APR 12 Clayton Pioneer, 2013

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the D ate

Clayto Cleans n Up April 27, 9 a

IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com

City H .m. all Co BBQ u rty lunch for vo ard lunte at 11 ers :30

April 12, 2013

0500

Smart asses find sanctuary at Morgan Territory donkey rescue TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

JULIE PIERCE

MAYOR’S CORNER

Clayton springs into action this month Spring has sprung; the trees are blooming, the poppies, tulips and daffodils are shining in the sunshine and our town’s landscape is waking up from its winter rest. The calendar is getting busy too. A few quick date reminders of activities about town: • Friday, April 12 – Sunday, April 14: Clayton Community Library Foundation Used Book Sale. Proceeds support our library • Monday, April 15, 7-9 p.m: Fire Station Closure Sub-Committee meeting at Hoyer Hall, Clayton Community Library.

The subcommittee members are council members Jim Diaz and David Shuey. Agenda posted on city website at www.ci.clayton.ca.us

See Mayor, page 9

Nancy Kelleher

JEN-JEN, A 24-YEAR-OLD LONG EAR DONKEY, rescued four years ago from a life of neglect and ill health, lives in contented retirement at Doodleton Ranch with owner Katherine Palau. Jen-Jen helps out every summer at the day camps where she and Palau instruct the kids in the finer points of donkey grooming.

Concord neighbors sue Seeno over easement in Olive Drive development PEGGY SPEAR

Clayton Pioneer

Concord residents who live on a small private court off of Olive Drive are finding that it may be tough to love thy new neighbors.

When developer giant Seeno unveiled plans to build six

homes on a vacant lot next to Gyger Court, residents realized that a long gravel strip of land that had been used for parking their cars was going to be part of the new subdivision. If that happens, many contend, the remaining street is not wide enough for cars or emergency vehicles.

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

GYGER COURT RESIDENT KURT LEINTZ and two of his neighbors are suing developer Jackie Seeno for a six-foot easement along their narrow lane. The residents have used the strip without objection from the property owners since the 1990s.

In an effort to force Seeno to grant an easement on the property, residents filed a suit against the developers in Contra Costa Superior Court in March.

“We don’t want to be seen as cranky neighbors, but the fact is the street is too small if the development eats up the gravel strip,” says Kurt Leintz, one of the plaintiffs.

Property disputes like this are not uncommon, especially in housing-tight areas in the Bay Area. When Leintz and his neighbors brought the issue to the city planners, they were told to resolve it directly with the builders, Leintz says.

“We’re not litigation crazy, but this was the only way we could buy some time with the project,” he says.

Seeno representatives were asked to modify other aspects of the plan, and Leintz says he hopes that when the company comes before the city’s design review board on April 11, the new design will reflect the easement.

The suit lists property owner Sandra Zackaray and developer Jackie Seeno as defendants. Neither could be reached for comment.

What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Behind the Badge . . . . . . . . .8 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Community Calendar . . . . .14 Design and Décor . . . . . . . .16

Proper permits for the project will not be issued until all litigation is removed.

Leintz says he and some of his neighbors have other concerns about the project besides the easement. He says the plans call for six two-story homes, and that doesn’t fit in with the ranch-style houses surrounding the lot. The Design Review Board asked that some of the homes be scaled back to one-story.

Leintz has been living across from the disputed property since 2007, and was told by his realtor that his property line actually extended all the way to the fence separating the vacant lot. It was a surprise to him to learn that the gravel strip was not part of his property.

“I don’t know how garbage trucks or fire engines could make it down this street if we don’t get the easement. We’ll be in a real pinch.” If the fire district determines that the street is too narrow for emergency vehicles to use, they could designate it a fire lane, and prohibit all parking on the street, Leintz says.

See Seeno, page 8 Directory of Advertisers . . . . .5 DVMS Reporter . . . . . . . . . .9 Fashion Over 50 . . . . . . . . .16 Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

There is no doubt that Jen-Jen is smart. Not only smart, but loyal, protective, reliable, tenacious, affectionate and very, very lucky.

Jen-Jen is also an ass – a Long Ear donkey who spent the first 20 years of her life in a pasture guarding sheep.

She was on the job everyday, all day, eating the lush grass in the pasture and protecting her charges from predators.

Sadly, no one was watching out for Jen-Jen – no one was trimming her hooves or paying attention to what she ate. She grazed at will and no one cared that she got fatter and fatter.

Donkeys are desert animals and can’t process the high-sugar content grass that grows in California pastures.

And no one paid attention as her untrimmed hooves grew longer and longer until she could no longer walk. When her rescuers found her she was 200 pounds overweight and herding sheep on her knees.

Jen-Jen was sent to Doodleton Ranch on Morgan Territory

See Donkey, page 3

Clean up Clayton and take home a designer T-shirt

PIONEER STAFFERS Pamela Wiesendanger, Tamara Steiner and Pete Cruz sport the Clayton Cleans Up t-shirts designed by local artist Patricia Crane.

Rain or shine, scores of Claytonians show up at City Hall every year on a Saturday morning in April to pick up garbage bags and gloves before heading out to the city streets for Clayton Cleans Up. This event, held to honor Earth Day, is a great chance for kids, adults, Scout Troops, service clubs, families and neighbors to spiff up the town in readiness for the Art and Wine Festival.

This year’s free T-shirt is a special designer edition created by Clayton resident, Patricia Crane.

“I have been interested in art since my first box of crayons and have always managed to have some type of art in my life,” Crane says. She continues to take Hiker’s Haven . . . . . . . . . . .15 Letter to the Editor . . . . . . . .5 Mind Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . .15 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

art classes that are offered locally and participate in community theater. “I am happy that I can use my computer design skills to give back to the community through groups like the Clayton Valley Art Collaborative and Clayton Cleans Up.” Volunteers meet at 9 a.m., Saturday, April 27, at City Hall to pick up a T-shirt, garbage bags and gloves. At 11:30, everyone meets back at City Hall for a barbecue lunch.

The event is sponsored by the Clayton Pioneer and the city of Clayton with generous donations from Allied Waste, Travis Credit Union and local merchants. For more information, call the Pioneer at (925) 672-0500.

Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Speaking of Sports . . . . . . .11 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Sports Shorts . . . . . . . . . . .12 Weather Words . . . . . . . . . .18

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190

Page 2

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

April 12, 2013

Around Town

Dry, Scratchy or Watery Eyes?

Volunteers get recognition at Scout Dinner

It could be allergies or Dry Eye Syndrome.

Muir District Boy Scouts from Clayton, Concord and Martinez celebrated volunteers at their annual District Dinner held March 22 at Kings Valley Christian School in Concord.

They were joined by Clayton’s Mayor, Julie Pierce, and representatives from the city of Concord, to recognize the many volunteer activities that took place in 2012 and to celebrate outstanding volunteer efforts by local adults in the scouting program.

Among those honored were Cyndi Mallory and Debbie Roark. Mallory is a den leader and Cub Scout roundtable commissioner. Roark is Troop advancement chairman and helped re-establish the Muir

See us for a complete eye check.

District Camporee at the Concord Mt. Diablo Trail Ride Association property on the slopes of Mount Diablo.

MAYOR JULIE PIERCE receives a certificate documenting the 644 volunteer hours of Scouts to Clayton in 2012 from Mount Diablo Silverado Council Scout Executive John Fenoglio.

CYNDI MALLORY (LEFT) OF PACK 316 AND DEBBIE ROARK 465 receive the Muir District Awards of Merit.

Carolyn Brashears married in Sikeston, Missouri. The two

Commercial & Residential

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CAROLYN BRASHEARS AND MALCOLM HIGDON

grew up in the same town, but didn’t begin dating until Malcolm joined the Navy and Carolyn joined the Army and they were stationed across the country from each other.

The couple raised six girls and one boy – three of the girls and the boy through fostering.

They have four granddaughters, one grandson and one greatgranddaughter.

Malcolm retired from the Navy after 27 years and Carolyn is retired from a 20-year civil service career with the Oakland Naval Hospital.

Over the span of their marriage, they lived in Missouri, Tennessee, California and Hawaii and have travelled to almost all 50 states.

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Pioneer plays ball at Spring Training

Concord couple celebrates 50 years April 13 marked 50 years since Malcolm Higdon and

OF

Sarah and Bob Rodenburg took a break from work to realize Bob’s lifelong dream of attending Spring Training in Arizona. We managed to stow away in the motor home and made it to the Dodger vs. A’s game early in the trip.

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April 12, 2013

Around Town

Jason Fernandes honored at Eagle Scout Court Jason Fernandes, Clayton Eagle Scout from Troop 444, was recognized for his outstanding achievement at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor on March 15 at St. Bonaventure’s Church.

JASON FERNANDES

Jason is a senior at CVCHS with 21 Merit Badges completed for his Eagle Scout rank. He achieved Eagle Scout in November 2012.

For his Eagle Scout project, he planned, built and installed 10 planter boxes at St. Bonaventure’s. The project included directing a group of helpers.

Jason is a musician and member of the CVCHS Marching Band and was crowned CVCHS Homecoming King last fall.

Jason is the son of Ed and Penny Fernandes of Clayton.

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Donkey, from page 1 Road, a satellite rescue ranch for the Long Ears Institute in Healdsburg, Calif., to learn to trust people and to walk again.

“We spent hours and hours just running our hands over her body,” said Yvonne Backman, a volunteer at the ranch. “We could feel her tense up. Then she finally began to relax.”

Today, a trim and healthy JenJen has found a forever-home with Doodleton Ranch owner Katherine Palau, a retired teacher and docent at the Lindsay Wildlife Museum.

Palau has always had a love affair with animals. “My best friends as a child were the neighborhood dogs that I would take for walks.”

She spent her childhood on the east coast riding horses, but says she has always loved donkeys.

“About seven years ago, I got it into my head that I wanted one,” she explained. “Not really sure what sparked that thought.”

She began to look for a ranch big enough for the animals she loved with room for a summer camp where she could work with kids in a non-traditional educational setting.

Four years ago, she bought the 20 acres that would immediately become a Jen-Jen’s forever home.

Jen-Jen was soon joined by other rescued critters who found Palau’s ranch a safe stop at the end of a long road of abuse and neglect.

Most of those have moved on to their forever homes, but not all.

Jen-Jen shares the ranch with two other Long Ears – four-yearold Gizmo and white-faced Arizona, who came to be “socialized” and stayed.

But, Doodleton isn’t just for donkeys. Two goats visit with JenJen over the fence – the always hungry Anton and Little Buddy.

Anton came to Doodleton when

he got too big for the Children’s Petting Zoo at Fairyland and Little Buddy was on his way to someone’s dinner table – he still had the butcher’s tag in his ear.

For Anton, nothing is off limits including this reporter’s notebook. Gregarious and self assured, he made a quick snack of my last city council meeting notes.

“He has a little trouble with boundaries,” explained Palau with a laugh.

Every summer, Palau, the animals and a bunch of kids all come together for the Doodleton Ranch day camps – week-long sessions where the kids learn about science with hands-on activities. They work with Palau on animal training, go hiking in Mt. Diablo State Park which borders Doodleton, do art projects, play games and tell stories.

For teens and adults that want to know why donkeys are so stubborn – or smart – Palau will have a morning class, “So You Want to Be a Smart Ass?” on May 5.

For more information on the camps and classes see Doodleton Ranch on Facebook, or email katherinepalau@ hotmail.com or call (510) 207-7467.

Donkey, ass or mule?

A donkey is related to a horse, but smaller with long ears, short hair on the tail, a short mane and a dark stripe down the back.

Donkeys can reproduce.

A mule is much bigger than a donkey and comes from crossing a male donkey (jackass) with a female horse (mare.)

Mules are sterile.

Page 3

How great is your

Mom?

Mom . . . she’s your biggest cheerleader and your staunchest supporter. She’s always there, orchestrating the day, getting dinner, finding lost socks, heading off disaster – often against some pretty tough odds. And in between, she can always find time for a laugh and a snuggle.

Here is your chance to tell the world just how great your mom is. Write the winning essay telling us why your mom should be crowned the Clayton Pioneer’s “Great Mom” and treat her to a giant gift package including dinner out, theater tickets, beauty products and spa days -- everything she needs to feel pampered, pretty and appreciated.

Contestants must be a resident of our circulation area (if you get the Pioneer in your mailbox or in your driveway, you are in our circulation area) between the ages of 6 and 18.

Essays must be typewritten or neatly printed and at least 200 words but no longer than 350 words. Make sure your name, address, phone number and age are on your essay.

Email your essay to The Clayton Pioneer, tamara@claytonpioneer.com; or mail it to or drop it off at the Pioneer office at 6200 H Center St., Clayton.

Deadline to enter is 5 p.m., April 29.

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2132 Stone Valley Road, Alamo $2,298,000 Gated Estate – At the end of a private lane, on a manicured .86 lot is this exceptional 5BD /5.5 BA main house & 800 s.f. guest house. Stunning living room w/walls of windows, marble floors, fireplace & full bar.

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Page 4

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

April 12, 2013

Trails and Landscape Committee revs up Adopt-a-Trail program This year, in addition to their regular responsibilities, the Trails and Landscape committee has agreed to place additional emphasis on the Adopta-Trail program. This program is designed to attract sponsors (families, individuals or businesses) who either make an annual financial pledge and/or a commitment to supply a work group to augment the efforts of the maintenance staff with regard to trail maintenance on one of our eleven (11) trail segments. Posted at the head of each adopted trail is a plaque bearing the name of both the financial and the work-group sponsor. The annual financial sponsorship is $1,000, while work group sponsors pay $250 per year.

ADVISORS TO CITY COUNCIL A provision of Measure B requires the city council to appoint an oversight committee to help the city implement the voter approved plan, and to manage the current and future needs of the LMD. The eleven person committee is directly responsible for compiling and submitting, annually, to the City Council, a report including, but not limited to, a review and comments on the district’s annual operating budget, a review of the detailed Quarterly Maintenance Reports submitted by the City’s maintenance staff, as well as any recommendations the committee believes are relevant, and in the best interest of the city’s trails and landscaping activities.

The volunteers serving on this committee are appointed by, and serve as advisors to, the

LEIGH KLOCK Realtor®, DRE#01874255

NEWLY APPOINTED MEMBERS of the City of Clayton’s Trails and Landscape Committee (Citizens Oversight Committee).

Standing - Clayton Smith, Larry Casagrande (Chair), Ryan Lowe (Vice Chair), Ted Sudderth, Don Fitzgerald. Seated - Robert Erich, Bob Steiner, Alyse Smith, Anthony Chippero

City Council in matters relating to the activities covered by the public Landscaping and Maintenance District (LMD). The LMD was formed in 2007 by the passage of Measure B, and

is funded by a special 10-year parcel tax.

Anyone interested in participating in the Adopt-a-Trail program please contact Chairperson, Larry Casagrande at (925) 693-0073.

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April 12, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Correction to Daffodil Hill caption The caption for the Daffodil Hill photo on the front page of the last issue of the Pioneer contained incorrect information.

First, the city of Concord did not have anything to do with the financing of the project. This was a type. The city of Clayton and the CBCA jointly financed the project, which cost $47,500.

Finally, the Clayton Valley Garden Club planted 500 daffodil bulbs, not 200.

P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517 TAMARA

AND

R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers

TAMARA S TEINER , Editor P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design P EGGY S PEAR , Copy Editor J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports PAMELA W IESENDANGER , Administration

We apologize for the errors.

S TAFF W RITERS : Denisen Hartlove, Nicci Shipstead, Pam Wiesendanger, Peggy Spear

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

Letter to The Editor

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.

I am writing regarding the article in the Mar. 29 edition of the Clayton Pioneer titled “Why your car failed its smog test.”

The article contained (the following incorrect) information. “If perfect combustion was to occur the only thing from the tail pipe would be oxygen and water.” …when a hydrocarbon fuel

burns, the carbon atoms do not cease to exist. They must come out of the tailpipe in some form, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide carbon particles, or unburned fuel. In order to have only oxygen an water in the exhaust, the fuel would have had to be pure hydrogen burned in the presence of an excessive amount of oxygen.

Sincerely, Jon Fitt

Science Tutor AP and SAT Biology

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.

Credentialed – Physical and Biological Sciences 20 years of classroom experience Individual or group sessions Guaranteed results

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Classified HELP WANTED Computer Tech Growing business has position for onsite pro computer tech in Contra Costa County. Must have experience in Windows and Mac OS, network repair and troubleshooting. ComputersUSA! 672-9989.

SERVICES Flower Gardening by Nicole Hackett Perennial, ornamental, rose and container care. Keep your garden in flowers this year with monthly fertilizing and pruning visits.

Email for consultation or details.

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Help Fight Hunger Anna Chan – AKA: The Lemon Lady needs your help! Weekly commitment appreciated. For more info and contact numbers, go to thelemonlady.blogspot.com.

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.

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Directory of Advertisers Auto Clayton Valley Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3900 Business Services Rising Moon Marketing & Public Relations . . . . .672-8717 Village Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7344 Construction and Trades Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700 Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1519 Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .822-5144 Gary’s Home Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .787-2500 Iron Horse Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .595-3951 Remnant Flooring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .235-2200 Steffan Smith Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0497 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 Memo's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-0395 Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737, ext. 205 Events CBCA – Art and Wine Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2272 Financial and Insurance Services Held, Chris – Morgan Stanley Smith Barney . . . .930-3815 Leraul, Luciann – CPA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .518-9076 Littorno, Richard – Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . .432-4211 Miller, Tom – CPA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .354-1385 Mingham, Pete – Guild Mortgage Company . . . .906-8166 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 Groceries Doorstep Farmers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .349-4568 Home and Garden Abbey Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Clayton Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-2299 Clear Splash Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6245 Contra Costa Water District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .688-8320 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Flooring City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-8220 Interiors Panache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7920 Just Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .681-4747 Navlet’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .681-0550 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055 Waraner Bros. Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .831-2323 Waraner Tree Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-0334 Mailing Services The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Optometry Foresight Optometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4100 Pet Services Cat Hospital of Clayton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2287 Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Pittsburg Pet Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-7387 Rodie's Feed and Pet Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600 Real Estate and Mortgage Services French, Lynne – Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787 Howard, Don – Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . .408-3184 Klock, Leigh – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593 Laurence, Pete – RE/MAX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .890-6004 Lopez, Stephanie – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . .932-7329 Mazzei, Matt – Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757 Stojanovich, Jennifer – Better Homes Realty . . .567-6170 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . . .672-4433 Recreation and Fitness Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454 East Bay Regional Park District . . . . . . . . . .888-327-2757 Kali Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .276-0845 Levity Fitness Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2995 Senior Services Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . .524-5100 Montecito – Oakmont Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . .852-6702 Services, Other ComputersUSA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029 Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . . . .473-0180 Kelly, Karen – Biology Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . .285-3875 Travel Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9840

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

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hold their 4th annual event at Oakhurst Country Club in Clayton on Monday, May 13. All proceeds go directly to George Mark Children’s House, located in San Leandro, the first pediatric hospice and palliative care center in the country.

George Mark specializes in caring for children with complex medical conditions that may result in a shortened life expectancy. The goal of palliative care is to relieve the suffering, pain and stress of illness, regardless of prognosis. All medically eligible children and their families are welcome regardless of ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, orientation, religion, socio-economic status or ability to pay.

The Anthony Cottrell Charity Golf Tournament is organized by family and friends of Anthony Cottrell who passed away in 2009, just 5 days after his 16th birthday.

ADD MATH SECTIONS The Academic Booster fun needs to raise $25,000 to add three sections of 7th and 8th grade math next year, reducing class size from 38 to 30. The reduction will directly impact students’ education. All donations are tax deductible. You can donate at the Bronze Level $100-$249; Silver Level - $250$499; Gold Level - $$500-$999; or be a real hero and make a Platinum Level donation of $1,000+.

Send donations to Diablo View Middle School, 300 Diablo View Drive, Clayton, CA 94517 by June 13.

GOLF TOURNEY TO RAISE MONEY FOR PEDIATRIC HOSPICE The Anthony Cottrell Charity Golf Tournament will

For more information or to sign up for the event go to www.accgt.com or contact Tracy Johnston at (925) 9633394 or Raquel Rath at (925) 5809337.

Buyers and Sellers – the time is right JUST LISTED BEAUTY!

This 4 bedroom, 3 Bath home of 3,169 Sq Ft, has vaulted ceilings, 2 fireplaces, 2 zone central heat and air conditioners, formal dining and a Bay Breakfast nook, Gourmet kitchen w/pantry, indoor laundry room, a full bath and bedroom on its ground floor, and a tile roof.

It also has a 4 car attached garage and 10x12 shop, RV Parking, patios, a fully landscaped large lot, and a beautiful in ground pool with stone coping, a waterfall and it's own solar heating!

This wonderful home is a regular seller but is not in Clayton, so it is priced at only $415,000!

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The city of Concord is looking for volunteers to help at a spring work weekend, May 3-5, to help ready Camp Concord for the summer season.

The city will provide food and lodging at the South Lake Tahoe camp for the volunteers.

“Anyone wanting to lend a

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Concord mayor looks to youth for help with city government Concord Mayor Dan Helix is looking to the city’s young people for help. He wants more youth involved in city government and he hopes to get them interested at Concord’s first Youth in Government Forum on April 27.

“Young people are the future of our city,” said Helix. “I want them to see what’s involved in running a city and perhaps we can inspire them to be interested in working in one of our departments or even running for a seat on the city council.”

Council members Ron Leone and Edi Birsan of the Youth and Education Committee will visit all Concord high schools to encourage students to participate.

Elected officials and city department heads will be on hand and looking to the students for ideas on how to deal with some of the more complex

problems involved with running a city of 125,000. There will be ample opportunity to talk directly with council members and key city staff.

A companion online survey is available at cityofconcord.org to help officials understand issues that are of importance to students.

The Concord Youth in Government Forum is April 27, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Drive. Students from all Concord high schools are encouraged to attend and are asked to register in advance of the event at www.cityofconcord.org. The program is free and there will be refreshments and door prizes.

For more information, contact Community Relations Manager Leslye Asera, (925) 671-3272, or by email leslye.asera@cityofconcord.org.

Volunteers needed at Camp Concord, South Lake Tahoe

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April 12, 2013

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hand is welcome and appreciated,” says Camp Director Kathryn Monroy. “We have tasks that range from organizing and cleaning to raking and helping with bigger projects like repairing the amphitheater seating or finishing cabin improvements. The whole family is welcome. Camp staff will

be onsite offering programs and activities for children.”

Find registration forms online at w w w. c i t y o f c o n c o r d . o r g / p d f / recreation/camp/work.pdf. For more information contact Kathryn Monroy at camp@cityofconcord.org or call (925) 671-3006.

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Clayton insurance broker and former vice-mayor, Joe Medrano, who is currently serving a three-year sentence for felony embezzlement, has been ordered to pay $175,750 restitution to his victims.

San Mateo Superior Court judge Jonathan Karesh ordered Medrano to pay Travelers Insurance $133,111.50 and iPass Corporation $42, 639.12. In addition, he must pay a collection fee of $17,500 to the probation department. Medrano appeared at the March 29 hearing without legal counsel, representing himself.

He was convicted on Oct. 11, 2012, after an eight-day trial, of pocketing nearly $160,000 in insurance premi-

ums sent to him by iPass Corporation for insurance coverage instead of sending the premiums to the underwriter, leaving iPass without Workers Compensation insurance.

Medrano resigned from the city council following his conviction and the California Department of Insurance revoked his broker’s license.

He is appealing the conviction, said District Attorney Steven Wagstaffe; a process that could take as long as two years before a decision. Medrano filed his notice of appeal on Feb. 20.

Wagstaffe said his office does not know if Medrano has retained an attorney to handle the appeal.

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Page 7

St. John’s part of unique new ministry Four East Bay Episcopal churches are taking the unique step to create a shared ministry, in an effort to fight off declining enrollment and resources at its parishes.

Two priests – the Rev. Amanda May and the Rev. Fran Gardner-Smith – will lead the parishes at St. John’s in Clayton, St. Michael and All Angels in Concord, St. George’s in Anti-

REV. FRAN GARDNER-SMITH

och, and St. Alban’s in Brentwood.

May and Gardner-Smith are spearheading the newly formed East Contra Costa County Shared Ministry (ECCC), allowing the four churches to share resources, personnel and facilities. In the works for over a year, the ECCC was the brainchild of committees comprised of members of all four churches, with the guidance of retired Rev. Marc Andrus, Bishop of California.

Each congregation retains its own identity and internal administration, but began sharing the two priests as of midMarch.

Revs. May and GardnerSmith will be half-time in each of the churches, with schedules that recall the early days of circuit riders.

Currently, Rev. May conducts Sunday services at 9 a.m. in Clayton and 11a.m. in Concord. Rev. Gardner Smith does the same in Antioch at 9 a.m.

REV. AMANDA MAY

and in Brentwood at 11 a.m.

May will work out of St. John’s in Clayton and GardnerSmith at St. George’s in Antioch. May has moved from Palo Alto and Gardner-Smith has recently relocated to Antioch from New Hampshire.

Over the years, St. John’sClayton has been heavily involved in outreach projects like Habitat for Humanity, the Clayton Cancer Walk, preparing

and serving food at local shelters and supplying backpacks to underprivileged school kids.

“I find my own ministry grounded in the belief that it is our baptism and the promises we make that give each of us a ministry to others,” says Rev. Gardner-Smith.

Fran and her husband David live in Antioch with their standard poodle, Ollie.

As a result of the new Shared Ministry configuration, Rev. Peter Champion, who headed the Clayton church, and Rev. Amber Sturgess, formerly at Antioch, have taken new clerical positions in Northern California.

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Area community colleges ramp up for summer classes More than 1,000 courses are being offered at area community colleges this summer, announced the Contra Costa Community College District last week, up more than 45 percent over last summer.

After four consecutive years of budget declines and reduction in course offerings, the District has begun adding back sections following the passing of Proposition 30. Many returning classes

will be math and English courses, and most are transferrable to the UC and CSU system.

“It has been difficult these last few years to see and hear our students being unable to get the classes they need because the limited sections we offered were full,” said Chancellor Helen Benjamin. “We are cautiously optimistic, and thankful to the voters of California for allowing us the opportunity to help more stu-

dents fulfill their higher education goals with us in a timely manner.”

Register online for classes for all three colleges – Contra Costa College (contracosta.edu), Diablo Valley College (dvc.edu), and Los Medanos College (losmedanos.edu). The schools have updated their websites with searchable schedules that can help students find the classes they need.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

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Also, when credit scores derail escrow Q: My husband and I recently had a local Realtor come over to give us a comparable market analysis on our home because we are planning to sell. Our home is in a great cul-de sac location, with a large desirable floor plan, beautiful landscaping and a new 50-year roof. We are the original owners.

When the agent left, I felt like I should be ashamed of our home.

I know you always talk about “staging” the home for sale, but how far does that have to go? The agent said I couldn’t get anywhere near what it is worth if I didn’t remove the very expensive wallpaper in all the rooms, remove the acoustic ceiling and put all my beautiful things collected from world travels in storage. She said my updated kitchen is not a

plus, because we updated it in 1983. Same with the bathrooms.

There is no way we will remove all the wallpaper. My husband said he thinks it is coming back in style. I also wouldn’t hire a Realtor who doesn’t seem to like my home.

What do you really think needs to be done to get top dollar for a home?

A: I am always puzzled that the majority of home buyers lack the ability to imagine what a house might look like with different wall treatments. It is also hard for them to picture their things in a home if the seller has different taste in accessories. In fact, the more beautiful your things are, the more distracting they can be.

I would say the cheapest thing you can do to more than recoup your money is remove wallpaper and paint the home a neutral color, remove “popcorn” ceilings, change carpet if it is worn and de-clutter (or we say de-treasure) the home. You will have to pack your things away to move anyway, so you might as well do it before you show the home. Another benefit of de-cluttering your home before you try to sell it is you will have less to clean up before

a showing.

It sounds like you have a great yard and location, so you should capitalize on “curb appeal.” Take a critical look at your home from the street. Your goal is to identify cost-effective changes you can make to the house and yard that will make it more appealing to buyers. This could be as simple as cleaning up the yard, adding colorful plants, power washing the entry walk and washing dirt off the exterior of the house.

Your home will sell more quickly and for a better price if you put the time and money into improving its curb appeal.

When you choose a Realtor with whom you are comfortable, have them help you evaluate what to do for your home to appeal to a larger audience. Sellers often have strong emotional attachments to their homes and have difficulty seeing it objectively.

Q: I was all approved for my loan to purchase a home.

One week before it was to close it was turned down after a review form the underwriter because my credit score had changed. I thought they ran the credit and approved everything during the process. Now everything is

on hold and it is a mess. What should I do?

A. Many borrowers now in foreclosure took on all kinds of undisclosed debt after their applications were submitted.

They were approved anyway.

Lenders will run up-to-date credit reports at the time of funding or before close of escrow, sometimes going even further to hire firms that specialize in ferreting out recently obtained debts.

These debts include appliance financing, new credit cards and car loans. These often push debt ratios too high to qualify for the loan anymore.

The thing for you to do is begin working with your lender to get your credit score where it needs to be. One thing you might have to do is pay off some of your accounts and perhaps cancel any new credit cards. It can take up to 30 days to recast your credit score with the credit agencies. Meanwhile you could lose the house you are trying to buy if the sellers won’t wait for you. Your deposit could be at risk as well. Good Luck!

Lynne French is a real estate broker in Clayton. Email your questions to lynne@lynnefrench.com, or call her at (925) 672-8787.

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Mt. Diablo Elementary School was built in 1955. You may recall those were the days when kids walked to school, rode bicycles or took the bus. As a child, I remember vividly the adventures that always seemed to delay me on the way home.

The fort that had to be built, the creek that had to be explored, the mischief that had to be gotten in to. Those were the days.

Times are different now; most kids are taken to school by a parent, and while car pools are welcome, the mini van just doesn’t hold as many kids as the big yellow bus. Though our habits have changed, we still have the same school and very little space to maneuver. Now rather than several hundred kids dismissing and walking/riding off in to the

neighborhoods, we have several hundred cars descending all at once. Many are driven by folks who must rush off to pick up another child, return to work or get kids to soccer/baseball/judo/ etc.

There is no easy solution to these matters. The school and surrounding roadways were never designed to handle the excessive amount of traffic. The Clayton Police Department works diligently with our partners at the elementary school to mitigate the traffic issues at drop off and pick up. Most mornings you will see one of our staff “assisting” people in making good choices when driving around campus. In the afternoons, we continue our efforts to help with traffic congestion.

Seeno, from page 1 Still, Leintz says he is not “anti-development” about the lot, knowing that it would be developed some day. “I just want to make sure it’s not at the expense of the existing

homeowners.”

“I know it’s going to be a nice development, but it will have the biggest homes in the area,” he says, with some up to 3,400 square feet.

This isn’t the first time the neighbors have been crosswise to Discovery Homes, said Leintz. In January, the developer destroyed a nest in the old windmill on the property that had been home to a family of barn owls for generations.

CHRIS THORSEN

BEHIND

THE

BADGE

There is no easy answer. For 15 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the afternoon there will be traffic. There is one thing everybody can do to help our community. Please remember, you are there to pick up children. Though the traffic can be frustrating, around a school is not the time or place to allow your frustration to result in a driving mistake.

Please slow down. Remember: Patience is a virtue.

Chris Thorsen is Clayton’s chief of police. For questions and comments, call him at (925) 673-7350.

According to a Feb. 23 report in the Contra Costa Times, Seeno said there was no owl activity on the property.

Neighbors said that was not true and eyewitnesses to the destruction saw two owls fly out as the nest came down.

Leintz and his neighbors have put up owl houses on their properties for the displaced owls. Two have moved into his neighbor’s house, but Leintz is still waiting for tenants for his.

Why do you read the Pioneer?

“Hi Tamara: We want to let you know how much we enjoy the Clayton Pioneer.

It really makes us feel connected to the community. When we take the mail out of our mailbox and the Clayton Pioneer is there, it's the first thing we read. Thanks for a great publication.”

BARBARA AND RON JACOBS

April 12, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 9

Google and cop among favorites at DVMS Career Day SAMANTHA TUOHEY

DVMS REPORTER Every year Diablo View Middle School hosts career day, where parents of students and other volunteers talk to students about their jobs for a whole period before moving on to the next class.

This year’s Career Day on March 13 brought 25 presenters to the school. Among the favorites were a Google employee, a police officer, a firefighter, and a pastor. Many of the presenters shared what they do every day and what they had to do to get their job.

Career day was started at DVMS several years ago by a parent volunteer. It became too much work for one volunteer

and after a while no one was willing to continue it. Last year it was restarted by Jaime Lynch and Kelly Marshall.

One of the most popular presentations was Sidnie Davis from Google who talked about some of the company’s new projects. They are working on a self driving car and Google Glass, glasses that can take pictures, send texts and emails, play

music, etc. She also explained what it’s like to work for Google and about the buildings that she works in. There are many jobs at Google, but most of them involve engineering, so she recommended taking engineering courses for those interested in a career with Google. Highlights of her presentation were when she showed a video about the Google Glass and when she

CAREER DAY CO-CHAIRS JAIME LYNCH AND KELLY MARSHALL with FBI agent Andrea Caton and Clayton mayor Julie Pierce, both presenters at the event.

talked about the car.

Another favorite was the police officer, Joe Higby. He talked about how he got his job.

He told about how they solve different crimes. The main thing that police officers do to solve crimes is take finger prints. One of the best parts of his presentation was when he even demonstrated on a student and let them keep the finger print when he was done. Kayleigh Little said, “He was fun and we got to interact with the stuff he brought.”

“I think that it was a good experience for all the students. It gives you ideas of what you want to be when you grow up,” said Danni, a seventh grade student.

Career day is fun and can pique students’ interests in different careers.

Samantha Tuohey is in the seventh grade at Diablo View Middle School and plans to be a writer someday. Email your story ideas, comments and questions to Samantha@claytonpioneer.com.

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Drowning out the ‘drama mama’ in your life One of my colleagues has a pillow in his office embroidered with the saying, “If it’s not one thing, it’s your mother.” Obviously this is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the myth that mothers are to blame for everything, which we know is not true–whew! But, there is no denying that many of us struggle with managing our relationships with our parents even as adult children. There is one type of parent that seems particularly vexing for people to deal with, and that is the “drama mama.”

How do you know that you or someone you love has a “drama mama” in their life?

• Your mother puts you on a pedestal and thinks that you are the best son/daughter in the world, until you do something that she does not agree with or like.

• If you do the above-mentioned something that she does not agree with or like, then she may deal with conflict by either a) becoming passive-aggressive, or b) letting you know what a bad son/daughter you are and why.

• Your mother always seems to have a crisis going on, making it the “worst week ever.” Every

STEPHANIE HO MIND MATTERS visit or phone call focuses on what she is going through, which is usually what is negative or wrong in her life, and you may rarely get a word in edgewise. If you do wind up sharing something with your mother, then she’ll likely find a way to turn the conversation back to herself.

• Your mother expects you to cater to her needs and meet her expectations, even when they are unrealistic and impossible.

• Your mother is not open to and doesn’tt respond well to feedback about her behavior; insight is limited and you may very well feel like you’re just digging yourself a deeper hole by trying to point out the above.

Mayor, from page 1 • Wednesday, April 17, serving 5:30-7:30 p.m.: AAUW Spaghetti Feed fundraiser at Endeavor Hall. $10 adults, $5 kids 6-12, under 6 free. Proceeds support TechTrek camperships for girls.

• Monday, April 22, 6-9 p.m.: Plan Bay Area Public Hearing and Open House at Walnut Creek Marriott – see below for more information on this.

• Saturday April 27 has two opportunities to help clean up our community – try to do both.

– 9 a.m.-12 p.m.: Clayton Cleans Up! Meet at the City Hall courtyard.

Pick up trash around town, and then enjoy a BBQ lunch for workers at City Hall. Perfect family or Scout activity.

– All day: Comcast Cares California will be partnering with Clayton Valley Charter High School for a campus clean-up and beautification day.

Visit claytonvalley.org to sign up and fill out waivers required to work.

BBQ included for workers.

• Saturday and Sunday, May

4-5: Art & Wine Festival on Main Street in Clayton • Saturday May 11, 8am to noon: Farmers Market opens on Diablo St downtown.

• Saturday May 11, 6-8:30pm: Concert in The Grove season opener with The Sun Kings.

PLAN BAY AREA You have likely read about Plan Bay Area, recently released by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Association of Bay Area Governments, where I serve as vice president. Plan Bay Area is a long-range land-use/housing and transportation plan for the San Francisco Bay Area.

Plan Bay Area responds to state law. Senate Bill 375, passed in 2008, requires regions such as the Bay Area to plan for needed housing growth while reducing emissions from cars and light trucks. One of the advantages of this law is that your local elected officials, and not legislators in Sacramento, are at the table making decisions on what’s best for our communities.

My job as your representative is to ensure that the plan positions Clayton and Contra Costa for the best possible

Now, some of you may be reading this and asking yourself, “Could I be a drama mama?” If you’re still reading this, then no, you’re probably not. It is important to first realize that “drama mamas” tend to behave badly because they themselves have had painful experiences of not getting their own needs met either by their parents or in their current relationships. The reality is that no mother is entitled to have a loving, respectful, and close relationship with their child – that is earned, and children of “drama mamas” need to remember this. So, what can you do to manage the “drama mama”?

• Remember that this is all about them – it is not about you.

You are not a bad son/daughter and you do not deserve to be treated as such.

• Decide on what your bottom line is. Reflect on what behavior is tolerable and what behavior is not.

• Realize that you cannot change their behavior.

• Accept that this is how your parent is and acknowledge that you may need to grieve the fact that you did not get your needs met by your parent.

future in terms of transportation, housing and economic development. That means keeping all land-use decisions local, preserving what we love about our cities and farmlands, working to unclog our highways and maintain our local streets, and encouraging business development and jobs where it makes sense – while still making room for future generations.

Plan Bay Area concentrates new growth towards the center of our region in large cities like San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose and in locally selected areas near transit. It encourages local communities to plan for future growth in a way that honors their own local priorities.

Our existing Clayton neighborhoods will see no change.

We will continue to plan for a vibrant town center with additional housing, shops and services to reinvigorate our business district. If you’d like to learn more about Plan Bay Area, please go to www.OneBayArea.org or come to the public hearing at the Marriott in Walnut Creek on April 22. I’ll be there.

As always, you can contact me by email at Julie_Pierce@comcast.net.

Let me know what you think.

• Set boundaries with your parent as much as possible.

Limit the time spent and the information shared with them.

• Promise yourself to be a different “drama-free mama” with your own kids –it’s never too late to start!

Stephanie T. Ho is a licensed psychologist. She has a private practice office in Walnut Creek and works at UC Berkeley. She can be reached at stephanie.ho.phd@gmail.com.

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Page 10

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

April 12, 2013

Sports Little League remembers its roots for 50th season celebration worked for Dow Chemical as an engineer in Midland, Michigan.

When his oldest son Tom was nine he made the local little league team just before the family moved to Concord in 1963 for the father’s job. Dad told Tom and younger brother Mike that they’d be able to play baseball in California but when the family got settled in their home adjacent to the Clayton Valley High campus they found out there was no organized baseball league for them.

Concord American and Concord National little leagues already existed but the Clayton Valley area and the city of Clayton, which ironically was also incorporated in 1964, were outside the official boundaries (Ayers Rd.) for those leagues.

(Concord Continental Little League also sprung up at the same time.)

JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

A promise of a father to his sons over 50 years ago turned into Clayton Valley Little League and the local youth baseball program, which began operations in 1964, has been a spring home for America’s pastime to thousands of local boys and girls since.

Clayton Valley Little League held its opening weekend last month and over 600 girls and boys from four to 15 years of age on 52 baseball or softball teams got ready to “Play Ball.” Because of the efforts by CVLL President Kevin Christiansen and the league board of directors these youngsters and their families got to hear about the roots of their league and thank the family that made it all possible.

Merrill “Mack” McCarty

Jason Rogers photo

MERRILL “MACK” MCCARTY FOUNDED CLAYTON VALLEY LITTLE LEAGUE IN 1964 after he moved his family from Michigan to Concord and discovered there was no organized baseball league for his sons Tom and Mike to participate in. At the start of the 50th CVLL season last month the league founder, who passed away in 2004, was honored with his four children and widow on hand. The McCarty family includes, from left, Mike McCarty, Diane McCarty Davis, Joyce McCarty, Gwen McCarty and Tom McCarty.

Photo courtesy Clayton Valley Little League

THE MAJORS BASEBALL FIELD adjacent to Clayton Valley Charter High School which bears the name of the CVLL founder was re-dedicated Mack McCarty Field during the opening weekend of local league’s 50th season. McCarty’s widow Joyce and family members were on hand both Saturday and Sunday for the festivities. The inscription on the sign says, “Never let boundaries prevent you from chasing your dreams.”

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Mack McCarty wasn’t going to let his boys down and got together with other interested volunteers and business people and they received a franchise from Little League National to operate Clayton Valley Little League starting in 1964. Among the happy players that first year was 12-year-old Herc Pardi, who had attempted to play in Concord American but found out he wasn’t eligible. Pardi remembers that the major league Cardinals managed by his dad Herk and minor league Dodgers led by George Bottom were league champions in the inaugural CVLL season with 10 teams in CVLL that season.

Coming full circle, long-time local high school coach and Clayton resident Pardi helped with the ceremonies at the CVLL opening, giving the audience of parents, players, managers and volunteers a feeling of how it all started.

Mt. Diablo Unified School District allowed the league to play at Ayers Elementary in that inaugural season “providing we maintained a tidy snack shack and left the grounds clean after games,” the elder McCarty told the Concord Transcript in 1990.

McCarty lauded early supporters like Slats Mazzei, Larry Azevedo, contractor Bill Plambeck and umpire in chief Ken Byrd, among many others, for getting the league going. Other board members that year with president McCarty were Jim Sanders, Tommy Thomas, John Roach, Ernie Brooks, Walt Mendoza,

Pardi Sr., Mr. Medeiros, John Taylor and Mildred Steele. Joyce McCarty and another mom stayed up late sewing sponsor names on uniforms, including an embarrassing misspelling.

Tom McCarty got to play three years in CVLL and brother Mike five seasons and their dad had “one special season” when he coached his sons.

“After we had long stopped

playing and dad was finished helping with little league and pony league he’d still hop the fence by the high school basketball courts and walk over to watch a few innings of CVLL games. No one knew who he was but he just loved the game,” Tom recalled following the recent ceremonies.

Mack McCarty added in 1990, “It was music to my ears to hear the

kids yelling and all the excitement” at the little league fields behind the high school.

His widow Joyce still lives in that same home. Her four children, Mike, Diane, Gwen and Tom, attended CVHS. They were all on hand both Saturday and Sunday of the opening weekend for the 50th season of the league that their Mack got started.

CVLL moved to its home at Clayton Valley High School off Academy Way in the late 70s.

Looking to the future, Christiansen recently met with CVCHS executive director Dave Linzey and operations director Pat Middendorf and the league “has a verbal commitment from CVCHS that they would like CVLL to be part of the school for a long time.”

In addition to baseball and softball players in CVLL this year there are 64 more players on five teams in the Challenger Division, a program for boys and girls with disabilities that Jim Brophy headed for 16 years with the support of Bob Mazza and others.

In advance of the opening weekend Christiansen told the McCarty family the league had a surprise for them. Indeed, they were able to see a sign high up Jason Rogers photo the major league field backstop CLAYTON VALLEY LITTLE LEAGUE recently had the opening ceresaying “Mack McCarty Field – monies for its 50th season in Clayton and Concord. The mini Never let boundaries prevent peanut (four-year-olds) Giants participated in the event at you from chasing your dreams.”

Clayton Valley Charter High School. The Giants are, from left, Christiansen felt those words Isaac Daly, Harrison Hornsby, Rece Turner and Jonathan summarized the attitude Mack Chamberlain. The youngsters were part of a huge crowd in Dan McCarty had in fulfilling his Della Gym for the ceremonies kicking off the 2013 season. promise to his boys.

April 12, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 11

Sports

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Diver of the Year Ipsen doubles up wins at NCAA championships for Stanford 450.60 points to outlast McCrory (440.40).

“I try to stay away from watching scores, but this time, before my last [dive], I came out at the wrong time and I saw the score on the last dive and I knew it was pretty close going into it,” Ipsen said. “With my last dive, I felt really confident with it.

That’s why I have it last because if there is a situation like that, I can count on that one.”

Ipsen and his Stanford teammates had qualified for the college finals at the NCAA Zone Diving Championships hosted

by Air Force in Colorado Springs earlier last month as Stanford secured an unprecedented four divers into the NCAA. “This was our greatest meet in over 35 years,” Schavone said. “Kristian was great in all events and still not fully rested, but the team effort was exceptional. I absolutely could not be more proud of how Connor (Kuremsky), Noah (Garcia) and Taylor (Sishc) competed. Four men qualifying for the NCAAs is unbelievable.”

Ipsen won all three men’s diving events at the NCAA Zone meet.

JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Kristian Ipsen was named NCAA Diver of the Year after winning the two springboard events and taking second on the platform at the collegiate championships in Indianapolis. The Stanford sophomore from Clayton won the three-meter springboard last year to become the first male Stanford diver in 82 years to capture the college championship and he was able to double his gold medal haul this year.

Going for the sweep of the three NCAA diving events, Ipsen was second on the platform with 452.90 points to Duke’s Nick McCrory (495.20).

McCrory and Ipsen both won bronze medals at the London Olympics with synchro partners.

The Duke junior won his third NCAA platform title although he didn’t compete last year as he prepped for the Olympics. A year ago, Ipsen missed out on the platform finals and jumped up to second this year after being runner-up in the 2012 consolation finals.

Even with a pair of championships and the platform second place Ipsen was barely able to nab the Diver of the Year award after his Olympic teammate McCrory had nearly equal meet results. McCrory ended up with two seconds in the springboard events and the platform gold to finish barely behind Ipsen’s totals. Ipsen and his Cardinal diving teammates were successful enough at the meet to hand coach Rick Schavone the NCAA Diving Coach of the Year award.

Swimmer David Nolan and Ipsen each earned a national title for Stanford on the opening day of the NCAA Men’s Swimming and Diving Championships at the end of March.

The sophomore duo received praise from school officials.

“We’re proud of the outstanding efforts by both David and Kristian,” Goldman Family Director of Men’s Swimming Ted Knapp said. “They are very inspirational NCAA champions and team leaders. David’s relay and individual swims showed tremendous improvement from last year and Kristian’s NCAA record speaks for itself.”

Ipsen posted an NCAA meet

Photo © Sean Juo, ImagingAquatics.com

CLAYTON’S KRISTIAN IPSEN WON TWO TITLES and took second in the third event to be earn the NCAA Diver of the Year award for Stanford. The sophomore won the one- and three-meter springboard titles and was second on the 10-meter platform in Indianapolis to fellow USA Olympic bronze medalist Nick McCrory of Duke.

record in the one-meter with 473.75 points, bettering the previous mark set by Purdue’s David Boudia in 2010. The Clayton Olympian was first through the prelims with 390.25 points and finished comfortably ahead of McCrory (436.60) in the finals.

It was Stanford’s second one-meter title in program history. Ipsen matched Ed Thorndsen, who copped the same honor with a 109.20 total for the 1930 title. “When I’m diving, I only focus on two points per dive, so I didn’t even have the record in mind,” Ipsen said.

On the second day of the meet Ipsen and Nolan picked up their second national titles in as

many days. “Our youth has been a real highlight for us,” Knapp said. “Kristian was another hero for us today.”

Ipsen defended his threemeter crown from 2012 to give him a sweep of the springboard events. “It was a tough contest, and Kristian wasn’t on top of his game but stayed tough,” head diving coach Schavone said. “He kept fighting and got the opening and won. I might be prouder of his toughness tonight than his excellence last night.”

Ipsen (450.60) led after the prelims and was in the driver’s seat during the finals until his fifth-round dive dropped him to second. The All-American nailed his final dive to give him

PREPPING FOR WORLDS The Clayton diver has curtailed his usually hectic national and international diving schedule this year as he decompresses from the rush of striving for the London Olympics over the past four years and then competing at the sport’s highest level. Dad Kent Ipsen explains, “He is working on some new, bigger dives. He is training a lot to get stronger and quicker (to facilitate the big dives). This being the first year in this quadrennium is the year to go back to the drawing board and derive a new game plan for the next Olympic bid.”

He adds that his son will be competing in May at the World Championship Team Trials in Tallahassee, Florida to try and qualify for the USA team that will compete in Barcelona, Spain at the FINA World Championships July 19-Aug. 4.

The local phenom has a real extra incentive for making the USA team since he plans on vacationing in Spain for a while after the meet before starting his junior year at Stanford.

Stanford Athletic Communications contributed to this article.

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Bay Area baseball back in action

TYLER LEHMAN

SPEAKING

OF

SPORTS

With the beautiful weather that comes in spring, so does baseball. The regular season for baseball started Mar. 31 and both the A’s and Giants have high hopes this year as they both look to make it deep into the playoffs.

The Giants are coming of their 2012 World Series victory, there second in three years, and they are hungry for another.

With a roster that has little to no changes, the Giants will

undoubtedly make it into the post season, considering they still have almost every starter still on the roster from the World Series-winning team last year. Granted they do have the new “Yankees” of baseball in their division, the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are currently sitting with the biggest payroll in baseball this season at $214 million.

The Dodgers have a great team on paper, but the Giants have something that no amount of money can buy, and that is great chemistry. With Vogelsong, Cain and Bumgarner providing stellar pitching, while National League MVP Buster Posey leads the offense, the Giants should be able to glide through the regular season to the playoffs, barring any serious injuries. The Giants aren’t the only Bay Area baseball team looking to make a splash, as the

Oakland A’s also have a great chance at making the playoffs this season.

There is no other way to describe how the A’s organization is run than amazing. They currently have the third lowest payroll in baseball right now at $60 million. Despite the fact that they pay so little for players compared to other teams, it doesn’t affect them because they have a GM in Billy Beane who has a scouting staff in place that can dig diamonds out of the rough that no other organization can see. There is no questioning the validity of the A’s system considering the fact that they have the third lowest payroll in baseball, while the division rival Los Angeles Angels have the fifth highest payroll in baseball, at $148 million, and it was the A’s who made the post season last year, not the Angel’s with Albert Pujols.

The A’s made some moves over the off-season looking to improve the roster, most notably the trade for Chris Young from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Young had a .231 batting average with 14 home runs, 41 RBIs and eight stolen bases last year in an injuryplagued season. He most likely won’t be starting at the beginning of the season, but can play all positions of the outfield as well as designated hitter from time to time. He is a very talented player and since the A’s traded for him I’m more than willing to trust their judgment on the talent and help he can bring to the team.

Best of luck to both Bay Area baseball teams and, who knows, maybe we can have another Battle of the Bay in the World Series this year.

Email your comments or questions to Tyler@claytonpioneer.com.

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Page 12

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April 12, 2013

Sports

Varied outlooks for Clayton Valley spring sports teams ior attacker who transferred from Cal High.

NCS playoffs begin May 1415 after league play concludes May 10.

JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Spring season is the busiest of the high school year and Clayton Valley Charter fields a full set of teams in every sport.

The Pioneer is profiling CVCHS spring sports teams in our two April issues. All the teams are now in the midst of league play aiming to qualify for North Coast Section competition in May. GIRLS LACROSSE Girls lacrosse this spring at Clayton Valley transitioned to a new coach in Mitch McDuff and also in its schedule and league setup.

As lacrosse has been growing in the Bay Area the CVCHS girls team has been competing in the Bay Shore Athletic League along with Bishop O’Dowd, Davis, Berkeley, Piedmont and Northgate. Both College Park (2013) and Ygnacio Valley (2012) have added the varsity sport in the past two years. This year the four area teams from the Diablo Valley

Jason Rogers photo

SENIOR MIDFIELDER MEGAN ABCEDE (5) holds off a pair of Bishop O’Dowd High School players in a 16-12 win for the Clayton Valley Charter Eagles at Gonsalves Stadium.

Athletic League are engaged in a double round-robin league schedule with O’Dowd, Berkeley and Piedmont.

McDuff and his team have set a number of goals including

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qualifying for North Coast Section playoffs and having the first winning record in the school’s history dating back to the introduction of lacrosse in 2008.

“We feel we can win every game we play if we play up to our ability and keep our unforced errors to a minimum.

Berkeley and Piedmont seem to be the toughest challenges.

Northgate is also our rival so that game is very important to us. Additionally, we expect our players to be academically successful and represent CVCHS well in terms of sportsmanship and character,” McDuff says.

Assistant coaches Chip Renner and Rick Ortiz are helping the team reach its goals. Renner is a local doctor who played college lacrosse at Stanford and has been coaching youth lacrosse for a while. Ortiz mainly helps with the junior varsity due to conflicts with his work scheduling.

A quartet of seniors provides experience and leadership for the Eagles. Midfielders and captains Lauren Valory and Megan Abcede, defender Brianna Parham and midfielders/ attacker Amanda Calimlim are returning players. Quincy Winship, Kyra Ortiz, Priti Lal and Alaina Campbell are returning junior stalwarts.

Sophomore attacker Paige Anderson has been out with a foot injury and is the only underclassman on the squad.

Junior Morgan Bennett is a jun-

BOYS VOLLEYBALL Stephen Coddington begins his sixth season in charge of the Eagles boys volleyball team and he has a large task replacing nine players from last year who have departed through graduation or leaving the area from the team that reached the second round of the NCS playoffs last year before losing to eventual champion Campolindo.

Junior Matthew D’Angina who plays opposite, outside hitter and setter is a returning second-team all-DVAL player and his classmate setter Garrett Blatter was honorable mention allleague last spring. Coddington is also counting on key contribution by senior Tyler Sun, an opposite.

With so many vacancies on the roster the Eagles will be starting three players moving up from junior varsity — Clark Blatter, Shane Russell and Taylor McCracken. Also assuming roles in their first varsity season are juniors Dalton Heinz and Ryan Boyle, soph Jon Bellesorte and freshman Zach Hanson, a middle blocker.

They will be replacing the likes of first-team all-league middle blocker Taylor Wingard and Mckay Blatter, Cole Willardson, Dalton Moore and Jeremiah Stielow.

Coddington adds, “We are a developing team this season.

We are mixing in two brand new players to the game of volleyball in the starting lineup Boyle and Bellesorte) and a freshman (Hanson) who has three years of middle school volleyball experience.

College Park is the team to beat this year as they are one of the contenders for the NCS Division 1 title this season.

Northgate, Berean Christian and Concord are all good teams that we will be competing for second place (with Clayton Valley),” the head coach said. NCS playoffs run from May 8-18.

Varsity assistant coach Josh Armstrong, like Coddington, is an alum of Clayton Valley.

BOYS TENNIS Jonathan Kim sits at or near the top of the list of Clayton

Sports Shorts OAKHURST ORCAS PARENTS PRE-SEASON MEETING APRIL 20 Head coach Jasmine Millan is still accepting registrations for the Oakhurst Country Club recreation summer swim team.

A pre-season parents meeting is scheduled for Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. For more information email coach Millan at swimcoach@oakhurstcc.com or visit oakhurstorcas.com.

FOOTBALL, CHEER SIGNUPS OPEN FOR CV FALCONS Registration is now open for 2013 Clayton Valley Youth football and cheer. Football is open for ages 7-14 while cheer accepts ages 5-14. The next inperson registration days for the CVAA Falcons are next Wednesday, April 17, 6-8 p.m. and Sunday, April 28, 1-3 p.m. at Mountain Mike’s Pizza by Clayton Bowl. The season starts July 29. For more information and online registration visit CVAAFalcons.com.

CLAYTON VALLEY HALL OF FAME TICKETS AVAILABLE Clayton Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame will hold its third induction ceremony on Saturday, May 18, at Centre Concord. This year’s class of honorees comes from the 1960s through ‘90s. Tickets for the dinner and induction at $50 are available through Clayton Valley Charter High School website (claytonvalley.org, click on Web Store) or by sending a check to CVHS Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 842, Clayton, CA 94517.

CVCHS ACCEPTING COACHING APPLICATIONS FOR 2013-14 SCHOOL YEAR

Athletic Director Greg Fister says that Clayton Valley Charter High School is seeking credentialed teachers who have high school sports coaching experience. The school is specifically accepting varsity boys soccer coaching applications. All applicants can email a resume to Human Resources Director Amber Lineweaver

Valley tennis players in school history so his departure from the Eagles team has had its expected impact. Head coach Rick Ortega and assistant Marc Albano face the task of replacing their top four singles players including three-time league champion and MVP Kim, Ryan Dugan and Jacob Saudan.

Last year’s DVAL doubles champs Jimmy Young and Kevin Dong are back for their junior years. Young is now the #1 singles player while Dong fluctuates from #2 - #4.

Also expected to play key roles are singles players Austin Arder and Alex Hu, both juniors, and doubles players Harrish Sheikh, Dave Katsnelson, Nick Kies, Kyle Duckworth, Charley Jang and Kenny La. Duckworth and Matt Osterkamp are freshmen.

Kim is playing on a doubles team as a freshman at PomonaPitzer is in Claremont.

NCS tennis kicks off spring section play May 3-4.

SOFTBALL Unlike some of her fellow coaches, CVCHS softball head coach Kristen Morley has a vet-

Sarah Okimoto photo

SHORTSTOP JACEE ALMOND is counted on to help lead the Clayton Valley Charter High School softball team to league and section glory this year before she heads off to continue her playing career at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA. The returning all-league player is part of a veteran squad coach Kristen Morley expects big things of this spring.

(amber.lineweaver@claytonvalley.org) with three references and coaching experience or bring that information to the school and leave in athletic director box in the main office.

SUMMER YOUTH, ADULT PROGRAMS COMING TO CLAYTON GYM

Summer will be a busy time for All Out Sports League programs through Clayton Community Gym. Adult volleyball and softball, cheer camp and summer leagues for youth volleyball (8-16 years-old) and basketball (4-16 year-olds) will all be offered.

For more information, go to alloutsportsleague.com.

EARLY BIRD DEADLINE APRIL 30 FOR CLAYTON VALLEY FOOTBALL CAMP North Coast Section champion Clayton Valley Charter High School hosts its Future Champions Full-Pad Youth Football Camp June 24-27 at the Concord school. Camp Director Michael Dominquez and Eagles head coach Tim Murphy explain that the camp has individual and

eran team and has high expectations for her squad. “With a senior heavy team and very talented players, winning DVAL and NCS is very much in sight.”

Senior shortstop Jacee Almond is a key team member who has committed to play next year at Bucknell University.

Transfer Kierra Willis will be going to Fresno State for softball next year after being named a “player to watch” this season as she joins the Eagles title bid.

Seniors Shannon Mestas, Bella Faleafine and Katilyn Covione and junior Rachel Siver are other top returning players.

Pitcher Mestas was co-MVP in the league a year ago while Faleafine, Almond, Siver, Willis and Jenna Zukowski, now a junior, were all first-team all-DVAL. Covione was a second-team allleague pitcher, giving the Eagles a strong one-two punch on the mound with Mestas.

Seniors Julia Arteaga, Ashley Daniels and Kathy Mason and with juniors Cassie Delmonte, Kaitlyn Montgomery, Julia Morgan and Madison Tamichi all figure in the coaches plans this spring.

The league has setup a new scheduling format this year for softball and baseball with schools playing a home and home series each week with a DVAL rival. One of the main reasons for this is that pitchers in each sport can’t be scheduled against their main competition when they play back-to-back in the same week.

Clayton Valley made it to the quarterfinals of NCS last year while Concord claimed the section championship led by league MVPs shortstop Mickey Loveridge and pitcher Jenna Leavitt. It was the second NCS title in three years for Concord.

That record doesn’t concern Morley as she says, “We should do very well in league. Concord should be our only big competition and we see them the last week of league. It will be a disappointment if we don’t win league.”

The Eagles lost 1-0 early to top-ranked Amador Valley and then 4-3 to Alameda on back-toback days in mid-March. DVAL play ends with Clayton Valley and Concord playing May 14 and 16. NCS starts up May 2122 with the finals May 31 and June 1.

group instruction and team competition with fundamentals and techniques of football taught by the CVCHS staff. A $25 discount is offered for registrations by April 30. To register email coach.dmngz@gmail.com or call (925) 381-5143 for an application.

DIABLO FC U15-U18 SOCCER TRYOUTS CONCLUDE NEXT WEEK Diablo FC is now aligned with the San Jose Earthquakes and is holding U15-U18 tryouts for the 2013 competitive soccer season for girls and boys competitive teams at Boatwright Fields in Concord. U15 tryouts conclude Monday, April 16, U16-U17 on Tuesday, April 15, and U18 on Wednesday, April 17. Those who missed earlier U9-U14 tryouts can register today at diablofc.org and the appropriate age group coach will contact the player about an evaluation. U15-U18 players can register for tryouts online. Get a complete tryout schedule at diablofc.org.

April 12, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 13

Ticks can be tricky if not treated

MARYBETH RYMER,

DVM

PET PALS Ticks are effective transmitters of diseases which affect both pets and people. California has historically had a low incidence compared to the eastern United States. But at a recent Contra Costa County Veterinary Association meeting, Dr. Richard B. Ford, a renowned veterinary immunologist and a professor at North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, pointed out a rise of Lyme and anaplamosis in the East Bay and Sonoma regions.

Lyme disease is a spirochete bacterium transmitted by the deer tick. The tell-tale “bull’seye” target at the bite site in people is not seen in dogs. Since symptoms are vague, the disease if often hard to diagnosis. Most owners bring their dog in for generalized pain, limping or walking as if they were on eggshells, lack of appetite and high fever. A vaccine is available but efficacy is questionable.

Anaplamosis has similar symptoms. In fact, there can be co-infections of Lyme and anaplamosis because both are transmitted by the same ticks.

Other symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, labored breathing and seizures.

Decreased clotting may occur with signs of bruising and

nose bleeds.

Tick-borne diseases can also disrupt the immune system causing misdirected destruction of red blood cells (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia) or platelets (Immune Mediated Thrombocytopenia).

Diagnostic tests available include an in-hospital 20-minute blood test which combines Lyme, anaplamosis, erlichia and heartworm. A major national laboratory, Antech, provides a more accurate overnight blood panel for the same organisms.

DNA tests are also available.

Luckily, these diseases are easily treated with the antibiotic doxycycline. Prognosis for recovery is excellent in the acute stages. As in people, chronic Lyme’s disease can lead to permanent damage to joints.

The best prevention is to avoid tick bites. Ticks are found in grassy, wooded and sandy areas. They await on the tip of a leaf, blade of grass or short trees for the passing of a warm blooded creature. Once aboard, they attach to the skin for a blood meal. The offending bacteria pass through the mouth parts following attachment for one to three days.

So, after being in a tick infested area immediately perform a tick check of yourself and your pet. Use a monthly tick prevention on your pet. There are many to choose from. Some spot-ons will repel ticks while others kill the tick after 12-24hours of attachment before transmission occurs. The old tick and flea collars are ineffective but new collars sold by veterinarians offer good control.

When removing a tick use a tweezers to pinch near the skin and pull straight out. Kill the tick

Petables Few things feel as good as a good roll in the dirt. Just ask Honey Pie, a retired race horse who lives on Marsh Creek Road.

Honey Pie, whose racing name was Swift Comet is descended from the legendary, near triple-crown winner, Native Dancer. Honey Pie raced at Los Alamitos and racked up 16 starts in her career.

Her owner, Kelsea Sutton and her mom both work at Rodie’s

by placing in rubbing alcohol or crushing. Protect fingers with a glove or tissue from tick fluid which may contain the spirochete that can enter through open wounds.

The Companion Animal Parasite Council, CAPC, has an interactive website to learn more

FREE Office Visit Exam New clients only. Limit one per family.

Expires 10/31/2013

Marybeth Rymer, DVM, can be reached at Monte Vista Animal Hospital, Concord. 672-1100.

Office Hours M-F 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 2 – 5:30 p.m.

Every other Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Eeyore and Pepper are ARF’s Adoption Stars

EEYORE

PEPPER

Two-year-old Eeyore is a good-looking, outgoing, spirited boy who would do well in a home where there is plenty of time to devote to his physical and mental well-being. Eeyore has a thick, luscious coat that will need regular grooming to prevent him from becoming matted, and help him feel comfortable and clean at all times.

The adoption fee for adult dogs is $225 and includes 60% off one 7-week dog training session.

likely be an easygoing little companion.

Pepper’s adoption fee has been prepaid by a generous donor.

Eight-year-old Pepper is a sweet lady-cat who enjoys gentle petting and attention. She will

Get Acquainted Offer

about the prevalence of tick borne diseases in your area. See www.petsandparasites.org/ parasite-prevalence-maps

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.

Dr. Linda M. Miller 5435 Clayton Road, Ste I, Clayton 925-672-CATS (2287) www.cathospitalofclayton.com

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Have a great pet photo you’d like to share?

Claytonians love their pets and they almost always have their cameras with them.

The next time you catch that great shot, send it to tamara@claytonpioneer.com and then look for it here on the pet page.

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Page 14

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

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Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. APR 17 FOR THE APR 26

IN CLAYTON Apr. 27 Clayton Cleans Up Honor Earth Day with a town spring cleaning. Help pick up trash, pull weeds and share in community spirit. A great activity for clubs and organizations, school projects or a family outing. Meet at City Hall at 9 a.m., rain or shine. T-shirt, gloves and garbage bags provided. Barbecue at 11:30 a.m. Sponsored by the Clayton Pioneer and the city of Clayton with generous donations from Allied Waste, Travis Credit Union and many local merchants. 672-0500.

May 4, 5 Art and Wine Festival Arts, crafts, food, music, wine. Sat. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Main Street, Clayton. claytoncbca.org. 672-2272.

First Thursdays Oakhurst Business Network Meets first Thursday of the month for social hour. Hosted hors d’oeuvres, cash bar. 5 – 7 p.m. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Drive, Clayton. oakhurstcc.com.

ON THE MOUNTAIN Mount Diablo Interpretive Association programs listed are free with the exception of park entrance fee. Go to mdia.org and click on Events Calendar for more information.

Apr. 14 Frogs, Toads, Salamanders See what kind of amphibians live on Mount Diablo with Naturalist Michael Marchiano. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Audio visual room at the Summit.

Apr. 21 Family Wildflower Walk Learn about spring wildflowers and the remarkable tale of Billy, the flower-loving dog, that visited in 1830. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Meet at Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center.

Apr. 28 Butterflies and Wildflowers Join two local naturalists in the hunt for butterflies and learn what plants attract them. 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Meet at end of Regency Drive, Clayton.

Apr. 28 Round the Mountain Hike Circle the park’s namesake peak, Mount Diablo. 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Meet at Juniper Camp trailhead.

Save Mount Diablo programs listed are free unless otherwise noted. Go to savemountdiablo.org and click on Activities/Guided Hikes for more information. 947-3535.

Apr. 13 Mountain Biking Ride Bicycle Trails Council of the East Bay April Gala Ride is a casuallypaced social bike ride for men and women of all skill levels. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meet at Monte Vista High School parking lot, 3131 Stone Valley Road, Danville.

Apr. 21 Earth Day Project Restore the streamside woodland area for native plants and wildlife along Marsh Creek. 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Space limited; registration required.

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT Thru Apr. 21 “The Sound of Music” Performed by Contra Costa Musical Theatre. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40-$49. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Thru Apr. 27 “The 39 Steps” A fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $38-$47. centerrep.org. 943-7469.

Apr. 13 Chamber Music SF Presents Calefax. 2:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Tickets on sale Apr. 13 at 12 a.m. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Apr. 13 Music for Men Through the Ages Oakland East Bay Gay Men’s Chorus performs music written for men or sung by men from the 10th century to 2013. 7 p.m.

Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. $15-$25. oebgmc.org.

Apr. 13 – 27 Wildlife Museum Classes Signs of Spring and Water Exploration classes. Saturdays. Lindsay Wildlife Museum, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. Register at wildlife-museum.org/education/kids.

Apr. 14 Mic Gillette of Tower of Power Clinic and concert. Clinic 2 p.m.

Concert 4 p.m. Shadelands Art Center, 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. $10 for concert; $20 for both. 943-5846.

ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO

calendar@claytonpioneer.com

May 2 – 5 “Robin Hood” Join Robin Hood’s band of Merry Men as they try to outwit Prince John. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Mic Gillette playing in the studio

Apr. 19 Glenn Staller Award-winning guitarist Glenn Staller returns with an evening of Classical and Tango music. 7:30 p.m. St. John’s Episcopal Church, 5555 Clayton Road, Clayton. $15. brownpapertickets.com. 672-8717.

Apr. 19 Healthy Lifestyle Expo Information about services, resources and products that benefit older adults, their families and caregivers. 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle, Concord. Free.

671-3320, ext. 1.

Apr. 20 Three of Us An acoustic tribute to The Beatles. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $15-$25. elcampaniltheatre.com.

Apr. 25 – May 12 “Pilgrims Musa and Sheri in the New World” Romantic comedy exploring the differences between American and Middle Eastern cultural values and expectations. Parental advisory. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20-$35. centerrep.org. 943-7469.

Apr. 26 David Spade Spade hits the HomeAid stage to bring hope to the homeless. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $95. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Apr. 26 Visions and Vistas Reception to kick off exhibit of original art and photography of Mount Diablo. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Lindsay Wildlife Museum, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. Free. wildlife-museum.org.

Apr. 26, 28 “Starbuck” International Film Showcase presents this comedy. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $7-$8. elcampaniltheatre.com Apr. 26 – May 11 “Grace and Glorie” A story of pain and wisdom, heartbreak and comfort, comedy and acceptance set in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Diablo Actors’ Ensemble Theatre, 1345 Locust St., Walnut Creek. $10-$25. diabloactors.com.

Apr. 27 Come Together: The Beatles Concert Experience Live musical performance recreating the look, sound and history of The Beatles. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40-$45. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Apr. 27 Devil Mountain Double Century Bike Ride Starts and ends in San Ramon, traveling through Mount Diablo and Morgan Territory Road. quackcyclists.com.

Apr. 27 Rat Pack Show Experience the most authentic Rat Pack Show in the world with exciting, brand new arrangements of classic songs. 2 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $30. elcampaniltheatre.com.

Apr. 28 Chamber Music SF Corey Cerovsek Trio performs. 2:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Tickets on sale Apr. 28 at 12 a.m. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Apr. 28 Ole Blue Eyes Swinging tribute to Frank Sinatra starring Jonathan Poretz. 3 p.m.

Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40$45. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

Apr. 29, June 24, July 29, Aug. 26 Mini Mondays Children aged 2-5 discover the natural world around them.

Children must be accompanied by adult. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Lindsay Wildlife Museum, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. $15. wildlife-museum.org. 935-1978.

May 2 - 26 “Salome” Butterfield 8 Theatre Company presents this one-act play telling the Biblical story of Salome. Cue Productions Live, 1835 Colfax St., Concord. $10-$20. b8company.com.

May 3, 4 Inside the Dancer’s Studio Diablo Ballet performance. Shadelands Art Center, 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. $20-$38. diabloballet.org.

May 4, 5 California Symphony Trevino and the Fantastique! Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $65. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.

FUNDRAISERS Apr. 17 McTeacher Night Organized by Mt. Diablo Elementary Parent Faculty Club. Evening of fun served by MDE staff. McDonald’s donates 20 percent of all dine-in or drive-through orders. 4 - 7 p.m. Located at 4550 Clayton Road, Concord. 825-5585.

Apr. 17 Spaghetti Feed Annual dinner held by the Clayton branch of the American Association of University Women to sponsor students at Tech Trek math and science camp. Raffle. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. Tickets available from any AAUW member or at the door. $5 children; under age 6, free. $10 adults.

AT THE LIBRARY The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. claytonlibrary.org or 673-0659.

Tuesdays thru May 14 Patty Cakes Story time for babies to 3-year-olds. Child attends with caregiver.

11 a.m.

Wednesdays Book Buddies A volunteer will read stories for children 3 and older. 1 - 2 p.m.

Call in advance.

Thursdays thru May 16 Picture Book Time Story time for 3- to 5-year-olds. Child may attend without caregiver. 11 a.m.

Apr. 12 – 14 Used Book Sale Clayton Community Library Foundation sale. Most books $1.

Most children’s books $.50. Fri. 4 – 7 p.m. members preview.

Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sun. 12 – 4 p.m. half price. 2 – 4 p.m. $3/bag; bag provided.

Apr. 24 Pension Maximization How to best maximize your pension benefits while insuring continued benefit to survivors. 6:30 p.m.

The Concord Library is at 2900 Salvio St. 646-5455.

Apr. 19 – 21 Used Book Sale Concord Friends of the Library sale. Hardcovers $1. Paperbacks $.50. Children’s books $.25-$.50. Sunday $3/bag. Fri., Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sun. 1 – 4 p.m.

SCHOOLS Apr. 13 A Little Night Music Join the CVCHS Choral Department as they present an elegant dinner and vocal recital of opera arias and Broadway showstoppers. 6 p.m. Stonebrook Healthcare Center Banquet Room, 4367 Concord Blvd., Concord. $25. elizabeth.emigh@claytonvalley.org. 510-590-1367.

GOVERNMENT 1st and 3rd Tuesdays Clayton City Council 7 p.m. Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.

2nd and 4th Tuesdays Clayton Planning Commission 7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.

Meeting dates and times for local clubs and organizations are listed at claytonpioneer.com. Click on ‘Events’

April 12, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 15

Performing Arts

Diablo Ballet to perform rousing season finale The Diablo Ballet likes to end things with a bang, and does exactly that with its 2012-13 season in a two-night extravaganza featuring George Balanchine’s legendary “Stars and Stripes Pas de Deux.”

Four works will be presented as part of the two-nightonly program, with live music under the direction of Greg Sudmeier, Diablo Ballet’s Music Director: It’s the latest in the company’s popular Inside the Dancer’s Studio series, beginning at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 3 and continuing at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 4.

“Stars and Stripes Pas De Deux” combines ballet with the rousing, patriotic music of John Philip Sousa. Also being performed is “They’ve Lost Their

Footing” by KT Nelson, the co-artistic director of ODC San Francisco.

Bay Area choreographer Tina Kay Bohnstedt’s “From Another Time” is also on the program.

by Robert Dekkers, who most recently ch o r e o g r a p h e d “The Web Ballet – Flight of the Dodo,” the first ballet to be created with suggestions made from the Internet.

The company’s Inside the The Dancer’s Studio long-time series brings D i a b l o audiences upBallet dancer close to the creates a new work power of dance.

Credit: Aris Bernales set to an original The series comDIABLO BALLET score by Walnut Creek bines a fully cosDANCERS Mayo concert pianist Justin tumed dance Sugano and Levitt, who will also perp r e s e n t a tion David Fonnegra form it live. performed to in KT Nelson’s Diablo Ballet will close live music and “They’ve Lost the evening with a new work Their Footing.” audience partici-

pation in an intimate theater setting, at the Shadelands Art Center.

Patrons will have the opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer session with the dancers, choreographers, musicians and artistic staff, hosted by celebrity moderators, Joanna Berman, former principal dancer with the San Francisco Ballet, ABC7 anchor Dan Ashley and Diablo magazine editor Susan Safipour.

Following the performance is an exclusive complimentary food and wine reception, where patrons can meet the artists.

For tickets and information, visit www.DiabloBallet.org or call 925943-1775. Tickets are also available at the Shadelands Arts Center Auditorium box office one hour before performances begin.

DAE performs heartwarming comedy Diablo Actors’ Ensemble (DAE) will open Tom Ziegler’s “Grace and Glorie” on Friday, April 27. Directed by Scott Fryer, this heart-warming comedy is a celebration of the strength and resiliency of women at every age, a poignant comedy about love, loss and the search for meaning in all of our lives.

Grace is a feisty illiterate 90-year-old who has checked herself out of the hospital and returned to her ramshackle cottage in the mountains of Virginia. Enter Gloria, a transplanted New Yorker with a Harvard MBA, now volunteering as a hospice care-

giver. Which one do you think needs saving?

At first, cultures and generations hilariously collide, but over time they realize they have more in common than they ever could have imagined.

The show features Ann Kendrick and Ginny Wehrmeister. “Grace & Glorie” plays Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., April 27 through May 11, 2013 at the DAE stage at 1345 Locust Street in Walnut Creek.

Tickets are $10 to $25 and can be ordered at www.diabloactors.com or by calling 866-811-4111.

A-maze-ing hike amidst old volcanoes

Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve

Tucked in the hills due east above the Caldecott Tunnel lies 660 acres of land known as Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve. As my kids reminded me many times on the way

and warlocks, while others claim it was a local psychic and sculptor who created them. Oddly enough, the fact remains that not even the East Bay Regional Park District knows who constructed them. Park policy actually forbids any rearranging of nature, but the mazes have been left undisturbed. There is said to be at least five mazes; however many of them have been known to disappear and then re-appear in various spots throughout the park.

The mazes themselves are a gathering place for hikers, bikers, curious folks, miracle seekers, spiritual groups, healers, psychics and even dogs. We did not wit-

home from this wonderful hike, we came for the volcanoes (four in total) but stayed for the mazes. Mazes, you ask, in a volcanic preserve?

This park provides a network of hiking trails, picturebook views of the surrounding landscapes and even the extinct Round Top Volcano. Some say the mazes were built by witches

ness any supernatural activities while in the park, but some say you can feel the energy.

The Sibley Mazes are simply made labyrinths, marked out with rocks less than one-foot high on a single path which winds its way to the center and then out again. Most range from 50 to 100 feet in diameter. Each maze is set up so that you have

KEVIN PARKER

HIKER’S HAVEN

Trailhead: Sibley Staging Area Getting There: Highway 24 towards Oakland, exit Fish Ranch Road, left on Grizzly Peak Blvd., left on Skyline Blvd., left into Sibley Staging Area. to walk the entire maze before you reach the center. You must also do the same when exiting the mazes.

No one knows who tends to the mazes, but the rocky sculptures keep clear paths with obvious care and attention to their boundaries. At the center of each of the mazes is an altar space where many offerings have been left and periodically removed.

The largest of the mazes is set down in an abandoned quarry pit. This is by far the biggest and most popular maze because it is one of the easiest to locate within the park. The second maze is set in the hill above and the rest of these mazes can be found as well with a little exploring. All of these mazes represent a place where many go to pray, cleanse, purify, heal or just observe. Some may be on a walking pilgrimage, while others a spiritual journey, but whatever each of these mazes has to offer, it most likely exists on many different levels.

I want to emphasize that the beauty of the Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve itself is enough of a reason to visit the park. However, the mazes add a bit of unexpected beauty that is not often found within the boundaries of any East Bay Regional Park. So get outside and climb a volcano, follow a maze, or both.

For more information on this hike or other outdoor experiences, you can send email to Kevin Parker at hikershaven@claytonpioneer.com.

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Page 16

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

April 12, 2013

Wallpaper rolls into the 21st Century Wallpaper. For some people, the word alone conjures up memories of flocked designs lining the walls of your parents’ or grandparents’ home. It may remind you of a favorite restaurant in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood, where a single Italian landscape graces a focal wall. Or possibly, it covers the walls in one

Tax Time . . .

I try not to be self-serving in this column but I think you need to know that the IRS is attacking the ability of unregulated tax preparers to prepare taxes. The IRS has not prevailed yet but it is probably just a matter of time. The regulation will be similar to so many other certifications we see popping up that keep our young people going back to school instead of joining the workforce and their aging parents stretching their budgets over them. Bottom line: testing will be required to practice before the IRS. For those of us who have filed for 2012 (if not do call me) it is time to look ahead to changes in the federal tax law for 2013.

There are many provisions that affect exceptionally high earning workers but the one I am personally unhappy about is the increase in self-employment tax. It will move from 2.9% of income to 3.8% for the self-employed whose salary plus business net income exceeds $200,000 single or $250,000 joint.

In addition and speaking of aging parents, the medical itemized deduction hurdle has been raised from 7.5% to 10% beginning in 2013.

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of your living spaces.

Wallpaper should not be overlooked when creating a design for a living space. Cute floral and the ever-popular trellis patterns are still available, and probably always will be, but modern day wallpapers incorporate so much more.

You can choose from very ornate hand-painted tapestry patterns, to distressed shabby chic “painted” textures, to silks and linens, to appliqué designs using beads, shells and woven grasses. Spend some time reacquainting yourself with this very versatile and festive paper. While you may not be sold on the concept of yards and yards of wallpaper throughout your residence, having it applied to a single wall in a living space can be a really interesting art statement.

The wall behind the master bedroom bed, what do you put there?! Instead of conventional art, mirrors, or a painted wall in a contrasting color, consider using wallpaper as the backdrop. A bold stripe, a classic geometric, an over-scaled modern floral might work well. Whatever your design aesthetic may be, there’s a paper waiting to coordinate with your furnishings, color palette and style.

Wallpaper hung above a traditional bed board wainscoting is a very classic look, the same as wallpaper hung above a chair rail with paint below. Either way, incorporating wallpaper into this sort of wall design is a great way to break up large walls, or create more of an intimate setting in smaller living spaces.

With just the right amount of books and baubles, bookcases can be a great focal point in a living space. To take your bookcase

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the wall behind the bookcase, or create a false back that is papered.

from “storage” to “fabulous focal point,” consider papering the inside back of your bookcase.

Depending on how your bookcase is fabricated, you can either paste your wallpaper directly to

CONTAIN IT BY FRAMING IT Similar to using wallpaper as a focal point, take this idea one more step further and consider framing it. There are so many interesting wallpapers available in just about every color, texture and pattern; search for a paper that really appeals to you, so much so, that it deserves its own frame.

For example, a textured wallpaper like Capiz shell or a traditional hand-painted scroll pattern can look really beautiful when framed in a large format.

Consider that for an entryway that needs welcoming sparkle and interest, or a dining room that needs texture and ambiance. The shape of your frame and the

JENNIFER LEISCHER

DESIGN & DÉCOR material of the frame itself, is just as important as the paper you choose. A large rectangular frame, a series of vertical panels, a set of nine square frames – depending on the space you have in mind, choose a frame size and layout that accentuates your paper.

Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design. Contact her with questions, comments and suggestions at jenna@j-designs.com

Finding fancy footwear shouldn’t hurt

JUDITH MARSHALL

FASHION OVER 50 I’ve always loved shoes. In fact, I don’t know any woman who doesn’t love shoes. Why? Because even when you’re feeling a bit overweight, you can always find a fabulous pair of shoes that will lift your spirits.

But nowadays, I demand more from my shoes. They can’t just be a pretty face; they have to be

comfortable, too.

It wasn’t always that way. In my 20s and 30s, I lived in toescrunching, sky-high heels. I used to be able to run in them. If they hurt, I didn’t care. They made my legs look great. The 1980s were kinder to my feet. I joined the throngs of women who walked to work in their tennies and carried their dress shoes, mostly low-heeled pumps to go with their power suits.

Over time, many of us didn’t bother changing shoes when we got to work. No one seemed to notice. By the 1990s, the shape of shoes had evolved into rounder toes and clunkier heels, making them more wearable. I wore a lot of oxfords with pants back then. But ever since the turn of the century, finding stylish comfortable shoes has

become a real challenge.

Maybe it’s just me. Maybe too many pedicures have made me a tenderfoot. Whatever the reason, luckily there are some shoe brands that provide both comfort and a much more fashionable look than your Aunt Martha’s orthopedics.

Here are just a few: Earthies – First inspired by a Danish Yoga instructor;

Available at Takken’s in Sun Valley Ecco – Makes great walking shoes; Available at Nordstrom and The Walking Company Sofft – Known for their padded insoles and fashionable styles; Available at Nordstrom Aerosoles – Layers of cushioning and flexible soles; While we lost the store in Walnut Creek, they’re available at McCaulous.

I guess I should be happy that sandal season will soon be here. I just hope my new flipflops don’t rub a blister between my toes.

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.

Suspension training is, at core, unique

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Suspension Training is a new and fundamentally unique system of bodyweight exercises utilizing both old and new techniques to optimize the performance of the human body.

These training movements are distinguished from traditional exercises in that the user’s hands or feet are generally supported by a single anchor point while the opposite end of the body is in contact with the ground. Using the Suspension system, the desired bodyweight is loaded onto the targeted body zone and animated as an exercise movement. The suspension system’s single point of attachment provides the ideal mix of support and mobility to train strength, endurance, balance, coordination, flexibility, power and core stabili-

ILIMA HEUERMAN

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ty all at once and across a wide range of resistance.

How does Suspension Training work? When a body hangs from an overhead support point, its center of gravity seeks the lowest point on the ground.

For example, when you hang from a pull-up bar with both

hands, your center of gravity pulls you toward the floor. If you were to let go and hold with only one hand, your body would tilt and rotate, once again so that your center of gravity would hang at the lowest central point.

Exercising on the TRX Suspension system, gravity and movement generate neuromuscular responses to changes in the body position and mechanical advantage. You experience these responses as work. Movements using TRX integrate strength and balance into a single dynamic format that taxes the nervous system at a high level and maximizes the benefits of body weight exercise for faster results.

What can suspension training offer you? Suspension training workouts are safe and effective

for people of all fitness levels because you can instantly modify resistance and work by adjusting the body position. It is essentially, all core, all the time. Your center of gravity which is located just above the hips along the midline of the body. Changing body position shifts your center of gravity, but in most of life’s normal activities it remains within the confines of the torso. The body uses muscle strength to control its center of gravity during movement. Suspension Training exercise techniques are designed to intentionally displace your center of gravity, which activates the core musculature during every exercise. Whether you’re performing a chest press, row, lunge,

See Fitness, page 18

April 12, 2013

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Club News

Page 17

Now

CBCA helps boost Junior Achievement program GARY CARR Special to the Pioneer

Mt. Diablo Elementary School was the beneficiary as the Clayton Business and Community Association continued its funding activities for local education.

At a March 28 meeting at Oakhurst Country Club, CBCA members voted overwhelmingly to fund the Junior Achievement program at the school. J.A. relies on volunteers from the local community to teach practical business principals to youngsters, guiding them to financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills.

FOUNTAIN REPORT In her report to the club, Mayor Julie Pierce revealed a fun fact about the fountain at the corner of Oakhurst Drive and Clayton Road. Due to the cost of run-

ning the fountain, the city turns it on only a few days each year. If it ran constantly, the cost would exceed $100,000 a year, the mayor explained.

However, she also said that if anyone wants the fountain to run for a special event, the city will turn on the water for a fee of $300 per weekend.

What better way, one might ask, to say I love you than to take your sweetie for a dip in the fountain on a hot August afternoon?

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ART & WINE Membership Vice President Terry Garrett reported that CBCA now has 160 members. Not enough, explained Programs Vice President Marcy Busse, if the upcoming Art & Wine Festival is to be a success. Busse called on members to

8 pm

recruit volunteers for the May 5-6 event.

Volunteers can register online by going to www.claytoncbca.org or call 925-6897500.

GOLF TOURNAMENT A second major CBCA event, the Clayton Classic golf tournament, follows on May 20 at Oakhurst. Nearly 20 foursomes have signed up, including one led

by Police Chief Chris Thorsen.

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Creekside Artists Guild helps celebrate library’s 100th birthday

JOY KOONIN (center) conducts a craft project for participants to replicate quilt square patterns from 1913.

Two of the presenters at this year’s Creekside Arts Celebration, “100 Years of Stories,” will participate in the Contra Costa County Library’s 100th birthday celebration this summer.

Joy Koonin, student library volunteer, told stories, sang and presented authentic patterned quilt squares circa 1913. Joy dressed in character as a teen living in Clayton during that era and wore an Edwardian period dress that she sewed as well.

Jim Hale, wildlife biologist, led a tour about Clayton and discussed the wildlife and culture in the area 100 years ago.

“I am personally happy to hear all the above since networking is one of Creekside’s main objectives,” Arlene Kikkawa-Nielsen, event director and president of the Creekside Artists Guild, says.

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Page 18

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

April 12, 2013

Plant poppies for extra pop in your garden

NICOLE HACKETT

GARDEN GIRL Poppy plants are exceptional springtime bloomers. California Poppies, Icelandic Poppies, Oriental Poppies and hybrid poppies or species poppies are all readily available in our Clayton

Valley nurseries and garden centers.

The California Poppy is our state flower, mostly seen in the traditional orange color.

Occasionally you will see them in cream, red and bi-color shades.

California Poppy plants are found in our open space, and in some landscapes. Icelandic Poppies and Oriental Poppies are more common. They are found in six-packs. This poppy is usually seen in public color-spot displays. Hybrid Poppies or Species Poppies, are quite stunning, and are worth seeking out for your garden beds and borders. Hybrid Poppies create an old-fashioned, cottage feeling in the garden.

Large, crepe-like petals of red, pink, salmon and lavender surround the poppy plants black center. Hybrid Poppies can be found in single, double, and fringe petal shapes. The Hybrid Poppies can be small or tall, and they are always interesting.

Double Lavender is a favorite among poppy lovers. The Double Lavender has a beautiful double purplish-gray flower. This selection can reach two- to fourfeel tall, and the flowers can be three-inches wide. As the Double Lavender grows, it stretches towards the sun. The flower bud uncurls itself from the stem and faces the sun. The journey the poppy’s flower bud takes before

it blooms is amazing. All poppy plants make this journey; it is just easier to see on the Hybrids and Species Poppies, since they are so tall.

The Species Poppy called Double Salmon Pink is a great introduction for the garden lover craving some brightness in their landscape beds or borders.

Imagine how fantastic it would look to have double salmon pink blooms throughout your Spanish Lavender. The bright orangepink would contrast with the cool dark purple of the lavender.

The overall look would be very successful. All the poppies are very water-wise, so the two selections together would comple-

ment each other nicely.

The red blooming poppies are the most popular. Unlike many plants that claim to be red, and turn out pink, the poppy is an exception.

When the tag says red, the flower will be red. Lipstick red. Red with white spots, and red with black spots are both striking in the landscape. Red is such a powerful color, and when it is mixed with a spot of white or black at the base of each petal, the result is photo-worthy.

All poppy plants will tolerate moderate drought, and are deer resistant. The flowers make great cut flowers. Harvest the seeds after the flower fade to keep for

yourself, or share w i t h friends.

Poppies aren’t picky about soil, and they do best in full sun.

They are so easy to grow, anyone can do it.

Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. Contact her with questions or comments at Gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com

Clayton can chill out about cold climate

Fitness,

Many communities in the Clayton area sponsor weekly farmers’ markets that offer a bountiful supply of fresh local organic-grown fruits and vegetables. A few weeks ago while snacking on some great tasting blueberries, I began pondering the idea of growing my own crop.

Like any crop, blueberries have favored weather conditions that will allow for optimal fruit production. After donning my Internet thinking cap, which is a fancy way of referring to the art of Google-ing, I discovered that blueberry crop harvests, like most fruit trees, are sensitive to the amount of chilling received during the previous winter.

Agricultural scientists coined the term “chill hours” to quantify the amount of winter season chilling needed for various fruit trees. In its original form, chill hours were defined as the num-

push-up, even a bicep curl, your entire core is engaged to stabilize and balance the body in a functional fashion.

Suspension training is a fun and new way to improve specific functional activities such as throwing a football, swinging a golf club or performing a high jump. Suspension Training workouts develop core strength by using functional movements and dynamic positions rather than only lying supine on the floor like most traditional abdominal training exercises. In addition to offering a wide range of intense movements targeting the abdominal muscles specifically, significant core strengthening is integrated into each back, shoulder, chest, hip and leg movement. This is why TRX training is all core, all the time.

Get up to

WOODY WHITLATCH WEATHER WORDS ber of hours when the air temperature is below 45° between the beginning of November and end of February.

Further study revealed that temperatures below freezing do not provide plants with effective chilling. A “modified” chill hour calculation resulted that only counts winter hours with temperatures above 32° and below 45°.

Additional agricultural

research produced more complicated winter chill calculations including chill units and chill portions. My blueberry crop research indicates that most gardening web sites refer to chill hours as originally defined or the modified calculation.

The obvious next question is how does one determine the number of chill hours for the Clayton area? Unfortunately, the long-term hourly temperature data base needed to calculate meaningful chill hour statistics is not available from the nearest National Weather Service station at Buchanan Field in Concord.

In the 1980s California’s Department of Water Resources established a weather station network to assist farmers in their scheduling of irrigation activities.

This program, called the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS), provides the

hourly records needed to calculate chill hours.

from page 16

not produce fruit if minimal chilling requirements are not met. Winters with excessive chill hours could result in a blooming cycle that begins too early and subjects the flowers to hard freezes.

My back yard is now dotted with a few newly-planted blueberry bushes. I’ll still be buying fresh blueberries at the farmer’s market, but will be counting the chill hours next winter and hoping for a small harvest of my own.

Note: The UC Davis web site address is www.fruitsandnuts.ucdavis,edu. Click on the link labeled Weather Related Models and Services to access chill hour data from any CIMIS site.

Woody Whitlatch is a meteorologist with PG&E. Email your questions or comments to clayton_909@yahoo.com

Fortunately, a CIMIS weather station in Concord has been operational since 2002. Other Contra Costa County CIMIS stations are located in Moraga and Brentwood.

Recently, the UC Davis department of Plant Sciences developed a publicly accessible web site that displays historical and current winter chill-hour data from all CIMIS stations.

The data from the Concord CIMIS station indicate that we can expect between 900 and 1000 cumulative chill hours (800900 modified chill hours) each winter. That is pretty close to perfect for many blueberry varieties.

Crop yields can be negatively affected if the number of winter chill hours is much above or below normal. Blueberries may

Ilima Heuerman holds multiple fitness certifications. She trains at Levity Fitness studio in Clayton. Email Ilima at IlimaHeuerman@levityfitness.com

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