IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com
October 8, 2010
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Golden reunion for Don Bragg in Rome JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clayton resident Don Bragg became famous as a champion pole vaulter with a “Tarzan” yell and persona. In Rome for the 50th anniversary of the opening of the 1960 Summer Olympics, he was given the honor of making a speech representing the athletes of the world who competed 50 years ago. Bragg, the Rome Olympics pole vault gold medalist, culminated his speech with his trademark Tarzan yell. It was greeted by a standing ovation from more than 5,000 people in the Rome city hall square, Palazzo Senatorio, surrounded by Michelangelo sculptures. During the 1960 Summer Olympics, the United States and Soviet Union were competing in athletics at the height of the Cold War, which thankfully never got quite as heated as the battles on the sports fields. Even though the 1960 U.S. team included such legendary figures as basketball’s Jerry West and Oscar Robertson, decathlete Rafer Johnson, boxer Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali), sprinter Wilma Rudolph and discus thrower Al Oerter – all winning gold medals – the USA finished well behind the Soviet Union for gold medals and total medals. Due to a conflict with a Rome Olympics reunion event planned by the U.S. Olympic Committee for the same time in Tennessee, Bragg was the only Photo courtesy of Bragg family American athlete this August in Rome. He was treated as a CLAYTON RESIDENT DON BRAGG CONCLUDES A SPEECH at the opening ceremonies for the 50th anniversary reunion of the 1960 Rome Olympic Games. Bragg was the only American athlete on returning hero and celebrity. “I hand for the reunion in Rome. After winning the pole vault gold medal in 1960 he let out a was a rock star,” reports the Tarzan yell that would have made his hero Johnny Weissmuller proud. never bashful 75-year-old.
Inside this issue Clayton Clayton
Almanac
Community y Resource e Guide
What’s s Inside
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190
2010-2011 A publication n off the e Clayton n Pioneer
Shopping g Guide e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Aboutt Clayton Demographics s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Lastt Year’s s Home e Sales s . . . . .10 History y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Governmentt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 BIG G RECREATION N SECTION Locall Parks s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Trails s and d Hiking g . . . . . . . . . . .24 Regionall Parks s . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Day y Triips s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 1 Sports s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Calendarr off Events s . . . . . . . . . . .36 Resource e Listings s . . . . . . . . . . .38 s and d Associations,, Clubs h and d Supportt Services, Health Law w Enforcementt and d Courts, Performing g Arts,, Public Transportation,, Schools s and Colleges,, Seniorr Living,, Utilities,, Worship
RETURNING HOME TO SWEETHEART
When Bragg traveled to Rome with the American track and field team 50 years ago, he went “to compete against the best in the world” and didn’t want “any distractions” – which meant sweetheart Theresa Fiore stayed home in New Jersey. “We dated for seven years, but he always told me: ‘I won’t put gold on your finger until they put gold around my neck,’ ’’ Theresa Bragg says today from the Clayton home they share with daughters Renee and Tracey and four grandkids. Bragg won the Olympic gold medal on Sept. 7, 1960. Days later, Theresa read a newspaper article which quoted him saying he was headed home to marry his sweetheart. They wed two months after the Rome Olympics and left for California, where he hoped to play Tarzan in the movies like his hero Johnny Weissmuller, another Olympic champion. Sadly, that dream never materialized. In that era, all Olympic athletes were amateurs so Bragg retired from the sport one year after the Olympics. “I dabbled in a number of businesses but found recreation to be my calling,” he explained. He served as special assistant for youth affairs and recreation to New Jersey Gov. Richard Hughes. Don and Theresa Bragg ran Kamp Olympik for boys each summer in southern New Jersey. The camp hosted 300 boys a week for nine weeks in the summer. “Many of the kids came from tough ghettos, but we gave them a great experience,” Bragg says.
“We still get notes from many of them. In fact, we got a message this week on Facebook from one who is now mentoring boys himself.” The Braggs lost their home in Clayton in 2004 in a devastating fire that also destroyed much of their memorabilia, although a fireman retrieved the Olympic gold medal from the smokefilled house. They moved to Southern California where they lived in a senior community until Don suffered a stroke on Father’s Day 2009. They moved back to Clayton to be around family as he continued his rehab. These days, Bragg can be found in Clayton working out at
See Bragg, page 8
Meet the candidates on Oct. 18 The four City Council candidates will come together with Clayton voters at a Town Hall-style forum on Oct. 18. A question and answer format, sponsored by the Clayton Pioneer and moderated by Concord City Councilman Guy Bjerke will give the voters an opportunity to quiz each candidate on the issues facing Clayton in the coming four years. The Town Hall-style meeting is open to the public and begins at 7 p.m. in Hoyer Hall in the Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton.
City Council candidates address the issues This November, four candidates will vie for two City Council seats when incumbents Dave Shuey and Hank Stratford face off against Jim Diaz and Ted Meriam. The biggest challenge facing Clayton continues to be survival in a down economy. How to support and grow a vital Town Center and where to spend scarce resources – these are the questions that will take center stage in the next few weeks. The Pioneer invited all four candidates to submit five questions they would most like to ask their opponents. Their answers, uncut and unedited, follow. Voters will have an opportunity to ask their own questions at Candidates’ Night on Oct. 18, 7 p.m. at the Clayton Library.
Diaz:: (1) revenue generation, What are the three (2) public safety, and (3) keeping most critical issues facour trail system maintained ing Clayton in the next through volunteerism. four years?
higher expenses, we are challenged to deliver city services that we love and expect in Clayton. We must consider new ideas to make ends meet. The city should
also become more business friendly by encouraging economic development, fostering a
Jim Diaz, 67 Candidate Business Owner Security and Investigations
Dave Shuey, 44 Incumbent Attorney
Hank Stratford, 44 Incumbent Business Owner, CPA Diablo View Cleaning
Meriam: With less income and
What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Church News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Ted Meriam, 27 Candidate Account Manager Microsoft Corporation
Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Community Calendar . . . . . . . .16 Directory of Advertisers . . . . . . . .5 DVMS Reporter . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Estate Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Financial Sense . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Food for Thought . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . .6 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Mayor’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Police Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
See Candidates, page 7
Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Reader’s Forum . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Safety Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 School News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Tech Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Weather Words . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Around Town
n Newi st i n tow l y t Leia Herbst S
Clayton soldier returns from Afghanistan Clayton resident
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Spec. 4 Ethan Cord McDaniel of Clayton returned from a one-year tour in Afghanistan last month. McDaniel, 20, is a member of the 82nd Airborne Division stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C. At age 17, he asked his parents permission to join the Army and he attended boot camp at Fort Sill, Okla., before his senior year in high school. After graduation in 2008 from Olympic High School, he went to Fort Benning, Ga., to complete Airborne training. He is the son of Kimberly and Darrell Young of Moyie Springs, Idaho, and Jim and Tina McDaniel of Ripon. The Youngs are the former owners of the Clayton Club. “We are so very thankful Ethan is home and safe,” said Kimberly Young. “It has been a long and stressful year for us. I really never thought I would be experiencing anything like this in my lifetime.” During his first two months in Afghanistan, he lost his best friend, Marcus Tynes, along with his sergeant when an IED blew up the Humvee they were driving. “Ethan had a very hard time,” Young reported. “He is doing a lot better but still misses his best friend.” McDaniel received a promotion to Specialist-4 while in Afghanistan. After visiting family, he will return to Fort Bragg pending his next assignment. Send your news and photos of your births, engagements, weddings, special recognitions, etc. to info@claytonpioneer.com.
1300 Loveridge Road, Pittsburg
Clayton
represents state at pageant Clayton native Jennifer Doss was crowned Miss California at the state pageant in Santa Clara. She will represent the state in the queen’s division for National American Miss, the largest scholarship pageant in the country. Contestants are graded on formal wear, their interviews, community involvement and Photo courtesy Kimberly Young
SPECIALIST 4 ETHAN MCDANIEL, home from Afghanistan, is visiting family in Clayton before returning to active duty.
New daughter for Victor and Tracy Geisler
JENNIFER DOSS
The Geisler household grew by one this summer when Carly Lois-Anne joined her big sister Paris Mary-Anne in their Feather Circle home on July 19. Parents are Victor and Tracy Geisler.
Clayton
Oakhurst Country Club! Peacock Creek! Fantastic “Nantucket” model backing to open space!
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scholastic ability. During her senior year at Berean Christian High School, Doss looked for ways to earn scholarship money. Her local sponsors for the pageant include Skipolini’s and Ed’s. Doss is an Eller business student at the University of Arizona, as well as a student ambassador. She is also interviewing to become the next Fiesta Bowl queen. For more information on the pageant, visit namiss.com.
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Clayton Market Update provided by George Vujnovich of Better Homes Realty ADDRESS
PRICE
5222 Keller Ridge Dr................$689,900 8028 Kelok Way .......................$630,000 379 Mount Sequoia Pl..............$670,000 5210 Keller Ridge Dr................$680,000 3030 Windmill Canyon Dr ........$605,000 53 El Portal Dr..........................$608,150
SF . . . . .2894 . . . . .2237 . . . . .3216 . . . . .3079 . . . . .2313 . . . . .2857
BED/BATH
SALE DATE
. . . . .4/3 . . . . .9/24/10 . . . . .4/2 . . . . .9/22/10 . . . . .5/3 . . . . .9/21/10 . . . . .4/3 . . . . .9/20/10 . . . . .4/2.5 . . . .9/15/10 . . . . .5/3 . . . . .9/14/10
ADDRESS
PRICE
3307 Coyote Cir .......................$370,000 1015 Feather Cir ......................$450,000 51 Tule Court............................$430,000 605 Condor Pl ..........................$295,000 41 Fleming Ct...........................$550,000 62 Antelope Ct..........................$710,000
SF . . . . .1595 . . . . .1638 . . . . .1749 . . . . .1252 . . . . .2324 . . . . .2448
BED/BATH . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . .2/2.5 . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . .4/2.5
SALE DATE
. . . . .9/8/10 . . . . .9/8/10 . . . . .9/3/10 . . . . .9/3/10 . . . . .9/2/10 . . . . .9/1/10
October 8, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 3
Closure of Marsh Creek fire station angers rural residents TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
Residents in the rural and outlying areas east of town are not happy about East Contra Costa Fire Protection District’s decision to close the Sunshine Fire Station on Marsh Creek Road in November. More than 100 concerned and angry residents gathered at a ranch on Morgan Territory Road on Sept. 20 to protest the closing. During the fire season from April to November, staffing of the Sunshine Station is funded by the state of California. During the off-season, East County contracts with CalFire for the service. The area affected begins just east of Russelmann Park Road
and extends out Marsh Creek to Deer Valley Road and out Morgan Territory Road to the East Bay Regional Park at the summit. Population figures for the area are not available because of some boundary changes in process, says Morgan Territory resident, Cheryl Morgan. “But we guess it’s about 300 or more.” “The decision to close the station is strictly financial,” explained ECCFPD Chief Hugh Henderson. The district, faced with a budget shortfall of $2.9 million, will save $366,000 by not renewing the off-season contract with Cal Fire. The area residents pay more than $400,000 in taxes to ECCFPD for fire protection. Their taxes
will not go down because of the cutback in services. The district also closed stations in Byron and Discovery Bay. With the closing of the Sunshine Station, response to structural fires, medical emergencies and auto accidents during the non-fire season from November to April will come from Clayton, Antioch, Brentwood or San Ramon. The decision increases response times by as much as 2030 minutes or more, says Henderson. The closure will cost residents financially, as well. Insurance premiums for some have already gone up more than 300 percent because their homes are now more than five miles from the nearest fire station.
Options are limited. If the residents can’t convince East County to use reserves to fund the contract, they will look at forming their own district and, either contracting with another agency to staff the Sunshine Station or form a volunteer fire department. Whatever direction they take, it will be a “long and complicated process,” says Morgan. The area residents will meet next week with a representative from LAFCO, the agency responsible for the formation of new districts. Representatives from San Ramon Fire, East County Fire and the county board of supervisors have also been asked to attend. The meeting will be on
And a beer-y good time was had by all
Photo byMike Dunn
Spectators sitting close up got more than a good view when Councilman Dave Shuey tapped the keg at the 7th Annual CBCA Oktoberfest last weekend. A misplaced hit with the mallet sent a frothy spray of beer into the crowd as Clayton Fraulein Sarah Schmidt looks on. It was Schmidt’s first tapping. “I’m really honored. I love it. I’m German so I enjoy the cultural heritage.” The two-day event, sponsored by the Clayton Business and Community Association, drew thousands to Main Street to shop, eat, drink beer and polka to the music of the Internationals. Proceeds from the event will find their way back into the community by way of donations and scholarships.
October 13, at 6 p.m. at the Farm Bureau Hall, 5554 Clayton Road.
For more information, contact Cheryl Morgan, 672-2458.
Photo from Claycord.com
ON SEPT. 29, A FIRE SPARKED BY A RESIDENT using a circular saw in dry grass, spread quickly in the 101 degree heat. The fire charred and burned an outbuilding at a ranch on Morgan Territory Road. The smoke and flames rattled the nerves of rural residents already on edge from the Curry Canyon wildfire that burned 375 acres on August 24.
Museum exhibit will keep you on pins and needles “A Stitch in Time” is the latest exhibit at the Clayton Historical Society Museum. The exhibit, subtitled “A Collection of Sewing Notions from the Sewing Basket of Kathleen Calhan,” runs through the end of the year. It features specialized sewing tools such as pin cushions, sewing birds, darners, sewing kits, sewing baskets,
thimbles, buttons, lady’s companions, sewing caddies, bodkins, needle books, chatelaines, lace, crochet hooks, sewing machines and Mauchline ware. Kathleen is married to Charles Calhan, Joel Clayton’s great grandson. The Calhans live in the Bay Area. The museum is at 6101 Main St. For more information, call 6720240.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Clayton musicians showcased at “Music on the Mountain”
Obituary
Patricia Ann Hart July 25, 1933 – Sept. 11, 2010 Clayton resident Patricia Hart died Sept. 11 after a long battle with cancer. A native of San Francisco, Pat was born to Frank and Nora Beeler on July 25, 1933. She attended Immaculate Conception Academy. She was a stay at home mom for 11 years. After rejoining the workforce, she spent 33 years as a secretary/paralegal with Severson & Werson. She retired to Clayton 10 years ago. Pat traveled to many European countries, Australia, New Zealand and several places throughout the United States and the Caribbean. She was an avid reader and loved to garden. She is survived by her brother John Beeler; her four children, Jill Alcantar, Karen Davis, Kathy Winship and Jim Hart; 10
JIM HUDAK Special to the Pioneer
Clayton based musicians and bands will have a whole afternoon to show their stuff at the inaugural “Music at the Mountain” event at the Clayton Club Saloon on Main Street on Oct. 10, 2-6 p.m. Admission is free and includes barbeque and side dishes provided by the Clayton Club. The day of music celebrates the wealth of musical talent in and around Clayton and our beautiful natural setting at the foot of Mount Diablo. This area is home to many artists and musicians, some quite famous and others virtually unknown. “Music at the Mountain” will shine the light on some of that talent.
grandchildren, Cessy, Katie and Jandro Alcantar, A.J. Napper, Jesse Davis, Adam and Trevor Winship and Kevin, Sean and Meghan Hart; five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. No service was held.
‘Clayton Reads’ book selection looks at illegal immigration Clayton Community Library for the third time joins the Contra Costa Library’s “One City, One Book” program. This program encourages everyone in a community to focus on one book with reading, discussions and presentations. The choice for Clayton Reads is “The Tortilla Curtain” by T.C. Boyle. The story of illegal immigrants in California, told through the
BACK TO SCHOOL
eyes of two very different couples, one well-off Anglos, the other illegal Mexicans living in a canyon. The novel chronicles their relationship against the background of growing hostility between immigrants and natives. Starting Oct. 18 and continuing while supply lasts, readers can pick up a free copy of the book along with a hand made culturally related bookmark designed by library vol-
unteers. The Clayton Community Library Foundation, which sponsors the event, only asks that you read the book and pass it along to another reader when finished. Library staff has planned related programs, all of which are free. The programs are listed in the At the Library section in the Community Calendar of the Pioneer and in a flyer available at the library.
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SOME OF THE MUSICIANS WHO WILL PERFORM AT THIS WEEKEND’S MUSIC AT THE MOUNTAIN gather at The Clayton Club. Front Row: Keven Case, Fred Freeman, Jim Hudak; Back Row: Rex Reade, Bob Insalaco, Jody Kelly, Chris Lucas, Bill Sartor
Clayton several years ago to view the available facilities for such an event. From the beginning, he endorsed the idea of a Clayton “music festival,” suggesting that we “go for it and make it happen.” Logistics often get in the way
The Fall Used Book Sale is an opportunity to stock up on recent releases and old favorites. The sale, sponsored by the Clayton Community Library Foundation, will be held Friday, Oct. 15, through Sunday, Oct. 17, in the Community Room of the Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road.
Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday. Most books sell for $1, with children’s books for 50 cents. There will be $3 bags of books 2-4 p.m. Sunday. Gently used books, suitable for gift giving, are priced individually. There will be a Member’s Only preview 4-7 p.m. Friday.
National Karastan Month SemiAnnual Sales Event
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of good ideas. But finally, the idea of a Clayton based musical gathering is coming to fruition. If the event is deemed “successful,” we hope to obtain sponsorship for future years, possibly moving the event to Clayton Community Park.
Fall book sale benefits Clayton Library
WINTER SAFETY INSPECTION
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Four Clayton based bands will perform, providing elements of country, rock, and pop music, including: The Relyks – These long time regular performers at the Clayton Club showcase a great sound, blending an attractive mix of songs and musical styles. Jim Hudak and The Symptoms – One of the Bay Area’s legendary bands will back me as I perform original vocal and keyboard compositions Maggie’s Farm – An eclectic blend of musicians from Clayton and Concord, featuring vocalist Maggie New-Smith. Plan-B - Performs a wide range of crowd pleasing music that makes you want to sing and dance. The idea for a day of music at the foot of Mount Diablo has danced around my brain for many years. Recognizing the abundance of musical talent in the area, I considered a winter concert series until the idea of a day of music took hold. I brought well-known Bay Area concert promoter, Jim Ocean, to
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October 8, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 5
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P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517 TAMARA AND R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers TAMARA S TEINER , Editor 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
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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-
Open Seven Days a week Extended hours in October
Lawn & Plant Installation Retaining Walls Drainage Paver Patio & Walkway Low Voltage Lighting
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.
925-672-9955
FREE ESTIMATES
www.nicholslandscape.com Boyce Nichols - Owner
Lic. 542812 Fully Insured
Clayton Resident
Meet the Rep Day at
Oct. 28: 11:30 am to 2 pm
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Enter to win a $500 gift certificate $100 OBC for Veranda bookings made 10/28 $50 per person value booklet $80 Spa Robe for any Europe booking $50 OBC for Europe Sailings $200 OBC for Alaska Cruisetour bookings
Funerals Moore’s Mission Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-1100 Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242
Royal Caribean Special Offers, 10/28 - 11/04 • Reduced Deposit on all sailings • Passport to Savings Booklets (valued up to $150) • Bath Robes for any Junior Suite or higher
RSVP to (925) 935-7447 1610 Locust St., Walnut Creek
Owners Valerie O’Connell (Clayton resident, 30 years) & daughter Colleen O’Connell
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Classified Locally Owned and Operated. Shop in confidence as we will meet or beat any price on identical items*
Reporter/Writer
BENEFIT Neigh Savers Come to a Tack and Donation Drive on Saturday, Oct. 16. Donate tack for a sale to benefit. Buy or donate used tack to benefit Neigh Savers, a nonprofit that provides thoroughbred racing horses with a second career or retirement when their racing careers end. Sale hours 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., 4297 Morgan Territory Rd., Clayton. Hot dogs and soft drinks free to participants.
including Rubies, Forum, Rasta Imposta and more. We also carry Leg Avenue, Dreamgirl and Secret Wishes Sexy Ladies Costumes.
SERVICES Girl Gardening Garden care for your roses, perennials and ornamentals. Monthly pruning and fertilizing services. Plant suggestions and installation. If you want more flowers this year, call or email Nicole Hackett 673-1746, or gardengirl94517@yahoo.com.
to view our large selection of realistic Animatronic props and Halloween decorations.
WANTED Real Estate Agents Be Successful! Lynne French is expanding and interviewing for a few agents. Call her today (925) 6728787.
*See store for details
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Home and Garden Abbey Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Alexander KAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .977-1616 Clear Splash Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6245 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Diablo View Flooring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .820-8700 Lewis & Lewis Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .939-2145 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055 Mailing and Shipping The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245
HELP WANTED Reporter, feature writer needed to cover Clayton Valley events, news and people for the Clayton Pioneer. Must be a local resident and have good community connections. Excellent writing skills using AP style guide. Send summary of experience and short writing sample for a news story and a feature or personal profile to tamara@claytonpioneer.com.
for Men, Women, Kids and Pets. 100’s of Halloween props, decorations, gifts and special effects.
Events Contra Costa Home & Garden Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.capitalshowcase.com Pacific Coast Farmers Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9090 Financial and Insurance Services Benton, Mureleen - Ameriprise Financial . . . . . . . .685-4523 Littorno, Richard - Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6463 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . . .672-2300
Celebrity Cruises Special Offers, 10/28 - 11/04 • • • • •
Dentist Children’s Dentristy of Walnut Creek . . . . . . . . . . .938-2392 Renner, Jason D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-2800 Rissel, Richard D.M.D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-2800 Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 Willows Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .957-2500
CST 2074362-40
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
Construction and Trades Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700 Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212-3339 Handyman Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .639-4209 LHI Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-9941 Shield of Armor, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .285-6400 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Meals on Wheels Drivers 673-0300 or e-mail hairbyjim@att.net Help fight Hunger Call Anna Chan at 672-1988. Anna’s Attic Volunteers Call 674-9072 or (925) 766-5066. Hospice of the East Bay Call Volunteer Dept. at (925) 8875678 or email volunteers@hospiceeastbay.org. Clayton Historical Society Museum Call the museum at 672-0240. Clayton Community Library. 673-9777 or email: akikkawa@ccclib.org
Personal Services Frontier Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6900 Leia Herbst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .765-8245 Main Street Nail Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .933-8606 Pet Services Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Peace of Mind Pet Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9781 Pet Suites Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-7387 Rodie’s Feed and Country Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600 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 -Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757 Robin’s Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .550-2383 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . .672-4433 Recreation All Out Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4303 Castle Rock Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .937-7661 Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454 Retail East Bay Work Wear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .687-9900 Scary Decorations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8099 Sport Chalet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .521-7009 Senior Services Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . . .524-5100 Services, Other Air Cloud Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-4119 x 2 College Planning Specialists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .348-1704 Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Martha Wasley Piano Lessons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0719 Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029 Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . . . . . .473-0180 Travel Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447
Page 6
Police Report ACCIDENTS 9:22 p.m. Sept. 3, Clayton Rd./Mitchell Canyon Rd. Minor injury accident. 9:29 a.m. Sept. 11. Marsh Creek Rd./Pine Ln. Minor injury accident. 10:28 a.m. Sept. 18, Coyote Cr./Keller Ridge Dr. Minor injury accident. ARRESTS 9:22 p.m. Sept. 3, Clayton Rd./Mitchell Canyon Rd. A 50year-old Clayton man arrested for driving under the influence after a traffic collision. 2:20 a.m. Sept. 5, Atchinson Stage Dr./Nottingham Cir. A 19year-old Clayton man arrested on outstanding warrants after contact for municipal code violation. 9:16 p.m. Sept. 6, Mt. Sierra Pl. A 34-year-old Clayton man arrested for spousal abuse after call for service. 9:18 a.m. Sept. 7, Clayton Rd./Washington Blvd. A 24year-old Discovery Bay woman arrested for driving on a suspended license after stop for vehicle code violation. 12:22 a.m. Sept. 12, Windmill Canyon Dr. A 43-year-old Clayton woman arrested for domestic battery after call for service. 12:46 a.m. Sept. 12, Center St. A 23-year-old Clayton man arrested for battery with serious bodily injury and cruelty to an elder after call for service. 2:15 a.m. Sept. 18 Clayton Rd./Mitchell Canyon Rd. A 37year-old Clayton man arrested for driving under the influence after stop for vehicle code violation. 1:31 p.m. Sept. 19, Marsh Creek Rd./Center St. A 37-yearold Concord man arrested for driving under the influence, hit and run and property damage after call for service. 11:35 p.m. Sept. 20, Diablo Parkway. A 25-year-old American Canyon man arrested for public intoxication, vandalism and resisting an executive officer after call for service. 2 a.m. Sept. 23, Main St./Marsh Creek Rd. A 22-yearold Vallejo man arrested for driving under the influence after stop for vehicle code violations. BURGLARIES/THEFTS 10:18 a.m. Sept. 3, Clayton Rd. Commercial burglary. 7:43 a.m. Sept. 15, El Portal Pl. Vehicle burglary. 6:40 p.m. Sept. 16, Nottingham Cir. Petty theft. 12:25 p.m. Sept. 17, Ahwanee Ln. Petty theft. 3 a.m. Sept. 21, Windmill Canyon Dr. Residential burglary. VANDALISM 11:10 a.m. Sept. 12, Yosemite Cir. 11:35 p.m. Sept. 20, Diablo Pkwy.
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
October 8, 2010
City Council approves ‘Do the Right Thing’ TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
A program aimed at reinforcing key character traits has been given a qualified thumbsup by the City Council. The program, which emphasizes six key character traits – responsibility, respect, kindness, self-discipline, integrity and courage – has been adopted by all three Clayton schools.
Speaking to the Council at the Sept. 21 meeting, CVHS Athletic Director Pat Middendorf called for the city’s full support. “Last summer, some CVHS athletes committed some serious crimes and it really gave us a shock,” Middendorf said. “Some people thought the school was to blame. We needed to find a way to show we’re dif-
ferent, a step above.” “Then along comes this program,” she continued. “It’s karma.” Clayton police are also behind the program, says Chief Dan Lawrence. The department will display the slogan “Do the Right Thing” on the back of the police cars. In support of the program, the city agreed to display a ban-
ner at each of the city’s entry points proclaiming that month’s key character trait. Additional signage at the city’s gateways was not popular with Council members Julie Pierce and Joe Medrano. “There’s too much clutter there, already,” said Pierce. “The banners are confusing to the public and don’t get read. They should be up in the schools.”
Medrano agreed. “I want to see fewer banners, period.” Mayor Hank Stratford, who was one of the early proponents of the program, fought hard for the signage. “Without the banners, we’re only going halfway.” The Council finally agreed to display the banners for one week only, six times a year and to review the program in one year.
Reader’s Forum
Protect local revenue - YES on Prop 22 and Measure O JULIE PIERCE Special to the Pioneer
As your Clayton Council Member, I urge you to vote YES this November on Proposition 22 and Measure O to protect your local tax dollars and to improve your local streets, pathways and roads. PROP 22
STOPS STATE GRAB OF LOCAL TAX MONEY
For too long, Sacramento politicians have used loopholes in the law to take billions in taxpayer funds dedicated by the voters to local government and transportation services. These funds are used for vital local and regional services that we all depend on every day including emergency 911 response, police, fire, libraries, parks, transportation improvements and more. The state legislature took $5 billion in 2009 - by the
time the state budget is finally signed, state lawmakers could take billions more. Since 1992, the state has stolen nearly $7 million from Clayton’s coffers! That's equal to two years of our General Fund budget. As a result, our current operating budget is the same as it was in 2001. Think of the services we could provide for our community with that money. Clayton has been forced to absorb increased costs for unfunded state mandates and contract services from other agencies which also struggle to balance their budgets. Clayton has frozen salaries with no merit increases for the past three years and closed City Hall for 11 furlough days per year, reducing service to our community. Your Clayton City Council supports Prop 22. If this measure doesn't pass, it will be open season for the state to steal our local city resources to balance
their budget. Let's keep our tax dollars local! Please Vote YES on Prop 22. MEASURE O KEEPS TRANSPORTATION DOLLARS LOCAL
The measure will Fix and repair local streets and roads Fill potholes, re-pave roads Improve and expand local transit Increase safety and access for bicyclists and pedestrians Help ease congestion Reduce vehicle maintenance costs and lower fuel bills Most importantly, Measure O will keep our transportation dollars local to serve our needs. None of it can be taken by the state. And Measure O will help us attract millions in state and federal matching funds to further stretch our local dollars. The $8.5 million that
Measure O will generate annually from a modest $10 vehicle registration fee will be managed by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, which has successfully and responsibly managed all of our Measure J (2004) projects and programs. Maintaining and improving our transportation system is crucial to supporting economic development, protecting our environment and improving our quality of life. For too long, our local transportation system has been underfunded because of continuing state budget cuts. A recent national study ranked Contra Costa County's roads among the worst in nation. We can do something about it. For Clayton, Measure O would provide over $74,000 per year to help fund local street and road maintenance plus additional funds to sup-
port bike and pedestrian projects. It would allow us to rebuild and maintain our trails and provide safe routes to school for our children. Because these are locally approved funds, the state cannot take them away! Please help improve and maintain our local streets, roads and trails. Please vote YES on Measure O. For more information on these measures, please visit www.SaveLocalServices.com or www.VoteYesOnMeasureO.co m or email me at Julie_Pierce@comcast.net
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.
Letters to the Editor TCSP central issue With the absentee ballots now coming out, I have been asked about our Clayton election. All of the people running seem to be nice people, and I'm sure everyone will vote for whomever they think will do the best. But, unlike politicians at the state and national level, I think the incumbents running for the City Council have done a great job, especially with all the economic pressures and cutbacks. Because it looks like continued rough times for awhile, I think David Shuey and Hank Stratford deserve to be re-elected and that we're lucky to have them.
The one additional important issue is getting our Town Center built out with commercial/retail as specified in the Town Center Specific Plan when the economy recovers. We definitely need the downtown as planned so that we eventually have the businesses, shopping, convenience, ambience and necessary taxation revenues to pay back the Redevelopment Agency and to help run the city. So, as the campaign goes on, a critical factor will be whoever is most likely to support and carry out the existing Town Center Plan. - Pete Laurence Former Clayton Mayor
Thank you from CVWC The Clayton Valley Woman’s Club presented “Final Signing,” a murder mystery dinner, at Oakhurst Country Club on Sun., Sept.19. The event was a huge success and thanks are owed to the many people who made it possible. The proceeds will benefit Clayton/Concord charities as well as scholarships to Clayton Valley High School graduates. Our cast of local ‘celebrities’ did an outstanding job, and the audience truly appreciated their humorous adlibbing. Many thanks to Pat Craig, Joel and Christy Harris, Kathy Hester, Laura Hoffmeister, Dan Lawrence, Nicci Shipstead and Dave
“Shoe” Shuey. They all added their own special and unique style to the evening. We appreciated the generosity of Oakhurst Country Club. As well, the following were supportive of our event: Bud and Clerene (Babe) Busick, Clayton CVS Pharmacy, Bob Donner, Jonathan Harris, Mike Kulmelis, Jr., Bob Light, Pier 39, Rocco’s Pizzeria, Herb Weimar, Clayton Wine Thieves and the members, families and friends of Clayton Valley Woman’s Club who supported the committee with donations and their time. - Chris Light Chairman
Praise for city maintenance I would like to acknowledge the fine job the workers do with our City Landscaping. John Johnston, Maintenance Supervisor, has a very small budget and a small crew, yet he keeps the city looking beautiful. My special thanks to his entire crew. With much appreciation Skip Ipsen
Submit your letter to the editor on any other subject from our Website at www.claytonpioneer.com or email to tamara@claytonpioneer.com
October 8, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Page 7
Candidates weigh in on downtown growth, spending from page 1 commercial community and making Clayton a desirable place to establish a business. Third, we should continue to balance the needs of current residents with our historic past when considering new projects and policies. We can honor our past while moving forward. Shuey: 1) Surviving the continued down economy and state take-aways while maintaining a balanced budget and maintaining existing services; 2) continued downtown revitalization; 3) assisting our schools to ensure the best education for our children. Stratford: Maintaining public services including public safety during the slow economy, searching for new revenue sources and supporting our local schools. Our greatest financial threats come from the state in the form of take-aways and mandated programs without additional revenue to pay for them
Do you believe that the current council is doing a good job? If not, how can it do a better job going forward? Diaz: The current Council is doing a good job. They need to continue to focus on stronger revenue generation to make up for state “take-aways.” And, watch out for unnecessary expenditures. Meriam: We have strong leadership in Clayton and this is a trend I wish to continue. Yet, the city is evolving. I would like to see the Council serve Clayton with a more open-minded approach as well as foster a smart, effective and modernized government to meet the needs of contemporary Clayton. Shuey: Absolutely. Why replace the current council members who have a proven track record? The current council has maintained a balanced budget and city services during a recession. Given this, what is the motivation and reason for the challengers’ campaign? Stratford: Yes.
What, specifically, can the city do to attract new businesses to downtown? To support the existing businesses? Diaz: Provide incentives that will entice new business development. These could include waiving certain business taxes for a period of time and reducing and/or eliminating unnecessary regulatory red tape requirements. Also, the city could lend money from redevelopment funds to pay for building improvements. This loaned money can then be repaid or forgiven in future years, as other cities have done as an incentive to attract new business. Meriam: Create a businessfriendly environment and be proactive in removing policy
Dentistry
roadblocks that hinder development. Also, foster and promote our current local businesses like I’ve done with Passport to Clayton. Shuey: We need to continue to encourage new businesses downtown via Redevelopment Agency incentives. We need to continue to encourage growth and building of new retail space as we have done in the past, and continue innovative strategies to bring people downtown, such as we do with the Concerts in The Grove. Stratford: In addition to continuing the popular concert series, the city could sponsor quarterly community nights on the slower weekdays, such as Monday or Tuesday evening. These events could include a scavenger hunt type activity that would get the participants through the doors of our downtown businesses. Once a person has been inside a business he/she is more likely to go back. We can also offer incentives to attract and assist new businesses through our Redevelopment Agency
The Town Center Specific Plan specifies only retail as permitted use of ground floor space in the town center. Do you favor amending the Plan to allow for nonretail ground floor uses? If not, why not? If so, what further uses should be allowed on ground floor? Diaz: No, at this time I do not see a need to amend the Town Center Specific Plan. Downtown Clayton needs business development to increase revenue to the city. At this point, let’s focus on incentives for new businesses to develop our downtown. Meriam: Our first priority for ground-floor space should continue to be retail shops and restaurants. This will help create a cohesive business district where visitors can window shop and congregate. Still, we need not turn away businesses that offer non-retail services and must review applications based on the specific merits and opportunity to generate business. Shuey: Generally, no. We have limited retail space available downtown and so we should continue to encourage retail uses at ground level to create more synergy and establish a viable retail area. The Council has encouraged two-story construction to incorporate additional retail or non-retail uses such as commercial office space and living spaces on the second story. Specifically, any future parcel plans that may call for uses other than retail should be considered on a case by case basis to determine the best short and long term use of any particular parcel within the plan.
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Stratford: Since we have so few opportunities for additional revenue and since we have very limited downtown space I am in favor of keeping our current Plan. The city has been encouraging two story construction, which allows for non-retail use and residences on the second floor. If a landlord is not able to lease ground floor space to retail tenants a variance can be sought from the city. However, our first priority should be to attract and retain retail since it provides revenue for the city
Should the city continue to use Redevelopment Agency funds to support the Concerts in the Park? If not, what alternate sources of funding would you propose? Diaz: Yes. In fact, the city’s contribution to the Concerts in The Grove has declined over the last three years, with increases in private sponsorships from the CBCA, Allied Waste Management and attendee contributions at the concerts. Meriam: No, and there was never a need to use redevelopment money in the first place. Events like the Concerts in the Park can be funded through sponsorships and donations – not taxpayer money. Mayor Stratford and Councilman Shuey rejected a proposal to have willing businesses sponsor the concerts and continue to spend taxpayer money. The incumbents also voted against selling donated alcohol to raise funds. This is wrong, especially when the city has businesses and people stepping up to fund these events Shuey: Yes, as it is a good use of RDA funds to showcase our downtown businesses. However, if donations continue to come in, we can phase back city funding. If funds are not available, potential concert sponsorship by outside parties should be considered. Stratford: The concerts in the park have been very popular and are a good use of Redevelopment Agency funds. The generous contributions from CBCA, Allied Waste, and the patrons have lessened the need for city funds.
In the event that the city is not able to balance the budget next year, where would you look for new revenue sources? What expenses would you cut, given that 50 percent of the General Fund budget is for the Police Dept.? Diaz: At this point, the city budget process/plan includes current reserves in excess of this year’s budget requirements. Therefore, I believe that if we focus on downtown business, additional revenue will relieve the loss from potential “state
Quality Quality & & Honesty Honesty in in all all we we do. do.
The
take-aways.” Meriam: For new incomes, we need to attract new businesses to Clayton to increase salestax revenue and promote residents to spend locally. To cut costs, we must reexamine the lifelong pension for city employees. We should also analyze outsourcing city services. like landscaping to possibly lower costs and increase quality of work. Shuey: City Staff does an amazing job of cutting nonessential services when needed. Police funding is a priority to maintain what is currently the third safest city in the state. The Council has appropriately built up a strong reserve fund to cover small increments of funding gaps as we weather the recession and slow recovery. We are in better shape than almost every other city in the state through staff and Council efforts. We can cover any funding gaps without running into the danger of bankruptcy or deficits. We are close to getting further retail space downtown which will add revenue. If necessary, we should consider potential uses for the Keller House and other unused property to enhance revenue streams. Stratford: The city has very limited means to increase revenue and I am not in favor of raising taxes. Funding our police force is a high priority in order to maintain our low crime rate. The city operates with a bare bones staff. Fortunately, city staff and the City Council have built up a healthy reserve that can be used in emergencies
Are the city’s employee and council member pension plans in line with current economic conditions? If not, what would you change? Diaz: Yes. In fact, it is my understanding that the city has plans for new employees to participate in a “two-tiered” benefit system. This will provide new employees to fund a portion of their total benefit plan. Meriam: The current retirement model is misaligned with any economic environment let alone the current recession and bankrupted state of California. The life-long retirement pension provided by CalPERS is not sustainable for Clayton, so alternative packages must be studied. Council members should not be collecting retirement benefits. You run for office to serve the public, not use taxpayer money to collect retirement. Mayor Stratford and Councilman Shuey voted to keep council member retirement benefits, which no matter the size, continue to bleed the city of limited resources. Shuey: Unfortunately, pensions are driven by the state CalPers system, which is in need of an overall. However, within the system our employees are among the lowest paid and, thus, lower pensions. The Council has implemented a tier II system for
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new employees, which is more favorable going forward. And we are proactively exploring alternatives to CalPers for our city. Stratford: Our city employees are among the lowest paid in the county but do just as much or more work. The current city employees participate in the second lowest retirement plan offered by the state sponsored CalPers retirement system. We have adopted Tier II plans, the lowest offered plans, for all new city employees. We are very aware of the retirement plan costs are willing to explore other options What role should the city play in supporting a Character Development Program? Diaz: The city should limit its support for a Character Development Program. Clayton and its residents enjoy a wonderful community, with one of the lowest crime rates in Contra Costa County. Our children already adhere to an unwritten code of good citizenship. It is my belief, that our children and young adults receive their character development at home, in their schools, and from their churches. The city doesn’t need a formalized Character Development Program; it already exists. Meriam: The city should simply endorse a program of this nature, not support it with city resources. Unlike Mayor Stratford and Councilman Shuey, I oppose expanding this program to the entrance points of our town. We do not need to be bombarded with signage that tells us to be “Responsible” and have “Integrity”. These conversations should occur at home and school versus preachy banners that mar our town. Shuey: As city leaders, we are role models in our words and actions. I believe that by partnering with the schools, police and the CBCA, we can continue to present the best role models possible for the next generation of leaders and citizens. Stratford: The “Do the Right Thing” character initiative provides a great opportunity for the city, our local schools, and the CBCA along with the business community to partner together to make Clayton an even greater place to live. The program is designed to have very little financial impact but hopefully a great individual impact on our community
Why are you the most qualified candidate for the City Council? What specific leadership qualities do you bring to the table? What motivates you to run for this office? Diaz: As a thirty-year resident, I have participated in many civic activities since moving to Clayton in 1979. I immediately
joined the Clayton Police Department and rose to be Commander of the Reserve Division. Following that, the governor appointed me to lead the agency that oversees California Private Security Industry. I served on Clayton’s Planning Commission, and participated in the selection committee that brought Pete Peterson to be Clayton’s Police Chief. I currently serve our community as a co-producer of the Concerts in The Grove series, Entertainment & Security Chair for the C.B.C.A. Art & Wine Festival, and Security Coordinator for the Oktoberfest. I also volunteer for the Junior Achievement Program at Mt. Diablo Elementary School. My motivation to run for this office is my commitment to Clayton to provide the leadership necessary to move our community forward. Meriam: I grew up in Clayton and bring a fresh perspective to the City Council. I have a proven track record, delivering results as a Clayton Planning Commissioner, president of the Clayton Historical Society, leader in the Clayton Business & Community Association, co-founder of the P2C Foundation, and membership chair of the Clayton Valley Garden Club. Outside of Clayton, I am a strong performer at the Microsoft Corporation. It’s time to build a vibrant city that honors Clayton’s history, while also meeting the needs of current and future citizens. Shuey: I have a proven track record on the Council. I am uniquely qualified to understand the issues and needs of every facet of our city as I have children in elementary, middle and high schools, coach multiple kids sports, and am a member of city organizations like the CBCA. My legal expertise has saved the city tens of thousands of dollars and is crucial as we go forward with, unfortunately, significant litigation that can impact the city. I bring a strong and balanced leadership to the council and my humor helps keep perspective and openness. I continue to be motivated to run again for City Council to ensure Clayton remains, now and in the future, a great place to raise a family and grow old. Stratford: It has been an honor to serve on the City Council these last four years. I have continually tried to act in the best interest of Clayton and its residents. I have not been motivated by self-interest or selfpromotion. My background as a CPA has been beneficial while serving on the city’s budget subcommittee and while dealing with all aspects of the city’s finances. For the past seven years I have owned and operated a local business. I have spent the past several months working with our local schools in an effort to help them better serve our students. I have a deep love and appreciation for Clayton and it residents.
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It’s OK to show your cards A prospective home buyer recently stopped by a Sunday open house to take a second look at a listing that caught his fancy. His real estate agent had advised him to keep a poker face as he walked through the house and to ask no questions of the listing agent. Otherwise, he might tip her off that he was interested. It’s a popular negotiation strategy to avoid showing the other party that you might be interested in striking a deal. The presumed consequence if you do show enthusiasm is that the other party (the seller in this example) will gain an advantage. There is usually something that backfires in this scenario. Many home sellers have strong emotional attachments to their homes. With these sellers, the sale price is important, but it’s not all that matters. For example, a couple with two small children had been looking for a home in Crystyl Ranch for months. They fell in love with an exceptional property and decided they wanted to buy it. They were the first buyers
to make an offer, but two other offers followed shortly after. The first buyers’ offer wasn’t for the highest price, however, the sellers were impressed by a letter from the first buyers in which they promised to take care of the property. The sellers had bought the house as a fixerupper and had renovated it extensively. It was important to them that the property ended up in the right hands. When the offer from the first buyers was presented, their agent told the listing agent that the buyers would welcome a counter offer if their price wasn’t right. If the sellers hadn’t known that the buyers were willing to pay more, they might have gone with the highest offer. However, knowing how committed the first buyers were, the sellers decided to offer the house to them at a higher price. The offer was accepted. Expressing interest lets sellers know you’re serious. Your enthusiasm can put you in a good stead. This doesn’t mean that you have to reveal the highest price you are willing to pay or the terms on which you’ll buy
the property. Being the first buyer to commit can give you an edge. Many buyers retreat when they hear that someone else might be interested in the property. Some don’t want to get caught up in a bidding war. Others back off because they don’t want anyone else to know what’s on their mind. They feel that by tipping their hat, they will in some way diminish their negotiating posture. This isn’t necessarily so. In another example, prospective buyers decided to write an offer on a Clayton listing days before the seller was prepared to hear offers. There were two other interested buyers who vacillated between writing offers and waiting to see if the seller accepted the first offer. At the last minute, the other two buyers decided to wait and see what happened with the one offer that was written. Had the committed buyers not revealed their position early on, other buyers might have stepped forward with offers and they would have found themselves in competition. A straightforward negotia-
Volunteers keep the community humming LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ANSWERS tion strategy is most effective if you can also convince the seller that you have done your homework. An earnest buyer who is pre-approved for the financing he needs and who has read all the pertinent disclosures on the property is a buyer who will be looked on favorably by the seller. Telling a seller that you like his house doesn’t mean that you have to overpay for it.
Send 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.
Bragg, from page 1 Snap Fitness several days a week. FRIENDS STEP UP TO MAKE TRIP POSSIBLE
The invitations for both the U.S. Olympic Committee and Rome Olympic reunions didn’t make their way to the Braggs until mid-July. They weren’t in a position to pay the more than $5,000 in airfare to go to Rome. But a “dear friend” told them, “You’re not going to miss this. You’ve done so much good with your camp that we want to sponsor you.” The friends paid the tab and the Braggs were off for a twoweek trip to Italy. They spent four unforgettable days in the Italian capital. Rome is in the running to host the 2020 Olympic Games, so the country went all out to make the world’s athletes welcome. More than 25 nations were represented. The reunion’s Opening Ceremonies, 50 years to the day after the Rome Olympics began on Aug. 25, 1960, were held at City Hall, formerly a castle, with an outdoor stage in front of a giant video screen. The ceremony opened with speeches by local dignitaries followed by then Italian gold medal boxer Giovanni Benvenuti’s greeting to all the athletes. The, Bragg took the podium. The Braggs had provided Don’s five-minute speech in advance so that translators could prepare for it. Each athlete was given a headset so they could get a translation of the speeches. Bragg, speaking for all the athletes who competed in 1960, brought many to tears as he declared, “We want to bring the games back to the Eternal City, ” and called Rome his “second home.” He spoke of the thrill of having the gold medal around
his neck and hearing his national anthem. “In that moment, so many emotions flow through your body … You want to cry, laugh and yell, so I expressed myself in my own crazy way … For after all, that was and is our moment in time,” Bragg said. He then let out his signature Tarzan yell one more time, just as he’d done on the medal stand a half century before. Many in the audience answered back with their own yells. “I had to wait for things to calm down before I left the stage,” he reports. “The whole experience was beyond words. It was almost like Hollywood with all the lights, cameras, excitement,” Theresa Bragg says. ATHLETE’S UNLIKELY BEGINNINGS
As a young boy growing up in New Jersey across the river from Delaware, Don loved Tarzan movies starring Weissmuller. He would swing on ropes from trees imitating his screen idol. One day, he picked up a bamboo pole behind a furniture store and thus began his vaulting career. By the time he was a high school senior, the school was able to raise enough money to buy him an aluminum pole, as bamboo poles were becoming outmoded. He increased his best leap by two feet, earning a scholarship to Villanova University near Philadelphia. He became an elite pole vaulter who figured to make the 1956 Olympic team before injuring himself at the collegiate championships. He vaulted through college and then entered the U.S. Army while continuing to compete internationally. “I traveled to Scandinavia, throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa,” he recalls. In 1959, he set the indoor
Photo by Jay Bedecarre
DON BRAGG FELT LIKE “A ROCK STAR” when he and wife Theresa traveled to Rome on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the opening of the 1960 Olympic Summer Games, where Bragg claimed the gold medal in the pole vault. The Braggs collected autographs on a banner from 1960 Olympians from around the world who attended the reunion.
world record in the pole vault. “As I entered the arena in Philadelphia, someone told me it was Friday the 13th, which was bad luck. I told him, ‘Yeah, bad luck for everyone else,’ ’’ Bragg says while explaining with a twinkle in his eye that he was always “very humble.” At the 1960 U.S. Olympic Trials at Stanford, the 25-yearold Bragg set an outdoor world record of 4.8 meters (15 feet, 9 inches) and he was off to Rome as the gold medal favorite. In a grueling six-hour long Olympic final on Sept. 7, Bragg won gold with a best leap of 4.7 meters (15-5). American teammate Ronnie Morris was second and Finnish vaulter Eeles Landstrom third. Landstrom was at the Rome reunion and the former rivals shared a heartwarming embrace. “We hadn’t seen each other since we got off the medal stand, but we were still in competition – comparing the many ailments we’ve had over the years. Both of us have had a stroke and heart bypass,” Bragg says, adding that Morris also had a stroke. Another old friend Bragg
saw in Rome was Ron Delany, a roommate at Villanova and 1956 Olympic gold medalist for Ireland in the 1500 meters. The day after the ceremony, the Braggs headed out on their own to the Stadio Olimpico where the track and field events were held. A large contingent of media was there for another story, but when the press found out Bragg was on hand he was mobbed and ended up on the front page of Italian newspapers the next day. He also cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the new Olympic Museum in Rome. After four days, the “rock star” and his wife became just regular tourists, sightseeing and visiting the birthplace village of Theresa’s father.
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HANK STRATFORD
MAYOR’S CORNER Clayton. Among the many great things done by this group is the annual Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast in downtown Clayton. You can learn more about them at claytonvalleyrotary.org. The Clayton Community Library offers many great volunteer opportunities. Even though the Clayton library is one of the smallest in the county we consistently have the greatest number of volunteer hours. There is a need for tutors and other volunteers. The semi-annual book sale will be held on October 15-17 at the Library. You can also become a Clayton Community Library Foundation member. To learn more about our great library and giving opportunities visit them at claytonlibrary.org. There are also membership and volunteer opportunities at the Clayton Historical Society. This is the group that operates our great little downtown museum. To learn more check them out at claytonhistory.org. Our local schools can always use volunteers. You can contact the schools or contact the very devoted Parent Faculty Clubs from each school. Each school has a website with contact information for the schools and the PFCs. Every year, the city of Clayton needs volunteers for the Clayton Counts Down New Year’s Eve party and the Fourth of July parade. The Clayton Pioneer sponsors the annual Clayton Cleans Up. To help, call the Pioneer at 672-0500. I’m sure I’m missing other opportunities and organizations. One of the main reasons this is such a great community is the large number of generous and dedicated volunteers that give of their time, talents, and means for the betterment of the community. Thank you to all that give. You can reach the mayor at hank_stratford@yahoo.com.
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By the time you read this column the seventh Oktoberfest will have come and gone. I’m confident that it will have been a success. The community is very fortunate to have the Clayton Business and Community Association organize Oktoberfest and the Art and Wine Festival. The CBCA also organizes the annual Clayton Classic Golf Tournament and the inaugural Clayton Rib Cook-off. The CBCA is responsible for the holiday decorations downtown. I love the fact that Christmas and Hanukah are both represented along with all of the traditional decorations. The whole community benefits from the efforts of CBCA members. The money raised from their events is given back to the community through various charitable organizations, the schools, the city, and a scholarship program. I’m sure I am missing other aspects of the association. If you have been considering a way to get involved in our community, the CBCA provides excellent opportunities. To learn more about the CBCA and how to become a member, visit their website at claytoncbca.org. We have a number of other great non-profit associations you may want to get involved with. Here are a few in no particular order. The Clayton Valley Woman’s Club was organized in 1973 and serves the Clayton/Concord area. The club just held a sold-out Murder Mystery Dinner that featured our Vice-Mayor Dave Shuey and our Police Chief Dan Lawrence. I knew these two could legislate and enforce the law, but I didn’t realize they had such acting abilities. If you are interested in learning more about the CVWC you can visit their website at claytonvalleywomansclub.org. The Clayton Valley Garden Club was organized in 1997 and has beautified our community ever since. The new Clayton monument sign rests on a hill that is still referred to as Daffodil Hill due to the daffodils and irises planted there by the club. The 24 raised planters on Main and Center Streets in downtown Clayton were planted and maintained by the club. To learn more about the Garden Club you, of course, can visit their website at claytonvalleygardenclub.org. The Clayton Valley Rotary Club meets each week here in
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Concord files lawsuit against marijuana dispensary DENISEN HARTLOVE Clayton Pioneer
The legal battle has escalated in recent weeks between the city of Concord and the owners of an illegal marijuana dispensary on Clayton Road. The city issued a cease and desist order to the owners of Herbal Essence, Inc. last month, giving them 30 days to stop dispensing marijuana. Despite the order, the business located just a few blocks from Newhall Park and Clayton Valley High School continues to operate. In a letter addressed to the city, Herbal Essence attorney
Christopher Odne insisted that if city officials had investigated his client’s application for a business permit, they would have found that holistic healing centers “often offer medical marijuana for authorized patients.” He further held that the corporation was never advised by the city of municipal codes banning medical marijuana dispensaries within the city limits, and requested a meeting with the city officials to resolve outstanding issues. According to city attorney Craig Labadie, the codes were passed in late 2005 in response
to discovery of two marijuana dispensaries operating within city limits. Labadie said the city does not routinely investigate the veracity of permit applicants’ claims, “unless they‘re suspicious that the information they were given [on the application] was incorrect. They rely on the information they’re given by the applicant.” Herbal Essence’s website, www.herbessence.org, makes no secret of its product selection and political stance. “As the medical cannabis movement gains momentum, we are faced with the opportunity to
embrace change for our city and stand up against the negative stigmas that hurt our patient community,” it states on the front page. Products for purchase on the website include Bomb-BQ barbecue sauce, chocolate volcano cookies, and THC-20 mixed berry punch. On Sept. 23, Labadie filed a lawsuit with the Contra Costa Superior Court, naming Herbal Essence, Inc. as well as property owners Michael and Ruth Yu as defendants. The complaint alleges that Herbal Essence mischaracterized their business on the documents submitted and is
a non-permitted medical marijuana dispensary within a district zoned for apartments and professional businesses. Although Labadie expects it will be a few weeks before he files the required application to obtain a preliminary junction, the complaint requests, among other damages, payment of the city’s attorney’s fees up to $500,000, and $1,000 for each day Herbal Essence was in violation of municipal codes from June 28. Property owner Michael Yu is aware of the business’ activities, but spoke of the difficulty faced by landlords of keeping
their properties rented in the declining economy. He said Herbal Essence’s tenancy has been smooth thus far. “They’re very good, very low-key people,” he said. “We were very happy to rent it out, because it’s very hard to rent out today. … In the lease, I have no authority to control their business or influence their business. What they are doing is the city’s problem. If the city doesn’t want them to do it, they can do whatever they want.” Odne was not available for a statement and employees contacted at the business refused comment.
Fallen cowboys have their day at Clayton Club JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
One of the first things visitors to the Clayton Club notice is the array of cowboy boots hanging from the ceiling. Sometime in the 1980s, a regular at the Main Street bar died and his relatives asked the owner if they could hang his boots from the ceiling. The idea caught on and now there are more than 110 pairs of boots commemorating men who have passed. Steve Barton, who purchased the bar with partner Dennis Mitchell in 2007, was talking to a patron shortly after he took over. The patron mentioned that their son had died and Barton suggested they bring a pair of his boots for the ceiling. They told the new owner that the honor “doesn’t mean the same” as it had originally been intended because so many
people were bringing boots of people who were not part of the “Clayton Club community.” “That conversation really
stuck with me,” said Barton. He talked to a number of people who had long-time roots at the Clayton Club and decided
Barton enlisted Ray Cherko, who knew all of the fallen cowboys, to be master of ceremonies. A plaque with the likeness of Hensley and the names and year of each cowboy’s birth and death was made.
that they should commemorate those who were the intended honorees. So at the end of September 2007, they had the first Fallen Cowboy Day at the club. GATHERING OF FRIENDS
Photo by Jay Bedecarre
Ray Cherko was master of ceremonies at the Clayton Club’s Fallen Cowboys ceremony Sept. 26. Among the 22 departed cowboys he remembered that day was Walt Imfeld. “The first and last time I saw Walt he was sitting in the corner by the window wearing this hat,” Cherko told the audience in the Clayton Club’s outdoor BBQ area as he displayed Imfeld’s hat which a relative brought to the service.
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The date was selected because it was the first anniversary of the death of William “Will” Hensley. The idea was to have an annual event on that weekend but for the past two years Clayton Oktoberfest was scheduled for the last weekend of September, so the Fallen Cowboy ceremony was not held. With Oktoberfest back in October this year, Barton decided to make a special Fallen Cowboy Memorial. He researched which of the boots on the ceiling represented the original spirit of the idea and came up with the first 22 men to honor.
Barton and his wife Cynthia began coming to the club to dance in the 1970s. Cherko first stopped in the club in 1984 on a motorcycle ride through town. When Cherko dropped by on that weekend afternoon, he encountered a group of men sitting at the far end of the bar. Their camaraderie impressed Cherko so much he revisited the club on his way home after riding through Brentwood. Six of those men became friends of Cherko and are now among the fallen cowboys. “It’s a community here,” Cherko said at the Sept. 26 ceremony under the Chinaberry trees. “People
YOUR NAME
from all walks of life come into the club and get along.” The men honored at this Fallen Cowboy service were Ramone Vakiva, Otis “Oldest Cowhand” Aday, brothers L.T. and Wayne Thomas, Gerald “Blackie” Davis, Bill Austin, Matt Galvin, Walt Imfeld, William R. “Billy” Gomez, Harold Yancey, Leroy Reece, Ray Galindo, Mike “Harpo’s” Dolan, Art Thomas, John Hullegard, Jerry Burnett, George Frank, Frank Bettencourt, Phil “Lousy Liar” Steffen, Greg “Grizz” Turner, Hensley and the latest member who died in June, Garry Miller. Barton closed the ceremony by reading a poem written for Hensley by Janelle Hartman. It includes the line, “Sometimes I wait hoping you will walk through the back door, then thinking I am hearing your boots walk across the floor.”
Neighborhood book clubs bring authors, book-lovers together DENISEN HARTLOVE Clayton Pioneer
When Clayton Books closed its doors in the Clayton Station this summer, local book enthusiasts lost not only a neighborhood source for books, but also a meeting space to chat with authors and fellow readers alike. Since then, several community book clubs have spring up to fill the void. Longtime Clayton resident Barbara Goldsmith recently hosted a dinner party for her book club, and invited neighbors as well as club members.
Guests feasted on lobster, shrimp and mango salad, crab cakes and homemade berry crisp, chatting all the while with prominent local author Ayelet Waldman about her novel, Red Hook Road. Goldsmith, who also comanages the non-profit group Chelsea’s Hope, said book clubs are about more than the books themselves. “I think reading is a common bond for a lot of people,” she said. “It transcends politics and religion.” Waldman last appeared locally at Clayton Books for a signing of her last book, a series
of essays titled “Bad Mother.” She came to the book club meeting in part as a favor to her friend Goldsmith, but also to encourage book clubs to thrive despite the dearth of local, independently-run bookstores. She estimated that she attends about six book club gatherings a month in person, and another few by phone, ”when I’m cooking, when I’m cleaning up the kitchen while my husband cooks …” Just across town, on the same night as Goldsmith’s gathering, members of the sciencefiction and fantasy book club
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formed by former Clayton Books owner Joel Harris, met to discuss Connie Willis’ Hugo and Nebula-award winning novel, “Doomsday Book.” “We’ve got doctors and lawyers and normal people,” Harris said of the group, which meets at 7:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Park Highlands clubhouse in Concord. In addition, on the second Monday of each month, the Clayton Community Library Barb Goldsmith with author friend Ayelet Waldman chat at the end of a successful dinner party and book club gathering
See Book Club, page 10
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October 8, 2010
Cheating doesn’t pave a path to success ROBBIE PARKER DVMS REPORTER Let’s face it: Cheating is so much easier than studying for a test or spending hours doing homework. However, in the long run, is it really the easy way out? Many teens believe cheating is an easy way to get ahead or not take care of their responsibilities. They may not want to look unintelligent or maybe they
have to get a better grade to stay out of trouble. Copying work from friends is a common form of cheating that can be hard to resist. If students forget homework or leave a hand-out at home, they look to friends for answers. They may think: “It’s just one page. It’s not really cheating. A lot people do it.” Just because others cheat doesn’t mean it’s OK. It isn’t right to use someone else’s hard work and pass it off as your own when you didn’t put in the time. A couple of times, I have looked to friends for help with my assignments when I didn’t understand a concept. I felt
tempted to ask for some answers. However, I listened to my conscience and thought of what my parents, friends and teachers might think of me. How could they trust me? How could I feel good about a grade I didn’t deserve? When I think of all of this, I recognize the huge difference between copying someone’s work and seeking assistance from others. I am not just looking for answers; I want to learn. Asking for help from parents or teachers isn’t usually the most popular choice. Instead, teens justify turning to cheating. They think: “I didn’t know what to do” or “I was just checking answers.”
The CVHS homecoming dance is 8-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, in the gym. The DJ will bring a flat-screen TV and play music videos, plus there will be games for people who don’t want to dance. MT. DIABLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL The Parent Faculty Club will host “McTeacher Night,” 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, at McDonald’s, 4550 Clayton Road, Concord. Many teachers will be “on staff ” to serve burgers, fries and smiles. Teachers will also be in the lobby greeting students and their families. Ronald McDonald is scheduled to make an appearance about 6:30 p.m. McDonalds will donate a percentage of sales to the PFC.
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been incorporated into schools, teachers and students prefer typed essays and homework. It is so much easier and efficient to use computers. However, this tool has also made cheating easier than ever. With the Internet, students can write “cut-andpaste” papers with the help of Websites or Google. They can also use text messaging to cheat. Some copy homework or test answers electronically and send them to friends. Cheating comes down to whether one has integrity or not. Even if students don’t get caught, how can they feel confident or successful if the grade isn’t earned?
Cheating also compounds upon itself. Material learned is often used again in class with other assignments. Then when the opportunity to cheat isn’t available, it will lead others to question integrity when a student cannot pass a pop quiz or answer a question on the spot. If the urge to cheat comes upon you, resist. Know what is right. It’s about honor, integrity and self-dignity. A hard-earned B or C feels better than an undeserved A.
Robbie Parker is an eighthgrader at Diablo View. Send comments to Robbie@claytonpioneer.com
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School News CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL Homecoming week is Oct. 18-23, with a Viva Las Vegas theme. The parade will be 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20, around the plaza area in downtown Clayton. The parade will include every club from CVHS as well as the bands and choir. Each class will decorate a float. The school will host a rally in the morning on Friday, Oct. 22, in the gym. The event will include performers, plus recognition for the players and cheerleaders for fall sports. At 6:30 p.m. Friday, the homecoming princesses and princes, queen and king will be announced and walk the red carpet on the football field. The football game against Northgate High School begins at 7 p.m.
One cannot make excuses. Instead, students have to be willing to learn and earn good grades. Just because “everybody does it” doesn’t make it OK. Acting dishonest and being lazy isn’t right. Listen to your conscience. Cheating on a test may be the most dishonest form. Taking a test should show what a student has learned. If one doesn’t know the material, he or she may quickly glance at another’s test. Parents or teachers may be initially impressed with the grades or scores, but a student can never really have the selfsatisfaction of getting an A when it wasn’t earned. Now that technology has
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WILL CLANEY TECH TALK Just when you thought the browser wars were over, a new battle for your Internet hearts, minds and eyeballs begins. Internet software developers create the software that “surfs” the Internet and they are hard at it, introducing a new generation of web surfing software based upon the newfound freedom, security and power of Windows 7. Microsoft has opened new doors for new adventures on the net. Is your computer ready or capable of running the new generation of software? Let’s find out. Browser software allows users to surf the Internet and experience a world of wonder, education and amazement. Among the browser products currently in use are Internet Explorer, Chrome, Safari, Firefox, AOL and others. Each takes you to the Internet but each has its own unique look and feel. And, each strives to introduce new and innovative features. Among the cool new features is the ability to download multiple audio and video files in the background while continuing to surf, to have better control of multiple open window tabs, split tabs, new unlinked tabs, and provide better performance. Developers will boast how much better their product is over the competition. The simple fact is all browsers are really good, and choosing among them may be a matter of personal preference or the limitations of your computer.
To run the latest gadget, your computer requires constant maintenance and upgrades. Google’s Chrome just released a new version and if you have an older version you should download and install the newer one. Most computers will accept this upgrade. I like Chrome because it is simple and basic, really works well and is free. I use Firefox a lot because of its download feature. It automatically advises you of upgrades and then installs them for you. Firefox has a legion of fans because of the constant innovations. And, there is a certain mystique about its security. Internet Explorer 7 (IE 7) has been a laggard when it comes to security, but it was better than its predecessor was. IE 8 was introduced a short time later and has much better security and maintenance procedures but it is still a little slow. IE 8 is, however, reliable and easily repaired when broken, unlike many competitors. I personally catch a lot of grief because I use Internet Explorer. However, my patience is about to pay off. Browser developers “borrow” ideas from one another, and Microsoft is no exception. They absorb, innovate, modify good ideas form browser developers, and incorporate them into their own products; they really do innovate as well. Soon Microsoft will introduce IE 9. This new browser is nothing short of a brilliant product, especially in the way it handles graphics. Graphics is the video you see on screen. The new browser is the first to utilize the graphics engine as a processor. The new IE 9 product is simple like Chrome, downloads like Firefox and is as secure as Safari. Its unique integration of the graphics engine gives it a power
boost like no other browser. Previously all browsers depended on the CPU (central processor unit) to create images on the page. This new generation offloads the job to the graphics processor for faster more brilliant results. IE 9 will be available soon as a free upgrade for Windows Vista and Windows 7 users only. If you have XP, this is yet another reason to visit your local technical experts for an upgrade. If you are interested in a quick sneak peak, download and install the Beta version. I don’t, however, recommend the beta software for a novice. The full version will be released soon and will be safe to download by all users. To download IE 9 Beta from Microsoft go to http://www.microsoft.com/dow nloads/en/default.aspx and look
under the heading of “Popular Trials.” Or, you can Google search “IE 9” and choose the CNet web site where it will take you to a download location. Download and install the beta version only if you understand “beta” software. You must know if you are running the 32 bit version, or the 64 bit. IE 9 is not for Windows XP. If you are running Windows XP you should upgrade to Windows 7. Just contact your local BEAR licensed professional near you. XP users must have their computer reformatted, so save your data or have your IT pro do it for you before the upgrade. Will Claney is the CEO of Computers USA! in the Clayton Station. Contact him at 925-6729989.
Book Club, from page 9 book club gathers at 7 p.m. Member Carol Henshaw described the club’s purpose: “We love books and want to share that enthusiasm with others.” Until he can find a new home for Clayton Books, Harris is continuing his push for book clubs to, “get the culture going again back into our community.” In addition to publicizing and attending book club gatherings, Harris is resurrecting meet-the-author teas that had their genesis at Clayton Books. The next tea is planned for Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at La Veranda restaurant in downtown Clayton. There, for $35, attendees will have coffee or tea and dessert, be given a hard copy of a book titled “City of Tranquil Light,” and have a chance to chat with its author, Bo Caldwell. Harris will continue to organize these teas, depending
on demand, which he estimates will be high. “They’re more important, because the opportunity to share books and meet authors and have these community events is otherwise gone. “ Cathy Botello attended Goldsmith’s gathering, and was inspired to start a group of her own. “It’s really important,” she said. “People work and they don’t get out out. (This is) just a great way to get to know people. I think neighborhood book clubs are going to be big.” For information on joining the science-fiction and fantasy book club, or to learn more about upcoming author teas, contact Joel Harris at JoelHarris@aol.com. For more information on the Clayton Community Library book club, send a message to Sunny Solomon at memorie3@yahoo.com. Both groups are open and welcome new members.
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Page 11
Consider options before disinheriting a family member RICHARD LITTORNO
ESTATE PLANNING Disinheriting a child is a difficult, but sometimes necessary decision Because circumstances change over time, an estate plan isn’t a static document. It’s meant to be revised. For example, perhaps the person you chose to be your child’s guardian can no longer fulfill that duty because he or she has suffered a physical disability. You can revise your plan to name a different guardian. Or, if your relationship with one of your children has deteriorated to the point where you wish to disinherit him or her, you can revise your estate plan.
In some states, you can disinherit a child simply by omitting him or her from your estate plan. Other states require you to name each child to make your intentions clear. In that case, you could leave the child $1 or some other nominal amount. Disinheriting a child is a drastic measure, however, and there may be better alternatives. For example, you could place assets in a trust that pays for basic necessities food, shelter and health care and condition further distributions on the child meeting certain goals, such as finishing college or staying gainfully employed. To successfully challenge your plan, the child would have to prove that you were incapacitated at the time you executed or amended your plan, or that your decision was the result of fraud, duress, mistake or undue influence. To avoid such a challenge,
consider using a living trust rather than a will. Typically, living trusts don’t go through probate, so they’re more difficult and expensive to contest. In addition, consider leaving the child a modest inheritance and include a “no contest” clause providing that, if the child contests your will or trust and loses, he or she receives nothing. At the time you execute or amend your plan, have a medical professional examine you and provide a written opinion regarding your mental capacity. But before taking action, discuss these arrangements with your estate planning advisor. He or she should check your state’s laws regarding disinheritance. Meanwhile, disinheriting your spouse is not so easy. The laws in most states make it difficult or impossible to disinherit your spouse. A few states still retain the
concept of “dower interest.” Historically, this term referred to a wife’s interest in her husband’s real estate or other property at his death, but in some states both spouses have dower interests. A valid prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, however, generally supersedes state law. If the agreement includes a valid waiver of each spouse’s rights to the other spouse’s property, it may be possible to give your spouse as much or as little as you wish. In a few states, it’s possible to use a revocable living trust to disinherit a spouse. And some states allow you to disinherit your spouse if you’re separated at the time of death.
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St. Bonaventure moves forward with construction PAMELA WIESENDANGER Clayton Pioneer
After 12 years of planning, pledging and praying, construction for new buildings at St. Bonaventure Catholic Community is well underway – but without the parochial school that was once a key part of the vision. The parish began planning for a school 1998, but requirements by the cities of Concord and Clayton proved difficult to meet and expensive, halting construction until 2003 when the church installed the two traffic lights – one in front of the church and the other at El Camino – as part of the plans
for a school. The $800,000 cost was unexpected and “fully borne by the parish,” says Christa Fairfield, pastoral life director at St. Bonaventure. In the meantime, construction costs skyrocketed and the congregation could not raise funds to continue with the original plans. In 2007, St. Bonaventure went back to the drawing board. A review of the economics and demographics of the area showed that a school was no longer the best plan. The parish “still needed classrooms for faith formation, schools and meetings,” says Fairfield. But developing a
Church News
Celebrate Halloween with ‘An Elegant Evening of Music, Masquerade and Fine Arts’ at St. John’s
ETERNAL LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH The church will offer a study and book discussion, “Digging for Insights: Using Archaeology to Study the Bible,” 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 13-Nov. 17. Attendees will read and discuss the book by John Brug and discover how archaeology methods and contributions can teach about the Bible. Meetings will be held at the county Farm Bureau building, 5554 Clayton Rd., Concord. Cost is $15 for the book. RSVP to Pastor William Kant at 707246-2233 or eternallifeconcord@gmail.com. BAHA’I OF CLAYTON For the majority of the earth’s people, the scriptures of each religious system serve as a source of a knowledge that embraces consciousness. However, religious extremism, intolerance and discrimination are threatening peace and security in many parts of the world. Can one be a Jew, a Hindu, a Buddhist, a Christian and a Moslem at the same time? Can we accept the divine authority of the founders of all these religion and respect their scriptures? There will be study and discussion on the book “One Common Faith” at 11 a.m. Oct. 10, Nov. 7, Dec. 5 and Jan. 2, Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton. The events also include prayers from various religious traditions. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, call Guity at 672-1095.
GARY CARR Special to the Pioneer
No question that Halloween is for kids, full of ghosts, goblins and gummi bears. But at St. John’s this year, there’s a preHalloween party for grownups. The church is holding “An Elegant Evening of Music, Masquerade and Fine Arts,” 710 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23. The fundraiser features fine food, music, dancing and an art
parochial school was no longer the vision. By 2008, the outdated, temporary buildings that had served as classrooms well beyond their lifespan were demolished. A capital campaign raised pledges of $2.9 million of the $3.1 million goal. The current plans for the project include additional parking north of the Parish Hall and south of the church; a labyrinth, meditation garden and lawn area on the south edge of the Education Center; and an office and multi-service area, eight classrooms and two conference rooms in the Education Center. The parking lots will be repaved,
auction. Grownups are encouraged to dress in costumes or in elegance from an earlier era. Feather boas, tails and tiaras are encouraged, with those arriving in costume receiving a special prize. Opt for a mask, at the very least. Dawglips, the No. 1 band from Brentwood, will provide live music. Shirley Dougarian will be at the mic as well, singing standards from the Great American Songbook. Howard Walkup will do a set of
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along with installation of new lighting, sewer and water lines. No changes will be made to the field south of the church. The modular buildings for the Education Center were delivered in September and moved into place. They will be ready for use in January. Coupled with the traffic signals and $1 million spent on erecting a wall between the Farm Bureau building and the church, adding a left turn lane and new signage at the entrance, the current phase brings the project total to nearly $5 million. The parish is “very excited to finally see it come to fruition,” says Fairfield.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
October 8, 2010
Clayton Sports Younger Diablo FC teams collect medals on tournament weekend JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Soccer in the fall revolves around league play. The local Diablo Futbol Club competitive program has teams playing in six leagues, including the prestigious Far West Regional League, CYSA Cal Soccer League and Golden State Soccer League for their oldest, most accomplished teams. The last weekends of September and October are set aside for tournaments. Younger Diablo FC teams took advantage of as break from league action to collect a bunch of hardware, highlighted by the first championship for the Diablo FC 01 Under 9 boys. They came away with first-place honors at the Dublin Premier Fall Classic. Three Diablo FC teams were finalists in tournaments: the U13 97 Blue girls, U15 95 Blue girls and U14 96 Blue boys. Rounding out the fine effort for the local competitive club’s younger teams, U11 99 Black girls and U13 97 Blue boys collected third-place hardware at September tournaments. BIG WEEKEND FOR THE NINJA In their second tournament ever, Diablo FC 01 emerged as under 9 champions of the Dublin Premier Fall Classic for new coach Joel Cazarez. The team faced a trio of opponents from the soccer-rich Tri-Valley area and came out on top each time. Diablo FC began the tournament with a 3-2 win over host Dublin United Slammers and came back the same afternoon to defeat Livermore Fusion FC 01 Black 4-2. On the final day, they were 4-2 winners over Tri Valley SC Barcelona. This game set up a
replay against Tri Valley SC in the championship game. This time, Diablo FC got its first shutout with a 2-0 verdict in the finale. Scorers for the team, which uses the nickname Ninja, included Marco Garcia with four goals, Israel Cerda with three, plus Isaac Morfin and Ignacio Alvarez with a pair of scores each. Dami Olatunji and Gavin Dausses contributed for the forward line. Midfielders Ryan Giacobazzi, Zach Hamilton and Bryan Rodriguez helped slow down the opponents’ attack. Responsible for handling the consistent pressure being applied by their four opponents were defenders Niko Ferrante, Johnnie Dodge and Cooper Pauline. Goalkeeper Ricky Rodriguez had a stellar tournament, allowing only six goals while saving 15 shots. GOING FOR THE SHUTOUTS Diablo FC 96 Blue boys, aka Barcelona, took second place in Dublin. Coach Hugo La Torre’s team produced two shutout wins to open play 4-0 over TriValley Galaxy and 2-0 over Sacramento. The defense, anchored by Drew Johnson, Ben Linzey, Justin Santos, Brent Tovrea and Alex Jauregui, held tight. Goalie Fernando Alvarado had 13 saves to help complete the shutouts. Tri-Valley had their hands full with the Diablo FC attack for most of the game. Goals by Ben Robinow, Jose Geronimo, Alan Cuellar and JJ Hernandez provided the margin of victory. In a hard-fought contest, Daniel Garcia scored both goals and Diablo FC moved onto the championship match. Marin FC, ranked No. 15 in Northern California, was the opponent in the championship game. Barcelona struck first
Photo courtesy of Diablo FC
COACH MEGAN SWANN’S DIABLO FC 95 BLUE PLACED SECOND AT THE RECENT MODESTO INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT, winning three in a row to reach the U15 girls championship game. The team includes, front from left, Kiana Mason, Desiree Martinez; second row, Bianca Rubalcava, Kristine Henderson, Jane Mitchell; third row, Julianna Cardinale, Sidney Carroll, Lindsay Cardoza, Jamila Alani, Marina Arcaya, Daisy Brambilla, Maddie Malone; back, Crystal Hayes, Kaylee James, Julia Wilkins, coach Megan Swann, Megan Church, Jenny Tasarz and Jillian Sherlock.
with Geronimo converting a penalty kick. With speedy play up front, Marin came storming back to score the next four goals. Luis Molina put in a shot off a rebound for Diablo FC, and Garcia was able to get back in the scoring column with a quick breakaway for a 4-3 score. But Diablo FC wasn’t able to get any closer as Marin put in the last two goals for a 6-3 final. “It was good to see our boys compete with such strong com-
Photo courtesy of Diablo FC
THE U9 DIABLO FC 01 SOCCER TEAM, WHICH USES THE NICKNAME NINJA, won the Dublin Premier Fall Classic with four consecutive victories. The team includes, front row from left, Ricky Rodriguez, Cooper Pauline, Marco Garcia, Issac Morfin, Niko Ferrante; back row, Israel Cerda, Dami Olatunji, Bryan Rodriguez, Ryan Giacobazzi, Ignacio Alvarez, Zach Hamilton, Gavin Dausses, Johnnie Dodge and coach Joel Cazarez
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petition,” La Torre said. “Our core group of players is becoming very solid.” TOUGH CHAMPIONSHIP LOSS Diablo FC 95 Blue placed second at the Modesto Invitational Tournament, winning three consecutive games to send them to the U15 girls championship. Coach Megan Swann’s team scored 10 goals while only allowing one in three games. Julia Wilkins put away a goal in the middle of the first half for a 1-0 opening win over host Modesto Ajax. They followed up with a 7-1 victory over San Juan Spirits as Bianca Rubalcava, Alicia Costanza, Kiana Mason, Jane Mitchell, Marina Arcaya and two from Kaylee James dented the scoreboard. After a scoreless first half against Orchard Valley Toros, Diablo FC finished off a 2-0 win with goals on free kicks from Mitchell and Costanza. The championship game was against Inter Rage Academy. Injuries, sickness and fatigue ended the Diablo FC 95 Blue run in a 4-1 loss, highlighted by a goal from Maddie Malone. Stellar goalkeeping by Julianna Cardinale and Siobhan Williamson and strong defense by Jenny Tasarz, Desiree Martinez, Sidney Carroll,
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CLUTCH SCORING Diablo FC 99 Black took third in the Footie Fest tournament in Castro Valley. Despite goals from Lea Guerrero, Karina Linzey and Xyaire Hartwell, the locals lost the first two games and needed to win by three goals in their next game in order to move on. Against Livermore Fusion, the outcome was not in question as Diablo FC, aka Jabulani, scored twice through Maddie Annison. The goalie play of Natalie Johnson and Emily Roberts, along with the defense of Lauren Robinow and Isabella Aguilar, held Livermore to few chances as Diablo FC 99 Black pressured for the needed goal. A fine pass-
ing sequence moved the ball around the box, creating a chance that Annalisa Kempel finished for the final goal as time expired. The third-place game against Castro Valley United was a tight contest from the start. Castro Valley struck twice, with Linzey tying the game each time in regulation. Jabulani was able to win a tense penalty kick shootout on goals from Hartwell, Aguilar and Kempel and goalie work from Linzey to seal third place. “I love the way everyone on this team came together when they needed to and contributed to our success,” said coach Chris Linzey. “This is a first-year club team. We have some great talent here and the girls are really starting to play like a seasoned team.” Andrew Neal’s Diablo FC 97 Blue U13 boys played in the HK Shoot-Out in Fremont and took third. The team had a tough go on Saturday, but the boys won two games back to back – defeating Paris St. Germain of San Francisco 2-1 on goals by Abisai Padilla and Anthony Maytum in the consolation game to bring home a thirdplace medal. In the same tournament, Diablo FC 99 Blue U11 girls lost in a shootout for third place to the Mill Valley Rockers.
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Mason, Malone, Kristine Henderson, Megan Church and Lindsay Cardoza keyed the weekend’s play for the finalists. Continuing their strong showing in tournaments, Diablo FC 97 Blue girls were second in the On Your Toes Hannah Welker Memorial Tournament at Morgan Hill, losing in the finals to a top-seeded squad from Central Santa Clara Valley Heat. The team coached by Mark Hines recently won its first tourney title at the Tiburon/Mill Valley Fall Kickoff and continued the hot streak with three straight wins into the finals.
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October 8, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Clayton Sports Name: Nick Mazza Age: 17 Sport: Football Team: CVHS Football Nick Mazza is an anchor on the offensive and defensive lines as a starting tackle for the Clayton Valley High football team, which is moving into the DVAL league schedule this month. His position coach, Paul Reynaud, calls Mazza a “fantastic, high energy guy. His engine has one speed and that is all out all the time. He is a great leader on and off the field and is always trying to make the guys around him bet-
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.
team for the past two years. The 6-2, 220pounder is called “a coaches dream. Nick is one of our most valuable players because of his toughness and intelligence, starting both ways and playing on many of the special teams.” Mazza is also a member of Clayton Valley’s leadership class and is an excellent student.
Athlete Spotlight
Page 13
Do you know a young athlete that should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, or remarkable improvement, or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight to sports@claytonpioneer.com.
ter.” Mazza has spent four years in the CVHS football program, progressing up from freshman to junior varsity to varsity
Sports Shorts CLAYTON VALLEY PONY BASEBALL TRYOUTS SUNDAY Tryouts for the Clayton Valley Pony baseball program will be 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10, at Clayton Valley High School. Players 12-14 are invited to try out. Clayton Valley Pony teams compete in the 680/Diablo Interlock League. For more information, email Greg Redmond at claytonpony@comcast.net or visit claytonvalleypony.com. 5K RUN BENEFITS HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS THIS SUNDAY The second annual 5K run at Newhall Park in Concord to benefit sports at the six high schools in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District is set for Sunday, Oct. 10. To sign up to run or walk, visit unitedmtdiabloathletics.org. ERIC LAWSON OFF STRIKEFORCE FIGHT CARD DUE TO INJURY
CVHS Eagles golf, tennis teams in rebuilding mode with inexperienced squads This is the third in a series profiling Clayton Valley High School fall sports. JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Chance Gernhardt and Rick Ortega coach both boys and girls teams at Clayton Valley High School. Their new assignments this fall as head coaches of girls golf and tennis, respectively, are probably not going to see their rebuilding Eagles teams vying for league or section honors, unlike the seniorladen girls volleyball squad which has high hopes for league and post-season play. Clayton native Gernhardt has been involved in coaching either boys or girls golf teams at CV for five years but took over the girls links squad when
Jennifer Moore resigned. Bryan Bredell is assistant coach this year. The Eagles are led by a pair of juniors, Katina Kallas and Kelly Sullivan. New to varsity golf this season are freshman Alex Baker, junior Daniella Garcia and seniors Emily Lawson and Seher Qureshi. The team practices and plays home matches at Oakhurst Country Club. Like his predecessor, Gernhardt bemoans the lack of full girls golf participation from the schools in the Diablo Valley Athletic League. “We have to go outside of our league to have enough contests to make a full season.” The enthusiastic Ortega, tennis director at Oakhurst, assumed the top girls tennis team spot after his colleague
Suzanne Beck resigned. Ortega enlisted the assistance this fall of Mike Katches, who is the Ygnacio Valley High boys tennis coach in the spring. “We are rebuilding from losing several varsity players,” Ortega says. “My expectation for this year is to be competitive. I have high hopes that we will be a .500 team.” So far, that’s how the Eagles have performed. All seven DVAL schools take part in the sport and the dual match season goes until Oct. 21. The following week, Oct. 25-28, will be the DVAL tournament with North Coast Section playoffs in November, first for teams and then in singles and doubles. Returning to the Eagles varsity are Tatiana Guzman, Janella Partida, Erica Ploetz, Karley
Menez, Hayley Atwood and Natalia Solano. Guzman was All-DVAL in doubles last year but has assumed the No. 1 singles slot this fall. Chloe Kim, who played at Oakhurst when she was younger, is a new varsity addition. Her brother Jonathan is the No. 1 boys tennis player at CVHS. To fill out the full lineup for varsity matches, Ortega brought up players who could have benefitted by more time on the junior varsity. During the dual meet season, DVAL tennis teams position themselves for the number of singles and doubles team who qualify to compete at the league tournament. “We should be playing for second place and I hope our performances will earn the girls six spots at the league meet,” the coach says.
Local mixed martial arts fighter Eric Lawson’s return to the ring Oct. 9 at HP Pavilion has been postponed. While sparring recently, Lawson says he “got blasted with an uppercut to my rib cage and had a rib pop out of place and some cracked cartilage.” He is hoping to back in the ring soon. CVHS ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTION OCT. 30 The second Clayton Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony and dinner will be Saturday, Oct. 30, at Centre Concord. The event will honor athletes, coaches, teams and community leaders from the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s. Tickets are $50 and may be purchased at mdusd.k12.ca.us/claytonvalley (click on Web store) or send a check to CVHS HofF, P.O. Box 203, Clayton CA 94517. For more information, call Dee Billeter at 672-6379 or Bill Nelson at 672-4092. YOUTH FUTSAL LEAGUE FORMING AT CLAYTON GYM Indoor soccer, aka futsal, is coming to Clayton Community Gym this winter. Boys teams in the Under 10, 12 and 14 age groups are forming for the five-a-side game. The league will run Nov. 6-Dec. 30. Teams can sign up at alloutsportsleague-clayton.com.
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Y o u t h and Adult sports at the Clayton Community Gym Photo by Mike Dunn
A SENIOR-LADEN CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAM has added its first freshman since 2007. Coach Lisa Hobson was looking for more firepower when she moved outside hitter Kayla Taylor, second from left, up to the varsity squad. Taylor is the first freshman on CVHS varsity since Camille Condit, right, was in her freshman year. A returning first-team all-DVAL performer, Condit leads the team in kills while fellow seniors Marissa Hobson (aces, digs), middle, and Kristin Hardesty (blocks), second from right, lead other statistical categories for CVHS. Middle blocker Sierra Andrus, left, adds senior experience to the squad.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
October 8, 2010
Clayton Sports Understanding the CVHS Athletic Hall of Fame challenges of deflation to induct second class Oct. 30 that are not used to coping with their prices going backward.
One of the highlights of the CVHS 50th anniversary two years ago was the ceremony inducting the inaugural group into the CVHS Athletic Hall of
Fame. This month the second class of honorees will be inducted in a ceremony at Centre Concord on Saturday, Oct. 30. Hall of Fame chairs Dee
Kris Colchico to be inducted into CVHS Athletic Hall of Fame Oct. 30
When Kris Colchico arrived at Clayton Valley High School her name was recognized because of the achievements of her father, Dan
Colchico, a professional football player with the San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints. She more than lived up to her father’s legacy of excellence for the Eagles as a volleyball, soccer and softball player who earned seven varsity letters before graduating in 1988. She was team captain and all-league in three sports and all-Northern California in soccer. After graduating from CSU East Bay (then Cal State Hayward) she played professional soccer for two years in Japan. She is currently teaching at Diablo Valley College. Kris Colchico is one of the inductees to the class of 2010 for the CVHS Athletic Hall of Fame on Oct. 30. Photo courtesy of the Colchico family
Billeter and Bill Nelson have announced the Hall of Fame Class of 2010. It includes: Coaches: Howard Marshall and Roger Zino Athletes: Jenny Bader Baker, Kris Colchico, Brook Knight Constable, Jerri Pournaras Feuer, Dave Gotz, Lisa Barbieri Hobson, Tom Hook, Kellie Ruiz Leffle, Craig Marble, Gilbert Martinez, Courtney Nelson Murrell, Vernon Rogers, Ray Santucci, Todd Skow, Frank Snyder, Karey Sheehan Venegas, Steve Villa and Mickey Wharton. Teams: 1960 Boys Basketball, 60s-70s Girls Pioneers, 1974 Football and 1988 Girls Basketball. Community Leadership: Laurie and Mike Rose The second Clayton Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony and dinner will be Saturday, Oct. 30, at Centre Concord. The event will honor athletes, coaches, teams and community leaders from the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s. Tickets are $50 and may be purchased at mdusd.k12.ca.us/claytonvalley (click on web store) or send a check to CVHS Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 203, Clayton CA 94517.
CV football readies for DVAL opener Oct. 15
Photo by Mike Dunn
DIMINUTIVE 5’5” RUNNING BACK/LINEBACKER JEFF DOMINGUEZ is the leading rusher for Clayton Valley High School. The Eagles football squad coached by Herc Pardi hosts North Salinas this Friday evening at Gonsalves Stadium before embarking on the DVAL schedule next Friday, Oct. 15, against rival Concord High and the Minutemen’s spread offense led by Southern Mississippi-bound quarterback Ricky Lloyd.
Kid’s Fall Leagues
THE TECHNOLOGY LOOPHOLE
MURELEEN BENTON FINANCIAL SENSE Paying less for groceries, gas and other items we buy every day sounds appealing on the face. That is why most of us look for bargains in the stores and online. But over time, we’ve come to expect that, in general, the cost of living increases. Now there is speculation by some economists that we could be entering into a different economic environment – one where deflation, rather than inflation, becomes a dominant theme. As consumers, we may believe that’s a good thing. However, deflation tends to be a sign of more significant economic problems that may be harmful to workers, consumers and investors. THE DAMAGE OF FALLING PRICES
Rising prices tend to be driven by increasing demand for goods and services. Many of us have experienced how prices can spike when demand is high and supplies are limited. You might recall feeling “pain at the pump” during times of tightened oil supplies. During good economic times, a modest level of inflation, 2-3 percent each year, is considered acceptable and probably even beneficial. It indicates that an economy is achieving a stable level of growth. In a deflationary environment, prices are falling. This is typically due to a drop in demand. Consumers and businesses become cautious about spending, putting less money into the economy. This results in an over-supply of goods and services. The problem can feed on itself. If lower demand is pushing prices down, buyers may be encouraged to wait before making purchases in hopes that prices will drop even further. This can send an economy into a prolonged tailspin. Companies that sell goods and services have a difficult time increasing revenue if prices are falling. Deflation can be a serious challenge to firms
The most notable exception in our economy is the technology sector. Prices of computers and other innovative products tend to drop over time as production scales up and components used to create the product become more widely available. Despite falling prices, these companies tend to benefit because sales volume rises dramatically as prices decline. The situation is not so favorable for other types of businesses that have more stable costs. An additional concern is the impact of holding debt during a time when prices are declining. The fixed costs of repaying debt become, in effect, more expensive if deflation lowers the value of the item purchased with the borrowed money. DEFLATION LEADS TO DEPRESSION While deflation is rare, it is not new. The most notable period of deflation in the U.S. economy in recent times occurred in the 1920s and 1930s, the years leading up to and starting the Great Depression. According to the Consumer Price Index – the primary barometer of the nation’s inflation rate provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – the cost of living declined almost 27 percent from 1926 to 1932. This also marked a time when the economy went from a boom to a bust, banks failed at a rapid rate and the unemployment rate reached 25 percent, seriously dampening consumer demand for goods and services. A more recent example of a major economy suffering through an extended period of deflation is Japan. After stock and real estate prices rose dramatically in the 1980s, the economy shifted and prices dropped dramatically. Since that time, Japan’s economy has been mired in a deflationary environment. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR THE INDIVIDUAL
It is too early to say whether deflation will become a reality in our modern economy, but given that few investors have experienced it before, here are a few points you should keep in mind as you think about how to manage your money if it occurs. Keep debt down. Even if interest rates are low, having to
make fixed payments over an extended period of time at the same time that the item you borrowed money to purchase is losing value eats away at your wealth. Pay down existing debts as much as you can and be cautious about additional borrowing until the economy stabilizes. Consider fixed income investments. If deflation persists, companies may be challenged to grow earnings. That would likely dampen prospects for stocks in the short term. By contrast, fixed income investments will look more attractive. Take, for example, an investment that offers a guaranteed fixed return of 4 percent. In an environment where the inflation rate is 3 percent, an investment earning a 4 percent return would have a real (after-inflation) return of just 1 percent. By contrast, if the inflation rate is -1 percent (deflation), the real return on a 4 percent yield is 5 percent. To the extent you can guarantee your return, you will be protected in a deflationary period. Hang onto your cash. If goods and services are losing value, the cash you hold onto is, in effect, increasing in value. You should take your time in making large purchases (such as homes and cars) and watch the direction of prices. They may move in your favor. Keep in mind that in U.S. history, deflationary periods have tended to be temporary and that rising prices are more common. Also note that delaying purchases means you also lose the value of owning and utilizing the item for an extended period of time. Weigh your options carefully. It isn’t clear yet whether actual or sustained deflation is in the offing. Unforeseen events can quickly change things – such as another spike in oil prices or bad weather that hurts crop production and drives food prices higher. As is always the case, investors need to be prepared for the uncertainty of the economy and markets.
Mureleen Benton is a Certified Financial Planner. Call her with questions at 685-4523 This information is provided for informational purposes only. The information is intended to be generic in nature and should not be applied or relied upon in any particular situation without the advice of your tax, legal and/or your financial advisor. The views expressed may not be suitable for every situation. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Member NASD and SIPC, part of Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
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DNA technologies also apply to animal genetics
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PET PALS Since the human genome project began to map human DNA in the early 1980s, the advent of DNA technologies has opened up many exciting avenues in research and diagnostics of both human and domestic animal genetic disease. Within the last decade, the horse, dog and cat genomes have been mapped. We have discovered many veterinary genetic diseases and developed specific tests to identify individual animals with mutant genes. No matter which species the research focuses on, other species have benefited. Although breeders widely use these tests to prevent perpetuating inheritable diseases, a veterinarian can also use them to determine if your pet is genetically predisposed. DNA tests detect specific defects in structure and/or function of a protein molecule in the DNA strand. The defects include enzyme deficiencies, genetic defects in structural protein receptors, failure of plasma membrane transport proteins and other proteins needed for normal biological functions. These defects used to be identified by blood and urine
tests. But now we have a more accurate way to identify the defect though DNA technology. Swabs are taken from inside the lip or cheek of an animal. Only small amounts are needed. After air-drying, the swab can be mailed to a lab and kept in the right conditions for years. At the lab, the DNA segment of interest is amplified with appropriate primers – a process called polymerase chain reaction or PCR. Once a flaw is detected, it is determined if the individual is homozygous for normal genes, homozygous for mutant genes, will have the disease, or heterozygous, a carrier for the disease. Laboratories throughout the United States have developed routine DNA tests for many inherited animal diseases. One of the most prolific is the Veterinary Genetics Lab at UC Davis. There are several tests now for felines. Abyssinians, Somalis and domestic short hair (DSH) cats are prone to erythrocyte pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD). Due to lack of an enzyme, anemia develops and leads to death. Since the initial signs are mild, the disease may not be identified in a breeding cat until after many offspring. However, an inexpensive DNA test can detect this disease before breeding. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition in Maine Coon cats, can be detected with a
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test run at Washington State University. UC Davis and Texas A&M labs test for progressive retinal atrophy in Abyssinians, polycystic kidney disease in Persians and metabolic storage diseases in Siamese and DSHs. Coat colors, blood typing and parentage tests are also offered. In dogs, we can now test for the genetic predisposition to degenerative myelopahty, a debilitating neurological degenerative disease. This nerve disease is common in geriatric large breed dogs, particularly German shepherds, golden retrievers and labs. Collies and related breeds are tested for multidrug sensitivity at WSU. These dogs can have adverse reactions to ivermectin, a heartworm prevention and mite treatment, and loperamide (Imodium) used for diarrhea. Neurological signs develop because these dogs lack a protein that pumps some drugs out of
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the brain. Shelties, Dobermans and other breeds can be tested for a bleeding disorder called von Willebrand disease. The University of Minnesota has found the gene mutation that causes exercise-induced collapse in Labrador retrievers and other breeds. After 5 to 20 minutes of exercise, these dogs become weak in the rear legs and collapse. This laboratory also tests for a life-ending, progressive neuromuscular disease in Leonberger dogs called Leonberger polyneuropathy (LPN). The American Kennel Club offers DNA testing for parentage profiling. There is 99 percent confidence in determining a puppy’s dam and sire. AKC also partners with Canine Heritage for mixed breed analysis. These tests help determine the highest breed probabilities in a dog of questionable heritage. Horses and humans share many of the same genetic diseases. UC Davis tests for hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, a muscular disease in which high levels of potassium in the blood cause both paralysis and death. Another shared disease is glycogen branching enzyme deficiency, causing death in people and quarter horses. The parentage of a horse can be determined by only a few strands of its mane.
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CANINE COUTURE TOOK FRONT AND CENTER at the grand opening of Nellie’s Closet on Sept. 25. Despite the near-90 degree day, 15 more-or-less willing models, from tiny Yorkies to the grandest Great Dane, gamely strutted the runway in coats, sweatshirts and hoodies designed by Pug Snuggly. The doggie boutique, named for owner Sarah Rodenburg’s dog Nellie, is inside Rodie’s, 8863 Marsh Creek Rd.
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TARA training session. Tara is a lovely lady with a sweet temperament looking for a family to snuggle and love. 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
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. OCT. 13 FOR THE OCT. 22 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com
CLAYTON EVENTS Saturdays through October Farmers Market 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Diablo Street between Main and Center, downtown. pcfma.com or 800-949-3276. Oct. 9 “Whispers from the Past” A history workshop on Clayton’s past for third- to sixgraders. 2-4 p.m., Clayton Historical Society and Museum, 6101 Main St. Registration begins at 1:45 p.m. Free but space is limited. 672-0240. Oct. 10 Music at the Mountain Festival Celebrating the wealth of Clayton-based musical talent, featuring Jim Hudak and the Symptoms, the Relyks with Butch Crossman, Maggie's Farm and Plan-B. Free admission, with free barbecue. 2-6 p.m., Clayton Club, 6096 Main St. 683-1808. Oct. 18 Author Tea The former owners of Clayton Books will host Bo Caldwell, author of “City of Tranquil Light.” $35 includes coffee, tea, dessert and advance copy of the book. 7:30 p.m., La Veranda Café, 6201 Center St. RSVP to joelharris@aol.com or mail check to Joel Harris, 511 W. 3rd St., Antioch CA 94509. 757-4844. Oct. 31 Halloween at the Fire Station For pre-K to fifth-graders; children must be accompanied by an adult. Free. 6500 Center St. Contact Emily at 941-3505. Oct. 31 Ghost Walk 7:30-10 p.m. Meet at Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St. Contact Richard at 228-9144.
EVENTS/ENTERTAINMENT Oct. 9 Castle Rock Arabians Clinic, Party and Sale Learn about communicating with your horse and developing harmony between human and horse. For reservations and directions, call Nancy at 937-7661. Oct. 9 Euphonia Part of the Second Saturday Concert Series. 7:30 p.m., Walnut Avenue United Methodist Church, 260 Walnut Ave., Walnut Creek. $10 or $25 per family. Proceeds benefit the Heifer Project. Free childcare. walnutavenueumc.org or sylviaherold.com. Through Oct. 10 “She Loves Me” Considered the most charming and romantic musical ever. $19-$45. Center Repertory Co., 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Centerrep.org or 943-SHOW. Oct. 10 “Symphonic Metamorphoses” The Diablo Symphony Orchestra and guitarist Yuri Liberzon present works by Saint-Saens, Rodrigo and LennonMcCartney. 7:30 p.m., Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12-$20. 943-7469 or lesherartscenter.org.
Through Nov. 7 “Sleuth” The Willows presents a mystery thriller with plenty of plot twists and turns. $22-$32. Campbell Theatre, 626 Ward St., Martinez. 798-1300 or willowstheatre.org.
Oct. 19 Clayton City Council 7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 673-7304 or ci.clayton.ca.us
FUNDRAISERS Oct. 8 “A Symphony of Flavors” Sponsored by the Clayton Valley High School Music Boosters. Featuring music from the school’s bands and orchestra, plus hors d’oeuvres, desserts and no-host bar. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $15. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. claytonbands.org or linminmailboxmusic@yahoo.com. Oct. 9 Rotary Goes Hollywood Dinner/Auction Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Clayton Valley/Concord Sunrise. $50, or $450 for table of 10. 6-10 p.m., Walnut Creek Civic Arts Center, 111 N. Wiget Lane. rotaryauction@gmail.com, claytonvalleyrotary.org or 566-8166. Oct. 9 Light the Night Walk A year-round fundraising campaign culminates in a celebratory evening. Sponsored by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Civic Park, Walnut Creek. lighthenight.org/sf or 415-581-1194. Oct. 10 Mt. Diablo Athletic Foundation 5K Run & Walk To benefit sports in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District high schools. Includes a timed, competitive 5K run, a fun run/walk and a kiddie event, Newhall Park, Concord. unitedmtdiabloathletics.org. Oct. 23 “Music, Masquerade and Fine Arts” Food, wine, dancing, costumes, art auction, live music. $50; $25 is tax-deductible. 7-10 p.m., St. John’s Episcopal Church, 5555 Clayton Road, Clayton. 672-8855.
AT THE LIBRARY The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. 673-0659 or claytonlibrary.org. Tuesdays through Dec. 7 Patty Cakes Story time for babies to 3-year-olds. Child attends with caregiver. Drop in 11 a.m. Tuesdays. Wednesdays Book Buddies Reading to 4- to 7-year-olds. 3-4 p.m. Thursdays through Nov. 4 Picture Book Time Story time for 3- to 5-year-olds. Child may attend without caregiver. Drop in 11 a.m. Thursdays. Oct. 15-17 Fall Book Sale Pre-owned book sale to benefit the Library Foundation. 4-7 p.m. Oct. 15 for members only; memberships available at the door. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 16, noon-4 p.m. Oct. 17.
Oct. 22-Nov. 20 “Dracula” Experience the gothic classic as you’ve never seen it, presented by Center Repertory. $36-$42. 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. centerrep.org or 943-SHOW.
Oct. 20 “Make Your Money Work for You” Ruth Aston explains what investment choices may be right for you and some of the common errors made in the investing and asset allocation process. 7 p.m.
Oct. 28-Nov. 14 “Becoming Britney” A caustic, but loving PG-13 fable that chronicles the rise, the dip and the salvation of a foolhardy celebrity phenom. $25. Center Repertory Co., 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. centerrep.org or 943-SHOW.
Through Oct. 27 Guess the Pumpkin’s Weight The person with the closest guess without going over wins the pumpkin. For children through age 12.
Nov. 6-7 Gem and Rock Show Jewelry, gems, minerals, fossils and gold, plus rock painting for kids. Sponsored by the Contra Costa Mineral and Gem Society. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days, Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road. 289-0454.
Oct. 12, 26 Mt. Diablo Unified School District 7:30 p.m., 1936 Carlotta Dr., Concord. mdusd.org.
MEETINGS Oct. 12, 26 Clayton Planning Commission 7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 673-7304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.
CLUBS Clayton Business and Community Association Meets 6:30 p.m. last Thursday of the month, except holidays, Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. Call Sue at 672-2272. Clayton Valley Garden Club Meets 7-9 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton. On Oct. 13, Troy McGregor of Garden Native Nursery in Martinez will have a presentation on Australian native plants. Contact Nancy at 673-3522 or claytonvalleygardenclub.org. Clayton Valley Woman’s Club Meets 9:30 a.m. for coffee, 10 a.m. meetings, second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1090 Alberta Way, Concord. Call Shirley at 672.1163 or claytonvalleywomansclub.org. Clutch Busters Square Dance Club Meets 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Willow Pass Community Center Hall, 2748 East Olivera Road, Concord. Contact Karen at 686-3774. Concord Stompers Square Dance Club 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. 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 Meets 7-8:30 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, Clayton Library Story Room, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. All artforms and both emerging and experienced artists welcome. Contact Arlene at 673-9777 or nielsenjanc@aol.com. Creeksideartists.org. Diablo Valley Democratic Club Meets 7-9 p.m. third Wednesday of the month, Ygnacio Valley Library, 2661 Oak Grove Road., Walnut Creek. 9460469 or dvdems.org. Knights Of Columbus, Concord Council 6038 Meets 7:30 p.m. 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. 566-8166 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 639-1987 or scrabble-assoc.com. Sons In Retirement (SIRs) Meets 11:15 a.m. first Thursday of the month, Crown Plaza Hotel, 45 John Glenn Dr., Concord. 429-3777. Soroptimist International of Diablo Vista Meets 12:15 p.m. first, second and third Wednesdays of the month, September-June, Sizzler, 1353 Willow Pass Road, Concord. Clayton resident Sue Manning is president. 6722727.
October 8, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Page 17
Fall into good gardening practices
NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL October is a good time for yard and garden chores. Steps should be taken now to strengthen shrubs and plants to brace them for whatever this winter has to dish out. So, pull on gloves, put on a hat and get to work. The first order of business
is the lawn. Evaluate the grass to see what it needs. If there are brown, dry patches, try Perc-o-late or another surfactant. If the lawn is more dry and brown than green, consider having the grass de-thatched and aerated. This process allows water to get down to the root of the grass, making watering much more effective. Lawns grown on compacted clay soil should be aerated and de-thatched ever year or so. Once the lawn has its soil broken down, consider reseeding or fertilizing. If the lawn is thin and patchy, a layer of soil conditioner followed by lawn seed would give it a jump-start. Fall lawn feeding is important. It isn’t necessary to use a food
that says “for fall and winter feedings.” With this area’s mild winter, the nitrogen available in most year-round lawn foods is perfectly fine to use this time of year. It will break down and be available to the grass. Everyone should apply additional iron to their lawns to green up the grass. Try to give two applications before December. A strong lawn will be able to stay greener during the cold months. SPECIAL CARE FOR ACID-LOVERS Acid-loving shrubs need attention during the fall, too. This includes azaleas, camellias, rhododendron and gardenias. Feed azaleas, camellias
and rhododendron with 0-1010 monthly now through March. Those three shrubs and the gardenias need a couple doses of iron as well. Whether you use a liquid or granular variety, now is the time for monthly applications. Iron will keep the acid-lovers deep green. Gardenias should be fed with an acid food. They have just finished blooming and will need a 4-8-5 granular or a 3010-10 water-soluble. Watersoluble fertilizers always have higher numbers since their powers are not available for long periods of time. If you planted any Loropetalum,
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NICCI SHIPSTEAD Clayton Pioneer
The Clayton Valley Woman’s Club committed a murder – and delivered a nice dinner party – at Oakhurst Country Club on Sept. 18. There was no bodily harm done to any of the local characters involved, although possible character assassination is highly suspected – especially for the local politicians. Committee chair Chris Light hoped for 40-80 guests for the club’s first fundraising event of this type. Light was exhilarated by the response, with 130 eager investigators buying tickets for “Final Signing,” an adaptation of Tom and Penny Warner’s “Murder in the Library.” Wine sales, raffle baskets and tickets brought in more than $3,000. CVWC donates proceeds annually to local charities, including the Clayton Library Foundation, the Clayton and Concord historical societies and a Clayton Valley High School senior who receives a four-year scholarship. Murderous mischief began with a version of the real Kathy Hester (CVWC president), a nervous librarian opening the evening introducing Agatha Mystry (Christy Harris, former co-owner Clayton Books), a snotty author with a peculiar penchant for holding her new title “Deader Than a Doornail” upside down and
Eric Hester
Mr. Mayor, played by Dave Shuey, (Clayton’s vice mayor,) is determined that Sam Slayed, (Clayton Police Chief Dan Lawrence) will not pin the murder of mystery writer Agathy Mystry on him at the CVWC Mystery Dinner “Final Signing.”
dutifully “signing” smiley faces on patron programs. Upon being toasted by an array of pill-popping, self-centered guests, the prolific writer dies a laughably long choking death. Mystry’s publisher, Dell Doubleday (Pat Craig, theater critic for the Bay Area News Group), pronounces the apparent murder of his last viable client. Joel Harris (Christy’s husband), playing the part of Dalton B. Walden, bookseller and Mystry’s jilted lover, cannot stifle a guffaw delivering the line “… seeing my future hopes and dreams lying there
awkwardly on the floor.” Page Turner (Nicci Shipstead, reporter for the Clayton Pioneer and teacher at Kindercare) is a cranky critic dressed for the fancy affair in a lace tank top. She shows little concern for the deceased, who was “like a sister” in many ways. Turns out Mystry and Turner are twins, with Turner receiving the less visually pleasing nose job. J’Lo Bennifer (Laura Hoffmeister, Clayton city staffer) calls dibs on the made for television movie sure to result from the twist of events, even though the victim shared
an unseemly relationship with the Hollywood star’s fourth or fifth husband, Rocky or Ricky. (She’s too caught up in her fame to keep track of those little details.) Much of the audience suspects Mr. Mayor (Dave Shuey, Clayton City Council), who was blackmailed by Mystry due to his Lottery ticket addiction and pompous drive to be the next president of the world. With so much doubt cast on each suspect, Police Chief Sam Slayed (Dan Lawrence, Clayton police chief) arrives on scene admitting that Clayton’s low murder rate causes logistical difficulty due to the many suspects. The audience delights in Bennifer’s suggestion to roll the body a few yards into Concord. But Slayed presses on with the matter at hand, gaining a full confession from the illiterate Mystry’s long-time friend. Turns out Hester wrote Mystry’s mysteries in return she not be outed as a librarian with a decades overdue Nancy Drew. Light calls the event a success, noting “everybody laughed in the right places.” The club might host another dinner soon. “Possibly next year,” she tenuously suggests.
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Page 18
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
October 8, 2010
Shorter days mean lots of color WOODY WHITLATCH WEATHER WORDS One of the hallmarks of the autumn season is the color show that Mother Nature provides as the leaves turn from their summer greens to the fall shades of red, yellow and brown. We observe this phenomenon locally as the deciduous trees that line the streets of Clayton and the slopes of Mt. Diablo change color. Possibly the most famous area in the world for fall color viewing is New England. Travelers from all over the world are attracted to this area, which is famous for its
forests of sparkling yellow aspen and birch trees intermixed with bright red sugar maples and golden brown oaks. Locals have a name for the autumn tourists, they are affectionately known as ‘leaf-peepers’. Earlier this fall, I was lucky enough to join the leaf-peeping ranks and see firsthand the early stages of the New England autumn color spectacle while driving through the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts. While observing the array of colors, the science portion of my brain went into high gear. Several questions arose. Why do the leaves change color? Why do some trees turn red while others turn yellow or brown? What role does the local weather have in the leaf coloring process? Like many phenomenon in
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nature, leaves turn colors due to many factors including the weather and an energy balance within the tree itself. Leaves are food factories for trees. A process called ‘photosynthesis’ allows trees to combine water that roots absorb with carbon dioxide leaves take in from the air to produce the oxygen and sugar that feed the tree. A portion of this food is stored inside the tree allowing it to live through the winter months. Leaf color comes from pigments, natural substances produced by leaf cells. The three pig-
ments that color leaves are chlorophyll (green), carotenoid (yellow, orange and brown) and anthocyanin (red). Chlorophyll, which allows plants to make energy from sunlight and helps make photosynthesis happen, is the most abundant pigment during the summer season, and gives leaves their green color. As winter approaches, the days become shorter and less sunlight is available for making chlorophyll. With less and less chlorophyll, the green coloring fades. Each species of tree
changes to a color that depends on the type of carotenoid or anthocyanin in its leaves. All leaf-peeping seasons are not equal and are dependent on weather conditions experienced during spring, summer and autumn. Studies have shown that the most spectacular autumn colors displays occur after a warm and wet spring, a summer that’s not too hot or dry, and an early fall with plenty of warm sunny days and cool nights. The colors tend to be drab when the fall season is marked by cloudy days and warm
nights. A strong early frost will quickly end the fall foliage color display. So, during the next few weeks say goodbye to chlorophyll and hello to carotenoid and anthocyanin. Enjoy the local fall colors this season. If you ever get a chance, take a leaf-peeping trip to New England. It can be a spectacular sight.
Woody Whitlatch is a meteorologist with PG&E. Email your questions or comments to clayton_909@yahoo.com
Make sure your chimney is safe for those cozy winter fires With fall/winter and those cold, rainy nights quickly approaching, soon it will be time to enjoy fires in the fireplace. Now is the time to prepare your fireplace and chimney for use by having both properly maintained. Burning wood in the fireplace releases creosote, a black, tarry substance that sticks to the chimney walls. If creosote is allowed to build up, floating embers could set off a fire in the chimney. In fact, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) reports that creosote accumulation is the leading cause of chimney fires. A chimney that is dirty, blocked or in disrepair can inhibit proper venting of smoke up the flue – leading to a chimney
fire. Nearly all residential fires originating in the chimney are preventable with an annual chimney inspection by a certified chimney sweep. Here are some quick chimney safety tips:
Have an annual chimney inspection conducted by a CSIA certified chimney sweep. Burn only well-seasoned hard wood. Install a carbon monoxide detector. Install a chimney cap. Have your chimney waterproofed. Have the chimney flashing inspected and maintained. Install a sealing damper in any wood-burning stove/system.
Have your chimney sweep ensure that the chimney has an appropriate liner. Following earthquakes, floods, electrical storms/ lightning strikes or severe weather, have your chimney inspected for damage – inside and out.
If you experience a chimney fire, get everyone out of the house, cut off as much of the air supply to the chimney as possible (since fire feeds on oxygen) and call the fire department. If you have an extinguisher, insert the nozzle into the chimney (or stove) and empty out the contents. Immediately close the door if you believe it’s safe to do so. While you’re outside waiting for the fire department to arrive and only if it’s safe – take a garden hose and wet down the roof as much as possible to help prevent it from catching fire. Above all, always remember that homes are replaceable, lives are not. Creosote isn’t the only fire safety hazard. Whenever you have a live fire in the fireplace, keep a close eye on it and carefully control it. Fireplaces should have screens closed so sparks can’t escape. Before going to bed or leaving the house, extinguish all embers in a fireplace.
HARUN SIMBIRDI
SAFETY ZONE Use seasoned woods only as dryness is more important than hard wood vs. soft wood. Build smaller, hotter fires that burn more completely and produce less smoke. Never burn cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, trash or Christmas trees; these can spark a chimney fire. You should install stovepipe thermometers to help monitor flue temperatures where wood stoves are in use. This will allow you to adjust burning practices as needed. Also, be sure to inspect and clean catalytic combustors on a regular basis, where applicable. Proper maintenance by a CSIA certified chimney sweep will help keep your chimney and fireplace clean and in good working order. Your sweep may have other maintenance recommendations, depending on how you use your fireplace or stove. Simbirdi is a resident of Clayton and member of the City of Clayton Citizen Corps Council (C5-CERT). He can be reached at simbirdi@yahoo.com.
Vector Control says use rodent poison with caution State officials are reminding Californians to use caution when using poison baits to control rodent pests. Careless use of rodenticides has injured and killed wildlife and pets throughout the state. In parts of the state, unusually high numbers of voles are creating problems for homeowners. Voles are small, outdoor rodents that build and use grass “tunnels.” They are similar in appearance to house mice, with short tails and smaller ears. Rodenticides pose dangers to wildlife and pets, particularly through secondary poisoning. This occurs when scavenging species eat dead or dying rodents that have ingested rodenticides. Owls, hawks, other scavenging birds and predators such as raccoons, fox, skunk and coyote are at risk. Pets will also eat dead or dying rodents and unprotected bait. Deer may be attracted to the pellet forms of rodenticides. Over-the-counter rodenticides that contain the active ingredients brodifacoum, bromadiolone or difethialone can only be legally used to control rats and house mice in and around structures. It is not legal to use these products in open areas such as pastures or fields. Bait products that contain the ingredients chlorophacinone or diphacinone can be used legally to control outdoor rodent pests such as voles, ground squirrels and gophers. These compounds require multiple feedings to kill rodent
pests, so they pose a lower secondary poisoning risk compared with rodenticides used to control mice and rats within homes, barns or other structures. It is important to read rodenticide product labels carefully and to strictly follow directions. Rodenticides should only be used in small treatment areas close to structures. Be sure to check these areas daily for dead rodents. Collect the carcasses as soon as possible, place in plastic bags and dispose in garbage cans with tight lids that other animals can’t open. Always wear protective gloves when handling any dead animal. Since 1994, the Department of Fish and Game has confirmed at least 136 cases of wildlife poisoning from anticoagulant rodenticides. Brodifacoum was the poison most frequently detected. “Since animals typically retreat to their dens, burrows or other hiding places in the final stages of anticoagulant poisoning, the number of non-target wildlife killed by this compound may be much greater than we know,” said environmental scientist Stella McMillin. “For the research we did, most of the birds and mammals exposed to brodifacoum were collected in areas adjacent to urban development around the state.” For more information on protecting wildlife and pets from rodenticide baits, visit dfg.ca.gov/education/rodenticide. Alternatives to poison can be found at ipm.ucdavis.edu/pmg/pestnotes/pn7439 .html.
October 8, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Page 19
A Rocket by Any Other Name…
LINDA WYNER
FOOD
FOR
THOUGHT
To Europeans, rocket is a well-known salad green. It has other names as well, such as rucola and roquette, but we know it here in the U.S. as arugula (ah-ROO-goo-lah). While it used to be plentiful, popular and inexpensive prior to World War II, it now has resurfaced as a “luxury” green. One blogger recently commented that in the 1960s someone could purchase arugula for 19 cents a bunch… a bargain compared to the almost $4 price tag at grocery stores today. A native to the Mediterranean, arugula has long been part of the culinary landscape in Italy and elsewhere. The ancient Romans ate it for good luck. The seeds were used to flavor oils. Greek physicians prescribed arugula to treat baldness, intestinal worms and children’s coughs while the Jewish Talmud recommends gargir for eye infections. Two thousand years ago,
someone determined that it had aphrodisiac properties. The old wives’ tale persisted over the centuries until it was so popular a belief that the pope banned monasteries from growing it in their gardens. Rich in iron and Vitamin C, arugula is a peppery salad green that’s a little bitter but it’s more than just another lettuce in a salad mix. More mature leaves are spicier and are terrific in sauces, soups and pasta dishes. Arugula is pretty fragile, so only purchase what you need and use it within a day or two. Don’t wash it until you’re ready to use it and pat it dry carefully to avoid bruising. Arugula is in its prime now through the end of the year, although here in California I’m able to find it year-round at Trader Joe’s. I’m particularly fond of baby wild arugula that I can get at Sonoma Market, a lovely store that also has an outpost in Glen Ellen. Some people regard the wild variety as a bit rubbery; what I’m able to get is delicate and a perfect counterpoint to halibut.
Salt and pepper ¼ c panko* Oil for sautéing 1 lemon, juiced 1 small shallot, minced ½ tsp Dijon mustard 1 Tbsp fruity olive oil 2-3 cups baby arugula *Panko are Japanese bread crumbs, which are coarsely ground and tend to be light and crispy Rinse and pat dry the fish fillets. In a bowl with a wide bottom, whisk together the egg with 1 Tbsp water. Dredge the fillets in flour and season with salt and pepper. Dip into the egg then into the panko. Preheat a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the oil and fish. Reduce the heat to medium and sauté the fish until lightly browned on one side (about 4 minutes) then turn and continue to cook until lightly browned and the fish is opaque but moist in the thickest part. Whisk together the lemon juice, mustard and olive oil. Toss with arugula just before serving. Plate the fish and arrange the salad on top. Drizzle with any remaining dressing.
SAUTEED HALIBUT WITH ARUGULA Serves 2 2 - 6 to 8 oz. 1” thick boneless skinless halibut fillets 1 egg, well-beaten ¼ c flour
I tinkered with an Ina Garten recipe for fusilli bathed in a creamy lemon sauce a few years ago and it’s now a side (or main) dish standard at home.
Save Mount Diablo Run/Walk Trail event to benefit open space The Save Mount Diablo Trail Adventure offers outdoor family fun while helping preserve nearby natural lands. The Nov. 7 event includes a 5K trail run, a 10K trail run, a
half-marathon and an interpretive, family-friendly hike. Each begins at Castle Rock Park in Walnut Creek, climbing the fire roads up the slopes of Mt. Diablo and finishing back at
Castle Rock. There will be preand post-race entertainment and a lunch for all participants. The courses for runners are challenging, with some steep climbs, descents and creek crossings. Trails are wellmarked and will feature aid stations. Naturalists will be stationed along the family hike course to tell hikers about the natural and cultural history of Mt. Diablo. This fundraiser benefits Save Mount Diablo, which has helped increase preserved land on Mt. Diablo and its foothills from 6,788 to nearly 100,000 acres since its founding in 1971. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. Nov. 7, with the events starting at 9 a.m. at Castle Rock Park, 1700 Castle Rock Road, Walnut Creek. Registration is $38-$66, depending on distance. The family hike fee of $38 ($43 day-of) includes two adults and two kids. For more information, visit savemountdiablo.org.
FUSILLI WITH LEMON SAUCE AND ARUGULA Serves 4 1 Tbsp olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 shallots, minced 1 c heavy cream ¼ c fresh lemon juice Zest from one lemon Salt and pepper 1 c broccoli florets ½ lb fusilli 5 oz bag arugula 2 to 4 Tbsp Parmesan cheese 1 c grape tomatoes, halved Flat-leaf parsley for garnish Preheat a saucepan over medium heat. Add the olive oil, garlic and shallots. Cook for a minute until garlic is fragrant and shallots are wilting. Don’t let the mixture brown. Remove the pan from the heat. Whisk in the cream, lemon juice and zest. Return to heat and bring the mixture nearly to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer for about 10 minutes. Sauce should be thick—cook a little longer if needed. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli and 1 tsp salt. Cook until just crisp-tender then remove with a slotted spoon. Bring the water back to a boil and add the fusilli. Cook until al dente and strain, reserving about ¼ cup of the pasta water.
Combine the fusilli and sauce, the Parmesan cheese and a little of the pasta water if needed for consistency. Taste and add salt or pepper if needed. Stir in the broccoli, arugula and tomatoes. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle some minced parsley on top.
Linda Wyner, a local attorney and foodie, owns Pans on Fire, a gourmet cookware store and cooking school in Pleasanton. Direct your suggestions or questions to lwyner@claytonpioneer.com
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Page 20
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
October 8, 2010
Author traces family history through Civil War ID tag PAMELA WIESENDANGER Clayton Pioneer
For Clayton resident Linda Foster Arden, researching and writing a book about the Civil War took “longer than the war.” In 1977, an amateur historian found an ID tag at the site of the Battle of the Wilderness. The dime-sized tag had “J.A.H. Foster 155” engraved on it. The historian, retired Air Force Col. Jon Theus, traced it back
LOCAL
AUTHOR
LINDA ARDEN
will sign copies of her civil war book Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church on Oct. 16.
to Lt. J.A.H. Foster of the 155th Pennsylvania Volunteers – Linda’s great-great-grandfather. Theus sent the ID tag to Arden’s mother, who had more than 100 letters from Lt. Foster to Mary Jane, his wife during the Civil War. Arden worked for 35 years in the field of information technology. When she retired in 2000, she obtained Lt. Foster’s letters and so began her jour-
ney back in time. Prior to this, Arden had little knowledge of the Civil War. She hoped to write a novel in her retirement, but her husband Ted, a retired American history teacher, encouraged her to pursue the letters. The Ardens visited Gettysburg and found Arden’s great uncle’s house. Lt. Foster’s picture was still hanging on the wall. The tenant knew Walter Powell, an editor, author and historian, and connected him with the Ardens. Powell encouraged Linda to publish the letters, knowing there was a large Civil War community interested in reading them. Arden tried numerous methods to read and preserve the letters, which were quite small. She was finally able to scan the letters and read them through Photoshop. Then she transcribed them. She and her husband spent two summers on a farm in Pennsylvania. Ted painted and joined Linda in researching at Gettysburg and going to the various addresses she uncovered. “I love coincidences,” says Arden, who describes finding the ID tag, several Foster graves when visiting St. Michael’s Cemetery and a family sword with an inscription through a Facebook connection. Arden validated much of her findings with the Pennsylvania State Archives. Her book, “Letters from the Storm: The Intimate Civil War Letters of Lt. J.A.H. Foster 155th Pennsylvania Volunteers,” is a collection of the letters and Arden’s commentary on her family. The letters reflect the sentiments of the solders on both sides – the
tenant and his wife and their frustrations of separation. “He had a humor about him,” she notes. Arden sees a strong family resemblance in character between Lt. Foster, her father, her brother and herself. Lt. Foster was detail-oriented, felt resistance to his superiors and was frugal. She hopes her children, grandchildren and future generations will better understand their lives and family values by reading “Letters from the Storm.” misery of camp and battle, details from the front lines and the painstaking wait for news from home. She hopes her great-greatgrandfather does not mind her sharing the letters expressing the passion between the lieu-
Local musician to play at Civil War book signing The Fort Point Garrison Brass Band of San Francisco, with local Eric Totman, will perform at Linda Arden’s Oct. 16 book signing. Norm Therkelson will play Civil War music on the violin. Civil War music and instruments are different than modern-day music and instruments. Pitch was not standardized until the 1890s, so each manufacturer had a different design and pitch. Brass instruments were used because they “were more durable out in the field than wood or string,” says Totman. Musicians did not fight in the battles. They were treasured for entertaining the troops, as well as leading them to motivating march music. Musicians also helped care for the wounded.
Arden will sign her book 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, at Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Concord. “Letters from the Storm” is available through Mechling Bookbindery, 800-941-3735, mechlingbooks.com or amazon.com.
For more information, visit fortpointbrassband.org. See Totman’s brass wind instrument collection at horncollector.com.
Garden, from page 17 these acid-lovers should be treated the same as a gardenia. Hydrangeas are acid-loving, but they are deciduous so require different care. Blue hydrangeas need Hydra-Blue or aluminum sulfate added to the soil every six weeks now through February. Pink hydrangeas should have prilled dolomite lime added at the same intervals. Neither of these products are a food; they are vitamins that give the hydrangeas their color. Wait until late February to cut hydrangeas back.
including feeding with a 0-1010. Lemons, oranges, kumquats and lime trees and shrubs all are in fruit during the fall. A bud and bloom type fertilizer feeds the fruit without promoting new leaves. It is also a great idea to give a couple doses of iron. Growing citrus is stressful, so be kind to them and feed accordingly. If citrus is young, consider spraying with a Cloud Cover or Wilt-Stop product. These sprays will prevent the leaves and stems from drying out if it freezes this winter.
GIVE FRUITING CITRUS
PRUNE AND PLANT It is pruning time for many flowers, including Agastache,
A BOOST
Citrus also needs care now,
Aster, Columbine, Astilbe, Spirea, Coreopsis, Weigela, Salvia greggii and Echinacea. Cut some back to the new growth and others all the way back. Flower gardens need to be replenished this time of year with soil conditioners or your own compost. Spread a layer around flowering plants to give nutrients naturally. It will make for a much better spring. Install trees, shrubs and winter veggies now while the ground is still warm. Warm soil will encourage roots to grab hold. Chinese Pistache, Chitalpa and Crape Myrtle are excellent, fearless trees to install in the Clayton Valley. Plant leafy greens, chards, lettuce, spinach, onions, and snap peas now. Install spring annuals like snap-
dragons, pansies and violas today. They will live through the winter and offer punches of color everywhere in early spring. When using six packs, install two or three cells in each hole. As leaves fall off the trees, start a compost pile. Retailers have made home composting easier than ever. Home gardeners can have healthy, giving soil at their fingertips whenever they need it. There is still a lot of work to be done in the landscape and garden. A little extra care now will ensure a fantastic spring. Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden Contact her with questions, comments or suggestions at gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
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