IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com
February 25, 2011
925.672.0500
Legal Eagles learn workings of county court system first hand SARAH ROSEN Clayton Pioneer
DAVE SHUEY
MAYOR’S CORNER
New team takes on Mock Trial challenge
Honoring our unsung heroes It is hard to watch or read the news today without getting depressed or scared – other than, of course, our own feel good bastion of good news, The Pioneer. Well, I think we in Clayton are different and we have lots of feel good stories. Last year, Mayor Hank Stratford worked with our police and the schools to develop the Do the Right Thing program which, by all accounts, is doing exceptionally well. In the same vein, for years now, I have been walking, driving, jogging (ok, no jogging) and biking around town, going to meetings and living life in general, and I have noticed many of Clayton’s unsung heroes making our town better than when they found it. I am not talking about recognized heroes like firefighters, police officers, Captain America, the armed forces and any other manner of brave individuals who step up in a time of crisis and help save the day. I am talking about the unsung heroes who make everyday life better not through heroism or bravery, but through love, kindness,
See Mayor, page 5
Our bad . . .
Hand-crafted guitars reflect personal stylings Guitar maker among artists at Creekside Arts Celebration LOU FANCHER Clayton Pioneer
Not many people know what a luthier is, but Doug Thomas, who happens to be one, will spread the word at the 8th annual Creekside Arts Celebration March 4-6 at the library. Thomas, who makes custom
guitars, will display his fine, handcrafted instruments along with the work of more than 30 poets, storytellers, dancers, visual artists and musicians participating in the free event. Event director Arlene Kikkawa-Nielsen says this year’s theme, “Inspiration for a Better World … Past, Present, Future,” represents a national movement toward reflection. “In prior years, we’ve always selected themes inspired by nature, culture and community,”
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190
In the last issue, the front page story City, School District Face Off Over Gym Use Fees, the amount billed by the district to the YMCA was incorrectly stated as $5,000 per quarter. The correct amount was $15,000 per quarter. The page 3 story County Board of Education Approves Hybrid Charter School Over MDUSD Objections, the byline incorrectly listed Sarah Rosen as cowriter. Taylor Tovrea was the correct co-writer.
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
MEMBERS OF THE CVHS LEGAL EAGLES FIRST MOCK TRIAL TEAM gather in front of the Bray courthouse in Martinez before facing off against opponents in the last night of the qualifying rounds. Front Row: Rachana Neupane, Legal Eagles club president Cassady Clifton, Ashley Leung; Back row: Kara Woods, Jabresa Parnell and Evan Lutz.
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
GUITAR MAKER DOUG THOMAS will be among dozens of artists, artisans and performers at the annual Creekside Arts Celebration, March 4-6 at the Clayton Library.
What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Car Tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Going up against schools with more legal power at the ready, Clayton Valley High School raised the bar at the county’s Mock Trial Competition. CVHS ventured into uncharted territory this year as Cassady Clifton, a CV senior who is president of the Legal Eagles club, formed the school’s first Mock Trial team. When the Legal Eagles decided to sign up for the competition, they knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Directed by the county Office of Education and coordinated by Johnathan Lance, the Mock Trial Competition teaches high school students the workings of the judicial system firsthand. Teams work with teachers and attorney coaches to prepare from both the prosecution and defense perspectives.
See Mock Trial, page 9
Three undefeated Clayton Valley teams earn home NCS playoff games
she explained. But a national trend toward examining the past and present to determine future choices shaped this year’s focus. ‘BIOART,’ HAIKUS AND MORE The 8th annual celebration is a major fundraiser for the library. Profits from art sales serve a dual purpose: supporting artists in the community and funding environmental education programs at the library. “It’s also a great opportunity because many shows invite only specific artists,” Thomas said. “Since I’m starting my business up again, I wanted to show my work.” The art show is juried by professionals, including Carrie Brewster from the Hearst Gallery at Saint Mary’s College, Jacquelyn Smith from Art Concepts Inc. in Walnut Creek and returning judge Christine Callahan, 4th district representative from the county Arts & Culture Commission. The event hopes to raise awareness about the biodiversity in our community as nature inspires “BioArt.” Community groups include Clayton Valley
Photo by Scott Anderson
Sophomore Ashley Allen (24) has been the sparkplug this season for the Clayton Valley High School girls basketball team. The Eagles last week won their first league championship since 1999 and are the second seed in the North Coast Section playoffs. They will host a NCS playoff game this Friday night in Dan Della Gymnasium on the CVHS campus against the winner of the Alameda-Northgate first round game.
See Creekside Arts, page 13
Community Calendar . . . . . . . . . .14 Directory of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . .5 Estate Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Fit with Levity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Food for Thought . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 For the Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Safety Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 School News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Senior Moments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 So, Anyway (New) . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
See full story on page 10
Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Teen Speak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Time to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Your Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 25, 2011
Around Town Plaque commemorates Jawad’s Pioneer Inn
JOHN JAWAD’S FAMILY MEMBERS, Shawn Nelson, Krista Klein, Matt Nelson and Jared Klein with Clayton Community Church pastor Shawn Robinson.
Hot, uphill hike spawns bench project
Camellia Tea honors Clayton’s pioneer families
Clayton Community Church honored John Jawad with a plaque to commemorate the Pioneer Inn steakhouse which Jawad operated for 30 years in the building now occupied by the church offices on Main Street. Jawad died after a long illness on January 17. A pair of Jawad’s favorite cowboy boots sat prominently in the room during the February 12 presentation. Friends and family shared memories of the man known as “Papa” to many; his famous recipe for prime rib, poker games in the basement with his pals and his love of all things cowboy.
Clayton resident and Eagle Scout Mitchell D’Angina received a Certificate of Recognition for his Eagle Scout Project at the Clayton City Council meeting on Feb.15. Mitchell built and installed
See Bench, page 18
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
Gathered in front of the Clayton Museum are (seated) Charmetta Mann, great-granddaughter of Henry and Elizabeth Frank who settled in Clayton around 1885. Next to her is Charmetta’s aunt, Marie Frank Larson, granddaughter of Henry and Elizabeth. Seated at the end of the bench is Charles Calhan, great-grandson of Clayton’s founder, Joel Clayton. Standing are Ray Strong, another descendant of Joel Clayton, and Nathaniel Van Dyke, a young member of the Olofsson family related through marriage to the Franks.
More than 60 members of Clayton’s pioneering families came together to celebrate their roots and catch up on family news at the Clayton Historical Society’s 34th annual Camellia Tea on Feb. 13. Descendants and visitors packed the small museum on Main Street, thought to be the original home of Joel Clayton spilling out onto the front porch and sideyard. In the back parlor, members of the Historical Society poured tea. The current exhibit, Frankly Speaking, features hundreds of items tracing the Frank family through 135 years in Clayton.
Concord
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Amber Grove! Sensational Sprawling Single Story!
Black Diamond! Great “Horseshoe” Model!
The Clayton Museum is open Wednesdays and Sundays from 2-4 and by appointment. For more information, visit www.claytonhistory.com
Pamela Wiesendanger/Clayton PIoneer
Mitchell D’Angina with Vice mayor Howard Geller
Osborn makes Dean’s List Lauren Osborn, a units per term and 2009 graduate of have a 3.75 GPA or Clayton Valley High better. Lauren is a and former senior student of the U of class president made O School of the University of Journalism majoring Oregon Deans’ List LAUREN OSBORN in public relations for the second time. and advertising. She To make the Deans’ List, stu- is minoring in literature, busidents must carry at least 15 ness and communications.
GEORGE VUJNOVICH Broker Helping friends, neighbors & newcomers buy and sell their homes since 1979
5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, approx. 3164sf, inside laundry and 3 car garage! Elegant formal living and dining areas! Gourmet kitchen boasts granite counters, maple cabinets & upgraded tile floors! Large family room adjacent to kitchen features a fireplace and custom media center. Dramatic master suite with slider to yard. Beautifully landscaped large level .29 acre lot(approx) with patio and lush rolling lawn areas. A must see! $625,000
on a large lot with views of Mt. Diablo! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 1,749sf, inside laundry & attached 2 car garage! Large living room with soaring ceiling & fireplace. Separate dining area off kitchen. Spacious kitchen with tile counters, breakfast bar, pantry & eating nook! $354,900
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Clayton Charming Rancher on a large lot with pool!
3 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1,352sf! Many updates/upgrades. Dual pane windows. Kitchen offers updated counters, cabinets, tile flooring and newer appliances! Spacious backyard with in-ground pool, patio area and large side yard! $399,000 Contact Jennifer Stojanovich 925-567-6170
(925)
Clayton
Chaparral Springs! Bright “Manzanita” model!
Easley Estates! Sensational Single Story! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 2,084sf with
within walking distance to downtown and access to miles of trails! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 1,355sf, inside laundry & attached 2 car garage! Step down living room offers a cozy fireplace! Large kitchen features tile counters, oak cabinets, newer appliances and spacious dining area. $338,640
inside laundry, 2 car garage & RV parking! Updated kitchen. Spacious family room with fireplace. Living and dining rooms. Huge approximately .28 acre professionally landscaped offers a refreshing spa. Walking distance to downtown & access to mile of trails including Mt. Diablo! Many recent upgrades/updates include: Dual pane windows, carpet, HVAC, roof, interior & exterior paint! $599,000
672-4433
6160 Center St., Suite E, Clayton
Clayton Market Update provided by George Vujnovich of Better Homes Realty ADDRESS
PRICE
7004 Molluk Way......................$490,000 1296 Easley Drive ....................$597,500 602 Julpun Loop.......................$370,000 3165 Bragdon Way...................$785,000 26 Mirango Ct...........................$360,000 415 Leon Ct..............................$883,000
SF . . . . .1835 . . . . .2116 . . . . .1939 . . . . .4319 . . . . .1648 . . . . .4600
BED/BATH
SALE DATE
. . . . .3/2 . . . .02/08/11 . . . . .4/2.5 . . .02/08/11 . . . . .3/2.5 . . .02/07/11 . . . . .4/5 . . . .02/02/11 . . . . .3/2 . . . .01/31/11 . . . . .5/5 . . . .01/28/11
ADDRESS
PRICE
226 Bigelow St .........................$539,900 5 Kenston Ct ............................$480,000 1871 Eagle Peak Ave...............$500,000 7002 Molluk Way......................$569,000 1048 Feather Circle..................$415,000 928 Kenston Dr ........................$460,000
SF . . . . .2325 . . . . .1806 . . . . .2467 . . . . .2556 . . . . .1338 . . . . .2852
BED/BATH
SALE DATE
. . . . .4/2.5 . . .01/27/11 . . . . .4/2 . . . .01/27/11 . . . . .4/3 . . . .01/19/11 . . . . .5/2.5 . . .01/19/11 . . . . .3/2 . . . .01/07/11 . . . . .4/4 . . . .01/07/11
February 25, 2011
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Page 3
Around Town Meals On Wheels fundraiser a big success The 20th annual Meals On Wheels crab feed fundraiser to help fight hunger and loneliness among seniors was a sell-out
Mike Dunn/Clayton Pioneer Jim Frazier and Laura Hoffmeister
Feb. 5 at Centre Concord. Last year’s party raised about $25,000. This year, 423 guests attended the event, which included dinner, a silent auction and raffle, plus a jazz band from Heritage High in Brentwood and a DJ. Several volunteer students from Ygnacio Valley High’s Interact group helped serve the meal. Rotary International sponsors the student service group. “We serve 700 meals a day. So every day, 700 seniors are getting a meal,” said Sandy Warren, director of Meals on Wheels/Senior Outreach Services. “We also operate five other
See Meals, page 6
Recycling Center & Transfer Station
Pioneer goes to Chile with the Varela Family In January, while Claytonians were freezing in the North American winter, the Pioneer headed south with Humberto, Susana and Nicholas Varela to Chile to warm up in the South American summer. We visited Santiago, Viña del Mar, Cañete, Concepción, Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales. We rode shotgun in the backpack while the Varelas completed the four-day trekking circuit at Torres del Paine National Park in the Chilean Patagonia. In the picture we are at “Palacio La Moneda”, the office of the president of Chile in Santiago.
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Recycle for Our Future Here we are with Susana, Humberto and Nicholas Varela in Chile
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Pioneer office invaded by tigers and bears
Cub Scout Packs 62/Den 5 and 316/Den 1 sat crosslegged around editor Tamara Steiner, like Scouts at a campfire, to hear tales of how a
newspaper communicates. Pack 62 Tiger Cubs earned a recognition bead for the visit, while Pack 316 Bears completed a requirement for Bear rank.
The Tiger Cubs and Bears asked challenging questions like “Why don’t you just buy a printer” to produce the 13,000 copies for each issue and “How many papers do you create in a year?” They brainstormed ideas for stories ranging from a burning building to a monster attack. (We hope neither will be a front page story anytime soon.) Steiner gave an overview of the life cycle of a story, how the paper is created and the importance of advertising. The Scouts were most excited about photo journalism. They left with copies of the current paper and ideas on how they could communicate with their own stories or photos in the Pioneer.
NEW PRICE!
JUST LISTED!
NEW PRICE!
$489,888 5741 Tamarack Way, Concord Dana Farms – Single-story 3BD/2BA corner property with Clayton schools! Stylish kitchen with pantry, bay window & hardwood floors. TamarackWay.com
212 Mountaire Parkway, Clayton $625,000 Dana Hills – Largest model offers 5BD/3BA, vaulted ceilings, sparkling pool & Mt. Diablo views. Roomy master suite; flexible-use loft! Near Clubhouse.
$249,000 4903 Keller Ridge Drive, Clayton Diablo Ridge – Adjacent the 7th hole at Oakhurst, this condo offers 2 master bedrooms, 2.5 bath & lovely views. It’s easy living & low maintenance at a great price.
27 Mount Wilson Way, Clayton $209,888 Marsh Creek Villas – Appreciate affordability in this 2BD/2BA with charming patio & 2-car garage. Near to community pool & downtown Clayton.
JUST LISTED!
JUST LISTED!
2452 Walnut Boulevard, Walnut Creek Walnut Gardens – Updated two-story 3BD/2.5BA condo offers granite & custom touches in a great location! $399,950 Maria Sanchez/ (925) 864-3556
641 Mount Duncan Drive, Clayton Dana Hills – With over $200k in remodeling, this 5BD/3BA offers breathtaking views & gorgeous landscaping. Backs to greenbelt. $795,000 Michelle Gittleman/ (925) 768-0352
447 Grenache Circle, Clayton $639,888 Easley Estates – Well appointed 4BD/2.5BA has manicured yard with gated pool, patio & Mt. Diablo views. Beautifully updated kitchen & rich cherry floors.
Clayton Resident & Broker Owner
5305 WoodGrove Court, Concord $699,900 Crystyl Ranch – Private court backs to open space for ultimate privacy & amazing views of the valley. Harry Stevens/ (925) 330-4707
DRE# 01122025
Page 4
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 25, 2011
Countdown to hiking season – plan ahead for safety In Clayton, we are fortunate to have Mt. Diablo in our back yard with the many hikes it offers: Deer Flat, Eagle Peak Loop, Donner Canyon Waterfall Loop, Round Valley and Pine Canyon to name a few. Planning is essential before taking off for a hike. Be sure to let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Recently, I watched a “Dateline” program that documented Aron Ralston’s hike into Blue Jack Canyon in Utah. In April 2003, Aron had to amputate his arm to get himself free from a fallen rock. He had been pinned in a canyon for six days. He did not tell anyone where he was going or let anyone know
tles of water for a 6-7 mile hike of about four hours. With warm weather and depending on the amount of time you plan to hike, you may need more water. If I were hiking up Mitchell Canyon to Deer Flat on a day in May, I would take additional water. Be sure to take some snacks with you, too. You should also have first aid supplies in your backpack. Include bandages, sunscreen, ace bandages, hydrogen peroxide, etc. If you are planning an overnight hike, you will want to have additional items such as water purification tablets and aspirin. Carry a cell phone and a whistle. Aron did not have any means of calling for help. It’s
HERB YONGE
SAFETY ZONE when he was planning to return. He realized this error after the accident and told Tom Brokaw “it was the worst mistake I ever made.” Another hiking essential is carrying enough water. I usually take at least two, 16.9 ounce bot-
container or a zip-lock bag, maximum three gallons per pick up, and tape or tie to secure. Put the used oil beside the recycling cart. Oil filters must be in a sealable plastic bag. Allied has been offering the free pick up service since 2002 and last year saved 1,380 gallons from polluting the environment. According to the USEPA, the used oil from one automobile oil change can contaminate one million gallons of fresh water – an amount equal to a year’s supply for 50 people.
KELLY FERRO
SENIOR MOMENTS Staying physically fit is important for seniors. By remaining active, older adults can help prevent many conditions that are associated with aging – such as osteoporosis, heart disease and even depression.
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the call will go to the Vallejo CHP dispatch – which could cause a delay in getting help. When hiking, always know your ability and the area you are entering. Have a trail map and check it before you begin. Can you manage a 1,000 foot elevation change? Will you be hiking on a trail or fire road? Is it a hot day or is rain expected? Carry the appropriate supplies so your hiking experience is positive. So, plan your hike. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Have plenty of water and snacks. Take rain gear. And when you get home, take a shower and check yourself for ticks. Here are the emergency preparedness tips for February:
1. Establish an out of state emergency contact person for family members to communicate with should you be separated at the time of an emergency. Have all family members memorize the number. 2. Place a first aid kit in the Family Emergency Container (FEC). 3. Place a seven-day supply of family member’s medications in the FEC. Rotate this supply every 30 days. 4. Practice an emergency escape plan. Herb Yonge is a volunteer with the Clayton Police Dept. & a member of the city of Clayton Citizen Corp Council, CERT Team. He can be reached at 673-7355 or by email at hlyonge@att.net.
Staying fit helps seniors stay mobile
Local waste companies get rid of used oil for free Got oil? Local garbage companies will pick up your used motor oil and oil filters and dispose of them for free. Concord Disposal and the city of Concord offer the free pick up for Concord residents. Customers need to call to request a free collection container. Concord Disposal will mail the container and when it is full, residents can call (925) 6829113 to schedule a free pick up. For more information, go to www.concorddisposal.com Allied Waste Services, which serves Clayton, will pick up both used motor oil and cooking oil as part of their regular service. Pour used oil into a clear plastic
likely he did not have cell phone reception in the bottom of the canyon where he was stuck for six days. But a whistle, blown in three short blasts, is a universal distress signal that could have alerted someone in the area. When I was hiking recently, a fellow hiker fell and hurt her leg. Both the hike leader and the sweep (the person at the end of the pack) had cell phones. We were able to communicate the problem and the possibility of having to carry the person out. We had the option of calling 911 since we had a phone. If you are hiking around Clayton, program your cell phone with the Clayton Police Department phone number, (925) 673-7350. If you dial 911,
Alex
(925) 672-3900
Peter
Physical activity doesn’t need to be strenuous or long. Guidelines recommend engaging in moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. There are many benefits to staying active regardless of a person’s age. Having an inactive lifestyle can cause older people to lose ground in four areas important for staying healthy and independent: strength, balance, flexibility and endurance. Research suggests that one can maintain or at least partly restore these four areas through exercise or through everyday activities such as walking briskly to the bus stop or, if able, taking the stairs instead of the elevator. What may seem like very small
changes resulting from exercise and physical activity can have a big impact. Growing older doesn’t mean people have to lose strength or their ability to do the things they have done everyday. Exercise can help older adults feel better and help them enjoy life by being in better shape and continuing to lead the life they choose. Increasing strength and endurance makes it easier to do activities of daily living, such as climbing stairs and carrying groceries. Improving balance helps prevents falls and being more flexible may speed recovery from injury. Just getting your body moving will have a positive impact on your quality of life.
For health benefits, moderate physical activity should be at least 30 minutes. You can divide this into shorter increments of 10 minutes throughout the day. Moderate physical activities include walking briskly, dancing, golf, biking, weight-lifting, swimming, hiking and gardening or yard work. For most seniors, these activities are safe – especially if you build up slowly. Check with a health-care provider first if you are over 50 and aren’t accustomed to energetic activity. You also should check with a health-care provider first if you have any heart disease or diabetes risk factors, any chronic
See Seniors, page 6
February 25, 2011
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
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 , Administration
Former Clayton police chief dies in Colorado Prevention Program as a volunteer. He is survived by his wife Joanne, 5 sons, 4 daughters, 10 grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. Lorimor’s obituary is posted at www.allnutt.com
Mayor, from page 1
We remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit is our muse
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
Send School News to schoolnews@claytonpioneer.com
CLASSIFIEDS Classified rates per insertion: Non-profit: $12 for first 30 words, $.20 each additional word Individual/non-commercial: $18 for first 30 words, $.30 each additional word Commercial: $48 for first 30 words, $.40 each additional word To place your classified ad over the phone, call the office at (925) 6720500 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Or, you may fax your typewritten ad and credit card information to (925) 672-6580. All classifieds must be paid for in advance by credit card (Master Card or Visa) We will not accept any ad that dis-
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.
Clayton Valley Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3900 Economy Auto Painting and Body Work . . . . . . .755-2447 Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 Construction and Trades Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700 Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212-3339
Nicci Shipstead, Pam Wiesendanger, Mike Dunn
PIONEER INFO
Directory of Advertisers Auto
Billy Herman Lorimor died in Fort Collins, Colorado on January 6. He was 74. Lorimor was Clayton’s chief of police from March 1975 until his retirement in March 1977. He was a member of the Larimer County Sheriff ’s Crime
S TAFF W RITERS : Denisen Hartlove, Jay Hartlove, Lou Fancher,
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.
Page 5
compassion, etc. These people do not act with the thought of recognition or personal gain, but out of respect, philanthropy and altruism. At our last City Council meeting, I brought up the idea of honoring these unsung heroes for their efforts. The council was unanimous in supporting an Unsung Heroes program to bring to light these altruistic acts and feel good stories, with the hope of inspiring others to step up and do the right thing. This recognition is not to preach or push any agenda, but merely to point out the good in our community that often goes unnoticed. So we are fleshing out this recognition program, which will certainly include a certificate of recognition/appreciation to be presented at a council meeting and the naming of a day in that person’s honor. How cool would it be for any of us and our family/friends to know, for example, that March 2 is our day in the city of Clayton. This will not cost the city or taxpayers any money, other than the cost of a paper certificate, as we checked with the state and lawyers and they said we could name any day of the week for free. (Admittedly, the state want-
ed to tax us for it but we prevailed.) We are going to explore with our local groups and businesses potentially other swag to give to our heroes and will keep you posted. So what we need all of you to do is keep your eyes open as you go through life for those individuals making our lives better. We will establish a process for you to nominate your friends, classmates, spouses, ex-spouses (whether speaking to them or not), neighbors and strangers. We pretty much have free rein to name days in people’s honor at will, and the hope is that there are so many unsung heroes we can honor a different one every day. Even if we only honor a few, that is more than enough to bring a little light into what too often is cycle after cycle of dark dismal news. Two quotes seem appropriate here. Civil rights leader Booker T. Washington said, “There are two ways of exerting one’s strength: one is pushing down, the other is pulling up.” And philanthropist Brooke Astor stated, “Power is the ability to do good things for others.” You can email the mayor at shuey@rankinlaw.com.
H&L Builders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4046 Handyman Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .639-4209 J&J’s Final Coat Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .625-5849 LHI Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-9941 Mitolo Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2460 Smith and Bernal Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0138 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Dentist Renner, Jason D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-2800 Rissel, Richard D.M.D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-2800 Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 Contra Costa Musical Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .943-7469 Diablo Theatre Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .943-7469 Ravioli’s Italian Market Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-3819 Willows Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .957-2500 Financial and Insurance Services Benton, Mureleen - Ameriprise Financial . . . . . .685-4523 Hunhoff, Ashley - AAA Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . .287-7265 Kommer, Paul - Merrill Lynch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .988-2111 Littorno, Richard - Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . .672-6463 Miller, Tom, CPA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .354-1385 ProFit Business Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-1025 Travis Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-800-877-8328 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . .672-2300 Funerals Acacia Cremation and Burial Society . . . . . .877-916-4779 Moore’s Mission Funeral Home
. . . . . . . . . . . . .682-1100
Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Home and Garden Abbey Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Alexander KAT
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .977-1616
Clear Splash Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6245
The future is waiting
Classified FOUND DOG
Open a Roth IRA for as little as $200
Black male Pomeranian in Clayton on Feb.13. Please contact Kevin Woodling 209-6367.
SERVICES Girl Gardening Garden care, monthly pruning and fertilizing services. Plant suggestions and installation. Call or email Nicole Hackett 673-1746, or gardengirl94517@yahoo.com.
WANTED Real Estate Agents Be Successful! Lynne French is expanding and interviewing for a few agents. Call her today (925) 672-8787.
Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Lewis & Lewis Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .939-2145 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 Son Bright Window Cleaning Service . . . . . . . . .674-9455 Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055 Mailing and Shipping The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Personal Services Hair by Jim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0300 Pet Services Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Pet Suites Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-7387 Rodie’s Feed and Pet Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600 Real Estate and Mortgage Services Flannery, Patty - Diablo Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0541 French, Lynne - Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Help Fight Hunger Anna Chan – AKA: The Lemon Lady needs your help! Weekly commitment appreciated. Please contact Anna at 672-1988 or AnnaAndAva@gmail.com.
If the road to retirement is shorter than you’d like, we want to help you do something about it. You can open a Roth IRA now for as little as $200 and then start saving a little from each paycheck. You can arrange automatic payroll deduction to keep you on track. The qualifications and benefits are simple:
N Single with income under $105,000 N Married with combined income under $167,000 N No tax deduction now, but no taxes to pay later Plus... Withdrawals of ROTH contributions are always free from federal taxes and penalty free.* No Required Mandatory Distribution at age 70½. If you want to know more about the differences between IRA options, visit one of our branches or give us a call. Take control and walk the road to retirement with confidence.
Clayton Valley: 5442 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite 10 Yes. You can join.® (800) 877-8328 Join at any branch or online at www.traviscu.org NCUA–Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. *Earnings are tax-free if you are 59-1/2 or qualify for an exception defined by the IRS and the Roth IRA has been funded for at least five years. There is a 10% penalty for withdrawal of earnings taken before age 59-1/2. Please consult a tax professional. Everyone who lives, works, or attends school in our 12-county area is eligible to join. Certain membership requirements may apply.
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 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . .672-4433
Meals on Wheels Drivers 1 – 1 1/2 per week. Drivers and relief drivers needed for delivery of Meals on Wheels in East County. Call Jim at 673-0300 or e-mail hairbyjim@att.net.
Recreation and Fitness
Hospice of the East Bay – Anna’s Attic Volunteer at Anna’s Attic Thrift Shoppe, located at 5350 Clayton Road. 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.
Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737
Clayton Historical Society Museum The Clayton Historical Society Museum needs a greeter for two hours per month from 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays or Sundays. Call the museum at 672-0240 and leave your name.
Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Diablo FC Soccer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-4625 Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454 Ghost Golf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .521-1913 Retail East Bay Work Wear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .687-9900 Senior Services Aegis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .692-5838 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . .524-5100 Services, Other Air Cloud Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-4119 x 2 Butler Limousine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-5466 Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029 Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . . . .473-0180 Travel Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447
Clayton Community Library Needs volunteers. Minimum age 13. Minimum commitment is 6 months. Some training provided. Contact: Arlene at 673-9777 or email: nielsenjanc@aol.com.
Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9840
Page 6
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
deor ic Vi Mus y Hou
Chil
Feb.
i C 27 Cash ook O f P
m p Hapays 4pm to 8p
rizes
Mond
f
6096 Main Street, Clayton, 673-0440 Entertainment from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Feb. 25, 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Relyks Mar. 4, 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Plan B Karaoke Wed. nights Open Mic Thur. nights, 8 to 11 p.m. www.claytonclubsaloon.com Beer only. Good anytime with original coupon. Exp. 3/10/11
2 for the price of 1
Ken Mitolo CONSTRUCTION BATHROOMS KITCHENS DOORS WINDOWS
FIREPLACES MOLDINGS DECKS LIGHTING
CA Lic. #531028, Est. 1987
(925) 672-2460
Housing market recovery a work in progress How are we doing in the
One common misconcep-
estimate that the recovery won’t really start for a few more years. It will probably get a little worse before it gets better. Home prices dropped in many local areas in the last quarter of 2010. That means that more homeowners find themselves underwater on their mortgages. Nationwide, 27 percent of homeowners with mortgages owe more than the current value of their homes. This is a 23.2 percent increase from the previous quarter. California’s percentage is higher than the national average. Underwater mortgages can lead to higher foreclosure rates. A little bright side is that some banks are, very slowly, streamlining the short sale process and reducing the negative impact on the borrower.
in payments. Nothing could be further from the truth. The lenders and the financial institutions are in the finance business, not the real estate business. They don’t want to own property. In fact, foreclosure has farreaching financial and regulatory consequences that most people don’t understand. The banks have capital requirements per the Federal Reserve and, if they don’t meet them, they are subject to closure. When you break down the actual costs of a foreclosure, the bank loses much more than if they accept a short sale. Let’s say it takes the bank six months to close on a property after it takes ownership. Some of the expenses, aside from the reduced value are, thousands in legal fees, taxes, insurance, six months utilities, maintenance and interest loss, association dues, closing costs, staffing costs and commissions. Sometimes the property continues to decline in value or needs repairs. The occupant often needs to be evicted. These homes often take more than six months to sell. A short sale is a sure thing. You might be wondering why
Q housing recovery? A tion is that the lender is lookTo put it mildly, we are not ing for a reason to take the home A there yet. Many economists back when the borrower is behind
Serving Clayton/Concord for 20 years Why would a lender accept short sale when they would lose so much money? Why don’t they just adjust the loan so the seller can stay? In some cases, wouldn’t they do better to take back the homes and resell them?
Qa
Lawn & Plant Installation Retaining Walls Drainage Paver Patio & Walkway Low Voltage Lighting
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WILL CLANEY TECH TALK
The first step in reaching your goals is reaching the person who can help you achieve them. Putting the needs of my clients first is the approach I believe in, and it starts by listening to you and understanding your dreams. I’ll work with you to find the right financial solutions to help you plan for your unique goals.
Our Advisors. Your Dreams. MORE WITHIN REACH
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Call me today at (925) 685-4523. Mureleen Benton, CFP , Financial Advisor ®
A financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 5356 Clayton Rd., Suite 211 Concord, CA 94521 (925) 685-4523 Mureleen.M.Benton@ampf.com CA License #0692378 Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results. © 2011 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.
Each day, I am reminded that nothing is perfect or certain in this world. And the high-tech industry is no exception to the rule. Industry leader Intel recently discovered a flaw in a new computer chip design. The chip is the final link for the convergence between computers and home theater. The flaw could cause a fatal crash for computers released before the flaw was discovered, even if you use the computer for common tasks. In a press release, Intel said it has implemented a silicon fix for a design issue in the Intel 6 Series. The chipset, known as “Sandy Bridge,” is the chip that
supports the CPU or brain of the computer. The flaw would destroy the computer’s ability to communicate with the drives attached to it. This means you would no longer be able to access programs or data saved on the local hard drive. If this occurs, there is no repair for the computer – you must replace it. Data may still be recovered, if you can locate a computer expert who knows how and has the right tools to do so. The new support chip is designed to fulfill the long-awaited promise of “convergence” between the computer and other media like TV and home theater. This new chip is an important and significant design release for the final link between computers and TV. Known as HTPC or, home theater PC, the chip integrates “many or all components of a home theater into a single unit co-located with a home entertainment system,” according to Wikipedia. Home theater is becoming more popular as TVs get bigger. It is not uncommon to see 50inch sets in homes these days. Computers equipped with
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banks don’t accept short sales quicker or modify loans so the borrower can try to stay in the home. Part of the answer has to do with other investors involved with the loans. Sometimes there are numerous parties needed for approvals. Much negotiation goes on behind the scene to accomplish foreclosure alternatives. Is there any hope that loan
Q modifications will get easier anytime soon? Something promising for the state of California has just been approved. California received a total of nearly $2 billion for four programs through the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) to help avoid foreclosures. These programs are designed specifically for lowor moderate-income homeowners who are either unemployed or are facing financial hardships. Three programs offer several forms of mortgage assistance, as well as a separate program that will provide transition assistance to borrowers who execute a short sale. Some highlights of the programs are:
A
1. Mortgage assistance of up to $3,000 per month for unemployed homeowners who are in imminent danger of
LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ANSWERS defaulting on their home loans. 2. Up to $15,000 to reinstate mortgages to prevent foreclosures due to temporary changes in a household circumstance. 3. Money to reduce the principal owed on a mortgage when the homeowner is facing a serious financial hardship and owes more than the home is worth. The program requires the lender to match any assistance provided by the Keep Your Home California program. Homeowners who have received a “cash out” refinance are not eligible for this program. A full description of the programs can be found at www.keepyourhomecalifornia.org. 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.
Intel chip flaw a costly error
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HTPC usually have HDMI ports that allow the computer to be connected directly to the TV. Anything that can be run or seen on the computer is immediately available to the home theater user. This is significant since more people are using the Internet as a social gathering place. Computers affected are those sold since the beginning of the year and contain the “i” series CPU chips. For example, a computer containing a quad core Intel i3, i5 or i7 CPU could have the problematic C200 series support chips. Specifically: Intel 6 Series/C200 Chipset Family PCI Express Root Port1-1C10. If you have such a computer, return it immediately and get a new one. The chip design is a significant breakthrough for Intel as it is designed to be a low power
alternative used in mobile computing. Hand-held devices such as iPhones and Androids currently use low power chips. Intel is playing catch-up in this field. Intel estimates it will cost $300 million dollars to implement the fix it has engineered and replace chips that have already entered the marketplace. As always, deal with a professional computer IT person. Your best bet is a local certified computer dealer who has your interests in mind, not just the company’s sales incentives or the latest big box deal. The more you know, the better you compute. Will Claney is the retired CEO of Computers USA! in the Clayton Station. Contact him at will@shopcusa.com
Meals, from page 3 programs that serve many other seniors. We operate the CCafe, the care management program, the friendly visitor program, home care program and our fall prevention program,” Warren added. The friendly visitor program is especially popular. “It’s a lot of fun – they look forward to it,” said Grace Williams, who’s been with the program since 1992. “Frequently, people don’t have any family in the area. They really enjoy a visitor and an out-
ing. We go to lunch sometimes or take them grocery shopping.” Meals On Wheels By Senior Outreach Services is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. It’s a coalition of all organizations involved in providing Meals on Wheels services to homebound elders through the Senior Nutrition Program of the Contra Costa Health Services Public Health Division. For more information, visit www.mealsonwheelsofcontracosta.org or call 1-866-669-6697.
Seniors, from page 4 conditions, any new, undiagnosed symptoms, chest pain, irregular, rapid or fluttery heartbeat, shortness of breath, ongoing significant weight loss, foot or ankle sores that won’t heal, persistent pain or problems walking after a fall, any eye conditions or joint swelling. Make sure you are exercising safely. Start slowing to warm up your muscles. Exercise should not hurt or make you feel really tired. In most cases, being active should
make you feel better. Make sure to keep hydrated; many older adults don’t feel thirsty even if their body needs fluids. Start feeling better today. Adding exercise to your daily life will benefit body and mind. Checking with your health-care provider is the first step to a fresh start. Kelly Ferro is a marketing director for Aegis Living. Send comments or questions to kelly.ferro@aegisliving.com
February 25, 2011
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Ever wonder? Doc clears up some medical mysteries Have you ever awakened in the middle of the night pondering questions like “Why is the sky blue?” or “Who really killed JFK?” or “Why do we only have a two-party system in such a large and diverse country?” Well, I can’t answer those questions, but I can reveal deeply held medical secrets that may lead you to look at the whole “medical machine” in a different light. Be warned, if you read further, your perception of reality will change. Mystery No. 1: Why is there cotton in pill bottles? Is it to keep moisture off the pills or to justify using a bigger bottle so that people feel they are getting more medication for the price? Actually, the cotton acts as a shock absorber so that pills don’t get damaged when shipped or transported. And it isn’t just any old cotton. Pill bottle cotton must meet rigorous criteria before being used. Some pharmaceutical companies, though, have thrown away the cotton and
DR. DAVID BIRDSALL
YOUR HEALTH turned to products made out of rayon or polyester. But when I go to the drug store, I always insist on cotton. Sadly, these fluffy little space fillers may go the way of the dinosaur now that pill bottles are thicker and better sized to the quantity of pills provided. There is even data that shows cotton can attract moisture and carry bacteria – making their extinction inevitable. Mystery No. 2: What is a black box warning for medications and why is it called that? Some have proffered that it is because the
term “black box” sounds ominous and important. Others think that the FDA employees were fans of a 1980-’90s house music band of the same name from Italy. (Check them out on iTunes. They aren’t my style, a bit too disco.) However, the truth is that no one really knows why we call a warning of a potentially serious complication from a certain drug a black box warning. Perhaps it is as simple as the fact that the warning is highlighted from other text by being surrounded by a black outline in the shape of a box. But that sounds too obvious. If that were true, then a flight recorder box would be black and not orange. Mystery solved? You decide.
Page 7
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St. Patrick’s Day Open House
Dr. Birdsall is the Medical Director of the Emergency Department and Chief of Staff of John Muir Hospital in Concord. He lives in Walnut Creek with his wife, Dr. Marian Birdsall, and two children. Please email him at David.Birdsall_md@ johnmuirhealth.com
Sat., March 12
Drop in for special St. Patrick’s Day treats and a personal tour of our model apartment homes. And take home a fresh carnation. Green, of course!
10 am to 12 noon
Discover what’s at the end of the rainbow... Diamond Terrace!
Retirement Community
Call
(925) 524-5100
6401 Center Street Clayton CA 94517
www.diamondterrace.net
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PEGGY BIDONDO TO
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2950 Buskirk Avenue, Ste. 140, Walnut Creek
Friendly Puerto Vallarta a charming get-away TIME
GO
We love Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It is our favorite “go to” vacation spot every January. We left the cold and fog of Clayton one morning and, in a few hours, arrived to sunshine and 70 degree temperatures. Puerto Vallarta is a Mexican resort city situated on the Pacific Ocean’s Banderas Bay. The 2010 census reported Puerto Vallarta’s population as 255,725, making it the sixth-largest city in the state of Jalisco. It is named after Ignacio Vallarta, a former governor of Jalisco. Most everyone calls it PV for short. Nearly 50 percent of the workforce is employed in tourist-related industries: hotels, restaurants, personal services and transportation. The municipality does, however, have strong agricultural, industrial and commercial sectors. In the next couple of columns, I will focus on many of the reasons why we keep going back to this particular place. The people, the food, the activities, the culture and the
Law Offices of
Richard A. Littorno Yelapa Beach, Puerta Vallarta
scenery continue to draw people from all over the world. PV has an unrivaled combination of Mexican warmth, international diversity and artistic charm. At this time of year, the majority of the people we meet are either from Canada or the Midwest, exchanging many feet of snow for many miles of sand. Some come for as long as four to five months and have been coming for decades, now bringing their grandchildren with them. The No. 1 authority on international travel – Conde Nast Traveller – rates Puerto Vallarta as the world’s friendliest international city. It also has top restaurants and shopping and the
modern conveniences you’d expect from an American resort. The friendliness and hospitality of the locals means you can be sure your vacation will be relaxing and fun. We especially love walking along the boardwalk (called “The Malecon”) on Sunday evenings. All of the Mexican families are strolling with their kids, parents and grandparents. Musicians and mimes entertain everyone while vendors display delicious food such as roasted corn, tamales, desserts, fresh fruits and juices. Artists display their works and will produce something for you as you wait.
Since 1979
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Probate and Trust Administration and Litigation Living Trusts and Wills Medi-Cal & VA Planning Elder Abuse Litigation Conservatorships Tax Planning General Business Transactions Asset Protection Strategies
Clayton Office:
Pittsburg Office:
6160 Center St., Suite D Clayton, CA 94517 Phone: (925) 672-6463 Richard@LittornoLaw.com
2211 Railroad Ave. Pittsburg, CA 94565 Phone: (925) 432-4211 www.LittornoLaw.com
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Page 8
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com Our Home, Our Community, Clayton.
CREMATION AND BURIAL SOCIETY “Honoring A Life Shouldn’t Cost A Life’s Savings”
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You don’t need an appointment. A notary is on staff when the store is open
The UPS Store Independently owned and operated
Store Hours Mon - Fri 8 am - 7 pm Sat 9 am - 5 pm
Clayton/Concord Location:
Vineyard Shopping Center 5100 Clayton Rd., Concord ph: 925-689-6245
Appliance
Repairs
February 25, 2011
New family-owned home store does it all PAMELA WIESENDANGER Clayton Pioneer
“When you wake up and love your home, it creates energy,” says Flora Katoozian. “It’s a great feeling.” She takes pride in helping customers at the Alexander KAT Furniture/Hardwood Flooring store achieve that feeling through interior design consulting or selecting a unique piece of furniture suiting one’s character. Her husband, Alexander, is a licensed contractor who offers customers installation of quality windows and flooring in addition to assistance in the showroom. Alexander KAT showcases “very selective, high quality, unique items,” describes Flora. The furniture is imported from countries like Indonesia, Russia and Africa. Items are made from solid wood and have unique hardware, so they are well-made and one-of-a-kind. The flooring options are exotic hardwoods or engineered woods. Window brands include Milgard, Amerimax and Cascade. Not only does Alexander KAT insure quality product, but “customer service is No. 1,” Flora emphasizes. She wants customers to enjoy the furniture in
Pamela Wiesendanger/Clayton Pioneer
ALEXANDER AND FLORA KATOOZIAN are rightfully proud of their furniture showroom just over the hill at Ygnacio and Oak Grove where design and quality is a family affair.
their homes and offers them the opportunity to try certain pieces at home before purchasing. Deliveries have a quick turnaround time, because they have warehouses close by in South San Francisco and Sacramento. “Where quality meets affordable pricing” is Alexander KAT’s slogan. Customers comment that the prices are unbelievable. Flora says they keep prices low because of ware-
housing and having “a very thin profit margin.” The couple concentrates on building relationships with their neighbors. After all, they live minutes away from the Walnut Creek store. Customers come from their neighborhood as well as from the Peninsula, North Bay and South Bay either as repeat customers or from advertising in the paper, Web or Craig’s List. “Customer compli-
ments are our motivation to go on,” says Flora. The Katoozians opened Alexander KAT in 2010. Previously, Flora worked in the banking industry and Alexander has always been self-employed and in the imports business. He sold antiques and oriental rugs in San Francisco. He then opened a wholesale business, Shiraz Home Design, in Concord and Southern California. After most of the retail customers closed their businesses, Alexander decided to close Shiraz and open to the public. “I always liked design,” says Flora, who joined the new business. Daughter Melody is the office manager and marketing person for online advertising. Son Alexander Jr. is pursuing design of another kind – fashion design. He just sold a line of clothing to Nordstrom. The Katoozians plan to expand their business in the next year or two to Emeryville, Berkeley and San Francisco. Alexander KAT Furniture/Hardwood Flooring is at 2995 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. For more information, call 977-1616 or visit the website at www.alexanderkat.com.
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Many moons ago, in a time and place known as 2003, a young woman named Tamara Steiner took over a little hometown paper called the Clayton Pioneer. Full of enthusiasm, Tamara had big dreams that one day her little hometown paper would grow into a BIG hometown paper. Enter Joe – a bounder who passed himself off as a “columnist.” He convinced her to run a column essentially about nothing. Oh, he gave her some vague song and dance about a “humor column,” about the lighter side of being a husband and a father, but when the smoke cleared and she truly discovered that his column really was about nothing, it was too late. “So, anyway” had already developed a rabid fan base, and Tamara was stuck with him. So, anyway, I realize that it’s been a long time since you’ve heard from me. I have no excuse other than that life has been busy. Although, when one considers that I’ve been out of work since October 2009, one
could argue that I have not really been very busy and could use something to do. In fact, my wife has argued that point. “You really should start writing for the Pioneer again.” “Why? No one cares. No one misses me. There are new columnists writing columns of substance and importance. No one needs my fluff.” “Au contraire. In difficult times, people need your fluff more than ever. The economy is shaky; people are losing their homes, searching for jobs, wondering how they’re going to pay their bills. They need a diversion, a reason to smile. In short, they need you. And did I mention that you need something to do?” OK, maybe she didn’t say it like that, but the sentiment was the same, at least the part about my finding something to do. I believe she may have also made comments like “Make sure it’s funny.” And “No one wants to hear you ramble on about being out of work,” but by that time I’d stopped listening, already thinking about all the chores she might find for me should I suddenly appear in need of “something to do.” She may be right, because lately I’ve been running into a lot of people (OK, three
including my mother) who have all said the same thing: “When are you going to start writing for the Pioneer again?” “Is it possible?” I thought. Could there really be people out there who have been inexplicably jonesing for idiocy, experiencing an acute ache induced by a lack of the asinine? People who, though ashamed to admit it, have been sorely craving an irrepressible lust for a monthly drivel fix? I have heard nothing about a barrage of angry e-mails to the editor, voicing threats about canceling their advertising
should I fail to return, but I suppose stranger things have happened. So anyway, cherished Pioneer readers, for those of you who have asked, I will be doing my best to return to the esteemed pages of “your” Pioneer with a little more regularity. And to those who have been enjoying your asinine-free paper, my sincere apologies. Clayton resident, Joe Romano, is a family man, a free-lance writer for hire and the Pioneer’s “all around funny guy.” E-mail him at jromano01@yahoo.com
Spark plugs key to engine tune-up The purpose of an engine tune-up is to restore the ignition system to the original specifications. This is done by replacing the air intake filter so the car can “breathe” better, replacing the spark plugs, and the cap and rotor if equipped. Tune-ups on newer cars are very different from those on older cars. While the older cars have ready access to the plug, cap and rotor, new engines require the removal of some parts just to gain access. These days, spark plugs are made with precious metals, like platinum or iridium, unlike the old copper core plugs. Getting a tune-up to cure rough running or misfire problems won’t work with newer cars. Most cars will not display problem until the spark plugs are worn to the point of not firing at all. By this time, the check engine light is on and possibly flashing, the fuel mileage has dropped and, in some cases, the engine will not start. It is important to use the proper spark plugs when doing a tune-up. Today’s plugs have a wide difference in heat ranges.
GARY TAYLOR CAR TUNED If the wrong heat range is installed, it can lead to problems. If the spark is not as hot as it should be, it can cause carbon build-up in the cylinders and affect the catalytic converter so it does not get as hot as it should and won’t work properly. If the spark plug is too hot, it will increase the temperature in the combustion chamber and can cause premature failure of the head gasket. In some cases, it could burn a hole in the piston head. Gary Taylor is service manager at Clayton Valley Shell. Call him with questions at (925) 672-3900
February 25, 2011
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Page 9
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Laws, CPS rules conspire to keep kids in abusive homes Statistics show that a report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds. My question is: Why are children still being abused at the same rate? These reports are made, but why aren’t these innocent children being helped? The issues of child abuse don’t just stem from the abuse itself, but from government agencies that are not making a concerted effort to end the abuse. According to childhelp.org, the leading form of child abuse is neglect filling up 59 percent of a pie chart identifying the reported forms of abuse on an annual scale. Additionally, “about 30 percent of abused and neglected children will later
abuse their own children, continuing the horrible cycle of abuse.” Three and a half years ago, my family adopted then 13-yearold Maggie from her grandmother, who had grown tired of caring for her. The plan was to send Maggie back to live with her biological father in Colorado. However, Maggie’s father is incapable of parenting, given his serious drug addiction, as is true of her mother who lives in California. Maggie had seen more abuse than any person should ever have to see. But this sad story isn’t about my sister, for she was the luckiest of her siblings. Maggie has two adult sib-
School News MT. DIABLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL The Parent Faculty Club is seeking donations for the annual fundraising dinner/auction on March 18 at Centre Concord. This is the school’s largest fundraising event and brings in tens of thousands of dollars every year for computer programs, teacher’s aides, parent education programs, classroom supplies, capital improvements, enrichment programs such as Odyssey of the Mind, fine art assemblies and more. Donations can include cash, vacation houses, discounted goods or services from a
business, or desserts and beverages to serve at the event. For more information, email mdepfc.auction@google.com. *** The school still has space available for kindergarten students for the 2011-’12 school year. Pick up a registration packet at the school office, 5880 Mt. Zion Dr., Clayton, or call 672-4840 for more information. CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL Several critical positions will be open on the Athletic Boosters board for the 2011-’12 school year. If you have a passion to keep
Mock Trial, from page 1 Over the course of several months, 13 high schools from Contra Costa County have been working to assume courtroom roles as trial attorneys, pre-trial motion attorneys, witnesses, clerks, court journalists, artists and bailiffs for the 30th annual competition. Scored by attorneys, the teams are judged based upon quality of work, ability to present cases and questioning of witnesses all within given time constraints. Entering the competition with minimal outside help from deputy district attorney Andrea Tavenier, the CVHS team relied on the little information they knew about the competition and began researching past court cases, writing scripts, memorizing witness statements and questions and reviewing various laws.
lings and a 13-year-old brother, Bobby. Bobby lived with his father until he was sent to live with his mother two years ago. He is neglected and emotionally abused everyday. He lives in a home of utter filth, with drugs in plain view. He has not even had a clean T-shirt since he came to live with his mother. In addition to abusing her son, Bobby’s mother reportedly uses the money she receives from the government for his various “mental disabilities” to subsidize her drug addiction. My family has worked tirelessly to have Bobby removed from this environment, but Child Protective Services (CPS) in Solano County is extraordi-
After receiving the materials for the contest in late November, the team kicked it into high gear to prepare for some serious competition. By the end of the preliminary rounds, CV sophomore Ashley Leung led the Eagles to win all of their pre-trial motions, and the team was able to have the charges dropped or earn a conviction each night. CVHS went against schools such as Northgate, which is coached by county district attorney Mark Peterson. Not only did they surpass expectations, but they managed to have some fun along the way. “You become really confident, and (the competition) is really fun,” says CV freshman Rachana Neupane. “It makes you want to prepare more for
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Remodeling Specialist SARAH ROSEN TEEN SPEAK narily reluctant to remove a child from his home particularly if he has nowhere else to go. Although it has been a month since he told his guidance counselor he wished to petition the courts to be removed from his home, CPS has yet to act. They have said that they need to see physical signs of abuse, yet incidentally, it is legal in the state of California for an
DEAN’S LIST Thomas Smith of Clayton was named to the fall Dean’s List at Emory & Henry College in Meadowview, Va. To qualify, students must carry a full-time load of classes and achieve a 3.6 grade point average during the semester.
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sports alive in the high school, email linda.fjellbo@sbcglobal.net for more information. The Athletic Booster Club meets 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month in the school library. For more information, visit www.cvhsboosters.org.
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next year.” More than 260 high school students from Contra Costa County have been analyzing the hypothetical assault case of People vs. Woodson. The case charges a resident with assault with a deadly weapon and violating a new anti-bullying and cyber-bullying statute. The pretrial issue revolves around the First Amendment’s freedom of speech and expression. Each Mock Trial is tried in front of active Contra Costa County Superior Court judges or attorneys acting as judges and scored by active or retired district attorneys, public defenders, attorneys and senior law students from the Bay Area. This year, approximately 70 Bay Area volunteers are donating their time and expertise. Beginning with preliminary rounds on Feb. 8, the competition will continue through the
finals on March 1, before heading to the state and national levels. The champion team will represent the county at the California Mock Trial State Finals in Riverside March 25-27. The National Mock Trial Competition will take place in Phoenix May 5-7. Although CVHS will not be moving on in the competition, several scorers stated that the Eagles greatly improved over the course of the preliminary rounds. “Thus far, it has been an amazing learning experience,” says CV senior Sabreea Parnell. “We went from knowing nothing to being really prepared for next year’s competition. We were sort of the underdog this year, but the team will be ready next year.” Sarah Rosen is a junior at CVHS and a member of the Pioneer editorial staff. Email comments to sarah_rosen@claytonpioneer.com
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 25, 2011
Clayton Sports Undefeated CV teams earn home NCS playoff games JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Holding home games in the North Coast Section playoffs can be a lot of work for the host school, but it’s a task Clayton Valley High School athletic director Pat Middendorf relishes having to repeat often. Generally speaking, the topseeded teams have their playoff games at home, and Middendorf has three teams who fill that description this winter. The boys and girls soccer teams and girls basketball squad all completed undefeated seasons in the Diablo Valley Athletic League. Coach Bernard Barnes’ girl hoopsters brought home the first league title in their sport to CVHS since 1999. They had a 12-0 record in the DVAL, which included ending a 28-game winning streak of two-time defending champ Northgate and then beating the Broncos 46-34 in a rematch to ensure the Eagles sole rights to the crown. Last year, both the boys and girls soccer teams claimed DVAL championships and then co-hosted a NCS playoff doubleheader – where each Eagle team lost at Gonsalves Stadium. This year, the boys of coach Rory Gentry and girls of Scott Booth defended their league titles without losing a game. The girls didn’t even surrender a goal in DVAL play. They then reversed their opening NCS playoff results by sweeping firstround playoff games last week
Photo courtesy Scott Anderson
NORTHGATE HIGH SCHOOL DOMINATED THE PAST TWO DVAL BASKETBALL SEASONS but Clayton Valley ended the Broncos 28-game league winning streak in January and came back to match that victory with a 46-34 win Feb. 11 to wrap up CVHS’s first girls basketball league title since 1999. The Eagles celebrated their second win over Northgate on the Walnut Creek school’s court.
as each team won its 16th game of the season. The CVHS boys scored on a penalty kick in the dying moments of the game for a 3-2 win over Mt. Eden of the Hayward league, while the Eagle girls edged Liberty of Brentwood 2-1. Gentry’s boys
had a pair of draws with Ygnacio Valley while winning the rest of their DVAL games. The girls were 12-0 unbeaten, unscored upon league champs. For the girl cagers, it’s been a season with five players leading various statistical categories for the team. Seniors Sarah Nelson
and Gina Del Bene pace the team in blocks and steals, respectively. Juniors Molly Kommer and Karley Menez top the team ladder in rebounds and three-point shooting. Their sophomore teammate Ashley Allen is the leading scorer (14.3 points per game) and assist
maker (3.3) for the Eagles. She also is pulling down four rebounds and making 2.3 steals per game. “I’ve been coaching for 14 years and Ashley is the most gifted player – including boys – in terms of pure athleticism that I’ve coached,” Barnes said. “She
has the rare combination of speed and quickness. Most people don’t understand the difference, but if you watch her play you will understand. She is strong, agile and has explosive jumping ability.” Clayton Valley had high hopes this season after the team felt it let a chance for the league title slip away a year ago. They lost two of their first seven nonleague games, but since Dec. 14 they have run off 19 consecutive victories – bringing a 24-2 record into NCS play in Don Della gymnasium. “We struggled early in the season and without Ashley we probably would have dropped some of those games. She plays with unbelievable confidence. She will come to me during a game and say, ‘I can take the girl guarding me.’ I don’t want people to get the wrong idea about her saying that. She just believes in her ability,” Barnes said. “The great thing for us and bad for everyone else is that she is only a sophomore and getting better. “We have the luxury of being a very talented team, where any night one of our players will lead in scoring,” the coach added. “If it were just on Ashley’s shoulders, then I think it would be too much for her as she’s still learning. In recent weeks, she is playing at an amazing level. She is just as great a person as she is a player. I’m lucky that I get to coach her and not coach against her.”
Swimming in Clayton? There’s only one Victor for all seasons JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
When it comes to swimming in Clayton, there’s one person who stands above all others. And he traveled more than 6,000 miles to make Clayton the center of his (water)world. Serge Victor has been the aquatics and fitness director at Oakhurst Country Club since 1998 and he’s now added another title back on his resume as head coach of the Dana Hills Swim Team. Victor, who coached the DHST Otters in 1994 and 1995, now oversees both local summer recreation swim teams as well as a fall program at Oakhurst that he’s offered local rec swimmers since 2002. But don’t think Victor is
done. He’s interested in starting a masters swimming program at Oakhurst as well as offering infant and adult swim lessons there. The local swimming dynamo was raised in the Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union. He was an elite distance freestyle swimmer who competed “at the national level” but was not quite good enough to reach Olympic status. He defected to the United States in 1989, just a couple years before the fall of the Soviet Union when Ukraine regained status as an independent country. He became an American citizen in 1995. During his first stint at Dana Hills, his Otters team won a pair of Concord City Championships in the A Division and took second in B
Division each year. They lost the 1995 Contra Costa County Meet championship by a couple points. It was a disappointing result as the Otters had a swimmer who would have scored enough points at the meet to make them Division I champs disqualified as being too old by a county rule that was overturned the following year. “We had quite a team with Erin Dobratz, Matt Biel, Michael Gausman, the Nelson kids, Richard Wells and so many fantastic relay teams,” Victor reminisces. Biel went on to compete in a pair of U.S. Olympic Trails, while Gausman swam for University of Southern California and Dobratz got a bronze medal with the USA synchronized swim team at the 2004 Olympics.
LONG COACHING HISTORY Victor worked under famed Olympic coach Mark Schubert at USC, where he coached superstar Janet Evans, and for Villanova University in Philadelphia before coming to Clayton the first time. He also had been an age group coach with the Terrapins USS team in Concord. He then spent several years at UC Berkeley with another coaching stalwart, Nort Thornton. His coaching odyssey took him to San Francisco, Moraga and Tempe, Ariz., before he came back to the area to take the supervisory reins at Oakhurst and a summer coaching role with the East County Stingrays in Antioch. He founded the Oakhurst Orcas swim team and, over the past 10 years, he’s selected, man-
aged, scheduled and trained their coaching staff. He’s also worked with country club staff to develop other aquatics programs for the Oakhurst membership. He’s proud of young coaches such as Charles Kennedy, Gausman, Kasey Harris, Katherine Taber and Jane Robinson whom he recruited to and mentored at Oakhurst. Victor is putting the finishing touches on his 2011 Oakhurst coaching staff, and he’ll soon be sitting down with the Orca coaches to lay out his team training program for this year. The Orcas swim team has won the Concord City Meet sportsmanship award three times since 2004, including in 2010.
See Victor, page 12
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
SERGE VICTOR is “the man” when it comes to swimming in Clayton. He oversees all the aquatics and fitness programs at Oakhurst Country Club including the Oakhurst Orcas swim team and also will be head coach of the Dana Hills Swim Team again this summer.
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February 25, 2011
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Clayton Sports
Name: Joshua Gomez Age: 16 Sport: Soccer Team: Clayton Valley High School Soccer In sports it’s very often the person who scores the most points (basketball), touchdowns (football) or goals (soccer and hockey) who gets all the headlines and plaudits. For the Clayton Valley High School boys’ soccer team, coach Rory Gentry credits
Ipsen edged by .05 for National diving title Kristian Ipsen of Clayton came back from a subpar dive to land an exceptional effort on his last dive at the USA Diving W i n t e r Nationals this month in Iowa City but came up .05 points behind Harrison Jones in the KRISTIAN finals of the IPSEN three-meter springboard competition. The same day he teamed with Troy Dumais for a record-setting victory in three-meter synchro. The showdown between Ipsen and Jones was the closest of the day as Ipsen led after four rounds before having a subpar effort in the fifth on a reverse 31/2 dive while Jones nailed his dive to take an 11.95 point lead into the final round. The De La Salle High School senior came back in his last dive to score as high as 9.5 but finished five onehundredths behind Jones, who won his first national title. Dumais was third just 5.2 points behind the winner. The Dumais-Ipsen World Championship silver medalists have been together as a team for just under two years and they set an American record of 450.54 in the 3-meter synchro finals, scoring over 80 points on each of their four optional dives. “I’m really excited. In the individual event I was uptight and nervous. I gathered myself for synchro and tried to stay relaxed. I knew I could do these dives,” the Stanford-bound Ipsen said after his busy day.
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Joshua Gomez as the engine who has driven the Eagles to back-to-back DVAL titles. The junior team captain has totaled over 40 assists while leading all East Bay players in that category both years. This playmaking ability has helped his sophomore teammate Elisama
Padilla to rack up a schoolrecord 27 goals. His coach says, “Josh is on the radar of quite a few Division 1 colleges including UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara, Sacramento State and St. Mary’s, among others. He plays central midfield for us
YOUTH TEE BALL, VOLLEYBALL AT CLAYTON GYM Signups are being taken for youth tee ball and volleyball leagues offered by All Out Sports League at Clayton Community Gym on Saturdays from March 5-April 23. Tee ball is for boys and girls 3-6 years of age, while volleyball is for ages 8-14. Adult leagues for basketball and volleyball are also gearing up. For more information or to register for any program offered by All Out Sports at the gym, visit alloutsportsleague-clayton.com.
DIABLO FC U8-U14 COMPETITIVE SOCCER TRYOUTS THIS WEEK Diablo FC final tryouts for the 2011 season for under 8 through under 14 competitive teams will be this Thursday and Sunday, Feb. 24 and 27. Boys and girls born between Aug. 1, 1997 and July 31, 2005 are invited to try out. The Thursday evening tryout is at Willow Pass Park in Concord and Sunday’s tryout is at Clayton Valley High School for girls and Ygnacio Valley High for boys. There is no charge to try out; for a complete tryout schedule and to pre-register visit diablofc.org.
CLAYTON VALLEY ATHLETIC BOOSTERS CRAB FEED MAR. 19 The largest fund raising event on the calendar for the Clayton Valley High School Athletic Boosters is the 17th annual Crab Feed and Auction on Saturday, Mar. 19, at Centre Concord. The evening features dinner, auction, raffles and dancing. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner served at 7. Guests must be at 21 years of age. All proceeds go directly to CVHS athletic programs. To order tickets visit cvhsboosters.org. Call (925) 672-5945 for more information.
DANA HILLS SWIM TEAM’S FRIENDS & FAMILY FIESTA FRIDAY Dana Hills Swim Team will hold its first Friends and Family Fiesta this Friday, Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m. at Centre Concord. Team members and supporters are welcome. Included in the festivities will be dinner, live and silent auctions, door prizes, live band and dancing. Enjoy catered Mexican cuisine, beer, wine and margaritas and dance the night away to support DHST swimmers. Tickets are $50 per couple including dinner, two drink tickets and door prize entry. For more info visit danahillsotters.com.
DANA HILLS SWIM TEAM GREETS COACH, TAKES SIGNUPS The Concord City Champion Dana Hills Swim Team will hold a “Meet the Coach” evening to introduce Otters coach Serge Victor to team families. The meet and greet will be at the Dana Hills Cabana Club on Wednesday, Mar. 9, 7:30 p.m. The coach will talk about his plans for the 2011 swim season and answer questions. Signups for the upcoming DHST season will be held at the same location on Mar. 13, 19 and 23. For complete information visit danahillsotters.com.
Mike Dunn/Clayton Pioneer
THE CLAYTON VALLEY EAGLES WRESTLING TEAM reached the finals of the North Coast Section East Bay Dual Team Championships last weekend before losing to Las Lomas in the title match. Helping CVHS to the runner-up finish were, from left, Troy Lakin, Aaron Swift, Bryan Jimenez, Radcliff Humphrey, Bobby Rodriguez, Matt McCoy and Logan Bangert. JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Some outstanding individual comebacks led Clayton Valley High School wrestlers to a pair of team victories and propelled the Eagles into the finals of the North Coast Section Dual Team East Bay Championships last weekend in Castro Valley. Coach Kyle Behmlander’s Eagles defeated Campolindo 4525 and Albany 58-28 to earn a face-off with Las Lomas in the Division II championship match, where they came off second best 54-17 after losing the final seven matches. Clayton resident Joe Moita helped De La Salle to the NCS Division I Dual Team title, the Spartans sixth straight crown. Moita pinned his 125-pound James Logan opponent within a minute as DLS beat Logan 46-24 in the finals.
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Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@claytonpioneer.com.
Clayton Valley reaches NCS Dual Team wrestling finals
Despite having large margins of victory in the first two matches, Behmlander pointed to key match comebacks that turned each dual the Eagles way. Against Campo, a crucial match came with the Eagles ahead 33-25. Radcliff Humphrey at 142 pounds was trailing 6-3 to start the third round when the Eagle wrestler got an escape and takedown and then pinned his opponent, clinching the dual match. In the first match of the day, James Lee (154) was down 9-2 in the third round when he reversed and pinned his Cougar foe. Timmy Tran (173) pinned his opponent in the third round with the CVHS-Albany match tied. Skylar Kaplan (121) was down 12-0 when he reversed his Albany foe, then turned him for 3 points and turned him again before scoring a pin. The Eagles (4-1) finished sec-
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ond in the Diablo Valley Athletic League dual season, losing only to unbeaten league champs College Park. Behmlander pointed to Troy Lakin (105), Matt McCoy (127), Bryan Jimenez (137), Humphrey, Aaron Swift (173) and Ben O’Connor (191) to push for league titles. Following up on last weekend’s DVAL meet, the Eagles are at Newark Memorial High this Friday and Saturday for the NCS championships. “As far as NCS goes, those wrestlers should compete for medals by finishing in the top 8. Troy is ranked No. 1 in section and Ben is rated third. They give us our best shot at reaching state for the first time in since 2006,” Behmlander said. “Aaron has been ranked at times this year as high as fourth, so he too has a shot.” The CIF State Meet is next March 4-5 in Bakersfield to cap the high school season.
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Sports Shorts and has been the starter in that position since his freshman year. He has been selected AllDVAL twice, including being named the DVAL Offensive MVP for the 2009-10 campaign.” In order to get into a premier college Gomez has to keep up his academic load and he registered a 4.0 GPA last semester. The rest of the year he plays club soccer for Diablo FC 92.
of the Athlete Week
Page 11
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ST. BONAVENTURE CYO TRACK GEARING UP FOR 2011 SEASON Coach Darren Newell is inviting last-minute signups for the St. Bonaventure CYO spring track program, which is open to boys and girls in second through eighth grades. The team began workouts this month at Newhall Park and moves to Clayton Valley High School in March. Practices are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 5-6:15 p.m. The season runs through May 7 culminating with the Diocese championships. The first event of the season is an all-comers meet at Ygnacio Valley High School on Mar. 5.
2011 Season
Tryouts Feb. 24 & 27
Diablo FC is the area’s premier youth soccer club with competitive teams for boys and girls from Under 8 through Under 19. Diablo
FC takes pride in the development of each player and the excellent performances of its players and teams in all age groups.
a 2011 Diablo FC d in trying out for If you are intereste e tryout form today. lin on r ou te please comple competitive team, to maximize their ts ou ed to attend all try selections. Players are encourag te players for team ches as they evalua exposure to the coa
Diablo FC offers players: • New Teams forming • Unparalleled coaching staff • Innovative training program • Goalkeeper & striker training • True club atmosphere • College preparation
U8-U14 Tryouts
Age Matrix U8 U9 U10 U11 U12 U13 U14
8/1/03-7/31/05 8/1/02-7/31/03 8/1/01-7/31/02 8/1/00 - 7/31/01 8/1/99 - 7/31/00 8/1/98 - 7/31/99 8/1/97 - 7/31/98
Thursday, Feb. 24
U8-U11 Boys & Girls 6-7:30pm U12-U14 Girls 6-7:30pm THIS WEEK U12-U14 Boys 7:30-9pm Willow Pass Park, Concord
Sunday, Feb. 27
Pre-register at www.diablofc.org. No charge to tryout.
U12 Boys & Girls 9-10:30am U13 Boys & Girls 10:30am-12noon U14 Boys & Girls 12noon-1:30pm U8-U11 Boys & Girls 1:30-2:30pm
Boys at Ygnacio Valley High School, Concord Girls at Clayton Valley High School, Concord
Chris W ondolo 2010 M Club Alumn wski us LS 2011 UGolden Boot W S Natio nal Tea inner m
Call (925) 779-2102 for tryout weather updates.
779-2102 tryout updates. Call (925) Tryouts will beforheld rainweather or shine! Tryouts be Tryouts held rain shine. U15will - U19 inor April U15-U19 Tryouts in April.
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Page 12
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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Clayton Sports Clayton Valley soccer standout Kelsey Booth commits to San Diego State BVAL as a freshman, first team All-DVAL as a sophomore and league MVP last year as a junior.
JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Four years of varsity soccer at Clayton Valley High School, along with wide exposure through her club team, resulted in senior Kelsey Booth signing a National Letter of Intent to attend San Diego State this fall. She is one of seven key high school players to commit to the Aztecs, head coach Mike Friesen announced as San Diego State looks to capture a Mountain West Conference championship and return to the NCAA tournament. “We are very excited about the incoming class,” Friesen said. “Not only are there some very good players in the group, there are some exceptional students and people. We value our team chemistry and feel like every one of these players will add to our team dynamic.” In discussing the CV star, he said: “Kelsey is a technical player who will be able to play up top and in the midfield for us. She is creative and hard working, which I believe will make her a successful college player.” A four-year high school varsity starter, Kelsey helped the Eagles to three league championships and was named Diablo Athletic League MVP her junior season. Her club team, Mustang Earthquakes, won numerous tournament championships, including the Mustang Stampede and Surf Cup as well as the GSSL championship last fall. Kelsey’s dad, Scott Booth, coached his daughter in MDSA, where she began as a recreation player at age 6, and again when she joined Mt. Diablo Soccer League on an Under 11 competitive team.
Ex-Eagles brothers join Alabama college football team from DVC
Mike Dunn/Clayton Pioneer
KELSEY BOOTH (3)
when she’s on the field for Clayton Valley High School. The senior star has signed a National Letter of Intent to continue her soccer career at San Diego State University this fall. ALWAYS DRAWS PLENTY OF ATTENTION
Before her U14 season, she joined the Earthquakes. She’s been part of a successful team that competed in the Far West Regional League, GSSL, Super Y-League and Elite Clubs National. Scott has been head coach of the Eagles the past two seasons with his daughter, playing a key role in back-to-back undefeated DVAL league titles. Kelsey celebrated signing her National Letter of Intent two weeks ago on her high school campus surround by family, friends, coaches, teammates and classmates. “She has worked very hard both academically and athletically to get where she is,” her father said. “We could not be more proud of Kelsey and her accomplishments.” The Earthquakes played in many college showcase tournaments that helped expose Kelsey’s talents. They played in the Surf Cup in San Diego
every year Kelsey has been on the team. They also play in the ECNL and have been in showcase tournaments in Seattle, Texas, Las Vegas and New Jersey. “She had lots of interest from schools on the East Coast as well as many in the West,” Scott said. “She knew that she wanted to stay on the West Coast so that helped to narrow her choices. She decided that Southern California was the place for her, so we visited many schools while in the area for Surf Cup. None of them appealed to her like SDSU. She loves the campus, the curriculum they offer, proximity to the beaches, sports program and coaching staff.” Kelsey capped her high school career with the Eagles in the North Coast Section playoffs once again. She was awarded all four seasons with NCS academic honors. She was honorable mention All-
Victor, from page 10 GOING TO THE NEXT LEVEL Returning to Dana Hills as the summer swim team coach, Victor will continue his mentoring style. His assistant head coach is Kelsey Brassil, a 2010 University of Oregon graduate who has spent nearly her entire life involved with the Otters as a swimmer and youth coach. Her dad, Tom Brassil, recalls 5-year-old Kelsey getting motivated for swimming when Victor first came to the team after being recruited by DHST president Matt Mazzei. “He really launched her into a swimming career that took her through high school at Carondelet.” His other Otters coach this year is Marisa Marr, who once swam for Victor as well as at Carondelet and University of Arizona, where an injury stopped her competitive career. Tony Mancini, current DHST president, can barely contain his enthusiasm about Victor lending his talent to the Otters. “We are
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really excited about this. A lot of thought went into finding a new coach for Dana Hills,” Mancini said. “The board wanted a leader who would give the kids life lessons and lots of structure to teach them about responsibility, sportsmanship and to show them that hard work brings a big payoff.” With one of the largest teams in the area, Dana Hills wants Victor to take them to the next level. “He embodies the presence we want in order to teach the kids to work hard in life,” Mancini added. “Yes, I’m pretty fired up.” Victor says the DHST “board inspired me to come aboard. We have a chance to do some great things and build a real powerhouse.” He says this added assignment gives him the opportunity “to promote and serve the entire Clayton swim community with the experience and expertise” he’s gained in two decades of
Travel, from page 7 Prices are always negotiable. The people of PV are friendly, gracious, hardworking, industrious and love to joke with tourists. They are proud and grateful for what they have and very religious as well, with the great majority of the population being Catholic. In addition, the young men
are handsome and charming and the young women are beautiful and most polite. We find that when you feebly attempt to speak Spanish, they are more than happy to try to help you and understand you. Once they discover that their English is usually much better than your Spanish, it is a wonderful oppor-
Two more former Clayton Valley High School athletes will be continuing their athletic careers in college next fall, after Rob and Mike Adan committed to the Faulkner University football team in Montgomery, Ala. The brothers played last fall at Diablo Valley College for coach Mike Darr, a Clayton Valley High alumnus. The Adan brothers both play wide receiver. Rob, the older at 6-0, 200 pounds, and Michael, an inch shorter and 20 pounds lighter, will both be juniors at Faulkner. Rob was an assistant coach for the Clayton Valley junior varsity a few years ago. He was on the CVHS varsity for one year, and his brother spent two years on the varsity. “Their love, commitment and playmaking ability will make an impact at Faulkner,” CVHS head coach Herc Pardi says. Faulkner is a private Christian college that plays NAIA football and is also nicknamed the Eagles.
coaching at the highest levels. Victor inherits a team that has won the Concord City Meet A Division championship every year since 1992, except for 2002. Even that year, the Otters won the B Division so the Clayton powerhouse has won a city title for 19 consecutive years. The team has the biggest roster of swimmers in that meet every year. In 2009, the team won its first-ever championship of the powerful Contra Costa Swim League. Among the teams the Otters outscored were the Stingrays, where Victor was head coach for the past dozen years. “They were great to me. I feel we got as much as we could out of the team,” Victor said of the Stingrays, which won the County Meet Division II title twice in the past three years. Victor’s second career with DHST begins with a Meet the Coach session at the Dana Hills Cabana Club March 9, followed by practice beginning April 19, team time trials May 22 and the first meets June 4.
tunity for some free language lessons. Next time, I’ll talk about your personal safety while in PV and why this city in particular avoids the stigma that has been given to Mexico in general by the media. Recently retired, Clayton resident Peggy Bidondo is a tireless traveler with a passion for travel planning and writing. Send your questions and column ideas to Peggy Bidondo at timetogo@claytonpioneer.com.
February 25, 2011
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Cure canine cabin fever with a scavenger hunt
Page 13
ELENA BICKER
PET PALS Dogs need mental and physical stimulation. If you don’t supply an appropriate outlet, your dog will find countless ways to entertain himself. Inclement weather may make walking the dog a dreaded chore, and trips to the park become infrequent instead of a regularly anticipated activity. While it seems perfectly reasonable to you to bundle up, snuggle down and watch a “Grey’s Anatomy” marathon, your dog may have other ideas. Chewing the coffee table down to stubs, digging up the petunia bed, engaging in lengthy tail-chasing sessions, shredding your clean, nicely folded laundry or barking and howling at noises real or imagined all seem like
great ways to pass the time. So if it’s too cold or wet to take the dog outside, you can still make him work for his keep. Work-to-eat toys are a fantastic and simple solution for any pooch suffering from canine cabin fever. E v e n domesticated dogs are
hunters and scavengers, hardwired to work for their food though it may simply mean sniffing out some scrumptious treasure. Merely dropping food into your dog’s bowl leaves him with a whole lot of excess energy to burn. Work-to-eat toys are an easy way to put that energy to proper use. There are many toys on the market Kong toys, Tug Jugs, Kibble Nibbles and Buster Cubes being just a few. The concept is simple: Put food inside something and let your dog figure out how to remove it. With this concept in mind, the possibilities to make your own work-to-eat toys using common household HIDE KIBBLE IN TOYS like this Buster Cube items are endless. To design your own toy, and keep your dog busy for hours – at something besides chewing the couch. first observe your
dog’s play style. Does he like to rip out all the filling from his stuffed animals? That means he’s a hunter. Try packing a tissue box with a mixture of cotton batting, rags, paper and kibble. Does your dog have a keen nose, or sometimes help himself to leftovers in the garbage can? He’s a scavenger, so simply hiding treats in uncommon places around the house will keep him busy all evening. Getting a little creative with your dog’s feeding will pay off in a big way on days when he can’t make it outside to romp around. Not only will it give him a constructive activity that doesn’t involve your favorite curtains, but you might find yourself with a new hobby.
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Elena Bicker is the Executive Director of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. She can be reached at (925) 256-1ARF (1273)
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Abraham Lincoln and Julia are ARF’s Adoption Stars Abraham to learn new skills while also showing off some he may already know! The adoption fee for adult dogs is $225 and includes 60% off one 7-week dog training session. Two-year-old Julia is one super sweet girl who would love to be your companion. She doesn’t need a lot of attention, but loves to get gentle pets and laptime. The adoption fee for adult cats is $50.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN Two-year-old Abraham Lincoln is a gem of a fella - a big sweetheart who takes life in his stride. He’s hoping his new life will start soon and that it’ll be filled with walks, adventures, playtime and well deserved cuddles at the end of a long day. Attending training classes will be a great way for
THREE
KEY ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
Thomas, who was on hiatus from guitar-making while getting his master’s in library science, was inspired to take up the craft of lutherie by his father. “My father is a hobby violin maker; meaning it isn’t his primary source of income. I taught myself through watching him, reading books and meeting other local guitar makers,” he said. Although “hobby” implies a casual activity, like watching sports on television or pulling a few weeds in the yard, there’s nothing laid back about Thomas’ approach to building guitars.
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Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The primary caretaker must be present to adopt. ARF also encourages kids 16 and younger and canine family members (dog adoptions only) to be present during the adoption process.
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Creekside Arts, from page 1 High School’s ClaytonArts Academy, the Creekside Artists Guild, the Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association and the Clayton Valley Garden Club. The popular outdoor interpretive tour returns with photo opportunities led by local wildlife biologist and ethnobotanist Jim Hale. Two-time national haiku poetry winner Tazuo Yamaguchi will emcee the open poetry readings and musical jam session. A Native American tribe will present a tribal dance and drum circle, and other entertainment includes a Diablo Taiko drumming group and local vocal group Vintage.
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He carefully outlined the three most important factors in producing good sound quality: 1. Attention to the top, which is the sound board and must act responsively. 2. Creating a good design because making an instrument that is comfortable to use is vital. 3. Finding the right materials because each species of wood gives its own coloration to the sound. Thomas called spruce a “bright, sharp, aggressive wood” and referred to cedar as warm and resonant. “The wood is a natural product, so you can’t just crank out the same thing for each instrument. Wood is a growing and living thing; each guitar requires something different to make it sound the best,” he said. His words – and the enthusiasm behind them – explain how the construction of handmade instruments transitions from a task into an art form. Thus, people are willing to spend considerably more on a custom guitar than on a commercial, mass-produced guitar. “If someone comes to me and I look at the size of their hand, I can adjust (the guitar) to fit,” he noted. “A companybased guitar maker has no time to ‘voice’ an instrument, but I
do. Everything that makes the sound happens before it is put together. You have to anticipate how your construction will affect the tone prior to even getting the strings on it.” Although Thomas doesn’t play the guitar as a musician, he says he can “pick out a tune and listen to the critical things I need to hear.” He was a french horn player in college and now plays the mandolin. Each instrument Thomas will show at the Creekside Arts Celebration demonstrates his personal touch. The RC Prototype uses a small body shape but is based, bridged and strung as a classical instrument. The R12 Cedar Top is modeled on a 19th century American guitar, with a slightly expanded size. The D Sitka Top is a bluegrass/folk instrument with a twist. Thomas’ internal bracing system gives it “a more active top.” When he’s not working at the library as an adult services library assistant, Thomas listens to classical and jazz music. “I like heavy music too, like Metallica,” he admitted. “It’s my guilty pleasure: loud, fun and I-don’t-have-to-think music.” The Creekside Arts Celebration is 6-8:30 p.m. March 4, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. March 5 and 1-5 p.m. March 6 at the library, 6125 Clayton Road. Admission is free. For more information, contact KikkawaNielsen at 673-9777 or akiksen@aol.com.
JULIA
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Page 14
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 25, 2011
A prenuptial agreement can affect your estate
Teen Speak,
Prenuptial agreements are commonly associated with divorce. While the agreement provides couples control over assets in the event of a split, it can also preserve your estate by protecting assets from creditors and help ensure your estate is distributed as you wish. A common misconception associated with a prenup is that the very existence of one means the marriage is bound to end in divorce. In fact, a Harvard Law School study concluded that a solid prenuptial agreement actually improves the chances of a successful marriage by getting couples to talk about what kind of marriage they want and what the legal consequences should be if one spouse veers off course. Even if you and your betrothed trust each other implicitly, it’s useful to spell out your wishes clearly to make sure there’s a meeting of the minds
adult sibling or parent to hit a child with a belt as an acceptable form of punishment. Despite the fact that emotional scars take far longer to heal than physical ones, they are very rarely, if ever, taken into account. Why must a child be sent to the hospital before he can receive the help he is seeking? How is a child supposed to be helped if the government agency designed to help them isn’t doing the basics of its job? How much longer are we as a nation going to sit and watch as lives fall down the drain? If it’s all a cycle of the abused becoming abusers, then we as a nation have an obligation to make every effort to end this cycle for good.
RICHARD LITTORNO ESTATE PLANNING and there are no surprises down the road. Preparing a prenup encourages an open discussion of financial matters and requires each person to fully disclose all of his or her assets, liabilities and income sources. If a prenup doesn’t include a complete financial inventory, there’s a risk that it later will be challenged on the grounds that one spouse didn’t fully understand the agreement.
From an estate planning perspective, prenups are particularly useful if you have children from a previous marriage or you own a business you wish to leave to family members who work in the business. Most states give the surviving spouse rights to a substantial portion of the deceased spouse’s estate, regardless of the terms of the will. In community property states, for example, the surviving spouse has a 50 percent interest in all community property, which includes most property acquired during the marriage (other than by gift or inheritance). Most other states give the surviving spouse the right to an elective share of the deceased spouse’s estate (one-third, for instance) that supersedes the will. These rights can easily derail your plans, but a carefully drafted prenuptial agreement can override them and ensure your wishes are carried out. Even if you
feel confident that your future spouse would never exercise the right to “take against the will,” he or she could become incapacitated and leave the decision to a guardian or other designee. A prenup can ensure that both spouses’ wishes are clearly communicated to all concerned. It’s not unusual for couples to forego drafting a prenup before the wedding. If after the fact you wish you could take advantage of a prenup’s asset protections, you have the option of creating a postnuptial agreement. Many states permit postnuptial agreements, but they require special care because courts are particularly watchful for any signs of fraud or undue influence. Keep in mind that for a contract to be legally binding, each party must provide “consideration.” In other words, each party must exchange something of value, such as money, property, services or a promise.
With a prenuptial agreement, the marriage itself serves as consideration. But a postnuptial agreement requires additional consideration, such as a mutual release of marital property rights or a transfer of certain property from one spouse to the other. If you’re soon to be married, consider adding one more thing to your wedding planning list: drafting a prenup. In addition to giving you certainty as to the distribution of assets in the event your marriage dissolves, it also can help you achieve estate planning goals. Consult an experienced estate planning attorney to draft your prenup, because it must comply with applicable state law. Richard A. Littorno is an attorney specializing in estate planning. He has offices in Clayton and Pittsburg. Send your questions to Richard@LittornoLaw.com.
from page 9
Sarah Rosen is a junior at CVHS. You can e-mail her at sarah_rosen@claytonpioneer.com.
Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. MAR. 2 FOR THE MAR. 11 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com
IN CLAYTON
FUNDRAISERS
CHURCHES & RELIGION
March 4-6 Creekside Arts Celebration
Feb. 25 Dana Hills Swim Team Fiesta
March 4 World Day of Prayer
Juried show with the theme “Inspirations for a Better World … Past, Present, Future,” plus demonstrations and activities for families. 6-8:30 p.m. March 4, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. March 5 and 15 p.m. March 6, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. Free. Contact Arlene at 673-9777 or akiksen@aol.com. claytonlibrary.org.
Mexican dinner, auction and dancing. 6:30 p.m., Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road. $50 per couple. danahillsotters.com.
Topics include “Overcoming Evil by People Acting Together for Good” and “The People of Chile and the Challenges They Face.” Music by Clayton resident Tammy Slezak and Jaleh Kilpatrick. 9:30 a.m., First Presbyterian Church of Concord, 1965 Colfax St. Free-will offering for the Interfaith Council and programs for women in Chile. Call Evelyn at 279-4301 or Lenita at 672-1053.
March 6 “Reconciliation of Indigenous People with Fellow North Americans”
Audio recording of Native American and First Nation of Canada chiefs/scholars discussing social, cultural and spiritual reconciliation. 11 a.m., Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St. Free. Call Guity at 672-1095.
ENTERTAINMENT Feb. 25-27 Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra
Featuring Bach, Beethoven and Brahms. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25, Alhambra High School Auditorium, Martinez. $5-$10 at the door. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26, Los Medanos College Recital Hall, Pittsburg. $5-$10 at the door. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27, Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek. $20-$28 at the door or 943-SHOW. Through Feb. 27 “Rags”
Willows Theatre Company presents the epic story of love and struggle. Campbell Theatre, 626 Ward St., Martinez. $22-$30. willowstheatre.com or 798-1300. Through March 5 “The Drowsy Chaperone”
Diablo Theatre Company presents a musical centered on the “man in chair,” whose dedication to musical theater knows no bounds. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $17-$48. 943-7469 or lesherartscenter.org. Through March 6 “Heaven Can Wait”
A young prizefighter’s soul is prematurely sent to heaven, leaving an angelic messenger to remedy the man’s untimely departure. Presented by Onstage Theatre. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10-$20. 943-SHOW. March 7 Walnut Creek Concert Band
“Winds of Change,” featuring music that has had a major impact for the band. 7:30 p.m., Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14-$17. 943-SHOW or lesherartscenter.org.
March 12
Contra Costa Wind Symphony An encore of Steven Reineke’s “New Day Rising.” 8 p.m. Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, 1801 Lacassie Ave. $10. ccwindsymphony.org. BASSOONIST MICHAEL GARVEY will perform with the Wind Symphony March 12 in Walnut Creek
Feb. 27 Breakfast at the VFW
8-11 a.m. second and fourth Sundays, 2290 Willow Pass Road, Concord. Eggs, pancakes, sausage plus a beverage. $4, $2 children under 12. March 1, 2 Clayton Valley High Music Boosters/Rocco’s
Mention the Music Boosters and Rocco’s will donate 25 percent to fund music programs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., 2909 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. 947-6105.
March 4 Baha’i Evening of Fellowship
Featuring a video and talk by Ron Shigetawith about “Empathic Civilization.” Shigetawith is a research scientist for Affymetrix, a Bay Area biotechnology firm. His interests include the interaction of evolutionary biology and ethics. 7:30 p.m., Toloui home in Clayton. 672-6686.
March 2 Mt. Diablo Elementary School/Ravioli’s
Mention the school and Ravioli’s Italian Market Place will donate 20 percent to the Parent Faculty Club. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., 4375 Clayton Road, Suite G, Concord. 689-3819. March 12 Concord Rotary Spring Fling
“An Affair to Remember” with old Hollywood glamour. Silent/live auctions, gaming tables, dinner and dancing. 6 p.m., Concord Hilton, 1970 Diamond Blvd. $65, or $600 for table of 10. Call Kimberly at 947-4459. March 18 Mt. Diablo Elementary School Auction
Dinner/dancing with a Speakeasy theme, sponsored by the Parent Faculty Club. 5 p.m., Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road. $50. Online auction March 4-13. mdusd.k12.ca.us/mountdiabloelementary.
AT THE LIBRARY The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. 673-0659 or claytonlibrary.org. March 1 Patty Cakes
Story time for babies to 3-year-olds. Child attends with caregiver. Drop in 11 a.m. March 1, 8, 15, 22 “Paws to Read”
Children in grades 1-5 can read aloud to a therapy dog to improve reading skills. 4:30-5 p.m. Registration by parent required. March 2 SAT Essay Writing
March 19 Clayton Valley Athletic Boosters Crab Feed
Presented by Princeton Review, for grades 7-12. 7 p.m. Register at ccclib.org/programs.
Auction/dinner benefiting athletic programs at CVHS. Must be 21 or older. $50 before March 10; $60 at the door. 5:30 p.m., Center Concord, 5298 Clayton Road. cvhsboosters.org or mail check to P.O. Box 26, Clayton, CA 94517.
March 9 “Tax Planning, Tax Law and Tax-Free Investing”
March 23 AAUW Spaghetti Feed
Dinner/silent auction sponsored by the Clayton American Association of University Women to fund scholarships and Tech Trek sponsorships. 5:30-8 p.m., Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. $10, $5 for kids under 12, children under 6 free. Beer/wine for purchase. Call Judy at 672-4620. April 2 Festival of Tables & Fashion
Sponsored by the Clayton Valley Woman’s Club, with fashions by Coldwater Creek. A benefit for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties. 11 a.m., Concord United Methodist Church, 1645 West St. $35. Call Doris at 672-1696 before March 28. claytonvalleywomansclub.org. April 9 Clayton Valley Music Boosters East Meets West
A dinner/auction catered by Panda Express, with entertainment by CVHS instrumental music students. 6-8:30 p.m, CVHS MultiUse Room; 1101 Alberta Way, Concord. $15. claytonbands.org or linminmailbox-music@yahoo.com. April 30 United Mt. Diablo Athletic Foundation Vegas Night
To raise money for all sports in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. 6-midnight, Concord Hilton, 1970 Diamond Blvd. www.unitedmtdiabloathletics.org.
Social Security, tax changes and the future of health care and estate taxes, plus tax-free investing in the California Municipal Market. Hosted by Erin Beable of Morgan Stanley. 6:45 p.m. Thursdays through March 10 Picture Book Time
Story time for 3- to 5-year-olds. Child may attend without caregiver. Drop in 11 a.m. March 14 Clayton Library Book Club
Sunny Solomon leads a discussion about “Of Human Bondage” by W. Somerset Maugham. 7 p.m. March 19 “Winter Watercolors”
“A Study in Shadow and Light, Portraiture,” with Anne Sackman. Experienced students 17 and up. Attendees must provide materials. 10 a.m. Register at http://ccclib.org/programs/index.html. March 30 “Your Career Transition and Your Finances”
Hosted by financial advisor William Pollak. 2-3:30 p.m. Register at ccclib.org/programs. April 6 Author talk with “The Lady Killers”
Penny Warner and Diana Orgain talk about their new books, “How to Survive a Killer Seance” and “Formula for Murder.” 7 p.m.
SCHOOLS March 18-April 16 “Hairspray”
A young girl in 1960s Baltimore tries to win the affection of a TV heartthrob. Presented by Contra Costa Musical Theatre. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. 943SHOW or ccmt.org. April 1-30 “To Kill a Mockingbird”
Center Repertory presents the timeless classic about ignorance, prejudice and integrity. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $36-$42. 943-SHOW or centerrep.org.
March 2 DVMS Parent/Teacher Education Meeting
CITY MEETINGS
Officer Allen White of the Clayton Police Department and pediatrician Arthur K. Law will discuss road safety and transportation solutions. All attendees entered into a raffle for an iPod Shuffle and a $500 donation will be made to the Parent Faculty Club if 20 parents attend. 7-8 p.m., Diablo View Middle School library, 300 Diablo View Lane, Clayton.
March 1, 15
March 15, 29 Mt. Diablo Unified School District Board
7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.
7:30 p.m., 1936 Carlotta Dr., Concord. mdusd.org.
Clayton City Council 7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us. March 8, 22 Clayton Planning Commission
February 25, 2011
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Theatre Review
Installations – Repairs
‘Chaperone’ an enchanting musical event
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On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being superlative, the Diablo Theatre Company’s “The Drowsy Chaperone” is a 12. There are at least a dozen reasons to run – not stroll – to Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts to see it. The show is centered on the “man in chair,” whose dedication to musical theater knows no bounds. Lonely and alone, he comforts himself by listening to favorite LPs (yes, records, he announces to today’s CD users) and when the needle hits the disk, “The Drowsy Chaperone” comes to life in his one-room apartment. Michael Gaffney is the No. 1 reason to get thee to the theater. As Man in Chair, he is buoyant, exuberant, frothy and fun. From the first lines, spoken in the pitch dark, he is adorable. His every move, from the burst of applause he delivers for the stars he idolizes to the mirrored dance steps and inclination of another character’s chin, is impeccable. The sarcastic tone of his commentary is perfectly dry and delivered with comedic genius. It’s rare to use that term in a review, but in Gaffney’s case, there is no better word. A close second to Gaffney’s performance is the phenomenal cast. There’s not a bum in the catch, which keeps the production at such a high level it’s difficult to select one or two to feature. Ned Hansen and Justin Isla as Gangsters No. 1 and 2 are hilarious, with incredible timing
Page 15
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“THE DROWSY CHAPERONE,” A MUSICAL FROM THE ROARING ’20S is the sort of zany, silly, tuneful production they had back then to cheer people waiting for the end of Prohibition. The latest Diablo Theatre Company production plays at the Lesher Center through Mar. 5
and physicality. Stephen Foreman, as George – a sidecar friend to the show-within-ashow’s leading man, is the show’s finest dancer. Sharon Rietkerk, the creamy, dreamy Janet Van de Graaff, has a voice built for the “National Anthem,” “Amazing Grace” and any other song requiring range and a stellar sound. Over-the-top characters are plentiful and Leanne Borghesi (The Drowsy Chaperone), Laurie Strawn (Mrs. Tottendale) and Dan LeGate (Adolpho) bare their exaggerated souls without reservation. The production values must be included on any list of show highlights. Set designer David Gallo has created the perfect frame: textured, gray, apartment walls that take on the look of a gently clouded blue sky, or swiftly transform into a garden wall
with the drop of a gobo and green lighting. There’s a bed that zooms in and out – the bedding changed or the characters upon it altered to move the plot along. A refrigerator doubles as a grand entryway. Like the rest of the show, it’s clever, funny and surprising. One stunning scene, hilariously played by all, transforms the entire stage into an Oriental eyeful of red and gold. It would ruin the fun to explain it, except to say it was exceptional. Carol Edligner’s costumes are a delight. To a painter, the stage is awash with bold blends: refreshingly simple black and gold, or elaborately overdone sea-foam with lacy bows and baubles, depending on the scene. The orchestra, under music director G. Scott Lacy, was strong and well-balanced, something previous productions have not
always achieved at the theater. At the risk of exceeding the limit of believability, and to bring the commentary down to earth, it’s the writing and the songs that make or break a musical. On that count, “The Drowsy Chaperone” also scores. There are enough present-day references to keep the show from becoming a dreary nostalgic glance back and plenty of punch in songs like “Show Off ” to keep music lovers smiling. Throughout it all, there’s Gaffney, who takes each moment of musical theater fluff and fills it with honest, weighty heft. “The Drowsy Chaperone” plays through March 5 at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Tickets are $17-$48. Call 943-7469 or visit www.lesherartscenter.org or www.diablotheatrecompany.org.
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Book Review
‘Ghost Light’ a haunting portrayal of love
SUNNY SOLOMON
FOR
THE
BOOKS
Joseph O’Connor has written three screenplays and four plays for the theater, so it is not a surprise that his seventh novel, “Ghost Light,” finds it roots and heart in the early years of Dublin’s famed Abbey Theatre. It is a fictional love story loosely based on the actual relationship between Edmund John Millington Synge, one of the founders of the Abbey Theatre, and Molly Allgood (stage name Marie O’Neill), a very young, innately bright and energetic actress.
Synge (author of “Playboy of the Western World”) is 17 years Molly’s senior and light years away in class and education. Bad enough that she is an actress (with all that it conveys), but she also comes from Dublin’s tenements. For the duration of their engagement, she is never accepted as an equal by Synge’s mother or any his friends (W.B. Yeats, et. al.). His poor health is another and most heartbreaking distance between the two lovers. He dies at age 37 from Hodgkin’s disease. Molly’s love for Synge, the theater and life itself lasts far beyond their brief time together. O’Connor’s writing is as haunting and beguiling as the light “in the top floor room of the dilapidated townhouse across the Terrace” from Molly’s room. We meet Molly in her 65th year, on Oct. 27, 1952, the day she is to take part in a BBC radio theater broadcast. The date is important because the core of
this novel takes place throughout that one day, from 6:43 a.m., when she rises and notes that the mysterious light across the way is out, until she returns to her flat after the late afternoon BBC meeting. O’Conner tells Molly’s story through vivid flashbacks in both second person narrator (speaking directly to Molly) and Molly’s own stream of consciousness. The pairing of such narrative voices creates an intimate picture of Molly, both as a youthful and spirited actress when she meets Synge and as the reader meets her in 1952, fiercely defying the poverty and drunkenness in which she lives. The author exposes the heights and depths of their love. Synge wrote Pegeen, “Playboy’s” heroine, expressly for Molly, and she holds onto all the memories: the tenderness, the isolation, his early death. But it is not a sad story, for “life abounds with blessings.”
And when she thinks of the past and all those gone from her life (two husbands and a son), she thinks again about blessings: “It is only a matter of noticing them.” She reminds herself to be grateful for the BBC job. Molly’s heart and character are revealed with surprising depth at the BBC. But back in her room, hungry and sick, “You stoke the fire and kneel before it . . . What a long, strange day . . . But a day full of blessings.” O’Connor’s exquisite rendering of her life and her enduring love for John Synge will leave Molly’s own ghost light burning brightly in the reader’s mind. Sunny Solomon is the “Book Lady” for the Clayton Community Library Book Club. She holds an MA in English and Creative Writing from San Francisco State University. Her poetry and prose has been published in literary journals and magazines. You can each her at memorie3@yahoo.com.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 25, 2011
Discover the ‘little dragon’
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Though relatively obscure in the United States, tarragon has a wonderful flavor that can be enjoyed in sauces, soups and stews. Artemisia dracunculus is a perennial herb native to the plains of Siberia and was introduced to the Greeks by Arab traders about 1,500 years ago. The Arabic name turkhum means “little dragon,” referring to its twisted root system that can strangle the plant if not properly pruned. Tarragon is a member of the Artemisia family of plants, including wormwood (think absinthe) and sagebrush. It is a relatively fragile herb, so it dislikes cold and will rapidly deteriorate in the refrigerator. Its dried form can be insipid but easily revived as an infusion in white wine vinegar. When purchasing the herb fresh, select the dark glossy variety (French tarragon or estragon) rather than the Russian native (“true tarragon”) which has narrow, spiky leaves and a bitter flavor. Like other herbs, tarragon has its share of medicinal and nutritional benefits. It is rich in iodine, mineral salts and Vitamins A and C. It was purportedly used to prevent scurvy among sailors, and naturalists today use tarragon as an appetite stimulant, digestive tonic and remedy for toothache or sore gums. The slender, dark-green leaves are firmly entrenched in French cuisine, most notably found in fines herbes, a classic blend of parsley, chives, chervil and tarragon, and in Dijon mustard. It is an essential ingredient in sauce Bearnaise. It has a fla-
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vor similar to anise but is quite fragrant, almost sweet. It should be used in moderation so it does not overwhelm the other ingredients in a dish.
Many times asparagus is a difficult vegetable to pair with herbs, but tarragon is a nice accompaniment when included in a cream sauce.
Tarragon pairs well with fish, chicken, tomatoes and eggs. I enjoy it in salads. Here’s a simple recipe that was a favorite of my mother. SALAD WITH TARRAGON DRESSING 1 clove garlic, mashed in ¼ tsp. salt Chopped celery and green onion Salad greens Tarragon-flavored white wine vinegar 1-2 T. prepared mayonnaise Mash garlic in the bottom of a salad bowl with the salt. Add the celery, green onions and salad greens. Sprinkle about 2 tsp. tarragon-flavored vinegar per serving. Toss salad with 1-2 T. prepared mayonnaise per serving. Season with pepper prior to serving. I also think that tarragon chicken salad on a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich is terrific. TARRAGON CHICKEN SALAD 2 c. diced cooked chicken 1 c. diced tart (green) apple ¼ c. celery, diced ¼ c. green onion or sweet onion, diced ¾-1 c. mayonnaise 1 T. fresh lemon juice 2 T. chopped fresh tarragon 1 T. chopped fresh parsley ¼ tsp. salt
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and serve with tarragon cream sauce. 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
Training, from page 9 is gained through increased protein and decreased fat intake along with strengthening of the pelvic girdle, a group of muscles that support the internal organs. By strengthening the pelvic girdle and working on transverse and oblique muscles, the abdominal walls are pulled back and lengthened. In order to see abdominal muscles, most men have to reach at least 10 percent body fat or lower, while women must reach 14 percent or lower, so consistent cardio is important. You want to keep lasting tension on the muscle in order to fire all the fibers in your abdominal region. Don’t ever allow your abs to rest during a set or you’ll waste valuable burn time. Consistency is the key and variety the spice that holds everything together. Don’t be afraid to do 50 full body crunches, then switch to 30- and 60second pike plank and basic plank holds the next day. Challenge the entire abdominal system by incorporating the use of medicine balls, stability balls and suspension training to increases core awareness and enhance control of core functionality. This will also create long, strong, lean abdominal muscles. Be aware that a specific “spot” can change. Transformation is always possible when you take time to combine education with proper technique to achieve maximum form and function. Remember that flexibility is a major component in transforming your physique, as well as your spirit.
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ASPARAGUS WITH TARRAGON CREAM SAUCE 2 lb. asparagus, trimmed 2 T. butter ¼ lb. mushrooms, cleaned and sliced thinly 1 shallot, minced 1 tsp. lemon juice 2 T. all-purpose flour ½ c. vegetable stock ½ c. heavy cream (or halfand-half) 1 T. chopped fresh tarragon 1/8 tsp. nutmeg Salt to taste Preheat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the mushrooms to coat and sauté for about 5 minutes or until the mushrooms give up their liquid. Add the shallot and lemon juice. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the flour, coating all of the vegetables. Return the pan to the burner and cook, stirring occasionally, until the flour gets lightly browned and develops a nutty aroma. Once again, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vegetable stock. Return to the heat and cook, stirring, until the sauce becomes smooth and thickens. Stir in the cream, tarragon and nutmeg. Heat through but do not boil or simmer. While sauce is re-warming, bring water in a large skillet to boil. Just before adding the asparagus, salt the water. Add the vegetable, stir to immerse and simmer 5-7 minutes or until asparagus is just tender. Drain
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Combine chicken, apple, celery and onion in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining ingredients to create a dressing. Gently stir dressing into the chicken mixture; cover and refrigerate for an hour to let flavors meld. Serve on toasted bread or on a bed of greens. Cashew nuts pair nicely with this dish.
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Ilima Heuerman holds multiple fitness certifications. Her new fitness center, Levity, will open in the spring in downtown Clayton. Email Ilima at IlimaHeuerman@levityfitness.com
February 25, 2011
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Hair By Jim /The Best L ittle Hairho Clayton is c use in elebrating th e Grand Op our new loca ening of tion and I w a n t you to join Saturday, Ma me on rch 5, from 2 – 6 p.m. The location is rig new ht next door to our previo I’ve been op us home. erating in Cla yton since 20 my many frie 03 and nds and supp orters were n more importa ever nt than in th e after math of fire which de the stroyed our s alon last Tha night. Your o nksgiving utpouring of s u pport lessene burden durin d the g that difficu lt time. I was operation afte back in r the fire wit h in two weeks an now I’m mo ving out of m d y mobile qua to a location rters I hope to sta y in for many yea to come. rs At the new s alon I featur e designer c men and wo uts for men, hair co lo r in supplies. I’m g and beaut y open Thursd ay through M weekly so ca onday ll me at 6730 3 0 0 appointment to make an or walk in to see the new There are so digs. many people to to make a lis thank. I starte t and soon it d included all o friends. I can f these never fully th a n k accept this p you but plea ublic notice se as a small to my appreciati ken of on.
Federation e c c o B n to y la C y Association it n u m m o C & ss Clayton Busine layton Pioneer C , r e in te S b o B Tamara and unity Church Clayton Comm aloon Clayton Club S Claycord.com nion Travis Credit U ty Supply Beautique Beau tions Permanent Solu alon Frontier Hair S arol Pinkham, C & s e lv sa n o G Janice air Salon Cutting Loose H Susan Cardoza n Glenna Nickerso ter Laura Hoffmeis z Jim & Dana Dia w Higgins Captain Andre sen Skip & Linda Ip wrence Pete & Sheri La ufford Merle & Vicki H unter John & Carol H ollack John & Patty P rtley Ed & Cecilia Ha Ted Sudderth Steven Lowrey
Page 17
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Cuff Family Pascal Family y Alamillo Famil Brassil Family ily Dortzbach Fam Kay Lane Nelson Family Kim Dixon Duncan Family Gary Faustino on Family st a E & Co. Matt McCullah Francis Family Cory McGinness Kinsey Family n e v e S Jim & Shannon Young Family ss a eB ily John & Candac iantvalley Fam G oyd Don & Jeanne B Howard Geller Don Holmes Debbie Mullins Patrick McGill Eric Thomas n so r te ch, Pete & Carol Pe Aaron Gozenba r o st a P rrington ch Carl & Carol He rossroads Chur C ossan e Mike & Susan F zoma Nwakuch U n hnso Paul & Terri Jo Susan Hurl Scott Baker Joan Culver y Boone Famil Dan Ashley Helena Family r the years. ve o e m d e rt o p p ! who have su ft you off this list le …and many more I if s k n a th d n apolog y a Please accept my n Spencer Jackso n Krista Bockove Lisa Ruffatto JoAnn Caspar
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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‘Tis the season for Lenten Roses Helleborus was chosen by the Perennial Plant Association as the 2005 perennial of the year. This title launched the Helleborus family into one of the highest levels of gardening fame possible and rightly so. Photos of Hellebores grace the pages of gardening magazines each winter when it begins to flower. This time of year, I’m reminded of why I enjoy this plant so much. The Helleborus loves the cold weather, tolerates our summer heat, doesn’t require much water, is deer-resistant and almost pest- and disease-free. Hellebores, commonly called lenten roses, are an extraordinary group of extremely hardy evergreen perennials that have attractive flower clusters February through April. Flowers vary from pale pink to pinkish purple and creamy yellow to ashen green. Most blossoms have single petals, but recently they have introduced doubles and ruffles. Robust, dark green, basilshaped foliage has slightly serrated edges that add to the tough appeal. This plant is technically a perennial but is as tough and hardy as most shrubs. STUNNING COLOR SELECTIONS
The first Hellebore I ever saw was on a sample truck from Sebastopol Growers. The variety was Helleborus argutifolius, or the Corsican Hellebore. The Corsican has the most fascinating chartreuse green flowers. They are stunning. When this plant is in bloom, it can sell itself. The Corsican Hellebore can reach 1-2 feet tall and wide. Install
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it in a shady location with moderately amended soil and good drainage. This perennial is almost always a successful planting. Snip a cluster of flowers and place in a bud vase or julep jar; they make great cut flowers. Helleborus orientalis is the group with all the fancy color flowers. Rosy pinks, deep purples, maroons and almost black are just some of the available colors. These Hellebore have names like Black Diamond, Cherry Blossom, Golden Sunrise and Metallic Blue Lady, just to name a few. Some of these colored Hellebores will have freckles on their inside petals. These add lots of interest. Bear’s Foot Hellebore has a unique leaf compared with the rest of the family. The Helleborus Foetidus has dark green leaves that are deeply divided and almost fern like. This selection has a smaller greenish flower and is held on more of a stalk, rather than a stem. It really thrives in darker shade.
Hellebores are included in UC Davis Arboretum’s All Star Plants list. This is a list of 100 plants considered tough, reliable, easy to grow, require little water and are almost free of pests and disease. Both the Contra Costa Water Department and East Bay Municipal Utility District include Helleborus on their lists of water-wise plants. It is amazing that a perennial that is so regarded for its beauty is also water-wise, pest- and disease-tolerant and weather hardy. It is perfect for our Clayton Valley landscapes, gardens and containers.
NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden Contact her with questions, comments or suggestions at gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
Bench, from page 2
LET THE SHOPPING BEGIN Once you have noticed the Helleborus family, you will begin to look for them at every nursery and garden center you visit. They are prestigious perennials and a valuable addition to garden beds and borders. One-gallon containers will cost $10-$14, depending on the selection. Occasionally, you may come across 4-inch pots, which are a rare find. Two-gallon sizes are a splurge, and unless the selection is a new introduction, I would steer away from that expensive purchase.
installed two benches in shady spots along the Peacock Flats Trail the week before. Walking home from Diablo View Middle School, uphill, in the heat, “was not very fun,” says Mitchell. So when it came time to choose a project to earn his Eagle Scout badge, he knew he wanted to build some benches along the Peacock Flats Trail. “I learned a lot about personal responsibility and responsibility of others,” reflects Mitchell. It
took 20 people and 10 days total to complete the building and installation of the benches. Mitchell will continue to be involved in the Scouting program after he ages out this year. He would like to mentor other Scouts through the ranks to Eagle Scout, including his younger brother who helped with the benches. All Scouts who complete their Eagle Scout project and get sign off from the city receive a certificate.
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