IT’S YOUR PAPER
Congressman visits DVMS
www.claytonpioneer.com
February 9, 2018
925.672.0500
KASEY MONTGOMERY DVMS Correspondent
KEITH HAYDON
MAYOR’S CORNER
City’s approval for development an open process
Clayton’s small-town feel was a strong attraction for me and resulted in my participation in many community activities during the 30+ years that I have lived here. Those activities included serving on the Clayton Trails Committee that helped design Clayton’s trail system, the Clayton Planning Commission, and the executive boards of the Clayton Business and Community Association, my property owners’ association and the Clayton Bocce League Committee. These experiences eventually led to my election to the Clayton Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer City Council and now the posiU.S. C ONGRESSMAN M ARK D E S AULNIER recently spent an hour with DVMS students discussing the Constitution and antion of mayor.
See Mayor, page 7
swering questions on the federal government and politics. A welcoming committee greeted the Congressman as he arrived. From left, Tanner Keys, Natalie Martinez, Camila Balmaceda, DeSaulnier, Laine Moraes, Hugh Conrad and Logan Gonzales.
Clayton troupe takes center stage at Shellies Now, award-winning would have to be in there somewhere. With a modest budget compared to many of its competitors, Clayton Theatre won two of the top awards at the 39th annual Shellie Awards at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts in January. Clayton Theatre cofounder La Tonya Watts SALLY HOGARTY received the best director award and Teresa Grosserode STAGE STRUCK the best actress award for Small but mighty is one way “Moon Over Buffalo.” to describe the Clayton TheWatts, an Antioch resident, atre Company. and Clayton resident Roxanne Or possibly, the little engine Pardi founded the Clayton that could. Theatre Company, a relative newcomer to Bay Area performing arts. Transforming the
city-owned Endeavor Hall into a theater, they presented their first season in 2013 and have been bringing enthusiastic and entertaining community theater to local residents ever since. Judges for the Shellie Awards took note of the newcomer. In 2016, the little company won its first coveted Shellie award: best choreography for Watts for the musical revue “A Trip Down Broadway,” conceived by Watts and Pardi, who also directed. At the 2017 Shellie Awards, Clayton Theatre Company presented a special contribution to
See Stage Struck, pg 8
Hailey Cowden
Clayton Theatre co-founder La Tonya Watts celebrates her Shellie for directing “Moon Over Buffalo.”
Today Congressman Mark DeSaulnier visited my school — Diablo View Middle School in Clayton. The event was hosted by my school’s California Junior Scholarship Federation. As the president of CJSF, I felt it was a big honor that he accepted our school’s invitation. We made signs and banners and brought cookies and brownies for everyone. We even had a welcoming committee meet the Congressman when he arrived. Everyone around me was a little nervous to meet such an important person, but when he walked into the room smiling, that anxious energy dissipated, and I started smiling too. Congressman DeSaulnier talked about his job, his life, and the history of our government. He talked about what it is like to be a member of the House of Representatives and shared his concerns with us about the rivalry between political parties in this country. Politics is a complicated subject, and today I learned that sometimes both sides of a debate are right, and sometimes they both can be wrong. Mr. Desaulnier said that the government isn’t perfect and that ideals change. He knows this personally because he switched political parties. He was once a Republican, now he is a Democrat. He believes that Americans should vote for the person — not the political party. My peers asked a lot of questions. and he answered them all very clearly. He explained things that had never been explained to me. He answered questions about immigration, national debt, voting, the Constitution. One of my peers asked about the recent government shutdown,
See DeSaulnier, page 3
Clayton welcomes first woman chief TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
What’s Inside
Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Community Calendar . . . . . .9 Directory of Advertisers . . . .7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
When Elise Warren reports for work on Monday, she will be joining a very elite club of one. She will be Clayton’s first, and currently Contra Costa County’s only, female police chief. After a 28-year career with the Contra Costa Sheriff ’s Department where she retires this month as Assistant Chief, Warren is ready for the challenge. “I’m always looking for a better way to do things,” she said in a recent interview with the Pioneer. “After 28 years of answering to a boss, I’m ready to be the boss.” Warren comes to the job
well prepared. During her career she served in every major division including patrol services, internal affairs, field operations, technical and IT services before retiring as Assistant Sheriff over the Field Operations Bureau. She was chosen after a rigorous process of interviews before a selection panel comprised of three current or former police chiefs, a school administrator, a city attorney, president of a special district and a Clayton planning commissioner. “(Warren) arrives in Clayton with professional distinction and exceptional reference recommendations,” says City Manager Gary Napper. “She clearly established she
was the top finalist for us.” While she says every rank brought its own “favorite” things, Warren found Internal Affairs the most rewarding. “This is where all citizen complaints go,” she said. “There was such satisfaction in getting to the truth,” she said. “IA clears way more employees than not.” A physical education major at Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, Warren credits her career path to a college boyfriend who was majoring in law enforcement. “It sounded interesting.” As college graduation approached, the California Highway Patrol was recruiting. She applied and successfully completed the testing
and interviewing process. But, when the offer came to go to Los Angeles and join the force, times had changed. In the year since she’d applied, there had been a spate of freeway shootings in Los Angeles and the job lost its appeal. She declined the offer returning to her hometown of Berkeley where she worked at clerical jobs for a year or so before joining the Sheriff ’s Department. Warren spends her off time volunteering with ARF in Walnut Creek and traveling with her husband — also retired from the Sheriff ’s ELISE WARREN Department — and two children, a son who recently graduated from college and a Creek home with a golden daughter in ninth grade. The retriever, bulldog and Yorkfamily shares their Walnut shire terrier.
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Page 2
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Around Town
Clayton couple dances their way to the top Joan Lundahl and Craig Johnson of Clayton were the 2018 Couples Showcase Crown World Champions, placing first in all three dances — waltz, two step and solo medley — at the 2018 Country Dance World Championships in San Francisco last month. They were also
named the Couples Showcase Crown UCWDC Points Champions for earning the most points based on their placements at regional dance events during the 2017 dance season. Crown is considered the elite top professional division for couples who are at least 40 years of age.
February 9, 2018
Clayton native steers TV weather career back to West Coast
Pinewood top three
Brad Whelan
Joan Lundahl and Craig Johnson finish a solo medley in their final moment of competition at the World Championships of Country Dance hosted by the United Country Western Dance Council.
Photo: Central Coast ABC
Meteorologist Gina De Vecchio is happy to be back in Northern California.
Owen Monacelli, Nathanial Lauricella and Mateo Del Bianco of Cub Scout Pack 262 in Clayton placed in their annual Pinewood Derby on Jan. 20 at Mt. Diablo Elementary. Nathanial took first place with his car named Nate. Owen came in second with Coo. Mateo took third place with Ghostbusters. The Pinewood Derby is one of the most popular events in scouting.
Former Clayton resident Gina De Vecchio has spent her TV career on the East Coast, where the meteorologist forecasted and reported on all manner of weather conditions at stations in Maryland, Arkansas and North Carolina. After graduating from San Jose State, she sent out 100 audition tapes from her internship with NBC Bay Area. She landed a job in Maryland and achieved her goal of experiencing a variety of weather, including hurricanes, tornadoes and snow. “People on the East Coast are much more interested in the weather,” she told the Pioneer then. Now the pull of returning to her local roots and family have landed her back in Northern California with KSBW Action News 8, cov-
ering the Central Coast of Monterey, Santa Cruz and Salinas. KSBW is a sister station of her previous stop at WXII in Winston-Salem, N.C. “I missed my friends and family. My sister Nicole has a 2-year-old daughter, and I wanted to be a part of her life. Now, instead of seeing them a few times a year, I am seeing them every couple of weeks,” says the 2005 graduate of Clayton Valley High School. “My parents are still in Clayton and my sister is down in San Luis Obispo County, so I am about halfway between them and I couldn’t be happier.” De Vecchio lives in Santa Cruz, which she prefers to North Carolina’s unseasonably cold winter. “I was tired of forecasting snow and living in the cold,” she says.
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February 9, 2018
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 3
Museum goes native in garden upgrade updated area would be useful on field trips for students learning about pioneer history. Other pending projects include a monument to recognize residents who helped make the project possible and an entry arbor. “With the completion of the native plant garden, the museum will provide a living resource to see, touch and smell, first-hand, the native California plants our local
BEV BRITTON Clayton Pioneer
The Clayton Historical Museum is going native with a new demonstration garden expected to be open by this spring’s Art & Wine Festival. The Garden Committee is revamping the 2,250 sq. ft. plot to the west of the museum, bringing in more native plants, drought-tolerant options and ones that the Chupcan/Bay Miwok Indians would have used in daily life. The first phase includes new hardscape, drainage, irrigation, a picket fence and a wagon wheel plaza with personalized bricks. Project designer/manager Stephen Lane got involved with the museum garden in 2010, helping with corporate work parties. He is enthusiastic about sharing the city’s history through the updated garden, which he calls “an outdoor companion space” that will allow visitors to learn about local history during non-museum hours. The garden will feature soap root, which Lane says was the most important plant for the indigenous people. “It was sort of a panacea plant,” he notes. “They had dozens or more uses for it.” The plant, of the genus Chlorogalum, is native to western North America and was commonly found in California. “When the bulb was cut, the juice was dispersed in the stream to stun fish for easy collection,” Lane says. “The root was also used as a soap and shampoo. It had antimicrobial properties to clean wounds and rashes. And its root could be pounded to
DeSaulnier, from page 1
Rendering by Charles Endom
The first phase of a major renovation to the Clayton Museum garden will include a central Wagonwheel Plaza surrounded by a low wall featuring personalized bricks donated by the community. Construction is expected to be complete in time for April’s Art and Wine Festival.
become an excellent adhesive and was used in the manufacture of ropes and brushes.” Meanwhile, Lane says there are more than 55 known uses for mugwort by the area’s indigenous people. The aromatic plants in the genus Artemisia are also staples of Asian medicine. “One example is the leaves were placed in their nostrils to treat headaches,” Lane says. “It was used to cure stomach aches and sore throats, and it was also used for ear aches.” The new garden will feature improved signage describing the plants, their scientific names and indigenous uses, along with size and water use for visitors who
may want to plant them in their own native gardens. A cottage-type garden in front will include plants that would have been installed at the turn of the century. Clayton Valley Garden Club member Nancy Niemeyer is donating many plants that she propagated from her own garden. She says her garden is different than most on the Bringing Back the Natives tour. “Most people go for kind of like a slice of wilderness. They want it to look natural and wild, like you came upon it,” she says. “My garden is kind of an ancient Rome theme, so it actually looks like a cottage garden because I do like color on my flowers.”
A three-tiered brick campaign raised more than $18,000 for the museum garden project, offsetting about 25 percent of the costs. The museum is seeking donations for various garden features. The museum also is asking the Clayton Community and Business Association for a $15,000 grant to upgrade the agricultural and mining exhibit behind the garden. That second phase would include a decorative metal fence, installation of the CBCA’s 1937 steel-wheeled, McCormick-Deering tractor and a trellised grapevine. “Right now, we have some horse-drawn equipment but it’s not displayed as well as it could be,” says Lane, adding that the
and another student asked about the DACA program and what exactly that was. I learned so much, but the main thing I took away from the experience is that it is my job and my right to question the ideas left by the people before me because maybe their methods aren’t the best way. There is always room for improvement, and my generation will have to not just cope
with the problems presented to us, we need to try and solve them. So, on behalf of my peers and myself, thank you Congressman DeSaulnier. You gave us something just as important as knowledge. You gave us inspiration. Kasey Montgomery is an 8th grader at DVMS and president of CJSF.
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Recalling better days at Yolanda Ranch
Page 4
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
DEBBIE EISTETTER
HISTORY ON THE MAIN
The recent controversy surrounding the proposed Silver Oaks development made me curious about the history of the tract, located just south of Oakhurst Drive near Lydia Lane Park. The main house burned in an arson fire in 2009, and an old water tower, cottage and some outbuildings are all that remain of the Yolanda Ranch once owned by Samuel Thomas Alexander. He was born in 1836 to New England missionaries near what is now Hanalei, Kauai. Around
1870, he and Henry Perrine Baldwin, a childhood friend, established Alexander & Baldwin Inc. The two made their fortunes planting, shipping and processing pineapples and sugar cane. They held interests in Matson Navigation, which owned freighters used to carry the raw sugar, as well as the C&H Sugar processing plant in Crockett. Alexander’s landholdings in Hawaii and California became extensive, but not all of his properties were devoted to business ventures. Some were country homes, including the Clayton property. The home’s entrance was on Clayton Road, and the driveway went down the hill and over the creek on what we know today as Lydia Lane. Above the gate was a green iron arch with the name “Yolanda” that remained in place until the mid 1970s. Letters that Norma Bloching
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Dempsey wrote to the Clayton Historical Society give us an idea of what Yolanda Ranch must have been like. William and Mary Bloching, Norma’s grandparents, were caretakers living on the property 1934-1954. They were employed by Juliette Alexander, who inherited the ranch from her father. Juliette was 69 years old in 1934 and would arrive from her Piedmont home in a limousine with a chauffeur, maid and cook for 2-3 day visits. Norma’s mother recalled Juliette’s long white hair always being done up in a bun and her favoring long dresses with ruffled sleeves. Another Bloching cousin called her apparel “baby dresses,” but Norma believed them to be
February 9, 2018
Clayton Historical Society
The main house on the Yolanda Ranch burned in 2009
traditional Hawaiian mumus. When the time came for William and Mary to be paid, Juliette would draw the money out of a pocket sewn into the long folds of her skirt. She was described as “adventurous and
independent.” Her ranch caretakers enjoyed visits to her Piedmont home, where she lived surrounded by exotic caged birds. When Juliette died in 1948, Yolanda Ranch was willed to her niece, Martha Waterhouse
Hurd. The parcel became known as the Hurd Ranch. “Most specifically, I remember the beautiful trees, and standing with my father at the water tower as he checked its workings and listening to the sounds of the water as it flowed into the tower,” Norma wrote. She also talked about the rosebushes her grandfather planted and the sidewalks he painted red using his “secret ingredient.” “It truly was a place of beauty and tranquility.”
Debbie Eistetter is membership chair of the Clayton Historical Society. For more information or to become a member, visit claytonhistory.org. The Clayton Museum is open 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays at 6101 Main St. Admission is free.
Programs strive to address illegal dumping There has been an increase in illegal dumping of solid waste throughout the county, impacting all of us. It can be harmful to wildlife, plants and water and damages the surrounding community and economy. It also increases our exposure to toxic or hazardous items and can attract diseasecausing microorganisms and rodents. Illegal dumping is costly, and the county is working to address it. On Jan. 23, the Board of Supervisors held a hearing on non-franchise Solid Waste Collection and the Transport Permit Program Fee. The board approved an ordinance to implement a program that will require permits for non-franchise waste haulers and performance bonds. This will require an annual health permit issued by the Environmental Health Division of the Contra Costa County Health Services Department. Consistent with this longstanding practice, the non-fran-
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KAREN MITCHOFF
COUNTY
SUPERVISOR
chise solid waste collection and transport permit would have an associated fee intended to fund a new non-franchise solid waste hauler program. This program will regulate non-franchise haulers by requiring them to get permits to move waste in this county. It will also assist with making it easier to identify the illegal haulers who dump on public and private property. We look forward to the implementation of this program
and to seeing a reduction in illegal dumping in Contra Costa. If you witness illegal dumping, report it as soon as possible to the appropriate city/county agency or the sheriff ’s dispatch at 925-646-2441 if it is in unincorporated areas. Without endangering yourself, try to obtain identifying information such as vehicle description and license plate number and note the time and location. The more information provided, the better the chances of stopping further illegal dumping. I also encourage you to report landlords who do not provide garbage service to the garbage collection company in your area. We are also seeing more trash left within the county flood control storm channels as well as creeks. There has been a concerted effort to address this issue through a partnership of county Public Works, the sheriff and H3 (Health, Housing and Home-
less, under Health Services). H3 and Public Works coordinates cleanups of dumping sites and homeless encampments. The sheriff ’s office can take action if someone reports dumping while it is happening, and they also coordinate with Public Works to clean up reported dumping sites. Public Works has two clean water/stormwater programs: the county Watershed Program and the Contra Costa Clean Water Program. Both programs are largely built around pollution prevention in creeks and watersheds. Contra Costa County continues to direct resources to cleanup, hauling and disposal associated with dumping. We thank residents for their help in addressing this important issue. Karen Mitchoff is Contra Costa County District IV supervisor. Email questions or comments to karen.mitchoff@bos.cccounty.us
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February 9, 2018
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 5
Shaving expenses and skipping extras makes down payment possible
to scale down to a less workintensive living situation. 3. You’re out of space. While it might be nice to have more room for shoes, it probably doesn’t warrant a new home. But if your household is getting ready to grow – say a new baby or in-laws moving in – it may be time to move to a house that will accommodate your expanding needs. LYNNE FRENCH 4. Your life has changed. A major life event – marriage, REAL ANSWERS divorce, new job, retirement – may necessitate a new home Q. How do I know when and/or a new location. it is time to sell? Q. How can my A. Deciding to sell your home is no small decision. boyfriend and I ever save up Here are your four indicators a down payment for a that can help you decide if it’s house? A. One of the biggest a good time to list your home. 1. You’re in a hot market. obstacles for first-time buyers If “sold “ signs are popping up is saving for a down payment. frequently in your neighbor- The first mistake new homehood and prices are rising buyers make is believing that quickly, it might be worth talk- they must have 20 percent to ing to your real estate agent. put down on a home. DependConsider moving if you can ing on your credit and the loan potentially make a big return terms, you can usually put down much less. on your investment. The second mistake is 2. You’re sick of yard work. If raking leaves and thinking you’ll never be able to staining the deck are no longer save enough money. Here are fun projects, you may be ready some things you can stop
spending money on right now: 1. Gas. When you can, walk or ride your bike instead of hopping in the car. Carpooling is another great idea. 2. Coffee. Treat yourself to a nice travel mug, then fill up at home and skip the pricey coffee shops. 3. Expensive gifts. Instead of buying gifts that may not be used by the recipient, go the homemade route: baked goods, a photo collage, a collection of flowers from your garden tied in a pretty ribbon or a home-cooked meal. 4. Books. Start reading books for free at the library. 5. Lunch. Brown bagging it is cheaper and healthier. But don’t eat at your desk. Go to the break room or a local park (and bring your library book). 6. Gym membership. If you are not using your gym regularly, let it go. Stay healthy with online workouts at home and venture into the great outdoors for walking, hiking, running or your favorite sport. 7. Bottled water. Get yourself a filtered pitcher and a portable container. Your wallet – and the environment
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STACI HOBBET
ON THE MOUNTAIN
Watch your step: Poison oak is already leafing out on the mountain. It’s particularly potent right now, because the sap is rising and the new leaves are delicate and easily crushed. While critical for our wildlife, this native plant isn’t so benevolent to people. It not only arms itself with a toxic resin, it’s a sneaky shape-shifter – growing as spindly vines, bushes, big hedges and groundcover. It’s especially easy to overlook right now, as it sends out sprouts at ground level. Many veteran hikers pitch their clothes directly into the washing machine when they get home, a sound policy. But it’s easy to forget that your boots may also be flush with urushiol, the skin-blistering oil in poison oak. The resin is highly persistent. It doesn’t evaporate
backyard cookout, potluck or intimate dinner party with candles and fine china. 10. Premium cable. Look at your cable bill and decide if you really need all those channels. Cutting corners may not be a lot of fun, but keep your eye
on the prize: a house of your own. Send your question and look for your answer in a future column. Email Lynne@LynneFrench.com. French is the broker/owner of Windermere Lynne French & Associates. Contact her at 672-8787 or stop in at 6200 Center St., Clayton.
People and poison oak just don’t mix and will still be there next time you grab your boots. Urushiol can last for months and even years in some conditions. So when you get home, spray a little dilute rubbing alcohol on your boots, including the soles, and let them air dry. Rubbing alcohol is a fastacting solvent that works just as well on clothing. Some hikers carry alcohol swabs in their packs in case they accidentally brush against poison oak – or even suspect that they have. The oil is thought to have evolved as an anti-microbial defense, not to make humans miserable but to fight infection when the plant is injured. And it’s injured all the time by hungry critters. The oil isn’t toxic to native wildlife, but instead provides critical habitat, food, shelter and nesting locations to many species. Deer commonly munch on the leaves and stems, and insects feed on the juicy tissue. Birds – including quail, phoebes, waxwings, warblers, woodpeckers, titmice, robins and towhees – eat the berries. Some make nests in the branches, particular-
POISON OAK
ly the California towhee. This friendly, buff-colored bird about the size of a robin hunts for seeds, spiders, mites, grubs and snails in the leaf duff of the woodlands. California’s native fauna evolved with poison oak. On the scale of evolution, people are literally newcomers. If we stick around for a few million more years – a big if – we may develop immunity. But for now, try to enjoy this plant for its brilliant color and beauty spring through fall and for the generous bounty it offers our wildlife. Just keep your distance. Staci Hobbet is a docent with the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association; mdia.org.
Robert Casey
Sawyer Glacier on Tracy Arm is one of many spectacular sights that can be seen from Alaska's waterways.
ROBERT CASEY PLACES TO GO
When it comes to cruising, Alaska is “hot.” More than 1 million people cruised there last year, and a 10 percent increase is forecast for 2018. Many cruisers book voyages on midsize and megaships, but another smart option are small ships – including the Alaskan ferry system – that offer an interesting, more intimate experience. When I last cruised to Alaska in 2009, I was on a Royal Caribbean midsize ship with 2,000 other passengers. When we pulled into Ketchikan, Skagway or Juneau, there was a rush into town for sightseeing and tours. It wasn’t only the passengers from my ship, but thousands of people from other ships that happened to be in port that day. If only I had known then about the small-ship and expeditionary cruising in Alaska. These smaller ships typically carry fewer than 100 passengers and provide richer, more diversified travel experiences. These ships also are not limited to the major ports but can dock in smaller bays and tiny cities like Petersburg and Wrangell. Thanks to the Inside Passage, protected from the Pacific’s roiling seas, there is little reason to be concerned with seasickness. Travelers increasingly value opportunities to immerse
themselves in local experiences. Smaller ships routinely feature naturalists and other experts who help explain local history, customs and wildlife. Many also hire photographers who help passengers learn new techniques. Here are some of the top choices: The Alaska Marine Highway System. Since it’s impossible to drive to many cities in Alaska, the state ferry service is a fascinating way to see the area. The “blue canoes,” as the ferries are known, go as far south as Bellingham, Wash., and as far west as Dutch Harbor in the Aleutians. This is basically a “hop on, hop off ” experience. Food is extra, served cafeteria-style. Budget travelers can rough it and spread their sleeping bags on the deck. Alaskans rarely travel by cruise ship, but almost everyone who lives along the coast uses the Alaska Marine Highway – making it an ideal way to meet Alaskans. Ferries run year-round, but they are extremely popular in summer, so booked as soon as possible. For more information, go to dot.state.ak.us/amhs. Lindblad Expeditions. This company, which runs all
If You Go
of National Geographic’s cruises, is a leader in naturalistled travel. Their Alaska fleet includes Sea Bird and Sea Lion, both holding 62 passengers, and the larger National Geographic Quest added in 2016, which carries 100. Windstar Cruises. This line is returning to Alaska for the first time in 20 years with its all-suite, 212-passenger Star Legend. UnCruise Adventures. Headquartered in Seattle, this line offers small-ship expeditions focused on local culture, cuisine and nature. There are six ships sailing Alaskan itineraries, ranging from the 22-passenger Safari Quest to the 84passenger Safari Endeavour. Alaskan Dream Cruises. This company features four different Alaska itineraries, departing from Ketchikan, Juneau or Sitka, on five different small ships. The Boat Company. Operating two small ships in southeast Alaska, this not-forprofit cruise line sails sevenday cruises between Sitka and Juneau. Robert Casey is president of Fair Winds Cruises & Expeditions in Clayton. He can be reached at 925-787-8252, caseyrdc@gmail.com or fairwindscruises.com.
Passport rules. If your cruise includes Canadian stops, such as Vancouver or Victoria, U.S. citizens will need a passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the cruise. If the cruise departs and returns to the same U.S. port (such as San Francisco or Seattle), U.S. citizens only need a government-issued birth certificate or certified copy with a raised seal. Getting around. Shore excursions are available from any cruise line except for the ferries, but many Alaskan ports are easily walkable and taxis are available. More information. The official Alaska website travelalaska.com contains tips on things to do and places to go.
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1328 Shell Lane Pending Absolutely fantastic 3 bedroom Full Price 2.5 bath townhouse in highly desirable Chaparral Springs neighborhood. Beautifully appointed kitchen and baths sparkle. Large family room and dining room and soaring vaulted ceilings throughout. Gorgeous back yard for entertaining. Extra large 2 car garage with built-ins. Community pool and walking trails. Primo location - walk to town, schools, trails, and more. Offered at $585,000
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February 9, 2018
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Performing in front of a group of people can be daunting; performing an original piece in front of a group of your peers can be absolutely terrifying. But Clayton Valley Charter High School’s Faith Donithan did just that. The senior, a
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member of the Arts Academy and Show Choir, sang her original song “Easier” at Clayton Valley’s Follies Show. The Follies are an annual showcase featuring talent from Clayton Valley’s Visual and Performing Arts Departments. The show is a fundraiser for those programs, bringing in thousands of dollars each year. A portion helps pay for the choir’s annual trip to a competition. This year, they are going to the San Diego Heritage Festival in March. Donithan has performed covers in previous showcases, but the senior says it “wasn’t as monumental or personal.” This performance was a much different experience for her. “I usually don’t share my songs with anyone,” she notes. CV senior Austin Schiffman, also in the Arts Academy, composed the music to go with her song and played the
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destress. “Getting my feelings on paper is super therapeutic.” Other notable performances included the improv team, led by seniors Zion Davis and Colin Moore. They took suggestions from the audience for both of their performances and made the audience roar with laughter at their clever acting and dialogue. The Choir Girlz, made up of Sydney Caulder, Ana-Carolina Lustosa, Cate McGloin, Jordan Steinberg and Mary Wardak, performed an extremely creative and hilariAllison Sandoz ous skit. Madi Allen, Sierra Faith Donithan sings her original song, “Easier,” accompaLofgren and Annaliese Van nied by Austin Schiffman. Sickle also captured the audipiano during her performance. anism called “Squibble.” She ence’s attention with their Donithan, who wrote the song had to stay alert so she beautiful performance of in two days, said this year’s wouldn’t miss her cue to go “Mama I’m a Big Girl Now” showcase was significant back on stage. from “Hairspray.” because it would be her last. The talented performer Sydney is a junior at CVCHS. Donithan was in two acts believes she will always enjoy in a row; her second was a singing and writing lyrics. Send comments to editor@claytoncomedy skit centered on veg- Music has given her a way to pioneer.com
CVCHS launches new character building program
A wise person once said: “Character combined with intelligence is the ultimate goal in human development. Intelligence without character is ultimately very dangerous.” At Clayton Valley Charter High School, we focus on preparing students to become “first-class citizens with a world-class education.” That process is all about character development, which is a primary focus in and out of the classroom. This year, we added to our character education program by infusing character and leadership curriculum into physical education classes. P.E. teachers
developed and implemented powerful character-building lessons using a nationally recognized program by Joseph M. Hoedel. Teachers define traits like responsibility, empathy and perseverance, citing real-world examples. Students must articulate the importance of the various traits and explain how their presence or absence impacts other people. Guidance counselor Bob Ralston has been leading the character education program, alongside P.E. department head Guillermo Jara. Both are Clayton residents. Our athletic directors and coaches are also utilizing the character modules designed for athletes through a daily program accessed through a mobile app. The curriculum dovetails with the city of Clayton’s Do the Right Thing Program.
SAFE Credit Union is accepting applications for its 2018 scholarship program. Now in its 17th year, the program awards 10 outstanding college-bound seniors with $1,000 scholarships each. “Helping deserving students achieve their college dreams is a natural extension
of the youth-focused activities we host and support year-round,” said SAFE president and CEO David Roughton. “The SAFE team is hard at work operating two on-campus branches at local high schools, offering student-focused financial literacy workshops across the region and more – all in an
JEFF ANDERSON
CVCHS PRINCIPAL
Julie Pierce
Clayton Mayor Jim Diaz presented Do the Right Thing certificates to Brooke Johnson, left, and Vanessa Chena Davilla at a December City Council meeting.
Students Vanessa Chena Davilla and Brooke Johnson recently received Clayton’s Do the Right Thing character award, presented by then Mayor Jim Diaz. It was a
great experience for our students to be honored by the mayor and City Council.
Send comments to editor@claytonpioneer.com
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effort to better prepare tomorrow’s leaders.” The scholarship committee will select awardees based on exceptional grade point averages, financial need, community involvement, letters of recommendation and personal statements. Eligible applicants must live or attend school in the 13 counties SAFE serves, which includes Contra Costa County. SAFE membership is not required. Established in 1940,
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Club News
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TAMARA
AND
R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers
TAMARA S TEINER , Editor
P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design
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C ORRESPONDENTS : Kara Navolio, John T. Miller We remember Jill Bedecarré
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schoolnews@claytonpioneer.com LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a resident in our home delivery area. Submit on our website and be sure to attach a JPG photo that is at least 3 MB but not bigger than 6MB. You can also mail or bring your print to the office and we can scan it for you. Also on the website are forms for calendar items, events & press releases. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Both Pioneer newspapers welcome letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 175 words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have
priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print anonymous letters. E-mail your letter to tamara@claytonpioneer.com. Letters must be submitted via E-mail. CIRCULATION
Total circulation of the Clayton Pioneer is 5,500 to ZIP code 94517, all delivered by US Mail to homes and businesses. We cannot start or stop free delivery to individual addresses. This must be done directly through the Post Office. The Concord Pioneer is delivered monthly to 30,500 in Concord by carrier. Papers are delivered once a month on a Friday morning near the end of the month. To stop delivery for any reason, call the office at (925) 672-0500 or send an email to circulation@claytonpioneer.com. If you are NOT receiving the Pioneer, please check the distribution map on the website. If you live in the shaded area and are not receiving the paper, please call us or send an email to circulation@claytonpioneer.com. If you are not in the shaded area, please be patient. We will come to your neighborhood soon.
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Mayor, from page 1
I encourage residents to get involved in Clayton community activities. Who knows, you could end up on the City Council and as mayor. It’s a rewarding opportunity to serve your community. One of the biggest issues facing our community is the eventual development of the downtown area. I’ve been asked about a rumor that a private development proposed for the city’s vacant property in our downtown area has already been approved and is a “done deal.” I want to assure you this proposed development is just that: a concept of a “proposed development” at this time. No plans have even been submitted to the city for official review and processing for public comment. My expanded answer to this question includes a description of the city’s approval process for developments, which can range from a home remodel or expansion to a new house or large multi-family or housing development. In my previous column, I stated that I wanted to describe how the city operates. With this expressed concern about development, I thought this would be a great opportunity to clarify the roles of the city’s Community Development Department and the council-appointed Planning Commission. The first step for any new construction project is for a property owner to contact the Community Development Department to obtain information about any city zoning ordinances or general building code requirements that might apply. The owner then works with our Community Development staff to determine the requirements for submitting a proposal for the city to consider. Once it appears the requirements have been met, the proposal is submitted to the Community Development Depart-
ment for formal review and analysis and then to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission can only review the submission in public. It holds public hearings to allow for public input and, if desired, discussion with the applicant on the proposal. For many development proposals, the Planning Commission’s action is sufficient for approval or denial of a project at the city level. If approved, the proposal is submitted to the county for a building permit (if required) because our city contracts with the county to provide plan check and construction inspections. The Planning Commission’s approvals or denials can be appealed to the City Council. After recommendations for or against by the Planning Commission, projects that require a General Plan, Specific Plan, zoning or ordinance amendment or variance are automatically forwarded to the City Council. Only the City Council can approve changes to General Plans, Specific Plans and zoning codes by ordinance (local law). Public hearings will occur before the City Council can approve or deny any project. Such required processes offer ample opportunities for the public and the developer to provide input on proposed projects that require General Plan amendments or variances at both the Planning Commission and City Council levels. The approval process for proposed projects in Clayton is very public and encourages input from residents, resulting in well-informed local control of development in our community. I look forward to sharing more information about Clayton items and activities with you in upcoming issues. Feel free to send comments to me at khaydon@ci.clayton.ca.us.
CBCA president relishes role as community leader GARY CARR Special to the Pioneer
Long-time Clayton resident Steve Pierce brings decades of organizational experience to his role as new president of the Clayton Business and Community Association. Pierce, a CBCA member since 1992, has helped lead all the club’s major events. He knows the community and the association well. As a construction project manager for Swinerton Builders and others, he oversaw the construction of eight $30 million buildings. “My goal is to follow the lead of my predecessor, Bob Steiner, in growing CBCA and helping it adapt to change,” Pierce says. He supports the changes Steiner initiated, such as reconfiguring the format from monthly business dinner meetings to a quarterly system of gatherings. Starting this year, CBCA will hold its usual business dinner meetings in the first two months, with the third month as a mixer for members and visitors. “No business will be discussed. The mixer will just be a fun time,” Pierce explains. He is excited about how quickly the BBQ Cook Off has developed into a major visitor destination. This year’s event will run for two days, starting Friday evening and continuing Saturday. “Contestants need 12-14 hours to cook brisket, so they need to start Friday night,” Pierce notes. “This will make us a four-meat competition (ribs, chicken, pork shoulder and brisket) and a complete event under the rules of the Kansas City Barbecue Society.” According to Pierce, having a full menu of meats will attract more professional barbecue teams to Clayton to compete. With more teams at their smokers, more barbecue-lovers can be expected to attend – making Clayton a major stop on the bar-
Page 7
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becue tour statewide and nationally. He believes that finding the right person for the right job will boost enthusiasm among volunteers. “You’ve got to give people jobs they are good at and like to do.” Pierce plans to continue in his own favored niche for Art & Wine and Oktoberfest, pulling permits and working with vendors. But as CBCA president, he welcomes the opportunity to step back and take the overall view. “What we’re all about is trying to raise money, so we can give it away,” he says. Since 1984, the CBCA has worked for the common good of the community, holding events to raise money for schools, charitable organizations, scholarships and other worthy projects. Pierce has been retired for five years and is married to Julie Pierce, former mayor and current member of the City Council. They have been together for 47 years and have two sons. Shawn, 43, is a civil engineer on the Central Coast and Robert, 41, is a master mechanic at Dublin Honda. Pierce sees Clayton as a fantastic town, filled with great people who are willing to get involved and contribute to the community. “Is there any other place to be?” he asks.
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Shared Office Space CAG members gather for a nature journaling workshop at Creekside Arts 2017
The Clayton Community Library Foundation is seeking participants for its 15th Annual Creekside Arts event celebrating the library’s 23rd anniversary Mar. 23 through 25. Artists, musicians, authors, poets, storytellers, environmental and cultural groups, art jurors and enthusiasts are wanted for this annual fundraiser. “The Healing Power of Creativity” is this year’s theme, signifying healing through the visual and performing arts, culture and nature. Interactive entertainment for all ages and
workshops are scheduled. Awards presented to artists who creatively interpret the theme. Proceeds support environmental education programs in the library’s certified creekside wildlife habitat. Event hours are Friday from 6 to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. Applications are at the library or claytonlibrary.org; deadline is March 12. For more information, contact Arlene, event director, at (925) 864-3805 or creeksideartsfest@gmail.com
Museum looking for WWI items
The Clayton Museum is considering a World War I exhibit this fall to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI. Of interest are family stories, artifacts, photos and other memorabilia related to WWI. In addition, they are seek-
ing stories of family members or friends affected by the Spanish Flu epidemic that began at the end of 1917 and continued through 1919. To share, please contact Renee Wing, curator, at (925) 672-0240 or reneewing@sbcglobal.net.
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Self Discipline
Do the Right Thing
Page 8
Prison challenges ‘American Marriage’
SUNNY SOLOMON
BOOKIN’ WITH SUNNY
Think of marriage as a lovely pond, surrounded by flora and fauna. Then think of someone throwing a rather large rock into the pond. Can you see the ripples begin from where the rock falls? Can you see them moving ever outward until the entire pond has felt the effect of that rock? In “An American Marriage,” Roy and Celestial may not be perfectly matched, but they are crazy mad about each other and looking forward to the rest of their lives together. Then early in the marriage, the unthinkable happens. The rock is thrown, and the ripples begin. Think of the many things capable of disrupting our lives. Many marriages fail as the result of a child’s death. A military spouse might return home from war terribly injured, or someone could be maimed in an auto accident. Such events would likely affect not only the married couple but their parents and friends. Try to imagine what might happen if the rock thrown is a false accusation of rape. The charge moves swiftly through the justice system, with a guilty verdict and a sentence of 12 years incarceration. Author Tayari Jones introduces us to characters with whom we can easily identify. Roy and Celestial meet in college, introduced by Celestial’s childhood friend, Andre, the boy next door. The couples’
families both strongly believe in Roy’s innocence. In Roy’s voice, we get to know both sets of parents, Roy’s from a small town in Louisiana and Celestial’s from Atlanta. Celestial’s parents are both professionals, and Roy’s parents worked hard so their only son could go to college. Celestial’s lawyer uncle works to overturn Roy’s conviction. Family scenes are often depicted as humorous and selfdeprecating. Before and after Roy’s conviction, all such scenes illustrate a desire for what is best for their children. Except for the circumstances giving rise to Roy’s rush through court and conviction, there is no “otherness” to identify this black family’s suffering as any different from a white family’s. For the first two years of Roy’s incarceration, Celestial and both sets of parents visit Roy regularly. But Celestial, an emerging textile artist, finds the distance between Atlanta and the penitentiary in Louisiana more difficult when her art takes her to New York, where Andre brings Celestial more solace and comfort than Roy’s letters from jail. Roy’s mother also dies while Roy is incarcerated. Jones brings her novel to life chapter by chapter, telling the story in the voices of Roy, Celestial and Andre. Each character is worth our empathy. Even though things look impossible, we root for the marriage. I won’t say how the novel ends, but incarceration is most powerful. Nobody is untouched. In real life, bad things happen to good people, but love, loyalty, stamina and a bedrock of forgiveness are worth holding onto – no matter the odds. Sunny Solomon is a freelance writer and head of the Clayton Book Club. Visit her website at bookinwithsunny.com for her latest recommendations or just to ‘talk books.’
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Performing Arts
Stage Struck, from page 1
the performing arts award to board member Cara Bent, and Don Stone received a Shellie for his lighting design for “Rumors.” This year, the company soared to new heights with the best director and best actress awards. “I heard my name and for a split second, I didn’t move,” recalls Grosserode. “It took a minute to sink in, but there was Ms. Shellie standing next to me and the spotlight was on me. It was quite a moment,” says the firsttime Shellie Award winner. “I’m so grateful for the opportunities of community theater and to La Tonya and Roxanne for entrusting me with such interesting roles.” Watts expressed equal amazement at hearing her name called, which just happened to follow the best actress category. “I was so excited when Teresa won that I forgot my category came up next. Then they read my name and my mouth dropped,” Watts explains. “I think I was in shock and just sat there until my sister gave me a nudge. I didn’t want to go running up on stage in case it wasn’t really my name they had called,” she adds with a laugh. Watts and Pardi couldn’t be happier about the company’s latest awards. “Winning solidifies you within the community of your peers, who are all so talented,” says Watts. “This was so unexpected and so appreciated. It’s wonderful that other people see the hard work.” Not only do people recognize the hard work, many support it – including Clayton Theatre’s loyal audiences, the city of Clayton and the Clayton Business and Community Association (CBCA).
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SCREEN SHOTS
The Academy Award nominees for best picture this year do not include anything nearly as excellent as the last couple years. There is no “La La Land” or “Room.” There are simply nine films ranging from near perfect to pretty good.
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“We provide assistance to the theater in several ways, including the rental of Endeavor Hall,” says Mayor Keith Haydon, who also attends the company’s productions. “It’s a wonderful community resource and gives local performers and crew a chance to work close to home.” Haydon says he wasn’t surprised that Clayton Theatre brought home two of the top awards at this year’s Shellies. “They have an excellent theater with good quality productions. We’re very proud of them. This is one of the benefits of living in a small community,” he adds. “Keeping live theater open for the general public is definitely a challenge,” says Watts. “We couldn’t do it without the support of the city and the CBCA, which contributes regularly to help keep us going.” Up next at the Clayton Theatre Company is Ken Ludwig’s hilarious “Lend Me a Tenor,” winner of three Tony awards and four Drama Desk Awards. Ken Ludwig’s show is set in September 1934, as the Cleveland Grand Opera Company is primed to welcome world famous Tito Merelli, the greatest tenor of his generation, for a onenight appearance. Things go terribly wrong in a series of hilarious mishaps. A sensation on Broadway and in London’s West End, the madcap, screwball comedy is guaranteed to leave audiences teary-eyed with laughter. Watts directs, with Grosserode playing the part of Diana. “Tenor” runs March 8-24 at Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St. For tickets, go to www.brownpapertickets.com. Other local theater companies winning Shellies this year included Pittsburg Community Theatre (Tiana Paulding for best choreography for “Hair-
Garth Petal and JanLee Marshall star in B8 Theatre’s “Jubilee,” Feb. 15-Mar. 3 in Concord.
spray”) and Brentwood Theatre Company (Amanda Maxwell for best supporting actress in a musical for “Crazy for You”). For its next show, Pittsburg Community Theatre turns to Shakespeare for “Taming of the Shrew.” The romantic comedy runs March 9-11 at the California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave. Call 925-427-1611 or go to www.pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com for tickets. If you love the songs of Rodgers and Hart, you won’t want to miss Brentwood Theatre’s “Beguiled Again,” playing March 2-4 at the Mt. Diablo Event Center, 1700 Trilogy Parkway, Brentwood, and March 9-18 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Dr. Go to www.thebrentwoodtheater.org for ticket information. Meanwhile, the talented young people of the Grant Street Players will get you in the spirit with the classic poprock musical “Godspell.” Running Feb. 9-18 at St. Michael and All Angels church, 2925 Bonifacio St., Concord, the high-spirited show follows the
Grace Teo
gospel according to St. Matthew and includes such songs as “Day by Day.” For tickets, call 925-864-9435 or visit the website www.brownpapertickets.com/event/33219 17. Also in Concord, B8 Theatre presents the world premiere of “Jubilee” by local playwright Susan Sobeloff. The show tells of a brutal civil war that ends in a fragile peace. Determined to rebuild a democratic government, two generations of a family struggle to love one another, keep each other safe and navigate conflicting political loyalties. Peet Cocke directs the passionate new work Feb. 15March 3 at B8 Theatre, 2292 Concord Blvd. For tickets, call 925-890-8877 or go to https://m.bpt.me/event/3235 571. Sally Hogarty is well known around the Bay Area as a newspaper columnist, theatre critic and working actress. She is also the editor of the Orinda News. Send comments to sallyhogarty@gmail.com
Best picture picks range from brilliant to just pretty good
Grant Street Players present
St. Michael and All Angels 2925 Bonifacio St. in Concord.
February 9, 2018
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1. “Lady Bird.” Greta Gerwig wrote and directed this unabashedly heartfelt ode to life as a teenager in 2002 suburban Sacramento. Saorsie Ronan keeps getting better as she takes on the role of the title character. Standout performances from Laurie Metcalf as an overbearing mom and Lucas Hedges give the film a depth lacking from most coming-of-age movies. A borderline masterpiece. 2. “Dunkirk.” Christopher Nolan never shies away from a difficult project. Using unwieldy 70 mm IMAX cameras, “Dunkirk” weaves three separate narratives into one pleasingly, cohesive story. Each narrative unfolds in a different timeframe only to slowly fuse over the course of the film. With sparse dialogue and mostly unrecognizable characters, it’s nothing short of miraculous that Nolan pulls off this stunner. 3. “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.” Sam Rockwell, Woody Harrelson and Francis McDormand give career high performances in Martin McDonagh’s commentary on race and the law. McDormand plays a feisty mother who’s angry about the sheriff ’s department’s apparent lack of interest in solving her daughter’s murder. There might not be a more important film to come out of 2017. 4. “Get Out.” Jordan Peele breaks from TV comedy to direct a modern-day horror film. It’s the first of its genre since 1999 to be nominated for
best picture. With a breakthrough performance by Daniel Kaluuya (nominated for best actor), “Get Out” transcends the horror genre by avoiding the usual tropes and focusing on personal, psychological terror. 5. “The Shape of Water.” Horror master Guillermo Del Toro delves into his romantic side in this beautiful, fantastic fable. He perfectly portrays the look and feel of the Cold War 1950s, which permeates every aspect of the film in which a captured fish-man (Doug Jones) elicits the sympathies of a mute cleaning woman (Sally Hawkins). Michael Shannon is positively vicious as the head of security. 6. “Darkest Hour.” Joe Wright’s film focuses on the first month of Winston Churchill’s role as prime minister of England. The film delves deep to uncover just how unpopular Churchill was at first. With Gary Oldman at his peak as Churchill, the film still bogs down occasionally. Yet it efficiently portrays one of the most important periods of the 20th century. 7. “Phantom Thread.” Paul Thomas Anderson’s string of bizarre, yet gorgeous films continues. Daniel Day-Lewis is perfect as a stubborn, obsessive dressmaker in 1950s London. Sometimes cringe-inducing but always beautiful, the film traces Lewis’s infatuation with his new model Alma (Vicky Kreips). It’s slow, but worth the time invested. 8. “Call Me By Your
Name.” Luca Guadagnino’s love story ambles through the Italian countryside in the summer of 1983 as 17-year-old Elio (Timothee Chalamet’s breakout performance) becomes smitten with visiting grad student Oliver (Armie Hammer). Not much happens, but the aim is to get swept up by the luscious scenery and forbidden love. 9. “The Post.” From “Schindler’s List” to “War Horse,” Steven Spielberg has spent decades presenting historic heroes we might otherwise have never known. “The Post” depicts the brave decision by the Washington Post to publish top-secret Vietnam documents. Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks are fine; however, Spielberg does not weave enough suspense around this important story.
Here is my personal top 10: 1. “The Florida Project” 2. “Ladybird” 3. “Wonder Woman” 4. “Mudbound” 5. “Thor: Ragnarok” 6. “Dunkirk” 7. “Logan” 8. “Guardians of the Galaxy 2” 9. “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” 10. “Wind River” Jeff Mellinger is a screen writer and film buff. He holds a BA in Film Studies and an MFA in film production. He lives in Concord. Email comments to editor@claytonpioneer.com.
February 9, 2018
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 9
Clayton Community Calendar
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. FEB. 28 FOR THE MAR. 9 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com
IN CLAYTON
Feb. 11 Camellia Tea
Clayton Historical Society’s 41st annual Camellia Tea. Open house honoring the Clayton Business and Community Association this year. 1 – 4 p.m. Clayton Museum, 6101 Main St. Free. claytonhistory.org. (925) 672-0240.
Feb. 24 Pancakes and Ponies
Breakfast and fun-filled horse day for the family. Benefits horsemanship education programs. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Concord Mt. Diablo Trail Ride Association Clubhouse, 1600 Trail Ride Road. $8 kids, $15 adults before Feb. 14; $15-$25 after. diabloequestrianheritage.org.
Mar. 3 Birthday Celebration
The Clayton Community Library Foundation celebrates its birthday. Refreshments follow annual meeting. Open to the public. 10 a.m. Clayton Community Library, Hoyer Hall, 6125 Clayton Road. Free. claytonlibrary.org.
Mar. 4 Chili Cook-off
Contestants must register. Public enjoys samples after judging is complete. 10 a.m. Prizes awarded at 1 p.m. Clayton Club Saloon, 6096 Main St. claytonclubsaloon.com. (925) 673-0440.
Mar. 8 – 24 “Lend Me A Tenor”
Madcap, screwball comedy presented by the Clayton Theatre Company. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St. $15-$25. claytontheatrecompany.com. (925) 222-9106.
IN CONCORD
Tuesdays Farmers’ Market
Year round, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. pcfma.org.
Second Thursday of the Month Advance Health Care Directives
Legal clinic to prepare and notarize advance health care directives for seniors 60 and older in Contra Costa County. 9:15 11:15 a.m. Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle. Free. Call for appointment (925) 671-3320.
Feb. 23 Age Strong, Live Long Health Expo
Resources and information for seniors, families and professionals. Presentations and health screenings. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle. Free. cityofconcord.org/healthfair. (925) 671-3320, ext. 1.
Feb. 27 District Elections Public Hearing
Comment on draft of district map(s). 6:30 p.m. Concord Civic Center, City Council Chamber, 1950 Parkside Drive. cityofconcord.org.
Mar. 3, 10 English Tutors Needed
Diablo Valley Literacy Council teaches volunteers how to be English tutors. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4000 Clayton Road. $20. Must attend both workshops. dvlc4esl.org. To register, call (925) 685-3881 or email dvlc4esl@gmail.com.
ON AND AROUND THE MOUNTAIN
Mount Diablo Interpretive Association programs listed are free with the exception of park entrance fee. Go to mdia.org and click on Event Calendar for more information.
Feb. 18 Salamanders and Amphibians
Drop in and learn about amphibians of Contra Costa County. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Summit Museum.
Mar. 3 Early Bloomers
Early season wildflower walk up Mitchell Canyon. 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center. Response required: mtdiablohiker@gmail.com.
Save Mount Diablo’s Discover Diablo is a free public hike series. Go to discover-diablo.eventbrite.com for more information.
Feb. 11 Curry Canyon Ranch
Visit the lower 200 acres of SMD’s Curry Canyon. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meet at Park n’ Ride, 1000 Peacock Creek Drive. Registration required.
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Thru Feb. 24 “Red Speedo”
A sharp and compelling play. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40-$56. centerrep.org.
Feb. 9 – 11 “The Gondoliers”
A pair of handsome gondoliers suddenly become kings and humor and exuberance abound. Presented by Lamplighters. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $49$54. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469. Violinist. Presented by Chamber Music San Francisco. 2:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $55. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Feb. 10 “This One’s for You”
The songs of Barry Manilow. 2 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $12-$29. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.
Feb. 11 “Beethoven Mass in C”
Performed by Diablo Symphony Orchestra. 3:30 p.m. Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, 1801 Lacassie Ave., Walnut Creek. $35. diablosymphony.org.
Presented by The Vagabond Players. 2 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $15-$20. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.
Feb. 12 Stroke Support Group
Speaker: Eileen Nevitt. Topic: Ongoing care management. 7 – 9 p.m. Ball Auditorium, John Muir Medical Center, 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Free. Contact Ann Dzuna (925) 3766218.
Feb. 14, 16 “The All Hands On Deck Show”
Authentic American roadshow and radio broadcast re-creation circa 1942. Feb. 14: El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $30-$40. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500. Feb. 16: Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $52.50-$62.50. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
SCHOOLS
Mar. 2 – 18 “Twelfth Night”
A tale of unrequited love. Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. $11-$21. dvcdrama.net.
CHURCHES
Feb. 9 – 18 “Godspell”
Presented by Grant Street Players. St. Michael’s Church, 2925 Bonifacio St., Concord. $10. brownpapertickets.com.
Feb. 17 Annual Daddy-Daughter Dance
Feb. 15 – Mar. 3 “Jubilee”
Open to the public: girls and dads, uncles, granddads and friends of all ages. Professional portrait, dessert and dancing. Candyland theme. Sponsored by Clayton Community Church. 6:30 – 9 p.m. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. $25 per couple; $5 each additional guest. Register at claytoncc.com/daddydaughter. For more information, contact Jamie Davis at jamie.davis@claytoncc.com or (615) 495-4349.
Feb. 17 “Chicken, Chitlins and Caviar”
Performed by Matt Zebley’s Oversized Quartet. 7:30 p.m. Clayton Valley Presbyterian, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. $15. cvpresby.org.
In a dystopian future, brutal civil war ends in a fragile peace. B8 Theatre Company, 2292 Concord Blvd., Concord. $15-$25. b8theatre.org. (925) 890-8877. A musical soul food feast that celebrates music in the African American culture. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Feb. 17 – 18 “Ludwig and Leonard”
Presented by Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra. 2 p.m. Feb. 17: El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $7-$15. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500. Feb. 18: Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10-$30. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Feb. 23 “Improv For Good”
Presented by Funny Bones Productions. 7:45 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Feb. 23 – 25 “Mr. Toad’s Mad Adventures”
Presented by El Campanil Children’s Theatre. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $9-$13. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.
Feb. 24 “Come Together: The Beatles Concert Experience”
Presented by West Coast Performing Arts. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Feb. 25 “A Tribute to Glenn Miller and Tex Beneke”
Presented by West Coast Theater Company. 2 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $47-$59. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Feb. 25 Michael Schade
Tenor. Presented by Chamber Music San Francisco. 2:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $55. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Feb. 25 Piano Recital
Presented by Mina with Love for Piano. 6:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $25. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 1 “Pete the Cat”
Life is an adventure for this groovy blue cat. 11:45 a.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 4 March Concert
Presented by Diablo Wind Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 4 “New Day Rising”
Presented by Contra Costa Wind Symphony. 2 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $17. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 4 “The Everly Brothers Experience”
Featuring the Zmed Brothers. 3 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $12-$29. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.
Mar. 8 – 11 “Sleeping Beauty”
Presented by Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 9 – 11 “The Taming of the Shrew”
A William Shakespeare comedy. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $20-$25. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611.
Mar. 9 – 18 “Beguiled Again: The Songs of Rodgers and Hart”
Presented by Brentwood Theater Company. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $30. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 10 “The Magician is In”
Performed by Nick Federoff. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $10-$20. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.
Feb. 24 Jazz Concert
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.
Feb. 24 North Korean Refugee Benefit Concert
Including performance by Korean Choir of the Bay Area. Presented by the Mustard Seed Mission Society and Concord United Methodist Church. 7 p.m. 1645 West St., Concord. Freewill offering. concordumc.org.
Mar. 3 Annual Benefit Concert
Supporting the Delta Blues Festival. 7 – 10 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $15-$40. elcampaniltheatre.com. (925) 757-9500.
Mar. 3 “Rock the CASA”
Dan Ashley presents this charity concert featuring Melissa Etheridge to benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates and Friends of Camp Concord. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $100-$250. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 9 – 10 “College Notes”
Amazing evening with some top colleges and their award-winning a cappella groups. Benefits Diablo Regional Arts Association’s Education and Outreach Programs. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
AT THE LIBRARY
The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at claytonlibrary.org or call (925) 673-0659. Thru Feb. 28: Elephant and Piggie Reading Club Feb. 12: Clayton Library Book Club, 7 p.m. Feb. 12, 26: Clayton Knits, 1:30 p.m. Feb. 15: Year of the Dog craft program, 4 p.m. Feb. 15, Mar. 1: Kindergarten Countdown, 2 p.m.
The Concord Library is at 2900 Salvio St. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at ccclib.org or (925) 646-5455.
Thru Apr. 14: AARP Tax Help, Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m. 3:30 p.m. Registration required. Feb. 11: Concord Mystery Book Club, 2:30 p.m. Feb. 12: Kids’ Movie Monday, 7 p.m. Feb. 13: Concord Art Assoc. Meeting & Demo, 1:30 p.m. Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day Crafternoon, 4 p.m. Feb. 15: Year of the Dog celebration, 4 p.m. Feb. 15: Get the Retirement You Want, 7 p.m. Registration required. Feb. 26: LEGO Building, 7 p.m. Feb. 26, Mar. 5: Kindergarten Countdown, 2 p.m. Registration required.
GOVERNMENT
1st and 3rd Tuesdays Clayton City Council
7 p.m. Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. (925) 673-7304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.
2nd and 4th Tuesdays Clayton Planning Commission
7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. (925) 673-7304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.
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Sports
Page 10
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 9, 2018
CVCHS boys, unbeaten girls soccer gear for NCS JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clayton Valley Charter’s two varsity soccer teams can wrap up Diablo Athletic League championships by winning their two games this week and each expects a high seed in the North Coast Section playoffs that begin on Valentine’s Day next week. New coach Aaron Pomeroy has seen his girls play 21 games entering this week without any losses yet is tied for first place in the DAL Valley division. The boys and fifth-year coach Guillermo Jara have a 12-4-4 and are first in the DAL Foothill division. The Eagles girls team has allowed only four goals in those 21 games that includes 14 wins and seven draws. The senior-laden defense has 17 shutouts led by captains Lizzie Annison and Cassie Bizicki along with Skylar Hellstrom and Holly Gallagher and freshman Jenna West has been rock solid all year, allowing very few
shots and never more than one goal in any game. Pomeroy says the Eagles have allowed the fewest goals of any Division I girls team in NCS. Northgate and CVCHS drew last week 1-1 and remain tied in the standings at 6-0-2 after drawing both games between them. The Eagles visit Berean Christian on Wednesday and then host Mt. Diablo on senior night this Friday. He expects a top six seed for the Section playoffs. On offense CVCHS has tallied 48 goals. Gallagher leads the team with 10 assists from the outside defender position. Senior midfielder Emily Kaleal who signed with San Francisco State this week and sophomore midfielder Cydney Walker lead the team with seven goals apiece followed by senior midfielder Savannah Irwin and soph forward Alexa Avelar with six goals each. Carondelet (13-4-4) has lost twice to top ranked Monte Vista among four defeats. The four losses is one more than
Kahlil McKenzie leaves Tennessee for NFL draft after junior season
ALEXA AVELAR
they totaled in the past two years when they lost heartbreakers in the past two NCS DI championship games. BOYS SOCCER Jara says his team has been third in NCS rankings during the season but needs to post wins over Campolindo and at College Park this week to
Photo courtesy Tennessee Athletics
925.348.5609 Nick Eisenbart
Owner/Service Provider Concord resident
clinch the DAL Foothill title. The Eagles have been beset by knee injuries to a couple key players but “we still have a solid group” the coach says. Paris Ruiz with 11 goals is the leading scorer while Jara credits his backline of Kellen Dresdow, Jose Haro, Tyler Hanson and Lorenzo Vides (in for injured Miry Hasib) for
much of the success. De La Salle is 8-2-4 including a 4-0-3 EBAL record that puts them in a first-place tie with San Ramon Valley. The co-leaders drew 1-1 last week in Danville. Coach Guillermo Jara’s Ugly Eagles have posted a 10-3-3 record including eight shutouts, including all three draws. They
TYLER HANSON
are in a tough DAL Foothill bracket with Ygnacio Valley, Las Lomas and Northgate all vying for top honors. De La Salle is 11-2-7 including a 6-0-5 EBAL record that puts them slightly ahead of San Ramon Valley. The coleaders drew 1-1 twice. The Spartans haven’t lost since Dec. 29.
Prep sports news roundup: More DAL football coaching changes in store JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clayton Valley Charter High School grad and junior defensive lineman Kahlil McKenzie (99) made a surprise announcement that he is going to forego his final football season at the University of Tennessee to enter the NFL draft. McKenzie never lived up to his five-star recruiting rating coming out of CVCHS but at 6-3, 320 pounds the son of Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie will still get plenty of attention from pro scouts in preparation for the late April draft. McKenzie transferred to De La Salle for his junior year and had 74 tackles for the Spartans as they took second in the State. He then transferred with his younger brother Jalen (now a freshman player at USC) to CVCHS and was eventually ruled ineligible to play his season year for the Ugly Eagles. In his three seasons with the Vols, also his dad’s alma mater, McKenzie totaled 71 tackles. On Instagram in announcing his decision to turn pro McKenzie wrote “I want to say thank you to the city of Knoxville and the ENTIRE VolNation for embracing me through the ups and downs through these past 3 years.”
CYDNEY WALKER
Mt. Diablo recently announced the hiring of Donald James as it head football coach following the resignation of first-year coach Vontre Mason who welcome twin sons to his family last November. James is the fourth head coach for the Red Devils since 2014, a period in which they only won three games. DJ, as the new coach goes by, has worked on the MDHS campus for four years and has been coaching varsity linemen at his alma mater, Oakland Tech, for nine seasons. Athletic Director Ryan Leuschen says, “Coach DJ has hit the ground running and has already put together his nonleague schedule. He is meeting consistently with the kids and is making strides in building the football program as we speak.” James, who turns 28 on Valentine’s Day, says he’ll be part of the incoming freshman parents’ information day in a couple weeks. He is the nephew of Ygnacio Valley football coach Clyde Byrd.
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College Park is also in the head coaching search. The Falcons will be hiring their fifth coach in four years following the 26-year reign of Bill Kepler the ended in 2014. Benicia High joining DAL The Diablo Athletic League is halfway through its second season and is now making plans to expand for the 2018-19 school year when Benicia High School joins the 12-team conference that came about in 2016 after realignment by North Coast Section. With 12 teams the DAL has been able to split into two sixteam divisions in most sports that is aimed at providing competitive equity for most of the schools. Each sport is aligned based on results of the past two years. The sports with all 13 schools taking part will obviously have a built-in bye in one of the divisions. Benicia is currently part of the Solano County Athletic Conference in the Sac-Joaquin Section. The Panthers finished with a 6-4 record in football last fall and lost in the first round of the Division III Section playoffs.
weeks later they will also host crosstown rival Clayton Valley Charter in a non-league game. A new turf softball field and the baseball stadium are both under construction and completion time for this spring’s season is still uncertain with weather playing a big role in getting turf installed for both sites. DE LA SALLE ANNOUNCES DAUNTING SCHEDULE
DONALD JAMES
CONCORD HIGH TO REOPEN STADIUM IN AUGUST
After missing the fall and winter seasons Concord High’s football-soccer stadium is due for completion in time for spring track and field. The turf field is part of a $5.6 million project paid for mainly from remaining Measure A funds, a bond measure passed by the voters in 1989. The Minuteman football team will host Dougherty Valley of San Ramon in the 2018 season opener on Aug. 17. Two
De La Salle recently announced its fall football schedule and it includes games against powerhouses from Utah and Nevada as well as Northern California. The Spartans have come up short in the past two CIF Open Division championship games and their last three losses have been by a combined 109-49 against three of the top teams in America. They will host Nevada 4A champion Bishop Gorman on Sept. 14 hoping to avenge last year’s 347 loss in Las Vegas. Their lone out of state game is Sept 29 when they travel to Salt Lake City to meet East, who beat the Spartans in Concord in 2016 23-21. East came up short in the Utah 4A championship last fall. Closer to home DLS meets defending 2A state champion St. Francis in Mountain View. The Spartans beat the Lancers last year31-7. Three-time state champs Central Catholic of Modesto visits Owen Owens Field Aug. 24 after DLS opens its season hosting Amador Valley. They also will host Bishop O’Dowd during a busy Aug. schedule of three games. They close out with four games against EBAL teams Monte Vista, Foothill, San Ramon Valley and California. The Spartans have two highly recruited incoming seniors in Henry To’oto’o and Isaiah Foskey. The last time they won the State championship in 2015 they also had two top recruits in Boss Tagaloa and Devin Asiasi, both now at UCLA. To’oto’o last week confirmed he is going to play in the prestigious 2019 All-American Bowl.
February 9, 2018
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com game, choosing to stick with it ever since. “He’s a tough, hard-working kid that knows no quit,” says Behmlander. He joined the wrestling team his freshman year after watching his dad coach the sport for Berean Christian High. He joined St. Bonaventure CYO track when he was young and tried the shot, proving to be gifted at it as he won the Diocese championship in sixth and seventh grades. Acebo has a current 3.8 weighted GPA and has made Honor Roll every semester. He is part of the CVCHS Engineering Academy and Acebo is applying to all of the military academies, hoping to continue with a career in one of the branches. CVCHS student journalist Sydney Skow wrote this Spotlight.
Athlete Spotlight Ben Acebo
Grade: Senior School: CVCHS Sport: Wrestling, Football, Track & Field
With the potential of earning 10 CVCHS varsity letters senior Acebo is a prime example of the dedication and work it takes to be a successful student athlete. Acebo played fullback for Ugly Eagles football, lettering four years. He is also going to letter for the third time each on varsity wrestling and track and field this winter and spring. Acebo wrestles at 160 pounds for coach Kyle Behmlander and competes in the shot put and discus in the spring. “I believe that the sports I play have taught me
what it means to work hard and persevere through hard times. I think the lessons I’ve learned from high school sports will be with me for the rest of my life and have genuinely made me a better person,” reflects Acebo. He was named first-team all-league after last fall’s football season when CVCHS won its fourth consecutive undefeated league championship. He’s received the NCS scholar athlete award every varsity season. Acebo began playing football in fourth grade for CVAA and loved the
The Clayton Pioneer congratulates Ben and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for 25 years at Family Vision Care Optometry. www.laceyandruzicka.com Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@claytonpioneer.com.
JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Marlena King of Clayton just turned 15 and weeks before her birthday she made a significant mark in the swimming pool at the United States Synchronized Swimming National Team Trials in Buffalo, NY. The Clayton Valley Charter High School freshman placed ninth in the 13-15 age group after Phases 1 and 2 of the National Trials. She will join four Walnut Creek Aquanuts teammates in April as the top 30 performers from the January trials compete for one of 12 places on the National Team. King is starting her sixth competitive season with the Aquanuts. She scored 68.048 at the Trials, 3.219 points behind first place Megumi Field of La Mirada, CA. The Aquanuts sent five swimmers to the 13-15 Trials and all ended up in the Top 30 to earn invites to Phase 3. All
swimmers passed two rounds of compulsory figures before advancing to a land skills competition assessing strength and flexibility. Then the competitors from around the country swam a prescribed routine for a panel of judges to get a final ranking. In April, Phase 3 of the trials will cut the group down to 12 for the final team selection. Those final 12 will represent the U.S. internationally at the Junior World Championships this July in Budapest, Hungary. “We were so proud of how all of our Aquanut athletes performed. They looked prepared and it was great to see all five make it to Phase 3,” said coach and 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist Tammy McGregor. WCA will host the West Zone Championship at the Clarke Memorial Aquatic Center in Walnut Creek Mar. 1-4. All age groups will be competing with the top placers in each event qualifying for the U.S. National Championships in April.
Clayton Valley Charter High basketball started this season with 18 consecutive victories before losing an incredible 100-98 shootout in two overtimes to Campolindo in Moraga, which brought an end to the school’s longest ever boys basketball winning streak which dropped them back into a first-place tie in the Diablo Athletic League
Foothill Division. The Eagles have rebounded from that loss with three more wins to go to 21-1 overall. CVCHS had a rematch with co-leader Las Lomas in Walnut Creek this Tuesday followed by three more league contests to complete the regular season hosting Campolindo in a revenge game this Friday and Acalanes next Tuesday before the finale at College Park Feb. 16.
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CVCHS went undefeated in DAL Valley Division last year but even with their highpowered offense this season they have faced much stronger opposition in seeking a repeat league championship. The 100-98 double overtime loss to Campolindo in late January saw Boston University-bound Garrett Pascoe pour in 49 points as the
Eagles rallied from an 18point deficit in Moraga to force OT. The Eagles were behind by 16 points in the first quarter and trailed 74-56 entering the fourth when they outscored host Campo 26-8 to extend the game on Pascoe’s tying bucket. Defending NCS DI champion De La Salle has lost of
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February 9, 2018
Sports
Does Spring Training really matter? JACOB SAMUELS SPORTS TALK Every year, the same debate ensues. Does it really matter how your team does in Spring Training or is it absolutely meaningless? After all, the only two NFL teams in history to go 0-16 both had undefeated preseasons (2008 Lions and
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2017 Browns). The answer is not black and white. While it really does mean zilch if your team wins a lot of games in the spring, there are other things that do matter. For example, the lineup your team puts out there towards the end of March gives you a preview of what to expect in the season and the performance of back-of-therotation starting pitchers dictates who will be a starter and who will be a reliever (or minor leaguer) come April. Of course, it is also important to
note any injuries sustained in Spring Training. Here is what to pay attention to during Spring Training for the Bay’s two MLB teams. The Giants, who play their March slate in Scottsdale, Arizona, will have to figure out two key things: their center fielder and their final two starting pitchers. Recent signees Austin Jackson and Gregor Blanco are expected to vie for starting centerfielder. There is also a possibility that the Giants will go out and sign another veteran outfielder, such as speedster Jarrod Dyson. If they keep the status quo, it would be my guess that
the righthanded hitting Jackson will platoon with the lefthanded Blanco, at least until one pulls away from the other in April. San Francisco’s rotation will feature veteran workhorses Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija at the top, with uncertainty at the bottom. The most likely candidates are 2014 first round pick Tyler Beede and Chris Stratton, who started 10 games last season. A final thing to watch for the Giants is whether reliever Will Smith, who had Tommy John surgery last March, will be ready for the start of the
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Registration is still open for Mt Diablo Soccer Association’s spring season. The program is open to boys and girls under 5U19 divisions. The older divisions are co-ed teams. Games start in mid-March. MDSA AYSO Region 223 serves Clayton, Concord and surrounding communities. Registrants now may be placed on a waitlist. For more details and to register visit mdsoccer.org.
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MULTI-DISCIPLINE MARTIAL ARTS CLASS OFFERED IN CONCORD
A multi-discipline martial arts class began this Tuesday at the Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Cir. Master Ping Zhen Cheng is one of the few teachers to have inherited the vast knowledge of five systems of internal martial arts style and healing arts. Exercises performed will stress the use of Universal Energy of Ki, core energy exercises, self-defense applications and partner drills incorporating six martial arts: Sun Style Tai Chi, ‘8 Trigram Palm’, Xingyi, Tongbei, Yiquan and Aikido. To register visit ConcordReg.org, course 105908. For more information contact Dario Sanchez at 671-3017.
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YGNACIO VALLEY HIGH LOOKING FOR ALUMNI SWIMMERS , 1971 FOOTBALL PLAYERS FOR HALL OF FAME INDUCTION MAY 19
Ygnacio Valley High’s Athletic Hall of Fame is inducting its newest class on May 19, including swim coach Gino Barsuglia and the 1971 football team. The committee is looking for alumni who swam for the Warriors under coach Barsuglia to invite them to join in honoring him posthumously. Coach Rick Silvey will be accepting on behalf of Barsuglia to share the achievements of his YVHS swim teams winning five DVAL championships and five consecutive North Coast Section championships from 1969-74. Swimmers can get in touch with YVHS via email at ygnaciovalleyhalloffame@gmail.com. The committee is also trying to find nearly 20 members of the ’71 football team. Contact Jim Grace at jfpgrace@astound.net if you are aware of team members.
JUNIOR OPTIMIST BASEBALL, SOFTBALL SIGNUPS TAKEN ONLINE
Junior Optimist Baseball/Softball League is accepting spring league registration for ages 4-15 for boys JOBL and Babe Ruth baseball and girls ages 6-14 for softball. There are also yearround travel team opportunities for Patriot baseball and Glory/Lady Liberty softball teams. For more information email info@joblconcord.com or visit joblconcord.com.
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nately, injuries are never that simple, so managing his successful return from injury is a key to the A’s preseason. With Kendall Graveman as the “ace” of the rotation it will be interesting to see if he develops during the spring. Sean Manaea, Jharel Cotton and Paul Blackburn are also all young starters that the A’s hope take strides this season. And stride-taking starts in February. The one beautiful thing about sports is that every season is a new opportunity. The road to October starts now. Email any comments or questions to sports@claytonpioneer.com.
ST. BONAVENTURE CYO TRACK PRACTICE UNDERWAY
St. Bonaventure CYO spring track and field program is open to boys and girls in second through eighth grades. Practices began last week and is Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4-5:15 p.m. at Newhall Park. Saturday meets begin in TERRAPIN WINTER-SPRING SWIM CLINICS March and the season runs through May 12, culminating with ON SUNDAYS THROUGH APRIL the Oakland Diocese championships. For more information The Terrapins Swim Team is offering winter and spring call 826-7426, email head coach Matt Tillman at matttillstroke and turn clinics on Sundays starting Feb. 25 and ending man@gmail.com or go to stbonaventurecyo.com. Apr. 22 by coaches Dan Cottam and Brian Marker at the new Natalie Coughlin Aquatics Complex in Walnut Creek. The clinics REGISTRATION OPEN FOR ALL OUT SPORTS LEAGUES are open to recreation swimmers ages 6-18 who want to get a SPRING PROGRAMS jump on the summer season. The nationally-ranked Terrapins Youth basketball and volleyball leagues and adult wiffle are also taking signups for swimmers ages six and above of all ball tournament and softball league are scheduled by All Out levels for their year-round swim team. For information visit terSports Leagues in Clayton this spring. AOSL is taking spring rapinswim.com. registration online. For complete information on All Out Sports leagues, clinics and other programs, visit alloutsportMDSA SPRING SOCCER sleague.com.
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season. Coincidentally, the A’s also have centerfield and the rotation as Spring Training keys when they start playing games out in Mesa, Arizona. However, the centerfield issue isn’t a question of who will be playing, but whether their hopeful starter will be healthy, and the rotation issue is front end, not back end. One of the big pieces Oakland received in last July’s Sonny Gray trade was centerfielder Dustin Fowler. He is recovering from a knee injury and hopes to be able to play in Spring Training games by the beginning of March. Unfortu-
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CONCORD CUP XXV ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS
The area’s largest annual youth soccer tournament, Concord Cup, returns for its landmark 25th season at a variety of local parks May 19-20. Boys and girls club and recreation teams from under 9 (2010) through U19 (2000) are eligible to participate. Diablo FC, Mt. Diablo Soccer and Concord AYSO co-sponsor the tournament. Visit concordcup.com for complete information and to register a team to participate.
24TH CVCHS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS CRAB FEED & AUCTION MAR. 10
Clayton Valley Charter High School Athletic Boosters hold their 24th annual Crab Feed and Auction on Saturday, Mar. 10, at Centre Concord. Attendees must be 21 or older. For more info email cvchsboosters@gmail.com or go to cvhsboosters.org for info and to order tickets online for a night of food, drink, dancing, auctions and raffle prizes.
DIABLO FC HOLDING PLAYER EVALUATIONS
Diablo FC under 8 through U19 competitive teams (birth years 1999-2011) hold ongoing player evaluations for new prospective players with formal tryouts scheduled for May. Visit diablofc.org to get more information on the club and signup for the appropriate age group evaluation.
THE HEAT IS ON WINS ALL OUT SPORTS LEAGUE CLAYTON WINTER VOLLEYBALL
The winter adult coed 5’s volleyball league champions was won by The Heat Is On at Clayton Community Gym. The team included Melanie Ruiz, captain David Heaton, Jan Heaton, Alan Branum, Kristi Branum, Dave De Costa and Paula De Costa. Runner-up was Epic, Awesome, Kills and third place team was Spike Lightning.
BOWLING OFFERED THROUGH CONCORD SPECIAL RECREATION PROGRAM
Concord Parks and Recreation offers inclusive and specialized programs for people with disabilities and is running a bowling program for those 18 years or older every Tuesday through Feb. 27 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Clayton Valley Bowl. “It is our goal to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to our programs and that the experience is successful and meaningful,” said program coordinator Dario Sanchez. For more information about this program and other opportunities this year, contact Sanchez at 671-3017. To register go to www.ConcordReg.org.
Eagles, from page 11
pair of East Bay Athletic League games entering its final three league games. DLS was 17-6 starting this week and 8-2 in EBAL. Both the Eagles and Spartans will get good seeds in the North Coast Section playoffs which begin Feb. 20.
GIRLS BASKETBALL With four games remaining Clayton Valley Charter is 11-11 overall and 3-3 in the DAL Foothill division trailing only perennial girls powerhouses Miramonte and Campolindo. The Eagles probably need to post at least a couple more wins in the final four games
to extend its streak of NCS appearances that goes back to the 2008-09 season. Carondelet team moved up to NCS D-I last year and won its 12th Section championship since 2003 and the Cougars loaded up on top
nationally ranked non-league opponents in lieu of games against EBAL opponents. The Cougars are 14-7 overall after losing 80-70 to the No. 6 ranked team in America, St. Mary’s of Stockton, last Saturday in Concord. That followed a loss earlier in the week to highly-ranked Salesian in Richmond 51-45.
Clayton Pioneer wants to publish your sports news
Please let us know about your sports news, special events, fund raisers, tryouts, signups and accomplishments. Youth leagues, clubs, schools and adult programs are all welcome to send us a rundown on what you’re doing. Include all the necessary details (too much information is better than too little!) and your contact information. It’s as simple as sending an email to sports@claytonpioneer.com.
February 9, 2018
JENNIFER LEISCHER
DESIGN & DÉCOR
When working on a design project of any size, there’s nothing more important than inspiration. You may find inspiration while out for a walk at Lydia Lane Park, from the greenery along the path, the natural light or the drizzle of the creek. Or you may find it while dining at your favorite, impeccably designed, restaurant in San Francisco – a unique tile installation
NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL
February comes with a new list of garden and landscape chores. Fruit tree care is essential now. Peach and nectarine trees are susceptible to peach-leaf curl, so put on a final application of copper fungicide. This must be done while the trees are in bud, not bloom. Use dormant spray on apple trees that suffer from coddling moths larvae (worms in the apples). Apply this insecticide when the apple tree’s flowers are just beginning to lose their petals. All deciduous fruit trees would benefit from a layer of nutrient rich compost and fruit tree fertilizer worked into the drip line at the outer area beneath the canopy, at the critical root zone.
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
To Market, To Market for design inspiration in an exposed kitchen or an oversized silk drum shade chandelier above your table. Maybe your inspiration comes from far-away destinations: a waterfall you saw in Hana with too many shades of blue to possibly count, a statue in Rome that had the most unusual shade of bronze, a hotel in New York with a bathroom design that would fit perfectly in your current space. I recently attended Market, a design event held at the World Market Center in Las Vegas twice a year. Home goods manufacturers display their latest and greatest, hoping to inspire, and sell, to the many visitors that walk through the 1,300,000 sq. ft. of showroom space. So many amazing products to see, so
many steps to count. Every time I visit Market, I feel incredibly inspired to create – from area rugs to chandeliers and everything in between. This event rejuvenates me and reminds me to consider all the design possibilities when it comes to furnishings, lighting and decorative materials. Here are some thoughts: Wallpaper. Maybe it’s a trend, maybe it’s just what fabulous design looks like, but wallpaper is a material that seems to be literally sticking around. I’m not talking about the wallpaper that was so sweetly installed in your parents’ or grandparents’ homes, but rather wallpaper that makes a statement, a question mark or an exclamation point. Big prints, sparkle prints,
Prune deciduous fruit trees in late winter for beautification and to eliminate crossing and weak branches. It’s a great idea to spray your loppers with a disinfectant after each cut is made. Prune to control growth only after the fruit yield. It’s also time to prepare your vegetable beds. Clean the beds, pull weeds, turn the soil and rake the areas level. Evaluate last year’s crops to see what type of amending you need. If your tomatoes and zucchini were mostly leaf with not as many flowers, amend the beds with a rich soil conditioner with about 25 percent nitrogen derived from chicken manure and bone meal (follow package directions). If your summer veggies didn’t grow that great, amend the beds with chicken or steer manure. The trick is to amend now so the soil has time to marinate. During dry stretches, it’s a good idea to sprinkle water the beds every 710 days. Summer-blooming perenni-
als and shrubs need pruning as the weather allows. Small-leafed salvias such as hot lips or the Blaze series should have their overall growth pruned back onehalf to two-thirds. Abutilons should have half to two-thirds of their growth removed. Prune mums down to the ground and shapely prune French and English lavender. For crape myrtle trees and shrubs, remove seed heads from last year’s flowers. Cut branches evenly, removing any crossing branches or fine hair-like lateral twigs. Severely prune potato trees, butterfly bushes and cape honeysuckle. Follow up with fertilizer after pruning summer-flowering perennials and shrubs. Use multi-purpose 16-16-16 granular or water-soluble fertilizer, following package directions. Simultaneously, I like to dose these plants with a soil surfactant. Think of soil surfactant as an assist for your fertilizer. It helps the product that you apply
paper with texture and pizzazz. say, wallpaper might be just the If you have a wall that screams remedy. for attention but has nothing to Artwork. When artwork is done right, it really can be the icing on the cake. Creating a gallery with multiple pieces or having a single statement piece will help pull a living space together. Artwork can create an atmosphere of relaxation or playfulness. Whatever your aesthetic goal and whatever delights your inner artist – framed canvas
Prepare your garden now for spring and summer bounty
Clearing up some foggy factors WOODY WHITLATCH WEATHER WORDS
A few days each winter, central Contra Costa County residents wake up to a blanket of cold fog. In most cases, what we experience is a layer of tule fog that is pushed through the Sacramento Delta and over Kirker Ridge from the Central Valley. Tule fog is a winter season, radiation-induced fog. This phenomenon is named after the tule grass wetlands (tulares) found at the lowest elevations of the Central Valley, where this ground-hugging fog often forms. The optimal conditions for tule fog formation include long winter nights, clear night skies and light winds. Those factors ensure that ground level temperatures will fall rapidly during the night. Precedent weather conditions also play a role in tule fog formation. Winter weather fronts that cross our state deliver rains that moisten the ground. After the frontal passage, high pressure builds over the state – producing a weather pattern that normally features clear skies and light winds. Night radiational cooling of the earth allows temperatures near the wet ground to cool below the dew point. As the
prints, paintings, photography, shadow boxes – these are the pieces you should seek out to finish your living space. Lighting. Sometimes you need to see lighting in action to know what would make your living space sparkle. Layered lighting really is the best. For example, in a home office, opt for a desk lamp layered with a chandelier and recessed cans. They all operate individually, adding depth and illumination. In a kitchen, consider under-cabinet lighting, layered with a chandelier or group of pendants and finished off with recessed cans. Layering brings lots of light, glowing and functional. Wherever your find design inspiration, take the time to really digest the decorative and functional details. And consider working with professionals who can help make the journey pleasant and focused and ensure a desirable outcome. 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.
A contemporary statement wallpaper brings drama to even the plainest room.
This Google view shows the tule fog from the Central Valley that pushes into the Bay Area.
night continues, condensation increases and fog forms. Air temperatures inside the tule fog layer typically range from 35 to 45 degrees. Temperatures in the inversion layer above can be 10 to 20 degrees warmer. Sometimes, the clear sky and light wind weather pattern continues unabated for many days. The fog becomes so thick that daytime solar heating is not strong enough to evaporate the moisture. Under these conditions, tule fog events can last for several days and grow large enough to cover the entire Central Valley. California’s flat Central Val-
ley stretches from Red Bluff to Bakersfield and is bounded by the Sierra Nevada to the east and coastal mountains to the west. These mountains create the walls of a geographical feature that resembles a flat-bottomed canoe. How high the tule fog can grow vertically is limited by the temperature inversion found at the base of high pressure systems, typically between 1,000 and 2,500 feet. With the exception of a few coastal gaps in the Bay Area, the tule fog is trapped inside the Central Valley until the high pressure system breaks down and moves eastward. Occasionally, light easterly winds will develop in the Central Valley. These winds are too weak to dissipate the fog but strong enough to push the cool moist air into the Bay Area. The next time central Contra Costa County experiences a tule fog event, take a ride to the top of Mt Diablo and keep an eye on the temperature display. Once above the fog, observe the rise in temperature as you enter the inversion layer. As a reward, continue to the peak. It’s an incredible sight to look down on the blanket of fog that extends for miles below. Woody Whitlatch is a meteorologist retired from PG&E. Email your questions or comments to clayton_909@yahoo.com
get to where it needs to go: the roots. This is an excellent time to install several foundation plants. Coleonema Sunset Gold should be planted while the air is cool and the soil is moist, along with any California native plants you desire. Lavender loves to be planted before it blooms, and the cooler months are also the time to install trees and privacy bushes. Wait on installing tropical plants like hibiscus or bougainvillea, citrus or tuberous plants such as impatiens and begonias. We still can have frost through the middle of March. Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. You can contact her with questions or comments by email at Gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
Page 13
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When it’s raining, the Diablo falls are pouring
Page 14
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
KEVIN PARKER
HIT
THE
TRAIL
Enjoying the waterfalls on Mt. Diablo should be a bucket list hike. With limited precipitation this year, there have been few chances to observe the falls
Scott Hein
One of the cascading falls on Diablo following rainstorm
Falls Trail Loop
pumping at maximum. But after a day of heavy rain, I set out early one overcast morning to see what Mt. Diablo had in store. Follow Donner Canyon Road right from Regency Gate and begin a very flat stroll. During rains, it can become muddy – like cement shoes muddy. But muddy conditions equal outstanding waterfalls in Diablo Country, and some can be more than 100 feet tall. Just past the Donner Cabin Site and thousands of daffodils, make a left across the creek and onto Hetherrington Trail. This single-track trail is a favorite among hikers as an alternate route to Donner Canyon Road. Creekside hiking with a canopy of trees and wildflowers keeps the trail shaded, moist and a bit spooky early in the morning. Pick up Donner Canyon Road to Cardinet Oaks Trail and enjoy a short downhill breather. Dash across Donner Creek and begin an uphill leg burner that switches direction multiple times before delivering you to Falls Trail. Cardinet Oaks provides much-deserved scenic views of Meridian Ridge, with Mt. Olympia and North Peak towering above. Falls Trail continues uphill and trail navigation becomes difficult as you push into Wild Oat Canyon. The striated rock for-
Trails: Donner Canyon Road, Hetherrington Trail, Cardinet Oaks Trail, Falls Trail, Middle Trail, Meridian Ridge Trail Distance: 6 miles Elevation Gain: 1,284 feet Duration: 2.5-3 hours Level: Moderate Getting there: Trailhead at end of Mountaire
Parkway or Regency Drive, Clayton; no facilities
mations in this canyon are classified as greenstone, greywacke and shale. The rocks, ridges and overall scenery on this part of the hike are a highlight – second to the waterfalls, of course. Within minutes of hiking Falls Trail, you are rewarded with two sizable waterfalls. These are mostly viewed from a distance. If you want a closer look, be warned as conditions are extremely steep, slippery and with high consequence. Rocks, packed dirt and water in some cases force the hiker to stay focused on the trail, a tall order with so much to see. Falls Trail continues past additional waterfalls, mostly located right off the trail. These falls are dependent on rain, so timing your hike is key. In previous years, I have seen more sets of falls and at a much higher flow rate. But don’t let that foil your plans; seasonal rains are sure to deliver late winter flows. Follow gravity and your downhill momentum onto Middle Trail, a lesser-known trail that sees minimal traffic due to its proximity on the mountain. Consider this your super-cruising ride out of Wild Oat Canyon as the trail cuts along a hillside, over multiple creek crossings and through heavy brush and trees native to this area. During heavy rains, expect to see waterfalls spring up trailside – sometimes in new locations. Middle Trails ends at Meridian Ridge Road just above the Donner Canyon Junction. From here, you can retrace your path along Hetherrington Trail (the best option) or stay on Donner Canyon Road for a relatively gradual descent back to Regency Gate.
February 9, 2018
Scott Hein
Spectacular views are worth slogging through the mud on the Falls Trail
Dark times spark parishioner to organize candlelight walk
Dressed in warm coats and comfortable shoes, members of the Clayton and Concord community gathered for a candlelight walk on Jan. 22. St. Bonaventure parishioner Sandy Fogarty brought the idea for the walk to Father Mat Vellankal last fall. Watching all of the strife, animosity and violence in the news was weighing heavy on her heart. She felt the need to be a light in the darkness and wanted others to join her. “It is my hope that when people see us walking with our lighted candles, they will see people full of spirit who look to the future with hope and confidence,” she said. Fogarty and staff at the St. Bonaventure Catholic community invited local churches to participate and asked the police Contact Kevin Parker with com- for their support and assistance. ments or questions by email at The requests were enthusiastiLukeHollywood@gmail.com cally received.
The community gathered on Jan. 22 for a candlelight walk to revive spirits.
Vellankal welcomed Concord Mayor Edi Birsan and parishioners and clergy from Clayton Community Church, Clayton Valley Presbyterian, St. John’s Episcopal and Concord United Methodist. After a short prayer service at St. Bonaventure, attendees took to Clayton Road. With candles in hand, they proceeded
down Clayton Road to Ygnacio Valley. Drivers of passing cars honked in support, and employees from local restaurants stood outside waving. The evening of light and hope was an example of what one person can do and the power of what a group of people can reflect.
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