www.claytonpioneer.com
IT’S YOUR PAPER July 8, 2016
925.672.0500
No longer a teen prodigy, veteran diver Kristian Ipsen heads to Rio JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
HowArD Geller
MAYOR’S CORNER
Mayor on the lookout for local centenarians
Clayton’s Centenarian Club: As mayor, one of my missions is to meet and greet as many people as possible. When I moved to Clayton in 1974, it had a population of about 2,800. Today’s population is 11,288. Though Clayton is still considered a small city, the diversity of our residents is vast. We have become a hamlet to many who found our paradise. The other day as I walked by the Grove Park with one of my new bandleaders, I noticed a woman taking care of an elderly senior. Engaging them in conversation enlightened me that Donna Ipsen Jonas Clayton is the home of Wilbur KRISTIAN IPSEN CLAIMED THE TOP SPOT at the U.S. olympic Diving Trials late last month in three-meter springDaily, who just celebrated his 103rd birthday. Wilbur was alert board. A bronze medalist from the london Games, the Clayton diver won by a large margin over runner-up Michael Hixon. They’ll both compete in rio de Janeiro in the 3M.
See Mayor, page 11
He’s not a Stanford freshman just a year out of De La Salle High like he was in 2012 when as a 19-year-old he went to the London Olympics. Clayton’s globetrotting Kristian Ipsen is now one of the veterans on the United States Olympic diving team prepping for the Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro starting in less than a month. Ipsen won a bronze medal in the three-meter synchronized event four years ago with partner Troy Dumais who was taking part in his fourth Olympics. Ipsen and Dumais lost out on a chance to compete again when they finished second at the recent Olympic Trials in Indianapolis. Showing the maturity and experience he’s gained over the past quadrennial Ipsen, now 23, was able to put aside that disappointment and resultant pressure to have two excellent days and win the Olympic Trials 3M
See Ipsen, page 11
Rockin’ new Roundup raises $80,000 for Relay TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
Old idea with a new spin, some good BBQ and a rockin’ country band made for a great party last month when more than 500 reached into their closets and dusted off their cowboy boots for the Roundup for Relay, a catered BBQ on July 11 at the Easley Ranch on Marsh Creek Rd. Ticket sales, a silent auction and several very generous donors raised over $80,000 for cancer research. Each year, cancer survivors, caregivers and those committed to finding a cure, walk in the worldwide American Cancer Society Relay for Life weekends. Clayton’s first Relay for Life was in 2011 and has become one of the most successful in the state. The seeds for this year’s Roundup for Relay fundraiser were planted in 2013 when friends and supporters of Christy Harris formed Team Christy, a Clayton mother of three who was in advanced stages of bone cancer. That year, more than 100 walked with Christy and her husband
What’s Inside
Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Community Calendar . . . . .13 Directory of Advertisers . . . .7 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Police Report . . . . . . . . . . .14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Joel in the Clayton Relay, raising more than $33,000. Walking on that team was another mother and popular Clayton woman, Anu Ray who was to lose her own battle with cancer the following year. Her friends, family and supporters, buoyed by the successful efforts of Team Christie, formed a new team for their friend. Team Anu included Clayton’s Debra Gonsalves of the Conco Cement family, who was deeply grieving both her good friend Anu Ray and her father who died the same month. “It’s so hard for family and friends to see a loved one suffer and lose the battle they were fighting,” Gonsalves said. “Since then, I made a promise to try and help find a cure for all cancers.” Gonsalves was at a place in her life when she had some extra time on her hands. She started writing letters, sending emails and making phone calls. That year, Team Anu
raised more than $15,000. “From there, it snowballed,” said Pat Middendorf, one of the driving forces in the fundraising effort and also a close friend of Anu Ray. In 2015, more supporters joined Team Anu and the Relay team raised more than $40,000. The ACS recognized the Clayton Relay as one of the major fundraisers in the state that year. They were on a roll. They wanted to go bigger. Recalling the old CBCA Roundup that was held at the Easley Ranch several years ago, they began plans to resurrect the event. They approached Robert Easley with the idea and he was on board. Local movers and shakers jumped in, friends and other supporters joined the effort. Other Relay teams merged with Team Anu and no one said it was a bad idea, too big or too weird. “We love it when our volunteers think outside the box,” said Grace Chang, community coordinator for the ACS Relay for Life program.
ROUNDUP FOR RELAY LEADERS JIM AND PAT MIDDENDORF (left) and major donors Steve and Debra Gonsalves worked with a “whole village” of volunteer efforts that put the Clayton event among the most successful American Cancer Society fundraisers in the state.
“It’s pretty typical for Relays to have extra fundraising events,” she said “But not on the scale of these guys. This was extraordinary.” “I couldn’t believe the
incredible response from also donated all the catering everyone,” said Gonsalves, and food. who called in a few favors, The men from DVR, the netting sizeable donations from the Seeno family and See Relay, page 11 Ken Hoffman. The Gonsalves
Geysers and buzzers signal summer in The Grove TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
Postal Customer ECRWSS
7-YEAR-OLD MICHAEL M. FROM PLEASANT HILL tests the speed and height of the spray jets in The Grove’s new water feature. They pass, he said.
A new exciting water feature and an almost inaudible “mosquito” are causing quite a buzz around the Grove these days. Last summer, the children’s water feature in the Grove was literally a dry hole, no matter how hot it got. Rationing during the drought left no water for fun things like the water feature, the dog watering spigot and the city’s fountain.
But with the relaxed restrictions recently announced by Contra Costa Water District and new, more efficient equipment, the minigeysers are spouting higher than ever. The new feature is both more fun and more efficient, says city manager Gary Napper. The new splasher replaces the feature installed when the park was built more than 10 years ago. To meet current health regulations, the old feature would have required treatment equipment that
“would have been larger than the picnic shade structure,” Napper says. Cost of the upgraded splash features, a programmable controller and new resilient pad was about $55,000. The water feature runs every day 8 a.m.-9 p.m. except on concert days, when the water is shut off at 5 p.m. Across the lawn, a highfrequency transmitter emits a buzzing sound audible mainly
See Grove, page 11
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA 94517 PERMIT 190
Around Town
Page 2
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 8, 2016
City Council doubles down on Do the Right Thing
Students from three different local schools were honored by the mayor and the city council for their high standards of integrity and for showing great courage in decision making. The students were all nominated for the recognition by their teachers. The awards are part of the Do the Right Thing community initiation launched in 2011. The program focuses on six different character traits, rotating them throughout the year. These students were honored for Integrity and Courage. In August and September, the spotlighted trait is Responsibility, followed by Respect, Kindness and Self-Discipline. DTRT is supported by the schools and the Clayton Police Department and local
officials. Ron Musch, repre- meeting to congratulate the encouragement of the consenting Assemblywoman students and to recognize the tinuing program. Susan Bonilla was at the City of Clayton for its
HONORED FOR THEIR INTEGRITY: Back row: Jesse reyes and John Parker from DVMS, Hosna oeyany from CVCHS. Front row: Jake Berger and Katerina Pavlovich, both from MDeS.
Helping friends, neighbors and newcomers buy and sell since 1979
Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.
Better Homes BRE#00933393
George Vujnovich, Broker, Clayton Resident
(925) 672-4433 cell: (925) 348-5700 georgevujnovich@sbcglobal.net
www.georgevujnovich.com
Cal BRE #00933393
Broker-Associate
Lifelong Clayton/Concord Resident
(925) 567-6170 jenstojanovich@yahoo.com
www.jenniferstojanovich.com
Diane and Bill Hayes
Self-portraits created by veterans who took a painting workshop last fall hang on the walls throughout the Clayton Library. Some will make you smile, others will bring tears. A California Arts Council grant made possible the ABOUTFACE art class which was free to veterans who explored their experiences in the transition from military to civilian life through creating the self-portraits. The exhibit will be at the Clayton Community Library through July 2016.
407 Wawona Ln. – Clayton
Rarely Available Single Story in Eagle Peak at Oakhurst Country Club! 3 bedrooms plus a den, 2 baths, approx. 2505sf & 3 car garage! Open & inviting floor plan. Large low maintenance lot! $859,000
Spectacular "Serenade model" in Falcon Ridge at Oakhurst Country Club 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, plus den and bonus room approx. 2843sf with an attached 3 car garage. Gourmet kitchen opens to family room with upgraded river rock faced fireplace. Huge lot offers trellis covered patio and built in BBQ. $899,000
Fantastic location nestled at the rear of desirable Lime Ridge backing to open space in a natural setting with drought resistant landscape! 4 bedrooms + a den, 2.5 baths, approx. 2391 sf! Huge private lot features multiple deck areas for entertaining and enjoying nature. $699,000
Chaparral Springs at Oakhurst Country Club! Popular “Manzanita” model featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 1355sf with inside laundry & 2 car garage! Walk to downtown! $519,000
(925) 890-4701 Dianemariehayes25@yahoo.com
homesbydianehayes.com ADDRESS
PRICE
SF
1027 Pebble Beach Dr. . . . . $1,125,000 . . .3307 327 Saclan Terrace . . . . . . . $575,000 . . . . .1749 3407 Coyote Cir . . . . . . . . . . $590,000 . . . . .1595 354 Blue Oak Lane . . . . . . . $1,025,000 . . .3373 5611 Shasta Court . . . . . . . . $611,000 . . . . .1496 1411 Indianhead Circle . . . . $560,000 . . . . .1709 336 Mt. Washington Way . . . $749,000 . . . . .1740
W.A. HOWARD FEELS LIKE A NUMBER US NAVY 1961-1966
5799 Pepperridge Wy. – Concord
Spectacular Custom Home tucked away in an irreplaceable setting backing to open space @ the top of Davis Ridge! 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, approx. 3305sf & 3 car garage! Private Oasis lot
is approx. .56 acres!
COMING SOON
8 Malibu Court – Clayton
8015 Kelok Way – Clayton
Clayton Residents
provided by Better Homes Realty
citations, emergency scene management, and knowledge of various codes including the Vehicle Code, Penal Code, and Health and Safety Code.
CHRISTINA SIMONOF ACRYLIC SELF-PORTRAIT US AIR FORCE 2000-2006
1197 Shell Lane – Clayton
Realtor-Associate
Clayton Market Update
SEAN LAYTON
Sharp Updated Single Story on a Court! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 2010sf & inside laundry. Granite kitchen, engineered hardwood floors, crown moulding, deco paint & new carpet are just some of the many upgrades! Private low maintenance lot features “Heavenly Greens” lawn & Mt. Diablo views! $759,000
3610 Brown Road – Oakley
Build Your Dream Home! on this level one acre lot in a desirable area of custom homes with views of Mt. Diablo!
1157 Fair Weather Cir. – Concord
Jennifer Stojanovich
Cal BRE #01222762
Sean T. Layton of Clayton, recently completed the 27week cadet-training course at the California Highway Patrol Academy. He is assigned to duty at the CHP’s Oakland Area office. Officer Layton is a 2010 graduate of De La Salle High School. He holds a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from Arizona State University. Cadet training included vehicle patrol, accident investigation, first aid, and captureand-arrest of suspected violators, including those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Training at the CHP Academy also covered traffic control, report writing, recovery of stolen vehicles, assisting the motoring public, issuing
Veterans’ self portraits on exhibit at Clayton Library
STUDENTS RECOGNIZED FOR COURAGE: Back row: Alison ewing and Gunner oakley both from DVMS, Destiny rinehart from CVCHS; Front row: Sofia Carmichael, leilani Barnes and elaura wakefield all MDeS students.
Cal BRE #01446062
De La Salle grad joins California Highway Patrol
BED/BATH SALE DATE ADDRESS
. . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . .6/24/16 . . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . .6/23/16 . . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . .6/17/16 . . . . . .5/3.5 . . . . .6/16/16 . . . . . .3/3 . . . . . . .6/15/16 . . . . . .3/3 . . . . . . .6/14/16 . . . . . .4/2 . . . . . . .6/14/16
$200,000
1189 Shell Lane – Clayton
G P E ND IN
Chaparral Springs at Oakhurst Country Club!
$554,900
5536 Pennsylvania Blvd. – Concord
P E ND I NG
Amazing Clayton Valley Highlands Remodel!
$549,000
121 Mt. Shasta Ct. – Clayton
S OL D
PRICE
1052 Feather Circle . . . . . . . $580,000 5850 Pine Hollow Rd . . . . . . $649,000 121 Mt. Shasta Court . . . . . . $815,000 1288 Shell Circle . . . . . . . . . $549,000 118 Crow Place . . . . . . . . . . $823,200 809 Chert Place . . . . . . . . . . $450,000 560 Mt. Olivet Pl. . . . . . . . . . $815,000
Dana Hills Rancher!
SF
. . . . .1338 . . . . .1494 . . . . .2619 . . . . .1367 . . . . .2313 . . . . .1235 . . . . .2960
$815,000
BED/BATH SALE DATE
. . . . . .2/2 . . . . . . . .6/616 . . . . . .3/2 . . . . . . . .6/6/16 . . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . .6/3/16 . . . . . .3/2.5 . . . . . .6/2/16 . . . . . .4/2.5 . . . . . .6/1/16 . . . . . .2/2 . . . . . . . .6/1/16 . . . . . .5/3 . . . . . . .5/27/16
July 8, 2016
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 3
Dana Hills homes Brandon Roberts graduates threatened by fire Around Town
s t r e c Con
from West Point
BRANDON ROBERTS
Residents in Dana Hills that border Mt. Diablo State Park got a heart-pounding dose of adrenalin last month when a fast moving grass fire, whipped up by 2530 mph winds, charred 50 acres in Mt. Diablo State Park on Monday, June 13. The fire started in a pond near the Mitchell Canyon staging area and quickly spread. The flames came perilously close to dozens of homes in Dana Hills, but was stopped short by a 30foot fire break plowed just days before. A number of houses on Mt. Olivet Pl. and at the end of Mountaire Parkway might have been engulfed when winds kicked up an advanced burn area behind their homes had the fresh new fire break not been in place. According to Robert Marshall, public information officer for the Contra Costa Fire ProJONATHAN SULLIVAN tection District, the first alarm and served in numerous leader- came in at 11:04 a.m. The first ship positions, including senior engines from Clayton’s Station patrol leader. Jonathan will be 11 and Concord’s Station 22 were dispatched two minutes attending UCSB in the fall. later.
le
Sa
g
din
n Pe
le
$469,000
Heathstone – Don't miss this rare opportunity to own an amazing 4 bedroom, 2 bath Eichler home with good bones. Go with an open mind to see this contractor special with tons of potential. Nice neighborhood near schools, shopping and public transportation. Approx 1,795 square feet with a 2 car garage and fenced backyard..
1634 Shiraz Ct, Brentwood
$1,198,000
Trilogy at the Vineyards – 2,751 sq ft, Rafael model with upgrades galore. 2 bedrooms + office & 2.5 baths. 18 foot ceilings, plantation shutters, dark hardwood flooring and central vac. Nearly 1/3 acre property with outdoor kitchen, covered patio and 2.5 car garage on a cul-de-sac. Absolutely stunning!
KellyMcDougall.com Cal BRE#01156462
369 Mt. Washington Wy,
Clayton $949,980
Dana Hills — Expanded, stunning remodel with Mt Diablo views. 4 bedrooms including 2 master suites, one on the first floor, and 3.5 bathrooms. Custom kitchen, huge loft, massive laundry room on .23 acre lot. Decorator touches throughout with no detail spared. Heather Gray (925) 765-3822 RealEstatebyHeather.com Cal BRE#01329100
Lynne & Sylvia offer free staging on ALL LISTINGS
Retromaniax
July 9
8-piece, high-energy dance band. Performing hits from the 60s
July 16
The Houserockers
10-piece dance band plays Rock, Swing, Blues, 60s Soul & R & B.
July 23
Energetic music for the masses with a song list spanning 7 decades
July 30
Cut Loose
Musicians, vocals and a tight rhythm section play Rock, Blues & Soul.
Aug. 13
Clayton favorite returns playing the greatest hits of our time.
Aug. 27
Hot Rods Band
50s/60s tribute to cruisin' cars, sockhops, beach parties and Rock-n-Roll.
Sept. 10
Back by popular demand, a 10-piece Soul, Funk & R & B dance band
Larry Lynch & the Mob
Diamond Dave
East Bay Mudd
2016 Wednesday Night Classic Car and Concert in the Grove Schedule
Car Show 6-8 p.m; Concerts 7-8:30 p.m.
Mixed Nuts –hits from 40s to present July 20 Tone Pony –Rockin’ Country Aug. 3 PhD’s Band –Latin Rock and Funk July 6
Aug. 17 Aug. 31
Car Show, only Car Show, only
For information go to www.cityofclayton.org
g
din
n Pe
2160 Blue Rock Cir., Concord
le
Walnut Creek $2,299,000
At the Gazebo in The Grove
Set up chairs and blankets on the lawn after 4 p.m.
$729,000
Canyon Creek – Light & Bright 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home that backs to open space. Soaring ceilings, dual pane windows, and 2-zoned heat/air. Gourmet kitchen with granite counters and island, inside laundry room & family room w/wet bar and fireplace. Gorgeous, private backyard with patio & gazebo.
Sa
Linda Vista — Gated estate in the hills above Walnut Creek. 6 bedrooms, 4 full & 2 half baths plus an au pair unit. Exquisite attention to details and quality. Over a half acre, beautifully landscaped lot including an elegant patio for entertaining, and an oversized 3 car garage. Kelly McDougall (925) 787-0448
6 to 8:30 p.m.
The fire started at the pond in the Mitchell Canyon area of the park and quickly spread across bone-dry grass. Heavy gusts carried embers in all directions, sparking additional fires, said Marshall. Response was fast and furious, said Marshall, with 10 engines, bulldozers and aircraft coming from both CCCFPD and CalFire. Neighbors in Dana Hills bordering one of the fire outbreaks behind Mt. Olivet Pl. and Mt. Everest Ct. were quickly on the fire line with shovels and hoses, battling thick smoke and threatening flames. A Mt. Everest Ct. resident who had moved into their home the day before was shocked with flames scorching their back fence. A neighbor came over to help quell the threat. The fire was fully contained in less than an hour. Mop up crews were on the scene all day. Cause of the fire is still under investigation, says CalFire spokesman. “We have not ruled out a human cause.”
Sa
4136 Phoenix St, Concord
26 Cuesta Way,
Saturdays
Cadet Brandon Wayne Roberts, son of Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Roberts of Clayton, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy on May 21. He is a 2012 graduate of De La Salle High School While at West Point, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army within the Transportation Corps branch and will report CCCFPD AND CALFIRE CREWS TAKE QUICK ACTION to stop a to Fort Lewis, Wash., for his wind-whipped grass fire in the open space behind Dana first assignment. Hills on June 13.
Jonathan Sullivan earns Eagle Scout rank
Jonathan Sullivan of Boy Scout Troop 484 has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Jonathan, a 2016 graduate of De La Salle High School, has been involved in scouting since first grade, starting with Cub Scout Pack 262. For years, he participated in the annual Christmas tree pickup in Clayton and enjoyed getting lost in piles of trees in the back of a truck. For his Eagle Scout community service project, Jonathan constructed stone walls and benches for Eagle Peak Montessori School in Walnut Creek. During his Scouting career, Jonathan attended the Philmont Ranch for Scouts in New Mexico, camped for 65 nights, hiked over 238 miles
G e rove h T n i
1007 Panadero Wy, Clayton
$629,000
207 Bigelow St, Clayton
$829,000
Pine Hollow Gardens – Lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with refinished hardwood floors. Living room with cathedral ceiling and fireplace. Over quarter acre lot with Mt Diablo views. Great location, walk to downtown. Hurry, this one won’t last!
g
din
n Pe
1743 Indian Wells Wy, Clayton
$599,000
Black Diamond — Beautifully updated duet with large backyard including deck and mature trees. Light and bright with newer carpet and soaring ceilings. You can walk downtown from this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home in a desirable neighborhood with community pool Michelle Gittleman, (925) 768-0352 MichelleGittleman.com Cal BRE# 01745325
Regency Woods — Popular 4 bedroom + den floor plan on over a quarter acre lot. Updated kitchen, beautiful, distressed wood flooring, new carpet & fresh paint. Large entertainers yard with partial views of mountains, spa, outdoor bbq & huge deck. 3 large, custom storage sheds and RV/boat parking. Michelle Gittleman, (925) 768-0352 MichelleGittleman.com Cal BRE# 01745325
Assisting More Buyers & Sellers than Anyone Else* *Statistics based on Clayton/Concord and Contra Costa County Closed sales by volume (1/2014-12/31/2014). Data by Maxebrdi
"Like" us on
- Windermere Clayton!
Page 4
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Tech camp makes science a priority for female students
Main Street Downtown Clayton
PAMELA WIESENDANGER Clayton Pioneer
BBQ Ribs & Chicken • Beer • Margaritas
Bands, Kiddieland, Local Vendors & a KKDV Live Broadcast
Sat. Aug. 6
Free Admission • Family Fun
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Pro Pitmasters and Backyard Chefs • Cash Prizes and Trophies Awarded to winning entrants • A Nationally Sanctioned Kansas City Barbecue Society Competitor Series event
To enter or for more information, go to
www.claytoncbca.org
www.LeighKlockHomes.com
925.212.5593
COMING SOON
SOLD
Keller Ridge Beauty 4 bedroom 2.5 baths. Gourmet kitchen with granite counters. Court location with pool and spa. Adjacent to open space. Offered at $849,000
This beautifully updated Dana Hills home with ideal end of court location boasts a desirable floor plan with 5 bedrooms and 3 baths, including one full bath and bedroom on first level. This home also offers a fabulous oversized lot with Mt. Diablo views, detached office/bonus room, and 3 car garage.
SOLD
Call for details.
Custom Alamo home with Craftsman style detailing, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2,481 sq ft of living space, hardwood floors throughout and gourmet kitchen. Offered at $975,000
Leigh Klock, Realtor CalBRE# 01874255
July 8, 2016
Senior Real Estate Specialist Accredited Staging Professional
Leigh@LeighKlock.com
When you’re thinking of selling.
Get extensive online exposure to sell for
TOP Dollar.
• Professional Property Photography. • Single Property Web & Mobile Sites. • Enhanced Listing Syndication. • Virtual Tour & YouTube Syndication. • Enhanced Analytics. I will even market your home in 3D.
Interview me. It only takes about an hour.
No hassle. No obligations.
Hollie Guillory Broker Associate
925.382.8729 License #01326295
Homesbyhollie.com 1646 N. California Blvd.,STE. 101 Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Three Diablo View Middle School students got hands on with science and math during the Tech Trek camp at Sonoma State June 19-25. The Clayton branch of the American Association of University Women, with the help of a grant from the Clayton Business and Community Association, awarded the camp scholarships to Megan Gherlone, Emily Giadone and Parmis Farzanegan. “I so want to be an environmental biologist,” Megan says, noting that the camp helped focuse her interest in science. “I picture myself restoring natural habitats.” Emily wanted to learn how to use her math skills to help create better buildings and see how genetics affect the human race. “I found out I was more interested in the medical field,” Emily says. This was partly due to a suture simulation on a stuffed animal at a camp veterinary class and partly due to having no bones about dissecting a real frog or cow’s eye. Parmis says it was her first time going to a camp. “Everything I did there was a fantastic experience,” she says. She felt better about her science skills than she expected. “I think I’ll study science classes in school,” she reports. “My education would be about being a pharmacist.” Tech Trek is a national program originated by AAUW California to
EMILY GIADONE, MEGAN GHERLONE AND PARMIS FARZANEGAN attended this year’s Tech Trek math and science camp at Sonoma State.
continue girls’ interest in science, technology, engineering and math fields after seventh grade. According to the AAUW, these fields are under-represented by women. The girls live in the dorms at camp to enhance the experience. Megan says she loved staying on campus, having a roommate and walking from class to class. The girls made new friends throughout the Bay Area that are just a text message away. The days were structured to attend classes in a core category of math or science in the morning, discuss various topics in the afternoon such as how to clean an oil spill or how to prepare for college and go on a field trip to a water treatment plant, for
example. Female professionals in math and science spoke in the evening, or students experienced more science opportunities. Viewing the planets through a telescope was a favorite activity. The Diablo View faculty nominated the girls for Tech Trek. “All three were chosen for work ethic in classrooms, exhibiting leadership qualities in the classroom such as participation, peer support and interest in math and science,” says seventh-grade science teacher Cynthia Brewington. An AAUW committee then interviewed and selected the nominees. For more information, go to claytonaauw.org or aauw-techtrek.org.
July 8, 2016
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 5
City finances pretty much all good news TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
The city’s finances are in excellent shape says Clayton’s Finance Manager Kevin Mizuno. Thanks to continued conservative spending, the city will go into the 2016-17 fiscal year with a healthy reserve and a $38,900 projected surplus in the General Fund. The city’s total budget for all funds is $13,997,205 which includes $4.3 million General Fund, $5.7 million to Other Funds (restricted funds, special revenue funds, enterprise and fiduciary funds), $3 million for Capital Improvements and $1.1 million in the Successor Agency (what’s left after the state killed off the Redevelopment Agencies). Rising property taxes and a tight grip on the checkbook allow the General Fund to go into the new fiscal year with 122 percent of the projected 2016-17 expenses. This gives the city a healthy reserve even after setting aside the “catastrophic, never-to-be-touched” $250,000. Capital projects for the coming year include required ADA improvements—adding new handicap ramps to sidewalks and improving existing ones, completing sewer improvements on El Molino Dr., and street rehab and paving. The city’s landscaping is safe for another 10 years. Voters approved Measure H in June which extended the Landscape Maintenance District tax of $234.84 until 2027. The measure needed a two-thirds vote. It passed with an overwhelming 79 percent.
Graphic courtesy of City of Clayton
Coldwell Banker San Francisco Bay Area Top 100 Agent & International President's Circle Award recipient Beautiful 4021 Siino Ave.
NE
Remodeled 585 Mt. Olivet Pl.
NE
W FRESH! Completely transformed. This stunning top of the line everything home features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 amazing baths, new new new luxe kitchen, beautiful hardwood flooring, elegant custom plaster hearth, full-size built-in wine refrigerator, huge lot & more! HURRY! Offered at $625,000
W PICTURE PERFECT! Elegant Dana Hills home features 4 bedrooms and 3 NEW remodeled baths! Impressive Master Suite, huge walk-in closet & views! One bed/bath downstairs tucked away for privacy. Large living room w/vaulted ceilings, large dining room and chef’s pantry! Serene location abuts open space. Landscaped large yards with patios, gardens, extra wide side yards, storage ++. Offered at $799,500 305 Mountaire Parkway
VIE
W
CST #2033054-40
S Dana Hills Single Level Beauty! 4 generous bedrooms 2 gorgeous baths w/ top of the line appointments on a level near .25 acre VIEW lot! Remodeled Tip to Toe w/ sleek home chef kitchen, new wide plank flooring and carpets, fresh paint, insulated tile roof, newer HVAC and more. Enjoy STRAIGHT AHEAD views of Mt. Diablo! www.305MountaireParkway.com Fantastic Price $895,000
Ph:
925.672.9840 travel-2-go.com
Clayton Station Shopping Center 5439, Clayton Road (Suite F) – Clayton Like us on
* Fares apply to minimum lead-in categories on a space-available basis at time of booking. Fares for other categories may vary. Fares are per guest, non-air, cruise- or cruisetour-only, based on double occupancy and apply to the first two guests in a stateroom. Offer is available to residents of the 50 United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Bermuda and the District of Columbia who are 21 years of age or older and receive this offer. Fares quoted in U.S. dollars. Offer has limited space regardless of cabin availability.
‡ All-Inclusive Beverage Package is applicable to guests 1 & 2 only who are 21 years of age or older and applies to guests booked in a balcony stateroom or above; value is $56.35 USD per guest, per day on all voyages except for voyages departing from and returning to Australia and New Zealand. Value is $59 AUD (Australian dollars) per guest, per day on those voyages; Unlimited Soda & More Package is valid only for guests 3 & 4 only in the same stateroom as guests 1 and 2. Offer is valid on voyages and cruise fares advertised in this promotion only, applies to guests booked in a balcony stateroom or above. Offer is not applicable during the land portion of Land & Sea Vacations. Packages may be used on a single voyage only, are not redeemable for cash at any point during the cruise and expire at the end of the voyage. Packages are assigned prior to sailing based on age of guest and will be applied to the cruise card pre-boarding in the form of a sticker. In the event that the guest 1 & 2 do not want the unlimited beverage package, alternative shipboard credit amounts have been designated. Mixing and matching the All Inclusive Beverage Package and shipboard credit is not allowed on the same booking and guests 1 & 2 must choose the same amenity. Alternate shipboard spending credit is not available to guests 3 & 4 for Unlimited Soda & More Package. Offer is not transferable, is not combinable with other select offers or other onboard credits, including, but not limited to Casino offers and Air discounts and does not follow guests who change promotions prior to cruising. All-Inclusive Beverage Package includes all individual beverages priced up to $10 with the exception of voyages in Aust/NZ ($14) and China ($7). Please see princess.com for full details regarding beverage packages.
† Specialty Dining voucher is applicable to voyages and cruise fares advertised in this promotion only, valid for guests one through four in a Mini-Suite or Suite Stateroom, and is not applicable during the land portion of Land & Sea Vacations. Voucher will be delivered to the stateroom upon embarkation. Princess Cruises reserves the right to pre-assign Specialty Dining times. Voucher may be used on a single voyage only, is not redeemable for cash and expires at the end of that voyage. Single stateroom guests will receive ONE specialty dining voucher. Offer is not transferable and may not be combinable with other select offers or other onboard credits. Specialty Dining offer expires July 5, 2016. Low deposit of $100 USD per guest made under Sip & Sail is refundable. Please refer to princess.com for terms, conditions and definitions that apply to all bookings Offer valid: June 21 – August 31, 2016. Reference promotion code: N6- Note: For assistance reserving a wheelchair-accessible stateroom, please contact customer service at 1-800-774-6237. © 2016, Princess Cruises, Ltd. Ships of Bermudan and British registry.
17 Capistrano Court
Pen d
1736 Via Del Verdes
Pen d
ing Regency’s Top Property Choice — 5 bedrooms / 2.5 baths, Stunning Gourmet kitchen with slab, stainless, & top drawer cabinetry! Master boasts light wonderful atrium addition! Hardwood floors, updated baths, ++ Perfect location adjacent to open space w/ pool, garden play area and more! Offered at $875,000
ing Spectacular Custom Estate Property! Nestled on a private beautifully landscaped lane, this gorgeous single-level 3,500 sf home with 5 bedrooms/3 baths also features an ADDITIONAL 2,300 sf pristine shop w/full bath, built-ins & more! Visit www.1736ViaDelVerdes.com for details. Offered at $1,399,000
STEPHANIE LOPEZ
ASP Stager@ / Relocation Specialist
925.305.9099
www.HousesbyStephanie.com Realtor®, BRE#01370548
Page 6
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
ABC grant helps police monitor events where alcohol is sold, served
Offering All-Season • • • •
Training & Riding Instruction
Summer Camp
property manager of the complex and the business owners, especially the Safeway staff, we were able provide a better environment for the patrons and employees while offering assistance to those individuals willing to accept the opportunity. Lastly, we are seeing a slight increase in traffic accidents in the city. Please be responsible while driving. Enjoy the summer and be safe. If something seems suspicious, don’t hesitate to call us. Chris Wenzel is Chief of Police of Clayton. Send questions and comments to chris.wenzel@claytonpd.com or call (925) 673-7350
The Saint Bonaventure Catholic Community is offering another six-week workshop beginning Tuesday, Aug. 23 for those whose loved one has died. If you or someone you know is grieving the death of a loved one, Healing the Heart grief companions would like
to invite you to attend the grief workshop. It offers a safe place to express grief and begin healing after the loss of a loved one. Each person’s grief is unique. The death of a loved one is unlike any other loss. Whether the death was sudden and tragic, or one with warning and preparation, the reality of
death leaves most people shocked, confused and sad. These feelings may linger for years. Healing the Heart grief companions have also lost someone who is dear to them and know the value of having someone listen with their heart. The next grief workshop is
from 7:30 to 9 p.m. beginning Aug. 23 at Saint Bonaventure Church, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. There is no cost to attend the workshop; registration is required by Aug. 10. Please call Helene Billeci at (925) 686-4870 for more information and to register.
Bad guys to your left, bad guys to your right and you’re smack in the middle of a cyber-attack designed to compromise your computer, steal your data, encrypt all of it and then sell it back to you. This “ransom-ware” maliciously invades your computer and turns all your data, photos, music, documents
and databases into digital garbage until you pay to retrieve it. Now there is a way to stop these thieves with Remote Monitoring and Management. RMM services use Enterprise, military grade, HIPAA compliant versions of antivirus that include crypto attack protection and prevention. These powerful remote management systems do the updating, blocking and virus protection. According to SolarWinds sources, people paid more than $18 million to ransomware thieves between April 2014 and June 2015. More than 6 million detected ransomware attack attempts occurred in just the fourth quarter of 2015, and more than 50 percent of all malware issues are now ransomware attacks. The attacks are getting worse and accelerating in frequency. They are expected to triple in 2016 and again in 2017. “Industry experts agree that a staggering 93 percent of phishing emails now contain encryption ransomware (crypto locker virus),” SolarWinds reported. “Many emails are opened by end users who don’t
THE
BADGE
Summer has arrived and we are seeing an increase of calls for service. I continue to remind everyone to be vigilant when securing valuables and remember to also protect your property when you are on vacation. Always lock your residence and vehicles. Recently the Clayton Police Department applied for and was awarded a grant from the California Department of
3141 Morgan Territory Rd., Clayton
www.EarthquakeArabians.com
SOcLaDn !sell
Grief ministry helps after death of loved one
Pete rs too. you
This 4 bedroom, 2 bath is in Clayton’s sought after Dana Hills, with its walking trails and cabana/pool! Having 4 bedrooms, a family room and formal dining, it has several patio areas and ample room for RV parking, gardens and a large low-maintenance lot. It is a single story, has hardwood floors, custom moldings and will be ready to sell!
Remote monitoring can thwart cyber crime
$699,000
Call Pete today to sell your home
The time is NOW
(925) 890-6004
Pete Laurence
Broker, Realtor, GRI DRE#00344166 A ReMax Hall of Fame Realtor
ReMax Real Estate–Walnut Creek office Selling Clayton & all Contra Costa
l
support some of the costs associated with law enforcement services provided by the police department where alcohol is served, sold or consumed. At the end of the school year at Mt Diablo Elementary School, some of my officers handed out ice cream to every student. This was our way of introducing ourselves to the children and wish them well during summer break. It was enjoyable to see so many children smiling and talking with the officers. The calls for service and quality of life issues have improved at the Clayton Station. In a partnership with the
BEHIND
July 18-22
KNOWLEDGE
Alcoholic Beverage and Control. This grant will assist the department to assure compliance when alcohol is sold or served at any of our special events or businesses in the city. The grant will provide educational services to personnel of any business or permitted event staff where alcohol is served to assure the laws associated with the serving of alcohol are followed. The police department will be conducting “decoy” programs to make sure that the businesses and alcohol permitted events are operating within the laws. This grant also will help
CHrIS weNzel
Private Riding Lessons Western & English Beginner to Advanced Youth to Adult
925.301.7496
July 8, 2016
SERVICE
l
INTEGRITY
l
RESULTS
Serving Northern California for Over 30 Years
Residential & Commercial
l
l l
24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE
FREE ESTIMATES
l l l l l
(925) 831-2323
Lic. #642272 Certified Arborist WE-3386A
l
Specializing in large Hazardous Trees & Heritage oak trees Crane Service Tree & Stump removal Arborist Consulting Arborist reports Pruning/Cabling Fire Abatement Custom Milled lumber Firewood
ed waraner
8861 Marsh Creek rd, Clayton Bonded and Fully Insured
Major Credit Cards Accepted
www.waranerbrostree.com
CCC Certified Fire Abatement
All new look, same great style! Clothing boutique & dressing room Larger baby department Expanded kitchen pantry Clayton Pride
Cutting Board and Beverage Canteen
Tues-Sat 10 - 5
925-672-2025
Visit us on Facebook
1028 Diablo St., Clayton
wIll ClANey
TECH TALK
understand they are the targets of carefully crafted social engineering. For example, you may receive an email saying you owed a debt. And if you don’t pay, they are going to sue. Of course, they attached a copy of the invoice you owe. Just click and open it. Another scam says that your order has been confirmed. If you want to see what you ordered, just click and open it. Or, it says your credit card has just been charged. Please click here to confirm the charge. Most people are smart enough not to open untrusted emails, but what if an invitation to a birthday party came from your best friend? Or if one titled “the results of your
lawsuit” was sent by your attorney? You would be duped if the email list was stolen. It’s hard to know which email or internet ads are safe, and retail versions of anti-virus aren’t robust enough to stop the threats. Our company has stopped recommending standalone anti-virus and anti-malware versions. We now recommend Enterprise versions only, but they had been expensive and require constant upkeep. Now Enterprise editions are affordable and available through a local distribution network. The local network acts as if it were a large company, redistributing resources to local users. This makes it affordable. Think of it as a band of locals getting together to fight crime in their city, with the local service provider as sheriff. You can’t buy this kind of protection outside of massive networks systems, so join one of these networks through your local RMM service provider.
William Claney is an independent tech writer and former owner of Computers USA in the Clayton Station. Email questions or comments to willclaney@gmail.com.
July 8, 2016
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
HELP WANTED
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
C ORRESPONDENTS : John Jackson, Kara Navolio, Patricia Romero, John T. Miller
We remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit is our muse
PIonEER Info ConTaCT US
Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580 www.ClaytonPioneer.com
Tamara Steiner tamara@claytonpioneer.com Send ads to ads@claytonpioneer.com Send Sports news to sports@claytonpioneer.com Send Club news to clubnews@claytonpioneer.com Send School news to
schoolnews@claytonpioneer.com LET US KnoW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a resident in our home delivery area. Submit on our website and be sure to attach a JPG photo that is at least 3 MB but not bigger than 6MB. You can also mail or bring your print to the office and we can scan it for you. Also on the website are forms for calendar items, events & press releases. LETTERS To THE EDIToR Both Pioneer newspapers welcome letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be 175 words or less and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have
priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print anonymous letters. E-mail your letter to tamara@claytonpioneer.com. Letters must be submitted via E-mail.
CIRCULaTIon as of Sept. 2014 Total circulation of the Clayton Pioneer is 5,500 to ZIP code 94517, all delivered by US Mail to homes, businesses and post office boxes. We cannot start or stop delivery to individual addresses. This must be done directly through the Post Office. The Concord Pioneer is delivered monthly to 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.
Advertise in the Clayton Pioneer: 925-672-0500
The City of Clayton is hiring two full-time employees to perform a variety of functions in the Maintenance Department. Under general supervision, each will perform entry level unskilled, semi-skilled or skilled labor in construction, maintenance, repair and related activities applied to the areas of general landscaping, grounds maintenance, cleaning of City Parks, City facilities, and street maintenance. The rate of pay is $3,427 to $4,164 monthly. Placement within the range will be based upon the selected candidate’s experience in the tasks to be performed and salary history. A city application is required to be completed and may be obtained at City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail, Clayton, CA 94517, online at www.ci.clayton.ca.us; or call (925) 6737300 during regular business hours to have an application mailed. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. July 15, 2016.
Club News
The CBCA says hello to gardens, goodbye to golf GARY CARR Special to the Pioneer
The subject was “greens” at the June 30 meeting of the Clayton Business and Community Association at Oakhurst Country Club. CBCA voted to grant funds to the Parent-Faculty Club of Mt. Diablo Elementary School to establish a garden in front of the school as an outdoor classroom. Students would be able to study the growing of vegetables, native herbs and other related California vegetation. The grant would allow the building of eight raised beds for growing drought tolerant vegetation. It would provide for life lab teacher training and curriculum design for the fall of 2017 and the spring of 2017. Provision would be made for garden maintenance – fertilizer, drip systems and shade covers for both plants and students. Also covered in the grant would be tools to help students deepen their learning in the garden – workbooks, soil test kits and child-sized tools.
The Clayton Garden Club has indicated it would provide volunteers to help the children learn both the science and the wonder of the green world. At the same time, another kind of green faded away. On June 13, local foursomes took their last swings at the Clayton Classic Golf Tournament. After 30 years of tees and mulligans, mashies and niblicks, the tournament passed into history. The final tournament was headed by Jim Diaz and his committee. Diaz remarked that he had played in every one of the 30, but confessed he was never on a winning team. Honors for the final winning foursome at the Clayton Classic went to the team of Matt Reinthaler, Tim Argenti, Howard Geller and Jack Sogomonian. Sadly, vandalism continues to plague downtown Clayton, reported Geller. The gazebo in The Grove has been a particular target. If you see someone in the act of damaging property, please call 911, he said.
When it cools in Clayton, thank Mother Nature
WOODY WHITLATCH WEATHER WORDS
During summer, there are days when temperatures in Clayton exceed 100 degrees and afternoon outdoor activities come to a halt. At the same time along the Pacific coast to our west, the marine air can be up to 40 degrees cooler. Those inland wait impatiently for sea breezes to develop and bring cooler air into our backyards. Our sea breeze is often referred to as Mother Nature’s air conditioning system. Unlike the mechanical units in our homes and cars, this natural air conditioning is made up of oceanic, geographic and atmospheric components.
The cool air along the Northern California coast is due to a phenomenon called upwelling. During summer, a large high pressure ridge develops over the eastern Pacific. This produces steady northwest winds along the Northern California coast. These winds help transport surface waters offshore, and upwelling delivers a fresh supply of cool waters to coastal areas. Strong upwelling keeps sea surface temperatures in the 5060 degree range. The layer of air cooled by the ocean surface waters is known as the marine layer. The depth of the marine layer can range from a few hundred feet when the high pressure ridge is strong to several thousand feet under weaker jet stream conditions. When the ridge is strong, summer temperatures in Cali-
Joe Ronco/Owner 925-872-3049 jaroncoconstruction.com
fornia’s Central Valley often exceed 100. At the earth’s surface, this causes a pressure gradient to develop between the cool marine air and the less dense inland air. Central California’s coastal mountain ranges provide natural barriers that keep most of the marine air influence near the immediate coastline. A notable exception exists at San Francisco’s Golden Gate, where a sea level gap exists. When marine air flows through this gap during the summer, the sea breeze keeps the communities nearest the bay relatively cool. It takes a little extra effort on Mother Nature’s part to force the sea breeze over the hills and into Clayton. Subtle changes in the jet stream pattern dictate how deep the marine layer is, which
in turn affects how far inland the sea breeze extends. A key factor for forecasting sea breeze strength is determining whether the upper level ridge over our area is developing or weakening. During the development of a strong high pressure ridge, the marine layer compresses and may remain shallow (less than 1,000 feet) for several days. Marine air may affect places like Oakland or Berkeley, but weak pressure gradients and geographical barriers prevent any intrusion into central Contra Costa County. After the upper ridge is fully developed over the West Coast, small changes in the strength or location of the high pressure ridge will deepen the marine layer. This in turn
See Weather, page 14
The Law Office of
Daniel L. DuRee Estate Planning Attorney
Please call today for a complimentary consultation
(925) 210-1400
1535 N. Main St., Walnut Creek
35 years Clayton/ Concord resident Lic#844344
• Wills • Trusts • Healthcare Directives • Powers of Attorney • Probate
Page 7
Directory of advertisers
Business Services
Rising Moon Marketing & Public Relations . . . .672-8717 Construction and Trades
Appliance Repairs by Bruce, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . .672-2700
Belfast Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .457-5423 Diablo View Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .822-5144
Gary’s Home Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .787-2500 Italian Heritage Tile & Stone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9000 J.A. Ronco Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .872-3049
Mr. Fix-it Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-0347 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Dining and Entertainment
Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440
Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737 Events
CBCA – Rib Cook-Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2272 Clayton Community Church –
Movie Nights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.claytoncc.com
Clayton Valley Church – Back 2 School Give . .672-3397 Concerts in the Grove – City of Clayton . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.cityofclayton.org Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market . . . . . . . . .800-949-3276 Financial, Insurance and Legal Services
Aragon, Al - Citibank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .510-697-5000
DuRee, Daniel – The Law Office of . . . . . . . . .210-1400 Geraghty, Colleen – Prudential . . . . . . . . . . . . .305-0321
Littorno, Richard – The Law Office of . . . . . . . .432-4211
Van Wyck, Doug – State Farm Insurance . . . .672-2300 Funerals
Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Home and Garden
Clayton Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-2299 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 Interiors Panache . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7920 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955
Skim ‘n’ Dip – Pool Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .348-5609 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243
The Royal Rooster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2025
Utopic Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0055
Waraner Bros. Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .831-2323 Waraner Tree Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250-0334 Mailing Services
The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Photography
Rochellez Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .510-677-4170 Real Estate and Mortgage Services
Bennett, Nancy – Keller Williams . . . . . . . . . . .606-8400
Clayton Fair Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-0324
French, Lynne – Windermere Real Estate . . . .672-8787 Guillory, Hollie – Alain Pinel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .382-8729
Hayes, Diane and Bill – Better Homes Realty .890-4701 Klock, Leigh – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593
Laurence, Pete – RE/MAX Realty . . . . . . . . . .890-6004 Lopez, Stephanie – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . .305-9099
Mazzei, Matt – Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757
Morucci, Kim – J. Rockcliff Realtors . . . . . . . . .437-1650 Stojanovich, Jennifer – Better Homes Realty . .567-6170
Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . .672-4433 Recreation and Fitness
Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .301-7496 Senior Services
Oakmont of Concord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .234-9576 Services, Other
ComputersUSA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029
Recycling Center & Transfer Station . . . . . . . .682-4518 Travel
Travel to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9840
Courage
Do the Right Thing
Sports
Page 8
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 8, 2016
Local preps earn all-league, end-of-year awards JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
The 2015-16 school year is now in the rearview window and fall high school sports are only weeks away from beginning but awards continue to come for local athletes. The Diablo Valley and East Bay athletic leagues have announced their spring sports all-league teams while SportStars magazine recently unveiled its Bay Area 75, denoting the athletes who defined the high school sports year with over a dozen athletes from area schools receiving mentions. De La Salle capped its incredible athletics year by sweeping the three major 2015-16 North Coast Section sports championships. The Spartans were NCS football, basketball and baseball champs, in addition to taking Section titles in golf, track and field, volleyball and wrestling. Those accomplishments were reflected in 10 Spartans on the SportStars 75: Boss Tagaloa (No. 6), Antoine Custer (8), Devin Asiasi (10), Jordan Ratinho (13), Keanu Andrade (33), Nick Sparks (42), Donovin Guerrero (49), Damon Wiley (52), Conner Roberts (56) and Jonathan Harvey (64). Clayton Valley Charter’s
run to the CIF football championship game was sparked by senior Jake Peralta and the senior safety was No. 60 on the SportStars list. Carondelet’s outstanding swimmer Maddie Murphy (40) and soccer goalkeeper Kaylie Collins of Clayton (69) were also tabbed on the list. Junior Isaiah Hodgins (58) led Berean Christian to the NCS Division V championship football game to land a spot on the list.
Christian). Second Team- Erica duLong, Julia Wickware, Gabby Mancini, Kaylie Walker (CVC), Tatum Turetzky (NG), Alyssa House, Audrey Aitelli, Kara Howard (BC). Honorable Mention- Camille Cline, Brooke Johnson, Melissa Cark, Alina Weigelt (CVC). EBAL Girls Carondelet First Team-Samantha Coloma, Madelyn Murphy, Malorie Han. Honorable Mention- Holly Williams.
Boys Golf DVAL First Team- Daniel Schaefer (CVC); Jacob Ricafrente, Steve Harvey (NG), Woojin Gallo SPRInG SPoRTS LoCaL (BC). Second Team- Tyler Blazer, aLL-LEaGUE HIGH SCHooL Larry Dombrowski (CVC), Grant PLayERS Sandburg (NG), Ben Smith (BC). Swimming & Diving Honorable Mention-Marcellus DVAL Boys First Team-Max Medrano (CVC), Josh Quiamboa Bottene, Cole Welsh, Andrew (NG), Grayson Pulver (BC). Rodriguez, Alex Litvinov (NorthEBAL Boys De La Salle First gate), Nikolas Weigelt, Ryan Levy, Team-Josh McCarthy, Ethan Cal Brown, Anthony Vines (ClayAtherstone. ton Valley Charter). Second Team - Chase Mitchell (CVC). HonorBoys Tennis able Mention-Jerron Miller, DVAL First Team- Leonard Anthony Vizental, Shawn BrousMarkiwiecz, Andrew Miller, sard, Cameron Brandt (CVC), Amadeo Ashe-Ramirez, Noah Connor Seip (NG). Zakaria (NG), Matt Osterkamp, EBAL Boys De La Salle First Dylan Kies (CVC). Team-Forrest White, Jackson EBAL De La Salle First TeamGabler. Second Team-Daniel Daniel Nomura. Honorable MenO’Connell, Ryan Iannaccone, tion- Nolan Bebarta, Chris Jake Simpson. Honorable MenTrinkus. tion- Driscoll. DVAL Girls First TeamTrack & Field Danielle Arauzo, Rebecca Proctor, DVAL Boys First Team – BranCarlie Polkington, Maddie Jochndon Abon, Jordan Velasquez, er, Piper Sterling, Bryn Mcgowan, Aidan Jackman, 4x100 Relay, Seraph Woodbury, Victoria Stahl, 4x400 Relay, Jake King, Jack Delanie Gearing, Taylor Cossu, Fouts (CVC), Edwin Flores (NG). Emma Smethurst (NG), Taylor Second Team- Tommy Kauffman, Fair, Melissa Schoell (Berean Dylan White (CVC), Eli Skinner (BC), Ryan LaChance, Peter Michiels (NG). Honorable Mention – Sayed Opeyany, Jason Rogers (CVC), Anthony Dulay, Michael Wheeler, 4x100 Relay, 4x400 Relay, Jackson Smith (NG). EBAL Boys De La Salle First Team-Obasi Dees, Harrison Fisher, Isaias De Leon, Jonathan Harvey, 4x100 Relay. DVAL Girls First Team- Jade Davis, Bridget Hyland, Kiersten Fouts, 4x100 Relay, 4x400 Relay (CVC), Jessica Dong, Amy Christensen (NG), Kaylee Chaffey (BC). Second Team- Jessica Johnson (CVC), Eliza Cashman, Megan Chappell, 4x100 Relay, 4x400 Relay, Julia Hagedorn, Michelle Hahn (NG). Honorable Mention Kelly Osterkamp, Claire Olson, Katie Rangel (CVC), Becca Jones (BC). EBAL Girls Carondelet First Team- Katie Kern, Avery Avina, 4x100 Relay, 4x400 Relay. SecPhillip walton photo courtesy SportStars magazine ond Team- Julianna Ruotolo. Honorable Mention- Hanna CARONDELET GOALKEEPER KAYLIE COLLINS was instrumental in leading the Cougars within minutes of an undefeated sea- Coloma.
son and was named No. 69 on the SportStars Bay Area 75 for the 2015-16 school year. The senior from Clayton allowed only 10 goals while making 112 saves this season as Carondelet rode its defense to the NCS championship game before losing to eBAl rival San ramon Valley in overtime. She was east Bay soccer player of the year and is headed to the University of Southern California this fall.
Please let our advertisers know you saw them in the Clayton Pioneer
w e i V o l b Dia truction Cons Remodeling Specialist
Kitchens Bathrooms Windows Mouldings Decks Siding Painting interior & exterior w Kevin Schmidt, Clayton Resident w Family Owned and Operated license 962284
925-822-5144
738 Bloching Circle, Clayton
Like us on Facebook
Jason rogers photo
JAKE PERALTA DID A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING in spearheading Clayton Valley Charter to its second straight CIF State Bowl Game. The senior was DVAl defensive player of the year from his safety position but also played a key role on offense. In the state championship game last December he was the eagles emergency starting quarterback and rushed for 123 yards and a touchdown. He is going to play football this fall for Sacramento State. Morrison (BC). Honorable Mention- Christian Bulanadi, Justin Lavezzoli (CVC), Kenji Kamiya, Evan Benson (BC). EBAL De La Salle MVP- Bailey Militar. First Team-Ryan Byrne, Darius Monsarrat-Ford. Second Team-Nick Adiao. Honorable Mention-Matt Vollman.
First Team- Nick Sparks, Joe Vranesh, Ryan Cole, Trace Tammaro, Gabe Biosso. Second Team- Armani Smith. Honorable Mention- Mason Behiel, Cullen Kafka.
Softball DVAL First Team- Alyse Butterfield (BC), Morgan Batesole, Hannah Brajkovich (NG), Tyce Baseball DVAL MVP- Nicholas Sim- Miranda, Tammy Mason, Sophie mons (NG). First Team-Brian Wheeler, Athena Franklin (CVC). Wright, Ian Villars, Ryne Mannie, Second Team – Cami Cohen, Kevin Clancy (NG), Casey Schwit- Nikki Mason, Cheyenne Harman ters (BC), Bill Ralston, James Biles, (CVC), Lucy Decker, Haley RanJack Miller (CVC). Second Team – dall (NG), Taylar McCullough, Daniel Glorioso, Will Batz, Chris Sadie Whatley (BC). Honorable Gotz (BC), Chris Rogan, Anders Mention – Kirsten Kennon, Lauren Capener (NG), Rob Towne, Doug Simitz (NG), Maya Berry, McKenBermudez, Justin Roper (CVC). na Martin (CVC), Molly Kolander, Honorable Mention –Dre Avizenis Madison Kincaid (BC). Boys Volleyball EBAL Carondelet First TeamDVAL MVP- Bailey Mundy (BC), Andrew Abbott, Milan (BC). First Team-Matt Zamolo Mijanovic, Kevin Snyder (CVC), Sierra Blair, Giovy Webb. Second (BC), Liam Totten, Frank Stringer, Danny Bonano (NG), Kendrick Team-Keleva Salt, Sofia Earle. Honorable Mention-Emma Zach Hanson (CVC). Second Utt, Scott Lewis (BC). EBAL De La Salle MVPs-Con- McLaughlin. Team-Joe Nelson, Chris Neely (CVC), Landon Nortune, Duncan ner Roberts, Conner Redmond.
Lacrosse DVAL Boys: First Team-Dakota Harman, Ryan Alimagno (CVC). Second Team-Torin Neal, James Essex (CVC), Ian Morford, James Madden (NG). Honorable Mention-Jack Morse, Cole Carbone (CVC), Will Bitner, Andrew Lentz (NG). EBAL Boys De La Salle First Team-Brook Rideau. Second Team-Ben Allen, Johnny Coletta. Honorable Mention-Sean Rigley, Michael Balousek, Connor Lencioni, Ross McDonald. DVAL Girls: First TeamCameron Adams (NG). Second Team-Josie McGregor (NG), Rylee Heinz (CVC). Honorable Mention- Koryna Boudinot, Ashley Shepard (NG); Sydney Wheeler, Marlinda Ramirez (CVC). EBAL Girls Carondelet First Team-Sophia Panella, Olivia Pereira. Second Team-Mia Maloney, Katie Kuptz. Honorable Mention-Lauren Zelnik.
1000 swimmers descend on Clayton this weekend for Devil Mountain Pentathlon JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
events in one day. It’s not only a team’s major annual fundraiser fees and other expenses. one-of-a-kind meet for the to supplement family fees to pay The Pentathlon was the swimmers but also the Clayton the coaching staff, meet entry brainchild of Dana Hills swim team parents Mike and Toni Biel. At the first Pentathlon in 1995 there were six teams. Three of them—Springwood Sprinters, Pleasant Hill Aquatics Penguins and DHST— are involved this year along with 12 more teams—Bishop Estates Barracudas, Forest Hills Beavers, Livorna Dolphins, LMYA Dolphins, Martinez Community Otters, Oakhurst, Pleasant Hill Dolfins, Sun Valley Rays, Sycamore Stingrays, Vista Diablo Dolphins, Walnut Country Stingrays and Ygnacio Wood Seahorses. New meet director Patrick D’Arcy says that this weekend’s Jay Bedecarre photo Pentathlon features the younger DANA HILLS SWIM TEAM is hosting the 23rd annual Devil age groups (six and unders Mountain Pentathlon this weekend with 14 Contra Costa through 9-10 girls) competing swim teams joining the otters for two days of non-stop on Saturday and the olders (9-10 races with each of the over 1000 swimmers taking part in boys through 15-18 boys and
Each summer the recreation swim community focuses for one weekend on Clayton. The 22nd annual Devil Mountain Pentathlon entertains over 1000 swimmers on 15 teams this Saturday and Sunday in the Dana Hills pool with both Clayton teams, Dana Hills Otters and Oakhurst Country Club Orcas, taking part. The Pentathlon is by far the biggest meet in Clayton each year and whets the appetite for the meets that will culminate the season next month: landmark 50th Concord Swimming Championships Aug. 5-7 and the 56th Contra Costa County Championships in Lafayette Aug. 13-14. Devil Mountain Pentathlon brings together teams and swimfive events. Among the DHST swimmers this weekend are, mers for a unique event that has from left, Toshio longley (13), Carter remington (11), Ben each boy and girl swimming five Goldman (12), rebecca Adent (6) and Tyler Foley (8).
See Pentathlon, page 9
Sports
July 8, 2016
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
county times as “famous” and says swimming against them is “the coolest.” He keeps busy year-round by also playing in All Out Sports League basketball, MDSA soccer and Clayton Valley Little League (on the farm division baseball Yankees this spring). His younger brother Ethan is on the Orcas six and under squad, while sevenmonth-old sister Cora is a few years away from joining the Oakhurst Might Mini program. At home he loves to write and draw comics.
Athlete Spotlight
Connor White Age: 7
Team: Oakhurst Orcas Sport: Swimming
Connor White moved to Clayton from San Francisco with his family a couple years ago and the youngster, now seven, has demonstrated his “love of sports” by playing in local soccer, basketball, baseball and swimming programs. His Oakhurst Country Club
Orcas coaches love “his team spirit, positive attitude and hard work at practice.” His mom Christyna says her oldest son, who enters second grade at Mt. Diablo Elementary this fall, gets his swimming excitement by “being in the zone” and “beating my own [best] time” during Orca meets. He considers teammates and competitors who make
The Clayton Pioneer congratulates Connor 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.
Page 9
Pentathlon, from page 8
girls) on Sunday. Oakhurst Orcas have entered three dozen swimmers in the Pentathlon while Dana Hills will have more than 200 competing. The meet recognizes and rewards all of the kids who participate [everyone gets an “I survived the Devil Mountain Pentathlon” ribbon] plus heat and stroke awards. The awards are no different for A and B flights. As the host team DHST doesn’t count in the team standings. Admission is free for anyone wishing to come out and view the meet, which begins at 8:30 a.m. this Saturday and Sunday. The Dana Hills pool is located at 298 Mountaire Cir. in Clayton.
2 BIG MEETS In aUGUST Dana Hills will be seeking its 24th Concord City Meet championship in the last 25 years since the Otters won their first A Division title in 1992. The 50th city meet includes 11 teams with
Pleasant Hill Dolfins and Forest Hills Swim Team of Martinez joining nine Concord and Clayton teams in the competition. Bishop Estates, Dana Hills, Forest Park Flyers, Gehringer Gators, Oakhurst, Walnut Country, Springwood, Vista Diablo and Ygnacio Wood complete the field. DHST have been in the top five at county the past four years while 11-time county champs Crow Canyon Country Club heads the list of contenders in Lafayette again. The Otters finished third in the 2015 team standings, one position higher than their fourth place a year earlier. In 2012 and 2013 they were fifth. The Clayton team’s bestever finish at county was second in 1995 and 2011. Forest Park won the County Division II championship last year, which they also accomplished in 2012 and three times in the 1970s and 80s when it was called Community Division.
during the probation period there was one violation about a freshman boys basketball player failing to file a transfer waiver. The team forfeited a game and was penalized games the following basketball season. Lemmon wrote, “No other violations occurred and great effort was made to follow all eligibility processes concerning waivers and reporting of pre-enrollment contact. “The school has worked
very hard to adhere to all CIF and NCS policies. I thank Mr. [Executive Director Dave] Linzey and Mr. [Principal Jeff] Eben for their leadership. While compliance is a never ending process, based on the above I believe Clayton Valley Charter High School has met the conditions of probation established by the Section and commend the school on their efforts to comply with all CIF and NCS rules and regulations.”
Clayton Valley Charter finishes NCS probation JAY BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer
North Coast Section commissioner Gil Lemmon informed Clayton Valley Charter High School officials the school completed its twoyear NCS probation as of the end of the 2015-16 school year. The issue first arose in June 2014 when the football team held practices for the fall season before the 2013-14 NCS
season had finished, causing the school to be placed on one year’s probation. Later that year the eligibility of six athletes who transferred to the school and joined the football team was challenged. Eventually three of the players were ruled ineligible including highly-touted lineman Kahlil McKenzie who transferred from De La Salle. NCS then imposed an additional year’s probation through the end of this most recent
school year. The school appointed new co-athletic directors early in 2015. In Lemmon’s letter ending the probation he said, in part, “The school hired coathletic directors to better comply with the challenges of transfers and state mandated enrollment policies outlined for charter schools. The athletic administration met with the NCS Commissioner on multiple occasions to review eligibility rules and processes,
as well as other NCS policies. There have been countless phones calls and emails to and from the NCS Office to discuss eligibility situations. CVCHS co-athletic directors Tom Sparks and Eric Bamberger have done an excellent job.” The commissioner further noted numerous meetings and workshops attended by the school’s staff and coaches concerning transfer and eligibility policies. He added that
Clayton Valley Little League crowns 5 champions
Photos courtesy Clayton Valley little league
MINOR A DODGERS won the regular season and post-season baseball tournament for the CVll championship and then reached the AAA semi-finals of the District 4 Tournament of Champions. The team is, front row from left, Jack Dress, zachary Claunch, Nate luehs; middle row, Diego Navas, Jackson Huffman, ryder Bartholomew, ethan Alden, Aidan Hendricks, Benjamin Garner, Benjamin Hosler, luke Dress; back row, coach lou luehs, manager Andy Hosler and coach Tony Dress. Not pictured, Josh Sandy.
MINOR B BROOKLYN DODGERS finished 10-3 riding the team’s defense and excellent hitting to the title. The success of the post-season playoffs was anchored by strong pitching by Dominc Tanyag, evan lomax and Marc “MJ” lopez, who pitched 4 1/3 innings of no-hit ball in the championship game. The team includes, front row from left, lomax, Kaleb Caldwell, Kieran Schmitt, Aidan Cooper, Tanyag, logan remington; middle row, Trento Schweiger, Kaiden ramirez, Blayne Ballard, lopez, Adam Sokolowski, Morgan Masterson; back row, coach Ben Ballard, coach Jesse Schweiger, manager Marc lopez and coach eric Schmitt.
EL DIABLOS WON THE CLAYTON VALLEY LITTLE LEAGUE MAJOR DIVISION PLAYOFFS with a 9-4 win over the Cubs in the championship game after earlier taking down the regular-season champion Coyotes. Backed by strong defense Gabe lauricella didn’t give up a run in the final four innings of the finals en route to a complete-game victory. Drew warner, zak rath and Noah robinow combined for seven rBIs. The team includes, front row from left, James Canclini, ethan Cline, Cody DeMartini, lauricella, Jake Solis, Bobby lattin, Corbin Clifton; back row, coach eric warner, robinow, Ben Juarez, rath, coach Ken Solis, Jesse Burns, warner, coach Mike Clifton and manager Mike lauricella.
THE MINOR DIVISION SOFTBALL HURRICANES capped a 16-0 record by beating the Blaze and Vipers in the CVll playoffs. The team was anchored by strong pitching and excellent hitting throughout the spring season all the way to the finals of the District 4 Tournament of Champions before losing the AAA title game to Martinez. The Hurricanes included, bottom row from left, coach Aaron Baker, Cassidy Baker, Sofia Carmichael; standing, manager Dave Scolini, Isabella Scolini, Anja Perreira, Madison Tuohey, lizbeth rios, Sofia weber, Gianna orozco, Antionette wirth, Abigail McCormick, Camille Cherepy, coach Danielle Carmichael, liana Pursche and ruby Bartholomew.
CV DUCKS ARE CVLL MAJOR DIVISION SOFTBALL CHAMPS after winning the double-elimination season-ending tournament. The mound duties were handled by Karlie Seastrand, Sophia Miller and Taylor Nunez. The CV Ducks are, front row from left, Grace Baker, Francesca Stolarz, Nicki Campton, Nunez, Alyssa Ferrari, manager Manny Nunez; back row, coach Marty Miller, eliana Goldstein, Sarah Graff, Seastrand, emily Storn, Miller, Natalie Pursche, Cassidy Gunter, coach ron Storn and coach Kerry Seastrand.
Page 10
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 8, 2016
Sports Warriors’ future still bright after rough Finals loss Diablo Valley College and San Francisco State University and is now beginning his career covering the Oakland Raiders for SFBay.ca. Thanks Tyler and best wishes in your future endeavors.
TYLER LEHMAN SPORTS TALK
Editor’s note: This is Tyler Lehman’s last column for the Pioneer. He has given our readers his takes on the Bay Area professional sports scene during the past three years while he matriculated through
Heartbreaking, devastating, gut-wrenching; the list goes on and on for ways to describe the Golden State Warriors loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals. Going up 3-1 in the series, it seemed a repeat title was virtually assured for the Dubs.
Bruce & Zoey
We repair all major appliances, most major brands, and we’re local
Over 35 years Experience
Bruce & Holly Linsenmeyer Clayton residents
Office: (925) 672-2700 Cell: (925) 956-8605
State of California B.E.A.R license #A44842
http://ApplianceRepairsbyBruce.com
Clayton Fair Properties For Lease
Concord – Commercial Offices Active business complex featuring a variety of commercial businesses. Well maintained with friendly atmosphere. Excellent location including ample parking. Contact Maureen (925)
685-0324
Stephen Curry would cement his legacy as one the greatest players of this generation and, on the coattails of his legacy, would be the greatness of the Warriors over the past two seasons. The Cavaliers and LeBron James had other plans and did the improbable—practically the impossible—by being the first team to ever surmount a 3-1 Finals deficit. The Warriors looked lethargic, disoriented and anemic in games five through seven. It’s easy to point the finger at “bad calls” and even the suspension of Draymond Green for game five, but the Warriors had three chances to finish off the Cavs and they couldn’t get the job done. The only way for Curry and the Warriors to get the rotten taste of a horrendous Finals collapse out of their mouths is to look forward to redemption in the upcoming season. The Warriors are still a very dangerous team and have all the reason in the world to believe they’ll be back in the Finals again next season. Curry, Green and Klay Thompson, the core three of the team, will all be returning, along with key role players Andrew Bogut and Andre Iguodala. Now the question for the
Warriors is how do they attack free agency? Do they let Harrison Barnes walk (to which I would answer with a resounding “YES”)? More importantly, do they have enough to sign highlycoveted superstar Kevin Durant, who would make the Warriors starting lineup one of the most lethal in NBA history and also decimate a prime Western Division rival, the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Warriors pride themselves on team chemistry so could Durant live with being the second, maybe even third, option on the Dubs? The Warriors Finals loss might be the motivation needed to pull the trigger and sign KD. The loss in the Finals is certainly not what the way the Warriors wanted to end their historic season, but it was still a season to marvel at. The Dubs won the most games during the regular season in NBA history, with an astounding 73. They also won the most games to start a season with 24 in a row. Curry shattered his previous record of most 3’s made in a season with an eye-popping 402. The NBA is going to be salivating at the possible storylines that will unfold next season with LeBron coming off a historic Finals win and the
Sports Shorts
DIaBLo fC SoCCER CaMP foR PLayERS 5-14 RUnS JULy 18-21
All skill levels are welcome to participate in the Diablo FC soccer camp July 18-21 at Tesoro Fields in Concord. Players will be grouped by age and skill levels to learn key fundamentals to being a successful soccer player. The camp will teach dribbling, passing, trapping, shooting, defending and give the players plenty of opportunities to practice what they learn in small-sided games. Diablo FC professional staff will be the instructors. To register go to diablofc.org or email director of coaching Zach Sullivan at docdiablofc@gmail.com.
License # 958849
REGISTRaTIon oPEn foR aLL oUT SPoRTS LEaGUES SUMMER, faLL PRoGRaMS
Design • Installation • Maintenance Commercial & Residential • 925-381-3757
The UPS Store
Independently owned and operated
Looking for a better Mailbox?
Secure 24-hour access, plus it’s a real street address for all your deliveries.
3 MONTHS FREE mailbox services with a twelve-month agreement.
Notary, Packaging, Fax and Copy Services are available too!
Clayton/Concord Location:
Store Hours M-F 8-6:30 Sat 9-4:30
Vineyard Shopping Center
5100 Clayton Road Concord, CA 94523 ph: 925-689-6245
theupsstorelocal.com/0190
• EXTERIOR: painting, windows, doors, decks, outdoor structures. • INTERIOR: plumbing, drywall, electrical, trim, tile. Lic. 979406
Specializin g in deferred m ainten home for sa ance, prepping le, repairs from home insp ections
Gary Romano
787-2500
Reliable & Professional Service Owner operated Over 35 years of experience
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.
Like to talk Bay Area sports? How about writing about them for the Pioneer?
The Pioneer newspapers are looking for someone interested in writing a monthly column about Bay Area professional and college sports. For the past three years our readers have enjoyed our SportsTalk column with sports takes of Tyler Lehman. He started writing for us in 2013 about the Raiders, 49ers, Giants, A’s, Warriors and more while he was a student at Diablo Valley College. He transferred to San Francisco State and continued his column. He recently graduated and is starting his professional journalism career. We’re looking for someone who would like to follow in Tyler’s footsteps, giving us their take on local teams and national matters impacting pro and college sports. We don’t offer any monetary remuneration for the column but our sports editor Jay Bedecarre will give editing and style guidance and the published columns will certainly add to a writer’s portfolio. Anyone interested in this assignment should send a letter of interest and writing samples to sports@claytonpioneer.com. If a prospective writer has any questions they can address them to the same email address.
dors. They are looking for new members for the upcoming fall season. Training is provided with new member evening sessions. There is an all-day clinic Aug. 14 in preparation for the new season. For more information visit ccfoa.com.
MDSa TaKInG WaITLIST REGISTRaTIon THRoUGH JULy 31
Boys and girls 4-18 years of age wanting to play in Mt. Diablo Soccer Association fall league can register for the waitlist through the end of the month. Fall league practice begins Aug. 1 when all registration closes. Families are requested to sign up for volunteer duties to help the organization offer its AYSO program. For complete information visit mdsoccer.org.
CLayTon VaLLEy JR. EaGLES REaDIES foR nEW fooTBaLL, CHEER SEaSon
CVAA Jr. Eagles are still taking last-minute registrations for its fall football and cheer squads. There is a mandatory parent Summer and fall programs offered by All Out Sports and player day on Saturday, July 16, and fall practice begins MonLeagues in Clayton are taking registrations. The summer pro- day, Aug. 1. Visit their website cvaajreagles.com for more inforgrams include adult softball league plus youth leagues for volley- mation and to register. ball and tee ball. Fall and winter basketball league registration is open as well. For complete information on All Out Sports proDE La SaLLE HIGH SUMMER CaMPS WRaPPInG UP grams, visit alloutsportsleague.com. De La Salle High School is hosting water polo, soccer and lacrosse camps this summer. The camps are open to boys and girls in fourth through ninth grades. For complete information When Ben Krauth was getting ready for eighth grade he grew call (925) 288-8100 ext. 7090 or email summercamps@dlshs.org. tired of spending most of the time on the bench in Continental Registration is open at dlshs.org (athletic tab). Little League juniors so he took a year off from baseball. Nine years after taking a baseball hiatus he headed to Arizona to sign WaLnUT CoUnTRy’S CRoSSInGS CHaLLEnGE a professional baseball contract and begin his career in the IS WaRMUP foR 50TH CITy MEET Cleveland Indians organization. The Northgate High, Diablo The 16th annual Crossings Challenge at Walnut Country in Valley College and Kansas University grad was selected in the Concord on Saturday, July 23, will help local swim teams gear up 14th round (of 40) of the MLB draft last month after a stellar for the landmark 50th Concord City Swimming Championships senior season for Kansas. He was a two-time all-Diablo Valley Aug. 5-7. The Crossings Challenge is the premier B swim meet Athletic League second-team selection. As a senior he posted a in the area and is designed to recognize the effort and achieve1.17 ERA. That year Herc Pardi was Clayton Valley head coach ments of swimmers who have not yet achieved A times. Six of and vividly recalls his team’s battles with Northgate. “We beat the nine participating teams are from the Concord/Clayton area: Northgate two of three times in 2012. We opened NCS at home Vista Diablo, Ygnacio Wood, Springwood, Dana Hills and host against Northgate. Ben went eight strong innings (4 Northgate Walnut Country. Over 750 swimmers will be taking part. They errors)... we beat ‘em 4-3 in the bottom of the eighth. Ben was can compete in up to three individual events and one relay. a crafty left hander, very durable.”
noRTHGaTE GRaD SIGnS WITH CLEVELanD InDIanS
SKIP IPSEn MEMoRIaL BoCCE ToURnaMEnT In CLayTon THIS WEEKEnD
The inaugural CBCA Skip Ipsen Memorial Bocce Tournament is this weekend in Clayton. The 16-team modified Swiss format tournament is in honor of Ipsen, the founder of Skipolini’s Pizza who passed away in March less than two years after he helped dedicate the Ipsen Family Bocce Court in downtown Clayton adjacent to his first Skipolini’s restaurant. Visit www.claytonbocce.org for details on the tournament, which will award cash prizes to the top three teams.
Dana HILLS SWIM TEaM’S MILE SWIM-a-THon CoMInG JULy 30
Everything from home repair & maintenance to construction
Warriors looking for redemption. Despite the devastating Finals loss, the Warriors still had a season for the ages. The 2016-17 NBA season can’t start soon enough.
noRTHGaTE, CaRonDELET CoaCHES EaRn STaTE aWaRDS
Northgate High’s swim team co-coaches Tommy Ortega and Jeff Mellinger were feted last month at the annual California Coaches Association awards night as the California State boys swimming coaches of the year. The duo led the Bronco boys team to the inaugural CIF State championship in 2015 after winning both the DVAL and North Coast Section meets that spring. Carondelet’s John Harvey was named Northern California girls track and field coach of the year.
ConCoRD aySo TaKInG faLL REGISTRaTIonS
Concord AYSO is accepting registration for fall soccer league for boys and girls up to 18 years of age. Players can also register The Dana Hills Swim Team is holding its annual fundraiser on line at concordayso.org. For more information email to fund equipment purchases for the Clayton swim team and info@concordayso.org, call (925) 603-3861 or visit eayso.org for pool. Chairperson Steve Longley is projecting that this year’s region 305 to register. event on Saturday, July 30, will pay for new team pop-up tents and flags around the pool. A number of prizes will be awarded ConCoRD RECREaTIon HoSTInG VaRIETy of SUMMER to participants who swim from one lap to one mile (66 laps) that SPoRTS CaMPS day. Swimmers can encouraged to collect pledges for each lap Concord Parks & Recreation Department is offering a wide they swim. For complete details visit danahillsotters.com. variety of youth sports camps, clinics and classes this summer
fooTBaLL offICIaLS aSSoCIaTIon SEEKInG nEW MEMBERS
If you’ve ever thought you might want to learn more about football from the real inside the Contra Costa Football Officials Association can teach you. CCFOA provides officials for local high school and youth games along the I-680 and Hwy. 4 corri-
including Gymnastics + More, Kidz Love Soccer, Make Me A Pro camps in cheerleading, flag football and basketball, Pee Wee Cheer, Skateboard Camp, many Skyhawk camps, Water Polo Camp and World Cup Soccer. Concord Rec has on-going sports classes like swim lessons, junior tennis, Taekwondo (Little Dragons) and more. For more information on any of these youth sports programs, visit concordreg.org.
July 8, 2016
Ipsen, from page 1
springboard competition. He’ll be competing against the world’s best men in that event Aug. 15-16 in Rio. Brushing aside the widespread fears about the Zika virus (“our team doctor has lots of bug spray”) Ipsen is looking ahead confidently to competing in Rio at the outdoor Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre where he dove in February in a World Cup meet that served as the qualifier for the US in several events. “I’m used to diving outdoors (at Stanford). The weather elements seemed to bother many of the divers in Rio,” Ipsen said last week after a one-day visit home in Clayton as he traveled back to Palo Alto to continue his training with his coach of one year, Oleg Andriyuk of the
Kohler misses out on Rio Games
Clayton will only have one athlete at the Rio Summer Games after rower Kara Kohler was among the last cuts for the U.S. Rowing women’s eight and quad boats. She was not among the final selections for the quad late last month at the American training camp at Princeton. She won a bronze medal in that event four years ago in London. She returned home to Clayton last week and is undecided about her future in rowing.
beating Olympic contenders Chao He of China and Evgenii Kuznetsov of Russia. Then just a couple months before the Trials USA Diving decided to break up the synchro team of Ipsen and Sam Dorman, citing their less than optimal results in international meets this year. They put Dorman with Michael Hixon and reunited Ipsen and Dumais. Unfortunately Dumais suffered an injury that halted any training with Ipsen. They finally got to dive together just before Trials but had a couple missed dives in the preliminary and semi-final rounds that put them too far behind the DormanHixon team to overcome in the final six dives. There are only eight teams in synchro diving events at the Olympics and a country gets only one entry. “Troy was feeling better as the meet went along and I think if he had another twothree weeks of healing we would have had a great chance of winning the trials. In the finals we had our best scores since London,” Ipsen said. Unlike most competitions, at the Olympic Trials the scores from preliminary and semi-final dives are combined with the finals scores. Ipsen and Dumais won the finals session but they were too far behind Dorman-Hixon to win over the three sessions.
25, and just two days later Ipsen was back in the pool for the Monday individual springboard prelims and semi-finals. “Four years ago I would have been pretty discouraged and nervous [after the synchro misses]. This time I was super motivated and didn’t look at it as ‘do or die.’ I was mentally alert all week.” He landed some excellent dives and moved into first place with his final two semi-final dives, putting him seven points ahead of Hixon but with a substantial 116-point lead over third-place Matt Anderson. Four years ago Ipsen missed a couple dives late in the 3M finals and slipped to third place, missing out on an individual Olympic berth. With two Olympic spots at stake Ipsen and Hixon were able to glide through their final six dives. Ipsen ended up 67.3 points over the runner-up and 152.6 points ahead of Anderson in third. Ipsen says he will be adding two more difficult dives to his list for Rio as he competes against the world’s best where degree of difficulty is very important in the scoring. The Clayton diver had a couple dozen fans in the Indianapolis Trials audience including his parents, sister, girlfriend (and fellow Stanford diver) Lilly Hinrichs, family and friends.
tables. “It’s impossible to mention everyone that contributed to the event,” says Middendorf. “There were too many
and we all worked too hard.” And they aren’t finished, says Middendorf . More donations will be counted from Relay for Life pledges and she expects the total from the Clayton event to be well over $100,000.
“For once,” says Gonsalves, “everyone in Clayton is on the same page. The 2016 Relay for Life will be Aug. 13 and 14 at Mt. Diablo Elementary School. To join a team or enter as an individual, go to www.Relayforlife.org/claytonca.
knocked out and broken by vandals. The transmitters cost about $1,100 each and are installed at both the Grove and the Lydia Lane Park, where graffiti had been a constant headache for city maintenance workers. The trans-
mitters send out a highpitched sound at 17 kHz, and 94 to 104 dB for a distance of about 50 feet, says Napper. A car horn is about 110dB. Not everyone is pleased with the buzzers. At the May 9 City Council meeting, Clayton resident Cindy Gilmore said the buzzers, which were on for 24 hours a day at that time, gave her a headache. The
teens are not so bothered, says Napper. They either get used to the sound or move away. After the Art and Wine Festival in April, the city changed the operational hours to 9 p.m.-6 a.m., when the park is closed. Since the buzzers were installed, vandalism is almost non-existent, says city maintenance supervisor Mark Janney.
Relay For Life/Clayton Round Up: For Clayton “old timers,” the Clayton Round-Up was an annual event that ended about 20 years ago. Clayton’s Relay for Life Team resurrected this event several weeks ago. There were 500 eager “cowboys and cowgirls” at the Easley Ranch, home to past RoundUps. The Relay For Life team had one goal: to raise as much money as possible for cancer research and the needs of those fighting for their lives. And they did. The generosity of team members alone raised more than $30,000. Sales of entry tickets, silent auctions and raffles raised approximately another $40,000. When all was said and done,
Clayton’s Relay for Life Team raised more than $74,000. That’s a significant gift in the ongoing fight to corral cancer. A huge “thank you” to all the dedicated team members and businesses who donated funds and/or services and to the Diablo Valley Ranch volunteers for making this an event we will all remember. I am looking forward to next year’s even bigger event already in the making. Mt. Diablo Elementary School: Recently, we learned that principal Irene Keenan of Mt. Diablo Elementary School retired at the close of this school session. We are grateful for her support of our “Do the Right Thing” program and for her partnership with the city on numerous community issues. Irene will be missed at our local
school. However, she will now have more time to be involved with Clayton activities. Clayton History: Did you know that Clayton had two hotels? The Clayton Hotel was located in the building we know as the Pioneer Inn, currently owned by the Clayton Community Church. The Rhine Hotel was directly across the street. There was a cash store where Skipolini’s is. Farmers could buy on credit until their crops came in. The U.S. Post Office and Clayton Cafe were located where the Clayton Club now is. The local blacksmith was where the bocce courts now exist. Stay tuned for next month’s history tidbits. Direct comments to Howard Geller, mayor of Clayton, at Hgeller@ci.clayton.ca.us.
Stanford Diving Club. He’ll be joining up with the other nine American Olympic divers for a final camp later this month before heading off to Rio where Ipsen is going to “soak up the entire experience” including marching in the Opening Ceremonies. The Olympic Trials were a roller coaster for Ipsen, which matched the last 10 months or so of his diving journey since he graduated last fall from Stanford.
HanD InJURy SCaRE He suffered from pain in his right hand for several months during a crowded 2015 diving schedule that included collegiate, national and international competitions. Finally at the end of September it was discovered he had a fracture, spent five weeks in a cast and two more weeks in a splint. This was all in the lead up to the Winter Nationals last December when the 2016 US National teams were being determined. He was finally able to dive without any impediments for two weeks before Nationals and took first in both individual and synchro 3M springboard. That landed him on the National team and early this year he competed in Rio, Beijing and Dubai. He won his first-ever senior ExPERIEnCE PayS off level individual international The synchro event’s first two medal with a bronze at the World Cup in Rio including sessions were on Saturday, June
Relay, from page 1
rehab ranch on Marsh Creek Rd., provided much of the brawn for the heavy lifting, racking, spreading straw and setting up more than 50
Grove, from page 1
to teens. The kids find the sound unpleasant enough to move away from the gazebo, resulting in a corresponding reduction in vandalism. Until the buzzer was installed, the city was spending thousands on replacing the railings and slats in the gazebo that were
Mayor, from page 1
and articulate without the need for hearing aids or a walker. He told me his wife recently passed away at 101 years old. Wilbur thought he had about 25 more good years in him to enjoy the views of Mt. Diablo, our parks and trails. This chance meeting got me thinking, “How many other centenarians might live in Clayton?” I am spearheading an initiative to establish a Clayton Centenarian Club and then honor Wilbur and each of our Clayton centenarians with a proclamation at a City Council meeting and with a day named in their honor. If you know of a centenarian living in Clayton, please email me their contact information.
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
The Olympics will be televised on NBC and its related networks. Rio is four hours ahead of Pacific time so some events will be early in the morning here
Page 11 ucin sy y a Ea Sundtening Lis -7pm Introd
g
usic 4
Live m
6096 Main Street, Clayton, 673-0440 Entertainment from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
July 8, 9 ........................................................Barrelhouse July 15, 16 .........................................Crossman Country July 22, 23 ......................................................Tone Pony July 29, 30 ..........................................Southbound Band August 5, 6 ............................................Bollinger Station Karaoke Mon. & Wed. nights Open Mic Thur. nights, 8-11 pm
www.claytonclubsaloon.com
2 for the price of 1
Beer only. Good anytime with original coupon. Exp. 8/11/16
Mr. Fix-it Co. ALL FIELDS of SERVICE and REPAIR WORK est. 1973 Insured, Bonded & Workers’ Comp
Air Conditioning, Appliance Repair, Carpentry, Concrete, Electrical, Ceramic Tile, Heating, Insurance Work, Painting, Plumbing, Remodeling, Wallpapering, and any Miscellaneous Items
Call Us for Any Work and We’ll Get It Done Right Away.
925-825-0347
B-1 Lic.#358217 C-44
CLAYTON FURNITURE INC. r A Family Business Summe! since 1988 s e l Sa
(925) 686-2299
3400 Clayton Rd. Concord, CA 94519
Claytonfurnitureinc.com
• A Full Service Funeral Home offering • Cremation and Burial Services • Celebrations of Life • Reception Packages • Worldwide Shipping & Pre-Planning
UTOPIC GARDENS
FREE estimates Specializing in Bathrooms and Kitchens l
Remodeling Windows/Doors l Crown Molding l Overhangs l Decks l Siding l Trim l
Declan Woods 925.216.2679 Clayton Resident
Tipperary Construction Inc.
General Contractor,
license# 783799, B, HIC
TipperaryConstruction.com
925-448-2214 Beautifully Lawn-Less
CREATIVE DESIGN & INSTALLATION
www.UtopicGardens.com LIC. No. 898331
Fully Insured
Clayton Resident
Page 12
Why advertise in the Pioneer?
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Theater festival hits the street in Walnut Creek
Performing Arts
Since I started advertising in the Clayton and Concord Pioneers, my business has exploded. I can hardly keep up with the calls.
Kevin Schmidt, General Contractor Diablo View Construction
Write Your Own Life Story with Memoir Coach Jill Morris
Leave your grandchildren a family history they will treasure.
Author and memoir coach Jill Morris leads 5-day memoir-writing workshops this summer in Lafayette and Walnut Creek for those who want to put their life stories down on paper.
Summer Classes Open for Registration
July 25 - 29, 10 am - 1 pm, Lafayette Library Aug. 22 - 26, 10 am - 2:30 pm, Walnut Creek Community Center
For further info, go to www.yourlifeyourwords.com
5
SAlly HoGArTy
STAGE STRUCK
It’s time again for the annual Chevron family Theatre festival at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts. The 10th annual festival takes place July 16, with lots of free outdoor events and lowpriced indoor performances. The street in front of the Lesher Center hosts a day-long extravaganza of fun, arts and entertainment – complete with Disney princesses and other characters mingling with the crowd.
Live Band, Classic Car Show, free hors d’oeuvres, $6 wine glasses, themed food kiosks, and Pro Shop Sale
August
672-9737
Register guests with directorofsales@oakhurstcc.com
1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton
www.oakhurstcc.com
Events include the magic of Alex Ramon, Fantasy Forum’s “Wizard of Oz,” the Pushcart Player’s “Peter and the Wolf,” Artrageous’ amazing team of artists painting at electric speed accompanied by vocals, creative choreography and high energy music and much more. For more information, go to www.lesherartscenter.org or call 925-943SHOW.
Here’s a great opportunity to improve your performance skills and have a fun summer with Pittsburg Community Theatre (PCT) Summer Workshop Programs. Now in its third year, the workshops have expanded to include Improv for Actors (July 11-Aug. 1) for ages 10-18 and Musical Theater Dance for children 6-12, with a more comprehensive workshop for teens/adults. Dance workshops take place on Aug. 20, with children in the morning and teens/adults in the afternoon. PCT will also bring back its popular Audition Workshops, where performers learn what to expect during an audition – including appropriate behavior/attire, song suggestions, short cold read session and basic dance moves. The workshop for ages 6-12 takes place July 23, with the teen/adult workshop on July 30 and Aug. 6. With your performing skills honed, you could audition for one of PCT’s shows this season or at least enjoy them from the audience. The schedule includes “Fiddler on the Roof ” (September), “Mister Roberts” (November), Home for the Holiday’s (Dec. 17), “Blithe Spirit” (March) and “Hairspray” (May). All performances take place at the California Theatre in Pittsburg. For complete information on the workshops or the season, go to www.pittsburgcommunitytheatre.org/workshops.html or call 925-439-7529.
For some fun under the sun (or stars), try California Shakespeare Theatre’s “Fences.” August Wilson’s fierce drama about family, loyalty and forgiveness features Aldo Billingslea as
925.348.5609 Nick Eisenbart
Owner/Service Provider Concord resident
July 8, 2016
Serving all of Contra Costa County for 15 years Including Marsh Creek, Morgan Territory
BURTON THOMAS WEAVER plays Pinocchio in “Shrek” at the woodminister Amphitheatre in oakland, July 8-17
the charismatic baseball player turned sanitation worker and Margo Hall as his wife. The show runs through July 13 at the beautiful Bruns Amphitheatre in Orinda. Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful grounds or purchase something yummy from the cafe, which includes a full bar. For more information, call 510548-9666 or go to www.calshakes.org. Walnut Creek's own Burton Thomas Weaver plays a role of a lifetime -- no lie -- as Pinocchio in Woodminster amphitheater's production of “Shrek.” The busy actor recently played Her Von Hustler in “Mary Poppins.” He will take a break from local theater this fall when he travels to Tuscany, Italy to study at the Accademia dell’Arte pursuing a Masters degree in Physical Theatre. You can catch him in “Shrek” from July 8 - 17 at the beautiful Woodminster Amphitheater in Oakland's Joaquin Miller Park. Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, “Shrek” features the popular ogre, his wise-
Five Stars
on Yelp
DISNEY PRINCESSES, little girls and the Chevron Family Theatre Festival bring fun for the whole family to walnut Creek July 16.
cracking donkey and a feisty princess named Fiona. Of course, there is also Pinocchio, a cookie with an attitude, tapdancing rats and a bunch of misfit fairy tale characters. For tickets, call 510-531-9597 or go to www.woodminster.com.
LESLIE ODOM, JR., star of “Hamilton” will perform at the lesher Center, July 23.
“Hamilton” star Leslie Odom, Jr. comes to the Bay Area for his concert debut on July 23 at 8 p.m. at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. Since his Broadway debut in “Rent” at the age of 17, Odom has been in many Broadway musicals as well as feature films and television. He'll be singing songs from many of these shows as well as “Hamilton” when he appears in Walnut Creek. For tickets, call 925-943SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.slie Odom. 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
Please remember to recycle this newspaper
Rochellez
Photography
rochellez@live.com 510-677-4170
•Affordable •Fun •Professional •Quality
Rochelle Douglass
OWNER/PHOTOGRAPHER
The world is your stage
PORTRAITS - PARTIES - EVENTS
Digital Enhancements - Custom Creations
www.Rochellezphotography.webs.com
July 8, 2016
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
It could be a virus, or it could just need a tune-up.
Prevent problems caused by viruses and spyware with regular proactive maintenance.
Doug Van Wyck
Low cost, fixed fee services that monitor & maintain your network to minimize IT problems
6200 Center St. Ste. A Clayton, CA 94517
TOTAL DESKTOP CARE & SERVER WATCH
Call Mark 925.672.6029 or info@netsolutions-ca.com
CLU ChFC, Agent Insurance Lic. # 0586396
925-672-2300
www.dougvanwyck.com
Page 13
I’m here to help life go right™ — so you can enjoy it, while I help protect it. Let’s talk about your life insurance options CALL ME TODAY.
State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) Bloomington, IL
Clayton Community Calendar 1601487
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. AUG. 3 FOR THE AUG. 12 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com
IN CLAYTON
ON AND AROUND THE MOUNTAIN
Saturdays, thru Sept. 24, except Sept. 3 Farmers’ Market
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.
July 9, 16, 23, 30 Saturday Concerts in the Grove
Excursion looking for night time critters. 7 – 9:30 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center.
8 a.m. – 12 p.m. New location: 6095 Main St., Clayton in KinderCare parking lot. pcfma.org. 6 – 8:30 p.m. Grove Park, downtown Clayton. Free. cityofclayton.org. For a complete concert series list, see Page 3.
July 15 Book Signing
Author Ellis Byrd signs, “Legends and Lore of Clayton, California.” Refreshments. 5 – 7 p.m. Clayton Museum, 6101 Main St., Clayton. claytonhistory.org.
July 20, Aug. 3 Wednesday Classic Car and Concerts in the Grove
Car show, 6 – 8 p.m. Concert, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Grove Park, downtown Clayton. Free. cityofclayton.org. For a complete concert series list, see Page 3.
Aug. 6 Rib Cook-Off
Professional and amateur rib cooking contest. Family fun. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Main Street, downtown Clayton. Free admission. claytoncbca.org.
Mondays Off the Grid
IN CONCORD
Rotating lineup of food trucks. 5 – 9 p.m. 2151 Salvio Street. offthegridsf.com.
Tuesdays Farmers’ Market
Tuesdays year round, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org.
Tuesday Nights in July Blues Series
Some of the best blues in the Bay Area. July 12, The Fargo Brothers; July 19, Willie G; July 26, The Shari Puorto Band. 6:30 – 8 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Free. cityofconcord.org.
Thursdays Music and Market
Thursday night live music and farmers’ market. Music: July 14, Hotel California; July 21, Dakila; July 28, Foreverland; Aug. 4, Zepparella; Aug. 11, Carlos Reyes. Market 4 – 8 p.m.; music 6:30 – 8 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. cityofconcord.org.
3rd Sundays Antique Faire
Antiques, collectibles, handmade arts and crafts. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Free admission. concordantiquefaire.com.
On Sale Now Concerts
The Concord Pavilion is located at 2000 Kirker Pass Road. livenation.com. Concert schedule for 2016: July 12, Taste of Chaos, 6:30 p.m. July 28, Sublime, 6:35 p.m. July 30, New Edition, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13, Slipknot, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 19, Disturbed, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 27, Outcry Tour, 6 p.m. Aug. 28, Snoop Dogg, 7 p.m. Sept. 4, Hot Summer Night Feat, 4 p.m. Sept. 10, Fifth Harmony, 7 p.m. Sept. 18, Daryl Hall and John Oates, 7 p.m.
Aug. 11 Mayors’ Healthy Cookoff
Mayors from Contra Costa County and chefs from their cities compete to prepare the best healthy meal. 4 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. wellnesscitychallenge.org.
Aug. 13 - 14 Japanese American Summer Festival
Japanese American Club’s annual event featuring Japanese food, Kendo and Judo demonstrations, Taiko drum performances, Japanese dance performance and flower arrangements. Sat. 1 – 9 p.m. Sun. 12 – 8:30 p.m. Japanese American Religious and Cultural Center, 3165 Treat Blvd., Concord. Free admission, parking at Ygnacio Valley High School. www.diablojaclub.com.
July 15 Night Hike Adventure July 30 Evening Hike
Discover how the natural landscape has changed since the Morgan Fire. 6 – 8 p.m. Meet at Perkins Canyon Trailhead. Reservations required: ken_lavin@hotmail.com.
Aug. 13 Twilight Hike
Search for evening creatures. 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Meet at Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center. Reservations required: ken_lavin@hotmail.com or sweettrails00@gmail.com.
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
July 8 Young Actors Studio Showcase
Presented by The Ballet School. 6:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
July 10 “Curtain Up”
Presented by The Golden Follies. 2 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $12-$25. elcampaniltheatre.com.
July 15 – 31 “Oliver!”
Pathos, drama and outstanding musical numbers. Allan E. Jones Performing Arts Center, 850 Second St., Brentwood. $8-$25. thebrentwoodtheater.org.
July 16 Chevron Family Theatre Festival
A day of affordable, high-quality, family entertainment. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $5. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
July 17 Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
Commemorate the 72nd anniversary of the Port Chicago explosion and celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service. 3:30 - 8 p.m. Future Visitor Center at Concord Naval Weapons Station. Shuttle from Pittsburg/Bay Point BART only. Free. Reservation required: portchicago72.eventbrite.com. 228-8860, ext. 6424.
July 19 Summer “Pops” Concert 2016
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.
July 22 Piano Duo
Performed by Greg Anderson and Elizabeth Joy Roe. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $29. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
July 22 “That’s Amore! A Tribute to Dean Martin”
Presented by Chris Gardner. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $35. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
July 23 Leslie Odom, Jr.
Odom’s Bay Area solo concert debut presented by Feinstein’s at the Nikko. 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $45-$85. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
July 24 Concert
Performed by Mazella Houston and The Big Band Era. 2 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $18-$23. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611.
July 24, Aug. 6 Recital
Belly dance certification performances by Salimpour School. 7:15 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $16.50. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
July 30 Geri Allen Quartet
Presented by Diablo Regional Arts Association. 5 and 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
July 30 “I Can’t With You”
Comedy with Mario Hodge. 8 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $20-$30. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611.
Aug. 5 – 7 “The New Mikado”
Chaos, desperation and comical mayhem presented by Lamplighters Musical Theatre. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $50-$55. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Aug. 6 Warren Vache Quintet
Presented by Diablo Regional Arts Association. 5 and 8 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $40. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
CHURCHES AND RELIGION
July 8, 15, 22, 29, Aug. 5 Moonlight Movies
July 8, “Pan;” July 15, “Inside Out;” July 22, “Aladdin;” July 29, “Cinderella;” Aug. 5, “War Room.” Bring a lawn chair, blankets, invite friends and neighbors and join us at sunset for a surround sound spectacular evening. Activities begin at 7:30 p.m. Movies start at 8:45 p.m. Clayton Community Church, 6055 Main St. Free admission. claytoncc.com.
FUNDRAISERS
2nd and 4th Sundays Pancake Breakfast
Veterans of Foreign Wars serve breakfast to the public: Eggs, pancakes, sausage, beverage. 8 – 11 a.m. VFW Post 1525, 2290 Willow Pass Road, Concord. $5, $3 children under 12. vfwpost1525.org.
July 16 Relay For Life Concord
American Cancer Society fundraiser. Join a team or walk as an individual. Activities for participants and spectators. 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Register at relayforlife.org/concordca.
July 30 Baking for a Cure
Bake sale for Relay For Life Clayton. 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Starbucks, Clayton Station. relayforlife.org/claytonca.
Aug. 13 – 14 Relay For Life Clayton
American Cancer Society fundraiser. Join a team or walk as an individual. Activities for participants and spectators. 10 a.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday. Mt. Diablo Elementary School, 5880 Mt. Zion Drive, Clayton. Register at relayforlife.org/claytonca.
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 July: Veterans’ Self-Portrait Display July 11, 25, Aug. 8: Clayton Knits, 1:30 p.m. July 11, Aug. 8: Clayton Library Book Club, 7 p.m. July 13: Watercolor Paint Along, 6:30 p.m. July 14: SAT Practice Test, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. July 20: Portrait Demo in Charcoal Pencil, 6:30 p.m. July 30: Hawks, Honkers and Hoots, 2 p.m. Aug. 3: Photography Thru the Painter’s Lens, 6:30 p.m.
The Concord Library is at 2900 Salvio St. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. See full schedule of events at ccclib.org or 646-5455.
July 8, 12, 14, 15: Lunch at the Library, 1 p.m. JULY 9: AARP FREE TAX ASSISTANCE, 10 a.m. July 14: Introduction to 3D Printing, 6:30 p.m. July 19: Arts and Crafts, 4 p.m. July 21: Concord Library Book Club, 6:30 p.m. July 22 - 24: Book Sale, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday 1–3 p.m. July 28: Adult Coloring and Storytime, 6 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’
Page 14
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Pets
Clayton Police Activity Report
Be prepared: summer months can be dangerous for pets
DeBBIe DeMello
PAUSE
FOR
PETS
When the heat turns up, the dangers to our pets increase too. To keep your dog, cat and other furry friends safe, make sure you are prepared. June 19, 5400 Clayton Rd. ACCIDENTS: Dehydration and heat Shoplifting – Value Under June 21, Marsh Creek stroke are very real threats dur$950; Probation Violation. ing the hot days of summer. Rd./Main St. 45-year-old Concord male. Short-nosed dogs like pugs and June 23, Kenston Dr./Tiffin bulldogs, darker colored pets Dr. June 24, Clayton Rd./Marsh or those who are overweight June 24, Keller Ridge Dr. Creek Rd. DUI; Probation Viare especially prone to heat June 29, Clayton Rd./Tara olation; Driving Under the In- stress. Dr. Animals should always have fluence While on Probation June 29, Clayton Rd./Washfresh, clean water available – for DUI. 24-year-old Brentington Blvd. whether it’s summer or the wood male. dead of winter. Carry portable water bowls on walks or long ARRESTS: June 28, 5400 Clayton Rd. car rides. Fans, ice packs, kiddie Possess Controlled Substance; pools and sprinklers are fun June 17, 5700 Verna Way. Warrant. 48-year-old tranways to keep your dog cool. Warrant. 40-year-old San sient male. Unattended cars are danJose male. gerous for pets in warm weathBURGLARIES/THEFTS: er. It’s not okay to leave your June 17, 1700 Kirker Pass pet in the car on a hot day even Rd. Warrant. 40-year-old for a few minutes. Inside temJune 25, 5400 Clayton Rd. Concord male. peratures can rise quickly, putBurglary – Commercial. ting your pet in danger. Play it June 26, 5800 Caulfield Dr. safe and leave your pet at home June 18, 5400 Clayton Rd. Petty Theft. if you can’t bring them inside Possess Controlled Substance. where you are going. 23-year-old Walnut Creek VANDALISMS: More time spent outdoors male. means more potential encounJune 17, 7400 Marsh Creek ters with snakes. Many are Rd. June 18, Oak St./Center. harmless but not all. Protect Public Intoxication - Protective June 22, 5400 Clayton Rd. your pets and your family by Custody. 30-year-old Clayton June 25, 7400 Marsh Creek keeping your yard tidy. Snakes love to hide, and tall grass and Rd. male.
Police Activity for two weeks ending June 30, 2016
BUILD YOUR FUTURE WITH US Colleen Geraghty
Financial Professional Associate
San Francisco Bay Area Financial Group The Prudential Insurance Co. of America CA Insurance license Number 0I89925
For products and services that can help form the foundation of your financial life, turn to Prudential.
• LIFE • INVESTMENTS** • ANNUITIES • LONG TERM CARE* • RETIREMENT
2010 Crow Canyon Place, #204 San Ramon, CA 94583 Office 925-302-4033 Cell Phone 925-305-0321 Proud Concord resident since 1968
Insurance issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Newark, NJ and its affiliates. Prudential, the Prudential logo, the Rock symbol and Bring Your Challenges are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc., and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. **Securities products and services are offered through Pruco Securities, LLC. *Availability varies by carrier and state. 0221354-00004-00
July 8, 2016
D4878
piles of junk are perfect spots. If your cat is allowed to go outside, do a quick surveillance of your yard beforehand to make sure the coast is clear. A cat or small dog could be a meal for some snakes. If a snake bites your pet, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Sidewalks are also a danger to pets in the summer. Things like black pavement and asphalt can get very hot and harm your pet’s paws. If it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for your pet. Schedule
your walks for cooler times of the day. Barbecues and family cookouts are fun but can be risky for pets. Everyone loves a cookout, especially pets who like to feast on table scraps. But all that tasty food can be bad for pets – and not just their waistlines. Many foods such as grapes, onions, raisins and chocolate are toxic to pets and can cause great harm. Avoid feeding your pet anything with bones as they can splinter and damage the GI system. Boneless chicken,
hamburgers and hot dogs are OK in small quantities. Remind any guests, especially children, not to feed your pet from the table. You want to enjoy the party too, not spend it looking after a pet with an upset stomach. With a little preparation and a watchful eye, you and your pet can have an enjoyable summer. Debbie DeMello is a dog trainer and owner of Who’s Training Who in Walnut Creek. Contact her at debdemello@aol.com
Ellie and Harley are this month’s ARF stars
ELLIE
4-year-old Ellie is a professional personal assistantalways at your side for whatever you may need. When not seeing to your every need she loves to lean in for scratches, chase balls, or go on adventure hikes. If you are looking for a partner in crime please look no further than this sweet girl. Ellie has a positive history with other dogs. We recommend Ellie take a Basic Manners class where she can learn polite ways of seeking creature comforts in life. She currently weighs 34 pounds. The adoption fee for dogs is $250 and includes a discount on the first six-week session of a manners class. 3-year-old Harley is a handsome fellow who can be a tad shy at first. Once he settles in, you will find him to be
HARLEY
affectionate and easygoing. He to 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6 is suitable for a first time cat pm Saturday & Sunday. guardian. The adoption fee for cats is Would you like to be part of the $75. heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you Meet your forever friend at share your talents to connect people Tony La Russa’s Animal Res- and animals? ARF volunteers are cue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell making a difference! For more inforDrive, Walnut Creek, during mation see our website, adoption hours: Noon to 6 pm www.arflife.org, or call (925) 256Wednesday & Thursday, Noon 1ARF.
Weather, from page 7
will increase the onshore pressure gradient and draw cooler air into inland valleys. It may take a day or two, but the modified marine air will allow temperatures in Clayton to taper off. If the sea breeze is particularly strong,
afternoon temperatures can cool by 20 degrees or more in a day. Woody Whitlatch is a meteorologist retired from PG&E. Email your questions or comments to clayton_909@yahoo.com
July 8, 2016
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
There’s more to ‘Housekeeping’ than meets the eye
CyNTHIA GreGory
FOR
THE
Page 15
BOOKS
Marilynne Robinson’s groundbreaking debut novel, “Housekeeping,” earned many accolades when it was released in 1980, including the PEN/Hemingway Award. A deceptively simple yet lyrical novel, “Housekeeping” is the tale of sisters Ruth and Lucille. It’s set in the town of Fingerbone, perched on the shores of a ravenous lake located vaguely east of Spokane. Abandonment – whether accidental or inten-
tional – is a central theme of “Housekeeping.” One day, Ruth and Lucille are deposited with a box of graham crackers on the porch of their grandmother’s home in Fingerbone, not long before their mother drives a borrowed car off a cliff in a spectacular dive into the lake. Years before, Ruth and Lucille’s grandfather had perished in the same frigid waters when the train on which he was traveling somehow came loose of a trestle and nosed its way in a long, slow arc into the water, passengers, freight and all. The grandmother raises the girls well enough. But when she passes, the sisters are once again untethered from all familial connection. Soon after the funeral, two
maiden great-aunts arrive to care for the girls. Misses Lily and Nona Foster live in genteel poverty and are unaccustomed to children, to their noise, their extravagant needs. The aunts devise a plan to locate another relative, the sister of the girl’s dead mother, the girls’ Aunt Sylvie.
However, Sylvie Fisher is a hobo, and being transient, she is difficult to find. The ancient ones do not give up hope and conspire for her arrival. “Sylvie would be happy here. She knew the town – the dangerous places, the unsavory people – and could watch us and warn us, as (we) could not.” To the joy of the elder aunts, Sylvie arrives one frigid winter day wearing an unseasonably thin dress, a man’s overcoat and loafers. Lily and Nona beat a fast retreat, and Ruth and Lucille are left in the care of a vagabond who hasn’t the first clue about the care of children or the mechanics of housekeeping. “Who would think of dusting or sweeping the cobwebs down in a room used for
the storage of cans and newspapers – things utterly without value? Sylvie kept them, I think because she considered accumulation to be the essence of housekeeping and because she considered the hoarding of worthless things to be proof of a particularly scrupulous thrift.” Being the more practical of the two, Lucille soon arranges foster care for herself with her school’s home-ec teacher. Once again, Ruth is abandoned. “Housekeeping” is a story of loss and connection. Robinson explores the myriad manifestations of love and tribe in a way so as to enchant the reader from the first word to the last.
“There is so little to remember of anyone – an anecdote, a conversation at table. But every memory is turned over and over again, every word, however chance, written in the heart in the hope that memory will fulfill itself, and become flesh, and that the wanderers will find a way home, and the perished, whose lack we always feel, will step through the door finally and stroke our hair with dreaming, habitual fondness, not having meant to keep us waiting long.” Cynthia Gregory is a North Bay nonprofit leader, writer of short fiction and author of a blog. Email comments and questions to Editor@ClaytonPioneer.com
‘Finding Dory’ delivers sweet and courageous message
“FINDING DORY” REUNITES THE FRIENDLY-BUT-FORGETFUL blue tang fish Dory, with her friends Nemo and Marlin on a search for answers about her past.
In Pixar’s latest sequel, “Finding Dory”, the titular character is a fish with a short term “remembery” problem. As a child, she continually forgot the safety rules implemented by her parents. Although patient with their teachings, Charlie and Jenny’s rhymes, songs and jingles just do not work. Played as an adult by a gleefully exuberant Ellen DeGeneres, Dory cannot remember much of her childhood. It is from these fragments of memory that we get our movie title. The new film sticks to the same formula as its predecessor “Finding Nemo”. However, the addition
of lively new characters and a beautifully rendered location give “Finding Dory” its charm. By finding her parents, Dory hopes to put the missing pieces of her life back together. As a child, she lost all selfconfidence because of her frequent bouts with absent-mindedness. In some ways, the best parts of the film are the flashbacks to Dory’s youth. Terrifically voiced by 7-year old Sloane Murray, young Dory is heartbreaking with her giant, sad eyes and poignant voice. A crotchety octopus voiced by Ed O’Neill provides excellent comic relief. Director Andrew Stanton brings back Marlin (voiced by
Albert Brooks) and his son Nemo (now voiced by Hayden Rolence). When the film starts, it is clear they have been living with Dory and grow weary of her constant forgetfulness. Nemo convinces Marlin that Dory is part of their family and they go after her. They come across a few old friends and Marlin is reminded more than once about the importance of family. For Dory, the only thing she remembers is that she had a family once and they must have loved her. For anyone who has ever felt the loss of a family member or perhaps never even known their parents, Dory’s plight is tremendously affecting. Seen from the view of Dory’s parents, the film might be even more heartrending. In one scene, they both break down because they feel they cannot help Dory when it comes to her forgetfulness. Parents of children with disabilities can relate only too well. But they should take heart as it is films like “Finding Dory” that shed a nondiscriminatory light on the subject. Pixar knows how to deliver messages that come across to audiences of all ages. On the car ride home from the theater, thousands of parents were likely asked questions related to family, loss, and memory debilities. Cinema transcends being an art form when films like “Finding Dory” generate these kinds of discussions. The latest Pixar offering is not on a level of “Inside Out”, but it does stand on its own as another beautiful film in their repertoire. a-
JeFF MellINGer
SCREEN SHOTS
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.
FREE ESTIMATES •Lawn & Plant Installation
•Paver Patio & Walkway
•Retaining Walls •Drainage •Low Voltage Lighting
925-672-9955
www.nicholslandscape.com Lic. 542812 Fully Insured
Boyce Nichols - Owner Clayton Resident
Country Living at it’s Best!
1650 Curry Canyon Road, Clayton — Beautifully Updated
Home with Granite Kitchen, updated Bathrooms and Laminate Flooring Throughout. Enjoy the Oak Studded View from the Kitchen Garden Window. Peaceful and Serene, This Property Offers the Opportunity to Partner Through a Conservation Easement Program to Provide Permanent Open Space and Land Preservation along with Private Home Ownership! Situated on 5 Acres with a 1 Acre Building Envelope which allows for up to 2 Horses, A Barn, or Shop, or Garage...lots of options! Beautiful Country Setting • Updated Spacious Home Horse Property • Close to Town
Offered at $500,000
Spectacular Views Of Mt. Diablo! 12271 Marsh Creek Road, Clayton — Build Your Dream
Ranch on This Amazing Property! County Living Yet Close to Town, This Parcel Offers Views of Mt. Diablo and It’s Foot Hills, City Water Access Available! Opportunity to be a Partner Through a Conservation Easement Program to Provide Permanent Open Space and Land Preservation along with Private Home Ownership! Situated on 17 Acres, Buyer has the Choice between 2 Building Sites, along with nearly 7 Acres of Usable Pasture! Don’t Miss This Incredible Opportunity! Amazing Views! • Country Living! • Great Opportunity to Build Your Dream Ranch!
Kimberly Morucci
Realtor® CalBRE #01356365 Cell: 925-437-1650 kmorucci@rockcliff.com
Offered at $225,000
Vacant rental gives cause to review insurance coverage
Page 16
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Time for an update?
lyNNe FreNCH
Call Interiors Panache!
Call or n ra email fo ent tm appoin y toda
Full-Service Design Firm
925-672-7920
• Design consultations • Remodels, Kitchens & Baths • Hunter Douglas Priority Dealer • 25 years of design experience – model homes, commercial • Major furniture brands & residential at a discount • Clayton resident for 18 years • Licensed general contractor
6160 Center St, Clayton CA carol@interiorspanache.com
www.interiorspanache.com
Follow us on Facebook
REAL ANSWERS
Q. I have a rental property. as hard as this is to believe in this rental market, it is sometimes difficult to keep it rented. are there any pitfalls in having a vacant property? a. You are right. There is a huge market for rentals. Are you sure you have yours priced correctly? Does it show clean and well maintained? The California insurance commissioner is encouraging California homeowners to review their policies and consider their options regarding vacancy protection. According to the commissioner vacant or
unoccupied homes can leave the homeowner exposed to loss and liability that may not be covered by your insurance. Homeowners’ policies are intended to insure occupied homes. Generally home insurance policies include exclusions for neglect or property abandonment on a home left vacant or unoccupied for a specified number of days. Vacant homes pose a higher risk for damage than occupied homes, so insurance companies insure these properties differently and usually at a higher price. Q. My family and I are having a home built in one of the new subdivisions in Brentwood. There are many options to choose from. What are some of the latest trends for new homes. a. Nearly 300 architects were surveyed about the latest design
July 8, 2016
preferences. Here are some highlights from the survey.
WHaT’S In: 1. Home offices; More people are working out of their homes or telecommuting, prompting more homeowners to want a dedicated workspace in their homes. 2. Mud rooms; My favorite type of space. The need for additional closets and other storage space, as well as the increasing informality of space in the home, is driving more homeowners to want them. 3. Outdoor living areas; The days of the McMansions are over. Although families still want enough space to do all they need to do, people are much more practical today. Using outdoor spaces adds to the living area of the home. There has been a
trend for creating a more functional space outdoors with furniture, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces or portable fire pits, etc. 4. Energy-saving features; I hope your builder is offering solar for your electricity. It is pretty nice not to receive an electric bill. Other things such as double and triple glazed windows, tankless water heaters and low maintenance materials are preferred. WHaT’S oUT: 1. Exercise rooms 2. Media rooms/home theatres 3. Hobby/game rooms 4. Kid’s wings/guest wings 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.
Men can opt for street style this fall SUSAN SAPPINGToN
CLOTHES UP
925-250-0334 FREE ESTIMATES
Owners Dustin & Kim Waraner Contractors Lic #879423 Arborist Lic WE-7372A
www.waranertreeexperts.com
Now that I am dressing men as well as women, I decided it’s time to look ahead to fall. Street style from menswear’s fall/winter 2016 collections features rich, warm colors and materials. Here are a few trends that will keep you looking your best during the cooler months: Emerald green. This has stood out as a top color choice in the street style scene across the globe. With its depth and versatility when paired with other traditional hues, emerald green is the ultimate staple for fall/winter wardrobes. The color works well for statement jackets and accessories but has also enjoyed a revived popularity in suits. Adopt the trend in fitted suit styles and don’t fear a brighter take on the color to boost the modern appeal of your look. Emerald green scarves also work effectively to lend a jolt of color to simplistic casualwear, amplifying your look. Cardigans. A quality cardigan is something you’ll most certainly need for the colder months. Wear a cardigan with a typical T-shirt and jeans combination to add a novel touch. If you’re out for dinner or a movie, it will ground your look
and add character. Cardigans layered over turtlenecks and other cable knit styles are perfect for winter dressing. Statement jackets. Bold graphics and statement slogans have emerged as a consistent feature in jackets, emboldened with vivid colors and textures. Statement jackets don’t stand out for their color alone; these jackets are adorned with literal statements and bold graphics. It’s a playful take on sartorial propaganda. The trick to pulling off this trend is to commit to the look, so don’t be afraid to pair bolder jackets with classic staples for an interesting casual look. novelty sweaters. Whether in a cartoon motif or a
kitschy retro advertisement, novelty sweaters have been playfully featured on the streets – lending personality to the simplest of looks. The key to choosing novelty sweaters is to adapt them to your personal style. Wear them in a classic way by selecting versatile and traditional colors. All shades of gray ground the look, making your outfits subdued as opposed to overtly wacky. ’50s shirts. Oversized polos and textured ’50s shirts were a big hit during Fashion Week in New York. Balance out this trend with tailored pants for a true ’50s vibe. This silhouette works perfectly in darker tones as well as powder hues, but contrast is key when
combining colors to obtain a polished look. Bomber jackets. Use the ’50s bomber jackets from the spring/summer 2016 collections as a style reference and try one in a darker hue. Bomber jackets are versatile for casual days; they look cool and keep you comfortable. To keep things contemporary, channel this trend with the variety of new colors and materials available. Susan Sappington is the area development manager for Etcetera designer clothes from New York and a stylist for J.Hilburn customized menswear. Contact her at Susan@etcstyles.com.
Valley Oak Dairy brings quality cheese to Clayton farmers market DEBRA MORRIS Pacific Coast Farmers Market
Grand Opening
10 Off %
$500+
Professional Installation of Tile, Stone and Glass Mosaics Certified Fabrication of all Quartz material Complete Remodeling Service Showroom Hours: T/TH/F 11-6; M/W 12:30-6; Sat 11-3. Or by appointment Closed Sunday
WHETHER YOU WANT TO TACKLE THE URBAN AESTHETIC LOOK or go all out on a tonal green number the choice is yours. liven up your look and give one or two of these trends a whirl.
925.672.9000; Showroom 925.822.7037; Installation
www.italiantileandstone.com
Clayton Valley Shopping Center • 5420 Ygnacio Valley Rd Suite #40, Concord next to OSH and FrameWorks • Locally Owned by Clayton Residents
On a warm Saturday morning at the Clayton farmers market, John Knutson and his granddaughter Nikki set up their booth for the day ahead. He lays out samples of each of his cheeses, ready for customers to taste. New to the farmers market, Valley Oak Dairy offers a popular pepper jack, a sharp cheddar, a creamy mozzarella and several other varieties. “We’re just getting started in farmers markets and hope customers enjoy our cheeses,” Knutson said. “They’re made from cows fed only on fresh grasses and non-GMO feed. We love to share our story with customers and talk to them about our cheeses.” Valley Oak Dairy is family owned and operated by the Knutson family in the Central Valley through four generations. Knutson enjoys sharing
VALLEY OAK DAIRY has been owned and operated by the Knutson Family for four generations. Patriarch, John Knutson, center, and granddaughter Nikki, second from left, will be in their booth Saturday. Stop and say hello.
his passion for farming, his • Slice mozzarella for a simcattle and the products the ple Caprese salad with dairy produces. Stop by the tomatoes, basil and vinaiClayton farmers market and grette. “talk cheese” with him. • Make the best grilled cheese sandwich with ValHere are a few ways to use ley Oak’s sharp cheddar. some of his wonderful • Add grated asiago cheese to cheeses: your next pasta dish. • Stuff jalapeno peppers with pepper jack cheese. The Clayton Farmers Market is • Shred cheddar for topping every Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 noon. tacos, salads or soups. Visit pcfma.org for more info.
July 8, 2016
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 17
Red fountain grass sparkles in any landscape
NICole HACKeTT
GARDEN GIRL
It is hard to not love the feathery plumes of red fountain grass. This ornamental grass has become a Clayton Valley landscape staple. Its thin, strap-like purplishred foliage and warm taupe fuzzy cattails are a reliable summer accent plant for many landscape situations. Introduced to the gardening masses over a decade ago, red
fountain grass surged in popularity and has never lost its luster in the eyes of plant lovers. Folks are intrigued by its movement and the texture it provides to the landscape. Because red fountain grass does well in windy environments, it is perfect for Clayton Valley residents who live on hillsides. You’ll find red fountain grass in nurseries and garden centers under the name Pennisetum Rubrum. This ornamental grass loves to be planted in full sun, where it can reach toward the sky. Pennisetum Rubrum can grow quite large. Expect about 4 feet of height and 3 feet of width at maturity. This ornamental grass is
winter deciduous, meaning it browns-out when the weather chills and regrows from the roots as spring warms. Consider the deciduous winter behavior when placing. Try to hold off from pruning last season’s foliage until you see signs of new growth, usually midMarch. Red fountain grass requires light to regular watering and prefers well-drained soil. It will do much better planted on a slope than around a lawn. Through the years, dwarf and variegated selections of Pennisetum have been introduced. They are fun to incorporate in the landscape. Red fountain grass is an
accent ornamental that can be used nicely adjacent to a decorative boulder or surrounded by contrasting foliage. Consider installing red fountain grass along with gray- or greenleafed plants for maximum drama. It looks nice with Emerald Carpet manzanita, gray-foliaged Teucrium majoricum and sedum Angelina. If you desire taller companion installations, plant along with Moonshine Yarrow, Salvia Indigo Spires and Coral Drift roses. 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
THE CASCADING LEAVES ON RED FOUNTAIN GRASS have a fountain like appearance. This clump-forming grass grows in mounds or clumps, making it ideal for many areas without becoming invasive.
Unmasking the shapeshifter that is poison oak
Hikers at the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center often ask about poison oak: What exactly does it look like? Can you get it without touching it? Docents show them photos of poison oak, or a thriving example at the Mitchell Canyon trailhead. But it’s tough to say what it actually looks like. Its scientific name is Toxicodendron diversilobum, meaning “toxic woody plant with leaves of varying shape.” The whole plant is a shapeshifter: It grows as groundcover, a vine, a bush, a hedge and can even wind its way into a tree and imitate its branches. To add further confusion, poison ivy grows in close proximity to similar-looking plants, including other three-leaved plants.
CAN YOU TELL WHICH IS POISON OAK? It’s in the middle, surrounded by Himalayan blackberry on the left and hopbush on the right.
To answer the second question: Yes, you can get poison oak without touching the plant – but only by direct contact with its oil on your boots, sleeve, pet, hiking poles or the skin of another person who
brushed by poison oak. The oil, called urushiol, doesn’t just blow around willynilly in the wind, and the itchy rash it causes is not contagious. Once cleaned of the oil, the rash and blisters can’t spread,
Summer is here! There is no better time to sell your home. Call us for a free home evaluation today. COMING SOON
• 1662 Saint Laurence Way, Pleasant Hill
Call for Info
4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1211 sq. ft.
Listing agent: Matt Mazzei
• 229 El Pueblo Pl., Clayton
Call for Info
4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2643 sq. ft.
Listing agent: Matt Mazzei
ACTIVE LISTING
• 627 Carpino Ave., Pittsburg
$345,000
Duplex. Great rental property.
PENDING
Listing agent: Matt Mazzei
• 2678 Mayfair Ave., Concord $425,000 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 1192 sq.ft.
Listing agent: Matt Mazzei
Matt Mazzei, Jr.,
Paula & Rod Johnstone
Rula Masannat
BRE# 01881269
DRE# 00797857
DRE# 01923757
Broker Associate
Broker/Owner 925-766-6745 mazzeirealty@yahoo.com
Paula 925-381-8810 Rod 925-286-5765
heypaula10@gmail.com
mazzeirealty.net Clayton residents since 1959
925-693-0757 (Main)
l
Sales Agent 415-310-2905 rulawithmazzei@yahoo.com
6160 Center St. Suite #C, Clayton
925-693-0752 (Fax)
not even via the fluid that oozes from the blisters. That fluid is part of your body’s response to the oil. Never build a campfire with poison oak branches. The oil will travel with the smoke,
and you can get an interior rash by breathing it. Despite the hazards of poison oak, it’s worth the hassle. Our wildlife loves the stuff. In fact, it’s critical for more than 50 kinds of birds in California who depend on its fruit and seeds, as well as insect-eating birds that scour the leaves for prey. Poison oak offers dense cover for birds and mammals, including deer, who also browse the leaves heavily. Lots of birds nest in poison oak. Butterflies, moths, bees and beetles all go for the pollen and nectar. You can learn to unmask poison oak by its leaves alone, whatever shape the plant takes. Look at the accompanying photo. All three have leaves in triplets, but only the leaves of the poison oak in the middle are glossy and free of thorns
STACI HoBBeT
ON THE MOUNTAIN
and fine hairs. It’s also the only one with lobes. Don’t rely on seeing lobes, however. Remember that name diversilobum. It gives you fair warning of this shapeshifter’s leaves of many shapes. Look deeply, through its disguises, and you’ll come to know this plant. Hobbet is a docent with the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association. For more information, visit mdia.org.
Page 18
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
July 8, 2016
SMD sells lands, retains conservation control
or preserve because of size or location. The program will include a parcel in Curry Canyon in Morgan Territory and several along Marsh Creek Road. The value of a house may have been much of the property’s acquisition cost, and resale allows SMD to both protect the property’s resources and to recoup that cost for additional preservation.
Ted Clement, SMD’s new executive director, started this initiative based on his years of work with conservation easements and Conservation Buyer efforts. “A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a qualified organization, such as a land trust, to protect the natural or cultural resources on that land
forever,” Clement said. “In our area, development threatens unique habitat, creates a huge barrier to the movement of wildlife and also depletes essential components of the ecosystem, such as water.” Meredith Hendricks, the group’s land programs director, said the new program will ultimately help preserve more land in the Diablo wilderness. “The conservation easements will protect the resources we purchased the property to save and allow the landowner to live in and maintain their homes, as they normally would,” Hendricks said. “We work with the landowner to reach a permanent agreement that gives them the flexibility they need within a small portion of the property, usually an acre or less, while conserving the habitat over the vast majority of the property.” Save Mount Diablo was founded in 1971 with the goal of quickly turning land acquisitions over to park agencies for longterm management. Much of the
eventually catching fire and spreading to the garage. The recessed lighting suddenly went out at 5 a.m., so Colleen quickly left her chair to check the circuit breakers. Suddenly, black smoke emerged from the garage. She immediately awakened her husband and children. They safely evacuated from their burning home, then called 911. It was fortunate she was awake, because people can’t smell the smoke produced from a fire when they are asleep. In fact, smoke may actually deepen sleep. Usage and maintenance of smoke alarms in a home increases survival rates by 50 percent.
Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of a home and in each bedroom. They should be checked monthly and replaced every 8-10 years. There are two types: ionization and photoelectric. Ionization alarms are responsive to flames, while photoelectric alarms respond quickly to smoke. NFPA and others within the field recommend that homeowners install both types. A combination ionization-photoelectric alarm, known as a dual sensor alarm, is also available. All smoke alarms should be interconnected, so that when one sounds, they will all sound. The alarms should be from the
same manufacturer to ensure compatibility. The Public Education Unit at the Contra Costa Fire Protection District will install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors at no cost to homeowners age 60 plus and disabled residents of any age. Consultants are available to advise residents about the best locations for smoke alarms and a carbon monoxide detector. Call 925941-3327or visit www.cccfpd.org/education-programs.php. For her part, Colleen regrets not installing a smoke alarm in the garage. She also wishes she had time to retrieve
TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
Save Mount Diablo has found a way to sell off excess properties while still staying true to its land protection mission. Selling a few properties under a Conservation Easement Program will allow SMD to retain control of the use of the property while freeing up capital for future investment. The group owns or manages 20 properties totaling 2,300 acres – the size of a small park district. Many of the properties are in Morgan Territory or along Marsh Creek Road. Currently several properties are on the market or soon to be. All will sell subject to the perpetual conservation easements, which SMD holds. The group will use the revenue to acquire other property or more conservation easements. This method allows for protection of properties with important habitat that may not be well-suited additions to a park
SMD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TED CLEMENT AND LAND CONSERVATION MANAGER SETH ADAMS mark the one acre building pad with an existing house on the Morgan Territory property which will be excluded from the 5 –acres that will be protected from development by a conservation easement.
land SMD has purchased over the years is now incorporated into Mt. Diablo State Park or the East Bay Regional Park District. However, park agency transfers became more difficult around 2000, when the state park system dramatically slowed in accepting new properties. The last SMD parcel transferred to Mt. Diablo State Park was the 20-acre Morgan Red Corral in 2005. Kim Morucci of J. Rockcliff Realtors is the listing agent for four properties to be sold with conservation easements. A seven-acre site in Curry Canyon is currently listed for $500,000 in an area of million dollar homes. Morucci, who lives on Morgan Territory is not worried that a sale at this price will affect property values in the pricey rural neighborhood. “The home is a 35-year-old modular with some water issues,” she said. “Combined with the easement, the property will not be considered a comparable property when real estate agents are
family photo albums. • Videotape your belongings. “It’s difficult to remember Open drawers and cupboards, everything after it’s gone,” she photograph family treasures, says. clothing and other valuables. The home is being restored, Here are a few additional fire and the family plans to return in 2017. As a fire survivor, Colleen safety tips: • Maintain smoke alarms and a has some suggestions: carbon monoxide detector. • Have a plan for grabbing • Have a plan in case of fire and share it with family members. important items quickly when • Know two exits for each room it’s time to evacuate. in the house. • Re-examine your home insurance policy and thoroughly • Choose an outside meeting place. check your fire insurance coverage. Keep in mind that • Call 911 after you evacuate. you’re obligated to pay your For more information, visit mortgage, even though your www.nfpa.org/public-education/byhome has burned and you may topic/safety-in-the-home/escapebe living elsewhere. planning/.
pricing new listings to sell.” Several other parcels on Marsh Creek Road are not yet on the market. One site has a home, while the others are bare land. According to Clement, the conservation easement limits some of the landowners’ rights on the property in order to protect the property’s conservation values, such as habitat and wildlife. The easements will prohibit subdividing property for additional homes, protect creek corridors and protect habitat such as the oak woodlands. Some of the easements may reserve trail and access rights. In some cases, conservation easements may offer lowered property taxes, income taxes and/or estate taxes for the owner. For more information, visit http://www.savemountdiablo.org/l ands_conservation_buyers.html or contact Meredith Hendricks at mhendricks@savemountdiablo.org.
Smoke detectors, family plan key to escaping home fire CANDACE BASS Special to the Pioneer
Most fatalities occur within the first five minutes of a house fire. Families have 1-2 minutes on average to safely evacuate from a home fire, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). A Contra Costa family learned that lesson when fire hit their home in the early morning hours last fall. Colleen, a working mother of two, had gotten up to do paperwork in the dining room. Fireplace ashes had been collected and placed in a bin near the attached garage the night before. They had smoldered overnight,
Nancy E. Bennett Sell Now Before Competition Hits The Market
In their current edition of the Home Price Expectation Survey released last week, Pulsenomicsasked this question of the 100+ economists, real estate experts and investment & market strategists they surveyed: “In your opinion, what is the primary driver of recent home value growth in the U.S.?” Here are the top four reasons given by those surveyed: As we have stated before, the current lack of inventory in most housing markets has caused home appreciation to increase at greater percentages than historical averages. This means that this is a great time to sell your home as supply is low and demand is high.
Waltrip Lane, Concord
Updated Pool Home! Charming 3 bed/2 bath single story home with a sparkling in ground pool. Features new modern lighting, new carpet in the bedrooms, and fresh paint through out. Excellent neighborhood near the Walnut Creek border.
Offered at $570,000
However, things may be about to change… The fortuitous situation sellers see themselves in may soon change for three reasons: 1. As more homeowners realize their equity situation has dramatically improved over the last four years, they will be more likely to put their homes on the market. 2. With the residential real estate sector outperforming a sluggish economy, more home builders will be looking to add new construction inventory to a depleted supply of housing stock. 3. Many banks are just now foreclosing on loans that have been delinquent since the housing bust. These houses will also be coming to market. According to Daren Blomquist, senior vice president of RealtyTrac, in the Q2 2016 U.S. Residential Property Vacancy and Zombie Foreclosure Report: “Lenders have been taking advantage of the strong seller’s market to dispose of lingering foreclosure inventory.” Bottom Line In most housing markets, don’t wait for this additional competition to hit the market. If you are considering selling your house, now may be the time.
Coming Soon!
Pleasant Hill Gem Inviting home featuring 3 bed/ 2 bath, a 2-story fireplace, and an expansive trex deck overlooking natural surroundings.
Nancy sells more than 8 times as many homes as the average realtor, call today to learn how.
Single-Story Concord Home Features 4 bed/2 bath, large kitchen, new lighting, master bed w en suite bath and an elevator!
SO
LD
2450 Charlotte Ave., Concord
Single-Story Concord Charmer!
Move in ready single-story home. This adorable home features many updates and plenty of charm. 4 bed/2 baths, new and updated kitchen, new stainless steel appliances, new carpet and fresh paint throughout the property. Conveniently located close to public transportation. A fantastic place to call home! Offered at $520,000
SO
LD
5132 Brookside Ct., Concord Beautifully updated single story Concord home. Features a
gorgeous back yard perfect for entertaining with a gas fireplace & brick patio. Numerous updates through out including new flooring, fresh paint & updated bathrooms.
OFFERED AT $639,000
4372 Fallbrook Rd., Concord
PEN
DIN
G
Turtle Creek Beauty! 3 bed/ 2.5 bath home in Turtle Creek featuring soaring ceilings, new carpet and fresh paint through out. Boasts a fantastic back yard space with a large patio perfect for entertaining.
Offered at $642,000
4413 Arrowwood Ct., Concord Gorgeous transformation in the Crossings!
SO
LD
Boasts 4 bed/2.5 baths remodeled kitchen & baths with marble counters, new concrete patio with sitting wall and new flooring through out. Perfect for entertaining! Don’t miss out on this transformed beauty in this highly sought after community! Offered at $774,000
15 Southampton Pl., Lafayette A complete remodel and tons of privacy!
SO
LD
This 4 bed/2.5 bath single-story beauty just underwent a gorgeous renovation. New flooring throughout and incredible master suite with a soaking tub and walk-in closet. Enjoy entertaining by the in ground pool and expansive patio! OFFERED AT $1,450,000
We helped over 51 families buy and sell homes again so far in 2016. How can we help you and your family today?
Nancy Bennett, Realtor @ Keller Williams Realty #1 Agent in Concord, #1 Team, Keller Williams East Bay #5 Team Nationally (U.S. & Canada) Keller Williams Agent Leadership Council, Mentor, Faculty Member and Community Sponsor
CalBRE #01399870
Nancy@BennettBetter.com
925.606.8400
BENNETTBETTER.COM