See Inside
East Bay Regional Parks Activity Guide
IT’S YOUR PAPER
Water, water — everywhere
www.claytonpioneer.com
February 10, 2017
925.672.0500
WOODY WHITLATCH Weather Words
JiM Diaz
MAYOR’S CORNER
Working out the bumps in the road
The first quarter is well underway, and we are enjoying the beginnings of a strong year for the city of Clayton. On a practical front, Uretek’s field work has completed injecting polymer fill underground of the bumpy roadways to lift the pavement. City engineer Rick Angrisani is meeting with Intermountain Slurry Seal next week to discuss the schedule and the next steps related to this cost-efficient program. His meeting will provide a quick plan for a grind and repave on El Portal through the stabilized area under a change order for the surface treatment contract. This will also likely include the necessary curb and gutter repairs on Pine Hollow Road near El Camino. Angrisani needs to analyze our anticipated costs and relate them to the approved funding sources. He will send our city manager a suggested disbursement plan in the next couple of weeks. Sufficient funds already exist in the Gas Tax and Measure J accounts to proceed with this work. Meanwhile, Clayton residents should have received the Residential Services Guide from Republic Services. This pamphlet is an excellent resource to determine what to do for recycling, handling yard waste, garbage and bulky items that include furniture, refrigerators, televisions and mattresses. These larger items also
See Mayor, page 6
Scott Hein
WITH THIS WINTER’S HEAVY RAINS, CREEKS IN THE VALLEY AND ON THE MOUNTAIN ARE BURSTING THEIR BANKS. Hikers by the hundreds are heading up Mt. Diablo between storms, eager to brave the mud for views of the rare rushing waterfalls. (See more Scott Hein photos at photos.heinphoto.com.)
You can hear the whispers all around the Bay Area. People know they shouldn’t say it, but they can’t hold it in any longer. It’s just that … (shhh) we’re all really sick of the rain. Of course, anyone who dares speak their mind is quickly filled with remorse and adds, emphatically: “But we really needed the rain.” Because California’s Mediterranean-style climate includes a persistently dry late spring to early fall, we look at precipitation totals on a wateryear basis – not a calendar year. We’re currently in the middle of the 2016-’17 water year. Northern California enjoyed a healthy start to this water year in the final months of 2016. During the first few weeks of January, our area also was the beneficiary of a nearly
See Water, page 6
‘School Days’ exhibit takes a page from the past JENNIFER LEISCHER Correspondent
A new exhibit at the Clayton Museum provides a wellrounded history of what community schools were like in the late 1800s and early 1900s, “School Days: A Celebration of Historic Schools of the Clayton Area” focuses on three community schools: the original Mt Diablo Elementary School, also known as “the Clayton School,” Morgan Territory School and Lime Quarry School. “I’m so excited to share this exhibit with the commu-
Camellias & tea at the museum Feb. 12
The guests of honor at this year’s 40th Annual Clayton Historical Society Camellia Tea on February 12 will be the army of museum garden volunteers from the Historical Society and Clayton Valley Garden Club. Each year, the annual event celebrates Clayton’s pioneering families with high tea at the Clayton Museum. Camellias will decorate every surface in the historic building, originally the home of Clayton’s founder, Joel Clayton.The event is free. The garden volunteers will pour tea and coffee from 14 p.m. 6101 Main Street, Clayton.
nity,” says museum curator Renee Wing. “The exhibit will provide a wonderful history about our schools and share a glimpse of what school was like 130 years ago.” Many residents are familiar with the Mt. Diablo Elementary site on Clayton Road. The original school opened its doors to students in 1863, situated on the current school’s playing field. In 1890, the two-room wooden building enrolled 111 children and employed two teachers and one headmaster. The school closed in 1947, after 84 years of operation, and was rebuilt in 1955 in its current location. A monument on the school property is dedicated to the memory of former students, teachers, principals and trustees and to town founder Joel Clayton, who gave the land for Clayton’s first “public school.” Morgan Territory and Lime Quarry Schools were
Days,” a celebration of early education in Clayton, See Exhibit, page 3 “School which opens at the Clayton Museum Feb. 15.
Peregrine Patrol helps keep birds safe STACI HOBBET On the Mountain
What’s Inside
Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Community Calendar . . . . .11 Directory of Advertisers . . . .7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 School News . . . . . . . . . . . .8
open around the same time as Mt Diablo, educating children during the height of Clayton’s mining and agricultural prosperity in the late 1800s. The Clayton Museum has had a small room dedicated to school life for some time. Many existing pieces will be incorporated into this exhibit, along with newly acquired items. The exhibit features a large framed photo of students in front of the original Mt. Diablo Elementary School taken in 1914, plus student report cards, classroom furnishings, the coat of a headmaster and a desk bell with an antique, but sternsounding chime. These intimate objects were generously collected from schools and community members, as well as documents and photos from the Contra Costa History Center. Another valuable resource is a group of “old timers” who come togeth- CLAYTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY VOLUNTEER, CARIN KAPLAN, and er once a month to discuss and museum curator, Renee Wing pull together items for
THE
Dirk Muehlner
PEREGRINE FALCON finds safe haven in Mt. Diablo State Park ENDANGERED
A volunteer team of people from several organizations, including the docent crew in Mount Diablo State Park, is gearing up for the peregrine falcon nesting season in the pinnacles of Castle Rock Park. For the last two years, this team has helped keep climbers and hikers out of the closure zone – which encompasses the rocky spines and humped outcrops of this eye-popping formation. The area protects the falcons while they court, mate,
nest and raise their young. Peregrine falcons are the fastest animals on earth, capable of diving at more than 200 mph to capture smaller birds – their main prey. It’s quite a sight to see a peregrine dive, especially in light of the drop in peregrine populations when the pesticide DDT was used widely in the United States. It was banned in 1972, but not before the birds disappeared across large parts of the country. Only one nest could be found in California in 1970. Peregrines have recovered slowly but steadily. California
now has 400 nesting pairs, helped along by humans. Now they nest every year in one rocky concavity or another at Castle Rock, sometimes successfully, sometimes not. Last year, the eggs never hatched. It could have been due to infertility, parasites or human disturbance. Whatever the answer, this year takes on deeper significance. The Peregrine Patrol Team will work to reduce human disturbance of the birds, the only potential cause
See Falcons, page 6
Postal Customer ECRWSS
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA 94517 PERMIT 190
Around Town
Page 2
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
CV Jr. Eagles Cheer make it 4 National Championships
Team Soar 11-13
Clayton Valley Athletic Association went to the JAMZ Nationals in Las Vegas last month and came away with a fourth consecutive national
Photo courtesy Clayton Valley Jr. Eagles Cheer
championship. The Jr. Eagles oldest squad, Team Soar for 1113 year-olds, finished first in both Level 3 performance cheer and show cheer. Level 3 is the highest level for the youth cheer teams. The Jr. Eagles Team
February 10, 2017
Little Buddy Van Goat 2008-2017
Little Buddy Van Goat, a popular local artist and lifelong resident of Doodleton Ranch on Morgan Territory Rd., died from complications of arthritis on Jan. 18. The little goat was well known for his modern acrylic abstracts, working mostly with primary colors. His paintings sold quickly and the proceeds went toward offsetting his medication costs. Little Buddy is survived by his ranch mates, Katherine Palau, owner of Doodleton Ranch, Big Buddy Elmo the goat and donkeys ZZ, Jen and Gizmo.
Flight for 9-13 year-olds took first place in Level 2 show cheer and second in performance cheer. Their youngest squad, Team Launch for 8-10 year-olds (front row), were third in both categories out of 10 teams.
Head cheer coach Nichole Schumann says beginning April 1 the local youth cheer and football program will be accepting applications for the 2017 season which starts practicing Aug. 1.
On January 17, the Clayton City Council honored two Clayton Valley Charter High School (CVCHS) students for their exceptional work associated with the Clayton Police Department’s community policing program. Junior Kate Amos, and freshman Grace Lattin were presented with certificates of recognition for the design and development of the Department’s police officer trading cards for school children and a 2016 holi-
day greeting card for the community. Kate and Grace are currently enrolled in Computer Graphic Arts at CVCHS and are both officers in the Computer Graphics Club. “I’m very proud of Kate and Grace,” said Kelsey Thomas, Digital Arts instructor. “It’s encouraging to see our students AustrAliA apply their unique artistic talents Sue and Slim Miller spent nearly three weeks in December towards a positive impact in our traveling to Fiji and australia. Their trip included site-seeing and visiting with relatives. community.
Pioneer Travels
Students honored by City for artistic community outreach
Helping friends, neighbors and newcomers buy and sell since 1979
Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.
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Clayton Market Update provided by Better Homes Realty
homesbydianehayes.com ADDRESS
PRICE
3103 Coyote Cir . . . . . . . . . . $460,000 601 Julpun Loop . . . . . . . . . $645,000 125 Gold Rush Ct . . . . . . . . $665,000 3015 Windmill Canyon Dr . . $725,000 1457 Indianhead Cir. . . . . . . $582,000 47 Tule Ct. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $646,000
SF
. . . . .1252 . . . . .1904 . . . . .1597 . . . . .2053 . . . . .1709 . . . . .1939
BED/BATH SALE DATE ADDRESS
. . . . . .2/2.5 . . . . .1/29/17 . . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . .1/28/17 . . . . . .2/2 . . . . . . . .1/7/17 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . .1/26/17 . . . . . .3/3 . . . . . . .1/18/17 . . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . .1/10/17
PRICE
814 Chert Pl . . . . . . . . . . . . . $718,000 1426 El Camino Dr. . . . . . . . $645,000 15 El Molino Dr . . . . . . . . . . $669,900 3054 Miwok Wy . . . . . . . . . . $989,000 8001 Kelok Wy . . . . . . . . . . . $809,310 201 Prospector Pl . . . . . . . . $725,000
SF
. . . . .1904 . . . . .1601 . . . . .1648 . . . . .2966 . . . . .2237 . . . . .2172
BED/BATH SALE DATE
. . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . .1/6/17 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . . .1/5/17 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . . .1/4/17 . . . . . .4/3 . . . . . .12/29/17 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . .12/27/17 . . . . . .4/2.5 . . . .12/23/17
Around Town
February 10, 2017
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Clayton two-stepper dances to championship
Clayton country dancer, Joan Lindahl, added two big wins to her growing list of dance titles at the World Championships of Country Dance, held at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tenn. in January. Lundahl, dancing with her partner, Gary Jobst, took first place in West Coast Swing All Stars Division. Individually, she won the championship title in “Country Two Step Tour Points,” after competing in a Jack and Jill competition where dancers of a similar skill level are matched through a random draw and judged on their ability to connect with their partner and improvise to the music.
DTRT kids honored for kindness
Three local students were honored by the Clayton City Council for showing extreme “kindness,” as part of the community-wide initiative,
Clayton
Do The Right Thing. David Collier, (second from left) a Mt. Diablo Elementary kindergartener, “always greets everyone with
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roundtree — Recently renovated 2 bedroom condo with 1.5 beautifully updated bathrooms. Remodeled kitchen with granite counters, new appliances, pantry and breakfast bar. Dual pane windows & new HVAC unit. Newer carpet, flooring & fresh paint. Walk to shopping & transportation.
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a big smile and hug,” said his teacher, Danielle Lovejoy. “He is always the first one to say ‘sorry’ in a disagreement. Diablo View Middle School principal, Patti Bannister, nominated Michael Cianfrano, 8th grade, and Ava Dobson, 7th grade, third from left, for the recognition. “Michael (pictured above at left) is most respectful and kind,” said Bannister. “He was one of the first I thought of.” Bannister noted that Ava “is very respectful and kind to her friends.” Mayor Jim Diaz, right, presented each student with a certificate of recognition at the Jan. 17 meeting.
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live Oak — Priced to sell 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath duet with no rear neighbors. High volume ceilings, fresh paint, dual pane windows and plantation shutters. 1,614 square feet with formal dining area & inside laundry. Fenced backyard with patio. Desirable court location. This one wont last!
Falcon ridge — “Serenade” Model! 5 bedrooms + loft & 3 baths. Gorgeous gourmet enthusiast kitchen w/granite. Huge great room/kitchen combo w/ stone fireplace! Generous loft and master w/fireplace, jacuzzi tub, walk-in, large bedrooms, spa, grass play, patio, PRIVATE! 10+ Michelle Gittleman, (925) 768-0352 MichelleGittleman.com Cal BRE# 01745325
Page 3
City Council says ‘thank you’
The City Council presented Jack McGuire and daughter Colleen with a painting of the gazebo in The Grove by local artist, Surachai Promsuntisit to acknowledge the final $10,000 payment of a $100,000 donation pledged by the family in 2008. The McGuire’s company, Endashiian, LLC, was the developer of the Long’s Drugs (now CVS) at the corner of Clayton Rd. and Center St. Developing the property was “a very pleasant memory for us,” said Jack McGuire at the Jan. 17 council meeting.
Field of Dreams moves forward
Exhibit,
from page 1
share events, history and memories of yesteryears. “School Days” is the creation of Mike Wendorf, Clayton Historical Society president. “The idea of ‘School Days’ has been a great opportunity to do something new and fun. The history that this exhibit represents, from recognizing street names throughout Clayton that come from the descendants of the pioneering families to possibly recognizing the name of an extended family member in a photo or report card, make Claytonians Bethany Rose, Shauna Maffei-Zeidler and Pam this exhibit very special.” Jeffress made a night of it at a fundraising event at Oakhurst “School Days” will be open Country Club on Jan. 13. Wednesday, Feb. 15, through “A Taste of Mt. Diablo” was supported by more than 30 Wednesday, June 21. The Clayton local restaurants, wineries and breweries and raised $40,000. Museum, at 6101 Main St., is More than $250,000 has been raised by the Field of Dreams open 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays and committee toward the repair and rebuilding the playing field at Sundays. Admission is free. For Mt. Diablo Elementary School. For more on this project, go to more information, call 925-672www.MDESPlayField.com. 0240.
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Brentwood
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Westwood — Charming 4 bedroom home with 3 updated bathrooms. Soaring ceilings, dual pane windows, fresh paint and newer carpet. Living room with beautiful wood laminate flooring and brick fireplace. Sunny kitchen with garden window and stainless steel appliances.
Garin ranch — Entertainers delight in sought-after neighborhood. 3-Bedrooms plus loft/office and 2.5 bathrooms. Approx 2480 square feet with gas burning fireplace. Sunny kitchen with breakfast bar & pantry. Huge back and side yards, walk to downtown. Nancy Donofrio (925) 998-7705 NDonofrio@windermere.com Cal BRE#01353299
Concord
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Antioch
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Clayton Valley Highlands — Totally remodeled rancher in great neighborhood. Fresh paint, new carpet, remodeled kitchen and baths. Over 1k sq ft including 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. Awesome opportunity for first time buyers. Seller to credit 15k towards new roof!
lone tree Estates — Model condition with many upgrades throughout. Fantastic floor plan/ 4 beds +bonus room. 3 full baths with 1 bed/bath on first level. Kitchen w/slab granite counters, gas range, breakfast island & nook opens to family room w/fireplace. Large yard with curtained gazebo. Kelly McDougall (925) 787-0448 KellyMcDougall.com Cal BRE#01156462
Assisting More Buyers & Sellers than Anyone Else* *Statistics based on Clayton/Concord and Contra Costa County Closed sales by volume (1/2014-12/31/2014). Data by Maxebrdi
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 10, 2017
Dress for drama in black, blue or brown all over Dressing monochromatically may sound too matchymatchy or boring. But when one color is worn the right way and with the right pieces, it can
create an elevated look that’s as sharp and intriguing as a bold pattern. Mixing shades in a specific color palette is the key to the
The opposite of boring, a monochromatic look creates excitement and interest in menswear.
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Beautiful single-level 4-bedroom 2-bath Dana Hills home with updates throughout: granite counters, stainless steel appliances, pendant and recessed lighting, hardwood floors, and updated bathrooms! Private yard, lush landscaping, patio and courtyard. Possible RV parking. Walk to historic downtown Clayton. Offered at $719,000 www.179MtVernonDr.com
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Premium view lot Clayton Rancher with Mt Diablo State Park as your backyard! 3 bed, 2 bath home boasts amazing curb appeal. Offered at $679,999 www.15ElMolinoDrive.com
Leigh Klock, Realtor
monochromatic look. Here are three examples for men to incorporate the monochromatic trend into a wardrobe for work, date night or a formal occasion. Navy is the easiest color for guys to wear because it’s versatile. It can also be a rich look for the office when you add a monochromatic touch. Start with a navy suit. For the shirt, try a navy chambray. It’s dressy enough to stand up to the suit and adds dimension with a navy hue just a few shades lighter than the suit. A silk dot navy pocket square adds another layer to the monochromatic look while also adding some texture. A clean black dress shoe like the Exchange Place from Allen Edmonds finishes off the look. For date night, take more risk with the monochromatic idea and have some fun with it. Opt for a darker shade of charcoal or black. These colors work better in a social setting, and you’ll feel more “with it” when you’re walking into the restaurant. In a suit, go for charcoal herringbone. It has the darker shade you want, and the lightweight herringbone flannel adds some texture and seasonality to the look. Try a deconstructed style for both the sport coat and
This beautifully updated Dana Hills home with ideal end of court location boasts a desirable floor plan with 5 bedrooms and 3 baths, including one full bath and bedroom on first level. This home also offers a fabulous oversized lot with Mt. Diablo views, detached office/bonus room, and 3 car garage. Offered at $850,000 www.11MtEdenPlace.com
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trousers. For added comfort, try trousers in jogger style. Since it’s not as stiff and formal, it’ll lightens up the look and add a bit more personality. I can help you design a charcoal double vertical stripe custom shirt. Finish the look with a casual black shoe or even a sleek city sneaker in a dark gray or black to keep the look fun. When it’s time for a black tie event, there are other options besides a classic black tuxedo and black shirt. Consider black velvet or opt for a grosgrain shawl collar and side vents. Pair it with a sharp dress shirt like a charcoal chambray and super black tuxedo trousers. If a tie is required, go
SuSan SaPPingTon
CLOTHESUP
for a slimmer tie in the same trim as the lapels. A black velvet loafer would finish this monochromatic look off nicely. But if you’re not feeling that brave, a simple black lace-up shoe will work just fine.
I would love to help all the men out there with their wardrobe needs. I come to you, and it takes no more than an hour to fit you and help pick out a custom shirt, sports jacket, suit or whatever you need to complete your closet. Once you wear a custom shirt that’s made just for you, you will never go back to “off the rack.” Susan Sappington is the area development manager and wardrobe stylist for Etcetera clothing for women and personal stylist for J. Hilburn Custom Clothier for men. Contact her at susan@etcstyles.com.
Even the police aren’t immune to credit fraud
identity has not been stolen. Remaining vigilant is important, and a partnership with the community as it pertains to personal safety and the safety of our property is extremely valuable. This year, the police department will look at ways to work with neighborhoods as we continue to make Clayton one of CHRiS WEnzEl the safest cities in the state. As we started the new BEHIND THE BADGE year, I looked at the past year to see what improvements I recently went through can be made to forecast and my credit card billing and found that a credit card with my number was being used in the Los Angeles area. Of course, I was in Clayton at the time. When using credit cards at restaurants or gas stations, residents should be vigilant to assure that the information is not being copied for fraudulent purposes. Criminals can put a reading device where the credit card is run through and capture the number. The only time my credit card was out of my sight for a long period of time was when I was paying a bill at a restaurant during the holidays. I assume it was during that time when my credit card was compromised. SNUFFALUFFAGUS Unfortunately, this type of issue will continue to occur. Three-year-old snufAlways check your credit card bills to make sure that your faluffagus is a full-figured gal who is up for anything. She would love a family who is active so she can have fun losing weight. She will keep the whole family and her neighborhood entertained with her antics. She may even be a candidate for truffle hunter! The adoption fee for dogs is $250 and includes a discount on the first six-week session of a manners class.
Pets
deter criminal behavior. The city has seen a slight increase in property crimes and a large increase in shoplifting in the commercial area of Clayton Station. The police will work with the business community to reduce these types of crimes so that more police time can be spent in the residential and school areas. Chris Wenzel is Chief of Police of Clayton. Send questions and comments to chris.wenzel@claytonpd.com or call (925) 673-7350
Snuffaluffagus and Sophia are ARF’s stars
Eight-month-old sophia is an adorable kitty looking for a loving home. She is a tad timid to start, and may be best in a calm household. Some playtime with wand toys, and gentle petting, will bring her out of
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SOPHIA
her shell. Sophia LOVES other cats and needs to find a forever home with a feline friend. The adoption fee for a cat is $75. Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 6 pm Wednesday & Thursday, Noon to 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6 pm Saturday & Sunday. Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www.arflife.org, or call (925) 2561ARF.
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Clayton Station Shopping Center, 5439 Clayton Road (Suite F), Clayton
•Lawn & Plant Installation
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•Retaining Walls •Drainage •Low Voltage Lighting
925-672-9955
www.nicholslandscape.com Lic. 542812 Fully Insured
Boyce Nichols - Owner Clayton Resident
February 10, 2017
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 5
HPV vaccine crucial for today’s youth
Letter to the Editor
Sponsored Content
GIGI CHEN, MD DIABLO VALLEY ONCOLOGY
The California Department of Public Health is holding a preteen vaccine week Feb. 12-18. The Advisory Committee on Immu-
nization Practices recommends that 11- and 12year-olds have the Tdap (required), meningococcal, influenza, chickenpox and HPV vaccines before entering seventh grade. As a medical oncologist, I encourage all parents to view the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine as a requirement – rather than a suggestion. For all cancers, early detection is crucial. HPV is the primary cause of cervical and anal cancer, making it pertinent for both girls and boys to be protected. Furthermore, certain types of HPV are “high-risk types” because they are strongly linked to cancer of the cervix, vulva and vagi-
na in women, penile cancer in men and anal and oral cancer in both men and women. Infection with HPV is common. In most cases, the body is able to clear the infection on its own. Sometimes, however, the infection does not go away and becomes chronic. This can lead to the development of cancers. All that is needed to pass HPV from one person to another is skin-to-skin contact with an area of the body infected with HPV. While this usually means transmission during intercourse, that is not the only way. As with all other vaccines, the HPV vaccine has
Club News
Blossoms for Barbara lifts spirits with Valentines The Clayton Valley Garden Club has been preparing for the 6th annual Blossoms for Barbara event since June. They delivered the flowering Valentines during the week of Feb. 6. Festively decorated flowering plants were given to those under Hospice care, shut-in patients in assisted living and convalescent locations, battered woman’s shelters, a veteran’s Hospice, and the elderly and shut-in recipients of Meals on Wheels. The Clayton Business and Community Association, Color Spot Nursery and Orchard Supply donated toward supplies, along with other local businesses and Hospice agencies. Clayton’s R&M Nursery provided a covered area for the preparation of the plants. Linda Manss Karp created the event in memory of her mother, Barbara Manss, who died in 2011. Donations toward the annual event can be mailed to Clayton Valley Garden Club, c/o Blossoms for Barbara, P.O. Box 633, Clayton, CA 94517.
Some on the left, including yourself, are trying to delegitimize the president by saying he’s not a legitimate president because your side didn’t win. After the historic election comes the historic inauguration. No matter what party you belong to. To see members of Congress, including yourself, boycott this inauguration was disrespectful. Your party misread the polls and the public, and the results shouldn’t surprise you. Russian hacking may have occurred, but the Russians didn’t write the emails, your party did. The Democrats’ absence was motivated by disrespect for the office and disrespect for the millions of Americans that elected our new president. If your stance was taken for political gain or to receive meaningful committee assignments, you have made a big mistake. For once, the American people are being told the truth and you and members of Congress will be held accountable. We didn’t pay you to stay home. Gary Hood Concerned Citizen
been carefully studied. While there are mild side effects such as fever, dizziness or fainting when given to preteens and teens, serious side effects are rare. Always tell your child’s physician if your child has any severe allergies or is pregnant.
Chen is a medical oncologist and hematologist with Diablo Valley Oncology. She has extensive experience in treating all types of cancer, with a special interest in lung and gynecologic cancers. She sees patients in Pleasant Hill, Rossmoor and San Ramon. To contact Chen, call 925-677-5041 or visit www.dvohmg.com.
Oakhurst Country Club Celebrate winter with a new membership at one of the area's best country clubs.
Membership Includes:
• Full access to our Ron Fream-designed golf course, clubhouse, state-of-the-art fitness center, childcare, tennis courts & Olympic-sized heated swimming pool. • Weekly club traditions, wine dinners, beer dinners, character breakfast along with casual dining in our Bistro19. • Full calendar of social and dining events for the entire family to enjoy! • Come taste and see what club living is all about at Oakhurst!
Tour the club and enjoy Lunch on us!
Call Susie at (925) 672-9737, ext. 205 or email ssutton@oakhurstcc.com. 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton
www.oakhurstcc.com
Coldwell Banker San Francisco Bay area Top 100 agent international President's Circle award Recipient
John Muir docent to speak at CV Womans Club
guest speaker at 11 a.m. At John Muir National Historic Site, Tusa leads tours of John Muir’s historic home, expands on existing programs like full moon walks and campfire programs and creates new programs such as stargazing. He also manages the park’s Volunteers In Parks program and strives to give each and every visitor an unforgettable experience. Save the date for the Twelfth Annual Festival of Tables and Fashion event at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 22 at the Concord United Methodist Church, 1645 West Street, Concord. Proceeds from the luncheon and fashion show go to community charities and scholarships. Seating is limited. For reservations, call Rosemary Harwood at 925.672.3490. For more information, go to their website at: claytonvalleywomansclub.org.
The Clayton Valley Woman’s Club invites members and guests to attend their monthly meeting on Feb. 14 at Saint John’s Episcopal Church in Clayton. Nate Tusa from the John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez is the
For more Club News, turn to page 7
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Page 6
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
PRE-OPENING PARTY FOR CVV
Info on CVV’s May 1 “Opening for Business”
►
Live webcast of speaker Dr. Atul Gawande (Surgeon/author of NYT best seller, ‘Being Mortal’)
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Refreshments
and 15th Anniversary Celebration of the National Village Movement
Mon. Feb. 13, 1:30-4 (Webcast at 2pm)
Clayton Community library, 6125 Clayton Rd, Clayton
Call Sonja Wilkin (925) 672-2689
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Delve deeper when painting your home Q: We just closed escrow on our first home. We want to paint as our first decorating upgrade. We will be staying here for several years, if not forever. What is a good way to choose paint colors? A: Congratulations on your new home. Paint colors set the mood and tone of a home. I talked with the paint and color expert at the Paint Quality Institute. She agrees that you should not overlook the psychological impact of color. Studies have shown that different hues create different moods and can even affect behavior. There are lots of good reasons to select a particular paint color, including personal preference and design considerations. But people don’t always consider the psychological power certain colors exert on mood, attitude and outlook. Think about the mood you would like in your surroundings, whether it be relaxing or invigorating. If you want to create a tranquil space, look for a soft green or pale blue. This is great for a family room, bedroom or anywhere you want to relax. Other restful colors include beige, brown and
many restaurants. After choosing the perfect color, make sure it continues to look great by using the highest quality paint.
lynnE FREnCH
REAL ANSWERS taupe. These shades impart warmth and coziness to a space. At the other end of the psychological spectrum are paint colors that inject energy. Yellow is the best example. Like a splash of sunshine, yellow walls can lift the spirit and brighten your outlook. It’s great for a kitchen or breakfast area. Shades of orange, like tangerine or apricot, are also energizing and perfect for morning rooms. Reds are an obvious choice for energizing. But they need to be used sparingly, since their bold appearance can literally increase the heartbeat. It makes a good dining room color, because it can actually increase appetite. That is why it is used in so
Water, from page 1 35 years Clayton/ Concord resident Lic#844344
continuous series of storms. Several of the storms were of the moisture-laden Pineapple Express variety. Winter sports lovers were treated to some cold snow weather fronts delivered by the polar jet stream. At Concord Airport, 8½ inches of rain was recorded in January – more than five inches above normal for the month. Rain fell on 15 of the first 23 days of the month, another indication of the nearly perpetual precipitation. In the Northern Sierra, using an eight-station index,
precipitation was 260 percent of normal for the month of January alone. For the water year, this index hit 194 percent of normal. Northern California and its mountain watersheds benefitted greatly from the rain and snow. The California Department of Water Resources performs monthly snow core surveys at more than 100 sites in the Sierra. Hydrographers then calculate a value called snow water equivalence (SWE), which is the amount of water that would result if all the snow melted simultaneously.
include E-Waste, which may be picked up at no cost. If residents have questions or need additional information, Republic Services stands ready to answer your requests for service at 925.685.4711. As an additional part of my City Council duties, I represent Clayton on the County Connection board. County Connection is a joint powers agency that provides fixedroute and ADA paratransit services through Clayton, Concord, Danville, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, San Ramon, Walnut Creek and the unincorporated communities in Central Contra Costa County. These services are provided through a fleet of 121 fully accessible transit buses and 63 paratransit vehicles. County Connection’s mission is to provide transportation services within the constraints of our suburban and
financial environment. Residents can rely upon essential public transportation throughout the County Connection service area, which is approximately 200 square miles with a population of about 500,000. The service provides our community with transportation to work, connecting to BART, the Capitol Corridor and ACE Train, among others. Most recently, County Connection has begun an innovative service using battery electric wireless powered trolley buses for its highly successful Walnut Creek downtown shuttle. After a trial, which is currently underway, the plan is to expand the use of these environmentally sensitive vehicles to select other routes. A federal grant made this project possible.
Mayor, from page 1
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February 10, 2017
Q: i have owned my home for quite some time, and i am ready to do some improvements. i want to enjoy my home now, but i can see selling it down the road. What are the improvements i should consider?
A: I believe it is smart to focus on the most used areas in your home. This is for your enjoyment, functionality and to boost the home’s value come resale. I read a recent survey that listed kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and family or bonus rooms as the most used rooms. Consider the following: 1. Swap appliances and fixtures. Outdated features can cost much more to use than newer models, plus new ones look aesthetically pleasing. Replace old faucets, shower heads and dishwashers with energy-efficient alternatives. 2. Welcome natural light. Letting in more daylight can help reduce the need for artificial lighting. Adding sky-
On Jan. 1, the statewide SWE was 64 percent of normal. By Feb. 1, it had increased to 173 percent of normal. To get a sense of how this compares to drought years, just two years ago the February SWE was only 23 percent of normal. The prior water year, it was as low as 14 percent. All this bodes well for California’s water supply. Lake levels have risen dramatically over the last month, and major reservoir levels are at about 125 percent of normal capacity. Oroville, Shasta and Folsom lakes have been making flood control releases for the first time in several years. Locally, the Los Vaqueros Reservoir near Brentwood is holding more water than it ever has. Last week, the reservoir’s storage level rose above 133,000 acre-feet, surpassing the high reached in 2013. The Contra Costa Water District will continue to fill the reservoir while conditions are favorable, depending on Delta water quality and energy costs. Water from the Delta is pumped into the reservoir when water quality is good and is then used to keep water
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.
quality high for customers when salinity levels rise in the Delta. So does this mean the California drought is over? The Pacific Institute recently reported that the U.S. Drought Monitor for the northern half of the state has been downgraded from a severe drought classification to either slight drought or drought free. All this good water news is welcome, but there are caveats. Some effects of the recent drought, like ground subsidence and tree loss, cannot be corrected. Also, it will take years for ground water supplies to return to normal. And, there is always the threat that another long drought cycle is not too far down the road. Still, Northern Californians can breathe a large sigh of relief thanks to the extraordinary rain and snow events of January. We may grow weary of the wet weather, but we really needed the rain. Woody Whitlatch is a meteorologist retired from PG&E. Email your questions or comments to clayton_909@yahoo.com
Falcons, from page 1
of last year’s nest failure that the team can hope to alter. Peregrines are sensitive to people. They fly off the nest, fail to feed their young and sometimes abandon the nest altogether. Castle Rock Park, an East Bay Regional Park, offers the main access points to the rock walls, which are in Mount DiaSend comments to the mayor at blo State Park, just across Pine Creek. The two parks cooperjdiaz@ci.clayton.ca.us. ate to protect the falcons, and the closure area is clearly marked. But with close to 100,000 visitors per year in Castle Rock Park, many hikers still scale the rocks. Most don’t know about the birds.
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lights and solar-powered window coverings are practical ways to bring in more natural light. 3. Freshen the basic looks of the home. As I discussed in the previous question, wall and trim color are fundamental elements in any room. A fresh coat of paint on the walls and trim, even if it is in the same color, will make the room brighter and newer. 4. Max out storage. Install organizational systems in rooms where clutter typically collects. It is a cost-effective way to improve the function of the room. Closet organizers are a great example. 5. Boost air quality. Ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms carries away excess moisture that can cause mold and mildew. Bathrooms should be equipped with exhaust fans even if there is a window. Kitchen hoods and dryers should vent to the exterior of the home if possible. Air flow is critical to the health of your home and everyone who lives in it.
This coming season, volunteers will concentrate on talking to hikers. Patrol members will ask them if they realize there are peregrines there and if they’ve seen them. The team will point out the birds when they can. Sometimes it’s pretty easy: Peregrines are really noisy birds. Even when all is well, they chatter and screech and scream. And when you see them slice across Pine Canyon on their knife-like wings, you won’t forget it. Staci Hobbet is a docent with the Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association. You can send email to her at anastasiahobbet@gmail.com
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February 10, 2017
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Club News
CVCHS receives five grants from CBCA
P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517
TAMARA AND R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers TAMARA S TEINER , Editor P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design B EV B RITTON , Copy Editor J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports PAMELA W IESENDANGER , Administration, Calendar Editor
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S TAFF W RITERS : Peggy Spear, Pamela Wiesendanger, Jay Bedecarré, Bev Britton
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tamara steiner tamara@claytonpioneer.com send ads to ads@claytonpioneer.com send sports News to sports@claytonpioneer.com send Club News to clubnews@claytonpioneer.com send school News to
schoolnews@claytonpioneer.com lEt us KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a resident in our home delivery area. Submit on our website and be sure to attach a JPG photo that is at least 3 MB but not bigger than 6MB. You can also mail or bring your print to the office and we can scan it for you. Also on the website are forms for calendar items, events & press releases. lEttErs tO tHE EDitOr Both Pioneer newspapers welcome letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 175 words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have
priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print anonymous letters. E-mail your letter to tamara@claytonpioneer.com. Letters must be submitted via E-mail. CirCulAtiON
Total circulation of the Clayton Pioneer is 5,500 to ZIP code 94517, all delivered by US Mail to homes and businesses. We cannot start or stop free delivery to individual addresses. This must be done directly through the Post Office. The Concord Pioneer is delivered monthly to 30,500 in Concord by carrier. Papers are delivered once a month on a Friday morning near the end of the month. To stop delivery for any reason, call the office at (925) 672-0500 or send an email to circulation@claytonpioneer.com. If you are NOT receiving the Pioneer, please check the distribution map on the website. If you live in the shaded area and are not receiving the paper, please call us or send an email to circulation@claytonpioneer.com. If you are not in the shaded area, please be patient. We will come to your neighborhood soon. suBsCriPtiONs To subscribe, call the office at (925) 672-0500. Subscriptions are $35/year for each paper, $60/year for both.
afford to attend the safe, sane, on-campus activities. The baseball team is covered as well, with a tarp and roller to protect the infield during inclement weather. The Technical Design and Production Department received funds to help upgrade the audio system. And the men’s lacrosse team’s grant will help purchase replacement uniforms. According to CBCA president Bob Steiner, the club has contributed more than $500,000 to community projects over the past four years.
Clayton Valley Charter High School hit the jackpot at Oakhurst Country Club during the Jan. 26 meeting of the Clayton Business and Community Association. The CBCA approved five grants to the school, totaling more than $17,000. All grant requests were carried over from 2016. The marching band’s grant goes toward equipment and meals associated with upcoming competitions. For the fifth year, the CBCA will help fund For membership information, go Grad Night for students who to claytoncbca.org. might not otherwise be able to
Creekside Artists Guild call for artists
The Clayton Community Library Foundation is seeking artists, musicians, authors, poets, storytellers and environmental and cultural groups to share their passion at the 14th annual Creekside Arts 2017 as the library celebrates its 22nd anniversary and showcases the theme “Life on Main Street.” Join the library at this fundraising benefit and creatively explore the arts, culture and nature while supporting environmental education programs in the library’s certified creekside wildlife habitat. Art sales and interactive entertainment are planned for all ages, including workshops in visual and performing arts, cultural performances, storytelling,
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poetry and the popular open mic. Guided nature, culture and art tours are scheduled. Art entries are juried by a noted panel from Art Concepts, Bedford Gallery and the Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County. Awards, including a People’s Choice Award, are given for creative interpretation of this year’s theme. The event is held throughout the inside of the library, Community Room, adjoining outdoor courtyard and interpretive area in the certified wildlife habitat. Entry forms available at the Clayton Library or go to claytonlibrary.org. Fee for entries; deadline is March 13. For more information, contact Arlene Kikkawa-Nielsen, event director, at 673-9777 or akiksen@aol.com or creeksideartsfest@gmail.com. The event is from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 24; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 25 and 12 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 26 at the Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. Admission is free. Come view the new Creekside Artists Guild exhibit at the Clayton Community Library through March representing 10 local artists and 24 art pieces, including watercolors, acrylics, oils and photos. Items will also be on exhibit during Creekside Arts 2017. For more information, contact Renaye Johnson at doublera@aol.com.
Rotary needs host families for exchange students
Ever wonder how international students see the United States? How one’s own son or daughter might benefit from interaction with an exchange student? The Clayton Valley Concord Sunrise Rotary Club believes that one connection has the power to change the world. The club is in need of host families to support this effort. Host families share in boarding and interacting with the exchange student, typically for three to four months. The exchange student attends CVCHS and enjoys host family life experiences, such as holidays, travel, outdoor activities, sports and cultural events in the Bay Area. Lifelong friendships spanning across the globe are developed. Families interested in hosting should contact Jeff Rondini 510.693.8406 to learn more and submit an application. For more information about the club, go to claytonvalleyrotary.org.
Page 7
Directory of Advertisers Area code 925 unless otherwise indicated
Business Services
Rising Moon Marketing & Public Relations . . . 672-8717 Construction and Trades
Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . 672-2700
Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 457-5423 Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 822-5144
Gary’s Home Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 787-2500 J.A. Ronco Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 872-3049
Mr. Fix-it Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 825-0347 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216-2679 Dining and Entertainment
Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 673-0440
Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 672-9737 Financial, Insurance and Legal Services
Van Wyck, Doug – State Farm Insurance . . . . 672-2300 Funerals
Oakmont Mortuary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 935-3311
Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 682-4242 Health and Wellness
The Grove Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219-3939 Home and Garden
Clayton Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 686-2299 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381-3757
Interiors Panache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 672-7920
Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 672-9955
Skim ‘n’ Dip – Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348-5609 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 798-6243
Waraner Bros. Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 831-2323 Waraner Tree Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-0334 Mailing Services
The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 689-6245 Real Estate and Mortgage Services
Bennett, Nancy – Keller Williams . . . . . . . . . . 606-8400
Clayton Fair Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 685-0324 French, Lynne – Windermere Real Estate . . . . 672-8787
Hayes, Diane – Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . 890-4701 Klock, Leigh – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . 212-5593 Lopez, Stephanie – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . 305-9099
Mazzei, Matt – Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . 693-0757 Stojanovich, Jennifer – Better Homes Realty . 567-6170 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . 672-4433 Recreation and Fitness
Camp Concord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 671-2267
City of Concord – Adult Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . 671-3423 Diablo FC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.diablofc.org
East Bay Regional Park District . . . . . . .(888) 327-2757 Senior Services
All About Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 698-1867 Services, Other
ComputersUSA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 672-9989 Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 672-6029
Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . . 682-4518 Travel
Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 672-9840
Self Discipline
Do the Right Thing
Page 8
Schools
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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New security checks, badges for CV visitors In an effort to improve campus safety, Clayton Valley Charter High School has adopted a new way to track visitors. The Raptor Visitor Management System, provided by Raptor Technology, is used by many schools around the country. When visitors come to the office to sign in to enter the school, they are asked to present a valid state-issued ID. A staff member will scan the ID into the system, which does a quick security check. Raptor does not retain any of the information from the security check, and it will not be accessible to anyone on the system after the check. Once approved, the visitor receives a badge with a photo,
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name, campus destination, date and timestamp. CVCHS office manager Janet Thys recommended the system after realizing that the old system was not optimal for the safety of students or visi-
tors. “At any given time, we know exactly who’s on campus,” Thys says of the new tracking. She notes that Raptor is crucial for keeping visitors safe during natural disasters such as earthquakes or other issues that may endanger everyone on campus. Visitors who only wish to enter the office to drop off or pick up something will not need a visitor badge. If for some reason a visitor does not have identification and needs to enter the school, a staff member will escort them around the campus. If issues arise with Raptor, the system has a safe and reliable way to deal with the problems. If pressed, an emergency
choice on the system’s screen will send an immediate text message to Thys, interim Principal Patrick Gaffney, Deputy Principal John McMorris and the IT crew. “The safety of our students is our highest priority, and the Raptor Visitor Management System provides a consistent way to aid in keeping away people who may present a danger to our students,” Gaffney said in an email to parents. “Thank you, in advance, for your understanding and support of enhancing school safety protocols at CVCHS.” Sydney Skow is a sophomore at CVCHS. Email her at sydneyaskow@icloud.com.
CVCHS students keep pushing upward
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January was a banner month for student academic and athletic recognitions at Clayton Valley Charter High School. Last fall, 741 high schools throughout the country participated in the Graduate for Más Challenge. Funded by the Taco Bell Foundation, it is designed to motivate students to make an explicit commitment to their educations. Under the guidance of AVID teacher Sarah Lovick,
CVCHS was recognized as a round 1 regional winner. The school received a $1,000 grant and will continue to compete for national honors in round 2. In addition, the first semester Honor Roll acknowledged more than 1,400 students – including 578 who had a 4.0 GPA or higher. On Jan. 27, Principal Patrick Gaffney congratulated Honor Roll students during morning announcements and presented them with Honor Roll certificates and car stickers. The list of Honor Roll recipients is on display outside of C Hall. Each year, CVCHS honors numerous scholarship and academic award winners at the senior dessert evening. For the first time in the school’s history, a senior was awarded the distinguished California Charter School Association Scholarship. Vanessa Wan is one of five students presented with a $2,000 scholarship named for Susan Steelman Bragato, the co-
founder of the state’s first charter school. I am also proud to acknowledge five seniors who will be moving on to play college athletics. CVCHS hosted a National Signing Day ceremony for student athletes and their families. By making this event “a big deal,” we hope to encourage high school juniors – and those younger – to start thinking about college and planning to apply. Here are the student athletes: • Jalen McKenzie, University of Southern California, football. • Bryce Brand, University of Maryland, football. • Alexis Espitia, Sonoma State, soccer. • Bill Ralston, Saint Mary’s College, baseball. • Nick Becker, Dominican University, lacrosse.
tion, health care, taxes, government spending, global warming, social security, energy, hunger, pollution and national debt. Overall, the majority of voters only got five questions correct. In addition, the Intercollegiate Studies Institute surveyed 2,500 randomly selected adult citizens to take a basic U.S. history and government test. Seventy-one percent got a 49 percent or below, more commonly known as an F.
Many schools across the country are taking a new look at civics courses. They are holding mock elections and debates to teach students how to gather truthful information about candidates and political issues. In a survey by CIRCLE (www.civicyouth.org), 60 percent of citizens who said they studied civics in high school cast a ballot in the 2012 presidential election, vs. the 43 percent of voters who said they did not take a civics class in high school. Civics classes educate students about how the government operates and about current issues. When students participate in mock elections and debates, it increases voter turnout. This should create more active citizens and pro-
Career Center reported that Texas Christian University, Colorado Mesa, Maryville of St. Louis and Arizona State were scheduled to participate in a college fair on Feb. 9. An evening presentation entitled “Why Out-of-State College?” provided CVCHS students with greater college access by increasing their college options with out-of-state opportunities. Students in Western states may enroll in participating twoand four-year public college programs at a reduced tuition level. I’m pleased to see the excitement of our soon-to-be graduates as well as the inspiration of our younger students. Traditionally, CV graduates have been accepted to the finest universities and colleges, with about 95 percent pursuing a post-secondary education. David Linzey is executive director of CVCHS. Contact him And finally, the College & David.linzey@claytonvalley.org
Civics classes teach life-long lessons
Although almost every state requires students to pass some sort of civics or social studies class to graduate, many U.S. citizens do not know basic facts about U.S. history and government and they are not informed about governmentrelated issues. In 2015, Just Facts surveyed 700 voters to “scientifically determine” how much voters understand about political issues. The survey consisted of 23 questions about educa-
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Natalie Pursche is an eighthgrader at DVMS and a regular contributor to the Pioneer. Send comments to editor@claytonpioneer.com.
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 9
Carondelet breaks ground on complex to house 7 high school sports teams JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Sr. Joann Heinritz, Carondelet High School’s director of spirituality and mission, led a group of dignitaries, government officials and school supporters in a blessing last Thursday at the groundbreaking for the new Carondelet Athletic Complex. Before Sr. Heinritz could finish, the skies opened up in a downpour that the audience packed into a temporary tent hoped was some kind of positive omen. The Catholic girls school in Concord purchased ClubSport Valley Vista tennis and swim club and is turning the 6.5 acres into a state-of-theart complex that will include softball, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, swimming, diving and water polo facilities Cougar sports teams will call home for decades to come. There is also a 5,000-square foot building which is set for training, meetings and educational programs. Carondelet and De La Salle opened just over 50 years ago on opposite sides of Winton Ave. at Treat Blvd. in Concord. Carondelet president Bonnie Cotter pointed out that the Diocese of Oakland provided the boys school twice as much land on which to build. She said that in the 1960s perhaps that wasn’t questioned but today the
Jay Bedecarré
Carondelet High School held a groundbreaking last week for its new athletic complex on the site of the former ClubSport Valley Vista. using a golden shovel were, from left, Sr. Barbara anne Stowasser, CSJ, Carondelet Board of Trustees; ann Magovern, chair Board of Trustees; Carondelet director of athletics Caitlin lawson; Carondelet president Bonnie Cotter; benefactor lisa Hofmann Morgan; Walnut Creek Mayor Rich Carlston; Jodie and Joe Russi, capital campaign co-chairs.
inequity had to be rectified. One of the displays at the groundbreaking showed the land-locked footprint of Carondelet High School comparably sized with that of nearby Bancroft Elementary School, about half of De La Salle and a quarter the size of Ygnacio Valley High. Valley Vista contained 19 tennis courts and a 7-lane, 25yard swimming pool that was shared with club members and
community groups. Six tennis courts will be retained while the balance of the area they covered are being converted to an L-shaped, all-weather turf field that will house Carondelet soccer, lacrosse and softball teams. Advanced field lighting will provide extended playing time for the teams. When softball season overlaps with the other two sports a moveable fence will demark either the softball outfield or
the lacrosse/soccer field. Associate athletic director Rich Davi said there will be days when both setups will be used for games and practices. The current swimming pool is being redone for a 10lane, 25-yard pool that will also have the necessary depth for diving and water polo. The project went through a rigorous process to obtain all the necessary permits and approvals from city of Walnut Creek staff and city council. New mayor Rich Carlston gave a nod to his predecessor, Loella Haskew, and their colleague Cindy Silva during his remarks at the groundbreaking. Funds for the $10 million project come from a Capital Campaign around the school’s Golden Anniversary to improve and expand school facilities. Director of athletics Caitlin Lawson says the project is projected for completion “weather permitting” before the beginning of the 2017-18 school year in August. Future generations of young women at Carondelet will play and learn on facilities Olympic Gold Medalist and World Cup soccer champion Tiffany Roberts and 12-time Olympic swimming medalist Natalie Coughlin could only dream of sharing with their Cougar teammates. Over 9,000 Carondelet alumnae agree.
Murder just the start of this ‘Requiem’
If you’re reading John Clarkson, it’s not going to matter what else is on your to-do list – you’ll be hooked. From the prologue’s first sentence: “James Beck had about ten seconds before bones broke and blood hit the floor,” to the last sentence on page 388, “It’s finally over,” I’d estimate reading “Bronx Requiem” might only take a couple of hours – even with distractions. So what’s a nice girl like me doing in a book like this? Having one helluva lot of fun, chewing my nails and wondering what my favorite Robin Hood of the hoods is going to do next. Clarkson writes a fast, intricately plotted novel about bad guys vs. sort-of–good/bad guys in and around the darker neighborhoods of New York City boroughs. Beck, tried and jailed for a cop killing he did not commit, owes his sanity and ability to have survived incarceration to
Sunny SoloMon
BOOKIN’ WITH SUNNY
fellow inmate Packy Johnson. By the time Packy is paroled, Beck, with his sentence overturned, has been out of prison for some time and is looking forward to helping his friend secure a life on the outside. But within the first 24 hours of Packy’s parole, he is brutally beaten and shot to death. Beck is devastated and vows to avenge what at first appears to be a senseless act of brutality. Appearances can be
deceiving, and in Beck’s life, they usually are. Beck lives in a refurbished bar in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn with his band of ex-cons and others who value Beck’s efforts to make life easier for those who have been incarcerated. “Bronx Requiem” introduces us early on to a possible new member of Beck’s crew. For the uninitiated, “crew” is the underworld’s word for “staff.” Parole officer Walter Ferguson first helps coordinate Packy’s parole. Following Packy’s murder, Ferguson helps Beck uncover what is behind the brutal killing. The “Requiem” characters begin to make sense as each one’s involvement leads to another. Clarkson’s plot is a bit of a shell game – now you see it, now you don’t. Center stage is Packy’s daughter, a young girl he has not seen since she was a child and who is now under the con-
Unforgettable – that’s what this year’s top films are
JEFF MEllingER
SCREEN SHOTS
We lost a lot of stars in 2016, but we are lucky that film immortalizes them in perpetuity. This year’s Oscar-nominated films are well-worthy of eternal celluloid memorialization. Here’s quick look: “Hell or High Water.” Jeff
Bridges plays a retiring sheriff in a small Texas town on the hunt for a pair of small-time bank robbers (Chris Pine and Ben Foster). Full of snappy banter, beautiful scenery and lived-in roles by the above mentioned actors, the film transcends and redefines the Western genre. “La La Land.” Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone play Hollywood wannabes fighting at falling in love. One of the finest opening scenes in cinematic history showcases the pinnacle of cinematography and choreography with a pristine song and dance performance. The rest of the film more than lives up to the introductory number. It will even charm the “musical cynic” in the audience.
“Arrival.” Amy Adams gives her best performance as linguist Louise Banks in Denis Villeneuve’s excellent alien encounter film. Subtlety and nuance are a major part of Adams’ repertoire, and she fits the shrouded mystery of the story perfectly. If there is an instruction manual for Earth’s first meeting with aliens, “Arrival” should be page one. “Manchester by the Sea.” Kenneth Lonergan’s third feature is a heart-wrenching tale of a New England handyman forced to care for his suddenly orphaned nephew. Casey Affleck turns in a career performance as the uncle with a tragic past that collides with
See Oscars, page 10
trol of a well-known and brutal Bronx pimp, Derrick, who has his own vile crew planted throughout the Bronx. Prostitute or not, Amelia Johnson, known as Princess, is a most sympathetic character. When she finally finds the courage to leave Derrick, she doubles down by killing him. The multiple killings leave a trail of blood covering a money trail leading to more hoods and eventually to the NYC Police Department. Although the word entrepreneur is thankfully never used, the underground world involved in Packy’s death is basically a business – a very profitable business and one Beck intends to shut down. 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.’
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 10, 2017
Rumor has it ‘Buffalo’ has stellar cast
Performing Arts
Sally HogaRTy
STAGE STRUCK
If you loved Clayton theatre Company’s production of “Rumors” last season, then you’ll love this season’s opener – which features many of the same performers.
Mike kirwan
Clayton Theatre Company’s Don Stone took home the 2016 Shellie for Best lighting Design for “Rumors.” Most of the “Rumors” cast and crew will be back in Clayton for “Moon over Buffalo,” opening March 9 at Endeavor Hall
“We were so impressed with our cast from ‘Rumors’ that we wanted to find another comedy to feature them and their extraordinary talents for our CTC audience,” says managing director Roxanne Pardi. Well, they certainly found a good one with “Moon Over Buffalo.” LaTonya Watts directs Ken Ludwig’s fastpaced farce about a former Broadway couple performing in a small theater in Buffalo. Film director Frank Capra’s attendance at one of the performances to consider them for his upcoming film creates havoc made even more so when the wife discovers her husband’s affair with another actress. Add in a crazy motherin-law, mistaken identities and more and you have mayhem for the actors and pure enjoyment for the audience. Bringing the zany characters to life are Chip Renner, Teresa Grosserode, Peggy Scalise, Tamara Filener, Bill Dietz, Nathalie Archangel, Terry Tracy and Ron Craven. The show runs March 9-25 at Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., in Clayton. Call 925-2229106, go to www.claytontheatrecompany.com or www.brownpapertickets.com. On a cool summer night in 1944, the world changed forever in the East Bay town of Port Chicago. On that evening, munitions destined for World War II’s Pacific Theater of
anika McFall and CJ Dickinson star in “Port Chicago 50” at the California Theater in Pittsburg this weekend.
Operations exploded while being loaded onto a cargo vessel, killing 320 sailors and civilians and injuring 390 others. Of the dead and injured, 435 were listed as African-American sailors. A month later, unsafe conditions inspired 258 AfricanAmerican servicemen to refuse to load munitions. After being threatened with the death penalty, 208 men reluctantly returned to work. The remaining 50, however, were tried and
Jamie Jones, lynda DiVito and Elisabeth nunziato are best friends in Center REP’s “Women in Jeopardy,” through Feb.25 at the lesher Center.
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the cast includes Elisabeth Nunziato, Lynda DiVito and Jamie Jones. Call 925-943SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org for tickets. It’s all about the piano as role Players Ensemble presents August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson” through Feb. 19 at the Village Theatre, 233 Front Street, in Danville. Winner of the 1990 Pulitzer Prize, Wilson’s thoughtful story asks questions about identity, the value of family and how our histories shape our choices. For Willie, selling the piano means a new start in life while for his sister, selling the piano means selling the family’s soul. Eric Fraisher Hayes directs a talented cast featuring Khary Moye and Kimberly Ridgeway as the feuding siblings. For tickets, call 925-314-3400 or go visit the website www.roleplayersensemble.com.
convicted of mutiny and sentenced to 17 years of hard labor as well as dishonorable discharges. Forty-seven of those were released in January 1946 and given a general discharged, with the remaining three serving additional months in prison. In 1999, President Bill Clinton pardoned Freddie Meeks, one of the sailors. On July 11, 2016, the California Assembly filed Joint Resolution No. 33 to pardon all members of the Port Chicago 50. Elinor Bell plays The Reader The story of this disgracein B8’s “Man of letters: a ful saga in American history View of oscar Wilde” in comes to Pittsburg’s CaliforConcord through Feb. 25. nia theatre Feb. 10-12. Written by David Shackelford and Dennis Rowe, who also directs, “The Port Chicago 50” features Hal Williams of “227” TV fame as Meeks. For more information and tickets, call 925-427-1611 or go to www.pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. Get ready for lots of fun as Pittsburg Community theatre presents Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit” at the California Theatre in Pittsburg. Running khary Moye (l) and kimberly Ridgeway battle over the famMarch 3-5, this other worldly ily’s piano in august Wilson’s Pulitzer Prizing winning play comedy follows novelist “The Piano lesson,” in Danville through Feb. 19.
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Charles Condomine, who has remarried following the untimely death of his first wife Elvira. Everything is going along fine until Charles invites a clairvoyant over to conduct a séance as research for his next book. The clairvoyant manages to bring back Elvira, who is none too happy about the new wife. Pandemonium ensues as Elvira tries to win back Charles. Barbara Halperin-Jacobs directs. Call 925-427-1611 or go to www.pittsburgcommunitytheatre.org. B8 theatre Company presents the world premiere of “Man of Letters: A View of Oscar Wilde” through Feb. 25 at 2292 Concord Blvd., Concord. Written and directed by Alan Cameron, the insightful work reveals Wilde’s personal stories and struggles through his letters and intimate communications. The play features local favorites Elinor Bell, Deborah Black, Dean Engle, Phoebe Jones, Gary Mutz and Jeanette Sarmiento. For tickets, call 800-838-3006 or go to www.brownpapertickets.com. It’s “Thelma and Louise” meets “The First Wives Club” with Center rep’s flirtatious new comedy “Women in Jeopardy.” Running through Feb. 25 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts, the story follows Mary and Jo as they try to save their friend Liz from her new weirdo dentist boyfriend. They trade in their wine glasses for spy glasses when the dentist’s hygienist goes missing. Directed by Michael Butler,
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Mariam (kate Rigg, left) and laila (nadine Malouf, center) look on laila’s son, gives his a soccer ball in aCT’s “ a Thousand Splendid Suns,” through Feb. 26 at the geary in San Francisco.
Oscars, from page 9
his chaotic present. The cinematography captures all the beauty of the titular city and the script is spot on. Lonergan is a master of detail and it shows. “Lion.” Garth Davis’s “Lion” is two movies in one. The first half follows young Saroo (a wonderful Sunny Pawar), lost 1,000 miles from home on his search to be reunited with his mom. The second half follows an older Saroo (Dev Patel) on the same search. The film captures all the different colors of India quite strikingly. The first half is
excellent. It drags a bit late but regains its momentum in time for a powerful climax. “Hidden Figures.” Three black women with extensive mathematical backgrounds persevere to play pivotal roles in the 1960s space race. “Hidden Figures” hits all the right notes, and the story is made for the big screen. It’s a tale that demands to be heard and is all the better for being brought to light in 2017. “Fences.” As a 1950s man beaten down by life, Denzel Washington gives one of his most emotional and raw per-
“A Thousand Splendid Suns” is the epic story of three generations of Afghan women who are bound together by marriage, family and a secret past amid the war-torn streets of modern-day Kabul. Based on the best-selling novel by Khaled Hosseini, “Suns” plays Feb. 1-26 at ACT’s Geary Theater in San Francisco. Playwright Ursula Rani Sarma adapted the book, with original music written and performed by composer and saw player David Coulter (Kronos Quartet and the Black Rider).
Strong-willed Laila, unmarried and pregnant, is forced to marry her older neighbor when her family and home are torn apart. In her new home, she forges an extraordinary and unlikely friendship with Mariam, her husband’s first wife, and together the two women find the hope and strength to raise a new generation. Carey Perloff directs this world premiere, which is a co-production with Theatre Calgary.
formances since “Glory.” Viola Davis nearly steals the show as his loving yet heavily burdened wife. Although the “stage-to-screen” feel does not allow the film to breathe much, there may not have been a finer acting job by the two leads in a film all year. “Hacksaw Ridge.” Mel Gibson’s fourth war movie is good, it’s just not “Braveheart.” There are fantastic battle scenes and the ridge is a foreboding character unto itself. Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield) is put through hell for his beliefs. If only Gibson could have layered the symbolism a little less thick. “Moonlight.” Yet to see.
Now, here are my personal top 10: 1. “Hell or High Water” 2. “La La Land” 3. “Green Room” 4. “Arrival” 5. “Manchester by the Sea” 6. “Zootopia” 7. “Deadpool” 8. “Lion” 9. “Eye in the Sky” 10. “Deepwater Horizon” and “Patriot’s Day”
For tickets, call 415.749.2228 or visit tickets.act-sf.org.
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 10, 2017
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 11
Clayton Community Calendar
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. MARCH 1 FOR THE MARCH 10 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com Feb. 12 Camellia Tea
IN CLAYTON
Clayton Historical Society’s 40th annual Camellia Tea and Open House. Children welcome with adults. 1 – 4 p.m. Clayton Museum, 6101 Main St. Free. claytonhistory.org. (925) 672-0240.
Feb. 13 Pre-Opening Party
Join the Clayton Valley Village for information on their May 1 opening and live webcast of speaker Dr. Atul Gawande for the 15th anniversary of the founding of Beacon Hill Village. Refreshments. 1:30 – 4 p.m.; webcast at 2 p.m. Clayton Community Library, Hoyer Hall, 6125 Clayton Road. Free. For more information, contact Sonja Wilkin (925) 672-2689.
Starting Feb. 15 “School Days”
Clayton Museum’s newest exhibit celebrating historic schools in the Clayton area. Museum open Wednesdays and Sundays from 2 – 4 p.m. 6101 Main St. Free admission; donations welcome. claytonhistory.org. (925) 672-0240.
Mar. 4 Birthday Celebration
Mar. 12 Property Tour
Stroll through the lower 200 acres of Curry Canyon Ranch property. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meet at 3500 Curry Canyon Road. Reservations required.
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Thru Feb. 25 “Man of Letters: A View of Oscar Wilde”
Original theatrical work by Alan Cameron. B8 Theatre Company, 2292 Concord Blvd., Concord. $20-$25. b8theatre.org. (925) 890-8877.
Thru Feb. 25 “Women in Jeopardy!”
Fun and flirtatious new comedy presented by Center REPertory. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $33$55. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Feb. 10 – 12 “Patience”
Presented by Lamplighters Musical Theatre. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $50-$55. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
The Clayton Community Library Foundation celebrates its 22nd birthday at their annual meeting. Cake; annual report, election, Feb. 10 – 12 budget. Open to the public. 10 a.m. Clayton Community Library, Hoyer Hall, 6125 Clayton Road. Free. For more information, con- “Port Chicago 50” Inspired by true events at the navy shipyard in Port Chicago in tact Joyce Atkinson at (925) 672-3850. 1944. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $20-$35. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611. Mar. 9 – 25
“Moon Over Buffalo”
Hilarious comedy with madcap misadventures presented by the Clayton Theatre Company. 7:30 p.m. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St. $15-$25. claytontheatrecompany.com. (925) 222-9106. In Concord
On Sale Now Concerts
The Concord Pavilion is located at 2000 Kirker Pass Road. livenation.com. Concert schedule for 2017: Jun. 7, Chicago and The Doobie Brothers, 7:30 p.m. Jun. 11, Spirit West Coast Concord, 4 p.m.
Feb. 13 Stroke Support Group
Speakers: Janet Patterson and Kevin Dalziel. Topic: Aphasic Comprehension: Conflict Resolution and Short-Term Memory. 7 – 9 p.m. Concord Room I, John Muir Medical Center, Concord Campus, 2540 East St., Concord. Free. Contact Ann Dzuna (925) 376-6218.
Feb. 24 Age Strong, Live Long Health Expo
Resources/information for seniors, families and professionals. Exhibits, presentations, screenings. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle. Free. cityofconcord.org/healthfair.
Mar. 4, 11 English Tutors Needed
Diablo Valley Literacy Council teaches volunteers how to be English tutors. 9 a.m. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4000 Clayton Road, Concord. Nominal fee; must attend both workshops. dvlc4esl.org. To register, call (925) 685-3881 or email dvlc4esl@gmail.com.
Mar. 9 Advance Health Care Directives
Contra Costa Senior Legal Services, the city of Concord and members of AIG’s legal department offer this legal clinic to prepare and notarize advance health care directives for seniors 60 and older who reside in Contra Costa County. 9:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle. Free. Call the Senior Center at (925) 671-3320 to sign up for private appointment and free notarizing.
Feb. 10 – Mar. 5 “Ghost”
Presented by OMG, I Love That Show! Productions. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $39-$44. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Feb. 11 “Abbacadabra”
Performing 20 of ABBA’s greatest hits. 3 and 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $15-$32. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Feb. 11 Aloe Day Tours and Sweets with Your Sweetie
See website for details. Ruth Bancroft Garden, 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. ruthbancroftgarden.org. (925) 944-9352.
Feb. 14 “The Pit Stop: Valentines Day Special”
A fun night filled with laughter. 8 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $20-$25. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611.
Feb. 16 “Charlotte’s Web”
Presented by Theatreworks USA. 11:45 a.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Feb. 17 “Journey Unauthorized: A Live Rock Tribute to Journey”
Presented by West Coast Performing Arts. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Feb. 18 “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.
ON AND AROUND THE MOUNTAIN
Feb. 18 - 19 “Mariachi Meets the Symphony”
Feb. 10 Black Diamond Moonrise
Feb. 19 “Classical Broadway”
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve programs are available for registration through ebparks.org. Parking fees may apply. For additional information, contact Black Diamond Visitor Center at (510) 544-2750 or bdvisit@ebparks.org. Watch the sun set and the moon rise as a subtle shadow falls over its face in a rare penumbral eclipse. 5 – 7:15 p.m. Meet at Black Diamond Mines.
Feb. 26 Winter Pond Exploration
Get a little muddy and discover what’s living in our ponds. 10 – 11:30 a.m. Meet at Black Diamond Mines.
Mount Diablo Interpretive Association programs listed are free with the exception of park entrance fee. Go to mdia.org and click on Events Calendar for more information.
Feb. 17 Frog Pond
Hike to secluded Frog Pond then up to Green Ranch. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Meet at Curry Point Trailhead.
Feb. 26 Amphibians of Contra Costa County
Drop in and learn about local amphibians with an emphasis on salamanders and newts. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Summit Museum.
Feb. 26 Eagle Peak
Climb past Mitchell Park via Twin Peaks to Eagle Peak. 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Trailhead.
Mar. 3 Lower Perkins Canyon
Visit the morning side of the mountain. 1 – 3:30 p.m. Meet at Morgan Territory Road Parking Lot.
Mar. 5 Diablo Falls and Donner Canyon
Enjoy wildflowers and water on the rugged north side of Mount Diablo. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Trailhead.
Save Mount Diablo’s Discover Diablo is a free public hike series. Go to discover-diablo.eventbrite.com for more information.
Feb. 25 Family Walk
Perkins Canyon. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meet at Morgan Territory Road Parking Lot. Reservations required.
Mar. 11 Family Walk
Curry Point to Frog Pond. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meet at Curry Point Parking Lot. Reservations required.
Experience an afternoon of music from Mexico and Brazil. 2 p.m. Feb. 18: Concord High School, 4200 Concord Blvd., Concord. Free. Feb. 19: Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $35. diablosymphony.org. Hadleigh Adams performs. 3 pm. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $10-$25. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Feb. 22 – Apr. 23 “John”
A visceral ghost story with a millennial twist. A.C.T.’s Strand Theater, 1127 Market St., San Francisco. $20-$105. act-sf.org. (415)749-2228.
Mar. 5 “Trumpet Celebration: Mark Inouye”
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. 7 “Symphonic Dances”
Presented by Walnut Creek Concert Band. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14-$17. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 9 – 12 “Jack and the Beanstalk”
Presented by Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 10 “College Notes”
An a cappella performance celebrating bright minds and voices. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 11 Comedy
Performed by Scott Capurro. 8 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $17-$20. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611.
Mar. 11 Concert
Performed by United States Air Force Concert Band. 3 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. Free; reserved seating. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Mar. 11 ICHSA 2017 Tournament Semifinal
International Championship of High School A Cappella event. 7 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Feb. 18 Concert
CHURCHES AND RELIGION
Featuring original music by Durwynne Hsieh along with a variety of chamber music. 7:30 p.m. Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. $15. cvpresby.org.
Feb. 13 Carondelet Rising
SCHOOLS
Student-led, community-wide event. Carondelet is a host site for One Billion Rising, the largest global mass action to end violence against women. 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Carondelet High School, Garaventa Center, 1133 Winton Drive, Concord. Free. Register at carondeleths.org.
Mar. 17 – Apr. 2 “You Can’t Take It with You”
Meet the Sycamores – a madcap clan who sets the bar for eccentricity. Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. $16-$21. dvcdrama.net.
FUNDRAISERS
Mar. 4 Annual Benefit Concert
Proceeds go towards Delta Blues Festival. 7 – 10 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $15-$30. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Mar. 4 Banquet
Dinner, auction, raffle; adults only. Proceeds benefit Ygnacio Valley High Athletics. 6:30 – 10:30 p.m. St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 1601 Mary Drive, Pleasant Hill. $40. For tickets and more information, contact Heidi at heidihastings@att.net or (925) 671-6861.
Mar. 4 “Rock the CASA”
Dan Ashley presents this charity concert featuring Cheap Trick to benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates and Friends of Camp Concord. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $50-$250. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 5 “Jazz in the Afternoon” Feb. 24 “Zep Live! The Led Zeppelin Concert Experience” Concord High School Jazz Ensemble performs. Benefits high Presented by West Coast Performing Arts. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Feb. 26 Pinchas Zukerman
Presented by Chamber Music San Francisco. 3 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40-$70. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 2 Matthew Morrison in Concert
Presented by Feinstein’s Presents. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $72.50-$102.50. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 3 - 4 “Chicken, Chitlins and Caviar”
Presented by Symphony Enterprises. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 3 - 5 “Blithe Spirit”
Two blithe spirits haunt hapless Charles into perpetuity. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $12-$25. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. (925) 427-1611.
Mar. 5 March Concert
Presented by The Diablo Wind Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10. lesherartscenter.org. (925) 943-7469.
Mar. 5 “Born Yesterday”
school students in alternative education programs in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. 2 – 4 p.m. Camellia Room, Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. $10-$25. brownpapertickets.com.
AT THE LIBRARY
The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at claytonlibrary.org or call (925) 673-0659. Thru Feb. 28: Catch a Dragon by the Tale; reading program kindergarten through 3rd grade Feb. 13, 27: Clayton Knits, 1:30 p.m. Feb. 13, 27: Clayton Library Book Club, 7 p.m. Feb. 25: An Afternoon of Rumi, 3:30 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. 15: Tax Help, Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Feb. 13: Crafts from the Heart, 7 p.m. Registration req. Feb. 21: Teen Tuesday, 4 p.m. Feb. 23: Master Gardeners, 6:30 p.m.
GOVERNMENT
1st and 3rd Tuesdays Clayton City Council
7 p.m. Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. (925) 673-7304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.
2nd and 4th Tuesdays
A classic American comedy about the power of female persuasion Clayton Planning Commission performed by The Vagabond Players. 2 p.m. El Campanil The7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. (925) atre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $10-$15. 673-7304 or ci.clayton.ca.us. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Page 12
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 10, 2017
Sports
Playoffs decide Section champions this month JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
North Coast Section postseason play begins this weekend and will continue through the State championships next month as the winter sports season concludes for basketball and soccer teams and wrestlers. Clayton Valley Charter basketball and soccer teams look likely to get into the NCS tournament by qualifying through the new Diablo Athletic League two-conference setup. DAl BAsKEtBAll Clayton Valley Charter boys team was 16-6 riding an eight-game winning streak entering this week’s DAL games. League play concludes next week prior to the NCS seeding meeting Feb. 18. Coach Eric Bamberger said he expected his team to finish atop the DAL Valley Conference standings and, so far, his Eagles have held up that vision with six consecutive wins with the closest victory by 16 points. Berean Christian (5-1) and Concord (4-2) are second and third in league play. De La Salle is also unbeaten in East Bay Athletic League winning their first 10 games as they seek to get ready to defend the Division I NCS and NorCal titles. New coach Justin Argenal’s team is 19-4 overall. Three of the four Spartan losses came in the Iolani Classic in Hawaii.
CVCHS girls were 4-2 as they began play this week. Concord is unbeaten at 5-0 while Alhambra is 5-1. The Eagles lost to Alhambra by four points and Concord by one in the first half of the DAL round-robin schedule. Coach Paul Kommer’s team was 14-8 overall and face Alhambra this Friday and Concord next Tuesday in key DAL showdowns. NCS moved DII champion Carondelet into Division I but the Cougars have purred right along with a 9-0 EBAL record and 18-4 mark this season. The losses have come against teams from Tennessee and Arizona plus California’s top-ranked team Clovis West. The team is currently ranked No. 1 in NCS and top 15 in the state. NCS basketball begins Feb. 21-25, the semi-finals are Mar. 1 and the finals Mar. 3-4. NorCal tournament is Mar. 8-14. sOCCEr tEAMs iN ClOsE rACEs
Clayton Valley Charter boys made it to the NCS quarterfinals last season after a three-year absence from the playoffs and the Eagles should be right back in the thick of NCS this month. Coach Guillermo Jara’s team (4-2-2) is in a dogfight with defending NCS Division III champion Ygnacio Valley (52-1) and College Park (4-2-2) in the DAL Foothill Conference race that concludes this week.
Photo courtesy Concord High School yearbook staff
all five Concord High players surrounded junior JD Williams but the Clayton Valley Charter player was able to get off his shot in the Eagles’ 54-38 victory at the Minuteman gym last month. CVCHS was undefeated going into the final two weeks of the Diablo athletic league Valley Conference. Coach Eric Bamberger’s team won each of its first six league games by at least 16 points.
The Eagles have a 13-3-4 season record that should get them seeded in the top half of the NCS tournament. De La Salle won six consecutive North Coast Section Division I soccer championships from 2009-2014 and is looking to get back to the
finals. Coach Derricke Brown’s team was earlier ranked No. 1 in NCS and now have a 13-3-5 record and are second to unbeaten San Ramon Valley in EBAL standings. The Spartans have only allowed eight goals in 21 games while scoring 53.
Projections have CVCHS, Concord, College Park, De La Salle, Northgate and Ygnacio Valley all as locks for NCS boys berths. Carondelet lost the NCS girls championship game in overtime last winter to spoil a perfect season but the
Cougars are back near No. 1 again with a 15-1-2 record this season. They trailed Livermore in EBAL standing entering this final week of league games. CVCHS girls were winless
played football at St. Mary’s College, finishing up just before the Gaels ended their football program. He rejoined his high school coach Herc Pardi on the CVHS staff as offensive line and strength and conditioning coach from 2004 through 2011 and then served on Tim Murphy’s first two Clayton Valley Charter staffs as assistant head coach. Reynaud spent the last three years as defensive line coach at California High in San Ramon. “I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to take over a program that has a great deal of recent success and tradition. And I want to continue that run of Concord High School football being one of the premier NCS Division II programs,” the new Minuteman coach said. Reynaud is taking over a pro-
gram that has been to four North Coast Section DII championship games since 2010, when they won the school’s only Section title. The Minutemen have been to NCS nine consecutive seasons. Reynaud takes over for Mark Bywater who resigned after two winning years in charge. “I enjoyed being CHS head coach, but I needed a better schedule for my family,” Bywater told the Pioneer. He had stepped in during the 2015 summer after Brian Hamilton accepted a job with the Cal football program. Hamilton had led the Minutemen for 11 years, including to the 2010 NCS championship. Pardi said, “Paul will continue the outstanding tradition at Concord HS by utilizing 13 years of assisting three top Northern California programs as a
resource. His impeccable work ethic, a positive passion to lead student athletes, great football knowledge throughout the program and, most importantly, loyalty will lead CHS to success.” Mt. Diablo is looking for a replacement for Derek Clements who was head coach of the Red Devils for two 1-9 seasons. He resigned and is now co-head coach at College Park with Joe Bautista, who took over the Falcons last fall following the retirement of long-time coach Bill Kepler. Clements said, “My time at Mount was awesome. The kids are great with a lot of life challenges.” Even before this turnover, Clayton Valley Charter coach Murphy was the senior local coach since taking over the
See Playoffs, page 14
Former Ugly Eagle takes over Concord High football De La Salle to face National Champions Gorman in Las Vegas JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clayton Valley grad Paul Reynaud has been named the new head football coach at rival Concord and will be one of three new leaders among Concord’s five high school football teams this fall. In near unprecedented turnover, the Ygnacio Valley, Concord and Mt. Diablo high school varsity football coaches all resigned since the end of the 2016 season. Mt. Diablo and Ygnacio Valley have yet to name their new coaches. Reynaud graduated from Clayton Valley in 1999 and
Jason Rogers
Paul Reynaud graduated from Clayton Valley in 1999 and after college returned to his alma mater from 2004-2013 as an assistant football coach. He was recently named head coach at crosstown rival Concord High. The Minuteman’s athletic director Megan Coddington says the school is “excited” to have Reynaud take over their football program.
See Football, page 15
City of Concord
ADULT SOFTBALL
Team registration now open for • New and returning teams • 4-game spring tune up begins first week of March • 12-game summer season starts April 2 and runs through July Team Registration packets are available For pick up: Online: By mail:
925.348.5609 Nick Eisenbart
Owner/Service Provider Concord resident
Serving all of Contra Costa County for 15 years Including Marsh Creek, Morgan Territory
Five Stars
on Yelp
Willow Pass Community Center 2748 E. Olivera Rd. (corner of Salvio and E. Olivera) www.teamsideline.com/concord Call (925) 671-3423 to request a packet by mail
Completed team registration is due by March 3
Late registration until March 17 with $25 fee. For info on individual sign-ups, call (925) 671-3423
Pickleball
A court game that combines elements of badminton, tennis and ping-pong, this low impact game is great for people of all ages. • 14 state-of-the-art lighted pickleball courts at Willow Pass Park are open 7 days a week for drop-in play. • New pickleball classes and leagues will be starting this summer.
Call (925) 671-3423 or go to www.teamsideline.com/concord
February 10, 2017
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Sports
Athlete Spotlight
Jade Davis, Bridget Hyland, Hannah Kommer Grade: Senior
Page 13
School: CVCHS
Clayton Valley Charter’s girls basketball team is seeking a spot in the upcoming North Coast Section playoffs and three senior teammates— Jade Davis, Bridget Hyland and Hannah Kommer—-are leading the charge for the Eagles. Coach Paul Kommer has enjoyed being one of the trio’s coaches during their time at Clayton Valley. “Jade, Bridget and Hannah will be deeply missed after they graduate. They each combine a high level of dedication to athletics, academics and their teams. They have set a tremendous example as to how to be a successful scholar athlete and have each made their permanent and positive mark on CVCHS basketball.” Davis has played basketball and run
Sport: Basketball
track for four years at CVCHS. In her second season on varsity she plays forward or in the post. The two-sport athlete has been a sprinter on the varsity track team and earned 1st team allleague during her junior season. The hardworking student athlete has made honor roll every year of high school and hopes to attend UC Santa Cruz to continue playing sports and plans to become a corporate lawyer. Hyland is also a two-sport athlete at CVCHS, playing three seasons of varsity basketball and four years on the track team. She has been a varsity basketball captain her junior and senior seasons. She’s been all-league twice each in track and basketball. The motivated student athlete is also a part of Senior Women,
Kristian Ipsen debuts as TV commentator for Pac-12 Network
Multicultural Club and the Public Service Academy at CVCHS, and is currently deciding on a four-year school to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher or an FBI agent. Kommer has played basketball and water polo at CVCHS. After being pulled up halfway to varsity through her sophomore season, she’s played mostly as a guard. Kommer played four years of water polo, for three varsity years as a utility. She has participated in improv club and show choir, holding the position of dance captain for two years. Kommer is in the Engineering Academy at CVCHS, has received multiple academic pins and consistently been on honor roll. She hopes to attend a fouryear university and earn her bachelor’s degree in architecture and pursue a career as an architect. CVCHS student journalist Sydney Skow wrote this Spotlight. the Clayton Pioneer congratulates Jade, Hannah and Bridget 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.
High school athletes make college commitments official
Photo courtesy Pac-12 network
Clayton’s two-time olympic diver kristian ipsen made his TV commentating debut at the end of January for the Pac12 network. ipsen was in familiar surroundings for his first assignment as he covered the Pac-12 women’s swimming and diving dual meet with the university of Southern California visiting Stanford. ipsen, who graduated from Stanford last year, worked with play-by-play announcer Rich Burk. ipsen has taken a break from diving since the Rio olympics last summer and is “still deciding about the long term for diving.” ipsen told the Pioneer he’s currently job hunting in the Bay area and “doing some commentating for fun now and to stay involved in the sport.” His first Pac12 assignment allowed him to call a victory for his former teammate and good friend Stanford diver kassidy Cook. ipsen is a seven-time member of the uS national Team and has been in front of the camera being interviewed countless times during his illustrious career. The Pac-12 network also added his fellow olympians, gold medalists nastia liukin in gymnastics and basketball player Candace Parker to its announcing crew this winter.
Recycle this paper
JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Over 20 high school seniors with local ties made their college commitments official last week on National Letter of Intent day. Clayton Valley Charter High School led the way with five student athletes signing with a college, including one who graduated early and is already on the University of Maryland campus. The four CVCHS athletes to sign their NLI and celebrate last week at a noontime on campus ceremony were Jalen McKenzie (USC football) Alexis Espitia (Sonoma State soccer), Bill Ralston (Saint Mary’s College baseball) and Nick Becker (Dominican University lacrosse). McKenzie is the first Clayton Valley football player to go to USC since Mike Haluchak in 1967. Ugly Eagles football player Bryce Brand recently enrolled at Maryland after a midyear high school graduation. De La Salle and Carondelet each had three student athletes sign their college commitments last week. Cougars volleyball player Lauren Barry signed with Williams College, soccer player Erin Ospeck chose Notre Dame and swimmer Holly Williams signed with Azusa Pacific. De La Salle’s North Coast Section football champion standouts Tre White (San Jose State) and Wade Willet (Cal Poly SLO)
U12-U14 Tryouts with Diablo FC U12–U14 Boys and Girls (Born in 2006–2004) Jay Bedecarré photos
a trio of Carondelet girls signed their national letters of intent last week. The Cougar student athletes are, from left, lauren Barry (Williams College volleyball), Holly Williams (azusa Pacific university swimming) and Erin ospeck (notre Dame soccer).
volleyball team last fall, Barry was selected as the team’s most valuable player and was an All-East Bay Athletic League selection. She led the Cougars with 242 total kills while playing 88 sets as an outside hitter. She also helped her club team earn a bid to the Junior Olympics. “I chose Williams College for its renowned academics and the opportunity for me to thrive on and off the court and in the classroom. I just knew it was the perfect fit for me. I can’t wait to be a Purple Cow,” Williams told a packed Inner Court audience on campus last Wednesday. Ospeck is a team captain for the Carondelet soccer team that has ranked at or near the top of state and national rankings the past CArONDElEt siGNEEs two seasons. She was selected Captain of the Carondelet to the Top Drawer Soccer All-America Watch List prior to this season. After suffering a torn ACL last year playing club soccer Ospeck was able to return to the field after nine months and play on the same Cougar team with her sisters Natalie and Ellie. She explains, “My entire family is Irish Catholic, so growing up it (Notre Dame) was a university to aspire to and I wanted to go there since I was eight.” Williams will conclude here Carondelet swimming career as a four-year varsity letter winner. During her junTwo members of De la Salle’s north Coast Section champiior year she qualified for the onship team, Wade Willet (middle) and Tre White (right) Winter Nationals, earning the committed to play college football this fall at Cal Poly Slo and San Jose St., respectively. Their senior classmate omar rank of national swimmer. and classmate Omar Jiron committed to Sacramento State soccer. In addition, the local competitive youth soccer club, Diablo FC, announced that nine seniors made their college commitments with another expected to sign his NLI this week. Justin Bedig (Sacramento State), Nick Brenes (San Jose State), Jiron, Jack Mortensen (St. Mary’s) and Jacob Wright (Holy Cross) are all members of Diablo FC 98 boys along with their uncommitted teammate Adrian Ortiz. Haley Brown (Cal State Fullerton), Sarah Emigh (Chico State), Espitia and Lauren Montgomery (Midland University) are on the Diablo FC 98/99 girls squad.
Jiron (left) will be playing soccer at Sacramento St. after concluding his DlS and Diablo FC 98 careers.
See College, page 14
February 13 – 18
Feb. 13 - Mt. Diablo High School 2450 Grant St., Concord
5 pm - 6 pm (2006 girls and 2006 boys) 6 pm - 7 pm (2005 girls and 2005 boys) 7 pm - 8 pm (2004 girls and 2004 boys)
Feb. 14 - Ygnacio Valley High School 755 Oak Grove Rd., Concord
6 pm - 7 pm (2006 boys and 2005 boys) 7 pm - 8 pm (2006 girls and 2005 girls) Feb. 15 - Diablo Valley College 201 Viking Dr., Pleasant Hill
7 pm - 8 pm (2005 girls and 2005 boys) 8 pm - 9 pm (2004 boys and 2004 girls)
Feb. 16 - Ygnacio Valley High School 755 Oak Grove Rd., Concord
6 pm - 7 pm (2006 girls and 2004 girls) 7 pm - 8 pm (2006 boys and 2004 boys)
Feb. 18 - Ygnacio Valley High School 755 Oak Grove Rd., Concord
9:15 am - 10:30 am (2004 girls) 10:30 am - 11:45 am (2005 girls) 11:45 am - 1 pm (2006 boys and girls) 1 pm - 2:15 pm (2005 boys) 2:15 pm - 3:30 pm (2004 boys)
For all other age groups, check our website for dates. Go to DFC website for more info and to sign up!
www.diablofc.org
Page 14
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Sports
Sports Shorts
Playoffs, from page 12
CVCHs BAsEBAll HOsts 5tH HOt stOVE DiNNEr APril 21
February 10, 2017
OAKHurst OrCAs sEt MEEt AND GrEEt DAtEs
Head coach Jasmine Castillo is back for her sixth season in charge of the Oakhurst swim team and has announced that the Orcas are accepting mail or drop off registrations for the summer rec swim team season now at Oakhurst Country Club. Meet and greet registration at the pool is on Wednesday, Mar. 22, and Thursday, April 20, from 6:30-8 p.m. Early registration discounts are available until Mar. 22. Visit oakhurstorcas.com for more information and registration forms. Spring practice begins April 24.
The fifth annual CVCHS Hot Stove Dinner is being held on Friday, April 21. Honorees will be members of the 1960 Clayton Valley baseball team of head coach Vic Petreshene which we be inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in May. Current baseball coach Casey Coakley says the evening’s festivities celebrate the National Pastime for basesiGN-uPs FOr st. FrANCis CyO trACK & FiElD ball fans, Clayton Valley alumni and current CVCHS. Door ACCEPtED ONliNE prizes, raffles and steak dinner benefit CVCHS Baseball and Sign-ups for St. Francis CYO track and field are now its scholarship fund. The event is from 6-9 p.m. at Shadelands being accepted online. Practices are at Ygnacio Valley High Civic Arts Center, 111 N. Wiget Ln. at Ygnacio Valley Rd. in School track on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5:30 Walnut Creek. For more information and to buy tickets at $50 - 6:30 p.m. Contact coach George Francis at coachfraneach email coach Coakley at casey.coakley@claytonvalley.org. cisyvhs@hotmail.com for details. Visit St. Francis CYO website at sfacyo.org/track-field for updates. CONCOrD CuP XXiV ACCEPtiNG
sOCCEr tEAM rEGistrAtiONs
Jason Rogers
Senior Pedro Hernandez (right) has been a key cog for coach guillermo Jara’s Clayton Valley Charter soccer team as the Eagles wrap up Dal play this week and prepare for the north Coast Section seeding meeting this Sunday. The Eagles were 4-2-2 starting this week, the same record as College Park and both trailed ygnacio Valley 5-2-1. all three teams figure to get into the nCS playoffs.
NCS dual team championship is Feb.11 while the Section championships are Feb. 24-25 at James Logan in Union City, a week before the State meet. WrEstlErs AiM FOr Defending champion De NCs, stAtE La Salle has won seven of the DAL wrestling dual meets past eight NCS dual and team conclude this Wednesday. The titles.
during the non-league schedule but have rebounded for a 5-2-1 league record just behind Northgate in the DAL.
College, from page 13
The area’s largest annual youth soccer tournament, Concord Cup, returns for its 24th season at a variety of local parks May 20-21. Boys and girls club and recreation teams from under 10 through U19 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.
ClAytON VAllEy AtHlEtiC HAll OF FAME lOOKiNG FOr PlAyErs
The 2017 class for the Clayton Valley High School Hall of Fame includes five Eagles teams and event organizers are reaching out to locate members of those teams. The honorees will be inducted Friday, May 19, at Shadelands Art Center in Walnut Creek. The teams are 1960 baseball of head coach Vic Petreshene, 1972 wrestling of coaches Glen Scrimger and Bill Nelson, 1978 softball and coach Larry Fogelstrom and 1994 girls water polo and 1994 girls swimming of coach Dennis Bledsoe. Players on those teams should send a note with their contact info to Clayton Valley HS Athletic Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 502, Clayton 94517.
usKs PrEsENts 30tH ANNuAl Just FOr KiCKs BENEFit sHOW sAturDAy
FOr
Jay Bedecarré
Clayton Valley Charter led the way for local schools with five student athletes firming up their college plans this winter. The ugly Eagles who are set to move on include, from left, alexis Espitia (Sonoma State soccer), nick Becker (Dominican university lacrosse), Bill Ralston (Saint Mary’s College baseball) and Jalen Mckenzie (uSC football). The fifth CVCHS athlete, Bryce Brand, has already enrolled at the university of Maryland for the Terrapins football program.
DE lA sAllE COMMitMENts
Willet anchored a DLS offensive line that helped the offense average 304.2 rushing yards per game last fall as the Spartans were 11-2 overall including a 25th straight NCS championship and a runnerup finish in the state Open Division bowl game. A firstteam all-EBAL offensive lineman and second-team AllBay Area Preps selection by Bay Area News Group, Willet helped open holes for 2,000yard rusher Kairee Robinson. As a Junior, Willets played on the 13-1 Spartan team that claimed the state Open Division championship. The 6-5,260-pound Willet was recruited by several colleges and was designated as a preferred walk-on at Cal, but
Vista Diablo Dolphins is opening its online registration for the summer season this month. The team is inviting interested families to their Information/Registration Day this Saturday, Feb. 11, for boys and girls ages 3-18. VDD Swim Club is at 850 Sullivan Ave. in Concord. There will be a Stock Up on Gear/Information/Registration Day Saturday, Mar. 4, from noon-2 p.m. at Sports Basement in Walnut Creek. Get more info at vistadiablodolphins.com or email VDDSTmail@gmail.com.
3rD ANNuAl JENNA BEtti MEMOriAl GOlF tOurNAMENt MAr. 3
The non-profit organization #hersmile was started in honor of 14-year-old Jenna Betti after she was tragically hit and killed by a service train while trying to retrieve cell phone from the train tracks in March 2014. In the three years since Jenna’s passing the organization has contributed to 50 families who have been thrust into similar situations as the Betti family. Jenna Betti was a player in the Diablo FC. The 3rd annual Jenna Betti Memorial Golf Tournament is at Hiddenbrooke Golf Course in American Canyon for a fun-filled day of golf and camaraderie Mar 3. For more information visit hersmile.org.
USKS Martial Arts will host its 30th Anniversary showcase, Just For Kicks, this Saturday, Feb. 11, with students rEGistrAtiON OPEN FOr All Out sPOrts lEAGuEs from Pee Wee Champs (four years and younger) up through sPriNG PrOGrAMs the studio’s black belt instructors. USKS Martial Arts is celeSpring leagues including adult softball, co-ed adult volleybrating 30 years in Concord. Just For Kicks is at Berean ball and youth basketball and volleyball offered by All Out Christian High School in Walnut Creek starting at 6 p.m. Visit Sports Leagues in Clayton are taking registration now online. usksmartialarts.com in advance for details. For complete information on All Out Sports programs, visit alloutsportsleague.com. DiABlO FC sOCCEr tryOuts FEB. 13-27
u12-u14 tEAMs
Diablo FC will be holding tryouts Feb. 13-27 for its 2017 competitive teams in under 12 through under 14 age groups (birth years 2004-2006). The U8-12 competitive team (birth years 2007-2011) tryouts have concluded but coaches are still holding player evaluations. Under 15 and older team tryouts will be in May after spring league games conclude. Visit diablofc.org to get more information and signup for all tryouts.
She finished third in the 100 breaststroke at the 2016 EBAL meet and ranked 77th in California. One of Williams’ proudest memories was when she qualified for the Arena Pro Swim Series in the 200 breast, where she completed with Olympians Simone Manuel, Nathan Adrian and Carondelet’s own Natalie Coughlin. She says, “I am taking our Carondelet mascot with me as I will be swimming for the APU Cougars.”
VistA DiABlO DOlPHiNs sWiM tEAM iNFOrMAtiON MEEtiNG FEB. 11
tErrAPiN WiNtEr-sPriNG sWiM CliNiCs CONtiNuE tHrOuGH APril
The Terrapins Swim Team is offering winter and spring stroke and turn clinics by coach Dan Cottam at their Concord facility for summer recreation swimmers ages 7-18 who want to get a jump on the summer season on Sundays in February, March and April. The nationally-ranked Terrapins are also taking signups for swimmers ages six and above of all levels st. BONAVENturE CyO trACK siGN uPs ACCEPtED for their year-round swim team. For information visit terrapSt. Bonaventure CYO spring track and field is holding reg- inswim.com. istration. The track and field program is open to boys and ClAytON VAllEy CHArtEr AtHlEtiC BOOstErs girls in second through eighth grades. Practices are held on BENEFit CrAB FEED MAr. 11 Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 5-6:15 p.m. at Newhall Clayton Valley Charter High School Athletic Boosters Park. Saturday meets begin in March and the season runs hold their 23rd annual Crab Feed and Auction on Saturday, through May 13, culminating with the Oakland Diocese Mar. 11, at Centre Concord benefitting the 26 sports at the championships. For more information call 826-7426, email school. Attendees must be 21 or older. For more info email coach Matt Tillman at matttillman@gmail.com or go to cvchsboosters@gmail.com or go to cvchsboosters.org for stbonaventurecyo.com. info to order tickets online for a night of food, drink, dancing, auctions and raffle prizes. MDsA ANNOuNCEs tryOuts FOr yOuNGEr COMPEtitiVE ElitE tEAMs
Mt. Diablo Soccer Association is having tryouts for its elite competitive teams. Check mdsoccer.org for full MDSA decided on Cal Poly because elite tryout schedule. Tryouts are held rain or shine. “I fell in love with the atmosDANA Hills OttErs uNVEil COACHiNG stAFF, phere in the locker room and around the players while on siGNuP DAtEs my visit. The football proDana Hills Swim Team head coach Heidi McMillan gram, quality education, returns for her second year and Aaron Mikuni, who was Valle weather and location were Vista head coach for several years, joins the staff. Also coachjust unbeatable. I can’t wait to ing Otter swimmers this summer are USA Swimming veteran become a Mustang!” Dan Cottam, Nikki Palmer and recent DHST alumnus Defensive back White is Anthony Vines. Returning families can begin online registrathe first De La Salle player to tion Feb. 14 and new families can start signing up Mar. 4. sign with San Jose State on Back to Swim Parents Night is Friday, Mar. 3, at the DHST signing day in 24 years — Cabana on Mountaire Parkway. Practice begins April 10 and since running back Patrick the final day for swimmer registration is May 12. For more Walsh and quarterback Alli info visit danahillsotters.com. Abrew in 1993. White was FOrEst PArK sPriNG sWiM CliNiCs stArt FEB. 27 one of very few returning Forest Park Swim Team coach Jeff Mellinger is offering starters for the Spartans last fall after the 2015 State spring swim clinics starting Feb. 27 and running for five Champions graduated 32 weeks through the end of March. The afternoon and evening players and he helped hold sessions improve strokes for swimmers of all skill levels ages together the defense through 4-18 before the start of summer rec swimming season. The a rough patch in the early sea- Flyers will be holding team signups at their pool on Mar. 9 son when DLS had four con- from 6-8 p.m. and Mar. 12 noon-2 p.m. Contact coach secutive games decided by Mellinger at jeff.mellinger@gmail.com for details. one touchdown or less, MDsA sPriNG lEAGuE rEGistrAtiON including a rare home defeat. tAKiNG WAitlist uNtil FEB. 16 An all-EBAL first team Registration is open until Feb. 16 for Mt Diablo Soccer choice, White announced his college choice on Twitter Association’s spring season. Players registering now will be when he proclaimed, “Proud placed on waitlist. The program is open to boys and girls to stay a Spartan!” He was under 5-U19 divisions. The older divisions are co-ed teams. ranked No. 23 prep corner- Games start in mid-March. MDSA AYSO Region 223 serves Clayton, Concord and surrounding communities. For more back in the state. Omar is one of the most details and to register visit mdsoccer.org. dynamic players that we’ve CONCOrD COBrAs FOOtBAll siGNuPs had come through our proNOW tAKEN ONliNE gram. His ability to find goals Concord Cobras tackle football program is taking signups from the attacking midfield is a gift and I’m sure he will be for its fall season online. The football program is open for a success at Sacramento State youth five to 14 years of age. For more info email concordyouthfootball@yahoo.com or visit concordyouthfootball.com. next year.
yGNACiO VAllEy HiGH HOstiNG WAr PAtH All-COMErs trACK & FiElD MEEt MAr. 11
Ygnacio Valley High is hosting its annual War Path allcomers track and field meet on Saturday, Mar. 11, from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on the all-weather track at the Concord school. There will be eight individual events (shot put, high jump, long jump and 100-200-400-800-1600 meter runs) and two relays for boys and girls from preschool through high school and senior classifications. YVHS is using the meet as a team fund. There is no pre-registration required. Contact coach George Francis at coachfrancisyvhs@hotmail.com for details.
CONCOrD ADult sOFtBAll lEAGuE tEAM siGNuPs DEADliNE MAr. 3
Concord adult softball league is one of the largest in the Bay Area for all skill levels. Registration packets are now available for the 4-game spring tune-up league and 12-game summer season, which starts April 2 and runs through July. Visit teamsideline.com/concord for registration packet and complete information. Team registrations are due by Mar. 3. Late registration is open until Mar. 17. For more info contact Bruce Stanley at 671-3423. To see all Concord Parks & Recreation classes now taking registration, visit concordreg.org.
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 10, 2017
JACOB SAMUELS SPORTS TALK
The San Jose Sharks are coming off their best season ever. They won the Western Conference Finals to reach the franchise’s first-ever trip to the Stanley Cup Finals before succumbing to the Pittsburgh Penguins. This season they appear ready to return to the big stage, currently sitting in a tie for first in the Pacific Division. If the season were to end the day I write this column the Sharks would play the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the playoffs. This would bring back memories of the Sharks horrific collapse from a 3-0 series lead in 2014 and their revenge last year. While San Jose is towards the top of the league in points, they are probably the NHL’s most underrated team. Pro hockey experts are talking about the Capitals’ consistent regular season dominance, the Penguins’ prospects of repeating as champions and the Oilers’ potential as a dominant young team. On the other hand, San Jose is just “there.” There are only a few whispers about the Sharks going back to the finals. And there is little talk about Brent Burns’ case to be the Hart Trophy winner-- hockey’s MVP. Burns is 13th with 21 goals and fourth in points with 51, all while being a defenseman. The next best defender in hockey has 12 goals and 41 points. And Patrick Marleau, in his 19th season with the Sharkies,
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
San Jose Sharks primed for another playoff “swim”
has been among the NHL’s hottest scorers of late while approaching and netting his 500th career goal. Coach Peter DeBoer’s team still has a lot of work to do to set itself up for the playoffs. They are in a tight race with the Anaheim Ducks and Edmonton Oilers for first place in the Pacific. Beyond
that, they are chasing the Minnesota Wild for the best record in the Western Conference. They have key games down the stretch run in March and April. The team from Silicon Valley plays in Minnesota twice and at home against Anaheim in a two-week span in March. This is followed by two games against Edmonton in the last
week of the season. As the weather starts to warm, the beach I will be at the most goes by the name of SAP Center. And whether you hope the Sharks sink or swim, they will most definitely blow your expectations out of the water.
Do I Empathize?
Yes I do. Please call me, Kate Lane, Pre-Arrangement Specialist at Oakmont Memorial Park and Mortuary.
Email any comments or questions to sports@claytonpioneer.com.
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Carondelet dance team off to Vegas
2099 Reliez Valley Rd. Lafayette, CA. 94549
FD #875
Photo courtesy Carondelet High School
Carondelet High’s varsity dance team will compete in las Vegas Feb. 17-19 at the JaMz all-Star Cheer national Competition in both the pom and jazz divisions. in a uC Davis qualifier the dance team won the high school jazz dance competition and best choreography award. The Cougars’ score in the jazz competition was the highest in the entire event among 29 teams, which gave Carondelet grand Champion honors in the high school division. The team includes, front row from left, alyssa Jensen, Erin Schoemann, karly knudson, isabellajane Baerlang, Melina Stich, ava Minolli, middle row, Paulina lucas, Caitlin Bowen, lillian Cheeks; back row, Emma Cate neves, Rachel Ross, lilian Miles, Jen Mcgregor, Julia Woodbridge, Tiana Couture, Jasmine Scott, alexandra anderson and Cate Perino.
Football, from page 12
Eagles program in 2012, one year before De La Salle’s Bob Ladouceur stepped down after 34 legendary years in charge of the Spartans. Justin Alumbaugh began his DLS tenure in the fall of 2013. Ygnacio Valley AD Mark Tran says the school is close to naming a new coach to replace Philip Puentes who was in charge of the Warriors for five years. Puentes started with YVHS in 2012 after Murphy briefly had been hired to return to Ygnacio—-which he coached to the 1999 North Coast Section title. Murphy had a change of heart and accepted the CVCHS job replacing Pardi who left after 16 years in charge of Eagles football.
Page 15
The Spartans haven’t lost to a team from Northern California since 1991, a steak of 281 games, but they’ve had mixed results against out-of-state teams. Last season they lost to East of Salt Lake City and in 2015 to Trinity in Texas. They also were beaten twice by Don Bosco of New Jersey, to a pair of Florida teams and famously in 2004 had their record 151-game winning streak broken in the 2004 season opener at Bellevue, Washington. Since 2005 DLS is 4-6 in games against out of state teams. This fall the team will host East Coast power St. John’s of Washington, DC in their opener. St. John’s was ranked No. 30 Nationally last year, five places behind DLS. The Spartans will also host Central Coast Section power St. Francis of Mountain View, Central of Fresno and CIF 5-AA state champion Bishop O’Dowd of Oakland, renewing their long ago Catholic Athletic League rivalry.
that includes a game in the third week of the fall season against Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas. Gorman is riding a 54-game winning streak and the Gaels have been mythical national champions the last three years. The teams will meet again in 2018 in Concord. Gorman was 15-0 last year with victories over teams from Texas, Florida, Hawaii and California. The Gaels defeated St. John Bosco 35-20 early in the season. Bosco then overwhelmed De La Salle in the CIF open division state championship bowl game last December 56-33. Bosco was second to Gorman in the final 2016 national rankings. Gorman traveled to Owen Owens field in 2010 and lost to DLS 28-14 in a season that EAGlEs, sPArtANs sEt ended with the Spartans sCHEDulEs crowned national champions De La Salle and Clayton Val- and Gorman was No. 10. ley Charter have announced their 2017 football schedules. The Ugly Eagles, who were bumped up to NCS Open Division last year and lost to DLS in the semi-finals, start the season with three straight games against out-of-state teams. They travel to Reno for a rematch with Reed and in the third week go to Las Vegas for another game against Canyon Springs. They hosted and defeated both those Nevada teams last fall. In the second week of the season they will entertain Mililani, the 2016 Division I FREE ESTIMATES Hawaii state champions. The Ugly Eagles will conclude their non-league schedule at Antioch and hosting Deer Valley before embarking on their second Diablo Athletic League campaign. CVCHS hasn’t lost a league game in the five seasons Murphy has been in charge. They finish the 2017 DAL schedule at CamOwners polindo, the State 4AA champs. Dustin & Kim Waraner Clayton Valley Charter hosts Contractors Lic #879423 Concord in the second round of Arborist Lic WE-7372A league games. DLS has a daunting schedule www.waranertreeexperts.com
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February welcomes early-blooming plants
Page 16
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
niColE HaCkETT
GARDEN GIRL
February has a couple of fantastic blooming plants: Daphne shrubs and the evergreen perennial Hellebores. These plants are reliable bloomers whose early display helps satisfy a garden lover’s craving for flowers to brighten the gray days of winter. Daphne’s flowers are delightful to the eye. The buds are born in clusters of blush-pink. Once opened, the flower is a simple
four-petal blossom of white with a blush-pink backing. It doesn’t have the visual impact that a camellia or azalea provides, but the fragrance is intoxicating. During February and into March, the citrus and gardenia perfume can be appreciated feet away from the plant. When Daphne is blooming at the nursery, we delight in suggesting to visitors to take a moment and smell the flowers. Folks are amazed at the intensity of the fragrance. Daphne shrubs will reach 45 feet tall and wide in a perfect environment. If conditions aren’t ideal, this shrub will die. Overwatering is Daphne’s worst nightmare and can lead to their demise. Those who are enchanted by this evergreen are taking a
chance by installing one. Daphne need filtered, morning sun or bright shade. Drainage is important, and with Claycord’s clay soils, this can be hard to find. Daphne usually gets overloved in the summer. It doesn’t like too much water, fertilizer or soil that is too rich. Be careful – less is more with this evergreen. If you can grow a Daphne, it will be the prize of your landscape. Hellebores are a family of sturdy, evergreen perennials. They have a long flowering season, from February through May. Hellebores command your attention when blooming. Their flowers of cream, pink, burgundy and green are surprisingly interesting, with subtle freckles and streaks. The leaves are
February 10, 2017
HELLABORUS ICE ‘N ROSES
palmate shaped and usually deep green, although you can find a couple slightly variegated selections to drool over. Seek out Helleborus argutifolius (chartreuse flowers), Penny’s Pink (deep pink flowers) and Ice and
Roses (dark red flowers). Install Hellebore in bright shade or filtered light. The entire family is remarkably water-wise and can tolerate poor soil. In the autumn, fertilize with a multipurpose formula. Since this
Photography, sculpture, paintings, collectibles ranging from hand-painted ceramic pieces to sports memorabilia or even a vintage jukebox – there’s no right or wrong selection for your private dwelling. Art is truly in the eye of the beholder. I think there’s sometimes hesitation when it comes to adding art. If you don’t have enough art, your walls or table tops can look naked. If you have too much art, things tend to look cluttered and it can overwhelm a space. It might be helpful to approach the placement of art in “When a single piece of art just doesn’t strike you, consider the same way as you would crean interesting collage of texture, neutral colors and varying ate a furniture plan. shapes and sizes With furniture, you first designate a space for a sectional, than it should be. A living space Art comes in all sorts of sofa or piano – usually the shouldn’t be considered “fin- sorts of flavors and shapes and largest piece that will be placed ished” until art is added. appeals to each of us differently. in your living space. From there,
add in smaller accent pieces, like occasional chairs and accent tables to fill in the voids and complete the conversational circle. And then finish up with lighting – floor lamps, table lamps and so on. For art, take these same steps. Every living space usually has at least one major focal point. Find this area and add something of interest – a single piece or a grouping of pieces. Next, take a look at accent walls, which are a great place for family photos and smaller pieces. Should you still need some dazzle and sparkle, come away from the walls and add decorative pieces to table tops, bookcases and the fireplace mantel. Whether it’s an accessory or art, take the time to fill in the spots that call for a special detail,
perennial blooms so early in the year, a fall fertilizing will help maximize your early display. During the middle of spring, Hellebores can get aphids which are easily controlled with neem oil. Hellebore makes a lovely container installation. Some companion plants to consider are Scaevola New Wonder, which creates an interesting cascade, and Sedum Ogon, with its yellow foliage. No matter the month, you can always have something blooming in your landscape. 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
Art has a place in the heart and the living room Las Vegas brings inspiration on many fabulous levels, including the Las Vegas World Market. It’s a five-day design showcase, every January and July, where more than 4,000 vendors display their newest and greatest wares. From chandeliers to area rugs and everything you could possibly imagine in between, the World Market is an amazing source of inspiration for designers and anyone in the home decor realm. There were so many great things to see, but the artwork was a key takeaway for me. The show re-instilled the importance of art in a living space. Of course, sofas, lounge chairs, area rugs and lighting are the meat and bones of a living space, but art – the icing on the cake – is sometimes put off a little longer
Nancy E. Bennett Thinking of selling your home this year? FREE STAGING!
JEnniFER lEiSCHER
DESIGN & DÉCOR
a unique texture, a lively color – something that makes your inner designer sing. Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design based in Clayton. Contact her with questions, comments and suggestions at jenna@jdesigns.com.
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Beds/Baths
Sq Feet
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1729 Sapling Ct #A., Concord...............................3/2.5 ..............1288............$399,000
921 Honora Dr., Concord .......................................3/2 .................1650............$615,000 1199 Ridge Park Drive, Concord ...........................3/2 .................1452............$640,000 1919 Ygnacio Valley Rd. #19, Walnut Creek.......2/1.5 ..............820..............$405,000
Martinez – 3 bed/2 bath home, approx. 1400 sq ft, private master suite upstairs, and HUGE detached 4-car garage. Concord – 3 bed/1 bath charmer with original hardwood floors, large backyard and many updates.
Concord, Crossings – 4 beds/2.5 baths many renovations in progress. Next to greenbelt.
Bay Point – Adorable 3 bed/1 bath bungalow with many charming features and large backyard. Bring your first-time homebuyers! Concord, States Streets – 3 bed/1 bath single story with lots of updates, new appliances and more.
1457 Cortez Ct., Walnut Creek ..............................4/3 .................2803............$970,000
4248 Gladstone Dr., Concord................................4/2 .................1284............$505,000
4404 Arrowwood Ct., Concord .............................4/2.5 ..............2886............$786,000 2000 North 6th St., Concord ...................................3/1 .................1160............$405,000
4488 Snowberry Ct., Concord................................4/2 .................1805............$708,500
329 Conifer Ct., Walnut Creek ...............................4/2.5 ..............1781............$912,500
23 Fountainhead Ct., Martinez ..............................3/2 .................1158............$395,000
2330 Rockne Dr., Concord .....................................3/2 .................1247............$578,500
*Market update provided by Nancy Bennett
How can we help you and your family today? We helped more than 100 families buy and sell homes in 2016.
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