Get Fit in 2010 See Page 18
IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com
February 19, 2010
925.672.0500
Tip your hat to the vintage clothing exhibit at the Clayton Museum PAMELA WIESENDANGER Special to the Pioneer
HANK STRATFORD
MAYOR’S CORNER Shop Clayton and keep tax dollars at home The budget sub-committee met recently to go over the city’s mid-year financial status. We expect to finish the fiscal year (June 30) with a slight deficit of about $45,000. Our expenses are on track, but our revenues are trending down – which should be no surprise to anyone. Since we have already cut expenses, the sub-committee will recommend to the City Council that we continue to monitor the budget but not transfer any funds until we see where we are at the end of June. If you are wondering what you can do to help, the easiest thing is to shop and eat in Clayton so the sales tax dollars don’t go to other cities. I was recently talking with my friend Patty and she told
See Mayor, page 4
Vandals hit 14 cars in Oakhurst
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190
Residents of Windmill Canyon in Oakhurst were awakened in the early hours of the morning on Feb. 12 by a surprise visit from Clayton police. Officer Rich Enea was patrolling the area around 3 a.m. when he discovered car after car with smashed windshields. Some cars had multiple windows broken. “There was a lot of damage,” he said. Police say it looks like the work of vandals with baseball bats. “This is the kind of thing that really gets to us,” said officer Richard McEachin. “There’s absolutely no reason for it,” All of the cars were parked on the street and there were no reports of items missing from any of them. Anyone with information is asked to call the Clayton Police Department at 673-7350.
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
CLOTHES DEFINITELY MAKE THE WOMAN as Bess and Kate Amos discovered when they dug into the basket of dress-up clothes that are part of the latest vintage clothing exhibit at the Clayton Museum. The exhibit runs through Mar. 24.
When the curtain falls, this family takes their happy ending home LOU FANCHER Clayton Pioneer
When Tevye’s three oldest daughters sing “Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match” in “Fiddler on the Roof,” they might as well be singing about Chris and Jon Marshall. The couple had been together 5½ years plus one day when we met at Starbucks in Clayton for this interview, on Jan. 14 – a tidy fact dispensed in a delicate manner by Jon, as if handing over a precious package. They married six months ago and recently moved to Clayton with their children, Jordan and Jacob Ben-Shmuel. Marriage and moving are often equated with “madness,” but in the theater, where Chris and Jon spend much of their time, madness has led to beautiful kismet. Chris is brief and down-toearth about getting married, just what you’d expect from a theater manager. “It was time to make it
official,” she says. Speaking about moving, their words overlap – the relocation was for the schools. “Clayton Valley High School has a wonderful arts academy program,” she explains. But beyond all the pragmatic words and practical decisions, there lies a fairy tale story of fate and flexibility. Hearing from a friend about an opening, Jon called the Willows Theatre Company 10 years ago. He auditioned the same afternoon and got the role of Perchik in “Fiddler on the Roof.” Although an equity stage manager and actor, he prefers to leave the impression of an inadvertent entry into his career as an actor. He lists his credentials minimally, saying only, “I sang in high school,” and offering up the fact that he has a living room full of instruments. He’s more assured about the See Theatre Family, page 8
What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Church News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Setting up the “Dressing Up for Going Out” display at the Clayton Museum was as much fun for Sue Fletcher as it will be for you to visit. It was the first time Fletcher has displayed all of the treasures from her greataunts. The exhibit features an eye-catching arrangement with twinkle lights, tulle and flickering candles to spotlight hats of felt and fur, wraps, jewels, gloves, purses, kerchiefs and shoes from the 1930s and ’40s. Six sisters were born into the Stroik family in Ashland, Wis. Collette was the only daughter of one of the sisters, Agnes. Collette bore the family’s first granddaughter – Sue – who now lives in Clayton. Over the years, all the hats and accessories lovingly worn by the sisters ended up with Fletcher. Train cases have protected the costume jewelry and other accessories, while hat boxes preserved the 40plus hats, keeping them safe as they made their way from Wisconsin to California.
See Museum, page 7
Clayton Station to clean up creek corridor TAMARA STEINER
Clayton Pioneer
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
FAMILY LIFE PLAYS OUT AT THE THEATRE as well as in the kitchen for Chris (seated at left) and Jon (standing) Marshall and their children Jacob (front) and Jordan Ben-Shmuel.
Community Calendar . . . . . . . . . . .16 Directory of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . .5 Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Financial Sense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Fitness Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Food for Thought . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Going Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Movie Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Pioneer Photo Album . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Safety Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
The Clayton Station Shopping Center may be waiting awhile for the face lift approved by the city last year, but clean up of the area behind Safeway will not. The Clayton Planning Commission has agreed to extend an application submitted in January 2009 for exterior modifications to the shopping center on the condition that the owners clean up the creek corridor and agree to an ongoing maintenance plan. Shopping carts and debris in the creek and along the banks, dying landscaping and graffiti has been a source of aggravation for the city for several years. “This area has been an eyesore, for a long time” said Council member Julie Pierce. The building owners have See Clean
Up, page 7
School News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Senior Moments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Teen Speak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Your Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Page 2
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 19, 2010
Around Town Surprise community welcome for Clayton’s Jason Gardner home on leave
Mike Dunn/Clayton Pioneer
SPEC-4 JASON GARDNER, center, with parents Pam and Clay Gardner.
Last week, Clayton’s Jason Gardner came home on leave from the Army. He was celebrating at Ed’s Mudville Grill with his family when Chief of Police Dan Lawrence surprised them with an escort to their Oakhurst home. With lights flashing and sirens blaring, Lawrence led the procession that included motorcycle riders from the Lafayette Flag Brigade, Warriors Watch and American Legion. Several Blue Star Moms, the Mt. Diablo High ROTC and the fire truck from Station 11. “This is absolutely surpris-
ing, very much so,” said Gardner, who will be home for 28 days before reporting to Fort Hood, Texas. Gardner’s rank is a Specialist4th class. “I’m overwhelmed,” said an emotional Clay Gardner, Jason’s father. “I couldn’t have thought of a better way to make my son feel special coming home. This is incredible. It’s more than I thought it could be.” Jason’s parents, Majors Pam and Clay Gardener head the Salvation Army Church on Clayton Road. - Mike Dunn
Clayton
Shoe donations part of direct aid to Haiti For the past few years, the children of Haiti have been on Colleen Elwy’s mind. When the earthquake hit, the Elwy family wanted to be a part of the efforts to help. Having heard about Sport Chalet teaming up with Soles 4 Souls to collect gently used shoes for children and adults in Haiti, the Elwys decided to do their part too. “We asked for donations from our Girl Scout troop and home school program,” says Kayla Elwy, pictured at right with mom Colleen. “But we also knew that everyone has at least one pair of shoes lying around in their closet, so we went door to door to over 200 homes in our neighborhood.” Dana Hills residents donated bags full and the Elwys were still getting calls after the collection ended. In just 1½ weeks, the Elwys collected and delivered 301 pairs of gently used and new shoes to Sport Chalet. “The shoe donations have
to go through each pair to make sure they were tied together and get them sent to Soles 4 Souls within a week. “We have so much to give and this huge turnout will mean a lot to the people in Haiti,” Jew says.
For more information, visit soles4souls.org.
Pioneer goes down under with Jack Lilly and family Jack Lilly joined his aunt, uncle and cousin Tammie, Justin and Lindsey Snyder of Martinez for a trip halfway around the world to Australia. The relatives spent two weeks Down Under enjoying some amazing tennis at the Australian Open in Melbourne and snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns. They were trapped in
Clayton Oak Hollow at Oakhurst Country Club! “Santa Fe” model on a Prime Golf Course view lot!
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far exceeded our expectations,” notes Gavin Jew, manager of Sport Chalet. “We have received over 20,000 pairs of shoes in such a short time from a variety of people and groups and it has been truly awesome.” After the Jan. 31 donation deadline, behind the scene work continued as Sport Chalet had
Cairns for four days when Cyclone Olga hit the shores, but it didn’t stop the family from enjoying the many sights and sounds including the Cairns Zoo where they held a koala, fed kangaroos and got to see a red panda up close and personal. They also visited Karunda by skyrail towering over the immense rain forest.
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February 19, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 3
Obituary
Around Town Camellia Tea honors Clayton’s descendants
CLAYTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY members Martin Easton, John Rubiales and Dick Ellis take tea at the 33rd annual Camellia Tea on Valentine’s Day.
The Clayton Museum was all decked out in camellias and cookies on Valentine’s Day for the 33rd annual Camellia Tea honoring the descendants of Clayton’s pioneering families. Charmetta Mann and her cousin Joel Harris caught up on family news. Both are great-grandchildren of Capt. John Stockfleth, a sea captain, who moved his family to Clayton in 1890 to raise his 10 children in the sunshine. A photograph of Capt. Stockfleth’s ship with him visible on the bridge hangs in the back parlor of the museum Clayton is rich with local history and the museum is chock full of photographs
Nov. 23, 1966 – Jan. 31, 2010
Chris McDonough, John McDonough, Beth Vaughan
the Clayton Historical Society and hours for the museum, visit www.claytonhistory.org.
Local nurse honored for excellence
Pioneer finds Clayton’s family history in Scotland
Jerry and Karen Koehne recently returned from a trip to Scotland where they visited Fintry, the birthplace of Joel Clayton’s wife, Margaret Mclay Clayton. They were able to locate the family plot in the church cemetery..
and artifacts. A kids corner with a stereoscope, rotary dial phone, a telegraph machine and Victor adding machine donated by Charmetta Mann satisfies everyone’s need to touch. Chris McDonough was busy pecking away at the Remington manual typewriter. Chris and his family were out for a day of cycling and dropped in on the spur of the moment. The family lives in the Crossings but had never been to the museum. “We aren’t exactly dressed for tea,” they laughed. The museum is on Main Street in a house that is thought to have once been Joel Clayton’s home. For more information on
Clayton resident Carol Ghylin, RN, recently received the first Magnet Nurse award that John Muir Health Care Cardiac Rehab Program has ever received. The Magnet Recognition Program was developed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to recognize health care organizations that provide nursing excellence. Carol received the award in recognition of her excellence in nursing practices and the program she handles in Cardiac Conditioning. Carol works in Cardiac Rehabilitation in Brentwood and Walnut Creek facilities. The process includes evaluation of specific criteria in many areas including quality patient care, nursing excellence, and innovations in professional nursing practice. This was a highly competitive process and John Muir’s Magnet Cardiac Rehab Program is the only program of this type serving the community in this area. The other two in the Bay Area are in Mt. View and Stanford.
Derek Thome
CAROL GHYLIN AND BEVERLY JONES Senior Vice President of Patient Services at John Muir.
Derek Thome, 43, was killed in a motorcycle accident on Jan. 31. He was a longtime resident of Concord and Clayton and was moving to Brentwood with his fiancée, Christie Kelly. As a youngster, Derek played baseball for Continental Little League and attended Ygnacio Valley High School. He worked for PG&E until an industrial accident in 2004. He was a kitten foster for ARF and loved his two kitties, Sugar and Honey. Derek was active in AA and loved his motorcycle and RC planes. Derek is survived by his parents, Frank and Marcia; his sister and brother-in-law, Melinda and Steven Lassair; his nephew Jaiden; and his extended family. Derek had a big heart and will be missed by his family and many friends. Close friends and family gathered to share memories at his parents’ home on Feb. 13.
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Page 4
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 19, 2010
Editorial
Times columnist Thomas Peele’s demands are out of line and Clayton won’t be bullied TAMARA STEINER, PUBLISHER Clayton Pioneer
In the January 21 issue of the Contra Costa Times, MediaNews Watchdog columnist Thomas Peele shows what happens when you give a playground bully a word processor. An “investigative journalist,” Mr. Peele is asking public agencies across the state to send him their payroll data, which he plans to publish on a Website as a public service. He is well within his rights under the California Public Records Act to ask for this information, and nothing in the law says he has to be polite about it. The law does, however, limit his access to documents and records already in existence. It does not give him the right to demand the information be recast into a format of his choosing. In short, it does not require that the agency do his secretarial work for him. In Early January, Mr. Peele made a formal request to the city for payroll records, demanding that they be produced in an Excel
spreadsheet format defined by him. If the city was unwilling to do this, he says on page two of his letter, then they could send the information in the “electronic format in which it is maintained…” The city of Clayton does not have a payroll department. That function is contracted out to a third party which gives the city a print out that clearly spells out base pay, overtime, vacation pay, shift differential, etc. The city does not have this information in any electronic format that can be manipulated or cut and pasted. Doing Mr. Peele’s spreadsheet for him would have required many hours of staff time at taxpayer expense. We know that two other small cities spent as much as 20 hours to prepare the report in Mr. Peele’s format. The city of Clayton is only a few clicks short of reusing the toilet paper and the city clerk said no to burning the staff time. Instead she sent him a copy of the original report from the payroll service with a key to the codes used. It wasn’t difficult. We figured it out in about a minute. Apparently, Mr. Peele had
Mayor, from page 1 me that she always shops at our Walgreen’s or CVS pharmacies. She consciously makes sure that if she can buy it in Clayton, she will. If you haven’t tried our restaurants recently, go out to eat here in town. There are other, more drastic things you could do to help our little city’s economy like buy a new car or boat, or buy a new home with a higher assessed tax value.
CLAYTON VALLEY SHELL
But if we all shop and eat out more in Clayton, we will be helping our revenues. Some of you may have seen the article in the Contra Costa Times on Jan. 31 titled “MediaNews Watchdog: Places like Clayton still deny access to records.” In the article, reporter Thomas Peele says Clayton will not provide him the information he requested and then he raises
required to create a new record. If one person requested the public record be put into an Excel spreadsheet and another person requested the same information be put into a Word document and a third person requested it be handwritten, where do you draw the line? As required, the city will provide the public record in its current form. Then the recipient can put it into whichever format he or she chooses. Since we weren’t willing to put the provided information into his
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the question of whether we are hiding something. Peele requested 2009 salary information for our city employees. The only form in which we have that information is a report from our third-party payroll processor. This is the report we provided to Peele. The problem was he wanted the city to create a new spreadsheet document with this same information. By law, the city is required to provide any public record requested. However, we are not
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ing the city to create his spreadsheet was not asking for a new document. Again, he dodged. “...We’ll leave it to the lawyers to determine what a ‘new document’ is...” In the meantime, we’ll go with the obvious explanation. A new document is one that didn’t exist before it existed. Clayton is not the first public agency to stand up to Mr. Peele. In a similar piece in the Oakland Tribune on Dec. 27, he called several other Bay Area agencies to task for not wanting to use taxpayer money to do his work for him. His bullying paid off, though, and they all finally caved. Clayton stands alone and Mr. Peele is not happy about it. His Watchdog piece was a temper tantrum, pure and simple – immature and irresponsible. Mr. Peele asked the city for very specific information and he got it the best possible way—in an original, source document impossible to change or manipulate. Clayton has nothing to hide, Mr. Peele, and they aren’t afraid to spit into the wind.
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more difficulty with the report than we did. He continued to demand the spreadsheet, getting more aggressive with each email, accusing the city clerk of “shirking” her responsibilities and the city of hiding something. He threatened to write a negative article, saying he was going to give the city an “F” for cooperation and denied the mayor’s request for a face-toface meeting. The city stood firm on principle and on January 21 Mr. Peele went on the attack. “Places like Clayton are still denying access to records,” read the headline. Not only misleading, but untrue. The city gave him all the information he asked for. Mr. Peele denied responsibility for the inaccuracy, saying he doesn’t write his own headlines. In a guide to the Public Records Act prepared by professional journalists, those asking agencies for information are specifically told not to ask the agency to create a record or list. “…the PRA covers only records that already exist.” We asked Mr. Peele how ask-
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format, Peele accused us of not providing access to public records. He received the most complete salary record that the city has but still accused us of hiding something. This issue has been very frustrating. While writing this column, I received another email from Peele stating that he still believes we have not complied with his public records request. Before I start to bang my head against the wall, I’ll move on to a more pleasant topic.
Two columns ago, I wrote about the idea of a citywide character development program. The number of positive responses I received from the community was impressive. I will keep you posted on any progress and the possibility of holding a community brainstorming meeting. In the meantime, if you have suggestions for future columns or any questions or feedback, let me know. You can email me at hank_stratford@yahoo.com
February 19, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Directory of Advertisers
Looking for ways to
TAMARA AND R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers TAMARA S TEINER , Editor R ANDY W ENGER , Display Advertising P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design B EV B RITTON , Copy Editor J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports C HRISTINA S CARLOTT , Administrative Assistant
Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580 Tamara Steiner tamara@claytonpioneer.com Randy Wenger Randy@claytonpioneer.com Send ads to ads@claytonpioneer.com Send Sports News to sports@claytonpioneer.com Send Club News to clubnews@claytonpioneer.com Send Church News to churchnews@claytonpioneer.com
Send School News to schoolnews@claytonpioneer.com
CLASSIFIEDS Classified rates per insertion: Non-profit: $12 for first 30 words, $.20 each additional word Individual/non-commercial: $18 for first 30 words, $.30 each additional word Commercial: $48 for first 30 words, $.40 each additional word To place your classified ad over the phone, call the office at (925) 6720500 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Or, you may fax your typewritten ad and credit card information to (925) 672-6580. All classifieds must be paid for in advance by credit card (Master Card or Visa) We will not accept any ad that dis-
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Beginning wit h the March 5 issue, the Pioneer w ill go to 13,00 0 highincome home s in Clayton a nd Concord Standard one page flyer - $ 780 Bet
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.
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LESSONS
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 250 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.
Music & Voice Fun music lessons in your home or Instructors studio. Professional voice, piano and guitar instruction taught in a fun and positive way. Ages 5 to 105. All styles, student choice, Traditional, Pop, Jazz, etc. Exciting annual recitals. Mention code #1163 and receive a one time $10 discount for you and a friend. Call 1-800Melody1 (1-800-635-6391) or sign up at www.MelodyMusicStudios.com
Traveling Trainers for Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .890-6931
SERVICES Garden Girl Gardening Garden care for your roses, perennials and ornamentals. Monthly pruning and fertilizing services. Plant suggestions and installation. If you want more flowers this year, call or email Nicole Hackett 673-1746, or gardengirl94517@yahoo.com.
Funerals Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Gifts The Royal Rooster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2025 Health GIA Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .383-1876 John Muir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .941-2244
WANTED Real Estate Agents Be Successful! Lynne French is expanding and interviewing for a few agents. Call her today (925) 672-8787.
Home and Garden Abbey Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Clear Splash Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6245 Danmer Shutters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .202-1220 Floors to Go Danville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .820-8700
The future is waiting Open a Roth IRA for as little as $200
If the road to retirement is shorter than you’d like, we want to help you do something about it. You can open a Roth IRA now for as little as $200 and then start saving a little from each paycheck. You can arrange automatic payroll deduction to keep you on track. The qualifications and benefits are simple: N Single with income under $95,000 N Married with combined income under $150,000 N No tax deduction now, but no taxes to pay later N Only minimal limitations on withdrawals* If you want to know more about the differences between IRA options, visit one of our branches or give us a call. Take control and walk the road to retirement with confidence.
(800) 877-8328 Concord: 1257 Willow Pass Road Antioch: 5819 Lone Tree Way
www.traviscu.org
Clayton Valley: 5442 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Suite 10 Brentwood: 3111 Balfour Road, Suite N
NCUA–Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. *Earnings are tax-free if you are 59-1/2 or qualify for an exception defined by the IRS and the Roth IRA has been funded for at least five years. There is a 10% penalty for withdrawal of earnings taken before age 59-1/2. Everyone who lives, works, worships or goes to school in our 12-county area is eligible to join. Certain membership requirements may apply.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED 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. Anna’s Attic Volunteers Hospice of the East Bay – Anna’s Program is seeking dedicated, caring volunteers to provide home companionship and practical support for women with recurrent breast cancer. To volunteer at the Hospice of the East Bay thrift store at 5350 Clayton Road. Call store manager, Debbie at 674-9072 or Lamont Campbell at (925) 766-5066.To apply for free training, call Hospice of the East Bay at (925) 887-5678 or email volunteers@hospiceeastbay.org.
Pacific Coast Flooring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .609-2151 Navlet’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .681-0550 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 Pans on Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .600-7267 Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055 Mailing and Shipping The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Personal Products and Services Bella Mia Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-7792 Pet Services Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Pet Suites Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432- PETS Rodie’s Feed and Country Store . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600 Vet Tech Pet Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .899-7354 Real Estate and Mortgage Services Flannery, Patty - Diablo Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0541 French, Lynne - Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787 Klock, Leigh - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593 Laurence, Pete - RE/MAX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .890-6004 Lopez, Stephanie - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . .932-7329
Clayton Historical Society Museum The Clayton Historical Society Museum needs a greeter for two hours per month from 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays or Sundays. No experience or extensive knowledge of Clayton history is necessary. Call the museum at 6720240 and leave your name. Clayton Community Library Needs volunteers. Minimum age 13. Minimum commitment is 6 months. Some training provided. Shelver - to shelve and sensitize library materials. Various days/times. Tutors - no prior experience necessary! You determine the grade level and subjects you are comfortable with and the days/times. Requires good communication skills, patience and a desire to help students in the community. Contact: Arlene @ 673-9777 or email: akikkawa@ccclib.org
Morucci, Kim - Intero Real Estate Services . . . . .280-8563 Rahimzadeh, Helen -Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . .932-7375 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . .672-4433 Recreation Castle Rock Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .937-7661 Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Clayton Valley Dance Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0180 YMCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .889-1600 Senior Services Aegis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .692-5853 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . .524-5100 Services, Other Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700 Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Contra Costa Water District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .688-8044 Household Hazardous Waste . . . . . . . . . 1-800-646-1431 Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . . . .473-0180 Travel Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447 Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9840
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
‘Cash-in’ becoming a popular option in mortgage refinance I have heard of refinancQ ing your mortgage with “cash-out,” but I recently heard a new term called “cash-in.” What does this mean? The reason you haven’t heard this term is because it hasn’t been done often in previous years. What it means is refinancing your mortgage and lowering your principal balance by bringing cash into the transaction. In the fourth quarter of 2009, 33 percent of borrowers who refinanced their mortgage lowered their principal balance. The result of this is the highest “cash-in” share since Freddie Mac began tracking the characteristics of refinance transactions in 1985. Consistent with the cash-in share, the report showed that the share of borrowers who
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Love chili? Plan on cooking up a big pot of your favorite recipe and entering the Clayton Club Saloon’s 6th annual Chili Cookoff on February 28. At 11 a.m. the judges will pick up their forks and the action will begin. Winners will take home cash and the Clayton Club patrons will finish off all the chili. Entries limited to 25, so get your entry in early. See the bartender at the Clayton Club on Main Street to enter. $15 entry fee.
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increased their loan balance by 5 percent or more during this same time was at a record low of 27 percent. It is easy to understand why this would be the case. Property equities have shrunk and it is hard for many to be approved to take cash out. On the other hand, if people are planning on staying in their home for a long time and are able to bring in cash and lower their principal, it is a safety net for the asset of the home.
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The 15th annual Clayton Art and Wine Festival will be held Saturday, May 1, and Sunday, May 2, along historic Main Street. Visitors can enjoy premium varietals from California’s wineries and popular premium brewed beers while browsing among more than 125 artisan and craft exhibits. Youngsters can spend time in Kiddieland, with lots of games and fun. On Saturday, local station 92.1 KKDV will have a live remote broadcast, with a prize wheel and giveaways. The family event also includes non-stop live entertainment and an international food court. Admission is free.
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Is the government offerQ ing anything to help us become more energy efficient? Maybe stimulus money? Passage is not a sure thing, but a jobs initiative being discussed in Congress may funnel some $11 billion toward home energy efficiency. It is designed primarily to put contractors back to work doing things like caulking windows and doors, adding insulation and upgrading hot water heaters and other appliances. It would
A
LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ANSWERS also cut down on pollution, and the monthly savings for homeowners could be substantial. If passed, homeowners may be eligible for a tax credit up to $12,000 or half the cost of the retrofits, whichever is lower. I will keep you posted on what I hear. Send your question and look for your answer in a future column. Email Lynne@LynneFrench.com. 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 672-878 7or stop in at 6200 Center St., Clayton.
Upcoming Events CREEKSIDE ARTS CELEBRATION MARCH 5-7 Clayton celebrates the arts, culture and nature at this free benefit honoring the Clayton Library’s 15th birthday. Performers, artists, artisans, ecologists provide entertainment for all ages and many opportunities to explore the community’s cultural diversity through storytelling, interactive visual arts, workshops, art sales and exhibits. Put on your Sherlock Holmes cape and join the audience in solving a murder mystery. See how science inspires art in “BioArt.” Vote for your favorite art in the “People’s Choice Awards.” Tour the library’s creekside certified wildlife habitat with local wildlife biologist and ethno-botanist, Jim Hale. Share your own talents during an “open mic time” for poetry reading and musical jamming. Friday Mar. 5, 68 p.m., Sat., Mar. 6, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun. Mar. 7, 1-5 p.m. For more info, call 864-3805.
The Clayton Art and Wine Festival is presented by the Clayton Business and Community Association. Formed in 1984, the non-profit CBCA creates year-round events to benefit Clayton, such as the Clayton Golf Classic, Oktoberfest, Christmas Tree Lighting, Santa’s Visit and Mrs. Claus’ Dessert Party. Proceeds support local Scout troops, youth athletics, police reserves, the Clayton Library, town beautification, youth scholarships, the Clayton Historical Society and many other events that benefit Clayton and its citizens. If you are interested in joining this group, call 672-2272.
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*Up to 50% savings is based on select Alaska cruisetour departures compared to Launch Fares. Launch Fares are offering fares and may not have been in effect for the past 90 days or resulted in actual sales in all categories. Intermediate discounts may have been taken and fares may remain at discounted levels after this promotion. Savings amount varies by itinerary, departure date and stateroom category. $999 lead fare is based on cruisetour NB3, 5/19/10 departure only. Fares for other dates may vary. Fares are in US dollars, cruisetour only, per person, based on double occupancy, subject to availability, capacity controlled and may not be combinable with any other public, group or past passenger discount, including shipboard credits. Fares apply to minimum lead-in categories on a space-available basis at time of booking . Government fees and taxes of up to $165 per person are additional, are subject to change and may be higher for Canadian Residents. Fares are available to legal residents of the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico only. Offer applies to lower berth passengers only. See the applicable Princess Cruises’ brochure or princess.com for terms, conditions and definitions that apply to all bookings. Please reference promotion code: RTG/RTH/RTI/RTJ/RTK/RTL/RTM/RTN/RTO/RTP/RTQ/RTR/RTS. ©2010 Princess Cruises. Ships of Bermudan registry.
February 19, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Page 7
Hail Caesar! But from where?
tically figured out what to serve
For decades, them. Caesar has been the reigning Grabbing some lettuce, monarch of salads. But many croutons, a lemon, an egg and mistakenly believe the salad is olive oil, he headed to their table Italian in origin. with a salad Back in the stand. In that mid-1920s, moment, he creTijuana, Mexico, ated a salad maswas a bustling terpiece. town. Because of T h e prohibition laws impressed diners in the United insisted on a States, gringos name for the flocked south of “house salad,” so the border for they would know alcoholic what to ask for LINDA WYNER refreshment and when they entertainment. FOOD FOR THOUGHT r e t u r n e d . One busy Thinking quicksummer afterly, he replied, noon, a popular restaurant “Caesar salad!” found its shelves were quite He named it after himself – bare. When some Americanos Caesar Cardini, a Mexico-born flashing lots of greenbacks Italian. strolled in, the restaurateur franThe original recipe would
not be disclosed for more than 25 years. Julia Child finally coaxed it out of Cardini’s daughter. Today, you can purchase Cardini’s Caesar Dressing in stores, although the commercial recipe differs in some respects from the original and there are numerous variations. The one ingredient that Cardini refused to include in his dressing was anchovy. For many versions, Worcestershire sauce with its mild anchovy flavor is an ingredient. Rochelle Low is credited with introducing anchovy as seen in upscale restaurant salads. In the original version, Romaine lettuce was served in full leaf so that the diner could eat the salad by picking up the end of the leaf to munch on. Here’s the recipe provided by Cardini’s daughter, Rosa: CAESAR’S SALAD Garlic oil: 2 cloves garlic ¼ tsp. salt 3 T. olive oil Puree all ingredients. Croutons: 2 cups white bread, cut into ½-inch pieces 2 cloves garlic ¼ c. garlic oil Dry bread cubes out in the
Pioneer Photo Album
Dressing: 2 medium heads Romaine lettuce ¼ c. + 2 tsp. olive oil Salt Black pepper Juice of one lemon 6 drops Worcestershire Sauce 2 eggs boiled exactly 1 minute ¼ c. grated Parmesan cheese Wash and place lettuce leaves in a bag and chill until ready to serve. Place lettuce in a large salad bowl and sprinkle with the olive oil. Toss to coat. Sprinkle salt, 8 grinds of pepper, lemon juice and Worcestershire over leaves. Toss to coat. Peel and add the eggs to the salad. Toss again. Add the cheese and toss. Top with croutons.
chicken, meat, fish or shrimp. Sometimes the Parmesan is exchanged for its Mexican cousin, cotija cheese, and tortilla chips replace the croutons. These are great modifications for home cooks as well. What bears notice is the potential risk of infection by consuming raw or undercooked eggs. Salmonella bacteria can be found in raw eggs. Coddled eggs – those placed in boiling water for a few minutes – or pasteurized eggs reduce the risk. Leaving out the egg creates more of a vinaigrette than a creamy dressing. Yogurt can substitute for the eggs to produce a creamy texture. Here’s my version that’s well-received in Pans on Fire cooking classes: LINDA’S CAESAR SALAD DRESSING 1 clove garlic 1 T. fresh lemon juice 3 T. plain yogurt 1½ tsp. dry mustard 1 tsp. anchovy paste ¼ c. olive oil 1-2 T. water
¼ c. grated Parmesan cheese Freshly ground pepper Salt to taste Separate leaves from two heads of Romaine lettuce. Wash carefully and tear into bite-size pieces. Wrap in a towel and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to crisp. Mash garlic with ¼ tsp. salt in a small, deep bowl to make a fine paste. Whisk in lemon juice, yogurt, mustard and anchovy paste. In a slow, steady stream, add olive oil a little at a time – whisking constantly until wellincorporated (emulsified). Taste and whisk in 1 T. water. Use the extra tablespoon if needed for flavor and texture. Stir in half the Parmesan cheese and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Whisk again just before serving. Top salads with rest of cheese. Linda Wyner, a local attorney and foodie, owns Pans on Fire, a gourmet cookware store and cooking school in Pleasanton. Direct your suggestions or questions to lwyner@claytonpioneer.com
Many modern restaurants top Caesar salad with grilled
Clean Up, from page 1
Briana Hadden, 15, loves to take pictures. This photo was taken while on a road trip in Arizona. Briana especially likes it because “It makes me feel like I’m sitting in the car, riding in the mountains on a sunny day.”
been aware of the problem for sometime and are cooperating with the city. “We’re on it,” says Chris Kretz. “We want to be good neighbors and we have a plan in place. There is already new vegetation planted on the back of the building which will take care of the graffiti problem.” Generally, abandoned shopping carts are the responsibility of the store, says Kretz. “But we will include shopping cart retrieval as part of our plan.” A $2,500 deposit with the city will assure that the work gets done on schedule. Planned improvements to the center include new paint, awnings and landscaping, which will be done in stages beginning this spring.
In keeping with our motto, “It’s Your Paper,” the Pioneer is proud to spotlight our reader’s photos. Send in your cute pets, funny kids, great landscapes, favorite sites in town or whatever makes your heart beat a little faster. Email your photo in a hi-resolution jpeg or tiff format to album@claytonpioneer.com with a description of the photo, where and when it was taken and a little about why you like it. Include your name and phone number. Then look for it in the next Pioneer.
Museum, from page 1 The Stroiks were not wealthy, but the sisters had hats and accessories for every occasion – reflecting the trend of the era. Fashion in the 1930s and ’40s consisted of ensembles of a hat, gloves and shoes or a hat and a purse in gorgeous colors. In the “Dressing Up” display, you will find brilliant shades of blue, green, red and fuchsia. Agnes learned millinery skills in order to make her own hats, while others were made by then-popular manufacturers. The style of hats during that era included the cloche hat, the Empress Eugene hat and the fedora. The cloche (meaning bell in French) was a fitted, bell-shaped hat. The Empress Eugene was a little velvet hat worn slanted over the eye. The fedora was fashionable paired with tailored suits. Wide-brimmed hats were worn to block the sun because parasols were out of
oven. Meanwhile, heat the garlic oil with the garlic until garlic sizzles and begins to brown. Strain and reserve garlic-infused oil. Place croutons in a mediumhot skillet and strain the garlic oil over the croutons. Toss for a minute to heat through, then remove and place in a small serving bowl.
style. Most hairstyles were flat along the crown of the head and had curls that framed the face to allow for hats. There was a brief return of the halo hat, which sat on the back of the head to accommodate the popular pompadour hairdo. The hats were trimmed with netting, feathers, ribbons, artificial flowers and brooches. Fur wraps also are on display. Fletcher notes that the women even had fur coats, even if the fur was from raccoons! Being the first girl of the next generation, Collette was adored and adorned by her aunts – who dressed her up in the hats, gloves and jewelry. She even donned custom wool coats and high button shoes. Fletcher has allowed for this same type of dress-up at the museum, where she provided a basket with hats and gloves for children to try on. “What good are the hats if you
can’t touch them?” she asks. The hats were worn by Fletcher’s daughter during the vintage phase of the ’80s or by guests at Christmas tea. This year, the hats provided a backdrop for the Clayton Historical Society’s Camellia Tea on Feb. 14.
“Dressing Up” will be on display through March 24. The Clayton Museum, at 6101 Main St., is open 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays and by appointment. For more information, visit www.claytonhistory.org
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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February 19, 2010
If you have high cholesterol, there are ways to change your lifestyle and diet to lower cholesterol and your risk of heart disease. Even if your doctor prescribed a cholesterol drug to bring levels down, you’ll still need to change your diet and become more active for cardiovascular health. These simple tips can help you keep cholesterol levels in check.
Your body needs a small amount of cholesterol to function properly. But when we get too much saturated fat in our diet, it raises LDL “bad” cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can cause plaque to build up in the arteries, leading to heart disease. On the other hand, HDL “good” cholesterol helps clear bad cholesterol from your blood. You want to lower LDL and raise HDL – starting with your diet. Most Americans eat portions that are more than twice the size recommended for good health. This can contribute to weight gain and poor health. Portion control is key. A good rule of thumb for portion control is what will fit in the palm of your hand for fish or meat. Use the size of you fist for fresh fruit and what will fit in your cupped hand for vegetables, pasta and rice.
Load your plate with fruits and vegetables. Five to nine servings per day will help lower LDL cholesterol. Eating these foods also will allow for less fat in your daily diet. A heart healthy diet has fish on the menu twice a week. Fish is low in saturated fat and high in healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Start your day with wholegrain cereal or oatmeal, which have benefits that last all day long. They allow you to feel fuller longer and you will be less tempted to overeat at lunch. Other examples of whole grains include wild rice, popcorn, brown rice, barley and whole wheat flour. If you need a snack, a handful of nuts is a tasty treat that helps lower cholesterol. Studies have shown that people who eat an ounce of nuts a day have a lower risk of heart disease. Even good fats have calories, so
eat in moderation. Even 30 minutes of physical activity fives days a week can lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol. Exercise also helps you maintain an ideal weight, reducing the chance of developing clogged arteries. Remember, you don’t have to exercise for 30 minutes straight – you can break in up into 10-minute increments. Managing your cholesterol is a lifelong process. See your doctor regularly to keep tabs on your health. Follow your doctor’s recommendation on diet, exercise and medication. Working together, you and your doctor can lower your cholesterol and keep your heart going strong. Kelly Ferro is a marketing director for Aegis Living. Send comments or questions to kelly.ferro@aegisliving.com
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Attend one of these CERT sessions and be prepared in case of a major disaster The Clayton Community Emergency Response (CERT) team will conduct a meeting at the Clayton Library at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, to provide valuable information on emergency preparedness. This event is intended for all Clayton residents who want an overview of emergency preparedness. Participants will be provided with handouts on items to have on hand when a disaster strikes. Two certified CERT instructors, Susan Dell’Isola and Rich Veal, will lead the class. After seeing what took place in Haiti as well as the earthquake in Northern California recently, we need to be prepared. Do you have food and water to last 7-10 days? How
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stage management aspect. “I wanted to make special effects. I wanted to make models – all the hands-on stuff that’s gone by the wayside.” Chris followed a steady, but no less nimble path to her current position as general manager at the Willows. She’s been involved in acting since high school – where she directed “Fiddler on the Roof ” and, as fate would have it, dated the boy who played Perchik. She received her degree in drama from UCLA, but the
school’s competitive environment soured her and she turned from acting to stage management interspersed with occasional directing opportunities. At the Willows, she found steady work and, eventually, a companion. The entire family recently got into the act with “Brimstone,” a musical about the political conflict in Northern Ireland showing through Feb. 28. Jon plays the lead character, and Jordan and Jacob appear in the cast. Discussions of the experience are spirited.
escape plan? What about medical supplies and prescription drugs, extra eye glasses, etc.? These are just a few of the items that will be addressed at the two-hour meeting. For those who wish to go a step further in emergency preparedness training, Clayton CERT is offering the spring sixweek session beginning 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, at Endeavor Hall. These sessions will train Clayton residents in fire suppression, medical operations, light search and rescue and disaster psychology. Clayton CERT has trained more than 150 residents in emergency preparedness since the first class in 2007. The city and CERT want all Clayton res-
idents to be trained in emergency preparedness. We most likely will not have the availability of emergency responders at the time of need. Are you prepared to take care of your family and help your neighbors? This class will give you important information and perhaps some new skills.
“People are already calling me ‘Mr. Boss Lady,’ ” Jon says with a laugh. Jordan compares community theater to a school production, saying: “It’s more serious, because there are fewer kids.” She and her brother exchange coaching recommendations. “Don’t yell so much,” she tells Jacob. “Don’t smile so much,” he returns. Chris takes pride in her role off-stage. “I want my kids to see that I love my job,” she says. “It’s OK for a woman to be powerful and successful with what she does.” The couple praises the
Clayton community, pointing to the small-town atmosphere despite its population of bigtime players and personalities. They relish the room their children have to explore – not just the physical terrain, but who they are and who they may become. Like Tevye and his daughters, who only left their beloved village, Anatevka, when forcefully expelled by the Russians, it’s hard to imagine the Marshall/Ben-Shmuels ever leaving Clayton. This is America, after all, where dreams are the stuff and matter of both theater and everyday life.
To attend the March 24 event, call 673-7355. To enroll in the six-week CERT class, call 673-7355 or visit claytoncert.org to download the application. Herb Yonge is a volunteer with the Clayton Police Dept. & a member of the city of Clayton Citizen Corp Council, CERT Team. He can be reached at 673-7355 or by email at hlyonge@att.net.
February 19, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Page 9
Enthusiastic crowd welcomes Winter Ball back to CVHS TAYLOR TOVREA Special to the Pioneer
Music and adolescent laughter cut through the chilly winter air on Feb. 6 as Clayton Valley High School students enjoyed a Winter Ball for the first time in 10 years. Red cloth was draped over the basketball hoops and set aglow by shining Christmas lights, providing the necessary shade for the “Red Carpet Affair.” The DJ, Clayton Valley’s own Kevin Deweese, was framed on his podium by a red, white and blue balloon arch and flanked by jumbo popcorn containers. The students danced happily to the techno dance music booming from the speakers and a few stray balloons were batted around by the mob. The faculty chaperones bobbed to the music and waved to the passing conga line. For the leadership class, the dance was the gratifying result of nearly three months of petitioning, bargaining and planning. It all started, as more and more things seem to these days,
Project Pride aims to clean up CVHS campus SARAH ROSEN Special to the Pioneer
Once again, a group of Clayton Valley High School students, staff and community came together to help create school pride. On Jan. 30, Project Pride gathered to beautify the CVHS campus. The second campus cleanup was a great success. Kelly Clough, the Parent Faculty Club president, started Project Pride to build pride throughout the school, in collaboration with Micki Walls and Mary-Ellen McGrane. According to Walls, the Clayton Business and Community Association matched the grant amount to pay for new benches and picnic tables for the campus. In addition, three more murals should liven up the bland walls by the end of the year. Walls believes that with a cleaner and sharper looking campus, students will better enjoy spending their days at school. Clayton Valley is burdened with a daily seagull invasion during lunch and brunch breaks, leading to a bothersome eating experience. Because the birds are after the food and the garbage, this problem could be significantly decreased if the students threw away trash in the waste receptacles Project Pride added. One of the goals of Project Pride is to build CVHS into a community. All too often, the school is viewed as different sections – sports, music, Arts Academy, etc. Bringing the parts of the school together and forming a closer knit student body should allow students to realize all of the school’s accomplishments and take pride in them.
on Facebook. The Clayton Valley Winter Ball ’09-’10 Petition was created by senior and leadership student Joshua Tan. He requested that all CV students join so administrators could see proof of the student body’s interest. “We wanted to bring back Winter Ball because it used to be an annual tradition here at CV and we felt that it was something special that had been lost,” Tan said. “So in an effort to jumpstart school spirit, we tried to bring it back.” Before long, the group had nearly 500 members. From there, Tan and the rest of the leadership class went about convincing administrators and the district to allow for a second school-wide dance. Several negotiations and a formal proposal later, the dance was approved. The return of the Winter Ball also included a winter spirit week and rally. Keeping with the red carpet theme, spirit days involved dressing up for a movie genre, such as military or Western. The week culminated with a rally to pump up the students
for the dance the following evening. The basketball and soccer teams made an appearance amongst the musical and dance acts, but the highlight was the dancing tutorial acted out by four teachers. They discussed the vulgarity of “freak dancing” and proceeded to demonstrate the proper dancing form – partners a foot apart, facing each other with hands on the hips and shoulders. In an unprecedented twist, the teachers then showed how not to dance in a toned-down but still uncomfortable version of what they had previously discussed. The school was abuzz with disbelief and thoroughly ready for the dance. Groups of teens clad in semi-formal apparel began to arrive about 7:45 p.m. By 8:30, all 159 attendees were present and partying away. The low number of students made for an intimate environment and groups mingled comfortably. The crowd was mainly underclassmen as most upperclassmen opted to wait for Junior Prom or Senior Ball. Games of tag and ninja
broke out and there was a perpetual conga line. The event was laid back and informal, which is why most of the attendees found it so much fun. “People felt it was OK to let it loose and just be themselves,” said Tan. Still, the small turnout led to complaints. “It’s funny how everyone complains about how we have no school dances and then when we do, no one goes,” sophomore Addison Flannery noted as she surveyed the halfempty gym. Sophomore Adrien Capinpin thought that the mandatory contract prevented people from attending. Restrictions put on the dance also may have limited the turnout. “The administration made it clear that guests weren’t allowed, so people with boyfriends or girlfriends outside of Clayton Valley decided not to attend and encouraged their friends to do the same,” Tan said. Overall, the dance was deemed a success. “It will come back,” said Tan, “and will be even better.”
CVHS teacher moves easily from Harper Lee to ‘Happy Hardcore’ A definite favorite with the student body, Clayton Valley High School teacher Kevin Deweese is known as much for his techno mixes as he is for his metaphor lectures. His loud and zany teaching methods demand as much attention as the deafening, rhythmic beats that he blasts. KEVIN DEWEESE Using his upbeat attitude, humor, overall absurdity and shock factor, Deweese makes the jump from his 31 years to the level of his students. He captures their attention to convey the message that “words are more than words.” The Vallejo native became an English teacher because he wanted to make more people aware of the social and historical significance of language, a topic he believes is not taught enough in high school. “The perception of words is more important than the intent,” he notes. When not leading his students on explorations to discover the meanings and thoughts behind the words in books like “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Fight Club,” Deweese turns to the music he loves. Under the DJ name of Joshuah, he has been mixing “Happy Hardcore” tracks in clubs and warehouses across the Bay Area and as far away as Toronto since 2002. His latest venue was CV’s Winter Ball, where his presence was greatly anticipated and appreciated. by Taylor Tovrea
Through adversity School News comes self-realization
DIABLO VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL
ROBBIE PARKER DVMS REPORTER Sometimes life hands you adversity and you must decide whether to meet the challenge or duck your head in the sand. Problems can often catch you off-guard. One day, everything is routine and going as it should and all of a sudden things change dramatically and you are faced with a difficult situation with no warning. This is when you find out what you are capable of doing. Adversity is part of life and you can never feel the success at the top of the hill without facing the hardships of the climb. I had always thought of myself as fairly self-sufficient; however, recently I realized how
much I depend upon my parents for help. This past month, my mother was hospitalized and my dad had to take care of my brother and me while running back and forth to the hospital. My family really needed me to step up and help out and I learned a great deal. I had never really thought about how much my parents do on a daily basis. The next thing I knew, I was busy watching over my little brother, doing most of the household chores and trying to keep up with my school work. My grandparents came to help, but I really missed the familiarity of our family routines. The hardest thing was waiting for information about my mom because my brother and I were not allowed to visit her. While I knew her surgery was serious, I couldn’t show concern
because I didn’t want to worry my little brother. Through this experience, I found a new sense of self-confidence. I got a little taste of doing things on my own and learned how to take charge. I also have a deeper appreciation for how much my parents do for me. I realize how much this experience will help me when I am an adult. In times of trial, families step up and help each other. By doing so, I learned more than just how to juggle schoolwork with household chores or how to take care of my brother, I realized I can handle life’s adversities and whatever comes my way. I just have to be willing to take on the challenge. Robbie Parker is a seventhgrader at Diablo View. Send comments to Robbie@claytonpioneer.com
There’s a brave new world on the other side of the DMV Let’s face it: The Department of Motor Vehicles isn’t exactly the happiest place on Earth. When we are required to make the treacherous trip to the DMV, we groan and prepare for hours of waiting. It seems everybody has a story about getting their license – whether they waited for three hours even with an appointment or they were screamed at by an employee. A few weeks ago, I trekked to the Pittsburg DMV to take my driver’s license test. My experience was far from glamorous. I awoke so nervous, I was shaking in my pajamas. Once at the DMV, I was sitting in my car with the tester next to me all ready to go. I moved to turn on the car and get this over with, but it wouldn’t start. Near tears from my apprehension, I sucked up the last of my dignity and told her that I couldn’t start the car. She was pleasant, but I was
SARAH ROSEN TEEN SPEAK still tearing my hair out. I did what any responsible teen would do: I crawled into the backseat, curled up into the fetal position and fell asleep. As awful as the situation was, I ended up being able to take the test and passed with flying colors. The path from Mommy and Daddy driving us everywhere to ultimate freedom is not easy. When I was younger, I thought you got your license in the mail
The school will host Career Day 8:30 a.m.-1:40 p.m. March 10. There are openings for people willing to come in for one or two class periods to talk to the students about their jobs. Parents are also needed to help set up, get speakers from classroom to classroom and serve lunch. For more information, email Sherri O’Connor and Elisa Dudley at diabloviewmoms@aol.com or call 672-2836. *** According to education specialist Kim Lewis, Diablo View Middle School has never had such a wonderfully producing winter garden. All the plants donated by the Clayton Valley Garden Club have thrived and continue to produce large quantities of Swiss chard, lettuce, kale, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage along with herbs.
on your 16th birthday. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. When you turn 15½, you are eligible to take the permit test – a written exam on the rules of the road. If you pass, you can proceed to three required in-car driving lessons. After you complete your lessons and it’s been six months since you received your permit, you are able to cross the bridge and take your license test. In the end, everything you’ve gone through to get to that final step seems like a breeze. When she told me I passed, I felt as though I had the world at my finger tips. I had conquered the DMV! Don’t let the stories you hear or the crazy employees discourage you from facing the land of stress and mishap, also known as the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Sarah Rosen is a sophomore at CVHS. You can e-mail her at sarah_rosen@claytonpioneer.com.
“We’ve cooked Swiss chard two different ways so far: braised with bacon and cooked in coconut milk,” Lewis says. “We’ve braised the kale also and made a kale/potato soup. Many students ate multiple servings. Our latest cooking project was cream of cauliflower and broccoli soup with curry and cheese.”
CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL On Feb. 24, mention the CVHS Music Boosters and Yogurt Shack will donate 25 percent of your purchase. No flier necessary. Yogurt Shack is at 5438 Ygnacio Valley Road, Concord. *** The Clayton Arts Academy Drama Troupe presents “The Boys from Syracuse,” a comedic musical based on Shakespeare’s “Comedy of Errors.” Shows are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25-27 in the MultiUse Room, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord. Tickets are $5-$10. *** On March 6, the Music Boosters are hosting a Mardi Gras dinner with performances by the CVHS Jazz Band and others, plus raffles and silent and live auctions. The event is 6-8:30 p.m. in the Multi-Use Room, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord. Tickets are $15. For more information, visit claytonbands.org or email linminmailbox-music@yahoo.com. *** The Music Boosters are sponsoring a raffle to benefit instrumental music. Prizes include an overnight in San Francisco with dinner and show tickets and an overnight in Lake Tahoe with dinner and lake cruise. Tickets are $10 or three for $25. Winners will be selected March 6. You need not be present to win. To purchase tickets, contact cvhsmusic@gmail.com.
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR More than 100 students from public and private middle and high schools will participate in the fifth annual county science fair March 25-27 in the Science Building at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg. The public is invited to a free Open House 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 27, to view the projects. The fair is also looking for judges, sponsors and volunteers. For more information, visit cccsef.org or contact April Treece at 6723759 or opuscomm@pacbell.net.
Page 10
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 19, 2010
Clayton Sports Clayton diver competes on a world class stage while staying focused on school and keeping life ‘normal’ TAKING DIVING TO A
JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
NEW LEVEL
Kristian has been diving for as long as he can remember and his talent, apparent at a young age, has blossomed in the past
year for the entire world to see. He formed a partnership 10 months ago with three-time Olympian Troy Dumais to become America’s No. 1 synchronized 3-meter diving team
and took second at the FINA World Championships in Rome last July. Competing individually representing Diablo Divers earlier this month, Kristian took sec-
ond at Ohio State University with his all-time record scores to gain a spot on the 2010 USA World Cup team. He defeated synchro partner Dumais and 2008 Olympian David Boudia in
the process. He joins yet another Olympic vet, Chris Colwill, as the two American entrants on
When the Ipsens of Clayton use their computer or mobile See Ipsen, page 12 device, they might be checking the weather, text messages or email, visiting their Facebook page or even the Website of the family business, Skipolini’s Pizza. But there’s one item on their computers that is definitely a regular stopping point – a color-coded electronic spreadsheet calendar. That constantly changing document charts the schedule and travels of 17-year-old Kristian Ipsen, a De La Salle High School student who has his school vacation days, SAT tests, the Junior Prom and final exam schedule on the calendar. That’s all pretty routine stuff for someone starting to make decisions about college while navigating his way through his junior year of high school. But it’s the other 2010 listings that would catch someone’s eyes. Visits to China; Colorado Springs; Columbus, Ohio; Tucson; Durham, N.C.; Ft. Lauderdale, Austin, College Station, Texas; and Indianapolis as well as a couple trips that have “site TBA.” That’s the travel itinerary of one of the world’s Photo courtesy USA Diving top divers who’s still a teenager AFTER TAKING THE SILVER MEDAL AT THE 2009 FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN ROME it probably wasn’t a great surprise that Clayton’s Kristian Ipsen (left) and teamenjoying his high school years. mate Troy Dumais would win the US Diving Winter National 3-meter synchro championship this month at Ohio State University.
Golf tourney to aid family of young cancer victim Anthony Cottrell was your average teenage boy. He enjoyed hanging out with his younger brother and his friends, riding his dirt bike, lis-
tening to music and getting into mischief. After he died of nonHodgkin’s lymphoma at age 16, his family was left short of
ANTHONY COTTRELL SPENT HIS LAST DAYS AT THE GEORGE MARK CHILDREN’S HOUSE IN SAN LEANDRO where he died of cancer at 16. A golf tournament on April 12 will raise money to benefit the family and the palliative care center.
funds. An April 12 charity golf tournament at Oakhurst Country Club aims to help fill the gap. Anthony was 15 when he felt some pain in his jaw and knee. On Sept. 28, 2008, he was told he had a rare but very aggressive lymphoma called Burkitt’s. He was admitted to Children’s Hospital and treatment began. Over the next nine months, he endured grueling tests, procedures and treatments. Throughout Anthony’s battle, his family and friends remained by his side. His mom, Tiffany, slept in a small chair for weeks at a time next to his bed. As Anthony’s condition worsened, his dad, Mike, took a leave of absence to spend time with his family. In April 2009, doctors hinted they were losing the battle. They continued fighting
aggressively but in June, about a week before Anthony’s 16th birthday, the decision was made to transfer him to George Mark Children’s House in San Leandro – the only children’s palliative care center in the country. Anthony’s family and friends celebrated his 16th birthday at Children’s and he moved to George Mark the following day. “To have a facility like George Mark available in our own backyard meant the difference between the family’s last days together being in a small crammed hospital room to being in a beautiful, open space with large windows, gardens and specially prepared foods,” says Tracy Johnston, Anthony’s aunt. “His room had a bed large enough for his mom and girlfriend Jen, who remained by his side throughout the entire ordeal.
Anthony’s extended family was allowed to stay at the facility, including Grandpa Darryl – who had flown out a month earlier.” Anthony died at George Mark House on June 25, 2009. As funeral arrangements were made, it became clear that the family finances were short and they couldn’t afford a headstone. Johnston wanted to help the family and came up with the idea of a golf tournament. She called a friend who was a member at Oakhurst Country Club and within days the idea became a reality. “Oakhurst made it so easy for us,” she says. “They’ve really stepped up to provide modest pricing and they’ve
offered up some fantastic prizes for the event.” A portion of the proceeds will purchase a headstone for Anthony, with remaining funds going to George Mark House. The golf event begins at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 12, with a shotgun start at noon. Player fee is $125, which includes lunch and dinner. Tee sponsorship is $200, or $150 with a foursome. Separate tickets for the 5:30 p.m. closing banquet and raffle are $30. For more information or a registration form, email accgt@hotmail.com or call (925) 963-3394. Registration deadline is March 1.
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February 10, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Clayton Sports
Page 11 Help the Pioneer cover the local sports scene. Send competition results, story ideas, announcements, sports shorts, etc. to sports@claytonpioneer.com. Please attach a high-resolution photo whenever available.
Diablo FC 96 Blue team attains State Cup Elite in end to ‘magical year’
Sports Shorts DANA HILLS SWIM TEAM REGISTRATION The team is holding sign-ups starting March 14 for the 2010 recreation swim season, which runs April to August. Boys and girls 18 years and younger of all swim abilities are invited to register for the Otters, who won the 2009 Concord City and Contra Costa Swim League championships. Sign-ups are noon-4 p.m. Sunday, March 14, and Saturday, March 20, and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, at the Dana Hills Cabana on Mountaire Parkway. For more information, contact Glen Kaplan at glenkap@yahoo.com or visit DanaHillsOtters.com. MT. DIABLO SOCCER SPRING REGISTRATION AYSO Region 223 is taking sign-ups for spring season. The program for girls and boys ages 5-18 begins with practices in early March and games in mid-March. The season concludes in mid-May. There are co-ed age groups for U12, U14 and U16/U19. For more information and to register, email spring@mdsoccer.org or visit mdsoccer.org.
Photo courtesy Diablo FC.
DIABLO FC 96 BLUE UNDER 13 GIRLS, from left, coach Jeremy Hull, Rachel Lindenauer, Xana Luehs, Kimmie Snow, Cassie Snyder, Jade Rafallo, Rachel Valencia, Lindsey Wells, Jessica Delgado, Ashley McNulty, Katrina Russell, Kylie Dodge, Julia Hair, Shelby Johnson, Sarah Formato and Korissa Lewis. JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
“It was a magical year for us,” proud coach Jeremy Hull says about the remarkable run the Diablo FC 96 Blue Under 13 girls made in the CYSA State Cup. The team was eliminated in the Elite Eight by two-time defending champions and the No. 4 ranked team in the country, Mustang Mavericks. Blue is actually the “silver” level team in the local competitive club. Their “gold” level counterpart, Diablo FC 96, was eliminated earlier in State Cup, also by Mustang Mavericks. Hull’s team ended up with three wins and two losses in State Cup, their best showing in the year-end event. It capped an excellent season for 96 Blue, which won their flights in both NorCal Premier Spring League and Golden State Soccer League during the fall. “All the credit goes to the girls. They work so hard and play even harder, and that’s all you can ever ask for as a coach,” Hull says. “They have technique and they understand tactics, but, ultimately, the team that wants it most usually ends up on top. They make me proud every time out.” The team started as one of 52 U13 teams chasing State Cup glory. They faced East Diablo Evolution in the first game. Blue had lost twice to East Diablo during fall league, but earned a 2-0 win as Katrina Russell and Shelby Johnson scored goals. The back line of Lindsey Wells, Korissa Lewis, Rachel Lindenauer, Julia Hair and Brianne Aronson held up against the opponents to keep a shutout. Kylie Dodge created offensives chances as well. In the next game, they were edged 1-0 in a last-minute counterattack by San Ramon Inferno. Diablo FC goalkeeper Xana
Luehs made an incredibly acrobatic save to keep San Ramon out momentarily, but they were able to capitalize on the rebound to score the game winner. That meant their final firstround game would determine Blue 96’s fate. They would have to defeat Lamorinda United in order to advance. Lamorinda plays two flights above Diablo FC 96 Blue in GSSL. With four minutes to go in the first half, Diablo FC put together “a picture perfect play” that gave them the lead. Rachel Valencia, Cassie Snyder, Johnson and Russell combined in an intricate passing and movement before Russell put the ball in the net. Luehs had earlier saved a Lamorinda penalty kick. In the second half, the pressure generated by Snyder, Jade Rafallo, Kimmie Snow and Ashley McNulty in the midfield prevented Lamorinda from getting anything going offensively as Diablo FC distributed the “long ball” tactics of their foes. “The final whistle was pure joy as the girls, who played with emotion throughout the match,
had accomplished what nobody thought they could and won the group,” Hull notes. Although Hull thought the team’s advancement out of the opening round would be impossible to top, he was in store for a bigger surprise when Diablo FC 96 Blue dominated their Sweet 16 opponents, Central Valley Wanderers. Scores from Johnson in the first half and Rafallo in the second half gave Diablo FC a 20 lead. Central Valley scored a goal on their lone chance of the game with nine minutes left to cut the lead in half and make for a nervous end of the game. “A great effort from the whole team – probably the most beautiful match the girls have ever played,” Hull recalls. “I doubt many teams could have beaten us this day.” Reaching the lofty heights of the Elite Eight and playing against one of the best teams in America wasn’t too daunting for Diablo FC. The girls trailed 1-0 at halftime on a late Mavericks goal. Hull decided to push his team forward in the second half, seeking a tying goal, but got beat
twice in succession on counters that put the game away. Sarah Formato, one the team’s top midfielders, had been out of action with a knee injury since October. She sat next to the coach during all the matches as an assistant coach. When the final game score rose, Hull was able to give his player a chance at State Cup participation. Jessica Delgado, normally a midfielder, also helped out the team by filling in for injured teammates in the backline during the tournament. Hull thanked fellow Diablo FC coach Mani Salimpour for setting up the proper tactics during the critical Lamorinda game. Among the Diablo FC 96 players from Clayton, Hull noted midfielder McNulty. “She’s very smart and simple and was able to generate attacks for us. She also has some fancy footwork and is dangerous in 1 vs. 1 situations going forward.” He calls centerback Lewis the smartest player on the team. “It’s a joy to watch her orchestrate the back line, putting everyone in the right place at all times. Her timing is incredible.”
DIABLO FC COMPETITIVE TEAM TRYOUTS Tryouts for the 2010-’11 season will be held this weekend, Feb. 2021, at Clayton Valley and Ygnacio Valley high schools in Concord. Boys and girls born between Aug. 1, 1996, and July 31, 2003, are invited to try out for Under 9 through Under 14 Diablo FC teams. There is no charge to tryout. Boys and girls in the U9-U11 age groups tryout at Clayton Valley. The U12-U14 boys will be at Ygnacio Valley and the same age groups for girls are at CVHS. Get specific dates, times and locations and also pre-register at diablofc.org. ERIC LAWSON RETURNS TO RING IN SAN JOSE Local mixed martial arts fighter Eric Lawson has recovered from a knee injury, which sidelined him since last spring, and he’ll return to competition Friday, Feb. 26, at San Jose Civic Auditorium. The middleweight (185 pounds) will be taking part in the Strikeforce MMA event, which will be telecast on Showtime. Check his Website, ericlawsonmma.com, for more details on his bout and tickets. JOHN HALLETT MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT A benefit golf tournament is scheduled for Friday, June 25, at Boundary Oak Golf Course in Walnut Creek, honoring the memory of Capt. John Hallett. The Concord native was killed last August in southern Afghanistan. Hallett was involved locally with youth soccer, basketball, swimming and Clayton Valley Little League. He is survived by his wife, three young children, his parents and two brothers. Proceeds from the tournament will go to the nonprofit Wounded Warriors, which provides programs and services to severely injured service members during the time between active duty and transition to civilian life. For more information and to register or contribute, visit johnhallett.com.
Winter Eagles soar to NCS playoffs JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clayton Valley High School Athletic Director Pat Middendorf has faced many challenges this year in just getting all her teams enough funding to participate in athletics. This past week she’s had a chance to enjoy herself as all five CVHS winter sports teams seem destined to earn North Coast Section playoff
berths. The Eagles boys’ and girls’ soccer teams each claimed Diablo Valley Athletic League championships to gain automatic NCS berths. The unbeaten league champion girls of new coach Scott Booth carried an overall record of 14-3-3 into their opening-round game Wednesday evening against Mission San Jose of the Mission Valley Athletic League. A win
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would result in the fourth-seeded Eagles hosting a game this Saturday against the winner of the California-Washington match. Rory Gentry and his coaching staff met with the boys’ soccer team before the season. The coaches and players boldly vowed to win the DVAL championship and earn a NCS berth after narrowly missing out on the playoffs last year. A 16-3-3
record propelled the Eagles to the 10th seed against #7 Newark Memorial, also of the MVAL, in the opening round. A victory would advance the Eagles to Saturday’s quarterfinals. The CVHS wrestling team qualified for the NCS dual meet championships last weekend but were edged 39-36 by yet another MVAL foe, J.F. Kennedy, in their opening match. They were eliminated from the consolation
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CYO TRACK AND FIELD LATE SIGN-UPS St. Bonaventure CYO track and field team is holding strength and conditioning training 5-6 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays this month at Newhall Park in Concord. In March, the team moves practice to Clayton Valley High School. Boys and girls in second through eighth grade are invited to come to any practice to sign up for the team. For more information, call Bulldogs coach Darren Newell at 209-1222 or visit eteamz.com/sb_track.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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Clayton’s own Garrett Biel capped quite a freshman year on the Trinity University football team with the announcement that he was ranked No. 1 in the nation in field goals, which resulted in him being named third team All-America. The 5-8, 165-pound Biel led NCAA Division III – connecting on 17 of 19 field goal attempts (.895). He averaged 1.70 field goals over the 10game season. His 17 field goals established a Trinity record for a single season. Biel also broke the record for most field goals in one game, booting four against Rhodes College. His longest field goal of the season was 48 yards. Biel also kicked 31 of 33 extra points. Biel was recognized for his accomplishments by being named to the d3football.com All-America third team and to the All-Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference First Team. Freshman teammate punter Kyle Trella received the same honors. Trinity, led by 20th-year head
Photo courtesy Trinity University
GARRETT BIEL has taken his local fame to the national stage with a new field goal record at Trinity University.
coach Steve Mohr, completed the season 7-3. The Tigers went 4-2 in the SCAC, tying for third place. While a youth and prep football and soccer player locally, Biel racked up an impressive list of accomplishments. He was the placekicker at De La Salle High School in two CIF state championship games, claiming one title. Last spring, Biel
Ipsen, from page 10
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the 3M springboard World Cup team. Kristian was fourth through the quarterfinals and the scores are reset to zero for the 12 finalist divers. The local lad posted his best-ever mark for six dives of 491.95 in the semi-finals and came back two days later in the finals with an even better 500.55 on the same dives for a combined 992.5, good enough for second place. “Because this meet was to qualify for the World Cup team, every diver pulled out all the stops. There was no lying back there,” Kristian’s father Kent explained. Just 90 minutes after achieving that significant individual milestone, Kristian was back in the pool with Dumais to compete in the 3M synchro finals. The 30-year-old Dumais claimed his 30th national title when he combined with Kristian for the 3M synchro crown. They bested their closest opponents by 45 points. HIGH SCHOOL AND INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
Mon - Fri 10-6 Sat 10-5
Those results triggered many of the calendar lists around the United State and abroad. Because Kristian still has school obligations, he had to beg off other trips to Mexico and England that await the elite members of the American diving team, two years removed from the last Olympics in Beijing
but fast approaching the 2012 London Games. Key among all the national training camps and championships will be his China trips to Tsingdao for the World Series in March and Changzhou in May for the World Cup. That latter trip necessitates Kristian taking his De La Salle finals earlier with graduating seniors – the same week he almost assuredly will win his third straight North Coast Section diving championship for the Spartans. Kent and Yvette Ipsen relish the opportunities Kristian’s hard work as a diver have afforded him, but at the same time they realize the importance of “normal” activities such as studying, tests and school dances. Even training with long-time coach Phil Tonne entails a geographic smorgasbord – Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek (1M springboard), Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill (3M) and Palo Alto at Stanford University (10M tower). AN EYE TOWARD COLLEGE The new element introduced this year is that Kristian is the No. 1 diving target for college recruiters. He can’t have contact with recruiters or “official” college-arranged visits to schools until July 1 (of course, that date’s on the calendar too). But before then, the family can arrange
scored the winning golden goal for the Spartans in overtime of the North Coast Section championship soccer game. He scored that goal not with his feet but rather on a header. He also was a member of three straight State Cup champions for Diablo FC 90 and helped his squad to the 2008 USYSA National Championship Final Four.
“unofficial” visits, which many times are more informative and telling. So Kristian has Durham, N.C., on the calendar in March to visit Duke University and Palo Alto in April so he can look at Stanford strictly from a studentathlete’s perspective. The letters from top swimming and diving programs such as USC, Texas and Auburn continue to arrive in the Ipsen mailbox. While athletics are important, Kent Ipsen says, “A school that caters to Kristian’s academic needs will be a primary consideration.” As Kristian competes around the United States, he is in contact with divers who have attended every major school he’ll be considering and, thus, he can get first-hand critiques. The young student athlete maintains a grade point average hovering close to 4.0 at De La Salle, and that achievement carries with it the need to study on the road. “He has a wonderful math tutor in Clayton and Kristian will sometimes study with his tutor via Skype when he is traveling,” dad notes. Kristian has to refer to the schedule as much as any of the Ipsens, but he doesn’t need a calendar to tell him dates such as March 20 (DLS and Carondelet Junior Prom), Aug. 16 (the day his senior year starts) and certainly Sept. 7, when his 2010 competitive diving year officially comes to a close and he returns to school without anymore colored-coded trips on the immediate horizon.
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February 19, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 13
Bad vacations can happen to good people Laminate
PEGGY BIDONDO
TIME
TO
GO
Your long-awaited vacation is just around the corner and you can’t wait to escape. However, the one thing you can’t escape is the possibility that something could go wrong with your travel arrangements or you could experience a medical emergency. Last winter, more than 36,000 flights were canceled in the United States alone. In addition, winter weather can cause long delays and missed connections. You might also have to
deal with lost or delayed luggage, lost or stolen credit cards, emergency medical expenses and medical evacuation. Depending on the type of trip you are planning, you may want to consider travel insurance to guard your travel investment. You can obtain comprehensive travel coverage at less than 5 percent of your trip cost. If you are taking a domestic trip that involves a flight and a hotel room and find that you need to cancel, trip insurance is really not necessary as you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead and reuse your airline ticket within the next year. However, if you are planning an extended international vacation that involves a tour group or a cruise, insuring your travel investment can be wise. There are lots of stories out there. Recently, a friend booked a three-week South American luxury cruise and did not obtain trip insurance. Less than a
month before his trip was scheduled to begin, he had emergency surgery and was advised by his doctor not to travel. The cruise line would not allow him to transfer the trip to another couple, would not refund his fully paid amount of more than $14,000 and would not give him credit for another cruise at a later date. All of these conditions were outlined in his cruise documents and trip insurance would have been a good investment. Another friend ended up having surgery the day he was supposed to leave on a twoweek trip to Spain and Portugal. Because he had invested in trip insurance offered by the tour company at $119 for a trip valued at more than $4,000, he received a check for every dollar he had paid for the journey. Some popular and helpful Websites to compare travel insurance plans and what they cover are quotewright.com,
insuremytrip.com and squaremouth.com. By supplying information on your destination, dates and type of travel, you can receive free travel insurance quotes from up to a dozen or more companies – including Travel Guard and Access America. You can customize the plan you desire by choosing the limits for comprehensive medical expenses, trip cancellation and trip interruption. There is even a trip cost calculator that totals all your anticipated expenses and links the total to the quote page. Many companies will also supply you with free concierge service for purchasing travel insurance. They will recommend the perfect restaurant and make your dinner reservations or book your tee time. The most comprehensive list of policies and insurance companies can be found at squaremouth.com. They require a
Everything you ever wanted to know about gas and more The other day I had the opportunity to hang out with my son (age 11) and his friend (age 10). As we were trapped in the car together going up to Tahoe I was privy to the pretty heavy discussions that they engaged in. They talked about things like video games, their favorite candy, some game called Ga Ga, how much air they got off of their snowboard, and the like. However, the topic they always seemed to come back to was that of gas, aka farts, flatulence, boop noise, toots, etc. This was most likely due to the fact that in the car there occurred, every 5 minutes, some offensive noise along with a rank odor that would cause gales of laughter from the kids and make all us roll down our windows. Since I am a doctor, the myriad of questions revolving around this natural process were naturally directed to me. And while I was glad to be involved in my son’s conversations, I found that my knowledge of our gaseous expulsions was woefully limited. We just had no such classes in medical school on this topic. So, abiding by the advice that I give to my son on a regular basis, I looked up those questions that I couldn’t answer. The rest of this article will deal with some of the questions raised during that trip in the car and the answers that I came up with from a Google search. To
those readers who are easily grossed out, I must apologize for the content of this article. Also, to those few of you who held me in high regard before I wrote this, I apologize for letting you down.
Why do we pass gas? (For clarification, the kids did not use the term ‘gas’ once though many other terms, some very creative, were proffered.) Gas is produced in our bowels regularly and may increase for a variety of reasons such as excess buildup of gas producing bacteria, swallowing too much air, consumption of certain foods that are difficult for the body to digest and absorb, and in certain medical conditions such as IBS, menopause, GI infections, and lactose intolerance.
How much do we pass gas? People pass gas 10-20 times a day equaling 1-1½ liter.
Do women pass gas? Men and women pass flatus the same amount per day, though many women deny this.
How do I avoid having so much gas? Avoid excess amounts of foods like sugar free candy, grains, bran, soft drinks (due to increased carbon dioxide), beer (I am willing to risk it), vegetables, fruit, beans, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, onions, celery, corn,
leeks, legumes (peas, peanuts, soybeans, kidney beans), and starches. However, if you love beans, soaking them before boiling may decrease the incidence of gas. Alternatively, try Beano on your food, which contains an enzyme that helps to break down the complex sugars that cause gas. You may also want to use spices like cumin, coriander, caraway, turmeric, epazote, and kombu kelp that can counteract the production of intestinal gas. I am not sure where one would find these ingredients and into what food you would put them. Over the counter medications that contain simethicone may also help with gas by making smaller gas bubbles into larger ones so that the gas is more easily expelled.
Why does some flatulence smell so bad? Your diet determines the components of the flatus, which determines its smell. The more sulfur rich your diet, the stronger the smell.
Why does it make a sound? Gas is expelled under pressure. The sound depends upon the force of gas (increased when you bear down) and the tightness of anal sphincter (the term ‘sphincter’ resulted in five minutes of non-stop laughter when I mentioned it to the kids). It is then the vibration on the anal sphincter that produces the sound
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YOUR HEALTH Is it dangerous to have a lot of gas? It is normal, and even healthy to pass gas. In fact, after surgeries, your surgeons want to know if you pass flatus to ensure that your bowels are working. However, if you have an excessive amount of flatulence along with the new onset of symptoms such as abdominal pain, blood in your stool, weight loss, or weakness then you should seek further medical evaluation. I hope that you enjoyed this article and I am impressed that you even read it to the end. If you want more information (as if one would) just Google flatulence and you will find many hours of reading pleasure. If you would like gas related products just go to www.farts.com. It is never too early to buy for the holidays. Thank you for your indulgence and we will see you down the road at John Muir. Dr. Birdsall is the Medical Director of the Emergency Department and Chief of Staff of John Muir Hospital in Concord. Please email him at David.Birdsall_md@johnmuirhealth.com
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Page 14
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 19, 2010
Teens pitch in so small dogs can run free DENISEN HARTLOVE Clayton Pioneer
board for classmates at Clayton Valley High School, the friends are dedicated to making the world around them a better place. The latest recipients of their efforts are literal underdogs – the small dogs at the Clayton Dog Park. Located down a wooded path near the Regency Woods subdivision, the park is an oasis where dogs and their
Brett Nebeker, 15, of Clayton, and Jacob Baldree, 18, of Concord are known around town for being advocates for the world’s underdogs. Whether working to get shoes for children in Africa, participating in Clayton cleanup days or acting as a sounding
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owners can play freely. While the area has space for all, smaller dogs were at risk of being run over by the larger, more enthusiastic hounds. Nebeker and Baldree were in need of projects to complete toward their goal of becoming Eagle Scouts, the highest rank a Boy Scout can attain. Clayton city officials told them of the need for a separate, small dog area. After plans were drawn up and approval obtained, Nebeker’s team of volunteers worked to cordon off a separate area, complete with its own gate, while Baldree and his crew hammered and nailed their way to an arbor and seating area. Their Scout leader, Chip Woods, estimates about 6 percent of Scouts attain the Eagle Scout designation. “The boys who become Eagle Scouts, in order to do this project, they have to show leadership. They have to go out of their comfort zone,” he noted.
www.vettechpetcare.com
See Scouts page 15
Photo Credit Todd Nebeker
BRETT NEBEKER (WITH AX), JACOB BALDREE (IN BACK WITH SHOVEL) AND JOSH HARMON (IN GROUND) level out the ground for the entrance chute to the small dog area.
Alouisus and Noelle are ARF’s Adoption Stars Alouisus is a peppy little Wirehaired Terrier mix who will benefit from a gradual and patient introduction to all the new sights and sounds he may come across. Training will help Alouisus’ confidence. By giving him ample opportunities to socialize with other doggie friends, he may emerge into an intrepid companion.
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Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: 3 to 7 p.m. Thur. and Fri., Noon to 5 p.m. Sat. and Sun. The primary caretaker must be present to adopt. ARF also encourages kids 16 and younger and canine family members (dog adoptions only) to be present during the adoption process. Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www.arf.net, or call 925.256.1ARF.
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Sign your dog up to help kids learn to read Do you have a dog that is calm, loves children, and would love to listen to a child read? Are you willing to volunteer with your dog for a few hours a month at the Clayton Community Library? A new program at the Clayton Community Library beginning in April called “Paws to Read - Lisa’s Legacy” brings dogs and kids together over a good book. Lisa Hurst was a young wife and mother who was an advocate for both children and animals. Her life was cut short by brain cancer. In her memory, this program encourages the love of reading in young children in grades 1-5. Other libraries in our area have already successfully developed similar programs. It’s amazing to watch the kids reading to the dogs,” says program volunteer, Bonnie Boswell. “They start reading and pretty soon they’re showing the pictures to the dogs. They really get into it.” For information or to volunteer call Bonnie Boswell at 673-3545.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 15
Book Review
‘Henrietta’ tells a personal story of medical milestones
6096 Main Street, Clayton, 673-0440 www.claytonclubsaloon.com All entertainment from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
SUNNY SOLOMON
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“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” is a book with heart and integrity that should not be missed. Rebecca Skloot, an accomplished science and creative nonfiction author, has written a story of our past, our present and, if we are not mindful, the Brave New World of our future. “Henrietta” resonates on many levels. Not only is it a richly drawn biography of a poor African American and her family, but it’s also a layperson’s primer to the evolution of cell culture and the world of medical research. Without taking away from Henrietta’s story or the history of cell culture, it is also the story of Skloot’s remarkable journey into both worlds. Henrietta Lacks, of Clover, Va., the granddaughter of slaves, contracted cervical cancer. Had she not walked into segregated Johns Hopkins in January 1951, we would never have known her. Because the medical world was desperate to discover a cure for deadly cervical cancer, before the doctor treated her tumor, he “picked up a sharp knife and shaved two
dime-sized pieces of tissue from Henrietta’s cervix: one from her tumor and one from the healthy cervical tissue nearby.” The piece from the tumor turned medical research upside down. The cancerous cells taken from Henrietta (and all their offspring) are alive and well today in thousands of research laboratories throughout the world, identified as HeLa, the first two letters of her first and last name. Hers were the first human cells to become immortal – “a continuously dividing line of cells all descended from one original sample.” Once growing, these prolific cells were sent all over the world and played a pivotal part in developing vaccines for polio, HPV and HIV and hosts of other medical breakthroughs. As Skloot introduces the reader to the evolution of cell culture, she is never more than a chapter away from her search for the remaining members of the Lacks family. Henrietta died months after her surgery and left behind a husband, five children and a community of
cousins, friends, and, unknown to her family, her living cells. It was not until 1971 that any of the family knew of Henrietta’s cells. Bobbette Lacks, Henrietta’s daughter-inlaw, was lunching with a friend whose son-in-law was visiting f r o m Wa s h i n g t o n , D.C., where he worked at the National Cancer Institute. When the man heard her married name, he revealed that for years he had been studying the cells of a woman named Henrietta Lacks. The startling facts were explosive for the family, who had been told nothing. By the time Skloot came to the family in 1999, in search of Henrietta’s story, her requests for information were met with ferocious skepticism. It took years to gain the family’s trust, but Skloot became the embedded reporter – taking us along on their journey for the truth. With warmth and respect, Skloot tells us about the Lacks family, primarily through Henrietta’s youngest daughter, Deborah, who was 2 when her mother died. The misinformation and
lack of access to medical records is only a part of the story Skloot uncovers. This is a crash course in the history of medical/bio ethics – where everything from segregation, to the KKK, to the Tuskegee Institute to the Nuremberg Codes comes into the picture. Issues of disclosure to patients or donors continue to surround and confound medical research. The questions of who owns our tissues and how they should be used once they are “donated” are carefully laid out with current case law and court findings. Medical research is big business and cells with a possible financial as well as curative future are now patented. There is money to be made and suddenly we are back to ethics, but the playing field is greatly expanding. Skloot writes with depth and lucidity. Reading the book won’t make us experts in cells, DNA, transplants or the state of research, but she gives us enough information to think hard about tomorrow and the laws that will inevitably be enacted. Sunny Solomon holds a Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing from San Francisco State University. She is a poet, published author and the reviewer-at-large for Clayton Books. Email her with questions or comments at memorie3@yahoo.com
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Movie Review
www.claytonvalleydance.com
Can ‘Avatar’ stand up as best picture? Even though it was released a few months ago, “Avatar” is still going strong at the box office. I figure it’s time to weigh in now that it has been nominated for best picture at this year’s Academy Awards. This composite of real actors and computer animation was highly anticipated and hyped for months before it hit U.S. theaters like a force of nature. Writer/director James Cameron’s last movie megahit was “Titanic” in 1997, and “Avatar” has turned out to be as big of a moneymaker as prom-
ised while garnering nine Oscar nominations. My personal feelings about Cameron’s films vary: I loved “Terminator” and hated “Titanic.” “Avatar” falls somewhere in the middle. “Avatar” certainly is an amazing feat of technology and if you are one of the few who hasn’t already seen it, you probably should just to witness the state of today’s computer animation. It made me wonder how much longer the studios will even bother to pay actors when they can just whip up
Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corp.
ALIEN PRINCESS NEYTIRI (Zoe Saldana) teaches earthling Jake (Sam Worthington) to respect nature in “Avatar.”
Scouts, from page 14 Although Nebeker plays trumpet and sings in the school’s choir, he found one of the greatest challenges on the project was overcoming his natural shyness. “I haven’t really been good at talking on the phone with people,” he admitted. “I got a lot better at that because I had to call so many people.” “I knew he needed to gain
confidence in himself,” added his dad, Todd. “It got harder and harder, but he stood up to the task. He did very well.” Baldree, a former homecoming king, hopes to attend Brigham Young University to study advertising and graphic design. While not shy, he was nonetheless forced to learn to reach out as well.
DON PEDRO CRUZ
AT
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MOVIES
complete characters out of digital thin air. If I were involved with one of the other films nominated for technical categories at the Oscars this year, I’d probably just stay home. This one is sure to sweep those awards. The question is: Will it be good enough to grab another best picture award for Cameron? The wondrous alien world, creatures and exhilarating action certainly are noteworthy. Visually, you really haven’t seen anything like it before. But as far as the story goes, it’s roughly the same plot as Disney’s 1995 film “Pocahontas.” I kept expecting the blue-skinned Neytiri to start singing “Colors of the Wind.” From the soaring dragons to the alien insects and down to the droplets of water on the leaves, Cameron and his CGI
“It was kind of hard for me at first to ask for donations,” he said. He and Nebeker were pleasantly surprised, however, at the reactions to their requests for time, money and supplies. The Clayton K-9 Coalition donated money for supplies, and coalition members – including John Burgh and Troy Lee – donated their time. Ashby Lumber donated wood, and Noah’s Bagels supplied more than 200 bagels.
wizards have energized the story of a crippled space marine’s journey, torn between the greedy corporation and the proud natives of an alien world. But for all its beauty and exciting battle scenes, the story just felt rehashed. If you judge by previous years, the odds seem to be against “Avatar” winning best picture. It was not nominated for best screenplay, which is a bad sign. Can you really be the best picture if the script wasn’t up to snuff ? Also, Cameron lost this year’s Director’s Guild award to “Hurt Locker” director (and exwife) Katherine Bigelow. The Director’s Guild award is often a good indicator for a film’s best picture chances, so it appears that while “Avatar” might be the top dog in the box office it will be an underdog in the awards arena. My money is on “Hurt Locker” or better yet, “Inglorious Basterds.”
Don Pedro Cruz is a local freelance writer and graphic designer. Send your comments to dpvc2000@gmail.com
Clayton Mayor Hank Stratford is a friend of both families and visited the worksite several times over the course of the project. “A lot of it is that they’re just good kids,” he said. “They have a maturity and kind of a good grasp of what has to be done and willingness to do it.” Nebeker enjoys working on behalf of others because “it makes them feel good.” “It makes you feel good, too,” he added.
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Page 16
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Dentistry
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Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. FEB. 22 FOR THE MARCH 5 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com
ENTERTAINMENT Feb. 25-27 “The Boys from Syracuse” A comedic musical based on Shakespeare’s “Comedy of Errors,” presented by the Clayton Arts Academy Drama Troupe. $5-$10. 7:30 p.m., Clayton Valley High School Multi-Use Room, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord.
Through Feb 27 “The Syringa Tree”
photo: www.kevinberne.com
Center Rep offers the story of the love between two families, one black, one white, and the two children born into their shared household in 1960s South Africa. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. 943-7469 or centerrep.org.
Shannon Koob in “The Syringa Tree.”
Boot Camp II: Age 18 and up, intermediate-advanced. A resultsdriven strength and conditioning program in an indoor/outdoor environment. Zumba: Age 18 and up. Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves create a dynamic fitness program. Zumba Gold: Age 50 and up. Enjoy the great music and hypnotic Latin rhythms at a slower pace.
Feb. 23 Clayton Planning Commission
7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.
AT THE LIBRARY
A scene from “Brimstone.”
March 6 Mardi Gras Dinner To benefit the Clayton Valley High School Music Boosters. $15. 68:30 p.m., Multi-Use Room, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord. For dinner tickets, claytonbands.org or linminmailboxmusic@yahoo.com. For raffle tickets, cvhsmusic@gmail.com.
Mar. 18 Project Second Chance Fundraiser The 10th Annual Bookies Award Dinner, a Celebration of Books and the People Who Love Them, sponsored by Project Second Chance, Inc. and the Lafayette Book Store. Lafayette Park Hotel, 6 p.m. Special guest author is Cara Black, author of the popular Aimee Leduc Investigation mystery series, including “Murder Mystery author in Montmartre.” Tickets are $50 each Proceeds Cara Black benefit Project Second Chance, the Contra Costa County Library adult literacy program. Call Fremont Bank to purchase tickets at (510) 723-5811 and visit the PSC News and Events section of the Project Second Chance Website at www.ccclib.org/psc for more information.
Through April 15 Diablo View Middle School/H&R Block The Parent Faculty Club receives $25 for every return prepared through the program. Parents can receive $25 off tax returns. Faculty and staff are offered a flat rate, while student returns are free. Coupons at the school office, 300 Diablo View Lane. Or hrblock.com/cmpgn/office/schoolhouse.html.
CLASSES March 10 Ham Radio Class An eight-week course to upgrade your Amateur Radio License to General Class. 7-9 p.m., Salvation Army, 3950 Clayton Road, Concord. Class is free; textbook is $23. Register with John at AF6RJ@arrl.net or 825-7670, or Chuck at KI6DCD@gmail.com.
YMCA For more information, contact Jennifer at 6692-2364 or jbeck@mdrymca.org or Brittney at 692-2362 or ccyprograms@mdrymca.org. Or visit mdrymca.org. Sports Conditioning: Ages 13-18. Become quicker, stronger and increase flexibility while learning to train at the collegiate level. Boot Camp I: Age 18 and up, beginner-intermediate. Indoor/outdoor training focused on dropping body fat, strength training, toning and conditioning.
From the Collection of Sue Fletcher
7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.
March 2, 16 Clayton City Council
FUNDRAISERS
Hats, Gloves and Accessories from the 1930s and 1940s
MEETINGS
7:30 p.m., 1936 Carlotta Dr., Concord. mdusd.org.
An epic love story set in the angst of Northern Ireland and the IRA. Willows’ Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St., Martinez. 798-1300 or willowstheatre.org.
Dressing Up For Going Out
Yoga Stretch: Age 18 and up. Explore and improve flexibility, strength, range of motion and state of mind.
Feb 23 Mt. Diablo Unified School District
Through Feb. 28 “Brimstone”
Special Museum Exhibit now through March 24 at the Clayton Museum, 6101 Main Street. Hours: Sunday and Wednesday from 2-4. Website: www.claytonhistory.org:
Clutch Busters Square Dance Club Meets 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Mt. Diablo Women’s Club, 1700 Farm Bureau Road, Concord. Contact Dorothy at 754-8117.
Concord Stompers Square Dance Club Meets 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Mt. Diablo Women’s Club, 1700 Farm Bureau Road, Concord. Call Jennie at 672-9676 or angelfire.com/id/stompers.
Contra Costa Chess Club
The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Most programs are free. 673-0659 or clayton-library.org.
Meets 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursdays, Starbuck’s, 1536 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. Players of all ages and skill levels welcome. Contact Mike at 639-1987 or uschess.org.
Through March 2 Patty Cakes
Contra Costa Mineral and Gem Society
Story time for babies to 3-year-olds. Child attends with caregiver. Drop in 11 a.m. Tuesdays.
Meets 7:30 p.m. second Monday of the month, Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road. 779-0698 or ccmgs.org.
Creekside Artists Guild
Through March 4 Picture Book Time Story time for 3- to 5-year-olds. Child may attend without caregiver. Drop in 11 a.m. Thursdays.
March 5-7 Creekside Arts Celebration With the theme “A Community Comes Together … Arts, Culture and Nature.” 6-8:30 p.m. March 5, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. March 6 and 1-5 p.m. March 7. Contact Arlene at 673-9777 or akikkawa@ccclib.org. Or visit www.creeksideartists.org or www.claytonlibrary.org.
March 10 Elder Care Lecture How does a family evaluate when an elder is at risk living alone? Topics include what to consider when evaluating placement for an elder, caregiving options and trends in elder care. Presented by Vicki Bellingham of Eldercare Services. 7 p.m.
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 artists welcome. Contact Arlene at 673-9777 or nielsenjanc@aol.com. creeksideartists.org.
Diablo Valley Democratic Club Meets 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month, Ygnacio Valley Library, 2661 Oak Grove Road, Walnut Creek. 946-0469 or dvdems.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 dvmug.org.
East Bay Prospectors Club Meets 7 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of the month, 1021 Detroit Ave., Unit D, Concord. Clayton resident Doug Junghans is president. eastbaygpaa.webs.com or 672-1863.
Knights Of Columbus, Concord Council 6038
March 11 Storytelling With Laura Numeroff, author of “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.” Sponsored by the Clayton Community Library Foundation and Clayton Books. 10 a.m.
Meets 7:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month, except holidays, Cauchi Hall, St. Agnes Catholic Church, 3966 Chestnut St, Concord. Contact George at 685-9547 or visit kofc6038.org.
Rotary Club of Clayton Valley/Concord Sunrise
March 15 “Behind the Barbed Wire”
Meets 7 a.m. Thursdays, Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. Includes breakfast and a speaker. Contact Chuck at 689-7640 or claytonvalleyrotary.org.
Author John Keibel gives an illustrated talk about the Concord Naval Weapons Station. 7 p.m.
Scrabble Club
CLUBS
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 scrabble-assoc.com.
Clayton Business and Community Association
Sons In Retirement (SIRs)
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.
Meets 11:15 a.m. the first Thursday of the month, Crown Plaza Hotel, 45 John Glenn Dr., Concord. The chapter no longer meets at Oakhurst Country Club. 429-3777.
Clayton Valley Garden Club
Soroptimist International of Diablo Vista
Meets 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month, Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton. The March 10 speaker is Penny Rose speaking on understanding plantings and their roots. Contact Nancy at 673-3522 or claytonvalleygardenclub.org.
Meets 12:15 p.m. the first, second and third Wednesdays of the month, September-June, Sizzler, 1353 Willow Pass Road, Concord. Clayton resident Sue Manning is president. 672-2727.
Widows/Widowers Clayton Valley Woman’s Club Meets 9:30 a.m. for coffee, 10 a.m. meetings, second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1090 Alberta Way, Concord. Call Joan at 672-2471.
Meets for dinner, brunch, theater, etc. This is not a dating service nor is it a grieving class - just a way to meet other people. Contact Lori at 998-8844 or lori@lorihagge.com.
February 19, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Page 17
The Roth IRA in 2010 MURELEEN BENTON FINANCIAL SENSE When budgeting for retirement, it’s helpful to bear in mind that money in tax-advantaged accounts today could be subject to income taxes upon withdrawal. For this reason, many investors are looking to diversify their sources of income in retirement from a tax perspective. One vehicle to do so, the Roth IRA, will undergo important changes in 2010 which could potentially make it an attractive investment option for you. The most noticeable feature of a Roth IRA is that earnings grow on a tax-deferred basis, but, if holding period requirements are met, all distributions can be received free of tax. That means all of the investment growth you accrue in a Roth IRA will potentially be yours to keep with none of the return lost to taxes. Although you can make contributions to a Roth IRA on an
Club News CLAYTON VALLEY WOMAN’S CLUB The club invites the public to the social meeting on Tuesday, March 23, with guest speaker
annual basis (if you meet income requirements), you also have the ability to convert existing IRA or workplace retirement plan (such as your 401(k) plan) assets to a Roth IRA. There are immediate tax consequences when the conversion occurs. Any pre-tax contributions and all earnings built in the account being converted will be subject to current income taxes.
being converted (to keep as much money invested in a taxadvantaged way as possible); expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement, a clear benefit if tax-free withdrawals can be taken from a Roth IRA at that time. There are additional considerations, such as the impact on your estate and the ability to leave your heirs with inheritance that could potentially be available to them on a tax-free basis for years to come.
ROTH NOT AN AUTOMATIC DECISION
If you are uncertain whether a Roth IRA conversion is right for you, the good news is that the government gives you the ability to choose a “do-over.” Suppose you decide to convert an existing IRA account to a Roth IRA in January 2010. As you are completing your 2010 tax return in 2011, you determine that the conversion was not in your best interests. You can still, up to your tax-filing deadline, including the extension period (as late as October 15th in the year following the conversion) choose to recharacterize your IRA dollars back to a traditional IRA, foregoing the Roth IRA conversion and the tax liability it would have created. This is one of many variables that can come into play as you consider whether to complete a Roth IRA conversion. Research your options carefully, and be sure to consult with a tax advisor before making any decisions.
A DIFFERENT RULE FOR 2010 A significant change in tax laws will occur effective at the beginning of 2010 when income limits related to a Roth IRA conversion are eliminated. Whereas, in the past, single filers with a modified adjusted gross income above $100,000, or married couples filing separate tax returns, were not eligible to complete the conversion, under the new rules, nearly everybody, regardless of income level, will qualify to complete a conversion. The Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 (TIPRA), in addition to removing the income limits for Roth conversions, also allows a unique opportunity for Roth conversions that occur in 2010 only. The law stipulates that any tax liability incurred as part of a
While the concept of generating a stream of income that is potentially free of income tax is appealing, a Roth IRA conversion is not necessarily the best choice for everybody. It is best suited for those who don’t need access to money in the account for the first five years after the account is established (ideally, the holding period will be even longer to allow more tax-free growth in the account); are able to pay the tax due on the conversion from money that is not part of the account
Dan Ashley of ABC7. His topic is “Ratings and Responsibility: The Challenge of Television News.” Ashley is coanchor of ABC7 News at 5, 6 and 11 p.m. and ABC7 News at 9 p.m. on Channel 20 weekdays.
He’s also written articles for the Clayton Pioneer, the Concordian and other publications and has been involved in community activities in this area. The group meets at 9:30 a.m. for coffee at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord. The club meeting is at 10 a.m. and Ashley will speak at 10:30.
Church News ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH The church is offering a “Self-Care for Job Seekers” group to provide emotional and spiritual support. “Like every congregation, we have members who have been losing jobs – often people with 15 or 20 years with their companies,” says the Rev. Peter Champion. “We looked for a way to serve their needs and the needs of others in the community and found that emotional and
Roth IRA conversion in 2010 can be deferred and divided into the 2011 and 2012 tax years. In other words, if $100,000 in assets were converted to a Roth IRA and subject to taxation, there would be no impact on your tax liability for 2010. Instead, $50,000 of the converted amount would be claimed on the 2011 tax return, and the other $50,000 of the conversion claimed on your 2012 tax return. The two-year spread of taxation is the default, but investors will have the option to claim the associated taxation in 2010.
spiritual support was not easily available to many. A generous donation from a parishioner has allowed us to fund this program, and we want the entire community to know about it.” People need not be members of the church, or even religious, to participate. The group is facilitated by Mary Threlkel, a licensed marriage and family therapist. The group meets monthly and currently has limited openings. For more information, call 672-8855.
ETERNAL LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH The church will host midweek Lenten services at 7 p.m. Feb. 24, March 10 and March 24. All are invited. The theme will be “We Preach Christ Crucified.” There will also be opportunity for conversation and fellowship at suppers at 6 p.m. those evenings. The services are at the Contra Costa Farm Bureau hall, 5554 Clayton Road, Concord. For more information, call 524-0295.
III are recognized as the city’s formal CERT team. They commit to a minimum annual time commitment, advanced training, quarterly drills and other ongoing commitments to be prepared to respond to disasters on a local, regional or statewide basis. CERT team members will be sworn in as disaster service workers and be issued formal ID cards designating them as part of the city’s formal disaster response plan. “If you took the CERT class for your general knowledge and disaster preparedness but do not anticipate responding in the event of an emergency or are unable to meet the ongoing commitments to be part of the formal CERT team, we thank you for striving to be more prepared in the event of a disaster,” says Herb Yonge, chair of the Clayton Citizen Corps Council. Those who do not want to join the formal CERT team are asked to return the CERT backpacks, equipment and ID cards. Residents can contact their zone coordinators for more information. If residents don’t want to continue with the program but still wish to volunteer in the
event of a disaster, they can be a spontaneous volunteer and will be assigned to a task commensurate with their training and experience. “We feel that this change recognizes and responds to our citizens’ needs and can provide all Clayton residents with a level of emergency preparedness training that best fits with their time, commitment and ability levels,” Yonge says. “It will also result in a skilled and more advanced formal CERT team that is able to respond in the event of a disaster.” Yonge appreciates the hard work and effort of those involved with the CERT program thus far. “The knowledge and training you have obtained will assist you in taking care of yourself and your family during a disaster and that helps all of Clayton to withstand a disaster or other emergency,” he adds. Those who want to advance to the formal CERT team should reserve space to attend the CERT Level III Class. The first class is 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 26, at Endeavor Hall. Residents in attendance will be sworn in as disaster service
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BAHA’IS OF CLAYTON All are welcome to a talk and evening of fellowship on Friday, March 5. The speaker will again be Russell Ballew, speaking on “Like a Thief in the Night: The Relationship between Christ and Baha’u’llah.” Ballew’s January presentation on the same subject was well-received – but left unfinished. The program starts at 7:30 p.m. with a period of interfaith devotions at the Toloui residence in Clayton. For more information and directions, call 672-6686.
CERT reorganization clarifies disaster roles During the seven Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes, trainers found that many people were only looking for basic emergency preparedness training and did not intend to participate in a formal CERT team that included additional training and drills. In order to grow the program and improve the level of service it provides to the community, officials are modifying how Clayton CERT is organized. CERT Level I will be a twohour class on basic emergency preparedness, suggested supplies, recommended family emergency planning and other basic disaster information. A certificate of attendance will be awarded upon completion. CERT Level II is a six-week, 20-hour program including fire suppression, basic medical operations, light search and rescue, CERT operations and a “handson” drill. Attendees will be sworn in as disaster service workers for the duration of the training only and will receive a certificate of completion after finishing all six modules. Individuals at CERT Level
Art by Seth
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workers, sign team commitment agreements and be issued new CERT team member ID cards To make a class reservation, call 673-7355.
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Page 18
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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1.) Pick up a pen after every meal. Mindlessly munch on a bag of chips and you could easily polish off the whole thing; write down how much you’ve eaten and you’re more likely to practice
2.) Skip through the commercials. Get off your duff and move during your favorite TV shows. Skip, dance, go up and down some stairs, run in place— anything that gets your heart rate up so you feel
Christina P. Mason D.D.S. A Friendly Dental Office is proud to serve patients in our community. Through continuing education and state-of-the-art equipment, we are able to offer you and your family the high level of care you’re looking for. Our team will give you a warm welcome and ongoing commitment to your dental health. Christina Mason DDS is firmly committed to providing extremely gentle and comfortable dentistry, especially to those who have had unfortunate dental experiences in the past. Call for an appointment (925) 672-1559
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somewhat breathless. Do it for each 2-minute break during a typical 2-hour TV night and you’ll burn an extra 270 calories a day— which can translate to a 28-pound weight loss in a year. 3.) Limit high-fat foods to one per week. Tag the high-fat/high-calorie foods that are typically your favorites (our top five: cookies, candy, ice cream, potato chips, and fries). As you drop the bad choices, add in a good-for-you choice like baby carrots, leafy greens, oranges, and other fresh fruits and veggies.
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4.) Climb 3 extra flights of stairs daily. Have a choice between riding and climbing? Including 2 to 3 minutes of stair climbing per day—covering about three to five floors—can burn enough calories to eliminate the average American’s annual weight gain of 1 to 2 pounds a year. 5.) Brown-bag it at least once in a week. You’ll save thousands of calories (not to mention hundreds of dollars) over the course of a year.
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Make 2010 the year that you get fit and stay fit. Shake off those excess pounds and get in shape with Zumba, the new Latin-beat dance workout that is sweeping the country. However you like your exercise, the YMCA has a program for you. Yoga, Yoga Stretch, Zumba, Zumba Gold, Boot Camps and Sports Conditioning classes will help you get back into shape. All classes are held at Endeavor Hall 6008 Center Street in Clayton. Complete schedule is at mdrymca.org. For more information or to enroll, call Brittney Allan, (925) 6922362 or email ccyprograms@mdrymca.org.
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February 19, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Page 19
Try anemones and ranunculus to get a jump on spring
Est.1972
Smith & Bernal
Roofing Tile repairs Reroof Ventilation Gutter Cleaning Inspections Bird abatement
NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL Anemones and ranunculus are garden gems this time of year. Just when winter has left you craving for the colors of spring, out pops these bold bulbs of joy. Both have bright blooms of varied colors and petal shapes. They make great cut flowers for a touch of color indoors, and thrill containers, garden beds and borders. Anemone coronaria is one of the oldest, most reliable performers in your Clayton Valley garden. Poppy-like flowers bloom in red, pink, blue and white. The contrasting center of this simple, petal-shaped plant creates singular interest to each flower. OPT FOR BULBS
don’t have to be too particular with how you set the bulb in the soil. Unlike other bulbs, the anemone is smart and will grow the right way up. However, February is not the time to install anemone bulbs. If you would like to enjoy the bright colors of this plant, you will need to purchase it in a 4-inch container or, preferably, a gallon size. Do not be entranced to buy one larger than a one gallon; it is a waste of money. Just like the bulb, you will need a sunny location for this plant. Expect your anemones to bloom through the mild days of spring. As the weather really warms, this plant begins its journey t o
FOR FALL PLANTING
Anemones are available as bulbs during the fall planting season. Gardeners are encouraged to soak each bulb in warm water for a RANUNCULUS couple of hours before planting. Place soaked bulbs in a sunny location where conditioner has been worked into the soil. Make sure you are choosing a well-drained location for your installation. Set bulbs 2 inches deep. You
summ e r rest. This journey is not the prettiest time for this plant, but do not be tempted to cut back dying foliage until all the leave have gone from yellow to dry. Then it is
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ANEMONES
safe to remove. The bulb of the anemone uses the nutrients from the leaves to store up for winter. PETALS UPON PETALS Tecolote Ranunculus adds a formal touch to your landscape. This bulb plant is another selection that is available during the fall, so to enjoy them at this time you will be planting gallon plants. The plants have layers of petals, almost more than you could count. They resemble heirloom style roses or formal camellias. They are found in red, white, yellow, pink, sunsets, salmon, purple and bicolors. They make exceptional cut flowers and beautiful bouquets. They have a long vase life and very straight stems. The flowers are great companions to summer bloomers like delphinium and cornflower. Plant them with your roses, too. They like the same type of soil. Ranunculus will bloom as long as the daytime temperature stays between 60 and 75
degrees. When spring heats up, this plant begins to go to sleep – just like the anemone. Again, you’ll need to keep the foliage on the plant until all the energy is absorbed. People with pets who like to nibble on plants need to know that ranunculus is poisonous if eaten. Its bitter taste may discourage eating after a bite or two. Both anemones and ranunculus would be excellent additions to your Clayton Valley landscape. They are available and easy to grow. Neither needs much water or fertilizer. With spring around the corner, it’s a great time to get a jumpstart on color. 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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Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility
Garbage disposals – there’s a greener alternative Some people put food scraps in the trash, and fewer still recycle them for compost. But most people allow scraps to go down garbage disposals and into the sewer system. The Central Contra Costa Sanitary District prefers that residents minimize the use of garbage disposals and put food scraps in the trash or compost instead. The primary reason is concerns about clogging the pipes that carry the wastewater to the treatment plant. Grease from fatty foods, in particular, can clog sewer pipes. The sewer that becomes clogged may be your own pipes (in which case you would need to call a plumber) or it may be the public sewer line. The clogging can cause sewage to backup and overflow, potentially damaging your home or the environment. Putting food scraps in the trash rather than down the dis-
Put Hazardous Waste In Its Place Tuesday thru Saturday—9 A.M. to 4 P.M. (business waste drop off by appointment only)
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Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
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posal offers a “greener” solution. The district’s wastewater treatment plant adds oxygen to its treatment process to decompose organic material – including food scraps. The oxygen is produced using electrical or gas energy. If the quantity of organic material needing treatment is reduced, the energy usage can be reduced. If your food scraps go to the landfill, they decompose over time without the addition of extra energy. Often, the methane that is produced from landfill decomposition can be mined and used as energy. In fact, the district uses landfill gas from the Acme landfill in Martinez to fuel its sludge incinerators. If you still want to use your garbage disposal, here are some sewer friendly tips: Never allow bones, egg shells, grease, greasy food, fat or fatty foods to go down the disposal or drain. Grease is the second-leading cause of sewer clogs and overflows in the
nation. Residents can bring large quantities of grease (such as from a turkey fryer) to the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility, 4797 Imhoff Place, Martinez, for disposal at no charge. Feed food into the disposal a little at a time. If you’re peeling potatoes, for example, run the water and feed them into the disposal as you’re peeling them, rather than allowing them to accumulate and then forcing them all into the disposal at once. This isn’t related to the power of your disposal. The problem is the small sewer pipe through which all that food has to travel afterward. Large masses of even finely chopped food can easily clog a small pipe, especially if that pipe has been infiltrated by tree roots (the No. 1 cause of sewer clogs and overflows). If your sink drain gets clogged, use a plunger or sewer “snake” to clear it, rather than chemical products. They’re bad for the environment and are not always effective.
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Protecting Public Health and the Environment
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 19, 2010
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