my shame and my outfit, I spent the first

hour or so in the kitchen, doling out soda and water to thirsty pubescents, but I soon grew bored and left the safety of my countertop – venturing out amongst the thronging horde of screaming, bouncing hormones. I was frightened. I watched these poor young men (some of them a good 12 inches taller than me by the way) skulking around the hall, looking uncomfortable in their shirts and ties, feeling self-conscious and awkward because they’re 13 – at a dance – with girls. I noticed one young lad make what had to have been his 10th pass around the room. I wanted to take him aside, throw

Halfway there and lots more to go Next month I mark an awe- with an armistice. inspiring moment in my life, I sat on my living room floor more poignant than turning 21 each week in 1966 eating a bowl and downing that first legal of Bird’s Eye Custard pudding beer, or five. This moment is as I watched a young William greater than 31, when I knew Shatner and Leonard Nimoy that my first born take my imaginawas on his way. tion to places it This marker is still goes with greater than the lie “Star Trek,” a litthey tell you about tle show propushing 40; there duced by Lucille is no pushing Ball’s company involved – the ball DesiLu. rolls downhill on I witnessed its own. the Concorde’s Next month I first flight in stand witness to ANDRÉ GENSBURGER 1969 and the half a century of Boeing 747 DEAL WITH IT first life. It sounds so take flight in heavy and so 1970. I was in antique all at the same time. Yet awe of the latter – how somethe face I shave each day, whose thing so large and bulky could older eyes still hold a sparkle of appear so graceful in the sky. naughtiness, sees it as just I watched Richard Nixon’s another day. Secretary of State Henry Be that as it may, I cannot Kissinger work magic in China deny the inventions that have in 1971 as he paved the way for peppered my life. I was born the historic 1972 summit before Walt Disney’s between our two countries. “Wonderful World of Color” In the early 1970s, the comsplashed our tube television sets pact cassette tape edged out the in September 1961, seven years eight-track – which had formerafter the Korean War ended ly edged out the reel-to-reel

tapes of my father’s generation, opening up music in a truly portable fashion long before the iPod or Mp3 player. Back then, a kid had to be skilled in tape splicing, repairing the thin tape after it snapped or got tangled and “eaten” by the machine that played it. I was born after the Beatles became famous and watched as they disbanded in 1970. And sadly, like so many Americans, I bore witness to the end of that era with the murder of John Lennon in 1980. The first moon landing on July 20, 1969, took the age of the Apollo rockets into my life with the large-sized models that I painstakingly glued together. In February 1977, the space shuttles took over – bringing space closer to a science fiction reader’s dream of a casual occurrence. At least until the disaster of the Challenger in 1986. The Vietnam War from 1959 until 1975 was always present in the news of my youth. While on a night flight to meet my father in Thailand for a visit in 1972, lightning flashes far below

caught my attention. As a stewardess (pre-flight attendant days) passed by, she asked what I was watching. When I told her, she patted my head. “That’s not lightning,” she said. “That’s Vietnam.” Although my half-century may have passed quickly, I recognize that it has held a richness of living history that may make me better appreciate the second half of this two act play. Even now changes in the world are occurring at breakneck speed, often seemingly random in nature until some time has passed and events can be looked upon with a degree of hindsight. Or perhaps I can slow the passage of time by changing the framework I use to measure these changes, refraining from years and measuring by centuries instead. By that reckoning, I will be 0.5 centuries next month, a young age, and I can deal with that.

André Gensburger is a staff reporter and feature writer for the Pioneer. His email address is andre@claytonpioneer.com

a brotherly arm around his shoulder and assure him that it does get better. It may take a few years, but it will happen. The kids were under strict orders to leave a good 12 feet of space between them. The boy’s hands do not move from the girl’s hips; girl’s hands do not move from boy’s shoulders. They were so darn cute, dancing in their awkward, robotic way. We were instructed that once the dance begins, no one is to go in or out, so I hung around the doors. Then I was put on “dark corner” duty, which is basically what it sounds like – making sure no one disappeared into the Chasms of Immortality. All in all, it was quite different from what I remember of my junior high dances – which is nothing because being a huge wimp with the ladies, I never

attended dances. Nevertheless, I do recall a marching band dance (Yes, I realize that I’m not making myself sound any cooler) where kids would slow dance so close that they could have held loose change between their bodies. As a seventh-grader I was afraid, but Tina was persistent, and some eighth-grade big mouth informed me: “We do not have chickens in the Pine Hollow Mustang Marching Band.” So, I was whisked onto the dance floor. Did I mention that I’m so not ready for my daughter to be in eighth grade next year? Clayton resident, Joe Romano, is a family man, a free-lance writer for hire and the Pioneer’s “all around funny guy.” E-mail him at jromano01@yahoo.com

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Movie Review

‘Salvation’ finds compassion in between explosions won any Oscars, it did attract a loyal fan base with some cool catch phrases and fast-paced action and spawned the blockbuster sequel, “T2: Judgment Day,” a third sequel, and a television series. It also helped springboard the careers of writer-director James Cameron (Titanic) and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who may well still be doing B grade work if that movie had bombed. In “Salvation,” I expected to be overwhelmed with CGI animation that has come to dominate action films. The original “Terminator” came out before this technology was perfected

John Connor (Christian Bale) finally meets his father (Anton Yelchin) in the fourth sequel to “The Terminator.”

essentially one long chase scene as a killer cyborg hunted down Kyle Reese, the hero from the future, and Sarah Connor, a young waitress from LA. The plot was simple and the special effects were minimal by today’s standards. While “Terminator” never

and T2 was one of the first major uses of computer animation mixed with live actors. I believed that “Salvation” would be more machine than human, perhaps unintentionally echoing the theme of the series that computers will take over. Indeed, there were enough

DON PEDRO CRUZ

THE

MOVIES

explosions and superhuman stunts to hold the limited attention of any jaded young male video gamer, the target audience. I overheard of couple of twentysomethings agree: “That was sick,” which means good. But I didn’t expect the movie would also have compassion beneath the computer generated high-tech exterior. Bale’s John Connor is perhaps the least interesting character but he does have some interesting moral struggles as one who must lead but is unsure of where he’s going. Anton Yelchin (Chekov in the new “Star Trek” film) is the teen-age Kyle Reese, who will eventually travel back in time as the first movie’s hero. Yelchin portrays a combination of wide-eyed panic and gutsy survival instincts that make you believe he could very well grow up to be the time-traveling soldier who utters the now famous quote: “Come with me if you want to live.”

Other characters, such as the headstrong rebel Blair (Moon Youngblood) and the mysterious Marcus (Sam Worthington), a tough convict from the past, also manage to make us care about their individual struggles outside of the overall “save the world” plot. Their tough choices help push the main story while offering them as more than a backdrop for the largerthan-life John Connor. The franchise has grown up since 1984, but this sequel doesn’t forget its roots. Director McG’s color scheme grabs mostly stark grays and only stabs of red and orange as reflections of the pockets of humanity that hide out in the gray wasteland of a world destroyed by war. The conflict, however, is definitely not black and white and offers a struggle on both sides to live by a code of morals and not just follow orders. Be prepared for some jumpin-your-seat surprises, and, as expected, lots of over-the-top chase sequences, with a final fight scene that is, without doubt, “sick.” Terminator: Salvation is rated PG-13 for violence and language.

Don Pedro Cruz has worked for various magazines and newspapers for the last 20 years. Send comments to dpvc2000@yahoo.com

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“Terminator: Salvation” is the fourth movie in the series and the first to come to screen with none of the original cast. It takes us deep into the “war with the machines” that has been foretold since the first movie. The central figure is John Connor (Christian Bale) in the foretold role of humanity’s savior against intelligent computers. I was 21 in 1984 when my best friend Dan dragged me to see “The Terminator,” which sounded like a cheesy suspense film. I was less than enthusiastic; after all, the star was that bodybuilder from “Conan the Barbarian.” The movie was

Page 18

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

June 26, 2009

What is the true cost of closing Mt. Diablo State Park?

ROBBIE PARKER DVMS REPORTER

Mt. Diablo is one of the most unique landmarks in the Bay Area. With its expansive 200-mile view from the summit, 100 species of animals and 650 species of flowering plants, the mountain is visited by more than one million people a year. For the residents of Clayton, Mt. Diablo is a slice of paradise that sits right in their backyard. However, California’s economic disaster has taken its toll again, and its next target is

Mayor, from page 1 successful lawsuit filed by the California Redevelopment Association against the state over the September 2008 budget proposal to take $350 million from redevelopment agencies. In addition to the language, the committee also approved a proposal to take an additional $350 million from redevelopment agencies for both FY ’09-’10 and FY ’10’11, for a three-year total of $1.050 billion. This proposal will also likely trigger additional litigation.” For Clayton, this additional take-away would equal a threeyear total of $1.2 million and more than halve our economic development program funds, severely impacting our ability to do capital improvement and infrastructure projects for our community for several years. Their proposed multi-year theft of our $186,000 in local gas tax and Prop. 42 road funds means we may have to postpone our neighborhood street repaving projects for years. We will get our annual $190,000 from Measure J (Contra Costa’s half-cent sales tax for transportation) since

the state can’t touch that local tax, but it will take a few years to fund a reasonable project. The federal stimulus funds that escaped the state’s nab can’t be used in neighborhoods, so we will repave Clayton Road from El Camino to Mitchell Canyon and Oakhurst Drive from Eagle Peak west to the city limits. You’ll see that project start mid-summer. MEETING JULY 1 DEADLINE Until the state passes its budget, we won’t know the full extent of its impact on your local revenues. We’ve built in safeguards, but we expect more raids as we go through the year so won’t start any projects until we actually have our money in hand. We’ll revisit our budget when the state finally acts and reassess our current decisions. By law, all city budgets must be balanced and adopted by July 1 each year. Unlike the state of California, Clayton’s budget will comply with that requirement. The City Council received the draft city budget at the June 16 meeting and we

this beautiful state park. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is proposing to cut $143 million through the elimination of 80 percent of our state parks in order to balance the budget. When asked about the possible implications of closing Mt. Diablo State Park, Ron Brown, executive director of Save Mount Diablo, explained that “it is virtually impossible to close Mt. Diablo.” Although gates could be locked and

campgrounds closed, individuals still could access the park. This can create issues such as vandalism and fire danger and allow the park to fall into disrepair. Brown questions whether the governor’s plan is costeffective. “For every dollar saved, $2.35 is actually lost,” he said, explaining that cities surrounding state parks create revenue for the state through hotels, restaurants and shops.

anticipate its adoption at our special meeting on June 30. We’ll do it and it’ll be balanced, but it isn’t a pretty picture. To give you a sense of how our local economic flexibility has changed, since the 2001-’02 budget year, the Consumer Price Index has gone up 23.4 percent. Clayton’s General Fund has been flat (-0.007 percent). If our revenues merely matched inflation, we’d have $820,000 more to spend on city services this year. While the economy is part of that, our state leaders seem to think all tax revenue is theirs to keep. I’m willing to bet you disagree and would prefer your money goes from bottomup, not top-down. But that’s another column.

Capital Equipment Replacement Fund (CERF) accounts each year. CERF funding ceased last year and like many of you, our vehicles must last longer. We previously cut all civilian employee training, conference attendance and workshops, transportation and travel costs – our operational expenses are wholly focused on providing direct public services to our community. For the first time, we are plugging the gap with one-time interest earnings. But as some of the changes look to last longer, they become structural costs that require structural solutions. Our city organization is a dedicated team and has worked together to solve this crisis, as they always do. Neither our contract city attorney nor city engineer sought increases for the second straight year. While we had several past years when we held employee salaries at no increase, for the first time we’re cutting salaries and reducing one position from full- to part-time. The total value of the staff cuts is $209,404. I want to personally commend and thank our city’s wonderful staff for recognizing the magnitude of the problem and for their spirit of partnership in helping solve this fiscal puzzle. I am generally an optimist and while I keep hearing there is light at the end of the economic tunnel, all I can see is the back end of a big train disappearing with our community’s money into the black hole at Sacramento. Enough about our state budget woes for now. The Fourth of July is a week away and I’m asking again for your help as a volunteer for a couple hours that day. You’ll still have time for the pancake breakfast with your family and you’ll have fun, too! I hope to see you all there as we celebrate our freedom and our wonderful community.

MAKING TOUGH CUTS Unfortunately, in this season of trickle-down economics, much like your household, the revenue tilt at higher levels of government and business falls on our budgets. We have nowhere to turn for additional revenue, but we provide expected services to our community with even less. We have always managed to spend less than budgeted and have consistently increased our General Fund Reserve and

As always, you can contact me by email at Julie_Pierce@comcast.net. Let me know what you think.

According to the California State Parks Foundation, the average family spends more than $50 at each visit to a state park. “Across the system … $4.2 billion in economic impact would be lost if state parks are closed.” If you value Mt. Diablo and other state parks, write our state legislators and visit www.calparks.org or www.savemountdiablo.org and express your opinion.

State parks make up onetenth of one percent of the state budget. The closure of 223 state parks will eliminate not only vacation areas and allow for the land to be unsupervised, it will also cut jobs and revenue that could help our local or state economy. Robbie Parker is a sixth-grader at Diablo View. Send comments to Robbie@claytonpioneer.com

Practice safety precautions during July 4th festivities While usually a day of Be careful while barbecuparades, barbecues, profes- ing. Make sure all coals are sional fireworks shows and completely out and the gas parties, the turned off Fourth of July is before leaving also one of the the barbecue most dangerous unattended. Be days of the year. aware and careStatistics ful of children show that more playing around than 7,000 peothe barbecue ple each year get area. treated for Store food Fourth of July properly to related acciavoid food poidents. Follow soning. Be careHARUN SIMBIRDI these simple ful of leaving SAFETY ZONE rules and safety food out – espetips and you’ll cially in the be sure to fully enjoy this hol- heat. Make sure to serve iday. foods at the proper temperaFireworks are illegal in ture. Contra Costa County. Last but not least, rememHowever, if you are planning ber your pets. It’s best to keep on using fireworks where they them indoors at home and are legal, it’s important to make sure your home is remember they are dangerous secured. Keep them in a quiet and present a risk of fire or room if possible and remove bodily injury. Read all instruc- any items that your pet could tions properly and do not use destroy. Do not take your pet near wooded or dry areas. to fireworks displays. Even if Have a bucket of water and pets are left outside in a hose available to put out secured area, they will likely sparks or flames. Never point become frightened, escape fireworks at people and don’t and get lost. Make sure your allow children to play with pets are wearing identification fireworks or firecrackers. tags. If you know a pet will Avoid wearing loose clothes get distressed by loud noises, when using fireworks. Only see your veterinarian for ideas light outdoors and don’t try to on helping your pet through re-light “duds.” the holiday. If you find a Don’t drink and drive. lost/wandering pet, take it to Always have a designated the local animal shelter so it driver and don’t let your will have a better chance of friends drive drunk. Be extra being reunited with its owner. cautious on the road on holiHarun Simbirdi is a member of days because even if you are the City of Clayton Citizen Corp not drinking, other people Council, part of the CERT Team, can be. Drivers can also and a resident of Clayton. He can become distracted by firebe reached at simbirdi@yahoo.com works and other excitement in or call 570-1324. the area.

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June 26, 2009

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 19

Former Olympian's life shows strength of spirit and ability to swing ANDRÉ GENSBURGER Clayton Pioneer

Seventy-three years of life and 47 years of marriage (to the same woman, no less) cannot slow down a man who once reached golden heights as a pole vaulter in the Olympic Games. Even better, when referred to as a swinger, Clayton’s Don Bragg quite literally would agree. From childhood on, Bragg had a passion for the Tarzanian way of life – building Tarzan swings and letting loose the jungle call at full volume, the latter still heard today. Whether that played well depends on whom you ask, Bragg says with a hearty laugh and childlike enthusiasm. Now surrounded by lots of grandchildren, he still enjoys life and refuses to slow down. “My wife Theresa always asks me when I’m gonna grow up,” Bragg said. “I tell her – never.” PURE ATHLETICISM The New Jersey native was the last of the rugged Olympic hero types who captured the

DON BRAGG would set up elaborate Tarzan swings and demonstrate the proper use

imagination of spectators through the use of raw strength, hefting his steel pole and grabbing the power for the jump from some undefined place that athletes know to go. And he was far from a diminutive figure. Standing 6-3 and skirting 200

Photos Courtesy of Don Bragg

DON AND THERESA BRAGG ARE SURROUNDED BY THEIR CHILDREN and grandchildren. Love of family is the one constant Don attributes to a good life.

pounds, the strength was true. From 1954 until 1960, he maintained a brilliant career complete with a gold world record the latter year for a 15foot, five-inch vault. These were the pre-steroid scandal days. “Back then, the most we would get was a write-up in the paper,” Bragg said of the changed face of athletics. “I trained for 10 years. I got a gold medal. I got a write-up in the paper. Today, athletes get $50,000 or more for a gold medal and, in some foreign countries, they get a million dollars for a gold medal.” FACING LIFE’S OBSTACLES The landings in pits filled with sawdust and sand took their toll: two spinal surgeries, carpal tunnel surgery and illnesses including arthritis, gout, Lyme disease and heart problems leading to a sextuple bypass. In 2003 his Clayton rental home caught fire, a total loss that he faced with no insurance coverage and some burns to one of his children. One of the few things salvaged was his Olympic gold medal. That was when he found out that it was really goldplated. “Can you believe it?” he said. “You train for 10 years and all you get is this gold medal and it is not even gold,

but gold-plated.” He laughs as he tells the story and it is easy to see that there is no disappointment or bitterness in his observation. After all, this is a man who endured multiple injuries in stride even as it thwarted several offers to play Tarzan both in film and television. “I have a great family, wife, kids, grandkids,” Bragg said. “That’s important. People today, when they find out you got a gold medal, congratulate you as though it had just happened. That’s timeless. We were like supermen then. People always saw that.” TARGETING TARZAN Bragg spent time touring Europe and Africa as the U.S. State Department’s goodwill ambassador. There, he would delight adults and children alike by climbing trees and setting up his Tarzan swings. This carried through to the rest of what he would do in life. Granddaughter Janelle Hartman, who works at the Clayton Club has no doubt about Bragg. “He is the strongest man I have ever known,” she said, “and if it wasn't for his hard work and dedication the family would not be who we are today. He is a hero, and a friend to me. I love him very much.”

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Bragg was offered the Tarzan role many times throughout the years, each time coinciding with an injury. In ’56, it was a ripped muscle. Another time, it was 18 stitches for a cut foot. Another offer was sidelined by a spinal operation in 1960. The offer came again in 1963. He went to Jamaica and filming began. Shortly thereafter attorneys for producer Sy Weintraub, who was suing for copyright infringement, shut down production and impounded the footage that had already been shot. That footage never saw the light of day, ultimately getting destroyed in a fire where it was stored. “That would have been the first color Tarzan film,” Bragg said, a slight tinge of regret in his voice. His friends included Johnny Weissmuller, known for his Tarzan role. They would do Tarzan calls after a round of drinks. “The crowd cracked up,” Bragg shared. Once during a commencement, he went to the sidelines and let out a Tarzan call. “I do that all the time,” Bragg said. He even let one off on the podium after getting his gold medal in 1960. From 1967 until 1981, Bragg and his wife set up a summer camp, Kamp Olympik, for underprivileged kids. It’s the subject of a book they wrote. Another book, “A Chance to Dare: The Don Bragg Story,” chronicles his life with colorful stories that include friends like Muhammad Ali – who would frequent Kamp Olympik on his own time, playing basketball in only his trousers to the delight of the kids. “There’s not very much regret,” he said. “I see the movie industry today and wonder how well I would have fared. I’ve seen so many mishaps in others. I have a fantastic life.” Another project is a book of poetry that’s still in progress. He reads a line from a poem titled “Tickle:” “Life’s pursuit breeds

depression. Only laughter can create its demise.”

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Skin cancer is the most comThe melanin pigment gives mon type of cancer in the skin its color. It also protects the United States. It occurs in more skin from ultraviolet ray damage than a million people each year, from the sun. People with more including many older people. melanin have darker skin and There are three main types better protection from UV light. of skin cancer: People with lighter basal cell carciskin (less melanin) noma, squaare more vulneramous cell carcible to damage noma and from UV light. melanoma. Of While expothe three, sure to UV radiamelanoma is the tion is a major risk most serious. factor for cancer, The skin is skin cancer can the body’s occur anywhere largest organ. It on the skin, not KELLY FERRO has two main just on sunlayers – the SENIOR MOMENTS exposed areas. inner layer, The best way to called the derreduce your risk of mis, and the outer layer, called skin cancer is to avoid outdoor the epidermis. The dermis con- activities during midday, when tains sweat glands, nerves, hair the sun’s rays are the strongest, follicles and blood vessels. The or to wear protective clothing epidermis forms the protective, such as a wide brimmed hat, waterproof layer of the skin. long-sleeved shirt and pants. The epidermis, or outer When exposed to sunlight, layer, is made up of three types you should always wear sunof living cells. Squamous cells screen and lip screen. Your sunare flat and form the top layer screen product should be of living cells. Basal cells are labeled “broad-spectrum” to round and lie directly under the protect against UVA and UVB squamous cells. Melancytes are rays). It should have an SPF, or specialized skin cells that pro- sun protection rating, of at least duce pigment called melanin. 30.

The SPF in sunscreen is a measure of the time it takes to produce a sunburn in a person wearing sunscreen compared to the time it takes to produce a sunburn in a person not wearing sunscreen. This varies from person to person, so be sure to reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours. When skin cancer is found early, it is more likely to be treated successfully. Therefore, it is important to know how to recognize the signs of skin cancer to improve the chances of early diagnosis. A change in the skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. This may be a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal or a change in an old growth. Not all skin cancers look the same. Sometimes skin cancer is painful, but usually it is not. Screening can help diagnose skin problems before they become cancerous. See your doctor or dermatologist if you notice any changes in your skin. Early detection can make the difference. Kelly Ferro is Marketing Director for Aegis of Concord. Send comments or questions to kelly.ferro@aegisliving.com

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Page 20

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

June 26, 2009

Visiting a place with ‘really cool stuff ’ Est.1972

Smith & Bernal

ANDRÉ GENSBURGER Clayton Pioneer

Roofing

Joe Heinz is one hecka nice guy. Dressed casually in his office at the Concord location of the Keenan/Heinz Co., complete with floppy hat, he is the epitome of a man who not only enjoys his work but enjoys watching others enjoy it as well. “I would watch everyone come in and ‘cool’ would come out of 99 percent of their mouths,” Heinz says. “ ‘Look at that cool stuff,’ or ‘What really cool stuff!’ or ‘Honey, come look at this cool whatever.’ I took it from there.” This “cool stuff ” is an

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This beautiful Venezia concrete fountain with 4 spitting Lion heads, two tiers and pineapple finial.

$299 Keenan/Heinz company Really cool stuff for home & garden 1700 East Street, Concord (925) 288-0159

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assortment of artistic, decorative and functional items for home and garden and then some. The large showroom is decorated mostly with items for sale from fountains to wall sculptures, set against a warm background color that exudes a relaxing atmosphere. There are glass items, ceramics, items of all sizes and shapes that offer one of a kind décor to home and gardens. The multiple water fountains add to the serene effect, along with the soothing background music and the comfortable curved lounger inviting you to sit.

See Cool Stuff, page 21

André Gensburger/Clayton Pioneer

JOE HEINZ SNUGGLES UP to one of the “really cool” items at Keenan-Heinz in Concord. The giant giraffe with the friendly smile greets customers as they enter the East St. store.

Summer simply begs for ice cream July is the 25th anniversary of National Ice Cream Month. So have a scoop while you read through the following bits and pieces of ice cream history and trivia. The first frozen desserts on record were made from snow or shaved ice and were more like a sorbet. Around 60 A.D., Nero had slaves bring alpine snow to his court – where it was mixed with fruit juice, pulp and honey for a sweet treat. Marco Polo reputedly brought recipes for Asian water ices back to Italy from his 13th century travels. The U.S. ice cream scene predates the American Revolution, as the first ice cream parlor opened its doors in New York City in 1776. Pushcart ice cream vendors became popular in large cities during the 19th century, and Italo Marchioni is credited with serving homemade ice cream in waffle cups to avoid breaking or losing serving glasses. Although Marchioni patented his idea in 1903, a vendor at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis teamed up with a pastry maker to dispense ice cream “cornucopias.” More ice cream is eaten on Sunday than any other day. “Blue Laws” in various towns during the late 1800s banned drinking of soda water on Sundays; one creative thinker in Indiana supposedly invented a dessert of ice cream and flavored syrup as an alternative to the popular ice cream soda. Not wishing to blaspheme, he called his creation a sundae. Despite Italy’s early foray into frozen delicacies, the

United States, Canada and New Zealand make up the largest contingent of ice cream eaters in the world today. No doubt access to

high quality milk contributes to this. The United States outstrips the world in ice cream consumption, with more than 23 quarts of the stuff eaten annually in a multi-billion dollar industry. Nearly one-third of the ice cream we eat is vanilla, while chocolate has less than a 10 percent share. When cookies and cream made with Oreo cookies was introduced in 1983, it was the fastest growing flavor in the history of the industry – growing to nearly 4 percent of the market. Commercial labeling can be confusing. “Light” ice cream has 50 percent of the fat compared to the brand’s regular ice cream, while “low-fat” is limited to 3 grams of fat or less per serving. “Non-fat” must be less than half a gram of fat per serving. Ice milk, which you don’t see often, can be either low-fat or light. Sherbet and sorbet are not ice cream; they’re closely related

frozen desserts. Sorbet, as the Emperor Nero probably had, is frozen fruit juice, sugar and water. The FDA considers sorbet and sherbet the same, but there is a significant difference. Sherbet contains up to 2 percent dairy fat. I recall my g randmother making a wonderfully creamy o r a n g e sherbet in a freezer ice tray. How different it was from HaagenDazs orange sorbet, which is a light but refreshing juicy ice. Ice cream is a simple concoction of milk, cream, sugar and flavoring, enhanced with eggs in premium recipes. It’s chilled while being stirred so that varying amounts of air are whipped into it. You can make it without a machine. STRAWBERRY FROZEN YOGURT 1 lb. strawberries, rinsed and hulled 2/3 c. sugar 1 c. plain whole milk yogurt 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice Slice the strawberries and combine with the sugar. Cover with plastic wrap and leave at room temperature for an hour or so, stirring occasionally. Place strawberries in a blender and puree. Add the yogurt and lemon juice and blend well. Transfer the mixture to a gallon-size Ziplock bag and place in the freezer. Every 20 minutes, take the bag out and squeeze the contents. This distributes the frozen portion and keeps the mixture from getting

LINDA WYNER

FOOD

FOR

THOUGHT

icy. Continue this for two hours, or until the mixture is firm and difficult to hand squeeze. Makes about 1 quart. MACHINE-MADE DARK CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM 4 oz. unsweetened chocolate 1 c. milk 2 eggs 1 c. sugar 1 c. heavy cream 1 tsp. vanilla Pinch salt Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 10 second intervals, stirring between intervals. (Don’t go longer as you may scorch the chocolate.) Transfer to a bowl and whisk in the milk until smooth. Reserve. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until light and fluffy. Gradually whisk in the sugar and continue to whisk for another minute to ensure complete blending. Whisk in the cream, vanilla and salt. Whisk in the chocolate mixture until well blended. Cover and refrigerate until completely chilled. Freeze in ice cream machine according to manufacturer’s instructions. 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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Page 21

PERSSON’S TOUCH LANDSCAPE AWARD WINNING CUSTOM RESIDENTIAL

Theme planters are a fun, plants can be used to achieve a creative way to kick off any sea- patriotic planter unless, of son. With the arrival of summer course, you haven’t simple and Fourth of tastes. July celebrations Sunny combijust around the nations are easy corner, planting a to find. Take patriotic colored Salvia Mystic container is an Spires Blue, a tall easy way to feel perennial of the spirit of this bold blue. time of year. Surround the Consider placsalvia with ing patriotic Innocence planters at your Nemesia, with its entry, under an plethora of tiny NICOLE HACKETT overhang, or out flowers, GARDEN GIRL white by the pool, barand red bloombecue or patio ing Holiday table. Look at special points of Blizzard Ivy Geranium for the interest to place this particular trailer. planter, so it can be cared for Another combination would and enjoyed. be Phoenix Red Penstemon, You can use any type of encircled with Veronica Sunny container or garden vessel for Border Blue and trailed with this project. The plant grouping some Super Bells Calibrachoa in within the container will take all crisp white. White Swan the focus away from the vessel, Echinacea is a butterfly attractso use what you have – even if ing tall perennial that would be it’s an old wheel barrel or buck- fab in a patriotic combination et. If it has a drainage hole, it with Salvia Hot Lips as the has potential for planting. medium and Veronica Georgia Patriotic planters can thrive Blue to cascade over the side. If in either sun or shade, so under- you can’t find Veronica, substistand the destination’s exposure tute Sapphire Blue Lobelia. before choosing plants. Sun KEEPING IT COOL plants can rot in the shade, Shade or part-shade situawhile shady plants will scorch in tions still have lots of perennial the sun. choices for patriotic planters. Gardenias make excellent cenTRIPLE THE FUN Since you’ll need three col- terpieces for planters. They are ors – red, white and blue – you evergreen and fragrant. should choose at least three Surround gardenia with New plants for your vessel. Simple Guinea Impatiens in red and

Cool Stuff, from page 20 Don’t mind that a giant giraffe stands in the front of the store, projecting an African motif in a store that has no African theme at all. Or that giant earthenware pots line the parking lot out the front door. “There were more floor models. We had a 9-foot and a 16-foot one, but they got taken by some movie guy who is powder coating them pink,” he says. Heinz shrugs and smiles. “It’s fun. A lot of people come here, each for their own reasons.” The company had been in Lafayette for 10 years before opening the Concord location last September and then losing a lease in Lafayette. They had a large following, a mailing list of 12,000 names, with a large chunk of Concord customers trekking to Lafayette. “People come in and walk

around,” Heinz says. “They tell me that it is very relaxing for them, like being on vacation or visiting a museum or something like that. We don’t really ‘sell’ things; people come and walk around and look and see what they want. They bring their family to visit.” Defining the store is not an easy task. It is fun, light, interesting, one of those nooks and crannies kinds of places that keeps you exploring long after you have run out of time. And that is just fine with Heinz, who seems not to worry about time in his world of really cool stuff. Formerly a landscape contractor in a partnership, Heinz decided to go solo 10 years ago and start a framing business in Lafayette. He slowly added other elements that eventually edged the framing business out of the shop and into his home.

trail with Campanula Blue Waterfall. Abutilon Nabob has dark red parasols that would contrast nicely with the bold white and green foliage of the Night Before Christmas Hosta and the Summer Wave Blue Torenia as the cascade. Salvia Black and Blue could always be used as a tall component in your patriotic combination, with Angel Wing Begonia as the medium and Bacopa Snowstorm as the trailing perennial. BACK TO BASICS If you are using an old garden container that has been sitting in the yard for five years, don’t be tempted to use the old soil in it. Splurge and purchase some new potting soil. A good rule to remember is potting soil goes in pots, not the ground. Buy some water-soluble fertilizer to promote bud and bloom. Look for a product where the first number is lower than the second, for example 10-52-8. The middle number in this formula represents phosphorous. Higher levels of phosphorous force constant flowers. Feed showy containers and garden plants every two-four weeks for maximum flower power. Water your containers deeply about three times a week – less for shade plantings. It is OK to let flowering perennials dry out before watering. Use Cloud Cover or Wilt Stop to prevent moisture loss through the perennial’s foliage. This will also

In his Concord shop, he points to the supplies he keeps were he still in the framing business, yet that thought has long been relegated elsewhere. While Heinz sees the economy as improving slightly, at least in the perception of those shoppers who come to his store for a piece of R&R, he does worry about some of his suppliers – the smaller mom and pop manufacturers from whom many of his cool items come. For them, he hopes that things will improve and encourages everyone to be optimistic. “If everyone is positive,” he says, “it’s good.” In the meantime, he hopes you’ll stop by the Concord store for a relaxing visit, a mini-vacation to see just what the fuss is about his really cool stuff. The Keenan/Heinz Co. is at 1770 East St., Concord. Or visit www.keenanheinz.com. For a glimpse inside the store, check out his short video at www.myconcordian.com.

help prevent leaf weep so you will not feel the urge to water, because your plant is looking fresh. Get in the mood for summer by planting a patriotic planter this week. Email me a photo, so I can see what you create. Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden Contact her with questions, comments or suggestions at

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

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June 26, 2009 Clayton’s Redevelopment Agency budget of $400,000, more than a quarter of the $1.59 million available to spend on projects like Daffodil Hill, trail additions or economic development. “That sucking sound you

Budget, from page 1 into the meat and will be painful. To avoid layoffs, city employees have agreed to cuts totaling $209,000. There will be no paid holidays next year, which amounts to a 4.3 percent pay cut. There will be no cost of living adjustments or merit pay increases and employees will be out-of-pocket for any medical and dental insurance increases. Additionally, the assistant planner position has been reduced from full time to 24 hours per week. “The employee groups know that they need to be part of the solution,” Napper said. “They stepped forward early and are willing to do their part.” Adding to the fiscal angst is the $24 billion state tax budget deficit. Desperately seeking to close the gap, lawmakers are threatening to divert $6-$8 billion from local revenues. The California Department of Finance has proposed “borrowing” all of the Highway User Taxes next year. This could mean a $186,000 hit to Clayton’s capital improvement budget and would delay the pavement rehabilitation project scheduled for the coming year. Last week, the state

announced plans to “borrow” $1.05 billion from local redevelopment agencies over a three-year period. This amounts to a direct hit to

City of Clayton Budgets 2009-10 Total $14,279,716

Redevelopment Agency $5,196,353

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commercial, with all street level use in the town center designated retail. “I’m in favor of the TCSP,” says Richardson. “A big question is how to encourage existing downtown property owners to develop what they have. Maybe we need to look at lowering fees and streamlining the permit process. We need to look at things from a process perspective as well as how they pencil

General Fund $3,637,679

Other Funds $3,171,957

Capital Improvements $2,273,727

Revenues 2009-10 RDA Housing 10.5% RDA Projects 38.0%

Expenditures 2009-10

General Fund 33.4%

Gas Tax 2.5%

Stormwater - 1.1% Street Lights - 1.2% Misc Funds - 2.8% Grants - 1.2% Grove Park - 1.1%

Landscape District - 8.2%

Commission, from page 1 Weekly/Monthly Maintenance Heaters, Pumps, Filters Automation Wireless Systems Ozone Sanitation Systems Green Pool Clean-up

hear,” says Mayor Julie Pierce closing the public hearing,“is Sacramento.” The proposed budget will be up for approval and adoption at the June 30 meeting. Complete budget reports are on the city’s Website at www.ci.clayton.ca.us.

Gas Tax - 3.4%

RDA Projects 42.6%

Stormwater - 1.5% Misc. Funds - 3.6% Street Lights - 1.3% Grove Park - 1.0% Grant Fund - 1.3%

house on Oak Street where, “God willing, I will get married and raise a family.” In the year since his return to Clayton, Meriam has become a familiar face in local organizations. A member of the Clayton Business and Community Association, he was co-chair of this year’s Art and Wine Festival. He is an officer in the Clayton Historical Society and a member of the Clayton Valley Garden Club. Meriam supports the TCSP

out.” Richardson and his wife Tracy live on Morningside Drive. They have two grown children. Ted Meriam, 26, grew up in Clayton. He is a 2001 graduate of Clayton Valley High School, where he was named Grand Altair of his senior class. He graduated from the University of Puget Sound in 2005 and went to work for Microsoft. He returned to Clayton last year and bought a

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General Fund - 33.4%

RDA Housing 5.1% Landscape District 6.8%

and favors encouraging more downtown housing. “We need to bring additional people in and build up the town center. We need to make it more attractive, have more destinations.” In a strong show of interest, eight applicants vied for the two Planning Commission seats vacated by Ed Hartley and Keith Haydon, whose terms expire June 30. All eight candidates were interviewed by the City Council in a special session June 16.

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06/16/09 06/16/09 06/09/09 06/05/09 06/04/09 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

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