IT’S YOUR PAPER
www.claytonpioneer.com
Howard Geller
February 12, 2016
925.672.0500
Civil War comes alive in unique and colorful museum exhibit
JENNIFER LEISCHER Correspondent
MAYOR’S CORNER
Clayton just keeps getting better
With the success of the Ipsen Family Bocce Park bringing 100 plus people downtown six days a week during the league seasons, I can only imagine how nice a fully developed Town Center would be. The vision of after school children stopping at a Main Street ice cream parlor/candy store, storefronts with seating, plazas filled with our locals residents walking to town on our awesome trail system, adds a twinkle to my eye and a smile on my face. The city is exploring partnering with the county and other cities to offer property owners a choice to “green/renewable” energy Tamara Steiner sources as an alternative to M ANY FLAGS WERE DESIGNED DURING THE C IVIL W AR , DEPICTING BATTLES AND PLATOONS . Here, ellis Byrd (center) holds the Union PG&E electrical service. Fort Sumter Flag, Joann Caspar holds the Missouri Battle Flag and dick ellis holds a Confederate Flag representing the Through funds from the battle of Bunker Hill. Citywide Landscape Maintenance District, the city just completed the removal and installation of new wood planks on all three bridges on the Cardinet Trail. If you are not walking our trail system regularly, you are missing out on great scenery, great exercise, and the great opportunity to meet many agreed to drop the lawsuit and trators as they had closed August 2012 the first CVCHS JAY BEDECARRÉ friendly folks who love Clayton ask the court to rule in favor their investigation of com- classes began. Clayton Pioneer just as much as you do. of CVCHS, withdraw a sepa- plaints made by stakeholders The relationship between rate Department of Fair about CVCHS. Middendorf and Linzey fracAs Clayton Valley Charter DIABLO VIEW Employment and Housing Middendorf, a long-time tured in early 2014 and MidHigh School looks ahead to its MIDDLE SCHOOL complaint, pay the charter teacher at the school, was codendorf was terminated that first graduation ceremony for Our community-wide char- seniors who have gone $50,000 for attorney fees and petitioner when a group of May, sparking a 20-month acter-building program, Do through all four years as a char- court costs, and drop the teachers and civic leaders led a saga involving Middendorf, The Right Thing, works and is ter later this year, the school opportunity to bring forward drive to convert Clayton Valley Linzey and his administration, High to a charter. Ironically the teachers, community memsettled several key legal issues any other lawsuit. See Mayor, page 11 last month. CVCHS agreed not to sue charter was approved by the bers and the board with heatAt the school’s January Middendorf and her attorney county four years and one day ed charges and counter before the January board meet- charges traded at board meetGoverning Board meeting it for malicious prosecution. The same evening as the ing. Middendorf led the search ings and on the Internet. was announced that the suit CVCHS governing board that resulted in hiring David A year ago Middendorf between former administrator meeting, the Contra Costa Linzey as executive director, sued the school for defamaand charter drive leader Pat County Board of Education she was appointed to a key tion of character after she earMiddendorf had been settled heard from county adminisadministrative position and in lier filed a harassment compliin favor of the school. She
Ellis Byrd, a resident of Clayton (by way of Swinton, England and then London, Ohio), is a modern-day Indiana Jones. His resume will show that he is a graphic artist and the author of three non-fiction books, currently working on his fourth. But his “other” resume is a little more adventuresome. While he hasn’t been part of any wild car chases or jumping out of planes or trains (that he admits to), Byrd has made it his business, over the past 30 years, to collect and immerse himself in the rich and important history of the Civil War. Byrd relocated from Swinton to Ohio in 1986. He was 20 years old, looking for work and a future. His collection serendipitously began a year later while working on a residential construction project. The owners, as a small token of their appreciation, gave Byrd a Civil War bullet that was found
See Museum, page 6
CVCHS settles legal challenges
ant with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. The charter filed an AntiSLAPP motion against Middendorf, claiming she was a “public person” and thus the bar for her to prove defamation or malice is very high. Judge George Spanos requested each side to present their opinion of that claim. The Clayton woman says her attorney submitted a 50page report that was dwarfed
See CVCHS, page 7
Demolition planned for three Keller buildings TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
What’s Inside
Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Community Calendar . . . . .13 Directory of Advertisers . . . .7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 School News . . . . . . . . . . .14
The town’s favorite photo site is about to succumb to the wrecking ball; that is, if El Niño doesn’t have its way first. The three buildings — a granary, a work shed and a garage — were once scattered throughout the 1200-acre Keller Ranch that became the Oakhurst development. The three ramshackle little buildings have served as the backdrop for countless photo shoots, including weddings, family gatherings and special occasions. In 1991, as part of a deal with the city of Clayton, the Oakhurst developers moved the three small buildings to their present location behind the Keller ranch house across the creek from the Clayton Library. The ranch house sits
on its original lot. Where the library is was once the site of the ranch’s main barn. The city has maintained the Keller house with hopes of one day turning it into a community center. The ranch house and the three outbuildings were deemed historically significant and listed in the California Register of Historical Resources in 2001. In October 2015, the city hired ECORP Consulting, an environmental consulting firm, to work with the Clayton Historical Society to see if the three outbuildings were still considered historically significant. They aren’t. The buildings have lost any connection with their original use. Time, weather and vandals have taken their toll and there simply isn’t enough left of the buildings to save. They pose a
hazard to public safety and demolition company and is around $20,000. The CHS will salvage what what’s left must come down. waiting for the final cost, The city has contacted a which the city estimates to be they can of the old wood.
Tamara Steiner
THE KELLER RANCH OUTBUILDINGS, long a favorite photo site for locals, have deteriorated over time to the point of becoming a public safety hazard. No longer deemed historically significant, the buildings are slated for demolition later this year.
Postal Customer ECRWSS
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA 94517 PERMIT 190
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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Around Town
Jr. Eagles Cheer soar at JAMZ Nationals
Two Girls back to raise funds for bike donation
Forty local girls and their show cheer. The youngest Jr. a success with third- and will start on-line March 1 for coaches traveled to Las Vegas Eagles group, Team Blast, fourth-place finishes. Sign-ups cheer in ages 5-14 and football last month representing Clay- made its first trip to nationals for the Jr. Eagles 2016 season ages 7-14. ton Valley Athletic Association Jr. Eagles football and cheer program at the JAMZ Youth Nationals in the Orleans Arena. Like a few lucky gamblers, the Jr. Eagles came home from Vegas with more silverware than they came with. The Jr. Eagles level 3 Team Soar for ages 13 and under was crowned a national champion for the third straight year, winning show cheer and also taking second in performance cheer. To make their championship even sweeter Team Soar received the highest score at Nationals, according to cheer director Leah Rose. Team Flight (level 2 ages 13 and under) won its second consecutive title in performance cheer and was sixth in Photo courtesy CVaa Jr. eagles
Clayton pair dances their way to world championship
olivia and emma Forrester donated their first bicycle to Toys for Tots at the drop off site at Clayton Fitness Center in care of employee allie Barros.
Olivia and Emma Forrester started their Two Girls and a Bike Project when they moved to Clayton in the summer of 2015. The sisters raised $65 by selling lemonade and snacks, many of which were donated by neighbors. The girls used the funds to purchase a new toddler bicycle to donate to Toys for Tots. This weekend, the Two Girls are back in action. Stop by Clayton Fitness anytime between 10 and noon Feb. 13,
14 to buy a Valentine and support the girls’ efforts to donate a bicycle to Toys for Tots. Proceeds go towards buying a junior size bike to donate to Toys for Tots. Any surplus proceeds go towards refurbishing used bikes to donate. To donate a used bike, contact Bryan at 2girlsbike@gmail.com Clayton Fitness Center is at 1516 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. To follow the Two Girls and a Bike Project, go to JOAN LUNDAHL AND CRAIG JOHNSON of Clayton proudly hold bforrester.wix.com/2girlsbike. up the California flag during the United Country western dance Council in Nashville.
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Joan Lundahl and Craig Johnson of Clayton were named the 2016 United Country Western Dance Council Points Champions for Couples Showcase Crown at the Worlds Championships last month in Nashville, Tenn. Winners were announced during the parade of countries and states at the event. Championship points are awarded to every contestant eligible to compete in the Couples Showcase Crown Division for each of their dances at every UCWDC event around the
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world during the 2015 dance season. Points are accumulated all year and the dancers earning the highest points in each division are the Points Champions. The Pioneer wants to know about your anniversaries, weddings, engagements, births, awards and milestones. Please send a short description of your event, a high-resolution photo and your contact info to editor@claytonpioneer.com
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BED/BATH SALE DATE ADDRESS
. . . . . .3/3 . . . . . . .1/25/16 . . . . . .2/2 . . . . . . .1/21/16 . . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . .1/20/16 . . . . . .4/2 . . . . . . .1/15/16 . . . . . .4/2 . . . . . . .1/14/16
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Clayton Market Update
February 12, 2016
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Desirable Dana Hills Single Story Rancher! On a large corner lot. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, approx. 1740sf & 2 car garage! Updated bathrooms. Walk to community pool, playground & green belt.
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7065 Morgan Territory Rd . . $670,000 11 Mt. Teton Place . . . . . . . . $635,000 1487 El Camino Drive . . . . . $690,000 1013 Mitchell Canyon Rd. . . $590,000 268 Mountaire Parkway . . . . $904,000
SF
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$635,000
BED/BATH SALE DATE
. . . . . .2/1 . . . . . .12/30/15 . . . . . .4/2 . . . . . .12/29/15 . . . . . .3/2.5 . . . .12/29/15 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . .12/22/15 . . . . . .5/3 . . . . . .12/21/15
February 12, 2016
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Around Town Clayton family ‘plays the feud’
The extended oberbruner Family of Clayton had some luck “playing the feud” Pictured on the “Family Feud” set with host Steve Harvey are Mark Blackshere Sr., Mark Blackshere Jr., Christina Mcdaniel, alivia oberbruner, Jacob Blackshere. Mark Sr. is dad to the four children. Mom Toni Blackshere stayed home with the grandchildren.
The Blacksheres of Clayton feuded with some other families, and came out $50,000 richer. No this was not a land dispute or anything salacious, but the spoils of victory from an appearance on TV’s “Family Feud.” The show aired in early February, and the Blacksheres took the opportunity to host a family and friends viewing party. “It was pretty exciting and embarrassing watching ourselves on TV,” says mom Alivia Oberbruner. “We didn’t actually do that well until the Fast Money round but there was a lot of luck on our side that day and in the end we took home the money,” The family’s adventure started more than a year ago, when they sent in short twominute videos of the family introducing themselves. “Family Feud” staff contacted them for an audition. When they arrived, along with hundreds of other fami-
lies, they did a mock game, which led to a private interview. Five weeks later they were notified they’d made the cut, and then later were flown
to Atlanta at no expense to tape the show. “We arrived on a Wednesday morning at 7 a.m. and didn’t leave the studio that evening until 9 p.m.,” Oberbruner says. “They shot a total of five shows that day.” The Blacksheres were told that only about 5 percent of families who audition actually make the show, but they also did something more extraordinary. The $50,000 payout was twice the normal limit the show gives out, but they were celebrating host Steve Harvey’s 1,000th show, hence the hefty payout. Oberbruner says the family has plans to “do something special as a family” with the winnings, like a family vacation, and donate some to charity.
Coyotes and wolves and elk, oh my
Jordan, Shaina, Kirsten and Jeff Steinberg took a winter trip to Yellowstone National Park in December and we tagged along to keep them up on local news. After our tour with MacNeil Lyons of Yellowstone
Insight, he took this picture of us in the minus 18 degree afternoon. It was an amazing adventure as MacNeil had a knack for finding animals. We saw wolves, coyotes, elk and bison.
Page 3
What to do with your bottles and cans now? JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
rePlanet, an Ontario, CAbased company, suddenly shutdown 191 recycling centers in the state at the end of January including its two remaining local locations in Concord. Signs on the locked doors of the recycling center on Clayton Rd. behind Food Maxx and at the Concord Service Center on Concord Ave. said, “due to the decline in commodity prices and reduction of state subsidies this recycling center is now closed.” The company’s website said the 191 closures included the layoff of 278 employees. A press release added, “Following the most recent reduction in State fees on Jan. 1 and after enduring 12 months of unprecedented declines in commodities pricing of aluminum and PET plastic, coupled with the mandated rise in operating costs as a result of minimum wage increases and required health and workers compensation insurance, the company has concluded that operation of these recycling centers is no longer sustainable.” The release said the closures will allow rePlanet to continue operating 350 centers with its remaining 800 employees “as long as current conditions remain unchanged.” The company says they have participated in numerous meetings with CalRecycle
“to try and resolve issues surrounding the Beverage Container Recycling Fund, which is critical to the overall success of this program.” They say they welcome the opportunity to reopen as many recycling centers as possible if and when the State makes necessary changes that will allow the company to operate profitably. CalRecycle, officially known as the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, administers the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act. Beverage containers covered under the act are subject to California Redemption Value, which is 5 cents for containers less than 24 ounces and 10 cents for containers 24 ounces or larger. The CRV cash incentive (which consumers pay at the checkout counter) has helped account for more than 300 billion aluminum, glass and plastic beverage containers to be recycled since the program began in 1987. Two locally-based recycle centers continue to operate accepting all CRV plastic, aluminum and glass as well as cardboard, paper, bi-metal and many other materials. Mt. Diablo Recycle, operated by Garaventa Enterprises which includes Concord Disposal, has its buy-back center at 1300 Loveridge Rd. in Pittsburg is open weekdays 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and Saturdays until 12:30 p.m. For more info go to garaven-
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Pleasant Hill Paper Recycling is at 1320 Galaxy Way in Concord. Their buyback program is open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekdays and until 2 p.m. Saturday. For complete information visit co.contracosta.ca.us/depart/cd/recycle/options/v6363.htm
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CONCORD SERVICE CENTER on Concord ave. is one of two local recycle centers abruptly closed Jan. 31 as rePlanet, an ontario, Cabased company, suddenly shutdown 191 recycling centers in California “due to the decline in commodity prices and reduction of state subsidies.” The nearby recycle center behind Food Maxx on Clayton rd. was also shuttered.
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Rudgear Estates — Charming single story duet in sought after neighborhood. Updated 3 bedroom 2 bath home with crown molding, plantation shutters and neutral paint. Kitchen with large eat in area leading to an inviting patio for entertaining. Living room with fireplace, alarm system with camera & 2 car garage with storage. Top rated Walnut Creek schools. Carol vanVaerenbergh, (925) 672-1772 CVanVaeren@aol.com Cal BRE#01221965
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 12, 2016
130-year-old Navlet’s sells nurseries to Sloat Garden Center JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
A business that traces its roots back to the 19th century closed its doors for the last time late last month when Navlet’s announced its four East Bay stores had been sold to Sloat Garden Center. The new owners said the stores, including the Concord location on Kirker Pass Rd., will reopen next Friday, Feb. 19. Navlet’s, founded by Charles Navlet, began operating in 1885. His nephew Arthur Navlet took over in 1923. The company kept a
high profile with Bert Bertolero and now his son Buzz Bertolero giving nursey tips to millions of Bay Area residents for decades at their stores and in the media. Buzz Bertolero will continue giving his “Dirt Gardener” seminars as part of the Sloat staff. The Kirker Pass location opened in spring 2004 with nearly 70,000 square feet of every plant, flower and garden accessory imaginable from the common azalea to the not-socommon perennial. A message from “The Navlet’s Team” posted on the company’s website and on the
door of each store said, “After 130 years of serving local gardeners, Navlet’s Garden Centers are closing its doors. We truly appreciate your support over the years and will always be grateful. We are fortunate to be able to pass the torch to Sloat Garden Centers, another highly respected, locally owned and operated garden center. We are confident that you will enjoy your shopping and gardening experience with Sloat as much as you did with Navlet’s.” In announcing the purchase Sloat said they have offered jobs to all the Navlet’s
Aaron Hawkins gave his annual season report to the Concord City Council on Jan. 12. For several seasons Pavilion bookings had been stumbling along with a dozen or fewer concerts each year until Mayor Dan Helix—who was actively involved when the Pavilion and constructed and then opened in 1975—led a search or a new contract with a concert promoter. Live Nation stepped up for a new 10-year contract. The company has booked the venue since Live Nation predecessor Bill Graham Presents contracted with the city in 1985. Live Nation took over full operation of the venue on Kirker Pass Rd. in 2000. Hawkins reported that the spring and fall Contra Costa Home and Garden Shows, a California Symphony performance and movie showing of
“The Wizard of Oz” and local high school graduations also were held at the Pavilion last year. He’s hoping the newlyformed Concord Pavilion Community Outreach Committee which held its first three meetings in the past year will help bring more community events to the venue. For this year’s schedule an April 29 Luke Bryan concert is already sold out and both Janet Jackson (May 19) and Bryan Adams (July 9) are also on sale. Helix told Hawkins, “I would be remiss if I didn’t say ‘thank you’ from the City of Concord. It’s now the Concord Pavilion and it’s making a profit. You have been a great, great neighbor. We really appreciate what you’re doing, keep it up next year.” His fellow councilmembers echoed those sentiments at the meeting.
Attendance dips 16% in second season for Concord Pavilion JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
The second year for the refurbished and renamed Concord Pavilion saw its 40th anniversary concert season attendance drop slightly with 16 Live National events selling 136,725 tickets, which still earned the city a bonus of $110,175. This amount is in addition to the annual $800,000 guarantee paid to the city by the world’s largest international promotion company. In 2014’s first season under the new arrangement with Live Nation saw the facility returned to its original name of the Concord Pavilion. The venue hosted 18 concerts with 162,514 tickets sold. The reduced ticket sales dropped the $3 per ticket bonus by $77,367. Pavilion general manager
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employees at the four East Bay locations. Besides Concord, they were in Danville, Pleasant Hill and Martinez. Sloat opened its first store
in San Francisco in 1958 and had a single East Bay location in Danville to go with eight more stores in San Francisco and Marin. Company president
and CEO Dave Stoner says the many years of drought in California have taken a toll on the gardening business. The company said, “We are proud to continue their [Navlet’s] tradition of expert gardening know-how. Both Sloat and Navlet’s were built through a passion for gardening, a commitment to community, a responsibility for sustainable gardening and a desire to offer the highest quality plants, pottery and products.” While the closure caught the public by surprise those anxious to work in their garden have two local options with R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden open Tuesday Jay Bedecarre through Sunday on Marsh Creek Rd. at Mountaire ParkTHE KIRKER PASS RD. LOCATION OF NAVLET’S GARDEN CENTER way while Orchard Supply opened in spring 2004 with nearly 70,000 square feet of plants and gardening supplies. The 130-year-old company Hardware with a nursery section is open daily in the Clayclosed its four Contra Costa stores at the end of January and will reopen under the new ownership of Sloat Garden ton Valley Shopping Center. Centers Feb. 19.
Microsoft ends all legacy support for Internet Explorer
On Jan. 12, Microsoft effectively discontinued Internet Explorer, announcing the end of support for the popular Internet browser immediately. Concurrently Microsoft announced an exit to Windows 7, 8.0 and 8.1 over the next few months. This is the end of legacy support for anything not Windows 10, Internet Explorer 11 or Edge. This announcement is years ahead of the original planned phase-out, according to Fox News. Microsoft has stated it will no longer support Internet Explorer versions 8, 9 and 10 due to security concerns. Users must immediately upgrade to Internet Explorer 11 or risk catastrophic failure of their computer. It reminds me of the Jim Morrison song, “This is the end, beautiful friend, this is the end, my only friend, the end.” This announcement was unexpected and out of character for Microsoft. In the past they have extended support for a number of applications and operating systems. Not this time, however. According to Microsoft, security is the issue. For years Microsoft has been fighting a losing battle against cyber threats, malware, adware, spyware, ransomware and all sorts of violations of security protocols associated with the older versions of Internet Explorer. By killing older versions of Internet Explorer, Microsoft wipes out one of the largest
will ClaNey
TECH TALK
security threats around programs like Flash. Flash is an Adobe program that allows videos to be played over the Internet. Many of these videos contain malware and as you watch, you get infected. Adobe, among others, has a number of security issues that never get fixed. You have probably seen an Adobe Update notification pop up from some websites. These Adobe updates are phony and allow cyber-thieves access to your computer. This is the reason, in previous articles, I have admonished you to stick with Microsoft supported products as third party software alterations do not keep pace with changes. In an effort to make the user experience better and more secure Microsoft has opted to drop support for Internet Explorer versions 8, 9 and 10. It is now time to update your browser to Internet Explorer 11 or the new Microsoft Edge browser. If you have Windows 10 operat-
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ing system, then you are already updated; you don’t need to be concerned with this. Speaking of end of life systems, Intel’s sixth generation (current generation) i3, i5 and i7 CPU’s will henceforth be compatible only with Windows 10 and simply won’t boot to Windows 7, 8 or 8.1. Be especially careful when purchasing a new computer that it has Windows 10 preinstalled. Older versions of the operating system, Windows 7, 8 and 8.1, will not be supported on the newest CPU. That means if you want to run Windows 7 you need to stick with older CPU’s fourth generation or lower. If you have apps that only work under Windows 7 your days are numbered, seek the advice of your local computer expert for details. In conclusion, the computing environment is changing rapidly and older versions of Internet Explorer and other browsers are no longer supported and won’t receive updates and security patches. No further updates mean, of course, more exposure to virus-like attacks and other issues that cannot be fixed. Older versions of Windows like Windows 7, 8.0 and 8.1 are being discontinued and thrown on the scrap heap of yesterday’s technology. William Claney is an independent tech writer and former owner of Computers USA in the Clayton Station. Email questions or comments to will@claytonpioneer.com.
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February 12, 2016
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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Giving the ‘Ice Bowl’ new meaning PEGGY SPEAR Clayton Pioneer
In this season of Big Games, Robert Chislett has iced the competition. Chislett, a 20-year Clayton resident, is owner, founder and chief artist of Concord-based Chisel-it Ice, which creates elaborate ice sculptures for parties, weddings and other special events. But nothing has been so special in the Bay Area recently as last week’s Super Bowl. For that event, Chisel-it Ice was commissioned to create several ice sculptures that ROBERT were on disCHISLETT play at Levi’s Stadium. Besides that, they were busy delivering Super Bowl-themes ice sculptures to events throughout the Bay Area. “We even designed football-shaped ice cubes to fit in martini glasses,” Chislett says.
Other signature pieces include two 10-foot-long sushi displays for famed seafood “artisans” Nobu Sushi. Of course, he is no rookie when it comes to icing athletic events, as Chisel-it Ice created 60 custom ice sculptures at Oracle Arena during the 2015 NBA playoffs. Chislett and his team have more than nine decades’ worth of experience when it comes to sculpting ice. He himself became interested in ice sculpting while studying culinary artistry at the Culinary Institute of America. “Three other students and I actually took eight-week private lessons with world champion ice sculptor Vivat Hong Pong in Atlantic City,” Chislett says. Most of the creations are made at his 2,000-square foot ice studio in Concord, using basic tap water filtered by water pumps. They create the sculptures two weeks before an event and keep them frozen until the big day arrives. Chislett may be an artist, but every artist has his inspiration. For him, it’s his
THIS ICE SCULPTURE IS JUST ONE OF DOZENS OF different Super Bowl sculptures created by Clayton’s robert Chislett for various Super Bowl events around the Bay area.
daughter, Claire. “She’s already part of the company,” he says. “In fact, I created her own business cards. She’s COI — Chief of Inspiration. After this latest sports onslaught, it will be interesting
to see where Chislett and his team are spotted next. A San Jose Sharks ice hockey game would only seem fitting.
For more information, call 925787-3558 or send an email to ice@chiselit.com.
Clampers honored at 2016 Camellia Tea The Clayton Historical Society’s 39th annual Camellia Tea will be held on Valentine’s Day, Feb.14 , this year honoring the “Clampers” of E Clampus Vitus Joaquin Murrieta, Chapter 13, a local group dedicated to preserving the area’s history and Western heritage. Eldora Hoyer and Phyllis Frank Easton started The Camellia Tea with the idea of
bringing in local “Old-timer” families to the Clayton Historical Society and Museum. Evelyn Kilsby, a Clayton camellia fancier who had won many ribbons in competitions all over California, offered to help set up Clayton Camellia Show. Camellia’s decorated the event, hence the name for the tea. This year, the Clampers have the honor of pouring the
tea. The organization has helped the CHS many times and this year constructed a stone monument in the Grove. On the monument a brass plaque recognizes The Grove as a historical place in Clayton. This is the ninth monument they have helped erect in Clayton over the years. The Grove has been as integral a part of Clayton as the CHS itself, serving as
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“ground zero” for many community celebrations and events. A complete history of the Camellia Tea will be published next year by Janet Easton to mark the 40th anniversary of the event. The Camellia Tea runs from 1 to 4 at the Clayton Museum. For more information, contact the museum at 925-672-0240.
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Water ‘Fix’ definitely not a fix
Page 6
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
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Those of us fighting what some refer to as the “water wars” were stunned last week when the Governor announced that his administration was moving forward to plan for the tunnels (which he refers to “WaterFix” – which it definitely is not!) even though the environmental documents have not been completed. The Delta County Supervisors were meeting to discuss how best to work with the administration on effective water policy when the announcement was made. To say we were shocked, especially since I was at the meeting the previous day where the Governor provided an update on his water policy and nothing was mentioned, describes how
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those of us working to protect the Delta continue to be ignored and our concerns brushed off as just being about “no” and not willing to work towards a solution. Nothing could be further from the truth. This is the press release we wrote on the spot in order to share our outrage over the Governor’s action. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT SUPERVISORS DECRY LACK OF TRANS-
February 12, 2016
plan for taking additional water from the Delta, was never consulted or even made aware of this outrageous plan to begin construction before a mandatory environmental review is completed,” said Sacramento County Supervisor Don Nottoli, chair of the DCC. “To green light a construction authority, which will potentially have veto power over State oversight before environmental reviews are completed, is a breach of good faith in reaching a water solution for all Californians.” The DCC has advocated for protecting the interests of the Delta and California’s water supply and produced a set of approaches that will achieve balance for the economic and environmental health of the Delta while also improving water supply stability. Those solutions include:
• Reinforcing our levee system. • Increasing opportunities for local storage, increased conservation plans, water reuse and recycling and desalination. • Restoring the Delta’s health so that it can continue its role as an economic, agricultural, recreational and environmental engine for the region and state.
The DCC was formed to better represent the nearly 4 million people throughout the PARENCY ON TUNNEL PLAN Delta region and works collabIn response to an oratively to give one voice to announcement yesterday by the Delta and engage in efforts the California Department of to achieve three goals: improve Water Resources regarding a the Delta ecosystem, provide a tentative agreement to begin more reliable water supply for construction of Governor the State, and protect and Brown’s tunnel plan through enhance Delta communities. the Sacramento-San Joaquin I will continue to work with Delta, the Delta Counties my colleagues to ensure that all Coalition (DCC) issued the folof our interests are protected lowing statement: in the Delta. Believe me, the “With no notice or collabo- • Improving the ability to water wars are far from over! ration despite numerous move water around as needopportunities, including a pubed with cost-effective water Karen Mitchoff is Contra Costa lic meeting we attended yestersystem operation improve- County District IV supervisor. Email day with Governor Brown and ments. questions or comments to Resources Secretary Laird, the • Increasing storage capacity. karen.mitchoff@bos.cccounty.us region most affected by this
Meteorology is a hot career choice
In a few months students finishing high school or junior college will have important decisions to make regarding what field of study to pursue and what university to attend. For some, a career path in meteorology could prove to be both challenging and rewarding. Meteorology is the science of the atmosphere. It takes its name from the Greek word “meteoron,” meaning events in the sky. The ancient Greeks understood that weather affected farmers and sailors. We now know that many aspects of our environment and society are greatly affected by both short term and long term changes in the weather. The education process for potential meteorologists has traditionally included course work in physics, chemistry and mathematics. Knowledge of statistics has become increasingly more important as observational databases have grown. In recent years strong computer-related skills, like programming and data base management, have become a necessity in the meteorology profession. Complex dynamic weather forecast models have been used to predicting day-to-day weather patterns for decades. Advanced computer skills are not only needed for future model devel-
opment, but also for graphical presentation of modeled and observed data. With the recent emphasis on climate change, global climate models have been developed to estimate temperature, rainfall and sea level rise out to the end of the century. Programming challenges in the near future include statistical and dynamic downscaling of global model output to local levels. No matter what career path a student chooses, the potential job market should be a consideration. The National Weather Service uses degreed meteorologists to provide local weather forecasts to the public. Government and university research programs are also a leading source of careers in meteorology. There are job opportunities in the private sector. For example, meteorological consulting firms provide forecast services for railroad and trucking companies as well as sporting events. Meteorologists also consult to commodities traders concerned about the effects of weather on crop production and prices. The aviation, shipping and utility industries often have inhouse meteorological staffs. Airlines and ocean shipping companies use weather forecasts to safely and economically route
Museum, from page 1
on their property, and hence, his collection, began. A generous portion of Byrd's private Civil War memorabilia will be on display at the Clayton Museum opening Friday, Feb. 12 and continues through July, 2016. This is the first time Byrd has shared his collection publicly. “I’m so happy to share and display a portion of my collection, or else it would just be wrapped up, sitting in boxes,” Byrd says. His collection consists of all sorts of wonderful finds, from Confederate uniform buttons, emblems and several bullets, to a Union Bayonet from Pennsylvania. He says that some of his finds are items he has purchased from auctions, but most he has actually dug up from historical locations. I’m not a professional digger, but when visiting a historical site, which was usually a private field or residential backyard, I always asked for
permission to see what might be hidden.” Byrd’s Civil War collection grew steady while living in Ohio. He traveled quite a bit from his home base in search of historical finds. Sometimes his research required him to drive several hours to a site where railroad tracks existed at one point that have long been removed; or a residential backyard where a small, but important, skirmish took place. “The big battlefields that are well known are indeed interesting, but smaller, lesser-known locations are equally fascinating as the outcome of these skirmishes had a major impact on our country’s history.” Byrd also has a handful of priceless items like a strand of Abraham Lincoln’s hair, a piece of the wallpaper from the Petersen House where Lincoln died after he was shot the night before at Ford’s Theatre, as well as a recent gift from his
WOODY WHITLATCH WEATHER WORDS
airplanes and cargo vessels. Utilities use temperature forecasts to estimate electric and gas demand, and to predict stormrelated outages. Another interesting branch of meteorology is known as forensic meteorology. These professionals provide expert witness by reconstructing weather conditions occurring at the time of a weather event that has resulted in court proceedings. Some examples include weatherrelated auto accidents, train derailments and wildfires. Students with math, physics and computer science backgrounds may want to take a look at the field of atmospheric science. Several California universities offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in meteorology including San Jose State, San Francisco State, UCLA and UC Davis. For more information on careers in meteorology check out the American Meteorology Society’s web site at www.ametsoc.org/careercenter/ Woody Whitlatch is a meteorologist retired from PG&E. Email your questions or comments to clayton_909@yahoo.com
wife Jennifer, a piece of bloodstained fabric from the dress that Abraham’s wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, was wearing the night he was shot. Many pieces within Byrd's collection have been declared authentic by the U.S. Government. The collection will be kept within his family, and shared with his three children, Daniel, Amanda and Corlis. Currently, Byrd is intrigued with the personal and emotional aspects of the Civil War — letters that were written by Generals and soldiers sharing personal accounts of their dayto-day activities, as well as the music from this time period, a somewhat unofficial soundtrack of this era. Perhaps some of these might grace a future exhibit.
Byrd’s books can be found online at www.Lulu.com and www.Amazon.com. The Clayton Museum is located at 6101 Main St. in Clayton. Call 925-672-0240 for more information.
February 12, 2016
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517
TAMARA AND R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers TAMARA S TEINER , Editor P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design P EGGY S PEAR , Copy Editor J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports PAMELA W IESENDANGER , Administration, Calendar Editor S TAFF W RITERS : Peggy Spear, Pamela Wiesendanger, Jay Bedecarré
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CIRCULATION as of Sept. 2014 Total circulation of the Clayton Pioneer is 5,500 to ZIP code 94517, all delivered by US Mail to homes and businesses.. We cannot start or stop delivery to individual addresses. This must be done directly through the Post Office. The Concord Pioneer is delivered monthly to 30,500 in Concord by carrier. Papers are delivered once a month on a Friday morning near the end of the month. To stop delivery for any reason, call the office at (925) 672-0500 or send an email to circulation@claytonpioneer.com. If you are NOT receiving the Pioneer, please check the distribution map on the website. If you live in the shaded area and are not receiving the paper, please call us or send an email to circulation@claytonpioneer.com. If you are not in the shaded area, please be patient. We will come to your neighborhood soon. SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe, call the office at (925) 672-0500. Subscriptions are $35/year for each paper, $60/year for both.
CVCHS, from page 1
by tens of thousands of pages of documents from the charter’s attorneys. Judge Spanos ruled against Middendorf on every issue. “Although my lawyer wanted to proceed and prove the judge’s ruling wrong at trial I realized any final resolution was at least two years away,” she said. She decided settling the suit was the best course of action. “It was apparent that whether I won or lost in court it would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.” Now retired, Middendorf says she wants to “move on” with her life and community efforts such as Relay for Life. She is also dealing with family health issues including caring for her elderly parents in Minnesota. In announcing the settlement agreement at the board meeting, chairperson Ted Meriam thanked his fellow board members “for their commitment during this arduous period in our school’s history. It’s our job to remain independent and listen to all voices of our school community.” Linzey says he is looking ahead to the annual Feb. 1 lottery where 900 applicants for fall admittance are whittled down to the 550 or so who can be accepted and to the first state testing in three years this April. He also is anticipating contract negotiations with the teachers union and concluding this school year for the charter’s founding graduating class.
COUNTY CLAIMS CLOSED The school was quick to point out that the CCCOE didn’t find a single issue raised in complaints to the county that was proven. After receiving a slew of complaints about CVCHS a year ago the County hired law firm Dannis Woliver Kelley to investigate. Their August advisory report — at a cost of $200,000 to the county — listed 39 critical issues, and although the report didn’t verify any claims, they found many they termed “not false.”
The school disputed all the claims and met with county superintendent Karen Sakata and associate administrator Bill Clark to review each matter. Long-time county board member Pamela Mirabella also visited the campus and met with CVCHS board members. Linzey says the school directly responded to six issues by revising or clarifying issues in the student handbook and board policies. The report by CCCOE staff to the county board in January “concludes the review” and expressed its appreciation for “CVCHS’s willingness to collaboratively address these issues for the benefit of its students and stakeholders.” The only major remaining matter for the charter is its ongoing dispute with Mt. Diablo Unified School District over the pro rata share of facility costs (“rent”) to utilize the buildings, grounds and furnishings on the CVCHS site in Concord. The two sides entered into mediation last fall and came out with a settlement that the district board subsequently did not accept. The suit filed last April by the district is thus continuing. ARBOUR CLAIM SETTLED This month it was also announced that former CVCHS speech pathology instructor Laurie Arbour’s unfair labor practices claim to the Public Employment Relations Board was dismissed and the school paid Arbour $5,000. Last year a similar claim made by former teacher Tori Campbell was settled without any financial payment. The school says both matters concluded as “no fault” with no findings by PERB. Arbour, another leader of the charter movement who is now at Northgate High, says, “I feel that the agreement reached on Jan. 8 is a win for free speech and the rights of teachers. It was never about money and this money will be given to charity.”
Should we make our home ‘pet-friendly’? Q. Our dogs are our fur babies. We are attracted to dog-friendly amenities for our next purchase. What can we do to make our home pet-friendly to attract pet owners. Is this even a good idea? A. You are right on target with the latest trend. This trend took off as real estate recovered from the great recession. The American Pet Products Association says that 65 percent of Americans own pets. Also Americans have spent $55 billion in a year on their Fur Kids. So they do care about this. Basically, catteries and dog runs are two more common pet amenities lately. Some of the builders of new housing are offering pet rooms as an option. Some of the trendy upscale apartment buildings in the United States have a whole Dog City, including a full service daycare and spa amenity. Some even have designated outdoor areas and dog-washing stations. These are ideas that some pet/home owners might want to incorporate in their houses.
Q. Should I sell my home first or wait until I have bought another home? A. Your answer depends quite a bit on your personal, and especially your financial, situation. If you can afford to qualify for your replacement home without selling your current home you are in the best position. Few buyers ever have to pay two mortgage payments in this fast moving market, because during the escrow period on your home purchase you probably will have time to sell your current home.
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lyNNe FreNCH
REAL ANSWERS Your new mortgage usually gives you an additional 30 days before your first payment is due. Buying a home contingent on you selling your home doesn’t fly in this market. There is usually a buyer competing who doesn’t have to sell a house. If you have to or want to sell your home before you make an offer on a replacement house, one thing some sellers do is have the acceptance of an offer on your house contingent on you getting an offer accepted on a house you want to buy. Buyers aren’t crazy about this option but in a low inventory market as we are in many are willing to wait for a period of time. The other option is to sell first then rent or stay with family until you have found the perfect home for you. You probably don’t like the idea of moving twice but sometimes it is worth it so you can take your time finding the right home. 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.
Walk, ride or gallop on Trails Challenge
Ned MCKay
Page 7
ning Feb. 1 at some visitor centers and at park district headquarters, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland. Trails that are part of the challenge are located throughout the park district and range in difficulty, from easy to strenuous, so there is something for all levels of ability. Here are some examples: There are easy Challenge trails at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley, Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline in Martinez, Quarry Lakes in Fremont and Dublin Hills in Dublin. The longest of these is 6.12 flat miles at Big Break. Trails of moderate difficulty are listed at Round Valley in Brentwood, Carquinez Strait again, Sobrante Ridge in Richmond, Tilden Nature Area in Berkeley and Anthony Chabot Regional Park in Oakland. The longest trek is at Round Valley: 4.75 miles. The strenuous list includes nearly eight miles at Black Diamond Mines in Antioch, 10.47 miles at Briones near Martinez, and an 11-mile loop at Sunol Regional Wilderness south of Sunol. Besides detailed descriptions of these and other trails, the guidebook contains lots of other really useful information. There’s an equipment checklist, instructions on using map and compass, how to interact with wildlife, hiking with dogs and kids, and safety tips. The Trails Challenge is a great incentive to get out and explore the regional parks.
One of the great features of the brand new year in the East Bay Regional Parks is its Trails Challenge, the district’s free selfguided program encouraging hikers, cyclists and equestrians to discover new regional parks while improving their fitness and health. This is the 23rd year of the program, which the district offers in conjunction with the EBRB Foundation and Kaiser Foundation. And this year participation is easier than ever. Registration is no longer required. All interested outdoors-people have to do is download the Trails Challenge 2016 guidebook and trail log from the park district web site, www.ebparks.org. Then pick a trail and start hiking, riding or bicycling. To complete the challenge, travel any five of the listed trails – or 26.2 miles of trail – by Dec. 1, 2016, and submit your log to receive a commemorative pin, while supplies last. It’s all on the honor system. The park district will take your word for it that you actually walked the walk. Trails Challenge tee-shirts Ned McKay is Public Informaand printed copies of the guidebook are free and will be avail- tionSupervisor for EBRPD. Email able while supplies last begin- him at nedmackay@comcast.net
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Page 8
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 12, 2016
CV seeks DVAL titles in final games of season JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
The final season of Diablo Valley Athletic League winter sports has a number of teams battling to qualify for post-season action at North Coast Section and beyond. Clayton Valley Charter High School teams are right in the thick of the action at the top of the DVAL girls and boys basketball and soccer standings.
Jason rogers photos
JUNIOR FORWARD TAYLOR HEUERMAN (12) is enjoying his third varsity season as CVCHS soccer is near the top of the east Bay rankings, losing only once in their first 19 games. The eagles expect a high NCS seed when they are announced Sunday. Clayton Valley’s biggest dVal accomplishment has been a pair of shutout wins over ygnacio Valley, which hadn’t lost a league game since 2013. The warriors Jose Hernandez (9) battled Heuerman for the ball in a recent game won 1-0 by the eagles to take over first place.
Park, both at 7-2, trailed Concord (8-1) heading into this week’s action. The Eagles played College Park earlier this week and face Concord in the league finale next Tuesday. The top four boys teams will be in the DVAL playoffs next Thursday and Saturday and the final rounds will be a battle to the finish with Concord, Clayton Valley and College Park for seeding and home-court advantage in the playoff. Northgate appears to have fourth place sewed up. De La Salle (20-2) won its first 10 EBAL games while ranked No. 1 in the Bay Area. The Spartans two losses have come in prestigious tournaments against BOYS BASKETBALL Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas College Park has had a fan- and Centennial of Corona. tastic run on the basketball court with four straight DVAL titles GIRLS SOCCER College Park (7-0-3) has won (and five in six years) that included going all the way to State outright or shared four straight Division II championship game league crowns and is in a twoin 2013. The Falcons started off team fight with Clayton Valley this league season no differently Charter (8-0-2) for this year’s with six straight wins before los- championship. The teams have ing back-to-back games to Con- yet to lose in league after a scorecord and Northgate. See DVAL, page 9 Clayton Valley and College
regular-season games. Clayton Valley Charter meets Concord Tuesday in the final game of the regular season. DVAL regular-season games wrap up Tuesday with NCS playoffs Feb. 23-Mar. 5. The Northern California playoffs run Mar. 9-19 and the State finals are Mar. 24-26 in Sacramento. Clayton Valley has been in the NorCal girls playoffs four of the five years. Carondelet (16-6) raced through its first 10 East Bay Athletic League games undefeated with a three-game lead over the pack after compiling a 6-6 mark in a very tough nonleague schedule.
GIRLS BASKETBALL Clayton Valley and Northgate have won all seven DVAL girls basketball titles since the league was realigned in the 2008-9 school year to setup the current configuration of schools. The Eagles have captured four of the last five crowns after the Broncos won three of the first four league. During that time the DVAL titlist was undefeated five times. Surprising Concord High led the pack heading into the final games with an undefeated 9-0 record. The Minutemen of Terrance O’Kelley haven’t finished in the top four of the league since they last reached the NCS playoffs in 2010. Early in the league season the Concord girls were energized by winning the West Coast Jamboree Quartz Division title over the holiday break. Carondelet lost a heartbreaker to Brea Olinda in the Diamond Division championship game of the Jamboree. CVCHS has two losses and Northgate three as teams tangle to get one of the four spots in the league playoffs next Thursday and Saturday. The Broncos and Eagles seem destined to meet in the playoff semi-finals after splitting their
SENIOR NERISA YOKOYAMA has helped the Clayton Valley Charter girls basketball team remain in title contention as the dVal season heads into the final week. Coach Paul Kommer’s team is barely over .500 overall as they look to get back into the dVal and NCS playoffs.
finalist Campolindo in the top DAL football group. The first DAL football game on Oct. 7 in Orinda will feature the Eagles visiting Miramonte. The Matadors are the only team to beat Clayton Valley in the past four NCS playoffs, winning a 44-38 thriller in the 2013 semifinals en route to a NCS title. CVCHS won the 2012, 2014 and 2015 Division II crowns. Clayton Valley Charter will be playing in the Honor Bowl Sept. 3 against Helix High of La Mesa. The game may be televised nationally on Fox Sports, Murphy announced. Their other non-league games
are with Canyon Springs of North Las Vegas, James Logan in Union City, Deer Valley in Antioch and Monte Vista at Danville. The local team has only three of 10 games in Gonsalves Stadium. Their annual clash with Concord is Oct. 14. DLS ‘s non-league schedule includes a game against Antioch which features 2015 California Mr. Football Najee Harris, the No. 1 ranked running back recruit who verbally committed as a sophomore to national champion Alabama. The Panthers visit the Spartans Sept. 23. Games against non-NCS foes
are Utah state champion East of Salt Lake City, Serra of San Mateo and Servite (with toprated quarterback Tyler Lytle) will host DLS in Anaheim. Six of the 12 teams in the D-I NCS playoffs from last fall are on this year’s Spartans schedule including losing finalist Foothill when De La Salle won its 24th consecutive section championship. Justin Alumbaugh’s three years as head coach have yielded a 41-2 record and two State titles. Last year’s senior-packed team included top national recruits Devin Asiasi (Michigan) and Boss Tagaloa (UCLA).
Bruins. Not only did he play linebacker at UCLA, but he also played some runningback. Jack has great sideline to sideline speed for a linebacker. He fits the mold of a 3-down linebacker who can cover on passing downs and stuff the run. Pairing the 6-foot-1, 225 pound Jack with Navarro Bowman and Aaron Lynch could culminate into the best core of linebackers in the league. Carson Wentz QB North Dakota State – It is a complete mystery what the 49ers plan to do with their quarterback situation. Will Colin Kaepernick be starting again? Will they sign a free agent like Sam Bradford? Or maybe they decide to draft a young prospect like Wentz. Wentz had a tremendous week of practice at the Senior Bowl. He impressed scouts with his measurables, accuracy and arm-strength. He doesn’t come from a bigtime football school but Wentz can play.
When he started a full season for North Dakota State in 2014, Wentz threw for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns. He is still raw and needs some coaching but given enough time he could be a potential long-term answer for the 49ers at quarterback. The NFL draft April 28-30 is still awhile away and player’s draft stocks will fluctuate within that time frame. The 49ers could trade up and snag a guy like quarterback Jared Goff from Cal or they could trade down and acquire more draft picks. No matter what they decide to do on draft day, the clock is ticking for Baalke. If this draft doesn’t produce for the 49ers, it will most likely be Baalke’s last.
Section football champs set 2016 schedules JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
North Coast Section football champions Clayton Valley Charter and De La Salle high schools are putting the finishing touches on their 2016 schedules and their respective non-league lineups include interesting matchups. Clayton Valley Charter with a junior-laden roster went all the way to the State Bowl championship game for the second straight year before losing 28-14 to Narbonne in the new Division I-A.
De La Salle won its seventh State Bowl Championship in the 10 years of the series with a 28-21 victory over the nation’s No. 1 ranked team Centennial of Corona. That victory propelled the Spartans to the mythical national championship by MaxPreps Freeman. This fall both teams face schedules packed with playoffs teams from 2015 and DLS also will be facing at least two highly-rated college recruits for the class of 2017. The Ugly Eagles have racked up four consecutive Diablo Valley Athletic League
Diablo FC 04 girls win State Cup Elite title
Photo courtesy diablo FC
DIABLO FC 04G PREMIER TEAM finished their successful 2015-16 season last month. Head coach Miguel Gonzalez (top left) has continued to develop this team over the past few years, concluding this season with a U11 girls NorCal State Cup Premier elite 1 Championship. Their campaign also included championships at the diablo FC Kick or Treat Classic, SF evolution Cup, Folsom Summer Girls invitational and NorCal Premier league Spring Season - Premier 2 region 2-3-4. The team includes, front row from left, liliana Bailey, ananda walker, alyssa Pringle, Grace dausses, Gigi Betti, erika Upson, Helena Ban, Jules Colchico-Greeley, Courtney wagner, amanda Monahan, indigo whiteley; back row, Gonzalez, Sherman dausses and Kris Colchico.
titles, three NCS crowns and two Northern California Bowl game wins. In four years coach Tim Murphy’s teams have compiled a 51-7 record. Next fall they will be in the new Diablo Athletic League along with the rest of the DVAL teams plus five schools from the Diablo Football Athletic League. Organizers have used the past two year’s results to align each sport into two DAL divisions to increase competitive equity. CVCHS and long-time crosstown rival Concord join DFAL teams Miramonte, Acalanes, Las Lomas and two-time Division III State
2016 49ers’ first-round mock draft
Last year was a disaster for the San Francisco 49ers. They finished the year with an abysmal 5-11 record and then fired head coach Jim Tomsula after only one season. The 49ers announced Chip Kelly as their new head coach last month and are now turning their attention to improving their roster. General manager Trent Baalke will have his hands full reloading San Francisco’s roster with talent, but with the seventh overall pick in the 2016 draft plus 11 other picks he has a great chance to pick an elite player and fill needed holes for the Niners. Here are three players the 49ers can target with their firstround pick on draft day: Laquon Treadwell WR Mississippi – Treadwell is the consensus best receiver in the draft. He has tremendous size at 6foot-3, 215 pounds and has a knack for high pointing the football in the end zone. For Mississippi last season, he caught 11
TYLER LEHMAN SPORTS TALK
touchdown passes and had over 1,100 yards receiving. The 49ers have Torrey Smith, but desperately need another receiver to help open up the passing game. Treadwell would be an ideal fit in Chip Kelly’s offense, giving the 49ers some much needed firepower in the red zone. Myles Jack LB UCLA – If the 49ers decide to go defense with their first pick, there is a good chance that Jack falls into their lap. He is an athletic freak who played three years for the
Tyler Lehman is a senior at San Francisco State University and a 2012 CVHS graduate. He is majoring in print/online journalism and wants to be a sports writer. Email your comments or questions to tyler@claytonpioneer.com.
Sports
February 12, 2016
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
ball and my school work by keeping my priorities straight and remembering school comes first,” he says. “I also remember to enjoy every moment, especially in my final season this year.” Away from the court Duncan likes to spend time with his family and friends. He has been a part of California Scholarship Foundation and is a four-year member of the CVCHS Public Service Academy. As a sophomore, he participated in the PSA wheelchair basketball game in order to raise money to make playgrounds at parks more wheelchair friendly. Duncan looks forward to getting a business degree I college.
Athlete Spotlight
Tyler Duncan
CVCHS student journalist Celine Herrera contributed to this Spotlight.
Grade: Senior School: CVCHS Sport: Basketball
“Tyler Duncan is a tough, hardnosed scholar athlete that can shoot the three and is a student of the game,” says boys’ varsity basketball assistant coach Ervin Anderson. Senior co-captain Duncan leads by example and best exemplifies the spirit of the boys’ varsity team. Duncan’s success and interest in basketball developed while he played CYO basketball for St. Bonaventure from second through eighth grade. He enjoyed attending his older brother’s basketball games and that sparked his
interest and drew him into the sport. He played on the Eagles freshman basketball team and has been on CVCHS varsity the past three years. Duncan has played as a shooting guard and has experience playing point guard too. “My favorite part about being a captain is being held accountable for my actions and I have to lead by example,” says Duncan. After his junior year season Duncan received the Bruce Iversen Coaches Award for exemplifying excellence in basketball. “I balance basket-
The Clayton Pioneer congratulates Tyler 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.
Local soccer players among those making their college commitments decisions to a national television audience on ESPNU from the Spartans gym in front of overflowing bleachers full of students and family members. The signing was a little bittersweet for CVCHS’s Haydaree as she suffered an ACL tear that cut short her senior season and she faces surgery Feb. 23 that will knock her out of action for most of 2016. Her high school coach Cristina Ballard said it was great that Long Beach State kept their commitment to Haydaree who will redshirt this coming fall during her rehab that could last up to nine months. The Eagles’ senior played four seasons on varsity, was the team’s leading soccer twice and also earned all-Diablo Valley Athletic League honors the last
TWO SENIOR SOCCER PLAYERS FROM CLAYTON signed their National letters of intent last wednesday in a noontime ceremony at Carondelet High in front of most of the student body and their families. The Cougars have been having a great season with Jade rafallo (left) and goalkeeper Kaylie Collins leading the way as four-year varsity players. Collins will be going to the University of Southern California in the fall and rafallo is headed to Portland State University.
two years. She will be joining a Long Beach team that tied for first in the Big West Conference last fall and has made the NCAA tournament five of the past eight years. Rafallo has played on Carondelet’s varsity for four years and was first-team allEast Bay Athletic League as a junior and is a team captain this season while the Cougars enter the final week of the regular season undefeated. She played nine years of club soccer for Diablo FC. The Clayton resident reports that she chose Portland State not only because of the beautiful Pacific Northwest weather, but also because of their Division 1 soccer program and their solid academic program. Another Clayton athlete at Carondelet, Collins will be playing goalie in the Pacific-12 conference for the University of Southern California. She is also a four-year Cougar player who was all-EBAL in 2013 and 2015. She gained US National team experience at the U14 and U15 levels and has also been an Olympic Development Player. Collins was a Top Drawer Soccer second-team all-America last year too. She says USC was her college choice because of its elite academic program as well as its rich athletic tradition. At the Carondelet NLI lunchtime ceremony soccer players Brooke Cilley (Michigan) and Maddy Duncan (Purdue) and Nicole Hitomi (US Riverside tennis) also were feted. Five players from De La Salle’s No. 1 ranked football team were NLI signees---Asiasi (Michigan), Tagaloa
less draw in their first meeting. They meet in last regular-season game this Friday. In six of the last seven DVAL seasons the two schools have been in first and second. They are also looking for a high seed in the NCS playoffs. The Section tournament draw is Sunday. A pair of sophomores, Emily Kaleal (CVC) and Jasmine Safarians (CP), have been putting in goals at a fast pace for the league leaders. DVAL boys and girls matches conclude by Saturday with NCS playoffs starting next
the 2012-13 season. Sophomore Jesus Martinez has injected goal-scoring into the CVCHS offense as the Eagles have moved near the top of the East Bay soccer rankings with a 15-1-3 overall mark. The Warriors are also near the top of the ratings with a 14-2-2 mark. Clayton Valley is back at the top of the DVAL for the first time since the Eagles won backto-back titles in 2010 and 2011 and then had a second-place finish in 2012 when they went all the way to the NCS Division I semi-finals. De La Salle has had an up and down season and is third in the EBAL this week. The Spartans lost in the NCS finals last
JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clayton Valley Charter High School soccer player Marjan Haydaree and Carondelet seniors Jade Rafallo and Kaylie Collins of Clayton are members of first-place teams looking to cap off league championship seasons with success at North Coast Section playoffs. They took a little time away from that quests last Wednesday when they committed to colleges on National Letter of Intent signing day. A number of seniors with local connections formalized their commitments Feb. 3 including a pair of highly-touted football linemen from De La Salle, Devin Asiasi and Boss Tagaloa, who announced their
Jay Bedecarre photos
DVAL, from page 8
Wednesday through Feb. 27. Carondelet has drawn five EBAL games this year along with seven wins to apparently wrap up the Cougars first EBAL title since back-to-back championships in 2010 and 2011. Overall Carondelet has yet to lose in 19 games.
BOYS SOCCER Clayton Valley Charter (8-11) took a slim first-place advantage into the final week of the DVAL schedule. The Eagles defeated second-place Ygnacio Valley (8-1-2) twice, the first losses in league play by YV since
Page 9
Kristian Ipsen begins drive to Rio this month Kristian Ipsen has a full slate of international meets ahead as the Clayton diver seeks to reach his second Olympic Games representing the USA this summer. Next week he will join American teammates for the FINA Diving World Cup in Rio Feb. 19-24 as divers get a look at the Olympic venue and seek to secure places for their countries in each Olympic event. The De La Salle and Stanford grad has also been invited to participate in the FINA/ NVC Diving World Series, a four-meet, invitation-only circuit in March and April for the top finishers from the 2015 FINA World Championships. Ipsen took gold in the men’s three-meter individual and synchronized (with partner Sam Dorman) events at the USA Diving Winter National Championships in December. He said after the meet, “I’m really happy with
how this entire week has gone. This [2016] is a big year and this is the start of that year.” Joining Ipsen for the USA in the World Series are David Boudia, Amy Cozad, Dorman and Steele Johnson. Each had top-seven showings at last year’s World Championships to receive invitations to compete at the four World Series meets this spring in Beijing, Dubai, Canada and Russia. Ipsen will compete in two 3-meter events at the World Cup in Rio, individually and with Dorman in synchronized. That duo finished seventh in synchronized 3-meter at the World Championships to earn their World Series berth in that event. The World Cup is the final opportunity for countries to qualify for the Olympic Games in diving. Diving at the Rio Games is Aug. 7-20. The US Olympic Diving Trials are June 18-26 in Indianapolis.
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LONG BEACH STATE SOCCER will be the home of Marjan Haydaree during the next five years. The Clayton Valley Charter four-year varsity player had her senior season cut short with an aCl injury that will require surgery Feb. 23 and force her to use a redshirt year at long Beach next fall while she recuperates.
(UCLA), defensive backs Miles Johnston and Brooklyn Hardiman (Southern Oregon University) and runningback Antoine Custer (Eastern Washington). Spartan lacrosse player Jackson Thuma (Denison) brought to 15 the number of DLS seniors who signed in the fall or spring NLI periods. Diablo FC had seven players from the competitive youth soccer club commit to college. Abraham Rosales will be going to Sacramento State University. A half dozen Diablo FC girls announced their colleges including, Isabella Ivy (UC San Diego), Lexi Robbins and Alyssa Schneider (Rocky Mountain College), Emma Spears (Chaminade University), Emily Thompson (Sonoma State University) and Rafallo.
year after winning the previous six section championships.
WRESTLING College Park is a perennial wrestling power but the Falcons lost a dual meet to Northgate giving the Falcons an edge in winning the regular-season title following the final round of league matches. Clayton Valley hosts the DVAL Championships next Wednesday. The NCS dual team meet is at Liberty High School in Brentwood this Saturday. The NCS championships are in Union City at James Logan High Feb. 26-27, a week before the State Meet in Bakersfield Mar. 4-5.
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February 12, 2016
Sports
CVHS sports legend Clyde Mashore dead at 70 JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
Clyde Mashore, who went from a Hall of Fame career at Clayton Valley High School to a five-year major league baseball stint with the Cincinnati Reds and Montreal Expos, died last month at his Brentwood home. He was 70. As a multi-sport all-league star Mashore definitely harkened back to another era when their truly were threesport stars in the fall, winter and spring high school seasons. Mashore got his athletic genes from father Dike Mashore, an outstanding softball player and he began creating his legend in Concord at an early age. Bud Beemer was two years older and, like Mashore, was part of the Clayton Valley
CLYDE MASHORE
High School Athletic Hall of Fame’s inaugural class in 2008. The two played with and against each other in Concord Little League, Babe Ruth and then American Legion with legendary coach Jim Snyder.
Sports Shorts
They were also on CVHS teams together. Beemer recalls games at the Concord Little League parks behind Mt. Diablo High School. “The fences were 175 feet all around and there was no grass, just skinned earth. The Concord National League field was right next to the CALL field. The American League would paint your name on the fence if you hit a home run. Well, by the time the season was over it looked like Clyde owned the fences. I don’t remember how many he hit but it was a ton. “I do remember playing a game on the NL field while Clyde’s team played next to us. I heard the crack of a bat, some cheers and a lone voice, ‘Darn you Mashore, there you go again.’” Beemer added, “If there had been aluminum bats
then, Wow!” Mashore was an all-around football player at CV playing quarterback, runningback, linebacker and defensive back. He also punted and placekicked. He was honorable mention allContra Costa Division three years. As an all-CCD guard he missed the school basketball scoring record by one point when he scored 31 against powerful Pittsburg. His first love was baseball and he was all-CCD for three years as a catcher and an offensive powerhouse who featured speed and power at bat. Capping his 1963-64 senior year he was team MVP in all three sports and the school’s athlete of the year, two years after Beemer won the same award. He signed as a free agent with the Cincinnati Reds and
All players are invited to attend the free session. Diablo FC Premier teams compete in the National Premier League of US Club Soccer and participate at several college showcase tournaments each year. Tryouts for all U15-U19 teams will be held in May. For LOCAL PLAYERS MAKE ALL-NCS WATER POLO TEAMS more information on the club, USSDA and premier teams and Coaches from throughout the North Coast Section annually tryouts contact director of coaching Zach Sullivan at zachsulliselect all-NCS teams from their tournament and have van@gmail.com. announced their 2015 teams. Local players named all-NCS: YGNACIO VALLEY HIGH HOSTING ALL-COMERS Boys-Division I 1st team Jake Simpson (De La Salle) Sr.; 2nd TRACK & FIELD MEET MAR. 5 team Scott Meylan (Clayton Valley Charter) Sr.; honorable menYgnacio Valley High is hosting its annual all-comers track tion Ben Robinow (CVCHS) Jr. Girls-DI 3rd team Bailey Readand field meet on Saturday, Mar. 5, from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on ing (CVCHS) Jr.; DII 2nd team Allison Carr (Carondelet) Jr.; 3rd the all-weather track at the Concord school. There will be eight team Ali Bamberger (Carondelet) Fr. individual events (shot put, high jump, long jump and 100-200400-800-1600 meter runs) and two relays for boys and girls from DIABLO FC U8-U14 COMPETITIVE SOCCER preschool through high school and senior classifications. YVHS TRYOUTS UNDERWAY Diablo FC tryouts for the 2016 season for under 8 through is using the meet as a team fund raiser for a finish line timing sysunder 14 boys and girls competitive teams are underway at Clay- tem. Contact coach George Francis at coachfrancisyvhs@hotton Valley Charter High School and Diablo Valley College. mail.com for details. There is no charge to try out and players can register today at ST. BONAVENTURE CYO TRACK SIGN UPS CONTINUE diablofc.org. For more information on the club, tryouts and late St. Bonaventure CYO spring track and field is open to boys player evaluations contact director of coaching Zach Sullivan at and girls in second through eighth grades. Practices are Monday, zachsullivan@gmail.com. Tuesday and Thursday from 5-6:15 p.m. at Newhall Park. Saturday meets begin Mar. 5 and the season runs through May 7 culSPRING PROGRAMS AT ALL OUT SPORTS LEAGUES minating with the Oakland Diocese championships. For more TAKING REGISTRATION information call (925) 969-0207, email coach Matt Tillman at Spring programs in Clayton offered by All Out Sports matttillman@gmail.com or go to stbonaventurecyo.com. Leagues includes Spring Break Basketball Camp Mar. 28-31 for boys and girls in first through 10th grades. Adult softball, youth OAKHURST ORCAS SET MEET AND GREET DATES spring basketball league beginning in March and spring Tee ball Head coach Jasmine Castillo is back for her fifth season in are all taking signups. For complete information on All Out charge of the Oakhurst swim team and has announced that the Sports programs, visit alloutsportsleague.com. Orcas are accepting mail or drop off registrations for the sum-
MDSA SPRING SOCCER ACCEPTING WAITLIST REGISTRATION
Mt. Diablo Soccer Association spring season runs from Mar. 19-May 21. U5-U14 boys and girls teams are still accepting waitlist registration and will be playing spring games on Saturdays. The U16/U19 co-ed division is on a Sunday afternoon schedule. Visit mdsoccer.org for more information.
CONCORD CUP XXIII COMING MAY 14-15
The area’s largest annual youth soccer tournament, Concord Cup, returns for its 23rd season at a variety of local parks. Boys and girls club and recreation teams from under 10 through U19 are eligible to participate. Visit concordcup.com for complete information and to register a team or referee to participate.
DIABLO FC U12-U14 USSDA, U15-U19 PREMIER TEAMS HOLDING FREE OPEN TRAINING FEB. 28 AT CVCHS
The area’s competitive soccer club, Diablo FC, will hold opening training at Clayton Valley Charter High School on Sunday, Feb. 28, for its United States Development Academy under 12-14 boys teams and its U15-U19 premier girls and boys teams.
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made his major league debut on July 11, 1969, playing in two games that season. Before his MLB debut he was drafted by the New York Mets in the 1967 rule 5 draft and then returned to the Reds before the start of the next season. In June 1970 he was traded by the Reds to the Montreal Expos for Ty Cline. Over the next four seasons he played all three outfield positions plus third and second base. He finished his final season with the Expos in 1973. He homered eight times in nearly 500 plate appearances in his career. Following his baseball career he worked for the city of Concord and the operating engineers. His older son Damon Mashore followed his dad to MLB with the Oakland A’s, ironically also homering eight
times for the A’s. He now works as a hitting instructor for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Younger brother Justin Mashore played many years in professional baseball without making it to MLB as a player but is now the assistant hitting coach for the Texas Rangers. Both sons, like their dad multisport standouts, are also members of the CVHS Hall of Fame and each was the athlete of the year as a senior. Mashore is survived by his first wife Judy Mashore, his two sons, daughter Mindy Rodgers and grandchildren Kayla Rodgers, (Green Bay Packer) Richard Rodgers, Christopher Rodgers, Tevis Mashore, Dalton Mashore, Makena Mashore, Kayle Mashore, Teegan Mashore and Torrin Mashore. Damon Mashore said his father did not want any services.
months before spring training starts again. Door prizes, raffles and the steak and chicken dinner benefit CVCHS Baseball and its scholarship fund. The event is from 6-9 p.m. at Shadelands Civic Arts Center, 111 N. Wiget Ln. at Ygnacio Valley Rd. in Walnut Creek. For more information and to buy tickets at $50 each call Maria Bekakis (925-285-6016) or email coach Coakley at uglyeaglebaseball@gmail.com.
HAILEY PASCOE ENJOYING FIRST SEASON OF COLLEGE BASKETBALL AT LEHIGH
Hailey Pascoe has transitioned from Clayton Valley Charter High to college basketball at Lehigh and is helping the Mountain Hawks to a strong season to date as they seek a berth in the NCAA Tournament come March. The freshman recently sank a trio of three-point shots as her team made their most threepointers in a game (12) since 2010. The former Eagle has started all but one game this season (14-7, 7-3 in Patriot League).
JR. EAGLES SIGNUPS START MAR. 1 FOR YOUTH FOOTBALL, CHEER
CVAA Jr. opens registration for its 2016 football and cheer squads Mar. 1. Two of their cheer teams won national championships in January at the JAMZ Nationals in Las Vegas. Visit their website cvaajreagles.com for more information and to register.
DANA HILLS SWIM TEAM REGISTRATION NIGHT FEB. 26 AT CLAYTON LIBRARY
Dana Hills Swim Team kicks off the summer swim season with Registration Night on Friday, Feb. 26, from 6-9 p.m. at Clayton Community Library. Registration and swim season volunteer job preferences will be taken. Some of the DHST coaching staff will meet attendees and discuss the Otter program. mer rec swim team season now at Oakhurst Country Club. Meet Online registration opens Saturday, Feb. 27. For additional info and greet registration is on Thursday, Mar. 24, and Tuesday, please visit danahillsotters.com. April 19, from 6:30-8 p.m. Early registration discounts are available until Mar. 24. Visit oakhurstorcas.com for more informaCONCORD ADULT SOFTBALL AND PICKLEBALL TEAM tion or e-mail head coach Jasmine Millan at REGISTRATION NOW OPEN swimcoach@oakhurstcc.com Adults looking for exercise in a fun environment should consider signing up for one of Concord’s adult sports leagues – softCLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER HOSTING DVAL ball or pickleball. WRESTLING MEET WEDNESDAY The city offers one of the largest adult softball leagues in the Clayton Valley Charter High School is hosting the Diablo Bay Area for all skill levels. Registration packets are available for Valley Athletic League championship wrestling meet next the 12-game summer season that runs from April through midWednesday, Feb. 17, where berths in the North Coast Section August. One of the nation’s fastest growing sports is pickleball. meet will be earned by the top three finishers in each weight The game combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping class. pong. Played on a badminton-sized court with a lower net, large wooden or composite paddles are used with a plastic whiffle CVCHS BASEBALL HOSTS 4TH ball. The sport is easy to learn and suited for all athletic abilities. HOT STOVE DINNER FRIDAY There are drop-in hours at Willow Pass Tennis Courts six days a New Texas Rangers hitting coach Justin Mashore, a Clayton week. Introductory and intermediate morning and evening pickValley High School Hall of Fame member, will be the guest leball classes begin in April. For more information on all Conspeaker at the fourth annual CVCHS Hot Stove Dinner this cord Rec adult sports programs, call (925) 671-3423. For all Friday. Eagles baseball coach Casey Coakley says the evening’s Concord Parks & Recreation classes now taking registration, festivities will whet the appetite of baseball fans, Clayton Val- visit concordreg.org. ley alumni and current CVCHS families in the cold winter
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February 12, 2016
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 11
Fearful felines don’t have to face frights
PAUSE
FOR
PETS
Cats are beautifully sensitive animals and display a full range of emotions, including happiness, silly playfulness, indifference and much more. That sensitivity can also trigger fearful behavior, which can be perfectly normal. Cats often feel insecure or frightened in a new environment, and will sometimes hide for a day or two when first brought home. Even a stressful experience, such as a trip to the vet or introducing a new family member to the household, can send Fluffy
fearful behavior, as it will only confuse her and cause her to become more fearful, and don’t force her to confront the object or situation that is triggering her, such as having a person she fears hold her. These strategies will only cause her fearful behavior to continue.
Instead, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for a thorough physical exam to rule out any medical causes for Fluffy’s behavior. Cats have great “poker faces” and don’t always act sick, even when they are. If she is healthy, but still hiding, do not force her out. Make sure she has easy
access to food, water and her litter box, and change all items daily to keep track if Fluffy has been eating or drinking. Keep her contact with the fear stimulus to a minimum, and make the effort to keep her routine as regular as possible to increase her confidence. If you’d like to attempt to desensitize her to the fear stimulus, first determine what distance Fluffy can be from the stimulus without responding fearfully. Introduce the fear stimulus at this distance while feeding lots of tasty treats and heaping on praise. Keep the treats and praise going as you slowly bring the stimulus closer. If Fluffy exhibits fearful behavior at any time in this process, start over from the beginning and go even slower, keeping sessions short. Elena Bicker is the Executive Director of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. She can be reached at (925) 2561ARF (1273)
Has anyone seen this Yorkie-poo?
Pretty, a 12 lb Yorkshire Terrier/Poodle mix went missing from her Clayton home on Atcheson Stage Dr. on Jan. 10 and her owners are pretty sure she may be holed up with a local family.“Pretty is a homebody,” says owner Jill Enders. “She doesn’t even like to go outside on a leash.” Pretty’s family was in Ohio and Pretty was staying with family friends on Via Ensenada Ct. in Concord. On her early morning walk, something frightened the little dog and she ran from her caretakers. Neighbors unsuccessfully tried to catch her. In the following days, she was periodically sighted in the area. Owners posted
sightings. She was last seen on Via Ensenada Ct. in Concord on Jan. 12. Pretty stands 12” tall at the shoulder. She is white and red with wavy hair cut short. The family is offering a $500 reward for her return, no questions asked. “Take the reward with our blessing,” says Ender. “We understand how someone could fall in love with her, but Pretty is family and we want her home.” If you have seen Pretty or just want to help in the search, call (925) 639-3431 or surrender to the Martinez Animal Shelter. For more information, see Pretty’s Facebook page, Prettycomehome.
Mayor, from page 1
the first installment. Mt. Diablo and the surrounding foothills are rich with history dating back to the early 1700s when the Volvons and the Bay Miwok tribes lived in the foothills. When Spanish explorers arrived in what is now known as Contra Costa County, the native population was about 2,400. Disease brought into the valley by the Spanish settlers killed all but about 50 of the original Native Americans by the late 1800s. Joel Clayton arrived on the scene in 1842. Envisioning a center for mining, he bought 40 acres and later increased his holdings to 1,400 acres. His partner Charles Rhine and Joel CLAYTON HISTORY flipped a coin for the town Last month I promised you naming rights. If not for the some Clayton history. Here is luck of a coin toss, we would
instilling great actions by our youth. This year the leadership class collected donations for the Valley and Butte fire victims, including coats, mittens, socks and more. They also raised $1,200 for UNICEF during Trick or Treat. As mayor, it is my pleasure once a month to honor students selected by their teachers from Mt. Diablo Elementary School, Diablo View Middle School and Clayton Valley Charter High School for exemplifying desired behavior traits in our Do The Right Thing program in the areas of responsibility, respect, kindness, self discipline, integrity and courage.
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under the bed for a few days. Fearful behavior can be caused by a variety of situations, such as strangers, children, other animals or frightening noises. When a cat feels threatened, they usually respond in three ways: fight, flee or freeze. They also might present other behaviors, like hiding, loss of control of their bladder and/or bowels, and aggression (such as spitting, hissing, growling, swatting, biting or scratching). If your cat is showing aggressive or threatening behavior to another person or animal, immediately seek advice from an animal behavior specialist, and confine her to a safe area of the house, supervised by a responsible person and keeping all interactions to a minimum. When we see our feline friends in distress, it’s normal to want to comfort them, but doing so might not always be what they need at the time. Do not punish your cat for
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be living in Rhinesville. The new town quickly grew and soon had a hotel, barber shop, store, blacksmith, livery stable, school, hall, two churches, saloons and a brewery. In 1861, the Clayton post office was established and is now one of California’s oldest and continuously operating post offices.
Hopefully, I have piqued your interest in local history sufficient for you to stop by the Clayton Historical Society located on Main Street. Books about Clayton history are available for purchase and the museum is rich with pictures and items for viewing donated by our settlers. If not, you will have to wait until next month to hear how the town was almost destroyed by fire. Send comments to the mayor at hgeller@ci.clayton.ca.us.
CONTRA COSTA WATER DISTRICT NOTICE OF BOARD VACANCY
Effective February 26, 2016 a vacancy exists on the Board of Directors of the contra costa Water District due to the retirement of Division 3 Director Joseph campbell. On February 3, 2016 the Board decided that it will appoint a successor, and confirmed that Tuesday, March 1, 2016 is the deadline for applications. Successful candidates will be notified on March 9 and invited to present their qualifications on Wednesday, March 16. The Board intends to appoint the new Director on either Wednesday, March 16 or Wednesday, March 23. The Division 3 Director's seat will be placed on the ballot for the november 2016 general election. The appointed new Director will hold office until the results of that election are certified. any interested party who is a registered voter and resides in Division 3 is invited to file an application. applications must be received at the contra costa Water District, 2411 Bisso lane, concord, ca 94520 by 5:00 p.m. on March 1, 2016. applications and any additional information, including clarification regarding the residency requirement, can be obtained by calling the District Secretary at (925) 688-8024 or online at www.ccwater.com.
Easter Sunday is March 27
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Division 3 includes the District's service area in all of the city of clayton and certain portions of the cities of concord, Pleasant Hill, and Walnut creek, and unincorporated area of contra costa county. a map of Division 3 can be found online at www.ccwater.com and will be included in the application packet.
Mary A. Neher District Secretary Contra Costa Water District Posted Feb. 12, 2016
Page 12
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Performing Arts
February 12, 2016
‘Born Yesterday’ is a hilarious play for today
SallY HOGarTY
STAGE STRUCK
An elegant set by Erik Flatmo, spot-on direction by Timothy Near and an incredibly talented cast mark CenterREP’s production of “Born Yesterday,” running through Feb. 27 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts. The 1950s comedy features a shady entrepreneur, his uneducated, brassy girlfriend, a hard-drinking lawyer, a corrupt senator and an idealistic journalist. When the journalist is asked to “smarten up” the girlfriend, everyone finds out that a little education can be a very dangerous thing. Set against the post-World War II politics of Washington, D.C., this show is fast-paced and funny with lots of gorgeous costumes by Vic-
kevin Berne
WILL SPRINGHORN AND MONICA CAPPUCCINI appear in Garson kanin’s classic comedy ‘Born Yesterday’ at the lesher center through Feb. 27.
OMG I Love That Show! is currently presenting the play “Pageant,” about a beauty pageant with a twist. While contestants compete in the traditional categories of swimsuit, talent, gown and spokesmodel,
toria Livingston-Hall and a stand-out performance by Sharon Rietkerk as the girlfriend. Call 925-943-SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org for tickets. Also at the Lesher Center,
Annual Shellie Awards honors local stars A glitzy extravaganza captivated those in the performing arts community on Jan. 16 as the 37th Annual Shellie Awards took over Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts. With spotlights highlighting the event, local artists left their jeans at home and entered the gala awards ceremony costumed in gorgeous gowns, tuxedos and other creative wear. The brain-child of Scott Denison, the Shellies honor individuals and companies for outstanding contributions to the arts. Twenty awards were given out this year with local companies winning their fair share. “I was so thrilled to be nominated for Outstanding Choreography given all the other talented choreographers in this area, and then to win! I was elated and so happy for Clayton Theatre Company,” says artistic direc-
LATONYA WATTS
AND
tor LaTonya Watts, who won for “A Trip Down Broadway,” a show she and Roxanne Pardi wrote. Watts tied for the choreography award with Jennifer Perry, who choreographed Contra Costa Musi-
It’s a Vampire Valentine…
Blood Tango
Piedmont Oakland Repertory Theatre presents
The vampire myth with a new twist. An original musical by John McMullen, Tal Ariel, and Elizabeth Jane Dunne. Directed by John McMullen.
Through March 13.
Fridays, Saturdays Sundays. All performances at 7:30 pm. Tickets $19-29.
www.PiedmontOaklandRep.org
or call Brown Paper Tickets 800-838-3006.
Pacific Boychoir Academy 215 Ridgeway Ave Oakland, just off Piedmont Ave.
ROXANNE PARDI
Tamara Steiner
cal Theatre’s “The Music Man.” Watts adds, “It's a joy to share this award with Jennifer. I have always admired her work, and I hope we get to work together one day.”
there is one little difference – all the contestants are men. Judges selected from the audience pick the winner so every performance will be a bit different. The show runs through March 6. Call 925-943-SHOW or go to website at www.lesherartscenter.org. Pittsburg Community Theatre presents the hilarious up-side-down fairy tale musical “Once Upon a Mattress,” March 4 through 13 at Pittsburg’s gorgeous California Theatre. Come see this fun musical and learn what really kept the princess awake – it wasn’t a pea. A large cast of talented local performers will bring you a fairy tale like you’ve never imagined. Call 925-427-1611 or go to www.pittsburgcommunity theatre.org. Continuing its mission of presenting opera for children and families, Solo Opera presents “The Computer Kid’s Magic Night” March 4 and 5 at the Lesher Center in Walnut Creek. The story tells of a little boy who spends all his time playing computer games while neglecting his studies and other activities. When he accidentally types magic words into the computer and several characters pop out, a fun-filled ride ensues. During the course of the one-hour comic opera,
Bay Area Musicals!, the newest non-profit theatrical organization to join the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area arts community, continues its inaugural season with the acclaimed tribal love-rock musical, “Hair.” It will perform Feb. 20 through March 12. This generation-defining musical tells the story of Viet-
WEDDING SHOW WEEKEND
nam-era youths awkwardly but exuberantly creating their own rite of passage through the confusion around them. Among them are Claude and Berger – a pair of friends battling against Claude’s draft notice, and Sheila, who is in love with both of them, but her politically-active lifestyle leaves her little time to act on her feelings. Ultimately, Claude
A Floral nce Experie
Sally Hogarty is well known around the Bay Area as a newspaper columnist, theatre critic and working actress. She is also the editor of the Orinda News. Send comments to sallyhogarty@gmail.com
John Buyer
MEGAN STETSON, ANGELINA WAHLER AND MICHAEL ORLINSKY make opera fun for kids in Solo Opera’s ‘The computer kid’s Magic night” March 4 and 5 at the lesher center in Walnut creek.
Oakhurst Country Club
Mitzie Richardson Richardson Mitzie
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flowersbymitzie@gmail.com flowersbymitzie@gmail.com
Facebook/afloralexperience.biz Facebook/afloralexperience.biz
Recycle this paper please
“Easy to be Hard,” “Good Morning Star Shine” and “Flesh Failures/Let the Sun Shine.”
Hair contains nudity, strong language and mature themes. Parental discretion is highly advised. It will be performed at San Francisco’s Victoria Theatre, 2961 16th Street. Tickets are available by calling 415-340-2207 or visiting www.bamsf.org.
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has to decide if the hippie life is for him or if he should go to Vietnam. With themes of alienation and civil disobedience, “Hair” illustrates the ‘60s generation’s search for meaning through various “be-ins,” “love-ins” and protests. The winner of the 2009 Tony Award for “Best Revival of a Musical,” Hair features classic hits including, “Aquarius,” “Hair,” “Going Down,”
Flowers Need for civicfor all occasions minded citizens to
March 13, 2016
Text WSW26 to 7272
themselves locked in the apartment overnight when the rental agent leaves. Auditions are from 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 16 and 17, with callbacks Feb. 18. The show runs April 15 through 17. The powerful drama “The Normal Heart” is up next. This story of one man’s lonely fight to awaken the world to the AIDS crisis auditions from 7 to 9 p.m. March 7 and 8, with callbacks March 10. This award-winning show runs May 13 through 15. Auditions for both shows are by appointment only and take place at Hillview Jr. High School, Room 50, 333 Yosemite Ave, in Pittsburg. Visit the website at www.pittsburgcommunity theatre.org or call 925-439PLAY for more information and to set up an appointment. All performances are held at the California Theatre in downtown Pittsburg.
New company brings ‘Hair’ back to the Bay
3rd Annual
12-3 p.m.
they convince Mickey to use the computer and his time more wisely. “Playing the parents in this show is a natural fit for us,” says Pleasant Hill resident Torlef Borsting, who along with his wife Cass Panuska, is a professional opera singer and parent of two small children. “Families are encouraged to see this opera because of its refreshing take on the role that technology plays in our everyday lives. We must remember to put down our devices and really spend time looking at and listening to each other,” adds Panuska. “The Computer Kid’s Magic Night” plays at 7:30 p.m. March 4 and at 2 p.m. March 5. Tickets are $2535. Call 925-943-SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org for tickets. For those of you who prefer to be on the stage rather than in the audience, Pittsburg Community Theatre will hold auditions for two upcoming productions. First up is the comedy “6 RMS RIV VU” about two prospective tenants of a vacant apartment with six rooms and a river view. The two strangers, happily married to others, find
Kelly Davis and her fellow Contra Costa volunteers have an early wake-up call on Election Day, but most of them don’t mind the long hours. Each of them has their own unique reasons for being poll workers. And the Contra Costa County Elections Division is looking for civic-minded men and women to consider joining them. No prior experience is necessary and training is provided. Poll workers receive a stipend for their service, which includes attending mandatory training and being present from 6 a.m to 9 p.m. on Election Day.
In an effort to make it as easy as possible for Contra Costans to volunteer, the Elections Division now allows applicants to email eo@vote.cccounty.us or send a text message if they are interested. No cumbersome, time-consuming hand-written forms. There are two chances for Contra Costa residents to work in 2016: June 7 and November 8. This is an historic year, as a new President and U.S. Senator will be elected. Bilingual citizens are strongly encouraged to volunteer. County and State employees, as well as high school students who are at least 16, should also consider applying. For more information, please visit www.cocovote.us.
February 12, 2016
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 13
Clayton Community Calendar
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. MARCH. 2 FOR THE MARCH. 11 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com
IN CLAYTON
Feb. 12 Mementos of the Civil War Years
Opening event for new display of artifacts from 1861 to 1865 from the collections of Ellis Byrd and others. 5 – 7 p.m. Clayton Museum, 6101 Main St., Clayton. Free. 672-0240.
Feb. 14 Camellia Tea
Clayton Historical Society’s annual Camellia Tea and Open House. Camellia display and refreshments. Children welcome with adults. 1 – 4 p.m. Clayton Museum, 6101 Main Street. Free. 672-0240.
Feb. 17 Feng Shui
Curious about Feng Shui, but didn’t know who to ask? Seminar sponsored by Inge Yarborough and Margaret Kearns, Windermere Real Estate. 7 – 8 p.m. Banquet room, La Veranda, 6201 Center St., Clayton. Free admission. Response required: margaret.kearns@windermere.com.
Feb. 27 Pancakes and Ponies
Enjoy breakfast, horses and Mount Diablo. Get to know the Concord Mt. Diablo Trail Ride Association and Diablo Equestrian Heritage Association. Benefits horsemanship education programs. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. CMDTRA clubhouse, 1600 Trail Ride Road, Clayton. $15 adults; $8 children. Response required by Feb. 20: cmdtra.org and click on calendar.
Feb. 28 Chili Cook-Off
Contestants must register. Public enjoys samples after judging is complete. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Prizes awarded at 1 p.m. Clayton Club Saloon, 6096 Main St., Clayton. claytonclubsaloon.com. 673-0440.
IN CONCORD
Feb. 27, Mar. 5 English Tutor Training
Diablo Valley Literacy Council teaches volunteers how to be English tutor. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4000 Clayton Road, Concord. Nominal fee; must attend both workshops. dvlc.tripod.com. To register, call (925) 685-3881 or email dvlc4esl@gmail.com.
ON AND AROUND THE MOUNTAIN
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve programs are available for registration through ebparks.org. Parking fees may apply. For additional information, contact Black Diamond Visitor Center at (510) 544-2750 or bdvisit@ebparks.org.
Feb. 21 Wildflowers of the Chaparral
See what’s in bloom. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Meet at Black Diamond Mines.
Mount Diablo Interpretive Association programs listed are free with the exception of park entrance fee. Go to mdia.org and click on Event Calendar for more information.
Feb. 14 Romancing the Waterfalls Hike
Romantic and strenuous hike from Mount Diablo’s Summit, down along Falls Trail and back up the mountain. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Meet at Lower Summit Parking Lot. Reservations required.
Feb. 14 Valentines “For the Faint of Heart” Hike
Round trip hike up Mitchell Canyon Fire Road and Globe Lily Trail. 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center.
Feb. 19 Black Point Hike
Feb. 16 – 17, Mar. 7 - 8 Spring Auditions
Auditions for performances at California Theatre. 7 – 9 p.m. See website for details. pittsburgcommunitytheatre.org.
Feb. 18 – Mar. 12 “Hair”
Musical about Vietnam-era youths creating their own rite of passage through the confusion around them. Victoria Theatre, 2961 16th St., San Francisco. victoriatheatre.org.
Feb. 19 – 20 “Guys and Dolls JR.”
Oddball romantic comedy presented by SingOut! Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. $20. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Feb. 19, 21 “The Emperor’s New Clothes”
Performed by El Campanil’s Children’s Theatre. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $8-$12. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Feb. 20 Family Concert
Diablo Symphony concert featuring The Fratello Marionettes and instrument petting zoo. Concert 2 p.m.; zoo 2:45 p.m. Concord High School, 4200 Concord Blvd., Concord. Free. diablosymphony.org.
Feb. 20 – 21 Camp and School Fair
Booths for camps, schools, sports; activities and exhibitions. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Free. Feb. 20 at San Ramon Valley High School, 501 Danville Blvd., Danville. www.trivalleycampfair.com. Feb. 21 at Acalanes High School, 1200 Pleasant Hill Road, Lafayette. www.contracostacampfair.com.
Feb. 21 Ravel’s “Mother Goose”
Presented by Diablo Symphony Orchestra. 2 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $33. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Feb. 27 “Broadway at the Movies”
Performed by Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra. 2 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $7-$15. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Feb. 27 Come Together: The Beatles Concert Experience Presented by West Coast Performing Arts Presenters. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Feb. 28 “Broadway at the Movies”
Performed by Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra. 2 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10-$30. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Feb. 28 Concert
Performed by Diablo Wind Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $10. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Mar. 4 – 5 “The Computer Kid’s Magic Night”
Magical characters convince Mikey to use the computer to learn. Presented by Solo Opera. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $25-$35. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Mar. 4 - 13 “Once Upon a Mattress”
Rollicking spin on a familiar classic. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $10-$25. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611.
Mar. 6 Hike up White Canyon to summit of Black Point. 10 a.m. – 1:30 A Live Tribute to The Carpenters p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Trailhead.
Feb. 21 Eagle Peak Hike
Climb past Mitchell Rock via Twin Peaks to Eagle Peak. 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Trailhead.
Feb. 26 Moses Rock Hike
Explore the western slope of the mountain. 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Meet at Diablo Ranch Trailhead.
Feb. 28 Frog Pond and Green Ranch Hike
Hike to secluded Frog Pond. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Meet at Curry Point Trailhead.
Feb. 28 Mt. Diablo’s Hidden Waterfalls
Trek to explore Mount Diablo’s winter wonders. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Meet at Regency Gate. Reservations required: mtdiablohiker@gmail.com.
Mar. 6 Pine Canyon and Wall Ridge Hike
See Little Yosemite, Castle Rock, Wall Point and fine views. 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Meet at Macedo Ranch Trailhead.
Save Mount Diablo programs listed are free unless otherwise noted. Go to savemountdiablo.org and click on Activities/Guided Hikes for more information. 947-3535.
Feb. 27 Pine Canyon Family Hike
Nature walk and learn about plants and animals in Castle Rock Park. 9 a.m. Meet at Orchard Staging Area. Reservations required.
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Feb. 12 – Mar. 6 “Pageant”
Who will win the title of Miss Glamouresse? Performed by OMG, I Love That Show! Productions. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $39. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Feb. 13 Szymanowski Quartet
Presented by Chamber Music San Francisco. 2:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $51. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Featuring Michelle Whited. 3 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $25-$27. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Mar. 6 “Knoxville: Summer of 1915”
CHURCHES AND RELIGION
Feb. 15 Love Your Muslim Neighbors
Panel conversation about how to support Muslims in our community against Islamophobia and racism. Open to the public. 7:30 p.m. Meet in the church at St. Bonaventure’s, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. Free. For more information, contact Eileen Limberg at 672-5800, ext. 2217.
Feb. 17 Cuba in 2016
Jeannie Boyd and Carol Harrington share about the trip they took to Cuba with the Road Scholars. 11 a.m. Concord United Methodist Church, 1645 West St., Concord. Free. concordumc.org.
Feb. 20 Russian Vocal Ensemble
Konevets Quartet performs with Concord’s own Marina Tolstova. 7 p.m. Saint Michael and All Angels Church, 2925 Bonifacio St., Concord. $5-$10 at the door. Call 672-8717 for more information.
Feb. 20 Villa Trio
Performing chamber music. 7:30 p.m. Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. $15. cvpresby.org. 6724848.
Feb. 27 Annual Daddy Daughter Dance
Open to the public: girls and dads, uncles, granddads and friends of all ages. Professional portrait, dessert and dancing. Princess theme. Sponsored by Clayton Community Church. 6:30 – 9 p.m. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. $25 per couple; $5 each additional guest. Registration link at claytoncc.com. For more information, contact Carol Gaiser at cgaiser@pacbell.net or 890-5301.
FUNDRAISERS
Now Thru May 6 Rummage Sale Donations
Boy Scout Troop 370 is accepting donations of household items, collectibles, books, music items and clothing for upcoming rummage sale. For more information, contact Marina Ware at 2343470 or marinaware@msn.com. Rummage sale is May 7, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. at The Salvation Army, 3950 Clayton Road, Concord. Proceeds benefit Troop 370.
Feb. 13 Valentine’s Dinner/Dance
Music by The Killbillies. Proceeds benefit charities supported by Concord Moose Lodge. 6:30 p.m. #567 Family Center, 1805 Broadway St., Concord. $15. 798-0887.
Feb. 13 – 14 Two Girls and a Bike Project
Buy a Valentine and support the girls’ efforts to donate a bicycle to Toys for Tots. Proceeds go towards buying a junior bike to donate. Surplus proceeds go towards refurbishing used children’s bikes to donate. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Clayton Fitness Center, 1516 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. $5-$10. Contact Bryan at 2girlsbike@gmail.com to donate a used bike. bforrester.wix.com/2girlsbike.
Feb. 27 Sadie Hawkins Dinner Dance
Dance to The Spare Change Band. Proceeds benefit charities supported by Concord Moose Lodge. 6:30 p.m. #567 Family Center, 1805 Broadway St., Concord. $13. 798-0887.
Mar. 5 Rock the CASA
Charity concert presented by Dan Ashley and featuring REO Speedwagon to benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates and Friends of Camp Concord. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40-$250. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Mar. 6 “Jazz in the Afternoon”
Foothill Middle School Jazz Band performs. Benefits high school Presented by Contra Costa Wind Symphony. 2 p.m. Lesher Center students in alternative education programs in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. 2 – 4 p.m. Garden Room, Heather Farm, for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $17. lesherartscen1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. $10-$25. brownpater.org. 943-7469. pertickets.com.
Mar. 8 “Tales of Fantasy and Adventure”
Presented by Walnut Creek Concert Band. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $17. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Mar. 10 – 13 “Once Upon a Time”
Little Red Riding Hood and Goldilocks change places for a day. Presented by Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Mar. 11 “In the Mood”
A look at America’s swing era. Presented by Artbeat, Inc. 2 and 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $52-$64. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Mar. 12 Beatles Tribute
Presented by The Sun Kings. 8 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $25-$27. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Mar. 12 Pink Floyd Concert Experience
Presented by West Coast Performing Arts Presenters. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Mar. 31 Ham Radio General Class
License training starts. Held by Salvation Army and Mt. Diablo Amateur Radio Club. 6:30 p.m. Salvation Army, 3950 Clayton Road, Concord. Registration required. hamradioclass@gmail.com.
SCHOOLS
Feb. 18 – 20 “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”
Musical tale of socially awkward youngsters finding joy, heartache and purpose in competing in the regional spelling bee. 7 p.m. Clayton Valley Charter High School Multi-Use Room, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord. $8-$12. For more information, contact Elizabeth Emigh at elizabeth.emigh@claytonvalley.org or 682-7474, ext. 2678.
Mar. 12 Athletic Boosters Banquet
Dinner, auction, raffle. All proceeds benefit Ygnacio Valley High School sports teams. Adults only. 6:30 p.m. St. John Vianney Church, 1650 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. $35 by Feb. 19; $40 after. Go to yvhs.mdusd.org and click on Athletic Boosters.
AT THE LIBRARY
The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at claytonlibrary.org or call 673-0659.
Thru Feb. 29: Winter Reading Program, kindergarten thru third grade Feb. 22: Clayton Knits, 1:30 p.m. Mar. 2: Social Security, 6:30 p.m. Registration required. Mar. 3: Dr. Seuss’ Birthday, 4 p.m. Registration required. Mar. 5: SAT Practice, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Registration required.
The Concord Library is at 2900 Salvio St. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at ccclib.org or 6465455. Feb. 6 – Apr. 15: Tax Help, Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Feb. 22: Movie Monday, 7 p.m.
GOVERNMENT
1st and 3rd Tuesdays Clayton City Council
7 p.m. Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.
2nd and 4th Tuesdays Clayton Planning Commission
7 p.m., Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. 6737304 or ci.clayton.ca.us.
Meeting dates and times for local clubs and organizations are listed at claytonpioneer.com. Click on ‘Links’
Schools
Page 14
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
February 12, 2016
CVCHS students get serious about Mock Court CELINE HERRERA CVCHS Correspondent
Clayton Valley Charter High School won an important legal victory last week, but it wasn’t fought by administrators and professionals. The school’s “Legal Eagles” Mock Trial team defeated Richmond High in a tiebreaker in the preliminary round of the official California Mock Trial Competition at the Marin County Superior Court, the first time the school has progressed this far in decades. Mock Trial is almost a yearlong process. Students are issued a court case in the beginning of the school year, and over the next four months, students plan, prepare and produce arguments against other schools. Some schools have students enrolled in classes that extensively cover the law and give students the opportunity to practice for their respective cases. However, CVCHS does not offer a class; their mock trial team is only a
STANDING IN FRONT OF THE MARTINEZ COURT HOUSE, just before the trial began. Matea Peshunova, anna Browett, Emmy Mccluhan, laura ruscitti, Yennifer Molina, celine Herrera, Fatima Opeyany. Bottom row left to right: carol alata, Trevor Bluth, Tommy Vo and Edgar rosales
club. The last time CVCHS won a mock trial competition at the county level was in 1987. It is a chance for youth to see how laws and trials really work, and get a sense for the ramifications of crime. It’s also a chance for some intriguing role-playing. Hundreds of high school
students across the state compete as lawyers, witnesses and in court roles in a mock trial. Lawyers and judges observe the mock trial in a jury box, scoring each school and member on their performance and interpretation of the case file. “We are a nation of laws,”
says Matthew Guichard, an experienced lawyer and journalist who served as one of the competition judges. “We need to teach our young people about those rules.” The Mock Trial program blossomed from the Constitutional Rights Foundation and is sponsored by the American board of Trial Advocates, in an attempt to expose students to law. This year, 36 counties across the state of California will participate in the Mock Trial. This year’s case, People v. Hayes, is a murder trial focusing on Jamie Hayes, a 19-year-old college student charged with the murder of Lee Valdez. However, Mock Trial isn’t just for an opportunity for students to thoroughly examine and educate themselves in law; it provides them an escape. “I have never been excited to speak to a crowd of people,” says senior Tommy Vo, a defensive lawyer on the team. “It’s a really fantastic experience to be
District has high expectations for student success under ESSA
Dr. nElliE MEYEr
MDUSD
SUPERINTENDENT
Mt. Diablo Unified School District is welcoming our new year with enthusiasm. Our students have been the recipients of a multitude of honors and are approaching the halfway mark of the school year. Northgate
won the North Coast Section title in boys’ water polo in November; Mt. Diablo High teacher, Cindy Gershen, received honors from the Concord Community Youth Center for helping them with their after school youth program; and our award winning arts programs across the district have completed their holiday season with a series of top notch plays and performances. Along with other districts across the nation, we will be implementing the new Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). In December, the President signed this bipartisan legislation which changed the guidelines we formerly had with the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). The new act has some strong philo-
sophical differences from the previous NCLB act. It is designed to maintain the monitoring of student progress but it no longer imposes federal sanctions including closing schools, changing leadership and transferring students out of low performing schools. Under the ESSA, states have a large amount of flexibility in a wide range of areas, with the U.S. Department of Education seeing its role in accountability scaled back considerably. As we continue to work on student achievement, we are focusing on skills that will increase student learning. In our elementary school sites, our schools have focused on literacy and writing strategies. At the middle level, we are
focusing on student engagement strategies including hands on learning and technology. Our high school office is continuing to work closely with our sites to increase pathways toward graduation for students. Some students may want to participate in an engineering academy while others may lean more towards the arts. Our high schools have had strong programs in each area and have created an environment which recognizes students’ unique talents and works to prepare them for the future possibilities.
teaching and support of our staff garnered CVCHS with regional and national recognition. Our school’s top academic achievement gains ranked among the highest in the state. This year, CVCHS received over 1,000 student applications during our open enrollment period. It’s amazing to witness the commitment of parents who want the best for their children and the great lengths they will travel for a world-class education right here in Concord. This is a new record for our charter school and is a testament that parent choice really matters. And it shows as evident during our annual Public Random Drawing. Held in our multi-use room. Families from around the East Bay region gathered to hear their child’s name called during the two-hour lottery session. Electricity was in the air as we witnessed the excitement of stu-
dents jumping out of their seats and being applauded by the audience. It was like winning the “lottery.” It’s the first time they realize that they are now part of the Ugly Eagle family. As Executive Director, I strongly believe that all children should have the right to achieve at the highest levels, which starts with a great education. Here at CVCHS, we are cultivating world-class scholars tapping into their intrinsic powers of respect, determination, excellence and family. I’m hopeful that we take time to remember MLK not just on Jan. 18 but every day, to reflect how far we’ve come but also about how far we still need to go to impact the lives of every student.
Dr. Nellie Meyer is Superintendent of Schools for MDUSD. Email questions or comments to meyern@mdusd.org
CVCHS dedicated to equality and choice
In January, we honored Martin Luther King, Jr. setting aside time to ponder his life and legacy. We remember how hard he fought for civil rights – a struggle which began many centuries ago. At the heart of this struggle is the fact that many students still do not have equal access to a quality education. National School Choice Week was also celebrated in the last week of January. These events demonstrate the desire for a quality education continues to grow nationwide. It’s the reason why the ardent spirit of Clayton Valley Charter High School prospers in our community. Through united effort, we banded together to support a better school bringing CVCHS out of its complacency of underachievement, decline in facilities, low staff morale and student apathy. Through collec-
DaViD linzEY VOYAGE OF THE EAGLE
tive hard work and persistence, a remarkable transformation has occurred with immediate and astonishing results that continue to this very day. Our community is galvanized by a common vision – one embraced by staff, parents and students alike. We transformed our school culture to reflect a framework of rigor, relevance and relationships. This philosophy coupled with innovative
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able to make another group of teens angry at success.” Watching the students learn about law and “really do it as a lawyer” is his favorite part of Mock Trial, says Sayed Anwar, an AP Government teacher and CVCHS’s Mock Trial advisor. He says he loves watching his students bloom intellectually. Members of Legal Eagles meet twice a week, during and after school, to practice and rehearse for the trial. On average, they put in about two hours of work each week, but the time, research and practice that goes into the year-round competition exceeds any physical sport CV has to offer on campus. “The school should recognize Mock Trial more as an academic sport instead of a club
because it’s a getaway for students who don’t want to be involved with physical activities, such as lacrosse or football,” says freshman Jacob Arviola. President Emmy McCluhan was able to discover her passion for law and now plans on pursuing it. Like her fellow members, McCluhan strives to have the club be more recognized as an academic sport. She mentions how students at other schools receive letterman jackets for their participation in Mock Trial, but CVCHS has ignored their previous requests for a letter. “I believe that the extra work and commitment they put [into Legal Eagles,] with no given grade, will prove how successful they will be in the future,” says Anwar.
JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
less enthusiasm as students and parents wondered if their number would gain them a place at the four-year-old charter after the priority acceptances were factored in. CVCHS is open to all California residents of legal age. There are no requirements for admission. The school’s charter and the education code require that a random drawing be held to determine admissions and priority on a waitlist. Enrollment will be finalized soon once Clayton Valley has determined the exact number of student openings in each grade. The school administration said by April students on the wait list will be notified of their selection for enrollment. After receiving notice of acceptance, students will have five days to return the commitment letter to Clayton Valley to guarantee their admission. When those five days are up, Clayton Valley will offer the opening to the next student on the wait list. Typically over the summer students move away or change their choice of schools so that people on the waitlist are offered places.
CVCHS Lottery tense time for teens The Clayton Valley Charter multi-use room was packed to standing room a week ago Monday for the annual lottery drawing to determine priority for acceptance of new and transfer students for 2016-17. Nearly 1100 students applied for admission to the incoming freshman class or openings in any of the other three grades. All freshman applicants from the old Clayton Valley High enrollment area in the MDUSD plus siblings of current CVCHS students and children of CVCHS employees were admitted with the remaining slots prioritized by the lottery. As names were drawn and called out by executive director Dave Linzey or governing board vice chairperson Megan Kommer there was clapping and in a few cases loud cheers, much like you’d hear at a school commencement ceremony. There are about 2000 students at the school so each class has approximately 500 students. As the freshman drawing passed the 200 number mark there was
New teachers get warm welcome
TOMMY VO
CVCHS
gives out a lot of work, we know he does it to bring out the best in us for our future.” Many students didn’t know what to expect after the departure of social science teacher Jenny Krnich. The school hired James Corcoran to teach AP Psychology and Government. “I really do miss Mrs. Krnich a lot,” senior Ryan Anchondo says. “I’m glad that Mr. Corcoran really knows his stuff. He’s very organized and it’s interesting how he always relates his class to real life.” Principal Jeff Eben was hired to this school to bring leadership to the campus. Many students agree that his leadership has helped rebuild the campus environment. “He’s truly helped the students voices be heard,” says ASB president Hosna Opeyany. “He’s done so much to help rebuild this year to the wonderful Clayton Valley that we all know and love.” With the help of new additions around campus, most would agree that CVCHS is heading in the right direction.
CORRESPONDENT David Linzey is executive director of CVCHS. Contact him Since the political turmoil David.linzey@claytonvalley.org between teachers and administration last year, Clayton Valley Charter High School has undergone significant progress in creating a better environIndependently owned and operated ment for students. With the addition of new staff, many New Year, new business, students seem to have an optibetter Mailbox. mistic view for the future. Matt Foster, who took over Secure 24-hour access, from the mid-year departure of plus it’s a real street address for all your deliveries English teacher Cate Sundling 3 MONTHS FREE mailbox services last year, has quickly received praise from his students. with a twelve-month agreement Sundling previously worked at Clayton/Concord Location: CVCHS for 19 years. Vineyard Shopping Center “Mr. Foster’s great because Store Hours 5100 Clayton Road, B1 he’s able to communicate with M-F 8-6:30 Concord, CA 94523 his students,” says senior Pablo Tommy Vo is a senior at ClaySat 9-4:30 ph: 925-689-6245 ton Valley Charter High School. Hernandez. “Although he
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Club News
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
art by Julie VanWyk, Barbara Paul, Donna locher, Sharon Petersen and (seated) renaye Johnson is part of the creekside artists Guild exhibit at the clayton community library on display now and during creekside arts in april.
ART EXHIBITS Artists from the Creekside Artists Guild are exhibiting their works at Cup ‘O Jo’s Gallery, 6054 Main St., and the Clayton Library through April 29. Meet the local artists at the Artists Reception with live music from 2 to 4 p.m. on Feb. 20.
Join the Creekside Artists Guild meetings on the second Wednesday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Library Story Room. For information on the exhibits or membership, contact Arlene KikkawaNielsen, akiksen@aol.com, (925) 673-9777.
CALL OUT FOR PARTICIPANTS FOR CREEKSIDE ARTS FESTIVAL 2016 The Clayton Community Library Foundation seeks artists, musicians, authors, poets, storytellers, environmental and cultural groups for the 13th annual Creekside Arts Celebration 2016 as the library celebrates its 21st anniversary with the theme “Honoring Our Ancestors.” 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 and poetry. Guided nature, culture and art tours are scheduled throughout
Clayton. Art entries are juried by a noted panel from local art businesses, gallery museums, writer’s clubs 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 Library or go to claytonlibrary.org. Fee; deadline is March 20. Contact Arlene Kikkawa-Nielsen, at 6739777 or akiksen@aol.com or creeksideartsfest@gmail.com. The event is from 6 to 8 p.m. on Fri., April 1; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sat., April 2 and 12 to 5 p.m. on Sun., April 3 at the Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. Admission is free.
CLAYTON VALLEY WOMAN’S CLUB
The Clayton Business and Community Association kicked off 2016 by receiving good news for the year ahead at its Jan. 28 meeting at Oakhurst Country Club. Bocce continues as a growth sport. Capo di tutti capi Ed Hartley is annnunced that a “Quilts of Honor” tourney to raise funds for the organization that provides
quilts for vets is scheduled for the coming year. Clayton Bocce may add a Fall league, which will be open mainly to newcomers who have not participated before. The club voted to help fund a one-day workshop for senior high school girls on March 3 at the Concord Hilton. Topics will include getting a job and keeping it, money management, and health and violence awareness.
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Sheila Driscoll, clayton Valley Woman’s club membership chairman, shows the club’s donations to a Friendly Place day shelter as accepted by Sister Joann Heinritz, a sister of St. Joseph of carondelet.
A Friendly Place Donation The Clayton Valley Woman’s Club hosted the General Federation of Women’s Clubs Mount Diablo District Executive Board Meet-
SOPHIE BROCKMAN Claycord 4-H Club Secretary
andreya cox, Johanna Busk, Matt Teale, christopher Gomez and nicholas arroyo at the Food Jeopardy game table at the 2016 4-H Food Fiesta.
The 4-H program aims to equip youth with practical life skills through hands-on learning and group experiences. Claycord 4-H meets at 6:45 p.m. on the second
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4-H Food Fiesta Game Day Cooking was the name of the game at the 4-H 2016 Food Fiesta on Jan. 9 at Mt. Diablo Elementary School. This annual, county-wide event was hosted by the Claycord 4-H Club and sported the theme of Game Day. Game Day allowed 4-H members to practice their culinary skills while competing in five different food categories. The Apples to Apples category focused on healthy and nutritional foods; Mr. Potato Head included all carbohydratebased dishes; Candy Land consisted of desserts; the Game of Life allowed traditional foods and Park Place involved place settings only.
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Tuesday of the month, September through June, at Farm Bureau Hall, 5554 Clayton Road, Concord. For more information, go to ca4h.org.
ing at the Concord United Methodist Church on Jan. 14. The club presented a donation of items valued at over $1,900 to A Friendly Place day shelter for homeless women in Oakland during the meeting.
GUEST SPEAKER The Clayton Valley Woman’s Club meeting on March 8 features Bette Felton, chair of the marketing and fundraising committee for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute program at California State University East Bay. Felton will explain and highlight OLLI programs with classes and lectures on a wide variety of subjects offered on the Concord campus.
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The Clayton Valley Woman’s Club is made up of communityminded women dedicated to meeting the needs of community and nurturing friendships within the club. Meetings are at 10 a.m. on the second Tuesday of the month, except July and August, at Saint John’s Episcopal Church, 5555 Clayton Road, Clayton. Guests are welcome to attend meetings and social events. For more information, call Sheila at 672-7947 or go to claytonvalleywomansclub.org.
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Back in August 2015, “Bookin’ with Sunny” published Ann Ronald’s review of Rebecca Mead’s “My Life in Middlemarch” (Broadway Books, January, 2014). I read Mead’s book sometime after that (after I had finally finished George Eliot’s “Middlemarch,” which was a Clayton Community Library Book Club pick). These comments are really meant for those readers who, like me, had put off reading Eliot and whose familiarity with her novels had been limited to BBC/PBS Masterpiece Theatre and their many efforts to bring Eliot’s work to life. At my age, I’m not sure how many re-reads I can expect to give “Middlemarch” and I was eager to learn what Rebecca Mead would share, not only about the novel, but the place and time in which it was written. Mead brings all her years as a writer, a critic and most importantly, a reader to “My Life in Middlemarch.” Because she has been re-reading “Middlemarch” since she was 17, her comments about what each reading meant to her as she matured rang bells for me. In our long-running book club, we periodically talk about how it is that we often read the same book so differently. Eliot may have
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sion focuses on “one room or piece of furniture – designed several different ways.” This idea of versatile design is very appealing to me, keeping things interesting and fresh by using what you have, for example, the Great Room. This room has a more casual, “kick your feet up on the ottoman or coffee table” feeling. But, this room can also be quite sophisticated, depending on the accessories you place on table tops and ambient lighting you create. A casual setting might be to incorporate big pillows on upholstered pieces, along with baskets of books and magazines
Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design based in Clayton. Contact her with questions, comments and suggestions at jenna@j-designs.com.
scorned those readers who look for or see themselves in the novels they read, but as Mead remarks: “Even so, all readers make books over in their own image, and according to their own experience. My ‘Middlemarch’ is not the same as anyone else’s ‘Middlemarch’; it is not even the same as my ‘Middlemarch’ of 25 years ago.” My review of Mead’s book is not the same
as Ann Ronald’s. For me, Mead’s “My Life,” with the groundwork admittedly arising from George Eliot’s “Middlemarch,” presents an opportunity to think about how and why we read fiction, any fiction. Mead found that the subjects of courtship, marriage, youthful aspirations, failing relationships, bad government, medical quackery and looming technology were all present in Eliot’s novel. She also found that those subjects were just as relevant to her in the 21st Century as they were to Eliot in the 19th, but her understanding and appreciation of those subjects were dependent on the life she was living or had recently experienced at the time of each reading. Mead’s book goes a long way, by retracing and bravely sharing her own English roots
and life experiences, in uncovering not only Eliot’s path to writing “Middlemarch,” but her own steps to reading it. Her book should give all readers, and especially those who belong to book clubs, great insight in understanding why we seem to find reading some books easier than others. It is not only what the author brings to her story, or the style of her writing (often a mirror of the period in which it was written), but equally important, what we as readers bring to the story. “My Life in Middlemarch” made me appreciate the almost collaborative relationship between author and reader. 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.’
The quantity of great films in 2015 may be lower than in previous years, but the quality of the ones at the top are, for the most part, well-represented in the Best Picture category. “Room” – Brie Larson plays Joy, a young mother raising her 5-year-old son Jack (a marvelous Jacob Tremblay) in a tiny garden shack. Kidnapped at 17, Joy has spent seven years as a prisoner. Joy pretends for Jack’s sake that there is no outside world. Jack believes everything on TV is make-believe: trees, cars, dogs and other people. It is only when Joy spies an opportunity to escape that she sees hope for Jack. Director Lenny Abrahamson handles the material with a gentle touch, creating one of the most beautiful, moving films in years. “Spotlight” – In 2001, the Spotlight division of the Boston Globe uncovered the massive sexual abuse scandal
involving the Catholic Church. Using every reporting trick in the book, the team carefully unravels something everyone wants to bury and no one wants to believe. Director Tom McCarthy shines his “Spotlight” on a true journalistic endeavor, harkening back to the grand exposé days of the newspaper industry. “The Big Short” – Adam McKay expertly explains the 2008 housing crisis while tiptoeing the line between tragedy and comedy. The film never makes light of those who suffered and never gets so dark as to be outright depressing. Steve Carell and Christian Bale are hedge fund managers who “short” the banks when they realize all the terrible housing mortgages will fail. “Brooklyn” – Saorsie Ronan delivers a career performance as Eilis, a recent Irish arrival in 1950s New York. After many painful
on the coffee table, and industrial, farmhouse lighting. For a more refined look, consider monochromatic pillows and one large piece of artwork behind the sofa, instead of a collage. You’ve invested in pieces, big and small, so why use what you have to make decorative statements as the seasons, and your mood, changes.
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sons? For fall and winter, bring out the warm-toned chenille pillow shams for your sofa pillows, your collection of iron candlesticks and mercury vases for your dining room table, and even the black silk lamp shade for your crystal lamp base in your living room. For spring and summer, bring out your cool and brightly colored decorative ceramic pieces, a rocking chair for your front porch, and strings of light for your backyard patio. Maybe the fireplace now holds an array of candles with a mirrored backdrop, as opposed to the black embers you were burning in December and January.
ACCESSORY MUSICAL CHAIRS You know the bookcase you have in your family room? Have you looked at it lately? Really looked at the contents? Even if you’ve dusted lately, you probably have no recollection of what is actually in the bookcase. Books? Framed photos? Maybe that cool bowl you purchased last year? If you can’t remember what’s on your bookcase, it’s time to take everything off the shelves, head to your closets and chest of drawers and pull out the things that have been in hiding. Display what’s been tucked away, and store the old…until again, you find yourself trying to SEASONAL SPARKLE remember what exactly is sitting It’s easy to decorate for the on your shelves. holidays, as most retailers display what’s coming up next on the MASQUERADE PARTY calendar, so why not apply this If you follow any sort of same principle to the four seadesign blog, a common discus-
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Top-notch performances highlight Oscar faves
JEFF MEllinGEr
SCREEN SHOTS
adjustments, she finds love and builds a life. When incidents across the ocean call her home, her past and her future collide, forcing her to choose. “Bridge of Spies” – Steven Spielberg directs Tom Hanks in a Cold War spy tale. Hanks defends a Soviet spy in court and subsequently travels to Germany to facilitate an exchange for an American pilot. Hanks is great as always and Spielberg deftly captures the atmosphere, right down to the sub-zero temperatures. “The Martian” – The best parts of Ridley Scott’s film take place on Mars. The cinematography and visual effects
See Movies, page 17
Fun fashion resolutions for 2016 February 12, 2016
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Now that the New Year is in full swing, do any of these resolutions sound familiar? Hit the gym a minimum of three times a week. Lose those 10 pounds gained during the holidays. Rid the pantry of sugary treats. Lock the liquor cabinet and hide the corkscrew. Get organized. Stop eating birthday cake when it’s no one’s birthday. How are you doing on those? Right. What about a few resolutions for your wardrobe instead? Here are my “goals” for the Spring season. (Yes, it’s the middle of winter and yet the Fashion Industry is always a step ahead.) I WILL NOT run out of the house looking sloppy. It really is just as easy to dress comfortably and casually in the
same amount of time it takes to throw on sweatpants and a sweatshirt. I WILL NOT waste precious closet real estate on things I do not wear. I WILL consign items or donate items in pristine condition to Dress for Success (www.dressforsuccess.org ), take perfectly wearable clothing to Wardrobe for O p p o r t u n i t y (www.wardrobe.org) and throw away anything that is beyond hope. I mean really, how many shirts do you need to clean out the garage? Of course it is important to keep one or two of those old, worn out shirts/sweats for those chores that involve dirty work, but seriously, how many do you need? I WILL NOT save items to wear only for the unknown special occasion that might come up. I WILL find a way to incorporate those items into my everyday dressing. Life is a special occasion. I WILL add color to my wardrobe. If you are stuck in a sea of black, navy, brown and neutrals, spring will be the perfect opportunity to add color to your basics. For the first time ever, the Pantone color of the year is actually two colors – Rose Quartz and Serenity Blue. If you are afraid of bright colors, these easy-on-the-eye
are stunning and Matt Damon is at the top of his game as an astronaut in need of saving. The scenes back at NASA, however, are mostly dreary and uneven. “Mad Max: Fury Road” – George Miller revives his franchise with a wall-to-wall action extravaganza that never
with all natural lighting, the story is too thin to stretch out over its 156-minute run time. lets up. The story and charac- The ending is predictable and ters are more or less one- the journey to get there is a dimensional but the set pieces painful effort. are phenomenal. JEFF’S PERSONAL “The Revenant” – As TOP 10 OF 2015: trapper Hugh Glass, Leonardo 1. “Inside Out” DiCaprio grunts and grimaces 2. “Room” his way to vengeance against 3. “Spotlight” Fitzgerald (an intense Tom 4. “The Big Short” Hardy). While beautifully shot
SuSan SaPPinGTOn
CLOTHES UP
Movies, from page 16
Page 17
shades of pink and blue will provide a gateway to color. I WILL admit that I will never again see the size I wore in college. I WILL purge my closet of all things that do not fit, have never fit, and are never going to fit, no matter how much I wish they would. I’m
look. Come to the Clayton show to check out this trench. It is stunning. I WILL invest in a great jacket. Buy a “chameleon” that can be changed up to look polished and sophisticated or fun, flirty and casual. I try to add at least one lux piece every season. Pair it with a dress, a beautiful skirt or your favorite teeshirt and jeans. I WILL need a go-to comfortable, casual outfit to run around town. That’s important, now that I’ve thrown away all those nasty, old sweats. That’s my game plan for spring 2016. I have no doubt I can keep my New Year’s Resolutions when it comes to adding dazzling spring pieces to my closet. Time will only tell if I can keep the more difficult resolutions of eating right and losing weight. But, how about getting together with my girlfriends and drink more Prosecco? I do believe I can accomcelebrate Spring with plish that. flowers and color Please contact me to learn more about the upcoming going to dress and embrace the ETCETERA Shows in Clayperson I am today. ton. The Spring and Summer I WILL embrace Spring Collections are amazing. 2016. Susan Sappington is the Area I WILL add a beautiful trench coat. Etcetera’s Flower- Development Manager and Wardrobe play in water resistant stretch- Consultant for ETCETERA Clothcotton is the ideal cool and ing of New York. Send comments to classic finishing touch to any susan@etcstyles.com.
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5. “The Hateful Eight” 6. “Creed” 7. “Brooklyn” 8. “Black Mass” 9. “Sicario” 10. “The Gift”
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.
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Ground hog day, another way to look at it Page 18
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Have you ever looked at a word for such a long time that you never see its actual construction? That’s the case this month. Due to the Puxatawny Phil tradition, I’ve only known groundhogs as snow-averse rodents. This year, however, it occurred to me for the first time that the term is made up of two words that I love from a culinary perspective: ground and hog. Minced, chopped and ground pork is delicious in so many dishes. The pig dates back some 40 million years to wild pig-like animals that roamed the forests and swamps of Europe and Asia.
nicOlE HackETT
GARDEN GIRL
It’s almost time to prune your rosebushes, groundcovers and trees. I set out to prune the roses at the nursery now through Valentine’s Day. Some folks’ weekly maintenance workers have already pruned down the roses; if that’s the case, check on the job they did and fine-tune if needed. Rose pruning is easy. An annually pruned rose should take five minutes to prune. Each year, as I approach a rose to prune, I always look right to the bottom of the plant. I don’t worry about all the buds, blooms or leaves still left on the bush, I look towards the bottom and begin there. A well-pruned hybrid tea, grandiflora or flori-
Pigs aren’t native to the Americas — they arrived with the European explorers of the 15th through 17th centuries. Europeans weren’t very good about husbanding their pig herds and many escaped into the wild to become feral razorbacks. Roaming herds of pigs ravaged grain fields and on Manhattan Island, a long wall was constructed along one edge of the colony linDa WYnEr to control them… an area now FOOD FOR THOUGHT known as Wall Street. Pork sustained most 17th About 7,000 years ago, pigs were through early 20th century farmdomesticated in Asia and the ers by supplying salt pork and practice spread to Europe some bacon plus “barreled” pork and 3,500 years later. ham. Commercial production
for city-folk was centered in slaughterhouses in Cincinnati, an area that soon became known as “Porkopolis.” I like to transform ground pork into sausages, both bulk and in casings. I make breakfast sausage, Italian sausage and incorporate it plain into several Asian dishes. Here are two recipes, one that will make a great appetizer for the Super Bowl and other with a nod to the upcoming Lunar New Year. HOMEMADE ITALIAN SAUSAGE 1 lb. ground pork 3 garlic cloves, minced and
Cut the roses this Valentine’s Day bunda rose should have three to five nice, straight, clean canes without any leaves once you’ve finished. The object of pruning is to remove most of the past year’s growth, all the crossing canes, and lateral branches. Remove all gray canes. You may have to use a cordless saw to get through thick wood. Don’t worry how thick the canes are — you won’t hurt the rose at all. Make all your cuts at a slight angle, right before a swelling of growth. If you look closely at a rose cane before you make the cut, you’ll see a seam with a swell. This is where the rose wants to grow from. I don’t tell people how many inches of cane to leave. It really depends on the amount of room you have for you rose to grow. If you have limited space, then cut further, if you like your roses tall then don’t cut down as far. Rose trees should be pruned the same way as the floribunda, hybrid tea or grandiflora. Remove old canes, crossing
cut too high
cut too low
correct cut
Photo:
Gail Trimble
branches and lateral branches. With rose trees, leave more canes on the plant so they’ll look fuller. Groundcover roses don’t get the same amount of attention. I reshape the groundcover roses, bringing them down and in. If the groundcover roses that I am pruning have grown crazy, it’ll be severely pruned. A newer installation, the pruning will be lighter. Fertilizing roses is very important. We have been sharing this recipe for more than a decade. This recipe is for established ground grown hybrid tea, grandiflora, floribunda or tree
shaped roses. Each rose is to receive: ½ cup 16-16-16 Fertilizer ½ cup Bone Meal ½ cup Granular Iron ½ cup Alfalfa Meal 2 Tbsp. Epson Salt Work into soil along drip line and top-dress with an inch of chicken manure and water. This year, add a layer of gypsum to the topdressing. This may sound like a lot of products, but imagine how deep the roots of your rose are. Don’t premix a batch of products. There is a reason for each ingredient and the quantity. The 16-
Nancy E. Bennett A little about the HomeExpo…
HomeExpo showcases excellent East Bay professionals that help homeowners upgrade their homes; contractors, plumbers, landscapers, electricians, roofers, flooring, painters, and many others. What projects are you thinking about? Drought resistant lawn? Energy efficient windows? Adding granite? Painting? Updating the bathroom or kitchen? Solar?
WHEN: Sat., March 19, from 9 AM to 1 PM.
WHERE: Oakbrook Court, Concord, Behind
The Crossings Community Clubhouse — in a 100 foot tent.
WHY You Should Attend the Expo: □ □ □
It’s an established event in its 5th year- mix and mingle with your neighbors and vendors FREE Admission
Meet skilled home improvement tradesmen (and women) ready to answer your questions Nancy and Greg will be hosting seminars on how to prep your home for a profitable future sale
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
GINGERED PORK LETTUCE WRAPS Quick Pickled Veggies (mix the following and set aside) ½ cup white vinegar ¼ cup sugar 1/8 tsp. salt 2 carrots, julienned ½ medium onion, shaved ½ Daikon radish or red radishes, minced Filling (sauté the pork with following ingredients until no pink remains): 1 lb. ground pork 1 Tbsp. minced ginger 1 garlic clove, minced 2 Tbsp. soy sauce 1 Tbsp. mirin 1 tsp. fish sauce ¼ tsp. white pepper Take a Bibb lettuce leaf and spoon on some of the pork filling and top with some of the pickled vegetables and garnish with chopped green onions, jalapeño pepper, red bell pepper, and/or peanuts and drizzle on some hoisin sauce. Linda Wyner owns Pans on Fire, a gourmet cookware store and cooking school in Pleasanton. Send suggestions or questions to lwyner@pansonfire.com
Nancy sells more than 8 times as many homes as the average realtor, call today to learn how.
Save the Date – March 19, 2016
Why Attend?
16-16 is a multi-purpose fertilizer. The Bone Meal is a source of phosphorus, and will encourage bloom. Granular Iron is applied to keep your rose leaves green and free of chlorosis. Alfalfa Meal will stimulate new cane growth. Epson salts are used to intensify flower color. Container roses get half a dose of each product. Groundcover roses are only given the multi-purpose fertilizer and iron. Apply this Rose Recipe now and again in July. Those that rely on drip-system watering will have to hand-water twice a week after their July application of the rose recipe in to the ground. Do not use systemic rose 3-1 fertilizers. Aphids are a part of spring, and if you have aphids your garden will attract the beneficial insects to eat them up. No aphids, no beneficial insects.
¼ cup panko and an egg. Form into 2-inch meatballs and slightly flatten. Sauté in a skillet for 2 minutes per side, then add one jar of your favorite marinara sauce, cover and simmer for 15 minutes until meatballs are cooked through. Serve on small rolls — Kings Hawaiian rolls work well.
4418 Sugar Maple Ct., Concord
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crushed into a paste ½ tsp. paprika ½ tsp. fennel seeds ½ tsp. dried crushed oregano 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. black pepper ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper, or to taste 1 Tbsp. freshly minced Italian parsley 1 Tbsp. dry red wine Combine all ingredients well without overworking the meat into a paste. Refrigerate the sausage 30 minutes to overnight, then use as desired. For Italian sausage sliders, combine the sausage with
February 12, 2016
1902 Queens Road, Concord
Single Story Charmer 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, 1,150 sf on a .16 acre lot. New paint and carpet throughout. Kitchen features stainless steel appliances and plenty of storage. Living room features wood-burning fireplace, large picture window, and slider to the backyard. Large backyard is perfect for gardening and outdoor entertaining! Bathrooms have newer features and new vinyl flooring. Plenty of storage with hall and linen closets. Convenient to downtown as well as easy freeway access. OFFERED AT $418,000
Coming Soon!
175 Miramonte Drive —Moraga 3 beds, 2 baths Townhouse with over 1,500 sq ft. Original condition, awesome location.
Lafayette home fully updated, large wooded lot, great deck for entertaining and fantastic views of valley Pleasant Hill townhouse —3 beds, 2 baths, more than 1,500 sq ft —excellent location near downtown.
Updated and Spacious Crossings Home Two-story contemporary home boasts natural light, newer red oak hardwood floors. 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths with 1,991 sq ft of living space on a .12 acre lot. Sliding door opens to backyard with slate hardscaping, HOA dues of $95 per month includes 3 pools, 8 tennis courts, private dog park, clubhouse, greenbelt and optional pre-school. OFFERED AT $700,000
5251 Clearbrook Dr., Concord
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Mediterranean Tri-Level Nicely updated and rs move-in ready. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths in 1,676 sf, with a beautiful backyard and pool. Plantation shutters, dual pane windows, and vaulted ceilings with floor to ceiling windows. Vaulted ceilings with floor to ceiling windows. Kitchen has large granite island. Beautiful backyard is an oasis with a pool. Schools: Ayers Elementary; Pine Hollow Middle School. HOA Fees $283/mo. OFFERED AT $565,000
Martinez —4 beds, 2 baths, 4 car garage. $500k
Clayton home —upper Clayton —3 beds, 2.5 baths, over 2,300 sq ft —way updated.
Concord —Crossings home that needs your cosmetic updates. $625k. DIY project? Concord —Crossings home 4 beds, 2.5 baths about 2,000 sq ft. Rehab in progress.
We helped over 90 families buy and sell homes again in 2015. How can we help you and your family today?
Nancy E. Bennett, The Bennett Team #1 Realtor in Concord #1 Team, Keller Williams East Bay Agent Leadership Council, Mentor, Faculty Member and Community Sponsor CalBRE #01399870
Nancy@BennettBetter.com
925.606.8400
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