DEC 09 Clayton Pioneer 2016 by Pioneer Publishers

See Inside

East Bay Regional Parks Activity Guide

www.claytonpioneer.com

IT’S YOUR PAPER December 9, 2016

925.672.0500

Roundup of 2016’s biggest stories

HowarD Geller

MAYOR’S CORNER

BEV BRITTON Clayton Pioneer

Mayor looks to next chapter

Time waits for no one and being 70 years old, I have made some major decisions that will affect my life. Retiring from public service was a difficult choice, as I thoroughly enjoyed being on the City Council for the past eight years. It was an honor to be selected by my peers to the positions of vice mayor and mayor twice during my tenure. I will always treasure memories of the many ceremonies I attended just this year, representing Clayton at events like the Veteran’s and Memorial day services, the 12 Mayors’ Conferences, the fourth of July, Eagle Courts and Clayton Cleans Up, to name a few. It was my pleasure to serve our residents. I will miss being on the City Council. Working with the city staff has been an experience I will never forget. I wish to especially thank city manager Gary Napper for the tutelage and guidance he extended me, using his 33 years of experience. I believe Napper is the best city manager in the county. He is the driving force who runs the city’s dayto-day operations. I thank all the Clayton residents who have stopped me in the street, acknowledging and accepting my decision to retire. I am humbled by your kinds words. Several people even told me they voted for me as a write-in candidate. I have said it before and I will say it again: Local city politics is the truest form of the democracy we each cherish. Many people have asked about my plans. I will continue to produce the 10 Saturday Concerts in the Grove Park. I will keep current on all Clayton happenings and attend as many events as I can. It will be a new experience to sit on the other side of the dais at council meetings and voice my opinion as a Clayton resident. I hope to encourage other Clayton residents to get more involved. I plan on taking a year sabbatical from volunteering for new organizations and work on some of my home

See Mayor, page 3

What’s Inside

Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Community Calendar . . . . .16 Directory of Advertisers . . . .7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 School News . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Pete Barra

THE MT. DIABLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHORUS OFFICIALLY KICKED OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON in Clayton last Saturday with a few Christmas songs at the Gazebo. The animated performance was followed by Santa’s arrival before leading the crowd (unofficially, the largest ever for this event) down Main Street for the countdown and Clayton’s Tree lit up the night sky. Donut holes and warm cider served by Clayton Community Church and provided by the CBCa, completed the community event.

CVCHS settles legal challenges: In January, the board of Clayton Valley Charter High School announced that the suit with former administrator and charter drive leader Pat Middendorf had been settled in favor of the school. Middendorf agreed to drop the lawsuit and ask the court to rule in favor of CVCHS. She also said she would withdraw a separate Department of Fair Employment and Housing complaint, pay the charter $50,000 for attorney fees and court costs and forgo the opportunity to bring forward any other lawsuit. That same night, the Contra Costa County Board of Education heard from county administrators as they closed an investigation of complaints made by stakeholders about CVCHS. An advisory report had listed 39 critical issues, and school officials had met with officials to review them. CVCHS directly responded to six issues by revising or clarifying issues in the student handbook and board policies. County staff expressed appreciation for “CVCHS’s willingness to colPHOTO COURTESY CLAYTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY laboratively address these FR. RICHARD MANGINI, PASTOR OF ST. BONAVENTURE’S Catholic church and descendant of one issues for the benefit of its of the area’s pioneer families, readies his historical ranch house for the Clayton Historical students and stakeholders.” Meanwhile, former Society’s annual Holiday Homes Tour, Dec. 11, noon to 6 p.m. CVCHS speech pathology Meanwhile, the tiny home Add a few carolers, a and you have a wonderful way instructor Laurie Arbour’s features a beautiful view of Grinch and even a mouse, to celebrate the season. See Roundup, page 9 Mt Diablo. The homeowner recently downsized and finds she loves the simplicity of her elegant but compact space. The cozy home is decorated with garlands, greenery and strings of lights throughout. Though small, the home includes a few special family pieces. Other homes offer many Once again, Clayton is a special trees, large and small. One has stop for Santa and Mrs. Claus as they a large collection of creches prepare for their busy holiday season. from around the world. There Visit with the famous couple at the are whimsical themes, includannual Clayton Business and Commuing fancy, fantasy or undernity Assoc. Dessert with Mrs. Claus, Sat. the-sea trees to kitchen bakDec. 10 from 11a.m. – 2 p.m. at ing, creme de mint or candy Endeavor Hall in downtown Clayton. cane trees for those with a Mrs. Claus definitely has Santa’s ear, so sweet tooth. There are golf, this is the time to make your wishes cat and Winnie the Pooh trees, along with scenes from known. The event is free for children “A Christmas Carol,” a under 12 (if accompanied by an adult). Christmas train and DickenDonations, however, are gratefully sian and Alpine Dept 56 accepted. winterscapes.

Big or tiny; old or new: CHS Holiday Homes tour dazzles JULIE PIERCE Special to the Pioneer

The seventh annual Clayton Christmas Homes Tour includes a “tiny home” of just 400 sq. ft. as well as an 1889 home from a founding family. At five beautifully decorated homes, visitors can share the warmth of the season and get plenty of creative ideas. Tours will be noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 the day of the tour. Tickets are available online at claytonhistory.org, using PayPal or credit card. An additional sixth Christmas home and after-party are available for an additional $20 ticket, which can be purchased at the museum. If the museum is closed, look for a bin outside with the form. At the after-party house, tourgoers and friends will enjoy dinner and wine with the homeowners and friends. The Christmas Homes Tour begins at the Clayton Museum and is a major fundraiser for the Clayton Historical Society. All proceeds go toward maintenance of the vintage Clayton Museum and programs for the schools and community. The completely renovated 1889 home is a place of hospitality for family and friends far and wide. It’s sought after for auction prize dinners and family dinners. Family folklore reports that the previously unfinished upstairs was used for Saturday dancing in the early 1900s. The house and barn are a bit of paradise at the edge of the bustling city, surrounded by several hundred acres passed down to grandchildren from their great grandparents.

As the year draws to a close, plans are in limbo for a senior residential facility and more commercial space on Main Street. Meanwhile, Clayton residents gathered downtown throughout the year to splash in the Grove’s new water feature, honor the late Skip Ipsen with a bocce tournament and indulge at a wildly popular Rib Cook-off. The town also rallied for cancer in a double play of a reformatted Clayton Roundup along with the annual Relay for Life. Here’s a look at the year’s top stories, in chronological order:

Santa finds the sweet spot

Postal Customer ECRWSS

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA 94517 PERMIT 190

Around Town

Page 2

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Carondelet spotlights five for academic achievement

Carondelet High School took the occasion of three of its student athletes committing to college earlier this month to also spotlight five girls for their academic achievements. The

Pioneer Student Researcher.She was rewarded for her academic performance during a 12-week summer program working with Dr. William Fairbrother, associate professor of biology at Brown University and other high school students from around the world. Groth and Allen are National Merit Scholar Commended Students, an academic competition for high school students who enter the National Merit Program. students are, from left, SamanOlivia Pereira is a National tha Maguire, Emily Groth of Hispanic Recognition Scholar, Clayton, Hannah Allen, Olivia Pereira and Mikayla Scott. Maguire, the only junior among those honored, is the

which is an award given to 5,000 of the highest-scoring Hispanic/Latino high school students in the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Scott received the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award given to high school seniors from each D.A.R. chapter who exemplify the core values of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism, the cornerstones of the organization. Jay Bedecarre

December 9, 2016

CV High principal-coach Ralph Belluomini honored by Class of 1966

City recognizes Diablo View students for Respect

Three Diablo View Middle School students were recently honored by the City Council for Doing the right Thing. Xander Friedman, Vince Pelosi and alysa Pelosi were nominated by their teachers for consistently showing great respect. The recognition is part of the Do The right Thing community-wide character building initiative which emphasizes six traits throughout the year: Kindness, respect, SelfDiscipline, Integrity, responsibility and Courage.

The Clayton Valley High School Class of 1966 recently held its 50th Reunion and took the occasion to make a presentation to long-time administrator and coach Ralph Belluomini (second from left). Belluomini was part of the two-man coaching staff with Pat Murphy for the 1958 Eagles junior varsity football team when the Concord school first opened and didn’t have a senior class or field a varsity football team. He was principal of CVHS twice for two years each from 1969-71 and then again in 1996-98. Over the years was also an administrator at College Park Pleasant Hill high schools and at the Mt. Diablo Unified School District office. His final full-

Helping friends, neighbors and newcomers buy and sell since 1979

Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.

Better Homes BRE#00933393

George Vujnovich, Broker, Clayton Resident

1138 on Dr. Clayt reek C k c Peaco ng 1152 Co min! S oo ck Peaco odel in b! M ” e r lu e Belved st Country C 911sf lous “ r x. 3 ro p Meticu ek at Oakhu p a s, Cre .5 bath sirable oms, 3 garage & de r 5 bedro ll bath! a 4c m & fu o ro & rare d e tairs b downs ,000

(925) 672-4433 cell: (925) 348-5700

georgevujnovich@sbcglobal.net

$1,09

Cal BRE #00933393

www.georgevujnovich.com

Jennifer Stojanovich Broker-Associate

Cla Peac yton ock Cre

ek D r.

SOL D

Rare “B at Oa accarat” m khurs odel 3.5 ba t Country in Peacoc k Cre C ths, 3 e 530sf lub! 5 be droom k &3c ar ga s $1,0 , rage! 6

4,50

Clayto n 213 Fa lcon P la

SOL D

Lifelong Clayton/Concord Resident at away tucked s, 3.5 e m o mh oom custo 4 bedr rage! acular vis Ridge! ga r a c Spect a sf & 3 p of D 5 o 0 t 3 e 3 . h t approx 0,000 baths,

jenstojanovich@yahoo.com

time job was as superintendent of schools for the Fremont Unified School District. After his retirement he filled in as an interim administrator at various schools, such as CVHS. Norm Van Brocklin represented the Class of 66 in presenting Belluomini, who was their head varsity football coach as seniors, with a clockplaque and signed football.The ball was signed by the current Ugly Eagles coaching staff and football players from the reunion class. On hand with the honoree from his family were, from left, his son Paul Belluomini, his wife Janice and his daughter Lynn. Paul Belluomini is a member of the CVHS Athletic Hall of Fame.

ord Conc dge Way i pper r e P 9 579 SOLD

(925) 567-6170

Photo courtesy CVHS Class of 1966

Super S ingle-s tory “K tled in eller” m a quiet od court! 4 approx. bedroom el nes2053sf. s, 2 bath Gourme s, t kitchen $720, .

000

$1,05

Cal BRE #01446062

www.jenniferstojanovich.com

Clayton Market Update provided by Better Homes Realty

ADDRESS

PRICE

143 El Portal Pl . . . . . . . . . . $788,000 1635 Lower Trail Rd. . . . . . . $625,000 70 Mt. Rushmore Pl . . . . . . . $649,000 213 Falcon Pl . . . . . . . . . . . . $720,000 5706 Verna Wy . . . . . . . . . . $725,000 1407 Indianhead Wy . . . . . . $520,000 10 Mt. Rainier Ct . . . . . . . . . $762,000

. . . . .2857 . . . . .1830 . . . . .1567 . . . . .2053 . . . . .1784 . . . . .1355 . . . . .1919

BED/BATH SALE DATE ADDRESS

. . . . . .5/3 . . . . . .11/28/16 . . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . .11/21/16 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . .11/21/16 . . . . . .4/2 . . . . . .11/21/16 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . .11/18/16 . . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . .11/18/16 . . . . . .4/2 . . . . . .11/16/16

PRICE

4803 Keller Ridge Dr . . . . . . $450,000 . . . . .1252 540 Mt. Davidson . . . . . . . . . $850,000 . . . . .2343 5523 Southbrook Dr. . . . . . . $670,000 . . . . .1568 416 Wawona Ln . . . . . . . . . . $900,000 . . . . .2484 1138 Peacock Creek Dr . . . . $1,064,500 . . .3530 1747 Indian Wells Wy . . . . . $675,000 . . . . .1939 5833 Verna Wy E . . . . . . . . . $875,000 . . . . .2591

BED/BATH SALE DATE

. . . . . .2/2.5 . . . . .11/14/16 . . . . . .4/2 . . . . . .11/10/16 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . .11/8/16 . . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . .11/8/16 . . . . . .5/3.5 . . . . . .11/4/16 . . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . .11/4/16 . . . . . .4/3.5 . . . . . .11/4/16

December 9, 2016

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Around Town Pioneers on the Move

Page 3

Editorial

Thanksgiving in New York City Jeff and Dory Willer crossed one big item off their bucket list last month—the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. “We stood for four hours and it was 37 degrees, but so worth it,” said a happy Dory. Send photos and details of your travels to tamara@claytonpioneer.com

Pioneer takes a stand against political bullying peared across the street and into his own garage. The Hartloves are outspoWhat could have start- ken liberal Democrats, and ed out as a harmless, it seems their politics don’t albeit tasteless, late night sit well with this neighbor. prank on a neighbor This was not the first turned ugly and frighten- time Denisen had crossed ing on a recent Friday unpleasant paths with this night. man, and she had no Denisen and Jay Hart- desire to push things with love were getting ready him. Short of sending a for bed on Nov. 26. It quick “What’s up with the was after midnight when flags?” text, she and Jay Jay heard noises in the were prepared to let front yard of their Clayton things drop. Valley Highlands home. That is, until 20 minStepping out on the front utes later when they porch, he found 56 heard what sounded like American flags stuck in an electrical transformer the lawn, in the front door blowing and their house and on the door handle lost power. of his car. Some had proThinking someone had Trump graffiti scrawled hit a pole or a transacross them. former, Denisen called the Jay watched as his police. While she was talkneighbor’s back disaping to them, Jay took a TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

Mayor, from page 1

In a reversal of fortune, the Clayton Pioneer recently stayed home and brought travelers here from overseas. Joe Wasco (formerly of Clayton, now Hamburg, Germany) shows visitors from Germany Markus Brunner, Emil Schranner, Verena Schranner and Tanja Schranner downtown Clayton. Joe and Verena recently announced their engagement and came to Clayton to celebrate with Verena’s German family and Joe’s Clayton family. They all spent Thanksgiving week with Dennis and Jan Wasco in Clayton. The wedding will be next summer in Munich.

projects and my wife’s honeydo list. Debbie and I are plotting a long-deserved vacation to some far-off land. Without the time constraints of serial meetings, we hope to see our out-of-state children and grandchildren more often and spend more time with our local children and grandchildren. You can be sure there are many more unwritten chapters left in my life, whether it be in public service or continuing my 42-year profession as a Realtor and property manager. I am certain I will continue working with Christmas For Everyone,

Concord

$529,000

ing

Concord

$549,000

Diablo Creek — Investors special! Desirable single story home in quiet neighborhood. Light and bright with dual pane windows and soaring ceilings. Built in 1996 this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home boasts over 1500 square feet. Great location near shopping and schools

Bay Point

$559,000

San Marco — Updated to perfection 5 bedrooms + loft & 3 baths including one bed/bath on first floor. Granite eat in kitchen with island & pantry. Formal dining, living and family with soaring ceilings and recessed lights. Dual zoned heat/air, water softener, shed and patio. Convenient location. Heather Gray (925) 765-3822 RealEstatebyHeather.com Cal BRE#01329100

Clayton

$519,980

Chaparral Springs — Exceptional townhome with 2 master suites in Oakhurst. Spacious floor plan with soaring ceilings, fresh paint and newer carpet. Beautiful location, backing to the golf course with breathe taking views. Michelle Gittleman, (925) 768-0352 MichelleGittleman.com Cal BRE# 01745325

Lynne & Kelly offer free staging on ALL LISTINGS

Tamara Steiner is the Publisher of the Clayton Pioneer. Contact her at tamara@claytonpioneer.com

Boy Scouts from Troop 484 will pick up* Christmas trees Leave trees at the curb by 8 a.m. Free service, but donations are much appreciated.

*Clayton only

Mail donation check to BSA Troop 484, P O Box 62 Clayton, CA 94517 Do NOT attach check to the tree

Contact Chris Llata at (925) 348-3319, arbornut@gmail.com for more information

din

n Pe

Concord

$510,000

Wildwood Manor — Charming 3 bedroom home on quiet street. 2 updated bathrooms, kitchen with granite counters & gas range. Light & airy with dual pane windows. Fenced backyard with covered patio perfect for entertaining

d en

With our constitutional protections come responsibilities. As citizens, we must speak out against the bullies. And we must have the backs of their victims. As media, our responsibility is even greater. We will not participate in the “normalization” of this kind of behavior regardless of the political bent. When we see it, we will raise our voices and call it out. To the neighbor in Clayton Valley Highlands and to anyone else who sees his actions as acceptable, WE CALL YOU OUT.

Boy Scouts Tree-cycle, Jan. 8

raising funds and collecting coats and gently used clothing for those in need. There are files of ideas, half-written stories and maybe a few business opportunities I hope to complete. It has been a wonderful journey of eight years on the Clayton City Council. I thank all who supported my efforts. Please know that my heart and actions were always focused on what’s best for Clayton. I will see you at our summer concert series and around town. Send comments to the mayor at hgeller@ci.clayton.ca.us.

Clayton Valley Highlands — Totally remodeled rancher in great neighborhood. Fresh paint, new carpet, remodeled kitchen and baths. Over 1k sq ft including 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. Great opportunity for first time buyers.

look outside and saw that their house was the only dark one on the street. Their electrical box had been ripped off the side of the house. They were no longer simply annoyed. They were frightened. The police are taking the incident seriously. And so are we. The ugly campaign of 2016 has brought out the worst in some. Hate has become a national platform. Bullying has taken the place of discourse. A neighbor now finds it normal and acceptable to rip the electrical box from the side of a house, endanger the family inside and scare the bejesus out of everyone. This is not First Amendment stuff. This is a crime.

Julie Julie Dunn Dunn

Lynne Lynne French French

Angelique Angelique Booth Booth

Antioch

$399,000

Springvale — Charming single story home with open floor plan and vaulted ceilings. Spacious living room with fireplace, kitchen with granite counters and updated master bath. 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths with RV Parking and views of hills from backyard.

Sylvia Sylvia Jones Jones

Carol Carol Van Van Vaerenbergh Vaerenbergh

Bonnie Bonnie Manolas Manolas

Kelly Kelly McDougall McDougall

N. Roxanne Brushaber

Heather Heather Gray Gray

Denise Denise Powell Powell

Nancy Nancy D’Onofrio D’Onofrio

Kelly Kelly Harrison Harrison

Inge Inge Yarborough Yarborough

Mike Mike Davis Davis

Michelle Michelle Gittleman Gittleman

Assisting More Buyers & Sellers than Anyone Else* *Statistics based on Clayton/Concord and Contra Costa County Closed sales by volume (1/2014-12/31/2014). Data by Maxebrdi

"Like" us on

- Windermere Clayton!

Beware poisonous mushrooms in East Bay parks Page 4

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

TRENT PEARCE Special to the Pioneer

Due to the recent rains, the East Bay Regional Park District is seeing a surge in poisonous mushrooms growing in the parks. It’s illegal to collect mushrooms – or any plants – found in the parks. And pet owners should keep their dogs away from mushrooms. The Bay Area is home to two of the world’s most toxic mushrooms: Amanita phalloides (the death cap) and Amanita ocreata (the Western destroying angel). Both are robust, handsome mushrooms that grow near oak trees, and both contain lethal toxins. The death cap is a medium to large mushroom that typi-

DEATH CAP

GALERINA MARGINATA

cally has a greenish-gray cap, white gills, a white ring around the stem and a large white sac at the base of the stem. It fruits early in the fall, usually right after the first rains. Though the death cap is mainly associated with oak trees, it has been found growing with other hardwoods. It was accidentally introduced to North

December 9, 2016

death cap, it is a native California mushroom. Both of these species contain amatoxins, a group of molecules that inhibit cellular metabolism in many animals. In mammals, the liver and kidneys are typically the first organs affected after ingestion. Symptoms usually appear about 12 hours after consumption, beginning as severe gastrointestinal distress and progressing to liver and renal failure if treatment is not

America on the roots of European cork oaks and is now slowly colonizing the West Coast. The Western destroying angel is a medium to large mushroom that usually has a creamy white cap, white gills, a white ring around the stem that disappears with age and a Sponsored Content thin white sac at the base. It fruits from late winter into spring and is associated exclusively with oaks. Unlike the

This beautifully updated Dana Hills home with ideal end of court location boasts a desirable floor plan with 5 bedrooms and 3 baths, including one full bath and bedroom on first level. This home also offers a fabulous oversized lot with Mt. Diablo views, detached office/bonus room, and 3 car garage. Offered at $850,000 www.11MtEdenPlace.com

PENDIN

Premium view lot Clayton Rancher with Mt Diablo State Park as your backyard! 3 bed, 2 bath home boasts amazing curb appeal. Offered at $679,999 www.15ElMolinoDrive.com

Leigh Klock, Realtor

Turn Key 4 bed, 2.5 SOLD r bath, 2106 sq ft home e $21k ovg in Bay Point. Chef's in k as kitchen with granite, spa-inspired master bath updated 2015. Offered at $469,000 www.1034SaintRaphaelDr.com

Senior Real Estate Specialist Accredited Staging Professional CalBRE# 01874255

Leigh@LeighKlock.com

www.LeighKlockHomes.com

Pearce is a naturalist at Tilden Nature Area.

AMANITA OCREATA

Cancer support program a gift for the community

Best wishes for a joyous holiday season NEW PRICE

sought immediately. While these two species are responsible for most cases of mushroom poisonings in California, deadly amatoxins can also be found in Galerina and Lepiota species – both of which occur in the Bay Area. For more about mushrooms, read “Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast” or visit bayareamushrooms.org.

925.212.5593

DR. JEWEL JOHL

As an oncologist, I see patients who are enduring physical and emotional stress caused by cancer. While working to eradicate the cancer, I always take into account the condition of the body and mind. From the time of diagnosis to after completion of treatment, I always recommended psychosocial support for the patient, family members and caregivers. The Cancer Support Community in Walnut

Creek is one of the most valuable resources in our community for cancer patients and their families. For more than 15 years, my colleagues at Diablo Valley Oncology and I have referred patients, friends and loved ones to them. The Cancer Support Community provides free services, including counseling, support groups, nutrition, exercise and patient education programs. So far in 2016, more than 2,200 patients and their families made 22,000 visits to the Cancer Support Community. Their programs enable cancer patients to achieve an improved quality of life. All programs and services are evidence-based to positively impact cancer treatment outcomes and/or immune system functioning, and they are all delivered by professionals who are licensed or certified in their areas of expertise. This time of year, many people embrace the spirit of giving by making tax-deductible contributions to nonprofit organiza-

tions and charities. Please consider making a gift to the Cancer Support Community’s annual appeal, “Campaign for Hope.” All funds raised will help provide valuable programs and services for our community. Diablo Valley Oncology will host a Holiday Boutique & Fundraiser 1-4 p.m. Dec. 9 in the lobby at 400 Taylor Blvd., Pleasant Hill. Vendors include Sloat Garden Center, Amphora Olive Oil, Chloe + Isabel and Beauty Counter. A portion of sales goes to the Cancer Support Community. For more information, call 925-677-5041. The Cancer Support Community can be reached at 925933-0107 or on the website www.cancersupport.net. Johl is a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist with Diablo Valley Oncology & Hematology Medical Group and serves on the board of directors for the Cancer Support Community. To learn more about Diablo Valley Oncology, visit www.dvohmg.com.

For more information please contact

CST #2033054-40

Clayton Station Shopping Center 5439 Clayton Road (Suite F), Clayton

Ph: 925.672.9840

Like us on

travel-2-go.com

‡ Up to $600 Free Onboard Spending Money per stateroom is based on voyage length, stateroom type, and applicable to reservations booked and deposited between December 6, 2016 and February 28, 2017, for voyages listed in this sale only. Offer is applicable to first/second-berth guests only and third/fourth-berth guests are not eligible. Guests with single occupancy will receive the per stateroom credit amount. Spending money may be used on a single voyage only, is not redeemable for cash, cannot be used in the casino and expires at the end of that voyage. Offer is not transferable and may not be combinable with other select offers or other onboard credits. Onboard spending money is quoted in U.S. dollars. ‡‡ Free Specialty Dining voucher is applicable to voyages and cruise fares advertised in this promotion only, valid for guests 1 through 4 in a Balcony, Mini-Suite or Suite Stateroom, and is not applicable during the land portion of Cruisetours. Voucher will be delivered to the stateroom upon embarkation. Princess Cruises reserves the right to pre-assign Specialty Dining times. Voucher may be used on a single voyage only, is not redeemable for cash and expires at the end of that voyage. Single stateroom guests will receive ONE specialty dining voucher. Guests 1, 2, 3 & 4 must dine at the same table at the same reserved seating. Offer is not transferable and may not be combinable with other select offers or other onboard credits. In the event that Specialty Dining cannot be offered on a voyage, an additional Onboard Spending Money amount will be added to the stateroom account. * Fares apply to minimum lead-in categories on a space-available basis at time of booking. Fares for other categories may vary. Fares are per guest, non-air, cruise- or cruisetouronly, based on double occupancy and apply to the first two guests in a stateroom. These fares do not apply to singles or third/fourth-berth guests. Offer has limited space regardless of cabin availability. Fares quoted in U.S. dollars. Note: Voyages sailing 1 - 5 days and 60+ days in duration and select Cruisetours are excluded from onboard spending money and specialty dining offers. Other exclusions may apply.

Offer is available to residents of the 50 United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Bermuda and the District of Columbia who are 21 years of age or older and receive this offer. Offer has limited space regardless of cabin availability. Fares quoted in U.S. dollars. Please refer to princess.com/sale for terms, conditions and definitions that apply to all bookings. Offer valid: December 6, 2016 - February 28, 2017. Promo codes: NZA, NVG, and NVH

December 9, 2016

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 5

‘Curly Bear’ traveled a long road to publication JENNIFER LEISCHER Clayton Pioneer

Clayton author Jerry Kosel’s children’s book offers a sweet and sincere message of self-acceptance that is appropriate for all ages to enjoy. “Curly Bear: The Little Girl Bear with the Curly, Curly Hair” is inspired by Kosel’s daughter, Nancy Robinson Kosel, who also has curly, curly hair. “I think a children’s book was always in my future, but I was just too busy with my regular job,” Kosel says. The whimsical, impromptu stories that he told young Nancy were the precursor to “Curly Bear.” “Nancy would always request another story,” he says. Little did he know he was prepping himself to write “Curly Bear.” Retired at 60, Kosel woke up one morning and experienced “a lightening bolt out of the blue,” he says with a laugh. “I walked into my office, got out a yellow pad of paper and wrote this book from cover to cover in just a couple of hours.” Around this same time, a large family reunion was in the works. Kosel shared his book, specifically with the “munchkins,” as he lovingly calls the children in his extended family. The feedback from his youngest critics was very positive. However, his book did not have a single illustration to pair with the wording. His niece, Anne Kosel, also attended the reunion, visiting from Colorado where she and her family reside. The accomplished artist asked her uncle if she

We specialize in educating you to improve and maintain your wellness

Tamara Steiner

Jerry Kosel reads “Curly Bear” to an enthusiastic audience at the library’s StoryTime.

could create the drawings for “Curly Bear.” With an amazing focus on detail, she meticulously created each and every curl on the Little Girl Bear and each and every blade of grass in the background. “I knew Anne was cursing me under her breath every time she picked up her paintbrush,” he recalls warmly. Ten years after the “lightening bolt,” the book was successfully published and is for sale on amazon.com. When not reading to children at the Clayton Library or the Children’s Center on Marsh

Creek Road, Kosel is an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. He and his niece have submitted the “Curly Bear” illustrations to the Association for Library Service to Children, where they hope to win the Caldecott Medal – a yearly award for the most distinguished American children’s picture book. Asked if there would be a “Curly Bear” sequel, Kosel says: “I already have a story in my head.” Find “Curly www.amazon.com.

Bear”

• We boast one of the most comprehensive supplement departments in Northern California. • Our vast bulk foods section includes over 700 items — nuts, grains, spices, herbs, and more.

• Locally owned and operated for 39 years 8001 Kelok Way

PENDING Highly sought after single level Oakhurst Country Club home. 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 lovely baths — PLUS den PLUS office! Chef kitchen with commercial cooktop, gorgeous raised hearth, beautiful landscaped corner lot. Offered at $825,000

www.8001KelokWay.com

175 Mt. Vernon Drive

NEW

Clayton There is room for everyone in this 5 bedroom, 2 and 2 half bath Dana Hills Home. Master suite AND 2nd bedroom downstairs! Extra large country kitchen, huge lot! www.175MtVernonDrive.com

5545 Merritt Drive

45 El Molino Drive

www.45ElMolinoDrive.com

www.109MtTrinityCourt.com

2395 Monument Blvd. Concord (925) 676-2305

Find us on

Like us on

NEW

VIEWS

Gorgeous view home with fabulous updates throughout — Custom country kitchen featured on ‘Clayton Kitchen Tour’! 5 bedrooms/2.5 remodeled baths, sparkling pool, spa, pool house, rv/boat pkg/sport area. Best views of Mt. Diablo! Offered at $848,888

2395 Monument Blvd., Concord (925) 676-2305 www.Harvesthouse.com

Call me about my COMING SOON homes in Clayton!

STEPHANIE LOPEZ

ASP Stager@ / Relocation Specialist

925.305.9099

www.HousesbyStephanie.com Realtor®, BRE#01370548

15% off any Grocery Purchase

Harvest House Coupon

Present this coupon in store to receive 15% off your grocery purchase. Excludes sale items, books and cosmetics. Offer not to be combined with other coupons or discount offers. Expires Dec. 31, 2016.

109 Mt. Trinity Court

PENDING This quintessential Clayton home has everything you are looking for — 5 generous sized bedrooms, 3 full baths, impressive formal spaces, elegant curved stairwell, 3 bay windows, 2 balconies, and dream location with BEST grounds- pool, spa, gazebo, full sport court, and all of Mt. Diablo right at your view back yard! Offered at $985,000

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 am-8 pm Saturday 9 am-7 pm Sunday 10 am-7 pm

www.Harvesthouse.com

Fantastic Price $799,500

Clayton/Concord view border — Feels like a view resort! Over 2850 sf w/ 4 HUGE bedrooms 2.5 remodeled baths. Fantastic kitchen w: high-end appliances and finishes. Master bath spa, warm hardwood, 2 stone hearths, Windows all around bring in Tahoe style natural views. .39 acre landscaped oasis!www.5545MerOffered at $835,000

rittDrive.com

Harvest House

2395 Monument Blvd., Concord (925) 676-2305 www.Harvesthouse.com

Brought to you by the Clayton Pioneer.

25% off

any Supplement Purchase

Harvest House Coupon

Present this coupon in store to receive 25% off your supplement purchase. Excludes sale items, books and cosmetics. Offer not to be combined with other coupons or discount offers. Expires Dec. 31, 2016. Brought to you by the Clayton Pioneer.

How Trump policies may affect housing market Page 6

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

lynne FrenCH

REAL ANSWERS

Q: How do you think the Trump administration will affect the housing market. A: I am going to quote Doug Duncan, the chief economist for Fanny Mae, from the November 2016 Economic

and Housing outlook. The outlook predicts shrinking housing affordability, especially if mortgage rates follow their post-election surge. However, the U.S. economy will continue to grow – though at a modest rate – through the end of the year and into 2017, with the president-elect’s proposed policies. The lack of homes for sale, particularly at the lower end of the market, continues to be a significant challenge for housing. Demand from first-time buyers increased with household formation and is outpacing supply. This leads to significant price increases and affordability challenges for first time-buyers.

Free service helping families find that special place for their loved one. • Meet with senior and family to assess needs.

• Referrals to Assisted Living, Retirement, Residential Care, Hospice and Memory Care facilities.

• Guiding family every step of the way and assisting with required paperwork.

Lori Baca

925-698-1867

In business since 2001

License # 958849

#6020950740 CDSS Community Care Licensing Division

Design • Installation • Maintenance Commercial & Residential • 925-381-3757

Home purchase affordability will be constrained further if the recent pickup in mortgage rates persists. “We haven’t changed the general tone of our previous forecast at this time but will incorporate new policy assumptions as they become more concrete” said Duncan. “Depending on the incoming president’s policy priorities, our forecast for 2017 is subject to both upside and downside risks. For example, we expect near-term growth would get a boost from any tax cuts and spending increases that are made. But if they renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement along with higher tariffs on China and Mexico, it would likely drag on growth.” In my opinion, we must wait and see. But the higher interest rates will have the most immedi-

JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

At first viewing, the Contra Costa County Board of Education’s 4-1 vote last month rejecting the petition to start Clayton Valley Charter Technology Academy would seem to end that effort. But viewing recent charter history—and the startling county board election results— might tell a different story. The three most recent charter schools to open in the area all met with defeats before local school boards before they were ultimately successful in getting governmental approval. Clayton Valley Charter High School (2012), Contra Costa School of Performing Arts (2016) and Rocketship Futuro Academy (2016) are all now operating with more than 2,500 students in grades 1-12 enrolled in the free public charter schools.

A Merry, Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year filled with happiness & good times!

2017 should be a great real estate year for us all!

Pete Laurence Broker, Realtor, GRI A ReMax Hall of Fame Broker

KNOWLEDGE

SERVICE

ate affect on the housing market. Wilma and Fred Flintstone’s abode. It is now being used as an Q: Do you have some Airbnb vacation rental. It has a noteworthy home sales that sunken conversation pit with would be fun to share? fireplace, 30-foot ceilings, glass A: Thanks for lightening it countertops in the kitchen and, up. I did find some fun proper- of course, its nautilus shape. ties. 3. Frank Sinatra’s desert Rat 1. Hip hop mogul Pharrell Pack pad is for sale for $6.25 milWilliams’ Miami penthouse sold lion. It was built for Sinatra and for $9.25 million. It has been on named Villa Maggio after his and off the market since 2012, role in “From Here to Eternity.” originally listed for $16.8 million. It sits 4,300 feet above Palm The 10,000 sq. ft. penthouse has Springs and the Coachella Valley. five bedrooms, seven bath- The 10-acre compound has rooms, 5,000 sq. ft. of terraces seven fireplaces, a mail house, and a rooftop swimming pool. It guest quarters and a pool house. is perched on the top of the 40- The home comes with a private story Bristol Tower, with 360- helipad and parking for 25 cars. degree views of Biscayne Bay, 4. If you are looking for the Atlantic ocean and the supremely luxurious living, 4130 Miami skyline. Calle Isabella in stunning San 2. The Flintstone House in Clemente is the residence for Hillsborough failed to sell in a you. It is listed at $49.9 million. year. The home looks just like Designed by James Glover in

2007, the estate features lavish details such as imported stone, arched openings, handmade roof tiles and a reclaimed fireplace. It has seven bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen and a swoon-worthy swimming pool. Needless to say, it’s great for entertaining. Situated on 2 acres with 450 feet of oceanfront, it is one of the widestspanning oceanfront lots up and down the coast. Of course, it has unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean. I do not know who the owner is, but for the right price – it could be you.

merits of the Clayton Valley Charter Technology Academy based upon the growing needs of our students, the importance of creating 21st century job skills to compete in the global marketplace and addressing our underserved student communities,” Asadoorian said in wake of the vote. “We remain confident to put the needs of our students first and focus all public schools to thrive for excellence rather than accept complacency,” he added. “Charter schools simply provide innovation and opportunity to move education forward from good to great. We will continue to explore all options to deliver a new world-class educational approach for our young, eager and enterprising students.” The petitioners say the county board’s vote “simply delays an important decision to address what’s in the best interest of our students.” It is understood that even with the new county board composition—which conceivably could be more favorable to charBOARD DECIDES ter schools—the tech charter ON PETITION proposal would have to be Former county trustee resubmitted and go through the Richard Asadoorian is one of entire process like any other new the CVCTA petitioners and applicant. made the presentation to the county board. Asadoorian also CHARTER ADVOCATE EMERGES serves on the governing board Charter advocate and retired for CVCHS, whose executive director, Dave Linzey, is another Pleasant Hill attorney Carol petitioner. The tech charter Hehmeyer says, “The decision academy is planned for 1,200 of the four trustees to deny the students in grades 6-12 at a site application of the petition for across from the Concord Pavil- the Clayton Valley Tech Charter without making very specific ion. Mt. Diablo Unified School findings concerning their District board president Cheryl detailed presentation in their Hansen spoke in support of the petition and in the accompanystaff report and urged a no vote ing explanation as to the benefits of their charter being countyon the petition. “We are disappointed that wide, and also without receiving CCCBOE failed to consider the any pro-charter or even neutral

charter legal advice, was very upsetting and very sad,” she said. Hehmeyer, who worked in the San Francisco and Contra Costa district attorney offices, has been an advisor to Jeff Belle – the lone trustee to vote in favor of the petition. She said incumbents Mike Maxwell (who represents parts of Clayton and Concord) and Board president Christine Deane will be facing voters in 2018 and she says her group will be seeking candidates to oppose them. Local observers don’t believe Mirabella or Gomes ever had been in a contested election since they took office until this year. Hehmeyer says new trustee Fatima Alleyne “is brilliant and will fight for the students.”

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.

County rejects technology charter but election results may change landscape

Wishing you and your family

ReMax Real Estate, Walnut Creek office Selling Clayton & all Contra Costa

December 9, 2016

DRE#00344166.

Call Pete today to sell your home

(925) 890-6004 INTEGRITY RESULTS l

The board vote last month to reject the tech academy petition was expected after county staff recommended to the board that the charter’s “fatally flawed” petition application be turned down. In November, 28-year county board member Pamela Mirabella and 16-year trustee Dan Gomes were both defeated in re-election efforts. Gomes narrowly lost to Vikki Chavez in a tight three-way race that he led until updated vote counts last week. The County Elections department was expected to certify results this week and the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors will ratify the results next Tuesday. Because of that timing and the close Gomes-Chavez tally (a difference of 262 votes out of nearly 70,000) the county school board meeting this week was canceled and it’s expected they will seat a new board next Thursday. Both Gomes and Mirabella voted against the tech charter.

HISTORY OF LOCAL CHARTERS CVCHS began its effort to convert from MDUSD to a charter school in September 2011. A series of MDUSD board votes eventually rejected the charter, but in early 2012 the county board approved the conversion and the charter opened that fall. The school district and county both turned down an application by Rocketship for a charter elementary school in the Monument Corridor in Concord. The state Board of Education approved Rocketship’s petition in March, and they opened this fall in temporary quarters on the Ayers Elementary School campus in Concord as they seek a permanent location in the Monument area. The School of Performing Arts petition was turned down by the county and MDUSD before eventually winning county approval in the summer of 2015 and opening in Walnut Creek this fall.

December 9, 2016

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

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 B ev B RiTTOn , Copy Editor J ay B eDeCaRRé, Sports PaMeLa W ieSenDangeR , Administration, Calendar Editor

Act locally to help those in need this holiday season

S TAFF W RITERS : Peggy Spear, Pamela Wiesendanger, Jay Bedecarré, Bev Britton

C ORRESPONDENTS : Kara Navolio, John T. Miller, Jennifer Leischer

We remember Jill Bedecarré

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

Total circulation of the Clayton Pioneer is 5,500 to ZIP code 94517, all delivered by US Mail to homes and businesses. We cannot start or stop free 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.

Karen MITCHoFF

COUNTY

SUPERVISOR

While sharing the holiday spirit with family and friends, it is also important to recognize that some of our neighbors may be experiencing this time of year quite differently than us. Many families in our community work very hard to barely make ends meet, and they may not have funds for gifts, holiday feasts, or even warm clothing and bedding. There are many opportunities in which to volunteer, both with time and donations. Here is a snapshot of some of the opportunities available in our community. SHELTER, Inc. works to prevent and end homelessness for low-income residents of Contra Costa County by providing resources that lead to selfsufficiency. SHELTER created an Adopt-A-Family program to ensure that families positively experience the holiday season despite their struggles. Families sign up with their case managers to participate in the program, which allows other families in the community to “adopt” them for the holidays. Donors receive a family profile, gift ideas, name, age, gender, sizes and a few practical gift ideas for each family member. Donors drop off gifts

at the main office, wrapped and labeled with family member’s names. SHELTER also has opportunities for families or groups to cook and serve meals at their family shelter in Martinez. To participate, call 925335-0698. Volunteer Emergency Services Team in Action Programs (VESTIA), a 501(c)(3) organization, provides supplemental support to needy individuals and families known to the Contra Costa County Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD). All services are provided through client referral by EHSD. Our office will be volunteering with the Holiday Helpers Warehouse, a VESTIA program. It’s a wonderful way to support families in our community. VESTIA provides gifts of warm clothing, toys, books and food to families in need throughout Contra Costa County, all through referral from county social workers. Many of the families are in the process of starting their lives over from the recession. They are building new careers and establishing financial stability, so they do not have additional resources to provide gifts and new clothing at the holidays. If you would like to donate or volunteer, call 925521-5060. It’s time again for the annual Counties Care Holiday Food Fight. This is the 13th year that employees of Contra Costa and Solano counties compete to raise funds to help achieve the Food Bank of Contra Costa County and Solano’s goal of working to end hunger. I encourage all residents to support the Food Bank. One way to give is by joining me at a Holiday Open House, 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, in my office at 2151 Salvio St., Suite R, Concord. We will be collecting monetary donations in support of the Food Bank. Reusable bags will be available for a $5 donation. Food donations are also welcome. RSVP by Dec. 7 at SupervisorMitchoff@bos.cccounty.us or 925-5217100. To make a donation to the Food Bank, visit https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/foodbankccs. With your help, I am confident that we will truly make a difference to those in need in our community. Karen Mitchoff is Contra Costa County District IV supervisor. Email questions or comments to karen.mitchoff@bos.cccounty.us

Clayton Police Activity Report Police Activity for two weeks ending Dec. 1

ACCIDENTS: Nov. 19, Kirker Pass Rd.

ARRESTS: Nov. 20, Kenston Dr. Contempt of Court: Disobey Court Order/Etc. 39-year-old Clayton female. Nov. 25, Kirker Pass Rd. Possess Controlled Substance Paraphernalia. 37-year-old Walnut Creek male. Nov. 27, 5600 Clayton Rd. Willful Cruelty to Child: Possible Injury/Death; Battery on Spouse/Cohab/Etc.; False Imprisonment. 46-year-old Clayton male. Dec. 1, 5431 Clayton Rd. PC 459.5; Warrant. 26-year-old Vallejo female. Dec. 1, 5431 Clayton Rd. Warrant. 37-year-old Oakley female.

VANDALISMS: Lydia Ln. (12/1/16 – 16:45 hrs.) Number of Burglaries/ Thefts reported: 13

Page 7

Directory of Advertisers

Business Services

Rising Moon Marketing & Public Relations (925) 672-8717 Construction and Trades

Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . .(925) 672-2700

Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 457-5423 Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 822-5144

Gary’s Home Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 787-2500

J.A. Ronco Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 872-3049

Mr. Fix-it Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 825-0347 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 216-2679 Dining and entertainment

Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 673-0440

Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 672-9737 events

Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market . . . . . . . .(800) 949-3276 Financial, insurance and Legal Services

Aragon, Al - Citibank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(510) 697-5000 Geraghty, Colleen – Prudential . . . . . . . .(925) 305-0321

Van Wyck, Doug – State Farm Insurance .(925) 672-2300 Funerals

Oakmont Mortuary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 935-3311 Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 682-4242 Health and Wellness

Harvest House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 676-2305

The Grove Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . .(925) 219-3939 Holiday

Clayton Business & Community Assoc. .(925) 672-2272 Concord United Methodist Church . . . . .(925) 685-5260

DryClean USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 672-5653 Hair’s the Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 672-6180 HobbyTown USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 685-3802 St. Bonaventure Catholic Community . . .(925) 672-5800 Home and garden

Clayton Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 686-2299 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 381-3757

Interiors Panache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 672-7920 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 672-9955

Skim ‘n’ Dip – Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 348-5609

The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 798-6243 Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 448-2214

Waraner Bros. Tree Service . . . . . . . . . .(925) 831-2323 Waraner Tree Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 250-0334 Mailing Services

The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 689-6245 Real estate and Mortgage Services

Bennett, Nancy – Keller Williams . . . . . .(925) 606-8400 Clayton Fair Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 685-0324

French, Lynne – Windermere Real Estate .(925) 672-8787 Klock, Leigh – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . .(925) 212-5593

Laurence, Pete – RE/MAX Realty . . . . . .(925) 890-6004 Lopez, Stephanie – Coldwell Banker . . .(925) 305-9099

Mazzei, Matt – Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . .(925) 693-0757 Stojanovich, Jennifer – Better Homes . . .(925) 567-6170

Vujnovich, George - Better Homes . . . . .(925) 672-4433 Recreation and Fitness

Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 301-7496

East Bay Regional Park District . . . . . . .(888) 327-2757 Senior Services

All About Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 903-4947

Oakmont of Concord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 234-9576 Services, Other

ComputersUSA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 672-9989 Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 672-6029

Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . .(925) 682-4518 Travel

Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(925) 672-9840

Kindness

Do the Right Thing

Schools

Page 8

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

December 9, 2016

College awareness programs keep students informed Knowing what they want to do when they grow up is one of the most complex issues facing students. Thinking about the future and planning for college is no easy task. That’s why Clayton Valley Charter High School teachers and counselors begin college preparation with incoming freshmen and continue to inspire students leading up to graduation. Last month, students par-

ticipated in several “College Awareness” activities to encourage and guide them through high school so they can attend the college of their choice. Students took part in college application workshops as well as fun campus activities such as Poster Signing Day, College Mascot Match-Up and College Logo Day. Specific activities allowed students to talk with teachers and coun-

selors about their college experiences. CVCHS-sponsored campus tours and a College Fair help students determine where they want to apply and research scholarships and grants. The importance of visiting college campuses cannot be overemphasized. Brochures and catalogs are helpful to form an opinion of a school, but a campus visit allows students to evaluate first-hand the academics and social life. Prior to the Thanksgiving break, 190 CVCHS freshmen students visited the campuses of Cal State Sacramento and UC Davis. CVCHS graduates Narinder Rahl and Fatima Opeyany led tours and answered questions. The students visited classrooms, dorms, gyms, music lot that we hope to implement rooms, science labs, student at Carondelet. Cushing was vice principal at O’Dowd before coming to Carondelet, so he knew a lot about their extensive sustainability program. It includes a large garden to grow their own food, a vast network of recycling bins and a well-developed compost system for biodegradable waste. Technology touches virtu“I came to Carondelet and ally every part of our lives. It noticed that sustainability was- affects how we socialize and n’t as big of a focus as it was at connect, but perhaps its greatO’Dowd,” Cushing notes. est impact is on how we learn. In just four months, CaronMt. Diablo Unified delet students and faculty have School District officials made vast improvements on believe that the integration of the campus’ environmental technology in the classroom impact. The school put in an is essential for preparing stuelectric car charging station in dents for the real-world envithe parking lot, ordered new ronment. Infusing current recycling bins for all around technology into the teaching campus and has plans for and learning process is a key much more, including an on- component of the strategic campus organic garden and plan. possibly a compost system. The district is committed As part of the club and as to aligning resources to someone who cares deeply ensure the availability of curabout the environment, I’ve rent technology; integrating loved watching the impact technology to enhance learnthese new sustainable efforts ing, student engagement and have had on promoting environmental awareness in the Carondelet community. As more people take notice of the efforts, sustainability should become an integrated aspect of Carondelet life and a long-lasting force of positive environmental change.

Carondelet focuses on environmental sustainability

laura MCFarlanD

CARONDELET

CORRESPONDENT

Sustainability is one of Carondelet High School’s focuses for this year. That means fostering a campus atmosphere of environmental awareness and concern. “One of the strategic focus points of this year and in the future is to create a more sustainable, environmentally friendly campus,” says principal Kevin Cushing. Cushing is the moderator of the new Sustainability and Care for Creation Club, which started at the beginning of the year to promote student involvement in creating a sustainable campus. So far, there has been lots of student and faculty enthusiasm for the club and its goals. Two weeks ago, I visited Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland with Cushing and several other members of the Sustainability Club to explore how O’Dowd has created and maintained an environmentally friendly campus. It was inspiring to see how the students have embraced sustainable living, and we were able to learn a

McFarland is a senior at Carondelet High School and a member of the cross country team. Send comments and questions to editor@claytonpioneer.com

Everything from home repair & maintenance to construction

• INTERIOR: plumbing, drywall, electrical, trim, tile.

Specializin g in deferred m ainten home for sa ance, prepping le, repairs from home insp ections

Gary Romano

787-2500

Reliable & Professional Service Owner operated Over 35 years of experience

Lic. 979406

unions and libraries. Walking around and soaking up the college experience allowed the students to determine if either school met academic and personal goals. “A key part of deciding which college to attend is finding a good fit,” explained teacher Sarah Lovick, who oversees the AVID college readiness program at CVCHS. “Campus visits are crucial to the college selec-

The UPS Store

naTalIe PurSCHe

DVMS

My grandmother is a social person and has no problem talking to random people she passes. As a result, she has heard many stories from the people around her. She even convinced my mother, whom she barely knew at the time, to meet her son on a blind date – and the rest is history. To find out how much I really know about the people around me, I decided to ask a few questions to people I

nellIe Meyer

MDUSD

SUPERINTENDENT

collaboration; providing all students with age-appropriate knowledge and skills to positively interact with a global cyber society; and providing teachers, administra-

tors and other staff with training, support and access to promote data-driven instruction and decisionmaking. With recent increases in state funds and help from the passage of Measure C, the district has invested $10 million in tech infrastructure. Thousands more is spent on classroom technology using Career Technical Education funding and other resources. The district added numerous IT-related positions so teachers are better able to integrate technology into teaching and learning. Technology is no longer a stand-alone subject; it is infused into all areas of the

pass at school every day. Elise Wakefield, an eighth grader at Diablo View Middle School, moved from England three years ago, when she was 10 years old. “America is a lot different,” Elise says. “We don’t learn American history in England.” She found it hard to adjust to American schools. “The schools are smaller in England,” she notes. “We have to wear school uniforms.” Elise said that the people here do not differ much from England, which made it “much easier” because England and America have similar cultures. Parmis Frazanegan, also an eighth grader at DVMS, moved from Iran almost a

year ago. She said it was “so hard” to adjust to America, noting that the people and culture in Iran are much different. “Laws are stricter in Iran,” she said. “And families are much tighter.” She also said that sports are not such a big deal in Iran, and that students “choose their majors in high school,” instead of college. According to Parmis, learning the English language is required in Iran. “I have taken it since I was 4 years old,” she said. I have passed these two people in the hall many times, and I never knew that Parmis’ favorite book is “Harry Potter” or that Elise enjoys cooking and baking. Even though I am an intro-

Get 10% off y packaging Holida ay d : Sun materials Hours & 18

Clayton/Concord Location: Vineyard Shopping Center

5100 Clayton Road, B1

Concord, CA 94523 ph: 925-689-6245

Notary, Packaging, Fax and Copy Services are available too!

curriculum and at all grade levels. So when your child comes home talking about Ozobots, Robotics, Spheros, Mouse Squads or coding, ask some questions. You’ll be impressed at how the students are finding their own ways to integrate unique technologies to learn, make friends and build community. Learn more about the technology plan at http://esbpublic.mdusd.k12.ca.us/attachments/233d73a1-1147-4e7689f5-1076ea168cb2.pdf.

Dr. Nellie Meyer is Superintendent of Schools for MDUSD. Email questions or comments to meyern@mdusd.org

vert and it is hard for me to get to know people, I learned so much by just asking a few questions and listening to what they had to say. Psychologist Sherrie Bourg Carter, who writes for Psychology Today, says there are three rules to follow: Be respectful, talk less than you listen and challenge your assumptions about others. If you listen to other people, you learn more about them and you may learn something about yourself, too. Maybe my grandmother knows the secret to success: Ask questions and be willing to listen. Send comments to editor@claytonpioneer.com.

Colleen Geraghty

Sending a care package?

Store Hours M-F 8-6:30 Sat 9-4:30

David Linzey is executive director of CVCHS. Contact him David.linzey@claytonvalley.org

Everybody has a story, if you’re willing to listen

Independently owned and operated

1 Dec. 1 pm 3 10am-

Institute of Design & Merchandising’s three-day classroom experience in San Francisco. Every year, hundreds of high school students from all over the world gather to experience fashion, visual arts, interior design and entertainment. “Many senior students are still making up their mind on where to apply to college. Therefore, having a College Fair during this time of year is beneficial to help students make the decision on where they would like to apply to college,” said Cindy Edwards, who oversees the College & Career Center at CVCHS. “It’s an easy and fun way to get our students – and their parents – to think about and prepare for college.”

Technology crucial to classroom success

CORRESPONDENT

• EXTERIOR: painting, windows, doors, decks, outdoor structures.

DaVID lInzey VOYAGE OF THE EAGLE

tion process, and we are fortunate to have these trips organized for our students.” During the last week in November, CVCHS sponsored a College Fair featuring more than a dozen colleges and military branches. Students from all grade levels attended to speak with admissions officers from area colleges. For example, students learned about Cal State Maritime Academy’s real-world international learning experiences that prepare cadets for the rigors and realities of the global maritime profession. The academy has the highest employment rate in the CSU system – 92-94 percent within three months of graduation – with starting salaries near the top of national averages. Another learning opportunity featured the Fashion

Cell Phone

Financial Professional Associate

For products and services that can help form the

925-305-0321 foundation of your financial life, turn to Prudential.

Proud Concord resident since 1968

• LIFE • INVESTMENTS** • ANNUITIES • LONG TERM CARE* • RETIREMENT

Insurance issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Newark, NJ and its affiliates. Prudential, the Prudential logo, the Rock symbol and Bring Your Challenges are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc., and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. **Securities products and services are offered through Pruco Securities, LLC. *Availability varies by carrier and state. Ca Insurance license #0I89925 0221354-00004-00 D4878

December 9, 2016

CHrIS wenzel

BEHIND

THE

BADGE

As we move forward with our busy lives in preparation to spend time with family and loved ones and reflect how fortunate we are, we also have to stay vigilant as it pertains to safety and our property. We recently had vehicles broken into in a couple of parking lots. A shotgun was

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Make time for safety

stolen from one vehicle, along with other property. Even though Clayton is a safe community, residents still need to protect valuables and not allow the city to be an attractive target. Criminals will often check out an area, and they will return if they find an easy target. I have written numerous times about removing mail once it has been delivered. Yet we continue to see criminals come in the late evenings or early mornings and fill large bags with stolen mail. Consider purchasing a more secure mailbox, but make sure it has the

Roundup, from page 1

unfair labor practices claim to the Public Employment Relations Board was dismissed, and the school paid Arbour $5,000. Last year, a similar claim made by former teacher Tori Campbell was settled without any financial payment. The school says both matters concluded as “no fault.” *** North Peak preservation: Thanks to an agreement between Save Mount Diablo and landowners Steve and Brenda Benkly, the scenic North Peak Ranch will be preserved for generations to come. In January, Save Mount Diablo signed a 10-year option agreement to purchase 88.5 acres from Marsh Creek Road just east of Clayton onto the slopes of North Peak. “We have Muir Woods in our backyard,” Steve Benkly said. “One area has big green ferns, vivid green moss and, during the winter months, a waterfall just a few hundred yards behind the house.” *** Woman of the year: In February, Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla (D-Concord) honored Clayton’s Collette Carroll as the 2016 Assembly District 14’s Woman of the Year. The award is for Carroll’s work with the California Reentry Institute, a nonprofit that prepares and supports men through the transition from prison. Carroll created the program in 2008, after volunteering at San Quentin for years. She has a remarkable, zero percent recidivism rate for graduates. “It’s not about me, it’s never been about me,” she said. “But what I had to come to understand was that this enables me to give a voice to the men who have worked so very hard to change and prepare to be an asset to society. Because the truth is, while we give them the tools, they are the ones who do the work.” *** Landscape upgrades: At the Feb. 16 City Council meeting, maintenance supervisor John Johnston presented conceptual designs for entry medians at the main subdivision entries and the eastern entry to the city on Marsh Creek Road. All of the designs incorporate a variety of hardscapes with watersaving features and droughttolerant plants, saving existing trees and shrubs wherever possible. The designs, which the council approved 5-0, are similar in feel to the landscaping around the city fountain. The city set aside $300,000 from the Clayton Landscape Maintenance District’s reserves for the project as they waited for improvement in drought conditions.

However, no progress has been made on implementation since February because of a lack of contractors and the fact that other city projects became priorities. The maintenance district funds all the city’s landscaping costs, except parks. In June, a ballot measure to renew the district’s parcel tax won more than 79 percent approval. *** Death of community leader: Lester “Skip” Ipsen, founder of Skipolini’s Pizza, died on March 18 after a long illness. He was one of the early founders of the Clayton Business and Professional Association, precursor to the Clayton Business and Community Association (CBCA). “Skip was a businessman at heart,” said long-time friend Pete Laurence. “From the beginning, he pulled together a few other businesses to encourage a more pro-business environment.” Later in life, Ipsen and his son Kent provided the land and significant funding for the Ipsen Family Bocce Park, which opened downtown in 2014. “My dad was an incredibly generous man with a deep sense of commitment to his community and who always did what he said would do,” Kent Ipsen said. “My favorite memory of my dad will always be working on the bocce park together.” On Sept. 25, the Clayton Bocce Committee celebrated Ipsen’s contributions at a memorial bocce tournament. *** BBQ mania: In preparation for the August Rib Cook-off, nationally renowned barbecue judges Kelly McIntosh and his wife Kathleen prepped Clayton residents in the art of barbecue. The CBCA sponsored the May 21 judging class, put on by the Kansas City Barbecue Society. “The national recognition and credibility this will lend to our annual CBCA RibCook-off are immeasurable,” said Bob Steiner, the association’s president. The Rib Cook-off heralded a new era for the Clayton competition, featuring 48 entries. The 2,500 rib aficionados who packed Main Street surpassed expectations. “We had food for 1,500 and ran out of everything,” reported event chair Rory Richmond. *** Making a splash – and a noise: After the drought left Clayton kids wanting in 2015, the Grove’s water feature sprang to life this summer. The new splasher replaces the feature installed when the park was built more than 10 years ago. It runs 8 a.m.-9 p.m. in the summer, except when it is shut off at 5 p.m.

Postal Service’s seal of approval. I met with the postmaster and her staff last week, and they are doing their part to be on the lookout for mail thieves and advising residents when mail is kept in the box for long periods. Meanwhile, when shopping online, be cautious about providing personal information for purchases. Some of the websites are fraudulent and most likely are from overseas. Do your research to confirm that the seller is a legitimate company and that the product you are buying is not counterfeit. This is the time of year

on concert days. Meanwhile, when the park is closed, a high-frequency transmitter emits a buzzing sound audible mainly to teens. The kids find the sound unpleasant enough to move away from the gazebo, resulting in a corresponding reduction in vandalism. The city put transmitters at both the Grove and Lydia Lane Park, where graffiti had been a constant headache for city maintenance workers. *** Taking aim at cancer: This year’s Relay for Life is the city’s biggest success yet, raising more than $140,000 for cancer research. The 24hour relay at Mt. Diablo Elementary on Aug. 13-14 followed a sold-out Roundup for Relay BBQ and dance at the Easley Ranch in June. According to the American Cancer Society, Clayton has one of the major relay fundraisers in the state. “It’s pretty typical for relays to have extra fundraising events, but not on the scale of these guys,” said Grace Chang, Relay for Life community coordinator. “This was extraordinary.” *** Another Olympics for Ipsen: Clayton’s Kristian Ipsen, 23, was one of the veterans on the U.S. Olympic diving team for the Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro. Unfortunately, his dreams for another medal came up short as he placed fifth in the men’s three-meter springboard diving in mid-August. At the 2012 London Games, Ipsen won a bronze medal in the three-meter synchronized diving event with partner Troy Dumais. Ipsen and Dumais lost out on a chance to compete again when they finished second at the Olympic Trials in Indianapolis earlier this year. *** A boost for Town Center?: In August, a Danville developer announced plans for a 90-unit senior residential facility and about 10,500 sq. ft. of commercial space fronting Main Street. Pacific Union Land Investors said it was purchasing two parcels – one owned by the city and one by Clayton Community Church. “We hope to attract localserving tenants, including perhaps a wine tasting shop, ice cream parlor or other

when we are searching for deals, and there are individuals trying to get your money illegally. Please protect your identity and your credit cards. Lastly, as we try to fit 30 hours into a 24-hour day, plan accordingly and don’t be in a hurry. I can quote several adages, but I think you have heard them all. Together, we will continue to make Clayton a great place to work, play and raise a family.

Page 9

sy ay Eag d n u S nin Listeic 4-7pm ucing

Introd

Live m

6096 Main Street, Clayton, 673-0440 entertainment from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Dec. 9-10..............................................Desert Moon Dec. 16-17 ..............................................E-Regulars Dec. 23-24 .........................................................TBA Dec. 30-31.............................................Barrelhouse Jan. 6-7 ....................................................Tone Pony

Karaoke Mon. & Wed. nights Open Mic Thur. nights, 8-11 pm

www.claytonclubsaloon.com

2 for the price of 1

Beer only. Good anytime with original coupon. Exp. 1/12/17

Chris Wenzel is Chief of Police of Clayton. Send questions and comments to chris.wenzel@claytonpd.com or call (925) 673-7350

users that will … supplement the downtown experience,” said Chris Garwood of Pacific Union Land. On Oct. 4, the City Council gave Pacific Union until Dec. 1 to file an Initial Application. According to community development director Mindy Gentry, no application had been filed as of Dec. 2. That means the Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with the city has lapsed. Pacific Union did not return a call for comment before press time. *** Historical significance: A new monument recognizes the archaeological and cultural importance of Clayton’s Keller Ranch House. The local chapter of E Vitus Clampus installed the monument near the Cardinet Trail, and the Clayton Historical Society dedicated it Oct. 8. The marker details the site’s historical significance, dating back to as early as 2000 BC – when the area was home to the Volvon Miwok Native Americans. The land on which the house sits may have been a part of Rancho Del Diablo, a Mexican land grant. Clayton’s founder Joel Clayton subsequently owned the property. After Clayton died in 1872, vintner Paul DeMartini acquired 145 acres of the southwestern Clayton Ranch and built the DeMartini Winery – now Clayton City Hall. In the early 1900s, Charles Henry “Harry” Keller purchased the remainder of the Clayton Ranch and named it Liberty Ranch in honor of his wife, Elodia Liberty. The Keller Ranch House, named Casa Del Sierra, was completed in 1913. It had a Mission style home, with Craftsman elements. *** Catalano joins City Council: Incumbents Julie Pierce and Jim Diaz tracked election results with candidate Tuija Catalano at Pierce’s home as all three were elected by a decisive margin on Nov. 8. Catalano has been on the Clayton Planning commission for six years. Pierce has served on the council since 1992, while Diaz will start his second term. Allen Lampo came in fourth, with about 12 percent of the vote. Howard Geller chose not to run for re-election.

Why advertise in the Pioneer?

Since I started advertising in the Clayton and Concord Pioneers, my business has exploded. I can hardly keep up with the calls.

Kevin Schmidt, General Contractor Diablo View Construction

Over 35 years Experience We repair Bruce & Holly Linsenmeyer all major Clayton residents appliances, Office: (925) 672-2700 most major Cell: (925) 672-2772 brands, and State of California B.E.A.R we’re local license #A44842

http://ApplianceRepairsbyBruce.com

CLAYTON FURNITURE INC.

y Holida! SALE

A Family Business since 1988

3400 Clayton Rd. Concord, CA 94519

(925) 686-2299

Claytonfurnitureinc.com

Our latest project: Kamani for Towne island Homes, Maui Hawaii

Time for an update?

Call Interiors Panache!

Full-Service Design Firm

Call or n ra email fo ent appointmy toda

925-672-7920

• Design consultations • 25 years of design experience • Hunter Douglas Priority Dealer – model homes, commercial & residential • Major furniture brands • Clayton resident for 18 years • Licensed general contractor • Remodels, Kitchens & Baths

6160 Center St, Clayton CA carol@interiorspanache.com

www.interiorspanache.com

Doug Van Wyck

CLU ChFC, Agent Insurance Lic. # 0586396

6200 Center St. Ste. A Clayton, CA 94517

925-672-2300

www.dougvanwyck.com

1101450.1

from your good neighbor. May all your wishes come true this wondrous season.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® CALL ME TODAY

State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL

Sports

Page 10

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

December 9, 2016

De La Salle takes out Eagles en route to State playoffs JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

De La Salle’s legendary football program was pronounced in a “down year” as early as last summer before a game was played and many early-season Spartan results, including three wins by less than a touchdown and a loss, seemed to bear out that prognosis. Some much for that. Last weekend De La Salle won its 25th straight North Coast Section football championship by smothering previously-unbeaten Freedom of Oakley 42-7 to extend their undefeated record against Northern California teams to 281 games, dating back to 1991. In order to get to the NCS finals for the 33rd straight year DLS eliminated Clayton Valley Charter in the first-ever NCS Open Division playoff game 28-0. Next Saturday De La Salle will be a decided underdog to St. John Bosco of Bellflower in the CIF State Open Bowl Game at Sacramento State. Bosco, with UCLA-bound quarterback Josh Rosen, was the last California team to defeat the Spartans 20-14 in the 2013 Open Division finals. De La Salle is the only school to play in the State Bowl championship game all 10 years since the bowl games began in 2006 with the Concord school winning seven titles over that time. De La Salle lived up to its long-standing reputation of improving as a season goes along. The Spartans actually

lost a home game, 23-21, to eventual undefeated Utah State champion East of Salt Lake City back in September. That came a week after they barely survived with a 28-27 victory in Southern California over Servite. A month later St. John Bosco beat Trinity League rival Servite 70-6 in the instance of a common opponent this year between Bosco and De La Salle. The Bosco Braves are currently ranked No.2 in the county despite having a pair of losses. They fell early in the year to national No. 1-ranked Bishop Gorman 35-20 and lost a Trinity League game 26-21 to Mater Dei but they avenged that loss to the USA No. 2 team in last Saturday’s CIF Southern Section finals 42-28. Bosco also won a 49-47 shootout in the Southern Section semi-finals over Centennial, the team DLS defeated in the last two Open Division state championships. In the past three weeks De La Salle outscored its three opponents—Monte Vista, Clayton Valley Charter and Freedom—115-24 over teams that combined had only one loss going into their game against the Spartans. In the NCS championship game De La Salle faced an unbeaten Freedom team which never scored less than 41 points in their first 11 games before the Spartan defense virtually shut down the Falcons. Their star running back Ronnie Rivers averaged 194 yards rushing per game coming into the NCS finale but was held to three yards in nine carries last Saturday.

De la Salle defensive back noah williams (35) flew through the air to break up a pass to Clayton Valley Charter sophomore wide receiver Dre white (2) in the open Division north Coast Section football playoff semi-finals at owen owens Field in Concord. The Spartans shutout CVCHS 28-0 behind four touchdown runs by Kairee robinson. The ugly eagles controlled the ball but failed to get into the end zone.

Jason rogers photos

Clayton Valley Charter quarterback zia rahmany (6) completed his high school football career in a losing effort against De la Salle in the nCS open Division semi-finals. The senior QB was chased by luke Freeman of De la Salle, which is headed to its 11th straight State championship bowl game Dec. 17 against St. John Bosco of Bellflower. rahmany was called the team’s fastest back by coach Tim Murphy and went through the season without an interception.

generally relying on coach Tim Murphy’s wing-T offense to swamp opponents in the past four years. That approach earned the team two State championship game berths, three Northern California Regional Bowl Game appearances and a trio of NCS titles, the first in the school’s history. This year it was the Eagles physical, swarming defense that led the way to nine wins in 10 games, including three shutouts, before they ran into DLS. Against De La Salle the Eagles offense controlled the ball with 33 more plays from scrimmage but frustratingly turned the ball over on downs at the Spartans 14, 26, 24 and 23yard lines, two of those on tight measurements. De La Salle’s star junior EAGLES SEASON ENDS running back Robinson found Clayton Valley Charter losing the end zone four times while to 24-time defending NCS running for 189 yards includchampion and top-seed De La Salle in the first-ever NCS Open Division playoff game wasn’t as surprising as the 28-0 final score. The Ugly Eagles went to the State Bowl Championship game the past two years in lower diviTHREE CARONDELET STUDENTsions and ended this season with ATHLETES signed national a 9-2 record. letters of intent to play colCVCHS football had a diflegiately beginning next ferent personality this year after fall. Golfer alexis Browne

The Spartans offense was sparked by running backs Jonathan Hackett and Kairee Robinson who combined for 308 yards from scrimmage, over 100 more than Freedom’s total passing and rushing yardage. After the NCS championship Spartan coach Justin Alumbaugh summed up the year to SportStar magazine editor Chace Bryson. “I’m not going to pull any punches, we weren’t very good [during the early-season stretch of games]. We’re a good team right now. Not otherworldly or anything like that, but we’re a physical, disciplined, tough team.” Spartan fans have to hope that is sufficient when they face Bosco, a team Alumbaugh probably considers “otherworldly.”

ing a 49-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage and a 50-yard TD later in the first quarter. “De La Salle made three big offensive plays that made a big difference,” Murphy said. The CVCHS coach added, “It was a good, clean game from opening kickoff to the post-game handshake. There were very few penalties and only one turnover (DLS lost a fumble). It was a class act playoff game.” Murphy said his Eagles lacked team speed against the physical Spartans defense. “After we lost [senior running back] Akeal Lalaind to injury early in the season we became a more physical running team with young backs.” He says most likely his fastest back was QB Zia Rahmany but Murphy didn’t like him running too much due to a history of injuries.

YGNACIO VALLEY COACH PUENTES RESIGNS Phillip Puentes resigned following the fall season as head coach of the Ygnacio Valley High School varsity football team after spending the last five seasons in charge of the Warriors, taking them to the North Coast Section playoffs in 2014 and 2015. “I have been very fortunate to have been head coach at Ygnacio Valley. I feel we have done a lot of good to help our student athletes push themselves farther than they thought they could,” Puentes said after announcing he was stepping down following a 2-8 season in the new Diablo Athletic League. Clayton Valley Charter’s Murphy coached Puentes when he was a lineman at Clo-

See Playoffs, page 12

9 area athletes commit to colleges

MDSA United soccer team enjoys costumes, wins tournament

Photo courtesy MDSa

Mt. Diablo united won the under 11 girls Diablo FC Kick or Treat tournament. Before the Sunday final was cancelled due to heavy showers, the local aySo team ended with the most points among 12 teams for first place. To make the weekend even better they also won the u11 girls costume contest as Dr. Seuss’ Things. The MDSa 06 team includes, front row from left, Mandy west, emery Stephens, Julia Pauline, Julia lovelace, Gianna Cota, Kate Bullis; middle row, Temi okeowo, lilly Foskett, Morgan Grove, layla Solis, Katelyn Calderon, renata Salerno, anja Perreira, natalya Modawar; back row, coaches Dylan Perreira and Matt Stephens.

(left) is going to lehigh university, softball player niaja nolan (middle) signed with Howard university and swimmer Delaney Sprague commited to Xavier university. Four-year letter winner Browne helped her Cougars team to berths in the 2015 and 2016 State championships while maintaining 4.0 GPa. nolan picked up her first softball at the age of 13 and has competed for the Concord lady Hawks and

California riptide traveling fast-pitch teams. Howard, her dream school, is no. 1 historically black college in the country. Sprague

achieved Scholastic allamerica honors twice and qualified for Junior nationals in the 200 breaststroke.

Jay Bedecarré photos

Six De la Salle High School athletes formalized their commitments earlier this month to play for six colleges in five states around the country. The athletes signing their national letters of intent were, from left, John Burke (rutgers lacrosse), ryan Cole (notre Dame baseball). Jackson Gabler (Cal diving), Cullen Kafka (oregon baseball), Daniel nomura (Villanova tennis) and Milton Vrionis (St. Mary’s baseball). Cole was a .425 htiting outfielder while Vrionis and Kafka were pitchers last spring for California’s no. 2 ranked Spartans nCS champion baseball team.

Sports

December 9, 2016

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Athlete Spotlight

Laura McFarland Grade: Senior

School: Carondelet

Sport: Cross Country, Track

“She is a phenomenal ambassador for Carondelet as she maintains academic, athletic and social excellence.” That’s how Carondelet head cross country coach Ashley Chavez describes team member Laura McFarland of Clayton. The senior recently returned from Fresno where she represented the Cougars at the

State CIF cross country championships after qualifying as an individual at the North Coast Section meet last month. Chavez adds, “It has been such a privilege to coach Laura for the past four years. She has been an integral member of the varsity cross country team, as she has placed as one of the top two

individuals on our team over the course of her high school career.” McFarland also competes for Carondelet track in distance races. The Cougars took fourth at the league meet to reach NCS where they were sixth in Division III. At State, she posted a personal best time of 19:38 on the 5K Woodward Park course on Thanksgiving weekend. She was the first Carondelet cross country runner to qualify for State since 2009. Additionally, McFarland is an excellent student, carrying a 3.85 cumulative GPA. She is applying to major colleges up and down the West Coast and plans to major in political science with an emphasis in public policy or international relations.

The Clayton Pioneer congratulates Laura 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.

Year in Review

JACOB SAMUELS SPORTS TALK

With the calendar set to turn to a new year, it is only right that we, as sports fans in the greatest sports area on Earth, bask in our success. There’s no better place to start than the record-breaking Golden State Warriors. NBA MVP Stephen Curry led the Dubs to 73 wins and a second consecutive trip to the NBA Finals last season. Even though Golden State lost to the Cavaliers in a memorable seven-game series, it was still an amazing year all around. The Warriors have also gotten off to a blazing start this season, taking a 16-2 record and a 12-game winning streak into December. The other Bay Area team that won a Western Confer-

Page 11

2016: A fantastic year to be a Bay Area sports fan

ence Finals was the San Jose Sharks, playing in the first Stanley Cup Finals in franchise history. The Sharks, mirroring the Warriors, also came up short, losing to the Penguins in six games. The Sharks have started strong this fall and are currently leading the Pacific Division over Anaheim and Edmonton. The Giants had more evenyear magic in 2016, winning a dramatic Wild Card game before losing to the eventual World Champion Cubs in heartbreaking fashion. While it may have let some fans down, a postseason appearance is nothing to take lightly (only 10 out of 30 MLB teams make it).

See Sports Fan, pg 13

Klock, Vaisima garner league MVP recognition for CVCHS JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Clayton Valley Charter High School seniors Tori Klock in volleyball and football player Koti Vaisima were recognized for their outstanding fall seasons as most valuable players in their sports by Diablo Athletic League coaches. Klock’s coach Sebastian Wilson says, “Tori is a fouryear varsity middle blocker. She has led the team all season in blocks. As captain, she has motivated and led with her actions on and off the court.

Tori has an upbeat personality and never gives up. She has been a driving force on the team. The setters always look for Tori to get the big kills and blocks.” She was second-team allleague a year ago. This season the senior, who also excels in the classroom, had 127 kills, 42% hitting, 39 blocks, 21 aces and 84% serving. Klock was part of four straight North Coast Section teams. The Eagles lost their NCS opener in four tight sets to Livermore this fall in her final high school game. She

shared the Valley Conference MVP award with sophomore Sterling Parker of NCS semifinalist Alhambra. The Foothill Conference MVP is Campolindo senior Sabrina Smith. Football coach Tim Murphy says Vaisima is “one of the best defensive tackles in the state.” The senior was an integral member of the Ugly Eagles as they went to consecutive State Bowl Games during his sophomore and junior years. This season ended when CVCHS lost in the first-ever NCS Open Division playoff game to De La Salle in the semi-finals. “Koti has outstanding hips, reads and tackles. He’s extremely intelligent on and off the field. As of now Colorado is his first choice from the [college] offers he has,” Murphy said. The senior had 66 tackles (including nine for loss), 7.5 sacks, 24 QB hurries, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He was also a first-team allDiablo Valley Athletic League defensive lineman in 2015. CVCHS, DLS and Carondelet athletes on fall sports allleague teams: DIABLO ATHLETIC LEAGUE (CVCHS athletes)

Middle blocker Tori Klock rises for one of her 127 kills this season for the Clayton Valley Charter High School volleyball team. The eagle senior was voted Diablo athletic league MVP by league coaches.

Cross County Boys: 1st team - Dylan White, JJ Perez, Branden Bizicki; 2nd team - Paris Ruiz, Michael Cox, Matt Hyland; Honorable Mention - Floyd McCluhan Girls: 1st team - Kelly

Jason rogers photos

Koti Vaisima (7, middle in black jersey) did lots of the dirty work as a lineman for the CVCHS ugly eagles outstanding defense and was rewarded at the end of the Dal season as the league Defensive MVP. He is mulling offers from colleges after a stellar career for Clayton Valley Charter football. Osterkamp, Serena Connel; 2nd team - Sarah Verderame, Natalie Ruzicka, Angie Dubnoff, Jessica Hevener, Cassie Bizicki Girls Golf 2nd team - Jenna Fassio; HMMorgan Christensen Girls Tennis 1st team - Dalia Anwar, Megan Brys, Tracy Nguyen; 2nd team - Sarisha Bhalia, Nelly Elahmadie, Grace Gius, Sarah Condon, Kaeli Calica; HM-Tehya Balido

Girls Volleyball 1st team - Erika Schaefer; 2nd team - Coco Alvarez, Madison Downs; HM- Genna Love Water Polo Boys: 1st team - Cameron Brandt, Cal Brown; 2nd team Max Silverberg, Andrey Pristinsky; HM- Jacob Coppa Girls: 1st team - Bailey Reading, Skyy Burney, Haley Darr, Caitlin O’Leary; 2nd Team - Sydney Skow, Brooke Johnson; HMCamille Cline

Football Offense 1st team - Ryan Fischer, Jalen McKenzie, Dino Maraccini; 2nd team - James Teofilo, Junior Alatini, Brandon Mello, Andy DeLira Defense 1st team - Jeff Williams, Adrian Dollo, Evan Barney, Bryce Brand; 2nd team Brandon Abon, Masi Latu, Aaron Fonsela

See Eagles, page 13

Experience the difference at The Grove Family Dentistry Call today to reserve your appointment. We accept most Insurance plans

925.219.3939

6200 Center St. Suite I & J, Clayton

TheGroveFamilyDentistry.com

Free

925.348.5609 Nick Eisenbart

Owner/Service Provider Concord resident

Serving all of Contra Costa County for 15 years Including Marsh Creek, Morgan Territory

Five Stars

on Yelp

• Extended Hours • Modern Technology • Internet Bar & TVs • Beverage Center • Neck Pillows & Blankets • Warm Scented Towels

Take-Home Teeth Whitening

Exam, X-Rays & Cleaning

For new patients only. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 1/12/2017.

For new patients only. Cannot be combined with other offers. Valid in absence of gum disease. Expires 1/12/2017.

After Exam, X-Rays & Cleaning $99 Value

$369 Value

Page 12

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

December 9, 2016

Sports

Winter sports spring into action this month before league play JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

High school basketball, soccer and wrestling teams have a busy month of nonleague and tournament action before the new Diablo Athletic League begins its first winter sports league season in January. Clayton Valley Charter teams are hoping to get into the North Coast Section tournament at the end of the season qualifying through the new DAL two conference setup. The Eagles are in the top Foothill Conference in wrestling and boys soccer while the other three teams are in the Valley Conference. Top team in each conference automatically earns an NCS berth. CVCHS is in the top bracket for wrestling and the five Foothill schools will have dual meets every Wednesday starting Jan. 4. The NCS dual team championship is Feb.11 while the Section championships are Feb. 24-25 at James Logan in Union City, a week before the State meet. Defending champion De La Salle has won seven of the

past eight NCS dual and team titles. Las Lomas was first and Northgate second in the Division II dual team finals last year. Basketball is the only DAL sport where the boys and girls teams from each school were automatically placed in the same conferences. Availability of gym space was among the reasons this was done. Clayton Valley Charter hoopsters are in the Valley Conference and begin league games Jan. 13. League games will be held on Tuesdays and Fridays through Feb. 17. Girls and boys varsity teams will play following one another at the same site. Mt. Diablo visits Dan Della Gym for the league opener Jan. 13. During the first half of the double round-robin schedule the boys varsity game will be at 5:30 p.m. and the girls at 7. That format will reverse during the second half of the schedule. De La Salle made it all the way to the State championship game before losing to the legendary Chino Hills team. The Spartans won the Division I NCS and NorCal

Clayton Fair Properties For Lease

Concord – Commercial Offices Active business complex featuring a variety of commercial businesses. Well maintained with friendly atmosphere. Excellent location including ample parking. Contact Maureen (925)

685-0324

Declan Woods 925.216.2679 Clayton Resident

Tipperary Construction Inc. license# 783799, B, HIC

Playoffs, from page 10

vis East High School. Murphy led YVHS to the 1999 NCS 3A East Bay championship and accepted an offer to return to the school in the spring of 2012 before changing gears and going to Clayton Valley, which presented an opening for Puentes. Murphy said his former player “did things right there at Ygnacio Valley and taught them real-life lessons. He has made better kids out of those

athletes.” On that note Puentes said, “I believe our departing seniors will go out and conquer life. They understand what adversity is and how to overcome it. I wish we would have won more games and brought a championship home, but like life, accomplishing those things is not easy. I do feel like we gave our players a strong academic foundation and that influence

Sports Shorts

TipperaryConstruction.com

NCS last year. DAL soccer games will be played on Wednesdays and Fridays from Jan. 6-Feb. 10 in a double round-robin format. The Section playoffs run Feb. 15-25.

Park, Las Lomas, Miramonte. Valley: Berean Christian, CVCHS, Concord, Mt. Diablo, Northgate, Ygnacio Valley.

pushed many of them to reach a 3.0 grade-point average. I think this has instilled a belief in our players that they can accomplish anything if they put their mind to it.” Of the eight YVHS losses this year, seven were to NCS teams who all made the postseason Section playoffs. In the NCS Division III playoffs the previous two season Ygnacio had the misfortune of drawing Campolindo High of Moraga in the first round, losing both times to the eventual Section and Northern California champs. Campo

won the State title in 2014 and will be in a Northern California 4AA Bowl Game Friday against Palma of Salinas. Campo lost its DAL finale to CVCHS 50-15 early last month. Ygnacio Valley athletic director Mark Tran said, “Coach Puentes did many positive things for the students, staff, school and community during his five-year tenure at Ygnacio Valley High School. He helped to increase school moral and Warrior pride. We wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Boys Soccer – Foothill: Campolindo, CVCHS, College Park, Las Lomas, Northgate, Ygnacio Valley. Valley: Acalanes, Alhambra, Berean Christian, Concord, Miramonte, Mt. Diablo.

WINTER DAL CONFERENCES Boys & Girls Basketball – Foothill: Acalanes, Campolindo, College Park, Las Lomas, Miramonte, Northgate. Valley: Alhambra, Berean ChrisWrestling – Foothill: tian, CVCHS, Concord, Alhambra, CVCHS, ColMt. Diablo, Ygnacio Val- lege Park, Las Lomas, ley. Northgate. Valley: Acalanes, Berean ChrisGirls Soccer – tian, Campolindo, ConFoothill: Acalanes, Alham- cord, Miramonte, Mt. Diabra, Campolindo, College blo, Ygnacio Valley.

CLAYTON VALLEY LITTLE LEAGUE TAKING PLAYER

tive youth soccer club affiliated with the San Jose Earthquakes. This year’s Super Raffle includes a Las Vegas Trip for two adults including airfare, room at Paris Hotel & Resort and $1000 VISA card. Visit diablofc.org for more details and to purchase crab feed and super raffle tickets.

DIABLO FC SOCCER TRYOUTS COMING UP IN JANUARY

The Northgate High School athletic department is hosting a Breakfast with Santa at Boundary Oak Golf Course on Sunday, Dec. 18. The event will include an all you can eat breakfast, visit with Santa and hug one of Santa’s elves and take family or silly friends pictures with a beautiful winter holiday backdrop. The breakfast is from 8 a.m. – 12 noon. Cost is $5 per person. Call 938-0900 or visit northgatebroncos.org for more info.

REGISTRATIONS ONLINE

Registration for Clayton Valley Little League is now open for the spring 2017 season. Baseball programs for players ages four to 15 and softball for girls six to 16 are both open for registration. Tryouts are in January. The CVLL program includes a Challenger Division for players with disabilities and special needs. Players must reside within the CVLL boundaries. Go to cvll.org for complete information and to register.

CLAYTON VALLEY HOLIDAY YOUTH BASEBALL CAMP DEC . 19-20 ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS

General Contractor,

finals Mar. 3-4. NorCal tournament is Mar. 8-14. Clayton Valley Charter boys soccer bounced back with an outstanding season last winter making it to the NCS quarterfinals after a three-year absence from the playoffs. This pushed the Eagles into the Foothill Conference where their league foes will include DIII defending champion Ygnacio Valley and DII runner-up Campolindo. Clayton Valley lost to Carondelet in the quarterfinals last winter and the Cougars went on to finish second in DI at NCS. Las Lomas won DII and Miramonte was DIII runner-up. Ten DAL girls teams were in

Diablo FC will be holding tryouts for its 2017 competitive teams Jan. 21- Feb. 5 for under 8 through under 11 (birth years 2010-2006) age groups. The U12-U14 (birth years 2005-2003) competitive team tryouts will be Feb. 13-27. Under 15 and older team tryouts will be in May after spring league games conclude. Visit diablofc.org to get more information and signup for Winter Academy clinics and tryouts.

FREE estimates Specializing in Bathrooms and Kitchens Remodeling Windows/Doors l Crown Molding l Overhangs l Decks l Siding l Trim

titles en route to the finals. Miramonte boys were second in Division III last year. On the girls side NCS DII champion Carondelet has been moved into Division I while DIII champs Miramonte are going to DII. Carondelet won 11 of the last 14 DII Section titles and were second two other times. The CVCHS girls lost in the first round of the DI playoffs a year ago to eventual champs Castro Valley. Concord’s boys and girls both reached the NCS quarterfinals last winter and will be a strong contender in both Valley Conference leagues. This year’s NCS games begin Feb. 21-25, the semifinals are Mar. 1 and the

Clayton Valley Charter High School baseball coaching staff and players is holding a Christmas holiday baseball camp Dec. 19-20. The camp is for ages 6-14 focusing on the skills necessary to be a successful player including batting, fielding, pitching and throwing. Sessions are held from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Clayton Valley Varsity Baseball Facility in Concord. Contact Eagles head coach Casey Coakley at uglyeaglebaseball@gmail.com with questions or to register.

MDSA SPRING LEAGUE REGISTRATION BEGINS DEC . 15

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA DEC . 18 BENEFITING NORTHGATE ATHLETICS

MT. DIABLO HIGH HALL OF FAME CRAB FEED JAN. 21

The Mt. Diablo High School Hall of Fame will hold its annual crab feed to support MDHS sports and academic programs at Zio Fraedo’s in Pleasant Hill on Saturday, Jan. 21. Attendees can count on a great meal including fresh cracked crab, pasta, salad, dessert, dancing and raffle prizes. Tickets are $55 until Dec. 31 and $60 afterwards. For more information call Lou Adamo 2129332 or email him at louadamo@gmail.com.

CONTINENTAL LITTLE LEAGUE

NOW TAKING REGISTRATION ONLINE

Continental Little League for boys and girls baseball and softball is now open for online player registration for ages 4-17. The 2017 season runs from Feb. 1- June 1. Players must live within the league boundaries. Cost is $185 per player and $10 less for “peanut players” ages 4-5. Online registration and more information is at continentalbaseball.com.

WINTER FUTSAL, SOCCER CLINICS

Registration opens Dec. 15 for Mt Diablo Soccer AssociaOFFERED BY DIABLO FC tion’s 2017 Spring season. The program is open to boys and girls Diablo FC competitive soccer club is offering an eight-week under 5-U19 divisions. The older divisions are co-ed teams. futsal clinic beginning Jan. 17 in Clayton Community Gym at Games start mid-March. MDSA AYSO Region 223 serves ClayDiablo View Middle School in Clayton. Futsal is a 5v5 indoor ton, Concord and surrounding communities. For more details game recognized as one of the most valuable ways to develop and to register visit mdsoccer.org. players’ soccer skills. Boys and girls born between 2007 and 2010 are eligible to take part. JUNIOR OPTIMIST ANNOUNCE BASEBALL, Professional coaches from Diablo FC will be offering MonSOFTBALL SIGNUPS day evening skills training for girls and boys 6-12 years-old at Junior Optimist Baseball/Softball League is accepting 2017 Willow Pass Park in Concord on Dec. 12 and 19 and Jan. 2-9-16. registration for ages 4-15 for boys JOBL and Babe Ruth baseball Clinic is from 5:15-6:30 p.m. each Monday. and girls 4-14 for softball. There are also year-round travel team For more info on both programs visit or register at opportunities for Patriot baseball and Glory/Lady Liberty softdiablofc.org. ball teams. For more information call Sheryl Dron at 827-0763, Adrienne Warren at 686-0673 or visit joblconcord.com. 21ST CVCHS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS

CVCHS SEEKING COACHES FOR SPRING SPORTS TEAMS

Clayton Valley Charter co-athletic director Eric Bamberger announced several open coaching positions for spring sports teams at the Concord school. Open spots include varsity boys and girls swimming and diving, junior varsity and frosh girls lacrosse, varsity badminton (new sport) and varsity girls rugby. Interested persons should send a resume and cover letter to eric.bamberger@claytonvalley.org. Call Bamberger with any questions at 682-7474 ext. 3162.

CRAB FEED & AUCTION MAR. 11

Clayton Valley Charter High School Athletic Boosters hold their 22nd annual Crab Feed and Auction on Saturday, Mar. 11. Attendees must be 21 or older. For more info email cvchsboosters@gmail.com or go to cvhsboosters.org for info to order tickets online for a night of food, drink, dancing, auctions and raffle prizes.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR ALL OUT SPORTS LEAGUES; AAU BASKETBALL TRYOUTS THIS SUNDAY Winter programs including basketball offered by All Out DIABLO FC BENEFIT CRAB FEED FEB. 3 Sports Leagues in Clayton are taking registration now online. AT CENTRE CONCORD Tryouts for Blaze AAU boys and girls basketball will be held this The 14th annual Diablo FC benefit crab feed and raffle is set Sunday, Dec. 11, for grades 2-8. For complete information on for next Friday, Feb. 3, at Centre Concord. Tickets are now on All Out Sports programs, visit alloutsportsleague.com. sale for the event that benefits programs for the local competi-

December 9, 2016

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 13

Pets

New pets and holidays not a good mix

DeBBIe DeMello

PAUSE

FOR

PETS

During the holiday season, many people looking for a gift for a loved one will be tempted by the adorable faces peering out at the pet store or local shelter. A puppy or kitty could be the gift that cements a relationship with a significant other. It could be the gift that makes your child think you are the best parent on the planet. It could also be the gift of companionship for a lonely or elderly relative. Or not. There are some things to consider before getting a pet over the holiday season. Most importantly, think about whether the recipient is ready for a pet. Do they work 16 hours a day? Live in a studio apartment with no yard? If the recipient is a child, is the child old enough to be responsible for the care of a pet? Is the recipient allergic to pets? This is just the tip of the iceberg of what could go wrong when surprising someone with a pet. Pets can be a blessing, but they also need care. And sometimes that is too much for the recipient to handle. A responsi-

bility as great as a pet is better when planned carefully. The holidays are not always a good time to introduce a new pet into your home because people can be distracted with many things. A new dog or cat will be confused by the many people, the lights, sounds and the indoor tree, to name a few. It’s better to bring a new friend

home during calmer times. The recipient and the pet will both appreciate it. If you are considering giving a pet, get the recipient involved if you can. Buy a stuffed dog or cat, a toy or a book on pet care. Tell the recipient you want to get them a pet but want them to pick it out. That way, they won’t have

to figure out how to housebreak a puppy while hosting Christmas dinner. And if a pet was a bad idea, you won’t end up taking it back the next day. Debbie DeMello is a dog trainer and owner of Who’s Training Who in Walnut Creek. Contact her at debdemello@aol.com

Community Concern for Cats hosts Giving Tree holiday event

Community Concern for Cats is seeking donations to provide needed medical supplies and veterinary services for its rescued homeless cats and kittens. ann Marie welch, a CC4C volunteer, made the ornaments which adorn its Giving Tree.

Community Concern For Cats is hosting its second annual Giving Tree from November 23 through December 24, this year, at its upscale thrift store, Rescued Treasures, 1270 Newell Ave. in Walnut Creek. All proceeds go toward life-saving procedures for homeless cats and kittens in local Contra Costa neighborhoods. The donations will go toward vaccinations, microchipping, healing antibiotics, flea protection, leukemia/FIV tests, veterinarian visits, neutering of male cats, spaying of female cats, surgeries, emergency medical procedures, and special holiday treats. So far this year, CC4C has neutered 2,300 and found homes for 600 cats and kittens. That’s 500 more spays and neuters than last year already.

The Giving Tree fundraising campaign brought in $3,500 last year. This year the rescue hopes to double that goal to bring in $7,000 “We hope people will come in to Rescued Treasures, select a special kitty ornament, write their name on it, and we will hang it in our window tree,” says Osendorf. “If you would rather, you can donate through our website, communityconcernforcats.org. For information, please call, (925) 9373201. Community Concern For Cats, made up of volunteers, is the oldest cat rescue organization in Contra Costa County, turning 30 years old this year. It has three Saturday/Sunday afternoon adoption sites: Pet Food Express Lafayette and Pleasant Hill, and Petco Walnut Creek. The hours are 1:00-4:00pm.

Meet ARF stars Angelica and Bobby Sox

be there to greet you at the door. She enjoys snuggling with her people as well as chasing toys around. One delightful little girl! The adoption fee for a cat is $75. 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.

ANGELICA

One-year-old Angelica has movie star talent with beginning agility-ramps, jumping over poles and tunnel work. She is very athletic and focused on treats so takes readily to training. She is the perfect size

and looks like a smaller version of a Pointer. Be sure to give her lots of activities and she will reward you with her BIG heart as she is extremely loving with her people. The adoption fee for dogs

Eagles, from page 11 EAST BAY ATHLETIC LEAGUE

(DLS boys, Carondelet girls) Water Polo Boys: 1st team - Robert Driscoll; 2nd team-Tyler Rosselli, Jon Bindi, Mark Levins

is $250 and includes a discount on the first six-week session of a manners class. One-year-old Bobby Sox is a curious gal who enjoys exploring her world. She’s a very friendly girl too and will

Girls: 2nd team – Allison Carr; HM – Allie Bamberger, Alex Brown. Girls Golf 1st team - Yealimi Noh, Angela Bagabas; 2nd team Annika Borrelli, Courtney Gaoiran

Cross Country Boys: 1st team - Isaias De Leon; 2nd team - Luke Giuato Girls Volleyball Honorable mention - Catherine Helgeson, Lauren Barry Football Offense 1st team - Kairee Robinson, Wade Willet, Josh Wallunas; 2nd team - Luke Ogburn;

16 over Iowa. While Palo Alto’s football team didn’t repeat as Pac-12 champions this fall they still went 9-3 to earn a Top 20 College Football Playoff ranking and a trip to another bowl game. Cal had achievements in both football and basketball. Their star quarterback Jared Goff was taken first overall in the 2016 NFL draft and their star small forward Jaylen Brown was taken third overall in the NBA draft. In addition, the Golden Bear basketball team secured a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament, their highest seeding ever. With top

draft pick candidate Ivan Rabb staying home for a sophomore season the outlook this year looks strong. St. Mary’s had an outstanding 2015-16 season, finishing with a superb 29-6 record. However, they were snubbed from March Madness yet again. This season, the basketball team from Moraga is looking for more than just a berth in the tournament, as they are ranked 12th in the country. While 2016 was a great year for Bay Area sports teams, there is no reason to believe that 2017 won’t be even better. Now, if only the A’s and 49ers could get it together! Email any comments or questions to sports@claytonpioneer.com.

Sports fan, from page 11

The Raiders had an encouraging outlook for the 2016 season, but they have blown away expectations. Oakland is currently tied for first in the AFC with New England with a 9-2 record. With five games remaining, the Raiders guaranteed their first winning record since 2002. Three of the major colleges have also had national success in the past calendar year; the Stanford Cardinal, California Golden Bears and the St. Mary’s Gaels have excelled. Stanford football started the year off with a bang, winning the 102nd Rose Bowl 45-

BOBBY SOX

Joe Ronco/Owner 925-872-3049 jaroncoconstruction.com

35 years Clayton/ Concord resident Lic#844344

Mr. Fix-it Co. ALL FIELDS of SERVICE and REPAIR WORK est. 1973 Insured, Bonded & Workers’ Comp

Air Conditioning, Appliance Repair, Carpentry, Concrete, Electrical, Ceramic Tile, Heating, Insurance Work, Painting, Plumbing, Remodeling, Wallpapering, and any Miscellaneous Items

Call Us for Any Work and We’ll Get It Done Right Away.

925-825-0347

B-1 Lic.#358217 C-44

Do you have a kid that loves horses?

Private Riding Lessons Birthday Parties Camp l

CAMPS INCLUDE

w Horseback riding w Horse games w Free camp w Horsemanship T-shirt

Christmas Camps

Dec. 21-23 & 26-30 $100/day

Limited camp size.

All Camps 9 am to 3 pm.

enrollment Form On-line 925.301-7496

3141 Morgan Territory Rd., Clayton

www.EarthquakeArabians.com

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.

HM-Isaiah Foskey, John Deitchman, Christian Villasenor Defense 1st team - Tuli Letuligasenoa, Isaia Taotua, Tre White; 2nd team - Elijah Short; HMHeny To’oto’o, Jonathan Hackett, Jackson Walsh

Please let our advertisers know you saw them in the Clayton Pioneer

Serving Northern California for Over 30 Years

Residential & Commercial

l l

FREE ESTIMATES

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

l l l l l

(925) 831-2323

Lic. #642272 Certified Arborist WE-3386A

Specializing in large Hazardous Trees & Heritage oak trees Crane Service Tree & Stump removal arborist Consulting arborist reports Pruning/Cabling Fire abatement Custom Milled lumber Firewood

ed waraner

8861 Marsh Creek rd, Clayton Bonded and Fully Insured

Major Credit Cards accepted

www.waranerbrostree.com

CCC Certified Fire Abatement

Page 14

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Local troupes play off holiday spirit

Performing Arts

magic with “Twas the Opening Night Before Christmas,” Dec. 9-11 at Northgate High School in Walnut Creek. It follows a high school during auditions, callbacks and opening night – and all the drama that comes with it. The show features favorite holiday classics and several original works by director Leslie Noel as this heartwarming story of love, hope and holiday cheer unfolds. Visit www.peterpanfoundation.org for show times and to purchase tickets. B8 Theatre Company chose a non-holiday treat for its first production in its new space, 2292 Concord Blvd., Concord. “Welcome to Little Fork, Rene Lundstrom,” an original play by Sacramento-

Sally HoGarTy

STAGE STRUCK

If you’re looking for something to get you into the mood of the holidays, local performing arts groups have plenty of selections. Lafayette’s Town Hall Theatre offers “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” through Dec. 17. Based on the best-selling young adult book, the comedy follows a couple putting on the annual Christmas pageant. They are forced to cast the Herdman kids, who most people in town believe are “absolutely the worst kids in the whole history of the world.” While the Herdmans bring mayhem to the pageant, they also bring magic and fun. Produced as a 50-minute play with one intermission,

based playwright Harold Smith, runs through Dec. 17. In the summer of 1958, Russell Sonderberg returns to Little Fork, Texas, after an absence of 12 years and not everyone is happy to see him back. Directed by JanLee Marshall, the show includes Deborah Black, Daphne Dorman, Shay Geraghty, Kyle Goldman, Max Minton and Nicole Thordsen. Call 800838-3006 or go to www.brownpapertickets.com. Sally Hogarty is well known around the Bay Area as a newspaper columnist, theatre critic and working actress. She is also the editor of the Orinda News. Send comments to sallyhogarty@gmail.com

Kevin Berne

CenterreP honors Christmas tradition with Michael McCarty, Jeanine Perasso and the cast of “a Christmas Carol” at the lesher through Dec. 18.

“Christmas Pageant” makes a theater – especially since great show to introduce many young people are also young audience members to in the cast. For tickets, call 925-283-1557 or go to www.townhalltheatre.com. The holidays wouldn’t be the same without Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble performing “The Biggest Gift.” For more than 30 years, this family-friendly theater company has been entertaining and enriching the youngest of theater-goers. One of my favorite things about this company is how the performers, in full costume, mingle with young patrons before the show. In “The Biggest Gift,” Santa hasn’t received any letters from children. No letters – no Christmas. But Tucker the Elf won’t let that happen. He joins with the toys to find the letters and save Christmas. The show runs multiple times during the day and evening Dec. 15-18 at Walnut Stu Selland Creek’s Lesher Center for the Town Hall Theatre presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Arts. Call 925-943-SHOW or ever” with (l-r) Megan Crane, Brody ziegler, nate Haco- go to the website at hen and Hannah Hacohen as the dreaded Herdman chil- www.lesherartscenter.org. dren. More than 100 students from the California Academy of Performing Arts will take to the stage to present the holiday favorite “The Nutcracker.” Snow falls onstage and a Christmas tree magically grows as the stuOver 100 paintings by Russian dents perform this energyartist Ludmila Pawlowska plus filled ballet. traditional icons from Vassilevsky Shows are Dec. 16-18 at Monastery in Russia Campolindo High School’s Show shared by St. Michael and All Angels-Concord, Performing Arts Center in Moraga. For tickets, go to the 2925 Bonifacio Street and website www.capashows. St. John’s-Clayton, 5555 Clayton Rd. No Charge for eventbrite.com. ongoing exhibit. Dec. 11-Feb 17, both churches. Center Repertory Com$25 for Gala Thursdays through Sundays, pany once again lights up Opening on 4:00 pm-8:00 pm Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center Dec. 10 and by appointment for the Arts with its annual

Icons in Transformation

(925) 890-7839

December 9, 2016

www.BrownPaperTickets.com

Oakhurst Country Club

Celebrate winter with a new membership at one of the area's best country clubs. Membership Includes:

• Access to our beautiful clubhouse with amenities such as a fully stocked pro shop with special member pricing • Formal and casual dining and a private members' lounge • Yearlong calendar of social activities, dining events, and golf & tennis tournaments • Access to our Junior Olympic-sized swimming pool and state-of-the-art fitness center and childcare facilities.

Call Susie at (925) 672-9737, ext. 205 or email ssutton@oakhurstcc.com. 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton

www.oakhurstcc.com

production of “A Christmas Carol” through Dec. 18. Michael Ray Wisely returns to portray the old curmudgeon, with Kerri Shawn as Christmas Past, Jerry Lee as Christmas Present and Jeff Draper as the ghost of Marley. It’s a spectacle not to be missed as Scrooge learns the true meaning of Christmas. Call 925-943-SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org. Pittsburg Community Theatre presents the musical revue “Home for Christmas” at 2 p.m. Dec. 17 at the California Theatre in downtown Pittsburg. Favorite Christmas songs performed by various local groups will get everyone into the holiday spirit. For tickets, call 925-427-1611 or go to www.pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. The Peter Pan Foundation adds a bit of holiday

The California academy of Performing arts presents the beloved story of Clara and the nutcracker toy that comes to life at the Campolindo High School Performing arts Center Dec. 16-18.

Christmas Ghosts return to the Geary in San Francisco Consider adding a theater trip to San Francisco to your holiday celebrations. The Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol,” opens Nov. 25 at the American Conservatory Theatre’s Geary Theatre in San Francisco. Featuring legendary Bay Area actors James Carpenter as Ebenezer Scrooge, Ken Ruta as the Ghost of Jacob Marley and a lively cast of dozens, the beloved A.C,T. production runs through Dec. 25. Delightful music, gorgeous costumes and those deliciously spooky ghosts, the Bay Area’s favorite holiday tradition stays true to the heart of Dicken’s timeless story of redemption and brings a playful sensibility his rich language.

For performance times and ticket information, call the A.C.T. Box Kevin Berne Office, 415.749.2228 or go to James Carpenter (left) as ebenezer Scrooge with Ken ruta www.actsf.org. (right) as the Ghost of Jacob Marley.

Captain Grammar Pants

To PaTronIze is to act like a grown-up to a child; to ConDeSCenD To is to speak at a lower level as if the person were stupid. Think of the root words: PaTron (latin, “father, protector”) and DeSCenD (latin, “climb down”). each of the root words carries the extended meaning within. one of the reasons we grammar guardians either make or destroy friendships is that we risk sounding patronizing when we correct someone’s grammar. a patronizing statement might be “Surely you learned the distinction between its and it’s in second grade!” a condescending statement would be “ah, to be young and stupid and not know its and it’s.” Sean Williams is a professor of ethnomusicology at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash. She is currently working on a Captain Grammar Pants book. Follow her regular postings on Facebook.

December 9, 2016

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Damaging hail unlikely in California

WOODY WHITLATCH WEATHER WORDS

When I was in college, a good friend drove an old Ford Falcon he nicknamed “the golf ball.” That was because of hundreds of dimple-like dents from an encounter with a hailstorm. Hail is rounded pieces of

ice at least 0.20 inches in diameter. Hail is one of the three types of frozen precipitation generated in clouds that falls to earth; snow and ice pellets (sometimes called sleet) are the others. The National Weather Service defines damaging hail as hailstones greater than one inch in diameter. That threshold became effective in 2010. The previous threshold was three-quarters of an inch. Precise hailstone measurements are nearly impossible to make for several reasons.

Most hailstones are not round, and many lose mass as they hit the ground. Also, some melting occurs before measurements are made. The size of hailstones is best determined by measuring the diameter with a ruler. In the absence of a ruler, the size can be visually estimated by comparing it to known objects. In their forecasts, meteorologists like to use common objects to estimate the size of hail. It can fall in small pieces, such as the size of a pea (0.25

inches) or marble (0.5 inches). It can also form in larger chunks, like the size of a penny (three-quarters of an inch), a quarter (1 inch), a golf ball (1.75 inches), a baseball (2.75 inches) or even a softball (4.5 inches). The largest U.S. hailstone was found in South Dakota in 2010. It had a diameter of 8 inches and weighed nearly 2 pounds. Scientists estimate the fall velocity of that stone likely exceeded 75 mph. Hailstones form within updraft air currents of thun-

derstorm clouds. As water droplets rise, they cool and eventually freeze – becoming ice pellets. These pellets attract super-cooled water vapor within the cloud. A process called accretion allows the water vapor to freeze, and the pellet grows in size. As the hailstone becomes heavy and reaches the top of the updraft, gravity takes over and the hailstone falls toward the ground. Some falling hailstones get re-entrained in other strong updrafts and continue to grow.

Page 15

The part of the United States most affected by hailproducing thunderstorms includes the tornado alley states of Texas, Oklahoma and Nebraska. Hailstorms scarcely occur in California because the atmospheric conditions needed to trigger severe thunderstorms rarely are present. Weather Service records from California indicate the state’s largest hailstone measured 3 inches. The record

Clayton Community Calendar

See Weather, page 18

PLeaSe SuBMiT yOuR COMMuniTy CaLenDaR evenTS By 5 P.M. Jan. 4 FOR THe Jan. 13 iSSue. iTeMS MuST Be SuBMiTTeD By eMaiL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com

IN CLAYTON

Dec. 10 Dessert with Mrs. Claus

Prizes, party favors. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Bring camera. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. Donations appreciated. Clayton Business and Community Association (925) 6722272.

Dec. 11 Christmas Homes Tour

Self-guided tour showcasing five homes decorated for the holidays. 12 - 6 p.m. Benefits Clayton Historical Society. Begins at Clayton Museum, 6101 Main St. $30 in advance; $35 at the door. Bonus home and party from 6 – 8 p.m. for additional $20. For tickets and more information, call (925) 567-6079 or email museum@claytonhistory.org.

Mondays Off the Grid

IN CONCORD

Rotating lineup of food trucks. 5 – 8 p.m. 2151 Salvio Street. offthegridsf.com.

Tuesdays Farmers’ Market

Tuesdays year round, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org.

Dec. 10, 11, 14, 17, 18 Galindo House Holiday Tours

Tour historic Galindo house decorated with holiday charm. Sponsored by Concord Historical Society. Weekends 1 – 4 p.m.; Wednesday 6 – 8 p.m. 1721 Amador St., Concord. $3. concordhistorical.org.

Dec. 12 Tree of Lights

Tree lighting for Clayton & Concord by Hospice of the East Bay. 5 – 6:30 p.m. John Muir Medical Center parking lot, East Street and Almond Ave., Concord. Donations accepted. 925.887.5678.

ON AND AROUND THE MOUNTAIN

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve programs are available for registration through ebparks.org. Parking fees may apply. For additional information, contact Black Diamond Visitor Center at (510) 544-2750 or bdvisit@ebparks.org.

Dec. 10 – 11 Vasco Cave Tours

Accessible only through guided tours. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Meet at Round Valley. $30-$34. Registration required.

Dec. 18 Nature’s Ornaments Walk

Enjoy a wintry walk through peaceful Somersville valley to look for naturally decked trees and hills. 12 – 1:30 p.m. Meet at Black Diamond Mines.

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.

Dec. 18 Winter Solstice Saunter

Join us as we search for signs of the season. 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center. Reservations required: mtdiablohiker@gmail.com.

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Hike

Hike to the Summit on a 6.6-mile or 9-mile route. 9 a.m. Meet at Parking Area above Buckeye Group Camp.

Dec. 30 Round the Mountain Hike

Views in all directions. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Meet at Juniper Camp Trailhead.

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Thru Dec. 17 “Welcome to Little Fork, Rene Lundstrom”

A play of courage, honesty and acceptance. B8 Theatre Company, 2292 Concord Blvd., Concord. $20-$25. brownpapertickets.com.

Thru Dec. 18 “A Christmas Carol”

Brimming with music and dance, love and laughter, spectacular special effects and scary ghosts. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $27-$49. centerrep.org.

Dec. 9 “Improv on Ice”

Presented by Trapped in a Rumor. 8:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Dec. 9 – 11 “IMpossible”

Family-friendly magic show. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20-$25. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Dec. 9 – 18 “Christmas Caroled”

Dec. 10 “Pop! Goes the Season”

Dec. 10 “Xerox’s From The Improv Party”

Dec. 10 – Feb. 17 “Icons in Transformation”

A unique take on a holiday musical that revisits TV Christmas specials of the 1960s with a twist. 2 p.m. Delta Gallery of the Arts, 2485 Sand Creek Road, Brentwood. Free. thebrentwoodtheater.org. Presented by Trapped in a Rumor. 8:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Dec. 11 ‘A Very “Follies” Holiday!’

Presented by The Golden Follies. 2 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $12-$25. elcampaniltheatre.com.

Dec. 11 “Holiday Magic 2016”

A spectacular, holiday-inspired dance performance by D’Ann’s Academy of Dance. 1 and 3:30 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $16. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611.

Dec. 12 Stroke Support Group

Annual holiday potluck. 7 – 9 p.m. Ball Auditorium, John Muir Medical Center, 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Free. Contact Ann Dzuna (925) 376-6218.

Dec. 15 – 18 “The Biggest Gift”

Join the fun and laughter as Tucker the elf and the toys set out to save Christmas. Presented by Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Dec. 16 – 18 “The Nutcracker”

Performed by The Ballet Company of East County. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $16-$20. elcampaniltheatre.com.

Kick off the holiday season with a mashup of old and new holiday songs presented by the Diablo Women’s Chorale. 2 p.m. Hillside Covenant Church, 2060 Magnolia Way, Walnut Creek. $10-$22. diablowomenschorale.org. Exhibit of contemporary and traditional icons. Gala opening Dec. 10; $25. brownpapertickets.com. Exhibit opens Dec. 11: Thursdays through Sundays from 4 – 8 p.m. at both St. John’s Episcopal Church, 5555 Clayton Road, Clayton and St. Michael’s, 2925 Bonifacio St., Concord. Free admission; donations accepted. saintjohnsparish.org; saintmichaelsconcord.org.

Dec. 16 – 17 Nativity

A Christmas drive-through with live nativity scenes. 6 – 9 p.m. Bethel Baptist Church, 3578 Clayton Road, Concord. Free. (925) 798-7470.

SCHOOLS

Thru Dec. 11 “The Laramie Project”

A breathtaking theatrical collage. Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. $16-$21. dvcdrama.net.

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.

Thru Dec. 21 Train Set Raffle

Dec. 17 “Home for Christmas: A Musical Revue”

Proceeds benefit the Clayton Historical Society. Drawing on Dec. 21 at 3 p.m. Need not be present to win. Raffle tickets available during open hours at museum: 2 – 4 p.m. on Wednesdays and Sundays. Clayton Museum, 6101 Main St. $2 each or 3 for $5. claytonhistory.org.

Dec. 18 “Big Band Farewell” Show

Breakfast and photo opportunity with Santa. Benefits Northgate Athletic Department. 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Boundary Oaks Golf Course, 3800 Valley Vista Road, Walnut Creek. $5. For more information, email nhsad@mdusd.org.

Dec. 20 “An Irish Christmas”

Precursor to Stars to the Rescue variety show. Proceeds benefit Animal Rescue Foundation. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $25-$60. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Packed full of your favorite Christmas songs performed by various groups from around Pittsburg. 2 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $10-$25. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611. Presented by Mazella Houston. 2 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $19-$25. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611. Superb music-making, dancing and singing. 7 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $30-$40. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611.

Dec. 20 – 21 “Peter and the Wolf”

Presented by the California Symphony with guest Rita Moreno. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $42$72. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Dec. 30 “Big Fat Year End Kiss Off Comedy Show XXIV” Presented by Worst of Durst. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $30. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Dec. 31 Concert

Ring in the new year in style with Pete Escovedo and his orchestra. 9 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $59. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611.

Jan. 7 “Foolish Mortals!”

Improvised adventure of comedy with juggling nonsense. 3:15 and 7:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $25. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Jan. 11 - 21 “Back Home Again”

A new musical featuring the songs of John Denver. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $55$61. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

CHURCHES AND RELIGION

Dec. 10 Christmas Concert

Performed by Vintage. 7:30 p.m. St. Bonaventure, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. Free. stbonaventure.net.

Dec. 10 “Fairy Tales, A Holiday Concert”

Presented by the Oakland East Bay Gay Men’s Chorus. 7:30 p.m. Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. $10-$25. oebgmc.org/tickets.

Dec. 18 Breakfast with Santa

Jan. 6 Comedy Night

Jan. 7 “Stars to the Rescue XXVI”

Variety show benefiting Animal Rescue Foundation. 7 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Tickets starting at $50. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.

Jan. 8 Tree-cycle

Boy Scout Troop 484 will pick up Christmas trees in Clayton only. Leave tree at curb by 8 a.m. Donations accepted. See ad this issue for more information or contact Chris Llata at (925) 3483319 or arbornut@gmail.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 (925) 673-0659. Dec. 12, Jan. 9: Clayton Knits, 1:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Jan. 9: Clayton Library Book Club, 7 p.m. Dec. 21: Movie Night, 7 p.m. Jan. 5: Chinese New Year Story Time with Author Olive Chin, 11 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 (925) 646-5455. Dec. 9 – 11: Used Book Sale, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fri. and Sat.; 1 – 3:30 p.m. Sun. Dec. 15: Concord Book Club, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19: Holiday STEAM, 7 p.m. Registration required. Jan. 5: Origami, 4 p.m.

GOVERNMENT

1st and 3rd Tuesdays Clayton City Council

7 p.m. Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. (925) 673-7304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.

2nd and 4th Tuesdays Clayton Planning Commission

7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. (925) 673-7304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.

Page 16

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

December 9, 2016

‘Icons in Transformation’ showcases Russian painter Ludmila Pawlowska

This traditional icon is from the Vassilevsky Monastery in Suzdal, russia and will be part of the “Transformation” exhibit at St. John’s episcopal and St. Michaels in Concord through Feb. 17

More than 150 paintings by internationally known Russian artist Ludmila Pawlowska will be displayed in Clayton and Concord for 10 weeks. The Dec. 11-Feb. 17 exhibition will be shared between two local churches, St. John’s Episcopal Church in Clayton and St. Michael and All Angels in Concord. In addition to Pawlowska’s contemporary icon paintings, the exhibition will include traditional icons from the Vassilevsky Monastery in Suzdal, Russia. Pawlowska, a Russian native who now lives in Sweden, encourages viewers to make their own interpretations of her modern, threedimensional artwork – some of which are painted onto wood panels nearly 10 feet tall. The images are inspired by centuries-old icons that are a key component of the Orthodox Christian Church. The artist incorporates elements that help reveal another-worldly dimension. Some have windows that display other images. Others feature searching eyes, or have mirrors to bring the viewer into the art.

• A Full Service Funeral Home offering • Cremation and Burial Services • Celebrations of Life • Reception Packages • Worldwide Shipping & Pre-Planning

UTOPIC GARDENS

925-448-2214 Beautifully Lawn-Less

CREATIVE DESIGN & INSTALLATION

www.UtopicGardens.com LIC. No. 898331

Fully Insured

Clayton Resident

It could be a virus, or it could just need a tune-up.

Prevent problems caused by viruses and spyware with regular proactive maintenance.

TOTAL DESKTOP CARE & SERVER WATCH Low cost, fixed fee services that monitor & maintain your network to minimize IT problems

Call Mark 925.672.6029 or info@netsolutions-ca.com

The exhibit has been around the world. More than 100,000 people saw it during a three-month stay in Brussels, and more than 70,000 viewed it in Dublin. Attendance is similar to that of the King Tut exhibit several years ago in San Francisco. On its current U.S. tour, the exhibit has been in churches from Seattle to Cincinnati. This will be its only Bay Area appearance, with its next stop in San Diego. “Icons in Transformation” will be open 4–8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday and by appointment. Admission is free, but donations will be gratefully accepted. St. John’s is at 5555 Clayton Road and St. Michael’s is at 2925 Bonifacio St. A Gala Opening Party is scheduled for Dec. 10 at St. Michael’s. Tickets are $25 and include refreshments, music by a choir from Diablo Valley College and the chance to meet the artist.

Sunny SoloMon

BOOKIN’ WITH SUNNY

If you’re looking for a perfect mystery as a holiday gift or maybe something for yourself while enduring the holiday mayhem, look no further than “The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra.” The fun begins on Inspector Ashwin Chopra’s last day with the Mumbai Police Department. He is a sober, intelligent inspector, admired by all his coworkers, loved by his wife and almost everyone who knows him – except his motherin-law. His early retirement was brought about by a recent heart attack. On his last day, two important things occur. First, there’s the death of a young man the inspector believes is a case of murder and not an accident as his inferior and arrogant replacement believes. Then, his For more information, call 925- aged uncle, whom he has not 890-7839 or visit seen for years, sends him the www.stjohnsparish.org or gift of a baby elephant with reputed extraordinary powers. www.stmichaelsconcord.org. Author Vaseem Khan makes readers feel like kids sitting at the feet of a grandparent whose storytelling is exciting, funny, mysterious and even a bit magical. It is hard to put the book down. The inspector and his wife Poppy are childless, and she has her heart set on taking good care of Ashwin in his retirement. However, the gift of a baby elephant is not what either of them can understand, any more than Chopra can understand why his replacement at the police department is so insistent on maintaining the murder is an accident. In addition to Chopra and the elephant, the city of Mumbai is a major character. Those who have visited Mumbai will recognize the sounds, colors and bedlams that are at the heart of a metropolis that is a world of its own. There are

‘Inheritance’ a mystery well worth discovering

good cops, bad cops, gated communities and shantytowns. It is modern Mumbai, with its politicians corrupt, its music loud and its streets dangerous. Chopra promises the parents that he will find out who killed their son and why. He tells his wife that he will explain later why he has been keeping such odd hours in what should have been a relaxed life of retirement. Working outside the police department, while still calling himself Inspector Chopra, is only one of his secrets. How the elephant calf begins to play a part in the mystery is pure delight. Readers will come away with elephant facts to treasure. The writing is endearing and well-paced, and the characters will find a place in your heart. This story is already a year old, but Khan’s second book, “The Perplexing Theft of the Jewel in the Crown,” came out in August. I suggest you pick up both books for that special someone, or just for yourself. Find a comfy chair, maybe a nice cup of eggnog and discover why good mysteries are here to stay. 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.’

‘Arrival’ a beautiful roadmap for alien conversation JeFF MellInGer

SCREEN SHOTS

The advent of spoken and written language defined the rise of human civilization. Once we became capable of communicating by more than mere grunts, progress – both social and technological – was inevitable. Our need to trade with other societies necessitated finding a way to converse. Eventually, hundreds of languages would dot the planet. Some evolved, some died millennia ago. We have now deciphered just about every one of them. With “Arrival,” Denis Villeneuve imagines a new language barrier – this time between humans and aliens. Amy Adams plays professor Louise Banks, a linguist still coming to grips with a family tragedy. After a brief setup of Banks’ situation, Villeneuve does not waste any time bringing the aliens to earth. Twelve gigantic ships land in seemingly random places around the globe, including Montana. Col. Weber, played by a gruff, succinct Forest Whitaker, immediately recruits Banks.

louise Banks (amy adams) struggles to understand the language of extra-terrestrials in “arrival.”

Weber’s other recruit is hardcore scientist Ian Donnelly, played by Jeremy Renner. Renner is just fine as the sidekick, but he is not given much to do as the film is clearly a showcase for Adams. Adams has truly come into her own as an actress. She is able to convey so many emotions without a word of dialogue. When she does speak, we grasp everything Banks feels as she builds up her confidence. She is thrust into the impossible job of trying to speak to – and decipher the language of – the aliens. Villeneuve shrouds the aliens in mystery by obscuring

their appearance with fog and clouded glass. Thankfully, he also keeps their intentions a secret, allowing the characters to uncover it for us. The “hectopods,” called that due to their seven limbs, do not speak so much as make low-frequency grunts and hums. Their main method of communication is a complicated visual writing style that incorporates multiple thoughts and ideas at once. Over the course of a couple months, Banks continues meeting with the hectopods and her progress is astonishing. “Arrival” may be the blueprint for how to deal with the language barrier pre-

sented by our own first extraterrestrial visitors. Unfortunately, it is the natural response for most of humanity to innately fear that which they do not understand. The progress made by the other countries becomes stunted when several of them unsurprisingly grow to fear the aliens and threaten violence. Villeneuve creates wonderful layers of suspense as Banks and Donnelly rush to find out the hectopods’ purpose before a war erupts. As she gets closer, Banks’ tragic past comes to the forefront of her thoughts. Is she overworked or are the hectopods messing with her mind? Villeneuve employs his own unconventional trickery in the third act to truly cement his latest masterpiece. “Arrival” is the expected progression of a talented filmmaker on his way up. “Incendies,” “Prisoners” and “Sicario” were all successive improvements. “Arrival” is one of the best films of the year. For our sake, let’s hope the sky is not Villeneuve’s limit. A Jeff Mellinger is a screen writer and film buff. He holds a BA in Film Studies and an MFA in film production. He lives in Concord. Email comments to editor@claytonpioneer.com.

December 9, 2016

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page 17

Funeral chapel helps families heal over the holidays The first holiday season following the death of a loved one can be especially difficult for families and friends. That’s why Ouimet Bros. Concord Funeral Chapel hosts a Service of Remembrance to honor loved ones in December. A beautifully decorated Christmas tree, with the names of the loved ones, stands in the foyer. Each family receives a keepsake candle, inscribed with the name of their family member. The candles are lit and placed on a table prior to the service. Families can provide a picture of their loved ones for a video tribute. Clergy of different faiths have given inspirational messages to help families cope with their loss during this festive season.

Following the service, families share fellowship with each other over light refreshments. Each family gets an angel memento to place on the family tree or in a special place in their homes. Over the years, many families have expressed appreciation for this special service. They find it helps them heal a little more during the Christmas season. Bruce Keim, one of the funeral directors, chairs this service with the help of all the staff. They find it to be a rewarding experience to see the peace it brings to the families the funeral home has served over the past year.

Gift Certificates Available

Ouimet Bros. Concord Funeral Chapel is at 4125 Clayton Road, Concord. For more information, visit www.ouimetbrothers.com.

Men • Women • Children Senior Discounts HairsThePlace.org (925) 672-6180

Prize Party favors

Bring your camera

Sat, Dec. 10,

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visit with Mrs. Claus and Santa at the historic Endeavor Hall

Center and Oak Streets, Clayton

Children 12 & under: FREE, if accompanied by adult

Donations appreciated