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IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com
March 30, 2012
Undefeated CVHS Cheer Team wins national title in Las Vegas HOWARD GELLER
MAYOR’S CORNER
A sprinkling of updates from city hall
JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clayton Valley High School’s undefeated Competition Cheer Team, fresh off a championship at the JAMZ All-Star Cheer & Dance Nationals in Las Vegas, concludes its 2011-2012 season
this weekend at the Sacramento Convention Center looking for its sixth successive first-place performance of the school year. Cheer coach Angie Henricksen is really proud of her 15member squad that performed near flawlessly in their 2-1/2 minute routine in Vegas that
mixed music and cheer to win by almost four points over runnerup South High School of Torrance in the Varsity Co-Ed Show category. The word co-ed is important because senior Ronald Ylagan is one of the 15 team members, along with 14 girls. Ylagan is in his second year
with the Comp Team and has so impressed his coach (“beyond amazing”) that Henricksen has hired him to work at the gym where the team trains once a week and Henricksen works. The coach is in
See Cheer, page 4
Spring has sprung and our trees are in bloom. Mother Nature is making her appearance in Clayton in so many ways. It’s time to clean the barbeque, get out the lawn furniture and start enjoying the outdoors once again. Here is a spring update on some topics I have covered in past columns, plus a few new ones: Clayton Rentals: With our early spring, I wanted to remind everyone of the availability to rent several of Clayton’s “gems” for personal use. Endeavor Hall stands ready for your indoor/outdoor weddings and parties. Clayton Community Park has several sites for rent
See Mayor, page 6
Clayton man fights for education in Iran
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Photo courtesy of Clayton Valley High School
CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH’S UNDEFEATED COMPETITION CHEER TEAM, fresh off a championship at the JAMZ All-Star Cheer & Dance Nationals in Las Vegas, concludes its 2011-2012 season this weekend in Sacramento looking for its sixth successive first-place performance of the school year. The squad coached by Angie Henricksen includes, (front row) Cassie Del Monte, Maddie Nuchols, Julie Farr, Evette Guest and Devin Lyn Shaver; (back row) Ashley Becker, Gennie Barahona, Carlie Frevele, Sam Turpen, Ronald Ylagan, Maddie Day, Kassidy Pedrani, Rachel Siver, Daniela Duenas and Ashlynn Adams.
0500
City says OK to weeknight concerts, but nixes alcohol sales TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
The City Council voted 4-1 at the March 20 meeting to add five weeknight concerts to the summer schedule, but only if private donors step up to sponsor them and there are no alcohol sales. The concerts were proposed by Councilman Joe Medrano as a way of bringing more people to the downtown during the week. Medrano’s proposal originally included selling alcohol at the concerts but most downtown merchants were strongly opposed, saying alcohol sales would cut into their business. Selling alcohol at the events also created complications with Alcohol and Beverage Control licensing and raised liability and insurance issues. After the article in the March 16 Clayton Pioneer, the city received 20 emails from Claytonians living in or near the downtown. Eighteen of them were opposed to the weeknight concerts. The main objection was the sale of alcohol. “This is not Las Vegas. This is Clayton,” wrote Kathy Verderame. “We are a wonderful
See Concerts, page 7
Red Cross helps Creekside Arts Festival brings save more than lives DENISEN HARTLOVE Clayton Pioneer IRANIAN-BORN HUGH TOLOUI will host a discussion on human rights violations in Iran and the challenges he faces as an online instructor at the Baha’i University on April 6.
PEGGY SPEAR Clayton Pioneer
Many folks know Hugh Toloui as an active civic volunteer with the Sunrise Rotary Club and semi-retired real estate broker. But what they may not realize is that the 22-year Clayton resident, husband to Flor and father of four, is also an instructor at what can be considered one of the greatest universities in the world. He doesn’t have a distinguished office full of dusty tomes, just one important teaching tool – his computer. That’s not too much of an issue, however, since most of his students don’t have classrooms. They are huddled in living rooms, basements and
See Toloui, page 3
Talking with Sandy TeschWilkins today, you’d never guess that in the not-too-distant past, she was another of the multitude of shy teenage girls inhabiting Clayton who have yet to find their voices.
Fourteen years old in 1998 and too young for paid work – but dreading the prospect of a long, boring summer – Wilkins began sending inquiries to groups who might need volunteers. The Red Cross, located just down the road from See Tesch-Wilkins, page 13
Photo courtesy of the American Red Cross
SANDY TESCH WILKINS’ WORK WITH THE RED CROSS on behalf of children and youth takes her all over the world. One recent trip took her to the Republic of Gambia in West Africa, where she worked with Gambian Red Cross volunteers to vaccinate 90 percent of the local children against measles.
What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Community Calendar . . . . . .14 Directory of Advertisers . . . . .5 DVMS Reporter . . . . . . . . . . .8 Fashion Over 50 . . . . . . . . .18
talent and diversity to library NICCI SHIPSTEAD Clayton Pioneer
Local artists and artisans were undaunted by the rain last weekend when they turned out for the annual Creekside Arts Festival at the Clayton Library. The event opened on Friday night with the Jury Awards presented by Arlene Kikkawa-Nielson and Clayton’s head librarian Karen HansenSmith to several Clayton artists including Amal Shihabi, Tammy Slezak, Leo Schindler, Nicci Shipstead and Julie VanWyk. Speaking for jury judges Jacquelyn Smith of Art Concepts, Inc., Carrie Brewster of The Hearst Gallery and Peter Maund, district representative, The Arts & Culture Commission of CCC, Clayton Artists Guild volunteer Cheryl Morgan said the jurors were “very impressed with the diversity and technique represented in our club.” When asked how the CAG attracts this level of talent Morgan quipped, “We just smile a lot!” The annual event celebrates the birthday of the Clayton Library – this year, the 17th – with a themed weekend event meant to inspire both the creator and the audience. This year, the theme was “Clayton Library… Bringing People & Places Together.”
See Arts Festival, page 4
Financial Sense . . . . . . . . . .12 Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Food for Thought . . . . . . . . .17 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Hiker’s Haven . . . . . . . . . . .18
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
RECYCLED MATERIAL ARTIST DAVID BROOKS offered painting classes to brain injury survivor Mario Scharmer 18 months ago. “Working with Mario has blessed my life,” says Brooks. “We are the Dynamic Duo.”
Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Police Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Sports Shorts . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Tech Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Teen Speak . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 The Charter Papers . . . . . . . .8
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
March 30, 2012
Around Town Students recognized for Doing the Right Thing
FROM LEFT: MAYOR HOWARD GELLER, Drew Fagerlin, Aimee Grispo, Jae Greenwald, Jack Simkins, Heather Heilberg and Maris Degener.
At the March 20 City Council meeting, Mayor Howard Geller recognized six Clayton students for Doing The Right Thing. The students were all nominated by their teachers for showing outstanding self-discipline. Jack Simkins, MDES thirdgrader is “patient, hard-working and self-motivated,” said his teacher Sharron Weiller. “He was the first one in his class to master the math facts.” Kendall Albert was nominated by teacher Mimee Grispo who said Kendall was very helpful in diffusing some “girl drama” at the school recently. “She is a superstar inside and out.” Diablo View Middle School student Maris Degener was nominated by her teacher Laura Pletz. “Maris is humble and beautiful inside and out,” she said. “And she nods at me when I’m talking, which is wonderful.” When she asked Maris if
there was a downside to being self-disciplined, Maris said sometimes people perceive you as “not fun.” Patti Bannister introduced middle school student Drew Fagerlin who described him as “intellectually curious.” Turning to Drew she said “you have willpower, respect and restraint – this makes you unstoppable.” From CVHS, Kat Marzel nominated Heather Heilberg and Jae Greenwald, both on the Do The Right Thing leadership Link Crew. Heather has worked with the incoming freshmen as a mentor and teacher. “She has been an exemplary role model to her freshman mentees.” “She is one of our most popular Link Crew leaders and because of her talent for teaching, I rely on her to train other Link Crew leaders. Jae Greenwald, also a Link Crew leader, “…can affect the hearts and minds of young people on many different levels.”
521 Hamburg Circle, Clayton
“It is rare that you find a young leader with such a wide range of personality and logistical know how…I am thrilled to nominate him for this award.” Each student received recognition from the Council and a certificate from the mayor. The Do The Right Thing program continues to gain traction in the community, promoting character development, good decision making and moral leadership. The program emphasizes six character traits during the year, rotating them every other month. The six traits are Integrity, Responsibility, Courage, Kindness, Self-discipline and Respect.
CVHS seniors reach Eagle rank Boy Scout Troop 484 held an Eagle Court of Honor for Brinley Owen, Kyle Bradbury and Ted Hall on March 10 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Concord. Nearly 200 guests attended. To earn the rank of Eagle Scout, the boys progressed through the six ranks of scouting, earned more than the 21 required merit badges, served in leadership positions and completed their individual Eagle projects. All three are seniors at Clayton Valley High School and will attend college in the fall. Ted plans to study political science and Kyle and Brinley plan to study engineering.
Prom ladies line up for photos at local ranch
GRECIA GUTIERREZ, MALLORY LANDERS, Shabnam Ghassem, Lynzie Mosser, Carly Sullivan, Sierra Sargent, Erin Schwartz, Demi Diquattro, Amber Roberts, and Hannah Shorr
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The CVHS Junior Prom was held at the Pavilion by the Bay on Treasure Island this year. But, before the prom, several of the couples, all friends of Carmen and Don Williams, lined up for photos and appetizers at the Williams’ ranch on Morgan Territory Road. Josie Sullivan, 11, was on hand to cover her sister Carly’s exciting evening for the the Pioneer. Josie writes: These finely dressed ladies and gentlemen are going to their Junior Prom. How exciting! Don’t you wish you were able to go to the Junior Prom, I know I do! They have the most fashionable latest styles in gowns, and the boys look fantastic dressed in their tuxes.”
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March 30, 2012
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Toloui,
Around Town Local girls raise the flag to honor Girl Scouts 100th anniversary
THE GIRL SCOUTS’ 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION in Todos Santos Plaza on March 12 opened with a flag ceremony. From left: Serena Szantyr, Troop 31649; June McMahon, Troop 30602; Taylor Thompson, Troop 32264; Claytonians Jasmine and Katrina Kohlmeyer, Troops 30755 and 31767; and Kylie Szantyr, Troop 31578.
Over two hundred Girl Scouts, alumni and families from Clayton and Concord gathered to honor the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts at Todos Santos Plaza in Concord on March 12. Karen Oliver from the Diablo Shadows Service Unit read the story of the Girl Scouts beginning in 1912. The Scouts shared the city of Concord’s proclamation declaring March 11-17, 2012 as Girl Scouts Week. At 7:12, or 19:12 in military time, the crowd turned on their candles and flashlights in unison to celebrate along with troops throughout Northern California.
Ravioli’s gets some extra help Ygnacio Valley Christian School in Concord and Ravioli’s family owned and operated Italian restaurant on Clayton Road in Concord joined forces last week to raise funds for YVCS. Diners were surprised to find YVCS Principal, Bob Johnson, also a Clayton resident, and several teachers behind the counter sporting Ravioli’s aprons and serving customers for five nights last week. A portion of sales will go towards needed upgrades at YVCS.
YVCS teacher Gwen Larson, school helper, Lindsay VanLiew and Principal, Bob Johnson, at Ravioli’s fundraiser.
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from page 1
kitchens with computers of their own and highly valuable Internet connections, halfway around the world. The university is Baha’i Institute of Higher Education (BIHE – the Baha’i University) in Iran, a 25-year-old unconventional institution that is determined to educate all Iranians – regardless of their faith – in a government that is systematically denying such a basic human right as education to its citizens. “The members of the Baha’i Faith, the largest minority on Iran, have been subject to severe persecution under the current Islamic regime,” says the Iranian-born Toloui. “Their youth have been barred from receiving higher education solely due to their beliefs. So, they started their own university.” Toloui and other western edu-
cators found out that the university received “constant and barbaric threats,” even imprisoning the onsite professors and the administrators, confiscating their building, books, computers and other equipment. “But the students and the faculty refused to give in,” Toloui says, and the result has been this cyber network of higher education, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees. Toloui, who is not a credentialed professor, teaches English as a second language, holding class in his living room about three times a week. Through the university’s website, Facebook, Google chat and Skype, he and other professors provide the enthusiastic students with their lessons. “These students are eager, hungry for education. Yet the government threatens them for want-
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ing to learn. It is a terrible situation,” Toloui says. It brings the terror of Iran’s Islamic regime close to home, he says. “These students take their lives in the palms of their hands” when they enroll, he says. “It is very scary. It is like Hitler’s regime all over again.” Toloui is in good company in trying to bring attention to the severe human rights violations he says are intensifying every day. Nobel Prize recipients Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former East Timor President Jose RamosHorta have been very vocal in their protest against the persecution of Baha’i Community of Iran and its university. Toloui will be hosting a DVD presentation and discussion about how the university is surviving and the human rights violations in Iran at 7:30 p.m. April 6 at his home in Clayton. The event is free and open to the public. Call (925) 672-6686 for more information and directions.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
April 13
14
Fire destroys home of Concord’s Bay Leaf Cafe owner
15, 2012
The home of Concord Bay Leaf Café owner Nesar “Joe” Nabi was destroyed in a fire Sunday afternoon. Despite efforts by Nabi, neighbors and firefighters alike, the fire, which is thought to have started in the garage, swept throughout the house, located on Bluerock Circle, off Kirker Pass near the Pavilion. His family was away, and he was working in the backyard when the fire started. “I saw smoke. I saw smoke
was coming, I saw my garage was in flames,” said Nabi. He stood surrounded by neighbors and family watching firefighters in oxygen tanks continued to battle the blaze. The house is expected to be a complete loss. Nabi, who is an American success story, having immigrated from Afghanistan to the US in 1984, described the loss of his belongings as “all my life.” He and his family plan to stay with other family members who live in Concord.
Cheer, from page 1
27th Annual
HOME & GARDEN Contra Costa Spring Show
her 10th year with CVHS Cheer. She previously coached her brother and another boy at the Concord school a few years ago on the Comp Team but subsequently instituted a requirement that to be on Comp an individual also had to be on a member of a school game squad that performs at games and rallies. College Park is the only nearby school that also fields a co-ed team but Henricksen says they are becoming much more common and that most of the competitions the Eagles enter now offer co-ed categories. There are about 50 students combined on the Clayton Valley varsity, junior varsity and freshman cheer squads. There are annual tryouts in the spring for the teams and then a separate selection process to pick the 15 for the Comp Team which practices once a week in addition to their spirit practices. Earlier this school year the Comp Team won competitions at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, USA Regionals at Deer Valley High in Antioch, Spirit Spectacular competition in
April 13 14 15, 2012
Good for $2 ADMISSION
Clayton Pioneer Friday Noon-6 Saturday 10-6 Sunday 10-6 Sleep Train Pavilion-2000 Kirker Pass Road in Concord
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Sacramento and a JAMZ meet at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. The Antioch event was the only one Clayton Valley competed in this year which wasn’t a co-ed division. The two-day competition this Saturday and Sunday will wrap up their season. For their winning effort in Las Vegas CVHS got a large team trophy and each member took home a first-place medal and National Champion jacket. Henricksen and team advisors Betty Stone and Terri Day are especially pleased with the squad’s results this year because the team is so young with only four seniors. The team includes, Ashley Becker, Gennie Barahona, Carlie Frevele, Sam Turpen, Maddie Day, Kassidy Pedrani, Rachel Siver, Daniela Duenas, Ashlynn Adams, Cassie Del Monte, Maddie Nuchols, Julie Farr, Evette Guest, Devin Lyn Shaver and Ylagan. The Eagles Comp Cheer Team returning next fall will have to make one adjustment – their name will be changing to Clayton Valley Charter High School.
March 30, 2012
Arts Festival, from page 1 No one brought people and places together more or served as a bigger inspiration than young artist, Mario Scharmer. Ten years ago, the teenaged Mario’s truck struck a pole at high speed causing head trauma and leaving him with permanent brain damage. Mario’s mother Christine writes about the hopeless prognosis and inspiring comeback in “Raising Mario Twice.” Eighteen months ago artist David Brooks, who knew the Scharmer family from their church, the Unity Center in Walnut Creek, received “instruction during meditation,” which led him to contact the Scharmer family to see if Mario would be interested in painting. Thus began a prolific partnership with Mario creating over 60 pieces in 18 months, working only two hours once a week. “It was all in my heart,” Mario said using gestures to enhance limited articulation. Working on several pieces at once in various stages, using all recycled materials, Mario chooses colors. Instead of brushes, he uses Gatorade bottles with a hole punched in the bottom, masking and layering bold colors, to create various moods and
abstractions. When finished, Brooks, Mario and his caretaker discuss the piece, finding images or meaning which inspire Mario’s titles. “Hearts on Fire” was created during the Arizona wildfires and “M.V.A.” titled during the Celebration stands for Most Valuable Artist. “We are all one in heaven,” Mario said. “I love everything. I love breathing. I am thankful for every breath,” he said pointing from his nose to a scar centered above the breast bone. For a long time, Mario breathed and was fed through a trachea tube, explained his caregiver. “So, he is literally thankful for the ability to breathe and smell and for every bite he eats.” Two of Mario’s commissioned paintings hang in the Vallejo Kaiser Trauma Center where he went immediately dispatched after his crash. The works offer hope and inspiration for others. When it came time to sign the pieces Mario was adamant he needed to “warm up” because his fine motor skill is debilitated. “He understood the value of these paintings,” said Brooks. “These are all my work,” Mario said, “painted with love.”
Clayton Cleans Up set for Apr. 21 Rain or shine, scores of Claytonians show up at City Hall every year on a Saturday morning in April to pick up garbage bags and gloves before heading out to the city streets for Clayton Cleans Up. This event, held to honor Earth Day, is a great chance for kids, adults, Scout Troops, service clubs, families and neighbors to spiff up the town in readiness for the Art and Wine Festival.
Volunteers meet at 9 a.m., Saturday, April 21, at City Hall to pick up a free T-shirt, garbage bags and gloves. At 11:30, everyone meets back at City Hall for a barbecue lunch. The event is sponsored by the Clayton Pioneer and the city of Clayton with a generous donation from Allied Waste. For more information, call the Pioneer at 672-0500.
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March 30, 2012
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Directory of Advertisers
Obituary
Alfred George Schwartz
P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517 TAMARA
AND
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TAMARA S TEINER , Editor
July 18, 1916 - March 9, 2012
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, Lou Fancher, Nicci Shipstead, Pam Wiesendanger, Mike Dunn
We remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit is our muse
PIONEER INFO CONTACT US Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580 Tamara Steiner tamara@claytonpioneer.com 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: $48 for first 30 words, $.40 each additional word Non-profit: $18 for first 30 words, $.20 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, 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.
Alfred George “Al” Schwartz passed away peacefully at home on March 9, 2012. He was 95 years old. He was born in Clayton, Calif.., July 18, 1916 to Otto Bismarck Schwartz and Mabel Nunes Schwartz. In 1918, the family moved to the ranch on Marsh Creek Road. He went to Clayton Elementary, which he always called Clayton Grammar School. There were seven students in his graduating class. He graduated from Mt Diablo Union High School in 1934. After high school he went to work for Shell Oil Co. Due to his work ethic, he was quickly promoted to Line Rider, with an area from Martinez to Kettleman City. During World War II he enlisted in the Army Air Corp. He was at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, on his way to Europe when his father suffered a stroke and he was honorably discharged to care for his mother and father. He returned to Shell Oil for a few years but left to start his own business, A.G. Schwartz Trucking, a construction trucking business, in 1948. He worked on most of the major highway and public works construction projects in the Bay Area during the growth boom beginning in the 1950s. He continued driving a truck until 2007 at the age of 91.
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Auto Clayton Valley Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3900 Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 Business Services Rising Moon Marketing & Public Relations . . . . .672-8717 Chiropractor Coflin Chiropractic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6500 Construction and Trades Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700 Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423 Black Diamond Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .777-3440 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 672-1519 Contra Costa Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-8713 Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .822-5144 Steffan Smith Kitchen & Bath Remodeling . . . . .914-0497 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Dentist Children’s Dentistry of Walnut Creek . . . . . . . . . .938-2392 Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 Memo’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0395 Ravioli’s Italian Market Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-3819 Subway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0621 Willows Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-1300
Al is survived by his sons, Karl, Jon, Ed and daughter-inlaw Sue; grandchildren Dawn Evanich (Todd), Jon Christopher, Bobbi, Ed Jr.,, Jon L.; and great grandchildren, A.J., Katie and Emily. He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma, and two sisters, Madonna and Irene and niece Jacqueline. Al was known as being very opinionated and frugal, and "a man’s man to the end." He is and will continue to be missed by all those who knew and loved him. Services and Celebration of Live were held March 23, 2012 at Ouimet Bros. Mortuary on Clayton Road.
Events Contra Costa Home & Garden Show .capitalshowcase.com Financial and Insurance Services Dawn King Bookkeeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .933-0553 Held, Chris - Wells Fargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .609-9415 Littorno, Richard - Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . . .432-4211 Miller, Tom, CPA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .354-1385 Prosperitas Wealth Management . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7700 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 Clear Splash Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6245 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055 Waraner Bros. Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .831-2323 Mailing Services The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245
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Optometry Foresight Optometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4100 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 Laurence, Pete - RE/MAX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .890-6004 Lopez, Stephanie - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . .932-7329
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Mazzei, Matt -Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . .672-4433 Recreation and Fitness All Out Sports League . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203-5626 Casey Copeland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CaseyCopeland.com Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631
Help Fight Hunger Anna Chan – AKA: The Lemon Lady needs your help! Weekly commitment appreciated. Please contact Anna at 672-1988 or AnnaAndAva@gmail.com.
Diablo FC Soccer Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-4625
Meals on Wheels Drivers 1 – 1 1/2 per week. Drivers and relief drivers needed for delivery of Meals on Wheels in East County. Call Jim at 673-0300 or e-mail hairbyjim@att.net.
Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . .524-5100
Hospice of the East Bay – Anna’s Attic Volunteer at Anna’s Attic Thrift Shoppe, located at 5350 Clayton Road. For information call 6749072. To learn more about volunteering for Hospice of the East Bay please contact 887-5678, or email volunteers@hospiceeatbay.org.
Rodie’s RV & Self Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600
Clayton Historical Society Museum The Clayton Historical Society Museum needs a greeter for two hours per month from 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays or Sundays. Call the museum at 672-0240 and leave your name.
Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9840
Clayton Community Library Needs volunteers. Minimum age 13. Minimum commitment is 6 months. Some training provided. Contact: Arlene @ 673-9777 or email: nielsenjanc@aol.com.
Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454 Levity Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2995 Senior Services Always Available Home Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6887 Services, Other Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029 Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . . . .473-0180 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 Specialty Shopping Candles Make Scents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .405-7199 Step Into Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2276 Travel Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447 Worship Clayton Community Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-9060 Eternal Life Lutheran Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0295
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Clayton’s Julie Mitchell is racing against Crohn’s Disease in June Clayton’s Julie Mitchell, a mom of four boys, is about to embark on an adventurous challenge while trying to help a great cause. You’re probably thinking, “What could be more challenging than raising four boys?” Well, Julie has started training to complete a 13.1 mile half marathon on June 24, 2012. As a member of Team Challenge, Julie has committed to raise $5,600 in donations for The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. CCFA has become the largest organization dedicated to funding research leading to improved treatment options and a cure for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Crohn’s and Colitis are painful, incurable diseases that attack the digestive system. These diseases afflict children and adults, but it is primarily a
JULIE MITCHELL
disease of adolescents and young adults, affecting mainly those between age 15 and 35. This challenge is close to Julie’s heart because, at the age of seven, Julie was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. She battled this disease for many years. After continuous hospitalizations,
school absences for months at a time and missing out on normal childhood activities, at age 11 she had her entire large intestine removed. The after-effects of living without this important organ has been rough and a daily challenge that affects many aspects of her life. She has
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For most people the start of a new year brings resolutions, new adventures, and a hope for a fresh, healthy start. However, for a young, vibrant, 27-year old, unemployed and uninsured teacher, this was not the case. Clayton native Ashley Glennen was hospitalized on New Year’s Day for septic shock. This life-threatening illness came on suddenly and causes multiple organ failure. Her condition is complicated by a rare
bleeding disorder. During her hospitalization she spent the first 55 days in the intensive care unit on dialysis and has received over 150 units of blood. She is still in the hospital at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. She has fought long and hard and her doctors say she still has a long way to go Like many teachers in the current economy Ashley has not
been able to obtain a teaching contract this year. As the expenses continue to mount, friends and family are stepping up to help out with a fundraiser on April 14, 5-8 p.m. at Sanctuary Ministries, 2250 Commerce Ave #D in Concord. There will be a spaghetti feed, baked goods, live music and raffle to help raise money for Ashley and her family. For more information and tickets, go online to www.teamashley.net
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learned to live with her medical challenges and considers her story a triumph over this disease. Please consider supporting Julie’s efforts for a cure by making a tax deductible donation to CCFA. More than 80 percent of every dollar she raises will directly fund research for a cure. Her personal fundraising deadline is April 20. There are special incentives for corporations who donate $1,000 or more. You can donate through Julie’s website at www.active.com/donate/kona1 2/Kona12SFEBJMitche or by mailing a check directly to: Maria Khoury, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, 5 Third St., Suite 625, San Francisco, CA 94103. Checks can be made out to CCFA and please make sure you put “Julie Mitchell” somewhere on the check so that it will go towards her fundraising goal.
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Mayor, from page 1 that include picnic tables and shaded areas. Our downtown Grove Park can be rented for birthday parties and weddings. Information regarding these rentals is on our website: www.cityofclayton.org, click on the tab for “Parks and Facilities.” There are lots of pictures to look at and you will find the rates are very reasonable. Clayton Road Landscaping: The bids to re-landscape some medians from Center Street to Mitchell Canyon Road, the noses at several high-profile intersections and Daffodil Hill are out and contracts could be awarded at our April 3 city council meeting. Flora Square: The owners report they have signed a longterm lease to a dental office for
the remaining upstairs space. At a recent meeting with our city manager and me, the owner finally confirmed their produce market lease fell through, which was disappointing news. They are working on alternative possibilities. Vacant Houses/Burglaries: Chief of Police Dan Lawrence recently apprehended a man that had his truck backed in the driveway of a vacant house. The man was stealing fixtures and other household belongings. There are vacant homes in many of our subdivisions. Please report any suspicious vehicle parked at vacant homes. This seems to be a new trend for burglars. Here are a few reminders regarding how to prevent home invasions and car theft:
1. Do not post or allow your kids to post on Facebook or any social media you are going on vacation. Crooks have computers too and are looking for these kinds of postings. 2. If you own an alarm system, use it. 3. Make sure you stop the delivery of newspapers and mail while you’re on vacation. 4. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. 5. Close your blinds before it gets dark. Crooks like to case homes by looking in windows. 6. Put your car keys by your bedside at night. If you hear a noise outside or even inside your home, hit the alarm button. You will alert everyone in the neighborhood that something is wrong. Odds are the intruder won’t stick around. 7. Always carry your car keys
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in your hand while walking to your car. It’s your best warning device. 8. Be sure to lock your cars and do not leave cell phones or laptops in sight. Be alert and contact our police department when you see something out of the ordinary. It may save you and your neighbors from suffering a loss. Clayton Police are available for Neighborhood Watch drills. This program has been very successful. There are four things that you cannot recover: the stone after it has been thrown, the word after it was said, the occasion after the loss, the time after it has passed. Make every day count and have no regrets. Send questions and comments to Councilmangeller@aol.com.
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Concerts, from page 1 small town that is quaint and relatively ‘wholesome.’ Please don’t mess that up.” “I am opposed to the idea that alcohol makes for more fun,” said Masha Rosenthal. Under the original plan, the city would have contracted with P2C Foundation, a non-profit headed by Medrano, to obtain the alcohol license and sell sponsorships, reserved VIP seating and merchandise to fund the concerts. There was no net income projected from the alcohol sales so jettisoning that plan does not impact the bottom line. The city, however, balked at any contract between P2C and the city saying it could create a potential conflict of interest since Medrano is an elected official. With alcohol sales and the P2C contract off the table, the Council agreed 4-1 to go ahead with the weeknight concerts as an experiment. Howard Geller voted against the concerts, citing the 18 emails opposing them. “It’s a matter of saturation,” he said. “The people downtown have had enough events.” Medrano will continue to organize and run the concerts as a private citizen, seeking donations and sponsorships from local businesses and non-profits.
Police Activity Week ending March 22, 2012 Accidents: Mar. 18, 1:57 a.m. Non injury accident at Main Street and Marsh Creek. Arrests: Mar. 17, 3:13 a.m. Police stopped an Oakland man, 22, at Clayton Road and Mitchell Canyon for a Vehicle Code Violation and arrested him for DUI and driving without a license. Mar. 17, 6:55 p.m., A Clayton man, 59, was arrested in the 5000 block of Clayton Road for DUI after police stopped him for a Vehicle Code violation. Mar. 19, 4:19 a.m. Police arrested a Concord man, 21, in the 5000 block of Clayton Road, for driving on a suspended license for DUI and an outstanding warrant. He was cited and released. Mar. 21, 2:48 a.m. Police stopped a Martinez man, 40, at Clayton Road and Kirker Pass for a Vehicle Code Violation and cited him for driving on a suspended license and an outstanding warrant. He was cited and released. Mar. 21, 2:51 p.m. Police arrested a Clayton man, 30, after serving an outstanding warrant in the 700 block of Black Point Place. Mar. 22, midnight, Police stopped a Brentwood man, 41, at Marsh Creek and Center Street for a Vehicle Code violation and cited him for driving on a suspended license. Mar. 22, 2:09 a.m. At Clayton Road and Lydia Lane, police arrested a Concord man, 25, for public intoxication and possession of marijuana (less than 28.5 g) and probation violation. Burglaries and Thefts: Mar. 16, Grenache Circle. Burglary - Residential.
Who are Freddie and Fannie and what can they do for me? Q. The real estate terms that you and others use have me confused: Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHA etc. Could you define them? How do I know what type of a loan I have on my house? A. I conferred with our loan expert, JVM Lending, for an easy to understand synopsis. It is important to be educated on the distinctions of these because effectively more than 90 percent of all mortgages are Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or FHA loans. This was his explanation: FANNIE MAE AND FREDDIE MAC Fannie and Freddie are Government Sponsored Enterprises or “GSEs.” Prior to the 2008 “meltdown,” this meant the federal government gave them certain advantages. Today, they are (for the most part) owned and operated by the federal government. Fannie and Freddie were set up to “provide more liquidity” for mortgages; they buy mortgages from banks and investors and “bundle them into securities” and sell them on Wall Street. This access to the capital markets brings more mortgage funds and lower rates to borrowers/consumers. Without Fannie and Freddie, rates would be much higher. This is because there is not enough private sector demand for mortgages to keep rates as low as they are. Fannie and Freddie do not originate loans. They only buy them from other lenders and investors. There is little difference between Fannie and Freddie, other than some minor guideline nuances. They are separate entities doing largely the same thing, although Fannie is much larger than Freddie. Lenders underwrite loans subject to standards that “Conform” to Fannie and Freddie guidelines. Fannie/Freddie will not buy loans that do not “Conform.” This is why we refer to “Conforming” loans. The “Conforming Loan” is currently $625,000 in our area. Loans that do NOT “Conform” to Fannie/Freddie guidelines are referred to as “NonConforming” loans. They include FHA, Jumbo and Portfolio loans. NON-CONFORMING LOANS, JUMBO AND PORTFOLIO LOANS “Non-Conforming Loans” include “Jumbo” and “Portfolio” loans. Jumbo loans have loan amounts that exceed Con-
LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ANSWERS forming and FHA limits ($625,000 and $729,000 in the Bay Area). The rates for these loans are higher than Conforming/FHA rates. Portfolio loans are loans that are held by their originating lender; they are not sold to investors. FHA LOANS FHA (Federal Housing Authority) Loans are loans that are underwritten to FHA or HUD (Housing and Urban Development) standards. These guidelines are looser and more flexible than Fannie/Freddie’s (“Conforming”) guidelines. FHA was initially set up to help less well-off borrowers buy homes. But today, FHA has no income limits and borrowers do not have to be “first-time buyers” FHA does NOT buy loans the way Fannie or Freddie does. They only insure them. This is a key distinction. FHA loans are originated, underwritten and funded just like Fannie/Freddie loans. “Ginnie Mae” is the name of a security backed by FHA Loans. Q. I want to start investing in real estate properties. I want to buy, fix up,and resell for a profit. How can I structure this to comply with the law? A. A common slang term for this is “flipping.” A “flip” technically is a property that was purchased by the current seller within the last 90 days. Many, if not most, lenders will not lend if you are buying it to “flip.” However, if a bank takes back a home and resells it in less than 90 days, it is not considered a flip. Doesn’t seem fair, does it? Consequently, all events relating to reselling the property must start 90 days or more after you take title. This includes opening an escrow, appraisal, all dates on the contract and more. Another important item is the appraisal. Because appraisers go back up to six months for comparable sales, your original purchase of this home will show up as a “comp.” You must justi-
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fy the higher price by detailing the “added value” improvements. If there is 20 percent or more appreciation it is more difficult for your buyer to get their financing. If you hold the property for several months before reselling you are in the best position as far as financing for the buyer. 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) 672-8787; E-mail: Lynne@LynneFrench.com, or stop in at 6200 Center Street in Clayton.
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Page 8
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Most CVHS students, teachers opt to stay with charter school “Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.” -Goethe’s Faust The CVCHS Governing Board and committees are acting on Goethe’s words, boldly setting in motion policies and procedures that focus on and support the charter’s shared vision for improved student achievement and success in the 21st century. NEW POLICIES A more conservative dress code will be in effect for the 2012-2013 school year. It is posted on the CVCHS website. Completion of the Summer Transition Program will be a graduation requirement for incoming freshman. An overview of the program can be viewed in the course catalog on the CVCHS website.The new 2012-2013 course catalog is available on the CVCHS website.
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THE CHARTER PAPERS OTHER NEWS Current enrollment is approximately 1,860. A total of 1,900 students will be accepted for the 2012-2013 school year. An overwhelming majority of current Clayton Valley families have chosen make CVCHS their school of choice. Only nine of CVHS’s 78 teachers opted to stay with MDUSD and transfer to other schools in the district. The random public lottery for CVCHS enrollment will be held on April 2, 2012 at 6:30
p.m. in the Multi-Use Room at Clayton Valley High School. All students entering the lottery should receive a phone call or email to this effect prior to April 2. Additionally, any family, student or community member that would like to attend the lottery is welcome to join us! If you are interested in facility related matters such as new construction, plant improvements and technology, the Operations Committee is soliciting community members to round out its slate of committee members. Dine, dance and donate at Cantina Ugly, May 11 at Centre Concord. Mark your calendars for CVCHS first fundraising event. What steps would you take to realize this vision? Email comments to april.winship@claytonvalley.org. Visit www.claytonvalley.org often for the latest news about your school. What is your vision for CVCHS? April Winship is a parent of two CVCHS students. She lives in Clayton with her family.
Kony 2012 video hits DVMS students hard
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CELINE HERRERA DVMS REPORTER Remember hide and go seek? How it was so much fun to run, hide, and then find the remaining people? Right now, I want you to imagine you are playing this game. You are the person who is “it” and you have to seek out the remaining people. The problem is the people you are looking for are invisible. The government is playing a game exactly like this, but it’s not a game. It’s real. We’re looking for Joseph Kony. I didn’t know who Joseph Kony was until March 6, 2012. It was another day, which meant another routine for me. To finish my homework, do chores, practice piano, and sleep. Of course added to this routine, is procrastination. I took a break from my homework, and went
on Facebook. A video, called “KONY 2012” was posted repeatedly. I decided to watch the 30 minute video, which brought me to tears. The video is about a man, Joseph Kony, who is doing despicable acts. He has an army, called the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) that kidnaps children from their parents and terrorizing people’s minds and hearts. He hands these kidnapped children a gun, and forces them to shoot innocent people. Boys are sent out as rebel soldiers and girls are turned into slaves. This has been going on for 26 years. Kony fights for no cause but only to maintain power. What breaks my heart is that these children were being ignored. The total number of children kidnapped is an estimate of 30,000. The people who created the video “KONY 2012” found about this through a child who was affected by this,
named Jacob. Jacob and his brother were in the LRA. He tried to escape, except Jacob’s brother had been caught and was killed. Many children are on the run in these Africa nations Kony terrorizes, to avoid being kidnapped. The conditions they are living in are horrific. What we can do to help? We can watch the video and spread the word about who Joseph Kony is. The goal of the video was to lionize him. Not to celebrate him, but to tell the world of what he is doing, specifically on April 20th, 2012. The video expires on Dec. 31, 2012. To get more details about the event, visit www.kony2012.com and be the voice for the invisible children. Let’s bring him to justice and make the invisible, visible. Celine Herrera is in the eighth grade at Diablo View Middle School. Email comments or questions to celine@claytonpioneer.com.
DVMS Career Day sparks students interest WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? Students at Diablo View Middle School had the opportunity to get the wheels in their heads turning over this classic question. On Wednesday, March 14 DVMS hosted its second annual Career Day. Unlike a regular school day, on Career Day, the classes were not solely taught by teachers; instead they were run by parents and other adults who volunteered to share information about their careers with the students of our middle school. The guest speakers ranged from hairdressers and firemen, to astrophysicist and TV producers for ESPN. On Career Day, all DVMS students had the chance to hear multiple speakers present information about their fields. The following day, many students were still talking about Career Day. After listening to the FBI recruiters explain their jobs,
eighth grader Karyna MacLean found that she had a newfound interest for the government agency. Seventh grader Cameron Martin told me about his favorite speaker of the day, Jeff Annison, a tech entrepreneur. Cameron felt he could really relate to Mr. Annison, “I liked how he had a lot of jobs before he found out what he really wanted to do,” Cameron said. “And all of the jobs he had actually seemed fun.” The longer he listened to Mr. Annison talk, the more of a connection he felt to the entrepreneur. Excitedly Cameron said, “He invented this little toy where a lollipop sticks out the top and spins around. I actually remember playing with that toy when I was little. He also helped build the Jurassic Park ride at Universal Studios in Los Angeles. He even makes phone apps, and he helped create MobiTV and won an Emmy.”
GIOVY WEBB
DVMS Overall, Career Day was definitely a success. All of the speakers brought with them a wealth of knowledge and shared exciting stories about their jobs with the students at DVMS. It gave middle schoolers an opportunity to look into their future and begin thinking about what career path interests them the most. Hopefully when the time comes for DVMS students to choose their field of interest, they’ll remember the speakers’ advice, “Your job won’t feel like work if you’re doing something you love and are passionate about.” Giovy Webb is an 8th-grader at DVMS. She will be heading to Carondolet High School next year.
March 30, 2012
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Frank advice for CVCHS teachers With the recent passing of the Clayton Valley Charter, many students are beginning to wonder what types of changes will be implemented next year that will make CVCHS so much better than CVHS. Although I won’t be at the school to be affected by these changes, my younger brother will, so I’ve begun to wonder the same thing as the underclassmen. If the goal of the charter is to minimize the flaws of a traditional public school, my belief
Writer’s contest seeks middle school entries Sixth, seventh and eighth grade Contra Costa students are invited to submit their short stories, poems and personal narratives/essays to the California Writers Club Mt. Diablo Branch contest by April 1. Cash prizes will be awarded for excellence in short story, poetry and essay/personal narrative categories. Contest submissions are free. Winners will be notified in May and presented with their awards on Saturday, May 19, at Zio Fraedo’s restaurant in Pleasant Hill. All expenses of the program are supported by individual donations and grants. Go to cwcmtdiablowriters.wordpress.com for contest guidelines.
CCC Board of Education needs charter school rep to serve on board The Contra Costa County Board of Education is looking for someone to serve on the Clayton Valley Charter High School Governing Board for a two year term. To apply for the appointment, contact Karen Sakata, Associate Superintendent/Human Resources at (925) 942-3407 for an application packet or download the application packet from the website at www.cocoschools.org. Application deadline is April 4, 2012. Applicants must be Contra Costa County residents.
is that the most important thing the heads of the school can do is listen to the students, both past and present. I’ve started to consider what I would change if I were the head of CVCHS. Sure, some petty aspects come to mind, like school uniforms and a longer spring break, but soon my mind wanders to consider the more complicated flaws of high school, such as two-year tenure and the manner in which some teachers treat even the most respectful of students. I truly try to understand that teaching must be one of the most frustrating and trying professions out there, so I do my best to remain respectful of teachers’ time and energy. To me, it’s not any inconvenience, and it generally makes everyone’s lives a bit easier. However, when teachers are given automatic tenure after a mere two years of teaching, there is less of an incentive to put forth the effort that is really required to be an effective teacher and to treat students with the respect that they deserve. When there is no pressure of losing their job, there is nothing that is forcing them to work out issues with students appropriately and generally be what everyone expects of “good teachers.” Of course, there are always exceptions. I have had some
SARAH ROSEN TEEN SPEAK absolutely FANTASTIC teachers who remain unaffected by automatic tenure, and I know perfectly well that there are some incredibly disrespectful students that test teachers’ patience and will to be respectful. My philosophy is that students must earn teachers’ respect and vice versa. I can put up with unreasonably strict teachers or teachers that play favorites with the “difficult” students to avoid conflict with them, but I cannot put up with administrators who ignore the complaints of both parents and students and who allow teachers to be intentionally rude and entirely inappropriate on multiple occasions. I must say that this year’s administration has provided a breath of fresh air as they have listened to the complaints and opinions, but in the past, this has not been the case.
I have had a teacher, who refused to teach the material and when I couldn’t finish a test, told me that I should be evaluated for a learning disability. That same teacher told another girl that she should immediately enroll in the special education department and be ashamed of her poor math skills. Despite the myriad parental and student complaints, that teacher is still teaching at CVHS because he has automatic tenure. Other teachers are so emotionally unstable that on days when students are more rowdy than usual, they break down in tears and are unable to even face the class. While we teenagers are at the most emotionally unstable times in our own lives, how are we supposed to be able to handle teachers that are more emotionally unpredictable than we are? School should be an environment that provides stability in students’ lives, not a place that where it’s impossible to predict what might happen in class that day. In the end, it comes down to accountability. Teachers must be held accountable for their behavior, just as we students must be held accountable for ours.
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Sports league creator Copeland, goes ‘all-out’ for leadership training In January 2008, Casey Copeland recognized that children of varying athletic levels did not have the same opportunity to learn sport-specific skills as serious players or elite young athletes. Many of these children aspired to be better players, but unfortunately did not have the best setting in which to learn sport-specific skills, have fun, be safe, and take those lessons home and apply them to their everyday lives. Copeland had a vision that “every child should experience the joy and benefits of sports,” which is the foundation for his All Out Sports League: “Teaching fundamentals and life skills through sports.” Today All Out Sports League offers programs in Clayton, Antioch, Moraga and Livermore. Now, he’s taking that same philosophy from the fields to classrooms. Copeland is known as an exceptional motivator and speaker. He spent more than
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ship development so they can meet the challenges of adulthood and leadership successfully. Our programs help young people build their communication and leadership skills so they may become tomorrow’s leaders in business, industry and community,” Copeland says. He notes that many colleges and universities are looking for students who have completed leadership training in middle and high school. “Our programs will provide students the leadership experience needed for their college applications,” he says. “We believe that every young person has the potential to become a good communicator and leader, but this potential must be developed.” The seminars begin on April 29 in Clayton. To learn more, visit www.caseycopeland.com.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
March 30, 2012
Sports New CV coaching staff but same high expectations JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Mike Dunn photo
SECOND BASEMAN JOSH BALLARD (25) OF CLAYTON was honorable mention all-DVAL as a soph for the league champion Clayton Valley High baseball team. Josh and brother John Ballard, an outfielder, are counted on to help the Eagles seek their fourth straight league crown this spring.
Sports Shorts SPRING BREAK BASEBALL CLINIC AT CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH FIELD
SPRING YOUTH, ADULT PROGRAM SIGNUPS NOW AT CLAYTON GYM
The Clayton Valley High School baseball program is teaming up with Los Medanos College to run a spring baseball clinic April 9 and 11 from 9 a.m. to noon on the CVHS baseball field. The clinic will be run by the Los Medanos College baseball coaching staff including LMC assistants Anthony D’Albora, Chris Bodishbaugh and Matt Kavanaugh as well as an appearance by Head Coach Casey Coakley. Cost is $50. To sign up or for more information, email eaglebaseballacademy@gmail.com.
Spring youth basketball academy for boys and girls of all skill levels in first through ninth grades is returning to Clayton Community Gym for seven Friday evenings starting April 6. Spring adult leagues for softball, dodgeball and volleyball are also gearing up. For more information or to register for any program offered by All Out Sports at the gym, visit alloutsportsleague.com.
JEFF POWERS SCORES IN NCAA TOURNAMENT FOR CAL BEARS
Competitive soccer team tryouts in Diablo FC for boys and girls in the under 15 through under 18 age groups will be held in Concord April 15-22. Players born between Aug. 1, 1994 and July 31, 1998 can tryout. Boys U15-U18 tryouts are April 15, 17 and 19 while girls are April 16, 18 and 22. Boys and girls who missed U9-U14 tryouts should go online to register for tryouts and the age group coach will contact them. To pre-register online for the free U15-U18 tryouts and a complete schedule visit diablofc.org.
Clayton sophomore Jeff Powers scored a basket for Cal during the NCAA Tournament recently when the Bears lost 6554 to South Florida in a play-in game in Dayton, Ohio. The former De La Salle prep star also played in the post-season National Invitational Tournament for Cal last year. The 6-7 guard is joined at Cal with his former high school teammate Brandon Smith. Powers played in 19 games for Cal this year.
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TRYOUTS FOR U15-U18 2012 DIABLO FC TEAMS APRIL 15-22
CV YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP REGISTRATION OPENS
The 11th annual Clayton Valley youth football camp for boys and girls entering third through ninth grades runs June 18-22 at Gonsalves Stadium on the Clayton Valley High School campus from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. CVHS head football coach Herc Pardi, Paul Reynaud and the Eagles coaching staff and players provide fundamental instruction and daily full contact competition. There is a trainer on site. Each participant gets a camp shirt and written evaluation. Cost is $125, plus a refundable $75 equipment fee.
As a senior Gustavo Ponce was Clayton Valley High captain and this season the former Eagle helped the City College of San Francisco to its first-ever California Community College Final Four where they were eliminated in the semi-finals by the #1 team in the country and 3-time champion Mt. San Antonio College. The Concord native played his youth soccer for the two clubs that formed Diablo FC – DVSC and MDSL. Ponce and his CCSF teammates were ranked #6 in the nation and were Coast Conference champions during the school’s 50th year of soccer. He’s currently deciding on a four-year college for next year.
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CLAYTON VALLEY LITTLE LEAGUE PRESIDENT KEVIN CHRISTIANSEN gave a speech to the large opening ceremonies audience in the Clayton Valley High school gym that promised all the players will enjoy the season and urging parents to do so as well. “Please keep in mind what Little League is...it’s young children playing baseball. They are learning one of the most sophisticated sports which takes a long time to master. Mistakes will happen by players, coaches, umpires and by those that run the league. Please give them all of your patience and encouragement. We can all work as one so kids can learn how to play and enjoy a sport we all love.” There are 620 boys and girls in the CVLL on 53 teams this spring. At the opening ceremonies softball major players Krista and Kayla Confetti announced the Little League Pledge, Cami Cohen threw the first softball pitch of the season to Savannah O’Connel and Vincent Del Monte threw the first baseball pitch to William Jordan. Wet weather forced postponement of the Hit-A-Thon.
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Eddie Juarez, RJ Franco, Charlie Blazer, Brady Formoso and Garrett Nelson. Besides Meadows, three other players from last year’s NCS finalists—-Christian Kaplan, JD Doran and Jordan Burger – -are playing college ball. Pardi sees College Park with frosh sensation and USA national team under 14 player Joe DeMers helping an experience group of Falcons as the biggest challenger for DVAL honors. The new head coach has been guiding the CVHS football team for 16 years. He has been an assistant coach on the baseball team for four years and previously coached Mt Diablo High in his first high school varsity coaching assignment. For seven years he held dual roles as Pittsburg High varsity football and baseball coach. Pardi was an allDVAL player in his senior year at Clayton Valley and played college ball for two years at Boise State. Mike Formoso, a fellow CVHS alum, and Dave Leal are on the varsity staff with Pardi. Dave Cooney is the junior varsity head coach with Mark Peterson and Greg Suelzle his assistants. Another Eagle alum Geoff Byrnes is coaching the freshman team with Chris Snyder and Rick Medrano assisting. Clayton Valley began league play this week after a good preseason.
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Clayton Valley High School has established its baseball program as one of the strongest in Northern California over the past decade as brother-in-laws Bob Ralston and Casey Coakley took turns taking the Eagles to North Coast Section success. When Ralston accepted the college position as head coach of Cal State East Bay last summer it left a void in for the Eagles that has been filled by veteran football coach Herc Pardi. Pardi has assembled a new coaching staff and says that CVHS baseball “has the very same expectations and standard of excellence—-Diablo Valley Athletic League and NCS championships.” They take over a program that has reached the North Coast Section championship game four times since 2002, winning the title in 2009 during the Concord’s school Silver Anniversary year. Last spring the Eagles lost to defending champion Campolindo in the NCS finals. Since 2007 the Eagles have reached at least the semi-finals of the NCS playoffs every year, making them one of the premier baseball squads in the section. This year’s Eagles weren’t given much love in the pre-season by SportStars magazine that placed NCS champ Campolindo third in its pre-season NorCal poll. In fact, five Contra Costa
teams made the list ahead of the overlooked Eagles. Among those with a high ranking is De La Salle, coached by former Clayton Valley assistant David Jeans, at #6. Pardi will be counting on three returning all-DVAL players to lead the Eagles. Lefthanded pitcher Domenic Mazza, who has also made a national name for himself as a golfer, won the season-opening game on the mound but has been sidelined since then with a lower back injury. Catcher Ryan Kroll is a fellow senior and all-DVAL returnee. He’s off to a blazing start batting. As a sophomore last year Jesse Medrano played second base, shortstop and third base. This year, with the departure of standout Chaz Meadows to Long Beach State, Medrano figures to anchor the infield at shortstop. He’s been off to a slow start with the bat but is key figure in the Eagles plans. His second baseman this year is classmate Josh Ballard, honorable mention all-DVAL as a soph. Senior pitchers Matt Wiswell and Tommy Boyle and outfielders Matt Jacobson and Kyle Bradbury provide senior leadership. Michael Schoppe joins Mazza, Boyle and Wiswell as starting pitchers. New varsity players include Josh Stalker, Graham Pimm, Ryan Snyder, John Ballard,
March 30, 2012
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Sports
Page 11
ALL OUT SPORTS LEAGUE
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tie for third place at State before making four of five to win a shootout for the third spot. She made 22, 23 and 21 (of 25) shots in the previous three rounds to qualify for the State finals. The busy Brown also plays recreation soccer in the fall and swims for Dana Hills Otters during the summer.
Athlete Spotlight Name: Alex Brown Age: 11 Team: St. Bonaventure
The Clayton Pioneer congratulates Alex Brown and rewards her achievement with a gift certificate to Rocco’s Ristorante & Pizzeria.
5th Grade CYO Basketball Sport: Basketball Alex Brown was on two basketball paths this month – one as a team member and one as an individual – and she came up with top notch results in both endeavors. Her fifth grade St. Bonaventure team
reached the Oakland Diocese East CYO championship game for the second year in a row before losing in overtime 20-16 to St. John Vianney. That came one week before the Clayton girl ventured to Sanger near
Fresno for the California State finals of the 39th annual Elks Hoop Shoot where she finished third in the 10-11 age group. The fifth grader at Mt. Diablo Elementary School made 17 of 25 free throws to
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.
Oakhurst Orcas Swim Team recruits National Champion high school coach JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Jasmine Millan was a college sophomore at San Francisco State when the Gators eliminated its swimming program. She needed to find another place to complete her intercollegiate swim career and when an opportunity to swim half a country away for the University of Texas of the Permian Basin popped up she grabbed up. “It was one door closing but another opening and I walked through it.” This year parents on the Oakhurst Country Club suggested to General Manager Chase Swanson that he contact Millan to coach the summer recreation Orcas Swim Team. Once again Millan was on the end of a recruiting push and she’s again accepted the offer. She has taken over as head coach of the Orcas for the 2012 season with the “expectation to be here for many years.” She’s the team’s third head coach in three years so Millan’s comment will be met with excitement by OCC families. Millan is currently in her fifth season as head coach of the Carondelet High School swimming and diving team. Her Cougars were crowned 2010 National high school champions by Swimming World magazine. The “bible of swimming” compares the times from all the high schools in the country and determined that the North Coast Section championship team from Carondelet was #1 in the United States. For her 2010 efforts guiding the Cougars to those heights Millan was East Bay and California State swim coach of the year. “I want to build the Orcas program to be competitive year after year,” Millan says. The Concord resident is a full-time teacher at Carondelet, instruct-
Photo courtesy of Oakhurst Orcas
JASMINE MILLAN WILL BE TAKING HER PLACE on the pool deck next month as new head coach of the Oakhurst Country Club Orcsa Swim Team. She is also busy this spring coaching the powerful Carondelet High School team.
ing health and cross training classes. Her profession gives her free time during the summer and she’s looking forward to her Oakhurst duties. The new coach anticipates about 100 swimmers on her team this summer with signups still underway. Oakhurst doesn’t belong to a league so the team schedules home and away dual meets and also takes part in invitational weekend events like the Battle of the Ages and Devil Mountain Pentathlon, hosted by Clayton’s other rec swim team
Dana Hills. The season culminates with the Concord City Championships and Contra Costa County swim meets. Millan grew up in West Contra Costa in Hercules. After graduating with honors from Pinole Valley High School where she was a four-year varsity swimmer and team captain she enrolled at SF State. She was on the National Dean’s List for two years and an Academic Scholarship swimmer. When the athletic director announced that the swim program was being cut
during her sophomore year it was quite “a shock.” She was competing in the conference championships that year at the legendary Belmont Plaza pool in Long Beach when Rob Rankin, coach from University of Texas of the Permian Basin, approached her. “They were starting a swim program in the fall of 2004. I was swimming really well in the conference meet and he said, ‘Come see what we have to offer.” Millan recalls her first thought, “Texas, oh no!” But the Bay Area girl took the coach up on his offer to visit the campus in the West Texas town of Odessa and liked what she saw. She swam sprint freestyle and individual medley for the Falcons. She was team captain, an NAIA All-American relay swimmer and racked up academic honors while earning her Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology. She stayed another year in Texas doing graduate studies and helping coach the swim team which was transitioning from NAIA to NCAA Division II. Millan applied for and was hired for the Carondelet coaching job before the 2007-2008 school year. That next January the Concord all-girls school hired her to a teaching position. Millan’s younger brother Ricardo followed his sister to UT Permian Basin and swam there four years. He is joining her again as an assistant coach for the Orcas this summer. Brother and sister have been involved in swimming almost their entire lives competing and coaching and want to pass along that knowledge and experience to the Orca swimmers, who range from four to 19 years of age. They’ll be able to put that into action when practice begins for the summer season in the Oakhurst pool April 16.
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Page 12
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
March 30, 2012
Sports Clayton quartet helps St. Agnes quintet to historic Oakland Diocese hoops title JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
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Four players from Clayton helped the St. Agnes seventh grade basketball team win the program’s first-ever Oakland Diocese CYO girls championship as they rallied from a halftime deficit to defeat Holy Rosary 40-30 and claim the coveted first-place medals for the Concord school. After reaching their second Oakland Diocese East CYO playoff finals in as many years, the St. Bonaventure fifth grade girls were felled in overtime 20-16 by St. John Vianney, denying the local area a second girls Diocese title. Clayton’s own Jaclyn Aragon, Juliana Riva, Sierra Bruni and Sofia Daly were integral as St. Agnes went 9-1 during the regular season with the Saints only loss to Holy Rosary. St. Agnes began the Diocese playoffs with an 18-point victory over St. Catherine and then beat St. Perpetua in the semifinals by seven.
Photo courtesy St. Agnes CYO
ST. AGNES’ SEVENTH GRADE BASKETBALL TEAM swept through the Oakland Diocese CYO Playoffs to win the program’s first-ever girls Diocese championship. The team includes, front row from left, Laura McFarland, Judy Audas, Sofia Daly, Fiona Dolan, Jaclyn Aragon, Lauren Schmidt, Sierra Bruni, Adriana Pitto, Juliana Riva; back coaches Kevin Daly and Gene Dolan.
Coaches Kevin Daly and Gene Dolan said that “balanced scoring and great team defense” allowed St. Agnes to come back to defeat Holy Rosary in the finals after trailing by three points at halftime. All nine players attend St. Agnes School.
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Photo courtesy St. Bonaventure CYO
FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW the St. Bonaventure girls basketball team coached by Andrew Brown and Eric Bamberger reached the championship game of the CYO Oakland Diocese East tournament only to come away second best. The 5th grade team this year included, front row from left, Brianna Murray, Tabitha Keirstead, Jessica Hevener, Maddie Fink, Hannah Macauly; back row, Emily Lyons, Skylar Aldridge, Alex Brown, Ali Bamberger and Alyssa Dern.
St. Bonaventure’s current fifth grade girls basketball team has racked up a 34-2 record in their three years together but both losses came in the Oakland Diocese East playoffs championship game and each time the local team has scored an unlucky 16 points in the season finale. The fifth graders were undefeated in 10 league games and first seed from the East Division for the playoffs. The team added three new players this year as coaches Andrew Brown and Eric Bamberger sought to replace two players who left the team and get them over the hump of the championship game. Alex Brown scored half the team’s points in a 28-22 firstround playoff victory over St. Monica of Moraga. Key free throw shooting in the fourth quarter by Brown, Skylar Aldridge and Ali Bamberger turned the tide of a back and forth game. That win gave St. Bonaventure a chance at revenge. St. Perpetua won last year’s fourth grade Diocese championship game 17-16 over St. Bonaventure, handing the local girls their first defeat after 22 successive wins in third and fourth grade.
In this year’s semis things weren’t looking too good at halftime as St. Perpetua led 11-7. Brown, Aldridge and Bamberger provided the scoring, Aldridge and Tabitha Keirstead rebounded, Bri Murray made some keys steals, Hannah Macauly sank clutch free throws and Maddie Fink and Jessica Hevener were defensive stalwarts as St. Bonaventure rallied for a satisfying 25-19 victory. Alyssa Dern playing strong post defense. The championship game between St. Bonnies and St. John Vianney featured the two #1 seeds and they played like it with the scoring going back and forth. With seven seconds to go in the game Brown stole a pass and dribbled in for a layup to tie the score and force overtime. St. John Vianney wasn’t rattled by this dramatic turn of events and hit some outside jump shots in overtime to come away with a 20-16 triumph. Brown ended up scoring 14 points but St. Bonaventure wasn’t able to get its offense going in the extra period. Macauly was a demon on defense holding St. John’s top player to just two points in the finale while Emily Lyons was up to the task of ball handling against the SJV press.
Teaching kids good money ‘cents’
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Among the many responsibilities of adulthood, managing personal finances is one of the most important skills you can learn. Unfortunately, many of us have had to learn this lesson the hard way, without any formal education on the subject. If you want to help give your kids a head start on the road to financial independence and success, there are many simple tips you can use to get them started early. This week, in the first of a two-part series, we’ll discuss six easy ways to help your younger children learn about the value of money and investing. In the second part, next week, we’ll go over another six tips, to make it an even dozen. Here are some ideas for you to consider: 1) Introduce kids to dollars and cents. Teach your kids how to count change, and help them understand the value of each coin. Explain how to pay for things. For example, if they find a toy at the store that costs $2.75, show how they would need two $1 bills plus three quarters to pay for this purchase. You can even let them make the
CHRIS HELD
FINANCIAL SENSE exchange at the check-out counter. 2) Explain the concept of earning money. It’s important for your children to understand how you earn money when you go to work, and also how that money pays for housing, food and the many fun activities your family enjoys. Explain to them the benefits of having a job, and help them appreciate the reason you leave the house each morning. 3) Respect money. To set a good example for your children, don’t discard pennies or small change. Show them how saving even small amounts of change in a jar can add up to a significant sum. Count it out
together every few months, and help them pick out something useful they can spend it on. 4) Give your children an allowance. By providing your children with a weekly allowance, you can teach them both how to save money, and also how to spend it wisely. You can also tie their allowance to weekly chores done around the house, to help them learn the concept of earning their money. It may also be a good idea to pay their allowance in small increments, such as five $1 bills instead of one $5 bill. Dividing their money in this way can help them see how they can use a portion of the money to spend on things they want, and also how to save a portion of their earnings as well. 5) Help set savings goals to work toward. If your child wants to purchase a video game or a new item of clothing, work with them to figure out ways to save for this goal. If the item costs $20, help them estimate how much of their allowance they will need to save and how long it will take to save that amount. You
can also encourage your child to find ways to make some extra money by picking up additional chores around the house. 6) Match their savings. One way to encourage good habits is by matching a portion of your child’s savings. For example, you could contribute an extra 50 cents for each dollar they put away. Giving them extra incentive can increase their savings more rapidly and teach them good habits at the same time. These are just a few ideas to get your kids started on the road to savings. Look for more thoughts on how to help them learn about personal finance in future issues. Chris Held is a financial adviser with Wells Fargo Advisors. Send your questions or comments to chris.j.held@wellsfargo.com All Investments in securities and insurance products are not FDIC insured, are not bank-guaranteed and may lose value. Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate nonbank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.
March 30, 2012
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 13
Tips for finding a lost pet – quickly
ELENA BICKER
PET PALS
What do pets, mittens, sunglasses and homework have in common? All of these items are easily – and regularly – lost. Nothing compares to that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach upon realizing your beloved pet is missing. Whether your dog decided to explore the neighborhood because the gate was left open, or your cat dashed out the front door right before your eyes, acting quickly will increase your chances of finding your pet.
Grab some treats, a leash or cat carrier, and hit the pavement. Concentrate on a five or six block radius at first. In addition to calling his name, be sure to look and listen for any signs that your pet may be hiding or confined in a neighbor’s garage or yard. Ask passersby to keep an eye open while they are out and about. When you see your dog or cat, avoid the urge to give chase. This may be viewed as a game and set the animal running,
ARF’s Adoption Stars Yo-Yo and Honey ready to go home
HONEY
YO-YO
Yo-Yo is a sweet little lady who had a rough start. Reportedly hit by a car, several shelters, rescues, and foster homes have helped nurse this gentle girl back to health. Yo-Yo is a bright, social snuggler and is so excited to stretch her legs and explore the world with her new adopter. A Basic Manners training class would be a great way for Yo-Yo to demonstrate her devotion to her new adopter. The adoption fee for adult dogs is $225 and includes 60 percent off one 7-week dog training session.
Honey loves to talk and starts chatting the moment you walk into the room. This young lady wants to be the center of attention and will let you know it. She is very confident and uses her cute personality to get what she wants. 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: Noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday, 3 to 7 p.m. Thurs-
Tesch-Wilkins, from page 1 Clayton Valley High School, was just starting a youth program and welcomed her with open arms. That summer, Wilkins’ life changed. “It’s so funny to think back,” says Wilkins. “I think I had always had the capacity and inkling I wanted to lead something. It was the Red Cross that gave me the opportunity.” Wilkins quickly moved beyond clerical work. She attended a Red Cross youth leadership development program the next summer and found her calling. The girl who just months earlier didn’t know anyone outside her own high school began leading other teens throughout the area – and now throughout the world – to volunteer with the global organization. According to its website, last year, the Bay Area chapter of the American Red Cross helped 2,678 people affected by local disasters, and trained another 357,196 people in first aid.
Children and teens play a big part in that effort. Members of the Junior Red Cross, founded in 1917, learn to do everything from organizing blood drives, to planning fundraisers and teaching disaster preparedness, and shadow adult volunteers in disaster recovery efforts. Just as importantly, they gain skills – such as public speaking and fundraising – that can be used in other areas of their lives. Harold Brooks is the CEO of the Bay Area Chapter. Speaking from a conference in Israel, Brooks recalled Wilkins, though still shy, demonstrating that she was learning to stand her ground. Money was tight in the organization that year and funding was scarce. Brooks was considering cuts to the organization’s youth program until Wilkins learned of his plan. “She let me have it,” he said. “She was sweet and sensitive. But she was real clear about what she thought was important.”
day 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.
Wilkins said that her experiences growing up in Clayton led to her interest in volunteerism. “You’re constantly surrounded by people who are volunteering for community events and making sure the Clayton History Museum stays open,” she says. “It’s such a close-knit community.” Although she now lives in San Francisco and works in Berkeley, Wilkins returned home to Clayton last September to marry her high school sweetheart. The bride wore her greatgrandmother Alma Rasmussen Frank’s necklace as she recited her vows and danced with her new husband in Endeavor Hall. Today, the formerly-shy Wilkins is on call 24-hours a day to rush out to disaster scenes where she helps families who’ve lost their homes get food and housing. Now a member of the Youth Commission of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, she also jets to such far flung locales as Haiti, Switzerland and Dubai to advocate for a voice in the Red Cross gover-
delaying his capture or sending him into harm’s way. Instead, coax your pet to your side with an offering of treats. Dogs may also be enticed by an open car door and the invitation to go for a ride. If you haven’t located your pet after a couple of hours, take your search farther afield. Start with a photo of your pet, and create a simple “Lost Pet” poster to hang around the neighborhood and in local veterinary offices. Visit nearby animal services facilities to file a missing report and walk the kennels looking for your pet. Continue to visit in person every few days – don’t rely on staff or volunteers to recognize your pet from his photo. Do this for several weeks – it may take that long for your wandering pet to be picked up by animal control. Place an ad in the newspaper and on lost and found websites, such as Craigslist and Petfinder. Remember, too, that the best defense is a good offense. Microchips and identification tags (even for indoor-only pets) are your pet’s best bet for a quick, safe return home. Spaying or neutering your pet, obedience training, and keeping your yard enclosure in good repair will help keep him where he belongs. It’s also a good idea to introduce your pets to neighbors, who may be able to recognize and capture a runaway before he gets very far. Visit www.arf.net/resources for more ideas on locating a lost pet, plus what to do with one you’ve found. Having a furry family member disappear is frightening, but don’t give up the search too soon. Your pet may be safely tucked away in the home of a Good Samaritan who is trying desperately to get your best friend back home safely. Elena Bicker is the Executive Director of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. She can be reached at (925) 256-1ARF (1273)
nance by the youths like she once was. She believes strongly that young people need to not only work side-by-side with adult leaders of the international organization, but also to take part in decision making. “We serve everyone, and that should be reflected in the movement,” she says. “It’s good to involve the voices of youth now, so that down the line we’ll have the best prepared leadership.” Wilkins says she was so passionate about her own experience as a young volunteer with the Red Cross that “I just want to make sure everyone else has the same opportunities that I do. It really changed my life.”
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. APR. 4 FOR THE APR. 13 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com
IN CLAYTON Apr. 14 Horse and Rider Sensory Training Clinic designed to help horse and rider overcome spook and confidence issues. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Concord Mt. Diablo Trail Ride Association, 1600 Trail Ride Road, Clayton. Registration $80 for members; $105 nonmembers. $40 deposit required by April 1. cmdtra@yahoo.com or info@bentsonsensory.com.
Apr. 21 Clayton Cleans Up Honor Earth Day with a town spring cleaning. Help pick up trash, pull weeds and share in community spirit. A great activity for clubs and organizations, school projects or a family outing. Meet at City Hall at 9 a.m., rain or shine. T-shirt, gloves and garbage bags provided. Barbecue at 11:30 a.m. Sponsored by the Clayton Pioneer and the city of Clayton with a generous donation from Allied Waste. 672-0500.
May 5 Spring Trail Ride Competitive trail ride on Mt. Diablo with Concord Mt. Diablo Trail Ride Association. Contact Ellen Pofcher at 672-3733 or mtnoaks@earthlink.net.
EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Thru Mar. 31 “Life Could be a Dream” Hilarious heartaches ensue as The Crooning Crabcakes enter the Big Whopper Radio contest. Full of doo-wop hits. Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St., Martinez. $19-32. willowstheatre.org. 798-1300.
Apr. 20 An Evening with Howie Mandel Third Annual Hope for the Homeless Benefit Show. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $95-$125. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Apr. 21 Come Together: The Beatles Concert Experience Live music performance and multi-media presentation recreating the look, sound and history of the Beatles. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40-$45. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Apr. 21 Help for Distressed Mortgage Holders Series of community workshops sponsored by volunteer experts and experienced homeowners. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Salvation Army, 3950 Clayton Road, Concord. Free. Register at realhelp.eventbrite.com. neighborshelpingneighbors.biz for more information.
Apr. 27, 28 “Bye, Bye, Birdie” Teen Theatre members perform this musical about rock ‘n’ roll superstar Conrad Birdie (loosely based on Elvis Presley) who, to the dismay of his adoring fans, is about to be drafted into the Army. Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. $14.50-$16. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
CHURCHES AND RELIGION Apr. 6 Baha’i, interaction, fellowship and discussion. Topic: Education Under Fire. Video preview and discussion. Come and find out how to alleviate this human rights tragedy. 7:30 p.m. Free. For directions, call 672-6686.
Thru Apr. 1 “Babes in Arms” A story about a group of young performers who would do anything to bring their original revue to Broadway with lyrics and music by Rogers and Hart. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Thru Apr. 7 “The Tempest” Written by Shakespeare, this play is set on a remote island where Prospero, exiled Duke of Milan, tries to bring about the restoration of his title and status while revealing plots against him. Butterfield 8 Theatre Company, Cue Productions Live, 1835 Colfax St., Concord. $10-$18. brownpapertickets.com. 800-838-3006.
Thru Apr. 15 “Sunset Boulevard” A magnificent tale of faded glory and unfulfilled ambition performed by the Contra Costa Musical Theatre. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $44-$49. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Thru Apr. 29 “Anything Goes” When the S.S. American heads out to sea, etiquette and convention head out the portholes. Featuring the music of Cole Porter. Willows Theatre, 1975 Diamond Blvd., Concord. $16-$30. willowstheatre.org, 798-1300.
Mar. 30 – Apr. 1 Artists’ Market Paintings, photography, jewelry, wearable art and textiles available, including ceramic works from Clayton resident Ellen Sachtschale. Civic Arts Shadelands Campus, 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. arts-ed.org. 943-5846.
Mar. 30 – Apr. 28 “Rumors” Widely considered Neil Simon’s funniest play, this story follows one hilarious evening of cover-ups, confusions and miscommunications. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $38-43. centerrep.org. 943-7469.
Apr. 1 TransGenre Concert Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra performs a mix of New York’s 1920s nightclub soundtracks and Europe’s sophisticated classical music scene featuring internationally-known piano soloist Lino Rivera. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10-$30. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Apr. 9 Stroke Support Group Speakers Nira Baisman Ferrer and Tracy Schretenthaler discuss On Track, a day program for adults with acquired brain injury. Breakout sessions after for support groups. 7 – 9 p.m. Concord Room at John Muir Medical Center, 2540 East Ave., Concord. Free. Contact Ann Dzuna 376-6218.
Apr. 12 Concert Band United States Air Force Band of the Golden West performs. 7 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Free. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
FUNDRAISERS Apr. 4 Old Spaghetti Factory Mention Diablo Futbol Club and restaurant donates 15 percent of bill to under nine-year-old boys team. 5 – 9:30 p.m. 1955 Mt. Diablo St., Concord. kaydotdeedot@sbcglobal.net.
Apr. 14 Festival of Tables and Fashion Seventh annual fundraiser for select local charities and scholarships sponsored by the Clayton Valley Woman’s Club. Fashion by Draper’s & Damon’s. 11 a.m. Concord United Methodist Church, 1645 West St., Concord. Limited seating; reservations required. $35. Call Merle Whitburn 754-5447. claytonvalleywomansclub.com.
Apr. 14 Plant Sale Featuring edible and fruiting plants for the garden in addition to ornamental and California native plants. Canning/preserving class at 11 a.m. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Markham Regional Arboretum Society Nursery, 1202 La Vista Ave., Concord. Free. markhamarboretum.org. 681-2968.
Apr. 14 Spaghetti Feed and Concert for Ashley Glennen Raise funds for daughter of Clayton family who has been hospitalized since Jan. 1. Live music, food, raffle and baked goods. 5 – 8 p.m. Sanctuary Ministries, 2250 Commerce Ave, Suite D, Concord. $6-$15. teamashley.net.
Apr. 18 Spaghetti Feed
Clayton Valley Garden Club Meets 7 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, February through November. April 11 speaker: Bethallyn Black. Topic: Edible gardens. Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton. claytonvalleygardenclub.org or 276-2299.
Clayton Valley Woman’s Club Meets 9:30 a.m. second Tuesday of the month except July and August, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord. 672-9448.
Clutch Busters Square Dance Club Meets 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Willow Pass Community Center Hall, 2748 East Olivera Road, Concord. Contact Karen at 686-3774.
Concord Mt. Diablo Trail Ride Association Meets 6 p.m. first Saturday of the month for a potluck. Open to members and guests. CMDTRA, 1600 Trail Ride Road, Clayton. cmdtra.org or cmdtra@yahoo.com.
Contra Costa Chess Club Meets 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursdays, Starbuck’s, 1536 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. Players of all ages and skill levels welcome. ccchess.com or contact Mike at 639-1987.
Meets 7 p.m. second Thursday of the month, LDS Church, 3700 Concord Blvd., Concord. cccgs.ca@gmail.com.
Contra Costa Mineral and Gem Society Meets 7:30 p.m. second Monday of the month, Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road. ccmgs.org or 289-0454.
Creekside Artists Guild Meets 7-8:30 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, Library Story Room, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. All artforms and both emerging and experienced artists welcome. Contact Arlene at nielsenjanc@aol.com, creeksideartists.org or call 673-9777.
Meets 7-9 p.m. third Wednesday of the month, Ygnacio Valley Library, 2661 Oak Grove Road., Walnut Creek. dvdems.org, 946-0469.
East Bay Prospectors Meets 6:30 p.m. first Thursday of the month, Oasis Christian Fellowship, 2551 Pleasant Hill Road, Pleasant Hill. Clayton resident Douglas “Pucky” Junghans is the founder. eastbaygpaa.webs.com or 672-1863.
Knights of Columbus Meets 7:30 p.m. first Tuesday of the month, St. Bonaventure Church, Ministry Center, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. Art 672-1850, shanone@comcast.net or Chuck 849-5466, cecooper3@comcast.net.
MOMS Club of Concord/Clayton
Annual American Association of University Women spaghetti feed. 5:30 – 8 p.m. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. $5 children; $10 adults. Contact Judy Bates 858-5223.
Meeting dates vary. 331-0674, concordclaytonmomsclub@hotmail.com or concordclaytonmomsclub.webs.com.
Oakhurst Business Network
AT THE LIBRARY The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. claytonlibrary.org or 673-0659.
A volunteer will read stories for children of all ages. 1-2 p.m.
Tuesdays thru May 15 Patty Cakes
Meets 7 a.m. Thursdays, Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. Includes breakfast and a speaker. claytonvalleyrotary.org or 5668166.
Scrabble Club
Story time for babies to three-year-olds. Child attends with caregiver. 11 a.m.
Thursdays thru May 17 Picture Book Time
Meets 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. second and fourth Saturdays of the month, Carl’s Jr. Restaurant, 1530 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. All ages and skill levels welcome. $3. scrabble-assoc.com or call Mike at 639-1987.
Sons In Retirement (SIRs)
Story time for three- to five-year-olds. Child may attend without caregiver. 11 a.m.
Apr. 3, 17, 24 Paws to Read Children in grades 1-5 read aloud to a dog to encourage reading. Registration required. 4 p.m. or 4:35 p.m.
Apr. 9 Book Club
Apr. 11 “Mountain Lore” Mt. Diablo history and author talk with Rich McDrew. Stories of small treasures tucked throughout Mt. Diablo State Park. 7 p.m.
Apr. 14 Chamber Music SF
Meets 5 – 7 p.m. first Thursday of the month for social hour. Hosted hors d’oeuvres, cash bar. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Dr., Clayton. oakhurstcc.com.
Rotary Club of Clayton Valley/Concord Sunrise
Wednesdays Book Buddies
Home and yard ideas to turn your home into the place of your dreams. Fri. Noon – 6 p.m. Sat./Sun. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sleep Train Pavilion, 2000 Kirker Pass Road, Concord. $6 general admission; $6 parking. capitalshowcase.com.
A timeless story of teenage self-discovery and budding sexuality as seen through the eyes of three teenagers. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $17-$35. centerrep.org. 943-7469.
Clayton Business and Community Association Meets 6:30 p.m. last Thursday of the month except holidays, Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. Call Sue at 672-2272.
Diablo Valley Democratic Club
Discuss “The Herring in the Library” by L.C. Tyler. Open to anyone who would like to join. 7 p.m.
Apr. 19 – May 6 “Spring Awakening”
Claycord 4-H The group meets 6:45 p.m. second Tuesday of the month, Farm Bureau Hall, 5554 Clayton Road, Concord.
Contra Costa Genealogical Society
Apr. 13-15 Home & Garden Show
Olga Kern, pianist, performs. 2:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Tickets on sale Apr. 14 at 12 a.m. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
GOVERNMENT 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 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.
Branch 19 meets 11:15 a.m. first Thursday of the month, Crown Plaza Hotel, 45 John Glenn Dr., Concord. 429-3777. Branch 146 meets 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. second Thursday of the month. April 12 speaker: Tom Davids from Filoli, historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Boundary Oaks, 3800 Valley Vista Road, Walnut Creek. $24. Reservations required. 939-8073. sir146.com.
Soroptimist International of Diablo Vista Meets 12:15 p.m. second, third and fourth Wednesdays of the month, September-June, Sizzler, 1353 Willow Pass Road, Concord. Contact Nicole at 692-2224.
Strike a Chord Woman’s chorus. Rehearsals 7 – 9 p.m. Mondays. Openings for new members. Schedule audition. strikeachord@gmail.com or contact Benedikte at 935-4313.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Breakfast 8-11 a.m. second and fourth Sundays of the month, 2290 Willow Pass Road, Concord. Eggs, pancakes, sausage, beverage. $4, $2 children under 12.
Word Weavers 400 Toastmasters Meets 7-8:15 p.m. Mondays, first floor of Montecito – Oakmont Senior Living, 4756 Clayton Road, Concord. Visitors welcome. marion48@live.com or contact Marion at 686-1818.
March 30, 2012
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 15
Book Review
Immigrant saga sings America’s praises
SUNNY SOLOMON FOR THE BOOKS Sometimes when picking a new book to review, it’s best not to look at the advance praise printed on the back cover. Words like “epic, intimate, triumph, tragedy and funny” did not prepare me for what was in store in Alex George’s debut novel, “A Good American.” The tale begins with a song, sung with love by Frederick Meisenheimer. He is hiding behind a bush in the Grosse Garten in Hanover, Germany, as the woman of his dreams, Jette Furst, approaches. Frederick’s voice, “as pure as a freshly struck bell,” falls on Jette “like a shower of jasmine.” My first thought on reading this was, “Are you kidding?” But I trusted George, and forged ahead. He wastes no time; by Chapter Two, they have fallen in love, Jette is pregnant three pages later and in Chapter Three they board the good ship Copernicus and are married by its captain before they sail for “the Land of the Free” in the year of 1904. Most European immigrant sagas begin with New York as
both destination from a past and portal to a future. But the Copernicus’ destination is New Orleans, and it is there that the Meisenheimers first set foot on American soil. From New Orleans, Frederick and a very pregnant Jette, in an unlikely series of events, find themselves in Beatrice, Missouri, the city in which their family will take root. James Meisenheimer, the second of Frederick and Jette’s four grandsons, is the narrator who speaks of the characters and incidents that leave their marks on three generations of Meisenheimers. Singing and music run through the narrative, from Frederick’s operatic beer hall singing, to ragtime, the beginnings of blues, barbershop harmony and all the way into the close harmony of the four Meisenheimer grandsons, who are equally sought for performing at weddings and funerals. Music provides the historical context of the family’s experience, which includes two world wars, indifferent and murderous racism, natural disasters, economic failure, prohibition and the social mores of modern America. Music and love are at the core of this novel, and with the inventive pen of Alex George the reader is treated to rare insights into the immigrant experience of Middle America. The saga has all the elements of any truly human story: love, hate, death, betrayal and long-held secrets. Frederick Meisenheimer, who wants only to be a good American, is both a genuine
and satirical role model. It took this reviewer a while before she got it. But Alex George, like Frederick and Jette Meisenheimer, is himself an immigrant to America, and maybe it takes an immigrant to tell this tale with such captivating humor and pathos. Midway through the novel, I could almost hear Ethel Merman belting out “Let Me Entertain You.” It was a bit like getting the rhythm of
erful, mobile and easy to use. Smart phones and tables don’t run on big ‘ol Intel processors, so the new O/S needed to get more out of smaller less powerful CPUs (central processor chips).
WILL CLANEY TECH TALK In addition, smart phones and tablets must emulate everything a PC can do but on a much smaller platform without the loss of function. They have more demanding hardware for graphics and photos, but use less operating system code to accomplish the goal. Therefore, Microsoft had to reinvent nearly everything about controlling these devices. ARM, Qualcomm and other chip manufactures have turned to very low-powered chips to run their devices from Android and Apple. Smart phones and tables that aren’t physically much like your typical desktop computer required a new O/S to perform similar functions. Some of the functions you
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." Anthem.
Theatre
GARY CARR Special to the Pioneer
American Conservatory Theater continues its 2011–12 season with the West Coast premiere of “Maple and Vine,” written by Jordan Harrison and directed by A.C.T. Associate Artistic Director Mark Rucker. Fresh from a successful run at Playwrights Horizons in New York City, “Maple and Vine” tells the story of married couple Katha and Ryu, a pair of stressed-out urban professionals who feel unfulfilled by the impersonal gadgets and fastpaced lifestyle of the modern world. After meeting a charismatic man from a community of 1950s reenactors, they decide to swap cell phones and sushi for phone trees and fish sticks by
may like on this new O/S are swipe, slide and zoom. Just like your smart phone, fingers are the new mouse. Use your fingers (even on your PC) to control the action. Zoom in, zoom out, swipe and move to other pages, slide up and down to scroll – it’s fun. Applications are grouped together and not scattered all over a hard drive. Launching existing apps is a snap and Microsoft, along with Nokia, Android, and Apple, provide app stores with tens of thousands of mini apps for specific uses. Tiles group things like email, messages, apps, photos of your favorite people and movies all in a tidy easy-to-get to space. Is Windows everywhere? Well, yes. Windows 8 can connect you to your files, photos, people and settings, wherever you sign in. Sign in to your smart phone or tablet, and see the same settings you use on your desktop PC if you want. In short, it’s time to upgrade your brain, your PC and your smart phone to Windows 8. Download the beta version from www.preview.windws.com. Have fun, and remember this is beta software so load it on to a PC or tablet you don’t mind messing up, because it could happen. Release is due in October 2012 in conjunction with Nokia’s tablet PC. 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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Microsoft powering up with new Windows 8 It looks like Microsoft’s latest operating system, Windows 8, will be on schedule, on time and deliver spectacular results when the official release date is reached. Microsoft has announced an October launch, but for some adventurists it’s available now. Windows 8 is in beta for and if you have a spare computer and some spare time, download it and experience the most advanced operating system ever made. Windows 8 is the most important operating system (O/S) yet released by Microsoft because it will power more than just your computer – it will power everything. As you are aware there is an explosion of personal devices, smart phones and tablets invading your life and emptying your wallet. All these devices operate on a different O/S, meaning they all work differently, have different commands, different ways of getting on the Internet, retrieving mail and launching applications. Not anymore. All the confusing differences between devices will soon be a thing of the past when you learn Windows 8. Inspired by the need to power a new generation of devices that are sleeker, more compact, power efficient and have less usable real estate (space to add specialty chips) Microsoft’s O/S needed to create software that was up to the challenge to be compact, pow-
something you thought you’d heard before, but not quite. They may never play “A Good American” at a World Series opener, but they should. This book could be a new National
joining a community where life is slower, passion is risqué, and a cocktail is a daily accessory. In this meticulously recreated world, where retro attitudes about gender, race, and sexuality stir up powerful questions, Katha and Ryu must decide how much they are willing to sacrifice for happiness and whether the “good old days” were really that good. Featuring an accomplished group of new and returning faces, the “Maple and Vine” cast includes Emily Donahoe, Nelson Lee, Danny Bernardy, Julia Coffey and Jamison Jones. The play will run March 29 through April 22, at A.C.T, 415 Geary St., in San Francisco. For tickets, call 415749-2228 or visit www.actsf.org.
Boyce Nichols - Owner Clayton Resident
Page 16
The
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Coakley family
extends their heartfelt thank you to the Clayton Community for their outpouring of support at the loss of husband, father and “Baca,” Jerry Coakley.
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You say tomatoes, we say delicious Tomatoes are the single most-planted food crop grown by Clayton Valley gardeners. Plant lovers covet the tomato, basing their entire green thumb success on the production of this juicy, sweet red fruit. Today’s tomato plant lover wants to enjoy the successes of a bountiful vegetable/fruit garden, they want to plant the right tomato for them, in the right spot. But the questions arise. What tomatoes are the most bountiful? Will I have the room for the eventual size of this tomato plant? What kind of soil preparation should I do? Should I grow my tomatoes in a container? Thoughtful planning can and will help you on your journey to green thumb success. LOCATION,
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Tomato plants need to be installed where they can get at least six hours of direct, hot sun. Then you must decide, what am I going to plant my tomatoes in, the ground, a raised bed, or a container? Ground and raised-bed grown tomatoes will need soil preparation like rototilling, adding composted chicken manure, soil conditioner and alfalfa meal. This will create a more ideal environment for your tomatoes to thrive. If you are considering planting tomatoes in containers, think big. Larger pots can accommodate the eventual sizes of the plants and the roots. Smart Pot planting would be a reasonably priced excellent solution for tomato planting. The fibrous material that the Smart Pot is made to encourage root growth with out any of the root circling problems that can develop in container grown plants. The soil inside of a container should be a combination of potting soil
NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL and soil conditioner. Fox Farm has a wonderful potting soil, full of all the desired nutrients. When combined with a rich soil conditioner, you will have built the perfect condition for healthy tomato plants. Once you know where your tomatoes are going, and what you’ll plant them in, you must decide on variety. I always ask potential tomato growers, what are they looking for in a tomato? Are you looking for the heavy, fleshy varieties that are great sliced in caprese salads? Do you like them juicy? Or do you make sauces? What you want with your tomatoes should help determine what varieties to install. ALL SHAPES AND SIZES The Champion tomatoes are an excellent choice for the Clayton Valley tomato growers that haven’t lots of room. Champion tomatoes grow only 20- 30-inches tall, and they produce 3- 4-feet fruit after just 70 days. They are easy and fantastic. Install in a container and place in full sun for lots of tomatoes without the super sized plants. Roma tomatoes are for those who love to make tomato sauces. They have meaty flesh, fewer seeds, and thinner skin than other selections. Roma tomatoes are pear
shaped, and bright red when ripe. Their plants grow 36-inches tall and wide, and fruit should begin to ripen after 75 days. Celebrity is a bigger tomato, maturing to around seven ounces per fruit. This plant is larger, and needs a raised bed, or ground planting, unless you have a 15- 20-gallon size container. Celebrity tomatoes are sweet with an average amount of seeds and lots of juice. This tomato is good for the sandwich lover. You can expect large yields from this plant. Ripening begins anywhere from 70-95 days after flower has set. Early Girl is a very sought after selection. Many Clayton Valley tomato growers buy this plant when the bump into it and wait weeks before the weather is warm enough to plant outside, just to ensure they get their hands on them. Early Girl is very tasty, and gives huge crops of four-tosix ounce tomatoes. They ripen 55-65 days after flower sets, such the name Early Girl. Better Boy is a big guy in the garden. This tomato can weigh up to a pound. The plant is big, and the fruit is huge. Better Boy thrives in our Clayton Valley climate, and is delicious, juicy and firm. For those tomato lovers that are interested in Heirloom varieties, consider only installing a few. Some of
the selections available aren’t the heaviest producers, and to give lots of effort for three or five fruit isn’t that fulfilling. Cherokee Purple has been rewarding, the purplish-red fruit are sweet and fleshy. Brandywine tomatoes are a good producer that ripens 90 days after flowering, yet the flavor is slightly acidic, and an acquired taste. Yellow Pear tomatoes are another sought after selection. The sweet flavor and unusual shape makes that desirable in salads and enjoyed right off the plant. Black Cherry is a cherry tomato with dark purple, almost black skin. They have a high yield, and are sweet and fun. Prep your areas, choose you tomato selections and install when the evening temps on average stay above 45 degrees. We’ll talk about fertilizers later. Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden and the 2012 Clayton Valley Garden Club president. Contact her with questions, comments or suggestions at gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
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Davy Jones’ recent passing at age 66 sent a shiver up my spine. He was an iconoclastic figure for many baby-boomers. He was the sex-symbol of a band created by Hollywood TV people. The Monkees first album was the first album I ever owned. Received as a birthday gift from my eighth-grade classmates, it was a big deal. I went on to play that record many hundreds of times. The four Monkees: Jones, Mickey Dolenz, Mike Nesmith, and Peter Tork, were chosen among hundreds of young men who auditioned for a TV show that ran for two years, from 1966-1968. Davy was the favorite of young girls in particular. He was cute and fun-loving. Up until his death in February, the Monkees were one of the few bands left from the 60s with all of their members still living. Davy had a British accent that was charming. He gave the group a touch of The British Invasion element that had taken the U.S. by storm, by way of bands like The Beatles, The Kinks, The Who and many others. For all of his teenage appeal, Davy’s being British served to give the Monkees
DAVY JONES
authenticity relative to the times. As the band’s front man, he sang lead on several of their songs. Their television show didn’t do much for me. Too slapstick. Too corny. But I’d sit through the episodes to see the band
“perform” (lip-sync) their songs a couple times during each show. That was the main attraction for me: the songs. Several of them have endured after all these years. Borrowing from leading pop songwriters Neil Diamond,
Tommy Boyce-Bobby Hart, Carole King-Gerry Goffin, and David Gates, The Monkees had huge hits with “I’m A Believer,” “Last Train To Clarksville,” “Pleasant Valley Sunday” and “(I’m Not Your) Stepping Stone.” Utilizing members of “The Wrecking Crew,” which included some of the best studio musicians in Los Angeles, they crafted a unique sound that was catchy and musical. They also wrote many of their own songs. But their musicianship was always a question mark. Critics discredited their ability to play their own instruments, which was somewhat justified early on. But the band members fought for the right to control what music was used on their TV shows and on their records. In the end, they had the last laugh, as they were able to continue performing and recording long after their initial splash of success. Lately I’ve given several spins to my “Monkees – Greatest Hits” CD. I would recommend it to anyone hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the most famous groups from a bygone era. The Monkees live on. Jim Hudak is a local pianist, composer and writer. He frequently contributes to the Pioneer.
March 30, 2012
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 17
America’s treat keeps poppin What is it about popcorn? Crunchy, salty, buttery, sometimes sweet or cheesy – I love the stuff. Maize (which we call “corn”) originated in the Americas and was discovered by Europeans when Cortez encountered the Aztecs in Mexico. The Aztecs used popcorn as a food as well as for religious celebrations and decoration. Some Native American cultures believed that a spirit lived inside each kernel of popcorn, so when it was heated, the spirit grew angry and would eventually burst out of its home and into the air as a disgruntled puff of steam. There are four types of corn, only one of which is popcorn. Field, sweet and flint corn lack the starch and hull thickness to pop. Each kernel has a drop of moisture surrounding a hard starch that causes the hull to expand then explode when heated. It’s important to keep popcorn’s moisture content intact – store your popcorn tightly cov-
ered at room temperature (generally you’ll get about 18 months of shelf life). You can even rehydrate “old maids” (the corn that doesn’t pop and ends up in the bottom of the popcorn bowl). In “What Makes Popcorn Pop?” author David Woodside says to fill a one-quart jar threefourths full of unpopped corn and add a tablespoon of water. Cover the jar with an airtight lid and give it a few shakes every few minutes until the popcorn has absorbed all the water. Let it sit for a few days and give it another try, er, fry. In recent conversations with the Popcornopolis folks at Costco, I learned that there are two distinctive shapes of popped corn: the “snowflake,” which is the large popcorn sold in theaters and ballparks and the “mushroom,” which is a smaller variety used in popcorn candies and snacks. COLONIAL KETTLE CORN Kettle corn, which uses types of corn that pop into snowflakes, was first introduced in the early 1700s. After rendering lard, American sett l e r s
would use it to pop popcorn in large cast-iron kettles, adding whatever sweetener – such as
Your most powerful asset is your mind. When it works well, you can think rationally, make clear decisions and pursue your goals with confidence and a sense of purpose. Daily life brings about a cornucopia of distractions to fill your mind, these distractions invade your mind and its mental processes become overworked and overloaded usually leading to negative thinking, confusion, and stress. Why not detox? Webster’s defines detox as: A) a treatment to rid the body of poisonous substances especially alcohol or drugs. B) to undergo a treatment to rid the body of poisonous substances, especially drugs or alcohol. It can be used in regards to other poisonous issues as well, such as negative and unproductive thought patterns. In other words, detox means “out with the old and in with something new, sensible, useful, and infinitely more satisfying.” Begin with your mind. Wipe the slate clean and begin to develop a clear vision of who you would like to be.
ILIMA HEUERMAN
FIT
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Detox your mind by opening it up to the possibilities and begin by living the life you want to live. Toss aside your “inner critic” and create your personal vision. Know What You Want. Set aside a few minutes, daily, to visualize your ideal. Are you more attractive or wealthier? Would your life be more organized? Would you like a better job, bigger house? Don’t be afraid to create your vision, even conceptually, it is a start. Handle your negative critic. Silence the critic in you that says you can’t do it, that you don’t deserve it, or that you are not good enough. Remind yourself that good intentions begin great things by learning from mistakes. Make a Plan. Take a look at
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and enough popcorn for one serving. Don’t use butter for the popping fat and don’t salt or season the popcorn until after it’s popped—this keeps it from getting tough. Jolly Time brand popcorn has a pretty tasty recipe for spicy popcorn. You might like to try this adaptation sometime.
LINDA WYNER
FOOD
FOR
THOUGHT
molasses, honey or sugar cane – was available to make a treat. Today, it’s cooked in cast-iron or stainless steel kettles using soybean or canola oil instead of lard. The slightly sweet, slightly salty confection has universal appeal. American popcorn was in its heyday from the 1800s up until the Depression, then it regained market share during World War II when sugar was scarce. Interestingly, the introduction of television really put a dent in the popcorn market, because people stopped going to the movies as much as they had before. Had it not been for the invention of the microwave, popcorn might have become just a footnote in food history. Recent statistics show that microwave popcorn is now a quarter of a billion dollar business in America. In truth, I prefer stovetop popcorn as I’m not a fan of the oil in microwave versions or the chemical treatment of the bags. I just grab a large deep saucepan (3- to 4-quart size) and drop a few kernels of popcorn into about 3 tablespoons of oil in the bottom of the pan. With the heat on pretty high and the pan covered, I let the kernels sizzle, shaking every few moments until they pop. Now I know my oil is hot enough and I add an ounce or two of popcorn into the pan and put the cover back on. Continuing to shake as it heats, I will generally get a thorough popping of the kernels
Detox your mind of harmful thought patterns [Editor’s Note: This is the first of a three-part series.]
L SPECIA
yourself objectively. You will find the areas that need detox become clear. Should you be focusing more time and energy on health, money, career, social life, possessions? Identify your goals for each area in your life, write them down. Make room for success. What is your plan of action? Life is too short to wait until you’ve cleared out what you don’t want in order for what you do. Determine what area in your life most needs to detoxify to liberate the most time, space, and energy for you. Do the work. To visualize, to believe in that visualization, then to be moved into action by that visualization. That begins the process of detoxifying the mind. Remove the clutter and negative thinking. Make room again for dreaming, intuition, and creativity. Nourish the mind with new and aspiring visions. Rebuild your self-esteem and encourage your mind to grow.
Ilima Heuerman holds multiple fitness certifications. She trains at Levity Fitness studio in Clayton. Email Ilima at IlimaHeuerman@levityfitness.com
ZESTY BUFFALO-STYLE POPCORN MIX 3 Tbsp. hot pepper jelly 1 tsp. Cajun seasoning Cooking spray (canola recommended) 12 cups popped corn Optional: 2 dozen Ranchflavored crackers and 2 dozen reduced-fat cheese snack crackers Combine the jelly and Cajun spice in a small bowl; if needed, heat briefly in the microwave to make it pourable but not totally liquid. Spray the popped corn (and crackers, if using) with the cooking spray and toss to coat well. Drizzle with the jelly mixture. Transfer the seasoned popcorn to two 9-inch microwave safe plates or pie pans. Microwave each pan on high for 1-½ minutes, stirring halfway through. Stir again and transfer to paper towels or waxed paper to cool and serve.
Linda Wyner, a local attorney and foodie, owns Pans on Fire, a gourmet cookware store and cooking school in Pleasanton. Direct your suggestions or questions to lwyner@pansonfire.com
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March 30, 2012
Gorgeous Borges offers easy trails and spectacular views
Eas ter Wee ken s u n i Jo d Good Friday, April 6 Worship 7 pm
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Ever think you are headed somewhere and end up at a different place? Well, on our way to Castle Rock, someone who will remain un-named had to really go, so that pretty much required a quick right up to Borges Ranch Staging Area (with restrooms right at the trailhead – thank goodness). To set the record straight, let’s just call it the Borges Bonus because in addition to trails heading off in three or four different directions, you also are given the chance to visit a historic cattle ranch complete with animals, olds tractors, ranch buildings, corrals and a multitude of fun to see artifacts. Borges Ranch Trail heads due south from the parking area and ascends quickly. linking up to Briones to Mt. Diablo Trail. I knew we were into the goods when I spotted the lonely singletrack known as Ridgetop Trail immediately to the right. This trail parted the green grass along the ridge like a knife’s edge as we continued to gain elevation leaving Borges Ranch far below. Just when I thought we reached the best views Ridgetop had to offer, the trail would bend and rise exposing pristine vistas of Mt. Diablo State Park and the surrounding hills of Shell Ridge Open Space. The trees along this trail must be mentioned as well because every 10 feet or so offered up another “feel like a
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A VERY EASY TWO-MILE HIKE in Walnut Creek’s Shell Ridge Open Space, along the Ridgetop Trail to the Costonoan Trail is great for kids and yields breathtaking views
kid again tree” that even had me perched up in a somewhat dangerous but spectacular viewing vista more than once. Ridgetop persists with a steady uphill climb for most of the way, but the scenery will easily help you forget the sweat equity. The day was getting late, so we chose Costanoan Trail, which leaves Ridgetop near the saddle and quickly descends into the valley below and back to
Borges Ranch via Bob Pond. Time permitting, I must strongly suggest following Ridgetop the entire distance of Shell Ridge which eventually ends near the Marshall Drive Staging Area in Walnut Creek (or you can hike it there and back). This “surprise” hike was a great hike for the whole family, and it’s under two miles. You can drive up to Borges Ranch via
Oak Grove Road, where it changes into Castle Rock Road at Northgate High School. Parking is plentiful. Pound for pound, the quality of trail and views accessed all along the way are hard to beat anywhere in this area. Put this one on your list, and enjoy. For more information on this hike or other outdoor experiences, contact Kevin at hikershaven@claytonpioneer.com.
Spring fashion is all about color and comfort Spring signals a renewed spirit, optimism and a brighter day. This spring we have a range of styles from light and breezy to contemporary classics. Colors choices include vivid brights as well as soft-muted tones. In other words, there is something for everyone this spring. Let’s start with heavenly fabrics, light as a cloud, in sherbet pastels and creamy neutrals. Flow-y pajama styles, tunics and blouses – all meant to look feminine yet comfortable. Straight-leg jeans in red, orange and turquoise are available at every price point. The wide leg pant in a lightweight fabric or denim will translate to spring. Swap boots for a wedge or sandal. Anoraks fit with spring’s sporty vibe, especially in bold colors, as do pastel leather biker jackets. Do you crochet? Well it’s back – crochet vests and tops are big this spring. Check the back of your closet – maybe there’s one lurking. Lace is appearing everywhere, even in bags and shoes. Add a pair of lacey pumps to a
tailored suit or wear them with a great pair of jeans for a bit of glam. Kitten heels are another option that will give your feet a well-deserved rest this spring. Decorate your arm with chunky statement bracelets made from plastic and wood (see them at H&M).
One of the most interesting trends is the return of the 60s classic look. From the pencil skirt to floral sheaths, designers and retailers are embracing this trend. Banana Republic is col-
JUDITH MARSHALL
FASHION OVER 50 laborating with the Mad Men custom designer, Janie Bryant, for its second Mad Men Collection. If you tired of classic patterns like plaids, stripes and polka-dots, spring’s choices of nature-inspired or futuristic prints may spark your interest. If wild look-at-me prints or colors aren’t your thing, there are plenty of soft whimsical patterns and pastels for a low-key ladylike vibe. Skirt lengths remain at the knee. The trends for this spring aren’t limited. They are very diverse and offer choices for every woman who enjoys fashion. Live long and pester!
Judith Marshall is a former professional model and author of “Husbands May Come and Go but Friends are Forever.” Send comments to Judith.Marshall@att.net.