In th is iss ue
IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com
August 17, 2012
The Bronze Age
Photo courtesy Ipsen family
CLAYTON’S HOMEGROWN STARS KARA KOHLER AND KRISTIAN IPSEN SHARED BRONZE MEDALS IN ROWING AND DIVING RESPECTIVELY AT THE LONDON OLYMPICS. The two won their medals on August 1within five hours of each other. They were part of the winning American team which accumulated the most medals at the Summer Games. American Olympic teammates Kohler and Ipsen will soon trade in USA Olympic team garb for their rival schools, Cal and Stanford, colors.
JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
There was a stunning full moon perched over Mt. Diablo on August 1. One couldn’t help but imagine the image of an Olympic Bronze Medal placed over the bright white moon since earlier that day 5,327 miles from home Clayton’s Kara Kohler and Kristian Ipsen had realized the dreams of millions of children and athletes the world over by winning 2012 Summer Olympic bronze medals in London. As the youngest members of their respective Olympic teams (Kohler at 21 was actually the youngest rower in London), Ipsen and Kohler can look forward to 2016 for the Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro and
each can call on their London experience while seeking more Olympic glory. Between now and then they will resume their college studies and athletic careers in the next weeks, Kohler at Cal and Ipsen at Stanford. Early that Aug. 1 morning Clayton time Kohler and her three teammates, Adrienne Martelli, Megan Kalmoe and Natalie Dell, barely missed out on a silver medal as they took third in the finals of the Women’s Quadruple Sculls on Eton Dorney, packed with more than 30,000 of fans to cheer on British boats who won gold and bronze that day. Kohler and her mates were second at the 1000meter halfway mark before they were overtaken by Germany for the silver medal behind premeet favorite Ukraine.
The women’s quad won the first rowing medal for the United States in London (Americans ended up with three total). It was the first time the USA had medaled in that event since 1984 in Los Angeles and for only the second time ever. In the other two races that day American boats were both edged out by milliseconds for the bronze medal. That evening in the Aquatic Centre Ipsen and his partner of the past four years, Troy Dumais rode a roller coaster to the bronze in the men’s three-meter synchronized diving. The American duo eventually finished comfortably in the bronze medal spot behind the Chinese and Russian teams. Ipsen, at 19 the youngest member of the American diving team, and Dumais, 32 and in his
What’s Inside Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Car Tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Community Calendar . . . . . .14 CVCHS News . . . . . . . . . . . .8
fourth Olympics, both won their first Olympic medal. USA Diving paired Ipsen and Dumais after the 2008 Olympics in Beijing where the Americans had their second consecutive medal-less performance. The pair has been on or near the medal stand at all of their international meets since debuting with a silver at the 2009 World Championships in Rome. “I’m so happy we got this medal. Troy’s been diving for so long, and I’m so happy I could do this with him,” Ipsen said. “The girls winning that first medal and then the 10-meter guys winning another one really motivated me and let me see it was possible. This is real. It can happen. I wanted it too.” With Dumais having the experience from competing in three previous Olympics, he
offered some advice to his rookie teammate. “Kristian wanted to watch the scoreboard, and I normally don’t do that. I asked him if he was having fun. He said, ‘Yes, I’m loving it.’ I said, ‘Good, I am too, but do one thing for me – Do not look at the scoreboard. This is our
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event, and we’re in control. Let’s just do our dives.’” Dumais and Ipsen won their bronze medal with a consistent effort, not counting a score lower than 8.0 on any of their six dives.
See Bronze Age, page 15
City celebration for Ipsen and Kohler set for Sept. 15 Kristian Ipsen and Kara Kohler will be the first ever to receive the keys to the city when Clayton honors the two hometown Olympians with a parade and celebration on Sept. 15 at The Grove before the final concert of the summer series. The parade will begin at 5 p.m. on Main Street, followed by the celebration in The Grove. Plans for the fete are still in the works, says Councilwoman Julie Pierce, but are expected to include comments from Kara’s coach and Congressman George Miller.
Police Report . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Sports Shorts . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Weather Words . . . . . . . . . . .6
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
August 17, 2012
Mystic Mount Diablo keeps Clayton special
Just a walk in the park helps raise $43,000 for cancer research PAMELA WIESENDANGER Clayton Pioneer
HOWARD GELLER
MAYOR’S CORNER
Over 160 participants walking in the hope of a cancer-free future raised more than $43,000 in Clayton’s second annual Relay For Life at Clayton Community Park on Aug. 11 and 12. “We hit every goal and blew past it,” Brenda Righter, team captain coordinator says. Live music helped the walkers brave the soaring, three-digit temperatures as they circled the baseball field; each step demonstrating their commitment to fight cancer, remember loved ones lost to the disease and celebrate the survivors. “I looked at all the people and my heart skipped a beat,” Peter Champion, survivor and guest speaker said, noting the sizable increase in participants from the first year. Mayor Howard Geller welcomed the crowd after Boy Scout Troop 484 formally Presented the Colors and led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Breyana Smith sang the National Anthem before cancer survivors dressed in purple relay shirts walked the first lap of the event. Teams alternated walkers to cover the 24-hour relay. Campers For A Cure returned from last year. Clayton resident Mikayla Alcock and her mother, Sydney camped out and walked through the night. “That’s the least I can do, she said.” Both of her parents are
CLAYTON PIONEER PHOTOGRAPHER MIKE DUNN and publisher Tamara Steiner and Fr. Peter Champion (right) of St. John’s Episcopal Church were among those walking the Survivors’ Lap at the Relay for Life event last weekend. Dunn is nearing the end of his treatment for liver cancer, Steiner and Champion are both long term survivors who both say they no longer live in fear of the disease returning.
cancer survivors. Team Captain for Lynne French, Terry Mohr-Johnson, is a survivor and volunteered “because I wanted to give back to the community I live in.” Event Chair, Mindy Thompson will take a month off before starting plans for next year’s event. As she watched the walkers circling the
1052 Pebble Beach Drive Stunning “Nantucket” model!
field, she said “I can’t even articulate…the dedication of the walkers…you could say I’m speechless.” The temperature went down and the luminarias lit up for the path. The walkers traveled in silence to think of those ever touched by cancer whether with a diagnosis or as a caregiver, family member or friend of
someone with cancer. Movies and music kept the walkers energized through the night while team members slept in nearby tents or went home for a reprieve from the day’s heat. The relay concluded with the Fight Back lap, a chance for walkers to pledge to a healthy lifestyle.
202 Round House Place Delightful “Horseshoe” model!
Mt. Diablo, or “Devil Mountain,” shadows our small Clayton community. Some say the local Miwok Indians, who claimed there were phantom lights aglow in the summer evenings, named the mountain. Others say it was named Monte Del Diablo (meaning thicket of the Devil) when several native Chupan Americans escaped from the Spanish in a nearby willow thicket. With about 25 independent tribal groups living in the area, the mountain has had many monikers. The name Mount Diablo, though challenged many times, has been ratified. This seems appropriate since the mountain often glows red at sunrise. The mysteries of Mount Diablo are many with hidden caves, waterfalls, beautiful wildflowers and wildlife. Gone are the black bear. However, we still have bobcats that help keep our deer population in check. Attendees at the “Diamond Dave” concert on Aug. 4 were able to see one of the true wonders the mountain as it showcased its ecosystem. Surrounded by blackened skies and gusting winds, neighboring cities such as Danville, Walnut Creek and Concord stormed with rain. Our skies, as if on a signal, cleared with sunshine for our outdoor concert protected by a bright blue cover surrounded by dark clouds. This unusual
weather display reminds us of the power our mountain holds. One might think Mount Diablo has other magical powers. It seems to have the power to create champions of all kinds. Dave Brubeck grew up near the park’s Northgate entrance. Grizzly Adams lived in the foothills. By research, you will be surprised about other famous people who lived here. Enough history. Let’s speak about other magical events. Since 1998, Clayton has produced four Olympian medal winners. With our small population, statistically we are a phenomenal power. Our latest Olympian bronze medal winners, Kristian Ipsen and Kara Kohler, were raised under the mystic of Mt. Diablo. Clayton certainly has a lot to be proud of. We are currently working on logistics with our Olympian families so Claytonians can honor our two newest medal winners. CHARTER SCHOOL SUCCESSES Clayton Valley Charter High School received the keys from MDUSD on July 1. They immediately started the transition and metamorphosis with the zeal and zest supporters of this conversion exhibited throughout the process. Over 200 volunteers of parents, staff, students and alumni armed themselves with trash bags, paintbrushes, gardening and cleaning supplies. They attacked the chores at hand. Returning students will certainly notice the fresh and improved look.
See Mayor, page 3
GEORGE VUJNOVICH Broker Helping friends, neighbors & newcomers buy and sell their homes since 1979
tucked away on a quiet court at the top of Peacock Creek on a spectacular lot designed for entertaining! 4 bedrooms, plus a loft, 2.5baths, approx. 3,620sf & 3 car garage! Gourmet granite kitchen! Expanded family room option! Upgraded flooring & carpet, window covering & designer paint colors! Incredible lot features an extensive custom stamped patio, stacked stone hardscape & raised observation patio with multiple seating areas including a pergola topped outdoor kitchen! $769,000
in a private setting. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 1749sf with inside laundry & attached 2 car garage! Well maintained with neutral décor & upgrades. Laminate wood floors, upgraded windows & updated light fixtures! Kitchen features a new freestanding double oven with 5 burner gas range & dishwasher plus a large eating nook with bay window. Living room features a cozy fireplace, soaring ceiling with ceiling fan. Separate dining area. Private low maintenance yard offers privacy, deck, patio and small lawn areas. $399,000
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3 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1804sf with inside laundry & 2 car garage. Sunny family room off kitchen and separate living room with fireplace. Master with walk-in closet. Large lot with endless possibilities!
Don Howard
Broker-Associate Lifelong Concord/Clayton Resident.
Realtor-Associate Clayton Resident
(925) 567-6170
(925) 408-3184 Donald.kent.howard@gmail.com
Ranked Top 10 Agents for Better Homes Realty
www.jenniferstojanovich.com
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Clayton Market Update provided by George Vujnovich of Better Homes Realty
Jennifer Stojanovich
jenstojanovich@yahoo.com
georgevujnovich.com
donhoward.ccartoday.com
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27 Rialto Drive .....................$609,000 5226 Keller Ridge Drive.......$649,500 1429 Indianhead Way..........$325,000 1375 Shell Lane...................$393,000 476 Obsidian Way ...............$720,000 17 Widmar Court..................$623,000 7005 Molluk Way .................$466,000 3064 Windmill Canyon Dr....$477,000 29 Long Creek Cir ...............$170,000 140 El Portal Pl....................$478,000 306 Windmill Canyon Pl ......$494,000 9002 Elk Dr ..........................$682,000 31 Mount Teton Ct ...............$465,000
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August 17, 2012
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 3
Rib Cook-off on its way to national status Rib fans from far and wide flocked to the Clayton Club last weekend for the third annual CBCA Rib Cook-off. The event drew fans from a close as Clayton and as far as Dubai. Despite three-digit temperatures, 23 teams “que’d” up, 13 of them first time cookers. “Unbelievable,” is how Clayton Mayor Howard Geller described the scene as he looked out over the crowd of happy carnivores munching away on ribs from sweet and savory to smokin’ hot. This year, judges from well known local restaurants joined the local rib lovers to pick the best of the best.”
KEVIN SCHMIDT BITES INTO A POSSIBLE WINNER as he joined the several teams of judges to find the best rib at the CBCA Rib Cook off on Sat. Aug. 11.
Yvonne Erb of Back 40 is certified by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. The CBCA hopes the Clayton event will someday be a KCBS-sanctioned event. The first winner announced was the People’s Choice Award. Meadowlands Rib Busters walked away with the biggest trophy and bragging rights. The other winners each got a trophy and cash prize. First place was Big Shot BBQ for $300 Second place was Smokin’ Fools for $200 Third place was K.I.S.S. the Que for $100
Food Bank ‘Speaks Out Against Hunger’ September is Hunger Action Month and the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties are joining forces to “Speak Out Against Hunger.” “Nearly 49 million people in America who struggle with hunger often do so in silence,” says CC Food Bank’s Lisa Sherrill. In Contra Costa and Solano counties alone, one in six struggles with hunger. “They are our neighbors,” Sherrill says. “They live in our communities; they are our neighbors, our co-workers and our friends, yet their struggles can go unheard.” “Throughout the September campaign, the Food Bank will
call on you to lend your voice,” she said, listing just a few ways to speak out: Like the Food Bank on facebook (www.fb.com/foodbankccs). Share information about Hunger Action Month. Go Orange on Sept.6 and every Thursday in September. Wear orange or hang a Hunger Action Month banner or poster in your business. Get involved by downloading the Food Bank’s “30 Ways in 30 Days” calendar, to find daily ways to make a difference. The calendar will be available late August. To learn more about the Food Bank and Hunger Action Month, visit www.foodbankccs.org.
s t r e c n o C he Gr
ove
T in
Saturdays
6 to 8:30 p.m. At the Gazebo in The Grove FIRST PLACE WINNERS, Jack Simmons and Gina Darcangelo - Big Shot BBQ
Mayor, from page 2 David Linzey, CVCHS’ new executive director, along with other key staff members started new and innovating programs even before he was on the payroll. All incoming freshmen were offered math and reading enrichment programs online. Over 300 students participated. For continuing Clayton Valley students needing to make up classes, they were offered a “Credit Recovery Program.” More than 150 students completed at least one course and some multiple courses over the summer. At our Charter High School, it looks like summer school is back for those students wishing to make the grades. My meetings with David Linzey confirm my feelings that we have done the right thing for our community and high school. His level of energy and his leadership skills make me believe our charter board selected the right person for the job.
Aug. 18 ROLLING HEADS: Classic rock to new pop
Sept. 1 LAURENT FOURGO & HIS COMBO: 7-piece band featuring jump, swing, dixieland and jazz from the 20s, 30s, 40s & 50s.
Sept. 15 EAST BAY MUDD: 9-piece cover dance band with a powerful 4-piece horn section returning for their 4th year. Set up chairs and blankets on the lawn after 4 p.m.
Final Thursday concert 6 to 8:30 p.m. \
JOIN THE STAFF AT THE FOOD BANK OF CONTRA COSTA AND SOLANO for “Hunger Action Month” and help create a voice for those struggling with hunger in our community.
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$588,000 195 Mount Wilson Way, Clayton Dana Hills – Expansive 2,152 s.f. ranch home has 4BD/2BA, is open & bright, rich paint tones & high ceilings. You will love the bay window in the living room & 3-car garage + RV parking. Close to clubhouse!
$720,000 15715 Marsh Creek Road, Clayton Custom Ranch – 41 acre horse property w/ 4,125 s.f. home designed to capture Mt. Diablo views. Top notch upgrades, in-law unit w/separate entrance. Offers master suite, office, 2BD Jack & Jill plus huge kitchen.
E-Mail questions or comments to the Mayor at Councilmangeller@aol.com.
$619,000 5205 Myrtle Drive, Concord Ayers Ranch Horse Property – Nearly an acre w/arena, stalls, storage & sweeping views of Mt. Diablo & Clayton Valley, particularly from the dining area. Enjoy 3BD/2BA w/2,000 s.f. including a Florida room.
Aug. 23
The PHDs
0 Wanda Way, Martinez $249,000 Alhambra Valley – Level .69 acre parcel is located in an upscale area and offers panoramic views and lots of privacy. Building pad, utilities at street, ready to go - sewer, city water. Build your dream home!
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1595 Lower Trail Ride, Clayton $100,000 Concord Trail Ride – Just over an acre with building pad and utilities, this beautiful lot is fenced and surrounded by mature pine trees. Ride your horses right onto the mountain & enjoy the tranquility.
Clayton Resident & Broker Owner
621 Janet Lane, Martinez $399,000 Remodeled 4BD/3BA including granite kitchen, hardwood floors, and beautiful fireplace. Backs to creek side and close to freeway. Adjacent ¼ acre lot included and ready to complete subdivision. Fantastic possibilities!
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DRE# 01122025
Foreclosure Avoidance & Short Sale Assistance Lynne offers FREE REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY CONSULT on these matters including tax & credit implications. Don’t wait another day – you need the right guide!
Page 4
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
August 17, 2012
Train enthusiast keeps his hobby on track PAMELA WIESENDANGER Clayton Pioneer
Rod Plaisted of Concord has built an illustrious career. He was a photographer’s mate in the Navy during World War II; he’s been a magician, a volunteer fireman, a private investigator and had a 28-year career with the California Highway Patrol. At 86, he just might be oldest living police officer from Clayton’s early days, serving as deputy to Constable Vic Chapman of Contra Costa’s 13th township. Still, at heart, Plaisted has one main passion: “I am a train guy,” he says. He brought his bright red Santa Fe caboose to Clayton’s
DREAM PROJECT On a recent warm, clear day, Plaisted engineers two of his nine quarter-scale cars down the line, stopping at his service yard and looking longingly at his current project, a cable car replica. “It’s my dream car project, one I really wanted to do.” He is still young at heart, but his energy level is a little less these days and is not sure the cable car will be finished. He only spends a few hours a week on the train, chugging down the track with his dog, Pumpkin, running full speed ahead. Most of the materials that Plaisted used to build the railway are scraps he acquired, so he has not calculated the full cost of his hobby. He also did all the painting and lettering on the cars himself,
July 4 parade to prove it. Little did the crowd know the car really powers along the rails of Clayton and Bay Point Railway Company. This railway is 350-feet of track on Plaisted’s property in Concord near Bailey Road. Plaisted built his railroad in the mid 1960s, but says, “I can’t remember a time I wasn’t fond of railroads.” His uncle was a conductor for Southern Pacific Railroad, and Plaisted says it was a thrill to ride over the Sierras with him. The track for C&BP took two years to lay and is precise to .132 of an inch for a 15-inch gauge track. The gauge is the distance between the inside of the rails.
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ROD PLAISTED RUNS THE CLAYTON AND BAY POINT RAILWAY, named in the spirit of the now defunct line of the Bay Point and Clayton Railroad near his home in Concord.
carefully selecting fonts to match the real thing, like the Ringling Brothers circus car. He uses 12volt batteries as the power source to operate the cars at a pace similar to a leisure walk with 12 volts or that of a brisk walk at 24 volts. Plaisted has no particular expertise in building a railroad or train cars. “I just follow logic.” And, he says, “I measure three times and cut once.” His wife Margaret, her mother and father all worked in the railroad business. “I always said that’s why Rod hooked up with me,” Margaret says. She enjoys railroads and finds theirs fun and functional. “We use the cars to take the garbage out front or put things on the flat car like soil and shovels” when working in the yard. At age 17, Plaisted skipped out of high school and with his mother’s permission, enlisted in the Navy. There was too much excitement going on with the war for him to think about studying. “And the uniform was a babe magnet,” Plaisted says. His unit in Guam received a commendation from Admiral Nimitz for the speedy processing of a photo of the invasion of Iwo Jima, which Plaisted personally delivered to the admiral’s head-
quarters so it could land on the front page of The New York Times. DIPLOMAS AND MAN CAVES In 1946, Plaisted returned to his native Pittsburg, Calif. and married Margaret, whom he met in junior high school. They celebrate their 66th wedding anniversary this September. They have three children, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The passenger count on the railway has dropped as the Plaisteds’ family and neighborhood kids have grown up. In its hey day, the railway catered to parties and crowds of two dozen at a time, carrying them past the service yard and turntable and along the scenic route of the pool, lawn and lush foliage. Plaisted’s first car was a replica of a caboose, built to one-half scale. It is now a parlor car otherwise known as his “man cave.” It sits to the side of the railroad tracks. It is complete with a comfortable chair, flat-screen television, commendation letter from the war, photos of wife Margaret in costume as magician’s assistant and – perhaps most importantly – his high school diploma. Plaisted finally completed his high school
education with Pittsburg High School’s Class of 2005, leading the graduation procession. The most memorable experience for him with the railway, Plaisted says is, “the fact that the damn thing runs at all.” All aboard!
Peace and Justice award nominations The Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center is accepting nominations of local peacemakers for a Peace and Justice Award to be given at the annual awards celebration this fall. A nominee must be a locallybased (Contra Costa County) individual or entity, be involved in addressing a local peace or social justice need, show evidence of long-term commitment and lead and motivate others to participate. Deadline is Sept. 7. Nomination forms are available at mtdpc.org or call the Peace and Justice Center at 933-7850.
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Amazing Pulte Home built in 2002! 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, with one bed and full bath on first floor. Sparkling pool, built in gas fire pit, pavers, lush lawn-an entertainer 's Delight! Offered at $685,000
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August 17, 2012
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 5
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Copa Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-2202 Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .822-5144
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: Non-profit: $12 for first 30 words, $.20 each additional word Individual/non-commercial: $18 for first 30 words, $.30 each additional word Commercial: $48 for first 30 words, $.40 each additional word To place your classified ad over the phone, call the office at (925) 6720500 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Or, you may fax your typewritten ad and credit card information to (925) 672-6580. All classifieds must be paid for in advance by credit card (Master Card or Visa) We will not accept any ad that discriminates on the basis of race, color,
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.
Ken Mitolo Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2460
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Steffan Smith Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0497 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679
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Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 Memo’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0395
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Held, Chris - Morgan Stanley Smith Barney . . . .930-3815
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Littorno, Richard - Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . . .432-4211
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Prosperitas Wealth Management . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7700 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . .672-2300 Funerals Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242
Classified Reporter for the Clayton Pioneer Reporter/feature writer needed to cover events, news and people for Clayton and the Clayton Valley. Must be a local resident and have good community connections. Excellent writing skills using AP style guide. Some comfort with a camera helpful. Send summary of experience and writing sample for a news story and a feature or personal profile to tamara@claytonpioneer.com.
Home and Garden Abbey Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Clear Splash Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6245 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Earth Blend Mulch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-0334 Flooring City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-8220 Just Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .681-4747 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055
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Waraner Tree Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-0334
Rodie’s Feed & Pet Supply Seeking part-time Administrative Assistant. Strong math, computer and phone communication skills required. Must be able to work Thursdays and Fridays 8 hours each. Email resume to nicole@rodiesfeed.com. No phone calls please.
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Mailing Services The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 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
Local optometric office and eyewear boutique looking for mature front office support. Greet patients, answer phones, general administration. Flexible hours. Positive attitude and ability to multi-task a must. Send resume to foresightfrontdesk@astound.net or bring to Foresight Optometry, 5442 Ygnacio Valley Road, Concord.
French, Lynne - Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787
Real Estate Agents Be Successful! Lynne French is expanding and interviewing for a few agents. Call her today 672-8787.
All Out Sports League . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203-5626
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Help Fight Hunger Anna Chan – AKA: The Lemon Lady needs your help! Weekly commitment appreciated. For more info and contact numbers, go to thelemonlady.blogspot.com. Meals on Wheels Drivers 1 – 1 1/2 hours per week. Drivers and relief drivers needed for delivery of Meals on Wheels in East County. Call Jim at 673-0300 or hairbyjim@hotmail.com. Hospice of the East Bay Help needed at Hospice of the East Bay Concord Thrift Shoppe located at 5350 Clayton Road, Concord. 674-9072. For information contact Carmen Siems, volunteer coordinator at 887-5678 or carmens@hospiceeastbay.org. Clayton Community Library Needs volunteers. Minimum age 13. Minimum commitment is 6 months. Some training provided. Contact: Arlene at 673-9777 or nielsenjanc@aol.com.
Klock, Leigh - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593 Laurence, Pete - RE/MAX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .890-6004 Lopez, Stephanie - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . .932-7329 Mazzei, Matt -Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . .672-4433 Recreation and Fitness Castle Rock Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .933-3701 Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454 East Bay Regional Park District . . . . . . . . . . . .ebparks.org Kali Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .276-0845 Senior Services Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . .524-5100 Montecito - Oakmont Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . .852-6702 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 Travel Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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Q. I heard that if I plan to do a short sale on my house, I should make sure it closes by the end of this year. Why would that be? A. There have been two temporary initiatives put into place that protect the sellers from being taxed on the forgiven amount for both state tax and federal tax. These both expire on Dec. 31, 2012. If the government doesn’t extend these protections the former tax law will resume. That is where the forgiven amount is considered ordinary income for tax purposes. If you feel you might owe more than your home is worth and are having trouble making your payments contact a realtor that is a “distressed property specialist.” They can discuss your options. Do it soon. Q. I am trying to decide if
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REAL ANSWERS I should sell or rent my house out when I move. I heard that rents are sky high right now. What do you think? A. I don’t think that getting a high rent now should be a deciding factor. The decision should have more to do with your financial plan. Do you want a rental home to be part of your portfolio? Is your home the best Real Estate investment for the long term? There are certain types of
DAN LAWRENCE
FROM
THE
CHIEF
Would you know it, if your identity was stolen? Maybe not; Identity thieves do not necessarily work under the cover of the night or lurk in the shadows. Rather, they live amongst us, purchasing cars, vacations, buying groceries, and sending children to college and having coffee at a local cafe. They stay hidden simply by pretending to be someone else, and that someone else might be you. Of course, identity theft can be ugly; wiping out individual’s financial accounts, ruining credit scores and reputations. In some extreme cases, you could even
be arrested for their illegal activity. In the past, I have written identity theft articles, but I feel that additional reinforcement information is still relevant, because this type of crime is still increasing at alarming rates. In general, you can protect yourself from identity theft by safeguarding your personal information. Since stolen mail is one of the primary ways in which thieves steal personal information, you should make every effort to protect your mail, possibly with a locking mail box. If you haven’t already done so, I recommend purchasing a shredder. You should shred any and all documents that you don’t need that contain personal information. In addition, safeguard information such as emails, account and banking passwords; ATM pin numbers, bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, personal ID’s and log-in information. Thieves can use this information to both fraudulently access your accounts and open new accounts, or buy
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properties that are better rentals than others. For example, recently a seller in our area sold their very updated, large home and bought two rental properties. They were smaller with not as much upkeep. They were nicely maintained but not highly upgraded. Sometimes the tenants don’t keep the home as good as you do. They are now receiving more rent and more cash flow than they would have on the primary residence. They also can enjoy appreciation on both. Your realtor should do an analysis of which way you will come out better. If you are not wild about being a landlord or if you are moving out of state my opinion is you should consider selling. I also have a theory about the high rents landlords are currently getting. Many of the tenants looking now are people who are trying to get their
finances together to buy a home eventually. If the rent is too high you won’t have a long-term tenant. As soon as they find a lower rental where they can save more money they will move. I also think rents will not stay this high. Some of the rents are higher than a mortgage would be. As people are able to buy they will leave the rental market. A landlord is always better off having a long-term tenant at a lower rent than have the house remain empty between tenants. Send your question and look for your answer in a future column. Email Lynne@LynneFrench.com. French is the broker/owner of Windermere Lynne French & Associates and a Clayton resident. For any real estate needs or questions, contact her at 672-878 7or stop in at 6200 Center St., Clayton.
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Police Report Police Activity for Three Weeks Ending August 9, 2012 ACCIDENTS: Aug. 2, 9:35 p.m. Keller Ridge Dr./Golden Eagle Way. Noninjury. ARRESTS: July 21, 2:30 a.m. 6100 block of Main St. Three 19-year-old males (two from Concord, one from Clayton) were arrested for public intoxication and a Muni Code violation after being contacted by officers on patrol. July 23, 3:30 a.m. Clayton Rd./Washington Blvd. A 21-yearold Clayton male was arrested for public intoxication after officers responded to a call for service. July 25, 2:25 a.m. Mountaire Pkwy/Marsh Creek Rd. A 44-yearold Clayton male was arrested for use/under the influence, possession of hypodermic syringe and probation violation after being stopped for a Vehicle Code violation. July 31, 12:21 a.m. Clayton Rd./Washington Blvd. A 27-yearold Concord male was arrested for DUI after being stopped for a Vehicle Code violation. Aug. 1, 4:12 a.m. Clayton Rd./El Camino Dr. A 33-year-old
Concord male was arrested for DUI over .08 BAC, resisting Executive Officer and threats after being stopped for a Vehicle Code violation.
expensive items. Carry only the information that you need in your wallet or purse. A good practice is to make photo copies of all credit cards, front & back, in case your things are stolen, or lost. I recommend using only one credit card for Internet purchases. Do not send credit card numbers by email. Other preventative measures that can be taken are: never give your Social Security number to anyone you do not know; don’t carry your Social Security card or number in your wallet, or purse; whenever possible, use automatic deposit for payroll, and other benefit payments; and be aware of fake emails pretending to be from a company or charity asking for personal information, and don’t give them the information. If you become a victim of identity theft, I recommend taking the following five steps: 1) file a police report; 2) contact each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax 1800-525-6285, TransUnion 1-
Aug. 3, 4:15 p.m. 6000 Heritage Trail. A 45-year-old Clayton male was arrested after officers served an arrest warrant.
Aug. 9, 9:27 p.m. 100 block Bear Pl. A 21-year-old Clayton male was arrested for battery and public intoxication after officers responded to a call for service. BURGLARIES/THEFTS: July 31, El Molino Dr. Petty Theft. Aug. 5, Julpun Loop. Grand Theft. VANDALISM: July 22, Yosemite Cr. Aug. 6, High St.
I know that most of this information has already been made available, but I feel that the crime of identity theft is important enough for a repeat. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us at 925-673-7350, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Dan Lawrence is Clayton’s Police Chief. Please send your questions, comments or topics you’d like to see covered to DanL@cpd.ci. concord.ca.us
Politics aside, here are the facts about climate change
Aug. 3, 12:27 p.m. Marsh Creek Rd./Center St. A 23-yearold Clayton male was arrested for driving while license suspended for DUI after being stopped for a Vehicle Code violation.
Aug. 4, 11:39 p.m. Marsh Creek Rd./Clayton Rd. A 26-yearold Pleasant Hill female was arrested for DUI after being stopped for a Vehicle Code violation.
800-680-7289, and Experian 1800-397-37420) to flag your accounts; 3) close any accounts that have been tampered with; 4) file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov, or by calling 1-877438-4338; and 5) call the Social Security Administration fraud hotline 1800-269-0271 to report fraudulent use of your Social Security number.
WOODY WHITLATCH WEATHER WORDS Climate change, specifically global warming, has been the subject of thousands of scientific studies over the last few decades. Unfortunately, in the United States the topic of global warming seems to have devolved into a political tennis match between alarmists and skeptics on talk radio. It is increasingly difficult to separate fact from theater. Let’s step back and look at what the data show. The majority of climate studies can be classified into three main areas of focus: analyses of historical temperature records, determination of cause and
effect relationships, and modeling of future climate trends. Last month the American Meteorological Society (AMS) published a report titled “State of the Climate in 2011.” This document, which is a compilation of studies co-authored by hundreds of climate scientists throughout the world, provides a concise summary of earth’s temperature trends since the late 1800s, when reliable instrumented weather recordings began. Four independent analyses of temperature trends are detailed in the AMS report. These analyses use differing methodologies to merge land and sea surface temperatures and construct a global historical record. Importantly, there are little differences in the results. For example, the AMS report shows global surface temperatures have increased between 0.25 and 0.30 degrees F per decade since 1971. This recent warming rate is double the rate of temperature increase
See Weather, page 13
August 17, 2012
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Former Concord construction owner builds name for himself as successful novelist DENISEN HARTLOVE Clayton Pioneer
“A lot of people don’t have an idea about how brutal life can be,” says Concord-based novelist Steven “S.F.” Chapman. A former construction company owner, (and before that, a glass blower, and before that a film history scholar, and before that an aspiring writer) Chapman has been described by many as a jack of all trades. But unlike the rest of the adage, “ …
Local agent provides foreclosure alternatives Local CDPE-designated real estate agent, Jennifer Stojanovich of Better Homes Realty has a new website for homeowners with mortgages in distress. The site gives options and information to help homeowners avoid the negative impact of foreclosure. This community resource is available at www.jenniferstojanovich.com and defines foreclosure alternatives including short sales, loan modifications, and forbearance. “It’s a concern to me that so few in our community know their options when they start to fall behind on mortgage payments,” Stojanovich said. “If they act quickly and get informed, they can make informed decisions to find financial stability.” Foreclosure alternatives such as short sales – which now make up over one-third of real estate closings across the nation – are an increasingly popular way for both homeowners and lenders to minimize their losses in this tough economy. “More lenders are realizing that they can save money in a short sale versus a foreclosure, and are more likely than they were three years ago to approve a short sale offer.” Stojanovich said. “This is good news for homeowners because they now have more options than ever.” In obtaining the CDPE designation, Stojanovich has acquired specific understanding of the complex issues confronting distressed homeowners. For more information about the CDPE Designation, visit www. CDPE.com.
master of none,” Chapman has learned to make the field of writing novels – not an industry for the faint of heart – work as well. Back in 2006, Chapman was up for hours and hours in the night, worrying about the economy and the challenges of keeping his construction business alive. Instead of staring at the walls of his small ranch house in the foothills of Mt. Diablo, or becoming an expert on latenight informercial television, however, Chapman grabbed a pen and paper, and revisited the escape he’d pursued in his teens and early 20s – writing stories. Just a few days later, he had a synopsis for a book. “I suddenly could sleep again,” he said drily. The economy continued to sink, however, taking his company with it. Seeking new direction, Chapman set himself a goal: he would write 12 novels in five years. That was in 2009. Since then, he’s finished six novels (three of which were completed in the last year), with another six to go. The first of those, titled “I’m Here to Help,” was just published under the imprint of Striped Cat Press. Described by various reviewers as “extraordinary” and “a quick read that will leave readers in deep contemplation,” it tells the story about what happens when a teenage girl discovers discrepancies on her birth cer-
Steven Chapman, Concordbased novelist.
tificate, and her mother finds herself having to explain the past she’d kept hidden for years. Chapman, who was born and raised in Berkeley and then Concord in the 1950s and 60s, is himself a seventh generation Californian. His family connections trace as far back as a Pacheco who travelled to California from Northern Mexico in 1777. Robert Livermore was Chapman’s great-great-great grandfather. And Chapman’s great-grandmother Christina Alviso (Livermore’s granddaughter) smiles from a photograph displayed on the antique piano in his living room. Chapman seems more inter-
ested in writing about the future than the past, however. That’s no surprise. He grew up with eleven brothers and sisters during the Space Age, while rockets were being fired into orbit, and the phrase “Klaatu barata nikto,” uttered by a movie robot from space was being repeated throughout schoolyards. That upbringing shows in his other stories, which tend towards science fiction and endof-the-world tales populated with warlords and pirates, and where explosions are more common than not. Chapman described his writing as remarkably similar to the hammer and nails business of construction. “It’s slow and methodical,” he said of both fields. “It takes months of welldefined steps.” Though he writes extensively about the future, when asked his own plans for what comes after his 12th novel is written, Chapman rockets back to the past once again with plans to write a book about his family’s adventures in pre-Gold Rush California. “There’s a lesson in reading about somebody going through something,” he said of what readers should get from his tales of adventure, whether battling space pirates, trudging through the marshes of early California – or starting a brand new career mid-life, after his work in construction ended.
Page 7
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Gold medal tips for dealing with performance anxiety
STEPHANIE HO MIND MATTERS My son was introduced to his first Olympic games this summer and he loved to watch the spectacular speed of the swimmers and power of the gymnasts. We had a hard time convincing him that the
Olympics involved any other sports besides these two. After watching some of the athletes’ infamous missteps, I was reminded again of how much sports and psychology are inextricably linked. When athletes are training, efforts are usually 90 percent physical and 10 percent mental, but when they’ve reached the top of their game, then efforts suddenly become 90 percent mental. It is the same with academics or any other performance and evaluationbased event. We can psych ourselves out. Lucky for us, sports psychologists have some excellent techniques that can help all of us get through stressful events with a lot less anxiety and a lot more success.
REDUCE ANXIETY BEFORE THE EVENT: It is normal to have an adrenaline rush before a stressful event; don’t mislabel it as fear and try to fight it. Accept the nervous energy and it will subside. Prepare for everything you can. Arrive early, dress accordingly, and have what you need with you. Rushing and forgetting things only increases your stress. Use visualization, which is a technique to create a mental image of what you want to happen or feel. By imagining the event beforehand, complete with detailed images and sensations of past suc-
See Mind, page 8
Welcome Back, Celeste! CLAYTON, CA - Celeste Tomasulo (formerly of Clayton) returns to take the reins on teaching at Castle Rock Arabians. Celeste has been actively involved in the horse community all of her life. At 25 years old, she has shown throughout the state of California in Hunter/ Jumper competitions, as well as competed on the intercollegiate Show Team at Hollins University in Virginia. Growing up in an equestrian house-hold with trail activist grandfather, George H. Cardinet Jr. and show Oriented mother, Michele (Pinky) Tomasulo, Celeste is extremely knowledgeable with both English and
Western disciplines. She is as comfortable on the trail as she is in the show arena. She has been awarded Pebble Beach Equestrian Champion, as well as competed on the Amigos de Anza Drill team. She is CHA certified. Celeste has ridden at Castle Rock Arabians since she could walk, and is looking forward to continuing with all that Castle Rock has to offer.
www.CastleRockArabians.com
Page 8
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
August 17, 2012
Link Crew gives freshmen a leg up ROBBIE PARKER
CVHS REPORTER As August rolls in, the final days of summer vacation slip away – especially for students attending Clayton Valley Charter High School. This year, school starts early at the new charter, Aug. 15. With a clean and beautified campus and a new governing board, Clayton Valley will almost seem like a different place. At the same time, there are still many great things happening at Clayton Valley that remain the same. Since July 23, many of our outstanding upperclassmen have been working tirelessly as members of Link Crew. Most of the students at Clayton Valley experienced Link Crew during their freshman year; however, this year is promising to turn out even better. What exactly is Link Crew?
According to the CVCHS website, Link Crew is a national organization that assists school staff in training members of the upper classes to be leaders and mentors for incoming freshman. As positive role models, Link Leaders are meant to motivate and guide the freshmen to discover what it takes to be successful in high school and life. Link Crew begins with the Freshman Transition Summer Program before school starts, and continues throughout the school year by providing a variety of follow up activities in freshman PE classes. Link Leaders visit freshman gym classes twice a month to help build experience in the students. Students play games and participate in team-building activities based on the six “Do the Right Thing” character traits. From July 30 to Aug. 2 , incoming freshmen filed into Clayton Valley’s Large Gym at 8 a.m., understandably bright eyed yet apprehensive. After being directed by CVCHS teacher and the head of Link Crew, Ms. Marzel, the students split into various groups to play
INCOMING FRESHMEN TAKE TIME OUT FOR LUNCH in the amphitheater during their Transition Summer Program. The students are the first freshmen class to enter the new Clayton Valley Charter High School.
games and got to know each other through trust activities. The games and activities helped students learn more about their new school and understand the social, extracur ricular, and academic climate of CVCHS. Not to mention having a little fun along the way.
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from page 7 cessful events or future desired outcomes, the person can actually train their mind and their body to perform the task or skill imagined. Through repetition and rehearsal of this imagery, the person will build both experience and confidence in their ability to perform under pressure.
First day of high school very different this year
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Each day, students were given a theme related to the Do the Right Thing character traits of Respect, Kindness, Integrity, Responsibility, Self-Discipline, and Courage. They participated in activities such as dressing up like superheroes, secret agents, and twins or came adorned in
class colors. On the final day of the program, students enjoyed a barbecue and carnival games courtesy of the school on the football field. All these efforts by the Link Crew made it a lively and spirited week. While it may seem like a chore to most students to give up their final precious days of summer vacation, it’s reassuring to know that many of the upperclassmen in the Link Crew are willing to make the class of 2016 feel like they fit in. These dedicated students have given the last two weeks up of their summer to help plan many of the activities for incoming freshman, and to make ninth graders feel welcomed and comforted. The efforts by CVCHS students give our new freshman class a great start to an excellent high school experience. Robbie Parker is a sophomore at Clayton Valley High School. Send comments to Robbie@claytonpioneer.com
Mind Matters
APRIL WINSHIP
CVCHS NEWS With the start of the new school year at hand, it was a flurry of activity around the Clayton Valley Charter High School in the past month. Bright and Shiny. More than 200 teachers, parents, students and community members came together in a Herculean effort on Campus Improvement Day to clean up a substandard facility and make it something to be proud of. Fab Freshmen. The Freshman Summer Transition Program was a spectacular success. “It set the tone for a smooth transition on the part of our incoming freshmen from a middle school mentality to that of a high school mentality and rigor readiness,” says Program Coordinator Kat Marzel. “Putting this program together was truly a team effort and demonstrates what is possible when caring, committed individuals come together to create programs that benefit our
young people.” Sports Stuff. Athletic Director, Greg Fister, will hold a Parent/Athlete Fall Sports meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 20 in the Clayton Valley MultiUse Room. This is a mandatory meeting for all parents of athletes in fall sports. All coaches and athletes will be expected to adhere to the new standards of CVCHS which support the concepts of rigor, relevance and relationships, in both academics and athletics. Dr. Patrick Gaffney, director of curriculum and guidance, addresses the following question: Q: As a parent of a current student I would like to know what tools you plan to implement to be sure that CVCHS is meeting the academic, personal and social needs of our kids. A: We have hired two academic guidance counselors. Our focus will be on supporting students during their four years to keep on track for postsecondary activities. Two major
areas we will be looking at are conducting four year plans with every student. The second are keeping kids on track for graduation. We have credit recovery this summer and sign-ups are strong. We are working diligently to help many students get back on track by taking credit recovery classes online. Our counselors and administrative team have been working all summer to insure students are placed appropriately in college prep courses to prepare them for the university of their choice as well as insure they are on track for graduation. Many students who have fallen behind in credits have been enrolled in summer courses and are thankful for the opportunity to catch up.
What is your vision for CVCHS? What steps would you take to realize this vision? Email comments to april.winship@claytonvalley.org. April Winship is the parent of two CVCHS students. She lives in Clayton with her family.
REDUCE ANXIETY DURING THE EVENT: Focus on what you are doing rather than the outcome. If it is hard to stay present and your mind is racing, then stop what you are doing and just focus on your breathing. Paying attention to the rhythm of your breaths will keep you grounded. Perform like you don’t care what happens. If you think you’ll fail, then you’ll likely sabotage your efforts and you may very well fail. If you remember that this event is just another day in your life, but not the most important thing in your life, then you just might relax and do your best after all. REDUCE ANXIETY AFTER THE EVENT: Remember what you did well and leave it at that. Try not to focus on what went wrong. Contrary to popular belief, this will not help you improve in the future. Thinking about what went right allows for another kind of mental rehearsal for the next event. Think about what you can do to increase your chances of success the next time around. Practice is most effective if it can as closely as possible mimic the conditions of the actual event you will be faced with. And, if you see someone blow it, please don’t tell them that “the next one is critical.” Just let them be and watch what happens instead.
Stephanie T. Ho is a licensed psychologist. She has a private practice office in Walnut Creek and works at UC Berkeley. She can be reached at stephanie.ho.phd@gmail.com.
Autumn is the time to move forward – not fall back Imua. It is the Hawaiian word for “forward.” This is my mantra for the year. It’s a good one, I think. Moving forward, move forward. I do not believe it is just simply lucky circumstance that brings me into contact with folks who seem to share this mantra I know so well. My days are spent in movement, movement that produces positive expression. I am privileged to come to come into daily contact with people ready and willing to move forward. People scared, tired, even ashamed but determined to make positive changes in their lives. These people help me to understand that transformation, both physical and mental, are driven by “imua.” I have many wonderful clients but one in particular, a newer client, comes to mind. She is a lovely woman, who has a job listening to other people’s problems and helping them to create solutions. She has never been much of an exerciser but she knew it was time for a
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change. When she came to visit me for her first session she was a bit apprehensive. She asked lots of questions, lots of which we answered, some of which had yet to be seen. Upon completion of that first session she left so relieved and excited. Excited to discover her body again and even though she was nervous and a bit unsure of foreign territory, she pushed through. She moved forward and it brought about such a transformation. Her view of herself was different. She realized to get where she wanted to go, transformation, she simply
needed a new perspective. She just knew, came back one day later, ready for more. She wanted to know what other steps would propel her forward because now she was on the path to positive change and better feelings, both physical and mental. She made me realize that one of the most powerful benefits of training is that it will force you to develop your inner strength, your tolerance. As summer begins its slow wind-down, vacations end, and school begins again, remember to keep moving forward. Let the change of season bring you out just a bit longer one evening and go for a walk with the kids. Take a hike up Mt. Diablo and appreciate the late colors of summer. Ride down a trail or two then have a barbeque. Move forward, you never know where it could lead and what it could excite in you. Ilima Heuerman holds multiple fitness certifications. She trains at Levity Fitness studio in Clayton. Email Ilima at IlimaHeuerman@levityfitness.com
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Labor Day Derby and Car Show roll into town
Kevin Keeler
Clayton Community Church is revving up for the ninth annual Labor Day Derby and Car Show on Sat., Sept. 1 on Main Street in downtown Clayton. This combined event is produced with the support of local vendors and merchants. The Derby starts at 9 a.m. at the Clock Tower on Main Street. While there are no actual motors racing, kids from 7 to 14 can race the somewhat downhill course which begins on the ramp at the clock tower on the east end of Main Street and finishes in front of the church offices. Spectators line the entire course to cheer the racers on. This event runs until 3 p.m. and is open to all children, ages 7 to 14. No driving experience necessary. A brief bit of on-the spot-training and each racer is down the ramp in a really cool
car, most of which are provided by local merchants. The racers will go twice, with the average between the two determining the overall time. Top racers in each class will take home a trophy. To volunteer to help with the event, contact the church at (925) 673-9060. Just down the street and running concurrently with the Derby Race is the Classic Car Show. More than 300 cars – Custom, Restored, Retros, Foreign, Muscle and Rods (maybe even some police cars) from vintage 1900s to 2012 will be on display from 9 a.m. to noon. Register for the car show online at www.claytonderbycarshow.org. For more information contact: Dale Schell, dschell@astound.net. Both events are free.
Page 9
Weather, from page 6 recorded since the beginning of the 20th century. The report also notes that the warming rate of land surface temperatures is more than double the rate of sea surface temperatures over the last 40 years. Although temperatures have been trending warmer, there are year-to-year fluctuations. For example, 2010 was the warmest year on record, and 2011 was the coolest year since 2008. Scientists believe the 2011 La Nina, which produced cooler than normal temperatures in the tropical Pacific contributed to this fact. Even so, “cool” 2011 ranked in the top 10 percent of warm years since records began. It appears that the 2011 cooling was a temporary episode. La Nina conditions have ended, and the 2012 January through June temperatures are the hottest on record in the continental United States for that six-month period. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a body of scientists organized by the United Nations and World Meteorological Organization, issued its fourth assessment report in 2007. It states that “Most of the observed increase in global average temperatures since the mid20th century is very likely due to the observed increase in anthropogenic (man-made) greenhouse gas concentrations.” Carbon dioxide (CO2) emission from fossil fuel combustion is the main source of anthropogenic greenhouse gases. The recent AMS report indicates that in 2011 globally averaged CO2 concentrations exceeded 390 parts per million (ppm) for the first time, an increase of nearly 50 ppm since 1980. The IPCC study shows that
global climate models consistently agree that increased CO2 emissions will result in further global warming. The degree of future warming will depend on the amount of man-made emissions poured into the atmosphere. It is fair to scientifically debate what the effects of global warming will be. For example, current sea level rise trends are linked to global warming. Scientific studies show some variance in the rate and timing of future sea-level-rise trends. Governments and industries need to develop emission reduction and climate change adaptation strategies based on the best data scientists can develop. Profiteering and political divisiveness are not solutions. Woody Whitlatch is a meteorologist with PG&E. Email your questions or comments to clayton_909@yahoo.com
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
August 17, 2012
Sports Many changes but same result: Dana Hills rules the water JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Over the past two years the meet previously known as the Concord City Swimming Championships has been renamed simply The City Meet with teams from Martinez and Pleasant Hill joining the recreation swimmers from Concord and Clayton who have been competing over the 46 years the meet has been held. This year’s meet also included dramatically new scoring and seeding procedures. In spite of all the change the final result still saw the Dana Hills Swim Team of Clayton reigning as champions for the 20th time in 21 years.
KRYSTAL AVEN stroked her way to second place in The City Meet finals of the 15-18 girls B Division breaststroke at Concord Community Pool. The 15-year-old was rocking a Ryan Lochte USA swim cap during the meet, which was held the final weekend of London Olympics swimming. In the A Division 100 Breast finals sisters Vicky, Tricia and Krystle Talens of the Otters were first, second and fourth, respectively.
The Otters of Dana Hills amassed 3,446 points in Concord Community Pool to outscore Forest Park and host Springwood in the A Division. Newcomer Pleasant Hill Dolfins was fourth. Coming in sixth in the 11-team field was Oakhurst Country Club of Clayton, matching their result of two years ago despite two additional teams added to the field. Dana Hills was fourth and Oakhurst seventh in the B division, won by Forest Park very narrowly over Springwood. Coach Serge Victor was looking at both The City Meet and Contra Costa County Meet, which was held last weekend, when he prepared his DHST swimmers for the end of the season. “We headed into The City Meet having two taper groups – City and County. County swimmers were only partially tapered [for City Meet]. Overall, the meet went very well. We had an excellent number of best times and terrific relay performances achieving and even exceeding intermediate relay goals prior to County. The majority of our “Close to County Qualifying Time” swimmers got additional County times. His counterpart at Oakhurst, first-year coach Jasmine Millan, was excited with her team’s results. “This is the highest the Orcas have ever placed at City Meet and the largest amount of county qualifiers we’ve ever had.” 8 MEET RECORDS FALL TO OTTERS Dana Hills set eight meet records, had eight high point winners and was honored with both the girls and boys outstanding relay awards. The Dana Hills 9-10 girls set meet
TREVOR BOOTH (white cap) got off the starting blocks in the finals of the 9-10 boys backstroke race at The City Meet. Bluth cut over 1.2 seconds off his preliminary time to take seventh in the finals. His DHST teammates Anthony Vizental and Clayton Seastrand finished 1-2 in the event and eventually tied for 910 high point honors at the meet.
Photos by Joern Weigelt courtesy Dana Hills Swim Team
BOTH OUTSTANDING RELAY AWARDS FOR THE 46TH CITY MEET at Concord Community Pool went to Dana Hills Swim Team quartets. The girls 9-10 medley relay of (back row from left) Logan Sherman, Paige Landstrom, Victoria Greenberg and Sarah Hamilton shattered the 1995 City Meet record in the 200-yard medley with a 2:12.44 clocking. The 9-10 girls also set a mark in the 200 free relay that was even more under the old mark. The DHST 11-12 freestyler relay of (bottom row from left) of Jackson Trimble, Ryan Iannaccone, Niklas Weigelt and Anthony Trimble was judged the top performer among all the boys relays.
records in both the freestyle and medley relays. The quartet of Paige Landstrom, Victoria Greenberg, Sarah Hamilton, Logan Sherman broke the 1995 meet record in the medley relay with a time of 2:12.44, almost an incredible eight seconds under the old mark. The 9-10 girls also set meet records by Hamilton in the 50 butterfly (30.23) and free (27.03), Greenberg in the breaststroke (36.03) and the 9-10 free relay in 1:54.72, again over eight seconds under the standard with Ryanne Boland joining Greenberg, Hamilton and Sherman to set another record. For the boys outstanding relay the Otters 11-12 squad clocked a 1:59.73 in the freestyle relay with Jackson Trimble, Ryan Iannaccone, Niklas Weigelt and Anthony Trimble. The 13-14 DHST girls notched two meet records with Allie Klinger in the free (25.22) and Melissa Schoell in the back-
stroke (28.78). Rounding out the DHST meet records was Colton Seastrand in the six and under back with a 20.62 winning mark. Among the record breakers, Seastrand, Schoell and Hamilton also were A Division high point winners. Joining them were Anthony Vizental and Clayton Seastrand in 9-10, Antony Vines 13-14, Justine Trimble 15-18. Kieran Moss took the 9-10 boys B Division high point award. ORCAS TAKE TOP B HONORS Oakhurst had four B Division high pointers in Caleb Pappas 7-8 boys, Logan Schoffstall 11-12 boys, Grace Bradley 9-10 girls and Caitlin O’Leary 11-12 girls. The team had 10 County Meet qualifiers in Gretta Callison, Tyler Brown, Haley Brown, Grace Smith, Sarah DeBack, Julia Wickware, Henry Smith, Jena Lewis-Bernardo, Lindsay Treppa and Kelly Ransom. Springwood changed things
up in the scoring and seeding systems. In previous years swimmers were placed in A or B Divisions based on qualifying swims prior to City Meet. This year the meet seeded the swimmers into preliminary heats based on previous times but then determined the 10 swimmers for the A and B Division finals based on preliminary swims at City Meet. The top 10 swimmers from the preliminary swims are in the A finals while the top 10 athletes after the 50% cutoff from the prelims are in the B finals. For scoring among the 11 participating teams with nearly 1100 swimmers the top two finishers from each team score points from 25 for the fastest time down to 1 for the 22nd time (based on two scoring swimmers per team). The meet also allowed multiple relay teams from each club to swim although only one relay per club scored points. These changes allowed all the teams
to score significantly more points. “One of the main goals at City was to make sure that most swimmers improved in the finals vs. preliminary heats and swimmers definitely achieved that,” DHST coach Victor explained. “We have 54 swimmers (awesome percentage of over 30% of individual County qualifiers to total number of swimmers on the team) going to County individually, for a total of 96 entries. In addition, we are sending 27 relays.” Victor added that the Otters needed to step up for the loss of standouts from the second place 2011 County team with the likes of Derek Anderson (off to college) and Sam Protich and Sierra McIntyre (who went year-around.) “In addition, the team has extra challenges such as the fact that majority of swimmers will be competing ‘on the bottom of their age groups.’”
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 11
Sports
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JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Diablo FC hosted its 10th annual Summer Classic over the last two weekends of July, splitting up the tournament with a girls weekend followed a week later by the boys. The local competitive soccer club ended up taking a title in each age group, the under 12 and 13 for girls and U14 and U15 for boys. The Summer Classic action took place while three older Diablo FC teams were playing on the national stage. The 94 and 95 boys were in the prestigious Surf Cup XXXII in San Diego, a tournament both teams have won in recent years. The Diablo FC 95 girls were competing in the US Club Soccer National Cup X near Chicago. Starting tournament play this month, the new Diablo FC 00 Blue U12 girls were in the 11th annual Santa Cruz Breakers Cup. Coached by Jack Boeger the silver level team entered the Sancta Cruz gold division and comported themselves very well. Goalkeepers Erica Timms and Lilly Walker conceded only one goal during the entire tournament as Diablo FC 00 Blue won its opening game one of the tournament 2-1 over Cal Blues Shock 01 with goals by Sydney Copeland and Adriana Gavidia. They then had a pair of scoreless draws before reaching the consolation finals where a penalty kick conversion by Kalyn Stuart gave them the win over Capital Athletic Boca 00. It was a strong performance for a silver team playing against gold teams who were all ranked higher than Diablo FC 00. In Sacramento on the same
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THE NEW DIABLO FC 00 BLUE TEAM coached by Clayton’s Jack Boeger won a penalty kick shootout to take third place in the 11th annual Santa Cruz Breakers Cup earlier this month. The under 12 silver team competed against higher ranked gold teams without a loss in the beachside tournament. Diablo FC 00 Blue includes, in front, Larisa Mercado; bottom row from left, Chrystina Heuerman, Sarah Happy, Adriana Gavidia, Samantha Flores, Gabrielle Duran, Jaleh Wooten; back row, Iona McCabe, Kalyn Stuart, Kelly Osterkamp, Delaney Weidner, Courtney Lally, Sydney Copeland, Erica Timms, Lilly Walker, Boeger and Madison Quinn.
weekend another new Diablo FC team, the U14 98 Blue boys coached by Dave Lonestar, took the consolation crown in the Suntan Classic with a 3-2 win over Manteca FC Boca Juniors 98. Diablo FC 98 Blue was beaten 2-1 in the semi-finals by host Sac United Attack. In the Summer Classic for Girls the U12 Diablo FC 00 team coached by Lewis Woodward defeated Manteca Futbol United Red 2-1 in the finals to avenge a 1-0 defeat to Manteca in the preliminary rounds. Manteca beat Diablo FC 00 Blue in one semi-final while Diablo FC
00 blanked Livermore Fusion 00 in the other semi. The U13 girls Diablo FC 99 went to a shootout to defeat neighbor rival Walnut Creek Storm in the Mountain bracket championship game. It went to the seventh kick of the shootout before the host team coached by Richard Weiszmann got the final edge. Diablo FC 00 scored late in the second half to knock the score 1-1 and force overtime. The score is a reversal of the 2011 Summer Classic finals when Strom beat Diablo FC 99 2-1. In the U13 Valley bracket Diablo FC 99 Blue won its
DIABLO FC 00 COACHED BY JOEL CAZAREZ HAD THE BEST U12 BOYS GOAL DIFFERENTIAL at the 10th annual Summer Classic but fell short 1-0 to Atletico Santa Rosa Chelsea in the championship game. The team held its first three opponents scoreless before giving up a single goal in the finale. Diablo FC 00 includes, bottom row from left, Aymon Rentuma, Logan Gragg, Tao Squires, Daniel Solis, Mikey Rodriguez, Javier Ayala; middle row, Miguel Garcia, Enrique Guzman, Taison Corio, Julian Perez, Alfredo Cordova, Noah Banderas; top row, Nick Harrison, Fernando Garcia, Caleb McCurdy, Jose Haro, Cristian Vargas, Ryan Jones and coach Cazarez.
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bracket with three consecutive shutout victories before dropping a 2-1 verdict to Santa Clara Sporting 99 Black in the finals. In the U15 girls bracket Diablo FC 97 Blue was 2-1 in round-robin play but lost a tiebreaker for a berth in the championship match. Diablo FC 98 was derailed in its final bracket game from an expected spot in the championship match, finishing 2-1 for the weekend. During the boys weekend Diablo FC 97 boys coached by Weiszmann blanked Fresno Monarch Brasil 4-0 in the U15 championship game. The team won Summer Classic two years ago as U13 and was runners-up in 2009 as U12. Diablo FC 97 didn’t give up a goal in its four Summer Classic games. At U14 Diablo FC 98 won its second Summer Classic title in three years after finishing second in 2011. New coach Cody Worden led his team to a 3-2 victory over ACC Mavericks Cosmos in the championship game. The semi-final was a local affair with Diablo FC 98 over Diablo FC 98 Blue 1-0. The Diablo FC 99 U13 boys were upended in their final preliminary game to miss out on the finals. The youngest local boys team, Diablo FC 00, displayed outstanding defense with three shutout wins earning a place in the finals where they were nipped 1-0 by Atletico Santa Rosa Chelsea. Coach Joel Cazarez’s squad was making its first appearance in the Summer Classic.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
It will be familiar yet different when Clayton Valley Eagles sports teams take the field, court and pool this fall. The uniform colors of red, white and blue will be the same as they’ve been since the Concord school opened in 1958 but the name has changed to Clayton Valley Charter High School and there will be lots of attention paid to all CVCHS activities this year after the dramatic change which took place over the summer. New head coach Tim Murphy, who abruptly left his former Ygnacio Valley High School post to take over at CVCHS this spring, has his Eagles in a scrimmage this Friday at Gonsalves Stadium against Acalanes High of Lafayette. The following Friday, Aug. 24, the football team travels to long-time rivals Pittsburg before taking off for the Labor Day weekend. Ironically Murphy’s first official game will be against the two schools his predecessor, Herc Pardi, coached for many years. Diablo Valley Athletic League football play begins Oct. 4 at Ygnacio Valley, a week after the Sept. 28 home-
coming game vs. Hayward. Greg Fister is the new CVCHS athletic director and is also taking over for Michelle Howisey running the boys and girls cross country program. Eagle harriers will be in a series of invitational meets in September including the Ed Sias Invitational in Martinez Sept. 8, De La Salle-Carondelet meet Sept. 15 and then the prestigious Stanford Invitational for varsity run-
Clayton Valley ended second in Junior American Legion league play to Deer Valley and then was swept by the Antioch team in a
PARENT/CHILD BASKETBALL SKILLS COMPETITION SATURDAY Moms and dads can team up with their son or daughter in a series of basketball skills events (3-point shot, free throw shooting, passing and dribbling) at Clayton Gym this Saturday, Aug. 18. There will be four age groups (6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-14) with championship trophies for winning teams in each division. Registration is being taken online at alloutsportsleague.com for both leagues. Call 203-5626 for more info.
KAYLIE COLLINS AT U14 NATIONAL TEAM SOCCER CAMP Clayton’s Kaylie Collins is one of four soccer goalkeepers currently at the under 14 US National Team Camp at The Home Depot Center in Carson through Sunday. Collins is an incoming freshman at Carondelet (she is missing her first week of high school while attending the camp). She played for Diablo FC and now Mustang Xplosion in the ECNL, where her team reached the semi-finals at the National Championships in Illinois last season.
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from 4-5:30 p.m. at Clayton Valley Charter high Scool Field. The fall clinic includes teaching basic baseball fundamentals by members of the CVCHS coaching staff and players. For more information and to signup email head coach Casey Coakley at Casey.Coakley@ClaytonValley.org.
U8 SOCCER ACADEMY FALL SESSION ACCEPTING PLAYERS Diablo FC’s renowned Soccer Academy is taking signups now for its summer session which runs on Mondays and Wednesdays Sept. 10 through Oct. 24. Boys and girls 5-8 years of age can participate in the U8 Academy with instruction at Boatwright Fields from Brazilian Olympian Tafa, Diablo FC director of coaching Brian Voltattorni and District 4 coaching director Steve Shott. Registration and more info are available at diablofc.org.
CLAYTON SWIMMERS PLACE AT PENTATHLON FOR SPRINGWOOD A contingent of Clayton swimmers competing for Springwood Swim Club placed at the recent Devil Mountain Pentathlon in Clayton. Alex Jennings in 15-18 boys and Brianna DeLuna in 7-8 girls were winners of B Division competition. Earning A Division medals were Jordan Tate (7th, 15-18 boys), Erica DuLong (3rd, 11-12 girls), Gianna Du Long (5th, 9-10 girls), Serafina Celentano (7th, 7-8 girls) and Katherine Pugh (5th, 6 and under girls).
SUMMER CHALLENGE SOCCER THIS WEEKEND AT BOATWRIGHT FIELDS
5 CLAYTON HEAT ATHLETES TRAVEL TO JR. OLYMPICS IN BALTIMORE
ADULT CO-ED SOFTBALL LEAGUE TAKING SIGNUPS THROUGH AUG. 25
The Clayton Chapter of Heat track club sent five athletes to the 46th USATF National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships in Baltimore. Azzari Brown took 17th in the 100-meter dash with a 14.89. Also finishing in the top 50 in their events were Ben Acebo of Clayton with a top throw 30.07 feet in the shot put, Clayton’s Colin Cook 12:02.81 in the 3000-meter run, Nicole Simmons’ triple jump of 33-11.50 and Camden Misquitta in the 200 meters 29.98 and 400 meters 1:06.
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Photo by David Chin
Diablo FC is hosting 50 boys and girls soccer teams in the under 9 through under 11 age groups this weekend at the Dan Boatwright Youth Sports Complex at the annual Summer Challenge. Games will be held on five fields. Game scores and results are kept in the U11 age group only with the U9 and U10 teams each playing three games in a jamboree format. Visit diablofc.org for more information.
Boys and girls 5-7 years of age can get special baseball instruction on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Sept. 11 through Nov. 15
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best of three series to determine the area representative to the State tournament. Overall the Eagles were 1816-1 with a 9-6 mark in
league. The team included, bottom row from left, Chris Tong, Carter Smith, Tyler Connel, Ethan Utler, Jacob Falls; middle row, coach Herc Pardi, Jack O’Leary, coach Dave Leal, head coach Josh Almond, Ryan Milligan, coach Dave Cooney; top row, Ryan Williams, Grant Meylan, Ryan Snyder, Garrett Nelson, Jordan Chin, Kenny Cuneo, Jason Kreske, Zach McDonald and coach Mark Peterson. Not pictured, Tyler Ashoo, Brady Formoso, Gabe Taylor and Kyle Wickware.
Registration for the popular youth volleyball and basketball leagues at Clayton Community Gym fall registration is closing soon. Basketball for girls and boys from 4-15 begins Sept. 22. Deadline for registration is Aug. 24 and player evaluation day is Sept. 7. Volleyball league is open to kids 8-15. Everyone plays in this non-competitive, 7-week program which starts Sept. 15. Registration is being taken online at alloutsportsleague.com for both leagues. Call 203-5626 for more info.
CLAYTON VALLEY FALL BASEBALL CAMP OPENS SEPT. 11
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Berean Christian. Nicholas Ballew is newly in charge of the boys water polo team and evergreen Dennis Bledsoe again leads the Eagle girls. First DVAL matches are Sept. 19 against Concord. Rick Ortega’s girls tennis team hosts Mt. Diablo Sept. 4 in its first league match. Jennifer Moore returns to run the girls golf team.
CV summer baseball comes in second
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ners only Sept. 22. League action starts Oct. 3 with a trimeet against Northgate and Ygnacio. Girls volleyball coach Dave Hobson has lined up several non-league home matches to get things underway hosting Heritage of Brentwood (Aug. 28), Casa Grande of Petaluma (Aug. 31), Alhambra of Martinez (Sept. 4) and Antioch (Sept. 6). DVAL matches start Sept. 18 at
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All Out Sports is again offering a fall coed adult softball league. The season runs from Sept. 9 through Oct. 28 with the championship game a week later. Registration is being taken until Aug. 25 online at alloutsportsleague.com. Call 203-5626 for more info.
5TH ANNUAL DIABLO FC BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT OCT. 12 Benefitting field development and financial aid scholarships, the fifth annual Diablo FC golf tournament will be held Friday, Oct. 12, at Diablo Creek Golf Course in Concord. Golfers, sponsors and tee prize donations are being solicited. Email golftournament@diablofc.org or visit diablofc.org for more information.
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August 17, 2012
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Keep kitty calm while visiting the vet In my last article I presented the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) recommendations for reducing both feline and human stress during transport to the veterinary hospital. Once you have arrived, cat friendly practices will follow AAFP guidelines to help you and your companion have a comfortable visit. In mixed animal practices, the initial challenge is to provide a less-threatening location while waiting for the doctor. Many dog and cat hospitals have separate cat entrances and reception areas. If not, the hos-
MARYBETH RYMER,
DVM
PET PALS pital will have protocols to follow for providing a more secluded area of the hospital
away from loud noises and dogs. Most cats are adaptable with little anxiety in new situations. Some kitties express fear by being small, crouching in a submissive posture. Others attempt to ward us off by making themselves look large with threatening hisses and howls often resorting to scratching and biting if pushed too far. For these kitties with high anxieties after traveling, entering strange locations with unfamiliar noises and smells and being handled by strangers, there are ways to calm them. Escorting
Ellie and Butterscotch are ARF’s adoption Stars
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Ellie is ridiculously cute and sweet; social but also a bit sensitive. This means that she will be most appreciative and responsive to gentle adopters who won’t feel the need to rush her. Attending a Basic Manners or Wallflowers training class would be a great way for Ellie to boost her self-esteem and show off how smart she can be. The adoption fee for adult dogs is $225 and includes 60 percent off one 7-week dog training session.
Butterscotch is a sweet boy and soft as a bunny. He enjoys gentle petting and is also superplayful: take out a wand toy and watch him go! The adoption fee for adult cats is $50.
mary 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.
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. Thursday and Friday, Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The pri-
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.
Page 13
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Cool off your car with proper coolants GARY TAYLOR CAR TUNED Q. What are engine coolants, and why are they important? A. A coolant is a mix of chemicals with water. Water is a natural cooling agent. (Think of hot days and swimming pools.) But water on its own is dangerous because of its properties. First, water becomes a solid at temperatures below 32 degrees (ice). When water freezes it expands. This is not good when water fills an area where metal or plastic is present. Second, water will boil at 212 degrees. This is when air bubbles form and interfere with heat transfer. Third, plain water allows corrosion to occur between dissimilar metals like engine blocks and engine heads. One chemical that is used in coolant is ethylene glycol, a form of alcohol. The reason behind mixing water and coolant is to reduce the bad parts of water and enhance the
good ones. This way coolant doesn’t freeze and, under pressure, won’t boil. Anther part of coolant is silicate of metals. These fortify the metal parts of the engine. One problem with silicates is they break down over time, about two years. Once the silicates breaks down the perfection they offer is gone; that’s why there is rust build up in cooling system if it’s not serviced in time. It also allows electrolyte crystals to form that will attack the gasket material and rubber in seals. Anther type of coolant is organic acid technology, or O.A.T. This has a lower amount of silicates in it. Some names for this type are Dexcol, 5-year coolant and extended-life coolant. Dex-cool uses 2-EHA instead of silicates of metal. The problem with this is 2- EHA is a plasticizer which can make plastics soft. Most GM intake manifolds are made of plastic. Most gasket material has plastic in them. As long as this system is in good shape and the chemicals balanced they will last longer than the
old green coolant. The third type of coolant are hybrid coolants also know as HOAT. This is an O.A.T. coolant with a silicate charge. This gives it the benefits of the long life coolant as well as the benefits of the metal protection of the silicates. Even so keeping it serviced is the main key. One of the new types of coolant is propylene glycol. This is a colorless viscous liquid. Although the properties are not as good as ethylene glycol it is not toxic to humans or animals. Ethylene glycol is responsible for many pet deaths every year. So if your pet shares space in the garage, propylene glycol is a good alternative. So you see not servicing your cooling system, in time you could end up with a costly repair bill. Most fluid services are inexpensive, so it is easy to do preventive maintenance and insure the life of the engine and cooling system.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
August 17, 2012
Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. AUG. 22 FOR THE AUG. 31 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com
IN CLAYTON Aug. 18, 23 and Sept. 1 Concerts in the Grove 6 – 8:30 p.m. Grove Park, downtown Clayton. Free. For a complete concert series list, see Page 3.
Sept. 7 – 29 My Way A musical tribute to Frank Sinatra. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $49-$53. diablotheatre.org. 9437469.
Aug. 18, 25 and Sept. 8, 15 Farmers’ Market 8 a.m. – noon, Saturdays, Diablo Street between Main and Center streets, downtown, pcfma.com/clayton.
Sept. 9 I’m Out! True stories about quitting, leaving, dumping and getting real with yourself, life and everybody else. 8:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $17.75. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Sept. 1 Derby and Car Show Clayton Community Church’s 9th Annual Labor Day event. Kids 7 – 14 race derby cars down Main Street. Car show and parade. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Main Street, Clayton. Free. claytonderbycarshow.org.
Sept. 11 Jeff Shaara Civil War novelist Jeff Shaara appears as part of Walnut Creek Library Foundation’s annual One City One Book program. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $25-$75. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Thru Aug. 26 “Pride and Prejudice” Jane Austen’s enduring tale of manners, upbringing, morality, education and marriage among the landed gentry of early 19th century England. Presented in two parts. Cue Productions, 1835 Colfax St., Concord. $10-$18. brownpapertickets.com. Aug. 17 – 18 Rossum’s Universal Robots Play depicting world where genetically engineered robots work alongside humans. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10-$14.75. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469. Aug. 17 – Sept. 1 “6RMS RIV VU” Urban romantic comedy where a vacant apartment with six rooms and a river view is open for inspection by prospective tenants. Diablo Actors’ Ensemble, 1345 Locust St., Walnut Creek. $22-$25. diabloactors.com. Aug. 18 Women’s Health & Wellness Expo Free demos, workshops and screenings on how to lead a healthy, active and fulfilling life. 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. John Muir Health’s Women’s Health Center, 1656 N. California Blvd., Walnut Creek. Seminars, including keynote speaker Jane Fonda at Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45. Registration for seminar required. johnmuirhealth.com/classes. 941-7900. Aug. 24 Summer Concert Lure of the Pacific Islands. 6 p.m. Montecito, 4756 Clayton Road, Concord. Respond by Aug. 20. 852-6702. Aug. 30 California Symphony Terrific family concert featuring great music from swing to jazz, movies, Broadway and everything in between. 6:30 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, Concord. Free. californiasymphony.org. 280-2490. Aug. 31 – Oct. 7 “Lucky Stiff” A musical murder mystery farce by Center Repertory Company. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $38$47. centerrep.org. Sept. 7 Spontaneity by Design Ready or Not Improv performs with improvised interaction between actors and audience. 8:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
FUNDRAISERS Aug. 18 Rummage Sale Event includes rummage sale, car wash by Boy Scouts, chair massage and crafts. Proceeds go to church programs and associated missions. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. Contact the church office at 672-4848.
AT THE LIBRARY The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. claytonlibrary.org or 673-0659. Wednesdays Book Buddies A volunteer will read stories for children 3 and older. 1-2 p.m. Aug. 22 Introduction for Teachers Find out how the library can help you and your students through presentation and questions and answers with Doug Thomas, adult services assistant. 4 p.m. Registration required. ccclib.org. Sept. 5 Rick Reed Book talk with author Rick Reed about his Detective Jack Murphy books as well as his true account of serial killer Joseph Weldon Brown. 7 p.m.
GOVERNMENT 1st and 3rd Tuesdays Clayton City Council 7 p.m. Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays Clayton Planning Commission 7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.
CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group Meets 6 p.m. fourth Wednesday of the month, Montecito, 4756 Clayton Road, Concord. 692-5838. Claycord 4-H Meets 6:45 p.m. second Tuesday of the month, Farm Bureau Hall, 5554 Clayton Road, Concord.
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Clayton Business and Community Association Meets 6:30 p.m. last Thursday of the month except holidays, Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. Call Sue at 672-2272. Clayton Valley Garden Club Meets 7 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, February through November. Sept. 12 speaker: Nancy Bauer. Topic: Butterflies, bees and pollinators and what flowers attract them. Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton. claytonvalleygardenclub.org. 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. 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. 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. Diablo Valley Democratic Club Meets 7-9 p.m. third Wednesday of the month, Ygnacio Valley Library, 2661 Oak Grove Road., Walnut Creek. dvdems.org, 946-0469. Knights of Columbus Meets 7:30 p.m. first Tuesday of the month, St. Bonaventure Church, Ministry Center, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. Art 6721850, shanone@comcast.net or Chuck 849-5466, cecooper3@comcast.net. MOMS Club of Concord/Clayton Meeting dates vary. 331-0674, concordclaytonmomsclub@hotmail.com or concordclaytonmomsclub.webs.com. Oakhurst Business Network 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 Meets 7 a.m. Thursdays, Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. Includes breakfast and a speaker. claytonvalleyrotary.org or 566-8166. Scrabble Club Meets 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. second and fourth Saturdays of the month, Carl’s Jr. Restaurant, 1530 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. All ages and skill levels welcome. $3. scrabble-assoc.com or call Mike at 639-1987. 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. 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. Ygnacio Valley Republican Women Meets third Wednesday of the month, except June, July, August. 10 a.m. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. Reservations required for lunch. $25. 672-5061.
August 17, 2012
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 15
Clayton’s Olympic Medal Gallery THE OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDAL-WINNING AMERICAN WOMEN’S QUAD SCULLS TEAM celebrates its success at Eton Dorney near London. The team, from left, Natalie Dell, Clayton’s Kara Kohler, Megan Kalmoe and Adrienne Martelli, came in third behind huge pre-meet favorites Ukraine and Germany, winning the second ever medal for America in this event. The other women’s quad medal was at the boycotted 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles when the USA got silver.
KRISTIAN IPSEN AND TROY DUMAIS have different physiques, diving styles and are separated by 13 years of age but they were able to meld their diving into the bronze medal at the London Olympics, the first ever medal for USA in this event which debuted in 2000 at Sydney.
Photo courtesy the Ipsen Family Photo courtesy USRowing
Olympic smiles from London to Clayton It was quite a day for Clayton on August 1 when two homegrown stars, Kara Kohler and Kristian Ipsen, brought home bronze medals from the Summer Olympics in London. Kohler and Ipsen were named to their respective American rowing and diving Olympic teams on June 22 and then both competed for medals 40 days later.
Each athlete’s parents were in London to watch their children while Kara’s sister Stacie Weidemann and Kristian’s sister Lauren were there as well to root on their siblings. Back home in Clayton family, friends, neighbors and proud total strangers followed the results online or later via NBC television. Kohler actually competed three times in the women’s quadruple sculls with heats on the first full day of the Olympics July 28 and then the repechage round July 30, with the US taking second both times
to reach the A finals. Competing at Eton Dorney the morning after the Opening Ceremonies meant Kohler wasn’t able to participate in the spectacular July 27 ceremony. Ipsen was there and his smiling face was shown on worldwide television. Ipsen’s three-meter synchronized diving competition was a finals only event at the London Aquatics Centre with eight teams doing six dives each on Aug. 1. Troy Dumais and Ipsen flirted with the silver medal before being overtaken by the Russian duo on the last dive.
Photo courtesy USOC Archives
DON BRAGG WAS PART OF THE LEGENDARY
Photo courtesy Dobratz family
CLAYTON’S ERIN DOBRATZ
WAS PART of the United States 2004 synchronized swimming team at the Athens Summer Olympics. Dobratz, a 2000 Clayton Valley High School graduate and then a Stanford student, and her teammates won bronze, the last Olympic synchronized swimming medal of any kind by the USA.
Kara Kohler’s parents reflect on her medal win Caryl and Mike Kohler moved their young family of three girls (and a fourth named Kara on the way) to the Dana Hills subdivision in Clayton 21 years ago. They returned recently from London after watching their youngest daughter Kara help the United States to a bronze medal in rowing. Here are a few of their thoughts. First from mom Caryl: “I read an article that claims bronze medalists are happier than silver medalists because the silver medalists regret not getting gold and bronze medalists are thrilled they did not come in fourth [and thus being medalless]. What a thrill to experience unequivocal
Photo courtesy US Rowing
KARA KOHLER SPENT THE PAST 13 months in Princeton, NJ competing for a spot on the 2012 US Olympic rowing team. Following the end of the Olympic finals in the women’s quadruple sculls Kohler, the youngest Olympic rower in London, gives teammate Natalie Dell a hug of joy, relief and fulfillment after the USA won the bronze medal. Megan Kalmoe and Adrienne Martelli also share an embrace and perhaps a few tears.
Photo courtesy of the Kohler family
THE PARENTS OF KRISTIAN IPSEN AND KARA KOHLER were not showing any nervousness the night before their children would compete for Olympic medals. All smiles at the Proctor & Gamble Family House were, from left, Yvette Ipsen, Mike Kohler, Caryl Kohler and Kent Ipsen. Ironically, the Kohlers and Ipsens had never met before that evening in London! Caryl Kohler may have summed it up best, “Kara and Kristian finish their Olympic quest with a storybook ending . . . both earning an Olympic bronze medal. Their Olympic paths had many similarities: Both Clayton natives, both are young to reach this level in their sport, they both made their Olympic teams on the same day and earned their medals hours apart.
Jay Bedecarré/Clayton Pioneer
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
SMILES WERE EAR TO EAR WHEN SKIP AND LINDA Ipsen in their Clayton home saw their grandson Kristian Ipsen win the bronze medal at the London Olympics Aug. 1. Skip Ipsen founded Skipolini’s, now run by Kristian’s dad Kent.
KRISTIAN IPSEN’S AUNT COLLEEN CLEARY (center) called it a “monumental night” Aug. 1 as she celebrated along with friends Michelle Weiss (left) and Siggy Kaufman at Ed’s Mudville Grill during the evening replay of the Olympic 3-meter men’s synchronized diving. Clayton’s Ipsen paired with Troy Dumais for the bronze medal behind China and Russia.
Villanova college track team before entering the US Army and representing America in the 1960 Rome Olympics. He set an Olympic record of 15-5 while defeating teammate Ron Morris (left) and bronze medalist Eeles Landström of Finland. Bragg was considered the last great pole vaulter to use an aluminum pole. He set the world record of 159-1/4 at the Olympic Trials, just a ¼” below his world indoor record in 1959. Nicknamed “Tarzan”, Bragg retired to Clayton with wife Theresa and extended family in 1996.
jubilation with the girls in the US Quad as they received their bronze medals. The agony and stress of the Olympic team selection process was forgotten, replaced by the drive to race their best race and medal in the Olympics – foregoing opening ceremonies to focus and be prepared for the heats the following day. Seeing Kara on the medal stand brought lots of reflection, thinking of the many proud moments we have had throughout Kara’s athletic career, which began with her first swim meet at the Dana Hills pool when she was four. Barely able to swim and using the lane lines the crowd cheered her to the finish.
See Olympian Parent, page 18
Bronze Age, from page 1 They earned 9s and 9.5s for 90.09 points on their reverse 2 ½ with 1-½ twists in round four, which Ipsen calls “my favorite.” Dumais says that on that dive he just tries to mimic the much younger Ipsen since, “He’s the best in the world.” Just eight countries compete in the 3M synchro, each having to qualify in international competitions prior to the Olympics. Each team does six pressurepacked dives in a finals-only format. “Every team in this contest was capable of winning a medal. The hardest part about synchronized diving is actually qualifying since only eight countries make it. It came down to who could hit their dives on this particular day,” Ipsen said. After waiting out the final challenge from Ukraine to win the bronze, Ipsen told NBC TV that his first Olympic experience was “amazing. I didn’t expect it [the medal]. We came here to have fun, since we do our best when we’re having fun.” On the medal stand it looked like Ipsen was having too much
fun. He told an NBC interviewer, “I couldn’t stop laughing since my sister [Lauren] kept yelling ‘That’s my brother! That’s my brother!’ and no one else was talking…It was such a cool experience with my family there. Just amazing.” With a long career in diving seemingly ahead of him Ipsen has time to perfect his podium style. For the women’s quad crew “We’re really happy,” said Dell, wiping her eyes, so she could see the reporters asking her how it felt to be an Olympic medalist. “It was a great race. We just kind of went on trust every stroke, because this is our first regatta together. I don’t know what Adrienne was doing (at stroke), but it was great. We kind of died in the last 500 meters. I feel like we had nothing left. I said 10 strokes and I didn’t believe myself because I had two left in me, and then I said five strokes, and then I don’t remember what happened after that.” Kohler said, “Our goal at the end of the day is to push ourselves as hard as we can. I really
didn’t know where I was, I was just trying to pull my butt off. I was just listening to Natalie, she was calling seats and it sounded like we were going to get a medal and I just kept pushing to get ahead. I was just waiting for USA to come up on the board and it did. It was a long race, but I’m so happy.” The team was presented their medals by Olympic pole vault gold medalist and 35-time world record holder Serhiy Bubka, a member of the International Olympic Committee from Ukraine. Kohler spent the past 13 months in Princeton, NJ at the USRowing camp trying to earn a berth on an Olympic boat while sitting out a year of school. She only took up the sport as a freshman at Cal in 2009 after graduating from Clayton Valley High School. Ipsen sat out the spring quarter of his freshman year at Stanford (he graduated in June 2011 from De La Salle high) as he trained and competed with Dumais. Kara and Kristian’s new mantra has to be “See you in Rio.” USRowing and USA Diving contributed to this story.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Coming in September
August 17, 2012
Performing Arts
The 21st Annual
San Francisco
Fringe
Festival
Auditions open for Civic Arts youth theatre
Center REP presents deathly funny ‘Lucky Stiff ’
Sept. 5-16
“Jurassic Ark,” one of the 42 shows at the Fringe Festival
The Best of Edgy, Independent Theatre 42 Shows in 12 Days $5-10 per show
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“Lucky Stiff,” a zany, offbeat and very funny romantic murder mystery farce complete with slamming doors, mistaken identities, six million bucks in diamonds and a corpse in a wheelchair, returns to Walnut Creek for a month-long run in late August. Tony Award winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (“Ragtime,” “Once on This Island”) exploded on the musical theatre scene in 1988 with this Off Broadway hit. The Center REP production will be directed by Robert Barry Fleming, who directed Center REP’s “Smokey Joe’s Café” and “All Shook Up,” for which he won a Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Award. Center REP – formerly known as Center REPertory Company, the resident profes-
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sional theater company of the Lesher Center for the Arts (LCA), – will be celebrating its 46th season of high-quality theatrical productions during 2012-2013. The company’s mission is to celebrate the power of the human imagination by producing emotionally engaging, intellectually involving and visually astonishing live theater. “Lucky Stiff,” runs Aug. 3 – Oct. 7. For more information on “Lucky Stiff ” or the rest of the 2012-2013 season, go to CenterREP.org or call (925) 943.SHOW (7469). Tickets are also available at the LCA ticket office at 1601 Civic Drive or the ticket outlets at Barnes & Noble in Walnut Creek and the Walnut Creek Library.
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Civic Arts Education’s Youth Theatre Company is will hold auditions for Junior Theatre and Teen Theatre on Sept. 13 and 15 at Shadelands Auditorium, 1111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. No audition is required for Mini Kids or Kids Theatre. This year, Junior Theatre performances are the musical “Pirates of Penzance” and “Little Mermaid.” The group will also travel to Atlanta, Georgia in January to compete in the Broadway Junior Festival. Teen Theatre will present “Once Upon a Mattress” and “Beauty and the Beast.” YTC has something for every age group: Mini Kids is for ages 5-6; Kids Theatre is for ages 7-12; Junior Theatre is for ages 9-14 and Teen Theatre is for ages 14-18.
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Summer reading is officially in play. There are so many great stories out there, it’s hard to know where to begin. But a reader could do much worse than start with Rebecca Makkai’s debut novel, “The Borrower.” Makkai is clearly a lover of books; and endearing, quirky ten year old boys. With these two topics, she weaves a smart, funny, heartbreaking story of sin and redemption. “The Borrower” is about Lucy Hull, an accidental librarian by virtue of a college degree and a random job offer. Lucy accepts the job in the Hannibal, Missouri library as much because it is a fair distance from Chicago and her loving but overbearing parents as anything. Random job or not, this girl loves books, and the story is peppered with the wisdom of literature and the love of reading. Ten year old Ian Drake is a devotee of Lucy’s Friday children’s book hour. He is also a fan of her ability to smuggle him books that are not on his mother’s approved book list. Ian’s
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mom is a nervous, narrow-minded fundamentalist who gives Lucy a list of topics about which Ian is not allowed to read. The list includes such dangerous ideas as Halloween, witchcraft, evolution; or anything written by Roald Dahl (“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”) or Lois Lowry (“The Gooney Bird books”). Rather than soaking in the rich literary tradition of children’s books, she is convinced that Ian needs books “with the breath of God in them.” Ian’s mom is also worried about Ian being gay. Ian is curious and
articulate, smart and creative and most decidedly gay. Ian’s mom decides that the best way to deal with her son is to enroll him in a special program offered by one Pastor Bob Lawson for children “whose parents suspected they were ‘headed down the wrong path.’” Over time, Lucy is saddened to watch plucky, happy Ian shrink into a sad, guilt-bitten little boy. One morning she discovers that Ian has run away to the library and has been camping out in the stacks. Lucy decides then and there to help Ian run away from this awful mother and the specter of scary Pastor Bob. Soon, they are fugitives on the road. First, to Chicago, where her parents’ empty condo provides respite from the madness of their road trip, then to Pittsburgh to a family friend, then on to Ian’s imagined grandmother in Vermont. The craziness of their little road trip is not lost on Lucy. She just needs time and space to clear her mind, and as we all know, there is nothing like an extended car ride to make
things make sense. Ian isn’t magically transformed by their impromptu and criminal flight from Hannibal. Neither is Lucy, who must come to terms about who she can and can’t save. She also has to be honest about the parents about whom she has been so critical. Yes, her father may have ties to a shady Russian mafia, and her family history may be largely revisionist, but the truth is, they love and trust her, and will do anything to protect her. In the end, Lucy returns Ian to Hannibal, knowing that after his unexplained absence, Ian will likely be on permanent lockdown. As a final act of grace, Lucy manages to smuggle Ian a comprehensive reading list, one extensive and detailed enough to keep his mind alive and working for the next eight years or until he is able to work out a viable and permanent exit strategy. Cynthia Gregory writes book reviews, award-winning short stories and a blog. Visit her at www.twogirlstakeonlove.com or write cgregory111@gmail.com
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August 17, 2012
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Wake up your walls with the right colors
Page 17
Craftsmanship is on the level with Steffan Smith PAMELA WIESENDANGER Clayton Pioneer
WHEN CHOOSING THE COLORS FOR A ROOM, identify the most obvious colors first, and then key in to the accent colors. For a wider range of color inspiration, push your color selections lighter and darker to test with your entire design scheme
JENNIFER LEISCHER
DESIGN & DÉCOR It’s a beautiful Saturday morning in Clayton. The sun is casting “mustard gold” rays on Mt. Diablo and you’re feeling like a “brilliant shade of environmentally responsible green” with your Farmers Market purchases of fruits and veggies (and a bag of Kettle Corn). As you store your produce away, out of the corner of your eye, your kitchen walls seem to be a little more noticeable this morning. Could it be the Clayton sunshine? Or that your produce looks amazingly fresh and tasty and your walls … don’t? Maybe this is a subtle sign that your kitchen walls may be due for a new hue. When I’m selecting paint colors, I like to have props with
me. A prop could be in the form of a granite sample from a kitchen countertop or living room fireplace, a swatch of fabric from a sofa or window treatment, or a piece of artwork that anchors a living space. Zoom in on the most obvious prop colors first, and then key in to the accent colors. For a wider range of color inspiration, push your color selections lighter and darker to test with your entire design scheme. Determine your light source. Do you have a good amount of natural light coming into your living space or must you rely on light fixtures to illuminate the space? Natural light will change paint colors dramatically. View your paint chips at different times throughout the day and night to see how the color varies and confirm the colors are right for your design aesthetic. Once you’ve narrowed down your selection to two or even three paint chips, pick up a few containers of sample paint. Several manufacturers are selling testers these days, so you don’t
have to invest in quarts or gallons. A tester gives you just enough paint to create a few good sized squares on your living space walls. Apply paint next to cabinets, next to window or door trim, next to prominent artwork, or anything else significant that will need to work with and compliment the new paint color. Living spaces feel the most comfortable and inviting when the space is experienced as a “whole,” rather than individual components such as wall color, lighting, flooring, furniture or a single piece of artwork taking center stage. Regardless of whether you want to make a statement with your paint color or create a neutral backdrop, the color you choose should enhance the overall living space, defining the atmosphere you wish for most. Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design based in Clayton. Contact her with questions, comments and suggestions at jenna@j-designs.com
When Steffan Smith was an 8-year old boy, he, his dad and his uncle built a canoe out of wood – without electrical tools. “That’s pretty much what drove me to work with my hands. I really appreciate old world craftsmanship,” Smith says. Smith owns Clayton-based Steffan Smith Construction, a full service general contracting company specializing in kitchen and bathroom remodels. His stepsons, Bradley and Grant, work with him. He hopes to carry on the tradition of fathers and sons working together with his younger son, Tommy. Smith has worked in construction since he was 16. He earned his contractor’s license in 2001. His attention to detail grew as he matured, he says. To uphold his high standards of quality and satisfaction, Smith takes on only one project at a time and gets it done right and on time. “I like to see the smiles on people’s faces when the job is finished. I’ll do what I say I’m going to do at all costs.” Smith also likes to solve a good problem or challenge, as he calls it. He points out that no two jobs are the same. “Challenges come up and I enjoy looking at ways to solve the issue.” For example, during a recent kitchen remodel, he discovered the pantry doors would hit the faux beams and made adjustments while everything was still on paper. The Arts and Crafts kitchen, in the Berkeley home of Catherine and Gantt Galloway, won the 2012 Preservation Award by the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association. Gantt labels Smith’s craftsmanship “secondto-none” and says, “His quality finishes restored the form, style and character of this house to its former glory – with the added benefits of a chefquality kitchen.” Cherie Pedro-Collins of San Leandro was so pleased with her kitchen remodel by Smith that she had him return to redo a bathroom. “His
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Pamela Wiesendanger/Clayton Pioneer
CLAYTON CUSTOMER, JOYCE PISANI, SAYS STEFFAN SMITH “was on time, every day, with a level in one hand and a tape measure in the other.”
finish work makes him stand out.” Smith grew up in Juno, Alaska. He moved to Anaheim, Ca., as a teen and relocated to Clayton with his wife, Terri, in 1998. With the Alaskan wilderness still in his blood, he enjoys the outdoors with his family, especially the beach and fly fishing with Tommy. Smith is on the level, taking his work seriously, but keeps the mood light, whistling while he works and taking full advantage of today’s power tools. For more information, call 925-914-0497 or visit steffansmithconstruction.com.
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Page 18
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
August 17, 2012
Add some late-summer color to your Clayton garden pastel flowers of spring seem to shrivel. It is time to add hot colors to the landscape, beds and containers. Million Bells are some of the most SUNsational color spots available. They really rock our Clayton Valley gardens and containers. There is a color for everyone, whether you are a red, pink, orange, purple or yellow flower lover there is a million bell plant for you. Blackeye Susans, diascia, verbena and nemesia are all excellent garden or container additions for summer color. All of these blooming plants will keep your garden in flower through September and most of October. Pruning is very important. We get many questions regarding how to prune individual plants and perennials. A good rule of thumb is to always remove faded flowers and dying stems. We all know that newer growth looks more appealing on a plant than older growth, so
NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL August is a great time to reclaim your landscape. Garden lovers are all gung-ho in the spring to get their landscapes summer ready, but after a few months of hot weather and drying winds many yards will need attention. Pruning, fertilizing, touching-up the mulch and adding some pops of color should all be on your garden agenda. When summer heats up, the
Club News CBCA celebrates Clayton’s future Allison Mitchell reported to the club on their experiences at the recent AAUW Tech Trek, a twoweek science and math camp designed to plunge young women into the world of technology. The three girls attended the Trek at Sonoma State University, thanks to scholarship assistance from the American Association of University Women and CBCA. Three more college-bound Clayton students were hosted at the meeting, all of whom will
GARY CARR Special to the Pioneer
The Clayton Business and Community Association shined the light on the leaders of tomorrow during its recent meeting, honoring top middle-school and high-school scholars, and celebrating the success of Clayton’s two young Olympians, Kara Kohler and Kristian Ipsen.. Middle-schoolers Megan Bryce, Kasey Hennessey, and
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prune deeply to encourage newer stems and leaves. Lavender plants, santolina, and sage should be pruned this way. Young plants may need some strategic pruning. Let’s say you planted a penstemon this spring and several of the outer stems are lying on the ground. Those stems need to be cut all the way back. Young plants need to develop wood to hold their stems high. Occasionally shrubs will grow stray stems. These stems grow fast and taller than the rest of the plant. Stems like these need to be pruned down to the body of the plant. Shrubs look better when growing more uniform. Once you prune, it is a good idea to follow-up with a dose of fertilizer. Fertilizing in August is an excellent way to stretch your flower season. We have been sprinkling multi-purpose 16-1616 granular fertilizer at the feet of many of the summer blooming perennials, roses and shrubs.
We are able to use granular fertilizer since we water by hand, and sprinkler. For those of you that water with drip-systems, you’ll have to use a water-soluble fertilizer with the same formula 16-16-16. For containergrown flowers and vegetables, use a formula that is a 3-20-20. Citrus trees and shrubs could also be fertilized with 3-20-20 and add a dose of iron. Lawns will need to be fed as well. If you have broad leaf weeds growing in your lawn us a Weed & Feed-type product, the label should read 25-3-8. If your lawn is fairly weed-free, then use a lawn food that labels reads 25-6-4. Your lawn fertilizer should contain a percentage of iron and sulfur. After applying, if you don’t see greener results in two- to-three weeks, follow up with a dose of iron. Mulch is very important to our soil, and our plants. It keep your plants moist and cooler longer, it also inhibits weed
receive scholarship assistance from CBCA. Present this time were Sam Merchant, who will be attending Cal Poly, Carolyn Morrice, bound for Stanford, and Sarah Reiser, ready to attend Santa Clara University. Scholarship Committee Chair Dave Johnson reported that 11 of the 12 scholarship awardees and their parents have been hosted at recent CBCA dinner meetings. Oktoberfest Co-Chair Marilyn Schmidt reminded everyone that many are needed for the big event on Oct. 6 and 7 in Downtown Clayton. Membership Chair Jim Diaz reported that CBCA now has 179 members. But even more people from the
community will be needed to bring off another successful Oktoberfest. Like the Art & Wine Festival, the Clayton Classic, .and the Rib Cook-Off, Oktoberfest is one of the fundraisers that makes possible all the scholarships and donations to Clayton schools and other community projects that CBCA supports throughout the year. To wit: at the meeting, club members voted on a funding a request for the VESTIA School Supplies Program. The request passed unanimously.
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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
Olympian Parent, Now here she was in an Olympic final, racing in front of 30,000 plus fans (including Princes William and Harry) cheering wildly for their respective teams. However nothing prepared us for the emotion we felt seeing our daughter on the medal podium at the Olympics.” From Kara’s dad, Mike: “I will just say that the whole experience was perfect. We met Kent and Yvette Ipsen for the first time at the Proctor & Gamble Family House and had a great time discussing our kids and their similar paths. Kara’s boat medaling was the icing on the cake. You hear many dignitaries congratulate the athletes for
from page 15
being Olympians and telling them it is not about the medals but how they compete. There is truth in that statement but I know that for many athletes, including Kara and her teammates, they worked very hard to compete and their goal was to medal. I am thrilled that all the hard work, emotional highs and lows, blood, sweat, blisters and tears (literally) paid off for Kara and her teammates. It was a lot of fun watching them bask in all the attention that comes with an Olympic medal. I want to add that we have been overwhelmed by the community support in Clayton. Just another example of why this is such a great place to live and raise a family.”
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