IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com
August 14, 2015
925.672.0500
Plaque honors The Grove’s place in Clayton history
County report on CVCHS sparks more questions than it answers
DAVE SHUEY JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
MAYOR’S CORNER Interim Police Chief Koford takes over As the second safest city in California, Clayton has benefitted from a seamless transition with the hiring of an interim police chief during our search for a permanent hire. Interim Police Chief Doug Koford was enjoying retirement but was happy to come help us. Chief Koford was the twice-elected Napa County Sheriff from 2007 until his retirement in 2012. Prior to that he was the Police Chief of American Canyon for five years and has been in law enforcement since 1985. As you read this, Chief Koford will have already been a judge for the Clayton Business and Community Association’s Rib Cook-off and has been ensuring we remain safe in our little haven. Unfortunately the chief has indicated that there has been a rash of vehicle burglaries in Clayton and other cities and urges everyone to keep their vehicles locked and valuables hidden. The deadline for applications for a permanent chief run-through the middle of August and then we will go through an interview process and hope to have a new permanent hire in short order. Lighting up Clayton: We also have some of the best darn streets in California and we hope that many of you saw that our 2015 Neighborhood Street Repaving Project was completed in July using dedicated funds and not dipping into our General Fund. Lighting those streets has become less costly and more environmentally friendly as both PG&E and the city (through PG&E) have been and will continue to retrofit street lights to LED. We are doing it right. Good money news: How about some sound fiscal management to round out the good news? Recently, Gary Napper, our great city manager, and his staff were able to conclude negotiations with the State of California of disputed monies regarding the dissolution of our Redevelopment Agency. There is a lot of bureaucracy involved in wrapping up these agencies throughout the state
See Mayor, page 7
What’s Inside Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Community Calendar . . . . .14 Directory of Advertisers . . . .7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 School News . . . . . . . . . . . .9
A STONE MONUMENT AND BRASS PLAQUE RECOGNIZING THE GROVE AS A CLAYTON HISTORICAL MONUMENT will be dedicated at the Saturday night concert on Aug. 29. The monument was constructed by the ‘Clampers’ of E Clampus Vitus Joaquin Murrieta chapter 13. Pictured above are Eric Sorensen, Tyson Freeman, Travis Denten, Jack Brown and Jason Arther. E Vitus Clampus is a non-profit organization dedicated to historical preservation. PEGGY SPEAR Clayton Pioneer
What would Clayton do without The Grove Park? Thanks to the actions of some city leaders and forefathers, residents won’t ever need to find out. A stone monument and bronze plaque recognizing this figurative “heart of the city” as a historic site by the Clayton Historical Society will take place on Saturday, Aug. 29,, just prior to the Saturday night concert. The timing is appropriate, as The Grove has been hosting events like concerts and other activities for decades. “The Grove Park is a rallying point for the city,” says longtime resident Dick Ellis, co-chair of the CHS’s Historic Marker Committee, the group that has installed nine other markers across town in the past 20 years. But the Grove has been ground zero for activities in the small bustling community of Clayton for more than 100 years. In 1878 W.G. Scammon
horse acts and more for a downtown parade that closed the streets. “There weren’t as many cities offering up their own celebrations back then, so people flocked to Clayton,” Ellis says. After the parade people would flock to The Grove for an afternoon of old-fashioned fun and games, including tug-o-war, three-legged races, gunny sack races and the ever-popular egg toss. Children were also able to try and capture greased pigs in an enclosed pit, and young swains would try and impress their lady friends by climbing a greased flagpole. Even earlier, Ellis says, the fun and games included nailLONG HISTORY OF ing spikes into railroad ties, CELEBRATIONS horseback rides and a very Back in the early days of popular go-cart course. Clayton’s cityhood in the 1960s and 70s, and even LEGACY CONTINUES before, Clayton’s IndepenThese days, of course, The dence Day celebrations were Grove is used for many comlegendary across the East Bay, munity events put on by as many community organiza- organizations such as scouts tions brought floats, cars, working on award projects, marching bands, drill teams, and the well-attended Con-
planted a park-like grove of eucalyptus trees on lots that he owned. Because of the drought strain in the 1970s and again in the 1980s, these 38, 120-foot tall, 114-year old trees were removed in 1992 for safety reasons, Ellis says. The Grove also avoided development by a private equity firm to turn it into a small shopping center. On Oct. 7 1999, the City of Clayton purchased this property which was dedicated as “The Grove” on Jan. 12 2008. But throughout the years, it has been home to many community-wide functions and events, including the popular Fourth of July celebrations.
certs in the Park on Thursdays and Saturdays during the summer months featuring local bands. “Recently we had more than 4,000 people attend a concert here,” Ellis says. “It was a lot of fun.” The Historic Site Preservation Committee was formed in 1994 with three Clayton City Council members and eight CHS members. Over the years nine other historic sites have been recognized with a stone monument and bronze plaque: The two-room school house (1995), Endeavor Hall (2000), Clayton Post Office (2001), the museum garden (2001), The Clayton Museum (2002), The Clayton Club (2002), LaCocotte (2003), DeMartini Winery (2004) and Black Diamond Way (2005). “I am so glad that we are continuing this program to memorialize the significant places in our community’s history,” says city council member Julie Pierce, a member of the
A long-awaited report to the Contra Costa County Office of Education concerning charges made against Clayton Valley Charter High School’s administration and governing board was released publicly last week, and rather than bringing long-standing issues to a conclusion, the report seems to have created more controversy. The report, which hit the week before students settled in for the new school year, had both critics of the school and the CVCHS administration claiming victory. While critics of the school say the report validates their complaints, CVCHS administrators say the report did not fully investigate the allegations and didn’t seek information from the school to rebut the accusations of wrongdoing. “In assuming the validity of each and every complaint made, the report presents CVCHS in the worst possible light and in a fashion of ‘guilty until proven innocent by specific written documentation’ – biasing the investigation and report in the favor of the complainants,” Executive Director David Linzey said in a statement after the report was published last Thursday. The full-service education
See Charter, page 7
See Plaque, page 3
Annual derby offers more than cars TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
Rev your engines, Clayton. The 12th annual Clayton Community Church Labor Day Derby and Car Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 5. But besides the exciting races, the derby will also feature an opportunity for residents to help needy children in Africa and Syria race to finish line in school, too. All derby and car show participants are invited to join in the World Vision “Promise Pack” Drive, providing needed backpacks filled with school supplies, basic hygiene items and insectrepelling blankets for impoverished children in Africa and Syria. “Around the world, millions of children are unable to attend
school simply because their families are too poor to provide the basic school supplies they need,” says Shawn Robinson of the Clayton Community Church. "These children, particularly girls, are at greater risk for exploitation and a life defined by crushing poverty. In the same way, lack of access to the most basic hygiene supplies, and the risk of insect-borne illnesses like malaria can rob a child of their health, happiness and a hope for the future." Robinson says they hope to provide at least 1,000 backpacks for children in need. Derbygoers can stop by the Promise Pack booth and for $22, help assemble a pack. They should expect a good turnout, as the free derby and car show is one of the more popular events in Clayton, taking
place on Main Street and surrounding streets. There will be a “soap-boxlike derby” for the children, ages 7 to 14. No driving experience is necessary. The racing cars will be provided as well as some quick drivers’ training. The course is a straight shot down Main Street, down a seven-foot ramp at the clock at Marsh Creek Road, ending at the finish line right in front of the church’s office at Diablo Street. Each racer will run twice, with the average of the two determining their overall time. Free tee-shirts will be given to all who compete, with trophies awarded to the winning racers in each of the three age categories. More than 30 derby cars are sponsored by local merchants. Racers must pre-register online to at www.claytoncc.com. At the same time, a Classic
Car Show will be held at the even a few police cars on display. other end of Main Street. There A Trophy Parade will be held will be more than 270 classic, restored, muscle, Hot Rods and See Derby, page 4
SYRIAN REFUGEE CHILDREN will be the focus of a backpack effort mounted by the Clayton Community Church as part of this year’s Labor Day Derby Sept. 5.
Postal Customer ECRWSS PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA 94517 PERMIT 190
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
August 14, 2015
Around Town History in person for Clayton teen
Team Anu raises $20,000
Jim and Pat Middendorf, Sanjay Ray, Keith and Cindy Haydon, Cecelia and Ed Hartley and Debra and Steve Gonsalves gather to raise funds in memory of Anu Ray for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Aug. 15-16.
On June 26 Team Anu held a fundraising dinner and auction at the home of Debra and Steve Gonsalves. The event raised over $20,000 for Relay for Life of Clayton.
The event was in honor of Anu Ray who lost her life to cancer last year. Pat and Jim Middendorf donated the grand prize of the night — a SF Giants Extrava-
ganza. Keith and Cindy Haydon were the lucky winners of a set of premium tickets to a Giants game. The will share the tickets with Ed and Cecilia Hartley.
A young Clayton high school student with a strong interest in history recently met with one of Clayton’s history makers in person. When Grayson Shaefer, 15, saw the front page story on WWII veteran Dewey Dobson’s return to Iwo Jima in the April 10 issue of the Clayton Pioneer, he wrote asking for an introduction. Dewey and Grayson finally met at Dewey’s home in June. Grayson went with curiosity and a thirst for Dewey’s first hand accounts of that famous battle. He was not disappointed. In addition to a lot of history, Dewey gave Grayson some of the black sand from Iwo, two Iwo Jima remembrance caps and several books.
DEWEY DOBSON AND GRAYSON SHAEFER
Pioneer Travels Alan Wraa, Olivia Wraa and Craig Jacobsen hiked Half Dome last month with a group of 17 determined people. They completed the hike in 8.5 hours — not to be outdone by Jamie and Alisa Bowron and Pete Laurence in the last issue of the Pioneer.
Sonja Wilkin packed us along on a fun-filled family adventure in July to Washington and Oregon. Sonja joined the celebration for brother Michael’s 50th anniversary in Seattle. Sonja spent the next week with son, Chris, and family in Seaview on the Long Beach Peninsula. We joined her in front of a whale carved out of driftwood on the dunes at Long Beach. Sonja and family watched Sandsations, the annual sand sculpting competition, while there. They also took the Astoria Bridge over the Columbia River to dine at brother Tony’s restaurant in Oregon.
Rome was just one stop for the York family on their recent trip to Italy. The family also visited Venice, Lake Garda, Florence and Pisa. But, as busy as they were, they still had time to catch up on hometown news in the Pioneer. Pictured are Kevin, Lisa, Madison, Todd and Emily at the Coliseum.
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August 14, 2015
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 3
ts r e c Con he Grov T e in
Rib Cook-off serves up new fun, bigger rigs and old winners TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
You could say it was hog heaven. Amidst thick smoke and the wafting smell of cooking meat, 30 hard-working teams vied for the title of King of the Grill last week during the sixth annual Clayton Business and Community Association’s Rib Cook-off behind the Clayton Club Saloon. This year’s field was the most crowded in the event’s history, said Rib Cook-off organizer Rory Richmond, with teams coming from as far north as Sacramento and as far south as Morgan Hill. Besides the allure of cash prizes – $400 for first place, $250 for second place and $150 for third place – the contestants also competed for the coveted People’s Choice Award. But the event was also a major community draw, not only for the hungry crowds who could buy heaping plates of ribs, but because of some of the attractions added this year to make it more family friendly, including ice cream sales and a kids’ play area. But the stars of the show were the impressive – and imaginative – rigs the amateur chefs used to smoke and cook the pork ribs.
“The rigs are getting bigger and better each year,” Richmond said, looking over the booths that included elaborate barrel smokers and cookers, professional-grade cookers and even a “UBO” – Greg Ferrell’s Unidentified Barbecue Object styled from two satellite dishes that looked like a flying saucer straight out of “Lost in Space.” When the smoke cleared, the winners included a mix of newcomers and past awardwinners. First Place went to 3B’s BBQ, led by Glenn Carson, Second Place was awarded to Alan Bender of Bad Dad’s BBQ, while the Third Place prize went to newcomers Hello BBQ, led by Nick McCoy. The Cunning Hams, led by Tony Ucciferri and Walid Abdul-Rahim, took home the People’s Choice Award for an unprecedented second year in a row, cooking just on simple Weber kettles. When asked how they managed to please the People’s Choice judges – chosen from a raffle – Abdul-Rahim said that rib cooking was all about strategy. “Timing is everything,” he said, which is why he prefers to use the Weber kettles that require frequent tending. Judges this year included Mayor Dave Shuey, Vicemayor Howard Geller, city
Saturdays 6 to 8:30 p.m. At the Gazebo in The Grove Set up chairs & blankets on the lawn after 4 p.m.
Aug 15 Fundamentals high-energy stage show, 3 dynamic, lead vocalists, “Red Hot Rockin’ Soul”
Aug 29 Forejour – Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD-WINNERS TONY UCCIFERRI (LEFT)
AND
WALID ABDUL-RAHIM celebrate
their second win at the CBCA annual Rib Cook-off with event organizer Rory Richmond and first People’s Choice winner Cecilia Hartley. councilman Keith Haydon, CBCA President Gregg Manning, Interim Police Chief Doug Koford, Garden Club representative Chris Callaghan, Brad Slaughter of Travis
Credit Union, and Tony Kiblinger of Orchard Supply Hardware. The final round of judging was done by a professional panel that included Tim Ford of
Plaque, from page 1
CORRECTION The obituary for Joan Culver on page 7 of the July 10 Clayton Pioneer was edited incorrectly and the edit changed the facts. Joan Culver was never married. She was born Joan Dorothy Billings to parents Frank Billings and Dorothy Kimman. Dorothy Kimman later married Charles G. Culver who died in 1949. In 1963, Joan Billings took her stepfather’s name, legally becoming Joan Culver. We apologize for the error.
THE GROVE will officially be named a Clayton Historical Site at the plaque dedication on Aug. 29.
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Historical Marker Committee. “The monuments are a wonderful addition to the Clayton History Walking Tour started years ago by Eldora Hoyer. Honoring our history is part of what makes Clayton such a special community.” Donations for these markers came from individuals and local businesses to the Historical Society. Already 102 donors have contributed for The Grove’s plaque and one that will be installed at Keller Ranch in 2016. Funds are also being collected for two other Main Street sites that are planned. For more information, visit the Clayton Historical Society’s website at www.claytonhistory.org or call 925-672-0240.
Sept 12 East Bay Mudd 10-piece cover dance band with a powerful 4-man horn section
Thursdays 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thurs. Concerts end promptly at 8:30pm
Aug 20
PHD’s Sept 3
Crossman Country For more band information, go to www.cityofclayton.org. Chairs and blankets may be set out after 4 p.m. on concert days.
PRICE CHANGE
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
August 14, 2015
Relay fundraising coming down home stretch PAT MIDDENDORF Special to the Pioneer
“You’ve Been Flocked!” The employees and guests at the Royal Rooster, Skipolini’s and Moresi’s Chophouse were all surprised to find this notice and dozens of purple flamingoes decorating these establishments in downtown Clayton a few weeks ago. This playful fundraiser by Team Anu signals that Relay for Life of Clayton is almost here. All 19 teams have stepped up not only their fundraising efforts, but also their recruiting of team members to walk at the Relay event this Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15-16. All proceeds go directly to the American Cancer Society to raise money for cancer research, education, advocacy, and service. “Paint the Town Purple” is also a call out to everyone to participate in this 24-hour event. On Aug. 8 downtown Clayton was decorated in purple to highlight the importance of this cause and its backing by the community. The Clayton Relay Team has already raised more than $64,000 toward its goal of $87,500, which they need to reach by the end of August. Many relay participants have personal goals as well, and a website to raise money, while
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at about 2 pm with trophies awarded to the Best Cars in 21 judging categories. If you are interested in entering your car, visit the website www.claytonderbycarshow.org to pre-register. In the past 12 years, more than 2,700 kids from ages 7-14 have raced down Main Street in the derby, and more than 3,600 classic cars have been displayed by their owners for the public to
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enjoy. The event has drawn more than 20,000 people in its history. “Thanks to the generosity of local business who have sponsored derby cars, hundreds of church volunteers and other resources from Clayton Community Church, this has truly become a Clayton tradition and Steve Stafford wonderful celebration of comRacers rev up for the 12th annual Labor Day Derby munity,” Robinson says.
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at SOLD This beauLocatio n tiful Willow model in Chaparral Springs Oakhurst offers 3 bedrooms, 3 baths with 1709 sq ft of living space. Community pool and spa and located just steps to downtown Clayton. Offered at $529,000. www.1375ShellLn.com SOLD Don't Custom miss this Custom 1960's Clayton Rancher in a private, tucked away lot! This sprawling home retains original charm and provides stylish updates throughout. Lush landscaping and several outdoor entertaining areas make for perfect California living. Offered at $699,000. 1342ElCaminoDr.cbrb.com SOLD
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Regency Woods NEW Spectacular! Beautifully updated 5 bedroom 2.5 bath home in a quiet court. Beautiful kitchen with repositionable butcher block island, milestone, pullouts & Dacor gas cooktop! Beautiful crown moulding, custom beveled glass windows, newer HVAC and so much more! Private landscaped “entertainer’s yards.” This is the one you've been waiting for. www.808EberhardtCourt.com Keller Ridge Grande NEW Dame! Serenade model at the top of the ridge with 5 bed/3 full baths! Full bed/bath downstairs for aupair/guest privacy, beautifully remodeled kitchen w/custom harlequin patterned backsplash, granite, stainless. Plantation shutters, crown moulding, stunning River Rock Fireplace and more! Sparkling Pool, spa, waterfall, and play area. No rear neighbors - just beautiful peaceful open space. www.5205KellerRidgeDrive.com
NEW Diamond Ridge Stunner! Completely remodeled and gorgeous throughout! This 4 bedroom, 3 full bath with hardwood floors, designer paint, crown moulding, plantation shutters, +++ is ready to move in! Beautiful stone counters in kitchen, laundry, bathrooms, and linen pantry! Gorgeous new stainless appliances, crushed & granite sink in kitchen. Extra large 3car garage, views and more! www.4701CrestoneNeedleWay.com
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The Relay event begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the track behind Mt Diablo Elementary School and features inspirational speakers and the introduction of important leadership members, followed by a survivor and caregiver lap. Individuals can register at any time for this event. While For more information visit there is no cost to walk, donors www.relayforlife.org/claytonca or go to of $100 or more will be given an www.facebook.com/RFLClaytonevent tee-shirt. The team CA.
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teams hold ongoing fundraisers all year long, such as the monthly bake sale at Starbucks, dinners and auctions at their homes, events at their churches and many more. Many businesses also contribute by donating a percentage of their profits on certain days. In five years previously of sponsoring Relay, the town of Clayton has raised more than $220,000.
Derby, from page 1
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DOWNTOWN TURNED PURPLE FOR A PURPOSE last week to call attention to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life on Aug 15-16 at Mt. Diablo Elementary School. Purple is the official color of cancer survivors.
Campers for a Cure will give each participant a lanyard and then a bead to record each lap they walk. The festivities continue all day long. All of the teams and event staff will have booths surrounding the track with activities including raffles, live music, a photo booth, yoga demonstrations, crafts, movies and food and beverages. The mood turns more somber at dusk when the Luminaria Ceremony takes place. This is a touching and solemn ceremony to remember family members and friends who have lost their battle to cancer and to give hope to those who continue their fight. Luminaria bags can be purchased for $10 to be lit and displayed at this ceremony. Teams continue to walk throughout the night, signifying that cancer is a 24-hour battle. The closing ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday morning and the event wraps up at 10 a.m. with the announcement of the grand total amount raised. So come by and join a team, walk a few laps, buy a treat, and be inspired.
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August 14, 2015
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 5
Shedding light on local rattlesnakes MIKE MARCHIANO
MOUNTAIN MIKE Ever since the story of Adam and Eve, western culture has had an aversion to snakes. The fact that a few species are venomous just adds more fear. In Northern California there is only one venomous species of snake, the Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus oreganus). All other snakes in the Bay Area are harmless. Our local rattlesnake is very distinctive from other local snakes because of the rattle attached to its tail and the diamond-shaped head that is far wider than its neck. Its coloration can vary, matching its environment. When young, its blotchy pattern is generally much more distinct, fading as the snake ages. Color can very from drab olive green, to dusty brown, reddish brown, grey or golden, with the darker irregular blotching along the length. When encountered, this snake is not aggressive and tries to either freeze so not to draw attention to itself or it flees, trying to escape any confrontation. Like any wild animal it will attempt to defend itself when molested or attacked. This is when people see it in its most-often portrayed position of coiled, tail rattling its warning, and head held high to observe its attacker. Like all snakes, rattlesnakes do not attack people. The venom they possess is for the purpose of killing small prey animals and they
do not want to waste it on a two-legged predator. There are many, many myths and exaggerations concerning snakes in general but there are even more concerning rattlesnakes. The Northern Pacific Rattlesnake rarely grows more than 36 inches in length and one over 48 inches is a real granddaddy, yet I commonly have people tell me stories of the six- to sevenfoot rattlesnakes they have encountered in the Bay region (fear and imagination go together). The actual striking distance for a snake from a coiled position is approximately a third the distance of its body length, but let’s give the snake the benefit of half the distance, just to be safe. That means a three foot snake can only strike out approximately one to one-and-a-half
Produced by
feet. You would have to be right in that snake’s face to get him to strike. They do not strike without reason. Leave the snake alone and he will leave you alone. As we approach fall we
enter the birthing season for snakes, late July through early October. Rattlesnakes are one of the few live baring snakes (opposed to egg laying). Mother rattlesnakes can give birth to seven to15 young who
of the time. Nevertheless any bite from a rattlesnake needs immediate medical attention. Although death from a bite is very rare, hospitalization with severe pain and suffering is the norm. Rattlesnakes, along with all other snakes, fill an important ecological niche and should not be killed. They eat numerous rodents and in turn are attacked and eaten by larger predators, including hawks, eagles, owls, bobcats, coyotes, etc. Rule of thumb: Do not try to touch, capture, pick up or tease any wild life…even a cute little cottontail rabbit will bite and claw to defend itself. Michael Marchiano is a naturalist with Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association. Email him at mmarchiano@gmail.com.
Get smart on saving for college education comes to mind. The pursuit of a degree or advanced degree, certificate or designation from a higher learning institution is oftentimes the desire of many. JOHN WENZEL However, the question most FINANCIAL SENSE have to address is how to tackle the cost of the education. Well, maybe it’s time to conSummer is winding down sider the option of saving and for some it’s just a matter through a 529 plan. of weeks or even days before the school bell tolls and class BRIEF 529 PLAN HISTORY is back in session. For most Starting back in the late parents, the routine of get- 1980s, separate states had ting the kids ready and out originally adopted legislation the door in time for school known as Section 529 plans to will be starting up again. help individuals save in a taxTime flies, and for most, efficient investment vehicle years go by before the for post secondary education thought of the cost of higher expenses. It wasn’t until the
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Presented by
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COUNTER TO POPULAR OPINION (or fear), our local rattlesnakes are not aggressive. They will typically flee to avoid human contact.
actually stay with her for the first couple of weeks. The young are distinctly patterned replicas of the adult except they initially have a single button on their tail. They will not get a second rattle until they shed their skin for the first time, generally within a few weeks. Rattlesnakes get a new rattle every time they shed and may shed three to four times in the same year. Therefore the number of rattles does not tell the age of the snake. Secondly as the snakes age rattles will commonly break off. Young rattlesnakes possess venom when they are born. It is the same venom as the adults, just less of it. The bite of a small rattlesnake is not more dangerous than an adult but adult rattlesnakes have been known to give a dry bite (no venom) 30 to 40 percent
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mid 1990s that Congress formally adopted Section 529 on a national level in the Internal Revenue Code. It was then that these college savings plans took hold and grew in popularity over the next 20 years as one of the best vehicles to use in saving for education expenses. In 2006, the Pension Protection Act also made permanent the tax-free treatment of the account proceeds if used for qualified education expenses. BENEFITS OF 529 PLANS There are multiple benefits to a 529 Plan including the ability of the donor to retain control of the funds in the account, possible state tax
breaks, federal tax-free benefits, flexibility to change investment options, the ability to change the beneficiary of the plan or move the plan to another state. In addition, substantial plan contributions are allowed and if done correctly, can be used as an estate-planning tool for future generations. Simply stated, any individual who would like to save for themselves, or gift funds to another, could establish a 529 Plan. Commonly, we find parents will open a 529 Plan account, remain as owner of the account and then name their child as beneficiary. Should their child get a scholarship or decide to not pursue
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a post secondary education, the parent could name another child as beneficiary or withdrawal funds from the account to offset the scholarship proceeds. There are even more options than the two stated above, but for the sake of this article, I won’t go into those details here. So is a 529 right for you? A great resource to learn more is: www.savingforcollege.com. In addition, I encourage you to speak with your tax advisor or financial planner to weigh the best options for you. John Wenzel is an investment advisor with Archvest Wealth Advisers. Send questions and comments to john@archvestwa.com
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Page 6
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Q. I have a close friend who is planning on selling her house. When I went over to help her get it ready for sale and took a good look at it I was shocked. I think my friend is a hoarder. She has collections of what I would consider junk that she won’t even let me touch. For instance, she has stacks of newspapers that are five years old. What do you think I can do to help her? Do you think it would help to get a realtor involved? She is not eager to let one come in. She has to sell her house for financial reasons and she is so delightful otherwise. A. Yes, if you get a realtor involved they have access to a team of professionals that they can call on who specialize in various fields such as deep cleaning. In my business I have had some “hoarders.” It is always a shock. Some hoarders don’t even realize they have a problem. Hoarding is a mental condition that affects two to five
percent of the U.S. population in a recent survey. Be compassionate when dealing with the hoarder. Everything in their home carries emotional attachments. Don’t treat them as a lesser person. As you work with the hoarder say things like “our realtor told me that we’ll need to clean up this space in order to maximize the sales price.” If it is possible, clear everything out of the house, then clean and add back in certain staging items to warm up each room. Before adding anything back into the home have complete inspections done, such as a structural pest report (termite report) and a home inspection at the least. You never know what you will find under the items that have been sitting in one spot for a very long time. Two more things to remember are that this sale cannot be done quickly. Everything will move along slower than in a normal sale. The other thing, and the most
important thing, is that you are dealing with a human being that has talents and abilities just like yours. If getting the house ready for sale is just too much for you hand it over to another friend who is more equipped for the job. Q. I am fortunate enough to be a homeowner in the Bay Area. I achieved this with a lot of help from family. It also was easier to do several years ago. I have several friends that want to move here and own a home and others who would just be happy living here and renting. How can they do it with rental rates so high and it seems they are getting higher? A. I don’t have a good solution for your friends. I am sorry about that. I do have an opinion though and some statistics. My opinion is that the rental crisis that we are in can’t sustain itself. I will probably make some enemies but it started with greedy landlords. People need places to live. So
LYNNE FRENCH
REAL ANSWERS it has gone from under a third of income for housing expenses to now over one-half in some places. These are higher payments than if they had a mortgage. The bad thing about that though is the banks keep tightening up their qualifications so people can’t afford to buy. Those struggling most seem to be the middle class families earning between $45,000 and $75,000. I think these rents will work themselves out. As more people can’t afford the rents then the landlords will have to lower their rents — sort of like a rental housing bubble. Send your question and look for your answer in a future column. Email Lynne@LynneFrench.com. French is the broker/owner of Windermere Lynne French & Associates. Contact her at 672-8787 or stop in at 6200 Center St., Clayton.
Cruise’s Mission: Keep on running
JEFF MELLINGER
SCREEN SHOTS Tom Cruise just keeps on running. The cumulative total of miles run by him in all his films must total over 50. In the fifth installment of his “Mission Impossible” franchise, titled “Rogue Nation,” Cruise is back as IMF Agent Ethan Hunt. As Hunt, Cruise spends a lot of the film (and the franchise) chasing after bad guys, often on foot. At 53, Cruise has not slowed down; he still does most of his own stunts. At times, it is tough to keep up both with him and the script for “Rogue Nation.” Writer/Director Christopher McQuarrie lets the film bog down occasionally with too much exposition. However, the top-notch action sequences and the chemistry between the veteran actors make the film worth the price of admission. The film opens with Hunt
hanging on the door of a giant plane during take-off. His fellow agent, Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg) hides in the brush, trying to get the door open by hacking into the plane with an iPad. The sequence is expertly filmed but the banter between Hunt, Dunn and a sidelined Agent Brandt (Jeremy Renner) forms the real backbone of the scene. These three actors clearly have spent enough time together offscreen to make all their characters’ interactions overcome any AT 53, TOM CRUISE HAS LOST NONE OF HIS EDGE, as he proves shortcomings in the script. in the latest Mission Impossible, ‘Rogue Nation.’ They balance the gravity of shadow organization Hunt should expect any Tom Cruise each situation with equal doses believes is responsible for most character to be brought back to of both seriousness and wit. It’s of the recent calamities across life after dying…because, well, a shame that Renner spends half the globe. After an exciting he’s Tom Cruise. At least a brief of the film on the other side of escape sequence, Hunt con- mention is made of how Hunt the world, as his character deals vinces his fellow agents to come probably shouldn’t be driving with the C.I.A.’s absorbing of to London to try and help him mere minutes after being the IMF. After seeing him run finally bring down The Syndi- shocked back to life. Yet, witharound as Hawkeye in the Mar- cate. Hunt and the gang get out that questionable decision, vel films, it’s tough watching themselves into, and out of, we would not have the incredihim sit in courtrooms and some very tight spots in some ble car chase that follows. offices opposite Alec Baldwin’s extraordinary ways. Cinematog- Despite a few questionable C.I.A. director Hunley. Once rapher Robert Elswit takes full decisions with the script, Renner gets into the game, advantage of the latest in cam- “Rogue Nation” is the second along with Ving Rhames’ era technology to film several best film in the franchise after Luther, the film truly picks up. elaborate, hard-to-believe action “Ghost Protocol.” Hopefully, With the IMF disbanded, all pieces. Cruise has many more years of the agents are recalled. We “Rogue Nation” features an running ahead. B+ assume they have hundreds of assassination attempt at an Jeff Mellinger is a screen writer agents, but we only see a hand- opera, an underwater escape and film buff. He holds a BA in ful. Of course, Hunt is too and a lengthy motorcycle chase. Film Studies and an MFA in film wrapped up in a case to return. Nothing less should be expect- production. He lives in Concord. He has been kidnapped by ed from a “Mission Impossible” Email comments to editor@claytonmembers of “The Syndicate,” a film. As well, the audience pioneer.com.
Sneak a peek into ‘Slade House’ It’s not often that I review a book two months before publication, but because David Mitchell is one of my favorite novelists I tore into “Slade House,” in spite of the fact it is about a haunted house. I’m not a fan of scary movies or scary novels, but I loved “Slade House” (Random House, October, 2015). Now the trick is to convince you to the merits of Mitchell’s haunted house book. Slade House is a mansion, real enough in the novel, but real also in the Blitz of World War II when it was bombed to smithereens. The novel opens decades later, in 1979, when a divorced pianist and her young teenage son are invited to a musical soiree to be held by Lady Grayer, the present owner of Slade House. Rita and her son Nathan are the first of five visitors, each visit taking place at nine year intervals. Slade House, for all its
SUNNY SOLOMON
FOR
THE
BOOKS
magnificence, is situated in a most unlikely neighborhood on Slade Alley, a rundown neighborhood with little to commend. All those “invited” to visit Slade House must first find a small, well-hidden, black iron door, a door without handle or keyhole. I will tell you right off that almost no one who makes it through that iron door will ever be seen again. That being said, it is Mitchell’s magic that compels the reader to continue. Those familiar with his writing will
recognize his deft handling of time – present, past and everything in between. He drops clues like leaves falling from trees in the always-changing lush gardens of Slade House. Exactly who are Lady Nora Grayer and her brother Jonah? What do they want from those who come? Once the mystery of Slade House is public knowledge, why would anyone be so recklessly curious as to look for that small, black iron door? And, after all, who’s to say that the road less traveled is always of our own choosing? Great fun exists in the recurring words that are part and parcel of Mitchell’s tale, words like: Lacuna, orison, engifted, aperture, Banjax, glyph, Horologist, Operandi, Atemporals — the list goes on. Setting the novel in five years (1979, 1988, 1997, 2006, 2015) is an artful way of carrying the reader into each and every event. What we learn
about what happens in 1979, if we read carefully, moves us into 1988, and so on, each building on our understanding of what is really happening. The narrative structure is downright masterful. The characters, too, build on each other, directly and indirectly; they are not stock ghost story figures, but people to care about, people with recognizable human frailties. They are desirable and even devoured souls. How willing we are to believe what we need to believe, to think the impossible quite likely despite all the while knowing this cannot be happening. “Slade House,” Mitchell’s small yellow book, needs no key: pick it up, open it, you’re in. Sunny Solomon is a freelance writer and head of the Clayton Book Club. Visit her website at bookinwithsunny.com for her latest recommendations or just to ‘talk books.’
August 14, 2015
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Charter, from page 1 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, Calendar Editor S TAFF W RITERS : Peggy Spear, Pamela Wiesendanger, Jay Bedecarré
C ORRESPONDENTS : John Jackson, Kara Navolio, Patricia Romero, John T. Miller We remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit is our muse
PIONEER INFO CONTACT US Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580 www.ClaytonPioneer.com 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 School News to schoolnews@claytonpioneer.com 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 resident in our home delivery area. Submit on our website and be sure to attach a JPG photo that is at least 3 MB but not bigger than 6MB. You can also mail or bring your print to the office and we can scan it for you. Also on the website are forms for calendar items, events & press releases. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Both Pioneer newspapers welcome letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 175 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 name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print anonymous letters. E-mail your letter to tamara@claytonpioneer.com. Letters must be submitted via E-mail. CIRCULATION as of Sept. 2014 Total circulation of the Clayton Pioneer is 5,500 to ZIP code 94517, all delivered by US Mail to homes, businesses and post office boxes. We cannot start or stop delivery to individual addresses. This must be done directly through the Post Office. The Concord Pioneer is delivered monthly to 30,500 in Concord by carrier. Papers are delivered once a month on a Friday morning near the end of the month. To stop delivery for any reason, call the office at (925) 672-0500 or send an email to circulation@claytonpioneer.com. If you are NOT receiving the Pioneer, please check the distribution map on the website. If you live in the shaded area and are not receiving the paper, please call us or send an email to circulation@claytonpioneer.com. If you are not in the shaded area, please be patient. We will come to your neighborhood soon. SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe, call the office at (925) 672-0500. Subscriptions are $35/year for each paper, $60/year for both.
law firm Dannis Woliver Kelley was hired in January to investigate myriad charges made against CVCHS, which included conflicts of interest, Brown Act violations, board election procedures, fiscal impropriety, hiring practices and athletic department issues. DWS says in its executive summary that “the report will not make factual findings or determinations regarding the validity of the facts presented” yet then proceeded to make 39 “critical recommendations” based on allegations without determining their validity. They added, “This report is intended to serve as a tool to assist in evaluating the complaints and allegations against CVCHS when making the independent determination of how to proceed, if at all.” Both the factions making charges against CVCHS and Linzey claimed the report buttressed their position. The dialogue continued this week when the school started its fourth year as a charter Wednesday morning and that afternoon CCCBOE had its monthly meeting that was slated to include discussion of the report. School supporters claimed the report’s authors not only failed to properly investigate the charges or give factual findings but that they have a major conflict of interest. DWK was hired by CCCOE to handle the investigation and they also have a sixfigure annual contract as an outside counsel with Mt. Diablo Unified School District, which is still smarting from having CVCHS leave the District in 2012. Allison Snow, who has been an outspoken critic of the charter and one of the founders of Stakeholders for Transparency Facebook group, sent an email with the DWK report to the press say-
ing, in part, “The findings are as we anticipated: The Director and Board have apparently far overstepped the charter and therein contains long list of immediate fixes to their operations.” The report includes four and a half pages of “critical recommendations” that DWS suggests the school or its governing board implement to address allegations made in 2014 about CVCHS. The report’s one-paragraph conclusion begins, “At this time and with CVCHS’s cooperation, the issues appear largely resolvable through additional training, transparency, communication and oversight.” It says there are a number (39 termed “critical”) of suggested actions for the county to consider. At the same time, Linzey issued a long statement challenging the process and recommendations: “It is now clear that CVCHS has not violated the law or its charter petition, that there is no basis for the call for revocation coming from some anti-charter elements in the community, and that many of the complaints were in fact based on misstatements of fact and misinterpretations of charter school law.” He goes on to say that this does not imply that CVCHS agrees with the process used by DWK in developing the report, “the factual inaccuracies and analysis that are contained in the report, or the initial premise that DWK has operated from in assuming that the allegations are “not false” (i.e., true) without giving the Charter School the opportunity to rebut these allegations. “It remains disappointing that CCCOE and DWK did not afford CVCHS the opportunity to address the allegations addressed in the report [and] to submit documents directly responsive to the allegations,” Linzey said. The full report can be viewed at CCCOE’s website, w w w. b o a r d d o c s. c o m / c a / cccoe/Board.nsf/files.
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Directory of Advertisers Business Services Rising Moon Marketing & Public Relations . . .672-8717 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 J.A. Ronco Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .872-3049 Schaefer’s Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-6065 Soto HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .497-7426 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737 Events Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market . . . . . . . . .800-949-3276 Financial, Insurance and Legal Services Archvest Wealth Advisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .215-5600 DuRee, Daniel – The Law Office of . . . . . . . . .210-1400 Littorno, Richard – The Law Office of . . . . . . . .432-4211 SAFE Credit Union . . . . . . .www.safecu.org/homeloans Van Wyck, Doug – State Farm Insurance . . . .672-2300 Flowers A Floral Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .705-3088 Funerals Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Health Foresight Optometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4100 Home and Garden Clayton Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-2299 Clean Cleaner Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .383-1253 DeSousa, Debbie – Professional Organization . .672-9598 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Interiors Panache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7920 Mt. Diablo Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-6003 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 R & M Pool, Patio, Gifts & Garden . . . . . . . . . .672-0207 Skim ‘n’ Dip – Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .348-5609 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 The Royal Rooster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2025 Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055 Waraner Bros. Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .831-2323 Waraner Tree Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-0334 Welcome Home House Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . .584-5980 Mailing Services The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Music Lessons Julia Aguilar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .497-1003
Ouimet Bros. Concord Funeral Chapel recently was honored with the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce Legacy Award for their 55 years of membership and service Marilyn Fowler, Concord Chamber executive director, presents the award to Michael Nicosia, managing partner of Ouimet Bros., with John and Sharon Ouimet and Don and Bea Ouimet.
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and many cities have sued or may sue the state over disputed funds. But with the assistance of new State Senator Steve Glazer, we obtained word that disputed agency obligations totaling $976,899 would be recovered by the city. This is a huge successful outcome for our city, and avoids the unpleasant necessity of having to sue the state. Congrats to our staff for a great job on behalf of the City of Clayton. Tech-savvy Clayton: New Community Development Director Mindy Gentry is also spearheading a Technology and Modernization Plan with the goal of installing and utilizing technology in order to be more efficient. This will allow staff to spend more time conducting the city’s business and to do more with less, especially given the city’s limited financial resources. Further, utilizing technology to create efficient and streamlined processes will not only help city staff be more productive, but will provide additional tools to enhance our assistance and accountability to the public. Yes, for good or bad, our city abacus and slide rules will be updated. In honor of technology and improvement, I changed my password to “incorrect.” So whenever I forget what it is the computer will say “Your password is incorrect.” Email me at dshuey@ci.clayton.ca.us.
Real Estate and Mortgage Services Bennett, Nancy – Keller Williams . . . . . . . . . . .606-8400 French, Lynne – Windermere Real Estate . . . .672-8787 Hayes, Diane and Bill – Better Homes Realty .890-4701 Howard, Don – Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . .408-3184 Howard, Emily – Better Homes Realty . . . . . . .408-1871 Klock, Leigh – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593 Landgraf, Linda – Berkshire Hathaway . . . . . .876-0311 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 Big Pump Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .285-3846 Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454 East Bay Regional Park District . . . . . . . .888-327-2757 Schools Walnut Country Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-9686 Services, Other ComputersUSA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029 Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . .682-4518 Travel Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9840 Worship Clayton Community Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-9060
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Page 8
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
August 14, 2015
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local pet store or breeder is probably waiting for adoption at a nearby shelter. You only have to take a look. Thanks to today’s technology it’s easier than ever to find shelters and rescue groups. Most pets end up homeless through no fault of their own. “Moving” and “landlord issues” are common reasons given by people surrendering their pets to shelters, meaning shelters and rescue groups are full of wonderful family-ready pets. Looking for a purebred? Twenty-five percent of pets in shelters are purebreds. Breed specific rescue groups always have purebred dogs and puppies looking for homes. Pets adopted from shelters and rescue groups typically cost less than pets purchased — or even acquired for free. Once you add in the cost of vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, microchip, de wormer and other extras included in
your adoption fee, you’ll probably be surprised what a bargain an adopted pet really is. Most shelters and rescue groups conduct a behavior analysis of each pet to ensure that your pet will be the right fit for your family, dramatically improving the chances that your new pet will fit right in. Shelters and rescue groups can give you advice on making your relationship with your pet the best it can be for the rest of his life so you’ll never have to go it alone. So now you’ve decided to add a new pet to your family, the first question to ask is what kind is the best for your household? Do you have enough time to devote to the daily needs of a dog? Is anyone in your home allergic to cats? Doing your homework in advance will make your search easier and increase the chances that your new pet will be a happy addition to your home.
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If for some reason you don’t find what you’re looking for right away, don’t be discouraged. Sadly, pets are surrendered to shelters and rescues groups every day so keep checking back. Some groups keep a waiting list so they can call you if a pet matching your preference becomes available. Debbie DeMello is a dog trainer and owner of Who’s Training Who in Walnut Creek. Contact her at debdemello@aol.com
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TANGERINE
dogs is $250 and includes a discount on the first six-week session of ARF U Manners classes. Tangerine, 2, is a sweet treat with her loving personality. She may be a little shy at first but warms up and will make a great pal, once she gets to know you, Playing with wand toys is one of her favorite pasttimes. She is suitable for a first time cat guardian. Tangerine’s adoption fee has been prepaid by a generous donor. Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during
adoption hours: Noon to 6 pm Wednesday & Thursday, Noon to 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6 pm Saturday & 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.arflife.org, or call (925) 2561ARF.
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GARY CARR Special to the Pioneer
Clayton residents will have new places to sit, boogie and ogle sweet rides, thanks to CBCA members voting “yes” to several requests for funding at the July 23 meeting of the Clayton Business and Community Association at Oakhurst Country Club. The CBCA voted to fund the purchase of 14 child-size chairs for the Clayton Community Library. CBCA had funded the purchase of study chairs in 2013 and club chairs in 2014. CBCA also allocated funding to help support Thursday Night Concerts in the Grove and will pick up the sponsorship of the popular Classic Car Show. This will be the fourth year for the Thursday concerts, which focuses on local bands. Ed Hartley revealed that the CBCA would sponsor a Joan Culver Memorial Bocce Tournament in November to honor the recent passing of a long-time pillar of the community and CBCA stalwart. Proceeds from
the first year will go to sponsoring a table at the courts with Joan’s name on the plaque. In succeeding years, proceeds will go to Joan’s favorite charities. Officer Rich Enea gave the police report, subbing for departing chief Chris Thorsen. Enea reported on a break-in at a home while the owner was in bed. Clayton police responded and caught the fleeing suspect within 30 minutes and hauled him off to jail.
“If you commit a major crime in Clayton, we guarantee you’ll spend time in jail,” Enea said. “We don’t have that much to do, so when something big happens, we’re all over it.” Co-Chair Mary Ann Lawrence guaranteed that this year’s Oktoberfest, the 12th annual, slated for Oct. 3 and 4, will be the best ever. However, volunteers are still needed. Contact Lawrence or Marilyn Schmidt to join the fun.
Clayton Valley Garden Club cleans up Diamond Terrace Garden Clayton Valley Garden Club members Jan Rubiales, Diane Selmer, Rory Richmond and Carin Kaplan surprised residents of Diamond Terrace retirement community by weeding and tidying up the facility’s Residents’ Garden on July 22. Due to water restrictions, the irrigated, raised beds are dotted with just a few tomato, melon and flowering plants this summer.
August 14, 2015
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 9
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New principal takes the reins The 2015-16 year is off and running at Clayton Valley Charter High School. Even if classes haven't started yet, if you go to the CVCHS campus any time from now on, the Ugly Eagles are in full swing. This past week welcomed back all of our students for registration, but that is a small taste of the campus flavor. Band camp is rocking and sports teams are gearing up. Teachers are trickling back and classrooms are almost ready. Our new teachers are getting indoctrinated to the CVCHS way and look like great additions to our team. Finally, the Class of 2019 was in full force last week as our freshmen participated in a week-long program that hopefully got them excited for high school. This program is run by
JEFF EBEN
CVCHS PRINCIPAL a group of upper classmen called Link Crew and they devote part of their summer to mentoring our ninth graders. It is an exciting time to be at CVCHS. As I enter my first year, it’s hard not to be impressed with what I see. I’m going into my 29th year in edu-
cation, most of it at the high school level. I’ve seen a lot of examples in my career, both good and bad, of what a high school looks like, and CVCHS has a lot of which to be proud. The student achievement is high and as I meet the students I’m immediately impressed with the way they conduct themselves. That is a reflection of their character and their parent and teacher role models that help them develop. I’m proud to be on the team. Look for CVCHS to continue to evolve in this new school year. We are a charter school because we believed that an independent high school can provide a quality educational experience for the young men and women who attend. To do that without the support of a large district is
innovative and no easy task. Everything I’ve seen to this point tells me that the mission has been accomplished. We have a quality school with quality data to match. I saw something else this week, though, that convinced me that I was in the right place. About 2,000 students picked up their schedules, played music, lifted weights and walked around campus in the past few days. Most of them were wearing hats or shirts with the Ugly Eagle logo. Clearly, this is their school and they are proud of it. We will build on what is here and continue to make CVCHS a place of pride for our young people.
KARA NAVOLIO Correspondent
As the new school year gets underway at Clayton Valley Charter High School, it will not be just about the syllabus, new teachers and class rules. For the entire sophomore class, it will be all about empathy, connections and support. For the third year in a row, the sophomore class will participate in Challenge Day from August 24-27. Each day 100125 students, along with 25 adult volunteers, will gather for a six-and-a-half hour experiential program led by trained professionals. The purpose of the program is to build connections and empathy and reduce bullying. Founders of the program, Rich and Yvonne Dutra St. John, have a mission: “That every child can live in a world where they feel safe, loved and celebrated.” “The program goes beyond the message that bullying hurts,” states Susanne Renner, Challenge Day organizer for CVCHS. “Teens see that others have experienced the same challenges that they have and that we all have more in common than we have differences. Challenge Day connects people.”
Through ice breakers and small group activities, kids who may never have talked to each other before make new connections and begin to understand each other at a deeper level. One such activity has been featured on an MTV reality show called “If You Really Knew Me.” Each person in a small group begins with “If you really knew me, you would know that …” and then they fill in the blank. Everyone feels safe enough to let their guard down and share. They receive lots of support and begin to see others for who they really are, not as a stereotype. As senior Maris Degener says, “Challenge Day came at a difficult time in my life. It gave me the tools to open up, learn how to accept support and give support to others.” Degener is now President of the “Be The Change Club” on campus, a follow-up to the Challenge Day program which encourages students to continue supporting each other long after the program is over. The program, in its 25th year nationwide, was originally brought to Clayton Valley High School in 2005 after the school lost two students to suicide. Singer Alanis Morissette
Determining the right type of ‘Katherine’
EMILY YORK
TEEN READS
ing Katherine Predictability,” he can predict the outcome of any relationship that the future holds for him and hopefully, help him map out how he is going to obtain the girl of his dreams, whether or not her name is Katherine. It’s a great story; plus, there are so many beautiful quotes woven into this novel. My favorite one is: “…but there was no denying her smile. That smile could end wars and cure cancer.” Even though this book wasn’t my favorite by John Green (that would be “Looking for Alaska”), it still packed quite a punch. I’ve always thoroughly enjoyed reading anything by him and this story surely met my expectations. I can’t wait to see what else Green has in store for us in the future.
Everyone has a “type.” Whether it’s tall and skinny, or muscular with a sharp jawline, everyone has something that suits their fancy. For Colin Singleton, his type is Katherine. In “An Abundance of Katherines” by John Green, Colin has dated 19 girls named Katherine, and with all of them, he found no love and no luck. While of a road trip, Colin tries to prove that with the help Emily York is a junior at of the “Theorem of Underly- CVCHS.
donated the program to the school that year. Then for the next three years Challenge Day offered the program for free to the school. After that, there was no more funding available. In 2013, when current Principal David Linzey heard about the program, he was in favor of bringing it back. With the financial support of Susanne and Charles Renner, the school and the Parent Faculty Club, the program is now offered each year to the sophomore class. Many students describe the day as life-changing. As Degener says, “The program changed my life. I found the
confidence in myself and knew that there was a brighter future than what I thought before. I encourage all the sophomores to go in with an open mind.” Oprah Winfrey featured the program on her show in 2006 and stated, “I’m not kidding when I say this is how we change the world.” Some CVCHS alumni feel so strongly about the program that they have volunteered to come back this year as adult volunteers. The program could still use a few more adult volunteers. If interested in volunteering for one of the days, contact Renner at Susanne@challengeday.org or 925-216-9228.
‘Dream School’ will provide arts education JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
A new performing arts charter school expects to open its doors in Concord next August. The Contra Costa County Board of Education last month ratified the charter for the Contra Costa School of Performing Arts, whose organizers appealed a rejection of their proposal the previous month by the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. The school is the brainchild of Neil McChesney, the former Clayton Valley Charter High School administrator and CVHS graduate who was instrumental in getting his alma mater’s charter passed. McChesney and his organizing committee are now getting down to the real work needed to open the school in 12 months. First of all, they are forming a five-member governing board which they expect to have in place this week and hold its first meeting later this month. The board will have oversight of the charter and will begin by mapping out the scope of work and the matter of funding the school until it is open and receives state money based on its daily attendance. McChesney, the school’s executive director, will report to the board. Unlike Clayton Valley Charter High School, which is a conversion school, the SPA governing board will include only non-interested members. He expects the majority, if not all, of the board members to
come from within MDUSD boundaries. In the next couple of months the School of Performing Arts will hold informational meetings as it does community outreach. The school will solicit interested families to sign non-binding intent to enroll forms. In a perfect world McChesney would like to see 100 students registered in each of the three grades (sixth, seventh and ninth) planned for 2016. He points out the public charter school will ultimately include 700 students in grades six through 12. It will have “equity of access” (no auditions and tuition free) for prospective students, give priority to students from the MDUSD enrollment area and offer a “school of choice” for students interested in the performing arts. Dance, music (vocal and instrumental), theater and production and design, including stage tech and arts management course tracks, will be offered. The rigorous arts-integrated curriculum will be based on University of California and Cal State University admission requirements. McChesney and his steering committee have identified the Concord Pavilion grounds as their No. 1 site for the charter public school. The Pavilion property is owned by the city of Concord and leased to Live Nation concert promoters. Both the city and Live Nation included letters of support in the charter proposal packet.
See School, page 18
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
August 14, 2015
Sports Clayton Valley Charter football team needs to integrate newcomers for continued success JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clayton Valley Charter’s Ugly Eagles football team has enjoyed unprecedented success the past three years, culminated last December by an appearance in the CIF Division II State championship game in Southern California that they lost in bitter fashion 34-33 to Redlands East Valley. The locals begin this season at state DI champs Folsom on Aug. 28 and coach Tim Murphy and his staff will be working to blend returning starters with newcomers and 2014 varsity backup players who got lots of experience while the Eagles forced a
running clock in the second half of 11 blowout games. Murphy’s wing-gun offense has averaged almost 10 yards per carry over the past three years. CVCHS was North Coast Section champion in 2012, semi-finalists in 2013 and titlists again last year when they also won the Northern California DII Bowl game in Gonsalves Stadium to reach the CIF finals. His running attack, which last year was the most prolific in all of high school football over the past 15 seasons, has featured a workhorse back. Joe Protheroe in 2012 and Miles Harrison the last two years rushed for over 2000 yards and scored more than 30 touchdowns each. The team
LOUIS RAMOS (21) BEGINS HIS THIRD YEAR WITH THE CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER HIGH VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM. The two-way player may find himself busier than ever as he figures as a possible replacement for the transferred Nate Keisel at quarterback as well as playing middle linebacker on defense for the defending NCS champs.
gained a remarkable 7051 yards rushing last season. By contrast opening game opponent Folsom passed for nearly 6000 yards. A quintet of departing seniors and all-league quarterback Nate Keisel, who has moved with his family to Utah, accounted for over 5000 yards of the Clayton Valley rushing total. The coach Jason Rogers photos expects all-round athlete JUNIOR LINEMAN JALEN MCKENZIE will have college recruiters Louis Ramos to play a key role looking at Clayton Valley Charter games and film over the on offense, perhaps replacing next two years. Younger brother of 2015 top national Keisel at QB. recruit Kahlil McKenzie, he helped the Ugly Eagles to the Gavin West gained nearly State Division II championship game last year and figures 728 yards in limited duty last to be a dominant figure in the line this season. year as a sophomore (“great
vision and power”) and transfer Ray Jackson (who sat out last year after being all-league as a sophomore at College Park) will be backfield factors this fall. Other returning starters include juniors Koti Vaisima and Jalen McKenzie (lineman who has grown one inch and lost 30 pounds), Jamel Rosales, all-league defensive back Jake Peralta, Isaias Padilla and Nate Ewing. Anatol Skyler is called the “most improved player on the team bar none” by his head coach. Murphy also pointed out “big-time improvement”
by Sebastian Ruiz (“played DB last year, moved to offensive line and his heart is bigger than his 180-pound body”), Rosales, West, Joe Nguenti, Justin Roper and Angel Quesada. Murphy refuses to compare teams but says his seniors don’t want to see the school’s 17-game league winning streak (that goes back to 2011) broken. He adds, “The goal is, and always will be, to improve on the past.” Other returnees who figure to get lots of playing time are Ryan Fischer, Jake King, Evan Barney, Andy de Lira, Zach Hanson, Jack Miller,
Miguel Sarmiento, Jake Linderman and Robert Carson. Varsity newcomers (transfers and players moving up from JV or frosh teams) include Bryce Brand, Akeal Lalaid, Elijah Tafao-Braganza, Cole Hegwer, Sebastian Ruiz, Sebastian Deisieh, Aaron Fonseca, Jeff Williams, Zia Rhamany, Ja’Ron Jackson, James Teofilo and Ben Acebo. Following the Folsom game the Eagles travel to Tracy Sept. 4 and then have their home opener in Concord Sept. 11 against Cardinal Newman of Santa Rosa.
three-month program starts more information and schedthis month and will include ule visit diablofc.org. 11 practices and 13 games CONCORD ADULT with a focus on fundamenClayton Community Gym. tals. For more information SOFTBALL REGISTRATION Fall Clayton adult bowling and to register visit cvll.org. NOW OPEN and volleyball leagues get Team registrations are underway Aug. 26 and regisDIABLO FC FALL REC being accepted for Concord tration closes next Thursday. SEASON TAKING SIGNUPS fall adult softball leagues. For complete information on Diablo FC is holding its Men’s, women’s and co-ed All Out Sports programs, fall rec league Sept. 1 divisions are offered on varivisit alloutsportsleague.com. through Oct. 20 in Concord ous nights throughout the at Newhall Park. Training for week, Sunday through FriCLAYTON VALLEY FALL boys and girls under five, U7 day. Concord softball’s fall BALL COMING SOON and U9 age groups with par- league is a seven-game seaThe Clayton Valley Little ent coaches and professional son with playoffs in SeptemLeague Fall Ball program is Diablo FC staff is on Tuesber and running through accepting boys and girls for days with games on Saturearly November. Registration baseball (8-12 years old) and days Sept. 12-Oct. 24. For deadline is Aug. 21. Regissoftball (12 and under). The tration and information packets are available online at teamsideline.com/concord. To receive the packet by mail call 671-3423.
son training Monday. The program is open to boys and girls in 2nd-8th grades in the St. Bonaventure attendance area. Cross country is a short, family-oriented season with practices Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5:30 p.m. Parents are highly encouraged to run too. Meets begin in late September on Friday evenings with the Oakland Diocese meet in mid-October. The team meets at Newhall Park near children’s play area. Signups will be taken at practice or visit stbonaventurecyo.com for more info.
football.com. Call 348-3452 or 260-8304 for more information.
Sports Shorts FALL,
WINTER PROGRAMS OPEN AT A LL O UT SPORTS LEAGUES
Fall and winter programs for youth and adults are now open in Clayton offered by All Out Sports Leagues. Youth basketball and volleyball begins at the end of Sept. Thanksgiving and Christmas break basketball clinics for boys and girls in first through 10th grades are accepting signups. There’s a basketball shooting lab every Sunday from 9-10 a.m. at
CVLL All-stars wrap up season
TERRAPINS FALL CLINIC , YEAR - ROUND PROGRAM TAKING SIGNUPS
Photos courtesy Clayton Valley Little League
THE CLAYTON VALLEY LITTLE LEAGUE ALL-STARS finished the District 4 tournament with a 42 record and a third-place finish. After beating Antioch twice, East County and South Oakland the CVLL Stars were knocked out by Walnut Creek. The team included, front row from left, Joey Hawk, Quinton Mahloch, Carter Kosturos, Clayton Mahloch, Jason Zimmer, Riley Mendonca, Terrell Hopson; back row, manager John Mahloch, Tanner Maltbie, Matthew Hubbard, Charlie Saylor, Tyler Perkins, Jake Lucas, coach Kevin Zimmer, Dominic Pelligrino and coach Dwayne Bianchi.
The renowned Terrapins Swim Team will be hosting its annual Fall Stoke Improvement Program from Sept. 14 to Dec. 11 at Concord Community Pool. The program offers rec swimmers six-year-olds through high school the opportunity to train under the professional Terrapin staff for three months. Limited clinic registration is now being taken online at terrapinswim.com. The Terrapins year-round USA Swimming program is also accepting applications now for its fall season that begins Aug. 31. Call 680-8372 for more info or visit the club website.
ST. BONAVENTURE CYO CROSS COUNTRY STARTS TRAINING M ONDAY
St Bonaventure CYO cross country begins its sea-
SHUFFLE THE CARDS FOR CVCHS FOOTBALL BENEFIT O CT. 3 Clayton Valley Charter football is hosting its fourth annual Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament and dinner on Saturday, Oct. 3, benefiting Ugly Eagles football program. Prize money of up to $500 for first place will be offered for the tournament. Tickets for poker and dinner or dinner only are available now. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. with poker tournament at 8 o’clock at Shadelands Arts Center in Walnut Creek. Dinner is catered by Lisa V and Dee-Licious. Tickets available at claytonvalley-
CARONDELET GRAD CHELSEA CHENAULT GOLD MEDALIST AT WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES
University of Southern California sophomore Chelsea Chenault was part of the gold medal 800 meter freestyle relay for the United States at the World University Games in Korea last month. The 2013 Carondelet grad, a two-time NCAA allAmerica, still holds the North Coast Section record in three individual and two relay events.
ST. BONAVENTURE CYO BASKETBALL TAKING SIGNUPS UNTIL S EPT. 18
Online registration will be active until Sept. 18 for St. Bonaventure CYO basketball for boys and girls grades two through eight. Player fees go up $10 after Aug. 31. If you have any questions or would like to coach or volunteer, please contact Tim O’Hara at 672-5774. The season runs from September through February with postseason playoffs. All registration is being done online at stbonaventurecyo.com.
Clayton Pioneer wants to publish your sports news Please let us know about your sports news, special events, fund raisers, tryouts, signups and accomplishments. Youth leagues, clubs, schools and adult programs are all welcome to send us a rundown on what you’re doing. Include all the necessary details (too much information is better than too little!) and your contact information. It’s as simple as sending an email to sports@claytonpioneer.com
August 14, 2015
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Sports DHST 13-14 free relay set a meet standard as Mancini joined Gianna duLong, Logan Sherman and Isabella Samardzic in the record-breaking performance. Mancini and her Otter teammates conclude the season this weekend at the County Meet in Lafayette. Swimming since she was five, Mancini plans to play water polo and swim for Clayton Valley Charter High School this year. She’s also competed for the St. Bonaventure CYO track team and has been a fall swimmer for the New Wave Aquatics USA Swimming team.
Athlete Spotlight Gabi Mancini Age: 14 Team: Dana Hills Swim Team Recent Diablo View Middle School graduate Gabi Mancini has been a busy member this summer on her Dana Hills Swim team. Last month she won the Devil Mountain Pentathlon A Division for 13-14 girls. The pentathlon has each swimmer (more than 80 girls in the 13-14 age group) swim all four strokes plus the individual medley with their
total time compiled to determine the fastest. She beat her runnerup swimmer by just .03 second over the five races. Mancini followed that up last weekend at the Concord City Swim Championships with an individual first place in the backstroke plus helping the Otters to a pair of relay victories. She was also third in the IM and freestyle. The
The Clayton Pioneer congratulates Gabi and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for 25 years at Family Vision Care Optometry. www.laceyandruzicka.com Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@claytonpioneer.com.
Dana Hills wins 23rd City Meet swimming title ahead of this weekend’s county Championships JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Dana Hills and Oakhurst swim teams both had very successful Concord City Swimming Championships last weekend as the Otters captured their 23rd championship in the past 24 years while the Orcas won another sportsmanship trophy and also had their highest City Meet team finish ever when they took third in B Division. The final team tally saw Dana Hills amass 518.5 points more than runner-up Forest Park from Concord with Walnut Country third in A Division scoring. Forest Park took the B title with Dana Hills second and Oakhurst Country Club third after the Orcas were sixth a year ago. Dana Hills and Forest Park dominated top awards at the 49th City Meet with the Otters taking both best relay honors and setting eight City Meet records. Forest Park established five standards. In the individual A Division highpoint awards Dana Hills and Forest Park each had seven winners. The Orcas repeated as Team Sportsmanship Award winners, the fifth time since 2004 the Clayton club has earned that trophy. The rec swim season ends this weekend at the 55th annual Contra Costa County Meet at Acalanes High in Lafayette. Dana Hills has been in the top five of the last three county meets.
Photo Jay Bedecarre
DANA HILLS SWIM TEAM’S 11-12 GIRLS had a tremendous Concord City Swim Championships meet last weekend. The 11-12 girls medley relay, from left, of Paige Landstrom, Sophia Miller, Caela Hetherton and Ryanne Boland set a City Meet record of 2:00.44, nearly three seconds under the 2006 mark by DHST, earning them the meet’s outstanding girls relay award. Additionally, Landstrom set a 50 backstroke record.
Boland) and 13-14 free (Isabella Samardzic, Gianna duLong, Gabi Mancini, Logan Sherman) plus the 13-14 boys free relay (Niklas Weigelt, Clayton Seastrand, Jacob Coppa, Jimmy Costello) all set City Meet records. The 11-12 girls and 13-14 boys were named outstanding relays of the meet. Karlie Seastrand of Dana Hills set a city mark in the 1112 girls butterfly as did teammates Anthony Vines in 15-18 butterfly, Molly Boland 7-8 13 MEET RECORDS FALL girls fly, Gianna duLong 13-14 Dana Hills girls relays in girls free and Landstrom 11-12 11-12 medley (Paige Land- girls backstroke. strom, Sophia Miller, Caela A Division high-point winHetherton and Ryanne
ners for DHST were Madelyn Cottam and Abbey Keller (6 and under girls), Zoe Lahanas and Boland (7-8 girls), Erica duLong (15-18 girls), Weigelt (13-14 boys) and Ryan Levy (15-18 boys). Levy repeated as high point swimmer from a year ago. Molly DeSeelhorst (11-12 girls) of DH and Mary Kate Jacoby (7-8 girls) of Oakhurst won B Division high-point honors. As usual, the deep Otters team dominated City Meet relays by winning 17 of the 24 relays and taking six seconds. Also finishing in the top three of individual A and B
Photo courtesy CSK Photography
OAKHURST ORCA 9-10 TEAMMATES LAINE MORAES (LEFT) AND OLIVIA TELLEZ congratulate each other at the end of the 50-yard butterfly B Division finals last Saturday at the Concord City Swimming Championships. The Orcas ended up third in the B standings, the Clayton teams best-ever finish.
Division girls events for the Otters were Libby Celentano, Camylle Callahan, Sophia Miller, Gabi Mancini, Abbie Kubota, Kayla Conger, Cami McGee, Melissa Cark, Alyssa Dern, Caela Hetherton, Jessica Nielsen, Ryanne Boland, Madelyn Vines, Maddy Webster, Samardzic, Kate Madigan, Darya Solayman, Miley Catalan and Hailey Conger. DHST boys top three finishers were Dominic Celentano, Will Miller, Justus Littlejohn, Keaton Curtis, Colton Seastrand, Kieran Moss, Clayton Seastrand, Sean Thomas, Dylan Lynch, Kyle Hetherton, Coppa, Gio Castaneda, Michael Albert, Joshua Ewert, David Wishnow, Preston Marks, Jimmy Costello, James Mauritho, Keegan D’Arcy and Diego Castaneda. Oakhurst’s eight-year-olds Brooke Koller and Finn Cleary each won A Division finals while the 7-8 girls free relay took second. Top three finishers for the Orcas B Division squad were Kiera Jarvis, Bobby Groth, Marissa Ennis, Antonio Ballardo, Carolyn Silva, Nico Stojanovich, Jack Stack, Hunter Silva, Taylor Silva, Connor White, Emily Nelson, Siobhan Jacoby, Caleb Pappas, Liam Jacoby, Hope O’Brien and Faith O’Brien.
Welcome back college football
TYLER LEHMAN SPORTS TALK The dog days of summer are upon us and that means college football nears. The season officially begins locally Sept. 5 and both Cal and Stanford are looking to make a splash in the Pac-12 this year. CAL The past season was bittersweet for the Bears. The team improved its record by four games from the 2013 season but still finished with a 5-7 record. The last bowl game Cal played in was in December 2011and the last one they won was the Emerald Bowl in 2008. It is somewhat of a makeor-break season for head coach Sonny Dykes. While the team showed some improvement in 2014, the lack of a winning season in his two years as head coach leaves much to be desired. Despite the struggles of the Cal team their quarterback Jared Goff is a beacon of hope. Goff is lauded as being a potential first-round pick in the 2016 NFL draft by ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. In fact the draft guru says he’ll be the first QB selected next year. The 6-foot-4 junior passed for 7,481 yards and 53 touchdowns through his two seasons as the Bears starting quarterback. The offensive side of the ball will be managed by Goff, so it is up to the defense to really push the Bears back up the Pac-12 standings. The defense struggled greatly the last two seasons, in some cases to historic lows. Continued improvements on defense and Goff continuing to become a polished quarterback are essential for a successful 2015 campaign for Cal.
selves into a national powerhouse. The team went to four straight BCS games between the 2010-13 seasons. The 2014 season ended in an 8-5 record for the Cardinal capped by a win over the Maryland Terrapins in the Foster Farms Bowl. The preseason Top 25 coaches poll has Stanford ranked as the 21st best team in the nation. To compete and finish high in a competitive Pac- the Cardinal need to be able to close out games in crunch time. In three of their losses last season, the Cardinal lost by a field goal. If Stanford wins those games they have a 10-2 record and are in the conversation for a playoff berth. “What-if ” scenarios are usually pointless, but the fact of the matter is that the Cardinal are better than their record last season. Fifth-year senior quarterback Kevin Hogan will hope to help with that turnabout. Better clock management and in-game decisions will be main focal points for Stanford. OVERALL Cal and Stanford should both improve this season. Cal has their phenom quarterback in who should have a fantastic year. Stanford will continue to play its style of grinding football, running the ball and playing solid defense. It should be especially exciting with Barry Sanders Jr. taking the majority of snaps at running back for the Cardinal. The two teams will meet in the Big Game at Stanford Stadium on Nov. 21. At this time Stanford would be a heavy favorite, but who knows? College football is great because it can be so unpredictable. As always, the Big Game should be fun to watch as Cal and Stanford fans eagerly await to see who takes home the Stanford Axe, which has been won five years in a row by the team down on The Farm, much to the chagrin of Old Blues.
Tyler Lehman is a junior at San Francisco State University and a 2012 CVHS graduate. He is majoring in print/online journalism and wants to be a sports writer. STANFORD Over in Palo Alto, the Stan- Email your comments or questions ford Cardinal have made them- to tyler@claytonpioneer.com.
Kelly Kern wins Junior Olympics pole vault title
Photo courtesy Kern family
Clayton sisters Kelly and Katie Kern competed in the pole vault at the USATF Junior Olympics National Track and Field Championships last week in Jacksonville, FL. St. Agnes School eighth grader Kelly Kern (above) was ranked No. 1 in the country for 13-14 girls and upheld that ranking with a gold medal vault of 11 feet, 2 inches (3.4 meters). Sister Katie Kern, a senior at Carondelet who finished eighth at North Coast Section last spring, was 20th among 40 vaulters in the oldest 17-18 age group for coach Chris Moore.
Page 12
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High school football practice is underway and while each fall season is different one thing remains pretty much the same: De La Salle is ranked No. 1 in the pre-season rating of all high school teams in America by MaxPreps.com. The Spartans are defending California state open division champions and return a majority of their starters from that undefeated 14-0 team, including a couple top national recruits. Last year’s team started the season as a major motion picture about DLS football, “When The Game Stands Tall,” was showing in movie theaters around the country. This season begins nearly 1500 miles from the Concord school in two weeks when De La Salle travels to Vernon Newsom Stadium in Mansfield, TX near
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DE LA SALLE has been named the pre-season No. 1 high school football team in America. Senior Boss Tagaloa (75) is now tipping the scales north of 300 pounds on a 6-3 frame. He’s a rare four-year starter at DLS.
Dallas for its first-game game in the Lone Star State. It’s ironic that De La Salle is going to Texas, the setting for “Friday Night Lights” which was the previous big-time movie about high school football. Perennial Texas power Trinity is hosting De La Salle on Saturday, Aug. 29, in a game that will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2. Trinity was 12-2 last year, losing in the state 6A playoffs 30-27 to Allen, eventual state champions and, like DLS, a top five national team in 2014. Third-year coach Justin Alumbaugh has a roster loaded with veterans including 5-Star recruits Devin Asiasi and Boss Tagaloa. In discussing the season opener Spartans coach told MaxPreps.com, “When you talk about high school football, Texas naturally comes up. It’s exciting.” Alumbaugh has a 28-1 record in his two years at the helm after replacing legendary coach Bob Ladouceur. He has a pair of 1,900-yard rushers in Antoine Custer and Andrew Hernandez to spur the offense that will be quarterbacked by Anthony Sweeney. The Spartans at-large schedule also includes a trio of games against Southern California powerhouses—Servite, Orange Lutheran and Long Beach Poly (reprising their legendary 2001 and 2002 games) —and two versus Sacramento area schools, Del Oro and Granite Bay.
Photos courtesy Phillip Walton, SportStars Magazine
TIGHT END AND DEFENSIVE END DEVIN ASIASI (16) at 6-5, 260 pounds is a two-way Spartan standout. Both Asiasi and Tagaloa are rated among the ESPN 100 college recruits.
Concord, Ygnacio Valley, Mt. Diablo, Clayton Valley Charter and DLS—-plus Northgate and Berean Christian were in the five-tiered North Coast Section playoffs in the same year. It was especially gratifying for Diablo and Berean who returned to post-season play after an absence of five and two years, respectively. This fall Concord and Mt. Diablo high schools have new coaches. Derek Clements is in charge of the Red Devils while Concord is formalizing its new coach this week, according to principal Rianne Praltzgraff. Local observers expect coaches Randy Coddington and Jon Bell to play key roles for the Minutemen. Brian Hamilton was hired away from Concord this month as the offensive quality control coach for the CaliforFOLLOW-UP TO nia Golden Bears. He was the GREAT SEASON Last season was unprece- head coach and director of dented for local high schools athletics at Concord for the as all five Concord schools— past 11 years where he led the
Minutemen to the Division II NCS title game in three of the past five seasons including a section crown in 2010. He came to Concord from Clayton Valley High. Last year Clayton Valley Charter defeated crosstown rival Concord in the NCS Division II championship game for the Eagles second title in three years while De La Salle won the NCS DI crown, the school’s 30th Section football championship, 28 coming under the stewardship of Ladouceur. OPENING GAMES AUG. 28 • Berean Christian at Cloverdale • Mt. Diablo at Mt. Eden, Hayward • Northgate at Rodriguez, Fairfield • Clayton Valley Charter at defending Div. I state champion Folsom • Concord at Benicia • Ygnacio Valley at Albany
Ipsen sixth, seventh at World Championships Clayton’s Kristian Ipsen took sixth and seventh in his two events at the FINA World Championships in Russia late last month as divers from around the globe began the lead up to the Summer Olympics next August in Rio de Janeiro. Ipsen and his new partner Sam Dorman took seventh in the men’s synchronized threemeter final. The American pair scored 405.99 points, while China’s Cao Yuan and Qin Kai took gold after finishing with 471.45 points. Ipsen and Dorman were in sixth place through four rounds, but a miss for just 67.20 points on their reverse 3 ½ tuck in round five dropped them to ninth. “You miss one dive and you’re out, but we had fun. I
went over on my gainer. It happens, but you’ve got to move onto the next dive,” Dorman said. After the miss, the pair came back with 82.95 points on their final dive, a reverse 1 ½ with 3 ½ twists, to move them back up to seventh. They were only 2.67 points behind the fifth-place team from Canada. “(The finals) went pretty well. Our timing feels really good. We just missed one dive and in a contest like this that’ll take you out of it,” said Ipsen, a 2012 Olympic bronze medalist in synchronized 3-meter with Troy Dumais. “I feel like we have a lot more in store for us in the future.” The three medalists earned their countries a spot in the 2016 Olympic Games. Four additional spots will be deter-
mined at the 2016 FINA Diving World Cup where the US will need to secure a slot for Rio. Michael Hixon came from behind to win bronze in the men’s one-meter competition for one of two Team USA diving medal at the World Championships. Ipsen finished sixth in that event. Hixon scored 428.30 points to edge Mexico’s Jahir Ocampo by 0.95 points for third, while China’s Xie Siyi finished with 485.50 points to take gold. Hixon became the first U.S. man to medal on 1M at a World Championships since four-time Olympian Dumais won silver in 1998. Ipsen was sixth with 420.65 points. He was in 10th place with one round to go before finishing with 86.40 points on
UTOPIC GARDENS
a reverse 1 ½ with 3 ½ twists to move up to sixth in the final standings. “I’m pretty satisfied, but I did leave a little bit on the table with my fifth dive. I can do that dive (reverse 2 ½ pike) better, and I thought I was going to hit it. I was moving really fast, but I got a little too excited,” Ipsen said. “Overall, I’m really happy with both the prelims and finals on 1-meter, but I could have done a little better today.” David Boudia closed the World Championships with the silver medal on 10-meter platform giving Team USA its second medal of the Championships. USA Diving provided material for this story.
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Sports 3 Diablo FC premier teams capture tourney championships in July
CAROLYN JONES
PARK IT
UNDER 14 DIABLO FC 01
GIRLS
RAGE
IN
PLEASANTON
Coach Scott Alexander’s Diablo FC 01 girls made sure they would emerge with the Premier Division title at the prestigious Pleasanton Rage Showcase Tournament by shutting out all four opponents at the end of July. They opened with 3-0 win over Union Sacramento FC and 2-0 victory over local rivals Walnut Creek SC. Going into Sunday’s game, the team needed a win or tie to advance to the finals and they did that with a scoreless draw with San Diego Surf Academy. The then won a narrow 1-0 victory over host Pleasanton Rage U14 ECNL team. The team includes, bottom row from left, Kaitlin Niedziejko, Brianna Murray, Serena Connel, Julia Betti, Sarah Smith, Sophia Salimpour; back row, Tori Gray, Kaitlyn Sheffield, Ariana Chavez, Carly Oshel, Darby Dresdow, Sienna Berdan, Alexus Zandonella-Arasa, Carissa Capinpin, Cassia Souza, Chloe Taylor, Natalia Leroux and Logan Silva.
Photos courtesy Diablo FC
DIABLO FC 98, 99
TEAMS TAKE
BOYS CUP
TITLES
Both the under 16 Diablo FC 99 boys and U17 Diablo FC 98 Boys Premier teams won their flights at the Boys Cup last month hosted by their own Diablo Futbol Club. Diablo FC 99 won two games and tied the third to finish with the highest point total in the U16 premier division. Diablo FC 98 had three straight shutouts to claim the U17 Premier title at Boys Cup. The DFC 98 team includes, front row from left, Mason McKay, Oscar Martinez, Rene Alvarado, Kai Squires, Parker Matsumoto, Jack Mortensen; back row, Fabian Wence, Martin Valentines, Omar Jiron, Cohen Mix, Javier Hernandez, Abraham Rosales, Juan Carlos Ayala, Luca Parodi and Taylor Hueurman. Not pictured, Faisal Hakimi, Pedro Hernandez, Adrian Ortiz, Jacob Wright and coach Charlie Campbell.
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You can put your mark on the East Bay’s newest park, a 2,540-acre expanse of grassy hills and oak woodlands at the former Concord Naval Weapons Station. The Park District is seeking the public’s help in transforming longtime military operation into a regional hub for trails and open space. Whether it’s hiking, mountain biking, camping, educational programs or historic preservation, the district wants to know what you want. The property, which comprises about half of the former base, lies south of Highway 4 and straddles the hills between Concord and Pittsburg. It will provide links in several regional trail systems, including the Contra Costa Canal Trail and De Anza National Historic Trail, as well as trails in Mt. Diablo State Park, Black Diamond Mines State Park and beyond. The new park will also include a visitor center focusing on the Port Chicago disaster of 1944, in which more than 300 mostly African American sailors died in a munitions explosion while loading ships. The tragedy, ensuing mutiny and public protests, led to the desegregation of the military and was an early milestone in the Civil Rights Movement. The center, a partnership with the National Park Service, will also feature exhibits on the role of the Naval Weapons Station in four wars, the contributions of veterans, and the rich history of Concord and the Diablo Valley. Another important aspect of the new park is that it’s close to a BART station. Linking regional parks and trails to public transit is a priority for the district board, and hopefully will be a boon for bicyclists and hikers throughout the East Bay. The public’s help is also needed to pick a name for the park. It’s currently called Concord Hills Regional Park, but planners hope to replace the name with something more dynamic. A few suggestions so far: Todos Santos, after the original name for Concord; Los Medanos, after the official name of the hills east of Concord; and Rancho del Diablo, after one of the Spanish-era land grants in the area. To learn more about the project and contribute your ideas, visit www.ebparks.or g/about/planning/cnws.
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Help plan a new park COYOTES ABOUND IN REGIONAL PARKS
If you’ve been to any of the East Bay’s wilder parks lately, especially at dusk, there’s a good chance you’ve spotted a big-eared, 40-pound canine trotting across a hillside: A coyote. Coyote populations in the Bay Area have been rebounding the past few decades as hunting regulations have tightened, public attitudes have changed and these highly intelligent, adaptable creatures have become more adept at living near cities and suburbs. In recent years coyotes have been spotted in San Francisco and even New York City. In the East Bay Regional Park District, coyotes live in almost everywhere except for Brooks Island and Browns Island. They’re most common, though, in the larger parks east of the Caldecott Tunnel. Briones, Black Diamond Mines, Contra Loma, Sunol, Round Valley and Brushy Peak are all ideal places to catch a glimpse of these beautiful animals, especially around dawn or early evening. Coyotes are important predators in our parkland ecosystems, eating large numbers of mice, rabbits, gophers and squirrels. But they’re also very resourceful, and in cities may eat garbage, cats or small dogs. Here are a few tips to help the public learn to live with coyotes: • Keep cats and dogs indoors at night • Don’t leave pet food outside • If you’re on a hike and see a coyote, put your dog on a leash • If a coyote approaches you or your pet, shoo it away by throwing small rocks, yelling or waving your arms • Never feed a coyote. These days, as the drought intensifies, coyotes might be more visible than usual. They’re likely to be drawn to creeks and ponds in search of water, and also following prey who are trying to survive these hot, dry months. It’s a treat to observe these handsome, resilient animals. Just give them plenty of space so they can remain wild. Carolyn Jones is public affairs officer for East Bay Regional Parks. Email her at cjones@ebparks.org.
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Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. SEPT 2 FOR THE SEPT 11 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com
IN CLAYTON
ON THE MOUNTAIN
Saturdays thru Sep. 19, except Sept. 5 Farmers’ Market 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Diablo Street between Main and Center streets, downtown Clayton. pcfma.com/clayton.
Aug. 15, 29 Saturday Concerts in the Grove 6 – 8:30 p.m. Aug. 29 includes historic marker dedication to The Grove. The Grove park, downtown Clayton. Free. cityofclayton.org. For a complete concert series list, see Page 3.
Aug. 20, Sept. 3 Thursday Concerts in the Grove 7 - 8:30 p.m. The Grove park, downtown Clayton. Free. cityofclayton.org. For a complete concert series list, see Page 3.
Aug. 15 – 16 Relay For Life American Cancer Society fundraiser. Join a team or walk as an individual. Activities for participants and spectators. 10 a.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday. Mt. Diablo Elementary School, 5880 Mt. Zion Drive, Clayton. Register at relayforlife.org/claytonca.
Sept. 5 Derby and Car Show Clayton Community Church’s 12th Annual Labor Day event. Kids 7 – 14 race derby cars down Main Street. Car show and parade. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Main Street, Clayton. Free. Register kids at claytoncc.com and cars at claytonderbycarshow.org.
Sept. 11 9/11 Remembrance A flag and information about each firefighter and police officer lost in 9/11 will be placed in the lawn at Clayton Fire Station 11. The public is welcome and encouraged to visit and pay their respects. 6500 Center St., Clayton.
IN CONCORD Pavilion Concert Schedule The Concord Pavilion is located at 2000 Kirker Pass Road, Concord. theconcordpavilion.com. Shows start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Aug. 14, The Pink Print Tour Aug. 26, Slipknot Sep. 6, KBLX Hot Summer Night, 4 p.m. Sep. 19, Chris Brown Sep. 20, Counting Crows
Mondays starting Aug. 17 Off the Grid Rotating lineup of eight food trucks; live music from local musicians. Food trucks 5 – 9 p.m.; music 6 – 8 p.m. Grant Street between Salvio Street and Willow Pass Road, Concord. offthegridsf.com.
Tuesdays Farmers’ Market Tuesdays year round. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org.
Thursdays Music and Market Thursday night live music and farmers’ market. Music: Aug. 20, Foreverland; Aug. 27, Native Elements; Sept. 3, The RaveUps; Sept. 10, Lafayette Studio Big Band. Market 4 – 8 p.m.; music 6:30 – 8 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org.
3rd Sundays Antique Faire Antiques, collectibles, handmade arts and crafts. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Free admission. concordantiquefaire.com.
Aug. 26 Concord Homeowner Energy Efficiency Workshop Sponsored by the Bay Area Regional Energy Network and hosted by the city of Concord and Contra Costa County. 6 – 8 p.m. Council Chambers, Concord Civic Center, 1950 Parkside Drive, Concord. Free. Response required at concordhomeownerenergyefficientworkshop.eventbrite.com or michelle.osborn@icfi.com.
Aug. 29 – 30 Gem and Jewelry Show and Sale Gems, jewelry, minerals, fossils, meteorites, tools and equipment. Demonstrations, kids’ activities, door prizes, café. Sponsored by the Contra Costa Mineral and Gem Society. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road, Concord. $6; kids under 16 free with adult. Go to ccmgs.org for more information and discounts; 289-0454.
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.
Ongoing Tarantula Hikes Search for Mount Diablo’s giant arachnids. Check the website for tarantula hike dates and times. Reservations are required and fill up fast.
Aug. 22 Do Go Gently into That Good Night Hike and look for bats, owls, tarantulas and other critters that go bump in the night. 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center. Reservations required: mtdiablohiker@gmail.com or sweettrails00@gmail.com.
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Aug. 30 “The Golden Follies 2015” Performed by the spectacular senior performers, The Golden Follies. 2 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $12-$25. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Sept. 4 – Oct. 10 “Tenderly” Triumphant musical about legendary Rosemary Clooney. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $37-$63. centerrep.org
Sept. 11 “Improv 9-1-1” Presented by Trapped in a Rumor. 8:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Sept. 12 “Improv Comedy Corner”
Thru Aug. 16 “The Little Mermaid, Jr.”
Presented by Commander Doug Productions. 8:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Presented by Poison Apple Productions. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $22. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Sept. 13 “In My Life”
Aug. 14 Southwest Sunset Social
A musical theatre tribute to The Beatles. 2 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $39-$90. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Lindsay Wildlife Experience brings animals native to the habitats in The Ruth Bancroft Garden for an evening of family fun in the garden. Live music; refreshments for sale. 5 – 8 p.m. Ruth Bancroft Garden, 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. $8-$15. ruthbancroftgarden.org. 944-9352.
Aug. 15 Comedy Performed by Scott Capurro. 8 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $17-$37. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611.
Aug. 15 Exceptional Plants for Hot Sites Join Susan Handjian, horticulturist and author, to learn about plants that do well in hot, dry climates. Many for sale. 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Markham Regional Arboretum Society, 1202 La Vista Avenue, Concord. Free. Reservations required at info@markhamarboretum.org. markhamarboretum.org.
Aug. 15 Roy Orbison Returns Wiley Ray and the Big O Band pay tribute to Roy Orbison. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $25-$45. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Aug. 16 Muju Park Taekwondo Demonstration Team Presented by Kang’s Taekwondo Academy. 3 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $25-$35. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Aug. 17 Stand Up Comedy Headliners from the Bay Area hosted by Mean Dave. 7:30 p.m. Vinnie’s Bar & Grill, 2045 Mt. Diablo St., Concord. Free. Must be 21 or older. vinniesbar.com. 685-9515.
Aug. 20 - 21 “Generation of Dreams” Two college students hope to get others involved to fight problems of racial and social inequities. Presented by Don’t Even Tripp Productions. 7 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15-$20. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Aug. 21 “Abbey Road: A Tribute to the Beatles” One of the most musically and visually satisfying Beatle tribute acts in the world. 7:30 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $25-$45. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com.
Aug. 21 “The Man from I.M.P.R.O.V.” Presented by Trapped in a Rumor. 8:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12-$15. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Aug. 21 “The Wizard of Oz” Movie on the big screen with the California Symphony playing the full film score live. 8:30 p.m. Concord Pavilion, 2000 Kirker Pass Road, Concord. $28-$78 per ticket, plus $10 parking fee. californiasymphony.org.
Aug. 22 - Sept. 5 “Let Me Hear You Smile” A comedy revolving around the difficulties of love and marriage through youth, menopause and senility. Onstage Theatre at the Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St., Martinez. $10-$15. onstagethhm@aol.com. 518-3277.
Aug. 22, 29 Jazz Aug. 22, Cyrus Chestnut with Joel Frahm and Warren Wolf; Aug. 29, Martin Taylor and Bucky Pizzarelli. 5 and 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
CHURCHES AND RELIGION Aug. 22 Movie Night The St. Bonaventure Knights of Columbus invite the community to see “Despicable Me.” 7 p.m. food court opens; 8:15 p.m. movie starts. St. Bonaventure lawn near south lot, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. Free movie; refreshments for sale. Contact George Brown with questions: 363-4708.
FUNDRAISERS 2nd and 4th Sundays Pancake Breakfast Veterans of Foreign Wars serve breakfast to the public: Eggs, pancakes, sausage, beverage. 8 – 11 a.m. VFW Post 1525, 2290 Willow Pass Road, Concord. $5, $3 children under 12. vfwpost1525.org.
Aug. 22 Music and BBQ on the Patio Sponsored by the Concord Moose Lodge Family Center. Trisha Pulido performs. 3 p.m. 1805 Broadway St., Concord. Free admission; donations accepted. 798-0887.
Aug. 23 Ice Cream Social and Season Kick-Off Party Enjoy ice cream, games, live music, raffle and silent auction while supporting the arts. Sponsored by Pittsburg Community Theatre. 1 – 4 p.m. Church of the Good Shepherd, 3200 Harbor St., Pittsburg. $10. Tickets at Railroad Book Depot, Pittsburg, or eventbrite.com.
AT THE LIBRARY The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at claytonlibrary.org or call 673-0659. Aug. 22: Joys of Journaling, 11 a.m. Aug. 24: Clayton Knits, 1:30 – 4 p.m. Sept. 12: Hypertufa Workshop, 10:30 a.m. The Concord Library is at 2900 Salvio St. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at ccclib.org or 646-5455. Aug. 27: Financial Education Workshop, 6 p.m.; 7:30 in Spanish Aug. 29 - 30: Concord Art Association Art Show and Sale. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat; 1 – 3 p.m. Sun. Sept. 8: Art Demonstration, 12 – 3 p.m.
GOVERNMENT 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, except Sept. 1 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 ‘Links’
August 14, 2015
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 15
Performing Arts
Kick off a sweet PCT season
SALLY HOGARTY
STAGE STRUCK Delicious ice cream, games and more await those attending Pittsburg Community Theatre’s (PCT) Ice Cream Social and Season Kick-Off Party from 1 to 4 p.m. on Aug. 23 at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Pittsburg. The fundraiser includes the Pacific Brass Band performing favorite American folk songs, rags, marches and musical theater selections. An array of raffle and silent auction items include four Disney Park Hopper passes, two Great America tickets, restaurant certificates, gifts, hair care, makeup, and much more donated by generous local residents and businesses. PCT’s 2015-16 season will also be announced at the event with a special gift offered to all those purchasing season subscriptions. Advanced event tickets ($10) are available at the Railroad Book Depot in downtown
MEAN DAVE hosts Concord comedy nights at Vinnie’s.
Sally Hogarty
SHEILAH MORRISON WITH SAL RUSSO AND WAYNE MCRICE run the clock backwards in Onstage production ‘Let Me Hear You Smile’ at the Campbell in Martinez, Aug. 22-Sept. 5
Pittsburg or at EventBrite.com. Call 925-439-7529. If you love stand-up comedy, check out the local talent at Vinnie’s Bar & Grill, 2045 Mt. Diablo Blvd., in Concord beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 17 and Sept. 21. Produced by Concord resident Kathryn McCarty, the monthly comedy night has been making local audiences laugh out loud for more than two years. Host Mean Dave has performed with the show for a year and a half. Like many of the other comics he travels “a few hundred miles a week” performing. The show blends local comedians with featured performers. For more information, call 925-685-9515 or go to www.vinniesbar.com. Onstage Repertory Theatre presents the spirited comedy “Let Me Hear You Smile” Aug. 22 – Sept. 5 at the Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St., in Martinez. The play follows Hannah, her husband Neil and her brother Willy as they deal with life from youth to old age but in reverse order. The audience first meets the characters as they prepare for retirement in the 1970s. The play then goes backwards to the 1940s and ends in the early 1900s when the
characters are children. Helen Means directs with Sheilah Morrison as Hannah, Sal Russo as her husband and Wayne McRice as her younger brother. “I knew I wanted to cast older performers who would have to become younger rather than the other way around,” says Means. “It makes for a real challenge for the performers.” Call 925-518-3277 for reservations. California Shakespeare Theater offers up Charles Ludlam’s campy homage to the horror genre in “The Mystery of Irma Vep.” Directed by Jonathan Moscone in his final production as Cal Shakes’ Artistic Director, the show runs Aug. 15 – Sept. 6 and features Danny Scheie and Liam Vincent. Beginning on a “dark and Stormy night,” the satire pokes fun at Hitchcock’s “Rebecca,” “The Mummy’s Curse” and more. “I’m so happy to get some silly on at the Bruns,” says Moscone. “This is an endlessly inventive literary-cinematic-theatrical mash up.” For more information, call 510-548-9666 or go to www.calshakes.org. Here’s a chance to see behind the legend of a remarkable woman and singer in “Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney
AT CENTERREP, Lynda DiVito is Rosemary Clooney
Musical,” running Sept. 4 – Oct. 10 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts. The beloved actress and singer charmed America for almost five decades. This inspiring new musical follows her rise to Hollywood stardom, her struggles with life’s unexpected challenges and the triumphant resurgence that made her a legend. For tickets, call 925-943-SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.
Sing your heart out this holiday season with the Diablo Women’s Chorale Have a merry little Christmas singing contemporary Christmas songs in various styles by trying out for the Diablo Women’s Chorale during open rehearsal with auditions from 6:30 – 9 p.m. on Aug. 17 at Saint Matthew Lutheran Church, 399 Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. The Chorale is gearing up for their 2015 December concert “Christmas Swings.” Response requested by contacting President Lynne Chapman via email at lynnesings@comcast.net or call (925) 954-1305. Singing with the Chorale is a chance to enjoy being with other women in a cohesive, creative chorus. Join Director Steve Mullins every Monday night from 7 to 9 p.m. at Saint Matthew’s. Please share this with mothers, daughters and female friends, neighbors and colleagues! Diablo Women’s Chorale has been entertaining local audiences since 1942. It is a lively group of community singers. Voice part practice recordings are provided. Experienced singers have opportunities for solos and small group ensembles. For more information, go to www.diablowomenschorale.org or www.facebook.com/diablowomenschorale.
‘Crazy’ start to A.C.T.’s new season
American Conservatory by Lumbly, last seen on Theater (A.C.T.) kicks of its A.C.T.’s Geary Theater stage in 2015-16 season with Stephen “Let There Be Love”), who is Adly Guirgis’ outrageous desperately trying to hold on to Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy his prime piece of real estate “Between Riverside and — one of the last great rentCrazy.” stabilized apartments in New Starring stage and screen York City — while simultanestar Carl Lumbly, “Between ously battling his inner Riverside and Crazy” is a hilar- demons. His landlord wants ious and timely story that tack- him and his newly paroled son Sally Hogarty is well known les gentrification, recovery, out; his cop friends are begging around the Bay Area as a newspafaith, sketchy houseguests and him to back down from a lawper columnist, theatre critic and the saving grace of family. suit against City Hall; the local working actress. She is also the ediIt will be performed Sept. 2 liquor store has closed; and a tor of the Orinda News. through 27 at A.C.T.’s Geary beautiful, mysterious Santeria Send comments to Theater. practitioner promises salvation sallyhogarty@gmail.com The winner of the 2015 in the midst of all the chaos. Pulitzer Prize for Drama, “Between Riverside and Tickets go on sale July 27 and Crazy” tells the story of ex- are available at the A.C.T. Box cop and recent widower Walter Office at 415-749-2228 or online “Pops” Washington (portrayed at www.act-sf.org. internationally with more than 1,000 concert appearances to his credit from around the globe. He is a Now available former member of both Turtle Island Quartet and Stanley Clarke’s band. Joining Tolling in his Mads by Gary Carr Tolling Quartet are world-class “A wild and funny trip…” musicians Colin Hogan at — Pat Craig, Contra Costa Times piano, Sam Bevan on bass, and Eric Garland on drums. “Beautifully written, whimsical
Tolling returns for a Mads-cap performance International violinist and crossover Star Mads Tolling returns to Pleasanton’s Firehouse Arts Center for a special summer performance of his popular program entitled “Mads Men: A Celebration of Instrumental Hits from the 1960s Mad Men Era.” The show features popular TV and movie themes and Top 10 hit recordings ranging from “Mission Impossible,” “The Pink Panther” and “Meet The Flintstones” to “Georgia On My Mind” and “What A Wonderful World.” Tolling, originally from Copenhagen, Denmark, recently debuted his Violin Concerto composition with The Oakland East Bay Symphony. He won
two Grammy Awards for Best Classical Crossover albums, was nominated for a third Grammy this year, and is a featured Yamaha Artist.
He has appeared at many of the world’s most prestigious jazz festivals and performance venues, and continues to tour nationally and
The Girl Who Founded Nebraska and Other Stories
THE MADS TOLLING QUARTET returns to the Pleasanton Firehouse Arts Center Aug. 22.
“Mads Men: A Celebration of Instrumental Hits from the 1960s Mad Men Era” will be performed at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22 at the Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave. in Pleasanton. For tickets and more information, call 925-931-4848 or visit the website www.firehousearts.org/events.
925.348.5609 Nick Eisenbart Owner/Service Provider Concord resident
work that had me in the aisles.” — Mark Steinberg, former senior adviser at the Motion Picture Association of America
$14 at carrpool@pacbell.net 925-672-8717 or at spdbooks.org Published by EXIT Press, San Francisco
Full service, chemicals, cleaning, equipment replacement, crack repairs Serving all of Contra Costa County for 15 years Including Marsh Creek, Morgan Territory
Page 16
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Schaefer’s PAINTING
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August 14, 2015
Attendance dropping at Farmers Market, growth spurt needed KARA NAVOLIO Correspondent
Interior & Exterior Popcorn Ceilings
Sheetrock, Texture Cabinet Refinishing
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(925) 260-6065
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A Local Guide to Good Food
We are compiling a list of all holiday festivals, non-profit boutiques, concerts and performances, tree lighting events and holiday home tours occurring in late October, November and December through New Year’s Eve. Please send event name, date, time, location & your organization or sponsor with a one sentence description to YUM@YUMguide.net by Oct. 1
The bounty is still there: juicy peaches, crisp corn on the cob and unique heavenly-sweet melons are just a taste of what’s available at the Clayton Farmers Market. But what’s missing at the weekly market are the crowds of people to buy them. Attendance at the market, located on Diablo Street between Main and Center streets, has been falling over the past few years, from 1,400 shoppers on average in 2012 to only about 350 this year. It is small with only 12 stalls in use. The reason for this is unclear, says Jenn Diggs, the Clayton Market Manager. However, farmers have been pulling out of the market due to the low crowd counts. Diggs says she hopes the sense of community the market offers, as well as the other amenities it features, will start attracting more shoppers. In addition to produce from local farmers, shoppers can enjoy live music by community musicians, a cookbook exchange, kids’ activities like plant-yourown-veggies, and a monthly garden activity led by the Clayton Valley Garden Club. It is open every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. from May 9 through Sept. 19. “If we can raise numbers
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
LYDIA HSU FROM BUTTERCUP FARMS GARDENS welcomes shoppers on Saturday morning. Buttercup is all local, bringing produce from their farm on Morgan Territory Road.
back to about 900 on average, we will be able to attract more vendors,” says Alyssia Plata, Marketing and Promotions Specialist for Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association (PCFMA). As shoppers stroll by the various stalls, they are often offered samples to entice purchases and can ask questions of the people who are actually growing the food, an experience not offered in grocery stores. “Another benefit of the farmers market is that by purchasing from local small farmers you are actually helping to
conserve water and sustain farming as a way of life for many families,” Plata says. Jorie Hanson of Buttercup Farms Garden adds, “We are taking several precautions to reduce our water usage from the 2013 level. Whenever possible, we use drip irrigation for the most efficient use of water, we use shade cloth to reduce evaporation, and we begin watering at 5:30 in the morning before the sun is up so there is less chance of water evaporating before it reaches the roots of the plants.” Many farmers have had to reduce the acres they planted
this year and are seeing shorter growing seasons, all of which threaten their livelihoods. “We had to plant 13 fewer acres this year due to the drought. That really reduces our income,” says a Brentwood area farmer who preferred not to use his name. In addition, some farmers are affected by a June 12 order by the California Water Resources Control Board to completely stop pumping water from rivers for irrigation. Despite the challenges to farmers this season, most farmers markets, other than Clayton’s, are thriving, with shoppers enjoying the freshness of produce picked on the day of or the day before the market. The produce has not sat on a truck for days or been stored in a warehouse. PCFMA runs both the Clayton and Concord Markets, as well as more than 65 other markets from Vallejo to San Jose. Shopping at the market, in addition to being a fun family and community experience, helps to support local, small family farms. Whether you are interested in buying locallygrown produce, supporting local farmers, enjoying some live music in the sunshine, or participating in some of the community building events, stop by the Clayton Farmers Market. The market’s future depends on the community’s support.
Oakhurst Country Club Celebrate the spring with a new membership at one of the area's best country clubs.
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Marvelous melons make the meal DEBRA J. MORRIS Pacific Coast Farmers Market
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Take both hands and dig into a big slice of juicy watermelon. Or cook thick wedges of cantaloupe on the grill. Or cube several varieties of
A Floral nce Experie Flowers for all occasions
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melon, add to a big bowl and toss with goat cheese and herbs for a real taste of summer. Yes, melons are here in abundance this time of year. There are many new varieties of specialty melons at your farmers market now. Cantaloupe, honeydew, casaba, canary, Crenshaw and watermelon are the most wellknown varieties. From Casaba and Crenshaw, to Persian and Canary melons, they’re all tasty, sweet and packed with lots of vitamins. Look for more specialty varieties at the market. We’re lucky, as California is the number-one melon supplier in the nation. Remember the following two attributes of a ripe melon. Rely on your nose, and look for a melon with the strongest fragrance, for this will most likely be the best tasting. Next, look for a melon that is heavy for its size, because if you have two melons of equal size, the heavier one is almost assuredly the riper and better tasting melon. Most melons will ripen after they are picked, but their sugar content won’t increase,
so try to select only ripe melons at your market. Keep uncut melons at room temperature for two to four days or until fully ripe, then refrigerate for up to five days. Refrigerate cut melon in a covered container for up to three days. It is suggested that you wash melons thoroughly before slicing to remove any potential bacteria. The easiest way to enjoy a melon is to cut it in half or in quarters (depending on the size), remove the seeds in the portion you plan to eat, then scoop out the flesh with a teaspoon. SHAVED MELON SALAD 1 2 1 1
tsp. grated lemon rind Tbsp. fresh lemon juice Tbsp. sherry tsp. honey
3/8 tsp. kosher salt 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 medium cantaloupe 1/2 medium honeydew melon 3 Tbsp. torn fresh mint
1. Combine first six ingredients in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Gradually add oil, stirring constantly with the whisk. 2. Remove and discard seeds from cantaloupe and honeydew melon. Cut melons into two-inch-wide wedges; remove rinds. Cut melon wedges into long, thin ribbons using a mandolin. Add melon ribbons to dressing; toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with mint. Serve immediately.
August 14, 2015
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 17
Three steps to a sparkling master bath square footage to accommodate any amenity you can imagine, or just enough space for the basics, your master bathroom has the potential to be fabulous. Period.
The “master” bathroom: That’s such a fancy name for a bathroom. With a title like this, you would think the plumbing fixtures were gold-plated and Carrera marble covered every visible square inch. The term master bathroom might make you think of amenities found in a luxurious spa or five-star resort. Think of a large, open shower with a variety of showering heads and body sprays. Or maybe a freestanding bathing tub placed majestically in the niche of a bay window with a hand-blown
STEP ONE: LOOK FOR THE POSITIVE Physically, or mentally, clear out your master bathroom from area rugs to artwork. Take notice of the positive aspects and work with them; a bay window calling for a decorative window treatment, an open wall that might hold a decorative or functional piece of furniture, or the space above your vanity that could potentially accommodate a really fantastic mirror. If you’re looking for a bigger bang for your master bathroom, look for additional square footage in a nearby closet that can become a shower, a tub, an Italian glass chandelier daz- extra large vanity…the list zling above. For a little relax- goes on. ation, a cedar-lined, infrared sauna sits just steps away from STEP TWO: REPLACE DATED a cottage-sized, walk-in closet. WITH CLASSIC If you follow any online Or imagine strategically placed design blogs or peruse home windows covered with natural design magazines, it’s plain as woven Roman shades, floorday what an updated bathroom to-ceiling mirrors with handlooks like. Yes, the projects on carved frames, and fluffy, display may be heavily acceswhite organic cotton towels, rolled into happy lollipop sorized with expensive art and shaped swirls, sitting perfectly antiques, but if you look at the in thick, hand woven sea grass bathroom itself, more often baskets. Where does this glori- than not, the color scheme is pretty basic: shades of white or ous madness end? Whether you have ample natural stone in an array of
If you don’t wear it, it’s not much of a bargain, right?
JENNIFER LEISCHER
DESIGN & DÉCOR textures and sheens with really, really good lighting. If a master bathroom remodel is in your immediate future and you’re not sure about a color scheme, or have concerns that a specific color scheme is permanent, consider this same design path, and then add layers of color and personalization. STEP THREE: SERIOUSLY
L SPECIA
ACCESSORIZE
Depending on the ambiance you are hoping to create in your master bathroom, your accessories should reflect that specific feeling. For example, if you’re hoping for a spa-like experience, visit your favorite spa and take note of the details, like decorative glass containers and woven baskets filled to the brim with cotton balls and q-tips, and a big, bear hug-looking robe that hangs casually on a shiny chrome hook. Or check out the teak bench sitting in the walk-in shower, while a scent of Lavender lingers. Accessories do not need to blow the budget, but they do need to be selected with a thoughtful eye and purpose, and above all, delight and sparkle.
f f O % 0 1 eer for Pion only s r reade
Remodeling Specialist Kitchens Bathrooms Windows Mouldings Decks Siding Painting interior & exterior Kevin Schmidt, Clayton Resident
925-822-5144
Family Owned and Operated
Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design based in Clayton. Contact her with questions, comments and suggestions at jenna@j-designs.com.
738 Bloching Circle, Clayton license 962284
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SUSAN SAPPINGTON
CLOTHES UP Women love a bargain. I used to love to spend a day bargain shopping the sale racks, finding discount upon discount until I convinced myself the stores were practically paying ME to shop. It was like they were giving the clothes away. At the end of the day, it was not unusual to have spent more than $500 on my “great deals.” Unfortunately, in my frenzy, I ended up buying poorly constructed merchandise that was ill-fitting and did not match anything else in my closet. I never even wore some of the pieces, and they all eventually ended up going to charity. That was when I decided to stop the madness. I decided to focus on buying quality pieces that I would feel great wearing and that would last for years to come, even if that meant spending more for the individual pieces. THE
diminish. Translation: cost effective. When it comes to those pieces you wear over and over, such as casual tees and cardigan sweaters, it might be tempting to run into a discount store and buy a stack of tops for what you think is a good price. Sure, we’ve all done that. What I have found, however, is that those pieces do not “wear” well. Frequently the tops do not hold their shape or their color and the cardigans stretch out and bag at the elbows. The better option is to invest in some quality pieces that will last throughout several seasons. Look for quality, NOT what is on sale.
something in over a year or there are items in your closet that still have the tags attached from a sale, (because you just had to have it) and have never worn it, donate them. There are many wonderful organizations out there. If you need suggestions on worthy charities, please contact me for my favorites. I clean out my closet every season and always have at least two bags to donate. Please join me for the ETCETERA Fall Show Aug. 12 through 20 in Clayton and Fall/Holiday Show Oct. 22 through 30.
ACTIVE LISTING
5111 Paul Scarlet Dr. Concord
6 Bed, 3 Bath, Approx. 2631 sq.ft. Listing agent: Matt Mazzei
Paula Johnstone Broker Associate
40 & 50 Carquinez Scenic Dr. Martinez $760,000 each Two fourplex units, each 2 Bed, 1 Bath Listing agent: Paula Johnstone
415 Bay Crest Dr. Pittsburg
Rula Masannat Sales Agent DRE# 01923757
SOLD
DRE# 00797857
925-381-8810 heypaula10@gmail.com
$295,000
3 bed, 2.5 bath Approx. 1643 sq.ft. Listing agent: Paula Johnstone
Susan Sappington is a wardrobe consultant the area development manager for EtCetera DONATE NOW Take a look in your closet Styles. Send comments to today. If you have not worn susan@etcstyles.com
1041 Feather Cir. Clayton
$670,000
415-310-2905 rulawithmazzei@yahoo.com
3 Bath, 2.5 Bath, Approx. 1886 sq.ft. Listing agent: Matt Mazzei
COST-PER-WEAR ANALYSIS
In my outlet days, I would spend upwards of $500 and wear the things I bought maybe only one time. So, the “cost-per-wear” was $500. Are you with me? I can reduce “cost per wear” by purchasing items of quality that I know I will wear often. When you purchase an outfit of a skirt and a jacket, for example, for $520, your “cost-per-wear” is $520 for both pieces. Yet, think about it — you will wear the jacket with other skirts or slacks and the skirt with other blouses or sweaters and wear them both so many times that the “cost-per-wear” will rapidly
$659,000
379 Blue Oak Ln. Clayton
$880,000
5 Bed, 3.5 Bath, Approx. 3454 sq.ft. Listing agent: Matt Mazzei
FREE ESTIMATES •Lawn & Plant Installation •Retaining Walls
•Paver Patio & Walkway
•Drainage
•Low Voltage Lighting
925-672-9955 www.nicholslandscape.com Lic. 542812 Fully Insured
Boyce Nichols - Owner Clayton Resident
3603 Coyote Cir. Clayton
$425,000
Broker/Owner
2 Bed, 2.5 Bath, Approx. 1252 sq.ft.
DRE# 01881269
Listing agent: Matt Mazzei
mazzeirealty.net Clayton residents since 1959
925-693-0757 (Main)
Matt Mazzei, Jr. 925-766-6745 mazzeirealty@yahoo.com
6160 Center St. Suite #C, Clayton
925-693-0752 (Fax)
Page 18
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
August 14, 2015
Multi-trunk trees thrive in Clayton There is an excellent specimen of a multi-trunk Smoke Bush planted in the meridian of Clayton Road and Old Marsh Creek Road near the gateway of Down Town Clayton. Look for it. The Smoke Bush has round, reddish-brown foliage and is surrounded on its north side with trailing New Gold Lan-
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tana. It is a very successful, drought tolerant and sun loving combination. This multi-trunk Smoke Bush has folks interested in finding out more about this fabulous ornamental tree, and other considerations that embrace the same shape. Multi-trunk is a term used in landscaping to describe the shape of a tree that has multiple trunks and is low branching. Typically a tree or large shrub that is multi-trunk exposes one-third to one-half of its height with its legs (trunk) and the remaining structure has lateral branches and foliage. It is common to see Crape Myrtle, Smoke Bush, Madrone, Redbud and olive trees assume this natural shape. Smoke Bushes have extremely desirable attributes. This small tree is very hardy to drought, sun and heat. It has reddish-brown foliage from spring through early fall, and in autumn its leaves change to colors of yellow and orange. For the past few years, some have chosen to install a Smoke Bush rather than a red-leafed Japanese Maple, which we all know suffers from summer leaf burn and can prove to be finicky at times.
MULTI-TRUNK SMOKE BUSH
You can expect a Multi-trunk Smoke Bush to mature around 10-feet high and six-feet wide, making it a lovely foundation plant for a water-wise landscape. Crape Myrtles are a very common street tree. We see them planted all around town and in many landscapes. The multi-trunk shape of this ornamental is the Crape Myrtle’s natural form. Aside from the summer flowers, another fabulous feature of the Crape Myrtle is its striking, smooth bark. Mature sizes of Crape Myrtles varies, depending on selection. Arbutus Marina is a hardy,
Schools, from page 9 With the myriad permits, tests, studies, contracts and fund-raising needed to get three proposed two-story school buildings of 24,000-30,000 square feet constructed on the Pavilion site it’s likely the school will open and operate in another location in its formative years. The alternatives for a site include surplus or underutilized space owned by MDUSD such as Glenbrook Middle and Holbrook Elementary schools, which were closed in 2011. The
charter group cites Prop 39 which sought to “level the playing field for charter public schools to have access to publicly-funded facilities.” The charter is also examining private property that might be leased as a temporary home. DIFFICULT ROAD TO CHARTER
The CCCOE Board narrowly approved a five-year charter for McChesney’s dream school. McChesney and his com-
feet wide. This evergreen needs minimal summer water, tolerates Clayton summers and isn’t picky about our clay soil. Multi-trunk Western Redbuds are spring blooming ornamental trees with medium green-heart shaped leaves. In late February, before its leaves emerge the Western Redbud’s two-lipped shaped flowers of magenta-purple appear lining its woody stems. Install Multi-trunk Western Redbud on a Clayton hillside this autumn, and you’ll be thoroughly pleased once early spring arrives. Fruitless Olive trees are back in style since they thrive in heat and love drought conditions. Fruitless Olive trees keep their leaves all year long. Their leaves are powdery gray, which adds contrast to the more common red and green foliage plants. Fruitless Olive’s are slow-growing trees, so you should expect to pay more for them. Multi-trunk trees can make successful landscape installations, as they provide unique shapes with tons of interest.
evergreen tree that is available at nurseries in both a tree shape and a multi-trunk shape. This evergreen has dark green leaves, and periodic, pendulous flowers. One of the most unforgettable features of Arbutus Marina is its exceptional bark. The bark of the Arbutus is cinnamon colored with streaks of beige. It makes an outstanding landscaping specimen. When installed as a multi-trunk tree, you get the opportunity to enjoy more of this tree’s best feature. Arbutus Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M will grow large, and you should Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. Contact expect heights anywhere from her with questions or comments at 18- to 20-feet tall and nine- to10- Gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
mittee of educators, arts professionals and parents turned around the CCBOE from its initial unanimous charter application rejection at the beginning of this year. The group had originally applied for a “county-wide benefit” charter that was summarily voted down by the board. The group then went to the MDUSD Board of Education, which heard a “fine-tuned” charter proposal in April but unanimously turned down that application in May. McChesney and his group immediately appealed the char-
ter application rejection to the CCCOE. At the June board meeting McChesney made an oral presentation to the board and answered their questions. Ultimately county staff recommended a no vote. There were 50 School of Performing Arts supporters and a half dozen people in the audience objecting to the charter. The board voted 3-2 in favor of a full five-year charter authorization. (CVCHS was only given an initial three-year authorization.) After the vote McChesney says he “was in shock” with a mixture of relief and satisfaction.
travel-2-go.com Clayton Station Shopping Center 5439 Clayton Road (Suite F), Clayton, CA
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