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August 31, 2012
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Blue Devils shine with 15th Drum Corps International Title ANNE-MARIE STARK Special to the Pioneer
HOWARD GELLER
MAYOR’S CORNER
A Mayor’s job is never done. I knew that being mayor of Clayton would make me a busy – busier – man, but the last month shows just how much we have going on in our great little town. My daily calendar fairly burst at the seams. Here are some of the things that have been happening, events that make me so proud to represent Clayton: Our third annual Rib Cookoff was a roaring success, with 23 cooks vying for first place.
See Mayor, page 13
Clayton hairdresser faces sex crime charge TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
Hair By Jim owner Jim Frazier was arrested last week and charged with sexual battery with restraint and sexual molestation of a minor. Clayton police arrested Frazier on August 17 at his salon on Main Street after a four-monthlong investigation. He was booked at the Concord jail and is out on $60,000 bail. According to sources close to the case, Frazier, JIM FRAZIER 44, is accused of inappropriate contact with a 17-year-old. Sexual battery with restraint is a felony; the molestation charge is a misdemeanor. Frazier says he is “devastated” by the charges, but plans to keep his shop open and will “stay in business as long as I can.” The charges came as a shock to a town that knows the popular hairdresser for his community service work. Frazier moved to his present location on Main Street, next to Skipolini’s Pizza after a fire destroyed his original shop in the “little red house” at the corner of Main and Oak Streets on Thanksgiving Day 2010.
photo Anne-Marie Stark
FIVE YOUNG CLAYTONIANS PERFORMING WITH THE BLUE DEVILS helped the Drum and Bugle Corps win the Drum Corps International World Class Championship in Indianapolis this year. Top Row, Emily Nunn, Kyle Peterson and Olivia Hansen. Seated, Alyssa Citero and Tanner Frey.
Five Clayton residents with more than 40 combined years of performance experience played a big part in winning the Blue Devils’ 15th World Class Drum Corps International (DCI) Championship in Indianapolis earlier this month. Olivia Hansen and Emily Nunn, who also perform with the color guard, won high color guard honors with a perfect score of 20. This is the unprecedented fifth year in a row the Blue Devil Color Guard has taken this honor. Memories of performances, travel and practice with their friends are just a few of the motivations that drive members to perfect their 12-minute show. Emily Nunn describes the show as “Cabaret Voltaire brings the dada movement back to life on a football field with flags, rifles and sabers.” Now that’s an image! Beginning Memorial Day weekend, each member must be available for full-time practice
See Blue Devils, page 18
Don Bragg knows the feeling of Olympic glory JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clayton will celebrate the international achievements of two young homegrown athletes when Kara Kohler and Kristian Ipsen are feted with a parade Sept. 15 to recognize their bronze medals at the London Olympics this month. There’s one person in Clayton who knows what those athletes were going through Aug. 1 in their Olympic finals. In fact, local resident Don Bragg can even top Ipsen and Kohler, as 52 years ago next Friday on Sept 7, 1960, Don Bragg won the Olympic gold medal in the pole vault at the Rome Summer Games while setting an Olympic record to beat fellow American Ron Morris. Don and Theresa Bragg moved to Clayton in 1996 and live just a block or so from Main Street where the Sept. 15 parade will be held. The Rome Olympics were contested at the height of the Cold War and it was the Soviet Union that dominated the meet, winning 32 more medals than the United States on the athletic battlefield. The Games came just two years before the Cuban Missile Crisis. They were the last Olympics in which apartheid
South Africa was allowed to compete and the second of three Olympics where East and West Germany had a combined team. The contrasts between 1960 and 2012 Games are staggering. Rome was the first Olympics telecast to North America. CBS paid $394,000 for the TV rights (about $3 million in today’s dollars). NBC paid $1.18 billion to telecast from London this year and drew 219.4 million US viewers, which is 40 million more than the population of America in 1960. A total of 83 countries sent 5,338 athletes (only 611 of them women) to Rome to compete in 17 sports and 150 events. By comparison, London had 204 nations with 4,688 women among the 10,500 athletes in 36 sports and 302 events. Such seminal figures as Cassius Clay (now Muhammad Ali), barefoot marathoner Abebe Bikila of Ethiopia and an amateur American basketball Dream Team with Oscar Robertson, Jerry West and Jerry Lucas won gold medals. Taking a backseat to no one was Bragg, the world record holder who starred in college at Villanova University and then competed for the US Army before the Olympics. With movie star looks and a signature
What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Community Calendar . . . . . .14 Directory of Advertisers . . . . .5
“Tarzan” yell Bragg overcame injuries to win gold in 1960. He was such a star that when Rome celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Games two years ago Bragg was asked to represent the United States. Among the people he saw there was pole vault bronze medalist Eeles Landström of Finland. This time the rivals compared their list of health ailments rather than their vaulting exploits. Bragg missed the Opening Ceremonies in Rome because his coach wanted him to rest a pulled muscle. “I was there to win not parade,” Bragg says. After missing out on a berth on the 1956 Olympic team due to injury Bragg had extra incentive to perform in Rome. “I was extremely motivated.” It was “hot as hell” on the final night of the pole vault when 13 vaulters competed for the medals. Bragg’s solution was to take a mouthful of water with honey even though he’d been advised: “don’t drink the water” in Rome. Wind in the Olympic Stadium also screwed up his steps. Bragg was aware that favored American high jumper John Thomas had lost to a pair of Soviet jumpers a few days
See Bragg, page 11 Fashion Over 50 . . . . . . . . .16 Fit with Levity . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Food for Thought . . . . . . . . .17 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Hiker’s Haven . . . . . . . . . . .16
photo courtesy of Bragg family
CLAYTON RESIDENT DON BRAGG REPRISED HIS TARZAN YELL two years ago after concluding a speech to the opening ceremony for the 50th anniversary reunion for the 1960 Rome Olympic Games. The Clayton resident was the only American athlete on hand for the reunion in Rome. After winning the pole vault gold medal in 1960 he let out a Tarzan yell that would have made his hero Johnny Weissmuller proud.
Letter to the Editor . . . . . . . . .5 Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . .15 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Police Report . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Sports Shorts . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Tech Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Teen Speak . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Trouble with Teens . . . . . . . .8
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
August 31, 2012
Around Town Anna Rad receives high Girl Scout award
The Kohlers in London...and at home
The Kohler family packed everything important when they headed for the London Olympics where Kara took a bronze medal in rowing – even their Pioneer. When they returned home, Kara made time to stop by Rodie’s to autograph the Olympic banner hanging inside the store. Owners Sarah and Bob Rodenburg hung the banner to support Clayton’s two Olympians. Kristian Ipsen, bronze medal winner in synchronized diving, is still traveling and has not yet been in to sign the banner.
Anna Rad received the Girl Scout Silver Award for her organic garden.
no idea that apple cores, lettuce leaves, egg shells, or even coffee grounds could be used to make compost, which in turn supports a healthy sustainable garden. In researching best practices, she met and interviewed local gardeners in Clayton and Concord. She also met with lumber yard and hardware store managers to determine the best construction method and supplies for the
raised beds and compost bin. The project took more than 50 hours to complete, and Anna said one of the best parts of the project was working with and teaching younger kids in the community. She belongs to Diablo Shadows troop 31899. The Silver Award is given to a scout who creates a sustainable project that benefits the community.
Mayor cooks healthy
Local cross-stitcher takes Best in Show It’s easy to see why Heather Hutchinson’s cross-stitched owl landed the Best in Show Award at the California State Fair Creative Arts Needlework competition in Sacramento earlier this year. Heather’s cross-stitched owl measured 20” x 25”, had more
Local sponsors support Thursday concerts The Thursday Night Concerts Series wrapped up last week with the PhDs performing to an enthusiastic audience of about 300. This was the first year for the weeknight concerts which are sponsored by local businesses and held in The Grove. City Councilman Joe Medrano promoted and organized the series with an eye to stimulating local business by bringing people downtown during the week
Northgate High freshman Anna Rad was recently awarded the Girl Scout Silver Award, the highest honor a Cadette Girl Scout can receive, for her work developing an organic garden at Ygnacio Valley Christian School in Concord. Anna rehabilitated three existing garden beds with redwood frames, built a compost bin, started 45 plants from seed and replanted the beds. She also spent time in the classroom with fourth grade students, teaching them about the benefits of composting and helping them start seeds. Anna said that most kids had
when they normally don’t come. “I am very pleased with the results,” Medrano said. “The concerts absolutely increased business downtown on concert nights.” The four-concert series was supported entirely by local businesses and merchandise sales. “No city funds were used,” Medrano said. He said he plans to bring the concerts back next summer.
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P EN DI N G
than 500,000 stitches, used 198 different colors of floss and took over four months to complete. “It looks like it’s about to fly off the fabric,” one judge remarked. The Great Horned Owl beat more than 300 other entries and was also awarded the Golden Bear Trophy. Heather stitched the owl from a photograph and Craig Anderson of Clayton Frameworks did the matting and museum quality framing. Heather is a veterinary technician at Adobe Animal Hospital and does custom cross stitching from animal portraits.
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took home the trophy for first place. Clayton Mayor Howard Geller paired with Oakhurst Country Club’s Executive Chef John Evans to create a colorful fruit salad displayed in a watermelon shell, seasoned chicken breast and vegetable medley.
See Cookoff page 5
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Saute pans sizzled with peppers or simmered with quinoa while portable grills seared lean chicken breast or turkey meatballs. The heat was on as mayor and executive chef teams from 11 East Bay cities competed in the Fourth Annual Mayors’ Healthy Cook-Off at Todos Santos Plaza in Concord on Aug. 23. Pleasant Hill Mayor John Hanecak and Chef Lesley Stiles
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MAYOR HOWARD GELLER CONSULTS WITH EXECUTIVE CHEF EVANS as Joe Saikali, director of food and beverage at Oakhurst Country Club, looks on. Their produce grab bag included strawberries, watermelon, white nectarines, cherries, cucumbers, cilantro and peppers.
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Clayton Market Update provided by George Vujnovich of Better Homes Realty ADDRESS
PRICE
3510 Oak Hill Lane ..............$700,000 5736 Verna Way ..................$640,000 46 Tule Court .......................$428,000 111 Shale Cliff Court ............$585,000 5858 Pine Hollow Road .......$490,000 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
SF . . . .2282 . . . .2932 . . . .1749 . . . .2665 . . . .2257 . . . .2324 . . . .2894 . . . .1145 . . . .1709 . . . .3162 . . . .2408 . . . .1816 . . . .1816
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SALE DATE
. . . . .4/2 . . . . . . .8/17/12 . . . . .3/3 . . . . . . .8/16/12 . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . .8/14/12 . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . . .8/9/12 . . . . .4/3 . . . . . . . .8/8/12 . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . . .8/6/12 . . . . .4/3 . . . . . . .7/27/12 . . . . .2/2 . . . . . . .7/26/12 . . . . .3/3 . . . . . . .7/26/12 . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . .7/25/12 . . . . .4/2 . . . . . . .7/20/12 . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . .7/20/12 . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . .7/18/12
August 31, 2012
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 3
Three seats up for grabs in November Council election TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
table is the Clayton Community Church project proposed for the downtown.
This November incumbents Julie Pierce, Howard Geller and Joe Medrano will defend their city council seats against challengers Jim Diaz and Kevin Liberman. Whoever wins, the council will face a number of thorny issues in the next four years, none of them new or surprising. Money, or lack of it, will continue to be a challenge. Ongoing state takeaways and declining tax revenues have left the city scrambling to balance the budget without cutting vital services. Earlier this year, the state’s massacre of the Redevelopment Agencies took the funds that were earmarked for downtown revitalization and projects designed to stimulate the local economy. And still very much on the
WHO WILL LEAD? Making his seventh run at landing a council seat is businessman Jim Diaz. Diaz, 69, has lived in Clayton for 35 years and has served on the Planning Commission and on a special committee to select a police chief. He is a member of the Clayton Business and Community Association (CBCA), and is a self-employed security services executive. He holds a BA in Administration from the University of Redlands. In his Candidate Statement, Diaz says “I intend to be responsive to our citizens and preserve Clayton’s small-town environment. My goal is to provide leadership and direction in guiding
JIM DIAZ
KEVIN LIBERMAN
Clayton towards a sound economic future. Kevin Liberman, 47 moved to Clayton from Orange County in 2009. He is a market manager for Volvo Cars of North America and holds an MBA from San Diego State University. His chief concern for Clayton is “maintaining the community culture” while making decisions about downtown development. Liberman lives in Oakhurst with his wife and two children,
JULIE PIERCE
both students at MDES. Julie Pierce is running for her sixth term. She has served on the Planning Commission and has been active in local and regional planning and is currently vice president of the Association of Bay Area Governments. “I bring community knowledge and continuity of policy leadership to an evolving council,” she says in her Candidate Statement. She moved to Clayton in
HOWARD GELLER
JOSEPH MEDRANO
1984, raised two children here and lives near Mt. Diablo Elementary School with her husband and father. Howard Geller currently serves as Clayton’s mayor and is running for a second term. The 38-year resident is a “semiretired” real estate professional and a member of the CBCA. In his Candidate Statement, Geller says he plans to help steer Clayton forward in a positive manner. “We can continue Clayton
traditions while remaining openminded to change.” Geller lives in Westwood with his fiance Debbie Mullins. The two will marry on Sept. 8 Joseph Medrano, 49, is hoping to reclaim his seat despite his pending Oct. 1 trial for felony embezzlement. He is accused of stealing from a former client. He says the charges arise from a breach of contract and is confident of acquittal before the election. If convicted, he would not be able to serve. Medrano currently serves as vice-mayor and has lived in Clayton since 2000. He belongs to the CBCA and has been an outspoken advocate for the charter school conversion. In his Candidate Statement, he describes himself as a fighter and says “I have the knowledge and experience to make tough decisions.”
Final two shows of 2012
Pioneer Photo Album Laura Cook Kelly took this exquisite photo of a swallowtail butterfly while hiking the Donner Canyon Waterfall Loop in May. “It’s almost as if the butterfly were posing! I just think the photo captures the essence of Clayton and our backyard goldmine.” The Pioneer is proud to spotlight our readers’ photos. Send in your cute pets, funny kids, great landscapes, favorite sites in town or whatever makes your heart beat a little faster. Email your photo in a high-resolution format to tamara@claytonpioneer.com with a description of the photo, where and when it was taken and a little about why you like it. Include your name and phone number. Then look for it in the next Pioneer.
R T S E C N O C in The Grove Saturdays 6 to 8:30 p.m.
At the Gazebo in The Grove Set up chairs and blankets on the lawn after 4 p.m.
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 4piece horn section returning for their 4th year.
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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!
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
August 31, 2012
Tarantulas may look hairy and scary, but they are really gentle and shy DENISEN HARTLOVE Clayton Pioneer
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Creeepy, craaawly, creepy, crawwwwly, creepycreepy crawlycrawly creepycreepy crawlycrawly . . . The sight of a four inch long, hairy legged spider crossing the floor doesn’t bring the words docile or gentle to most peoples’ minds. But from your perch atop a chair or hanging from the rafters, take a moment to call out to any nearby arachnologist, and they’ll tell you that the local tarantula population is known to be sweet-natured and shy. Like tragically myopic housecats (with more legs, and nearly as much hair), tarantulas aren’t likely to bite unless frightened, say by
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being squeezed or grabbed. Then – understandably enough, and not unlike a cat – they may. But according to local naturalist Michael Marchiano (who’s been bitten by the tarantulas he keeps on more than one occasion), even when bitten, people have nothing to worry about. The bite is less painful – and less venomous – than a bee sting, and may not even result in swelling. “There actually is no species of tarantula in the world that has killed a person,” he said. Indeed there are tarantulas with painful stings, but none who make their homes in the Bay Area. Locals have more to fear from black widow spiders. Marchiano, with the group Save Mount Diablo, plans to lead members of the public on several tarantula treks on Mt. Diablo in September and October. Autumn being tarantula romance season, attendees have a greater chance of seeing the creepers than at other times of the year. Having reached maturity, male tarantulas signal to their female counterparts their readiness to mate by “knocking” with their front legs on the entrances to the females’ underground dens. In response to the males’ signal, the females emerge and mate, and the males leave soon after. Contrary to popular mythos, and unlike the Kardashian women, female spiders do not kill and eat their mates. Male tarantulas, having reached maturity at around age 7, however, typically mate once, then die of old age (presumably happy). The female spiders live much longer, up to 30 years in some cases, and bear several litters. The females produce egg sacs the following spring, which
THE
END OF SUMMER SIGNALS THE BEGINNING OF TARANTULA LOVE
when they are the most visible and the most social. As Katie Hartlove, 11, holds one of the local arachnids in her hands with no ill effect, she says “Once you get over the hairy legs, tarantulas are pretty easy to like.”
SEASON
shortly afterwards produce around a hundred baby aphonopelma, each about the size of the head of a pin. Of those hundred, only 2-3 survive to adulthood. Tarantulas in the wild prefer to avoid contact with humans. If a tarantula is found along a path or in a garden, Marchiano suggested visitors be gentle, describing them as “very fragile.” Even a short fall from a
LEIGH KLOCK
person’s hand to the ground can crack the spider’s carapace, leading to its death within a few hours. And although the spider’s bite isn’t harmful, the citation from a state park ranger for bothering local wildlife can inflict pain of a different sort. Instead, he counsels, visitors should watch from a slight distance while the timid arachnids travel past, keeping the area insect population under control.
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August 31, 2012
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Letter to the Editor Dear Woody I recently read your Weather Words article on global warming. Great Job! I have lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for the last 67 years and have noticed a disturbing pattern of extremes in weather. Too hot, too cold, too windy, too much frost, too little rain, too much rain. To say that greenhouse gas emissions do not contribute to global warming suggests that one is uneducated, or worse, concerned solely about the immediate financial impact
P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517 TAMARA
AND
R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers
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We remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit is our muse
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on the industrial polluters themselves. Every time I discuss this issue with conservatives I get nothing but political rhetoric and “radio talk show science.” I appreciate your attempt to let the data speak for itself. I recently had my first grandchild and I would like to leave her a clean and healthy environment rather than an industrial dumpsite half underwater. Thanks, Don Janes, retired college instructor
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Directory of Advertisers Auto Clayton Valley Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3900 Lehmer’s Concord Buick GMC . . . . . . . . . . .888-610-8888 Business Services Rising Moon Marketing & Public Relations . . . . .672-8717 Chiropractor Coflin Chiropractic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0500 Construction and Trades Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700 Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423 Black Diamond Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .777-3440 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 672-1519 Cheyenne Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .566-8226 Copa Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-2202
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.
Cookoff, from page 2 Geller says, “This is how I cook. I hope that our kids will learn from this.” The cook-off was created by Wellness City Challenge to promote a healthy lifestyle for cities through education, nutrition and physical activities. The format is similar to that of “Iron Chef.” Wellness Founder Cindy Gershen selected produce from the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market, occurring at the same time, and the Mt. Diablo High School garden, which was planted from the previous year’s winnings. Grocery Outlet of Concord supplied the
whole grains and protein. All ingredients had to be used and met the USDA school meal guidelines. A sous-chef from Mt. Diablo High School’s culinary academy, Serendipity, was also a part of each team and new this year were student judges to help sprout the interest in children for eating fresh food. Entries were judged on creativity, presentation and taste. Judge Riley Minka from Gregory Gardens Elementary School says of the lean cooking, “I would love to see it in my school.”
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.
15 DAYS
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS HONOLULU Grab a spot on Waikiki Beach, order a mai tai and watch the sur fers — or take a lesson. The waves here are perfect for beginners.
MAUI (LAHAINA) The gorgeous Iao Needle, the ranches of the upcountry, the striking landscapes of the great Haleakala Volcano — Maui is an island diverse in its attractions.
Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 Ravioli’s Italian Market Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-3819 Subway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0621 Events Derby & Car Show . . . . . . . . . . . .claytonderbycarshow.org Greek Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-6967 Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737 Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market . . . . . . . . . . .800-949-3276 Financial and Insurance Services Held, Chris - Morgan Stanley Smith Barney . . . .930-3815 King & Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .465-2565
Travis Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-877-8328 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . .672-2300
Tutors Needed Diablo Valley Literacy Council, English tutors. Tutor training class begins Sept. 22. Go to dvlc.tripod.com, call 685-3881 or email dvlc4esl@gmail.com.
Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Home and Garden Abbey Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Clear Splash Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6245 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Flooring City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-8220 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055 Waraner Bros. Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .831-2323 Waraner Tree Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-0334 Mailing Services The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245
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, eight hours each. Email resume to nicole@rodiesfeed.com. No phone calls please.
Optometry
Come join Mazzei Realty! Currently interviewing and hiring new and experienced real estate agents. Call 693-0757 for details.
French, Lynne - Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787
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 Klock, Leigh - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593 Laurence, Pete - RE/MAX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .890-6004 Lopez, Stephanie - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . .932-7329
Real Estate Agents Be Successful! Lynne French is expanding and interviewing for a few agents. Call her today 6728787.
Mazzei, Matt -Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757
KAUAI (NAWILIWILI)
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Castle Rock Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .933-3701
There is a good reason Kauai has been the locale of many motion pictures, including Jurassic Park. Where else on earth can you find such unspoiled primordial beauty?
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.
Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631
FARES FROM
DATES
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PORT ORDER MAY VARY. Fares are USD non-air, per person, based on double occupancy, subject to availability and capacity controlled. Government fees and taxes are additional. Air add-ons are available. See applicable Princess ® brochures for terms, conditions and definitions that will apply to your booking. Other restrictions may apply. Offer available to residents of the U.S. & Canada.
(925) 672-9840
Steffan Smith Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0497
Funerals
Princess reserves the right to impose a fuel supplement of up to $9 per person per day on all passengers if the NYMEX oil price exceeds $70 per barrel, even if the fare has already been paid in full.
Clayton Station Shopping Ctr. 5439 Clayton Rd., Ste. F, Clayton
Ken Mitolo Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2460
Prosperitas Wealth Management . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7700
Hawaiian Islands Cruise Sail 15 days roundtrip from San Francisco to the Hawaiian Islands for two weeks of pure delight — including nine splendid leisurely days at sea in which to enjoy all that Star Princess® has to offer. Take in the Big Island’s striking black and green sand beaches, watch hula dancers on famous Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, take a helicopter tour over awesome Waimea Canyon in Kauai, and browse art galleries in Maui’s quaint former whaling village of Lahaina. Coming home, you’ll even get to enjoy a final stop in the festive Baja port of Ensenada, Mexico.
Iron Horse Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .595-3951
Littorno, Richard - Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . . .432-4211
WANTED
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Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .822-5144
Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . .672-4433 Recreation and Fitness All Out Sports League . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203-5626
Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454 Kali Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .276-0845 Levity Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2995 Senior Services
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.
Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . .524-5100 Montecito - Oakmont Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . .852-6702 Services, Other Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029
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.
Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . . . .473-0180
Clayton Historical Society Museum needs a greeter for two hours per month from 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays or Sundays. Call the museum at 672-0240.
Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9840
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.
The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 Specialty Shopping Candles Make Scents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .405-7199 Travel Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447
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Page 6
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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FIREPLACES MOLDINGS DECKS LIGHTING
August 31, 2012
FEMA awards East CC Fire $7.8M The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District has been awarded more than $7.8 million in grants over two years to restore staffing levels and reopen closed fire stations, FEMA announced last week. Last month FEMA had notified ECCFPD that its grant application had not been accepted due to significant competition for the limited funds. However, additional funding has recently become available for this award cycle. “The grant will provide additional safety to our communities and our firefighting personnel,” said ECCFPD Board President Kevin Romick. “We will be able to provide fire services without the strong impact on neighboring agencies.” Fire Chief Hugh Henderson said he was “very pleased” with the news of receiving these
badly needed resources. “Since the station closures in July, we have been doing our best to respond to more than 18 calls daily and cover 249 square miles of territory,” Henderson said. “This grant could increase our resources, reduce our dependence on outside agencies and, most importantly, improve our service to the community.” The FEMA grant is a shortterm fix for the district, but it provides time to continue developing a long-term plan, Henderson said. CAL-FIRE STAYS AT SUNSHINE The Sunshine Station, which provides protection for the Marsh Creek/Morgan Territory rural area, will be unaffected by the grant. The station is currently operated year-round by the state of California. Before the budget crunch that forced the
closure of the three stations earlier this year, ECCFPD staffed the station during the non-fire season from November to May and contracted with Cal-Fire to operate the station during the fire season from May to November. In 2010, when it was clear it would be broke in three years, the District threatened to close the Marsh Creek station to save money. Area property owners reacted assertively, showing that there was more than enough revenue from property taxes in the Marsh Creek and Morgan Territory areas to cover the cost of operating the station. When the District was forced to close three stations in July, the Marsh Creek station went on a 12-month contract with Cal-Fire and the station stayed open. According to Patricia Hubbard, Henderson’s
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makes some great products but similar icons on the iPhone and Mac products plus some tie-ins with the Apple App Store is not evidence that Apple has an ecosystem. Apple has a great lead in apps written specifically for the iPhone. But, let’s be honest: most of these apps don’t do much and are not well integrated with each other. Where is the word processing, the m a p ping, messaging systems unique to Apple? It is my belief Apple and Google trail Microsoft and partner Nokia when it comes to an integrated ecosystem. There are other handset makers like HTC and Samsung that support Windows Phone, but Nokia (the inventor of 4G LTE) has moved into the top spot with 59 percent of the Windows market. Overall Microsoft has less than 5 percent of the world-wide share of smartphone operating systems market, but making friends fast. Not bad when you consider the Windows phone platform is only a year and a half old. AT&T and T-Mobile already offer the Nokia handsets and support a forerunner to WP8. The current system is called Tango or Windows Phone 7.5. Verizon and others will be offering WP8 later this year which should be a boost for its adoption. They did not participate in
WILL CLANEY TECH TALK WP7.5 because AT&T had an exclusive lock on the business until October of this year. It is likely that over the coming year Microsoft will garner nearly 1012 percent of the entire phone market with a much larger share in the offing as time goes on. The phone companies, or providers, will be pushing the Nokia products hard as they try to detach themselves from the expensive price subsidies required by Apple and the iPhone. As I understand it the phone providers are thrilled to see Microsoft enter the market. The iPhone costs nearly $700 and the buyer pays only a portion of this cost, about $200. The rest is made up by the phone provider as an expensive subsidy thereby cutting deeply into their profits. The hope is that Microsoft’s entry into the market will greatly reduce these costs. AT&T is already experiencing some of these cost benefits. In short, a new day is dawning in the field of computing, one that promises to unite all of the technology people use on a daily basis under one ecosystem. It is a dawning day that is better, more diverse, well thought-out and less expensive than the alternatives. In short – Nirvana.
William Claney is an independent tech writer and former owner of Computers USA in the Clayton Station. Email questions or comments to will@claytonpioneer.com.
KNOWLEDGE SERVICE INTEGRITY RESULTS
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I can’t believe it is finally here. I feel like a kid with a new toy. The release of Windows Phone 8 (WP8) is a week away and I, for one, am overjoyed. On Sept. 5 in New York, Nokia and Microsoft are set to announce the release of Windows 8 and the latest smart phones that run them. The Windows 8 release for computers and laptops will follow about a month later. As most of you know I am a Microsoft supporter because I believe they make the best products for a wide range of users. Unlike Apple or Google that focus on a few specific product niches, Microsoft supports the world of computing in its totality. Really, is there anything a PC can’t do? My excitement stems from the birth of a new ecosystem (operating system with related applications) that tie-in a wide variety of software applications, XBox games, process control, graphic systems, and now smart phones, all operating under one roof. It has taken years, after many starts and failures, for Microsoft to finally achieve a unified platform for computing, gaming, appliances and phones. This new ecosystem will provide a wide range of options for many smartphone users as well. Apple supporters like to point to their operating system as an ecosystem. I believe Apple
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administrative assistant, the FEMA grant will not affect the existing year-round contract with Cal-Fire. The ECCFPD provides firefighting personnel and emergency medical service (basic life support) to the residents and businesses in Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay, Bethel Island, Knightsen, Byron, Marsh Creek, and Morgan Territory. It protects approximately 249 square miles, serving more than 105,000 residents, and responds to more than 6,200 calls for service a year.
More West Nile cases found in Contra Costa It is shaping up to be one of the worst years ever for the risk of West Nile Virus. Two groups of mosquitoes from Brentwood have tested positive for the virus, as well as seven birds, and three chickens from Holland Tract, the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District announced last week. Four birds were located in Brentwood, and one each in Antioch, Pleasant Hill, and Walnut Creek. While district employees are working to find sources of mosquitoes, they say the search has been challenging because the mosquitoes that have tested positive come from backyard sources. Residents are urged to wear mosquito repellent when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are present. West Nile virus symptoms of the mild form include fever, headache, fatigue, body aches, and swollen lymph glands. While the illness can last only a few days, even healthy people have reported being sick for several weeks. Less than one percent of individuals (about 1 in 150 people) infected with West Nile virus will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. West Nile virus infection can be fatal. Residents are urged to help reduce their risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases by following these guidelines: Don’t produce mosquitoes on your property. Dump or drain standing water. Mosquitoes can’t begin their life without water. Defend yourself against mosquitoes by using repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are present, typically dawn and Dusk. Report neglected swimming pools by calling 925-771-6195 or visiting www.ContraCostaMosquito.com. Just one neglected pool can produce more than 1 million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away. People wishing to be notified about adult mosquito spraying in residential areas can visit the district’s website and opt to receive the maps and notifications automatically by email. Or they can receive media releases and the Mosquito Bytes newsletter. These communications are also posted directly on the district’s website. Spray schedules are available by calling the District at 925771-6195 and listening to a recorded message.
August 31, 2012
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 7
Is fall a better time to sell than spring? LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ANSWERS Q. I want to sell my house and downsize. Have I missed the boat, so to speak, this year? Is next spring a better time? A. This year is like no other in real estate or the economy. Even in normal years, (I know – what are those?) the last quarter of the year isn’t a bad time to sell. There is less competition than in the spring. There are also less buyers but they are serious buyers. The lookie-loos are skiing or holiday shopping. Also, many relocation transferees buy in the
last part of the year. This year, though, we can throw away the real estate playbook. So far this year, “right now” is the best time to sell. People are back from their summer vacations, inventory is low, and so are interest rates. Many buyers haven’t found a house to purchase yet. There is a pent up demand for housing. Prices have come up. I am hoping this slow recovery will continue into next year but I truly don’t know if it will. Housing recovery isn’t a straight line. It ebbs and flows. It goes up for awhile then levels off. Maybe goes down a bit before going up again. And that is in a normal market – which we have ascertained we are not in. There are so many variables in our current housing market and in the near future that can affect values. We are definitely not out of the woods yet. What
our dysfunctional Congress decides on a number of issues will help determine the type of recovery we have. There are several laws that are expiring at the end of this year. We could end up in another recession if at least some of the temporary tax breaks aren’t extended. I am particularly worried about the tax forgiveness for people who have sold their homes in a short sale. If this bill expires, many underwater homeowners who can’t afford their mortgage will simply allow the home to foreclose. That might lessen their tax liability but will hamper their credit recovery. More foreclosures on the market will drive prices down. Another fear is that interest rates will go up. Even a modest increase can affect the affordability of a home and can drive down prices.
I don’t want to appear totally negative about the housing recovery but how it will pan out is unknown right now. We only know what we are experiencing now. It is a great market to sell. Q. In buying and selling there seems to be many closing fees. What are some of them and who pays for what? A. Who pays for what closing costs is typically dictated by local custom, not law. Keep this in mind if you are buying in one area and selling in another. It might not seem fair if you, for instance, buy in Clayton where the buyer pays for all title and escrow fees and sell in Alameda County, where the seller pays all or part of the escrow fee. In our area (Central and East Contra Costa County) buyers typically pay for loan fees such as points etc., title and escrow fees, homeowner’s insurance, all
Taste authentic fun at annual Greek Festival
AUTHENTIC GREEK DANCING – for all members of the family – is a highlight of the 34th annual St. Demetrios Greek Food and Wine Festival
The “Yia-Yia Sisterhood” will be out in force the weekend of Sept. 14, 15 and 16 as St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church presents the 34th annual Greek Food and Wine Festival. The “Yia Yias” are, of course, the small army of parishioners – usually grandmas – who help prepare the food the festival is known for. Using authentic recipes and fresh ingredients, the chefs will dish up Greek favorites like spanakopita and moussaka.
There will also be an assortment of Greek wines and desserts, plus vendor booths and children’s activities. Besides the food, the highlight of the festival is the Greek dancing, in which all festivalgoers can join.
St. Demetrios is located at 1955 Kirker Pass Road in Concord. The festival runs Friday, Sept. 14 from 5 to 11 p.m., Saturday Sept. 15 from noon to 11 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 16, from noon to 8 p.m.
inspections other than termite (seller pays for that), and their share of property taxes for that year. Sellers typically pay for real estate brokerage fee commission, all liens on the property, county transfer tax (1.10 per $1,000), structural pest control report (termite report), zone disclosure report, health and safety compliance requirements, such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and water heater bracing. Sometimes the buyer asks the seller to credit money to help cover their closing costs. These credits reduce the seller’s net proceeds from the sale. For
instance, the buyer might offer $500,000 with $8,000 as a credit back toward their closing costs instead of offering $492,000. Make sure your agent points out to the seller when the offer is presented why the offer price is higher than their net and why. 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.
Page 8
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Book Review
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Never judge a book by its cover, especially if it’s Ellen Feldman’s “Next to Love,” which at first glance would appear to be just another quick, chick-lit read; rest assured, it is not. “Next to Love” is a novel of four women (though only three rate chapters of their own), a small town in Massachusetts, and a world war that profoundly changes their lives beyond anything imagined. Feldman has written a reality check of Brokaw’s “The Greatest Generation.” We follow three of the women, Babe, Grace and Millie, through their own chapters (subtitled by dates), giving each a distinct reaction to mutual dates and events in their lives. The fourth
woman, fellow classmate Naomi, as a Negro, is followed in the novel almost exactly as she would have been in real life; a women seen only in a relationship of servitude to the others. Feldman gives the sacrifices made by those at home a fresh and almost gritty depth. It is January, 1942 – the three women, with their husbands (in Babe’s case, her boyfriend), meet at Grace’s home for a last meal before the men, still in basic training, return to their units. It is an iconic scene. We have seen it before, but not through this narrator’s eyes: “As soon as Babe walks in to Grace’s house that night, she smells the fear. It overpowers the aroma of roasting meat, and the women’s
perfume, and the Christmas tree that lingers like a broken promise.” Feldman’s chapters date from 1941 to 1964, Pearl Harbor to the Gulf of Tonkin. We experience each woman’s reactions to death, to shortages, to a society adapting to working mothers and women in pants, and we marvel at the author’s knack for pinpointing those feelings just below the surface. Both Grace and Millie are characters we recognize most easily because they remind us of our grandmothers – changing, but slowly and reluctantly. It’s Babe’s voice and thoughts that raise warning flags. She takes a train to meet her boyfriend. They are to be
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Giving adulthood the ole college try When my son Charlie was 4, he emphatically told me he wouldn’t grow up and go away to college without me. He lied. Like millions of other kids across the country last week, my son, a new freshman, moved into his college dorm. Like millions of other parents, I cried, worried about whether he’d remember to do laundry, eat enough, be homesick and essentially survive on his own. I don’t know why we work so hard to get our kids into college. It really isn’t fun when they actually go. I had the added handicap of being 2000 miles away from his chosen college, and neither my husband nor I could get away to get him settled. (I did attend his orientation with him in July, so I’m really not that bad of a mom.) The actual moving in part fell to my brother- and sister-in-law, who live a couple of hours away from his school. It’s probably a good thing it played out like it did. I have been a raving lunatic for weeks, even though he is my second child to go off to college. My daughter was – and is – more responsible that I’ll ever be, so I didn’t worry about her. Plus, she attended college just a half hour from home. It takes a half hour just to get to the airport to fly out to my son’s school!
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Plus, he’s a boy. While most boys seem to think they are more independent than their sisters, we mothers disagree. They will undoubtedly need us to do something for them until our dying breath. I can only imagine the embarrassment I would cause if I had moved him in. Between the tears and the bedmaking, I would have been a wreck. So I had to resort to longdistance mothering. During the four or so phone calls I made on move-in day, I had a check-list. “Did you get your ID photo taken?” “Yes.” “Did you pick up a new pillow and comforter?” “Yes.” “Did you put together a first aid kit?” “Yes.” “Did you buy your books?” “I did it online. You were with me.”
“Do you need anything?” “No.” Perhaps it was that last response that shook me so much. Not because he needed me, but because he didn’t. Friends of mine have regaled me with stories of when they were Charlie’s age, and drove themselves to school. Somehow it all turned out okay for them – even if beer was involved in more ways than one. I’m certain my son will have a passing acquaintance with beer in the next couple of weeks, as well as pretty girls, early classes and unsympathetic professors. All of these experiences are as vital to him as the ones I made sure he had when he was younger, in an effort to “socialize” him and make him a mature and confident young man. Somewhere along the way, he succeeded in becoming that man. And his mother has been reduced to something resembling a 4-year-old crybaby.
Peggy Spear, copy editor for the Clayton Pioneer, is the former editor of Bay Area Parent and Teen Focus magazines and the mother of three teens. She often writes about parenting, youth, education and teen health issues for local and national publications. Contact her at Peggy.spear@gmail.com.
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married before he ships overseas. She is traveling alone. A young soldier who has been drinking offers to carry her suitcase. She declines his help, but he takes her bag anyway. “He is only a boy. Where has he picked up a man’s habit of not listening to what she says?” Only one of the husbands return, but neither he nor the family and friends he returns to are the same people. The changes have begun small, but grow. Negro soldiers return to a society not yet ready to acknowledge their service. Women give back jobs they have grown to like, soldiers are often unable let the war go, and widows move forward as best they can. Grace, Millie, Babe, and even Naomi struggle through their post-war personal realities, each different from the others. “Next to Love” is tender and wise, without cliché or preachiness. It is a book as rich for men as for women, young or old. Sunny Solomon is the former Book Lady from Clayton Books and currently heads up the Clayton Book Club. Visit her website bookinwithsunny.com for her latest recommendations or just to "talk books."
For the guys – the best way to bulk up
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Adding size – two words that make the average male giddy. Bulk up, pump it up, beef up – it all means the same. It is not impossible. The important thing to remember when adding size is that there are various intensity techniques built into most routines to spark muscle growth. These concepts can be foreign to the untrained eye so here is a crash course. Pre-exhaust: The primary goal of pre-exhaustion is to fatigue the target muscle so it fails on the compound exercise before the assisting muscle groups. For example, a preexhaust movement for the chest is a flye, an isolation move that works the pectoral muscles. Move onto the bench press which causes the pecs to fire along with front deltoid and tricep muscles. With the pectoral muscles already pre-exhausted, the front deltoids and triceps are “fresh,” coming into play while still allowing maximum stress to build on the pectoral muscles to pure exhaustion.
See Fitness, page 16
August 31, 2012
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Charter Board gets kudos from Council The Clayton City Council honored the Clayton Valley Charter High School Board for a “job well done” at their regular meeting on August 21. The school recently withdrew from the MDUSD and became an independently chartered school run by a board of directors made up of educators, parents and members of the community. The organizational period was not without debate, frequently contentious and ultimately requiring approval at the county level. The City Council was in full support of the effort, contributing $5000 to the organizational costs. According to Executive Director Dave Linzey, the school
has redesigned the curriculum to focus on “Rigor, Relevance, Relationships and Results.” Every student will follow a college preparatory program.
Page 9
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CV CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL BOARD received recognition from the Clayton City Council for a successful opening of the independently run school. From left, Governing board members Ted Meriam, Megan Kommer, Kevin King, Dick Ellis, Alison Bacigalupo with Board President Neil McChesne; Executive Director David Linzey and Director of Operations Pat Middendorf.
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CVCHS opens its doors with a few hiccups SARA CHAVEZ
TEEN SPEAK Going back to school has its ups and downs. Although many students mourn the loss of summer, missing the freedom to sleep in or spend the day with friends, there are exciting aspects about the return to school as well. Seeing friends that you don’t spend much time outside of school with and starting fall sports all help ease the shock of waking up with the sun. And there is always excitement at orientation, getting your picture taken, and, of course, getting your schedule for the year. However, with this being the inaugural year of the Clayton Valley Charter High School, students and parents were even more excited. Unfortunately, for some students, pesky scheduling problems took away a lot of the enthusiasm. As students, we know to expect some scheduling problems each year, but this year, it was particularly bad. At registration, many students waited in line for hours, only to be told to come back the next day. The blame seemed to go straight to the school’s new status as a charter, which seemed to be rapidly losing its student support. During the whole process last year, I remained a bit wary about the charter. I could tell that it would have its benefits, but I was under no delusion that all the problems at Clayton Val-
ley would be solved. My stance stayed neutral, as I didn’t object to it either. But, at least in my opinion, problems getting off the ground in these first months were to be expected. I don’t think that these issues call for becoming “anti-charter,” and dropping all support. Maybe this is easy for me to say, because I didn’t have any problems with my schedule this year, or ever, in all my years of school. Therefore, I can’t quite understand the frustration that it brings. Maybe I would have more sympathy if it were me standing in line in the hot sun for six hours. But almost all of my friends experienced some scheduling difficulties, and my younger brother started off his first day of high school with two trips to the office because of issues, until eventually, my mom had to go in and sort things out. I have seen firsthand what students have been through while simply trying to figure out which class to go to. But what I
haven’t seen firsthand, what none of us students have seen, is what it took to put the schedules together in the first place. I cannot imagine how difficult it is to try to successfully give 2,000 students the classes that they want, and I think some credit is due to the people involved. I understand how easy it is to turn against something when things don’t go your way, but I think, as students, we should wait before making any decisions about the school. We’ve barely started the year – there is so much more to come. I can’t help but remember my freshman year, when everybody was angry about a fence that now, nobody notices. Hopefully, this too is drama that will soon pass. Sara Chavez is a senior at Clayton Valley High School. She hopes to pursue her passions of writing and dancing in college, as well as working toward a career as a school psychologist. Email her at sarachavez@claytonpioneer.com
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
August 31, 2012
Sports
New era for Eagles football underway JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
In a year of change and transition at Clayton Valley Charter High School there’s no program experiencing more doses of both than the Eagle football team under head coach Tim Murphy, who is bringing new offensive and defensive systems with him as he enters his 17th year of high school coaching but his first at the Alberta Way school. Murphy replaced long-time CVHS coach Herc Pardi, who stepped down last spring after 16 years at the helm of the Eagles and 37 years overall. Pardi’s teams made the North Coast Section playoffs eight of the past nine seasons and a dozen times overall while reaching three section championship games, most recently in 2008 when the Eagles also last won a league championship. The new coach brings impressive credentials of his own to the task. Murphy was at Clovis East in the Central Valley for 10 years, winning six conference titles and a pair of section championships. He established the Clovis East program after making Ygnacio Valley High a feared opponent while they won three league titles and the 1999 NCS crown in his five years at the Concord school. That ‘99 Warriors team set all-time rushing records using Murphy’s trademark double-wing formation. At Clayton Valley Murphy is installing a “wing-gun” system that will allow for more passing
than the double wing and will place a premium on his quarterbacks also running the ball. Juniors Garrett Nelson and
Michael Protheroe both figure to see plenty of action in the shotgun. Murphy says Nelson is the faster of the two while the
200-pound Protheroe is bigger and able to break tackles. “Both are accurate passers and good runners,” the coach says.
Protheroe is one of a handful of players ticketed for twoway play for the Eagles. His older brother Joe Protheroe was
Mike Dunn Photo
CLAYTON VALLEY FOOTBALL WILL BE A FAMILY AFFAIR THIS YEAR FOR THE PROTHEROES. Senior Joe Protheroe (5) will be looking to match his two-way all-DVAL performance of 2011 as a tailback and free safety for the Eagles. His younger brother Michael Protheroe, a junior, will be pulling the trigger on the wing-gun offense installed by new head coach Tim Murphy as well as logging time as a linebacker. And their dad Pat Protheroe is on the CVCHS football coaching staff.
first team all-Diablo Valley Athletic League on both offense and defense as a junior. He set a school and league record with six touchdowns against Mt. Diablo, his former school, and will be a fixture at free safety and tailback this season. Also in the backfield at fullback will be Jesse Medrano, the team captain, who was a firstteam all-DVAL linebacker last year. Clayton Valley is switching from a 5-2 to a 4-4 defense and Medrano will be in the middle of the action. The team’s top lineman is Logan Bangert and he’ll be playing on both sides of the ball as well. Other returning all-DVAL players are lineman Justin Rogers, back Cesar Luengas and, perhaps the Eagles major weapon, placekicker Eddie Juarez. Juarez, who kicked a school record 11 field goals as a junior (including a record three in one game) was second-team all-East Bay and is now touted as one of the top prep kickers in the country after some impressive performances at off-season camps. “Eddie’s been making field goals from 40 plus yards and putting his kickoffs into the end zone,” Murphy adds. Senior Spencer Wraa is another two-way starter at tight end and linebacker. A pleasant surprise during pre-season camp has been another senior, Curtis Grant, who did not play last year but is claiming a starting position at outside linebacker. Murphy has been away from local prep football for a time but was quick to name defending
See Eagles page 13
Clayton Valley cross country teams have veteran look JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clayton Valley’s boys and girls cross country teams were largely comprised of underclassmen in 2011 yet the Eagles achieved their best finishes in many years as each squad was second in the Diablo Valley Athletic League and made a mark in the North Coast Section meet as well with the girls finishing fourth and boys ninth. Missing from that successful group, however are standout runners Alex Tate, who graduated after an outstanding career in cross country and track that netted her two league cross country championships, three trips to the State Meet, multiple league track titles and the 2011-2012 CVHS Athlete of the Year
award, and fellow senior Megan Mayhew. Also, head coach Michelle Howisey stepped aside last December after five years in charge of the Eagles. Howisey said she made the hard decision to stop coaching at her alma mater because, “My career choices in education have become increasingly more demanding and I do not have the time to continue coaching” but she was glad to be leaving after the Eagles had their highest finishes at NCS since 2000 for the girls and 2003 for the boys. Jumping into the head coaching seat is Greg Fister, who is also the new Clayton Valley Charter athletic director. Fister is in his third year at the school as a physical education teacher and was junior varsity baseball coach two years ago
before sitting out last year while pursuing advanced degree studies. He previously coached cross country and soccer at Vallejo High for a decade. Brandon Enriquez helped Howisey coach the team last year and returns along with assistants Deb Osteen, who has been coaching long distance runners on the track team, and Paul Kommer. The Eagle boys were second in the league and ninth at NCS with a unit comprised entirely of sophomores and juniors. Danny Condon, now a junior, and senior Aaron Gardner were the top two runners for CV and they earned first-team all-DVAL honors. Condon was 19th at NCS and Gardner 27th. Matt McCoy and Quinten McLane were second team all-league while Kyle Metz was honorable
mention all-DVAL. That quintet and junior Ben Linzey figure to be the scorers for the CVCHS boys this season. On the girls side the team will look to senior Emma Schoenstein to take over the leadership role Tate held for three years. Schoenstein had a remarkable junior year by finishing fourth at league and ninth at NCS, where she dropped her time by over three minutes from her sophomore mark when she took 57th. Her NCS finish earned Schoenstein a trip to the State Meet with Tate. Returning second-team allDVAL honorees Rachel Preeg, Kyra Ortiz and Kelsey Fagerlin would be expected to join Schoenstein as leading runners this season. Juniors Lauren Wardle and Kimberly Martinez and
emerging freshman Sarah Carrico are pushing hard for firstteam action. Fister expects the Eagles to be battling for league honors. “College Park and Northgate are excellent cross country programs. We are looking to do our best and work hard.” He adds that he wants his runners “to improve, have fun and excel academically in the classroom.” The DVAL schedule includes four consecutive Wednesday race days starting Oct. 3 and then the league championship meet Friday, Nov. 2, at the Eagles home course of Newhall Park. Eagle harriers will be in a series of invitational meets in September including the Ed Sias Invitational in Martinez Sept. 8, De La SalleCarondelet meet Sept. 15 and
the prestigious Stanford Invitational for varsity runners only Sept. 22.
EMMA SCHOENSTEIN, 9th in NCS last year.
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Page 11
Sports Bragg, from page 1 earlier since the press wouldn’t stop pointing it out. “Little did they know they provided me with more incentive,” Bragg said. He also knows there’s a certain amount of luck involved. A major Soviet competitor was injured just before Bragg was due to jump in the same spot. Ultimately Bragg cleared an Olympic record 15’ 5” for gold. He is considered the last of the great vaulters using an aluminum pole. He had set the outdoor world record of 15’ 9-1/4” at the Olympic Trials. The year before he broke the world indoor record with a jump of 15’ 9½”. When Bragg traveled to Rome with the American team he went there “to compete against the best in the world” and didn’t want “any distractions,” which meant that he left his sweetheart, Theresa Fiore, home in New Jersey. “We dated for seven years but he always told me he ‘wouldn’t put gold on your finger until they put gold around my neck,’’’ Theresa Bragg laughs today. Days after the pole vault Theresa read a newspaper article which said Don was headed home to marry his sweetheart. They were married two months after the Rome Olympics. Bragg, who had to maintain a 1200-calorie a day diet so that he didn’t weigh too much for his pole, retired about a year after the Olympics and briefly pursued a movie career to follow his hero Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan on the big screen.
Kohler can take heart that her Olympic medal came this year as the United States celebrated the 40th anniversary of Title IX that changed the high school and college sports landscape to insure equity for women. Not coincidentally, 60% of the American medals in London were won by women, including signature team victories in basketball, soccer, water
polo, beach volleyball and gymnastics plus swimming and track relays. Indeed Kohler’s teammates on the women’s eight crew won the ultimate rowing event for the second time in a row. Of all these golds only gymnastics, swimming and track were even offered to women in Rome! Come Rio in four years and perhaps Ipsen and Kohler will be able to get to the top of the Olympic podium like their Clayton neighbor Don Bragg.
baseball and softball academy
County supes fete 11 Olympians Clayton prepares for Sept. 15 parade Clayton’s two Olympic bronze medalists, Kara Kohler and Kristian Ipsen, will be the center of attention on Saturday, Sept. 15, when the city honors its Olympians with a parade prior to the final music concert in The Grove that evening. City, state and federal officials are expected to present Ipsen and Kohler with proclamations and keys to the city after the parade, which is slated to begin at 5 p.m. The two local college students were recently feted by the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors as part of 11 Olympians connected to the county. Besides Ipsen, a De La Salle High School grad and Stanford sophomore diver, and Kohler, a junior rower at Cal who graduated from Clayton Valley High, the supervisors recognized:
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DON BRAGG REPRESENTED AMERICA in the 1960 Rome Olympics, setting an Olympic record of 15’5” while defeating teammate Ron Morris and bronze medalist Eeles Landström of Finland. Bragg was considered the last great pole vaulter to use an aluminum pole. Nicknamed “Tarzan,” Bragg retired to Clayton with wife Theresa and extended family in 1996.
Natalie Coughlin (Lafayette, swimming, Carondelet High School, Cal Berkeley)
Leagues now forming for Kids, Seniors and Adults.
Mariya Korleva (Concord, synchronized swimming, Las Lomas, Stanford) Peter Varellas (Moraga, water polo, Campolindo High, Stanford)
CV freshman wins Junior Olympics silver medal
Photo courtesy Meylan family
Scott Meylan and his 680 Driver’s water polo teammates had a busy schedule recently at Stanford University where they competed in the USA Water Polo Junior Olympics. With the jumbotron at the Avery Pool showing the London Olympics between matches the 14 Under team from 680 won six consecutive games, including knocking off the top seed in the fourth round, before dropping the final match to settle for the silver medal. The 680 team was busy all summer between tournaments and daily practice. Meylan gave up baseball a year and half ago to concentrate on water polo. He is currently competing for Clayton Valley Charter High School and will resume his club duties after the high school season. The 680 squad plans to travel to water polo hotbeds Hungary and Croatia next summer.
Maggie Steffens (Danville, water polo, Monte Vista High) Jessica Steffens (Danville, water polo, Monte Vista High) Melissa Seidemann (Walnut Creek, water polo, College Park High, Stanford) Heather Petri (Orinda, water polo, Miramonte, Cal Berkeley) Dana Vollmer (Richmond, swimming, Cal Berkeley) Anthony Fahden (Lafayette, rowing, Dartmouth, Acalanes High)
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Sports Shorts FINAL
CHANCE FOR YOUTH FALL LEAGUES AT CLAYTON GYM
Registration for the popular youth volleyball and basketball leagues at Clayton Community Gym fall registration is almost closed. Basketball for girls and boys from 4-15 begins Sept. 22 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 information.
CLAYTON VALLEY FALL BASEBALL CAMP OPENS SEPT. 11 Boys and girls 5-7 years of age can get special baseball instruction on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Sept. 11 through Nov. 15 from 4-5:30 p.m. at Clayton Valley Charter High School 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 NOW 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
1203134
participate in the U8 Academy with local instruction from Brazilian Olympian Tafa, Diablo FC director of coaching Brian Voltattorni and District 4 coaching director Steve Shott. Registration and more information are available at diablofc.org.
ST. BONAVENTURE CYO
BASKETBALL, CROSS COUNTRY SIGNUPS END SEPT. 5
Signups for boys and girls in second through eighth grades will be taken for the St. Bonaventure cross country and basketball CYO programs on Wednesday, Sept. 5, at St. Bonaventure Church on Clayton Rd. The basketball program will be holding player evaluations on the Sept. 8-9 weekend at Clayton Community Gym to place players on the appropriate team. For more information call 672-5774 or visit stbonaventurecyo.com.
LIMITED
ADULT COED SOFTBALL LEAGUE SPACE REMAINING
All Out Sports is again offering a fall coed adult softball league starting next month. The season runs from Sept. 9 through Oct. 28 with the championship game a week later. Limited space may still be available. Register online at alloutsportsleague.com. Call 203-5626 for more information. ANNUAL DIABLO FC BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT OCT. 12
5TH
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 31, 2012
Sports
Dana Hills swim season concludes with top five county meet placing JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Dana Hills Swim Team coach Serge Victor said a big challenge for the Otters at the 2012 season-ending meets was the fact that many of the swimmers were in the “down year” of their age groups. After finishing second at the Contra Costa County Swim Championships last year the Otters took fifth this month, which is still one of the top finishes ever for the Clayton rec swim team after runner-up placements in 2011 and 1995. Otter girls Allie Klinger and Sarah Hamilton were standouts
at county meet as each claimed high-point honors in their age group while both set a pair of pool records. Klinger, who was second high point at 11-12 last year, took first place in the 13-14 division while Hamilton was top finisher for 9-10 girls. Other high point top 10 finishers for the Otters were Melissa Schoell (2nd 13-14), Anthony Vines (4th, 13-14), Colton Seastrand (5th 6 & under), Ryan Iannaccone (5th, 11-12), Karlie Seastrand (7th, 7-8) and Jenna Ewert (9th, 11-12). Klinger’s records came in the 13-14 100 individual medley and 50 butterfly. Hamilton set marks in the 50 fly and 50 free, the latter breaking a 1981 record.
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BEIJING OLYMPICS USA BRONZE MEDAL SWIMMER KIM VANDENBERG (left) presented 10-year-old Sarah Hamilton of the Dana Hills Swim Team with the 9-10 girls high point County Meet award. The Otter swimmer won the 50 freestyle and butterfly races, setting team and pool records in both while joining teammates Victoria Greenberg, Ryanne Boland and Isabella Samardzic to set a freestyle relay mark.
Eagles, from page 10
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champion College Park plus 2010 NCS champion and 2011 runner-up Concord as the teams to beat in the DVAL this fall. “They both have many returning starters and have been running their systems for quite some time.” Concord has Olito Thompson at running back and the Washington State-bound star is touted as a strong all-state candidate after setting a Northern California rushing record as a junior. While Murphy has taken charge of the Eagles offense, Mitch McDuff, who followed Murphy here from Clovis East, is running the defense and holdover coach Paul Reynaud is the special teams chief. Also on the staff are returning coaches Joey Levine, Eddie De La Torre, Steve Stallone, John Canessa and Pat Protheroe. New to the staff are Ricky Rodriguez and Gary Finch.
Mike Dominguez is the head junior varsity coach and John Fouts is leading the freshman team. There are a little fewer than 60 players on varsity roster – 45 on JVs and 65 on the freshman team. Murphy was pleased with the summer workouts as he reported about 60 players were in the weight room “working hard every day.” Murphy, a weightlifting buff himself, stresses strength and conditioning on his teams, which have flourished in spite of not having many players recruited by major colleges. The team began practice Aug. 6 and played a scrimmage against Acalanes 11 days later. Their first pre-season game was last Friday when they traveled to powerful Pittsburg. The Eagles lost to the talented Pirates 40-27 in the opener. They return to action in Santa Rosa Sept. 7
ANTHONY VINES capped his 14-year-old season with the Dana Hills Swim Team by winning 13-14 boys high point honors at The City Meet and taking fourth at County Meet after his strong performances in freestyle and butterfly including team records in the 50 free, where he replaces Matt Cooper in the Otters record book dating back to 1999, and 50 fly.
Hamilton joined Isabella Samardzic, Ryanne Boland and Victoria Greenberg for a pool record in the 200 free relay. The same quartet set a team record in the 200 medley relay. Hamilton and Klinger weren’t the only swimmers to set DHST records at county meet. Ewert broke a 1994 record in the 11-12 50 fly, Vines bested fly and free marks, Greenberg set a new 9-10 breast standard and Schoell put her name in the record book again in the 13-14 50 back and 50 free. The boys 11-12 free relay with Anthony Trimble, Niklas Weigelt, Jackson Trimble and Ryan Iannaccone was a recordsetter. The previous mark was set in 1993. The boys 13-14 free quartet of Peter Zhu, Liam Calkins, Erick Iannaccone and Vines were record busters as was the 13-14 girls free relay of Klinger, Alina Weigelt, Katie
against Montgomery. Their first league game is Oct. 4 at Ygnacio Valley before back-to-back DVAL showdowns with College Park and Concord. The downside of the Acalanes scrimmage was a season-ending injury to junior Ruben Vega, who broke his ankle in three places. “We are still making the same mistakes we were making in the spring. The kid are playing hard but are still picking up the new systems,” Murphy said after the Acalanes outing. He added that those mistakes have to be corrected to play against the likes of Pittsburg, Montgomery and other strong foes on their schedule. “We want to compete with everyone on our schedule and absolutely plan on reaching the playoffs,” Murphy added. Since losing a triple overtime 37-36 classic to Las Lomas in the 2003 NCS finals, Clayton Valley has been a fixture in the playoffs every year but 2007.
Miller and Schoell. Earning recognition for the Otters with Top 10 Popped times at county were Krystle, Tricia and Vicky Talens, Alex Brown, Calkins, Greenberg, Ryan and Erick Iannaccone and Alina Weigelt. Also recognized for having Popped Times in all events were Gabby Brown, Rochelle Cloven, Macenzie Curtis, Gabi Mancini, Joe Snyder, Zhu, Anthony Friedman and Ryan Haley. Dana Hills scored 856 points to finish behind repeat County Division I champ Crow Canyon Country Club of Danville, Blackhawk, Springbrook and Round Hill CC of Alamo. DHST finished second to Crow Canyon last year and was barely edged for the 1995 County Division I championship. The Otters won the County Division II (based on fewer swimmers entered in meet) title in 1998.
Mike Dunn photo
SENIOR JESSE MEDRANO will be a busy player this fall for Clayton Valley football as he is the starting fullback and middle linebacker. The senior captain was first-team allDVAL last year on defense and second team on offense.
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Page 13
Be an imperial walker and let Fido know who’s in charge SUE SKIFF
PET PALS You need to train your dog to walk on a loose leash, so that you and your dog can both enjoy the walk. A tight leash means a much harder time controlling your dog (unless you are the one that is making the leash tight; in which case you’re going to have a much harder time both
enjoying the walk, and teaching your dog what you want). Be a leader. Dogs are experts at reading body language. Use your body to communicate with your dog that you are the one in charge, by holding your body the way a natural leader would hold her/his body. Hold the thought in your mind that you are in charge, and communicate to your dog that you are in charge through attitude . Relax. With your dog next to you, take hold of the loop end of the leash with the hand farthest from your dog. Grab
the leash loosely with your other hand, leaving slack in the leash between you and your dog. A loose grip is essential here as it allows you to stay relaxed, and gives you more freedom to make adjustments as you walk. You should be able to swing your arms naturally while walking. This will reduce both your mental and physical stress levels, allowing you to enjoy the walk. The more you are relaxed, the more relaxed your dog can be. Think of your dog as just an extension of your arm; wherever you go, it must go.
Boo and Sweetpea are ARF’s adoption Stars
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Boo is a spunky, active boy who is looking for his co-pilot in life. He is bouncy and bright and he would love find an adopter who can meet both his physical energy needs and his mental energy needs. Attending a Basic Manners training class would be a fabulous way for Boo to bond with his new adopter and get a great mental “workout.” The adoption fee for adult dogs is $225 and includes 60 percent off one 7-week dog training session.
SWEETPEA
Sweetpea is a lovely girl, who likes gentle scratches around her chin. She may be a little shy at first, but once she get to know you, Sweetpea will be your forever pal. The adoption fee for adult cats is $50. Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday, 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Noon to 5 p.m.
Mayor, from page 1 As one of the judges, I tasted 12 different ribs. I am happy to note my palate’s first choice won the top prize. I attended a “Meet and Greet” with Senator Mark DeSaulnier at the Clayton Community Library. Constituents in attendance were given five minutes to discuss their issues. Some concerns were of a serious nature and some were to let the senator know they either supported or did not support his viewpoints. I also represented Clayton at the Central Contra Costa Mayor’s Council. This group represents central cities adjacent to each other, such as Pleasant Hill, Concord, Walnut Creek, Martinez, Pittsburg and Clayton. Our round-robin discussions have been very worthwhile. We looked at ways to reduce costs by possibly regionalizing services and a joint desire to meet periodically with the Mount Diablo Unified School District Board. That was not to be confused with the monthly Mayor’s Conference held this month in Orinda, which I also attended. In one of my favorite activities, I spoke at the opening
ceremony for the Relay for Life rally, the walk-a-thon to support the families of cancer victims, survivors and caretakers. This was the second rally in Clayton and the turnout was impressive. More than 160 participants raised over $48,000 for cancer research. I also attended Clayton Valley Charter High School’s clean up day. More than 200 alumni, teachers and students volunteered their Saturday to paint, clean, garden and repair sprinkler systems. Our high school has never looked better. I helped produce two more Concerts in The Grove Park series, which featured Diamond Dave and Rolling Heads. Audience donations exceeded $3,120. Our total donations for eight concerts are $12,350. Our last concert ended with a surprise visit from Kara Kohler, Clayton’s bronze medal Olympian winner in the 4-woman skull race. Needless to say, the crowd went wild. Kara posed for photos with children and adults. This is just a prelude to the exciting parade the city is planning for our two Olympians on Sept. 15. The parade starts at 5 p.m., before our last concert of this season.
Saturday and Sunday. The primary caretaker must be present to adopt. ARF also encourages kids 16 and younger and canine family members (dog adoptions only) to be present during the adoption process. Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www.arf.net, or call 925.256.1ARF.
In yet more culinary fun, I participated in the Mayors’ Healthy Cook-Off held this year in Concord. My partnering chef was John Evans, Head Chef from the Oakhurst Country Club. Finally, I presided over our Clayton City Council meeting, where we honored the staff, executive board and David Linzey, director of the new Clayton Valley Charter High School. All received Certificates of Recognition for tireless efforts in converting our high school to a charter school. To those citizens that have e-mailed or called me about our landscape projects, be assured our maintenance crew is well aware of your concerns. The contractor must replace any dead trees and shrubs before the city council accepts completion of the project. As I look ahead to September, there is one event I can’t miss. This is my last column I will be writing as a single man. On Sept. 8 I will be marrying Debbie Mullins, my sweetheart for the past 11 years. I want to acknowledge all the support she gives me. This allows me to serve you and pursue my other endeavors. E-Mail questions or comments to the Mayor at Councilmangeller@aol.com.
Change directions often. By changing your direction of travel when your dog is not expecting it, you will teach your dog to pay attention to you. Changing direction is also a great way to stop a dog from pulling. As soon as your dog starts to get out ahead of you, and before it gets to the end of the leash, quickly back up or turn around. Continue to change directions every time your dog is about to pull, and it will soon learn that pulling is not an effective way to get where it wants to go. Use positive reinforcement. You need to reinforce your dog for walking on a loose leash often. If the dog is walking on a loose leash, and not trying to get ahead, but not paying attention to you, praise it. Also, praise it whenever the dog checks in with you (looks up at you). Then, as soon as the dog is next to you, and looks up at you at the same time, say “Yes,” and pop him a treat. Make your feel that walking next to you, and paying attention to you, is the best thing ever. Initially, practice in a distraction-free area. Practice the above with your dog in your house, backyard, or garage, repeatedly, before taking him out on a real walk. Remember that learning will happen best if both you and your dog are focused on the lesson. Have a conversation with your dog, while you walk, to keep it focused on you. And, walk without the distractions of cell phones and mp3 players. If you want your dog’s attention, you need to give it yours. Sue Skiff is the author of “How to Have a Well-Behaved Dog,” and the owner/operator of Silver Lining Pet Services, a company which provides dog training and pet sitting services. Learn more at www.silverliningdogtrain.com or www.silverliningpetsitting.com. Email her at information@silverliningdogtrain.com
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
August 31, 2012
Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. SEPT. 5 FOR THE SEPT. 14 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com
IN CLAYTON 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. 1, 15 Concerts in the Grove 6 – 8:30 p.m. Grove Park, downtown Clayton. Free. For a complete concert series list, see Page 3. Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29 Farmers’ Market 8 a.m. – noon, Saturdays, Diablo Street between Main and Center streets, downtown, pcfma.com/clayton. Sept. 11 Networking Girls Night Out Networking. Bring a fun attitude, bring a friend, eat and network your business. No host bar. 5:30 – 8 p.m. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. $10 members; $15 guests. Respond by Sept. 9 to gnoners@gmail.com. gnontrivalley.com. Sept. 15 Olympic Celebration Clayton honors hometown Olympians Kara Kohler and Kristian Ipsen. Parade on Main Street and celebration in the Grove. 5 p.m. Downtown Clayton.
EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Thru 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. 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. 6 Menopause Information on how to improve your libido before, during and after menopause. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. John Muir Health’s Women’s Health Center, 1656 N. California Blvd., Walnut Creek. Free. Register at johnmuirhealth.com/classes. 925-941-7900. 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., WC. $15. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Sept. 8 How a Book Gets Published Or not. Publishing Director Byron Parnell discusses what you need to make your book a success. Hosted by Mt. Diablo Branch of the California Writers Club. 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. $20 members; $25 guests. Reservations required by Sept. 5. Contact Barbara Bentley at barbara@barbarabentley.net or 212-4727.
Sept. 8 Spiritual Discussion Baha’i interaction, fellowship and discussion. Topic: Spiritual journey throughout history. 7:30 p.m. Free. Directions, call 672-6686.
Sept. 8 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., WC. $17.75. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Sept. 22 Wine and Whiskers Dazzling night of specialty wines, delectable hors d’oeuvres, irresistible silent auction and ARF’s lovable dogs and cats. 5 – 8 p.m. Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. $80. Contact Judy Bentley at jbentley@arf.net.
Sept. 8 Plant Sale Featuring California native & drought-tolerant plants. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Markham Nursery, 1202 La Vista Ave., Concord. 681-2968. Sept. 10 Stroke Support Group Speaker Jerry Rainey of Neuro-Fit will discuss neurological injury functional integrated therapy. 7 – 9 p.m. Concord Room, John Muir Medical Center, 2540 East St., Concord. Free. Call Ann Dzuna at 376-6218. 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. Sept. 11 Men’s Health Hear the latest on leading topics, including an update on prostate cancer. Free prostate cancer screening is available September 18 and 19. 6 – 8 p.m. John Muir Medical Center, 2540 East St., Concord. Free. Register at johnmuirhealth.com/classes. 947-4447. Sept. 14 Summer Concert John DeMers as Frank Sinatra. 6:30 p.m. Montecito, 4756 Clayton Road, Concord. Donations benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. Respond by Sept. 11. 852-6702. Sept. 14-16 Greek Festival Greek food, wine, music and dancing. Fri. 5 – 11 p.m. Sat. 12 – 11 p.m. Sun. 12 – 8 p.m. St. Demetrios, 1955 Kirker Pass Road, Concord. $5 adults; $3 seniors; free children under 12. ccgreekfest.com. 676-6967.
Sept. 21 – Oct. 6 “The Last Romance” Are you ever too old to find love? Diablo Actors’ Ensemble, 1345 Locust St., Walnut Creek. $10-$25. diabloactors.com.
Police Report
Rd./Heritage Tr. A 23-year-old Concord male was arrested for DUI after being stopped for a Vehicle Code violation.
ACCIDENTS Aug. 17, 12:51 p.m. 100 block El Portal Pl.
ARRESTS Aug. 12, 12:30 a.m. 5400 block Clayton Rd. A 27-year-old Oakley male was arrested after officers served an arrest warrant. Aug. 12, 2:25 a.m. Clayton
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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. Tuesdays Sept. 11 thru Nov. 27 Patty Cakes Story time for babies to 3-year-olds. Child attends with caregiver. 11 a.m. Thursdays Sept. 13 thru Nov. 15 Picture Book Time Story time for 3 to 5-year-olds. Child may attend without caregiver. 11 a.m. 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. Sept. 12 Wild Salmon Brian Stranko, regional director for the Nature Conservancy, presents the Conservancy’s work to bring back thriving wild salmon populations to California’s waterways. 7 p.m. Sept. 19 College Finances Joy Maloles Keehn, financial advisor, discusses what to consider when establishing a college savings goal, strategies to reach goals and 529 college savings plans. Registration required. ccclib.org. 7 p.m.
GOVERNMENT Sept. 14 – Oct. 5 Off the Shelf and On Stage An evening of one acts, including new plays, comedies and dramas. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10-$22. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
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. 943-7469.
Police Activity for two weeks ending Aug. 23, 2012
CHURCHES AND RELIGION
Aug. 12, 8:37 p.m. Clayton Rd./El Camino Dr. A 22-yearold Concord male was arrested for DUI and probation violation after being stopped for a Vehicle Code violation.
Aug. 13, 12:33 a.m. Clayton Rd./Washington Blvd. A 20year-old Richmond male was arrested for minor driving w/BAC of .05 or more and driving without a license after being stopped for Vehicle Code violations. Aug. 17, 12:01 p.m. 6000 block Main St. A 44-year-old Concord male was arrested
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.
after officers served an arrest warrant. Aug. 19, 6:54 a.m. Clayton Rd./Washington Blvd. A 26year-old Pittsburg female was arrested for driving on suspended license after being stopped for a Vehicle Code violation. BURGLARIES/THEFTS Aug. 14, Windmill Canyon
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 15
Performing Arts Coming in September
Willows Theatre closes after 38 years
TAMARA STEINER Willows Theatre Board
It was a sad day on August 15 for local theatre when the board of directors of the Willows Theatre Company gathered in a Walnut Creek law office, swallowed their passion
and their tears and voted unanimously to pull the plug on the 38-year-old company. Hope and money ran out at the same time and the directors were left with no choice but to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Declining ticket sales and dwindling donations conspired
Club News Boy Scout Troop 262 Boy Scout Troop 262 prepared all summer for their hike in early August to the top of Mt. Whitney, elevation 14,497 feet. This photo was taken on day seven of eight on a 67-mile jour-
ney crossing the Sierras from Mineral King to the Whitney Portal. Mt. Whitney is the highest point in the lower 48 states. Troop 262 and friends reached the peek of Mt. Whitney shortly before lightning and hail moved in.
Standing: JD Howard, Darby Howard, James Van Wyck, Sam McCuskey, Sammy McCuskey, Jim Louchis. Seated: Dan Condon and Danny Condon.
with rising costs to make mounting even inexpensive shows impossible. Add that to the death of the Redevelopment Agencies and loss of whatever money the city of Concord might have had to support the performing arts, and hope died. The moral support offered by the city – long a supporter of the Willows – just wasn’t enough. As both a Willows board member and publisher of the Pioneer, I struggled with how to report this story. My passion for the arts and personal connection with other board members and with David Faustina and Eric Inman (managing director and artistic director), made it impossible for me to keep a journalistic arms-length from the story.
So, wearing my director’s hat, it is with much sadness and a lump in my throat, I tell readers, patrons, creditors, critics and the entire theatre community, that the vote to close the Willows was one of the hardest “ayes” I will ever say. The decision was neither secretive nor sudden. The board and management have all been painfully aware of the company’s financial peril, as was I when I joined the board in February of this year. The decision to turn out the lights and end the run of “A Doll’s House” early was simply because there wasn’t enough money in the bank to continue. And, the board was still desperately trying to raise cash until the final vote. This isn’t the first time the
Spencer Christian to speak at Clayton Valley Woman’s Club Sept. 11 meeting The GFWC Clayton Valley Woman’s Club invites all interested persons to attend their monthly meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 11. The guest speaker is ABC7/KGO-TV news reporter Spencer Christian. Christian will give a behind-the-scenes look at the television news business as he speaks candidly about some of his most interesting, and sometimes dangerous, assignments, as well as the fascinating people he has met over the years. Christian, a self-confessed “news junkie” from early child-
hood, began his career in 1971, spent several years with “Good Morning America,” and came to the Bay Area in 1999 to join the ABC7 news team. Among his many accomplishments are traveling the world, writing a series of children’s books, interviewing five United States presidents, reporting on many natural weather calamities and helping charitable and community service organizations.
company has faced serious financial difficulties. In 2010 the directors voted to close down the Concord Mainstage and keep open the smaller, less expensive Campbell Theater in Martinez; made possible in large part because of financial support from the city of Martinez. But the smaller venue could not produce enough cash, and the board, in a leap of faith, rolled up their sleeves and dug into their personal pockets to reopen the Concord stage in March of 2011. The hope was to draw back the season ticket holders lost during the hiatus. But it was too late. Despite critical raves, award winning shows, enthusiastic audiences and extraordinary talent and passion, the numbers just weren’t there. So, we are left with nothing to do but say we’re sorry and mop up. There’s no Mickey to chortle, “I know, let’s have a show. We can use my dad’s barn.” Mickey and Judy are gone and dad lives in a condo.
The club meets the second Tuesday of the month at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information, call Aleta at 672-9448 or go to claytonvalleywomansclub.org.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
August 31, 2012
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I must admit, this week’s hike through Hardy Canyon in Round Valley ranks up there as one of my favorites of the summer – I feel like I say that every other week or so, but it’s true. From downtown Clayton, follow Marsh Creek Road for 12.5 miles past Morgan Territory Road. The Round Valley Regional Park Staging Area parking lot will be on your right. After crossing the bridge from the parking lot, make an immediate left onto Hardy Canyon Trail. The trail skirts the easternmost section of the park as it gradually rises above local farms and ranches that cannot be seen from the road. This trail is cut so well into its surroundings that sometimes as you look ahead, the direction of the trail cannot be determined until you
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press on. I chose to do this hike on a weekday after work, and to my surprise I did not see another person in the park at all. As you travel further into Hardy Canyon and the surroundings of this 2024-acre preserve, the trail shadows High Creek and continues to shower you with enough shade to make any summer day seem pleasant. After approximately an hour of hiking, half a bottle of water and a good sweat, I made my way towards the summit from Hardy Canyon. A large meadow
opened up in front of me but I knew the best views of the hike still awaited at Round Valley, the core of this regional park. Minutes later I finally reached the summit and rolling hills – too many trees to count – and Morgan Territory Regional Preserve all came into view as I stood there, enjoying the scene. I cannot emphasize enough how spectacular Round Valley is from the summit of the Hardy Canyon Trail. Other trails such as Fox Tail and Murphy Meadow were easily seen as they stretched out over miles of
For more information on this hike or other outdoor experiences, contact Kevin at hikershaven@claytonpioneer.com.
It’s not too soon to look at fall trends
JUDITH MARSHALL
CLEANING HOUSE IS A
Kevin Parker/Clayton Pioneer
THE VIEW OF EBRPD’S ROUND VALLEY PRESERVE from near the top of Hardy Canyon. Spectacular views make the 4mile, moderately difficult hike worth the effort.
grassy valleys, groves of trees and fire roads. I began my descent into Round Valley, switching back and forth on the trail, passing large boulders of shale and sandstone. This portion of the trail offers fantastic views of the landscape below – almost the whole way into Round Valley. Hardy Canyon Trail eventually intersects Miwok Trail after a hearty descent from the summit. Make a right and follow the fire road, which takes you back in the direction of the parking lot. Again you are spoiled with large oak trees and healthy portions of shade as you make numerous creek crossings (all by bridge of course). The creeks in this park flow into late spring or early summer, but during this time of year, they are bone dry. There are plenty of picnic tables a short distance from the parking lot. Dogs are not allowed in this regional preserve, but hikers, horses and bikers (with some exceptions) are allowed on all trails. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen because temperatures commonly exceed 100 degrees in this area. More information can be found at www.ebparks.org
It’s the time of year when you walk into your favorite store, perhaps looking for air conditioning, and you see mannequins decked out in long sleeves and sweaters. Isn’t it still summer? Of course it is, but fashion is forward thinking and always looking for the next Big Trend. You may not be ready to think about gray skies and cold weather, but it’s not too early to consider which of these new fall trends you might like to try. Leather. This year tanners and designers are treating
leather as a new kind of fabric – buttery-soft leather that feels like silk, dyed in strong pretty colors and a variety of shapes that exude sophistication completely free of the air of rock ’n’ roll. Bedazzled Buttons. Once they were seen only on the cardigans worn by blue-haired matrons at the early-bird dinners or adorning a woolly coat that sported a Christmas-tree pin in December. But jeweled buttons are enjoying a rollicking second childhood. Buttons the size of brooches appear on pockets and pant legs, cheering up an outfit simply by being unexpected. Split Skirts. Maybe Angelina Joie started it when she promenaded her gorgeous legs on the red carpet, but it’s suddenly fashionable to show a glimpse of leg this fall. Split skirts look best when everything else is covered. Very sheer black stock-
ings or a legging with a midheeled, round-toed pump with a large buckle on the toe would work. Chunky Chains. Encircling wrists and throats, hefty interlocking metal chains are back on the agenda this fall. The Classic Sheath. The ladylike sheath dress shows no signs of aging. It’s a blank canvas; you can make of it what you will. Boots. While they’ve never really left the fall lineup, this year they’re taller (knee-high and higher) and weightier than seasons past. The Color Jade. This bluetinged hue looks fabulous against every skin tone. It makes the perfect transition between summer’s pastels and fall’s more opulent, jewel-like shades. Plays well with cool neutrals, such as navy and chalk. Earthy eggplant is another harmonious match. Matte Red Lipstick. Time to put away your rosy cream lip-
sticks and p i n k y glosses. Fall’s red is as bright as a stoplight. Nars in Jungle Red or Heat Wave are two great examples. The best way to wear it – always exfoliate before applying. Define the borders of your mouth and fill them in with a pencil that’s the same shade as your lips. Then apply color, blot, and reapply. Those are just a few of the trends to mull over. There will be plenty more as the season evolves. Live long and pester! Judith Marshall is the author of “Husbands May Come and Go but Friends are Forever.” Send comments to Judith.Marshall@att.net.
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Drop Sets: Drop sets mean that when you have reached failure in a set, you immediately reduce or drop weight and continue to work past your muscles’ limits. Pushing muscles with a lighter weight increases growth hormone levels and promote further muscle breakdown and growth. Rest-Pause: This involves stopping during a set for a short rest then resuming a few more reps at the same weight. This lift-rest-lift technique can be performed any number of times, but the key is selecting an appropriate weight to make effective gains. Forced Reps: Pushing the muscle past its limit is critical to gaining size and strength. Forced reps allow you to continue a set beyond the point at which you typically would stop. A good spotter is essential when using this technique because you must continue the push after muscle failure.
Supersets: Supersets are working sets of two different exercises with no rest in between. For example, a bicep curl with a tricep pushdown is a superset. You can also superset three exercises (tri-set) or more (giant set). Partial Reps: This means doing reps in only one range of motion. Often partials are done at he end of workout, like when doing abdominal work when only the top half of the move is executed. When you can no longer do a full crunch, half a crunch is better than nothing at all. This will help take your muscles past the point of exhaustion and spark new growth. The most important principle to adding size is action. Remember, each workout you do will make you stronger, leaner and better for life. Ilima Heuerman holds multiple fitness certifications. She trains at Levity Fitness studio in Clayton. Email Ilima at IlimaHeuerman@levityfitness.com
August 31, 2012
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 17
Offal isn’t awful – it’s terribly tasty LINDA WYNER
FOOD
FOR
THOUGHT
In this era of eating local and sustainably, more and more restaurants are beginning to serve offal – and home cooks should sit up and take notice. Not awful… offal, the far less popular parts of animals that are cooked with relish (as in enthusiasm) in most other parts of the world. I’m talking about heart, liver, brain, glands, feet, head, tongue and tail. These provide a nutritious, tasty and cost effective way to put protein on the plate. You probably eat hot dogs (where do you think noses and lips go?) and other sausages and have downed a bowl or two of oxtail soup in your day. In Britain, kids are raised on steak
Rumaki
and kidney pie. Over the holidays, we indulge in truffle paté. Probably the greatest number of offal dishes can be found in European cuisines, followed closely by Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. While less popular in the U.S. (we consume a bit more than two pounds per person per year – ranking 96th in the world), there are areas where offal consumption is ingrained in the culture. Consider tongue sandwiches offered in NY delis, menudo (tripe soup) from the local taqueria that will soothe the most vicious cold, and hogshead cheese and boudin sausage in New Orleans. I recommend Chef Chris Cosentino’s San Francisco restaurant, Incanto, if you’re ready to dive into a unique dining experience. His rustic Italian menu is peppered with familiar and not so familiar dishes – pasta, salumi, “best of chicken,” trotters and chitlins (short for chitterlings). But if you’re ready to try offal at home, you’re not likely going to find much other than liver and possibly kidneys in your local supermarket. Go ethnic. Asian markets like 99 Ranch, Latin and Middle Eastern markets have well-stocked butcher counters. Get fresh. Organ meats can be bitter if not cooked when fresh. Offal should have a smooth, glistening surface and be rather
firm to the touch. Avoid any with a foul odor or if it looks dry or cracked. For this kind of food, I like to buy organic and minimize my exposure to those organs that processed antibiotics, hormones and other potentially unpleasant supplements. If you’re a Baby Boomer, you might recall the faux Polynesian pu-pu (appetizer) parties that were all the rage 50 years ago. My mom used to prepare rumaki for her parties – a toothpicked one-bite gem consisting of water chestnuts, chicken livers and bacon. We prepared Hawaiian dishes in our World Cuisine classes at Pans on Fire this summer and the kids ate rumaki like candy (in the interest of full disclosure— some were a little dubious later on when I identified all of the ingredients). Here’s our recipe: RUMAKI Makes 30 pieces 10 strips thin-sliced bacon 1 can whole water chestnuts, drained and halved 8 oz chicken livers, trimmed and cut into ½” to ¾” pieces ¼ c (packed) brown sugar 1 Tbsp. soy sauce 2 Tbsp. ketchup 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise Preheat oven to 400. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut bacon strips into thirds. Wrap each strip around a water chestnut half and piece of liver and secure with a toothpick. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, turning once, until bacon is crisp. Meanwhile, whisk together sauce ingredients (brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup and mayonnaise) until smooth. Brush or
spoon the sauce on the rumaki and return to the oven. Bake for another 6 to 8 minutes until glazed. Serve warm. Andouille (“ahn-dew-ee”) is a traditional Louisiana sausage. Made from chitterlings (pigs intestines) and tripe (stomach lining), it is often served in stews and stuffings. Elegant over the holidays, this cornbread stuffing also makes a great year-round side dish. CORN BREAD STUFFING WITH SHRIMP AND ANDOUILLE From Big Easy Christmas, 2000 1 pan (8”x8”) day-old corn bread (8x8) 1 lb. andouille, quartered and sliced ½” thick 3 Tbsp. butter 2 onions, coarsely chopped 1 bunch celery, coarsely chopped 8 green onions 1 lb. large shrimp, shelled, deveined and halved crosswise 1 Tbsp. minced garlic 1 Tbsp. chopped sage 1 Tbsp. chopped thyme 3 c. chicken stock ½ c. coarsely chopped parsley Salt and pepper Tabasco sauce Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Grease a 10”x15” baking dish. Coarsely chop the onions, celery and green onions. Crumble the corn bread into 1-inch pieces and place in a bowl. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the andouille until lightly browned. Add this and the rendered fat to the cornbread. Toss to combine. Melt the butter in the same skillet and stir in the onions, celery and half of the green onions
shrimp are just cooked through, about 3 minutes. Add this mixture to the corn bread. In the same skillet, bring the broth to a boil and pour that over the cornbread along with the parsley and remaining green onion. Season with salt, pepper and Tabasco. Spread the stuffing in the baking dish and bake 1 hour, or until crisp and browned on top. Andouille sausage and shrimp with creole mustard sauce
over medium-low heat. Cook until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the shrimp, garlic, sage and thyme. Stir and cook until
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Page 18
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
August 31, 2012
Life without lawns can be beautiful and practical NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL Sometimes after a long, dry summer you look at your lawn and think about all the water, mowing, fertilizer and fuss that you have done and ask, “Is it worth it? Does this lawn look as good as all the effort it is given?” It is amazing how many lawns don’t. Keeping a green, healthy lawn, free of weeds, grubs and gophers is a continuous, time consuming task. Sprinkled throughout our Clayton Valley community are beautiful, fulfilling front landscapes that are without lawns. Instead they have strategically placed trees, distinct shrubs, ornamental grasses, and colorful perennials. This look isn’t the most traditional, but the results are very appealing. The maintenance of such a landscape becomes a monthly tending to, rather than weekly visits. With a lawn-less front-yard, one uses much less water, fertilizer and almost alleviates the need for insecticides and fungicides. The idea of tearing out your lawn may take some getting used to, but with such attractive results and freed up time, it may be well worth it. THINK ABOUT TREES What does one do without lawn? Where would you put the plants and trees? These are very common questions. When approaching a new landscape, start with trees. What are your needs? Are you looking for shade or privacy, or just some
A LAWN-LESS YARD DOES NOT HAVE TO LOOK LIKE a lunar landscape. Use garden sculpture, trees, ground cover, shrubs and bark to create a spectacular design requiring little maintenance or water.
vertical appeal? Tree sizes need to compliment the size of your home. Do you live in a single or double story? Once you figure
Blue Devils, from page 1 on the field off Highway 4, affectionately known as “Mars.” Kyle Peterson, a second generation trumpet player says “drive for perfection” is what keeps the members showing up for practice. This is Kyle’s last year performing. Wayne Downey, brass supervisor and composer/ arranger, will miss him. “Kyle Peterson’s contribution to the Blue Devil’s this year, as well as all the years he participated in the Blue Devil organization, was awesome,” Downey says. The B Corps is for a slightly younger group of kids. Aging from 13 to 21, this group is practicing just as hard. Alyssa Citero is also a second generation Blue Devil. She was part of the silver
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FLOWER POWER Perennials are where you are going to get a lot of your flower power. Penstemon is one of the hardiest and heaviest blooming evergreen perennials available. Many of the Salvia, Yarrow and Rudbeckia family are also very front-yard worthy. When the planting is done, apply a thick layer of mulch or bark. This top-dressing will keep your plants cooler in the summer and warmer in the fall, and also help with inhibiting weed growth. The addition of mulch will also make your landscape look finished.
There’s another advantage, Tanner says: “We get fit and skinny!”
After the World Championship performance, the Colts football team invited the Blue
are all fabulous ornamental grasses that really thrive in our Clayton Valley climate. Research and ask questions when considering ornamental grasses. It is easy to install the wrong plant in the wrong place.
Anne-Marie Stark
ALYSSA CITERO charms the crowd during the Blue Devil’s performance in Sacramento.
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Devils to perform at their pre-season halftime show the following Sunday to a crowd of 50,000. “They didn’t boo us,” said Olivia Hansen. “Having the special team practicing on the field at the same time was a new experience.” The Blue Devils accept performers between the ages of 8 and 21, and organizers stress that there is a team for all levels and abilities. The goal of the organization is for their programs to permanently enrich the lives of young people through a commitment to youth development and performance excellence, while providing enjoyment for the local community and audiences worldwide. For information on joining the Blue Devils, go to www.BlueDevils.org. Anne-Marie Stark is a freelance photojournalist. Email her at AMStark77@gmail.com.
*More than six quarts of oil, balancing tires, and tax extra. Except for full synthetic oil, includes oil specified by the vehicle Owner’s Manual, including dexos1® synthetic blend for 2011 and newer vehicles. See participating dealer for eligible vehicles and details. †Local competitor’s ad/written estimate or Internet quote including freight charges for identical tire(s) required during guarantee periods for price match. Offer valid at participating dealers. ©2012 General Motors. All rights reserved.
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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
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The Contra Costa Water Department has been encouraging their customers, for several years now, to remove their lawns and replace them with waterwise plant material. They have even created a program to give their customers a rebate for doing so. If you are interested or curious, give them a call at 688-8320 or check their website at www.ccwater.com/conserve. Autumn is approaching, faster than we expect. October and November are great times to attack such a project. Get your ducks in a row now, and lets do something different with our landscapes.
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medal-winning open class this year. “Performing with everyone else around me makes me perform better and bigger,” Alyssa says, and it is part of coming together to have a winning corp. “We are extremely hard-working,” she says. “We learn discipline and we learn to become amazing performers, and we become something that we didn’t know we could become.” There are a lot more advantages to performing, including seeing other parts of the country. “We perform in huge stadiums like Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis,” said B Corps member Tanner Frey. “It is the coolest thing ever.”
shade, Chinese Pistache. For two-story shade, consider Raywood Ash. For privacy, think about a Laurel. If you need vertical ornamental interest, Crape Myrtle and Chitalpa are both stunners in our climate. Shrubs need to be considered as support of the foundation of the home, as well as visual support for any trees. Almost every woody shrub is water-efficient. Use shrubbery that contrasts with the color of your home. If your house is painted cream, beige or light taupe, install dark green and red foliaged shrubs. If your home is painted a deep color, add contrast with variegated or gray-leafed shrubs. Ornamental grasses add depth to a landscape. We like to use them to define walkways, and accessorize decorative boulders and other features. Phormium, carex, pennesitum and cordyline
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