www.claytonpioneer.com
July 24, 2009
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IT’S YOUR PAPER
Clayton makes Money Magazine top 100
Sandhu family continues to rise from the ashes with new deli JULIE PIERCE
TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
MAYOR’S CORNER Concerts, cafes and celebrations help Clayton thrive What a wonderful summer we’re having! The Fourth of July was one of the best ever – perfect weather, so many wonderful volunteers and our announcer, KGO Channel 7’s Dan Ashley, pitched in and made everything flow beautifully. I want to especially thank the clean-up crew, who had the town spotless and gleaming in record time. A huge thanks also goes to our July Fourth committee of Sandy Johnson, Laci Jackson and Laura Hoffmeister, who organized this year’s event. It’s that kind of community spirit that has earned Clayton a spot on the Money magazine Top 100 Places to Live in the U.S. for the second time in three years. Only three cities in California made the list, and Clayton is the only Northern California city. KTVU Channel 2 did a very nice feature on our hometown; you can find the video on the KTVU.com Web site by searching for Clayton. We hope to post the video on the city’s Web site, too. REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION UPDATE
On the regional transportation front, I’ve spent several
See Mayor, page 17
Andre Gensburger/Clayton Pioneer
A JUBILANT JOHNNY SANDHU GREETS CUSTOMERS in Johnny’s International Deli and Cafe. Despite a faltering economy, the family owned business has seen a steady flow of customers since opening its parkside eatery on July 4. ANDRÉ GENSBURGER Clayton Pioneer
Johnny and Amarinder Sandhu watched with joy as a large crowd filled their freshly opened International Deli and Café on July 4, marking what the duo hopes to be a strong presence in downtown Clayton. A devastating fire in January
2004 that gutted the upper rooms of the Village Market building left owner Sam Sandhu, Johnny’s father, in a protracted legal battle with Farmers Insurance that forced the Sandhu family to lose income and inventory. The insurance battle was a classic case of the small customer battling the large corpo-
rate giants. The Sandhus sued Farmers Insurance. “We had to make it work,” Johnny Sandhu said of the discussions with his father. “You’re fighting this lawsuit, and you see that you are running out of cash. This was our last stand against the insurance company.” Not willing to give up but considering selling the property
to fund the lawsuit, the family was encouraged when a decent settlement was finally made. “We took a loss,” Johnny said, but the thought of ongoing litigation for another few years was too much. “We were trying to get back. We took the loss and decided to rebuild.”
Clayton landed 87th on Money Magazine’s list of the 100 Best Places to Live in America and was the only Northern California city on the list. The only other California cities to make the cut were Rancho Santa Margarita and Walnut, both in Southern California. The Top 100 list ranks American cities with population between 8,500 and 50,000 on income, crime, education, housing, recreation weather and general quality of life. At $131,363, Clayton’s median family income scored high against the average of $97,441, but ranked much lower than average in job growth - 4.86 percent vs. 19.58. This was likely a factor in the town’s drop from 57th on the list in 2007 to 87th this year, surmised Mayor Julie Pierce. The national attention may help boost Clayton home sales, say local realtors, Kim Morucci and Pete Laurence. Both use the ranking in marketing to homebuyers outside the area. “It adds a lot of pizzaz to be on the Money Magazine list,” says Laurence. “It’s just one more great thing about our little ShangriLa.” See the complete list at www. money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2009.
See Sandhu, page 3
Town Center gateway to be completed by end of August TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
The Cowell smokestack wasn’t the only local landmark to bite the dust in recent weeks. The monument sign marking the entrance to Clayton’s Town Center was reduced to rubble in a matter of minutes last week when bulldozers cleared the hillside to make way for a complete renovation of the city’s gateway. The stucco monument sign, which originally read “Oakhurst,” was placed on the hill by Presley Homes more than 20 years ago to help sell the country club properties. Presley later donated the sign to the city,
and the letters were changed to read “Clayton Town Center.” It was never intended to be a permanent fixture and has been crumbling for years. “The only thing holding the sign together was the stucco finish,” said City Engineer Rick Angrisani. A new stone monument sign that reads “Clayton” will be visible from both directions on Clayton Road. Retaining walls will create tiers on the hillside, and a walking trail extension runs between the hillside and Diamond Terrace. A new sign of similar design will also stand in the triangle at the Oak Street offramp. The project has been two
What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
years in the planning and is a joint effort by the city of Clayton and the Clayton Business and Community Association. The hillside renovation will be completed in two phases with the signs, the retaining walls and the trail extension coming first. The total budget for the first phase is $155,000, with $89,000 coming from Redevelopment Agency funds earmarked for downtown revitalization. The remaining $66,000 is a donation from the CBCA. The signs and hardscape will be complete by the end of August, Angrisani said. Mike Dunn/Clayton Pioneer
See Gateway, page 3
At the Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Community Calendar . . . . . . .14 Crossword Puzzle . . . . . . . . .16 Deal with It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
THE OLD TOWN CENTER MONUMENT SIGN was cleared away last week as work began on the city’s new gateway at Marsh Creek and Clayton Roads.
Directory of Advertisers . . . . . .5 Financial Sense . . . . . . . . . . .12 Food for Thought . . . . . . . . . .20 For the Books . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Going Green . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Police Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Senior Moments . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Time to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 24, 2009
s t r e c n o C The Grov
Around Town Aegis Senior Living closes fifth year with dancing to Dean and Frank Aegis Senior Living on Clayton Road recently celebrated their five year anniversary in the community. On a
beautiful, early summer evening on June 26, residents, family and friends gathered in the courtyard to the sounds of
SHARON GIAMPAPA, JENNY BALDWIN, 90 and Frankie Giampapa attended the Aegis celebration on June 26. Jenny is a member of the Clayton Historical Society.
Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, stepping back into an era so cherished by many. The residents continued to dance far into the evening, accompanied by the sounds of the rushing fountain and lit by the outdoor fire pit.
Aegis Executive Director Gerry Vadnais and Marketing Director, Kelly Ferro.
Pioneer goes to . . . the ‘Center of the Earth’
and Tuscany
The Pioneer joined fellow movie lovers last week for the Clayton Community Church’s first movie of their free summer movie nights. Over 400 set up lawn chairs in the parking lot for “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” complete with 3D glasses. For movie schedule see Upcoming Events. Pictured from left Vera Llactuna, Gaylynn La Venture, Pastor S h a w n Robinson, Deborah Osteen and Gigi Pishny.
Clayton residents Robby, Barbara and Michael Wall caught up with their hometown news in the Clayton Pioneer at their villa rental in Tuscany in June. The villa, located in Castellina in Chianti, was a ROBBY, BARBARA AND 700 year old casMICHAEL WALL tle built by a member of the powerful Guidi family and was the home base for trips each day to the ancient Tuscan hillside towns.
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Cash contributions to help offset the expenses of the Concerts in the Park series more than doubled at the last concert when Mayor Julie Pierce grabbed a donations bottle and worked the crowd. It was impossible to say no to the smiling mayor, as Tom Stoflet discovered. After receiving his sizeable donation, the mayor stopped for a photo with the Clayton man. The concerts are co-sponsored by the city of Clayton and the CBCA and are free. “You don’t have to wait until the next concert to put your donation in the bottle,” says a smiling Pierce. “We’ll take a check anytime.” Make checks payable to the city of Clayton and drop off at City Hall, or mail to 6000 Heritage Trail, Clayton, 94517.
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July 24, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Sandhu, from page 1 The store had been empty and boarded up until January 2008, when the Village Market reopened. Sam Sandhu hoped the1,800 square feet on the Center Street side used for storage would be rented out as a deli. However, they were unable to find a qualified tenant, prompting Johnny to suggest another alternative. Originally, the deli was located inside the Village Market itself, what Johnny calls a “small, antiquated deli.” There, he befriended an elderly German lady. “Her name was Doris, and she taught me a lot of things,” he said. With her lessons and his experience, Johnny decided that it made more sense to expand and have the deli as a separate business. “While we were rebuilding, I suggested to my father that we have the deli stand alone,” Johnny said. In part, Johnny was also considering a future where his father might retire and leave the market for others to run. That way, the deli would not be affected. With lofty goals and high quality inventory including meats from Boar’s Head, there is another aspect of the deli that
has not yet been publicized. “I’m adding slowly,” Johnny said. “People come in and ask for things, and we are working towards that. We had to get a new loan on the building, even though we would have had no mortgage with the old one. We’re building slowly.”
One thing in the works is Indian dinners. “We’ve secretly started doing some,” Johnny said. “Mostly friends and family, just to get things right. We should have a full menu ready … in the next week or so.” The international flavor appeals to Johnny – Portuguese sausages, Italian sausages, gourmet cheeses from around the world as well as the Indian foods
Photo courtesy of Johnny Sandhu
JOHNNY AND AMARINDER SANDHU were married last year in a traditional Indian ceremony.
Gateway, from page 1
THIS NEW MONUMENT SIGN ON THE HILL at Marsh Creek and Clayton Roads and another at the Oak St. off ramp will greet visitors to Clayton.
The second phase of the project will be the landscaping. Trees and shrubs will be drought tolerant and low maintenance, said City Manager Gary Napper. Irrigation water will come from the well at the library across the street, but the actual plantings will wait until after the drought, Napper said. “Putting in new plants during a drought sends a mixed message to our public.”
Page 3
that he knows so well. “I’d like to have a special event of the day,” Johnny said. “Serve certain foods from different countries.” Johnny Sandhu, 32, came to the United States in 1991, passing through Pine Hollow Middle School and Clayton Valley High School before graduating in 1997. From there he went to Diablo Valley College and DeVry University to complete a business degree. He has worked with his father since 1991, learning the ropes of the retail business. With all the new plans, it would seem easy to lose focus on what really matters to him. “The best part of the deli is when I see my customers enjoying the food,” Johnny said. “You know, with the slow economy, we were a little scared to open. But then the customers come in and say that it is the best they have had – you feel proud.” Johnny says the location by the new downtown park is a great help for business. “Maybe we had to go through what we did to get to this point--next to one of the best places in town,” Johnny said. “The business traffic is phenomenal.” He attributes that to the foresight of the city plan and the nature of Clayton people. “We have the greatest customers in this town,” he said. “They welcome you with open arms from day one. Where else would you find this?” “Johnny’s International Deli has been a wonderful addition to the Town Center,” says City Manager Gary Napper, who not only has eaten at the new deli, but strongly endorses the pastrami on rye. “Its reported success since opening is yet another barometer that our Clayton community is ready and willing to support additional eateries and commercial variety in its downtown.”
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Page 4
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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On Tuesday, Aug. 4, neighborhoods throughout Clayton are invited to join with thousands of communities nationwide for the 26th annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event. Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and locally by the Clayton Police Department, the event will involve more than 11,000 communities from all 50 states. The evening showcases the vital importance of police-community partnerships and citizen involvement in our effort to build a safer nation. From 7-10 p.m. Aug. 4, residents in neighborhoods throughout Clayton and across the nation are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening
outside with neighbors and police. Neighborhoods throughout Clayton will be hosting events such as block parties, barbecues, ice cream socials and flashlight walks. Neighborhoods that have participated in Neighborhood Watch meetings, zone coordinators of Clayton’s Emergency Response Team and Volunteers in Police Services are organizing activities to observe this national event. If your neighborhood has not participated in a Neighborhood Watch meeting and wants to be a part of the event or for more information, contact Herb Yonge at hlyonge@att.net before July 27. If your neighborhood will participate, call Lynn Christ at the police department, 673-7350.
Clayton PD passes muster, says chief
July 24, 2009
Obituary
Cheryl Peters January 26, 1952 – July 1, 2009 Cheryl A. Peters, 57, of Clayton, passed away on the evening of Wednesday, July 1, 2009, at home with her husband, Bernard Peters, and friends Karla Matlock and Donna Johnson by her side. Mrs. Peters had come home from the hospital two days earlier, where she was being treated for cancer and liver problems. Mrs. Peters was born on January 26, 1952, in Neenah, Wis. She graduated with honors from Neenah High School in 1970. Mrs. Peters moved to California in 1982. She graduated from California State University, Hayward, with a degree in finance. She was an honor student and carried a 4.0 grade point average the entire time she attended Cal State. Mrs. Peters went to work for Pacific Telephone (AT&T) in 1982 in the accounting department and transferred to the regulatory department in 1986. During her 27 years at AT&T, she excelled as a manager and made many good friends at AT&T, the Federal Communications Commission and the California Public
Utilities Commission. Mrs. Peters was very artistic and was a perfectionist at whatever she did. She enjoyed designing and making stained glass windows, and designing and sewing clothes for herself and Bichon Frise dogs. In recent years, Mrs. Peters was breeding, showing and training Bichon Frise dogs. As in other activities, Mrs. Peters was a perfectionist and paid great attention to detail to how she groomed and showed the dogs. Mrs. Peters is survived by her husband, Bernard; sister, Beverly Joynt of Neenah, Wis., many nieces and nephews, and many friends. She has touched the lives of many people and will be deeply missed. Mrs. Peters was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Lillian Holup; and brothers Richard and Dale Borneman. Funeral liturgy will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 29, 2009, at St. Bonaventure Church Chapel, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. Ouimet Bros. Chapel is handling arrangements.
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Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
CHIEF DAN LAWRENCE checks Sgt. Scott Dansie’s weapon at recent police department inspection.
“Ten SHUN,” bellows the chief. Heels snap, spines stiffen and all eyes are straight ahead, as the full complement of the Clayton Police Department line up for inspection at City Hall on July 16. This is the second time since coming to Clayton five years ago that Police Chief Dan Lawrence has called an inspection of the force. Largely a symbolic act, it “demonstrates the officer’s responsibility to properly maintain their issued equipment...and enhances team spirit,” the chief explained. The officers lined up in two rows as the chief moved from
one to the other, the formality of the occasion eased by a good deal of bantering. At the close of the inspection, the chief was clearly proud of his force as he read a letter from the US Post Office officials commending the four Clayton officers who responded to the Ray Casso murder at the post office on March 8. The letter expressed appreciation to Officers Shanna DeCoite, Jason Shaw, Daren Billington, Sgt. Tim Marchute and to the chief for “aiding the victim and compassionately supporting the post office staff.”
ARRESTS July 3, 12:56 a.m., Regency Dr. and El Portal Dr., a Manteca man, 19, was stopped for following a vehicle too closely and was arrested for driving under the influence. July 3, 1:46 p.m., Clayton Rd., a Pacheco man, 18, was arrested for theft at a local store. July 3, 1:50 p.m., Kirker Pass and Olive Dr., a Concord man, 40, was issued a citation for driving without a license. July 4, 10:37 p.m., Clayton Rd. and El Camino Dr., a San Leandro man, 31, was stopped for several vehicle code violations and arrested for driving under the influence. July 5, 11:02 p.m., Lydia Lane Park, a Clayton man, 21, was contacted for being in the park after closing and arrested on an outstanding warrant. July 6, 10:27 p.m., Clayton Rd. and Kirker Pass Rd., a Concord man, 46, was stopped for a vehicle code violation and issued a citation for driving without a license. July 7, 7:07 p.m., Clayton Rd. and Lydia Ln., a Concord man, 27,
was issued a citation for driving without a license after being stopped for expired registration tags. July 7, 11:44 p.m., Clayton Rd. and Atchinson Stage Rd., an Oakland woman, 36, was stopped for having expired registration tags and arrested on an outstanding warrant. July 8, 9:00 p.m., Clayton Rd. and Center St., a Concord man, 53, was stopped for having expired registration tags and issued a citation for driving without a license. July 9, 10:03 a.m., Indian Wells Way and Oakhurst Dr., a Clayton man, 58, was issued a citation for driving with a suspended license. BURGLARIES/THEFTS July 1, 8:03 a.m., Mt. Etna. Grand theft July 4, 3:05 p.m., Heritage Trail. Identity theft July 8, 8:54 a.m., Bridlewood Ct. Grand theft July 7, 3:30 p.m., Heritage Trail. Identity theft July 9, 3:47 p.m., Windmill Canyon Dr. Identity theft
July 24, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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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 OBERT H ELENA , Sports B ETH N EUDELL , Advertising Sales C HRISTINA S CARLOTT , Administrative Assistant
PIONEER INFO CONTACT US Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580 Tamara Steiner tamara@claytonpioneer.com André Gensburger Andre@claytonpioneer.com Beth Neudell beth@claytonpioneer.com Send ads to ads@claytonpioneer.com Send Sports News to sports@claytonpioneer.com Send Club News to clubnews@claytonpioneer.com Send Church News to churchnews@claytonpioneer.com
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LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a Clayton resident. You will find the appropriate form for your announcement on our Website. Attach your photo to the form. Make sure the image size you are about to send is at least 3 MB but not bigger than 6MB. The only format we accept is JPG. You can also mail or bring your print to the office and we can scan it for you. Also on our Web site are forms for submitting Community Calendar items and press releases for your organization.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 300 words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print letters from “anonymous.” E-mail your letter in a Word document to tamara@claytonpioneer.com. Letters MUST be submitted via E-mail.
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Carol Keane and Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .937-5200
EDITING ASSISTANT/WRITER
Doug Van Wyck - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . .672-2300
Will help compile information and write narrative for the Clayton Almanac. This is a part time, short term assignment ending mid-September with good possibility for future work. Must have excellent language skills. Previous editing experience. Knowledge of AP Style helpful. Prefer someone from Clayton that is familiar with the community. Email tamara@claytonpioneer.com, or call (925) 672 -0500
Richard Littorno - Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6463
Ferrante Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .674-1755 Travis Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-877-8328 Fitness Snap Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0110 Traveling Trainers for Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .890-6931 Funerals Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Home and Garden Abbey Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Clayton Valley Frameworks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6066 Clear Splash Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6245
HEALTH SERVICES
AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE Clayton Valley Shell. May not be combined with other offers. Expires 8/8/09
Official S m and Rep og Check air Statio n
Our professionals are here to serve you:
Mechanical repairs and computer diagnostics including 30K, 60K, 90K factory maintenance on all European, Imported and domestic vehicles.
Corner of Clayton Road and Kirker Pass Road
Insite Design and Build . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .980-0465
CD Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-0900
10 off $ 10 off 10 off $ $ SMOG Clayton Valley Shell. May not be combined with other offers. Expires 8/8/09
Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-3339
NEEDS AN
STIMULUS PACKAGE
If work is needed and done at Clayton Valley Shell. May not be combined with other offers. Expires 8/8/09
Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423
Benton, Mureleen - Ameriprise Financial . . . . . .685-4523
CLAYTON PIONEER
Clayton Valley Shell
INSPECTION
Construction and Trades
Financial and Insurance Services
Classified
OIL CHANGE
Page 5
925 672-3900
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Floors to Go Danville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .820-8700 Just Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .681-4747 Keenan Heinz Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .288-0159 Kitchen Make-Overs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7900 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 Pans on Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .600-7267 Sparkle Pools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-5025 Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055 Window Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1930 Mailing and Shipping
HELP WANTED Administrative Assistant P/T ~ Administrative Assistant. Must be computer literate and highly detail oriented. Call Sara Rodenburg 672-4600
The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Personal Products and Services Donna Plavetzky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2000 Perfect Tan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8261 Roberta Claire Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .625-1123
Real Estate Agents Be Successful! Lynne French is expanding and interviewing for a few agents. Call her today (925) 672-8787.
RENTALS South Lake Tahoe Vacation Rental. Great location, sleeps 6 to 8 comfortably. Pictures and home details can be found at www.tahoehansenhouse.com. Still have questions, call Debbie Hansen at (925) 766-8961
The Makeup Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .408-8010 Pet Services Aussie Pet Mobile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-738-6624 Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 O’Brien Family Pet Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .899-7354 Peace Of Mind Pet Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9781 Real Estate and Mortgage Services Flannery, Patty - Diablo Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0541 French, Lynne - Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787 Laurence, Pete - RE/MAX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .937-0150
Cabin Rental Pinecrest ~ Rustic cabin, sleeps 11. Near lake, stores, restaurant, post office and movie. Huge deck. $1000/wk. Available June, July and August. Call 925-837-2870
Lopez, Stephanie - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . .932-7329
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737
Meals on Wheels Drivers 1 – 1 1/2 per week. Drivers and relief drivers needed for delivery of Meals on Wheels in East County. Call Jim at 673-0300 or e-mail hairbyjim@sbcglobal.net. Clayton Historical Society Museum Greeter for two hours per month from 2-4 p.m. Wed. or Sun. No experience or extensive knowledge of Clayton history is necessary. All you need is a cheerful smile and a "hello" as our guests come through the door. Call the museum at 6720240 and leave your name. Clayton Community Library (All positions require a minimum age of 13 years and a 6 month commitment. Some training provided). Shelver - to shelve and sensitize library materials. Various days/times. Tutors - no prior experience necessary! Contact: Arlene @ 673-9777 or email: akikkawa@ccclib.org
Morucci, Kim - Intero Real Estate Services . . . . .280-8563 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . .672-4433 Recreation Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Senior Services Aegis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .692-5853 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . .524-5100 Services, Other Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700 Comcast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-877-634-4434 Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . . . .473-0180 Rodies Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600 Shopping Pacific Coast Farmers Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9090 The Royal Rooster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2025 Travel Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447 Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9840
Page 6
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 24, 2009
Good Samaritan proves what goes around, comes around A missing wallet’s return restores Concord resident’s faith in humanity. ANDRÉ GENSBURGER Clayton Pioneer
If you find a wallet on the street with money inside, do you return it to its owner? This is a favorite teacher question during class discussions about right and wrong. For Concord resident Frank Szymanski, John Bredehoft answered that question clearly on July 3. Szymanski, caught up in the whirlwind of his daily
business and pre-holiday traffic, is not sure how he wound up losing his wallet along Concord Boulevard, the wind making short work of the stack of cash, business cards and credit cards he had inside. Bredehoft, a Clayton resident and foreman and project manager for J&M Inc., of Livermore, noticed the money in the air, then the business cards, before he spotted the wallet. He pulled over and starting scooping up the cash. “It was pretty funny, what was going through my head,” he said. He quickly had his hands full of cash, so he started stuffing it in his pockets as he
grabbed business cards, credit cards and the wallet itself. “I looked for some identification and saw his driver’s license and Costco card,” Bredehoft said. “I didn’t want him to have cancel all the credit cards, so I tried looking up his number, found it and left him a message.” Then he stuffed the money he had picked up back into the wallet and waited. Szymanski was shocked to get the message. “In these days of endless news headlines of Wall Street greed and shyster lawyers,” he said, “when good men do good things it seldom makes it into the paper.”
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UNSETTLED BY THE THOUGHT OF BEING A MINORITY when it comes to doing the right thing, Jeanette and John Bredehoft are happy to set a good example for their children
Bredehoft said. “Do unto others… I try to do my best.” When questioned, however, it became clearer that there had been other influences on Bredehoft. “My parents, Ron and Sue Bredehoft, and my grandparents,” he said. “They
were all pillars of integrity.” “John just exemplified an outstanding example for all of us to follow,” Szymanski said, happy to have had his wallet returned as well as his faith that there still are good people in the world.
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After a brief phone conversation Szymanski drove to Bredehoft’s house to reclaim his wallet. Everything was in it. With Bredehoft’s wife Jeanette and 13-year-old son Connor present, Szymanski showed his gratitude by giving the family a gift certificate to La Veranda Restaurant. “He gave me a tremendous gift,” Bredehoft said. “Watching the look on my son’s face.” “I don’t think such a rare act of kindness and generosity should go unnoticed,” Szymanski said. While the story might end there, it was Jeanette Bredehoft who seemed perplexed. “Is it that uncommon for someone to do what’s right?” she asked. Both husband and wife had been scout leaders and both of their children were in the program. “It was the way Frank told me that most people wouldn’t have done that,” Bredehoft said. “I expected a thank you and nothing more. I try and live by example. I’ve lost my wallet before and know how frustrating and inconvenient it is to have to cancel all those credit cards.” “I’m not surprised that he did that,” Jeanette Bredehoft said of her husband. “He is an upstanding citizen and a good example to our children.” “It’s the Golden rule,”
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Book project a last hurrah for budding Eagle Scout NICCI SHIPSTEAD Clayton Pioneer
Before his senior year begins at Ygnacio Valley High School, Leo Rabbitt, 17, hopes to have his Eagle Scout project completed. The task: Install and fill three bookshelves and a mail center in Harold Munsel’s sixthgrade class at Oak Grove Middle School in Concord. Leo moved back to the area from Massachusetts to join his family on a job transfer. After arriving in California and joining Troop 484, Leo’s sister Emily introduced him to Munsel, her teacher, for a possible Eagle project. “Mr. Munsel was in desperate need of a mail center,” Leo said. He spends precious classtime handing back papers and written material. “When I saw the state of his bookshelves, I promised to donate those as well,” Leo said. “I’m a book
LEO RABBITT
man myself.” With a 30-plus page plan recently approved, including step-by-step instructions, schedule and extensive project details, Leo is ready to move forward as Project Leader when Boy Scout Troop 484 volunteers commence work. “Scouting to me is about
having fun and going out camping,” Leo said. Having earned 21 Eagle merit badges and completing miscellaneous tasks, Leo thinks of this project as his “last hurrah.” “There are a few more stressful things to do: gather reference letters and appear before a Board of Review – you have to know your stuff,” he said. “Only about 2 percent of scouts come out Eagle’s.” During construction, Leo asks the community to donate second- to eighth-grade reading level books to combine with Munsel’s collection. Leo hopes to have everything installed and fully shelved (an estimated 150 books donated) before school starts on Aug. 24. Drop off donations at the Clayton Pioneer office at 6200 Center Street in Clayton. Contact Leo Rabbitt with questions at (925) 705-7070.
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July 24, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Page 7
A new grandpa reflects on parenting with fresh perspective Though pregnancy and delivery have changed, parenting has stayed the same. ANDRÉ GENSBURGER Clayton Pioneer
My daughter gave birth last week, and I got to see the whole event from a new vantage point. I was about to become a grandparent, and there is such a difference between being one of the main players in the birthing drama and being the secondary support system. It’s not like the process of pregnancy and delivery has really changed that much; you get pregnant the same way and the baby usually exits the same way as it’s been done since the time of primates and possibly earlier, depending on your religious viewpoints. In the early 1900s, less than 5 percent of women gave birth in hospitals. Physicians attended half the births, mostly to the middle and upper classes, while midwives took care of the rest. It was the choice of a painless birth that drew women to hospitals in greater numbers, the promise of the “Twilight Sleep” that only hospitals could administer. This helped the demise of midwifery as women formed so-called “Twilight Sleep Societies.”
By the mid-1900s, electing to give birth at home was ill advised, and finding a trained midwife was a difficult task. With advances in technologies that monitor the baby while inside the womb through birth, as well as ultrasound scans that can offer views of your child in threedimensional clarity, it seems that the old calls of “bring towels and some hot water” are far removed from our reality. In the 1900s, fathers were not present. They could smoke in the waiting room, and be told – after the fact – the gender of the child. Fathers were redundant at that moment in time. Many women who raise children on their own still consider men a redundant component. And on the radio, such men are referred to simply as sperm donors. Hospitals want the fathers involved. They want the fathers to soothe the mother to be, to help her focus as she readies for that final push. They even want the father to stay overnight. The fathers are important even if they have yet to devise a way for a father to give birth. If men had to give birth, there would be a serious population problem, and our species could go extinct. Delivery rooms are now large, bright and comfortable,
resembling a medical office or a hotel room. Throughout the labor, the mother – hooked up to monitors – is free to move about. It is when the hard labor begins that the room transforms into a medical facility complete with doctors, nurses and assistants, each trained to orchestrate the final stanzas of the delivery symphony. In the early 1900s, once the baby was born, it was taken away to be cleaned and wrapped up before being brought to the mother in a bassinet. These days, the trend is to place the freshly birthed baby, all sticky and gooey, right on top of the mother in what they call “skin to skin” contact. Here, the first bonding takes place, and it is a natural sight to see. As I watched my child become a mother herself, as I stood in the secondary support role and noted the flurry of activity and remembered the look on my wife’s face as she was getting ready to deliver, I was struck by how marvelous the whole thing really is. What has changed the most are the trappings of labor and delivery and the world of people around the new family, some of whom are predators with the brash arrogance to invade a home in order to steal a child. They warn you of this on
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DEAL WITH IT your child’s delivery day. They say don’t list any clue of your location in the birth announcement. And stronger still, do not put one of those cute signs on your lawn – the storks that announce that inside is a brand new candidate for abduction by some sick pervert out canvassing neighborhoods for a baby like yours, a baby that can be stolen and sold to another unsuspecting couple who have just paid through the nose for the pleasure of being parents. While the medical advances since the 1900s has been impressive, it seems that society has regressed in many other ways. People ask me how it feels to be a grandparent, and I respond that being a grandfather is just fine and I can deal with it. But it reminds me of what my mother used to say about having children: “Any idiot can make a child; it takes a lot of strength and love to raise one.” That it does, Mom. That it does. André Gensburger is a staff reporter and feature writer for the Pioneer. His email address is andre@claytonpioneer.com
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Summer
Nearby attractions make staying home this summer fun for kids PEGGY BIDONDO
TIME
TO
GO
H A WA I I
The kids will be going back to school in a few short weeks and you suddenly realize that you haven’t done anything memorable this summer in terms of a family “playcation.” You don’t have to spend a lot of money or make elaborate plans to have a fun time with your family. Take day trips or
ones to closer destinations and stay fewer nights. Act like a tourist and visit all the places you never seemed to make time for otherwise. Go to the San Francisco or Oakland zoo. Drive to the top of Mt. Diablo. Drive to Jack London Square, park for free and take the ferry to Pier 39. Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the DeYoung Museum, Chabot Space and Science Center or the new California Academy of Sciences. Ride the cable car in San Francisco down to Fisherman’s Wharf, then grab the boat to
Alcatraz. Or discover the Black Diamond Mine in Antioch. Check the paper for special exhibits, events and festivals in the Bay Area. Many times, you can find discounted tickets at stores, in the newspaper or online. How about a day at a nearby amusement park like Six Flags or Great America? Have you ever taken BART to see the A’s or Giants? Check their Websites for special giveaway promotions, concerts, fireworks and dollar dog days. Head outdoors to our parks, rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Renting a houseboat at Lake
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Berryessa in the Napa Valley will allow you to participate in all kinds of water sports as well as some great fishing. The mountains and the beaches are not far away. Think about camping, boating, hiking, nature walks, biking or rock climbing in one of our regional parks. You could even create a camping weekend in your backyard by setting up a tent for the kids and playing games or telling stories by the fire on the grill while you make s’mores.
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Page 8
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Have you heard the great news? There are 3 ways to save money with NEW Simonton windows from The Window Works
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e o th t New ntry Pa Grilled Brie, A great backyard party starter 1 wheel of Brie cheese 1 cup Pear Chipotle Grill Sauce Fresh ripe pears, thinly sliced in wedges Crackers Allow brie to sit at room temperature, at least 30 minutes. Place wheel of brie directly on grill over medium heat. DO NOT WALK AWAY. Grill for 3 – 5 minutes on each side until you see the sides begin to sag. Immediately remove from grill and place on a platter or plate. Drizzle Pear Chipotle Grill Sauce over top and serve with pears and crackers. You may wrap in a warm tortilla for a Pear Chipotle Brie Quesadilla.
Because of the current sixmonth moratorium on foreclosures and the incentive programs from the government to buy before the end of the year, along with historically low interest rates, the well priced, affordable homes are in short supply. Finding a home to buy when there is a shortage of homes for sale can be frustrating, to say the least. But there are measures you can take to increase your odds of buying sooner rather than later. First, make sure you get your finances in order. Then, when the right property comes along, you’ll be prepared to make a strong offer. When listing inventories are low and the demand for homes is high, buyers often find themselves competing for housing. Buyers who are pre-approved for the mortgage they’ll need to complete the purchase have a leg up on the competition. Next, find an energetic, trustworthy agent who specializes in the area where you want to buy. Sometimes listings sell before they hit the open mar-
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SENIOR MOMENTS If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Crooks work overtime yearround to concoct new and devious ways to scam seniors and take advantage of their kindness. Financial abuse takes many forms – charity scams, contractor fraud, lottery scams, investment fraud, telemarketing schemes, sweetheart scams, etc. The majority of financial abuse victims never get their money back. Seniors need to be aware in order to avoid these critical situations. Individuals who grew up in the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s were generally raised to be trusting and polite. A con artist will take advantage of these traits, knowing it is difficult for you to say “no” or just hang up the phone. You should immediately hang up on telemarketing calls, never open the door to unknown visitors and shred all mail involving donation or charity requests. Each year, nearly 25 million Americans, mostly seniors, are victims of consumer fraud. In many cases, people
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have been victimized in their own homes and even lost their life savings. Many legitimate companies and charities solicit consumers by phone and consider it an effective way to raise money or increase company business. But others are up to no good. Seniors can prevent telemarketing fraud by being shrewd and savvy with telemarketers and keeping these tips in mind: Ask to receive the unbelievable deal or the amazing prize offer in writing so you can read it carefully before making a commitment. Never give out your personal information over the phone or Internet unless you have initiated the contact. Legitimate business callers will not ask you for this information over the phone. If a caller asks you to pay for an offer in advance or asks for your credit card number or Social Security number, tell the person you don’t give out personal information over the phone. Remember that a legitimate telemarketer won’t be turned off if you use these techniques. They will appreciate dealing with an educated consumer. When making investments, it is important not to do this alone. Consult a trusted friend, family mem-
LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ESTATE be in your search criteria, the easier it will be to find a home. For example, buyers who are open to several architectural styles have more options available to them. If several neighborhoods are acceptable, you’ll have more listings to choose from. Buyers who are willing to make cosmetic improvements increase their odds. Be diligent about looking at every listing that might work for you. Don’t simply look at the outside. You could be pleasantly surprised by what’s inside. Consider foregoing the perfect home this time around. Just make sure you buy a good home that will be easy to resell when the market recovers. Lynne French is the broker/owner of Windermere Lynne French & Associates and a Clayton resident. For any real estate needs or questions, contact her at 672-8787, Lynne@LynneFrench.com or stop in at 6200 Center St. in Clayton.
excellent actors. Adult Protective Services encourages you to always talk with trusted friends or relatives before committing to anything or sending money to someone you don’t know. If you are aware and protect yourself from these financial scams, the future you have saved for won’t be taken away from you. Kelly Ferro is Marketing Director for Aegis of Concord. Send comments or questions to kelly.ferro@aegisliving.com
Time to Go, from page 7 Here are some Websites to help you plan: Www.nileguide.com allows you to type in your destination and receive lots of ideas for activities in that locale. Www.aaa.com will help you with a TripTik Planner and give you info along the way for hotels, restaurants and attractions. Www.gorp.com will provide info on camping, scenic drives and adventure trips at the location you choose. Then all you need to do is grab the kids and go! Travel Tip: If you are taking a long hike and want to
avoid blisters, spray some of your antiperspirant on your ankles and heels just before you set out. It works just as it does under your arms – it prevents sweat, which, when combined with friction, is what usually causes the painful sores. This sounds odd, but it really helps. 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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Dark past gives emerging local author fuel for bright future ANDRÉ GENSBURGER Clayton Pioneer
Authors generally draw from aspects of their life in order to flesh out characters with some degree of authenticity. For Bryan Mazza, his recently published novel “Blood Oath” draws its strength from time he spent in jail for armed robbery and the rehabilitation that writing has offered him. “It started from having nothing to do in there,” Mazza said. “I was bored and started to write.” With limited supplies, he found himself using whatever he could find. “They had stubby gold pencils, and I would use scraps of legal pads and paper sacks,” he said. He wrote the first few drafts in long hand, getting caught up in the characters he had created and looking at his own admittedly checkered life. “A lot of it is from real life experience,” Mazza said by phone from the Martinez Detention Facility, where he is hoping for a release date so he can promote his published book. “What I found in writing is a passion. It’s in my blood now, and I can’t not write.” As he worked on his novel during his time in San Quentin State Penitentiary, Mazza turned to his only audience, a cell mate who turned out to be
from the Aryan Brotherhood. “I’m reading to myself, and he asks me to read it louder,” Mazza said. “So I’m reading the novel to him, and he really loved it.” An offer from a family friend to type it up was the turning point in making the concept of a novel into reality, and from there it was a matter of marketing it out. A cousin in
the film industry in Los Angeles gave it a glowing review and some suggestions as to where to send the manuscript. “He’d like to make it into a movie,” Mazza said. “Everyone who reads it seems to really enjoy it.” The novel is about a man with a criminal past, sick of the crime life, who in a deal with a rogue cop devises a transfer into one of America’s toughest
prisons. There, he uncovers 50 keys of pure meth, throwing them into a fight-or-die scenario devised by the sadistic prison guards. Their blood oath drives the novel forward as the main character must protect the family of the other as part of his own redemption. “I’m told the same thing from everyone who reads the book,” Mazza said. “They can’t put it down.” It is a thriller. It is a violent story, but it has a moral story within.” Mazza describes the writing process as “cool,” but the rewrite process as the best part “because you rewrite with a greater depth of character, and it paints the whole picture.” The 43-year-old has had a career as a personal trainer along with security work. “I’d have never written the novel had I not been in this situation,” he said, regretting the wasted time and direction but clearly focused on the future. Mazza has just finished his third horror novel and is looking forward to publication. The second novel, an adventure thriller, is titled “Black Mountain.” “I’m planning on returning to school,” Mazza said. “I want to work on my writing skills even more.” Blood Oath is published through PublishAmerica and is available online and in book stores.
Page 9
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Should California legalize marijuana as a state revenue and sales tax source? state worker asking why the state leaders are “ignoring millions of Californians who want to pay taxes” on the purchase of marijuana. Nadene Herndon of Fair Oaks explains that her marijuana use started after suffering multiple strokes. “Instead of being treated like criminals for using a substance safer than alcohol,” she said during the commercial, “we want to pay our fair share.” Many California television stations refused to broadcast the ad.
the stringent requirements within the county for a barber to get a license to cut hair On May 6, in the midst of a compared, with no requiredire budget impasse, Gov. ments to open a medical mariArnold Schwarzenegger said it juana dispensary. was time to take another look Within eight months, an at legalizing the sale and distrialleged $2.7 million is sales had bution of marijuana as a taken place. In addition, means of generating sizeable the multiple product revenue for the state. Two lines that have emerged months earlier, Assemblyman include popular candy Tom Ammiano, D-San reproductions with Francisco, introduced a bill to names like Baby Jane, tax and regulate marijuana like Buddafinger, Mr. alcohol. People over 21 would Greenbud, Score and be allowed to grow, buy, sell Pot Tarts, all laced with and possess cannabis, which is pot and designed to currently barred by federal law. lure a younger clienAL MARTIN DDS tele. California spends $13 billion per year in drug enforcePOLICE OPPOSITION The report asserts ment, and these savings couLaw enforcement that armed gang pled with an estimated $7 bil- agencies are against the legal- members are frequently used lion in revenue from the sale ization of marijuana. In a writ- as armed guards with the legalof marijuana could go a long ten report, the California Police ized shield of the dispensaries way to pulling the state Chief ’s Association serving as a cover for the same out of its $15 billion concluded that existing activities that were previously deficit, projected to marijuana dispensaries illegal. swell next year to $42 actually invite more An ABC News/ billion. crime, compromising Washington Post poll in May Growing marijuana the safety of citizens. found that 56 percent of is certainly a cost effecCiting statistics based Californians were in favor of tive process, with a on existing medical legalizing marijuana, while 46 pound of marijuana marijuana dispensaries percent of the nation favored costing approximately in Alameda County, legalizing small amounts for PATRICK $400 compared to the Cmdr. Michael personal use. FERRELL $6,000 in sales it brings Regan’s presentation Backers of the legalization in. A recent state on April 17, illustrated are planning to introduce a Board of Equalization report the high level of crime that is measure on the state ballot in reached similar conclusions, connected with these dispen- 2010. estimating that marijuana retail saries. sales alone, even at $50 per Citing a January 2007 DEA CLAYTON RESIDENTS ounce, would generate $990 action on 17 dispensaries, the SPEAK OUT million in sales and $392 mil- agency found that 14 of the When asked what they lion in sales tax revenue. operators had criminal histo- thought of the governor’s ries, with seven of those hav- plans to legalize marijuana for TELEVISION ADS ing weapons-related charges, the money it could bring the The governor’s statements and two with prior murder state, Clayton residents immediately resulted in pro- charges. Describing the exist- seemed divided along generamarijuana groups launching ing facilities as full of cash and tional lines. media campaigns. A 30-second guns and with little oversight, television spot shows a retired Regan’s presentation outlined See Marijuana, page 16 ANDRÉ GENSBURGER Clayton Pioneer
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July 24, 2009
Clayton Sports Back where it all started, it’s Showtime at the Y ROBERT HELENA Clayton Pioneer
Photo by Mike Dunn
OMAR KRAYEM handles the ball into the net for a score at a Showtime practice session at the YMCA gym.
Get ready Clayton, it’s showtime again. The Showtime, a semi-pro basketball team that originated from a bunch of high school kids competing in the Clayton YMCA Adult League five years ago, today is on the verge of being an NBA Development League Team. It “pretty much just happened,” Showtime coach and founder Earl Williams said. “My wife and daughter really pushed me to do it. It’s taken on a life of its own.” Never forgetting where they came from, Showtime is committed to giving back to the community. Partnering with the Clayton YMCA, Showtime will hold a youth basketball camp at the Clayton Community Gym Aug. 10-14. The camp cost will be $165 per camper and runs daily from 9 a.m. to noon. For information, check the Clayton YMCA Web site, www.mdrymca.org. The goal of the camp is to emphasize the classroom along with basketball skills development. “We want to do some-
thing with the youth,” Williams said. “Usually, what they see of basketball players on TV is negative. We want to talk to the kids about school.” Clayton YMCA Director Jennifer Beck said she believes the camp will be great for young kids who have limited experience with basketball. The camp also has something to offer for the older kids. “With the Showtime players, the older kids will get help on getting better and improving their skills,” she said. According to Williams, the major difference between the Clayton YMCA/Showtime Camp and other basketball camps is that all the Showtime camp instructors are recent college basketball players. “All of my players have played college basketball and some have even played overseas,” Williams said. Showtime plays all over the country, as well. Those real life experiences will be great to share with the campers, Williams said. More importantly, his players can talk credibly to the campers about what it takes to be a high level athlete and a
student at the same time. “They will all advise the kids that it all starts in the classroom,” Williams said. Beck said she thinks the YMCA’s partnership with Showtime is a “no-brainer.” “It’s great that Showtime wants to help us fill a glaring need. Having a semi-pro basketball team practicing in our Clayton facility and wanting to give back to the community is good exposure for both programs,” she said. Williams said he started the team to allow high-level players a way to continue playing. His daughter, Monica, a freshman at Carondelet High School and a Diablo Middle School graduate, came up with the team’s name because of her father’s affinity for the old Lakers teams. Showtime now practices at the Clayton YMCA after holding practices at such places as the Tice Valley Gym and the Renaissance Club Sport in Walnut Creek. The team doesn’t have any home games for ABA contests but is hoping to secure a venue to play at home in the Premier League. Since the beginning,
Showtime has made quite an impact on the Pro-Am basketball circuit. Recently, the team was asked to become a temporary member of the American Basketball Association for the rest of the season, and negotiations are in the works for Showtime to become a fullfledged member of the Premier Basketball League in January. With former NBA Development League player Kenny Brunner and former Los Angeles Lakers guard Jerry Dupree on the roster, Showtime hopes to ultimately become a member of the DLeague. The D-League is like the minor leagues in professional baseball – one step away from the NBA. Williams said he has been in discussions with multiple NBA franchises about the possibility. The recent economic situation has cooled some of those discussions for now. In the meantime, Showtime is in Clayton and willing to promote basketball to the local youth. Who knows, perhaps someday one of our kids will star in the show.
Huge crowds at this year’s Devil Mountain Pentathlon ROBERT HELENA Clayton Pioneer
Hundreds of young swimmers and their family members gathered in Dana Hills July 11 and 12 for the 15th Annual Devil Mountain Pentathlon, hosted by the Dana Hills Swim Team. This is the team’s main fundraiser, and this year’s event included 12 swim teams from all over the area. Started in 1995 by Mike and Toni Biel, the Pentathlon continues to be a huge success for the team. Held each July, more than 900 swimmers trek from all over the county to compete with Dana Hills swimmers to see who can achieve the best overall time in the five swim strokes. Carter Newton, 14 –year-old Dana Hills swimmer, has participated in this event for many years. When asked about the atmosphere surrounding the meet, “It’s pretty much the same every year,” he said. “This is our biggest swim meet of the year. It’s close and has much more of (a homey) feeling than any other
meet”. Because the large number of swim teams participating, that equals stiff competition. “I don’t think I’ll win any of the events,” Newton said. One of the team’s best swimmers is Nikki Palmer, who will be a sophomore at Carondelet High School this year. As a freshman, Palmer qualified for the NCS. This is her seventh Devil Mountain Pentathlon. Palmer used to swim for the Oakhurst Orcas swim team, as well. As Palmer watches the younger swimmers compete, she remembers when she was like at that age. “I was afraid of the water. My parents had to hire a swim coach to get me comfortable” she said. Now, Palmer swims every day. When asked what she would tell these kids, Palmer simply states: “Always set your goals high go to practice, and you’ll be a good swimmer.” Overall, Palmer agrees with Newton that this is a tough meet. “There’s more competi-
tion this year,” she said. “East County is here, and they brought a lot of their good swimmers.” The high level of competition is great, but this event has other objectives. “The objective of this meet is to bring the community together,” said Kathy Williams, this year’s Pentathlon coordinator. “It’s great to get Oakhurst here, who we don’t always get to swim against. We have almost 900 kids this year, and about 225 kids from Clayton. It’s the largest Pentathlon we’ve had in the last eight years.” All the swimmers seem to enjoy themselves. “The kids get excited. They get to swim five events. Usually they only swim three events,” said Sharon McNulty, Assistant Pentathlon Coordinator and un-official Clayton parent youth sports cheerleader. “We did the meet more like an endurance event,” Williams said. “That’s what makes this meet so unique”. The organizers also took
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major strides in trying to recognize all the swimmers, not just the winners of the events. “At the end of the meet we give out awards. It’s important that we recognize not only the fastest swimmers, so awards are given to both A and B swimmers,” Williams said. As host, the Dana Hills Otters only posted their individual swimmer times, and not their overall team score. The East County Stingrays edged out Ygnacio Wood and the Pleasant Hill Dolfins to take the top team award. Overall, the Otters had a fabulous meet, with a huge number of dropped times. In the A division, Ashley Jennings took the top award for the 15-18 girls, and Patrick Keane won the 15-18 boys event. In the B division, Marisa Mancini won the 6U girls event, and JD Williams took the top prize for the 9-10 boys. For complete results, you can visit the Otters’ Website at www.danahillsotters.com.
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Page 11
Clayton Sports
Clayton Ironman finishes Idaho triathlon in top 10 for age group ROBERT HELENA Clayton Pioneer
First, you swim 2.4 miles, then you get out of the water and jump on a bike and pedal for 112 miles. Finally, you get off the bike and run a 26.2-mile marathon. These are the stages for the Ironman races. The Ironman brand is owned by the Florida-based World Triathlon Corporation and has been a respected name in triathlon since its inception in 1978. It is regarded as the world’s most challenging endurance event. Clayton resident John Hollinger competed in the Ford Ironman competition in Coeur d’ Alene Idaho, on June 21. More than 2,100 athletes from around the world competed for a total professional prize purse of $50,000 and 72 qualifying spots for the 2009 Ford Ironman World Championship to be held in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, in October. More than 80,000 athletes compete worldwide to get one of these spots. Although Hollinger missed the cut for the World Championship, he finished in the top 10 for his age group. So, how do you become an
Ironman? As kid, Hollinger was a swimmer, but he stopped competing at age 13. He didn’t participate in any sports again until his mid-twenties when he picked up cycling. He stopped
JOHN HOLLINGER
cycling once he got married, instead focusing on work and becoming a dad. While holding his son in his arms one day in 1992, that’s when it hit him. “I was substantially overweight, spending more time working than anything else. I was holding him in my arms,
and (thought) if I’m going to be around, I need to get busy and fit.” At the time, Hollinger weighed 235 pounds. Today, he weighs a fit 170 pounds. Hollinger works out year around to prepare for these events. He has worked with various coaches to help him prepare for competitive events. He says coaching fees can get expensive. Cycling is the discipline that he spends the most time on when preparing for the Ironman races. “The bike is the discipline that takes the most time to get fit in,” Hollinger said. His largest bike week was 350 miles. His biggest run week was 50 miles, and his biggest swim week was 20,000 yards in the pool. Going into last month’s event, Hollinger’s goal was to break 10 hours and make it to the World Championship. His time ended up being 10:18:45, and he missed out qualifying for the World Championship. Although disappointed with his performance Hollinger took solace by reaching a time that would have qualified him to the World Championship last year.
“At these events, you never know whose going to show up. This year, there was a lot of competition,” he said. All this grueling training should translate in financial rewards when you win, right? “There’s not a lot of money in triathlon. Maybe a handful of guys make six figures,” he said. Hollinger said he believes there are many motivating factors for athletes other than financial gain, comparing Ironman to the satisfaction of climbing mountains. “I’ve always believed in the mantra that you can never benefit from experiences that you haven’t had,” he said. Promoting healthier lifestyle for youth is another driver for Hollinger – getting outside, having fun, eating well and leaving the video games alone for little while. Hollinger says you don’t need to wait until you’re 30 to be triathlon ready. There are many youth triathlon events going on. For more information, check www.triathloncalendar.com or www.onyourmarkevents.com. For more information on Ironman, go to www.ironman.com.
Dana Hills bids farewell to popular swim coach ROBBIE PARKER STUDENT REPORTER After receiving a business degree from Chico State, popular Dana Hills Swim Team Coach, Matt Zachan, will be leaving for a career in sales. Matt has had a long career at Dana Hills, starting as a member of the swim team when he was only six. He continued to swim until he was nine. He took a break until he was 15 when he returned to the team, receiving a high-point award and Most Valuable Swimmer when he was 18. For the next five years, Matt served as a junior coach then as assistant coach. After his years as a swimmer on the team, assistant
coach, lifeguard and running the day to day operations of the pool, he became the perfect choice for head swim coach. He shared the position with Kelly McCabe. Kids from all age groups agree Coach Matt has made a difference in everyone’s swimming. Lauren Sparks, who swims for the 9-10 age group states, “Coach Matt helped improve my strokes and boost my confidence.” Her brother Ryan agrees, “Coach Matt is fun and cool. He helps me with my swimming.” Carter Newton, who is 13, explained “I like that Matt always has a sense of humor, even while working hard.” Alyson Jennings, a DHST board member admires Matt as a coach because “he gives attention to every single child and
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works on improving his or her stroke so they can reach their full potential.” Similarly, a parent and DHST Meet Director, Misty Nimr says, “Matt builds confidence in the
kids and has taken the time and effort to teach the strokes to them.” “Coaching with Matt has been a great experience,” says co-coach McCabe, “because it is easy for us to get along. We worked together to balance out our coaching styles.” Grant Bazan, DHST board president explains that, even though it will be an adjustment and Matt will most certainly be missed, DHST will still stay on top of the game. Although this is his last season on the team, Matt will truly be remembered by everyone at DHST for pushing the team in the direction of success. Robbie Parker is a sixth-grader at Diablo View. Send comments to Robbie@claytonpioneer.com
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 24, 2009
Compelling biography recounts role of Polish freedom fighter in early US history “The Peasant Prince, Thaddeus Kosciuszko and the Age of Revolution” sheds light on the life of a critical player in the American Revolution. Here’s the last Polish joke ever: How many Poles does it take to build a proper fortification of the Hudson Valley? Answer: Only one if his name is Thaddeus Kosciuszko. Thaddeus who? Kosciuszko. Phonetically pronounced, “Kos-chews-ko.” In “The Peasant Prince, Thaddeus Kosciuszko and the Age of Revolution,” Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Alex Storozynski has written a compelling biography of this important Polish freedom fight-
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er who lent his military, engineering and philosophic prowess to the American Revolution. Unless you are a California transplant from New York or maybe east of Ohio, where there are any number of monuments honoring him, you’ve probably never heard of Kosciuszko. After reading this amazing biography, I started pulling down my own books to see how I could have missed him. Not a word of him in my college texts; only a short note under Foreign Volunteers and Mercenaries in Schlesinger’s “Almanac of American History;” then name only under Aid From Distinguished Foreigners in Bear and Bagley’s 1934 edition of “The History of the American People.” At least a picture of Kosciuszko’s memorial pedestal at West Point was included with his name in the 1883 edition of Lothrop’s Library of Entertaining History. Storozynski’s writing is not the dry stuff of military history remembered from high school. He has given us the full countenance of this remarkable Polish nobleman who was drawn to the revolution in America by his desire to free his beloved Poland
from the tyranny of Russia. Earnest and idealistic, Kosciuszko arrived in Philadelphia in August 1776, presented himself without letters of introduction to Benjamin Franklin, and offered his military and engineering services to the new Continental Army. Kosciuszko’s romantic background includes a thwarted love, an immense appreciation of women and a strong sense of loyalty and devotion to his country and to ours. Kosciuszko steadfastly believed that all people – European serfs, American slaves, A m e r i c a n I n d i a n s , Christians of all ilks, Jews, Muslims – all had a right to live as free citizens in a republic world. S t o r o z y n s k i ’s description of military life in the Continental army was particularly enlightening. Take away the heroic officers’ swords, pistols and rifles, and what remained
was backstabbing, lying and slanderous efforts to improve their military standing over each other. But it was the modest and almost unassuming Kosciuszko whose engineering skills and talent for knowing just where to build redoubts (outworks protecting the larger, permanent fortifications) that gave the Continental soldiers a critical edge in spite of being outnumbered by the more heavily armed British. We can thank Kosciuszko for our success at Saratoga and West Point and in securing the war effort in the South. B e n e d i c t Arnold’s downfall was his traitorous attempt to sell Kosciouszko’s West Point plans to the British. Kosciuszko returned to Poland at the end the Revolutionary War, more certain than ever that European feudalism must come to an end. Kosciuszko left without being paid, but asked Jefferson to use that money to free and educate his slaves.
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Kosciuszko’s return to Poland and his leadership in two failed attempts to drive out the Russians, Prussians, Austrians and everyone else staking a claim to what was once Poland is as stirringly and compellingly told as his involvement in the American Revolution. He returned to America once before his death in Switzerland. It would be another 100 years before Poland was returned to nationhood. Storozynski’s book pulls the American Revolution and its death knell of aristocracy into the machinations of similar bell ringing in Europe. His rendering of a world more than 200 years ago has an eerie immediacy in light of today’s globalization. Read this book. Learn how to say Kosciuszko. It is a name you will not soon forget. 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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No one said estate planning is easy, and this is especially true if you have a blended family. The good news is there are two trust types — a qualified terminable interest property (QTIP) trust and an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) — that can provide for your children from a previous marriage while also taking care of your current spouse and any children from your current marriage. QTIP TRUST At minimum, base your estate plan on a will that specifies how to carry out your wishes for distributing your wealth. Otherwise, a significant portion of your estate may go to your children from a previous marriage — even if they are now adults and don’t need the assets
as much as your current spouse and children. If your children from a previous marriage are minors, your former spouse could end up with control of the assets — something you simply may not want to happen. To implement your will, you may find it helpful to establish a QTIP trust, one of the most effective estate planning tools available for blended families. A QTIP trust qualifies for the estate tax marital deduction, meaning that assets you transfer to the trust aren’t taxed when you die, and the entire amount is available for your spouse’s support. (Note that, if your spouse isn’t a U.S. citizen, he or she must take additional steps to shield the assets from taxes.) But unlike an ordinary marital trust, a QTIP trust can provide your spouse with income for life while preserving the principal for your children (from either your current or previous marriage) or other beneficiaries. When your spouse dies, though, the trust assets will be subject to tax as part of his or her estate, even if the assets are to pass to your children as instructed in your will. If the value of your spouse’s estate is greater than the lifetime exemption amount (currently $2 mil-
lion, but subject to expiration in 2010), the balance could be subject to hefty estate taxes. ILIT In some cases — particularly when one spouse is considerably younger than the other — a QTIP trust may not be the best solution. That’s because the children from a first marriage, who may be much older than those from the second marriage, may have to wait years until the younger spouse dies before they could receive their inheritance. In situations like this, an ILIT may be a better solution. The ILIT purchases life insurance on the older spouse, who makes annual exclusion gifts to the trust to cover the premiums. If the ILIT is designed properly, there won’t be any estate tax on the insurance proceeds. When the older spouse dies, the trust collects the death benefit and pays it out to the children from the first marriage. The older children receive their inheritance immediately, and the other assets remain available to provide for the younger spouse and children. Besides enabling you to achieve a fair and balanced estate plan, life insurance can augment your estate, helping to ensure
that there’s enough wealth to go around. If the insurance policy is instead gifted to the trust — and the older spouse doesn’t survive for at least three years after the gift — the proceeds of the policy would be included in his or her estate (assuming the transfer was a taxable gift). If the estate is greater than the lifetime exemption, the proceeds could then be subject to estate tax, and part of your wealth would go to the government, not your family. DISCUSS YOUR PLANS Before choosing any estate planning approach, discuss your plans with your loved ones. Even if your plan is inherently fair, it may not be perceived that way without an explanation. In addition, consider the consequences of different wealth transfer strategies. QTIP trusts and ILITs are only two of the many tools available to control the distribution of your wealth in a way that minimizes taxes and maximizes benefits for everyone involved. Richard A. Littorno is an attorney specializing in estate planning. He has offices in Clayton and Pittsburg. Send your questions to Richard@LittornoLaw.com.
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July 24, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Heartlets’ long friendship founded on connected families and shared faith LOU FANCHER Clayton Pioneer
Heartlets!’ ” Together, they form a collective memory of how names are often selected – a blend of careful construction, sudden spontaneity and striking genius.
The Heartlets could be a country rock band. They could be a line of clothing. They could be candy. And although they are vocal, diverse and even sweet, they are not a singing sensation, a shirt or a lollipop. They are a group of women dancing through life’s joys, plowing through its sorrows, leading a closely attached chain of spouses, children and grandchildren, and boldly representing the best in a community as friends. Naming things is what we do: babies, stuffed animals,
RELIGIOUS CONNECTION But these intimate relationships didn’t simply drop into the Heartlets’ laps. Carol Chrobak, the self-described organizer of the group, points to specific events in the development of the close friendships. Migrating to Clayton from all over the country, the women found a home through their church, St. Bonaventure. For years many years, through the church’s Journey program, the women embarked on retreats for high school students. Campfires on the beach were frequent and
We are born into our families, but we choose our friends. This Pioneer series takes a look into how we choose them and why.
the men in the group would still accept her as readily. “I hear widows tell me, ‘Once your husband dies, things change.’ But nothing has changed with the Heartlets.” In the last year of Walt’s life, her friends provided a steady stream of meals, transportation, counsel, hugs and quiet companionship. “They’ve always been by my side,” she says. “Nothing was ever too much trouble.” Today, the group is no less warm, no less apt to reach out and no less grateful for Hagge’s storytelling and laughter. NO LIMIT ON LOVE While the Heartlets’ emotional attachments are enormous, the size of the group is deliberately kept to 10 – with
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
CALLING THEMSELVES THE HEARTLETS, THESE FAST FRIENDS HAVE SHARED LIFE’S EVENTS FOR NEARLY 30 YEARS. Seated from left: Renee Faine, Diana Starr, Susan Fossan; Standing from left: Donna Umperovitch, Sylvia Gall, Peggy Casey, Carol Chrobak, Lori Hagge and Peggy Bidondo. Not pictured Patti Bass, Shannon Seven and Alice Ponti.
pets, games, occupations, moods. Getting to the origin of the Heartlets’ name is fascinating. “I think we were doing a craft project,” says one. “I believe we were writing notes to each other and someone started putting little hearts on them,” says another. And a third dimension: “We were staying in a beach house at Aptos and one member said, ‘Let’s call ourselves the
treasured. “We’d share closely, into the night, passing the candle from one to the next as we spoke,” Chrobak recalls. Lit by the warm glow of a single flame, there was joy, frustration, fear and laughter. Lori Hagge calls herself the Lucille Ball of the Heartlets because of the comic escapades and stories she brings to each gathering. But after the death of her husband, Walt, in 2008, she wondered if
two honorary members. Add husbands and children and it’s no wonder the women instinctively recognized the importance of limited numbers. Sylvia Gall, whose claim to Heartlet fame is being “the one to show up late,” notes that larger numbers would reduce the women’s ability to truly connect. “It’s a very happy occasion when we are all together,” she explains, “because we can still
talk to each person.” She’s particularly proud of the example the Heartlets provide to younger members. “I see my children valuing that friendship,” she says. Gall is proud, too, of the way the group lives out its faith: “Love of the Lord is very strong and interwoven with the Heartlets.”
“There are some people you just connect to – because of the energies between you.” Carol Chrobak
Page 13
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None of the women can recall a time of misunderstanding or discord. “There are some people you just connect to – because of the energies between you,” Chrobak explains. UNBROKEN BONDS These women share a faith, a location, a love of family and home, and empathy for others. They also have fun: singing, dancing, eating, vacationing and occasionally, gently breaking the law with Friday night pit dinners on the beach. “I think the police said it wasn’t legal, but they always let us get away with it,” says Hagge, building up to one of her delightful stories. These friends encompass generosity, acceptance, strength, faith and love – all given without hesitation or pause, without thought or deliberation. Beyond the quaint picture this presents, there’s humor, grit and rocksolid reliability. “We stick with our friends,” Chrobak says, equally proud and appreciative. “She’s one of us,” Gall says of Hagge, speaking words that could be said of each Heartlet. Their story is the news, full of consideration and devotion, that will sustain, support and inspire our community. Undoubtedly, there are more amazing friendships spread throughout Clayton and Concord. Do you have a friendship story you’d like to share? Send a e-mail to tamara@claytonpioneer.com.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. JULY 27 FOR THE AUGUST 7 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
In Clayton July 24, 31; Aug. 7 Moonlight Movies Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Sponsored by Clayton Community Church. July 24: “Madagascar 2.” July 31: “Indiana Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” Aug. 7: “Fireproof.” Free. 8:45 p.m., 6055 Main St. 673-9060. July 25; Aug. 8, 22, 29 Concerts in the Grove Bring lawn chairs and blankets. July 25: Becca, country music. Aug. 8: In Disguise, jazz/blues/R&B. Aug. 22: Diamond Dave, classic to modern crooners. Aug. 29: Replica, ’80s rock. Free. 6-8 p.m., The Grove Park in downtown Clayton.
The July 25 Concert in the Grove features Country singer Becca
July 29; Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26 Classic Cars and Rock & Roll Classic cars on display, plus a DJ. 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays. Main and Diablo streets, downtown Clayton.
Aug. 1 “Iran (Persia) Past, Present and Future” Includes the documentary “Iran, Seven Faces of Civilization,” Rick Steves’ “Iran,” plus selections from the book “The Future of Iran” by Jamshid Fanaian. Bring your favorite readings or prayers to share. Refreshments and lunch provided. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton. RSVP with Guity at 672-1095. Aug. 4 National Night Out Clayton neighborhoods are invited to join the annual crime and drug prevention event. From 7-10 p.m., residents are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police. Contact Herb at hlyonge@att.net before July 27 or Lynn at the police department, 673-7350. Saturdays through October Clayton Farmers Market 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Diablo Street in downtown Clayton. www.pcfma.com or 800-949-3276.
Close by 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. www.willowstheatre.org or 798-1300. July 31 Summer Dance Intensive Showcase Dancers age 9-18 perform classical ballet, contemporary dance, jazz, modern and character dances. Sponsored by Diablo Ballet and Civic Arts Education. 7:30 p.m., Shadelands Auditorium, 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. $5. 943-5846.
Olivia Shirley and Eddie Stegge perform at the Summer Dance Intensive Showcase
Through 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. Aug. 8-9 Concord Diablo Japanese American Club Food, cultural and martial arts demonstrations. Free admission. 19 p.m. Aug. 8 and noon-8:30 p.m. Aug. 9, 3165 Treat Blvd., Concord. Free parking at Ygnacio Valley High School. www.diablojaclub.com. Through Aug. 9 “Broadway Heat” Diablo Actors Ensemble’s musical revue of the hottest shows on Broadway. $10-$25. 1345 Locust St., Walnut Creek. 866-8114111 or www.diabloactors.com.
Aug. 19-21 “Maids and Matrons” A screwball comedy about a dysfunctional family’s preparation for the biggest wedding of the season. Cast includes Sue Beck of Clayton. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. 943-SHOW.
FUNDRAISERS July 26; Aug. 9, 23 Breakfast with the Veterans of Foreign Wars 8-11 a.m. the second and fourth Sundays. $4 adults, $2 children under 12. Veterans Memorial Hall, 2290 Willow Pass Road, Concord. Aug. 8 Clayton Valley High School Car Wash To support the instrumental music program. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Mountain Mike’s, 5358 Clayton Road, Concord. $10.
AT THE LIBRARY The Clayton Community Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Most programs are free. 673-0659 or www.claytonlibrary.org. July 27; Aug. 3 “Once Upon a Time” Storytelling, creative drama and reader’s theater for children in kindergarten through second grade. 2 p.m. Mondays. July 28; Aug. 4, 11, 18 Patty Cakes Stories for babies to 3 year olds; child attends with caregiver. 11 a.m. Tuesdays. July 29 Writers Workshop Writing secrets from children’s authors Sarah Wilson and Elizabeth Koehler-Pentacoff in an interactive seminar for ages 12-18. Bring pen and paper and be ready to write. 3-5 p.m. Register at lizbooks@aol.com with Writing Workshop in the subject line. Include name, age, address and phone number. July 30; Aug. 6, 13 Picture Book Time Stories for 3-5 year olds; child may attend without caregiver. 11 a.m. Thursdays. 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. Aug. 8 ACT Practice Test 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Sponsored by Kaplan. Register at 1-800-kaptest or www.kaptest.com/college. Through Aug. 17 Summer Reading Program For kids age 2 through 5th grade or 6th-12th graders. Includes prizes. Parents and caregivers of babies from birth to 2 years can earn prizes in the early literacy-building Baby Reading Program. Readers 18 and up can submit a book review at ccclib.org or at the Clayton library for a chance to win a Booklover’s Bag of goodies. Aug. 19 ACT vs. SAT Test Results Workshop 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Sponsored by Kaplan. Register at 1-800-kaptest or www.kaptest.com/college.
AT THE YMCA Clayton Community Gym is at 700 Gym Court. For more information on the YMCA call 692-2364.. Skate Camp: 9 a.m.-noon July 27-31. For those entering 1st-8th grade. Walnut Creek Skate Park. $165. 889-1600. Secret Agent Camp: 1-4 p.m. July 27-31. For those entering 3rd8th grade. Working with Mad Science, campers hone their detective skills. $195. 889-1600. Tennis Camp: 9 a.m.-noon Aug. 3-7. For 4-6 year olds and those entering 1st-6th grade. For those learning the basics or experienced players looking to advance to the next level. Clayton Valley High School. $65-$125. 889-1600. Super Sports Camp: 1-4 p.m. Aug. 3-7. For those entering 1st5th grade. Features sports such as baseball, soccer, basketball, flag football and dodgeball. 889-1600.
Basketball Camp: 9 a.m.-noon Aug. 10-14. For those entering 1st-6th grade. Teaming with Showtime Basketball, campers will learn teamwork, improve skills and master new drills. $165. 8891600. Summer Day Camp: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with extended care hours available. Days full of fun activities, crafts, sports and weekly fieldtrips. Clayton Community Gym. $115 a week for Clayton residents, $125 non-residents. 692-2364. Open Gym Hours: 5-7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Showtime Basketball Practices: 7-9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Free and open to all.
MEETINGS July 28 Clayton Planning Commission 7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 673-7304 or www.ci.clayton.ca.us. Aug. 4 Clayton City Council 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. Aug. 12 meeting is at R&M Pool, Patio & Gardens, 6780 Marsh Creek Road. Bring gloves and learn about potting plants for fun and profit. Contact Dorothy at -672-2526 or visit 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. Contact Becky at 286-1728 or visit ccbluestarmoms.org. 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. 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. 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. 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 greiving class - just a way to meet other people. Contact Lori at 998-8844 or lori@lorihagge.com.
Send your calendar announcements to calendar@claytonpioneer.com. Free listings must be from a non-profit, school, club or government agency. Business events are $25 for the first event and $10 for each additional. Call the office at (925) 6720500 with your business event listings.
July 24, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Manage excess energy – a pooped pooch is less likely to eat the sofa ELENA BICKER
PAWS
AND
CLAWS
One of the most challenging aspects of owning a young dog is managing their energy. Lack of exercise and mental stimulation are often the cause of bad behavior. A tired dog is a good dog. The following are just a few of the ways you can help your dog make the move from wild and wacky to tired and terrific. Training. Teaching your dog basic obedience commands
such as sit, down, stay, shake and look are excellent energy busters. Attending group classes is a great hour of mental energy for your dog and a good bonding experience for you both. Fetch or Tug. Even 10 minutes a day of fetch or tug can take your dog’s energy down a notch. Some dogs need to be taught the game. Make sure you follow the tug rules so you are in control – not the dog. Use a designated toy. That way not every toy, leash or sock is a tug toy. Use a “Take It” command. The dog only gets to play tug
Dan Rosendich
when you say “Take It.” Use a “Drop It” command. If he does not drop it, let the toy go and move on to another activity. Dogs have amazing control of their mouths, but don’t let his mouth touch your skin. If he does, it’s game over. Take frequent breaks and practice obedience. Play in 30second sessions so the dog doesn’t get too excited and lose his cool. Ask for obedience in between games. To get the game to resume, ask the dog for sit, down and/or look before saying “Take It” again. Sniff Walks. A good walk around the neighborhood is typically not enough stimulation for your dog, but let him sniff and lead the way (without pulling on the leash) for those 20 minutes and you’ve just burned some of his energy. Hide treats along the way for even more fun. Hikes. The Bay Area is filled with good off-leash and onleash dog trails. Use a long leash (15-20 feet) until you have practiced recall on the long leash and he returns 100 percent of the time when called. Always reward your dog when he comes. Mental Puzzles. When you can’t get out, give your dog mental puzzles such as Kongs,
Ross Moore and John Adams are ARF’s Adoption Stars Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The primary caretaker must be present to adopt. ARF also encourages kids 16 and younger and canine family members (dog adoptions only) to be present during the adoption process. Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www.arf.net, or call 925.256.1ARF.
ROSS MOORE Ross Moore is an easygoing, gentle and tolerant fellow. He is a little couch potato who will make a devoted companion The adoption fee for adult dogs is $225 and includes a seven-week training class. John Adams is an easy going mellow guy who loves to lounge around. He adores having his head and chin rubbed! The adoption fee for adult cats is $50. Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive,
JOHN ADAMS
food cubes and other games to keep them mentally engaged. They are less expensive than a new couch or shoes. Dog Park. This is not an option for all dogs. If your dog does get along with most other dogs he meets, you may want to use the dog park as one form of exercise. Spend a few months with your dog getting to know him and his reactions to other dogs you already know before you explore this option. Doggie Day Care. Going to day care once a week can be helpful in managing your dog’s energy. Elena Bicker is the Executive Director of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. She can be reached at (925) 256-1ARF (1273)
Page 15
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Installations – Repairs
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“Stupid,” Clayton resident and Alameda County EMT Patrick Ferrel said on his way to work. “It’s drugs. What kind of message does that send to the kids? Money is more important than their safety? It’s just a way to make up for the shortcomings of our leaders.” “Stupid,” said Frank Clarksen, who turns 78 in a month. “It’s illegal, and we keep telling kids that it’s bad, so now we’re gonna sell it?
Stupid.” “Awesome, dude,” said 23year-old Keller, who did not want his last name used in case his parents were to read his response. “It’s not like no one gets it anyway. It’s easy to get. I get it at school. All my friends know where to get it. It should be legal. It’s no worse than cigarettes.” “I don’t agree with it for so many reasons,” said Clayton’s Jessie M., who did not want her last name revealed. “I’ve
July 24, 2009
never agreed with it.” “There are enough illicit drugs out there,” said dentist Al Martin. “I don’t think they should legalize it, although it would reduce police costs. I haven’t read enough on both sides to be sure of my opinion.” For additional information on the California Police Chief ’s presentation, visit www.californiapolicechiefs.org/nav_files/medical_m arijuana.html or e-mail Cmdr. Michael Regan at mregan@ci.elcerrito.ca.us
Did you know . . . A woman proudly wearing a valuable pearl necklace is actually displaying an entombed parasitic worm, not a coated grain of sand. The free, spherical pearl is produced when the larvae from a parasitic flatworm, which comes from seabirds, burrows inside the oyster to begin the process. SOURCE: Pearl Expert Prof. PeterFankboner, Simon Frasier University
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1- Maze runner 2- Attract 3- Poisonous effluvia 4- Mottled mount 5- Gripping tool 6- Compass pt. 7- Ascend 8- Unstated 9- Collection of weaponry 10- Film spool 11- Deserter 12- Jackie's second 13- Nine-digit ID 18- Threnody 22- Call at home 24- Unpleasantly moist 26- Horrors! 27- Fix up 28- Formerly, formerly 31- ___ lift? 32- Soviet news service 33- Boy or man 35- Shooting marbles 36- Orsk's river 37- Defense grp. since 1949 39- Ambience 42- Erin 43- Blind as ___ 45- Most strange 46- Chaplin persona 48- Run chore 49- Sweet 50- Places of contest 51- Fortified feudal residence 55- Deadly 56- Peter Fonda title role 57- Rent-___ 59- Bar bill 60- "Hold On Tight" band 61- Highly respectful way of addressing a man 63- Tax pro
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Across 1- Genie's home 5- Andean country 9- Hand woven wall hanging 14- Et ___ 15- The doctor ___ 16- Brings up 17- Mildness 19- Take hold 20- Rural 21- Art supporter 23- Like a Humvee in Baghdad? 25- Author Fleming
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With a little ingenuity, you too can grow your own veggies
NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL Vegetable growing is a Clayton Valley tradition each year. Some individuals begin growing vegetables by seed during the last days of winter, while others wait for local nurseries to sell veggie starts after the first of April. This vegetable growing season, some Clayton Valley residents seemed apprehensive about the quantity of vegetables they would be undertaking, with a drought looming in the future. Vegetables aren’t like landscapes, and they need regular, deep water to stay productive. This was a challenge that Leo and MaryAnn Shindler were up for. They considered the cost of vegetables available at the local groceries and the environmental impact caused by large farms, which grow for national markets. With these things in mind, they decided to grow everything they could get their hands on. Leo, a do-it-yourself, handy individual, was certain there was a way to conserve water while growing a successful vegetable garden. He took his search to the Internet, where he found a
product called the EarthBox. The EarthBox claims to allow anyone, almost anywhere, to grow vegetables with higher yields, wasting less water and requiring minimal maintenance. Leo and MaryAnn’s first EarthBox kit arrived, and though the idea was there, the cost was high compared to what the kit contained. Realistically, Leo knew that with a couple of tweaks he could make his own selfwatering boxes for a fraction of the cost. Since then, he has grown to 15 self-watering planters, producing lettuce,
moist potting mix. Once packed, use the fill tube to add water to the bottom reservoir. Since you have already added the overflow hole, don’t worry about adding too much water. Then you can continue adding potting mix until the box is about half full, sprinkle with water, pat down to settle the soil, and then keep adding until you have filled the rubber container completely to the top. Do not leave any space along the sides, sprinkle with more water, pat down and smooth. At this point, you will add
Nicole Hackett
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Mayor, from page 1 days in Sacramento recently working with the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, Democratic Sen. Mark DeSaulnier of Concord and the Senate Transportation Committee who share our concerns on two bills currently before the committee. Assembly Bill 744 (Torrico) would allow the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to convert many of the High Occupancy Vehicle lanes in the Bay Area to HighOccupancy/Toll (HOT) lanes. MTC’s intent is to raise funds for regional transit and other high priority regional projects by allowing single-occupant vehicles to pay a toll to use the HOV lanes. Some of the concerns include the potential impact on the efficiency of the HOV lanes, the equity of allowing some to pay their way into the HOV lanes, and whether allowing single-occupancy vehicles to use HOV lanes actually encourages more traffic congestion and degrades air-quality. The Senate Transportation Committee has required that these concerns be
tomatoes, melons and much more, while using an estimated 10 gallons of water a day. Leo’s boxes are made up from rigid plastic storage containers. Leo drilled a hold into the side of the container, about 2 inches up – this will be the overflow hole. Leo then uses pieces of heavy plastic screen, which he cuts into two square shaped cutouts in opposite corners, and one circular shaped cutout for a refill tube. The tube is also plastic, and needs to be taller than the box. The corner cutouts in the screen will need to be packed with
adequately addressed before they will approve the measure. I want to specially thank Sen. DeSaulnier for helping to make this measure one that could actually benefit the traveling public. Another bill, AB 1175 (Torlakson), would add the Antioch and Dumbarton bridges to the Bay Area Toll Bridge Seismic Retrofit Program and authorize the Bay Area Toll Authority to place a regional bridge toll increase on the ballot to fund this work. The seismic work definitely needs to be done. The bill originally included other provisions that were not ready for primetime, which Assemblyman Torlakson’s has helped to remove. Those issues may come back next year, but that allows us time to work on making the bill right. Many thanks to Assemblyman Torlakson for hearing our concerns with this bill. NEW EATERY OPENS DOWNTOWN Back here in the 87th best place to live in America, we
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makes growing your own vegetables easy
have a new business downtown. Johnny’s International Deli & Café has opened across from the Post Office. Let me recommend the curry chicken for dinner – it’s yummy! The sandwiches are great too, I hear. Johnny’s is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., so when you don’t have time to pack a lunch, let him do it for you! Or get your picnic for the concert there or at one of our other fine restaurants – they’ll make you a great “to-go” dinner! The Royal Rooster helped me out last week when I needed a quick birthday gift. They have a great selection of high quality goodies, and I didn’t have to trek beyond Clayton. Remember to shop Clayton first! SUPPORT OUR SUMMER CONCERTS The summer Concerts in The Grove are a huge hit. These concerts are co-sponsored by the City of Clayton, Clayton Business & Community Association and Allied Waste. We expect the state to hit local governments pretty hard in their attempts to balance the budget, so we are very concerned about our
ability to fund the city’s portion of the concerts next year. Therefore, we are accepting donations at the concerts and at City Hall. At the last concert, I circulated the donation bottle through the crowd, and we collected $1,026.18. If we can match amount that during each of the rest of the summer concerts, we’ll be in good shape for next year. All of the money collected goes into a dedicated fund that will only be used for the concerts. All donations are tax deductible, so if you would prefer to contribute by check, send it to City Hall at 6000 Heritage Trail, Clayton, CA 94517. Put “Concerts in The Grove” on the memo line, and I will make sure you get a personalized letter thanking you for your donation. Next up on Saturday is Becca, country’s newest up-and-coming young star with her band Live Wire. I’ll be there – I hope you will be, too! As always you can reach me by email at Julie_Pierce@comcast.net. Let me know what you think
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some dry, granular fertilizer. Pour 2 cups in a 2-inch-wide strip, down the center of the container. Do not use a water soluble product (aka Miracle Grow). Cover the soil with pliable, dark colored plastic, such as you would use to keep weeds down, and secure with heavy-duty tape. Don’t forget to cut an additional hole for the refill tube. Now it is time to plant your vegetables. Tomatoes are the most popular Clayton Valley home grown vegetable (or fruit). They are fabulous when out of the garden. Depending on the size of your plastic boxes and chosen variety, you may need to grow only two or three plants per box. If you are growing Roma, cherry, or ace tomatoes, plant three per box. If you are growing beefsteak, early girl or beefmaster, two tomatoes per planter is best. Smaller sized plants can be heavier planted; peppers, strawberries and lettuce can have as many as eight plants per box. Pole beans and peas can have 16 plants per box. Leo and MaryAnn are growing tomatoes, beans, lettuce, blueberries ma couple different types of peppers, and four different melons, including cantaloupe and watermelon. They have already enjoyed carrots, broccoli, onions and radishes. Once those plants were not productive any more, Leo simply removed the old plants and plastic cover and dug out and removed the fertilizer strip. He then topped off the potting mix level, re-wet the top of the soil while patting it down, added more granular
fertilizer, a n d replanted. L e o created his own s e l f watering system to insure that the LEO SHINDLER planters will never run dry while he and MaryAnn are away. Using a small ice cooler, Leo set up his own refill system. The vessel of the cooler is filled with water, which uses a siphon system to bring the water to each planter. Inside the cooler, Leo has drilled holes, which have black, drip irrigation tubing feeding from the water into to fill tube of each planter. The water level in the cooler is kept level through the use of a float valve, which initiates water filling about four times a day. Leo’s technique is interesting and innovative. He took an idea and made it fit into his budget and lifestyle. He and MaryAnn now are able to enjoy homegrown vegetables and fruits easily, without waste. They are planning to continue growing vegetables into fall and winter. With these self-watering, pre-fertilized boxes, they hope that their cool season growing will be equally successful.
Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden Contact her with questions, comments or suggestions at gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
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Theatre Review
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There are connections, made between disparate elements, that form a single entity. Not quite the same as two halves making a whole – where once upon a time a thing joined is split and then returned to its initial state – rather, these pairings result when dissimilar items form a new whole. Salt and pepper, baseball and hot dogs, Democrats and Republicans. Even if there’s tension between them, or maybe, because there is, they are undeniably a match. “Love Letters,” A.R. Gurnery’s intimate play at the Willows Cabaret in Martinez, offers a human version of this pairing phenomenon. The play’s two characters, Melissa Gardner and Andrew Ladd, are as different from each other as salt is from pepper. Seated at writing tables, they read the letters and cards they have written to each other during their nearly 50 years of
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Pat Craig never expected to be the name above the column, or the derriére in the theater seat, but after more than a few years writing columns and reviews for the Contra Costa Times, he’s dreaming big. He’s thinkin’ maybe a reality show about typing ––“Pat Craig Live!” –– has a certain charm. But the opportunity to appear on stage after a 14-year absence is the real meat and potatoes for his soul. Fortunately, Craig’s hunger for stage time coincided with Willows Artistic Director Richard Elliot’s invitation to join the cast for the upcoming “Love
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Letters.” “I was over at the Willows, and Rich Elliott just asked me,” Craig says. Tapping into his longtime love of theater and willing to work around Craig’s congested calendar, Elliott is granting Bay Area audiences a rare treat. Craig and Lois Grandi, the wellrespected founder and director of Playhouse West, were scheduled to open the show at the Cabaret in Martinez on July 10. “Love Letters,” A.R. Gurney’s Pulitzer Prize-nominated play, revolves around two characters and the notes, cards and letters they have exchanged for nearly 50 years.
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Lois Grandi and Pat Craig are one of five pairs of actors appearing in the Willows Theatre production of “Love Letters.”
The play is a natural for busy actors, and Craig, in the theater for a minimum of 130 shows every year, surely qualifies. Because the script is read from the materials in hand, memorization is kept to a minimum. The actors sit through most of the play, so blocking is also unnecessary. “Love Letters” needs only two “rock solid” actors and the deft touch of a sensitive director; both short, but demanding orders to fill. Our good fortune reigns again, largely due to the area’s abundant talent. (The Willows will present a revolving door of five couples over the show’s run.) About Grandi, his fellow star, Craig says, “She’s a lot of fun to work with, and she’s rock solid as an actress.” Despite his long absence
from the stage, Craig is not apprehensive. “It might seem odd, but being on stage is where I’m most comfortable. Unlike writing, I know exactly what I’m going to say.” And even on those rare occasions when he finds himself involved with improvisational theater, where the words are not provided, Craig is rarely at a loss. In fact, it’s difficult to imagine him silent, or brooding. Anyone who reads Craig’s columns, and even his reviews, knows that the man is happy. He doesn’t exactly bubble – there’s too much depth and velocity in his delivery – but he brings the same super-drive enthusiasm to the stage as he does to his writing.
-Lou Fancher
Movie Review
‘The Hurt Locker’ is an insightful examination of war
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friendship. Melissa is feisty and foulmouthed; Andy is controlled and deliberately square. She presses for closeness, for phone calls instead of letters, for actual visits. He needs distance and the slow pace of old-fashioned, snail mail guarantees. Their relationship, begun with a birthday invite from elementary school days, grows from thin exchanges to meaty, thick-as a-sailor’s rope correspondence. Demonstrating both admirable savvy and the area’s bountiful talent, the Willows presents five different couples in the featured roles. In this performance, Lois Grandi gives Melissa a spicy, vigorous portrayal. Her face is wonderfully malleable: bursting into joyful grins, sagging with defeat, smirking with sexual innuendo, scowling at the very air when flouted. Grandi is a fine actor, magically appearing to age from 10
Local theatre critic at home on the stage
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“Going to war is a once in a lifetime experience,” counsels an army psychologist trying to help a young soldier on the edge of breaking. “The Hurt Locker” strives to bring this experience to those of us who never had to face it. It is a war movie without really being about the war. It takes no political position – the ruined cities and empty deserts of military occupied Iraq are merely the backdrop for a story about trying to survive a job where bombs blow up and people shoot at you almost every day. It is not out to preach one way or the other about the policies of the Iraq War. Instead it depicts how the everyday horrors of the situation grind down these young soldiers as they count the days until their rotation ends and hope they don’t die before they can go home. Unlike what you might expect from a war movie, there is no great battle to be won, no
enemy mastermind to defeat. In fact, you barely see the face of the enemy insurgents at all. The focus stays on the lives of three young men who make up an elite army bomb squad that is routinely dispatched to diffuse explosives throughout Baghdad. Will James (Jeremy Renner) is the fearless “Wildman” bomb expert and team leader who ignores the rules when they don’t fit his methods, much to the dismay of his teammates. JT Sanborn (Anthony Mackie) is a by-the-book, nononsense sergeant who tries to hold the unit together, and Owen Eldrige (Brian Geraghty) is the hesitant and somewhat fatalistic young specialist who follows orders but fears that any error he makes will cost a life. James thrives on the adrenaline rush of nearly impossible tasks, but his teammates fear his recklessness will endanger all their lives. The landscape they work in is alien, bizarre, and the Iraqis’ eyes are always upon them – watching these strangers with both fascination and disinterest from balconies, sidewalks and windows. As they go about their job, the soldiers constantly scan the onlookers for signs of an enemy, and paranoia is a given. Whenever one of the bomb specialists dons “the Suit,” which is full body protective gear, he looks like an astronaut walking across the moon, and
ARMY BOMB SQUAD SPECIALIST DONS “THE SUIT” to investigate possible explosive devices placed by enemy insurgents in Kathryn Bigelow’s “The Hurt Locker.”
clearly the cultural differences push them as far apart from the Iraqi civilians as people from separate planets. Will these men survive the stresses and hazards that are their daily routine? While it is not a plot driven story, there are plenty of unexpected turns as the character’s lives are transformed by both camaraderie and conflict. The surprises will quickly make you feel a portion of the constant threat that they live with. For them, the notion that life can be snatched away at an instant is never far from mind and they must, literally, watch every step they take because a bomb could be under a random piece of trash on the street. In order to illustrate the
nightmarish situations, there are a couple fairly gruesome scenes, but overall it is an amazing ride. The actors deliver excellent performances that make it hard to turn away, whether it is during the explosive action scenes or the nearly stagnant moments where the soldiers, pinned down by snipers, can barely move for hours. No matter how you feel about the Iraq War, this movie will stay with you outside the theatre.
Don Pedro Cruz has contributed to various magazines and newspapers for the last 20 years. Send your comments to dpvc2000@gmail.com
July 24, 2009
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 19
Keep track of water use between bills careful not to drop the lid on the meter, as this will break your meter.
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2. Get familiar with your Meter Most meters look like the one pictured. Dial: The dial will rotate when water passes through the meter. One full rotation of the dial equals 1 cubic foot of water, or 7.48 gallons. Low Flow Indicator : Even very small flows of water will cause the Low Flow Indicator to rotate. This makes it easy to detect small and large leaks. Odometer: The odometer records total water use. It is similar to the odometer in your car, which records miles driven. The water meter odometer records water use in cubic feet and displays as follows: The digits from right to left represent 1
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noticeable hesitation, even backtracking to reread a phrase or repeat a word. For the play to work, for the audience to understand Andy as anything but cold or timid, an actor reading the part must let us see the wobble in the man’s placid profile. Craig handles the task easily, allowing just enough vocal ripple to show the anxiety lurking beneath the character’s smooth exterior. “Love Letters” is remarkable for what is not said or done, as much as for what is. At times, silence is all: the absence of a reply expressing more pain, anger or surprise than words might convey. And there’s no eye contact. Chemistry in live theater often relies on performers sending
visual signals and on us seeing them see each other. Here, the characters look only out, until the final moments, when Melissa turns to Andy, who continues to look only out. The closing letter, read with needle-threading concentration by Craig, makes plain the pair’s mysterious connection. They are friends, confounded and completed by each other, filling the void they find in themselves. A fine play, in the hands of fine actors – the four other casts are sure to provide equally compelling duets. It’s no wonder the closing scene draws both a sigh and a tear. “Love Letters” plays through Aug. 2 at the Willows Cabaret at the Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St., Martinez. For tickets, call 798-1300 or visit www.willowstheatre.org.
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1. Locate your water meter The meter is usually located in a sunken concrete box near the street labeled CCWD. Be very careful when removing your meter box lid. Use two large screwdrivers – one to stick in the hole and one to pry up the outer edge. Lift the lid just enough to slide it over to the side with your foot. Replace the lid by sliding it back into place. Be very
to 20 to 50-plus years old. Although seated throughout the production, she is a mover. Her feet extend and retreat, her hand clutches her head or flips the page with a curlicued flair – all adding emphasis to the playwright’s look-at-me words. Pat Craig, as Andy, is her opposite. Steady, nearly immobile, he’s the epitome of an equilateral, right-angled, foursided figure. Craig plays the role with physical economy; his gestures brief, his feet planted. Only his eyebrows, like short dashes separating words on a page, are given free reign: traveling up or down, together or apart, maintaining appropriate distance. Intentionally or not, Craig delivers some lines with
during the test, your meter reading will change and you will need to retest.) If you appear to have a leak, check all appliances, faucets, toilets and other water sources. Don’t forget to check hot water heaters and washing machine hookups. By following these steps to monitor you water use, you will find it much easier to meet your water budget every month and avoid excess use charges on your water bills.
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that appropriated the peach as its state fruit. Peaches are part of the rose - George du Maurier (1834-1896) family. Called drupes (stone fruit), they share a past alongside Prunus persica receives its cherries, plums and apricots. name from a mistaken They are just becoming locally European belief that peaches abundant this time of year. originated in Persia. Instead, Yellow or white? Freestone they have been culor cling? Yellow tivated in China for peaches tend to eons and are conbe favored sidered a symbol of a m o n g long life and Americans and immortality. Europeans, In China, the while white wife of the mythic peaches, which Jade Emperor are a sweeter, arranged an exquiless acidic varisite peach banquet ety, are prefor her husband’s ferred in Asia. LINDA WYNER immortal allies. A freestone Peach images on peach is one FOOD FOR pottery are considwhere the flesh ered highly easily separates THOUGHT esteemed gifts from the pit, throughout Asia. while the cling … well I bet you The saga of Momotaro has can figure that out. Cling peachbeen told to Japanese children es are among the varieties that for generations. Legend has it ripen earliest each year, and the that “Peach Boy” was born bulk of the commercial crop is from a large peach and grew up canned. to vanquish the oni or ogres that Peaches won’t ripen once preyed on villagers. they are picked. In a few days Peaches migrated with time, they become softer and traders from China to the Middle more fragrant (but no sweeter). East and then to Europe. You can speed up the process European settlers in North by placing two to four peaches America planted peach trees, and in a brown paper bag for a day the Spanish missionaries intro- or two. duced the fruit in California. Peaches are equally tasty raw Peaches like our cool or gently cooked. They are terCalifornia winters and hot sum- rifically versatile in quick meal mers, but they are also at home preparations. Mix chopped throughout parts of the peaches and granola into yogurt Midwest and southern United or cottage cheese for a healthy States. You’ve probably heard snack or breakfast. Freeze Georgia referred to as the Peach peaches to add to yogurt, State, but it is South Carolina banana and any favorite supple-
ments to make a tasty smoothie. Finely chop canned, drained peaches and mix into Cool Whip for a flavorful filling for sponge or angel food cake. I almost always have a few jars of homemade peach rum preserves on my shelf. A true culinary multi-tasker, it’s spread on toast, warmed in the microwave and served atop vanilla ice cream and used as a base for Chinese sauces. PEACH RUM JAM 4 lbs. ripe peaches, pitted, peeled and chopped 5 c granulated sugar ½ c brown sugar 1 package powdered fruit pectin ¼ c dark rum In deep heavy-bottomed pot, combine fruit and pectin. Stirring constantly throughout the cooking stage, bring to a boil. Add sugars and bring to a full boil again. Boil one minute. Remove from heat and immediately add rum (depending on your fondness for this liquor, you can stand a little closer to the pot and breathe in deeply to inhale the wonderful rum-scented steam). Stir and skim occasionally for about 5 minutes. Seal in sterilized jars and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (longer in higher altitudes). I won’t open a jar of peach rum jam until it’s aged at least three months. Note: To remove the skin from a peach easily, dunk in boiling water for about 10 seconds, then plunge into ice water and the skin should slip right off.
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SWEET ’N’ SOUR DIPPING SAUCE ½ c peach rum jam 2 Tbsp chili sauce 1 to 2 Tbsp white or rice vinegar ¼ tsp chili flakes ¼ tsp soy sauce Melt jam over low heat or stir until a sauce-like consistency is reached. Add remaining ingredients and let stand for 30 minutes for the flavors to blend. Use for egg rolls, roasted pork or stir-fried boneless chicken pieces. ITALIAN-STYLE PEACH ICE 1 c sugar 2 c water 1 lb. peaches, skinned, pitted and chopped 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 3-inch by 1-inch strip lemon zest Make simple syrup by bringing sugar and water to a boil. Maintain boil for one minute. Cool and refrigerate. Puree peaches with lemon juice and add to syrup. Add peel. Combine well and pour into shallow, high-sided pan to depth of about 1 inch. Stir every half hour to move frozen slush to middle of the mixture. When middle of mixture starts to freeze, remove peel, cover and allow to freeze entirely. (Linda Wyner is on vacation. This article is reprinted from the Pioneer, August 2006.) Linda Wyner, a local attorney and foodie, owns Pans on Fire, a gourmet cookware store and cooking school in Pleasanton. Email her at lwyner@claytonpioneer.com
Tel: (925) 672-4433
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GEORGE VUJNOVICH, Broker Helping friends, neighbors and newcomers buy and sell their homes since 1979 Ironwood/Windmill Canyon at Oakhurst Country Club! Gorgeous “Cypress” Model on a view lot overlooking
Hamptons at Waldon! Superb 1st Floor Single Level Unit! tucked away at the back of a small quiet complex in a wooded setting! 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 updated full baths, approx. 1144sf, inside laundry, fireplace & a detached 1 car garage! Updated kitchen boasts slab granite counters & stainless steel appliances! Dining & living room feature upgraded laminate floors, tile fireplace & a slider to cozy deck. Within walking distance to BART & Iron Horse Trail, plus $365,000 just minutes to downtown & freeway access.
hills, valley & City below. 4 bedrooms, plus a den/office, 3 baths, approx. 2680sf with 2 car garage. Downstairs bedroom and full bath + den/office. Gourmet eat-in kitchen. Family room with fireplace. Spacious master suite with balcony overlooks sweeping views! Private lot offers brick trimmed aggregate patio & hardscape, lush-mature landscape & a cascading waterfall with pond! $629,000 CLAYTON!
Falcon Ridge at Oakhurst Country Club!
Fantastic “Serenade” model backs to open space! 5 bedroom, 3 baths + den, approx. 3,079sf, 3 fireplaces & 3 car garage! Private paradise lot features freeform pool with built-in spa & waterfall, custom patio and nature fencing that allows yard to blend into open space!
NG I D PEN
$799,000
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CLAYTON!
Dana Hills! Tucked away at the end of the court backing to greenbelt! With great views of Mt. Diablo. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 2,141sf, 2 fireplaces & 2 car garage! Awesome yard perfect for summer fun! Sparkling in-ground pool with water feature. Separate above ground spa & covered gazebo. Large lot with mature landscaping provides privacy! $574,000
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CLAYTON!
George Vujnovich of Better Homes Realty
Oakhurst Country Club! Diablo Ridge!
Highly Desirable End Unit! with 2 car attached garage! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 1,554sf & inside laundry. Living & dining area feature neutral carpet & a Two-way fireplace shared with family room offering slider to patio. Kitchen has tile counters, maple cabinets & upgraded tile floors. Spacious master with walk-in closet & oversized tub/shower. Cozy patio. Walking distance to community pool/spa.
$369,000
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6160 Center Street, Suite E, Clayton 94517 WALNUT CREEK!
CLAYTON!
ING D N PE
Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.
CLAYTON!
Ironwood/Windmill Canyon at Oakhurst Country Club! Great home in a fantastic quiet court location! across from neighborhood park with views! 4 bedrooms, plus loft, 3 baths, approx. 2,481sf. Gourmet kitchen boasts slab granite counters & stainless steel appliances. Downstairs bedroom and full bath. Master suite balcony offering sweeping views! Private lot with custom patio, lush lawn and lots of flowers & ornamentals! $619,000
ADDRESS 738 Bloching Circle 604 Golden Eagle Pl 451 Obsidian Way 2901 Coyote Cir 8 Donner Creek Ct 1043 Kenston Dr 1132 Peacock Creek Dr 112 Mount Etna Dr 359 Mount Washington Wy 5019 Keller Ridge Dr 115 Forest Hill Drive 1355 Shell Lane 159 Mt. Vernon Drive 1025 Pebble Beach Drive 216 Mountaire Circle
PRICE $615,000 $602,500 $630,000 $375,000 $248,000 $575,000 $737,000 $260,000 $520,000 $465,000 $835,000 $403,000 $615,000 $800,000 $525,000
SALE DATE
SF
BED/BATH
7/10/09 7/10/09 7/10/09 7/10/09 6/26/09 6/25/09 6/22/09 6/19/09 6/19/09 6/19/09 06/16/09 06/16/09 06/09/09 06/05/09 06/04/09
2325 2481 3005 1554 1457 1761 3268 1442 1959 1639 3307 1355 2324 3599 1919
4/2.5 4/3 4/3 3/2.5 3/2.5 4/2 5/3.5 3/2 4/2 3/2.5 4/2.5 3/2.5 4/2.5 4/3 4/2