Ipsen takes Silver in China See Page 12
IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com
June 11, 2010
925.672.0500
Non-profit to provide recreation programs for city TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
The Clayton gymnasium will not go dark this summer after all. All Out Sports League (AOSL), a private, non-profit sports organization based in Brentwood, has signed an agreement with the city of Clayton to provide the summer camps and enrichment programs left in the lurch by the abrupt withdrawal and bankruptcy of the Mt. Diablo
Region YMCA in March. AOSL, under the direction of Casey Copeland, has been running similar programs for Brentwood and Antioch for two years. Clayton does not have a recreation department and relies on outside contractors to provide recreation programs. Copeland is “a highly motivated, experienced and enthusiastic operator suitable to fill the regrettable void (left by the YMCA),” says city manager Gary Napper.
Summer programs, scheduled to begin June 21, will include sports camps in basketball, soccer, flag football and volleyball, and leagues for youth and adult basketball and volleyball. Enrichment camps will start the week of July 5 with kitchen science and will include classes in science and business. The Clayton Community Gym, built in 2003, is owned by the Mt. Diablo Unified School District, but the city of Clayton and residents con-
tributed substantially to the construction. An agreement with the school district gives Clayton first priority on use during non-school hours. In exchange, the city picks up the operating costs of about $5,000 a month. The city is negotiating with the district to lower these costs, which will be billed to AOSL monthly.
For a schedule of summer camps, see page 7. Register online at alloutsportsleague.com.
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
AOSL Executive Director Casey Copeland.
You gotta hand it to dad – at least one day a year HANK STRATFORD
MAYOR’S CORNER Maintenance staff carries heavy load It seems like the rainy season is finally behind us. So with the start of summer our attention turns outside. Our maintenance staff has been chomping (or more formally, champing) at the bit to get started on some projects around town. The city has been receiving questions about weed abatement. The maintenance crew has been waiting for a long stretch of dry weather before they go after the weeds. If the weed abatement is done too early, the weeds will continue to grow. We will start seeing some of the weeds coming down around town soon. The Landscape Maintenance District has been able to build up a reserve over the last few years that can now partially be used to make improvements to the city’s landscaping. The Trails and Landscape Committee approved a list of recommended improvement projects. This list was presented to the City Council at our last meeting. Projects include renovating the area around the fountain, installing pavers in the narrow nose section of the medians along Oakhurst Drive and
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190
See Mayor, page 11
Mike Basil and daughter Eliana bond over some ice cream. For Father’s Day perspectives from Basil and other local dads, follow this story to Page 22.
Father’s Day, like Mother’s Day, Teacher’s Day and Take Your Favorite Journalist to Lunch Day (coming up soon – don’t forget!), is seen by many as an exercise in creative marketing by greeting card companies. This year, Hallmark expects 93 million cards to be sent to honor the hard work and dedication of fathers throughout the land on June 20. That should ensure their annual bonuses can buy more than a Thank You for being a Responsible Corporate Executive Day card. But a careful reading of flawless source material (Wikipedia) and interviewing of experts in the field (including my husband) finds that the event wasn’t made up by Hallmark after all. Instead, blame the Episcopalians. Grace Golden Clayton of Fairmont, W.Va., first thought of the idea of a Father’s Day celebration in 1908. Inspired by a mine explosion the year prior, where hundreds of children lost their fathers, she suggested the idea to her priest at the Williams Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
See Father’s Day, page 22
Graduating seniors honored for accomplishments TAYLOR TOVREA SARAH ROSEN CVHS Correspondents
The culmination of high school, when all the hard work is finally rewarded, is the last month of senior year. At Clayton Valley High School, this is when deserving seniors receive honors, scholarships and awards, followed by the much-anticipated graduation. The highlight of these festivities is the awarding of the Scholarship, Leadership, Service
and the all-encompassing Grand Altair. A CVHS tradition dating back to the school’s opening in 1958, these prestigious awards are named after the brightest star in the constellation, Aquila, a word meaning eagle in Latin. They are the highest honors a Clayton Valley student can attain. Leticia De Brito won the Scholarship Altair with a GPA of 4.4. At Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, she would like to study architecture and become an architect. She credits her academic success largely to her strong stubborn streak.
What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Church News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Clayton History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
“I’m really stubborn as a person, which is good as a student because it makes you more determined. After getting As all freshman year, I was determined not to lose the No. 1 ranking,” she says. Leadership Altair winner Katy Boeger plans to attend Sacramento State this fall to study nursing. She owes a great deal of her success to her parents, who have supported her throughout her school career. Katy received this award as a result of her hard work and dedication to student government
Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Community Calendar . . . . . . . . . . .14 Directory of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . .5 DVMS Reporter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Financial Sense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Food for Thought . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
and leadership. “I have the most wonderful classmates working by my side; it was going to be a year to make some positive changes within CV,” she says. “I truly believe that we have made many improvements.” Jennifer McLoughlin was awarded the Service Altair, which recognizes students for involvement and volunteer work within school. A Clayton Arts Academy student, Jennifer has been a part of the tech crew for
See Seniors, page 16
Going Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Movie Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 On the Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Parenting Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Grand Altair winner Eden Mesfin
Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 School News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Staying Fit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Tech Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Page 2
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 11, 2010
Around Town Clayton gives its due to DramaMama’s founder
Hillery graduates from U. of Colorado Derek Hillery, a Clayton resident and 2006 graduate of De La Salle High School, graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder on May 6 with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. Derek will be working for Lockheed Martin in their Space Systems Division for the summer and will continDEREK HILLERY ue on with his studies in the fall to earn a Masters in Astrodynamics and Satellite Navigation. Derek is also a co-founder of a start-up company working on developing hybrid engines for aircraft.
MAYOR HOWARD GELLER
DECLARED MAY 25, 2010 “PATTI PRATT DAY” honoring the visionary creator of the very popular after-school DramaMama Productions. Students and volunteers crowd the stage at DVMS singing “One Small Voice” to close Pratt’s residence in Clayton, thanking her for many fond and hilarious memories over 13 years.
NICCI SHIPSTEAD Clayton Pioneer
The city of Clayton declared May 25 “Patti Pratt Day,” honoring the grassroots founder of DramaMama Productions. Pratt is moving to Texas. The curtain call for Mt. Diablo Elementary School’s “Willy Wonka” concluded the drama diva’s hands-on success of the popular afterschool program. Mayor Howard Geller made the declaration with a crowded stage full of Pratt’s current and returning students and volunteers. Geller
bemoaned his early drama disappointment, when he was not selected for a part in his elementary school play. “I wish I had a ‘Patti’ in my life,” Geller said, illustrating Pratt’s commitment to include every child with an interest whether it be with a speaking part, dancing or behind-the-scene assistance. Kathy Groebner, a parent volunteer, and Gabriella Rowland, co-founder since DramaMama’s explosive growth in 2006, plan to sustain Pratt’s self-esteem building ideals. Pratt will take her visionary program with her family as they relocate to the Lone Star State.
Oakhurst Country Club! One of the Best Black Diamond Golf Course & Mt. Diablo view lots! Desirable Horseshoe model tucked away on a quiet court with breathtaking
An anonymous but wise person once said, “To teach is to touch lives forever.” In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, former Mayor of Clayton, Julie Pierce, visited the KinderCare Learning Center at 6760 Marsh Creek Road on May 4. Pierce presented awards of recognition to the teachers to honor the impact they make on the daily lives of Clayton families. She is shown here with kindergarten teacher Sandy McCracken, who has been with KinderCare since 2001.
Pioneer travels to the Yucatan Peninsula What’s happening Around Town?
Hola, amigos. The Barney family recently traveled south to the warm waters and weather in the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun. The Pioneer got to go along.
Clayton
Clayton
KinderCare earns Teacher Award
Oakhurst Country Club! Falcon Ridge! Beautiful “Moonlight” model on a prime view lot
We want to know what’s happening in your families and in your neighborhoods. Send your news of births, engagements weddings, anniversaries, celebrations, etc. to info@claytonpioneer.com. Please attach your photos to the email as JPEG files between between 3MB and 6MB and include a caption to identify people in your photos.
GEORGE VUJNOVICH Broker Helping friends, neighbors & newcomers buy and sell their homes since 1979
views! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 1749sf, inside laundry room & 2 car attached garage! Spacious living room with fireplace. Separate dining area. Gourmet corian kitchen with eating area & pantry. Master with sweeping views! Large Patio backs to 12th fairway of golf course with views! $475,000
overlooking un-obstructed breathtaking views of hills, valley, golf course, ridgeline, city lights & Delta! Single story offers 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, approx 2,237sf, inside laundry & 3 car garage! Elegant living and dining rooms. Gourmet kitchen boasts custom butcher block island, tile counters, maple cabinets, pantry style cabinet & laminate floors. Spacious family room with fireplace & laminate floors! Large master suite. Private serene view lot offers a patio, nice lawn area, a variety of ornamentals & magnificent views! $579,000
Clayton
Clayton
Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.
georgevujnovich.com
Better Homes DRE#00933393
(925)
Walnut Creek
Oakhurst Country Club! Large “Serenade” model at the top of Falcon Ridge on a prime view lot overlooking City,
6160 Center St., Suite E, Clayton
Bancroft Village! Desirable 2 story unit with attached 2 car garage!
valley & hills below! 3 bedrooms plus a Den, 3 baths,
3 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1,700sf. Bedroom and full bath downstairs. Updated kitchen with newer appliances
approx. 3079sf, inside laundry & 3 car garage! Gourmet kitchen opens to large family room. Spacious master with magnificent views! $$699,000
and updated counters! Separate dining area. Spacious living room with brick fireplace, wet bar and semi- vaulted ceiling. Cozy courtyard & large rear patio! Walk to Heather Farms Park, John Muir Medical Center, shopping, dining & transportation! $464,900
672-4433
Oakhurst Country Club! Peacock Creek! Sensational “Legacy” model on a premium lot backing to open space! 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, approx. 3185sf + Rare 4 car garage! 1st floor guest suite with private bath. Gourmet kitchen! Huge master with retreat, fireplace & balcony with tranquil views of open space. Gorgeous lot features sparkling pool with built-in spa & waterfall feature, trellis covered BBQ island & tropical themed landscape! $719,000
Clayton Market Update provided by George Vujnovich of Better Homes Realty ADDRESS
PRICE
315 Chardonnay Cir .................$665,000 5599 Coronado Court...............$495,000 1435 Indianhead Cir.................$399,000 33 Mount Wilson Way ..............$255,900 326 Saclan Terrace ..................$450,000 38 Regency Drive.....................$561,000
SF
BED/BATH
SALE DATE
. . . . .2116 . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . .6/2/10 . . . . .1597 . . . . .4/2 . . . . .5/28/10 . . . . .1355 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . .5/27/10 . . . . .966 . . . . . .2/2 . . . . .5/27/10 . . . . .1749 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . .5/25/10 . . . . .2032 . . . . .4/2.5 . . . .5/21/10
ADDRESS
PRICE
5205 Keller Ridge Dr................$729,000 901 Arrowhead Terrace ............$490,000 4607 Keller Ridge Drive ...........$330,000 871 Coachman Place...............$675,000 1453 Indianhead Cir.................$380,000 13580 Marsh Creek Rd ............$405,000
SF . . . . .3079 . . . . .1904 . . . . .1554 . . . . .2080 . . . . .1355 . . . . .3390
BED/BATH
SALE DATE
. . . . .5/3 . . . . .5/21/10 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . .5/21/10 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . .5/20/10 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . .5/19/10 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . .5/19/10 . . . . .4/3 . . . . .5/14/10
June 11, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Clayton honors the fallen at Memorial Day observance
Page 3
s t r e ConcThe Grov in
e
Saturdays 6 to 8:30 p.m.
At the Gazebo in The Grove June 19
Mixed Nuts Disco, Motown, Funk & Jazz
July 3
Harvey & The Wall Bangers All the Greatest Hits
July 17
The Michael Paul Band Country & Southern Rock
July 31
Laurent Fourgo & His Orchestra The Big Band Sound
Aug. 14
Diamond Dave Oldies to today’s top hits
Steve Pierce
Memorial Day, which traditionally kicks off the summer season, is about much more than barbequed chicken and lazy day by the pool. This national holiday, celebrated the last Monday in May is set aside to remember all the servicemen and women throughout the history of this country who have lost their lives in war. Each year, the VFW Post 1575 calls residents, local officials and representatives of the Armed Forces and supporting organizations to the flagpole at the foot of Main Street to remember the fallen and honor the country. Quartermaster Paul Carroll read the historic poem “In Flanders Field” from which the red “Buddy Poppy” became a symbol of the day. Mary Tollefson, Gold Star Mom and mother of Ben Tollefson who was killed in Iraq on New Years Eve 2008 spoke eloquently of her son’s service and of her own reluctant membership in the “club you never want to join.” Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day was first observed on May 30,
Aug. 28 East Bay Mudd Sept. 11
1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Photos: Clockwise from top: VFW Post 1525, Olympic High School ROTC, Boy Scouts Troop 262 present the colors to open the program; Veterans - the faces of those who served and returned; Local choir Yesterday’s Kids sang the National Anthem and several patriotic selections; Diablo View Middle School band leader Carl Kaiser; Clayton Mayor Hank Stratford
$799,000 705 Acorn Drive, Clayton Falcon Ridge – 4BD/2.5BA, largest one-story model. Phenomenal views from poolside veranda & solar power thru to save you big money! www.709AcornDrive.com .
Soul, Funk, R&B
Tery McCade
The Hit Waves All the Greatest Hits
Sponsored by the city of Clayton, CBCA and Allied Waste Services
Local Food To Go Tery McCadee
Support your local businesses & Restaurants. Takeout or dine in before or after the concert. Moresi’s Chophouse 6115 Main St., 672 - 1333
The Pioneer gratefully acknowledges Steve Pierce and Tery McCade for photos
Ed’s Mudville Grill 6200 Center St., 673-0333 La Veranda Cafe 6201 Center St., 524 - 0011 Canesa’s Brooklyn Deli 6054 Main St., 852 - 1650 Skipolini’s Pizza 1035 Diablo St., 672 - 1111 Village Market 6104 Main St., 672 - 0188 Johnny’s Int’l Deli & Cafe’ 6101 Center St., 672-1203 Cup O’Jo 6054 Main St., 672-5105 Tery McCade
3030 Windmill Canyon Drive, Clayton $629,000 Windmill Canyon – “Sunset” landscaping in graceful, serene backyard. Pristine 4BD/2.5BA offers master suite w/two closets & gorgeous kitchen w/island. 3030WindmillCanyonDrive.com
$568,000 993 Tiffin Drive, Clayton Walk to Downtown – Location, curb appeal & the large lot at this 3BD/2BA home make it irresistible! Open floor plan with a galley kitchen & great room.
144 Widmar Place, Clayton $669,000 Mitchell Canyon – 4BD+office/2.5BA offers exclusive location, huge yard & ideal updates including expanded master suite w/deck & spa. WidmarPlace.com
NEW PRICE
1123 Whispering Pines Road, Clayton $869,800 Morgan Territory – Entertain in style at your private creekside retreat at the foot of Mt. Diablo! Custom 4BD/3BA has grand living room w/cathedral ceilings. 1123WhiperingPines.com
$749,998 379 Mt. Sequoia Place, Clayton Dana Hills – 5BD/3BA located on the end of a court offers 3 car garage & RV parking. Beautiful pool & patio w/Mt. Diablo views. MountSequoia.com
302 Mountaire Parkway, Clayton $799,000 Dana Hills - Breathtaking entertainers lot backs to Mt. Diablo open space & includes 5-hole golf course, pool & fountain. 5BD/3BA totally remodeled.
Call for details
Michelle Gittleman DRE# 01745325
Clayton Resident & Broker Owner
31 Nottingham Circle, Clayton Jeffry Ranch - Immaculate 3BD/ 2BA single-story w/upgrades. Beautiful, private backyard lined with fruit trees. Walk to schools, parks, trails.
$525,000
(925) 768-0352
DRE# 01122025
Page 4
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
SHERATON PRINCESS WAIKIKI from $ 799* pp 7 night stay includes airfare from San Francisco
vel Services Tra enter Street, Ste. 270, Clayton
0C 620
call 925-305-4000 or toll free: 800-675-4050. Book online:
www.off2hawaii.com *Travel good Now through June 7 and September 7 – December 15, 2010. Holiday and Thanksgiving dates priced slightly higher. Taxes extra. Prices subject to change.
Fishing for Father’s Day! Great Father’s Day specials on guided fly fishing trips to California’s premier trout rivers! Drift boat and wading trips. Full day fishing with a streamside lunch and drinks provided. All gear supplied if needed or feel free to use your own. Can pick up in the Bay Area or organize to meet on the River.
Call Damien at (925) 586-9533 or visit
www.AusflyGuiding.com
June 11, 2010
Horsin’ around at Castle Rock Arabians means safety, fun and certified instructors NICCI SHIPSTEAD Clayton Pioneer
Horsemanship seems to be in a state of demise. Many adults today have never ridden a horse and children may only see ponies giving rides in a carnival setting. “In the 1970s, the kids all had horses, everybody had access to farm horses,” said Nancy Dupont, owner of Castle Rock Arabians, home of a popular summer horse camp program. “When a kid comes here – unless grandpa has a horse they visit on vacations – we’ve got to teach them everything.” Castle Rock Arabians in Walnut Creek provides the only local annual Certified Horsemanship Association clinic. CHA evaluates the knowledge and ability of equestrian staff hired for group riding operations. Certification improves riding instructor effectiveness by teaching them how to keep a safe environment while developing camper’s skill, discipline and determination to excel in the sport of riding. “A 1,200-pound animal can be unsafe,” Dupont cautions. “Anybody can stick a shingle out and say they can ride. Is that what you want, though?” Mentored by Clayton’s George Cardinet Jr., the father of California trails system, Dupont translates what she calls the “real horseman’s” lessons to young riders. Cardinet was successful in a tenacious pursuit advocating horse use in the backcountry of Yosemite National Park’s general plan. Likewise, Dupont acknowledges her success in park horse use and trail blazing advocacy with a nod and a wave
of her hand. Her current passion is building up the next generation of horsemen. “My goal is really quality instructors teaching in a safe environment,” she said. Instructor Sarah Clothier said grandparents often come for their first private riding lessons after watching their grandchildren gain confidence through Castle Rock’s trusted Arabians and competent coaching. “I say, ‘Good for you.’ It’s never too late,” Clothier said in a pronounced English articulation. Clothier is a certified European Level 4 in English and Dressage, which includes even stricter standards such as child protection training. Certification ensures trainers are able to ride at least one level above their certification level. For example, level one instructor candidates must demonstrate ability in ground handling, mounting, correct position and control at walk-trot before they are qualified to provide foundational instruction, emphasizing safety, to beginner riders. Camps accommodate up to 30 campers per week, divided into groups of about five by age and skill levels. Teenage campers who are beginning or intermediates are always grouped with other teens. A “Tiny Rider” camp for 3- to 6-year-olds introduces horseback riding using ponies. Tiny Riders are led by their instructors on a short trail ride on their ponies. “The horses here are steady with a little 6-year-old on his back,” Dupont said. “They have to be ‘golden oldies’ who know their job.” At camp, groups assume stations around the ranch where they are assigned horses and
JUSTIN BARKER GETS A LESSON IN TURNING SAGE from Kristin Wheeler, day camp instructor at Castle Rock Arabians Memorial Day camp.
activities such as grooming, learning to put a halter on and lead correctly and safely. Beginners practice mounting and dismounting on a vaulting barrel and correct rein control as part of ground work before mounting a horse. After riding in the morning lessons, campers break for lunch to visit with other campers. Afternoon is left to the instructor’s creativity and can include a paint the horse contest, bareback riding and identifying the 52 parts of a horse. Advanced campers take a trail ride.
“They’re coming to laugh, have fun, be with friends – camp is a place where good memories are made,” Dupont explains. However, she knows plenty of girls who have made 15-year-old boys cry. “Pre-teens grow up and boys take second place to the horses! The girls choose spending time with the horse over a date,” she says with a laugh. For more about CHA programs, visit cha-ahse.org. Register for camp and other Castle Rock Arabians horsemanship programs at castlerockarabians.com or call 937-7661.
We are actively recruiting qualified real estate sales agents. Call for an interview.
“Our family has grown up in the service industry – we KNOW how to do it.”
s a h y l i fam i e z z a M e. c e i v h t r e , s s r n a o e y r a 6 b 5 e r th Fo d e s i a r y l l a u n i t con
- Matt Mazzei, Sr.
925-693-0757 (Main) 925-766-6745 (Direct) 925-693-0752 (Fax) mazzeirealty@yahoo.com
6160 Center St. Suite #C, Clayton
Matt Mazzei, Sr. Sales Agent
Matt Mazzei, Jr. Broker/Owner
DRE# 01881269 DRE# 01879806
June 11, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com City of Clayton now accepting applications for
TRAILS AND LANDSCAPING COMMITTEE
P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517
Office Term: July 2010 - June 2012
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
The “Trails and Landscaping Committee” comprised of up to 11 members is appointed by the Clayton City Council. This citizens Committee advises the City Council and City Manager on maintenance, improvement and financial matters related to the 2007 Citywide Landscape Maintenance District. The District has an annual budget to maintain the roadway and median public landscaped areas, public open space/hillsides of the City, annual weed abatement and fire break tasks, the Clayton Fountain, and the Trails System of the City.
S TAFF W RITERS : Denisen Hartlove, Lou Fancher, Nicci Shipstead, Pam Wiesendanger, Mike Dunn, Harry Stoll We remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit is our muse
PIONEER INFO
For applications and more information: In person: Clayton City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail By mail: call City offices at 925-673-7300 E-mail: contact ljackson@ci.clayton.ca.us City’s web site: www.ci.clayton.ca.us
criminates on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, family status or disability. The Clayton Pioneer reserves the right to reject any advertising we believe is unsuitable.
CONTACT US Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580
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.
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
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CLASSIFIEDS Classified rates per insertion: Non-profit: $12 for first 30 words, $.20 each additional word Individual/non-commercial: $18 for first 30 words, $.30 each additional word Commercial: $48 for first 30 words, $.40 each additional word
Please return a completed application to the city clerk by 5 p.m. June 18, 2010. Appointments are expected in late June 2010.
$ 20 off
FOR SALE MLB Package Deal includes: MLB 60’ 3 Section Batting Cage w/MLB Black UV Netting & Door. ATEC Hard-Ball Two Wheel Machine. 24 ATEC Machine Balls, MLB Pitching Screen 8 doz. Batting Practice Hard-Balls. MLB Bating Matt/ Dual Side Left & Right w/Home Plate. MLB BATTING “T’s” / 3ea. 1 “new” Easton Stealth -3 / 32” bat $800.00 or Best Offer. Contact Dave at 925-956-9710.
RENTALS Rooms for Rent Nice home off Morgan Territory has two one bedroom
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Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 Children’s Services Kid’s Choice Jumpers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-9543 Kidz Planet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-3012 Construction and Trades Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423 Handyman Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .639-4209 LHI Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-9941 Smith & Bernal Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0138 Sobotka Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-9300 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Dentist Children’s Dentistry of Walnut Creek . . . . . . . . .938-2392 Renner, Jason D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-2800 Rissel, Richard D.M.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-2800 Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440
Pacific Coast Farmers Market
(925) 672-3900
units’ w/kitchen, bath and laundry available. Beautiful views from every room, pool and spa. No pets. Now taking applications. Call Paula 925-250-2944
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9090
Alex
Peter
Benton, Mureleen - Ameriprise Financial . . . . . .685-4523 CD Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-0900 College Track Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .287-8900 Littorno, Richard - Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . .672-6463 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . .672-2300
Vacation Rental Morritts Tortuga Club, Grand Cayman. $900.00/wk. except Christmas and New Years. 2 Bedroom/2 Bath Penthouse, overlooks one of three pools. 2 restaurants, 2 swim-up bars, plus the only over water bar and grill on island. Fantastic kids programs. Visit www.morritts.com, then call Jim at 925-383-6141
SERVICES 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.
Fitness Traveling Trainers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .890-6931 Funerals Moore’s Mission Funeral Home
. . . . . . . . . . . . .682-1100
Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Gifts The Royal Rooster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2025 Home and Garden Abbey Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Clear Splash Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6245 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Floors to Go Danville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .820-8700 Lewis & Lewis Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .939-2145 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 Pans on Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .600-7267 Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055 Waraner Tree
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-0334
Mailing and Shipping The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245
Tutoring Summer tutoring for elementary and middle school students. Credentialed Clayton teacher. Call Mrs. V at 673-0403
WANTED
Personal Products and Services A Perfect Tan & Body Wraps
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8261
Pet Services Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Peace Of Mind Pet Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9781 Pet Suites Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-7387
Real Estate Agents Be Successful! Lynne French is expanding and interviewing for a few agents. Call her today (925) 672-8787.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Rodies Feed and Country Store . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600 Real Estate and Mortgage Services Flannery, Patty - Diablo Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0541 French, Lynne - Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787 Kavanaugh, Mike - RE/MAX Town & Country . . .672-7800 Klock, Leigh - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593 Laurence, Pete - RE/MAX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .890-6004
Help Fight Hunger Anna Chan – AKA: The Lemon Lady needs your help! Volunteers are needed to haul donated produce from Farmers' Markets to food pantries throughout the area. Weekly commitment appreciated. Please contact Anna at 6721988 or AnnaAndAva@gmail.com.
Lopez, Stephanie - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . .932-7329
Meals on Wheels Drivers 673-0300 or hairbyjim@sbcglobal.net.
Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454
Anna’s Attic Volunteers Call 674-9072 or (925) 7665066. Hospice of the East Bay Call Volunteer Dept. at (925) 887-5678 or email volunteers@hospiceeastbay.org.
Amir
Clayton Valley Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3900
Financial and Insurance Services
$ 10 off
LUBE, OIL & FILTER
Auto
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Classified
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CLAYTON VALLEY SHELL
Directory of Advertisers
Willows Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .957-2500
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.
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-
Page 5
Clayton Historical Society Museum Call the museum at 672-0240.
Mazzei, Matt -Mazei Realty
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757
Robins Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .550-2383 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . .672-4433 Recreation All Out Sports League . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .510-282-4986 Ausfly Guiding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .586-9533 Castle Rock Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .937-7661 Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737 Senior Services Always Available Home Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .349-4854 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . .524-5100 Seniors About Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330-5090 Services, Other Air Cloud Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-4119 x 2 Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700 Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Contra Costa Water District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .688-8044 Household Hazardous Waste . . . . . . . . . 1-800-646-1431 Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029 Next Energy Solar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-0600
Clayton Community Library. 673-9777 or email: akikkawa@ccclib.org
Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . . . .473-0180 Travel Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447 Travel Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .305-4000
Page 6
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 11, 2010
Letters to the Editor
Obituary
Carmen Dobbel Frank Oct. 30, 1918 – May 30, 2010 Longtime Clayton resident Carmen Frank died May 30 at age 91. Her parents, John and Henrietta Meincke Dobbel, owned a butcher shop in Hayward. She came to Clayton after marrying George Frank, son of Will and Metta Frank. Carmen and George were married at Carmen’s home in Hayward on March 3, 1937. Their first residence in Clayton was the “Llewellen house,” with rudimentary facilities owned by George’s Uncle Henry and Aunt Lillien Russelmann Frank, just east of Clayton. While George served his country during World War II, Carmen worked at Camp Stoneman in Pittsburg doing her part for the war effort. During the food shortages of the war, she honed her culinary skills and became locally renowned for her cooking skills. Carmen shopped in downtown Clayton. The local general store belonged to Hans
Carmen and George Frank at their 1937 wedding.
Rasmussen. Most of the dry goods in the store were kept in bins. When Carmen went in to purchase macaroni one day, she was advised that she had made a poor choice. It seems that the Rasmussen family cat had given birth to kittens in the macaroni bin the prior evening. That was one of Carmen’s favorite stories to tell. Carmen was involved in the Odd Fellows and Rebekah Lodge for many years. In 1940, she was the youngest of 21 new Rebekah candidates in the state. She played the piano and organ and enjoyed the social life afforded her by her club affiliations. Carmen and George were charter members of the Clayton Historical Society, members of the Grange association and others too numerous to mention. They held officer or director positions in most organizations in which they volunteered. Their love for children kept them busy with the Morgan Territory 4-H Club. Carmen could be seen quite often with her 1957 Chevy station wagon jam-packed with kids going to the county fair, 4-H camp or other events. Carmen is survived by her two children, Jack and Bonnie, six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. A celebration of Carmen’s life is planned for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 12, at the Odd Fellows Hall, 4349 Cowell Road, Concord. Her ashes will be interred at Live Oak Cemetery with her late husband, George. Memorial donations are preferred to the Clayton Historical Society, P.O. Box 94, Clayton CA 94517 or Live Oak Cemetery Association, 1034 Pine Hollow Court, Clayton CA 94517.
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TEA PARTY REBUTTAL Dear Editor: The Tea Party mantra seems to be about high taxes. I would be thrilled if all corporations and taxpayers whose income is subject to a 35% federal tax by the IRS would actually pay it. Forbes magazine published a recent article titled ‘What top 25 corporations pay in taxes’, in 2009, which reveals who is not paying their fair share. General Electric reported $10.3 billion in pretax earnings and owed nothing to the IRS according to their SEC filings. Forbes reports that HewlettPackard’s tax rate was 18.6%, Verizon’s 10.5% and Ford Motor Company’s 2.3%. Chevron reported sales of $172 billion and paid $8 billion in taxes. However, Chevron, while at least paying taxes, paid only $200 million (around 3%) to the U.S.A. and the remaining 97% of their taxes paid went to other
countries. Bank of America reported $120 billion in sales, Citigroup $80 billion, and Valero $68 billion. Yet, their deductions, credits and loses allowed these three companies to pay no taxes. In 2007, the IRS reported that the top 400 wealthiest taxpayers with a total of $137.9 billion in adjusted gross income paid $22.9 billion in taxes. That translates to a 16.6% average tax rate. The Financial Crime Research Center estimates that the Federal government loses about $1 trillion a year from offshore tax shelters for the very wealthy. I am not excited about paying taxes but revenue is needed to keep our great country running. I am not happy with the fact that I am paying a higher tax rate than some millionaires and billionaires!
THANK YOU TO THE LOCALS I want to give recognition to the following Clayton businesses and those neighboring who gave me a donation on behalf of the Solano/Contra Costa Food Bank. Even though affected by our failing economy, they graciously gave to a worthy cause. I hope my fellow Claytonites will support these businesses when in need of their particular services:
- Linda Hudak Clayton
- Patty (Trish) Nelson
Ray Casso Memorial Park Bench dedication date set for June 19 A popular Clayton man, who was murdered on March 7, 2007, will have a park bench dedicated to his memory on June 19. Friends, family and members of Ray Casso’s Rotary Club will gather in The Grove at 1 p.m. to remember the husband, father, grandfather, friend and fellow Rotarian whose life was cut short as he made a quick and routine Saturday morning stop at the post office. A Concord man, Shannon Bradley Moore, was arrested for the crime and subsequently deemed incompetent to stand trial. He is receiving treatment at the Napa State Hospital. The bench is a joint project
of the Concord/Clayton Sunrise Rotary Club and a group of Ray’s friends dubbed the “Egads
Group.” The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
After store closes, book club moves to Clayton Library Although Clayton Books has closed its doors, the book club will continue to meet at the Clayton Library. “By the time I retired in March of 2009, the store had developed a book club which had been running strong for three years,” says Sunny Solomon, who also worked at Bonanza Books in the same Clayton Station location. “It became something special for me to trek back to the store from my condo in Reno for our monthly meetings.” Book club members came from Clayton, Concord, Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill, with 12-16 people in attendance.
“The consensus was that the book club members had no intention of closing up shop,” Solomon notes. Members volunteered their homes and office spaces. Church halls were suggested, as well as meeting rooms at local retirement facilities. Then Mariana Liu, a co-worker from Bonanza and Clayton Books, put Solomon in touch with Karen Hansen-Smith at the Clayton Library. The book club voted unanimously to accept the library’s offer to meet there. The new Clayton Community Library Book Club will meet at 7 p.m. the second Monday of the month Just as it
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was at the store, membership is open to all. “Such enthusiasm from a wide variety of readers is what made working at both Bonanza and Clayton Books such a pleasure,” Solomon says. “It is that sense of community that I believe makes our book club unique and we are all looking forward to a long and successful association with the Clayton Library.”
Upcoming Events JULY 4 CELEBRATION Let your heart beat true ‘neath the red, white and blue on Main Street as we gather to celebrate Independence Day in Clayton Country the old fashioned way. The day begins early on July 4 with the Rotary Club pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. at Endeavor Hall. The parade begins at 10 a.m. with the Kiddie Parade -- a true Norman Rockwell classic featuring Clayton’s children, decked out in red, white and blue, with their decorated wagons, strollers, scooters, bikes and trikes, with the faithful family dog, all marching proudly down Main Street. The main parade with floats, local dignitaries and civic participants follows. The festivities are all emceed by ABC 7 News anchor, Dan Ashley.
Flora Square building sold; owners seek new tenants Flora Square, the 8,000 sq. ft. building at the corner of Oak and Center streets, has been purchased by Thomas Properties, a Walnut Creek investment company. The building was completed in 2007, just before the real estate market went into a tailspin, and has never had more than one tenant. “The previous owners just couldn’t find the money to do the tenant improvements,” says principal Steve Thomas. Thomas is talking to several potential tenants for the downstairs retail space, which could include a restaurant or a bank. “Clayton is a nice community with a captive market – kind of a boutique community,” says Thomas. “We’re looking at this building as a good long-term investment.” Fidelity Title Building in Walnut Creek and the Willow Pass Business Park are among the local properties owned by Thomas. For leasing information, call 9456626, ext. 11.
Solomon will lead a discussion of “The March” by E.L. Doctorow at 7 p.m. June 14. The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. For more information, call 673-0659 or visit claytonlibrary.org.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Page 7
SMD Heritage Tree Program honors family – and the environment
Est.1972
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DAVID OGDEN Special to the Pioneer
With Save Mount Diablo’s Heritage Tree Program, you could honor the memory of a loved one or celebrate a special person in your life by dedicating a living tree or grove of tress on a beautiful piece of land in the shadow of Mt. Diablo. The Heritage Tree Program focuses on the Mangini Ranch, a 208-acre parcel on the north side of the mountain. The ranch is home to sensuous blue oak groves, sprawling valley oaks and spectacular buckeye groves. Save Mount Diablo acquired the land from the Mangini family in 2006 and will eventually turn it over to the park system. Meanwhile, individuals and companies can support Save Mount Diablo’s mission to preserve this and other land around the mountain by adopting a tree, a grove or even a pond on Mangini Ranch. Interested individuals can visit the property with a Save Mount Diablo representative to choose their own tree or grove. A volunteer will lead a hike on the ranch at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 19.
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A
GROVE OF OAKS
is available to be dedicated as Heritage Trees at the Mangini Ranch.
You can also use Google Earth to choose a tree right from your computer. Or, Save Mount Diablo can make a selection on your behalf. When you make a taxdeductible donation starting at $250, you’ll receive a description, a photo and the GPS coordinates of the tree or grove you have chosen, along with a certificate of appreciation. Notification and appropriate
information will be sent to those being honored. Sometimes a tree or grove is chosen as a great place to picnic. Others are chosen for the view or because they’re visible from a hiking trail. Previous Heritage Tree selections include a valley oak chosen by a mother whose daughter died seven years earlier. “Her birthday is coming up in June, and I always try to think of something
to keep her memory alive.” A young couple wanted a place to bring their 2½-year-old daughter and chose an oak with a branch that dips low to the ground, so she can sit on the limb. A large grove was adopted in honor of the work of the Boy Scouts. For more information, call Julie Seelen at 947-3535 or email smdinfo@savemountdiablo.org.
Q
A
ahead and made one with your highest and best price, even if it wasn’t full price. Many things could have happened. One or both of the others might have backed out, or their prices might not have been higher than yours. The winning offer doesn’t always go to the highest bidder. We recently had three offers on a local property and the lowest offer won. They were putting 50 percent down and the other offers were only putting 3.5 percent and 5 percent down. They put in 3 percent of the sales price for the good faith deposit. They also were flexible on the closing date and offered the sellers a free rent back after it closed. The offer was presented in a very professional package with an engaging story about what the family buying it was like and how much they loved the property. You just never know what is the hot button with a seller. It isn’t always price.
Q
Is there any uplifting news you can report in the real
estate market? I seem to hear only doom and gloom. I love the positive energy I get from first-time buyers and sellers. A recent survey by a leading real estate companies was with first-time buyers and sellers who had bought a home in the last year. More than 48 percent of first-time home buyers expect home prices to increase by this time next year. However, 60 percent of first-time buyers say they didn’t understand the process of buying a home and more than 85 percent of both first-time buyer and sellers said that using a real estate professional was important. The top three skills valued in a real estate professional by both buyers and sellers were knowledge of the area, trustworthiness and responsiveness. More than 80 percent of buyers believe now is a good time to buy a home. First-time buyers rated these three factors as the most influential in their decision: current housing prices, 66 percent; homebuyer tax credit, 63 percent; and low loan
A
While horses are close to the heart for the Concord Mt. Diablo Trail Ride Association, the group also heaps on the summer fun – including swimming, hiking, picnicking and camping. In an effort to get more local families and youth actively involved in what they dub “one of the East Bay’s best-kept secrets,” the CMDTRA is now selling seasonal memberships for the summer months. Founded in 1948, the small club is on Trail Ride Road in Clayton – just past the Pumpkin
Farm. The gated area encompasses more than 200 acres with access to Mt. Diablo State Park. For six-year member Chris Harvey, the mountain gets top billing. “Our pool is another great attraction,” says Harvey, one of 11 residents who are part of the association. “Mainly, the emphasis is families, horse lovers and nature lovers who love to go hiking.” The equestrian facility includes horse boarding, rentals, a cross-country jump course and clinics. The group is home to the North American Trail Ride Conference and hosts a variety of trail riding events. “We hold small, fun pleasure
rides – for example, a poker ride – along with endurance and competitive trail rides,” says Harvey. Overnight camping is included with CMDTRA membership, while temporary horse stalls are $15 a night. Lynette Smith-Covey and her Concord family joined the association last December after discovering the area on a horse campout. “My husband cleared a trail this spring because it had gotten overgrown and there’s a 40-foot waterfall – one of the hidden secrets of the area,” SmithCovey shares. Members can also rent the
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REAL ANSWERS rates, 60 percent. In choosing a home, 95 percent of first-time buyers thought price was the most important consideration. But 90 percent were also very concerned about neighborhood safety. About 54 percent of firsttime sellers think home prices are more affordable now than they were this time last year and 50 percent were selling because they were purchasing a property they saw as more attractive and better suited to their needs. Send your question and look for your answer in a future column. Email Lynne@LynneFrench.com. 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. in Clayton.
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Current market balanced between buyers and sellers We are shopping for a home in what we thought was a buyer’s market. We found one that we loved and wanted to negotiate a lower offer than the seller was asking. We are looking for “a deal.” We were extremely disappointed and surprised to find out that there were two other offers on the property. Our agent encouraged us to make an offer but said it should be over the asking price. We felt pressured, so we didn’t make an offer. Are we now in a seller’s market? I wouldn’t describe our current market as a buyer’s market or a seller’s market. It is the kind of market where both parties in a transaction can be satisfied. Negotiation is common. Please don’t get frustrated this early in the game. While multiple offers are making a bit of a comeback, all properties won’t draw more than one offer. I applaud your agent for encouraging you to make an offer. I wish you had gone
clubhouse for parties. It features a full kitchen and bar and seats 80 people. To foster a community atmosphere, the group hosts potluck socials on the first Saturday of each month. “We’re trying to attract more groups, sister organizations like churches and youth groups,” Harvey concludes. “And it isn’t all about the money; we’re a notfor-profit. The Boy Scouts meet here for free.” A family summer membership is $250 for the May-September season. A one-time $50 fee covers the cost of a security gate key fob. For more information, visit cmdtra.org.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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Archery club hits the bull’seye for members 5 to 85 JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
The latest Robin Hood movie starring Russell Crowe features very little use of the long bow and arrow, the weapon of choice in old England for Robin and his band of Merry Men. However, just the presence of the legendary Robin Hood on the big screen has spawned an increase of inquiries to Diablo Bowmen, the archery club on Mt. Diablo. It’s great timing, since Diablo Bowmen Archery Club has planned an open house for 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 19. The non-profit club will provide tours of the private 52-acre site, hands-on archery lessons and lunch, all for $10 a person. Diablo Bowmen was founded in 1954 in Martinez. The social club moved to its Clayton location off Morgan Territory Road on Oak Hill Road in March 1966. Diablo Bowmen exists to promote the sport of archery. Members participate in archery competitions and also non-competitive novelty days, where the target is not the traditional bull’s-eye but can be animated characters or dinosaurs. “We have members as young as 3, 4 or 5 years old up to 85. Our membership includes about 150 families,” says club spokesman Diane Montanez. She adds that the club encourages interest in archery, an Olympic sport, by giving lessons to Boy Scout, Girl Scout and other non-profit clubs which request them.
Archery is the sport for every age. Instructor and Clayton resident Stacie Kierstead works with a young archer just starting out. The Diablo Bowmen will have an open house at the archery range on Morgan Territory Rd on June 19.
The bow is used in the sport of archery and also in hunting, and Diablo Bowmen includes members who participate in either or both aspects. They promote hunting, field and target archery in the state along with the California Bow Hunters and State Archery Association. The local club has members who have distinguished themselves in archery competition. Glade Gaffney of Clayton is a master senior champion. In a recent three-day competition in Redding, he had to combine hiking with shooting at 25 targets per day with his long bow. Carol Jorgensen uses the recurve bow and has won the Grand Slam of four state-sanctioned competitions, including outside, inside and broadhead
contests, where she not only won but set records. The Fryer family of Clayton recently joined Diablo Bowmen and Montanez says that Carina Fryer is showing tremendous talent and should soon be successful in competitions. Diablo Bowmen compete in Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Gilroy and Nevada City. The next local date is Aug. 22 for the Red Devil 3D Shoot. Rocky Capehart has been president of Diablo Bowmen for eight years. He explains that the bull’s-eye we think of can be as small as 20 cm up to 65 cm when the target is placed as near as 15 yards up to 80 yards away. For more on the June 19 open house and the Diablo Bowmen, visit diablobowmen-ca.org.
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People often wonder if they should do cardio or weight training to get the best exercise results. The answer is the same as it is for a lot of fitness questions: It depends. The answer really depends on what you are trying to accomplish in your exercise program. Are you trying to sculpt massive muscles or prepare for a marathon? For most of us, the goal is somewhere in the middle. We all want to feel and look better. Therefore, I recommend a combination of cardio and
resistance training. Today, I’ll talk about aerobic training – often called “cardio.” The word aerobic means “with or in the presence of oxygen.” Aerobic exercise is any activity that increases the heart, lungs and cardiovascular systems’ ability to deliver oxygen faster and more efficiently to the rest of the body. It uses large muscle groups, maintains a continuous pace and is rhythmic in nature. Examples include walking, running, cycling, rowing, stair climbing, rollerblading, swim-
MIKE MONAHAN
STAYING FIT ming and aerobics classes. The benefits of aerobic exercise are many and can be realized by everyone, regardless of age, weight or gender. It strengthens your heart and lungs. As you exercise, your muscles will demand more oxygen-rich blood and give off
See Cardio, page 9
June 11, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Podcasting brings radio into the digital age MARK FREEMAN
ON
THE
NET
Many people know that their favorite TV shows can be found on the Web. Less known is that thousands of radio programs are also available online. These online radio shows, called podcasts, range from NPR investigative reports to fan discussions about best-selling novels. They can be downloaded free from each program’s Website or from the iTunes store. You can get the program at apple.com/itunes; no iPod required. You can also play podcasts on a computer or digital music player. In the past, radio programs effectively disappeared once they aired. But the podcast format lets you listen to your favorite shows whenever you want and replay
them if you missed something. You can even subscribe to podcasts, which means you will never miss a show. Podcasts come in a variety of flavors. For example, I enjoy NPR’s “Car Talk,” which features two mechanics who dish out good advice about cars while making their listeners laugh. A recent episode had a caller wondering if his hang glider was killing his car’s suspension. I can download the latest episode of the podcast from iTunes and CarTalk.com and listen at home or on my iPod. Another interesting program is “MuggleCast,” which bills itself as the “Most-Listened to Harry Potter Podcast.” “MuggleCast,” which is run by fans, features discussions about the novels, films and the soon-to-open Harry Potter theme park. The podcast has more than 200 episodes and can also be downloaded from
Clayton History
MuggleCast.com or the iTunes store. Video podcasts are also available. For instance, a podcast from “The Ellen Degeneres Show” features the host’s weekly interviews with contestants who were voted off “American Idol.” This podcast can be found on the iTunes store. Subscribing to a podcast makes life easier. I could check the iTunes store every week for the newest “Car Talk,” but because I subscribe to the podcast, new episodes automatically download to my computer when they become available. You can subscribe or unsubscribe to a podcast for free with one click. In addition, if a podcast isn’t available in the iTunes store, you can still subscribe if you have a link to the podcast. Subscribing is useful because you can easily access past episodes you’ve missed.
From the Archives
Gomez House’s Ghostly Past Every old town has its ghost stories. These stories are told by parents, grandparents, and friends and are known by most people. Clayton’s most famous paranormal story is about a little old house built around 1860 that was known as the Gomez House. The family who lived there thought that it was just an average house — that is until the summer of 1957. The haunting started small with a few pebbles hitting the windows at night and inanimate objects falling off of counters and cabinets. Soon the objects started to move around and the windows began to break as large rocks shattered them every night. This activity did not go unnoticed
and a several paranormal specialists stayed in the home to evaluate the activities many locals and those from other cities, came to see the poltergeist house. After that summer, the haunting mysteriously stopped. Although many people saw the story as a hoax or the work of
Cardio, from page 8 more carbon dioxide and other waste products. After you have established a regular exercise program, you will find that with your stronger heart, you will meet your muscles’ demands with much less effort. Regular aerobic exercise improves other health issues as well, lowering the risk of serious illness in the following ways:
Reducing body fat and improving weight control. Decreasing total cholesterol
and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. Reducing resting blood pressure. Improving glucose tolerance and reducing insulin resistance. Decreasing clinical symptoms of anxiety, tension and depression. Enhancing your muscles’ ability to use oxygen. Increasing the threshold for muscle fatigue (lactic acid accumulation).
their two teenage sons, Tommy and Bobby, the Gomez family continued to believe that the spirit had been there and that they experienced what they experienced no matter what others said.
- Sarah Minton CVHS Senior
If you’re just starting an exercise program, aim for a minimum of 20 minutes, with a goal of working your way up. It’s important to aim for three to five times per week, but don’t get discouraged if you sometimes miss that goal. You want to get your target heart rate up to 65-75 percent of maximum, depending on your goal. Your target is easy to calculate using online calculators, or stop by your local fitness place and they should be happy to provide it for you. Try to find aerobic activi-
Nonsubscribers will likely have a harder time finding older episodes. For example, “Car Talk” only lists their 10 most recent shows on iTunes and you have to comb through their Website for the rest. For more detailed instructions about using iTunes to find, download and subscribe to podcasts, visit apple.com/itunes/podcasts. While the iTunes store probably has the largest collection of podcasts, it can be difficult to browse. Fortunately, there are other podcast directories that are more accessible. NPR.org offers an extensive podcast directory that features work from NPR and other providers. The site organizes podcasts by topic – it’s easy to find programs on books, technology and science, for example. These programs include KQED’s “Writer’s Block” and “California Money.” You can also subscribe to these podcasts from the Website. You can get podcasts, or an equivalent, from local radio stations. For instance, Movin997.com offers podcasts from the station’s morning show crew. While Star1013FM.com doesn’t offer its own podcasts, the station does archive celebrity interviews and its signature prank calls on its Website. KCBS.com offers the most extensive number of podcasts. The local news station has podcasts for news, local interviews, Bay Area stories, financial markets and more. Podcasts allow you to access and listen to your favorite news programs, radio interviews and humorous car-commentaries on demand, no matter where you are. It’s never been a better time to enjoy radio. Mark Freeman is a student at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, studying economics and English. He enjoys creative writing and is a reporter for the school paper. Questions/comments can be sent to mfreeman543@gmail.com.
ties you enjoy. Make sure to warm up for a few minutes before you start and cool down for a few minutes when you finish. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Change up your routine to keep it interesting. Find a partner to participate with you for mutual support. All of these will make exercising more enjoyable and when you see the results, you will have the incentive to do more.
Page 9
About Town s r o i n Se
t en m S u l p h a p c o i c r t t i c & r L n ife E g Pra din i v Non Medical Pro Care & Activities Clayton Resident CBCA Member
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 11, 2010
Understanding the basics of the address bar
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We depend on computers, PDAs and cell phones to find people, places and things we utilize in everyday life. However, most people have little knowledge about the software that makes it all work. In the old days, with dictionaries and teachers standing over us with long rulers, we were taught the proper way to use an index and find material relevant to our subject. Today we use the Web, a browser and search bars, but we haven’t learned much about how these tools work. The browser is a tool on a personal computer for finding information on the Internet. It is also known as Internet Explorer, IE6, IE7 or IE8 – the number stands for the version. You may also have installed a third-party browser like Safari, Mozilla or FireFox. All browsers are software and have three primary functions: Find a Web address (aka URL), search the Web for a Web address and retrieve the request. You must know the difference between all three and you must know the difference between an address bar and a search bar. The address bar is the first input field beneath the window’s name (unless your computer has been modified by some wise guy). The address bar is the address or IP of the company, person, place or thing you are seeking. It is somewhat like the address of a home. If I know your address, I could navigate there. An address is specific, exact and unique. Every window has a name, which is usually in the blue frame (bar) around the open
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window. The window bar will express the name of the window. Right now, my window has a tiny icon of Microsoft Word because that is the program I am using. Next to the icon of Microsoft Word is the title Press Release.doc. That’s the name of my work in the window. The whole line, icon, program and title form the window name. Let’s say you wanted to know the window name of a browser with Google in it. The browser window name would contain a small icon of the Internet Explorer (the big E with Saturn rings) and next to the icon is Google – Windows Internet Explorer. That’s the window name. The address bar is located just beneath the window name and should contain the text http://www.google.com/. The address bar is like line two, underneath the window name, up top, very top. Look for left and right arrows on the same line. Some browsers actually say “address” in or around the address bar. I think you are ready for a quiz. True or false: The address bar is the next line down from
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the window name. True! Because third-party software (not Microsoft) is somewhat different, you may need to locate the address bar. It will not say “search” in the address bar, because the address bar is for known addresses and search is for unknown addresses. So the next time someone tells you to type an IP address or a Webpage address, you would put it in the address bar. It will be something like http://www.somename.com.
Let’s take another quiz. Type my address into the address bar www.shopcusa.com. Press the enter key on the keyboard. If you have a blue banner that says “CUSA is ComputersUSA,” you passed another quiz. If not, you are not ready to move on. Reread the lesson. In my next column, I’ll continue the tutorial and move on to the search bar. Will Claney is the CEO of Computers USA! in the Clayton Station. Contact him at 925-6729989.
Audio tour enhances Diablo’s Grand Loop The new “Audible Mt. Diablo Tour” combines lively interviews and music with the rush of wind and the chirps, howls and growls of wildlife. The dynamic audio tour of the most interesting hikes on Mt. Diablo can be downloaded for free to a computer or an MP3 player. While the audio can be enjoyed at home or in the car before starting a hike, the most innovative aspect is the information it offers on the trail – with clear titles and subtitles keyed to well-defined stops along the two routes. Naturalists heighten the hiker’s appreciation of the sights and sounds at each stop, tell tales of the mountain’s past and suggest what to look for around the next bend. Photographs pop up to help identify plants and animals. Seth Adams, Save Mount Diablo’s director of land programs, hosts the audio of the
6.8-mile Grand Loop Tour. The trail circumnavigates Diablo’s main peak and traverses many of the mountain’s geological and botanical features. The hike starts at Juniper Camp by picking up the Deer Flat Road, the Meridian Ridge Road and the Bald Ridge Trail to reach Prospector’s Gap. It then follows the North Peak Trail around the summit to the Devil’s Elbow, where it follows the Summit Trail to the lower parking lot. From there, it returns to Juniper Camp via the Juniper Trail. The Grand Loop offers views of the Sierra Nevada and Mt. Lassen, along with the Delta. There is always the chance of seeing wildlife, from the California thrasher to the Alameda whipsnake. For more information or to download the audio, please visit savemountdiablo.org.
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June 11, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Page 11
Teaching toddlers how – and what – to eat takes patience and good humor Having clear information can help parents hold appropriate expectations regarding toddlers and eating, and it can lead to happier mealtimes. Children are learning to bite, chew, manage food in their mouths and swallow a variety of differently textured foods. They are also learning to sit at the table, handle and load utensils and get the food in their mouths. There is a lot to learn in this process. Many parents report that children become picky eaters at about 2 years of age. At this time, children are beginning to become more independent and they like to make their own choices. Most toddlers only eat one to two meals per day, typically breakfast and lunch. Dinner is usually the meal that is most often not eaten by toddlers. Kay Toomey, a pediatric psychologist on a multi-disciplinary feeding team at Children’s Hospital in Denver, recommends serving a toddler 1 tablespoon of each type of food per year of age. For example, for a 2-year-old old, serve 2 table-
KATHY YOUNGSON WE CARE CENTER
PARENTING TODAY spoons of each of type of food. When you are introducing new foods, make at least one item something that your child usually prefers. Even if they don’t eat the others, they are getting used to the sight and smell of new foods. Be patient, because learning to eat is a messy process. Try putting a sheet or paint cloth under your child’s chair or having them eat outside and then wipe them off afterward. Kids can practice eating thick foods such as pudding, yogurt or applesauce in the
bathtub. That way, it is easy to rinse them off when they are done. Practicing scooping and pouring in different textures, such as dirt and sand, helps your child learn those skills. When your child is taking a bath, have him or her practice pouring water using different sized containers. This teaches kids about size relationships as well as accuracy in pouring. When children use their fingers to feel the textures of foods, they learn about the different properties of those foods – smooth, lumpy, chewy, crunchy, etc. Then they can prepare to manage those foods in their mouth. To encourage children to interact with a variety of textures, try drawing in pudding or syrup in the sink – then rinse it away. Or use warm, thick oatmeal and squeeze and shape it. Be creative. Children learn many things when their caregivers sit at the table and eat with them. In addition to nutrition, children watch adults model the mechanics of eating. Mealtime sets the stage
for future family habits of eating together, discussing the events of the day, modeling table manners, and passing on cultural and social expectations through language and conversation. You may want to consult with your pediatrician if you notice behaviors such as poor weight gain, ongoing choking, gagging or vomiting, avoidance of all foods in a certain texture group (e.g., smooth, lumpy, crunchy) or only eating two or three foods for long periods of time, or if your child is not weaned off baby food by 16 months.
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For more information about nutritional needs and amounts as well as kid-friendly recipes, you can visit wholesometoddlerfood.com. Kathy Youngson is a therapist working in Early Intervention at We Care Center. She is trained in sensory integration theory and techniques, feeding and eating, and in handwriting and hand skills. Email your questions to kyoungson@wecarebmcc.org.
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Mayor, from page 1 replacing some of the trees along Keller Ridge Drive. The landscape district is also planning to replant in select areas and perform some deferred tree trimming. The City Council asked that the fountain area be given high priority. The proposed design concept would reduce the amount of grass around the fountain. Since we know that we will experience drought years again, we want to make sure that the new design can handle our weather.
Outside of the landscape district, but still a very focal point of the city, is what is often referred to as Daffodil Hill. The new monument sign and directional signs were installed last year with the help of the Clayton Business and Community Association’s generous contribution. Now that the drought restrictions have been lifted, the city is working with the CBCA to finalize the planting plan for this area. Our maintenance department is led by John Johnston
and Mark Janney. Both started working for the city within three months of each other just more than 20 years ago. The other full-time maintenance department employees are Ed Bryce, who has been with the city for 22 years; Sandro Arias, who has been with the city for 15 years; and Dan Johnston, who has been with the city for 10 years. The maintenance department is also made up of seasonal workers that range in number from about four in the winter months up to eight during the summer. At different times throughout the year, we also have a varying number of “volunteers” who are
Delving deeper into the crisis in Greece MURELEEN BENTON FINANCIAL SENSE The deteriorating economic situation in Greece is largely responsible for the recent selloff in global markets. Markets worldwide are paying close attention to economic conditions in Europe, and Wall Street is reacting as Greece works to stabilize its situation. It’s no surprise that skittish markets plunged upon the latest developments in Europe. World markets have been concerned about the state of some unsta-
ble European economies – namely Greece, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Ireland – whose national debts continue to hamper their full participation in the global recovery. After years of deficit spending and continued borrowing with no significant success in raising revenues, the Greek economy was in a precarious position when the economic downturn hit during 2008-’09. Its national debt now outpaces its gross domestic product (GDP) by more than 12 percent. Greece’s debt recently downgraded to junk status,
which indicates that foreign investors have little confidence in the strength of the Greek economy. Pension funds and other investors are unable – except at prohibitively expensive distressed interest rates – to buy the country’s bonds, eliminating a key source of funding for Greece. The prime minister is attempting to address the crisis by implementing tax increases and steep, unpopular spending cuts – leading to civil unrest and riots. Many citizens took to the
See Financial, page 15
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part of the sheriff ’s work alternative program. Our five full-time employees and seasonal workers are responsible for all the landscaping throughout town. This includes mowing, planting, weeding, trimming and watering. They are responsible for maintaining our city buildings and the city-owned streetlights. They maintain the streets by repairing potholes and sealing cracks. They also mark the streets. The maintenance staff is responsible for the open space and trails around town. They maintain the storm drains, drainage ditches and creeks. They remove graffiti when it shows up. On top of all of this, the maintenance staff responds to public requests. They set up and take down for events. They put up and take down the various decorations around town. I’m sure I have missed other work that is handled by our maintenance department. Needless to say, they perform a lot of work around town and they do a great job.
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Page 12
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 11, 2010
Clayton Sports Ipsen, partner win synchronized 3-meter silver in China JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clayton native Kristian Ipsen and Troy Dumais won the silver medal in the men’s synchronized 3-meter contest last week in Changzhou, China, at the FINA Diving World Cup, the top international competition of the 2010 season. A day later, in his firstever individual appearance in a world meet Ipsen rallied to finish sixth in the three-meter springboard after being the 18th and final qualifier for the semi-finals. He was the top American finisher with Olympian Chris Colwill ninth. Dumais and Ipsen scored 440.01 points to finish second to the Chinese team of Qin Kai and Luo Yutong, who won with 460.62 points. Ukraine’s Illya Kvasha and Oleks Prygorov, the 2008 Olympic bronze medalists, were third at 432.30. The U.S. team moved from fourth to second with two solid dives in the final two rounds. Heading into the last round, Ukraine was in second place, with the United States three points back and Canada six points behind that. The Canadians scored 78 points on their last dive, so Dumais and Ipsen needed 72 points to be assured a spot on the podium. They came through with 87 points on their final dive, a reverse 2½ with 1½ twists. Kvasha and Prygorov followed with the same dive but could not match the score, giving Ipsen and Dumais the silver medal. “It was a great contest. It was close, and everybody was diving well. We had fun and enjoyed ourselves,” said Dumais, who also won a silver medal with Ipsen at the 2009 World Championships soon after they became a synchro team. Ipsen didn’t know how close it was because he doesn’t look at scores during his competitions, but he was pleased with the June 3 effort. “When I’m in a contest, I just do my dives. It psyches me out if I look at placements – I might push too hard or do something I shouldn’t do, so I never
Photo courtesy USA Diving
CLAYTON’S DIVING PHENOM KRISTIAN IPSEN AND HIS TEAMMATE TROY DUMAIS won the silver medal in the three-meter springboard competition at the major diving event of the year last week in China at the FINA World Cup.
look,” Ipsen said. “I was really excited. We had some misses in competitions earlier in the year, so it was good to see us have a solid performance.” Ipsen placed sixth in the three meter with 480.30 points, just 21 points off the podium (top three places). He missed his back 2 ½ in the fourth round of qualifying but bounced back with solid dives in the last two rounds to finish 18th, good for the final qualifying spot into the semis. “Ipsen is quite the competitor. He stood up to the pressures of a world final like a veteran,” USA Diving High Performance Director Steve Foley said of the 17-year-old from Clayton. The Clayton diver is a junior at De La Salle High School. Between trips to the USA Diving Grand Prix in Florida and the World Cup in
China, he found time to wrap up his final exams at DLS and win his third straight North Coast Section diving championship on the onemeter springboard at Concord Community Pool. Although his NCS record of 699.5 points set a year ago wasn’t bettered, Ipsen earned a total mark of 685.55 – far ahead of Cal-bound diver Tyler Pullen of Amador Valley. Pullen won NCS as a freshman and has placed second to Ipsen for the past three years. Ipsen performed the same set of dives in 2009 and this year. “This meet is always really fun to go to,” Ipsen was quoted as saying. “I don’t get to go to many high school meets, but this one fits into the schedule. There’s always good competition (at NCS). I always set goals the night before for each dive, and if I (achieve those), I’m happy.”
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Megan Coppa continues CYO track and field dominance JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Nearly 150 boys and girls from first through eighth grade took part in the successful 2010 track and field season for St. Bonaventure CYO. And, team member Megan Coppa won her fourth and fifth individual Oakland Diocese championships last month in Livermore. Coppa, headed for Clayton Valley High School in the fall, captured her third straight high jump crown with a winning height of 4-11. She claimed a second straight 400-meter run
title, again in diocese record time of 59.7 seconds, in her final CYO meet. Coppa joined St. Bonnies teammates Jordan Johnson, Kayla Dickerson and Francesca Fonseca to destroy the sectional record in the eighth-grade sprint medley relay by more than four seconds. Dickerson and Johnson ran 100 meters, followed by Fonseca in the 200 and Coppa in an anchor 400M. Their winning time was 1:57.02. The season began in early February and ended at the Diocesan meet at Granada High
See CYO Track, page 14
Photo courtesy of St. Bonaventure’s
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Page 13
Clayton Sports
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.
MDSA Stampede are second in Crude Oil Classic
Sports Shorts SIGNUPS STILL OPEN FOR CBCA GOLF TOURNAMENT The 24th annual Clayton Classic Golf Tournament at Oakhurst Country Club on Monday, June 14, may still have openings for sponsors and golfers. Registration begins at 10 a.m. with a noon shotgun start and dinner following the four-person scramble. Dan Lawrence, Miles Bell, Eric Maldonado and Ted Sudderth are the tournament chairs for the sponsoring Clayton Business and Community Association. For more information, visit claytonclassic.net.
EAGLES SUMMER BASEBALL ACADEMY STARTS NEXT WEEK North Coast Section powerhouse Clayton Valley High Eagles coaches and players will present the annual summer baseball camp June 15-July 1 at the Concord school. The program is for boys and girls 7-15, from beginners to advanced players. Current college players and student coaches from Clayton Valley provide positive role models and give hands-on instruction. For more information, call 682-7474 ext. 3115 or visit eaglebaseballacademy.com.
Photo courtesy of MDSA Stampede
THE MDSA STAMPEDE UNDER 10 GIRLS TRAVELED ALL THE WAY to Bakersfield last month to play in the Kern River Crude Oil Classic youth soccer tournament. The local team placed second to go with an earlier tournament championship at the PHMSA Soccerfest championship in April. The Stampede in Bakersfield included, front row from left, Santana Merryfield, Brianna Simeone, Xyaire Hartwell, Sophia Brown, Alicia Perez, Rebecca Phelan, team mascot Mekai Hartwell and Courtney Lally; back row, coach Tom Brown, Karina Linzey, coach Chris Linzey and Kaitlyn Linzey.
DIABLO FUTBOL PRE-SEASON SOCCER CAMP Diablo Futbol Club professional coaches will present the first MDSA Pre-season Camp for AYSO players getting ready for fall soccer league the week of Aug. 9-13. The 9 a.m.-noon sessions will concentrate on a single skill each day. The camp is at the Boatwright Sports Complex in Concord. For more information, visit diablofc.org.
Nick Cooper caps water polo tradition with play at Pepperdine JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Growing up watching brothers Matt and David playing high-level competitive water polo, “baby brother” Nick Cooper of Clayton got a firsthand education in the sport many consider to be as physically demanding as any. Nick was in the pool as part of the Dana Hills Swim Team when he was just 4 and took up club water polo as soon as he could by joining an Under 14 team when he was only 8. He graduated from De La Salle High School at the end of May and is getting ready for his move to Malibu next month to be a member of the Pepperdine University water polo team as a scholarship-athlete studying business. The 17-year-old will be the third Cooper boy playing polo collegiately. Oldest brother Matt played for UC Santa Barbara and David, five years Nick’s senior, went to UC Davis. Observing his brothers’ innumerable games and tourna-
ments, he was picking up the game even though clubs didn’t have younger age group teams. His parents, Jack and Tracy, have planned family vacations around water polo tournament schedules for many years. As a youngster, it wasn’t swimming and water polo all the time. Nick played in Clayton Valley Little League and St. Bonaventure CYO basketball through his eighth grade year at St. Agnes School. He also played a few years of MDSA recreation soccer. Cooper family members were on the Dana Hills Swim Team for 17 consecutive years. Jack remembers a young Nick becoming known for wearing a Batman cape around the Dana Hills pool. Playing as Nick Cooper an attacker, started water polo at age 8. he was on the
De La Salle varsity for four years and was cocaptain as a senior. Since De La Salle had many lopsided NICK COOPER v i c t o r i e s , there were times Nick would play early in the game, score a few goals but sit out much of the action. This reduced his statistical line that glosses the resume of many prep stars. Overall, he played about 35 percent of the time for the Spartans – although he stayed in key games. As a senior, he scored 106 goals and had 75 assists (50 percent of DLS scoring). He was chosen first team All-North Coast Section and team MVP at DLS his senior year. During his four years on varsity, the Spartans were eliminated three times in the NCS playoffs by five-time champion Miramonte. As a freshman and
junior, Nick and his teammates were in the NCS championship game and the other two years they were eliminated in the semi-finals. The losses to Miramonte were particularly tough since Nick plays yearround for the Lamorinda club team that is populated with Miramonte players. Playing for Lamorinda has enabled him to expand and improve his game as they travel to tournaments, especially in Southern California. In the past few U.S. Junior Olympics, Lamorinda made it to the semifinals or finals. Two summers ago, they traveled to Hungary – home of the current Olympic champions who defeated the USA in the gold medal match in Beijing. Nick is called “extremely competitive and very focused.” He throws a water polo ball as hard as many kids throw a baseball. His shot is extremely quick and generally he can place it anywhere he wants. He is currently trying out for the U.S. National Team for his age group.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 11, 2010
Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. JUNE 14 FOR THE JUNE 25 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com
CLAYTON EVENTS Saturdays through October Farmers Market 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Diablo Street between Main and Center, downtown Clayton. No markets July 3, Sept. 4 and Oct. 2. pcfma.com or 800-949-3276. June 19 Dedication in Memory of Ray Casso The Clayton Valley Sunrise Rotary Club will dedicate a bench to Casso. 1 p.m., Grove Park, downtown Clayton. June 19 Concerts in the Grove Dance music with Mixed Nuts. 6 p.m., Grove Park, downtown Clayton. mixednutsband.com.
FOURTH OF JULY Volunteers: Help is needed between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 4. Contact city clerk Laci Jackson at 673- 7304 or ljackson@ci.clayton.ca.us. Pancake Breakfast: 7-10 a.m. at Endeavor Hall. $5 adults, $3 children. Hosted by Clayton Valley Sunrise Rotary Club. Main Parade: Entries due June 18. cityofclayton.org. Kiddie Parade: No application required. Show up before 10 a.m. July 4 in patriotic dress.
ENTERTAINMENT June 11-26 “Godspell” Contra Costa Christian Theatre presents the musical based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew. Dell Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. $18, with group, student and senior discounts. 943-SHOW or ccchristiantheatre.org.
CLAYTON RESIDENT ALAINA CAMPBELL, left, rehearses with Emily Jones and Christopher James for the Contra Costa Christian Theatre production of “Godspell.” June 26-Aug. 1 “Avenue Q” The Willows Theatre presents an adult-oriented musical featuring puppets and live actors, based on “Sesame Street.” Campbell Theatre, 626 Ward St., Martinez. $30. willowstheater.org or 798-1300. Through June 26 “The Noel Coward Celebration” The Bay Area premiere of an evening of song and sparkling repartee. Center REPertory Company, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $18-$45. centerrep.org or 943-7469. Through Sept. 16 Music and Market Series Concerts at noon Tuesdays through June 29, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays July 6-Aug. 3 and 6:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sept. 16, Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. ci.concord.ca.us or 671-3464.
EVENTS June 19 Mt. Diablo Astronomy Program Learn about supernovas and look through many different telescopes at the summer night sky. Bring blankets, warm clothes, binoculars and water. Program starts at 8 p.m. but enter at Northgate Road 45 minutes before sunset. $10 park fee. mdas.net.
FUNDRAISERS June 21 11th annual Best Martini in the East Bay Contest A benefit for Project Second Chance, the Contra Costa County Library Adult Literacy Program. 6-8 p.m., Lafayette Park Hotel, 3287 Mt. Diablo Blvd. $25 admission at door includes two drink tickets. 927-3250 or ccclib.org/psc.
CYO track, from page 12 School in Livermore. The local CYO team set seven records at relay meets, sectionals and the championship finals. The team was managed by St. Bonaventure Parish coordinator Gil Lacuna and head coach Darren Newell, who considers his coaching staff “the strongest part of the program.” The staff includes Lee Marigold, Greg Kern, Eileen DeMaria, Kathy Enemark, Kelly Coppa, Margie Morris, Dwain Johnson, Andrew Jackman, Bill Jaggers, Kim Mitchell, Ron Mitchell, Annemarie Bynoe, Kathy Enemark, Todd Enemark, Danny Sullivan, Randy Bone, Craig Mizutani and Kim Morucci. “While the team grew significantly due to adding firstgraders to the roster this year, we’ve decided to run second-
through eighth-grade teams next year to allow younger athletes the opportunity to mature a bit more before running – since many of the young ones found the competitive environment a bit more intense than we would like this year,” Newell said. The coach still expects the program to grow by another 25 athletes in 2011. Another impressive performer this year was first-year 1,600 meter runner Sidney Kupsh. While in the second grade, she won the third-grade girls 1,600 in less than seven minutes. Another standout performer was Kaylie Collins, a sixth-grader who broke the sectional long jump record with a leap of 14-7 ¾. The fourth-grade boys team also had an impressive year,
AT THE LIBRARY The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Most programs are free. 673-0659 or claytonlibrary.org.
Contra Costa Mineral and Gem Society Meets 7:30 p.m. second Monday of the month, Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road. 779-0698 or ccmgs.org.
June 14 Clayton Library Book Club Sunny Solomon will lead a discussion of “The March” by E.L. Doctorow. This club formerly met at Clayton Books. New members welcome. 7 p.m. second Monday of the month.
Creekside Artists Guild Meets 7-8:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month, Clayton Library Story Room, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. All artforms and both emerging and experienced artists welcome. Contact Arlene at 673-9777 or nielsenjanc@aol.com. Creeksideartists.org.
June 16 Writers’ Workshop “Sand, Sea and Suspense,” an interactive writing afternoon led by children’s authors Sarah Wilson and Elizabeth KoehlerPentacoff. For grades 6-12. 3-5 p.m. Registration requested.
Diablo Valley Democratic Club Meets 7-9 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month, Ygnacio Valley Library, 2661 Oak Grove Road., Walnut Creek. 9460469 or dvdems.org.
June 16 Personal Finances 101 David Green, president and CEO of the Contra Costa Federal Credit Union, presents experts who will introduce tools to help put your finances in order. 7 p.m. June 23 “Name That Tune” For grades 6-12. 4-5 p.m. June 26 Prenatal Yoga Candice Garrett talks about yoga, pregnancy, birth and her book, “Prenatal Yoga: Finding Movement in Fullness.” 2 p.m. RSVP for a 2:30 p.m. demonstration on breath awareness and yoga. Bring your own mat. alturl.com/mdw2 or ccclib.org/programs/index.html.
MEETINGS June 15 Clayton City Council 7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us. June 22 Clayton Planning Commission 7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us. June 22 Mt. Diablo Unified School District 7:30 p.m., 1936 Carlotta Dr., Concord. mdusd.org.
CLUBS Clayton Business and Community Association Meets 6:30 p.m. the last Thursday of the month, except holidays, Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. Call Sue at 672-2272. Clayton Valley Garden Club Meets 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month, Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton. Contact Nancy at 673-3522 or claytonvalleygardenclub.org. Clayton Valley Woman’s Club Meets 9:30 a.m. for coffee, 10 a.m. meetings, second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1090 Alberta Way, Concord. Call Joan at 672-2471. Clutch Busters Square Dance Club Meets 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Willow Pass Community Center Hall, 2748 East Olivera Road, Concord. Contact Karen at 6863774.
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, Gold Pan California, 1021 Detroit Ave., Unit D, Concord. Clayton resident Doug Junghans is president. eastbaygpaa.webs.com or 672-1863. Knights Of Columbus, Concord Council 6038 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 Meets 7 a.m. Thursdays, Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. Includes breakfast and a speaker. 5668166 or claytonvalleyrotary.org. Scrabble Club Meets 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. second and fourth Saturdays of the month, Carl’s Jr. Restaurant, 1530 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. All ages and skill levels welcome. $3 fee. Call Mike at 6391987 or scrabble-assoc.com. Sons In Retirement (SIRs) 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. Soroptimist International of Diablo Vista 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. 6722727. Widows/Widowers Meets for dinner, brunch, theater, etc. This is not a dating service nor is it a grieving class - just a way to meet other people. Contact Lori at 998-8844 or lori@lorihagge.com.
Send your calendar announcements to calendar@claytonpioneer.com. Free listings must be from a non-profit, school, club or government agency. Business events are $25 for the first event and $10 for each additional. Call the office at (925) 672-0500 with your business event listings.
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 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.
breaking the 4x100 meter relay record with a time of 58.6 seconds, as well as establishing a new 4x200 record with a time of 2:12.52. Members of the recordsetting team were Marcus Dickerson, Jamil Edwards, Eric Sandlin and DJ Newell. The third-grade boys had another strong performance, led by sprinter Zion Pullin, who won both the 100 and 200 meter dashes for the second straight year. The 4x100 meter relay took second and the sprint medley relay was first. Liam Mason, Marquez Ceballos, Cal Brown and Pullin were the 4x100 members, while the winning sprint medley team was Ryan Giacobazzi, Ceballos, Brown and Pullin. The fifth-grade boys squad was filled with talent, including top-notch distance runners Michael Cox and Michael Fregosi. Cox placed fourth in the 1600M at diocese, while Fregosi made it to sectional qualifiers as a
first-time distance. He also earned an award for most improved fifth-grade runner. Noah Williams won the 100 and 200 meters again, while long jumper Brandon Abon and the 4x100 meter and sprint medley teams all won titles. Team members for the 400-meter race were Alex Mitchell, Jonathan Tyler Hackett, Michael Cox and Williams. Sprint medley team members were Mitchell, Hackett, Williams and Brad Morucci on the 400M anchor leg. The St. Bonaventure sixthand eighth-grade girls 4x100 meter teams both finished second. The seventh-grade girls team was third. Alex Flores, Kaylie Collins, Danielle Crawford and Jade Rafallo ran for the sixth grade and Brianne Newell, Maya Ceballos, Sara Enemark and Jevone Rogers were on the seventh-grade relay. The eighth-grade 4x100 squad was Dickerson, Johnson, Jessica Forester and Coppa.
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June 11, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Vaccine only a small part of snake bite prevention MARYBETH RYMER,
PAWS
AND
DVM
CLAWS
Just because your dog received the rattlesnake vaccine doesn’t mean you won’t have to make that dreaded emergency clinic visit when he is bitten. Taking the dog in may delay or markedly reduce his reaction perhaps saving his life. Due to our wet and cold spring, rattlesnake season started late this year. Rattlesnakes generally come out of hibernation in Northern California in March or April. This year, they started to emerge during the few warm days we had in May. This is the most dangerous time of the year to be bitten, because the newborn snakes have yet to learn the fine-tuning of envenomation. A mature snake learns to control the amount of venom it injects, if any, depending on the size of potential prey. A young snake will inject large amounts of venom with each bite. Most bites usually occur around the head and legs. The hemotoxic venom disrupts blood vessels, creating dramatic swelling of the bite area. Red blood cells are destroyed and the clotting system breaks
down, leading to internal bleeding, shock and death. Head and neck bites are more lethal since the swelling can block breathing. QUICK CARE ESSENTIAL A frantic yipping from your dog, whether on a hike or playing in the back yard, usually alerts you to injury. Cats are rarely bitten because of their quick reactions. Look for swelling and two small fang marks on your pet’s skin. Attempt to see if there is a snake in the area, but if swelling starts, seek immediate veterinary care. Do not cut the bite area, attempt to suck out venom or apply a tourniquet. Try to keep the dog calm. Once at your veterinarian’s, initial pain medication will be given along with intravenous fluids to support blood pressure. Injectable antihistamines control inflammation, while antibiotics help prevent secondary infections. Blood transfusions may be needed due to clotting dysfunction caused by the venom. Antivenin has been a mainstay of treatment in the past. Unfortunately, the more reasonably priced veterinary equinebased antivenin is now unavailable. John Muir and Mt. Diablo hospitals have the human antivenin, but the cost of one
vial can be $,2000-$3000 or more. It may take more than one vial for treatment. Veterinarians do our best to treat without antivenin. This means slower reduction of the swelling and longer recovery times. If death is eminent, then the expense of the antivenin may be warranted. CONSIDER VACCINATION Prevention is the key to avoiding a large emergency expense and possible death of your pet. The vaccine was developed by Red Rock Biologics. It is primarily developed for the Western diamondback but will also cross-react to five other California rattlesnake species. Dogs that have high exposure risk to rattlesnakes should be considered for the vaccine. It is a series of two injections at four-week intervals and then boosters yearly. Veterinarians recommend starting this vaccine in early spring. This vaccine is only for dogs. Once bitten, most dogs learn to be cautious around snakes. Some dog organizations provide rattlesnake aversion training by exposing the dog to a defanged snake while administrating an electrical shock via a collar or inducing the dog to vomit with a chemical, apomorphine. When hiking, keep your dog
in close proximity with either voice command or a leash to reduce the risk of a snake encounter. The best prevention for rattlesnake bites is to snake-proof your yard. First, reduce their prey of rodents such as rats, mice, squirrels and moles in the yard. Eliminate rodent food sources such as outside food or water dishes. Avoid bird feeders; the birdseed will attract rodents. Treat rodent problems immediately. Clear low groundcover as well as wood, junk and rock piles to eliminate hiding places for rattlesnakes and their prey. Install snake-proof fences. Rattlesnakes cannot climb fences. To prevent snakes from burrowing under fences, bury the fence several inches underground using wire mesh. For more information, visit the Lindsay Wildlife Museum at wildlife-museum.org, the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at fundwildlife.org and the UC Pest Management Program at ipm.ucdavis.edu. For details on snake-proof fences, visit wikihow.com or ehow.com. Marybeth Rymer, DVM, can be reached at Monte Vista Animal Hospital, Concord. 672-1100.
Artemis and Peaches are ARF’s Stars
PEACHES
ARTEMIS
Financial, from page 11 streets to protest increased consumer taxes, cuts to pension funds and wage freezes on civil servants. Greece also proposed eliminating some public sector positions and has asked public employees in the military, police, hospitals and schools not to retire, as it would place additional demand on public pension resources. European Union (EU) leaders worked with the International Monetary Fund to structure a solution and act quickly. The EU announced a bailout package on May 9 measuring nearly $1 trillion in an effort to stabilize the situation and bolster confidence among investors. This speedy, unified and bold reaction came after the European nations had taken earlier criticism for being tentative when early signs of the crisis appeared. In addition, the central banks of Canada, Britain and Switzerland, together with the U.S. Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank, moved to establish swap lines that are expected to provide more liquidity to the European banks and money markets. These
moves indicate that the crisis is being monitored – in Europe as well as in North America – to keep the situation from spreading to other debt-ridden economies. The crisis has hit euro-dominated companies hard, so investments in firms or pensions with significant exposure to these companies have suffered. On a broader perspective, this episode has hurt the credibility of the euro, and its value compared to the U.S. dollar has fallen. In the near term, American travelers will see their dollars go further when they travel to Europe. Conversely, European traveler to the United States will realize less buying power out of their euros. Markets will be watching the developments in Europe closely to see if fears of the debt crisis in Greece could spread to other debt-saddled countries. Greek debt to European banks totals around $200 billion; if the crisis extends to Spain and its $800 billion bank exposure, the situation will be seen as more serious. This crisis has spawned a new sense of urgency in dis-
cussing the growing deficits in other countries, including the United States – whose deficit reached $1.4 trillion in 2009. However, the U.S. economy is diverse and robust, towering over that of Greece, which is small and getting smaller. Although the U.S. economy is growing again, markets are paying closer attention to the U.S. federal deficit. The crisis in Greece has leaders around the world taking notice, and its tale of unchecked deficit spending should serve as a warning for us all. Nations that take significant steps to rein in deficits will provide a more solid footing for their economies and, in the process, will show investors that the recovery we have seen since the market lows in March 2009 can continue – even with periodic corrections.
Mureleen Benton is a Certified Financial Planner. Call her with questions at 685-4523 This information is provided for informational purposes only. The information is intended to be generic in nature and should not be applied or relied upon in any particular situation without the advice of your tax, legal and/or your financial advisor. The views expressed may not be suitable for every situation. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Member NASD and SIPC, part of Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
Artemis is a sweet little pup who loves toys and will do anything for a treat! She’s hoping to find adopters who’ll have plenty of time to provide her with ongoing socialization to all the different sights, sounds, people and places she’s likely to encounter out in the world. Attending training classes will be a fun way for her to learn the skills she’ll need to grow up to be a well mannered adult dog. The adoption fee for adult dogs is $225 and includes 60% off one 7-week dog training session. Peaches is a sweet girl, who’s a little shy at first, but once she feels comfortable, she’s quite snuggly. The adoption fee for adult cats is $50. Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek,: 3 to 7 p.m. Thurs. 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 adoption. 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.
Page 15
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Seniors, from page 1 every play, rally, assembly and production at Clayton Valley since her freshman year. “My cousin works in technical theater, so when she went to work on shows or plays when I was younger, she would take me with her. When I came to CV, I got involved in it myself,” she says. “Dancing and technical theater are my two big passions.” Beyond CV, Jennifer has participated in numerous charity performances with her competitive dance team. She is scheduled
to attend New York State University at Buffalo and major in technical theater. She aspires to become a stage manager at Disney World or on Broadway and her dream is to tour with Disney on Ice after college. The Grand Altair requires a student to be outstanding in every aspect of high school – academics, leadership and public service. This year, the prestigious honor was awarded to Stanfordbound Eden Mesfin. She was named homecoming
queen, played varsity lacrosse, was student body vice president and an active participant of several clubs, all while maintaining exceptional grades. “I worked hard, but I never dreamed that such an honor would be given to me,” she says. “The fact that the students and staff of Clayton Valley chose me for this prestigious award just makes me feel like I did something right through my four years of high school.” Along with the support of college advisor Cheryl Long and Spanish teacher Susan Oksenendler, Eden drew inspira-
tion from her parents to achieve her dreams. “They are immigrants from a Third World country, Ethiopia, and worked endlessly to produce the lifestyle we are living today,” she says. “I aspire to be half as amazing as my parents have proven to be.” CBCA AWARDS Several students were awarded Clayton Business and Community Association scholar-
June 11, 2010 ships. Leticia De Brito received an academic scholarship, along with twins Stephen and Katie Hill. The Hills will attend Cal Poly SLO this fall, with Katie studying business and Stephen majoring in software engineering. Sarah Moore received a fine arts scholarship. She will attend UCLA this fall and plans to major in neuroscience. Sarah plays piano in the Clayton Valley Orchestra and in
past years has played the flute in the Wind Ensemble. She has also been spotted playing the piano at several choir events. “Music has always been a major part of my life,” Sarah says. “I love playing these instruments because it is the best way for me to express myself when I cannot put my feelings into words. Music is therapeutic, and I cannot imagine life without it.”
See Seniors, page 17
Photo Credit Pete Barra
JENNIFER MCLOUGHLIN SERVICE ALTAIR
LETICIA DE BRITO SCHOLARSHIP ALTAIR
KATY BOEGER LEADERSHIP ALTAIR
Keith Hayden (CBCA VP & scholarship committee member), Katelan “Kat” Bowden, Leticia De Brito, Pablo Benavente, Marena McGregor, Katherine Hill, Katie Marchant, Sarah Moore, Ian Livingston, Stephen Hill, Elise Canevascini and Ron Munk (CBCA Scholarship Chair).
CVHS Senior Awards 2010 Araujo, Andrea
Bank of America Award--Spanish Clayton Business and Community Association Chevron REACH Scholarship
Jennings, Ashley
McGregor, Marena
Scudero, Anne
President’s Education Awards Program
Deepak, Shyna
President’s Education Awards Program California Financial Crimes Investigators Scholarship
Arizona State University Academic Scholarship
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer Dr. Richard Irvine Scholar Athlete Award Lake Forest College Academic Scholarship
CLAYTON VALLEY INTERDEPARTMENTAL AWARD—FINE ARTS Chevron Scholarship Clayton Business and Community Association Scholarship
Donton, Jacob
Kallas, Nicole
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer
Arreola, Jeanette
PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPT. AWARD
Bank of America Award—Public Service Academy University of Oregon Academic Scholarship
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer
Duncan, Shane
Kelly, Monica
PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPT. AWARD
SPECIAL ED DEPT. AWARD
Fernandes, Sarah
Bank of America Award--Music
Krup, Michael
Clayton Business and Community Association
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer President’s Education Awards Program Bank of America Award--Social Studies
Boeger, Katy
Fouts, John
LEADERSHIP ALTAIR Student Body President
President’s Education Awards Program
Bowden, Katelan
Fracasso, Sonia
President’s Education Awards Program Bank of America Award--Music Clayton Business and Community Association Chuck Jordan Memorial Scholarship
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer
FOREIGN LANGUAGE DEPT. AWARD California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer President’s Education Awards Program University of California, Davis Academic Scholarship Bank of America Award--Science American Association of University Women Scholarship Senior Women Silver Scholarship Tosco Environmental Scholarship
Avila, Christoher University of the Pacific Academic Scholarship
Bajwa, Balraj California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer
Benanvente, Juan Pablo
Budesa, Lorraine CLAYTON/ARTS ACADEMY DEPT. AWARD
Buhagiar, Vince
CSU Chico Academic Scholarship
Detmer, Joseph
Duncan, Cody
Garcia, Casey
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer Clayton Business and Community Association Scholarship
Carlson, Conrad California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer President’s Education Awards Program
Chernyk, Olivia California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer
Cruz, Abigail
President’s Education Awards Program Contra Costa County Scholar Athlete Pete Laurence Wrestling Scholarship
Gutierrez, Sayra McDonald’s House Charities Scholarship California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer
Herrera, Julianne Hill, Katherine California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer Blackhawk Women’s Club Scholarship California Masonic Foundation Scholarship Clayton Valley Parent-Faculty Club Scholarship Clayton Business and Community Association Scholarship
Hill, Stephen California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer President’s Education Awards Program Cal Poly Academic Scholarship California Masonic Foundation Scholarship Clayton Business and Community Association Scholarship
Lillis, Maedbh President’s Education Awards Program National Merit Commended Student
Livingston, Ian President’s Education Awards Program Clayton Business and Community Association Scholarship
Long, Camille ENGLISH DEPT. AWARD President’s Education Awards Program California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer
Lozoya, Krystle St. Mary’s Academic Scholarship Senior Class President
Ly, Vivian California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer President’s Education Awards Program
Sheringov, Aleksander California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer President’s Education Awards Program
Sifferman, Christine
Morales, Melissa
Sultani, Mohammad
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer Clayton Valley Parent-Faculty Club Scholarship
Nelson, Dale Clayton Valley Parent-Faculty Club Scholarship
Ng, Tiffany MUSIC DEPT. AWARD California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer President’s Education Awards Program
Nguyen, Laura California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer President’s Education Awards Program Senior Women Gold Scholarship Multicultural Scholarship
Tan, Joshua California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer Student Body Treasurer University of California, Davis Academic Scholarship Clayton Valley Women’s Club Scholarship
Terwilliger, Alicia PUBLIC SERVICE ACADEMY DEPT. AWARD California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer Bank of America Award--French
Tran, Jennifer California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer University of California, Davis Academic Scholarship
Nichols, Morgan
Vance, Alexandra
President’s Education Awards Program University of Vermont Academic Scholarship Clayton Valley Student Athlete of the Year
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer President’s Education Awards Program Shell Activities Association Scholarhsip
Nielsen, Elena
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer
Velasquez, Danielle
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer
Vizental, Julia
MacDonald, Alexis
Ong, Natalia
ART DEPT. AWARD California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer Bank of America Award--Art
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer University of San Francisco Academic Scholarship
MacDonald, Morgan
Quadrato, Christopher
Weber, Elise
Matt Galvin Memorial Scholarship
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer
Hogan, Daniel
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer
Matt Nolen Memorial Scholarship
De Brito, Leticia
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer President’s Education Awards Program Bank of America Award-Mathematics
Jayko, Michael
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer President’s Education Awards Program Brigham Young University Academic Scholarship Clayton Business and Community Association Scholarship
SCIENCE DEPT. AWARD California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer President’s Education Awards Program Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Clayton Business and Community Association Scholarship
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer University of California, Davis Academic Scholarship
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer President’s Education Awards Program
Sharapata, Nicholas
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer President’s Education Awards Program National Merit Commended Student Bank of America Award--Drama Bank of America Award--English Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship San Francisco Fire Credit Union Scholarship
Moore, Sarah
Moussa, Marianne
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer University of California, Davis Academic Scholarship SCHOLARSHIP ALTAIR SOCIAL SCIENCE DEPT. AWARD INTERDEPARTMENTAL AWARD—LIBERAL ARTS California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer President’s Education Awards Program
GRAND ALTAIR California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer President’s Education Awards Program Student Body Vice President Clayton Valley Parent-Faculty Club Scholarship Delta Sigma Theta Scholarshiop
President’s Education Awards Program University of California, San Diego Academic Scholarship Save Me A spot in College Scholarship
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer Bank of America Award--ClaytonArts
Canevascini, Elise
Lee, Adam
Mesfin, Eden
Leung, Cordia
Burton, Kathryn
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer Senior Women Silver Scholarship MultiCultural Scholarship
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer President’s Education Awards Program Chevron REACH Scholarship Italian American Club of Pittsburg Scholarship
SERVICE ALTAIR DRAMA DEPT. AWARD
Gudmundsen, Trevor
Hammer, Erin
Cabral, Julianne
Kick, Cory
McLoughlin, Jennifer
George Miller Youth Scholarship
Clayton Valley Student Athlete of the Year San Jose State Athletic Scholarship MATHEMATICS DEPT. AWARD California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer President’s Education Awards Program
Jonathan, Sarah
Marchant, Kathryn
Picco, Anthony
Wells, Lauren
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer President’s Education Awards Program Clayton Business and Community Association Scholarship
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer
McBride, Keeley Clayton Valley Parent-Faculty Club Scholarship
Poston, Ashley
Williams, Molli
California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer
University of Nebraska Academic Scholarship Senior Class Vice President
Rogers, Colton President’s Education Awards Program University of Colorado, Boulder Academic Scholarship
Young, Anisa California Scholarship Fed.Sealbearer
June 11, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Seniors, from page 16 Elise Canevascini was the recipient of the community service scholarship. She earned this award through many hours of volunteer work at Clayton’s Kindercare and the Clayton Historical Society Museum. “I enjoyed volunteering and I’m glad all the work I put in is paying off now,” says Elise, who is enrolled at Montana State University and will study to become an accountant. WRESTLING SCHOLARSHIP Adam Lee was awarded the Pete Laurence wrestling scholarship for $2,000. A Concord resident, Lee has a 4.2 GPA and will be attending UC Santa Barbara and major in engineering.
ADAM LEE
AAUW WINNER The American Association of University Women scholarship went to UC Davis-bound Andrea Araujo, who maintained a GPA of 4.14. She plans to major in biochemistry and molecular biology. She received an extremely well-rounded education at CVHS. She played lacrosse and soccer all four years, lettering in lacrosse and serving as team captain. She was named best defensive player in soccer.
LIZ HANSEN AND ANDREA ARAUJO
Her community service included volunteering at John Muir Hospital, camp counseling and tutoring. She was a member of the French Club, Clayton Valley Senior Women and the California Scholarship Federation. CLAYTON VALLEY WOMAN’S CLUB AWARD Joshua Tan is the recipient of the Clayton Valley Woman’s Club 2010 scholarship. Joshua excels in academics and is involved in sports, especially track and field.
JOSHUA TAN
The non-profit organization offers a $750 scholarship, renewable for three more years if the student maintains a 3.0 GPA. In his application, Joshua told about witnessing poverty in the Philippines as a child and his dream of providing aid. “We returned to Manila
when I was in the second grade and I was exposed to the true poverty in the world that doesn’t exist in the U.S.,” he wrote. “Manila was a very different place, with endless stretches of flooded streets along with a mass of people in desperate need.” He will attend UC Davis this fall and major in business. “Furthermore, I plan to return to Manila to not only start a business, but to find ways to combat the poverty that I saw in so much of Southeast Asia during my stay there,” he says. “With enough time and success, I can acquire enough money to start and support several nonprofit organizations that fight poverty in this extremely poor country.” A TIME FOR REFLECTION As they leave behind old friends, move away and start a new adult life, graduating seniors experience a whirlwind of emotions. “The experiences I have had throughout high school have transformed me into the strong individual I am today,” notes Katy Boeger. For Leticia De Brito, graduation is bittersweet. “I am nostalgic to leave my friends, but I am very excited to actually graduate.” Eden Mesfin feels sadness in leaving her classmates, excitement for the future and a sense of gratitude toward CVHS for helping her grow. “I will miss Clayton Valley for so many reasons. This school and the people I met here changed me completely,” she says. “I have completely evolved from the confused freshman I was when I entered high school to an adult with my own opinions and aspirations. I am excited for my future, but even more excited to see the future successes of my amazing classmates.”
Page 17
Chalk it up to an educational month
ROBBIE PARKER DVMS REPORTER After already having a science festival for seventh-graders last fall, Diablo View Middle School gave the rest of the students their turn May 14 and 26. UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science, along with a team of DVMS parent volunteers, hosted the Wizard’s Lab and A Most Murky Mystery. For the Wizard’s Lab, Lawrence Hall scientists demonstrated static electricity by having eighth-grade students conduct experiments with electricity. Students then traveled around the multi-use room to stations such
as floating magnets, tin can string telephones, air cannons and electro magnets. Students tested properties of matter and energy and discovered how things really work. Many were amazed and surprised by the different sciences and physics performed at each station. Lawrence Hall scientists finished the festival with a demonstration of an electric spark traveling up two wires. During the Murky Mystery festival, sixth-grade students learned more about our environment through a series of mysterious experiments. The students became environmental detectives and were given a puzzling scenario. They were told the fish and other wildlife were dying. They then performed chemical and biological tests to determine what could be causing this sticky situation. The students rotated to different stations, testing water and other experiments to find out what companies around the Bay were causing the fish to die.
School News
Samantha Di , Katelan Bowden and Kieylee Solla (all holding awards) celebrate big wins in New Orleans with choir director Elizabeth Emigh (third from left).
DIABLO VIEW
STUDENTS EXPERIMENT
Sixth-grader Marcus Nikaido really enjoyed the festival, saying it was a lot of fun to perform the tests and figure out the mystery with a partner. Meanwhile, the Sidewalk Chalk Festival also took place in May – after a slight rain delay. Artistic students who wanted to show off their beautiful artwork entered this event.
during the science festival.
The students, who had already sent in preliminary sketches, were given bright pastel chalk to recreate their portraits. They drew their creations in the amphitheater during lunchtime. Robbie Parker is a seventhgrader at Diablo View. Send comments to Robbie@claytonpioneer.com
CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL The school’s choirs competed at the New Orleans Heritage Festival April 28-May 2. They received gold ratings for the Women’s Ensemble, Show Choir and Honors Choir and a silver rating for the Concert Choir. The Honors Choir won the Most Outstanding Choir award, as well as the coveted Adjudicators’ Choice award. The choirs also won the Choral Sweepstakes award, which means the average scores of all the choirs combined outranked the other schools participating in the festival. While in New Orleans, students visited the French Quarter, went on a swamp tour on the bayou and took a Dixieland steamboat cruise on the Mississippi. The Clayton Valley Honors Choir was also chosen to sing with the rock group Foreigner at the Sleep Train Pavilion in Concord on May 25. Students got to sing backup on “I Wanna Know What Love Is.” The popular ’80s band is on a 35-city tour with Kansas and Styx. In each city, Foreigner is sponsoring a choir as part of their Save the Music program. The organization donates $1,000 to the adopted choir and sells CDs and DVDs during the concert to raise funds to donate instruments to needy instrumental programs. The choir answered a radio request by 107.7 The Bone, which adopted the choir. The station announced CVHS choirs on the air throughout the day and linked a choir performance clip to its Website.
The Clayton Pioneer congratulates Diablo View Middle School 8th Grade graduates Sara Abele Ashlynn Adams Megan Addiego James Agers Yosef Ahmadi Tyler Alcock Jake Alimagno Jordan Allen Kimberly Anderson Cheyanne Andrus Amalia Avilez Paolo Bahia Alexa Balbuena Julie Barker Juan Barrios Vanessa Bermudez Clark Blatter Garrett Blatter Thomas Blazer Jordan Bluth Faith Bogumil Tommi Boyd Ryan Boyle Duncan Bradley Cameron Branco Connor Bredehoft Logan Brescia Marisa Brooks Gabriella Brown Maxwell Burmeister Antonio Calleros Cristian Camacho Alaina Campbell Sayoko Caproni Cassandra Carson Alberto Chang-Chirinos Daniel Chappell Arthur Chiok Amanda Chrisco Domenick Clement Daniel Condon Tyler Connel
Max Connor Cristian Contreras Brenden Crabbe Ashley Crase Alison Cronin Cynthia Cruz Kevin Cuff Katherine Cullen Kenneth Cuneo Madison Curtis Nina Dabit Matthew D’Angina Madison Daniel Kenneth Davis Nicholas De Sanctis Jordan Deely Ashley Deichler Annemarie Del Bene Casandra Del Monte Justin Doig Lauren Domina Zachary Dominguez Sadie Downing Brandon Drolette Jenessa Ducker Ryan Dudley Kristen Egle Yosef Ehsan Niccolo Engbeck Tyler Farber Hunter Farrand Kasey Fitzsimmons Jessica Forrester Hayley Fredenburgh Andrew Freeman Ashley Freeman Christopher Fregosi Ryan Freitas Kaitlyn Frith Jessica Gamm Jared Gans Catherine Garcia
Orlando Garcia Nicholas Giantvalley Kimberly Goddard Alexis Gomez Cesar Gonzalez Gustavo Gonzalez John Grego Nicole Griep Rebecca Grossman Teiauni Guarino Carlos Guerrero Amy Harris Momoko Hayashi Zachary Haynes Emily Heisinger Hayley Herrera Kyle Hively Natalie Hornsby Chuntao Hu Cameron Hughes Christina Humphrey Emmeline Hurley Jason Hurtz Lauren Ipsen Sabrina Jajeh Andrew Jecker Alexander Jennings Dylan Johnson Jordan Johnson Sara Johnson Arthur Jones Michael Kassicieh Christi Kelley Amy Kennalley Nicholas Kies Chloe Kim Alexandra King Joshua Kirmsse Sara Kommer Tracie Kreiss Chelsey Lacayo Kyle Lally
Alexis Lampo Allee Lazar Jacob Leanio Tiffany Lee Noelle L’Heureux Ying Lin Alexander Long Anthony Lopez Sofia Luczynski Blair Mackin Kristian Mamea Clayton Martin Diego Martinez Vanessa Martinez Kiana Mason Rachel Mazzera Abrianna Mc Clain Caitlin Mc Clain Angelica Medina Stefan Mercurio Kyle Metz Grant Meylan Dustin Miller Nicole Miller Ronald Miller Shannon Miller Ariana Moghbel Blake Moon Jennifer Moreira-Saravia Julia Morgan Haley Morucci Jacob Moulton Caitlin Moynihan Samantha Myers Maya Nazzal Jason Newberry Justin Norris Madison O’Connor Gregory O’Neill Kyra Ortiz Katherine Osterkamp Danielle Oxman
Michael Paradis Andrea Partida Jasmine Partida Fernando Pazos Kassidy Pedrani Leslie Perla Rose Peterson Alexander Pishny Ben Polshuk Sara Nicole Poston Antonio Prieto Athia Qureshi Stephano Rahimzadeh Tessa Redmond Rebecca Reeder Maxwell Renner Ryan Rhoads Giovanni Rico Bretton Rideau Matthew Risso Ethan Rockwell Justin Rogers Victoria Romero Clarice Roo Shane Russell Cole Ruud Drew Saller Kristina Schoell Megan Schussman Valerie Senavsky Isaac Serratos Taylor Severino Logan Shackleton Noel Sharapata Riley Shaw Gagandeep Shergill Brandon Shorr Samantha Shuey Logan Sinclair Rachel Siver Steven Skinner Riley Smith
Shelby Smith Veronica Smith Jose Solis Matthew Stanford Morgan Starkman Jacob Stewart Nicolas Straka Zachary Stratton Kevin Tan Jordan Tate Joanna Terry Sasha Thomas Taylor Thomason Daniel Thys Justin Tong Joanna Tran Lindsay Treppa Janna Trowbridge Stephen Truong Riley Tullis Matthew Vanderstraeten Jonathan Vanya Hand Lindsey Vargas Garrett Verello Rahman Wahab Daoud Wali Alexandria Ward April Weber Graham Wilkinson Jenna Williams Julia Williams Zaire Williams Warren Wilson Quincy Winship Kieran Winskill Scott Woffinden Connor Woods Tanner Wraa Benjamin Young Jacob Zachary Alex Zavala-Soulette Jenna Zukowski
Page 18
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
June 11, 2010
Club News AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN The Clayton branch had its installation of new officers’ luncheon at Dana McDaniels’ home on May 29. McDaniels is the club’s outgoing president. Judy Bates was installed as
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Clayton AAUW members at the officers’ luncheon: JoAnn Caspar, Joan Chesterman, Priscilla Schmalzel, Judy Bates, Carolyn Wetzel, Linda Pinder and Dana McDaniels.
the new president, with Luz Argyriou as the new president elect. Program VPs are Carolyn Wetzel and Carylon Van Essen. Membership VPs are Lola Rohr, Alice Ponti and Priscilla Schmalzel. Carol Bever and JoAnn Caspar were installed as the new Educational Foundation VPs. Legal Advocacy VP is Joan Chesterman. Sharing secretary duties are Linda Pinder and Adela Oldford. The new treasurer is Carol Wolf.
CLAYTON VALLEY GARDEN CLUB The club’s spring plant sale on May 15 was a rousing success, reports plant sale chair Neal Richmond. Little red wagon after little red wagon left with happy customers and their new plants. The weather was perfect, the plants were all beautiful, and they were all grown and propagated by dedicated club members. The money raised during the plant sale supports the club’s community service projects, like planting and maintaining the downtown planters, the Clayton Library flower beds and the Diablo View Middle School student garden project, to name just a few. The club will host its fall plant sale Sept. 25 at Endeavor Hall.
Nancy Westman sells colorful bowls during the Clayton Valley Garden Club plant sale.
CLAYTON VALLEY SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB The Rotarians invite the community to the dedication of a bench in the Grove Park in memory of Ray Casso at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 19. He was an active, hard-working member of the Clayton Valley Sunrise Rotary, who exemplified the
Members of the Clayton Valley Sunrise Rotary gather every Tuesday at the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties to sort donated food.
Rotary motto of “Service above Self.” The club will hold its annual 4th of July Pancake Breakfast 710 a.m. at Endeavor Hall. Pancakes, sausages, juice and beverages will be available for $5 for adults and $3 for children. Proceeds will support local charities.
Church News CROSSROADS COVENANT CHURCH The church will host a summer day camp, “I Spy: A Lost and Found Adventure,” July 19-23. The 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. camp includes games, crafts, stories and music for children 3 years old through sixth grade. Cost is $40 per child and $25 for each additional sibling. The church is at 5353 Concord Blvd., Concord. For more info or to register, call 798-5905, ext. 201. *** The Crossroads Student Ministries is hosting a dodge ball tournament 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, June 22. To sign up for a team, text 209-872-3319.
THE BAHA’IS OF CLAYTON All are welcome to a talk and evening of fellowship on Friday, June 11. The subject of this month’s talk is “A Violence-Free Society,” with speaker Bob Henderson. Henderson holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Cal Poly San Louis Obispo. He has been a law enforcement officer for 16 years. Prior to that, he was a juvenile probation officer. The program starts at 7:30 p.m. with a period of interfaith devotions at the Toloui residence in Clayton. For more information or directions, call 672-6686.
Book Review
Life crashes into love in ‘Mid Air’
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There’s nothing better than a novel about love, betrayal and redemption. Kim Wright’s debut novel, “Love in Mid Air,” dives right into the heart and soul of an extramarital affair. The fact that Elyse Bearden’s life is a train wreck of epic proportions comes as no surprise at all. But it isn’t the train wreck you expect and Wright’s narrative is so superbly compelling, even if it were, you’d willingly jump in anyway. Riding wingman to a love affair is not for the faint of heart. Bored out of her mind, suburban house-trophy Elyse Bearden begins to make reckless choices. She kisses a stranger in an airport, begins couples’ therapy with the minister of her church – who just happens to be her husband’s best friend – and dreams of her lover restraining her with neckties he
wears to their trysts. Elyse is bored with her life, with her husband, with her marriage. She didn’t plan to have an affair, no more than she planned to fall out of love with her husband, or talk dirty on the phone to the only person in her world who isn’t shocked by the passion tamped down inside her. She realizes too late that she married the wrong man and feels as trapped as a fly in amber. She knows she will lose not just her marriage if her affair is discovered. She may well lose her daughter, and certainly she will lose the close bond she shares with the other ladies who lunch, the ladies of a small circle that includes her best friend, Kelly, and the minister’s wife. She will lose them not because of the nature of her sin, but because breaking her marriage will change
her status and that isn’t anything anyone wants to consider. This is mainly because it might cause them to examine the fragile threads of their own marriages. In her breaking away from what is safe, what is known, Elyse begins to live again. “This isn’t the way it’s supposed to happen. You’re supposed to go into therapy and work on your issues. You’re supposed to journal and do yoga and breathe deeply … I know you’re not supposed to use men like shortcuts and off-ramps, I know that, and yet if I had to count the times that (lust) dragged me back to life versus therapy or religion or meditation or the love of good friends, it wouldn’t even be close.” “Love in Mid Air” is Elyse waking up, Sleeping Beauty style, after years of a good sleep. She begins to see the world with stun-
CYNTHIA GREGORY
FOR
THE
BOOKS
ning clarity. She watches herself being a mommy, wife, artist, friend and a lover. She watches the places where there is overlap, always careful to keep her secrets safe. Beautifully, viciously, it isn’t Elyse’s infidelity that is her undoing, but Kelly’s. One secret too many reveals everyone’s fatal flaw – and sets Elyse free at last. Cynthia Gregory writes book reviews, award-winning short stories and a blog. Visit her at www.twogirlstakeonlove.com or write ceegregory@aol.com
Movie Review
‘Babies’ make the world seem a little smaller
Financial planning services and investments available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2009 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.
DON PEDRO CRUZ
AT
THE
MOVIES
It’s rare for a documentary to make it onto mainstream movie screens at the local cineplex. So when one does show up, it probably has something worth a look. “Babies” provides a fresh breath in the glut of explosionheavy, CGI stunt-fests and moronic sex comedies that often dominate theaters. Like a lot of bad films, this one has very little plot and only minor character development, but here it’s deliberate. Each scene cuts back and forth between the lives of four babies from vastly different parts of the earth. A baby in Namibia finds endless fascination in the discarded bones and rocks of her
tribal village, while the San Francisco baby bounces joyfully in an elastic jumper harness. In Mongolia, a stray rooster wanders onto the bed of a baby who watches with almost scientific curiosity as the alien creature spreads its wings and shakes its feathers. A Japanese girl cries when a massive tiger at the zoo gets too close (behind a glass wall). The stories of these four budding lives are woven together in an amazing mix that explores the human spirit at its most pure state. French director Thomas Balmes makes little attempt to build a narrative out of this string of film clips, but every shot, whether it lasts for a few seconds or several minutes, tells a microstory that keeps you wondering what will happen next. Balmes has a photographer’s eye and most scenes are visually stunning in composition and lighting. The juxtaposition of a round smooth rock used for grinding backed by the huge belly of a pregnant mother in Namibia jumps off the screen. A backlit
silhouette of the child stretching his arms with a vast Mongolian prairie spread out behind him is beautiful to watch. The baby in
Bayar, a young boy from Mongolia learns to walk.
San Francisco nibbling the wrinkled fingers of her grandmother is touching. Far from being a collection of cute baby pictures, the images are never static. While thoroughly mundane within their own context, each scene presents a glimpse into uniquely diverse cul-
tures – with the unexpected moving into the frame at any moment or expressions of sudden awareness or cries of frustration filling the cinematic tapestry with color. When a herd of cattle surround and then engulf a child in a sea of hooves and legs, your parental instincts will kick into gear. While showing the social interaction between the babies and adults, animals, siblings and even objects around them, the cultural differences between the four worlds quickly fade away. Instead, “Babies” shows the breathtaking humanity that ties them all together as each child grows and learns how to walk in the world. “Babies” is rated PG for “cultural and maternal nudity throughout,” which means there’s a lot of breast feeding and one fairly graphic birth shot.
Don Pedro Cruz is a local freelance writer and graphic designer. Send your comments to dpvc2000@gmail.com
June 11, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Page 19
10 questions to ask potential solar contractor
Sponsored by
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DOUG HAMILTON NextEnergy Solar
Before contracting with a solar company for roof panels, here are some questions to ask. How many years has your company been in business? What is the company’s level of experience? What is your consultant’s level of experience? Many solar companies in business today have been in business three-five years. You want to make sure they have the experience and track record to ensure a quality install, not experimentation. Also, solar consultants can sometimes be the least experienced members of the company and are learning the ropes. If they are new, make sure they have a mentor or senior consultant that will be checking their work. Do you sub-contract your
installation or are they employees? The installation should be done by employees of the company so you have one place to look if there is a problem. You don’t want to be referred to a contractor and be told it was their install, therefore their problem. The solar company should be directly responsible for their work. Do you operate out of a commercial facility? Can I have your contractor’s license number and see your insurance? Make sure they have an established brick and mortar business and are not operating out of their truck or a warehouse. A safe and stable solar company will have not only workman’s comp but will also have general liability insurance to protect them and you. The smaller the organization, the less likely they will be around to service the warranty on your solar system. You can look up a company’s license number to make sure they are legitimate and how long they have been in business. The Better Business Bureau is also a good place for company research. Or visit www2.cslb.ca.gov/ OnlineServices/CheckLicense/L
icenseRequest.asp. Do you have references from clients and can I talk with them? Ask for recent installs and older systems, too. Sometimes you can obtain drive-by references of work that can be seen from the street. You don’t have to contact the customer to see the work and what it might look like on your home. What are the payment terms and conditions and how long will the proposal be valid? Find out what the deposit would be and when the balance payment would be due and in what form – personal check, cashier’s, electronic transfer, etc. Many proposals are valid for two weeks. Let your consultant know if you are going to need more time to make a decision or would like to have a competitor come to give an alternate proposal. Is the proposal quoted for AC or DC watts? AC watts is the industry standard and gives you a better idea of your maximum power potential. This number takes into account the power loss incurred by the inverter as it converts the DC (direct current) electricity from the panels to AC (alternating current) electricity
Theatre
‘Avenue Q’ takes adults on a trip down ‘Sesame Street’ GARY CARR Special to the Pioneer
The Willows Theatre Company presents the wildly popular, Tony-winning musical “Avenue Q” June 21-Aug. 1 in Martinez. The adult “Sesame Street” romp features puppets and live actors and is known for its high-energy, naughty fun. The show is definitely not for children. For example, songs include “The Internet is for Porn” and “I’m Not Wearing Underwear Today.” The adult humor is perpetrated by a first-rate cast, including John Gay, Nicole Helfer, Jason Bowersmith, Sarah Rozett, Isaiah Boyd, Janine Burgener and Jordan DeLong. “Avenue Q” is directed by Clayton’s own Jon Marshall, with musical direction by Tim Hanson and choreography by Ricardo Rust. Marshall, a master of styrofoam, also built the puppets. The Willows is the first theater in the country to produce a national regional premiere of “Avenue Q.” Earlier Bay Area productions were staged by national touring companies. “Avenue Q” is by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, who wrote the music and lyrics. The book by Jeff Whitty is largely inspired by “Sesame Street.” The production ranked as the 21st longest running show in Broadway history at the time of its 2009 closing.
“Nicky,” Jason Bowersmith, “Rod” and John Gay appear in “Avenue Q at the Willows Cabaret in Martinez through Aug. 1. “Avenue Q” plays at the Campbell Theatre, 626 Ward St., June 21-Aug. 1. Tickets are $30, with discounts for Willows season subscribers. Student tickets available at the door with valid ID. Visit willowstheater.org or call 798-1300.
Fresh new show brings music of Noël Coward to local stage A century after Noel Coward first stepped onto the London stage, the curtain never seems to close on the shows he created as a performer, playwright, composer, lyricist and director. His plays “Blithe Spirit,” “Private Lives” and a revamped “Brief Encounter” have found new success from coast to coast. Now a new show, “A Marvelous Party: The Noel Coward Celebration,” gives nearly 30 of his songs their due. Center REPertory Company presents the musical revue, led by audience favorites Carl Danielsen and Mark Anders, through June 26. “Coward is well-known as a personality and a playwright, but American audiences really don’t know his music,” says artistic director Michael Butler.
Photo courtesy of Center Rep
Mark Anders & Molly Bell in “A Marvelous Party”
“That’s a huge part of his legacy.” “A Marvelous Party” is an introduction to Coward’s words and music, but it’s not just a kaleidoscope of witty lyrics and sentimental ballads. “I think we are very close to Coward’s original arrangements,” says Danielsen, who is returning to the Lesher Center with Anders after their success in “2 Pianos 4 Hands” last year. The Coward production features two upright pianos for the two men to play, as well as a pianist at a baby grand piano, a drummer and bass player. Danielsen, who now lives in New York City, likes the way “A Marvelous Party” reflects Coward’s career. “There’s an operetta feeling to a gorgeous ballad like ‘I’ll See You Again.’ There are sweeping melodies. And there are discoveries that are among the highlights, such as ‘The Coconut Girl.’ People may know a couple of the songs, but they haven’t heard this material,” he says. “Audiences have been ecstatic about the show.” Until now, the best-known compilation of his songs was “Oh, Coward,” which originated in Toronto and contained a lot of medleys. The goal of “A Marvelous Party” was to create a streamlined but fleshed-out musical revue – with songs presented in their entirety, with choreography and with an overview of Coward’s career. “A Marvelous Party: The Noel Coward Celebration” plays through June 26 at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. For tickets, call 943-7469 or visit centerrep.org.
you can use in your home. Are the panels you are quoting high-efficiency or conventional solar panels? What is the efficiency rating of each panel? Highefficiency panels (SunPower and Sanyo, for example) have an efficiency rating of just more than 18 percent for the whole module. Conventional panels range between 12 and 14 percent efficiency. Higher efficiency panels will make more power over time and need less roof space but also have a higher up-front cost. What method will you use to install panels on my roof? The equipment used should be rustproof and long-lasting. The bolts
should be stainless steel; the racking should be extruded aluminum for strength and weight. Some accepted racking manufacturers are Pro-Solar, UniRac and Iron Ridge. Conduit or EMT (electric metal tubing) can be galvanized. Alternate materials can be prohibitively expensive, but the conduit should be painted or coated for rust resistance. When can you get this installed? Typically, a solar company will be booked 8-10 weeks out. Beware of the instant install promise. There may be a reason why they are not busy. It often can take two weeks or more to obtain the necessary permits. A
thriving install calendar is a good sign of the health and longevity of the company. What are the warranties for you workmanship, the panel’s workmanship and the panel power output? California requires a 10-year workmanship warranty from all CSI (California Solar Initiative) approved solar installers. Top panel warranties are 10 years for workmanship and 25 years for power output. Since silicon-based panels degrade about 0.5 percent per year, the warranty guarantees that you will be making 80 percent of your original power at 25 years.
Examples based on a typical 3-5 bedroom home in your area. All NextEnergy solar electric systems are customized,so actual prices will vary. Your new electric bill plus the cost of your system could be LOWER than your current electric bill, meaning savings from day one!
Page 20
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p r e o l m p inence r u P e f ire winne r u s a r Clayton Valley residents have a passion for purple. Purple-blooming groundcovers, perennials, shrubs and even trees are all the rage this year. This is a good thing, because purple flowers have proven themselves to be far more heat- and sun-tolerant than the paler shades of flowers. Purple groundcovers are an easy way to punch up landscape beds and borders. Many verbenas are readily available, and they bloom up a purple storm. Verbena Babylon purple is an exciting, small-scale groundcover reaching 4-6 inches tall and almost 24 inches wide. This baby can bloom, so you will need to fertilize Verbena Babylon regularly. Superbena purple is another great addition to your Clayton Valley landscape. This verbena has a sturdy-looking leaf and large, 3inch globes of purple flowers that will stretch 30 inches through your planting bed and stand a foot tall. Tapien Blue Violet is a flat selection of verbena that needs to be watered by sprinkler rather than drip. All of the verbena groundcovers need to be planted with at least six hours of direct hot sun. They will be showy and flowerful for two-four years. Eventually, verbena pitters out and will need to be replanted. But the display is worth the extra work. CATCH THE WONDER Scaevola New Wonder is an excellent choice if full sun is not an option in your garden. This evergreen groundcover has a halffan shaped blossom with a yellow eye and dark green foliage. It will
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grow 24-30 inches wide and about 6 inches tall. Campanula poscharskyana Blue Waterfall is a great purple groundcover for any Clayton Valley garden with only light to filtered sun. This is another groundcover that grows best when sprinkled. Bell-shaped purple flowers line the medium-green stems spring through early summer. As the weather cools in fall, you can expect a repeat bloom. Sugar Plum geranium is an unforgettable addition to your garden. This small plant will blanket garden beds with frilly foliage and happy purple blossoms. One of the best features of the Sugar Plum is that it will reseed and bring a couple of friends to your landscape next year. OPT FOR SALVIA OR SAGE Purple perennials are super ways to accent existing shrubs and trees. Perennials are plants that return year after year. They grow and bloom, then rest during the fall through the winter. Salvia and sages are sensational ways to introduce lots of purple to your landscape. Salvia ‘Sensation Deep Blue’ is a tough, medium-sized perennial growing 10-12 inches tall and about 2 feet wide. This perennial makes a sturdy presence in the garden. Honeybees can’t get enough of this plant. Salvia sylvestris ‘May Night’ is a former perennial of the year. Dark purple spikes can hit 24 inches tall and wide, like purple candelabras in the garden. Salvia leucantha ‘Purple Form’ is familiar in the Clayton Valley landscape scene. During the hot days of
Tarantulas, beetles and skinks, oh my! These are just a few critters that 10-year-old Aaron Wagner enjoys picking up while hiking the hills of Mt. Diablo. Aaron’s dad, Al, is known in his Dana Hills neighborhood for leading his three sons and their friends on adventures literally from their back yard. Aaron is “one of those kids who just attracts animals,” Al describes. Aaron and 7-year-old brother Curtis are really good at spotting camouflaged creatures. Older brother Brett, 12, is chided for his natural flight instincts. “My bigger brother is kind of
afraid,” Aaron says teasingly. “He’ll call me over and make me pick them up.” “We found a 3-inch scorpion last weekend,” Al reports. “Aaron didn’t really want to hold that one.” Aaron does like the feeling of holding scorpions, though, noting the importance of picking them up by their “business end.” “They feel so weird on your hands. They make little scratches, it tickles you,” he says. On early adventures, the Wagners brought frogs home from a nearby pond and kept them in a tub. “One day, we went to feed them and they’re just gone,” Al recalls. “New rule: Catch, take pictures and release. We decided we’re not going to
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summer, these perennial looks its best. Salvia leucantha grows large and can reach 3-4 feet tall and wide. Looking beyond sage and salvia, Alstroemeria Lillian creates pillows of azalea-like purple flowers off and on throughout late spring and summer. This series of alstroemeria is dwarfed in size, growing 10-12 inches tall and wider with age. Veronica Royal Candles is another perennial to add to beds and borders. Growing 14 inches tall and wide, Veronica will be quite fulfilling in a landscape. Use this perennial to cover up the bad legs of other perennials, like Gaillardia Burgundy or echinacea. DON’T SHRUG OFF SHRUBS Shrubs are necessary to any landscape. The word shrub can turn off people, but realistically we need them in our landscapes to establish a foundation to the garden. Alyogyne huegelii is commonly called lilac hibiscus, since its flower resembles the tropical hibiscus. Yet the Alyogyne can take all the cold our Clayton Valley area has to offer. This shrub is a back-row plant and will grow 5-10 feet tall and almost as wide. Alyogyne huegelii isn’t too appealing to the deer, so our Morgan Territory residents can feel good about installing a few. Lavatera maritima bicolor is the famous shrub that lines the fence at our nursery. Year after year, people passing by comment on the fabulous evergreen. The bloom lasts for months and is both bee- and butterfly-friendly. This shrub needs to be planted
NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL in the right place. Once established, it may be 5-8 feet tall and wide yet is controllable with occasional pruning. Polygala dalmaisiana is a sweet pea shrub. This bush is fantastic, and everyone passionate about purple should grow one or two. This sweet pea will bloom almost year-round, with flowers resembling the vine where it gets its common name. Sweet peas can grow 4-6 feet tall and about half as wide. They make great fences covers and are very tidy bushes. Crape myrtle trees are delightful choices for any garden needing a purple tree. Zuni and Twilight are two selections that are easily found and fabulous in a Clayton Valley landscape. Zuni is the smaller of the two, growing 6-8 feet tall and wide. This is a perfect patio tree, and the fall color is Japanese maple beautiful. Twilight is a larger tree, reaching 16-18 feet tall and wide. During the summer months, these crape myrtles bloom panicles of purple colors that will wow your garden. Crape myrtles thrive in full, hot sun, but they do not make the best selection for a poolside planting. The crape-like blossoms will be forever swimming in your pool. Embraces purple this planting season and keep your garden looking totally fab during the summer. 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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feed the raccoons.” Now they enjoy frequent walks up to the pond to watch the egg to pollywog to frog transition. Once in a while, Aaron said his friends’ parents join the Wagners on hikes. “We have this big huge binder of pictures of us on the mountain,” Aaron says. He likes to show the pictures to his friends and bring the binder to school to share with his class. The portfolio includes Aaron holding a tarantula, skink, bluebelly lizard, giant black beetle, red salamander, praying mantis and bark scorpion, to name some. At home, the Wagners study their pictures and then research starting with Google. A recent discovery of a rather enormous black beetle has the Wagners stumped as to the species. “I really want to ID those,” Al says, struggling to describe the approximately 3-inch giant. While Aaron likes mostly reptiles, he definitely does not like bees. The Wagners were attacked once after Curtis presumably stepped on a hidden hive in dry brush. “He got stung the most. I got some. Brett ran and screamed,” Aaron says. Al attributes Aaron’s keen eye and ears for twice saving him from rattlesnake bites. Once Aaron said he heard a rattle and Al partially dismissed it. While hiking back down the same trail, they found a 4-foot rattler coiled in the path in the same area. Another time, Al reached to pick up a log and Aaron yelled an
AARON WAGNER, 10, holds a tarantula he found while hiking with his family on Mt. Diablo near their Dana Hills home.
alarm. “I almost grabbed it with my hand; it blended right in,” Al says. Finishing fifth-grade at Mt. Diablo Elementary, Aaron says his favorite subjects are math and science. “I might be a scientist – like a biologist. It looks really fun. My dad’s friend is a biologist and he’s really smart,” he notes. “We’re lucky,” Aaron adds, “because we live right next to a mountain and we have fun, like taking hikes and stuff.”
June 11, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Welcome summer with sweet, juicy papaya
LINDA WYNER
FOOD
FOR
THOUGHT
Papayas conjure up a Hawaiian morning with light breezes, flower-scented air, a bowl of freshly cut, juicy rosycolored fruit, a warm malasada (a decadent Portuguese bread similar to a doughnut) and a steaming cup of Kona coffee for breakfast. While there’s a tropical link to papaya, it wasn’t known in Hawaii until about 100 years ago. In a twist of fate, “Hawaiian papaya” is more widely recognized in the world than the Maradol of Central America. Unknown to the Western world until Columbus discovered the Americas, papaya spread quickly to other tropical
shores w i t h Spanish and Portuguese traders. The seeds are hardy; they can be viable for up to three years. Botanically speaking, papaya is a berry. It has a soft, melonlike flesh that ranges from yellow to deep salmon color surrounding peppery, slightly bitter, black seeds. The redder the flesh, the sweeter the flavor as a rule. The papaya tree (actually it’s more of a sturdy herb stem) can grow more than 20 feet in height and begin bearing one- to 20pound fruit in about 18 months. The Hawaiian varieties (like Solo and Sunrise, recent genetically modified fruits) are pear-shaped. Maradol papayas are larger – more like footballs. Both have green skin that turns yellowish when ripe and yields to gentle finger pressure. You can ripen papaya at home. Just don’t refrigerate it until it is yellow, because chilling stops the ripening process. When ripe, the flesh will be tender and juicy. Like most fruit, papayas are full of nutritional benefits: fiber, antioxidants and vitamins. In folk medicine, papaya is used for digestive disorders and to treat inflammation. An enzyme,
papain, is a meat tenderizer and burn treatment. To eat papaya, cut one in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Save the seeds and chop them up to add flavor and texture to a salad dressing. Next, scoop out the flesh and discard the skin. You can dice, slice or puree the flesh into your favorite dish. One yummy concoction is a papaya smoothie. PAPAYA SMOOTHIE 2 c. peeled, seeded and chopped papaya 1 c. pineapple or orange juice ½ c. milk or frozen yogurt ½ c. sliced banana 4 ice cubes (use 2 if using fro-yo) 1 T. agave nectar or honey Juice of one-half lime Place ingredients in blender in the order listed. Blend until smooth and creamy. Maradol papaya is a good selection for smoothies, particularly based on cost. Most of the Hawaiian papayas I find in California are $3-$4 each, whereas Maradol run about 50 cents a pound. Trader Joe’s makes it really easy – they carry frozen cubed papaya. In Asia, papayas are often treated like a vegetable. Green, unripened papayas are shredded into salads for a popular dish in Thailand. Here’s an Americanized version inspired by Bobby Flay. GREEN PAPAYA SALAD Salad 1 head romaine lettuce, bitesize pieces
Pioneer Photo Album Michelle Thomas took this photo of the windmill at the Frank Family Farm during the Garden Tour last month. “This was my first time going to the tour and I have to say it was really nice-especially the Frank Family farm. That was a great bonus to see and learn all the family history. - Michelle Thomas 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.
1 bunch watercress (leaves only) 1 green papaya (about 1 lb.), peeled and shredded 2 carrots, peeled and shredded Dressing 1 shallot, minced 2 Thai bird chiles, minced (or ¼ tsp. dried chile flakes, to taste) 1 T. chopped fresh mint or basil ½ c. rice wine vinegar 1 T. sugar or 2 tsp. agave nectar 2 T. fish sauce
Page 21
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For garnish: roasted, unsalted peanuts and chopped cilantro Whisk together the shallot, chiles, mint, vinegar, sugar and fish sauce. Set aside. In another bowl, toss the lettuce and watercress together. Divide among serving plates and top with the shredded papaya and carrot. Drizzle some of the dressing on top of the salad and pass the remainder. Garnish with peanuts and cilantro.
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Find out for yourself the tenderizing ability of papaya on flank steak, a typically tough cut of meat. SOY-PAPAYA MARINATED FLANK STEAK 1 very ripe papaya ½ c. low-salt soy sauce 3 garlic cloves, mashed into a paste 1 flank steak (about 2 lbs.) Mash papaya to the consistency of a thick paste. Stir in soy sauce and garlic. Reserve ½ c. of the marinade and place the remaining marinade in a ziplock bag with the flank steak. Squeeze to coat evenly. Marinate the steak overnight, turning and squeezing the bag occasionally to ensure even coverage. Remove steak from the marinade about a half hour before cooking. Preheat a grill pan or barbecue over medium-high heat. Season the steak with salt and pepper and grill, turning once, about 8 minutes per side for medium rare. Don’t cook past medium. Rest the meat for 10 minutes before cutting across the grain and on the bias for long, thin slices. Serve with the reserved marinade. Linda Wyner, a local attorney and foodie, owns Pans on Fire, a gourmet cookware store and cooking school in Pleasanton. Direct your suggestions or questions to lwyner@claytonpioneer.com
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Page 22
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Father’s Day, from page 1 Although the church held such a service on July 5 of that year, it was overshadowed by a well-attended parade the day before, followed by the death of a much-beloved member of their community. Two years later, Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Wash., thought of the idea as well. A member of Central Methodist Episcopal Church at Spokane, she was inspired to hold a Father’s Day celebration while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon at church. Her father had raised Sonora and her five siblings after their mother died, and she felt a day to celebrate the hard-working dads in the community would be in order as well. Despite growing support from churches throughout the country, and the formation of a National Council for the Promotion of Father’s Day (a.k.a. the golf clubs, chef aprons and barbecue tools retailers of America), the holiday wasn’t official until President Richard Nixon made the day a national holiday in 1972. Today, Father’s Day is celebrated throughout the world, in countries including Tonga, Germany and Zimbabwe. To be a father is to be a teacher, a coach, a cheerleader, a protector, a professional hugger, a barbecue master and countless other roles. Dads are the ultimate Renaissance men. In honor of Father’s Day, we talked to a few Clayton dads about what it takes to be a father and how the role has affected and taught them. Whether a new grandpa or a hard-working father of teens, they all had one thing in common the enthusiasm and joy they expressed for the one of a kind experience of being a father.
MICHAEL BASIL Mike is the director of high school and media at Clayton Community Church. He and wife Juliana have a 2½-year-old daughter named Eliana. “The biggest thing for me is that I didn’t realize how selfish I was until I had a kid. Even with your marriage, there’s that self interest you still have and you still hold onto. Once you have a kid, there’s this reality that it’s their needs first and not my needs first. That was the biggest lifechanging event. It’s a lot of fun, though. You realize what it is to really love and what it is to really give. You don’t have time to hold things back. You don’t have time to think twice about things.” SEAN KUIPERS Known as “Hot Sean” to friends and neighbors, he was 19 when he had son Nicholas, now 16. Sean shares custody of Nicholas and sister Morgan, 13, who live in Sonora with their mother. He is also the step-dad to wife Christa’s two daughters, Abby, 8, and Katelyn, 14.
SEAN AND ABIGAIL KUIPERS
“There’s someone that relies on you 100 percent. It’s good and bad at the same time. It doesn’t matter if you’re tired or sick or hungry or whatever, you have to take care of that person. I love
June 11, 2010
to Maggie, 16, who was adopted into the family in 2007. “I have always wanted to have kids; I always seemed to relate well to children, even as a teenager. However, no one told me that those cute little darlings would turn into teenagers! The fact that I was adopted myself made adopting Maggie into our family seem like a natural thing to do. It was something we had the wherewithal to do and it would have been wrong not to extend a lifeline to someone who might very well have drifted the wrong way otherwise. Learning about her life and family has made me more appreciative of my own.”
teaching them things. … I don’t want them to have to rely on some guy later in life. Be patient and enjoy it, because they grow up quickly.” JAY HARTLOVE Jay went from thinking that he would never have children to having his firstborn at age 43. Now 52, he is the father of two daughters, 9-year-old Katie and 5-year-old Abby. “I never thought of myself as ‘the dad,’ but now that I am a dad, I do feel like ‘the dad’ and I feel like that first before anything else. The cliché ‘You don’t know
JAY HARTLOVE WITH KATIE AND ABIGAIL
what love is until you’ve had a child’ is really true. It’s surprising, invigorating and magical. I love and care about them more than I ever imagined I could. When I see them being kind and loving to each other, I feel like I didn’t just bring two new bodies into the world but two loving and caring people. When you have children, you get the chance to teach the big, wide world to a brand-new person, a fresh and innocent perspective. It’s a refreshing, exciting, eyeopening and reinvigorating experience that made me feel young all over again. I’d strongly recommend it.” TOM TOVREA Tom is the busy father of two teens, daughter Taylor, 16, and son Brent, 13. He can often be found chauffeuring them to
TOM TOVREA WITH TAYLOR AND BRENT
activities in true soccer dad fashion. “Raising teenagers takes patience – patience and the ability to remember what it was like to be that age. Sometimes it’s difficult, even with all my experience with dealing with young adults as a middle school teacher. My expectations are higher because they are my own flesh and blood. But despite this, the teenage years are what I’ve been looking forward to. Every day is fun and challenging. These are the payoff years when, after laying the foundation during their childhood, I can sit back and enjoy watching my kids succeed and have fun. A lot of people dread the teenage years, but they’re what I’ve looked forward to the entire time. And now that they’re here, I’m cherishing every minute.”
kind of a reminder to me that the time and the energy we’d spent raising our kids was now being passed forward.” JONATHAN HACKETT A dad of two boys, Tyler, 11 and Lance, 8, Hackett is heavily involved with his sons' sports, including coaching their football and soccer teams.
PETER CHAMPION The rector of St. John’s Episcopal Parish recently JONATHAN HACKETT WITH LANCE AND JT
“It's the best experience one could ever have, to be a father. I didn't grow up with a father. And my kids have never not had a father. It's taught me to grow up and realize what's important in life – your children and your family. Don't look too far outside the bubble – this is who you're going to be with forever. You're raising your best friends.”
ANDREW ROSEN An involved father of three – Jared, 19, Sarah, 16, and Joshua, 13. Andy also was legal guardian
PETER CHAMPION WITH GRANDSON, THOMAS
We at the Clayton Pioneer would like to join in thanking our fathers. Thanks, dads – we really appreciate you and all the hard work you do on behalf of your children and those in the community around you. And hey, can we have our hamburgers medium-rare, with cheese?
became a grandfather for the second time. “I sitting and watching our daughter and son-in-law with their newborn. It was pretty powerfully moving to watch them with their son, just totally enraptured with him. It brought back memories of how we felt when our kiddos were new, but it also gave me kind of a pretty profound sense that things have come full circle. It was
THE ROSEN FAMILY
Staff writers Denison Hartlove, Bev Britton and Taylor Tovrea contributed to this story.
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