IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com
July 23, 2010
925.672.0500
Teens arrested for serial strong-arm robberies TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
Three 16-year-olds, one from Clayton and two from Concord, were arrested last week for a string of strong-arm robberies in Clayton and will be charged with robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery and possession of stolen goods. The three young
men, two African-Americans and one Caucasian, attend Clayton Valley High School. A fourth suspect is still under investigation. The spree began the afternoon of June 30, when two Concord teens, 14 and 15, were jumped from behind in the Clayton pedestrian tunnel. Both boys were roughed up and sus-
tained minor injuries. They were robbed of their iPods, cell phones and wallets. On July 9, two more boys were robbed at Main Streets and Marsh Creek Road near the Corral. The next day, another boy was robbed near the Easley trail. On July 13, while police were responding to the fourth robbery in the Oakhurst area,
two more youngsters were assaulted near the middle school. All seven victims were between the ages of 14 and 18. According to Chief Dan Lawrence, the suspects drove by the victims in a black Mustang in each case, apparently looking for an easy mark. They would stop, get out, pass by the victims, then turn and jump them from
behind, saying “Yo, gimme your s**t.” A break in the case came when police sent an email containing a description of the assailants and the Mustang to a few local parents. Word quickly spread through a large, informal email network. Within an hour, police received a reply with information that led them to the
first suspect, an Oakhurst resident. One of the young victims had memorized four digits of the Mustang’s license plate. A black Mustang with the matching four digits was parked at the suspect’s Oakhurst home. Inside the home was a backpack taken in
See Robberies, page 9
City moves forward with Oak Street project TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
HANK STRATFORD
MAYOR’S CORNER Doing the right thing a community effort I still remember one fall morning while in college. I was driving to class and noticed another college student on the sidewalk having trouble with her bicycle. My first thought was that I should stop and help her. Almost immediately, though, I started thinking of reasons why it was OK not to stop. These reasons included that I might be late to class, I didn’t know her so it might be awkward or I may not be able to fix the bike anyway. Of course, as this debate was going on in my head, I was driving farther and farther away – making it more likely that I would be late for class if I went back. To put the debate to rest, I came up with the convincing reason why it was OK not to stop and help. I reasoned that it was good for this young woman to have this experience – she could learn to fix her own bicycle and learn how to work through challenges. To ease my conscience, I told myself that by not helping her I was really helping her. This incident has stayed with me – not because I was proud of the way I justified not helping,
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190
See Mayor, page 3
Viz/f/x , architects
PLANS FOR CREEKSIDE TERRACE, A COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL BUILDING on Oak Street, were completed by the city last month after the original developer defaulted in 2008. The building, originally called Rivulet, was designed by Clayton architect, Robert Staehle and includes 7,200 sq. ft. of retail space on the ground floor with seven residential units above.
Village Market owners pondering sale options JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clayton’s historic downtown has evolved over the years as the city, property owners, businesspeople and residents try to maintain a small town flavor while meeting the needs of contemporary life and commerce. No building is more representative of this evolution than the Village Market adjacent to The Grove park. For long-time residents, the “little store” or “the blue store” says small town. Since it reopened in January 2008 after being closed for four years following a fire, the shiny new building with an international deli in the rear has personified 21st century Clayton. Now, this city landmark sports white banners with large red, blue and yellow type on the
front and rear facades blaring “Business Available, For Lease/Sale.” The Sandhu family has owned the building and operated the business for nearly two decades, since they purchased it from Don and Carmen Williams, who still live in Clayton. Sam and Balwinder Sandhu began operating the market in 1991 and son Johnny was immediately made chief stock boy while attending Pine Hollow Middle School. TOO MANY LONG HOURS The signs intentionally are broad in the message since the Sandhus are willing to listen to offers for either the Village Market on Main Street or Johnny’s International Deli business on Center Street or a purchase of the property including the businesses.
What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Church News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Community Calendar . . . . . . . .14
“We’d like to keep our ties to the community, so we’re not looking to sell everything,” Johnny Sandhu says.
“I’m working 12-14 hours a day between the market and
See Market, page 8
The west end of town moved a step closer to the fulfillment of a vision last month with the completion of plans for a commercial building with 7,200 sq. ft. of street level retail space and seven residential units upstairs. The project sits on three city-owned creekside lots across from Endeavor Hall. Originally dubbed Rivulet, it was started in 2008 by the Komgold Co., developers of the Flora Square building across the street. In 2009, the Rivulet project came to a halt when the developer failed to replenish the deposit account. The plans were nearly complete and the environmental studies were done, so the city stepped in to pick up the project
See Creekside page 4
Mayor wants to build character in area students JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
AFTER NEARLY 20 YEARS, Village Market owners Sam Sandhu (left) and son Johnny Sandhu are planning to sell one or both of the businesses housed in their Main Street building.
Directory of Advertisers . . . . . . . .5 DVMS Reporter . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Food for Thought . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Pioneer Photo Album . . . . . . . .17 Readers' Forum . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Safety Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 School News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Senior Moments . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
When Mayor Hank Stratford convened a community group early this year to study implementing a character development program in local schools, he couldn’t have imagined that two separate incidents involving criminal activity by young men from the community would be making headlines just as they unveiled an outline of the proposal. “In light of recent incidents, the timing couldn’t be better to
See Character, page 6
Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Staying Fit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Take a Hike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Teen Speak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 23, 2010
Around Town Garden Angel returns to homeland to wed
HEIDI
AND
Hans Wiesendanger, known as the Garden Angel of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, returned to his native Switzerland and was married to Heidi Eigenheer on Saturday, June 26. The two met in Switzerland in the summer of 2008 after exchanging Christmas cards for over 50 years. Heidi visited America for the first time in 2009 and their loved bloomed. They will live in Moriken, Switzerland where they will spend their sunset years gardening, singing, hiking and welcoming visiting family from America. The Meditation Garden at St. Bonaventure’s is the result of many years of Hans’ volunteer gardening.
HANS WIESENDANGER on their wedding day with granddaughter, Beth.
Emily Burkin and Jason Gardner to marry Emily Burkin planned to have a quick dinner with her folks at Ed’s Mudville Grill in Clayton on June 18 while her boyfriend, Jason Gardner was in Texas where he was stationed with the US Army – or, so she thought. What she didn’t know was that Jason, son of Salvation Army Majors Clay and Pam Gardner of Clayton, had flown in to surprise her with a proposal and a ring. He’d chosen Ed’s because Emily had worked there for three years and the staff was like extended family. In on the surprise, Ed Moresi quieted the crowd (no mean feat) and Jason dropped to one knee. “Emily, I love you with all my heart. Will you
marry me?” Emily said “yes” and the young couple will wed at the
JASON GARDNER AND EMILY BURKIN
Clayton
Salvation Army Church in Concord on Aug. 7. Major Clay Gardner will officiate. Emily is the daughter of Kathy and Jim Burkin of Concord. She is a 2009 graduate of Clayton Valley High where she was named Leadership Altair in her senior year. Spc. Jason is an Apache Helicopter Mechanic in the US Army. He graduated from CVHS in 2006. The two met while trying out for the school band. The couple will live in Texas where Emily will attend Central Texas College before transferring to the University of Texas where she will study to become a Registered Dietician
Clayton Oakhurst Country Club! One of the Best Black Diamond Golf Course & Mt. Diablo view lots! Desirable Horseshoe
Kathleen and Roy Driscoll celebrate 60 years of marriage Kathleen (Kathie) Driscoll and Roy (Louis) Bailey, raised in the Altadena and Pasadena area, knew of each other through their church, families and school upbringing. They became romantically acquainted after bumping into each other in San Francisco. After a whirlwind courtship of less then a year, they were married in Pasadena on July 15, 1950, with their families present. Kathie and Louis moved to Berkeley to start their new married life together. Exactly one year later, their first child was born and shortly after they bought their first home in Pleasant Hill. Over the next 25 years, they moved twice to larger houses in Pleasant Hill and Martinez to raise Bill, Chris, Richard, Noel, Matthew and Tim. As their children moved onto lives of their own, Louis was ready to retire after 31 years with the Contra Costa County Public Works Department. Kathie pursued her love of children during this time by earning a child development certificate from DVC and working in preschools for about 10 years. Later, Kathie and Louis moved to the Heather Farms area in Walnut Creek to enjoy the retired life. Now living happily in Clayton, Kathie and Louis continue to enjoy the company of all their children and what the fruits of life have brought them. They will celebrate this milestone anniversary at a gathering in the home of their daughter in Napa.
KATHIE AND LOUIS BAILEY at their 1950 wedding
What’s happening Around Town? We want to know what’s happening in your families and in your neighborhoods. Send your news of births, engagements weddings, anniversaries, celebrations, 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.
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Clayton Market Update provided by George Vujnovich of Better Homes Realty ADDRESS
PRICE
31 Nottingham Cir ....................$525,000 3038 Windmill Canyon Dr ........$630,000 4004 Hummingbird Wy.............$555,000 456 Obsidian Way ....................$710,000 4948 Morgan Territory Rd ........$540,000 5002 Raven Way......................$695,000
SF . . . . .2017 . . . . .2313 . . . . .1816 . . . . .3008 . . . . .1323 . . . . .2854
BED/BATH
SALE DATE
. . . . .3/2 . . . . .7/11/10 . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . .7/7/10 . . . . .3/2 . . . . . .7/6/10 . . . . .4/3 . . . . . .7/6/10 . . . . .3/2 . . . . .6/18/10 . . . . .4/3 . . . . .6/18/10
ADDRESS
PRICE
SF
937 Douglas Ct ........................$1,650,000 . . . .8200 377 Mount Washington Wy ......$560,000 . . . . .2619 15 Weatherly Dr .......................$655,000 . . . . .2324 315 Chardonnay Cir .................$665,000 . . . . .2116 5599 Coronado Court...............$495,000 . . . . .1597 1435 Indianhead Cir.................$399,000 . . . . .1355
BED/BATH
SALE DATE
. . . . .6/7.5 . . . .6/15/10 . . . . .5/2.5 . . . .6/15/10 . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . .6/4/10 . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . .6/2/10 . . . . .4/2 . . . . .5/28/10 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . .5/27/10
July 23, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Obituary
Around Town
in The
April 22, 1975 – June 30, 2010
Kieran Moss, 8, and his brother Aidan, 6, recently travelled to Monticello, the historic home of Thomas Jefferson, founding father and author of the Declaration of Independence. The boys learned historic facts about Mr. Jefferson, his Charlottesville, Virginia home and his service to then newly formed United States of America. They participated in a very detailed tour of the estate and learned how different life is today than it was 225 years ago.
Friends share a visit to Berlin Wall AIDAN AND KIERAN MOSS
Monica (Nikki) Santiago Racela died on June 30 in Paris. She was born in San Francisco on April 22, 1975, the daughter of Norma and Reynaldo, both from the Philippines. She grew up in Concord and graduated from Clayton Valley High School in 1993. She then graduated from the American International University of London, Richmond in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in international business and marketing and a minor in anthropology. She also attended the University of Surrey and earned a master’s degree in international service in 2001. She met her husband, Philippe Pinate, while living in Shanghai. They were married in Boracay in the Philippines in March 2004 and lived in England and South Korea before settling down in Paris. Nikki was a free spirit who traveled the world, touching the hearts of everyone she met. Although she was often confronted with medical complications, she never slowed down. She completed two missions for Habitat for Humanity in Jamaica and Ethiopia.
but because I was disappointed in how quickly and creatively I could talk myself out of stopping and helping. Instead of doing the right thing by helping or at least offering to help, I talked myself into thinking that it was not only OK not to stop but maybe not stopping actually did some good. As this next school year starts, our local schools are going to begin incorporating the “Do the Right Thing” program into their cultures. Six character traits have been selected and will be emphasized during the year. The traits are responsibility, respect, kindness, self-
Grove
Saturdays
6 to 8:30 p.m. At the Gazebo in The Grove
July 31 Laurent Fourgo & His Orchestra The Big Band Sound
Aug. 14 Diamond Dave Oldies to today’s top hits
Aug. 28 East Bay Mudd Soul, Funk, R&B
Sept. 11 The Hit Waves All the Greatest Hits
She is survived by her husband Philippe, parents Norma and Roy Middleton, father Reynaldo Racela and brother Raymond. Services were held July 10 at Northcreek Church in Walnut Creek.
Sponsored by the city of Clayton, CBCA and Allied Waste Services
Local Food To Go Support your local businesses & restaurants. Takeout or dine in before or after the concert.
Mayor, from page 1 Last month, Trinity Gardner and Justine Del Monte, both 9, visited the Berlin Wall in Germany. The two girls have been friends since they were a year old. Trinity is the granddaughter of 30year Clayton residents, Trish and Gary Gardner and daughter of Briana Gardner. Justine is the daughter of Charles and Jacqueline Del Monte, also of Clayton.
Concerts
Monica Santiago Racela
Pioneer visits Monticello with the Moss brothers
Trinity Gardner and Justine Del Monte
Page 3
discipline, integrity and courage. One of the goals of “Do the Right Thing” is to coordinate the efforts of the schools, the Clayton Business and Community Association and the city to create a consistent message throughout the community. We hope these efforts will be beneficial to families as they teach and model good character at home. I recently received an email from one of the volunteers at the Clayton Fourth of July parade. She and her husband were stationed at one of the barricades downtown. She commented that most the people who came by the barricade
were kind and courteous, but about 15 percent were abusive to some degree. Volunteers at other barricades shared the same feeling. Good character isn’t just for kids. We can all benefit by examining our own lives and evaluating our own character. If I would have thought about any one of the six “Do the Right Thing” character traits that fall morning when I was in college, I probably would have used my creative thinking to come up with compelling reasons to stop and help the stranded bicyclist instead of reasons not to help. If you have questions, please email me at hank_stratford@yahoo.com.
Moresi’s Chophouse 6115 Main St., 672 - 1333 Ed’s Mudville Grill 6200 Center St., 673-0333 La Veranda Cafe 6201 Center St., 524 - 0011 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
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Page 4
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 23, 2010
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men dropped the sign and tried unsuccessfully to hide in the bushes. Both men were arrested for public intoxication and grand theft. The two were students headed off for college and wanted the sign, valued at around $4,000, as a souvenir. But, the story doesn’t end there. Officers returned the sign to its rightful spot in the median and sent a memo to city maintenance asking them to rehang it. But, when maintenance crews arrived later that morning to put
the sign back, it was gone again. A disgruntled city staff figured the sign had been stolen again by someone else, so everyone was very surprised to see the sign hanging in its proper place on the morning of July 16. The sign had mysteriously reappeared in the night. “We figure it must have been a Good Samaritan,” said maintenance supervisor Mark Janney. “We didn’t have anything to do with it.” Could it have been the sign fairy?
Clayton Resident
Summer Camp Special
Two Concord men were arrested on July 14 for attempting to steal the City of Clayton city limit sign on Oakhurst Blvd. A call came in during the very early morning hours from a neighbor near the Lydia Lane Park reporting noise in the park. Officers Todd Billington and Rich Enea were on duty. Billington went to the park and Enea headed down Oakhurst Blvd. where he could see two men carrying something big down the street. It was the “Welcome to Clayton” sign. At the sight of police, the
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Clayton man implicated in Ponzi scheme Clayton resident Victor L. Weber, 55, surrendered to authorities June 29 for allegedly operating a Ponzi scheme and defrauding investors of $850,000. He faces multiple felony charges, including grand theft by embezzlement and unlawful selling of a security. A joint investigation by the state Department of Insurance, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office and the state Department of Corporations revealed that Weber was allegedly operating a classic Ponzi scheme between December 2006 and March 2009. A Ponzi scheme generally involves entic-
ing individuals to invest money with the promise of an unusually high rate of return. The suspect then converts the money to his own use, and no actual investments are made. A Ponzi investment is destined to ultimately fail, as a suspect cannot bring in enough new investors to pay off the returns he owes earlier participants. Weber did business as California Covered Risk Insurance and Financial Services, GEM Funding LLC, Grantor Estates Capital Inc. and Wings of a Dream Foundation. Authorities say he used the various businesses to fraudulently
Creekside, from page 1 using $34,000 fro the Redevelopment Agency to finish the plans and complete the entitlement process. The city is actively seeking a developer for the project. Despite current economic conditions, Councilwoman Julie Pierce is optimistic. “We’ve already had a very serious inquiry from a local, highly qualified developer who has the expertise and the money to build the project.” There is a remote possibility that the city may partner with a developer on the affordable housing aspect of the project using affordable housing money that can’t be used for anything else, says Pierce.
“We hope a developer will come in and buy the whole thing on their own and finish it,” she adds. The project is consistent with the Town Center Specific Plan, which calls for a two-story, Western-themed construction with the ground floor designated for retail use. Upstairs are seven residential rental units that will go toward meeting the city’s affordable housing requirements. A parking garage for the residential units will be equipped with hydraulic lifts to stack the cars two high. At the north end of the building, a small park will provide seating and a watershed education area.
solicit investment funds to keep up with his Ponzi scheme. Weber allegedly solicited five investors to pay the life insurance premiums for a third party, also known as a STOLI (Stranger Owned Life Insurance). Weber solicited $850,000 from five victims that was to be submitted to an insurance company for the payment of life insurance premiums for an unknown party. Instead, he allegedly diverted the funds for his personal use. “No matter how complex or sophisticated you think your scam may be, if you are defrauding consumers, we will track you down and we will help
The building was originally planned to take advantage of a temporary waiver of onsite parking requirements for smaller commercial buildings. Since the waiver was set to expire June 30, the council voted to extend it for another three years. Creekside Terrace will utilize on street parking and the public parking lot next to Endeavor Hall Across the street from the proposed project, the 14,000 sq. ft. Flora Square stands empty – save for one tenant upstairs. The project went into receivership last year short of completion and several prospective tenants were turned away, says Pierce. Earlier this year, Thomas Properties, a Walnut Creek investment firm, bought the building and is actively seeking tenants.
bring you to justice,” said state Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner. If you believe you may have been a victim of Weber’s alleged scheme, call 707-751-2005.
Museum wants more classic cars for Wall of Fame The Clayton Museum has its fifth annual Classic Cars exhibit running through Sept. 15 and the museum is looking for car enthusiasts to add their classic cars to the exhibit’s Wall of Fame. Museum volunteer Debbie Musante encourages people to bring a photo of their classic car to put up on the Wall of Fame in the exhibit. “If they chose, we’d like to get a little history about their classic car too,” she says. This year’s presentation, Classics of the Road and of the Heart, has been coordinated by assistant curator Renee Wing and Musante. The Museum’s summer hours are 2-4 p.m. Sunday and Wednesday plus 6-8 p.m. each Wednesday to coincide with the weekly Main Street Car Show coordinated by Skipolini’s.
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July 23, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 5
Directory of Advertisers P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517 TAMARA AND R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers TAMARA S TEINER , Editor R ANDY W ENGER , Display Advertising P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design B EV B RITTON , Copy Editor J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports PAMELA W IESENDANGER , Administrative Assistant S TAFF W RITERS : Denisen Hartlove, Lou Fancher, Nicci Shipstead, Pam Wiesendanger, Mike Dunn We remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit is our muse
PIONEER INFO CONTACT US Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580 Tamara Steiner tamara@claytonpioneer.com 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 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-
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. LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a Clayton resident. You will find the appropriate form for your announcement on our Website. Attach your photo to the form. Make sure the image size you are about to send is at least 3 MB but not bigger than 6MB. The only format we accept is JPG. You can also mail or bring your print to the office and we can scan it for you. Also on our Web site are forms for submitting Community Calendar items and press releases for your organization. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 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.
REMEMBER WHEN THE ONLY RETIREMENT QUESTION YOU HAD WAS WHEN? How do you keep your retirement plan working hard in this uncertain economy? It’s time for a New Perspective – a complimentary review where I’ll help you identify new strategies and new opportunities to get you back on track.
It’s time for a New Perspective Call (925) 685-4523 today to arrange your complimentary review. Mureleen Benton, CFP®, Financial Advisor 5356 Clayton Rd., Suite 211 Concord, CA 94521 (925) 685-4523 Mureleen.M.Benton@ampf.com CA License #0692378 Financial planning services and investments available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Your meeting will include a review of your existing financial situation and potential opportunities, gaps, or general strategies. You will not receive a comprehensive review or financial planning services for which fees are charged. © 2010 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.
Auto Clayton Valley Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3900 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 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679
Dentist Clayton Valley Orthodontics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6200
CVHS Class of 1990 twenty-year reunion Sat. Aug 21, 6 p.m. – midnight at Wildwood Acres Resort in Lafayette. Join your classmates for dinner, dancing and reminiscing. For tickets, make your check payable to “CVHS Class of 1990 20 Year Reunion” and either deposit it directly to any Wells Fargo Bank location (account number: 5713376928 ) or mail your check to Julie Moss, 120 Shoreline Circle #441, San Ramon, CA, 94582. Include your email address in the memo field. For more information contact Julie Moss or Kim Nunes at (425) 417-0320 or KimberlyNunes@hotmail.com. Be sure to join the CVHS Class of 1990 Alumni page on Facebook.
Renner, Jason D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-2800
Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 Willows Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .957-2500
Events Pacific Coast Farmers Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9090
Financial and Insurance Services Benton, Mureleen - Ameriprise Financial . . . . . . . .685-4523 CD Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-0900 Littorno, Richard - Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6463 Travis Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-800-877-8328 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . . .672-2300
Funerals Moore’s Mission Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-1100
Classified
Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242
SERVICES
WANTED
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.
Real Estate Agents Be Successful! Lynne French is expanding and interviewing for a few agents. Call her today (925) 6728787. Home for Cat Found: Female Black Cat on 7/6 pm in downtown Clayton. Vet checked: 3-5 years old, spayed, likes people. Needs good home. Call 672-1528.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED 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 672-1988 or AnnaAndAva@gmail.com.
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 Pacific Coast Flooring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .609-2151 Navlet’s
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .681-0550
Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055
Mailing and Shipping The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245
Pet Services Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Pet Suites Inn
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-7387
Meals on Wheels Drivers 1 – 1 1/2 per week. Drivers and relief drivers needed for delivery of Meals on Wheels in East County. Call Jim at 673-0300 or e-mail hairbyjim@sbcglobal.net.
Rodies Feed and Country Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600
Hospice of the East Bay – Anna’s Attic Volunteer at Anna’s Attic Thrift Shoppe, located at 5350 Clayton Road. It's a way to make a meaningful difference. You’ll have the opportunity to help customers, stock shelves and prepare merchandise for sale. For information call (925) 6749072. Funds raised by the Hospice Thrift Shoppes benefit Hospice of the East Bay. Established in 1977, Hospice of the East Bay is a not-forprofit agency that helps people cope with life-limiting illnesses by providing medical, emotional, spiritual, and practical support for patients and families, regardless of their ability to pay. To learn more about volunteering for Hospice of the East Bay please contact (925) 887-5678, or email volunteers@hospiceeatbay.org.
Kavanaugh, Mike - RE/MAX Town & Country . . . .672-7800
Clayton Historical Society Museum Greeter for two hours per month from 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays or Sundays. No experience or extensive knowledge of Clayton history is necessary. Call the museum at 672-0240 and leave your name. Clayton Community Library Needs volunteers. Minimum age 13. Minimum commitment is 6 months. Some training provided. Shelver - to shelve and sensitize library materials. Various days/times. Tutors - no prior experience necessary! You determine the grade level and subjects you are comfortable with and the days/times. Requires good communication skills, patience and a desire to help students in the community. Contact: Arlene @ 673-9777 or email: akikkawa@ccclib.org
Real Estate and Mortgage Services Flannery, Patty - Diablo Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0541 French, Lynne - Windermere Real Estate . . . . . . .672-8787 Klock, Leigh - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593 Laurence, Pete - RE/MAX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . .890-6004 Lopez, Stephanie - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . .932-7329 Mazzei, Matt -Mazei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757 Morucci, Kim - Intero Real Estate Services . . . . . .280-8563 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . .672-4433
Recreation All Out Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4303 Castle Rock Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .937-7661 Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737
Senior Services Aegis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .692-5838 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 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212-3339 Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029 Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . . . . . .473-0180
Travel Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447 Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9840
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Seniors need extra precautions against summer heat
Laminate
Flooring INSTALLED!
starting at only
KELLY FERRO
SENIOR MOMENTS
$4.99
Summer heat waves are a particular danger for the senior community. It’s crucial for seniors to stay hydrated during very hot weather. Drink plenty of water and stay away from diet drinks, coffee, tea and alcohol as these dehydrate the body. Sports type drinks are often plentiful with electrolytes, which are especially important while being active in the summer heat. Eating foods rich in water – such as cantaloupe, grapes and watermelon – also supply extra fluid for the body. However, seniors who are on fluid restrictions or have epilepsy,
per sq. ft. Stop by the store or call for details 1051 Detroit Avenue Concord 925-681-4747
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heart, kidney or liver disease or problems with fluid retention should consult their doctor before increasing fluid intake. It’s important to slow down by limiting strenuous activities or rescheduling them when the weather is cooler. Choose early morning to exercise, when it is cooler, to limit overheating. Cool showers and baths can help keep your temperature down but avoid a cool shower immediately after coming in from the hot temperatures as it can result in hypothermia, especially for elderly people. Splash your face and the back of your neck with cold water several times a day. Place a damp cotton cloth on the back of your neck and keep refreshing it in cold water throughout the day. Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor of your home. Keep as much heat as possible outside your home by covering windows and skylights. If you do not have air conditioning, use a circulating fan or two to keep air moving inside your home. Try
placing cool, damp towels over your body with a fan blowing directly on you. Open the windows at night at opposite ends of rooms to let cool air into the house and promote air flow. Close off rooms that you are not using. Keep as many lights off as possible as the bulbs let off heat. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting cotton clothes.
take a serious look at this,” committee member Alison Bacigalupo said last week as Clayton was in the media spotlight for all the wrong reasons. “I was aware of Pleasanton’s Community of Character program and thought that our community might benefit from a similar program,” the mayor explains. “I don’t feel that our community lacks good character but felt that the whole community (kids and adults) can benefit by focusing on basic character traits.”
Church News
ity Gym Clayton Commun
on Summer Recreati Programs 7/12 - 8/13
Basketball League 7/20 - 8/12
Volleyball Camp 8/2 - 8/6
Young Entrepreneurs Workshop 7/5 - 8/13
Youth “Fall” Basketball League. Sign up NOW!!! by
Science Adventures 7/5 - 8/13
Musical Theatre Summer Workshop 7/12 - 8/16
Intro to Hip-Hop Class 7/26 - 7/30
(925) 672-4303
Space is limited. Register online at
www.alloutsportsleague-clayton.com
Photo by Jackie Robrecht
MEMBERS OF CONCORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH gather around Pastor Sungho Lee after Sunday service.
CONCORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH WELCOMES NEW PASTOR Sungho Lee was born in Chungjoo City in ChungchungDo in South Korea in 1959. His mother was a missionary and a pastor. His wife, Hyesung Hong Lee is also a pastor, with the Canaan Korean UMC in Marina, Monterey Bay, California. They have a son, Hozeh Lee, who is a student at De Anza college in Cupertino, and a daughter, who is a student at Pasadena City College. Pastor Lee was ordained in the Northern Illinois Conference in 1990. He attended Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL and received his Ph. D. in 1996 in the area of the Old Testament. Concord United Methodist Church is located at 1645 West St.,
If you have a home that just won’t stay cool, try heading to a place that you know will be a cool haven: the mall, library or an afternoon movie. These breaks from the heat are beneficial for the body, if only for a short period of time. Keep your summer safe by being aware of the weather forecast and planning your days
Character, from page 1
July 23
Summer Day Camp Program
July 23, 2010
Concord. Summer worship service times; 8 & 10 a.m. For more information please call 685-5260. THE BAHA’IS OF CLAYTON All are welcome to a talk and evening of fellowship on Friday, Aug 6. The subject of the talk is “Environmental Challenges and the Baha’i Faith,” with speaker James Andrews. Following a successful 20plus years in human resources for a global high technology company, Andrews accepted an early retirement package and shifted his career to higher education. He is currently the human resources administrator at Chabot/Las Positas Community College. The program starts at 7:30 p.m. with interfaith devotions, followed by Andrew’s presentation, at the Toloui home in Clayton. For more information and directions, call 672-6686.
PROMOTING GOOD CITIZENSHIP
Stratford put together a committee consisting of school administrators from Clayton Valley High School, Diablo View Middle School and Mt. Diablo Elementary, Clayton Business and Community Association leadership, police department representative, parent faculty club leaders and other community organizers with educational backgrounds. The committee discussed how the whole community could work together to emphasize good character, and the mayor made an informational presentation at the July 6 council meeting. Self-titled “Do the Right Thing,” the program would focus on one character trait for one to three months at a time. “The committee tried to select character traits that exemplify the expected behavior of a good citizen. It decided on responsibility, respect, kindness, self-discipline, integrity and courage as the traits,” Stratford says. “All of us, regardless of age or status in life, can benefit by thinking of these traits and examining our lives. The traits serve as a good reminder of what it means to be a good citizen. “The advantage of having a community-wide program, including the schools, business community and the city, is that a common language can be used to reinforce the character traits. A student will hear about being ‘responsible’ at school, see a reminder sign in a business and then read a banner displaying the word ‘responsibility’ hanging in the city. At the same time, parents are aware of the current character trait and can emphasize it at home,” the mayor says. PRAISE FROM SCHOOL LEADERS Diablo View principal Patti Bannister is excited about the community-wide program. “We have had our Character in Action program at Diablo View, but I believe the true value is in bringing the whole community together to support our youth,” she says. “This is a perfect example of what a great community Clayton is. Hank Stratford is to be commended for all of his efforts in bringing us together for such a valuable program. I think we can all work together to make
accordingly. Know your limitations and, most importantly, stay hydrated. You can beat the heat and have fun by remembering these helpful tips for a safe summer. Kelly Ferro is a marketing director for Aegis Living. Send comments or questions to kelly.ferro@aegisliving.com
a difference.” Bacigalupo is the new president of the CVHS Parent Faculty Club after holding the same post at Diablo View. She was involved as Diablo View started its program with a monthly project focused on character traits. “It’s nice to see that ‘Do the Right Thing’ has happened organically just as Mt. Diablo, Diablo View and Clayton Valley have independently begun their own programs,” she says. According to Bacigalupo, Clayton Valley principal Gary Swanson is expanding the “Link Crew” orientation and transition program designed for freshmen to other students. “When I attended CVHS site council meetings, the faculty members would say that the freshmen were disconnected from school and that was affecting their grades and discipline,” Bacigalupo notes. Mt. Diablo Elementary, currently without a principal, also has been implementing a program along the lines of Diablo View’s. SUPPORT FROM BUSINESS COMMUNITY The business community has been participating on the committee during the past few months. CBCA president Ed Hartley, vice president Keith Haydon and member Candace Bass have been taking part in the planning sessions. During June, Hartley informed CBCA membership of the proposed character program and included examples of how the CBCA might want to participate by providing funding for printing (brochures, posters, banners) and a recognition event to spotlight students of high character from the local schools. “At our June meeting, none of the comments made were negative and there seemed to be support for our participation in such a program, pending more concrete details and specific requests of CBCA,” Hartley says. “ ‘Do the Right Thing’ is in its early stages and will evolve as we learn,” the mayor says. “So far, the schools, CBCA and the city have been supportive of moving the program forward. The program is not designed to cost a lot of money or time.” For more information or to get involved in Clayton’s character building program, email hank_stratford@yahoo.com
July 23, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Readers’ Forum The Pioneer makes the Readers Forum space available to readers with a point of view on a topic of community interest. The views expressed in the Readers Forum are those of the writer and not necessarily held by the Pioneer publishers.
Waiter, there’s an extremist in my soup! What’s with the Obama-asHitler posters in front of the Clayton Post Office? I’ve seen them there twice, so on July 13, I stopped to find out what was going on. A college-age fellow was manning the table covered with brochures. On one side of him was the mustachioed Obama poster. On the other, a sign declaring “Bring Back GlassSteagall.” A woman who said she was a Clayton resident took the young man to task for the offensive poster. The young man countered with a recitation of the president’s “fascist” leanings, his hatred of the U.S. Constitution, his un-Americanism, that sort of stuff. I butted in and asked him what Glass-Steagall was. He answered that it was an act of Congress that kept investment banks separate from commercial banks and prevented commercial bankers from engaging in real estate speculation, selling insurance and other things they now do regularly. I later checked online and found he was right about GlassSteagall. It established the FDIC in 1933 and prohibited commercial banks from collaborating with full-service brokerage firms in doing investment banking. It was overturned in 1999 by a bill introduced by Sen. Phil
Gramm, R-Texas, and signed into law by President Clinton. Hey, I thought, the repeal of Glass-Steagall is responsible for creating banks that are too big to fail. We need it back. I told him I agreed that maybe Glass-Steagall should be returned. But I asked him why he was using such an offensive poster, along with brochures declaring Obama to be a Nazi, to win people over to what seems to be a worthy idea for reining in an out-of-control financial system. Talk about a mixed message! He answered with a tirade against the president for destroying our children’s future, etc., etc. Then I looked more closely at the brochures. They all bore the name Lyndon LaRouche. That explained everything. LaRouche is perhaps the fringiest of the fringe political thinkers. He and his followers have the paranoid drive of the John Birch Society and a technique for instilling member loyalty that makes Scientology look like the Episcopal Church. They replace reasoned political discourse with angry confrontation that has in the past turned into physical violence. If you google Lyndon LaRouche, you’ll find highlights like this: started out politically as a member of the Socialist
Workers Party but was expelled because he was too revolutionary; embraced Trotskyism (you know, the Russian guy who was killed by the rival Soviets while in hiding in Mexico – ugly scene concerning a hammer); taught philosophy in New York in the ’60s, where he influenced a radical student group, some of whom became the Weather Underground; turned against the Far Left and moved to the Far Right; developed a fear of being assassinated; founded various political organizations; fond of a confrontation therapy technique called “ego-stripping” to assure loyalty; mysterious suicides by members of his inner circle; ran for president eight times; and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment in 1988 for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and tax code violations but continued his political activities from behind bars until his parole in 1994. He also founded the LaRouche Youth Movement in 2000, which is active on college campuses, sometimes advocating that students quit school. In 2007, LYM launched a campaign against social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook, alleging they are involved in social engineering to destroy the minds and potential leadership abilities of young people. Left wing? Right wing? LaRouche’s opinions have been all over the place. For example, he loathes both Chairman Mao and Dick Cheney. So sending out his representatives with posters depicting Obama as Hitler is par for the course on LaRouche’s planet. And the young man defending the use of the defaced Obama poster? My guess he’s a recruit for the LaRouche Youth
Page 7
Movement. He became very quiet when I started asking him where he was from and how he got involved in all this. He’s probably on a mission to prove himself in the face of spawns of Satan like me and the lady on her way into the post office. Next time he shows up, I’ll take along a couple of beers and try to convince him that no one is coming after him with a hammer.
Save 15% off All Yard Clean-Up Not valid with any other coupon.
$50 Off
Any Landscaping Service of $300 or more.
Clayton Resident
Not valid with any other coupon.
Monthly/Weekly Lawn & Landscape Maintenance Programs Lawn, Shrub & Garden Care Irrigation Repair Tree Service – ISA Certified Arborist on Staff
Gary Carr is a resident of Clayton. Email him at carrpool@pacbell.net.
Certified Weed & Fire Abatement
FR EE ES TIM AT E S
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This detached single story, 3 bedroom, 2 bath Clayton home has new dual pane windows, an upgraded kitchen, formal dining, a Vaulted ceiling Living room with fireplace, updated bathrooms, neutral colors, a 2-car garage with opener and an ideal setting next to the greenbelt!
ON THE GOLF COURSE at $539,000!
MITCHELL CANYON ESTATES ON A LARGE LOT!
This detached 2story Oakhurst C.C. home on the 10th tee has a new granite kitchen, new tile entry, baths & laundry room, vaulted ceilings a huge Master-suite, is fully landscaped, has RV Parking and is in excellent condition!
Brand new, 40-year roof. This single-story ranch-style home has beautiful hardwood floors, some new carpet & Lino, is freshly painted inside and out, and has a 12,000 Sq Ft lot with some filtered views of majestic Mt. Diablo! All for only $539,000!
For a personal showing, call PETE at 890-6004. KNOWLEDGE
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2950 Buskirk Avenue, Ste. 140, Walnut Creek Direct 940-2777
Cell 890-6004
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Be careful to protect yourself from UV light HARUN SIMBIRDI
SAFETY ZONE About 95 percent of skin cancers are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, nearly all of which comes from sunlight. Bright sunshine provides great opportunities for outdoor fun and work. However, the sun’s UV light also increases the risk of cataracts and can lead to skin cancer. Even 15 minutes in the sun
without protection can harm the skin. Damage can include skin turning pink, red or brown increasing the risk for skin cancer in the future. While most skin cancer can be cured if it is detected early, prevention lessens the need for surgery to remove the cancer and even saves lives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that nearly 10,000 people die from skin cancer every year in the United States. Whether gardening or enjoying an outdoor activity or sport, most Californians will spend considerable time outdoors this
summer and fall. Sunscreen and sunglasses should be a part of our daily routines. Wearing sunglasses can save a person’s vision and using sunscreen on a regular basis can prevent painful sunburns while reducing the chances of developing skin cancer. The following are some useful safety tips to help combat the negative effects of UV light:
Use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. It should be applied at least 20 minutes prior to
SUMMER SPECIALS
CLAYTON VALLEY SHELL
$10 off $ 20 off $ 20 off A/C SERVICE
With Coupon Only.
LUBE, OIL & FILTER
Brake Work
Includes 5 qts. of Oil, Filter and Inspection.
when Free Brake Inspection done, work needed and done at Clayton Valley Shell
With Coupon Only. Offers may no t be
With Coupon Only. com
bined and expi re 8/05/2010 “Whenever any thing goes wro ng I know they wi ll take car of m with my car e at Clayton Valley Official smog check Shell.”
- Brenda John
See Safety, page 14
and repair station
son
Free shuttle service for major repairs Mechanical repairs and computer diagnostics including 30K, 60K, 90K factory maintenance on all European, Imported and domestic vehicles.
SMOG Special $
69 .88
+ cert.
FREE RE-TEST
Clayton Valley Shell Hardwood, Tile and Stone, Carpet, Laminate
Free shop at home service! •
Full Service Auto Care
Corner of Clayton Road & Kirker Pass Road
(925) 672-3900
Free custom baseboards with all hard surface orders! OR
•
Free upgraded pad with any new carpet order!
•
Amir
Hardwood on sale now!
(925) 820-8700 Locally owned and operated by 30-year Clayton residents Keith and Mike Baker
20 Regency Dr., Clayton www.diablo.floorstogo.com floorstogodanville@sbcglobal.net
Jameson
Gary
Alex
Peter
Page 8
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Summer Sale
25% to 50%
Shop early for the best selection
Off
Tue.-Fri. 10-5 Sat. 8*-5, Sun. 11-5
A purveyor of unique gifts, home decor & pantry
*We open with the market
1028 Diablo St., Clayton 925-672-2025
FHA loan program could help fund home repairs I have been shopping for a Q home in this great market as a buyer. I am particularly attracted to fixer uppers, because I am pretty handy. I am seeing many “as-is” sales of foreclosures and short sales that I would like to buy. Though I have the income and credit to qualify for a loan, with limited money to put down, I won’t have the funds to do the work. Is there a solution for me? There are some great deals A for fixer uppers, with minor repairs and major repairs
Cruise Adventures Unlimited Serving all cruise lines since 1987
Planning a group vacation this year?
Please call us to discuss group discounts.
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2011 Alaska, Europe, Caribbean, Canada & New England are now available for booking
Owners Valerie O’Connell (Clayton resident, 30 years) & daughter Colleen O’Connell
(925) 935-7447
CST 2074362-40
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needed. With interest rates historically low, I am excited for you. A loan that has been around since 1978 is making a comeback. It is a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan program called the 203k loan program. In 2009, only 219 borrowers took advantage of this loan – and fewer than that in prior years. This year, lenders and real estate agents are referring buyers to this loan frequently. Renovation financing through the 203k program allows the costs of needed repairs and improvements to be included in the FHA federally insured loan amount, instead of the buyer having to come up with cash or a separate loan to do the work. These loans have become more popular since FHA limits have been raised and home prices have fallen in recent years. This provides buyers a responsible way to buy fixer uppers. The loans can be used to pay for health and safety requirements, remodeled kitchens and bathrooms, new appliances,
foundation work or even room additions. They also can help you compete with investors when bidding on a home, because some banks give preference to owner/occupants of property. The down side in competing with investors is they often have cash and sometimes that is difficult to beat. I had been working with an Q agent looking for a house for about a month. I did agree that I would have him represent me as a buyer when I found the house I wanted. I found a house myself on the Internet and my agent wasn’t available to show it to me that day, so I called the listing agent. She showed it to me and I wrote an offer with her. I got caught up in the heat of the search. She also said she would give me $1,000 back at close of escrow and she would make sure I got the house if I wrote it with her, since it was her listing. I got the house. When I called my previous agent the next day and told him the good news, he was angry. He said I still owe him a commission. I never signed an agreement that said that. I feel terrible, though, because he spent a lot of time with me. Do you think I owe him anything? It doesn’t look like anybody did anything illegal, but it does look like there was much wrong doing. To your benefit, perhaps you didn’t know the rules of the game. No matter how anxious you are to see a new listing, you should always make it clear that you are already working with an agent.
A
Market, from page 1 deli,” he adds. “I got married two years ago and my wife, Amarinder, would like to start a family so we’re looking for a deal that will allow us to cut down on our work time.” Sandhu also has a real estate business in San Ramon. Sam Sandhu has been dealing with diabetes and the family doesn’t want him to work as much.
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LOW-KEY SOLICITATION The Sandhus have not listed the real estate or the two businesses with the multiple listing service or LoopNet.com, which would make their availability known to a wider audience. “We put up the banners to gauge interest,” the younger Sandhu explains. “We’ve received many inquires, but most people are looking for us to carry a loan. The businesses
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are both making money, so we’re not looking to simply turn them over to someone else.” He adds that they might be listed by the end of this month. “If someone wants to buy one of the businesses, they will purchase the fixtures, inventory and goodwill,” he notes. Even though the businesses share the same floor of the building and there is a hallway connecting them, they can be run as completely separate entities. The market is open 7 a.m.10 p.m. daily, while the deli operates 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. CONCERT SERIES DRAWS CUSTOMERS
The Grove, which opened in January 2008, has help offset the loss of business the market suffered from the earlier establishment of the Long’s Drugs (now
If your original agent had done a good job with you up to that point, though, you at least owe him an apology. I think the listing agent should have called your agent and told him you liked the house or at least offered a referral fee to him if there were a reason that you would come out better working with her. Many agents have their buyers sign an exclusive agreement to represent them. In this case, you owe the agent a commission if he can’t collect it from the seller’s agent. While this might be a good idea, the majority of agents in our area don’t have formal agreements. It usually is what I call a “handshake” agreement. I like this type of agreement, but it is not legally binding. I am pretty frustrated with Q my agent. We are about to put my home on the market and the marketing she is planning doesn’t show what I believe are the incomparable features about the home. She said we really need to be aware of truth in advertising so we don’t get sued. I want her to show potential buyers that my home is much better in many ways than most of the properties out there. Since when do you have to downplay a home to stay out of legal trouble? Since I don’t know how A much you want to enhance the home’s attributes, I can’t say if the marketing is appropriate. Of course, you want to show the features in the best light you can. Where you must draw the line is when you make statements about the home that
CVS) store a few blocks away. “Anything that brings foot traffic downtown helps us and all the merchants around here,” Johnny Sandhu says. Both father and son smile when queried about the impact the 10 Saturday evening concerts have on business. “The concerts are the icing on the cake.” City Councilman Howard Geller, who started and oversees the concerts, and Councilwoman Julie Pierce have been polling attendees about the Saturday musical performers and the habits of concertgoers concerning dining, buying or bringing food and beverages to the concerts. “We don’t have official tabulations, but many respondents say they go the market or deli before, during or after the concerts,” Geller says. The market was closed due to a Jan. 15, 2004, fire which
LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ANSWERS can’t be proven. The whole home sale process is under the microscope by the boards of Realtors, competing agents, hungry attorneys and more. There have been increasing lawsuits about misleading advertising. One common thing that is exaggerated is square footage in the home and the lot. Many sellers think their home and land are bigger than they are. They hope that advertising the property as bigger will make the sale price higher. Another example of false advertising is saying “spectacular Mt. Diablo views” when you can only see Mt. Diablo through the master bath window. Some sellers believe their home was designed by a renowned architect. But if they don’t have any evidence of it, they shouldn’t advertise it. It is best to highlight the true attributes and undersell the rest. Buyers who have certain expectations about your home won’t buy it once they realize it doesn’t have what they expected to see. 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., Clayton.
caused extensive damage. The family then had a protracted dispute with Farmers Insurance, delaying settlement for more than three years. Reconstruction and reopening wasn’t complete until Jan. 27, 2008, two weeks after The Grove opened. The International Deli swung open its doors July 4, 2009. The building also has a couple unoccupied office suites upstairs for lease. Johnny Sandhu estimates that almost two-thirds of his deli business is takeout. “The 38 p.m. timeframe is when people are downtown to eat. We also offer Indian food, so we have our niche between the other deli (Canesa’s Brooklyn Deli), Skip’s, Moresi’s Chophouse, La Veranda and Ed’s Mudville Grill.” For more information about the businesses or building, call Johnny Sandhu at 567-5065.
July 23, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Community input helps instill proper values My family is always reminding me to be responsible, respectful and grateful. At times, it frustrates me because I feel I do this the majority of the time. However, I understand and appreciate why they do this. They are my role models and want the best for me. They want to instill values that will make me successful. Whenever I have to make a choice or I am faced with difficult decisions, I can hear their words ringing in my ears. Without the values and support in place, one can be tempted into bad situations or lured into making the wrong choices. I believe this is why Mayor Hank Stratford is working on bringing the “Do the Right Thing” program to Clayton [see story page 1]. Supporting values already set in youth through their families builds a strong commu-
nity. Working hand-in-hand, the city, schools and businesses are able to participate in furthering the message of building character. Additionally, banners will be hung displaying the traits of responsibility, respect, kindness, self-discipline, integrity and courage. This program ties into the key parts of what makes our community successful and unique. Families here are supportive of each other and work hard to instill beliefs and build character. They are the initial teachers of values and morals. However, the community should also support those essential traits. Having others such as neighbors, coaches, schools and businesses model and value traits sends a huge message to youth. When adults model and expect these traits, everyone benefits.
ROBBIE PARKER DVMS REPORTER I think a program that focuses on the core values will help our community to be even stronger. We must go back to the basics and the things that really matter: responsibility, respect, kindness, self-discipline, integrity and courage. If we make an impression on others today, it will carry on to the next generation. As Mark Twain once said, “Do the right thing. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest.” Robbie Parker is a seventhgrader at Diablo View. Send comments to Robbie@claytonpioneer.com
School News DIABLO VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL Due to budget cuts, there will be changes to the structure of Camp Diablo View this year. Sixth graders will attend the morning of Wednesday, Aug. 18, and the seventh and eighth graders will come Thursday, Aug. 19. Parent volunteers are needed 7:30-9:30 a.m. Aug. 18, 7:4510:30 a.m. Aug. 19 and 10:15 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 19. Email Megan Kommer at kommer@sbcglobal.net for more information or to volunteer for a shift.
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Questions arise about Formspring tactics Social networking has become a huge part of our society, especially for teens. It allows the coordination of large events and reconnection of old friends, but are we putting ourselves at risk of being cyber bullied? One of the popular social networking sites, Facebook, has the ability to be used in conjunction with other social networking sites activated by individual Facebook users. A site that has been used with Facebook recently is called Formspring. Ade Olonoh, CEO of Formspring, defines it as “a site where you can ask questions, give answers and learn more about your friends and other people.” Basically, Formspring enables users to question others on Formspring and then automatically post it on Facebook anonymously. Though it may be an innocent way to get to know your friends, many teens use it to
SARAH ROSEN TEEN SPEAK cyber bully anonymously. Although anybody bullied via Formspring can delete their account just as easily as they created it, it makes me wonder why teens bully others anonymously and why teens care so much about what others think of them. CVHS junior Ronald Ylagan shares his philosophy about the site. “It’s a fun way to mess with people,” he said. “Haters make
Robberies, from page 1 one of the robberies. The backpack contained all but one of the stolen iPods and cell phones. The suspect was arrested when he returned home from weight training at the high school on July 13. “It’s really impressive that we got such a response so fast,” said Lawrence. “We just tell one person (what we need) and the next thing you know, 2,500 homes have the information.” David Shuey, a city council-
man and father of five, good naturedly refers to the email chain as the “yenta brigade.” A second teen, a Concord resident, was arrested July 14. The third, a Concord resident that was staying at the home of the Oakhurst suspect turned himself into Clayton police on July 15. When asked why they robbed the teens, one of the suspects replied “They be slippin’ ” – implying that the boys were walk-
you famous. The more (Formspring posts) you have, the more popular you are. You have something they want, but they’re too scared to face you, so they bash you anonymously.” CVHS junior Chinyere Ibeabuchi says people start to get a big ego after making small nasty comments. “Then they become snobby and usually end up hating on someone because they have something they want.” According to Monte Vista High School junior Gabriel Bronshteyn, people say just about anything on the site, such as “No one likes you, and you act fake. Don’t you just get that nobody wants to be your friend?” or “You’re awesome; don’t listen to them.” “I think people are naturally insecure, and Formspring provides a forum for their curiosity about their friends’/peers’ opinions to be answered,” Gabriel said.
I wonder why an anonymous forum is necessary to ask questions. If it’s a question you wouldn’t feel comfortable asking the person directly, then is that person going to feel comfortable answering that question without knowing who’s asking? I have found that teenagers’ insecurities overshadow their good judgment. Perhaps teens act impulsively out of anger and post things that reflect their feelings in that moment and don’t mean everything they say. It leads back to the idea that bullying is centralized around the bully’s own insecurities. We must ask ourselves: How much are we willing to put up with before we realize that having the ability to ask anything anonymously is a recipe for disaster? Sarah Rosen is a sophomore at CVHS. You can e-mail her at sarah_rosen@claytonpioneer.com.
ing along listening to iPods or talking on their phones and were an easy mark. “It’s quite phenomenal that we have people in our society looking for this kind of trouble,” said Lawrence. The three teens arrested were members of the CVHS junior varsity football team last year and were in summer weight training in preparation for the fall varsity season. However, CVHS football coach Herc Pardi says the boys will not be allowed to play this year even if they return to school.
The news hit the football team hard, says athletic director Pat Middendorf. “They’re really devastated that the team is tied to something like this,” she said. “Our program is set up to mentor students and build character. It’s not just about football.” Despite the loss of three potential players, football coach Herc Pard is enthusiastic about the coming season. “We will have good season and coach up the players who love the sport and who are quality student athletes,” assures Pardi.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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ARF’s student campers are dog-gone happy NICCI SHIPSTEAD Clayton Pioneer
Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation in Walnut Creek helps dogs and cats find their “forever home.” Camp ARF takes the next step by teaching youth about the monumental problem of pet overpopulation. Campers are then given proverbial shoes to walk the extra mile toward a very reachable goal – prevention. “As much as some people want their child to experience the miracle of birth, you can go to a shelter,” says 11-yearold Claire Smithey of Clayton. “Your kitten will be just as adorable from a shelter or from ARF.” Erika Hart, people connect manager at ARF, considers Smithey a “career camper.” The sixth grader attended her first week of Volunteer Training Camp this month during her fifth camp since 2004. Camps run a week long, with campers grouped by grade and level. Fourth and fifth graders have the opportunity to watch a spay or neuter surgery in the clinic. “They don’t all stay through the whole sur-
CLAIRE SMITHEY AND HER DOG ZOE MARGARET play with a toy she made at one of five Camp ARFs. Entering sixth grade Smithey attended her first Volunteer Training Camp earlier this month.
gery,” Hart notes. Smithey remembers watching a dog surgery. “I found it very neat. I learned from it,” she says. “It should not be, ‘Ew, gross!’ The dog is not getting hurt. It goes back to educating about overpopulation.”
Hart said several progressive campers are camp counselors this year. “A Northgate graduate, attending camps since his sixth grade, is heading off to vet school this year,” she reports. Students in grades 6-12 par-
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tears. So we went outside and ran, skated or swam. By today’s standards, that alone would exceed the minimum recommended fitness guidelines for kids. Yet there are countless options for kids to avoid all of these activities. This needs to change or we’ll end up with the first generation that is actually less healthy than the previous generation. The tide does seem to be changing. Professional sports leagues are endorsing the “60 Minutes of Fitness per Day” idea. The White House is promoting programs for healthier kids. Grocers and restaurateurs have promoted the “Health and Wellness” ideal. Sure, there is political/monetary profit to be made for these parties, but the end result is a focus on health – and that’s a positive thing. To get your kids to increase
their activity level, the key is to find something fun. You want them to engage in physical fitness without them knowing that it’s anything more than an enjoyable activity. I have coached teams that have had kids who were not there by choice. The result was that the child was not only sour on playing for the team, they were down on doing anything resembling sports. The goal is to do something fun that will give them a positive view of fitness for the rest of their lives. There are a lot of organized activities such as sports/theater camps, clinics, open gyms. Swimming is a fantastic fitness activity and if you don’t have a pool (or a friend with a pool) there are a lot of sites with public swimming hours. You don’t have to spend a lot of money for fitness, either. Take a hike or bike ride
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This summer, get the kids up, out and moving toward physical fitness Although summer gives kids a chance to rest their brains a bit, it doesn’t mean they should take a break from physical fitness as well. While it can be OK to vegout on the sofa for a while with a good movie or video game, as in all things, balance is important. Child obesity rates are at record highs. Experts are constantly fretting about the diets and activity levels of our young people and demand that schools, restaurants and marketers take responsibility for improving their health. That’s all good, but we need to keep the primary responsibility at home. It was easier when we were kids – no video games (OK, maybe Pong), DVDs or 100s of channels on cable. You could only stare at your aquarium or work on a puzzle for so long before being bored to
ticipate in Volunteer Training Camp, assist with a birthday party, practice cleaning and animal interaction plus socialization techniques. With about 23 hours of practical experience, they may volunteer independently. “You don’t have to wait to be grown up to get a job,” Smithey says. “I couldn’t wait to go every day. It makes you feel proud of yourself.” Smithey has scheduled cat socialization groups and a birthday party for the summer. “I plan on doing as much as I can. It’s a privilege.” Most remaining summer camps have space available. Registration for next summer opens the last week of January. The school-year program posts online mid-August. Camp ARF runs a four-day holiday camp Dec. 20-23. “I recommend starting camp as soon as you can,” Smithey said. “You will be perfectly fine with or without a friend. It’s very fun.”
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STAYING FIT with the kids early or late in the day, outside of the superhot hours. Or, take your kids down your own memory lane and show them what you used to do on a summer day. Throw a slip-n-slide on the lawn or set up a water balloon fight and you’ll be amazed at how much energy gets expended. If it’s a really hot day, bowling alleys have great rates during non-peak hours. Or try Frisbee, tag or jumping rope. These can all create great summer memories, especially when finished with a Popsicle on the front lawn. Parents are still the biggest role models. Exercising or being active will point your kids in the right direction. You don’t need to run a marathon. A simple walk followed by comments about how much better it made you feel is a great start. Keep the video games in the mix. Just set limits and let the kids spend the rest of the time blossoming. Mike Monahan is owner of Snap Fitness in Clayton. He can be reached at 693-0110.
The Pioneer - It’s your paper!
July 23, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Page 11
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PET PALS Open windows and summer vacation make people increasingly aware of that neighborhood scourge – the incessantly barking dog. For some dogs, barking can last throughout the work day. The intensity might increase or there might be a moment’s quiet, but it soon returns to its monotonous, grating rhythm. Many people believe that dogs will entertain and exercise themselves in the yard. Unfortunately, most dogs merely await their owner’s return. The owner’s presence allows dogs to relax enough to play. Even with another family dog present, there is little activity. When dogs do entertain themselves, it is usually in
unacceptable ways – such as digging or fence-fighting. Both activities frequently are the result of frustration. Some dogs bark because they do not know another way to burn their energy. Dogs that spend part of their time in the house can bark as a sign of distress, a signal that their family “forgot” them. Because the family does eventually invite the dog to rejoin them, the dog inadvertently learns that a certain number of barks will reunite the family. In their mind, it pays to keep barking. Outdoor dogs can also bark from fear. Domestication has genetically programmed dogs to be human-oriented. Dogs depend on people for companionship, food and protection. A dog is vulnerable and alone outside. It can grow fearful of intruders, be it the meter reader, a squirrel or a child selling cookies. Barking warns invaders to keep away.
Incessant barking can often be curtailed, or at least muffled, by simply keeping the dog indoors. Most dogs are left outside for “potty” reasons. Either the owner is gone for a period greater than the dog’s bladder capacity, or the dog was never housetrained. Housetraining is not difficult but does require consistency and vigilance. Once housetrained, dogs can hold their bladder for roughly one hour per month of age up to eight hours. Although, as with people, this can vary. A trip home at lunch or asking a neighbor to let the dog out can solve both the potty and barking dilemma. Doggie doors might also help, limiting stress by giving dogs some control over their environment. Dogs that absolutely must be left outside should be exercised before the owner leaves. A tired dog is less likely to
bark. Vigorous walks or games of fetch help dogs relax. Mental exercises, such as frozen food toys or other food puzzles, can help pass time and give dogs something positive to anticipate during owner absence. This should not be done in multiple dog households with resource guarders. Of course, plentiful shelter and clean, cool water should always be available. Dogs rely so strongly on body language that we forget they also communicate with their voice. The next time incessant barking becomes unbearable, realize that it is a call for help. As responsible owners and neighbors, we need to understand and offer our furry friends assistance. Elena Bicker is the Executive Director of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. She can be reached at (925) 256-1ARF (1273)
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YOGI BEAR Yogi Bear is a very sweet two-year-old Chihuahua who is searching for some special folks to be his forever family. ARF U training classes would be a great way for both Yogi and his humans to learn some new skills while also having fun together! The adoption fee for adult dogs is $225 and includes 60% off one 7-week dog training session. Pierre may be a big boy, but he has one huge, loving person-
PIERRE ality! This handsome fellow loves to be groomed and petted. He is looking for a gentle, quiet home where he will get tons of love. Pierre must be an indoor only cat. 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, during adoption hours: 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The primary caretaker must be present to adopt. ARF also encourages kids 16 and younger and canine family members (dog adoptions only) to be present during the adoption process.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 23, 2010
Clayton Sports Local swimmers make big splash at Pentathlon
NO WONDER SHE’S SMILING: Recent YVHS grad Bekah Padilla of Dana Hills Swim Team captured the 15-18 girls A Division by winning four of five events en route to the Devil Mountain Pentathlon title and also broke a 14-year-old record in the 100-yard fly by nearly one second in a time of 1:00.13. JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clayton’s biggest swim meet of the summer, the 16th annual Devil Mountain Pentathlon, gave swimmers from Clayton and Concord a chance to compete in a unique event. Each athlete swims the same five races to measure their overall ability as the 2010 season hits the home stretch. The host Dana Hills Swim Team won five individual Pentathlon titles, while the Oakhurst Orcas claimed three crowns in the younger age groups. Swimmers from Concord teams captured five division championships among the 24 handed out at the Pentathlon in A and B divisions. Oakhurst head coach Jane Robinson was delighted with her team’s performance. “We had a very successful meet,” she said. “Most of the 38 swimmers who participated achieved personal best times.” Robinson saluted division winners Grace Smith (6 and under girls A Division), Stephen Guyette (6 and under boys B) and Sarah DeBack (7-8 girls B). Smith clocked a combined time of 2:28.27 in five swims, including the freestyle, backstroke, butterfly and breaststroke, before completing the meet with a 50-yard (double distance) free race.
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Photo courtesy of Oakhurst Orcas
Robinson also gave special mention to Orca swimmers Natalie Oosterhouse, Hugh Conrad, William Lingua, Hannah Macaulay, Logan Schoffstall, Chris Buzis and Ryan Molale for their Pentathlon efforts. Dana Hills head coach Kelly McCabe also had a number of swimmers she wanted to congratulate. Recent Ygnacio Valley High School grad Bekah Padilla took the 15-18 girls A Division by winning four events enroute to the title. She broke a 14-yearold record in the 100-yard fly by nearly one second in a time of 1:00.13. Eight-year-old Sarah Hamilton had “an awesome meet” by taking first in every event. Her winning time in the 7-8 A Division was 2:42.06. “We have very high hopes for this little girl,” McCabe said. “She is having an amazing season, dominating in every event.” Robinson also mentioned 11-12 Anthony Vines for a “break-out meet,” taking first in fly and free. The coach liked the efforts of siblings Karlie (6 and under) and Clayton Seastrand (7-8), who both had “two great swims and qualified for county in free and fly.” Michael Fryer was 13-14 A Division champ for Dana Hills, while teammates Bethany Anzelone (11-12) and Christa Rohrback (15-18) were B
Dana Hills photos by Joern Weigelt
OAKHURST ORCA COACHES (from left) Jane Robinson, Jessie Byers and Angie Bradley celebrate with 6 and under champion Grace Smith at the recent 16th annual Devil Mountain Pentathlon at Dana Hills swim pool in Clayton.
SARAH HAMILTON HAD THE FASTEST TIME IN ALL FIVE RACES and thus was the big winner in the 7-8 A Division at 16th annual Devil Mountain Pentathlon. Her Dana Hills Swim Team coach Kelly McCabe said Hamilton “had an awesome meet.”
Division girls winners. Dana Hills coach and swimmer Derek Anderson, 16, got second overall in his 15-18 age group with a big touch-out win in the 100 free with a 49.89 time. Walnut Country Swim Team of Concord had Anthony Vizental (7-8 boys A Division), Laila Siegel (6 and under girls B) and Kalyn Stuart (9-10 girls B) each earn first place. Ygnacio Wood had a pair of A Division boys champs in Vernon Smith (11-12) and James Humann (1518). The event included 11 teams and 900 swimmers, in a meet coordinated by Lauren Velez and Kathy Williams. “If I had to choose my favorite thing about Pentathlon,” Velez said, “it is that the swimmers of Clayton are all together at one meet. It doesn’t matter if you swim for Oakhurst or Dana Hills, odds are you have friends on the other team. It’s great to see the kids cheering each other on. It is friendly competition at its best. “In addition to the Pentathlon being fun for the swimmers, it is a very social atmosphere for the parents,” she added. “Many of us are friends and neighbors. I consider Pentathlon to be a ‘home’ meet for both of these fantastic teams.” Here are the division winners and all the Clayton and Concord swimmers in the top 8:
11-12 A Division 1. Klinger, Allie 11 ECS 3:20.87 2. Schoell, Melissa 12 DHST 3. Kubota, Abbie 12 SPW 4. Humann, Alexandra 12 YWST 5. Weigelt, Alina 11 DHST 6. Reading, Bailey 11 YWST 7. Jochner, Maddie 11 YWST 8. Robinett, Alyson 12 SPW
Girls 15-18 A Division 1. Padilla, Bekah 17 DHST 5:12.13 2. Hansen, Allyson 16 SPW 3. Jennings, Ashley 18 DHST 4. Palmer, Nikki 15 DHST 7. Voegtly, Hannah 17 YWST 15-18 B Division 1. Rohrbach, Christa 16 DHST 6:25.70 2. Galli, Jenna 17 YWST 3. Loth, Hannah 17 YWST 4. Brock, Cherllyn 16 DHST 5. Richard, Demi Rose 17 SPW 6. Stanford, Amanda 15 DHST 13-14 A Division 1. To’o, Emily 14 ECS 3:02.18 2. Trimble, Justine 13 DHST 3. Abele, Sara 14 DHST 7. Treppa, Lindsay 13 DHST 8. Shaw, Riley 14 DHST 13-14 B Division 1. Villanueva, Sydnie 14 PHD 3:45.40 2. Sabas, Alexis 13 BEST 3. Thorsen, Alisa 14 YWST 7. De Guzman, Gabriella 13 YWST 8. Goodshaw, Katie 14 DHST
11-12 B Division 1. Anzelone, Bethany 12 DHST 4:14.61 3. Madigan, Kate 11 SPW 4. DeLong, Nicole 11 SPW 5. Macaluso, Kristina 12 BEST 7. Sherman, Haleigh 11 DHST 8. Baxter, Jennifer 11 YWST 9-10 A Division 1. Farrell, Emily 10 PHD 3:31.87 2. Stagner, Lily 10 DHST 5. O’Kelley, Ciara 10 SPW 6. DuLong, Erica 10 SPW 7. Smith, Katelyn 10 YWST 8. York, Margaret 10 SPW 9-10 B Division 1. Stuart, Kalyn 9 WCST 4:54.61 2. Mirabella, Sarah 10 DHST 4. Macaulay, Hannah 9 OCC 5. Azevedo, Madison 10 DHST 8. Sprague, Sierra 10 WCST
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7-8 A Division 1. Hamilton, Sarah 8 DHST 2:42.06 2. Rosette, Mary 8 YWST 3. DuLong, Gianna 8 SPW 5. Sherman, Logan 8 DHST 6. Samardzic, Isabella 8 WCST 7. Walker, Kaylie 8 BEST 8. Ellis, Michaela 8 BEST 7-8 B Division 1. DeBack, Sarah 8 OCC 3:44.63 2. Mirabella, Katie 7 DHST 5. House, Lauren 8 YWST 6. Callahan, Camylle 7 DHST 7. Dunn, Kaitlyn 8 DHST 8. Vines, Madelyn 8 DHST 6 & Under A Division 1. Smith, Grace 6 OCC 2:28.27 2. Seastrand, Karlie 6 DHST 7. Dachauer, Gianna 6 YWS 6 & Under B Division 1. Siegel, Laila 6 WCST 3:36.31 2. Cloven, Rochelle 6 DHST 3. Williams, Emma 6 WCST 4. Quesada, Miya 6 DHST 5. Meine, Hannah 6 WCST 6. Liberman, Alyssa 6 SPW 7. Oosterhouse, Natalie 6 OCC
See Pentathlon, page 13
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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.
Kara Kohler earns spot in U.S. boat for world championships JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Photo courtesy of Kohler family
CLAYTON NATIVE KARA KOHLER is in Belarus for the World Rowing U23 Championships.
This week, Clayton’s Kara Kohler is representing the United States in the signature eight boat at the World Rowing Under 23 Championships in Brest, Belarus. Kohler was selected to the USA team after a grueling training camp that began in June near San Diego and concluded recently on the East Coast. At 19, she is the youngest member of the American crew by almost two years. Last September, Kohler joined the UC Berkeley rowing team, taking up the sport after participating as a competitive swimmer. During the past 10 months, she has done so well in her new sport that she was named Pacific 10 Conference Newcomer of the Year. The eights plus coxswain world championship competition started Thursday and concludes with the finals Sunday. During the last four years, when the eights have been part of the U23 world championships, the United States has twice finished first, once second and once third. Belarus is in central Europe, bordered by Poland,
Page 13
Sports Shorts CLAYTON VALLEY ATHLETIC BOOSTERS GOLF TOURNAMENT
Lithuania, Latvia, Russia and Ukraine. There are 21 events at the world championships, with the United States entering a boat in every race. Joining Kohler on the American team are Cal teammate Mary Jeghers and Walnut Creek resident Ariel Frost, the boat’s coxswain, who competes for Princeton. Other team members represent Yale, Michigan State, Stanford, Washington and Radcliffe. “I am really happy for and proud of Mary and Kara,” Cal head coach Dave O’Neill said. “They are terrific athletes and have worked very hard for everything they’ve accomplished. Their eight looks to be very fast and they should have some good success in Belarus.” O’Neill has coached U.S. crews three times at the U23 championships. Kohler is a 2009 graduate of Clayton Valley. She was a competitive swimmer for the Crow Canyon Sharks after a successful stint in her pre-high school years with the Dana Hills Otters. Her Cal women’s team gained notoriety this year as their coxswain, Jill Costello, led her team while battling cancer. Costello died June 24 after a one-year struggle with lung cancer.
The 19th annual Clayton Valley High School Athletic Boosters Club Golf Tournament is Monday, Aug. 16, at Oakhurst Country Club. The tournament benefits the football and golf programs as well as the Athletic Boosters Club. The entry fee is $150 before Aug. 1, or $175 after. Entry fee includes green fee, golf cart, tee prize, golf shirt, course drinks, lunch and dinner. For more information, contact Dave Looney at 285-9903 or visit cvhsboosters.org.
BUSY SUMMER SCHEDULE AT CLAYTON COMMUNITY GYM All Out Sports is now programming the Clayton Community Gym and will be running a series of MEGA sports camps and programs open to kids 4-17. Flag football camp is next week, July 2630. Youth basketball and flag football leagues are also accepting signups. For more information or to register, visit alloutsportsleague-clayton.com.
CLAYTON VALLEY FALCONS FOOTBALL, CHEER SIGNUPS
Clayton Valley Falcons football program for boys and girls 7-14 and cheer program for boys and girls 5-14 are accepting signups at cvaafalcons.com. Practice begins Aug. 2. Call 927-7377 for more information.
DIABLO FUTBOL PRE-SEASON AYSO SOCCER CAMP Diablo Futbol Club professional coaches will present the first MDSA Pre-season Camp Aug. 9-13 for AYSO players getting ready for fall soccer league. 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.
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Pentathlon, from page 12 Boys 15-18 A Division 1. Humann, James 17 YWST 4:52.65 2. Anderson, Derek 16 DHST 3. Ray, Mike 18 YWST 4. Thorsen, Tim 18 YWST 7. Chiok, Michael 18 DHST 8. Grace, Guy 18 YWST 15-18 B Division 1. Tyndall, Jonathan 18 PHAQ 5:25.10 2. Keane, John 16 DHST 5. McCurdy, Will 17 VDD 7. Deely, Jared 15 DHST 8. O’Connell, Christopher 15 SPW 13-14 A Division 1. Fryer, Michael 14 DHST 3:07.16 3. Madigan, Jack 13 SPW 4. Vanderstraeten, Matt 14 SPW 5. York, Paul 13 SPW 8. English, Collin 13 DHST
13-14 B Division 1. Kelso, Luca 14 PHAQ 3:30.78 2. McMurdo, Connor 13 DHST 4. Brandt, Maxwell 13 SPW 7. Marin, Patrick 13 YWST 11-12 A Division 1. Smith, Vernon 12 YWST 3:36.01 4. Calkins, Liam 12 DHST 5. Dalman, Dekker 12 SPW 6. Roundy, Caleb 12 WCST 8. Vines, Anthony 12 DHST 11-12 B Division 1. Covaia, Nicholas 11 ECS 4:28.46 2. Halligan, Thomas 11 YWST 3. Fryer, Mathew 11 DHST 4. Silverberg, Max 11 DHST 5. Buzis, Chris 12 OCC 6. Siegrist, Jared 11 DHST 7. Stoller, Shane 12 BEST 8. Molale, Ryan 12
9-10 A Division 1. Iannaccone, Ryan 9 ECS 3:34.01 2. Weigelt, Niklas 9 DHST 3. Brown, Calan 9 SPW 6. Kubota, Kyler 10 SPW 7. Baxter, Timothy 9 YWST 9-10 B Division 1. Shinn, Jordan 9 PHD 4:50.60 2. Galli, Steven 9 YWST 3. Schoffstall, Logan 9 OCC 5. Simmons, Max 10 YWST 7. Newbigging, Anakin 10 WCST 7-8 A Division 1. Vizental, Anthony 8 WCST 2:44.19 2. Yoder, Rodney 8 YWST 3. Mainer, Mikey 7 YWST 5. Darr, Tyler 8 YWST 6. Hamilton, Lawrence 8 BEST 7. Finck, John 8 SPW 8. York, Vincent 8 SPW
7-8 B Division 1. Beyer, Alec 7 PHD 4:02.13 2. Lingua, William 7 OCC 4. Santa Maria, Robert 7 BEST 5. Newbigging, Jonas 7 WCST 6. Newton, Colby 8 DHST 7. Longley, Toshio 7 DHST 8. Curtis, Keaton 7 DHST 6 & Under A Division 1. Julien, Andrew 6 PHD 2:25.82 2. Gonzales, Cole 6 BEST 3. O’Kelley, Aaron 6 SPW 6. Dargan, Jeremiah 6 SPW 6 & Under B Division 1. Guyette, Stephen 6 OCC 4:09.47 2. Frisella, Nicholas 6 DHST 3. Wright, Ian 6 WCST 4. Conrad, Hugh 6 OCC 5. Emoto, Ryan 6 YWST 7. Dias-Martin, Matthew 5 DHST 8. Rubiano, Jackson 6 DHST
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Page 14
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 23, 2010
Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. JULY 26 FOR THE AUG. 6 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com
CLAYTON EVENTS Saturdays through October Farmers Market
Sept. 2-Oct. 10 “She Loves Me”
Kelsey Venter and Ryan Drummond
8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Diablo Street between Main and Center, downtown Clayton. No markets Sept. 4 and Oct. 2. pcfma.com or 800-949-3276. Photo by www.kevinberne.com
July 23 “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs” Free outdoor movie night in the Clayton Community Church parking lot on Main Street. Begins at 8:30 p.m.
July 31; Aug. 14, 28 Concerts in the Grove July 31: Laurent Fourgo and His Orchestra offer the Big Band sound. Aug. 14: Diamond Dave covers the classics and the latest hits. Aug. 28: East Bay Mudd is a 10-piece cover dance band. 6-8:30 p.m., Grove Park, downtown Clayton.
July 30 “The Blind Side” Last of the free outdoor movies sponsored by the Clayton Community Church. Begins at 8:30 p.m. in the church parking lot on Main Street.
Considered the most charming and romantic musical ever written. Center Repertory Company, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. $19-$45. Centerrep.org or 943-SHOW.
Through Sept. 16 Music and Market Series Concerts 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 3 and 6:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sept. 16, Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. ci.concord.ca.us or 671-3464.
From 7-10 p.m., residents are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police during this crime and drug prevention event. To get your neighborhood involved, contact Herb Yonge at hlyonge@att.net or Lynn Christ of the Clayton Police at 6737350.
Through Sept. 15 Classic Car Exhibit 2-4 p.m. Sundays and Wednesdays, plus 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays to coincide with the Main Street Car Show. Clayton Museum, 6101 Main St. 672-0240 or claytonhistory.org.
EVENTS/ENTERTAINMENT July 31 Mt. Diablo Peace Center Picnic Games, food and entertainment. Noon-4 p.m., Larkey Park, Buena Vista and First avenues, Walnut Creek. $10 adults, $5 children. RSVP at 933-7850.
Aug. 21 Clayton Valley High School Class of 1990 Dinner, dancing and reminiscing. 6 p.m.-midnight, Wildwood Acres Resort, Lafayette. For tickets, make a $100 check payable to “CVHS Class of 1990 20-Year Reunion” and deposit it to Wells Fargo account 5713376928 or mail to Julie Moss, 120 Shoreline Circle, No. 441, San Ramon, CA 94582. Include your email address in the memo field. Or contact Kim at 425-4170320 or kimberlynunes@hotmail.com.
Sept. 19 Murder Mystery Dinner Sponsored by the Clayton Valley Woman’s Club. 4:30 p.m., Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. $45, includes dinner and the murder mystery with local celebrities. 969-9885.
7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.
Aug. 3, 17 Clayton City Council 7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.
CLUBS Clayton Business and Community Association Meets 6:30 p.m. the last Thursday of the month, except holidays, Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. Call Sue at 672-2272.
Clayton Valley Garden Club Meets 6:30 p.m. Aug. 11, Clayton Valley Pumpkin Farm, 1060 Pine Lane. Sharon Osteen talks about vermicomposting with worms. 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. Meetings begin again in September. Call Joan at 672-2471.
Clutch Busters Square Dance Club
Sept. 20 Friends of Camp Concord Golf Tournament
Meets 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Willow Pass Community Center Hall, 2748 East Olivera Road, Concord. Contact Karen at 6863774.
Hosted by Dan Ashley at Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. friendsofcamp.com.
Concord Stompers Square Dance Club
Through Sept. 30 Collection of Locally Grown Produce
Meets 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Willow Pass Community Center, 2748 East Olivera Road, Concord. Call Jennie at 672-9676 or angelfire.com/id/stompers.
Donations benefit the Monument Crisis Center. Drop off 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays, Mt. Diablo Peace Center, 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. Or at the Crisis Center 9 a.m.-noon and 1:30-4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays or 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays, 2350 Monument Blvd., Suite B, Concord. Contact Mary at 933-7850 or maryalice@mtdpc.org.
AT THE LIBRARY The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Most programs are free. 673-0659 or claytonlibrary.org.
Through Aug. 1 “Avenue Q”
July 27; Aug. 10, 24 Clayton Planning Commission
CLASS REUNION
FUNDRAISERS
Aug. 3 National Night Out
MEETINGS
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.
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.
Creekside Artists Guild
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.
July 24 Friends of the Library Book Sale
Aug. 2-8 “Footloose”
July 28 Fun with Duct Tape
Diablo Valley Democratic Club
With the Willows Theatre Youth Conservatory. Alhambra Performing Arts Center, 350 E St., Martinez. $10-$15. 7981300 or willowstheatre.org.
4-5 p.m. Teens can make a wallet or card holder with duct tape.
Meets 7-9 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month, Ygnacio Valley Library, 2661 Oak Grove Road., Walnut Creek. 9460469 or dvdems.org.
Aug. 9 Clayton Library Book Club
Through Aug. 7 “Laughter on the 23rd Floor” Neil Simon’s salute to gifted writers and comedians. Diablo Actors Ensemble, 1345 Locust St., Walnut Creek. $10-$25. 866-811-4111 or diabloactors.com.
Storytime for babies to 3 year olds. Child attends with caregiver. Drop in 11 a.m. Tuesdays.
Thursdays through Aug. 19 Picture Book Time
Aug. 13-21 Diablo Actors Ensemble One-Act Festival
Photo by Dave Hanney
VIOLINIST CLODAGH MARTIN will perform Aug. 10 at the Shadelands Auditorium.
Safety, from page 7
Aug. 12 “Secrets to Tapping the Hidden Job Market”
Tuesdays through Aug. 17 Patty Cakes
A mix of “Pirates of the Caribbean” and classical music. Shadelands Auditorium, 1111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. $10. 943-5846.
being exposed to the sun. Most important, it needs to be reapplied every two hours and more often if swimming – especially on children. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when possible. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, pants and a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears and neck. “Swim shirts,” available at most sporting goods stores, are a great idea for children.
Sunny Solomon leads discussion of “The Pastures of Heaven” by John Steinbeck. 7 p.m.
Learn how to find out about and get hired for jobs that aren’t listed. A free interactive workshop with Marilyn Ashlin of Ashlin Career Consulting Services. 1-3 p.m.
Aug. 10 Civic Arts Young Performers Orchestra/ Diablo Regional Youth Orchestra
Featuring middle and high school students. 1345 Locust St., Walnut Creek. diabloactors.com or 866-811-4111.
Unsorted paperback fiction $1 and children’s books 50 cents. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wear sunglasses that block 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays to protect the eyes. Exposure to bright sunlight may increase the risk of developing cataracts, agerelated macular degeneration and growths on the eye, including cancer.
Simbirdi is a resident of Clayton and member of the City of Clayton Citizen Corps Council (CERT). He can be reached at simbirdi@yahoo.com.
Storytime for 3-5 year olds. Child may attend without caregiver. Drop in 11 a.m. Thursdays.
Aug. 25 “Free and Low-Cost Job Training” Learn about job training programs in East Contra Costa County. A free workshop by Opportunity Junction. 2 p.m.
Emergency Preparedness Guide Beginning with this issue, the Clayton CERT team will provide a monthly emergency preparedness guide to help each of us remain focused on staying prepared in the event of an emergency. Obtain a container and make it your Family Emergency Container (FEC). Place it in area that is easily assessable, near the primary exit of the home. Place a minimum of a three-day supply of food and water for each family member in the FEC. Consider food that does not require water, such as peanut butter, crackers and canned tuna or meat. Place a pair of shoes and flashlight under each family member’s bed. Develop your emergency escape plan and practice at least one a month. Visit claytoncert.com for more information, past articles and preparedness tips.
Meets 7-8:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month, Clayton Library Story Room, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. All artforms and both emerging and experienced artists welcome. Contact Arlene at 673-9777 or nielsenjanc@aol.com. Creeksideartists.org.
Diablo Valley 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.
July 23, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 15
Willows goes from ‘Rags’ to a rich holiday show in the 2011 season The Willows Theatre Company’s 36th season will feature a variety of comedy, drama and musicals at the troupe’s Martinez venues. The 2011 season opens with the epic musical “Rags,” followed by “Once on This Island,” “King O’ the Moon” and “Show Boat.” The Willows kicks off fall 2011 with a gleeful new musical then ends with the holiday special, “Winter Wonderettes.” “Rags” is the story of a Russian immigrant family who struggle to make a life for themselves in early 20th century New York. The musical was a huge hit for the Willows when it was first produced 14 years ago. “Once on This Island” brings a calypso-flavored retelling of the “Little Mermaid” tale. Set on a Caribbean island divided by social prejudice, the musical
Willows Youth Theatre rocks the house with ‘Footloose’ Ren McCormack is a city kid who loves dancing. When he moves to a new high school in an uptight town, his dance talents and musical taste clash with the adults in power. “Footloose” is the high-energy story of kids breaking free – and a town lightening up with the help of good ol’ rock ’n’ roll. A huge showcase for youthful talent, “Footloose” is one of the most-produced high school musicals. The Willows has put its big guns behind its youth conservatory production running Aug. 2-8. Leading the conservatory this year is Willows stalwart Ricardo Rust, who directs “Footloose.” Musical direction is by the ubiquitous Tim Hanson, who oversees the music for most Willows productions. The cast of 12- to 18-year-olds is bright, energetic and guaranteed to win applause. The film version of “Footloose” is one of the most rented DVDs, but nothing beats seeing it live. Performances are 7 p.m. Aug. 27, 3 p.m. Aug. 4 and 2 p.m. Aug. 7-8 at the Alhambra Performing Arts, Center 350 E St., Martinez. Tickets are $10-$15 and available at the door or at 798-1300 and willowstheatre.org.
presents
CAMPBELL THEATRE, 636 WARD ST., MARTINEZ
revolves around the love between a poor peasant girl and the upper class boy whose life she saves. “King O’ the Moon” is the sequel to “Over the Tavern,” which the Willows produced to great acclaim in 2005. It continues the saga of the Pazinski family, now in the 1960s. This family
For tickets, including 2011 season subscriptions, call 798-1300 or visit willowstheatre.com.
After years of iPhone envy for the device my son uses constantly, I was finally convinced it is something I need for my next travel adventure. No more lugging maps, tour books, lists of restaurants, etc. on every trip – I’ll just download an application or program to do the job for me. While I await the arrival of the newest item in my travel arsenal, I’ve been checking out handy iPhone travel apps that can be downloaded for free or a minimal cost. There are thousands of iPhone and iPod Touch apps that you can download from the Apple.com site. Step-by-step directions are available. But you need to decide which apps are useful and worth your time vs. just quirky. Here a few I plan to check out. Around Me gathers GPS information from your exact location, then details nearby sites. This is extremely useful if you are lost in a huge city or on a desolate road in Australia. It can pinpoint locations and directions for banks, gas stations, restaurants, stores and more. Yelp is the same, but with user ratings and good feedback on restaurants. Urbanspoon is good for those who are indecisive, because the app will pick a restaurant for you. Gate Maps is an ingenious money-saver when museum hopping because it reads Wikipedia descriptions to you. If you walk
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by a historical street – and it has a Wikipedia article – it will read everything there is to know about it directly to you. Although it costs $5.99 to download, you’ll save money by never having to pay for a tour guide again. Say Where is great app that is free. You simply tell the phone where you need to be and it helps you get there. This is very helpful in a big city if you are on foot. LingoLook Flashcards is an innovative application that does not require an Internet connection but helps you communicate in a foreign country by saying a phrase out loud to the person you are talking to so you won’t embarrass yourself. Lonely Planet also has a Mobile Phrasebook app so there is no need to bring along your English to Spanish, French or Italian dictionary. Flashlight is an app that will illuminate your screen so you can fumble through a dark hotel room. AAA has just introduced their newest free app, AAA TripTik Mobile. It will show you a chosen route, plus voice directions, service stations locations, gas prices and detailed descriptions of their approved attractions, hotels and restaurants on the route. And finally, Sit or Squat is the kind of app you might laugh at initially, but it can be really useful when traveling at home or abroad. Basically, the free app tells you where you can find free bath-
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Let iPhone apps do the work on your next trip
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drama will feature many favorite Willows performers. “Show Boat” is the mother of all modern musicals. The Tony Award-winning show takes place over 50 years, telling the story of a showboat acting family and their struggles. “Show Boat” will be presented at the John Muir Amphitheatre.
The Willows is also proud to be producing a new musical in the same tenor as the hit TV show “Glee.” This will be an opportunity to see an up-andcoming musical before it reaches New York. In “Winter Wonderettes,” the “girl group” Wonderettes are the holiday entertainment at the 1968 holiday party at Harper’s Hardware. The production will be full of humor and classic melodies for the whole family. The current season continues with “Avenue Q,” which closes Aug. 1 at the Campbell Theater in Martinez. Following are the comic musical “Six Women with Brain Death,” Aug. 16-Sept. 19; the mystery thriller “Sleuth,” Oct. 4-Nov. 7; and “Nunset Boulevard,” Nov. 29-Jan. 9.
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rooms with user reviews that let you know if they are clean. There are also applications for checking your flight, getting restaurant reviews, making hotel reservations, finding an Internet cafe, locating your car in a parking garage and making Skype-toSkype calls for free. Someone said an iPhone app is like a potato chip – you always want to have just one more. As more functional, practical travelrelated apps come to the phone, the device becomes increasingly indispensable to people who know the right ones to download. Just remember when to say when!
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Travel Tip Instead of bringing along your address book on your next trip, print out name and address mailing labels for those who will be receiving postcards from your travel destinations. Recently retired, Clayton resident Peggy Bidondo now has the time to indulge her passion in travel planning and writing. Send your questions and column ideas to Peggy Bidondo at timetogo@claytonpioneer.com.
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Page 16
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Paranormal or pranks?
Est.1972
Gomez mystery remains unsolved
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Clayton Pioneer
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In 1957, Dwight Eisenhower was president, Ford Motors introduced the Edsel, and Ed Sullivan described Elvis Presley as a “decent, fine boy.” In Clayton, however, events were brewing that even today lend a case of the jitters to those passing by the old Gomez House on Oak Street near downtown. Tony and Mary Gomez bought the house in 1928. Despite being small, it boasted three bedrooms – enough to house their six sons and three daughters – and was close enough to town that the children ENROY GOMEZ could walk to school. It wasn’t until the 1940s that an indoor bathroom was added.
Bobby. What was first assumed to be a harmless childhood prank grew in seriousness over the next few weeks. Rocks began flying around outside the house. Windows were broken, and on one occasion, a brick flew through a window. Enroy Gomez, another of Tony and Mary’s sons, was living in Concord at the time but visited often. “Stranger things started happening,” he said. “We’d be sitting inside the house, and it sounded as if someone with a giant baseball bat was whacking the sides of the house. It was mostly late, like 10 o’clock at night. The kids were sitting there in the kitchen, so obviously it was not the kids doing it.” Suspicious of other neighbors playing pranks on the family, Enroy took the two boys to investigate the Garbarino house up
the hill. They believed someone might be using a catapult to send rocks toward the house. About 300 yards out, Enroy said, rocks began pelting them and they were forced to take cover and flee. “We probably beat a world’s record running down the street to our house,” he said. “At one point in time, I looked back over my shoulder and it looked like thousands of rocks flying through the air.” TROUBLE WITH THE LAW Other phenomena were witnessed by family and members of the community, including a frying pan falling from a stove then being lifted as if by invisible hands up
See Gomez, page 17
FLYING ROCKS The trouble began in 1957, when Tony and Mary’s grandsons Bobby and Tommy were 10 and 12 years old. A few years earlier, the boys’ mother had left them with their grandparents. “She dropped them off, said she’d be back to pick them up and we never saw her again,” recalled Melvin Gomez, the boys’ uncle. On a warm summer day in 1957, Mary Gomez was hanging laundry out to dry in the back yard when rocks began to hit her from behind. Unamused at the prospect of the clothes being dirtied by mischievous children, she blamed her grandsons. The boys claimed innocence, however, and she turned to the Chapman family living nearby. Their children, Butch and Sally, played often with Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer the two boys. But Butch and Sally swore they THE FORELORN LOOKING GOMEZ HOUSE on Oak Street gained fame after a unexplained, had been elsewhere and blamed Tommy and paranormal activities beginning in 1957 drew researchers from Duke University.
In a pickle? cooking and refresh their color. Arrange vegetables in clean jars and top with spices and herbs. In a non-reactive saucepan, combine the vinegar, water and sugar and cook until the mixture almost comes to a boil. Pour the mixture over the open jars, leaving about half-inch space. Cover and refrigerate for up to a month.
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LINDA WYNER
FOOD
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Munching on a crunchy sweet pickle the other day, I wondered about how many types of pickles are out there. I found that we Americans are fond of a comparative few – cucumbers, olives and sauerkraut dominate our markets – while countries around the world incorporate pickled foods as mainstays in their culinary repertoire. Pickling is a simple process. It involves submerging food into brine (salt dissolved in liquid) and storing the food in an acidic solution (usually vinegar). Sometimes the food is sufficiently moist that no additional water is needed beyond the pickling spices, as with sauerkraut, kimchi, and salt pork and beef. No sophisticated canning process is needed since the resulting acidity and salinity promotes good microorganisms and inhibits the bad ones. Archaeologists have found evidence of pickling in India and Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) going back some 4,000 years. Herbs associated with pickling, such as dill, were under cultivation in Europe about 1,000 years ago. Queen Elizabeth I reportedly adored pickles, and her muse, Shakespeare, refers to pickles in several of his works. The word pickle may be derived from the Dutch word for brine, pekel. Pickles allowed people to preserve foods for out-of-season use and to travel on long journeys where fresh food and essential nutrients were in short supply. Smart sea captains brought barrels of pickles so their crews would have quality, nutrient-rich foods available for long voyages. Pickles are a true international food. In India, fruits such as mango and lime are pickled along with various vegetables. Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, you can find pickled papaya and pineapple in Indonesia and the Philippines. Carrots, onions and other veggies are popular in Vietnamese
Giardiniera, or mixed pickled vegetables, is an essential food in Italian cuisine and the star of an antipasto platter piled high with pickled tomatoes, carrots and peppers. This version is easy and you’ll save a ton of lira making your own. Giardiniera
pickling. Kimchi, or pickled cabbage, is a staple in Korean cuisine and Japanese tsukemono (meaning pickled foods in general) will be familiar to those who frequent sushi restaurants and enjoy umeboshi (plums), beni shoga (ginger) and other vegetables. Europeans favor pickled vegetables including onions, beets, eggplant and carrots. Although we Americans consume a comparatively limited array of pickled foods, we do have regional favorites – pickled beets in New York style delis, okra in the Deep South, eggs in the Great Lakes region and jalapeños in the Southwest. Home pickling is easy. Have some Mason jars (thick glass with air-tight seals) handy. Select blemish-free fruits and vegetables that are perfectly ripe, but not overripe. PICKLING RECIPE 1½ lbs. fresh vegetables (beans, cucumbers, garlic) 1 T. mixed spice seeds (i.e. mustard, dill, coriander, celery seed) 3 or more sprigs fresh herbs 1½ c. white vinegar 1 c. water ¾ c. sugar Blanch the vegetables by cooking in rapidly boiling salted water for about a minute. Transfer to an ice bath to stop the
GIARDINIERA ½ lb. cippolini or small boiling onions 1 small cauliflower, separated into bitesize florets ½ lb. baby carrots, cut into sticks ½ lb. celery (pale inner stalks only) ½ lb. small green beans 2 c. (3-inch) diagonally cut asparagus 3 c. white wine vinegar 2-3 bay leaves 2-3 cloves 1 tsp. peppercorns 1 tsp. coriander seeds 1 T. salt Olive oil Soak the onions for one hour. Combine the vinegar, herbs, spices and salt in a large non-reactive pan and bring to a boil. Add the vegetables and simmer 15 minutes. If needed, add a little water or more vinegar to cover the vegetables. Transfer hot vegetables to clean jars and pour vinegar mixture on top to cover. Sprinkle a tablespoon of olive oil on the top of the vegetables in each jar, then cover tightly and cool. The vegetables should be allowed to mature for a couple of weeks in a dark, cool place before eating. 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
July 23, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Coreopsis a bold, beautiful garden companion Bright and bold Coreopsis should be one of the Clayton Valley’s favorite summer blooming perennials. This extraordinary plant is tolerant of full sun, hardy to our heat, drought-friendly and isn’t
NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL picky about soil conditions. Coreopsis is a sturdy, faithful bloomer that should be installed in any flower bed, border or container that needs that extra punch of color to get you through to the fall. During the spring, lanceleafed selections of Coreopsis arrive at nurseries. They are called names like Coreopsis Nana and Coreopsis Early Sunrise. These early perennials are excellent bloomers and reliable in the ground. MAKING A COLORFUL IMPACT Now that summer is in full swing, the spring-blooming perennials are tired and it’s time to install the summer bloomers of the family – the tread-leafed
members. These selections may look wimpy in the nursery container, with slight stems and thin leaves, but don’t let the initial look concern you. Once planted, these powerhouse perennials bust into action, adding punches of bright, colorful, daisy-like flowers where ever planted. Moonbeam Coreopsis is the original thread-leafed selection. This former perennial of the year has been readily available in nurseries and garden centers for years. Often passed by on the shelf, this perennial isn’t love at first sight – but rather a plant that grows into your garden. As it establishes, Moonbeam becomes a favorite. The feathery foliage becomes dense. The bright yellow, daisy-like flowers born in masses are tough enough to stand up to our summer’s sudden extreme heat. You can expect this plant to reach heights up to 20 inches and will become wider with age. Nepeta Walker’s Low or Salvia May Night would both be fabulous companions for the Moonbeam Coreopsis. PLENTY TO SHARE Limerock Ruby is an extremely sought-after selection of thread-leafed Coreopsis with ravishing red, daisy-like blooms. Clayton Valley gardeners can expect this perennial to grow wide in their garden beds. Within a couple seasons,
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claytonvalleyortho.com Limerock Ruby can reach 36 inches wide, while remaining about 18 inches tall. This perennial is a great selection to divide and share. During early spring or late fall, division of this perennial is encouraged. Simply dig up the clump, divide into sections and reinstall. When planting any Coreopsis, you will need to leave the rootball high in the ground. Occasionally, Coreopsis will succumb to crown rot, especially common with clay soil, so plant this perennial high. PACKING A PUNCH Mango Punch is one of the new varieties, part of the Punch Series. This new Coreopsis is sensational and will quench your thirst for some hot summer color. Mango Punch has a color combination of mango and orange with an overlay of red, creating a khaki or terracotta color. Rum Punch is the color of fruity watermelon-pink, while Strawberry Punch is cheerful with deep-rosy pink blossoms. These new colors are charming.
Coreopsis is both bee- and butterflyfriendly. They will naturalize within your garden beds and borders. Plant the same color repeatedly throughout a bed for maximum color impact. It’s very successful in long beds, preferably planted in the middle. You will definitely want something planted at the feet of the tread-leafed Coreopsis. Consider an early spring through early summer bloomer like Nepeta, diascia or armeria. You will need to shear Coreopsis back by one-third in the middle of summer to encourage another mass of fall blooms. This perennial is drought-friendly and requires little fertilizer to be fabulous. It is perfect for those who love lots of blooms without much work. Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden Contact her with questions, comments or suggestions at gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
Clayton Resident Darrel Leckliter enjoys gardening with these lush results: An 8-inch Dahlia bloom! He takes special care to ensure the fullest flowering on the dahlias. The secret is to allow just one bloom per plant. Darrel also enjoys cultivating a vegetable garden and fruit trees. His wife, Lydia, proudly shared this photo with us. 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.
to its spot and objects being moved during the night. By that time, the Gomez house and its “poltergeist” were gaining attention. Local papers ran stories on Clayton’s haunted house, and crowds were gathering. Official notice had grown as well. Melvin remembers the day the county sheriff and a deputy arrived at the house. “What’s going on out here? We’ve been getting complaints,” Melvin recalled the sheriff demanding. The uniformed men sat Tommy and Bobby in their car and, a short time later, the sheriff emerged triumphant. “He came in the yard and said, ‘Well, that takes care of that. The kids said they’re doing it.’ ” Melvin was flabbergasted. “I
asked Tommy. He said, ‘Well, they were slapping us and hitting us, so we told them we were doing it to stop it.’ ” Enroy recalled people saying: “Oh yeah, the Gomez family was just doing that and creating a hoax.” PSYCHIC RESEARCH Nevertheless, word had spread, and the family was visited by Remi Cadoret, a researcher of psychic phenomena from Duke University. Although Cadoret witnessed no events during his visit, he and other researchers were never able to rule out the possibility of psychic occurrences at the Gomez house. The strange happenings stopped entirely in the early fall – coincidentally, some noted, with Tommy and Bobby resuming
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Gomez, from page 16
Page 17
school. In the years since then, Tommy has died and family members have lost contact with Bobby. The gate to the front yard, where Gomez children once played, is fastened shut with a length of baling wire. The back door leading to the kitchen, where Mary cooked meals for children and grandchildren alike, bears a sign warning that “Trespassers will be shot, survivors will be shot twice.” Asked recently if he believed it was psychic phenomena, or if he suspected, like many others, that the events were caused by kids having fun, Melvin Gomez was unsure. “I just don’t know,” he said. “We spent a lot of time looking for people out there in the orchards, thinking they were maybe throwing rocks and then running and hiding. But we never found anybody.”
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Page 18
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 23, 2010
Take a Hike
Find Paradise
paintbrush and the spicy scent of black sage (with its stems of flower balls or seed heads), chamise, yerba santa, and sagebrush as their oils evaporate slowly on the hot, exposed slopes. Before you will be the grassy bowls of Newhall N & S on either side of Ygnacio, their names referring to an old farm company, stopped from development in the mid-1990s by Walnut Creek residents. As you drop into open grassland, traffic noise returns but meadowlarks add pleasing notes. Oaks are scattered on the hills, with dense cover in the
on scenic Lime Ridge walk BY SETH ADAMS Save Mount Diablo
Open space can restore your spirit in an hour. On this walk, which begins at the Montecito Trailhead on Ygnacio Valley Rd., you reach Paradise in half that. The Paradise Valley is hike is made for sunset views. The trailhead is a gateway to beautiful loop hikes, varied habitat, interesting history, and incredible views in less than five minutes. The trailhead was part of the ol“Old Sand Quarry”, a leftover piece of the Henry Cowell Lime and Cement Co., which moved to Lime Ridge in 1909 and closed in 1946. Lime was discovered in 1850, and quarrying provided jobs during economic downturns. Cowell included a town, employed 250, and ran 24 hours a day. All that’s visible today are quarry scars and a few few artifacts. AREA SAVED FROM DEVELOPMENT
Follow Ohlone Trail up from the west end of the staging area, curve left onto Paradise Valley Trail, leaving Ygnacio and
traffic noise behind. You’ll follow a small, spined ridge preserved by Save Mount Diablo, punctuated with lime out-croppings and poison oak. Crowded with cottonwoods, valley, blue and live oaks, it’s almost the only natural part of this area’s beginning. Most of the hills and swales were left by the quarrying, including the white dust and rocks at your feet. Behind, the Kirker Hills on the northeast stretch to expanding views of Suisun Bay and Solano County and, further west, Central Contra Costa and Briones. In spring, wildflowers crowd the trail. Soon the Montecito houses come into view. In 1990, these homes were part of a proposal for the ridge above you with even more houses and a shopping center in the quarry scar below. Herb Sihner, a founding partner of developer Braddock & Logan, reached a compromise with SMD in 1997, pulling the houses off the ridge, eliminating the shopping center, and preserving half of the property. Birds love the trees and you’ll hear mourning doves cooing in the evening.
As you pass above a detention basin, a single track trail, veers right and rises into the heavily wooded canyon. The slope is crowded with native bunch grasses. THE LONGER, THE BETTER Woodland closes around you as you rise into the first part of Paradise Valley, with low ridges framing the sky. If it’s late in the day, the eastern slope may be rose or amber-tinted by the setting sun. The forest belies the open space’s image of exposed grassland and dry chaparral, and the lime-colored clays give way to sand. But chaparral isn’t far. The three-leaved hop tree shows up, less allergenic than the poison oak it resembles, with smooth leaf edges. Partway through the woodland, you can continue up into Paradise Valley proper for a longer loop and bigger views. To come back, make a right turn on the Lime Ridge Trail (more chaparral), or right on Manzanita and Buckeye, in both cases looping around the transmission tower at the crest of Lime Ridge at 1,001 feet’. For the shorter trip, take the
first right onto the Blue Oak Trail and quickly cross Lime Ridge and the Ridge Trail, an old water tank above, expansive views past Walnut Creek to the Oakland hills. Blue Oak Trail is at the north edge of a large patch of west-facing chaparral slope. On hot days, you’ll walk with milkweed, bright Indian
ravines. Loop right onto Buckeye Trail, Lime Ridge descending north, curve right onto Ohlone Trail and past the Paradise Valley Trail. Look around – the grassy bowls to the left and the ridge to the right were once proposed for houses. After a gentle rise back over the ridge which has dropped to meet you, more great views and a short walk, you’ll be back where you started. Seth Adams is director of land programs for Save Mount Diablo, an organization dedicated to the preservation of open space.
Lime Ridge Open Space - Paradise Valley Hike Trailhead: Montecito Staging Area, southwest corner of, Ygnacio Valley and Cowell Roads. Map: Walnut Creek Open Space Map Short Loop: Ohlone Trail, left to Paradise Canyon; right on Blue Oak, right on Buckeye, right on Ohlone Longer Loop: Ohlone Trail, left to Paradise Canyon, right on Lime Ridge, right on Buckeye, right on Ohlone Distance: 3 or 4.5 miles roundtrip Elevation Change: 310’-610’ gain and loss Difficulty: Moderate rise in small loop; steeper in longer loop Best Time To Go: Anytime. Notes: No water available, no dogs, wildlife sightings rare
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