IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com
July 29, 2011
925.672.0500
Solar brings savings to schools District is installing solar panels that will save $220 million. DAVE SHUEY
TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
MAYOR’S CORNER
The first thing we do . . . . . . is kill all the lawyers. Well, Bill Shakespeare was obviously not talking about Clayton with that quote. Here in Clayton we have been inundated with lawyers as 21 law firms applied to be our second ever City Attorney. Our City Council sub-committee has whittled the 21 down to the best seven candidates and by the time you read this article we will have whittled them down further to a few that will get the honor and privilege
See Mayor, page 8 Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
Clayton man is arrested for assaulting teens after house is vandalized
WORK CREWS AT CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL ARE WORKING HARD to complete the major portion of the solar panel installation project before school starts in late August. The entire structure should be completed by October.
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190
See Arrest, page 4
See Solar, page 6
Buchanan Field says Come Fly with Me Concord airfield turns 65 with community birthday bash.
TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
A 47-year-old father was arrested on felony assault charges and five out-of-town teens charged with vandalism after a midnight prank on July 21 went bad. According to Police Chief Dan Laurence, the teens, four of them juveniles and an 18-yearold driver, all from Port Costa and Vallejo, spread shaving cream, vinegar and pudding on the driveway and toilet-papered the yard of a Tiffin Drive home. The youths, all known to the 14year-old who lived in the house, drove away in a Honda sedan, but returned to the scene, “apparently to survey their handiwork,” says Laurence. They were spotted by the homeowner who police say chased the teens in his pickup to the end of North Mitchell Canyon Rd. where it dead-ends.
The Clayton Valley High School north parking lot may look like a disaster area this summer, but come the fall, it will be one of the bright spots in the new school year. Literally. Construction crews from SunPower corporation are tearing up the lot to install a large bank of solar panels at the school, part of the largest K-12 solar program in the nation. All 51 Mt. Diablo Unified School District schools are installing solar panels in some capacity, but the project at CVHS is one of the largest. The District’s solar program, implemented through Measure C funding and some state solar grants, involves the installation of ground-mounted shade and/or parking structures at the schools.
PEGGY SPEAR Clayton Pioneer
IN CELEBRATION OF BUCHANAN FIELD AIRPORT’S 65TH ANNIVERSARY, Concord aviation artist Rhu A. Bigay created this oil painting of two vintage WW2 bombers. The B-17 and B-24 bombers in the painting have both visited Buchanan. Bigay’s aviation art will be on display during the airport’s anniversary event, Aug. 6..
Maureen Bell is a lousy pilot. At least that’s what she was told 40-odd years ago, soon after she began working at Buchanan Field in Concord. “I was told I had no sense of
direction,” she says. Of course, that she eventually married her flight instructor indicates there were no hard feelings. As well as the fact that Bell had a long career as a receptionist-cum-pilot-cum-Girl Friday at the airfield. And that now, in her retirement, she serves as president of the Mt. Diablo Pilots Association, the local non-profit group based out of Buchanan Field that supports aviation enthusiasts in the East Bay.
The group is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, which happens to coincide with an even greater milestone: the 65th anniversary of Buchanan Field Airport itself. So with Bell and the MDPA piloting the effort, so to speak, the group is throwing a birthday bash on Aug. 6 and inviting the public to see what they see – the joy that aviation brings.
See Buchanan, page 15
Clayton Gym filled with basketball action this summer JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
The sound of squeaky sneakers on the hardwood, the shrill referee’s whistle and squeals of joy for a winning basket are emanating from Clayton Community Gym each Saturday as the first All Out Sports League summer basketball program has proved a big hit for more than 120 kids. AOSL founder Casey Copeland is delighted with the league. “The people of Clayton have really shown a lot of interest in our youth basketball program. We are giving them exactly what they want: semicompetitive, highly organized, fundamental basketball with good referees.”
The summer basketball program began earlier this month with practices on Friday evening and games Saturday afternoons. Copeland was wearing many hats including refereeing games. After the second week of play he said, “The games have been exciting already. We had two games go into double overtime!” There are four teams in each of the divisions, Pee Wee (5-6 year-olds), Mighty Mite (7-9) and Bantam (10-14). About 20 percent of the players are girls. “We keep individual and player stats online for parents and players to view,” Copeland says. “We also provide quality uniforms that players get to keep.”
See Clayton Gym, page 10
What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . .16 Car Tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Community Calendar . . . .14 Concert Schedule . . . . . . . .3
Photo by Mike Dunn
EARLY-SEASON ACTION IN THIS SUMMER’S ALL OUT SPORTS LEAGUE basketball program Mighty Mite division found Dom Hudson (1) and Ayanna Broome (4) helping their Bulls team to a 27-15 victory over the Blazers. About 120 kids are playing basketball each Saturday at Clayton Community Gym. Josef Sunga-Laxa (5) and Isaac Owen (9) were on defense for the Blazers.
Directory of Advertisers . . . .5 DVMS Reporter . . . . . . . . .14 Financial Sense . . . . . . . .13 Fit with Levity . . . . . . . . . .15 Food for Thought . . . . . . .17
Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Safety Zone . . . . . . . . . . . .17
So Anyway . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Tech Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Teen Speak . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 29, 2011
Around Town Jason Gardner deployed to Afghanistan
CBCA spotlights R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden The spacious patio at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Gardens on Marsh Creek Road was the site for the last CBCA mixer on July 19. The mixers are designed to spotlight a local business while building interest in the CBCA. The goal is to increase membership. R&M is family owned, with
Roy Alarcon and son David Hackett on the pool supply and service side of the business, Melanie Alarcon calling the shots in the gift store and daughter-in-law Nicole Hackett running things in the nursery. Nicole writes the popular Garden Girl column for the Clayton Pioneer. The R&M store is at 6780
Marsh Creek Road and features fine patio furniture and unique home decor items. The CBCA sponsors three major fundraisers each year –
The Art and Wine Festival in the spring, the Clayton Classic Golf Tournament in June and the fall Oktoberfest. Funds raised from the events are used for charitable
causes, scholarships and civic improvements. For more information on the CBCA, see claytoncbca.com.
Pioneer goes with the Garden Club to Earthbound
US Army Spc. Jason and Emily Gardner of Clayton will celebrate their first wedding anniversary on August 7, but the groom won’t be there. He is in Afghanistan. The two were married at the Salvation Army Community Church in Concord and made their first home in Ft. Hood, Texas, where Jason was stationed until his deployment in June. He is part of Operation Enduring Freedom with the 1st Cavalry Division. While Jason is in Afghanistan, Emily will live with her parents, Jim and Kathy Burkin of Concord. She is a student and will continue her studies in biology and nutrition. When Jason returns in June of 2012, the two will move back to Fort Hood. Jason is the son of Clayton residents Clay and Pam Gardener.
The Pioneer went along on the Clayton Valley Garden Club’s recent field trip to Earthbound Farm in Carmel. We toured the gardens and
picked organic herbs and flowers to make herbal teas. Earthbound Farm is the largest grower of organic produce in the U.S. THE ALARCON FAMILY OF R&M POOL, PATIO, GIFTS AND GARDEN hosted the most recent Clayton Business and Community Association mixer. From left, Melanie and Roy Alarcon, David Hackett, CBCA’s Jim Frazier and Nicole and Jonathan Hackett.
Rodenburgs pony up
THE GARDEN CLUB FIELD TRIP to Carmel included (standing), Lew Thompson, Linda Karp, Carla Thompson, Art Westman, Dot Schafhirt, Nancy Westman, Rory Richmond, Dennis Kaump, Marcia Hart, Barry Hart, Steve Lane, Mike and Nancy Harvey, Linda Cruz and Robb Kingsbury. Seated, Nancy Schafhirt, Ingela Neilsen and Nadine Findley.
Alamo
Bob and Sarah Rodenburg recently turned tears to big smiles for 2-year-old Saphira Perry. Saphira looked forward all day to the pony rides at Rodie’s annual Customer Appreciation Day on May 21. But, she had to wait for her dad, Abe, to get off work and the two didn’t get there until after 5. The ponies had gone home and Saphira was crushed. Undaunted, the Rodenburgs called the pony ride owner and who brought a pony back down to the store for a special private ride to complete Saphira’s day. The moral of the story? There is no customer too young for the extra mile at Rodie’s.
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27 Mount Wilson Way ..............$198,000 1547 OHara Ct .........................$374,400 1272 Shell Cir...........................$335,000 174 Brandywine Pl ...................$719,000 1179 Shell Ln............................$302,000 3067 Windmill Canyon Dr ........$515,000 2 Mount Wilson Way ................$260,000 953 Oak St ...............................$995,000 1764 Indian Wells Wy ..............$372,000 917 Kenston Dr ........................$425,000 56 Barcelona Way ....................$580,000 3066 Windmill Canyon Dr ........$500,000 972 Kenston Drive....................$439,000 4903 Keller Ridge Drive ...........$243,350 1415 Greystone Ln...................$335,000
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July 29, 2011
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Around Town Nick Swiatko earns Eagle Scout rank
Clayton Club Builds Brand Loyalty
Page 3
s t r e c n o C The Grove in
Saturdays
6 to 8:30 p.m.
Nick Swiatko of Clayton’s Boy Scout Troop 262 earned his Eagle rank on June 16. His Eagle project was to build a pulley system for debris removal and fabricate a ramp to enable animals to escape from a cistern on Mt. Diablo. It involved removal of old fence posts, dangerous wire, rusted out irrigation pipes and habitat restoration. The project took 10 months and 237 hours of planning and execution. Nick managed 26 workers, including his father and brother, state volunteers and scouts from four Troops.
At the Gazebo in The Grove Set up chairs and blankets on the lawn after 4 p.m.
July 30 The Michael Paul Band Five-piece southern/country rock band
Aug. 13 Vocal-ease and The Boogie Men Retro band covers big band and swing to Doo-Wop and Motown
Aug. 27 A Swingin’ Evening with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and the Rat Pack Orchestra
September 10 - East Bay Mudd 10-piece dance band with a Powerful horn section
September 17 - The Hot Rods Rock and roll from the 50s and 60s
Rained out band from June 4 Note Special time: 5 pm to 7:30 pm Sponsored by the city of Clayton, CBCA and Allied Waste Services
Adam Agronow completes Eagle Scout community project Boy Scout Adam Agronow is well on his way to achieving the Boy Scouts’ highest ranking of Eagle Scout with the completion of a community project in April. Agronow, a life scout with Troop 444, built two benches on Clayton’s hiking trails, one on the Bruce Lee trail and the other on Mt. Diablo Creek trail. He received a Certificate of Recognition from the city of Clayton at the city council meeting on July 19. Agronow will be a senior at CVHS this fall.
JOHN ROBLES TAKES TIME OUT from cooking to add his brand to the new outdoor barbeque at the Clayton Club.
Local Food To Go Support your local businesses and restaurants.
A new kind of roundup was held at the Clayton Club Saloon on July 10. This time the cattle were not the ones being rounded up, but rather the brands. The occasion was a “branding party” and barbecue to celebrate the completion of the outdoor bar at the Clayton Club. In all, more than 40 brands were brought in by local ranchers and Clayton families to be used in the ceremony. And so the outdoor bar, which debuted at this year’s Art & Wine festival, went through another rite of passage this past weekend – a literal trial by fire. In addition to a spectacular collection of irons, attendees showed up with hearty appetites for the branding and barbecue. The turnout was exceptional, as everyone took advantage of the opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the historic tavern.
Takeout or dine in before or after the concert. Moresi’s Chophouse 6115 Main St., 672-1333 Ed’s Mudville Grill 6200 Center St., 673-0333 La Veranda Cafe 6201 Center St., 524-0011 Canesa’s Brooklyn Deli 6054 Main St., 852-1650 Skipolini’s Pizza 1035 Diablo St., 672-1111 Village Market 6104 Main St., 672-0188 Johnny’s Int’l Deli & Café 6101 Center St., 6721203 Cup O’Jo 6054 Main St., 672-5105
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$369,000 1921 Packard Court, Concord Kirkwood – 3BD/2BA has neutral paint & Cherry hardwood floors in family/kitchen combo plus a breakfast nook. 1,548 s.f. living space includes formal living room w/fireplace & bay window and dining area.
223 Mountaire Drive, Clayton $609,000 Dana Hills – Largest 5BD/3BA model w1bd/1ba downstairs & loft area. Dining room with coffered ceilings, family room & fabulous entertainer’s kitchen. Flat backyard w/views. 223Mountaire.com
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Page 4
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 29, 2011
Former mayor and Green Beret makes return trip to ‘Nam Pete Laurence says he received warm welcome 45 years after he fought in the war DENISEN HARTLOVE Clayton Pioneer
Tucked away in a display case in the study of Pete Laurence’s large Clayton home resides a collection of mementoes from his service as a Green Beret in the Vietnam War. Laurence, who served in Vietnam from 1966-1967, collected everything from spent white phosphorous hand grenades to a ladies’ perfume bottle-turned-flashlight. He boasted of “liberating” a metal canteen from a Viet Cong soldier, who had etched his own name and birthdate onto the side after taking it himself from an American serviceman. Alongside the names, the canteen bears a pair of bullet holes, in one side and out the other. PART OF THE PEOPLE The Green Beret motto is De Oppresso Liber, or Free the Oppressed. Laurence described his mission as in large part defending the villagers around Luong Song Camp from Viet Cong soldiers, who would burn villages and steal crops in their efforts to take over what was then South Vietnam, and teaching them to defend themselves.
LEIGH KLOCK
“We lived with the people,” he said. “We delivered their babies, fixed their wounds – we were best men at their weddings.” Despite his collection of mementoes, vividly told stories of nighttime firefights in the jungle, and membership in veterans organizations, Laurence said his years in Vietnam didn’t define him as a person. Instead, he focuses on what happened after he–and others like him–returned. Many like him arrived home from years of fighting in Vietnam to be greeted, instead of with thanks and ticker-tape parades, spitting protesters and accusations of baby-killing. “Scratch me and it’s right under the surface,” he said of his experiences. “But it’s more of a desire to be sure for these guys, my friends who got killed in Vietnam, their reputations aren’t tarnished with the protesters and slanders that they suffered.” Forty-five years after his service, Laurence, with his friend and former Lieutenant Robert Little, returned to the scene of their overseas battles, this time as tourists. A DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE THIS TIME
Although his military service trained Laurence to always be on alert for potential trouble, he
FORMER CLAYTON MAYOR PETE LAURENCE recently returned to Viet Nam as a tourist. Shown here with the first Russian tank to break into the Saigon Presidential Palace (in the background), Laurence, who served in-country as a Green Beret in 1966-67, saw signs of a bustling economy and found the country far less totalitarian than he expected.
experienced no emotional upheaval when his boots hit the ground at Hanoi Airport. “We had our antennae up,” he said, but that it was not so much from previous combat experiences, as simply being seasoned travelers.” Vietnam remains under communist rule to this date. But Laurence found on his visit that following the country’s adoption
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in 1986 of some aspects of a free market economy, it is “with benefits.” “We were afraid it could still be openly totalitarian,” said Laurence. “It is totalitarian. But with a velvet glove.” Instead of bivouacking, Laurence and Little stayed in high-end Western-style hotels. They vacationed amongst throngs of foreign tourists and
senior party members, who happily drive European luxury cars and relax at posh resorts by the shores of the South China Sea. Little is shown in one snapshot playing golf not far from where they had previously crept through the jungles on the lookout for enemy soldiers. On visiting the site of their former base camp, which had since been razed and turned into
Parking lot project moves ahead Construction is well underway to add 100 spaces to the parking lot at Clayton Community Park which will be finished by the time school starts at the end of August. The additional spaces will take some of the pressure off the adjoining neighborhoods on ball game days and ease the before and after school traffic jams at Diablo View Middle School. The total cost of the project is $850,000. More than half of the funding comes from a $493,000 grant from the East Bay Regional Park District Measure WW bond extension. The remaining $358,000 is from the city’s capital improvement budget.
Arrest, from page 1 www.CaulfieldCourt.com
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The man, identified as Paul Boyd, had his 14-year-old son in the truck with him when he allegedly rammed the teens’ car three times. They youths fled in the damaged Honda, driving west on Clayton Road with Boyd still
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a soccer field for local youth, Laurence connected with locals who led him to two former Vietnamese soldiers with whom he’d served. The men had been punished for their resistance with years in slave camps, and are today still snubbed. Nevertheless, they too enjoy some of the benefits of the country’s growth, and their homes have cell phones, televisions and computers. Laurence said Vietnamese people were naturally welcoming, but grew even more so on hearing of their service in-country. “When they heard we were here as soldiers, they’d brighten up to a whole new level,” he said. “‘We’re glad you came here, we’re glad you came back.’” Laurence returned home from his vacation with a sense of renewed pride in his and others’ efforts to help the people of Vietnam win their freedom. “I took satisfaction from that and comfort. It reinforced my reason for having gone and being there, in believing that freedom is important to Vietnamese, and to any other people. “Our hope is the [people of Vietnam] will ultimately become free,” he added. “I don’t have any illusions that they’re a free country yet, but they’re pretty far along the road.”
in pursuit. Clayton police received a 911 call around 1:30 a.m. reporting the crash on North Mitchell Canyon. Meanwhile, Concord police were responding to a call from one of the passengers in the Honda that “a crazy man
was chasing them.” A punctured rear tire finally brought the Honda to a stop near Willow Pass and Olivera Roads in Concord. Boyd was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and endangering the life of a minor. The teens were charged with vandalism and the underage kids released to their parents.
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July 29, 2011
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Letters to the Editor Don’t turn left
TAMARA AND R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers TAMARA S TEINER , Editor P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design P EGGY S PEAR , Copy Editor J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports PAMELA W IESENDANGER , Administration S TAFF W RITERS : Denisen Hartlove, Jay Hartlove, Lou Fancher, Nicci Shipstead, Pam Wiesendanger, Mike Dunn
We remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit is our muse
CONTACT US Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580 Tamara Steiner tamara@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 discriminates on the basis of race, color,
Directory of Advertisers Auto Economy Auto Painting and Body Work . . . . . . .757-2222
P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517
PIONEER INFO
Page 5
sex, religion, nationality, family status or disability. The Clayton Pioneer reserves the right to reject any advertising we believe is unsuitable. LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a Clayton resident. You will find the appropriate form for your announcement on our Website. Attach your photo to the form. Make sure the image size you are about to send is at least 3 MB but not bigger than 6MB. The only format we accept is JPG. You can also mail or bring your print to the office and we can scan it for you. Also on our Website are forms for submitting Community Calendar items and press releases for your organization. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 250 words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print letters from “anonymous.” E-mail your letter in a Word document to tamara@claytonpioneer.com. Letters MUST be submitted via E-mail.
Residents and visitors to Clayton may have noticed that the public safety folks have developed a sense of humor. As one drives down the hill towards downtown, a marvelously understated sign informs drivers that there are left turns ahead which lead to the Police and the Library, and in fact the left turn lane for the Police Department appears very quickly. Too quickly, perhaps, for the unobservant to notice that not only are U turns prohibited at this turn lane, but even left turns are prohibited. Thus a dedicated turn lane at which you may not turn. Very funny! The joke loses its humor
if you happen to be cited for a violation of the no-turn turn lane, to the tune of $200+. One suspects that the turn lane was built for the convenience of police and city personnel, but why is its use prohibited to us mere mortals? Is it too dangerous to make turns from this dedicated left turn lane? If so, should we subject our public servants to this hazard, or should we simply cement over the problem area and let everyone proceed down to the Library to make their U turns in comparative safety? John J. Robinson Ph.D. Concord CA
Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 Construction and Trades Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700 Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423 Bill Peck Home Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .687-9786 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212-3339 Contra Costa Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-8713 Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .822-5144 H&L Builders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4046 Handyman Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .639-4209 J&J’s Final Coat Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .625-5849 LHI Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-9941 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Dentist Children’s Dentistry of Walnut Creek . . . . . . . . . .938-2392 Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440
Cup O’ Jo to host local band showcase Aug. 6
Memo’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .691-6200 Ravioli’s Italian Market Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-3819 Subway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0621 Willows Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .957-2500 Events
Cup O Jo's, Clayton's popular Main Street coffee house, will host the first Bring the Noise to Clayton Acoustic Showcase on Saturday, Aug. 6. The event, coordinated by Clayton resident Michael Stelzner, aims to promote local musicians from around Contra Costa County. The showcase will feature five acts from the East Bay playing music ranging from bluegrass to rock to poppunk, including Daily City
Symphony (Concord/Clayton), Riley Olasci of Casket of Cassandra (Concord), Hello Captain! (Oakley), Tobacco Money (Castro Valley/Concord), and Run Peter Rabbit (Danville). The free concert begins at 6 p.m. and will run at least until 8 p.m., according to event organizers. Cup O Jo's is located at 6054 Main St. in Clayton. For more information, call Stelzner at 925-876-6131.
Pacific Coast Farmers Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9090 Financial and Insurance Services Benton, Mureleen - Ameriprise Financial . . . . . .685-4523 Kommer, Paul - Merrill Lynch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .988-2111 Littorno, Richard - Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . .672-6463 ProFit Business Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-1025 Snyder, Ken - Genworth Financial . . . . . . . . . . . .270-3617 Travis Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-800-877-8328 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . .672-2300 Funerals Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Home and Garden Abbey Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901
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Danmer Shutters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .202-1220 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055 Mailing and Shipping The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Personal Services Hair Now Styling Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5665
TUTORS NEEDED Project Second Chance, Contra Costa County Library’s adult literacy program. Tutor training class begins Sept. 21. ccclib.org/psc or 927-3250. Diablo Valley Literacy Council, English tutors. Tutor training class begins Sept. 24. Call Maureen 685-3881.
Sun City Tanning & Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .687-4826 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 French, Lynne - Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787 Klock, Leigh - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593
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.
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 Recreation and Fitness All Out Sports League . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203-5626
WANTED Real Estate Agents Be Successful! Lynne French is expanding and interviewing for a few agents. Call her today 6728787.
Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Levity Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .890-6931 Senior Services Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . .524-5100 Services, Other
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Air Cloud Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-4119 x 2 Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Contra Costa Water District Insurance . . . . . . . .688-8059 Contra Costa Water District Rebates . . . . . . . . . .688-8320
Help fight Hunger Call Anna Chan at 672-1988.
Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029
Anna’s Attic Volunteers Call 674-9072.
Travel
Hospice of the East Bay Call Volunteer Dept. at (925) 8875678 or email volunteers@hospiceeastbay.org.
Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9840
Clayton Historical Society Museum Call the museum at 672-0240. Clayton Community Library. 673-9777 or email: nielsenjanc@aol.com.
Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . . . .473-0180 Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447
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Page 6
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 29, 2011
CVHS charter school application goes to school board on Aug. 9 Mid-Day Appointment Specials 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
A teacher-led effort to convert CVHS to an independent charter school will go before the MDUSD Board of Trustees for a public hearing on Aug. 9. The charter school effort began earlier this year and quickly gained momentum. In June, 80 percent of CVHS teachers signed a petition to withdraw from the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and become an independently governed charter school. Citing little district support, low morale among teachers and students, poor academic performance and chronic attendance problems, charter school organizer Pat Middendorf, says things at CVHS “couldn’t get any worse. The movement has gained widespread community support, including financial support from the city of Clayton and the
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CBCA. Mayor Dave Shuey, who will have a child attending CVHS in the fall, says he received more than 1000 emails supporting the conversion and only three opposed. The conversion will put control of finances, curriculum and operations in the hands of a board comprised of parents, teachers, students and community members. The governing board will hire an executive director and control the hiring and firing of teachers. The teachers’ retirement, salaries and benefits will not be affected by the conversion, says Middendorf. The teachers will decide whether to continue with their current union, form a new bargaining unit or opt for no union. Opponents say the conversion will cost MDUSD $1.6 million in lost revenue because the per-student funding is higher for high schools than for elementary and middle schools. Middendorf says does the $1.6 million loss is misleading and does not take into account cost savings. “The district has failed to consider the cost of running Clayton Valley,” say the organizers. “This would substantially lower that figure, if not exceed it.”
Solar, from page 1
CVHS TEACHER AND CHARTER SCHOOL ORGANIZER NEAL MCCHESNEY explains the charter school structure to parents and community members at an informational meeting on July 21 at Hoyer Hall
The charter school application will go before the school board in a public hearing on Aug. 9 with a decision expected at the Sept. 13 Board of Trustees meeting. If the school district denies the application, Middendorf says the organizers will appeal to the Contra Costa County Board of Education and to the State Board of Education if necessary. If approved, CVHS will be come a charter school in 2012.
For more information on the charter school or to read the full charter application, Google Clayton Valley Charter High School and follow the links. For the school district explanation of the funding issue, go to MDUSD.org. The Aug. 9 public hearing is from 5:45 – 7 p.m. at Monte Gardens Elementary School, 3841 Larkspur Drive, Concord. The decision meeting is at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 13 at the MDUSD District Office, 1936 Carlotta Dr., Concord.
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Scammers seek to separate seniors from their money Police receive weekly complaints, but investigation is tough TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
For the second time in as many months, Betty Lopey, a Clayton resident in her 80s, was the target of scam frequently directed at seniors. On July 6, she received a congratulatory phone call from a “John Hatcher” telling her she’d won $10.5 million and a new car in the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes. All she had to do was send $2,500 to an address in Kansas (Denzil Alcorn, 13075 Waco Ave., Wichita, KS, 67213) to cover the taxes and Hatcher would send her the money. For a split second, Lopey was tempted. After all – Publishers Clearing House?
Everyone knows them, right? But, Fred Doan, a friend who was listening to her side of the conversation, jumped in and the Kansas guy never got his cash. Doan, went to the Clayton Police right away. “To my shock, they did not want the information,” Doan said. “They said they receive calls every week about similar scams, but there was nothing they could do to stop it or investigate.” According to Lynn Christ of the Clayton Police Department, the department’s resources are limited and even getting cell phone numbers or phone records takes a search warrant. The Pioneer called Hatcher at the number he gave Lopey. He answered his phone “American Money Corporation, how can we help you?” Hatcher had a strong Indian accent and there was the sound of children screaming in the background.
He said he was a “subcillary” (sic) of the Publishers Clearing House. When we asked for a contact there to verify who he was, he gave us a phone number with a 510 area code and an address in New York. We pointed out that this couldn’t be possible since the 510 area code is the San Francisco Bay Area. To which he replied “f*%* you, b*$#h” and hung up. Beware of these scams. Talk to your friends and neighbors. If you have to pay someone to get something you won, it’s a scam. Don’t be fooled by requests for tax payments, shipping and handling, duty and customs, or any other request for money. Christ advises anyone receiving these calls to call the phone company and block the number and never, ever give them a credit card number.
Pete Pederson, who is overseeing the project for the district, said the plan is to have all the vertical structures in place before school starts Aug. 30. Installing the actual panels and other electrical units won’t be as intrusive, he said. “We want to make sure we aren’t impacting the neighborhoods too much, in the event the parking lots aren’t available,” Pederson said. “But we should be through that stage.” He says that he has been working with the city managers of Clayton, Concord, Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill to insure that there are no parking issues once schools reopen. Obviously the high schools will have the biggest installations due it their sizes and demand for power. Northgate’s will have a significantly larger demand for energy because of its unusual architecture and lack of windows. “There are more heating and cooling issues there,” Pederson said. The district-wide “Photovoltaic Project” is being implemented in three “increments,” or stages, with the first one expected to be complete in September or October of this year. Construction at the second batch of schools should begin in September or October, and finish in January of 2012. The third increment should begin construction in January, 2012, and be complete by April, 2012. Obviously, CVHS and Northgate are in the first increment. Diablo View and Pine Hollow middle schools are in the second increment, and Mt. Diablo and Highlands elementary schools are in the final batch. Despite the chaos construction can cause, the long-term gains are impressive, Pederson said. According to a district analysis, the 30-year projected savings is $220 million. Officials say that the project will offset 91 percent of the district’s PG&E bills by generating 81 percent of the district’s energy usage. The average annual utility cost for all 51 schools is $3,681,410. With the installation of the solar panels, the cost is projected to be $334,991. From an energy usage perspective, the project also makes sense, Pederson said. According to his analysis, solar will produce 17,171,710 kilowatts of the district’s 21,305,397 kilowatt usage. Plus the parents, teachers, students and staff have the pleasure of knowing that they are helping their school “go green.” For more information on the solar panel installations or other Measure C projects, visit the MDUSD website at www.mdusd.org.
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July 29, 2011
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 7
One-person households set to grow in coming years LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ANSWERS Younger generation opts for convenience, community over space Q. What are some of the changes you see in the future for real estate? A. Patrick Phillips, CEO for the Urban Land Institute, has said that one-person households are the fastest growing type of household. Resurgence is occurring near urban centers. Younger generations place a higher value on the sense of community and are willing to swap extra space for convenience. The design and development of urban area will be radically different in the decades ahead. There is a push to make our cities more livable and sus-
tainable. One example of that are the building plans for downtown Walnut Creek. “The U.S. population is projected to grow by 150 million within the next 40 years and more compact, mixed use development is needed to handle the growth and changing demands,” Phillips said. Q. What other changes seem to be occurring affecting the housing market? A. One other changes contributing to the down economy is that the U.S. Population is getting older. The Sunbelt states, such as California, are more youthful and racially diverse than the Midwest and Northern states. In the past decade the population that is under 15 years of age in the whole country has shrunk. States in the middle of the country aren’t attracting young adult migrants and are not attracting many immigrants at all, according to William Frey, senior fellow at the Brookings
Institute. The states with the largest drop in percentage of the population under 15 in the last 10 years are: 1. Alaska 2. Maryland 3. California 4. Rhode Island 5. Hawaii. Another factor would be that families are choosing to have less children. Q. Our son graduated from college with great credentials but hasn’t been able to secure the kind of job in which he and his wife can save up enough for a down payment to buy a home. My wife and I would like to help them. What type of options should we consider? A. Before you make a decision on how to help you should talk to a financial advisor. Is this an affordable option for you? Here are a few ideas: 1. You can co-sign a bank loan and be on the loan with them; you might enter into a shared equity arrangement with them. (This is how it sounds. You share any equity
Internet skies are getting cloudier, changing the way we compute Socrates said, “Change is the only constant.” The way we think about and use computers is once again changing as we move applications, information and even the details of our lives into the Internet cloud. Back in the day, the PC was a nice simple stand-alone device that worked with spread sheets, word processing software and not much more. An uncomplicated tool to improve our efficiency, make work easier and faster. Today we cling to computers and hand held devices for all manor of thinking, its an extension of our brain. We are deliberately tethered to the Internet for the planning our lives, the execution of our business, social interaction, directions, places to eat as well as entertainment, and accessing all relevant information about our world around us. This evolution, this change, this new thinking has touched us all. Cloud computing means using multiple server computers via a digital network, as though they were one computer. Often, the services available are considered part of “cloud computing.” The entire Internet, then, represents multiple clouds and to these clouds you can add your own. When you string a few PCs together, that’s a local network. The network’s advantage is more
WILL CLANEY TECH TALK power through device and file sharing. In layman’s terms, it’s like having more people and equipment to streamline the work. The Internet grew out of the desire to share the content of networks by connecting groups, or networks of computers together. Attach your home computer or your network PCs to a home server then attached the server to the Internet the result is a Personal Cloud. Personal Cloud computing is ready to take its place in the evolution of the computer. While the Internet cloud is a bunch of computers displaying web pages, the Personal Cloud is all about putting your own private information on the Internet for you to access anywhere, anytime. Your files, web pages, videos, movies, news, stock quotes, music,
gained while you own it together); 2. You can gift them the money for the down payment. (An FHA loan only requires 3.5 percent down. 3. You can lend them the down payment or the entire mortgage and you be the bank. 4. You can buy the house and work out a rent-to-buy arrangement with them.
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Send your question & look for your answer in a future column. Email: Lynne@LynneFrench.com . Lynne French is the Broker/Owner of Windermere Lynne French & Associates and a Clayton resident. For any real estate needs or questions contact her at (925) 672-878 7or stop in at 6200 Center Street in Clayton.
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and personal and business data, are accessible only by you or those you allow. Access to your Personal Cloud is gained with a PC, notebook or smart phone. The Internet becomes your private portal into your life. The easiest way to setup your own Personal Cloud is with a personal server. Much like your existing router the personal server is an appliance. In other words, it is a device you don’t really pay much attention to once it is installed and setup. It houses all your files, backups, applications. It controls your security allowing only those authorized to enter access to computers and information on your local network. It works similar GoToMyPC or remote access software without the monthly fees required by these services. Life in the computer “biz” is changing because that’s the only constant. Now you have the Personal Cloud server as a new extension of your brain. One that promises greater access to your memories, that thing that makes us human. It’s all right there on your Personal Cloud. The only question is, how will you use it?
William Claney is an independent tech writer and former owner of Computers USA in the Clayton Station. Email questions or comments to will@claytonpioneer.com.
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Page 8
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 29, 2011
Obituary
Catherine Reid Bedecarré
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Catherine Corrinne Reid Bedecarré, 84, passed away peacefully July 13 surrounded by her husband, children, sister, brother-in-law and grandchildren following an extended illness. Her “million dollar smile”, unfailing optimism and deep faith were with her until the end. She lived in Concord since 1955. She was an award-winning fourth grade teacher in the Oakley School District for 20 years and then mentored teaching credential candidates at St. Mary’s College for another 10 years with her husband John. Prior to entering teaching she was a homemaker raising six children, entrepreneur and small businesswoman. Cathy is survived by her wonderful husband and partner of nearly 63 years, John Bedecarré, and her beloved younger sister Eleanor Ann Hastings. Cathy and John had
six children and 17 grandchildren: John Jay Bedecarré of Clayton and children Jason, Justin, Juliene, Jared; Catherine Diane Bedecarré (Henry White) of Petaluma and children Lydia, Andy; Corrinne Marie Bedecarré of Lauderdale, MN and children Dorothy, Patrick, Ellen; Thomas Hamilton Bedecarré (Maggie) of
Woodside and children Madeline, Kathryn (Yuni Hodelin), John; William Clark Bedecarré (Nancy) of Los Angeles and children Claire, Ella, Grace; Albert Pierre Bedecarré (Claire Ernst) of San Francisco and children Sophie, Alden. She was predeceased by her parents Lemuel and Winifred Reid and her daughter-in-law Jill Cogan Bedecarré of Clayton. She was born in Memphis, TN, the third of four children. She attended UC Berkeley, where she was the Cal Gal columnist for the Oakland Tribune. At Cal she was city editor of the Daily Cal newspaper and 1948 senior class secretary. She became a lifelong Golden Bear and there met her future husband John. Her family and church were always at the center of her universe. The family belonged to
Queen of All Saints Parish in Concord for many years before John and Cathy moved to their current Concord home in 1973 and joined a young St. Agnes Church Parish. She was the long-time head of the St. Agnes Christian Service Committee, Social Justice Committee and helped John edit the Herald newspaper. The couple was deeply interested in politics and government. They registered hundreds, if not thousands, of voters and volunteered on many campaigns. Cathy and John were leaders of the Mt. Diablo Genealogical Society.
franchise agreement with Allied Waste for our trash and recycling. A council subcommittee did extensive due diligence before the Council approved the extension and we believe we got a very favorable deal for the city. Allied has always worked closely with the city to ensure excellent service and they are also a significant supporter to multiple city events such as concerts in the park, Clayton Cleans Up and others. Our rates are among the lowest in the county and Allied is working hard with us to pro-
mote recycling for our future. So remember to make sure your brown can is bigger than your blue can to ensure we recycle as much as possible. Finally, points to ponder: If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done? Can an atheist get insurance against acts of God? If the Clayton police arrest a mime, should they have to tell him he has the right to remain silent? Email me at shuey@rankinlaw.com.
Donations in Catherine Bedecarré’s name can be made to the League of Women Voters (lwv.org) and St. Agnes Church Social Justice Committee, 3966 Chestnut Ave., Concord, CA 94519.
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of being grilled by the full council before we make our decision and hire the lucky firm. Stay tuned for the riveting ending. And lest you think I forgot my newest obsession, the Mt. Diablo Unified School District is holding its public hearing on the Clayton Valley Charter High School Petition at from 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Aug. 9, at Monte Gardens Elementary (3841 Larkspur Drive, Concord) If you read the blogs, there is a small but vocal minority of anonymous people who are trying to stop this endeavor in its tracks. We absolutely have to bring an overwhelming show of support to this meeting to show the District that our community wants this petition granted. Just like with your support emails, do not think that your neighbor will go and you don’t have to go. We need all of you so please show up and let’s make our school better for our children and improve our community value in the process. We can make a difference. As you read in the last issue, we were once again robbed/fleeced/violated by the State when their new budget included the elimination of our, and every other city’s, Redevelopment Agency. The result of this is to take more than $5 million in local property tax already in our possession which results in an immediate $425,000 gap in our General Fund. With a General Fund of around $3.65 million, we are losing 12 percent and will have to either make further cuts of personnel or services or dip into our reserve fund. Well, the good news is that the League of California Cities (our own Justice League for you comic fans) has filed a lawsuit and request for injunction with
the Supremes (Supreme Court) to block this clear violation/end run around Prop. 22 that prohibits the State from raiding local tax revenue. We shall see what happens and hopefully we will not have to face some tough budget decisions. Fingers crossed everyone. WASTE NOT WANT NOT. On another front, we have finalized an extension to the
Why doing it yourself may not be such a good idea Many folks today want to pinch pennies, and fixing their own car is a way to that. After all, mechanics are expensive. But before you dive in under the hood, make sure you know what you’re working with. Cars today are not your grandmother’s Oldsmobile. With today’s cars there are a number of things that are connected together in a network, or system. For example, the water pump inside the timing cover is driven by the timing belt. If you replace or remove the timing belt it must be put back on a specific way, otherwise when you start the engine it will do very severe damage. And that will cost more money to fix. In the starter circuit there are a lot of different parts. The starter is the end result of turning the key. If there are issues with the ignition switch, the starter relay, the neutral safety switch or the starter solenoid, the engine will not start. And you’ll spend money to fix it. There have been many times
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the readings mean. On today’s engines something as simple as changing the spark plugs can turn into a big problem, costing hundreds of dollars. Some of the Ford engines use a special spark plug with a very long electrode. If this electrode gets stuck when you’re trying to remove the plug it will brake off in the head. Now you need to buy the special tool to remove it. Even rotating our tires can set a dash light, if you do it without the special tool to reset the tire monitors. So again, you may want to think twice before fixing your own car – will it really save you money? Gary Taylor is service manager at Clayton Valley Shell. Call him with questions at (925) 672-3900
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customer has said that their “check engine” light was on so they bought a code reader (more money), pulled the codes, and replaced the part that was at fault. Then a few days later the light came back on, and now they need us mechanics to find the problem. On a lot of these modern cars (1996 or newer) the sensors that tell the computer information are linked together. Sensors all relay information to the computer, and it will make necessary adjustments by changing its commands to other sensors or components. For instance, if the oxygen sensor tells the computer that the exhaust is lean, the computer will tell the fuel injectors to add more fuel. If this doesn’t make the exhaust richer the computer will alert the oxygen sensor. But the problem maybe a vacuum leak in the intake system. The problem with trying to fix your car yourself is you need the proper tools to watch the signal from the sensors and have the knowledge and expertise to be able to conclude what
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 9
Bring the outdoors in to your indoor cat Many feline lovers believe that cats prefer to share their time between home and yard. While some cats really do enjoy outdoor time, allowing your kitty outside can be risky business. Opening that door is an invitation to all sorts of dangerous situations. Roamers are continually in jeopardy of being hit by speeding cars or attacked by wild animals (even suburban areas have predators). Explorers can unknowingly put themselves in danger of being trapped in a hot garage, basement, or other isolated space far from the help of human hands. Even those who stick close to home can be exposed by other neighborhood cats to a multitude of diseases, many of which have no protective vaccine available. The good news is that cats don’t need to go outside. There are many ways to make
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PET PALS indoor living just as fun as life outdoors by bringing the joys of nature inside. If your cat is willing to try new things, training her to wear a harness and walk on a leash will allow her to enjoy outside time while keeping her safe. This is also a good option for a newly adopted young cat. Usually, strolling with your cat in the front or back yard will provide sufficient entertainment, as most felines prefer to stick close to home. Be careful not to leave
your cat unattended or tied out in the yard. A bird feeder attached to a tree in front of a prime window seat will entertain your cat for hours. To make it even more exciting, splurge on a window box, so she can have her own little protected outdoor enclosure. Television can also serve as your cat’s “window” on nature. Videos and shows featuring fellow felines, fish, birds, and other nature elements are constant amusement for many cats, and the resulting kitty chatter will keep you and your family in stitches. Or try a sound machine that plays nature noises. Cat grass is a fun and tasty treat which most cats love. Readily available from any pet store, it can be grown from seed or purchased ready to eat. Another favorite, especially among adventurous
cats, are wand toys featuring a bright feather, which allows your cat to hunt and chase to her heart’s content. She will also benefit from the direct interaction with you. Finally, a cat tree will give your companion a place to scratch and climb up high, where she can keep a watchful eye on daily family life. Although your cat might fuss and plead to be let outside, particularly if you’ve just begun keeping her inside, the key to happiness is providing plenty of physical and mental exercise. Remember that you’re doing what is right for her: keeping your cat in the safest possible place, your home and your heart. For more ideas, please visit the Cat Behavior Library on the Resources & Links page at www.arf.net.
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The adoption fee for adult dogs is $225 and includes 60 percent off one 7-week dog training session. Archie is the crème de la crème, and what about those stunning blue eyes! Not only is he a looker, but he has a quiet, mellow personality. The adoption fee for adult cats is $50. Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during
adoption hours: 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The primary caretaker must be present to adopt. ARF also encourages kids 16 and younger and canine family members (dog adoptions only) to be present during the adoption process. Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www.arf.net, or call 925.256.1ARF.
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Page 10
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 29, 2011
Clayton Sports Eagles pass way to JV football title
Photo by Eddie De La Torre courtesy Clayton Valley football
Clayton Gym, from page 1 Rhonda Caldwell sent Copeland a note about her son’s basketball experience. “Words cannot describe how impressed I am with your All Out Sports League. From each correspondence I have had from day one up until our first game, your league is much more organized, professional and youth oriented than leagues we have been in contact with years prior. I am truly glad we signed our son up to AOSL and we will continue to participate in your League here in Clayton. Many thank yous, you are doing a wonderful job.” The AOSL basketball program is growing. Registration for the fall league, which begins two weeks after the summer program ends, is already open. A winter basketball league will run from December through February. The winter basketball league will also have cheerleaders. AOSL also has a competitive basketball program. Copeland adds, “We currently have two AAU Basketball teams that are doing very well. The current 10U team has won three tournaments this year. Tryouts for this team will be in December.” For information on all of the AOSL programs at Clayton Gym visit www.alloutsportsleagueclayton.com.
COACH LES GARAVENTA’S CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM won the 11th annual Clayton Valley JV at Gonsalves Stadium. The Eagles took top honors from the eight teams taking part in the 7 on 7 tournament. The all-sophomore Eagles team defeated De La Salle 21-14 in the championship game. The two finalists were each 3-0 entering the title game. The Shootout champions were, front row from left, Ryan Dudley, Ryan Williams, Riley Smith, Tanner Wraa, Mike Protheroe; back row, coach Garaventa, Kristian Mamea, Garrett Nelson, Zach Dominguez, Kyle Hively and Austin Rogers.
Kristian Ipsen, partner narrowly miss out on World Championship diving medal fourth going into the finals. After the prelim dives Ipsen said, “I was pretty happy with our performance but there are a few things we can change. We don’t want to do all our best dives in the prelims. We want to save our best for the finals. Hopefully we can come out and put pressure on the three teams ahead of us.” Five dives into the finals the American tandem put on plenty of pressure moving into second place but just one point ahead of a Mexican team and five in front
JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clayton’s globe-trotting diver Kristian Ipsen was in Shanghai, China last week for the FINA World Championships and barely missed coming home with a medal. Ipsen and partner Troy Dumais, the three-time Olympian, took fourth in the 3meter Synchronized after being placing second entering their final dive of the competition a reverse 2-1/2 with 1-1/2 twists. Dumais and Ipsen qualified
because he did a great job.” A couple of days later Ipsen was on his own in the 3M springboard competition. He began his second major international meet individually (he was sixth in 3M last year at the World Cup, also in China) by moving into fourth place after two rounds of the 3M preliminaries but then had three low scoring efforts in a row and was eliminated before the semifinals. The good news was that Dumais qualified ninth (and ended up fifth) so the USA
earned a second spot in the 2012 Olympics for 3M springboard, which effectively doubles Ipsen’s chances of competing there next summer. Last month Ipsen earned his sixth national championship without even taking a dive. Harrison Jones was stripped of his 2011 Winter Nationals 3M springboard title due to a failed drug test and runner-up Ipsen was awarded the gold medal. Dumais, who was third at the meet, moved up to the silver medal spot.
Photo by Mike Dunn
ALL OUT SPORTS LEAGUE founder Casey Copeland keeps very busy running the summer basketball program at Clayton Community Gym. Whether he’s setting up the schedule, officiating games or fixing a backboard Copeland is making sure the boys and girls in the program are having a positive experience.
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of a Russian duo. The US team faltered on its final dive, missing out on the silver (England) and bronze (Mexico) medals with Chinese divers Qin Kai and Luo Yutong comfortably in front of the field for the gold as China continues to totally dominate international diving. Dumais was disappointed afterwards realizing his team finished just nine points off the podium.”Finals are always a fight and I missed my last dive. I’m sorry I had to bring my teammate [Ipsen] down with me
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Page 11
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Name: Diablo FC 95 Sport: Soccer, Futsal Team: Diablo FCl Playing on one of the top soccer teams in America can keep a young person busy. For local players Isaiah Dargan and Mikey Guerrero (De La Salle), Reymond Velente Clayton Valley), TJ Hogan (Berean Christian) and their teammates on the Diablo FC 95 boys soccer team it also means they are traveling around the Western United States seeking the highest levels of competition. The team is competing this weekend at Surf Cup XXXI in San
Diego. In their 12-team Super bracket are championship teams from Maryland, Florida, Nevada, Georgia and Washington as well as California’s best. Two weeks ago nine players from the team took part in the 26th annual US Futsal National Championships in Anaheim and their Diablo Valley team (5v5 games played indoors) won the U15 boys national title while the rest of the group was playing in the Davis Legacy
College Showcase where they lost the U16 finale on penalty kicks. This action came just weeks after Diablo FC 95 returned from the USYSA Far West Regionals where the squad coached by John Badger defeated the #1 team in the country San Diego Surf Academy 3-2 as they reached the quarterfinals and cemented their place in the Top 15 national rankings. Diablo FC 95 has gone to three straight CYSA State Cup finals.
The Clayton Pioneer congratulates Diablo FC 95 and rewards their achievement with a gift certificate to Rocco’s Ristorante & Pizzeria 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 Rocco’s Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@claytonpioneer.com.
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Clayton’s Kara Kohler rows to pair of titles in Europe The Cal star and 2009 CVHS grad makes bid for US Olympic berth JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Our small city of Clayton may be represented by two athletes next year at the London Summer Olympics. Diver Kristian Ipsen has established himself on the international diving stage and seems a nearlock to claim a spot on the United States diving team. Now, 2009 Clayton Valley High grad Kara Kohler has burst onto the American rowing main stage just two years after taking up the sport as a freshman at Cal. Kohler was Pac 10 Newcomer of the Year as a freshman, last summer helped the American team to the U23 World Championship and then was All-America this past spring as a Golden Bear sophomore. As soon as her collegiate season was over she headed to Princeton to train with the National team this summer, and she was chosen to participate in American boats at the Henley Royal Regatta in England and World Cup III in Lucerne, Switzerland. She was in the quad (four members sculling – two oars each) at the Henley and the American Eight in Lucerne. Not only did she make those two boats but also helped each to gold medals. The historic Henley Regatta on the River Thames was first competed in 1839 but women weren’t allowed to compete
Photo courtesy of Kohler family
KARA KOHLER (RIGHT) AND HER USA TEAMMATE ELLE LOGAN got hold of the champion’s Princess Grace Cup Challenge Cup recently in England. Kohler and Logan are collegiate rivals at Cal and Stanford, respectively, but were part of the winning American 8 at the Henley Regatta. They are dressed up with hats and fascinators (feathers in Kara’s hair), a British fashion trend that has reappeared thanks to Kate Middleton.
until 1981 when women’s exhibition races were first contested. This year’s Princess Grace tall quad final was a battle for the early part of the race with Australian Institute of Sport keeping the rating up and sparring effectively, until the US women turned it on and passed
them. The Aussie entry had the race experience to match the US crew, but not quite as much horsepower. The US Quad–powered by World Champ Esther Lofgren, U23 World Champ Kohler and two Olympic Champions in Elle Logan and recently returned Caryn Davies–had the race in
hand by mid-course and took a length and 1/4 verdict at the finish. In Lucerne, the featured eight race was eerily similar to the World Cup last year, as the Canadians set the pace for the first 1500 meters only to see the Americans sprint through to get the win. The margin was a bit tighter this year with the USA never down by more than a deck or so, and having perhaps a slight margin over Canada in the second half. The US had to work hard for the win as the line-up for the American crew had been in constant flux with fully five different rowers from the eight that won the week before in Henley. Kohler, coming off her sophomore year at Cal, was racing her first regatta at the senior team level. “That race was a wild ride to say the least, but a good first go,” she said, following the win. “There’s always a bit of nerves at the start but I try to brush it off and not let it get to me.” Here, Davies interjected, “Bears don’t get nervous, GRRRR!” Kohler continued on to say, “We were a few seats down through most of the race, but were able to pull back through.” The women’s eight was the only gold medal won by USA rowers in Lucerne. Even with those international laurels Kohler is currently waiting to hear this week if she’s selected for an American team going to Bled, Slovenia at the end of August for the World Championships, a major step towards making the Olympic team in 2012.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 29, 2011
Clayton Sports Dana Hills rack up 10 age group titles at Pentathlon Oakhurst swimmers also place well in event that is a precursor to County meet.
competitor with teammates Aaron Woodling third and Colton Seastrand fourth. His twin sister Stephanie won by more than 10 seconds and Kassidy Serena was seventh for the Otters. Their older brothers Ryan Iannaccone (9-10) and Erick Iannaccone (11-12) also won gold medals in their A Divisions. Zoe Lahanas (sixth) and Molly Boland (eighth) were DH girls in 6 and under B Division while Diego Castaneda (third), William Miller (fifth) and Connor Velez (seventh) placed for the Otters in the youngest B Division while Joe Ottoboni of Oakhurst was eighth. Teammates Ryanne Boland and Emily Hamilton were first and second in 7-8 girls with Rylie Velez fifth. In the 7-8 B Division Haley Brown was first for Oakhurst Country Club, beating DHST’s Ainsley Townlin by .07 seconds in the meet’s closest margin of victory. On the boys 7-8 side, Orca Terrell Hopson was second to Ygnacio Wood swimmer Mikey Mainer in the A Division while Dana Hills swimmers Jason Woodling (third), Toshio Longley (fourth) and Joshua Ewert (sixth) trailed. In the 7-8 boys B Division, the Otters and Oakhurst grabbed most of the medals with Xander Friedman (first), Matteo Mitchell (second), Christopher Sarna (third) and Joey Dern (fifth) for DHST and Hunter Silva (sixth) for the Orcas. The 9-10 boys placements behind Ryan Iannaccone from
JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Each July the Dana Hills Swim Team hosts the Devil Mountain Pentathlon, offering recreation swimmers the chance to swim all four strokes plus the individual medley or double distance freestyle in a unique format which rewards the top A and B Division allaround competitors. This year’s 17th edition of the pentathlon saw the host team win a dominating 10 of the 12 A Division gold medals. The host Otters captured first place in every age group except the 7-8 boys, where they finished third, fourth and sixth and the 15-18 girls, where DHST competitors were second, fourth, fifth and sixth behind Clayton Valley High School standout Allyson Hansen, swimming for Springwood. All the other 10 age groups–five each for boys and girls–featured an Otters swimmer accumulating the lowest cumulative time. IANNACCONNES MAKE A SPLASH
In the youngest age group, 6 and under, twins Scott and Stephanie Iannaccone of Dana Hills won the boys and girls A Division respectively. Scott Iannaccone was more than nine seconds ahead of his closest
Dana Hills were Niklas Weigelt (third), Jackson Trimble (sixth) and Anthony Trimble (eighth). Erick Iannaccone topped the 11-12 boys with three Otters teammates also placing—Sean Thomas (fourth), Joe Snyder (sixth) and Anthony Friedman (eighth). In 11-12 boys B Division Adam Birder was fifth and Mathew Fryer seventh for DH. PREPARING FOR LEAGUE, COUNTY MEETS
DHST head coach Serge Victor must have been pleased with the results in so many age groups where multiple Otters were placing in the A Division, foreshadowing excellent relay teams during the end of season league, city and county meets. Sarah Hamilton of Dana Hills was the only down age A Division event winner aside from the 15-18 age groups where a pair of 17-year-olds won. Nine-year-old Hamilton finished more than five seconds ahead of the field in the 9-10 girls. Alex Brown (third), Gabriella Mancini (fifth) and Camille Cline (seventh) took home hardware for the otters. Emma Kelly of DH was first in the 9-10 B Division with teammate Kaitlyn Dunn (third) while Oakhurst placed with Brianna Murray (fourth), Georgia Moraes (fifth) and Sarah DeBack (eighth). Allie Klinger was the top finisher in 11-12 girls for Dana Hills while Katie O’Sullivan (third), Erika Publico (fourth) and Alina Weigelt (fifth) for the
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Sports Shorts TAKING THE WORLD BY STORM GIRLS SOCCER DAY AUG. 20 Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, in partnership with Tesoro Golden Eagle, Garaventa Enterprises and Diablo FC, presents “Taking the World by Storm - Building Self-Confidence and Leadership Skills for Girls On & Off the Field” on Saturday, Aug. 20, at Tesoro Fields in Concord. This free soccer clinic led by the semi-professional women’s soccer team California Storm is for girls 10-16 and will run from 3:30 – 6 p.m. Registration is required for the free girls soccer clinic and space is limited so girls are encouraged to sign up early by emailing carmen.angulo@asm.ca.gov or calling (925) 521-1511. Following the free clinic will be a women’s exhibition game between the California Storm and Diablo FC starting at 6 o’clock.
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was 13-14 A Division champ. Oakhurst’s Jacob Hanson took eighth in the B Division. Hansen was the 15-18 girls winner with Dana Hills earning four placements by down age swimmers Sierra MacIntyre (second), Vicky Talens (fourth), Sara Abele (fifth) and Tricia Talens (sixth). Tianna HowardRoles took eighth in B Division.
Clayton Valley High School Athletic Boosters are hosting their 20th annual Charity Golf Tournament on Monday, Aug. 22, at Oakhurst Country Club. Entry fee includes golf, cart, lunch, putting contest, golf shirt, tee prize and dinner. Early bird entry fee of $150 goes up $25 after Aug. 3. For complete information email tournament director Chance Gernhardt chancegernhardt@yahoo.com or visit cvhsboosters.org.
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Otters. Their teammate Bridget Hyland was fifth in 11-12 B Division. In 13-14 girls Justine Trimble took top honors while Melissa Schoell (third) and Lindsay Treppa (fourth) also were top A Division finishers. Bethany Anzelone (fifth) and Sarah Williams (sixth) gained B Division medals for DHST. Jack Madigan of Dana Hills
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Photo by Joern Weigelt courtesy of Dana Hills Swim Team
THE IANNACCONE FAMILY HAD QUITE A TIME AT THE 17TH ANNUAL DEVIL MOUNTAIN PENTATHLON. The Dana Hills Swim Team won 10 of the A Division gold medals and Iannaccone children claimed four of them. Ryan Iannaccone won the 9-10 boys division while older brother Erick was tops in the 11-12 boys and twins Scott and Stephanie swept the six and under laurels for the Otters.
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Clayton Community Gym is open every Monday evening this summer for open basketball play and Tuesday for volleyball open gym. All Out Sports League is holding open gym nights through the end of August. The gym will be open on Mondays for basketball and Tuesday for volleyball from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for children eight to 17 and from 7:30-9:30 p.m. for adults 18 and older. Cost is $5 per person per night. Visit alloutsportsleague-clayton.com for more details.
ALL OUT SPORTS LEAGUE PARENT/ CHILD GOLF FUNDRAISER AUG. 14 All Out Sports League is holding its second annual Parent/Child Golf Tournament on Sunday, Aug. 14, at Hiddenbrooke Golf Course in American Canyon with a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start. The entry fee of $180 covers two players (children must be eight years or older) and a BBQ dinner. There will be a variety of contests and prizes with a two-player scramble format used. Proceeds from this event will go to support AOSL youth programs. Registration is now open on the website at alloutsportsleague.com.
Not to be outdone by his CVHS teammate Hansen, Derek Anderson won the 15-18 boys A Division. Both Hansen and Anderson are preparing for their first collegiate water polo seasons this year after graduating from Clayton Valley High last month. Samuel Protich was third for DHST in 15-18 boys A while Dustin McCormick was fourth in B Division.
PRE-SEASON SUMMER CAMP FOR MDSA PLAYERS AUG. 1-4 Boys and girls in Mt. Diablo Soccer are invited to AYSO Pre-Season Camp Aug. 1-4 at Boatwright Fields in Concord. Diablo FC will have an all-star coaching staff including St. Mary’s College head coach Adam Cooper, Cal Berkeley goalkeeper coach Henry Foulk, Brazilian World Cup legend Sissi and 5-time NCS champion coach Brian Voltattorni on hand for the sessions. The camp is open to all AYSO players as they get ready for their 2011 fall league season. Registration and information is available at diablofc.org.
NEW 10 UNDER BASEBALL TEAM FORMING IN CLAYTON All Out Sports League 10 Under travel baseball team based in Clayton is now taking signups. The team will play in tournaments throughout Northern California and Nevada and practice at Clayton Community Park. Tryouts for the 2012 season will be held Sept. 4 and Oct. 9 from 3–6 p.m. There is no fee to tryout. Players need to be born after April 30, 2001 in order to qualify for the 10U age group. For more information call (925) 203-5626 or visit alloutsportsleague-clayton.com.
STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR MT. DIABLO SOCCER FALL LEAGUE WAITLIST Mt. Diablo Soccer is still accepting applications for fall league. The local AYSO recreation soccer program, Mt. Diablo Soccer encourages families with children 4 -18 years of age to visit its website at mdsoccer.org and sign up. Children must be at least four-years-old by July 31 to play this fall season. Some age groups may only be accepting players on wait list. For more information email Mt. Diablo Soccer at fall@mdsoccer.org. Information on fees and volunteer requirements are on the website. Team practices begin as early as Aug. 1.
MT. DIABLO STRIKERS WIN SANTA BARBARA SPLASH TOURNAMENT Mt. Diablo U12 boys Strikers FC took first place at the Santa Barbara Splash Tournament to conclude their tournament season. The championship match was played in the rain with the MDSA boys defeating a Santa Barbara squad 4-3. In the finale Strikers FC were ahead 2-0 at halftime on goals by Taylor Heuerman and Evan Lonestar, but Santa Barbara came out strong in the second half to score three times before Austin Ramirez and Diego Cordova netted goals in the final five minutes to give Strikers FC their fourth tourney championship.
July 29, 2011
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 13
She’s 100, going strong for 101 Clayton resident Hannah Johnson “loves being a part of everything.’ PAMELA WIESENDANGER Clayton Pioneer
It reached 100 on July 18 in Clayton. Not the thermometer, but the birthday clock for Diamond Terrace resident, Hannah Johnson. Hannah celebrated her 100th birthday with neighbors at parties on July 16 at Diamond Terrace and family at her daughter Carla Johnson-Neer’s home in Clayton on July 17. City council issued a certificate to Johnson at the July 5 meeting declaring a Hannah Christina Johnson day in Clayton. “You have to live it to learn it,” Johnson says when asked the obvious question about the secret to long life. “I drink my milk every night,” she adds, offering something tangible to inquiring minds. She sits quietly in her recliner with a sketch of her husband on the wall above and her but-
terfly collection displayed around the room. A string of butterflies over the air conditioner vent take flight when the air comes on. Johnson answers questions with a certain modesty and practical thought, every so often becoming playful like the butterflies by sharing a more personal sentiment. She was born in Iowa and met her husband, Carl, while both were working on a farm. She cooked, cleaned and did wash for the ranch hands. Carl worked with horses. Hannah says he was very jealous and kept turning up where she was until one day, he said, “Why don’t we elope?” “That was it,” Hannah chuckles, revealing details even Johnson-Neer did not know. They ran off to Carl’s home state of Minnesota to wed, but were not entirely alone. Carl’s mother shared in the occasion and baked “a nice big angel food cake” to celebrate. Hannah and Carl spent their life together farming in South Dakota and raising four children. And when Carl fell ill, “I
CENTENARIAN HANNAH JOHNSON credits her long life to taking things as they come and a glass of milk every night. Mayor Dave Shuey passes the microphone to Johnson at the July 5 city council meeting where she was honored by the city of Clayton for reaching a healthy and robust 100 years.
took care of him,” Hanna says, in spite of the doctor’s recommendation that Carl be in a care home. They were married for 63 years by the time he passed away in 1991. Hannah moved around a bit – back to Iowa and Minnesota before settling at Diamond
Terrace in Clayton near Carla. Hannah is legally blind, so she needs some assistance, but mostly manages on her own. “She loves to be a part of everything,” says Gwin LewisPhillips, assistant administrator at Diamond Terrace. LewisPhillips helped Johnson move in back in 2006. She notes that Johnson is very active – enjoying the weekly socials, live music and resident meetings. “She is well-preserved,” her daughter teases. She adds that her mother is really healthy and strong. Even Johnson’s cardiologist comments on her firm handshake. Johnson speaks from the heart when she reminisces about dancing, her husband, conversations with her own mother and enjoying polka music on the radio on Sundays. Both sets of her grandparents were from Germany. To give tribute to her heritage, her family party was catered with German food and polka music kept the tempo upbeat. Johnson says what she is looking forward to next in life is “good health and to continue to live on my own.”
What’s the prognosis for Social Security?
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Future retirees will get benefits, but exactly how much is the question. Will Social Security be available for you when you retire? Based on how much chatter and misinformation surrounds the subject, you may be surprised by the answer. Barring dramatic changes, Social Security will continue to provide benefits for all future retirees, including you. The real question is how much you will receive in benefits. A “PAY AS YOU GO” PROGRAM It is important to understand just how Social Security is structured. While the system faces financial challenges due in large part to demographic trends of a large baby boomer population retiring, it is not “going broke” as many have stated. The primary source of bene-
MURELEEN BENTON FINANCIAL SENSE fits for current retirees is the Social Security (FICA) tax paid by working Americans. This is an ongoing source of revenue for the program. Therefore, benefits will be available indefinitely assuming the FICA tax remains in place. What concerns forecasters is that, along with ongoing tax receipts, the Social Security program has become increasingly dependent on a “trust fund”
that has been building for decades. The trust fund is a pool of money that represents the excess of tax receipts generated over the years beyond what was needed to pay current benefits. As the large baby boomer population begins to retire, the trust fund will slowly be depleted in order to fulfill all promised benefits to retirees. LIFE AFTER THE TRUST FUND The only part of Social Security that is “going broke” is the trust fund. It is projected that if no changes to benefits or the tax structure occur, the trust fund will be depleted by about 2037. The trust fund has faced challenges before. In the 1980s, changes to the tax rate and benefits eligibility were put in place in order to delay the potential depletion of the trust fund. It is possible that additional changes
New phone does everything but make a call JOE ROMANO
SO ANYWAY So, I got an email the other day from my esteemed editor at the Pioneer, a gentle reminder that I have a column scheduled for the next issue, and therefore a deadline to meet. That deadline is today. Now I’m not saying that I always put off this column until the last minute, but the last few weeks have been pretty heavy. I was juggling three jobs, we had to go out of town for a few days, Lisa is changing jobs, and then there’s the normal ratcheting up of life simply because the kids are on summer vacation. Oh, and I had to get a new cell phone. I know there are a lot of you out there who love getting new phones and other electronic gadgets. I have many friends that are forever making love to their iPhones. My wife, Lisa, got a new T-Mobile Sensation phone and just recently looked up long enough to see that I shaved my
head and got one of those Mike Tyson face tattoos. Technology has far surpassed me and frankly I’m not really interested in catching up. The jump rope is about as far as I like to go tech-wise. You see, there are all ready plenty of things that make me feel like an idiot; getting a new phone just adds one more to the list. Three years ago, Lisa gave me an iPod for my birthday. I thanked her, put it in a drawer and never opened it. After a year had passed she finally began using it herself. Now understand, I LIKE the iPod, I simply cannot summon the energy to learn how to use it – to create an account, to sync it up, to blah, blah, blah. When I want music you know what I do? I turn on the radio. It’s easy, it’s free and I don’t have to read an instruction manual – unless of course my car battery dies – because without the manual I’d never remember how to set the station pre-sets. If ever I lose the manual I’ll just have to sing to myself. My own Luddite leanings aside, I understand that our society is engaged in a mad love affair with technology, and there-
fore I must embrace certain things, the cell phone being one of them. So last week – my old flip-phone having finally been euthanized – Lisa held my hand as I bravely went to T-Mobile to pick out a new phone. We were there for almost 2 ½ hours. I waffled back and forth between the “Smart Phones” and the idiot phones; durable vs. sleek; touch screen vs.…not touch screen. At one point I laid my head on the counter, so dizzy I was with all the choices and options. I finally settled on the Blackberry (I knew you were wondering) which seemed a good compromise between technology and idiocy. It’s not a touch screen but it has a little “mouse” like a computer, so it’s techy while still being idiot friendly. I can text, watch YouTube, Twit, use the Google machine. Now I only need to figure out how to make phone calls. 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
will be implemented at some point in the future to extend the life of the trust fund and maintain benefit levels that are close to what future retirees expect to receive. But even if the trust fund is exhausted, benefits should continue. The Social Security Administration estimates that ongoing revenues to the program (through the FICA tax) will generate sufficient dollars to provide benefits equal to at least 75 percent of what future retirees would expect to receive based on the current structure after 2037. PLANNING AHEAD The ongoing uncertainty about funding for Social Security creates issues for those who are trying to plan for their needs in retirement. While you should be able to count on some form of Social Security well into the future, it is prudent to use conservative estimates. Assume that monthly payments will be only about 75 percent of what you may have previously anticipated, and plan on overcoming the gap with dollars generated by personal savings. This may require you to commit more dollars toward your retirement, even though some form of Social Security will most likely be around for you when you retire. Mureleen Benton is licensed/registered to do business with U.S. residents only in the state of California. Email your questions to mureleen.m.benton@ampf.com
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 29, 2011
California women celebrate 100 years of voting
SARAH ROSEN TEEN SPEAK The year of 2011 is truly a cause for women throughout California to celebrate those seemingly little rights that tend to be taken for granted. Although women’s right to vote didn’t become an amendment to the U.S. Constitution until nine years later, on Oct. 24, 1911, women from throughout California rejoiced as the state’s women were finally granted the right to vote. With my 18th birthday right around the corner, I have started to think about what I’m most looking forward to in my quickly-approaching “adulthood.” To
me, there are few rights more precious than having the ability to have your voice heard and your vote count, particularly as a young woman. I can say with pride that I know that on the morning of my 18th birthday, the first thing I will do is make my way down to the post office and register to vote. Oct. 10, 2011 marks the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote in California. From the time man began to walk the Earth, women have had to fight to be viewed as being as competent as men. By means of peaceful and at times, not-so-peaceful protest, invigorating and inspiring speeches, and years of dedication, women have paved the way for the females of the future to be seen as strong and independent citizens. Now that we women have this tremendous privilege, it is not something to take lightly. From the Seneca Falls Convention – a women’s rights convention held in Seneca Falls, NY in 1848 that launched the woman suffrage movement – to the fight for the right to use
birth control, women have fought, struggled and overcome many obstacles to give future women the rights they never had. In my opinion, not taking full advantage of my ability to vote, along with the other rights
they fought for, is comparable to saying that what those women did is meaningless. I feel that so many teens turning 18 lose sight of the fact that we really do gain an amazing opportunity to help make
those huge decisions in our country by merely filling out a ballot. Sure, we can buy lottery tickets and we are no longer bound by state curfew when we drive, but after a few months, the luster of those little privi-
leges will wear off. Our ability to make a difference in society will never lose that appeal. Sarah Rosen is a senior at CVHS. You can e-mail her at sarah_rosen@claytonpioneer.com.
Put down the remote and get off the couch When was the last time you played outside and let the sun’s vitamin D soak through your skin? Getting out is becoming a rare thing in our busy, neverstop-moving generation. Our technology is improving by the second, and exposes us to more of the natural world, but too often, only on a screen. So why not put down the remote or the mouse or the iPad and enjoy the real thing. Many child development and health experts are suggesting that families visit nature reserves or a National Trust
CELINE HERRERA DVMS REPORTER site. But few are experiencing these places directly, on their own or with their friends. And
that’s what counts: the issue is about more than nature. If you’re afraid of the dirt, then look for enjoyment on a whole new level. You can relish the daylight hours by taking a mini adventure to Santa Cruz. Or you can go above and beyond the daytrip and go to Canada. Or, close by, take a stroll through Clayton’s own Mitchell Canyon. Or take a cue from the fifth graders at Mt. Diablo Elementary School and go camping in the Sierras like they did on their recent visit to Sly
Park. And, just a day away are the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Delta. Life is an adventure – get out there and experience it. Lessons and memories are many and last forever, but we only have one earth. Let’s all take care of it and preserve it for the generations to come. And more importantly, let’s enjoy it. Celine Herrera is in the eighth grade at DVMS. Send comments to Celine@claytonpioneer.com.
Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M., AUG. 3 FOR THE AUG. 12 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com
IN CLAYTON July 30, August 6, 13, 20, 27 Farmers Market 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Diablo Street between Main and Center streets, downtown. pcfma.com. July 30 Michael Paul Band Featuring country and Southern rock. 6-8:30 p.m., Grove Park, downtown Clayton. Free. For a complete concert series list, see Page 3. August 20 Rib Cook-Off 2nd Annual CBCA Rib Cook-Off. Clayton Club Saloon, 6096 Main St., Clayton. Enter by Aug. 13, $50. Jim Frazier 673-0300, Rob Roberson 383-1495 or claytoncbca.org. August 24 Emergency Preparedness Clayton CERT seminar on supplies, escape plans and communication to prepare for an emergency. 7 – 9 p.m. at the Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road. claytoncert.org.
EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT July 22 through July 31 “Fiddler on the Roof” Diablo Theatre Company presents this story of love, family and tradition with a heartwarming score. San Ramon Valley High School Performing Arts Center, 501 Danville Blvd., Danville. $12-$15. 324-7359 or diablotheatre.org. August 4 through August 28 “Pride and Prejudice” Jane Austen’s enduring tale of manners, upbringing, morality, education and marriage among the landed gentry of early 19th century England. Cue Productions Live, 1835 Colfax St., Concord. $10$18. b8company.com. August 6 A Tribute to Elvis Willows Theatre Co. and Esses Productions present Jim Anderson in attribute to Elvis Presley. First part of Sing for your Supper series to benefit Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. 8 p.m. Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St., Martinez. $25. 798-1300 or willowstheatre.org. August 6, 9, 12, 14 “The Most Happy Fella” Set in the Bay Area in the 1920s, this opera revolves around the
complications that arise when Tony, an aging Napa Valley vineyard owner, proposes by mail to Rosabella, a young waitress who once served him in a San Francisco restaurant. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $39-$100. 943-SHOW, lesherartscenter.org. August 8 through September 4 “The Fantasticks” The Willows presents this story of a young man and the girl next door whose parents have built a wall to keep them apart. Willows Theatre Mainstage, 1975 Diamond Blvd., Concord. $20-$32. 7981300 or willowstheatre.org. August 13, 14 Japanese Summer Festival Japanese food, drum performances, judo and kendo demonstrations and Japanese flower arrangement demonstrations. Sat. 1 – 9 p.m.; Sun. 12 – 8:30 p.m. Japanese American Cultural Center, 3165 Treat Blvd., Concord. Free admission and free parking at Ygnacio Valley High School. 682-5299 or jasummerfestival@yahoo.com. August 18 through September 10 “Evil Dead the Musical” What can go wrong when five college students break into an abandoned cabin in the woods? Willows Cabaret at the Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St., Martinez. $30-35. 798-1300 or willowstheatre.org.
AT THE LIBRARY The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. 673-0659 or claytonlibrary.org. Tuesdays through August 9 Patty Cakes Story time for babies to 3-year-olds. 11 a.m. Wednesdays Book Buddies A volunteer will read stories for children of all ages. 1-2 p.m. Thursdays through August 11 Picture Book Time Story time for ages 3-5. 11 a.m. August 8 Discussion of “French Lessons: A Novel” by Ellen Sussman. 7 p.m. August 15 Evening Stories and Crafts Ages preschool to first grade. 7 p.m.
SCHOOLS
October 1 CVHS 20th Reunion Clayton Valley High School Class of 1991’s 20th reunion. Come renew friendships and reminisce about days gone by. reunionmanager.net.
CVHS Charter School August 9 Public hearing meeting. 5:45 – 7 p.m. Monte Gardens Elementary School, 3841 Larkspur Drive, Concord.
FUNDRAISERS
September 13 Decision meeting. 7:30 p.m. District Offices, 1936 Carlotta Drive, Concord.
August 11 Gourmet Gallop Diablo Ballet and Diablo Magazine fundraiser benefiting Diablo Ballet and PEEK Youth Outreach Program. Gourmet passport to sample culinary creations and wine at nine locations in downtown Walnut Creek restaurants. 5 – 8 p.m. $40. Call 943-1775 or diabloballet.org/performance.html. Aug. 22 CVHS Athletic Boosters Golf Tournament Clayton Valley High School Athletic Boosters 20th annual charity tournament. Lunch, putting contest, no host cocktails, dinner buffet, awards and prizes. 21 and over only. Registration 10:30 a.m. at Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. Early bird deadline Aug. 3. Fees vary. cvhsboosters.org.
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GOVERNMENT 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, except 8/2 CANCELLED Clayton City Council 7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 673-7304 or ci.clayton.ca.us. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays Clayton Planning Commission 7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 673-7304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.
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July 29, 2011
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Page 15
Scales measure pounds – not self worth Have you ever awakened on a bright and sunny day, feeling cheerful and ready to take on the world? Poised for greatness, you rise lazily, squinting and rubbing your eyes, heading toward the bathroom door. It is time for the morning weigh-in, the first priority of the day. As you look down and the fog clears, dark clouds rush in and a tornado is surely approaching on the horizon. Where did that huge number come from? You begin to wonder whether you are really awake or just entering a new nightmare. It’s called scale obsession. Everyone at one time in their lives has fallen victim to it. Whether you’re male or female, skinny or fat, tall or short, you find when it’s time to hit the scale, you hit a new low. Machines and devices do so much for us these days. We have become dependent on them for more than their intended use. This particular example, the bathroom scale was once a simple device used to measure body weight but now it is misused to measure self worth. Scales are available with both
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digital and analog technologies. Some also say they measure body composition or fat. When you visit the doctor’s office, the scale is used to offer a base line measurement in order to compare you to others. Everyone has an ideal number in their head of what they believe they should weigh. However, rarely does that ideal number match up to a healthier, attainable number. Most people establish this number after seeing the results of this year’s Top Model or which cage fighter is bigger in the octagon. It’s not YOUR weight. Remember that all bodies are different with no two the same.
Get your hands DiRTY by restoring Marsh Creek
This Saturday, join Save Mount Diablo’s Diablo Restoration Team (DiRT) and get hands-on experience restoring habitat along Mount Diablo’s primary water source for wildlife – Marsh Creek. From 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 6, the SMD volunteer team will be watering native plants and pulling a few weeds at Save Mount Diablo’s Marsh Creek IV property. In 2009 DiRT planted 500 native plants along an 800 foot section of Marsh Creek and periodically returns to the site to
remove non-native invasive weeds threatening health of the ecosystem. We’ll be watering each of the plantings helping them establish root systems so they can survive our long arid summers. Volunteers should bring water, a hand trowel, hand clippers and gloves. Wear a hat, long pants, long sleeves and boots. The planting party will meet at 3240 Aspara Dr, Clayton. To RSVP, contact George Phillips, Land Conservation Associate, Save Mount Diablo, at 925-947-3535 or via email at gphillips@ savemountdiablo.org.
The overall makeup of an individual’s body mass comes from a variety of factors. Age, ethnicity, body frame, height, diet, environment, even elevation and time of day can impact body mass index. Even specific health issues like diabetes, Crohn’s disease or dehydration can affect body mass index, as these issues affect water weight and gain. The advent of surgical procedures and the time spent in the process to heal can also adversely affect weight gain.
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Scale obsession is a battle to be won. With varied and consistent physical exercise and a proper diet, developing and maintaining a healthy body and self-image is inevitable. Learning to care for and love your body can lead to a bigger, better you regardless of what the scale says.
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Buchanan, from page 1 COMMUNITY GEM Buchanan Field “opened” on Aug. 4, 1946, after serving for four years as a military airport during WWII. The timing couldn’t have been better, as a new post-war enthusiasm for air flight coincided with the growth of Contra Costa County. For 30 years the airport served commercial and private pilots, and by 1977 was the 16th busiest airport in the country with 357,000 total operations, ahead of San Francisco International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport. But with all the suburban growth, noise from the airport became a factor, and in 1988 the county Board of Supervisors instituted a noise restriction that restricted some aircraft. These days, Buchanan is more of a community hub than a bustling international airport, offering a variety of flight lessons and activities and the convenience of an adjacent hotel and golf course. But it is also of great importance to the region’s economy and vitality. “The airport is clearly a resource to Concord and Central Contra Costa County,” says Concord Assistant City Manager Valerie Barone. “There are many corporate jets that fly in and out of Buchanan Airport. Without it these individuals would have to use airports in Oakland, San Jose or San Francisco. “Additionally, the airport is used to train people interested in aviation,” Barone says. “Many of these students tend to use local hotels or rent apartments to complete their training. This of course leads to students supporting the Concord economy.” It is also still a place where many pilots take their leave for a day of recreational flight, setting down in LA or Seattle for lunch with friends, then taking a leisurely journey back. “There’s nothing like it,” says Bell.
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She had just moved to California from her native England in the late 1960s, and on a whim applied for a job as a receptionist at the airport. “My boss said he didn’t understand a word I said, but that my accent sounded classy, so he hired me,” she says. “And it was a great job. Who wants to sit in an insurance office banging on a typewriter – now a computer – all day?” THE FRIENDLY SKIES Even 40 years later the airport is still a bustling center of activity. In addition to the everyday flying activity, it is a community resource, serving as home to such organizations as the Young Eagles, in which volunteer pilots take kids age 8 to 18 up for free flights in order to generate an awareness of and enthusiasm in aviation. “We just want to get the word out about what is all here,” Bell says. “So when we realized that the airport’s anniversary coincided with the Pilot’s Association birthday, it was too good of an opportunity to pass up. The Open House will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6. Opening with a $5 brunch, the event will feature a variety of exhibits and activities, Bell says, including hourly drawings for free introductory flights sponsored by Sterling Aviation and Pacific States Aviation. She also says there will also be exhibits of all manner of aircraft, big and small, for an “up close and personal look.” In addition, there will be an art exhibit by artist Rhu A. Bigay entitled “Air Show Blues,” which will include oil paintings of two vintage WW2 bombers. The B-17 and B-24 bombers depicted in the painting have made annual visits to Buchanan. For more information, visit the MDPA’s website at www.mdpa.org.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 29, 2011
Book Review
‘A Death in Summer’ is not your usual warm-weather read Benjamin Black’s postWWII mystery resonates on many levels
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It is officially summer; for those of us who tend to read lighter at this time of year, this can only mean a plethora of mystery books is at hand. Benjamin Black, the author of “A Death in Summer,” was my first pick because I so admire his literary fiction written under his real name, John Banville. Now, having just put the book down after an almost marathon read, I’d point out that although “A Death in Summer” – a story about a murdered man and the search for the person who took his life – certainly qualifies as mystery, it is not a light read. Seek out a bright comfortable spot to settle into and prepare to lose yourself in a mystery that will resonate on several levels.
The setting is post-WWII Ireland, the city is Dublin coming back from the weight of war, and the murder takes place in a summer of nearly inescapable heat. Detective Inspector Hackett is taken away from his Sunday dinner and driven to Brooklands, a horse farm in Kildare County, where a certain wealthy Canadian émigré has apparently blown his own head off by a shotgun blast. Hackett finds the weapon still resting in the lap of the now headless body. The author, with a deft touch for mixing the horrific with the bucolic, writes: “It added to the shock of the event that it had taken place on a drowsy Sunday afternoon in summer, while the beeches along the drive at Brooklands sweltered in the sun and the mingled smell of hay and horses lay heavy on the summer air.” This is not the fast-paced who-done-it of today’s high tech
forensic science, or of the police with storm trooper SWAT teams to back them up. This is rural Dublin in the early 1950s, and even after Hackett determines that the death was not by the decedent’s own hand, the body is buried and mourned before the real detecting begins. It is a bit weird, but you will read the book much faster than the crime is solved. And even then, the solution is presented almost as an epilogue, with an ending as disturbing as it is humane. Inspector Hackett, understated and slow moving, is assisted by his ever-present pathologist, Dr. Quirke, who unexpectedly becomes intimate with the dead man’s widow: “He knew the perils of the situation he had blundered into … what was passion without risk, without transgression.” All of Black’s characters are complex and carefully drawn and, as a result, the reader’s sympathies are painfully torn. The
SUNNY SOLOMON FOR THE BOOKS imperfect sons and daughters of both the good and the bad guys are no less guilty, but a lot more understandable. Some of the issues surrounding the death of this wealthy and obsessively passionate man are lingering shadows left over from WWII, like anti-Semitism, and some are as base as any that have come to light in the present. Benjamin Black writes of places in our souls just as dark as that one summer was hot. Sunny Solomon is the former Book Lady from Clayton Books and currently heads up the Clayton Book Club. Visit her website bookinwithsunny.com for her latest recommendations or just to "talk books."
Theatre
A ‘Fantastick’ performance comes to the Willows GARY CARR Special to the Pioneer
As a late summer treat, The Willows Theatre Company brings “The Fantasticks” to its Concord mainstage, Aug. 8 through Sept. 4. The Tom Jones-Harvey Schmidt musical is directed and choreographed by Lou Fancher, with musical direction by Mark Ferreira. Cast members include Ryan Drummond, Stu Klitsner, Ginny Wehrmeister and Zach Piser. Long an audience favorite, “The Fantasticks” is the world’s longest-running musical. The original off-Broadway production ran a total of 42 years (1960-2002) and 17,162 performances. It has played across the U.S. and in more than 60 countries worldwide. As an added present to Willows’ audiences, Bay Area theatre critic Patrick Craig will appear onstage as The Old
Photo credit: Judy Potter
SAM CRAIG AS MORTIMER, ZACH PISER AS THE BOY, AND PAT CRAIG as The Old Actor in the current Willows production of “The Fantasticks” at the Concord Mainstage Aug. 8 -Sept. 4.
Actor. Craig’s son, Sam, will play his Indian sidekick, Mortimer. Willows’ managing director David Faustina jokes that “if you want a good review, put the critic in the show.” No, Craig père is purely an actor this time, “and a good one” it’s being said. And director Fancher should know, hav-
ing been a theatre critic for the Clayton Pioneer. A long-time performer and choreographer, Fancher, like Pat Craig, will not be an onlooker this time, but part of the show. “The Fantasticks” is the classic tale of two neighboring fathers who trick their children, Luisa and Matt, into falling in
love by pretending to feud and erecting a wall between their houses. The fathers then hire traveling actors to stage a mock abduction, so that Matt can heroically seem to save Luisa, settling the supposed feud and securing their fathers’ blessings (which of course the young lovers have really had all along). After the children discover the deception, they reject the arranged love match. Each goes off to experience the wider world. They return to each other bruised but enlightened by their journeys, realizing that they have always been in love, and renew their vows with more maturity. The Fantsticks plays Aug. 8 through Sept. 4 at the Willows Theatre, 1975 Diamond Boulevard in Concord. After previews on Aug. 8, 9 and 10, the show runs Wednesdays-Sundays.. Check website for show times. www.willowstheatre.com or call 925-798-1300 for more information and tickets.
‘Elvis’ set to croon for Food Bank It looks like there will be another Elvis sighting, this time in Martinez. The Willows Theatre, in conjunction with Esses Productions, will present The “Early Elvis Tribute” Show starring Jim Anderson as The King
himself. Thought by many to be the best interpreter of early Elvis around, Anderson will appear at 8 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Willows Cabaret at the Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St. in Martinez for one show only. For those who’ve had the
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opportunity to see Elvis Presley in the first half of his career (1954-1966), this show will bring back favorite memories. For those who never had the opportunity to see Elvis when his brand of rock ‘n’ roll was considered too dangerous for “the youth of today,” this show will take you back in time. The “Elvis Tribute” kicks off this year’s “Sing for Your Supper” Concert Series, which marks the fourth annual production Esses has presented to benefit the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. Tickets are available at www.willowstheatre.org or (925) 7981300. Esses Productions specializes in bringing to the Bay Area cabaret and musical performances by popular musical theater and TV stars. It is headed by show business veterans Samantha Samuels and Steven Shore. Prior “Sing for Your Supper” shows were staged at the Lesher Center in Walnut Creek. This is the first year that Esses will pair with the Willows for a series of one-night musical
JIM ANDERSON
presentations. Following the Aug. 6 Elvis show, the series will continue at the Willows Mainstage in Concord on Sept. 17 with J’ La Chic’s “Tribute to Motown…and More!” followed by a Variety Show Gala on Nov. 5 that will feature cabaret and recording artist Lee Lessack, TV and film star Linda Purl, the cast of the Willows’ “WinterWonderettes” and other guest performers to be announced. So, it’s one for the money, two for the show.
July 29, 2011
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com
Page 17
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Over the Fourth of July holiday, I had “Yankee Doodle Dandy” rolling around in my head. I was preparing a macaroni salad for a picnic and all of a sudden I changed the lyrics to “Yankee Noodle Dandy.”
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Noodles are not an American food from an historical perspective, but they are nevertheless international in modern day cuisines. You’ve got Pad Thai from Thailand, Japanese udon, somen and ramen, butter-andcream slathered pasta from the north of Italy, and so on. Many of us believe that Marco Polo introduced noo-
dles to the Western world after his travels to China in the 13th Century. While he may have introduced certain styles of noodles, it is well established that Arab traders were importing Chinese goods and culinary techniques hundreds of years earlier. Even pre-dating the Arabs, the ancient Etruscans, and communities elsewhere on the European continent, were fashioning wheat into “threads.” There are late-comers to the pasta scene–spaghetti wasn’t “invented” until the 1700s in Naples, Italy. The average American consumes about 20 pounds of pasta a year. Much of it is made from refined wheat with little nutrient value. We eschew (so to speak) whole grain pastas because they are tougher and sometimes gritty in texture. It’s no longer hard to find whole-grain pastas, even gluten-free alternatives like quinoa and corn pasta, and they are getting tastier. Japanese soba (buckwheat) noodles are also a good option from a nutritional/health
standpoint. The key benefit of noodles is that they yield high caloric value for comparatively little cost. They also preserve grain much longer–once noodles are fabricated from ground grain, water, sometimes eggs and other ingredients, they can be held in their dry state for long periods of time. I make a homemade noodle for chicken soup that expands like a mini-dumpling when cooked. It’s easy, fresh and so much better than reconstituted noodles. HOMEMADE EGG NOODLES ½ cup flour ¼ tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking powder 1 egg Mix all ingredients with fork in large bowl. Add a little water or flour as needed to make a stiff but workable dough. Place on floured board and knead until smooth. Divide into 3 portions and roll each one thin. Sprinkle each sheet lightly with flour. Cut into strips. Let strips dry slightly before cooking. Cut into 1” to 2”
Give heat stroke the cold shoulder HARUN SIMBIRDI
SAFETY ZONE While we have enjoyed unseasonably cooler temperatures so far this summer, the weather is going to get hot in the weeks ahead. Here are some safety tips to prevent heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids–preferably water and/or sports drinks that provide electrolytes. Avoid doing physical activities in the heat. Try doing them early in the day before the temperature rises. If you have to perform physical activities in the heat, drink plenty of fluids and avoid drinks with alcohol, caf-
feine, or tea. Take frequent breaks to hydrate yourself. Wear light-colored & lightweight loose clothes and a hat. Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia in which the body temperature is dramatically elevated. The most susceptible to heat stroke are infants, elderly, athletes and those individuals that work outside physically exerting themselves under the sun. Usually, heat exhaustion or heat cramps occur before heat stroke and may include symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, headache, muscle cramps and aches, and/or dizziness. In some cases, individuals can develop heat stroke suddenly without warning with symptoms that include high body temperature, absence of sweating with
hot red or flushed dry skin, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, strange behavior, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, disorientation, seizure, and/or coma. Heat stroke should be considered a medical emergency that can be fatal if not treated promptly and properly. The first priority of treating heat stroke is getting cool. Get the victim to a shady area, remove clothing, apply cool or tepid water to the skin, fan to promote sweating, place ice packs under armpits and groin. Call 911 immediately. Enjoy your summer and remember to stay cool! Harun Simbirdi is a resident of Clayton and member of the City of Clayton Citizen Corps Council (C5-CERT). He can be reached at simbirdi@yahoo.com.
“bite-size” pieces before cooking. Converting a Greek salad into a Greek pasta salad is easily accomplished and makes a tasty side dish during the warm months.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 29, 2011
End of summer, beginning of pruning
NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL Tomatoes may need an extra boost for a healthy late summer crop August is time once again to tend to those plants, shrubs, citrus, veggies and vines. With over half of our growing season behind us, we need to give a boost to our plants that we expect to thrive until midOctober. This means fertiliz-
ing, pruning, mulching, and insect and weed killing. Veggies are on every one’s mind this time of year, specifically tomatoes. They are growing in our ground, raised beds, tomato-bags and hanging planters. At this point, most gardeners should be seeing fruit beginning to ripen. Some may complain that their fruit is smaller in size than the labels declared back at the time of planting. To encourage the size of your tomatoes to increase, use a water-soluble or liquid concentrate fertilizer that has more phosphorus and potassium then nitrogen. This will feed the fruit, not the leaves. TOMATO FERTILIZERS Tiger Bloom is a product by Fox Farm. This extra strength fertilizer is ideal for tomatoes and will encourage abundant fruit, flower and multiple bud development. Use the Tiger Bloom every
Nominations are open for Peace and Justice award The Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center is accepting nominations of local peacemakers for a Peace and Justice Award to be given at the annual Give Peace A Dinner Dance on Oct. 1. A nominee must be a locally-based (Contra Costa County) individual or entity, be involved in addressing a
local peace or social justice need, show evidence of longterm commitment and lead and motivate others to participate. Deadline is August 18. Nomination forms are available at mtdpc.org or call Mary Alice O'Connor at the Peace and Justice Center at 925-9337850 or maryalice@mtdpc.org.
other watering. Master Bloom is the fertilizer of choice for those who have installed their tomatoes into the ground, since it contains some soil penetrate which will allow the product to actually reach the roots within our sticky clay soil. Maxsea Plant food has been around for many years, and has quite a following. This is the original Seaweed Brand fertilizer, and their bud and bloom formula is 3-20-20, which is great for setting buds, bud count and size. Those of you who prefer a natural or organic fertilizer use Big Bloom, also by Fox Farm, every other watering. If you think your plants are small, and that they need some growth, choose a fertilizer with a larger first number, or the nitrogen. Liquid Gold, a fish based fertilizer put out by Master Nursery, has 15 percent nitrogen, and will give your tomato an instant boost. Tomato watering has a lot to do with how your plant thrives. You need to deeply water you tomato bushes, drenching 10-12” deep, all around the drip line of your tomato bush. Plants need water and oxygen, that is why we deeply and thoroughly water, then let the bush dry out for 2-3 days before watering again. Too much water, or too little, will promote bud drop. Some veggie problems have specific remedies, so please don’t hesitate to ask a nursery professional for help with pollination questions or fungus problems. Bring in leaves or
take a photo with those cell phones. Citrus should be treated almost like a tomato bush, aside from needing extra iron to keep green. Be careful when feeding with citrus food, most products have a larger amounts of nitrogen, or the first number on the label, and will cause bloom drop if given while your citrus has flower, or fruit forming. This time of year while your baby lemons and oranges form, give the bushes or trees a bud and bloom fertilizer, such as the ones written about in the previous paragraphs. If your citrus has fading green or yellowish leaves, and application of iron is recommended.
the fertilizer with a high nitrogen soil conditioner. It is also an excellent idea to use a soil penetrant to really get the fertilizer where it needs to go. Your perennials need some pruning now too. All spiking bloomers like your salvias, yarrows, delphinium and penstomen really need to be cut, anywhere from one-third to one-half down and dead stems should be removed entirely. Flowering shrubs need faded blooms removed to make way for fresh leaves. When cutting the blooms from a shrub, look to where the new growth is and cut before that. Look at your hydrangeas, they probably have some stems that should be cut away. With all flowering shrubs and perennials, once you have trimmed, it is a perfect time to fertilize. Vines are expected to do a lot in our gardens, yet they are seldom cared for properly. Feed you vines, it will help them out. Use a balanced fertilizer such as a 16-16-16 or an 18-18-18. If you are experience lots of woody stems on any vine, it may be time to cut them back hard.
GET OUT AND PRUNE Flowering perennials and roses should be tended to this month. Rose bushes could use a decent pruning this time of year. You don’t need to cut them all back at once, but as the blooming wave dies down, cut foliage back about onefourth to one-third. This will free up some energy, and encourage some density. It is also time to feed with the popular rose recipe from our winter-feeding. Give each ground grown florbunda or larger rose bush or tree one-half cup of 16-16-16, one-half cup of granular iron, one-half cup of alfalfa meal, one-half cup of Epsom salt, and a one-half cup of bone meal. People who rely on drip irrigation to water their roses will need to hand water occasionally to push the products towards the roots. You will also need to top-dress
Every four to five years, a vine should be severely pruned. This will encourage lush growth. A vine that is established will regrow in half the time, so don’t worry about exposing fences, arbors or overhangs. Use insect granules on your lawn now to eliminate grubs BEFORE the raccoon’ tear up your lawn looking for them. Seven, made by Garden Tech is an old, faithful product that absolutely does the job. Get ready to use a lawn food with a pre-emergent. This should be applied in September to prevent the winter grass. Finally, mulch, mulch, mulch. Spread a layer of the mulch of your choice and you’ll keep you soil moist longer, and prevent the further germination of weed seed. Mulch makes the garden healthier, and makes it look nice. Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden Contact her with questions, comments or suggestions at gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
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