IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com
November 5, 2010
925.672.0500
World Series fever spread quickly as fans pack Ed’s for opening game DANA GUZZETTI Clayton Pioneer
HANK STRATFORD
MAYOR’S CORNER City shares cost-cutting tips with Grand Jury The city recently received several requests from the Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury. It appears that the Grand Jury is looking for best practices that can be shared with other entities. One of the requests was regarding ideas and measures that have stretched city revenues and increased efficiency. I wanted to share with you some of
See Mayor, page 4
PFC, Boosters offer $2,000 reward for CVHS locker room burglary TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
An exciting Homecoming Week ended on a sour note when thieves broke into the locker room used by the opposing team during the Oct. 22 game, stealing cell phones, equipment, backpacks and other personal items from the Northgate High School team members. The room is always locked during the game, said CVHS Athletic Director Pat Middendorf. Varsity head coach Herc Pardi said the room was locked as usual at half time when he let the players in. The Northgate coaches said the room was locked when they returned to the field at the end of half time. It is not known how the thieves entered the room. “I don’t know if anyone who was not there can imagine what it felt like when we returned to the locker room after the game,” said Middendorf. “We had all just had an incredibly spirited,
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
THERE WASN’T A HAPPIER OR LOUDER PLACE IN TOWN on Oct. 8 than Ed’s Mudville Grill when Giants fans gathered shoulder-to-shoulder to cheer the home team in the opening game of the World Series. Pictured are Teddy McDavitt, Ed’s owner Ed Moresi, Jim Moylan, Brook Moylan and Clayton Mahlock.
See World Series page 8
Artist pieces together the puzzle to create unique rock artwork PAMELA WIESENDANGER Clayton Pioneer
See Reward, page 6
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190
Orange and black attired sports fans packed Ed’s Mudville Grill for the San Francisco Giants vs. Texas Rangers World Series opener last week. True Giants fans who suffered through nail-biting playoff games, A’s fans with baseball fever and those who just came for fun became one raucous family for that moment in baseball history. “I remember the frozen nights at Candlestick, and the chain-link fence,” says Richard Rogers, who grew up in Clayton. “I’ve known Ed for 40 years. Where else would I be?” Applause and moans punctuate high-pitched conversations as the suspense of the baseball drama play out in a room surrounded by big screen TVs. Lifelong Giants fan Alex Visaya fought commuter traffic from Martinez to be part of the Ed’s scene. He and the rest of the crowd gasp in unison as
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
NAOMI MORGAN SELECTS A ROCK FOR HER CURRENT INTARSIA work from over 100 baskets of rocks collected through the years. She will exhibit her work at the Gem and Rock Show this weekend at Centre Concord.
What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Car Tunes (New) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Church News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Clayton resident Naomi Morgan will display samples of an art form that flourished in 16th century Florence at the Gem and Rock show this weekend in Concord. Her process is known as intarsia, pietra dura or commesso, and the American Masters of Stone calls Morgan “the most prolific commesso artist in this country.” The organization is cataloging the works of the approximately 300 known commesso artists in North America. Morgan will bring six to seven of her 60 pictures from stone to the show at Centre Concord. The pictures are compiled of many different rocks carefully cut, filed and glued together like an intricate puzzle. It’s different than creating a mosaic, which is typically regular-shaped components held together by grout. The life of a “rock hound” is as dynamic and colorful as the geology they hunt. Morgan and Bill, her husband of 49 years, have traveled as far and wide as Canada and Australia to bring home unique rocks. Like snowbirds, they head for the desert during winter and to cooler cli-
Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Community Calendar . . . . . . . . . . .11 Directory of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . .5 DVMS Reporter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Food for Thought . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 From the Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
mates in the summer. When camping with her two grandsons, she sends them hunting for rocks. Morgan has collected enough rock, including rainforest marble
(her favorite), to fill a hundred wire baskets separated by type of rock and color. It is a life-sized palette in her yard.
See Morgan page 4
The streets are paved with . . . asphalt!
CITY INSPECTOR ROBB BOOTH MEETS WITH PAVING CONTRACTOR John Moffat as they prepare streets for pothole repair and new paving. In total, 34 streets are on the city’s list for repair, overlay or complete reconstruction. The $1.34 million project includes installing new handicap ramps to bring them into ADA compliance. Moffat expects all the work to be done by the end of November.
Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Holiday Shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Parenting Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Real Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 School News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Teen Speak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Weather Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Around Town
an ent e k a i r now m Ma point Hol iday H
Ap you r Leia Herbst for (925) 765-8245
Several generations of Clayton’s pioneer Frank family gathered at Endeavor Hall on Oct. 9 to celebrate the 90th birthday of Marie Frank Larson. Marie is the granddaughter of Frederick and Elizabeth Frank who settled in Clayton in the early 1870s. Descendants of the Franks have lived in Clayton continuously since then. Marie’s family once owned at ranch at the corner of Clayton Road and Ygnacio Valley Road where Safeway now stands. There are over 600 descendants of Frederick and Elizabeth living close by, says Marie’s niece, Charmetta Mann, who still lives in the Frank ranch on Mt. Zion. In January, the Clayton Historical Society will open “Frankly Speaking,” an exhibit chronicling the family’s history in Clayton.
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Classic cowboy still struts his stuff Clayton resident Patty Nelson was thrilled to meet and shake hands with her heartthrob growing up – actor Clint Walker of the “Cheyenne Bodie” TV series and “The Dirty Dozen.” Walker, who lives in Grass Valley, brought his Western memorabilia to the area’s annual Draft Horse Classic in September where Patty met up with him. “He’s still as good-looking and manly as he was in his heyday,” Nelson reports. “He’s such a nice person, as is his wife, and they both were very engaging in conversation.” Walker told Nelson he knows of Mt. Diablo but wasn’t sure if he’d ever been through Clayton. “I, of course, invited him and told him there is still a good bit of the ol’ West out here that he’d enjoy,” Nelson adds.
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HOMECOMING QUEEN AND KING, Vanessa Franklin and J.P. DeSousa.
What’s happening Around Town?
PATTY NELSON WITH “CHEYENNE BODIE” ACTOR CLINT WALKER
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We want to know what’s happening in your families and in your neighborhoods. Send your news and photos of your births, engagements, weddings, special recognitions, etc. to info@claytonpioneer.com.
GEORGE VUJNOVICH
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It was an exciting week for Clayton Valley High School when the annual Homecoming Week kicked off with a parade down Main Street on Oct. 18 and ended with the coronation of the senior class king and queen at the football game on Friday. Varsity cheerleader, Arianna Orango, summed up the spirit. “Homecoming is the big the deal in football besides the playoffs. It’s the time we all get together and we show how much we love our school.”
Pictured are Marie’s children, Marie Larson Lundgren, Karen Larson Sutherlin, Orion Larson, Lauren Larson Yurgelevic. Marie Frank Larson is seated.
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Clayton Market Update provided by George Vujnovich of Better Homes Realty ADDRESS
PRICE
177 Brandywine Place .............$790,000 716 Anizumne Ct......................$472,500 908 Arrowhead Terrace ............$359,900 8013 Kelok Way .......................$540,000 5920 Herriman Dr.....................$615,000 473 Obsidian Way ....................$655,000
SF . . . . .3308 . . . . .1991 . . . . .1235 . . . . .2542 . . . . .3614 . . . . .2455
BED/BATH
SALE DATE
. . . . .4/2.5 . . .10/19/10 . . . . .3/2.5 . . .10/19/10 . . . . .2/2 . . . . .10/5/10 . . . . .3/2.5 . . .10/13/10 . . . . .5/3 . . . . .9/30/10 . . . . .4/2 . . . . .9/30/10
ADDRESS
PRICE
5850 Pine Hollow Rd................$445,000 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
SF . . . . .1494 . . . . .2894 . . . . .2237 . . . . .3216 . . . . .3079 . . . . .2313
BED/BATH
SALE DATE
. . . . .3/2 . . . . .9/30/10 . . . . .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
November 5, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Around Town Clayton rocks with Music at the Mountain
JIM HUDAK AND THE SYMPTOMS were one of four bands performing at the inaugural Music at the Mountain event on Oct. 10.
A large and enthusiastic crowd gathered at The Clayton Club Saloon on Sun. Oct. 10, in celebration of the inaugural “Music at the Mountain” festival. Four bands with Clayton ties performed throughout the afternoon, with musicians donating their talents and The Clayton Club providing free barbeque to the delight of hundreds in attendance. Maggie’s Farm opened the event, performing a pleasing mix of cover songs with their seven-piece ensemble. Jim Hudak and The Symptoms followed, focusing on original compositions and a country
rock sound. Plan-B then rocked the crowd into a dancing, stomping frenzy with songs by The Kinks, The Band, and Talking Heads. Finally, The Relyks, who perform regularly at The Clayton Club, closed the day’s musical festivities with a typically solid set of classic rock songs from various artists. It was a day to where local talent got its chance to shine in the shadows of beautiful Mount Diablo. The hope is that sponsorship will be secured next year to take the event to the next level.
The Pioneer -- It’s your paper!
Page 3
Aviation artist commemorates fallen Angel JAY HARTLOVE Clayton Pioneer
As part of San Francisco’s Fleet Week last month, Concord aviation artist Rhu A. Bigay unveiled “Once a Blue Angel, Always a Blue Angel.” The oil painting commemorates Lt. Cmdr. Kevin “Kojak” Davis, who died in an air show crash in April 2007. Blue Angels team members requested the painting. Bigay has been painting aircraft since he was inspired in 1991 after wandering into the Salinas Air Show before the gates opened to the public. That adventure capped a 10-year search that included exploring diverse techniques such as portraiture, botanical illustration and stipple pen work. “By then, I was out of the Army and in college,” recalls Bigay, who served in Vietnam. “I did my first one-man show at the John Steinbeck Library in Salinas, and my career started to take off when the director asked me if I would be willing to create a portrait of John Steinbeck using ink stipple.” The Catholic Diocese of Monterey County also commissioned him to do a stipple portrait of Pope John Paul II upon his visit to Carmel in 1986. It now hangs in the Vatican Collection. Since selling his first aviation paintings at the Livermore Air Show in 1994, Bigay’s popularity has grown and he now has a four year-waiting list. Veterans and their families are his biggest fans. The Blue Angels Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron is a favorite of his. “My association with the team goes way back to 1996, when the team
noticed that my work [was] attracting a great deal of attention from the air show public,” he says. His works take four to six months to complete. He has tailored traditional oil painting techniques to meet the exacting nature of accurately reproducing military aircraft. Military buffs know every detail of these planes and are quick to spot inaccuracies. For Bigay, it was challenging to learn how to paint wind and clouds to make the planes look like they are flying. Bigay’s art has become known in sophisticated circles. Photo courtesy of Rhu Bigay
See Bigay page 4
LOCAL ARTIST RHU BIGAY with “Once a Blue Angel, Always a Blue Angel,” commemorating fallen Blue Angel Cmdr. Kevin Davis.
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success! We collected over 2,000 pounds of food for the Contra Costa Food Bank L-R: Marybeth Cook, Vickie Coker, Walter Merlino, Inge Yarborough, Julie Dunn, Angelique Booth, Nancy D’Onofrio, Lynne French, Julie Clairmont, Shelly Gwynn, Jed Gwynn. Bottom: Bonnie Manolas, Stephanie Cicconi, Michelle Gittleman.
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Page 4
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Morgan, from page 1
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Each intarsia artist has a method of creating, and Morgan often works from a picture. After adhering her colorful, thinly sliced rock to a slate base, she uses diamond drills and files to cut, file and polish various colors and shapes of rock to give life to scenes of animals, nature and architecture. Morgan cannot clock the average time it takes to create a picture because she works on two to three at a time. Some commesso artists spend thousands of hours to complete one piece. Such attention to detail is not surprising for the former high-energy physicist. She helped build the largest highspeed atom smasher at the time and speaks just as easily about it as about her favorite rock choice. “I am not an artist; I am a technician. I just handle the rock,” Morgan says. Morgan developed an interest in rocks early on. While out playing with her dog at age 8, she found a fossil and was fascinated. In much later years, Morgan saw a display of intarsia in Walnut Creek from the Mineral and Gem Society of Castro Valley. She joined the society and, in 1995, she began
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flying by the towers as they did in June 2001, just months before 9/11. “I create my paintings out of patriotism for this country,” Bigay notes. Don’t look for his work in art galleries. The highly illustrative nature of the work and the military focus have distanced his art from traditional marketing channels. With his company, Air Show Blues, he has found success putting his paintings on Tshirts in addition to selling prints at air shows. He enjoys the personal contact of selling at shows and eschews such mass techniques as selling online. “Once a Blue Angel, Always a Blue Angel” is on tour and is likely to end up in the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Fla.
Obituary
Edith Burke Mazzei April 10, 1921 – Sept. 3, 2010 Edith Burke Mazzei died peacefully at home in Clayton on Sept. 3, surrounded by her family. She was 89. Born in New Plymouth, New Zealand, Edith was the oldest surviving sibling of four children of Margaret and Absy Burke, w h o s e descendants settled in New Zealand f r o m England and Lebanon. When she was 6, her family moved to Wellington, New Zealand, where she grew up and went to school. Following university (high school in New Zealand), she began her working career in her uncle’s pajama factory. She became one of the factory’s head seamstresses and soon learned her passion was sewing. When the war began, the factory transitioned to producing New Zealand and Australian uniforms. She met Lamar “Slats” Mazzei at a USO dance in Wellington during the war. He was recovering on a Red Cross ship from shrapnel wounds he received at Guadalcanal. After the war, Slats returned to New Zealand and the two were married on April 22, 1946. They traveled to America and settled in El Cerrito. They moved to Clayton in 1959, where they raised their family. Edith was a loving mother of Michael, Cristine and Matthew, devoted grandmother of Michael, Danielle, Angela and Matthew and great grandmother to Kayala, Mason, Rachel, Mikey, Jennifer and Samantha. She was active in the Clayton Woman’s Club for more than 40 years, winning many blue ribbons for her sewing and crochet. She was
Mayor, from page 1
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Bigay, from page 3
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to make beautiful intarsias of her own. Morgan was born in New York in 1929. Her career as a nuclear physicist began at Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island. In 1958, she drove alone across the country to work at Lawrence Livermore Lab. She married three years later, had two daughters and lives with Bill on 10 of their 200 acres on Morgan Territory Road. Bill is the great grandson of Jeremiah Morgan, who settled on the east side of Mt. Diablo in 1857 and after whom Morgan Territory Road is named. Morgan is enthusiastic about showing others her technique. She teaches intarsia in Castro Valley and is an avid supporter of the local gem society hosting the Gem and Rock Show. Although she displays her work, she does not sell it. To make it commercial would spoil her ability to “retreat and do what I want to do,” says Morgan.
November 5, 2010
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the steps our city has taken to stretch your tax dollars. These are in no particular order. Bottled water service was terminated a couple of years ago with the sentiment that if tap water is good enough for domestic consumption it is good enough for City Hall. Our employees have taken pay reductions of more than 4 percent, and increases to health insurance are borne by the employees. A lower, second-tier retirement plan was adopted for new employees. The city’s current employees participate in the second to lowest plan offered by CalPERS. The city does not offer health benefits for retirees. These health benefits have created huge liabilities for the county and other cities that provide retiree health benefits. Several years ago, the city enacted a policy that no new project would be undertaken unless there was a plan to pay for any ongoing expense associated with the project. This is why we waited to build the Grove Park – we wanted to
make sure we had a revenue stream to maintain the park. The city has implemented “paperless” agendas for City Council meetings. The city also has been encouraging “paperless” communication internally and externally. More city documents have been uploaded to the city’s Website. These paper-reducing efforts also minimize our copying and postage expenses. The city recently received a grant that will enable us to replace many high-energy consuming streetlights with more efficient LED lighting on certain arterial streets. The city also recently rehabilitated a couple of water wells and installed a water tank that reduces our dependence on the Contra Costa Water District. The recent drought has helped the city move to less water-consuming landscaping. During the last four years, I don’t remember ever seeing a new file folder. The city staff reuses file folders and paper clips. These simple cost-saving measures have become
committed to the club’s various charitable projects. Edith became interested in camellias in 1972 and joined the American Camellia Society, where she became an avid judge. Edith was also involved in the New Zealand a n d Australian camellia societies as well as being vicepresident of the Pacific Coast American Camellia Society. She was active in local and regional societies and traveled to meetings all over the nation, as well as international conferences. A dear friend, Frank Purcell, grafted and documented a camellia in her name as a legacy to her contribution to the camellia societies. Edith will be remembered for her sense of style and fashion, being an independent woman, gracious hostess, loyal, supportive friend, generous community volunteer and, above all, her love of family. She suffered with Alzheimer’s Lewy body dementia for the past four years but retained her quick wit and great sense of humor. The family is grateful for her devoted caregiver, Amelia Johnson. There will be a funeral Mass at 2 p.m. Nov. 11 at St. Bonaventure’s Catholic Church in Concord, followed by a life celebration in the Parish Hall. Her ashes will be interred with her mother, father and brother in the Karori Cemetery in Wellington, New Zealand. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of choice.
part of the culture in City Hall. I haven’t noticed anyone straightening staples for reuse, however. Our city manager and his staff have done a great job stretching our tax dollars and making sure that the city operates within its means. Other cities in the county could learn from what our city staff has done. Meanwhile, I need to correct something I wrote in the last column. I was excited about the prospect of the city using rubberized asphalt for repaving Old Marsh Creek Road. After the column was written, the city learned that due to a misinterpretation of the contract the rubberized asphalt was going to cost about $50,000 more than expected. As a result, the new paving is the traditional asphalt. By the time you read this column, the election will be over. However it goes, I want to thank you – either for the opportunity to serve another four years or for freeing up some of my time. You can contact the mayor at hank_stratford@yahoo.com
November 5, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Notice to Advertisers and Readers P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517 TAMARA AND R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers TAMARA S TEINER , Editor R ANDY W ENGER , Display Advertising P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design B EV B RITTON , Copy Editor J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports PAMELA W IESENDANGER , Administrative Assistant S TAFF W RITERS : Denisen Hartlove, Jay Hartlove, Lou Fancher, Nicci Shipstead, Pam Wiesendanger, Mike Dunn We remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit is our muse
PIONEER INFO CONTACT US Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580 Tamara Steiner tamara@claytonpioneer.com Randy Wenger Randy@claytonpioneer.com Send ads to ads@claytonpioneer.com Send Sports News to sports@claytonpioneer.com Send Club News to clubnews@claytonpioneer.com Send Church News to churchnews@claytonpioneer.com
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CLASSIFIEDS Classified rates per insertion: Non-profit: $12 for first 30 words, $.20 each additional word Individual/non-commercial: $18 for first 30 words, $.30 each additional word Commercial: $48 for first 30 words, $.40 each additional word To place your classified ad over the phone, call the office at (925) 6720500 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Or, you may fax your typewritten ad and credit card information to (925) 672-6580. All classifieds must be paid for in advance by credit card (Master Card or Visa) We will not accept any ad that dis-
criminates on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, family status or disability. The Clayton Pioneer reserves the right to reject any advertising we believe is unsuitable. LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a Clayton resident. You will find the appropriate form for your announcement on our Website. Attach your photo to the form. Make sure the image size you are about to send is at least 3 MB but not bigger than 6MB. The only format we accept is JPG. You can also mail or bring your print to the office and we can scan it for you. Also on our Website 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.
No affiliation between the Pioneer and The Concordian The Clayton Pioneer and The Concordian have been under separate ownership since December 2009 and are not affiliated in any way. During 2008 and 2009, Pioneer publisher Tamara Steiner was co-publisher and owned a half interest in The Concordian. In December, Andre Gensburger became the sole owner of the The Concordian. There is no editorial, advertising or financial connection between the two papers. The Clayton Pioneer is a community newspaper, published twice a month. Circulation is by direct mail and home delivery to 5400 homes in Clayton and 7200 homes in Concord.
Page 5
Directory of Advertisers Auto Clayton Valley Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3900 Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 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 Mitolo Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2460 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Dentist
Pioneer welcomes Jay Hartlove to writing staff
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
In the Hartlove household, the Pioneer is a family affair. Beginning this issue, Jay Hartlove joins his wife, Pioneer staff writer Denisen Hartlove, on the Pioneer’s masthead. They live in Concord, near the Clayton border with their two young daughters. By day, Jay is the Marketing Compliance Officer for Bank of the West (the fine print guy). By night, the self-
described wordsmith is a science fiction novelist waiting for his big break. Jay has always been creative. In the eighties, he wrote game books and was an international award-winning costume designer. During the nineties, he helped friends run science fiction conventions and professional haunted houses. He MCs events and is a Lector at St. John’s Episcopal Church.
Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 Diablo Theatre Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .943-7469 Willows Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .957-2500 Events Clayton Business & Community Association . . . .672-2272 Contra Costa County Fall Faire . . . . . . . . . . . . . .757-4400 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 Fitness
Classified
Naruschchen, Margaret . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .349-4686 Funerals
SERVICES
WANTED
Girl Gardening Garden care for your roses, perennials and ornamentals. Monthly pruning and fertilizing services. Plant suggestions and installation. If you want more flowers this year, call or email Nicole Hackett 6731746, or gardengirl94517@yahoo.com.
Real Estate Agents Be Successful! Lynne French is expanding and interviewing for a few agents. Call her today (925) 6728787.
Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Clear Splash Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6245
Help Fight Hunger Anna Chan ~ AKA: The Lemon Lady needs your help! Volunteers are needed to haul donated produce from Farmers' Markets to food pantries throughout the area. Weekly commitment appreciated. Please contact Anna at 672-1988 or AnnaAndAva@gmail.com.
Moore’s Mission Funeral Home
. . . . . . . . . . . . .682-1100
Home and Garden Abbey Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Alexander KAT
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Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Diablo View Flooring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .820-8700 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055 Mailing and Shipping The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Personal Services Frontier Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6900 Leia Herbst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .765-8245
Meals on Wheels Drivers 1 – 1 1/2 per week. Drivers and relief drivers needed for delivery of Meals on Wheels in East County. Call Jim at 673-0300 or email hairbyjim@att.net.
Main Street Nail Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .933-8606 Pet Services Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Pet Suites Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-7387 Rodie’s Feed and Country Store . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600
Hospice of the East Bay – Anna’s Attic Volunteer at Anna’s Attic Thrift Shoppe, located at 5350 Clayton Road. It's a way to make a meaningful difference. You’ll have the opportunity to help customers, stock shelves and prepare merchandise for sale. For information call (925) 674-9072. To learn more about volunteering for Hospice of the East Bay please contact (925) 887-5678, or email volunteers@hospiceeatbay.org.
Real Estate and Mortgage Services Flannery, Patty - Diablo Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0541 French, Lynne - Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787 Klock, Leigh - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593 Laurence, Pete - RE/MAX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .890-6004 Lopez, Stephanie - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . .932-7329 Mazzei, Matt - Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757 Robin’s Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .550-2383 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . .672-4433 Recreation All Out Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4303
Clayton Historical Society Museum Greeter for two hours per month from 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays or Sundays. No experience or extensive knowledge of Clayton history is necessary. Call the museum at 672-0240 and leave your name. Clayton Community Library Needs volunteers. Minimum age 13. Minimum commitment is 6 months. Some training provided. Shelver - to shelve and sensitize library materials. Various days/times. Tutors - no prior experience necessary! You determine the grade level and subjects you are comfortable with and the days/times. Requires good communication skills, patience and a desire to help students in the community. Contact: Arlene @ 6739777 or email: nielsenjanc@aol.com.
Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454 Retail East Bay Work Wear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .687-9900 Sport Chalet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .521-7009 Senior Services Aegis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .692-5838 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . .524-5100 The Chateaus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-1700 Services, Other A & H Limousine Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200-2824 Air Cloud Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-4119 x 2 College Planning Specialists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .348-1704 Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029 Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . . . .473-0180 Travel Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447
Page 6
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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fun homecoming week…this was all wrong for our school.” “The CV players and coaches know exactly what it feels like to win a great game and come back to the locker room to find your things missing,” said Middendorf. Last year, the CVHS team members were victims of a locker room burglary after the game with North Salinas High. “It is an empty, hollow feeling.” The CVHS Parent Faculty Club and the Athletics Boosters are offering a $2000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the thieves. Anyone with information is asked to call the school resource officer, Kevin Choe, 603-5833
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November 5, 2010
Antioch driver runs red light, broadsides Clayton woman
Photo by Randy Wenger
ONE WOMAN SUFFERED MAJOR INJURIES AND TWO OTHERS WERE TREATED AND RELEASED at local hospitals when a Honda sedan reportedly ran a red light and hit Beverly Stevens’ Toyota Avalon on Oct. 9 A Clayton woman was seriously injured when her Toyota Avalon was struck broadside by a Honda sedan that eyewitnesses say ran a red light on Oakhurst Blvd. on Oct. 9. The driver of the Honda, Laura Gayton, 28, of Antioch and her 3-year-old son both had minor injuries. Beverly Stevens, 78, was making a left turn from Eagle Peak Blvd. onto Oakhurst Blvd. when a westbound Honda sedan
driven by Laura Gayton, 28, of Antioch “t-boned” Stevens’ Honda. Witness Randy Wenger was in front of Stevens in the intersection when he saw the Honda approaching. “I could tell she wasn’t going to stop,” said Wenger. “I didn’t know anyone was behind me and then I heard the crash.” Stevens’ Honda spun around several times, finally coming to rest against a tree. Firefighters
had to remove the driver’s side door to get Stevens out of the car. Grayton did not brake and there were no skid marks. Based on witness testimony, Gayton is being held as the party at fault. Stevens’ suffered a broken pelvis, broken hip, broken ribs and a collapsed lung. She is the mother of Jennifer Etterlein, owner of Main Street Nails in downtown Clayton.
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Panel evaluating school closure options
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The Mt. Diablo Unified School District plans to close up to four schools by September 2011. To that end, officials created a School Closures Committee with community members to help wade through the data to choose which of the 56 schools to close. “Closing four schools will save $1.2 to $1.4 million a year. Is $1.4 million worth all the angst we’re going to put parents and students through?” asked school board vice president Gary Eberhart. “If you look at five years, it becomes $7.5 (million), in 10 years it becomes $15 million. That’s a lot of money that can help us improve some of the things we need to improve in terms of the programmatic offerings we have for students.” For committee member Todd Porter, who has children in district schools, the decision is about much more than just the numbers. “It’s a pretty drastic thing to close a school,” he said. “But the reality is that Mt. Diablo has been in a state of declining
Law Offices of
COMMITTEE SELECTION PROCESS
According to assistant superintendent Rose Lock, more than 75 people applied for the school site committees. Each school site committee narrowed down its submissions and passed them to the district for a final decision. “(The district) identified people who would bring something to the committee – people who had a vested interest in the district, not just their own schools,” explained Lock, who co-chairs the committee. “We were looking for people who would bring something to the larger committee’s charge.” Committee members from each feeder pattern include at least one community member, parent/caregiver, school employee and school site administrator. The College Park High School feeder pattern group sent a student representative, and employee unions and the district’s budget advisory committee are also represented.
Despite the district’s efforts to compile a balanced group of people from different viewpoints to assess the schools, anonymous accusations have appeared on Websites of interference by board members in the committee’s recommendations and pre-made decisions by board members as to which schools will be closed. “There is no short list,” Eberhart said. “I don’t know how much more clear I can be about that. It’s really our goal to make sure that this is done as scientifically as possible.” School board member Sherry Whitmarsh agreed. “I want the School Closure Committee members to feel they can speak openly without any perceptions that the school board is influencing committee members,” she said. DEADLINE PRESSURE Committee members are evaluating each school based on a set of eight criteria. Those include attendance vs. capacity, test scores and the condition of the buildings. Jack Schreder & Associates has provided information on each school that can
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enrollment for years. It needs to be done, but we appreciate what a big deal it is to close a site.”
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be accessed online at mdusd.org/Community/Pages/ scac.aspx. While the committee planned to have a list of recommendations for closures to the school board in time for its Nov. 9 meeting, Porter estimated it would be unlikely recommendations would be ready by then. However, the committee is under pressure to act fast. The committee’s meetings started in early September and were held every two weeks, expected to last two hours. Members now meet weekly, and the two-hour time slot has been extended to three. Once the committee offers recommendations, the school board plans to solicit further input from the general public and make a decision in early 2011. “I want to make sure, as a board member, we don’t rush it and that the community has ample input,” said Whitmarsh. “Basically we need to be able to make this decision prior, by a couple of meetings, to the March 15 layoff deadline,” said See School Closure, page 15
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November 5, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Page 7
Hofmann Family Tower caters to community health MIKE DUNN Clayton Pioneer
The Hofmann Family Patient Care Tower, the newest addition to the John Muir Medical Center in Concord, is designed to take care of the community’s health care needs now and in the future. The $212 million addition includes a state of the art cardiovascular institute, emergency department, X-ray digital imaging and charting systems. There are 61 rooms for patients, with 59 more to be built as funds become available. “I haven’t seen anything like this in my entire career,” said Dr. Michael Levine. “In terms of the equipment, the flow, the beautiful, restful environment, it’s certainly going to give this medical center the tools that this community deserves.” Levine, a radiation oncolo-
gist for 32 years, is the campaign cabinet chair. The group honored lead donor Ken Hoffmann and other major donors at a black-tie dinner on the campus on Oct. 21. “Most communities are very supportive of their health care. It’s self-serving, but they want high quality health care accessi-
REGISTERED NURSE DIANA MCDONALD shows off a room during a tour of the Hofmann Family Patient Care Tower on Oct. 21.
ble to them in their own communities,” Levine said. “The community has spoken loud and clear. Tonight, with the turnout that we see, we are fortunate that we have such a strong following with the community members who have spoken out to the need of quality health care.” According to campaign chair Guy Henshaw, the list of donors also includes hospital employees. “John Muir has been an asset to this community for a long time. When we went to the employees of this hospital system, they said, ‘We want to support this campaign,’ ” said Henshaw, noting that more than half of the employees contributed to the campaign. “$2.2 million dollars in monthly deductions from their payroll is hugely inspiring.” Having already raised $52
million, the committee is aiming for another $10 million. “The community already has shown us that they can support that level of giving,” Henshaw added. The Hofmann family donated the first $10 million to get construction started. At the dinner, they donated an additional $8 million. The community is invited to an open house 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, at the hospital, 2540 East St., Concord. The event includes tours of the new facilities, a health fair, vendors, music and activities for kids. The John Muir Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations can be made payable to John Muir Health Foundation and mailed to 1400 Treat Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94597. To donate online, visit johnmuirhealth.com/ index.php/gift_form.html.
Photos by Mike Dunn
LISA HOFMANN MORGAN HANDS AN $8 MILLION CHECK TO MIKE THOMAS, president and chief administrative officer of John Muir Medical Center – Concord Campus.
Upcoming Events
It’s not too late for a hauntingly good story LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ANSWERS Halloween got us to wonQ dering if you ever come across houses that are haunted. I sold a home that the sellA ers claimed was haunted. They even stated it in the disclosures, but the buyers bought it
anyway. I haven’t heard from them since. I took that as a good sign. I did some research and found six homes in the United States notorious for their haunted history with visiting spirits. Some are here in the Bay Area. These were reported from the website Zillow.com. 1. Winchester Mystery House in San Jose. The notable ghost is Sarah Winchester. She is the widow of William Winchester, founder of Winchester rifles. Sarah was
instructed by a medium to build a house to ward off evil spirits. She held nightly séances for guidance on the home’s design. Construction started in 1884 and continued for 38 years. She would build rooms, then intentionally close them off to confuse and ward off the evil spirits. The house had staircases to nowhere, secret panels, a window built into the floor, etc. 2. The Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, Mass. The notable ghosts are Andrew and Abby Borden. Nobody knows
for sure who killed them on Aug. 4, 1892. Lizzie Borden, the daughter of Andrew and stepdaughter of Abby, became the prime suspect. In 1865 Andrew, a widow with two daughters, Lizzie and Emma, married Abby. He bought the home to be close to downtown. The Bordens were not a loving family, and the Borden girls feared that their father was bequeathing his assets to the stepmother’s side of the family. Lizzie was indicted for the crime and then acquitted by a jury. It was
the trial of the century. The murder home is now a bed and breakfast. 3. The White House in Washington, D.C. Notable ghosts are Abigail Adams and Abraham Lincoln. Abigail, wife of the second president, is the oldest ghost. She is spotted to this day hanging her laundry in the East Room. Lincoln, the 16th president, was reported to have psychic powers and even anticipated his assassination.
See Real Estate, page 10
NOV 17 HOSPICE TREE LIGHTING The annual commemorative tree lighting of the Hospice Tree in the Clayton Station (in front of Safeway) begins at 5 p.m. with speakers, poetry, candlelight vigil and music by the MDES chorus.
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Page 8
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
November 5, 2010
Clayton Valley Rotary honors founder of adventure program for the disabled JORG PUHR-WESTERBEIDE Special to the Pioneer
Work Clothes Medical Scrubs Back to School 1950 Market Street, Suite I, Concord Located behind Park & Shop, 687-9900 next to Fry’s, Mon. - Fri. 10am - 8pm across from BMW.
On Oct. 21, the Clayton Valley Concord Sunrise Rotary Club presented Michael Muir with the Paul Harris Fellowship, established for those who demonstrate a shared purpose with the mission of the Rotary Foundation to build world understanding and peace. Muir, great-grandson of naturalist John Muir, was honored for his humanitarian and educational programs. Karl Diekman, governor of Rotary District 5160, joined local club president Kenneth Nishimori to present the award. Growing up on a ranch, Michael Muir had an early love for horses initiated by his father. After being struck with multiple sclerosis at age 14 and for a while severely paralyzed, he would crawl on all fours to get to his horse for
the therapeutic benefits it provided. Muir went on to become an internationally recognized horse breeder and competitor. While observing equestrian competition among disabled riders several years ago in Europe, he noted a Dutch rider
with a very high level of quadriplegia – only able to shrug his shoulders – able with support to not only gallop through the woods but do complex maneuvers in para-olympic competition. That became Muir’s epiphany, leading him to create
STEFANIE PUTNAM JOINS PAUL HARRIS FELLOWSHIP RECIPIENT MICHAEL MUIR to talk about her positive experience with Access Adventure.
Access Adventure for the disadvantaged and disabled. Muir established the program on the Solano Land Trust’s 2,000-plus acre historical Rush Ranch. In the past year, there have been more than 1,000 interactions with kids in special needs schools, those socially deprived and, more recently, those with more severe disabilities requiring professional therapy. In addition, more than 8,000 adults and kids have visited Rush Ranch to learn about the great outdoors, ranching and equestrian world. Stefanie Putnam, a paraplegic after an accident a year ago, told the Rotarians of the positive effects of therapeutic treatment at Rush Ranch. She appreciated being able to drive carriages and be in close contact with her beloved horses again. For more information, visit accessadventure.org.
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VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS The group encourages Americans to honor our deceased veterans by supporting living veterans through participation in the following VFW events: Red Buddy Poppy Donations: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 8, Concord Post Office, 2121 Meridian Park Blvd.; 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, Nob Hill Foods, 2270 Oak Grove Road, Walnut Creek; and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 12 and 13, Safeway at Clayton Station and Bancroft/Treat. Veteran’s Day Ceremony: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, Hillcrest Park, Olivera Road, Concord.
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Beauty is only part of the package at downtown salon PAMELA WIESENDANGER Clayton Pioneer
Reminiscent of scenes at Truvy’s Beauty Parlor in “Steel Magnolias,” Grace Pruett and Lisa Tonti welcome their customers to a warm and friendly environment for a manicure or hairstyle in the historic Frontier Salon building in downtown Clayton. Pruett and Tonti have more than 50 years combined experience in the beauty business. The two worked in their first salon together, Dynamic Nails in Concord, about 25 years ago. “We are what we do,” says Pruett. And they love what they do and the hometown feel of having their suites in Clayton. Tonti went to beauty school while waiting for her college acceptance letter. She enjoyed beauty school so much that she pursued it as a career. Pruett graduated from high school on a Friday and started beauty school on Monday. When a spot opened up last summer at Main Street Nails, Tonti rejoined her long-time friend as a manicurist. Tonti previously owned a salon in Walnut Creek and several customers followed her to Clayton. She welcomes new customers with special discounts and a bright smile. Pruett was already onboard at the Studio and Salon for five years and has been a fixture in Clayton for nearly 20 years. Except for a brief stint out of state, she has kept a loyal following. She started her career as a manicurist and eventually became a hairstylist as well. “She changes aprons like Mr. Rogers changes sweaters,” says Tonti. Clients have watched Pruett’s children grow up and vice versa. “We’re a family and the clients are part of that family,” the business partners say, echoing each other.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see their dentist by their first birthday.
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confused Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum stands between third base and home plate, holding the ball while the Ranger runner easily walks back to third. Turning to one another for reassurance, there are whispers of “It’s still early.” Visaya remarks about the new Giants synergy. “Everybody pulls together now that the whole spectrum of juicing or not isn’t hanging over everybody’s head.” There may still be a cloud over Giant’s outfielder Jose Guillen, who is sitting out the championships, but not for Series enraptured fans. “I am usually an A’s fan, but I got on the bandwagon at the end of the season,” says Mary Draper. “I am here with all of my friends who are Giants fans.” Sitting next to her, native San Franciscan Curtis Morales peppers his talk with recollections of Seals Stadium and Giant’s triumphs and losses at Candlestick Park. “I’ve lived in Clayton since ’03,” Morales says. “Fate, like the ball, has bounced their way. With the Giants, you don’t know what is going to happen.” Young Clayton Mahlock was there with family
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
LISA TONTI AND GRACE PRUETT
Customers Brenda Zapalik and Tina Frost chime in to agree that other salons are not as welcoming. They try to move you in and out quickly, “like a mill,” Tonti says, or they are cold and impersonal. With the positive energy Pruett and Tonti bring to work each day and the obvious love of their customers, they are a strong part of the larger community spirit that is Clayton. Main Street Nail Studio and Frontier Salon are at 6064 Main St., Clayton. For more information, call Pruett at 864-7944 or Tonti at 933-8606.
but had nothing orange to wear. Someone gives him an orange napkin to put on his head so he can join the party. A roar of applause erupts when Rangers third baseman Michael Young makes an error. Just as it seems there is no limit to the cheers, Freddy Sanchez thrills fans with his first of three doubles in a row – a first in World Series history – and the crowd goes to the next decibel level. Clayton Police Department’s Wendy Roden and her daughter Donna are at a small table near the door. “I didn’t think we could get a seat,” Roden explains. “I like football and I don’t know (baseball) as well, but with everybody around, we just came in to eat. It’s exciting.” Table talk turns to recently traded catcher Bengie Molina, who left the Giants to become a Ranger. Would he be able to give the Rangers powerful insider information about Giants pitchers? Would it make a difference? Josh Pulley, a Giants fan and chef at Fleming’s, is not worried. “Knowing what’s coming is not the same as seeing it,” Pulley remarks. After deafening cheers for Cody Ross when he singled to make the score 4-2, the “Let’s go Giants!” chant continues intermittently throughout the game. And right after the Giants came out on top with an 11-7 victory, elated fans begin to recap the game.
November 5, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Masterworks Chorale draws upon shared love of music BEV BRITTON Clayton Pioneer
After 20-plus years, Clayton resident Linda Manzeck still speaks with enthusiasm about her involvement with the Diablo Valley Masterworks Chorale. “We’re from different backgrounds and different ages, but the common bond that we have is the love of the music we sing,” she says. “It’s more fun getting to sing pieces that you love and that stir something deep within each time you hear them.” The 70-member classical chorus ranges in age from young adult to senior citizen, from amateur to semi-professional. Manzeck talks proudly about the group’s long-term commitment, including some charter members of the 42year-old chorale. “Those who have a passion for it stick with it for as long as their voices and bodies can hold it,” she notes. The group has two upcoming performances: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, at St. Ignatius Church in Antioch, followed by the group’s main concert at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, at Diablo Valley College in
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DIABLO VALLEY MASTERWORKS CHORALE director Richard Kamprath, left, is shown with Clayton area members John and Linda Manzeck, Debbie Schnick, Debra Miller and Janice Anelli.
Pleasant Hill. St. Ignatius recently had a blessing for its new organ with a concert featuring Don Pearson, Masterworks Chorale accompanist. Pearson will be at the organ again on Nov. 13. “It’s really a fabulous organ,” says Manzeck. “It’s one of the nicest ones in Contra Costa County.” Manzeck, current president of the chorale board, decided to audition after attending a con-
cert featuring a co-worker. Formerly a member of the San Diego Symphonic Chorale, Manzeck has been “musically linked” for a long time. Her husband, John, also joined the chorale in recent years. Director Richard Kamprath began conducting choral groups at DVC in 1964 and founded the Masterworks Chorale in 1968. For this month’s concerts, chorale members voted for some of their favorite works
from past performances. The program will include choral works from Bach and Brahms to Carl Orffs’ “Carmina Burana,” which Manzeck calls “a wonderfully fiery piece.” The church is at 3351 Contra Loma Blvd., Antioch. Admission is free. The DVC Performing Arts Center is at 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Call 6851230.
Tapestry concert benefits children in need LOU FANCHER Clayton Pioneer
The powerhouse of musical sound called Tapestry will bring together Heartsong, a women’s chamber chorus, and Canto Bello, a handbell choir, for a holiday performance Dec. 10 in Clayton. For a group of Bay Area children and their families, the performance will provide not only glorious music, but comfort. The concert will raise funds for the George Mark Children’s House, the first independent hospice care facility for children. The event fits with Tapestry’s dual goals of offering excellent musical performance and using that music to benefit local and international communities. “Every year, we do a concert to benefit a nonprofit,” says director Cindy Krausgrill. “We took a poll of the members and this was the
Page 9
HEARTSONG WOMEN’S CHAMBER CHORUS led by Cindy Krausgrill (front left) will join the handbell choir, Canto Bello, in a holiday performance to benefit the George Mark Children’s Hospice care on Dec. 10 at 6:30 at St. John’s Episcopal Church.
one that came up.” George Mark had to temporarily close inpatient services over the summer. After reopening this fall with a streamlined budget, the facility is still in need of funding. “In these economic times, George Mark provides end of life care, and more, they offer
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accommodations so families can be close to their terminally ill children,” Krausgrill notes. “They do so much, it was just a natural choice.” The origins of Tapestry can be found, appropriately, in the voices of children. It was while teaching general music at Mt. Diablo Elementary that Krausgrill fell in love with directing. She formed Canto Bello in 1996 and began to lead Heartsong seven years later. Tapestry was born in 2007, just prior to a tour in England that raised money for Isubilo, a community school serving AIDS/HIV affected children in Zambia. This year, the group will hold holiday concerts in December, plus four spring shows in the Bay Area. A tour to the Monterey Peninsula and a performance by the handbell choir at the regional conference round out the season. Members are recruited by word of mouth, so it’s not surprising that Krausgrill, a 32year Clayton resident, has attracted other local participants. “We’re always looking for experienced singers and ringers to join us,” she says, emphasizing the group’s informal audition process. Long-time Clayton resident Carol Smith is a founding member of Tapestry. As a member of the handbell ensemble from its inception,
then of Heartsong, Smith was almost destined to be in the group. “Musical challenges and lasting friendships make being a member of Tapestry a very rewarding experience for me,” she says. “After working for two or three months refining a musical program, it is rewarding to give a musical performance that visibly touches our audiences. Many of our audiences have demonstrated such great respect for our music – giving us a palpable sense of gratitude for sharing our music with them.” Smith says the biggest challenge is memorizing all of the words, but the opportunity to use her talents to benefit others far exceeds the effort required. “Having grown up in a musical family, music has always been an important part of my life,” she says. According to Krausgrill, “challenge and reward have always gone hand in hand” when it comes to directing a musical ensemble. She mentions working hard in every rehearsal but also notes that fun is “paramount.” “If you’re not enjoying it, why do it?” adds Krausgrill, who describes her experience as “stimulating, exciting and worthwhile.” Tapestry will perform a holiday concert at The Walnut Creek United Methodist Church, Walnut Creek, on Fri., Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. Admission is free and donations will be accepted to support The George Mark House for terminally ill.children “Christmas by Candlelight – A Shakespearean Yuletide” begins at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10 and includes a sherry/wine hour and a dessert banquet. Concert starts at 7:30 p.m., St. John’s Episcopal Church, 5555 Clayton Road, Clayton. Tickets are $25. Advance ticket sales only, no tickets sold at the door. Contact Julie Aumock at 516-2920 or aumock@comcast.net.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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THE RIDE TO MONTCLAIR WAS A BIT BUMPY for Traveler, a 9-week-old kitten who stowed away under the hood of Scott Kambric’s car
Elvira and Juicy Pear are ARF’s Stars
What to look for in an Auto Shop Uh, oh, something’s wrong with the car. You hear a funny (or maybe not so funny) noise coming from under the hood. Or it’s getting hard to start. Or, the engine is cutting out. Or it’s just time for a regular servicing. Regardless of how minor or major the repair, you need to be sure you have competent people working on your car. Looking for an auto shop is like looking for a doctor. Here is a list of questions that will help you evaluate the best care for your car: Does the shop work on my make/model of car? What repairs and service do they do? Can they refer me to another shop if they do not do the kind of repairs necessary? What kind of warranty do they offer on their work? How is their record keep-
For Scott Kambic, it was a Saturday like any other before a concert. He was busy unloading musical instruments from his car into the home where his Celtic band, Pladdohg, was performing in a benefit for Lafayette schools. But sounds emanating from his car were not musical, they were the yowling cries of a kitten. Kambic peeked under the hood to find a kitty tucked behind the engine on a narrow ledge. Kambic realized the fearless feline had traveled with him from his home in Clayton along
GARY TAYLOR CAR TUNES ing? Past service/repairs at their shop should be on record in one place and accessible. What do you get for your dollars spent? For example, what items on the vehicle are checked when doing an oil change? If a problem is found, will the shop be able to repair it? What grade of parts does the shop use, such as is the oil the proper oil for my car? Are replacement parts the same quality as the manufacturer parts? Is the shop location convenient? Is there a clean and comfortable waiting area? Is a shuttle service available? If I have a question, will I get an answer that I understand? Gary Taylor is Service Manager at Clayton Valley Shell in the Clayton Station. Call him at 6723900 with any car care questions.
Elvira is a gentle and loving 2-year-old Chihuahua mix. She will thrive in a quiet home with plenty of warm laps for snuggling. Training classes will help little Elvira bond with her new family members while meeting new people, socializing with other dogs, and brushing up on her manners. She is rated for children of any age and is suitable for a first time dog owner. The adoption fee for adult dogs is $225 and includes 60% off one 7-week dog training session.
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Many people have seen him or felt his presence throughout the White House, including Winston Churchill and Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands – who fainted at the sight of him. Other famous ghosts include Dolley Madison near the Rose Garden, seventh president Andrew Jackson heard laughing in the Rose Bedroom, Thomas Jefferson playing the violin and William Henry Harrison in the White House attic. 4. The Chambers Mansion in San Francisco. The notable ghost is Claudia. This mansion was built in 1887 in the prestigious Pacific Heights neighborhood. Richard Chambers, a silver mine tycoon, lived there with his two nieces – who hated each other. The nieces inherited the mansion when Chambers died. Claudia stayed in the mansion while the other sister moved next door. Claudia loved pigs and one day she was nearly cut in half from what her family called a “farm implementation (sic) accident.” The mansion was converted to the Mansion Hotel in 1977. Celebs such as Barbra Streisand, Robert DeNiro and Robin Williams stayed there. Guests report
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The adoption fee for adult cats is $50. Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The primary caretaker must be present to adopt. ARF also encourages kids 16 and younger and canine family members (dog adoptions only) to be present during the adoption process.
Juicy Pear is young and playful, an adorable brown tabby. With her sweet disposition, she will bring a lot of joy to her new family. Juicy Pear is ten months old, and would be suitable for a first time cat owner.
Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www.arf.net, or call 925.256.1ARF.
Real Estate, from page 7
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20-plus miles of freeway to Montclair then back to Lafayette on the tiny ledge. The 9-week-old kitten, lovingly dubbed “Traveler,” was placed in a pet crate until Kambic could take her home after the concert. Curiosity got the better of the children in the house as well as the cat, and Traveler escaped from the crate. She was found safe and sound the next day and returned home with Kambic. Traveler is a “survivor and has so much personality,” say Kambic. He and his wife Masha are not sure where Traveler came from, but they want the best for her and have found her a new, permanent home.
strange occurrences. 5. LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans. Notable ghosts are victims of Madame LaLaurie. Horrific stories were reported of cruelty inflicted on slaves working in the house. The socialite Delphine fled, never to be seen again. The home has undergone many changes and Nicolas Cage was one of the most recent owners. “You know, other people have beachfront property,” he said. “I have ghost-front property.” Unfortunately Cage lost the property to foreclosure. 6. Franklin Castle in Cleveland. Notable ghosts are babies crying. This house is complete with a tower, turrets, balconies, stone outcroppings, gargoyles, wrought-iron fixtures and fences. The Gothic-style castle is said to be Ohio’s most haunted home. There are conflicting stories about the mysterious deaths that occurred between 1865 and 1895. It is presently owned by an Internet businesswoman who wanted to turn it into a B&B and hold “haunted mystery weekends,” but a fire derailed her plans. It is rumored that Franklin Castle will be listed for sale soon. Amenities include sounds of
footsteps, babies crying and door slamming. In case you’re wondering, the “Amityville Horror” house is the least haunted home in America – although it’s perhaps the most commercialized haunted house in the country. The story includes murders and many supernatural events, such as slime oozing down walls, strange odors, moving furniture, swarms of flies in the dead of winter and slamming doors. It spawned a best-seller, “The Amityville Horror: A True Story,” and nine movies. In reality, the Amityville story was more fiction than fact. The Lutz family, who purchased the home in 1975, and the lawyer of the first owner, Ron DeFeo – who supposedly killed his family, “created this horror story over many bottles of wine.” Several families have lived in the home for decades and the only scary thing they have experienced is people who come gawking. Send your question and look for your answer in a future column. Email Lynne@LynneFrench.com. French is the broker/owner of Windermere Lynne French & Associates and a Clayton resident. For any real estate needs or questions, contact her at 672-878 7or stop in at 6200 Center St., Clayton.
November 5, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
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Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. NOV. 10 FOR THE NOV. 19 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com
CLAYTON EVENTS Nov. 6 Community Emergency Response Team Drill The drill will include Incident Command System procedures and Search and Rescue. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St. claytoncert.org.
Nov. 30 Molly’s “Keep Paying It Forward” Blood Drive Must be 17 and meet weight/health requirements. 1:30-7:30 p.m., Diablo View Middle School Multi-Use Room, 300 Diablo View Lane. 1-800-733-2767 or redcrossblood.org. Sponsor code MOLLY925.
EVENTS/ENTERTAINMENT Nov. 6 Contra Costa Wind Symphony “Reach for the Sky,” opening the 30th season, features music with an outer space theme and Dick Callahan, a voice familiar to sports fans. 8 p.m., Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, 1801 Lacassie Ave. $15. ccwindsymphony.org.
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.
Nov. 29-Jan. 16 “Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class”
Nov. 16 Clayton City Council
The Willows presents everybody’s favorite nun, with Deborah Del Mastro. Campbell Theatre, 626 Ward Street, Martinez. willowstheatre.org or 798-1300.
7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us
Dec. 10 Tapestry Holiday Concert Featuring Heartsong chamber chorus and Canto Bello handbell choir in a fundraiser for the George Mark Children’s House. 6:30 p.m. sherry/wine hour; 7:30 p.m. concert, plus dessert banquet, St. John’s Episcopal Church, 5555 Clayton Road, Clayton. $25. Advance ticket sales only; contact Julie at 5162920 or aumock@comcast.net.
Dec. 11 Vintage Christmas Concert Original and traditional carols. 2-4 p.m., St. Bonaventure Church, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. Free.
FUNDRAISERS Nov. 13 P2C Foundation Wine Auction and Dinner Hosted by the Passport to Communities Foundation. 5:30 p.m., Oakhurst Country Club, 1101 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. $150, $125 for P2C members. p2cfoundation.org/clayton_wine_auction.aspx.
The Willows presents a mystery thriller with plot twists and turns. Campbell Theatre, 626 Ward St., Martinez. $22-$32. 798-1300 or willowstheatre.org.
Nov. 6 John Muir Medical Center Open House Includes tours of the new Hofmann Family Patient Care Tower, a health fair, local food vendors, activities for kids and music. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 2540 East St., Concord. johnmuirhealth.com.
Nov. 13 Alhambra Valley Band 7:30 p.m., Walnut Avenue United Methodist Church, 260 Walnut Ave., Walnut Creek. $10; $25 per family. Free childcare. Proceeds benefit the Hillcrest Congregational Food Room. walnutavenueumc.org.
AT THE LIBRARY The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. 673-0659 or claytonlibrary.org.
Through Nov. 18 “Clayton Reads”
Nov. 13, 20 Diablo Valley Masterworks Chorale 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13, St. Ignatius Church, 3351 Contra Loma Blvd., Antioch. Free. 8 p.m. Nov. 20, DVC Performing Arts Center, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. $20; $25 at the door. 685-1230.
A caustic, but loving PG-13 fable that chronicles the rise, the dip and the salvation of a foolhardy celebrity phenom. Center Repertory Co., 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $25. centerrep.org or 943-SHOW.
Nov. 19-21 Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra Bay Area pianist Daniel Glover performs Schumann and Chopin. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19, Alhambra High School, Martinez. $5-$10 at the door. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20, Los Medanos College, Pittsburg. $5-$10 at the door. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21, Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek. $20-$28 at the door. 943SHOW or lesherartscenter.org.
All residents are invited to read “The Tortilla Curtain” by T.C. Boyle. Pick up a free copy at the library.
Nov. 7, 15 “Tortilla Curtain” Book Discussion
Nov. 8 Folktales from Mexico Performer Michael Katz tells tales from Mexico. A “Clayton Reads” program for the whole family. 7 p.m.
Tuesdays through Dec. 7 Patty Cakes Story time for babies to 3-year-olds. Child attends with caregiver. Drop in 11 a.m. Tuesdays.
Clayton Valley Garden Club Meets 7 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton. On Nov. 10, Lew Thompson will present “Crazy for Chrysanthemums.” 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 6863774.
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.
Meets 7-8:30 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, 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. On Nov. 17, Polo Morales of Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization and Mark Silverman, director of Immigration Policy for the Immigrant Legal Resources Center in San Francisco, will discuss the essentials of good immigration reform. Contact Pat at 946-0469 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
Wednesdays Book Buddies Reading to 4- to 7-year-olds. 3-4 p.m.
Pianist Daniel Glover will perform with the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra for three concerts
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.
Creekside Artists Guild
Librarian Karen Hansen-Smith will moderate discussions. Part of the “Clayton Reads” program. 2 p.m. Nov. 7 and 7 p.m. Nov. 15.
Through Nov. 14 “Becoming Britney”
Clayton Business and Community Association
Concord Stompers Square Dance Club
HEALTH
Through Nov. 7 “Sleuth”
CLUBS
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.
MEETINGS Nov. 9, 23 Clayton Planning Commission
Through Nov. 20 “Dracula”
7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.
Experience the gothic classic as you’ve never seen it, presented by Center Repertory. 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $36-$42. centerrep.org or 943-SHOW.
Nov. 9 Mt. Diablo Unified School District 7:30 p.m., 1936 Carlotta Dr., Concord. mdusd.org.
Meets 7 a.m. Thursdays, Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. Includes breakfast and a speaker. 5668166 or claytonvalleyrotary.org.
Scrabble Club Meets 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. second and fourth Saturdays of the month, Carl’s Jr. Restaurant, 1530 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. All ages and skill levels welcome. $3 fee. Call Mike at 6391987 or scrabble-assoc.com.
Sons In Retirement (SIRs) Meets 11:15 a.m. 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. Contact Nicole at 692-2224.
Page 12
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
November 5, 2010
Clayton Sports MDSA salutes volunteers at 30th anniversary dinner JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
It was 30 years ago that a group of local residents, spearheaded by Barry Kannon and Dennis Rahlves of Clayton, started a recreational youth soccer program they dubbed Mt. Diablo Soccer Association. The league was a charter member of the American Youth Soccer Organization, which uses “Everyone plays” as its abiding philosophy. As MDSA was wrapping up its 2010 fall season, the organization honored the people who make it run with a 30th Anniversary Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at Centre Concord. The audience of coaches, board members, referees and parents was lauded by regional commissioner JC Araujo for making it possible for 1,415 players in K league through under 19 age groups to play AYSO soccer. There were 150 teams playing 812 fall league games, plus 170 matches in the second annual Mt. Diablo World Cup. The end-of-season tournament involves all MDSA teams in the U10 through U14 age groups. To make these games possible, there were 265 volunteer coaches and 156 referees. Araujo was especially proud of those numbers, since two years ago there were only 57 MDSA referees and 100 fewer players. The commissioner presented the 2010 MDSA coach of the year award to
Photo by Jay Bedecarré
KIM APANA (left) says “I am usually not lacking in words, but I was speechless” when she was presented with the MDSA Coach of the Year Award by Regional Commissioner JC Araujo. Apana is in her seventh year coaching in MDSA even though her daughter is now playing club soccer for Diablo FC. She says, “I coach for fun and to teach soccer skills while having a good time. I thank MDSA.”
Kim Apana. “Kim is one of the best female soccer trainers I have had the pleasure to work with in my 16 years as a youth soccer coach,” Araujo said. The weekend after the awards dinner, Apana’s under 14 girls team won the Mt. Diablo World Cup title. Araujo also announced the Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award to outgoing treasurer Dana Heinz. “She was more than just a treasurer. Dana’s knowledge of the community and kids in Clayton and Concord became invaluable to the organization. Her contributions went beyond keeping the books as she became a key advisor in the MDSA decision-making process.” The league’s referee administrators, Mas Morimoto and Eric Dennis, both of Clayton, saluted their referees and presented several special awards. Brian Lizzarago was named referee of the year, Brandon Bolender was youth referee of the year and Mike Muller was rookie referee of the year. Morimoto sprinkled his comments to the dinner audience with some statistics. He said 186 referees officiated matches for MDSA during the fall season. That includes 16 youth referees, one advanced referee and three national referees. Araujo thanked the city of Concord, especially the recently retired Bruce Stanley, for the city’s assistance in providing fields for MDSA and Diablo Futbol Club. He also lauded Diablo Futbol Club and president Dan Olavarri for working with MDSA on training and camps as well as collaborating on field use for the two youth soccer programs. Also given recognition were MDSA board members Debbie Bluth, Terri Oswald, Tracie Macedo, Jane Walker, Stephanie Cicconi, Sylvia Jones, Joern Weigelt, David Lonestar, Steve Apana, Pete Villa, Michael Rubiano, Chris Ruzicka, Elias Haddad, Araujo, Dennis and Morimoto. Araujo gave a look back and forward for the audience. Past highlights for MDSA have been as one of the founding and current host leagues for the Concord Cup soccer tournament and the major role MDSA played in the construction of the Daniel E. Boatwright Youth Sports Complex in Concord. Mention was given to each of the regional commissioners since the founding of MDSA. They include Araujo, Joe Hull, Scott Booth, Mike Pease, Gene Dolan, Ian Brodie, Bob Pavlovic, Greg Cabral, Judi Kannon and Barry Kannon.
Clayton Valley “grows up” during exciting homecoming game with Northgate
Photo by Mike Dunn
CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH LOST 38-34 to undefeated Northgate in the Eagles homecoming game at jam-packed Gonsalves Stadium. Head coach Herc Pardi feels his team “grew up in the second half” as they rallied from 21-0 and 24-7 deficits to take the lead twice against the Broncos in an exciting back and forth game. “We just ran out of time as we were driving for the winning touchdown when the game ended,” Pardi said. He says his team intends “to run the table” in its final DVAL games to qualify again for the North Coast Section playoffs. Sophomore Joe Protheroe (5) has a cadre of teammates blocking for him against Northgate. He scored a TD, ran for 127 yards, completed a pass and caught two more after returning from a pre-season injury.
Photo courtesy of MDSA
BRANDON BOLENDER (CENTER) WAS NAMED YOUTH REFEREE OF THE YEAR at the MDSA Volunteer Appreciation night recently at Centre Concord. MDSA referee administrators Eric Dennis (left) and Mas Morimoto made the announcement naming the 15-year-old Northgate High sophomore as the honoree.
Diverse group inducted into Clayton Valley Athletic Hall This is the third story of a fourpart series profiling the 2010 CVHS Athletic Hall of Fame inductees. JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
A diverse group of athletes, teams, coaches and community supporters were inducted into the Clayton Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame last Saturday evening at Centre Concord as the Concord Gilbert Martinez Wrestling, tennis, 1973 Like many freshmen, Gilbert started out on the wrestling team as a novice and he was selected Most Improved wrestler. Over the next three years, he dominated the lower weight classes of 95, 102 and 112 pounds. He was champion of his weight class in eight of nine invitational tournaments. In his sophomore year, he placed second at the Diablo Valley Athletic League meet and then was league champ his junior and senior years. In his final two years, he was first at North Coast Section Division II tournament. In the NCS championship, he took two seconds and one third. As a sophomore, he placed third at the Northern California Invitational (state meet). He culminated his career as 1973 Athlete of the Year by the Mt. Diablo Coaches’ Association and Clayton Valley High School Athlete of the Year. Since he usually wrestled first at a meet, it was a good feeling to know the Eagles had the lead early. He had tremendous support from his family, who never missed a match. Gilbert also competed on the tennis team his senior year and was selected Most Improved. Ray Santucci Football, wrestling, baseball, track, 1978 Ray participated in four sports at Clayton Valley, including baseball his freshman and senior years (when he was All-DVAL designated hitter) and track his junior and senior years. As a wrestler, he was DVAL heavyweight champion his final two years, placed fourth in NCS as a junior and third as a senior. He advanced to state meet twice, placing as a senior. With the points he and his teammates earned, the wrestling team was back-to-back DVAL and NCS champs and state champions in 1977. On the football field, he was a starting middle linebacker for three seasons. Ray was first team All-DVAL the last two years. He was team captain and MVP. He was 1978 Clayton Valley Athlete of the Year, FitzPatrick Super
school recognized top performers from the 1960s, ’70s and ‘80s, including women who pioneered female athletics before local high schools had an official athletic league for girls to match those of boys. This is the second group to be inducted into the CVHS Hall of Fame following the inaugural 2008 class during the school’s Golden Anniversary celebration. A committee of alumni, coaches, staff and community leaders made the final selections from a list of nominees submitted by the public. Sport of the Year and was chosen to play in the Contra Costa vs. Alameda All-Star game, where he was team captain and defensive player of the game. He continued to compete in football and wrestling at Boise State. In his sophomore year, he set the single season record for most tackles. The next season, he helped his team win the 1980 national championship. As a senior, he was Most Inspirational Player and set a record for most tackles in the history of Boise State.
Mickey Wharton Football, track, basketball, 1965 Mickey started his career as a freshman playing football, basketball and track. In his sophomore football season, he was honorable mention all-league, while in track he took first in the shot put at the CCD/DVAL league championships. As a junior, he was football team captain, MVP and first team AllCCD/DVAL center. In track, he again was CCD/DVAL champ in the shot put and took fourth at NCS. He was undefeated in league competition and placed fifth at the Fresno Relays. His senior year, he repeated as team captain and first team All-CCD/DVAL in football. In track, he was DVAL champ in the shot for a third time, setting school and league records. He still holds the school record in the shot put at 58 feet, 5¼ inches. He placed second at NCS and ninth at state meet. He won numerous honors for two years in football and track at Diablo Valley College. His football team was inducted into the DVC Football Hall of Fame in 2008. He then attended San Jose State and was the starting center both years and team captain at the 100th Anniversary Game of College Football. Frank Snyder Football, basketball, baseball, 1960 Frank is first among those who established a standard of excellence for all future athletic achievements at Clayton Valley High. He was a member of the first Clayton Valley graduating
class of 1960. Like most of his CVHS class and teammates, Frank attended Mt. Diablo High School as a freshman and sophomore. For his two years at CVHS, he was a dominant athlete in three varsity sports: football, basketball and baseball – pitching the school’s first-ever nohitter. He led the Eagles basketball and baseball teams to their first league championships. He earned All-DVAL honors at Mt. Diablo and CVHS in baseball and he was first among the select few to earn the honored white Clayton Valley letter sweater, for which he lettered five times. He is member of a Charlie Zeno’s “Dynamic Decade All-Star Team,” was recognized by the National Baseball Congress of America and was offered a signing bonus to play for the Baltimore Orioles. He decided to forego the pros and went to Brigham Young University, playing for four years.
Dave Götz Football, basketball, baseball, 1981 Dave turned into one of the best allaround athletes in Clayton Valley’s history, with eight varsity letters. As a sophomore, he played varsity basketball and baseball. In his junior year, he was a second team all-league defensive back and also played quarterback and receiver in football. In basketball, he was All-DVAL first team and led the team to the DVAL championship. His senior year was even more stellar. He was football team captain and MVP, first team All-DVAL on both offense and defense and All-East Bay defense second team. In basketball, he was team captain, MVP, first team AllDVAL and second team All-East Bay. He led the basketball team to a repeat DVAL championship and trip to the NCS playoffs. They also won championships in the Gridley and Mid-Valley tournaments and he was all-tourney in both. He was also a three-year letterman in baseball. He culminated his CVHS career as 1981 Athlete of the Year and played in the Contra Costa-Alameda County allstar football game. He went on to Los Medanos College and made second team all-league as a defensive back. He transferred to Sacramento State and played football. Craig Marble Water polo, swimming, 1983 Craig was on the water polo and swimming teams for four years, lettering two years in water polo and four years on the swim team. His freshman year he was voted Most Improved swimmer. In
See Hall of Fame, page 13
November 5, 2010
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Clayton Sports
Name: Megan Coppa Age: 14 Sport: Soccer, Swimming & Track Team: Diablo FC 95, Dana Hills Swim Team, St. Bonventure CYO Track In this era of young athletes zeroing in on only one sport, Megan Coppa is a refreshing exception. The freshman at Clayton Valley High School keeps her calendar full while taking part in three sports, including swimming (City Meet champ in
Hall of Fame, from page 12
Even with that success she considers soccer her favorite sport and this year joined the Diablo FC 95 team coached by Brazilian soccer legend Sissi. As the starting center back Megan has been lauded by her coach for doing “a tremendous job. She is aggressive, fast and open to learning.” Two weeks ago Diablo FC played Mustang Fury, one of the top 10 teams in the country, and Megan was named player of the game. She will be trying out for the CVHS soccer team next week.
of the Athlete Week
Sport Chalet congratulates Megan Coppa and rewards her achievement with a Sport Chalet gift card.
50 freestyle and anchor of two Otters relay winners) and track and field (St. Bonaventure CYO where she’s been Oakland Diocese high jump champion for three years and twice in 400 meters).
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Do you know a young athlete that should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sports manship, or remarkable improve ment, or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight to sports@claytonpioneer.com.
Team Australia crowned U14 World Cup Champs
his junior year, he was co-MVP and earned All-America honors in two individual events and had the fifth fastest time in the nation in the 100-yard butterfly and 13th fastest in the 200 individual medley. At the NCS meet as a senior, he won the 200 IM and posted the third fastest time in the country that year. He also won the 100 fly and his time was the fastest in the country up to that time. He finished with the second fastest time in the nation that year. He was extremely versatile and was able to swim any event that the team needed him. Craig again earned All-American honors and finished his high school career by receiving 1983 co-Athlete of the Year honors. His grade point average throughout high school was 3.97 and he graduated fourth in his class. Craig received a scholarship to Cal and swam four years for the Golden Bears, earning three All-America awards. In 1984, Craig placed sixth in the finals of the U.S. Olympic Trials and represented America in an international meet in France.
Vernon Rogers Water polo, swimming, 1979 Vernon was on the water polo and swimming teams, lettering all four years in both sports. As a freshman, he placed second in the league meet and second in two events at NCS. His sophomore year, he set a new school record in the 50 free and was runner-up in the North Coast 50 and 100 freestyles. As a junior, Vernon was water polo league high point scorer and team co-captain and MVP. He earned All-NorCal honors and AllAmerica. In the swimming pool, he was co-captain and MVP for the Eagles, setting team records in the 50 and 100 free. He also set a NCS record in one event and was second in two events. As a senior, he was water polo captain, setting a school scoring record as league scoring champion and team and league MVP. He finished the season earning All-America honors. On the swim team, he was captain and set two individual and two relay records. He was a swimming All-America and 1979 Athlete of the Year. Vernon attended UC Davis, where he accumulated numerous honors in water polo and swimming as a team captain and MVP, AllAmerica. As a senior, he won three events in the NCAA championships. The final group of profiles and photos from the Hall of Fame induction dinner will be in our Nov. 19 issue.
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Team Australia, coached by David King, was expected to do well in the Mt. Diablo World Cup. However just one tie in three games on the opening day of play left the under 14 boys team with a big challenge. No mind, they won three consecutive overtime games to claim the title. The finale ended scoreless against Columbia, a team which beat Australia earlier in the cup. In the shootout Australia prevailed 3-2. The wet but happy champions include, on ground from left, Jacob Hosking, Dylan Panek; standing, Peyton Rhodes, Dekker Dalman, Michael Anicama, Ben Geiser, Sam Aragon, Ryan Bolender, Alex King, Andrew Maes, Lorenzo Hamid, Bryce Sampson, Aria Ghandi, Connor Antonson; back, coach David King and assistant coach Matt Bolender. Not pictured, Sidney Mendoza.
Sports Shorts YOUTH FUTSAL, OTHER SPORTS 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 a league for the five-a-side game. The league will run Nov. 6-Dec. 30. There will also be an under 14 girls tournament at the gym Nov. 27-28. Other November events at the Clayton gym include a youth winter basketball academy for boys and girls second to ninth grades, an adult winter volleyball league and total body fitness for adults. For more information or to register, visit alloutsportsleague-clayton.com.
DIABLO FC WINTER SOCCER ACADEMY STARTS JAN. 6 Diablo FC is holding its 10th annual Winter Soccer Academy Jan. 6-Feb. 17, 5-6 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays at Willow Pass Park No. 5, adjacent to Pixieland Park in Concord. The renowned Diablo FC professional coaching staff will teach boys and girls 5-12 basic dribbling and juggling skills, passing and receiving the ball and ball striking. Youth of all skill levels from novice to those ready for competitive soccer are invited to attend. There are no tryouts; sign up at diablofc.org.
DIABLO FC U8-U11 COMPETITIVE TRYOUTS IN JANUARY Diablo FC tryouts for the 2011-12 season for under 8 through under 11 competitive teams will be held Jan. 23-30 in Concord. Boys and girls born between Aug. 1, 2000 and July 31, 2005 are invited to try out. There is no charge to try out; pre-register at diablofc.org.
WALNUT CREEK LACROSSE CLUB OFFERS CLINIC Walnut Creek Lacrosse Club has an Intro to Lacrosse clinic for boys and girls ages 7-14 at Foothill Middle School in Walnut Creek
on the next two Sundays, Nov. 7 and 14, from 10-11 a.m. A lacrosse stick is the only equipment needed. The club is also registering girls and boys ages 6-14 for spring season. No playing experience necessary. For more info or to register, go to walnutcreeklacrosse.com or call (925) 639-7817.
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What happens when you call in a parking complaint On almost a daily basis, the Clayton Police Department receives phone calls from residents about abandoned cars on local streets. We also get reports about cars that are not properly registered or other parking violations. Staff assigns the parking enforcement officer or a patrol officer to conduct a brief investigation into apparent California Vehicle Code violations. In some instances, it is a violation of the Clayton Municipal Code. When the investigation is complete, they take appropriate action – which could include a citation, green tagging or warning the person responsible for the violation. During an investigation, an officer must first determine where the violation is occurring. There are generally two areas, or domains, where parking and vehicle registration violations can occur. The first area is in the public domain, such as on a public road, street, sidewalk or in public parking facility. The other area is in the private domain, or on private property. This can be a driveway, private unimproved land, private street or road or on a private parking lot open to the public – such as the parking lot at Clayton Station. Residents frequently call to
report abandoned cars on the street or in someone’s driveway. California Vehicle Code section 22651 k authorizes police officers to cite or remove a car that has been parked in the same place for more than 72 hours in the public domain. Usually, it is the perception of the caller that the car in question has been parked for longer than 72 hours. Before we can cite or remove the car, we are required to have first-hand knowledge that the “72-hour rule” has been violated. We start the legal clock running by placing a green tag on the windshield of the car. In most cases, the owner sees the tag and moves the car before the legally documented 72-hour period ends, thus ending our legal authority to remove it. If, however, the officer returns after 72 hours and observes the car in the same location (with green tag), the officer has the authority to tow it or cite the car. In the majority of these cases, the car has been moved and returned to the same place which may give the appearance that the car hasn’t moved. Rolling the car forward or moving it across the street doesn’t cut it. Courts have ruled that this is “incidental moving” and doesn’t count. The car has to leave the area and return with at
least a quarter of a mile registered on the odometer. If we receive a report that a car has been abandoned on private property, such as a driveway, the city’s code enforcement officer gets involved. Clayton Municipal Code section 10.52 provides a clear-cut procedure for the officer to follow to remove obviously abandoned cars from private property. Usually these cars are very dusty, often do not run, have low air in the tires, collect tree leaves around the windshield wipers and have the basic appearance of having not been moved for more than 10 days. The code officer only investigates these types of issues if she receives a complaint. Vehicles that appear to be unregistered in the public domain may be cited or the owner could be warned and provided with information for registering it. A car that has not been registered for more than six months can be legally removed from a public place by the officer. It is not unlawful to store an unregistered car on private property. Other parking violations reported to the police department include cars parked blocking driveways, in front of fire hydrants, in front of mail boxes, parked in two marked spaces in
DAN LAWRENCE
FROM
THE
CHIEF
the downtown, in a handicapped space or in the lined area adjacent to a handicapped stall, in bus zones, red zones or in a fire lane. In addition, a recreational vehicle requires a permit if parked on a public street. The police department issues RV permits. In every case, we assign the parking enforcement or police officer to investigate the violation. The officers take the appropriate action. It’s important to note that not every car has a citation placed under the windshield wiper. In many cases, owners of cars in violation of parking laws have received warnings. If you have additional information or want to contact me about this article, call 673-7360. I have an “open door” policy and can also be contacted in person at the police station, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Dan Lawrence is Clayton’s Police Chief. Please send your questions, comments or topics you’d like to see covered to DanL@cpd.ci. concord.ca.us
Add weather to any baseball star’s stats
WOODY WHITLATCH WEATHER WORDS As a baseball fan, it was wonderful to see the Giants play in the World Series. Many of the post-season games the Giants played in were won or lost because of exceptionally close plays. Although each play was different, they all show that any small deviation from the balance of forces that rule the game can affect the outcome of one play, one game or an entire series.
One of the hardest challenges for a ballplayer is hitting a baseball. A swing that is millimeters or milliseconds off can be the difference between a grand slam and a double play. You often hear coaches tell a player: “See the ball, hit the ball.” But it isn’t that easy. Weather conditions can contribute to changing the delicate balance in a baseball game, especially on how far a batted ball might travel. There
are some subtle and not so subtle effects that the main weather variables of wind, atmospheric pressure, temperature and relative humidity have on the flight of a baseball. Wind has the most dramatic effect. If the wind is blowing against the flight of the ball, it encounters more molecules of air. There is increased frictional drag on the ball, and it slows down. If the wind is
See Weather, page 16
Link toys to development for successful – and fun – playtime
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blowing in the direction of the ball’s flight, the ball encounters less air molecules and will fly farther. For example, a ball that travels 400 feet on a calm day will travel 445 with a 15 mph wind behind it. Air temperature affects the flight of the ball because the density of the air (the number
Buying developmentally appropriate toys will help children develop the skills they need to be successful. Just as adults go to work, play is a child’s work. The best toys have multiple functions and span several levels of development. They should encourage open-ended and imaginative play. Allow children time to explore and experiment and see what happens when they try different actions. It should be fun and invented by the child. Blocks and nesting cups are examples of toys that can be played with in many ways over a long span of development. Blocks can help children learn to grasp, to throw them into containers, stack and knock down, and build into many different imaginative structures. Nesting cups can be banged together, thrown and dropped, stacked, used to cutout playdough “cookies” or pretend cooking and for nesting.
Balls come in a variety of sizes, shapes and textures. With babies, they encourage using two hands together and teach cause and effect. Toddlers learn to develop hand-eye and hand-foot coordination by throwing, kicking and catching. By including multiple sources of sensory input – such as touch, smell, vision and hearing – in an activity, you can increase the ways a child can learn. Babies are learning to use their senses while exploring their world. Toys that are brightly colored, musical or interesting to touch are not only very appealing to babies but educational as well. Because babies initially use their mouths to explore toys, it is important that the toys be wellmade, non-toxic and easily cleaned. Toys such as soft security cuddle toys, things to grasp and let go, rattles, things to shake, feel and bang as well as teethers and “gumming” toys add sensory qualities to their learning. Simple pictures in books for this age group help children learn more easily than if the pages are crowded with objects. At about 12 months of age, children begin to learn the symbolism of pictures and love looking at picture books. Cause and effect skills are learned by pulling on a lever and watching a funny face pop up. Container play teaches the concepts of space and volume as the child learns to fill and empty the containers. Creating art work with non-toxic crayons, finger paint and playdough helps develop
See Parenting, page 15
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TAYLOR TOVREA TEEN SPEAK “It’s 11 o’clock! Why are you still in bed?” With a groan, I force my heavy lids to open to a sunny Saturday morning. Half to escape the foreign brightness and half to avoid my mother’s disapproving glare, I throw the covers back over my head and regress into my burrow of blankets and sheets for another hour or so of shut-eye, free of interruption. This is my regular weekend routine. When not forced to awake at some ungodly hour for a soccer game or other obligation, I readily indulge in a few extra, but much-needed, hours of sleep. After staying up until midnight or later to complete assignments all week, I need those 12 hours to recharge and prevent my departure from the human race into zombiehood. In this, I am not alone. Between back-breaking homework loads, packed social calendars and plentiful electronic temptations, most
teenagers get nowhere near the recommended 8½ to 10 hours of sleep per night for 12- to 18-year-olds. Instead, most teens head out into the world each day after only seven hours of sleep or less. “On average, I only get about five hours of sleep – six if I’m lucky,” says Clayton Valley junior Joanna Fan. An avid rock climber, talented musician and devoted athlete with four advanced classes in her schedule, Fan finds that there aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish all that she must and still get a good night’s sleep. Likewise, senior Tyler Falls averages six hours of sleep a night because of schoolwork, sports obligations and the bad sleeping habits that he developed as a result of these activities over the years. Expectations and responsibilities increase with age and the amount of time we reserve for sleep shrinks accordingly. AP students are assigned a minimum of an hour of homework per night and varsity athletics hold daily practices after school. Student who venture to take on both an advanced course load and extracurricular activities regu-
larly find themselves working until 1, 2 or 3 in the morning or not even going to bed at all. The sacrifice of sleep has become inevitable for any teen who dares to go beyond the bare minimum, as most do. It seems as though it has become next to impossible for teens to have a healthy sleeping pattern and still achieve their goals. Sleep deprivation has become the norm. Step onto any high school campus and the evidence is overwhelming. Students grip coffee cups and caffeinated sodas as they rush to class with bloodshot eyes. Heads nod and eyelids flutter with drowsiness as teens fight a losing battle against fatigue during lectures. Backpacks, purses, sweatshirts and textbooks become makeshift pillows for students napping out of sight in the back row. In the quad, yawning friends compare bedtimes. (“I had to stay up until 4:30 a.m. finishing that bio project.” “Don’t even complain. I had to pull an all-nighter to finish reading ‘The Grapes of Wrath.’ ”) Already moody teens become crankier and the
social peace becomes even more fragile. “I’m a complete jerk when I don’t get enough sleep,” confesses junior Krissy Bjorndal. Ironically, we now envy the early bedtimes we despised as young children. Just last night, I was overcome with jealousy and frustration at the unfairness of it all when my brother said his goodnights at 9:30 p.m. I knew I would be typing away well into the wee hours of the morning. Though teens work the hardest, we rest the least. Preschoolers get their naps, elementary school children are tucked in by 8:30 p.m. and preteens are able to pass out by 10 p.m. It seems only fair that teenagers should be allowed the weekends to enjoy a full night’s sleep. So, here’s a request to the parents of Clayton’s teens (this includes you, Mom): Your child works hard, give them Saturday mornings off. Actually, make that afternoons. Taylor Tovrea is a junior at Clayton Valley High School. She is a regular to the Pioneer. Email her at taylor@claytonpioneer.com
ST. AGNES SCHOOL The school will host a Kindergarten Information Night on Monday, Nov. 15. Prospective parents are invited to a dinner at 6:15 p.m., followed by a presentation at 7 p.m. St. Agnes School, open since 1967, is accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The school is at 3886 Chestnut Ave., Concord. To RSVP, call 689-3990. For more on the school, visit stagnesconcord.com.
School Closures, from page 6 Eberhart. “We have a statutory deadline to provide notice to the certificated employees that they’re going to be laid off.” Although some of the savings accomplished by closing school sites will be through employee layoffs, Whitmarsh said that teachers are unlikely to be terminated. “We are at contractual maximums in our district already for student/teacher ratios.” Nevertheless, all parties are keenly focused on ensuring the selection is made carefully. “Even if it’s my own kids’ school (that’s closed), I’ll sleep well at night – I’ll know it was a fair process,” said Porter. The School Closure Committee meets at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 8 and 15, Willow Creek Center, 1026 Mohr Lane, Concord. Time is set aside for public comment. Input can also be sent to lockr@mdusd.k12.ca.us.
Doing the right thing is hard when it isn’t the popular choice
ROBBIE PARKER DVMS REPORTER Students often make many difficult choices during middle school. In addition to all the academic activities, the social priority is at an all-time high. Teens are focused on fitting in, and appearance and style become a main social concern. Some struggle, while others – the athletic, good-looking or outgoing people – are considered “cool.” Some get attention at the expense of others. It can be difficult to do what is right, rather than what is popular. Most look to the popular crowd for style trends. Some teens dress with a certain image, and before you know it, everyone is dressing in that style. Music, hobbies and ideas catch on with the “popular crowd”
and then friends start to emulate it. It spreads like wildfire through the school. Even if they don’t like it, students follow it because it’s “cool.” However, I have seen cases where teens do the wrong things to fit in and impress their friends. Some teens act out and mess around in school because their desire to be popular affects their judgment to do what’s right. It’s a hard balance to be “popular” while remaining true to who you are. Sometimes teens are influenced to fit in by being a part of the crowd. For example, one kid sticks a foot out and another student trips, with books and papers flying. The rest of the students take amusement in the scene. Perhaps they laugh because they don’t want to be the one on the ground. The need to not stand out is greater than the need to point out the cruelty of the action. “Sometimes it’s hard not to get involved in what’s going on in the crowd,” noted Kelsie McNiff, DVMS class president. “However, you might regret not making good decisions later in life.” After a long day at school, many students don’t want to do
Parenting, from page 14 a child’s imagination. Imitation skills are developed as a child engages in pretend play with stuffed animals, baby dolls, toy phones and toy cars. Here are some examples of toys that appeal to this age group: blocks, containers and objects to put in them, pushpull toys, water toys, hammering toys, books, toy phone, pretend food, pots, pans,
wooden spoons, mixing bowls, and safe boxes or tunnels to crawl through. Children 2 to 3 years old love to problem solve and are beginning to match by picture, shape and color. Puzzles and shape sorters help develop these skills. Nesting cups teach size gradation and musical instruments teach rhythm. Imaginary skills are further honed by playing with pup-
more homework or study for a test. There are times when I want to put off work or spend time with my friends. However, then I realize my parents have high expectations, my grades depend upon it and, in reality, I know it is the right thing to do. Kelsie also said there have been times when she had to find a balance between schoolwork and friends. “One night, I had a lot of homework to do and I was supposed to go out with my friends. My mom told me I should stay home and study instead,” she recalled. “In the end, I decided to do what was right and get my work done.” It’s hard to be a teenager. You want to stand out, yet most times you are just trying to fit in. Looking to others for trends or fads is normal. However, getting caught up in the moment or blowing off school work isn’t a good idea. It’s important to listen to your conscience and value your own likes and dislikes. You’ll feel better if you do what’s right not what’s popular. Robbie Parker is an eighthgrader at Diablo View. Send comments to Robbie@claytonpioneer.com
pets, dress-up clothes, pretend-play tool benches, kitchen sets and farm sets. Riding toys or tricycles help children with balance, strength and coordination. Throwing balls into containers or knocking down a stack of blocks or empty boxes provides lots of fun and develops skills at the same time. Youngson and Jacobsen are with We Care Services for Children. For more information, visit wecarebmcc.org.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
November 5, 2010
s r o p l u o t c g l l a a r d f e n e v i n i t t h e d s o m o e F NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL It’s time for Clayton Valley gardeners to add seasonal splashes of color to containers and borders.
With the onset of autumn, many crave a more welcoming entryway. The colors of summer are fading fast and it’s time to embrace different hues of flowers and foliage. To set the mood for fall, add orange, scarlet, gold, purple or white flowers to existing container combinations and along borders. OPT FOR SUPERBELLS Container combination planters may need to revamped as the spring and summer perennials fall into winter rest. Superbells calibrachoa are available in just the right colors for
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autumn – shades of orange, gold and russet. These evergreens trickle over the sides of a container, covered with small, petunia-shaped flowers. Superbells Tequila Sunrise is a multi-colored selection with a mix of orange and gold. It is a container showstopper. Superbells Plum is another awesome autumn-colored selection. This flower is a dark indigo purple. Use Superbells Plum to contrast warm-colored plants, like Carex testacea, Phormium Maori Maiden or Firepower Nandina. CORAL IS THE COLOR Diascia is a family of shortlived perennials that bloom so much that they wear themselves out after two or three years. Considering the amount of flowers and how well it lends itself to both containers and borders, diascia should be enjoyed while available. Diascia Coral is the color of the moment. This flower isn’t
all the way orange – it has just a touch of pink. Most gardeners find it appealing. In the ground as a border plant, this perennial creates a puff of color that will grow 12-15 inches high and 2 feet wide. Use Diascia Coral in a border mixed with light-gray colored foliage such as Artemisia Powis Castle or Ruta Jackman’s Blue. It would also add a feminine touch to the fescue Elijah Blue. Another idea would be to combine Diascia Coral with any of the red foliage heuchera. When using in a combination container, Diascia represents the medium-size plant. Use under a dark bronze leafed phormium, cordaline or coprosma. OH SO GLORIOUS Gloriosa Daisies are apart of the rudbeckia family. There are fundamentally daisies, but their robust look is more like some of the exotic coneflowers.
Cherokee Sunset is a group of flowers that vary in shape and color. Each flower is about 4 inches wide with colors of bronze, brown-orange and yellow. Use Cherokee Sunset in container combinations as the medium-sized perennial. This perennial will reach 16 inches tall. Most of the time, it is sold in six-pack containers, so install 2-3 per hole. This way you get the most bang for your buck. COOL BLUE If the colors of autumn aren’t your favorite, then embrace the colors of winter now. Replace the colors of summer in combination containers and borders with scarlet, white and blue. Cyclamen is a seasonal standby that is readily available and super easy to grow. It’s a perennial, so it returns year after year. Sterling scarlet is an exceptional cyclamen with green leaves with bold white veins and
sizzling scarlet flowers. Cyclamen Laser White is a must have for those loving the pure-white flower. Laser White’s crisp green leaves help contrast the flower, creating a bold look. Cyclamen appreciates part sun and will reach 6 inches tall and about a foot wide. It is multi-useful, lending itself to both the ground and combination containers. Pansies are the plant where you can get the blues – the winter blues that is. Delta True Blue is a collection of real blues. The happy faces of the pansy will brighten up borders and containers. A touch of color here and there will keep borders and containers festive and your garden spirit alive. Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden Contact her with questions, comments or suggestions at gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
Church News
Weather, from page 14
CROSSROADS CHURCH The church is hosting a benefit concert Friday, Nov. 5, featuring Christian recording artist Jon Abel, who used to be on the church staff. Abel’s new CD, “Rescue,” will be available for sale. The event is in support of
of molecules of air in a specific volume) is lower in warm air. In other words, the warmer the air, the fewer air molecules in the air to provide frictional drag on the baseball. It is estimated that a ball hit with the same force that would carry it 400 feet when the temperature is 45 F, will travel 420 feet when the temperature is 95° F.
staff member John Wright, who has T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia. The “Jon for John” concert will be at 7 p.m. at the church, 5353 Concord Blvd., Concord. For more information, call 7985905.
Relative humidity, the amount of water vapor in the air, also affects the flight of a ball. It turns out that water vapor is less dense than dry air. So, in a parcel of air with a constant temperature, the air density decreases as the relative humidity increases. Therefore, a ball will travel a little bit farther in humid air than in drier air (as long as the ball does not become heavier due to its exposure to increased moisture). Finally, atmospheric pressure comes into play. As air pressure decreases, the density of the air decreases, and a ball will travel farther. At any stadium, air pressure can change from day to day, affecting how far a ball can travel. Changes in altitude provide a much greater change in air pressure, though, since atmospheric pressure decreased rapidly with height. A ball hit with enough force to send it 400 feet at San Francisco’s AT&T Park (near sea level elevation) would travel 440 feet in Denver, the mile high city. When the Colorado Rockies began playing in Denver, more home runs were hit in that stadium than any other stadium in the major leagues. Robert Adair, a physicist consulting to Major League Baseball, proposed that the Rockies begin storing baseballs in humidors. This makes the baseballs heavier than those stored in dry air conditions, increasing the force of gravity on the ball and shortening its flight. Once this idea was implemented, the number of home runs hit in Denver declined. Because of the effect that weather has on baseball, that statement “see the ball, hit the ball” should be amended to say “see the ball, hit the ball … preferably with the wind at your back, on a warm day, with high humidity and low barometric pressure.” Congratulations to the Giants on an exciting and successful season. They were able to use superb pitching, timely hitting and stellar fielding to tilt the balance of the game in their favor. Maybe the weather conditions at AT&T Park worked in their favor too. If you are interested in more details on how weather affects baseball, check out Adair’s book, “The Physics of Baseball.” Woody Whitlatch is a meteorologist with PG&E. Email your questions or comments to clayton_909@yahoo.com
November 5, 2010
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Page 17
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A & H Limousine Service has been owned and operated by Clayton resident, Sanjay Behal since 2005. A & H offers 24-hour service to all Bay Area airports at no extra charge. Limos, party buses, Hummer Limos, sedans and mini-vans are available. Experienced drivers will take you to on wine tours, to proms, birthday parties or a night out in San Francisco. Get to holiday parties, concerts, weddings or any special event in style. Seniors can take a 10 percent discount for any round-trip booking. Please call (925) 200-2824 or email AH4LIMO@GMAIL.COM.
Christmas is just around the corner and its time to get a head start on your holiday shopping. The 2010 Contra Costa County Fall Faire is Nov. 13-14 at the fairgrounds in Antioch. Join us for this two day event that will showcase all that Contra Costa County has to offer...quality arts and crafts, carnival, food, beverage, local businesses, community services, Santa, kids’ zone, and even an amateur cookout contest. Applications are available online at www.contracostafair.com for anyone who might be interested in participating in this event.
Enter the Clayton Pioneer’s 7th Annual
o o C k s i e a Con m t s i test r h C This year will be our seventh annual Christmas Cookie Contest and your chance to stir, bake and taste up a storm of those sweets that bust the diet and send us over the moon. So, dust off the cookbooks and dig out Uncle Charlie’s sugar cookie recipe, bake a few practice rounds enter this year’s contest. Judging Party is Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m. in the Clayton Library Community Room. Be there for live music and caroling led by Vintage, games and crafts for the little ones and photos with Santa.
Three more opportunities to advertise in the Pioneer Holiday Shopping Guide. Call 672-0500 for more information.
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2010 CHRISTMAS COOKIE CONTEST ENTRY FORM Please fill out a separate form for each entry. You may enter up to three recipes, but only one can win
Name (Please print) (Must be 94517 or 94521 resident)
Phone Number Name of Recipe
Your age____
Junior Baker (Ages 6-12) Your age____
Contestant agrees to being photographed at the competition. Recipes used from published books must identify source. Signature
Mail your entry to: the Clayton Pioneer, PO Box 1246, Clayton, CA 94517; or drop off at our office at 6200 H Center Street, Clayton. If the office is closed, slip it through the mail slot.
Deadline to enter is Monday, Dec. 6 Parent's Signature (for Junior Bakers)
Tabletop artisan trees and wreaths, truly one of-a-kind creations, will be on display in the Diamond Terrace lobby from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. every day through Dec. 4. Come see and place bids on these beautiful trees and wreaths at Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center Street, Clayton, 524-5100, or diamondterrace.net.
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Deadline for entry is December 6.
Teen Baker (Ages 13-19)
November 13 & 14
Arts and Crafts Carnival Santa Live Entertainment
Recipes and photos of winners will appear in the Dec. 17 issue.
Master Baker (20+)
Weddings
Crafts Cookout Carnival
Judges: Councilmen Howard Geller and Joe Medrano, Clayton Police Officer Shanna Decoite, DVMS Reporter Robbie Parker, Garden Girl Nicole Hackett and Carol Rackel and Tami Campora from the new Ravioli’s Italian Marketplace
Address
All proceeds benefit the CBCA’s Adopt-aFamily program which provides groceries for needy families in the Clayton Valley area during the holiday season.
Page 18
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
November 5, 2010
A different kind of radish The spicy, sometimes killyour-taste-buds condiment goes well with just about any meat or seafood dish. Horseradish is a member of the mustard family. It’s not clear where horseradish was first cultivated, but its popularity is greatest in Eastern Europe and Russia. The ancient Greeks and Egyptians also were fond of it, using it as a pain reliever, treatment for
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Horseradish has been around for thousands of years. It’s renowned for its medicinal and culinary qualities and central to at least one religious tradition.
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arthritis and an aphrodisiac. The Hebrews made it one of the five bitter herbs of Passover, a traditional Jewish religious feast. Legend has it the Delphic oracle told Apollo that horseradish was worth its weight in gold. The British were using horseradish by the 1600s. The pungent roots were grown at inns to make cordials, and it soon became a standard accompaniment for beef and seafood. The Germans, too, created a horseradish schnapps. Settlers brought horseradish to North America, where it escaped small farms and was soon growing wild along the Massachusetts coast. After World War II, Tulelake homesteaders in Northern California started growing the root and it’s one of the largest production areas in the country today. About 6 million gallons of prepared horseradish is produced in the United States, a testament to the great stamina of our taste buds. The English name seems to derive from the German meerrettich, which means sea radish. That became mareradish, then eventually horseradish. “Radish” is from the Latin radix, meaning root. Indeed, horseradish is a large, coarse root. It’s nothing like the little red orbs or long white daikon you find in grocery stores. In fact, it’s rather hard to find the fresh, unprocessed root. The strong flavor isn’t released until the root is grated or ground, but it also has a
subtle underlying sweetness. Vinegar stabilizes the volatile oils. If added soon after grating, vinegar leads to a milder horseradish. Horseradish is available in a variety of forms – pickled, grated and as an ingredient in condiments like mustard and sauces. I always have a small jar of grated horseradish in my refrigerator so I can make seafood cocktail sauce, horseradish mashed potatoes and soups.
BORSCHT WITH HORSERADISH CREAM
the pan for about a minute to dry the potatoes. Meanwhile, heat the milk and butter until the butter melts. Stir in horseradish. Hand mash, rice or use a food mill to puree the potatoes. Stir in enough of the milk and butter mixture to reach the desired consistency. Don’t beat the potato mixture as it may turn gummy. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
SEAFOOD COCKTAIL SAUCE ½ c. prepared chili sauce (Heinz is good) 2 T. ketchup ½ tsp. garlic salt ½ tsp. onion powder Dash Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp. prepared horseradish or more to taste Stir together all ingredients. Taste and adjust spiciness with more horseradish if desired. Note: Combine leftover sauce with mayonnaise and a little plain yogurt to make a great Thousand Island salad dressing.
BORSCHT WITH HORSERADISH CREAM 2 lbs. beets with greens attached 6 c. vegetable stock 2 tomatoes, pureed 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced 2 carrots, peeled and grated 1 onion, chopped 1 russet potato, peeled and diced Salt and freshly ground pepper ½ c. sour cream 1 tsp. prepared horseradish 1 tsp. dried dill (or 1 T. minced fresh dill)
HORSERADISH MASHED POTATOES 2 lbs. russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces ¾ c. whole milk ¼ c. butter 4 tsp. prepared horseradish Salt and pepper Bring the potatoes to boil over high heat, then simmer about 10 minutes until fork tender. Drain and return the potatoes to the hot pan. Shake
Preheat oven to 400. Trim greens and reserve. Quarter beets and roast on a parch-
ment or silicone-lined baking sheet 15-20 minutes, until they are softened and lightly browned. After beets have cooled, peel and cut them into bitesize chunks. Thinly slice beet greens and measure out 1 cup; set aside. Preheat a saucepan over medium heat. Add the stock, tomatoes, celery, carrots, onion and potato. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook, uncovered, about 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Add beets and greens and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Stir together the sour cream, horseradish and dill. Spoon a little atop each bowl of soup. Note: For extra body to the soup, puree about half of the soup in a blender or food processor and stir back into the soup. 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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