Have a Happy Thanksg iving IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com
November 23, 2012
925.672.0500
Clayton’s new top cop eager to return to small town policing TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
HOWARD GELLER
MAYOR’S CORNER
A Contra Costa Sheriff ’s Department captain with 26 years experience, a quick wide smile and a warm handshake will take over as Clayton’s police chief on November 30. Christopher Thorsen, 49, will replace Dan Lawrence who is retiring after seven years leading the department. Thorsen was “far and away” the best candidate for the job, said City Manager Gary Napper. After narrowing down the field to eight from the original 22 applicants, Thorsen was “clearly head and shoulders above the competition,” said City Manager Gary Napper. Clayton resident Sandy Johnson sat on the citizens’ panel that interviewed the three finalists. She said Thorsen pulled ahead of the other two early in the process. She describes the new chief as innovative and enthusiastic. “He’s genuine, the real deal,” she said.
Reflections on a dynamic year The holiday season is in full swing. We are all scurrying around planning family and community activities. Thanks to the Clayton Business and Community Association (CBCA), the decorations are up and once again our downtown looks like a picture from a Norman Rockwell calendar. A complete list of city and CBCA events is in this issue of the Clayton Pioneer and on the city’s website. Serving as your mayor in 2012 has been an experience I will long remember. It was a busy year for Clayton. The loss of our Redevelopment Agency and the state demanding repayment of funds received but not yet spent, stymied our opportunity to think outside the box. Clayton has fared well these past years. We had balanced
See Mayor, page 6
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
See Police Chief, page 2
CLAYTON’S NEW POLICE CHIEF, CHRIS THORSEN, A 26-YEAR VETERAN OF THE CONTRA COSTA SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT will be sworn in at the Dec. 4 City Council meeting. Thorsen was police chief in Oakley for five years and was the first choice of both the citizen’s interview panel and the professional interview panel comprised of police chiefs from other cities.
Pioneer
Christmas
Daisy Troop learns value of recycling first-hand Cookie NICCI SHIPSTEAD Clayton Pioneer
It’s not every day a bunch of young Girl Scouts get to learn about the world with the help of things that have been tossed away. But that’s just what hap-
pened when Daisy Troop 33202 from Mt. Diablo Elementary visited Mt. Diablo Recycling to study the Four Rs: Respect the earth, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. It was also fun to see cool machines sort and package tons
of material into rectangular cubes for transporting around the world to become other useful items. Mt. Diablo Recycling in Pittsburg – owned by the Garaventa family – is the largest California recycling facility. The
1,000 pounds of girls, siblings, grandparents and parents combined weighed a mere pittance compared to the 49,000-pound recycling truck entering the 90,000 square foot state-of-theart facility – or to the tons of
recycling center. Mt. opened serving
that flow through the
Contest
Diablo Recycling in September 2008, Concord, Pittsburg,
Entry Form page 11
See Recycling, page 6
Helix, Birsan top field in nasty Concord council race Police Officers Association’s ‘racist’ mailer inflames voters DENISEN HARTLOVE Clayton Pioneer
Nicci Shipstead/Clayton Pioneer
DAISY TROOP 33202 AND THEIR SIBLINGS TOURED MT. DIABLO RECYCLING to learn about the 4 R’s: Respect the earth, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. From left to right: Karleigh, Elena, Isabella, Haley, Ava, Shantelle, Megan, Lexie, Montse, Sophia, Erika, Molly and Jack.
What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Community Calendar . . . . . .13 Design and Décor . . . . . . . .18 Directory of Advertisers . . . . .5
Despite an election season tainted by accusations of racism and hit-piece mailers, Concord voters embraced diversity and selected two very different candidates for city council to lead the city into the future. Edi Birsan, a longtime and often vocal attendee of council meetings, and incumbent Dan Helix – a Concord government veteran who had previously been appointed to fill Mark Peterson’s vacant seat – were selected by their community
Doctor’s Orders . . . . . . . . . . .9 Fashion Over 50 . . . . . . . . .18 Financial Sense . . . . . . . . . . .7 Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
from a field of 10 candidates. Helix won with 22.04 percent of the vote, while Birsan had 18.73 percent. Tim McGallian was third with 15.66 percent, while Harmesh Kumar was fourth with 13.36 percent of the vote. HIT PIECE BACKFIRES Birsan’s campaign – his second time running for a seat on the council – may have benefited from a hit piece aimed at him from the Concord Police Officers Association. The group, which bills itself as a “non-profit organization representing the 145 sworn men and women police officers of the Concord Police Department,” sent a flyer
See Concord, page 6 Hiker’s Haven . . . . . . . . . . .20 Holiday Guide . . . . . . . . . .10 Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . .17
Mike Dunn/Clayton Pioneer MEN WITH VERY DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW will represent
TWO
Concordians on the Concord City Council starting next month. Dan Helix has been a force in Concord government for nearly 50 years; and Edi Birsan takes his seat after an unsuccessful run in 2008.
Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Sports Shorts . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Tech Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
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Page 2
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Police Chief, from page 1 Thorsen brings a wide variety of experience to the job including more than five years as Oakley’s chief of police, a post that he left only when he was promoted to captain. Oakley City Councilman Jim Frazier describes Thorsen as “an amazing man; compassionate, well respected by those who worked for him.” “Clayton hit the lotto with Chris,” Frazier said. “I can’t say enough. He was huge and everyone loved him.” Thorsen says his five years as Oakley’s police chief were the most satisfying of his career. “I love community policing,” he said. “Nothing is too small. When citizens call, they are often frustrated and there’s an expectation you’re going to help.
I love telling them what we can do for them.” “Not everyone will get what they want,” he continued. “But, everyone has a voice and deserves to be heard.” Thorsen’s career in law enforcement began 26 years ago, right after he was laid off from his job in heavy equipment sales for the second time. It was close to Christmas and he remembers driving home through the Caldecott thinking, “Man, if I had a wife and kids right now, this would really be a bummer.” He knew it was time to find a new direction. Law enforcement had always had an appeal for him, so he signed up as a reserve deputy. He was “hooked” and a year
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later, he was full time with the sheriff ’s department. He has always been drawn to the “people” aspect of his job. “I know my strengths,” he said. “I can do the budgets, the training, the management; I have all those skills. But, what really energizes me is this – talking with people; the interpersonal stuff.” Thorsen was born and raised in El Cerrito. While he was in the fourth grade, his family moved to Walnut Creek where he still lives with his wife, Ann, an accountant in Oakland, and daughter, who is a junior at Clayton Valley Charter High School. He has a son, 21 who attends Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. When not on the job, the family spends time at their vacation cabin in Tahoe. Thorsen’s first official day on the job is November 30.
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LISA YORK, KATHY WILLIAMS, EMILY YORK, Sarah Williams, Kelly Clough, Madison York , JD Williams, Kevin York and Jack Clough took the Pioneer along on their recent trip to Disneyland.
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November 23, 2012
What’s happening Around Town?
Lynn and John Farizell and Jim and Sandra Sealock welcomed a new grandson in September. Jackson James Sealock weighed in at 7 lbs. 3 oz. and was 20 ½ inches tall when he joined his parents Ashley and Scott Sealock in their Martinez home on Sept. 13.
Send your news of births, engagements, weddings, special recognitions, travels, parties, etc. to info@claytonpioneer.com. Please attach your photos to the email as jpg files between between 3MB and 6MB and include a caption to identify people in your photos.
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SF . . . .2152 . . . .2391 . . . .1804 . . . .2100 . . . .1926 . . . .1823 . . . .1909 . . . .3307 . . . .1378 . . . .1939 . . . .2116 . . . .2854 . . . .2032
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November 23, 2012
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 3
Clayton revs up for the holidays
“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas all around the town ...”
At 6 p.m., the Mt. Diablo Elementary School Chorus will officially kick off the season with caroling at the gazebo in The Grove. After
It’s the time of year when Clayton dresses up in all its sparkling finest to look like a Currier and Ives Christmas card. Red bows and garland surround the gazebo in The Grove Park where a stately tree sparkles in LED splendor, while Santa and the reindeer wait for their big night on the arbor across the way. Mark your calendars now because the holidays in Clayton are a busy time. The season officially kicks off on Dec. 1, when the carriage rides sponsored by Stephanie Lopez, Leigh Klock, Ed Moresi and P2C Foundation come back for a fourth year. This year, Clayton’s own Vintage will be on hand during the rides with Christmas music in the park. All four members of this popular group, Santiago and Joyce Martinez, Maryann Tarantino and Roxanne Pardi are Clayton residents.
the caroling, follow Santa down Main Street for the Tree Lighting where he will flip the switch on the official city tree and light up the night sky. After the tree lighting, join neighbors and friends for hot cider and donuts in front of Clayton Community Church. Then, just one week later on Dec. 8, Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their annual stop in Clayton. Both will be at Endeavor Hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the CBCA Dessert with Mrs. Claus where the popular couple will hear from the mouths of the babes themselves just who has been naughty and who has been nice. The event is free, but donations to CBCA are welcome.
Also on Dec. 8, Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, begins. Each night at sundown for eight days another Menorah candle in the lot next to the tree will light up. Later that week on Thursday, Dec. 13, Clayton bakers of all ages will have the chance to show their stuff at the Clayton Pioneer’s Annual Christmas Cookie Contest and Judging Party. Live music by Vintage, Christmas caroling and plenty of games and activities will keep everyone busy during the judging. After the winners are announced, it’s cookies and milk for everyone. So drag out Grandma’s recipe box and
start digging through cookbooks to find the mouthwatering specialty that will wow the judges and earn you a place in Pioneer history. Entry form and details are on page 11. On Dec. 16, from noon to 7 p.m., rain or shine, five gorgeously decorated Clayton area homes will open their front doors for the Clayton Historical Society Christmas Home Tour. Tickets for the tour are $20 and all proceeds benefit the Clayton Historical Society. The tour begins at the Clayton Museum, all decked out in its splendidly Victorian best. And finally, as the year winds down, bring the kids
over to the Clayton Community Gym for the annual Clayton Counts Down New Year’s Eve event. This noalcohol, free celebration is open to all with games, clowns, crafts, movies and barbecued hot dogs and hamburgers. This all-volunteer event is sponsored by the city of Clayton with generous donations from merchants and community members. The fun starts at 5 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m., leaving plenty of time for mom and dad get home, change and go celebrate with their friends. To volunteer to help with this event, send an email to the city clerk, Laci Jackson at ljackson@ci.clayton.ca.us.
18th Annual Carol Sing at Concord United Methodist Church PAMELA WIESENDANGER Clayton Pioneer
Eighteen years ago at Christmastime, Concord United Methodist Church wanted to help teach children that when one gives to someone else, one actually gives to oneself in return. Children were asked to bring in toys to give to local needy children to brighten their holiday. Only a handful of toys were collected that year but every year, this spirit of giving back grows. Eventually, Concord United Methodist partnered with the Marines and their Toys for
Tots program. For the past several years, so many toys were donated that the Marines brought two Humvees to hold everything. Word continues to spread and now the Mt. Diablo Harley Owners Group Chapter joins in. Imagine over 80 bikers roaring up the street to drop off their toys! The church’s way to thank everyone for supporting the toy drive is by having a Carol Sing. This is a fun-filled evening of delightful Christmas music. Several music groups will be singing, including Ladies First from Concord High School and HouseBlend. The Community Orchestra
from Concord United Methodist will play as well. And of course, there is the not-to-be-missed, traditional sing along to “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” With so much holiday cheer in one spot, including cookies and hot chocolate, expect Santa to visit, too. This year, the Carol Sing will be presented twice on Dec. 8 at 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Arrive a few minutes early to drop off new, unwrapped toys and find a seat. Concord United Methodist Church is located at 1645 West St., Concord.
COME AND SING ALONG WITH CONCORD UNITED METHODIST Church at their Carol Sing - a community thank you for a successful toy drive..
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Page 4
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
November 23, 2012
Pastor ‘encouraged’ by city talks over downtown land TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
Clayton Community Church may sell part of its downtown holdings to the city of Clayton, says CCC Pastor Shawn Robinson. Robinson wants the city to buy the undeveloped 1.7 acres on Main Street next to the church offices and says discussions with the city have been “reasonable” and he is “pretty optimistic.” CCC has applied to the city to build a four-building complex on their 2.5-acre Town Center parcel. The project is complicated and would require several changes to existing zoning laws, including a waiver of the onsite parking requirement, allowing the church to use public parking – street and public lots – to meet their needs. There has been considerable community resistance to building a church in the Town Center,
which is zoned for commercial. Much of the concern has centered on the parking issue and traffic congestion that would come with a project of that size. That application has been “on hold” while the church negotiates to buy a bigger piece of land, still in Clayton but not in the Town Center, that would be a less complicated site for building their worship center. The new property, known as the Frank Ranch, is 4.5 acres on the hill behind Mt. Diablo Elementary School. Robinson says without the requirements that control development in the Town Center, he could build a smaller, one-story building on the property, which is big enough to have all parking on-site. Building on the downtown property requires two-story buildings with a sizeable percentage devoted to retail space and the use of street and public lots to meet their parking requirements.
“The Frank property will actually work for us,” Robinson said. “There have been many suggestions about where we could go,” he said. “But this is the first one that will actually work.” However, to make it happen, Robinson says they must sell at least half of their downtown property “which would put us in within striking distance” of being able to close on the Frank property. The sale would give them the money they need to go ahead with the project on the hill and they could wait to sell the rest of the Main Street property until the real estate market recovers. The sale of the downtown property and the Frank property purchase must close escrow by early spring, Robinson said. “If it falls apart, then we go back to the original plan.” So far, city officials are staying mum on a potential purchase.
‘Christmas for Everyone’ needs your help this season Christmas for Everyone (CFE) is a non-profit volunteer organization serving people in need during the Christmas season in Contra Costa County. Your help is needed to provide a full Christmas Day so no one spends the holiday alone or in need. Volunteers provide transportation to and from the event. Each guest receives a new gift and gently-used clothing. A tra-
LEIGH KLOCK
ditional Christmas meal is served with all the trimmings. Drop off your donation of new or gently-used clothing at the Clayton Pioneer office or call Howard Geller (925) 3234913. To volunteer, call (925) 228-2233 or e-mail t wc 9 8 p e r e z @ c o m c a s t . n e t . Help is definitely needed Christmas Day.
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November 23, 2012
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
City of Clayton now accepting applications for
TRAILS AND LANDSCAPING COMMITTEE
P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517
Office Term: Jan. 2013 - Dec. 2014 TAMARA
AND
R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers
The Trails and Landscaping Committee, comprised of up to 11 members, is appointed by the Clayton City Council. This citizens committee advises the city council and city manager on maintenance, improvement and financial matters related to the 2007 Citywide Landscape Maintenance District (a community facilities district). The District has an annual budget to maintain the roadway and median public landscaped areas, public open space/hillsides of the city, annual weed abatement and seasonal fire break tasks, the Clayton fountain and the trails system of the city.
TAMARA S TEINER , Editor P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design P EGGY S PEAR , Copy Editor J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports PAMELA W IESENDANGER , Administration S TAFF W RITERS : Denisen Hartlove, Nicci Shipstead, Pam Wiesendanger, Mike Dunn
We remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit is our muse
PIONEER INFO CONTACT US Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580 Tamara Steiner tamara@claytonpioneer.com Send ads to ads@claytonpioneer.com Send Sports News to sports@claytonpioneer.com Send Club News to clubnews@claytonpioneer.com Send Church News to churchnews@claytonpioneer.com
Send School News to schoolnews@claytonpioneer.com
Send Classified Ads to classified@claytonpioneer.com
CLASSIFIEDS Classified rates per insertion: $48 for first 30 words, $.40 each additional word Non-profit: $24 for first 30 words, $.20 each additional word To place your classified ad over the phone, call the office at (925) 6720500 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Or, you may fax your typewritten ad and credit card information to (925) 672-6580. All classifieds must be paid for in advance by credit card (Master Card or Visa) We will not accept any ad that discriminates on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, family status or disability. The Clayton Pioneer
reserves the right to reject any advertising we believe is unsuitable. LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a Clayton resident. You will find the appropriate form for your announcement on our Website. Attach your photo to the form. Make sure the image size you are about to send is at least 3 MB but not bigger than 6MB. The only format we accept is JPG. You can also mail or bring your print to the office and we can scan it for you. Also on our Website are forms for submitting Community Calendar items and press releases for your organization. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 250 words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print letters from “anonymous.” E-mail your letter in a Word document to tamara@claytonpioneer.com. Letters MUST be submitted via E-mail.
For applications and more information, contact Clayton City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail, (925) 673-7300 or email ljackson@ci.clayton.ca.us; or visit the city website at www.ci.clayton.ca.us.
Application deadline is 5 p.m., Dec. 21. Appointments are expected at the second city council meeting in January.
Page 5
Directory of Advertisers Auto Clayton Valley Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3900 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 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 672-1519 Cheyenne Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .566-8226 Copa Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-2202 Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .822-5144 Iron Horse Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .595-3951 Ken Mitolo Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2460 Steffan Smith Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0497 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Dentistry Perfect Smiles Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . .889-9212 Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 Memo’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0395 Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737, ext. 205
Classified CHILDCARE/ PRE-SCHOOL Clayton Community School at Mt. Diablo Elementary offers schoolage childcare: 6:45 a.m. - 6:15 p.m. Preschool: 9 - 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Call 6720388 for details.
SENIOR SERVICES Getting you out and about. Local mom, active in the community, offering non-medical and practical help: shopping, errands, salon, doctor visits. Transportation included. Seniors About Town, Terri Gerow at 330-5090.
Financial and Insurance Services Held, Chris - Morgan Stanley Smith Barney . . . .930-3815 Littorno, Richard - Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . . .432-4211
HELP WANTED Rodie’s Seeking part-time Administrative Assistant. Strong math, computer and phone communication skills required. Must be able to work Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, eight hours each. Email resume to nicole@rodiesfeed.com. No phone calls please. Come join Mazzei Realty! Currently interviewing and hiring new and experienced real estate agents. Call 693-0757 for details. Real Estate Agents Be Successful! Lynne French is expanding and interviewing for a few agents. Call her today 6728787.
Prosperitas Wealth Management . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7700 Travis Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-877-8328 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . .672-2300 Funerals Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Home and Garden Clear Splash Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6245 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Flooring City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-8220 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 Sherwin-Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-5367 Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055 Waraner Tree Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-0334 Optometry Foresight Optometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4100 Pet Services Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Peace of Mind Pet Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9781 Pittsburg Pet Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-7387 Rodie’s Feed and Pet Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Real Estate and Mortgage Services French, Lynne - Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787 Klock, Leigh - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593
March 25-28, 2013 Tour includes the following: • Roundtrip airfare-OAK • Roundtrip transfers-American Canyon and Concord Senior Center • 3 nights hotel accommodations at the Excalibur Hotel Standard Tower • Roundtrip transfers-pick up at LAS Airport/Excalibur Hotel • Tournament of Kings Show with Dinner (includes all taxes, server gratuity, ticketing fees) • 5 hour Hoover Dam Motor coach Tour with Private Guide • Travel Insurance by Travel Insured • Optional Excursions/ Shows available upon request $675 per person for single/double occupancy $90 Non-refundable deposit due upon registration $585 Final payment is due no later than February 1, 2013
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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. 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.
Laurence, Pete - RE/MAX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .890-6004 Lopez, Stephanie - Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . .932-7329 Mazzei, Matt -Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . .672-4433 Recreation and Fitness Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Kali Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .276-0845 Senior Services Courtyards at Pine Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-3900 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . .524-5100 Montecito - Oakmont Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . .852-6702 Services, Other Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989
Clayton Historical Society Museum The Clayton Historical Society Museum needs a greeter for two hours per month from 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays or Sundays. Call the museum at 672-0240 and leave your name.
Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029 Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . . . .473-0180 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 Travel Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447 Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9840 Holiday Guide
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.
Abbey Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Blessed Brides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1200 Cegielski Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-2855 Clayton Business and Community Association . .672-2272 Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454 Great Clips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-9003 Jennifer Leischer Interior Design . . . . . . . . . . . . .270-9955
Please let our advertisers know you saw them in the Clayton Pioneer
Sublime Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-5599 The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Vintage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vintagetrio.com Waraner Bros. Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .831-2323
Kindness Do the Right Thing
Page 6
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Obituary
Takeshi Okumura 1916 – 2012
Takeshi Okumura of Clayton died on October 31 of natural causes. Takeshi “Tak” was born in El Monte, Calif. and was a farmer in San Gabriel Valley from 1930 to 1956 except for the four years of WWII when he lived in Brighton, Colo. After the war he resumed farming and operated a gardening business in La Puente until his retirement in 1998. He was a Boy Scout Master
in La Puente for over 10 years and received a Community Service Award for his dedication. Tak had achieved a third degree black belt in Judo, loved nature and especially enjoyed trout fishing with his wife. He was a great reader of historical and current events and received his AA degree from Mt. San Antonio Jr. College in Walnut, Calif. He was an advocate of good health and stayed physically active his whole life. He was predeceased by his wife, Ruth, in 2006. He is survived by his brother, Tomotsu Okumura who lives in Kumamoto Ken, Japan; his four children Joyce Berry, Cary Okumura, Irwin Okumura, and Sandra Bohn of Clayton; eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren A memorial service will be held on Nov. 16 at the Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in Los Angeles.
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Residents encouraged to apply for openings on four Concord boards, commissions The Concord City Council encourages residents to apply for openings on the Community Services Commission, Design Review Board, Personnel Board and Planning Commission. Deadline for applications is Friday, Jan. 4, 2013. Applicants must be residents of Concord. Three Concord commissions will have openings for Concord residents in the coming year: The Community Services Commission, the Personnel Board and the Planning Commission. A fourth commission, the Design Review Board , has three terms expiring, however all of the incumbents are expected to apply for reappointment, said Mary Rae Lehman,
Concord City Clerk. The Community Services Commission is comprised of up to nine members and is recruiting for three members and two alternates. This commission reviews funding requests, advises the City Council on the allocation of General Fund monies for human services and the expenditure of Federal Community Development Block Grant monies for programs and projects. It also monitors the performance of funded programs, and identifies housing, neighborhood and social service needs within the community. Five members are selected by their fellow commissioners to serve on the Mt. Diablo Health
Concord, from page 1 to local voters with what many claimed was a racist attack on Birsan, who had previously advocated for public employees pension reform. “There’s one other bit of information Ed Birsan is keeping from voters,” the flyer stated. “Ed Birsan’s real name is Edi Birsalesi Birsan, not Ed Birsan. He changed that on the ballot too – to persuade voters to vote for him.” The piece backfired, however. Most of the other candidates for Concord City Council left their middle names off the ballot, and their omission went unquestioned by the POA. Public outcry over the mailer’s racist nature gave Birsan’s campaign a final push for him to win one of the two open seats. The CPOA has always been a strong force in Concord politics, and their backing has helped candidates in successful bids in the past. Mary Jo Rossi, who has been identified by insiders as a longtime media consultant to groups
including the POA, previously wrote a bulletin aimed at police, deputy sheriff and public employee unions titled, “Can Your Organization Count to Three.” In it, she advised that unions work to ensure there are three members of their local city councils who support them on issues relating to salaries and benefits. “Plan to take out your enemies,” she wrote. “Make a point of blocking the election of subpar candidates, even if you do this one election at a time. This will also show the other elected officials that your support or opposition means something … Send … a mail piece … to voters telling them why this elected official should not be elected. What do you have to lose?” Helix, whose campaign was managed by Rossi, said he had no knowledge of the mailer before it was sent. “But I think it helped him more than anything,” he said. Neither Rossi nor the POA returned calls seeking comment.
Recycling, from page 1
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November 23, 2012
Oakley, Discovery Bay and Rio Vista. “Going green is not new to our family,” said Sil Garaventa, Jr., vice chair of Garaventa Enterprises. His grandfather, Andrea Moresco, operated a one-truck garbage route in the 1930s in the then-country town of Concord. “My grandfather was the original recycler,” Garaventa said. “Less than 6 percent is trash,” said Adriana Medina, assistant recycling coordinator, “and even that we sell to a company in San Jose.” Greeted by Medina, public tours begin at a bird’s eye perch overlooking mountains of materials.
The Daisies spotted a basketball and a Skipolini’s Pizza box before entering the processing floor for their weigh in. Collectibles dumped in the “new generation” totally enclosed facility are sorted using a system of belts, filters and slides on “Big Blue” in a single stream process capable of separating 20 tons of recyclables per hour. There are six categories of recyclables: plastic (which is shipped to China to become, impressively, sweatshirts and tents), aluminum, cardboard, paper, aluminum cans and glass. Mt. Diablo Recycling now also takes the plastic bags used by retailers.
Care District Grant Committee to review that committee’s funding requests. Meetings are held the third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the City Manager’s Conference Room, 1950 Parkside Drive. Members may be required to meet more often in the spring. The Personnel Board is comprised of five members and is seeking to appoint two members. The board receives and hears appeals and grievances, conducts hearings on personnel matters, gathers information and data and provides written reports of findings. Meetings are scheduled on an as-needed basis. There are five members on the Planning Commission and
the city seeks to fill three of these. The Planning Commission reviews developments, tentative subdivision maps, use permits, rezoning applications and administers the city’s General Plan. The commission meets the first and third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chamber located at Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Drive. The meetings are televised live on Channel 28 (Comcast) and Channel 29 (Astound). Pick up applications at the City Management Offices, 1950 Parkside Drive, or call (925) 671-3495 to request one by mail Application forms are available on the city’s website at www.cityofconcord.org/citygov/bc/ b-c.htm.
DIFFERENCES OF OPINION Birsan – who ran on a platform advocating transparency in public policymaking – said one of his first tasks will be to work to clarify the means by which Concord’s mayors are selected. Currently, elected members of the Concord City Council choose from among themselves a council person to serve as mayor and another to serve as vice mayor. “I think the first priority has got to be to make this selection process more transparent,” Birsan said. “People talk about a rotation, but it’s never been defined.” One of the main differences he has with fellow winner Helix is about the Concord Naval Weapons Station development plan. Birsan opposes the proposed expansion of Denkinger and West Streets to accommodate traffic to the “clustered villages” development plan adopted by the city. He fears the plan will bring unnecessary traffic and damage established neighborhoods. Helix, on the other hand, hopes that, if an “angel” could be enticed to fund a sports com-
plex or soccer field, the development could be a magnet for other businesses to come. “It’s an enormous, almost historical opportunity we have to put Concord on the national map,” he said. Helix, who served as Mayor of Concord from 1972-1974, also plans to start a youth council. To get started, he hopes to initiate a forum on local government for high school students to learn how their city offices work, with a goal of getting them involved in running their government. “I want young people to know something about that,” he said. “This is where we’re going to be getting our next generation of community leaders.” Despite differing ideas on how the city should be run, both candidates look forward to working with each other and the rest of the council. “We’ve gone through a pretty brutal and ugly campaign,” Birsan said. “Now’s the time to step back and look at what we have in common, not what divides us.”
Another machine – aptly named Wall-E after the 2008 Pixar movie robot designed to clean up trash on a devastated earth by “eating” and packaging garbage into cubes – bundles sorted material into bales shipped all over the world for processing into new products. Medina explained how “garbage” (stuff that can’t be used anymore) dumped into a huge hole dug into the ground and covered over creates landfill. The more materials recycled means the hole fills up slower. Fewer holes make for more places to play soccer, a favorite pastime Medina shares with the Daisies. Six-year-old Sophia Carcamo explains the difference between recycling and garbage: “It looks
a lot like trash but there’s a lot of cardboard,” she said. Visitors also got ideas for crafts reusing recycled materials. “I made a cane, like a walking cane, once – out of a long tube that was skinnier than a toilet paper tube,” said Shantelle Tupaz. The Daisy’s will earn a badge for visiting the recycling center. “It ties in with our group lessons on taking care of others and ourselves,” said troop leader Lyndee Moylan.
Landscape improvements were made to the Clayton fountain. Median improvements were made along Main Street from Mitchell Canyon to Center Street. The joint Daffodil Hill landscaping project with the CBCA was completed. We celebrated our fifth year hosting the Farmers Market and the Concerts in The Grove Park Series. Successful negotiations with our miscellaneous staff resulted in an annual cost savings to the city of $97,284. We honored our two Olympic medal winners with a hometown parade. The city issued 22 building permits for Diablo Pointe. We finalized the negotiations with the Clayton Police Department for an annual savings to the city of $126,046. We hired a new chief of police. As you can see, your city staff and council had a busy and productive year. It has been my honor to
represent the city of Clayton as your mayor this past year. The chore of writing this column biweekly has become a passion I have grown to enjoy and will miss. I want to thank all of my “fans” that e-mailed comments and told me how much they looked forward to reading my columns. I appreciate your vote of confidence and for re-electing me to the Clayton City Council for another four years. On a personal note, Debbie and I want to extend our best wishes to you and your family. We ask that you continue to show compassion in your life to others less fortunate. Greet the day with a smile and end it feeling you have made your community a better place to live. May this year bring you all good health and inner peace. As always, you can e-mail your comments and questions to Councilmangeller@aol.com.
Located at 1300 Loveridge Road, Pittsburg, Mt. Diablo Recycling offers a buy-back center open Mon-Fri. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit them online at www.mtdiablorecycling.com. To set up a tour contact Adriana Medina at 925-771-2721.
need more than pie charts. You need a Financial Advisor who understands your specific life situation, and who can give you the sound guidance you need in an uncertain world. Chris is that Financial Advisor. With more than 10 years of experience, Chris is ready to work with you in areas including retirement planning, wealth management and all aspects of your financial goals. Meet with him, and take control of your financial future today.
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CRC394280 6814860 FAS004 10/11 © 2011 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.
Mayor, from page 1 budgets when other cities did not. Our employees have worked well with us. Once again in 2012, employees did not receive pay increases and we continued our program of 11 unpaid furlough days. I am happy to report we have not had to lay off anyone and still manage to retain our city services. With the turn in our real estate market, it looks like we are beginning an economic recovery. There is excitement brewing in our downtown community. Canesa’s Deli and Catering has signed a lease to take over the spot where Hair by Jim was located. Word is out that Flora Square has had several inquiries for their vacant storefront. One was for a yogurt shop. Another was for a healthy upscale Mexi-
can restaurant that would serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Other downtown properties have been listed for sale and developers are exploring the possibilities of high-density housing, combined retail/commercial and retail/residential. The Clayton Community Church is working on securing the Frank’s property, subject to the sale of their Main Street property. Could it be that Clayton is about ready to enter into a building boom? Here are some of Clayton’s highlights for 2012: Clayton’s first Mayor, Bob Hoyer, donated our new flagpole in our Grove Park in honor of his beloved wife, Eldora. Clayton Valley Charter High School was approved. We added 100 parking spots to the Community Park.
November 23, 2012
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 7
Storage, energy efficiency top buyers’ wish lists LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ANSWERS Q. What are some of the current trends that home buyers are looking for? A. As in every market, but especially this current economy, buyers are looking for good value. They want a deal. They are accepting less features on their wish list if they can get a lower price. Properties under $500,000 and especially under $400,000 in our area are selling like hotcakes. Home builders identified 10 amenities buyers are looking for in new home construction. These ranked at the top: Walk-in closet in the master bedroom; separate shower and tub in the master bath; indoor laundry; a great room; higher than 9-foot ceilings on the first floor; low-E windows; energy-efficient appliances and lighting; more linen closets; programmable thermostat and an insulated front door. Buyers are also looking for smaller floor plans. “McMan-
sions” are off the wish list of the majority of buyers. More than 50 percent of the homes sold range from 1,400 to 2,600 square feet. Most seem to be looking for improved energy efficiency. They want homes with “green” features such as energy-efficient heating and A/C systems; efficient design; energy star appliances; more natural light; solar systems and extra insulation in the attic. In 2011 “green” homes made up 17 percent of overall residential construction. By 2016 experts predict that number could climb to 38 percent. Q. I just closed escrow on my new home. I have a huge stack of paperwork. What documents should I file away and keep? How long should I keep them? A. Keep insurance policies to show proof of coverage and keep a record of any claims for at least 5 to 7 years. Keep the settlement statement (HUD-1) for the following year’s taxes to show all fees paid. Keep it for as long as you own the home
because when you sell it you can add some of the fees to your base price to lessen your capital gains; You need to keep the mortgage and note which spell out the terms of the loan, and keep the Truth in Lending statement, which details your annual percentage rate. Keep these for as long as you carry this mortgage loan; And, finally, keep the deed which transfers ownership to you, for as long as you own the home and any riders or affidavits from the sellers or you for 5 to 7 years. Q. You have spoken in the past about the National Association of Realtors being a strong lobbying group. Which presidential candidate were they promoting? A. The National Association of Realtors doesn’t support a particular candidate in the presidential race. They do, however, support individual congressional candidates who support the housing market’s interests. This election, they spent about 54 percent for Republican candidates and 46 percent on Democrats.
Some of the issues they are promoting are: Reforming the secondary mortgage market (Fannie May and Freddie Mac) and reforms that ensure mortgage availability not be so stringent that it is out of reach for the majority of households. Extension of the mortgage tax relief exempting under water home owners from being taxed on the forgiven amount in a modification or a distressed sale Reform of federal flood insurance Protecting higher FHA loan limits and reforming FHA rules to make condo financing more widely available.
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 672-8787 or stop in at 6200 Center St., Clayton.
Life changes can alter your savings plan
CHRIS HELD
FINANCIAL SENSE need for just one primary residence free up income? If so, you may be able to increase your investments. Divorce also raises financial questions. For example, will you need to invest more aggressively to meet the cost of retirement on your own? Adding a family member – The addition of a newborn to your family could signal the need to start planning for some-
one else’s future. Aside from the usual expenses of rearing a child, there’s the cost of an education to consider. Emptying the nest – Many parents with grown children often enjoy a “parental bonus” after their children leave home. If you anticipate a parental bonus, consider investing at least part of it for your retirement needs. Caring for aging relatives – The need to support aging family members, possibly at the same time you’re caring for children of your own, could force you to revise your investment plan to pursue more income for today’s needs or capital appreciation for tomorrow’s. These are just some of the circumstances that can alter your life – and your investment
ILIMA HEUERMAN
FIT
WITH
LEVITY
I never realized how sometimes simple is best. It’s almost that time of year when we resolve to try something new. Why not start by stabilizing, balance and rebuilding your core system. Stability balls are a simple way to a healthy body. For safety, when trying these for the first time, hold onto a wall or prop the ball against something sturdy for added stability. If possible perform 1-3 sets of 10-16 reps of each exercise, taking care to perfect your form before increasing sets or reps. Avoid any moves that cause pain that you’re not clear how to do correctly. BACK EXTENSION Position the ball under your hips and lower torso with the knees straight or bent. With hands behind the head or behind your back, slowly roll
BUTT LIFT Lie on the ball with the head, neck and shoulders supported, knees bent and body in a tabletop position. Lower the hips towards the floor without rolling on the ball. Squeeze the glutes to raise hips until body is in a straight line like a bridge. Hold weights on the hips for added intensity and make sure you press through the heels and not the toes. HIP EXTENSION Lie down with feet heels propped on ball. Keeping abs tight, slowly lift your hips off the floor (squeezing the glutes) until your body is in a straight line. Hold for a few seconds and lower. For added intensity, lift the hips and then take one leg
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Get your body rolling with stability balls down the ball. Lift your chest off the ball, bringing your shoulders up until your body is in a straight line. Make sure your body is in alignment (i.e., head, neck, shoulders and back are in a straight line), your abs are pulled in and don’t hyperextend the back.
plan. For assistance adjusting your portfolio accordingly, consult a qualified financial professional for strategies that can help your investment plan overcome change. Article by McGraw Hill and provided courtesy of Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor. Reach Chris J. Held at 925-930-3815.
DRE#00344166
The potential for change is one of the few constants in life. Whether your circumstances evolve unexpectedly or as the result of careful planning, you may have to alter your investment strategy. The following are transitional events that may present opportunities or savings obstacles: Changing jobs – If you change jobs or get promoted and receive a salary increase, consider investing at least some of the difference for your longterm goals. You won’t miss the money if you invest it right from the start. Tying the knot – The decision to marry or remarry could raise a variety of questions about your portfolio and financial plans. Will your combined assets provide enough income for two retirements? Will the
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off the ball, hold for a moment and lower. Repeat, lifting the other leg off the ball. AB ROLL Place your hands on the ball in front of you, arms parallel. Pulling your belly button towards your spine and tightening your torso, slowly roll forward, rolling the ball out as far as you can without arching or straining the back. Push the elbows into the ball and squeeze the abs to pull the body back to start. BALL ROTATION Lie with ball under shoulders and lower back and raise your arms straight up over chest, palms together. Hold your body in a straight line from hips to knees. Tightening your glutes and abs, slowly twist your body to the left, sweeping arms parallel to the floor, then back up, repeating on the other side. Try not to collapse the body or roll too far, but really Ilima Heuerman holds multiple fitness certifications. She trains at Levity Fitness studio in Clayton. Email Ilima at IlimaHeuerman@levityfitness.com
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
November 23, 2012
New CVCHS club steers toward community service ANDREW NIELSEN Special to the Pioneer
The Mayor of Clayton visited Clayton Valley Charter High School on Friday, Nov. 9, to speak to a newly formed but flourishing club dedicated to community service and betterment. Sharing his own experiences and advice to its members, Mayor Howard Geller addressed the Collaboration, Community, and Career club – or CCC club. The club was founded by three seniors, Charley Jang, Andrew Nielsen and Kenny La, to create a group of students dedicated to working toward the common goals of bettering the community through volunteer services, building relationships through collaboration both
Back row: Jayson Vicente, Andrea Benitez, Mauricio Gomez, Patrick Wellsted, Chris Sanchez, Andrew Nielsen, Dave Katznelson, Alex Hu, Aethan Bollozos and Joseph Cammado. Front row: Katrina Su, Maricela Urias, Kenneth La, Mrs.Ihle (Club Advisor), Charley Jang, Howard Geller, Jerry Cruz, Angel Hernandez and Kevin Dong.
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within and outside of the club, and informing others of the various careers and opportunities by inviting positive role models in the community. The theme of Geller’s talk was “Keep setting the bar higher and keep reaching for it.” Students listened intently, taking as much as they could from the presentation. “I learned a lot,” said CCC club member Jimmy Young. “He inspired me to stop setting my goals low, but reach for more and to not settle for anything less.” Another CCC club member, Alex Hu, said, “I think the most important thing I took from him was that above all find a job that I love and enjoy.” Whatever message they gain, CCC club is helping its members to reach out and explore
Clayton Arts Academy stages mock election ALEX SHIMBERG Special to the Pioneer
While most Californians were following election returns and watching for news updates on Tuesday, Nov. 6, students in Clayton Valley Charter High School’s Clayton Arts Academy were busy preparing for another election. The 120 members of the CAA had been tasked with its bi-annual All-Academy Project, which required them to recreate the presidential campaign process while putting their own creative spin on both a campaign and debate. CAA co-coordinator and government teacher Jenny DeAngelis sees the CAA as a “small-learning community within Clayton Valley Charter High School that emphasizes project-based learning, where students’ humanities classes combine curriculum to allow for an enhanced learning experience that incorporates an arts specialty of the students’ choice into much of what they study.” For the project, students were required to elect a presidential and vice-presidential candidate, create a party along with a platform, and go through the campaign process with individual group members serving in roles such as campaign manager, speechwriter and even Secret Service agents. Seniors and juniors led underclassmen in tasks like creating an advertising campaign, filming campaign commercials and PSAs, creating a back-story for each candidate, and researching facts and policies for the platform of the party. Throughout the project, students kept a close eye on what was happening with our national election, analyzing each of the four debates, researching California’s 2012 state ballot initiatives, and comparing previous presidential election campaigns to what was happening in 2012. On Nov. 7, students busily prepared each of the four “cam-
paign headquarters” on campus and rehearsed their roles so as to be ready for questions asked by visitors, which included social studies classes, administrators, members of CVCHS’ Governing Board, and parents. Students took this opportunity to have their candidates speak directly to visitors, including them in a question-and-answer session, and meet “voters” directly to present their ideas and platforms. Groups prepared brochures, campaign materials, snacks, videos, and even “celebrity endorsers” ready for visitors to witness. After a cycle of visitations to the classrooms, the groups made their way to the candidate debates in the multi-use room, moderated by CVCHS Executive Director David Linzey. Candidates had the daunting task of preparing for six questions to answer and rebut, ranging from queries of how a candidate would handle the nation’s economic issues stemming from the recession, how they’d reform the nation’s education crisis, and what they’d do on their first day in office. “My favorite part of the debate was seeing how well each candidate performed under such pressure,” DeAngelis said. “To see them respond so eloquently
VIGOROUS DEBATE AND ENTHUSIASTIC CAMPAIGNING were the hallmarks of the CVCHS Arts Academy Mock Election. Jacob BenShmuel and Max Renner, representing The United Federation of Tomorrow party, eventually tallied up the most votes.
and thoughtfully was a testament to how hard they worked. And it was so validating to see how other classes responded to them – the volume in that room after the rebuttals was unexpected but created so much energy for our students to feed off of.” The popular vote afterwards declared The United Federation
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the many opportunities that the school, community, and its own members have to offer. The three founders hope to continue to spread their vision and motto, which is “through Collaboration, we build Community and Careers to empower youth to become future leaders and citizens of integrity.” The club has already provided community service to organizations and local businesses such as the Clayton Community Library and Cup o Jo’s. However, CCC club continues to reach out to the community searching for new potential speakers interested in contributing to the club’s Career Speakers Forum and for community service opportunities. For further information, visit the club’s website at www.ccc-club.webs.com or e-mail ccc.club@hotmail.com.
Mt. Diablo Elementary School’s culinary team beams with their success at the first Kid’s Cook Off: Chef Kenny Byrne from Moresi’s Chophouse; Lindsey Welker: First place in the kidfriendly category; Brook Arcanin: Third place in the healthful cooking category; Hailey Conger: Honorable mention in the best taste category; and Olivia Yoshii: Second place in the healthful cooking category.
On Nov. 7, culinary teams of fourth- and fifth-graders competed in Mount Diablo Unified School District’s first Kid’s Cook Off Competition. The purpose of the competition was to promote healthy food choices and encourage kids to be involved in the cooking process. Teams from Mt. Diablo Elementary in Clayton, Westwood Elementary in Concord, Gregory Gardens Elementary in Pleasant Hill and Bancroft Elementary in Walnut Creek worked together in Concord High School’s cafeteria to get their dishes cooked and plated before being judged on taste, presentation, nutrition and kidfriendliness. Chefs from Moresi’s Chophouse in Clayton, Harvest Market in Walnut Creek, Fiore Restaurant in Concord and Jack’s Bistro in Pleasant Hill coached and mentored the student teams.
November 23, 2012
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 9
Trip to Kenya opens eyes to Compassion JOHN JACKSON Special to the Pioneer
I’m standing in front of a little house. It is one room – 10feet long and 8-feet wide with a bumpy dirt floor. There is a single small mattress tucked neatly
behind a sheet hung from the tin roof. The kitchen consists of a few pots, a jug of water and an open flame in the corner of the room. The rent for this house is $8 per month. Five people live here in the rural plains of Kenya, including Janet, the 12-
year-old seventh grade student I sponsor through Compassion International. My visit to Kenya is not a vacation. I am not here to see the wildlife or play. I am here to visit Janet and experience the work of Compassion.
JOHN JACKSON (CENTER) VISITS WITH WITH JANET, the 12-year old Kenyan student he sponsors through Compassion International and her mother in their home in rural Kenya.
During my visit, I am struck by the simplicity of living for this family. There are no cars to maintain, no television noises creating static and no harried schedules to follow. Janet’s mother is cleaning outside the home and she is eager to welcome an American guest. When she takes the gift of cornmeal and rice that I bring, her face lights up with joy and her eyes fill with tears. She thanks me sincerely, as she knows these items will feed her three children for several days. I also have gifts for Janet: a backpack to encourage her education, some bracelets, pencils, a diary and hair ties. Her smile glows and she timidly thanks me. I am humbled – the giver is more blessed than the receiver in this case. I then go to the Compassion project with Janet. This is where she goes every Saturday; she says it’s the best part of her week. At the project, my $38 per month provides her with regular medical screenings, nutritious meals, academic tutoring, life-skills classes (woodworking, sewing, etc.), and a school uniform. The
uniform is key, because the schooling in Janet’s area is free, but the parents must provide the uniform. Essentially, her sponsorship in the program allows her the privilege of attending school. Many children in her rural area want to attend school but can’t because they don’t have the money. During my week in Kenya I also visit other Compassion projects where children are being rescued from poverty right in front of my eyes. I walk the slum alleys of Mathare, a scene of hopelessness where nearly 1 million people live in three square miles. There is no police protection here and disease is rampant. Education is the only chance children have to one day escape. I meet Kwando, one of these children. She is now 22. At 8, she was crawling in the streets of a slum much like
Mathare. Then she was sponsored by a Compassion project. She was given a school uniform and an opportunity to succeed. She is now preparing to graduate from college with her degree in accounting. She tells me, “I owe my life to Compassion.” Helping the less fortunate can seem overwhelming at times, but after meeting Janet and Kwando, I know that I must help. We all must help. In the words of Edmund Burke, “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” For more information on sponsoring a child through Compassion International, visit compassion.com. John Jackson is principal of Calvary Temple Christian School and a frequent contributor to the Pioneer.
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FRAME SHOW! With Medicare going bankrupt and health care costs rising dramatically it is critical that we make some changes. One such change, born out of the need to improve the health care we provide to individuals and populations at a lower price, is an Accountable Care Organization, or ACO. Let’s face it, we need to do something, because by many measures the health care we provide in America could be better. Currently, we stack up poorly among industrialized nations despite spending a lot more. We have higher infant mortality and rank 24th overall on the disability adjusted life expectancy (DALE) score. (That score measures not only how long people live, but also how well they live.) The ACO hopes to change that. The ACO is one of many ideas that have come out of a branch of the CMS called the Federal Innovation Committee (with input from the likes of Kaiser and others) and it seems to hold the most promise. In an
ACO an insurer (e.g. Medicare, Blue Cross) gives a provider of care (physician, hospital or health system) an amount of money every year to take care of you no matter what you may need, surgery, hospitalization, etc. This is similar to a standard (non-Kaiser) HMO, but it takes it to a higher level. With the ACO the provider’s reimbursement is directly tied to how healthy and happy the patient is. Currently, there are about 150 Medicare ACOs around the country. Whether or not this becomes the standard of practice is yet to be seen and will depend on the success of these 150 “pioneers.” However, the early results are promising and it is very encouraging to see that other health insurers, not just Medicare, are dipping their toes in the ACO waters. Insurers like Blue Shield and Cigna are partnering with providers in the creation and operation of their own ACOs. In fact, some insurers are giving back a part of the savings created by the ACO to
the employer and the individual. It is amazing. Insurance companies are changing the way they are doing business. Good health is now good business. Better care at a lower price – what’s not to like about that? Certainly, there is a bit of skepticism and angst among the public (and the doctors and hospitals for that matter). People want to know how being in an ACO will affect their lives. Essentially, for most everyone, your life will not change, except, hopefully you will be healthier. You will not have to pay more, you will not have to fill out more paperwork and you will not have to change your doctor. What will happen, however, is that your provider will be more involved in your health care. Your provider will be reminding you more regularly to get your colonoscopy and your mammograms. He/she will be paying more attention to your blood sugars if you are a diabetic, your fluid status if you have congestive heart failure, your choles-
DAVID BIRDSALL, M.D.
DOCTOR’S ORDERS terol, etc. There will be better communication between your care providers, and they will be more responsive to your questions and concerns. Bottom line, an ACO is a great concept that has a real chance of improving the healthcare in our country. With Medicare going bankrupt and health care costs rising dramatically, we have to do something. This is a pretty good “something.” For more information on ACOs, go to www. healthaffairs.org/healthpolicybriefs Dr. Birdsall is an emergency room physician at John Muir Hospital. Email questions or comments for him to mdbirdsall@aol.com. We welcome his return to the pages of the Pioneer.
Which Windows should you open this holiday season? WILL CLANEY TECH TALK To the casual shopper, one may have difficulty discerning the nuances between Windows 8 and Windows RT, but you really need to understand the difference between the two. Both look and feel similar but there is one very important distinction between the two. So when shopping for computers, laptops or smart phones this holiday season, we want you to know the difference between the two because buying the wrong operating system (O/S) will have implications.
Windows 8 and Windows RT are the latest Microsoft release of their operating system. Some sales people may not know the difference and unintentionally blur the distinction, and they could lead you to a wrong decision. The O/S, as it is known amongst geeks, is the primary piece of software that launches all applications, utilities, Internet browsers and other programs that people like to run. The way applications launch and how applications run is dependent on the O/S. Perhaps the largest distinction for Windows 8 is support for legacy programs, those apps you already own, are likely to purchase from third parties, or ones you prefer for productivity and business. Those applica-
tions you have been running for years need support from the O/S so they can continue to work. If your legacy applications are already running on Windows XP or Windows 7 then, they will continue to run under Windows 8. But, they will not work under Windows RT. Perhaps the best way to remember the distinction between the two is to see Windows 8 as a computer O/S and Windows RT as a mobile O/S that simply look the same. The reason for the distinction is easy. Computers support code written using legacy x86 code. X86 refers to the architecture the computer CPU uses to execute programs. This code is still used by Intel and AMD for common desktop computers and laptops.
Mobile devices, like tablets, use a CPU with a different, lighter architecture developed by ARM that does not support the x86 code. “Windows RT is a new Windows-based operating system that’s optimized for thin and light PCs that have extended battery life and are designed for life on the go. Windows RT only runs built-in apps or apps that you download from the Windows Store. Windows Update automatically keeps your PC up to date and Windows Defender provides up-to-date virus and malware protection,” according to Microsoft. It contains many of the same features as Windows 8, but is a new
See Tech Talk, page 16
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Pioneer Guide to Holiday Shopping Abbey Carpet & Floor There is nothing that brightens up your home for the holidays more than new floor covering. Imagine walking into your home and seeing new carpet, wood, tile or vinyl on your floors. We have an outstanding selection of all types of flooring to choose from. Even Santa will be surprised at how beautiful your home can look!
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is a mother-daughterowned business, which opened April 1, 2011. We are a women's bridal and formal wear store for average and above-averagesized women. Our idea is that anyone who walks in can try on a dress and have
it be an enjoyable experience. Our boutique offers designer wedding gowns, mother-of-the-bride, bridesmaid and prom dresses.
J. Designs provides interior design services for projects of varying square footages, styles and budgets that reflect your personal style, your family’s needs, and the special character of your home. This holiday season, treat your home to the gifts of functional and practical design, with a sprinkling of stylish whimsy. Got packages to mail? Pressed for time? Stop by The UPS Store in the Vineyard Shopping Center and let owner Tricia Tamura and her knowledgeable staff
help get your gifts delivered safely and on time. They also assist with copies, FAXing, Notary Services, Passport photos, Mailboxes, Document Services and Binding.
Great Clips “Hi. Welcome to Great Clips,” is what you will hear when you walk through our door. We provide walk-in services only, but if you don't like to wait, please feel free to use our online check-in from either your app-ready phone or from Greatclips.com. There you can view the wait times and put your name on the list for up to an hour before you come in. We have seven stylists who have been trained to perfection, earning us five stars on Yelp.com. We
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Vintage Trio Vintage’s unique style of four-part harmony will carry the right tune for your special occasion. This local group has been performing for over 10 years at weddings, private company events, parties and church functions. Members and Clayton residents Joyce Novicky Martinez, Santiago Martinez, Roxanne Pardi and Maryann Tarantino sing as well as play a variety of instruments. Celebrate the season with their newly released Christmas CD, “A Vintage Christmas.” For booking and more information, go to vintagetrio.com.
Welcome the season with a special A A unique unique harmonic harmonic sound sound by by Clayton’s Clayton’s own own
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FREE CHRISTMAS CONCERTS Dec. 7. 7:30 p.m. St. Bonaventure’s Catholic Church 5562 Clayton Rd., Concord Also appearing Donnie Fisi, Malcolm Hunter, John Jordan and Kevin McFarland with special guests Katy and Dell Burchett
Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m. St. Agnes Catholic Church 3966 Chestnut Ave., Concord Donnie Fisi, John Jordan and Bruce Mishkit
Vintage will also appear Dec. 1 starting at 4:30 during the Carriage Rides in Downtown Clayton Dec. 13, 6:30-8 p.m. at the Clayton Pioneer Cookie Contest Judging Party at the Clayton Library
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November 23, 2012
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 11
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the rider build confidence, pride and the understanding of the responsibilities involved with horses whether it is the rider’s first time in the saddle or they dream of competing at the National level.
Cegielski Jewelers Walk into this little jewelry store tucked away off Clayton Road and the artistry of Anna Cegielski is everywhere. Elegant platinum, gold and silver, sparkling diamonds, sapphires, rubies and luscious pearls are all worked into spectacular one-of-a-kind pieces that will make that special person's heart sing this Christmas. Customize a piece of
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jewelry in your collection or design something new for your loved one. Visit this little store for gifts that are sure to become the next treasured family heirloom. Festive gift wrapping included. See our Holiday Guide ad for store location and hours.
Waraner Bros. Tree Service was established in 1980 by Ed Waraner and has been serving the greater Northern California region for over 30 years. Ed is a certified arborist and licensed contractor. He completes each job to the highest standards. Waraner Bros. lives up to its motto: “A Shade Better.”
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e v a h e Com This year will be our ninth annual Christmas Cookie Contest and your chance to stir, bake and taste up a storm of those sweets that bust the diet and send us over the moon. So, dust off the cookbooks and dig out Uncle Bud’s sugar cookie recipe, bake a few practice rounds & enter our contest.
t r e s s u s a l e D s. C PartyPrizes, Favors, r Candy Canes & see Santa, too M th
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Join us at
Historic Endeavor Hall
Judging Party is Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m. in the Clayton Library Community Room. Be there for live music and caroling led by Vintage, games and crafts for the little ones and photos with Santa. Recipes and photos of winners will appear in the Dec. 21 issue.
Saturday, Dec. 8 11 - 2 p.m. Bring your camera
Donation appreciated Free for children 12 & under
Deadline for entry is December 11
Children must be accompanied by an adult
CHRISTMAS in CLAYTON is hosted by the elves of the CBCA (Clayton Business & Community Association.)
Clayton Pioneer’s
CBCA: 672-2272
2012 CHRISTMAS COOKIE CONTEST ENTRY FORM Please fill out a separate form for each entry.
Name (Please print) Address
(Must be 94517 or 94521 resident)
Phone Number Email address (so we can mail instructions) Name of Recipe
Christmas songs by the Mt. Diablo Elementary School Choir
See Santa Claus in person!
Master Baker (20+) Teen Baker (Ages 13-19) Your age____
Junior Baker (Ages 6-12) Your age____
Contestant agrees to being photographed at the competition. Recipes used from published books must identify source. Signature
Mail your entry to: the Clayton Pioneer, PO Box 1246, Clayton, CA 94517; or drop off at our office at 6200 H Center Street, Clayton. If the office is closed, slip it through the mail slot.
Deadline to enter is 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 11 Parent's Signature (for Junior Bakers)
FREE hot apple cider & donut holes provided by CBCA and served by Clayton Community Church (on Main St.)
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672-2272
Page 12
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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Falcon cheer squads raising funds for Las Vegas competition Jan. 28 CAPTION Clayton Valley Falcons cheer squads are raising funds so they can return to Las Vegas Jan. 28 to compete in the JAMZ Nationals. The Falcons field four cheer squads to support Clayton Valley
Athletic Association youth football teams and all four took first or second place in cheer and dance at the recent competition at Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo. The last time the Falcon cheer teams competed at JAMZ in 2006 they claimed a National title. It will cost about $5000
for the 20 girls who have formed a Falcons National cheer squad for JAMZ to travel to Las Vegas. The group is planning a series of fund raisers including a car wash this Sunday at Mountain Mikes Pizza on Clayton Rd. and a poker tournament Dec. 8. They have raised a quarter
of their goal so far. For more information or to make a donation contact Midgets head cheer coach Paula Schiff at (925) 3216139 or send an email to pkschiff@pacbell.net. More information is also available at www.cvaafalcons.com.
Linda Pastor
Clayton Resident. Licensed. Bonded. Insured. PSI member.
THIS YEAR’S FALCON CHEER SQUAD INCLUDES, front row from left, Isabelle Wilson, Cami Cohen, Brooke Warner, Bridgette Edwards, Raegen Guillory, Halle Cohen, Chloe Wigton; back row, Nicole Guillory, Summer Edwards, Kaitlynn O’Connel, Sarah Fine, Zoe Wilson, Kayla Confetti, McKenzie Streeter and Krista Confetti. Not pictured, Maddie Brigance, Francesca Stolarz, Morgan Christensen, Sydney Caulder and Miranda Patterson.
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Claudio and Henry are ARF’s Adoption Stars 5-year-old Claudio is a gentle, perky guy who’s always got time for a cuddle. His adopters should plan on being able to provide him with a regular exercise routine where he can stretch his short, Chihuahua legs and socialize with other dogs. Claudio loves to prance around with his toys and snack on Pupperoni. The adoption fee for adult dogs is $225 and includes 60 percent off one 7-week dog training session. 5-year-old Henry is the sweetest fellow! He may be a tad shy at first but that doesn’t last long. Pretty soon, he will be cozying up to you for some gen-
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tle loving. Henry’s adoption fee has been pre-paid by a generous donor. Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 5 p.m.
Wednesday, 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The 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.
November 23, 2012
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 13
Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. NOV. 28 FOR THE DEC. 7 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com
IN CLAYTON Dec. 1 Annual Caroling and Tree Lighting Downtown festivities. 6 p.m. Grove Park to Main and Oak Streets, Clayton. Free. Clayton Business and Community Association 6722272. Dec. 8 Dessert with Mrs. Claus Children must be accompanied by an adult. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. Donations appreciated. Clayton Business and Community Association 672-2272. Dec. 13 Cookie Contest Bake a batch of your best Christmas cookies. Live music and Santa at the judging party. 6:30 – 8 p.m. Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. Free. Clayton Pioneer 672-0500. Dec. 16 Christmas Home Tour Self-guided tour of five homes decorated for the holidays in Clayton. 12 – 7 p.m. Rain or shine. Starts at Clayton Museum, 6101 Main St. $20. Proceeds benefit the Clayton Historical Society. claytonhistory.org. Call 672-7680 or email museum@claytonhistory.org.
EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Dec. 6, 7, 10 “Sleeping Beauty Jr.” Classic fairytale told Disney style by Youth Theatre Company. 7 p.m. Shadelands Auditorium, 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. $10. 943-5946. Dec. 6 – 16 “A Christmas Carol” Brimming with music and dance, love and laughter, spectacular special effects and scary ghosts. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $41-$49. centerrep.org. 943-7469. Dec. 7 – 16 “North Pole Revue” Come meet Santa, the Elves and Santa’s crazy reindeer as they sing and dance you into the holiday spirit. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. For show times and ticket info go to lesherartscenter.org, 943-7469. Dec. 8 Holiday Concert Presented by Diablo Valley Women’s Chorale. 2 p.m. St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 399 Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. $10 students. $15 general admission. diablowomenschorale.org. Dec. 8 Illusion Fusion Magic performed by Alex Ramon. 3 and 7 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $35. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Nov. 27 Annual Holiday Concert Performed by Walnut Creek Concert Band. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12-$17. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Dec. 13 - 16 “The Biggest Gift” Join the fun and laughter as Tucker the elf and the toys set out to save Christmas. Presented by Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 Story of the Nutcracker Contra Costa Ballet’s hour-long narrated version of the holiday classic is perfect for children. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $23-$33. lesherartscenter.org. 9437469.
Dec. 14 - 16 “It’s a Wonderful Life” Performed as a 1940s live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. Diablo Actors’ Ensemble, 1345 Locust St., Walnut Creek. $25. diabloactors.com.
FUNDRAISERS Nov. 30 Holiday Concert Oakland East Bay Gay Men’s Chorus sings a mix of seasonal songs representing the diversity of the East Bay. 8 p.m. Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. $15$25. oebgmc.org/tickets.htm or (800) 706-2389.
Starting Nov. 23 Christmas Tree Lot Boy Scout Troop 317 is selling Douglas, noble and grand fir Christmas trees, wreaths, mistletoe and tree stands. 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Dana Plaza, Concord Boulevard at Landana Drive, Concord. Contact Scoutmaster Ben Soleimanieh at bsatroop317@hotmail.com. Nov. 27 Blood Drive Molly’s “Pay It Forward” blood drive. 1:30 – 7:30 p.m. Diablo View Middle School, 300 Diablo View Lane, Clayton. redcrossblood.org, sponsor code MOLLY925.
Nov. 30 – Dec. 2 Artists’ Market Sponsored by Civic Arts Education and Clay Arts Guild. Showcasing hand-crafted gifts, including work by Clayton artist Ellen Sachtschale. Opening reception at both locations on Nov. 30. 5 - 9 p.m. on Nov. 30; 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Dec. 1; 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Shadelands and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Civic Park on Dec. 2. Shadelands, 111 N. Wiget Lane; Civic Park, 1313 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. arts-ed.org or clayartsguild.com. 943-5846. Dec. 1 Sing-a-bration, The World Tour Musical extravaganza featuring award-winning Diablo Vista Chorus. 2:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $17.75. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469. Dec. 1 Concord Tree Lighting Santa, Mayor’s sing along, tree lighting and carriage rides. 4 – 6 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, Willow Pass Road between Mt. Diablo and Grant Streets, Concord. concordfirst.org. 671-3464. Dec. 2 Classical Guitar Holiday Concert Performance by Marten Falk. 2:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $25. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469. Dec. 3 Hospice Tree of Lights Annual ceremony. 5:30 p.m. John Muir Medical Center parking lot, East Street and Almond Avenue, Concord. Donations accepted. Hospice of the East Bay. 887-5678. Dec. 5 “About Face” Opera performance by Heidi Moss who rose above her affliction with Bell’s palsy to continue her successful opera career. 4 and 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45. festivalopera.org. 943-7469.
Nov. 28 Mountain Mike’s Organized by Mt. Diablo Elementary Parent Faculty Club. Download coupon from mtdiabloelementary.mdusd.org. Present coupon and Mountain Mike’s donates 30 percent. Dine in, take out or delivery. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Located at 5358 Clayton Road, Concord. 689-4965. Nov. 30 Holiday Fair Holiday gift and craft fair featuring handmade crafts, clothing, jewelry, baked goods. Sponsored by Concord Parks and Recreation 50 and Better Program. 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle, Concord. Free admission. 671-3320. Dec. 1 Holiday Craft Fair Gifts, jewelry, holiday decorations on sale. Raffles and refreshments. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Ayers Elementary School, 5120 Myrtle Drive, Concord. Free admission. aes-mdusd-ca.schoolloop.com. Dec. 6 Holiday Boutique Food, raffle, shopping. 2 – 8 p.m. Highlands Elementary School, 1326 Pennsylvania Blvd., Concord. highlands.mdusd.org/boutique. Dec. 9 Holiday Faire Food, raffle, shopping. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Clayton Valley Charter High School, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord. cvchspfc.com.
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 thru Nov. 27 Patty Cakes Story time for babies to 3-year-olds. Child attends with caregiver. 11 a.m.
GOVERNMENT 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, except Dec. 25 Clayton City Council 7 p.m. Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays Clayton Planning Commission 7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.
CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group Meets 6 p.m. fourth Wednesday of the month, Montecito, 4756 Clayton Road, Concord. 692-5838. Claycord 4-H Meets 6:45 p.m. second Tuesday of the month, Farm Bureau Hall, 5554 Clayton Road, Concord. Clayton Business and Community Association Meets 6:30 p.m. last Thursday of the month except holidays, Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. Call Sue at 672-2272. Clayton Valley Garden Club Meets 7 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, February through November. Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton. claytonvalleygardenclub.org. Clayton Valley Woman’s Club Meets 9:30 a.m. second Tuesday of the month except July and August, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord. 672-9448. Concord Mt. Diablo Trail Ride Association Meets 6 p.m. first Saturday of the month for a potluck. Open to members and guests. CMDTRA, 1600 Trail Ride Road, Clayton. cmdtra.org or cmdtra@yahoo.com. Contra Costa Chess Club Meets 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursdays, Starbuck’s, 1536 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. Players of all ages and skill levels welcome. ccchess.com or contact Mike at 639-1987. Creekside Artists Guild Meets 7-8:30 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, Library Story Room, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. All artforms and both emerging and experienced artists welcome. Contact Arlene at nielsenjanc@aol.com, creeksideartists.org or call 673-9777. Diablo Valley Democratic Club Meets 7-9 p.m. third Wednesday of the month, Ygnacio Valley Library, 2661 Oak Grove Road., Walnut Creek. dvdems.org, 946-0469. Knights of Columbus Meets 7:30 p.m. first Tuesday of the month, St. Bonaventure Church, Ministry Center, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. Art 6721850, shanone@comcast.net or Chuck 849-5466, cecooper3@comcast.net. MOMS Club of Concord/Clayton Meeting dates vary. 331-0674, concordclaytonmomsclub@hotmail.com or concordclaytonmomsclub.webs.com. Oakhurst Business Network Meets 5 – 7 p.m. first Thursday of the month for social hour. Hosted hors d’oeuvres, cash bar. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Dr., Clayton. oakhurstcc.com. Rotary Club of Clayton Valley/Concord Sunrise Meets 7 a.m. Thursdays, Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. Includes breakfast and a speaker. claytonvalleyrotary.org or 566-8166. Scrabble Club Meets 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. second and fourth Saturdays of the month, Carl’s Jr. Restaurant, 1530 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. All ages and skill levels welcome. $3. scrabble-assoc.com or call Mike at 639-1987. Soroptimist International of Diablo Vista Meets 12:15 p.m. second, third and fourth Wednesdays of the month, September-June, Sizzler, 1353 Willow Pass Road, Concord. Contact Nicole at 692-2224. Veterans of Foreign Wars Breakfast 8-11 a.m. second and fourth Sundays of the month, 2290 Willow Pass Road, Concord. Eggs, pancakes, sausage, beverage. $4, $2 children under 12. Ygnacio Valley Republican Women Meets third Wednesday of the month, except June, July, August. 10 a.m. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. Reservations required. $25. Call Barbara Allen at 6725061.
Page 14
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
November 23, 2012
Sports
Arch rivals in playoff rematch this Friday JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clayton Valley Charter High School football coach Tim Murphy probably doesn’t spend much time giving his players history lessons but it’s not beyond reason to imagine this week he did quote a famous statement made over 100 years ago. “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” is an oft-quoted truism from philosopher George Santayana. Last month Clayton Valley walloped Concord 49-6 en route to an undefeated Diablo Valley Athletic League season. This Friday evening at 7 o’clock the long-time Concord rival schools meet in a rematch at Gonsalves Stadium in the semi-finals of the North Coast Section playoffs. Despite that lopsided victory in October the top-seeded Eagles need to keep focused on an opponent which has reached the NCS championship game two years in a row. Murphy will surely remind his players that just three seasons ago when they were
freshmen Concord High ran all over the Eagles in their DVAL game for a 56-20 victory. But Clayton Valley and former coach Herc Pardi reversed the tables in a NCS playoff game less than a month later, eliminating the Minutemen 48-28 in a 56point turnaround from the league result. In the NCS quarterfinals No. 1 Clayton Valley ran off the final 27 points of the game last Friday to defeat stubborn Dublin 47-7 while No. 5 Concord scored a mild upset last Saturday over No. 4 Casa Grande in Petaluma 14-6 to setup the CVCHS-Concord rematch. Also advancing in NCS is DVAL runner-up and third seeded Northgate, which faces No. 2 seed and undefeated Rancho Cotate Saturday evening in the other semi. The DVAL got three of the four Division II semi-final berths, highlighting the calibre of play in the top half of the local league this season. Leading the way in the Dublin victory was running back and league offensive MVP Joe Protheroe, who shattered the school record
See Football, page 15
Mike Dunn
SENIORS LOGAN BANGERT (50) AND ZACH MEEKER (54) HAVE BEEN KEY CONTRIBUTORS for the Clayton Valley Charter High School football team this fall. They both earned all-DVAL honors---Bangert on offense and defense—for the league champion Eagles. Bangert wraps up Concord High’s Uaisele Manoa (33), another two-way all-league performer, when CVCHS beat their crosstown rivals 49-6. The Concord teams face a rematch this Friday evening in the NCS playoff semi-finals. Manoa scored the winning touchdown for Concord in their quarter-final win last Saturday.
Eagle athletes reap all-league honors in every fall sport JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
PHOTO
COURTESY
CLAYTON VALLEY
WATER POLO
JACK BROWN (4) AND KENNY CUNEO (18) WERE THE LEADERS for Clayton Valley Charter High School water polo team this fall as the Eagles reached the North Coast Section Division 1 playoffs. The team lost 8-6 to Northgate in the DVAL championship game. Brown was co-MVP in the league while Cuneo was first team all-DVAL. Jared Deely (dark cap upper right) was honorable mention all-league for the Eagles.
Clayton Valley Charter High School athletes were rewarded for outstanding seasons with all-Diablo Valley Athletic League honors for all eight teams competing this fall. In addition six of the Eagles squads advanced to North Coast Section competition and four CVCHS athletes were league most valuable players. The DVAL championship football team of coach Tim Murphy had the offensive MVP in record-breaking running back Joe Protheroe and defensive MVP Jesse Medrano. McKenna DeLong was once again top golfer for the two-time DVAL titlists CVCHS while Jack Brown was co-MVP for the Eagle water polo team. Both the boys and girls
cross country and water polo teams earned NCS playoff berths as did the football and girls golf teams. New cross country coach Greg Fister lauded his four allDVAL runners helping his two teams to the NCS meet last weekend. Kyra Ortiz (4th at DVAL meet) and Rachel Preeg (7th) were all-league on the girls side while Aaron Gardner (5th) and Danny Condon (6th) were top boys finishers at the league meet, thus earning allDVAL recognition. Clayton Valley Charter were co-champs of DVAL junior varsity girls cross country while the frosh-soph and JV boys were both undefeated league champs. Sam Givens won the frosh soph league meet with teammate Josh Rosen second. Also, Eagle freshman Sayed Opeyani won the frosh soph unlimited race
at the Nike Invitational early in the season. TWO
WATER POLO SQUADS REACH NCS
Besides having Brown as the co-MVP new coach Nick Ballew’s polo squad had Grant Meylan and Kenny Cuneo on first team all-DVAL. Brown, Meylan and Cuneo are juniors. Jordan Tate, Tanner White and goalie Max Renner were on second team while Jared Deely and freshman Scott Meylan were honorable mention selections. The Eagles (14-12) lost the DVAL championship game to Northgate 8-6 and then were eliminated from NCS play by Campolindo in the opening round of Division I. Veteran coach Dennis Bledsoe’s Clayton Valley (198) girls polo won the DVAL
See Honors, page 15
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November 23, 2012
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 15
Sports Sydney Kupsh takes third at CYO Oakland Diocese cross country finals JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Fifth grader Sydney Kupsh took third at the season-ending Oakland Diocese CYO Cross Country Championships at Joaquin Miller Park in Oakland last month while leading her St. Bonaventure team to seventh place in the 3rd-5th grade girls division. Kupsh was fifth a year ago as a fourth grader when St. Bonnies had its first cross country team. This time around Kupsh clocked 7:06.95 to take third over the one-mile course. Teammate Samantha Schauman was 10th and Bella DeFreitas 58th to lead the girls to their finish
among nearly 30 teams with runners in the age group. Overall there were over 225 girls competing in the division. During the season Kupsh won the Danville race at Oak Hill Park and was second in the season-opening run at Miller Park and the penultimate race at Pleasanton’s Shadow Cliffs Park. At the Diocese meet Bethany O’Connor was 27th in the 6th-8th grade division to top the St. Bonaventure team that took 12th. Isabella Mercurio and Taryn Cunningham were the next two local finishers. The St. Bonaventure 6th-8th grade boys of head coach Joe Sullivan were led by Alex Garcia.
Photo courtesy St. Bonaventure Cross Country
FIFTH GRADER SYDNEY KUPSH finished second for St. Bonaventure cross country at a meet last month at Shadow Cliffs Park in Pleasanton. At the season-ending Oakland Diocese CYO Cross Country Championships she was third.
Football, from page 14 for rushing in a game with 427 yards on 24 carries with five touchdowns. That yardage total exceeds a school mark he tied early in the season of 306 yards against Vintage of Napa. Dominic DeMartini originally set that CVHS standard in 1994 against Oakland Tech in a game where the Eagles set a team rushing record of 420, seven yards less than Protheroe ran by himself last week! Protheroe is now over 2500 yards rushing this year with 28 TDs on the ground and one receiving. The Eagles defense has played second fiddle to its high-scoring offense but allowed only one touchdown to an opponent for the fourth
time this year against Dublin. After the quarterfinal win Murphy was quick to laud the players who provide blocking for Protheroe. He pointed out DVAL defensive MVP Jesse Medrano, who is the other running back and opens the way for Protheroe on many of his runs. The coach also praised Spencer Wraa, Max Connor, Logan Bangert, Justin Rogers, Brenden Crabbe and Dylan Jue for dominating the line of scrimmage and making the wing gun offense purr. Incredibly, the 47 points against Dublin was the Eagles third lowest total of the season as they continue to lead all California high schools in scoring.
Mike Dunn
EAGLES LINEBACKER SPENCER WRAA (2) tackles Concord High wide receiver Jay Yesin (8) in a key DVAL game this year when the Eagles knocked off the defending champion Minutemen. Wraa and Yesin are both first-team all-league players this fall. Wraa’s younger brother, Tanner Wraa, is a second-team all-DVAL utility player for new football titlists Clayton Valley Charter High School. Yesin scored the tying touchdown last Saturday as Concord won its quarterfinal NCS playoff game to setup a rematch with the Eagles this Friday evening in the NCS playoff semifinals.
Honors, from page 14 round-robin title and were second at the league tournament to Northgate. At NCS the Eagles defeated Mission San Jose 14-8 but were then edged in the quarter-finals 8-7 by James Logan. First team all-league players were junior Sara Abele, Casey Adams and Taylor Ryle with Sara Johnson and Noel Creamer second team. Honorable mention were Julia Arteaga, Michelle Lutz, Kimi Anderson and Katie Van Tuyl. CVCHS played in the Sierra Invitational early in the season placing sixth out of 34 teams in the tournament. Not surprisingly, Abele, Casey Adams and Ryle were all-tournament. FOOTBALL PLAYERS FILL UP ALL -DVAL ROSTERS The Eagles football dominated the all-DVAL squads after going 5-0 in a tough league that included three of the top five NCS seeds including Northgate and Concord. Protheroe and his brother, junior quarterback Mike Protheroe, headed the offensive team along with junior linemen Max Connor and Justin Rogers and seniors Logan Bangert and Curtis Grant. Middle linebacker Medrano topped the DVAL defensive team and was joined by teammates Spencer Wraa, Garrett Nelson and placekicker Eddie Juarez. On second team all-league for the Eagles on offense were Medrano, Dakohta Cramer, Dylan Jue and Tanner Wraa. The defensive second teamers included Bangert, Vance Peoples, sophomore Griffin Bentley, Zach Meeker, Nick Oatley,
Grant and Cesar Luengas. Rounding out the Eagle players with honorable mention laurels were Paul Farr, Ben Davis, Ruben Rincon and Brenden Crabbe. Coach Rick Ortega‘s girls tennis team was second in the DVAL with a 10-2 league record (12-6 overall) record as both DVAL losses came to champion Northgate. Junior Chloe Kim played No. 1 singles and was named all-DVAL while Xenia Ivanova was also first-team all-league as No. 2 singles for the Eagles. Clayton Valley girls volleyball hosted its first Dig Pink fund raising game—the brainchild of coach Dave Hobson—-late in the season that saw the Eagles defeat Berean Christian for the first time in seven years in three exciting sets while finishing 6-6 in league standings. Kayla Taylor was first team all-DVAL while Megan Elms and Jessica Stratton were second team and Hailey Pascoe honorable mention. Elms and Taylor were allDVAL honorees last season as well. The girls golf team had the distinction of winning the first league championship for Clayton Valley Charter with an undefeated DVAL season and it was again the DeLong sisters who led the way for returning coach Jennifer Moore. McKenna DeLong received league MVP for the second year in a row while her sister Rachael DeLong and Danniele Biala were first team. Second team all-league were Annie Park and Rebecca Walsh.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
November 23, 2012
Sports
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Diablo FC’s renowned 12th annual Winter Soccer Academy is taking signups now for its 2013 session running on Mondays and Thursdays from 5-6 p.m. at Willow Pass Park in Concord from Jan. 7 through Feb. 14. Boys and girls 5-12 years of age in all skill levels can participate in Winter Academy getting professional coaching in a non-competitive environment. The year-round U8 Diablo FC Academy also begins its 2013 sessions with the Winter Academy. St. Mary’s College head coach Adam Cooper runs the Winter Academy. For more information on Winter Academy and U8 Soccer Academy visit diablofc.org.
CLAYTON VALLEY LITTLE LEAGUE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Registration for Clayton Valley Little League is open for the spring 2013 season. Baseball programs for players ages four to 14 and softball for girls four to 14 are both open for registration. The CVLL program began in 1964 and includes a Challenger Division for players with physical and mental special needs. Players must reside within the CVLL boundaries. Go to cvll.org for complete information and to register. The online Clayton Valley Little League merchandise store is open in order to stock up on CVLL gear before the season or for holiday gifts at cvll.org.
CLAYTON VALLEY SEEKS 2013 HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS
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AFTER WINNING THE MDSA WORLD CUP AS TEAM GHANA with six consecutive victories following an opening-round loss, the MDSA Spartans entered the AYSO Area 2C Cup earlier this month. The U10 boys team was 1-1-1 in the Area Cup. The highlight came after being down 3-0 to PHMSA with seven minutes remaining in the game. The Spartans then scored three consecutive goals by Ryan Ross, Alex Braginsky and Max Keil to end the game 3-3. Goalkeeper Kiel came up from his goal on a corner kick to score on the last play of the game. The team includes, from left, Keil, Joseph Byrne, Matthew Hubbard, John Easterly, Braginsky, Caleb Briscoe, Terry VanDiver, Garrett Alton and Ross; rear, coaches Laura Alton and K. C. Ross.
Clayton Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame committee is accepting nominations for the 2013 induction class. This will be the third class for the Hall, which began during the school’s 50th anniversary year in 2008. Individuals can nominate student athletes and coaches for the Hall of Fame. The requirement is that the nominee was a CVHS grad or coach in the years 1960-1999 who was allleague in at least one sport. Requests for a nomination form can be sent via e-mail to Dee B i l l e t e r a t deebilleter@yahoo.com or Bill Nelson at mommanelson5@yahoo.com. Include a mailing address and an application form will be mailed to you. The induction takes place next May 18 at Centre Concord.
XTREME GREEN WENT INTO THE MDSA WORLD CUP PLAYING AS TEAM CHINA and ended up winning the title with a 5-3 victory over Japan. Coach Ken Lopes then brought his team to the AYSO Area 2C Cup the next weekend and the U14 girls won two in a row before falling in their third game to be eliminated. Xtreme Green included, laying down, Aislyn Schwartz; second row, Karalyn Lo, Melisa Newsome; third row, Keemia Pourheidari, Kelsey Rice, Alli Gilbert, Megan Robinson, Savanha Groebner; top row, Vanessa Lasalle, McKenzie Lopes, Abby Gonsalves, Tori Klock, Christina Montoya, Melissa Olson and Molli Fagan.
DIABLO FC U9-U11 CLUB SOCCER TRYOUTS IN BEGIN IN JANUARY
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Diablo FC tryouts for the 2013 season for under 9 through under 11 competitive teams will be held in late January. Boys and girls born between Aug. 1, 2002 and July 31, 2006 are invited to try out. Tryouts for boys and girls in the U12-U14 age groups will be in February. There is no charge to try out and players can pre-register today at diablofc.org.
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10TH ANNUAL DIABLO FC CRAB FEED & AUCTION FEB. 8 The 10th annual Crab Feed and Auction to support Diablo FC youth soccer programs is Friday, Feb. 8, at Centre Concord. Besides the crab feed dinner and fund-raising live and silent auctions, there will be dancing. Tickets are $50. To get more info or to buy tickets visit diablofc.org
MT. DIABLO SOCCER’S ONLY FINALIST AT THE AYSO AREA 2C CUP earlier this month were the U14 boys of coach Chris Snyder. The team qualified for the event by winning the MDSA World Cup playing as Team England. They defeated Italy 4-3 in the World Cup finals. At the Area Cup they won their opening game before advancing to the finals with a pair of draws before losing to delta in the finale. The U14 boys include, bottom row from left, Colin Rikkelman, Jake Haddad, Joey Butler, Kevin Snyder, Ian Grimmond, Blake Cathcart, Adam Birder; back row, coach Snyder, Dalton Meredith, Ryan Roo, Caleb Wessel, Alec Mitchell, Luke Mingham, Matt Lavezolli, assistant coach Ron Mitchell and Brock Cathcart.
Tech Talk, from page 9 operating system. Some of the features of Windows 8 and Windows RT include built-in apps like Mail, Calendar, Messaging, Photos and SkyDrive, with many more apps available from the Windows Store. Some features that aren’t included in Windows RT include Windows Media Player, Media Center, HomeGroup, no Domains and Remote Desktop.
“With Windows RT, you can install apps directly from the Windows Store, but you can’t install desktop programs that you used with previous versions of Windows,” says Microsoft. So, there you have it. I am excited about the new versions of Windows, but beware: the less expensive Windows RT may look like the right choice, but if you’re using the O/S for a desk-
top, stick with Windows 8 and enjoy your holiday. Cheers. If you would like more info about Windows here’s a link you may find helpful: http: //wind o w s. m i c r o s o f t . c o m / e n US/windows/windows-rt-faq. 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.
November 23, 2012
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 17
Theatre
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ACT brings Scrooge back again in classic ‘A Christmas Carol’ It simply wouldn’t be Christmas without the timeless story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his Christmas Eve dust-up with the ghostly trio that convinces him to mend his ways. American Conservatory Theatre honors this traditional holiday tale in Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” opening at the American Conservatory’s Geary Street theater on Nov. 30 and running through Dec. 24. The annual favorite features a lively cast of dozens, delightful music and gorgeous costumes. Now in its 36th year, this version of “A Christmas Carol,” adapted by Paul Walsh and Carey Perloff, stays true to the heart of Dickens’s timeless story of redemption and brings a playful sensibility to his rich language.
“Ringing in Christmas”
“The joy and empathy that emanates from the stage in ‘A Christmas Carol’ is so palpable—we have 8-year olds to 80year olds performing side-byside in Dickens’ extraordinary tale of transformation and hope,” says Artistic Director Carey Perloff. “Each year, the story seems to have more resonance and more life for audiences of every age.” James Carpenter leads the multi-generational cast as Ebenezer Scrooge. Joining him as the Ghost of Jacob Marley is the legendary Bay Area actor Ken Ruta, who originated the role in the 2005 production.
Social Evening & Fundraiser Appetizers and wine at 6 p.m. Dinner, dessert, entertainment follow Live music, gift basket & quilt raffle Tickets must be purchased in advance. Rosemary Francis, Chair: 925-818-3911
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A REFORMED SCROOGE (JAMES CARPENTER) is giddy with joy on Christmas morning in ACT’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ opening Nov. 30
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WC Concert Band welcomes in the holidays
CLAYTON’S WENDY LOWE will play with the Walnut Creek Concert Band as principal flautist for their annual holiday concert on Nov. 27.
tival and Romantic Festival. She received first place in the U.S. Open Music Competition in 2011 and won the MTAC Memorial Scholarship foundation award .the same year. She was also a winner in the Junior Bach Festival in 2012 and the Campolindo Concerto Contest. Lowe has been with the band since 1967, when it was originally located in Concord and went by the name of the Concord Municipal Band. Lowe is also an original member of the WCCB Woodwind Quintet, which performs in local venues. While her son was a student at Clayton Valley High School, Lowe volunteered with the school’s music department and also provided
flute clinics there and at Diablo View Middle School. She recruited high school musicians who wanted to participate in a more challenging environment to perform with the WCCB. For ticket pricing and more information call (925) 943-7469 or visit www.lesherartscenter.org or www.walnutcreekband.org.
We accept credit cards. Kevin Schmidt, Clayton Resident Family Owned and Operated license 962284
generations of East Bay theater-goers, as Tucker the Elf and the toys set out to save Christmas. This is an original musical that encourages audience participation from all ages, and provides an exciting live theatre experience.
FFAE is a nationally acclaimed non-profit organization of men and women who strive to entertain, educate and enrich families, and endeavor to present the highest form of entertainment to the young and “young at heart.” For more than three decades FFAE has been presenting live, family-oriented musicals that feature original scripts, professional actors and affordable pricing. Many of FFAE’s young audience members are able to sit right on the stage and interact directly with the performers. This unique setting is a wonderful introduction to a live theatre experience for many families. The company produces four musicals a year at the Lesher Center for the Arts that draw up to 2,700 patrons to each production. The performances are scheduled throughout the day and early evenings on weekends to accommodate young patrons and K-5 school groups. The Biggest Gift” runs Thursday, Dec. 13 through Sunday, Dec. 16. For more information, visit www.leshercenter.org or www.fantasyforum.org, or call (925) 934-2133.
KIDS OF ALL AGES ARE PART OF THE SHOW when Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble brings “The Greatest Gift” to the Lesher Theatre Dec. 13-16.
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‘The Biggest Gift’ will arrive on schedule this holiday season Discover Walnut Creek-based Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble will present the second show in its 40th season, the annual Christmas performance of “The Biggest Gift.” The acclaimed family favorite has enchanted several
Reserved seating, $40 per person All proceeds benefit St. John’s Parish
St. John’s Episcopal Church, 5555 Clayton Rd, Clayton
Tickets for “A Christmas Carol” are available online at www.act-sf.org and by phone at (415) 749-2228.
Campolindo High School senior Annie Guo will highlight the Walnut Creek Concert Band’s annual holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 27 at the Lesher Center for the Arts. The band also features Clayton resident Wendy Lowe as principal flautist. The popular Concert Band, under the direction of Harvey Benstein and sponsored by the City of Walnut Creek, is celebrating its 25th anniversary year. The band performs throughout the year at civic celebrations and formal concerts. Its holiday concert is an annual tradition. Guo, who will perform “Rhapsody in Blue,” was a winner in the Portland Classical Festival, Baroque Fes-
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Book Review
‘Devil’ is in the details of a psych ward
SUNNY SOLOMON FOR THE BOOKS Never mind that copies of “The Devil in Silver” were given away at the World Horror Convention, or that its title is spelled out in flaming letters. “The Devil in Silver” by Victor Lavalle (Spiegel & Grau) is not a horror novel. It is the saddest, funniest and most desperately hopeful novel I’ve read this year. Frankly, I’m tired of reading novels about politicians, hotshot entrepreneurs, female Supreme Court nominees, bestselling authors or hedge fund savants. You want down to earth folk? Try “The big man” of “The Devil in Silver,” a white guy who works for a moving van company; a guy wrestled to the ground, handcuffed, and brought to a psych ward of a New York hospital by three undercover cops. The “big man,” known as Pepper, had been trying to protect his girlfriend from her angry ex-husband. He didn’t know the cops were cops. How could he? They never ID’d themselves. Wouldn’t it be something if every time trouble came our way it would identify itself ? Lavalle takes us deep into a world where nothing is as it appears to be. Pepper is in for a 72-hour stay, if he behaves himself. But by the next morning, after his first failed attempt to escape, we know this won’t happen. While still seated at his intake conference table upon the night of his arrival, Pepper becomes aware of strange but
barely detectable noises and smells. The series of sounds and scents recurs a couple of times but, much to Pepper’s disbelief, nobody else appears to have taken notice. It is an omen of horrifying proportions. Lavalle writes with a straight-forwardness that compels the reader to pay close attention, as when describing patients in an orderly queue, waiting to get their morning meds: “Some might doubt the mentally ill could pull off an orderly queue.” These are crazy people, right? But he continues: “If most of these people weren’t wearing blue pajamas, you’d have thought you were in a bank line, waiting to talk to the only available teller.” Lavalle’s novel is filled with characters you might never live next door to, but whose emotional lives are often uncomfortably familiar. And the unholy scents and noises? Man or beast, “The Devil in Silver” is e ve r yo n e ’s (patients and staff) worst fears. The murderous bent of the devil, the constant consumption of medication to maintain a skewed sense of sanity are real, but equally real is the need for love, companionship, respect and understanding. The staff of the psych ward of New Hyde Hospital is in as much trouble as its patients and its mismanagement and secrets are echoes of the real world. Pepper, Loochie, Dorry, Coffee and a host of others, patients and staff, are never twodimensional in Lavalle’s hands. The novel is more than a serious statement about the state of today’s psych wards and their patients, it is also a most rewarding invitation to step into a world that crosses just about every ethnic, cultural and socially held belief we’ve ever clung to for dear life. Sunny Solomon is a freelance writer and head of the Clayton Book Club. Visit her website at bookinwithsunny.com for her latest recommendations or just to ‘talk books.’
November 23, 2012
Pretty up your powder room
I’m thinking of a functional, petite room within your home. There’s no room for a sofa, but perfect for a sparkling minicrystal chandelier. No need for wall-to-wall carpeting, but a vintage 2-foot by 3-foot area rug might be the color and design inspiration for this little space. Full-length drapery panels might drown this living space in
fabric, but a relaxed London shade in a stripped silk fabric is just the right touch to dress up the only window in this room. Add an intricately carved and distressed gold-leaf mirror over the vanity, an original piece of artwork hung above the “seat” and detailed tile work on the floor and vanity backsplash.
Which room are we speaking of ? You guessed it – the powder room. From a functional point of view, the powder room houses the extra family toilet, maybe where potty-training takes place for the youngest family member, or maybe it’s the “only” bathroom that guests are directed to use because it’s the “only” bathroom that no one is allowed to use. Whatever its purpose, it needs the same amount of design attention as the rest of the rooms within your home. I like to think of the powder room as a jewel box. It’s a room where you can push your design ideas, colors and materials to the limit, while keeping them perfectly confined and special. Here are some examples to help you create your jewel box: Tile. There’s so much more to tile design than the typical 12inch by 12-inch tile. Stainless steel tiles, intricately cut stone mosaics or custom hand painted 4-inch by 4-inch ceramic tiles you find from a street faire artist are great materials. Use decorative tiles on the powder room floor to create an area rug design, or instead of a 4-inchor 6-inch backsplash height, tile the entire wall from vanity to ceiling to create a dramatic look. Wallpaper. I think most of us associate wallpaper with cutsie floral patterns and the everso-traditional trellis patterns, but these days, wallpaper is more about chic designs and unique
JENNIFER LEISCHER
DESIGN & DÉCOR textures like natural grass weaves, crystal beads, fabric textures and hand-painted silks. Use wallpaper on a single wall, as a wainscoting, or paper the entire space. Light fixtures. Find a significant light fixture, vanity light or ceiling mount that reflects your style and dimensionally fits the space. This fixture could be dripping in tiny crystals or a drum shade wrapped in silk with a hand-painted design, or maybe it’s an upside down rattan basket or galvanized tub with a light bulb installed. Considering that most powder rooms are pretty small in square footage, this room is your opportunity to indulge, so jump into this tiny room and let the creativity begin. Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design based in Clayton. Contact her with questions, comments and suggestions at jenna@j-designs.com.
Twenty top tips for a terrific look
JUDITH MARSHALL
FASHION OVER 50 Do you like to make lists? If so, you’ll like this: my Top 20 tips for make-up and hair. Look instantly rested by lining the inner rims of your eyes with a flesh-toned pencil. Stop lipstick bleeding by lining your mouth with a waxy, neutral-toned pencil. To keep lip pencils from breaking, put them in the freezer before you sharpen them. Dark lipstick makes your lips look smaller and more defined,
light colors will make them appear larger. Turn back time by adding a few well-placed layers to your hair. Lighten your look by softening your hair’s base color a shade or two, or by adding some highlights. Curl your lashes for an instant lift. (Blast your curler with hot air from your hair dryer five-to-10 seconds before using to enhance curling power.) Reduce a pimple’s redness by spritzing it with nasal decongestant. Lighter blush shades roll back the clock. Wear an eye shadow that’s the opposite of your eye color to make them pop. Perk up tired eyes by dabbing light cream shadow in the inside corners. For extra-thick lashes, dust with translucent powder, then apply mascara. Make teeth look whiter with
lip color that has blue undertones (like cherry red). Make short, stubby nails appear longer by keeping them
A la Jane Fonda - A few well placed layers will update the classic short cut
rounded at the edges. For the most natural look, spot-apply foundation just where skin needs to be evened out. Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and extend up and out toward your temples for a boost. Start with a primer to increase foundation’s staying power. Use navy blue rather than black eyeliner to brighten your eyes. Apply concealer about onehalf inch below the bottom lash line to lighten dark circles. Intensify eye shadow and make it last longer by wetting the applicator. 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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November 23, 2012
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 19
Colorful holiday plants give extra spark to the season Christmas Cactus Flower
Cyclamen look nice nestled beneath evergreen shrubs. They add lots of seasonal color.
NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL There are a handful of plants that really embrace the holiday season. Cyclamen, Zygo Cactus, Cone and wreath shaped evergreens, Yuletide Camellias and poinsettias are just some of them. These should be included in your holiday décor if you enjoy that botanical feel. Cyclamen are fabulous colorful plants that are very useful in containers and color spots. They are exceptionally hardy to frost and rain, and will bloom from now until the spring. This time of year white and red flowering cyclamen are the most sought-after for plant lovers. As you look at cyclamen, you’ll notice that many have intriguing variegations on their leaves, those are the types that I find most interesting.
SENTIMENTAL CHRISTMAS CACTUS We all know Zygo Cactus, they are what our parents and grandparents used to refer to as Christmas Cactus. These succulent type evergreens are sentimental to many. Use the Zygo Cactus in a container. Keep outside during the growing season, and bring inside for seasonal accents. Zygo Cactus is available in many solid and bi-color selections. This succulent doesn’t need too much water, and should be fertilized once a season, right after St. Patrick’s Day. This time of year, you’ll see many cone- and wreath-shaped evergreens. Euonymus makes an excellent cone-shaped plant. The Euonymus is very easy to keep alive in our Clayton Valley landscapes and containers. Consider planting a cone shaped Euonymus in a larger container and surrounding with alternating red and white colored cyclamen. This combination would be great, and the colors would carry you through Valentine’s Day.
Wreath-shaped selections are nice for this time of year too. They look great indoors on the mantle or an entry table. Choose rosemary or rounded leaf ivy for the plant material for your wreath-shaped evergreen. Yuletide Camellia’s name says it all. Bold red flowers with yellow stamens are standouts in any Clayton Valley landscape. Purchase a 5-gallon-sized plant to stage your entryway for the holiday season. Once December is finished, you can install your Yuletide Camellia into the ground somewhere in your landscape where it will only get morning sun. PLANT POINSETTIAS Poinsettias are a favorite for many during the holiday season. They come in many colors, and are great to plant in the ground after the season is finished. If you are going to use them in a outdoor setting be careful of the rain, it will damage the flowers. Also, pay attention to frost. When the temperature dips too low the poinsettia plants can really suffer. There is a difference in quality of poinsettias, if one is too lightly rooted it will have less strength and vigor, so be careful what and where you buy. If you are curious, check the roots of the plant you are considering. Many Clayton homeowners incorporate botanicals in their décor. Perhaps this holiday season you should attend the
Clayton Historical Society’s Third Annual Christmas Home Tour. It is taking place on Dec. 16 from noon to 7 p.m. Tickets are just $20. For
information about the Christmas Home Tour check out www.claytonhistory.org, or email the museum at museum@clayonhistory.org.
Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden and the 2012 president of the Clayton Valley Garden Club. Contact her with questions, comments or suggestions at gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
What they lack in beauty, root veggies make up in cheer DEBRA J. MORRIS Pacific Coast Farmers Market
Most people are familiar with common root vegetables like potatoes, onions, garlic and carrots, but don’t know too much about the other root vegetables, such as beets, turnips, rutabagas and parsnips. These underappreciated varieties of root vegetables are very nutritious additions to meals, loaded with good carbohydrates and dietary fiber, rich in flavor, and easy on the wallet. The root part of a plant is the nutritional powerhouse. We can tap into these “storage containers,” if you will, for the starches and sugars that the plant produces and this is where they hold many nutrients. The humble root vegetable has an undeserved reputation for being dull and bland. While they may look unassuming, root vegetables may surprise you with tastes that range from slightly bitter to pleasantly sweet. Plus, they have a hearti-
ness that’s great for cool days. They’re absolutely delicious roasted and perfect for your big Thanksgiving feast. EASY ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLES 1 carrot 1 turnip 1 parsnip 1 sweet potato 1 rutabaga fresh herbs olive oil salt and pepper Preheat oven for roasting at 400 degrees. Wash vegetables
thoroughly and then peel, completely removing any bruises or discolorations. Dice into pieces. In a large bowl, toss the vegetables with about 1 tsp. olive oil per vegetable until they are wellcoated. Add chopped herbs and toss well to evenly distribute. Salt and pepper liberally. Spread out the vegetables in a roasting pan or baking sheet and put in the oven for about 35 minutes, stirring every so often to prevent burning or sticking. Vegetables should take on a slight brown color and be soft to the bite.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
November 23, 2012
Juniper Trail offers unparalleled views Moses Rock Ridge. Time permitting, you can make a side trip to Moses Rock, but I stayed on course and enjoyed the amazing views all along Juniper Trail, which made the rigorous climb a bit more enjoyable. Upon arriving at the lower summit parking lot, drop down on North Peak Trail to
Juniper Campground with my family, I found myself in the enviable position of getting to hike Juniper Trail from the campground down to Mitchell Canyon Staging Area, a mere 5.5 miles. Juniper Trail climbs right out of campground area and meanders through dense brush, eventually finding
KEVIN PARKER
HIKER’S HAVEN A couple of weeks ago, after spending a night at
Prospectors Gap. This trail, more commonly referred to as Devil’s Elbow, is truly one of the many gems hidden in Mount Diablo State Park. Devil’s Elbow flanks the Northeast side of Mount Diablo, opening up to vistas of Livermore, Pleasanton and surrounding valleys. This section of trail is exposed
Kevin Parker
THIS SPECTACULAR PANORAMA OF MITCHELL ROCK AND THE CLAYTON VALLEY is just one of the breathtaking vistas that reward hikers making the rigorous descent down Mt. Diablo from the Juniper Campground near the summit.
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and one of the few singletrack trails open to bicyclists. Stay on North Peak Trail as you gradually descend into Prospectors Gap. The sun and heat were hitting hard, so a planned stop at Prospectors Gap for food and water was well deserved. Even though almost the entire route is downhill, you’ll quickly discover it is tougher on the legs when gravity is on your side. Make a left onto Bald Ridge Trail, a sleeper route right in the heart of Mount Diablo State Park and definitely the road less traveled. With a trail cut right into a hillside and huge drops below, I was ultra careful as I made my way along Bald Ridge towards Eagle Peak Trail. Intermittent views though the dense brush and trees offered a respite of shade and cooler temperatures on this hot day. Absolute solitude is the only way to describe this microworld embedded into the confines of Mount Diablo. Eagle Peak, the Carquinez Strait, even Mt. Tamalpais are constant reminders how far you can see on a clear day. With hang-gliders above, I dropped onto Eagle Peak Trail at Murchio Gap and made a direct line towards the peak (elevation 2,369 feet). This trail cuts the ridgeline like a knife as each bend in the trail offered a contrasting change of scenery. Dense sage brush, well-marked trail, lack of
shade and very loose rock are very characteristic of this section of trail, but compared with the view, none of it seemed to matter. Exposed ridgeline trail eventually gives way to a welcomed patch of shade and overgrowth that hung with me almost all the way to Twin Peaks (elevation 1,733 feet). Bald Ridge to Eagle Peak and beyond is some of the most scenic trails that any park in this state has to offer. The sweat equity has a big payoff as words I put to this paper can’t really do it much justice, which is why you need to experience this yourself. Pick up Mitchell Rock Trail as you head over Twin Peaks and continue an aggressive descent towards Uncle Sam Canyon. Hillside foliage and trees trade off with grassy hillsides playing to the beat of the breeze as you make your way to Mitchell Rock. Mitchell Rock provides a great spot to enjoy the scenery as Mitchell Canyon unfolds before you with Clayton perched off in the distance. Oak Road Trail makes a final descent into Mitchell Canyon Staging Area for a much needed rest and an immediate replenishment of water. This hike took just over three hours to complete. Bring plenty of water. For more information on this hike or other outdoor experiences, contact Kevin at hikershaven@claytonpioneer.com.