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December 12, 2014
925.672.0500
Eagles to go Bowl-ing again JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
DAVE SHUEY
MAYOR’S CORNER
New mayor gives thanks for Clayton As we round out 2014 and head into 2015 there is a lot to be thankful for in Clayton. First, thank you to all who voted in the November election. Despite common pessimism, your vote does matter and you overwhelmingly voted to renew our downtown park revenue for the next 20 years, ensuring our beautiful park will remain the centerpiece of downtown. In addition, you voted me back in for which I am grateful
See Mayor, page 9 Jason Rogers
Gavel goes to Dave Shuey in Council reorg
TO THE VICTOR GO THE SPOILS AND IT WAS CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL that won the North Coast Section football championship last Friday in an historic showdown with cross-town rivals Concord Minutemen, prompting an on-field celebration at Diablo Valley College. It was the first time two Concord schools had faced off in the NCS finals. The Ugly Eagles won 33-6 to claim their second NCS Division II title in three years. Concord won Section in 2010 and was also runner-up in 2011.
TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
The Clayton City Council shifted seamlessly into 2015 last Tuesday when City Clerk Janet Brown administered the oath of office to newly elected council members Keith Hayden and David Shuey; Hayden for the first time and Shuey for the fourth. After signing the oaths, the two took their seats on the dais and outgoing council member and mayor Hank Stratford addressed the council and the city staff. Stratford, by nature quiet and somewhat uncomfortable in the spotlight, thanked the city staff and his fellow council members. “I’ve learned something from every one of you, he said. “It’s been an honor to serve the city for eight years.” As Stratford prepared to leave the dais for the last time, See Council Election, page 9
See CVCHS Win,, page 10
Tree Lighting begins holiday countdown ARIEL HENLEY Special to the Pioneer
CITY COUNCILMEN Keith Haydon and David Shuey take oath of office
Undefeated Diablo Valley Athletic League and North Coast Section champion Clayton Valley Charter High School will be hosting its most significant home football game ever this Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. when the Eagles have a rematch with Oakdale (13-1) in the Northern California Division II Regional Bowl. To reach this game that dangles a berth in the CIF State Bowl Dec. 20 to the winner, coach Tim Murphy’s team used a stunning defensive display to defeat arch-rival Concord High 33-6 in the NCS finals last Friday at packed, rain-drenched Diablo Valley College. It was the 14th straight win for CVCHS as they continue to rack up school records and remain among the nation’s top high school offenses with over 7400 total years this season. Clayton Valley is No. 1 in the state in scoring, rushing and total offense. Nationally, the Ugly Eagles are No. 2 in rushing
Clayton’s quaint and picturesque town park was lit up Saturday night for the annual Caroling and Tree Lighting. The event, which drew hundreds of spectators from Clayton and the surrounding communities, was the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. The entire downtown was closed to traffic, and was instead filled with scenes of carolers, horse and carriage rides, and children holding cups of cider and the hands of their mothers. “It’s like a Thomas Kinkade Christmas,” said one man watching the horse drawn carriages outside of Moresi’s
Chophouse. Others smiled and nodded in agreement. The carriages took families on a lovely loop around town while those waiting in line were treated to the sounds of Vintage, a quartet of Clayton singers. The clip-clop of the horses’ hooves added nice rhythmic backup to the traditional and original Christmas music of the group led by Santiago Martinez. This is the fifth year that the Dynamic Real Estate Group, the Moresi Family and P2C Foundation have teamed up to provide the rides. By 6 p.m., the Mt. Diablo Elementary Chorus was in place SANTA,
ACCOMPANIED BY
DAVE ATKINSON (LEFT)
AND
MAYOR DAVE SHUEY and two Clayton kids,
See Tree Lighting, page 3 heads down Main Street to flip the switch on the town tree, officially kicking off the holidays.
Two Clayton scouts earn Gold Awards with innovative projects Clayton is fortunate that its culture of “giving back” extends to its younger residents. And nowhere is that as apparent as in prestigious scouting awards. Just recently, two young Clayton girls received their Girl Scout Gold Award for two unique projects.
JUSTINE DEL MONTE CAPS SCOUTING YEARS with Gold Award for her “Drew” anti-bullying children’s books.
COMBATING BULLYING Justine Del Monte, a 14year-old resident of Clayton, combined her love of reading, writing and fighting bullying into a unique project that
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earned the Athenian School ninth grader the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award. It started when Justine wrote the book, “Drew’s Dancing Drum” at age 11 as a class project while attending Palmer School. Artist Brandon Chappell, volunteered to illustrate the book and then created a children’s interactive app. The app is available in three languages: English, Spanish and Mandarin. Fans of the first book inquired about a second book,
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which inspired Justine at age 12 to write, “Drew Meets Boo.” Brandon volunteered again to illustrate the second book and created a children’s interactive app for the book that is available in three languages as well. The first app for “Drew’s Dancing Drum” is free – the second App for “Drew Meets Boo” is $1.99 and all the money goes to charity — food banks, Girl Scouts, an Autistic
See Gold Awards, page 3
Check out the EBRPD Activity Guide Inside.
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Page 2
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
December 12, 2014
Around Town Students recognized for Respect and Responsibility The library meeting room was packed with proud parents and siblings at the City Council meeting on election night, Nov. 4. Some were there to cheer on their candidates, but most were proud parents and siblings of nine local students who were receiving Certificates of Recognition as part of the communitywide Do the Right Thing characterbuilding initiative. The students were nominated by their teachers for showing great respect and exceptional responsibility. Each received a certificate and congratulations from Mayor Hank Stratford. Back row: Mayor Stratford, Lauren Gloekler, Cesar Ledesma and Katelynn Van Tuyl from CVCHS; Middle row: Alex Dyer, Uriel Rodriquez, Emillee Rabago from DVMS; Front: Lauren Uttne, DVMS, Corinne Jeandheur, Logan Remington from MDES.
Pioneer Travels SHANGHAI “Free home delivery” took on a whole new meaning last month, when Chris Halliday personally delivered the latest issue of the Clayton Pioneer to the Barnes family in Shanghai. Chris is a Clayton resident and pilot for United Air Lines. “I’ve always enjoyed our local paper and always get a kick out of the photos of people holding the Pioneer from all over the world,” writes Chris, who recently flew an airline trip to
Shanghai. While on layover, he visited the Barnes family, former Clayton residents that moved to Shanghai three years ago. “I delivered the paper to them, personally,” wrote Chris. The photo is taken in “The Bund” located on the bank of the Huangpu River in Shanghai. That’s the Oriental Pearl TV Tower in the background in Pudong, which is the district opposite The Bund on the other side of the Huangpu River.
Arts foundation to increase school funding The Clayton Valley/Concord Sunrise Rotary Club donated $1000 to the Michelangelo D’Onofrio Arts Foundation, the foundation’s board announced last week.
ROTARY PRESIDENT IRENE DAVIDSBLAIR AND JOAN D’ONOFRIO
The donation will enable the foundation to add two more schools to their 2015 Annual Art Awards Program. In addition to medals and certificates, the foundation will now be able to increase their first prize cash awards to students excelling in the visual and digital arts in public schools throughout the community. College Park and Ygnacio Valley High will be invited to participate in the 2015 program. Already Concord and Northgate High schools, Clayton Valley Charter High School, Pine Hollow, El Dorado and Diablo middle schools are participants and recipients of the awards. Northgate and Concord High present their student awards at their schools annual awards ceremonies. Clayton Valley Charter holds an Art Expo where awards are presented at their school’s Open School night. The foundation was founded in 2010 by a family of artists deeply com-
mitted to careers in art, architecture and animation. They felt it was their obligation to shine the spotlight on students with outstanding artistic skills just as they all received awards for their talents throughout their public school years. Besides the daughter of Michelangelo D’Onofrio, the board is comprised of three more family members. Susan Bennett, the daughter, is a graphic designer and senior project manager of the GNU Group in Lafayette. Professor Michael Silver, the son, teaches architectural design and emerging technologies that include humanoid robotics, automated fiber placement and mobile design apps at the University of Buffalo. CJ Bennett, the grandson, is a freshman at the Academy of Arts University in San Francisco.
Mike, Jennifer, Kristen and Emily Barnes, former Claytonians with Chris Halliday, far right in Shangai, China.
EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISE
To learn more about this program and the foundation please send email to joandonofrio@aol.com.
Judith Wilson (holding paper) brought the Pioneer along on an Avalon river cruise to Amsterdam, Germany, France and Switzerland with long time friends from Crossroads Covenant Church in Concord. Pictured in Mainz, Germany are Clayton and Concord residents (from left, front row) Steve & Carla Stewart, Judith Wilson, Mig Willis, Janet & Frank Rossini (back row) Steve & Ruth Fuller, Paul Wilson, Debbi & Ron Lawson and Bonnie Jolly.
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December 12, 2014
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Around Town Final project for Scouts
Tree Lighting, from page 1
Five girls from Girl Scout Troop 32386 have been scouting together for nine years and are now in their final year. For a final project, they organized their own coat drive for the “One Warm Coat” project. They distributed fliers within their neighborhoods in Clayton and collected over 225 coats. Pictured are Kaytlyn Coyne, Kayla Elwy, Noelle Correa, Lauren Gloekler and Bethany Anzelone.
Gold Awards, from page 1 Children’s Program and an orphanage in Nicaragua. Justine’s Gold Award consists of Drew’s Books, The apps, and discussion points. The discussion points she wrote to assist educators and parents to create dialogue with the children when addressing bullying, acceptance, friendship, selfesteem, kindness, empowerment, and other life lessons with their children. She feels these issues should be taught and discussed when the children are young instead of waiting until middle school and high school, because the behaviors seem to escalate into more violent and devastating forms of bullying. Justine’s Gold Award Project is unique because most children’s books do not come with an interactive app and discussion points — tools that can be
used to teach children about bullying. The books teach anti-bullying in a fun and subtle way with rhymes because children love rhymes, Justine says. Justine has donated 255 books to schools, religious children’s programs, children’s camps and libraries nationally. The discussion points can be downloaded for free at Drewsbooks.com. The apps have been downloaded in 76 countries. Her work has not gone unnoticed by the national media. Justine and Brandon have been interviewed by KVCR in Los Angeles and also were taped reading the two books for a short story time for KVCR’s televised children’s programming. KVCR has committed to run their interview every year for National Bulling Prevention Month.
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on the Gazebo for their annual concert before Santa’s arrival. The suspense built as the children chanted “Santa, Santa, Santa,” until he arrived in style, chauffeured by Clayton’s police chief, Chris Thorsen. The crowd then headed up Main Street to the official city tree, past the Clayton Community Church where members stood ready to serve the donuts and hot cider provided by the CBCA. A Jewish menorah and a Christian nativity stood side by side next to the church, a reminder of the season’s two traditions. At the tree, it was finally time for a couple of off-key verses of
Jingle Bells and the countdown. Santa pulled the switch and the stately tree glowed. “This is really a wonderful way to start the season,” says Clayton resident Dave Bush, who attends the event every year with his family. His children agree. “I really liked when the kids were caroling and the countdown to the tree lighting,” says 8-year-old Olivia Bush. “I like when everyone is gathered around the tree.” “My favorite part was the carriage ride and watching the Mount Diablo Elementary School students play their instruments,” added her sister,
Justine has been a Girl Scout for 10 years. She has earned her Bronze and Silver Awards as well. She started at age 4 as a Daisy. MUSIC IS GOLDEN FOR THIS SCOUT
The tunes of Broadway shows are being sung by young and old in Clayton and Concord these days, as part of Kayla Elwy’s Girl Scout Gold Award project. Kayla’s love of music since age four has culminated into a community project of 11 singing events that she has been thoroughly enjoying along the way. “My project is called ‘Bridging the Generation Gap Through Music,’” says Kayla. “Young Girl Scouts ages 6-12 years old have learned popular show songs to sing for the seniors that include, ‘My Favorite Things,’ ‘We’re Off to See the Wizard,’ and ‘Anything Goes.’ I arranged all of the songs myself
GIRL SCOUT KAYLA ELWY (far right) will win her Girl Scout Gold Award with a project that bridges the generation gap through music performances at the senior homes in the area. She is pictured at Diamond Terrace with Annika Nelson and resident Frances Corbolotti.
with the help of my project mentor and voice teacher of 13 years, Loree Capper.” Kayla has coordinated more than 80 young scouts on her event dates at Diamond Terrace
5452 Roundtree Place, Concord
and Montecito assisted living facilities to perform for the seniors. Following their singing performances, Kayla and the scouts help the seniors make music-related crafts. The crafts
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Photos by Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
SHAWN ROBINSON, pastor of Clayton Community Church, stands ready to serve the hot cider and donuts.
Mackenzie, 10. The annual event is sponsored by the Clayton Business and Community Association.
have varied with rain-stick instruments, musical note banners and Halloween tambourines. Kayla also has put together CDs and song lyrics for the troops that are participating so that they can continue to sing on their own in the future. “It has been such a joy to see the seniors singing along with us. The songs bring back good memories for them and the young scouts love being involved,” says Kayla. “This is personally very rewarding and I have established wonderful relationships with many people of all ages in my community now.” As an extra award for their singing, Kayla has presented each of the girls with a music patch to display on their Girl Scout vests. “Hopefully the girls will remember these fun times with all of us singing together and will do a special community project when they are older, too,” Kayla says.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Annual Historical Society home tour shares elegance, whimsy
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It’s time again for the annual Clayton Christmas Home Tour, where five homes will open their doors to Clayton residents, showcasing everything from elegant holiday decorating to whimsical family fun. Sponsored the by the Clayton Historical Society and Museum, the homes will feature fireplaces, staircases and balconies adorned with bows, lights and all the trimmings. There will be chandeliers, gorgeous dining room settings and several Christmas trees in each home. Tour goers will immediately be put in the Christmas spirit when entering the home of Shawnda and Marc Lopez. Shawnda is a decorator and her talent shows. The home features several Christmas trees, each with a different theme, and two
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December 12, 2014
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DECORATOR SHAWNDA LOPEZ’S eye for color and light is apparent at every turn in her home. Every room has something new to delight and inspire.
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fully decorated master bedrooms. The kitchen, dining room, all bedrooms and bathrooms are decorated with elegance and style. “Christmas through the house is incredibly beautiful and bright,” says Shawnda. Julie Mancini has always had a passion for design and decorating. She had so much fun decorating her own home over the years that she recently opened her own interior decorating and staging business. At the Centurion home, the first thing seen is the 10-foot Christmas tree in the front picture window. Carlos and Kristie Centurion have collections from Russia, ornaments from Italy, France, England, as well as cities they have lived in throughout the United States. The dining room hosts a variety of mischievous elves. Carlos surprised Kristie last year over the 12 days of Christmas by bringing her a new elf each day, along with a Christmas tree decorated with sugar plums, candy canes, and sugary confections. Kristie says there will be a unique surprise outside for those after-sunset visitors. Carol van Vaerenberg was born on Christmas Eve and her middle name is Noelle. In her home is a family room full of their daughters’ homemade ornaments and those collected from their travels. “Our four daughters have always received nutcrackers and snow globes every year from Santa. So we have many treasures to share.” Denis and Barbara Weil’s home has always been about the children. Barbara comes from a
THIS ELEGANTLY DECORATED TREE in the entry hall greets visitors to the van Vaerenberg home, one of the five on the Clayton Historical Society’s Annual Holiday Home Tour, Dec.14.
family of artists, and their artwork can be seen throughout their home, intermingled among their holiday decorations. Santa figures, elves and fairies are complimented with poinsettias and cyclamen. The Fifth Annual Clayton Christmas Home Tour will be held Sunday, Dec. 14, from 12 to 7 p.m., rain or shine. The $30
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tour ticket donation is tax deductible and the proceeds go to the Historical Society toward maintaining the museum. The self-guided tour begins at the museum at 6101 Main Street in downtown Clayton. Tickets can be purchased at the museum on the day of the tour until 6 p.m. For more information visit www.ClaytonHistory.org or call 925-672-7680.
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s y a d i l o H y p p Ha Thank you to all of our clients and friends for joining us in the holiday carriage rides.
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Go to claytoncbca.org or call (925)
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December 12, 2014
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Obituary March 17, 1926 – November 21, 2014
S TAFF W RITERS : Peggy Spear, Pam Wiesendanger, John Jackson, Jay Bedecarre
We remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit is our muse
PIONEER INFO CONTACT US
Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580 Tamara Steiner tamara@claytonpioneer.com Send ads to ads@claytonpioneer.com Send Sports News to sports@claytonpioneer.com Send Club News to clubnews@claytonpioneer.com Send School News to schoolnews@claytonpioneer.com
CLASSIFIEDS Classified rates per insertion: $48 for first 30 words, 40 cents each additional word Non-profit: $24 for first 30 words, 20 cents each additional word To place your classified ad over the phone, call the office at (925) 672-0500 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. All classifieds must be paid for in advance by credit card (Master Card or Visa) We will not accept any ad that discriminates on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, family status or disability. The Clayton Pioneer reserves the right to reject any advertising we believe is unsuitable. LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a 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.
Directory of Advertisers
Ronald James Clark
P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517 TAMARA AND R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers TAMARA S TEINER , Editor P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design P EGGY S PEAR , Copy Editor J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports PAMELA W IESENDANGER , Administration, Calendar Editor
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Both Pioneer newspapers welcome letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 250 words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include 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 Email. CIRCULATION as of Sept. 2014 Total circulation of the Clayton Pioneer is 5,500 to ZIP code 94517, all delivered by US Mail to homes, businesses and post office boxes. We cannot start or stop delivery to individual addresses. This must be done directly through the Post Office The Concord Pioneer is delivered monthly to 28,000 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 email 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.
A Celebration of Life was held on Dec. 3 for Ronald James Clark, 88, who passed away on Nov. 21in Clayton after a courageous battle with cancer. A loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather beloved by all, Ronald was born on March 17, 1926 in Berkeley. He was a correspondent for the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. He graduated from Armstrong College, earning his degree in business. Ronald worked for more than 40 years for Chevron Corporation. Ron is survived by his wife, Claire, four children, six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Ron will be dearly missed by his family and many friends who have enjoyed his loving and giving ways — accompanied by his
RONALD CLARK
huge smile. He is preceded in death by his parents, Leslie Clark and Ruth Wright-Clark; brothers Ralph, Leslie and Daniel, and sister Ruth. Memorial donations can be made to Hospice of the East Bay.
Police Activity Report Police Activity for two weeks ending Dec. 4, 2014 ACCIDENTS: None.
License # 958849
Nov. 30, Mt. Olympus Pl. Battery: Spouse/ExSpouse/Etc. 44-year-old Clayton female.
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Nov. 30, 5400 Clayton Rd. Warrant. 31-yearold Pittsburg male. Dec. 2, 5400 Clayton Rd. Out of State Warrant. 58-year-old Discovery Bay male. Dec. 2, 5400 Clayton Rd. Drive While License Suspended for DUI; Driving a Vehicle While Driving Privilege Suspended. 32-year-old San Ramon male. Dec. 3, 5400 Clayton Rd. Possess Controlled Substance; Warrant. 35-year-old Concord male. BURGLARIES/THEFTS: Nov. 29, Blue Oak Ln. Burglary – Vehicle Nov. 30, Feather Cr. Burglary – Residential. Dec. 1, N. Mitchell Canyon. Burglary – Vehicle.
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Nov. 25, Mountaire Cr./Mountaire Pkwy. Drive While License Suspended for DUI; Driving a Vehicle While Driving Privilege Suspended. 35year-old Pittsburg male.
Commercial & Residential • 925-381-3757
Automotive Clayton Valley Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3900
Business Services Rising Moon Marketing & Public Relations . . . . .672-8717
ARRESTS: Nov. 21, Clayton Rd./Oakhurst Dr. Disorderly Conduct: Alcohol. 31-year-old Pleasant Hill male.
Design • Installation • Maintenance
Page 5
Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 El Molino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .963-7472 Los Rancheros Taqueria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-7110 Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737 Scousers Fish’n Chips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .521-1962 Events Clayton Business and Community Association . .672-2272 Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market . . . . . . . . . . .800-949-3276 Financial, Insurance and Legal Services Archvest Wealth Advisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .215-5600 DuRee, Daniel – The Law Office of . . . . . . . . . . .210-1400 Littorno, Richard – The Law Office of . . . . . . . . .432-4211 Van Wyck, Doug – State Farm Insurance . . . . . .672-2300 Funerals Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Groceries Doorstep Farmers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .349-4568 Health Foresight Optometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4100 Walnut Creek Orthodontics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .946-1951 Home and Garden Clayton Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-2299 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Interiors Panache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7920 Just Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .681-4747 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 R & M Pool, Patio, Gifts & Gardens . . . . . . . . . . .672-0207 Soto HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .497-7426 The Floor Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .969-9890 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 The Royal Rooster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2025 Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055 Waraner Bros. Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .831-2323 Waraner Tree Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-0334 Mailing Services The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Pet Services Peace of Mind Pet Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9781 Real Estate and Mortgage Services French, Lynne – Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787 Gray, Heather – Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .765-3822 Hayes, Diane and Bill – Better Homes Realty . . .890-4701 Howard, Don – Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . .408-3184 Howard, Emily – Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . .408-1871 Klock, Leigh – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593 Laurence, Pete – RE/MAX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . .890-6004 Lopez, Stephanie – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . .932-7329 Mazzei, Matt – Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757 Stojanovich, Jennifer – Better Homes Realty . . .567-6170 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . . .672-4433 Recreation and Fitness Anytime Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6700 Diablo FC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.diablofc.org Diablo Yoga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .304-2127 Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454 East Bay Regional Park District . . . . . . . . . .888-327-2757 SNAP Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0110 Senior Services Courtyards at Pine Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-3900 Services, Other A Floral Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .705-3088 Clayton Valley Frameworks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6066 ComputersUSA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Cutting Edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .304-2200 Diaz, Jim – Councilmember . . . . . .jdiaz@ci.clayton.ca.us HobbyTown USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-3802 Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029 Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . . . .473-0180 Rochellez Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .510-677-4170 Travel Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9840 Worship Concord United Methodist Church . . . . . . . . . . . .685-5260 Eternal Life Lutheran Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0295 St. Bonaventure Catholic Community . . . . . . . . .672-5800
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
December 12, 2014
Large mortgage has risks, benefits
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A. Determining what size mortgage is right for you is a personal decision that you should make based on your current and anticipated income, your overall investment strategy, and the property in question. One benefit of buying real estate is that you can use someone else’s money to finance your purchase. Relative to the purchase price of a property you tie up a small amount of your own money. This is called leverage. The
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REAL ANSWERS less money you put down the more you can leverage your money. If the price of the property goes up you earn appreciation on the entire asset. A percentage of the total price of the property not just a percentage of the money that you actually put down. A higher mortgage can
also be more risky. As real estate prices go up and down, (though historically they go up) if you only put 5 percent down and the market goes down 5 percent you will lose your cash investment until prices go up again. For many homeowners, having a large mortgage is well worth the risk when tax relief is taken into account. With some restrictions, the federal government allows homeowners to write off interest (and property taxes) paid on their home mortgages. The larger the mortgage the larger the write off. Let’s say you are in a 28 percent tax bracket, you can write off 28 cents for each dollar of interest paid. Another thing to consider is if you are putting down less than 20 percent down you
could have to pay mortgage insurance. For instance on an FHA (government insured loan) they will allow you to put as little as 3.5 percent down but all of their loans have mortgage insurance. These FHA loans usually have lower interest rates. You would have to do the calculations with your mortgage broker. When you are deciding on the amount of your down payment, make sure you have enough cash reserves to cover unexpected expenses repairs and maintenance. 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 672-878 7or stop in at 6200 Center St., Clayton.
Be alert for package thieves It’s hard to believe, but Christmas is right around the corner. As I write this, there are about 21 days of shopping left. Each year, more of us are shopping online for gifts. In 2012, Internet holiday shopping represented nearly $100 billion in sales. With more and more of us shopping online, the inevitable issue of package theft arises. Last year, the Clayton Police Department took several reports of packages being delivered to our residents only to have them stolen from the porch. There are a few things you can do to minimize the chances of your packages disappearing off the front porch. If you aren’t home during the day, send the package to a neighbor or relative who is home. Be sure that person knows ahead of time so she can be at home to accept the delivery. Request a signature confirmation on each delivery so a
package will not be left at its destination unless someone is present to sign for it. If your company allows, have packages delivered to your work address instead of your home. Check with your shipper for options. UPS offers My Choice, a service that alerts you by text or e-mail a day before the package is scheduled to arrive. You can reschedule the delivery for a different day or reroute the package to be delivered to a different address (a neighbor, for example) if you won’t be home. FedEx offers similar services, including allowing you to hold the package at a FedEx retail location for pickup, or you can go online and request to have the package delivered to your home within a specific delivery time window. You can help us by using these practices. Additionally, please keep an eye out for suspicious people or cars in your
CHRIS THORSEN
BEHIND
THE
BADGE
neighborhood. If you witness suspicious activity, please call the Clayton Police Department. Whenever possible, provide a detailed description of the person or vehicle (including license plate) involved in the activity. We appreciate the continued support from the Clayton community. Happy Holidays! Chris Thorsen is Clayton’s chief of police. For questions and comments, call him at (925) 673-7350.
Clayton City Hall Holiday Closures Clayton City Hall offices will be closed the following days: • Dec. 24, 25 and 26 for the Christmas holiday • Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 for New Years • The police department offices will be closed Dec. 25 and Jan 1. Regular city police services remain unaffected by these holiday closures. City maintenance crews are on standby in the event of emergencies
December 12, 2014
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Club News
CBCA hears how Clayton combats boar-ish behavior GARY CARR Special to the Pioneer
Clayton is the second-safest city in the Bay Area, according to the latest FBI “Crime in the United States” report for 2013. Clayton registered 0.18 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, surpassed only by Hillsborough with zero. But apparently the FBI did not take into consideration crime by the pig community. Members of the Clayton Business and Community Association were taken aback by Councilmember David Shuey’s “City Report” that the
City of Clayton has hired a licensed pig hunter to hunt down and do who-knows-what to rampaging porcine lawnwreckers. Shuey hogged the spotlight with this news at the Nov. 20 CBCA meeting held at Oakhurst Country Club. Clayton residents are urged to report any pig damage to the city, so that the Razorback Ranger can be dispatched to confront the “boarish” miscreants and, hopefully, bring home the bacon. Rumor has it that a hotline may be established at 1-800-321-OINK. In other news, CBCA members voted the funds to
the Clayton Historical Society for museum repairs, displays, and educational programs. It is assumed that repair funds will cover any pig depredation. In addition, the club passed a request for funds from Christmas for Everyone to help provide presents, blankets, and food for 3,000 working poor in central Contra Costa County. CBCA, now with 199 members, exists to benefit the entire Clayton community through fundraising activities and other events. To join CBCA or to volunteer for an event, visit www.claytonCBCA.org.
Creekside Artists Guild Guests are invited to bring a favorite dish and join the Creekside Artists Guild’s annual
“Barter, Buy or Sell” Holiday Potluck on Sunday, Dec. 14 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Dia-
mond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton. Featured local author, Lisa Fulmer, will guide you through creating a quick and fun holiday craft project to take home from her latest book, “Craft Your Stash.” Signed copies of her books will be on hand along with music, sing alongs, local art, greeting cards, jewelry and other gift items to barter, buy or sell. The Creekside Artists Guild meets at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at the Clayton Library. For more information, contact Arlene Kikkawa-Nielsen at (925) 673-9777, akiksen@aol.com or creeksideartsfest@gmail.com.
Lisa Fulmer, author of the Craft Your Stash
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New Old Western Clayton Tree with custom-made Clayton ornaments
Refreshment Destination for Clayton’s Christmas Home Tour Dec. 14, 12-7 p.m.
Tickets $30. Available at Royal Rooster or Clayton Historical Society, www.claytonhistory.org Open 7 days a week until Christmas
925-672-2025 1028 Diablo St., Clayton, CA Details on our Facebook page
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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December 12, 2014
Microclimates can have chilling effect The Bay Area is known for its microclimates. Due to the unique geography of the California coast weather variables like cloud cover, temperature, wind and rain patterns can vary significantly from town to town. Microclimates are not unique to our area. Recently the western New York area near Buffalo was pummeled by a record-breaking “lake effect” snowstorm that formed over Lake Erie. Lake effect storm clouds dumped more than six feet of snow on the southern suburbs of Buffalo. Surprisingly, the northern suburbs recorded less that one foot of snow. That is a type of microclimate we’ll never experience here. Lake effect snowstorms form over Lake Erie if a combination of atmospheric conditions develop. First, a nearly stationary north to south directed jet stream must persist for several days over west-central Canada. This jet current will steer a frigid Arctic air mass southward across Canada and into the central United States. Second, the jet stream needs to turn toward the northeast and carry the cold air slowly into the Great Lakes region. West-southwesterly winds are ideal for triggering lake effect conditions over Lake Erie since they provide the greatest over-water trajectory. Finally, the lake water temperature needs to be several degrees above freezing. As frigid air moves across warmer waters, the lower atmosphere becomes very unstable. Updrafts form in unstable air masses. During extreme Arctic cold air outbreaks vertical tem-
WOODY WHITLATCH WEATHER WORDS perature differences can produce very strong updrafts. Once all these ingredients are in place the atmospheric snow machine is complete. When these conditions develop over Lake Erie it’s like having a giant snow blower pointed directly at the southern suburbs of Buffalo.
During a five-day period just before Thanksgiving that is exactly what happened. Nearly ideal lake effect storm conditions developed over Lake Erie. Heavy snowfall resulted as a snow-laden air mass was blown into the Buffalo area. Blizzard conditions lasted for hours at a time during the stormy period. November’s Arctic air mass became so unstable that rare “thundersnow” cells formed. Lightning flashed and thunder rumbled as snow plied up on the ground. Besides the usual storm related road closures and power outages, this lake effect event was also deadly as several deaths were reported. As mentioned earlier, this event resulted in large variations of snowfall amounts
over very short distances. Local area geography was responsible for the varying snow depths. Suburbs to the south of the city were directly in the path of the 250-mile overwater fetch of the lake. Northern suburbs were just far enough removed from the main fetch to record substantially less snowfall. Unique meteorological and geographical conditions combined to produce the recent lake effect snow storm that struck Buffalo, and illustrate the snow microclimates of the that area. It makes the Bay Area microclimates seem very benign. Woody Whitlatch is a meteorologist retired from PG&E. Email your questions or comments to clayton_909@yahoo.com
Where to go for LOCAL news For fast, on-the-spot coverage of the latest police action, traffic jams, emergency information and chat, social media and local blogs, like CLAYCORD.com are often good sources of breaking news. For more complete, in-depth coverage of local news, readers turn to their independently owned community newspapers. With news that people care about – local politics, schools, sports, events and stories about their friends and neighbors, the community newspaper is social media the old fashioned way. To find out what is happening in neighboring cities, check out these Contra Costa Community News Group newspapers Clayton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clayton Pioneer . . . . . . . . . . .claytonpioneer.com Concord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Concord Pioneer . . . . . . . . . . .concordpioneer.com Pleasant Hill, Martinez . . . . . . . . . . . .Community Focus . . . . . . . . . .ourcommunityfocus.com Lafayette, Orinda and Moraga . . . . . .Lamorinda Weekly . . . . . . . . .lamorindaweekly.com San Ramon, Danville, and Alamo . . . .Valley Sentinel . . . . . . . . . . . . .valleysentinel.com
The Contra Costa Community Newspaper Group is a consortium of independent, locally newspapers with a combined circulation of more than 150,000. To advertise in all five papers with just one phone call, go to www.cccommunitynewsgroup.com or call 844.457.7665
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UTOPIC GARDENS
‘Tis the season for gifts and giving — the holidays are now in full swing. Retailers and advertisers are all making the pitch for your hard earned dollars. The power of persuasion is at play tempting one to recategorize his/her wants with needs. Banks and credit card companies are continuing to entice borrowers with low-interest teaser rates as well as zero interest promotional periods. As cash is often times in short supply this time of year, you might be considering utilizing a promotional credit line. Before agreeing to a promotional offer, be sure you know what you’re signing up for. Get an understanding of finance charges. For example, after most promotional periods end, if there is a balance due, typically interest is charged on the balance from
the date of purchase; not the date the promotion ends. This interest rate associated with the finance charge is often double digits and can cause the debt to grow quite rapidly if no plan is in place. A good rule-of-thumb to follow would be, if you don’t have the cash on hand, be sure there is a spending plan. Generally, the plan should be realistic, with attainable goals minimizing the amount of debt taken, if any. In my next column, I’ll discuss in greater detail how to establish a spending plan as well as tips for tackling debt. LONG-TIME TAX STRATEGY EXPIRED In the spirit of gifting, keep in mind there was a tax-advantaged strategy that is still expired. For those subject to Required Minimum Distribu-
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tions (RMDs) there was a strategy known as the IRA RMD charitable rollover, which expired at the end of 2013. Under this legislative provision, individuals who are at least 70½ would have been able to directly transfer up to $100,000 of their annual IRA RMD to a qualified charity. This strategy was a twofold bonus: it allowed IRA owners to meet the RMD rules, which hold a steep tax penalty if ignored, as well as not be subject to any tax liability on the withdrawn amount because the funds would go straight to the charity. It’s quite possible this legislation could be reinstated retroactively for 2014, but Congress needs to act soon. The IRA RMD charitable rollover has been in effect since 2006, originally as a temporary measure, set to expire
JOHN WENZEL
FINANCIAL SENSE in 2007. It was subsequently extended each year due to its popularity among IRA owners who don’t need the annual withdrawal amounts to live on, and the charities that have benefited from the transfers. Please be sure to confirm the best gifting strategy for you by speaking with a tax professional or meet with a certified financial planning professional to learn more or create the right spending plan. John Wenzel is an investment advisor with Archvest Wealth Advisers. Send questions and comments to john@archvestwa.com
Why advertise in the Pioneer? Here’s one reason: Local painting contractor, Bryan Schaefer, got four calls the first two weeks his ad was in the Pioneer. “The two things I hear most from [new customers] are ‘I wanted to use someone local,’ and ‘Nice ad in the - Bryan Schaefer, Schaefer’s Painting Pioneer.’”
December 12, 2014
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Book Review
Offering All-Season
Steinbeck fans will crave this glimpse into his first marriage SUNNY SOLOMON
FOR
THE
BOOKS
I’d been on a Steinbeck jag (reviewing “Steinbeck’s Ghost,” rereading “The Long Valley,” browsing through “Harvest Gypsies,” and finally reading “Obscene Extreme, the Burning and Banning of John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath”) when I saw UNR Press had published “Carol and John Steinbeck, Portrait of a Marriage.” I immediately begged for a review copy. Susan Shillinglaw’s book about a young Steinbeck bursting at the seams, romantically, intellectually and politically, is another reason never to pass up what university presses, in this case, University of Nevada Press, offer the general reader, as well as the academic. Shillinglaw, scholar in residence at the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, is a professor of English at San Jose State University, and from 1987 to 2005 was director of its Center for Steinbeck Studies. Had she written her Steinbeck book when I attended San Francisco State, I might have better understood why no Steinbeck titles,
JOHN STEINBECK WITH FIRST WIFE CAROL
not even his short stories, were included in any of the American Lit classes I took. Why most universities leave Steinbeck’s work to be studied in high schools is beyond me. If you are a Steinbeck fan, “Carol and John Steinbeck” is a book you will not want to miss. Salinas is the town most often associated with Steinbeck, but what about Pacific Grove, Los Gatos and other nearby Bay Area communities? Carol Hennings Steinbeck (born 1906) was a local girl, born and raised in San Jose. In her day, “Carol reinvented herself, undergoing a
Mayor, from page 1 (on most days) and elected Keith Haydon. Keith has a long track record of service to the community and will be a valuable addition. Great job Clayton and welcome Keith. As for me, you will have to put up with my wit and wisdom (or lack thereof) for another four years. It is with sadness that we say goodbye to eight-year councilman and mayor, Hank Stratford. I have known Hank since high school and without doubt he is the true embodiment of a servant leader. We have benefitted greatly from his moral compass and leadership. We say goodbye and thanks to Hank on the council, but hope he
continues to be a force in our community. We can be thankful that Clayton Valley Charter High School has been granted a five year re-authorization from the county and we look forward to continued improvement and innovation in the education of our high schoolers! Let’s continue to give thanks to our own Clayton Business and Community Association, which year after year gives back its members time and money to the community. Almost 200 members strong, they can always use enthusiastic new members who want to give back to this community and
metamorphosis from gawky high school wallflower to career girl.” In the 1920s “New Women were ambitious, sassy, and sexually liberated.” Carol was a “hellraiser . . . she smoked freely, swore energetically,” and in general was just right for John Steinbeck when they met at Lake Tahoe in 1928. Steinbeck himself was all about breaking rules. “The only advantage I can see about writing at all is to try to overturn precedent.” The book’s title is most appropriate because Shillinglaw paints a portrait, a very intimate one, of the
also get to know a great group of friends. Go to www.claytoncbca.org. We are thankful that Clayton has continued to weather the recession and money grabs from the state and that our employees provide wonderful service to the community. Our police force is back at full strength, with some great new additions and returning officers who are testament to how great our department is. We also recently ranked the #2 Safest City, so bravo to all. Our miscellaneous employees continue to provide great service on a shoestring budget and with a smile. Our city manager continues to run a well-oiled machine and likes us enough to continue to turn down constant job
Council Election, from page 1 Julie Pierce commended him for his calm, well-considered decision making. “He’s one of the most honorable elected officials I’ve ever worked with.” Howard Geller has known Stratford since boyhood. He recalled when he “was a ratty little kid washing my car and mowing my lawns, and I couldn’t be prouder of the man you’ve become.” Shuey has also known Stratford since they were classmates at Clayton Valley High School. “Hank has always done the right thing for the right reason,” Shuey said. “Hank is the leader I’d like to be when I grow up.” Stratford was a catalyst in the formation of the Do the Right Thing character initiative that has been embraced by the police department, the city and the local schools. “Do the Right Thing” will be Hank’s legacy,” noted Councilman Jim Diaz. Stratford then joined the audience and the council unanimously elected Shuey mayor and Julie Pierce vice-mayor. It
Page 9
is Shuey’s third time holding the gavel. Hayden comes to the council having served on the Planning Commission for 16 years. He is a strong supporter of downtown development and
was instrumental in the formation of the Ipsen Family Bocce Park. Hayden is a retired attorney. He and his wife Cindy live in Westwood. Shuey, also an attorney, has been an outspoken supporter
Serving Northern California for Over 30 Years
years of John Steinbeck’s first marriage. The young couple lived “pared-down” in Pacific Grove for five years. Carol worked, John wrote. Carol was the driving force behind John’s early writing. The couple’s life opened up in ways scientific and philosophical when marine biologist Ed Ricketts entered their circle of friends. We know that Steinbeck married three times, that Carol Hennings was his first wife. But first times for anything are important: the dinner parties with their closest friends, indiscretions, arguments over money, dealing with writing successes and failures. Shillinglaw does not flinch from the couple’s flaws, both John’s and Carol’s, but neither does she hide their strengths. Theirs was a marriage almost as fated to succeed where it did, as to fail where it failed. Carol was the keystone of Steinbeck’s early writing life. With great depth and warmth, Shillinglaw profoundly enriches our appreciation of the man, John Steinbeck. Sunny Solomon is a freelance writer and head of the Clayton Book Club. Visit her website at bookinwithsunny.com to ‘talk books.’
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of the Clayton Valley Charter High School, both at the inception and during the current turmoil on the board. He lives in Clayton with his wife Shelley and an international household of five children; two adopted from China, one from Russia, and the “bigs,” – their two oldest.
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offers in bigger cities, a testament to his love for our small town. Great job to all and thanks! As we move into 2015, we can expect (but hope against) issues that come up that may threaten our idyllic life and potentially divide our city. Let’s all remember that we are neighbors first and we can differ on issues without rancor and getting personal. As a city we will continue to thrive. Reach me at dshuey@ci.clayton.ca.us. Finally, for those that remember, I like to close with humor to make it clear I don’t take myself or this position too seriously. In honor or sadness of my first bifocals, “Frustration is trying to find your glasses without your glasses.”
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
December 12, 2014
Sports 3 Eagles get DVAL recognition as league MVPs JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clayton Valley Charter High School football players Jax Carter and Miles Harrison and recordsetting water polo goalie Katie Van Tuyl were recognized for their outstanding seasons as most valuable players in their sports by Diablo Valley Athletic League coaches. Veteran Eagles aquatics coach Dennis Bledsoe reports that senior Van Tuyl set two school
records this year with the most goals blocked in a season at 157 (the previous mark was set in 1994 by Tyanna Neil) and most career saves at 389 (old record was Katie Johnstone 2002-03). She was first-team all-DVAL as a junior and honorable mention as a sophomore. Van Tuyl shared team MVP honors with Katie Kommer. Both players were chosen to participate in the North South All-Star game last Sunday. Harrison was tabbed DVAL
Jason Rogers photo
CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER WENT THROUGH ITS THIRD STRAIGHT undefeated league season this fall and Eagles football was led by seniors Miles Harrison (left) and Jax Carter. Harrison was tabbed DVAL MVP while teammate Carter was defensive MVP.
North Coast Section action concludes fall sports season The fall sports season wrapped up in November and early this month with North Coast Section, NorCal and state competitions. Clayton Valley Charter high school athletes and teams competed along with league rivals in several section meets. CROSS COUNTRY CVCHS freshman Kelly Osterkamp led the Eagles to eighth place in the Division II finals. She was 28th overall and the seventh frosh. Lindsay Mondloch was the next CV finisher and the only senior among
See Fall Sports, page 12
MVP during his undefeated senior year while the Eagles won their third successive league title. He was first-team all-DVAL as a junior runningback and rushed for over 4000 yards over two seasons. “Miles is one of the best running backs in the state. He has that rare combination of speed, vision and power...and just as important as all of those, he takes care of the ball.” His coach Tim Murphy continues, “He is a great kid and I’m going to miss coaching him.” Murphy says of Carter, “Jax is an outstanding all-around player. He was linemen of the year last year in our league and this year he is the defensive player of the year for his play at linebacker and defensive line. But his best position may actually be fullback. He is one of the best blockers and hard running FBs I have ever had. He is actually being recruited [by colleges] more as a fullback/hback. Bottom line is the kid is a flat out good football player.” Northgate grabbed four MVP awards with Dymphna Ueda (golf), Kristina Lencesova (tennis), Jade Lee (volleyball) and Liam Williams (boys water polo) snagging top honors. DVAL champ Parker Burr of Concord won the cross country award for boys and College Park’s Jamie Busby for girls. Malik Blackburn of Concord was the football offensive MVP. Junior Busby and freshman Ueda were the only non-senior winners. Williams was the only repeat MVP.
CVCHS Win, from page 1 and fourth in scoring with 110 touchdowns. This Saturday’s matchup in Concord is a replay of the first-ever NorCal DII Bowl game that Oakdale won 27-24 over the Eagles in 2012. Senior Grifin Bentley was all-league as a sophomore and saw lots of action against Oakdale. Star running back Miles Harrison returned one kickoff for 21 yards while a few other current seniors were reserves that evening in Stockton. The local prep football scene continues to sizzle with De La Salle going to its ninth consecutive State Bowl game. The 13-0 Spartans were seeded directly into the open division game against Centennial of Corona (12-2), the fourth time the schools have met in the final game of the year with the Spartans holding a 2-1 edge.
The Concord-Clayton Valley NCS finale was unlike the last two high-scoring matchups between the intra-city rivals that was each decided on the game’s final play with the Eagles defense holding off the Minutemen (12-2) from scoring a winning or tying touchdown. Brian Hamilton’s Concord team has been to three NCS title games in the past five years including a 2010 championship. The Eagles won the 2012 Section title, ending a run of three failed Section final efforts over the years for CVCHS. This was Murphy’s fifth section title spread over three schools since 1999. Harrison continues to carry the load for the Eagles offense. He rushed for 287 yards and three touchdowns against Concord. CV raced out to a
Scott Anderson photo
SENIOR KATIE VAN TUYL SET SEASON AND CAREER RECORDS for shot blocking for the Clayton Valley Charter High girls water polo team. The senior goalie and co-captain was named DVAL MVP for her play this fall.
CVCHS ATHLETES GET ALL-DVAL HONORS CROSS COUNTY Boys: Second teamSam Givens, Opeyany; Honorable Mention- JJ Perez, Brandon Clement Girls: First team- Osterkamp, Olivia Villa; Second teamNatalie Ruzicka, Sarah Verderame; Honorable MentionLynette Cox, Claire Olson
GIRLS TENNIS First team- Maria Sparvoli; Second team- Erin Wardle, Preet Nijjar; Honorable MentionCiera Cathcart, Dalia Anwar GIRLS VOLLEYBALL First team- Jessica Stratton; Second team- Erika Scheafer; Honorable Mention- Shaina Steinberg, Sarah Williams
GIRLS GOLF First team-Delong, Walsh; Second team- Reyna Khalilieh, Annie Park
WATER POLO Boys: First team- Scott Meylan, Ben Robinson; Second teamTanner White; Honorable Mention- Ryan Levy, Liam Calkins
27-point lead before Concord was able to score just before halftime. Harrison has run for
2140 yards from scrimmage leading the Eagles’ doublewing offense to 81 rushing
Jason Rogers photo
Junior quarterback Nate Keisel (11) has been the field general for the undefeated high-powered Clayton Valley Charter High football team this fall. He has rushed and passed for nearly 1500 yards combined while throwing 19 touchdown passes on only 92 pass attempts. Concord’s Donald Hollars (4) tried to corral the Ugly Eagles QB during last Friday’s NCS championship game at Diablo Valley College.
Girls: First team- Kayleigh Rohrbach; Second team- Bailey Reading, Rebekah Reynolds, Caitlin O’Leary FOOTBALL First team offense- Shimon Rosenblatt, Joe Levine, Chandler Wakefield; Second teamHarrison Boyle, Justin Zapanta, Brandon Estrada, Nate Keisel First team defense- Jake Peralta, Daniel Ferrell, Rich Peralta, Sean Vaisima; Second teamDrew Crabbe, Lucas Ostalaza, Elijah Breon, Ryan Cooper
TDs in 14 games. Gonsalves Stadium hosted three NCS games this year, all lopsided victories for the home side. The field was the site of the Section semi-final a year ago when Miramonte upended CVCHS 44-38, the school’s only home loss during Murphy’s three years in charge. The Eagles have posted a 37-4 mark since start of 2012 season. Oakdale trailed Underkum of Sacramento 20-0 last Saturday at halftime of the SacJoaquin Section championship game with the Clayton Valley coaching staff in the stands scouting both teams. The Mustangs roared back to take the lead in a nine-minute thirdquarter burst and won 27-23. “Oakdale is very similar to the team we played two years ago. Tough, hustle to the ball, team oriented. They run the wing-T from the time they are in youth football,” Murphy said.
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Sports
“Get to a healthier place.”
Eagles frosh before moving up to JVs and then on varsity level over the summer. To complete a busy freshman year Williams made varsity track and field in the shot put and discus. This current football season he moved up from JV (honored as team defensive MVP) to varsity. He says, “I love football because it teaches you about the sense of respect you should have towards others.
Athlete Spotlight
CVCHS student journalist Celine Herrera contributed to this Spotlight
Jeff Williams
The Clayton Pioneer congratulates Jeff 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
Grade: Sophomore Sports: Football, Track and Field, Basketball Team: Clayton Valley Charter High School In his short high school career, Jeff Williams has already done quite a lot. One of the youngest players on the undefeated Eagles Section championship varsity football team, he has shown excellent sports-
manship, teamwork and dedication to not one, but three sports. For the 2013 season he was on frosh football. In the winter he spends his time shooting hoops with the basketball team. Last year he was on the
Page 11
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.
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Olympians highlight fourth class of inductees to CVH’s Athletic Hall of Fame
Two new members of the Clayton Valley High School Athletic Fame achieved world-wide recognition by winning Summer Olympic bronze medals. Erin Dobratz McGregor (Class of 2000) was a synchronized swimming medalist in 2004 at Athens while Kara Kohler (2009) won her Olympic honors in rowing at London in 2012. Both women were swimming standouts while at the Concord school. They will be honored with the other new inductees next May 16 at Centre Concord.
JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Summer Olympic bronze medalists Erin Dobratz McGregor and Kara Kohler headline the list of inductees to the Clayton Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame. The Class of 2015 will be honored on Saturday, May 16, at Centre Concord. Dobratz (Class of 2000) and Kohler (2009) were both Eagle swimming standouts who went on to achiever international success in other sports. Dobratz went to Stanford and made the 2004 United States Olympic synchronized swimming team which was third at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Kohler got a scholarship to Cal in crew and
finished up her Golden Bear career earlier this year. She was part of the bronze medal USA quad four boat in London 2012. Derrell Hoschouer (Class of 1967 wrestling) , Tom McCarty (1972 football and baseball ), Paul Belluomioni (1974 football, wrestling and track), John Mahloch (1986 basketball), Mike Wojciehowski (1996 cross country and track), Tiffany Edwards (1990 soccer, tennis , softball and track), Lori Hokerson (1991 volleyball, soccer and track) and Lindsay Kiyama (2005 water polo, basketball and swimming). The 1977 girls volleyball team and its coach, Gary Gardner, are being inducted. Gardner led the Eagles to three NCS titles in 1976, 1977 and 1979
and four straight league titles from 1976-79. The ’76 team won the inaugural Section championship and are members of the first CVHS Hall of Fame class from 2008. The 1967 wrestling team, which won 30 consecutive dual meets and the North Coast Section title and was North State runner-up, is also being feted. The community/leadership honoree is Matt Mazzei, a CVHS alum who has been a major supporter of the baseball program as well as the rst of the school’s athletic teams. The Hall of Fame began in 2008 during the school’s silver anniversary year. Additional classes were added in 2010 and 2013.
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December 12, 2014
Sports Is this the Golden Era for area high school football? JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Three Concord high school football teams—-De La Salle, Concord and Clayton Valley Charter—last week competed for North Coast Section championships in the same season for the first-time ever, so you’d think things have never been better on the local high school football scene. And with local schools holding Section titles in the two biggest divisions it is quite a time. Adding to the local luster, Ygnacio Valley, Mt. Diablo, Northgate and Berean Christian were in the 2014 playoffs as well, the first time all seven local schools have been in NCS football post-season play in the same year. Despite this auspicious accomplishment each of the local schools has had periods of gridiron glory that match or exceed what is unfurling this fall. CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL Tim Murphy took over the Clayton Valley Charter team in 2012 and brought the school its first-ever NCS football title that fall, just missing a trip to the CIF State Bowl game and matching De La Salle’s title that season. Last year CVCHS was a semifinalist in section and they were
No. 1 seed this year. Herc Pardi led the Eagles football program for 16 years through the 2011 season. His teams three times reached the NCS championship game but fell short each time of winning the title, including an incredible triple overtime 2003 game against Las Lomas that ended 37-36. The Eagles were in the playoffs 12 of those 16 years. In 2004 Clayton Valley and De La Salle tied 17-17. North Coast Section did not hold football playoffs from 1931 to 1974. Ironically, in ’74 Clayton Valley had one of its best ever football teams that culminated the season by defeating Alhambra of Martinez 14-7 at Diablo Valley College in the final Turkey Bowl. The Eagles led by the school’s Hall of Fame coach Roger Zino were ranked No. 1 in the final East Bay writer’s poll and were 10-1 overall, giving up 42 points all season. CONCORD Coach Brian Hamilton’s Concord Minutemen won the 2010 NCS title and took second a year later so this was the third time in five years Concord reached the NCS finals. He moved over from his assistant coaching position at Clayton Valley to Concord in 2004 and with a strong offensive bent has developed the Minutemen into a DII power. His teams
were league champs three years running from 2009-11. Concord opened in 1966 and Don Lockyer was the first head coach. In 1969 Lockyer’s team won the DVAL championship over Ygnacio Valley. The title was decided in a classic Friday afternoon game at Ygnacio between the two unbeaten teams where a very strong wind played a major factor in the game. Concord had a resurgence of football prominence in the late 1980s featuring future Cal quarterback Dave Barr, who led his team to the NCS championship game in 1989. DE LA SALLE You could fill volumes talking about the Spartans under coach Bob Ladouceur. In fact, two books and then a major motion picture this year based on one of them, “When The Game Stands Tall” have chronicled some of the DLS exploits. Ladouceur stepped down following the 2012 season and turned the reins over to assistant coach Justin Alumbaugh. He took over at DLS in 1979 and by the time he retired from the heading coaching spot he had won 399 games while losing 25. Compare the 25 losses to the team’s 28 section championships in his 34 seasons for some measure of their success.
Of course, the Spartans and their coach are most heralded for their 151-game winning streak that spanned from the beginning of the 1992 season though the end of the 2003 campaign. The streak would have been even longer had not Pittsburg, coached by Pardi, upended DLS in the 1991 NCS finals, the last time De La Salle has lost to a Northern California team. MT. DIABLO The DVAL was long considered among the very best high school football leagues in the greater Bay Area. Pittsburg and Antioch battled with the Concord and Pleasant Hill schools for league honors year after year. Mt. Diablo High had a series of outstanding coaches including Rod Franz, Hart Fairclough, Herb Criner and Jerry Coakley. Among the assistant coaches were NFL and Rose Bowl-winning coach John Ralston and Boise State head coach Lyle Setencich. Teams from various eras can claim their title as MDHS’s greatest but the 1952-53 teams had only a tie with Pittsburg in ’52 marring back-to-back perfect records. Future NFL player Dan Colchico was on those Diablo teams. Fairclough’s Red Devils ran off five league titles in six years from 1958-63.
YGNACIO VALLEY Ygnacio Valley won its first NCS title with Murphy at the helm in 1999. They won league championships that year and again in 2001. Coached by Mike Ivankovich the Warriors won the NCS 2A finals against Miramonte in 2005. They shared the DVAL co-championship with Concord in 2009. The Warriors had two earlier strong eras of football with coaches Dick Ryan and Kent Robie. Ryan was the coach when the school opened in 1960 and was considered one of the top offensive minds in high school football. His 1969 team lost that
Warriors sizzling to start the season
TYLER LEHMAN SPORTS TALK
Pascoe formalizes college commitment to Lehigh JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clayton Valley Charter High School basketball player Hailey Pascoe heads a list of over a dozen seniors who recently committed to colleges during the fall National Letter of Intent signing period. Pascoe formalized a commitment she had announced a year ago by signing her national LOI to Lehigh College in Pennsylvania. The Mountain Hawks play in the Patriot League. CVCHS head coach Paul Kommer speaks glowingly of the player who will be leading his Lady Eagles this winter. “Hailey Pascoe is the first player in my memory at Clayton Valley that will play Division 1 college basketball. There is not a player more deserving. Watching her play since fifth grade, you could
HAILEY PASCOE CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER BASKETBALL
see her passion and love for the game. “She just simply tries harder than most players. Each year in high school, she has brought something new to the table,
Fall Sports, from page 10 the seven Eagle runners. College Pak was fourth, Carondelet fifth and Northgate sixth at NCS. Junior Sayed Opeyany was the leading boys runner for Clayton Valley as the Eagles took 13th, one spot ahead of Northgate. College Park was fifth. Soph Michael Cox was the second Eagles runner at Section.
WATER POLO Clayton Valley Charter fell 87 to Alameda in the Eagles opener of the Division I water polo tournament to end the season 14-13. Northgate’s boys (25-3) lost the DII NCS finals against Redwood 13-7. De La Salle lost in the second round to eventual boys champion Miramonte in DI.
Sports Shorts WINTER SOCCER ACADEMY REGISTRATION OPEN Diablo FC is now taking registration for its 14th annual Winter Soccer Academy held on Mondays and Thursdays at Willow Pass Park in Concord from Jan. 5 – Feb. 19. The program is part of the San Jose Earthquakes Regional Development School and is open to boys and girls of all skill levels ages 5-11. Players receive an Earthquakes Academy t-shirt. For more information and to register visit diablofc.org.
WINTER YOUTH VOLLEYBALL, SPRING PROGRAMS REGISTRATION OPEN AT ALL OUT SPORTS LEAGUES Winter youth volleyball signups are open for the season that runs on Saturdays from Jan. 3-Feb. 21. Spring leagues for youth basketball, tee ball and adult softball are now open. For complete information on All Out Sports programs, visit alloutsportsleague.com.
which she has worked at extensively in the off season. Above all, she is a quiet leader, who leads by example. Hailey is one of the best student athletes to have ever attended Clayton Valley.” Pascoe was an all-league volleyball player last year for CVCHS but didn’t play this fall as she prepped for her senior basketball season. Kyle Rodney of De La Salle is headed to Rhode Island and the Bryant University lacrosse program next fall. The Spartan senior will be joining former teammate Cade Bailey. The duo helped DLS to the North Coast Section championship last spring. Four Spartans firming up their college plans from the 2014 NCS champion DLS baseball team were Myles Coston (Fresno State University), Justin
Hooper (UCLA), Tyler Lonestar (Saint Mary’s College) and Michael McAdoo (University of California Santa Barbara). Carondelet led the way with eight athletes from seven different sports signing LOI. The Cougars were Corinne Lafayette (San Diego State lacrosse), Allie Barry (Holy Cross volleyball), Kayla Hohenstein (Sacred Heart University soccer), Lindy Clute (Stanford crew), Marcella Hughes (Loyola Marymount basketball), Amanda Barton (Colorado Mesa University lacrosse), Taylor Blair (Arizona State softball) and Sabrina Virtusio (Academy of Art University golf). Northgate NCS finalist swimmers Mason Tittle (freestyler-butterfly) and Calvin Kirkpatrick (backstroke) will be teammates again next year at UC Santa Barbara.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Clayton Valley Charter lost its NCS opening match 25-16, 25-19, 26-24 to Las Lomas. The Knights eventually reached the semi-finals before losing to NCS champion Redwood. DVAL champs Northgate were a losing semi-finalist to Maria Carrillo in five sets.
ment of Champions where Rachel DeLong shot 87 for the low Eagles score to conclude her high school career. DeLong was 15th individually shooting 84 at Lone Tree in Antioch leading the Eagles in the NCS Division I qualifying meet. CVCHS was 15th in team scoring with Rebecca Walsh, Annie Park, Ana Said and Reyna Khalilieh posting scores for the Eagles to grab the final team spot and advance to the TOC.
GIRLS GOLF DVAL runner-up CVCHS advanced to the NCS Tourna-
heartbreaker to Concord but the Warriors won the DVAL title the next two years. His teams featured offensive standouts like Super Bowl winner Gordon Gravelle, all-America quarterback Mike Sullivan, Scooter Warren, Dan Fitzpatrick, Oregon Ducks coach Mike Bellotti and World Series hero Kiko Garcia. YV won the inaugural Turkey Bowl in 1971 32-19 over San Ramon. Robie made his mark at the school later with league titles in 1979-81-83-86-87. Among his top players were future NFL star Chris Walsh, current CVCHS basketball coach Eric Bamberger and Ivankovich.
The Golden State Warriors are off to the greatest start in franchise history, finding themselves among the elite teams in the NBA while setting numerous team records. It is no small task to be competitive in the Western Conference, playing against teams like the Spurs, Grizzlies, Rockets and Clippers, let alone the Thunder once they are fully healthy. The Warriors’ new coaching staff so far has been giving the team the extra push towards greatness that it seemed to be lacking last year. Steve Kerr, who signed a five-year, $25 million contract this year to become the Warriors head coach, has shown himself to be up to the task of being an everyday coach during the early part of the schedule. There were some question marks about Kerr coming into this season. He is a first-time coach and, although he was a long-time player and then television analyst, not all NBA players become great NBA coaches. Kerr has answered those questions so far, with improved defense and offense being shown by the Warriors early on. A huge problem for the Warriors last year on offense was ball movement. The offense would tend to stagnate into oneon-one basketball with virtually no ball movement between the players. This year the ball has been moving for the Warriors, giving Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson easy, open shots. It is great to see the team play with a crisper, more threat-
ening offense, but there is still room for improvement. The Warriors still have some things to address before they can seriously consider making a run at the title this year. The Achilles heel of the Warriors has been turnovers. It is hard to win basketball games when you turn the ball over 20 times a game and once the team began trimming that number they went on a winning streak. Turnovers are something that will be constantly addressed as the year goes on and certainly Kerr and his excellent staff are working hard to make the Warriors players more conscientious about their ball handling. The Warriors decided to start Harrison Barnes at small forward over veteran Andre Iguodala, who has been a starter his whole career. Iguodala seemed to have a hard time adjusting to coming off the bench during the early schedule. In a perfect world Iguodala would be the leader of the Warriors second unit. He has never been an immense scoring threat in his career but he needs to be more aggressive on offense. Too many times he wants to be unselfish and facilitate the ball when he should just be taking his open shots. The Warriors weathered the injury to all-star David Lee, partially due to the great bench play of Mo Speights who helped Andrew Bogut hold down the middle. Overall the Warriors are looking great to start the season, capped by a franchise record 12game winning streak. The team is definitely better than it was last year and if they can shore up a few issues, the sky is the limit for the Warriors. Tyler Lehman is a junior at San Francisco State University and a 2012 CVHS graduate. He is majoring in print/online journalism and wants to be a sports writer. Email your comments or questions to tyler@claytonpioneer.com.
CV HOLIDAY YOUTH BASEBALL PROGRAM DEC. 22-23
DIABLO FC U9-U12 SOCCER TRYOUTS BEGIN JAN. 18
CVCHS baseball coaching staff and players are offering a holiday baseball clinic Dec. 22-23. The program focuses on the skills necessary to be a successful player including batting, fielding, pitching, throwing, catch play and speed/agility drills each day. Sessions are held from 9 a.m. – 12 noon at the Clayton Valley Varsity Baseball Facility for boys and girls ages 5–14. Contact Eagles head coach Casey Coakley at casey.coakley@claytonvalley.org with questions or to register.
Diablo FC tryouts for the 2015 season for under 9 through under 11 boys and girls competitive teams are Jan. 18, 22 and 25 in Concord. Tryouts for U12 girls and boys are Jan. 31 and Feb. 4 and 8. Older tryouts for U13-14 players will be held Feb. 15, 18 and 21. There is no charge to try out and players can pre-register today at diablofc.org. For more information on the club and tryouts contact director of coaching Brian Voltattorni at bvoltattorni@diablofc.org.
CV LITTLE LEAGUE ACCEPTING PLAYER REGISTRATION
The 12th annual Diablo FC benefit crab feed and raffle is set for Friday, Feb. 6, at Centre Concord. Tickets are now on sale for the event that benefits programs for the local competitive youth soccer club affiliated with the San Jose Earthquakes. For the second year they are also having a Super Raffle in conjunction with the crab feed featuring a four-day shopping trip to New York City as the grand prize. Visit diablofc.org for more details and to purchase crab feed and raffle tickets.
Registration for Clayton Valley Little League is now open for the spring 2015 season. Baseball programs for players ages four to 14 and softball for girls four to 14 are both open for registration. The CVLL program began in 1964 and includes a Challenger Division for players with physical and mental special needs. Players must reside within the CVLL boundaries. Go to cvll.org for complete info and to register.
DIABLO FC BENEFIT CRAB FEED FEB. 6, CENTRE CONCORD
December 12, 2014
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Scouts help Dog Park with tail-waggin’ improvements ASHLEY SHAFFER Special to the Pioneer
One year after the new board was appointed to the Clayton K9 Coalition, the dog park has become a beautiful haven for dogs and their owners to enjoy. Saturday Nov. 1 marked the completion of three Eagle Scout projects that began earlier this year to help enhance the dog park. In February the board members met with three Boy Scouts Of America members who presented individual projects for the park. Each project would not only help beautify the dog park but also help each scout earn his title of Eagle Scout. The three projects were carefully constructed to be utilized by both dogs and their owners. Scout Jared Vance created a new entrance using crushed rock due to the tendency of the entrance being flooded during
EAGLE SCOUT ANDREW KNAUER received recognition from Mayor Hank Stratford for his sign project for the Clayton Dog Park.
the rainy seasons. A new shade structure was constructed by scout John Blatter in the center of the park where the large picnic table stood. With the completion of the shade structure, the dog park now has a total of four, which help dog owners relax and stay cool in the summer months. These shade structures also serve
as memorials where plaques are hung in honor of sponsors, families and dogs who have passed. The third and final scout project was recently installed and completed earlier this month. Scout Andrew Knauer designed and constructed a new sign and bulletin board for the dog park that could be seen from Marsh Creek Road. The new sign, which stands much larger than the previous one, has an overhang to protect it from the sun and rain as well as a stronger clear case for announcements and bulletins. This allows guests of the park to read everything clearly without the weather getting in their way. “It gives the dog park a new identity and marquee look. It is built to last several decades,” says Stan Hansen, Troop 492 Committee Chairman, regarding the new sign. All three projects cost the Clayton K9 Coalition a total of $1,500, which was paid for through fundraising and donations from the community. The rest of the project costs were paid for by the Boy Scouts of America. These were the first scout projects since 2010 to be constructed at the Clayton Dog Park. Previously the scouts have built all other arbors in the park as well as worked on the water lines and planted trees throughout the park. The Boy Scouts of America and Clayton K9 Coalition have worked closely for more than 10 years to help improve the dog park and will continue to work closely to further advance the park for years to come. For more information and news about the dog park please visit the new website at www.claytondogpark.org as well as the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ClaytonDogPark. You may also email claytondogparkca@gmail.com for any additional questions.
Page 13
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THE NEW DOG PARK SIGN IS THE LATEST IN A TRIO of projects to earn Eagle Scout status to three local scouts. Back: Stan Hansen, Troop 492, Kurt Knauer, Brian Blatter, Kevin Vance, Vickie Bogut’ Front Row: Lori Rehn, John Blatter, Jared Vance, Andrew Knauer, Susan Sappington, K-9 Board President.
ARF’s Holiday Pet Food drive keeps pets home Donate pet food locally or online November 28 December 28 ARF’s annual Holiday Pet Food Drive will once again lend a paw to the four-legged members of local families this holiday season. ARF will collect cat and dog food donations through December 28 to help hundreds of low-income Contra Costa County pet guardians feed their pets during a time of year when so many families are strapped. Donations will be distributed through a partnership with the Salvation Army. Last year, more than 10,000 pounds of pet food were collected, enough to feed more
than 500 dogs and cats. This year, with the help of the community, ARF hopes to feed even more. ARF asks the public for donations of unexpired, unopened cat and dog food or Pet Food Express gift cards. Food donations can be dropped off at ARF, located at 2890 Mitchell Drive in Walnut Creek, from 9 am – 5 pm on weekdays and noon – 6 pm on weekends. In addition, online donations through YouGiveGoods.com make it possible for anyone in any location to donate pet food directly to ARF without leaving their home! Please visit www.arf.net for details or to donate online.
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Pet safety for a purrfect holiday ELENA BICKER
PET PALS Everyone loves the magic of the holidays, but nothing brings the festivities to a crashing halt like a trip to the emergency vet clinic. Dangerous decorations, forbidden foods, poisonous plants, and more are all things that could turn your holidays into horrors for your pet if you’re not careful. Fortunately, ARF has the scoop on keeping your animals happy, safe and healthy this and every holiday season. It wouldn’t be the holidays without festive decorations, but a few smart tweaks will keep your
decor stunning AND safe. If you’re putting up a Christmas tree, keep it securely anchored so your pet can’t easily knock it over. While you’re at it, keep the tree water out of reach, as stagnant tree water contains fertilizer, bacteria and other unhealthy things. Be aware of the types of ornaments you’re putting up — glass ornaments could shatter if dropped. Don’t string lights on lower tree lower branches as they might get hot and burn your cat or dog as they brush by, and be sure all electrical cords are tucked safely out of reach. Cats are especially captivated by tinsel and ribbons, which are easily swallowed and can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, so it’s best to skip those. The tree isn’t the only decor to keep an eye on. Lit candles create a cozy glow, but can be
quickly knocked over by a wagging tail. Be safe and keep all candles up high and out of reach. Holiday plants like holly, mistletoe, poinsettias, and lilies should also be displayed with caution. All are poisonous to animals, so think twice before bringing them into your home. Wrapped gifts can also be tempting for pets, especially if there’s food or something for them inside. Keep gifts away from curious noses by not leaving them unattended. Aside from the usual suspects like chocolate and foods including the artificial sweetener xylitol, turkey (or other leftover meat) can be a huge holiday blunder for your pets. Bones pose a choking hazard, and fatty, spicy foods can cause pancreatitis which can lead to abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Keep your
furry friends away from the feast, and be sure your garbage with food scraps is well contained and secured. A good rule of thumb? No “human food” for Fido or Fifi - period. Consider creating a safe space for your pets away from the frenzy of the festivities. Take a quiet, secure room and leave fresh water, bedding to snuggle in, and a few of their favorite toys for comfort. This room might be especially helpful on New Year’s Eve, when fireworks or noise from revelers or party favors could scare sensitive pets. With these small changes, you and your pet should be all set for a happy holiday season. Elena Bicker is the Executive Director of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. She can be reached at (925) 256-1ARF (1273)
Kix and Jewel are ARF’s Adoption Stars
KIX
2-year-old Kix is a sweet fun loving dog that would love to go for fun hikes and runs as soon as her front leg is better. She also loves her toys and her
favorite thing to do is to throw them up in the air. We recommend Kix take a Basic Manners class where she can start a new life with you with the best paw forward. She currently weighs 73 pounds. The adoption fee for adult dogs is $225 and includes 50% off one 7-week dog training session. 4-year-old Jewel is a beautiful kitty who can be a tad shy at first, but gets over that quickly! She is affectionate and superplayful once settled in. Jewel is bonded to her sister Lavender, and they are seeking a home together! She is suitable for a first time cat guardian. Jewel must be an indoor only cat.
Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 6 pm Wednesday & Thursday, Noon to 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6 pm Saturday & Sunday. The primary caretaker must be present to adopt. ARF also encourages kids 16 and younger and canine family members (dog adoptions only) to be present during the adoption process. JEWEL
The adoption fee for adult cats is $50. Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue
Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www.arf.net, or call 925.256.1ARF.
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Page 14
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December 12, 2014
Bands making beautiful music at CVCHS MaryMac Propersi Clayton Pioneer
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CLAYTON VALLEY'S MARCHING BAND WON THIRD PLACE IN THE MARINE BAND CHALLENGE in San Francisco on Oct. 31 during the Fleet Week activities and received $4,000 for the music department. in the Marine Band Challenge. This is a first-time win for CV in this competition.
CVCHS Instrumental Music Program is made up of AP music theory, jazz band, orchestra, symphonic band, wind ensemble, Color Guard and the marching band. In the spring, interested students can apply to be section leaders of drum, woodwind, brass, Color Guard or percussion. Students are interviewed and the chosen attend a Leadership Retreat that provides intensive teaching skills.
Four years ago when Scott started teaching at Clayton Valley there were only about 32 students in Marching Band. This year 90 signed up to join, with 78 becoming actual participants. “CVCHS has been a huge support providing additional finances to purchase more uniforms for the ever growing band,” said Scott. So far this year, the Band has performed at UC Berkeley for the Cal Band Day, the Home-
coming Parade in downtown Clayton, the Del Oro Honor Bowl, and the Vintage Band Review. Last week, the band traveled to Stockton for the Lincoln Band Review after a night of playing for our Ugly Eagles football team’s home game at CVCHS. CVCHS’s Music Department is thriving with dedicated amazing students. Much of the credit goes to the Music Boosters and other parent support.
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If you listen to what comes out of the Clayton Valley Charter High School instrumental program, you’ll hear more than beautiful music. You’ll hear a lot of praise. “I am inspired by the kids and professionals that play music and I want to be able to do the same thing,” says student Austin Schiffman. “Mr. Scott has created almost like a home for us and it lets us be ourselves,” says Abby Hargreaves. “Daniel Jones says it best: “Music is our life!” That’s high praise for Joseph. P. Scott, the director of the instrumental program at CVCHS. As the CVCHS football team is hoping to make it to the State Championship Game in Carson, California, the CVCHS Marching Band is continuing to provide excitement, enthusiasm and spirit for the school. On Oct. 13, the CVCHS Marching Band won third place in the Marine Band Challenge in San Francisco during the Fleet Week activities and received $4,000 for the music department. This is a first-time win in the Marine Band Challenge.
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CVCHS National Merit scholars named Executive Director, David Linzey of Clayton Valley Charter High School recognized Ana Chena Davila, Michael Dong, Samuel Givens and Casey Mitchell as a Commended Student in the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program. Approximately 34,000 Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. These students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2015 competition by taking the
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but for his family also. That’s why Jonah McNab is on a mission to break every bone in his body. In “Break” by Hannah Moskowitz, Jonah has all different kinds of techniques on how to break his bones: “fall” of his skateboard, hit his toes with a hammer, even punching a wall, and his best friend, Naomi, films each and every break. Jonah’s family isn’t really a sight to behold. With a teenage
brother who is deathly allergic to the basic food groups, an eight-month old brother who hasn’t stopped crying since he was born, and dysfunctional parents who are on the verge of divorce, Jonah doesn’t really enjoy his time spent at home. After dozens of emergency room visits, his family is finally starting to take notice. So does his school. It didn’t take long for Jonah’s family to sign him into a recovery institution. There, he meets other teens
who are facing their own challenges, like anorexia, burning and depression. But will Jonah heal or accidentally inspire the other teens to follow in his footsteps? This novel is a perfectly worded narration of Jonah and his slow but steady road to recovery. Moskowitz did a wonderful job at creating a story with such danger yet such elegance. Emily York is a sophomore at CVCHS.
December 12, 2014
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 15
Staff that helps CVCHS soar to shine a spotlight on a few remarkable staff members who uniquely impact CVCHS and the students who attend.
DAVID LINZEY VOYAGE OF THE EAGLE One of the strengths of Clayton Valley Charter High School is its staff. With more than 125 teachers and staff members, CVCHS has a talented army of dedicated and positive staff members who put the focus on kids. I would like to recognize a handful of the many staff members who go above and beyond to make a real difference in the life of a school or who demonstrate exceptional talent. I do not want to single them out to embarrass them. Rather, I want
HELEN BENDOYRO – ADMISSIONS OFFICER Helen is truly a difference maker on campus. Her consistently positive, warm, humorous approach causes her to stand out as a real joy for others to associate with. I applaud her tireless efforts to register students, communicate with parents, print transcripts, handle report cards, meet deadlines, and do so much more. KEO PIERCE – MEDIA ASSISTANT (LIBRARY) Keo is dedicated to getting the job done well. Ordering all the textbooks, scheduling classes in the library, managing shipments and orders and working closely with students and par-
ents is an endless job. Yet Keo manages all of this with class, organization and teamwork.
Senior Men’s program and fundraising for worthy causes is truly exceptional.
GARY STOFER – FINANCIAL LITERACY TEACHER Gary has taken the Financial Literacy program to great heights, winning awards for his students, bringing in the banking community to hold Financial Literacy Fairs, etc. He is studentcentered and always growing and learning as an educator, even after his recent 74th birthday! He is truly a pleasure to have on our CVCHS team.
SARAH LOVICK – AVID TEACHER In her third year as the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Teacher/Coordinator, Sarah has developed a world-class program that motivates and inspires her students to prepare for college. She teaches them college prep skills that dramatically improve students’ grades, attitudes and skills. She takes her students on field trips to various universities, such as Stanford and UC Davis, and these experiences are life-changing. As I said, there are so many teachers and staff members to shine a spotlight on for going above and beyond, so I will continue to share these highlights from time to time. It is truly a
ALEX GELLER – SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER Alex is only in his third year of teaching at CVCHS and yet he has the skills of a veteran. His passion for teaching and motivating students is commendable and his volunteerism in serving as the advisor to the
New gadgets storm into 2015
WILL CLANEY TECH TALK Happy New Year. Two-thousand-fifteen is shaping up to be a technology year so we will explore some interesting developments today that will affect your life for years to come. For example, Apple Watch, Google Glass 2, Microsoft Windows 10, SSD’s , 4 and 5K monitors, dash cams, and more are on their way in 2015.
APPLE WATCH There have been a few bulky “geek-looking” tech watches released that look as if they were prototypes pasted together with chewing gum, but so far none have gained enough acceptance to be noteworthy, until now. Apple, the king of consumer tech products, will be introducing their watch soon and it is sleek, fast and useful. Best of all, it looks great on your wrist. According to Tom’s Hard-
ware (top authority in the tech biz), “The device changes from a watch to a phone peripheral by sensing that you’re looking at it. There is subtle haptic [sense of touch] feedback when getting a notification. You can send quick, fun messages using the watch face as a drawing board. You can even send your heartbeat to another user.” Okay Dick Tracy, it has Internet, sport apps, gyros, accelerometers, GPS and, oh yeah, it’s a watch that looks firstrate on your wrist. (To view, www.apple.com select “Watch.”) WINDOWS 10 According to Tom’s, “With the public release of Windows 10 on the horizon, leaked screenshots from Neowin suggest that Cortana may be a key aspect of the upcoming experience. The confirmed authentic taskbar image alleges that the Cortana search assistant icon has replaced the magnifying glass that Windows 8 users are accustomed to.” Whoa, baby this is big, really big. Cortana is a fictional character in the Microsoft game Halo. (Halo is my personal favorite game, by the way.) In the game Halo, Cortana is a computer-generated guide to the game; she will be your guide in Bing and Search. Neowin suggests, “it may be possible to use commands like ‘open that Excel document I created two weeks ago’ to find files when their names are forgotten.” Windows 10 consumer Preview Edition is due first quarter 2015, according to our sources
4K AND 5K MONITORS Current video display technology is limited to 1920 x 1080 resolution, very nice but not as good as 4K that increases the resolution to 5120 x 2880. The higher the numbers the more fine the dots are on the screen. This is the most detail you’ve ever seen on a monitor. They are priced around $1,000, but expect this price to fall quickly as more models are made available. SSDS OR SOLID STATE DRIVES SSDs are not new to the industry, being available for two years now (meaning the consumer can actually afford one). They have proven their worth by providing lightning-fast data responses from three to 10 times faster than the hard disk drives it is designed to replace. Next year expect the very, very best drive, the Samsung 850 Pro, to provide 1 terabyte (1TB) of disk space for under $1000. GOOGLE GLASS, V2.0 Google has a new version of Google Glass debuting in 2015 sporting a new CPU (central processing unit – brain) by Intel and replacing the Texas Instrument (TI) CPU. The Intel chip is said to provide about double the lifespan of the battery, providing both longer operational time and faster performance. According The Wall Street Journal, “While it’s unclear exactly which Intel chip Google will choose for the next version of Glass, sources claim the device will likely have longer battery life. Endurance has been
2014 CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE Christmas Eve Masses Wednesday, December 24 3 PM
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Does your little one cheer for chess? Pine for piano? Go silly for science? Online registration is now open for afterschool enrichment classes for first through fifth graders, sponsored by Concord Parks and Recreation Department. The array of programs — which are held at elementary schools throughout Clayton and Concord — include Peer Piano, Chess Wizards, Flag Football, Mad Science and drawing classes, among others. One of the more popular classes is Peer Piano. Nadine Petersen, the piano teacher for
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Mt. Diablo Elementary and Ayers after-school enrichment classes, says she hopes parents will sign up early because the classes only accommodate six students at a time. She says she has spoken with the Concord Recreation department about adding a second class at Mt. Diablo or Highlands elementary schools on Wednesdays, if the Tuesday classes fill up. For more information on afterschool enrichment classes, to view a schedule or to register your child, call 925-671-3404 or visit www.ConcordReg@cityofconcord.org.
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one of Google Glass’ biggest weaknesses. The company claims that the current version can get up to one full day of battery life with ‘regular use.’ In our testing, the headset died after just five hours of mixed use.” No announcement yet on price reductions, as it’s still at $1,500.
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In summary, 2015 will be a pretty cool year for technology and gadgets. What’s truly amazing is most of the advancements are where they are most needed and, well, useful. Have a great and prosperous new year.
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William Claney is an independent tech writer and former owner of Computers USA in the Clayton Station. Email questions or comments to will@claytonpioneer.com.
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Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. DEC. 31 FOR THE JAN. 9 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com
IN CLAYTON Thru Dec. 28 A Heart for Christmas Walk-through Christmas musical light show to raise funds for Katie-Grace Groebner fund of the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. 1185 Pine Lane, Clayton. Free admission. aheartforchristmas.com. Dec. 13 Dessert with Mrs. Claus Prizes, party favors. Visit with Santa. 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 672-2272. Dec. 14 Christmas Home Tour Self-guided tour of five homes in Clayton beautifully decorated for the holidays. 12 – 7 p.m. Rain or shine. Starts at Clayton Museum, 6101 Main St. $30. Proceeds benefit the Clayton Historical Society. claytonhistory.org. Call 672-7680 or email museum@claytonhistory.org.
IN CONCORD Tuesdays Farmers’ Market Tuesdays year round. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org. 3rd Sundays Antique Faire Antiques, collectibles, handmade arts and crafts. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Free admission. concordantiquefaire.com. Thru Dec. 21 Holiday Home Tour See the Galindo House decorated in holiday splendor by the Concord Historical Society. Refreshments. Weekends 1 – 4 p.m. Wednesdays 7 – 9 p.m. 1721 Amador Ave., Concord. 685-8203. Dec. 13 Santa Crafts and refreshments. Take your own pictures with Santa, music by DJ Lou, photo booth pictures $1. 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Drive. $8 for children over 2 years old; adults are free. Registration required: concordsanta.eventbrite.com.
ON THE MOUNTAIN
A Heart for Christmas Musical Light Show Schedule of Events
Dec. 12, 7 p.m. Grammy-Nominated Artist Judy Pancoast Dec. 17, 7-8 p.m., Christmas Concert Savanha’s Singing Elves Performing in-between scheduled shows on Dec 13, 14, 19, 21 Visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus Dec 13 and 20 Open Wed. – Sun. from Through Dec. 20 Open every day from Dec. 21-Dec. 28 Unless otherwise indicated, show times are every 30 minutes from 6-8:30 p.m. 1195 Pine Lane, Clayton Aheartforchristmas.com Dec. 12 – 14 #NEWMAGIC Annual family-friendly holiday magic show by Alex Ramon. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20-$25. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469. Dec. 12 – 14 “The 12 Dates of Christmas” This heartwarming, one-woman play offers a hilarious and modern alternative to the old standards of the holiday season. Delta Gallery of the Arts, 2485 Sand Creek Road, 128, Brentwood. $16-$20. thebrentwoodtheater.org. Dec. 13 Darren Carter A comedy experience unlike any other. 8 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $17-$20. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611.
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. 13 Handel’s “Messiah” With orchestra, community chorus and guest soloists under the direction of Susan Stuart. 7:30 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $12. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Dec. 14 Winter Hike Cool winter hike around Mount Diablo’s summit. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Registration required: mmarchiano@gmail.com.
Dec. 13 Vintage Concert to celebrate the season. 7:30 p.m. St. Bonaventure, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. Free. vintagetrio.com.
Dec. 21 Winter Solstice Hike Explore the slopes of Mount Diablo in search of (Santa’s) beard lichen, romantic mistletoe and colorful Christmas berry. 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Registration required: mtdiablohiker@aola.com or sweettrails00@gmail.com.
Dec. 17 Student Art Show Ann Nakatani’s Annual Holiday Student Art Show. Refreshments. 6 – 8 p.m. Concord Senior Center, Room A, 2727 Parkside Drive. Free admission. Contact Ann: 825-2453.
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT Thru Dec. 14 Disney’s “Mulan Jr.” Action-packed stage adaption of Disney’s film. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $10-$25. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611. Thru Dec. 14 North Pole Revue Presented by Center Stage Theatre of Diablo Valley. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15-$17. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469. Thru Dec. 21 “A Christmas Carol” Brimming with music and dance, love and laughter and scary ghosts. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $41-$49. centerrep.org. Dec. 12 – 13 Holiday Sweet Diablo Women’s Chorale serves up a delicious show. Mt. Diablo Unitarian Church, 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. $10-$20. diablowomenschorale.com. Dec. 12 – 13 Home for the Holidays Holiday concert performed by San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. Nourse Theatre, 275 Hayes St., San Francisco. $25-$65. sfgmc.org. Dec. 12 – 14 “Christmas at the Biltmore” Original play by Brentwood author Steve Kinsella. Edna Hill Theater, 140 Birch St., Brentwood. thebrentwoodtheater.org. Dec. 12 – 14 “Cinderella” Glass slippers are so back. Performance by Diablo Theatre Company. The Village Theatre, 233 Front St., Danville. $15-$20. diablotheatre.org.
Dec. 18 – 21 “The Biggest Gift” Presented by Fantasy Forum Actors. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org. 9437469. Dec. 19 Mobius Trio Performs for Walnut Creek Guitar Series. 7:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $25. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469. Dec. 19 – 20 “Hansel and Gretel” A fairytale adventure of a mystical forest, two lost children, an enticing gingerbread house and a wicked witch. Presented by Solo Opera. Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. $25-$40. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469. Dec. 19 – 21 “The Nutcracker” Performed by the Brentwood Children’s Ballet Theater. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $16-$20. elcampaniltheatre.com. Dec. 20 ‘Twas the Improv Before Christmas Presented by Trapped in a Rumo Improv. 7:45 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12-$15. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469. Dec. 22 Home for the Holidays Concert by Diablo Symphony Orchestra featuring The Ashmolean Singers. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12-$28. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469. Dec. 23 Home for the Holidays Concert performed by California Symphony and The Pacific Boychoir. 3 and 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $70. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Dec. 24 Concert Christmas Eve concert performed by San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. 5, 7 and 9 p.m. Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St., San Francisco. $25-$35. sfgmc.org. Dec. 27 Comedy Show XXII Big Fat Year End Kiss Off comedy show presented by Worst of Durst. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $22-$25. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469. Beginning Jan. 15 Ham Radio Licensing Course Seven-week course to learn what you need to earn your Technician Class FCC Amateur Radio License. Held by Salvation Army and Mt. Diablo Amateur Radio Club. 6:30 – 9 p.m. Salvation Army, 3950 Clayton Road, Concord. Class is free. $7 materials fee plus textbook. Registration required. hamradioclass@gmail.com.
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. Dec. 13 Toy Drive The Clayton Valley Charter High School Men’s Lacrosse team is collecting new, unwrapped toys for children up to 11 years old to donate to Bay Area Crisis Nursery. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Grove Park Gazebo, Main Street, Clayton. Contact Tracey Morse: 207-0382. Dec. 20 Holiday Party A night of dance led by ballerina Rosselyn Ramirez; food, wine, punch. Proceeds benefit Diablo Ballet and its Performing Arts Education and Enrichment for Kids Program. 7 – 9 p.m. Steinway Piano Gallery, 1605 Broadway St., Walnut Creek. $50. diabloballet.org/events. Dec. 20 – 21 Country Kitchen Baked goods for your holiday feast. Some kitchen craft items. Proceeds benefit St. Bonaventure Food Pantry. Open to the public approximately one hour after service. Mass times: Sat. 5 p.m. Sun. 7:30, 9 and 11 a.m.; 12:45 and 5 p.m. St. Bonaventure Foyer, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. 672-5800. Jan. 9 ARF Comedy Night An evening of laughter benefiting the Animal Rescue Foundation’s lifesaving programs. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20, $40, $60. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469. Jan. 10 ARF Stars to the Rescue XXIV Proceeds allow ARF to save dogs and cats that have run out of time at public shelters and bring people and animals together. 7 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45, $100, $250. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469. Jan. 31 Crab Feed St. Agnes School and St. Agnes Knights of Columbus host this crab feed to raise funds for the Parent Association and programs for the students. 5:30 p.m. Garaventa Center, Carondelet High School, 1133 Winton Drive, Concord. $55. Tickets available until Jan. 19 at the school or parish offices, 3886 Chestnut Ave., Concord. For questions or tickets, contact Danielle Grimesey at 330-7317 or danisffd@sbcglobal.net.
AT THE LIBRARY The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at claytonlibrary.org or call 673-0659. Jan. 7 Winter Business Series Charlie Michelson discusses his experience growing a small ship supply company to the international level. 6:30 p.m. Jan. 12 Clayton Library Book Club Sunny Solomon leads book discussion. Book to be announced. Open to anyone who wants to join. 7 p.m.
GOVERNMENT 1st and 3rd Tuesdays Clayton City Council 7 p.m. Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays Clayton Planning Commission 7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us. Meeting dates and times for local clubs and organizations are listed at claytonpioneer.com. Click on ‘Links’
December 12, 2014
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 17
Groundbreaking gift ideas for garden lovers GARDEN GIRL Garden lovers are a unique bunch of folks that it can be perplexing to find just the right gift, especially if you — the gift-giver — lack the same passion for gardening. Gardening can be hard; and any item that can be used to ease the job for the garden-lover is a valuable gift to give. Here are some ideas: High quality steel forged hand tools with solid ash wooden handles are some of the hardiest tools to give. This type of quality and longevity makes this tool a special piece in a garden-lovers tool arsenal. Three or five tine cultivators make an ideal gift for the garden-lover that works colorful beds and borders. For the garden-lover on your list that gardens dramatic container displays, consider gifting them a forged steel hand fork. The shape of the fork makes for easier aeration of the container’s surface. Both the fork shape and the cultivator can be
Those who find joy when installing one-gallon or smaller perennials into a garden bed or border crave a shovel that’s head isn’t too large, and a handle that isn’t too long. A head that measures around seveninches tall and five-inches wide is perfect for accessory plantings. Notice if your considered shovel has a sharp head with a slight curve. This shape will cut into our clay soil with greater ease. Handles are important. Solid wood handles
made of ash are superior in strength. Festively wrapping a shovel is also a good time. Dramm released a new rain wand last year called the One Touch. After a season of watering at the nursery we can say this watering wand is an exceptionally easy way to water. The One Touch shutoff is simple to use, takes little strength to open and won’t cramp your hand. All D r a m m products are made in the USA. Not ever ything has to be a t o o l when gifting to a garden-lover. Garden jewelry, birdbaths and benches also make exciting gifts. Garden jewelry are those distinct pieces that adorn the landscape or garden. Metal butterflies and celestial wall hangings, ornate panels and outdoor canvas’ can be hung on fences, or house walls to add special touches. Large outdoor clocks and thermometers are an appreciated token of the season. Birdbaths and benches are heavy, and hard to wrap, but they make great gifts from a group to buy for some-
one special. Spending time in the garden with a garden-lover is always a treasured gift. A coupon, or a promise enclosed in a card to help plant, prune or fertilize is very desirable. Add a gift card to the envelope and you’re sure to please.
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Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. Contact her with questions or comments at Gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
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used to loosen the root balls of plants. The experienced gardenlover will cherish a farmer’s dagger in their gardening shed. A farmer’s dagger can be used to aid in diving clumps of daylilies, peonies and iris, or in removing root bound plantings from valuable containers. A quality shovel is another gift that a garden-lover will wish for.
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Start your holiday shopping at a place where you know quality and freshness come first. From baking ingredients to delicious gifts to meal planning, the farmers’ market is the place to come for the best ingredients. Holiday baking: This will be easy with sweet local honey, crunchy almonds and walnuts, very fresh eggs, and sweet tart citrus in the mix. Lemon cookies, almond crescents, nut bars, honey nut chews and more will disappear as fast as you can bake them. Holiday Gift Baskets: These can be created and filled with fresh citrus, honey, nuts, bakery items, sauces, pasta, jams and jellies, local wine, flowers, and so much more. The possibilities are endless — and delicious. Holiday Meals and Appetizers: Your appetizers and holiday meals will be the talk of the party when you select fresh fruits and vegeta-
bles, grass-fed beef, freshcaught Dungeness crab and other seafood, dinner rolls and free-range chickens from your farmers’ market. Fresh Holiday Flowers and Local Wines: Decorate your home , add some local wines, and get your holiday party started. These and other wonderful products will complete your “home for the holidays!” Visit your farmers’ market each week throughout the sea-
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Captain Grammar Pants Some rules for apostrophe usage should be obvious, such as the rule about not using it to pluralize a noun, a verb, or a name that ends in the letter s. Chair's, Yeat's, and like's are all incorrect. To pluralize MP or CD or ATM, do not use an apostrophe; write MPs, CDs, and ATMs. In discussing the 1950s or 60s, do not use an apostrophe. In contrast to these rules, however, is the need to use an apostrophe for clarity. For example, the word "riiiiiiiight" has too many i's in it. Without the apostrophe, it would read "too many is in it." The the sentence I'm writing has too many the's in it. Does it help? Yes. Does it still look a little odd? Yes. 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.
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Page 18
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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Choosing a color scheme just right for one of your living spaces can push some of us right off the edge. First you have to choose the anchor color for a sofa or an area rug, then accessory colors found in your accent furniture or drapery, and then highlight colors found in accessories that are perfectly placed throughout. You’d like the colors in your living space to coordinate, but at the same time, also appear as if you casually found interesting items and fabrics that just happen to look amazing paired together. And of course, don’t forget the wall color, a beautiful, chic backdrop. Coordinating color is one of the greatest challenges when creating a living space. So, let’s look at color in a different light. Have you ever thought of using just one color in a living space? ONE COLOR FAMILY One single color may be a little bit of a stretch. It’s more of a design concept. For example, let’s focus on using the color white. If you’ve ever been to a local paint store, you know that there is no such thing as a basic white; Cameo White, Bone, White Dove, Linen White, Atrium White, Super White, Antique White…and the list continues. The thought here is that you can build an entire living space using all of these different shades of white. Picture this: a linen-white to
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an eclectic and personalized living space. Try a chunky woven chenille lounge chair paired with a lovely raw silk lumbar pillow, sheer Belgian linen bed drapery surrounding a wool coverlet and shams, or an embroidered ottoman sitting on a wild shag area rug. When you’re using just one family of color to create a design scheme, playing with textile textures and interesting patterns will help you achieve a very interesting and dynamic setting.
CONTEMPLATE TEXTURE A variety of one color, an interesting collection of fabric patterns, and a wonderful hand of textures definitely makes for
Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design based in Clayton. Contact her with questions, comments and suggestions at jenna@j-designs.com.
‘Interstellar’: Science that’s not fiction? JEFF MELLINGER
SCREEN SHOTS Most science fiction films have characters that inundate the audience with explanations of complicated scientific themes or theories. Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar” lets its incredible visuals and performances do most of the explaining. Sure, there are a few scenes where they discuss theoretical wormhole physics and time dilation phenomena. But knowledge of either is not necessary to enhance the viewing experience. The visuals combined with a fascinating story and compelling characters are quite enough to prove Nolan has achieved a near-masterpiece. Matthew McConaughey plays Cooper, a farmer and father of two, living in the nottoo-distant future. The earth’s food supply has been all but exhausted as nothing planted will grow. Not much time is
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be used for a sofa or pair of lounge chairs. Ivory-white drapery panels with a decorative clear crystal beaded trim on the leading edge. A warm cozy caramel-white for the wool wall to wall carpeting. And a soft candle-lit-white wall color. All of these different shades of white create a very warm and quiet setting, providing depth with a sparkle here and there as you introduce wood, metal or glass in the form of accent furniture or accessories. Determine your favorite color and experiment with the color values for your living space.
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Weary travelers Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), Brand (Anne Hathaway) and Romilly (David Gyasi) inspect the lifepod of their colleague, Dr. Mann.
given to discussions on why we can no longer plant crops, nor do we see any environments outside of the dust-bowl, so we must take their word for it. Cooper works long days to raise his farmer-to-be son, Tom (Timothée Chalamet) and precocious daughter Murph (Mackenzie Foy). Yet, he knows his efforts are for naught as his children are likely to be the last generation on the planet to survive. This gives him reason to follow up on bizarre signs his daughter has been noticing. Cooper and Murph discover that NASA still exists. NASA is currently planning on sending a follow-up mission to establish the validity of habitable worlds outside our galaxy. After being briefed on the logistics of the project by Professor Brand, played nobly by Michael Caine, Cooper decides to go on the mission. Murph is smart enough to realize that this will be quite a lengthy trip, her father may not return until she is older than his current age. However, by
only spending a very brief time on Cooper’s decision to leave his family, Nolan misses a chance to delve deeper into their relationships. The remainder of the film takes the viewer to several strange worlds, across time and space. The science involved is mostly theoretical but it does not matter. Nolan gives us our seat on the spaceship and we go along for the ride. McConaughey continues his recent string of terrific acting. Anne Hathaway shines as a copilot on the mission. As a grown-up Murph, Jessica Chastain delivers a performance with all the gravitas needed to save the world. In the end, Interstellar wows with its characters, visual effects and story. It also leaves the viewer a lot to think about regarding our own not-too-distant possible future. Jeff Mellinger is a Concord resident. He holds a BA in Film Studies and an MFA in Film Production. Send comments to jeff.mellinger@gmail.com
December 12, 2014
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 19 Now Playing in Oakland’s Newest Live Theater Piedmont-Oakland Repertory Theatre presents
Performing Arts
‘Hansel and Gretel’ a visual delight for young audiences SALLY HOGARTY Clayton Pioneer
It may not be visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads, but youngsters will find Solo Opera’s production of “Hansel and Gretel” just as sweet as the familiar Christmas poem. Especially designed for younger theatergoers, the opera performs at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 20 at the Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd, in Walnut Creek. “I’m so excited to put this opera on,” says artistic director Sylvia Amorino. “It was one of the first operas I saw as a child and has always been in my heart,” adds the Concord resident. Amorino has done more than make her dream come true, she has transformed it into a community collaboration with the Contra Costa Children’s Chorus performing the Gingerbread Children Chorus and Lori Buffalow’s The Next Step Dancers appearing as the Fourteen Angel Ballet. “We are honored to collab-
orate with Solo Opera,” says Children’s Chorus artistic director Andrew Brown. “We
have 14 young singers playing the role of the children captured by the witch and held
Photo by John Buyer
SOLO OPERA’S ‘HANSEL AND GRETEL’ gives a non-traditional twist to the famous Grimm’s Fairy Tale. The children's’ opera will be at the Lesher Center Dec. 20.
Rossmoor’s ‘Ashmoleans’ join Diablo Symphony Orchestra for special holiday concert
The Diablo Symphony Orchestra’s annual holiday “Home for the Holidays” concert returns with a festive repertoire featuring the gorgeous “Die Natali” Christmas Preludes by iconic 20th century American composer Samuel Barber. The orchestra will also perform several holiday choral favorites with The Ashmolean Singers, directed by Steven Mullins. “Home for the
Holidays” will be presented on Mon. Dec 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lesher Center for the Arts. Tickets to the Lesher Center concert can be ordered at 925943-SHOW (7469), online at LesherArts.org, or at the Lesher Center Box Office On Dec. 18, the Diablo Symphony will join with The Ashmolean Singers for a special holiday event at the Rossmoor Event Center at 7:30 p.m.
captive under her spell. They are enthralled by the story and love being a part of this show.” The lucky 14 secured their roles through a summer audition. More than 125 singers currently participate in the chorus with several from Concord and Clayton. The performance not only includes local community members but it also benefits other residents through the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. “We’re asking patrons to bring non-perishable food items to the show,” says Amorino, whose husband volunteers at the Food Bank. “With the show’s themes of hunger and poverty, it’s a good match. The show also features strong children’s characters that save the town in the end. We thought having children bring canned goods to the show would also empower them. They might not be saving a town, but they are helping and giving back to their community.” Audience members attending “Hansel and Gretel” will receive lots in return, including gorgeous music sung by professional singers, exciting dancing and an elaborate set by award-winning designer Peter Crompton. “Peter is a phenomenal set designer,” Amorino says. “His design for our show is very colorful and bright, exactly what I wanted. This show is extremely visual. We need to see trees, a gingerbread house and lots more.” Amorino notes that Engelbert Humperdinck’s
Tickets are available at the door. The Ashmoleans were formed in Rossmoor in the spring of 2005 from a group of 16 hand-selected men and women singers. Choristers now number over sixty. The Diablo Symphony Orchestra is a Central Contra-based community orchestra it its 52nd season. For more information about the DSO, go to diablosymphony.org
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opera differs greatly from the story found in Grimm’s Fairytales. “Our mother isn’t the awful character in Grimm’s version. She’s a good mother who’s just having a bad day,” Amorino explains. “Our witch isn’t scary either, and we have fun characters like the Sandman and the Dew Fairy.” According to Amorino, children as young as preschool will enjoy the opera, which lasts approximately two hours including a 15-minute intermission. “As long as the children can sit for 45 minutes at a time, they should be fine. And for intermission, Safeway and other stores have donated cookies,” she adds. Tickets to “Hansel and Gretel” are $25 (youth 17 and under), $35 (seniors) and $40 (adults). For reservations, call 925-943-SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.
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Page 20
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
December 12, 2014
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Los Rancheros Taqueria 1099 Reganti Drive, Concord At the corner of Reganti Dr. and Monument Blvd. *ReadySetSail offers are per person based on Promo ZQ, double occupancy, for 1st and 2nd guests sharing a stateroom and excludes 3rd/4th guests, except as provided herein. ReadySetSail offers are available for new bookings only, applies only to the cruise portion of Alaska Land+Sea Journeys, are not combinable with Flash promotions, are capacity controlled, and may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice. Offers are applicable on select summer 2015 departures. Free stateroom upgrade offers are available in select stateroom categories and are subject to availability of the staterooms in the higher category. Shore Excursion offer applies only to select shore excursions, purchased in advance of embarkation, prior to March 15, 2015. If a shore excursion is canceled once on board, refund will be the amount paid. For full terms and conditions applicable to your excursion, please refer to hollandamerica.com. Third/fourth offer is based on sharing a stateroom with 1st and 2nd guests, and is based on Promo Z3/ZT. Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses apply to all 3rd/4th offers. 50% reduced deposit offer: bookings made on voyages requiring immediate final payment are not eligible for a reduced deposit. Suite offer: Guests who book a suite category stateroom receive $150 per person ($300 per stateroom) onboard spending credit, a Free Wine Navigator and two free soda cards. Suite offers apply only to guests 1 and 2 in the stateroom and are not transferable or refundable. The onboard spending credit is not combinable with regional discounts, Net Rates or other travel agency exclusive offers. Wine Navigator Package includes three complimentary bottles of wine per stateroom. A list of available wines to choose from will be delivered to your stateroom on embarkation day and wines chosen can be ordered from your Wine Attendant or Cellar Master in the Dining Room. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to receive the Wine Navigator Package. Two Free Soda Cards: each card has a value of $50 and may be used to purchase fountain sodas only at payment terminals aboard the ship. No balance may be carried on the Soda Card after the end of the cruise. Unused portion of card will not be refunded at the end of the cruise. This card cannot be redeemed for cash and is not replaceable if lost or stolen. Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands.
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